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Thesis (MScAgric (Horticulture))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Peel colour is an important quality factor in the production of bi-coloured apple fruit. Most markets set minimum requirements for red colour coverage. Fruit that do not meet these requirements are downgraded and has a major impact on the profitability of apple production in South Africa. South African apple production areas are amongst the warmest in the world. Since anthocyanin accumulation requires induction at low temperature and synthesis require mild temperatures, experiments were conducted to investigate optimum day and night temperatures for red colour development throughout fruit development for red and bi-coloured apple cultivars grown in South Africa. We found that redder strains of bi-coloured apple cultivars did not appear to owe their enhanced pigmentation to higher temperature optima for anthocyanin synthesis. The optimum day temperatures for red colour development in the different cultivars seemed to differ between seasons, but not between production areas. In general, red colour in the cultivars evaluated developed maximally between 17 ºC and 25 ºC. The optimum day temperature for red colour development remained constant throughout fruit development for most cultivars, but increased roughly from 14 ºC to 22 ºC in ‘Cripps’ Pink’ between January and April. The extent of red colour development increased during fruit development in all the cultivars assessed. We were unable to determine optimum induction temperatures for red colour development. ‘Royal Gala’ from Ceres seemed to benefit from induction at 4 ºC while red colour in ‘Fuji’ decreased with decreasing temperature. To explain the presence of anthocyanins in immature apple fruit, we tested the hypothesis that anthocyanins protect the peel from photoinhibition and photooxidative damage during conditions of increased light stress. First we established that the rate of colour change in response to a passing cold front appears to be sufficient to provide photoprotection during a cold snap. Also in agreement with the hypothesis, ‘Cripps Pink’ peel incurred significantly more photoinhibition at low temperature (16 ºC) compared to mild (24 and 32 ºC) and high (40 ºC) temperature under high irradiance with visible light. Recovery rate was temperaturedependent, being the slowest at low temperature and increasing with temperature. The photoapparatus in ‘Cripps Pink’ peel appears to be particularly sensitive to light stress at low temperature throughout the season, with significant photoinhibition occurring even at moderate temperature (24 ºC). The sensitivity of the apple peel to photoinhibition increased throughout the season at lower irradiance levels, but remained the same at higher irradiance. In our final experiment, fruit were exposed to high irradiance at low and mild temperature before exposure to high temperature in combination with high irradiance. This was done to test the hypothesis that photoinhibition incurred during cold snaps predisposes peel to photothermal damage when temperature increases again after the cold snap. Unfortunately, due to the severity of the stress incurred in response to high temperature treatment, the results were inconclusive. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vrugkleur is ‘n belangrike kwaliteitsfaktor in die produksie van tweekleurappels. Die meeste markte stel minimum vereistes vir rooi kleurbedekking. Vrugte wat nie aan hierdie vereistes voldoen nie, word afgegradeer. Suid-Afrika se appel produksie areas word beskou as van die warmste ter wêreld. Antosianien akkumulasie benodig induksie by lae temperature gevolg deur sintese in lig by matige temperature. Gevolglik het swak rooi kleurontwikkeling onder plaaslike toestande ‘n groot impak op die winsgewendheid van appelproduksie in Suid-Afrika. Eksperimente is uitgevoer om die optimum dag- en nagtemperature vir rooi kleurontwikkeling tydens vrugontwikkeling vir die rooi en tweekleur appel kultivars wat in Suid-Afrika geproduseer word te bepaal. Ons het gevind dat die verhoogde pigmentasie van rooier seleksies van tweekleurappel kultivars nie aan ‘n hoër temperatuur optimum vir antosianiensintese toegeskryf kan word nie. Die optimum dag temperature vir rooi kleurontwikkeling vir die onderskeie kultivars verskil klaarblyklik tussen seisoene, maar nie tussen produksie areas nie. Oor die algemeen het kleurontwikkeling