Optimization of enzyme-assisted hydrodistillation extraction of 'Tahiti' Acid Lime essential oil

• Grant number: 21/08834-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2021
• End date: September 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Stanislau Bogusz Junior
• Grantee: Beatriz Regina Albiero
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Citrus production is especially important for the economy of Brazil and for the São Paulo state. The country is the world's largest producer and exporter of orange juice. In addition, the 'Tahiti' acid lime is the third most exported fruit by Brazil. In 2019, the country exported more than US$ 104,617 million worth of 'Tahiti' acid lime. The state of São Paulo leads the 'Tahiti' acid lime production, being responsible for 55% of fruit exports, which accounted for 104,000 tons in 2019. In addition to citrus fruit and juice, the essential oils are an important high value-added by-product of the citrus juice processing industry. The citrus essential oils can be obtained by hydrodistillation and are known for their biological properties like antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity. As a result, the citrus essential oils are used by the industry for the manufacture of fragrances, perfumes, foods, beverages, and household cleaning products. The objective of this research is to employ a response surface methodology, to optimize the enzymatic maceration of the citrus peel prior to hydrodistillation aiming to maximize the 'Tahiti' acid lime essential oil extraction yield. We believed that the results of the present investigation can provide an economical, efficient, and greener extraction alternative for the 'Tahiti' acid lime essential oil. (AU)