Mannooligosaccharide production from açaí seeds by enzymatic hydrolysis: optimization through response surface methodology.

Recognized for its bioactive compounds, açaí has become a functional food, but it has a low pulp yield, and the seeds are the main waste. This study investigates the potential of açaí seeds (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) to produce mannooligosaccharides (MOS) through enzymatic hydrolysis. Using response surface methodology (RSM), the research optimizes MOS extraction while minimizing mannose production and reducing processing time, achieving MOS production of about 10 g/L, a value within the range of similar investigations. The RSM quadratic models establish correlations between MOS production (M2-M5) and enzymatic hydrolysis conditions, with R2 values ranging from 0.6136 to 0.9031. These models are used to emphasize MOS performance (M2-M5) while reducing mannose production, which also promotes profitability by reducing time. Experimental validation agrees with model predictions, highlighting optimal conditions near 40 °C, intermediate enzyme loading, and basic pH that effectively promotes MOS generation on mannose within an accelerated processing time frame. With predictions of experimental results within a margin of error of < 9%, the validity of the models was acceptable. This research contributes to the advancement of the understanding of the enzymatic hydrolysis of açaí seeds, which is a step toward the sustainable use of resources with a focus on process engineering aspects.

Green Extraction of Natural Colorants from Food Residues: Colorimetric Characterization and Nanostructuring for Enhanced Stability.

Food residues are a promising resource for obtaining natural pigments, which may replace artificial dyes in the industry. However, their use still presents challenges due to the lack of suitable sources and the low stability of these natural compounds when exposed to environmental variations. In this scenario, the present study aims to identify different food residues (such as peels, stalks, and leaves) as potential candidates for obtaining natural colorants through eco-friendly extractions, identify the colorimetric profile of natural pigments using the RGB color model, and develop alternatives using nanotechnology (e.g., liposomes, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles) to increase their stability. The results showed that extractive solution and residue concentration influenced the RGB color profile of the pigments. Furthermore, the external leaves of Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata f. rubra, the peels of Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita maxima x Cucurbita moschata, and Beta vulgaris L. proved to be excellent resources for obtaining natural pigments. Finally, the use of nanotechnology proved to be a viable alternative for increasing the stability of natural colorants over storage time.

Chlorpyrifos should be banned in agriculture and livestock production in Colombia

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a pesticide widely used in Colombia´s agriculture, including crops, farm animals and pets, despite it has been banned for use in the European Union and the United States. Studies demonstrate that even low blood levels of CPF -which do not inhibit blood acetylcholinesterase- can lead to child developmental and neurological disorders such as smaller head circumference and brain alterations, and psychomotor and cognitive deficits related to learning ability, attention and memory. In adults, CPF is an endocrine disruptor and breast carcinogen. High direct and indirect economic costs have been associated with CPF exposure. Not only farmers and their families -who have the highest exposures- but the general population consuming crops sprayed with CPF are also at risk. For these reasons CPF was recently banned by the European Union (2020) and the USA (2021). Pesticide regulation policies vary greatly depending on which and how scientific studies are used to assess health risks. Pesticide evaluations funded by the chemical industry should be rectified to avoid conflicts of interest. Furthermore, political alignment with the interests of the industry should not take precedence over independent scientific evidence. It is discouraging, to say the least, that until stricter health laws are passed in Colombia, CPFs and related pesticides will continue to be imported from those countries that have already banned them. Colombian scientists should raise their voice to challenge blind acceptance of profits over unintended consequences, and efforts to prevent pesticide´s abuse should be encouraged.

