EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF BEETROOT PEEL (BETA VULGARIS) IN OVITRAPS AS AN ATTRACTANT FOR SURVEILLANCE OF ARBOVIRUS VECTORS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF AGRESTINA, STATE OF PERNAMBUCO, BRAZIL.

It is estimated that there are over 500 species of arboviruses worldwide, with more than 150 of them directly associated with human diseases, the majority of which are zoonotic. Among the main arboviruses circulating in Brazil, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya stand out, all transmitted through a common vector, Aedes aegypti. Given this scenario, the development and implementation of more efficient surveillance strategies become urgent. This study aims to compare and evaluate the efficiency of beetroot peel, Beta vulgaris, as an attractant for Ae. aegypti oviposition under field conditions in the municipality of Agrestina, State of Pernambuco, Brazil. Beetroot peel extract is a cheap and accessible source of geosmin, which holds significant potential as an attractant for mosquitoes due to its resemblance to microbial volatiles found in water bodies rich in organic material. During the study period (November 2023 to April 2024), 40 traps were set in each neighborhood, with 20 of each attractant. Two traps were used per property, one following the traditionally used model (beer yeast infusion) and another containing beetroot peel. Overall, in both analyzed neighborhoods (Campo Novo and Cohab), beetroot peel appeared to be a more efficient attractant for the oviposition of culicids. Beetroot peel showed the highest values in egg abundance and in the analyzed indices.

Production, purification and characterization of phytase from Pichia kudriavevii FSMP-Y17and its application in layers feed.

INTRODUCTION: Phytase, recognized for its ability to enhance the nutritional value of phytate-rich foods, has has gained significant prominence. The production of this enzyme has been significantly boosted while preserving economic efficiency by utilizing natural substrates and optimizing essential factors. This study focuses on optimizing phytase production through solid-state fermentation and evaluating its effectiveness in enhancing nutrient utilization in chicken diets. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to optimize phytase production via solid-state fermentation, characterize purified phytase properties, and assess its impact on nutrient utilization in chicken diets. Through these objectives, we aim to deepen understanding of phytase's role in poultry nutrition and contribute to more efficient feed formulations for improved agricultural outcomes. METHODOLOGY: We utilized solid-state fermentation with Pichia kudriavzevii FSMP-Y17 yeast on orange peel substrate, optimizing variables like temperature, pH, incubation time, and supplementing with glucose and ammonium sulfate. Following fermentation, we purified the phytase enzyme using standard techniques, characterizing its properties, including molecular weight, optimal temperature and pH, substrate affinity, and kinetic parameters. RESULTS: The optimized conditions yielded a remarkable phytase yield of 7.0 U/gds. Following purification, the enzyme exhibited a molecular weight of 64 kDa and displayed optimal activity at 55 °C and pH 5.5, with kinetic parameters (Km = 3.39 × 10-3 M and a Vmax of 7.092 mM/min) indicating efficient substrate affinity. CONCLUSION: The addition of purified phytase to chicken diets resulted in significant improvements in nutrient utilization and overall performance, including increased feed intake, improved feed conversion ratio, enhanced bird growth, better phosphorus retention, and improved egg production and quality. By addressing challenges associated with phytate-rich diets, such as reduced nutrient availability and environmental pollution, phytase utilization promotes animal welfare and sustainability in poultry production.

