Transforming the preservation of tomato derivatives: Innovations in packaging and storage.

The production and consumption of vegetables, such as tomatoes, have been growing in recent years, due to the combination of several factors, such as market demand, investment in research, education and awareness about health benefits, as well as government incentives and improvements in cultivation technology. The combination of these factors results in an increasing demand for products that offer health benefits, such as tomatoes rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in cells. To maintain most of the nutritional and sensory properties characteristic of the fresh product, it is important to identify the parameters that will help in maintenance. Thus, the study aims to characterize the influence of different packages and storage times with the variables of tomato. The experiment examined the storage of two tomato derivatives (atomized tomato and chips) using various packaging types and storage durations. It utilized a factorial design (2 × 4) with an extra control treatment, comprising 3 replications. Packaging options included low-density polyethylene plastic bags and laminated plastic bags with aluminum foil, while storage durations ranged from 10 to 40 days. Parameters related to color (°Hue and chroma), flavor (pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, and maturation index), and bioactive compounds (lycopene and ß-carotene) of two tomato derivatives (atomized tomato and chips) were analyzed. After the analyzes, it was observed that the transparent package was the one that allowed the best conservation among the studied variables of the atomized tomato derivative, the same happened for the laminated packaging for the derivative chips. Regarding storage time, 20 days showed the best results regarding the conservation of flavor and bioactive compounds.

Whey protein concentrate and skimmed milk powder as encapsulation agents for coffee silverskin extracts processed by spray drying.

We tested the hypothesis that milk proteins, through microencapsulation, guarantee protection against bioactive substances in coffee silverskin extracts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to carry out technological, nutritional and physicochemical characterisation of a coffee silverskin extract microencapsulated using instant skim milk powder and whey protein concentrate as wall materials. The aqueous extract of coffee silverskin was spray-dried using 10% (w/v) skim milk powder and whey protein concentrate. The samples were characterised by determining the water content, water activity, particle size distribution, colour analysis and total phenolic compound content as well as antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-radical 1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging methods, nitric oxide radical inhibition and morphological analysis. The product showed water activity within a range that ensured greater stability, and the reduced degradation of the dried coffee silverskin extract with whey protein concentrate resulted in better rehydration ability. The luminosity parameter was higher and the browning index was lower for the encapsulated samples than for the pure coffee silverskin extract. The phenolic compound content (29.23 ± 8.39 and 34.00 ± 8.38 mg gallic acid equivalents/g for the coffee silverskin extract using skimmed milk powder and whey protein concentrate, respectively) and the antioxidant activity of the new product confirmed its potential as a natural source of antioxidant phenolic compounds. We conclude that the dairy matrices associated with spray drying preserved the bioactive and antioxidant activities of coffee silverskin extracts.

Selenized lactic acid bacteria microencapsulated by spray drying: A promising strategy for beef cattle feed supplementation.

This study aimed to assess the technical feasibility of incorporating selenized Lactobacillus spp. microencapsulated via spray drying into cattle feed. Gum Arabic and maltodextrin were used as encapsulating agents. The encapsulation process was carried out with a drying air flow rate of 1.75 m3/min, inlet air temperature of 90°C, and outlet air temperature of 75°C. The viability of the encapsulated microorganisms and the technological characteristics of the obtained microparticles were evaluated. Microorganisms were incorporated into beef cattle feed to supplement their diet with up to 0.3 mg of Se per kilogram of feed. The encapsulated particles, consisting of a 50/50 ratio of gum Arabic/maltodextrin at a 1:20 proportion of selenized biomass to encapsulant mixture, exhibited superior technical viability for application in beef cattle feed. Supplemented feeds displayed suitable moisture, water activity, and hygroscopicity values, ensuring the preservation of viable microorganisms for up to 5 months of storage, with an approximate count of 4.5 log CFU/g. Therefore, supplementing beef cattle feed with selenized and microencapsulated lactic acid bacteria represents a viable technological alternative, contributing to increased animal protein productivity through proper nutrition.

Encapsulation of propolis extract in ovalbumin protein particles: characterization and in vitro digestion.

The encapsulation of propolis has shown promising results for the protection of bioactive compounds, local and gradual release and masking the astringent taste. Ovoalbumin is a protein of animal origin found in large amounts in egg whites, which has good properties as a wall material for particles.The objective of this study was to microencapsulate propolis by spray drying. The best condition for microencapsulation was achieved with 4% ovalbumin at 120 °C, where there was the greatest encapsulation efficiency (88.20%) and spherical shape. However, the increase of ovalbumin concentration resulted lower yields (< 52%). As for the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the increase of ovalbumin concentration caused an increase of the size with average diameter and formation of spherical microcapsules. The phenolic compounds were already released in the gastric fluid condition (stomach).

