Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Chemical Engineering / Peter H. Pfromm / Mary E. Rezac / Multiphase reactions are often constrained by mass transfer limitations which in many cases lead to low reaction rates and undesirable product distribution. Here we fabricate integral-asymmetric polymeric membranes decorated with metal catalysts, to supply hydrogen directly at or near the surface of the catalyst, thus minimizing mass-transfer limitations. The metal decorated polymeric membranes were used for partial hydrogenation of soybean oil with the goal to minimize trans fatty acid (TFA) formation. It was discovered that polymeric membranes with “defective” metal coatings are well suited to achieve low-TFA hydrogenation of soybean oil at quite moderate process conditions. The metal decorated polymeric membranes studied produced significantly lower trans fatty acid as compared to traditional reactors (3.5 wt% at an Iodine Value of 95 as compared to 8 wt% in slurry reactor), at pressures and temperatures which are compatible with the existing systems. The process concept is simpler than some of the alternatives being studied and no catalyst recovery from the oil is needed since the catalyst is immobilized on the membrane. Metal decorated polymeric membranes having a variety of hydrogen fluxes, skin defects, and catalyst loadings were evaluated. All the metal decorated polymeric membranes evaluated produced low TFA. Membranes with high hydrogen fluxes resulted in higher hydrogenation rates but had little influence on TFA formation. Membranes with higher catalyst loadings resulted in lower TFA but increased saturate formation. Metal decorated polymeric membranes behaved differently to changes in temperature and pressures when compared to traditional slurry reactors. They showed a minor increase in TFA with temperature (50-90 °C) as compared to traditional slurry reactors. The hydrogenation rate and cis-trans isomerization also showed a modest dependence on pressure. Due to the defective nature of the metal layer on the polymeric membrane skin and the low temperatures (50-90 °C) at which the reactor is operating, the hydrogen permeability of metals has a minor influence on hydrogenation reaction. A range of metal catalysts can be used for the given system. Repeat runs using the same membrane showed a decrease in hydrogenation activity, without any change in isomerization or hydrogenation selectivity. Initial results indicate the decreased activity may not be from leaching of catalyst from membrane surface nor from sulfur poisoning.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Xiuzhi Susan Sun / Renewable materials are desirable for many applications due to the finite fossil resources and environmental issues. Plant oil is one of the most promising renewable feedstocks. Plant oils and functionalized oleo-chemicals including functionalized soybean oils have become attractive sustainable chemicals for industrial applications. Especially, epoxidized oleo-chemicals such as epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) are one of the most well-known readily available inexpensive functionalized plant oils. In this study, novel polymers and nanocomposites for sustainable materials applications were designed and prepared via ring-opening of epoxide in plant oils, and their chemical and physical properties were characterized. The novel transparent elastomers derived from functionalized plant oils have a great potential as flexible electronic and biological applications with their inherent low toxicity. Especially, their rheological properties showed a potential for pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs). The dominant thermal stability and transparency were obtained via green processing: one pot, single step, fast reactions in moderate conditions, or solvent-free UV curing conditions. These oleo-based elastomers presented excellent end-use properties for PSAs application comparable to commercial PSA tapes. Based on the principal chemical studies, the roles of the each component have been identified: polymer derived from the ring-opening of epoxides as an elastomer, and dihydroxylated triglycerides as a tackifier. Their interaction was also elucidated with an element label analysis. The mechanical and rheological properties of the oleo-polymer as PSAs were able to be improved with a rosin ester tackifier. In addition, biogreases and bio-thermoplastics were developed via the environmentally benign process, which will contribute to further application on the production of new bio-based materials. Further, this study essays a novel acid functionalized iron/iron oxide nanoparticles catalyst with excellent product yields for epoxide ring opening of oleochemicals for a greener synthetic method of biopolyols, and excellent environmental benefits with life cycle assessment of syntheses. Those functionalized iron/iron oxide core shell nanoparticles catalysts has great potential for biomedical engineering process with the highest magnetization of Fe(0) core among all metals.