Application of Stemphylium lycopersici Extracts Immobilized on MCM-48type Mesoporous Materials as Biocatalysts for Monoacylglycerol Production.

Monoacylglycerols are eco-friendly and inexpensive emulsifiers with a range of applications. The traditional synthetic route is not eco-friendly, while enzymatic catalysis offers milder reaction conditions and higher selectivity. However, its application still is limited due to the costs. In this context, endophytic fungi can be source to new biocatalysts with enhanced catalytic activity. Based on this perspective, the aim of this study was perform the synthesis of MAG's through transesterification reactions of solketal and different vinyl esters, using crude and immobilized lipolytic extracts from the endophytic fungi Stemphylium lycopersici, isolated from Humiria balsamifera. The reactions were conducted using 100 mg of biocatalyst, 1 mmol of substrates, 9 : 1 n-heptane/acetone, at 40 °C, 200 rpm for 96 h. In the reactions using the ILE and stearate, laureate and decanoate vinyl esters it was possible to obtain the correspondent products with conversion rates of 52-75 %. Also, according to the structure drivers used in MCM-48 synthesis, different morphologies and conversions rates were observed. Employing [C16MI] Cl, [C14MI] Cl and [C4MI] Cl, the 1-lauroyl- glycerol conversion was 36 %, 79 % and 44 %, respectively. This is the first work involving the immobilization of an endophytic fungi and its utilization as a biocatalyst in the production of MAG's.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction and concentration of phenolic compounds from jabuticaba sabará (Plinia peruviana (Poir.) Govaerts) peel by nanofiltration membrane.

Jabuticaba peel, rich in antioxidants, offering health benefits. In this study, the extraction of phenolic compounds from jabuticaba peel using ultrasound-assisted (UA) and their subsequent concentration by nanofiltration (NF) employing a polyamide 200 Da membrane was evaluated. The UA extractions were conducted using the Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) 22 methodology, with independent variables extraction time (11.55 to 138 min) and temperature (16.87 to 53.3 °C), and fixed variables mass to ethanol solution concentration at pH 1.0 (1:25 g/mL), granulometry (1 mm), and ultrasonic power (52.8 W). The maximum concentrations obtained were 700.94 mg CE/100 g for anthocyanins, 945.21 mg QE/100 g for flavonoids, 133.19 mg GAE/g for phenols, and an antioxidant activity IC50 of 24.36 µg/mL. Key phenolic compounds identified included cyanidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, and various acids like syringic and gallic. NF successfully concentrated these compounds, enhancing their yield by up to 45%. UA and NF integrate for sustainable extraction.

Antioxidant activity of rosemary extract, acerola extract and a mixture of tocopherols in sausage during storage at 8 °C.

Sausage is an emulsified meat product that, due to its composition, undergoes physicochemical changes during its shelf life, which makes the use of additives for its conservation necessary. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of rosemary extract, acerola extract, and a mixture of tocopherols applied to industrialized sausages during storage at 8 °C. The antioxidant activity (IC50) in vitro showed values of 0.043, 0.489, 0.494, and 0.509 mg/mL for sodium erythorbate, rosemary extract, acerola extract, and a mixture of tocopherols, respectively. Formulations of sausage obtained in industrial installations were evaluated in terms of physicochemical, microbiological, and sensorial analyses. The pH and acidity values were stable during 23 days of storage. Treatments 1 and 3 with acerola extract and a mixture of tocopherols associated with sodium erythorbate showed the best results against lipid oxidation (TBARs), respectively. The hydroperoxides were only found after the 12th day of storage, consequently reducing the formation of malondialdehyde. The treatments with natural antioxidants showed an antimicrobial effect for the group of mesophilic bacteria; their results did not exceed 4 log10 CFU/g, while the control reached 5 log10 CFU/g on the 23rd day of storage. In regard to other microorganisms evaluated, no significant differences were found between treatments with natural antioxidants. Thus, the natural extracts evaluated in association with sodium erythorbate contributed to the antioxidant action for the application on an industrial scale, as they improved the sausage characteristics after 23 days of storage at 8 °C. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05815-y.

Purification, bioactivity and application of maltobionic acid in active films.

