Improved method to obtain pfaffic acid as a marker for quality control

Pfaffic acid, a marker of Hebanthe eriantha (Brazilian ginseng), was first isolated in 1983 but is not yet commercially available. This lack of availability compromises the quality control of this plant and its derivatives. This paper proposes a process for pfaffic acid isolation from roots of H. eriantha at a purity suitable for analytical purposes. The steps involved in this process included extraction, hydrolysis, fractionation and purification by preparative HPLC. This process led to isolation of pfaffic acid with a chromatographic purity of 98.5% in a 0.25% yield from dried roots of H. eriantha; this yield is more than forty times higher than that of the current method in the literature.72572

Obtenção de microcápsulas do éster etílico do ácido docosa-hexaenoico (DHAEE) por atomização: otimização através de planejamento experimental

Docosahexaenoic acid is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid with important metabolic activities. Its conjugated double bonds make it susceptible to decomposition. Its stability may be improved through fatty acid entrapment with a spray-drying technique; however, the many parameters involved in this technique must be considered to avoid affecting the final product quality. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the entrapment conditions and yields of fish oil enriched with docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester. Microcapsules were obtained from Acacia gum using a spray-drying technique. The experimental samples were analyzed by chromatography and delineated by Statistica software, which found the following optimum entrapment conditions: an inlet temperature of 188 °C; 30% core material; an N2 flow rate of 55 mm; and a pump flow rate of 12.5 mL/minute. These conditions provided a 66% yield of docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester in the oil, corresponding to 19.8% of entrapped docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester (w/w). This result was considered significant since 30% corresponded to wall material.O ácido docoso-hexaenoico é um ácido graxo poli-insaturado essencial que desempenha importantes ações metabólicas. Entretanto, por possuir duplas ligações conjugadas torna-se suscetível à decomposição. Uma das formas de minimizar esta possível decomposição é o emprego da técnica de atomização para microencapsulação. Porém, esta técnica envolve uma série de parâmetros de processo, que podem vir a alterar a qualidade do produto final. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi microencapsular óleo de peixe enriquecido no éster etílico do ácido docoso-hexaenoico (DHAEE-85%), variando condições operacionais e avaliar o rendimento pela análise por cromatografia gasosa, após extração das microcápsulas. Para tanto, foi utilizado o processo de microencapsulação por atomização e o agente encapsulante foi a goma arábica. A avaliação cromatográfica de vários experimentos delineados pelo software Statistica, mostrou que os pontos ótimos para obtenção das microcápsulas de DHAEE foram: temperatura de entrada 188 °C, porcentagem de recheio 30%, vazão de nitrogênio 55 mm N2 e vazão da bomba de 12,5 mL/minuto. Estas condições de processo foram testadas experimentalmente, resultando no teor de 66% m/m de DHAEE no óleo extraído, valor correspondente a 19,8% m/m de DHAEE encapsulado, valor considerado satisfatório uma vez que 30% das microcápsulas correspondiam teoricamente ao material de parede.589596Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of a standardized dichloromethane extract from piper umbellatum l. leaves

Despite the advances in anticancer drug discovery field, the worldwide cancer incidence is remarkable, highlighting the need for new therapies focusing on both cancer cell and its microenvironment. The tumor microenvironment offers multiple targets for cancer therapy, including inflammation. Nowadays, almost 75% of the anticancer agents used in chemotherapy are derived from natural products, and plants are an important source of new promising therapies. Continuing our research on Piper umbellatum species, here we describe the anticancer (in vitro antiproliferative activity and in vivo Ehrlich solid tumor model) and anti-inflammatory (carrageenan-induced paw edema and peritonitis models) activities of a standardized dichloromethane extract (SDE) from P. umbellatum leaves, containing 23.9% of 4-nerolidylcatechol. SDE showed in vitro and in vivo antiproliferative activity, reducing Ehrlich solid tumor growth by 38.7 and 52.2% when doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively, were administered daily by oral route. Daily treatments did not produce signals of toxicity. SDE also reduced paw edema and leukocyte migration on carrageenan-induced inflammation models, suggesting that the anticancer activity of SDE from Piper umbellatum leaves could involve antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects. These findings highlight P. umbellatum as a source of compounds against cancer and inflammation2015CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPES133897/2012-5sem informaçã

Actinobacteria from termite mounds show antiviral activity against bovine viral diarrhea virus, a surrogate model for Hepatitis C virus

