No abstract

Os resíduos descartados das indústrias de alimentos poderiam ter uma finalidade benéfica ao homem e ao meio ambiente. Algumas frutas que possuem sementes são processadas para fabricação de alimentos e posteriormente descartadas sendo que poderiam ser utilizadas para minimizar o seu desperdício, Além da possibilidade de ter alto valor agregado quando processados e transformados em subprodutos como óleos vegetais (KOBORI; JORGE, 2005).

Hydroxyapatite nails, prepared according to a novel method and endowed with better mechanical resistance, were coated with chitosan to impart enhanced biocompatibility and were introduced in the femurs of rabbits. Chitosan was found to be a favorable interface between bone and hydroxyapatite because it promoted an osteoconductive reaction.

A obtenção de micropartículas por técnicas de emulsificação assumiu grande relevância para o microencapsulamento de fármacos hidrofílicos. O trabalho avalia o uso de diferentes óleos vegetais para o processo de obtenção de micropartículas por emulsificação a/o e observa sua influência no encapsulamento de fármacos de baixo peso molecular.

Research background. Gallic acid is a polyphenol presenting antioxidant and antitumor activities, however its use as a nutraceutical or drug is hindered by its low bioavailability. Zein is a natural protein found in corn and has been applied as nanoparticle for drug carrier. In this study, zein nanoparticles were obtained and stabilized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as gallic acid carriers. Experimental approach. Nanoparticles were obtained by the liquid-liquid method and characterized in terms of mean size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, morphology, solid-state interactions, and encapsulation efficiency/drug loading. The stability of nanoparticles was evaluated in simulated gastrointestinal fluids and food simulants, and the antioxidant activity was determined by the scavenging of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Results and conclusions. Zein nanoparticles containing gallic acid were obtained and stabilized only in the presence of PEG. The optimal conditions originated nanoparticles with mean size <200 nm, low polydispersity index (<0.25) and negative zeta potential (20 mV). The gallic acid encapsulation efficiency was about 40 %, drug loading about 5 %, and the compound was encapsulated in an amorphous state. FTIR did not identify chemical interactions after gallic acid nanoencapsulation. Zein nanoparticles were more susceptible to release the gallic acid in gastric than intestinal simulated medium, however more than 50 % of drug content was protected from premature release. In food simulants, the gallic acid release from nanoparticles was prolonged and sustained. Moreover, the nanoencapsulation did not reduce the antioxidant activity of gallic acid. Novelty and scientific contribution. The results show the importance of PEG on the formation and properties of zein nanoparticles obtained by the liquid-liquid dispersion method. This study indicates PEG-stabilized zein nanoparticles are potential carriers for gallic acid delivery by the oral route to take advantage of its antioxidant properties and be applied both in the pharmaceutical and food industry.