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18 pages, 3020 KiB  
Article
Metabolomics Characterization of Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of Highland Barley Monascus Tea Decoction Before and After Simulated Digestion In Vitro
by Haiyu Wu, Bin Dang, Wengang Zhang, Jie Zhang, Wancai Zheng, Jing Hao, Ping Ma and Xijuan Yang
Foods 2024, 13(23), 3950; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233950 - 6 Dec 2024
Abstract
A broadly targeted metabolomics approach based on UPLC-MS/MS was employed to investigate the changes in chemical composition and in vitro activity of highland barley Monascus tea decoction before and after simulated digestion. The characteristic metabolites of the tea decoction before and after in [...] Read more.
A broadly targeted metabolomics approach based on UPLC-MS/MS was employed to investigate the changes in chemical composition and in vitro activity of highland barley Monascus tea decoction before and after simulated digestion. The characteristic metabolites of the tea decoction before and after in vitro-simulated digestion were identified, and the in vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of the tea decoction were further analyzed. The study detected 1431 metabolites, including amino acids and their derivatives, alkaloids, organic acids, nucleotides and their derivatives, lipids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. A total of 136 differential compounds were identified, primarily distributed in amino acids and their derivatives, alkaloids, organic acids, phenolics, and lipids. in vitro-simulated digestion significantly increased the content of amino acids, alkaloids, lipids, and phenolics in the tea. The differential metabolic compounds were primarily assigned to 20 metabolic pathways, mainly involving the metabolism of amino acids, nucleotides, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and other compounds. Additionally, after simulated digestion in vitro, the comprehensive antioxidant index (60.53%), α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (54.35%), and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity (4.06%) was significantly improved. The highland barley Monascus tea decoction showed potential hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic efficacy. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the high-value utilization of highland barley and the development of healthy grain tea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Foodomics)
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<p>Distribution and variability of 1431 metabolites in highland barley Monascus tea decoction before and after simulated digestion in vitro. (<b>A</b>) Total ion flow plots of mixed samples and quality control (QC) samples-negative ion mode; (<b>B</b>) Total ion flow plots of mixed samples and quality control (QC) samples-positive ion mode; (<b>C</b>) MRM metabolite multi-peak detection plots-negative ion mode; (<b>D</b>) MRM metabolite multi-peak detection plots-positive ion mode; (<b>E</b>) Classifications and compositions of the 1431 metabolites; (<b>F</b>) Different classes of metabolites’ relative content; (<b>G</b>) principal component analysis of metabolites; (<b>H</b>) OPLS-DA score plot of metabolites.</p>
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<p>Clustering heat map of differential metabolites in highland barley Monascus tea decoction before and after simulated digestion in vitro.</p>
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<p>Classification and expression of different metabolites of highland barley Monascus tea decoction before and after simulated digestion in vitro. (<b>A</b>) Classification and composition of 136 differential metabolites; (<b>B</b>) the relative content of differentiated metabolites of different classes; (<b>C</b>) Up-regulated and down-regulated metabolite statistics; (<b>D</b>) Differential metabolites in the top 10 multiples of change.</p>
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<p>Changes in the content of five amino acids and their derivatives, five alkaloids, five organic acids, and 10 phenolic constituents in barley red tea broth before and after simulated digestion in vitro.</p>
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<p>KEGG annotation and enrichment results of differential metabolites of highland barley Monascus tea decoction before and after simulated digestion in vitro.</p>
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<p>In vitro activities of highland barley Monascus tea decoction before and after simulated digestion in vitro (<b>A</b>) DPPH radical scavenging ability, ABTS radical scavenging ability and FRAP reducing ability; (<b>B</b>) APC composite index (<b>C</b>) Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities; (<b>D</b>) Inhibition of lipase activity. Different lowercase letters in the figure represent significant differences between groups in different digestion stages of in vitro simulated digestion for the measured indexes.</p>
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17 pages, 1073 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Peptides in Greek Goat Colostrum: Relevance to Human Metabolism
by Maria Louiza Petre, Anna Nefeli Kontouli Pertesi, Olympia Eirini Boulioglou, Eleana Sarantidi, Artemis G. Korovesi, Athina Kozei, Angeliki I. Katsafadou, George T. Tsangaris, Antonia Trichopoulou and Athanasios K. Anagnostopoulos
Foods 2024, 13(23), 3949; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233949 - 6 Dec 2024
Abstract
Colostrum is essential for the survival and development of newborn mammals. This primary source of nourishment during the first days of infant life is rich in functional components conductive to the enhancement of neonate immunity and growth. Compared with mature milk, a higher [...] Read more.
