Resumo

CARMONA, Juan E. et al. Chemical, structural and functional properties of lechuguilla (Agave lechuguilla Torr.). Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2017, vol.8, n.42, pp.100-122. ISSN 2007-1132.

Agave lechuguilla Torr. Is a non-timber forest resource in the arid and semi-arid zones of northeastern Mexico, due to its range of distribution, it is interesting to evaluate the potential of this raw material for biotechnological applications such as the production of second generation biofuels and chemical products with high value added for the benefit of the people area rural. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the chemical, structural and functional properties of the biomass of A. lechuguilla, to determine its potential for obtaining antioxidants as products of high added value. The study of the material by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed the common characteristics of the lignocellulosic compounds of this type of materials. According to the chemical characterization, the main component were extractive compounds (45.34 %), followed by structural sugars such as cellulose and hemicellulose (34.87 %) and total lignin (7.32 %). The effect of different solvents (methanol, ethanol and acetone) and with NaOH in the preparation of antioxidant extracts was evaluated. All extracts showed antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP and CAT assays) with a better affinity for extraction and preservation with the use of acetone (89.75 % by DPPH, 1.60 mM Fe (II) g-1 biomass by FRAP and 1.75 mg α-tocopherol g-1 biomass by CAT). The results reveal the potential of A. lechuguilla for the extraction of antioxidants as products of interest in the pharmaceutical and food industry.

Palavras-chave : Agave lechuguilla Torr.; chemical composition; structural characteristics; functional properties; antioxidants.