Electrospraying and electrospinning of tannic acid-loaded zein: Characterization and antioxidant effects in astrocyte culture exposed to E. coli lipopolysaccharide.

Tannic acid (TA) exhibits low bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract, limiting its benefits due to small amounts reaching the CNS. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop zein capsules and fibers by electrospraying/electrospinning for encapsulation of TA. Polymeric solutions were evaluated by electrical conductivity, density, and viscosity. In zein capsules, up to 2 % TA was added, and in fibers, up to 1 % TA was added. Zein capsule and fiber with TA were evaluated by morphology, size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, thermal and thermogravimetric properties, and functional groups. Zein capsule with 1.5 % TA was evaluated in astrocyte culture for cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity. TA zein capsules and fibers exhibited high encapsulation efficiency and homogeneous morphology. TA encapsulated in zein presented higher thermal stability than free TA. TA zein capsule did not present toxicity and elicited antioxidant action in lipopolysaccharide-induced astrocyte culture. Capsules and fibers were successfully produced by electrospraying/electrospinning techniques.

Valorisation of olive pomace: phenolic prospecting and biological potential.

Phenolic compounds were extracted from biphasic olive pomace and their biological potential was characterised. Two different extracts were prepared, E1 (40% methanol) and E2 (80% methanol), both subjected to agitation (180 min) and 70 °C. LC-ESI-qTOF-MS was used for individual quantification of the extracted phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity was determined using different methods, including nitric oxide, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and hydroxyl radical. The enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase were used to evaluate the antihyperglycemic potential and sulforhodamine B and MTT (tetrazolium salt) for antitumor activity. To evaluate the antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of the extracts, the disc diffusion technique was used. Among the phenolic compounds present, tyrosol was highlighted in both extracts, as well as the anti-hyperglycemic effects, antitumor action and antioxidant activity. The antimicrobial activity found in the extracts was considered moderate to weak.

Probiotic Yogurt Supplemented with Lactococcus lactis R7 and Red Guava Extract: Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds and Influence in Antioxidant Activity and Action of Alpha-amylase and Alpha-glucosidase Enzymes.

The industry has increasingly explored the development of foods with functional properties, where supplementation with probiotics and bioactive compounds has gained prominence. In this context, the study aimed to evaluate the influence of in vitro biological digestion on the content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities of probiotic yogurt supplemented with the lactic acid bacteria Lactococcus lactis R7 and red guava extract (Psidium cattleianum). A yogurt containing L. lactis R7 (0.1%) and red guava extract (4%) was characterized for the content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and potential for inhibition of digestive enzymes after a simulated in vitro digestion process. After digestion, the caffeic and hydroxybenzoic acids remained, and sinapic acid only in the last digestive phase. Antioxidant activity decreased during digestion by 28.93, 53.60, and 27.97% for DPPH, nitric oxide and hydroxyl radicals, respectively, and the inhibition of the α-amylase enzyme decreased only 4.01% after the digestion process. α-glucosidase was more efficient in intestinal digestion, demonstrating an increase of almost 50% in probiotic yogurt with red guava extract before digestion. Possibly, the phenolics change their conformation during digestion, generating new compounds, reducing antioxidant activity, and increasing the inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase digestive enzymes. It was concluded that the probiotic yogurt formulation supplemented with red guava extract could interfere with the concentration of phenolic compounds and the formation of new compounds, suggesting a positive and effective inhibition of the digestive enzymes, even after the digestive process.

Electrospun nanofibers based on zein and red onion bulb extract (Allium cepa, L.): Volatile compounds, hydrophilicity, and antioxidant activity.

Onion is rich in bioactive and volatile compounds with antioxidant activity. However, the pungent odor of volatile compounds (VOCs) released restricts its use. The encapsulation of red onion extract by electrospinning is an alternative to mask this odor and protect its bioactive compounds. The main objective of this study was to encapsulate red onion bulb extract (ROE) in different concentrations into zein nanofibers by electrospinning and evaluate their thermal, antioxidant, and hydrophilicity properties. The major VOC in ROE was 3(2H)-furanone, 2-hexyl-5-methyl. Incorporating ROE into the polymeric solutions increased electrical conductivity and decreased apparent viscosity, rendering nanofibers with a lower average diameter. The loading capacity of ROE on fibers was high, reaching 91.5% (10% ROE). The morphology of the nanofibers was random and continuous; however, it showed beads at the highest ROE concentration (40%). The addition of ROE to the nanofibers increased their hydrophilicity. The nanofibers' antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radicals ranged from 32.5% to 57.3%. The electrospun nanofibers have the potential to protect and mask VOCs. In addition, they offer a sustainable alternative to the synthetic antioxidants commonly employed in the food and packaging industry due to their antioxidant activities.

