Bioactive Activities of the Phenolic Extract from Sterile Bracts of Araucaria angustifolia.

Sterile bracts can represent 80% of Araucaria angustifolia pinecone and are a rich source of phenolic compounds. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of the phenolic compounds from Araucaria angustifolia bracts using response surface methodology; the bioactivity properties were also investigated. The effects of the ethanol concentration, solute/solvent ratio, and temperature in relation to the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The quantification and identification of the individual phenolic compounds (using high-performance liquid chromatography) and their bioactivity were evaluated. The optimized extraction conditions, which detected gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, and kaempferol, were obtained using 60% ethanol at a ratio of 1:38 (w/v) and a temperature of 80 °C. The extract showed high levels of phenolic classes and antioxidant activity. The extract also showed an inhibitory activity for pathogenic (approximately 80%, 10,000 µg/mL) and lactic acid (27.9%, 15,000 µg/mL) bacteria strains. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was approximately ten times greater than acarbose, demonstrating its high antiglycemic potential. No antioxidant and anti-inflammatory cellular activity were determined; however, a high cytotoxicity for non-tumor cells and the antiproliferative activity against the tumor cells were observed. Overall, the phenolic extract showed promising action in relation to the fight against the diseases related to oxidative stress and, hopefully, the application of the safe concentrations of the extract, based on bioavailability assays, can be verified.

Pre milling debranning of wheat with a commercial system to improve flour quality.

In the present study wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars were treated with industrial debranning step pre-milling both in a laboratory and a commercial mill to evaluate the benefits of this technology. Different levels of removal of wheat external layers were made (0 to 6%) and the results showed improved color of the flours (0.22 L* value units). Ash contents increased by 8.6% with debranning level, as a result of incorporating high ash aleurone layer in the resulted flour. The α-amylase activity was reduced by 33.8% and 19.8%, for the wheat and flour, respectively. Another benefit was the dropping of 70.6% of the deoxynivalenol (DON) levels. The experimental baking of flours produced with a wheat mix made up 40% Quartzo, 40% Baguette and 20% CD 150 varieties in a commercial mill after debranning resulted in breads with lighter crumb and crust color.

Bioactive compounds recovered from apple pomace as ingredient in cider processing: monitoring of compounds during fermentation.

The apple pomace-industrial residue of apple beverages manufacture-presents 42-58% of the phenolic content of fresh fruit. As the phenolic composition influences the quality of ciders, it is very relevant to monitor the evolution of these compounds during the industrial process. Therefore, this research aim was to monitor the cider composition with the addition of phenolic extract from apple pomace during the fermentation. Two treatments, S1 (without extract) and S2 (with added extract), were evaluated during 15 days of fermentation. After 15 fermentation days, the sample S2 presented an increase of 23% in total phenolic compounds and 40% in flavonoids without harm to the fermentation kinetics. Concerning the evolution of monomeric phenolic compounds, the phenolic acids in S1 and S2 presented a similar trend during the fermentation period. Enzymatic hydrolysis reactions resulted in the chlorogenic acid content decreasing, in line with increased levels of caffeic acid. Phloridzin and quercetin glycosides content showed the greatest increase in S2. The final product S2 presented higher antioxidant activity and some sensorial characteristics (astringency, bitterness and colour) were accentuated. This work shows that phenolic compounds added were maintained during the process and it did not prejudice the fermentation reactions. Therefore, this is a good alternative to valorize apple pomace and improve the functional and sensorial quality of the cider.

Assessment of physicochemical, textural and microbiological properties of brazilian white mold surface-ripened cheeses: a technological approach / Avaliação das propriedades físico-químicas, de textura e microbiológicas de queijos brasileiros maturados com mofo branco: uma abordagem tecnológica

ABSTRACT: There are no specific technical regulations regarding the identity and quality of white mold surface-ripened cheeses in Brazil. These cheeses are sold both whole (Camembert-type) and in wedges (Brie-type). The aim of the study was to evaluate the physical and chemical properties; technological parameters and microbiological safety of 20 whole cheeses (Camembert-type) and 16 cheese wedges (Brie-type) produced in Brazil. Samples showed a wide range in sodium (91.0-731.0 mg/100 g, cheeses wedges) and calcium (238.0-1100.0 mg/100g, whole cheeses) contents. The cheese groups presented no significant differences in relation to the majority of the analyzed parameters. Listeria monocytogenes was reported in 5% of the whole cheese samples. The other microbiological parameters were in accordance with the current legislation, RDC no 12/2001 of Anvisa. The comparative assessments between these two cheeses indicated that they are different. In addition, the wide range of results indicated a lack of processing standardization. The mean values of the physicochemical and textural parameters should be considered as recommended for these cheeses in Brazil.

