Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Sesbania Javanica Flower: Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Applications
Abstract
The Sesbania javanica Miq. flower is a rich source of bioactive phenolics and flavonoids with significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This study optimized the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds from Sesbania javanica flower extract (SFE) using response surface methodology (RSM). Optimal UAE conditions (40 °C, 20 min, and 70% ethanol concentration) significantly enhanced the extraction yield of bioactive compounds (14.89 mg GAE/g db for total phenolic compound (TPC), 8.13 mg QE/g db for total flavonoid content (TFC), 27.65 µM Trolox/g db for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 61.56 µM Trolox/g db for Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)). High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry using a quadrupole-time of flight analyzer (HPLC-MS/MS-QTOF) identified diverse phenolic compounds, including flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanones, chalcones, and organic acids. The extract exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values ranging from 15 to 60 mg/mL. Thermodynamic analysis revealed the process’s energy efficiency, consuming only 623 kJ under optimal conditions. These findings demonstrate the potential of Sesbania javanica flower extract as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent for food and pharmaceutical applications.