Beta-Cyclodextrin: Eugenol Inclusion Complexes: Characterization and Antifungal Capacity

Eugenol (EUG) is the principal component of clove essential oil. It has demonstrated excellent antifungal properties against B. cinerea, one of the most important fungus in the fresh fruit decay. However, this substance is highly volatile, thermolabile and the direct contact with a food induce undesirable changes in the organoleptic properties. For this reason, the application of EUG represents a big challenger and its encapsulation through inclusion complexes formation with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) is presented as a solution. In this way, the aim of this work was to develop, characterize and assess the antifungal capacity of inclusion complexes β-CD:EUG. For this, co-precipitation was used as method of inclusion complexes synthesis. The quantity of entrapped EUG was determined by gaseous chromatography. The inclusion complexes were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Moreover, the antifungal activity was probed in a headspace system. Results showed that the EUG entrapped quantity was of 68,5 mg/g inclusion complexes. Furthermore, the characteristic peaks of EUG did not appear in inclusion complexes TGA thermogram and FTIR spectrum which confirm the effective compound encapsulation. Finally, inclusion complexes inhibited the growing of A. cinerea at 53% and avoided the fungal sporulation. These findings suggest that the β- CD:EUG inclusion complexes are suitable to use in the storage and transportation of fresh fruits to prevent their deterioration. Keywords: Botrytis cinerea, fresh fruits, headspace. Resumen El eugenol (EUG) es el principal componente del aceite esencial de clavo de olor. Éste ha destacado por su efectivo control de Botrytis cinerea, uno de los hongos más importantes que provoca la pudrición de frutas frescas. Sin embargo, esta sustancia es altamente volátil, termolábil y provoca cambios desagradables en las propiedades organolépticas del alimento si está en contacto directo con el mismo, por lo que su aplicación presenta un gran desafío. Ante esto, se propone su encapsulación a través de la formación de complejos de inclusión con β-ciclodextrina (β-CD). En este sentido, el objetivo de la presente investigación fue desarrollar, caracterizar y evaluar la capacidad antifúngica de complejos de inclusión β-CD:EUG. Éstos se sintetizaron mediante el método de co-precipitación, y la cantidad de EUG atrapada en la β-CD fue cuantificada por cromatografía de gases. Los complejos de inclusión se caracterizaron a través de análisis termogravimétrico (TGA) y espectroscospía infrarroja con transformada de Fourier (FTIR). Además, su actividad antifúngica se evaluó en un sistema de espacio de cabeza. Los resultados mostraron que la cantidad de EUG atrapada fue de 68,5 mg/g de complejo de inclusión. Además, en su termograma TGA y espectro FTIR no se observaron los picos característicos del EUG, confirmando la efectiva encapsulación del compuesto. Finalmente, los complejos de inclusión inhibieron el 53% del crecimiento de B. cinerea y evitaron su esporulación. Estos resultados permiten sugerir el uso de complejos de inclusión β-CD:EUG en el almacenamiento y transporte de frutas frescas para prevenir su deterioro. Palabras clave: Botrytis cinerea, frutas frescas, espacio de cabeza

Obtention of Antimicrobial Fibers Type Core/Shell PLA/PVOH-LAE by Coaxial Electrospinning

