Gracilaria birdiae Plastino & E.C. Oliveira é uma das principais espécies de agarófitas coletadas no nordeste brasileiro. Devido a sua importância econômica, novos incentivos visando o manejo adequado das populações naturais e a seleção de linhagens mais produtivas para o cultivo em escala comercial dessa espécie são de extrema necessidade. Para atingir esses objetivos, o presente trabalho avaliou primeiramente a fenologia reprodutiva e o tamanho dos indivíduos de uma população natural de G. birdiae localizada na praia de Rio do Fogo, estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil, durante 12 meses. Em seguida, foram investigados aspectos da diversidade intraespecífica de Gracilaria birdiae cultivadas no mar em três profundidades diferentes de cultivo (30, 50 e 80 cm) e em dois períodos distintos (chuvoso e seco). Para os experimentos de cultivo, foram utilizadas quatro linhagens tetrasporofíticas de Gracilaria birdiae: espécimes de coloração vermelha (vm-CE e vm-RN), marrom-esverdeada (me-CE) e verde (vd-CE). Foram desenvolvidos cultivos de curta (30 dias) e longa (120 dias) duração para a obtenção de informações relacionadas ao crescimento, pigmentos, fotossíntese e polissacarídeos dessas linhagens. A população de G. birdiae selecionada para o estudo fenológico apresentou-se fértil durante o ano todo, com baixa frequência de indivíduos inférteis. Além disso, observou-se que o tamanho dos indivíduos dessa população é influenciado pelas mudanças periódicas do ambiente ocasionadas pelos regimes de chuvas e hidrodinamismo. Durante os experimentos de cultivo no mar, os parâmetros ambientais mostraram diferenças significativas entre as estações (chuvosa e seca). Dentre eles, a transparência da água e os nutrientes foram os que mais estiveram relacionados às variações das TCs das linhagens de G. birdiae. O tempo de cultivo também influenciou nessas taxas, e as reduções observadas durante o cultivo de longa duração estiveram relacionadas ao envelhecimento do talo. De maneira geral, as TCs mais elevadas foram registradas durante o período chuvoso, nas profundidades de 30 e 50 cm. O conteúdo pigmentar antes e após os cultivos apresentou reduções significativas, principalmente durante o período seco, sendo consequência da baixa disponibilidade de nutrientes. O rendimento e os teores de 3,6-anidrogalactose obtidos do ágar das linhagens de G. birdiae não apresentaram diferenças entre as estações e profundidades, nem entre as linhagens. O teor de sulfato foi mais elevado durante a estação seca em determinadas profundidades de acordo com a linhagem em questão. As linhagens de Gracilaria birdiae apresentaram valores de fotossíntese máxima (ETRMax) e irradiância de saturação (Ik) distintos entre as estações, com valores mais baixos durante a estação chuvosa. Esses valores estiveram relacionados à fotoaclimatação das linhagens às condições de baixa luminosidade e sugerem às linhagens de G. birdiae características de plantas de \"sombra\" / Gracilaria birdiae Plastino & E.C. Oliveira is the main agarophyte harvested in northeastern Brazil. Due to its economic importance, new incentives for appropriate management of natural bads and the selection of more productive strains for mariculture are extremely necessary. Therefore, this study first evaluated the reproductive phenology and size of individuals from a natural population of G. birdiae located at Rio do Fogo beach, Rio Grande do Norte state, Northeast, Brazil, for 12 months. Subsequently, we investigated aspects of intraspecific diversity of G. birdiae cultivated in the sea at three different depths (30, 50 and 80 cm) and two seasons (rainy and dry). Four strains of tetrasporophytic plants were used: red (rd-CE, rd-RN), greenish-brown (gbw-CE), and green (Gr-CE). Short (30 days) and long (120 days) cultivations were developed to obtain information related to growth, pigments, photosynthesis and polysaccharides of these strains. The natural population of G. birdiae selected for the phenological study presented fertile individuals throughout the year, with low frequency of infertile individuals. In addition, we observed that the size of the individuals was influenced by seasonal changes of the environment caused by the rains and hydrodynamics. During the cultivation experiments, the environmental parameters showed significant differences between seasons (rainy and dry). Water transparency and nutrients were most related to variations in growth rates of G. birdiae strains. The length of the cultivation period also influenced these rates, and reductions observed during the long-term (120 days) were related to the aging of the thallus. In general, highest growth rates were recorded during the rainy season, at depths of 30 and 50 cm. The pigment content before and after the cultivation had significant reductions, particularly during the dry season, as a result of low nutrient availability. The yield and levels of 3,6-anhydrogalactose obtained from agar of G. birdiae strains did not differ between seasons and depths, neither between strains. The sulfate content was highest during the dry season in some depths, according to strain involved. G. birdiae strains showed values of ETRmax and Ik distinct between seasons, with lower values during the rainy season. These values were related to photoacclimation at lower light conditions and suggest to G. birdiae strains characteristics of shade plants

