Bioproducts from Passiflora cincinnata Seeds: The Brazilian Caatinga Passion Fruit.

The present work aimed to obtain bioproducts from Passiflora cincinnata seeds, the Brazilian Caatinga passion fruit, as well as to determine their physical, chemical and biological properties. The seeds were pressed in a continuous press to obtain the oil, which showed an oxidative stability of 5.37 h and a fatty profile rich in linoleic acid. The defatted seeds were evaluated for the recovery of antioxidant compounds by a central rotation experimental design, varying temperature (32-74 °C), ethanol (13-97%) and solid-liquid ratio (1:10-1:60 m/v). The best operational condition (74 °C, 58% ethanol, 1:48) yielded an extract composed mainly of lignans, which showed antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The microencapsulation of linoleic acid-rich oil through spray drying has proven to be an effective method for protecting the oil. Furthermore, the addition of the antioxidant extract to the formulation increased the oxidative stability of the product to 30% (6.97 h), compared to microencapsulated oil without the addition of the antioxidant extract (5.27 h). The microparticles also exhibited favorable technological characteristics, such as low hygroscopicity and high water solubility. Thus, it was possible to obtain three bioproducts from the Brazilian Caatinga passion fruit seeds: the oil rich in linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid), antioxidant extract from the defatted seeds and the oil microparticles added from the antioxidant extract.

Phenolic-rich smoothie consumption ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obesity mice by increasing antioxidant response.

Consumption of foods rich in phenolic compounds can be beneficial for health. This study aimed to examine whether the consumption of a phenolic-rich smoothie, based on juçara, strawberry and banana, ameliorates metabolic status and liver damage of diet-induced obese mice. Forty male C57BL/6J mice were assigned into four groups (n = 10) and fed control diet with free access to water (C) or phenolic-rich smoothie (C-S), or fed high-fat diet with free access to water (HF) or phenolic-rich smoothie (HF-S) for five weeks. HF and HF-S groups had higher body weight gains than the C group, however the HF had a greater adipose index, higher plasma levels of glucose, insulin and leptin, as well as higher plasma and hepatic steatosis than C, C-S and HF-S groups. The liver oxidative stress markers were reduced in C-S and HF-S groups and the activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase were higher compared with their counterparts. The present study suggests that regular consumption of a phenolic-rich smoothie improves the liver antioxidant status, prevents metabolic disorders and ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease caused by high-fat diet consumption.

In vitro gastrointestinal evaluation of a juçara-based smoothie: effect of processing on phenolic compounds bioaccessibility.

In the present work, the bioaccessibility of the main phenolic compounds of a juçara, banana and strawberry homogenized smoothie (control), subjected to pasteurization and sonication, was evaluated. The smoothie was also evaluated in terms of its main chemical and physical characteristics. Pasteurized smoothie showed higher apparent viscosity, as well as higher initial shear stress when compared to the control and sonicated samples. The increase in the apparent viscosity of the pasteurized smoothie was associated with the smaller particle size of this sample (68 µm). These characteristics conferred to the pasteurized smoothie higher physical stability than the control and sonicated smoothies. Phenolic compounds bioaccessibility was higher in the pasteurized and sonicated smoothies than in the control sample, which confirmed the positive effect of the treatments for the preservation of these compounds after gastrointestinal digestion. Compared to the sonication process, the pasteurization provided higher total phenolic compounds bioaccessibility (47%), as well as of ferulic (16%) and ellagic (80%) acids. Antioxidant capacity was higher in gastric digest for all the samples evaluated by ABTS assay. These results confirm the importance of processing on the physical stability and phenolic compounds bioaccessibility of the juçara-based smoothie, standing out the thermally treated product.

Effect of sonication on the quality attributes of juçara, banana and strawberry smoothie.

Effect of sonication on the quality parameters of juçara, banana and strawberry smoothie was evaluated using a rotational central composite design with power (73.5-250.0 W) and time (7-36 min) as independent variables. The sonicated smoothie was evaluated regarding anthocyanins, instrumental color and rheological and physicochemical parameters. Within the evaluated processing conditions, 86% of anthocyanins were retained. The pH and acidity of the smoothie wasn't affected by the independent variables. Regarding instrumental color parameters, only luminosity was affected by the operational conditions. The cavitation phenomenon decreased the apparent viscosity of the smoothie. The sonicated smoothie presented non-Newtonian behavior, with characteristics of a pseudoplastic fluid (n < 1) in all treatments and control. Taking into account that the highest anthocyanin retention was observed at 147 W for 2 min, this condition was the most recommended for the processing of the product.

