A quitosana é um polisacarídeo obtido pela desacetilação das moléculas de quitina, principal constituinte de alguns fungos e do exoesqueleto de crustáceos e insetos. Os grupos amino presentes na quitosana conferem-lhe importantes propriedades biológicas, como a biodegradação, biocompatibilidade, atividade/efeitos imunológicos e atividade antibacteriana. A desacetilação da quitina é um processo cuja conversão é agressiva, já que exige o ataque da quitina em solução de álcalis em alta concentração e à quente, com duração de 6 a 8 horas. Neste trabalho, carapaças de siri da espécie Charybdis hellerii foi fragmentada e pré-tratada para a obtenção da quitosana e cada etapa, desde o pré-tratamento do material in natura à sua conversão em quitosana, foi investigada detalhadamente. Observou-se que dose e taxa de dose não influenciaram no pré-tratamento ou na etapa de desacetilação da quitina; na dose de 20 kGy (gama ou feixe de elétrons), o processo de conversão teve duração de 60 minutos. A quitosana obtida teve baixa massa molar e grau de desacetilação comparável á quitosana padrão (SA), dependendo das condições de irradiação. Além disso, apresentou inibição da atividade bacteriana tanto livre como imobilizada em substratos poliméricos de polipropileno e de polietileno processados também por radiação ionizante. / Chitosan is a polysaccharide obtained from chitins molecule deacetylation, which is the main composition of certain fungi species and crustaceans and insects exoskeleton. The amino groups present in chitosan give it important biological properties such as biodegradability and biocompatibility, activity/immunological effects and antibacterial healing. The deacetylation of chitin is an aggressive process, which reaction processes in 6 to 8 hours under hot concentrated alkali solution. In this work, Charybdis hellerii crab shells was fragmented and pre-treated for chitosan obtention and each conversion step, from in natura material pre-treatment to final chitosan, were investigated in deteails. It was observed dose and dose rate have not influence neither pre-treatment nor chitin deacetylation steps; at 20 kGy (from gamma or electron beam sources), the conversion process was performed in 60 minutes. The obtained chitosan presented low weight and deacetylation degree compared to standard chitosan, considering specific irradiation conditions. Also, obtained chitosan presented bacterial inactivity as a free compoud as immobilized onto polymeric substrates such polypropylene and polyethylene, also processed by ionizing radiation.

A quitosana é um polisacarídeo obtido pela desacetilação das moléculas de quitina, principal constituinte de alguns fungos e do exoesqueleto de crustáceos e insetos. Os grupos amino presentes na quitosana conferem-lhe importantes propriedades biológicas, como a biodegradação, biocompatibilidade, atividade/efeitos imunológicos e atividade antibacteriana. A desacetilação da quitina é um processo cuja conversão é agressiva, já que exige o ataque da quitina em solução de álcalis em alta concentração e à quente, com duração de 6 a 8 horas. Neste trabalho, carapaças de siri da espécie Charybdis hellerii foi fragmentada e pré-tratada para a obtenção da quitosana e cada etapa, desde o pré-tratamento do material in natura à sua conversão em quitosana, foi investigada detalhadamente. Observou-se que dose e taxa de dose não influenciaram no pré-tratamento ou na etapa de desacetilação da quitina; na dose de 20 kGy (gama ou feixe de elétrons), o processo de conversão teve duração de 60 minutos. A quitosana obtida teve baixa massa molar e grau de desacetilação comparável á quitosana padrão (SA), dependendo das condições de irradiação. Além disso, apresentou inibição da atividade bacteriana tanto livre como imobilizada em substratos poliméricos de polipropileno e de polietileno processados também por radiação ionizante. / Chitosan is a polysaccharide obtained from chitins molecule deacetylation, which is the main composition of certain fungi species and crustaceans and insects exoskeleton. The amino groups present in chitosan give it important biological properties such as biodegradability and biocompatibility, activity/immunological effects and antibacterial healing. The deacetylation of chitin is an aggressive process, which reaction processes in 6 to 8 hours under hot concentrated alkali solution. In this work, Charybdis hellerii crab shells was fragmented and pre-treated for chitosan obtention and each conversion step, from in natura material pre-treatment to final chitosan, were investigated in deteails. It was observed dose and dose rate have not influence neither pre-treatment nor chitin deacetylation steps; at 20 kGy (from gamma or electron beam sources), the conversion process was performed in 60 minutes. The obtained chitosan presented low weight and deacetylation degree compared to standard chitosan, considering specific irradiation conditions. Also, obtained chitosan presented bacterial inactivity as a free compoud as immobilized onto polymeric substrates such polypropylene and polyethylene, also processed by ionizing radiation.

