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Background: Biodiesel has been shown to be effectively produced by immobilized enzymatic catalysts. The selection of support material is a prominent factor for obtaining an efficient lipase. Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural polymer produced by glands of some arthropods, especially by the Bombyx mor, attracting attention for immobilization of lipase. Objective: This paper presents a novel method to obtain silk microfibers (SMF) from Oxone® salt in water, used as support for Amano AK lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens in biodiesel production from deodorization distillate of palm oil (DDPO). Method: The oxone® salt in the presence of Ca2+ ions acts as a mineralizing agent in the peptide bonds present in silk fibroin, altering some of its physical and chemical properties, such as zeta potential, crystallinity, micro-morphology, infrared spectroscopic profile, and showing formation or absence of SF original connections. Results: The modified support was tested as a support alternative for the immobilization of Amano AK lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens. Enzyme activity values indicated that lipase immobilization on SMF was efficient as a heterogeneous catalyst in the esterification of DDPO (deodorization distillate palm oil). Conclusion: The effect of some reaction parameters, such as catalyst concentration, molar ratio, temperature, and reaction time, was studied to optimize the conditions for maximum conversion of DDPO (40.5%).

Palm fatty acid distillate PFAD is an example of potential low-cost palm biofuel second generation feedstock, most used as a source of fatty acid for non-food applications in industry. Catalytic application of Oxone® salt was used in the present study for the esterification reaction of PFAD for biodiesel production for the first time. After optimizing the conversion rate, was possible to observe that, among the process variables studied [Oxone® concentration (%), temperature (°C) and reaction time (h)], Oxone® concentration was the only significant variable for the fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) generation response variable. A > 90% conversion rate was reached with 15% Oxone® at 42 °C, using a PFAD:ethanol molar ratio of 1:5 at 12 h reaction time. The reaction system has a series of advantages, such as mild conditions, simple operation, green and high conversion. As alternative for make the biodiesel production as sustainable as possible.

Many personal cleansing products contain microplastics threatening coastal habitats, deep sea, as well as freshwater lakes. Non-pollutant biomasses with natural abrasiveness are potential substitutes for scrub-type cosmetics. This study sought to explore the potential of applying crabwood seed bagasse from Amazonia as an exfoliating agent of skincare soaps. The raw feedstock was characterized by chemical composition and particle size distribution. The morphologies of the crabwood particles and commercial exfoliating agents were compared. Thermal pretreatments were carried out in an attempt to make the particles inert. It was verified that crabwood particles contain above 50% of non-structural organic components in their mass. The high heterogeneity of particle size allowed selecting portions with dimensions comparable to commercial products, between 0.3 and 0.4 mm. The rough surface of crabwood particles was similar to those of other natural plant exfoliating agents suitable for intense skin exfoliation. Thermal pretreatments only partially volatilized non-structural components. The release of oil traces, which contains mainly palmitic and oleic acids, led the pH of the water to an unacceptable level (≤ 5.0), discouraging the direct application of crabwood bagasse in the skin. Nevertheless, when added to non-ionic surfactant based-soaps, pH remains adequate for skincare (≈ 6.0). The smaller particles (average diameter of 0.3 mm) submitted to the most drastic thermal pretreatment, 140 °C for 48 h of exposure, resulted in liquid skincare soaps with better properties. The crabwood particles’ potential to be added as an exfoliating agent in skincare soaps was confirmed.

Dyslipidemias are lipid metabolism alterations that cause increased levels of serum lipoprotein, cholesterol, and triglycerides. These alterations are associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases and are a risk factor for atherosclerosis development. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil (EORO, 100 mg/kg) and its nanoemulsion (NEORO, 500 µg/kg) on Triton and coconut saturated-fat-induced (CSF) dyslipidemias using Wistar rats. The phytochemical evaluation of EORO performed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) revealed 1,8-cineole (33.70%), camphor (27.68%), limonene (21.99%), and α-pinene (8.13%) as its major compounds. Triton-induced dyslipidemia significantly increased total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides levels. On the other hand, the groups treated with EORO and NEORO had significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides compared to the group treated only with Triton. Similar results were observed on the positive control treated with simvastatin. Dyslipidemia induced with coconut saturated-fat (CSF) caused abdominal fat gain, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, increased LDL levels, and atherogenesis in the aorta. In contrast, the groups treated with EORO, NEORO, and simvastatin had significantly reduced hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, reduced abdominal fat gain, and absence of atherogenesis in the vascular endothelium. Overall, in the Triton-induced dyslipidemia model, EORO treatment had superior values than NEORO's (and simvastatin), although the differences were not too high, while in the CSF model, the values were mixed. In this manner, our results show an anti-dyslipidemic and anti-atherogenic activity effect by EORO and NEORO.

