Formulation of Pseudomonas chlororaphis strains for improved shelf life

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Administração de maltodextrina em cavalos submetidos a teste de exercício progressivo e a exercícios sequenciais de alta intensidade e curta duração em esteira

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Preparação e caracterização de novos híbridos orgânicos-inorgânicos baseados em carboximetilcelulose/polifosfato de sódio dopados com 'Eu'Cl IND.3

Organic- inorganic hybrid (HOI) are materials prepared with the combination of inorganic and organic components. The properties of a hybrid material are unique, not being the sum of each individual component added. This occurs because there is a synergism that depends of the chemical nature of organic and inorganic components, of the size and morphology of their domains. The sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) it's an anionic polymer obtained of the cellulose, very soluble in water in which forms both solutions themselves and gels. The sodium polyphosphate (NaPO3)n, known commercially as Graham Salt is the only polyphosphate soluble in water, and it's the polyphosphate with the longest chain. At the present work it was prepared and characterized new phosphate organic- inorganic hybrids films of carboxymethylcellulose / sodium phosphate and luminescent films of CMC/NaPO3 doped with europium chloride (EuCl3). The films where prepared in several proportions. At first, it was set the amount of water to be used and the amount of carboxymethylcellulose, changing the concentrations of sodium polyphosphate and europium chloride. After pre-establishing concentrations, for each film, the components were submitted to constant agitation and subsequent drying. The inorganic-organic hybrid films were characterized by, TG, DR-X, DMA, FT-IR, UV-Vis-NIR, RMN 31P e 13C and at last, a study of luminescence was made. The hybrid films obtained are transparent and macroscopically homogeneous, however, the MET measures showed the formation of micro-islands of polyphosphate along the material, this fact indicates a bigger fragmentation of the films and this is verified by DMA analysis which shows a smaller resistance of the film with the increase of the concentration of phosphate. Both spectrum FT-IR and RMN analysis of the films, don't show the formation of new bands of their precursors, CMC e NaPO3,....

Perfil enzimático e potencial biotecnológico de fungos isolados de jardins das formigas cortadeiras

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Síntese e caracterização de matrizes híbridas para aplicação em sistemas de liberação controlada

Pós-graduação em Ciência dos Materiais - FEIS

Síntese, caracterização e aplicação de hidrogéis nanoestruturados contendo nanoargila para melhorar a germinação e qualidade de muda de hortaliça

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Desenvolvimento de hidrogéis nanoestruturados baseados em polissacarídeo e zeólita para aplicação em sistemas de liberação controlada

Pós-graduação em Ciência dos Materiais - FEIS

Effect of amino-terminated substrates onto surface properties of cellulose esters and their interaction with lectins

Films of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and carboxymethylcellulose acetate butyrate (CMCAB) were deposited from ethyl acetate solutions onto bare silicon wafers (Si/SiO2) or amino-terminated surfaces (APS) by means of equilibrium adsorption. All surfaces were characterized by means of ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle measurements. The presence of amino groups on the support surface favored the adsorption of CAB and CMCAB, inducing the orientation almost polar groups to the surface and the exposition of alkyl group to the air. Such molecular orientation caused increase of the dispersive component of surface energy (gamma(d)(s)) and decrease of the polar component of surface energy (gamma(p)(s)) of cellulose esters in comparison to those values determined for films deposited onto bare Si/SiO2 wafers. Adsorption behavior of jacalin or concanavalin A onto CAB and CMCAB films was also investigated. The adsorbed amounts of lectins were more pronounced on cellulose esters with high (gamma(p)(s)) and total surface energy (gamma(t)(s)) values. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Celecoxib treatment does not alter recruitment and activation of osteoclasts in the initial phase of experimental tooth movement

In a previous study, we reported that the short-term treatment with celecoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) attenuates the activation of brain structures related to nociception and does not interfere with orthodontic incisor separation in rats. The conclusion was that celecoxib could possibly be prescribed for pain in orthodontic patients. However, we did not analyze the effects of this drug in periodontium. The aim of this follow-up study was to analyze effects of celecoxib treatment on recruitment and activation of osteoclasts and alveolar bone resorption after inserting an activated orthodontic appliance between the incisors in our rat model. Twenty rats (400420 g) were pretreated through oral gavage with celecoxib (50 mg/kg) or vehicle (carboxymethylcellulose 0.4%). After 30 min, they received an activated (30 g) orthodontic appliance, set not to cause any palate disjunction. In sham animals, the appliance was immediately removed after introduction. All animals received ground food and, every 12 h, celecoxib or vehicle. After 48 h, they were anesthetized and transcardiacally perfused through the aorta with 4% formaldehyde. Subsequently, maxillae were removed, post-fixed and processed for histomorphometry or immunohistochemical analyses. As expected, incisor distalization induced an inflammatory response with certain histological changes, including an increase in the number of active osteoclasts at the compression side in group treated with vehicle (appliance: 32.2 +/- 2.49 vs sham: 4.8 +/- 1.79, P<0.05) and celecoxib (appliance: 31.0 +/- 1.45 vs sham: 4.6 +/- 1.82, P<0.05). The treatment with celecoxib did not modify substantially the histological alterations and the number of active osteoclasts after activation of orthodontic appliance. Moreover, we did not see any difference between the groups with respect to percentage of bone resorption area. Taken together with our previous results we conclude that short-term treatment with celecoxib can indeed be a therapeutic alternative for pain relieve during orthodontic procedures.

