# Functionality Analysis of Spent Coffee Ground Extracts Obtained by the Hydrothermal Method

Authors: Chin-Tung Wu; Dinesh Chandra Agrawal; Wen-Ying Huang; Hsiu-Cheng Hsu; Shang-Jhen Yang; Shu-Ling Huang; Yung-Sheng Lin
Journal: Journal of Chemistry
 (2019)

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## Abstract

Coffee is a popular beverage all over the world, but spent coffee grounds (SCGs) constituting almost 75% of original beans are usually considered waste and disposed off. The present study analyzed the functionalities of SCG with a view of its reuse in the cosmetic industry. The SCG extraction was carried out by the hydrothermal method. The resultant extracts were tested for its antioxidant capacity, tyrosinase inhibition, and moisturizing ability. LC–MS/MS results showed two major components in SCG extracts, namely, trigonelline and caffeine. Also, the SCG contained total flavonoid contents of 29 ± 4.5 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g SCG and total phenolic contents of 9.44 ± 0.90 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g SCG. Regarding functionality analysis, SCG extracts exhibited reduction capacity of 8.18 ± 0.39 mg vitamin C equivalent (VCE)/g SCG, DPPH free-radical scavenging activity (IC50) of 3.11 mg SCG/mL, ABTS free-radical scavenging activity (IC50) of 13.61 mg SCG/mL, and tyrosinase inhibition capacity (IC50) of 2.23 mg SCG/mL. Moreover, the volatilization rate of the extract solution (37 mg SCG/mL) reduced by 15.9%. These results demonstrate the utility of recycling of SCG and illustrate its potential application in the development of skin care products.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages all over the world, consumed for leisure and boosting energy levels, and is a symbol of personal taste. However, spent coffee grounds (SCGs), the by-product obtained from roasted coffee beans after water extraction, are usually considered waste and are disposed off. The average weight of SCG is about 75% that of the original coffee bean. According to the coffee trade record from the International Coffee Organization, the total coffee production in 2018 was about 9.5 million metric tons. Moreover, the annual quantity of SCG was about 6 million tons worldwide [1]. In Taiwan alone, the quantity of disposed-off SCG exceeds 30 metric tons per day. Since the disposal of SCG causes environmental pollution, questions have been asked if SCG can be recycled to create new business opportunities. Several researchers have attempted to find answers to these questions. Mussatto and co-workers reported the use of SCG as animal feeds and farm fertilizer [2]. In addition, several other uses such as biofuel [3], its bioconversion to carotenoids and other valuable metabolites [4], and its application in decontamination of water from heavy metal ions [5] have been reported. Due to the presence of chlorogenic acid, SCG has exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and antiallergic activities [6, 7].SCG predominantly contains polyphenolics, lipids, and lignin. The richness of polyphenolics such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid [8] is conducive for the production of high-value-added products, especially for cosmetics and skin care. However, an extraction technique plays a critical role in the recovery of functional compounds from SCG. Conventional methods for SCG extraction like probiotic fermentation, enzymatic hydrolysis, solvent extraction [9], and microwave-assisted extraction [10] have been reported. This study employed the hydrothermal method to extract components of SCG. The hydrothermal method is a pyrolysis treatment. The high-temperature (120–200°C) and high-pressure water treatment used in this method facilitates the extraction of water-soluble components from SCG, including proteins, minerals, and organic acids. It is similar to brewing a sample of coffee beans for second time. This study employed high-pressure steam for extraction of active ingredients from SCG that had not previously been extracted in coffee brewing processes. The resultant extracts were tested for its antioxidant capacity, tyrosinase inhibition, and moisturizing ability to determine the potential application of SCG in personal care products.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. SCG Extraction by Hydrothermal Method

Samples of SCG were collected fromArabica coffee beans in 85°C Bakery Café, Taiwan. Five grams of SCG and 35 mL of deionized water (DI water) were first added to a Teflon beaker; the beaker was then sealed in a stainless steel sample chamber, placed in an autoclave, and heated at 5°C/min from room temperature to 150°C. At 150°C, the temperature was kept constant for 3 hours, and then the sample was cooled naturally to room temperature over 12 hours. Subsequently, the sample was extracted and filtered to obtain the extract solution of SCG. The extract solution was then freeze-dried to obtain SCG extracts.


