ABSTRACT
In this study, the potential of waste avocado seeds as a source of bioactive compounds and their utilization for various applications was investigated. Avocado seeds were collected, washed, dried, and pulverized. After sample preparation was done, optimization using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was carried out to determine maximum yield conditions of the ethanolic extract. A sample of this extract was analyzed using FTIR characterization and GC-MS analysis to identify and characterize the functional groups and compounds present in the avocado seed extract. A series of quantitative and qualitative analysis were carried out to determine the presence of bioactive compounds (in this case saponins, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids) and determine the exact amount of these compounds in avocado seeds. Optimal conditions were identified at a temperature of 79°C, a time of 95.68 minutes, and a solvent-to-solid ratio of 6.08 vol/wt., resulting in a maximum extract yield of 33.3395% with an R2 value of 0.9842. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed the presence of six functional groups in the avocado seed extract, including C-Br stretching, C-O and S-O stretching, O-H bending, C=C stretching, C-H stretching, and N-H stretching. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 28 peaks in the extract, with n-hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester, carboxylic acid, propanoic acid, and 9-12 octadecadienoic acid being the most frequently occurring. Quantitative analysis also showed the presence and quantities of terpenoids (11%), saponins (13%), flavonoids (43%), alkaloids (7%), and tannins (25.2%) in the extract. The study concluded that waste avocado seeds are a rich source of bioactive compounds, with potential applications in various industries. The optimized extraction process and characterization of bioactive compounds provide valuable insights for the utilization of avocado seed waste.
