Academic literature on the topic 'Lavagem de rolhas'

ABSTRACT Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of pertussis or whooping cough. This bacterium is a human pathogen that under experimental conditions also infects selected rodents and primates. Here, we show for the first time that newborn piglets can be infected with B. pertussis when it is delivered intrapulmonarily. Infected piglets displayed fever and respiratory symptoms, such as nasal discharge, nonparoxysmal coughing, and breathing difficulties. Eventually, all infected animals developed severe bronchopneumonia, which in some cases was combined with a fibrinous pleuritits. Immunohistochemical staining revealed the presence of large numbers of B. pertussis cells within airways, adhering to the epithelial lining or phagocytosed by macrophages and neutrophils. Viable bacteria were reisolated from bronchoalveolar lavages and lung lesions for more than 10 days postinfection. The systemic presence of pertussis toxin was shown by hypoglycemia, lymphocytosis, and induction of a clustered pattern of CHO cells by serum and bronchoalveolar lavage samples. Thus, a large-animal model for pertussis was developed, which should complement existing rodent models for identifying the immune responses relevant to the design of new vaccines. In particular, this model should help researchers analyze the roles of both maternal and mucosal immunity in disease protection against pertussis and should ultimately assist in the design of new vaccines for early life protection.

Goblet cell metaplasia is an important morphological feature in the airways of patients with chronic airway diseases; however, the precise mechanisms that cause this feature are unknown. We investigated the role of endogenous platelet-activating factor (PAF) in airway goblet cell metaplasia induced by cigarette smoke in vivo. Guinea pigs were exposed repeatedly to cigarette smoke for 14 consecutive days. The number of goblet cells in each trachea was determined with Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff staining. Differential cell counts and PAF levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were also evaluated. Cigarette smoke exposure significantly increased the number of goblet cells. Eosinophils, neutrophils, and PAF levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were also significantly increased after cigarette smoke. Treatment with a specific PAF receptor antagonist, E-6123, significantly attenuated the increases in the number of airway goblet cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils observed after cigarette smoke exposure. These results suggest that endogenous PAF may play a key role in goblet cell metaplasia induced by cigarette smoke and that potential roles exist for inhibitors of PAF receptor in the treatment of hypersecretory airway diseases.

Vagally mediated afferent feedback and compliant lungs (surfactant system) play vital roles in the establishment of adequate alveolar ventilation and pulmonary gas exchange at birth. Although the significance of vagal innervation in the establishment of normal breathing patterns is well recognized, the precise role of lung innervation in the maturation of the surfactant system remains unclear. The specific aim of the present study was to investigate whether vagal denervation compromises the surfactant system during fetal development. Experiments were performed on 12 time-dated fetal sheep: 8 underwent cervical vagal denervation, and 4 were sham operated. Vagal denervation was performed at 110–113 days gestation. Fetal lambs were instrumented in utero to record arterial pH and blood-gas tensions. The animals were delivered by cesarean section under general anesthesia between 130 and 133 days gestation (term ∼147 days). Lung samples were collected for wet-to-dry ratios, light and electron microscopy, and overall lung morphology. In addition, total proteins, total phospholipids, and surfactant proteins A and B were analyzed in both lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Vagal denervation had no effect on alveolar architecture, including type II cells or the morphology of lamellar bodies within them. Furthermore, surfactant proteins A and B and total phospholipids were similar in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid between the two groups. A significant correlation was observed between circulating cortisol concentrations and surfactant proteins in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue. We provide definitive evidence that vagal innervation at midgestation is not required for maturation of the pulmonary surfactant system during fetal development.

