Sinergia da granulometria e do pré-tratamento enzimático no rendimento de óleo essencial de candeia (Eremanthus erythropappus)

Abstract

Eremanthus erythropappus (Candeia) is a species widely exploited due to its essential oil, rich in α-bisabolol, which is extensively used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Increasing the yield of essential oil from this plant is of great economic interest, as it allows for a higher return for investors. However, the lignocellulosic structure of the wood can hinder the release of compounds present in the plant matrix during extraction processes, with the particle size of the material being a relevant factor, since reducing the particle size increases the surface area and favors extraction. In this sense, biotechnological approaches that assist in the partial degradation of this structure have been investigated as alternatives to improve the efficiency of the process. In this work, the use of crude multienzymatic extract from the fungus Scopulariopsis alboflavescens UFLA 24 was evaluated through solid-state fermentation, using silver coffee film as a substrate. The obtained extract was applied as a pretreatment of candeia wood, aiming to favor the breakdown of structural components of the plant cell wall. After the treatment, the extraction of essential oil was carried out by hydrodistillation in a modified Clevenger apparatus. The obtained oil was quantified and analyzed by gas chromatography to determine the chemical profile. The results showed a high predominance of α-bisabolol in the obtained essential oil, indicating that the use of the enzymatic extract may contribute to facilitating the release of compounds present in plant biomass and represent a complementary strategy for the utilization of candeia wood.