The objective of this study was to purify sodium maltobionate using Zymomonas mobilis cells immobilized in situ on flexible polyurethane (PU) and convert it into maltobionic acid for further evaluation of bioactivity (iron chelating ability, antibacterial potential and cytoprotection) and incorporation into films based on cassava starch, chitosan, and cellulose acetate. Sodium maltobionate exhibited a purity of 98.1% and demonstrated an iron chelating ability of approximately 50% at concentrations ranging from 15 to 20 mg mL-1. Maltobionic acid displayed minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 8.5, 10.5, 8.0, and 8.0 mg mL-1 for Salmonella enterica serovar Choleraesuis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes, respectively. Maltobionic acid did not exhibit cytotoxicity in HEK-293 cells at concentrations up to 500 µg mL-1. Films incorporating 7.5% maltobionic acid into cassava starch and chitosan demonstrated inhibition of microbial growth, with halo sizes ranging from 15.67 to 22.33 mm. These films had a thickness of 0.17 and 0.13 mm, water solubility of 62.68% and 78.85%, and oil solubility of 6.23% and 11.91%, respectively. The cellulose acetate film exhibited a non-uniform visual appearance due to the low solubility of maltobionic acid in acetone. Mechanical and optical properties were enhanced with the addition of maltobionic acid to chitosan and cassava films. The chitosan film with 7.5% maltobionic acid demonstrated higher tensile strength (30.3 MPa) and elongation at break (9.0%). In contrast, the cassava starch film exhibited a high elastic modulus (1.7). Overall, maltobionic acid, with its antibacterial activity, holds promise for applications in active films suitable for food packaging. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03879-3.

Bioactive Compounds from Artichoke and Application Potential.

Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus, known as the artichoke, originated in the Mediterranean region and is now cultivated in several countries. The artichoke has leaves, a stem, and a head, also called a floral capitulum, covered with green and pointed bracts. It is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, inulin, coumarins, terpenes, dietary fibre, enzymes, polysaccharides, minerals and vitamins, and therefore has a wide range of uses, including in the food industry, medicine and biofuels. Several studies have shown that artichokes have properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, hypocholesterolaemic, anti-HIV, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering effects. The aim of this study is to provide a literature review on the phytochemical composition, bioactivity and applications, focusing on the methods of extraction, purification and concentration of enzymes present in artichoke.

Kinetic and stoichiometric parameters in the fed-batch bioreactor production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) by Bacillus megaterium using different carbon sources.

This study investigates the effects of different strategies on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-P(3HB) production in a fed-batch bioreactor by Bacillus megaterium using candy industry effluent (CIE), sucrose, and rice parboiled water (RPW) as carbon sources. In biosynthesis, kinetic and stoichiometric parameters of substrate conversion into products and/or cells, productivity, instantaneous, and specific conversion rates were evaluated. The maximum concentration of P(3HB) was 4.00 g.L-1 (77% of the total dry mass) in 42 h of cultivation in minimal medium/RPW added with a carbon source based on CIE, demonstrating that the fed-batch provided an increase of approximately 22% in the polymer concentration and 32% in the overall productivity in relation to medium based on commercial sucrose. Fed-batch cultivation also had the advantage of avoiding the extra time required for inoculum preparation and sterilization of the bioreactor during the batch, which thereby increased the overall industrial importance of the process. Effluents from the candy, confectionery, and/or rice parboiling industries can be used as alternative substrates for P(3HB) production at a low cost.

Influence of redox potential on the accumulation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) by Bacillus megaterium.

The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) on the production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) by Bacillus megaterium. Each microorganism has an optimal ORP range, and changes to the culture medium's ORP may redistribute the cell's metabolic flux, as such, the measurement and control of the ORP profile allows one to, in a way, manipulate the microbial metabolism, affecting the expression of certain enzymes and allowing for better control over the fermentative process. The ORP tests were carried out in a fermentation vessel coupled with an ORP probe, containing 1 L of mineral medium added with agroindustry byproducts (60% v/v of confectionery wastewater, and 40% v/v of rice parboiling water). The system's temperature was kept at 30 °C, with an agitation speed of 500 rpm. The vessel's airflow rate was controlled via a solenoid pump based on the ORP probe's data. Different ORP values were evaluated to verify their impact on biomass and polymer production. Cultures using OPR levels of 0 mV displayed the highest amounts of total biomass (5.00 g L-1) when compared to - 20 mV and - 40 mV (2.90 g L-1 and 0.53 g L-1, respectively). Similar results were also found for P(3HB)-to-biomass ratio, with polymer concentration being reduced when using ORP levels below 0 mV and with a maximum amount of polymer-to-biomass ratio of 69.87% after 48 h of culture. Furthermore, it was possible to observe that the culture's pH can also affect total biomass and polymer concentration, albeit to a lesser extent. Thus, when considering the data found during this study, it is possible to observe that ORP values can greatly impact B. megaterium cell's metabolism. Furthermore, the measurement and control of ORP levels may be an invaluable asset when trying to maximize polymer production under different culture conditions.