Influence of dietary bitter orange peel powder on growth, body composition, blood parameters, gut morphometry, and thermal tolerance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The potential of bitter orange peel powder (BOPP) as a nutritional strategy for fish was investigated in Nile tilapia. A total of 120 juveniles with an average initial weight of 9.8 ± 0.7 g were divided into four groups, replicated three times, resulting in 12 experimental units (60 L each) at a stocking density of 1.63 g of fish per liter. Productive parameters, whole-body composition, blood biochemistry, erythroid morphometry, intestinal histology, and heat tolerance were assessed in the juveniles subjected to one of the following treatments: non-supplemented basal diet (control group); basal diet with BOPP at 10 g/kg (BOPP10 group); basal diet with BOPP at 20 g/kg (BOPP20 group); and basal diet with BOPP at 40 g/kg (BOPP40 group). The BOPP additive had a positive influence on Nile tilapia growth, as final weight and weight gain were greater in all BOPP-treated fish, despite the reduction in crude protein in BOPP10 and BOPP20 groups. Fish receiving BOPP40 had an increase in total lipids and showed the highest levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol. Villi development was greater in the tilapia given BOPP10. It may be concluded that BOPP presented the most promising results for Nile tilapia juveniles when used at 10 g/kg diet. Regarding the erythroid morphometry, there was a general increase in nuclear and cytoplasmic areas in BOPP-fed tilapia; this seems to be the first report on the direct impact of the inclusion of functional additives in fish diet upon such parameters. As concerns the thermal tolerance evaluated at the end of the feeding trial, no differences were registered among the experimental groups. Thus, BOPP represents a feasible alternative ingredient to be explored in fish nutrition, since orange peel is a natural low-cost source of essential nutrients and valuable bioactive compounds.

Potential Use of Tomato Peel, a Rich Source of Lycopene, for Cancer Treatment.

Tomatoes are well known for their impressive nutritional value among vegetables. However, the industrial processing of tomatoes generates a significant amount of waste. Specifically, 10% to 18% of the raw materials used in tomato processing become waste. This waste can seriously affect ecosystems, such as freshwater bodies, wetlands, rivers, and other natural environments, if not properly managed. Interestingly, tomato waste, specifically the skin, contains lycopene, a potent antioxidant and antimutagenic that offers a range of health benefits. This makes it a valuable ingredient in industries such as food and cosmetics. In addition, researchers are exploring the potential of lycopene in the treatment of various types of cancer. This systematic review, guided by the PRISMA 2020 methodology, examined studies exploring the possibility of tomato peel as a source of lycopene and carotenoids for cancer treatment. The findings suggest that tomato peel extracts exhibit promising anticancer properties, underscoring the need for further investigation of possible therapeutic applications. The compiled literature reveals significant potential for using tomato peel to create new cancer treatments, which could potentially revolutionize the field of oncology. This underscores the importance of continued research and exploration, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the scientific community's contribution to this promising area of study.

Modeling and optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of total phenolics content from mango (Mangifera indica) peel using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN).

Mango (Mangifera indica) is a fruit highly consumed for its flavor and nutrient content. The mango peel is rich in compounds with biological functionality, such as antioxidant activity among others. The influence of microwave-assisted extraction variables on total phenol compounds (TPC) and antioxidant activity (TEAC) of natural extracts obtained from mango peel var. Tommy and Sugar were studied using a response surface methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). TPC of mango peel extract var. Tommy was significantly influenced by time extraction (X1), solvent/plant ratio (X2) and concentration of ethanol (X3) and while mango peel extract var. Sugar was influenced by X2. TEAC by ABTS was significantly influenced by X3. Maximum of TPC (121.3 mg GAE / g of extract) and TEAC (1185.9 µmol Trolox/g extract) for mango peel extract var. Tommy were obtained at X1=23.9s, X2=12.6mL/gand X3=63.2%, and for mango peel extract var. Sugar, the maximum content of TPC (224.86 mg GAE/g extract) and TEAC (2117.7 µmol Trolox/g extract) were obtained at X1=40s, X2=10mL/g and X3=74.9%. The ANN model presented a higher predictive capacity than the RSM (RANN2>RRSM2,RMSEANN

Experience in the Management of Complex Apple Peel Intestinal Atresia in a Limited-Resource Health Center in Mexico.

Surgical treatment of complex intestinal atresia is challenging. Moreover, multiple surgical techniques have been described to treat these congenital malformations. As no single/universal technique is useful for every patient, individualized surgical treatment for these complex cases is mandatory. Isolated apple peel atresia (type IIIb), in coexistence with other types of atresia, is a rare event with a poor functional prognosis, which is difficult to treat surgically. Furthermore, the ability to achieve good surgical results becomes more difficult in resource-limited health facilities, such as the Hospital Pediatrico Moctezuma (Mexico City). The objective of this case report of two full-term female newborns with isolated apple peel atresia and an apple peel malformation with distal type IV atresia is to describe the successful surgical technique used in these patients and how to deal with certain postsurgical complications.