maksimaal plaasgevind tussen 17 ºC en 25 ºC. Die optimum dagtemperatuur vir rooi kleurontwikkeling het konstant gebly tydens vrugontwikkeling, buiten vir ‘Cripps’ Pink’ waar dit toegeneem het van ongeveer 14 ºC tot 22 ºC vanaf Januarie tot April. Die mate van rooi kleurontwikkeling het in al die kultivars toegeneem deur die loop van vrugontwikkeling . Ons kon nie daarin slaag om optimum induksie temperature vir rooi kleurontwikkeling vas te stel nie. Rooi kleurontwikkeling van ‘Royal Gala’ uit Ceres is moontlik bevorder deur induksie by 4 ºC, terwyl ‘Fuji’ se rooi kleur afgeneem het met ‘n verlaging in induksie temperatuur. Ten einde die teenwoordigheid van antosianien in onvolwasse appelvruggies te verduidelik, het ons die hipotese getoets dat antosianien die vrugskil beskerm teen fotoinhibisie en fotooksidatiewe beskadiging gedurende tydperke van verhoogde ligstres. Eerstens het ons bevestig dat die tempo van kleurontwikkeling in reaksie op ‘n koue front waarskynlik vinnig genoeg is om fotobeskerming te verleen. Vervolgens is gevind dat ‘Cripps’ Pink’ vrugskil aansienlik meer fotoinhibisie ervaar het by lae temperatuur (16 ºC) in vergelyking met matige (24 ºC en 32 ºC) en hoë (40 ºC) temperatuur onder hoë irradiasie met sigbare lig. Die hersteltempo was temperatuur-afhanklik; dit was die stadigste by lae temperatuur en het toegeneem met ‘n toename in temperatuur. Die foto-apparaat in ‘Cripps’ Pink’ vrugskil blyk besonder sensitief te wees vir ligstres by lae temperatuur regdeur die groeiseisoen met aansienlike fotoinhibisie by selfs matige temperatuur (24 ºC). Die sensitiwiteit van die vrugskil vir fotoinhibisie het toegeneem deur die groeiseisoen by laer ligvlakke, maar het dieselfde gebly by hoër vlakke van irradiasie. Laastens is vrugte blootgestel aan hoë irradiasie by lae en matige temperatuur voordat dit vervolgens blootgestel is aan hoë temperatuur in kombinasie met hoë irradiasie. Dit was om die hipotese te toets dat fotoinhibisie wat opgedoen word gedurende ‘n onverwagte koue periode, die skil meer vatbaar maak vir fototermiese skade sodra die temperatuur weer styg na die koue periode verby is. Ongelukkig het die hoë temperatuur stres al die behandelings tot so ‘n mate geaffekteer dat dit onmoontlik was om enige gevolgtrekkings vanuit ons resultate te maak.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Jon M. Faubion / Charles E. Walker / Anthocyanins, a group of pink to purple water-soluble flavonoids, are well known as naturally occurring pigments credited with numerous potential health benefits. However, they are sensitive to degradation by pH, light, and temperature. Blue corn (maize) is known to be high in anthocyanins (mainly cyanidin 3-glucoside). Citric and lactic acids and glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) are weak organic acids used by the food industry. Reel, convection, and impingement ovens are all used in the baking industry and they use different baking times and temperatures because they have different heat transfer coefficients. Cookies are popular snacks and might serve as a vehicle to deliver antioxidants and fiber. Preliminary tests showed that acids significantly increase the total anthocyanin content (TAC) remaining in the cookies when used at the 1.5% level (flour weight basis, fwb), then plateau up to the 6 % level. The interaction of three acids with three oven types (impingement oven 355F/4min, reel oven 400F/10min, and convection oven 360F/4min) were conducted to investigate their effects on the TAC remaining in blue corn based cookies. Cookie formula was based on AACC method 10-50D. Whole grain blue corn flour to wheat pastry flour ratio (80/20), guar gum level (1%, fwb), and water level (21.5%, fwb) were determined based on RSM analysis. All three acids affected TAC in cookie dough and final cookies by lowering their pH in the dough system. Citric acid retained the most TAC in the cookies. Cookie made with either GDL or citric acid provided larger spread, diameter, area, eccentricity, and crack ratio compared to the lactic acid. All three oven types significantly affected TAC in the cookies. The cookies baked by the convection oven contained the highest level of TAC. Oven types affected cookie spread but not diameter, area, eccentricity, brightness, or crack ratio. Cookies made with citric acid by convection retained maximum TAC (227±3.4 mg/kg). Cookies made with GDL by convection oven provided the greatest spread, crack, and eccentricity.