Colostrum is essential for the survival and development of newborn mammals. This primary source of nourishment during the first days of infant life is rich in functional components conductive to the enhancement of neonate immunity and growth. Compared with mature milk, a higher protein and peptide content is observed in colostrum, whilst it is low in fat and carbohydrates. The functional properties of colostrum are closely linked to the release of bioactive peptides during the gastrointestinal digestion of colostrum proteins. Our study aimed to comprehensively analyze the whey proteome of colostrum from indigenous Greek goats and to examine the influence of bioactive peptides released during digestion on human metabolism. Colostrum and mature milk samples from healthy ewes were subjected to nanoLC-MS/MS analysis, revealing differentially expressed proteins. These proteins were functionally characterized and subjected to in silico digestion. Using machine learning models, we classified the peptide functional groups, while molecular docking assessed the binding affinity of the proposed angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)- and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV)-inhibitory peptides to their target molecules. A total of 898 proteins were identified in colostrum, 40 of which were overexpressed compared with mature milk. The enzymatic cleavage of upregulated proteins by key gastrointestinal tract proteases and the downstream analysis of peptide sequences identified 117 peptides predicted (with >80% confidence) to impact metabolism, primarily through modulation of the renin–angiotensin system, insulin secretion, and redox pathways. This work advances our understanding of dietary bioactive peptides and their relevance to human metabolism, highlighting the potential health benefits of colostrum consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Physics and (Bio)Chemistry)
12 pages, 3281 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Sodium Chloride Concentrations on Growth and Phytochemical Production of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. in a Hydroponic System
by Giju Eoh, Chulhyun Kim, Jiwon Bae and Jongseok Park
Horticulturae 2024, 10(12), 1304; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10121304 - 6 Dec 2024
Abstract
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L., commonly known as the ice plant, is a halophyte recognized for its exceptional salinity tolerance. This study aimed to determine the optimal NaCl concentration for promoting plant growth, D-pinitol, and other phytochemicals in M. crystallinum cultivated in a hydroponics system. [...] Read more.
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L., commonly known as the ice plant, is a halophyte recognized for its exceptional salinity tolerance. This study aimed to determine the optimal NaCl concentration for promoting plant growth, D-pinitol, and other phytochemicals in M. crystallinum cultivated in a hydroponics system. Seedlings of M. crystallinum were transplanted into a hydroponic system and subjected to different NaCl concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mM) in the nutrient solution. To evaluate the plant’s response to salinity stress, measurements were conducted on growth parameters, chlorophyll and carotenoid levels, total flavonoid and polyphenol contents, and DPPH scavenging activity. The optimal NaCl concentration for growth was found to be 200 mM, at which the shoot fresh and dry weights were highest. Additionally, total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were maximized at 200 mM NaCl, with a subsequent decrease at higher concentrations. The highest DPPH scavenging activity was observed in the 200 mM NaCl treatment, which correlated with increased levels of total flavonoids and polyphenols. These results indicated that optimizing NaCl concentration can enhance the antioxidant activity of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. The D-pinitol content also peaked at 200 mM NaCl treatment, further supporting its role osmotic adjustment under salinity stress. M. crystallinum exhibited enhanced antioxidant production and cellular protective functions at 200 mM NaCl, which optimized its biochemical defense mechanisms and helped maintain physiological functions under salinity stress. These findings provide valuable insights for agricultural and biological applications, particularly in cultivating M. crystallinum for its bioactive compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Nutrition)
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<p>Shoot fresh weight (<b>A</b>), shoot dry weight (<b>B</b>), root fresh weight (<b>C</b>), and root dry weight (<b>D</b>) of <span class="html-italic">Mesembryanthemum crystallinum</span> L. grown at different NaCl concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 mM) at 5 weeks after transplanting. Data are represented as mean values ± standard error of three replicates (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 10). Different letters above the bars indicate significant differences between treatments via Tukey’s HSD test at <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05.</p>
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<p>Morphology of <span class="html-italic">M. crystallinum</span>. NaCl was stressed at different NaCl concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 mM) after 4 weeks of treatment.</p>
