Rigid polyurethane biofoams filled with chemically compatible fruit peels

Banana and bergamot peels are underutilized byproducts of the essential oil and juiceprocessing industry. This study was designed for the development of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) composites using polysaccharide-rich fruit peels as fillers. These fillers were characterized for chemical properties using wet analyses. Additionally, the influences of the filler type and filler content on morphological, thermal, mechanical, hygroscopic, and colorimetric properties of the RPUF were investigated. The main results indicated that, in a comparison with the neat RPUF, the insertion of up to 15% of fillers yielded similar water uptake, apparent density, compressive strength, and color properties, as well as increases up to 115% in thermal stability and up to 80% in cell size

Revestimento comestível antimicrobiano e aromático na conservação de abacaxi minimamente processado

The present research aimed to develop an edible coating incorporated with mint essential oil, evaluate its effectiveness in inhibiting in vitro microbial development, and improve both quality and shelf-life of fresh-cut pineapple. Mint essential oil-containing edible coatings showed in vitro antimicrobial efficiency against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Enteritidis. Titratable acidity, pH, and texture were not affected (P>0.05) by coating or storage time. Mass loss was not higher than 1.0% after the 6th day of storage. No effect of storage time and coating on total soluble solids was observed. Mint essential oil-containing coatings inhibited the growth of yeasts and molds in fresh-cut pineapple. Compared to uncoated and control-coated samples, mint essential oil-containing coatings lessened psychrotrophic bacteria counts throughout storage. Counts of thermotolerant coliforms were not higher than 3.0MPN·g-1 in all treatments, whereas no Salmonella sp. was detected during the 6-day storage. Mint essential oil provided a strong flavor to the fruit, as shown by sensory evaluations44611191125CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFINANCIADORA DE ESTUDOS E PROJETOS - FINEPFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE MINAS GERAIS - FAPEMIGSem informaçãoSem informaçãoSem informaçãoSem informaçãoO objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um revestimento comestível incorporado com óleo essencial de hortelã, bem como avaliar sua eficiência antimicrobiana in vitro e em abacaxi minimamente processado. Revestimentos contendo óleo essencial de hortelã mostraram eficiência antimicrobiana in vitro contra Escherichia coli e Salmonella Enteritidis. O pH, a acidez titulável e a textura não foram afetadas (P>0.05) pelos tratamentos durante o armazenamento. A perda de massa dos abacaxis de todos os tratamentos não ultrapassou 1.0% após 6 dias de armazenamento. O tempo e os diferentes revestimentos não afetaram (P>0,05) o teor de sólidos solúveis totais dos abacaxis. Revestimentos contendo óleo essencial de hortelã foram capazes de inibir o crescimento de fungos e leveduras em abacaxi minimamente processado, quando comparado aos frutos sem revestimento e com revestimento controle. Frutos com revestimento contendo óleo essencial de hortelã apresentaram menor contagem de psicrotróficos no final do armazenamento. A contagem de coliformes termotolerantes foi menor que 3.0NMP·g-1 para todos os tratamentos e não foi detectada presença de Salmonella sp. durante o período de armazenamento. A presença de óleo essencial de hortelã conferiu forte sabor aos abacaxi

Study and optimization of edible polymeric biocomposites reinforced with cellulose fibers

