Experimental procedures

For the activities of U.R. 1, the experimental protocols will involve the use of GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) solvent mixtures containing NaDES, combined with low-energy consumption techniques (Microwave-Assisted and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction) for the extraction of specialized metabolites from red apple pomace of different varieties. Using a statistical approach based on Response Surface Methodology, the operating conditions will be selected that allow for the optimization of the extract in terms of the yield of bioactive compounds belonging to different classes of phenolic compounds, which will be identified and quantified using HPLC-DAD.

The extracts will then be studied by U.R. 2 for their biological activities in order to identify potential uses in different fields of application. Cytotoxic, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities will be analyzed against different strains of environmental and phytopathogenic bacteria. To this end, methods will be used to understand the biological processes underlying these activities and the biochemical pathways involved in the response of cells to treatments. 

Green extraction procedures for the recovery of bioactive compounds from red apple pomace

Biological assays for testing the biological potential of red apple pomace extracts

The BSA test as a screen for the antiinflammatory potential of the extracts.