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High forage diets in the tropics are less efficient and more contaminating due to high energy losses as methane and the low digestibility of tropical forages. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of essential oils (EO) of Anacardium occidentale and Ricinus communis as additives in high forage diets on intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation and synthesis of microbial protein. Four ‘Holstein’ steers fitted with ruminal cannula were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design (21-day period). The treatments were 1, 2, 4 and 8 g day-1 EO per animal (essential oils, Oligobasics®). The diet was total mixed ration (TMR) of Brachiaria hay (Brachiaria humidicola cv. Lanero) and concentrate (ground corn, soybean meal, ammonium sulphate, urea and minerals) in an 80:20 ratio. Differences were observed in the digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) in levels above 2 g day -1 EO (P < 0.05). The VFA (volatile fatty acids) acetate and propionate were higher in diets with 2 g day -1 EO (P < 0.05), without affecting the acetate:propionate ratio. Levels above 2 g day -1 EO negatively affected the faecal N excretion (P < 0.05). The inclusions of A. occidentale and R. communis EOs at 2 g day-1 per day animal improved fibre digestion and decreased N excretion. These results indicate that this mixture of EOs may have strong antimicrobial activity at lower doses. The N losses, fibre digestion and digestibility could be improved with the use of cashew and castor essential oils in high forage diets. As dietas no tropico possuem altas proporções de forragem, sendo menos eficientes e mais contaminantes devido às altas perdas de energia na forma de metano e baixa digestibilidade das forragens tropicais. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar os efeitos dos óleos essenciais (OE) de caju (Anacardium occidentale) e mamona (Ricinus comunis) como aditivos em dietas alto forragem sobre consumo, digestibilidade, fermentação ruminal e síntese de proteína microbiana. Quatro novilhos da raça Holandesa, com cânula ruminal, foram utilizados em delineamento em quadrado latino 4x4. Os tratamentos foram 1, 2, 4 e 8 g dia-1 OE / animal (óleos essenciais - Oligobasics®). A dieta foi uma ração mista total (TMR) de feno de Brachiaria (Brachiaria humidicola cv Lanero) e concentrado (grão de milho moído, farelo de soja, sulfato de amônio, ureia e minerais) na proporção 80:20. Foram observadas diferenças na digestibilidade da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e dos nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) em níveis acima de 2 g dia-1 OE (P < 0,05). Os AGV (ácidos graxos voláteis) acetato e propionato foram maiores nas dietas com 2 g dia-1 OE (P < 0,05), sem afetar a razão acetato: propionato. Níveis acima de 2 g dia-1 OE afetaram negativamente a excreção fecal de N (P < 0,05). As inclusões de OE de A. occidentale e R. communis em 2 g dia-1 OE / animal melhoraram a digestão da fibra e diminuíram a excreção fecal de N. Estes resultados indicam que esta mistura de OE pode ter maior atividade antimicrobiana em doses mais baixas. As perdas de N, digestão da fibra e digestibilidade foram melhoradas, com o uso de óleos essenciais de caju e mamona em dietas com alta inclusão de forragem.

Background An antioxidant formula based on peanut skins and hulls was developed and characterized for total and single polyphenols, as well as antioxidant power, considering the contribution provided by each peanut by-product. Subsequently, it was evaluated for its effect on the sensory properties and aroma stability of peanut bars over a 100-day period. To this purpose, snacks fortified, or not, with the natural additive were experimentally produced. Results Peanut hulls contributed to a greater extent than skins with respect to boosting the content of bioactives and the antioxidnt activity of the antioxidant formula, which was marked by a phenol content of (approximately 807 mg gallic acid equivalents g-1 ) and a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl activity similar to that of butylated hydroxytoluene (85.96% and 89.30%, respectively). From a sensory perspective, the incorporation of the formulation in snacks caused only a slightly stronger perception of astringent and bitter notes. Pyrazines, phenol, furan and pyrrole derivatives defined the aroma of snacks, being more abundant in fortified than in conventional samples. Such volatiles faded over storage, with different trends in the examined products. For example, the sum of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2-ethylpyrazine and 2,3-dimethylpyrazine was 9.49 and 8.87 ppm at day 15; 5.57 and 7.16 ppm at day 45; and 5.03 and 4.65 ppm at day 100, respectively, in fortified and conventional snacks. Hydroxymethylfurfural decreased constantly over storage in conventional samples and only after day 45 in fortified bars. Conclusion Overall, the antioxidant formulation did not compromise the sensory desirability of peanut snacks and induced a preservative effect on their aroma, especially during the first 15 days of storage. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

In the present study, a tangential membrane filtration system was applied to recover phenols from olive mill wastewater. The obtained concentrates were characterised for physico-chemical traits, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial effects. Results indicated that the highest concentration of hydroxytyrosol (7203.7 mg/L) was detected in the concentrate obtained by reverse osmosis, which also showed the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the same concentrate was added, at different ratio, up to 4:250 v/v, into a commercial blood orange juice. The fortified juice with the addition of the concentrate, up to 2:250 v/v ratio, did not show off-flavour and off-odour compared to the control. Furthermore, after 60 days of refrigerated storage, the fortified juice exhibited a hydroxytyrosol content still complying with the daily intake recommended by EFSA health claim. The obtained results can be industrially useful in producing orange juice added with a natural antioxidant concentrate as a 'clean label' ingredient.