Although high-stretch mechanical ventilation has been demonstrated to induce lung inflammation, the roles of soluble mediators, in particular TNF, remain controversial. We have previously shown in mice that high-stretch ventilation, in the absence of preceding lung injury, induces expression of bioactive TNF in lung lavage fluid early in the course of injury, but the biological significance of this, if any, has yet to be determined. We therefore investigated the pulmonary inflammatory response to a transient period of high-stretch ventilation in anesthetized mice lacking TNF receptors and mice treated with anti-TNF antibodies. A standardized stretch-induced lung injury (assessed by lung mechanics, blood gases, and lavage protein content), followed by noninjurious low-stretch ventilation for 3 h, produced significant alveolar neutrophil infiltration in wild-type mice. However, neutrophil recruitment was substantially attenuated in TNF receptor double knockout mice and in wild-type mice treated with intratracheal anti-TNF antibody. This attenuation was not associated with decreased concentrations of neutrophil attractant CXC chemokines (macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and keratinocyte-derived chemokine) in lavage fluid. In contrast to intratracheal antibody, intravenous anti-TNF antibody did not reduce neutrophil infiltration, suggesting that the role of TNF signaling is localized within the alveolar space and does not require decompartmentalization of TNF into the circulation. These findings provide the first direct evidence that pulmonary inflammation induced by high-stretch ventilation without underlying lung injury possesses a significant TNF-dependent component. The results suggest a potential for regional anti-TNF treatment in attenuating stretch-induced pulmonary inflammation.

Surfactant protein (SP) A and SP-D are collectins that have roles in host defense. The Eustachian tube (ET) maintains the patency between the upper airways and the middle ear. Dysfunction of local mucosal immunity in ET may predispose infants to recurrent otitis media. We recently described preliminary evidence of the expression of SP-A and SP-D in the ET. Our present aim was to establish the sites of SP-A and SP-D expression within the epithelium of the ET in vivo. With in situ hybridization, electron microscopy, and immunoelectron microscopy, the cells responsible for SP-A and SP-D expression and storage were identified. SP-A expression was localized within the ET epithelium, and the protein was found in the electron-dense granules of microvillar epithelial cells. Being concentrated in the epithelial lining, only a few cells revealed intracellular SP-D, and it was not associated with granules. The SP-A and SP-D immunoreactivities in ET lavage fluid, as shown by Western blot analyses, were similar to those in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. We propose that there are specialized cells in the ET epithelium expressing and secreting SP-A and SP-D. SP-A and SP-D may be important for antibody-independent protection of the middle ear against infections.

Naringenin, a flavonoid, has antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. We investigated whether naringenin could attenuate allergen-induced airway inflammation and its possible mechanism in a murine model of asthma. Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. Some mice were administered with naringenin before ovalbumin challenge. We evaluated the development of airway inflammation and airway reactivity. Interleukin (IL)4, IL13, chemokine (C–C motif) ligand (CCL)5, and CCL11 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum total IgE were detected by ELISA. IκBα degradation and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in lungs were measured by Western blot. We also tested NF-κB binding activity by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The mRNA levels of iNOS, CCL5, and CCL11 were detected by real-time PCR. Naringenin attenuated ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation and airway reactivity in experimental mice. The naringenin-treated mice had lower levels of IL4 and IL13 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lower serum total IgE. Furthermore, naringenin inhibited pulmonary IκBα degradation and NF-κB DNA-binding activity. The levels of CCL5, CCL11, and iNOS were also significantly reduced. The results indicated that naringenin may play protective roles in the asthma process. The inhibition of NF-κB and the decreased expression of its target genes may account for this phenomenon.

The airway mucosa and the alveolar surface form dynamic interfaces between the lung and the external environment. The epithelial cells lining these barriers elaborate a thin liquid layer containing secreted peptides and proteins that contribute to host defense and other functions. The goal of this study was to develop and apply methods to define the proteome of porcine lung lining liquid, in part, by leveraging the wealth of information in the Sus scrofa database of Ensembl gene, transcript, and protein model predictions. We developed an optimized workflow for detection of secreted proteins in porcine bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and in methacholine-induced tracheal secretions [airway surface liquid (ASL)]. We detected 674 and 3,858 unique porcine-specific proteins in BAL and ASL, respectively. This proteome was composed of proteins representing a diverse range of molecular classes and biological processes, including host defense, molecular transport, cell communication, cytoskeletal, and metabolic functions. Specifically, we detected a significant number of secreted proteins with known or predicted roles in innate and adaptive immunity, microbial killing, or other aspects of host defense. In greatly expanding the known proteome of the lung lining fluid in the pig, this study provides a valuable resource for future studies using this important animal model of pulmonary physiology and disease.

