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A Amazônia possui uma grande variedade de frutas exóticas e comercialmente subutilizadas com alto valor nutricional e alto teor de compostos bioativos que ainda são pouco exploradas na região amazônica. A Cassia leiandra Benth é uma espécie nativa da Amazônia que tem o fruto bastante consumido in natura, este fruto é conhecido popularmente como mari-mari, ingá-mari e marimarizeiro. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar as características biométricas do fruto de mari-mari, a sua composição centesimal e fitoquímica, bem como a avaliação da capacidade antioxidante de suas diferentes partes. O fruto pode ser descrito como comprido, fino e com baixo rendimento de polpa, tendo como o seu maior constituinte a semente. A polpa apresentou maior conteúdo de umidade, a semente de proteínas e a casca de cinzas e carboidratos. A casca apresentou o maior teor de fenólicos e a amêndoa o maior teor de flavonoides. A casca apresentou maior capacidade antioxidante frente aos métodos do DPPH, ABTS e FRAP. O fruto mari-mari se apresentou neste estudo como uma matéria-prima promissora para o desenvolvimento de produtos nutracêuticos e alimentícios.

Parahancornia amapa is an Amazonian tree that produces an edible white exudate widely used in folk medicine and food. Studies have found the presence of carbohydrates and bioactive compounds in its composition. The riverside population of the Amazon reports the use of this exudate against respiratory diseases and inflammation. This brief communication aimed to show the bioactive potential of the amapá bitter latex. Samples obtained from four different cities were studied and microbiological, physicochemical, mineral, and bioactive compounds were analyzed (Total Phenolic and antioxidant activity by ORAC and FRAP methods). The results showed relevant physicochemical and mineral composition (Ca, Mg and Zn values suggested by the RDA). Furthermore, we found good antioxidant activity throughout latex. The sample from the city of Cametá-PA showed higher values for Total phenolics, and antioxidant activity ORAC and FRAP, respectively. This study is important due to the interesting composition of Parahancornia amapa, which has the potential to be applied in technological routes in the food area.

Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Microscopia. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Federal University of Par?. Department of Mechanical Engineering. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Department of Nutrition. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Campinas State University. National Institute of Science and Technology in Biofabrication. Chemical Engineering Department. Campinas, SP, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Campinas State University. National Institute of Science and Technology in Biofabrication. Chemical Engineering Department. Campinas, SP, Brazil. Despite the many advances in the field of regenerative medicine, the use of biomaterials to repair the cartilaginous tissue's traumatic injuries is still a challenge. Based on that, this research focuses on the semi-interpenetrating polymeric scaffolds (SIPNs) based PLLA and PHEMA. The material was produced in the solvent absence as a strategy to outline the critical limitations of hydrophilicity and the lack of biological interaction of biomaterials with the surrounding tissues. To this end, the thermal properties and chemical structure were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis and spectroscopy in the Fourier transform infrared. Besides, we assessed porosity and tissue interactions by scanning electron microscopy, and the influence of this in the swelling capacity tests. In vitro and in vivo assays and histological analysis were developed to assess the biocompatibility of SIPNs scaffolds. The results showed good thermal stability, porosity in the range of 53.73 to 94.34??m, absence of toxicity, and excellent in vitro cell adhesion and growth. The biomaterial also promoted a great template for cell migration and spreading in vivo, with high cartilaginous tissue remodeling. SIPNs scaffolds demonstrated its biocompatibility and potential use in tissue engineering.

The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass is one of the main steps for the utilization of this type of material for the production of value-added chemicals such as ethanol and others. Many of the processes aimed at harnessing this biomass are facilitated through previous changes in the material such as that performed by cell wall hydrolytic enzymes, especially cellulase. However, this process often becomes costly, making its industrial application unfeasible. The use of cellulase producing microorganisms can accelerate the process, as some of these microorganisms can produce both cellulase and other cell wall degrading enzymes such as hemicellulases, ligninases, and pectinases, acting synergistically in the transformation of biomass. Thus, the use of cellulase producing microorganisms in the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass can generate more efficient and economically viable processes.

