Examinando por Autor "Lopretti, Mary"

Mostrando 1 - 16 de 16

Acerola (Malpighia spp.) Waste: A Sustainable Approach to Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical, and Energy Applications
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) (Suiza), 2023) Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit; Camacho Elizondo, Melissa; Batista-Menezes, Diego; Corrales-Ureña, Yendry; Zúñiga, Juan Miguel; Mora Chacón, Arturo; Lecot, Nicole; Castillo Henríquez, Luis; Lopretti, Mary
Abstract. This study reviews the many uses for waste generated from acerola (Malpighia spp.) production, a tropical fruit renowned for its nutrient-rich content. Traditionally considered an environmental burden, this waste is now gaining attention for its sustainable applications in green technology. This review outlines the extraction of valuable bioactive compounds, like polyphenols, carotenoids, and pectin, that can be extracted from the acerola fruit and acerola waste, and it also delves into its potential in materials science, particularly in the creation of pharmaceutical formulations, nanomaterials, composites, biofuels, and energy applications. On the medical front, the paper highlights the promise that acerola waste holds in anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, and anticancer therapies. By outlining challenges and opportunities, the review emphasizes the untapped potential of acerola waste as a resource for high-value products. These findings suggest a paradigm shift, turning what has been considered waste into a sustainable asset, thereby encouraging environmentally responsible practices within the fruit industry.
Biodegradable plastics in aquatic ecosystems: latest findings, research gaps, and recommendations
(IOP Publishing (Reino Unido), 2022) Ribba, Laura; Lopretti, Mary; Montes de Oca-Vásquez, Gabriela; Batista, Diego; Goyanes, Silvia; Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit
Abstract. The negative impact of plastic accumulation in aquatic ecosystems is a known and undeniable problem. However, while many of the scientific community’s countermeasures against such accumulation target the effects of the most common commodity plastics, the consequences of so-called ‘biodegradable’ plastics in those ecosystems are seldom discussed. After all, though their alleged biodegradability sustains the widespread belief that they are harmless to the environment, because a material’s fate determines its classification as biodegradable or not, many plastics classified as biodegradable do not in fact meet the required norms and standards of biodegradability in aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, during the past five years, the scientific community has shown that the degradation of such plastics can generate bio-microplastics that have effects similar to or worse than those of conventional microplastics (MPs). Against that background, this review details the latest findings regarding how biodegradable plastics can influence aquatic ecosystems and thus cause adverse health effects in living organisms and/or act as vectors of chemical pollutants. Beyond that, it identifies the key aspects of such trends to be investigated in greater depth, including the need to consider a wider variety of biodegradable plastics and to develop systematic methods that allow quantifying and identifying the remains of those pollutants in living species. Other aspects worth considering include the arrival and mobilisation dynamics of MPs in oceans. The ways in which small animals fed by filtering (e.g. red crabs and other zooplankton organisms) move MPs through the water column and into food webs also merit attention, for those MPs are ingested by numerous species at different trophic levels, at which point bioaccumulation in tissues has to be considered as a factor of toxicity. This review closes with a series of recommendations and perspectives for future studies on biodegradable plastics in aquatic ecosystems.
Biopolymer Development from Acerola (Malpighia spp.) Waste: A Sustainable Approach to Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical Applications and Environmental Preservation
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) (Suiza), 2023) Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit; Camacho Elizondo, Melissa; Batista Menezes, Diego; Corrales, Yendry; Zúñiga, Juan Miguel; Mora Chacón, Arturo; Lecot, Nicole; Castillo Henríquez, Luis; Lopretti, Mary
Abstract. Acerola (Malpighia spp.) is a tropical plant genus of shrubs and trees whose fruit is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, its production generates significant waste that could pose an environmental issue. This review aims to summarize recent research on the potential uses of acerola wastes, including the extraction of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and pectins, as well as the development of materials such as nanomaterials, chitosan, and biofuels. Additionally, the paper discusses the potential medical applications of acerola wastes, such as wound healing, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Finally, the paper explores the challenges and opportunities of using acerola waste as a sustainable source of raw materials and energy. The findings suggest that acerola waste could be a valuable resource for developing highvalue products and promoting sustainable production practices in the fruit industry.
