Nanoparticles based on biopolymers improved antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds from jambolan (Syzygium cumini (L.) skeels).

Jambolan (Syzygium cumini L.) is an underutilized fruit rich in bioactive phenolic compounds, specially anthocyanins, but the low stability of these substances and interaction with other compounds in the food matrix limit their application as food additives; nanoencapsulation is the best strategy to overcome these limitations. This study aimed to nanoencapsulate a phenolic-rich jambolan extract using whey proteins and pectin by nanoprecipitation in different antisolvent compositions. Two formulations were synthesized (7.33 % extract, 1.67 % pectin, and 5 % concentrated or isolated whey protein) precipitated in different acetone concentrations (50, 70, and 100 % v/v). SEM showed particles with spherical shape and smooth surface. DLS pointed diameters between 82 nm and 116 nm. FTIR indicated chemical interactions between the materials. Encapsulation efficiency showed high phenolic compounds entrapment in all systems [73.81-84.65 %, p > 0.05]. However, particles precipitated in 50 and 100 % acetone (v/v) showed greater anthocyanins retention [56.89-35.24 %, p < 0.05]. Nanoencapsulation potentiated the antioxidant activity up to 110 % more than the crude extract (p < 0.05). These results show the potential of nanoprecipitation as an effective encapsulation process and the biopolymers combination to produce nanoparticles containing jambolan phenolic compounds to promote their application in foods and health products.

Experimental Protocols Used to Mimic Gastrointestinal Protein Digestion: A Systematic Review.

Bioactive peptides derived from native proteins modulate physiological processes in the metabolic pathways. Given that multiple protocols in the literature mimic the digestion of dietary components, gathering studies that use such models directed at protein digestion processes is critical. This systematic review aimed to gather evidence that adopted adequate experimental models to simulate human protein digestion. The databases searched were PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Embase, Virtual Health Library, and Scopus. A total of 1985 articles were found, resulting in 20 eligible in vitro studies. The Office of Health Assessment and Translation was used to evaluate methodological quality. Seven studies used plant-based protein sources, twelve used animal protein sources, and one used both. The duration of the oral phase varied, although 60% of the studies employed a protein digestion period of 120 min. Amylase, pepsin, and pancreatin enzymes were utilized in 40% of the studies, with pH levels of 7, 3, and 7, respectively, during the oral, gastric, and intestinal phases. The INFOGEST harmonized static model was adopted by 65% of the studies; INFOGEST is the most effective model for simulating gastrointestinal protein processes in humans and can be used to answer several research questions because it describes experimental conditions close to the human physiological situation.

Alternative flours from pulp melons (Cucumis melo L.): Seasonality influence on physical, chemical, technological parameters, and utilization in bakery product.

Fresh vegetables have high water content and low acidity, so drying can extend shelf life, allowing the obtaining of alternative flours for the development of new products. The study aimed to investigate the influence of the melon harvest and off-season on the chemical composition of melon (Cantaloupe, Charentais e Honey Dew) flours and the potential application in products. The flours were evaluated for granulometry, morphology, centesimal composition, lipid and mineral content, total phenolic compound (TPC), antioxidant activity, and technological properties. Cakes containing melon flour were produced to replace wheat flour (0, 25, and 50 %) and evaluated for proximate composition, microbiology, and sensory parameters. Flours were classified as fine-grained (MESH >16), except Charentais off-season (medium - MESH 8-16, and fine-grained - MESH >16), and all presented a rough surface and minimal cell wall ruptures. The harvest homogeneously influenced the humidity, as all the off-season flours showed higher levels [17-22 %] (p < 0.05) due to weather conditions. For TPC, Cantaloupe melon flours from the harvest (CFH) [208 mg/100 g] and off-season [877 mg/100 g] stood out (p < 0.05), and the latter showed greater antioxidant potential [328 µmol TE/g]. Palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acid stood out in all flours, and potassium for minerals (63-78 %) in the harvest and off-season. The harvest and off-season specifically influenced the flour of each variety in swelling power, water solubility, oil absorption, and emulsifying capacity. For cakes with CFH, no thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli were detected, and the mesophilic count was <1.0 CFU/g. The ash, protein, lipid, and fiber contents increased proportionally to melon flour addition (p < 0.05). Sensory acceptance was high for cakes containing 25 and 50 % of CFH [82.78 % and 82.53 %], and most consumers would likely buy the products (4.04 and 3.99) (p < 0.05). The study contributed to knowledge about the seasonality effect and demonstrated the potential use of melon flour in developing new products.