Vagal denervation performed in the intrathoracic region in newborn lambs leads to hypoxemia and decreased respiratory system compliance (Crs), which could result from atelectasis and/or pulmonary edema. The objective of the present study was to quantify the relative roles of alveolar derecruitment and pulmonary edema as underlying cause(s) of respiratory failure. Vagal denervation was performed in the intrathoracic region and below the recurrent laryngeal nerves in six newborn lambs within 24 h of birth, whereas six were sham operated. Pre- and postinflation Crs was measured to investigate the presence of alveolar derecruitment. Pulmonary edema was assessed with lung wet-dry-to-wet and lung tissue wet-to-dry ratios, total protein, and FITC-BSA recovery in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage. Compared with that in the sham-operated animals, Crs was significantly lower in vagally denervated animals. However, postinflation, pulmonary system compliance obtained by quasi-static lung inflation and deflation to 30 cmH2O showed no significant difference between the sham-operated and denervated lambs. The lung wet-dry-to-wet and lung tissue wet-to-dry ratios, total protein, and FITC-BSA recovery in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage were similar in denervated and sham-operated groups. We provide evidence that reduced lung volume and not pulmonary edema is associated with intrathoracic vagal denervation and is the likely underlying mechanism for hypoxemia and low Crs.

ABSTRACT The signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 4 (STAT4) pathway mediates the intracellular effects of interleukin-12 (IL-12), leading to the production of gamma interferon, induction of a T helper type 1 response, and increased natural killer cell cytotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the STAT4 pathway during polymicrobial peritonitis in the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model. CLP was performed on STAT4-deficient (STAT4−/−) and wild-type control (BALB/c) mice. At 4 h after CLP, STAT4−/− mice had significantly higher bacterial counts in the peritoneal lavage fluid, liver, and blood. This difference persisted for 18 h in the peritoneal lavage fluid and blood. Neutrophil migration to the site of infection and into remote tissues was unaffected. Despite higher bacterial counts locally and systemically, STAT4−/− mice had a lower mortality rate than BALB/c controls. In contrast, blockade of IL-12 in BALB/c mice was detrimental to host survival. A blunted serum IL-12 response at 18 h after CLP was exhibited in STAT4−/− mice. These results suggest several critical roles for the STAT4 pathway in the resolution of polymicrobial infections. Additionally, the disparate effects observed with IL-12 blockade and STAT4 deficiency on host survival suggest that IL-12 may activate alternate pathways promoting survival.

The pathogenesis of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains to be elucidated. To evaluate the roles of inflammatory mediators in acute exacerbation, the concentrations of high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1), a chief mediator of acute lung injury, and 18 inflammatory cytokines were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serially sampled from seven IPF patients after the onset of acute exacerbation. HMGB1 gradually increased in the alveolar fluid after the onset of acute exacerbation, in positive correlation with monocytes chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), a potent fibrogenic mediator. In the lung tissues of eight IPF patients autopsied after acute exacerbation, intense cytoplasmic staining for HMGB1 was observed in the alveolar epithelial cells in alveolar capillary augmented lesions, where the capillary endothelial cells remarkably reduced the expression of thrombomodulin, an intrinsic antagonist of HMGB1. These results suggest pathogenic roles for HMGB1 and MCP-1 in the late phase of acute exacerbation of IPF.

