Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of bioactive compounds from blueberry by-products using a sugar-based NADES: A novelty in green chemistry

The development of new green solvents is one of the key issues in Green Chemistry. In this context, a three component NADES based on Glucose:Glycerol:Lactic Acid (molar ratio of 1:2:5) was used to prepare a ready-to-use extracts, suitable for several application The Design of the Experiment (DoE) approach was used to optimize microwave assisted extraction (MAE) of anthocyanins from blueberry by-products. Four parameters were evaluated: extraction heat (EH), extraction time (ET), ramp/isotherm ratio (R/I) and solvent/matrix ratio (S/M). The D-optimal model was applied and validated by analysis of variance and "lake of fit" test. Finally using the optimized extraction conditions (EH: 60 degrees C; ET: 30 min; R/I: 2 min/min and S/M: 20 mL/g), the extraction efficiency of the sugar-based NADES was compared with extractions performed with a choline chloride-based NADES and an organic solvent (Methanol:HCl). The new solvent studied showed a high extraction performance, better than the conventional solvents used.