The present work aimed to characterize the exopolysaccharide obtained from water kefir grains (EPSwk), a symbiotic association of probiotic microorganisms. New findings of the technological, mechanical, and biological properties of the sample were studied. The EPSwk polymer presented an Mw of 6.35 × 105 Da. The biopolymer also showed microcrystalline structure and characteristic thermal stability with maximum thermal degradation at 250 °C. The analysis of the monosaccharides of the EPSwk by gas chromatography demonstrated that the material is composed of glucose units (98 mol%). Additionally, EPSwk exhibited excellent emulsifying properties, film-forming ability, a low photodegradation rate (3.8%), and good mucoadhesive properties (adhesion Fmax of 1.065 N). EPSwk presented cytocompatibility and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results of this study expand the potential application of the exopolysaccharide from water kefir as a potential clean-label raw material for pharmaceutical, biomedical, and cosmetic applications.

Vitamins and minerals are essential to the optimal functioning of the human body. To ensure the intake of proper amounts of these nutrients, many consumers take vitamin and/or mineral supplements that should contain, at least 25% and, at most, 100% of the daily recommended intakes (DRI). Considering their commercial relevance and the influence of supplements on human health, the conformity to legal specifications of the labeling of vitamin and mineral supplements marketed in 10 drugstores in Teresina-PI (July 2016), was evaluated. The field research consisted of a quantitative observational study of the data contained on the labels of all of the products containing vitamins and/ or minerals as determined by current legislation. Information was colleted from 208 products, including medications, although only the supplements were evaluated according to legislative requirements (Ordinance Law nº 32/1988). It was observed that only 49% of the supplements analyzed respected all labeling requirements of the current legislation. Incorrect product designation (67.9%) and flaws in the mandatory warnings (35.9%) were the most common mistakes. The lack of basic labeling information makes the choice of the correct supplement more difficult for customers, thus reinforcing the need for the presence of health professionals to assist consumers in selecting 'reliable supplements and to indicate their proper use.Keywords: dietary supplements, micronutrients, food labeling. RESUMOAs vitaminas e os minerais são elementos essenciais ao funcionamento do organismo humano. Para garantir a quantidade adequada desses nutrientes, muitos indivíduos utilizam suplementos vitamínicos e/ou minerais, os quais devem apresentar no mínimo 25% e no máximo 100% da Ingestão Diária Recomendada (IDR). Considerando a importância comercial da venda de suplementos pelos estabelecimentos e a relevância desses produtos para a saúde humana, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a conformidade da rotulagem de suplementos vitamínicos, minerais e vitamínicos/minerais dispostos à venda em 10 farmácias comerciais, em Teresina-PI, em julho de 2016. A pesquisa de campo consistiu em um estudo quantitativo observacional dos dados contidos nos rótulos de todos os produtos contendo vitaminas e/ou minerais, de acordo com o preconizado pela legislação vigente. Foram coletadas informações de 208 produtos, incluindo medicamentos, contudo, somente os suplementos foram avaliados de acordo com os itens requeridos pela Portaria nº 32/1988. Observou-se que, de 154 suplementos analisados, apenas 49% obedeceram a todos os aspectos da rotulagem preconizada pela legislação. Entre os erros mais comuns, destacam-se a designação incorreta do produto (67,90%) e falhas nas advertências obrigatórias (35,90%). A falta de informações básicas de rotulagem dificulta a escolha adequada do suplemento pelos consumidores e enfatiza a necessidade da presença de um profissional de saúde que possa auxiliar a população na seleção de um produto confiável, além da possibilidade de indicação...

There is a growing demand for bioactive compounds from the great diversity of native plants, which have biological activities that are important for their application in the development of drugs and in the biomedical field. Among these bioactive compounds, essential oils have received great interest from researchers because they have numerous important biological properties for application in the pharmaceutical area, with an emphasis on antimicrobial activity. Due to the great biodiversity, the native Brazilian flora consists of thousands of species rich in these volatile compounds with self-added value. Therefore, this chapter will give an overview of the essential oils and their main compounds obtained from species of native Brazilian flora in terms of their antimicrobial activity, which can be useful in the future as new sources of bioactive compounds for developing innovative drugs in the treatment of microbial diseases.

Aplicação de metodologias ativas de ensino na área de alimentos: relato de experiência na Universidade Federal do PiauíApplication of active methodologies in the food science: report of experience at the Federal University of Piaui A B S T R A C TThe search for changes in teaching methodologies used on higher education has become increasingly evident, since the students must be better qualified for the job market. Besides improving the teacher-student relationship, the use of active methodologies enhances the students' autonomy in the decision-making in the classroom, providing better results in the learning process. The present study aims to report the implementation of active teaching methodologies in an optional discipline on the area of food science for the Pharmacy Graduate Course at Federal University of Piauí. The discipline syllabus consists of six activities defined by a brainstorming with the effective participation of the students and coordinated by the professor. At the end of the discipline, each activity was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively by the students on files developed for this purpose. A descriptive study was performed for data evaluation through a critical analysis of the evaluation of each activity. According to the grades and suggestions given by the students, it was noticed that most students preferred the active methodology rather than the common teaching method. Besides that, discussions and debates were the type of activities that most satisfied the students. . Departamento de Farmácia, UniversidadeFederal do Piauí R E S U M OA busca por mudanças nas metodologias de ensino utilizadas em sala de aula no ensino superior torna-se cada vez mais evidente, já que os discentes devem estar mais bem habilitados para o mercado de trabalho. As metodologias ativas de ensino, além de melhorarem a relação professor-aluno, permitem elevar a autonomia dos alunos nas decisões tomadas em sala de aula, proporcionando melhores resultados no processo de aprendizagem. Diante disso, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar a implementação de metodologias ativas de ensino em uma disciplina optativa na área de alimentos para o Curso de Farmácia na Universidade Federal do Piauí. Um total de seis atividades foram definidas por meio de um brainstorming com a participação efetiva dos discentes e coordenada pela docente, para serem utilizadas no desenvolvimento de todo o período da disciplina. Ao final do semestre, cada atividade foi avaliada de forma qualitativa e quantitativa pelos discentes em fichas desenvolvidas para tal. Usou-se a metodologia de estudo descritivo para avaliação dos dados, que foi realizado por meio da análise crítica da avaliação de cada atividade. De acordo com as notas e comentários atribuídos, verificou-se que os discentes, em sua maioria, preferiram a metodologia ativa em detrimento do método tradicional de ensino, sendo o debate o formato de aula que mais agradou os estudantes. K E Y W O R D STeaching; Higher education; Problem-based learning.

Biopolymers are widely distributed in nature and have a wide variety of biological properties and applications. Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which when in contact with water exude the fraction of soluble fiber in the form of mucilage. In view of the above, this study aims to provide an overview of the characteristics and applications of chia mucilage that make it a biopolymer of industrial interest. The data collection was carried out in the databases: SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), Science Direct, MDPI, Wiley Online Library, Springer and Periodical capes using the following descriptors: “Chia Seed Mucilage”, “Technological Properties”, “Biological Activities”, and “Applications” in alone and in association. After the critical analysis of the selected articles, it was possible to conclude that the chia mucilage has numerous and unique physical-chemical, chemical and technological properties. Applications in the food field are among the most used in view of the industrial perspective. However, the infinite potential that this biomaterial has for the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries is undeniable.