El clorpirifos (CPF) es un pesticida ampliamente utilizado en la agricultura de Colombia, incluidos cultivos, animales de granja y mascotas, a pesar de haber sido prohibido en la Unión Europea y Estados Unidos. Los estudios han demostrado que incluso niveles bajos de CPF en sangre -que no inhiben la acetilcolinesterasa sanguínea- pueden provocar trastornos neurológicos y del desarrollo infantil, como menor circunferencia de la cabeza y alteraciones cerebrales, y déficits psicomotores y cognitivos relacionados con la capacidad de aprendizaje, la atención y la memoria. En adultos, el CPF es un disruptor endocrino y causante de cáncer de mama. Altos costos económicos directos e indirectos se han asociado con la exposición al CPF. No solo los trabajadores agrícolas y sus familias, que están más expuestos, sino también la población en general que consume cultivos rociados con CPF también están en riesgo. Por estas razones el CPF fue prohibido recientemente por la Unión Europea (2020) y los EE. UU. (2021). Las políticas de regulación de plaguicidas varían mucho según los estudios científicos escogidos para evaluar los riesgos para la salud. Las evaluaciones de plaguicidas financiadas por la industria química deben rectificarse para evitar conflictos de interés. Además, ante la evidencia científica independiente no debería prevalecer la alineación política con los intereses de dicha industria. Es desalentador, por decir lo menos, que hasta que se aprueben leyes de salud más estrictas en Colombia se seguirán importando CPF y pesticidas relacionados desde aquellos países que ya los han prohibido. Los científicos colombianos deben alzar la voz para desafiar la aceptación ciega de ganancias por encima de las consecuencias no deseadas en salud pública, y se deben alentar los esfuerzos para prevenir el abuso de pesticidas.

Clorpirifós (CPF) é um pesticida registrado amplamente utilizado na agricultura colombiana, incluindo lavouras, animais de fazenda e animais de estimação, apesar de ter sido proibido na União Europeia e nos Estados Unidos. Estudos têm demonstrado que mesmo níveis baixos de CPF no sangue -que não inibem a acetilcolinesterase sanguínea-podem levar a distúrbios neurológicos e de desenvolvimento em crianças, como menor perímetro cefálico e alterações cerebrais, além de déficits psicomotores e cognitivos relacionados à capacidade de aprendizagem, atenção e memoria. Em adultos, o CPF é um desregulador endócrino e cancerígeno da mama. Altos custos econômicos diretos (devido ao tratamento) e indiretos (devido à perda de produtividade) têm sido associados à exposição ao CPF. Não apenas os trabalhadores agrícolas e suas famílias, que têm as maiores exposições, mas a população em geral que consome culturas pulverizadas com CPF também estão em risco. Por essas razões, o CPF foi recentemente proibido pela União Europeia (2020) e pelos EUA (2021). As políticas de regulamentação de pesticidas variam muito, dependendo de quais (e como) os estudos científicos são usados para avaliar os riscos à saúde. As avaliações de pesticidas financiadas pela indústria química devem ser retificadas para evitar conflitos de interesse. Além disso, o alinhamento político com os interesses da indústria não deve ter precedência sobre as evidências científicas independentes. É desanimador - para dizer o mínimo - que até que leis de saúde mais rígidas sejam aprovadas na Colômbia, o CPF e tóxicos relacionados continuarão a ser importados dos países que já os proibiram.

Esophageal obstruction and rupture by a foreign body in a miniature mixed-breed heifer / Obstrução esofágica e ruptura por um corpo estranho em uma novilha miniatura de raça mista

A 20-month-old miniature mixed-breed heifer weighing 200 kg was presented with a history of dysphagia, sialorrhea and dyspnea after being fed with food residues. At home it was treated with intravenous hydration, antibiotic combination, diuretics and AINEs. Additionally, one failed passage of oro-ruminal tube and several ruminal trocarizations were performed. At clinical examination the animal showed signs compatible with digestive obstruction, severe dyspnea and shock. Complete blood count showed leukocytosis with neutrophilia, left shift and lymphocytosis. Serum chemistry tests showed hyperlactatemia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia and azotemia. Acid-base analysis indicated severe metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis. Esophagoscopy was performed, during which the patient went into shock and died. In necropsy a complete middle third esophageal obstruction with rupture by a carrot was identified.(AU)

Uma novilha miniatura de 20 meses de idade com 200 kg de peso foi apresentada com um histórico de disfagia, sialorréia e dispnéia após ter sido alimentada com resíduos alimentares. Na fazenda, foi tratada com hidratação intravenosa, combinação de antibióticos, diuréticos e AINEs. Além disso, uma passagem falhada do tubo oro-ruminal e várias trocas de ruminal foram realizadas. No exame clínico o animal mostrou sinais compatíveis com obstrução digestiva, dispnéia severa e choque. O hemograma completo mostrou leucocitose com neutrofilia, deslocamento esquerdo e linfocitose. Testes de química sérica mostraram hiperlactatemia, hipocalemia, hipocalcemia, hiperglicemia e azotemia. A análise ácido-base indicou acidose metabólica grave e alcalose respiratória. A esofagoscopia foi realizada, durante a qual o paciente entrou em choque e morreu. Na necropsia foi identificada uma obstrução completa do terço médio do esôfago com ruptura por uma cenoura.(AU)

Amazonian Bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.) Fruit Waste Valorisation Using Response Surface Methodology.

Bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart) is a species from the Clusiaceae genus. Its fruit pulp is commonly used in South America in several food products, such as beverages, ice cream and candies. Only the pulp of the fruit is used, and the peels and seeds are considered waste from these industries. As a trioxygenated xanthone source, this species is of high interest for bioproduct development. This work evaluated the mesocarp and epicarp of bacuri fruits through different extraction methods and experimental conditions (pH, temperature and solvent) in order to determine the most effective method for converting this agro-industrial waste in a value-added bioproduct. Open-column procedures and HPLC and NMR experiments were performed to evaluate the chemical composition of the extracts, along with total phenols, total flavonoids and antioxidant activities (sequestration of the DPPH and ABTS radicals). A factorial design and response surface methodology were used. The best extraction conditions of substances with antioxidant properties were maceration at 50 °C with 100% ethanol as solvent for mesocarp extracts, and acidic sonication in 100% ethanol for epicarp extracts, with an excellent phenolic profile and antioxidant capacities. The main compounds isolated were the prenylated benzophenones garcinielliptone FC (epicarp) and 30-epi-cambogin (mesocarp). This is the first study analysing the performance of extraction methods within bacuri agro-industrial waste. Results demonstrated that shells and seeds of bacuri can be used as phenolic-rich bioproducts obtained by a simple extraction method, increasing the value chain of this fruit.

Cuantificación del desperdicio de alimentos en servicios de alimentación de la Universidad de Costa Rica / Quantification of Food Waste in Food Services of the Universidad de Costa Rica

Resumen Antecedentes: los alimentos desperdiciados en ventas al detalle en Latinoamérica (15 %) podrían suplir las necesidades alimenticias del 64 % de quienes sufren hambre en la región. Objetivo: determinar los desperdicios de alimentos en tres servicios de alimentación de la sede Rodrigo Facio de la Universidad de Costa Rica a partir de la guía de medición de la Red Costarricense para Disminuir la Pérdida y el Desperdicio de Alimentos. Materiales y métodos: los desperdicios en los servicios de alimentación N1 y N2 fueron medidos en 2018 y 2019 y en el N3 en 2019; se realizaron 15 mediciones siguiendo la metodología de la guía y se reportaron como porcentaje del total de producción de sólidos. Resultados: los desperdicios en la producción total fueron 15,0-16,6 % en 2018 y 6,4-11,5 % en 2019. No se encontraron diferencias entre los servicios de alimentación en la producción promedio (p=0,1467), en el desperdicio del área de almacenamiento (p=0,1293) ni en la producción de alimentos (p=0,7718). Se encontraron diferencias en el desperdicio entre los servicios de alimentación en el área de servicio: desperdicios en barra (p=0,0197), en plato/ desayuno (p=0,0075) y en plato/almuerzo (p=0,0362). Conclusiones: la cantidad de desperdicios encontrados son menores a los reportados en otros estudios.

Abstract Background: Food wasted in retail in Latinamerica (15%) could supply the nutritional needs of 64% of the hungry in the region. Objective: To determine food waste in three food services of the Rodrigo Facio campus of the Universidad de Costa Rica, using the measurement guide of the Costa Rican Network to reduce food loss and waste. Materials and Methods: Waste in food services N1 and N2 were measured in 2018 and 2019, and in the N3 in 2019. In total 15 measurements were made following the methodology of the guide and they were reported as a percentage of total solids production. Results: Waste in total production was 15.0-16.6% in 2018 and 6.4-11.5% in 2019. No differences were found between food services in average production (p=0.1467), in the waste storage area (p=0.1293), nor food production (p = 0.7718). Differences in waste were found between food services in the service area: Waste in the service bar (p=0.0197), in plate/breakfast (p=0.0075), and in plate/lunch (p=0.0362). Conclusions: The amount of waste found is lower than that reported in other studies.

