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Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, a avaliação físico-química e sensorial de peras cv. Williams submetidas à desidratação osmótica seguida por secagem convencional. Os frutos foram adquiridos na Ceasa de Campo Grande, MS, sanitizados e cortados em pedaços, posteriormente divididos em quatro tratamentos, variando-se a concentração de sólidos solúveis do xarope de imersão para desidratação osmótica (Controle ou 0° Brix; 40° Brix; 55° Brix; 70° Brix). Após imersão, os pedaços foram desidratados em secador convencional de leito fixo a 60°C, até alcançar, aproximadamente, 20% (bu) de umidade. As peras desidratadas foram avaliadas quanto à composição centesimal, pH e quanto aos teores de fenóis totais, taninos, atividade antioxidante e análise sensorial. Analisando os valores de bioativos em 20% (bu) de umidade, verificou-se que os teores de fenóis totais e taninos aumentaram ao incrementar sólidos nos pedaços. Os produtos desidratados a 40º Brix apresentaram maior capacidade em sequestrar radicais livres. Os pedaços desidratados a 70° Brix foram os preferidos por provadores.

Biocompatible scaffolds have been used to promote cellular growth and proliferation in order to develop grafts, prostheses, artificial skins and cartilage. Electrospinning is widely studied as a method capable of producing nanofibers which enables cell attachment and proliferation, generating a functional scaffold that is suitable for many types of organs or tissues. In this study, electrospinning was used to obtain core-shell and monolithic fibers from the biocompatible poly (lactic acid) and poly (vinyl alcohol) polymers. The main purpose of this work is to produce core-shell nanofiber based scaffolds that works as a sustained delivery vehicle for BMP-2 protein, allowing those fibers to be used in the recovery of alveolar bone tissue without further bone surgery. Then, polymer nanofibers were manufactured by optimizing process parameters of coaxial electrospinning with emphasis on the most relevant ones: voltage, internal and external flows in an attempt to correlate fibers properties with protein releasing abilities. All nanofibers were characterized according to its morphology, thermal behaviour, crystallinity and release profile. For the release tests, bovine albumin was added into internal fiber for future periodontal restorage application. Obtained results demonstrate that fibers were formed with diameters up to 250 nm. According to electronic microscopy images, one could observe surface of nanofibers, thickness and core-shell morphology confirmed. X-ray diffraction analysis and contact angle tests showed fibers with low crystal degree and low hydrophobicity. Nanofibers structure affected in vitro release model tests and consequently the cellular assays.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of type of packaging and storage time on the quality of roasted baru almonds by checking lipid and bioactive stability. Almonds submitted to roasting were packaged in three different packages: polypropylene (PP); polypropylene + bioriented polypropylene (PP + BOPP) and polypropylene + polyethylene terephthalate + metallized and polyethylene (PP + PETMET + PE) films. The moisture content was adequate for safe storage. Almonds packed in PP + PETMET + PE film showed lower titratable acidity and oil acidity index values. During storage, acidity increased from 90 days and the acidity index from 120 days. The iodine index was higher in PP + PEMET + PET film, with predominance of unsaturated fatty acids. The content of total phenols did not differ in almonds, regardless of packaging used. The content of tannins showed reduction after 120 days of storage in all packages, while the content of phytic acids howed reduction after 90 days. The antioxidant capacity did not differ among samples. Almonds had shelf life of 120 days when packed in PP + PEMET + PET packaging and 90 days in the other types of packaging.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) has been used in the field of tissue engineering as a scaffold due to its good biocompatibility, biodegradability and mechanical strength. With the aim to explore the degradability of PLGA electrospun nonwoven structures for oral mucosa tissue engineering applications, non-irradiated and gamma irradiated nonwovens were immersed in three different solutions, in which simulated body fluid (SBF) and artificial saliva are important for future oral mucosa tissue engineering. The nonwovens were immersed for 7, 15 and 30 days in SBF, culture media (DMEM) and artificial saliva at 37 &deg, C. Before immersion in the solutions, the dosage of 15 kGy was applied for sterilization in one assay and compared with non-irradiated samples at