RESUMO
This study explores a nanoemulsion formulated with açaí seed oil, known for its rich fatty acid composition and diverse biological activities. This study aimed to characterise a nanoemulsion formulated with açaí seed oil and explore its cytotoxic effects on HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cell lines, alongside assessing its antioxidant and toxicity properties both in vitro and in vivo. Extracted from fruits sourced in Brazil, the oil underwent thorough chemical characterization using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The resulting nanoemulsion was prepared and evaluated for stability, particle size, and antioxidant properties. The nanoemulsion exhibited translucency, fluidity, and stability post centrifugation and temperature tests, with a droplet size of 238.37, PDI -9.59, pH 7, and turbidity 0.267. In vitro assessments on cervical cancer cell lines revealed antitumour effects, including inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation. Toxicity tests conducted in cell cultures and female Swiss mice demonstrated no adverse effects of both açaí seed oil and nanoemulsion. Overall, açaí seed oil, particularly when formulated into a nanoemulsion, presents potential for cancer treatment due to its bioactive properties and safety profile.
RESUMO
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), offer numerous health benefits. Enriching these fatty acids in fish oil using cost-effective methods, like lipase application, has been studied extensively. This research aimed to investigate F. solani as a potential lipase producer and compare its efficacy in enhancing polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids with commercial lipases. Submerged fermentation with coconut oil yielded Lipase F2, showing remarkable activity (215.68 U/mL). Lipase F2 remained stable at pH 8.0 (activity: 93.84 U/mL) and active between 35 and 70 °C, with optimal stability at 35 °C. It exhibited resistance to various surfactants and ions, showing no cytotoxic activity in vitro, crucial for its application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Lipase F2 efficiently enriched EPA and DHA in fish oil, reaching 22.1 mol% DHA and 23.8 mol% EPA. These results underscore the economic viability and efficacy of Lipase F2, a partially purified enzyme obtained using low-cost techniques, demonstrating remarkable stability and resistance to diverse conditions. Its performance was comparable to highly pure commercially available enzymes in omega-3 production. These findings highlight the potential of F. solani as a promising lipase source, offering opportunities for economically producing omega-3 and advancing biotechnological applications in the food and supplements industry.