Nectandra falcifolia: potential phytopharmaceutical for skin damage protection designed by statistical approach and characterized by photoacoustic spectroscopy

AbstractPhytopharmaceutical products are being used in the treatment and prevention of health problems. Nowadays, the development and evaluation of novel pharmaceutical products is expensive and time consuming. A statistical approach is a good tool for optimal development processes. Nectandra falcifolia (Nees) J.A. Castigl. ex Mart. Crov. & Piccinini, Lauraceae, a Brazilian species, is reported as anti-inflammatory, anti-leishmanial and anti-microbial. However, there is little known about its chemical composition. For other species of Nectandra genus, the presence of antioxidant compounds is reported. In order to optimize the process of obtaining extract with high antioxidant activity, different extraction conditions were tested following a statistical approach. Two sequential experimental designs were used – first, a factorial 23 design, followed by central composite 22. The extracts manufactured by these experimental statistical matrixes had their antioxidant activity and phenolic contents quantified and the response surface plots were fitted in quadratic models and they predicted the best extraction condition for the best antioxidant activity. This standardized extract and its antioxidant activity were better evaluated by two complementary tests (ABTS and Burst respiratory). A topical formulation containing 1% (w/w) of standardized extract was prepared and used for an in vivo skin permeation study using a two-dose application. The photoacoustic spectroscopy was used to analyze the samples from the permeation study and the composition profile of standardized extract. In rat skin samples, the data demonstrated that for the higher dose of topical formulation (5 g/cm2), the standardized extract could cross skin and be seen in epidermis and dermis. This was not the case for the lower dose (2 g/cm2) which was only present in the epidermis. This information suggests that this novel standardized extract of N. falcifoliacould be explored for skin damage prevention or treatment for diseases developed by oxidative damage.

Remoção de carga orgânica recalcitrante de lixiviado de resíduos sólidos urbanos pré-tratado biologicamente por coagulação química-floculação-sedimentação / Removing recalcitrant organic load of landfill leachate from urban solid waste pretreated biologically by coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation

A utilização de pós-tratamentos físico-químicos no tratamento de lixiviados tem sido uma alternativa utilizada para a remoção da carga orgânica presente nesse efluente. Dessa forma, este artigo teve como objetivo avaliar a técnica de tratamento físico-químico pelo processo de coagulação química-floculação-sedimentação como alternativa para pós-tratamento de lixiviado tratado biologicamente. Para isso, utilizou-se o equipamento de reatores estáticos Jarteste, e os parâmetros monitorados para avaliar a eficiência do tratamento físico-químico foram cor verdadeira e demanda química de oxigênio (DQO). Por meio da técnica de planejamento fatorial e analisando-se os resultados obtidos, pôde-se verificar que as maiores remoções de cor e de DQO foram encontradas combinando-se dosagem de 400 mgFe+3/L com pH 3,0, alcançando-se 98 e 81% de remoção de cor e DQO, respectivamente.

The utilization of physical-chemical post treatment on landfill leachate has been an option employed to remove organic compounds from this effluent. In this way, this article aimed to evaluate the physical-chemical treatment by coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation as an alternative in the post-treatment of landfill leachate submitted to biological treatment. Consequently, it was used a Jar-test to monitor true color and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in order to evaluate the efficiency of the physical-chemical treatment. By means of factorial design and analyzing the results, it was found that the best removals of color and COD were attained by combining a dosage of 400 mg Fe+3/L with pH 3.0, achieving 98 and 81% of color removal and COD, respectively.

Effect of carrageenan addition on the yield and functional properties of charqui (Jerked Beef)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the application of carrageenan (CAR) to improve the functional properties of the jerked beef (JF) and to increase its processing yield. JB produced from Vastus lateralis with CAR (1.0%) at 25ºC and NaCl (15.0%) had approximately 15.0% higher moisture and a 32.0% higher processing yield in comparison to the control samples.JB-CAR presented shear force approximately 5.0 and 20% lower in the samples uncooked salted and desalted cooked, respectively, and sensorial acceptance above 80%. The results demonstrated the possibility of applying carrageenan to jerked beef in order to obtain an increase in the processing yield and a tender product while maintaining the sensorial quality and its intermediate-moisture meat product nature.