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo a modificação de óleo de soja por meio da sua funcionalização com grupos hidroxílicos visando seu uso na síntese de poliuretanos. As reações de funcionalização foram conduzidas em duas etapas, uma de epoxidação seguida de hidroxilação utilizando álcoois de baixo peso molecular como agente hidroxilante. Na primeira etapa do processo, a epoxidação, duas amostras foram obtidas variando o grau de funcionalidade de aproximadamente 2 mol de epóxido por mol de óleo epoxidado (F2) e, aproximadamente, 2,5 mol de epóxido por mol de óleo epoxidado (F2,5). Na segunda etapa, variou-se os álcoois utilizados como agentes hidroxilantes da amostra F2 entre metanol, etanol, isopropanol e 1-butanol; enquanto que a amostra F2,5 foi hidroxilada apenas com etanol. Os óleos modificados foram caracterizados por meio de espectroscopia na região do infravermelho (FTIR), espectroscopia de ressonância magnética nuclear de prótons (RMN 1H); determinação do percentual de epóxido, índice de hidroxila e de acidez, distribuição de massa molar e viscosidade dinâmica. Os resultados obtidos foram comparados com os valores típicos do óleo de mamona que por ser naturalmente hidroxilado é muito usado na síntese de poliuretanos. A caracterização estrutural permitiu comprovar a eficácia da síntese, apresentando evidências claras quanto às diferenças estruturais existentes entre as amostras funcionalizadas e o óleo de mamona. As técnicas de FTIR e RMN 1H mostraram a formação do grupo beta-hidroxi-éter, vicinal à hidroxila, de acordo com o tipo de álcool usado na hidroxilação de cada uma das amostras. Variações entre a estimativa do índice de hidroxila, através do percentual de epóxido e o índice de hidroxila experimental sugeriram reações paralelas durante a síntese. A influência da acidez durante o processo e a acidez final de cada uma das amostras também foi determinada. As curvas de GPC comprovaram umas das vias paralelas sugeridas com a formação de fases oligoméricas entre os triglicerídeos. A viscosidade final apresentou grande variação, principalmente em função do grupo beta-hidroxi-éter formado em cada caso, do grau de funcionalidade, além da redução do teor de insaturações do óleo modificado. Dados sobre a energia de ativação de escoamento do fluido em função da temperatura mostraram que o fator mais significativo na variação da viscosidade é o índice de hidroxila final das amostras. As amostras sintetizadas foram usadas na polimerização de poliuretanos. A reatividade das amostras foi determinada através de ensaios de cura acompanhados por FTIR, além de uma caracterização mecânica dos poliuretanos finais feita por Análise Dinâmico Mecânica (DMA). As amostras apresentaram uma alta variação quanto à reatividade no processo de polimerização. Os ensaios de DMA mostraram a relação direta entre a temperatura de transição vítrea e o grau de funcionalidade, além do efeito plastificante gerado pelas cadeias livres contidas na fase flexível formada pelos triglicerídeos parcialmente funcionalizados. / The objective of this work was the modification of soybean oil by its functionalization with hydroxyl groups for its use in the synthesis of polyurethanes. Functionalization reactions were conducted in two steps, one epoxidation followed by hydroxylation using low molecular weight alcohols as hydroxylating agent. In the first step, two samples were obtained varying the degree of functionality of approximately 2 moles of epoxide per mole of epoxidized oil (F2) and approximately 2.5 moles of epoxide per mole of epoxidized oil (F2,5). In the second step, the process was varied using different alcohols as hydroxylating agents of the F2 sample, which were methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and 1-butanol; while the F2.5 sample was hydroxylated only with ethanol. The modified oils were characterized by Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1HNMR), determination of the percentage of epoxide, hydroxyl and acidity index, molar mass distribution and dynamic viscosity (Brookfield viscosity). The obtained results were compared to the typical values of castor oil which, because it is naturally hydroxylated, is widely used in the synthesis of polyurethanes. The structural characterization allowed proving the efficacy of the synthesis, presenting clear evidence regarding the structural differences between the functionalized samples and castor oil. The results from FTIR and 1HNMR techniques showed the formation of the beta-hydroxyl ether group, side to the hydroxyl, according to the type of alcohol used in the hydroxylation of each of the samples. Variations between the estimation of the hydroxyl number, through the percentage of epoxide and the experimental hydroxyl number, suggested parallel reactions during the synthesis. The influence of the acidity during the process and the final acidity of each of the samples were also determined. The GPC curves confirmed one of the parallel pathways suggested with the formation of oligomeric phases between the triglycerides. The final viscosity showed great variation according to the beta-hydroxyl ether group formed in each case, the degree of functionality and the reduction of unsaturation content in the modified oil. Activation energy values of fluid flow as a function of temperature showed that the most significant factor in the viscosity variation is the final hydroxyl number of samples. The synthesized samples were used in the polymerization of polyurethanes. The reactivity of the samples was determined by curing tests monitored by FTIR technique, in addition to a mechanical characterization of final polyurethanes by Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The samples showed a high variation in reactivity in the polymerization process. The DMTA tests showed the relationship between the glass transition temperature and the degree of functionality in addition to the plasticizing effect generated by free chains contained in the flexible phase formed by the partially functionalized triglycerides.

