# Optimization of β-Carotene Extraction from Tucumã Fruit (Astrocaryum aculeatum) Using Ionic Liquids: Evaluation of Efficiency, Thermal and Light Stability

## TL;DR

This study shows that using an ionic liquid to extract β-carotene from tucumã fruit is more efficient and stable than traditional methods, with potential uses in food and cosmetics.

## Contribution

The study introduces an optimized ionic liquid-based extraction method for β-carotene from tucumã with enhanced yield and stability.

## Key findings

- The ionic liquid [C4mim][BF4] extracted β-carotene more efficiently (12.10 mg/100 g) than acetone (8.75 mg/100 g).
- The ionic liquid method showed greater thermal and photolytic stability with a half-life of 3466 minutes at 90°C.
- Toxicity tests showed low toxicity of [C4mim][BF4], making it a safer alternative to acetone.

## Abstract

This
study aimed to optimize the extraction of β-carotene
from the pulp of tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum), an Amazonian fruit rich in bioactive compounds, using the ionic
liquid [C4mim]­[BF4] as a sustainable alternative
to conventional acetone extraction. Using a central composite design,
the optimal extraction conditions were determined: a solid-to-liquid
ratio of 1:5, 10 min of extraction time, and 65.5 W of power. The
[C4mim]­[BF4] method achieved a higher yield
(12.10 mg/100 g) than acetone (8.75 mg/100 g), with greater thermal
and photolytic stability. In an oily medium at 90 °C, the extract
exhibited a half-life of 3466 min, and colorimetric analysis indicated
reduced color degradation, confirming its potential as a stable natural
colorant. Toxicity tests revealed low toxicity in all samples against Artemia salina larvae, with [C4mim]­[BF4] showing no significant lethal effects, whereas the acetone
extract exhibited higher activity (LC50 = 682.32 μg/mL)
and the positive control, lapachol, displayed high toxicity (LC50 = 33.51 μg/mL). Predictive PASS analysis indicated
that β-carotene and α-carotene have high probabilities
of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and free radical scavenging activities,
while lutein demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antihepatotoxic, and
cardioprotective potential. In all cases, Pa values exceeded Pi values,
confirming the pharmacological feasibility of the compounds. Thus,
[C4mim]­[BF4] is a green, efficient, and safe
alternative for the extraction and stabilization of carotenoids from
tucumã, with potential applications in the food, cosmetic,
and pharmaceutical industries.