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Ten (10) accessions of pigmented maize collected from the various regions in the Philippines with the highest antioxidant activity were evaluated for several chemical and nutritional parameters such as proximate composition, carbohydrate profile (starch, amylose and amylopectin contents), phenolic acid, mineral (iron and zinc) and food energy contents. Ranges of proximate components were as follows: fat, 4.14–5.67 %; protein, 9.28–15.87 %; fiber, 1.30–3.84 %; ash, 1.22–1.62 %; and nitrogen free extract, 71.30–77.75 %. Significant variations were observed in fat and protein contents, and nitrogen free extract. Coumaric, ferulic, and gallic acids were the major phenolic acids identified to be present in the pigmented corn kernels using HPLC. Amylose and amylopectin contents ranged from 23.53 to 28.96% and 16.68–45.18 %, respectively. On the other hand, total starch content ranged from 44.32 to 72.44 % while food energy content registered 246.74–369.16 Kcal 100 g−1 DW. Iron and zinc concentrations were quantified using AAS, iron content ranged from 53.06 to 77.96 mg kg−1 while 48.64–64.08 mg kg−1 of zinc content was recorded. Only zinc concentration of the selected maize accessions was found to be significantly different among accessions. This study provides baseline information on the nutritional value of pigmented maize accessions in the Philippines which can be used for future breeding works and enhance germplasm utilization focused on improved nutritional and functional properties of Philippine corn for health and wellness.

A liquid, biocompatible polyester based polymer, which could facilitate injectable formulations by simple mixing with the active substance (drug) is much needed by the pharmaceutical companies. A favourite candidate is polylactic acid (PLA) which is biocompatible and biodegradable. However PLA is solid with high crystallinity. Thus, in this research, hydroxylauric acid (HOLA) was copolymerized with lactic acid (LA) in different ratios by polycondensation technique at 180 °C, without a metal catalyst and avoiding the formation of interfering lactides, to provide a liquid polyester. The copolymers molecular weights were determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and their physical states indicated as solid or liquid were noted. The structures as polyesters were confirmed by FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Poly(HOLA:LA) products from reactant ratios 0:100 is solid, while ratios of 20:80, 40:60 are mixed (paste) and 60:40, 80:20 and 100:0 are liquids. Thus, the liquid polyesters from the polycondensation of HOLA and LA without catalyst were picked as potential candidates for dissolving hydrophobic drugs that could be used as injectables in controlled drug delivery experiments.