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The aim of this study was to present a comprehensive evaluation of the chemical composition, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the pulp and seeds of Eugenia candolleana fruits collected at two stages of maturation. The results showed that fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals such as thiamine and riboflavin, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc, besides high amounts of protein and dietary fiber. The fruits showed a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, with a predominance of linoleic acid in all samples. The seeds presented a significantly higher content of phenolic and tannins than pulp, however, anthocyanins were found exclusively in the pulp and skin of the fruits. Maturation affected the composition of phenolics where the mature stage presented significantly fewer phenolic compounds. Quercetin, pyrogallol and gallic acid were the main compounds identified in the pulp and seeds. Both pulp and seeds presented potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, however, the seeds have significantly higher activity. The seed extracts significantly reduced the production of nitric oxide and the cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in macrophages, highlighting a potential anti-inflammatory activity. The fruits can be included in diets as a strategy to improve the diversity of food supply, in addition, the seed flour can be used as a potential food supplement, besides valuing agro-industrial by-products. El objetivo de este estudio fue presentar una evaluación integral de la composición química, actividades antiinflamatorias y antioxidantes de la pulpa y semillas de frutos de Eugenia candolleana recolectados en dos etapas de maduración. Los resultados mostraron que las frutas son una buena fuente de vitaminas y minerales como tiamina y riboflavina, hierro, fósforo, magnesio, manganeso, potasio y zinc, además de altas cantidades de proteína y fibra dietética. Los frutos presentaron mayor proporción de ácidos grasos insaturados, con predominio del ácido linoleico en todas las muestras. Las semillas presentaron un contenido significativamente mayor de fenoles y taninos que la pulpa, sin embargo, las antocianinas se encontraron exclusivamente en la pulpa y piel de los frutos. La maduración afectó la composición de fenoles donde la etapa madura presentó significativamente menos compuestos fenólicos. La quercetina, el pirogalol y el ácido gálico fueron los principales compuestos identificados en la pulpa y las semillas. Tanto la pulpa como las semillas presentaron potenciales actividades antioxidantes y antiinflamatorias, sin embargo, las semillas tienen una actividad significativamente mayor. Los extractos de semillas redujeron significativamente la producción de óxido nítrico y las citoquinas IL-6 y TNF-α en los macrófagos, destacando una potencial actividad antiinflamatoria. Los frutos pueden ser incluidos en las dietas como una estrategia para mejorar la diversidad de la oferta alimentaria, además, la harina de semilla puede ser utilizada como un potencial complemento alimenticio, además de valorizar los subproductos agroindustriales. O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar uma avaliação abrangente da composição química, atividades anti-inflamatória e antioxidante da polpa e sementes de frutos de Eugenia candolleana coletados em dois estádios de maturação. Os resultados mostraram que as frutas são uma boa fonte de vitaminas e minerais como tiamina e riboflavina, ferro, fósforo, magnésio, manganês, potássio e zinco, além de altas quantidades de proteína e fibra alimentar. Os frutos apresentaram maior proporção de ácidos graxos insaturados, com predominância de ácido linoleico em todas as amostras. As sementes apresentaram teor de fenólicos e taninos significativamente maior do que a polpa, porém, antocianinas foram encontradas exclusivamente na polpa e casca dos frutos. A maturação afetou a composição de fenólicos onde o estágio maduro apresentou significativamente menos compostos fenólicos. A quercetina, o pirogalol e o ácido gálico foram os principais compostos identificados na polpa e nas sementes. Tanto a polpa quanto as sementes apresentaram potencial atividade antioxidante e anti-inflamatória, porém, as sementes apresentam atividade significativamente maior. Os extratos de sementes reduziram significativamente a produção de óxido nítrico e das citocinas IL-6 e TNF-α em macrófagos, destacando uma potencial atividade anti-inflamatória. Os frutos podem ser incluídos em dietas como estratégia para melhorar a diversidade de oferta de alimentos, além disso, a farinha de sementes pode ser utilizada como um potencial suplemento alimentar, além de valorizar subprodutos agroindustriais.