the same timepoints. Samples were characterized using different techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) to evaluate the nonwoven degradation and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to evaluate the chain scissions. Our results showed that PLGA nonwovens were constituted by semicrystalline fibers with moderate degradation properties up to thirty days. The non-irradiated samples exhibited slower kinetics of degradation than irradiated nonwovens. For immersion times longer than 7 days in the three different solutions, the mean diameter of irradiated fibers stayed in the same range, but significantly different from the control sample. On non-irradiated samples, the degradation kinetics was slower and the plateau in the diameter value was only attained after 30 days of immersion in the fluids. Plasticization (fluid absorption into the fiber structure) occurred in the bulk material, as confirmed by a decrease in Tg observed by DSC analyses of non-irradiated and irradiated nonwovens, in comparison with the respective controls. In addition, artificial saliva showed a higher capacity of influencing PLGA crystallization than SBF and DMEM. FTIR analyses showed typical PLGA chemical functional groups changes. These results will be important for future application of those PLGA electrospun nonwovens for oral mucosa regeneration.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative activity, the antioxidant potential, and the chemical profile obtained from the whole fruit and from leaves of Garcinia gardneriana, a fruit tree from Brazilian Cerrado. To determine in vitro antiproliferative activity, the following neoplastic cell lines were considered, along with an immortalized nontumor cell line. The antioxidant potential was determined, and the evaluation of antiradical air activity was performed. The levels of vitamin C and carotenoids were determined. The chemical profile was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector and a mass spectrometer using electrospray ionization interface. The chloroform fraction of the leaf showed antioxidant activity. The vitamin C content had lower values in fruits and higher in leaves. The content of carotenoids for fruits and leaves was expressive. The ethanolic extract and the hexane and chloroform fractions of fruits were active in all neoplastic lines tested. The leaves showed cytotoxic activity in the hexane fraction in the breast carcinoma line. The analysis of data obtained verified the presence of dimers, monomers, and tetramers of hexoses, polycarboxylic acids, xanthones, flavonoids, biflavonoids, and benzophenones.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical and oxidative stability of dried macaúba (Acrocomia totai) fruit in different air conditions and stored for up to 120 days. The macaúba fruits were collected, sanitized, dried at the temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 70 °C and stored in raffia bags at room temperature. Drying at higher temperatures resulted in pulps with a darker and orangish color and pulp oil with lower titratable acidity contents and acidity indices. Throughout storage, there was an increase in the acidity index of pulp oil and a reduction in the ascorbic acid and carotenoid contents in the pulp. Drying and storage reduced the ascorbic acid and carotenoid contents of the pulp. Drying at lower temperatures results in pulps with a higher free-radical sequestering ability. Pulp oil quality was compromised by drying and storage time. Newly harvested macaúba fruits can be dried at 40, 50, 60 or 70 °C and stored for up to 120 days without compromising nut oil quality. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a estabilidade química e oxidativa de frutos de macaúba desidratados em diferentes condições e armazenados por até 120 dias. Os frutos de macaúba “Acrocomia totai” foram coletados, sanitizados, desidratados nas temperaturas de 40, 50, 60 e 70 °C e armazenados em sacos de ráfia em temperatura ambiente. A secagem em temperaturas mais elevadas resultou em polpas com coloração mais escura e alaranjada, porém com menor acidez titulável e índice de acidez do óleo da polpa. Durante o armazenamento houve aumento do índice de acidez do óleo da polpa e redução do teor de ácido ascórbico e carotenoides da polpa dos frutos. A secagem e o tempo de armazenamento dos frutos diminuíram o teor de ácido ascórbico e de carotenoides da polpa. A secagem em temperaturas mais baixas resultou em polpas com maior capacidade de sequestrar radicais livres. A qualidade do óleo da polpa foi comprometida pela secagem e tempo de armazenamento. Frutos de macaúbas recém coletados podem ser desidratados a 40, 50, 60 ou 70 °C e armazenados por até 120 dias, sem comprometer a qualidade do óleo da amêndoa.