Extracts from termite-associated bacteria were evaluated for in vitro antiviral activity against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Two bacterial strains were identified as active, with percentages of inhibition (IP) equal to 98%. Both strains were subjected to functional analysis via the addition of virus and extract at different time points in cell culture; the results showed that they were effective as posttreatments. Moreover, we performed MTT colorimetric assays to identify the CC50, IC50, and SI values of these strains, and strain CDPA27 was considered the most promising. In parallel, the isolates were identified as Streptomyces through 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Specifically, CDPA27 was identified as S. chartreusis. The CDPA27 extract was fractionated on a C18-E SPE cartridge, and the fractions were reevaluated. A 100% methanol fraction was identified to contain the compound(s) responsible for antiviral activity, which had an SI of 262.41. GC-MS analysis showed that this activity was likely associated with the compound(s) that had a peak retention time of 5 min. Taken together, the results of the present study provide new information for antiviral research using natural sources, demonstrate the antiviral potential of Streptomyces chartreusis compounds isolated from termite mounds against BVDV, and lay the foundation for further studies on the treatment of HCV infection2015CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP311779/2014-02011/50919-

Actinobacteria from Termite Mounds Show Antiviral Activity against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus, a Surrogate Model for Hepatitis C Virus

Extracts from termite-associated bacteria were evaluated for in vitro antiviral activity against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Two bacterial strains were identified as active, with percentages of inhibition (IP) equal to 98%. Both strains were subjected to functional analysis via the addition of virus and extract at different time points in cell culture; the results showed that they were effective as posttreatments. Moreover, we performed MTT colorimetric assays to identify the CC50, IC50, and SI values of these strains, and strain CDPA27 was considered the most promising. In parallel, the isolates were identified as Streptomyces through 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Specifically, CDPA27 was identified as S. chartreusis. The CDPA27 extract was fractionated on a C18-E SPE cartridge, and the fractions were reevaluated. A 100% methanol fraction was identified to contain the compound(s) responsible for antiviral activity, which had an SI of 262.41. GC-MS analysis showed that this activity was likely associated with the compound(s) that had a peak retention time of 5 min. Taken together, the results of the present study provide new information for antiviral research using natural sources, demonstrate the antiviral potential of Streptomyces chartreusis compounds isolated from termite mounds against BVDV, and lay the foundation for further studies on the treatment of HCV infection

Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil: setting the baseline knowledge on the animal diversity in Brazil

The limited temporal completeness and taxonomic accuracy of species lists, made available in a traditional manner in scientific publications, has always represented a problem. These lists are invariably limited to a few taxonomic groups and do not represent up-to-date knowledge of all species and classifications. In this context, the Brazilian megadiverse fauna is no exception, and the Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CTFB) (http://fauna.jbrj.gov.br/), made public in 2015, represents a database on biodiversity anchored on a list of valid and expertly recognized scientific names of animals in Brazil. The CTFB is updated in near real time by a team of more than 800 specialists. By January 1, 2024, the CTFB compiled 133,691 nominal species, with 125,138 that were considered valid. Most of the valid species were arthropods (82.3%, with more than 102,000 species) and chordates (7.69%, with over 11,000 species). These taxa were followed by a cluster composed of Mollusca (3,567 species), Platyhelminthes (2,292 species), Annelida (1,833 species), and Nematoda (1,447 species). All remaining groups had less than 1,000 species reported in Brazil, with Cnidaria (831 species), Porifera (628 species), Rotifera (606 species), and Bryozoa (520 species) representing those with more than 500 species. Analysis of the CTFB database can facilitate and direct efforts towards the discovery of new species in Brazil, but it is also fundamental in providing the best available list of valid nominal species to users, including those in science, health, conservation efforts, and any initiative involving animals. The importance of the CTFB is evidenced by the elevated number of citations in the scientific literature in diverse areas of biology, law, anthropology, education, forensic science, and veterinary science, among others

Avaliação de tecnicas analiticas no monitoramento do rendimento da fermentação alcoolica