Thesis (PhD(Agric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The bright colouration of involucral leaves in Leucadendron is unfortunately transient in nature. Undesirable colour changes render this cut flower unmarketable, resulting in a considerable loss of profit. A deeper understanding of the mechanism leading to colour change is needed to form the framework on which future manipulation strategies can be built. Yellow Leucadendron possess the ability to degreen and regreen naturally, a phenomenon linked to the controlled degradation of chlorophyll and the lesser degradation of carotenoids, which then impart the yellow colour. This colour change is directly linked to the development of the inflorescence. Involucral leaves degreen towards anthesis and are entirely yellow at full bloom. They begin to regreen again when the last florets on the cone have wilted. Deconing before flowering completely inhibits the colour change. Deconing at full bloom, results in leaves regreening sooner. Therefore the inflorescence appears to be the origin of the cue for colour change. Any factor that expedites the death of the florets, results in sooner regreening of involucral leaves. Ultra-structurally, the degreening and regreening resulted from a transdifferentiation of mature chloroplasts to gerontoplast-like plastids, which upon regreening completely redifferentiated into fully functional chloroplasts. In the red Leucadendron cultivar Safari Sunset, the photosynthetic pigment degradation pattern is identical to that of yellow cultivars. However, colour expression is complexed by the presence of anthocyanins. Anthocyanin concentration was shown to be directly related to the opening of the flower head rather than to the phenological development of the inflorescence. With opening, the previously shaded inner involucral leaf surfaces are exposed to higher levels of irradiance and respond by turning red, presumably for photoprotection. Similar to yellow cultivars, any factor leading to the death of the florets before flowering, not only prevents the degreening of involucral leaves, but also prevents the opening of the flower head and therefore the associated change in anthocyanin levels. The ecological significance of regreening was also investigated. What does a female Leucadendron plant stand to gain by regreening rather than discarding the involucral leaves? Regreened involucral leaves were shown not to play a significant role in providing photosynthates for the developing cone. Although the presence of regreened involucral leaves were shown to provide protection against high irradiance and radiant heating of the cone, they were not essential to ensure survival of the cone. The small floral bracts were shown to be very capable of adaptation. The most plausible reason for regreening is therefore assumed to be based on a cost-benefit relationship. As most Leucadendron are adapted to grow on very nutrient poor soils, the question should maybe be rephrased. Why waste valuable resources? Sclerophyllous leaves, like the involucral leaves, are costly to make and therefore reusing, rather than discarding them does seem a sensible strategy for survival. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Leucadendron snyblomme word gekenmerk deur die helder kleure van hul omwindselblare. Die helder kleure is egter slegs vir 'n kort periode aanwesig waarna die snyblomme onbemarkbaar word, met aansienlike verlies aan potensiele inkomste. Die ontwikkeling van manipulasies ten einde die bemarkbare periode van Leucadendron te verleng, berus op die verkryging van 'n dieper insig in die meganisme van kleurverandering. Die kleurveranderinge van geel Leucadendron omwindselblare is te wyte aan 'n unieke vermoë tot die gereguleerde degradasie en heropbou van chlorofiele en karotenoiede onder direkte beheer van die ontwikkelende bloeiwyse. Met die aanvang van blom, lei groter proporsionele degradasie van chlorofiele tot geleidelike vergeling van omwindselblare. Die hele blomhofie verkry uiteindelik met volblom 'n helder geel kleur. Sodra die laaste blommetjies doodgaan, neem chlorofiel- en karotenoiedsintese weer in aanvang en binnekort is die omwindselblare weer net so groen soos voor die aanvang van blom. Die geel verkleuring kan verhoed word deur die keël voor blom uit te breek. Enige faktor wat die dood van die blommetjies versnel, asook die uitbreek van keël tydens volblom, lei tot die vroeëre aanvang van vergroening. Die degradasie van plastiedpigmente hang nou saam met die differensiasie van volwasse chloroplaste tot gerontoplast-agtige plastiede wat op hul beurt weer tydens vergroening tot volkome funksionele