Waste residue of acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC., Malpighiaceae) as a potential source for the development of feed additives for production animals

• Grant number: 24/18331-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Program to Stimulate Scientific Vocations
• Start date: June 09, 2025
• End date: July 23, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmacognosy
• Principal Investigator: Denise Brentan da Silva
• Grantee: Filipe Dias Rodrigues dos Santos
• Host Institution: Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). Campo Grande , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The reuse of agro-industrial residues plays a crucial role in promoting the bioeconomy by converting by-products and waste into new materials or bioproducts, which minimizes waste and contributes to a more sustainable production model. This process is directly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), as it alleviates pressure on natural resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and promotes more integrated waste management practices. By valuing waste as inputs, the agro-industry reduces its environmental impact and fosters the development of a circular, low-carbon economy. Acerola residue (Malpighia emarginata DC., Malpighiaceae) has shown promise as a source of ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and vitamin A, which is recognized for its antioxidant and nutritional properties. However, its use as a nutraceutical additive in animal feed is still underexplored and is the subject of the study being conducted at the institution of the student recipient of this project. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of acerola residue as a source of bioactive compounds for the development of feed additives, focusing on animal health benefits and environmental impact mitigation. The residue will be dried, ground, and subjected to accelerated solvent extraction, using different solvents to optimize the extraction of bioactive components. The extracts will be analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector and mass spectrometer (HPLC-DAD-MS) and by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Total phenols, tannins, and anthocyanins will be quantified, as well as the free radical scavenging activity and evaluation against different pathogenic bacterial strains. The optimized extract, with the best biological properties, will be produced on a larger scale and then formulated with maltodextrin for the development of a bioproduct, with an evaluation of its technological performance.