Effect of incorporating modified pinhão starch in alginate-based hydrogel beads for encapsulation of bioactive compounds by hydrodynamic electrospray ionization jetting.

Known for its antioxidant properties, Araucaria angustifolia bracts extract was encapsulated using hydrodynamic electrospray ionization jetting within calcium alginate cross-linked hydrogel beads with varying contents of modified pinhão starch. The rheological properties of the dispersions and analysis of the physicochemical and digestive properties of encapsulated beads were studied. The results demonstrated that dispersions containing starch exhibited higher viscosity and reduced compliance values, indicating samples with stronger, more compact, and stable structures that are less susceptible to deformation. This was confirmed by the beads rupture strength test. The ATR-FTIR analysis suggest that no new chemical bonds were formed, with encapsulation being responsible only for physical interactions between the functional groups of the polymers used and the active groups of the compounds present in the extract. The thermal stability of starch-containing beads was higher. Total tannins were higher in beads containing starch, with 53.61 %, 56.83 %, and 66.99 % encapsulation yield for samples with 2 %, 4 %, and 6 % starch, respectively, and the remaining antioxidant activity ranged from 96.04 % to 81.08 %. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion simulation indicated that the highest releases occurred in the intestinal phase, ranging from 60.72 % to 63.50 % for the release of total phenolic compounds.

Hydrogel properties of non-conventional starches from guabiju, pinhão, and uvaia seeds.

The physicochemical properties of starch vary depending on the botanical sources, thereby influencing the gelatinisation/retrogradation properties and subsequently affecting the hydrogels characteristics. This study aimed to assess the influence of botanical sources influence on starch and hydrogel properties using non-conventional starch derived from guabiju, pinhão, and uvaia seeds. Hydrogels were prepared by starch gelatinisation followed by 6 h ageing period at room temperature (20 ± 2 °C) and subjected to five freeze-thaw cycles. Pinhão starch exhibited a higher viscosity peak and breakdown, along with a lower final viscosity and setback, compared to guabiju and uvaia starches. The significantly different pasting properties influenced the porous microstructure, water absorption (p-value: 0.01), and resistance of the hydrogels (p-value: 0.01). The guabiju starch hydrogels showed a uniform pore structure without cavities, whereas pinhão and uvaia starch hydrogels exhibited agglomerated and spongy pore structures. Furthermore, the guabiju starch hydrogel demonstrated the lowest water absorption (4.56 g/g) and the highest compression resistance (1448.50 g) among all the studied starch hydrogels. In contrast, the pinhão starch hydrogel showed the highest water absorption (7.43 g/; p-value: 0.01) among all studied starch hydrogels. The hardness of uvaia starch hydrogel did not differ significantly from the guabiju and pinhão starch hydrogel. The different non-conventional starches reveal important variations in the hydrogels characteristics. This provides insights into how amylose and amylopectin interact and present alternatives for using these unique starch-based hydrogels in diverse applications.

Effect of microwave followed by cooling on structural and digestive properties of pinhão starch.

To increase its resistant content, native pinhão starch was modified using a microwave (300 W, 90 s) and subsequently cooled at 4 °C for 4, 8, 16, 24, and 72 h. The results demonstrated that all starches exhibited a crystalline structure of type C, with decreased crystallinity after modification. In the modified samples, the ratio of peaks 1047/1022 cm-1 and 995/1022 cm-1, as identified by FTIR, indicated a reduction in the crystalline region and damage to the double helix structure of starch granules. DSC analysis revealed that modified starches had lower gelatinization temperature range values due to the presence of more homogeneous crystals. Rheological analyses showed that starch suspensions obtained exhibited pseudoplastic fluid behavior and gel-like viscoelastic structure formation, with higher storage moduli in samples with longer cooling times. The microwave-modified starch, cooled for 72 h, exhibited higher digestion resistance, resulting in a 43.6 % increase in resistant starch content and a 26.1 % decrease in rapidly digestible starch compared to native starch. The results highlight that the modification of native pinhão starch using a microwave, followed by cooling at 4 °C for 72 h, presents a promising method for increasing the resistant starch content.

