Physicochemical characterization and bioactive properties of the by-product of yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.) fermented with probiotics
probiotics; fermentation; agroindustrial by-products; antioxidant activity; Spondias mombin.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health
benefits. They are generally available as supplements or fermented dairy-based foods and
beverages. Thus, the association of probiotics and plant-based raw materials is promising, as it
allows simultaneous delivery of beneficial microorganisms and bioactive compounds, such as
fibers and phenolic compounds. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the
physicochemical characteristics and bioactive potential of the yellow mombin (Spondias
mombin L.) by-product fermented with probiotic strains. For this purpose, the yellow mombin
by-product was used with and without supplementation of 20 g/L of glucose and 10 g/L of yeast
extract, regarding the multiplication capacity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NRRL B-4496
and Saccharomyces boulardii 17. The fermented samples were subjected to physicochemical
characterization and evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant activity by the methods of total
antioxidant capacity (TAC), scavenging of ABTS and DPPH radicals. The medium based on
yellow mombin by-product without supplementation presented acidic pH, low content of
reducing sugars and 27.80 ± 0.45 mg EAG/g of phenolic compounds. During the fermentation
with L. plantarum, a gradual decrease in viability was observed, with a decrease of 3.39
logarithmic cycles in relation to time zero, while the fermentation with S. boulardii showed an
increase of 3.31 cycles. In the supplementation trials, the viability of L. plantarum was
positively influenced, showing an increase of 2.63 logarithmic cycles. The fermentation
promoted with S. boulardii was able to increase the content of phenolic compounds, in
evaluation with and without supplementation. Compared to the non-inoculated controls, there
was a significant increase in antioxidant activity measured by DPPH radical scavenging during
fermentation of the medium with and without supplements, by both strains. Supplementation
with carbon and nitrogen sources appears to have influenced the total antioxidant capacity in
the fermentations promoted by both probiotic strains. Thus, the yellow mombin byproduct may
be a viable matrix for simultaneous delivery with probiotic strains, presenting antioxidant
capacity and great potential for the development of an innovative nutraceutical product.