The fibrous barley hull is the main reason for barleys low available energy relative to corn. Barley grain contains hydroxycinnamic acids (mainly ferulic acid (FA) and ñ-coumaric acid (PCA)) which are cross-linked to polysaccharides, therefore, limit cell wall degradability in the rumen. Paricle size of barley grain also affects the digestion of barley in the rumen. The objective of this study was to evaluate a set of barley varieties grown in Saskatchewan (Canada) and provided by Crop Development Center (CDC, Canada) and find a variety with low hull, FA, PCA and fiber content, while maintaining large particle size after mechanical processing, and having high nutrient availability.<p> Three studies were conducted to determine the content of barley hull, FA, PCA, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) in various barley varities. Mean/median particle size of the barley grain after coarse dry-rolling was also determined. The relationships among these parameters and the digestibility of barley grain in ruminants were then assessed. Six barley varieties (AC Metcalfe, CDC Dolly, McLeod, CDC Helgason, CDC Trey and CDC Cowboy) from samples grown in three years (2003, 2004 and 2005) were evaluated in each study.<p> The first study determined the original content of barley hull, FA, PCA, NDF, ADF, ADL, and mean/median particle size of barley grain and evaluated the effects of barley variety. The results showed barley variety had a significant impact on the chemical and physical profiles of barley grain, with CDC Helgason and CDC Dolly showing relatively lower content of barley hull, FA, PCA, NDF, ADF, ADL, hemicellulose and cellulose, and moderate mean/median particle size, whereas McLeod and CDC Cowboy showed the opposite.<p> The second study involved two consecutive trials. Trial 1 was to assess differences in the in situ rumen degradability of dry matter (DM), FA, PCA, NDF, ADF and ADL at 12 and 24 h of rumen incubations. Results revealed that CDC Dolly consistently showed relatively lower rumen residues of DM, FA, PCA, NDF, ADF and ADL at 12 and 24 h, with McLeod being opposite. Barley variety displayed some effects on the digestibility of DM, FA, PCA, NDF, ADF and ADL at 12 and 24 h. Since CDC Dolly demonstrated relatively less content of hull, FA, PCA, NDF, ADF, ADL and mean/median particle size and higher rumen digestibility among the six barley varieties, while McLeod was the opposite, CDC Dolly and McLeod were selected for the third trial in order to compare differences in the rumen degradation kinetics of DM, FA and PCA. Trial 2 did not show significant differences in effective degradation of DM, FA, except for PCA. In general, CDC Dolly exhibited better degradability of DM, FA and PCA than McLeod.<p> The third study analyzed the correlation and regression between the original content of barley hull, FA, PCA, NDF, ADF, ADL and mean/median particle size in barley grain and rumen residual content of the corresponding parameters at 12 and 24 h of rumen incubation. Results showed that FA content in barley grain had a predominantly negative effect on DM degradability, while barley hull content affected the degradability of NDF and ADF.<p> In summary, the present studies show that hull and FA content in barley grain have negative effects on the degradability of barley grain in ruminants and also showed that CDC Dolly could be an ideal feed barley grain for ruminants due to its lower hull and FA content and higher rumen dry matter degradability.

