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Reducing the environmental impact of porcelain tile production while maintaining cost-effectiveness is challenging. This work introduced a novel modeling approach for optimizing a standard composition range comprising kaolinite (15-38 wt.%), illite (0-20 wt.%), quartz (20-40 wt.%), and feldspar (20-45 wt.%) to establish a robust composition interval for porcelain stoneware tiles. The proposed study considers several factors, such as composition impact on the manufacturing sequence, production costs, and CO2 emission.Aflowsheet simulation databasewas generated by coupling the Dyssol framework with MATLAB. This study investigated the influence of rawmaterial compositionwithin the process sequence, the total CO2 emissions, and production costs within the contexts of Spain and Brazil, two of the top five global producers. Granules with a higher proportion of talc and illite exhibit reduced moisture content after spray drying, and these combinations have lower green body porosity after compaction. The addition of talc allowed for decreased porosity content after compaction reduced firing temperature, and lowered costs and CO2 emissions despite the higher prices associated with talc. The proposed simulation methodology offers a powerful decision-making tool for optimizing raw material composition tominimize cost and CO2 emissions in the porcelain tile production. This methodology represents an early stride toward integrating digital twin methodologies within the ceramic tile sector, facilitating improved process regulation, and promoting the adoption of digital technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Açaí is a fruit native to Brazil that is found in Colombia, and it is recognized for containing more than 90 compounds with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and other biological activities. In this study, a cradle-to-gate life cycle analysis (LCA) was conducted for the production of açaí powder, following the methodology outlined in the ISO 14040 standard. The investigation focused on examining the impact of utilizing or not utilizing the residues generated during the pulp extraction step as fertilizers. Four scenarios were analyzed and compared: (i) production of açaí powder via vacuum drying, (ii) via spray drying, and via the same two types of drying but using residues from the pulping operation as fertilizer (Scenarios 3 and 4). It was found that to produce 1 kg of açaí in a crop cycle, 1.17 kg of CO2 eq is produced. The drying stage in Scenarios 1 and 2 generated 8.04 and 7.93 kg of CO2 eq, respectively. Similarly, when solid waste is used as fertilizer, CO2 emissions barely increased for Scenarios 3 and 4, respectively. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first carbon footprint study of the production of açaí powder whit these scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The presence of straw on the soil is crucial for enhancing its physical, chemical, and biological conditions in no-tillage cropping systems, while contributing to weed control. This study aimed to determine the optimal spray volume for desiccating ground cover plants using glyphosate applied by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Treatments included an untreated control and glyphosate spraying at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 L ha−1 spray solution. The study was conducted in three fields in the State of Paraná, Brazil. Spraying variables were assessed using water-sensitive paper and the e-Sprinkle software, and included, covered area (%), recovered spray volume (L ha−1), droplet impact density, coefficient of variation for droplet diameter (CV%), and relative amplitude (SPAN). Herbicidal efficacy and dry biomass of cover plants were also evaluated. Increasing spray volume improved covered area, recovered volume, droplet impact density, and droplet diameter-spectrum variation but had no effect on droplet spectrum homogeneity, control of black oat (Avena strigosa), turnip (Raphanus sativus), or buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum). Spray volumes ranging from 5.0 to 25 L ha−1, applied with a UAV, provided satisfactory desiccation percentages of ground cover plants irrespective of species or location. Thus, for desiccating ground cover plants with glyphosate applied by UAV, a volume as low as 5.0 L ha−1 is effective. • There is influence of spray volume for drying plants for soil cover with glyphosate sprayed by drone? • The glyphosate herbicide spraying for drying with spray volumes of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 L ha−1. • The experiment was replicated in three farmers in the Paraná state, Brazil. • The variables evaluated were: spray quality, control of plants and their dry mass. • Spray volumes from 5.0 to 25 L ha−1 applied with drone provided satisfactory levels of control of ground cover plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This survey was conducted to estimate the incidence and level of potential viral contamination in commercially collected porcine plasma. Samples of spray dried porcine plasma (SDPP) were collected over a 12- month period from eight spray drying facilities in Spain, England, Northern Ireland, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. In this survey, viral load for several porcine pathogens including SVA, TGEV, PRRSV (EU and US strains), PEDV, PCV-2, SIV, SDCoV