Biodegradable sodium alginate films incorporated with lycopene and ß-carotene for food packaging purposes.

Incorporating carotenoids into sodium alginate films can give them functional properties for food packaging applications. The lycopene and ß-carotene were included in the biopolymer matrix at 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% (g carotenoid/g polymer). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in film thickness (45 ± 1 µm) of sodium alginate films with carotenoids. Nevertheless, the low quantity of carotenoids was enough to promote significant variations in the tensile properties of films. The films with lycopene or ß-carotene showed lower tensile strength and elongation at break than control films. The carotenoid incorporation promoted a reduction (p < 0.05) in water vapor permeability, mainly by adding 0.5%. In the same way, it improved the light transmission and thermal stability of films and did not affect the water solubility of films. The scanning electron microscopy of films showed a homogeneous surface, but the films with lycopene or ß-carotene showed a more compact structure than the control film. The sodium alginate films incorporated with 0.3% lycopene or ß-carotene showed a remarkable protective effect on sunflower oil against oxidation compared with traditional commercial plastic packaging under accelerated storage conditions (heat and light). Therefore, they can be considered a potential material for food packaging purposes.

Influence of cultivar and season on carotenoids and phenolic compounds from red lettuce influence of cultivar and season on lettuce.

This paper presents complete HPLC profiles and MS spectrometric data of bioactive compounds from four cultivars of red lettuce produced in winter and summer and their antioxidant capacity. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, where red curly lettuce was cultivated: Mila, Maira, Carmin and Scarlet. The cultivar and season have not influenced the qualitative profile of carotenoids (CAR) and phenolic compounds (PC) of red lettuce. Instead, the season influenced the concentration of these components in all cultivars. The levels of phenolic compounds were significantly higher in winter, while the levels of carotenoids were higher in summer. Ten anthocyanins were identified (cyanidins and delphinidins). The main carotenoid found was the all-trans-ß-carotene (45-48%), followed by lutein (13-20%) and zeaxanthin (11-15%). Major phenolic compounds include 5-caffeoylquinic acid, rutin and amentoflavone. Red lettuce cultivars have their main bioactive compounds described and compared within the variety and within the growing season. Different season and different lettuce cultivars may differ in the content of their bioactive compounds and in their antioxidant capacity.

Metabolomics: An analytical technique for food processing evaluation.

This review aimed to retrieve the most recent research with strong impact concerning the application of metabolomics analysis in food processing. The literature reveals the high capacity of this methodology to evaluate chemical and organoleptic transformations that occur during food production. Current and potential applications of metabolomics analysis will be addressed, focusing on process-composition-function relationships. The use of the metabolomics approach to evaluate transformations in foods submitted to minimal processes, heat or cold treatments, drying, fermentation, chemical and enzymatic treatments and processes using innovative technologies will be discussed. Moreover, the main strategies and advantages of metabolomics-based approaches are reviewed, as well as the most used analytical platforms. Overall, metabolomics can be seen as an important tool to support academia and industry on pursuing knowledge about the transformation of raw animal or plant materials into ready-to-eat products.

Effects of indoor, greenhouse, and field cultivation on bioactive compounds from parsley and basil.

BACKGROUND: Aromatic herbs are an important source of bioactive compounds. Different cultivation systems should give each plant a specific amount of those compounds, which should be of a particular quality. In this study, the effects of three cultivation systems (indoor, greenhouse, and organic field) on the composition of bioactive compounds in parsley (Petroselinum crispum cv. 'Flat Leaf'), green basil (Ocimum basilicum var. minimum cv. 'Greek'), and purple basil (Ocimum basilicum cv. 'Red Rubin') were evaluated. RESULTS: ß-Carotene and lutein were the carotenoids with the highest concentration in the three plants in all the cultivation systems. Overall, parsley proved to be a source of flavonoids. The major phenolic compound found in basil plants was rosmarinic acid, whereas most anthocyanins were derived from cyanidin aglycone. Among the three plants studied, the highest vitamin C content was found in parsley from the field. This was 2.6 and 5.4 times higher than the indoor and greenhouse cultivation, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that different cultivation systems influence and modulate the concentration of bioactive compounds in plants differently, varying according to their class, and that, above all, an indoor system is an effective cultivation system for the production of bioactive compounds. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Active food packaging of cellulose acetate: Storage stability, protective effect on oxidation of riboflavin and release in food simulants.