Transparent exopolymer particles (TEPs), often massively produced from algal blooms, are considered one of the most difficult foulants in membrane-based desalination processes and contribute significantly to membrane biofouling. This study explored the potential application of a UV-activated peroxymonosulfate (UV/PMS) system for the mineralization of TEP using alginate as a model. The effects of salinity in the form of chloride ions on the removal of organics were investigated, and the reaction mechanisms were postulated. In addition, the scavenging effect of the co-presence of cations and anions with chloride ions was examined. The results indicated that 100% TEP mineralization could be achieved in freshwater when a PMS concentration above 0.25 mM was added. However, the presence of chloride retarded the removal efficiency by approximately 25%, with more severe retardation observed in the presence of chloride with bromide. This was ascribed to the generation of less reactive and more selective halide species. Furthermore, approximately 44% organic mineralization was observed when this system was applied to seawater, implying its feasibility as a pretreatment unit in membrane-based desalination.

Aims Sepsis is a potentially fatal systemic inflammatory response and its underlying pathophysiology is still poorly understood. Studies suggest that obesity, a component of metabolic syndrome (MS), is associated with sepsis survival. Therefore, this study focused on investigating the influence of MS on mortality and cardiovascular dysfunction induced by sublethal cecal ligation and puncture (SL-CLP). Main methods Newborn Swiss mice received monosodium glutamate (MSG) (4 mg kg−1 day−1, s.c.) during the first 5 d of life for MS induction, while the control pups received equimolar saline solution. On the 75th day, SL-CLP was used to induce mild sepsis (M-CLP) in the MS (MS-M-CLP) and control (SAL-M-CLP) mice. The effect of MS on sepsis in mice was assessed by determining the survival rate and quantification of nitric oxide (NO) in the plasma, and associating this data with hematological and cardiovascular parameters. Key findings MS improved the survival of septic mice, preventing impairment to hematological and cardiovascular parameters. In addition, MS attenuated plasmatic NO increase, which is a typical feature of sepsis. Significance These findings provide new insights into the relationship between obesity and mild sepsis in mice, thus revealing an approach in favor of the “obesity paradox.”

Electrospun nanofibers were prepared from mixed solutions of partially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and medium molar mass chitosan (CS) at different solution compositions, at 15 and 20 kV. The mats were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the average diameters of nanofibers were determined. Three of these solutions were chosen for further studies, to elucidate the influence of CS on the mats properties. Electrospinning at 15 kV had a higher tendency to produce nanofibers free of defects, in which the diameters (157 to 189 nm) were not affected significantly by the total concentration and solution composition. Polymer interactions between the components were supported by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The effect of CS composition was evidenced by DMA and tensile tests techniques. Immersion in water led to the breakage of nanofibers and flower-like morphologies.Keywords: Electrospinning, Nanofibers, Chitosan, Poly(vinyl alcohol), Dynamic mechanical analysis

Bocaiuva cultivation, mainly in Mato Grosso do Sul, has a strong socio-economic and environmental appeal. Bocaiuva pulp is rich in nutrients and has antioxidant action, and its use in the formulation of jellies minimizes post-harvest losses and provides market with a product with high nutritional value throughout the year. The aim of this work was to elaborate and chemically and sensorially evaluate jellies produced with bocaiuva pulp (Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd ex Mart) of two morphotypes, orange and yellowish pulp, characterizing fresh pulps and jellies regarding physical and chemical parameters. Diluted pulp and sugar (1: 1), pectin and citric acid were used in jelly processing. Fresh pulp and jelly made with yellowish pulp showed higher contents of total phenols and antioxidant capacity. Jellies did not differ in nutritional constituents, except for fixed mineral residue, in which the yellowish pulp had higher value. Jelly with orange pulp had acceptability index over 80% in the analyzed attributes (global aspect, flavor and consistency) and in the purchase intention, statistically superior to jelly made with yellowish pulp. Different native fruit morphotypes can give rise to differentiated and valued processed products.