The ever-growing environmental concern arising from the unrestricted exploitation of fossil raw materials for the massive production of non-biodegradable materials, guided by the rapid increase in the world population as well as in the demand for foodstuffs, encourages research on alternative materials from renewable sources. Herein, edible biocomposites based on peach puree or carrot processing waste (CPW) were produced. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and cellulose fibers were added to play ligand and mechanical reinforcement roles, respectively. Previously, the film-forming components were comprehensively studied separately. The effects of HPMC chemical structure were investigated in order to choose a grade – Methocel® E4M – that leads to suitable physical-mechanical performance. Cellulose fibers were miniaturized by high-pressure microfluidization and its dispersion within the HPMC matrix was optimized through a central composite design (CCD). Seven microfluidization cicles were found to be ideal for the mechanical reinforcement of the matrix. Once the behaviors of miniaturized cellulose fibers, peach puree, and CPW in the HPMC matrix were elucidated, ternary mixture designs were carried out to set up correlations among biocomposites’ formulations and their mechanical properties. Optimized formulations were used to produce (i) biodegradable biocomposites featuring suitable physical-mechanical properties for packaging applications – using CPW, HPMC, and cellulose fibers – and (ii) edible bioplastics having unique sensory and nutritional characteristics by means of combining peach puree and HPMC. Finally, the production protocols of both materials were successfully scaled-up towards a pilot scale through a continuous casting approach, being the influence of the processing protocols on materials’ properties investigated.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)A crescente preocupação ambiental desencadeada pela exploração exacerbada de matérias-primas fósseis para a produção de grandes volumes de materiais não biodegradáveis, impulsionada pelo crescimento acelerado da população mundial e da demanda por alimentos, motiva a pesquisa em materiais alternativos oriundos de fontes renováveis. Neste trabalho, biocompósitos comestíveis baseados em polpa de pêssego ou resíduo do processamento mínimo de cenoura (RPMC) foram produzidos. Para tal, hidroxipropilmetilcelulose (HPMC) e fibras de celulose foram adicionados como agentes ligante e de reforço, respectivamente. Antes, porém, os componentes filmogênicos foram extensivamente estudados de forma isolada. Investigaram-se os efeitos da estrutura química da HPMC de modo a selecionar um grade adequado – Methocel® E4M – do ponto de vista de desempenho físico-mecânico. As fibras de celulose foram cominuídas por microfluidização a alta pressão – 138 MPa –, sendo sua dispersão na matriz de HPMC otimizada através de delineamento composto central rotacional (DCCR). Concluiu-se que sete é o número de ciclos de microfluidização ideal para o reforçamento mecânico da matriz. Após compreender os efeitos isolados das fibras de celulose cominuídas, da polpa de pêssego e do RPMC na matriz de HPMC, experimentos de mistura ternários foram conduzidos para estabelecer correlações entre as formulações de biocompósitos e suas propriedades mecânicas. Formulações otimizadas foram selecionadas para produzir (i) biocompósitos biodegradáveis com desempenhos físico-mecânicos adequados à aplicações em embalagens, utilizando RPMC, HPMC e fibras de celulose, e (ii) bioplásticos comestíveis com propriedades nutricionais e sensoriais únicas através da combinação de polpa de pêssego e HPMC. Por fim, a produção de ambos os materiais foi escalonada com sucesso para a escala piloto por meio de uma abordagem contínua de casting, sendo a influência do processamento nas propriedades dos materiais finais estudada.FAPESP: 14/23098-9FAPESP: 13/14366-

Cubosome-carrying bacterial cellulose membrane as a versatile drug delivery platform

Using advanced nanotechnology membranes has opened up new possibilities in the field of biomedicine, particularly for controlled drug delivery and especially for topical use. Bacterial cellulose membranes (BCM), particularly, have gained prominence owing to their distinctive attributes, including remarkable water retention, safety, biodegradability, and tunable gas exchange. However, they are aqueous matrices and, for this reason, of limited capacity for incorporation of apolar compounds. Cubosomes are lipid nanoparticles composed of a surfactant bicontinuous reverse cubic phase, which, owing to their bicontinuous structure, can incorporate both polar and apolar compounds. Therefore, these particles present a promising avenue for encapsulating and releasing drugs and biomolecules due to their superior entrapment efficiency. In this study, we aim to extend earlier investigations using polymeric hydrogels for cubosome immobilization, now using BCMs, a more resilient biocompatible matrix. Phytantriol cubosome-loaded BCMs were prepared by three distinct protocols: ex situ incorporation into wet BCMs, ex situ incorporation by swelling of dry BCMs, and an in situ process with the growth of BCMs in a sterile medium already containing cubosomes. Our investigation revealed that these methodologies ensured that cubosomes remained integral, uniformly distributed, and thoroughly dispersed within the membrane, as confirmed using Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) and high-resolution confocal microscopy. The effective incorporation and sustained release of diclofenac were validated across the different BCMs and compared with hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel in our previous studies. Furthermore, the resistance against cubosome leaching from the three BCM and HA hydrogel samples was quantitatively evaluated and contrasted. We hope that the outcomes from this research will pave the way for innovative use of this platform in the incorporation and controlled release of varied active agents, amplifying the already multifaceted applicability of BCMs