Bothrops moojeni snake venom (VBm) has toxins that cause pronounced tissue damage and exacerbated inflammatory reaction. Cannabis sativa L. is a plant species that produces an oil (CSO) rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Nano-emulsions have several advantages, such as better stability and higher penetrating power in membranes. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of a nano-emulsion based on this herbal derivative (NCS) against VBm-induced inflammation in Wistar rats. The CSO and NCS were submitted to physicochemical characterization. The inflammatory process was induced by the VBm (0.10 mg/kg) as follows: rat paw edema, peritonitis, analysis of leukocyte infiltrate in gastrocnemius muscle of rats and formation of granulomatous tissue. No significant changes were observed when the NCS was submitted to the centrifugation and thermal stress tests. There was no phase separation, changes in density (0.978 ± 0.01 g/cm3) and viscosity (0.889 ± 0.15). The droplet diameter ranged from 119.7 ± 065 to 129.3 ± 0.15 nm and the polydispersity index ranged from 0.22 ± 0.008 to 0.23 ± 0.011. The results showed that treatments with CSO (200 and 400 mg/kg) and NCS (100 mg/kg) were able to decrease significantly (p

This study compared the in vitro anthelmintic activity of Copaifera reticulata oleoresin (200, 400, 600, 800 and 1,000 mg/L) and of nanoemulsions prepared with this oleoresin (50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/L) against monogeneans on the gills of Colossoma macropomum. The major compounds present in the oleoresin of C. reticulata were γ-macrocarpene (14.2%), α-bergamotene (13.6%), β-selinene (13.4%) and β-caryophyllene (11.7%). All concentrations of the nanoemulsion and the oleoresin without nanoformulation showed anthelmintic efficacy against monogeneans, and higher concentrations led to more rapid parasite mortality. Structural damages to the tegument of the parasites exposed to C. reticulata oleoresin were observed with scanning electron microscopy. At two hours of exposure, fish showed 100% tolerance to all nanoemulsion concentrations used in the in vitro assays, whereas 100% mortality was shown in the fish exposed to the oleoresin without nanoformulation after one hour. The results of this study suggest that nanoemulsions with oleoresin of C. reticulata have advantages in the control and treatment of monogenean infections in C. macropomum when compared to the oleoresin without nanoformulation. In addition, since nanoemulsions with the C. reticulata oleoresin are safe to control monogeneans, the efficacy of these nanoformulations may be assayed in therapeutic baths to treat C. macropomum infected by monogeneans.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a vector of several diseases, such as dengue, malaria and the Zika virus. Synthetic insecticides such as chlorpyrifos and chlorothalonil have been used for plague control, despite causing damage to the environment and to humans. It is therefore important to study natural active compounds with a low environmental impact. The present paper developed an environmentally friendly formulation of silk fibroin (SF) associated with fatty acid esters [ethyl (FAEE-SF), propyl (FAPE-SF) and butyl (FABE-SF)] from Astrocaryum murumuru Mart. fat, which was effective against Aedes aegypti 3th instar larvae. The FABE-SF nanoemulsion induced a higher mortality rate in the larvae of the A. aegypti after 48 h (LC50 = 18.92 µg / mL). The stabilities of the nanoemulsions were monitored for 21 days, and FABE-SF exhibited greater stability throughout the monitored period, with average particle, zeta and PDI values of around 217 ± 0.85 nm, -25.6 ± 3.24 mV and 0.338 ± 0.01, respectively. This paper reported the first effective action of fatty acid esters from A. murumuru Mart. associated with silk fibroin against A. aegypti. The FABE-SF solution also had a low hemolytic index, suggesting that treatment may be safe for animal and human use.

Fatty amides (N-alkylamides) are a group of bioactive lipids widely distributed in microorganisms, animals, and plants. The low yield in the extraction process of spilantol, a grease amide, which has been related mainly to diverse biological effects, compromises its application on a large scale. Thus, this study proposed an alternative to the synthesis of fatty amides from Bertholletia excelsa (AGBe) oil, with a chemical structure similar to that of spilantol. In vivo models induced by carrageenan were used in Zebrafish (Danio rerio). In in vivo studies, oral AGBe produced no signs of toxicity. In the histopathological study, AGBe did not cause significant changes in the main metabolizing organs (liver, kidneys, and intestines). In the anti-inflammatory evaluation, all doses (45 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg) were effective, significantly reducing edema and producing a dose-response effect when compared to spilantol. In the in silico study, with the use of molecular docking, he showed that among the AGBe, the molecules 18:1, ω-7-ethanolamine and 18:1, ω-9-ethanolamine stood out, which had 21 interactions for COX-2 and 20 interactions for PLA2, respectively, surpassing the spilantol standard with 15 interactions for COX-2 and PLA2. The hypothesis of anti-inflammatory action was confirmed in the in silico study, demonstrating the involvement of AGBe in the process of inhibiting the enzymes COX-2 and PLA2. Therefore, based on all the results obtained and the fact that until the dose of 1000 mg/kg, orally, in zebrafish, it was not possible to determine the LD50, it can be said that AGBe is effective and safe for the activity anti-inflammatory.

The distillate from the deodorization of palm oil (DDPO) is an agro-industrial residue, approximately 84% of which consists of free fatty acids (FFAs), which can be used for the production of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE). A catalyst (10HPMo/AlSiM) obtained from a waste material, Amazon flint kaolin, was applied in the esterification of the DDPO, reaching a conversion index of 94%, capable of maintaining satisfactory activity (>75%) after four consecutive cycles. Flint kaolin is therefore proven to be an efficient option in the search for new heterogeneous low-cost catalysts obtained from industrial by-products, contributing to the reduction of environmental impact and adding value to widely available wastes that would otherwise be discarded directly into the environment. Based on the catalytic results, esterification of DDPO using 10HPMo/AlSiM can be a cheaper alternative for the production of sustainable fuels.

