Continuous Flow Synthesis of Hexyl Laurate Using Immobilized Thermomyces Lanuginosus Lipase from Residual Babassu Mesocarp.

Brazil has one of the greatest biodiversities on the planet, where various crops play a strategic role in the country's economy. Among the highly appreciated biomasses is babassu, whose oil extraction generates residual babassu mesocarp (BM), which still needs new strategies for valorization. This work aimed to use BM as a support for the immobilization of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL) in an 8.83 mL packed-bed reactor, followed by its application as a biocatalyst for the synthesis of hexyl laurate in an integrated process. Initially, the percolation of a solution containing 5 mg of TLL at 25 °C and flows ranging from 1.767 to 0.074 mL min-1 was investigated, where at the lowest flow rate tested (residence time of 2 h), it was possible to obtain an immobilized derivative with hydrolytic activity of 504.7 U g-1 and 31.7 % of recovered activity. Subsequent studies of treatment with n-hexane, as well as the effect of temperature on the immobilization process, were able to improve the activities of the final biocatalyst BM-TLLF, achieving a final hydrolysis activity of 7023 U g-1 and esterification activity of 430 U ⋅ g-1 against 142 U g-1 and 113.5 U g-1 respectively presented by the commercial TLIM biocatalyst. Desorption studies showed that the TL IM has 18 mg of protein per gram of support, compared to 4.92 mg presented by BM-TLL. Both biocatalysts were applied to synthesize hexyl laurate, achieving 98 % conversion at 40 °C within 2 h. Notably, BM-TLLF displayed exceptional recyclability, maintaining catalytic efficiency over 12 cycles. This reflects a productivity of 180 mg of product ⋅ h-1 U-1 of the enzyme, surpassing 46 mg h-1 U-1 obtained for TLIM. These results demonstrate the efficacy of continuous flow technology in creating a competitive and integrated process offering an exciting alternative for the valorization of residual lignocellulosic biomass.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Based on Babassu Oil and Copaiba Oleoresin: A Promising Approach for Prostate Cancer Therapy.

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) represent promising nanostructures for drug delivery systems. This study successfully synthesized SLNs containing different proportions of babassu oil (BBS) and copaiba oleoresin (COPA) via the emulsification-ultrasonication method. Before SLN synthesis, the identification and quantification of methyl esters, such as lauric acid and ß-caryophyllene, were performed via GC-MS analysis. These methyl esters were used as chemical markers and assisted in encapsulation efficiency experiments. A 22 factorial design with a center point was employed to assess the impact of stearic acid and Tween 80 on particle hydrodynamic diameter (HD) and polydispersity index (PDI). Additionally, the effects of temperature (8 ± 0.5 °C and 25 ± 1.0 °C) and time (0, 7, 15, 30, 40, and 60 days) on HD and PDI values were investigated. Zeta potential (ZP) measurements were utilized to evaluate nanoparticle stability, while transmission electron microscopy provided insights into the morphology and nanometric dimensions of the SLNs. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of the SLNs (10 µg/mL, 30 µg/mL, 40 µg/mL, and 80 µg/mL) was evaluated using the MTT assay with PC-3 and DU-145 prostate cancer cell lines. Results demonstrated that SLNs containing BBS and COPA in a 1:1 ratio exhibited a promising cytotoxic effect against prostate cancer cells, with a percentage of viable cells of 68.5% for PC-3 at a concentration of 30 µg/mL and 48% for DU-145 at a concentration of 80 µg/mL. These findings underscore the potential therapeutic applications of SLNs loaded with BBS and COPA for prostate cancer treatment.

Nanocomposite Films of Babassu Coconut Mesocarp and Green ZnO Nanoparticles for Application in Antimicrobial Food Packaging.