The fibrous barley hull is the main reason for barleys low available energy relative to corn. Barley grain contains hydroxycinnamic acids (mainly ferulic acid (FA) and ñ-coumaric acid (PCA)) which are cross-linked to polysaccharides, therefore, limit cell wall degradability in the rumen. Paricle size of barley grain also affects the digestion of barley in the rumen. The objective of this study was to evaluate a set of barley varieties grown in Saskatchewan (Canada) and provided by Crop Development Center (CDC, Canada) and find a variety with low hull, FA, PCA and fiber content, while maintaining large particle size after mechanical processing, and having high nutrient availability.<p> Three studies were conducted to determine the content of barley hull, FA, PCA, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) in various barley varities. Mean/median particle size of the barley grain after coarse dry-rolling was also determined. The relationships among these parameters and the digestibility of barley grain in ruminants were then assessed. Six barley varieties (AC Metcalfe, CDC Dolly, McLeod, CDC Helgason, CDC Trey and CDC Cowboy) from samples grown in three years (2003, 2004 and 2005) were evaluated in each study.<p> The first study determined the original content of barley hull, FA, PCA, NDF, ADF, ADL, and mean/median particle size of barley grain and evaluated the effects of barley variety. The results showed barley variety had a significant impact on the chemical and physical profiles of barley grain, with CDC Helgason and CDC Dolly showing relatively lower content of barley hull, FA, PCA, NDF, ADF, ADL, hemicellulose and cellulose, and moderate mean/median particle size, whereas McLeod and CDC Cowboy showed the opposite.<p> The second study involved two consecutive trials. Trial 1 was to assess differences in the in situ rumen degradability of dry matter (DM), FA, PCA, NDF, ADF and ADL at 12 and 24 h of rumen incubations. Results revealed that CDC Dolly consistently showed relatively lower rumen residues of DM, FA, PCA, NDF, ADF and ADL at 12 and 24 h, with McLeod being opposite. Barley variety displayed some effects on the digestibility of DM, FA, PCA, NDF, ADF and ADL at 12 and 24 h. Since CDC Dolly demonstrated relatively less content of hull, FA, PCA, NDF, ADF, ADL and mean/median particle size and higher rumen digestibility among the six barley varieties, while McLeod was the opposite, CDC Dolly and McLeod were selected for the third trial in order to compare differences in the rumen degradation kinetics of DM, FA and PCA. Trial 2 did not show significant differences in effective degradation of DM, FA, except for PCA. In general, CDC Dolly exhibited better degradability of DM, FA and PCA than McLeod.<p> The third study analyzed the correlation and regression between the original content of barley hull, FA, PCA, NDF, ADF, ADL and mean/median particle size in barley grain and rumen residual content of the corresponding parameters at 12 and 24 h of rumen incubation. Results showed that FA content in barley grain had a predominantly negative effect on DM degradability, while barley hull content affected the degradability of NDF and ADF.<p> In summary, the present studies show that hull and FA content in barley grain have negative effects on the degradability of barley grain in ruminants and also showed that CDC Dolly could be an ideal feed barley grain for ruminants due to its lower hull and FA content and higher rumen dry matter degradability.

No description available.

Understanding how appetite is regulated, via exogenous or endogenous factors, is essential to animal agriculture in order to maximize production capabilities, as well as in human medicine to generate ways to treat conditions such as eating disorders or obesity. The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the effects of ferulic acid (FA), an exogenous factor found within plant cells, and oxyntomodulin (OXM), an endogenous hormone generated in the gastrointestinal tract, on food intake in avian models, as well as elucidate the hypothalamic mechanisms responsible. In broiler chicks (Gallus gallus), FA administered peripherally (IP) resulted in a transient yet potent reduction of food intake. A behavior analysis revealed that FA-treated chicks defecated fewer times than control birds. Within the arcuate nucleus (ARC) there was an increase in c-Fos immunoreactivity, indicating neuronal activation, in FA-treated chicks. Within the hypothalamus, there was a decrease in mRNA abundance of galanin, ghrelin, melanocortin receptor 3, and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), however within the ARC there was a decrease in POMC and an increase in c-Fos mRNA after FA treatment. OXM, a proglucagon-derived peptide produced in the gastrointestinal tract, administered intracerebroventricularly (ICV) or IP in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), resulted in a decrease in food intake for 3 hours post-injection. There was an increase in c-Fos immunoreactivity within the ARC as well as the dorsomedial nucleus (DMN) in