Vegetable oils as green solvents for carotenoid extraction from pumpkin (Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber) byproducts: Optimization of extraction parameters.

Pumpkin pulp is the main waste generated by pumpkin seed growers. This agro-industrial waste is a valuable source of bioactive compounds, especially carotenoids (ß-carotene, α-carotene, and lutein), which exhibit a broad spectrum of health-promoting effects. In this study, vegetable oils (canola, corn, and soybean oil) were used as green solvent alternatives to conventional organic solvents for carotenoid extraction from dried pumpkin pulp (DPP) waste. The highest carotenoid extraction yield (CEY) was obtained with canola oil, at a 1:10 DPP/oil ratio. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction process parameters (temperature, time, and stirring rate) through a Box-Behnken design (BBD) maximizing CEY in canola oil. The extraction temperature and stirring rate were found to have a significant linear and quadratic effect, respectively, on CEY. Optimum conditions were achieved at 21.8 min, 250 rpm, and 60°C. Under these optimized conditions, the estimated value for CEY was 378.1 µg ß-carotene equivalents/g of DPP, corresponding to 61.6% of the total carotenoid content present in the DPP. In contrast, the observed experimental value was 373.2 µg ß-carotene equivalents/g of DPP (61.2%). The experimental value was very close to the estimated value, which verifies the model's adequacy and fit. This study shows an alternative method to extract carotenoids from DPP with canola oil, obtaining an oil naturally enriched with carotenoids that could be used as a potential functional ingredient in the development of food, cosmetics, and medicinal products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Pumpkin by-products are a potential carotenoid source. Vegetable oil can be used as an alternative solvent for carotenoid extraction from pumpkin residues to obtain an enriched carotenoid oil that can be used to formulate food products.

Miniaturized sample preparation techniques and ambient mass spectrometry as approaches for food residue analysis.

Analytical methods such as liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS) are widely used techniques for the analyses of different classes of compounds. This is due to their highlighted capacity for separating and identifying components in complex matrices such food samples. However, in most cases, effective analysis of the target analyte becomes challenging due to the complexity of the sample, especially for quantification of trace concentrations. In this case, miniaturized sample preparation methods have been used as a strategy for analysis of complex matrices. This involves removing the interferents and concentrating the analytes in a sample. These methods combine simplicity and effectiveness and given their miniaturized scale, they are in accordance with green chemistry precepts. Besides, ambient mass spectrometry represents a new trend in fast and rapid analyses, especially for qualitative and screening analysis. However, for complex matrix analyses, sample preparation is still a difficult step and the miniaturized sample preparation techniques show great potential for an improved and widespread use of ambient mass spectrometry techniques. . This review aims to contribute as an overview of current miniaturized sample preparation techniques and ambient mass spectrometry methods as different approaches for selective and sensitive analysis of residues in food samples.

Effect of ball milling on cellulose nanoparticles structure obtained from garlic and agave waste.

The aim of this study was to obtain cellulose and cellulose nanoparticles (CNP) from garlic and agave wastes, as well as elucidating its structure at different scales using microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. Cellulose is isolated by using a sequential extractive process and monitored by CLSM and SEM, while CNP are produced in a high-energy planetary mill. FTIR and XRD confirmed the presence of cellulose type I and CI and Dhkl was used to evaluate the size of CNP. The corresponding crystalline structure, d-spacing and angles obtained from crystalline regions of CNP were estimated by TEM and computational simulation. It is shown that the triclinic phase is predominant in G, and a monoclinic conformation in CNP for A. The novelty of this contribution is to demonstrate that the crystalline structure of CNP, extracted from different agro-food wastes, depends on its initial microstructural arrangement (laminar or fibrillar).

Fluoroquinolones in industrial poultry production, bacterial resistance and food residues: a review

Fluoroquinolones are antimicrobial agents frequently used in poultry production and in human medicine. The use of such substances must comply with safety criteria, including withdrawal periods, doses, and treatment duration, as their misuse and abuse may cause bacterial resistance and the presence of residues in edible tissues. Consequently, the consumption of animal products with fluoroquinolone residues may result in the transmission of resistant bacteria. In addition, if residues are beyond the acceptable levels, fluoroquinolone active metabolites are harmful to human health. This article presents a review on the use of antimicrobials of the fluoroquinolone class in poultry production, focusing on the development of bacterial resistance to these drugs and the presence of their residues in poultry products.

