Utilization of supercritical CO2 in bioactive principles isolation from Helichrysum italicum and their adsorption on selected fabrics

Abstract

Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don fil., Asteraceae, possesses numerous secondary plant metabolites with a wide range of biological activities. Yet, data on the potential of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) in their isolation are scarce. This study provides analyses of the chemical profiles of extracts obtained by SFE with or without ethanol as a cosolvent using GC-FID, GC-MS, HPLC, and UHPLC-MS techniques. Among the compounds with proven biological activity identified, the presence of arzanol was confirmed. In the next step, the integrated process of supercritical fluid extraction and impregnation was applied to deliver active compounds to cotton gauze and polypropylene fabric for possible topical applications. The analytical procedures results showed a considerable affinity of both textile materials for incorporating active components present in the H. italicum. The study indicated the high-pressure techniques applied as very efficient in the isolation of bioactive components from H. italicum and their adsorption on selected carriers.