In this work, novel nanocomposite films based on babassu coconut mesocarp and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), synthesized by a green route, were produced for application as food packaging films. The films were prepared using the casting method containing different contents of ZnO NPs (0 wt%, 0.1 wt%, 0.5 wt%, and 1.0 wt%). The films were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), instrumental color analysis, and optical properties. The water vapor permeability (WVP) and tensile strength of films were also determined. The antimicrobial activity of the films against cooked turkey ham samples contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus was investigated. The results showed that incorporating ZnO NPs into babassu mesocarp matrices influenced the structure of the biopolymer chains and the color of the films. The BM/ZnO-0.5 film (0.5 wt% ZnO NPs) showed better thermal, mechanical, and WVP properties. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of babassu mesocarp and ZnO NPs in the BM/ZnO-0.5 film improved the antimicrobial properties of the material, reducing the microbial count of S. aureus in cooked turkey ham samples stored under refrigeration for 7 days. Thus, the films produced in this study showed promising antimicrobial packaging materials for processed foods.

Mechanical and Ballistic Properties of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Babassu Fibers (Attalea speciosa).

The mechanical and ballistic performance of epoxy matrix composites reinforced with 10, 20, and 30 vol.% of babassu fibers was investigated for the first time. The tests included tension, impact, and ballistic testing with 0.22 caliber ammunition. The results showed an improvement in tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation with the addition of babassu fiber, and the 30 vol.% composite stood out. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the fracture modes of the composites, highlighting brittle fractures in the epoxy matrix, as well as other mechanisms such as fiber breakage and delamination in the fiber composites. Izod impact tests also showed improvement with increasing babassu fiber content. In ballistic tests, there was an increase in absorbed energy. All composites surpassed plain epoxy by over 3.5 times in ballistic energy absorption, underscoring the potential of babassu fiber in engineering and defense applications.

Toward Producing Biopolyethylene/Babassu Fiber Biocomposites with Improved Mechanical and Thermomechanical Properties.

The development of polymeric biocomposites containing natural fibers has grown over the years due to the properties achieved and its eco-friendly nature. Thus, biocomposites involving a polymer from a renewable source (Biopolyethylene (BioPE)) and babassu fibers (BFs), compatibilized with polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (MA) and acrylic acid (AA) (PE-g-MA and PE-g-AA, respectively) were obtained using melt mixing and injection molded into tensile, impact, and HDT specimens. Babassu fiber was characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The biocomposites were characterized using torque rheometry, TGA, tensile strength, impact strength, thermomechanical properties, Shore D hardness, and SEM. The data indicate that the torque during the processing of compatibilized biocomposites was higher than that of BioPE/BF biocomposites, which was taken as an indication of a possible reaction between the functional groups. Compatibilization led to a substantial improvement in the elastic modulus, tensile strength, HDT, and VST and a decrease in Shore D hardness. These results were justified with SEM micrographs, which showed babassu fibers better adhered to the surface of the biopolyethylene matrix, as well as an encapsulation of these fibers. The system investigated is environmentally sustainable, and the results are promising for the technology of polymeric composites.

Babassu Coconut Fibers: Investigation of Chemical and Surface Properties (Attalea speciosa.).

To complement previous results, an analysis of the chemical and morphological properties of babassu fibers (Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng.) was conducted in order to evaluate their potential as reinforcements in the production of composites with epoxy matrix. The diameter distribution was analyzed in a sample of one hundred fibers, allowing the verification of its variation. The determination of the chemical properties involved experimental analyses of the constituent index and X-ray diffraction. The diffractogram was used to calculate the crystallinity index and the microfibril angle, which are crucial parameters that indicate the consistency of the mechanical properties of babassu fibers and the feasibility of their use in composites. The results revealed that babassu fiber has a chemical composition, with contents of 28.53% lignin, 32.34% hemicellulose, and 37.97% cellulose. In addition, it showed a high crystallinity index of 81.06% and a microfibril angle of 7.67°. These characteristics, together with previous results, indicate that babassu fibers have favorable chemical and morphological properties to be used as reinforcements in composites, highlighting its potential as an important material for applications in technology areas.

The problem of conserving an ecosystem that has not been completely delineated and mapped: the case of the Cocais Palm Forest.