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<p>Ratio of shoot/root FW (<b>A</b>), ratio of shoot/root DW (<b>B</b>), leaf water content (<b>C</b>) of <span class="html-italic">Mesembryanthemum crystallinum</span> L. grown at different NaCl concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 mM). Data are represented as mean values ± standard error of three replicates (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 10). Different letters above the bars indicate significant differences between treatments via Tukey’s HSD test at <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05.</p>
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<p>Total chlorophyll (<b>A</b>), total carotenoids (<b>B</b>) in <span class="html-italic">Mesembryanthemum crystallinum</span> L. grown at different NaCl concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 mM). Values are calculated as means ± standard error of three replicates (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 10). Different letters indicate significant differences (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05).</p>
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<p>Total flavonoids (<b>A</b>), total phenolic contents (<b>B</b>), and D-pinitol concentration (<b>C</b>) in <span class="html-italic">Mesembryanthemum crystallinum</span> L. grown at different NaCl concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 mM). Values are calculated as means ± standard error of three replicates (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 10). Different letters indicate significant differences (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05).</p>
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<p>DPPH radical scavenging activity in <span class="html-italic">Mesembryanthemum crystallinum</span> L. grown at different NaCl concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 mM). Values are calculated as means ± standard error of three replicates (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3). Different letters indicate significant differences (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05).</p>
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51 pages, 8216 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Combined Ultrasound and Microwave-Assisted Extraction for Enhanced Bioactive Compounds Recovery from Four Medicinal Plants: Oregano, Rosemary, Hypericum, and Chamomile
by Konstantina Theodora Laina, Christina Drosou, Chrysanthos Stergiopoulos, Panagiota Maria Eleni and Magdalini Krokida
Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5773; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235773 - 6 Dec 2024
Abstract
This study presents the synergistic application of ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction (UAE–MAE) as a novel and efficient method for recovering bioactive compounds from the medicinal plants oregano, rosemary, Hypericum perforatum, and chamomile. Extraction parameters, including microwave (MW) power, ultrasound (US) power, and [...] Read more.
This study presents the synergistic application of ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction (UAE–MAE) as a novel and efficient method for recovering bioactive compounds from the medicinal plants oregano, rosemary, Hypericum perforatum, and chamomile. Extraction parameters, including microwave (MW) power, ultrasound (US) power, and extraction time, were optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM), with ethanol as the solvent. Extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC) via the Folin–Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activity (IC50) using the DPPH assay. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC–DAD) identified the main bioactive compounds contributing to their antioxidant and therapeutic potential. The optimized UAE–MAE conditions enhanced phenolic recovery and antioxidant potential across all plants. Notably, Hypericum perforatum exhibited the highest TPC (53.7 mg GAE/g) and strongest antioxidant activity (IC50 29.8 mg extract/g) under 200 W MW, 450 W US, and 12 min, yielding 14.5%. Rosemary achieved the highest yield (23.36%) with a TPC of 26.35 mg GAE/g and an IC50 of 40.75 mg extract/g at 200 W MW, 700 W US, and 8 min. Oregano’s optimal conditions (500 W MW, 700 W US, 12 min) produced a TPC of 34.99 mg GAE/g and an IC50 of 50.31 mg extract/g. Chamomile extracts demonstrated lower phenolic content and antioxidant activity but achieved significant yields under 500 W MW, 700 W US, and 5 min. This study highlights UAE–MAE’s superior efficiency, showcasing its potential to maximize phenolic recovery sustainably, making it a promising technique for industrial and therapeutic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Emerging Trends of Extraction and Encapsulation in Food)
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<p>Plots of predicted versus actual values for the <span class="html-italic">Y</span> (%) of oregano extracts.</p>
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<p>Plots of predicted versus actual values for the IC50 (mg extract/g raw material) of UAE of oregano extracts.</p>
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<p>Plots of predicted versus actual values for the TPC (mg GAE/g raw material) of oregano extracts.</p>
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<p>Response surface and contour plots showing the effects of MW power, US power, extraction time on the extraction yield (%) of oregano extracts. (<b>a</b>) MW power vs. US power (extraction time: 8 min); (<b>b</b>) MW power vs. extraction time (US power: 450 W); (<b>c</b>) US power vs. extraction time (MW power: 200 W).</p>