Através de Testes de Diluição em Sistema de Tubos Múltiplos determinou-se a Intensidade de Atividade de Inibição Bacteriana (IINIB/bacteriostasia) e a Intensidade de Atividade de Inativação Bacteriana (IINAB/bactericidia) de soluções contendo extratos hidroetanólicos e hídricos (decocto e infuso) de três acessos de Bixa orellana L. (urucum) a saber: Arroio do Meio/RS, Eldorado do Sul/RS e Maringá/PR, sobre inóculos padronizados de Salmonella Enteritidis (ATCC 11076), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433) e Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19114). Determinou-se, paralelamente, o teor de bixina presente nas sementes. Os extratos hídricos apresentaram baixa atividade de inibição e/ou inativação sobre os inóculos bacterianos, enquanto que a forma de extração hidroetanólica apresentou atividade antibacteriana seletiva e significativamente mais intensa (inibição/inativação) entre as cinco bactérias testadas. Independente da forma de extração, as bactérias Enterococcus faecalis e Listeria monocytogenes foram as mais sensíveis à atividade antibacteriana, enquanto que Escherichia coli apresentou a menor sensibilidade. Houve diferença significativa entre os teores de bixina dos três acessos, e, consequentemente, a atividade antibacteriana determinada mostrou-se diretamente proporcional a estes teores. / Through of Dilution Tests in Multiple Tubes System it was determined the intensity of bacterial inhibition activity (IINIB/bacteriostasy) and the intensity of bacterial inactivation activity (IINAB/bactericidie) from solutions containing hidroetanolic and hydric (decoction and infusion) extracts of tree accesses from Bixa orellana L. (annatto) at know: Arroio do Meio/RS, Eldorado do Sul/RS and Maringá/PR, on standardized inocula of Salmonella Enteritidis (ATCC 11076), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433) and Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19114). It was determined, in parallel, the content of bixin present in the three different accesses of the seeds. The forms of hydric extraction showed low inhibition and/or inactivation activity of the bacterial inocula, and the hidroetanolic extract form showed selective antibacterial activity and significantly pronounced inhibition/inactivation against the five bacteria tested. Independent of the extraction forms, Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes were the more sensitive agents to the antibacterial activity. Escherichia coli had the lowest sensitivity to all forms of extraction. The bixin contents were significantly different between the accesses and, consequently, the antibacterial activity was directly proportional to this contents.