Performance evaluation of a flighted rotary dryer for lateritic ore in concurrent configuration.

The lateritic ore drying in the Cuban nickel producing industry is realized within flighted rotary dryers. In this investigation, performance indicators in regards to transfer of momentum, heat and mass were evaluated. The dryers operate in a concurrent configuration with combustion gas, at a productivity between 40 t h-1 and 50 t h-1. The distribution function of the residence time (RTD) was best fitted to a model of a multi-branch tanks-in-series system, theoretical residence time was 51 ± 2 min and experimental mean residence time 61 min, at a rate of 45 t h-1 and hydraulic efficiency 1.23, due to the presence of dead-zoon. Mass and energy balance was made following a "black box" model, as results, the specific fuel consumption was 27.25 ± 0.25 kg fuel t-1 of wet ore, specific energy consumption 79.66 ± 0.95 kg fuel t-1 of H2O evaporated, energy efficiency 97.28 ± 0.01 %, thermal efficiency 66.88 ± 0.71 % and drying efficiency 98.77 ± 0.12 %. Mathematical modelling was made using a system of differential equations, the rate of drying in falling rate period was estimated by Arrhenius equation, then, temperature profile and ore moisture content along the dryer was simulated. The model provided a successful predictive performance; for an inlet gas temperature between 850 °C and 900 °C, the ore moisture was reduced form 33.0 % (wet basis) to a range depending on the dryer productivity, from 3.0 % to 7.1 %. Designing a computerized system that implements these algorithms can benefit on efficiency and productivity of the production plant.

Rice bran protein increases the retention of anthocyanins by acting as an encapsulating agent in the spray drying of grape juice.

Rice bran protein concentrate (RPC), an industrial by-product, may emerge as a green alternative for substituting animal proteins in microencapsulating compounds of interest. This study applied RPC, combined with maltodextrin (MD) as carrier agents, in the spray drying of grape juice, a product rich in these bioactive compounds, seeking to protect anthocyanins from degradation. The effects of carrier agent concentration [C: 0.75, 1.00, and 1.25 g of carrier agents (CA)/g of soluble solids of the juice (SS)] and RPC:CA ratio (P: 0%, as a control sample, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) on anthocyanin retention and powder properties were evaluated. At 1.00 g CA/g SS, the internal and total retentions of anthocyanins improved by 2.4 and 3.2 times, respectively, when the RPC:CA ratio increased from 0% to 20%. The protein also exhibited excellent surface activity on the grape juice and positively influenced the physicochemical properties of the microparticles. There was a reduction in stickiness, degree of caking, and hygroscopicity, in addition to an increased antioxidant capacity when protein was used in combination with MD, especially at 1.00 and 1.25 g CA/g SS. Therefore, this study demonstrated that RPC could enhance the protection of anthocyanins during the spray drying of grape juice.

Bioproducts from Passiflora cincinnata Seeds: The Brazilian Caatinga Passion Fruit.

The present work aimed to obtain bioproducts from Passiflora cincinnata seeds, the Brazilian Caatinga passion fruit, as well as to determine their physical, chemical and biological properties. The seeds were pressed in a continuous press to obtain the oil, which showed an oxidative stability of 5.37 h and a fatty profile rich in linoleic acid. The defatted seeds were evaluated for the recovery of antioxidant compounds by a central rotation experimental design, varying temperature (32-74 °C), ethanol (13-97%) and solid-liquid ratio (1:10-1:60 m/v). The best operational condition (74 °C, 58% ethanol, 1:48) yielded an extract composed mainly of lignans, which showed antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The microencapsulation of linoleic acid-rich oil through spray drying has proven to be an effective method for protecting the oil. Furthermore, the addition of the antioxidant extract to the formulation increased the oxidative stability of the product to 30% (6.97 h), compared to microencapsulated oil without the addition of the antioxidant extract (5.27 h). The microparticles also exhibited favorable technological characteristics, such as low hygroscopicity and high water solubility. Thus, it was possible to obtain three bioproducts from the Brazilian Caatinga passion fruit seeds: the oil rich in linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid), antioxidant extract from the defatted seeds and the oil microparticles added from the antioxidant extract.

