Dados do Trabalho

Título

OPTIMIZATION OF THE MAIN PARAMETERS OF SUPERCRITICAL CO2-ASSISTED IMPREGNATION OF BACCHARIS DRACUNCULIFOLIA EXTRACT IN POLY(L-LACTIC ACID)

Introdução

There is a growing demand for environmentally friendly extraction and impregnation procedures. In this context, CO2-assisted supercritical impregnation is a process that allows molecules to be loaded into a polymer, eliminating the need for organic solvents. CO2 acts as a transfer agent, solubilizing and transporting molecules within the polymer when it’s above the critical point (Tc = 31,1 °C; Pc = 73,8 bar). These conditions prevent active components from being degraded due to exposure to high temperatures and oxygen, as can occur during extrusion and other processing methods.

Material e Métodos

This study focuses on evaluating the key parameters of CO2-assisted supercritical impregnation in poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), a transparent biodegradable and biocompatible polymer widely used in the biomedical and food industries. For this purpose, the supercritical extract of Baccharis dracunculifolia was used, the main botanical source of Artepillin-C, known fot it’s antioxidant, anti-inflamatory and antimicrobial properties. The evaluated parameters included pressure (10 – 30 MPa), temperature (35 – 60 °C), and impregnation time (1 – 5h).

Resultados e Discussão

The highest levels of impregnation were achieved after 3 hours. Pressure and temperature were found to be significant parameters. A negative relationship between pressure and impregnation was observed, with 10 MPa resulting in high impregnation above 21% w/w, particularly at temperatures between 47 and 60 °C. Additionally, temperature showed a positive relationship with the impregnation at 10 and 20 MPa. These results indicate parameters for reaching high impregnation of Baccharis dracunculifolia extract in PLLA by scCO2, aiming at applications in biomedical areas and food packaging.