chloroplaste herdifferensieer. Soortgelyk aan geel Leucadendron kultivars, vind die veranderinge in plastiedpigmente ook plaas tydens blom van die rooi kultivar, Safari Sunset. Kleurveranderinge in 'Safari Sunset' is egter meer ingewikkeld vanweë die aanwesigheid van variërende konsentrasies antosianiene. Antosianienkonsentrasies en rooi kleur neem toe tydens blom vanwee die blootstelling van die beskutte adaksiale binnekante van omwindselblare aan hoe irradiasie met die oopvou van die blomhofie. Die akkumulasie van antosianiene het moontlik 'n fotobeskermende funksie. Kleurveranderinge in 'Safari Sunset' kan, soos in geel kultivars, voorkom word deur blom te verhoed. Antosianiensintese word voorkom deurdat die blomhofie geslote bly en is nie direk gekoppel aan blom soos wat met plastiedpigmente die geval is nie. Die belang van vergroening is ondersoek na aanleiding van die vraag oor wat dit 'n vroulike Leucadendron baat om omwindselblare te behou na die afloop van blom? Die bydrae van foto-assimilasie deur omwindselblare tot die ontwikkeling van keels is beperk. Alhoewel omwindselblare wel keels teen hoe irradiasie en stralingsverhitting beskerm, is die blomskutblare in staat om aan te pas by hierdie kondisies. Die mees waarskynlike verklaring vir die behoud van die omwindselblare na blom berus moontlik op 'n koste-voordele verwantskap. Alhoewel nie essensieel nie, is die beperkte bydrae van die omwindselblare na die afloop van blom tot die oorlewing en welstand van die keel waarskynlik genoegsaam om hul behoud te regverdig. Verskeie Leucadendron spesies groei in gronde wat baie arm is aan nutriente. Sklerefiele blare, soos die van Leucadendron, is verder duur om te vervaardig. Dit maak dus sin om hulle vir meer as een funksie te herontplooi eerder as om hulpbronne te belê in meer gespesialiseerde en minder durende blombykomstighede. Dus dui die behoud van omwindselblare dalk op 'n strategie wat gemik is op die behoud en besparing van beperkte hulpbronne.

Background: Low-grade chronic inflammation has been implicated as a risk factor in prostate-related pathologies including benign hyperplasia and cancer. Sweet cherry containing the bioactive anthocyanin (ACN), has demonstrated tumor inhibitory action in model systems, specifically inhibition of inflammatory molecules and prostaglandin biosynthesis. Objective: To assess the urinary and plasma concentrations of ACN from the daily consumption of 3 cups of sweet cherries for 4 weeks and test the relationship of ACN levels and cherry consumption to inflammatory biomarkers in an at risk population. Results: Prostaglandin E2 Metabolite (PGEM) levels were reduced with cherry consumption in men with elevated baseline values. Conclusion: We conclude that 1c (142g) of sweet cherries 3 times daily for 4 weeks significantly reduced the COX-2 metabolite, PGEM, in men with elevated baseline levels. This was the first study to examine the chronic effects of daily sweet cherries on COX-2 inhibition in an at risk population.

Objetivou-se realizar a caracterização física, química e funcional do fruto de camu-camu classificados nos estádios 2 (verde-avermelhado) e 4 (roxo), utilizando-se distintas doses de radiação gama (0; 0,5; 1 kGy) e acompanhar a atividade respiratória dos frutos, monitorados por um período de 25 dias em dois níveis de temperatura (5 e 25 oC). Os frutos foram avaliados quanto à cor instrumental da casca, firmeza, sólidos solúveis, acidez, ratio, pH, antocianinas, compostos fenólicos, atividade antioxidante, atividade respiratória e teor de ácido ascórbico. A irradiação com dose de 0,5 kGy teve influência positiva nos frutos no estádio 2 armazenados em temperatura ambiente, prolongando seu tempo de vida útil em dois dias, totalizando 9 dias. Os frutos tratados com 1 kGy tiveram seu tempo de vida útil reduzido em 6 dias. Em relação à firmeza, o ponto de maturação teve grande influência nas respostas; comportamento semelhante aconteceu com as antocianinas, onde os frutos no estádio 4 tiveram valores até 10 vezes superiores aos frutos verde-avermelhado (estádio 2), mas, de forma geral, as antocianinas se mantiveram estáveis em relação às doses testadas e ao tempo de armazenamento. A dose de 1 kGy influenciou nos compostos antioxidantes dos frutos refrigerados, diminuindo 83,4 e 67,46% do teor para os frutos nos estádios 2 e 4, respectivamente. O ácido ascórbico no camu-camu se mostrou altamente estável, mesmo quando o fruto já estava impróprio para o consumo, apresentando valores acima de 1000 mg de ácido ascórbico 100 g-1 de fruto. Exceção foi para os frutos refrigerados tratados com 1 kGy, que apresentaram valores de 263,67 mg 