Rigid Polyurethane Biofoams Filled with Chemically Compatible Fruit Peels

Banana and bergamot peels are underutilized byproducts of the essential oil and juice-processing industry. This study was designed for the development of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) composites using polysaccharide-rich fruit peels as fillers. These fillers were characterized for chemical properties using wet analyses. Additionally, the influences of the filler type and filler content on morphological, thermal, mechanical, hygroscopic, and colorimetric properties of the RPUF were investigated. The main results indicated that, in a comparison with the neat RPUF, the insertion of up to 15% of fillers yielded similar water uptake, apparent density, compressive strength, and color properties, as well as increases up to 115% in thermal stability and up to 80% in cell size

Deconstruction and Reassembly of Renewable Polymers and Biocolloids into Next Generation Structured Materials

| openaire: EC/H2020/788489/EU//BioELCellThis review considers the most recent developments in supramolecular and supraparticle structures obtained from natural, renewable biopolymers as well as their disassembly and reassembly into engineered materials. We introduce the main interactions that control bottom-up synthesis and top-down design at different length scales, highlighting the promise of natural biopolymers and associated building blocks. The latter have become main actors in the recent surge of the scientific and patent literature related to the subject. Such developments make prominent use of multicomponent and hierarchical polymeric assemblies and structures that contain polysaccharides (cellulose, chitin, and others), polyphenols (lignins, tannins), and proteins (soy, whey, silk, and other proteins). We offer a comprehensive discussion about the interactions that exist in their native architectures (including multicomponent and composite forms), the chemical modification of polysaccharides and their deconstruction into high axial aspect nanofibers and nanorods. We reflect on the availability and suitability of the latter types of building blocks to enable superstructures and colloidal associations. As far as processing, we describe the most relevant transitions, from the solution to the gel state and the routes that can be used to arrive to consolidated materials with prescribed properties. We highlight the implementation of supramolecular and superstructures in different technological fields that exploit the synergies exhibited by renewable polymers and biocolloids integrated in structured materials.Peer reviewe

Cogrinding Wood Fibers and Tannins: Surfactant Effects on the Interactions and Properties of Functional Films for Sustainable Packaging Materials

| openaire: EC/H2020/788489/EU//BioElCellWe report on the combination of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and condensed tannins from Acacia mearnsii for the development of hybrid, functional films. The tannins are fractionated and concentrated in polyphenolics that are used for functional components in the hybrid materials. Cogrinding of wood fibers with the tannins in aqueous media allows simultaneous fiber deconstruction and in situ binding of tannins on the freshly exposed cellulosic surfaces. Hence, a tightly bound bicomponent system is produced, which is otherwise not possible if typical adsorption protocols are followed, mainly due to the extensive hydration typical of CNFs. A nonionic surfactant is used to tailor the cellulose-tannin interactions. The proposed strategy not only enables the incorporation of tannins with CNFs but also endows a high and prolonged antioxidant effect of films formed by filtration. Compared to tannin-free films, those carrying tannins are considerably more hydrophobic. In addition, they show selective absorption of ultraviolet light while maintaining optical transparency in the visible range. The proposed simple protocol for incorporating tannins and surfactants with CNFs is suitable to produce functional materials. This is possible by understanding associated interfacial phenomena in the context of sustainable materials within the concept of the circular bioeconomy.Peer reviewe