In this work, cellulose acetate films were prepared with the incorporation of different carotenoids (lycopene, norbixin, and zeaxanthin). The effect of adding these natural antioxidants was evaluated through stability during storage under controlled conditions (temperature and light), degradation rate coefficient, release in food simulants and protective effect on oxidation of vitamin B2. During storage at 25 °C or 40 °C the light showed a greater effect on the stability of the carotenoids, with significant increase in reaction constants (k) and decrease in half-life (t1/2). The degradation of the carotenoids was followed by a variation in the color parameters and mechanical properties. The films with norbixin showed the highest barrier to the transmission of UV-Vis light, consequently preserving 72% of a vitamin B2 stored under a photooxidative environment. Lycopene presented a higher release rate than norbixin and zeaxanthin to a fatty food simulant.

Valorization of Opuntia monacantha (Willd.) Haw. cladodes to obtain a mucilage with hydrocolloid features: Physicochemical and functional performance.

Opuntia monacantha mucilage was investigated for its physicochemical characteristics and functional properties. The mucilage extraction yield was 12% (DW) and it consisted of 80.12% carbohydrates, 15.14% ashes, 3.55% proteins, and 1.19% lipids. Monosaccharide profiling demonstrated a predominantly presence of galactose, glucuronic acid, and arabinose. Viscosimetric measurements gave an intrinsic viscosity of 9.02 dL/g and a molar mass of 1.12 × 106 g/mol. Reconstituted mucilage solution (1% w/v) had a mean particle diameter (D4,3) of 648 nm and solubility above 85%. Its emulsifying capacity improved with the increment of mucilage solution in the emulsion; likewise, it provided high emulsion stability through different ratios of oil to polysaccharide solution. It displayed good foaming capacity, although its foam stability progressively reduced over time. In addition, its blending with ovalbumin resulted in a foaming capacity enhancement and in a markedly greater foam stability compared to ovalbumin alone. The rheological studies indicated the mucilage solutions exhibited shear-thinning behavior at concentrations between 1 and 10% and fairly stable viscous properties in the temperature range of 5-80 °C. These outcomes support that O. monacantha mucilage may find potentially useful applications in food systems, particularly as an emulsifying, foaming and thickening agent, or as a stabilizer.

Vitamin and bioactive compound diversity of seven fruit species from south Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of native tropical fruits represents an important source of bioactive food and vitamins for consumers. The aim of this study was to determine the composition of vitamins, bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of seven native fruits of the Myrtaceae family from south Brazil. RESULTS: Sample 1 of Eugenia pyriformis presented the highest value of ß-carotene (0.1021 g kg-1 ), lutein (0.0511 g kg-1 ), zeaxanthin (0.0370 g kg-1 ), and α-carotene (0.0112 g kg-1 ), of all analyzed samples. The three samples of Eugenia uniflora L presented the highest lycopene (0.1876, 0.1240 and 0.1615 g kg-1 ) and vitamin A content (0.106, 0.035 and 0.178 g kg-1 RAE) of all seven species analyzed. The cyanidin 3-glucoside was the most common anthocyanin found in fruits in the present study. Two samples of Plinia peruviana presented higher antioxidant capacity by the ABTS radical method (0.80 and 0.67 mol TEs kg-1 ) among the fruits analyzed. The samples of Campomanesia xanthocarpa analyzed stood out owing to the high content of vitamin C present (23.89, 36.83 and 35.05 g kg-1 ). The values of pantothenic acid in Plinia peruviana account for 20% of daily requirements. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the native fruits studied can provide an appreciable amount of vitamins and bioactive compounds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bioactive compounds and protective effect of red and black rice brans extracts in human neuron-like cells (SH-SY5Y).