Osmo-dehydrated functional product containing fructo-oligosaccharides: physical, chemical and sensorial characteristics

The objective of the present study was to develop a functional product from the osmo-dehydrated Fuji apple incorporating FOS with acceptable physical, chemical and sensorial characteristics and potential for commercial-scale production. Some treatments were discarded due to texture and water activity that did not reach the desired quality parameters. The products submitted to the osmo-dehydration treatments presented a greater vitamin C loss. All the treatments obtained sensory scores of 6 in a 9 points scale for all the attributes, except the crispness, indicating good acceptance. The sensory scores and incorporated FOS quantities indicated that the osmo-dehydrated apple products have potential for commercial-scale production.

Optimizing dehydration of apples Malus Domestica with fructo-oligosaccharide incorporation

The objective of the present study was to study the effect of the variables of the osmotic dehydration process on sliced Fuji apples (Malus domestica) using a 2 x 3² factorial design. The variables studied in the apple slices were the pretreatment (blanching or acidification), the temperatures (30, 45 and 60ºC) and the FOS concentration (40%, 50% and 60% m/v) of the osmotic solution. There was no difference among the pretreatments for the water activity and titratable acidity. The slices pre-treated by the acidification presented less enzymatic browning (greatest luminosity L* value) combined with a greater soluble solid contents (thus, this treatment was selected). Treatments T4 (45ºC and 40% m/v) and T7 (60ºC and 40%m/v), using the acidification presented responses within the recommended standards and FOS were validated by the repetition.

Evaluation of biomass production, carotenoid level and antioxidant capacity produced by Thermus filiformis using fractional factorial design

A fractional factorial design 2(5-1) was used to evaluate the effect of temperature, pH, and concentrations of yeast extract, tryptone and Nitsch's trace elements on the biomass, total carotenoids and protection against singlet oxygen by carotenoid extracts of the bacterium Thermus filiformis. In addition, the carotenoid composition was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography connected to a diode array and mass spectrometer detectors (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS). The production of biomass ranged from 0.113 to 0.658 g/L, the total carotenoid from 137.6 to 1,517.4 mg/g and the protection against singlet oxygen from 4.3 to 85.1 %. Results of the fractional factorial design showed that temperature had a negative effect on biomass production and a positive effect on carotenoid content and protection against singlet oxygen, besides, high levels of pH value, concentrations of yeast extract and tryptone had a positive effect on biomass production only at lower temperatures. The main carotenoids of T. filiformis were thermozeaxanthins. In the tested conditions, changes in the levels of the variables influenced the biomass, carotenoid production, and protection against singlet oxygen, although they did not influence the carotenoid profile. The results of this study provide a better understanding on the interactions among certain nutritional and cultivation conditions of a thermophile bacterium, Thermus filiformis, on biomass and carotenoid amounts, as well as on the antioxidant capacity.

Adição de polieletrólito ao processo de floculação no pós-tratamento de lixiviado por coagulação-floculação-sedimentação / Addition to polyelectrolyte flocculation process in post leachate treatment coagulation-sedimentation-flocculation

A adição de polieletrólito ao processo de floculação no tratamento físico-químico por coagulação-floculação-sedimentação de efluentes tem sido uma alternativa para a obtenção de clarificados de boa qualidade em menor tempo devido ao aumento da velocidade de sedimentação. Deste modo, este artigo, objetivou determinar as inter-relações entre as variáveis pH, gradiente de floculação, dosagem de ferro e tipo de polieletrólito e avaliar o efeito desta adição na remoção de cor, DQO e turbidez no pós-tratamento do lixiviado submetido a tratamento biolõgico. Através do uso da técnica de planejamento e analisando-se os resultados obtidos, pôde-se verificar que o polímero de carga catiônica apresentou-se como o mais eficiente, obtendo remoções de até 97,70% para cor verdadeira, 81,52% para DQO e 92,18% para turbidez.