Mestrado em Química
O presente trabalho, realizado na empresa Amorim & Irmãos, S.A., teve como principais objetivos a análise, o acompanhamento e a otimização do processo de lavação. Pela identificação dos problemas inerentes às rolhas provenientes da lavação, concluiu-se que existem dois parâmetros que necessitam de ser melhorados: a qualidade visual das rolhas (uniformização da cor das rolhas lavadas) e as progressões capilares apresentadas mesmo após o tratamento de superfície. Desta forma, verificou-se que a introdução de uma fase de revestimento incorporada no atual processo de lavação de rolhas poderá ser a solução. Foram realizados diversos testes às rolhas procedentes deste processo (análise sensorial, forças de extração, absorção de vinho, vedação em tubo, progressão capilar, medição de ângulos de contacto, análise visual e análise por FTIR-ATR para verificar o impacto do revestimento sobre a qualidade das rolhas após a lavação, comparando-as sempre com rolhas lavadas e sem aplicação de qualquer revestimento. Os resultados obtidos para as forças de extração pela amostra 4 demonstram que o tratamento de superfície com uma emulsão de parafina e emulsão de silicone é o mais aconselhado para rolhas revestidas dado que esta amostra apresentou valores mais uniformes em todas as condições do teste. Na absorção de vinho pelas rolhas verificamos que todas as rolhas das amostras que lavadas com revestimento na superfície apresentam valores muito inferiores às restantes amostras. No que diz respeito à vedação em tubo, as rolhas lavadas com revestimento apresentam um comportamento para a vedação similar às rolhas lavadas sem revestimento. Quanto à progressão capilar, a introdução do revestimento não só cobriu completamente a superfície como também os poros destas rolhas, impedindo o avanço do líquido, não só pelo exterior como também pelo interior da rolha. Pela análise dos resultados registados na análise visual podemos verificar que as rolhas lavadas e com o revestimento apresentam uma quantidade maior de rolhas classificadas como 1º e 2º. Através da medição dos ângulos de contacto da superfície das rolhas é possível constatar que amostra A (rolha sem lavação) apresenta uma baixa molhabilidade em relação aos dois líquidos em teste, na amostra B (rolha com lavação) registam-se ângulos de contacto inferiores a 90º tanto para a água como a solução hidroalcoólica, o que se traduz num espalhamento destes líquidos na superfície da rolha, as amostras C (rolha com lavação e revestimento após a lavação) e D (rolha com lavação e revestimento durante a lavação) apresentam uma baixa molhabilidade em relação aos líquidos em teste e na amostra E (rolha com lavação e tratamento de superfície) verificamos que a água e a solução hidroalcoólica têm pouca afinidade com a superfície da rolha. Pela técnica FTIR-ATR verificamos que os espetros de uma rolha com lavação e uma rolha com lavação e revestimento aplicado durante a lavação são muito semelhantes. Mediante os resultados obtidos é possível concluir que o revestimento aplicado durante a lavação proporciona uma melhoria tanto ao nível da impermeabilidade como ao nível do aspeto visual da rolha natural.
This work, carried out in the company Amorim & Irmãos, S.A., had several goals, among which stand out the analysis and monitoring of the projects associated with the optimization of the washing process. The analysis of the problems inherent to the washing process of cork stoppers, it was found that there are two parameters that need to be improved: the visual quality of the cork stoppers (colour homogenization of the cork stoppers washed) and capillary progressions displayed even after the surface treatment. Thus, it was proposed that the introduction of a coating step incorporated into the washing process might be the solution. Several tests were performed (sensory analysis of cork stoppers, extraction forces, wine absorption, sealing tube, capillary progression, visual analysis, contact angles and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis) to verify the impact of the coating during washing, always comparing the coated-stoppers with washed-stoppers without any coating application during washing. The results obtained for the extraction forces by sample 4 showed that the surface treatment with paraffin emulsion and silicone emulsion is more appropriate for coated-cork as this sample showed more uniform values at all test conditions. Concerning wine absorption by cork stoppers it was found that all the samples containing coating present much lower wine absorption than the remaining samples. With regard to sealing tube test, the coated-stoppers exhibit a similar behaviour as the washed-stoppers without any coating application during washing. For capillary progression, the coating not only completely covered the surface but also the pores of cork stoppers, preventing the spread of liquid, not only the exterior but also the interior of the stopper. Analysing the results recorded by visual analysis, we can verify that the coated-stoppers have a larger amount of cork stoppers classified as 1st and 2nd. By contact angles measurement it can be seen that sample A (unwashed-cork) has a low wettability relative to the two liquids test, the sample B (washed-cork) registered contact angles less than 90 degrees for water and the hydroalcoholic solution, which results in a scattering of liquid on the surface of the stopper, samples C (washed-stopper and coated after the washing process) and D (washed-stopper and coated during the washing process) have a low wettability with respect to the liquids under test and in the sample E (washed-stopper and with surface treatment) we observed that water and the hydroalcoholic solution have little affinity with the surface of the stopper. By FTIR-ATR analysis we found that a washed-cork and a coated-cork are very similar. From the results achieved, it was concluded that the coating applied during the washing process provides an improved barrier for wine progression throughout the cork stopper as well as in the level of the visual aspect of natural cork.

