CAPES; CNPQ / A Spirulina platensis é reconhecida como uma fonte não convencional de proteínas, em função da sua constituição favorável deste nutriente (46 a 63%), possuindo concentração superior a das carnes e da soja. Além disso, apresenta potencial como matéria-prima para a produção de bioetanol, podendo acumular entre 8,0 e 14,0% de carboidratos. A fim de abranger o conceito de Biorrefinarias Integradas, o objetivo deste trabalho consistiu em avaliar a extração conjunta de proteínas e carboidratos da biomassa de Spirulina platensis utilizando tratamento ultrassônico e agitação em meio alcalino, e a posterior produção e caracterização do concentrado proteico. Na primeira etapa do trabalho, aplicou-se uma estratégia sequencial de planejamento experimental (Planejamento Fatorial Fracionário (PFF) seguido de Delineamentos Compostos Centrais Rotacionais (DCCR)) para seleção e maximização das variáveis com influência significativa sobre o processo de extração. Com as condições de extração otimizadas, foi possível atingir recuperação final de 75,85% e de 41,54% de proteínas e carboidratos, respectivamente. Na segunda etapa do trabalho foi realizada a precipitação de proteínas, para a separação da fase líquida contendo os carboidratos e obtenção do concentrado proteico, o qual foi caracterizado quimicamente e de acordo com sua funcionalidade tecnológica. O concentrado proteico apresentou coloração verde azulada com 75,97% de proteínas (b.s.), concentrações apreciáveis de aminoácidos, sendo o que o triptofano apresentou o maior escore químico (1,71) e o aminoácido limitante foi a histidina; na análise da estrutura secundária das proteínas, as conformações mais abundantes foram β-folha e α-hélice. Na etapa de avaliação da funcionalidade tecnológica observou-se que o pH apresentou influência nas propriedades de capacidade de absorção de água, capacidade de formação e estabilidade de espuma e emulsão, e capacidade de formação de gel, o que pode ser justificado pela solubilidade desta proteína, que é mínima em pH 3,0 e máxima em 9,0. A concentração de concentrado proteico também interferiu no desempenho destas propriedades; melhores resultados foram obtidos em maiores níveis de concentração, exceto para a capacidade de absorção de água e de óleo. Desta forma foi possível determinar que as proteínas de Spirulina platensis podem contribuir na formulação de alimentos, possuindo características eficazes de formação de emulsões, espumas ou géis, bem como pode ser utilizada como fonte suplementar de proteínas. / Spirulina platensis is considered an unconventional source of protein, because its avorably constitution on this component (46 to 63%), which is higher than the meat and soy. Furthermore, it has potential as a feedstock for bioethanol production and can accumulate between 8.0 to 14.0% of carbohydrate. In order to cover the concept of Integrated Biorefineries, the aim of this study was to evaluate the combined extraction of proteins and carbohydrates from Spirulina platensis biomass using sonication and agitation, under alkaline conditions, and the subsequent production and characterization of protein concentrate. The first stage of this work consisted of applying a sequential strategy of experimental design (Fractional Factorial Design FFD) and Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD)) by selecting and maximizing variables with significant influence on the protein and carbohydrates extraction. With the extraction conditions established, a final yield of 75.85% and 41.54% from protein and carbohydrate, respectively, was reached. In the second step, the protein concentrate obtained by precipitation was submitted to chemical and echnological functionality analyzes. The protein concentrate showed blue-green color with 75.97% of proteins (dry weight), appreciable concentrations of amino acids, where tryptophan had the highest chemical score (1.71) and the limiting amino acid was histidine; the secondary structure of proteins showed that the most abundant conformations present were β-sheet and α-helice. At the step of echnological functionality evaluation it was observed that the pH influenced on the properties of water absorption capacity, foaming and emulsion capacity and stability, and gelation capacity; it can be justified by the solubility of this protein which is minimal at pH 3.0 and maximum at 9.0. The level of addition of protein concentrate also interfered on the performance of these properties; better results have been obtained at higher concentrations levels, except for water and oil absorption capacity. Thus, it was confirmed that the Spirulina platensis proteins may contribute in different ormulations of foods, having effective characteristics to form emulsions, foams or gels, and can be used as a supplemental source of protein.

The prevalence of Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) in South Africa has been welldescribed in previous research studies and yet little is known about the nutritional status of toddlers in the Vosloorus Township. Using the research questions as the conceptual framework for the study, an exploratory descriptive survey was conducted to determine. • What factors give rise to malnutrition in the Vosloorus Township? • Why do toddlers on the PEM Programme fail to achieve their expected target weight? Data was collected by means of structured interviews from a sample of 50 mothers in the Vosloorus Township whose toddlers were on the PEM Programme. The fmdings indicated that the poor socio-economic conditions of the majority of households, especially unemployment, low levels of education and ignorance, contributed towards the development of malnutrition amongst toddlers and their failure to thrive on the PEM Programme. Recommendations to reduce levels of malnutrition and transform existing nutrition programmes were made. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

The prevalence of Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) in South Africa has been welldescribed in previous research studies and yet little is known about the nutritional status of toddlers in the Vosloorus Township. Using the research questions as the conceptual framework for the study, an exploratory descriptive survey was conducted to determine. • What factors give rise to malnutrition in the Vosloorus Township? • Why do toddlers on the PEM Programme fail to achieve their expected target weight? Data was collected by means of structured interviews from a sample of 50 mothers in the Vosloorus Township whose toddlers were on the PEM Programme. The fmdings indicated that the poor socio-economic conditions of the majority of households, especially unemployment, low levels of education and ignorance, contributed towards the development of malnutrition amongst toddlers and their failure to thrive on the PEM Programme. Recommendations to reduce levels of malnutrition and transform existing nutrition programmes were made. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)