Abstract
In this paper, genipin, an important natural crosslinker and anti-neurodegenerative compound, was extracted from unripe Genipa americana L., combining high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs). The extraction process conditions were evaluated step-by-step to reach the best genipin recovery. The obtained ready-to-use genipin-NADES extract was examined regarding its crosslinking properties and anti-neurodegenerative capacity. For the condictions tested, the highest genipin recovery was obtained using 40 % water and 60 % betaine:lactic acid NADES in molar ratio 1:3 (n/n) as the solvent, a solvent:feed ratio of 19 (w/w), and HIUS acoustic power of 14 ± 1 W. The HIUS-assisted extraction using NADES as solvent showed to be a promising and efficient green extraction technique to obtain genipin. The ready-to-use genipin-NADES extract presented crosslinking capacity and anticholinergic activity. These results indicate that genipin-NADES extract can be directly applied in hydrogels for drug delivery, films, tissue engineering, and others. Moreover, it can be used in food, supplements, and medicine to enhance their neuroprotective effect.