Atomização do óleo de jacarés da Amazônia como “novo” nutracêutico

Abstract

The present work addresses the atomization of oil from Amazonian caimans, more specifically from the black caiman (Melanosuchus niger), as a proposal for the development of a new nutraceutical. The research is based on the growing importance of animal-derived lipids, especially those rich in unsaturated fatty acids, in the fields of nutrition and health. Animal oils are the subject of study in a wide range of fields, one of which is fish oil, with its high content of unsaturated fatty acids. However, due to the instability of lipids, they tend to degrade quickly, becoming unsuitable for consumption within a short period of time. Analyzing the applications of fish and crocodile oils, alligator oil may offer a potential potential for the creation of nutraceutical products, potentially benefiting the health of consumers and opening doors for the introduction of new regional products. The objective of this study was to obtain powdered alligator oil for use in potential nutraceutical products. Alligator oil was characterized for its lipid profile, acidity, and peroxide levels, and its antibacterial and antifungal potential was evaluated. Furthermore, the characteristics of the powder obtained by spray-drying the oil microencapsulated were evaluated using a scanning electron microscope. Its stability was assessed by moisture and water activity analyses, as well as its ability to protect the microencapsulated oil by comparing the peroxide index of the free oil and that of the microencapsulated oil, both stored in an oven at 45°C for 7 days. The acidity and peroxide indexes obtained showed that the oil was within the limits accepted by law, and the lipid profile revealed a predominance of oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, in addition to significant amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3, 6, and 9. These compounds are associated with metabolic and cardiovascular benefits comparable to those traditionally attributed to fish oils. Regarding its antibacterial and antifungal properties, the oil demonstrated efficacy against Aspergillus flavus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. In the process of obtaining microcapsules using spray drying, the technique demonstrated efficiency in protecting the bioactive compounds, preserving physicochemical characteristics essential for human consumption. Applying these data to the production of a nutraceutical may highlight the importance of sustainable alligator farming as an alternative, integrating environmental conservation and income generation in Amazonian communities. From an economic perspective, nutraceuticals represent a growing market, where products derived from regional fauna can add value and expand the integration of Amazonian biodiversity into global production chains. Thus, the research contributed to both pharmaceutical innovation and the sustainable valorization of the Amazon's natural resources, highlighting alligator oil as a promising alternative in the nutraceutical sector.