Assessment of pectinase-producing fungi isolated from soil and the use of orange waste as a substrate for pectinase production

Pectinases are important enzymes not only for their potential applications in different industries such animal feed, agricultural, textile, beverage, food processing, oil extraction, etc. Ten fungal species were isolated from the soil and screened for production of pectinase enzyme by using the pectin agar medium. Pectinolytic enzymes synthesis were attained at a temperature of 30 °C and activities were determined after a seven-days culture of Aspergillus sp. 391 and Aspergillus sp. 031, in a basic medium containing 2% citrus pectin and as the sole carbon source. The extract enzymatic showed an optimum activity for exo-polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin lyase (PNL) against galacturonic acid and pectin at pH 4.5 and 5.5, respectively. There were variations in PG and PNL enzymes levels produced in culture filtrates obtained of Aspergillus sp. 391 with addition of citrus waste (2.0 and 4.0 % w/v) to the medium. Maximum activity for PNL activity was observed in the medium containing 5% pectin or 4% citrus waste, as sole carbon source, after 7 days of growth. The results showed that the isolate Aspergillus sp. 391 is a promising for pectinolytic enzymes production at the industrial level.(AU)

Ação da enzima eectinase na extração do suco de jabtiicaba / Pectiase enzyme action in jabuticaba?s juice extraction

A enzima pectinase destaca-se pelo potencial de extração de sólidos solúveis presentes nas cascas de frutas. No caso da casca de jabuticaba, este fator é muito interessante, pois esta é rica em nutrientes e compostos que contribuem para o aumento da doçura e da cor. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um estudo para avaliação da influência da adição da enzima pectinase na extração do suco de jabuticaba (Myrcia jabuticaba cauliflora Berg). Os efeitos foram observados por meio de análises físico-químicas (acidez, açúcares redutores e não redutores, anidrido sulfuroso livre e total, sólidos solúveis totais, concentração de polifenóis e antocianinas, pH e cinzas) e sensorial (teste de escala hedônica e escala de atributos) dos sucos elaborados com (T2) e sem a adição da enzima (T1). Os resultados mostraram diferença significativa entre as amostras, principalmente em relação à concentração de antocianinas e cinzas, ambos maiores em T2. Além disso, T2 apresentou maior rendimento (± 5%), coloração mais intensa e um suco mais límpido. Os resultados da análise sensorial mostraram diferença significativa no teste de escala hedônica e no atributo sabor, onde ambos apresentaram as médias de 5 em T1 e 6 em T2, o que corresponde respectivamente a ?não gostei, nem desgostei? e ?gostei ligeiramente?. Assim, comprovou-se que com a adição da enzima pectinase, melhorou o aspecto visual e sensorial, além da maior extração de composto de grande interesse para a saúde como as antocianinas e os minerais.

Pectinase enzyme stands out because of its soluble solid extraction potential found in fruit peels. In the case of jabuticaba peel, this factor is really interesting, because it is rich in nutrients and compounds that contribute to increase sweetness and color. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of pectinase enzyme in jabuticaba juice extraction (Myrcia jabuticaba cauliflora Berg). The effects were observed through physical and chemical analysis (acidity, reducing and non-reducing sugars, free and total sulfurous anhydride, total soluble solids, concentration of polyphenols and anthocyanins, pH and ashes) and sensory (hedonic scale test and range of attributes) from juices prepared with (T2) and with no enzyme addition (T1). The results have shown a meaningful difference among the samples, mainly in regarding anthocyanin concentration, and ashes, both higher in T2. Besides this, T2 had a bigger yield (± 5%), more intense coloring and clearer juice. The sensory analysis results showed meaningful difference in the hedonic scale test and in the flavor attribute where both presented the average of 5 in T1 and 6 in T2, respectively corresponding to ?I didn?t like it nor dislike it.? and ?I slightly liked it.?. Therefore, it was proven that with the addition of pectinase enzyme, the visual and sensory aspect improved, besides the bigger compound extraction which can be of interest for health as well as for anthocyanins and minerals.

Preparation and In-vitro characterization of ethylcellulose coated pectin alginate microspheres of 5-fluorouracil for colon targeting.

The main objective of the present study was to prepare and evaluate the colon-specific pectin alginate microspheres of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for the treatment of colon cancer. Calcium alginate beads were prepared by extruding 5-FU loaded alginate solution to calcium chloride solution and gelled spheres were formed instantaneously by ionotropic gelation reaction using different ratios of 5- FU and alginate, alginate and calcium chloride, stirring speeds (500-1500 rpm) and reaction time. The core beads were coated with ethyl cellulose to prevent drug release in the stomach and provide controlled dissolution of enteric coat in the small intestine and maximum drug release in the colon. Morphology and surface characteristics of the formulation were determined by scanning electron microscopy. In vitro drug release studies were performed in conditions simulating stomach to colon transit in the presence and absence of pectinase enzyme. No significant release was observed at acidic pH, however, when it reached the intestinal pH where ethyl cellulose starts to dissolve, drug release was observed. Also, release of drug was found to be higher in presence of pectinase enzyme. The DSC and FT-IR studies were also indicates there were no interactions between the drug and the polymers used.