abstract
- Enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) is an alternative to recover phenolic compounds from jalapeño (Capsicum annuum L.) pepper seeds (JPS). This study aimed to analyze the interaction of ferulic or salicylic acid with cellulase. Seeds were recovered from the jalapeño slices canning process and treated with a 2500 IU/L cellulase solution at 45 °C during 30-180 min. Total phenolic compounds and soluble carbohydrates were quantified as well as particle size, cytotoxicity, and immunostimulatory activity. Hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, and salicylic acids, and phenylalanine were quantified by UPLC-MS. It was observed that the total soluble carbohydrates decreased after 90 min of cellulase treatment, as did the concentration of vanillic acid. The highest immune-stimulant activity (234.25%) was observed in JPS EAE obtained after 180 min in the presence of ferulic acid (23 ¿M). Aggregates of an average size of 660.9 nm formed between JPS phenolic compounds and cellulase-released carbohydrates had potential applications as immune enhancers. © 2024 American Chemical Society.