Unlocking the Antioxidant Potential of Wild Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) Pomace through Design of Experiments

The valorization of plant-derived waste through bioconversion and biorefinery strategies is gaining increasing attention as a suitable approach to resource recovery. These residues represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds, offering the dual benefit of reducing waste generation while obtaining potentially health-promoting ingredients.

Within this framework, this study aimed to characterize the chemical profile and antioxidant potential of wild bilberry-derived (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) pomace. A mathematical and statistical approach based on the Box-Behnken design of experiments was used to optimize the extraction process. Thirteen maceration experiments were designed to extract polyphenolic components from V. myrtillus pomace. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of extracts were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu assay and aluminum chloride colorimetric assay, respectively.

Non-cell-based radical scavenging assays, i.e., DPPH and ABTS, and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay were performed to evaluate the antioxidant potential. In addition, cytocompatibility and antioxidant assays were carried out to investigate the antioxidant activity of the extracts in HaCaT cells.

The results showed that all the extracts of V. myrtillus were rich of phenolic and flavonoids, and exhibited high radical scavenging and reducing power effects. Selected tested extracts at their lower concentration showed antioxidant potential in HaCaT cells with no signs of toxicity. Taking these results together, the most promising extracts will be considered for the development of a topical product aimed at supporting microcirculatory well-being.

In conclusion, this ongoing research offers valuable data to support the use of V. myrtillus pomace extracts for therapeutic purposes.