Valorization of Wastes for Biodiesel Production: The Brazilian Case

This chapter intends to bring an overview about the Brazilian researches and their contributions to the production of biodiesel from wastes. Currently, the main obstacles to spread the use of biodiesel are its high cost of production and the competition between biodiesel and food industries. So, the use of wastes plays an important role in reducing the biodiesel costs and reusing the materials that have no other applications, as deodorization residues, neutralization soap sticks, and animal fats, among others. Then, we present a review about Brazilian studies involving waste oils and fatty–acid-rich raw materials that helped the advancement in this field of knowledge during the last few years

Zeolites: A Theoretical and Practical Approach with Uses in (Bio)Chemical Processes

This review provides a state-of-the-art summary of distributed zeolite technology, as well as identifying strategies to further promote the absorption of these materials in various areas of study. Zeolites are materials that can be synthesized or found in natural rock deposits a with a basic composition consisting in Al, Si, and O. Zeolite’s consideration as a future material is due to many facile synthesis methods to obtain different structures with variations in pore size, surface area, pore volume and physical properties. These methods are developed using the control of relevant synthesis parameters that influences structure formation, such as crystallization temperature, time of aging and/or crystallization, stoichiometric relationships between components of synthesis gel, pH of the medium, and in some cases the type of structure-directing agent. Each method will lead to geometric changes in the framework formation, making possible the formation of typical chemical bonds that are the fingerprint of any zeolitic structure (O-Si-O and Al-O-Si), forming typical acid sites that give specificity in zeolite and allows it to act as a nanoreactor. The specificity is a characteristic that in some cases depends on selectivity, a fundamental property derived of the porosity, mostly in processes that occur inside the zeolite. In processes outside the structure, the surface area is the main factor influencing this property. Moreover, there are many natural sources with adequate chemical composition to be used as precursors. Some of these sources are waste, minimizing the deposition of potential hazardous materials that can be recalcitrant pollutants depending on the environment. Besides its uses as a catalyst, zeolite serves as a support for many bioprocesses; therefore, this review aims to explain relevant aspects in chemical nature, physical properties, main methods of synthesis, main precursors used for synthesis, and relevant applications of zeolites in chemical catalysis and biological processes

Acetylation of Eugenol over 12-Molybdophosphoric Acid Anchored in Mesoporous Silicate Support Synthesized from Flint Kaolin

A new prepared catalyst, 12-molybdophosphoric acid (HPMo) anchored to the mesoporous aluminosilicate AlSiM, synthesized from Amazon kaolin, was characterized and used as a heterogeneous acid catalyst for the production of eugenyl acetate by acetylation of eugenol with acetic anhydride. The effect of various reaction parameters, such as catalyst concentration, eugenol/acetic anhydride molar ratio, temperature and reaction time, was studied to optimize the conditions of maximum conversion of eugenol. The kinetics studies showed that in eugenol acetylation, the substrate concentration follows a first order kinetics. The results of activation energy was 19.96 kJ mol−1 for HPMo anchored to AlSiM. The reuse of the catalyst was also studied and there was no loss of catalytic activity after four cycles of use (from 99.9% in the first cycle to 90% in the fifth cycle was confirmed), and an excellent stability of the material was observed. Based on catalytic and kinetic studies, HPMo anchored to AlSiM is considered an excellent catalyst

Acetylation of Eugenol on Functionalized Mesoporous Aluminosilicates Synthesized from Amazonian Flint Kaolin

The present work was aimed to investigate the catalytic activity of a mesoporous catalyst synthesized from 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS) functionalized Amazonian flint kaolin in the acetylation of eugenol with acetic anhydride. Materials were characterized by thermogravimetry (TGA), N2 adsorption (BET), X-ray dispersive energy spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and acid-base titration. The results presented proved the efficiency of flint kaolin as an alternative source in the preparation of mesoporous materials, since the material exhibited textural properties (specific surface area of 1071 m2 g−1, pore volume of 1.05 cm3 g−1 and pore diameter of 3.85 nm) and structural properties (d100 = 4.35 nm, a0 = 5.06 nm and Wt = 1.21 nm) within the required and characteristic material standards. The catalyst with the total amount of acidic sites of 4.89 mmol H+ g−1 was efficient in converting 99.9% of eugenol (eugenol to acetic anhydride molar ratio of 1:5, 2% catalyst, temperature and reaction time 80 °C and 40 min reaction). In addition, the reused catalyst could be successfully recycled with 92% conversion activity under identical reaction conditions

