Development of Sustainable Processes for Obtaining Antimicrobial Products from Baccharis dracunculifolia: Technological, Economic and Environmental Solutions

• Grant number: 24/15142-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Juliane Viganó
• Grantee: Juliane Viganó
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Luana Cristina dos Santos ; Maria Elena Ibanez Ezequiel ; Priscilla Carvalho Veggi

Abstract

Industrial ethanol production and animal nutrition share common challenges in microbiological control, where the use of traditional antibiotics has been increasingly restricted due to concerns over microbial resistance and environmental harm. Identifying effective and sustainable alternative compounds is crucial for maintaining both process efficiency and environmental responsibility. Among the promising solutions is the use of plant-based extracts, such as those derived from alecrim-do-campo (Baccharis dracunculifolia), which offer potential for addressing these challenges. This project seeks to produce and validate field extracts as antimicrobial alternatives for ethanol production and animal nutrition, leveraging advanced extraction techniques and exploring their integration into porous materials, while assessing economic and environmental feasibility. Techniques like supercritical extraction, pressurized and expanded liquid extraction, and low-pressure extraction assisted by ultrasound and agitation will be employed, utilizing solvents such as carbon dioxide, ethanol, water, and deep eutectic solvents. Solvent selection will be guided by computer simulations to identify the most effective options for the target compounds. Process variables will be optimized to maximize efficiency and minimize manufacturing costs and environmental footprint. Additionally, the project will explore the impregnation of these extracts into residual yeast, a byproduct of ethanol production, for potential use in animal nutrition. It is anticipated that alecrim-do-campo extracts will demonstrate antimicrobial efficacy comparable to conventional antimicrobials, while offering advantages in terms of reduced environmental impact and economic sustainability. The integration of cutting-edge techniques, coupled with thorough economic and environmental assessments, will yield critical insights for the practical and sustainable adoption of these alternatives. (AU)