Effect of Extraction Time on the Yield, Chemical Composition, and Antibacterial Activity of Hop Essential Oil Against Lactic Acid Bacteria (Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus casei) Beer Spoilage.

Hop essential oil (EO) generates interest for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, in addition to the volatile compounds that are responsible for the hop aroma in beer. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition, EO yield, and antibacterial activity of hop essential oil from hops of the Chinook variety against lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus casei) at different times of extraction. EO extraction was performed by hydrodistillation at different times. By analyzing the chemical composition by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. The major compounds of hop EO were α-humulene, ß-myrcene, and ß-caryophyllene, and the extraction yields were 0.67, 0.78, and 0.85% mass of EO per mass of hops pelletized hops (m/m), for extractions of 90, 180, and 300 min, respectively. The EO obtained in 90 min was efficient against L. casei at 2.5 mg/mL (MIC) and 5.0 mg/mL (MBC), and the 300 min one against L. brevis at 2.5 mg/mL (MIC) and 25 mg/mL (MBC). The antibacterial activity was affected by the chemical makeup of the oil, revealing that the hop EO extracted in 300 min was the most efficient among the other extraction times.

Recent updates to microbial production and recovery of polyhydroxyalkanoates.

The increasing use of synthetic polymers and their disposal has raised concern due to their adverse effects on the environment. Thus, other sustainable alternatives to synthetic plastics have been sought, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are promising microbial polyesters, mainly due to their compostable nature, biocompatibility, thermostability, and resilience, making this biopolymer acceptable in several applications in the global market. The large-scale production of PHAs by microorganisms is still limited by the high cost of production compared to conventional plastics. This review reports some strategies mentioned in the literature aimed at production and recovery, paving the way for the bio-based economy. For this, some aspects of PHAs are addressed, such as synthesis, production systems, process control using by-products from industries, and advances and challenges in the downstream. The bioplastics properties made them a prime candidate for food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industrial applications. With this paper, it is possible to see that biodegradable polymers are promising materials, mainly for reducing the pollution produced by polymers derived from petroleum.

Malolactic fermentation of lactic acid bacteria isolated from southern Brazilian red wine.

The objective was to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from southern Brazil's wines and investigate their potential as starter cultures for malolactic fermentation (MLF) in Merlot (ME) and Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) wines through the fermentative capacity. The LAB were isolated from CS, ME, and Pinot Noir (PN) wines in the 2016 and 2017 harvests and evaluated for morphological (color and shape of the colonies), genetic, fermentative (increase in pH, acidity reduction, preservation of anthocyanins, decarboxylation of L-malic acid, yield of L-lactic acid, and content of reduced sugars), and sensory characteristics. Four strains were identified as Oenococcus oeni [CS(16)3B1, ME(16)1A1, ME(17)26, and PN(17)65], one as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum [PN(17)75], and one as Paucilactobacillus suebicus [CS(17)5]. Isolates were evaluated in the MLF and compared to a commercial strain (O. oeni), as well as a control (without inoculation and spontaneous MLF), and standard (without MLF). CS(16)3B1 and ME(17)26 isolates finished the MLF for CS and ME wines, respectively, after 35 days, similar to the commercial strain, and CS(17)5 and ME(16)1A1 isolates ended the MLF in 45 days. In the sensory analysis, ME wines with isolated strains received better scores for flavor and overall quality than the control. Compared to the commercial strain, CS(16)3B1 isolate obtained the highest scores for buttery flavor and taste persistence. CS(17)5 isolate received the higher scores for a fruity flavor and overall quality and the lowest for a buttery flavor. The native LAB displayed MLF potential, regardless of the year and grape species from which they were isolated.

Antifungal activity and aroma persistence of free and encapsulated Cinnamomum cassia essential oil in maize.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and antifungal activity of free and encapsulated Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (EO) against Penicillium crustosum, Alternaria alternata, and Aspergillus flavus, and the aroma persistence in maize flour. Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) was identified as the major compound (86 %) in the C. cassia EO. The EO was encapsulated by spray-dryer with 45.26 % efficiency using gum arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) in a ratio of 1:1 (m/m). C. cassia EO showed antifungal activity against A. alternata, A. flavus, and P. crustosum, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5 % for both free and standard TC, and 5 % for the encapsulated EO. Fungal growth inhibition was evaluated under exposition to vapors at different concentrations of C. cassia EO and TC standard, with MIC of 6 % and 8 % against P. crustosum, 4 % and 1 % A. alternata, and 4 % A. flavus, respectively. The sensory analysis results of the free and encapsulated C. cassia EO in maize flour showed a significant difference between the treated samples in relation to the standard sample (p < 0.05). The sample with free EO has high aroma intensity persistence, while the samples treated with encapsulated EO were evaluated as being closer to the standard sample. The results suggest that the encapsulated C. cassia EOs can be used as natural alternatives to control fungi in maize flour.