Oil Frying Processes and Alternative Flour Coatings: Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Sensory Parameters of Meat Products.

The frying process changes can be desirable and undesirable, involving the physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory aspects, depending on the food and oil properties and the frying process. In this context, alternative flours emerge as a strategy for adding value to the food since they are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to the variability of ingredients and the full use of food, including residues such as seeds and husks. This narrative review aims to gather current scientific data addressing the alternative flour coatings on breaded meat, mainly chicken, products to evaluate the effects on fried products' nutritional value, physicochemical parameters, and sensory attributes. Scopus, Science Direct, Springer, and Web of Science search bases were used. This review showed that alternative flours (from cereals, legumes, fruits, and vegetables) used as coatings increase water retention and reduce oil absorption during frying, increase fibers and micronutrient content, which are not present in sufficient quantities in commonly used flours due to the refining process. These flours also reduce gluten consumption by sensitive individuals in addition to favoring the development of desirable sensory characteristics to attract consumers. Therefore, frying processes in oil promote a reduction in humidity, an increase in oil absorption and energy content, and a decrease in vitamin content. In this context, coatings based on alternative flours can reduce these adverse effects of the frying process.

Innovative Biomedical and Technological Strategies for the Control of Bacterial Growth and Infections.

Antibiotics comprise one of the most successful groups of pharmaceutical products. Still, they have been associated with developing bacterial resistance, which has become one of the most severe problems threatening human health today. This context has prompted the development of new antibiotics or co-treatments using innovative tools to reverse the resistance context, combat infections, and offer promising antibacterial therapy. For the development of new alternatives, strategies, and/or antibiotics for controlling bacterial growth, it is necessary to know the target bacteria, their classification, morphological characteristics, the antibiotics currently used for therapies, and their respective mechanisms of action. In this regard, genomics, through the sequencing of bacterial genomes, has generated information on diverse genetic resources, aiding in the discovery of new molecules or antibiotic compounds. Nanotechnology has been applied to propose new antimicrobials, revitalize existing drug options, and use strategic encapsulating agents with their biochemical characteristics, making them more effective against various bacteria. Advanced knowledge in bacterial sequencing contributes to the construction of databases, resulting in advances in bioinformatics and the development of new antimicrobials. Moreover, it enables in silico antimicrobial susceptibility testing without the need to cultivate the pathogen, reducing costs and time. This review presents new antibiotics and biomedical and technological innovations studied in recent years to develop or improve natural or synthetic antimicrobial agents to reduce bacterial growth, promote well-being, and benefit users.

Assessment of acute toxicity of crude extract rich in carotenoids from Cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo L.) and the gelatin-based nanoparticles using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model.

Cantaloupe melon is known for its carotenoid-rich orange pulp. However, carotenoids are sensitive to oxygen, light, and heat, potentially reducing their benefits. Nanoencapsulation can preserve these benefits but raises concerns about toxicity. We aimed to assess the safety and bioactive potential of crude extract-rich carotenoids (CE) and nanoparticles based on gelatin loaded with CE (EPG) by investigating parameters such as cardio or neurotoxicity, especially acute toxicity. EPG was obtained by O/W emulsification and characterized by different methods. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to CE and EPG at 12.5 mg/L and 50 mg/L for 96h and were investigated for survival, hatching, malformations, and seven days post fertilization (dpf) larvae's visual motor response. Adult fish underwent behavioral tests after acute exposure of 96h. CE and EPG showed no acute toxicity in zebrafish embryos, and both improved the visual motor response in 7dpf larvae (p = 0.01), suggesting the potential antioxidant and provitamin A effect of carotenoids in cognitive function and response in the evaluated model. Adult fish behavior remained with no signs of anxiety, stress, swimming pattern changes, or sociability that would indicate toxicity. This study highlights the safety and potential benefits of carotenoids in zebrafish. Further research is needed to explore underlying mechanisms and long-term effects.

Nanoparticles Loaded with a Carotenoid-Rich Extract from Cantaloupe Melon Improved Hepatic Retinol Levels in a Diet-Induced Obesity Preclinical Model.

