Hernane Barud

By Wilton R. Lustri, Hélida Gomes de Oliveira Barud, Hernane da Silva Barud, Maristela F. S. Peres, Junkal Gutierrez, Agnieszka Tercjak, Osmir Batista de Oliveira Junior and Sidney José Lima Ribeiro

Currently some principles of sustainability, eco-efficiency and green chemistry are guiding the development of a new generation of materials as an alternative to conventional polymers based on petroleum. Then, in the field of biodegradable polymers one of the most promising investigations is focused on the use of microbial cellulose (MC), biocellulose or bacterial cellulose. MC has received substantial interest since it is synthesized from the bacterium Gluconacetobacter genus from a variety of carbon sources such as glucose, fructose, galactose, etc. MC is an interesting emerging biomaterial, with no toxicity, and since its discovery has shown tremendous potential in various fields, because the structural aspect of MC is far superior to those of plant cellulose. Thus, the main focus of the chapter review involves detailed aspects about the biosynthesis and recent advances on microbial production, including mechanism for the biochemistry of the cellulose synthesis, new sources for culture medium, main aspects about static and air-reactor productions and genetic modifications. We also revised microbial cellulose devices for biomedical applications: artificial skin, artificial blood vessels and microvessels, wound dressing of second- or third-degree burn ulcers, scaffolds for tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, dental implants, among others.

Part of the book: Cellulose

By Andresa A. Berretta, Caroline Arruda, Felipe Galeti Miguel, Nathalia Baptista, Andresa Piacezzi Nascimento, Franciane Marquele- Oliveira, Juliana Issa Hori, Hernane da Silva Barud, Bianca Damaso, César Ramos, Raul Ferreira and Jairo Kenupp Bastos

Propolis is a product obtained from resins and exudates of different plants from different regions in order to protect the comb, with peculiar organoleptic, chemicals and biological properties. Considering this, this chapter presents the types of Brazilian propolis as the types available nowadays, their chemical compositions, as well as, some of their important biological properties enabling employing them as important health food, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulation action. Various “in vivo” and clinical trial studies, conducted in different regions, on the safety and dosage of propolis, technologies used to obtain propolis extract, and several innovative presentations of this promising bee product are also presented in this chapter. Finally, this chapter aims to present the regulatory affairs, potential market for propolis around the world, and perspectives for a near future.

Part of the book: Superfood and Functional Food