Mestrado em Engenharia Química
A presente dissertação, realizada na Universidade de Aveiro com vínculo à empresa Amorim & Irmãos, S.A., teve como principal objetivo obter uma proposta de uma nova abordagem de tecnologia de lavação de rolhas Twin Top® de maneira a melhorar o aspeto visual e a uniformidade da cor da rolha final. Decorrente deste estudo foram apresentadas e avaliadas três novas alternativas de lavação: 1. implementação de um estágio de agente redutor (bissulfito de sódio, pirossulfito de sódio e ditionito de sódio) em substituição do acidificante usado no processo, bissulfato de sódio; 2. substituição dos reagentes usados na lavação por ácido peracético ou pentacetato de glucose em diferentes estágios; 3. aplicação de ozono como agente branqueador e como processo inovador e alternativo. Todas as alternativas foram analisadas a nível laboratorial e a substituição dos agentes redutores foi também aplicada em escala piloto. As rolhas provenientes destes ensaios foram estudadas em termos de espectroscopia UV/Vis de refletância, FTIR- ATR, teor de peróxido de hidrogénio residual, reversão de brancura e brancura ISO através de refletância difusa para o comprimento de onda de 457 nm através de colorimetria. Os resultados obtidos foram sempre comparados com o processamento convencional e com rolhas provenientes do processo industrial. Para a primeira abordagem- implementação do agente redutor- os melhores resultados correspondem ao bissulfito de sódio, que para além de reduzir o peróxido de hidrogénio residual para valores dentro do limite admissível e de neutralizar o hidróxido de sódio, permite aumentar ligeiramente os valores de brancura ISO das rolhas quando comparados com o método convencional. A aplicação do ácido peracético e do pentacetato de glucose, correspondentes à segunda abordagem experimental, apesar de permitir alcançar valores de brancura ISO no 1º e 2º estágio de lavação superiores aos do ensaio de referência, os valores finais são inferiores. Posto isto, a implementação destes reagentes parece não ser favorável nestas condições. Por último, a aplicação de ozono constitui uma alternativa mais disruptiva do ponto de vista da inovação do processo de lavação de rolhas de cortiça. Com um tempo de contato de apenas 15 minutos foi possível alcançar valores de brancura ISO semelhantes aos de lavação de rolhas de coloração “Cerveja” com uma duração no processo industrial de cerca de 2 horas, respondendo aos requisitos do projeto de melhoria do aspeto visual e da uniformidade da cor de rolha final permitindo, em simultâneo, diminuir a quantidade de TCA nas rolhas de cortiça identificadas.
This work, conducted at the University of Aveiro with ties to the company Amorim & Irmãos, S.A., aimed to get a proposal for a new washing technology approach to Twin Top® stoppers in order to improve the visual appearance and uniformity of color of the final stopper. As a result of this study were presented and evaluated three new alternatives for washing: 1. implementation of a stage of reducing agent (sodium bisulfite, sodium dithionite and sodium pyrosulfite) replacing the acidifier used in the process, sodium bisulfate; 2. substitution of reagents used in washing by peracetic acid or glucose pentacetate in different stages; 3. application of ozone as a bleaching agent and as an innovative and alternative process. All alternatives were analyzed at laboratory level and replacement of reducing agents was also applied on a pilot scale. The stoppers from these assays were studied in terms of UV / Vis spectroscopy reflectance, FTIR- ATR, residual hydrogen peroxide content, ISO whiteness and brightness reversion by diffuse reflectance for the wavelength of 457 nm by colorimetry. The results obtained were always compared with the conventional processing and stoppers from the industrial process. For the first approach- agent redutor implementation - best results correspond to sodium bisulfite, which in addition to reducing the residual hydrogen peroxide to within the permissible limit and neutralize the sodium hydroxide, allows to slightly increase of ISO whiteness values of the stoppers when compared with the conventional method. The application of peracetic acid and glucose pentacetate, corresponding to the second experimental approach, while allowing achieve ISO whiteness values in the 1st and 2nd washing stage higher than the reference test, the final values are lower. That said, the implementation of these reagents seems to not be favorable in these conditions. Finally, the ozone application is a more disruptive alternative view of the innovation washing process of cork stoppers. With a contact time of only 15 minutes it was possible to achieve ISO brightness values similar to those of "Cerveja" washing staining stoppers for a period in the manufacturing process of about 2 hours, responding to improved design requirements of the visual aspect and uniformity of the final color stopper allowing simultaneously decrease the amount of TCA in cork stoppers identified.

