Hydrolysis of betalains in the presence of surfactants

• Grant number: 16/04648-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2016
• End date: April 30, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Erick Leite Bastos
• Grantee: Vivian Turini Albertoni Ribeiro
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/22136-4 - Use of green solvents and their mixtures for optimizing chemical processes, AP.TEM

Abstract

The aim of this research project is to determine the effect of surfactants on the hydrolysis of betalains. Betalains are nontoxic and water soluble plant pigments that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Chemically, betalains are imines or iminium salts, and therefore are subject to hydrolysis, which can compromise its potential as a pharmacological agent. Alkaline hydrolysis of betanin and indicaxanthin will be investigated in a buffered aqueous medium, as well as in the presence and absence of surfactants of different classes. The resulting experimental data will be used to determine kinetic and thermodynamic parameters that will be used to rationalize the effect of surfactants on the hydrolysis of betalaines. These results may lead to information on the catalytic effect or surfactant shield on the hydrolysis of imines and iminium salts in aqueous medium.