Optimization of Ethanol Extraction Conditions From Sun-Dried Apricot and Prediction of Antioxidant, Phenolic, and Flavonoid Contents and Their Effects on HCT116 Cells Using Artificial Neural Networks

This study aimed to optimize the ethanol extraction conditions of sun-dried apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) and evaluate the antioxidant capacity, phenolic, and flavonoid contents of the obtained extracts. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to determine the optimal extraction conditions, which were identified as 60°C temperature, 34% ultrasonic power, 46 min sonication time, and a 4 g/mL solid–liquid ratio. Under these conditions, the extract exhibited a total phenolic content (TPC) of 4.20 mg GAE/g, a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 7.09 mg QE/g, a DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging capacity of 1.37 mg TE/g, a ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value of 9.12 mg TE/g, and a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level of 1.69 mg MDA/g. The artificial neural network (ANN) model provided highly accurate predictions for these parameters. Additionally, cell culture experiments demonstrated that the extract exerted a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on HCT116 colon cancer cells, significantly reducing their viability. These findings highlight the potential of sun-dried apricot extracts as natural antioxidants with possible applications in the functional food and pharmaceutical industries.