Giuseppe Sortino

Nanoassemblies based on non-ionic amphiphilic cyclodextrin hosting Zn(II)-phthalocyanine and docetaxel: Design, physicochemical properties and intracellular effects.

The combination of conventional anticancer therapy with other treatment modalities such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) is paving the way to novel more effective treatment of solid tumors via light exposure. With this idea in mind, in this paper, nanoparticles (NPs) based on Heptakis (2-oligo(ethyleneoxide)-6-hexadecylthio-)-β-CD (SC16OH) for dual delivery of Zinc-Phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and Docetaxel (DTX) were developed pointing to their potential application as nanomedicine for the combined photodynamic and chemo-therapy of solid tumors. NPs prepared by the emulsion-solvent evaporation technique displayed a hydrodynamic diameter of ≅ 200nm, a negative zeta potential (≅ -27mV) and a satisfactory entrapment efficiency of both drugs at a specific mass ratio. On these bases, NPs containing DTX and ZnPc with theoretical loading of 5% and 0.2% respectively (ZnPc/DTX5-NPs) were selected for further investigations. The allocation of ZnPc and DTX into the colloid was investigated by complementary spectroscopic techniques. In particular, fluorescence emission studies showed the entrapment of ZnPc as a monomer in the carrier, with a low tendency to self-aggregate and consequently a fairly high propensity to photogenerate singlet oxygen. The interaction of SC16OH with DTX, co-entrapped with ZnPc, was elucidated by (1)H NMR and 2D ROESY, which suggested the presence of the chemotherapeutic in the hydrophobic portion of SC16OH. ZnPc/DTX5-NPs were fairly stable in different biological relevant media within 24h. Finally, in vitro potential of the nanoassembly was evaluated in HeLa cancer cells by cell viability exploring both effects of DTX and ZnPc. Overall, results suggest the suitability of NPs based on SC16OH for delivering a combination of DTX with ZnPc to cancer cells, thus inducing photodynamic and antimitotic effects.

Nanoassemblies Based on Supramolecular Complexes of Nonionic Amphiphilic Cyclodextrin and Sorafenib as Effective Weapons to Kill Human HCC Cells.

Sorafenib (Sor), an effective chemiotherapeutic drug utilized against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), robustly interacts with nonionic amphiphilic cyclodextrin (aCD, SC6OH), forming, in aqueous solution, supramolecular complexes that behave as building blocks of highly water-dispersible colloidal nanoassemblies. SC6OH/Sor complex has been characterized by complementary spectroscopic techniques, such as UV-vis, steady-state fluorescence and anisotropy, resonance light scattering and (1)H NMR. The spectroscopic evidences and experiments carried out in the presence of an adamantane derivative, which competes with drug for CD cavity, agree with the entrapment of Sor in aCD, pointing out the role of the aCD cavity in the interaction between drug and amphiphile. Nanoassemblies based on SC6OH/Sor display size of ∼200 nm, negative zeta-potential (ζ = -11 mV), and both maximum loading capacity (LC ∼ 17%) and entrapment efficiency (EE ∼ 100%). Kinetic release profiles show a slower release of Sor from nanoassemblies with respect to the free drug. SC6OH/Sor nanoassemblies have very low hemolytic activity and high efficiency in vitro in decreasing cell growth and viability of HCC cell lines, such as HepG2, Hep3B, and PLC/PRF/5, opening promising chances to their in vivo applications.

Shelf-life and Quality of Fresh-cut Peach Cv ‘ruby Rich’ at Different Maturity Stage

‘Ruby Rich’ is a yellow-flesh peach cultivar that ripens during the last week of May and the first of June. This fruit is characterized by distinct colour and size, which make it highly appreciated by consumers, particularly, in the local markets. However, is known about ‘Ruby Rich’ minimal processing physiology. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of passive atmosphere, during 12 d, on shelf-life and quality of fresh cut peach fruit, at different ripening stages. ‘Ruby Rich’ peach fruits were picked at mature-green stage (MG) (55.0 ± 0.5 N), and ripe stage (RP) (35.7 ± 0.7 N) determined by flesh firmness. Fruits were washed, peeled, sliced and stored for 0, 3, 5, 7 and 12 days after cut, six replications were used for each storage time. Scores of appearance and firmness, weight, colour, respiration rate, soluble solids total, ascorbic acid and phenols were observed. Significant differences occurred on MG treatment in terms of visual quality, flesh firmness, polyphenols and ascorbic acid. Results shows that peach slices (RP) maintain the shelf life condition for 5 d. at 5 °C with the best results in terms of solid soluble content and flavour.