O hibisco (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) além de possuir propriedades antioxidantes e antimicrobianas, é utilizado como planta medicinal e alimento funcional nos países tropicais. Através de Testes de Diluição em Sistema de Tubos Múltiplos determinou-se a Intensidade de Atividade de Inibição Bacteriana (IINIB/Bacteriostasia) e a Intensidade de Atividade de Inativação Bacteriana (IINAB/Bactericidia) de extrato alcoólico de dois acessos de hibisco, a saber: Palmares do Sul/RS e Porto Alegre/RS sobre inóculos padronizados de Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229), Salmonella Enteritidis (ATCC 11076) e Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). Paralelamente, o teor de polifenóis totais e de antocianinas nos cálices e nos frutos com sementes do hibisco foi determinado. A atividade antimicrobiana do extrato alcoólico de cálices, em ambos os acessos, apresentou diferença positiva significativa quando relacionada ao extrato alcoólico dos frutos com sementes. Salmonella Enteritidis foi a bactéria mais sensível ao extrato alcoólico de cálices do hibisco enquanto a mais resistente foi Staphylococcus aureus, independente da variável acesso, considerando somente a estrutura vegetal. Em relação ao extrato alcoólico dos frutos com sementes, Escherichia coli demonstrou a maior sensibilidade e Staphylococcus aureus a maior resistência. Os valores de polifenóis totais e de antocianinas do extrato alcoólico de cálices apresentaram diferença significativa entre si e foram superiores ao extrato alcoólico dos frutos com sementes. Possivelmente existe uma relação direta entre a concentração de antocianina e a atividade antibacteriana em diferentes estruturas vegetais do hibisco. / The hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and it is utilized as functional food and medicinal plant in tropical countries. Through of Dilution Testing in Multiple Tubes System, it were determined the intensity of bacterial inhibition activity (IINIB/ Bacteriostasy) and the intensity of bacterial inactivation activity (IINAB/ Bactericidie) of alcoholic extracts of two accesses of hibiscus, known as: Palmares do Sul/RS and Porto Alegre/RS on standardized inoculum of Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229), Salmonella Enteritidis (ATCC 11076) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). At the same time, the total content of polyphenols and anthocyanins in the calyxes and fruits with seeds hibiscus was determined. The antimicrobial activity of alcoholic extract of the calyxes in both accesses showed a significant positive difference when related to the alcoholic extract of the fruits with seeds. Salmonella enteritidis was the most sensitive bacteria to the alcoholic extract of calyxes of the hibiscus while the most resistant was Staphylococcus aureus, independent of the variable access, considering only the plant structure. In relation to the alcoholic extract of the fruits with seeds, Escherichia coli showed the highest sensitivity and Staphylococcus aureus the highest resistence. Total polyphenols and anthocyanins of alcoholic extract of calyxes‟s values showed a significant difference and they were superior to alcohol extract of fruits with seeds. Possibly there is a direct relationship between the concentration of anthocyanin and antibacterial activity in different structures of the hibiscus plant.

Através de Testes de Diluição em Sistema de Tubos Múltiplos determinou-se a Intensidade de Atividade de Inibição Bacteriana (IINIB/bacteriostasia) e a Intensidade de Atividade de Inativação Bacteriana (IINAB/bactericidia) de soluções contendo extratos hidroetanólicos e hídricos (decocto e infuso) de três acessos de Bixa orellana L. (urucum) a saber: Arroio do Meio/RS, Eldorado do Sul/RS e Maringá/PR, sobre inóculos padronizados de Salmonella Enteritidis (ATCC 11076), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433) e Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19114). Determinou-se, paralelamente, o teor de bixina presente nas sementes. Os extratos hídricos apresentaram baixa atividade de inibição e/ou inativação sobre os inóculos bacterianos, enquanto que a forma de extração hidroetanólica apresentou atividade antibacteriana seletiva e significativamente mais intensa (inibição/inativação) entre as cinco bactérias testadas. Independente da forma de extração, as bactérias Enterococcus faecalis e Listeria monocytogenes foram as mais sensíveis à atividade antibacteriana, enquanto que Escherichia coli apresentou a menor sensibilidade. Houve diferença significativa entre os teores de bixina dos três acessos, e, consequentemente, a atividade antibacteriana determinada mostrou-se diretamente proporcional a estes teores. / Through of Dilution Tests in Multiple Tubes System it was determined the intensity of bacterial inhibition activity (IINIB/bacteriostasy) and the intensity of bacterial inactivation activity (IINAB/bactericidie) from solutions containing hidroetanolic and hydric (decoction and infusion) extracts of tree accesses from Bixa orellana L. (annatto) at know: Arroio do Meio/RS, Eldorado do Sul/RS and Maringá/PR, on standardized inocula of Salmonella Enteritidis (ATCC 11076), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433) and Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19114). It was determined, in parallel, the content of bixin present in the three different accesses of the seeds. The forms of hydric extraction showed low inhibition and/or inactivation activity of the bacterial inocula, and the hidroetanolic extract form showed selective antibacterial activity and significantly pronounced inhibition/inactivation against the five bacteria tested. Independent of the extraction forms, Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes were the more sensitive agents to the antibacterial activity. Escherichia coli had the lowest sensitivity to all forms of extraction. The bixin contents were significantly different between the accesses and, consequently, the antibacterial activity was directly proportional to this contents.

