Characterization of the bark of <i>Plathymenia reticulata</i> Benth. from the Brazilian Cerrado in the context of bioprospecting natural products for multiple uses

Abstract The bark of Plathymenia reticulata was characterized for its structural, anatomical, and chemical properties, aiming to analyze its potential in the context of bioprospecting and emphasizing the valorization of bioproducts in biorefinery pathways. The study conducted a detailed analysis of the phloem, including chemical characterization through summative analysis, inorganic elemental composition, identification and quantification of bioactive compounds, as well as tannin characterization. The phloem contained high levels of extractives (40.0 %), lignin (40.6 %), and ash (8.6 %), while the cork exhibited high lignin content (34.5 %) and suberin content (24.7 %). Aqueous acetone solubilised higher concentrations of phenolics (53.62 mg GAE/g extract), flavonoids (7.26 mg CE/g extract), and tannins (9.97 mg CE/g extract) compared to ethanol and methanol. Trigonelline, theobromine, gallic acid, and caffeic acid were identified in the bark extracts, with yields varying according to the solvent. The yield of tannin extraction was 19.1 %, and the tannins were characterized by Raman, FTIR and TGA analyses. The bark of P. reticulata demonstrated significant potential for bioprospecting, with applications in a variety of bioproducts, including pharmaceuticals, coatings, biochar, biofuels, and fertilizers. This study contributes to the development of a sustainable bioeconomy, benefiting local communities and promoting conservation of species from the Cerrado biome.