Novel applications of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds
Author(s)
Pannucci, Elisa
Date Issued
September 12, 2019
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
Polyphenols represent one of the most numerous and ubiquitous groups of plant metabolites. They possess interesting biological properties. Considering their diffusion into the plant kingdom, they can be found also in agro-industrial by-products. These could be managed and utilized more efficiently, becoming low-cost sources of valuable compound that can be recycled to produce pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food preservatives, generating both economic and environmental benefits as required by the “circular economy” principles. Thus, the main goal of this study was the valorization of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa, cv. Hayward) peel and olive (Olea europaea) oil by-products to obtain extracts rich in procyanidins and hydroxytyrosol, respectively. Procyanidins-rich extract was tested for the anti-inflammatory activity, demonstrating to be able to inhibit key molecular targets; hydroxytyrosol-rich extract was tested for the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, demonstrating to be a strong antioxidant and to exert an antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas savastanoi and Agrobacterium tumefaciens, two olive pathogens. Finally, with the aim of applying the hydroxytyrosol-rich extract in active food packaging, pure hydroxytyrosol was used as active ingredient. The corresponding formulations developed, based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), nanostructured starch and hydroxytyrosol, showed a gradual release of the antioxidant suggesting novel and eco-friendly solutions for active food packaging.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Scienze delle produzioni vegetali e animali
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