Através de Testes de Diluição em Sistema de Tubos Múltiplos determinou-se a Intensidade de Atividade de Inibição Bacteriana (IINIB/bacteriostasia) e a Intensidade de Atividade de Inativação Bacteriana (IINAB/bactericidia) de soluções contendo extratos hidroetanólicos e hídricos (decocto e infuso) de três acessos de Bixa orellana L. (urucum) a saber: Arroio do Meio/RS, Eldorado do Sul/RS e Maringá/PR, sobre inóculos padronizados de Salmonella Enteritidis (ATCC 11076), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433) e Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19114). Determinou-se, paralelamente, o teor de bixina presente nas sementes. Os extratos hídricos apresentaram baixa atividade de inibição e/ou inativação sobre os inóculos bacterianos, enquanto que a forma de extração hidroetanólica apresentou atividade antibacteriana seletiva e significativamente mais intensa (inibição/inativação) entre as cinco bactérias testadas. Independente da forma de extração, as bactérias Enterococcus faecalis e Listeria monocytogenes foram as mais sensíveis à atividade antibacteriana, enquanto que Escherichia coli apresentou a menor sensibilidade. Houve diferença significativa entre os teores de bixina dos três acessos, e, consequentemente, a atividade antibacteriana determinada mostrou-se diretamente proporcional a estes teores. / Through of Dilution Tests in Multiple Tubes System it was determined the intensity of bacterial inhibition activity (IINIB/bacteriostasy) and the intensity of bacterial inactivation activity (IINAB/bactericidie) from solutions containing hidroetanolic and hydric (decoction and infusion) extracts of tree accesses from Bixa orellana L. (annatto) at know: Arroio do Meio/RS, Eldorado do Sul/RS and Maringá/PR, on standardized inocula of Salmonella Enteritidis (ATCC 11076), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433) and Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19114). It was determined, in parallel, the content of bixin present in the three different accesses of the seeds. The forms of hydric extraction showed low inhibition and/or inactivation activity of the bacterial inocula, and the hidroetanolic extract form showed selective antibacterial activity and significantly pronounced inhibition/inactivation against the five bacteria tested. Independent of the extraction forms, Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes were the more sensitive agents to the antibacterial activity. Escherichia coli had the lowest sensitivity to all forms of extraction. The bixin contents were significantly different between the accesses and, consequently, the antibacterial activity was directly proportional to this contents.

