For many years, it was believed that only amino acids, dipeptides, and tripeptides could be absorbed and thus reach the bloodstream. Nowadays, the bioavailability of oligopeptides is also considered possible, leading to new research. This pilot study investigates the activity of brush border enzymes on undigested whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) and on simulated intestinal digested (ID) whey hydrolysate and the subsequent absorption of resultant peptides through the proximal jejunum of a 7-week old piglet setup in an Ussing chamber model. Amongst all samples taken, 884 oligopeptides were identified. The brush border peptidase activity was intense in the first 10 min of the experiment, producing several new peptides in the apical compartment. With respect to the ID substrate, 286 peptides were detected in the basolateral compartment after 120 min of enzyme activity, originating from β-lactoglobulin (60%) and β-casein (20%). Nevertheless, only 0.6 to 3.35% of any specific peptide could pass through the epithelial barrier and thus reach the basolateral compartment. This study demonstrates transepithelial jejunum absorption of whey oligopeptides in an ex vivo model. It also confirmed the proteolytic activity of brush border enzymes on these oligopeptides, giving birth to a myriad of new bioactive peptides available for absorption.

Cancer cells demand high ATP provisions to support proliferation, and targeting of energy metabolism is a good strategy to increase their sensitivity to treatments. In Brazil, wine manufacture is expanding, increasing the amount of pomace that is produced. We determined the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of a dark skin Grape Pomace Extract and its effects on metabolism and redox state in human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells. The material and the methods used represented the industrial process since pomace derived from white wine production and the extract concentrated by pilot plant scale reverse osmosis. Grape pomace extract was rich in polyphenols, mainly anthocyanins, and presented high antioxidant capacity. Short-term metabolic effects, irrespective of any cytotoxicity, involved increased mitochondrial respiration and antioxidant capacity and decreased glycolytic metabolism. Long-term incubation was cytotoxic and cells died by necrosis and GPE was not toxic to non-cancer human fibroblasts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to characterize pomace extract from white wine production from Brazilian winemaking regarding its effects on energy metabolism, suggesting its potential use for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical purposes.

This study evaluated the effect of different extraction technologies and conditions in order to obtain jaboticaba skin extracts. Firstly, the skins were extracted by conventional extraction, according to a rotatable central composite design, varying ethanol concentration, solid:liquid ratio, and temperature. Next, ultrasound-assisted extraction was performed using different power densities and times. Finally, high-pressure extractions were performed with varying pressures and times. For agitated bed extraction, the highest anthocyanin content was observed for ethanol concentrations varying between 60% and 80%. Thus, the independent variables which more influenced anthocyanin content were ethanol concentration and solid:liquid ratio. Folin–Ciocalteu reducing capacity was linearly affected by the increase in temperature. Ethanol concentration was the variable that most influenced ABTS+. On the other hand, the increase in ethanol concentration decreased the antioxidant capacity by ABTS+. Considering the ultrasound extraction, increasing its power did not affect total monomeric anthocyanins content, while the increase in process time had better yields. The highest antioxidant capacity and total monomeric anthocyanins were found for the highest extraction time. Similarly, with ultrasound, the increase in high hydrostatic-assisted extraction time positively influenced anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity. As a result, the ultrasound-assisted method was found to be the best extraction technology for anthocyanins recovery.

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito de diferentes agentes carreadores (Maltodextrina 5DE, Maltodextrina 10DE, Goma arábica e Capsul®) nas características físico-químicas (umidade, densidade, solubilidade, teor de antocianinas e atividade antioxidante) da polpa de morango desidratada por atomização e armazenada à temperatura ambiente por 90 dias. A utilização dos diferentes agentes carreadores resultou em pós com valores de densidade aparente entre 0,40 e 0,52 g/cm³ e umidade menor do que 2,5%. Todas as amostras foram altamente solúveis, mas os pós obtidos com a Maltodextrina 5DE e com a Goma arábica apresentaram menor higroscopicidade. As isotermas de sorção obtidas foram do tipo III e o modelo de GAB foi o que melhor se ajustou aos dados experimentais. A amostra produzida com goma arábica apresentou a maior concentração de antocianinas e, consequentemente, maior valor de atividade antioxidante, tanto imediatamente após a secagem como ao longo de 90 dias de armazenamento. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que a goma arábica foi o agente carreador mais adequado para a produção de polpa de morango em pó.

Post-harvest diseases can be a huge problem for the tropical fruit sector. These fruits are generally consumed in natura; thus, their integrity and appearance directly affect commercialization and consumer desire. Anthracnose is caused by fungi of the genus Colletotrichum and affects tropical fruits, resulting in lesions that impair their appearance and consumption. Antifungals generally used to treat anthracnose can be harmful to human health, as well as to the environment. Therefore, essential oils (EO) have been investigated as natural biofungicides, successfully controlling anthracnose symptoms. The hydrophobicity, high volatility, and oxidative instability of essential oils limit their direct application; hence, these oils must be stabilized before food application. Distinct delivery systems have already been proposed to protect/stabilize EOs, and nanotechnology has recently reshaped the food application limits of EOs. This review presents robust data regarding nanotechnology application and EO antifungal properties, providing new perspectives to further improve the results already achieved in the treatment of anthracnose. Additionally, it evaluates the current scenario involving the application of EO directly or incorporated in films and coatings for anthracnose treatment in tropical fruits, which is of great importance, especially for those fruits intended for exportation that may have a prolonged shelf life.