Hass avocado (Persea americana Mill.) oil enriched in phenolic compounds and tocopherols by expeller-pressing the unpeeled microwave dried fruit.

This study investigated how the quality of avocado oil is affected by the fruit ripening stage and peeling, and the drying process used. Expeller pressed avocado oils were obtained from unripe or ripe pitted avocados after drying peeled or unpeeled pulps by convection oven, microwave or freeze-drying. Oils from the unpeeled microwave dried pulp (from unripe or ripe avocados) showed the highest induction period (54.2-83.6 h) and antioxidant capacity (4.07-5.26 mmol TE/kg), and high amounts (mg/100 g) of α-tocopherol (11.6-21.0), ß-carotene (0.49-0.65) and chlorophyll (44.3-54.0), and unsaponifiable matter (2.48-2.99 g/100 g). Pulp drying process and avocado (un)peeling were the major contributors to the induction period (R2 = 0.61; p = 0.0139) and antioxidant capacity (R2 = 0.62; p = 0.011), and the oils from microwave dried unpeeled pulp were those that presented the best performance. The phenolic composition of these oils improved with ripening and keeping the peel during the pressing process.

Nutrients and bioactive compounds of pulp, peel and seed from umbu fruit / Nutrientes e compostos bioativos de polpa, casca e semente de umbu

ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to evaluate the nutritional composition and bioactive compounds of whole umbu fruit, including pulp, seed and peel, and also of a commercial umbu pulp. Samples of the fractions and of commercial pulp were analyzed for determination of minerals and proximate composition, total phenolic and antioxidant activity. Pulps and peel were also analyzed for vitamin C and carotenoids contents. Commercial pulp presented better nutritional composition than fresh pulp (P<0.05) and the peel presented higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity than seed. Peel also stood out by its vitamin C (79 mg.100 g-1) and total carotenoids (2,751 µg.100 g-1) contents, showing that, as the main barrier of the fruit for its protection, it is a fraction rich in bioactive compounds. The highest dietary fiber and iron contents were observed in umbu seed (P<0.05). Therefore, umbu by-products may be ingredients proper for development of food richer in nutrients and bioactive compounds.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição nutricional e compostos bioativos do umbu, incluindo polpa, semente, casca e uma polpa comercial do fruto. Amostras das frações e da polpa comercial foram analisadas para determinação da composição centesimal e mineral, compostos fenólicos totais e capacidade antioxidante. As polpas e casca também foram analisadas quanto aos teores de vitamina C e carotenoides. A polpa comercial apresentou melhor composição nutricional em comparação com a polpa fresca (P<0,05). A casca do fruto apresentou maior teor de compostos fenólicos e capacidade antioxidante que a semente. A casca também se destacou pelos seus teores de vitamina C (79 mg.100 g-1) e carotenoides totais (2.751 µg.100 g-1), mostrando que, como principal barreira do fruto para sua proteção, é uma fração rica em compostos bioativos. Os maiores teores de fibras e ferro foram observados na semente de umbu (P<0,05). Portanto, os subprodutos do despolpamento do fruto podem ser ingredientes adequados para o desenvolvimento de alimentos mais ricos em nutrientes e compostos bioativos.