Mestrado em Engenharia Química
O presente trabalho, realizado na empresa Amorim & Irmãos, S.A. teve como principal objetivo a avaliação e otimização da lavação de rolhas de cortiça técnicas, designadas por Twin Top®, em termos do perfil de consumo de reagentes químicos e do desenvolvimento da sua brancura. Para tal foi desenvolvida uma metodologia de análise de brancura de rolhas Twin Top® que serviu de base para a determinação de uma gama de brancuras aceitável. Para além disto, efetuou-se a avaliação do processo de lavação atualmente praticado e apartir do qual se realizaram os ensaios de otimização a nível laboratorial e piloto. Foram aplicados diferentes métodos de análise tais como, UV-Vis, FTIR-ATR, RMN e brancura ISO. Tendo como base de análise os espetros de refletância difusa de espetroscopia de UV-Vis foi proposta uma metodologia de determinação da brancura de rolhas Twin Top® a 457nm, adoptando as condições da Norma ISO 3688, aplicada na indústria da pasta e papel. De seguida, aplicando o método anteriormente definido, analisaram-se 1000 rolhas Twin Top® de lavação branca. Sendo que os resultados demonstraram que para rolhas dentro de especificação a brancura ISO deve estar entre os 30 e 35%. Foram ainda analisadas rolhas de diferentes classes visuais e provenientes de várias máquinas de lavação da fábrica para determinar possíveis diferenças. Para proceder à avaliação da lavação existente analisaram-se as colas usadas na produção das rolhas, um grânulo de cortiça e a matéria seca do efluente de lavação por FTIR-ATR e RMN. Desta avaliação resultou a presença de compostos de cortiça e cola degradada no efluente de lavação. Determinou-se a concentração dos reagentes intervenientes no processo que se mostraram de acordo com as especificações indicadas pelos fornecedores. Para a otimização da lavação combinou-se o peróxido de hidrogénio e hidróxido de sódio em diferentes quantidades, concentrações e diferentes tempos de reação o que permitiu identificar a melhor alternativa à lavação convencional. Assim existem duas propostas que devem ser tidas em consideração: uma em que a lavação mantém a mesma sequência da convencional e em que se altera o local de adição dos reagentes, que deve ser o mais próxima e direta possível das rolhas, e a outra em que se reduz o tempo do processo em 29,3 min, que compreende apenas uma oxidação e em que a quantidade de reagentes aplicada corresponde à soma dos volumes de reagentes das três oxidações do processo convencional.
This work, carried out in Amorim, SA aimed to the evaluation and optimization of washing techniques cork stoppers, called Twin Top®, in terms of consumption profile of chemical reagents and development of its whiteness. For such was developed a methodology of whiteness analysis to Twin Top® stoppers which formed the basis for determining a range of acceptable whiteness. In addition to this we performed the evaluation of washing process currently practiced which led optimization assays laboratory and pilot level. Different analytical methods have been applied such as, UV-Vis, FTIR-ATR, NMR and ISO whiteness. Based on analysis of the spectra of reflectance UVVis spectroscopy was proposed a methodology for determining the whiteness of Twin Top® stoppers to 457 nm adopting the requirements of ISO 3688 applied in the pulp and paper industry. Then, applying the method defined above, were analyzed 1000 stoppers Twin Top® with white washing. The results showed that for corks within specification ISO brightness should be between 30 and 35%. More factory classes and several washing machines stoppers were also analyzed to determine possible differences. To carry out the evaluation of the existing washing analyzed adhesives used in the production of cork stoppers, cork and the dry matter of the washing effluent by FTIR and ATR-NMR, and verified the presence of cork compounds and glue degraded in effluent washing. It determined the concentration of the reagents involved in the process that is shown in accordance with the specifications given by the suppliers. For optimum washing was combined hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide in different quantities and different reaction time allowed to identify the best alternative to conventional washing. Thus there are two proposals that must be taken into account: one in which the washing keeps the same sequence which is conventional and which alters the location of addition of reactants, should be as close as possible and direct the stoppers, and the other in which reduces the process time 29.3 min and comprising only an oxidation in which the amount of reagent applied the sum of the volumes of the reagents used in three oxidation of the conventional process.