Structural aspects of polyanion and hydrophobically modified polycation multilayers on hydrophilic or hydrophobic surfaces

Multilayer films of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), a polyanion, and bromide salts of poly(4-vinylpyridine) quaternized with linear aliphatic chains of 2 (ethyl) and 5 (pentyl) carbon atoms, coded as QPVP-C2 and QPVP-C5, respectively, were fabricated by layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly onto Si/SiO2 wafers (hydrophilic substrate) or polystyrene, PS, films (hydrophobic substrate). The films were characterized by means of ex situ and in situ ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurements and sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG). Antimicrobial tests were used to assess the exposure of pyridinium moieties to the aqueous medium. In situ ellipsometry indicated that for Si/SiO2 the chains were more expanded than the PS films and both substrates systems composed of QPVP-C5 were thicker than those with QPVP-C2. For dried layers, the alkyl side group size had a small effect on the thickness evolution, regardless of the substrate. At pH 2 the multilayers showed high resistance, evidencing that the build-up is driven not only by cooperative polymer-polymer ion pairing, but also by hydrophobic interactions between the alkyl side chains. The LbL films became irregular as the number of depositions increased. After the last deposition, the wettability of QPVP-C2 or QPVP-C5 terminated systems on the Si/SiO2 wafers and PS films were similar, except for QPVP-C2 on Si/SiO2 wafers. Unlike the morphology observed for LbL films on Si/SiO2 wafers, PS induced the formation of porous structures. SFG showed that in air the molecular orientation of pyridinium groups in multilayers with QPVP-C5 was stronger than in those containing QPVP-C2. The exposure of pyridinium moieties to the aqueous medium was more pronounced when the LbL were assembled on Si/SiO2 wafers.

Effect of sorbitan-based surfactants on glass transition temperature of cellulose esters

Thermal behavior of mixtures composed of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), carboxymethylcellulose acetate butyrate (CMCAB), or cellulose acetate phthalate (CAPh), and sorbitan-based surfactants was investigated as a function of mixture composition by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Surfactants with three different alkyl chain lengths, namely, polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), polyoxyethylenesorbitan monopalmitate (Tween 40), and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (Tween 60) were chosen. DSC measurements revealed that Tween 20, 40, and 60 act as plasticizers for CAB, CMCAB, and CAPh (except for Tween 60), leading to a dramatic reduction of glass transition temperature (T-g). The dependence of experimental T-g values on the mixture composition was compared with theoretical predictions using the Fox equation. Plasticization was strongly dependent on mixture composition, surfactant hydrophobic chain length, and type of cellulose ester functional group.

Different protocols to produce artificial dentine carious lesions in vitro and in situ: hardness and mineral content correlation

This study compared dentine demineralization induced by in vitro and in situ models, and correlated dentine surface hardness (SH), cross-sectional hardness (CSH) and mineral content by transverse microradiography (TMR). Bovine dentine specimens (n = 15/group) were demineralized in vitro with the following: MC gel (6% carboxymethylcellulose gel and 0.1 m lactic acid, pH 5.0, 14 days); buffer I (0.05 m acetic acid solution with calcium, phosphate and fluoride, pH 4.5, 7 days); buffer II (0.05 m acetic acid solution with calcium and phosphate, pH 5.0, 7 days), and TEMDP (0.05 m lactic acid with calcium, phosphate and tetraethyl methyl diphosphonate, pH 5.0, 7 days). In an in situ study, 11 volunteers wore palatal appliances containing 2 bovine dentine specimens, protected with a plastic mesh to allow biofilm development. The volunteers dripped a 20% sucrose solution on each specimen 4 times a day for 14 days. In vitro and in situ lesions were analyzed using TMR and statistically compared by ANOVA. TMR and CSH/SH were submitted to regression and correlation analysis (p < 0.05). The in situ model produced a deep lesion with a high R value, but with a thin surface layer. Regarding the in vitro models, MC gel produced only a shallow lesion, while buffers I and II as well as TEMDP induced a pronounced subsurface lesion with deep demineralization. The relationship between CSH and TMR was weak and not linear. The artificial dentine carious lesions induced by the different models differed significantly, which in turn might influence further de- and remineralization processes. Hardness analysis should not be interpreted with respect to dentine mineral loss

Efeito de revestimentos comestíveis na conservação de mamões minimamente processados