Bioactive coating of sodium alginate and agar added with essential oils of thyme (thymus vulgaris l.) and sweet orange (citrus aurantium var. dulcis) with antimicrobial properties applied over strawberries

Minimally processed strawberries have high acceptability but a short shelf life. The application of edible coatings with essential oils may be an alternative to preserve these fruits. Our objective was to develop, apply and characterize the effect of bioactive edible coatings based on agar or sodium alginate with thyme and/or sweet orange essential oils with antimicrobial properties, mainly against Listeria monocytogenes, for strawberries. The effect of the coatings on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties that determine the shelf life of strawberries was verified at 1, 8, and 15 days. The effect against Listeria monocytogenes bacteria in strawberries artificially contaminated with this microorganism was also evaluated. Thyme and sweet orange essential oils had thymol and D-limonene, respectively, as main components. Alginate coating with sweet orange and thyme essential oil showed the best results. For Listeria monocytogenes, the coating applied after fruit contamination had an antimicrobial effect.

Las fresas mínimamente procesadas tienen una alta aceptación, pero una vida útil corta. La aplicación de recubrimientos comestibles con aceites esenciales puede ser una alternativa para conservar estos frutos. El objetivo fue desarrollar, aplicar y caracterizar el efecto del uso de recubrimientos comestibles bioactivos, a base de agar agar o alginato de sodio, adicionados con aceites esenciales de tomillo y/o naranja dulce, con propiedades antimicrobianas, principalmente anti-Listeria monocytogenes sobre la fresa. Se verificó el efecto de los recubrimientos sobre las características fisicoquímicas, microbiológicas y sensoriales que determinan la vida útil de las fresas a 1, 8 y 15 días. También se evaluó el efecto contra la bacteria Listeria monocytogenes en fresas contaminadas artificialmente con este microorganismo. Los aceites esenciales de tomillo y naranja dulce presentaron timol y D-limoneno como compuestos mayoritarios, respectivamente. El recubrimiento de alginato con aceite esencial de naranja dulce y tomillo mostró los mejores resultados. Para Listeria monocytogenes, el recubrimiento aplicado después de la contaminación de la fruta tuvo un efecto antimicrobiano.

Application of prebiotics in apple products and potential health benefits.

Among the fruits, the apple stands out among the most used for elaboration of processed foods. However, the importance of prebiotics in apple products has never been widely analyzed. Prebiotic is a food component resistant to gastric acidity, digestion by mammalian enzymes and gastrointestinal absorption. But following fermentation in the colon, prebiotics result in specific changes in the composition and / or metabolism of the gastrointestinal microbiota, conferring benefits to the health of the host. Therefore, fortifying apple-based products with additional prebiotics is an important strategy for improving consumer health benefits. In this review, after compiling and analyzing scientific and technological studies focusing on prebiotics in apple products, the following benefits of these prebiotics became evident: (1) reduction of water loss in the food matrix; (2) preservation of bioactive and volatile compounds; (3) texture improvement (thickening) in the food industry; (4) increased shelf-live and (5) increased survival of probiotic bacteria, promoting positive effects on microbiota. In addition, this review shows the benefits of different prebiotics for stability and sensory acceptance of apple processed foods.

Characterization of ultrafine zein fibers incorporated with broccoli, kale, and cauliflower extracts by electrospinning.

BACKGROUND: Broccoli, kale, and cauliflower contain phenolic compounds and glucosinolates, which have several biological effects on the body. However, because they are thermolabile, many of these substances are lost in the cooking process. Electrospinning encapsulation, using zein as a preservative wall material, can expand the applications of the compounds in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The objective of this research was to characterize broccoli, kale, and cauliflower extracts and encapsulate them with the electrospinning technique using zein. RESULTS: Broccoli, kale, and cauliflower extracts contain five phenolic compounds and three glucosinolates. Fibers from broccoli, kale, and cauliflower showed high encapsulation efficiency, good thermal stability, and nanometric size, especially those containing extract and zein in proportions of up to 35:65. CONCLUSION: Fibers from broccoli, kale, and cauliflower containing extract and zein in proportions of up to 35:65 have the potential for effective nutraceutical application for the control of non-communicable chronic diseases or application in food packaging. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pinhão coat extract encapsulated in starch ultrafine fibers: Thermal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties and in vitro biological digestion.