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is obtained by the carboxymethylation of cellulose, which modifies its structure and results in excellent ability to form biodegradable low-toxicity films. In addition, CMC has strong hydrophilicity and a stable internal network structure. Such properties have been widely used to produce composite films with improved performance. Lipid compounds are often used to form moisture barrier films/coatings. For example, lipid compounds coupled with a fruit and vegetable coating are able to reduce desiccation-induced weight loss during storage by 40%–75%. The confinement and interactions between polymers and essential oils (EOs) greatly affect the dynamics and static of biocomposite polymers. EOs cause interactions that can “attract” or “repel” the polymeric matrix, and this ends up creating peaks with different properties depending on the concentration of EO added. The antimicrobial properties of EOs derived from many plants have been widely recognized for centuries, but scientific studies have only been confirmed in recent times. Environmental factors such as light, oxygen, and humidity can trigger chemical changes in food products and, therefore, lead to an acceleration in their degradation. The applicability of films for the longer life of some products is advancing rapidly. The addition of EOs in films confers several advantages in the storage and consumption of some raw materials.

Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L) is an Amazonian fruit with high potential to be used as a source of bioactive compounds and healthy food preparations due to its attractive yellow / orange color. The purpose of this paper was to verify the physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in pulp, endocarp, peels, and three food paste developed with Buriti pulp and waste. In addition to the centesimal composition of the fractions of the fruit and the preparations, analyzes of vitamin C, phenolic compounds, carotenoids and antioxidant activity were also carried out. The following values were observed for the fractions of the fruit: vitamin C (48.44-55.22 mg/100 g), carotenoids (6.05-21.03 mg/100g), Total phenolics (19.31-33.30 mg GAEq/100g) and antioxidant activity (111.24-190.43 µmol TE/g DM), for all analyzed parameters, the highest values were observed for the peel. As for the formulations, it was found that the good attributes of the peel interfered in the formulation C, which presented the highest yields of vitamin C (21.22 mg/100g), carotenoids (13.99 mg/100g), Total phenolics (21.45 mg GAEq/100g) and antioxidant activity (82.34-130.52 µmol TE/g DM). Thus, it is verified that buriti has a great nutritional potential for direct consumption or to be used in the formulation of confectionery products, including the use of its peels in formulations.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the enzyme-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from murucizeiro leaves (Byrsonima crassifolia) employing response surface methodology (RSM), in order to determine the best extraction conditions. The chemical composition of the leaves and characteristics of the enzymes were determined. The independent variables were temperature (19 to 70°C), pH (2.4 to 7.5) and reaction time (19 to 220 minutes). A conventional and optimized triple extraction with organic solvents was used as control. As result to solvent extraction was observed 73.28 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) g-1 DM, while under the best condition for enzyme-assisted extraction (temperature: 60°C; pH: 4.5; and time: 220 min), the concentration was 90.65 mg GAE g-1. The independent variables significant were: temperature, pH and log time at the linear level and temperature at the quadratic level. A similar methodology could be encouraged for other natural products rich in phenolic compounds.

Bioethanol is the most widely used biofuel in transportation all around the world and can be produced from different feedstock types. In the last decade, new technologies have been developed to the production of bioethanol from the hydrolysis of carbohydrates present in the cellulosic and lignocellulosic biomass. Although it is one of the most abundant renewable feedstock, the conversion is more difficult than in the traditional use of sugar and starch. Therefore, the conversion of C5 sugars, such as xylose, has become a focus of research lately. This work will summarize information about bioethanol production from xylose fermentation, the essential and desired requirements of microorganisms, such as native and engineered bacteria and yeast. Limitations and challenges in xylose fermentation using genetic engineering microorganisms will also be discussed.

Developing a biomimetic material to wound care is an emerging need for the healing process. Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a polymer with the necessary dressing’s requirements often used in medicine. Their surface, physic-chemical and biological properties can be modified by adding bioactive compounds, such as andiroba seed oil (Carapa guianensis). This Amazonian natural plant has medicinal and pharmacological properties. For this purpose, PCL polymeric films incorporated with andiroba oil were investigated. The synthesis of hybrids materials was carried out in the solvent casting method. Thermal properties were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The solvent type on the surface and hydrophilicity of samples was studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Additionally, contact angle measurements, functional groups analysis, fluid absorption capacity, and cell viability were performed. The results demonstrated the influences of andiroba oil under the morphology and thermal properties of the polymeric matrix, the hydrophilicity of the hybrid film obtained by acetic acid was reduced by 13%, the porosity decreased as the concentration of oil increased, but its higher thermal stability. The L929 cell line’s proliferation was observed in all materials, and it presented nontoxic nature. It was demonstrated the ability of PCL hybrid film as a matrix for cell growth. Then, the materials were proved potential candidates for biomedical applications.