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is biodegradable and non-toxic, making it an eco-friendly polymer with various medical applications. In order to increase the stability of PCL used in the field of medical applications, it is necessary to be able to produce fibers with a melt electrospinning method that does not use toxic hydrophobic solvents. However, PCL has very high viscosity and low conductivity, making melt electrospinning difficult. This study presents natural additives enabling the solvent-free melt electrospinning of PCL, wherein the physical properties (i.e., conductivity and viscosity) of the additive-mixed PCL are analyzed. Among the natural additives added to PCL, 7 wt% gallic acid increased conductivity by 81 times and decreased viscosity by 1/8526 times, showing the best results. We believe that our study, improving the physical properties of melt PCL by adding natural additives, will be of great help to the development of the melt electrospinning method of PCL.

Active packaging based on chitosan (Ch) incorporated with six different natural hydro-alcoholic extracts (HAE) (rosemary, green tea, black tea, ginger, kenaf, and sage) were developed and tested to extend the shelf life of fresh poultry meat. The quality of the meat packaged was assessed through physical-chemical and microbiological characterization over 15 days of refrigerated storage. In vitro antimicrobial activity of pure extracts and films against Gram-positive (B. cereus) and Gram-negative (S. enterica) foodborne bacteria was also addressed. Pure extracts and the films developed showed antimicrobial activity by the diffusion agar method only against the Gram-positive bacteria. Microbial analysis of the meat wrapped with films incorporated with HAE showed a reduction of 3.1–4.5 log CFU/g and 2.5–4.0 log CFU/g on the total viable microorganisms and total coliforms, respectively. Ch + Kenaf and Ch + Sage films presented the highest antimicrobial activity. Regarding the oxidation degradation, as expected, TBARS values increased for all samples over time. However, the meat wrapped in the biocomposites, except for CH + Sage, presented lower secondary oxidation metabolites (reduction of 75–93%) in the content of malonaldehyde. This protection was superior for the meat wrapped with Ch + Rosemary. Active film also showed promising results by retarding the discoloration process and the increase of pH over time. Thus, the biocomposites produced can pose as an alternative technology to enhance the shelf life of fresh poultry meat and maintain its quality.

Over the past 25 years, cannabis plants have gained major popularity in the research community. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and stabilization efficiency of cannabidiol (CBD) extract in two different polymers: polylactide (PLA) and ethylene–norbornene copolymer (Topas) that are used in packaging materials more often. The research technology included weathering in a special chamber, surface free energy and color change measurements, surface morphology and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, thermogravimetry, and determination of the oxidation induction time or temperature (OIT) values, based on which the effectiveness of the cannabidiol extract could be estimated. Obtained results showed that the addition of CBD to polymer mixtures significantly increased their resistance to oxidation, and it can be used as a natural stabilizer for polymeric products. Moreover, samples with cannabidiol changed their coloration as a result of weathering. Therefore, this natural additive can also be considered as a colorimetric indicator of aging that informs about the changes in polymeric materials during their lifetime. On the other hand, surface properties of samples with cannabidiol content did not alter much compared to pure Topas and PLA.

This research was performed to investigate the effects of milk thistle (MT), toxin binder (TB) and marine algae (Spirulina platensis; SP) on the performance, blood indices, humoral immunity and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens exposed to aflatoxin-B1 (AFB1). A total of 300 one-day-old male chicks were equally divided into five treatments, with six replicates with 10 birds per treatment. Dietary treatments included: (T1) a control diet (without any feed additive or AFB1); (T2) control diet + 0.6 mg AFB1/kg; (T3) T2 + 10 g/kg MT; (T4) T2 + 1 g/kg TB; and (T5) T2 + 10 g/kg SP. BWG and FI were found to be considerably reduced in broilers given AFB1-contaminated diets (p < 0.05). The FCR was negatively influenced in birds fed AFB1-contaminated diets (p < 0.05). MT, TB, and SP powders also reduced the deleterious effects of AFB1 on the growth of chickens (p < 0.05). In comparison with the control birds and the other treatments, broilers given AFB1-contaminated diets had a higher relative weight of abdominal fat (p < 0.05). The feeding of AFB1 resulted in a substantial rise in AST and ALT activity (p < 0.05). MT, TB, and SP powders significantly decreased blood AST and ALT activity in broilers (p < 0.05). The AFB1 and MT groups had the lowest skin thickness (p < 0.05) twenty-four hours after injection. The phytohemagglutinin injection results showed that the TB and SP were more efficient than the other additives in removing toxins from the feed sources (p < 0.05). The antibody titer against sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) was lower in the AFB1 group compared to the control group at 28 days of age (p < 0.05). When comparing AFB1-fed chicks to the control treatment, there was a significant (p < 0.05) concentration of cecal Coliform bacteria. When MT, TB, and SP powders were added to AFB1-contaminated diet, cecal Coliforms were decreased (p < 0.05). When fed AFB1-contaminated diets, it can be concluded that MT, TB, and SP are suitable for supporting growth performance, immunological function, and the serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens.

