Efficient bioconversion of oleuropein from olive leaf extract to antioxidant hydroxytyrosol by enzymatic hydrolysis and high‐temperature degradation

Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a powerful antioxidant, clears free radicals and exhibits many biological activities. Because contents of HT are low in natural sources, bioconversion of oleuropein (OLE) to HT is of increasing interest. A biotechnological process was investigated to produce HT from OLE presented in olive leaf extract. Enzymatic hydrolysis using two cellulases with high β-glucosidase activity, Novozymes CTec2 and commercial cellulase KDN (Qingdao, People's Republic of China) was carried out at 50 °C for 12 H followed by raising the temperature to 90 °C for chemical hydrolysis. After 48 H of hydrolysis, an OLE degradation rate of 100% and a HT yield of 86-88% were achieved. These cellulases degrade OLE and release a glucose molecule. Chemical hydrolysis at a high temperature promotes the cleavage of ester bond and the formation of HT. This process has a promising alternative for production of HT comparing with acid hydrolysis which not only causes significant pollution to the environment but also makes difficult to the subsequent separation.