Effect of moderate hydrostatic pressures on the enzymatic activity and bioactive composition of pineapple by-products

Abstract

The application of abiotic stresses by moderate hydrostatic pressures (MHP) is still underdeveloped. Abiotic stresses allow activating the enzymatic complexes inducing the synthesis of de novo bioactive compounds. Pineapple by-products are rich in bromelain and bioactive compounds that can be enhanced through abiotic stresses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of MHP on the enzymatic activity of pineapple by-products. Pineapple by-products were submitted to MHP (50–400 MPa between 1 and 15 min) according to a central composite factorial design matrix. Samples were stored at 5 ± 1 C for 24 hr, to allow enzymatic activity to occur. Enzymatic and antioxidant activities and total phenolic compounds (TPC) were quantified. MHP promoted a 262% increase in the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity and 36% increase in TPC, in shell samples. In core the activity of bromelain increased 350%. These results pinpoint the potential to increase the value of pineapple by-products by enhancing the amounts of bioactive compounds through MHP application