Estuda o desempenho de diferentes anticorrosivos, adicionados ao óleo de soja aditivado com o Irganox L 109, um antioxidante. O objetivo é verificar qual deles oferece melhor proteção ao latão e ao aço, simultaneamente. Ensaios de perda de massa e análise potenciodinâmica foram feitos com essa finalidade. Essas formulações foram caracterizadas com ensaios de viscosidade, curvas de resfriamento, espectroscopia de infravermelho e ângulo de contato. O estudo se estendeu, também, para o óleo de soja puro (sem adição de aditivos). Essas formulações de óleo de soja com diferentes concentrações de anticorrosivos e com uma concentração fixa de antioxidante foram submetidas a um processo de envelhecimento acelerado e após isso, foram novamente realizados os ensaios citados anteriormente. Com isso, pode-se comparar qual das formulações sofreu a menor variação na sua propriedade. Com isso, pode-se verificar que a formulação 0,1% 2-mercaptobenzotiazol foi a que apresentou o melhor comportamento para a finalidade requerida. / This work presents studies the performance of different anticorrosion additives, that were added in a composition of soybean oil and antioxidant Irganox L 109. The objective was determine which one offers good protection to the brass and steel, simultaneously. Tests of loss mass and potentiodynamic analysis were performed for this purpose. These formulations were characterized with tests of viscosity, cooling curves, infrared spectroscopy and contact angle measures. Similar studies were also extended to the pure soybean oil (without additives). The soybean oil formulations (different anticorrosion concentrations and fixed antioxidant concentration) were subjected to process of accelerated aging (oxidation) and new characterization tests were performed again. Comparative analyses between before and after oxidation tests were performed in order to verify which formulation had less variation on the properties. Results shown formulation 0.1% 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole has the best behavior for the purpose required.

Os óleos e as gorduras, assim denominados em função de sua origem, são ingredientes internacionalmente indispensáveis na formulação de rações para que haja sucesso na produção de frangos de corte. Os lipídios advindos da dieta são grandes fornecedores de energia e de ácidos graxos essenciais ao metabolismo. O aproveitamento nutricional depende da digestibilidade, que, por sua vez, é influenciada pela composição química das moléculas lipídicas. Características ligadas ao comprimento da cadeia carbônica, presença ou não de duplas ligações, configuração das ligações (cis ou trans), presença de ácidos graxos na forma de triglicerídio ou livre e posição do ácido graxo na molécula de glicerol são fatores que alteram não só a digestibilidade dos lipídios, mas também de compostos lipossolúveis. No entanto, em ensaios biológicos é preciso abordar uma ótica multifacetada, considerando, dentro dos limites técnicos da experimentação animal, as diversas interações que se apresentam. Os fatores fisiológicos da ave, principalmente aqueles ligados à digestão, são de extrema importância na condução de estudos de nutrição. Existe uma infinidade de interações físico-químicas durante o processo digestivo, no qual a microbiota intestinal exerce importantes funções. A modulação dos microrganismos presentes no trato gastrintestinal do frango tem influência direta e indireta no aproveitamento da dieta, com mérito em destaque dobrado, especialmente diante dos desafios enfrentados após a União Europeia vetar o uso de antibióticos em rações para animais. Ao longo dos anos, foram realizadas pesquisas que demonstraram o efeito negativo da proliferação indesejada de microrganismos sobre a digestão dos lipídios, afetando principalmente fontes lipídicas com grandes quantidades de ácidos graxos saturados, que são mais susceptíveis às condições inadequadas da digestão. Esse efeito ocorre pela ação da coliltaurina hidrolase bacteriana, que causa desconjugação dos sais biliares endógenos das aves, prejudicando a emulsificação dos lipídios e a consequente formação de micelas. Portanto, este trabalho tem o objetivo de avaliar dietas contendo óleo de soja ou sebo bovino suplementadas com lisofosfolipídios e ácidos orgânicos, explorando as possíveis interações e benefícios que podem haver na associação desses dois aditivos / Oils and fats, so named because of their origin, are internationally indispensable ingredients in feed formulation for success in broilers production. The lipids coming from the diet are major suppliers of energy and essential fatty acids for metabolism. The nutrient utilization is dependent on digestibility, which, in turn, is influenced by the chemical composition of the lipid molecules. Characteristics related to the length of the carbon chain, presence or not of double bonds, links configuration (cis or trans), presence of fatty acids in the form of triglycerides or free fatty acids and the position of fatty acids in the glycerol molecule are factors that alter not only the digestibility of lipids, but also fat-soluble compounds. However, in biological assays, a multifaceted vision approach is required, considering, within the technical limits of animal experimentation, the various existing interactions. The physiological factors of the bird, especially those related to