An integrative review of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea and Euterpe precatoria): Traditional uses, phytochemical composition, market trends, and emerging applications.

The increasing trade and popularity of açaí prompt this review. Therefore, it is imperative to provide an overview of the fruit's characteristics and the available data on its marketing, research, and products derived from its pulp and seeds to comprehend the current state of the açaí industry. Concerning food applications, it was observed that there is still room for developing processes that effectively preserve the bioactive compounds of the fruit while also being economically feasible, which presents an opportunity for future research. A notable research trend has been focused on utilizing the fruit's seeds, a byproduct of açaí processing, which is still considered a significant technological challenge. Furthermore, the studies compiled in this review attest to the industry's considerable progress and ongoing efforts to demonstrate the various properties of açaí, driving the sector's exponential growth in Brazil and worldwide.

Near infrared spectroscopy and smartphone-based imaging as fast alternatives for the evaluation of the bioactive potential of freeze-dried açai.

The development of green analytical techniques for food industry quality control has become an important issue in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. In this sense, near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and smartphone-based imaging (SBI) were applied to evaluate the bioactive potential of freeze-dried açai pulps. For this purpose, reference results of ninety-six samples were obtained by determining total anthocyanins (TAC), polyphenol content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ORAC and TEAC) by traditional methods and correlated to NIR spectra and SBI to build predictive models based on partial square least (PLS) regression. In summary, the NIR-PLS models showed better performance for predicting the TAC, TPC and antioxidant capacity of studied samples; considering the parameters of merit, such as coefficient of determination (0.8) and residual prediction deviation (RPD) (2.2) compared to the SBI-PLS models (0.7 and lower 1.5, respectively). The better performance of NIR-PLS could be potentially justified by a higher sensitivity of the NIR equipment than the smartphone images. In conclusion, these results show that the proposed alternative methods are promising tools for the future context of the 4.0 food industry.

Virulence of Trypanosoma cruzi from vector and reservoir in in natura açaí pulp resulting in food-borne acute Chagas disease at Pará State, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades some outbreaks of food-borne acute Chagas disease (ACD) in humans were identified by clinical and epidemiological characterization after association through the ingestion of açaí pulp probably contaminated with Trypanosoma cruzi. Whereas Belém and Abaetetuba stood out as important risk regions for disease transmission, the importance of Rhodnius pictipes, and Philander opossum for the biological cycle of T. cruzi, and data from agribusiness market of açaí, to study T. cruzi from vector and reservoir of the Brazilian Amazon region is critical for this context. Thus, the purpose of this study was to verify the infective capacity and the virulence of T. cruzi in açaí pulp from vector and reservoir at Pará State experimentally. METHODS: 105T. cruzi I in in natura açaí pulp from Belém at Pará State, at room temperature, after forced sieving, by intraperitoneal, gavage or oral route of inoculation in B6.129S7Rag1-/-tmMom/J Unib allowed food-borne ACD analysis using common light microscopy. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: T. cruzi in in natura açaí pulp from R. pictipes (Val-De-Cans Forest, Belém, and Ajuaí River, Abaetetuba, Pará), and P. opossum (Combu Island, Belém, Pará) caused ACD and death between 17 and 52 days after experimental infections in murine immunodeficient hosts. CONCLUSIONS: T. cruzi from different sources and locations at Pará State in in natura açaí pulp retained its infective capacity and virulence, and can cause new outbreaks of ACD by oral transmission. Additionally, quality basic education will facilitate efficient hygiene practices throughout the açaí productive chain can eradicate food-borne ACD in the coming decades.

High isostatic pressure and thermal processing of açaí fruit (Euterpe oleracea Martius): Effect on pulp color and inactivation of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase.

