A novel strategy for producing nano-particles from date seeds and enhancing their phenolic content and antioxidant properties using ultrasound-assisted extraction: A multivariate based optimization study

Date seeds are waste no more—scientists have turned them into tiny nanoparticles packed with antioxidants, using a simple acid bath and sound waves. This study shows how to unlock their hidden power for functional foods.

Date seeds, the discarded pits of the date palm fruit, are actually treasure troves of bioactive compounds. In this study, researchers transformed them into date seed nanoparticles (DSNPs) using a harsh acid hydrolysis method—38% HCl for four days—producing particles between 50 and 150 nanometers in size. These tiny particles were then characterized using advanced tools like Zetasizer, SEM, and FTIR to confirm their size, shape, and chemical groups.

Key Points

• Date seed nanoparticles synthesized via acid hydrolysis (38% HCl, 4 days).
• Ultrasound-assisted extraction optimized with RSM for phenolic and antioxidant boost.
• Water and methanol solvents yield different optimal conditions for bioactives.