Screw reactor design for potato peel pretreatment using the steam explosion.

In this article we can observe the scanning by the literature for the pretreatment of steam explosion applied to lignocellulose biomass. A comparison of the chemical and physical characterization of potato peel as a lignocellulose biomass. Besides, the innovative design of a continuous reactor for the potato peel steam explosion process is shown, with specific temperature and pressure conditions on a pilot scale, detailing its parts. Finally, a finite element analysis was performed where stress results were obtained from the reactor material, severity factor, structural analysis and thermal analysis, providing a panorama of the reactor's behavior with the conditions specific.

Dyslipidemic effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of raw and roasted xoconostle (Opuntia joconostle) peel / Efecto dislipidémico de extractos acuosos y etanólicos de cáscara cruda y asada de xoconostle (Opuntia joconostle)

The aim of the present study was to assess the impacts of roasting and the type of extraction solvent (ethanol or water) on the hypolipidemic act ivity of xoconostle fruit peel extracts in a tyloxapol - induced model of hyperlipidemia. Water and ethanol extracts from raw and roasted Opuntia joconostle peels were obtained to quantify the phytochemicals contained within and assess their hypolipidemic ac tivity in rats (n=5) against tyloxapol - induced dyslipidemia (400 mg/kg). The raw ethanol and water extracts, as well as the roasted water extract (200 mg/kg), showed hypolipidemic activity in the tyloxapol - treated group ( p <0.05). In contrast, the roasted s ample extracted with ethanol did not show this effect. The concentrations of phenolic compounds (39.80 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (16.42 ± 0.14 mg QE/g) were higher in the ethanolic extracts than in the aqueous extracts. Conversely, the concentration of beta lains (115.51 ± 1.66 mg/100 g) was higher in the water extracts than in the ethanol extracts. It was concluded that the roasting process modified the concentration of some phytochemicals and their antioxidant capacity in vitro , producing a hypolipidemic ef fect in tyloxapol - induced hyperlipidemic rats

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el impacto del tostado y del tipo de disolvente de e xtracción (etanol o agua) sobre la actividad hipolipidémica de los extractos de cáscara de frutos de xoconostle en un modelo de hiperlipidemia inducido por el tyloxapol. Se obtuvieron extractos acuosos y etanólicos de cáscara cruda y asada de Opuntia jocon ostle para cuantificar los fitoquímicos que contienen y evaluar su actividad hipolipidémica en ratas (n=5) contra la dislipidemia inducida por el tyloxapol (400 mg/kg). Los extractos acuosos y etanólicos crudos, así como el extracto acuoso tostado (200 mg/ kg), mostraron actividad hipolipidémica en el grupo tratado con tiloxapol ( p <0,05). En cambio, la muestra asada y extraída con etanol no mostró este efecto. Las concentraciones de compuestos fenólicos (39,80 mg GAE/g) y flavonoides (16,42 ± 0,14 mg QE/g) f ueron mayores en los extractos etanólicos que en los acuosos. Por el contrario, la concentración de betalaínas (115,51 ± 1,66 mg/100 g) fue mayor en los extractos acuosos que en los etanólicos. Se concluyó que el proceso de asado modificó la concentración de algunos fitoquímicos y su capacidad antioxidante in vitro , produciendo un efecto hipolipidémico en ratas hiperlipidémicas inducidas por el tyloxapol.

The "peel-away" technique for a ventriculoatrial shunt in a 6-month-old patient: A case report.

Background: A ventriculoatrial shunt (VAS) proves to be an excellent alternative in the treatment of hydrocephalus. Its usage is a viable option when ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is contraindicated in any age of patients. Case Description: This report highlights a successful case involving a 6-month-old patient who underwent VAS catheter positioning. The child presented with hydrocephalus and biliary atresia, making him a candidate for a liver transplant. Notably, a VPS was considered a relative contraindication in this scenario. Conclusion: The VAS emerges as a viable option for patients in whom a VPS might be contraindicated. This case demonstrates the successful application of a VAS in a pediatric patient.

