Mangas do Nordeste do Brasil como fontes de fitoquímicos e desenvolvimento de recobrimentos de amido contendo solvente natural eutético profundo para manter a qualidade e o potencial funcional

Abstract

Brazil is the seventh largest mango producer in the world, especially in the Northeast region. However, there are several under-explored varieties, that produce fruits with high quality and sensory acceptance, of which, is important to know the functional potential seeking at adding value, market expansion and regional socio economic development. Regarding the mango export market, although it is consolidated, alternatives are sought to extend the useful life of this highly perishable fruit in an economical manner, and in this way the application of biodegradable coatings cand be a sustainable and promising alternative. In this scenario, green technologies, such as innovative starch formulations plasticized with Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent - NADES, in substitution to glycerol, can be efficient. In view of this, the functional potential of under-exploited mangoes in the Northeast was evaluated, as well as formulations of plasticized coatings with NADES for application in export mangoes were developed, following changes in quality and bioactive compounds. First experiment, analysed carotenoids, free amino acids (FAA) and peptides profiles of six mango varieties from Northeastern Brazil ('Maranhão', 'Cunha', 'Espada', 'Jasmim', 'Extrema' and 'Rosa'), here designated regional, compared to two commercials ('Alphonso' and 'Tommy Atkins'). 'Jasmine' and 'Rosa' had the highest carotenoid content, with 'Rosa' having the highest contents of β-carotene and zeaxanthin. 'Rosa' also showed the highest FAA content among regionals. 'Cunha' had the highest violaxanthin, while 'Tommy Atkins' the lowest. 'Maranhão' was the only one with methionine and isoleucine. Regionals presented more peaks in the peptide profiles, especially 'Rosa' and 'Extrema'. The different profiles made it possible to easily distinguish the varieties, showing the regional mangoes as rich in bioactive compounds, and may represent quality markers suitable for the varieties authenticity value. 'Rosa', 'Jasmim' and 'Maranhão' were classified as superior in terms of inputs of phytochemicals. The second experiment aimed to formulate coatings with NADES in total or partial replacement of glycerol, having previously developed a NADES of choline chloride and citric acid, for postharvest application in 'Palmer' mangoes from Vale do Submédio São Francisco. The developed NADES and the proposed use generated a patent filing. Films obtained from the coatings were evaluated for structural properties and the effects of their application on 'Palmer' mangoes quality physical-chemical and sensory. NADES influenced in water vapor permeability, thickness, elongation, solubility and opacity of the films and in the reduction of the respiratory rate, loss of mass, loss of firmness and in the advance of soluble solids, ensuring better sensory acceptance compared to uncoated fruits. As to functional aspect, the formulations 0.72% NADES + 0.85% G; 1.78% NADES + 0.15% G; 1.25% of NADES + 0.5% of G and 1.25% of NADES, compared to the control - C fruits, influenced the levels of ascorbic acid - AsA, carotenoids - CT, total phenolics - FT, antioxidant activity - AA , free amino acids and peptide profile - FAA. Coatings with 1.25% NADES promoted higher TC, AsA and AA in addition to improving important FAA such as isoleucine, leucine, valine, tryptophan, tyrosine and alanine. However, further research is still needed to understand the effects of NADES coating on carotenoid synthesis and amino acid metabolismo.