ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: During the processing of spent coffee grounds (SCGs) several residues are obtained, which are mostly disposed of in landfills. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive waste management strategy for these residues. This study evaluates the potential of SCGs as a biofertilizer by assessing their effects on lettuce leaves and the release of antioxidants following in vitro digestion and fermentation. RESULTS: Lettuce plants were grown with different amounts of SCGs (0-150 g kg-1) in the substrate. High SCG concentrations in the soil generated lighter colored tissues, a decrease in the green color, less root development, and lower dry weight of leaves (P < 0.05). The SCG levels also affected the release of antioxidants by the final product. This effect was more pronounced in the digested fraction: applying the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) method, the addition of SCGs from 10 g kg-1 to 125 g kg-1 increased the amount of antioxidant from 43.88 ± 4.81 to 105.96 ± 29.09 µmol Trolox g-1 of dry weight (P < 0.05). The Indigo Carmine Reducing Capacity (ICRED) method also showed a similar trend, but in this case the highest value was obtained with 150 g kg-1 of SCGs (16.41 ± 3.93 mmol catechin g-1 of dry weight) (P < 0.05). Moreover, in the fermented fraction a significant increase in the antioxidant released was found with low levels of SCG(P<0.05), while lettuces fertilized with intermediate amounts of SCGs (25 and 50 g kg-1) presented the highest amount of insoluble antioxidant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A compromise should be found in order to achieve a product with a high antioxidant capacity and an acceptable visual quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.