### 2.2. LC-MS/MS Analysis

An ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography Xevo triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UPLC-Xevo-TQ-MS) and Acquity UPLC BEH C18 (1.7μm, 2.1 × 100 mm2) column were used for analysis. The mobile phase comprised a mixture of a 0.1% formic acid solution and acetonitrile. The acetonitrile concentration increased from 5% to 65% in the first 10 minutes and then to 65%–100% in the next 5 minutes. The mobile phase flow rate was 0.35 mL/min. The UPLC-Xevo-TQ-MS used a positive electrospray ionization source and operated at a 3 kV capillary voltage, 5 V cone voltage, 350°C desolvation temperature, and 0.15 mL/min collision gas flow rate.


### 2.3. Total Flavonoid Content Assay

As reported by Wu et al. [11], the present study used quercetin for comparison in all flavonoid content assays. A 200-μL SCG extract, 80 μL of CH3OH, and 100 μL of 5% NaNO2 were added to a small centrifuge tube and allowed to react for 5 minutes before 20 μL of 10% AlCl3 was also added. After 6 minutes, 200 μL of 1 N NaOH was also added, and the mixture was kept in darkness during its reaction for 1 hour. Subsequently, the mixture’s optical absorbance at 510 nm was measured by the spectrophotometer, and the result was compared with a quercetin standard to determine the total flavonoid content (mg) of quercetin equivalent (QE)/g SCG.


### 2.4. Total Phenolic Content Assay

As in the method used by Huang et al. [12], the present study first uniformly mixed 200 μL of 0.5 N Folin and Ciocalteu’s phenol reagent with 200 μL of SCG extract solution by shaking them for 5 minutes. Subsequently, 200 μL of 10% Na2CO3 and 400 μL of DI water were added to the mixture, which was allowed to react in darkness at room temperature for 1 hour before being centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 minutes. Optical absorbance at 700 nm was measured using 100 μL of the supernatant; the optical absorbance was then substituted into a gallic acid standard curve to determine the total phenolic content (mg) of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g SCG.


### 2.5. Reduction Capacity Assay

As reported by Adjimani and Asare [13], the present study uniformly mixed 100 μL of 0.2 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) buffer (pH 6.6), 100 μL of 1% K3Fe(CN)6, and 200 μL of the SCG extract solution. The mixture was placed in a 50°C water bath for 20 minutes before being removed from the bath and cooled rapidly for 3 minutes. Then, 100 μL of 10% trichloroacetic acid was added, and the mixture was centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes. Subsequently, 400 μL of the supernatant was extracted and mixed uniformly with 400 μL of DI water and 100 μL of 0.1% FeCl3. This mixture was then allowed to react in darkness for 10 minutes to produce Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3. Optical absorbance at 700 nm was measured; a high optical absorbance reading indicated high reduction capacity. This assay employed vitamin C as the standard to determine the content of vitamin C equivalent (VCE)/g SCG.


### 2.6. DPPH Free-Radical Scavenging Activity Assay

As mentioned in the previous reports [14–16], the present study uniformly mixed 50 μL of 198 μM DPPH ethanol solution and 50 μL of the SCG extract solution; the mixture was allowed to react in darkness for 30 minutes. Optical absorbance at 517 nm was measured using a spectrophotometer; a low optical absorbance reading indicated that the sample had high DPPH free-radical scavenging activity. Vitamin C was used as the standard for comparison with SCG concerning with DPPH free-radical scavenging activity:(1)DPPH free−radical scavenging activity%=1−A517of sampleA517of blank×100%.


### 2.7. ABTS Free-Radical Scavenging Activity Assay

Following previous methods [14–16], the present study uniformly mixed 250 μL of 7 mM ABTS with 250 μL of 2.45 mM potassium peroxydisulfate; the mixture was allowed to react at 4°C in darkness for 16 hours. Subsequently, 180 μL of ABTS and 20 μL of the SCG extract solution were added, and the mixture was allowed to react in darkness for 10 minutes. Optical absorbance at 734 nm was measured, and a low optical absorbance reading indicated that the sample had high ABTS free-radical scavenging activity. The assay employed an antioxidant, trolox, as the standard for comparison with SCG concerning with ABTS free-radical scavenging activity:(2)ABTS free−radical scavenging activity%=1−A734of sample−A734of blankA734of control−A734of blank×100%.