In this study, the effects of an agro-industrial residue with active properties, pomegranate peel extract (PPE), were evaluated on the rheological properties of potential coatings based on chitosan (C) and gelatin (G). For this, rheological properties of the polymeric solutions were investigated in relation to PPE concentration (2 or 4 mg PPE g−1 solution), and to its incorporation order into the system (in C or in CG mixture). All solutions were more viscous than elastic (G″ &gt, G′), and the change in PPE concentration had a greater influence accentuating the viscous character of the samples in which PPE was added to the CG mixture (CGPPE2 and CGPPE4). PPE addition to the CG mixture increased the angular frequency at the moduli crossover, indicating the formation of a more resistant polymeric network. This tendency was also observed in flow results, in which PPE addition decreased the pseudoplastic behavior of the solutions, due to a greater cross-linking between the polymers and the phenolic compounds. In general, all the studied solutions showed viscosities suitable for the proposed application, and it was possible to state the importance of standardizing the addition order of the components during the preparation of a coating.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:19:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-04-01 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Strawberry has a short postharvest shelf life, mainly because of the gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea. The chemical composition and antifungal activities of essential oils from Mentha piperita, Cymbopogon martinii, Cinnamomum camphora, Mentha spicata, and their binary mixtures against B. cinerea were evaluated by different in vitro methods, and also in vivo in vapor-phase on inoculated strawberries. The major components present in M. piperita essential oil were menthol (45.37%), menthone (20.13%), isomenthone (16.94%), menthyl acetate (3.81%), pulegone (1.89%), α-terpinene (1.88%), isopulegol (1.83%), neoisomenthol (1.19%), and α-terpineol (1.08%), in C. martinii essential oil were geraniol (83.82%), geranyl acetate (7.49%), linalool (2.48%), and caryophyllene (1.33%), in C. camphora essential oil were linalool (98.39%), and M. spicata essential oil were carvone (61.71%), limonene (20.22%), 1,8-cineole (5%), sabinene (2.28%), cis-dihydrocarvone (1.63%), and α-thujene (1.4%). The highest antifungal activity in vitro was presented by M. spicata and C. martinii essential oils by the direct contact, vapor contact, spore germination, and micro-well dilution methods. In vivo, strawberries treated with the vapor of M. spicata and C. martinii essential oils showed a reduction in disease incidence and severity. At a 10% concentration, M. spicata and C. martinii showed a reduction of 100% and 83% in the disease incidence, respectively. Thus, the M. spicata and C. martinii essential oils may be potential alternatives for the control of B. cinerea in postharvest fresh strawberries. School of Pharmaceutical Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rod. Araraquara-Jaú Km 1 - Machados Federal University of São Carlos Federal University of Paraná Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical São Carlos Institute of Chemistry (IQSC) University of São Paulo (USP) Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation Embrapa Instrumentação School of Pharmaceutical Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rod. Araraquara-Jaú Km 1 - Machados CNPq: 302381/2016-3 CNPq: 310728/2019-3 FAPESP: process 2018/24612-9

This study reports, for the first time, the chemical composition and biological activity of essential oil from Brazilian Cymbopogon densiflorus flowers. Thirty chemical compounds were identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), corresponding to 95 % of total compounds from an essential oil chromatogram obtained by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID ). The essential oil was mainly composed of cis-p-mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol (26 %), trans-p-mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol (18 %), trans-p-mentha-2,8-dien-1-ol (13 %) limonene (9 %), cis-p-mentha-2,8-dien-1-ol (7 %), cis-carveol (7 %) and carvone (5 %). The identity confirmation of the major compounds was performed by 1H/13C heteronuclear single-quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance (HSQC NMR). The essential oil exhibited a weak antioxidant activity by the DPPH method and a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic bacterial strains tested, showing some efficacy against 7 of the 10 strains with the greatest inhibition observed with the Gram-negative bacterium Shigella sonnei.