Biorefinería de los subproductos agrícolas de ñame (Dioscorea alata): Obtención de fructanas con potencial aplicación en la industria alimentaria
(Universidad del País Vasco (España), 2020-11) Aguilar Solano, Alejandro J.; ESQUIVEL, MARIANELLY; Sibaja Ballestero, María del Rosario; Lopretti, Mary; Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit
La actividad agrícola de Costa Rica es de vital importancia para el desarrollo económico del país. Recientemente, este sector ha incrementado su presencia con los cultivos no tradicionales, como las raíces y tubérculos, dentro de los que destaca el ñame. Todos estos productos, durante el proceso de comercialización, generan productos de rechazo o excedentes, que constituyen la biomasa residual. Esta situación constituye un problema ambiental y económico, que requiere de nuevas estrategias de remediación en las regiones dedicadas a este tipo de actividades. Este trabajo propone la utilización de esa biomasa residual para la obtención de materiales con un valor agregado. Se plantea el uso del ñame Dioscorea alata de rechazo, proveniente de la región Huetar Norte de Costa Rica, para la extracción de fructanas. Las fructanas son polisacáridos de fructosa y forman parte del contenido de fibra dietética del tubérculo, que poseen aplicaciones alimenticias, por ejemplo, como sustitutos de azúcar. El sustrato fue caracterizado, se realizaron análisis de humedad, ceniza, grasa, proteína, solubilidad en agua caliente y fría, así como determinaciones de carbohidratos, que demostraron porcentajes máximos de carbohidratos del 25% y contenido de fibra dietética total en un intervalo de 2,9 a 7,2%. Estos porcentajes están relacionados con el contenido de fructanas, por lo que son valores determinantes en el presente estudio. La investigación permitió el desarrollo de un método de extracción y cuantificación de las fructanas en medio acuoso. Para las extracciones se evaluaron tres factores de extracción: lotes de obtención del sustrato, temperatura y tiempo, aplicando un diseño estadístico para su análisis. Para separar los sólidos insolubles las muestras extraídas se filtraron en tres etapas; se determinó el contenido de inulina en los extractos, realizando una técnica de hidrólisis enzimática, donde primeramente se evaluaron los azúcares simples como la fructosa, glucosa y sacarosa libres en el extracto, mediante la técnica de cromatografía líquida de alta eficiencia. Posteriormente, se realizó un proceso de hidrólisis enzimática utilizando amiloglucosidasa e inulinasa de Aspergillus niger, para determinar por la misma técnica la cantidad de moléculas de fructosa y glucosa provenientes de las inulinas y así poder obtener mediante diferencia la concentración final de las fructanas presentes en cada uno de los ensayos. Los resultados mostraron porcentajes de fructanas para los 24 ensayos realizados en un intervalo de 0,22 a 3,8%. Por último, se realizó una caracterización térmica de las fructanas, donde se determinó que la temperatura de descomposición de las inulinas obtenidas es de 330ºC, por lo que es posible utilizar estos compuestos en procesos alimenticios en los que se utilicen temperaturas inferiores a este valor sin ver afectada la estabilidad térmica de las fructanas. Además, se determinó mediante la técnica de cromatografía de exclusión por tamaño que las fructanas extraídas son de cadena corta, al poseer pesos moleculares de 1.500 Da e inferiores. Se concluyó que es posible extraer, cuantificar y caracterizar las inulinas obtenidas a partir del ñame de rechazo de la zona Huetar Norte de Costa Rica, de la especie Dioscorea alata; con el potencial de utilizarlas para posibles aplicaciones alimenticias gracias a las características prebióticas que poseen estos compuestos.