The study evaluated the effect of the carotenoid-rich extract from cantaloupe melon (CE) nanoencapsulated in porcine gelatin (EPG) on hepatic retinol concentration and liver damage scores in Wistar rats with obesity induced by high glycemic index and high glycemic load diet (HGLI diet). For 17 days, animals were fed the HGLI diet. They were divided into three groups and treated for 10 days [HGLI diet + water, HGLI diet + CE (12.5 mg/kg), and HGLI diet + EPG (50 mg/kg)]. The groups were evaluated for dietary intake, retinol, weight variation, hematological parameters, fasting glucose, lipid profile, hepatic retinol concentration, AST/ALT ratio, FIB-4 (Fibrosis-4 Index for Liver Fibrosis), and APRI (AST to Platelet Ratio Index) scores to evaluate the effects on the liver. Animals treated with EPG showed a lower dietary intake (p < 0.05). No significant weight change was detected in the evaluated groups (p > 0.05). The EPG-treated group had significantly higher concentrations (p < 0.05) of hepatic retinol [266 (45) µg/g] than the untreated group [186 (23.8) µg/g] and the one treated with CE [175 (8.08) µg/g]. Liver damage assessment scores did not show significant differences, but the lowest means were observed in the group treated with EPG. The nanoencapsulation of the extract rich in beta-carotene promoted reduced food consumption and increased hepatic retinol without causing significant changes in liver damage scores. Thus, EPG is a candidate for future clinical studies to evaluate the beneficial effects of treating diseases involving vitamin A deficiencies.

Low Cooking Skills Are Associated with Overweight and Obesity in Undergraduates.

Culinary skills are defined as the confidence, attitude, and the application of one's individual knowledge in performing culinary tasks, and their development may be associated with better diet quality and better health status. This study aimed to analyze the association between cooking skills, overweight, and obesity in undergraduates. This is a descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study, with data collected between October 2020 and March 2021, with undergraduate students (n = 823) at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Participants answered the online Brazilian Cooking Skills and Healthy Eating Questionnaire Evaluation, BCSQ, which included socioeconomic information. Logistic regressions were used to assess the associations of cooking skills with overweight and obesity. From the total of the students, 70.8% were female, with a median age of 23 (21-30) years; 43.6% were with overweight or obesity; 48.8% were eutrophic; and 7.7% underweight. Overweight and obesity were significantly associated with low levels of culinary self-efficacy and self-efficacy in the use of fruits, vegetables, and seasonings in the bivariate analysis. The logistic regressions showed that living with other people and eating out were associated with higher chances of overweight and obesity. Sharing the responsibility for preparing meals and a high self-efficacy in the use of fruits, vegetables, and seasonings were associated with lower chances for overweight/obesity. Overall, our study showed that overweight and obesity were associated with lower cooking skills in the studied undergraduates. Therefore, the study demonstrates that culinary skills can be explored in educational programs that aim to reduce overweight/obesity in students.

Prospecting native and analogous peptides with anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential derived from the trypsin inhibitor purified from tamarind seeds.

The study aimed to prospect in silico native and analogous peptides with anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential derived from the trypsin inhibitor purified from tamarind seeds (TTIp). From the most stable theoretical model of TTIp (TTIp 56/287), in silico cleavage was performed for the theoretical identification of native peptides and generation of analogous peptides. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential was investigated through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation between the peptides and binding sites of transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), responsible for the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cell. Five native and analogous peptides were obtained and validated through chemical and physical parameters. The best interaction potential energy (IPE) occurred between TMPRSS2 and one of the native peptides obtained by cleavage with trypsin and its analogous peptide. Thus, both peptides showed many hydrophobic residues, a common physical-chemical property among the peptides that inhibit the entry of enveloped viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, present in specific drugs to treat COVID-19.

Bati Butter as a Potential Substrate for Lipase Production by Aspergillus terreus NRRL-255.