Coaxial electrospinning (EC) is a technology that allows the encapsulation of active compounds, as ethyl lauroyl arginate (LAE), in shell/core structures, in order to develop new antimicrobial food packaging materials with slowdown of active compound´s release with the purpose of extending food shelf life. For this reason, the objective of this study consisted in developing antimicrobial fibers shell/core type by EC. Two polymers with different hydrophilic character as poly (lactic acid) (PLA) to the shell and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) and LAE to the core were used to obtain PLA/PVOH-LAE fibers, and slowdown the release of antimicrobial compound. The morphology of fibers was evaluated by optical microscopy and the thermal properties through thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). Release studies were carried out in fatty (ETOH 95%) food simulant and was compared with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of LAE against Listeria innnocua. The optical micrographs evidenced the obtention of shell/core structure with an average diameter of 0,6 µm approximately, and the TGA analyses demonstrated the thermal protection of LAE by shell of fibers. Released LAE reached the equilibrium state in ETOH 95% during the first 3 hours, maintaining a higher concentration than MIC value obtained in L. innnocua (10 ppm). The results demonstrate that new packaging materials with antimicrobial activity as PLA/PVOH-LAE polymeric fibers with shell/core structure can be obtained through coaxial electrospinning technique. Keywords: coaxial electrospinning, ethyl lauroyl arginate, fibers, shell/core, food packaging. Resumen El electrohilado coaxial (EC) es una tecnología que permite encapsular compuestos activos como el etil lauroil arginato (LAE) en estructuras tipo pared/núcleo con la finalidad de desarrollar nuevos materiales antimicrobianos para el envasado de alimentos que ralenticen la liberación del compuesto y extiendan la vida útil del alimento. Por tal razón, el objetivo de este estudio consistió en desarrollar fibras antimicrobianas tipo pared/núcleo mediante EC. Dos polímeros con distinto carácter hidrofílico como el poli (ácido láctico) (PLA) para la pared y poli (alcohol vinílico) (PVOH) y LAE para el núcleo se utilizaron para obtener las fibras PLA/PVOH-LAE, y ralentizar la liberación del compuesto antimicrobiano. La morfología de las fibras se evaluó mediante microscopía óptica y sus propiedades térmicas mediante análisis termogravimétricos (TGA). Se realizaron estudios de liberación del LAE en un simulante de alimentos graso (ETOH 95%), y se comparó con la concentración mínima inhibitoria (MIC) hacia una bacteria Gram positiva Listeria innnocua. Las micrografías ópticas evidenciaron la obtención de la estructura pared/núcleo con un diámetro promedio de 0,6 µm aproximadamente, y el análisis TGA demostró la protección térmica del LAE por la pared de las fibras. El LAE liberado alcanzó el estado de equilibrio en ETOH 95% durante las 3 hr iniciales, manteniendo una concentración superior a la MIC obtenida para L. innnocua (10 ppm). Los resultados demuestran que nuevos materiales de envase con actividad antimicrobiana como fibras poliméricas PLA/PVOH-LAE con estructura pared/núcleo pueden ser obtenidos mediante la técnica de electrohilado coaxial. Palabras clave: electrohilado coaxial, etil lauroil arginato, fibras, pared/núcleo, envase de alimentos

Obtention of Antimicrobial Fibers Type Core/Shell Pla/Pvoh-Lae By Coaxial Electrospinning

Coaxial electrospinning (EC) is a technology that allows the encapsulation of active compounds, such as ethyl lauroyl arginate (LAE), in shell/core structures, in order to develop new antimicrobial materials for food packaging that slow down the release of active compounds and extend the food’s shelf life. For this reason, the objective of this study was to develop antimicrobial fibers shell/core type by EC. Two polymers with different hydrophilic character, polylactic acid (PLA) for the shell and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and LAE for the core, were used to obtain PLA/PVOH-LAE fibers and slow the release of the antimicrobial compound. The morphology of fibers was evaluated by optical microscopy and their thermal properties through thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). LAE release studies were carried out in a fatty food simulant (ETOH 95%), and was compared with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of LAE against a gram-positive bacteria, Listeria innnocua. The optical micrographs showed the obtaining of the shell/core structure with an average diameter of approximately 0.6 µm, and the TGA analyses demonstrated the thermal protection of LAE by the shell of the fibers. Released LAE reached the equilibrium state in ETOH 95% during the first 3 hours, maintaining a higher concentration than the MIC value obtained in L. innnocua (10 ppm). The results demonstrate that new packaging materials with antimicrobial activity such as PLA/PVOH-LAE polymeric fibers with a shell/core structure can be obtained through the coaxial electrospinning technique. Keywords: coaxial electrospinning, ethyl lauroyl arginate, fibers, shell/core, food packaging. Resumen El electrohilado coaxial (EC) es una tecnología que permite encapsular compuestos activos como el etil lauroil arginato (LAE) en estructuras tipo pared/núcleo con la finalidad de desarrollar nuevos materiales antimicrobianos para el envasado de alimentos que ralenticen la liberación del compuesto y extiendan la vida útil del alimento. Por tal razón, el objetivo de este estudio consistió en desarrollar fibras antimicrobianas tipo pared/núcleo mediante EC. Dos polímeros con distinto carácter hidrofílico como el poli (ácido láctico) (PLA) para la pared y poli (alcohol vinílico) (PVOH) y LAE para el núcleo se utilizaron para obtener las fibras PLA/PVOH-LAE, y ralentizar la liberación del compuesto antimicrobiano. La morfología de las fibras se evaluó mediante microscopía óptica y sus propiedades térmicas mediante análisis termogravimétricos (TGA). Se realizaron estudios de liberación del LAE en un simulante de alimentos graso (ETOH 95%), y se comparó con la concentración mínima inhibitoria (MIC) hacia una bacteria Gram positiva Listeria innnocua. Las micrografías ópticas evidenciaron la obtención de la estructura pared/núcleo con un diámetro promedio de 0,6 µm aproximadamente, y el análisis TGA demostró la protección térmica del LAE por la pared de las fibras. El LAE liberado alcanzó el estado de equilibrio en ETOH 95% durante las 3 hr iniciales, manteniendo una concentración superior a la MIC obtenida para L. innnocua (10 ppm). Los resultados demuestran que nuevos materiales de envase con actividad antimicrobiana como fibras poliméricas PLA/PVOH-LAE con estructura pared/núcleo pueden ser obtenidos mediante la técnica de electrohilado coaxial. Palabras clave: electrohilado coaxial, etil lauroil arginato, fibras, pared/núcleo, envase de alimentos