digestion, are extremely important in the conduction of nutrition studies. There is an infinity of physical and chemical interactions during the digestive process, in which the intestinal microbiota plays important roles. Modulation of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract of the chicken has direct and indirect influence on the diet utilization, with merit in featured folded, especially considering the challenges faced after the European Union prohibit the use of antibiotics in animal feeds. Over the years, researches have shown the negative effect of undesired proliferation of microorganisms on the lipid digestion, mainly affecting lipid sources with large amounts of saturated fatty acids, which are more susceptible to poor digestion conditions. Such effect occurs by the bacterial cholyltaurine hydrolase activity, causing deconjugation of endogenous bile salts of birds, damaging the emulsification of lipids and the consequent micelles formation. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate diets containing soybean oil or beef tallow supplemented with lysophospholipids and organic acids, exploring the possible interactions and benefits that can occur in the combination of these two additives

A oxidação lipídica é uma das causas mais importantes que levam à perda das qualidades nutricionais e sensoriais dos alimentos que possuem lipídios em sua composição, diminuindo assim sua vida de útil e provocando rejeição por parte dos consumidores. Considerando estes aspectos, a indústria de alimentos faz o uso de compostos antioxidantes, capazes de retardar a oxidação. A maioria dos antioxidantes utilizados atualmente é de origem sintética, que apresentam restrições quanto ao seu uso em alimentos que variam de país para país. Tais restrições fundamentam-se em aspectos relacionados ao impacto dos antioxidantes sintéticos sobre a saúde do consumidor. Em consequência, na última década ocorreu um aumento considerável no número de pesquisas que abordam uso de antioxidantes obtidos de fontes naturais em alimentos, a fim de identificar fontes promissoras desses compostos. Com esse objetivo, o presente trabalho avaliou a atividade antioxidante de extratos hidroalcoólicos de duas amostras de frutos de murtilla (Ugni molinae Turcz.), silvestre e a cultivar melhorada 14-4, por meio da aplicação de testes in vitro e em sistema modelo a base de óleo de soja. A aplicação da Metodologia de Superfície de Resposta permitiu a seleção da melhor condição operacional para a produção de extratos hidroalcoólicos a partir dos frutos desidratados. A condição que apresentou maior eficiência para recuperação dos compostos fenólicos foi o emprego de etanol 49,5% (v/v) a temperatura de 30ºC, sendo que para a murtilla silvestre o teor foi de 18,39 mg GAE/ g matéria seca e 26,14 mg GAE/ g matéria seca para a cultivar 14-4. As análises de ABTS e DDPH foram realizadas nos extratos produzidos nas condições otimizadas e os resultados obtidos foram 471?mol TEAC/g matéria seca de murtilla silvestre e 881,84 ?mol TEAC/g matéria seca de murtilla 14-4 para o ABTS e 229,59 ?mol TEAC/g matéria seca de murtilla silvestre e 403 ?mol TEAC/g matéria seca de murtilla 14-4 para o DPPH. Análise cromatográfica em fase gasosa acoplada a detector de massas foi realizada visando a identificação dos compostos presentes nos extratos, após derivatização das amostras. Foram identificados componentes como quercetina, epicatequina, ácido gálico, ácido benzoico e ácido hidrocafeico, que possuem atividade antioxidante comprovada. Os extratos potencialmente antioxidantes foram aplicados em sistema modelo (50, 100, 150 e 200 mg kg-1) com óleo insaturado (óleo refinado de soja, sem adição de antioxidantes sintéticos) em condições aceleradas: Teste de estufa (Schaal Oven Test) e Rancimat. No teste de Estufa e no Rancimat as concentrações que apresentaram melhor poder antioxidante foram a de 150 e 200 mg kg-1 para as duas amostras de extratos de frutos de murtilla analisadas. Os resultados de análise sensorial com provadores treinados demonstraram que não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as concentrações dos extratos adicionados ao óleo de soja submetido à oxidação em estufa, sendo que o TBHQ demonstrou a melhor aceitação. Contudo, considerando as observações feitas pelos provadores é possível afirmar que após as 96 horas de estufa, o odor de ranço foi mascarado pelo odor agradável do extrato dos frutos. / Lipid oxidation is one of the most important causes that promote the loss of nutritional and sensory qualities of foods containing lipids in their composition, thus decreasing their shelf life and causing rejection by consumers. Considering theses aspects, the food industry uses antioxidant compounds that are able to inhibit or retard oxidation. However most of antioxidants currently used are synthetic, with restrictions as to its use in lipid-based foods that vary from country to country. Such restrictions are based on aspects related to the impact of synthetic antioxidants on consumer\'s health. Due to this, in the last decade there was an increase in the number of researches that focuses on using natural sources of antioxidants, such as vegetables, fruits, among others, in food, in order to identify potential sources of antioxidants. With this objective, the present study evaluated the antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of