Plant genetic diversity by DNA barcoding to investigate propolis origin.

Identify the botanical origins of a certain type of propolis may be challenging and time demanding, since it involves bee's behavior observation, plant resins collection and chemical analysis. Thus, this study aimed to determine the plant genetic materials in propolis from southern Brazil using the DNA barcoding to investigate their botanical origins, as well as to compare it with the phytochemical composition determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) and with the pollinic profile. As principal results, non-native Populus carolinensis Moench (Salicaceae) was almost the only DNA source in some propolis samples, which coincided with the presence of flavonoids typical from poplar exudates. Conversely, other propolis samples had DNA material coming mainly from native plant species, most of them characterized to the species level, although no specific chemical markers from those plants could be identified by UHPLC-HRMS. However, pollen from several plants identified by the DNA barcoding were extracted from some propolis samples. Despite the identification of typical diterpenes, DNA material from Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze (Araucariaceae), which have been indicated as a major resin source for propolis from preservation areas in southern Brazil, was found in very small abundancies, likely because bees do not drag tissue material containing DNA when collecting resin from this native species. In conclusion, DNA barcoding analysis successfully provided information about the provenance of propolis, although, depending on the plant resin sources, this information is likely to come from pollen.

Evaluating pinhão conservation by using ionizing radiation and refrigeration

Pinhão is highly perishable due to its high water activity, being easily affected by fungi during storage and also susceptible to infestation by larvae. This seed is usually marketed in the pinhão cones itself, or bulk threshed, and packed in plastic bags, chilled or ground frozen. Pinhão conservation and industrialization techniques should be developed to promote its commercialization and consumption at other times of the year, besides the seasonal period, encouraging its sustainable production, extraction and commercialization, considering its essentially extractive character. The objective of this study was to evaluate the conservation of pinhão by the use of gamma radiation and refrigeration. The pinhões were irradiated with a cobalt­60 source at a dose rate of 1 kGy. A non-irradiated sample was used as a control. The pinhões were packed in high-density polyethylene bags and stored at ambient temperature and refrigerated at 4 ºC, during 90 days. Pinhões were evaluated for weight loss, acidity, reducing sugars, vitamin C, firmness, color, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and microbiological analyzes. The isolated use of gamma radiation was not effective for the maintenance of the evaluated parameters. However, when used in conjunction with refrigerated storage, it reduced the growth of aerobic fungi, as well as mesophilic and psychrotrophic microorganisms. The isolated use of refrigeration showed a reduction in weight loss, reducing sugars and an increase in vitamin C content and antioxidant activity. Thus, to increase the benefits, we suggest evaluating higher doses of radiation as a function of the thick pinhão shell.

Biotechnological Potential of Araucaria angustifolia Pine Nuts Extract and the Cysteine Protease Inhibitor AaCI-2S.

Protease inhibitors are involved in the regulation of endogenous cysteine proteases during seed development and play a defensive role because of their ability to inhibit exogenous proteases such as those present in the digestive tracts of insects. Araucaria angustifolia seeds, which can be used in human and animal feed, were investigated for their potential for the development of agricultural biotechnology and in the field of human health. In the pine nuts extract, which blocked the activities of cysteine proteases, it was detected potent insecticidal activity against termites (Nasutitermes corniger) belonging to the most abundant termite genus in tropical regions. The cysteine inhibitor (AaCI-2S) was purified by ion-exchange, size exclusion, and reversed-phase chromatography. Its functional and structural stability was confirmed by spectroscopic and circular dichroism studies, and by detection of inhibitory activity at different temperatures and pH values. Besides having activity on cysteine proteases from C. maculatus digestive tract, AaCI-2S inhibited papain, bromelain, ficin, and cathepsin L and impaired cell proliferation in gastric and prostate cancer cell lines. These properties qualify A. angustifolia seeds as a protein source with value properties of natural insecticide and to contain a protease inhibitor with the potential to be a bioactive molecule on different cancer cells.