Avaliou-se o efeito de revestimentos à base de carboidratos nas características microbiológicas, físicas, físico-químicas e sensoriais de mamão Formosa minimamente processado (MP), armazenado sob refrigeração. Após tratamento com cloreto de cálcio, os frutos descascados e cortados foram imersos em soluções de amido de arroz (AA) 3%; alginato de sódio (AS) 0,5%; carboximetilcelulose (CMC) 0,25%, e armazenados a 5 ºC e 90% de UR. Os produtos foram avaliados nos dias 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 e 15. O uso de revestimentos à base de AA, AS e CMC em mamões MP resultou em menor contagem de coliformes totais que o controle. Mamões revestidos com AA e CMC apresentaram redução e aumento do processo respiratório, respectivamente. Os frutos revestidos apresentaram menores teores de sólidos solúveis e seus valores de pH se tornaram menores após o 9º dia de armazenamento. O uso da CMC como revestimento proporcionou, no 15º dia, maior firmeza da polpa. As variações nos parâmetros de cor (Luminosidade, Hue e Croma) não comprometeram a qualidade sensorial do mamão MP. Os atributos sensoriais dos mamões com revestimentos não diferiram do controle durante os 15 dias de estudo. Como a maioria dos efeitos positivos das coberturas ocorreu aos 12º e 15º dias e, considerando-se o custo da tecnologia e o preço dos revestimentos, a melhor opção, até 9 dias de armazenamento, consiste em apenas sanitizar os frutos, como feito no controle. Se o interesse for preservar a vida útil por um período maior, até 15 dias, os revestimentos utilizados podem ter resultados satisfatórios, desde que respeitadas as condições de estocagem utilizadas no estudo.

Effects of Delta12-prostaglandin J2 on bone regeneration and growth factor expression in rats

OBJECTIVES: Cyclopentenone prostaglandins have been shown to promote osteoblast differentiation in vitro. The aim of this study was to examine in a rat model the effects of local delivery of Delta(12)-prostaglandin J(2) (Delta(12)-PGJ(2)) on new bone formation and growth factor expression in (i) cortical defects and (ii) around titanium implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Standardized transcortical defects were prepared bilaterally in the femur of 28 male Wistar rats. Ten microliters of Delta(12)-PGJ(2) at 4 concentrations (10(-9), 10(-7), 10(-5) and 10(-3) mol/l) in a collagen vehicle were delivered inside a half-cylindrical titanium chamber fixed over the defect. Contralateral defects served as vehicle controls. Ten days after surgery, the amount of new bone formation in the cortical defect area was determined by histomorphometry and expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A and -B, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I/II, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and -6 was examined by immunohistochemistry. In an additional six rats, 24 titanium implants were inserted into the femur. Five microliters of carboxymethylcellulose alone (control) or with Delta(12)-PGJ(2) (10(-5) and 10(-3) mol/l) were delivered into surgically prepared beds prior to implant installation. RESULTS: Delta(12)-PGJ(2) (10(-5) and 10(-3) mol/l) significantly enhanced new bone formation (33%, P<0.05) compared with control cortical defects. Delivery of Delta(12)-PGJ(2) at 10(-3) mol/l significantly increased PDGF-A and -B and BMP-2 and -6 protein expression (P<0.05) compared with control defects. No significant difference was found in IGF-I/II expression compared with controls. Administration of Delta(12)-PGJ(2) also significantly increased endosteal new bone formation around implants compared with controls. CONCLUSION: Local delivery of Delta(12)-PGJ(2) promoted new bone formation in the cortical defect area and around titanium implants. Enhanced expression of BMP-2 and -6 as well as PDGF-A and -B may be involved in Delta(12)-PGJ(2)-induced new bone formation.

In-season calcium-spray formulations improve calcium balance and fruit quality traits of peach.

Experiments to evaluate the effect of in-season calcium (Ca) sprays on late-season peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch cv. Calrico) were carried out for a 2-year period. Calcium formulations (0.5% and 1.0% in 2008 and only 0.5% tested in 2009) supplied either as CaCl2 or Ca propionate in combination with two or three adjuvants (0.05% of the nonionic surfactants Tween 20 and Break Thru, and 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose, CMC) were sprayed four to five times over the growing season. Peach mesocarp and endocarp Ca concentrations were determined on a 15-day basis from the beginning of May until the end of June. Further tissue analyses were performed at harvest. A decreasing trend in fruit Ca concentrations over the growing season was always observed regardless of the Ca treatments. Both in 2008 and 2009, significant tissue Ca increments associated with the application of Ca-containing sprays in combination with adjuvants were only observed in June, which may be coincident with the period of pit hardening. In 2008, both at harvest and after cold storage, the total soluble-solids concentration (° Brix) of fruits supplied with Ca propionate (0.5% and 1.0% Ca) was always lower as compared to the rest of treatments. The application of multiple Ca-containing sprays increased firmness at harvest and after cold storage, especially when CaCl2 was the active ingredient used. Supplying the adjuvants Tween 20 and CMC increased fruit acidity both at harvest and after cold storage. Evaluation of the development of physiological disorders after cold storage (2 weeks at 0°C) indicated a lower susceptibility of Ca-treated fruits to internal browning. Fruits treated with multiple CaCl2-, CMC-, and Break Thru®-containing sprays during the growing season were significantly less prone to the development of chilling injuries as compared to untreated peaches.