Prebiotic Activity of Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) Shell on Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Strains: A Medicinal Food Ingredient.

Pequi is a native and popular fruit in Cerrado biome. The internal yellow-orange mesocarp is the edible fraction of the fruit, but its shell (peel and external mesocarp), which comprises 80% of the fruit, is not used by the agro-industry during fruit processing. There is a growing interest in the reduction of food loss and waste because of environmental, economic, and social impacts. So this study evaluated the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro prebiotic activity of pequi shell flour. Pequi shell flour was obtained from the lyophilization and milling of pequi shell. The content of dietary fibers, oligosaccharides, sugars, organic acids, total phenolics and tannins, polyphenol profile, and antioxidant capacity was determined in pequi shell flour. In addition, its prebiotic activity was evaluated on growth and metabolism of probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Pequi shell flour has a high content of dietary fibers (47.92 g/100 g), soluble fibers (18.65 g/100 g), raffinose (2.39 g/100 g), and phenolic compounds (14,062.40 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g). For the first time, the polyphenols epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2 were identified in this by-product. Pequi shell flour promoted greater growth of Lacticaseibacillus casei L-26 (at 24-48 h) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, as well as higher prebiotic activity scores than fructooligosaccharides (standard prebiotic). Pequi shell flour is rich in prebiotic compounds and has a high antioxidant and prebiotic potential. The promising results encourage its use as an ingredient with antioxidant and potential prebiotic properties to elaborate new functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Antioxidants from different citrus peels provide protection against cancer / Antioxidantes de diferentes cascas de frutas cítricas como agentes preventivos contra o câncer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death. Despite significant advancements in the discovery of medications for the treatment of cancer, these drugs are hindered by applicability and efficacy issues and frequently exhibit major side effects that can further impair patients 'quality of life. Therefore, the development of therapeutically sound anti-cancer medicines derived from natural products has gained prominence in the field of functional foods. Some of these compounds have shown efficacy in the prevention and treatment of cancer as well as low toxicity. Additionally, many recent studies have explored the recycling of agro-industrial waste to create bioactive chemicals. Citrus peels are produced in vast quantities in the food processing sector; due to their abundance of flavonoids, they may be inexpensive sources of protection against several cancers. Citrus is a common type of fruit that contains a variety of nutrients. In particular, the antioxidant chemicals found in citrus peel have been identified as potential cancer-fighting agents. Antioxidant substances such as flavonoids prevent the development of cancer by inhibiting the metastatic cascade, decreasing the mobility of cancer cells in the circulatory system, promoting apoptosis, and suppressing angiogenesis. To explore the most effective uses of citrus peel-derived antioxidants, this review presents background information, an overview of the role of citrus antioxidants in cancer therapy, and a discussion of the key underlying molecular mechanisms.

O câncer é uma das principais causas de morte. Apesar dos avanços significativos na descoberta de medicamentos para o tratamento do câncer, esses medicamentos são prejudiciais por questões de aplicabilidade e eficácia e frequentemente apresentam efeitos colaterais importantes que podem afetar ainda mais a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Portanto, o desenvolvimento de medicamentos anticancerígenos, terapeuticamente adequados derivados de produtos naturais, ganhou destaque no campo dos alimentos funcionais. Alguns desses compostos demonstraram eficácia na prevenção e tratamento do câncer, bem como baixa toxicidade. Além disso, muitos estudos recentes exploraram a reciclagem de resíduos agroindustriais para criar produtos químicos bioativos. As cascas de frutas cítricas são produzidas abundantemente no setor de processamento de alimentos; devido à abundância de flavonoides, e são fontes baratas de proteção contra várias categorias de câncer. Citrus é um tipo comum de fruta que contém uma variedade de nutrientes. Em particular, os produtos químicos antioxidantes encontrados na casca de frutas cítricas foram identificados como potenciais agentes de combate ao câncer. Substâncias antioxidantes, como os flavonoides, previnem o desenvolvimento do câncer, inibindo a cascata metastática, diminuindo a mobilidade das células cancerígenas no sistema circulatório, promovendo a apoptose e suprimindo a angiogênese. Para explorar os usos mais eficazes dos antioxidantes derivados da casca de frutas cítricas, esta revisão apresenta informações básicas, uma visão geral do papel dos antioxidantes cítricos na terapia do câncer e uma discussão dos principais mecanismos moleculares subjacentes.