Influence of pinhão starch and natural extracts on the performance of thermoplastic cassava starch/PBAT extruded blown films as a technological approach for bio-based packaging material.

Films were produced using the blown extrusion method from blends made with cassava and pinhão thermoplastic starch, compostable polyester (poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate, PBAT) and natural extracts (rosemary and green tea). The effect of the incorporation of the extracts and the type of starch added in the film properties were investigated following the mixture design (23 ) approach. Regression models and response surface curves were generated to predict the film properties. The effect of the cold storage (6 °C and 17% of humidity relative, for 60 days) on the film properties was also investigated in order to simulate future applications. All the properties were mainly influenced by the extract type. The incorporation of the extracts decreased the lightness parameter and the films produced with green tea extract were more opaque than those made with rosemary. Starch/rosemary blends were more flexible, while the extract type did not have a significant effect on tensile strength (TS). Film elongation (ELO) ranged from 520% to 719% and might be comparable to some synthetic polymers. The water vapor permeability was improved in approximately 14% with addition of the extracts. The storage conditions, on the one hand, increased the TS, elastic modulus, and opacity of films and, on the other hand, decreased the elongation parameter. The thermal stability of films was not modified by adding extracts or varying the starch type. The results demonstrated that pinhão/cassava/PBAT blends and the natural extracts are a good alternative matrix to produce packagings with adequate mechanical and barrier properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Extruded films produced from cassava or pinhão starch, poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and natural extracts show technological potential to be used as active packaging for food products. Pinhão starch is a great alternative substitute to cassava starch and the incorporation of the commercial compostable polymer (PBAT) is necessary in order to confer suitable mechanical properties to extrusion process. The extrusion blown method, a process widely used by plastic industries, allows the scale-up of bio-based packagings for industrial scale.

Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze has neuroprotective action through mitochondrial modulation in dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells.

Brain disorders (BD) including neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, are often associated with impairments in mitochondrial function and oxidative damage that can lead to neuronal injury. The mitochondrial complex I enzyme is one of the main sites of ROS generation and is implicated in many BD pathophysiologies. Despite advances in therapeutics for BD management, conventional pharmacotherapy still cannot efficiently control neuronal redox imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction. Araucaria angustifolia is one of the main pine species in South America and presents a notable therapeutic history in folk medicine. A. angustifolia extract (AAE), obtained from the natural waste named bracts, is rich in flavonoids; molecules able to regulate cell redox metabolism. We examined the effects of AAE on rotenone-induced mitochondrial complex I dysfunction in human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells. AAE restored complex I assembly and activity mainly through overexpression of NDUFS7 protein and NDUFV2 gene levels. These findings were accompanied by a reduction in the generation of neuronal reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. Our data demonstrates, for the first time, that AAE exerts in vitro neuroprotective effects, thus making it an interesting source for future drug development in BD-associated mitochondrial dysfunctions.

Disturbance history mediates climate change effects on subtropical forest biomass and dynamics.

The responses of forest communities to interacting anthropogenic disturbances like climate change and logging are poorly known. Subtropical forests have been heavily modified by humans and their response to climate change is poorly understood. We investigated the 9-year change observed in a mixed conifer-hardwood Atlantic forest mosaic that included both mature and selectively logged forest patches in subtropical South America. We used demographic monitoring data within 10 1 ha plots that were subjected to distinct management histories (plots logged until 1955, until 1987, and unlogged) to test the hypothesis that climate change affected forest structure and dynamics differentially depending on past disturbances. We determined the functional group of all species based on life-history affinities as well as many functional traits like leaf size, specific leaf area, wood density, total height, stem slenderness, and seed size data for the 66 most abundant species. Analysis of climate data revealed that minimum temperatures and rainfall have been increasing in the last few decades of the 20th century. Floristic composition differed mainly with logging history categories, with only minor change over the nine annual census intervals. Aboveground biomass increased in all plots, but increases were higher in mature unlogged forests, which showed signs of forest growth associated with increased CO2, temperature, and rainfall/treefall gap disturbance at the same time. Logged forests showed arrested succession as indicated by reduced abundances of Pioneers and biomass-accumulators like Large Seeded Pioneers and Araucaria, as well as reduced functional diversity. Management actions aimed at creating regeneration opportunities for long-lived pioneers are needed to restore community functional diversity, and ecosystem services such as increased aboveground biomass accumulation. We conclude that the effects of climate drivers on the dynamics of Brazilian mixed Atlantic forests vary with land-use legacies, and can differ importantly from the ones prevalent in better known tropical forests.