two varieties of murtilla\'s fruits (Ugni molinae Turcz.), wild and 14-4, through the application of in vitro assays and in a model system based on soybean oil. The application of response surfaces methodology allowed the selection of the optimal operating condition for the production of hydroethanolic extracts from dried fruit. The total phenolic compounds were determined for evaluation of extracts\' antioxidant activity and adjustment of mathematical models. The condition with the highest phenolic content was extracted using ethanol 49,5% (v/v) and temperature at 30°C, the content for the wild murtilla was 18,39 mg GAE/g dry matter and 26,14 mg GAE/g dry sample for 14-4. The ABTS and DDPH analyses were proceeded with selected optimization extracts and the results were 471?mol TEAC/g dry sample of wild murtilla and 881,84 ?mol TEAC/g dry sample of 14-4 murtilla for ABTS and 229,59 ?mol TEAC/g dry sample of wild murtilla and 403 ?mol TEAC/g dry sample of 14-4 murtilla for DDPH. The analysis by gas chromatography-mass detector was performed for the identification of compounds presents in the extracts after derivatization of the samples. Were identified compounds as quercetin, epicatechin, gallic acid, benzoic acid and hidrocafeico that have proven antioxidant activity. The extracts potentially antioxidants were applied to the model system in increasing doses (50, 100, 150 and 200 mg kg-1) with unsaturated oil (refined soybean oil without addition of synthetic antioxidants) under accelerated conditions: Oven Test (Schaal Oven Test) and Rancimat. Concentrations that better presented antioxidant power were 150 and 200 mg kg-1for both of murtilla samples. Sensory results showed that there was no statistically significant difference among the concentrations of the extracts, and TBHQ showed a better acceptance by the trained panel. However, considering the comments made by the tasters is possible to affirm that after 96 hours of oven, the rancid odor is masked by the pleasant odor of the fruit.

Os polihidroxialcanoatos constituem um grupo de poliésteres acumulados por inúmeras bactérias na forma de grânulos intracelulares, que podem representar até 80% da massa seca celular. No presente trabalho, foi avaliado o comportamento de diferentes linhagens quanto a capacidade de metabolizarem ácidos graxos livres e óleo de soja para a produção de biopolímeros e, posteriormente, em biorreator, algumas linhagens selvagens e recombinantes foram testadas na presença ou não de um inibidor da b-oxidação. Experimentos em frascos agitados, mostraram valores de teor de PHA em até cerca de 70% na biomassa total com cerca de 5% de monômeros de cadeia média permitindo selecionar as linhagens Cupriavidus necator e Burkholderia cepacia para os ensaios seguintes. Experimentos em biorreator mostraram que, as variáveis manipuláveis quanto ao fluxo de óleo de soja, de co-substratos e o inibidor de b-oxidação não influenciaram, significativamente, no rendimento de P3HB/3HAmcl formado quando utilizado Burkholderia cepacia IPT-048, entretanto, contribuíram na síntese de 3HV. Durante os ensaios, o aumento do número de cópias do gene phaB em Cupriavidus necator, aparentemente, não contribuíram para o aumento do rendimento de 3HHx, porém, outras variáveis manipuláveis deverão ser propostas para a confirmação. / The poly-3-hydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are a group of polyesters accumulated for several bacteria in the intracellular granule form, that can represent up to 80% of the dry mass cellular. The main advantage of the biopolymers on the synthetic materials is its degradation in the environment. Recycable raw materials can be used as carbon sources for the production biodegradable polymer. Some polymers have appeared in literature having mechanical characteristic considered appropriate in such a way for use in packings (flexible and covering films), how base for controlled release of asset to be applied in the pharmacological-medical and foods area. The P3HB-co-3HAmcl are 3-hydroxybutyrate copolymers and 3-hydroxyacyl of 6 or more carbon atoms which has aroused interest for to present intermediate properties between HB and HAmcl, having taken care of the requirements for diverse applications. Some strains are distinguished, however, assays in bottles agitated with the Cupriavidus sp. and Burkholderia sp. strains, using as substratum greasy free acid and soy oil, had led the promising results. In the present work, first, was evaluated the behavior of different strains (Cupriavidus necator DSM545 IPT-026, C. necator H16 IPT-027, Pseudomonas sp. IPT-066, Burkholderia cepacia IPT-048 and B. sacchari IPT-189) how much to metabolizer capacity of free fatty acids and soybean oil for the production of biopolymers and, later, in tank bioreactor some wild strains and recombinant had been tested together or not of an inhibitor of the boxidation (acid acrylic). Experiments in bottles with agitation, had shown values of PHA in about 70% of the total biomass with about 5% monomers chain average allowing to select the Burkholderia cepacia IPT-048 and Cupriavidus necator DSM545 strains for the following assays. Experiments in tank bioreactor had shown that, the interactions between the substratum, co-substratum and the inhibitor of boxidation had influenced in the amount of formed P3HB/3HAmcl when used the