On the potential of Acerola: Current state of properties, availability, and green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles

Malpighia emarginata (acerola) is a tropical fruit widely recognized for its exceptionally high content of ascorbic acid, carotenoids, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This review summarizes recent advances on the phytochemical characterization of different parts of acerola—including fruit, leaves, and agro-industrial by-products—and discusses their biological relevance. Emphasis is placed on the emerging field of green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant-derived extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents. While numerous plant species have been extensively explored for nanoparticle biosynthesis, acerola remains remarkably underreported despite its rich redox-active composition. Current evidence suggests that acerola-derived extracts could enable the eco-friendly production of stable metallic nanoparticles with potential biomedical, antimicrobial, and catalytic applications. This review highlights existing gaps, summarizes reported acerola-mediated nanoparticle systems, and proposes future research directions to fully exploit the synergistic potential of acerola phytochemicals in sustainable nanotechnology.