Co-encapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum and bioactive compounds extracted from red beet stem (Beta vulgaris L.) by spray dryer.

Probiotic bacteria and bioactive compounds obtained from plant origin stand out as ingredients with the potential to increase the healthiness of functional foods, as there is currently a recurrent search for them. Probiotics and bioactive compounds are sensitive to intrinsic and extrinsic factors in the processing and packaging of the finished product. In this sense, the present study aims to evaluate the co-encapsulation by spray dryer (inlet air temperature 120 °C, air flow 40 L / min, pressure of 0.6 MPa and 1.5 mm nozzle diameter) of probiotic bacteria (L.plantarum) and compounds extracted from red beet stems (betalains) in order to verify the interaction between both and achieve better viability and resistance of the encapsulated material. When studying the co-encapsulation of L.plantarum and betalains extracted from beet stems, an unexpected influence was observed with a decrease in probiotic viability in the highest concentration of extract (100 %), on the other hand, the concentration of 50 % was the best enabled and maintained the survival of L.plantarum in conditions of 25 °C (63.06 %), 8 °C (88.80 %) and -18 °C (89.28 %). The viability of the betalains and the probiotic was better preserved in storage at 8 and -18 °C, where the encapsulated stability for 120 days was successfully achieved. Thus, the polyfunctional formulation developed in this study proved to be promising, as it expands the possibilities of application and development of new foods.

Microencapsulação de enterocina e oleo de oregano em leitelho / Microencapsulation of the enterocin and essential oil oregano in buttermilk / Microencapsulación de enterocina y aceite esencial de orégano en suero de leche

A pesquisa busca técnicas alternativas para expansão da vida de prateleira dos alimentos, isto tem impulsionado estudos sobre a utilização de conservantes naturais, tais como as bacteriocinas e óleos essenciais, que são considerados agentes antimicrobianos naturais. No entanto estes antimicrobianos naturais, não são adicionados diretamente em produtos alimentícios, devido a alterações sensoriais e em suas características físico e química. Com avanço tecnológico da microencapsulação, tem sido um potencial em fornecer sistemas que garantem estabilidade para os antimicrobianos naturais desta forma podendo compor a matriz de alimentos. Portanto, o objetivo desse trabalho foi microencapsular a enterocina produzida por Enterococcus durans MF5 e óleo de orégano usando leitelho. Para a microencapsulação, foram realizados três tratamentos: T1 controle leitelho, T2 leitelho/enterocina (LE), e T3 leitelho/enterocina/óleo (LEO). O material foi submetido ao processo de spray dryer e foram realizados ensaios para determinar a atividade antimicrobiana do material encapsulado contra as bactérias Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria innocua e Listeria ivanovi. O rendimento da microencapsulação foi de 13,01% e 11,63% para LE e LEO, respectivamente. Os resultados apresentados nos microencapsulados LE e LEO mostraram inibição contra todas as bactérias teste, foi constatado que a microencapsulação de enterocina e óleo de orégano mantiveram seu poder antimicrobiano. A efetividade da microencapsulação foi realizada por (FTIR), onde picos de intensidade entre as amostras na região 1000 a 930 cm-¹ e 1800 a 1500 cm-¹ foram observadas. Os resultados apontam para mudança no perfil químico das amostras encapsuladas, corroborando com a hipótese que o leitelho apresentou papel encapsulante da bactericiona e óleo de orégano.Portanto a microencapsulação aumenta a eficácia antimicrobiana dos antimicrobianos.

The research seeks alternative techniques for expanding the shelf life of foods, this has driven studies on the use of natural preservatives, such as bacteriocins and essential oils, which are considered natural antimicrobial agents. However, these natural antimicrobials are not directly added to food products due to sensory changes and their physical and chemical characteristics. With technological advancement of microencap- sulation, it has been a potential to provide systems that ensure stability for natural anti- microbials in this way can compose the food matrix. Therefore, this study has an objective microencapsulated the interocin and essencial oil, used buttermilk as a encapsulating ma- terial where, T1 Buttermilk Control, T2 buttermilk/enterocin (LE), e T3 Buttermilk/en- terocin/oil (LEO). The product has been submitted to spray drier process, were conducted trials to determine antimicrobial activity. Was observed with mass yield 13,01% e 11,63% para LE e LEO. These results the microencapsulate indicate then LE e LEO there was inihibiton against bacteria tests. Was observed that the microencapsulated between enter- ocin and essential oil oregano maintained antimicrobial power. The effectiveness of the microencapsulated was performed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, where a sample in the region 1000 to 930 cm-¹ and 1800 to 1500 cm-¹ was observed. Therefore microencapsulation increases antimicrobial efficacy of antimicrobials.