quail ICV injected with OXM. In conclusion, these novel data provide insights on the similarities and differences between factors that can affect appetite regulation via anorexigenic effects. / Master of Science / Exogenous and endogenous factors affect appetite regulation. Exogenous factors originate in feed components, additives, and other environmental factors that can affect bodily functions but are derived from an external source. Endogenous factors are made within the body, such as hormones and neurotransmitters, usually in response to a stimulus, and serve to communicate signals both locally and distantly in the body. Ferulic acid (FA), a natural exogenous factor originating within plant cells, is found in commonly consumed plant-based foods. When administered peripherally into broiler chicks (meat-type birds), FA caused a direct and potent, yet quickly diminishing, decrease in food intake via activation of cells within the hypothalamus, the region of the brain that is responsible for appetite regulation. Oxyntomodulin (OXM), an endogenous peptide hormone generated within the gastrointestinal tract in response to the digestion of nutrients, is known to decrease food intake in humans, rodents, and the broiler chick. However, its effects in Japanese quail, a model closer to a "wild-type" bird, are unknown. Quail injected peripherally (outside the brain) or intracerebroventricularly (ICV; into lateral ventricle of brain) with OXM showed a reduction in food intake that was more persistent than FA's effects with the effects also mediated via activation within the hypothalamus, although through slightly different molecular mechanisms. Understanding different factors that can regulate appetite in animals is necessary for agricultural applications to maximize production and improve health and welfare, as well as in humans to elucidate methods to treat appetite-related conditions, such as eating disorders and obesity.

Heritage apple cultivars for cider-making are often distinguished by a high concentration of tannins (phenolic compounds), and/or acid. The phenolic content of some cider apples far exceeds that of white wine, however most cider fermentation practices are directly taken from white winemaking, not accounting for effects of high concentrations of phenolic compounds on yeast fermentation. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and chlorogenic acid—at concentrations reported in apples—and their interactions with yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) on fermentation kinetics and cider aroma. Our hypothesis was that the phenolic compounds present in high-tannin cider apples would negatively impact fermentation kinetics, but not alter the aroma, and that added YAN would reduce these effects. Ferulic acid negatively affected fermentation performance (p < 0.05), but p-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid did not. p-Coumaric acid led to the greatest changes in cider aroma. Differences were also detected for different concentrations of ferulic acid. Chlorogenic acid did not affect aroma. Yeast strain influenced fermentation performance and cider aroma. Finally, addition of exogenous YAN improved fermentation performance for the low concentration ferulic acid condition, but not for the high concentration. Adding YAN also changed cider aroma in the presence of p-coumaric acid. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / Hard cider is increasingly popular in the United States. Heritage apple cultivars are traditional cider apples, often distinguished by a high concentration of tannins (phenolic compounds), and/or acid, unlike dessert apples that are typically higher in sugar than tannins. While the phenolic content of some cider apples far exceeds that of white wine, most cider fermentation practices are directly taken from white winemaking, and do not account for the effects of high concentrations of phenolic compounds on fermentation performance. The objective of this study was to determine whether three phenolic compounds—ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and chlorogenic acid—at concentrations reported in apples, would inhibit fermentation or alter the aroma of the cider, and if adding yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN), a yeast nutrient, would reduce these effects. Our hypotheses were that the phenolic compounds present in high-tannin cider apples would negatively impact fermentation performance, but not alter the aroma, and that added YAN would reduce these effects. Ferulic acid negatively affected fermentation performance (p < 0.05), but p-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid did not. Addition of nitrogen improved fermentation performance for the low concentration ferulic acid condition, but not for the high concentration. p-Coumaric acid led to the greatest changes in cider aroma, with differences in aroma also detected for ferulic acid ciders. Chlorogenic acid did not affect aroma or fermentation performance. Yeast strain and YAN addition also influenced fermentation performance and aroma.