Burkholderia cepacia IPT-048 strains, contributing for the synthesis of 3HV and 3HHx. When used only the soybean oil (5g/L) was gotten an amount of HHx with about 6 mol% with Burkholderia cepacia strains. In this same condition was verified that after some determined period also proved monomer HV in an amount of 0.20 mol%. Adding the acid acrylic (0.18 g/L) were gotten 1.50 mol% of HHx, however, differently of the previous condition the amount of HV varied of 0.91 - 2.77 mol%. A conclusion for the condition soybean oil and acrylic acid is that, the strains is using the acrylic fatty acid as carbon source, or either, the formation of acrylil-CoA with consequent formation of chains with 5 carbons. Similar results had been gotten when analyzed extracted polymer, or either, after the stage of extraction with chloroform was verified that the amount varied of 1.60 - 2.14 mol%. When added to a cosubstratum in the phase of accumulation (caproic fatty acid) and absence of the acrylic acid, it did not have the increase of HHx in relation to the previous variable, as much that, the amount of monomer reached about 0.50 mol%. In this condition, the presence of the acrylic fatty acid also did not contribute for the HV synthesis, not having been observed monomers during the assays. In the following phase, in which we work with Cupriavidus necator and a recombinant (Cupriavidus necator::phaB) strains, was verified that the gotten amount of HHx had been similar, about 0.30 mol%. Our hypothesis, we believe that the increase of the number of copies of the gene phaB could contribute for the increase of the carbon flow in the direction to raise the amount of 3HB how much of other monomers. As in the assays in bottles with agitation substrat caproic and caprylic fatty acids they had been distinguished also when availabled 2g/L and the soybean oil of in a concentration of 5g/L, we analyze the strains recombinant with soybean oil and caprylic fatty acid with 5 g/L. The insistence in the use of the caprylic fatty acid was based on the fact of the possibility of strains to oxidate part of fatty acids for the production of cells and energy and, at the moment that had the nitrogen limitation, to begin the accumulation phase dividing two carbons for the production of acetyl-CoA and the remain of the chain was stored in the form of 3HHx. The caprylic fatty acid disponibility it did not have the monomer attainment, therefore, Cupriavidus necator and Cupriavidus necator::phaB had its replyed inhibited capacity by the substratum. In the added soybean oil bottles with and without the acrylic fatty acid the behavior it was the opposite to the observed with caprylic fatty acid. During the incubation period, for both the strains, the amount of PHA, and consequently, the percentage of 3HB in the dry mass cellular was of 22.95% (100 mol%) and 25.90% (100 mol%) in 28ª and 24ª hours, respectively. In this condition, in the recombinant strains, also was observed the presence of HHx between 32ª and 49ª hour with a maxim amount of 1.10 mol%. From the results it can be concluded that the Burkholderia cepacia is considered a promising strains for the attainment of HHx and HV allowing that soybean oil with and without the acrylic fatty acid, respectively. The increase in the number of copies of the gene phaB in Cupriavidus necator apparently did not contribute with the increase of 3HHx efficiency however, other handling variables will be proposed for confirmation.

Neste estudo foi investigada a alcoólise enzimática do óleo de soja com etanol, utilizando t-butanol como solvente e enzimas imobilizadas Lipozyme TL IM, Lipozyme RM IM e Novozym 435 como catalisadores. As reações foram realizadas em um reator batelada fechado acoplado a um condensador e com constante agitação. Foram avaliadas a influência do t-butanol, do tipo de enzima utilizada, da razão molar álcool/óleo e da temperatura no rendimento em biodiesel. A etanólise do óleo de soja por sucessivas adições de álcool foi investigada e as melhores condições foram obtidas em presença de t-butanol, razão molar etanol/óleo igual a 3, temperatura de 50C e 5% (m/m) de Novozym 435. Nas reações conduzidas em presença de t-butanol não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre a adição direta e a escalonada do álcool. Os efeitos da adição de álcool só foram observados na ausência de t-butanol. O rendimento máximo em ésteres etílicos atingido foi cerca de 66% após 4h de reação com Novozym 435 na presença de solvente. / In this research, the enzymatic alcoholysis of soybean oil was investigated by using commercial immobilized lipases: Lipozyme TL IM, Lipozyme RM IM and Novozym 435 as catalysts. The reactions were carried out in a closed batch reactor with constant stirring and coupled with condenser. The influence of t-butanol, type of enzyme, molar ratio (alcohol/soybean oil) and temperature on biodiesel yield were evaluated. The ethanolysis of soybean oil by stepwise additions of ethanol was also investigated. The best conditions were obtained in t-butanol presence with ethanol/oil molar ratio of 3, temperature of 50oC and 5 wt.% Novozym 435. For the reactions carried out with t-butanol, the effects of stepwise alcohol addition were not observed, but it was realized in t-butanol absence. The maximum biodiesel yield achieved was 66% after 4h of reaction with Novozym 435 in t-butanol system.