La investigación busca técnicas alternativas para ampliar la vida útil de los alimentos, esto ha impulsado estudios sobre el uso de conservantes naturales, como las bacteriocinas y los aceites esenciales, que se consideran agentes antimicrobianos naturales. Sin embargo, estos antimicrobianos naturales no se añaden directamente a los productos alimentarios debido a los cambios sensoriales y a sus características físicas y químicas. Con el avance tecnológico de la microencapsulación, ha sido un potencial para proporcionar sistemas que garanticen la estabilidad de los antimicrobianos naturales de esta manera puede componer la matriz alimentaria. Por lo tanto, este estudio tiene como objetivo microencapsular la interocina y el aceite esencial, utilizando suero de leche como material encapsulante donde, T1 Suero de leche Control, T2 Suero de leche/enterocina (LE), e T3 Suero de leche/enterocina/aceite (LEO). El producto ha sido sometido al proceso de secado por pulverización, se realizaron ensayos para determinar la actividad antimicrobiana. Se observó con rendimiento de masa 13,01% e 11,63% para LE e LEO. Estos resultados indican que el microencapsulado LE e LEO fue inhibido contra las pruebas bacterianas. Se observó que el microencapsulado entre enterocina y aceite esencial de orégano mantuvo el poder antimicrobiano. La eficacia del microencapsulado fue realizada por análisis de infrarrojo transformado de Fourier (FTIR), donde fue observada una muestra en la región de 1000 a 930 cm-¹ y de 1800 a 1500 cm-¹. Por lo tanto, la microencapsulación aumenta la eficacia antimicrobiana de los antimicrobianos. PALABRAS CLAVE: Bacteriocina; Enterococcus durans; Suero de Leche; Origanum vulgare; Spray Dryer.

Microencapsulação de enterocina e oleo de oregano em leitelho / Microencapsulation of the enterocin and essential oil oregano in buttermilk / Microencapsulación de enterocina y aceite esencial de orégano en suero de leche

A pesquisa busca técnicas alternativas para expansão da vida de prateleira dos alimentos, isto tem impulsionado estudos sobre a utilização de conservantes naturais, tais como as bacteriocinas e óleos essenciais, que são considerados agentes antimicrobianos naturais. No entanto estes antimicrobianos naturais, não são adicionados diretamente em produtos alimentícios, devido a alterações sensoriais e em suas características físico e química. Com avanço tecnológico da microencapsulação, tem sido um potencial em fornecer sistemas que garantem estabilidade para os antimicrobianos naturais desta forma podendo compor a matriz de alimentos. Portanto, o objetivo desse trabalho foi microencapsular a enterocina produzida por Enterococcus durans MF5 e óleo de orégano usando leitelho. Para a microencapsulação, foram realizados três tratamentos: T1 controle leitelho, T2 leitelho/enterocina (LE), e T3 leitelho/enterocina/óleo (LEO). O material foi submetido ao processo de spray dryer e foram realizados ensaios para determinar a atividade antimicrobiana do material encapsulado contra as bactérias Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria innocua e Listeria ivanovi. O rendimento da microencapsulação foi de 13,01% e 11,63% para LE e LEO, respectivamente. Os resultados apresentados nos microencapsulados LE e LEO mostraram inibição contra todas as bactérias teste, foi constatado que a microencapsulação de enterocina e óleo de orégano mantiveram seu poder antimicrobiano. A efetividade da microencapsulação foi realizada por (FTIR), onde picos de intensidade entre as amostras na região 1000 a 930 cm-¹ e 1800 a 1500 cm-¹ foram observadas. Os resultados apontam para mudança no perfil químico das amostras encapsuladas, corroborando com a hipótese que o leitelho apresentou papel encapsulante da bactericiona e óleo de orégano.Portanto a microencapsulação aumenta a eficácia antimicrobiana dos antimicrobianos.