Orientador: Ranulfo Monte AlegreDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia de AlimentosResumo: O emprego do melaço de cana-de-açúcar como substrato para obtenção de etanol em nosso país é prática antiga e rotineira. Por tratar-se de um subproduto da fabricação do açúcar cristal e por isso dependente da qualidade da cana-de-açúcar, sua composição é variável. o cálculo de rendimento é o principal parâmetro para avaliação do desempenho de processos fermentativos utilizando-se esse tipo de matéria-prima, podendo ser obtido através da determinação da massa de etanol produzido e da determinação da massa residual de açúcares e metabólicos secundários. Esses dados são bastante importantes para a avaliação do processo fermentativo. Na prática, valores de rendimento próximos ou superiores ao máximo teórico são freqüentemente observados, demonstrando a existência de erros, já que outros produtos são formados na fermentação. Urna vez que as técnicas analíticas utilizadas em usinas são simples e por vezes inexatas e sendo o melaço de cana-de-açúcar um substrato altamente complexo e bastante utilizado nas destilarias, suas análises devem ser realizadas com rigor para garantir resultados confiáveis. A partir da fermentação de diferentes melaços em diferentes concentrações, foi possível aplicar técnicas de análise no mosto (açúcar) e no vinho (etanol e metabólitos: CO2, glicerol, massa celular, açúcar residual e acidez ), com a finalidade de verificar o comportamento destes melaços frente a parâmetros corno rendimento, potencial fermentativo e produtividade, bem como verificar as possíveis diferenças no rendimento fermentativo pela comparação de cálculos aplicando-se uma técnica analítica tradicional (Fehling), e outra mais atual de determinação de carboidratos (Cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência-Detector de pulso amperométrico). Verificou-se que as técnicas são diferentes a níveis de 95% e 93% de confiança, para valores de açúcar residual e rendimento (YP/M) respectivamente. Apesar da análise estatística indicar diferença entre as técnicas, verificou-se boa correlação entre as curvas obtidas. Verificou-se também que a produção de etanol é dependente da concentração de nitrogênio no meio fermentativo, aumentando em função do aumento da concentração deste elemento até certos limites. Verificou-se não existir correlação entre a coloração escura de melaços e o desempenho fermentativo. Alguns melaços esgotados tiveram baixo desempenho fermentativo, enquanto outros tiveram desempenho superior até mesmo aos melaços ricos. Desta forma verificou-se que melaços esgotados podem fermentar bem, porém existe uma limitação que deve ser determinada em função da análise de alguns constituintes, como nitrogênio e sulfito, dentre outrosAbstract: The use of the sugar cane molasses is employed, as fermentation medium for ethanol production in our country is a common practice. As it's a by-product of the raw sugar production being dependent of the sugar cane's quality. The yield calculation is the main parameter for evaluation of the performance of this kind of material in fermentation processes, this can be obtained through the determination of the resulting ethanol mass and by the determination of residual sugar and secondary products metabolism That data is quite important for evaluation of the fermentation process, that have show in practice to occure yield values dose or higher than the theoretic top calculated, revealing discrepancies as a result of other products formed in the fermentation process. Since the analytic techniques employed in industries are simple as well as sometimes inexact, the sugar cane molasses its analyses should be accomplished with rigidity to guarantee reliable results as it complex fermentation medium quite used in the distilleries. Starting using molasses in different concentrations, analysis techniques were applied to the must (sugar) and wine (ethanol and metabolism products: CO2, glycerol, cell mass, residual sugar and acidity), with the purpose ofverifying the behavior ofthese molasses with fermentation potential and productivity, as well as verify the possible differences in the fermentation yield comparing calculus between applying a traditional analytic technique (Fehling), and other more current carbohydrates determination (High Pressure Liquid Chromatography using Pulsed Amperometric Detector). It was verified that the techniques differed between 95% and 93% in reability, for residual sugar and yield (Y P/M) values respectively. In spite of the indication of statistical analysis difference among the techniques, good correlation were verified among the resulting curves. It was also shown that the ethanol production is dependent of the nitrogen concentration in the fermentation medium, increasing as a function of this compound concentration up to certain limits. No correlation was confirmed between the dark coloration of molasses and the fermentation performance. Some poor molasses had low fermentation performance, whereas others revealed high fermentation performance even to the rich molasses. So far it was proven that poor molasses can ferment well, even though a limitation exist, that should be determined as a function of the some constituints, as nitrogen, sulfide and othersMestradoMestre em Tecnologia de Alimento

Preparation, charaction and funcional evaluation of microcapsules obtained by spray drying, containing cryoconcentrated coffee extract

Orientador: Carlos Raimundo Ferreira GrossoTese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia de AlimentosResumo: A microencapsulação em spray dryer tem sido amplamente empregada na indústria alimentícia, visando a proteção do recheio. Atualmente, a goma arábica e a maltodextrina são utilizadas como material de parede e a goma do cajueiro ainda não foi estudada para esta finalidade. Com isso, o objetivo deste trabalho, foi avaliar a retenção de voláteis, após a microencapsulação de extrato de café pela técnica de spray drying, utilizando-se maltodextrina, goma arábica e goma do cajueiro como agentes microencapsulantes. As microcápsulas obtidas foram caracterizadas por Karl Fischer, proteína, atividade de água e distribuição do tamanho de partículas. Além disso, foi avaliada a estabilidade física e química por microscopia eletrônica de varredura e Cromatografia Gasosa-Espectrometria de Massas (CG-EM). A extração assistida por microondas foi empregada para a extração do recheio, devido a sua simplicidade operacional, rapidez e por permitir a extração de várias amostras ao mesmo tempo. A identidade dos compostos contidos no recheio, foi sugerida por comparação dos espectros de massas com os da biblioteca NIST. O perfil cromatográfico obtido por CG-EM para as diferentes amostras de microcápsulas demonstrou uma similaridade na avaliação qualitativa. A análise sensorial foi realizada com 39 provadores, utilizando-se as microcápsulas em estudo, comparadas a um padrão de café instantâneo em pó, obtido em spray dryer. Foi observado que não houve diferença significativa entre as microcápsulas testadas e o padrãoAbstract: Microencapsulation using spray dryer has been widely used in food industry, seeking core protection. Nowadays, the gum arabic and maltodextrin have been used as wall material, but cashew gum was still not studied as a microcapsule for this purpose. This way, the objective of this work was studied the volatile retention of coffee extract during microencapsulation by a spray drying technique using maltodextrin, gum arabic and cashew gum as microencapsulating agents. The microcapsules obtained were characterizated by Karl Fischer, protein, water activity, particle size distribution. Besides, the physical and chemical stability were studied by scanning electron microscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). Microwave assisted extraction was used for core extrraction, who allows operacional simplicity, rapid extraction and multiple extraction at same time. The identities of the compounds in the core were suggested by comparison of their mass spectra with those of the NIST¿s library spectra. The chromatographic profile of microcapsules samples obtained by GC-MS was similar in the qualitative evaluation. A sensory analysis was carried out with 39 consumers, comparing the studied microcapsules with instantaneous coffee powder standard obtained by spray drying. It was observed that there was not a significant difference between the microcapsules and the standardDoutoradoEngenharia de AlimentosDoutor em Engenharia de Alimento

Produção de xarope de açúcar invertido obtido por hidrólise heterogênea, através de planejamento experimental Improvement of invert syrup production using heterogeneous hidrolysis

A utilização de açúcar líquido na indústria alimentícia constitui em vantagem nas aplicações onde o açúcar é adicionado em solução. O xarope de açúcar invertido reúne a elevada solubilidade da frutose à difícil cristalização da glicose, aumentando seu poder edulcorante e diminuindo os riscos de cristalização. Essas propriedades contribuem para aumentar o valor desses xaropes para uso em vários produtos alimentícios, sobretudo na indústria de refrigerantes. O produto de maior interesse comercial é aquele com nível de inversão próximo a 55%, pois nessa faixa a solubilidade é máxima possibilitando trabalhar com concentrações em torno de 76,5% de sólidos solúveis, diminuindo assim a susceptibilidade à contaminação microbiana, sem riscos de cristalização. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver as etapas de produção do xarope de açúcar invertido produzido a partir de resinas de troca-iônica, visando obter um produto final de alta qualidade que atenda às necessidades da indústria de refrigerantes, utilizando como ferramenta o planejamento experimental. O processo de obtenção do xarope invertido foi iniciado com a descoloração do xarope de sacarose através de duas colunas contendo resina aniônica, para então ser invertido pela eluição numa coluna de resina catiônica. O produto obtido foi isento de qualquer objeção ao paladar, inodoro, praticamente livre de cor (56 ICUMSA) e hidroximetil furfural (11ppm). A contagem microbiológica para fungos, leveduras e bactérias foi menor que 1 unidade/mL.<br>The use of liquid sugar in the food industry constitutes a great advantage in applications where the sugar is added in solution. The invert syrup gathers the high solubility of the frutose to the difficult crystallization of the glucose, increasing its sweetness and decreasing the crystallization risks. Those properties contribute to increase the value of those syrups for use in several products, above all in the industry of soft drinks. The objective of this work was improve the stages of invert syrup production using ion exchange resins, seeking to obtain a final product of high quality that assists to the needs of the industry of soft drinks using the experimental design. The production of inverted syrup began with sucrose decolorization process employing two anionic resins columns and subsequent elution through a cationic resin column, which promoted sucrose hydrolysis until inversion level desired. The obtained product was exempted practically of any objection to the palate, scentless, low levels of color (56 ICUMSA) and HMF (11 ppm). Determination of molds, yeasts and bacteria were smaller than 1 unit/mL