Rice bran is obtained from the rice polishing process, and this by-product contains many bioactive compounds. In this study, the composition of phenolic compounds from red and black rice brans was determined by HPLC-DAD-MS. Additionally, the neuroprotective ability of these brans in SH-SY5Y cells insulted with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was evaluated. The phenolic constituents of rice bran were separated into hydrophilic and pellet fractions. The major phenolic compound in both samples was ferulic acid. Cyanidin 3-glucoside was the main anthocyanin in black rice bran. The hydrophilic and pellet fractions showed a protective effect (38-94%) on SH-SY5Y cells insulted by H2O2 in DCFH-DA assay. No extract showed cytotoxicity in the SRB assay. These results suggest a neuroprotective effect of red and black rice brans extracts due to their high antioxidant capacity, along with the absence of cytotoxicity. Thus, they may potentially be used as sources of bioactive compounds.

Nanoencapsulation of carotenoids: a focus on different delivery systems and evaluation parameters.

Different types of nanoparticles have been synthesized to protect carotenoids against exposition of external factors such as light, heat and oxygen; and processing conditions; to increase stability and to improve the bioavailability of nanoencapsulated carotenoid. The type of nanostructure synthesized (nanoemulsions, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carrier, and polymeric nanoparticles) influences on the synthesis and nanoparticles stability, which reflect in physic-chemical characteristics such as polydispersity index, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. Different nanostructures can be used to improve stability of carotenoids; however, currently, polymeric nanocapsules are the nanostructure most utilized due to its stability during storage, high efficiency to encapsulate and to control the release of the carotenoid encapsulated. Due to these considerations, they have been focus of researchers for future studies regarding to application of carotenoids nanoencapsulated by food industries. The focus of this review is the presentation of different carotenoids delivery systems and the use of techniques to evaluate parameters that might limit the application of this innovative and potential technology in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industry.

Stability of functional compounds and antioxidant activity of fresh and pasteurized orange passion fruit (Passiflora caerulea) during cold storage.

This research aimed to evaluate differences in the stability of physicochemical and color parameters, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids and antioxidant capacity in fresh and pasteurized juice of orange passion fruit, respectively cold stored (8 °C) during 0-4 or during 0-15 days. The results showed that in the physicochemical analysis, no significant differences were observed comparing pasteurized and fresh juice during storage. The pasteurized juice showed higher concentrations of color parameters, phenolic compounds (15% more of retention for days 0 and 4), epigallocatechin gallate (40% in day 0 and 27% in day 4), lycopene (142% for day 0 and 39% for day 4), total carotenoids (114% in day 0 and 8% in day 4) and antioxidant capacity (12% in day 0 and 7% in day 4).; already fresh juice retained more values of quercetin (79% in day 0 and 245% in day 4), α-carotene (57% in day 4), ß-carotene and provitamin A (80% of retention in day 4). Therefore, the pasteurization processing was positive in orange passion fruit juice and improved the accessibility of most bioactive compounds.

Minimally processed beetroot waste as an alternative source to obtain functional ingredients.

Large amounts of waste are generated by the minimally processed vegetables industry, such as those from beetroot processing. The aim of this study was to determine the best method to obtain flour from minimally processed beetroot waste dried at different temperatures, besides producing a colorant from such waste and assessing its stability along 45 days. Beetroot waste dried at 70 °C originates flour with significant antioxidant activity and higher betalain content than flour produced from waste dried at 60 and 80 °C, while chlorination had no impact on the process since microbiological results were consistent for its application. The colorant obtained from beetroot waste showed color stability for 20 days and potential antioxidant activity over the analysis period, thus it can be used as a functional additive to improve nutritional characteristics and appearance of food products. These results are promising since minimally processed beetroot waste can be used as an alternative source of natural and functional ingredients with high antioxidant activity and betalain content.

Nanoencapsulation of chia seed oil with chia mucilage (Salvia hispanica L.) as wall material: Characterization and stability evaluation.