Orientador: Man Chin Chung / Resumo: A doença de Alzheimer (DA) é a principal e mais comum causa de demência senil, contribuindo com 50-75% dos casos diagnosticados. Nos países desenvolvidos, a DA é quarta causa de morte, ficando atrás somente de doenças cardiovasculares, câncer e acidente vascular cerebral. A projeção da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) é que até 2050 o número de idosos aumente 21% no mundo. A DA é uma doença neurodegenerativa progressiva, na qual os pacientes diagnosticados mostram uma extensa perda de sinapses e neurônios no hipocampo e nos córtex frontal e temporal, comprometendo de forma gradual suas funções cognitivas, como a memória, capacidade de aprendizado, raciocínio, assim como o comprometimento da comunicação e habilidade realização de atividades diárias. Atualmente não há tratamento capaz de curar ou modificar de maneira eficaz a doença, apenas medicamentos (donepezila, rivastigmina, galantamina e memantina) que melhoram alguns sintomas manifestados pelos pacientes. A redução do processo de neuroinflamação e estresse oxidativo associados ao envelhecimento e aos marcadores da DA, como a formação de placas senis e emaranhados neurofibrilares, contribui na plasticidade sináptica, cognição e memória e atenuando os efeitos associados à perda de neurônios dos pacientes acometidos pela DA. Neste trabalho foram planejados e obtidos oito compostos intermediários e nove compostos finais inéditos, planejados através da estratégia de hibridização molecular do ácido lipóico ou ácido ferúlico ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the main and most common cause of senile dementia, accounting for 50-75% of diagnosed cases. In developed countries, AD is the fourth leading cause of death, leading only to cardiovascular disease, cancer and stroke. The projection of the World Health Organization (WHO) is that by 2050 the number of elderly people increase by 21% in the world. AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, in which the diagnosed patients show an extensive loss of synapses and neurons in the hippocampus and in the frontal and temporal cortex, gradually impairing their cognitive functions, such as memory, learning ability, reasoning, and communication impairment and ability to perform daily activities. Currently there is no treatment capable of curing or effectively modifying the disease, only medications (tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine and memantine) that improve some of the symptoms manifested by the patients. The reduction of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress associated with aging and AD markers, such as the formation of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, contribute to synaptic plasticity, cognition and memory and attenuate the effects associated with the loss of neurons in patients with AD. In this work, eight intermediate compounds and nine unpublished final compounds were obtained through the molecular hybridization strategy of lipoic acid or ferulic acid with phthalimide derivatives. All compounds were chemically characterized by 1... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Submitted by Eunice Novais (enovais@uepg.br) on 2018-09-06T23:00:46Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Susi Mara Soecki Sborgi.pdf: 1825313 bytes, checksum: b59ed76e89fc9e7c7cf0e1480e2a5f9f (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-09-06T23:00:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Susi Mara Soecki Sborgi.pdf: 1825313 bytes, checksum: b59ed76e89fc9e7c7cf0e1480e2a5f9f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-23 / Fundação Araucária de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico do Paraná / Os distúrbios de ansiedade pertencem a um grupo de transtornos mentais onde os pacientes apresentam medo e preocupação excessivos. A prevalência dessa patologia vem aumentando no decorrer dos anos e tende a aumentar ainda mais nos próximos. Estudos afirmam que o estresse oxidativo é um processo fisiopatológico importante envolvido nesses transtornos, assim como a desregulamentação do sistema gabaérgico. Dessa forma, a pesquisa de substâncias que possam reduzir esses sintomas torna-se interessante, uma vez que os tratamentos já existentes nem sempre são eficazes aos pacientes. Estudos com ácido ferúlico têm demonstrado resultados positivos para tratar sintomas depressivos e por esse motivo, o fármaco foi escolhido para ter a atividade ansiolítica e seu possível mecanismo de ação