Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Juçara Palm (Euterpe edulis Mart.) Fruit Residues Using Deep Eutectic and Conventional Solvents

This study aimed to develop an efficient and environmentally sustainable method for extracting bioactive compounds from juçara palm (<i>Euterpe edulis</i> Mart.) fruit residues using deep eutectic solvents (DES) and conventional solvents, combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Seven DES formulations based on choline chloride (ChCl) and different hydrogen bond donors (glycerol, glucose, and organic acids) were prepared, and their performance was compared with water, ethanol, and ethanol/water mixtures. The phenolic composition, anthocyanins and antioxidant activity of the extracts were determined using spectrophotometric assays (Folin-Ciocalteu, DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) and ESI-MS/MS analysis. The results showed that DES exhibited higher efficiency in recovering total phenolic compounds, anthocyanins and ABTS compared to conventional solvents, particularly in the ChCl-glycerol system. ESI-MS/MS analyses monitored around 40 phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, flavanones, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Acidic solvents favored anthocyanin extraction and stability, while ethanol- and glycerol-based systems provided broader compound profiles. The use of DES proved to be a green and selective alternative for obtaining extracts rich in bioactive compounds, enhancing the value of juçara residues and contributing to the sustainability of the species production chain.