The addition of polyelectrolyte flocculation process in the physical-chemical treatment by coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation effluent has been an alternative to obtain clarification of good quality in less time due to increased sedimentation rate. Thus, this article aimed to determine the interrelationships between the pH gradient, flocculation, iron dosage and type of polyelectrolyte and evaluate the effect of this addition on color removal, COD and turbidity in the post-treatment of the leachate subjected to pretreatment biological. Through the use of technical planning and analyzing the results, it was found that the polymer cationic charge introduced himself as the most efficient, achieving removals of up to 97.70% for true color, 81.52% for COD and 92.18% for turbidity.

Properties of extruded xanthan-starch-clay nanocomposite films

The aim of this work was to manufacture the biodegradable nanocomposite films by extrusion from different combinations of cassava starch, xanthan gum and nanoclays (sodium montmorillonite - MMT- Na) and to characterize them according to their microstructure, optical, mechanical and barrier properties. Films were manufactured from nine starch/xanthan/nanoclay combinations, containing glycerol as plasticizer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the starch-xanthan extruded films showed reticulated surface and smooth interior, indicating that the gum was mostly concentrated on the surface of the films, while starch/xanthan/nanoclays films showed a more homogeneous surface, suggesting that the introduction of nanoclays provided a better biopolymeric interaction. In general, nanoclays addition (2.5 - 5.0, w percent) generated more transparent and resistant films, with lower water vapor permeabilities and lower water sorption capacities and xanthan gum addition improved the elongation ofa starch films.

Biodegradable foams based on starch, polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan and sugarcane fibers obtained by extrusion

Biodegradable foams made from cassava starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), sugarcane bagasse fibers and chitosan were obtained by extrusion. The composites were prepared with formulations determined by a constrained ternary mixtures experimental design, using as variables: (X1) starch / PVA (100 - 70 percent), (X2) chitosan (0 - 2 percent) and (X3) fibers from sugar cane (0 - 28 percent). The effects of varying proportions of these three components on foam properties were studied, as well the relationship between their properties and foam microstructure. The addition of starch/PVA in high proportions increased the expansion index and mechanical resistance of studied foams. Fibers addition improved the expansion and mechanical properties of the foams. There was a trend of red and yellow colors when the composites were produced with the highest proportions of fibers and chitosan, respectively. All the formulations were resistant to moisture content increase until 75 percent relative humidity of storage.

Efeito de fibras vegetais nas propriedades de compósitos biodegradáveis de amido de mandioca produzidos via extrusão / Effects of vegetal fibers on properties of cassava starch biodegradable composites produced by extrusion

A preocupação com o volume de lixo tem gerado interesse no desenvolvimento de embalagens biodegradáveis capazes de substituir, ao menos em parte, os plásticos convencionais sintéticos, como é o caso das embalagens de poliestireno expandido (Isopor). Ojvetivou-se,neste trabalho caracterizar, quanto ao índice de expansão (IE), densidade, índice de absorção em água (IAA), índice de solubilidade em água (ISA) e cor (coordenadas L*, a* e b*), compósitos biodegradáveis expandidos produzidos via extrusão, a partir da mistura de amido de mandioca, glicerol (plastificante) e dois tipos de fibras vegetais. Os compósitos foram preparados em extrusora mono-rosca, com três diferentes teores de fibras de aveia ou de cana-de-açúcar (0, 5 e 10 g/100 g amido), dois teores de umidade (18 e 26 por cento) e teor fixo de glicerol (20g/100 g sólidos). A adição das fibras não afetou significativamente o IE, a densidade e o IAA, porém diminuiu o ISA dos materiais, o que é uma vantagem, favorecendo a utilização das fibras no reforço dos compósitos. A adição de fibras levou ao escurecimento das amostras, com decréscimo da luminosidade (L*) e, ainda, ao aumento nos valores dos parâmetros de cor a* e b*. Este estudo é passo fundamental para produção em escala industrial dos compósitos, que necessitam de condições de processo que forneçam resultados reprodutíveis de expansão e capacidade de absorção e solubilidade em água, propriedades de grande importância nesses produtos.

