This study aimed at evaluating the activity of peroxidases after ultrasound and microwave radiation exposure as an alternative to the wastewater treatment improvement. The results showed that after treatment with ultrasound using a power of 30% and a temperature of 55 °C was obtained an increase in relative activity, 129.5% in the enzyme from rice bran, 147.9% in the enzyme from soybean meal and 102.4% in the enzyme from horseradish. Using microwave radiation, the highest relative activity (107.4%) was observed for the peroxidase extracted from rice bran with 10 seconds of reaction time and a reaction temperature of about 50 °C. The data obtained in this study suggest that the ultrasonic bath and microwave are adequate for conducting reactions catalyzed by peroxidases because it was possible to increase their activity during the performed tests. Preliminary tests of enzyme application showed that the highest color removal occurred using 3 mL of the enzyme extract from rice bran and H2O2 concentrations of 40 mg L-1. This condition resulted in a color removal of about 40%.

The NaOH/metakaolin ratio and crystallization time were studied for the synthesis of zeolite NaA from a sample of kaolin from a Capim mine. The tests were carried out by using statistical design with axial points and replication of the central point. The samples obtained were characterized by X-ray diffraction (DRX), scanning electron microscopy and chemical analysis using a microprobe EPMA. The results showed that there is a relationship between the amount of NaOH added and crystallization time. The tests carried out using the lowest NaOH/metakaolin ratio (0.5) and the shortest time (4 h) produced a non-crystalline material. On the other hand, increasing the NaOH/metakaolin ratio and the crystallization time led to the formation of a NaA phase with a high structural level, but with the presence of a sodalite phase as an impurity.

ABSTRACT The present study evaluated the purification of inulinase by changing the ionic strength of the medium by addition of NaCl and CaCl2 followed by precipitation with n-propyl alcohol or iso-propyl alcohol. The effects of the concentration of alcohols and the rate of addition of alcohols in the crude extract on the purification yield and purification factor were evaluated. Precipitation caused an activation of enzyme and allowed purification factors up to 2.4-fold for both alcohols. The purification factor was affected positively by the modification of the ionic strength of the medium to 0.5 mol.L-1 NaCl before precipitation with the alcohol (n-propyl or iso-propyl). A purification factor of 4.8-fold and an enzyme yield of 78.1 % could be achieved by the addition of 0.5 mol.L-1 of NaCl to the crude extract, followed by the precipitation with 50 % (v/v) of n-propyl alcohol, added at a flow rate of 19.9 mL/min.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar o efeito do tipo de diesel e da concentração de biodiesel na mistura combustível sobre as emissões de gases por motor agrícola submetido a diferentes cargas. Foram testados dois tipos de diesel: S10, com baixo teor de enxofre; e S500, com alto teor de enxofre; bem como suas misturas com 5, 10, 15, 20, 50 e 100% de biodiesel. O motor, de quatro cilindros, turboalimentado e com 105 cv de potência máxima, foi submetido a oito modos de operação, sob diferentes rotações e torques. O ensaio seguiu a metodologia prevista na norma NBR ISSO 8174-4:2012, tendo-se analisado as emissões de O2, CO2, NO2, NO, CO e de hidrocarbonetos (HC). Somente as emissões de HC foram influenciadas pelo tipo de diesel utilizado. As emissões de NO2 e O2 aumentaram com o aumento da concentração de biodiesel na mistura, enquanto as emissões de CO2, NO, CO e HC diminuíram. A carga aplicada ao motor esteve diretamente relacionada às emissões, exceto para O2. O combustível S10, com 20% de biodiesel, reduz as emissões, em comparação ao diesel comercial (S500), sem perda no desempenho do motor.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to quantify the effect of diesel type and of biodiesel concentrations in the fuel mixture on gas emissions from an agricultural engine subjected to different loads. Two diesel types were tested: S10, with low sulfur content; and S500, with high sulfur content; as well as their mixtures with 5, 10, 15, 20, 50, and 100% biodiesel. The engine, with four cylinders, turbocharged, and with 105-hp maximum power, was subjected to eight operation modes, under different rotations and torques. The assay followed the methodology set out in standard NBR ISO 8174-4:2012, and the emissions of O2, CO2, NO2, NO, CO, and hydrocarbons (HC) were analyzed. Only the HC emissions were affected by the type of diesel used. The NO2 and O2 emissions increased with greater concentration of biodiesel in the mixture, whereas the CO2, NO, CO, and HC emissions reduced. The load applied to the engine was directly related to the emissions, except for O2. The S10 fuel, with 20% biodiesel, reduces emissions, when compared to the commercial diesel (S500), without losing engine performance.