Amazon River shrimp plays an important role in artisanal fishing in Brazil's Northern region, is common to observe its disposal in commercial fishing over higher economic value fish (bycatch), which is source of environmental drawbacks. The Amazon River shrimp processing is important to extend and add value to a high nutritional product. The shrimp meal production is an alternative to the processing. This work presents a shrimp meal preparation, physicochemical composition, as well as its technological functional properties, sorption isotherm and sensory analysis of a mix of cassava flour (93 g/100 g) and shrimp meal (7 g/100 g). The results showed high content in protein (67.55 g/100 g), besides palmitic fatty acids - 16:0, 13.58 g/100 g; stearic - 18:0, 5.42 g/100 g; oleic - 18:1n-9 16.20 g/100 g and docosenoic - 22:1, 13.12 g/100 g of total fatty acid in the shrimp meal composition. An extruded product was obtained (7 g/100 g of shrimp meal/93 g/100 g of cassava flour) with 78% of acceptance in sensory analysis. The Amazon River shrimp meal is potentially nutritional and it can add up value to nutritionally poorer food.

Lactic acid is commonly used in a wide range of fields such as cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, chemistry and food. During the last years, its use for new applications such as production of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, green solvents and oxygenated chemicals have received considerable attention. However, the relatively high production cost of lactic acid hinders many large-scale applications. In order to cheapen lactic acid production processes, it is necessary to develop more efficient methods of separation and purification. This work reviews some promising non-traditional distillation processes that are currently employed for lactic acid recovery, focusing on reactive distillation and molecular distillation. Advances in such distillation-based processes, their drawbacks and concluding remarks are also presented.

Algal cultures can be used to produce several products such as vitamins, feed, biofuels, and others on an industrial scale. The worldwide increase in energy demand has led to the development and analysis of efficient sources capable of producing fuels and chemicals. In this context, microalgae are seen as a promising alternative for the production of fuels and chemicals due to their high photosynthetic conversion efficiency. These organisms are unicellular and contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen and are categorized as aquatic biomass. The growth of microalgae depends on various factors, mainly including the availability and intensity of light and nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, CO2 and O2 levels, temperature, and type of culture system used. There are several processes to produce alternative energy using algal biomass. However, biochemical conversion, thermochemical conversion, chemical reactions, and direct combustion are considered as important for biomass treatment in order to produce high-value chemicals as bioethanol. This chapter aims to discuss some of the main technologies involved in algal transformation for commercial interests. Moreover, it is important to study algal composition and apply the best technology to obtain specific products of interest from this rich, potential feedstock.

This work describes the evaluation of lactic acid purification from fermentation broth by hybrid short path evaporation. The proposed hybrid purification process consists of an evaporation system composed by a cylindrical wiped film evaporator with two condensers, one located internally and other externally to the evaporator. Through factorial experimental design, the influence of operation conditions as feed flow rate, agitation, condenser and evaporator temperature on residue and distilled percentages, lactic acid purity and recovery were studied. Models were developed in order to describe the response of interest as function of operating conditions. The results showed that with a high operating pressure (in terms of short path evaporation), with a pressure of 1000 Pa, and one step of separation, lactic acid purity around 89.7% was obtained which was about 18 times lactic acid concentration higher than the initial content in raw material.

The nanotechnology field has considerably increased in recent years, playing an important role in the pharmaceutical industry. However, this emerging science presents uncertainties and shortcomings regarding toxicological effects in human and ecological systems. It was possible to achieve a range of drugs and cosmetics that have specific properties using nanotechnology. In drug delivery systems, nanotechnology has demonstrated great potential because of its ability to induce desired pharmacological responses. The nanocomposites used in the production of sunscreens provide effective protection against damages caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, recent studies have shown the toxicity of some UV filters to health and the environment. These studies demonstrated that the compounds of sunscreens are capable of reaching the marine environment after released from human skin during the bath through water treatment plants. It is important to know the physical characteristics and chemical composition of the working nanomaterial before starting a research because that information will be relevant keys to a better understanding about the risks evaluation of the study object. The comparisons of biological/toxicological data between nanomaterials should be evaluated by a detailed physical characterization of each material in order to demonstrate similarities and differences between all substances. Factors such as size, aggregation/agglomeration state, aggregates/clusters, surface area and shape of the nanomaterials should be considered for the risk assessments they may cause to humans and the environment.

Global population growth raises questions concerning the environment and energy production. Fossil fuels are well known and utilized energy source. These are not renewable and contribute to the greenhouse gas effect. The search for alternative energy sources and solution for environmental problems has a growing concern in recent years. The lignocellulosic biomass has emerged as a solution to our energy and environmental concerns since it is rich within feedstock and can be converted to biofuels and/or biomaterials. This approach is interesting because these biomasses can become renewable sources of energy and pollute less than fossil fuels when transformed into biofuels, which is a green fuel. However, some steps are necessary to transform these lignocellulosic biomasses into biofuels or biomaterials. Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary area of study with several applications that can be used to improve the lignocellulose bioconversion process, used both in production of liquid fuels through conversion by fermentation, gasification, or catalysis and development of new nanoscale catalyzers/materials. Nanoscale or sub-nanoscale instrumentation facilitates understanding of the lignocellulosic biomass cell wall ultrastructure and enzymatic mechanisms. This aspect contributes in the development of sophisticated instrumentation techniques for lignocellulosic fiber analysis such as scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o potencial tecnologico de frutos de camapu. Para isso foram determinadas as caracteristicas fisicas, fisico-quimicas e os teores de vitamina C, carotenoides totais, compostos fenolicos totais e a capacidade de sequestrar radicais livres atraves do metodo DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picril hidrazil). Alguns dos resultados observados foram: solidos soluveis de 12°Brix; pH de 4,11; Aw de 0,97; teor de proteinas de 0,95% ; 6,45% de acucares totais e 4,12% of acucares redutores; 25 mg.100g -1 de vitamina C; 3,99 μg.g -1 de carotenoides totais; 61,70 mg GAE. 100g -1 para compostos fenolicos totais e a capacidade antioxidante de IC 50 : 93,01 e 92,8 μ g .mL -1 para extracao aquosa e metanolica respectivamente . Os resultados obtidos mostraram teores consideraveis de fenolicos totais e atividade antioxidante mediana para os frutos de camapu, comparaveis a outras frutas ja amplamente comercializadas no brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o potencial tecnologico de frutos de camapu. Para isso foram determinadas as caracteristicas fisicas, fisico-quimicas e os teores de vitamina C, carotenoides totais, compostos fenolicos totais e a capacidade de sequestrar radicais livres atraves do metodo DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picril hidrazil). Alguns dos resultados observados foram: solidos soluveis de 12°Brix; pH de 4,11; Aw de 0,97; teor de proteinas de 0,95% ; 6,45% de acucares totais e 4,12% de acucares redutores; 25 mg.100g-1 de vitamina C; 3,99 μg g-1 de carotenoides totais; 61,70 mg GAE. 100g-1 para compostos fenolicos totais e a capacidade antioxidante de IC50: 93,01 e 92,8 μg.mL-1 para extracao aquosa e metanolica respectivamente. Os resultados obtidos mostraram teores consideraveis de fenolicos totais e atividade antioxidante mediana para os frutos de camapu, comparaveis a outras frutas ja amplamente comercializadas no Brasil.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar um estruturado a partir de polpa concentrada de cupuaçu, avaliando-se o efeito da combinação de gelatina e pectina de baixa metoxilação nas características do gel da fruta.Realizou-se, na polpa de cupuaçu e nos estruturados obtidos, análises de composição centesimal, atividade de água, pH, acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis (Brix°), açúcares totais e redutores e teor de vitamina C,além da análise sensorial dos produtos finais. Os resultados mostram que é possível estabelecer um procedimento tecnológico para a produção de fruta estruturada com alto teor de polpa, variando entre 78,24 a 81,43%.Optou-se pela formulação 3, como aquela de possível aplicação em escala industrial, pois foi a que apresentou melhor aceitação sensorial. De maneira geral, todas as formulações apresentaram-se como um produto finalde textura firme, sem pegajosidade e saudável, tendo em vista seus teores de vitamina C (240,9 a 247,3 mg kg-1) e fibras (3,23 a 3,90%), considerados significativos do ponto de vista nutricional.