The research seeks alternative techniques for expanding the shelf life of foods, this has driven studies on the use of natural preservatives, such as bacteriocins and essential oils, which are considered natural antimicrobial agents. However, these natural antimicrobials are not directly added to food products due to sensory changes and their physical and chemical characteristics. With technological advancement of microencap- sulation, it has been a potential to provide systems that ensure stability for natural anti- microbials in this way can compose the food matrix. Therefore, this study has an objective microencapsulated the interocin and essencial oil, used buttermilk as a encapsulating ma- terial where, T1 Buttermilk Control, T2 buttermilk/enterocin (LE), e T3 Buttermilk/en- terocin/oil (LEO). The product has been submitted to spray drier process, were conducted trials to determine antimicrobial activity. Was observed with mass yield 13,01% e 11,63% para LE e LEO. These results the microencapsulate indicate then LE e LEO there was inihibiton against bacteria tests. Was observed that the microencapsulated between enter- ocin and essential oil oregano maintained antimicrobial power. The effectiveness of the microencapsulated was performed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, where a sample in the region 1000 to 930 cm-¹ and 1800 to 1500 cm-¹ was observed. Therefore microencapsulation increases antimicrobial efficacy of antimicrobials.

La investigación busca técnicas alternativas para ampliar la vida útil de los alimentos, esto ha impulsado estudios sobre el uso de conservantes naturales, como las bacteriocinas y los aceites esenciales, que se consideran agentes antimicrobianos naturales. Sin embargo, estos antimicrobianos naturales no se añaden directamente a los productos alimentarios debido a los cambios sensoriales y a sus características físicas y químicas. Con el avance tecnológico de la microencapsulación, ha sido un potencial para proporcionar sistemas que garanticen la estabilidad de los antimicrobianos naturales de esta manera puede componer la matriz alimentaria. Por lo tanto, este estudio tiene como objetivo microencapsular la interocina y el aceite esencial, utilizando suero de leche como material encapsulante donde, T1 Suero de leche Control, T2 Suero de leche/enterocina (LE), e T3 Suero de leche/enterocina/aceite (LEO). El producto ha sido sometido al proceso de secado por pulverización, se realizaron ensayos para determinar la actividad antimicrobiana. Se observó con rendimiento de masa 13,01% e 11,63% para LE e LEO. Estos resultados indican que el microencapsulado LE e LEO fue inhibido contra las pruebas bacterianas. Se observó que el microencapsulado entre enterocina y aceite esencial de orégano mantuvo el poder antimicrobiano. La eficacia del microencapsulado fue realizada por análisis de infrarrojo transformado de Fourier (FTIR), donde fue observada una muestra en la región de 1000 a 930 cm-¹ y de 1800 a 1500 cm-¹. Por lo tanto, la microencapsulación aumenta la eficacia antimicrobiana de los antimicrobianos. PALABRAS CLAVE: Bacteriocina; Enterococcus durans; Suero de Leche; Origanum vulgare; Spray Dryer.

Non-conventional techniques for the extraction of antioxidant compounds and lycopene from industrial tomato pomace (Solanum lycopersicum L.) using spouted bed drying as a pre-treatment.

This study aimed to use the non-conventional microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) techniques for recovering bioactive compounds from tomato pomace, a valuable agro-industrial waste. The raw material was previously dried using a spouted bed dryer and then submitted to extraction with green solvents. A response surface methodology (RSM) performed the optimization of MAE and PLE. Next, the yield and the antioxidant activity results were maximized, and the lycopene content of the optimum MAE and PLE extracts was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, a fraction of raw material was oven dried as a comparison. The PLE extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, whereas the MAE extract showed the highest lycopene content (59.66 µg lycopene/g extract), which represents a 66.93% lycopene recovery compared to a standard technique with acetone. The remarkable results show that the non-conventional drying and extraction techniques were effective in valorizing this neglected material.

Cellulose Nanofibers Improve the Performance of Retrograded Starch/Pectin Microparticles for Colon-Specific Delivery of 5-ASA.

Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were employed as the nanoreinforcement of a retrograded starch/pectin (RS/P) excipient to optimize its colon-specific properties. Although starch retrogradation ranged from 32 to 73%, CNF addition discretely disfavored the RS yield. This result agrees with the finding that in situ CNF reduces the presence of the RS crystallinity pattern. A thermal analysis revealed that the contribution of pectin improves the thermal stability of the RS/CNF mixture. Through a complete factorial design, it was possible to optimize the spray-drying conditions to obtain powders with high yield (57%) and low moisture content (1.2%). The powders observed by Field Emission Gum Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG-SEM) had 1-10 µm and a circular shape. The developed methodology allowed us to obtain 5-aminosalicilic acid-loaded microparticles with high encapsulation efficiency (16-98%) and drug loading (1.97-26.63%). The presence of CNF in RS/P samples was responsible for decreasing the burst effect of release in simulated gastric and duodenal media, allowing the greatest mass of drug to be targeted to the colon. Considering that spray-drying is a scalable process, widely used by the pharmaceutical industry, the results obtained indicate the potential of these microparticles as raw material for obtaining other dosage forms to deliver 5-ASA to the distal parts of gastrointestinal tract, affected by inflammatory bowel disease.

