Rodrigues, FranciscaSilva, Ana MargaridaFerraz, RicardoTeixeira, Filipa Marisa Ribeiro2024-01-292024-10-022023-10-02http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/24770Lycium barbarum L., also known as goji or wolfberries, have a remarkable chemical composition and extraordinary biological activities, allowing it to be classified as a "superfruit". The main objective was to optimize the Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) of goji berries using the Response Surface Methodology, and to characterize the optimal extract. The optimal UAE conditions established were a solid:liquid ratio of 8.75%, for 56.21 min and an intensity of 59.05 W/m2. The optimal extract demonstrated a high total phenolic content (20.91 mg GAE/g dw) as well as exceptional antioxidant/antiradical properties (ABTS = 14.95 mg AAE/g dw; DPPH = 10.29 mg TE/g dw; FRAP = 106.79 µmol FSE/g dw). LC/DAD-ESI-MS analysis revealed a diverse phytochemical profile that included compounds such as feruloylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, rutin, and numerous derivatives. Furthermore, the optimal extract demonstrated strong scavenging activities, particularly against HOCl (IC50 = 12.99 μg/mL). Cell viability studies on intestinal cell lines (Caco-2 and HT29-MTX) revealed that doses up to 500 µg/mL were safe, however 1000 µg/mL significantly reducing Caco-2 (60.00%) and HT29-MTX (17.02%) viability. Thus, a concentration of 500 g/mL was used in the intestinal co-culture experiment, which showed that most compounds from the optimal extract crossed the intestinal cell monolayer and exerted their pro-healthy properties.engLycium barbarumResponse surface methodologyUltrasound-assisted extractionAntioxidant activitymaster thesis203472810