Biorefinery of Biomass of Agro-Industrial Banana Waste to Obtain High-Value Biopolymers
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) (Suiza), 2020) Redondo, Carlos; Rodríguez Quesada, Maricruz; Vallejo Astúa, Silvia; Murillo Zamora, José Pablo; Lopretti, Mary; Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit
On a worldwide scale, food demand is increasing as a consequence of global population growth. This makes companies push their food supply chains’ limits with a consequent increase in generation of large amounts of untreated waste that are considered of no value to them. Biorefinery technologies o er a suitable alternative for obtaining high-value products by using unconventional raw materials, such as agro-industrial waste. Currently, most biorefineries aim to take advantage of specific residues (by either chemical, biotechnological, or physical treatments) provided by agro-industry in order to develop high-value products for either in-house use or for sale purposes. This article reviews the currently explored possibilities to apply biorefinery-known processes to banana agro-industrial waste in order to generate high-value products out of this residual biomass source. Firstly, the Central and Latin American context regarding biomass and banana residues is presented, followed by advantages of using banana residues as raw materials for the production of distinct biofuels, nanocellulose fibers, di erent bioplastics, and other high-value products Lastly, additional uses of banana biomass residues are presented, including energy generation and water treatment.
Biosensors for the Detection of Bacterial and Viral Clinical Pathogens and COVID-19 Diagnosis
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) (Suiza), 2020) Castillo-Henríquez, Luis; Brenes-Acuña, Mariana; Castro-Rojas, Arianna; Cordero-Salmerón, Rolando; Lopretti, Mary; Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit
Biosensors are measurement devices that can sense several biomolecules, and are widely used for the detection of relevant clinical pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, showing outstanding results. Because of the latent existing risk of facing another pandemic like the one we are living due to COVID-19, researchers are constantly looking forward to developing new technologies for diagnosis and treatment of infections caused by different bacteria and viruses. Regarding that, nanotechnology has improved biosensors design and performance through the development of materials and nanoparticles that enhance their affinity, selectivity, and efficacy in detecting these pathogens, such as employing nanoparticles, graphene quantum dots, and electrospun nanofibers. Therefore, this work aims to present a comprehensive review that exposes how biosensors work in terms of bacterial and viral detection, and the nanotechnological features that are contributing to achieving a faster yet still efficient COVID-19 diagnosis at the point-of-care.
Biosíntesis de dextranos de alto peso molecular mediante la inoculación con Leuconostoc mesenteroides, var. mesenteroides (ATCC 10830) de jugos residuales de la agroindustria de la piña: síntesis y caracterización de hierro-dextranos
(Laboratorio Tecnológico del Uruguay (LATU) (Uruguay), 2012) Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit; Sibaja Ballestero, María del Rosario; Lopretti, Mary
Resume. En este trabajo se muestran los estudios realizados para obtener dextranos a partir de desechos de la agroindustria de piña. La fermentación se llevó a cabo en un biorreactor (10 L), se inoculó con un cultivo de Leuconostoc mesenteroides, var. mesenteroides (ATCC 10830). Se centrifugó y se precipitó y purificó con etanol. Fue caracterizado por medio de viscosidad, peso molecular y grupos funcionales por espectroscopía infrarroja. Este dextrano fue tratado con el fin de obtener hierro-dextranos.