Filamentous fungi were cultured under solid state fermentation of soybean residues to produce lipases. Enzymes produced by Aspergillus niger esterified oleic and butyric acids in the presence of ethanol, while enzymes produced by Aspergillus fumigatus demonstrated no esterification activity toward lauric acid. In case of A. niger, direct lyophilization of fermented bran led to higher esterification activity. The esterification of oleic acid by enzymes of A. fumigatus was neither influenced by pH adjustment nor by the extraction process. Conversions to ethyl esters were higher after pH adjustment with lyophilized liquid extract of A. niger.

This study aimed to evaluate β-galactosidase immobilization. For this purpose, the ionic strength of the buffer, reaction time, amount of the immobilization support, and pH were evaluated by a central composite design. Assay 8, which consisted of 1.5 mol L-1 phosphate buffer (pH 7.5) and a reaction time of 2 h, produced the maximum yield. Eupergit® C (400 mg) was subsequently used as an immobilization support. Immobilization kinetics wereinvestigated, and a significant increase in the yield was obtained after immobilization compared with that obtained from assay 8 (22.0 U mL-1 vs. 15.6 U mL-1). The enzyme efficiency of actuation was evaluated using o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside and lactose, with lactose providing better results. The reuse of β-galactosidase was evaluated, and more than 50% of the initial enzyme activity was maintained after five cycles of use. Enzyme characterization revealed that immobilization improved some aspects of the thermostability of β-galactosidase.

Lipases produced by a newly isolated Sporidiobolus pararoseus strain have potential catalytic ability for esterification reactions. After production, the enzymatic extracts (conventional crude and precipitated, 'CC' and 'CP', and industrial crude and precipitated, 'IC' e 'IP') were partially characterized. The enzymes presented, in general, higher specificity for short chain alcohols and fatty acids. The precipitated extract showed a good thermal stability, higher than that for crude enzymatic extracts. The 'CC' and 'CP' enzymes presented high activities after exposure to pH 6.5 and 40 ºC. On the other hand, the 'IC' and 'IP' extracts kept their activities in a wide range of pH memory but presented preference for higher reaction temperatures. Preliminary studies of application of the crude lipase extract in the enzymatic production of geranyl propionate using geraniol and propionic acid as substrates in solvent-free system led to a reaction conversion of 42 ± 1.5%.

Montmorillonite clays are of great interest for industrial processes such as catalysis and adsorption. The textural properties of clays can be modified in an attempt to increase their uses. This paper describes the acid treatment of natural montmorillonite clay. The materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AA) and BET surface area measurements. Three different acids (HCl, HNO3 and H2SO4) were tested, and HCl and H2SO4 were more efficient for removing Fe from the clay. The results indicate that HCl better preserves the material structure because less Al is removed. A central composite design (CCD) 2² was applied to evaluate the treatment using HCl. The temperature and concentration presented positive effects on the removal of Fe, Al and Mg. Combinations of the HCl acid solution concentration and temperature, such as 4 mol.L-1/50 °C and 1 mol.L-1/75 °C, assured that Fe was removed with less damage to the structure.

