Development of ternary polymeric films based on cassava starch, pea flour and green banana flour for food packaging.

The development of alternative materials to replace plastics used in food packaging is an important approach to reducing environmental pollution and minimizing harmful impacts on ecosystems. In this study, biopolymeric films were formulated using cassava starch (Manihot esculenta Crantz), pea flour (Pisum sativum) and green banana flour (Musa sp.) to obtain a material for application in food packaging. The influence of a plasticizer on the optical and physicochemical properties of the films was analyzed and the synergy between higher concentrations of starch and plasticizer resulted in films with low opacity. In addition, the morphology, thermal, mechanical and barrier properties were examined. The film with the best formulation (p < 0.05) contained 12 g cassava starch, 3.6 g pea flour and 30 % glycerol (the maximum levels of the experiment). This film presented average values of thickness, moisture, solubility, opacity, maximum strength (F), maximum tensile stress (σ), elongation at break (ε) and elasticity (E) of 0.47 mm, 19.95 %, 87.45 %, 20.93 %, 9.30 N, 1.75 MPa, 30.10 % and 5.93 %, respectively. This research demonstrates the potential application of films obtained by combining starches from different sources. The sustainable production of environmentally-friendly packaging provides an alternative to fossil-based plastics, which have well-documented adverse effects on the environment.

Physical and nutritional conditions for optimized production of bacteriocins by lactic acid bacteria - A review.

There has been an increasing debate about the use of synthetic chemical compounds and the consequences of their use in food preservation. In this context, the utilization of some natural compounds produced by bacteria, showing an inhibitory effect against microorganisms associated with food contamination, have gained attention as preservation technology. In order to improve the production and yield costs of bacteriocins, detailed studies are necessary to determine the conditions that allow an optimized production and extraction of bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In this context, this article aims to discuss the information regarding the main factors that influence bacteriocin production by LAB. The biosynthesis of bacteriocins can be influenced by various culture conditions, such as the composition of the medium, pH, temperature and growth kinetics of the microorganisms. One of the limiting factors for the use of bacteriocins on a large scale in food preservation is the economic factor. In order for the production costs of bacteriocins to be reduced, making them attractive, it is necessary to know the optimum parameters of production, thus maximizing productivity and making costs more attractive.

Absorção química de dióxido de nitrogênio (NO2) / Chemical absorption of nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

A absorção gasosa é comumente utilizada, nas indústrias de processos, para recuperar/obter compostos com alto valor agregado, bem como para a minimização de poluentes em ambientes aéreos contaminados. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se a influência dos parâmetros de processo para recuperação do NO2, utilizando-se o simulador comercial Process Provision (PRO II®). Com os resultados obtidos observou-se que a fração molar de NO2 no topo da coluna de absorção é praticamente nula. Fato, que levou a estabelecer uma relação entre as taxas de absorção, com reação química, e a capacidade de transferência de massa ao longo da coluna de absorção com pratos. O HNO3 formado pode ser recuperado, podendo vir a ser matéria-prima na fabricação de fertilizantes inorgânicos.