Edible bio-based nanostructures: delivery, absorption and potential toxicity

The development of bio-based nanostructures as nanocarriers of bioactive compounds to specific body sites has been presented as a hot topic in food, pharmaceutical and nanotechnology fields. Food and pharmaceutical industries seek to explore the huge potential of these nanostructures, once they can be entirely composed of biocompatible and non-toxic materials. At the same time, they allow the incorporation of lipophilic and hydrophilic bioactive compounds protecting them against degradation, maintaining its active and functional performance. Nevertheless, the physicochemical properties of such structures (e.g., size and charge) could change significantly their behavior in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The main challenges in the development of these nanostructures are the proper characterization and understanding of the processes occurring at their surface, when in contact with living systems. This is crucial to understand their delivery and absorption behavior as well as to recognize potential toxicological effects. This review will provide an insight into the recent innovations and challenges in the field of delivery via GI tract using bio-based nanostructures. Also, an overview of the approaches followed to ensure an effective deliver (e.g., avoiding physiological barriers) and to enhance stability and absorptive intestinal uptake of bioactive compounds will be provided. Information about nanostructures potential toxicity and a concise description of the in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies will also be given.Joana T. Martins, Oscar L. Ramos, Ana C. Pinheiro, Ana I. Bourbon, Helder D. Silva and Miguel A. Cerqueira (SFRH/BPD/89992/2012, SFRH/BPD/80766/2011, SFRH/BPD/101181/2014, SFRH/BD/73178/2010, SFRH/BD/81288/2011, and SFRH/BPD/72753/2010, respectively) are the recipients of a fellowship from the Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE, Portugal). The authors thank the FCT Strategic Project PEst-OE/EQB/LA0023/2013 and the project "BioInd-Biotechnology and Bioengineering for improved Industrial and Agro-Food processes," REF.NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000028, co-funded by the Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2-O Novo Norte), QREN, FEDER. We also thank to the European Commission: BIOCAPS (316265, FP7/REGPOT-2012-2013.1) and Xunta de Galicia: Agrupamento INBIOMED (2012/273) and Grupo con potencial de crecimiento. The support of EU Cost Action FA1001 is gratefully acknowledged

Perspectives on utilization of edible coatings and nano-laminate coatings for extension of postharvest storage of fruits and vegetables

It is known that in developing countries, a large quantity of fruit and vegetable losses results at postharvest and processing stages due to poor or scarce storage technology and mishandling during harvest. The use of new and innovative technologies for reducing postharvest losses is a requirement that has not been fully covered. The use of edible coatings (mainly based on biopolymers) as a postharvest technique for agricultural commodities has offered biodegradable alternatives in order to solve problems (e.g., microbiological growth) during produce storage. However, biopolymer-based coatings can present some disadvantages such as: poor mechanical properties (e.g., lipids) or poor water vapor barrier properties (e.g., polysaccharides), thus requiring the development of new alternatives to solve these drawbacks. Recently, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising tool in the food processing industry, providing new insights about postharvest technologies on produce storage. Nanotechnological approaches can contribute through the design of functional packing materials with lower amounts of bioactive ingredients, better gas and mechanical properties and with reduced impact on the sensorial qualities of the fruits and vegetables. This work reviews some of the main factors involved in postharvest losses and new technologies for extension of postharvest storage of fruits and vegetables, focused on perspective uses of edible coatings and nano-laminate coatings.María L. Flores-López thanks Mexican Science and Technology Council (CONACYT, Mexico) for PhD fellowship support (CONACYT Grant Number: 215499/310847). Miguel A. Cerqueira (SFRH/BPD/72753/2010) is recipient of a fellowship from the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE Portugal). The authors also thank the FCT Strategic Project of UID/ BIO/04469/2013 unit, the project RECI/BBB-EBI/0179/2012 (FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-027462) and the project ‘‘BioInd Biotechnology and Bioengineering for improved Industrial and AgroFood processes,’’ REF. NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000028 Co-funded by the Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2 – O Novo Norte), QREN, FEDER. Fundação Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico – FUNCAP, CE Brazil (CI10080-00055.01.00/13)

Título en español.