Cold spot microrefugia hold the key to survival for Brazil's Critically Endangered Araucaria tree.

Brazil's Araucaria tree (Araucaria angustifolia) is an iconic living fossil and a defining element of the Atlantic Forest global biodiversity hotspot. But despite more than two millennia as a cultural icon in southern Brazil, Araucaria is on the brink of extinction, having lost 97% of its extent to 20th-century logging. Although logging is now illegal, 21st-century climate change constitutes a new-but so far unevaluated-threat to Araucaria's future survival. We use a robust ensemble modelling approach, using recently developed climate data, high-resolution topography and fine-scale vegetation maps, to predict the species' response to climate change and its implications for conservation on meso- and microclimate scales. We show that climate-only models predict the total disappearance of Araucaria's most suitable habitat by 2070, but incorporating topographic effects allows potential highland microrefugia to be identified. The legacy of 20th-century destruction is evident-more than a third of these likely holdouts have already lost their natural vegetation-and 21st-century climate change will leave just 3.5% of remnant forest and 28.4% of highland grasslands suitable for Araucaria. Existing protected areas cover only 2.5% of the surviving microrefugia for this culturally important species, and none occur in any designated indigenous territory. Our results suggest that anthropogenic climate change is likely to commit Araucaria to a second consecutive century of significant losses, but targeted interventions could help ensure its survival in the wild.

Influência da luminosidade na firmeza e perda de massa de pinhões / Influence of luminosity on firmness and loss of mass of pinhões

As sementes de Araucaria angustifolia, conhecidas como pinhão, tem sua conservação pós-colheita dificultada. A germinação do pinhão representa uma desvantagem, já que sementes brotadas não tem valor comercial. A inibição da germinação pela luz induz a semente ao seu estado de dormência, com redução da atividade metabólica, sendo uma alternativa para a conservação da semente. Com isso, objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar a perda de massa e firmeza de pinhões armazenados sob diferentes condições de luminosidade a temperatura ambiente por 90 dias. O armazenamento de pinhões em diferentes condições de luminosidade a temperatura ambiente ocasionou perda de massa e firmeza, sendo que a luminosidade não proporcionou aumento da conservação de pinhões.

Novel and Conserved miRNAs Among Brazilian Pine and Other Gymnosperms.

The knowledge about plant miRNAs has increased exponentially, with thousands of miRNAs been reported in different plant taxa using high throughput sequencing technologies and bioinformatic tools. Nevertheless, several groups of plants remain unexplored, and the gap of knowledge about conifer miRNAs is considerable. There is no sequence or functional information available on miRNAs in Araucariaceae. This group is represented in Brazil by only one species, Araucaria angustifolia, an endangered species known as Brazilian pine. In the present study, Brazilian pine has its transcriptome explored with respect to small RNAs, representing the first description in a member of the Araucariaceae family. The screening for conserved miRNAs in Brazilian pine revealed 115 sequences of 30 miRNA families. A total of 106 precursors sequences were predicted. Forty one comprised conserved miRNAs from 16 families, whereas 65 were annotated as novel miRNAs. The comparison of Brazilian pine precursors with sRNA libraries of other five conifer species indicates that 9 out 65 novel miRNAs are conserved among gymnosperms, while 56 seems to be specific for Brazilian pine or restricted to Araucariaceae family. Analysis comparing novel Brazilian pine miRNAs precursors and Araucaria cunninghamii RNA-seq data identified seven orthologs between both species. Mature miRNA identified by bioinformatics predictions were validated using stem-loop RT-qPCR assays. The expression pattern of conserved and novel miRNAs was analyzed in five different tissues of 3-month-old Araucaria seedlings. The present study provides insights about the nature and composition of miRNAs in an Araucariaceae species, with valuable information on miRNAs diversity and conservation in this taxon.