Este trabalho apresenta uma alternativa para a reciclagem dos resíduos de cromo da Indústria do Curtume incorporando-os na formulação de pigmentos cerâmicos. Inicialmente o resíduo de cromo foi tratado sendo realizada a extração de sais solúveis, cloretos, sulfatos, carbonatos e posterior calcinação para a eliminação de matéria-orgânica, tornando assim, viável sua utilização como pigmentos. Os ensaios realizados utilizaram as seguintes técnicas: fluorescência de raios X, espectroscopia por emissão de plasma atômico, espectrofotometria com difenilcarbazida, análises termodiferencial e termogravimétrica, difração de raios X, eletroforese capilar e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Através destas análises foram feitos estudos das composições de pigmentos que favoreçam a incorporação do cromo a vidrados cerâmicos. A incorporação foi avaliada por testes de lixiviação ácida e identificação por eletroforese capilar e absorção atômica, confirmando teores abaixo dos limites especificados pela norma NBR10004. Foi possível incorporar até 10% do resíduo de cromo na produção de vidrados cerâmicos, resultando em boas características de cor e textura no vidrado final, mostrando o grande potencial de reciclagem dos resíduos de cromo da indústria do curtume como pigmentos cerâmicos. / In this work, an alternative for recycling the chromium waste from the leather industry, incorporating it to formulations of ceramic pigments was studied. Firstly, the characterization of chromium waste was performed, as well as the extraction of soluble salts, chlorides, sulfates, ad carbonates. After that, the calcination, for the elimination of the organic matter to turn viable the use of the waste as ceramic pigments was performed. The various stages were evaluated by: X-ray Fluorescence, Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometer, Atomic Absorption, Spectroscopy with Dyphenylcarbazide, Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermogravimetry, X-ray Diffraction, Capillary Electrophoresis and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The results indicated that it is possible the incorporation of the waste into the ceramic glazes. Leaching tests were performed with the developed glazes and the chemical compositions of the leachates were determined by capillary electrophoresis and atomic absorption, confirming amounts lower than the ones specified by the Brazilian standard NBR10004. It was possible to incorporate 10wt.% of chromium residue in the production of inorganic pigments, resulting in glazes with good characteristics of color and texture, showing the great potential of recycling chromium waste from the tannery industry in the fabrication of pigments for the Ceramic Tile Industry.

This project is an exploration of practices around the critical raw materialcobalt, it’s history, and current relevance in Swedish discourse. Critical raw materials are identified by the European Commission as materials of high importance to the EU’s economic system as well as the high risks related to their supply and production. As the demand for cobalt grows due to it’s usefulness in rechargeable batteries in for example smartphones, laptops and electric cars, the metal is predicted to become scarce in a near future. In Sweden there is a discourse on whether or not to mine for cobalt, among other earth elements, locally, and the industry is lookingfor ways to recycle old rechargeable batteries at larger scales to secure the resource. The criticality of cobalt does not only concern supply and economic importance however. In Congo some mines have been reported to still be dug by hand, under extremely poor conditions and risking the health and safety of the workers, as well as the surrounding societies. Through a critical research and design process these topics are explored alongside the more locally known use of cobalt oxide as a vibrant blue colour pigment for ceramics and glass. With the process I aim to create a design that engages with the criticality as well as a designerly fascinationwith the material. The end result being a speculative design fiction of the mythological creature cobelt, and how complex narratives can be unearthed in craft based practice.