Fixed-bed column adsorption modeling using Zr biocomposites for fluoride removal.

This research involved conducting continuous adsorption experiments to assess fluoride elimination from drinking water achieved by utilizing biocomposites created from the peels of oranges and apples, which were impregnated with zirconium (Zr), to form BOP-Zr and BAP-Zr, respectively. The findings from the experimental data indicate that BOP-Zr and BAP-Zr are effective biosorbents with a solid ability to remove fluoride selectively. Additionally, these biosorbents were found to be stable, as they do not release Zr into the treated water. Notably, these environmentally friendly biosorbents are derived from renewable sources and enhance the value of waste materials. The study employed various empirical models, including Bohart-Adamas, Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, BDST, Clark, Yan, and Woolborska, to elucidate the mechanisms and crucial parameters involved in fluoride adsorption within packed bed columns. The Yan model demonstrated the highest correlation among these models, indicating a chemical adsorption process with kinetics following a pseudo-second-order pattern. BOP-Zr and BAP-Zr exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 59.3 and 47.5 mg/g, respectively, under a flow rate of 4 mL/min and an inlet fluoride concentration of 25 mg/L. The analysis of mass transfer coefficients revealed that the primary step governing the adsorption procedure was diffusion through pores. Consequently, the study conclusively establishes that BOP-Zr and BAP-Zr biocomposites, originating from lignocellulosic biomass remains, present a practical and competitive choice for eliminating fluoride from water. These materials surpass waste materials in performance and rival more expensive options in efficiency and performance.

Antinociceptive effect of Nephelium lappaceum L. fruit peel and the participation of nitric oxide, opioid receptors, and ATP-sensitive potassium channels.

Introduction: Nephelium lappaceum L. (Sapindaceae) is a plant known as rambutan. It is used for various purposes in traditional medicine. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of the ethanol extract of the fruit peel of N. lappaceum (EENL), the mechanisms involved in these effects, and the acute toxicity in zebrafish. Methods: We performed chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, acute toxicity assay in zebrafish, and evaluation in mice submitted to models of nociception and locomotor activity. Results: We identified (epi)-catechin, procyanidin B, and ellagic acid and its derivatives in EENL. We did not find any toxicity in zebrafish embryos incubated with EENL. The locomotor activity of mice submitted to oral pretreatment with EENL was not changed, but it reduced the abdominal constrictions induced by acetic acid, the licking/biting time in both the first and second phase of formalin testing and capsaicin testing, and carrageenan-induced paw mechanical allodynia. Oral pretreatment with EENL increased latency time in the hot plate test. This antinociceptive effect was significantly reversed by naloxone, L-arginine, and glibenclamide respectively showing the participation of opioid receptors, nitric oxide, and KATP channels as mediators of EENL-induced antinociception. Conclusion: EENL causes antinociception with the participation of opioid receptors, nitric oxide, and KATP channels, and is not toxic to zebrafish.

Polyphenol-Enriched Pectin from Pomegranate Peel: Multi-Objective Optimization of the Eco-Friendly Extraction Process.

A multi-objective optimization was performed using response surface methodology to obtain a high-value-added product, pectin enriched in polyphenols, from pomegranate peel. For this purpose, a green extraction technique that combines citric acid and ultrasound was carried out considering three variables: time, pH, and temperature. The extraction procedure was optimized using the Box-Behnken design, these being the most suitable conditions, with an extraction time of 34.16 min, a pH of 2.2, and a temperature of 89.87 °C. At this point, the pectin yield was 31.89%, with a total retained polyphenol content of 15.84 mg GAE/g pectin. In addition, the water activity, ash content, equivalent weight, methoxyl content, and degree of esterification were determined for the pectin obtained at the optimal point. This study demonstrates that polyphenol-enriched pectin can be obtained from pomegranate peel via an eco-friendly and efficient method, and that it presents similar properties to commercial pectin, preserving its quality and with potential use as an ingredient or food supplement with a high nutritional value. This work contributes to developing sustainable strategies to valorize pomegranate agro-industrial waste and produce high-value functional ingredients.