Activation of Nucleases, PCD, and Mobilization of Reserves in the Araucaria angustifolia Megagametophyte During Germination.

The megagametophyte of mature seeds of Araucaria angustifolia consists of cells with thin walls, one or more nuclei, a central vacuole storing proteins, and a cytoplasm rich in amyloplasts, mitochondria and lipid bodies. In this study, we describe the process of mobilization of reserves and analyzed the dismantling of the tissue during germination, using a range of well-established markers of programmed cell death (PCD), including: morphological changes in nuclei and amyloplasts, DNA degradation, and changes in nuclease profiles. TUNEL reaction and DNA electrophoresis demonstrate that DNA fragmentation in nuclei occurs at early stages of germination, which correlates with induction of specific nucleases. The results of the present study add knowledge on the dismantling of the megagametophyte of genus Araucaria, a storage tissue that stores starch as the main reserve substance, as well as on the PCD pathway, by revealing new insights into the role of nucleases and the expression patterns of putative nuclease genes during germination.

Systematic study on the extraction of antioxidants from pinhão (araucaria angustifolia (bertol.) Kuntze) coat.

Food by-products containing bioactive substances have attracted attention due to the possibility of adding values to residues of the food industry. In this work, the extraction of phenolic compounds from pinhão seed coats (Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze) using a central composite rotatable design was applied to obtain prediction models for the extract volume yield, total phenolic content, total phenolic acids and total flavonoids. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were implemented showing an evident poor effect of the temperature on phenolic compounds extraction, which is in accordance with the prediction model obtained by the experimental design for total phenolic acids. Volume yield presented a high positive correlation with extraction temperature, followed by solvent composition. Scanning electron microscopy showed that higher temperatures and lower ethanol percentages resulted in highly defibrillated pinhão coats that retained more extract after the extraction process, leading to lower volume yield percentages.

Influence of Brazilian pine seed flour addition on rheological, chemical and sensory properties of gluten-free rice flour cakes / Influência da adição de farinha de pinhão sobre as propriedades reológicas, químicas e sensoriais de bolos sem glúten produzidos com farinha de arroz

ABSTRACT: Brazilian pine seeds (pinhão) are gluten-free seeds produced by the native pine species named Araucaria angustifolia. In this study, gluten-free cake mixes composed of Brazilian pine seed flour and rice flour were developed. The cake mixes were produced following a Simplex Centroid experimental design, with rice flour and Brazilian pine seed flour contents ranging from 50 to 100% and from 0 to 50%, respectively. Mixes were analyzed for chemical composition, apparent paste viscosity, and particle size distribution. The resulting cakes were analyzed for sensory acceptance, texture, specific volume and chemical composition. The Brazilian pine seed flour showed a peak viscosity on heating of 1.761Pa.s against 4.747Pa.s for the 100% rice flour sample. The variation of firmness of cakes decreased with increasing percentage of Brazilian pine seed flour. Cakes containing Brazilian pine seed flour at 25-37.5% of the formulation presented highest overall acceptance.