This study evaluated bati butter (Ouratea parviflora) as a substrate for lipase production by solid-state fermentation (SSF) using Aspergillus terreus NRRL-255. A gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector determined the bati butter fatty acid profile. Lipase production and spore count were optimized using a 32 experimental design and evaluated using the response surface methodology. Moreover, the crude enzyme extract was evaluated against different pH, temperature, and activating and inhibitors reagents. Regarding the fatty acids identified, long-chain accounted for 78.60% of the total lipids. The highest lipase production was obtained at 35 °C and 120 h of fermentation, yielding 216.9 U g-1. Crude enzyme extract presented more significant activity at 37 °C and pH 9. ß-Mercaptoethanol increased the enzyme activity (113.80%), while sodium dodecyl sulfate inactivated the enzyme. Therefore, bati butter proved to be a potential substrate capable of inducing lipase production by solid-state fermentation.

Microencapsulation of Probiotics by Oil-in-Water Emulsification Technique Improves Cell Viability under Different Storage Conditions.

Probiotics are associated with health benefits to the host. However, their application can be limited due to a decrease in cell viability during processing, storage, and passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Microencapsulation is a simple and efficient alternative to improve the physical protection and stability of probiotics. The present study aimed to produce and characterize alginate or gelatin-based microparticles containing Lactobacillus acidophilus NRRL B-4495 or Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NRRL B-4496 by oil-in-water (O/W) emulsification and to evaluate the stability under storage conditions. The results showed that L. acidophilus and L. plantarum encapsulated in gelatin (LAEG and LPEG) presented diameters of 26.08 ± 1.74 µm and 21.56 ± 4.17 µm and encapsulation efficiencies of 89.6 ± 4.2% and 81.1 ± 9.7%, respectively. However, those encapsulated in alginate (LAEA and LPEA) showed an encapsulation efficiency of <1.0%. Furthermore, LAEG was stable for 120 days of storage at 5 °C and 25 °C. Therefore, encapsulation in gelatin by O/W emulsification is a promising strategy for protecting and stabilizing probiotic bacteria, enabling future application in foods.

Prospecting in silico antibacterial activity of a peptide from trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seed.

Bacterial infections have become a global concern, stimulating the growing demand for natural and biologically safe therapeutic agents with antibacterial action. This study was evaluated the genotoxicity of the trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seeds (TTI) and the antibacterial effect of TTI theoric model, number 56, and conformation number 287 (TTIp 56/287) and derived peptides in silico. TTI (0.3 and 0.6 mg.mL-1) did not cause genotoxicity in cells (p > 0.05). In silico, a greater interaction of TTIp 56/287 with the Gram-positive membrane (GP) was observed, with an interaction potential energy (IPE) of -1094.97 kcal.mol-1. In the TTIp 56/287-GP interaction, the Arginine, Threonine (Thr), and Lysine residues presented lower IPE. In molecular dynamics (MD), Peptidotrychyme59 (TVSQTPIDIPIGLPVR) showed an IPE of -518.08 kcal.mol-1 with the membrane of GP bacteria, and the Thr and Arginine residues showed the greater IPE. The results highlight new perspectives on TTI and its derived peptides antibacterial activity.

Nanoencapsulation of buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) in porcine gelatin enhances the antioxidant potential and improves the effect on the antibiotic activity modulation.

The present study evaluated the cytotoxicity, antioxidant potential, and antimicrobial effect on the antibiotic activity modulation of gelatin nanoparticles containing buriti oil (OPG). The cytotoxicity analysis was performed on Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells (CHO) using a MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] test. The antioxidant potential of buriti oil and OPG was determined by total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, and the ABTS (2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) test. The modulating antimicrobial activity was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) concentration against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, gentamicin and norflaxacillin. The nanoformulation of OPG did not show a cytotoxic effect on CHO cells and had a higher antioxidant potential than free buriti oil (p<0.05). The combination of antibiotics with free buriti oil and OPG was more efficient in inhibiting E. coli and P. aeruginosa than isolated norfloxacillin and gentamicin (p<0.05). Regarding the inhibition of S. aureus, OPG in combination with norfloxacillin reduced MIC by 50%. Nanoencapsulation was a viable alternative to enhance functionality and adding commercial value to buriti oil.