Compuestos Híbridos Lignina - Proteína - Quitosano como Potenciales Biomateriales para Aplicaciones Industriales
(Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (México), 2015) Lopretti, Mary; ESQUIVEL, MARIANELLY; Madrigal, Sergio; Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit; Sibaja, María
En este estudio se prepararon microcápsulas del conjugado lignina -proteína - quitosano. Con el objetivo de preparar "monómeros bien defmidos (fenoles)", y utilizarlos en la síntesis de las microcápsulas, se realizó la fragmentación vía enzimática de diferentes ligninas. La producción de los fenoles se realizó en un reactor con una suspensión de la lignina a un pH 6.8, en buffer de citrato 1 M, durante 6 horas a 37ºC y utilizando enzimas de los cultivos de G. trabeum y P. chrysosporiumin. En la preparación de las microcápsulas se empleó una disolución de quitosano en ácido acético, el cual fue mezclado con una disolución acuosa de lignina - proteína. El conjugado de lignina - proteína -quitosano se obtuvo mediante la interacción por enlaces de hidrógeno, producto de la disponibilidad de grupos amino e hidroxilo de los constituyentes. Esta interacción permitió el desarrollo de materiales estables tales como nanopartículas y biomembranas, las cuales poseen un potencial novedoso en aplicaciones en la industria médica y de la agronomía.
Hidrogeles Híbridos de Quitosano y Polietilenglicol (QUIT:PEG) para Potenciales Aplicaciones Biomédicas
(Universidad del País Vasco (España), 2021) Elizondo Castillo, Hellen; Madrigal-Carballo, Sergio; ESQUIVEL, MARIANELLY; Lopretti, Mary; Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit
Resumen. En este trabajo se sintetizaron hidrogeles híbridos de quitosano y polietilenglicol (QUIT:PEG) utilizando PEG de diferentes masas moleculares y en proporciones variadas, con el objetivo de determinar las condiciones de formulación óptimas para obtener la mejor relación entre la matriz y el entrecruzante. Las pruebas de caracterización de los hidrogeles formulados, permitieron comprobar la eficacia del proceso de modificación de la matriz polimérica de quitosano, mediante la adición de polietilenglicol. Los ensayos permiten concluir que se produce un efecto entrecruzante de tipo físico sobre la matriz polimérica bidimensional de los hidrogeles de quitosano, al interaccionar con el polietilenglicol. Conforme se adicionó entrecruzante a la matriz, el hidrogel se tornó más estable al entrar en contacto con líquidos, esto demostrado por su capacidad de hinchamiento y menor degradación, comparado al hidrogel sin modificar, se determinó que el sistema 90:10, es el más adecuado para ensayos de aplicabilidad biomédica. Los ensayos de esterilización de las matrices híbridas mediante irradiación ultravioleta, no presentaron ningún efecto significativo sobre las propiedades físicas y químicas del biomaterial. Adicionalmente este proceso de esterilización permitió eliminar de forma efectiva hasta un 100% el crecimiento de las bacterias, hongos y levaduras que contenían la matriz sin irradiar.
Mechanical Properties of Pineapple Nanocellulose/Epoxy Resin Composites
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) (Suiza), 2023) Álvarez Véliz, Gabriela; Cifuentes, Jorge Iván; Batista, Diego; Lopretti, Mary; Corrales, Yendry; Camacho Elizondo, Melissa; Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit
Abstract. A study of materials for wind turbine blades with nanotechnology—from the energy point of view—is an essential topic because resources and fossil fuels are running out. Human beings need to create alternative energies, including wind energy. This research aims to improve the mechanical properties of epoxy resin wind turbine blades by incorporating nanocelluloses obtained from pineapple residues. To determine the quality of the nanobiocomposites, materials with different epoxy resin–nanocellulose ratios were prepared. The mechanical properties of tension, compression, and bending were evaluated, and hardness tests of the material were conducted. The results indicated a general improvement in all the mechanical properties considered over the material without the nanocellulose.