The lipase produced by a newly isolate Sporidiobolus pararoseus strain has potential catalysis ability for esterification reactions. In order to improve its synthetic activity, this work aimed at optimizing 'synthetic lipase' production by submerged fermentation of a conventional media based on peptone, yeast extract, NaCl and olive oil using experimental design technique. According to the results obtained in the first experimental design (2(4-1)), yeast extract and NaCl concentrations were tested to further optimization by response surface methodology. The maximum 'synthetic lipase' activity obtained was 26.9 U/mL in the optimized media (5.0, 6.8, 7.0 and 1.0% (wt/v) of peptone, yeast extract, NaCl and olive oil, respectively), representing a 6.36-fold increase compared to the initial medium. The time course of 'synthetic lipase' production in the optimized condition was evaluated in terms of synthetic activity, protease activity, biomass and total carbon and the maximum synthetic activity was observed during the stationary phase of growth.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Alecrim) possui atividade antioxidante, antidepressiva, diurética, antinociceptiva e antiulcerogênica. O presente estudo foi delineado para investigar o efeito do extrato hidroalcoólico de R. officinallis na memória de camundongos machos. Os modelos comportamentais utilizados foram a tarefa de reconhecimento social (RS), labirinto aquático de Morris (MWM) e esquiva inibitória (EI). O tratamento com 150 e 300mg/kg de R. officinallis, mostrou ter efeito positivo na aquisição de uma nova memória social, na tarefa de reconhecimento social, mostrando redução significativa do tempo de investigação social. No labirinto aquático de Morris, não foi visto efeito significativo na memória espacial, ao comparar o tempo desprendido no quadrante correto entre os diferentes tratamentos. Na esquiva inibitória a latência de descida da plataforma, observada na sessão teste, sugere que o tratamento com a dose 150 mg/kg de R. officinallis tem um efeito positivo na memória de longo prazo, quando administrada na fase de consolidação. Conclui-se que o extrato de R. officinalis nas doses de 150 e 300 mg/kg foi capaz de modular as memórias de curto e longo prazo dos roedores nas tarefas de reconhecimento social e esquiva inibitoria, respectivamente, e esse efeito modulatório melhorou os processos de aprendizado e memória.

Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) demonstrates antioxidant, antidepressant, diuretic, antinociceptive and antiulcerogenic activities. The present study was designed to examine the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of R. officinalis on the memory of male mice. The behavioral tasks employed were social recognition (SR), the Morris water maze (MWM) and an inhibitory avoidance task (IA). The treatment with 150 and 300 mg/kg of R. officinalis improved the acquisition phase of learning of a new social memory in the SR task because a decrease was observed in the duration of social investigation. In the Morris water maze, no significant effect was observed on spatial memory when the groups were compared for the time spent in the correct quadrant. In the inhibitory avoidance task, the decrease in the step-down latencies in the test session indicate that 150 mg/kg of R. officinalis improved long-term memory when administered in the consolidation phase of learning. In conclusion, the present study showed that, the hydroalcoholic extract of R. officinalis at 150 and 300 mg/kg modulated the short- and long-term memories of mice, in a social recognition and inhibitory avoidance task, respectively. This modulator effect was shown to improve learning and memory processes.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a síntese de fruto-oligossacarídeos (FOS) a partir de inulinase imobilizada de Kluyveromyces marxianus NRRL Y-7571, em meio aquoso e orgânico usando sacarose como substrato. A estratégia sequencial de planejamento experimental foi utilizada para otimizar a produção de FOS em ambos os sistemas. Para o meio orgânico, um planejamento fatorial fracionário 2(6-2) foi utilizado, visando avaliar os efeitos principais da temperatura, concentração de sacarose, pH, razão molar água/solvente orgânico, atividade da enzima e concentração de polietilenoglicol. Para o sistema aquoso, um planejamento composto central, tendo como variáveis independentes a atividade da enzima e a concentração de sacarose, foi utilizado. A maior produção de FOS foi obtida no sistema orgânico (18,2 ± 0,9% (m/v), a 40 ºC, pH 5.0, concentração de sacarose de 60% (m/m), atividade enzimática de 4 U.mL-1 e razão molar água/solvente orgânico de 25/75% (m/m). Em meio aquoso, a maior produção de FOS foi de 14,6 ± 0,9% (m/m) a 40 ºC, pH 5,0, concentração de sacarose de 60% (m/m) e atividade enzimática de 4,0 U.mL-1.

This work investigated the fructooligosaccharides (FOS) synthesis by immobilized inulinase obtained from Kluyveromyces marxianus NRRL Y-7571 in aqueous and aqueous-organic systems using sucrose as substrate. The sequential strategy of experimental design was used to optimize the FOS conversion in both systems. For the aqueous-organic system, a 2(6-2) fractional design was carried out to evaluate the effects of temperature, sucrose concentration, pH, aqueous/organic ratio, enzyme activity, and polyethylene glycol concentration. For the aqueous system, a central composite design for the enzyme activity and the sucrose concentration was carried out. The highest fructooligosaccharides yield (Y FOS) for the aqueous-organic system was 18.2 ± S0.9 wt%, at 40 ºC, pH 5.0, sucrose concentration of 60% (w/w), enzyme activity of 4 U.mL-1, and aqueous/organic ratio of 25/75 wt%. The highest Y FOS for the aqueous system was 14.6 ± 0.9 wt% at 40 ºC, pH 5.0, sucrose concentration of 60 wt%, and enzyme activity of 4.0 U.mL-1.