### 2.8. Tyrosinase Inhibition Capacity Assay

As per the method used [14, 16], the present study first uniformly mixed 20 μL of the SCG extract solution, 40 μL of 3 mM L-Dopa, 10 μL of 200 U tyrosinase, and 130 μL of 67 mM PBS; the mixture was placed in a 37°C water bath for 15 minutes. Optical absorbance at 475 nm was measured; a low optical absorbance reading indicated high tyrosinase inhibition capacity. Kojic acid was used as the standard for comparison in this assay:(3)tyrosinase inhibition capacity%=1−A475of sampleA475of blank×100%.


### 2.9. Moisturizing Ability Assay

According to the approach of measuring moisturizing ability [14, 17], the present study separately placed the SCG extract solution, DI water, 5% glycerine, and 10% glycerine in 6 mm sample cells. To compare the substances’ volatilization rates, the cells were placed in a chamber with the temperature, and relative humidity maintained at 37°C and 60%, respectively; they were then taken out and weighed daily for 8 consecutive days to yield results for the calculation of each sample’s average volatilization rate.


## 2.1. SCG Extraction by Hydrothermal Method

Samples of SCG were collected fromArabica coffee beans in 85°C Bakery Café, Taiwan. Five grams of SCG and 35 mL of deionized water (DI water) were first added to a Teflon beaker; the beaker was then sealed in a stainless steel sample chamber, placed in an autoclave, and heated at 5°C/min from room temperature to 150°C. At 150°C, the temperature was kept constant for 3 hours, and then the sample was cooled naturally to room temperature over 12 hours. Subsequently, the sample was extracted and filtered to obtain the extract solution of SCG. The extract solution was then freeze-dried to obtain SCG extracts.


## 2.2. LC-MS/MS Analysis

An ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography Xevo triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UPLC-Xevo-TQ-MS) and Acquity UPLC BEH C18 (1.7μm, 2.1 × 100 mm2) column were used for analysis. The mobile phase comprised a mixture of a 0.1% formic acid solution and acetonitrile. The acetonitrile concentration increased from 5% to 65% in the first 10 minutes and then to 65%–100% in the next 5 minutes. The mobile phase flow rate was 0.35 mL/min. The UPLC-Xevo-TQ-MS used a positive electrospray ionization source and operated at a 3 kV capillary voltage, 5 V cone voltage, 350°C desolvation temperature, and 0.15 mL/min collision gas flow rate.


## 2.3. Total Flavonoid Content Assay

As reported by Wu et al. [11], the present study used quercetin for comparison in all flavonoid content assays. A 200-μL SCG extract, 80 μL of CH3OH, and 100 μL of 5% NaNO2 were added to a small centrifuge tube and allowed to react for 5 minutes before 20 μL of 10% AlCl3 was also added. After 6 minutes, 200 μL of 1 N NaOH was also added, and the mixture was kept in darkness during its reaction for 1 hour. Subsequently, the mixture’s optical absorbance at 510 nm was measured by the spectrophotometer, and the result was compared with a quercetin standard to determine the total flavonoid content (mg) of quercetin equivalent (QE)/g SCG.


## 2.4. Total Phenolic Content Assay

As in the method used by Huang et al. [12], the present study first uniformly mixed 200 μL of 0.5 N Folin and Ciocalteu’s phenol reagent with 200 μL of SCG extract solution by shaking them for 5 minutes. Subsequently, 200 μL of 10% Na2CO3 and 400 μL of DI water were added to the mixture, which was allowed to react in darkness at room temperature for 1 hour before being centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 minutes. Optical absorbance at 700 nm was measured using 100 μL of the supernatant; the optical absorbance was then substituted into a gallic acid standard curve to determine the total phenolic content (mg) of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g SCG.


## 2.5. Reduction Capacity Assay

As reported by Adjimani and Asare [13], the present study uniformly mixed 100 μL of 0.2 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) buffer (pH 6.6), 100 μL of 1% K3Fe(CN)6, and 200 μL of the SCG extract solution. The mixture was placed in a 50°C water bath for 20 minutes before being removed from the bath and cooled rapidly for 3 minutes. Then, 100 μL of 10% trichloroacetic acid was added, and the mixture was centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes. Subsequently, 400 μL of the supernatant was extracted and mixed uniformly with 400 μL of DI water and 100 μL of 0.1% FeCl3. This mixture was then allowed to react in darkness for 10 minutes to produce Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3. Optical absorbance at 700 nm was measured; a high optical absorbance reading indicated high reduction capacity. This assay employed vitamin C as the standard to determine the content of vitamin C equivalent (VCE)/g SCG.


