Production of proanthocyanidins from açaí seed residues

• Grant number: 22/16687-4
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: January 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Marucci Pereira Tangerina
• Grantee: Marcelo Marucci Pereira Tangerina
• Company: Renaflora Recursos Naturais Inova Simples (I.S.)
• CNAE: Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• Associated researchers: Cláudia Quintino da Rocha ; Marcelo José Pena Ferreira
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/08178-8 - Production of proanthocyanidins from açaí seed residues, BP.PIPE

Abstract

Agribusiness by-products are a growing problem in Brazil where the economy is mainly based on agribusiness. In this context, the açaí production chain stands out for generating millions of tons of waste annually. Only in the state of Pará, the largest producer of açaí pulp in Brazil, annual production reaches more than 1.2 million tons, generating more than 1 million tons of seeds. This stems from the fact that the seeds represent up to 90% of the total mass of the fruit. These seeds are rich in an important class of phenolic substances, proanthocyanidins, potent natural antioxidants that have great commercial potential. Thus, the main objective of the project is the development of a powdered phenolic preparation with a defined content of proanthocyanidins, intended specifically for the cosmetics industry, especially aimed at the production of high quality skincare products.In order to achieve this goal, it is proposed to develop a methodology for extracting these substances by testing different proportions of solvent/plant material and ethanol concentrations, in order to obtain the conditions that provide the highest possible yield. Next, the extracts will be quantified for their content of phenolic substances and total content of proanthocyanidins, with samples both in the harvest period and in the off-season, in addition to the characterization of the metabolites present through liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. The validation of the expected activities will be performed using three different antioxidant assays (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS) and by determining the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). In the context of the project, the development of a phenolic preparation from açaí agro-industrial residues contributes to a more sustainable production, taking advantage of a resource that would otherwise be discarded. Furthermore, by creating a high-value product from these wastes, the project promotes the circular economy and the responsible use of natural resources, which is in line with SDG 12 (Sustainable Development Goals). This helps to reduce waste, promote sustainability and contribute to the responsible management of natural resources, while boosting the cosmetics industry with high quality natural ingredients. (AU)