RT Journal Article T1 Optimization of bioactive compounds by ultrasound extraction and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry in fast-growing leaves A1 Palma López, Alberto A1 Ruiz Montoya, Mercedes A1 Díaz Blanco, Manuel Jesús A1 Giráldez Díaz, Inmaculada A1 Morales Carrillo de Albornoz, Emilio AB Fast-growing crops are of great economic importance in the production of paper pulp and energy. The commercialization of the bioactive components from underutilized parts could provide additional value to these crops. In the present study, chromatography gas coupled to mass spectrometry triple quadrupole (GC–MS/MS) and ultrasound extraction technique was used in the bioactive compounds determination in fast-growing crops leaves. Twenty-one terpenes and eight polyphenolic bioactive compounds were studied. Prior to GC–MS/MS, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) - stir bars preconcentration and trimethylsilane (TMS) derivatization steps were used for terpenes and polyphenolic compounds, respectively. Several parameters (pH, temperature, ethanol–water mixtures, ultrasound power, and ultrasound time) of the extraction step were optimized by central composite experimental design. Ethanol content, ultrasound power, and ultrasound time were the parameters that most influence the extraction efficiency of terpenes in biomass residues, while for polyphenolic compounds it was temperature and ultrasound time.The optimal ultrasound extraction conditions for terpenes were 60% ethanol, pH 4, 80 W, 40 ºC, and 15 min, whereas for polyphenolic compounds they were 60% ethanol, pH 4, 120 W, 50 ºC, and 15 min. The detection limits (LOD) were in the range of 0.200–3.02 µg kg−1 and 7.9–540 µg kg−1 for terpenes and polyphenolic compounds, respectively.The developed analytical method was applied to twelve fast-growing leaves (Leucaene (diversifolia and leucocephala), Eucalyptus (globulus and urograndis), Populus (I214 and AF2), Prosopis (alba and juliflora), Robinia, Tagasaste, Ulmus pumila, and Paulownia). Eucalyptol was the mayor terpene present in all the plants studied, while chlorogenic and quinic acid were the mayor phenolic compounds. PB Elsevier SN 0026-265X SN 0026-265X (electrónico) YR 2023 FD 2023-08-25 LK https://hdl.handle.net/10272/22537 UL https://hdl.handle.net/10272/22537 LA eng NO Palma A, Ruiz-Montoya M, Díaz MJ, et al (2023) Optimization of bioactive compounds by ultrasound extraction and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry in fast-growing leaves. Microchem J 193:. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2023.109231 NO This study was supported by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Spain), as well as by the National Research Program Oriented to the Challenges of Society (Project PID2020-112875RB-C21 funded by MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033), and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Business of the Government of the Junta of Andalusia (Spain), the Operative Program is framed within FEDER Andalusia 2014–2020 (Project UHU-125540). Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Huelva / CBUA. DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Huelva RD 31 may 2026