What are the digestion and absorption models used to reproduce gastrointestinal protein processes?: A protocol for systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Animal, cell, and in vitro studies have been applied to simulate the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and evaluate the behavior of biomolecules. Understanding the peptides and/or proteins stability when exposed to these physiological conditions of the GIT can assist in the application of these molecules in the treatment of diseases such as obesity. This study describes a protocol of systematic reviews to analyze the methodologies that mimic the digestive and absorptive processes of peptides and/or proteins. METHODS: The protocol follows the guidelines described by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes Protocols (PRISMA-P). The search strategies will be applied in the electronic databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Evidence portal, Virtual Health Library, and EMBASE. The intervention group will be formed by in vivo, in cells, and in vitro (gastrointestinal simulating fluids) studies of digestion and absorption of peptides and/or proteins presenting a schedule, duration, frequency, dosages administered, concentration, and temperature, and the control group consisting in studies without peptides and/or proteins. The selection of studies, data extraction, and assessment of the risk of bias will be carried out independently by 2 reviewers. For animal studies, the risk of bias will be assessed by the instrument of the Systematic Review Center for Experimentation with Laboratory Animals (SYRCLE) and the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool will be used to assess the risk of bias in cell studies. RESULTS: This protocol contemplates the development of 2 systematic reviews and will assist the scientific community in identifying methods related to the digestive and absorptive processes of peptides and/or proteins. CONCLUSION: Both systematic reviews resulting from this protocol will provide subsidies for the construction of research related to the clinical application of bioactive peptides and/or proteins. In this context, they will make it possible to understand the gastrointestinal processes during administering these molecules, as the gastrointestinal environment can affect its functionality. Therefore, validating the effectiveness of these protocols is important, as it mimics in vitro biological conditions, reducing the use of animals, being consistent with the reduction, refine and replace program.

Vitamin A Status Improvement in Obesity: Findings and Perspectives Using Encapsulation Techniques.

The association between obesity and vitamin A has been studied. Some studies point to the anti-obesity activity related to this vitamin, carotenoids with provitamin A activity, and carotenoid conversion products. This performance has been evaluated in respect of adipogenesis, metabolic activity, oxidation processes, secretory function, and oxidative stress modulation, showing a new property attributed to vitamin A in preventing and treating obesity. However, vitamin A and its precursors are highly sensitive and easily degraded when subjected to heat, the presence of light, and oxygen, in addition to losses related to the processes of digestion and absorption. In this context, encapsulation presents itself as an alternative capable of increasing vitamin A's stability in the face of unfavorable conditions in the environment, which can reduce its functionality. Considering that vitamin A's status shows a strong correlation with obesity and is an innovative theme, this article addresses the associations between vitamin A's consumption and its precursors, encapsulated or not, and its physiological effects on obesity. The present narrative review points out those recent studies that demonstrate that vitamin A and its encapsulated precursors have the most preserved functionality, which guarantees better effects on obesity therapy.

Antioxidant stability enhancement of carotenoid rich-extract from Cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo L.) nanoencapsulated in gelatin under different storage conditions.

The study evaluated the potential and antioxidant stability of nanoencapsulated carotenoid-rich extract (CE) from Cantaloupe melon (EPG). DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays were used to investigate the nanoencapsulation effect on antioxidant potential. CE and EPG stability were evaluated at 25 °C and 5 °C, with and without light (1600 lx) for 60 days, determining the ß-carotene concentration by UHPLC and antioxidant potential by ABTS. The antioxidant potential of carotenoids increased after nanoencapsulation (57-59%). After 60 days, there was low retention of ß-carotene (0-43.6%) in the CE, mainly at 25 °C light (0.00%) and dark (10.0%), and total loss of activity in the four conditions. EPG preserved the ß-carotene concentration in the dark at 25 °C (99.0%) and in the light (83.1%) and dark (99.0%) at 5 °C, maintaining the antioxidant potential (68.7-48.3%). Therefore, EPG enhanced and stabilized the antioxidant potential of carotenoids, beneficial to human health.

Safety and bioactive potential of nanoparticles containing Cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo L.) carotenoids in an experimental model of chronic inflammation.

The safety and bioactive potential of crude carotenoid extract from Cantaloupe melon nanoencapsulated in porcine gelatin (EPG) were evaluated in a chronic inflammatory experimental model. Animals were fed a high glycemic index and high glycemic load (HGLI) diet for 17 weeks and treated for ten days with 1) HGLI diet, 2) standard diet, 3) HGLI diet + crude carotenoid extract (CE) (12.5 mg/kg), and 4) HGLI diet + EPG (50 mg/kg). General toxicity signals were investigated, considering body weight, food intake, hematological, biochemical parameters, relative weight, morphology, and histopathology of organs. The biochemical parameters indicated the low toxicity of EPG. Acute hepatitis was observed in animals' livers, but CE and EPG groups presented improved tissue appearance. Chronic enteritis was observed in animals, with villi and intestinal glands preservation in the EPG group. The results suggest the safety and the bioactive effect of EPG, possibly related to its anti-inflammatory potential.