The effect of jelly processing on the chemical properties, nutrients, antinutritional factors, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of unripe and ripe canjiqueira fruits was evaluated. The fruits were collected from Pantanal regions at two different ripening stages and were used to produce jellies. The processing affected the chemical characteristics and the content of all nutrients, except for the lipids. Moisture and protein content reduced, whereas the energy value increased. The phytic acid found in fresh fruits was eliminated after processing, and the trypsin inhibitors were reduced, especially in ripe fruits. Lectin activity was not verified in unripe and ripe fruits and jellies. The levels of bioactive compounds were reduced after jelly processing, but their retention was higher in unripe fruits. The final levels of bioactive compounds in the jelly made from unripe fruits were higher than that in the jelly made from ripe fruits, whereas the IC50 value was lower, indicating higher potential to prevent free radicals damages to human body. Jelly processing proved to be a good alternative to the use of canjiqueira fruits due to the reduction in antinutritional factors and the retention of bioactive compounds Avaliou-se o efeito do processamento de geleia nas características químicas, nos nutrientes, fatores antinutricionais, compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante de frutos de canjiqueira verdes e maduros. Os frutos foram coletados em regiões de Pantanal em dois estádios de maturação e utilizados para produzir geleias. O processamento afetou as características químicas e os níveis dos nutrientes estudados, exceto de lipídeos. A umidade e o conteúdo proteico reduziram, enquanto o valor energético aumentou. O ácido fítico detectado nos frutos frescos foi eliminado após o processamento e os níveis de inibidores trípticos reduziram, especialmente nos frutos maduros. Não foi verificada atividade de lectinas nos frutos e geleias. Os níveis dos compostos bioativos estudados reduziram após o processamento das geleias, sendo sua retenção maior nos frutos verdes. Os níveis de compostos bioativos na geleia de frutos verdes foram maiores que nos frutos frescos maduros, enquanto o valor de IC50 foi menor, indicando maior potencial em prevenir danos à saúde causados pelos radicais livres. A geleia se mostrou uma boa alternativa para utilização dos frutos de canjiqueira, devido à redução dos fatores antinutricionais e à retenção dos compostos bioativos

Coaxial electrospinning process was used to produce biodegradable membranes made of coreshell fibers of a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) shell and a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) core. Scanning electron microscopy analyses of these structures showed that the PLA shell can present certain porosity depending on the process condition. FTIR-ATR and contact angle measurements also suggested imprisonment of the PVA core within the PLA shell. This type of structure was also confirmed by means of transmissions electron microscopy. The morphology of these fibers was dependent on the flow rate of both core and shell solutions, and homogeneous and smooth surface was only attained when the flow rate of the external PLA solution was 4 times the flow rate of the internal PVA solution. The increase in the PLA solution flow rate increases the diameter of the core-shell fiber which reaches up to 1.7 μm. Nevertheless, fibers with smaller average diameter could also be produced (200 nm). These core-shell fibers presented improved hydrophilicity as compared with monolithic PLA fibers.

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a conservação pós-colheita de guavira (Campomanesia sp.), em função da utilização de 1-MCP e de atmosfera modificada passiva, além do armazenamento à temperatura ambiente e a 11ºC. Os frutos foram colhidos no ponto de maturidade fisiológica, subdivididos em parcelas e submetidos à aplicação de 1-Metilciclopropeno (1-MCP) (700 ηL.L-1/12horas) e à atmosfera modificada passiva por meio do uso de embalagem plástica. Foram realizadas análises de perda de massa, sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, vitamina C, fenóis totais, atividade antioxidante e aparência geral dos frutos. O uso de 1-MCP não reduziu a perda de massa dos frutos, tanto em armazenamento ambiente quanto refrigerado, o que foi verificado com o uso da atmosfera modificada passiva. O armazenamento refrigerado reduziu a perda de massa dos frutos e prolongou a vida útil destes com manutenção dos teores de vitamina C, fenóis totais e atividade antioxidante. Os teores finais de sólidos solúveis e vitamina C dos frutos não apresentaram interferência significativa em relação aos tratamentos utilizados, e os valores de acidez titulável aumentaram ao final do período de armazenamento, com exceção dos frutos tratados com 1-MCP associado com atmosfera modificada e armazenados em ambiente. O uso de 1-MCP e de atmosfera modificada passiva prolongaram a vida útil dos frutos tanto em armazenamento ambiente, quanto refrigerado, com melhor aparência geral dos frutos, principalmente quando associados.