The present study evaluated the effect of high isostatic pressure (HIP) on the activity of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) from açaí. Açaí pulp was submitted to several combinations of pressure (400, 500, 600MPa), temperature (25 and 65°C) for 5 and 15min. The combined effect of HIP technology and high temperatures (690MPa by 2 and 5min at 80°C) was also investigated and compared to the conventional thermal treatment (85°C/1min). POD and PPO enzyme activity and instrumental color were examined after processing and after 24h of refrigerated storage. Results showed stability of POD for all pressures at 25°C, which proved to be heat-resistant and baro-resistant at 65°C. For PPO, the inactivation at 65°C was 71.7% for 600MPa after 15min. In general, the increase in temperature from 25°C to 65°C reduced the PPO relative activity with no changes in color. Although the thermal treatment and the HIP (690MPa) along with high temperature (80°C) reduced the PPO relative activity, and relevant darkening was observed in the processed samples. Thus, it can be concluded that POD is more baro-resistant than PPO in açaí pulp subjected to the same HIP processing conditions and processing at 600MPa/65°C for 5min may be an effective alternative for thermal pasteurization treatments.

Molecular detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in acai pulp and sugarcane juice.

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi affects about 6-8 million people worldwide. Although transmission by triatomine insects has been controlled, other means of transmission maintain the infection. These forms of transmission are responsible for introducing Chagas disease in other non-endemic countries of the world. Thus, Chagas disease, nowadays is a worldwide health problem. In Brazil, acai pulp and sugarcane juice have been associated with Chagas disease outbreaks. The difficulties in isolation of the parasite from foods are hampering source tracking which could allow the confirmation of an implicated food commodity in these outbreak investigations. To address this scientific gap, we evaluated the performance of real-time PCR (qPCR) for detecting T. cruzi in acai pulp and sugarcane juice. All experiments were performed with acai pulp and sugarcane juice samples contaminated with different concentrations of T. cruzi. In assays with qPCR, the results showed that the ideal procedure for T. cruzi identification in acai pulp and sugarcane juice consisted of: i. centrifugation; ii. DNA extraction with a commercial kit for stool matrix; and iii. qPCR using a specific molecular marker for T. cruzi. The seeding in LIT medium of experimentally contaminated foods was effective in detecting the parasitic load by qPCR. The efficacy of qPCR was also verified testing food samples crushed with infected Triatomines. In conclusion, this methodology can be used to perform rapid diagnosis in outbreaks, facilitating measures in disease control.

Physicochemical and microbiological characterization and antioxidant capacity of açaí pulps marketed in the states of Minas Gerais and Pará, Brazil / Caracterização físico-química, microbiológica e capacidade antioxidante de polpas de açaí comercializadas nos Estados de Minas Gerais e Pará, Brasil

The frozen açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp market has had acceptable development and presents great market potential due to its high nutritional level and fruit's seasonality. However, due to the lack of standards for all types of fruit, products without uniformity are in the market. This study aimed to evaluate frozen açaí pulp belonging to different trademarks related to chemical, physicochemical, and microbiological characteristics. Regarding the total titratable acidity (TTA) and pH, two trademarks from Pará and two from Minas Gerais were rejected compared with the current legislation. It was observed that K (1,253.6mg 100 g-1), Ca (312mg 100g-1), Mg (178mg 100g-1), and P (145mg 100g-1) were the main minerals reported in the analyzed samples. Fe showed an average content from 9.65mg 100g-1 to 22.66mg 100g-1. As for microbiological characteristics, the counts for E. coli were in compliance with legislation. Counts of mesophilic aerobic, filamentous fungi, and yeasts showed variations in the results. The count of coagulase-positive S. aureus met the standards [102 Colony Forming Units (CFU) g-1]; and presence of Salmonella sp. in a trademark was detected among the six evaluated trademarks. The analyzed pulp of açaí showed total phenolics values ranging from 240.14mg AGE 100g-1 to 372.43mg AGE 100g-1, and anthocyanin total levels ranging from 12.05 to 24.98mg 100g-1. The obtained physicochemical and microbiological results indicated the need for immediate implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices; conversely, the frozen pulp of açaí showed considerable antioxidant potential.(AU)