Food quality and nutraceutical value of nine cultivars of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruits grown in Mediterranean subtropical environment

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) quality is strongly influenced by genotype but individuating the most appropriate harvesting time is essential to obtain high quality fruits. In this trial we studied the influences of the ripening stage at harvest (mature-ripe or green-ripe) on quality of ready to eat mango fruits from nine cultivars (Carrie, Keitt, Glenn, Manzanillo, Maya, Rosa, Osteen, Tommy Atkins and Kensington Pride) grown in the Mediterranean subtropical climate through physicochemical, nutraceutical, and sensory analysis. Our results show a large variability among the different observed genotypes and in dependence of the ripening stage at harvest. With the exception of Rosa, mature-ripe fruits are well-colored, sweet and aromatic, and better suited for short supply chains. On the other hand, post-harvest ripened fruits are firmer, frequently (Carrie, Glenn, Keitt, Manzanillo, Maya) possess interesting nutraceutical value and, in the case of Glenn, Maya, Osteen, and Kensington Pride, they can reach market standard quality.

Effects of rapid refrigeration and modified atmosphere packaging on litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit quality traits

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a tropical fruit characterized by a rapid pericarp browning and dehydration during postharvest, resulting in an accelerated shelf life and in a loss of consumer appreciation and consequently of its market value. The aim of our study was to assess litchi fruit chemical-physical and sensory quality changes during postharvest and shelf life using rapid refrigeration (RR) and active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Litchi fruits were picked at commercial harvest and were divided in 4 groups: not treated fruit (CTR); rapid refrigerated fruit (RRF); modified atmosphere packed fruit (MAP); hydrogen peroxide treated and modified atmosphere packed fruit (MAP+). CTR and RRF fruit were packed in microperforated plastic bag whereas MAP and MAP+ fruit were packed in unperforated high-density polyethylene package in which a gas mixture (60 kPa N2, 30% CO2 and 10 kPa O2) was flushed and then the bag was hermetically sealed. RRF, fruit were submitted to cooling in order to rapidly reduce their temperature using a blast cabinet which allows to reach 4° C in 15 minutes in three different steps. Finally, all the treated fruit were submitted to cold storage (5°C) for 12 days. Chemical-physical and sensory characteristics were analyzed after 4, 8 and 12 days of cold storage and their shelf life was monitored after 2 and 4 days at 20° C. Generally, the fruit submitted to RRF treatment presents a more intense red color in particular referring to L parameter and the best chemical-physical characteristics. Moreover, RRF fruit revealed having more consistency, juicy flesh, fruity flavour and exotic flavour after 4 days and of fruity odor and exotic odor after 8 days of cold storage. After 12 days, MAP and MAP+ showed a sensory decay. Finally, RRF technique, by rapid refrigeration, permits to prolong fruit color and taste during cold storage and consequent shelf life.

Quality Changes of Tropical and Subtropical Fresh-cut Fruits Mix in Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Application of passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for shelf life extension of mixed pineapple slices, mango pieces and orange segments, was evaluated. Fruits of Ananas cv ‘Gold’, Mango cv ‘Keitt’ and Orange cv ‘Washington Navel’ were washed, sanitized, peeled and cut. Minimal processed fruits were packed under 2 different atmospheres, passive (air) and active MAP (70% N2, 10 %O2, 20 %CO2), and stored at 10±1 °C with 85±5% RH for 12 days. Changes in package atmosphere composition, weight loss, color, texture, pH, soluble solids, sensory attributes, were evaluated after cutting and at three subsequent stages of storage (the 3 day, 6d, 9d, and the 12 day). Color parameters L* and b* significantly decreased over time in all packaging conditions and L* variation was directly attributed to the translucency phenomenon in the fruit flesh. The pineapple and orange parameters highlighted the best visual score during the storage period, the lowest values of the browning index and the highest scores of all sensory descriptors at each sampling date. Organoleptic attributes have not been influenced by the storage time and no off-flavors were detected in the treated fruit. We conclude that pineapple slices and orange segments can be maintained in excellent condition for up 9 days at 10±1°C following the treatment with active MAP.

PREDICTION OF HARVEST TIME IN PEACH [PRUNUS PERSICA (L.) BATSCH] FRUIT USING THE DA-METER

The aim of this work was to define the most appropriate time of harvesting early ripening peach fruit using destructive and non-destructive quality indexes such as the index of absorbance (IAD), measured with the DA-Meter, a portable equipment able to measure the degradation of chlorophyll in the pericarp. In this context our research was carried out in 2009 and 2010 on several peach cultivars. Total soluble solid content increased while flesh firmness and total acidity decreased with IAD values, but no significant correlation was found between destructive and non-destructive parameters.