Brewer’s Spent Yeast as a Biosorbent for the Synthetic Dye Tartrazine Yellow Louise N. N. Lourenço, Ivaldo Itabaiana, Ailton C. Lemes ACS Omega, 2026 High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Tartrazine is a synthetic dye commonly used in the food industry to enhance the visual appeal of food products. However, its instability under specific conditions, such as changes in pH, exposure to UV or sunlight, or increased temperature, may lead to adverse effects, raising concerns about its toxicity. Thus, ensuring the safety, controlled release, and stability of these colorants in food matrices remains a significant challenge. This study aimed to evaluate inactivated brewer’s yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) as a promising biosorbent matrix for the adsorption and stabilization of tartrazine, thereby developing a safer, more stable delivery system for this food additive. Unlike previous studies that focus primarily on wastewater treatment, this work uniquely investigates tartrazine–yeast interactions under food-relevant and simulated gastrointestinal conditions, highlighting the yeast’s ability to stabilize the dye and control its release. Adsorption experiments were conducted at different pH levels (2 and 7) and temperatures (10, 25, 37, and 90 °C). Samples of the dye alone, the yeast alone, and the dye adsorbed onto the yeast were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The system comprising the yeast with the highest adsorption percentage was investigated for its stability at various pH and temperature conditions, as well as simulated gastrointestinal degradation. The highest adsorption was observed at pH 2 and 25 °C (4.23 mg·g –1 ). The kinetic data fit a pseudo-second-order model, suggesting that chemisorption is driven by electron-sharing or valence interactions between the dye and the yeast surface. FTIR analysis revealed characteristic bands of Brewer’s spent yeast related to hydroxyl groups (around 3271 cm –1 ), C–H stretching vibrations (1398 and 2916 cm –1 ), carbonyl groups (1633 cm –1 ), and aromatic residues (between 669 and 536 cm –1 ). No significant disappearance of S=O bands was observed after adsorption. Still, shifts and the appearance of peaks indicate chemical interactions between dye molecules and yeast cell wall components under different pH conditions. TGA results showed an increase in the thermal stability of the adsorbed dye, with lower mass loss than free tartrazine. Isotherm modeling revealed that the Temkin model best described adsorption at pH 2, indicating a decreasing interaction energy with increasing surface coverage, whereas the Dubinin–Radushkevich model provided the best fit at pH 7, suggesting a physical adsorption mechanism on a porous biosorbent surface. Simulated gastrointestinal conditions revealed lower dye desorption (2.37 mg·g –1 ) from the biosorbent at pH 7 and 37 °C, indicating potential for controlled release. This study aims to demonstrate a novel role for residual beer yeast as a stabilizing matrix and controlled-release system for tartrazine under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. It highlights the importance of brewer’s yeast as a sustainable, functional, and promising biosorbent for the formulation of future food compounds, mitigating the adverse effects and toxicity associated with free tartrazine and thereby contributing to safer applications of food additives.
Eating behaviour of early childhood from different perspectives in Brazil: the child himself and their caregivers and teachers Mariana Buranelo Egea, Herald Martinho dos Santos Lino, Raquel Martins da Silva Fernandes de Oliveira, Tainara Leal de Sousa, Ailton Cesar Lemes British Journal of Nutrition, 2025 Nutrition plays a key role in shaping children’s eating behaviours, which can be influenced by environment and social interactions, making careful management essential at home and school. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of caregivers in these settings regarding the consumption and eating behaviours of children aged 3–6 years. Food preferences and frequency questionnaires were administered to children, and their teachers and caregivers, supplemented by free drawing and colouring activities. The results revealed discrepancies between parents and teachers, with parents recognising the importance of fruits and vegetables for health and reporting that children have access to these foods at home. Although parents recognised the importance of vegetable consumption, teachers did not share this perception, as they observed limited access to these foods among children and even reported difficulties in introducing them into the school environment. The most consumed foods during main meals were rice, beans, vegetables and meats, while fruits and dairy products were predominant in breakfast and snacks. Children frequently mentioned fruits such as watermelon, strawberry, and apple using free drawing and colouring activities. These findings highlight significant differences in perceptions between parents and teachers regarding children’s access to healthy foods, underscoring the need for improved communication to promote healthier eating habits.
Investigation of Gluten Contamination in Commercial Hydrated Cassava Starch and Its Physicochemical Properties Marina Magalhães Cardoso Malta, Giovanna Musco Twardowski Pinto, Isabela Caldas Castañon Guimarães, Lauro Melo, Ailton Cesar Lemes, Karen Signori Pereira Applied Sciences Switzerland, 2025 Hydrated cassava starch is widely consumed for its convenience and to appeal to health-conscious individuals, including those with celiac disease, due to its gluten-free nature. However, potential gluten contamination during processing and the lack of specific regulations underscores the need for careful monitoring to ensure safety. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of gluten in different commercially available hydrated cassava starches and to partially characterize them regarding their physicochemical properties. Thirty-five samples of hydrated cassava starch from local markets in various regions of Brazil were analyzed. The samples underwent partial physicochemical characterization, including pH, moisture content, and particle size distribution. Additionally, gluten presence was assessed using a rapid detection kit. The hydrated cassava starch samples showed a wide pH range (3.4–4.6) and high moisture content (36.0–41.4%), indicating high perishability. Granulometry varied significantly, with samples above 39% moisture forming larger particles which result in irregular texture and inconsistency in tapioca production. Gluten contamination found in 5.71% of the 35 samples presents a risk to gluten-sensitive individuals, underscoring the urgent need for industry and regulatory agencies to implement routine gluten screening.
