The pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) is a typical fruit from the Brazilian Cerrado. From it, pequi pulp oil is extracted, a valuable product for cosmetic applications due to its high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and carotenoids. Carotenoids are antioxidant compounds that are easily oxidized. To improve pulp stability, emulsification techniques with carboxymethylcellulose at 1% (w/w) were used to encapsulate the pequi pulp oil at 1, 3, 5% (w/w), and 8% (w/w) of polysorbate 80^® using a high-rotation mechanical stirrer. The pequi pulp oil was first characterized by FTIR and GC-MS. The results indicated the presence of chemical groups characteristic of the oil itself and the presence of a large proportion of fatty acids, which are essential for the maintenance of cutaneous hydration and the barrier, also acting in the tissue repair process. All emulsions presented stable over 120 days with slightly acidic pH values and were compatible with human skin. The droplet diameter was less than 330 nm, and the polydispersity index was around 0.3, indicating systems with low polydispersity. The Zeta potential (ζ) exhibited negative values sufficient to stabilize the emulsified systems. All emulsions behaved as non-Newtonian fluids, presenting pseudo-plastic and thixotropic properties that are considered important for topical applications.

This study aimed to develop and evaluate chitosan (CS) and chitosan with N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine (CS/GlcNAc) sutures, comparing them to commercial Catgut sutures. Medium molecular weight chitosan was processed into sutures using the wet-spinning method, both with and without the addition of GlcNAc. The mechanical properties, surface morphology, biocompatibility, biodegradability and in vivo response of the sutures were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and enzymatic degradation tests in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with lysozyme were conducted. Cytotoxicity was assessed using an agar diffusion assay on L929 cells. In vivo studies involved suturing rat skin, with monitoring at 5, 15 and 25 days post-surgery. Both macroscopic and microscopic analyses were performed to evaluate wound healing, tissue response, and complications. The chitosan-based sutures exhibited tensile strength within the standards for surgical sutures under dry and hydrated conditions. Particularly, the CS/GlcNAc sutures exhibited superior biodegradability, and biocompatibility compared to Catgut sutures. These sutures promoted tissue healing, reduced adverse tissue reactions and infections, and displayed non-toxic to L929 cells and favorable microbiological characteristics. Thus, CS and CS/GlcNAc sutures present promising alternatives to traditional Catgut sutures, contributing valuable advancements to the field of biodegradable surgical materials.

SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERED STONE BASED ON QUARTZITE WASTE AND POLYESTER RESIN REINFORCED WITH BENTONITE FUNCTIONALIZED WITH Curcuma longa L. EXTRACT. Quartzite waste has potential for use in sustainable polymer-based artificial stones; however, interfacial limitations between the polymer matrix and mineral filler may impair material performance. In this study, an artificial stone based on quartzite waste and unsaturated polyester resin was developed using bentonite clay functionalized with Curcuma longa L. extract as a compatibilizing agent. Natural and functionalized clays were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDX), and laser diffraction. The results indicated the incorporation of organic compounds and an increase in interlayer spacing after functionalization. The artificial stones were evaluated by three-point bending tests and optical microscopy. The system containing functionalized clay exhibited an average flexural strength of 15.50 ± 1.77 MPa, significantly higher than the other systems (p < 0.05). Micrographs revealed a more homogeneous microstructure and a lower occurrence of interparticle voids in the functionalized system. The results suggest that bentonite functionalization enhanced the interaction between the mineral and polymer phases, contributing to the improved mechanical strength and structural stability of the composite. Therefore, the developed artificial stones show potential for application in interior cladding and non-structural architectural elements.