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The aim of this presented study was to develop and cluster cookies made with cocoa shell, a by-product of the chocolate industry, and nutritionally rich raw materials, soy and green banana flours, according to their nutritional characteristics and to evaluate them sensorially, through exploratory methods. The results of proximate composition, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, hardness and color were submitted to Kohonen's self-organizing maps (KSOMs) and the samples trend to form three groups. All treatments showed functional properties due to their high protein content, dietary fiber, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants. All formulations had good sensory acceptance (grades between 6.71 and 7.11) and the simplex-centroid design used to optimize the acceptance was effective. The Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) analysis indicated sensory differences between the treatments. It is concluded that the KSOMs is effective to nutritionally describe and classify samples and cocoa shell, soy, and green banana flours provided nutritional and sensory characteristics acceptable to consumers, making them viable for inclusion in human nutrition.

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Propolis is a complex mixture of phytochemicals, with antibacterial, antiinflammatory, and healing properties. All-trans retinoic acid is implicated in wound healing by stimulating angiogenesis, cell recruitment, extracellular matrix deposition, and reepithelization. The incorporation of both agents to a polymeric wound dressing composed of poly (vinyl alcohol) and sodium alginate may result in improved healing allied to controlled release, fluid uptake, and wound protection. In the present work, we have physically characterized this wound dressing and analyzed its release kinetics. The anti-inflammatory capacity was assayed. SEM images showed a highly porous structure with a diverse morphology. FTIR spectra displayed a highly cross-linked structure with both polymers connected by hydrogen bonds and acetal bridges. The wound dressings were able to retain great volumes of PBS. Propolis and vitamin A releasing behavior were maintained for 6 h. The concentrations of the biologically active substances were capable of promoting anti-inflammatory action in an erythrocyte membrane stabilization model. The wound dressings obtained here showed adequate physical properties. The fabrication process did not affect the anti-inflammatory capacity. Further tests are needed to ensure the biocompatibility and to assess other biological activities of the therapeutic agents.

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