Land cover changes threaten biodiversity and alter the geographic distribution of forests worldwide. Studies on this topic are important to establish conservation strategies and public policies. However, different studies may propose different spatial representations due to differences when identifying, classifying, and/or mapping the same vegetation formation, as observed for the Cocais Forest region. This palm-dominated ecosystem predominates the Brazilian mid-north region in an ecotone region with 3 of the 6 Brazilian biomes. In this study, we conducted a literature review of studies that delineated and mapped the Cocais Forest, aiming to compare different mapped regions and to establish a new distribution map integrating these spatial data. We found seven sources that revealed spatial divergences in identifying the spatial distribution of Cocais Forest, including its characteristics in terms of size and shape, which could affect the conservation, socioeconomic, and cultural policies and studies carried out on this emblematic vegetation formation and influence area. The delineation proposed by de Sousa Nascimento and Lima (Revista de Políticas Públicas 189-192, 2016) encompassed the largest area. In addition, there was a lack of consensus regarding the nomenclature for this ecosystem, and few works offered a detailed description of the mapping process. Despite the different spatial distributions found for the Cocais Forest, we succeeded in establishing a common area by overlapping individual maps, resulting in the identification of a core region exclusive located in the State of Maranhão.

Polymeric nanoparticles containing babassu oil: A proposed drug delivery system for controlled release of hydrophilic compounds.

Different drug delivery systems are prepared on the nanoscale to improve performance in drug formulations, such as nanoparticles or nanoemulsions. Polymeric nanoparticles have been used to encapsulate drugs for several applications because of some characteristics of these carriers to control drug delivery, transport molecules to a specific tissue, protect the drugs, and increase drug bioavailability. When using nanocapsules, an essential parameter for encapsulating different hydrophilic or lipophilic molecules is the characteristics of the core. Babassu oil (BBS) is a natural product from Brazil, composed majoritary of short-chain saturated fatty acids. BBS has an elevated hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), which may promote interaction of the oil with hydrophilic drugs. In this study, we developed and characterized particles containing babassu oil, solely or combined with sorbitan monostearate (Span® 60) or medium chain triglycerides (MCT) in the core to test different HLB and evaluated the encapsulation of a model hydrophilic molecule. Different techniques were used to characterize all formulations in terms of size and distribution, and in vitro drug release by dialysis technique was performed. The BBS was also characterized and presented 46,05 ± 1,11% and 15,38 ± 0,06% of lauric and myristic acid, respectively; saponification index of 248.87 ± 0.64 mg of KOH per gram of BBS, and no oxidation of the oil was indicated by means of peroxide index. Evaporation of solvent carried in the room or reduced pressure influenced the particles' size; nevertheless, all had a z-average smaller than 220 nm. Nanoparticles with a ratio among aqueous phase and organic phase of 2.8 were considered adequate to encapsulate diclofenac sodium. The particles size/zeta potential were 189.83 ± 7.86 nm / - 10.39 ± 2.52 mV, 156.80 ± 4.77 nm / - 9.27 ± 4.61 mV, and 168.87 ± 5.22 nm / - 12.98 ± 4.66 mV to nanoparticles prepared with BBS + MCT, BBS, and BBS + Span® 60, respectively. All formulations exhibited an amount of drug content close to the theoretical amount (1.0 mg mL-1), and no difference was observed in the release profile among the three nanoparticles. Formulation containing only babassu oil in the core displayed 66.78 ± 15.62% of encapsulation efficiency to diclofenac sodium, the highest value among all formulations tested. Results demonstrate that the innovative nanoparticles containing BBS promote the encapsulation of a model hydrophilic molecule, and other components can be evaluated to change the core's hydrophilicity and encapsulation of molecules.