A luz ultravioleta (UV) induz no DNA dímeros de pirimidina ciclobutano (CPDs) e pirimidina (6-4) pirimidona fotoprodutos (6-4PPs). Fotoliases revertem estas lesões, mas estão ausentes em mamíferos placentários que contam com a via de reparo por excisão de nucleotídeos para removê-las. O objetivo deste trabalho é investigar os papéis específicos de CPDs e 6-4PPs nas respostas epiteliais à UV. Camundongos deficientes em reparo de DNA, expressando CPD- ou 6-4PP-fotoliase, foram expostos aguda ou cronicamente à luz UV, sendo avaliados morte e divisão celular, hiperplasia, expressão de p53 e melanogênese. Resultados sugerem que a remoção ubíqua de CPD em animais XPA leva à melanogênese que suprime hiperplasia. O mesmo não é observado quando 6-4PPs são removidas em queratinócitos basais de animais XPA ou quando qualquer fotolesão é removida de queratinócitos basais em animais CSA. Este trabalho revela a importância da natureza, concentração e localização das fotolesões, esclarecendo a participação de CPDs e 6-4PPs nas consequências desses danos na pele de mamíferos. / Ultraviolet (UV) light induces two lesions in DNA: cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidone photoproducts (6-4PPs). Photolyases convert these lesions to monomers but are absent in placental mammals who count on the nucleotide excision repair pathway to remove photolesions. The aim of this work is to investigate the specific roles of CPDs and 6-4PPs on epithelial responses to UV. DNA repair deficient mice, expressing either CPD- or 6-4PP-photolyase, were acute or chronically UV exposed and apoptosis, cell proliferation, hyperplasia, p53 overexpression and melanogenesis were evaluated. Data suggests that ubiquitous CPD removal in XPA mice leads to increased melanogenesis, which suppresses hyperplasia. This is not observed when 6-4PPs are removed from basal keratinocytes in XPA mice or when either lesion is removed from basal keratinocytes in CSA mice. This work points out the importance of the nature, amount and location of photolesions, shedding light on the participation of CPDs and 6-4PPs in mammalian skin responses to UV light.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-24T19:37:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Cristiane_de_Abreu_Dias.pdf: 17390080 bytes, checksum: 6e0128183854fb8cc356100b574dac1a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-02-17 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Throughout the times, new pigment systems have been gradually developed. In the nowadays, the development of ceramic pigments represents a part of the Materials Science, where there is a lack of concepts, roles and strategies, which in goal allows the developing of new rotes of preparing or pigments, in both scientific and technological areas. This work deals with the development of an innovative processing route and characterization of ceramic pigments based on the formation of solid solution of zircon silicate via doping with manganese cations being the source of manganese cations a waste of alkaline battery. In fact, an electrolytic paste of zinc-carbon batteries was used as a starting precursor of the manganese oxide, major component of the electrolytic paste, as a precursor of the chromophore agent. As a standard, Mn doped ZrSiO4 pigments were prepared via mechanical mixture of oxides process using analytical MnO2 (P.A.) oxide as a starting precursor of manganese cations. Powder mixtures exhibiting different percentages in weight of electrolytic paste were homogenized in the isopropyl alcohol via ball milling during 6 h. In the sequence, precursors were dried in furnace type oven at 110°C until the weight stabilizing giving the precursor of the pigment. Then, the precursor was calcined, desagglomerated and sieved (350 mesh).The precursor calcination was carried out in an oven furnace at 1150°C with a soaking time of 4h, in air atmosphere, heating rate of 10°C/min, cooling rate stemming from high temperature to the room temperature was carried out via natural rate of the furnace. After the calcination of precursor, powders were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy and laser granulometry, so the crystalline phases, microstructure, the colorimetric parameters and the some spectroscopic properties of pigments were determined. Pigment exhibiting the highest color intensity was obtained using higher fraction of electrolytic paste. As a whole, pigments proved to be chemically and thermally resistant at 800°C, when applied in vitreous enamels with industrial composition directed to ceramic plating. Pigments showed excellent dispersion degree in a low-density polyethylene and a homogeneous color. / Embora se tenha descoberto novos sistemas pigmentares, os pigmentos cerâmicos constituem um dos campos da Ciência dos Materiais onde existe um maior desconhecimento, tanto em nível de centros de pesquisa como industrial. A presente pesquisa pretende desenvolver e caracterizar pigmentos cerâmicos, à base de zirconita, com incorporação de pasta eletrolítica de pilhas Zinco-carbono, descarregadas energeticamente, explorando como agente cromóforo o manganês presente na pasta eletrolítica. Paralelamente, foram obtidas e caracterizadas amostras utilizando como dopante MnO2 P.A. Amostras com diferentes proporções em peso de pasta eletrolítica de pilhas foram homogeneizadas a úmido com álcool isopropílico em moinho de bolas por um período de 6 h, e posteriormente secas em estufa à 110oC até peso constante, levadas à calcinação, desagregadas e peneiradas. O tratamento térmico foi realizado em forno à 1150oC com um tempo de patamar de 4h, ao ar, aplicando uma velocidade de aquecimento de 10ºC/min, sendo o resfriamento das amostras a temperatura ambiente. Após o tratamento térmico as amostras foram caracterizadas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura, difração de raios X, UV-Vis e granulometria à laser e as microestruturas, as fases presentes, os parâmetros colorimétricos e as propriedades físicas dos pigmentos foram determinados. Cores mais intensas foram obtidas nas amostras com maior concentração de pasta eletrolítica adicionado. Os pigmentos mostraram ser resistentes química e termicamente à 8000C, quando aplicados em esmalte vítreo em placas cerâmicas. Em polietileno de baixa densidade os pigmentos apresentaram excelente dispersão e homogeneidade de cor.