Micronutrients encapsulation by starch as an enhanced efficiency fertilizer.

Developing different paths to achieve sustainable agriculture is no longer an option; it is a necessity. EEF materials are alternatives to improve the efficacy of the agrochemicals in the soil and plant, reducing wasting and environmental contamination. The present work aims to develop EEF materials based on starch and micronutrients, considering few works address EEFs materials with micronutrients. Monoelementary dispersions of gelatinized starch with micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Mn) were spray-dried and thermally, structurally, and morphologically characterized. We evaluated water-medium nutrient release, release kinetics, and the swelling degree. Different micronutrients affect morphology, size distribution, swelling degree, release, kinetics, and interaction between polymer-nutrient. Bigger particle sizes achieved a higher swelling degree, which led to decreased micronutrient release in the water. The Peppas-Sahlin model mainly ruled the release kinetics (fitted to all the materials). This result confirmed our hypothesis that a swelling starch delays the release.

Obtainment of the spray-dried extracts of Peperomia pellucida L. (H.B.K.) using different atomization temperatures: physicochemical characterization and technological development for pharmaceutical applications.

Spray-dried extracts are prepared as powders or granules after solvent removal, which can be obtained in the presence or absence of pharmaceutical adjuvants. This work aimed to optimize the process of obtaining dried extracts of Peperomia pellucida L. (HBK) by spray drying. The characterization of the extract was performed by thermal analysis, specific surface area, particle size and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); then, capsules were developed for antimicrobial treatment, evaluating four bench lots by the determination of the angle of repose and time of flow, scanning electron microscopy, porosity and physicochemical quality control. There were no significant differences between the extracts obtained by spray drying at atomization temperatures of 140 °C, 160 °C and 180 °C, which was confirmed by thermal analysis. Specific surface area varied inversely with the mean particle size. Regarding the marker content by HPLC, no significant differences were found between the samples, although the flavonoid fraction was more stable at 160 °C. Bench lots (I to IV) were developed using the diluents Flowlac®, Starch® 1500, microcrystalline cellulose 250 and Cellactose® 80. Based on the results, the bench lot I, containing Flowlac®, was selected. The results of physicochemical quality control demonstrated that the selected formulation meets the pre-established parameters, and proving to be economically viable.

Spray drying encapsulation of stevia extract with maltodextrin and evaluation of the physicochemical and functional properties of produced powders.

This work aimed to formulate and perform physicochemical and functional characterization of maltodextrin microcapsules containing ethanolic extract of stevia, rich in antioxidant compounds, encapsulated by a spray-drying process with two maltodextrins (DE10 and DE19). The powders were named M10 and M19, respectively. We analyzed the physicochemical parameters, antidiabetic activity, cytotoxicity, bioaccessibility of the compounds by in vitro digestion, as well as the structure of the microcapsules by scanning electron microscopy. Microcapsules showed higher solubility (∼35%), lower moisture content (∼29%), and the maltodextrin DE10 had higher efficiency as an encapsulating agent (87%) when compared to DE19 (76%) and showed well-defined spherical structures. The microencapsulation preserved the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity present in the extract (7.2% and 87.5%, respectively). The bioaccessibility of these microencapsulated compounds and antioxidant activity were higher under different conditions of in vitro digestion (mouth, gastric, and intestinal conditions) and showed no cytotoxic effects. We identified 41 compounds (by UHPLC-MS/MS-Qtof) related to the nutritional benefits offered by stevia and the microencapsulation technique can be recommended to preserve bioactive compounds. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Ethanol extract from stevia leaves contains antioxidant phytochemicals related to the nutritional benefits of stevia. However, this extract presents low solubility and consequently low bioaccessibility under in vitro digestion. The microencapsulation process protects the bioactive compounds of the different pH from digestion and improves the physical-chemical parameters of the extract, increasing its applicability as a possible food additive.