Desenvolvimento de formulações fermentadas probióticas mistas enriquecidas com óleos de frutos amazônicos / Development of mixed probiotic fermented formulations enriched with amazonic fruit oils

O desenvolvimento de formulações conjugando extratos e frutos, seus produtos e subprodutos vislumbra associar aspectos nutricionais, e promotores de saúde com base na sua funcionalidade em constituintes químicos. Diante do exposto, esta pesquisa experimental tem como objetivo formular bebidas fermentadas probiótica mista com extrato hidrossolúvel de amêndoas, enriquecidos com óleos vegetais de frutos amazônicos como o açaí (Euterpe oleracea) e pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb), e adição de farinha de linhaça Linun usitatissimun L.). As bases metodológicas aplicadas seguiram os padrões internacionais de análises de alimentos e outros procedimentos metodológicos publicados e aceitos internacionalmente. Os resultados mostram que as formulações apresentaram boas características nutricionais, com baixo valor de lipídios com médias entre 5,96-4,85 % e teores de proteína entre 2,90-2,67%. Os valores energéticos totais para o consumo de 100ml da bebida apresentou teor médio de 67,88 kcal 100g-1 para a formulação enriquecida com açaí, enquanto da bebida com adição de óleo de pequi correspondeu 57,13 kcal.  Em relação aos seus potenciais funcionais antioxidantes. O teor de compostos fenólicos totais encontrados na bebida sem enriquecimento o teor de 29,7 mg EAG/g, na enriquecida com o óleo de açaí 42,77 mg EAG/g e para o óleo de pequi de 32,3 mg EAG/g. Quanto a atividade antioxidante as formulações das bebidas mostraram o valor de DPPH de 42,4% para a bebida de base, com o óleo de açaí de 43,6% e com o óleo de pequi 50,9%. Os dados mostram a qualidade nutricional expressas nos principais teores de macronutrientes e na riqueza do potencial antioxidante dessas formulações com alta funcionalidade a prevenção de agravos patológicos, como alimento de base funcional

Ethanolysis optimisation of Jupati (Raphia taedigera Mart.) oil to biodiesel using response surface methodology

In this work, the transesterification of jupati (Raphia taedigera Mart.) oil using ethanol and acid catalyst was examined. The production of biodiesel was performed using a central composite design (CCD). A range of values for catalyst concentration (1 to 4.21%), temperature (70-80 °C), and the molar ratio of alcohol to oil (6:1-13.83:1) were tested, and ester content, viscosity, and yield were the response variables. The synthesis process was optimised using response surface methodology (RSM), resulting in the following optimal conditions for the production of jupati ethyl esters: a catalyst concentration of 3.85% at 80 °C and an alcohol-to-oil molar ratio of 10:1

High-Quality Biodiesel Production from Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) Oil Soapstock

The buriti palm (Mauritia flexuosa) is a palm tree widely distributed throughout tropical South America. The oil extracted from the fruits of this palm tree is rich in natural antioxidants. The by-products obtained from the buriti palm have social and economic importance as well, hence the interest in adding value to the residue left from refining this oil to obtain biofuel. The process of methyl esters production from the buriti oil soapstock was optimized considering acidulation and esterification. The effect of the molar ratio of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to soapstock in the range from 0.6 to 1.0 and the reaction time (30–90 min) were analyzed. The best conditions for acidulation were molar ratio 0.8 and reaction time of 60 min. Next, the esterification of the fatty acids obtained was performed using methanol and H2SO4 as catalyst. The effects of the molar ratio (9:1–27:1), percentage of catalyst (2–6%) and reaction time (1–14 h) were investigated. The best reaction conditions were: 18:1 molar ratio, 4% catalyst and 14 h reaction time, which resulted in a yield of 92% and a conversion of 99.9%. All the key biodiesel physicochemical characterizations were within the parameters established by the Brazilian standard. The biodiesel obtained presented high ester content (96.6%) and oxidative stability (16.1 h)

