Resumo Ora-pro-nobis (OPN) (Pereskia aculeata Miller) é uma planta alimentícia não convencional rica em proteínas, fibras e minerais. A inovação deste trabalho é baseada na produção sustentável de um extrato aquoso contendo ferro e compostos bioativos utilizando uma planta nativa brasileira. Uma triagem dos componentes fitoquímicos e a determinação dos compostos fenólicos, flavonoides e taninos foram realizadas usando extrato de OPN. A atividade antioxidante do extrato aquoso de OPN foi investigada empregando-se três diferentes métodos: DPPH•, FRAP e ORAC. Folhas secas de OPN apresentaram elevados conteúdos de proteínas e minerais. A análise de FTIR realizada no extrato aquoso de OPN confirmou a presença de grupos funcionais representativos de compostos bioativos. Os resultados sugerem que é possível usar um solvente aquoso simples para produzir um extrato de OPN rico em ferro, compostos bioativos e com atividade antioxidante, o qual poderia ser potencialmente utilizado como ingrediente alimentar funcional.

Abstract Ora-pro-nobis (OPN) (Pereskia aculeata Miller) is a non-conventional edible plant rich in protein, fibres and minerals. The innovation of this work is based on the sustainability production of the aqueous extract (green solvent) containing iron and bioactive compounds as well as employing a native plant from Brazil. A screening of phytochemicals components, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins contents were performed using OPN extract. The antioxidant activity of the OPN aqueous extract was determined by three different assays as following: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•); Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP); and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). The OPN dried leaves presented high protein and minerals contents. Indeed, the Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR Spectroscopy) analysis performed in OPN aqueous extract confirmed the appearance of representative functional groups of the bioactive compounds. Overall the results suggested that it is possible to use simple aqueous solvent to produce OPN extract rich in iron, bioactive compounds and within antioxidant activity that could be potentially used as functional food ingredient.

Abstract Nutritionally enhanced pasta was developed by adding dried leaves of Pereskia aculeata Miller, known as ora-pro-nobis (OPN). The OPN are edible wild plants, underused and unknow plants. The incorporation of OPN dried leaves flour (OPN-F) into a regularly eaten food product, such as pasta, could be a healthy and low-cost strategy to improve nutrient intake and promote an exploration into a new fresh market food. The aim of this study was to develop a pasta product containing OPN-F, improving the protein, dietary fibre, calcium and iron intake and characterize its physico-chemical and sensorial aspects. The addition of OPN-F decreased the cooking loss and increased significantly the dietary fibre and ash content, as well as calcium and iron, as compared to conventional pasta. An alternative and healthy application of non-conventional edible vegetable proposed was greatly accepted (80.0%) by the potentials consumers.

Abstract Chitosan film is used as a dressing to heal burns. The physical and biological properties of the film can be modified by the addition of phytotherapic compounds. This work used the casting -solvent evaporation technique to prepare chitosan film containing andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis) which has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and healing properties. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the concentrations of chitosan and andiroba oil on the physical properties of chitosan films. The emulsion films were evaluated concerning the mechanical properties and fluid handling capacity. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy and thermal analysis were performed. The results showed that the barrier and mechanical properties were affected by the addition of andiroba oil, and these may be modulated as a function of the concentration of oil added to the film. The thermal analysis showed no evidence of chemical interactions between the oil and chitosan.

