Fernanda Paula Collares-Queiroz

Innovation and Industrial Trends in Bioplastics

Bioplastics constitute an emerging and innovative industrial segment, characterized by new synergies and collaborations among the chemical, biotechnological, agricultural, and consumer sectors. This study will encompass analyses of recent data about different types of bioplastics, whether biodegradable or not, wholly or partially from renewable sources, their producers and installed capacities, with reference to production and biopolymer processing. Innovation issues are raised when comparing the number of scientific publications and patent deposits in bioplastics over the past 10 years, connecting to the expectations of new industrial capacities for the next 5 years. A brief characterization of the scenario where these developments are taking place is made and the identification of near future trends in technological and industrial progress is attempted.

Comparative study of processing methods for starch/gelatin films

In this work, the influence of processing methods on the properties of starch/gelatin films plasticized with glycerol and sorbitol is reported. Four different processing techniques: casting; pressing; pressing followed by blowing and extrusion followed by blowing were evaluated. Bioplastics prepared by casting were homogeneous and transparent with lower opacity and water vapor permeability (WVP) values when compared to films prepared by other techniques. Among the cast films studied, those with 3% lipophilic starch, in 1:1 proportions and plasticized with sorbitol, showed lower WVP values and higher tensile strength (TS). Films obtained by pressing and blowing showed little expansion during blow, had cracks in the surface, low TS and higher WVP. These films were the only samples to show crystallinity as determined by thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction. In conclusion, different processing techniques have significantly affected the properties of these films.

Filmes e coberturas comestíveis compostas à base de amidos nativos e gelatina na conservação e aceitação sensorial de uvas Crimson

Films based on gelatin and native starches from wheat, sorghum, potato and rice were produced separately and characterized as to their physical-chemical (water solubility and water vapor permeability), physical (thickness and opacity) and mechanical (resistance to traction and percentage elongation at rupture) properties. The same solutions were prepared and applied to Crimson grapes for sensory evaluation and determination of weight loss over 22 days. The sorghum and rice coatings were the most efficient in their extending shelf life (a ten day increase). However, with respect to sensory attributes, the grapes with the rice coating did not show a statistical difference when compared to the control, which presented the lowest scores for global appearance purchase. The sorghum coating presented a water vapor permeability of 5.40 g.mm.m-2.d.kPa, resistance to traction of 85.89 MPa, stretching of 6.61% and opacity of 40%. This film did not present the best characterization values, but was the best coating option. In the sensory evaluation, the coated grapes had a better or similar acceptance, when compared to the control, as to global appearance, shine, color and purchase. With respect to the eating characteristics of the grapes, none of the coatings significantly influenced aroma, flavor and texture, and were accepted by the consumers in every parameter.

Desenvolvimento de massa alimentícia fresca funcional com a adição de isolado protéico de soja e polidextrose utilizando páprica como corante

The trend of the current consumer is to use foods that are easy to prepare and that besides having nutritional quality provide health benefits. In this work, fresh food with functional characteristics was developed incorporating Soy Protein Isolate (SPI) and polidextrose using paprika as the coloring agent. The consumption of IPS could contribute to decrease cholesterol levels while polidextrose, acting as a fiber, could promote the reduction of risk of colon cancer. The optimization of the formulation was carried out using a 23 complete factorial design considering independent variables the following contents: i) SPI; ii) polidextrose; and iii) paprika. The effects of these variables on the quality of the food were evaluated through physical-chemical characteristics (color and cooking test), instrumental texture, and sensory analysis. Regarding the physical parameters, instrumental color of the raw pasta was affected only by the addition of paprika. The parameters cooking time (2.5 minutes), increase in mass (1.40 to 1.64%), and loss of solids (3.80 to 5.56%) were not influenced by the ingredients used. Elasticity (instrumental texture parameter) was reduced with the increase of polidextrose. Regarding sensory analysis of the raw food, an increase in the addition of SPI and a reduction in the addition of polidextrose positively affected global acceptance and purchase intention. An increases in SPI and paprika increased color acceptance. Regarding sensory analysis of the cooked food, SPI had a positive effect on texture while polidextrose and paprika negatively affected this parameter. Nevertheless, the ingredients used did not influence purchase intention of the cooked food. The ideal percentages of polidextrose, soy protein isolate, and paprika were 3.5, 8.0, and 1.5%, respectively.

Caracterização físico-química, reológica, morfológica e térmica dos amidos de milho normal, ceroso e com alto teor de amilose

The objective of this work was to evaluate normal, waxy, and high amylose corn starches from National Starch, through the determination of the physicochemical, morphological, thermal, and rheological properties. The high amylose corn starch (AM) presented amylose content of 71%, and the value of this component for the normal (M) and waxy (AP) corn starch was 27.8 and 1.8%, respectively. Traces of protein and lipids were observed in all samples. The waxy corn starch presented higher peak viscosity and lower tendency to retrogradation when compared with the normal corn starch. The (AP) starch presented the lowest gelatinization enthalpy. This can be observed in the DSC analysis, in which the gelatinization temperature obtained was 71 °C and the enthalpy was 3.34 J.g-1. In the RVA analysis, the paste temperature was also equal to 71 °C. The retrogradation enthalpy of AP starch was 25.8% lower than the M starch. The AM starch presented a retrogradation enthalpy value equal to 26.38 J.g-1 validating the higher interaction of amylose molecule on the retrogradation process. This was also observed in the force of gels, in which the AM gel presented force 99.18% higher than other starches. The normal and waxy corn starches presented A X-ray diffraction pattern and the high amylose starch presented B X-ray diffraction pattern determined by X-ray diffraction analysis.

Biscoitos de polvilho azedo enriquecidos com fibras solúveis e insolúveis

This work evaluated the use of wheat bran and polidextrose as fiber sources to enrich fermented cassava starch biscuits. The Response Surface Methodology was used to verify the influence of the addition of these fiber sources on the quality parameters of the biscuits. The responses of the 22 central composite rotational experimental design that were evaluated were specific volume, hardness, and moisture and color - parameters L, a*, and b*. For the specific volume and hardness responses, all factors were significant: 95% confidence level, with R² of 0.9307 and 0.8091, respectively. Analyzing the surfaces obtained it could be observed that the wheat bran and polidextrose reduced the specific volume and the wheat bran had a greater effect in increasing hardness. The substitution of fermented cassava starch by wheat bran and polidextrose in proportions of 1.5 and 5%, respectively, produced a fiber-rich sample with 6.23% dietary fiber (calculated theoretically) without affecting the expansion and texture characteristics negatively and with a good sensory acceptance.