100 g-1 para os frutos no estádio 2 e 626,1 mg 100 g-1 para os frutos no estádio 4. De forma geral, a refrigeração teve maior influência na conservação do camu-camu, aumentando em média 18 dias o seu armazenamento, a radiação gama nas doses estudadas não se mostrou um tratamento vantajoso para aumentar a vida útil do camu-camu refrigerado. O fruto do camu-camu apresentou baixos valores de ratio (índice de palatabilidade), o que faz do fruto não palatável para o consumo in natura, elevados teores de antocianinas, compostos fenólicos, atividade antioxidante e ácido ascórbico / The objective of this work was to characterize physical, chemical and functional of the camu-camu fruit in its 2 stage (green- reddish) and 4 (purple), using different doses of gamma radiation (0, 0.5, 1 kGy) and to keep up with the respiratory activity over a period of 25 days in two temperature levels (5 and 25 ºC). The fruits were evaluated when the instrumental color of skin, firmness, soluble solids, acidity, ratio, pH, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, antioxidant, respiratory activity and ascorbic acid content. Irradiation with 0,5 kGy had a positive influence on the 2 stage fruits stored at room temperature, extending its lifetime two days, totaling nine days. The fruit treated with 1 kGy had its lifetime reduced by 6 days. About the firmness, the maturation point had great influence on the answers; responses similar happened with anthocyanins, where the purple fruits had values up to 10 times higher than the green-reddish fruits, but, in general, anthocyanins were stable in relation to the doses tested and the storage time. There was a decrease of antioxidants in 83,4 and 67,46% for 2 and 4stages fruits, respectively. Ascorbic acid in camu-camu was highly stable even when the fruit was already unfit for consumption, with values above 1000 mg ascorbic acid 100 g-1 fruit. There was an exception with the refrigerated fruits treated with 1 kGy, which showed values of 263,67 mg 100 g-1 for the 4 stage fruits and 626.1 mg 100 g-1 for the 2 stage fruits. In general, the cooling had a greater influence on the conservation of camu-camu, increasing on average 18 days your storage, the gamma radiation doses studied did not prove advantageous treatment to extend the lifetime of the camu-camu in refrigeration. The camu-camu fruit showed low values of ratio (index of palatability), which makes the fruit unsuitable for fresh consumption, high levels of anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid

A jabuticaba é uma fruta originalmente brasileira e que começa a ser explorada comercialmente para produção de polpa congelada, geleia, licor, dentre outros produtos. O processamento da jabuticaba gera uma grande quantidade de resíduos, oriundos da casca e da semente, que normalmente são descartados em aterros, contribuindo para poluição ambiental. Todavia, esses resíduos são ótimas fontes de ingredientes funcionais, tais como antocianinas (pigmentos roxos) e elagitaninos, ambos potentes antioxidantes. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi extrair o pigmento do resíduo do despolpamento da jabuticaba e caracteriza-lo; estudar o processo de secagem por atomização do pigmento;caracterizar os pós obtidos, bem como sua propriedade antioxidante e estabilidade durante o armazenamento. Para tanto, a jabuticaba foidespolpada, e do resíduo (cascas e sementes) foi obtido um extrato aquoso, o qual foi caracterizado quanto ao teor de sólidos solúveis, pH, umidade, cinzas, proteínas, lipídeos, fibras, açúcares e acidez, e, em seguida, foi desidratado em spray-dryer com os agentes carreadores maltodextrina DE10 e goma arábica. Os pós obtidos foram caracterizados quanto à umidade, higroscopicidade, cor instrumental, morfologia e tamanho das partículas, teor de antocianinas, estabilidade e propriedade antioxidante pelos métodos ORAC e DPPH, estabilidade durante estocagem e isotermas de sorção. O extrato aquoso obtido apresentou 10% de sólidos solúveis totais, pH 3,54, acidez de 0,71 g ácido cítrico/100g amostra e teor de antocianinas de 79,3 mg de antocianinas/100g de amostra. Os pós obtidos com maltodextrina em condições otimizadas apresentaram retenção média de antocianinas de 77%, umidade média de 4,0%, higroscopicidade média de 34,9 g de água absorvida/100 g de pó, rendimento médio do processo de 32,1% e em média 11,5 mg/g pó de antocianinas totais. Os valores médios para a atividade antioxidante variaram de 826,9 a 266,0 µmoles equivalentes de Trolox/g pelos métodos ORAC e DPPH, respectivamente. Já para os pós obtidos com goma arábica em condições otimizadas a retenção média de antocianinas foi