Juliana Botelho Moreira

Electrospun Polymeric Nanofibers in Food Packaging

Abstract The application of nanotechnology can improve the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials by reducing their particle size and increasing their contact surface area and reactivity. One of the most active areas of nanoscience research and development is food packaging. The use of nanostructured materials, such as nanofibers in food packaging can potentiate their functional characteristics. The development of polymeric nanofibers that are capable of improving the barrier and antimicrobial properties of materials is promising. These nanostructures may also be employed in nanosensor development for the detection and monitoring of food conditions during transport and storage. The aim of the chapter is to discuss the application and acquisition of polymeric nanofibers for food packaging development through the electrospining technique.

Development of pH indicator from PLA/PEO ultrafine fibers containing pigment of microalgae origin

Phycocyanin is a pigment of intense blue color, constituting the biomass of microalga such as Spirulina. This pigment is sensitive to pH and this instability results in color change. Thus, phycocyanin fading may become interesting for application in intelligent packaging. The objective of the study was to develop PLA/PEO ultrafine fibers containing phycocyanin to be used as pH indicators membranes for food packaging. The ultrafine fibers were formed by electrospinning process. The average diameter of 1318 nm was obtained for PLA/PEO ultrafine fibers with 2% (w·v-1) of phycocyanin and 921 nm for those developed with 3% (w·v-1) of the dye. PLA/PEO ultrafine fibers with 3% (w·v-1) of the phycocyanin presented the best responses regarding the perception of color change (ΔE). With the highest thickness (68.7 μm) of the ultrafine fibers developed from 3% (w·v-1) of phycocyanin, the ΔE value found was 18.85 to the variation of pH 3 to 4 and for variation from pH 5 to 6 the value of ΔE was 18.66. Thus, the use of PLA/PEO ultrafine fibers containing phycocyanin as pH indicator is an innovative application for intelligent packaging, since the color of pigment changes depending on pH variation.

Novel Food Supplements Formulated With Spirulina To Meet Athletes’ Needs

The food, training, and health are crucial for a good performance in sports. Intense physical activity takes the athlete to maintain a very unstable balance between energy demand and consumption of nutrients. Spirulina microalga has a nutritional profile that renders it an ideal food supplement, because has high protein content, also contains vitamins, minerals, and pigments. In this context, the study aimed to develop, characterize and evaluate the stability of foods enhanced with Spirulina, which are intended for athletes. In this study, six different supplements were developed (electrolyte replenisher, muscle enhancer, and recovery supplement), without and with Spirulina. The electrolyte replenisher with Spirulina compared to the product without the microalga, showed an increase of 0.35% (w/w) in mineral content. The carbohydrates content of the developed recovery supplement with Spirulina was 2% (w/w) higher than the muscle enhancer without Spirulina. It was not observed increased in the nutritional content of muscle recovery when added Spirulina. However, it is known that Spirulina presents active compounds with important functions for the body. Thus, the composition of the foods satisfied the nutritional needs of athletes. Regarding the stability of developed foods, the shelf life was estimated between 9 and 11 months.

Microalgae-Based Biorefineries as a Promising Approach to Biofuel Production

Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms that are capable of converting carbon dioxide, nutrients, and solar energy into biomass and oxygen. In addition, microalgae have high photosynthetic rates, do not require potable water and arable land for cultivation, and can use liquid and gaseous effluents as nutrients for growth. The biochemical composition of microalgae can be manipulated by changing the cultivation conditions and environmental stresses. Thus, these microorganisms can be induced to produce biomass that is rich in biocompounds of commercial importance. The microalgal biomass can be converted into biofuels and high value-added bioproducts. Thus, microalgae have potential uses as renewable raw materials and could provide promising materials for the development of biorefineries. In this context, this chapter examines microalgae within a biorefinery concept and describes the advantages of using microalgae, culture conditions, biocompounds from biomass and the potential for converting them into biofuel and bioproducts.