Desarrollo de una bebida energética natural rica en antioxidantes a base de especies amazónicas y residuos de cacao

Abstract

CONDITION FOR PROJECT PUBLICATION. The present study focused on developing a prototype natural energy drink rich in antioxidants, formulated from guayusa (Ilex guayusa), açaí (Euterpe oleracea), and cocoa husk (Theobroma cacao) using a 3k factorial design as a healthier alternative to commercial energy drinks. Based on the chemical characterization of the experimental treatments, performed by UV–Vis spectrophotometry and HPLC, the formulation selected was the one that met the caffeine range specified by the Ecuadorian regulatory standard NTE INEN 2411 (200–350 mg/L) and exhibited a high content of bioactive compounds. The resulting beverage contained 218.10±4.41 mg/L caffeine; 3131.87±255.80 mg GAE/L total phenolics; 760.71±170.58 mg QE/L total flavonoids; 35.62±8.40 mg C3GE/L total anthocyanins; and an antioxidant activity by DPPH radical inhibition of 1201.46±61.97 mg TE/L, among other parameters. A SuperPro Designer® simulation was employed and validated with errors below 3% relative to experimental data, supporting its use for scale-up. A production capacity of 500 L per batch was projected, yielding an NPV of $3667000, an IRR of 35.77%, a ROI of 28.81%, and a payback period of 3.47 years, confirming the project’s feasibility and profitability. This study highlights the bioactive potential of these Amazonian species and agro-industrial by-products as sources of methylxanthines, phenolic acids, and flavonoids for the development of functional foods. Keywords: Energy Drink, Antioxidants, Guayusa (Ilex guayusa), Açaí (Euterpe oleracea), Cocoa Husk, Process Simulation