This study investigated the effects of bio-nanocomposite coatings developed using arrowroot starch (AA), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), carnauba wax nanoemulsion (CWN), and Cymbopogon martinii and Mentha spicata essential oils (CEO and MEO, respectively) on the physicochemical, microbiological, bioactive, antioxidant, and aromatic characteristics of strawberries cv. 'Oso Grande' in refrigerated storage for 12 days. The coatings improved the shelf life and stability of strawberries, minimizing their weight loss (2.6-3.9 %), as well as changes in color and texture (except for those coated with CEO), titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid content, and antioxidant activity compared with uncoated control strawberries. The bio-nanocomposite coatings containing MEO and CEO also exhibited antimicrobial activity, reduced visible fungal deterioration (40-60 %), and reduced microbial load (3.59-4.03 log CFU g

Betalains are natural nitrogenous water-soluble pigments found in species belonging to the Caryophyllales order and in mushrooms. Betalains can be considered multifunctional molecules due to their diverse bioactivities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. Furthermore, they can detect pH variations in foods and are considered promising colorimetric bioindicators. The bioactivities of betalains have improved their use as active and bioactive agents, and colorimetric indicators in the development of edible and biodegradable films for foods, which are trends in the food packaging market. Thus, this review presents the state-of-art information on the use of betalains as a multifunctional molecule in the development of smart, active, and bioactive edible and biodegradable packaging for foods. Studies have revealed that betalains can be successfully used to develop: smart films to indicate the freshness and spoilage of foods such as shrimp, fish, and chicken; active films with antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials to increase the shelf life of sausage and shrimp; and bioactive films with health benefits.

The internal breakdown (IB) is a premature and uneven mango pulp ripening physiological disorder that is noticed only when the fruit is sliced for consumption. Thus, there is a demand for analytical methods to detect IB in mangoes to avoid consumer dissatisfaction and reduce postharvest waste. In this work, physicochemical and volatile compounds were determined to evaluate the ability to predict pulp IB. Principal components analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) of the data show that color, firmness, and volatiles compounds are important to give some information about the physiological changes caused by IB. The volatile compounds methacrylic acid, ethyl ester, isopentyl ethanoate, limonene oxide, (E)-2-pentenal, tetradecane, and γ-elemene were identified as chemical markers of IB. Therefore, mango physical and chemical characteristics combined with PCA and PLS-DA were successfully employed for the identification of IB in mangoes, showing significant differences between healthy and IB fruits.

We conducted a study to identify the fecal metabolite profle and its proximity to the ruminal metabolism of Nelore steers based on an untargeted metabolomic approach. Twenty-six Nelore were feedlot with same diet during 105 d. Feces and rumen fuid were collected before and at slaughter, respectively. The metabolomics analysis indicated 49 common polar metabolites in the rumen and feces. Acetate, propionate, and butyrate were the most abundant polar metabolites in both bio-samples. The rumen presented signifcantly higher concentrations of the polar compounds when compared to feces (P< 0.05); even though, fecal metabolites presented an accentuated representability of the ruminal fuid metabolites. All fatty acids present in the ruminal fuid were also observed in the feces, except for C20:2n6 and C20:4n6. The identifed metabolites ofer information on the main metabolic pathways (higher impact factor and P< 0.05), as synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies; the alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolisms, the glycine, serine; and threonine metabolism and the pyruvate metabolism. The fndings reported herein on the close relationship between the ruminal fuid and feces metabolic profles may ofer new metabolic information, in addition to facilitating the sampling for metabolism investigation in animal production and health routines. Made available in DSpace on 2021-12-13T15:00:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ComparativeUntargetedMetabolome.pdf: 1971534 bytes, checksum: 04cf77d8b820aee368be3ff254d22a28 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021

New technologies for food processing have been used to enhance the beneficial effects of foods. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a prebiotic soursop whey beverage processed by high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) on healthy rats. Whey beverages were processed by HIUS (20KHz, 520 W of nominal power,53 °C, 20.3 W of acoustic power, energy density of 2.9 kJ.cm

The yield and the composition of the peel essential oils (EO) of six new citrus hybrids obtained from the crosses between Murcott tangor—TM [Citrus reticulata Blanco x Citrus sinensis (L.) ...