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<p>Response surface and contour plots showing the effects of MW power, US power, extraction time on IC<sub>50</sub> (mg extract/g raw material) values of oregano extracts. (<b>a</b>) MW power vs. US power (extraction time: 8 min); (<b>b</b>) MW power vs. extraction time (US power: 450 W).</p>
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<p>Response surface and contour plots showing the effects of MW power, US power, extraction time on TPC (mg GAE/g raw material) values of oregano extracts. (<b>a</b>) MW power vs. US power (extraction time: 8 min); (<b>b</b>) MW power vs. extraction time (US power: 450 W).</p>
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<p>Plots of predicted versus actual values for the Y (%) of rosemary extracts.</p>
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<p>Plots of predicted versus actual values for the IC<sub>50</sub> (mg extract/g raw material) of UAE of rosemary extracts.</p>
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<p>Plots of predicted versus actual values for the TPC (mg GAE/g raw material) of rosemary extracts.</p>
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<p>Response surface and contour plots showing the effects of MW power, US power, extraction time on IC<sub>50</sub> (mg extract/g raw material) values of rosemary extracts. (<b>a</b>) MW power vs. US power (extraction time: 8 min); (<b>b</b>) MW power vs. extraction time (US power: 450 W); (<b>c</b>) US power vs. extraction time (MW power: 200 W).</p>
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<p>Response surface and contour plots showing the effects of MW power and US power on TPC (mg GAE/g raw material) values of rosemary extracts.</p>
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<p>Plots of predicted versus actual values for the <span class="html-italic">Y</span> (%) of hypericum extracts.</p>
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<p>Plots of predicted versus actual values for the IC<sub>50</sub> (mg extract/g raw material) of UAE of hypericum extracts.</p>
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<p>Plots of predicted versus actual values for the TPC (mg GAE/g raw material) of hypericum extracts.</p>
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<p>Response surface and contour plots showing the effects of MW power and US power on the extraction yield (%) of hypericum extracts.</p>
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<p>Response surface and contour plots showing the effects of MW power, US power, extraction time on IC<sub>50</sub> (mg extract/g raw material) values of hypericum extracts. (<b>a</b>) MW power vs. US power (extraction time: 8 min); (<b>b</b>) MW power vs. extraction time (US power: 450 W); (<b>c</b>) US power vs. extraction time (MW power: 200 W).</p>
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<p>Response surface and contour plots showing the effects of MW power and US power on TPC (mg GAE/g raw material) values of hypericum extracts.</p>
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<p>Plots of predicted versus actual values for the <span class="html-italic">Y</span> (%) of chamomile extracts.</p>
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<p>Plots of predicted versus actual values for the IC<sub>50</sub> (mg extract/g raw material) of UAE of chamomile extracts.</p>
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<p>Plots of predicted versus actual values for the TPC (mg GAE/g raw material) of chamomile extracts.</p>
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<p>Response surface and contour plots showing the effects of MW power and US power on the extraction yield (%) of chamomile extracts.</p>
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<p>Response surface and contour plots showing the effects of MW power, US power, extraction time on IC<sub>50</sub> (mg extract/g raw material) values of chamomile extracts. (<b>a</b>) MW power vs. US power (extraction time: 8 min); (<b>b</b>) MW power vs. extraction time (US power: 450 W).</p>
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<p>Response surface and contour plots showing the effects of MW power and US power on TPC (mg GAE/g raw material) values of chamomile extracts.</p>
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<p>HPLC chromatograms of oregano extract recorded at 280 nm (for detection of rosmarinic acid and carvacrol).</p>
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<p>HPLC chromatograms of rosemary extract recorded at 280 nm (for detection of rosmarinic acid, carnosol, and carnosic acid).</p>
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<p>HPLC chromatograms of hypericum extract recorded at: (<b>a</b>) 272 nm (for detection of hyperforin), and (<b>b</b>) 520 nm (for detection of hypericin).</p>
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<p>HPLC chromatogram of chamomile extract recorded at 360 nm (for detection of rutin and quercetin).</p>
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20 pages, 1256 KiB  
Review
Mitigating Food Protein Allergenicity with Biopolymers, Bioactive Compounds, and Enzymes
by Moslem Sabaghi and Soheila J. Maleki
Allergies 2024, 4(4), 234-253; https://doi.org/10.3390/allergies4040016 - 6 Dec 2024
Viewed by 4
Abstract
This review explores strategies for mitigating food allergies by treating foods with biopolymers, bioactive compounds, and food-grade enzymes. Biopolymers like chitosan, alginate, and pectin show potential in reducing the allergenic properties of food. Polyphenols such as quercetin, resveratrol, curcumin, and epigallocatechin gallate demonstrate [...] Read more.
