Evaluación de la capacidad antioxidante de extracto de achiote (Bixa orellana) para aplicaciones en modelos alimentarios

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity of Bixa Orellana (achiote) extract impregnated into chitosan-based biopolymer films using supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO₂) technology for potential application in food models. The extract was obtained via hydroalcoholic ultrasound-assisted extraction and subsequently impregnated into chitosan films under controlled conditions (200 bar, 60 °C, 3 h) in a supercritical fluid system. The antioxidant activity of the impregnated films was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, while antimicrobial activity was assessed against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis) using the agar diffusion method. The results showed that the impregnated biopolymer films exhibited notable antioxidant activity, with inhibition percentages ranging from 34.86 % to 40.29 %, highlighting Film 2 as the most effective. Statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey s HSD test) confirmed significant differences among the formulations evaluated. However, no antimicrobial activity was detected against the tested bacterial strains, suggesting that the concentration and release of bioactive compounds were insufficient under the experimental conditions. In conclusion, Bixa orellana extract impregnated in chitosan films demonstrated promising antioxidant potential, which may contribute to extending the shelf life of food products. Further studies are needed to optimize impregnation parameters and investigate synergistic effects with other antimicrobial agents to achieve effective bioactive systems for industrial food packaging applications.