A cada ano a indústria de vinhos descarta uma alta quantidade de resíduos líquidos e sólidos, constituído em grande parte por bagaço de uva. Este resíduo pode ser considerado um subproduto da indústria e apresenta quantidades significativas de antocianinas, as quais podem apresentar diversas aplicações. Apesar da extração de antocianinas ser um passo importante na recuperação de pigmentos em matrizes vegetais não existe um método de extração padrão na literatura. Dessa forma, existem estudos tanto em relação ao uso de métodos tradicionais quanto emergentes, sendo estes últimos normalmente mais favoráveis ao Meio Ambiente. Neste estudo foi usado o método de extração enzimática, técnica emergente, que se baseia em alterações da parede celular de matrizes alimentares para exposição dos materiais intracelulares. Assim, o objetivo geral do trabalho foi realizar a extração enzimática de antocianinas presentes em casca de uva para posterior aplicação como corante alimentício em quefir e bebida carbonatada. Foram encontrados diferentes temperaturas e porcentagens de preparado enzimático ótimos dependendo do cultivar analisado. Após aperfeiçoamento foi selecionado o uso de casca de Cabernet Sauvignon, a uma temperatura de 40 oC e 0,25 % de Pectinex Ultra Color®. O corante natural produzido foi aplicado em bebida carbonatada e quefir, ambos sob análises de tempo de meia-vida de antocianinas e parâmetros físico-químicos durante 16 dias de armazenagem. Dentre os resultados obtidos foi destacado que o quefir com adição do corante manteve características semelhantes ao encontrado na literatura para quefir natural. Em análises em bebida carbonatada, houve maior estabilidade de antocianinas nas amostras armazenadas sem presença de luz. A aplicação do extrato antociânico foi favorável em ambas matrizes alimentares, sendo recomendado estudos futuros visando o aumento do tempo de meia vida da estabilidade das antocianinas. / Every year, wine industry discards a high amount of liquid and solid waste, consisting largely of grape pomace. This residue can be considered a by-product of the industry and presents significant quantity of anthocyanins, which can provide several applications. Despite the extraction of anthocyanins be an important step on the recovery of pigments in vegetables, there is not a standard extraction method in the literature. In this way, there are studies regarding the use of traditional and emerging methods, which the latter usually being more environmentally friendly. In this study, controlled enzymatic extraction method was used, an emerging technique that is based on alterations of the cell wall of alimentary matrices for exposure of the intracellular materials. Thus, the aim of this study was to perform the enzymatic extraction of anthocyanins present in grape skins for subsequent application as a food dye in kefir and carbonated beverage. Eight different samples of grape pomace were used to improvement the extraction process. Preliminary responses of the study defined that low extraction times are required for the enzymatic extraction process, where the maximum ones being found when the process was conducted for thirty minutes using Pectinex Ultra Color®. In addition, different temperatures and percentages of enzyme preparation were found depending on the variety analyzed. After improvement, the use of Carbenet Sauvignon skin was selected, at a temperature of 40 ° C and 0.25% of enzymatic preparation. The natural dye produced was applied in carbonated beverage and kefir, both under analysis of the half-life of anthocyanins and physical- chemical parameters during 16 days of storage. Among the results obtained, it was pointed out that kefir with dye addition maintained similar characteristics to that found in the literature for natural kefir. In analyzes in carbonated beverage, there was greater stability of anthocyanins when the samples were stored without light. The application of the anthocyanin extract was favorable in both food matrices, and future studies are recommended aiming to increase the half-life of the stability of anthocyanins.