Effect of Drum-Drying Conditions on the Content of Bioactive Compounds of Broccoli Pulp.

This work studied the effect of drum-rotation frequency, drum temperature, and water-to-pulp ratio in a double-drum drier on the content of sulforaphane, glucoraphanin, total phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant activity of broccoli pulp through a multilevel factorial design with one replicate. Drum-drying conditions did not significantly affect sulforaphane content, unlike glucoraphanin, however the poor adherence of broccoli pulp resulted in a final product with undefined shape and heterogeneous color. On the other hand, antioxidant activity was unevenly affected by drying conditions; however, drum-rotation frequency affected it in the same way that phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid, showing a concordant behavior. The ascorbic acid content decreased significantly after drying, and it was highly dependent on the experimental factors, resulting in a regression model that explained 90% of its variability. Drum-rotation frequency of 5 Hz, drum temperature of 125 °C, and water-to-pulp ratio of 0.25 resulted in an apparent increase of sulforaphane and phenolic compounds content of 13.7% and 47.6%, respectively. Drum drying has great potential to fabricate dehydrated broccoli-based foods with functional properties. Besides, since drum drying has low investment and operation costs, it represents a very attractive option for the industrialization of broccoli derivatives.

Spray-Dried Structured Lipid Carriers for the Loading of Rosmarinus officinalis: New Nutraceutical and Food Preservative.

Rosemary, an aromatic herb with significant antioxidative activity, is frequently used as food preservative and a source of nutraceuticals. Its antioxidant effect is mainly related to the presence of phenolic compounds, molecules considerably unstable and prone to irreversible physicochemical changes when exposed to external agents. We here proposed the loading of rosemary into structured lipid systems to improve its physicochemical properties. Four formulations were prepared using the same amount of rosemary lyophilized extract. The lipid phase was composed of stearic acid and oleic acid, and the aqueous phase, a varying combination of drying carriers (whey protein concentrate or gum Arabic) and surfactant (Poloxamer 188). The formulations were sonicated, spray-dried, and the obtained powders were characterized regarding the density (0.18 g/mL to 0.26 g/mL), particle size distribution (7 µm and 52 µm), and water solubility (29% to 48%). The antioxidant activity was determined by applying ABTS•+ radical-scavenging assay and the results expressed per gram of lyophilized extract (150.6 µmol Trolox/g to 376.4 µmol Trolox/g), with a significantly lower/higher result seen for formulations containing gum Arabic and a higher concentration of Poloxamer. The prepared systems may have potential applications as preservative in foodstuff and as nutraceutical.

Design of new protein drug delivery system (PDDS) with photoactive compounds as a potential application in the treatment of glioblastoma brain cancer.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an extremely aggressive malignant brain tumor. Despite advances in treatment modalities, it remains largely incurable. This unfavorable prognosis for GBM is at least partly due to the lack of a successful drug delivery system across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The delivery of drugs through nanomedicines combined with less invasive alternative therapies represents an important hope for the future of these incurable brain tumors. Whey protein nanocarriers represent promising strategy for targeted drug delivery to tumor cells by enhancing the drug's bioavailability and distribution, and reducing the body's response towards drug resistance. They have been extensively studied to find new alternatives for capacity to encapsulate different drugs and no need for cross-linkers. In this study, we report for the first time the incorporation and administration of Aluminum phthalocyanine chloride (AlClPc)-loaded whey protein drug delivery system (AlClPc-PDDS) for the treatment of glioblastoma brain cancer. This system was designed and optimized (with the use of the spray drying technique) to obtain the required particle size (in the range of 100 to 300 nm), zeta potential and drug loading. Our results suggest that we have developed a drug delivery system from a low-cost raw material and preparation method that is capable of incorporating hydrophobic drugs which, in combination with irradiation, cause photodamage to neoplasic cells, working as an effective adjuvant treatment for malignant glioma.