## 2.6. DPPH Free-Radical Scavenging Activity Assay

As mentioned in the previous reports [14–16], the present study uniformly mixed 50 μL of 198 μM DPPH ethanol solution and 50 μL of the SCG extract solution; the mixture was allowed to react in darkness for 30 minutes. Optical absorbance at 517 nm was measured using a spectrophotometer; a low optical absorbance reading indicated that the sample had high DPPH free-radical scavenging activity. Vitamin C was used as the standard for comparison with SCG concerning with DPPH free-radical scavenging activity:(1)DPPH free−radical scavenging activity%=1−A517of sampleA517of blank×100%.


## 2.7. ABTS Free-Radical Scavenging Activity Assay

Following previous methods [14–16], the present study uniformly mixed 250 μL of 7 mM ABTS with 250 μL of 2.45 mM potassium peroxydisulfate; the mixture was allowed to react at 4°C in darkness for 16 hours. Subsequently, 180 μL of ABTS and 20 μL of the SCG extract solution were added, and the mixture was allowed to react in darkness for 10 minutes. Optical absorbance at 734 nm was measured, and a low optical absorbance reading indicated that the sample had high ABTS free-radical scavenging activity. The assay employed an antioxidant, trolox, as the standard for comparison with SCG concerning with ABTS free-radical scavenging activity:(2)ABTS free−radical scavenging activity%=1−A734of sample−A734of blankA734of control−A734of blank×100%.


## 2.8. Tyrosinase Inhibition Capacity Assay

As per the method used [14, 16], the present study first uniformly mixed 20 μL of the SCG extract solution, 40 μL of 3 mM L-Dopa, 10 μL of 200 U tyrosinase, and 130 μL of 67 mM PBS; the mixture was placed in a 37°C water bath for 15 minutes. Optical absorbance at 475 nm was measured; a low optical absorbance reading indicated high tyrosinase inhibition capacity. Kojic acid was used as the standard for comparison in this assay:(3)tyrosinase inhibition capacity%=1−A475of sampleA475of blank×100%.


## 2.9. Moisturizing Ability Assay

According to the approach of measuring moisturizing ability [14, 17], the present study separately placed the SCG extract solution, DI water, 5% glycerine, and 10% glycerine in 6 mm sample cells. To compare the substances’ volatilization rates, the cells were placed in a chamber with the temperature, and relative humidity maintained at 37°C and 60%, respectively; they were then taken out and weighed daily for 8 consecutive days to yield results for the calculation of each sample’s average volatilization rate.


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. LC-MS/MS Analysis

Figure1(a) presents the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) results of the SCG extracts. This study compared its results for retention time and molecular weight with those of previous studies and identified trigonelline and caffeine as major components at two peaks, namely, 0.91 and 1.07 minutes, respectively. Figures 1(b) and 1(c), respectively, present the mass spectrums of trigonelline and caffeine in the SCG extract solution. Regarding the molecular weights at the two peaks above, the [M + H]+ ions had m/z of 138 at 0.91 minutes, indicating trigonelline as the major component and m/z of 195 at 1.07 minutes, indicating caffeine as the major component. Trigonelline (m/z = 137) and caffeine (m/z = 194) were consistent with a recent report [18].Figure 1
(a) LC-MS/MS chromatogram of the SCG extract solution. Mass spectrum of (b) trigonelline and (c) caffeine in the SCG extract solution.
(a)
(b)
(c)