This review explores strategies for mitigating food allergies by treating foods with biopolymers, bioactive compounds, and food-grade enzymes. Biopolymers like chitosan, alginate, and pectin show potential in reducing the allergenic properties of food. Polyphenols such as quercetin, resveratrol, curcumin, and epigallocatechin gallate demonstrate promise as anti-inflammatory molecules that can lessen the symptoms and severity of allergic reactions. Enzymes, including proteases such as pepsin, papain, and bromelain, and transferases like transglutaminase, offer the potential to reduce the allergenic potency of proteins by various mechanisms, though more research is needed for the optimization and assessment of the safety and palatability of treated foods. Overall, this review offers insights into potential strategies to alleviate allergic reactions by reducing the allergenic properties of food proteins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Allergy)
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<p>Graphic representation of the immune response to allergens or other perceived intruding molecules.</p>
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15 pages, 306 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant Capacity and Cardiovascular Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables: A Proposal for Comparative Scales
by André Oliveira, Jorge Lameiras, Pedro Mendes-Moreira and Goreti Botelho
Nutraceuticals 2024, 4(4), 695-709; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals4040039 - 6 Dec 2024
Viewed by 70
Abstract
Fruits and vegetables are sources of natural nutraceuticals. They contain a variety of bioactive compounds such as vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers and other phytochemicals that contribute to their health-promoting properties and disease prevention. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables should be eaten [...] Read more.
Fruits and vegetables are sources of natural nutraceuticals. They contain a variety of bioactive compounds such as vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers and other phytochemicals that contribute to their health-promoting properties and disease prevention. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables should be eaten to ensure that an individual’s diet includes a combination of phytonutraceuticals and to obtain all their health benefits. This study aimed to compare the antioxidant potential and cardiovascular benefits within a restricted sample of ten fruits and ten vegetables, previously reported as largely consumed in Portugal. With data available from the literature, antioxidant potential scales were established. Additionally, a set of seven criteria, including high antioxidant capacity (FRAP values above 1), presence of n-3 fatty acids, saturated fat, cholesterol, trans fatty acids, fiber and sodium was used to create comparative scales of their potential cardiovascular benefits. The main results showed that the fruits that simultaneously exhibited the highest antioxidant potential values and the highest cardiovascular potential benefit were lemon, grapes, and melon; among vegetables, the top rankings were found to be tomato and onion. These products have been recognized as interesting sources of natural nutraceuticals for the food and pharmaceutical industries. In the future, similar approaches are desirable to translate complex scientific data into practical, simple and user-friendly information for food literacy initiatives, including nutrition education materials, about the relative level of the potential cardiovascular benefits of a wide diversity of food products. Full article
18 pages, 2329 KiB  
Article
Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Flour: Effect of Drying Method and Variety on the Quality and Bioactivity
by Nelson Pereira, Ana Cristina Ramos, Marco Alves, Vítor D. Alves, Cristina Roseiro, Manuela Vida, Margarida Moldão and Marta Abreu
Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5771; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235771 - 6 Dec 2024
Viewed by 76
Abstract
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is a nutrient-dense crop rich in fibre, minerals, and antioxidant compounds, including carotenoids and phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins. Dehydrating sweet potato (SP) for flour production enhances its value and produces shelf-stable, health-promoting food products. This [...] Read more.