O presente projeto teve como objetivo selecionar lipases comerciais para a interesterificação enzimática da gordura do leite com óleo de soja visando à obtenção de produto enriquecido com ácidos graxos essenciais. Foram testadas lipases de diferentes fontes microbianas (Aspergillus niger, Mucor javanicus, Rhizopus oryzae, Candida rugosa, Penicillium roqueforti e Rhizomucor miehei) imobilizadas em matriz híbrida polissiloxano-álcool polivinílico (POS-PVA) previamente caracterizada quanto às suas propriedades físicoquímicas e morfológicas. Tanto as enzimas livres como imobilizadas, foram inicialmente caracterizadas com relação às suas atividades hidrolítica e de esterificação. Em função da alta complexidade das matérias-primas \"gordura do leite e óleo de soja\", optou-se pela triagem inicial da enzima em um sistema reacional modelo de interesterificação. Como reagentes de partida, foram escolhidos tripalmitina e trioleína, uma vez que os ácidos graxos palmítico e oléico estão presentes em grande quantidade nos triglicerídeos que compõem as matériasprimas de interesse. Assim, as lipases imobilizadas no suporte POS-PVA foram empregadas na catálise de reações de interesterificação no sistema modelo empregando-se hexano como solvente. O valor mais elevado de rendimento de interesterificação (31%) foi obtido com o emprego da lipase de Rhizopus oryzae (L036P), sendo esta enzima selecionada para continuidade do trabalho. Testes adicionais foram efetuados para verificar a influência da concentração de trioleína e tripalmitina no rendimento da reação. Neste caso, o melhor resultado foi alcançado no substrato equimolar de tripalmitina e trioleína (40mM), para o qual observou-se um rendimento de interesterificação de 45%, em 24 h de reação. O sistema imobilizado selecionado foi caracterizado quanto às suas propriedades físico-químicas e de estabilidade, empregando-se técnicas como difratometria de raios-X e espectroscopia no infravermelho. Foi observada boa estabilidade à estocagem, mantendo-se 100% da atividade hidrolítica inicial após 120 dias de armazenamento. Finalmente, foram realizados testes de interesterificação da gordura do leite com óleo de soja sendo que, de maneira geral, a lipase de Rhizopus oryzae imobilizada em POS-PVA promoveu o aumento na concentração dos triglicerídeos C26-C34 e C46-C50, e diminuição dos triglicerídeos C38, C44 e C54, obtendo-se 12% de rendimento de interesterificação. A análise de textura do meio reacional e do produto interesterificado mostrou que a simples mistura física de óleo de soja com a gordura do leite provocou uma diminuição de mais de 50% na consistência desta gordura. Após a reação de interesterificação, o produto obtido apresentou redução de aproximadamente 24 % na consistência em relação à da mistura física das matérias-primas, devido à incorporação dos ácidos graxos insaturados do óleo de soja nos triglicerídeos presentes na gordura do leite, e à formação de mono e diglicerídeos devida à hidrólise parcial das matérias-primas. Assim, os resultados promissores obtidos com o uso da lipase de Rhizopus oryzae (L036) imobilizada em POS-PVA, tanto na reação modelo de interesterificação de tripalmitina com trioleína quanto nas matérias-primas lipídicas, possibilitaram a seleção deste sistema enzimático visando ao seu emprego no bioprocesso de interesse. / The objective of this work was to select a commercial lipase for enzymatic interesterification of milkfat with soybean to obtain a product enriched with essential fatty acids. Lipases from different microbial sources (Aspergillus niger, Mucor javanicus, Rhizopus oryzae, Candida rugosa, Penicillium roqueforti, Rhizomucor miehei) were immobilized on polysiloxane- polyvinyl alcohol hybrid matrix (POS-PVA) previously characterized in relation to its physico-chemical and morphological properties. All lipase preparations in both free and immobilized forms were initially characterized, regarding their hydrolytic and esterification activities. Owing to the high complexity of the raw materials \"milkfat and soybean oi\", the lipase screening assay was carried out using a model interesterification system consisted of tripalmitin and triolein. These triglycerides were chosen as starting materials since palmitic and oleic fatty acids are present at high amount proportions in the raw materials. Thus, immobilized lipase derivatives on POS-PVA were used to catalyze the interesterification of tripalmitin with triolein in the presence