Mestrado em Engenharia Química
A presente dissertação realizada em ambiente empresarial na Amorim & Irmãos, S.A., teve como principal objetivo o controlo das variáveis do processo de lavação de rolhas TwinTop® melhorando o aspeto visual, a uniformidade da cor e o revestimento das mesmas. Foi abordada uma análise modal de falhas e efeitos para compreender e adquirir conhecimento sobre o processo de lavação. Foram estudadas as técnicas e métodos de avaliação dos parâmetros pretendidos para a caraterização deste tipos de rolhas ténicas. Por isso realizou-se estudos para a validação da redução de reagentes químicos e a sua substituição utilizados na lavação ”branca”de rolhas TwinTop®. Decorrente deste estudo foram apresentadas e avaliadas duas abordagens diferentes para a lavação: na primeira abordagem, foi reduzido apenas o agente de branqueamento (peróxido de hidrogénio); na segunda, foi alterada as quantidades dos reagentes envolvidos tendo em atenção o balanço das reações de branqueamento. Estudou-se ainda a possibilidade de introduzir o agente redutor e as suas respetivas quantidades (hidrogenossulfito de sódio e ditionito de sódio) em vez do atual hidrogenossulfato de sódio, com intuito de diminuir o peróxido residual nas rolhas. As duas abordagens referidas foram testadas a nível laboratorial e industrial. Em todos os ensaios, as rolhas foram submetidas a uma avaliação da humidade relativa, do teor residual de peróxidos após 1 e 48 horas da lavação e a brancura ISO através de refletância difusa para o comprimento de onda de 457 nm através de colorimetria. O ensaio com a redução de peróxido de hidrogénio foi submetida a análise de superfície por FTIR-ATR. Os resultados obtidos para a primeira abordagem permitem uma redução de 14% de peróxido de hidrogénio utilizado na lavação ”branca”obtendo-se os mesmos valores de brancura ISO. A segunda aborgem permite uma redução da quantidade de reagentes e substituiçao do agente redutor para o hidrogenossulfito de sódio, gerando uma poupança anual de 4.406,88 C/ano. O tratamento de superfície foi analisado por FTIR-ATR obtendo-se uma percentagem total de revestimento ligeiramente superior para as rolhas com redução de peróxido de hidrogénio na lavação.
The present dissertation held in a business environment in Amorim&Irmãos, S.A., had as its main objective the control of the variations of the washing process of TwinTop® stoppers by improving the visual appearance, color uniformity and coating thereof. A modal analysis of flaws and effects was undertaken to understand and acquire knowledge about the washing process. The techniques and methods of evaluation of the desired parameters for the characterization of this type of technical stoppers were studied. Therefore, studies have been carried out for the validation of the reduction of chemical reagents and their substitution used in the ”white”washing of TwinTop® stoppers. From this study two different approaches to washing were presented and evaluated: in the first approach, only the bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide) was reduced; in the second, the quantities of the reactants involved were altered taking into account the balance of the bleaching reactions. It was also studied the possibility of introducing the reducing agent and its respective amounts (sodium hydrogen sulfite and sodium dithionite) instead of the current sodium hydrogen sulfate, in order to reduce the residual peroxide in the stoppers.The two approaches mentioned were tested at laboratory and industrial level. In all tests the corks were subjected to an evaluation of the relative humidity, the residual peroxide content after 1 and 48 hours of the wash and the ISO whiteness by diffuse reflectance at the wavelength of 457 nm by colorimetry. The hydrogen peroxide reduction assay was subjected to FTIR-ATR surface analysis. The results obtained for the first approach allow a 14% reduction of hydrogen peroxide used in the ”white”wash to obtain the same ISO whiteness values. The second abatement allows a reduction of the amount of reagents and substitution of the reducing agent for the sodium hydrogen sulfite, generating an annual saving of 4,406.88 euro/year.The surface treatment was analyzed by TTR-FTIR giving a slightly higher total percentage of coating for stoppers with reduction of hydrogen peroxide in the wash.