The concern with the volume of waste has generated interest in the development of biodegradable packaging able to replace, at least in part, the conventional synthetic plastics, such as packs of expanded polystyrene (Isopor). This study aimed to characterize the expansion index, density, the water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI) and color (coordinates L*, a* and b*) of expanded biodegradable composites produced by extrusion, from the mixture cassava starch, glycerol (plasticizer) and two different types of vegetable fibres. The composites were prepared in a single screw extruder, with three different levels of oat or sugar cane fibres (0, 5 and 10 g /100 g starch), two levels of humidity (18 and 26 percent) and a fixed level of glycerol (20 g/100 g solds). The addition of fibres did not affect significantly the expansion index, density and WAI of materials, and reduced WSI of products, which is an advantage and promotes the use of these fibres in the reinforcement of composites. The addition of fibers led to the darkening of the samples, with decrease in lightness (L*) and increase in the values of the color parameters a* and b*. This study is a key step for a future industrial scale production of these composites, which requires process conditions that provide reproducible results of expansion and absorption capacity and solubility in water, properties of great importance in these products.

Effect of relative humidities on microstructural, barrier and mechanical properties of Yam starch-monoglyceride films

The effect of monoglyceride on microstructural, barrier and mechanical properties of casted yam starch films were investigated in different relative humidities (RH) and compared with glycerol-starch films. A single screw extruder was used to produce the starch - monoglyceride complex before film production and this process was effective to inhibit the phase separation in films. The addition of the hydrophobic compound reduced hydrophobicity, transparency and water vapor permeability of films. This later value for starch-glycerol film (1.7 x 10-10 g Pa-1 s-1 m-1) was higher than starch (1.2 x 10-10 g Pa-1 s-1 m-1) and monoglyceride-starch films (1.0 x 10-10 g Pa-1 s-1 m-1). Films containing glycerol had higher relative crystallinity (B and V H) with a slight increase at higher RH values, while for monoglyceride films, the crystallinity was constant. Monoglyceride-starch films presented poor mechanical properties when compared to glycerol- starch ones but they presented a stable behavior under different relative humidities.

Estudou-se o efeito da adição de monoglicerídeo nas propriedades microestruturais, mecânicas e de barreira de filmes de amido de inhame, em diferentes umidades relativas (UR), comparando-as com as de filmes de amido- glicerol. Uma extrusora mono-rosca foi usado para produzir o complexo amido-monoglicerídeo, antes de produzir o filme, e o processo foi efetivo para inibir a separação de fases que geralmente ocorre nesse tipo de filmes. A adição de monoglicerídeo, que é um composto hidrofóbico, reduziu a hidrofilicidade, a transparência e a permeabilidade ao vapor de água dos filmes. O valor desta, para os filmes de amido-glicerol (1,7 x 10-10 g Pa-1 s-1 m-1) foi maior que para os de amido (1,2 x 10-10 g Pa-1 s-1 m-1) e para os de amido-monoglicerídeo (1,0 x 10-10 g Pa-1 s-1 m-1). Os filmes com glicerol tiveram maior cristalinidade relativa (B e V H), com um ligeiro aumento em altas UR, enquanto que nos filmes com monoglicerídeo a cristalinidade foi constante. Os filmes de amido-monoglicerídeo apresentaram piores propriedades mecânicas que os filmes de amido-glicerol, mas foram mais estáveis sob diferentes umidades relativas.

