Carolina Oliveira de Souza

Mango and acerola pulps as antioxidant additives in cassava starch bio-based film.

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of incorporating mango and acerola pulps into a biodegradable matrix as a source of polyphenols, carotenoids, and other antioxidant compounds. We also sought to evaluate the efficacy of mango and acerola pulps as antioxidants in film-forming dispersions using a response surface methodology design experiment. The bio-based films were used to pack palm oil (maintained for 45 days of storage) under accelerated oxidation conditions (63% relative humidity and 30 °C) to simulate a storage experiment. The total carotenoid, total polyphenol, and vitamin C contents of films were evaluated, while the total carotenoid, peroxide index, conjugated diene, and hexanal content of the packaged product (palm oil) were also monitored. The same analysis also evaluated palm oil packed in films without antioxidant additives (C1), palm oil packed in low-density polyethylene films (C2), and palm oil with no package (C3) as a control. Although the film-forming procedure affected the antioxidant compounds, the results indicated that antioxidants were effective additives for protecting the packaged product. A lower peroxide index (36.12%), which was significantly different from that of the control (p<0.05), was detected in products packed in film formulations containing high concentration of additives. However, it was found that the high content of vitamin C in acerola pulp acted as a prooxidant agent, which suggests that the use of rich vitamin C pulps should be avoided as additives for films.

Properties and Antioxidant Action of Actives Cassava Starch Films Incorporated with Green Tea and Palm Oil Extracts

There is an interest in the development of an antioxidant packaging fully biodegradable to increase the shelf life of food products. An active film from cassava starch bio-based, incorporated with aqueous green tea extract and oil palm colorant was developed packaging. The effects of additives on the film properties were determined by measuring mechanical, barrier and thermal properties using a response surface methodology design experiment. The bio-based films were used to pack butter (maintained for 45 days) under accelerated oxidation conditions. The antioxidant action of the active films was evaluated by analyzing the peroxide index, total carotenoids, and total polyphenol. The same analysis also evaluated unpacked butter, packed in films without additives and butter packed in LDPE films, as controls. The results suggested that incorporation of the antioxidants extracts tensile strength and water vapor barrier properties (15 times lower) compared to control without additives. A lower peroxide index (231.57%), which was significantly different from that of the control (p<0.05), was detected in products packed in film formulations containing average concentration of green tea extracts and high concentration of colorant. However, it was found that the high content of polyphenols in green tea extract can be acted as a pro-oxidant agent, which suggests that the use of high concentration should be avoided as additives for films. These results support the applicability of a green tea extract and oil palm carotenoics colorant in starch films totally biodegradable and the use of these materials in active packaging of the fatty products.

Bi-functional biobased packing of the cassava starch, glycerol, licuri nanocellulose and red propolis.

The aim of this study was to characterize and determine the bi-functional efficacy of active packaging films produced with starch (4%) and glycerol (1.0%), reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (0–1%) and activated with alcoholic extracts of red propolis (0.4 to 1.0%). The cellulose nanocrystals used in this study were extracted from licuri leaves. The films were characterized using moisture, water-activity analyses and water vapor-permeability tests and were tested regarding their total phenolic compounds and mechanical properties. The antimicrobial and antioxidant efficacy of the films were evaluated by monitoring the use of the active films for packaging cheese curds and butter, respectively. The cellulose nanocrystals increased the mechanical strength of the films and reduced the water permeability and water activity. The active film had an antimicrobial effect on coagulase-positive staphylococci in cheese curds and reduced the oxidation of butter during storage.

ESTUDO COMPARATIVO DA CARACTERIZAÇÃO DE FILMES BIODEGRADÁVEIS DE AMIDO DE MANDIOCA CONTENDO POLPAS DE MANGA E DE ACEROLA

Most compounds reinforcements have been used to improve thermals, mechanical and barrier properties of biopolymers films, whose performance is usually poor when compared to those of synthetic polymers. Biodegradables films have been developed by adding mango and acerola pulps in different concentrations (0-17,1% w/w) as antioxidants active compounds to cassava starch based biodegradable films. The effect of pulps was studied in terms of tensile properties, water vapor permeability, DSC, among other analysis of the films. The study demonstrated that the properties of cassava starch biodegradable films can be significantly altered through of incorporation mango and acerola pulps.