O mercado de polpa de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) congelada tem tido crescimento aceitável e apresenta grande potencial mercadológico em função da sazonalidade e do elevado nível nutricional do fruto. Porém, devido à inexistência de padrões para todos os tipos de frutas, encontram-se no mercado produtos sem uniformidade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar polpas de açaí congeladas de diferentes marcas comerciais, quanto às características químicas, físico-químicas e microbiológicas. Para ATT e pH, duas marcas do Pará e duas de Minas Gerais foram reprovadas, quando comparadas com a legislação vigente. Observou-se que K (1253,6mg 100g-1), Ca (312mg 100g-1), Mg (178mg 100g-1), e P (145mg 100g-1) foram os principais minerais encontrados nas amostras avaliadas. O Fe apresentou conteúdo médio entre 9,65mg 100g-1 e 22,66mg 100g-1. Quanto às características microbiológicas, as contagens para E.coli atenderam à legislação. As contagens de mesófilos aeróbios, fungos filamentosos e leveduras apresentaram variações nos resultados. A contagem de S. aureus coagulase positiva apresentou-se dentro dos padrões (102UFC g-1) e foi detectada a presença de Salmonella sp. em uma marca, dentre as seis avaliadas. As polpas de açaí analisadas apresentaram valores de fenólicos totais variando de 240,14mg AGE 100g-1 a 372,43mg AGE 100g-1 e os níveis de antocianinas totais variando de 12,05 a 24,98mg 100g-1. Os resultados físico-químicos e microbiológicos obtidos indicaram a necessidade de implementação imediata das Boas Práticas de Fabricação; em contrapartida, as polpas congeladas de açaí apresentaram considerável potencial antioxidante.(AU)

Physicochemical and microbiological characterization and antioxidant capacity of açaí pulps marketed in the states of Minas Gerais and Pará, Brazil / Caracterização físico-química, microbiológica e capacidade antioxidante de polpas de açaí comercializadas nos Estados de Minas Gerais e Pará, Brasil

The frozen açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp market has had acceptable development and presents great market potential due to its high nutritional level and fruit's seasonality. However, due to the lack of standards for all types of fruit, products without uniformity are in the market. This study aimed to evaluate frozen açaí pulp belonging to different trademarks related to chemical, physicochemical, and microbiological characteristics. Regarding the total titratable acidity (TTA) and pH, two trademarks from Pará and two from Minas Gerais were rejected compared with the current legislation. It was observed that K (1,253.6mg 100 g-1), Ca (312mg 100g-1), Mg (178mg 100g-1), and P (145mg 100g-1) were the main minerals reported in the analyzed samples. Fe showed an average content from 9.65mg 100g-1 to 22.66mg 100g-1. As for microbiological characteristics, the counts for E. coli were in compliance with legislation. Counts of mesophilic aerobic, filamentous fungi, and yeasts showed variations in the results. The count of coagulase-positive S. aureus met the standards [102 Colony Forming Units (CFU) g-1]; and presence of Salmonella sp. in a trademark was detected among the six evaluated trademarks. The analyzed pulp of açaí showed total phenolics values ranging from 240.14mg AGE 100g-1 to 372.43mg AGE 100g-1, and anthocyanin total levels ranging from 12.05 to 24.98mg 100g-1. The obtained physicochemical and microbiological results indicated the need for immediate implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices; conversely, the frozen pulp of açaí showed considerable antioxidant potential.

O mercado de polpa de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) congelada tem tido crescimento aceitável e apresenta grande potencial mercadológico em função da sazonalidade e do elevado nível nutricional do fruto. Porém, devido à inexistência de padrões para todos os tipos de frutas, encontram-se no mercado produtos sem uniformidade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar polpas de açaí congeladas de diferentes marcas comerciais, quanto às características químicas, físico-químicas e microbiológicas. Para ATT e pH, duas marcas do Pará e duas de Minas Gerais foram reprovadas, quando comparadas com a legislação vigente. Observou-se que K (1253,6mg 100g-1), Ca (312mg 100g-1), Mg (178mg 100g-1), e P (145mg 100g-1) foram os principais minerais encontrados nas amostras avaliadas. O Fe apresentou conteúdo médio entre 9,65mg 100g-1 e 22,66mg 100g-1. Quanto às características microbiológicas, as contagens para E.coli atenderam à legislação. As contagens de mesófilos aeróbios, fungos filamentosos e leveduras apresentaram variações nos resultados. A contagem de S. aureus coagulase positiva apresentou-se dentro dos padrões (102UFC g-1) e foi detectada a presença de Salmonella sp. em uma marca, dentre as seis avaliadas. As polpas de açaí analisadas apresentaram valores de fenólicos totais variando de 240,14mg AGE 100g-1 a 372,43mg AGE 100g-1 e os níveis de antocianinas totais variando de 12,05 a 24,98mg 100g-1. Os resultados físico-químicos e microbiológicos obtidos indicaram a necessidade de implementação imediata das Boas Práticas de Fabricação; em contrapartida, as polpas congeladas de açaí apresentaram considerável potencial antioxidante.