In this study, a preventive model was proposed to check whether the intake of Myrciaria jaboticaba berry peel (MJP) could avoid harmful effects caused by a high-fat diet. The intake of the high-fat diet supplemented with MJP (HM mice) down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue and prevented adipose tissue growth and accumulation. In addition, the intake of the high-fat diet supplemented with MJP prevented weight gain, increased the excretion of triglycerides, reduced hepatic steatosis area and stimulated the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) by the large intestinal microbiota. Furthermore, hepatic mRNA PPAR-α level was lowered in non-fasted animals of the HM mice, indicating lower oxidation of both fatty acids and lipotoxic metabolites by the liver. In conclusion, MJP intake induces higher production of the gut SCFA, compounds known to counteract obesity markers, as shown by the lowering of adipose tissue inflammation, weight gain, dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis.

This study hypothesized that polyphenol- and fiber-rich Brazilian fruits could elicit preventive effects in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), even when applied to obese subjects. Therefore, the purpose was to investigate the implications of the consumption of acai pulp and jaboticaba peel on obese mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. First, obesity was induced by a high-fat diet for 13 weeks, followed by the inclusion of DSS in the water for five days. Animals received during the whole experiment a standard or high-fat diet, with the last one containing or not 5% (w/w) freeze-dried acai or jaboticaba. The diets added with the fruits had a higher content in total phenolic compounds (1.1 mg GAE/g) and an increased antioxidant capacity (up to 25.32 μmol TE/g). The high-fat diet promoted weight gain starting from the eighth week of the experiment. While jaboticaba delayed and reduced body weight gain, acai highly exacerbated it, also increasing the accumulation of fats. Colitis was successfully induced as seen by the clinical signs and damaged colonic mucosa. The high-fat diets did not increase the severity of colitis in comparison with the standard regimen, despite promoting additional weight gain. Animals that received acai or jaboticaba did not have many symptoms of colitis and showed a grand recovery in colonic histological parameters. Additionally, acai increased the expression of tight-junction-related molecules. Despite being included in a high-fat diet, the fruits still managed to promote healing effects in colitis, therefore indicating their potential for trials with IBD patients.

Pomegranate peel is an agro-industrial waste rich in phenolic compounds that can be employed like natural antioxidants in the food and pharmaceutical industry. In this study, five choline chloride-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), which contained glucose, sucrose, glycerol, lactic acid, and citric acid as a hydrogen bond donor, were physicochemically characterized and tested for recovery of phenolics from pomegranate peel. The efficiency of the NADES in extracting phenolics from pomegranate peel has also been compared with that of conventional ethanolic extraction. The choline chloride and lactic acid (CC-LAC) NADES proved to be the most appropriate for the extraction of phenolics from pomegranate peel (4.14 mg EAG mL−1) if compared to the other tested NADES (range 0.81–3.84 mg EAG mL−1) and also if compared with the ethanolic solution (3.55 mg EAG mL−1). The optimization of the extraction conditions of phenolics from pomegranate waste peels using CC-LAC was carried out by multivariate strategies such as factorial design and response surface methodology. The optimal extraction conditions were 20 g of CC-LAC per g of pomegranate peel, 35% of lactic acid in relation to choline chloride, and 25 min of extraction at 45 °C. Under optimal extraction conditions, the phenolic recovery increased by 54.6%, when compared to CC-LAC non-optimized, and by 84.2%, when compared to ethanolic extraction. Our results, therefore, demonstrated that the use of NADES is a simple, cost-effective, more sustainable, and greener alternative for the extraction of the phenolics from pomegranate peel, over conventional extraction methods.

