(73d) Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Polyphenolic Compounds From Pomegranate Peels

Pomegranates contain a wide variety of antioxidant compounds that are thought to have numerous health benefits.  Extracts of pomegranate are presently marketed for antioxidant support as a nutritional supplement.  Due to unique solvent properties, including selectivity, supercritical fluids may be used to extract antioxidant compounds from plants, including pomegranates.  The extraction of anti-oxidant compounds in pomegranate peels was evaluated using several supercritical fluids and supercritical mixtures.  Fluids include supercritical carbon dioxide and mixtures of carbon dioxide with methanol, ethanol, and acetone.  The extractions were performed batch-wise in a Parr Instrument 26 mL 316 stainless steel bolt-closure reactor. Extraction conditions were selected considering the critical point of the solvent.  The extracts were collected and analyzed using HPLC, GC-MS, and tested for antioxidant properties. The chemical species extracted, selectivity of the extraction based upon supercritical fluid used, and antioxidant characteristics will be discussed.