### 3.2. Total Flavonoid Content Assay

This assay employed quercetin with various concentrations as standards. Increase in optical absorbance indicated higher total flavonoid content due to increase in concentration. Substituting the optical absorbance readings of SCG samples into the quercetin calibration curve yielded the total flavonoid contents in the SCG extracts (Figure2). By analyzing the concentrations of the SCG extracts alongside the quercetin concentrations, we calculated the total flavonoid content and obtained an average of 29 ± 4.5 mg QE/g SCG.Figure 2
Total flavonoid content by quercetin equivalents versus SCG extract solution concentration.Results in Table1 show that the total flavonoid content in the SCG obtained using the hydrothermal method in the present study (29 ± 4.5 mg QE/g SCG) was higher than that obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (5.04 mg QE/g SCG) [21], methanol extraction (1.81 mg QE/g SCG) [1], and ethanol extraction (2.11∼8.03 mg QE/g SCG) [20]. Moreover, Conde and Mussatto [19] employed the hydrothermal method and achieved total flavonoid contents of 8.29 mg QE/g SCG, indicating that the hydrothermal method is more suitable for total flavonoid content.Table 1
Comparative total flavonoid contents in SCG obtained by using various extraction methods.
Extraction conditions
Total flavonoid content (mg QE/g SCG)
References
Hydrothermal method (5 g SCG/35 mL, 150°C, 3 h)
29 ± 4.5
Present study
Hydrothermal method (1 g SCG/20 mL, 120°C, 20 min)
8.29
[19]
60% methanol (1 g SCG/40 mL, 90 min)
1.81
[1]
60% ethanol (2 g SCG/100 mL, 60°C, 30 min)
5.01∼8.03
[20]
Ultrasound-assisted extraction (1 g SCG/17 mL ethanol, 40°C, 40 min)
5.04
[21]


### 3.3. Total Phenolic Content Assay

In this study, gallic acid was used as the standard for this assay. The SCG extract solution increased its optical absorbance with the concentration of SCG extracts. Figure3 presents the calculated total phenolic content in the SCG extract solution. By analyzing the concentrations of the SCG extract solution alongside the gallic acid concentrations, the average total phenolic content as 9.44 ± 0.90 mg GAE/g SCG was calculated. The comparative total phenolic contents obtained in the present and previous studies using various methods are shown in Table 2.Figure 3
Total phenolic content by gallic acid equivalents versus SCG extract solution concentration.Table 2
Total phenolic contents in SCG obtained using various methods.
Extraction conditions
Total phenolic content (mg GAE/g SCG)
References
Hydrothermal method (5 g SCG/35 mL, 150°C, 3 h)
9.44 ± 0.90
Present study
Hydrothermal method (1 g SCG/20 mL, 120°C, 20 min)
32.92
[19]
Hydrothermal method (6 g SCG/160 mL, 180∼240°C)
33.1∼51.2
[22]
Hydrothermal method (1 g SCG/15 mL, 200°C, 50 min)
40.36
[23]
60% methanol (1 g SCG/40 mL, 90 min)
16
[1]
Water (2 g SCG/100 mL, 60°C, 30 min)
6.33∼19.62
[20]
Water (24 g SCG/400 mL, 80°C, 10 min)
17.44
[24]
Pressurized liquid (70% ethanol, 195°C, 10 min)
19∼26
[25]
Ultrasound-assisted extraction (1 g SCG/17 mL ethanol, 40°C, 40 min)
33.84
[21]


### 3.4. Reduction Capacity Assay

This assay employed vitamin C with various concentrations as the standard. The results demonstrated that the SCG extracts increased its optical absorbance with concentration, indicating an increase in a reduced capacity. Substituting the optical absorbance readings into the vitamin C standard calibration curve yielded the reduction capacity results of the SCG extract solution shown in Figure4. By analyzing the SCG extract solution concentrations alongside the vitamin C concentrations, this study calculated the average reduction capacity of the SCG as 8.18 ± 0.39 mg VCE/g SCG.Figure 4
Reduction capacity by vitamin C equivalents versus SCG extract concentration.


### 3.5. DPPH Free-Radical Scavenging Activity Assay

Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) refers to the concentration of the extracts required to scavenge 50% of the DPPH-free radicals. Figure 5 presents the SCG extract solution’s DPPH free-radical scavenging activity results. It reveals that the activity increased with the concentration of the solution and yielded an IC50 value of 3.11 mg SCG/mL, indicating that the SCG exhibited a certain level of DPPH free-radical scavenging activity.Figure 5
DPPH free-radical scavenging activity versus SCG extract solution concentration.Table3 lists the IC50 values of DPPH scavenging for SCG obtained in various methods. Compared with the SCG obtained using 60% ethanol or water [20], the present study obtained a relatively low IC50 value by using the hydrothermal method (approximately 0.31% v/v), indicating that the present study achieved favorable DPPH free-radical scavenging activity.Table 3
IC50 values of DPPH scavenging for SCG.
Extraction conditions
DPPH free-radical scavenging activity (IC50, % v/v)
References
Hydrothermal method (5 g SCG/35 mL, 150°C, 3 h)
0.31
Present study
60% ethanol (2 g SCG/100 mL, 60°C, 30 min)
1.47∼3.67
[20]
Water (2 g SCG/100 mL, 60°C, 30 min)
2.33∼6.74
[20]