Data are presented here on soil conditions at the Arecibo and Corozal filter-press-cake experimental fields 18 months after establishing the treatment differentials. The experiments were located on a Bayamón silty clay and a Lares clay, respectively, both representative of the group of soils generally used for growing pineapples in the northern and interior districts of the Island. A previous report indicated that maximum yields of pineapple in the Arecibo region could be obtained with applications of 1,500 pounds to the acre of a 12-6-10 fertilizer, if applications of filter-press cake were made at the rate of 32 tons to the acre. At Corozal, however, both heavy applications of filter-press cake (32 tons) and of fertilizer (3,000 pounds) were necessary for obtaining maximum yields. Soil samples were taken from the top 6 inches at both locations and analyzed for pH, nitrogen, organic matter, total exchange capacity, exchangeable calcium, magnesium, and manganese, and available phosphorus and iron. In addition, undisturbed soil cores were taken at Corozal and data were gathered on the permeability, rapidity of drainage, maximum saturation, water retained at various tensions, porosity, and bulk density. Although no significant differences were obtained in most cases, some trends were observed, such as the retention of larger quantities of available moisture at low tensions in a state of ready availability for plants by soils to which filter-press cake was added than by those to which only fertilizer was applied. The C/N ratios were narrow in all cases, indicative of quick decomposition of the organic residues after application.Se presentan aquí datos sobre las propiedades del suelo en los campos experimentales de Arecibo y Corozal 18 meses después de haber tratado parcelas con dos niveles de cachaza y haber dejado parcelas testigos sin recibir cachaza. Los experimentos se localizaron en suelos de Bayamón limoarcilloso y Lares arcilloso, ambos representativos de los suelos donde generalmente se cultiva la piña en las zonas norte e interior de la Isla. En un informe previo se presentó evidencia que indicaba que se podían obtener rendimientos máximos de piña en la zona de Arecibo con aplicaciones de 1,500 libras de abono 12—6—10 si se habían hecho aplicaciones de cachaza previamente a razón de 32 toneladas por acre. En Corozal, sin embargo, es necesario aplicar 32 toneladas de cachaza y 3,000 libras de abono por acre para poder lograr rendimientos máximos de piña. En ambas localidades se tomaron muestras de las primeras pulgadas del suelo y se determinó el pH, contenido de nitrógeno, materia orgánica, capacidad total de intercambio, calcio, magnesio y manganeso intercambiable, y fósforo e hierro asimilables. En Corozal se tomaron además, columnas de suelo en su estado natural y se midió la permeabilidad, agua removida en 15 minutos a una tensión de 60 centímetros, saturación máxima, humedad retenida a varias tensiones, porosidad y densidad aparente del suelo. Aunque no se obtuvieron diferencias significativas atribuíbles a los tratamientos en la mayoría de los casos, se observaron tendencias de importancia, tales como mayor retención de humedad aprovechable en los suelos que recibieron aplicaciones de cachaza en contraste con los que sólo recibieron abono químico. La razón de carbono a nitrógeno fué estrecha en todos los casos, indicando que la descomposición de la materia orgánica fué rápida

COMPARATIVE RESPONSE TO LIMING OF VARIOUS NON-TRADITIONAL EXPORT CROPS GROWN IN ULTISOLS AND OXISOLS OF THE CARIBBEAN

Non-traditional export crops were grown following a sequence in Ultisols and Oxisols which occur extensively throughout the Caribbean Region. The soils were limed to pH values ranging from less than 5.0 to more tharl 6.5. Green beans, cabbage, taniers and yams appeared to be quite sensitive to soil acidity factors. Tomato yields were not markedly affected until pH dropped to 4.6 with 45% Al saturation. Pigeonpeas barely responded to liming in Oxisols, but responded strongly in Ultisols. Soil acidity factors have no effect on yields of plantains on either groups of soils. Lime requirements should be based on exchangeable Al rather than on pH. Any program geared to increase crop production levels on acid soils of the Caribbean must be based on the use of complete technological packages of practices of which lime is an essential component