This study aimed to produce soluble potato starch ultrafine fibers for the encapsulation of pinhão coat extract (PCE), evaluating their relative crystallinity (RC), thermal stability, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as in vitro biological digestion. In the simulation of in vitro biological digestion, the phenolic compounds release profile was also evaluated. The ultrafine fibers were produced by electrospinning, based on a polymeric solution composed of soluble potato starch (50% w/v) and formic acid. Then, PCE was incorporated at various concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%, w/w, dry basis). The endothermic event of free PCE was not observed in the ultrafine fibers, which suggests its encapsulation. The RC decreased according to the increase in PCE concentration in the ultrafine fibers. The PCE resisted thermal treatments when encapsulated into the ultrafine fibers (100 and 180°C), and the ultrafine fibers with 1% PCE presented the highest amount of preserved phenolic compounds. Regarding antioxidant activity, the free PCE presented 85% of DPPH inhibition and the ultrafine fibers had 18% inhibition, not differing among the PCE concentrations (p < 0.05). The free PCE and the ultrafine fibers with 0.5% PCE showed inhibitory effect against S. aureus and the ones with 1.5% PCE showed controlled release of phenolic compounds during the simulation of in vitro digestion. Starch ultrafine fibers showed potential to be applied in food industries due to their capacity of protecting phenolic compounds when submitted to high temperatures or gastrointestinal conditions. Nevertheless, their application depends on the end use of the product. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The encapsulation of pinhão coat extract (PCE) in ultrafine starch fibers promotes greater preservation of phenolic compounds. Thus, it can be incorporated into different foods that are produced using the ultra-high temperature (UHT) process-at 135-145°C for 5 to 10 s, or some other equivalent time/temperature combination. Another possibility is the incorporation of ultrafine fibers in active packaging: compounds can migrate to food, improving sensory characteristics, increasing shelf life, preventing chemical and microbiological deterioration, and ensuring food safety.

Gluten-free green banana flour muffins: chemical, physical, antioxidant, digestibility and sensory analysis.

Considering the low availability of gluten-free products that are offered an affordable price and good sensory characteristics, the main objective of the study was developed a gluten-free muffin based on green banana flour and evaluate their physical-chemical and sensorial aspects. The quality of the muffin was analyzed through such moisture content, ashes, proteins, lipids, fiber, carbohydrates, total caloric content, yield mass, weight loss in the supply, antioxidant activity, protein digestibility, and hedonic scale. The results showed that the gluten-free muffin had a moisture content of 26.7%, ash of 2.39%, lipids of 15.4%, proteins of 10.3%, fibers of 1.2%, carbohydrates of 44.0%, the total caloric value of 261.2 kcal, high protein digestibility and moderate antioxidant activity. The acceptability index was 84.5%. It has been concluded that gluten-free muffin with green banana flour is a viable alternative for the reason that they have higher protein content than other alternative flours.

Encapsulation of broccoli extract by electrospraying: Influence of in vitro simulated digestion on phenolic and glucosinolate contents, and on antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities.

Compounds present in broccoli are vulnerable to the digestive process, and encapsulation becomes an alternative for their preservation. The encapsulation of broccoli extract, by electrospraying, was performed with the purpose of evaluating the effect of in vitro simulated digestion on individual compounds and antioxidant and antihyperglycemic potentials. Each digestion fraction was evaluated by chromatography, as well as for antioxidant activity and antihyperglycemic potential. The encapsulated extract showed high encapsulation efficiency and spherical morphology. Losses in the levels of phenolic compounds and glucosinolates were found in both extracts, considering the fractions submitted to digestion. The digestion promoted an increase in the inhibition of hydroxyl, nitric oxide and α-amylase, as well as a decrease in the inhibition of α-glucosidase in both extracts, when compared to undigested fractions. Thus, the digestion affects the compounds content in both encapsulated and unencapsulated extracts. However, they still promote the control of oxidative processes and hyperglycemia.