Molecular detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in acai pulp and sugarcane juice

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi affects about 6-8 million people worldwide. Although transmission by triatomine insects has been controlled, other means of transmission maintain the infection. These forms of transmission are responsible for introducing Chagas disease in other non-endemic countries of the world. Thus, Chagas disease, nowadays is a worldwide health problem. In Brazil, acai pulp and sugarcane juice have been associated with Chagas disease outbreaks. The difficulties in isolation of the parasite from foods are hampering source tracking which could allow the confirmation of an implicated food commodity in these outbreak investigations. To address this scientific gap, we evaluated the performance of real-time PCR (qPCR) for detecting T. cruzi in acai pulp and sugarcane juice. All experiments were performed with acai pulp and sugarcane juice samples contaminated with different concentrations of T. cruzi. In assays with qPCR, the results showed that the ideal procedure for T. cruzi identification in acai pulp and sugarcane juice consisted of: i. centrifugation; ii. DNA extraction with a commercial kit for stool matrix; and iii. qPCR using a specific molecular marker for T. cruzi. The seeding in LIT medium of experimentally contaminated foods was effective in detecting the parasitic load by qPCR. The efficacy of qPCR was also verified testing food samples crushed with infected Triatomines. In conclusion, this methodology can be used to perform rapid diagnosis in outbreaks, facilitating measures in disease control.

Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) feeding attenuates dimethylhydrazine-induced rat colon carcinogenesis.

This study investigated the protective effect of spray-dried açaí powder (AP) intake on colon carcinogenesis induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in male Wistar rats. After 4 weeks of DMH administrations, the groups were fed with standard diet, a diet containing 2.5% or 5.0% AP or a diet containing 0.2% N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for 10 weeks, using aberrant crypt foci (ACF) as the endpoint. Additionally, two groups were fed with standard diet or a diet containing 5.0% AP for 20 weeks, using colon tumors as the endpoint. In ACF assay, a reduction in the number of aberrant crypts (ACs) and ACF (1-3 AC) were observed in the groups fed with 5.0% AP (37% AC and 47% ACF inhibition, p=0.036) and 0.2% NAC (39% AC and 41% ACF inhibition, p=0.042). In tumor assay, a reduction in the number of invasive tumors (p<0.005) and tumor multiplicity (p=0.001) was observed in the group fed with 5.0% AP. Also, a reduction in tumor Ki-67 cell proliferation (p=0.003) and net growth index (p=0.001) was observed in the group fed with 5.0% AP. Therefore the findings of this study indicate that AP feeding may reduce the development of chemically-induced rat colon carcinogenesis.

Polpa de açaí congelada: características nutricionais, físico-químicas, microscópicas e avaliação da rotulagem / Frozen açai pulp: study on the nutritional and physical-chemical characteristics, and microscopic and product labelling analyses

As polpas de açaí congeladas comercializadas no município de Ribeirão Preto/SP foram avaliadas quanto às características nutricionais, físico-químicas, microscópicas e a rotulagem do produto. Os parâmetros físico-químicos como umidade, sólidos totais, cinzas, acidez, proteínas, lipídios, carboidratos, calorias e fibras foram analisados em 30 amostras de polpa de açaí integral, açaí tipo B e açaí tipo C. Os valores obtidos foram comparados com os da legislação e analisados pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis (p<0,05). A pesquisa de sujidades leves foi realizada seguindo-se a metodologia da AOAC. A informação nutricional descrita no rótulo do produto foi avaliada baseando-se nas legislações em vigor. Os três tipos de polpas analisados não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes em todos os parâmetros físico-químicos. Na análise microscópica, 50% das amostras apresentaram sujidades como fragmentos de insetos, ácaros, cristais de areia e pelo humano, que indicam a existência de falhas na adoção e/ou manutenção das Boas Práticas de Fabricação. Além disso, 3,33% das amostras foram consideradas impróprias para consumo pela presença de pelo de roedor, matéria estranha prejudicial à saúde humana. Irregularidades nas informações contidas nos rótulos dos produtos indicam a necessidade de melhor adequação quanto às normas gerais de rotulagem por parte dos fabricantes.