avaliados em zebrafish. Para isso, foi realizado o teste de preferência claro/escuro após exposição dos animais ao ácido ferúlico, clonazepam ou fluoxetina, a fim de comparar o comportamento dos animais e verificar a ação ansiolítica dessa substância. Já para sugerir o possível mecanismo de ação, foi realizado o pré-tratamento com flumazenil, seguido do tratamento com o ácido ferúlico e/ou controle positivo, com posterior realização do mesmo teste. No teste de preferência claro/escuro, os animais tratados com clonazepam 0,75 mg/L, fluoxetina 10 mg/L, ácido ferúlico 250 e 500 mg/L, permaneceram mais tempo no lado claro em comparação aos animais não tratados. A latência para a primeira entrada no compartimento escuro também foi maior nos grupos tratados com fluoxetina 10 mg/L, ácido ferúlico 250 e 500 mg/L, quando comparados ao grupo controle. Na avaliação do possível mecanismo de ação, o tempo de permanência no compartimento claro dos animais pré-tratados com flumazenil 1,25 mg/L seguido de tratamento com ácido ferúlico 500 mg/L, diminuiu significativamente se comparado ao grupo sem pré-tratamento. Os resultados encontrados sugerem atividade ansiolítica e possível mecanismo de ação ligado ao sítio de ligação benzodiazepínico do receptor GABAA. / Anxiety disorders belong to a group of mental disorders in which the patients present excessive fear and worry. The prevalence of this pathology has been increasing over the years and tends to increase even more in the coming years. Studies have stated that oxidative stress is an important pathophysiological process involved in these disorders, as well as the deregulation of the gabaergic system. In this way, the research for substances that can reduce these symptoms becomes interesting, since the existing treatments are not always effective for the patients. Studies with ferulic acid have shown positive results to treat depressive symptoms and for this reason, the drug was chosen to have the anxiolytic activity and its possible mechanism of action evaluated in zebrafish. For this, the light/dark preference test was performed after exposure of the animals to ferulic acid, clonazepam or fluoxetine, in order to compare the behavior of the animals and verify the anxiolytic action of this substance. In order to suggest the possible mechanism of action, pre-treatment with flumazenil was performed, followed by treatment with ferulic acid and/or positive control, after whichthe same test was performed. In the light/dark preference test, the animals treated with clonazepam 0.75 mg/L, fluoxetine 10 mg/L, ferulic acid 250 and 500 mg/L, remained more time on the light side compared with untreated animals. The latency for the first entry into the dark compartment was also longer in the groups treated with fluoxetine 10 mg/L, ferulic acid 250 and 500 mg/L, when compared with the control group. In the mechanism of action test, the dwell time in the clear compartment of the animals pretreated with flumazenil 1.25 mg/L followed by treatment with ferulic acid 500 mg/L, decreased significantly compared with the group without pre-treatment. The results suggest an anxiolytic activity and mechanism of action linked to the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABAA receptor.

The fungus Fusarium graminearum (Schwabe) causes Gibberella ear rot in maize, resulting in accumulation of harmful mycotoxins in the grain. Disease severity and pericarp/aleurone dehydrodiferulic acid content are negatively correlated. Furthermore, quantitative trait locus mapping (QTL) identified colocalization between QTL for both traits. A candidate gene approach was employed to identify the genes responsible for the observed colocalization. Candidate genes selected on the basis of their putative involvement in various aspects of cell wall DFA accumulation were mapped in silico using the maize genome sequence. Polymorphisms were discovered in putative genes and converted to molecular markers. The in silico mapping effort was successful in predicting map locations of the analyzed sequences, and the segregation of certain marker alleles could explain variation for Gibberella ear rot severity and pericarp-aleurone DFA content.