Revestimento comestível antimicrobiano e aromático na conservação de abacaxi minimamente processado

The present research aimed to develop an edible coating incorporated with mint essential oil, evaluate its effectiveness in inhibiting in vitro microbial development, and improve both quality and shelf-life of fresh-cut pineapple. Mint essential oil-containing edible coatings showed in vitro antimicrobial efficiency against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Enteritidis. Titratable acidity, pH, and texture were not affected (P>0.05) by coating or storage time. Mass loss was not higher than 1.0% after the 6th day of storage. No effect of storage time and coating on total soluble solids was observed. Mint essential oil-containing coatings inhibited the growth of yeasts and molds in fresh-cut pineapple. Compared to uncoated and control-coated samples, mint essential oil-containing coatings lessened psychrotrophic bacteria counts throughout storage. Counts of thermotolerant coliforms were not higher than 3.0MPN·g-1 in all treatments, whereas no Salmonella sp. was detected during the 6-day storage. Mint essential oil provided a strong flavor to the fruit, as shown by sensory evaluations.O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um revestimento comestível incorporado com óleo essencial de hortelã, bem como avaliar sua eficiência antimicrobiana in vitro e em abacaxi minimamente processado. Revestimentos contendo óleo essencial de hortelã mostraram eficiência antimicrobiana in vitro contra Escherichia coli e Salmonella Enteritidis. O pH, a acidez titulável e a textura não foram afetadas (P>0.05) pelos tratamentos durante o armazenamento. A perda de massa dos abacaxis de todos os tratamentos não ultrapassou 1.0% após 6 dias de armazenamento. O tempo e os diferentes revestimentos não afetaram (P>0,05) o teor de sólidos solúveis totais dos abacaxis. Revestimentos contendo óleo essencial de hortelã foram capazes de inibir o crescimento de fungos e leveduras em abacaxi minimamente processado, quando comparado aos frutos sem revestimento e com revestimento controle. Frutos com revestimento contendo óleo essencial de hortelã apresentaram menor contagem de psicrotróficos no final do armazenamento. A contagem de coliformes termotolerantes foi menor que 3.0NMP·g-1 para todos os tratamentos e não foi detectada presença de Salmonella sp. durante o período de armazenamento. A presença de óleo essencial de hortelã conferiu forte sabor aos abacaxis.1119112

CO2 -enriched atmosphere and supporting material impact the growth, morphophysiology and ultrastructure of in vitro Brazilian-ginseng [Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen] plantlets

This study aimed to evaluate under photoautotrophic conditions the effect of CO2-enriched atmosphere (360 or 1,000 μmol CO2 mol−1 air) combined with two substrate types (agar or Florialite®) in vitro on plants of Pfaffia glomerata, an endangered medicinal species with promising applications in phytotherapy and phytomedicine. The effects of the treatments on the growth, stomatal density, Rubisco activity, carbon isotopic discrimination, metabolite accumulation, photosynthetic pigments and ultrastructural characteristics were investigated. After a 35-day cultivation period, the in vitro-growth of P. glomerata nodal segments under the different treatments resulted in plants with substantial differences in relation to their growth, photosynthetic pigments, stomatal density and leaf ultrastructural characteristics. The enrichment with CO2 coupled with a porous substrate increased the growth of P. glomerata. The stomatal density in the abaxial epidermis more than doubled in response to the high CO2 supply in both supporting types, whereas the Rubisco activity and activation state were both unresponsive to the treatments. Regardless of the CO2 supply, the plants grown in agar displayed higher carbon isotope discrimination than their counterparts grown in Florialite®. We propose that the long-term photosynthetic performance was improved using Florialite® as a growth support in combination with a high CO2 supply. No apparent signs of photosynthetic down-regulation could be found under elevated CO2 conditions. The enrichment of in vitro atmospheres with CO2 coupled with a porous substrate offers new possibilities for improving the growth and production on a commercial scale of high morphological and physiological quality Pfaffia plants