Bridging Chemical Analysis and Aroma Profiling: The Effects of Cold Plasma on Buriti ( Mauritia flexuosa ) Pulp Volatile Nuances

This study characterizes the volatile composition and aroma profile of buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) pulp and evaluates the impact of glow-discharge cold plasma processing. Untreated pulp analysis identified 23 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with terpenes (67.9%) and esters (10.9%) as the dominant chemical groups. The most abundant compound was α-pinene (56.0%), followed by β-pinene, β-caryophyllene, and butanoic acid ethyl ester. Plasma treatments were carried out at varying airflow rates and processing times. Results indicated that airflow rate was the primary driver of chemical selectivity. Results at low airflow rates suggested that pathways involving oxidation or degradation of long-chain fatty acids into short-chain esters and alcohols may have occurred, whereas high airflow rates may have favored terpene rearrangement or isomerization. Aroma modulation was assessed using Odor Activity Values, which showed that plasma treatment intensified fruity and floral notes while reducing spicy notes. These findings suggest that cold plasma is a viable technology for tailoring the aroma profile of fruit pulps, thereby enhancing desirable tropical characteristics.