Supercritical fluid extraction of bioactive compounds from quinilla (Manilkara bidentata) seed

Quinilla seeds (QS) are a potential source of little-known bioactive compounds with high biological values. This work evaluated the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of bioactive compounds from QS for the first time, evidencing the relations between pressure and temperature to the extract yield and composition. Pressures from 15 to 35 MPa and temperatures from 313 to 333 K were tested, and the process was modeled based on the principle of mass conservation. The highest SFE yield was 20.0 g extract/100 g QS, achieved at 35 MPa and 313 K. Close values were obtained at 25 MPa-313 K and 35 MPa-323 K. The composition of the extracts varied with the operating conditions, and the three main compounds presented in all extract were squalene, phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-, and n-Hexadecanoic acid. The SFE extracts of QS present potential applications in the cosmetic and pharmacological industry that require further study. The proposed mathematical model was in excellent agreement with the experimental data, and it was effectively employed to estimate the SFE yield for large-scale SFE plants.