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-17T18:39:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 6317.pdf: 1890056 bytes, checksum: dc49c9c95213e912864488dff97a859c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-12-13 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / Xylanase and feruloyl esterase (FAE) are two enzymes of great importance for plant biomass decomposition. The hemicellulose, one of the biomass constituents, has a great structural variety, so that for its complete deconstruction, several groups of enzymes are required, including mainly xylanases. These enzymes act on the &#946;-1,4 glycosidic bonds between the xylose residues. Xylanase activity can be enhanced in the presence of esterases, such as feruloyl esterase (FAE), since the latter catalyzes the hydrolysis of linkages which make cell wall structure to be more intricated. Such connections are formed mainly by the ferulic acid esterified to sugar residues attached to the carbohydrate main chain. It is noteworthy that the ferulic acid cross-links to hemicellulose, pectin and lignin structures. Both enzymes are of interest in many sectors, for example, during the saccharification for bioethanol production and bleaching stages of pulp and paper industry. Therefore, this study aimed to select and cultivate filamentous fungi from the Amazon rainforest capable of synthesizing FAE and xylanase, and to evaluate the application of these enzymes in the hydrolysis of sugar cane bagasse. Initially, a screening was conducted on agar plates containing ethyl ferulate. Among eleven fungi tested, seven showed a clear halo around the colony, as indicative of FAE production. Then, the fungi were cultivated in liquid nutrient medium supplemented with 1% wheat bran, and, based on productivity values, three strains of Aspergillus oryzae (P21C3, P6B2 and P27C3) were chosen for cultivation in a stirred tank bioreactor. After 24 hours of cultivation of the P21C3 strain in the bioreactor, it was obtained a crude enzyme extract with 74.85 UI.mL-1 and 47.02 UI.L-1 of xylanase and FAE activity, respectively. This extract was used for the hydrolysis of hydrothermal pretreated sugarcane bagasse with supplementation of a commercial cellulolytic enzyme preparation. These hydrolysis reactions resulted in conversions of 51.2% (cellulose to glucose) and 78.1% (hemicellulose to xylose). Furthermore, the addition of the on-site produced enzyme extract increased the glucose release by 35.8% and the xylose release by 53.8%. / A xilanase e a feruloil esterase (FAE) são duas enzimas de grande relevância na decomposição da biomassa vegetal. Um dos constituintes da biomassa, a hemicelulose, possui uma grande variedade estrutural, de modo que, para sua completa desconstrução, são necessários diversos grupos de enzimas, entre as quais se pode destacar a xilanase. Esta age sobre as ligações glicosídicas &#946;-1,4 entre resíduos de xilose. Sua atividade pode ser incrementada na presença de esterases, tal como a feruloil esterase (FAE), haja vista que esta catalisa a hidrólise de ligações que ajudam a tornar a estrutura mais intricada. Tais ligações são formadas, principalmente, por ácido ferúlico esterificado a resíduos de açúcares anexados à cadeia principal do carboidrato. Vale ressaltar que o ácido ferúlico promove conexões entre os componentes da hemicelulose, pectina e lignina. Ambas as enzimas despertam interesse em diversos setores, como nos processos de sacarificação e de branqueamento, nas indústrias de bioetanol e de papel e celulose, respectivamente. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho teve por objetivos selecionar e cultivar fungos filamentosos produtores de xilanase e feruloil esterase e avaliar a aplicação dessas enzimas na hidrólise do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar. Inicialmente, foi realizada uma seleção em placas com ferulato de etila, entre onze fungos filamentosos isolados da região amazônica, sendo que sete formaram halo claro ao redor da colônia, como indicativo de produção de FAE. Em seguida, os fungos foram cultivados em meio líquido suplementado com 1% de farelo de trigo, e, com base nos valores de produtividade, foram escolhidas três linhagens de Aspergillus oryzae (P21C3, P27C3 e P6B2), para o cultivo em biorreator de tanque agitado. Após 24 horas de cultivo do isolado P21C3 em reator, obteve-se um extrato enzimático com 74,85 UI.mL-1 de xilanase e 47,02 UI.L-1 de FAE, o qual foi empregado para hidrólise de bagaço de cana com pré-tratamento hidrotérmico, junto ao preparado enzimático comercial de celulases. Nestas condições, obteve-se uma conversão de 51,2% (celulose em glicose) e de 78,1% (hemicelulose em xilose), sendo que, a adição do extrato enzimático obtido nesse trabalho proporcionou um ganho de 35,8% na liberação de glicose e de 53,8% na liberação de xilose.