Effect of Processing on Bioactive Compounds, Physicochemical and Rheological Characteristics of Juçara, Banana and Strawberry Smoothie.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of processing steps on bioactive compounds and physicochemical and rheological characteristics of a juçara, banana and strawberry smoothie. The product was obtained by mixing the pulps of these fruits in previously defined proportions. The mixture was standardized in a pilot disintegrator, homogenized at 60 MPa in continuous mode and pasteurized at 90 °C for 35 s. The homogenization step increased the concentration of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, major anthocyanins in the smoothie. However, these anthocyanins, as well as perlagonidin-3-O-glucoside, have been reduced (p<0.05) after the pasteurization step. The pasteurization also affected the instrumental color of the smoothie, expressed by Hue angle (p<0.05). Regarding to the rheological behavior, the smoothie, in all processing steps, presented a non-Newtonian fluid behavior with pseudoplastic characteristics (n<1). After homogenization, the smoothie became more fluid and homogeneous. Thus, despite the negative impact of pasteurization on the smoothie's color, the pasteurized product preserves the bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids that are of great importance to human health. Furthermore, the development of this product contributes to add value to the juçara agro-chain and Atlantic Forest preservation.

Colorimetric protein determination in microalgae (Chlorophyta): association of milling and SDS treatment for total protein extraction.

The use of colorimetric methods for protein quantification in microalgae is hindered by their elevated amounts of membrane-embedded intracellular proteins. In this work, the protein content of three species of microalgae was determined by the Lowry method after the cells were dried, ball-milled, and treated with the detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Results demonstrated that the association of milling and SDS treatment resulted in a 3- to 7-fold increase in protein quantification. Milling promoted microalgal disaggregation and cell wall disruption enabling access of the SDS detergent to the microalgal intracellular membrane proteins and their efficient solubilization and quantification.

Cassava Pulp Enzymatic Hydrolysate as a Promising Feedstock for Ethanol Production

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to produce bioethanol from enzymatic hydrolysates of cassava pulp, a by-product of cassava flour manufacturing, using an alcohol-tolerant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain. First, the best operational condition of the starch hydrolysis process was determined through a complete factorial design (24), with triplicates at the central point. The independent variables evaluated were: the concentrations of α-amylase (Termamyl 2X) and glucoamylase (AMG 300L) and both liquefaction and saccharification times. The most favorable hydrolysis condition in the assay was achieved using 0.517 mL AMG.g starch-1 and 0.270 mL Termamyl.g starch-1, with liquefaction and saccharification times of 1 and 2 h, respectively. The broth obtained at this hydrolysis condition contained a high glucose concentration (160 g.L-1). Once the best reaction conditions were determined, fermentation tests were carried out in a 3 L bioreactor, in a batch system, at 30 °C, 100 rpm and pH 5.5, using 3 g.L-1 (dry biomass) of yeast as inoculum. After 24 h of fermentation, an ethanol concentration of 68 g.L-1 was obtained, with 0.48 ethanol yield and 2.83 g.L-1.h-1 productivity. These results indicate the potential use of cassava pulp, a by-product of cassava flour industries in Brazil, as a raw material for bioethanol production.

Linhaça marrom e dourada: propriedades químicas e funcionais das sementes e dos óleos prensados a frio / Brown and golden flaxeed: chemical and functional properties of the seeds and the cold-pressed oils

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a composição química e a capacidade antioxidante das sementes e dos óleos de linhaça marrom e dourada, e avaliar a estabilidade oxidativa dos óleos. Nas sementes, foram determinados: composição centesimal, capacidade antioxidante total e compostos fenólicos totais. Nos óleos, foram determinados: índice de acidez e peróxido, matéria insaponificável, composição em ácidos graxos, tocoferóis, capacidade antioxidante, compostos fenólicos totais e estabilidade oxidativa em quatro condições de estocagem por até um ano. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os tipos de sementes quanto às variáveis investigadas, e ainda entre os óleos quanto ao rendimento da prensagem, composição em ácidos graxos insaturados, índice de acidez, teores de insaponificáveis e compostos fenólicos totais. Apesar do declínio da estabilidade oxidativa de ambos os óleos durante o armazenamento, o óleo de linhaça marrom e os óleos estocados sob refrigeração apresentaram-se mais estáveis. O índice de peróxido foi maior no óleo de linhaça dourada. O teor de tocoferol total e capacidade antioxidante total foram maiores no óleo de linhaça marrom. Contudo, observou-se uma igualdade entre as sementes de ambas as variedades de linhaça e uma superioridade do óleo de linhaça marrom.