Suitability of starch/carvacrol nanofibers as biopreservatives for minimizing the fungal spoilage of bread.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of fungi to starch/carvacrol nanofibers produced by electrospinning. The nanofibers were incorporated into bread dough or used in the development of active packages to minimize bread spoilage. In agar diffusion and micro-atmosphere assays, the nanofibers with 30 % or 40 % carvacrol presented inhibition zones with low growth and were effective inhibiting both the fungi evaluated in this work. The MICs for nanofibers with 30 % carvacrol were 0.098 and 9.8 mg/mL against Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus flavus, respectively; for the 40 % nanofibers, the MIC was 19.6 mg/mL against Aspergillus flavus. As for MFC, only the 30 % nanofibers exerted fungicidal effect. The treatments administered directly to the bread dough had low colony-forming unit. For bioactive packages, nonwovens with 30 % carvacrol were effective in preventing bread spoilage. Thus, nanofibers are a good alternative to chemical additives or bioactive packages in food industry.

Physicochemical characterization and microbiological analysis of Oligosarcus robustus raw fish meat and development a fish hamburger / Caracterización físico-química y análisis microbiológico de la carne cruda de pescado Oligosarcus robustus y desarrollo de una hamburguesa de pescado

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological, physicochemical and fatty acid profile of the of "Tambica" (Oligosarcus robustus) raw fish meat and develop and characterize a fish burger. The fish burger was subjected to a sensory analysis. The raw fish meat showed a high content of moisture (82.3%) and minerals (3.1%), a low content of fat (1.5%) and a considerable protein content (13.1%). The raw fish showed a high count of positive coagulase Staphylococcus. Tambica lipid fraction was composed of 41.9% unsaturated and 58.2% saturated fatty acids. Palmitic acid and oleic acid were the major fatty acids in the raw meat fish. The fish burger was well accepted by sensory analysis.

RESUMEN Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el perfil microbiológico, fisicoquímico y de ácidos grasos de la carne de pescado cruda "Tambica" (Oligosarcus robustus); y desarrollar y caracterizar una hamburguesa de pescado. La hamburguesa de pescado fue sometida a análisis sensorial. La carne de pescado cruda mostró un alto contenido de humedad (82,3%) y minerales (3,1%), bajo contenido de grasa (1,5%) y un contenido de proteína considerable (13,1%). El pescado crudo mostró un recuento alto de Staphylococcus coagulasa positivo. La fracción lipídica de Tambica estaba compuesta por un 41,9% de ácidos grasos insaturados y 58,2% de ácidos grasos saturados. El ácido palmítico y el ácido oleico fueron los principales ácidos grasos en el pescado de carne cruda. La hamburguesa de pescado fue bien aceptada por el análisis sensorial.

Antimicrobial potential of spray drying encapsulated thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oil on the conservation of hamburger-like meat products.

Synthetic preservatives can have harmful effects on the body, so plant essential oils appear to be an attractive natural alternative. However, the use of essential oils is limited due to the low stability and possible negative effects on the sensory properties of food. Oil encapsulation was suggested as a way to overcome these drawbacks. The objective of this study was to encapsulate thyme essential oil and to evaluate its antioxidant and antimicrobial potential in vitro and in situ in of hamburger-like meat products. The casein-maltodextrin capsules produced by spray-drying were assessed for encapsulation efficiency, thermal stability, chemical compounds and morphology. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, hydroxyl and nitric oxide methods, while antimicrobial activity was evaluated in vitro against four bacteria and in situ in hamburger-like products. The capsule showed high encapsulation efficiency and thermal stability, and spherical and irregular morphology. The casein-maltodextrin encapsulated essential oil showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium tested in vitro and against thermotolerants coliforms and Escherichia coli in situ, showing potential for application as a natural preservative in food.

Electrospun potato starch nanofibers for thyme essential oil encapsulation: antioxidant activity and thermal resistance.

BACKGROUND: Thyme essential oil (TEO) is an excellent natural substitute for synthetic compounds to maintain the quality and safety of food products. It acts as an antioxidant agent. We aimed to nanoencapsulate TEO at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% (v/w, dry basis) in electrospun nanofibers made of starch (50% w/v) and formic acid (75% v/v). The rheological parameters of the fiber-forming solutions were measured, and various physical and chemical properties of the nanofibers were analyzed. RESULTS: The starch/TEO nanofibers presented homogeneous morphology. The starch nanofibers showed high encapsulation efficiency (EE, 99.1% to 99.8%), which, along with the Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectrum and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis, indicate strong protection of the phenolic compounds of TEO. Nanofibers with 5% TEO retained up to 50% of the phenolic compounds after exposure to thermal treatment. The antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals of the starch/TEO nanofibers varied from 11.1% to 14.2% and the inhibition values (29.8%, P ≤ 0.05) against hydroxyl radicals were the same for free TEO and the nanofibers. CONCLUSION: Owing to these properties, electrospun starch/TEO nanofibers can be applied in food products or food packaging.