Development and characterization of photoprotective nanoemulsions containing Babassu (Orbignya phalerata Mart. ) lipophilic extract

Abstract Oil-in-water photoprotective nanoemulsions (NEs) were developed using Babassu (BBS) lipophilic extract, nonionic surfactants, and low concentrations of organic sunscreens by ultrasonic processing. BBS extract was chosen due to its suitable physicochemical properties (acidity index, peroxide index, refraction index, and relative density) and predominance of saturated fatty acids, identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which promote biological activities and high oxidative stability. NEs were characterized by mean droplet size, morphology, polydispersity index (PdI), pH, and organoleptic properties, and the physical stability of the NEs was evaluated for 120 days at room temperature. The sun protection factor (SPF) was determined, and the photostability and in vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed for NEs. All NEs remained stable for 120 days, with a droplet size <150 nm and a monomodal distribution profile. The pH values were compatible with the skin's pH. NE3 showed a spherical morphology, with a mean droplet size of 125.15 ± 0.16 nm and PdI of 0.145 ± 0.032. NE3 containing BBS extract and sunscreens presented an SPF of 35.5 ± 3.0, was photostable after 6 h of radiation and was non-cytotoxic to fibroblast cells. Thus, NE3 could be considered a promising formulation for developing synergic plant-extract sunscreen photoprotective products for the market

Continuous production of monoacylglycerol via glycerolysis of babassu oil by immobilized Burkholderia cepacia lipase in a packed bed reactor.

This study investigated the glycerolysis of babassu oil by Burkholderia cepacia lipase immobilized on SiO2-PVA particles in a continuous packed bed reactor. Experiments were conducted in a solvent-free system at 273.15 K either in an inert atmosphere or in the presence of cocoa butter to prevent lipid oxidation. The reactor (15 × 55 mm) was run at a fixed space time of 9.8 h using different molar ratios of babassu oil to glycerol (1:3, 1:6, 1:9, 1:12, and 1:15) to assess the effects of reactant molar ratio on monoacylglycerol productivity and selectivity. Nitrogen atmosphere and cocoa butter were equally effective in inhibiting lipid oxidation, indicating that addition of cocoa butter to glycerolysis reactions may be an interesting cost-reduction strategy. An oil/glycerol molar ratio of 1:9 resulted in the highest productivity (52.3 ± 2.9 mg g-1 h-1) and selectivity (31.5 ± 1.8%). Residence time distribution data were fitted to an axial dispersion model for closed-vessel boundary conditions, giving a mass transfer coefficient (kc) of 3.4229 × 10-6 m s-1. A kinetic model based on elementary steps of the studied reaction was written in Scilab and compared with experimental data, providing standard deviations in the range of 5.5-7.5%.

Vegetable oils: Are they true? A point of view from ATR-FTIR, 1H NMR, and regiospecific analysis by 13C NMR.

Problems related to oil authenticity make it difficult to obtain the benefits associated with each type of vegetable oil. Fraudulent practices have been revealed by several targeted and nontargeted methods. In this paper, spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR) were applied to determine the chemical profiles of 23 Brazilian commercial vegetable oils obtained from five different high-value aggregated matrices (andiroba, babassu, baru, castor, and sweet almond oils) and investigate their adulteration, by comparison with the corresponding reference samples. Each technique is useful for the particular information it provides: differences in free fatty acids by FT-IR; adulteration with omega-3-enriched oils by 1H NMR, and adulteration of unsaturated-enriched oil with another unsaturated oil without linoleic acid by regiospecific analysis. Our findings highlight the importance of fusion-based methods in providing precise information for use in oil quality authentication.

Effect of Babassu Mesocarp As a Food Supplement During Resistance Training.