The indiscriminate use of organophosphate pesticides causes serious environmental and human health problems. This study aims the biodegradation of chlorpyrifos, methyl parathion and profenofos with the proposal of new biodegradation pathways employing marine-derived fungi as biocatalysts. Firstly, a growth screening was carried out with seven fungi strains and Aspergillus sydowii CBMAI 935 was selected. For chlorpyrifos, 32% biodegradation was observed and the metabolites tetraethyl dithiodiphosphate, 3,5,6-trichloropyridin-2-ol, 2,3,5-trichloro-6-methoxypyridine, and 3,5,6-trichloro-1-methylpyridin-2(1H)-one were identified. Whereas 80% methyl parathion was biodegraded with the identification of isoparathion, methyl paraoxon, trimethyl phosphate, O,O,O-trimethyl phosphorothioate, O,O,S-trimethyl phosphorothioate, 1-methoxy-4-nitrobenzene, and 4-nitrophenol. For profenofos, 52% biodegradation was determined and the identified metabolites were 4-bromo-2-chlorophenol, 4-bromo-2-chloro-1-methoxybenzene and O,O-diethyl S-propylphosphorothioate. Moreover, A. sydowii CBMAI 935 methylated different phenolic substrates (phenol, 2-chlorophenol, 6-chloropyridin-3-ol, and pentachlorophenol). Therefore, the knowledge about the fate of these compounds in the sea was expanded, and the marine-derived fungus A. sydowii CBMAI 935 showed potential for biotransformation reactions.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease characterized by excessive neuronal activity leading to seizure, about 30% of affected patients suffer from the refractory and pharmacoresistant form of the disease. The anticonvulsant drugs currently used for seizure control are associated with adverse reactions, making it important to search for more effective drugs with fewer adverse reactions. There is increasing evidence that endocannabinoids can pharmacologically modulate action against seizure and antiepileptic disorders. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the anticonvulsant effects of fatty acid amides (FAAs) in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure model in mice. FAAs (FAA1 and FAA2) are obtained from Carapa guianensis oil by biocatalysis and are characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis (FT-IR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Only FAA1 is effective in controlling the increased latency time of the first myoclonic jerk and in significantly decreasing the total duration of tonic-clonic seizures relative to the pentylenetetrazol model. Also, electrocortical alterations produced by pentylenetetrazol are reduced when treated by FAA1 that subsequently decreased wave amplitude and energy in Beta rhythm. The anticonvulsant effects of FAA1 are reversed by flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist on Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid-A (GABA-A) receptors, indicating a mode of action via the benzodiazepine site of these receptors. To conclude, the FAA obtained from C. guianensis oil is promising against PTZ-induced seizures.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T19:49:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-02-12 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Procad Amazonia Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) The objectives of this study were to extract and purify Bixin from the seeds of Bixa orellana and to evaluate its hypoglycemic activity in vivo, as well as, to conduct an in silico study of selectivity on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors via molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Oral administration of Bixin (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced their glucose level that was alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Bixin showed in silico selectivity on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), particularly by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma), which supports the hypoglycemic activity of Bixin. From the results obtained, it can be inferred that Bixin presents hypoglycemic characteristics, which was confirmed by the results obtained from the in vivo and in silico tests. Bixin may act by other pathways to control blood glucose and thus it is possible that it presents a different toxicity profile than troglitazone, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. However, more studies on the activity and toxicity of Bixin are needed to evaluate for further clinical use. Univ Fed Amapa, Dept Biol Sci & Hlth, Lab Drugs Discovery, Macapa, Brazil Univ Sierra, Div Postgrade, Ixtlan De Juarez, Mexico Univ Fed Amapa, Dept Biol Sci & Hlth, Lab Modeling & Computat Chem, Macapa, Brazil Univ Fed Amapa, Res Grp Biocatalysis & Apllied Organ Synth, Macapa, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Nat Act Principles & Toxicol, Fac Pharmaceut Sci, Araraquara, SP, Brazil Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Cellular & Mol Biol, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Fac Chem, Dept Pharm, Lab Pharmacol Nat Prod, Mexico City, DF, Mexico Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Bioinformat Grp, Dept Genet, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ, Dept Nat Act Principles & Toxicol, Fac Pharmaceut Sci, Araraquara, SP, Brazil CAPES: PNPD/20130076-14001012005P1 Procad Amazonia: Auxpe - 1723/2018 CNPq: 407768/2013-0

Chiral chlorohydrins are used as intermediates in the synthesis of various compounds with biological activities. This paper reports the synthesis of α-chloroketones 2a–c with oxone® and NH4Cl at reflux via 30 min of exposure to microwave irradiation and conventional heating, in situ, followed by reduction with whole cells of marine-derived fungi (Penicillium citrinum CBMAI 1186, Mucor racemosus CBMAI 847, Aspergillus sydowii CBMAI 935, Penicillium raistrickii CBMAI 931, and Penicillium oxalicum CBMAI 1185), yielding the respective chlorohydrins 3a–c with good conversion (32–97%) and enantioselectivities (60–94%). This is the first study involving the synthesis of α-chlorophenones in situ followed by biocatalytic reduction from whole cells of marine-derived fungi to obtain enantio-enriched chlorohydrins 3a–c.

The amidation of fatty acid is an important reaction for synthesis of fatty alkolamines with a variety of pharmacological activities. The objective of this paper was to demonstrate the aminolysis direct and solvent of the triglycerides from the patawa oil by heterogeneous catalysis. The results of the amidation direct free solvents were favorable using 5% Al2O3 as catalyst, with a conversion of 94% at 24 h of reaction. After spectroscopic characterization, we decided explore the antimicrobial tests of the fatty amides (FAA) against the Staphylococcus aureus strain (ATCC 33591), showing a MIC activity of 1.9612 mg/mL and the fatty ethyl esters (FAEE) a 3.4125 mg/mL MIC. Therefore, the synthesis direct free solvents of FAA by Al2O3 from patawa oil was viable and innovative.

