Valorisation the bark of forest species as a source of natural products within the framework of a sustainable bioeconomy in the Amazon

Abstract The aim was to evaluate the potential of the stem bark of Byrsonima spicata , Croton matourensis , Myrcia splendens , Tapirira guianensis and Vismia guianensis as a source of value-added macromolecules to contribute to the bioeconomy in the Amazon. The barks were collected from secondary forests in the state of Pará, Brazil, and analysed for the first time for anatomical and chemical composition. High-performance microscopic images showed the presence of a rhytidome composed of one to seven layers of periderms. The bark had a significant presence of extractives soluble in ethanol and water (from 29.3 to 46.1 %). Lignin content ranged from 19.0 to 33.4 %. The optical emission spectrometer showed a rich mineral composition, particularly in calcium (2.9–20.6 g kg −1 of bark). High tannin content was quantified, especially in B. spicata (19.1 %) and M. splendens (29.9 %). The composition of the bark suggests that it can be used to obtain potentially valuable phenolic compounds with chemical functionalities and bioactivities. After this extraction, the lignin-rich solid residue is suitable for a thermochemical valorisation , while the high nutrient levels make soil amendment an interesting application. A sustainable bark removal may therefore generate local income and contribute to the conservation of these Amazonian species.