Ana Beltrán

Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Almond Skin Byproducts (Prunus amygdalus): A Multivariate Analysis Approach

A microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) procedure to isolate phenolic compounds from almond skin byproducts was optimized. A three-level, three-factor Box-Behnken design was used to evaluate the effect of almond skin weight, microwave power, and irradiation time on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH). Almond skin weight was the most important parameter in the studied responses. The best extraction was achieved using 4 g, 60 s, 100 W, and 60 mL of 70% (v/v) ethanol. TPC, antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP), and chemical composition (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) were determined by using the optimized method from seven different almond cultivars. Successful discrimination was obtained for all cultivars by using multivariate linear discriminant analysis (LDA), suggesting the influence of cultivar type on polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. The results show the potential of almond skin as a natural source of phenolics and the effectiveness of MAE for the reutilization of these byproducts.

Characterization of Poly(ε-caprolactone)-Based Nanocomposites Containing Hydroxytyrosol for Active Food Packaging

Antioxidant nanobiocomposites based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared by incorporating hydroxytyrosol (HT) and a commercial montmorillonite, Cloisite30B (C30B), at different concentrations. A full structural, thermal, mechanical, and functional characterization of the developed nanobiocomposites was carried out. The presence of the nanoclay and HT increased PCL crystallinity, whereas some decrease in thermal stability was observed. TEM analyses corroborated the good dispersion of C30B into the PCL macromolecular structure as already asserted by XRD tests, because no large aggregates were observed. A reduction in oxygen permeability and an increase in elastic modulus were obtained for films containing the nanoclay. Finally, the presence of the nanoclay produced a decrease in the HT release from films due to some interaction between HT and C30B. Results proved that these nanobiocomposites can be an interesting and environmentally friendly alternative for active food packaging applications with antioxidant performance.

Recent Trends in Microencapsulation for Smart and Active Innovative Textile Products

Authors would like to acknowledge the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for financial support (Refs. MAT2014-59242-C2-2-R and MAT2014-55778-REDT).