Active biodegradable films based on gelatin/alginate incorporated with microencapsulated Mamacadela extract: Antioxidant, antibacterial, and UV-barrier properties Jaqueline Ferreira Silva, Carmen Torres Guedes, Eloize da Silva Alves, Bruno Henrique Figueiredo Saqueti, Cintia Stefhany Ripke Ferreira, Ana Paula Monteiro de Mendonça, Marcos William Crisóstomo Silva, Francielle Sato, Benicio Alves de Abreu Filho, Oscar de Oliveira Santos Júnior, Silvio Claudio da Costa, Suelen Siqueira dos Santos, Mônica Regina da Silva Scapim, Grasiele Scaramal Madrona Food Research International, 2026 This study investigated the stabilization and application of Brosimum gaudichaudii (mamacadela) extract in active biodegradable films. The carotenoid-rich extract were encapsulated by spray drying and lyophilization using maltodextrin, and the resulting microcapsules were characterized in terms of morphology, encapsulation efficiency, bioactive content, antioxidant activity, solubility, and antimicrobial effects. Subsequently, the microcapsules were incorporated into gelatin–alginate films, and the resulting materials were evaluated for mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, solubility, UV–Vis light barrier performance, structural interactions (SEM, FTIR-ATR, XRD), thermal stability (TGA), and soil biodegradability. Lyophilized microcapsules achieved higher encapsulation efficiency (80.94%) and greater retention of bioactive compounds, whereas spray-dried microcapsules improved film tensile strength and hydrophobicity. Both systems produced highly soluble (>97%) and thermally stable microcapsules capable of inhibiting E. coli . Films containing lyophilized microcapsules reduced water vapor permeability and degraded faster, while spray-dried microcapsules enhanced UV barrier capacity and antioxidant release. Overall, bioactive mamacadela extract microcapsules as show promise active, multifunctional and sustainable food packaging. • Mamacadela extract was microencapsulated by lyophilization and spray drying. • Active gelatin–alginate films were developed with encapsulated carotenoids. • Films with lyophilized capsules showed lower WVP and faster degradation. • Spray-dried films exhibited higher tensile strength and UV barrier. • The films are promising as sustainable active packaging materials.
Enhanced Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Cagaita and Mamacadela Fruits Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) and Ethanol: A Comparative Study Jaqueline Ferreira Silva, Carmen Torres Guedes, Eloize da Silva Alves, Évelin Lemos de Oliveira, Eduardo Cesar Meurer, Suelen Siqueira dos Santos, Mônica Regina da Silva Scapim, Grasiele Scaramal Madrona Plants, 2025 The native fruits of the Cerrado have an interesting composition of bioactive compounds responsible for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, with technological potential for functional industries. This study investigated the extraction of bioactive compounds in cagaita and mamacadela fruits, under different conditions, using eutectic solvents based on choline chloride (CC) with citric acid (CA) or tartaric acid (TA), plus ethanol as reference. For a better understanding of the extracts, their antioxidant capacity was assessed by the DPPH•, FRAP, ABTS•+, and total phenolic compounds and flavonoids assays, as well as for color, water activity, and identification of bioactive compounds by mass spectrometry. Additionally, the carotenoid contents were evaluated in the ethanolic extracts. The results showed that ethanol was efficient for the extraction of flavonoids and presented advantages demonstrated in the antioxidant analyses of ABTS•+ and FRAP. However, eutectic solvents stood out in the extraction of phenolic compounds, with yields 14.0 and 4.5 times higher than ethanol for mamacadela and cagaita, respectively. In addition, when compared to cagaita, mamacadela had twice the carotenoid content. Furthermore, the CC:TA solvent was the most efficient, demonstrating, by DI-ESI-MS, 29 phenolic compounds in mamacadela and 27 in cagaita. Therefore, the extracts obtained present potential for use as natural pigments, adding value to the fruits and encouraging their exploration by industries.
Biocolorants extracted from native Cerrado fruits applied in biodegradable packaging: A sustainable and natural alternative Jaqueline Ferreira Silva, Carmen Torres Guedes, Eloize da Silva Alves, Suelen Siqueira dos Santos, Grasiele Scaramal Madrona, Diogo Francisco Rossoni, Mônica Regina da Silva Scapim Ciencia E Agrotecnologia, 2025 Biodegradable packaging has received considerable attention as a sustainable alternative. One way to increase its functionality is to incorporate bioactive compounds extracted from plants into polymeric matrices to create active packaging. Fruits from the Cerrado biome are rich sources of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants and antimicrobials, making them valuable for human health, functional foods, and active packaging development. In this study, we extracted and quantified total carotenoids from cerrado fruits (cagaita and mamacadela) using ultrasonic equipment with various time and temperature parameters. The extract with the highest carotenoid content was incorporated into biodegradable active packaging at concentrations of 20% and 30%. The mamacadela extract contained 12 times more total carotenoids than the cagaita extract, with values of 363.00 ±0.05 mg β-carotene/100 g and 30.00 ±0.03 mg β-carotene/100 g, respectively. The optimal extraction conditions (363.00 ±0.05 mg β-carotene/100 g) were achieved at 60 °C for 60 min in a conventional bath with agitation at 35 ±5 rpm. Incorporating the extract into the films resulted in a positive correlation between the extract concentration and increased stiffness, whereas the permeability of water vapor decreased. Compared to the control sample, the films containing the extract exhibited a noticeable color shift toward yellow. The developed films showed satisfactory mechanical properties, water vapor resistance, and enhanced coloration, making them a viable and sustainable option for active food packaging.
Nutritional and Industrial Potential of Fatty Acids from Cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC) and Mamacadela (Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul) in the Brazilian Cerrado Jaqueline F. Silva, Luciana A. da Silva, Eloize S. Alves, Carmen T. Guedes, Patrícia M. de Souza, Suelen S. dos Santos, Jesui V. Visentainer, Grasiele S. Madrona, Diogo F. Rossoni, Mônica R. S. Scapim Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society, 2025 The Cerrado is increasingly threatened by deforestation, mainly due to expanding livestock and agriculture. To counteract this trend, the valorization of native fruits such as cagaita and mamacadela is crucial. Several studies highlight their high added value and technological potential, particularly as rich sources of essential fatty acids. This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical composition and fatty acid profile of cagaita and mamacadela pulp and seeds. Both parts underwent physicochemical analysis, fatty acid profiling via gas chromatography, and nutritional quality index calculations. Cagaita (both pulp and seed) was notable for its high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), mainly oleic acid. Its pulp stood out due to its high omega-3 content, low omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, and low thrombogenicity index, suggesting significant antioxidant potential and a valuable source of essential fatty acids. Both fruits and their seeds demonstrated great potential for commercial applications in the food industry due to their antioxidant properties and nutritional benefits. Their high-value compounds, including oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, could be utilized in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.