The aim of the study was to compare the chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of the brown and golden flaxseed and their cold-pressed oils, and evaluate the oxidative stability of oils. We determined the chemical composition, total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic compounds of the seeds. In the oils we determined acid and peroxide value, unsaponifiable matter, composition of fatty acids and tocopherols, phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and oxidative stability in four storage conditions up to one year. There were no significant differences between the flaxseed types in the analyzed properties and between the oils in terms of yield after pressing, composition of unsaturated fatty acids, acid value, unsaponifiables and phenolic compounds. The oxidative stability of both oils decreased with storage time, however the brown flaxseed oil and the oils stored under refrigeration were more stable. The peroxide value was higher in the golden flaxseed oil. The total tocopherol content and antioxidant capacity were higher in brown flaxseed oil. It was observed equality between the brown and golden flaxseed and a superiority of brown flaxseed oil.

Oxidative stability and sensory evaluation of microencapsulated flaxseed oil.

Cold pressed flaxseed oil was microencapsulated by spray drying using an emulsion containing modified starch. The fatty acid composition, moisture, water activity, wettability, water holding capacity, water solubility, crystallinity, and particle size distribution of the microcapsules were determined. The stability of the microcapsules and the crude oil were assessed. An acceptance test was used for the sensory evaluation of a powdered supplement containing the microcapsules. The fatty acid composition was not significantly affected by the microencapsulation. The moisture, water activity, wettability, water solubility and crystallinity were appropriate for dry powders. The microcapsules had no cracks and showed better oxidative stability compared with the crude oil. Storage under vacuum prevented oxidation of the microcapsules. In sensory evaluation, all quality scores of the supplement containing microcapsules were mid-range or higher. The microencapsulation improved the oxidative stability of the oil and this procedure was satisfactorily applied in powdered food.

Sugarcane bagasse enzymatic hydrolysis: rheological data as criteria for impeller selection.

The aim of this work was to select an efficient impeller to be used in a stirred reactor for the enzymatic hydrolysis of sugar cane bagasse. All experiments utilized 100 g (dry weight)/l of steam-pretreated bagasse, which is utilized in Brazil for cattle feed. The process was studied with respect to the rheological behavior of the biomass hydrolysate and the enzymatic conversion of the bagasse polysaccharides. These parameters were applied to model the power required for an impeller to operate at pilot scale (100 l) using empirical correlations according to Nagata [16]. Hydrolysis experiments were carried out using a blend of cellulases, ß-glucosidase, and xylanases produced in our laboratory by Trichoderma reesei RUT C30 and Aspergillus awamori. Hydrolyses were performed with an enzyme load of 10 FPU/g (dry weight) of bagasse over 36 h with periodic sampling for the measurement of viscosity and the concentration of glucose and reducing sugars. The mixture presented pseudoplastic behavior. This rheological model allowed for a performance comparison to be made between flat-blade disk (Rushton turbine) and pitched-blade (45°) impellers. The simulation showed that the pitched blade consumed tenfold less energy than the flat-blade disk turbine. The resulting sugar syrups contained 22 g/l of glucose, which corresponded to 45% cellulose conversion.

Comparaçäo entre os tratamentos com tanase e com gelatina para clarificaçäo do suco de caju (Anacardium occidentale L) / Comparison of the cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L) juice clarification with tannase and gelatin

Comparou-se o tratamento da polpa do caju com tanase e com gelatina, visando à reduçäo da turbidez e do teor de taninos. Os resultados indicaram que a reduçäo das concentraçöes de taninos totais, hidroslisáveis, proantocianidinas e turbidez ficaram em 30 por cento, 50 por cento, 32 por cento e 94 por cento para sucos tratados com gelatina e 46 por cento 88 port cento e 2 por cento e 88 por cento para a bolpa tratada com tanase, respectivamente. Deste modo, o tratamento com gelatina foi eficiente para remoçäo de proantocianidinas, enquanto que o tratamento enzimático foi mais eficiente na reduçäo de taninos hidrolisáveis. Os produtos obtidos näo apresentaram diferenças vissuais. Estudo comparativo de pré-vialidadeeconömica mostrou que o investimento de capital para obtençäo do suco de caju clarificado com enzima é menor que para o suco clarificado com gelatina. Entretanto, o custo de produçäo do suco de caju clarificado com gelatina é menor devido ao preço elevado da enzima tanase