The nutritional, physical-chemical, microscopic characteristics and product description on package label of frozen açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart) pulp were assessed. Thirty samples of the whole açai pulp, açai type B and açai type C marketed in the municipality of Ribeirao Preto/SP were analyzed on physical-chemical parameters as moisture, total solids, ash, acidity, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, calories and fibers. The found contents were compared with the legislation and analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test (p <0.05). Light filth presence was investigated following the methodology recommended by AOAC. The nutrients described on the product labels were evaluated based on the legislations in force. No statistically significant differences among the three types of açai pulp were found on all of the analyzed physical-chemical parameters. By microscopic analysis filth as insect fragments, mites, sand crystals and human hair were found in 50% of the samples, which indicated afailure in performing the Good Manufacturing Practices; and 3.33% of samples were found to be unsuitablefor consumption due to the presence of rodent hair, extraneous material harmful to human health. Some labelinformation on the products were at variance with the food labeling regulations.

Frozen açai pulp. Study on the nutritional and physical-chemical characteristics, and microscopic and product labelling analyses / Polpa de açaí congelada: características nutricionais, físico-químicas, microscópicas e avaliação da rotulagem

The nutritional, physical-chemical, microscopic characteristics and product description on package label offrozen açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart) pulp were assessed. Thirty samples of the whole açai pulp, açai type B andaçai type C marketed in the municipality of Ribeirao Preto/SP were analyzed on physical-chemical parametersas moisture, total solids, ash, acidity, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, calories and fibers. The found contentswere compared with the legislation and analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test (p 0.05). Light filth presence wasinvestigated following the methodology recommended by AOAC. The nutrients described on the product labelswere evaluated based on the legislations in force. No statistically significant differences among the three typesof açai pulp were found on all of the analyzed physical-chemical parameters. By microscopic analysis filth asinsect fragments, mites, sand crystals and human hair were found in 50% of the samples, which indicated afailure in performing the Good Manufacturing Practices; and 3.33% of samples were found to be unsuitablefor consumption due to the presence of rodent hair, extraneous material harmful to human health. Some labelinformation on the products were at variance with the food labeling regulations.

As polpas de açaí congeladas comercializadas no município de Ribeirão Preto/SP foram avaliadas quanto àscaracterísticas nutricionais, físico-químicas, microscópicas e a rotulagem do produto. Os parâmetros físicoquímicoscomo umidade, sólidos totais, cinzas, acidez, proteínas, lipídios, carboidratos, calorias e fibrasforam analisados em 30 amostras de polpa de açaí integral, açaí tipo B e açaí tipo C. Os valores obtidos foramcomparados com os da legislação e analisados pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis (p 0,05). A pesquisa de sujidadesleves foi realizada seguindo-se a metodologia da AOAC. A informação nutricional descrita no rótulo doproduto foi avaliada baseando-se nas legislações em vigor. Os três tipos de polpas analisados não apresentaramdiferenças estatisticamente significantes em todos os parâmetros físico-químicos. Na análise microscópica,50% das amostras apresentaram sujidades como fragmentos de insetos, ácaros, cristais de areia e pelo humano,que indicam a existência de falhas na adoção e/ou manutenção das Boas Práticas de Fabricação. Além disso,3,33% das amostras foram consideradas impróprias para consumo pela presença de pelo de roedor, matériaestranha prejudicial à saúde humana. Irregularidades nas informações contidas nos rótulos dos produtosindicam a necessidade de melhor adequação quanto às normas gerais de rotulagem por parte dos fabricantes.