RESUMO: O pinhão trata-se de uma semente sem glúten, produzida pelo pinheiro da espécie Araucaria angustifolia. Neste estudo, foram desenvolvidas misturas de bolo sem glúten, compostas por farinha de pinhão e farinha de arroz. As misturas de bolo foram produzidas conforme o modelo experimental Simplex Centroid, que definiu as proporções entre a farinha de arroz e a farinha de pinhão na variação de 50 a 100% e 0 a 50%, respectivamente. As misturas foram analisadas quanto à composição química, viscosidade aparente da pasta e distribuição de tamanho de partícula. Os bolos resultantes foram submetidos às análises de aceitação sensorial, textura volume específico e composição química. A farinha de pinhão demostrou ocorrência do pico de viscosidade ao aquecimento no valor de 1,761Pa.s contra 4,747Pa.s da amostra composta por 100% de farinha de arroz. A variação da firmeza dos bolos diminuiu com o aumento da porcentagem de farinha de pinhão. Em termos sensoriais, os bolos contendo entre 25 a 37,5% de farinha de pinhão apresentaram maior aceitação geral.

Late Holocene Vegetation History and Early Evidence of Araucaria angustifolia in Caçapava do Sul in the Lowland Region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Southern Brazil

Little is known about the southernmost occurrence of small areas with Araucaria angustifolia populations in Caçapava do Sul in low elevated areas of Rio Grande do Sul State, about 130 km to the south of to the highlands of southern Brazil where the main distribution of Araucaria is found. This occurrence is about 130 km further south to the main area of Araucaria angustifolia which is on the highlands in southern Brazil. The question is whether this occurrence is natural, due to indigenous peoples, or due to plantation by post-Columbian settlers. To trace the origin of this little known southernmost existence of Araucaria angustifolia trees is of particular interest for conservation issues. To address this question we did a vegetation survey and studied a 150 cm-long radiocarbon dated sediment core from the Fazenda da Mônica by pollen analysis. The vegetation survey of the study area indicates that also other typical taxa of the Araucaria forest as well as the Atlantic lowland rainforest are found in the present-day semi-deciduous forest, such as Podocarpus, Ilex, Myrsine and Prunus for the former, and Alchornea, Moraceae, Arecaceae, and Myrtaceae for the later. The pollen record, due to bad pollen preservation, starts only after 44 cm core depth, which is about 515 cal yr BP old (AD 1490), indicating that Araucaria angustifolia as well as other Araucaria forest and Atlantic rainforest taxa occurred in this area since the beginning of the pollen record. The occurrence of these taxa can be seen as natural and not introduced during the post-Columbian colonisation. First settlers at the beginning of the 19th century reduced existing population of Araucaria markedly and in particular since about AD 1950. The population of Araucaria angustilfolia before the post-Columbian settlement was much larger than today.

Effects of single and dual physical modifications on pinhão starch.

Pinhão starch was modified by annealing (ANN), heat-moisture (HMT) or sonication (SNT) treatments. The starch was also modified by a combination of these treatments (ANN-HMT, ANN-SNT, HMT-ANN, HMT-SNT, SNT-ANN, SNT-HMT). Whole starch and debranched starch fractions were analyzed by gel-permeation chromatography. Moreover, crystallinity, morphology, swelling power, solubility, pasting and gelatinization characteristics were evaluated. Native and single ANN and SNT-treated starches exhibited a CA-type crystalline structure while other modified starches showed an A-type structure. The relative crystallinity increased in ANN-treated starches and decreased in single HMT- and SNT-treated starches. The ANN, HMT and SNT did not provide visible cracks, notches or grooves to pinhão starch granule. SNT applied as second treatment was able to increase the peak viscosity of single ANN- and HMT-treated starches. HMT used alone or in dual modifications promoted the strongest effect on gelatinization temperatures and enthalpy.

Mitochondria and redox homoeostasis as chemotherapeutic targets of Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze in human larynx HEp-2 cancer cells.