A eficiência de quatro sanitizantes, ácido peracético, clorexidina, quaternário de amônio e ácidos orgânicos, foi testada neste trabalho, usando diferentes bactérias reconhecidas como problemas na indústria de carnes, Salmonella sp., S. aureus, E. coli and L. monocytogenes. O efeito da concentração dos sanitizantes (0,2; 0,5; 0,6; 1,0; 1,1 e 1,4%) a diferentes temperaturas (10 e 45 °C) e tempo de contato (2, 10, 15, 18 e 25 minutos) foi avaliado. Testes na planta industrial foram também conduzidos considerando os resultados obtidos previamente. De uma maneira geral, o ácido peracético apresentou maior eficiência usando menores concentrações (0,2%) e tempos de contato (2 minutos) a 10 °C. Os testes em escala industrial mostraram que o ácido peracético apresentou uma boa performance em concentrações e tempos de contato inferiores aos sugeridos pelas empresas fornecedoras. Os usos da clorexidina e do quaternário de amônio levaram a resultados razoáveis nas condições indicadas e os ácidos orgânicos foram ineficientes nas concentrações indicadas em relação ao Staphylococcus aureus. De uma maneira geral, os resultados mostraram que a escolha do sanitizante mais adequado dependerá do micro-organismo contaminante, tempo disponível para aplicação do sanitizante e custo do processo.

The efficiency of four Sanitizers - peracetic acid, chlorhexidine, quaternary ammonium, and organic acids - was tested in this work using different bacteria recognized as a problem to meat industry, Salmonella sp., S. aureus, E. coli and L. monocytogenes. The effects of sanitizer concentration (0.2, 0.5, 0.6, 1.0, 1.1 and 1.4%), at different temperatures (10 and 45 °C) and contact time (2, 10, 15, 18 and 25 minutes) were evaluated. Tests in an industrial plant were also carried out considering previously obtained results. In a general way, peracetic acid presented higher efficiencies using low concentration (0.2%) and contact time (2 minutes) at 10 °C. The tests performed in industrial scale showed that peracetic acid presented a good performance in concentration and contact time lower than that suggested by the suppliers. The use of chlorhexidine and quaternary ammonium led to reasonable results at the indicated conditions, and organic acids were ineffective under concentration and contact time higher than those indicated by the suppliers in relation to Staphylococcus aureus. The results, in general, show that the choice for the most adequate sanitizer depends on the microorganism contaminant, the time available for sanitizer application, and also on the process cost.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo o uso da metodologia de planejamento de experimentos para avaliação dos efeitos de parâmetros de processo na produção de empanados de peixe em escala industrial. Os efeitos destes parâmetros nas características físico-químicas e microbiológicas do produto final foram avaliados através de um planejamento completo 24. As variáveis independentes estudadas foram temperaturas do filé e da polpa, temperatura da gordura e da água adicionadas na formulação do produto, bem como razão entre tempo de extração da proteína e tempo de emulsão. As análises físico-químicas mostraram que maiores temperaturas de adição de polpa e filé de peixe resultaram em uma menor concentração de proteína no produto final. As análises microbiológicas realizadas resultaram em contagens de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, totais e termotolerantes de acordo com a legislação vigente.

