Phenolic profile, in vitro antimicrobial activity and antioxidant capacity of Vaccinium meridionale swartz pomace

Berries of Vaccinium meridionale Swartz contain a variety of phytochemicals, which are believed to account for their bioactive properties. The potential of Vaccinium meridionale Swartz pomace as a source of bioactive compounds was investigated. The dietary fiber (DF) content was assessed by the AOAC method, phenolic compounds were characterized and quantified via HPLC-PDA and UPLC-QTOF-MS. The in vitro antibacterial activity was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The antioxidant properties were assessed by the ORAC and the ABTS assays. The DF content was 52.4 +/- 3.7%, phenolic compounds comprised anthocyanins (ACNs) (747.6 +/- 167.5 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/100 g FW), hydroxycinammic acids (HCAs) (229.2 +/- 68.4 mg chlorogenic acid equivalents/100 g FW), flavonols (335.0 +/- 139.5 rutin equivalents/100 g FW), and procyanidins (PACs) (140.9 +/- 33.3 mg cocoa procyanidin equivalents/100 g FW). Staphylococcus aureus was more sensitive than E. coli. The ORAC value was 250.0 +/- 32.0 mu mol TE/g fresh weight (FW). Results suggest that the residue from V. meridionale S. can be utilized to obtain valuable nutraceuticals for the development of functional foods.