of hexane as solvent. The highest interesterification (31%) was obtained using the lipase from Rhizopus oryzae (L036P) and therefore, this enzyme was selected for continuing the work. Additional tests were performed to verify the influence of the molar ratio between triolein and tripalmitin in the reaction yield. The best result was achieved for the substrate containing equimolar amounts of tripalmitin and triolein (40 mM), attaining 45% of interesterification yield at 24 h reaction. The selected immobilized system was characterized in relation to its physico-chemical and stability properties using techniques as X-ray difractometry and IR spectroscopy. High stability was found for the immobilized lipase that maintained full original activity after 120 days storage at 4?C. Finally, interesterification tests of milkfat with soybean oil were carried out, and the use of Rhizopus oryzae lipase immobilized in POS-PVA increased the concentration of the triglycerides C26- C34 and C46-C50, and decreased the concentration of the triglycerides C38, C44 and C54, which corresponded to 12% of interesterification yield. The texture analysis of both reaction medium and interesterified product showed that simple physical blend of soybean oil with milk fat reduced more than 50% the milkfat consistency. After the interesterification reaction, the obtained product showed even lower consistency (24% reduction) in comparison with the physical raw materials blend, due to the incorporation of unsaturated fatty acids from soybean oil in the triglycerides of milkfat, and to the formation of mono and diglycerides resulting from partial hydrolysis of the raw materials. Thus, the promising results obtained using Rhizopus oryzae lipase (L036P) immobilized on POS-PVA, both in the model interesterification reaction of tripalmitin with triolein and in the lipid raw materials, indicated the suitability of the selected immobilized derivative to be applied in the proposed bioprocess.

Neste trabalho foi realizado o estudo de transformações de óleo de soja com o catalisador VO(acac)2 em meio homogêneo e heterogêneo. Estes processos catalíticos estão de acordo com os conceitos de química limpa, no sentido de economia de reagentes e diminuição de subprodutos, enquanto que a matéria-prima, óleo vegetal, foi escolhida por ser de fonte renovável, sustentável e abundante no Rio Grande do Sul e no Brasil. A reação de transesterificação do óleo de soja foi realizada através do sistema VO(acac)2 e VO(acac)2 suportado em uma argila celadonita, cujo depósito localiza-se na região de Ametista do Sul – RS. O sistema heterogêneo foi caracterizado pelas técnicas de DRX, BET, BJH, ATG, FTIR, CHN, MEV/EDS e ICP/OES. O teor de vanádio impregnado na argila foi de 1,06 %. O melhor rendimento das reações de transesterificação foi de 36 % e 30 % para os sistemas homogêneo e heterogêneo, respectivamente, para as condições de 2 % em mol e 5 % em mol de vanádio, a 65 ºC de temperatura e 48 horas de reação. Alguns testes foram realizados em reações de epoxidação. Do sistema celadonita/VO(acac)2 foi obtido conversão de 44 %, 15 % de monoepóxido e 34 % de seletividade, em 3 horas de reação. A avaliação quantitativa das reações foi realizada por RMN de 1H. / This work presents the study of soybean oil reactions with VO(acac)2 in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic systems. The catalytic systems follow the green chemistry principles of economy of reagents and reduction in sub-products of the reaction while the starting material, soybean oil, was chosen as a renewable source, sustainability of its crop and abundancy. Soybean oil transesterification reactions were done with the catalytic system VO(acac)2 and VO(acac)2 supported in celadonita, which is a mineral found in Ametista do Sul / RS. The heterogeneous system was characterized by the XRD, BET, BJH, TGA, FTIR, CHN, SEM/EDX and ICP/OES techniques. The amount of vanadium impregnated in the clay it was 1,06%. The best conditions for transesterification reaction gave 36 % yield for homogeneous system and 30 % yield for heterogeneous system, using 2 % molar and 5 % molar of vanadium, respectively, at 65 ºC of temperature and 48 hours of reaction. Some tests on epoxidation reactions were performed. With celadonita/VO(acac)2 system it was obtained a conversion of 44%, 15% of monoepoxide and 34 % of selectivity after 3 hours of reaction. The quantitative evaluation of the reactions was made by 1H NMR.