### 3.6. ABTS Free-Radical Scavenging Activity Assay

Figure6 presents the ABTS free-radical scavenging activity of the SCG extracts. The activity increased with the concentration of the extracts, yielding an IC50 value of 13.61 mg SCG/mL. This result indicated that the SCG exhibited a certain level of ABTS free-radical scavenging activity.Figure 6
ABTS free-radical scavenging activity versus SCG extract solution concentration.


### 3.7. Tyrosinase Inhibition Capacity

The L-Dopa became black dopachrome after reacting with tyrosinase. This assay used kojic acid as the standard to inhibit tyrosinase activity and generate black dopachrome following the reaction with tyrosinase. Figure7 presents the tyrosinase activity inhibition of the SCG and shows that as the SCG solution concentration increased, the level of tyrosinase activity inhibition gradually increased to between 50% and 70%. The IC50 value of the SCG was 2.23 mg SCG/mL, indicating that the SCG achieved a certain level of tyrosinase inhibition.Figure 7
Tyrosinase activity inhibition versus SCG extract solution concentration.


### 3.8. Moisturizing Ability

In this assay, the volatilization rates of DI water, 5% glycerine, 10% glycerine, and the SCG extract solution (37 mg SCG/mL) were compared to investigate their moisturizing abilities. Figure8 compares the volatilization rates of these four substances and reveals that DI water had the highest volatilization rate [26]; 5% glycerine, 10% glycerine, and the SCG extract solution all had relatively low volatilization rates, implying that glycerine and the SCG extract solution exhibited effective moisturizing ability. The volatilization rate of the SCG extract solution lie between those of 5% and 10% glycerine and was 15.9% lower than that of DI water.Figure 8
Volatilization rates of various samples.The hydrothermal pretreatment under mild conditions was demonstrated to be an efficient method to recover antioxidant polyphenols from coffee residues [19]. In a different research, hydrothermal extraction was effectively used for the separation of antioxidant compounds from green coffee beans, and the effluent extracts were indicated to be suitable for food products [27]. In contrast to previous reports, in the present study, LC–MS/MS analysis of SCG extracts showed that trigonelline and caffeine were two major components. Total flavonoid content in the SCG extracts by using the modified hydrothermal method in the present study (29 ± 4.5 mg QE/g SCG) was significantly higher than the previous reports. Also, in comparison to the pervious reports, the present study by changing the extraction conditions achieved favorable DPPH free-radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.31% v/v). In addition, we studied total phenolic content, reduction capacity, ABTS free-radical scavenging activity, tyrosinase inhibition capacity, and moisturizing ability of SCG extracts with a view of potential application of SCG in cosmetics and personal care.


## 3.1. LC-MS/MS Analysis

Figure1(a) presents the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) results of the SCG extracts. This study compared its results for retention time and molecular weight with those of previous studies and identified trigonelline and caffeine as major components at two peaks, namely, 0.91 and 1.07 minutes, respectively. Figures 1(b) and 1(c), respectively, present the mass spectrums of trigonelline and caffeine in the SCG extract solution. Regarding the molecular weights at the two peaks above, the [M + H]+ ions had m/z of 138 at 0.91 minutes, indicating trigonelline as the major component and m/z of 195 at 1.07 minutes, indicating caffeine as the major component. Trigonelline (m/z = 137) and caffeine (m/z = 194) were consistent with a recent report [18].Figure 1
(a) LC-MS/MS chromatogram of the SCG extract solution. Mass spectrum of (b) trigonelline and (c) caffeine in the SCG extract solution.
(a)
(b)
(c)