Blueberries are highly appreciated for their high antioxidant content but are also particularly susceptible to fungal deterioration. In this work, corn starch and chitosan, byproducts of the fishing industry, as well as active compounds obtained from citrus processing waste were used to obtain active biodegradable film packaging. Blueberries were packed in corn starch–chitosan (CS:CH) films and in active films containing lemon essential oil (LEO) or grapefruit seed extract (GSE). The effects of film packaging on the quality parameters of berries and the fungal incidence of disease during storage were studied and compared to benchmark materials. A conservation assay simulating transport and commercialization conditions was conducted. Blueberries packed in CS:CH films showed antioxidant capacity values closer to those packed in commercial PET containers (Clamshells), preserving 84.8% of the initial antioxidants content. Fruit packed in LEO films exhibited the greatest weight loss and rot incidence, and poor surface color. CS:CH and GSE films controlled the fruit respiration rate and weight loss, therefore they are materials with adequate barrier properties for blueberries conservation. Bags formulated with GSE showed adequate barrier properties to maintain fruit quality attributes without the incidence of rottenness, being an interesting option for blueberries exportation., Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos

La Champa (Campomanesia lineatifolia Ruiz & Pav.) es un árbol frutal nativo del amazonas perteneciente a la familia Myrtaceae. La fruta de la champa tiene unas características organolépticas especiales como su sabor y es una importante fuente de compuestos fenólicos útiles para la industria de los alimentos. Actualmente los procesos poscosecha de la fruta requieren mejoras pues las pérdidas alcanzan el 97%. En ese sentido, el objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la extracción por microondas de la champa para la obtención de extractos enriquecidos en compuestos fenólicos. Las variables estudiadas fueron: potencia del microondas (100-200W), tiempo de extracción (1-2min) y disolvente (agua, mezcla etanol: agua 70:30 y mezcla etanol: agua 96:4). Los resultados mostraron que la mejor condición para la obtención de extractos fenólicos fue empleando agua como disolvente, una potencia de 100W y 2 min de tiempo de extracción. A esta condición, se alcanzó un rendimiento de extracción superior al 60%. La máxima actividad antioxidante en los extractos fue de 11.36 y 31.44 mg eq de Trolox.g-1 de pulpa seca, evaluada por los métodos del DPPH y FRAP respectivamente. La mayor concentración de contenido fenólico fue obtenida (3450.73 g de ácido gálico.g-1 de pulpa seca) utilizando como condiciones de proceso una potencia del microondas de 200W, agua como disolvente y un tiempo de extracción de 1min. Estos resultados sugieren que la champa es una fuente de extractos de compuestos fenólicos con actividad antioxidante útiles para el sector agroalimentario, especialmente como aditivos naturales para extender la vida útil de diferentes productos.

Resumen La investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar el efecto de los prebióticos y probióticos naturales suplementados en la alimentación, sobre el comportamiento productivo de cuyes en crecimiento. Se emplearon 50 cuyes machos de 14 días de edad, de raza Perú con un peso promedio de 380 g, distribuidos mediante un diseño completo al azar con cinco tratamientos y cinco repeticiones, considerando dos animales por repetición. La fase experimental tuvo una duración de 35 días. Se evaluó: consumo de alimento (g), peso final (g), ganancia de peso (g), conversión alimenticia y rendimiento de carcasa (%). Los tratamientos fueron: T1: Dieta control (DC) + Antibiótico Promotor de Crecimiento (APC); T2: DC sin APC y sin simbiótico (Probiótico + Prebiótico); T3: DC + Probiótico natural; T4: DC + Prebiótico natural y T5: DC + simbiótico. En los parámetros evaluados no se encontraron diferencias significativas (p > 0,05); sin embargo, se encontraron tendencias a mayores consumos en cuyes de T3 (809,37 g), mayor peso final en cuyes de T1 (851,6 g), mayor ganancia de peso en cuyes de T2 (472,3 g), mejor conversión alimenticia en cuyes de T5 (3,4), y mayor rendimiento de carcasa en cuyes de T3 (73,6 %). Se concluye que los parámetros productivos no fueron afectados por los aditivos suplementados. Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the effect of natural prebiotics and probiotics supplemented in feed on the productive behavior of growing guinea pigs. Fifty 14-day-old male guinea pigs from Peru were used, with an average weight of 380 g, distributed using a completely randomized design with five treatments and five repetitions, considering two animals per repetition. The experimental phase lasted 35 days. Feed intake (g), final weight (g), weight gain (g), feed conversion, and carcass yield (%) were evaluated. The treatments were: T1: Control diet (CD) + Growth Promoter Antibiotic (GPA), T2: CD without a GPA and synbiotics (Probiotic + Prebiotic), T3: CD + Natural probiotic, T4: CD + Natural prebiotic, and T5: CD + synbiotics. In the evaluated parameters, no significant differences were found (p > 0.05); however, trends were found for higher intake in guinea pigs of T3 (809.37 g), higher final weight in guinea pigs of T1 (851.6 g), higher weight gain in guinea pig of T2 (472.3 g), better feed conversion in guinea pigs of T5 (3.4), and higher carcass performance in guinea pigs of T3 (73.6 %). It is concluded that the productive parameters were not affected by the supplemented additives.