Pineapple agro-industrial biomass to produce biomedical applications in a circular economy context in Costa Rica
(2022) Amores-Monge, Valeria; Goyanes, Silvia; Ribba, Laura; Lopretti, Mary; Sandoval-Barrantes, Manuel; Camacho Elizondo, Melissa; Corrales, Yendry; Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit
Abstract. Pineapple is a highly demanded fruit in international markets, thanks to its unique appearance and flavor, high fiber content, vitamins, folic acid, and minerals. It makes the pineapple production and processing market a significant source of income for producing countries, such as Costa Rica. Nowadays, its processing produces a large amount of waste with negative consequences for the environment. However, pineapple waste is an essential source of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and other high-value products like enzymes (bromelain). These by-products can be obtained by pineapple waste biorefinery, generating an additional source of export goods and foreign currency, framing pineapple processing in the concept of the circular economy. This review discusses how incorporating biorefinery in the pineapple production processes can contribute to the post- COVID 19 economy in Costa Rica. Pineapple production in Costa Rica is explored, and the contamination of generated residues is delineated. Furthermore, the primary processes for by-product extraction via biorefinery, their general characteristics and applications in the medical field, and their contribution to the circular economy are presented.
Pineapple Agro-Industrial Biomass to Produce Biomedical Applications in a Circular Economy Context in Costa Rica
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) (Suiza), 2022) Amores-Monge, Valeria; Goyanes, Silvia; Ribba, Laura; Lopretti, Mary; Sandoval-Barrantes, Manuel; Camacho Elizondo, Melissa; Corrales, Yendry; Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit
Abstract. Pineapple is a highly demanded fruit in international markets due to its unique appearance and flavor, high fiber content, vitamins, folic acid, and minerals. It makes pineapple production and processing a significant source of income for producing countries, such as Costa Rica. This review collects bibliographic information dating back to the beginnings of pineapple production in Costa Rica to the state of the market today. It details the impacts of its production chain and proposes a biorefinery as a solution to environmental problems. Besides the potentiality of new sustainable markets to contribute to the post-COVID-19 economy in Costa Rica is highlighted. The general characteristics of pineapple by products cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and other highvalue products like bromelain y saponin are described, as well as the primary processes for their extraction via biorefinery and main applications in the medical field. Finally, a brief description of the main works in the literature involving modeling and simulation studies of pineapple by products properties is included.
Pineapple agro-industrial wastes to produce biomedical applications post-COVID-19 pandemic: Biorefinery and the circular economy
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) (Suiza), 2022) Amores-Monge, Valeria; Goyanes, Silvia; Ribba, Laura; Lopretti, Mary; Sandoval-Barrantes, Manuel; Camacho Elizondo, Melissa; Corrales, Yendry; Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit
Abstract. Pineapple is a highly demanded fruit in international markets, thanks to its unique appearance and flavor, high fiber content, vitamins, folic acid, and minerals. It makes the pineapple production and processing market a significant source of income for producing countries, such as Costa Rica. Nowadays, its processing produces a large amount of waste with negative consequences for the environment. However, pineapple waste is an essential source of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and other high-value products like enzymes (bromelain). These by-products can be obtained by pineapple waste biorefinery, generating an additional source of export goods and foreign currency, framing pineapple processing in the concept of the circular economy. This review discusses how incorporating biorefinery in the pineapple production processes can contribute to the post- COVID 19 economy in Costa Rica. Pineapple production in Costa Rica is explored, and the contamination of generated residues is delineated. Furthermore, the primary processes for by-product extraction via biorefinery, their general characteristics and applications in the medical field, and their contribution to the circular economy are presented.