## 3.2. Total Flavonoid Content Assay

This assay employed quercetin with various concentrations as standards. Increase in optical absorbance indicated higher total flavonoid content due to increase in concentration. Substituting the optical absorbance readings of SCG samples into the quercetin calibration curve yielded the total flavonoid contents in the SCG extracts (Figure2). By analyzing the concentrations of the SCG extracts alongside the quercetin concentrations, we calculated the total flavonoid content and obtained an average of 29 ± 4.5 mg QE/g SCG.Figure 2
Total flavonoid content by quercetin equivalents versus SCG extract solution concentration.Results in Table1 show that the total flavonoid content in the SCG obtained using the hydrothermal method in the present study (29 ± 4.5 mg QE/g SCG) was higher than that obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (5.04 mg QE/g SCG) [21], methanol extraction (1.81 mg QE/g SCG) [1], and ethanol extraction (2.11∼8.03 mg QE/g SCG) [20]. Moreover, Conde and Mussatto [19] employed the hydrothermal method and achieved total flavonoid contents of 8.29 mg QE/g SCG, indicating that the hydrothermal method is more suitable for total flavonoid content.Table 1
Comparative total flavonoid contents in SCG obtained by using various extraction methods.
Extraction conditions
Total flavonoid content (mg QE/g SCG)
References
Hydrothermal method (5 g SCG/35 mL, 150°C, 3 h)
29 ± 4.5
Present study
Hydrothermal method (1 g SCG/20 mL, 120°C, 20 min)
8.29
[19]
60% methanol (1 g SCG/40 mL, 90 min)
1.81
[1]
60% ethanol (2 g SCG/100 mL, 60°C, 30 min)
5.01∼8.03
[20]
Ultrasound-assisted extraction (1 g SCG/17 mL ethanol, 40°C, 40 min)
5.04
[21]


## 3.3. Total Phenolic Content Assay

In this study, gallic acid was used as the standard for this assay. The SCG extract solution increased its optical absorbance with the concentration of SCG extracts. Figure3 presents the calculated total phenolic content in the SCG extract solution. By analyzing the concentrations of the SCG extract solution alongside the gallic acid concentrations, the average total phenolic content as 9.44 ± 0.90 mg GAE/g SCG was calculated. The comparative total phenolic contents obtained in the present and previous studies using various methods are shown in Table 2.Figure 3
Total phenolic content by gallic acid equivalents versus SCG extract solution concentration.Table 2
Total phenolic contents in SCG obtained using various methods.
Extraction conditions
Total phenolic content (mg GAE/g SCG)
References
Hydrothermal method (5 g SCG/35 mL, 150°C, 3 h)
9.44 ± 0.90
Present study
Hydrothermal method (1 g SCG/20 mL, 120°C, 20 min)
32.92
[19]
Hydrothermal method (6 g SCG/160 mL, 180∼240°C)
33.1∼51.2
[22]
Hydrothermal method (1 g SCG/15 mL, 200°C, 50 min)
40.36
[23]
60% methanol (1 g SCG/40 mL, 90 min)
16
[1]
Water (2 g SCG/100 mL, 60°C, 30 min)
6.33∼19.62
[20]
Water (24 g SCG/400 mL, 80°C, 10 min)
17.44
[24]
Pressurized liquid (70% ethanol, 195°C, 10 min)
19∼26
[25]
Ultrasound-assisted extraction (1 g SCG/17 mL ethanol, 40°C, 40 min)
33.84
[21]


## 3.4. Reduction Capacity Assay

This assay employed vitamin C with various concentrations as the standard. The results demonstrated that the SCG extracts increased its optical absorbance with concentration, indicating an increase in a reduced capacity. Substituting the optical absorbance readings into the vitamin C standard calibration curve yielded the reduction capacity results of the SCG extract solution shown in Figure4. By analyzing the SCG extract solution concentrations alongside the vitamin C concentrations, this study calculated the average reduction capacity of the SCG as 8.18 ± 0.39 mg VCE/g SCG.Figure 4
Reduction capacity by vitamin C equivalents versus SCG extract concentration.