The purpose of the present study is to develop new multifunctional environmentally friendly materials having applications both in medical and food packaging fields. New poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based multifunctional materials containing additives derived from natural resources like chitosan (CS) and rosemary extract (R) were obtained by melt mixing. Each of the selected components has its own specific properties such as: PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable biomass, heat-resistant, with mechanical properties close to those of polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate, and CS offers good antimicrobial activity and biological functions, while R significantly improves antioxidative action necessary in all applications. A synergy of their combination, an optimum choice of their ratio, and processing parameters led to high performance antimicrobial/antioxidant/biocompatible/environmentally degradable materials. The polyethylene glycol (PEG)-plasticized PLA/chitosan/powdered rosemary extract biocomposites of various compositions were characterized in respect to their mechanical and rheological properties, structure by spectroscopy, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility. Scanning electron microscopy images evidence the morphology features added by rosemary powder presence in polymeric materials. Incorporation of additives improved elongation at break, antibacterial and antioxidant activity and also biocompatibility. Migration of bioactive components into D1 simulant is slower for PEG-plasticized PLA containing 6 wt % chitosan and 0.5 wt % rosemary extract (PLA/PEG/6CS/0.5 R) biocomposite and it occurred by a diffusion-controlled mechanism. The biocomposites show high hydrophilicity and good in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility. No hematological, biochemical and immunological modifications are induced by subcutaneous implantation of biocomposites. All characteristics of the PEG-plasticized PLA-based biocomposites recommend them as valuable materials for biomedical implants, and as well as for the design of innovative drug delivery systems. Also, the developed biocomposites could be a potential nature-derived active packaging with controlled release of antimicrobial/antioxidant compounds.

Among the wide variety of materials employed in the manufacture of shoes, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are one of the most widely used. Given its widespread use, and associated waste management problems, the development of more biodegradable and evironmentally compatible solutions is needed. In this work, a polyester-based TPU used in the footwear industry for outsoles production was modified by compounding with lignin, starch and cellulose at content of 4% (w/w). The biodegradability was evaluated by using agar plate tests with the fungi Aspergillus niger ATCC16404, the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC9027 and an association of both (consortium), and soil tests at 37 °C and 58 °C. The obtained results evidenced a positive effect of the tested biobased additives, the most favourable results being registered with lignin. These results were corroborated by the structural modifications observed by FTIR analysis. Additionally, mechanical tests prove the suitability of using the lignin modified TPUs for footwear outsoles production.