Glucosinolates and phenolic compounds rich broccoli extract: Encapsulation by electrospraying and antitumor activity against glial tumor cells.

Gliomas, intracranial malignant tumors, are aggressive, asymptomatic and difficult to treat due to their degree of infiltration, alternatives are needed to treat the disease. In this sense, natural compounds from the specialized metabolism of plants can act to control the disease. Glucosinolates and phenolic compounds, present in broccoli, have a potential to promote tumor cell death, however due to the low stability of these compounds, encapsulation becomes an alternative for their preservation. The objective was to encapsulate the broccoli extract by electrospraying and to evaluate its cytotoxicity in the primary cell culture of astrocytes and gliomas. The capsules were produced and characterized by encapsulation efficiency, functional groups, thermal stability and morphology, the capsule that presented the best parameters was used for the evaluation of cell cytotoxicity and antitumor activity. Capsules with equal or less than 50 % extract showed high encapsulation efficiency, high thermal stability and uniform morphology due to non-saturation of the active zein sites, which allowed a complete encapsulation of the added extract, as well as a greater protection of the compounds. The capsule with 50 % of the extract showed good results of the efficiency, morphology and thermal stability and was used to evaluate the antitumor activity, since the addition of extract in proportions greater than 60 % promoted saturation of the active sites and lower encapsulation efficiency, and directly affects the morphology and thermal stability. The encapsulated and unencapsulated extracts showed strong selective antitumor effect against glial tumor cells without toxicity to non-tumor cells.

Chemical characterization, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of sugar-apple (Annona squamosa L. ) pulp extract / Caracterización química, actividad antimicrobiana y antioxidante del extracto de pulpa de manzana de azúcar (Annona squamosa L. )

Synthetic preservatives are widely present in processed foods, but most of them have carcinogenic potential, requiring the development of new natural alternatives such as fruit extracts, for microbial control. The objective of the study was to evaluate the chemical characterization, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of the sugar apple pulp (Annona squamosa L.). Physicochemical characteristics were evaluated, an extract was prepared, and its antioxidant activity by DPPH method and antimicrobial by disk diffusion. Minimal inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration against strains of Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated. The physicochemical analysis revealed that sugar apple pulp had 75.0% moisture, 3.0% ash, 4.0% protein, 0.2% lipids, 3.3% fibers, and 14.5% carbohydrates. The antioxidant activity of the extract by the DPPH method was 20.6%. The pulp extract from the sugar apple had inhibition zone for Staphylococcus aureus, satisfactory inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella Typhimurium, but did not present a bactericidal effect. Sugar apple pulp presents adequate levels of nutrients and potential for food application due to its microbiological activity and antioxidant properties.

Los conservantes sintéticos están ampliamente presentes en los alimentos procesados, pero la mayoría tienen potencial carcinogénico, lo que requiere el desarrollo de nuevas alternativas naturales para el control microbiano, como los extractos de frutas. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la caracterización química, la actividad antioxidante y antimicrobiana de la pulpa de manzana de azúcar (Annona squamosa L.). Se evaluaron las características fisicoquímicas, y se evaluó su actividad antioxidante mediante el método DPPH y antimicrobiano por difusión en disco, concentración inhibitoria mínima y concentración bactericida mínima contra cepas de Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes y Staphylococcus aureus. El análisis fisicoquímico reveló que la pulpa de manzana de azúcar tiene 75.0% de humedad, 3.0% de cenizas, 4.0% de proteínas, 0.2% de lípidos, 3.3% de fibras y 14.5% de carbohidratos. La actividad antioxidante del extracto por el método DPPH fue del 20.6%. El extracto de pulpa de la manzana de azúcar tenía zona de inhibición para Staphylococcus aureus, efecto inhibidor satisfactorio contra Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes y Salmonella Typhimurium, pero no presenta efecto bactericida. La pulpa de manzana de azúcar presenta niveles adecuados de nutrientes y potencial para la aplicación de alimentos debido a su actividad microbiológica y propiedades antioxidantes.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of unencapsulated and encapsulated clove (Syzygium aromaticum, L.) essential oil.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum, L.) essential oil is known for its antimicrobial activity against several pathogenic bacteria. Encapsulation of clove oil was proposed as a mean to disguise its strong odor that limits its uses in food industry. Thus, the aim of this study was extraction, encapsulation and assessment of the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of clove essential oil. The essential oil showed high DPPH scavenging capacity and low hydroxyl radical inhibition. Clove essential oil showed in vitro inhibitory and bactericidal effect against S. aureus, E. coli, L. monocytogenes and S. Typhimurium. In addition, in situ antimicrobial activity of clove oil against S. aureus was superior to nitrite. The essential oil particles encapsulated with sodium alginate and emulsifiers, showed high encapsulation efficiency, low antioxidant activity and strong antimicrobial inhibition. Similar bacterial growth was observed in meat-like products after addition of either particles or nitrite.