Mosquitoes in the genus Aedes are responsible for the four important human disease viruses, such as, dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika. Although important advances have emerged in the development of alternative measures for mosquito control, chemical insecticides still remain a vital part of integrated control programs. In this sense, a set of benzylidenemalononitriles were synthetized in very good yields (99-71%), using only water and glycerol at temperature room. A comparative study of the larvicidal activity between benzylidenemalononitriles showed that the 2g (R= 4-Cl) compounds possess much better larvicidal activity (LC50 and LC90 of 9.42 and 15.02, respectively at 24h). Study of molecular docking was applied to identify the mode iteration of compound 2g with binding site at the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, the profile of interaction showed a score 48.9795, with five bonds in three different amino acids.

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of several low-cost reagents in obtaining high-quality diatom slides for microphytobenthos research. We evaluated the performance of eight reagents in sediment samples of beach intertidal zones. For each of the tested reagents, different pre-treatment conditions (pre-washed; non-washed) and three different temperatures (room temperature at 26 °C, 60 °C, and 100 °C) were also evaluated. For each treatment (combinations between reagents, temperatures, and pre-treatment conditions), we counted diatoms cells that met the criteria necessary for taxonomic identification (Whole/Half frustules or valves without cell material) in 30 randomly chosen fields of view in definitive preparations made from the treated samples. We also compared the treatments regarding species richness and diversity observed in the definitive preparations. The reagents influenced more the conditions of diatoms cells than the temperature and pre-treatment. H 2O2, HNO3, NaClO were the methods that had the best performance in relation to the number of identifiable items. The six treatments with H2O2 presented similar amounts of identifiable items, regardless of pre-treatment and temperature. HNO3 presented a higher number of identifiable items in non-washed and pre-washed treatments at 60 °C and non-washed at 100 °C. NaClO had its best performance the following treatments: non-washed at room temperature and non-washed and pre-washed at 60 °C. H2O2 and HNO3 also showed better results for diatom species richness and diversity, followed by NaClO. The use of H2O2 was more robust since it obtained good results regardless of temperature and pre-treatments and should be preferred. HNO3 and NaClO should be used only with the appropriate temperatures, and pre-washing should be avoided.

This study reports the synthesis of fatty acid amides (FAA), analogous to anandamide, prepared from Brazil nut oil (BNO), using Amano lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens as a catalyst of direct aminolysis, with a good yield (95-68%). The anti-inflammatory effects of BNO and FAA were evaluated by the carrageenan-induced paw edema method. Analysis of the formation of edema showed that these FAA, at all dose used, significantly reduced the development of edema.

Universidade Federal do Amap?. Departamento de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas e da Sa?de. Macap?, AP, Brasil. Universidade Federal do Amap?. Departamento de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas e da Sa?de. Macap?, AP, Brasil. Universidade Federal do Amap?. Departamento de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas e da Sa?de. Macap?, AP, Brasil. Universidade Federal do Amap?. Departamento de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas e da Sa?de. Macap?, AP, Brasil. Universidade de S?o Paulo. Faculdade de Ci?ncias Farmac?uticas de Ribeir?o Preto. Ribeir?o Preto, SP, Brasil. Universidade de S?o Paulo. Faculdade de Ci?ncias Farmac?uticas de Ribeir?o Preto. Ribeir?o Preto, SP, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Universidade Federal do Amap?. Colegiado de Qu?mica. Macap?, AP, Brasil. Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas F?sicas. Urca, RJ, Brasil. Universidade Federal do Amap?. Colegiado de Qu?mica. Macap?, AP, Brasil. Universidade Federal do Amap?. Departamento de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas e da Sa?de. Macap?, AP, Brasil. Glioblastoma is an aggressive primary tumor of the central nervous system (CNS). Is the most aggressive among infiltrative gliomas arising from the CNS. This tumor has low patient survival rate and several studies aiming at developing new drugs have increased. Patients with this cancer type face significant morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the antineoplastic activity of synthetic chalcones (3a-3f) using in vitro glioblastoma models and molecular modeling. Cytotoxicity assay showed that Astrocitoma Hospital Ofir Loyola No 1 (AHOL1) and Uppsala 87 neoplastic glioblastoma lines (U87) cellular viability were significantly reduced compared to Healthy human fibroblasts cell lines (AN27) when exposed to chalcones. Interaction with the serine amino acid was present in the most promising and the reference binder docking, suggesting its importance inhibiting cell growth. Comparative analysis between the reference ligands and the molecules showed that the amino acid LYS352 present in all fittings, suggesting that this is the main amino acid for interaction with tubulin and are consistent with those in cytotoxicity assay, suggesting antineoplastic potential in glioblastoma. Long trajectory molecular dynamics studies were also carried out in order to investigate stability and conformations amongst the chalcones bound tubulin as well, in comparison to doxorubicin (here used as control), however future studies are needed to further assess the mechanism of inhibition of chalcones used in this investigation.

