RESUMO
In this research, the aim was to introduce innovation to the pharmaceutical field through the exploration of an underutilized plant matrix, the red araçá, along with the utilization of sodium alginate for the development of membranes designed for active topical dressings. Within this context, optimal extraction conditions were investigated using the central composite rotational statistical design (CCRD) to obtain a red araçá epicarp extract (RAEE) rich in bioactive compounds utilizing the maceration technique. The extract acquired under the optimized conditions (temperature of 66 °C and a hydroalcoholic solvent concentration of 32%) was incorporated into a sodium alginate matrix for the production of active membranes using a casting method. Characterization of the membranes revealed that the addition of the extract did not significantly alter its morphology. Furthermore, satisfactory results were observed regarding mechanical and barrier properties, as well as the controlled release of phenolic compounds in an environment simulating wound exudate. Based on these findings, the material produced from renewable matrices demonstrates the promising potential for application as a topical dressing within the pharmaceutical industry.
RESUMO
The study of the recovery of bioactive compounds from natural resources and its implications in several areas is very significant for the scientific community. This work aimed to study Brazilian agroindustrial wastes' antioxidant and antimicrobial activities using green extraction. Olive leaves, jaboticaba peel, araçá peel, and pecan nut shells were evaluated under four conditions: (1) convective-drying and aqueous extraction, (2) convective-drying and ethanolic extraction, (3) freeze-drying and aqueous extraction, and (4) freeze-drying and ethanolic extraction. The results demonstrated that all samples showed high antioxidant potential, and the highest antioxidant activity was obtained for the extract of pecan nut shell. As for the quantification of compounds by HPLC, the olive leaf presented the highest content of phenolic compounds in the extract, mainly oleuropein. Finally, the antimicrobial activity analysis revealed the extracts' bactericidal potential against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The present study shows that green extraction can extract bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, highlighting the importance of choosing the drying method and solvent for future uses of these natural resources by the industry.