RESUMO: No Brasil, não há uma regulamentação técnica específica sobre a identidade e qualidade de queijos maturados com mofo branco na superfície. Estes queijos são comercializados inteiros (tipo Camembert) e em cunhas (tipo Brie). O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar as propriedades físicas e químicas; parâmetros tecnológicos e marcadores microbiológicos de 20 queijos inteiros (tipo Camembert) e 16 cunhas de queijo (tipo Brie) produzidos no Brasil. Os teores de sódio e cálcio apresentaram elevada amplitude (8,0 e 4,6 vezes o valor mínimo, respectivamente). Os valores médios destes queijos não apresentaram diferenças significativas em relação à maioria dos parâmetros analisados. Listeria monocytogenes foi encontrada em 5% das amostras de queijo tipo Camembert. Os demais parâmetros microbiológicos estavam de acordo com a legislação vigente, RDC no 12/2001 da Anvisa. Esta avaliação comparativa entre estes dois queijos indica que são diferentes. Além disso, os valores com elevada amplitude correspondem a falta de padronização do processamento. Os valores médios poderiam ser considerados como recomendados para estes queijos no Brasil.

Effect of cryoconcentration process on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in apple juice.

BACKGROUND: Freeze concentration is an alternative process where bioactive compounds are preserved during the processing of juice concentrates. This study proposed a simple and cheaper cryoconcentration process assisted by centrifugation in apple juice. RESULTS: The levels of phenolics increased significantly (P < 0.05) with each freeze concentration cycle that was performed. Furthermore, the process resulted in an average increase in the concentration of phenolics of 1.9, 2.9 and 3.8 times for the first, second and third steps of the concentration, respectively. In relation to phenolics, the antioxidant potential, which was evaluated by radical scavenging activity and reduction power, also increased with the cryoconcentration steps. The influence of the phenolics on the in vitro antioxidant activity was confirmed by a significant correlation between the antioxidant assays and total phenolics, flavonoids, flavan-3-ols, and flavonols (r > 0.70). CONCLUSION: The increase in antioxidant activity may have been attributed to the increase in the phenolic compounds in the apple juices because of the cryoconcentration process. Therefore, this could be an excellent natural product to supplement and enrich blends, juices, ciders, smoothies, and jams in order to improve the sensorial, nutritional and antioxidant properties. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Identification and selection of non-Saccharomyces strains isolate from brazilian apple must / Identificação e seleção de leveduras não-Saccharomyces isoladas de mostos de maçãs brasileiras

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to know the biodiversity of non-Saccharomyces yeasts in Brazilian apples must with potential to improve of the aromatic quality of ciders. The strains were isolated from thirty-five (35) Gala and Fuji apple musts from different locations from south region of Brazil. Forty-five (45) strains were isolate and identified by PCR analysis. Results indicated ten (10) species: Candida oleophila, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Clavispora lusitaniae, Hanseniaspora guilliermondii, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Lodderomyces elongisporus, Pichia anomala, Pichia fermentans and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. The genus Rhodotorula sp., Lodderomyces sp. and Clavispora sp. constituted 71.2% of the strains identified. The following strains, C. oleophila, R. mucilaginosa, P. fermentans, H. uvarum and H. guilliermondii were selected in qualitative tests due the fruity aroma production by trained team in the aromatic assessment of cider.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a biodiversidade de leveduras não-Saccharomyces em maçãs com potencial para a melhoria da qualidade aromática da sidra brasileira. As cepas foram isoladas de trinta e cinco (35) mostos de maçã Gala e Fuji de diferentes locais da região Sul do Brasil. Quarenta e cinco (45) cepas foram isoladas e identificadas por análise de PCR. Os resultados indicaram dez (10) espécies: Candida oleophila, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Clavispora lusitaniae, Hanseniaspora guilliermondii, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Lodderomyces elongisporus, Pichia anomala, Pichia fermentans e Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. Três desses gêneros (Rhodotorula sp., Lodderomyces sp. e Clavispora sp.) juntos constituíram 71,2% das cepas identificadas. Entre estas cepas, C. oleophila, R. mucilaginosa, P. fermentans, H. uvarum e H. guilliermondii foram selecionadas em teste qualitativo devido a produção de aroma frutado, indicando potencial para a produção de compostos aromáticos na sidra.