Technological characteristics of tofu from soybean coagulated with cardoon flower extract.

The objective of the present study was to develop tofu with soybean-water soluble extract coagulated with cardoon flower (F1) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2, F2). The produced tofu was characterized in terms of physical, chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties during 14 days of storage. The yield of F1 was higher (p < 0.05) (195 g/100 soybean seeds) than F2 (162 g/100 soybean seeds). F1 presented higher moisture, protein, acidity, syneresis, and lipids when compared with F2, and a reduction of these contents during the storage. F1 presented lower hardness, stickiness, springiness, and cohesiveness compared with F2. The acceptability of F1 showed a score of 6.00 and F2 of 4.68, and the purchase intention was 3.22 for F1 and 2.23 for F2. This study recommended the use of cardoon flower at 35% level as it has great potential as a coagulant for the elaboration of tofu with higher yield, and acceptability and reasonable purchasing intention.

Active edible films based on green tea extract and gelatin for coating of fresh sausage.

The objective of this work was to develop, characterize and evaluate the application of active edible films based on gelatin and green tea extract in coating of fresh sausages. The green tea extract showed IC50 of 0.088 mg/mL and minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.05 mg/mL for Listeria monocytogenes, 0.025 mg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, 0.04 mg/mL for Escherichia coli, and >1.0 mg/mL for Salmonella enterica serovar Choleraesuis. The formulation with 15% (w/v) of gelatin and 30% (w/w) of glycerol showed better adhesion and appearance in the coating of the product. When using 1.0% of green tea extract, the lowest IC50, was obtained and the antioxidant activity was maintained for 35 days. There was a more accentuated decrease in pH and an increase in acidity and peroxide index in fresh sausages without film compared to those coated with the active film (1.0% of green tea extract) during storage. In addition, it was found that the use of active gelatin film (1.0% of green tea extract) kept the TBARS indexes of fresh sausage samples lower than the standard (without coating) and of films containing only gelatin, after 48 days of storage.

High-sodium maltobionate production by immobilized Zymomonas mobilis cells in polyurethane.

The purpose of this study was the production of maltobionic acid, in the form of sodium maltobionate, by Z. mobilis cells immobilized in polyurethane. The in situ immobilized system (0.125-0.35 mm) was composed of 7 g polyol, 3.5 g isocyanate, 0.02 g silicone, and 7 g Z. mobilis cell, at the concentration of 210 g/L. The bioconversion of maltose to sodium maltobionate was performed with different cell concentrations (7.0-9.0 gimobilized/Lreaction_medium), temperature (30.54-47.46 °C), pH (5.55-7.25), and substrate concentration (0.7-1.3 mol/L). The stability of the immobilized system was evaluated for 24 h bioconversion cycles and storage of 6 months. The maximum concentration of sodium maltobionate was 648.61 mmol/L in 34.34 h process (8.5 gdry_cell/Lreaction_medium) at 39 °C and pH 6.30. The immobilized system showed stability for 19 successive operational cycles of 24 h bioconversion and 6 months of storage, at 4 °C or 22 °C.

Interfacial and emulsifying properties of whey protein concentrate by ultrafiltration.

The aim of this study was to concentrate whey protein by ultrafiltration process, evaluating the pressure at 1-3 bar and temperature of 10-20℃. In the conditions that show the more protein concentration were evaluated the interfacial and emulsifying properties at pH 5.7 and 7.0. The whey concentrate at 10℃ and 1.5 bar showed the higher protein value 36% (w/w), with soluble protein of 33.82% (solubility of 93.94%) for pH 5.7 and 34% (solubility of 94.4%) for pH 7.0, respectively. The whey concentrate powder present particle size distribution between 0.4-110 um. The whey at pH 5.7 and 7.0 was not observed significant differences in the resistance parameters of the oil/water layer interface. The interfacial film formed by the proteins presented an essentially elastic behavior in both pH, and in pH 5.7 the emulsion was more stable with lower diameter droplets. The concentrate whey showed techno-functional properties (emulsification and solubility), which allow the use as ingredients in products of industrial interest in food products such as mayonnaise, ice cream, sauces, and others.

Structural and Techno-Functional Properties of BovineCollagen and Its Application in Hamburgers.