Calcium and fat metabolic balance, and gastrointestinal tolerance in term infants fed milk-based formulas with and without palm olein and palm kernel oils: a randomized blinded crossover study

BackgroundEffects of palm olein (POL) on calcium and fat metabolic balance and gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance have been clinically evaluated but its use in combination with palm kernel oil (PKO), and canola oil has not been similarly assessed in infants.MethodsCalcium and fat balance and GI tolerance were evaluated in 33 healthy term infants (age = 68-159d) in a randomized, double-blinded, 14d crossover trial at a day care center in Salvador, Brazil; followed by a 4d hospital ward metabolic balance study in 17 of the male subjects. The study compared two commercially available milk-based powdered formulas in Brazil; one containing POL (44% of total fat), PKO (21.7%) and canola oil (18.5%) as predominant fats (PALM), and the other containing none (NoPALM). Occasional human milk (HM) supplementation was allowed at home.ResultsFormula and HM intakes, and growth were not different (p > 0.05). Calcium absorption (%) for infants fed NoPALM (58.8 ± 16.7%; means ± SD) was higher (p = 0.023) than those fed PALM (42.1 ± 19.2%), but was not significant (p = 0.104) when calcium intake was used as a covariate. Calcium intake was higher (p < 0.001) in NoPALM versus PALM fed infants. However, calcium retention (%) was higher in infants fed NoPALM compared to PALM with (p = 0.024) or without (p = 0.015) calcium intake as a covariate. Fat absorption (%) for NoPALM was greater than PALM fed infants (NoPALM = 96.9 ± 1.2 > PALM = 95.1 ± 1.5; p = 0.020 in Study Period I). Mean rank stool consistency was softer in infants fed NoPALM versus PALM (p < 0.001; metabolic period). Adverse events, spit-up/vomit, fussiness and gassiness were not different (p > 0.05). Formula acceptability was high and comparable for both formula feedings, regardless of HM supplementation.ConclusionsTerm infants fed PALM based formula (containing palm olein, palm kernel and canola oils) demonstrated lower calcium retention and fat absorption, and less softer stool consistency versus infants fed NoPALM based formula. Study suggested formula fat differences may affect GI function in infants.Clinical trial registrationClinical Trial.Gov # (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov): NCT00941564.

Carotenoides totais e vitamina A de cucurbitáceas do Banco Ativo de Germoplasma da Embrapa Semiárido

Among the species of short cycle crops, with great potential to be increased within the agribusiness of the Semi-Arid Bahia, the pumpkins are an excellent alternative for production. In this region where are found the lowest HDI of Brazil, and populations with high incidence of hypovitaminosis A, promising materials of pumpkins with high amounts of carotenoids have a chance to be good accepted and inserted into the irrigated agribusiness. The aim of this research was to identify accessions of pumpkins from the Active Germplasm Bank (BAG) of Cucurbitaceas from Embrapa Semi-arid with high amounts of total carotenoids and vitamin A. The amount of total carotenoids found by UV-vis spectrophotometry (445nm) in different accessions (A) ranged from 14.93mg g-1 (A4) to 290.62mg g-1 (A43), with average value of 366.60 31.21µg g-1. In the access with higher amounts of total carotenoids a percentage between 60-70 % were quantified as α- and β-carotene showing a total value of vitamin A of 1,182.39 gRAE 100g-1 (A40) and 1,828.84 gRAE 100g-1 (A43). These results demonstrate that the 48 accessions of pumpkins BAG studied show a big variation in the content of total carotenoids, and may represent some high source of vitamin A, which really increase the importance of identifying genotypes for production in large scale of lines segregant of vitamin A.This work aimed to develop an instant flour using the mesocarp of breadfruit, variety apyrena, and assess its physicochemical composition, as well as to develop a flour based puree and determine its potential sensory acceptance by potential consumers, employing the consumer testing. The in natura breadfruit presented moisture in dry basis, pH, soluble solids and total acidity values of 74.58%, 6.01, 5.6°Brix and 1.64%, respectively, while the instant flour presented moisture, pH, density, alcohol content, soluble acidity and water activity values of 9.4%, 5.55, 0.61 g mL-1, 2.098% and 0.538, respectively. The equation adapted from Brooker, used to adjust the drying behavior, was efficient to describe the process of breadfruit drying. The puree breadfruit presented good acceptability by the consumers, considering the sensorial attributes evaluated, except for color, and most of them declared that they would buy the product.