In this study, chia seed oil was nanoencapsulated utilizing chia seed mucilage (CSM) as wall material. The viscosity, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, transmission electron microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy and thermal properties of chia seed oil nanoparticles (CSO-NP) were performed after preparation. Particle size, zeta potential, span value, and pH of CSO-NP and oxidation stability of nanoencapsulated and unencapsulated oil were evaluated during 28days of storage at accelerated conditions (40°C). The CSO-NP showed spherical shape, an average size of 205±4.24nm and zeta potential of -11.58±1.87mV. The encapsulation efficiency (82.8%), loading capacity (35.38%) and FT-IR spectroscopy demonstrated the interaction between oil and mucilage. Furthermore, CSO-NP were thermally stable at temperatures up 300°C and nanoencapsulated oil showed higher stability against oxidation than unencapsulated oil. The results suggest that chia seed mucilage represents a promising alternative to substitute synthetic polymers in nanoencapsulation.

Estimate of the theoretical maximum daily intake of Sunset Yellow FCF by the Brazilian population.

This study estimated the theoretical maximum daily intake (TMDI) of Sunset Yellow (SY) synthetic food dye by the Brazilian population through food consumption data from the Household Budget Survey (HBS) of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE, 2008/09). The study covered the population in urban and rural areas in the five regions of the country, and from different age groups, in order to verify if it were possible to exceed the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of SY, which is 4.0 mg kg-1 body weight. This was assessed by cross-checking food products containing this dye from the largest supermarket chains in Brazil with data from the HBS-IBGE 2008/09. These data showed that the average consumption of SY per capita did not exceed the ADI in any of the aforementioned population groups. However, when considering food consumption in urban and rural areas (279 and 260 mg of SY day-1), in the five regions of the country (260-338 mg of SY day-1), and for adolescents (332 mg SY day-1), it is noted that part of the population could be exceeding the recommended ADI, which may pose health risks. Although it is unlikely that individuals will exceed the SY ADI, this may occur in some cases, especially for younger people.

Hydroethanolic extracts from different genotypes of açaí (Euterpe oleracea) presented antioxidant potential and protected human neuron-like cells (SH-SY5Y).

Fruit breeding programs have resulted in bioactive compounds increase and health effects. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and neuroprotective effects of the hydroethanolic extracts from six açaí (Euterpe oleracea) genotypes using ABTS, deoxyribose, and glutathione oxidation assays, as well as, SH-SY5Y cells insulted with H2O2. L22P13 genotype showed the highest total content of anthocyanins, while L06P13 showed a high content of total carotenoids. However, the genotypes showed no difference in the antioxidant activity by ABTS and deoxyribose assays. The hydroethanolic extracts from different genotypes of açaí showed a protective effect (13-62%) on SH-SY5Y cells insulted by H2O2 at a concentration of 50µg/mL by DCFH-DA assay. Except L04P16, no genotypes showed cytotoxicity in the SRB assay. These results indicate that açaí genotypes have antioxidant effect against reactive species generated in SH-SY5Y cells, suggesting a neuroprotective effect of the hydroethanolic extracts from these fruits.

Synthesis of biodegradable films with antioxidant properties based on cassava starch containing bixin nanocapsules.

Biodegradable and active packaging based on cassava starch incorporated bixin nanocapsules with different concentrations were developed. The physical, mechanical, barrier properties and antioxidant activity of the active packaging were studieds. The films incorporated with bixin nanocapsules were found to be homogeneous and thermally stable. Films with higher concentrations of bixin nanocapsules exhibited a significant decrease in tensile strength, water solubility and increase in elongation at break and water vapour permeability, well as, significant improvement in protection against UV and visible light. The films were used to pack sunflower oil under accelerated oxidation conditions (65 % RH/35 °C). Sunflower oil packaged in films with bixin exhibited lower oxidation rates, thus maintaining its freshness according to Codex Alimentarius guidelines (<10 mEq kg-1). Films containing bixin nanocapsules are very promising materials for use as packaging with antioxidant properties for maintaining food safety and extending the shelf life.