Hydroethanolic preparations of the botanical species Acmella oleracea L. are used in the north of Brazil for the treatment of various diseases. However, few studies have been conducted to evaluate the toxicity of this species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of A. oleracea L. (EHFAo) flowers in zebrafish by immersion and oral administration. The extract was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography&ndash, mass spectrometry (UPLC&ndash, MS). EHFAo was administered orally (44.457, 88.915, 199.94, 281.83, and 448.81 mg/kg) and by immersion (250, 300, 350, 400, and 450 &micro, g/L). Behavioral and histopathological analysis of gills, liver, intestine, and kidney were performed. The presence of (2E,6Z,8E)-N-isobutyl-2,6,8-decatrienamide (spilanthol) in EHFAo was identified by ultra-high-re.solution liquid chromatography&ndash, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UHPLC&ndash, ESI-MS). Treatment with EHFAo caused significant behavioral changes and death. The calculated median lethal dose (LD50) was 148.42 mg/kg, and the calculated median lethal concentration (LC50) was 320 &mu, g/L. In the histopathological study, it was observed that upon oral treatment, the tissue alterations that compromised the normal functioning of the organism occurred with EHFAo doses of 88.915, 199.53, and 281.83 mg/kg, the intestine being the most affected. When the treatment was performed by immersion, the most toxic EHFAo concentrations according to the histopathological evaluation were 300, 350, and 400 &mu, g/L, with the most affected organ being the gills. Finally, EHFAo in this study was shown to be more toxic to the liver, intestine, and kidneys when administered orally and to gills, liver, and kidneys when administered by immersion in water. Therefore, considering the results obtained and the chemical characteristics of the main phytochemical marker of EHFAo, spilanthol, it can be suggested that, depending on the dose, this compound can lead to histopathological damages in the organs highlighted in this study.

The plant species Acmella oleracea L. is used in the north of Brazil for the treatment of a range of illnesses, such as tuberculosis, flu, cough, and rheumatism and as an anti-inflammatory agent; besides, hydroethanolic formulations with this species are popularly used as a female aphrodisiac agent. However, currently, there are no studies performed evaluating its effect on embryonic development. Hence, this research aimed to evaluate the effects of the hydroethanolic extract of A. oleracea (EHFAo) on the reproductive performance (parental) and embryonic development (F1 generation) of zebrafish, at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 μg/L. Histopathology of parental gonads after 21 days of exposure to EHFAo reveals few alterations in the ovaries and testes, not impairing the reproduction; an increase of eggs deposition was observed in animals treated with EHFAo at the highest concentrations. Nevertheless, concerning the embryonic development of F1, teratogenic effects were observed including tail deformation, cardiac and yolk edema, scoliosis, and growth retardation; these alterations were more prominent in the groups born from progenitors exposed to the highest concentrations (100 and 200 μg/L.); but only the occurrence of yolk and cardiac edema had a statistically significant difference when compared to the control group. The chromatographic analysis shows that spilanthol (affinin) was the primary compound found in the EHFAo. Hence, in silico assessment was performed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of this molecule and 37 metabolites derived from it. Overall, our data show that the treatment caused no detrimental changes in progenitors regarding their gonads or fertility but caused some potentially teratogenic activity in embryos, which may be due to the action of spilanthol’s metabolites M3, M6, M7, M8, M16, M28, and M31.

Mercury is an inorganic contaminant with serious harmful consequences to the environment. There has been a continuous rise in its level due to industrialization and other anthropogenic activities, such as the burning of coal and petroleum products, use of mercurial fungicides in agriculture and mercury catalyst in industries, and production of waste by paper industries. Five strains of Trichoderma sp., a filamentous fungi, were used in this study to evaluate their resistance to high concentrations of mercury for the purpose of using them for bioremediation. The solid culture medium used was prepared with malt agar 2% with pH 7.0 in which the strains of Trichoderma sp. were inoculated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the selected Trichoderma sp. isolates was calculated considering the time for growth and concentration of the mercury salt (Hg(NO3)2). At a mercury concentration of 50 mg/mL, maximum growth was first observed in TCH 1 (89.42 ± 0.63 mm) followed by TCH 2 isolate (87.33 ± 0.58 mm). At this concentration, all isolates reached the maximum mycelia growth. When the concentration of 200 mg/L Hg(NO3)2 was used, complete growth inhibition of the isolates was observed. Scanning electron microscopy suggested that differences in sporulation between the control and mercury treatment groups. In conclusion, it can be stated that Trichoderma isolates have great potential for bioremediation of sources contaminated with mercury.

The chemoselective bioreduction of α,β-unsaturated compounds is an important synthetic tool that can have applications in the synthesis of many fine chemicals and pharmaceutical molecules. The synthesis of aromatic malononitrile derivatives through Knoevenagel condensation by microwave radiation under green chemistry conditions using methanol like solvent, free base and free catalyst is here reported. In addiction the biocatalytic reduction of the C–C double bond of aromatic malononitrile derivatives by whole cells of the marine-derived fungal Penicillium citrinum CBMAI 1186 was also tested. The products catalyzed by the fungus ene-reductase were obtained in very good yields (up to >98%).

This paper report the use of Carapa guianensis Abul. (Meliaceae) oil and derivates [fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE’s) and free fatty acid (FFA’s)] associate with silk fibroin (SF), and its activity against the larvae of the vector Aedes aegypti. The emulsions FFA2-SF derived from AO2, that mostly contained unsaturated fatty acids, presented the best results against the larvae of Ae. aegypti after a 48 h period (LC50 = 16.79 mg.mL−1), causing structural alterations to the vector. It is suggested that the biopolymeric matrix of silk fibroin increases the biodistribution and bioavailability of active in medium aqueous. This is the first work of its type which has pointed larvicidal activity of the free fatty acid from C. guianensis, associate with silk fibroin against Aedes aegypti.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a vector that causes various diseases such as chikungunya fever, dengue and Zika, and therefore constitutes a public health problem. The present study was carried out to evaluate the larvicidal activity of different crude extracts (methanolic, hydroethanolic and hexanic) from leaves of Acmella oleracea solubilized in fibroin solution, as an alternative to the organic solvents that are used against Aedes aegypti. Using the Probit analysis, the hexane extract showed LC50 of 2.23 μg/mL after 24 h, whereas the hydroethanolic and the methanolic extracts showed LC50 of 28.42 μg/mL and 39.67 μg/mL, respectively. These extracts also did not show toxicity towards Chlorella vulgaris after 30 days, which suggests that they can be used without causing environmental damage. Thus, A. oleracea extract dissolved in fibroin solution could be an alternative for controlling Ae. aegypti without causing damage to the environment.