O hibisco (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) além de possuir propriedades antioxidantes e antimicrobianas, é utilizado como planta medicinal e alimento funcional nos países tropicais. Através de Testes de Diluição em Sistema de Tubos Múltiplos determinou-se a Intensidade de Atividade de Inibição Bacteriana (IINIB/Bacteriostasia) e a Intensidade de Atividade de Inativação Bacteriana (IINAB/Bactericidia) de extrato alcoólico de dois acessos de hibisco, a saber: Palmares do Sul/RS e Porto Alegre/RS sobre inóculos padronizados de Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229), Salmonella Enteritidis (ATCC 11076) e Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). Paralelamente, o teor de polifenóis totais e de antocianinas nos cálices e nos frutos com sementes do hibisco foi determinado. A atividade antimicrobiana do extrato alcoólico de cálices, em ambos os acessos, apresentou diferença positiva significativa quando relacionada ao extrato alcoólico dos frutos com sementes. Salmonella Enteritidis foi a bactéria mais sensível ao extrato alcoólico de cálices do hibisco enquanto a mais resistente foi Staphylococcus aureus, independente da variável acesso, considerando somente a estrutura vegetal. Em relação ao extrato alcoólico dos frutos com sementes, Escherichia coli demonstrou a maior sensibilidade e Staphylococcus aureus a maior resistência. Os valores de polifenóis totais e de antocianinas do extrato alcoólico de cálices apresentaram diferença significativa entre si e foram superiores ao extrato alcoólico dos frutos com sementes. Possivelmente existe uma relação direta entre a concentração de antocianina e a atividade antibacteriana em diferentes estruturas vegetais do hibisco. / The hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and it is utilized as functional food and medicinal plant in tropical countries. Through of Dilution Testing in Multiple Tubes System, it were determined the intensity of bacterial inhibition activity (IINIB/ Bacteriostasy) and the intensity of bacterial inactivation activity (IINAB/ Bactericidie) of alcoholic extracts of two accesses of hibiscus, known as: Palmares do Sul/RS and Porto Alegre/RS on standardized inoculum of Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229), Salmonella Enteritidis (ATCC 11076) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). At the same time, the total content of polyphenols and anthocyanins in the calyxes and fruits with seeds hibiscus was determined. The antimicrobial activity of alcoholic extract of the calyxes in both accesses showed a significant positive difference when related to the alcoholic extract of the fruits with seeds. Salmonella enteritidis was the most sensitive bacteria to the alcoholic extract of calyxes of the hibiscus while the most resistant was Staphylococcus aureus, independent of the variable access, considering only the plant structure. In relation to the alcoholic extract of the fruits with seeds, Escherichia coli showed the highest sensitivity and Staphylococcus aureus the highest resistence. Total polyphenols and anthocyanins of alcoholic extract of calyxes‟s values showed a significant difference and they were superior to alcohol extract of fruits with seeds. Possibly there is a direct relationship between the concentration of anthocyanin and antibacterial activity in different structures of the hibiscus plant.

O hibisco (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) além de possuir propriedades antioxidantes e antimicrobianas, é utilizado como planta medicinal e alimento funcional nos países tropicais. Através de Testes de Diluição em Sistema de Tubos Múltiplos determinou-se a Intensidade de Atividade de Inibição Bacteriana (IINIB/Bacteriostasia) e a Intensidade de Atividade de Inativação Bacteriana (IINAB/Bactericidia) de extrato alcoólico de dois acessos de hibisco, a saber: Palmares do Sul/RS e Porto Alegre/RS sobre inóculos padronizados de Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229), Salmonella Enteritidis (ATCC 11076) e Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). Paralelamente, o teor de polifenóis totais e de antocianinas nos cálices e nos frutos com sementes do hibisco foi determinado. A atividade antimicrobiana do extrato alcoólico de cálices, em ambos os acessos, apresentou diferença positiva significativa quando relacionada ao extrato alcoólico dos frutos com sementes. Salmonella Enteritidis foi a bactéria mais sensível ao extrato alcoólico de cálices do hibisco enquanto a mais resistente foi Staphylococcus aureus, independente da variável acesso, considerando somente a estrutura vegetal. Em relação ao extrato alcoólico dos frutos com sementes, Escherichia coli demonstrou a maior sensibilidade e Staphylococcus aureus a maior resistência. Os valores de polifenóis totais e de antocianinas do extrato alcoólico de cálices apresentaram diferença significativa entre si e foram superiores ao extrato alcoólico dos frutos com sementes. Possivelmente existe uma relação direta entre a concentração de antocianina e a atividade antibacteriana em diferentes estruturas vegetais do hibisco. / The hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and it is utilized as functional food and medicinal plant in tropical countries. Through of Dilution Testing in Multiple Tubes System, it were determined the intensity of bacterial inhibition activity (IINIB/ Bacteriostasy) and the intensity of bacterial inactivation activity (IINAB/ Bactericidie) of alcoholic extracts of two accesses of hibiscus, known as: Palmares do Sul/RS and Porto Alegre/RS on standardized inoculum of Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229), Salmonella Enteritidis (ATCC 11076) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). At the same time, the total content of polyphenols and anthocyanins in the calyxes and fruits with seeds hibiscus was determined. The antimicrobial activity of alcoholic extract of the calyxes in both accesses showed a significant positive difference when related to the alcoholic extract of the fruits with seeds. Salmonella enteritidis was the most sensitive bacteria to the alcoholic extract of calyxes of the hibiscus while the most resistant was Staphylococcus aureus, independent of the variable access, considering only the plant structure. In relation to the alcoholic extract of the fruits with seeds, Escherichia coli showed the highest sensitivity and Staphylococcus aureus the highest resistence. Total polyphenols and anthocyanins of alcoholic extract of calyxes‟s values showed a significant difference and they were superior to alcohol extract of fruits with seeds. Possibly there is a direct relationship between the concentration of anthocyanin and antibacterial activity in different structures of the hibiscus plant.

