Optimization of Thermoultrasound Process of Soursop () Nectar and Comparison of Its Physicochemical Properties and Bioaccessibility of Antioxidants with Pasteurized Sample.

Research Background: Soursop nectar contains antioxidants and is preserved by pasteurization. However, this technology impairs its physicochemical properties and bioactive compounds. An alternative is therefore thermoultrasound, which could counteract these effects. The thermosonicated nectar was compared with a pasteurized one and the bioaccessibility of antioxidants was estimated.

Experimental Approach: The soursop nectar (25 %) was processed and the response surface methodology was used to determine the optimal conditions for thermoultrasound treatment (TUS). The TUS (75-90 % amplitude, 3.15-15 min) was applied, and 2 % stevia and 6 % agave inulin were added as sweeteners. The microbiological, physicochemical, enzymatic and antioxidant properties were analyzed. The properties of thermosonicated nectar obtained under optimal conditions were compared with pasteurized nectar. In addition to the above determinations, microstructure, total dietary fiber (TDF) and bioaccessibility of antioxidants were determined.

Results And Conclusions: The response variables that fit the mathematical model were *, *, chroma (*), total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity determined by ABTS, DPPH˙ and Fe(III) reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The * and DPPH˙ were affected by quadratic time and TPC by time (p<0.0001). The optimum TUS condition was 82 % amplitude for 9.15 min and the responses variables were and (45.48, 3.55 and 3.62, respectively), TPC expressed as gallic acid equivalents (38.40 mg/100 mL), ABTS expressed as Trolox equivalents (TE) (31.28 μmol/100 mL), DPPH˙ expressed as TE (124.22 μmol/100 mL) and FRAP expressed as Fe(II) (3.06 μmol/100 mL). Compared to the pasteurized sample, thermosonicated sample had high values of * (45.56), ° (-56.49), TPC (26.63 mg/100 mL), ABTS and DPPH˙ (22.03 and 129.22 μmol/100 mL, respectively), FRAP (3.10 μmol/100 mL) and low pectin methylesterase (PME) activity (0.28 U/mL). For bioaccessibility, thermosonicated nectar showed high absorption of TPC (15.26/100 mL) and high antioxidant activity determined by ABTS (34.92 μmol/100 mL) and FRAP (7.88 μmol/100 mL).

Novelty And Scientific Contribution: The thermoultrasound improves the physicochemical properties and bioaccessibility of antioxidants in soursop nectar. On the other hand, as an alternative, this beverage offers low-calorie alternative with prebiotic properties that benefits consumer health.