Chemical basis for beef charqui meat texture

This work evaluated the relationship of charqui meat (CHM) chemical composition with the tenderness throughout its production. CHM was prepared from beef Vastus lateralis of 4-5 years old. Shear force of fresh CHM showed an approx. 3-fold increase in toughness compared to the raw material while, in the case of cooked CHM it was 6-fold increased in relation to the raw charqui. The moisture content decreased by 39.0 and 58.0 percent (p<0.05) for uncooked and cooked CHM, respectively, in relation to the raw material. Mathematical modeling of the influence of these meat components showed that shear force increased exponentially with the loss of moisture. The texture of CHM was the result of a multitude of factors involving myofibril proteins which promoted dynamic biochemical events such as the binding of water molecules. It was the amount of the latter which ultimately determine the final charqui meat texture.

Este trabalho avaliou a relação entre a composição química aproximada do charque (CHM) com a maciez durante todas as etapas de sua produção. CHM foi produzida do m. Vastus lateralis bovino (patinho) de aproximadamente 4-5 anos de idade. A força de cisalhamento do charque cru mostrou o valor aproximado de 3 vezes maior em dureza comparada à matéria prima enquanto que no caso do CHM cozido houve 6 vezes maior em aumento sob as mesmas condições.O índice de umidade diminui de 39 a 58 por cento (p<0,05) para CHM cru e cozido, respectivamente, em relação à matéria prima. O modelo matemático da influência destes componentes mostrou que a força de cisalhamento aumentou exponencialmente com a perda de umidade. A textura do charque é o resultado da associação de multifatores envolvendo proteínas miofibrilares que provocam eventos bioquímicos dinâmicos como a sua ligação com as moléculas da água. É a quantidade destas que determina a textura final do charque.

Embalagem ativa para brócolis minimamente processado utilizando 1-metilciclopropeno em sachê biodegradável / Active packing for fresh-cut brocolis using 1-methylcyclopropene in biodegradable sachet

Brócolis minimamente processados foram embalados em bandejas de polipropileno com sachê contendo 1-metilciclopropeno (1-MCO) e selado com filme biodegradável de amido. os brócolis foram armazenados por 8 dias a 12ºC e após este tempo a cor e a textura mantiveram-se similares às do produto fresco, sem desenvolvimento de odor não característico ou podridão. A embalagem ativa contendo 1-MCP na forma de sachê foi eficiente no aumento da vida de prateleira de brócolis, retardando o amarelecimento e a perda de vitamina C. Esta é uma alternativa para o tratamento com 1-MCP para produtos minimamente processados e além disso, o sachê pode absorver a água condensada, reduzindo a deterioração e o desenvolvimento de odor não característico.

Fresh-cut broccoli florets were packed in polypropylene pots containing a sachet with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and sealed with biodegradable starch-based film. Broccoli was stored for8 days at 12oC and after this time the color and the texture of the product were similar of the fresh broccoli,with no off-flavor development or decay. Active packaging with 1-MCP in a sachet was efficient to extentshelf life of broccoli florets retarding yellowing and vitamin C losses. It is an alternative of 1-MCPtreatment for fresh-cut products and besides, the sachet can absorbs condensed water reducing spoilageand off-odor development

Morangos embalados com filme de Ppolicloreto de Vinila (PVC) / Strawberries packaged with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film

Foram utilizados morangos cv. Dover com aproximadamente 75 de sua superfície com coloração vermelha e embalados em potes de polietileno tereftalato (PET). No tratamento controle os morangos foram acondicionados sem filme e no tratamento filme, as embalagens foram seladas com filme de PVC de 15mm de espessura. As frutas foram armazenadas a 12ºC por dez dias e foram determinadas ao longo do tempo acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis, vitamina C, cor, taxa de respiração, textura e perda de massa. Após 6 dias de armazenagem os morangos controle estavam impróprios para consumo pois apresentavam deterioração visível por bolores enquanto que os embalados com PVC estavam em condições de consumo e comercialização. Após 10 dias todos os morangos estavam impróprios para consumo. A embalagem utilizando filme de PVC aumentou a vida de prateleira de morangos em relação aos sem embalagem pois preservou melhor a coloração característica do produto e teor de vitamina C e reduziu as taxas de respiração e de perda de massa, caracterizando a embalagem como sendo adequada para este tipo de produto