Characterization of blueberry cultivar ‘climax’ / Caracterização da cultivar ‘climax’ de mirtileiro

The objective of this work was to characterize the blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) cultivar Climax, Rabbiteye group (Vaccinium ashei Reade). In order to achieve that, a survey with blueberry plants (cultivar Climax), in full production, was conducted during the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons in the mesoregion of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Data regarding the distribution of flower and vegetative buds on branches of two lengths (long and short) was collected. Another evaluation, considering three positions of flower buds in the branch (apical, medial and basal), the number of flower primordia, open flowers and fruits formed was performed. Data were subject to ANOVA and, when significant, the averages were compared using either the F or Tukey’s HSD test (p ≤ 0.05). The results demonstrate the presence of flower buds intercalated with vegetative ones. The total number of flower and vegetative buds, flower primordia, flowers and fruits was influenced by the length of the branch. Likewise, the position of the bud on the branch affected the results, with a greater number of flower primordia on the basal, a greater number of flowers on the medial and a greater number of fruits on the apical portions of the branches.

Objetivou-se realizar a caracterização do mirtileiro (Vaccinium spp.), cultivar Clímax, grupo Rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei Reade). Para tanto, foi conduzida a pesquisa com plantas da cultivar Clímax, em plena produção, durante as safras de 2012/13 e 2013/14. Foram coletados dados referentes à distribuição das gemas floríferas e vegetativas nos ramos de dois comprimentos (longos e curtos). Bem como, sob estes, foi avaliado, considerando-se três posições de gemas floríferas no ramo (apical, mediana e basal), o número de primórdios florais, flores abertas e frutos formados. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e quando houve efeito significativo suas médias foram comparadas pelo teste de F e/ou Tukey (p ≤ 0,05). Os resultados demonstraram a presença de gemas floríferas intercaladas às vegetativas. O número total de gemas floríferas e vegetativas, de primórdios florais, flores e frutos foi influenciado pelo comprimento do ramo. Da mesma forma, a posição da gema no ramo, influenciou os resultados, sendo observado maior número de primórdios florais na gema basal, maior número de flores na porção mediana e maior número de frutos na apical.

Structure, morphology and functionality of acetylated and oxidised barley starches.

Acetylation and oxidation are chemical modifications which alter the properties of starch. The degree of modification of acetylated and oxidized starches is dependent on the catalyst and active chlorine concentrations, respectively. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of acetylation and oxidation on the structural, morphological, physical-chemical, thermal and pasting properties of barley starch. Barley starches were acetylated at different catalyst levels (11%, 17%, and 23% of NaOH solution) and oxidized at different sodium hypochlorite concentrations (1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% of active chlorine). Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractograms, thermal, morphological, and pasting properties, swelling power and solubility of starches were evaluated. The degree of substitution (DS) of the acetylated starches increased with the rise in catalyst concentration. The percentage of carbonyl (CO) and carboxyl (COOH) groups in oxidized starches also increased with the rise of active chlorine level. The presence of hydrophobic acetyl groups, carbonyl and carboxyl groups caused a partial disorganization and depolymerization of starch granules. The structural, morphological and functional changes in acetylated and oxidized starches varied according to reaction conditions. Acetylation makes barley starch more hydrophobic by the insertion of acetyl groups. Also the oxidation promotes low retrogradation and viscosity. All these characteristics are important for biodegradable film production.