Development of poly(lactic acid) films with propolis as a source of active compounds: biodegradability, physical, and functional properties

Active films (AFs) using poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a polymeric matrix containing various propolis concentrations (5, 8.5, and 13%) as the active agent (AA) were developed using a casting method. The purpose was to determine the effects of the incorporation of AA on the physical properties of the films and to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Tensile strength and elastic modulus of the AFs decreased relative to the control (PLA without AA). Introducing the active substances from propolis into the PLA also affected its thermal properties (glass transition). Adding AAs to the polymer generated more opacity with a green-yellowish color compared to the control. In addition, AFs exhibited reduced water vapor permeability as the AA concentration increased. Biodegradation assay showed that the AFs degraded faster than the control. AFs exhibited antioxidant activity, which was measured as the ability to scavenge free radicals (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)), due to the presence of bioactive compounds (phenolics). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli and showed a reduction over 4-log cycles. Therefore, incorporation of propolis is a useful strategy for the development of active packaging with antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, which increase the shelf life of food products. (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47090.Direccion de Investigacion of Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso [DI-037-362-14]University of Santiago de Chile [1555-Vridei O81771GL_CONT

Deficiency and Also Transgenic Overexpression of Timp-3 Both Lead to Compromised Bone Mass and Architecture In Vivo

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP-3) regulates extracellular matrix via its inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases and membrane-bound sheddases. Timp-3 is expressed at multiple sites of extensive tissue remodelling. This extends to bone where its role, however, remains largely unresolved. In this study, we have used Micro-CT to assess bone mass and architecture, histological and histochemical evaluation to characterise the skeletal phenotype of Timp-3 KO mice and have complemented this by also examining similar indices in mice harbouring a Timp-3 transgene driven via a Col-2a-driven promoter to specifically target overexpression to chondrocytes. Our data show that Timp-3 deficiency compromises tibial bone mass and structure in both cortical and trabecular compartments, with corresponding increases in osteoclasts. Transgenic overexpression also generates defects in tibial structure predominantly in the cortical bone along the entire shaft without significant increases in osteoclasts. These alterations in cortical mass significantly compromise predicted tibial load-bearing resistance to torsion in both genotypes. Neither Timp-3 KO nor transgenic mouse growth plates are significantly affected. The impact of Timp-3 deficiency and of transgenic overexpression extends to produce modification in craniofacial bones of both endochondral and intramembranous origins. These data indicate that the levels of Timp-3 are crucial in the attainment of functionally-appropriate bone mass and architecture and that this arises from chondrogenic and osteogenic lineages

Bone Marrow Osteoblast Damage by Chemotherapeutic Agents

Hematopoietic reconstitution, following bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, requires a microenvironment niche capable of supporting both immature progenitors and stem cells with the capacity to differentiate and expand. Osteoblasts comprise one important component of this niche. We determined that treatment of human primary osteoblasts (HOB) with melphalan or VP-16 resulted in increased phospho-Smad2, consistent with increased TGF-β1 activity. This increase was coincident with reduced HOB capacity to support immature B lineage cell chemotaxis and adherence. The supportive deficit was not limited to committed progenitor cells, as human embryonic stem cells (hESC) or human CD34+ bone marrow cells co-cultured with HOB pre-exposed to melphalan, VP-16 or rTGF-β1 had profiles distinct from the same populations co-cultured with untreated HOB. Functional support deficits were downstream of changes in HOB gene expression profiles following chemotherapy exposure. Melphalan and VP-16 induced damage of HOB suggests vulnerability of this critical niche to therapeutic agents frequently utilized in pre-transplant regimens and suggests that dose escalated chemotherapy may contribute to post-transplantation hematopoietic deficits by damaging structural components of this supportive niche