Solid-State Fermented Pineapple Peel: A Novel Food Ingredient with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties.

It has been reported that pineapple (Ananas comosus) contains healthy nutrients and phytochemicals associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. However, a substantial amount of pineapple residue is produced due to a lack of valorization applications at the industrial scale, resulting in the loss of valuable nutrients. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is proposed as an innovative strategy to enhance the release of bound phenolics from pineapple residues. In this work, the effects of SSF of pineapple peels with Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Aspergillus oryzae on the release of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated, respectively. Pineapple peel extracts after SSF showed an increase in the release of phenolic compounds (248.11% with L. plantarum, 182% with A. oryzae, and 180.10% with L. rhamnosus), which led to an increase in the cellular antioxidant (81.94% with L. rhamnosus) and anti-inflammatory potential (nitric oxide inhibition of 62% with L. rhamnosus) compared to non-fermented extracts. Therefore, SSF of pineapple peels with L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and A. oryzae thrives as a new approach for the production of secondary metabolites with remarkable biological benefits, which can be the precursors for novel biofortified and nutraceutical-enriched foods that meet the needs of the most demanding and health-conscious consumers.

Characterization of polyphenols compounds extracted from stressed apple peel and their interaction with ß-lactoglobulin.

This paper proposes to apply a postharvest environmental stress to red apples, Malus domestica, variety Red Delicious in order to increase the polyphenols compounds (PP) content in their peels. The possibility of enhancing extractable PP provides a useful alternative for the use of discarded crops in the food industry. A great increase in PP was observed in response to light damage produced by the environmental stress applied in this work. Flavonols > anthocyanins > flavanols > dihydrochalcones > phenolic acids is the order in PP content. The interaction of the extracted PP from unstressed and stressed apple peels with beta-lactoglobulin (ß-LG) was characterized. A PP/ß-LG complex which was formed with one single binding site in the protein was determined. The interaction was spontaneous and enthalpy driven. PP extracted from unstressed samples had greater affinity for the protein than PP extracted from stressed samples, possibly due to the polar characteristic of anthocyanins. The results of this last study could provide a better understanding of the interaction between PP and ß-LG to incorporate them into functional foods.

Enhanced production of bacterial cellulose employing banana peel as a cost-effective nutrient resource.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an exopolysaccharide produced by bacteria that has unusual structural features and is more refined than plant cellulose. BC has recently gained more attention in a variety of fields including biological and biomedical applications due to its excellent physiochemical properties including easy biodegradability, better water holding capacity, high tensile strength, high thermal stability, and high degree of polymerization. However, application of BC at industrial scale is still limited due to its high production cost and lesser yielding strains. The present study is an attempt to isolate and characterize a novel BC-producing bacterial strain. The bacterial strain S5 has resulted into maximum cellulose production of 4.76 ± 0.49 gL-1 (30°C, pH 7.0). The strain has been further identified as Stenotrophomonas sp. Derivation of nutritional and cultural conditions has resulted into 2.34-fold enhanced BC production (banana peel powder, peptone, tartaric acid, pH 7, 30°C). FTIR spectrum of BC revealed characteristic absorption bands which could be attributed to the O-H band, C-H stretching, C-O-C stretching band, O-H bending, and >CH2 bending, indicative of the ß-1,4 glycosidic linkages of cellulose. Thermogravimetric analysis has also revealed stability of polysaccharide backbones and characteristic weight loss points. Employment of banana peel powder has appeared as a proficient low-cost source for large-scale economic production of BC for industrial applications.

Assessment of Prickly Pear Fruit Peel Mucilage in Form of Gel as a Green Coagulant for the Tertiary Treatment of Domestic Wastewater.

