Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: ALLINY SAMARA LOPES DE LIMA

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de DOUTORADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : ALLINY SAMARA LOPES DE LIMA
DATE: 27/02/2026
TIME: 14:30
LOCAL: online
TITLE:

Development of Biopolymer-Based Co-Encapsulation Systems for Probiotics and Phenolic Compounds: Physicochemical Properties, Stability, and Bioaccessibility

KEY WORDS:

Co-encapsulation; Alginate; Phenolic compounds; Probiotics

PAGES: 50
BIG AREA: Engenharias
AREA: Engenharia Química
SUBÁREA: Tecnologia Química
SPECIALTY: Alimentos
SUMMARY:

The development of biopolymer-based co-encapsulation systems has emerged as a promising technological strategy to enhance the stability and modulate the gastrointestinal behavior of phenolic compounds and probiotic microorganisms. However, important gaps remain regarding the integrated understanding of interactions between phenolic compounds derived from agro-industrial residues and polymeric matrices, particularly in alginate-based systems. Furthermore, comparative studies involving plant matrices with distinct phytochemical profiles are necessary to elucidate how phenolic composition influences capsule structure, microbial protection, and bioactive bioavailability. Initially, a systematic review will be conducted following PRISMA guidelines to map the current state of the art on alginate-based co-encapsulation systems for probiotics and phenolic compounds, identifying methodological gaps and critical technological and biological performance parameters. The experimental phase will follow a binational approach. In France, blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) residues, a by-product rich in anthocyanins, will be used as the phenolic source. The probiotic strains selected will be Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis. The bacteria will be cultivated in appropriate growth media under controlled temperature (37 °C) and atmospheric conditions (aerobic or anaerobic) until reaching the exponential growth phase. Cells will then be harvested by centrifugation, washed with buffered solution, and standardized to a defined concentration prior to encapsulation. In Brazil, an additional experimental chapter will be developed using acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) residues, characterized by high vitamin C and phenolic content. The selected strains will be Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces boulardii, enabling comparison between bacterial and yeast systems regarding stability and functional performance. Plant residues will undergo drying, milling, and aqueous or hydroalcoholic extraction. Extracts will be characterized in terms of total phenolic content, chromatographic profile, and antioxidant activity. Co-encapsulation systems will be produced by external ionic gelation using sodium alginate crosslinked with Ca²⁺, incorporating phenolic extracts and probiotic cells simultaneously. Encapsulation efficiency, particle size distribution, morphology, structural interactions, and thermal behavior will be evaluated. System stability will be assessed under controlled storage conditions and using a standardized in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model, with determination of microbial viability and phenolic bioaccessibility. Additionally, in vivo assays will be performed to evaluate gastrointestinal survival, modulation of gut microbiota, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and systemic bioavailability of phenolic compounds. The expected outcomes will clarify how different phenolic profiles (blackcurrant versus acerola) influence alginate network organization, microbial protection, and biological performance of encapsulated systems, contributing to scientific advances in sustainable co-encapsulation strategies and agro-industrial residue valorization

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 1517220 - MARCIA REGINA DA SILVA PEDRINI
Interna - 1246737 - ROBERTA TARGINO HOSKIN
Externo ao Programa - 3652554 - FRANCISCO CANINDE DE SOUSA JUNIOR - UFRNExterno à Instituição - FÁBIO GONÇALVES MACÊDO DE MEDEIROS