Orientadores: Carlos Francisco Sampaio Bonafé, Cláudio Chrysostomo Werneck / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-17T12:27:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Carvalho_RicardoDuraesde_M.pdf: 7651307 bytes, checksum: 3194190cf6a33de3b0cdc4ddb7424afd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / Resumo: A exposição à alta pressão é um método eficiente na inativação bacteriana, o qual é importante para a esterilização de alimentos. Neste trabalho, examinamos a inativação por alta pressão hidrostática em Aeromonas hydrophila AH 191, produtora de aerolisina, a qual possui atividades citotóxica, enterotóxica e hemolítica. Trinta min a 250 MPa (25 °C em PBS 0,1 M, pH 7,4), resultou em 9 log de UFC/mL de inativação bacteriana (a partir de 109 UFC/mL para <10 UFC/mL), porém, os tratamentos não alteraram a atividade hemolítica, enterotóxica e citotóxica produzidas por A. hydrophila AH 191. O sobrenadante de cultura bacteriana e o leite contaminado por A. hydrophila AH 191, pressurizado ou não, foram aplicados sobre células Vero e CaCo2, suspensões de hemácias humanas e de carneiro, e injetadas por via oral gástrica em camundongos Swiss, reproduzindo o ensaio de Dean. Os resultados mostram que os títulos das toxinas em amostras pressurizadas permaneceram iguais aos do controle, assim como as toxinas presentes nos sobrenadantes de cultura e no leite foram capazes de produzir acúmulo de líquidos no intestino de camundongos recém-nascidos. Estes resultados indicam a relevância do estudo na inativação de bactérias para a segurança alimentar e realça a importância de cautela no uso de alta pressão para a esterilização de alimentos, pois embora as bactérias possam ser inativadas, as toxinas produzidas por este micro-organismos podem continuar ativas, representando uma ameaça à saúde humana / Abstract: Exposure to high pressure is an efficient method for bacterial inactivation, which is important for the food sterilization. We examine the inactivation by high hydrostatic pressure in A. hydrophila AH 191, producer of aerolysin, which has cytotoxic, enterotoxic and hemolytic activities. A 30 min treatment at 250 MPa (25 °C in 0.1 M PBS, pH 7,4) resulted in 9 log CFU/mL of bacteria inactivation (from 109 CFU/mL to <10 CFU/mL). However, the treatment did not inactivate the hemolytic, enterotoxic and cytotoxic activities produced by A. hydrophila AH 191. The supernatant of bacterial culture and milk contaminated with A. hydrophila AH 191 pressurized or not were applied to Vero and CaCo2 cells, suspensions of human and sheep erythrocytes, and injected into mice via oral gastric Swiss reproducing the Dean test. The results show that evidence of toxins in samples pressurized remained similar to that of control, and the toxins in culture supernatants and milk were able to produce fluid accumulation in the intestine of suckling mouse. These results indicate the relevance of the study for bacteria inactivation to food security and enhance the importance for caution in the use of high prssure in foods sterilization, since although the bacteria can be inactivated, the toxins produced by micro-organisms continue to be active, representing a human health threat / Mestrado / Bioquimica / Mestre em Biologia Funcional e Molecular

Climate change, water stress, and rapid population growth have increased the need to manage water resources through innovative sustainable technologies. Decentralized systems such as membrane treatment trains have become increasingly important to provide high volumes of potable water to millions of people. Pressure-driven membrane systems have dominated separation processes due to their low cost, small footprint, ease of operation, and high permeate quality. Conventionally, pressure-driven membranes are classified into microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), and reverse osmosis (RO). MF and UF membranes operate under low pressure (< 7 bar, <~100 psi). They can separate a variety of large particles such as bacteria, natural organic matter, suspended solids, and colloids. In contrast, NF and RO membranes are more energy-intense due to operating at high