Assessing the use of arabic gum as a drying adjuvant for powdered shrimp obtained using a spray dryer / Avaliação do uso de goma arabica como adjuvante de secagem para camarão em pó obtido por spray-dryer

The aim of this study was to find a new method to improve shrimp availability in the culinary and food industry, especially for products in which the flavour of shrimp must be preserved, such as sauces, seasonings, dehydrated soups, and snacks. The approach involved the use of arabic gum as a drying adjuvant on powdered shrimp obtained by spray drying. The effects of the arabic gum on the physicochemical characteristics of the powdered shrimp were then evaluated. The fresh shrimp was processed using the following steps: washing, pre-baking, cephalothorax elimination, and grinding of the abdomen in a blender. Arabic gum was added to the shrimp paste at concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 8% and dehydrated in a spray dryer with input temperatures of 120 ºC and 150 ºC. The chemical, physical, and physicochemical characteristics of to cite in the article page. the control treatment, the addition of arabic gum did not cause any significant alterations to the chemical, physical, and physicochemical characteristics. The temperature increase from 120 ºC to 150 ºC in the control samples had no significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on the moisture of the product. The input temperature of 120 ºC was found to be the most efficient for drying the shrimp, given that the final product had a high protein content.

O presente trabalho trata de uma nova forma de disponibilizar o camarão, visando sua aplicação na indústria alimentícia ou na culinária, em que se deseje agregar o sabor de camarão, como molhos, temperos, patês, sopas desidratadas, salgadinhos, entre outros. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do uso da goma arábica como adjuvante de secagem nas características físicas e químicas do pó de camarão obtido pelo processo de secagem por atomização. O camarão fresco foi submetido às etapas: lavagem, pré-aquecimento, eliminação do cefalotórax e trituração do abdômen em liquidificador. À pasta de camarão resultante foi adicionada goma arábica nas concentrações de 2, 4 e 8% e desidratada em spray de aquecimento utilizando as temperaturas de entrada de 120 e 150 º C. O pó obtido foi avaliado quanto às suas características químicas, físicas e físico-químicas. A adição de goma arábica não alterou significativamente as características químicas, físicas e físico-químicas em relação à amostra controle. O aumento da temperatura de 120 para 150ºC, amostras controle, não teve efeito significativo (p ≤ 0.05) sobre a umidade do produto. O uso da temperatura de entrada de 120 º C no spray-dryer foi mais indicado para a secagem do camarão, apresentando um produto final de alto valor proteico.

Assessing the use of arabic gum as a drying adjuvant for powdered shrimp obtained using a spray dryer / Avaliação do uso de goma arabica como adjuvante de secagem para camarão em pó obtido por spray-dryer

The aim of this study was to find a new method to improve shrimp availability in the culinary and food industry, especially for products in which the flavour of shrimp must be preserved, such as sauces, seasonings, dehydrated soups, and snacks. The approach involved the use of arabic gum as a drying adjuvant on powdered shrimp obtained by spray drying. The effects of the arabic gum on the physicochemical characteristics of the powdered shrimp were then evaluated. The fresh shrimp was processed using the following steps: washing, pre-baking, cephalothorax elimination, and grinding of the abdomen in a blender. Arabic gum was added to the shrimp paste at concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 8% and dehydrated in a spray dryer with input temperatures of 120 ºC and 150 ºC. The chemical, physical, and physicochemical characteristics of to cite in the article page. the control treatment, the addition of arabic gum did not cause any significant alterations to the chemical, physical, and physicochemical characteristics. The temperature increase from 120 ºC to 150 ºC in the control samples had no significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on the moisture of the product. The input temperature of 120 ºC was found to be the most efficient for drying the shrimp, given that the final product had a high protein content.(AU)

O presente trabalho trata de uma nova forma de disponibilizar o camarão, visando sua aplicação na indústria alimentícia ou na culinária, em que se deseje agregar o sabor de camarão, como molhos, temperos, patês, sopas desidratadas, salgadinhos, entre outros. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do uso da goma arábica como adjuvante de secagem nas características físicas e químicas do pó de camarão obtido pelo processo de secagem por atomização. O camarão fresco foi submetido às etapas: lavagem, pré-aquecimento, eliminação do cefalotórax e trituração do abdômen em liquidificador. À pasta de camarão resultante foi adicionada goma arábica nas concentrações de 2, 4 e 8% e desidratada em spray de aquecimento utilizando as temperaturas de entrada de 120 e 150 º C. O pó obtido foi avaliado quanto às suas características químicas, físicas e físico-químicas. A adição de goma arábica não alterou significativamente as características químicas, físicas e físico-químicas em relação à amostra controle. O aumento da temperatura de 120 para 150ºC, amostras controle, não teve efeito significativo (p ≤ 0.05) sobre a umidade do produto. O uso da temperatura de entrada de 120 º C no spray-dryer foi mais indicado para a secagem do camarão, apresentando um produto final de alto valor proteico.(AU)