Resumen Kombucha es una biopelícula compuesta por un cultivo simbiótico de bacterias y levaduras, conocido como SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). El SCOBY sufre procesos de deterioro y pérdida de atributos nutricionales, bioactivos y sensoriales, lo que impacta negativamente en su vida útil. Estas pérdidas pueden evitarse mediante métodos de secado, que ayudan a prolongar la vida útil y conservar los compuestos de acción de sus constituyentes. El objetivo de este estudio fue someter y evaluar Kombucha SCOBY a las técnicas de deshidratación por calor y liofilización. Los análisis incluyeron pH, sólidos solubles totales, acidez titulable total, turbidez, contenido de compuestos fenólicos totales, actividad antioxidante, evaluación microbiológica y pruebas de toxicidad in vivo. Todos los análisis fueron evaluados estadísticamente a un nivel de probabilidad del 5%, utilizando el software SAS. Tanto las bebidas de Kombucha como los productos secos exhibieron cantidades considerables de compuestos fenólicos y actividad antioxidante. Los recuentos de microorganismos oscilaron entre 104 y 108 CFU.ml-1 para bebidas y productos desarrollados. En las pruebas in vivo con Caenorhabditis elegans, no se observó un aumento en la mortalidad y los gusanos alimentados con los productos fermentados mostraron un mayor crecimiento. Por lo tanto, este estudio concluye que la producción de formas deshidratadas y liofilizadas de productos a base de Kombucha es un campo de investigación prometedor y ventajoso para la salud humana.

Abstract Kombucha is a biofilm composed of a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, known as SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). The SCOBY undergoes deterioration processes and loss of nutritional, bioactive and sensory attributes, which negatively impacts its shelf life. These losses can be avoided by drying methods, which help to extend shelf life and preserve the action compounds of its constituents. The objective of this study was to subject and evaluate Kombucha SCOBY to drying techniques by heat dehydration and freeze-drying. Analyses included pH, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, turbidity, total phenolic compound content, antioxidant activity, microbiological assessment, and toxicity in vivo testing. All analyses were statistically evaluated at a 5% probability level, using SAS software. Both Kombucha beverages and dry products exhibited considerable amounts of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Microorganism counts ranged from 104 to 108 CFU.ml-1 for developed beverages and products. In In vivo tests with Caenorhabditis elegans, no increase in mortality was observed, and worms fed with the fermented products showed enhanced growth. Thus, this study concludes that producing dehydrated and freeze-dried forms of Kombucha-based products is a promising and advantageous field of researchfor human health.

ABSTRACT Seaweeds are related to anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-noceptive effects. This work aimed to verify the potential of seaweed Padina gymnospora (Kützing) Sonder 1871 to improve wound healing in vitro. P. gymnospora was collected at a bethonic area in Espirito Santo. Methanolic extract of P. gymnospora was obtained by percolation. To determine cytotoxicity, colorimetric MTT tests were performed against normal fibroblasts (L929), macrophages (RAW 264.7) and human ovarian carcinoma (OVCAR-3) cell lines using concentration range of 12–110 µg ml-1. To evaluate in vitro wound healing, monolayer of fibroblasts L929 was seeded and artificial wounded. Cell proliferation was blocked by 5 µg ml-1 Mytomycin C. Nitric oxide inhibition was quantified with Raw 264.7 by Griess reaction. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Staphylococcus aureus was determined. Eletrospray ionization with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FT-ICR MS) was applied to detail composition of P. gymnospora methanolic extract. No cytotoxic effect in all cell lines was detected until the maximum concentration of 110 µg ml-1. P. gymnospora promoted significantly migration at the concentration of 25 µg ml-1 (p < 0.05). A prominent inhibition of nitric oxide formation was achieved in a concentration of 20 µg ml-1 of methanolic extract of P. gymnospora (62.06 ± 1.20%). Antibacterial activity against S. aureus could be demonstrated with MIC of 500 µg ml-1. ESI-FT-ICR MS analysis indicated eleven molecules between then, linolenic, oleic and linoleic acid. P. gymnospora favored wound repair in vitro what could be related to its fatty acid composition. In addition, its antimicrobial effect, and NO inhibition activity contribute for a new approach of P. gymnospora as a promise natural product for treatment of cutaneous wound.

Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl) Marchand, Burseraceae, is popularly used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. However, the cellular mechanism of action remains unknown. This study aims to evaluate the chemical composition of P. heptaphyllum resin and cytotoxicity on a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The chemical composition of the resin was determined by Gas Chromatography coupled to a Mass Spectrometer. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using an MTT assay. Annexin V-FITC, caspase-3, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme activity and Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF- α) assays were performed to evaluate apoptosis and inflammatory events. The resin consisted of triterpenes, such as α- and β-amyrin. Cytotoxicity was only observed in fractions enriched with α- and β-amyrin. The resin and fractions elicited antiproliferative activity, increased activity of caspase-3 and ACE, and a decrease in the TNF-α level. Altogether, the resin and fractions enriched with α- and β-amyrin promoted cytotoxicity and apoptosis.