Natural Dye, Chemical, Trail running, Sportswear, Sustainable, Pigments, Chromatic, Toxins, Print, Dye, Dirt.Sammanfattning på engelska: This work explores natural dye’s ability to be used for trail running wear. The sustainable aspects in the clothing industry includes the production of nontoxic textiles that do not pollute in the production process nor when using the textile close to our bodies. Natural dyes usually have low toxicity and are produced from renewable resources. The explorative nature of trail running is used as a guideline and an entrance exam for the dyed fabrics to prove wash- and lightfastness durable for the sport. The idea of colouring clothes directly with nature is present in dirt prints printed with natural pigments. Organic printing with rust and vegetable oil is explored as an alternative to screen printing. The movements and comfort of running outdoors is understood by body indicated experiments as a method. Pattern construction is made from movement and sensation by exposing the body to friction, dirt and cold air. The results of these experiments were together with reshaping existing run wear the construction method. This work suggests viewing colour as nonstatic and with more dimensions such as locality and smell. By using slow dye processes and locally accessible dye materials unique expressions from natural dyes, prints and patinations can enhance sportswear in the appearance, health and environmental aspect. / Program: Modedesignutbildningen

This thesis named "Analysis of natural organic dyes and pigments by mass spectrometry" investigates the identification of selected natural organic dyes and pigments by qualitative Laser Desorption/Ionisation - Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry analysis (LDI-TOF MS). The advantage of LDI-TOF MS method is its quick and reliable identification of low molecular weight material without preparatory chemical or time-consuming modification of samples. This method can be used for the analysis of works of art or for verifying their authenticity thanks to requiring only a little amount of sample. The LDI-TOF MS was tested on 19 organic dyes and pigments (e.g. alizarin, apigenin, baicalein, flavone, xanthone, tannic acid), four exemplarily prepared lakes (alizarin, purpurin, chrysin a quercetin lakes) and lakes mixed with organic binding media. The method was also successfully applied to two samples of blue color that were taken from Josef Čapek's painting called 'Procházka' (The Walk), that was dating back to 1936.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de NÃvel Superior / O descarte na indÃstria de pescado, inclusive o de carapaÃas de crustÃceos, constitui um percentual bastante elevado. Estas cascas sÃo ricas em pigmentos carotenÃides, os quais, apresentam um alto valor de pigmentaÃÃo, sendo corrente em alguns paÃses a extraÃÃo e posterior utilizaÃÃo dos mesmos em raÃÃes. O objetivo deste experimento foi estudar a extraÃÃo dos pigmentos carotenÃides das cascas de camarÃo e verificar seu potencial de uso como aditivo natural de cor em um produto à base de pescado. Neste estudo foram desenvolvidos testes preliminares para escolha de um mÃtodo para a extraÃÃo dos pigmentos optando-se pela extraÃÃo com solvente. Caracterizou-se ospigmentos extraÃdos das cascas de camarÃo e avaliou-se a influÃncia do extrato pigmentado aplicado em um produto à base de pescado, o qual foi embalado à vÃcuo e sem vÃcuo e submetido à uma estocagem (-20ÂC) durante um perÃodo de60 dias. A cor dos produtos foi medida a cada 15 dias no sistema CIE determinando-se os parÃmetros de L*, a* e b*. A anÃlise espectrofotomÃtrica do extrato de camarÃo apresentou produtos de degradaÃÃo da astaxantina. Os produtos pigmentados com o extrato de camarÃo e embalados à vÃcuo apresentaram valores de luminosidade (L*) menores (p < 0,05) que os embalados sem vÃcuo com 15 e 45 dias de armazenamento. Para o componente de intensidade de cor amarela (b*) os produtos embalados à vÃcuo apresentaram valores maiores (p<0,05) no inÃcio do armazenamento (0 dias) e menores (p<0,05) com 45 dias de armazenamento, em relaÃÃo Ãqueles embalados sem vÃcuo. Contudo, no perÃodo de 60 dias de armazenamento nÃo foi observado efeito significativo da embalagem à vÃcuo sobre as caracterÃsticas de cor dos produtos. / Waste material in the fish industry including the shells from the crustacean, constitute a very high percentage. These shells are rich in carotenoids pigments, which may have a high pigmentation value when used in foods. It is common in some countries the use of the extracted pigments in feeds.The aim of this experiment was to study the process of carotenoids extraction and to verify its pigmenting potential in a minced fish food product. The solvent extraction technique was used after testing other extraction procedures. Extracted pigments were characterized by spectrophotometry. Pigments were then included in the fish formulation. Fish products were packaged with and without vacuum and storage in the dark at â20ÂC for 60 days. The color of the products was measured every 15 days with the CIE system which determines parameters L*, a* and b*. The spectrophotometry study showed products of degradation of astaxanthin in the shell extract. The luminosity (L*) of the color in products packaged under vacuum was lower (p<0.05) with 15 and 45 days of storage than in those stored without vacuum. Vacuum packaged products showed that with 0 days of storage the yellowness component (b*) was higher (p<0.05) in vacuum packaged products than in those stored without vacuum. The reverse occurring with 45 days of storage. After 60 days frozen storage vacuum packaging did not affect the color characteristics of the fish product.