The use of chitosan biofilm in biomedical fields has a vast therapeutic potential due to useful properties such as biodegradability and antimicrobial activity, however, to achieve successful application some physicochemical properties need to be improved. In this context, the addition of glycerol to this biofilm is an alternative to improve its wettability and flexibility. Thus, low and high concentrations of plasticizer were added to this biomaterial for later characterization regarding its wettability, microstructure, mechanical and chemical properties. Glycerol addition to chitosan resulted in biofilms with more homogeneous surfaces, increased wettability, and increased flexibility, without significant changes in its chemical structure.

In this study was used two strains of marine-derived fungi ( Penicillium citrinum CBMA1186 and Trichoderma sp. CBMAI 932) and two strains of terrestrial fungi ( Aspergillus sp. FPZSP 146 and Aspergillus sp. FPZSP 152) to biotransformation bis-α,β-unsaturated ketones 1 – 2 to their corresponding 1,5-diphenylpentan-3-one ( 1a ), ( E )-1,5-diphenylpent-1-en-3-one ( 1b ), 1,5-diphenylpentan-3-ol ( 1c ), ( E )-1,5-diphenylpent-1-en-3-ol ( 1d ), 1,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)pentan-3-one ( 2a ), ( E )-1,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)pent-1-en-3-one ( 2b ) and 1,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)pentan-3-ol ( 2c ). The products were obtained in up to 84% conversion employing cultural broth and whole mycelia of mentioned fungi.

In this study, the marine-derived fungi Aspergillus sydowii DL6A, Apergillus versicolor DL5A, Cladosporium oxysporum DL5G, Fusarium proliferatum DL11A and Trichoderma harzianum CBMAI 1677 isolated from marine ascidian Didemnun ligulum were evaluated according to their growth in the presence of pentachlorophenol (PCP). The colonies were assessed in 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg L−1 of PCP in a solid culture medium (3% malt). The fungus T. harzianum CBMAI 1677 showed the best growth at 50 mg L−1, which suggests its potential for biodegradation, therefore, this strain was selected for quantitative experiments in 3% malt liquid medium (initial concentration of 20 mg L−1 of PCP) using a validated method. After 7 d of incubation, PCP was not detected and an increasing concentration of pentachloroanisole (PCA) and 2,3,4,6-tetrachloroanisole (2,3,4,6-TeCA) was observed. In a second step, T. harzianum CBMAI 1677 was employed in the biodegradation of PCA and 2,3,4,6-TeCA in a liquid medium. It was observed that both PCA and 2,3,4,6-TeCA were also biodegraded. T. harzianum CBMAI 1677 is a potential strain for bioremediation studies since it was able of biodegrade not only PCP at 20 mg L−1, but also its main metabolites PCA and 2,3,4,6-TeCA.

The essential oil from Rosmarinus officinalis L. (OERO) has bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potency of nanoemulsions containing essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (NOERO, NECHA, NECULT, and NECOM) in vitro and in vivo. This study was accomplished in a quantitative format through tests with diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), cellular antioxidant activity (CCA), determination of nitric oxide production, cellular viability and anti-inflammatory activity in zebrafish. OERO’s were submitted to the analysis-coupled gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), which highlighted 1,8-cineol and camphor as major compounds. NOEROs were obtained by a low-energy method and presenting the medium size smaller than 200 nm. The efficiency of encapsulation by spectrometry and gas chromatographic analysis was 67.61 and 75.38%, respectively. In the CCA assay, all of the samples presented percentage values of inhibition similar to the quercetin pattern, indicating antioxidant activity. In the test for determination of NO·, all of the samples inhibited the production of NO· when compared to LPS, and NOEROS were more effective than OEROS to 5 µg/mL. In the cell viability assay, the cells remained viable after contact with the samples, demonstrating an absence of cytotoxicity. This study showed that all nanoemulsions (NECHA, NECULT, and NECOM) showed no toxicity to macrophages, besides demonstrating antioxidant activity and potentiation of the essential oil effect in the proliferation of viable fibroblasts. Nanoemulsions has also shown the ability to potentiate the anti-inflammatory action of essential oils by exerting immunomodulatory activity by inhibiting the production of the pro-inflammatory mediator nitric oxide. The results obtained with NECHA in zebrafish confirm the hypothesis that prominent terpenic compounds, alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineole, and camphor, became more available at the target sites, inhibiting the inflammatory process in this animal species.