The application of natural coagulants derived from food byproducts in domestic wastewater tertiary treatment, which contains a number of impurities as suspended colloidal particles, has a potential use as essential substitutes for traditional inorganic coagulants. These biomaterials are a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative that can be used to improve water quality and human health. In this study, prickly pear (PP) fruit peel mucilage gel was evaluated as a novel coagulant for the tertiary stage of domestic wastewater treatment. Jar tests were performed on residual raw water at the inlet (influent) and outlet (effluent) of the tertiary wastewater treatment (constructed wetland) with a coagulant dose of 12 mg L-1 at a pH of 13. The efficiency of green (i.e., mucilage) and inorganic chemical (i.e., FeCl3) coagulants was compared on the basis of turbidity and color removal. The flocs produced by the coagulants were characterized structurally by FTIR spectroscopy and Zeta potential analysis and morphologically by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the turbidity and the color removal efficiency of the mucilage compared to the FeCl3 at the outlet of the treatment (effluent) were practically the same, reaching 94% turbidity and 85-87% color removal efficiency with both coagulants. The structure and morphology of the flocs generated by the coagulants showed a higher content of organic matter trapped in the flocs. The floc formation observed mechanisms were adsorption/bridging for mucilage and charge neutralization for FeCl3. The results of this study demonstrated that the PP mucilage green coagulant can be used to enhance the quality of treatment of domestic wastewater in an eco-friendly and biodegradable manner.

Photoantimicrobial chitosan-gelatin-pomegranate peel extract films for strawberries preservation: From microbiological analysis to in vivo safety assessment.

This study aimed to investigate the application of biopolymeric materials (chitosan, gelatin, and pomegranate peel extract as photosensitizer) and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on the physicochemical and microbial safety of strawberries. The photosensitizer potential of the materials was confirmed by a light-dose-dependent photobleaching profile. The application of light (525 nm; 50 J cm-2) decreased by >2 log CFU mL-1 the survival of Staphylococcus aureus on the surface of the photoactive-biopolymeric films. Moreover, the materials did not present in vivo cytotoxicity using Danio rerio (Zebrafish) as well as cytophytotoxic, genotoxic, or mutagenic potentials against Allium cepa plant model, which points out their safety to be used as films without posing a risk to the humans and the environment. The photoactive-polymeric coatings were able to maintain the strawberries weight, and the association with green light was 100 % effective in delaying fungal contamination. These coated-strawberries presented a significant reduction in S. aureus survival after light application (5.47-4.34 log CFU mL-1). The molecular level analysis of the photoactive compound cyanidin-3-glucoside indicates absorption on UV-Vis consistent with aPDT action. Therefore, this study showed that the antimicrobial effects of aPDT combined with photoactive-biopolymeric coatings were enhanced, while the quality of the strawberries was maintained.

Encapsulation of Pineapple Peel Extracts by Ionotropic Gelation Using Corn Starch, Weissella confusa Exopolysaccharide, and Sodium Alginate as Wall Materials.

Phenolic compounds that are present in pineapple by-products offer many health benefits to the consumer; however, they are unstable to many environmental factors. For this reason, encapsulation is ideal for preserving their beneficial effects. In this work, extracts were obtained by the combined method of solid-state fermentation with Rhizopus oryzae and ultrasound. After this process, the encapsulation process was performed by ionotropic gelation using corn starch, sodium alginate, and Weissella confusa exopolysaccharide as wall material. The encapsulates produced presented a moisture content between 7.10 and 10.45% (w.b), a solubility of 53.06 ± 0.54%, and a wettability of 31.46 ± 2.02 s. The total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity of DPPH, and ABTS of the encapsulates were also determined, finding 232.55 ± 2.07 mg GAE/g d.m for TPC, 45.64 ± 0.9 µm Trolox/mg GAE for DPPH, and 51.69 ± 1.08 µm Trolox/mg GAE for ABTS. Additionally, ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analysis allowed us to identify and quantify six bioactive compounds: rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, and quercetin. According to the above, using ionotropic gelation, it was possible to obtain microencapsulates containing bioactive compounds from pineapple peel extracts, which may have applications in the development of functional foods.