Rational design and characterization of bioplastics from Hermetia illucens prepupae proteins

In this study proteins extracted from prepupae of Hermetia illucens, also known as black soldier fly,are investigated as promising base for a new type of bioplastics for agricultural purposes. Designof experiments techniques are employed to perform a rational study on the effects of differentcombination of glycerol as plasticizer, citric acid as cross-linking agent and distilled water as solventon the capability of proteins to form a free-standing film through casting technique, keeping asfixed the quantity of proteins. Glycerol shows interesting properties as plasticizer contributing tothe formation of homogenous and free-standing film. Moreover, mechanical and thermalcharacterizations are performed to estimate the effect of increasing amounts of proteins on thefinal properties and thickness of the specimens. Proteins derived from H. illucens can be success-fully employed as base for bioplastics to be employed for agricultural purposes

The use of electric fields for edible coatings and films development and production: A review

Edible films and coatings can provide additional protection for food, while being a fully biodegradable, environmentally friendly packaging system. A diversity of raw materials used to produce edible coatings and films are extracted from marine and agricultural sources, including animals and plants. Electric fields processing holds advantage in producing safe, wholesome and nutritious food. Recently, the presence of a moderate electric field during the preparation of edible coatings and films was shown to influence their main properties, demonstrating its usefulness to tailor edible films and coatings for specific applications. This manuscript reviews the main aspects of the use of electric fields in the production of edible films and coatings, including the effect in their transport and mechanical properties, solubility and microstructure.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Brasil

Novel Bioplastic from Single Cell Protein as a Potential Packaging Material

Microbial treatment of biodegradable wastes not only ensures neutralization of harmful substances such as volatile organic compounds but also enables valorization and bio-circularity within the society. Single cell protein (SCP) is a value-added product that can be obtained from biodegradable waste materials such as food waste via microbial fermentation. In this article, SCP derived from potato starch waste was demonstrated as a viable alternative to existing plant/animal proteins used in the production of films, for example, packaging applications. Flexible glycerol-plasticized SCP films were prepared through compression molding, and tensile tests revealed strength and stiffness similar to other plasticized protein films. The oxygen barrier properties were significantly better compared to the common polyethylene packaging material, but as with other highly polar materials, the SCP material must be shielded from moisture if used in, for example, food packaging. The biodegradation test revealed a similar degradation pattern as observed for a household compostable bag. The results showed that SCP-based bioplastic films can be considered as potential alternative to the existing plant/animal protein films and certain synthetic polymers. An important advantage with these protein materials is that they do not cause problems similar to microplastics

Let\u27s Be a Person to Person and Have a Genuine Conversation : Comparing Perspectives on PrEP and Sexual Health Communication Between Black Sexual Minority Men and Healthcare Providers

Patient-provider communication is a key factor affecting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and access among Black sexual minority men (SMM). Optimizing patient-provider communication requires a deeper understanding of communication dynamics. In this study, we investigated the perspectives of both HIV-negative/status-unknown Black SMM and practicing community healthcare providers regarding patient-provider communication about PrEP and sexual health. We conducted eleven semi-structured qualitative focus groups (six with Black SMM; five with providers) in the Northeastern USA and thematically analyzed transcripts. A total of 36 Black SMM and 27 providers participated in the focus groups. Our analysis revealed points of alignment and divergence in the two groups\u27 perspectives related to patient-provider communication. Points of alignment included: (1) the importance ascribed to maximizing patients\u27 comfort and (2) belief in patients\u27 right to non-discriminatory healthcare. Points of divergence included: (1) Black SMM\u27s preference for sexual privacy versus providers\u27 preference that patients share sexual information, (2) Black SMM\u27s perception that providers have an ethical responsibility to initiate conversations about PrEP with patients versus providers\u27 perception of such conversations as being optional, and (3) Black SMM\u27s preference for personalized sexual health conversations versus providers\u27 preference for standardized conversations. Findings underscore a need for providers to offer more patient-centered sexual healthcare to Black SMM, which should entail routinely presenting all prevention options available-including PrEP-and inviting open dialogue about sex, while also respecting patients\u27 preferences for privacy about their sexuality. This approach could increase PrEP access and improve equity in the US healthcare system

Application of protein-phenolic based coating on tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum)

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of protein-phenolic based coating made from fermented rice bran on cherry tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum). Tests were performed with glycerol 3% (v/v), glycerol with protein-phenolic rice bran extract (5%), glycerol with protein-phenolic extract after 96 hours of fermentation (5%), and a control (without coating). The coated cherry tomatoes were kept at room temperature for 28 days. Mass loss, pH and acidity, total soluble solids, and carotenoids were determined every 96 hours. The coating made from the biomass extract reduced the carotenoid and acidity levels in the fruits studied by 17 and 21.1%, respectively, compared to the control. The coating proved an efficient barrier to water vapor with mass loss of 57% less than the control suggesting that it can be used as an alternative for vegetable tissue conservation.Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a utilização de películas, à base de compostos proteicos e fenólicos provenientes de farelo de arroz fermentado, em tomates (Lycopersicum esculentum). Foram realizados testes com: glicerol 3% (v/v); glicerol com extrato fenólico e proteico do farelo de arroz (5%); glicerol com extrato fenólico e proteico da biomassa gerada em 96 hours (5%), e um controle (sem a película). Os tomates revestidos foram mantidos à temperatura ambiente durante 28 dias, sendo determinados, a cada 96 horas, os seguintes aspectos: a perda de massa, o pH e a acidez, os sólidos solúveis totais e os carotenoides. A película elaborada com os extratos da biomassa reduziu os níveis de carotenoides e acidez dos frutos estudados em 17 e 21,1%, respectivamente, em relação ao controle. A película também foi eficiente como barreira ao vapor de água; assim, com perda de massa 57% inferior à do controle, sugere-se que esta poderá ser utilizada como alternativa para conservação desse tecido vegetal