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is a nutrient-dense crop rich in fibre, minerals, and antioxidant compounds, including carotenoids and phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins. Dehydrating sweet potato (SP) for flour production enhances its value and produces shelf-stable, health-promoting food products. This study investigated the effects of hot-air drying (HAD: 75 °C/20 h) and freeze-drying (FD: −41–30 °C/70 h) on the bioactive composition of flours from three SP varieties: Bonita (white-fleshed), Bellevue (orange-fleshed), and NP1648 (purple-fleshed). Key assessments included the total phenolic content (TPC), the total carotenoid content (TCC), and the total anthocyanin content (TAC) and the antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP). The results revealed distinct raw materials’ bioactive profiles: Bellevue was rich in TCC (49.3 mg of β-carotene/100 g db), NP1648 showed elevated TAC (27.3 mg of cyanidin-3-glucoside/100 g db), and Bonita exhibited minimal content of bioactive compounds. Both drying methods yielded significant losses of bioactive compounds, with the TPC decreasing by over 60%, while TAC and TCC losses did not exceed 32%, revealing higher stability. Multivariate analysis indicated that the variety significantly influenced the bioactive profiles more than the drying method. The interaction between carotenoids and anthocyanins and the SP fibrous composition likely contributed to their stability during drying, indicating that FD showed no advantages over HAD. The appealing colours and high antioxidant content of Bellevue and NP1648 flours suggest their potential as ingredients for enhancing foods’ bioactivity and sensory acceptance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active Ingredients in Functional Foods and Their Impact on Health)
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<p>Colour of fresh samples (first row) and corresponding flours (second row) for each variety.</p>
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<p>Reduction levels of total microorganism ((<b>a</b>) log<sub>10</sub> CFU/g) and Y&amp;M ((<b>b</b>) log<sub>10</sub> CFU/g) counts for hot-air-dried and freeze-dried SP flours from the three studied varieties compared to the raw material. Vertical bars denote 0.95 confidence intervals. Means sharing letters are not significantly different; different letters indicate <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05 (Tukey).</p>
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<p>Principal component analysis (PCA) of the composition of SP flours, influenced by variety and drying method: (<b>a</b>) loading plot and (<b>b</b>) score plot. Abbreviations: TPC-total phenolic content; TCC-total carotenoid content; DPPH MeOH-AOx through the DPPH method for the hydrophilic fraction; DPPH DCM-AOx through the DPPH method for the lipid fraction; FRAP-AOx through the FRAP method; TAC-total anthocyanin content; β-carotene-β-carotene content; MC-moisture content; Ash-ash content; Prot-protein content; Fat-fat content; Carbo-carbohydrate content.</p>
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<p>Varieties under study: <span class="html-italic">Bonita</span> (white-fleshed), <span class="html-italic">Bellevue</span> (orange-fleshed), and <span class="html-italic">NP1648</span> (purple-fleshed).</p>
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17 pages, 2634 KiB  
Article
An Improved pH-Driven Method for Upcycling Polyphenols from Plants or Byproducts into Foods
by Xiping Gong, Minghe Wang, Peng Lu and Hualu Zhou
Foods 2024, 13(23), 3945; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233945 - 6 Dec 2024
Viewed by 95
Abstract
The incorporation of polyphenols into food systems provides various health benefits, yet their stability and bioactivity are often compromised by processing conditions. In this study, we advanced the pH-driven method for processing highly pH-sensitive polyphenols, such as quercetin, by optimizing operating conditions, including [...] Read more.
