An integrated and eco-friendly method for the simultaneous extraction and enrichment of camptothecin (CPT) alkaloids and hyperoside (HYP), including CPT, 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT), 10-methoxycamptothecin (MCPT), and HYP from Camptotheca acuminata seeds, was developed using mixed-micelle extraction and enrichment by cloud point property (MME-ECP). A mixed-surfactant system, optimally formulated with 4% Triton X-114 and 4% Genapol X-080, demonstrated superior extraction efficiency for the four target compounds when synergistically combined with ultrasonic assistance. The cloud point behavior of the surfactants facilitated the enrichment of the four compounds. Various experimental conditions were investigated to evaluate and optimize the extraction and preconcentration process. Under optimal conditions, the extraction yields of CPT, HCPT, MCPT, and HYP reached 1007.62, 1408.61, 268.45, and 157.67 µg/g, respectively. Compared to traditional methanol/ethanol extraction, the mixed-micelle method demonstrates superior performance, especially over ethanol extraction, with an extraction yield enhancement of 40.20%-168.81%. Furthermore, the surfactants were successfully recycled from the extraction medium using AB-8 macroporous adsorption resin, achieving high recovery rates of 83.32% for T-114 and 87.36% for GX-080. Overall, this study highlights the integrated MME-ECP method as an efficient, economical, and eco-friendly approach for extracting and enriching the key active compounds from C. acuminata seeds. This method holds great promise as an innovative extraction technique, with considerable potential for large-scale industrial use.
Keywords: Camptotheca acuminata; bioactive compounds; macroporous adsorption resin; mixed‐micelle extraction; surfactants.
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