Distribution of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in apples tissues during ripening.

The effect of variety and ripening stage on the distribution of phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant capacity of Gala, Fuji Suprema and Eva apples were evaluated. Hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, flavanols, flavonols, dihydrochalcones and antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH) were assessed in the epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp of three varieties at three ripening stages (unripe, ripe and senescent). The Fuji Suprema variety distinguished by its content of flavonols at senescent stage, while Eva variety distinguished by its content of dihydrochalcones (unripe stage) and anthocyanins (ripe stage). In general, phenolic acids and flavonoids decreased with ripening in the epicarp and endocarp. However, in the mesocarp, the effect of ripening was related with the apple variety. Hierarchical cluster analysis confirmed the influence of ripening in the apple tissue. The evolution of these compounds during ripening occurred irregularly and it was influenced by the variety.

Quality assessment of white mold-ripened cheeses manufactured with different lactic cultures.

BACKGROUND: White mold-ripened cheeses were investigated with the objective of proposing a colorimetric method to monitor the surface growth of Penicillium candidum and to evaluate the influence of the mesophilic (homofermentative (QMO) and heterofermentative (QMLD)) and thermophilic (QT) starter cultures on the physicochemical composition and sensory description. RESULTS: The whiteness index was effective in proving the appearance of superficial mycelium and the stability of white mold growth. The lactic cultures showed significant influence on most of the physicochemical analyses. The cheese made with thermophilic lactic culture had a 1 day gain in the growth of mycelium on the surface; nevertheless, the appearance of this product was potentially not acceptable for consumers. The heterofermentative mesophilic cheese had a better appearance and texture profile. However, the homofermentative mesophilic cheese showed aspects of fresh cheese and was acceptable for a wide range of consumers. CONCLUSION: The whiteness index was efficient to monitor the surface growth of P. candidum. The highest proteolytic effect was found in the QMLD and QT cultures. However, the cheese elaborated with the QMLD culture showed the best sensory acceptance. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Optimisation of the extraction of phenolic compounds from apples using response surface methodology.

The extraction of phenolic compounds from apples was optimised using response surface methodology (RSM). A Box-Behnken design was conducted to analyse the effects of solvent concentration (methanol or acetone), temperature and time on the extraction of total phenolic content, total flavonoids and antioxidant capacity (FRAP and DPPH). Analysis of the individual phenolics was performed by HPLC in optimal extraction conditions. The optimisation suggested that extraction with 84.5% methanol for 15 min, at 28 °C and extraction with 65% acetone for 20 min, at 10 °C were the best solutions for this combination of variables. RSM was shown to be an adequate approach for modelling the extraction of phenolic compounds from apples. Most of the experiments with acetone solutions extracted more bioactive compounds, and hence they had more antioxidant capacity, however, chlorogenic acid and phloridzin had higher yields (32.4% and 48.4%, respectively) in extraction with methanol.

Apple wine processing with different nitrogen contents

The aim of this work was to evaluate the nitrogen content in different varieties of apple musts and to study the effect of different nitrogen concentrations in apple wine fermentation. The average total nitrogen content in 51 different apples juices was 155.81 mg/L, with 86.28 percent of the values above 100 mg/L. The apple must with 59.0, 122.0 and 163.0 mg/L of total nitrogen content showed the maximum population of 2.05x 10(7); 4.42 x 10(7) and 8.66 x 10(7) cell/mL, respectively. Therefore, the maximum fermentation rates were dependent on the initial nitrogen level, corresponding to 1.4, 5.1 and 9.2 g/L.day, respectively. The nitrogen content in the apple musts was an important factor of growth and fermentation velocity.