de 86%, umidade média de 3,9%, higroscopicidade média de 56,1 g água absorvida/100g pó, rendimento médio do processo de 35,7% e em média 14,8 mg/g pó de antocianinas totais. Os valores médios para a atividade antioxidante variaram de 227,2 a 1152,7 µmoles equivalentes de Trolox/g de pó pelos métodos DPPH e ORAC, respectivamente. Os pós obtidos apresentaram valores altos para antocianinas, fenólicos totais e atividade antioxidante, mostrando o grande potencial do resíduo do despolpamento da jabuticaba para produção de um pigmento funcional. A presença do carreador foi efetiva para manter a estabilidade do pigmento durante a estocagem e quanto maior a sua concentração, maior a estabilidade do pigmento. / The jabuticaba is originally a Brazilian fruit and begins to be exploited commercially for the production of frozen pulp, jelly, liquor, among oth er products. The processing of jabuticaba generates a lot of waste, from the peel and seeds, which are usually discarded in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution. However, these residues are good sources of functional ingredients, such as anthocyanins (purple pigments) and elagitannins, both potent antioxidants. The objective of this study was to extract the pigment from the pulping of jabuticaba\'s waste and characterized it, to study the process of spray drying the pigment; characterize the po wders, as well as its antioxidant properties and storage stability. To this aim, jabuticaba was pulped, and the residue (peel and seeds) was obtained from an aqueous extract, which was characterized as the soluble solids, pH, moisture, ash, protein, lipid, fiber, sugars and acidity, and then was dried in a spray-dryer with agents carriers of 10 maltodextrin and gum arabic. The powders were characterized for moisture, hygroscopicity, instrumental color, morphology and particle size, anthocyanins, stability and antioxidant properties by ORAC and DPPH methods and stability during storage. The aqueous extract obtained showed 10% of total soluble solids, pH 3.54, acidity 0.71 g citric acid/100g sample and anthocyanin content of 79.3 mg anthocyanin/100g sample. The powders obtained under optimized conditions with maltodextrin showed retention of 77% anthocyanins, 4.0% of humidity, hygroscopicity of 34.9 g water absorbed/100g powder, yield of the process 32.1% and on average 11.5 mg/g of anthocyanins. The mean values for the antioxidant activity ranged from 826.9 µM Trolox equivalents/g jabuticaba\'s powder to 266.0 µM Trolox equivalents/g jabuticaba\'s powder for ORAC and DPPH methods, respectively. The gum arabic powders obtained under optimized conditions showed average retention of 86% anthocyanins, 3.9% average humidity, hygroscopicity average of 56.1 g water absorbed/100g powder, average yield of 35.7% of the process and an average of 14.8 mg/g powder anthocyanins. The mean values for the antioxidant activity ranged from 1152.7 µM Trolox equivalents/g jabuticaba\'s powder to 227.2 µM Trolox equivalents/g jabuticaba\'s powder for ORAC and DPPH methods, respectively. The powders obtained showed high concentration of anthocyanins, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, showing the great potential of the residue of jabuticaba\'s waste for production of a functional pigment. The presence of the carrier was effective for maintaining stability of the pigment during storage and the higher the concentration, the greater the stability of the pigment

Floral color change is a widespread phenomenon in angiosperms, but poorly understood from the genetic and chemical point of view. This thesis aimed to investigate this phenomenon in Tibouchina pulcha, a native species whose flowers change from white to dark pink. To reach this goal, flavonoid biosynthetic gene expression and compounds were profiled. By using hyphenated techiniques (UPLC-HRMS and NMR), thirty phenolic compounds were quantified and identified, being sixteen described for the first time in T. pulchra. Moreover, an inedite compound was also identified. Five key genes of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway were partially cloned, sequenced, and the mRNA levels were analyzed (RT-qPCR) along flower development. Collectively, the obtained results demonstrated that the flower color change in T. pulchra is regulated at transcriptional level. Additionally, a metal quantification suggests that Fe3+ ion might influence the saturation of the color at dark pink stage / A mudança de cor em flores é um fenômeno generalizado entre as angiospermas, mas pouco compreendido do ponto de vista genético e químico. