Isolation and bioactivities of organic acids and phenols from walnut shell pyroligneous acid

Based on differences in acidity, organic acids and phenols were enriched by pH gradient extraction method from walnut shell pyroligneous acid. Contents of organic acids and phenols were measured by acid–base titration method and Folin colorimetric assay, respectively to assess the effectiveness of the extraction. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the organic acids and antioxidant activity of phenols extracted were investigated. Chemical components of the extracts that were from the optimal concentrations of NaHCO3 and NaOH were measured by GC–MS. The results showed that 5% NaHCO3 could enrich the highest amount of organic acids, whereas 4% NaOH could enrich the highest amount of phenols. The enriched organic acids exhibited high antimicrobial activity, and the enriched phenols exhibited antioxidant activity under low concentrations, and demonstrated dosage dependency.