LAUSR

BACKGROUND Every year the viticulture activity generates considerable amounts of underused lignocellulosic residues as grape cane that generally are composted or burned despite their potential value as a source of bioactive compounds. To know their phytochemical composition and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) may be a useful way of exploiting different high-added value applications. RESULTS 21 phenolic compounds (PC) and two carotenoids (Car) were quantified by high performance-liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) in 8 grape varieties from different locations in Mendoza, Argentina. The maximum concentrations corresponded to the stilbene ε-viniferin (10552 μg g-1 DW), followed by the flavanols (+)-catechin (3718 μg g-1 DW) and (-)-epicatechin (2486 μg g-1 DW). As well, lutein and β-carotene were quantified at levels ranged between 350 and 2400 ng g-1 DW. The TAC of the extracts was assessed by ORAC, ABTS and DPPH assays, with a good correlation between TAC and total PC for each sample (r ≥ 0.82). CONCLUSION Samples of cv. Malbec, the most representative variety of Argentina's winemaking industry, presented high contents of PC, particularly ε-viniferin, (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin. Quercetin-3-galactoside, OH-tyrosol and Car were reported for the first time in grape canes of the 8 varieties. The results add knowledge related to this inexpensive source of high value bioactive compounds which could be used as functional ingredients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.