Optimizing the Extraction of Polyphenols from Different Edible Lichens Using Response Surface Methodology and the Determination of Their Mineral and Antibacterial Properties

This study employed response surface methodology for the first-time optimization of the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of the total phenolic content (TPC) and ABTS from edible lichens, including Evernia divaricata, Evernia prunastri, Pseudevernia furfuracea, Bryoria fuscescens, and Lobaria pulmonaria. Fourteen experimental points were generated using Design Expert Software, with the extraction temperature (25–40 ◦C), extraction time (5–20 min), and ethanol concentration (0–80%) as...