Nowadays, the world's plastic production generates lot of plastic waste. Therefore, the need of reducing conventional nonbiodegradable plastic materials has encouraged the development of innovative biodegradable materials from renewable resources. Biobased polymer film can be developed using naturally occurring sources like polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and their combinations. Natural edible polymers are the materials made from natural edible constituents that can be consumed by animals or human beings with no health risk. Also, there are additives that could be used as well to improve the package characteristics, such as essential oils, antioxidants. This review article aims to make an extensive literature review and compare data found by several authors in relation to the various natural polymers used in the manufacture of edible coatings and films applied in food products, and thereby show that their use can improve their characteristics and prolong the shelf life. More than 130 bibliographic references were used to produce this review article and several research platforms were used (Scielo, google academic, among others). After the extensive literature review, it is possible to conclude that the use of polymers obtained from natural sources is effective for preserving food for a longer time and thus causing a reduction in the loss of shelf life in these products. Hoy en día, la producción mundial de plástico genera muchos residuos. Por lo tanto, hay necesidades de reducir los materiales plásticos convencionales no biodegradables, fue incentivado el desenvolvimiento de materiales biodegradables innovadores a partir de recursos renovables. As películas de polímeros de base biológica puede ser desenvuelto usando fuentes naturales como polisacáridos, proteínas, lípidos y sus combinaciones. Polímeros naturales comestibles son los materiales hechos de constituyentes naturales comestibles que pueden ser consumidos por animales o por seres humanos sin riesgo para la salud. Además de eso existen aditivos que también pueden ser utilizados para mejorar las características del embalaje, como aceites esenciales, antioxidantes. Este artículo de revisión tiene como objetivo realizar una extensa revisión de la literatura y comparar los datos encontrados por varios autores en relación a los distintos polímeros naturales utilizados en la fabricación de recubrimientos y películas comestibles aplicados a productos alimenticios, y así demostrar que su uso puede mejorar su características y prolongar la vida útil. Se utilizaron más de 130 referencias bibliográficas para producir este artículo de revisión y se utilizaron varias plataformas de investigación (Scielo, google scholar, entre otras). Tras la extensa revisión de la literatura, es posible concluir que el uso de polímeros obtenidos de fuentes naturales es eficaz para conservar los alimentos por más tiempo y así provocar una reducción en la pérdida de vida útil de estos productos. Hoje em dia, a produção mundial de plástico gera muitos resíduos. Portanto, a necessidade de reduzir os materiais plásticos convencionais não biodegradáveis tem incentivado o desenvolvimento de materiais biodegradáveis inovadores a partir de recursos renováveis. Os filmes de polímeros de base biológica podem ser desenvolvidos usando fontes de ocorrência natural como polissacarídeos, proteínas, lipídios e suas combinações. Polímeros naturais comestíveis são os materiais feitos de constituintes naturais comestíveis que podem ser consumidos por animais ou por seres humanos sem risco para a saúde. Além disso, existem aditivos que também podem ser usados para melhorar as características da embalagem, como óleos essenciais, antioxidantes. Este artigo de revisão tem como objetivo fazer uma extensa revisão de literatura e comparação de dados encontrados por diversos autores em relação aos vários polímeros naturais utilizados na confecção de revestimentos e filmes comestíveis aplicados em produtos alimentícios, e com isso mostrar que seu uso pode melhorar suas características e prolongar a vida útil. Foram utilizados mais de 130 referências bibliográficas para a montagem deste artigo de revisão e foram utilizadas várias plataformas de pesquisa (Scielo, google acadêmico, entre outras). Após a extensa revisão de literatura é possível concluir que o uso de polímeros obtidos de fontes naturais são eficazes para conservar alimentos por mais tempo e com isso ocasionar uma diminuição da perda de vida útil desses produtos.

This study evaluated the in vitro digestibility of nutrients from different diets added with chitosan (Q), technic cashew nut shell liquid (LCC) and the association of Q and LCC. The treatments used consisted of 4 diets (forage: concentrate ratio of 100: 0, 50:50, 40:60 and 20:80) associated with 4 additives (control, chitosan, LCC and the association of Q + LCC), totaling 16 treatments, in a 4x4 factorial randomized block design. The dosages used were: Control (without additives), LCC (600mg/kg DM), Chitosan (900mg/kg DM), and LCCQ (600mg/kg LCC DM + 900mg/kg Chitosan DM). In the laboratory, samples were analyzed for IVDMD, IVNDFD, IVCPD, pH and RAN (ruminal ammonia nitrogen). For pH and RAN analyses, samples were taken at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours after incubation. The results showed higher digestibility of DM, NDF and CP for diets with chitosan and technic cashew nut shell liquid alone and higher pH and RAN values in the diets containing the two additives. The association of additives brings better results for animal nutrition and increases ruminant productivity. RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar no presente trabalho a digestibilidade in vitro de nutrientes de diferentes dietas com a adição de quitosana (Q), líquido da casca da castanha de caju (LCC) e a associação entre Q e LCC. Os tratamentos utilizados foram constituídos de 4 dietas (relação volumoso:concentrado, 100:0, 50:50, 40:60 e 20:80) associadas com 4 aditivos (controle, quitosana, LCC e a associação entre ambos Q+LCCt), totalizando 16 tratamentos,distribuídas em delineamento em blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial 4x4. As dosagens utilizadas foram: Controle (sem adição de aditivos), LCC (600mg/Kg de MS), Quitosana (900mg/Kg de MS), e o LCCQ (600mg/Kg de MS de LCC + 900mg/Kg de MS de quitosana). No laboratório foram avaliados a DIVMS, DIVFDN, DIVPB, pH e NAR (nitrogênio amoniacal ruminal). Para as análises de pH e NAR, foram coletadas amostras nas horas 0, 2, 4, 6 e 8 após a incubação. Os resultados encontrados mostraram maior digestibilidade de MS, FDN e PB para dietas que receberam quitosana e líquido da casca da castanha de caju de forma isolada e maiores valores de pH e NAR nas dietas que receberam os dois aditivos associados. Conclui-se que a associação dos aditivos traz melhores resultados para a nutrição animal e eleva a produtividade dos ruminantes.

