ABSTRACT
Selenium is an essential micronutrient for living beings, as it helps to maintain the normal physiological functions of the organism. The numerous discoveries involving the importance of this element to the health of human beings have fostered interest in research to develop enriched and functional foods. The present study evaluated the potential for bacterial strains of Enterococcus faecalis (CH121 and CH124), Lactobacillus parabuchneri (ML4), Lactobacillus paracasei (ML13, ML33, CH135, and CH139), and Lactobacillus plantarum (CH131) to bioaccumulate Se in their biomass by adding different concentrations of sodium selenite (30 to 200 mg/L) to the culture medium. Quantification of Se with UV and visible molecular absorption spectroscopy showed that the investigated bacteria were able to bioaccumulate this micromineral into their biomass. Two of the L. paracasei strains (ML13 and CH135) bioaccumulated the highest Se concentrations (38.1 ± 1.7 mg/g and 40.7 ± 1.1 mg/g, respectively) after culture in the presence of 150 mg/L of Se. This bioaccumulation potential has applications in the development of dairy products and may be an alternative Se source in the diets of humans and other animals.
Subject(s)
Enterococcus faecalis/metabolism , Lactobacillus/metabolism , Selenium/metabolism , Animals , Cattle , Culture Media/analysis , Culture Media/metabolism , Dairy Products/microbiology , Enterococcus faecalis/genetics , Enterococcus faecalis/growth & development , Humans , Lactic Acid/metabolism , Lactobacillus/growth & development , Sodium Selenite/analysis , Sodium Selenite/metabolismABSTRACT
The present paper describes the validation of a spectrophotometry method involving molecular absorption in the visible ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) region for selenium (Se) determination in the bacterial biomass produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The method was found to be suitable for the target application and presented a linearity range from 0.025 to 0.250â¯mg/L Se. The angular and linear coefficients of the linear equation were 1.0678 and 0.0197â¯mg/L Se, respectively, and the linear correlation coefficient (R2) was 0.9991. Analyte recovery exceeded 96% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) below 3%. The Se contents in LAB ranged from 0.01 to 20â¯mg/g. The Se contents in the bacterial biomass determined by UV-Vis were not significantly different (pâ¯>â¯0.05) those determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Thus, Se can be quantified in LAB biomass using this relatively simpler technique.
Subject(s)
Lactobacillus/chemistry , Selenium/analysis , Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet/methods , Biomass , Spectrophotometry, Atomic/methodsABSTRACT
No Brasil, o número de casos de câncer de pele tem aumentado, representando um considerável problema de saúde pública. Diversos fitocosméticos têm sido desenvolvidos com filtros solares e sob ponto de vista mercadológico a adição de produtos naturais, em particular contendo compostos fenólicos, tem sido alvo de vários estudos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi determinar o Fator de Proteção Solar (FPS) dos extratos etanólico (ET-NOV e ET FEV) e aquoso (AQFEV) das folhas de murici (Byrsonima sericea) e avaliar o seu potencial de aditivação do FPS em uma emulsão contendo o filtro químico metoxicinamato de octila. Foi realizada uma triagem fitoquímica preliminar para cada extrato. O Fator de Proteção Solar (FPS) foi determinado pelo método espectrofotométrico. A triagem fitoquímica revelou a presença de taninos e heterosídeos digitálicos para todos os extratos. O fator de proteção solar (FPS) para os extratos etanólico (ETNOV e ET FEV) e aquoso (AQ-FEV) das folhas do murici (Byrsonima sericea) não foram significativos (FPS 1.44, 1.36 e 0.68, respectivamente). Da mesma forma, a associação do extrato etanólico da folhas da Byrsonima sericea e metoxinamato de octila não mostraram ação sinérgica.
In Brazil, the number of cases of skin cancer has increased, representing a significant public health problem. Various phytocosmetics have been developed with sunscreens and from marketing's point of view the addition of natural products in particular containing phenolic compounds, has been the subject of several studies. The aim of this study was to determine the sun protection factor (SPF) of Birsonima sericea leaves ethanolic extract (ET-NOV and ET-FEV) and aqueous extract (AQFEV)) and assess its potential for additive in SPF in a formulation containing the chemical filter metoxycinamate octyl. The method in vitro used in the calculation of SPF was by spectrophotometry method. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins and glycosides in all the extracts. The sun protection factor (SPF) of B. sericea leaves ethanolic extract (ET-NOV and ET-FEV) and aqueous extract (AQFEV) was not expressive (SPF 1.44, 1.36 and 0.68, respectively). Similarly, the combined emulsion of B. sericea leaves ethanolic extract (ET-NOV) and metoxycinamate octyl not showed synergistic action.
Subject(s)
Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Sun Protection Factor , Spectrophotometry/methodsABSTRACT
This paper describes the investigation and development of a novel magnetic drug delivery nanosystem (labeled as MO-20) for cancer therapy. The drug employed was oncocalyxone A (onco A), which was isolated from Auxemma oncocalyx, an endemic Brazilian plant. It has a series of pharmacological properties: antioxidant, cytotoxic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antiplatelet. Onco A was associated with magnetite nanoparticles in order to obtain magnetic properties. The components of MO-20 were characterized by XRD, FTIR, TGA, TEM and Magnetization curves. The MO-20 presented a size of about 30 nm and globular morphology. In addition, drug releasing experiments were performed, where it was observed the presence of the anomalous transport. The results found in this work showed the potential of onco A for future applications of the MO-20 as a new magnetic drug release nanosystem for cancer treatment.