Tannin extracts on quality of fresh cut crisp leaf lettuce / Extratos de taninos na qualidade de alface crespa minimamente processada

ABSTRACT: In the present study, tannin extracts (rinsed or not) were compared to the use of sodium hypochlorite and tap water on fresh cut crisp leaf lettuce stored under modified atmosphere packaging. Effects of these sanitizers on total color difference and microbial levels of the product after sanitization and storage for 9 days at 3°C were evaluated. Performance of rinsed SM(r) tannin extract was comparable to the results of chlorine solution for all the analyzed parameters and; furthermore, that extract presented a high reduction in the initial bacterial count of minimally processed lettuce. However, storage of tannin extracts, did not impart better outcomes than the use of tap water. Therefore, the tannin extract storage SM(r) could be used in washing water to reduce the initial microbiological load, avoiding cross contamination in vegetables minimally processed.

RESUMO: Extratos de taninos (com e sem enxague) foram comparados com o uso de hipoclorito de sódio e água em alface crespa minimamente processada, sob atmosfera modificada. Foram avaliadas diferença total de cor e análises microbiológicas após a sanitização e durante o armazenamento dos produtos (9 dias à 3°C). O extrato de tanino SM(r) com enxague apresentou resultados semelhantes aos da solução de cloro para todos os parâmetros analisados e, além disso, apresentou uma elevada redução da contagem inicial microbiológica de alface minimamente processada. No entanto, durante o armazenamento, SM(r) não apresentou melhores resultados do que o uso de água. Portanto, SM(r) poderia ser utilizado na desinfecção da água de lavagem das alfaces, reduzindo a microbiota inicial e, assim, impedir a contaminação cruzada durante o processamento mínimo de vegetais.

Chronic ozone exposure alters the secondary metabolite profile, antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory property, and quality of red pepper fruit from Capsicum baccatum.

Tropospheric ozone (O3) background concentrations have increased since pre-industrial times, reaching phytotoxic concentrations in many regions globally. However, the effect of high O3 concentrations on quality of fruit and vegetables remains unknown. Here, we evaluated whether O3 pollution alters the quality of Capsicum baccatum peppers by changing the secondary compound profiles and biological activity of the fruit. C. baccatum pepper plants were exposed to ozone for 62 days in an open-top chamber at a mean O3 concentration of 171.6µg/m(3). Capsaicin levels decreased by 50% in the pericarp, but remained unchanged in the seeds. In contrast, the total carotenoid content increased by 52.8% in the pericarp. The content of total phenolic compounds increased by 17% in the pericarp. The total antioxidant potential decreased by 87% in seeds of O3-treated plants. The seeds contributed more than the pericarp to the total radical-trapping antioxidant potential and total antioxidant reactivity. O3 treatment impaired the ferric-reducing antioxidant power of the seeds and reduced NO(•)-scavenging activity in the pericarp. However, O3 treatment increased ferrous ion-chelating activity and hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity in the pericarp. Our results confirm that O3 alters the secondary metabolite profile of C. baccatum pepper fruits and, consequently, their biological activity profile.

Edible film production from chia seed mucilage: Effect of glycerol concentration on its physicochemical and mechanical properties.

This study investigated the physicochemical and mechanical properties of a novel edible film based on chia mucilage (CM) hydrocolloid. CM (1% w/v) films were prepared by incorporation of three concentrations of glycerol (25%, 50%, and 75% w/w, based on CM weight). As glycerol concentration increased, water vapor permeability (WVP), elongation at break (EB), and water solubility of CM films increased while their tensile strength (TS), and Young's modulus (YM) decreased significantly (p<0.05). CM films containing a high concentration of glycerol were slightly reddish and yellowish in color but still had a transparent appearance. CM films exhibited excellent absorption of ultraviolet light, and good thermal stability. The scanning electron micrographs showed that all CM films had a uniform appearance. This study demonstrated that the chia mucilage hydrocolloid has important properties and potential as an edible film, or coating.