The Maillard reaction is responsible for color and flavor formation in fried, roasted and baked foods. However, this reaction can also promote the formation of acrylamide, a potential human carcinogen. The application of l -asparaginase represents a promising method for acrylamide mitigation in heated products by the direct conversion of the precursor l -asparagine to l -aspartic acid and ammonia, which does not lead to additional acrylamide formation. Our research group produced and purified an l -asparaginase from native Aspergillus oryzae CCT 3940 with highly potential for acrylamide mitigation. To verify the enzymatic effectiveness, we compared the native l -asparaginase with the commercial recombinant enzyme. For this purpose, a GC-MS/MS method was developed, optimized and validated for the assessment of acrylamide in French fries. Our results indicate a relationship between the l -asparagine content and acrylamide formation in French fries. The acrylamide concentration of the fried potato treated with the l -asparaginase from A. oryzae CCT 3940 and treated with commercial enzyme reduced 72% and 92%, respectively compared to control sample. Moreover, the l -asparaginase from A. oryzae CCT 3940 showed no l -glutaminase activity, while commercial enzyme promoted a decrease in the l -glutamine content (25%). Our results suggest that l -asparaginase from A. oryzae CCT 3940 may be of great value for acrylamide mitigation.

Natural compounds could be a complementary alternative to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management. This study determined the effects of an aqueous extract of Myrciaria jaboticaba peel (EJP) (50 g L−1) on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis. Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: HC—healthy control, CC—colitis control, DC—drug control, SJ—short-term treatment with EJP, and LJ—long-term treatment with EJP. The EJP treatments reduced body weight loss, stool consistency score, and spleen enlargement. Gut microbiota was modulated through increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts after EJP treatment. Short-chain fatty acids were also higher in the EJP treatment groups. The antioxidant enzyme activities were greater than CC or DC controls. Myeloperoxidase activity (LJ), inducible nitric oxide synthase (LJ/SJ), and intercellular adhesion molecule (SJ) levels were lower than in the CC group. EJP decreased histological scoring, mucosal thickness, and preserved the crypts and histological structure. Therefore, EJP showed beneficial effects and could be potentially used as an adjuvant in IBD treatment.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are compounds produced during fermentation of gut microbiota. Acetic, propionic and butyric acids are the most important SCFA produced from non-digestible foods. We developed and validated a rapid and low-cost capillary electrophoretic (CE) method for determination of acetic, propionic and butyric acids in mice feces (100 mg of sample). Electrophoretic separation was performed for SCFA determination in feces samples during 10 min. The method showed good linearity for all analytes (determination coefficient, r2 > 0.98); recovery from 74.1 to 109.8%, while the intra- and interday precision essays were suitable (relative standard deviation (RSD) < 10%); and limits of detection and quantification of 0.13-0.43 mM for acetic acid, 0.09-0.29 mM for propionic acid and 0.03-0.09 mM for butyric acid. Real samples of mice dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis feces treated with jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora) aqueous extract were performed successfully.

Natural compounds could be a complementary alternative to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management. This study determined the effects of an aqueous extract of Myrciaria jaboticaba peel (EJP) (50 g L&minus, 1) on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis. Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: HC&mdash, healthy control, CC&mdash, colitis control, DC&mdash, drug control, SJ&mdash, short-term treatment with EJP, and LJ&mdash, long-term treatment with EJP. The EJP treatments reduced body weight loss, stool consistency score, and spleen enlargement. Gut microbiota was modulated through increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts after EJP treatment. Short-chain fatty acids were also higher in the EJP treatment groups. The antioxidant enzyme activities were greater than CC or DC controls. Myeloperoxidase activity (LJ), inducible nitric oxide synthase (LJ/SJ), and intercellular adhesion molecule (SJ) levels were lower than in the CC group. EJP decreased histological scoring, mucosal thickness, and preserved the crypts and histological structure. Therefore, EJP showed beneficial effects and could be potentially used as an adjuvant in IBD treatment.

