Optimal Aqueous Extraction Conditions as A Green Technique for Recovery of Phenolic Antioxidants from Robusta Dried Coffee Pulp

Coffee pulp, a by-product of coffee processing, contains high level of flavonoids and other phenolic compounds. This by-product also contains high levels of other bioactive compounds such as chlorogenic acids and caffeine, which can be potentially recovered for further applications. This study used water as an inexpensive green solvent, for the maximum recovery of phenolics, major bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity from coffee pulp. Recovery yield from optimal aqueous extraction was compared with organic solvent extraction. The results showed that temperature, extraction time and solid/solvent ratio significantly affected recovery yields from coffee pulp (P<0.05). Optimal aqueous extraction conditions were 100 °C, 60 min and the ratio of sample to solvent 1:100 g/mL. Under these optimal conditions, recovery yields were similar to those of 50% aqueous acetone extraction. Recovery yields were significantly higher than pure acetone, methanol and ethanol as well as methanol and ethanol in combination with water (50% v/v). Therefore, these optimal aqueous conditions are recommended for recovery of bioactive compounds from coffee pulp for further applications.