Characterization, antioxidant potential and cytotoxic study of mangaba fruits / Caracterização, potencial antioxidante e estudo citotóxico de frutos de mangaba

The mangaba (Hancornia speciosa) stands out and has a great potential for economic exploitation and researches have suggested relevant results regarding the nutritional and functional value of this food. Therefore, the objective of this study was to chemically and physicochemically characterize the mangaba fruit harvested in the Middle Araguaia region. It was evaluated the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, volatile compounds, preliminary photochemical studies of phenolic components and the cytotoxic potential of ethanolic extract fruits against Artemia salina. The mean pH, the total titratable acidity and the value for reducing sugars conclude that the mangaba possesses the characteristics appropriate for both fresh consumption and for processing. Between the mean values measured, the fruits presented high fiber content and a low caloric value. The analysis of the antioxidant potential revealed a significant activity and in the volatile compounds analysis, esters were the major class presents. The result of the phytochemical screening revealed that phenols, flavonoids and tannins were present in the ethanolic extract of mangaba and a significant activity in the cytotoxicity assay was observed.

A mangaba (Hancornia speciosa) destaca-se pelo ótimo potencial de exploração econômica e pesquisas têm sugerido resultados relevantes em relação ao valor nutricional e funcional deste alimento. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar química e físico-quimicamente os frutos de mangaba colhidos na região do Médio Araguaia. Foi avaliada a composição química, atividade antioxidante, compostos voláteis, estudo fitoquímico preliminar de compostos fenólicos e o potencial citotóxico de extratos etanólicos do frutos contra Artemia salina. O pH, a acidez total titulável e o valor de açúcares redutores concluem que a mangaba possui características apropriadas tanto para consumo in natura quanto para processamento. Entre os valores médios obtidos, os frutos apresentaram alto teor de fibra e um baixo valor calórico. A análise de potencial antioxidante revelou uma atividade significativa e, na análise de compostos voláteis, ésteres representaram a classe predominante. O resultado do ensaio fitoquímico revelou que fenois, flavonoides e taninos estavam presentes no extrato etanólico de mangaba e uma atividade significativa no ensaio citotóxico foi observada.

Protective effect of guabiju (Myrcianthes pungens (O. Berg) D. Legrand) and red guava (Psidium cattleyanum Sabine) against cisplatin-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats

The present study was the first to examine the protective effect and antioxidant potential of two fruits native to the south of Brazil, namely guabiju (Myrcianthes pungens (O. Berg) D. Legrand) and red guava (Psidium cattleyanum Sabine), with respect to reducing the effects of cisplatin-induced hypercholesterolemia in male Wistar rats. The cisplatin-treated animals showed high glucose, LDL cholesterol, oxidized LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. These native fruits reversed the increase in these parameters. The fat levels in the liver improved with supplementation with the fruits, and there were no differences in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), creatinine, urea or HDL cholesterol levels, nor in the weight of the organs analyzed, indicating that the dose used did not affect these markers.

O presente estudo foi o primeiro realizado para avaliar o efeito protetor e o potencial antioxidante de duas frutas nativas do sul do Brasil, conhecidas como Guabiju (Myrcianthes pungens (O. Berg) D. Legrand) e araçá vermelho (Psidium cattleyanum Sabine), em relação a reduzir os efeitos da hipercolesterolemia induzida pela cisplatina em ratos Wistar machos. Os animais tratados com a cisplatina apresentaram elevada taxa de glicose, altos níveis de colesterol LDL, colesterol LDL oxidado e colesterol total. Os frutos nativos atuaram protegendo os animais pela redução destes parâmetros. Os níveis de gordura no fígado melhoraram com a suplementação pelos frutos e não houve diferenças nas substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) e níveis de creatina, uréia e colesterol HDL e, também, no peso dos órgãos analisados, indicando que a dose utilizada não foi capaz de afetar tais marcadores.