The population widely uses babassu mesocarp (Attalea speciosa) as food and medicine. This study evaluated the use of babassu mesocarp as a food supplement during resistance training (RT). Male Swiss mice, 60 days old (weight 35-40 g), were divided into four groups (n = 8): control, untreated and untrained; babassu (babassu aqueous extract [BAE]), treated orally with aqueous extract of babassu mesocarp (25 mg/kg), five times a week, for 8 weeks; training (RT), submitted to RT consisting of stair climbing with progressive loads; and resistance training treated with babassu aqueous extract (RTBAE): RT and treatment with BAE. After 8 weeks, we analyzed the biochemistry of serum, the immunological, and histological parameters. The RT group showed maximum strength after the second week. A reduction in body weight, retroperitoneal and interstitial fat deposits, and activated helper T lymphocytes (TCD4+ CD69+) occurred in RT and RTBAE groups. The RTBAE group showed increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and macrophage and helper T lymphocyte count, whereas a reduction occurred in triglyceride levels and the total number of lymphocytes. Supplementation with BAE always reduced cholesterol and the population of activated macrophages but increased activated B lymphocytes and interleukin-6 levels. The combination of supplementation and RT resulted in a decreased production of tumor necrosis factor-α. We propose the use of babassu mesocarp as a food supplement during exercise because of its immunomodulatory effect on lymphocyte and macrophage populations and cytokine production. The additional impact on the control of cholesterol and triglyceride levels suggests its use, particularly for the treatment of dyslipidemias.

Bisfenol A adsorption using a low-cost adsorbent prepared from residues of babassu coconut peels.

Nowadays, the occurrence of microcontaminants in water resources has become a worldwide concern. Among them, it can be mentioned Bisphenol A, a substance widely used in the chemical composition of plastic such as manufacture of packages, bottles, toiletries, among others. Its use may cause adverse effects on human health and the environment. Thus, a treatment is necessary to remove this compound and adsorption is an interesting alternative due to its low cost, operation and high efficiency. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the adsorption capacity of bisphenol in babassu activated carbon. The obtained results were satisfactory and the best experimental conditions were at 318 K temperature, 1 g L-1 adsorbent concentration and 720 min equilibrium time, resulting in the maximum adsorptive capacity of 49.61 mg g-1. The experimental data fit best with the pseudo-second order and Langmuir models for the kinetic and equilibrium studies, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters indicated endothermic, spontaneous and reversible process. The main adsorption mechanisms were hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions. In addition, the material regeneration study allowed to verify its possibility of reuse. Therefore, it was noticed that babassu activated carbon has high potential applicability in the treatment of contaminated water.

Nanoemulsion Improves Babassu Palm Oil (Orbignya phalerata) Antioxidant Properties

HIGHLIGHTS Production of lipid nanoemulsions (<100 nm) of industrial interest with low energy demand. The antioxidant properties of babassu oil have been improved and the nanoemulsions are not cytotoxic. Babassu oil is a food and medicinal product. The nanoemulsion is strategic for the developed of new antioxidants phytotherapeutics.

Abstract Background: Babassu oil is an extract from a Brazilian native coconut (Orbignya phalerata Martius) and is used both as a food and a medicinal product. Methods: we produced two babassu oil nanoemulsions and evaluated them regarding their nanoscopic stability, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity.The nanoemulsions were characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering, and their stability was investigated for 120 days. The antioxidant activity was assessed by Spectroscopy Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, and the cytotoxicity was assessed by a colorimetric method (MTT) with the NIH/3T3 cell lineage. Results: the results showed nanoemulsions with average hydrodynamic diameter lower than 100 nm (p(0.001).and a polydispersity index of less than 0.3 (p(0.001), indicating monodisperse systems and good stability at room temperature. The exposure of nanoemulsions at varying pH revealed that the isoelectric point was at 3.0, and the images obtained by Transmission Electron Microscopy showed spherical droplets with a size 27 nm. The antioxidant activity showed that the babassu nanoemulsions exposed to free radicals had a better response when compared to the oil free samples. The cell viability assays showed low toxicity of the formulation with viability over 92% (p(0.05). Conclusion: babassu oil nanoformulations showed low polydispersity and kinetic stability with effective antioxidant action. Therefore, they can be promising for application in the food industry or as antioxidant phytotherapeutics.

Elaboration and characterization of biopolymer films with alginate and babassu coconut mesocarp.

