Development of Polymeric Films Based on Sunflower Seed Proteins and Locust Bean Gum.

Most polymeric food packaging materials are non-biodegradable and derived from petroleum, thus recent studies have focused on evaluating alternative biodegradable materials from renewable sources, with polysaccharides and proteins as the main types of employed biopolymers. Therefore, this study aimed to develop biopolymeric films based on sunflower proteins and galactomannans from locust bean gum. The influence of the galactomannan amount (0.10%, 0.30%, 0.50%, and 0.75% w/v) on the physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of cast sunflower protein-based films was studied. Sunflower proteins gave rise to yellowish, shining, and translucid films. With the incorporation of locust bean gum-derived galactomannans, the films became more brown and opaque, although they still maintained some translucency. Galactomannans significantly changed the proteins' secondary structures, giving rise to films with increased tensile resistance and stretchability. Nevertheless, the increase in the galactomannan amount did not have a significant effect on the film's thermal stability. The protein/galactomannan-based films showed values of water vapor and oxygen permeability that were slightly higher than those of the pristine materials. Overall, blending locust bean gum galactomannans with sunflower proteins was revealed to be a promising strategy to develop naturally colored and translucid films with enhanced mechanical resistance while maintaining flexibility, fitting the desired properties for biodegradable food packaging materials.

Bionanocomposite Based on Cassava Waste Starch, Locust Bean Galactomannan, and Cassava Waste Cellulose Nanofibers.

Natural polysaccharides are among the renewable sources with great potential for replacing petroleum-derived chemicals as precursors to produce biodegradable films. This study aimed to prepare biopolymeric films using starch extracted from the periderm and cortex of cassava roots (waste from cassava root processing), locust bean galactomannan, and cellulose nanofibers also obtained from cassava waste. The films were prepared by casting, and their physicochemical, mechanical, and biodegradability properties were evaluated. The content of cellulose nanofibers varied from 0.5 to 2.5%. Although the addition of cellulose nanofibers did not alter the mechanical properties of the films, it significantly enhanced the vapor barrier of the films (0.055 g mm/m2 h kPa-2.5% nanofibers) and their respective stabilities in aqueous acidic and alkaline media. All prepared films were biodegradable, with complete degradation occurring within five days. The prepared films were deemed promising alternatives for minimizing environmental impacts caused by the disposal of petroleum-derived materials.

Chemical Characterization and Bioaccessibility Assessment of Bioactive Compounds from Umbu (Spondias tuberosa A.) Fruit Peel and Pulp Flours.

Umbu, a common fruit from the northeastern region of Brazil, contains many bioactive compounds not yet exploited. Thus, this study evaluated the potential of pulps and peels of mature and semi-mature umbu as a source of bioactive compounds. Trigonelline contents ranged from 1.75 to 6.14 mg/100 g, values higher than those of many vegetables described in the literature, such as corn and barley. The contents of extractable and non-extractable phenolic compounds were also higher than those of other vegetables. Bioaccessibility of total extractable phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins was determined (15.67-37.73%, 31.87-39.10% and 18.81-114.27%, respectively). The constituent polysaccharides of the pulp and peel were tentatively chemically characterized as arabinoxylans, arabinogalactans, rhamnoarabinogalactans, xyloglucans, and pectin of the rhamnogalacturonan type. The technological potential of peel flours was evaluated. The maturation advancement showed no significant changes in the technological properties of the flours, except for color and water solubility index. Results indicated excellent prospects for future research on umbu pulps and peels as potential sources of natural bioactive compounds.

Edible fruits from Brazilian biodiversity: A review on their sensorial characteristics versus bioactivity as tool to select research.

The Brazilian flora is very rich in edible fruits but only a fraction of this potential is known and properly used. In this study, we discuss the importance of Brazilian edible fruits using data recovered from the book "Dicionário das plantas úteis do Brasil e das exóticas cultivadas" (Dictionary of Useful Plants of Brazil and Exotic Cultivated), organized by the Portuguese botanist Manoel Pio Corrêa (1874-1934), in 1926. Data from 504 species were recorded from the book and several have attractive and/or sensorial characteristics, as tasty and sweet, that can contribute to stimulating their direct consumption. Only 25% of the recorded fruits have their health benefits determined in studies of bioactivity. A ranking (Priority Index = PI) was constructed in order to know the most promising fruits. Anacardium occidentale, Passiflora edulis and Acrocomia aculeata reached a higher PI. Among the families, Orchidaceae, Verbenaceae, Anacardiaceae and Caryocaraceae have a higher proportion of fruits with higher PI. Besides the health benefits, the market and management of these plants can contribute to biodiversity conservation and improve the income of local populations.