Sustainable Valorization of Guaraná: Optimized Extraction of Proanthocyanidins

• Grant number: 25/11290-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmacognosy
• Principal Investigator: Gabriel Rocha Martins
• Grantee: Isabella Lina da Cruz
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/14698-4 - Valorization of the guaraná production chain through the sustainable exploitation of proanthocyanidins, AP.R

Abstract

Guaraná (Paullinia cupana) is a plant native to the Amazon and is widely cultivated in Brazil, the world's leading producer. Approximately 70% of its production is used for the manufacture of soft drinks and energy beverages due to its high caffeine content. However, the seeds also contain about 15% proanthocyanidins. These metabolites possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Despite this potential, they remain underexplored commercially. Therefore, this project focuses on optimizing a sustainable extraction method targeting proanthocyanidins, aiming for greater efficiency, reduced energy and resource consumption, as well as improved reproducibility and yield. Knowledge about the biological potential of proanthocyanidins is still limited, highlighting the need for further investigation. A fractionation process of the extract will also be developed to reduce its chemical complexity, allowing for the isolation and structural characterization of its main components. The proposal also aims to assess the potential biotechnological applications of these compounds, contributing to the development of innovative products with higher added value. (AU)