This study had the support of Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), through the strategic project UID/MAR/04292/2013 granted to MARE, and was partially supported by the projects CENTRO-07-0402-FEDER-23496 from the National Strategic Reference Framework (QREN), POCI-01- 0247-FEDER-006392 through the COMPETE-Operational Competitiveness Programme and the project EASME/EMFF/2016/1.2.1.4/03/SI2.750419 by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, Action 1.2.1.4–Blue Labs: innovative solutions for maritime challenge. Ana Augusto wish to acknowledge the financial support given by FCT (SFRH/BD/131465/2017). The growing search for natural alternatives to synthetic food packaging materials and additives has increased, and seaweed extracts’ bioactivity has made them suitable candidates for incorporation in novel edible films. This study aims to investigate the effect of Codium tomentosum seaweed extract (SE) incorporation in alginate and chitosan edible films. Alginate- and chitosan-based films with and without the incorporation of 0.5% SE were characterized according to their physical, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Seaweed extract incorporation in chitosan films resulted in an increase of film solubility (50%), elasticity (18%), and decrease of puncture strength (27%) and energy at break (39%). In alginate films, the extract incorporation significantly decreased film solubility (6%), water vapour permeability (46%), and elasticity (24%), and had no effect on thermal properties. Depending on the type of application, the addition of SE in edible films can bring advantages for food conservation. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

It is important to explore new sources of natural additives because the demand for these compounds by consumers is increasing. These products also provide health benefits and help in food preservation. An unexplored source of nutrients and antioxidant compounds is rosehip, the fleshy fruit of roses. This work compares the antioxidant compound (vitamin C, neutral phenols and acidic phenols) content of four Rosa species rosehips: R. pouzinii, R. corymbifera, R. glauca and R. canina from different geographical zones. Results show quantitative variability in ascorbic acids and neutral phenols content, and quantitative and qualitative differences in acidic phenol content, depending on species. Vitamin C concentration was highly variable depending on species, R. canina being the one with the highest concentration and R. pouzinii the one with the lowest content. Variability was found in total neutral polyphenols concentration and a correlation between freshness of the rosehips and concentration of neutral polyphenols was also found. Significant differences were found in the acidic phenols content among the studied species. Generally antioxidant activity was higher in the vitamin C fraction., This study was supported by the Proyecto ELENA [grant number EFA 220/11 ELENA].

Tomato industry produces huge amounts of by-products that represent an environmental and economic problem. However, these by-products contain multiple bioactive compounds, which would make them a renewable source for obtaining natural antioxidants and colourants (carotenoids). This is in line with the preferences of the current consumer who demands more natural and healthy products. However, the lipophilic character of carotenoids means that their extraction must be carried out using toxic organic solvents. To overcome environmental and health problems of organic solvents, the application of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) for the extraction of lipophilic compounds such as lycopene was used successfully, achieving yields similar to those obtained with conventional techniques. Nonetheless, the extraction conditions must be carefully selected, to obtain high yields and at the same time maintain a high antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, the use of tomato and tomato extracts as natural additives in meat products are reduced in comparison with other natural antioxidant/colourant extracts. However, different researches conclude that the use of tomato improved nutritional quality, reduced lipid oxidation and increased stability during the shelf-life period of meat products, while retaining or increasing sensory properties and overall acceptability, which converts tomato by-products into a promising source of natural additives.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T19:59:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-01-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundacao Araucaria Context Natural additives have been studied to increase animal performance and the quality of meat as alternatives to the use of antibiotics. Aims The present work investigated the effects of an essential oil blend (oregano, rosemary, lemon, garlic, eucalyptus, thyme and sweet orange) incorporated into the diet of crossbred heifers on the meat quality. Methods Thirty 12-month-old half-sister crossbred heifers (1/2 Angus vs 1/2 Nellore) with an average weight of 219.8 8.8 kg were allocated in individual pens for 3 months. Three diets were tested: E0.0 (without the essential oil blend); E3.5 (with 3.5 g of the essential oil blend/animal.day); E7.0 (7.0 g of the essential oil blend/animal.day). The fatty acid composition (chemical) and profile of the Longissimus muscle were evaluated. In addition, the effect of aging (1, 7 and 14 days in vacuum packs at 2 degrees C) on the colour, cooking and thawing losses, texture, and lipid oxidation were determined. Key results The essential oil blend did not affect (P > 0.05) the meat. It did not impact on the decrease in shear force, increased lipid oxidation or changes in colour with aging. Conclusions The chemical composition, water holding capacity, shear force, lipid oxidation, and fatty acid profile were not influenced by including the essential oil blend in the diet of heifers. Implications The use of low dosages of an essential oil blend could be applied in the diet of heifers, without affecting meat quality. Univ Estadual Maringa, Anim Sci Dept, BR-87020900 Maringa, Parana, Brazil Univ Zaragoza, Anim Prod & Food Sci Dept, Zaragoza 50013, Spain Sao Paulo State Univ, Anim Prod Dept, BR-18618970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Anim Prod Dept, BR-18618970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil

Polymers which are biodegradable in vivo and in the environment, especially those of natural origin, are perceived by the public as a valuable alternative to non biodegradable plastics. However, biodegradability, although important, cannot be the only driving force for the market acceptance of so called "green" plastics and chemicals. The applications of traditional oil-based plastics and plastic additives span from commodities to specialties, due to their performances and sometimes affordable costs. Can naturally derived polymers and additives face the challenge of petro-plastics and chemicals? Can we use the experience acquired in the so-called "plastic age" to tailor the performances of natural polymers and polymer additives for a demanding technological world? Several experiences on the processing of natural biodegradable polymers and on their formulation with additives coming from natural sources to obtain modified plastics, blends or composites are reviewed. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Food additives are substances of natural or synthetic origin, which are added to foods to serve a certain technological or sensory function, for example, to counter food perishability and bacterial degradation, give or restore color or impart flavor to foods.These additives generally provide some type of benefit for the food producer, processor or consumer. For example: acids that may be added to prevent the growth of microorganisms that cause spoilage may also prevent the growth of microorganisms that can cause foodborne illness. Some additives are directly added to food and ingredients, while others are added indirectly through contact with packaging materials as are, for example the preservatives BHA and BHT on the inside of breakfast cereal bags.The benefit of some food additives is enhancing health status or prevents disease; most benefits reflect economic considerations for food processors and sensory attributes and convenience for consumer.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of oregano essential oil on the performance and on the occurrence of diarrhea in weanling pigs, as well as its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity evaluated in vitro. It was compared four treatments (diets): negative control; positive control, 0.5% ZnO (preventive diarrhea) + 0.05% zinc acitracin (growth promoter); or 0.003% of essential oil of oregano, combined or not with preventive of diarrhea. Weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion were evaluated from 27 (weaning) to 62 days of age of the animals, and the occurrence of diarrhea was evaluated on the first 14 days of the experiment. The positive control diet and the oregano oil + zinc oxide diet were the ones that provided the best zootechnical performance. The number of piglets with diarrhea, as well as the duration of diarrhea, were lower in animals fed positive control and oregano oil + zinc oxide diets. Oregano oil had in vitro bacteriostatic action on all the tested microorganisms and bactericidal action against four bacteria. The in vitro antioxidant activity of oregano oil was 98.88% through linoleic acid/β-carotene system methodology, and 174.17 mg/mL by the DPPH method, expressed as CE50. Oregano oil shows potent antioxidant effect and a strong antimicrobial activity, however, it does not improve the zootechnical performance neither it is efficient in preventing diarrhea in weanling pigs. Com este estudo objetivou-se verificar o efeito da suplementação dietética do óleo essencial de orégano no desempenho e na ocorrência de diarréia em leitões recém-desmamados, bem como suas atividades antimicrobiana e antioxidante avaliadas in vitro. Foram comparados quatro tratamentos (dietas): controle negativo; controle positivo, 0,5% ZnO (preventivo diarréia) + 0,05% bacitracina de zinco (promotor de crescimento); ou com 0,003% de óleo essencial de orégano, combinado ou não ao preventivo da diarreia. O ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar foram avaliados dos 27 (desmame) aos 62 dias de idade dos animais, e a ocorrência de diarréia foi avaliada nos primeiros 14 dias de experimento. A dieta controle positivo e aquela com óleo de orégano + óxido de zinco foram as que proporcionaram o melhor desempenho zootécnico. O número de leitões que apresentaram diarréia, assim como a duração da diarréia, foi menor nos animais que receberam as dietas controle positivo e óleo + óxido de zinco. O óleo de orégano teve ação bacteriostática in vitro sobre todos os microorganismos testados e ação bactericida contra quatro bactérias. A atividade antioxidante in vitro do óleo de orégano foi de 98,88% pela metodologia do sistema β-caroteno/ácido linoléico, e de 174,17 mg/mL pelo método de DPPH, expresso em CE50. O óleo de orégano apresenta potente efeito antioxidante e forte atividade antimicrobiana, mas não melhora o desempenho zootécnico nem é eficaz na prevenção de diarréia em leitões recém-desmamados.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-26T16:56:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-11-01 Twenty-seven animals (1/2Angus - 1/2 Nellore) were fed for four months with one of the following diets: without addition of essential oils (E0.0), with 3.5 (E3.5) or 7 (E7.0) g/animal/day of an essential oil blend (oregano, garlic, lemon, rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus and sweet orange). Chemical composition, fatty add profile and meat color were evaluated in Longissimus muscle. In addition, the effects of aging (one, seven and 14 days) on the meat water holding capacity, texture and lipid oxidation were evaluated. Essential oils had no effect on chemical and fatty acid composition, meat color, water holding capacity or texture, but an inclusion of 3.5 g/day decreased lipid oxidation. The addition of 7.0 g/animal/day had a pro-oxidant effect on meat during aging and resulted in higher values for lipid oxidation at 14 days of aging. Aging significantly affected thawing losses and texture. A dose of 3.5 g/animal/day could be recommended in feedlot animals, but greater doses could have a pro -oxidant effect. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Univ Estadual Maringa, Dept Anim Sci, CNPq CAPES Fellowship, BR-87020900 Maringa, Parana, Brazil Univ Zaragoza, CITA, Inst Agroalimentario IA2, Anim Prod & Food Sci Dept, C Miguel Servet 177, E-50013 Zaragoza, Spain Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Anim Prod, BR-18618970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Anim Prod, BR-18618970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil

10 páginas, 10 figuras, 3 tablas., High-pressure is a new food processing technology aimed at achieving consumer demands for fresher products with reduced microbiological levels. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of combined treatments of high-pressure and natural additives (citric acid and sodium chloride) on lutein, lycopene, lycopene epoxide, Y- and Beta-carotene content, and vitamin A value, and on the in vitro antioxidant activity of tomato puree. The methods used to evaluate the antioxidant activity were the measurement of the DPPH· radical scavenging and the inhibition of lipid oxidation (linoleic acid/CuSO4 system). The experimental design comprised a response surface methodology according to a central composite face-centred design. The variable ranges were 50–400 MPa, sodium chloride 0–0.8%, and citric acid 0–2%. Total carotenoid content showed the best extraction when pressure was increased up to 400 MPa without sodium chloride and citric acid. The effect of the moderately high-pressure treatment (under 200 MPa) on the structure of the cellular tomato matrix may lead to the different release of various carotenes on the basis of their chemical features and chromoplast location. Radical scavenging activity was higher in the aqueous extract than the organic extract of tomato puree. Significant correlation (P, This study was supported by funding from Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid (Grants: 07G/0040/2000, and 07G/0053/2003), and the Ministry of Science and Technology (Grant: AGL2002–04059-C02–02, and Ram ón y Cajal Research Contract (CS-M))

A study on the efficiency of bio-based compounds as stabilizers for polypropylene (PP) is reported. A water extract from French maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol (R)), a by-product containing polyphenols obtained from wine production, and a carotenoid-containing oleoresin from processing of tomatoes were used. Their stabilizing activity was compared with that of a commercial phenolic antioxidant. Thermogravimetric analysis and Oxidative Induction Time measurements performed on unaged samples, as well as infrared spectroscopy on samples aged at 70 degrees C, provided evidence for the effectiveness of the natural stabilizers. Mechanical characterization was carried out on aged films and injection moulded samples. Experimental results indicated that particularly grape extract could provide long-term stabilization to PP under conditions of oxidative degradation. Therefore, it could be used as efficient and high value-added additive for polypropylene. Pycnogenol (R) also showed antioxidant activity, however the achievement of a more homogeneous dispersion in the polymer matrix could improve the mechanical performance of aged samples. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

One of the most important trends in food industry today is application of natural flavours, spices, antioxidants and pigments, With supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide from some plant species of Lamiaceae family it is possible to obtain extracts with antioxidant characteristics. The possibilities of isolation of fractions with antioxidant characteristics from the plants of the Lamiaceae family (rosmary, Rosmarinus officinalis L. sage, Salvia officinalis L. and hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis L) from the Balkans by application of supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide are presented in this paper. Esential oil fractions were first isolated at the pressure of 11,5 MPa and temperature of 40ºC. Then, the antioxidative fraction was isolated at the pressure of 30 MPa and temperatures of 40ºC and 100ºC. With the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction at the temperature of 100ºC significantly higher yields of antioxidative fractions were obtained than at temperature of 40ºC. . Jedan od najznačajnijih trendova u prehrambenoj industriji danas je primena prirodnih aroma, začina, antioksidanasa i pigmenata. Procesom natkritične ekstrakcije ugljenik(IV)-oksidom iz nekih vrsta biljne familije Lamiaceae moguće je da se dobiju ekstrakti sa antioksidativnim svojstvima. U ovom radu prezentovane su mogućnosti izolacije frakcija sa antioksidativnim svojstvima iz biljaka familije Lamiaceae (ruzmarin, žalfija i izop) sa područja Balkana, primenom frakcione natkritične ekstrakcije ugljenik(IV)-oksidom. Prvo je izolovana frakcija etarskih ulja na pritisku od 11,5 MPa i temperaturi od 40ºC. Antioksidativna frakcija je potom izolovana na pritisku od 30 MPa i temperaturama od 40ºC i 100ºC. Natkritičnom ekstrakcijom na temperaturi od 100ºC ostvareni su znatno veći prinosi antioksidativnih frakcija nego na temperaturi od 40ºC.