The species Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen (Asteraceae), popularly known as jambú, is marketed in fairs as a female aphrodisiac and has several pharmacological activities already confirmed, among them the sexual stimulant action. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the oral administration of the hydroethanolic extract of A. oleracea flowers (EHAo) on wistar rats during the pre-mating, mating, and pre-implantation period.During the treatment period, measurements of feed intake, water intake, weight, estrous cycle, behavior, reproductive parameters, biochemical parameters, hematological parameters, and histopathology of ovaries were performed daily.In the gas chromatography analysis - mass spectrometry characterization, the compound (2E, 6Z, 8E) -N-isobutyldeca-2,6,8-trienamide (spilanthol) was detected as the majority compound at the 84% concentration. In the conditions of this study, EHAo did not cause maternal toxicity. However, in the estrous cycle, the frequency of the Proestrous (P) and Estrous (E) phase was significantly increased with the doses of 88.91 and 444.57mg/kg of the EHAo in relation to the control. On the other hand, the metaestrous (M) and diestrous (D) phases showed a significant reduction in their frequency in the groups treated with EHAo. Water intake increased significantly (p0.01), as well as the triglyceride levels, the total cholesterol and fractions (p0.05), and the percentage of neutrophils (p0.05).It is concluded, therefore, that the treatment with EHAo, which is one of the forms popularly used, is safe in the concentrations and time of treatment studied as it is able to influence the estrous cycle without altering folliculogenesis and fertility.

The seeds of Bixa orellana L. is widely used in food industry as a natural colorant. A major technological challenge for its utilization on aqueous food products is the low water solubility. Therefore, the present study aimed to obtain aqueous nanodispersions using this natural raw material by using a simple organic solvent-free and low energy method. Bixin and geranylgeraniol were found on the extract. The nanodispersions were prepared by addition of water on a mixture of extract and surfactant (s). The effect of the surfactants and dilution on the nanodispersions were also evaluated. Best results were achieved using polysorbate 80/sorbitan monooleate (HLB 13) (diluted in water, 1:10). The results shows the potential of this ecofriendly approach, in contrast to common methods that make use of potentially toxic organic solvents and high input of energy, which elevate the costs for further industrialization.

Whole mycelia of marine fungal strain Penicillium citrinum CBMAI 1186, both free and immobilized on cotton (Gossypium sp.), fibroin (Bombyx mori) and a local kapok (Ceiba speciosa), catalyzed the chemoselective reduction of chalcones [(E)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one 3a, (E)-3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one 3b, (E)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one 3c, (E)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one 3d, (E)-3-(3-nitrophenyl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one 3e] to dihydrochalcones [3-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-phenylpropan-1-one 4a, 3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-phenylpropan-1-one 4b, 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenylpropan-1-one 4c, 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-phenylpropan-1-one 4d, 3-(3-nitrophenyl)-1-phenylpropan-1-one 4e] in good yields. The immobilized fungus and free whole mycelium showed a similar behavior in the conversion of the chalcones. The hyphae immobilized on biopolymers were active in biotransforming the chalcones after being preserved for 30 days in refrigerator. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the cells of marine fungus P. citrinum CBMAI 1186 were intertwined with the fibers of the supports, allowing fast separation from the reaction media and easing reuse of the biocatalyst. It is concluded that marine fungus P. citrinum CBMAI 1186 presents potential for the biotransformations of reduction of chalcones (3a–e). This paper describes the first reported use of immobilized marine fungus in reactions catalyzed by enoate reductases.

Aromatic, allylic, and aliphatic compounds containing a chlorohydrin group were selected as substrates for the enzymatic kinetic resolution mediated by Amano AK lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens immobilized in silk friboin-alginate spheres. Thus, the enantioselectivity of the process was sufficient for the production of the desired alcohols and acetates in good yields and high enantiomeric purities. This Letter provides a simple, cheap, and practical protocol for enantioselective synthesis of chlorohydrins and reinforces the versatility of silk fibroin as supports for heterogeneous catalysts.

The search for a new, efficient, cheaper and sustainable matrix for lipase immobilization is a growing area in biotechnology. Amano lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens was immobilized on silk fibroin spheres and used in the enzymatic kinetic resolution of halohydrins, to obtain optically active epoxides (up to 99% ee), important precursors in the synthesis of derivative antifungal azoles. This paper reinforces the versatility of silk fibroin as a support for heterogeneous catalysts.

The Amano AK lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens was immobilized in fibroin-alginate spheres (FA-LPf) and used to catalyze the transesterification reaction of soybean oil under different conditions (solvents, time, amounts of immobilized lipase, and temperature) for the production of biodiesel (fatty acid ethyl esters, FAEE). The FAEE was quantified by GC-FID analysis, and tricaprin was used as an internal standard. The maximum FAEE yield (63%) was attained after 96 h at 32 °C and 400 rpm in 30% (v/v) n-hexane, which used 20% (w/w) of the immobilized lipase. However, it is noteworthy that with a period of 96 h, the spheres of FA-LPf were partially destroyed by friction from the magnetic stirring, and the long time for the transesterification reactions is impractical in these conditions. For this reason, the reaction time was reduced to 48 h, which resulted in 42% FAEE and assures better reuse conditions for four consecutive cycles. This study shows the efficacy of an enzyme immobilized in a biodegradable FA-LPf support.

Dyslipidemias are defined as changes in lipid metabolism that have abnormal concentrations of lipids or lipoproteins in the bloodstream. Chronic increase in triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c) levels are known as risk factors for the atherogenesis process as well as other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The magnitude of the problems caused by dyslipidemias impels research by new agents that act in the prevention and control. Thus, products from the Amazonian biodiversity, such as Euterpe oleracea oil (OFEO), rich in unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), constitutes a study source for the treatment of alterations in lipid metabolism.The present study aims to investigate the effect of OFEO treatment in rats with Triton-induced dyslipidemia (Tyloxapol WR1339).The physicochemical and chromatographic results confirmed the chemical composition of OFEO with a predominance of UFAs (67.83%), with Oleic acid being the majority (54.32%). At Triton-induced dyslipidemia, the animals treated with OFEO and Simvastatin showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol levels, with values ​​of 121.7±29.5 (p0.01) and 96.6±17.6mg/dL (p0.001), respectively. OFEO also significantly reduced LDL-c levels (p0.01) and triglycerides (p0.001). OFEO and Simvastatin improved the lipid profile by significantly increasing (p0.05) the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) values.Therefore, it is concluded that the OFEO treatment used in the conditions of this study had a beneficial effect on dyslipidemia, acting as antihypercholesterolemic and antihypertriglyceridemic, thus possibly contributing as a preventive agent for CVDs.