Railway bridge structural health monitoring and fault detection: state-of-the-art methods and future challenges

Railway importance in the transportation industry is increasing continuously, due to the growing demand of both passenger travel and transportation of goods. However, more than 35% of the 300,000 railway bridges across Europe are over 100-years old, and their reliability directly impacts the reliability of the railway network. This increased demand may lead to higher risk associated with their unexpected failures, resulting safety hazards to passengers and increased whole life cycle cost of the asset. Consequently, one of the most important aspects of evaluation of the reliability of the overall railway transport system is bridge structural health monitoring, which can monitor the health state of the bridge by allowing an early detection of failures. Therefore, a fast, safe and cost-effective recovery of the optimal health state of the bridge, where the levels of element degradation or failure are maintained efficiently, can be achieved. In this article, after an introduction to the desired features of structural health monitoring, a review of the most commonly adopted bridge fault detection methods is presented. Mainly, the analysis focuses on model-based finite element updating strategies, non-model-based (data-driven) fault detection methods, such as artificial neural network, and Bayesian belief network–based structural health monitoring methods. A comparative study, which aims to discuss and compare the performance of the reviewed types of structural health monitoring methods, is then presented by analysing a short-span steel structure of a railway bridge. Opportunities and future challenges of the fault detection methods of railway bridges are highlighted

Scanning Electron Microscopy Studies of a Typical Spanish Confectionery Product: Xixona Turron

The microstructure of Xixona turron , a typical Spanish confectionery product, made with toasted almonds, sugar and honey, was elucidated, in order to confirm the nature of those physical changes occurring in its manufacturing process, which has not been previously studied. The effect of the major components of Xixona turron (oil, proteins and sugar) on its structural c!Jange was established. The initial oil suspension of sugar syrup drops and proteins undergoes a phase inversion , becoming an oil /water emulsion when hot, and a solid-like structure, when the aqueous sugar continuous phase solidifies at room temperature. In order to determine the microstructure of Xixona turron , toasted almond and Xixona turron samples were observed with the scanning electron microscope

Impact of High Hydrostatic Pressure on Physicochemical Characteristics, Nutritional Content and Functional Properties of Cape Gooseberry Pulp (Physalis peruviana L.)

The aim of this research was to assess the effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments (300, 400 and 500MPa/5min) on physicochemical, nutritional and functional properties of Cape gooseberry pulp immediately after processing and after 30 days of refrigerated storage. Results showed that HHP as well as storage time clearly influenced sugars, vitamin C, β-carotene, mineral contents and antioxidant capacity. However, the physicochemical characteristics were not influenced by HHP. Pressurization led to a significant increase in fructose and glucose at 300-500MPa both on day 0 and day 30 (P<0.05). Potassium content increased 8-10% at 300 and 500MPa, while phosphorus content increased 65% compared with control sample at 400MPa at day 0 (P<0.05). The antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) increased after 30 days of storage in pressurized samples at 300 and 500MPa. A maximum antioxidant activity value was observed at 300MPa by means of the oxygen radical absorbance capacity analysis (P<0.05). Practical Applications: Influence of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on Cape gooseberry pulp quality was evaluated immediately after processing and after 30 days of storage at 4C. Physicochemical, nutritional and functional properties of the gooseberry pulp were determined. The results of this work may contribute to a better assessment of the benefits of high pressure processed gooseberry pulp. HHP processing preserves and enhances quality of bioactive compounds as well as improves their stability during storage, which may lead to the development of new functional food products with this pulp as basic ingredient.Fil: Torres Ossandón, M. J.. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: López, J.. Universidad de La Serena; Chile. Universidad de Santiago de Chile; ChileFil: Vega Gálvez, A.. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Galotto, M. J.. Universidad de Santiago de Chile; ChileFil: Perez Won, M.. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Di Scala, Karina Cecilia. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Ingeniería Química. Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería en Alimentos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin