Valorization of Wastes from the Juice Passion Fruit Production Industry: Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Seeds, Antioxidant, Photoprotective and Antiproliferative Activities

This study optimized the extraction process of yellow passion fruit seed waste, using dynamic maceration (DME) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) methods. Hydroethanolic solvent, time and temperature were studied. The extracts were evaluated for antioxidant activity by DPPH method and Fe (II) ion chelating ability. In terms of solvent optimization, experiments performed by DME, and ethanol: water with the ratio of 80:20 (v/v) indicated the best antioxidant responses. A central composite rotatable design was used to optimize the DME parameters (time and temperature). The experimental condition that provided the extract with the highest antioxidant potential was 41 min and /45 °C. The best condition for the UAE was 15 min and 45 °C. The results of antioxidant activity and yield obtained by UAE were superior to those of DME. The methods used for antioxidant activity estimation were ABTS + radical scavenging, Fe (II) Ion Chelating Ability, DPPH free radical scavenging, phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Mass spectrometry was used to characterize the extracts. Fatty acids, were identified by the full scan method and phenolic acids, flavonoids and stilbenes by the multiple reaction monitoring method. The photoprotective activity of the optimized extracts was analyzed by determining the sun protection factor (SPF). The extracts obtained by DME and UAE had the SPF of 18.22 and 11.68, respectively, suggesting their incorporation in dermo-cosmetic formulations. The extract obtained by UAE demonstrated an antiproliferative effect on the SIHA cell line and cell division stimulating effect on the HuH7.5 cell line. The results showed that the extract from passion fruit seeds which are considered waste has high antioxidant potential and compounds of biological interest, which are necessary for further studies aiming at its pharmacological application. Graphical Abstract