Fluoroquinolones in industrial poultry production, bacterial resistance and food residues: a review

Fluoroquinolones are antimicrobial agents frequently used in poultry production and in human medicine. The use of such substances must comply with safety criteria, including withdrawal periods, doses, and treatment duration, as their misuse and abuse may cause bacterial resistance and the presence of residues in edible tissues. Consequently, the consumption of animal products with fluoroquinolone residues may result in the transmission of resistant bacteria. In addition, if residues are beyond the acceptable levels, fluoroquinolone active metabolites are harmful to human health. This article presents a review on the use of antimicrobials of the fluoroquinolone class in poultry production, focusing on the development of bacterial resistance to these drugs and the presence of their residues in poultry products.(AU)

Borra de café colombiano (Coffea arabica) como fuente potencial de sustancias con capacidad antirradicales libres in vitro / Colombian spent coffee grounds (Coffea arabica) as a potential source of substances with free radicals capacity in vitro

Introducción: Coffea arabica L., además de su importancia comercial, también se considera una planta medicinal, porque presenta propiedades biológicas diversas, pero por su comercialización como bebida genera muchos subproductos. La borra es uno de estos, que se obtiene por la preparación de la bebida, contiene una concentración significativa de compuestos polifenólicos y, por tanto, la recuperación de estas sustancias a partir de un residuo sin valor, sería potencialmente útil para la industria farmacéutica y alimentaria. Objetivos: recuperar compuestos fenólicos a partir de la borra de café y darle un valor agregado a un residuo de origen vegetal, como fuente de componentes con capacidad antirradicales libres in vitro. Métodos: la borra de café previamente secada se sometió a extracciones sólido-líquido usando diferentes sistemas de solventes. Se evaluaron las propiedades antioxidantes in vitro usando los métodos del catión radical del ácido 2,2´-azino-bis (3-etilbenzotiazoline-6-sulfónico) y del radical 1,1-difenil-2-picrilhidracilo. Se usó cromatografía líquida de alta resolución acoplada a espectrometría de masas para la caracterizaron de los principales componentes. Resultados: todos los extractos obtenidos mostraron buena capacidad antioxidante, con el extracto de etanol:agua como el mejor, seguido del extracto de metanol acidulado. Sin embargo, la capacidad antioxidante de la fracción en diclorometano del extracto etanol:agua resultó menor que la presentada por la taza de café. Se identificaron los ácidos clorogénico, isoclorogénico y feruloilquínico como los principales componentes de la borra de café. Conclusiones: todos los extractos presentaron buena capacidad protectora contra radicales libres. La borra de café, considerada un desecho obtenido del procesamiento industrial, se puede convertir en materia prima para la recuperación de sustancias antioxidantes; lo cual genera grandes expectativas sobre su posible uso en la industria farmacéutica y alimentaria, y le da al café un valor agregado importante.

Introduction: besides its commercial importance, Coffee arabica L. is also considered a medicinal plant due to its various biological properties, but its marketing produces a large amount of residues. Spent coffee grounds are one of these residues, which are obtained after the preparation of the drink and contain a significant concentration of polyphenolic compounds. Therefore, the recovery of these substances costless residual will be potentially useful for food and pharmaceutical industry. Objectives: to recover polyphenolic compounds from spent coffee grounds and to give an added value to a vegetable waste as a source of substances with free radicals capacity in vitro. Methods: dehydrated spent coffee grounds were subjected to solid-liquid extraction using different solvent systems. Antioxidant properties were evaluated in vitro using the radical monocation 2,2´-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and the stable free radical 2-2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was applied to characterize the main compounds. Results: all the extracts obtained showed a good antioxidant capacity with ethanol-water extract, followed by acidulated methanol extract. However, the antioxidant capacity of the ethanol-water extract was lower than coffee beverage. Chlorogenic, isochlorogenic and feruloylquinic acids were identified as the main compounds present in spent coffee grounds. Conclusions: all extracts showed a significant protection effect against free radicals; spent coffee ground, which is considered an undesirable solid waste from industrial processing, could be an add-value raw material in the recovery of antioxidant substances which generates great expectations about its possible use in the pharmaceutical and food industry and gives coffee an important added value.