Strawberries cv. Dover with approximately 75% of their surface with red color was packaged in disposablepolyethylene terephthalate (PET) container and sealed with PVC film of 15mm thick. Strawberries withoutfilm serves as control. The fruits were stored at 12°C for ten days and there were determined duringstorage time the titratable acidity, solid soluble and vitamin C contents, color, respiration rate, texture andweight loss. After 6 days the strawberries packaged without film had decayed while the fruits packagedwith PVC film were in conditions of consumption and commercialization. After 10 days all fruits wereinappropriate to consumption. Packages with PVC film extended the shelf life of strawberries preservingthe color characteristic of the product and vitamin C content, reducing the respiration rate and weightloss, characterizing this packaging as being adequate to this kind of product

Water sorption isotherms of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. Conidia / Isotermas de sorção de água de conídios de Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill

One of the requirements for successful commercial production of biological control agent is the maintenance of viability for long periods at room temperature, increasing shelf life. The water activity (Aw) is an important parameter to study the stability in the storage of dehydrated products but its determination demands equipments not always available. The water sorption isotherms correlate the Aw with the moisture of a product; adsorption isotherm is important to define the packaging system, and desorption isotherm the drying process. The objective of this study was to determine the sorption isotherms of Beauveria bassiana conidia and adjust them using a mathematical model. The adsorption and desorption were determined by gravimetric technique at 25°C and data were adjusted by the BET model. During desorption, conidia initially presented high moisture content (98 percent in dry basis) and Aw (0,93); from 98 percent to 50 percent a low reduction in Aw was observed, because the water was in a free form. When moisture was around 50 percent, a small reduction on moisture resulted in a great decrease in Aw, because the water was in a bound form. The adsorption curve showed that when moisture varied from 9 percent to 50 percent a small increment in conidia moisture resulted in a high increment in Aw. The BET model adequately represented the sorption isotherms of B. bassiana conidia, being useful to define the ideal moisture to storage this biological control agent.

Um dos requisitos para o sucesso na produção comercial de agentes de controle biológico é manter sua viabilidade por longos períodos, em condições não controladas, aumentando a vida de prateleira. A atividade de água (Aw) é um parâmetro importante no estudo da estabilidade no armazenamento de produtos desidratados, mas sua determinação direta exige equipamentos nem sempre disponíveis. As isotermas de sorção de água correlacionam Aw com a umidade de um produto; a isoterma de adsorção é importante para definir o sistema de embalagem e a de dessorção o processo de secagem. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar as isotermas de sorção de conídios de Beauveria bassiana e ajustá-las utilizando um modelo matemático. A adsorção e a dessorção foram determinadas por técnica gravimétrica a 25ºC e os dados ajustados pelo modelo de BET. Na dessorção, inicialmente os conídios apresentaram alto conteúdo de umidade (98 por cento em base seca) e Aw (0,93); de 98 por cento a 50 por cento foi observada uma baixa redução na Aw, pois a água estava na forma livre. Quando a umidade estava em torno de 505, uma pequena redução na umidade resultou em grande depressão na Aw, pois a água estava na forma ligada. A curva de adsorção mostrou que quando a umidade variou de 9 por cento a 50 por cento um pequeno aumento na umidade dos conídios resultou num grande acréscimo na Aw. O modelo de BET representou adequadamente as isotermas de sorção dos conídios de B. bassiana, sendo útil no estudo do armazenamento do patógeno.