Mestrado em Biotecnologia Industrial e Ambiental
O presente trabalho desenvolvido na Amorim & Irmãos, S.A., teve como objetivo principal o estudo do impacto das alterações do processo de lava-ção na qualidade das rolhas naturais. A lavação destina-se a assegurar a limpeza, desinfeção e branqueamento das rolhas de cortiça, contribuindo para uma melhoria do seu aspeto visual e ausência de microrganismos. Foram recolhidas duas amostras, uma antes, L1, e outra L2,depois, de alterações introduzidas ao processo, como ajustes aos programas da lava-ção, que foram analisadas em diferentes etapas: na sua forma natural, após a lavação, e como produto final. De forma a avaliar o efeito das alterações ao processo sobre a qualidade das rolhas foram aplicados os métodos de controlo realizados na Amorim & Irmãos, S.A. e, para melhor caracterizar os produtos e o seu comporta-mento nas rolhas de cortiça, métodos de controlo complementar, como a análise da brancura, Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourrier e Refletância Total Atenuada (FTIR-ATR) e Microscopia Eletró-nica de Varrimento (SEM). Pode concluir-se que o impacto das alterações feitas ao processo foi posi-tivo, traduzindo-se numa melhoria da performance das rolhas pertencentes à amostra L2, quando comparada com L1, refletida em alguns dos resulta-dos dos métodos de controlo realizados, como o aspeto visual e uniformi-dade da superfície das rolhas ao longo do processo de marcação. As aná-lises de FTIR-ATR e SEM revelaram-se inconclusivas na comparação en-tre L1 e L2, apesar de demonstrarem que a estrutura da cortiça é preser-vada após a lavação e o tratamento de superfície.
The present work developed in Amorim & Irmãos, S.A., aims the study of the impact of industrial washing process modifications in the quality of natu-ral cork stoppers. Washing is intended to ensure cork stoppers cleaning, disinfection and bleaching, contributing to an improvement of their visual aspect and an absence of microorganisms. Two samples were collected, one before, L1, and L2, after process modifications, and were analyzed at different stages: natural, after washing and as a final product. Assays methods accomplished in Amorim & Irmãos, S.A, were applied to better characterize the products and their behavior in cork stoppers. Com-plementary analysis methods were also performed, namely whiteness analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It can be concluded that the process modifications had a positive impact, translated into a performance improvement of L2 sample compared to L1. That improvement was proved with some of analysis results, such as visual analysis and the stoppers superficial uniformity during branding process. FTIR-ATR and SEM analyses were inconclusive when samples L1 and L2 were compared. However, they demonstrated that the cork structure was preserved after washing and surface treatment, for both samples.