This work reports the use of experimental design for the assessment of the effects of process parameters on the production of fish nuggets in an industrial scale environment. The effect of independent factors on the physicochemical and microbiological parameters was investigated through a full 24 experimental design. The studied factors included the temperature of fish fillet and pulp in the mixer, the temperature of the added fat, the temperature of water and the ratio of protein extraction time to emulsion time. The physicochemical analyses showed that the higher temperature of the pulp and fillet of fish, the lower the protein in the final product. Microbiological analyses revealed that the counting of Staphylococcus coagulase positive, total and thermo-tolerant coliforms were in accordance with the current legislation.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os compostos orgânicos voláteis produzidos por Sporidiobolus salmonicolor (CBS 2636) utilizando metil e etil ricinoleato, ácido ricinoleico e óleo de mamona como precursores. A análise dos compostos voláteis produzidos foi conduzida por Micro-Extração em Fase Sólida (MEFS). A técnica de planejamento experimental foi utilizada na avaliação das condições de extração, na qual se avaliaram a agitação (0-400 rpm), a temperatura (25-60 ºC), o tempo de extração (10-30 minutos) e o volume da amostra (2-3 mL). A identificação dos compostos foi realizada por Cromatografia a Gás com detecção por Espectrometria de Massas (CG/EM). As condições que resultaram na máxima extração foram: 60 ºC, 10 minutos de extração, sem agitação, volume de amostra de 2,0 mL e adição de solução de KCl saturada (1:10 v/v). Na bioprodução dos compostos voláteis, o efeito da agitação (120-200 rpm), da temperatura (23-33 ºC), do pH (4,0-8,0), da concentração do precursor (0,02 a 0,1%), da concentração de manitol (0 a 6%) e de asparagina (0 a 0,2%) foi avaliado. Na condição de 28 ºC, 160 rpm, pH 6,0 e com a adição de 0,02% de ácido ricinoleico ao meio, foi atingida a máxima produção dos compostos voláteis, identificados como: 1,4-butanodiol, 1,2,2-trimetilciclopropilamina, beta-ionona; 2,3-butanodiona, pentanal, tetradecano, 2-isononenal, 4-octen-3-ona, ácido propanoico e octadecano.

The aim of the present study was the assessment of volatile organic compounds produced by Sporidiobolus salmonicolor (CBS 2636) using methyl and ethyl ricinoleate, ricinoleic acid and castor oil as precursors. The analysis of the volatile organic compounds was carried out using Head Space Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (HS - SPME). Factorial experimental design was used for investigating extraction conditions, verifying stirring rate (0-400 rpm), temperature (25-60 ºC), extraction time (10-30 minutes), and sample volume (2-3 mL). The identification of volatile organic compounds was carried out by Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrum Detector (GC/MSD). The conditions that resulted in maximum extraction were: 60 ºC, 10 minutes extraction, no stirring, sample volume of 2.0 mL, and addition of saturated KCl (1:10 v/v). In the bio-production of volatile organic compounds the effect of stirring rate (120-200 rpm), temperature (23-33 ºC), pH (4.0-8.0), precursor concentration (0.02-0.1%), mannitol (0-6%), and asparagine concentration (0-0.2%) was investigated. The bio-production at 28 ºC, 160 rpm, pH 6,0 and with the addition of 0.02% ricinoleic acid to the medium yielded the highest production of VOCs, identified as 1,4-butanediol, 1,2,2-trimethylciclopropilamine, beta-ionone; 2,3-butanodione, pentanal, tetradecane, 2-isononenal, 4-octen-3-one, propanoic acid, and octadecane.

A busca por substâncias antibacterianas e antioxidantes naturais tem sido alvo de diversos estudos científicos. Foi objetivo determinar as atividades antibacteriana e antioxidante e a concentração inibitória mínima do óleo essencial do cravo-da-índia, obtido por hidrodestilação. O estudo por CG-EM identificou o eugenol como o constituinte majoritário do óleo essencial e os testes de atividade antibacteriana mostraram bons resultados para quase todos os microorganismos avaliados. Os valores de concentração inibitória mínima variaram de 0,2 mg.mL-1 a 0,6 mg.mL-1. Aatividade antioxidante demonstrou uma correlação linear com a concentração de óleo essencial. Os resultados demonstraram potencial antibacteriano e antioxidante do óleo essencial de Eugenia caryophyllata, constituindo-se uma opção para a formulação de novos produtos alimentícios.

The search for natural antioxidants and antimicrobials has been a major goal of scientific studies. The main objective of this work was to determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and the minimal inhibitory concentration of clove oil obtained by hydrodistillation. GC-MS analysis identified eugenol as major compound of the essential oil. The oil showed antibacterial activity for almost all tested microorganisms. The minimal inhibitory concentration ranged from 0.2 mg.mL-1 to 0.6 mg.mL-1. There was a linear correlation between the antioxidant activity and the essential oil concentration. Results showed the potential of Eugenia caryophyllata essential oil as an alternative for the formulation of new food products.