and PPV were determined by qPCR. Regression of Ct on TCID50 of serial diluted stock solution of each virus allowed the estimate of potential viral level in SDPP and unprocessed liquid plasma (using typical solids content of commercially collected porcine plasma). In this survey SVA, TGEV or SDCoV were not detected in any of the SDPP samples. Brazil SDPP samples were free of PRRSV and PEDV. Samples of SDPP from North America primarily contained the PRRSV-US strain while the European samples contained the PRRSV-EU strain (except for one sample from each region containing a relatively low estimated level of the alternative PRRSV strain). Estimated viral level tended to be in the range from <1.0 log10 TCID50 to <2.5 log10 TCID50. Estimated level of SIV was the exception with a very low incidence rate but higher estimated viral load <3.9 log10 TCID50. In summary, the incidence of potential viral contamination in commercially collected porcine plasma was variable and estimated virus level in samples containing viral DNA/RNA was relatively low compared with that occurring at the peak viremia during an infection for all viruses or when considering the minimal infectious dose for each of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taperebá (Spondias mombin L.) is a native species of the Brazilian Cerrado that has shown important characteristics such as a significant phenolic compound content and biological activities. The present study aimed to characterize the phenolic compound profile and antioxidant activity in taperebá peel extract, as well as microencapsulating the extract with chitosan and evaluating the stability of the microparticles. The evaluation of the profile of phenolic compounds was carried out by UPLC-MS/MS. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS methods. The microparticles were obtained by spray drying and were submitted to a stability study under different temperatures. In general, the results showed a significant content of polyphenols and antioxidant activity. The results of UPLC-MS/MS demonstrated a significant content of polyphenols in taperebá peel, highlighting the high content of ellagic acid and quercetin compounds. There was significant retention of phenolic compounds when microencapsulated, demonstrating high retention at all evaluated temperatures. This study is the first to microencapsulate the extract of taperebá peel, in addition to identifying and quantifying some compounds in this fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beta-lapachone (βlap) is a naphthoquinone derived from Lapachol, a substance extracted from the Bignoniaceae family of trees, genus Tabebuia; found in the Northern and Northeastern regions of Brazil. βlap shows excellent pharmacological activity as an antiparasitic, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory drug, but its water solubility is low, which decreases its bioavailability. This work aims to evaluate the solubility and dissolution rate of βlap from solid dispersions obtained by the Spray Drying technique and compare them with the physical mixture (PM) of compounds. βlap solid dispersions were prepared with polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30) at 1: 2 (w/w) ratio and characterized by thermal analysis [differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)], X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), solubility tests, dissolution profile assays and analyzed by mathematical models to link to the system properties. βlap/PVP solid dispersion provided a 15-fold increase in dissolution rate compared to pristine βlap in the first 5 min. The release constants obtained from Korsmeyer–Peppas and Weibull models demonstrate that βlap is released more rapidly from the PVP system produced by Spray Drying than by PM. The thermal analysis suggests that the βlap was successfully encapsulated into spherical shape and uniform size distribution microparticles produced by SD/PVP, as shown by the SEM technique. In addition, it afforded about 9-fold higher solubility than the free βlap. The results of DSC and XRD showed a tendency of the βlap crystallinity to decrease. FTIR showed intermolecular interaction between drug and polymer molecules (PVP and PEG). Thus, the results suggest that βlap/PVP-based solid dispersions can be successfully applied in pharmaceutical formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Particles of brewer's spent yeasts (BSY) loaded with propolis were produced. • Red propolis' phenolic diversity remained after particle production. • Particle production affected the phenolics of propolis after simulated digestion. • Particle production decreased the antioxidant activity after epithelial transport. • Particle production preserved the anti-inflammatory activity after epithelial transport. Red propolis from northeast Brazil contains mainly isoflavonoids as bioactive compounds, and its consumption may counteract unregulated and exacerbated formation of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines. Moreover, the production of particles using sustainable carriers have been studied to increase the use of propolis as a functional food ingredient. Hence, the objective of this work was to investigate the effects of simulated gastrointestinal digestion followed by a cell-based epithelial transport on phenolic profile, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of particles of brewer's spent yeasts (BSY) loaded with ethanolic extract of Brazilian red propolis (EEP). As a result, the EEP phenolic diversity decreased throughout the simulated gastrointestinal system, and was modulated by the particle production, as detected by high-performance liquid chromatography – electrospray ionization – quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS). Concomitantly, the antioxidant activity, as assessed by the ability to scavenge peroxyl and superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and hypochlorous acid, generally decreased at a higher extent for the particles of EEP with BSY (EEP-BSY) throughout the experiments. Nonetheless, after epithelial transport through the Caco-2 cell monolayer, the basolateral fraction of both EEP-BSY and EEP decreased the activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB by 83% and 65%, respectively, as well as the release of TNF-α (up to 51% and 38%, respectively), and CXCL2/MIP-2 (up to 33% and 25%, respectively). Therefore, BSY may be an interesting carrier for EEP bioencapsulation, since it preserves its anti-inflammatory activity. Further studies should be encouraged to investigate the feasibility of adding it in formulations of functional foods, considering its effect on sensory attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red propolis, originary from Northeast Brazil, has a unique composition and a great commercial interest. However, due to the presence of ethanol and its remarkable sensory characteristic, its application in food products is challenging. Thus, the aim of this work was to microencapsulate the red propolis extract by spray-drying, spray-chilling, and combining both techniques. The particles loaded with propolis extracts were characterised and evaluated according to the stability of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and formononetin, during 60 days of storage. In addition, the formononetin release was also monitored during the oral, gastric, and intestinal phases in the in vitro digestion process. All produced particles presented matrix-type with size, distribution, shape, hygroscopicity, and dispersibility parameters that varied according to the carrier and encapsulation process applied. The techniques used to fabricate the particles efficiently obtained powdered propolis extract and protected the extract's bioactive compounds, total flavonoids and formononetin throughout the analysed period. The gastrointestinal release study presented distinctive releases in all phases (oral, gastric, and intestinal). The spray-dried particles, for example, released formononetin mainly in the oral stage. While the spray-chilled particles were primarily released in the intestinal phase, and coated particles were released gradually throughout the assay, reaching maximum relief in the intestinal phase. In conclusion, using microencapsulation techniques by spray-drying, spray-chilling, and their combination developed particles with different levels of protection during storage, releases and characteristics, which resulted in a range of possible applications in the food, feed, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Avocado, a native fruit from Mexico and Central America, is found in almost all tropical countries and consists of peel, pulp and seed. Avocado is a complementary food containing many lipophilic phytochemicals and bioactive compounds that may confer health benefits. The avocado seed represents 10% to 25% of its entire weight, depending on the fruit variety. It is a compelling source for creating new products because it is one of the best sources of dietetic fibre, with substances like fatty acids and antioxidants. However, in 2017, about 42,600 t of seeds were discarded in Brazil. Moreover, there are other problems and limitations to the use of avocado due to its low acidity and high perishability under environmental conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to employ conservation techniques to increase its shelf life. The avocado drying process has been studied, and the results show that avocado powder can potentially be used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries, among others. This study aimed to assess the drying process of avocado pulp in a spray dryer, using the flour of its seed as an adjuvant to add value to that residue. The influence of outlet air temperature (90 °C – 110 °C) and seed flour concentration in the drying paste (0.0%–3.0% w/w) on the process yield and moisture content were evaluated using a factorial design. Furthermore, the paste and powders were chemically and physically characterised. The best drying condition was under an outlet air temperature of 110 °C and 3.0% seed flour concentration. That process combined the highest process yield (50%) with a low-moisture level of 1.25% and a low-water activity powder of 0.29. The use of the seed favoured the process yield compared with maltodextrin, showing that seed flour can be employed as an adjuvant in drying. The flowability of the powder was classified as cohesive, and the instant properties were poor. However, the avocado powder showed a similar protein, ash, lipids and carbohydrates content compared to the drying paste, making the product as nutritious as the fresh fruit. Additionally, it is a product with a high fibre content (10.47 g/100 g). The results suggest that avocado powder can be used as an ingredient for developing healthy food formulations, such as confectionery and bakery products. Special attention must be given to masking any bitter taste that may arise. [Display omitted] • Avocado pulp drying was successful in adding value to a residue. • Potential utilization of avocado seed flour as an adjuvant in the pulp drying. • Process yield using avocado seed flour was higher than with maltodextrin. • The powder obtained in the best condition was as nutritious as the fresh pulp. • Avocado powder can be used as an ingredient for developing food formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn is widely consumed in Brazil and spray drying allows for versatility in its use. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maltodextrin concentrations and the inlet air temperature on the physical properties of green corn extract dried by spray drying. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was applied with the independent variables of inlet air temperature of 150–180°C and maltodextrin concentration of 0–20% (w/w). An inlet air temperature of 163°C and a maltodextrin concentration of 2.67% (w/w) displayed a good drying performance in relation to the yield (36.36%), moisture (1.39%), activity water (0.063), solubility (92.11g/100g), wettability (139.58g/s), density (0.66g/mL) and colour (L: 92.50, C*: 15.47 and h°: 97.46) closest to the green corn extract. The microstructure indicated surface roughness and particle size D50 ranged from 5.79 to 75.84μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays) is a cereal grown in Brazil, and its availability is limited to the harvest season. An alternative processing route is based on the production of green corn powder, which has a longer shelf-life and increased versatility. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of drying conditions on the physical characteristics, size, and morphology of green corn powder. Drying experiments were performed on a spray dryer according to a central composite rotational design to evaluate inlet air temperature, feed flow rate, and pulp concentration. The yield of dried pulp corn had an average value of 36.19%. The following mean values for the physical properties of the powder were measured: solubility of 94.37 g/100 g, wettability of 128.05 seconds, moisture content of 1.97%, water activity of 0.13, density of 0.79 g/mL, and a particle diameter of 31.02 µm. The powder was also yellow with less intensity, and the particle surface was smooth at higher temperatures and had a tendency to form agglomerates. The estimated optimal conditions for spray drying were 48% (w/w) pulp concentration, 172°C inlet air temperature, and feed flow rate of 0.56 L/h. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Brazil has an extraordinary biodiversity that is reflected both in the enormous variety of native fruits and in the significant number of introduced exotic ones that are well adapted to the tropical climate. Only a very limited number of these fruits are however marketed at a large scale. While so-called "non-conventional fruits" are often marketed locally, they are not used by the wider food industry because of their high perishability in fresh state. This renders them unsuitable for long distribution chains. These fruits may be converted into shelf-stable products that could generate significant added value by processing them into more stable forms. Knowledge of the phase behavior of fruits is critically important in the optimization of the process conditions of operations such as freezing, concentrating, and drying, including spray drying, drum drying, infrared drying and freeze drying. These properties are furthermore important for determining the storage conditions of fruit-based products. Our review compiles information on the composition and phase transitions (specifically the ice melting line and the water-content dependence of the glass transition) of a wide range of tropical fruits and analyzes these in the context of the state diagram of food systems. The use of these state diagrams in process optimization, product development and shelf-life analysis is furthermore discussed. By providing the first review of the phase behavior of diverse tropical fruits, we aim to facilitate their use in a wide range of food products and thereby stimulate the regional development of the generally poor regions in Brazil that grow these non-conventional fruits. • The large Brazilian biodiversity includes a wide variety of nonconventional fruits • Nonconventional fruits have huge potential but are hardly used by the food industry • Thermal processing may be used to develop shelf-stable fruit-based foods • Knowledge of the phase transitions of fruits allows establishing process conditions • This review reports on phase transitions and state diagrams of tropical fruits [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a brief review of the research conducted at Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Processes of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto/São Paulo University, aiming to obtain standardized dried extracts from medicinal Brazilian plants. The spray and spouted-bed dryer performance and physicochemical product properties during the drying of hydro-alcoholic extracts of three plants used in the Brazilian traditional medicine, namely, Passiflora alata , Bauhinia forficata , and Maytenus ilicifolia , are evaluated comparatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]