Autor(es): Ribeiro, Jessica ; Silva, Vanessa ; Dapkevicius, Maria de Lurdes N. E. ; Igrejas, Gilberto ; Barros, Lillian ; Heleno, Sandrina A. ; Reis, Filipa S. ; Poeta, Patrícia
Data: 2025
Identificador Persistente: http://hdl.handle.net/10198/34949
Origem: Biblioteca Digital do IPB
Assunto(s): Antimicrobial resistance; Antibacterial activity; Antioxidant activity; Malus domestica; Bioactive phytochemicals; Fruit by-products; Oxidative stress; Polyphenols
Apple by-products represent a valuable source of phenolic compounds with significant antimicrobial potential, aligning with sustainable strategies for waste valorisation within the circular bioeconomy. This review focuses on the phenolic profile and antimicrobial relevance of ‘Maçã de Alcobaça,’ a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) apple variety from Portugal. The main phenolics identified include phloridzin, phloretin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin glycosides, catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidins, which exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-positive pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. Their structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of action, namely membrane disruption, enzyme inhibition, oxidative stress induction, and quorum sensing interference, are discussed. Different extraction methods and solvents influence phenolic yield and bioactivity, with ethyl acetate and hydromethanolic extracts generally showing stronger effects. Studies reveal the potential of phenolics to interact synergistically with antibiotics and the promising applications in food preservation, medical formulations, and antimicrobial packaging. Overall, apple-derived phenolics, particularly those derived from industrial by-products, have significant potential as natural antimicrobial agents. Further exploration of these phenolics in the context of One Health and antimicrobial resistance mitigation is recommended.
