Synthesis and characterization of free and immobilized metal complexes in polymeric matrices and applications

• Grant number: 21/05433-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2021
• End date: February 28, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Rose Maria Carlos
• Grantee: Vitória Cristina Peres do Prado
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Perishable foods, such as meats and dairy products, in general, are susceptible to the action of aerobic microorganisms and lipid oxidation. These two factors inherent in food induce deterioration processes making them unsuitable for consumption. Compounds that can act as both antioxidants and antimicrobial contribute to an improvement in livestock profitability and sustainability in order to increase food security. In this context, this project aims to develop an active packaging for meat and meat products containing an antioxidant and antimicrobial activity compound. For this, we plan to prepare an Mg(II) complex containing a flavonoid (commercial hesperidin and obtained as a by-product from the citrus industry) and immobilize these compounds in polymeric matrices of cassava starch and apple pectin by the casting method. To evaluate the antioxidant potential of flavonoids and Mg(II) complex in solution and incorporated in the polymeric matrix, we intend to investigate the antioxidant activity in relation to reactive oxygen species (1O2, O2*-, OH*, H2O2) in vitro, and in pork meat, using a UV-visible spectrophotometric technique and electron paramagnetic resonance with specific spin traps for the scavenging of these reactive oxygen species. In this way, if our hypothesis is proven, the compounds proposed in this project will establish a new technology for the protection of perishable foods, improving both the safety of packaged products and favoring the economic viability of these products.(AU)