One of the largest problems that stands before us is the quest to find sustainable alternatives to fossil-based materials. Fossil-based products can be found all around us in our society. This quest has forced us to look for new ways to build materials. Synthetic polymer materials have traditionally been produced from fossil-based starting materials however, in modern times studies regarding biobased superseders for the unsustainable starting materials has been conducted.  One of these new potential building blocks is ferulic acid (FA) that is an aromatic cinnamic acid. FA has previously been used as an antioxidant but since it in addition is aromatic, have more than two functional groups and contains a double bond between two carbons it holds a large potential for polymeric synthesis.  FA has been isolated from agricultural side streams such as sugar beet pulp, flax shives, wheat- and corn bran through enzymatic release and pressurised low-polarity water extraction (PLPW).  One of the largest areas of use regarding FA is the biological applications. It has been proven to be effective protection against UV-radiation which open up possible uses in the textile industry, cosmetics and skincare. FA has also shown biomedical properties such as antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anticarcinogenic and antiviral properties among others.  Two of the most common polymerization methods are free radical- and step-wise polymerization. FA shows great promise for the possibility to polymerize through both these methods since it has a double bond and more than two functional groups. Polymer materials produced from FA has been done with step-wise polymerization. The polymers showed thermostable and possibly biodegradable properties. Free-radical polymerization requires a monomer with a sterically unhindered double bond and for that reason the FA must be modified in order to polymerize using free radicals. This modified monomer has been produced in a small laboratory scale and can in theory be polymerized through radical polymerization. / Ett av de största problemen som vi står inför i modern tid är hur vi ska ersätta material som är producerade från fossila bränslen. Dessa material finns överallt i vårt moderna samhälle och spelar en betydelserik roll i vår infrastruktur. Detta har tvingat oss att undersöka andra miljövänligare källor för att se om dessa kan ersätta de fossila. Polymera material är ett exempel på material som tidigare har haft en fossil bas. På grund av detta har dessa material och hur dem kan producerats undersökt för att se om det finns en alternativ biobaserad källa.  Ferulsyra är en aromatisk kanelsyra som är mest känd för att ha antioxidatiova egenskaper. Utöver detta innehåller ferulsyra en dubbelbindning mellan två kol och dessutom fler än två funktionella grupper vilket indikerar att den kan vara en möjlig monomer för polymersyntes.  Ferulsyra kan produceras från sidoströmmar från jordbruksindustrin så som till exemper sockerbetsmassa, linhår och vete, både genom enzymatiska reaktioner eller med hjälp av extraktion med ett lösningsmedel.  En av de största användningsområdena gällande ferulsyra är inom biologiska applikationer. Den kan bland annat användas som solskydd, både inom hudvårdsindustrin och som ytbeläggning i textilier. Ferulsyra har också uppvisat medicinska egenskaper som visar på att det kan användas mot allergier, inflammationer, diabetes, canser och virussjukdomar.  De två vanligaste metoderna för polymersyntes är fri radikalpolymerisation och stegvis polymerisation. Ferulsyra uppvisar stor potential för att kunna användas som monomer i båda metoderna då den innehåller en dubbelbindning mellan två kol och fler än två funktionella grupper. Syntes av ferulsyra genom stegvis polymerisation har genomförts. Resultatet var att de producerade materialen uppvisade termostabila och biologiskt nedbrytbara egenskaper. För att fri radikalpolymerisation ska vara möjligt med ferulsyra som monomer krävs det att dubbelbindningen inte är steriskt hindrad. Detta innebär att ferulsyra först måste modifieras innan polymerisationen är möjlig. Dessa modifieringar har genomförts på labbskala och den producerade monomeren är teoretiskt sätt möjlig att polymerisera genom fri radikalpolymerisation.