Natural products are among one of the most promising fields in finding new molecular targets in cancer therapy. Laryngeal carcinoma is one of the most common cancers affecting the head and neck regions, and is associated with high morbidity rate if left untreated. The aim of this study was to examine the antiproliferative effect of Araucaria angustifolia on laryngeal carcinoma HEp-2 cells. The results showed that A. angustifolia extract (AAE) induced a significant cytotoxicity in HEp-2 cells compared to the non-tumor human epithelial (HEK-293) cells, indicating a selective activity of AAE for the cancer cells. A. angustifolia extract was able to increase oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, and the production of nitric oxide, along with the depletion of enzymatic antioxidant defenses (superoxide dismutase and catalase) in the tumor cell line. Moreover, AAE was able to induce DNA damage, nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation. A significant increase in the Apoptosis Inducing Factor (AIF), Bax, poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase-3 cleavage expression were also found. These effects could be related to the ability of AAE to increase the production of reactive oxygen species through inhibition of the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I activity and ATP production by the tumor cells. The phytochemical analysis of A. angustifolia, performed using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) in MS and MS/MS mode, showed the presence of dodecanoic and hexadecanoic acids, and phenolic compounds, which may be associated with the chemotherapeutic effect observed in this study.

Antioxidant and Antigenotoxic Activities of the Brazilian Pine Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze.

Polyphenols are natural products with recognized potential in drug discovery and development. We aimed to evaluate the polyphenolic profile of Araucaria angustifolia bracts, and their ability to scavenge reactive species. The antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of A. angustifolia polyphenols in MRC5 human lung fibroblast cells were also explored. The total polyphenol extract of A. angustifolia was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and the chemical composition was confirmed by HPLC. Reactive oxygen species' scavenging ability was investigated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and superoxide dismutase- and catalase-like activities. The protective effect of the extract in MRC5 cells was carried out by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method and the determination of oxidative lipids, protein, and DNA (alkaline and enzymatic comet assay) damage. Total phenolic content of the A. angustifolia extract was 1586 ± 14.53 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g of bracts. Catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, and apigenin were the major polyphenols. The extract was able to scavenge DPPH radicals and exhibited potent superoxide dismutase and catalase-like activities. Moreover, A. angustifolia extract significantly protected MRC5 cells against H2O2-induced mortality and oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Therefore, A. angustifolia has potential as a source of bioactive chemical compounds.

Estandarización de marcadores moleculares microsatélites para su uso en la industria forestal de Misiones, Argentina / Standarization of microsatellite molecular markers for Misiones (Argentina) forest industry

Provincia de Misiones posee actualmente una actividad forestal en pujante crecimiento ubicóndose entre las primeras del pais. Este marco de desarrollo productivo permite predecir un ámbito de crecimiento favorecido por las nuevas condiciones del mercado internacional. Por otro lado a pesar del avance de la tecnologi­a industrial, no se ha alcanzado el nivel de desarrollo biotecnológico óptimo que conjugue la calidad genética con caracterí­sticas fenotópicas de excelencia en las especies maderables de mayor demanda en la Provincia basó¡ndose la selección en criterios netamente fenotópicos y en la experiencia del productor, sin contarse con métodos moleculares desarrollados en la región. Este trabajo presenta los resultados del Proyecto Federal de Innovacíon Productiva (PFIP Mi09) cuyo objetivo principal fue estandarizar y transferir al sector productivo un conjunto de marcadores moleculares microsalites para ser aplicado al análisis de poblaciones y forestaciones de Araucaria angustifolia y Pinus taeda provenientes de la Provincia de Misiones (Argentina). Esto permitirá conocer el perfil genético de plantaciones y poblaciones de estas especies forestales, pudiendo aplicarse a la certificación de calidad en la producción forestal o a la selección de ejemplares de especies nativas.

Misiones Province currently has the first intensive forestry activity of Argentine. This framework of productive development allows predict an area of growth favored by the new conditions of the international market. On the other side despite the progress of industrial technology, has not been reached the optimal level of biotechnological development that combining quality with genomic and phenotypic characteristics of forest species. This work presents the results of Federal Project of Productive Innovation (PFIP Mi09) whose main objective was standardize and transfer to the productive sector a set of microsatellites molecular markers to be applied to the populations analysis of Araucaria angustifolia and Pinus taeda forestation from the Misiones (Argentine). This will reveal the plantations and forest genetic profile and may be applied to genetic certification of forest production quality.