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / Atualmente, ocorre um crescimento mundial da preferÃncia dos consumidores pelos alimentos que contÃm ingredientes naturais. Em relaÃÃo aos pigmentos, ainda hà certa dificuldade na utilizaÃÃo de corantes naturais na indÃstria alimentÃcia, pois estes apresentam menor estabilidade que os corantes sintÃticos. Com o objetivo de aumentar a estabilidade e a utilizaÃÃo dos corantes naturais como ingredientes alimentÃcios, aplicou-se aos mesmos, a tÃcnica de microencapsulaÃÃo por atomizaÃÃo. Os corantes utilizados foram bixina, pigmento lipossolÃvel do urucum, fruto do urucuzeiro (Bixa orellana L.) e antocianinas, pigmentos hidrossolÃveis do aÃaÃ, fruto do aÃaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), com os agentes encapsulantes goma arÃbica, goma do cajueiro e maltodextrina, em diferentes formulaÃÃes. Testes de umidade, solubilidade e cristalinidade foram executados, bem como a microscopia eletrÃnica, para observaÃÃo da morfologia das microcÃpsulas. AtravÃs da colorimetria, os pigmentos naturais microencapsulados foram estudados em diferentes apresentaÃÃes, ou seja, dissolvidos em soluÃÃo-tampÃo pH 4,0 e na forma de pÃs. Na referida soluÃÃo-tampÃo utilizou-se tambÃm o extrato puro de antocianinas como testemunha. Verificou-se entÃo, a estabilidade ao longo do tempo das formulaÃÃes descritas, em temperatura ambiente de 25ÂC  1ÂC na presenÃa (450h) e ausÃncia (1400h) da luz. A degradaÃÃo dos pigmentos microencapsulados ocorreu mais rapidamente na luz. A goma do cajueiro mostrou-se como bom encapsulante e sendo um abundante recurso natural do Cearà poderà ser utilizado como substituto da goma arÃbica, cujo custo de importaÃÃo à elevado. / Nowadays, there is a world increase in the consumerâs preference for food that contains natural ingredients. As it comes to pigments, there is still a difficulty in the utilization of natural pigments on the food industry, because these have less stability than the synthetic ones. With the objective of increasing the stability and the utilization of natural pigments as food ingredients, they were submitted to microencapsulation by atomization. The utilized pigments were bixin, a liposoluble pigment from urucum (Bixa orellana L.) and anthocyanins, water soluble pigments from aÃaà (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), combined with encapsulating agents (arabic gum, cashew tree gum and maltodextrin), in different formulations. Moisture, solubility and crystallinity tests were executed, as well as scanning electronic microscopy, in order to observe the microcapsules morphology. The microencapsulated natural pigments were studied by calorimetry in different presentations, that is, they were dissolved in a pH 4,0 buffer-solution and as powders. In the referred buffer-solution, a pure anthocyanin extract was used as a control. Then, the stability of the described formulations were evaluated through time, at room temperature of 23ÂC  1ÂC, with and without light exposure. The microencapsulated natural pigments degeneration occurred faster under light. The cashew tree gum proved to be a good encapsulating agent and, since it is an abundant natural resource in CearÃ, it can be utilized to replace arabic gum, whose importation cost is high.