LDH-Indomethacin Nanoparticles Antitumoral Action: A Possible Coadjuvant Drug for Cancer Therapy

Indomethacin (INDO) has a mechanism of action based on inhibiting fatty acids cyclooxygenase activity within the inflammation process. The action mechanism could be correlated with possible anticancer activity, but its high toxicity in normal tissues has made therapy difficult. By the coprecipitation method, the drug carried in a layered double hydroxides (LDH) hybrid matrix would reduce its undesired effects by promoting chemotherapeutic redirection. Therefore, different samples containing INDO intercalated in LDH were synthesized at temperatures of 50, 70, and 90 °C and synthesis times of 8, 16, 24, and 48 h, seeking the best structural organization. X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrational Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spectrophotometric analysis in UV-VIS, and differential thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA) were used for characterization. Our results indicate that higher temperatures and longer synthesis time through coprecipitation reduce the possibility of INDO intercalation. However, it was possible to establish a time of 16 h and a temperature of 50 °C as the best conditions for intercalation. In vitro results confirmed the cell viability potential and anticancer activity in the LDH-INDO sample (16 h and 50 °C) for gastric cancer (AGP01, ACP02, and ACP03), breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), melanoma (SK-MEL-19), lung fibroblast (MRC-5), and non-neoplastic gastric tissue (MN01) by MTT assay. Cell proliferation was inhibited, demonstrating higher and lower toxicity against MDA-MB-231 and SK-MEL-19. Thus, a clinical redirection of INDO is suggested as an integral and adjunctive anticancer medication in chemotherapy treatment

Chitosan Membrane Containing Copaiba Oil (<i>Copaifera</i> spp.) for Skin Wound Treatment

The interaction of copaiba oil in the polymer matrix of chitosan can produce a favorable synergistic effect and potentiate properties. Indeed, the bioactive principles present in copaiba oil have anti-inflammatory and healing action. In the present work, chitosan membranes containing different contents of copaiba oil copaíba (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0% (v/v)) were for the first time investigated. The membranes were developed by the casting method and analyzed for their morphology, degree of intumescence, moisture content, contact angle, Scanning Electron Microscope, and X-ray diffractometry. These chitosan/copaiba oil porous membranes disclosed fluid absorption capacity, hydrophilic surface, and moisture. In addition, the results showed that chitosan membranes with the addition of 1.0% (v/v) of copaiba oil presented oil drops with larger diameters, around 123.78 μm. The highest fluid absorption indexes were observed in chitosan membranes containing 0.1 and 0.5% (v/v) of copaiba oil. In addition, the copaiba oil modified the crystalline structure of chitosan. Such characteristics are expected to favor wound treatment. However, biological studies are necessary for the safe use of chitosan/copaiba oil membrane as a biomaterial

Quality parameters and thermogravimetric and oxidative profile of Muruci oil ( Byrsonima crassifolia L.) obtained by supercritical CO2

Abstract These researches aimed determine the quality parameters, the nutritional profile, and the thermogravimetric and oxidative behavior of Muruci (Byrsonima crassifolia L .) oil obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction. The results showed an average oil yield of 5.50%. The acidity and peroxide values show good quality and conservation standards, according to the Brazilian legislation. The fatty acid profile indicates a predominance of unsaturated fatty acids with levels above 60%, highlighting the presence of fatty acids omega-6 and omega-9. The thermogravimetric curves showed oil stability at temperatures around 200 °C and exothermic peaks characteristic of mass loss close to 250 °C. The data of oxidative induction time determined by the Rancimat method showed thermal oxidative stability of 20.85 h for the oil obtained. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic profile evidenced chemical compounds with predominantly unsaturated structures, confirming its fatty acid profile. Based on the results of the oil analysis, it is possible to recognize the potential of this species in terms of nutritional, functional, and thermo-oxidative stability aspects