Biopolymers as films are defined as materials prepared from biological molecules with filmogenic morphology that can be versatile uses. The present research aimed to study formulations of natural polymeric composites based on babassu coconut mesocarp (BCM), alginate and glycerol, to verify the effect of these components on moisture, solubility, thickness and water vapor permeability (WVP) parameters for different cross-linking stages. After a second cross-linking was applied, they presented lower thickness, solubility, and WVP values than first cross-linking. Consecutive analyses for selected film formulations showed that the formulation to solutions of 400 mL with 3g of BCM, 7.5g of alginate and 4.0g of glycerol had the most promising results when correlating physical parameters with thermal analyses, chemical and mechanical properties. Films with amount of babassu coconut mesocarp in the proportion established were sturdy to solubility, leaching and thermal degradation, improved by second cross-linking applied.

Insurreições femininas: resistências de mulheres quebradeiras de coco babaçu / Female insurrections: babassu coconut breakers' resistances / Insurrecciones femeninas: resistencias de mujeres quebradoras de coco babaçu

Este estudo tem como objetivo refletir sobre os modos de vida e de luta de mulheres quebradeiras de coco piauienses junto ao Movimento Interestadual de Quebradeiras de Coco Babaçu (MIQCB). Tratou-se de um estudo cartográfico realizado em três comunidades da zona rural da cidade de Esperantina, no Piauí, onde está localizada a sede regional do MIQCB. Para a produção dos dados, utilizamos como recursos a intervenção fotográfica e a produção de narrativas de vida. Assim, destacamos, por um lado, as relações de poder com os patrões que marcaram as trajetórias de vida das mulheres, produzindo assujeitamento; mas por outro, evidenciamos suas formas de luta. Para isso, utilizamos a noção de parresía foucaultiana e da amizade como exercício político enquanto formas de contraconduta e resistência às sujeições e como modos de reinvenção de si, contribuindo para o fortalecimento da luta.

The objective of this study was to reflect on the female coconut breakers from Piauí in their ways of life and fights with the Interstate Movement of Babassu Breakers (MIQCB). It was a cartographic study carried out in three rural communities in Esperantina, where the Piauí regional headquarters of the MIQCB is located. We used as resources the production of life narratives and photographs. Thus, on the one hand, we highlighted the power relations which marked the life trajectories of those women, producing lack of subjectivation; but on the other hand, we show their forms of fights. For this, we use a Foucauldian parresia notion and friendship in its political potential as ways of hostile conducts and resistance and ways of reinventing oneself, contributing to the strengthening of the fight.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo reflexionar sobre los modos de vida y de lucha de mujeres quebradoras de coco piauienses junto al Movimiento Interestatal de Quebradoras de Coco Babaçu (MIQCB). Se trató de un estudio cartográfico, realizado en tres comunidades de la zona rural de la ciudad de Esperantina, en Piauí, donde está ubicada la sede regional del MIQCB. Utilizamos como recursos la intervención fotográfica y la producción de narrativas de vida. Así, destacamos, por un lado, las relaciones de poder con los patrones que marcaron las trayectorias de vida de las mujeres, produciendo asombro; pero por otro, evidenciamos sus formas de lucha. Para ello, utilizamos la noción de parresía foucaultiana y de la amistad como ejercicio político como formas de contraconducta y resistencia a las sujeciones y como modos de reinvención de sí, contribuyendo al fortalecimiento de la lucha.

First Study on the Oxidative Stability and Elemental Analysis of Babassu (Attalea speciosa) Edible Oil Produced in Brazil Using a Domestic Extraction Machine.

Interest in edible oil extraction processes is growing interest because the final nutritional quality of the extracted oil depends on the procedure used to obtain ir. In this context, a domestic cold oil press machine is a valuable tool that avoids the use of chemicals during oil extraction, in an environmentally friendly way. Although babassu (Attalea speciosa) oil is economically important in several Brazilian regions due to its nutritional and healthy features, few studies have been conducted on the chemical composition and stability of babassu oils extracted by cold pressing. Babassu oil's major constituents are saturated fatty acids (~86.42%), with the most prevalent fatty acids being lauric (~47.40%), myristic (15.64%), and oleic (~11.28%) acids, respectively, within the recommended range by Codex Alimentarius, presenting atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indexes favorable for human consumption. Peroxide value, Rancimat, and TGA/DSC results indicated that babassu oil is stable to oxidation. Also, macro- (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P) and micro-elements (Fe, Mn, Cr, Se, Al, and Zn) of babassu oil were determined, revealing levels below the tolerable upper intake level (ULs) for adults. These findings demonstrated that cold-press extraction using a domestic machine yielded a high-quality oil that kept oil chemical composition stable to oxidation with natural antioxidants.