Preparation and Characterization of a Novel Nanocellulose‑Derivative as a Potential Radiopharmaceutical Agent
(Springer (Alemania), 2022) Lecot, Nicole; Gandaras, Rosario; Batista‑Menezes, Diego; Montes de Oca-Vásquez, Gabriela; Cabral, Pablo; García, Ma. Fernanda; Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit; Cerecetto, Hugo; Lopretti, Mary
Abstract. Nanocellulose (NC) has a wide variety of emerging applications, including enzyme immobilization, drug delivery, and imaging diagnosis. On the other hand, derivatives of hydrazinonicotinic acid (HYNIC) have been used as coordination-agents for their binding to 99mTc in the development of potential radiopharmaceuticals. To this end, we studied and developed NC-HYNIC-99mTc for diagnostic imaging using NC obtained from rice husk using Trichoderma reseii and Phanaerochaete chrysosporium in a semi-solid fermentation system to generate a potential nanoradiopharmaceutical agent. In this work, we performed the separation of nanosilica, microcellulose, and nanocellulose using the TAPPI T203 os-74 technique. The synthesis of conjugate NC-HYNIC was performed following a one-pot procedure. The NC and the conjugate NC-HYNIC were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We obtained NC with a structure of laminar-like nanofibers. The yield of NC was 55% and the conjugate NC-HYNIC was obtained with a yield of 36%. The TGA and FTIR analyses showed that the NC functionalized with HYNIC had similar characteristics to those of NC. In addition, the AFM analysis of the functionalized NC showed an average height of 8 ± 3 nm, while the NC showed an average height of 10 ± 4 nm. The subsequent binding to 99mTc was assayed, and the purity of the radiolabeled product and the efficiency of the process was studied by ITLC chromatography. The radiolabeling process was very efficient with a radiochemical purity of 98 ± 1.2%, which opens the possibility of a new potential-imaging agent.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocrystalline Cellulose Derived from Pineapple Peel Residues
(Scrivener Publishing LLC (Estados Unidos), 2017-07) Camacho Elizondo, Melissa; Corrales, Yendry; Lopretti, Mary; Bustamante Carballo, Leonel; Moreno, Galia; Alfaro-González, Brian; Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit
Pineapple peel biomass was used as raw material for nanocellulose extraction. The raw material is a residue from the Costa Rican fruit industry. The nanocellulose was obtained by a two-step hydrolysis process. Firstly, the cellulose was hydrolyzed with HCl to obtain microcrystalline cellulose. In the second step, the hydrolysis was carried out using H2SO4 to obtain smaller fragments and decrease the lignin content. A timedependent study was carried out to determine the particle size decrease depending on the contact time with the H2SO4. The chemical, thermal and morphological properties were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The nanofiber-like cellulose was obtained after 60 minutes of exposure to 65 wt% H2SO4.
Valorización de Subproductos de la Industrialización de Aceites de Soja y de la Industria Pesquera para la Obtención de Membranas Poliméricas
(Universidad del País Vasco (España), 2019-11) Lluberas, Gabriela; Montes de Oca-Vásquez, Gabriela; Batista Menezes, Diego; Jose-Roberto, Vega-Baudrit; Raimonda, Pablo; Lopretti, Mary
Trabajar en economía circular aumentando el valor agregado de subproductos de diferentes industrializaciones es hoy uno de los mayores temas de interés productivo. La industrialización de granos como la soja es bien conocida por la generación de subproductos, entre ellos aceites de baja calidad que pueden formularse en materiales híbridos con diversas aplicaciones. Por otro lado, los residuos sólidos de la industria camaronera generan subproductos como la quitina que puede transformarse en quitosano soluble y formar parte de nuevos materiales. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo optimizar la obtención de membranas, utilizando aceite de soja y quitosano, como soporte para la liberación controlada de materiales híbridos con potencial aplicación industrial. Las membranas se formularon variando la temperatura (25 y 75°C) y la agitación (200–400 rpm) obteniendo membranas con diferentes comportamientos. Las membranas se caracterizaron mediante análisis termogravimétricos (TGA), espectroscopia infrarroja transformada de Fourier (FTIR), microscopía electrónica de barrido (MEB) y ensayos físicos. De los resultados obtenidos, podemos concluir que las membranas sintetizadas, tienen las mismas propiedades químicas, pero se observan diferencias a nivel físico. Estructuralmente las membranas poseen tamaños, porosidad y resistencia, obteniendo valores interesantes dentro de las propiedades de las membranas. Este trabajo se enfocó en las características fisicoquímicas dejando para el futuro la incorporación de bioactivos y su liberación.