The objective of this work is to characterize two types of bovine collagen (fibre and powder), evaluating its application in mixed hamburger formulations, as well as the quality characteristics of the products. The collagen fibre had a fibrillar structure, molecular mass 100 kDa and greater gel strength (146 315 Pa) and protein content (97.81%) than the powdered collagen, which had molecular mass from 50 to 100 kDa, greater hydroxyproline content, and a morphological structure with spherical microparticles more amorphous than the collagen fibre. In this study we found that the addition of 1.5% powdered collagen and 2.5% flocculated soybean flour and/or 0.75% powdered collagen and 3.5% flocculated soybean flour did not deteriorate the technological properties or the sensory attributes of hamburgers. The use of collagen is a promising alternative, since it has functional properties, improves the texture characteristics of a product, and is of low cost.

High pressure extraction of olive leaves (Olea europaea): bioactive compounds, bioactivity and kinetic modelling.

In this study, the extraction yield, the mathematical modeling of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) kinetics with sub- and supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) of olive leaves (Olea europaea) and the biological activity of the extracts were evaluated. The extraction with PLE was conducted isobarically (10.3 MPa), varying the temperature (20, 40 and 60 °C) and the solvent (ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, ethanol:water-80:20, v:v), solvent flow (2 mL min-1) and time (110 min) and the extractions with SC-CO2, varying the temperature between 20 and 60 °C and the pressure between 8 and 25 MPa, keeping the time constant (210 min) and the CO2 flow of 2 mL min-1. In the extracts, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents and oleuropein were evaluated. The highest total extract yield in the PLE was 30.91% at 60 °C, 10.3 MPa using ethanol:water (80:20, v:v). The yield obtained using the supercritical fluid was 0.68% at 60 °C and 25 MPa. The PLE extract obtained with ethanol at 60 °C presented the highest concentration of total phenolic content (386.42 mg GAE g-1 extract), total flavonoids content (33.43 mg CAT g-1 extract), oleuropein (73.65 mg g-1 extract) and antioxidant activity (82.87%). The overall extraction curves were modeled using the well-established Sovová model and kinetic extraction model based on the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller theory of adsorption. Both kinetic models used were able to correlate well with the experimental data with slightly better results obtained by the former. The alternative PLE extraction technique investigated in this work was found to be suitable for the extraction of olive leaves after short times of extraction obtaining an extract with high biological activities.

Mycotoxins' evaluation in wheat flours used in Brazilian bakeries.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the mycotoxicological quality of wheat flours used by bakeries from the North Region in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, regarding the presence of mycotoxins. On collecting type-1 refined wheat flour, a conglomerate sampling from 13 cities and 3 bakeries per city (n = 39), selected from the defined region was performed. The mycotoxins analysis was using QuEChERS method and UPLC-MS/MS analysis. As a result, 100% of samples presented contamination by DON, with concentrations ranging from 76.7 to 3630.2 µg kg-1 and ZON was found in one sample (26.7 µg kg-1), which represented 2.6% of the analyzed wheat flours. Other mycotoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, DAS, HT-2 toxin, OTA, FB1 and FB2) were not detected in the analyzed samples.

Formulation of chicken sausages with broiler blood proteins and dye.

Dye and proteins recovered from broiler blood were used in the formulation of chicken sausages in substitution of soy proteins and synthetic dyes. Three formulations of chicken sausages were prepared: standard, liquid plasma, and freeze-dried plasma. The application of protein and blood dye in the formulation of sausages and sensory analysis followed the Brazilian legislation. Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory attributes of sausages were evaluated during 60. All the formulations met the physicochemical and microbiological requirements. Considering the sensory analysis, sausages prepared using freeze-dried plasma presented significant difference from the standard sausage. There was no significant difference in the acceptance between the standard and liquid plasma sausages. Therefore, the use of such byproducts can add value to meat products without any adverse effect consumers acceptability.

Water absorption and dripping of chicken breast and carcasses during pre-cooling in an industrial system.

This study aimed to evaluate the parameters that influence the water absorption and drip of chicken carcasses due to the processing and pre-cooling of the meat in an industrial chiller. A total of 1,179 chickens were sampled during industrial processing to evaluate the influence of variables, validate the parameters, and conduct histological analysis. The best parameters for guaranteeing absorption levels and drip tests within acceptable limits on chicken carcasses were total residence time of 60 min (in the pre-chiller, chiller 1, and chiller 2); air pressure of chillers at 0.5 bar; the abdominal opening of carcasses at a maximum of 2 cm. These parameters did not influence the protein content, moisture/protein ratio, pH, or lipid content. The validation of the parameters and the histological analysis performed after each cooling stage showed that the most significant structural changes occurred in the pre-chiller, where the temperature of carcasses and water was higher, which contributes to greater absorption.