Preparation of gas-filled porous microparticles (GPPs) and microbubbles (MBs) by PGSS method

Dissertation to obtain the Master Degree in Biotechnology

Isolation and encapsulation of a natural colourant using green technologies

The use of natural pigments instead of synthetic colourants is receiving growing interest in the food industry. In this field, cactus pears (Opuntia spp.) have been identified to be a promising betalainic crops covering a wide coloured spectrum. The aim of this work was to develop adequate clean and mild methodologies for the isolation and encapsulation of betacyanins, from cactus pear fruits (Opuntia spp.). Firstly, two different emerging technologies, namely PLE (Pressurized Liquid Extraction) and HPCDAE (High Pressure Carbon Dioxide-Assisted Extraction), were exploited to isolation of betacyanins form cactus pear fruits. Different process conditions were tested for the maximum recovery of betacyanins. Results showed that highest extraction yields were achieved for HPCDAE and mass ratio of pressurized carbon dioxide vs. acidified water was the parameter that most affected the betacyanins extraction. At optimum conditions of HPCDAE, Opuntia spp. extract presented a total betacyanin content of 211 ± 10 mg/100 g whereas extracts obtained using conventional extraction, PLE in static and in dynamic mode presented a total betacyanin content of 85 ± 3, 191 ± 2 and 153 ± 5 mg/100 g, respectively. HPCDAE has proven to be a successful technology to extract betacyanins from Opuntia spp. fruits. Afterward, Supercritical Fluid Technology was exploited to develop lipidic particles of betalain-rich extract. A betacyanin-rich conventional extract was encapsulated by PGSS® (Particles from Gas Saturated Solutions) technique. Different process conditions were tested in order to model the encapsulation of betacyanins. The pressure had a negative effect on betacyanin encapsulation. Lower pressures leads to an increase in the betacyanin encapsulation. This effect was more pronounced at higher temperatures and lower equilibrium time. At these conditions, Opuntia spp. particles presented 64.4 ± 4.5 mg/100 g and high antioxidant capacity. When compared with the Opuntia spp. dried extract, lipidic particles contributed to a better homogenization of the pink colour after incorporation in ice cream.

Aspectos político-legais da educação do campo

The article describes political and legal aspects of Brazilian education, through the analysis of Brazilian Constitutions, its amendments and major educational laws and resolutions in force until 2012, highlighting those that make direct reference to rural education and country education. It intends to identify the time when the educational legislation has incorporated the term “country education”, one of the struggles of the Movement for a Country Education. The use of the term “country education” will occur only in the first decade of this century. Despite the difficulties in consolidating country education, clearly the incorporation of this issue in the draft of the new National Education Plan (2011/2020), under discussion in Brazilian Congress.

Perfil de ácidos graxos em batatas Chips comercializadas em são José do Rio Preto - Brasil

The objective this study was to evaluate the fatty acids profile of samples of chips potato marketed in the city of São Jose do Rio Preto-SP. We collected samples of 10 brands of chips potato, obtained from 3 different batches. The fatty acids profile was obtained by gas chromatography, with peak identified by retention times with standards of methyl esters and the results calculated and expressed as g/100g of the sample. The fatty acids profile in chips potatoes from different brands were on average 39.22% for saturated fatty acids, 39.64% for monounsaturated, 18.60% for polyunsaturated and 2.43% for trans fatty acids.

Capacidade antioxidante e estabilidade oxidativa de Gengiber officinale

The main objectives of this work were to evaluate the antioxidant activity and to determine of an ethanolic ginger extract total phenolic compounds concentration, as well as verifying its behavior by means of the oxidative stability, when added to refined soybean oil in concentrations of 0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 mg/kg. The maximum antioxidant activity and EC50, concentration of the extract to achieve 50% of the antioxidant activity, value determined by free radical DPPH method were 79.1% and 42.6 g/mL, respectively. The total phenolic compounds concentration, determined to Folin-Ciocalteu method, was 251 mg/g. The induction period of the samples increased according to the augment of the extract concentration in the oil when evaluated using oxidative stability through the Rancimat equipament. It was possible to conclude that the ginger extracts possess effective action against the lipid oxidation and can be applied in foods as natural antioxidant.

Compostos bioativos benéficos presentes em castanhas e nozes

Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse relationship between nuts, including walnuts, intakes and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancers. The nuts contain phenolics compounds and flavonoids and are rich in tocopherol, phytosterols, and squalene. They are sources of carbohydrates, essential fatty acids and minerals. Since walnuts contain high levels of n-3 fatty acids and low unsaturated fatty acids, high levels of vitamin E, pholyphenols, flavonoids, arginine and fiber. The compounds possible beneficial effects are due to their antioxidant and antiproliferative activities, which are linked to a reduced risk for developing atherosclerosis and cancer. In recent years, the consumers have been showing an increased interest in nuts and walnuts because of their nutritional qualities and their potential beneficial effects on people’s health This review aims to describe the importance of beneficial bioactive compounds present in nuts and walnuts.

Cogumelos: compostos biativos e propriedades antioxidantes

This study presents a literature review which shows the nutritional, medicinal and antioxidant importance of mushrooms. In this research, the main antioxidant compounds of mushrooms, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids and tocopherols, as well as their mechanisms of action were described. The main in vitro methods used for evaluation of the antioxidant activity of these compounds were approached. The influences from the solvent polarity and the kind of extraction in the acquisition of the antioxidant compounds were also discussed. It was possible to conclude that mushrooms are a source of carbohydrates, proteins and minerals, thus presenting nutritional properties. The functional and medicinal properties are attributed to glucans, besides being excellent sources of natural antioxidants. Regarding the extraction process, it was noticed that the solvent polarity used in the extraction process is determinant in the obtainment of antioxidant compounds.

Credit application systems for investments in agriculture and livestock in rural areas in Latin America

La falta de recursos para mejorar los insumos y herramientas es causa fundamental de la falta de seguridad alimentaria, según las familias y organizaciones entrevistadas en las Comunidades Marginadas y Aisladas (CMA) en América Latina. Las familias que viven en este tipo de comunidades acceden a los insumos adecuados bien a través de la donación, o a través del crédito. La condición de marginación y aislamiento invita a optar por el crédito, al volverse imprescindible el contar con intervenciones sostenibles por la poca atención que este tipo de comunidades recibe de las autoridades públicas y la cooperación al desarrollo. De entre las metodologías para acceder a los créditos en las CMA destacan las líneas de crédito, los Programas de Grupos Solidarios (PGSs), o las Estructuras Financieras Locales (EFLs) o bancos comunales. Tras el análisis realizado en este artículo, se concluye que las EFLs o bancos comunales son la metodología capaz de arrojar mejores resultados.