A suitable method based on headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography, with a time-of-flight mass spectrometry detector (GC × GC-TOFMS) and a chemometric approach was used aimed at the investigation of the volatile fraction of Brazilian Capsicum peppers: malagueta (C. frutescens), dedo-de-moca (C. baccatum) and murupi (C. chinense). A total of 184 volatiles compounds were identified in the three pepper samples and 123 of these compounds were described in Brazilian peppers for the first time. In addition, during Brazilian chili pepper maturation, as the maturation time increases, it was noted that the majority of volatile compounds responsible for green odor notes disappeared being replaced by others with fruity notes. Chemometric analysis (PCA) was able to separate samples according to their constituents, where malagueta was characterized by branched esters, murupi by terpenes and dedo-de-moca by the presence of aldehydes and terpenes.

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) peel, a waste from food industrial processing, is still little explored. It contains fibers, including soluble fibers, which may be a substrate for enteric bacteria and contribute to maintaining bowel health. The purpose of this work was to investigate the action of P. edulis peel in the microbiota, production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and antioxidant potential in the colon of Wistar rats. Seventy-seven-day-old male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Peel and Control (n = 4). Both groups were fed with standard diet (AIN-93M); however, 50% of the cellulose content in the Peel group diet was replaced by fiber from P. edulis peel flour (PPF). After 15 days, the animals were anesthetized and sacrificed. The results showed that PPF intake positively affected the SCFAs intestinal production. The Peel group had greater butyrate and acetate concentration in cecal content than the Control group (P < 0.05), without alteration in microbiota (counts of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterobacteriaceae, and Total aerobic). Butyrate is a main substrate of the colonocytes and may improve mucus production, vascular flow, and mucosa barrier function. Changes in the antioxidant enzymes activity (GR, GPx, and SOD) and thiol groups (GSH) were not observed in the Peel group, which suggests that the period of PPF intake was insufficient to affect the oxidative status in the colon. These findings suggest that the Passiflora peel flour may improve bowel health by increasing SCFAs production, although more investigations are necessary about the effect of PPF on the colonic fermentation and the antioxidant status of the colon.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic relapsing disease that affects millions of people worldwide; its pathogenesis is influenced by genetic, environmental, microbiological, and immunological factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of short- and long-term Passiflora edulis peel intake on the antioxidant status, microbiota, and short-chain fatty acids formation in rats with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid-induced colitis using two “ in vivo” experiments: chronic (prevention) and acute (treatment). The colitis damage score was determined using macroscopic and microscopic analyses. In addition, the antioxidant activity in serum and other tissues (liver and colon) was evaluated. Bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, aerobic bacteria and enterobacteria, and the amount of short-chain fatty acids (acetic, butyric, and propionic acids) in cecum content were counted. Differences in the colon damage scores were observed; P. edulis peel intake improved serum antioxidant status. In the treatment protocol, decreased colon lipid peroxidation, a decreased number of aerobic bacteria and enterobacteria, and an improvement in acetic and butyric acid levels in the feces were observed. An improvement in the bifidobacteria and lactobacilli was observed in the prevention protocol. These results suggested that P. edulis peel can modulate microbiota and could be used as source of fiber and polyphenols in the prevention of oxidative stress through the improvement of serum and tissue antioxidant status.

The biotechnological production of aromatic compounds is an important alternative to the chemical synthesis of flavor ingredients in food industry. Therefore, the development of an accurate and precise analytical technique for the measurement of the biotechnological production of aromatic compounds is of significant importance. In this paper, we optimize the extraction conditions for headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to GC-FID and GC-MS for the determination of ethyl hexanoate produced by Neurospora sitophila in a malt-extract medium. Following three SPME fibers were tested: polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane (CAR/PDMS) and polydimethylsiloxane-divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB). The PDMS/DVB was the most efficient fiber for trapping the volatile aromatic compound. The optimized SPME extraction temperature and time were 30 °C and 10 min, respectively. This method showed good linearity and the limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) of the targeted aromatic compound were 0.6 and 1.9 mg L−1, respectively. The HS-SPME methodology proved to be a simple and rapid approach to quantify ethyl hexanoate accurately and precisely for the biotechnological production process.

