Identification and bioactivity of peptides and phenolic compounds from Amazonian oilseed biomass discarded as industrial waste after oil extraction

• Grant number: 22/10148-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2023
• End date: February 28, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology
• Agreement: CONFAP - National Council of State Research Support Foundations
• Principal Investigator: Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
• Grantee: Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
• Host Institution: Instituto Butantan. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Emidio Beraldo Neto ; Guilherme Rabelo Coelho

Abstract

Part of the Amazon biome is located in the state of Pará, which houses large forests that draw attention due to wood and wild berries - including oilseeds - which are used commercially for oil extraction and biomass generation, which is currently underutilized by industry. The lack of research on the functional potential of the molecules still present in the cake after extraction leads to a lack of interest in the biomass and fruits. Since there is little research regarding the possible benefits of these fruits and their biomass, wood has become the major economical attraction, leading to the unfortunate deforestation in Amazon. By evaluating the antioxidant, antimicrobial and hypolipidemic activity of the peptides and/or the concentrate extract of the discarded cake after oil extraction, the present study aims to investigate the functional potential of the local biomass taking into account the use and valorization of Amazonian fruit by-products. In order to achieve this, protein isoelectric precipitation will be carried out, followed by in vitro hydrolyses by physiological enzymes. Fractions will be separated by liquid chromatography and the peaks will be collected. In parallel, concentrate extract will be obtained by organic solvent extraction. The antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity of the concentrated extract and peptide fractions will then be evaluated. Finally, the active compounds (phenolics and peptides) will be identified by mass spectrometry, and the peptides analyzed in silico, and those displaying biological activities over HMG-CoA and lipoprotein lipase will be synthesized and assayed in vitro using commercial kits to assess their hypolipidemic effect. (AU)