Development of cassava starch-based films incorporated with phenolic compounds produced by an Amazonian fungus.

Drug-release systems have attracted attention over the last few years since they can be used as a substitute for traditional methods of drug delivery. These have the advantage of being directly administered at the treatment site and can maintain the drug at adequate levels for a longer period, thus increasing their efficacy. Starch-based films are interesting candidates for use as matrices for drug release, especially due to starch's non-toxic properties and its biocompatibility.

Improvement of endoglucanase production by Aspergillus brasiliensis in solid-state fermentation using cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) residue as substrate.

Aims: Optimize the production of Aspergillus brasiliensis endoglucanase in a solid-phase bioprocess using cupuaçu shell as substrate.

Methods And Results: The shells were supplemented with nitrogen and phosphorous and used as a substrate. The centesimal and inorganic composition of the residue was determined, and found to be rich in fibres, and possessed essential elements for fungal growth.