Lana Vujanić

Ms. Lana Vujanić


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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11 March 2026 in Foods
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JLJasmina Lapić
Jasmina Lapić
AMAnica Bebek Markovinović
Anica Bebek Markovinović
NRNikolina Račić
Nikolina Račić
LVLana Vujanić
Lana Vujanić
Marko Milan KostićMarko Milan Kostić
Marko Milan Kostić
Danijela Bursać KovačevićDanijela Bursać Kovačević
Danijela Bursać Kovačević
This study investigates the effects of extraction technique, solvent type, and geographical origin on the recovery of bioactive compounds from Arbutus unedo L. leaves collected from two Croatian islands (Vis and Mali Lošinj) and extracted using conventional, Soxhlet, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with green solvents (distilled water, 70% ethanol, and ethyl acetate). Extracts were purified and characterized by thin-layer chromatography, column chromatography, and FTIR spectroscopy. Total phenols, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, condensed tannins, and antioxidant capacity were quantified spectrophotometrically. Solvent type had the greatest influence, with 70% ethanol yielding the highest levels of bioactives and antioxidant capacity. Geographical origin significantly affected total phenolics and condensed tannins, with leaves from Vis outperforming those from Mali Lošinj. UAE was slightly more efficient than conventional and Soxhlet methods, particularly for thermolabile phenolics. Machine learning algorithms were applied as exploratory tools, using total phenols as a proxy variable to estimate selected bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity based on extraction parameters. Decision Tree and Gradient Boosting models showed high goodness of fit within the experimental dataset (R2 > 0.91). These results support the potential of green extraction strategies combined with data-driven screening for the valorization of A. unedo leaf extracts, while highlighting the need for further validation prior to industrial application.