## 3.5. DPPH Free-Radical Scavenging Activity Assay

Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) refers to the concentration of the extracts required to scavenge 50% of the DPPH-free radicals. Figure 5 presents the SCG extract solution’s DPPH free-radical scavenging activity results. It reveals that the activity increased with the concentration of the solution and yielded an IC50 value of 3.11 mg SCG/mL, indicating that the SCG exhibited a certain level of DPPH free-radical scavenging activity.Figure 5
DPPH free-radical scavenging activity versus SCG extract solution concentration.Table3 lists the IC50 values of DPPH scavenging for SCG obtained in various methods. Compared with the SCG obtained using 60% ethanol or water [20], the present study obtained a relatively low IC50 value by using the hydrothermal method (approximately 0.31% v/v), indicating that the present study achieved favorable DPPH free-radical scavenging activity.Table 3
IC50 values of DPPH scavenging for SCG.
Extraction conditions
DPPH free-radical scavenging activity (IC50, % v/v)
References
Hydrothermal method (5 g SCG/35 mL, 150°C, 3 h)
0.31
Present study
60% ethanol (2 g SCG/100 mL, 60°C, 30 min)
1.47∼3.67
[20]
Water (2 g SCG/100 mL, 60°C, 30 min)
2.33∼6.74
[20]


## 3.6. ABTS Free-Radical Scavenging Activity Assay

Figure6 presents the ABTS free-radical scavenging activity of the SCG extracts. The activity increased with the concentration of the extracts, yielding an IC50 value of 13.61 mg SCG/mL. This result indicated that the SCG exhibited a certain level of ABTS free-radical scavenging activity.Figure 6
ABTS free-radical scavenging activity versus SCG extract solution concentration.


## 3.7. Tyrosinase Inhibition Capacity

The L-Dopa became black dopachrome after reacting with tyrosinase. This assay used kojic acid as the standard to inhibit tyrosinase activity and generate black dopachrome following the reaction with tyrosinase. Figure7 presents the tyrosinase activity inhibition of the SCG and shows that as the SCG solution concentration increased, the level of tyrosinase activity inhibition gradually increased to between 50% and 70%. The IC50 value of the SCG was 2.23 mg SCG/mL, indicating that the SCG achieved a certain level of tyrosinase inhibition.Figure 7
Tyrosinase activity inhibition versus SCG extract solution concentration.


## 3.8. Moisturizing Ability

In this assay, the volatilization rates of DI water, 5% glycerine, 10% glycerine, and the SCG extract solution (37 mg SCG/mL) were compared to investigate their moisturizing abilities. Figure8 compares the volatilization rates of these four substances and reveals that DI water had the highest volatilization rate [26]; 5% glycerine, 10% glycerine, and the SCG extract solution all had relatively low volatilization rates, implying that glycerine and the SCG extract solution exhibited effective moisturizing ability. The volatilization rate of the SCG extract solution lie between those of 5% and 10% glycerine and was 15.9% lower than that of DI water.Figure 8
Volatilization rates of various samples.The hydrothermal pretreatment under mild conditions was demonstrated to be an efficient method to recover antioxidant polyphenols from coffee residues [19]. In a different research, hydrothermal extraction was effectively used for the separation of antioxidant compounds from green coffee beans, and the effluent extracts were indicated to be suitable for food products [27]. In contrast to previous reports, in the present study, LC–MS/MS analysis of SCG extracts showed that trigonelline and caffeine were two major components. Total flavonoid content in the SCG extracts by using the modified hydrothermal method in the present study (29 ± 4.5 mg QE/g SCG) was significantly higher than the previous reports. Also, in comparison to the pervious reports, the present study by changing the extraction conditions achieved favorable DPPH free-radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.31% v/v). In addition, we studied total phenolic content, reduction capacity, ABTS free-radical scavenging activity, tyrosinase inhibition capacity, and moisturizing ability of SCG extracts with a view of potential application of SCG in cosmetics and personal care.


## 4. Conclusions

In the present study, functionalities of spent coffee grounds (SCGs) were analyzed with a view of its reuse. The SCG extraction was carried out by the hydrothermal method. LC-MS/MS results showed trigonelline and caffeine as two major components in SCG extracts. The extracts exhibited significant free-radical scavenging activity, ABTS free-radical scavenging activity, and tyrosinase inhibition capacity. Also, the volatilization rate of the extract solution was reduced by 15.9%. The results obtained in the study demonstrate the utility of recycling of SCG. The hydrothermal method used in the study for SCG extraction will be a desirable method in the growing cosmetics and personal care market because being eco-friendly is a crucial factor for increasing customer satisfaction. Also, the study demonstrates the potential application of SCG in the development of skin care products.



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*Source: 4671438-2019-11-20.xml*