Whey protein isolate-gelatin nanoparticles enable the water-dispersibility and potentialize the antioxidant activity of quinoa oil (Chenopodium quinoa).

The quinoa oil presents benefits to health, but its low water dispersibility in the aqueous matrix and instability of bioactive compounds is challenging for food application. This study performed the physicochemical and chemical characterization of quinoa oil and evaluated its water dispersibility and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity after nanoencapsulation in porcine gelatin and combination with whey protein isolate by emulsification O/W technique. Thus, three formulations were obtained: 1) OG-containing quinoa oil and porcine gelatin in aqueous phase 2; 2) OWG1-containing quinoa oil, whey protein isolate, and porcine gelatin in aqueous phase 2; and 3) OWG2-containing quinoa oil and whey protein isolate in aqueous phase 1, and porcine gelatin in aqueous phase 2. The oil characterization showed that quinoa oil presented the predominance of linoleic acid (53.4%), and concentration of alpha and gamma-tocopherol, respectively, of 8.56 and 6.28 mg.100g-1. All formulations presented a smooth surface without depression or cracking, an average diameter between 165.77 and 529.70 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated chemical interaction between the encapsulating agents and the oil in all formulations, being more intensified in OWG1 and OWG2. Based on this, these formulations showed higher dispersibility in aqueous solution [68% (3.48) and 71% (2.97)]. This resulted in higher antioxidant activity for OWG1 and OWG2, showing the amounts that reduces antioxidant activity by 50% equal to 5.30 (0.19) mg/mL and 5.54 (0.27) mg/mL, respectively, compared to quinoa oil [13.36 (0.28) mg/mL] (p < 0.05). Thus, quinoa oil nanoencapsulation proved to be an efficient alternative to enable water-dispersibility and enhance antioxidant activity, increasing its potential for application in the food industry.

Gelatin nanoparticles enable water dispersibility and potentialize the antimicrobial activity of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) oil.

BACKGROUND: Buriti oil presents numerous health benefits, but due to its lipophilic nature and high oxidation, it is impossible to incorporate it into aqueous food matrices. Thus, the present study evaluated whether powder nanoparticles based on porcine gelatin (OPG) and in combination with sodium alginate (OAG) containing buriti oil obtained by O/W emulsification followed by freeze-drying enabled water dispersibility and preserved or increased the antimicrobial activity of the oil. RESULTS: OPG presented spherical shape, smooth surface, smaller particle size and polydispersity index [51.0 (6.07) nm and 0.40 (0.05)], and better chemical interaction between the nonpolar amino acids and the hydrophobic oil chain. OPG also presented a higher dispersibility percentage [85.62% (7.82)] than OAG [50.19% (7.24)] (p < 0.05), and significantly increased the antimicrobial activity of the oil by 59, 62, and 43% for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, nanoencapsulation in gelatin is a promising strategy to increase the potential to use buriti oil in foods.

Nanoencapsulation improved water solubility and color stability of carotenoids extracted from Cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo L.).

Cantaloupe melon carotenoids were encapsulated in porcine gelatin, whey protein isolate and concentrate by emulsification O/W to evaluate which agent could promote an increase in water solubility, and color stability in yogurt. The average particle size obtained was 59.3 (2.60) nm-161.0 (27.30) nm. Encapsulated crude extract in porcine gelatin presented the smallest size and polydispersity index [0.4 (0.04)], and showed sphericity, smooth surface and low agglomeration in SEM. These results associated to the good chemical interaction between the raw materials shown by FTIR, justify the increase in water solubility [0.072 (0.007) mg.mL-1] compared to the crude extract [0.026 (0.003) mg.mL-1]. The yogurt added with this nanoencapsulate remained stable for 60 days, unlike the crude extract. The results show that the nanoencapsulation using gelatin increased water solubility and the potential of application of melon carotenoids in food as natural dyes.