Natural Ingredients as Additive for Active Antioxidant Food Packaging

Active packaging materials have been developed to interact with the packed products and to extend their shelf life. When regarding antioxidant active packaging, it also has the advantage of allowing lower antioxidant addition to the food product. Although many synthetic antioxidant have already been used as antioxidant additives for polymers, recent studies have demonstrated that natural antioxidants are promising sources of additives. In this chapter, some aspects related to natural antioxidants have been reviewed and a few natural antioxidant sources, used as additive for active antioxidant food packaging materials, have been discussed.

Influence of nitrogen on growth, biomass composition, production, and properties of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) by microalgae

This study sought to evaluate influence of nitrogen availability on cell growth, biomass composition, production, and the properties of polyhydroxyalkanoates during cultivation of microalgae Chlorella minutissima, Synechococcus subsalsus, and Spirulina sp. LEB-18. The cellular growth of microalgae reduced with the use of limited nitrogen medium, demonstrating that nitrogen deficiency interferes with the metabolism of microorganisms and the production of biomass. The biochemical composition of microalgae was also altered, which was most notable in the degradation of proteins and chlorophylls and the accumulation of carbonaceous storage molecules such as lipids and polyhydroxyalkanoates. Chlorella minutissima did not produce these polymers even in a nitrogen deficient environment. The largest accumulations of the polyhydroxyalkanoates occurred after a 15 days culture, with a concentration of 16% (dry cell weight) produced by the Synechococcus subsalsus strain and 12% by Spirulina sp. LEB-18. Polyhydroxyalkanoates produced by Synechococcus subsalsus and Spirulina sp. LEB-18 presented different thermal and physical properties, indicating the influence of producing strain on polyhydroxyalkanoates properties. The polymers obtained consisted of long chain monomers with 14 to 18 carbon atoms. This composition is novel, as it has not previously been found in PHAs obtained from Synechococcus subsalsus and Spirulina sp. LEB-18.

Investigation of cellular fatty acid composition of Xanthomonas spp. as chemical markers of productivity and quality of xanthan gum

In this study, we investigated the cellular fatty acid profiles of different Xanthomonas pathovars producing xanthan gum and explored the fatty acid composition to identify chemical markers of xanthan gum productivity and quality. Three Xanthomonas pathovars were studied. The fermentation was conducted for 168 h. Samples from the fermented medium were collected for extraction, quantification, and characterization of xanthan. The unsaturated/saturated (U/S) fatty acid ratio in Xanthomonas cells during fermentation was correlated with production, viscosity, and molecular weight of the gum obtained at each 24 h. The Xanthomonas axonopodis pv manihotis 290 strain showed a higher U/S ratio for major cell fatty acids (C16:1ω7/C16:0) as compared with the other two strains; this high ratio was directly associated with xanthan production. No correlation was observed between cellular fatty acid composition and characteristics of xanthan synthesized. Thus, it was possible to determine a production chemical marker for xanthan gum in Xanthomonas strains.

PROSPECÇÃO TECNOLÓGICA SOBRE A SUPLEMENTAÇÃO NUTRICIONAL DE FÓRMULAS INFANTIS COM ÁCIDOS GRAXOS

The infant formulas are milk modified in order to meet the specific nutritional needs of infants during the first year of life, in order to less en the impact on the health of children deprived of breast milk. The infant is unable to syn the size long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, being then supplied by breast feeding, but when breast feeding is impossible, infant formulas are an alternative to feeding the baby. This prospective study aimed to survey the number of worldwide patents related to the addition of fatty acids as supplements in infant formulas. For this, a survey was conducted from keywords of the subject and with the codes of the international classification in the database of Espacenet European office. Analyses were made regarding the evolution of annual patents, sources