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), including its leaves, is a rich source of bioactive compounds, as polyphenols. This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of aqueous extract of P. edulis leaves and identification of phenolic compounds by HPLC-PDA and ESI-MS/MS analysis. Male Wistar rats were divided in two groups (n = 6 per group). Control group received water and experimental group received P. edulis leaf extract (Tea) (1.1 mg dry leaves mL− 1), both ad libitum. Total phenols and antioxidant potential (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS and ORAC assay) were determined in aqueous extract. Antioxidant status was analyzed by FRAP, ORAC in serum and by SOD, GR and GPx activities, GSH contents and TBARS in liver, brain and kidneys. Gut microbiota profile and short-chain fatty acids were determined in feces. Vitexin, isovitexin and isoorientin were analyzed in the extract of P. edulis leaves. The animals which received tea showed a decrease of 20% of TBARS in liver. GSH contents in kidneys increased 40% relative to control group. The GR activity was 2 times higher and GPx 3.2 times lower in liver than control group. Animals from TEA group showed a 45% reduction on SOD activities in liver and brain. Serum antioxidant potential was not altered. Tea intake also promoted colonic bacteria growth, although there was a decreasing in the SCFA production. Therefore, P. edulis leaf extract could be an option to enhance the supply of antioxidants and to safeguard against oxidative stress.

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198050989285Os metabólitos secundários extraídos de essências florestais conhecidamente micossimbiontes podem estimular o crescimento de isolados ectomicorrízicos in vitro. Assim, determinou-se o efeito de concentrações do óleo essencial de Eucalyptus grandis no estímulo ao crescimento dos fungos ectomicorrízicos Pisolithus sp. (UFSC Pt 24 e UFSC Pt 188), Pisolithus microcarpus (UFSC Pt 116), Chondrogaster angustiporus (UFSC Ch 163), Scleroderma citrinum (UFSC Sc 124) e Suillus sp. (UFSM RA 2.2 e UFSM RA 2.8) em meio de cultura líquido. Após o período de 25 dias de incubação, avaliou-se a morfologia e o crescimento dos isolados. A adição do óleo essencial nas concentrações de 20 a 30 μL L-1 promoveu crescimento miceliano in vitro nos isolados UFSC Pt 24, UFSC Pt 116, UFSC Ch 163, UFSC Sc 124, UFSM RA 2.2 e UFSM RA 2.8. A adição do óleo essencial na concentração de 20 μL L-1 resultou em aumento no diâmetro e na ramificação das hifas dos isolados UFSC Pt 116 e UFSC Pt 24. A utilização de óleo essencial na elaboração de meios de cultura para o crescimento de isolados ectomicorrízicos mostra-se eficiente, por aumentar a produção de massa micelial do fungo.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between fructooligosaccharide (FOS) intake at different life stages of Wistar rats and its stimulatory effects on intestinal parameters. Recently weaned and ageing female rats were divided into growing and ageing treatments, which were fed diets that partially replaced sucrose with FOS for 12 weeks. Dietary FOS intake induced a significant increase in the numbers of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in growing rats. FOS intake was associated with increased butyric acid levels and a reduced pH of the caecal contents at both ages. Differential gene expression patterns were observed by microarray analysis of growing and ageing animals fed the FOS diet. A total of 133 genes showed detectable changes in expression in the growing rats, while there were only 19 gene expression changes in ageing rats fed with FOS. These results suggest that dietary FOS intake may be beneficial for some parameters of intestinal health in growing rats.

Mate herb, Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil., is a plant cultivated in South America. Studies have evidenced the presence of phenolic compounds in mate herb, however, there are no reports on the contents of these compounds in different types of mate herb sold in the South Region of Brazil. In this study, capillary zone electrophoresis was used to quantify phenolic compounds in three lots of each of four types of commercial mate herb (traditional, native, large ground, and suave). Analysis was performed before and after acid hydrolysis. Hydrolysis time, temperature and chloridric acid concentration were optimized by central composite design to maximize the amounts of free phenolic compounds obtained after hydrolysis. Before hydrolysis, high amounts of rutin were detected, while after hydrolysis, high amounts of caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid were obtained, giving evidence that mate herb should be further investigated as a major source of these compounds.