The strawberry is as non-climacteric fruit, but has a high post-harvest respiration rate, which leads to a rapid deterioration at room temperature. This study aimed to evaluate the application of biodegradable coating on postharvest conservation of organic strawberries, cv. Camarosa, packed in plastic hinged boxes and stored at 10ºC. The treatments consisted of: a) control; b) 2% cassava starch; c) 1% chitosan; and d) 2% cassava starch + 1% chitosan. Physical and chemical characteristics of fruits were evaluated at 3, 6 and 9 days of storage, and microbiological and sensory analyses were carried out at the end of the storage period. The treatments influenced positively the post-harvest quality of organic strawberries. The coating cassava starch + chitosan provided the best results, with less than 6% of loss in fruit mass, lower counts of yeast and psychrophilic microorganisms and the best appearance according to the sensory analysis. O morango é classificado como fruto não climáterico, mas apresenta taxa respiratória pós-colheita elevada, o que o leva a uma rápida deterioração em temperatura ambiente. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a aplicação de revestimentos biodegradáveis na conservação pós-colheita de morangos orgânicos, cv. Camarosa, acondicionados em embalagens plásticas e armazenados a 10ºC. Os tratamentos foram: a) controle, b) fécula de mandioca 2%; c) quitosana 1% e; d) fécula de mandioca 2% + quitosana 1 %. Foram avaliadas as características físicas e químicas dos frutos, aos três, seis e nove dias de armazenamento, e realizadas análises microbiológicas e sensoriais, ao final do armazenamento. Os tratamentos alteraram positivamente a qualidade pós-colheita dos morangos orgânicos. O revestimento que mais se destacou foi fécula de mandioca mais quitosana, apresentando valor inferior a 6% de perda de massa nos frutos, menor quantidade de leveduras e de micro-organismos psicrotrófilos e melhor aparência na análise sensorial.

Postharvest treatments of organic strawberries are necessary to maintain high quality of the product for longer periods, to reduce post-harvest losses and to add value. The present study appraised the use of a coating process using 2.5% cassava starch in combination with 1% copaiba oil in the post-harvest period. In addition, it aimed to evaluate the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of ‘Camarosa’ strawberries produced by an organic system and stored at 11 ± 0.7 °C and 80-90% relative humidity. The physical analyses of the stored fruit were carried out every three days. The sensory analysis of the fruit appearance was carried out on day 12 of storage, that is, when the fruit were appropriate for sale. The fruit coated with a combination of cassava starch and copaiba oil did not last any longer, but showed a lower weight loss if compared with the control fruit. There were no differences in the development of color, rottenness, pH and soluble solids during storage. The mean values for titratable acidity of the fruit increased slightly during storage, and the fruit coated with cassava starch showed higher values for acidity after six days. The addition of 1% copaiba oil to the 2.5% cassava starch reduced the acceptability of the fruit, due to its darker colour, and no anti-microbial action was observed.

No Brasil, diversos tipos de palmeiras nativas podem fornecer palmito de boa qualidade, dentre elas destaca-se a guarirobeira (Syagrus oleracea (Mart.) J. Becc.), pelo palmito de sabor diferenciado e grande aceitação na região do Cerrado. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar as características do palmito de guariroba, quanto à umidade, resíduo mineral fixo, lipídios totais, proteínas, glicídios redutores e não-redutores, fibras totais, valor calórico, ácido ascórbico, compostos fenólicos, pH e minerais (potássio, fósforo, cálcio, sódio e ferro), verificando o efeito do processamento (branqueamento, acidificação e congelamento) no produto a ser comercializado congelado. Os valores médios diferiram significativamente (P

Biodegrabable and edible coatings were applied on fresh strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch), ‘Camarosa cultivar’, produced in organic system and stored at 10ºC for nine days. Color, mass loss, incidence of rottenness and chemical analyses contents was evaluated. Suspension of cassava starch and grains of kefir milk reduced evolution of fruit coloration when compared uncoated fruits. Treatment associated cassava starch and kefir liquid resulted in a lower rottenness incidence and less mass loss of the fruits, is therefore recommended for postharvest organic strawberries. Anthocyanin and titrable acidity contents increased during storage, regardless of the treatments in general.