Supercritical impregnation of antioxidant extracts from banana inflorescences on pectin biofilm

• Grant number: 24/23342-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Juliana Martin Do Prado
• Grantee: Giovana Roberta Alves
• Host Institution: Centro de Engenharia, Modelagem e Ciências Sociais Aplicadas (CECS). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The concern with food safety and waste reduction has driven the search for sustainable methods of food preservation. Active packages, which extend the shelf life of food products, and the replacement of plastics with renewable materials, are promising approaches. In this context, supercritical impregnation stands out as an innovative technique, using supercritical fluids to incorporate bioactive compounds into polymeric materials, such as pectin biofilms. This project proposes the impregnation of bioactive extracts from banana inflorescences into pectin biofilms for application in active packages. The banana inflorescence, an agricultural byproduct rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, is an underutilized resource with great potential. The extracts will be obtained through various methods, including supercritical CO2 extraction, aiming to minimize the use of organic solvents. Pectin films will be prepared using the casting method, and will be impregnated with the extracts, also utilizing supercritical CO2. The impregnation efficiency and controlled release of bioactive compounds will be evaluated, aiming to develop a sustainable and effective solution for food preservation.