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar esse fenômeno em Tibouchina pulcha , uma espécie nativa brasileira, cujas flores mudam do branco para rosa escuro. Para alcançar o objetivo, os perfis dos compostos e de expressão de genes da via de biossíntese de flavonoides foram estudados. Utilizando técnicas hifenadas (UPLC-HRMS and NMR), trinta compostos foram quantificados e identificados, sendo: dezesseis descritos pela promeira vez em T. pulchra. Além idsso, um composto inédito foi identificado. Cinco genes que codificam para enzimas chaves da via foram parcialmente clonados, sequenciados, e os níveis de mRNA foram analisados (RT-qPCR) durante o desenvolvimento das flores. Coletivamente, os dados obtidos demonstram que a mudança de cor em flores de T. pulchra é regulada transcricionalmente. Além disso, quantificações de metais sugerem que o ion Fe3+ esteja relacionado a saturação da cor no estágio rosa escuro

A cada dia é mais crescente a necessidade e interesse no desenvolvimento de embalagens competitivas e com maior valor agregado. Visando atender a necessidade de consumidores cada vez mais exigentes e preocupados com o meio ambiente, este trabalho propôs o uso do pigmento natural antocianina no desenvolvimento de filmes biodegradáveis para potencial uso como embalagem inteligente, indicadora de mudança de pH. Os filmes foram elaborados pela técnica de casting tendo como formulação base fécula de mandioca (Manihot esculenta Crantz), argila esmectita sódica, glicerol, etanol e água, e incorporados com duas concentrações de antocianina (0,05 e 0,10) g/100 g de solução filmogênica, e em uma segunda fase, ácido cítrico foi incorporado à matriz polimérica a fim de estudar a influência do pH da solução filmogênica (2,8 e 4,3) sobre o desempenho do filme empregado como embalagem. Os filmes foram avaliados quanto as suas propriedades mecânicas (resistência máxima à tração e porcentagem de elongação na ruptura), físico-químicas (atividade de água, umidade, espessura), de barreira (permeabilidade ao vapor dágua e ao oxigênio) e análise de mudança de cor. Em seguida à caracterização, a atividade indicadora de pH foi testada com peixe cru embalado em recipientes de vidro tampados com o filme. Os recipientes foram acondicionados em temperatura ambiente e sob três temperaturas distintas de refrigeração, sendo que recipientes vazios também fechados com o filme foram usados como controle. A avaliação da atividade indicadora de pH foi realizada por meio da análise de mudança de cor do filme correlacionada com o pH do peixe. Os resultados obtidos foram promissores, uma vez que os filmes avaliados se mostraram bons indicadores de pH, ao mudarem de cor à olho nu em resposta à variação do pH, sendo essa mudança mais acentuada em filmes com maior conteúdo de antocianina. / The interest and need for the development of more competitive, higher value-added packages grow faster each day. For attending the needs of a more demanding, environmentally-concerned group of consumers, the present work proposes the use of natural anthocyanin pigment for the development of biodegradable films to be used as intelligent packaging material capable of indicating pH change. These films, made by employing a technique known as casting, consist of a basic formulation of cassava starch (Manihot esculenta Crantz), sodium smectite clay, glycerol, ethanol, and water, combined with two concentrations of anthocyanin (0.05 and 0.10) g/100 g of a filmogenic solution. In a second phase, citric acid was added to the polymer matrix in order to study the influence of the filmogenic solution pH (2.8 and 4.3) on the packaging performance of the films. These materials were assessed according to their mechanical properties (tensile strength at break and elongation at break percentage), physical and chemical properties (water activity, moisture content and thickness), barrier properties (water vapor and oxygen permeability), and color change. After this characterization, the pH-indicating activity was tested with raw fish stored in glass containers sealed with the film. Such containers were firstly exposed to room temperature and subsequently to three different refrigeration temperatures. Similarly, some empty containers also sealed with the same film were used as control. The assessment of the pH-indicating activity was undertaken by analyzing the color change of the film correlated with the pH of the fish. Promising outcomes seemed to have been achieved, since the films that were assessed proved to be efficient pH indicators. The color change was visible to the naked eye in response to pH variation, and such a change was particularly strong in the films with higher anthocyanin content.