Advances in Industrial Biotechnology: Bioprocess and Bioseparation Filipe Smith Buarque, Ailton Cesar Lemes, Maria Alice Zarur Coelho Processes, 2025 Biotechnology has emerged as a transformative force in industrial processes, driving sustainable innovations across multiple sectors, including healthcare, food, biofuels, chemicals, and agriculture [...]
Extraction and Characterization of High-Value Compounds from Yarrowia lipolytica W29 Using Sequential Hydrolysis Rhonyele Maciel da Silva, Cristiane Nunes da Silva, Célio Santos de Faria-Júnior, Filipe Smith Buarque, Bernardo Dias Ribeiro, Ailton Cesar Lemes, Maria Alice Zarur Coelho Processes, 2025 Yeast biomass, a by-product of various industrial processes, is a sustainable source of food ingredients. Despite its nutritional richness, studies on Yarrowia lipolytica W29 biomass for high-value compound production using low-cost substrates like glycerol and glucose remain limited. These substrates enhance productivity and modulate cell wall composition. Extracting these compounds is complex but can be optimized through sequential hydrolysis, including autolysis and acid hydrolysis. In this study, mannoprotein exhibited a 60% emulsification index, 40 mN m−1 surface tension for both substrates, and thermal stability with a mass retention above 30%. Acid hydrolysis yielded bioactive peptides (<1 kDa) with the highest antioxidant activity: 220 µM Trolox (ABTS), 270 µM Trolox (DPPH), and 125 µM ascorbic acid (FRAP). The raw biomass and feed ingredient (dry residue) provided 100% and 90% of the daily protein intake, respectively, with a β-glucan content of 17%. Glycerol and glucose resulted in similar high-value compounds, highlighting glycerol as a cost-effective carbon source. Thus, sequential hydrolysis is an effective strategy for extracting compounds from Y. lipolytica W29 biomass, offering a promising alternative for industrial applications due to its high nutritional value and functional properties.
Multifaceted Role of Synbiotic Products with Nutraceutical Impact Mariana Buranelo Egea, Josemar Gonçalves de Oliveira Filho, Ailton Cesar Lemes Microbial Nutraceuticals Products and Processes, 2025 The growing demand for healthy foods and a balanced lifestyle has increased interest in symbiotic foods, which combine probiotic components (live microorganisms) and prebiotics (human nondigestible food compounds) in a single matrix to enhance the beneficial effects on health. In addition to improving intestinal conditions, synbiotic products strengthen the immune system, regulate metabolism, improve mental health, contribute to the absorption of nutrients, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, support bone health, and improve skin health, among other benefits for the host. When considering synbiotics, several factors such as product quality, efficiency, safety, regulatory standards, clear information to consumers, risk identification, and constant research and development of products that meet consumer needs must be considered. Thus, this chapter aims to present the multifaceted role of symbiotic products with nutraceutical impact, emphasizing selection criteria, types of symbiotics, mechanisms of action, and the action of symbiotics on humans.
Bioactive Phytochemicals from Red Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) By-products Mariana Buranelo Egea, Sibele Santos Fernandes, Anna Rafaela Cavalcante Braga, Ailton Cesar Lemes, Josemar Gonçalves de Oliveira Filho Bioactive Phytochemicals in by Products from Leaf Stem Root and Tuber Vegetables, 2025
Bioactive Phytochemicals from Corn (Zea mays) Germ Oil Processing By-products Tainara Leal de Sousa, Josemar Gonçalves de Oliveira Filho, Mirella Romanelli Vicente Bertolo, Gabrielle Victoria Gautério, Giovana Maria Navarro de Mendonça, Ailton Cesar Lemes, Mariana Buranelo Egea Reference Series in Phytochemistry, 2023
Zein-based blends and composites Mariana Buranelo Egea, Josemar Gonçalves de Oliveira Filho, Anna Rafaela Cavalcante Braga, Maria Carolina Bezerra Di-Medeiros Leal, Jesús María Frías Celayeta, Ailton Cesar Lemes Biodegradable Polymers Blends and Composites, 2021
Analysis and characterization of starches from alternative sources Maria Carolina Bezerra Di-Medeiros Leal, Gislane Oliveira Ribeiro, Maria Luiza Rezende Ribeiro, Antônio Gilberto Ferreira, Anna Rafaela Cavalcante Braga, Mariana Buranelo Egea, Ailton Cesar Lemes Biodegradable Polymers Blends and Composites, 2021
Biocomposites potential for nanotechnology Sergiana dos Passos Ramos, Michele Giaconia, Monize Burck, Daniella Carisa Murador, Maria Carolina Bezerra Di-Medeiros Leal, Ailton Cesar Lemes, Mariana Buranelo Egea, Anna Rafaela Cavalcante Braga Biodegradable Polymers Blends and Composites, 2021
Okara flour: its physicochemical, microscopical and functional properties Daiane Costa dos Santos, Josemar Gonçalves de Oliveira Filho, Jhessika de Santana Silva, Milena Figueiredo de Sousa, Marcio da Silva Vilela, Marco Antonio Pereira da Silva, Ailton Cesar Lemes, Mariana Buranelo Egea Nutrition and Food Science, 2019
Low cost cassava, peach palm and soy by-products for the nutritional enrichment of cookies: Physical, chemical and sensorial characteristics International Food Research Journal, 2018