pressures (7 – 80 bar, ~100 – 1200 psi) and can remove small molecules such as ions, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals. Fouling is a primary challenge with membranes that compromises the membrane performance, increases energy consumption, and reduces the membrane lifetime. Many strategies are used to address fouling, such as pre-treatment (pH adjustment, screening, coagulation), membrane modification (chemical and morphological properties), and membrane cleaning (physical, chemical). However, such strategies increase operational expenditures, produce waste products that can impact the environment, and negatively impact membrane lifetimes. Recently, electrically conductive membranes (ECMs) have been introduced to address the challenges with traditional membranes. They contain conductive surfaces that offer self-cleaning and antifouling properties across the surface in response to electrical potential externally applied to them. ECMs are advantageous as compared to traditional membranes because (a) they are more effective in treating foulants as they target foulants at the membrane/solvent interface, (b) they are more economical and environmentally friendly as they reduce the need for chemical consumption, and (c) they can be responsive to fouling conditions as their antifouling mechanisms can be easily manipulated by changing the applied current type (positive, negative, direct current, alternating current) to match the foulant. ECMs have been formed from all categories of membranes (MF, UF, NF, MD, FO, and RO) with a range of applications. Despite the remarkable progress in demonstrating their excellent antifouling performance, there are many hurdles to overcome before they can be commercialized. Two of these are (a) a fundamental understanding of their underlying mechanisms, (b) surface materials that can withstand extreme chemical and electrical conditions. In this work, we have comprehensively discussed antifouling mechanisms with respect to surface polarization and elaborated on the impact of electrically-induced mechanisms on four major fouling categories. i.e., biofouling, organic fouling, mineral scaling, and oil wetting. In addition, we characterized surface properties of a common electrically conductive composite membrane composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). We then investigated the impact of cross-linkers in CNT/PVA network on transmembrane flux, electrical conductivity, hydrophilicity, and surface roughness. In addition, we proposed standard, practical, and straightforward methodologies to detect and quantify the electrochemical, physical, and mechanical stability of ECMs, using chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry, an evaluation of polymer leaching from membranes, and micro mechanical scratch testing, respectively. Our methods can readily be extended to all membrane-based separation processes and different membrane materials (carbonaceous materials, ceramics, metal-based, and polymers). To demonstrate the antifouling properties of ECMs, we challenged ECMs with mixed-bacterial cultures in a flow-through system. Although ECMs showed high rejection, comparable flux, and excellent self-cleaning performance under application of electrical potential, understanding the relationship between applied electrical currents and antifouling mechanisms demands a well-controlled investigation. To this end, we quantified the impact of electrochemically-induced acidic conditions, alkaline conditions, and H2O2 concentration on model bacteria, Escherichia Coli. We first quantified the electrochemical potential of CNT-based ECMs in generating stressors such as protons, hydroxyl ions, and H2O2, under a range of applied electrical currents (± 0-150 mA). Next, these individual stressors with identical magnitude were imposed on E. Coli cells and biofilms in batch and flow-through systems, respectively. This thesis guides researchers to understand the underlying antifouling mechanisms associated with ECMs, how to match the mechanisms to the application of ECMs, and offers benchmarks for making practical ECMs. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)