Submitted by Jorge Silva (jorgelmsilva@ufrrj.br) on 2017-02-09T19:35:26Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2016 - Camila Gomes Nunes.pdf: 4871207 bytes, checksum: 62e59136c5dda645d85ce86beadae3ca (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-09T19:35:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2016 - Camila Gomes Nunes.pdf: 4871207 bytes, checksum: 62e59136c5dda645d85ce86beadae3ca (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-08-22 / Despite the nutritional and functional value the fruits of jamel?ozeiros (Syzygium Cumini L. Skeels) known as jamel?es are little consumed. In harvest seasons, production is abundant, however, there is no rational use of the fruit. The pulp of this fruit has a high content of anthocyanin, which gives it high antioxidant potential. The practice of physical exercise generates free radicals in the body, which has the antioxidant defense system; the effectiveness of this system is modulated by the intake of nutrients and other compounds with antioxidant potential, as presents in Jamel?o. The aim of the paper was develop energy drink, formulation for use with Jamel?o pulp and mix of carbohydrates, 100% natural, without colorings and flavorings. 11 formulations were produced according to the RDC / ANVISA n?18/2010, with variations in pulp content and mix of carbohydrates. The samples were subjected to sensory evaluation by the acceptance method with consumers and 4 samples with higher averages passed new sensory analysis by athletes, acceptance method and were also submitted to: physical analysis, chemical and physico-chemical, antioxidant activity by methods DPPH, anthocyanin content and content of phenolic compounds. The formulations 4,5,8 and 11 obtained the highest average with consumers and the sample 11 to greater acceptance by athletes. The sample 8 had higher anthocyanin content differing from the other. The sample 4 and 5 showed higher levels of phenolic and the sample 4 presented the highest antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the beverage had high and satisfactory levels of antioxidants and good acceptance by athletes. Therefore, the production of energy and functional drink for athletes and favors the development of new products using Jamel?o must be encouraged and exploited. / Apesar do valor nutricional e funcional, os frutos dos jamel?ozeiros (Syzygium Cumini L. Skeels) conhecidos como jamel?es, s?o pouco consumidos. Nas ?pocas de safra, a produ??o ? abundante, no entanto, n?o h? uso racional do fruto. A polpa desse fruto apresenta alto teor de antocianinas, que lhe confere alto potencial antioxidante. A pr?tica de exerc?cios f?sicos gera radicais livres no organismo que conta com o sistema de defesa antioxidante, a efic?cia desse sistema ? modulada pela ingest?o de nutrientes e outros compostos com potencial antioxidante, como os presentes no jamel?o. Desenvolver formula??o de bebida energ?tica pronta para consumo com polpa de jamel?o e mistura de carboidratos, 100% natural, sem corantes e aromatizantes. Foram produzidas 11 diferentes formula??es conforme a RDC/ANVISA n?18/2010, com varia??es no teor de polpa e do mix de carboidratos. As amostras foram submetidas a an?lise sensorial pelo m?todo de aceita??o com consumidores e as 4 amostras com maiores m?dias passaram por nova an?lise sensorial pelo m?todo de aceita??o com atletas e foram submetidas tamb?m a: An?lise f?sica, qu?mica e f?sico-qu?mica, atividade antioxidante pelos m?todos DPPH, teor de antocianinas e teor de compostos fen?licos totais. As formula??es 4,5,8 e 11 obtiveram as maiores m?dias com os consumidores sendo a amostra 11 a de maior aceita??o pelos atletas. A amostra 8 apresentou maior teor de antocianina diferindo das demais. As amostra 4 e 5 apresentaram maiores teores de compostos fen?licos sendo a amostra 4 a que apresentou maior atividade antioxidante. Em conclus?o, a bebida desenvolvida apresentou teores elevados e satisfat?rios de compostos antioxidantes e boa aceita??o entre os atletas. Logo, a produ??o de uma bebida energ?tica e funcional para atletas ? favor?vel e o desenvolvimento de novos produtos envolvendo o jamel?o como mat?ria-prima devem ser incentivados e explorados.