Antibiotic Activity Potentiation and Physicochemical Characterization of the Fixed Orbignya speciosa Almond Oil against MDR Staphylococcus aureus and Other Bacteria.

Orbignya speciosa (babassu) is an important palm tree in Brazil whose fixed almond oil is used in popular medicine and especially in food, in addition to being a research target for the manufacture of biofuels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fixed almond oil physicochemical characterization and its antibacterial activity in isolation and in association with aminoglycosides against standard and multidrug-resistant bacteria. Analyses such as water content, pH, acidity, peroxide index, relative density, and refractive index indicate the stability and chemical quality of the oil. In the oil's GC/MS chemical composition analysis, a high saturated fatty acid (76.90%) content was observed. Lauric acid (56.28%) and oleic acid (23.10%) were the major oil components. In the antibacterial test, a more significant oil activity was observed against K. pneumoniae KP-ATCC 10031 (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 406.37 µg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 (MIC = 812.75 µg/mL), but for the other strains-including standard and multi-resistant strains-the oil presented an MIC ≥ 1024 µg/mL. Furthermore, a synergistic effect was observed when the oil was associated with amikacin and gentamicin against S. aureus (SA-10) and an antagonistic effect was observed with amikacin against Escherichia coli. Data indicate the O. speciosa oil as a valuable nutritional source of lauric, oleic, and myristic fatty acids with an ability to modulate aminoglycoside activity.

Physical properties of films based on pectin and babassu coconut mesocarp.

The objective of this research was to study the physical properties, water sorption, thermal and structure of films made from citrus pectin (CP), babassu coconut mesocarp (BCM) and glycerol (G). Seventeen formulations were prepared according to a central compound rotational design combining different proportions of the materials and evaluating the films produced according to their moisture contents, solubility, thicknesses and water vapor permeability. The results showed a direct relationship between the composition of the film and each physical property, providing films with unique mechanical characteristics and barrier properties. In the second phase, the films were reformulated, maintaining the proportions of CP and BCM constant and altering the G content. The results showed films with permeable structures, thus favoring the use of high drying temperatures (up to 70 °C) for the confection of films, without altering their physical and structural properties.

Development of a low-cost electrochemical sensor based on babassu mesocarp (Orbignya phalerata) immobilized on a flexible gold electrode for applications in sensors for 5-fluorouracil chemotherapeutics.

There are increasing concerns regarding the risks arising from the contamination of manipulators of antineoplastic drugs promoted by occupational exposure or even in the dosage of drugs. The present work proposes the use of an electrochemical sensor based on a biopolymer extracted from the babassu coconut (Orbignya phalerata) for the determination of an antineoplastic 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) drug as an alternative for the monitoring of these drugs. In order to reduce the cost of this sensor, a flexible gold electrode (FEAu) is proposed. The surface modification of FEAu was performed with the deposition of a casting film of the biopolymer extracted from the babassu mesocarp (BM) and modified with phthalic anhydride (BMPA). The electrochemical activity of the modified electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), and its morphology was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The FEAu/BMPA showed a high sensitivity (8.8 µA/µmol/L) and low limit of detection (0.34 µmol/L) for the 5-FU drug in an acid medium. Electrochemical sensors developed from the babassu mesocarp may be a viable alternative for the monitoring of the 5-FU antineoplastic in pharmaceutical formulations, because in addition to being sensitive to this drug, they are constructed of a natural polymer, renewable, and abundant in nature. Graphical abstract ᅟ.