Browsing by Author "Braga, Mara E M"
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- Edible films and coatings based on agrifood residues: A new trend in the food packaging researchPublication . Gaspar, Marisa C; Braga, Mara E MFood packaging trends have been changing in the last years, mainly due to consumer concerns about plastic pollution and agrifood waste. Recent advances in the development of edible films and coatings are discussed. These systems can be much more than packaging, with additional functions such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and nutritional properties, among others. Challenges in industrial processes and/or in some films’ properties are addressed from the authors’ point of view. The use of agrifood residues in these packaging systems is included as a promising strategy that promotes sustainability and circular economy. The authors consider that more research and actions are needed to achieve the best packaging material for each food product with reduced production costs.
- Supercritical fluid technology for agrifood materials processingPublication . Braga, Mara E M; Gaspar, M. C.; de Sousa, Hermínio CSupercritical fluid technology has been applied in the food area for processing and preserving food products and/or monitoring the food quality, with known advantages. The main solvent used at supercritical conditions for food applications is carbon dioxide. Some examples are presented, from the traditional decaffeination of coffee up to the micronization of vanilla, passing through innovative processes such as the extrusion of protein-based snacks and drying of beetroot. The gap between research and industries is addressed, mainly due to a lack of data about food chemical changes that may occur during some processes, as well as technical data. However, this is an area in clear expansion and probably, in the future, we will have a menu composed of meals prepared by supercritical methods.