Okara é o subproduto gerado na fabricação de leite de soja ou tofu. Okara úmido foi adicionado em hambúrguer de carne bovina nas concentrações de 0%, 20% e 25%. A influência da adição de okara em 0%, 20% e 25% sobre certas propriedades físico-químicas, de textura e sensoriais em hambúrgueres bovinos com reduzido teor de gordura foi investigada. Os hambúrgueres formulados com okara (104,0-106,0 kcal/100 g) apresentaram 60% menos calorias do que hambúrgueres comerciais de carne bovina (268,8 kcal/100 g). A análise do perfil de textura mostrou que o aumento da concentração de okara foi acompanhado por um aumento de dureza (p < 0,05), com concomitante diminuição dos valores de mastigabilidade, elasticidade e coesividade. Notas sensoriais significativamente mais baixas (p < 0,05) para sabor foram observadas nos hambúrgueres contendo 25% de okara úmido. No entanto, os resultados da análise sensorial mostraram que a suculência, aparência, maciez e aceitabilidade geral dos hambúgueres formulados com okara não diferiram estatisticamente do controle (0% okara). Okara úmido a 20% pode ser utilizado como fonte de proteína não cárnea para a produção de hambúrguer bovino com gordura reduzida sem alterar a sua qualidade sensorial.

Okara is a by-product generated during the manufacture of soymilk and tofu. Wet okara was added to beef burgers at 0%, 20%, and 25%. The effects of okara on certain physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties of reduced fat beef burgers were investigated. The beef burgers formulated with okara (104.0-106.0 kcal/100 g) had 60% less calories than commercial beef burgers (268.8 kcal/100 g). The texture profile analysis showed that the addition of wet okara led to a significant increase in hardness (p < 0.05) and a concomitant reduction in the values of chewiness, springiness, and cohesiveness. Lower sensory scores (p < 0.05) of flavour were observed in the beef burgers containing 25% wet okara. However, the sensory evaluation results showed that juiciness, appearance, tenderness, and overall acceptability of beef burgers formulated with okara did not differ statistically from that of the control (0% okara). Wet okara (20%) can be used as a non-meat protein source in the production of reduced-fat beef burgers without changing their sensory quality.

A eficiência da aplicação de filmes à base de proteínas de soro de leite foi avaliada em um sistema de embalagem que consistia em um pote plástico utilizando-se filmes de proteínas de soro de leite como fechamento superior. Pedaços de maçã foram embalados e armazenados à temperatura ambiente (25 °C) e sob refrigeração (10 °C). Os filmes proteicos à base de soro de leite foram obtidos por três procedimentos distintos: por desnaturação térmica; com a incorporação de ácido esteárico (0,5%, em massa); e por modificação enzimática utilizando-se a transglutaminase microbiana (10U/g proteína, ACTIVA TG-B ), a partir de uma formulação básica de 6,50% de proteína, 3,0% de plastificante (glicerol) e pH 7,0. A integridade dos filmes após embalagem e durante armazenamento foi observada, medindo-se as propriedades mecânicas dos filmes. A permeabilidade ao vapor d'água foi avaliada pela perda de massa, teor de umidade, e variação de textura dos pedaços de maçã. Os resultados indicaram que os filmes apresentam uma barreira moderada à umidade, apresentando diferença entre potes com e sem coberturas de filmes. A permeabilidade ao oxigênio foi conferida pelo escurecimento enzimático das maçãs pela ação da enzima polifenoxidase, apresentando diferença em relação ao das amostras acondicionadas em atmosfera modificada com gás N2.

The efficiency of whey protein films packaging was evaluated. The packaging system consisted of whey protein films closing the top extremity of synthetic plastic container. Slices of apple were packed and stored at room temperature (25 °C) and at 10 °C. Modified atmosphere packaging (N2 gas flushing) was studied to verify the oxygen permeability of the films. Whey protein films (6.5% of protein, 3.0% of glycerol, and pH 7.0) were obtained by thermal denaturation, emulsification (0.5% (w/w) with stearic acid), and enzymatic modification (10U/g protein of transglutaminase, ACTIVA-TG). Mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation at break), water vapor permeability, and color-opacity properties of different films were evaluated. The film integrity was observed during the packaging and storage processing associated to the good mechanical properties. The water vapor permeability was evaluated by weight loss, moisture content, and texture profile of apple slices. The results showed that the whey protein films presented a moderated moisture barrier if compared with systems with no covering. The browning of the apple slices was investigated associated to the polyphenoloxidase action in presence of oxygen.