The reaction of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds with molecular iodine in the presence of aqueous hydrogen peroxide using water without any co-solvent at 50 °C for 24 h produced versatile iodinated organic molecules with potential application in organic synthesis and medicine in very good yields. In addition, a mechanistic investigation for the iodination process was carried out by mass spectrometry.

Inorganic contaminant contamination poses the greatest threat to the environment and human health. It has been recently reported that probiotics protect the body from inorganic contaminant damage by the bioabsorption capacity of its components. Kefir is a beverage obtained through the fermentation metabolized by Lactobacillus and yeasts that aggregate forming the grains of kefir. In order to isolate inorganic contaminant resistant microorganism, the kefir grains were crushed and the supernatant obtained was inoculated in malt-gar medium (2%) and cultured for 120 hours. Occurred formation of halos of growth which were measured every 24 hours. The isolated microorganism was also cultured in liquid medium for five days. The taxonomic analysis revealed to be fungus of the genus Penicillium. The results showed the capacity of mercury bioabsorption by Penicillium sp isolated from kefir. At pH 4.0 this activity did not suffer strong inhibition. Contrary to what was expected there was an increase in biomass when grown in liquid medium which suggests the formation of storage structures of the inorganic contaminant around the cell membrane. These results confirm that kefir contains in its composition microorganisms capable of protecting people who consume it from harmful damages caused by inorganic contaminants.

To broaden the range of applicability of a reduction reaction mediated by the marine fungal strain Penicillium citrinum CBMAI 1186 to organic chemical processes, the ability of whole mycelia to grow in biphasic mixtures with organic solvents was tested with acetone, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, dichloromethane, n-hexane and toluene. n-Hexane was the least toxic solvent according to the amount of mycelial mass grown in an artificial sea water medium mixed with each solvent. Therefore, whole hyphae of P. citrinum CBMAI 1186 were used as biocatalysts in the chemoselective biotransformation of the carbon–carbon double bond in α,β-, di-α,β-, and mono-α,β,γ,δ-unsaturated ketones (3a, 3c–f) in a biphasic system of phosphate buffer and n-hexane (9:1). Only the di-α,β,γ,δ-unsaturated ketone (3b) was not biocatalyzed under these conditions. In general, there were good conversions of saturated ketones by the enoate reductase enzymes of P. citrinum CBMAI 1186.

This review presents the recent research in biocatalysis and biotransformation in Brazil. Several substrates were biotransformed by fungi, bacteria and plants. Biocatalytic deracemization of secondary alcohols, oxidation of sulfides, sp(3) CH hydroxylation and epoxidation of alkenes were described. Chemo-enzymatic resolution of racemic alcohols and amines were carried out with lipases using several substrates containing heteroatoms such as silicon, boron, selenium and tellurium. Biotransformation of nitriles by marine fungi, hydrolysis of epoxides by microorganisms of Brazilian origin and biooxidation of natural products were described. Enzymatic reactions under microwave irradiation, continuous flow, and enzymatic assays using fluorescent probes were reported.

Enzymatic kinetic resolution (EKR) of (±)-cyanohydrins was performed by using immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica (CALB) under conventional ordinary conditions (orbital shaking) and under microwave radiation (MW). The use of microwave radiation contributed very expressively on the reduction of the reaction time from 24 to 2 h. Most importantly, high selectivity (up to 92% eep) as well as conversion was achieved under MW radiation (50-56%).

The transesterification between ester and alkoxysilane groups in the range of temperatures 100–250 °C takes place only in the presence of dibutyltin oxide (DBTO) as efficient catalyst. Without DBTO, no reaction is observed. This interchange reaction has been used to crosslink ethylene-co-vinylacetate copolymer. Kinetic and rheology data have shown that only two alkoxide groups from one tetrafunctional alkoxysilane molecule are involved in the crosslinking reaction.

A rapid and efficient ultrasound-promoted protocol for iodination of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds, using molecular iodine in the presence of aqueous hydrogen peroxide in water without any cosolvent, has produced versatile iodinated organic molecules with potential application in organic synthesis and medicine in short reaction times and good to excellent yields.

A rapid and efficient ultrasound-promoted protocol for iodination of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds, using molecular iodine in the presence of aqueous hydrogen peroxide in water without any cosolvent, has produced versatile iodinated organic molecules with potential application in organic synthesis and medicine in short reaction times and good to excellent yields.

1,2,3-Triazole derivatives have gained attention as an attractive heterocyclic compound with antifungal, antibacterial, anti-HIV, anticonvulsants and antiallergic activities. 1 The copper-catalyzed azidealkyne cycloaddition reaction (CuAAC) is an example of click reaction, since is a simple method for synthesized triazoles with an wide scope, high yields in mild conditions. Combining with concept of green chemistry, the CuAAC click reaction has been improved by immobilization of copper species onto various supports. 2 In this work, it was studied the recovery and reuse of copper in CuAAC reaction by immobilizing it in alginate spheres (Alg-CuSO4).