Biochemical and Functional Characterization of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam Biomass: A Novel Source of Fructose and Fiber for Sustainable Applications

Resumen

Objective: Quantification of phytochemical content of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam (G. ulmifolia L.) biomass from Veracruz, Mexico, with the aim of carrying out future biotechnological applications, such as animal feed formulations.

Design/methodology/approach: This work characterized the peel and seed of G. ulmifolia L. Fructose and glucose were identified as the primary components in the peel extract using high-performance liquid chromatography. HPLC also revealed traces of unknown components. In addition, combined glucose and fructose were quantified at different extraction times (up to 90 min) and in triplicate using refractometry as a rapid and complementary technique. The seed extract was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the dry peel underwent bromatological evaluation to determine the analytical constituents.

Results: High-performance liquid chromatography results corroborated the presence of fructose and glucose after 90 min of extraction, with retention times of 2.1 and 2.4 minutes, respectively. HPLC analysis revealed a larger area under the chromatogram at a retention time of 2.1 minutes, indicating that fructose (76.2%) was the predominant sugar in the peel extract. The concentration of combined fructose and glucose in the extract obtained was 12.2 %wt at the beginning of the extraction and 36.727 %wt at the end of the extraction (90 minutes). The total soluble saccharide content (fructose and glucose) in the peel was 15.42 %wt. Bromatological analysis of the remaining biomass showed a crude fiber content of 35.4% and a crude protein content of 7.12%

Limitations on study/implications: The seasonal nature of the fruit G. ulmifolia L. posed a limitation for its conservation and storage.  

Findings/conclusions: These findings suggest that G. ulmifolia L. biomass, particularly from dried fruit, is rich in carbohydrates and crude fiber, presenting a potential alternative for livestock fodder and its sugares may serve as an alternative feed for honey bees. Finally, and applying the adjusted mathematical model, the refractometry technique is proposed as a rapid alternative for the measurement of sugars in extracts of G. ulmifolia L., avoiding the use of robust techniques.