The incorporation of polyphenols into food systems provides various health benefits, yet their stability and bioactivity are often compromised by processing conditions. In this study, we advanced the pH-driven method for processing highly pH-sensitive polyphenols, such as quercetin, by optimizing operating conditions, including minimizing oxygen exposure and reducing operating times. As a result, an improved post-pH-driven (PPD) method was developed to encapsulate pH-sensitive quercetin into nanoemulsions with an encapsulation efficiency exceeding 95%, indicating that this method could be broadly applicable for incorporating various polyphenols. For example, it has been successfully applied to upcycle plant polyphenols from peanut skin into nanoemulsions, serving as a representative food model. The PPD method demonstrated superior performance compared to a conventional water-based method, achieving 1.8 times higher remaining percentage of total polyphenolic content. Additionally, the PPD-based nanoemulsions exhibited significantly enhanced antioxidant properties, with DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities increasing by 3.7 and 2.8 times, respectively, compared to the water-based method. These findings underscore the potential of the PPD method as a versatile and efficient approach for developing polyphenol-powered foods by upcycling plant byproducts and improving processing efficiency. Full article
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<p>Impact of pH on quercetin solubility under alkaline conditions. (<b>A</b>) The pKa values of the quercetin molecule, obtained from a previous study, including computational predictions (in black) and experimental measurements via capillary electrophoresis (in red), where the symbol “-” means not available [<a href="#B56-foods-13-03945" class="html-bibr">56</a>]. (<b>B</b>) Photographs of quercetin (30 mg) solubilized in 5 mL of alkaline solutions at different pH levels, following centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 20 min.</p>
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<p>Impact of varying oxygen exposure levels and operating time on the chemical stability of quercetin at pH 12. Different concentrations of NaOH (e.g., 0.1 N or 1.0 N) were used to adjust the final volume and achieve the target pH value. ‘20× diluted’ indicates that the mixed solution was diluted 20-fold in a pH 12 NaOH solution.</p>
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<p>Improved encapsulation efficiency of polyphenols by minimizing oxygen exposure. (<b>A</b>) Schematic representation of the improved PPD approach for incorporating polyphenols from plants or byproducts into colloidal dispersions. (<b>B</b>) Comparison of the encapsulation efficiency of quercetin in nanoemulsions using the conventional pH-driven approach and the new PPD approach. The conventional pH-driven approach was based on the procedure described in previous studies [<a href="#B11-foods-13-03945" class="html-bibr">11</a>,<a href="#B45-foods-13-03945" class="html-bibr">45</a>]. Uppercase letters (A and B) indicate significant differences between samples (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05).</p>
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<p>The appearance of peanut skin-powered nanoemulsions. (<b>A</b>) The color coordinates (L*, a*, and b*) of three different samples: Blank (nanoemulsions), PPD-Based (peanut skin-incorporated nanoemulsions via the new PPD method), and Water-Based (peanut skin-incorporated nanoemulsions via the water-based extraction method). (<b>B</b>) The photos of three different samples. The total color difference (ΔE) values between “Blank” and “PPD-based” or “Water-based” samples were 9.1 ± 0.2 and 3.4 ± 0.1, respectively, calculated as the square root of the sum of the squared differences in their L, a, and b values. Lowercase letters (a, b, and c) indicate significant differences between samples (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05).</p>
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<p>Impact of different treatments on the particle size of nanoemulsions. (<b>A</b>) Mean particle diameters and (<b>B</b>) size distributions of the three different samples. The PDI values are 0.059, 0.113, and 0.057, respectively. Uppercase letters (A and B) indicate significant differences between samples (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05).</p>
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<p>Impact of different treatments on the surface charges of nanoemulsions. (<b>A</b>) Zeta potentials of three different samples. (<b>B</b>) Proposed structures of peanut skin-incorporated nanoemulsions. Uppercase letters (A, B, and C) indicate significant differences between samples (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05).</p>
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<p>Impact of different treatments on the relative total phenolic content of peanut skin-incorporated nanoemulsions. Letters (a and b, or A and B) indicate significant differences between samples (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05). The ratio (e.g., “1.5×” or “1.8×”) was calculated relative to the water-based sample.</p>
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<p>Impact of different treatments on the antioxidant properties of peanut skin-incorporated nanoemulsions: (<b>A</b>) relative DPPH (%) and (<b>B</b>) ABTS (%). Letters (a and b, or A and B) indicate significant differences between samples (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05). The ratio (e.g., “3.7×”) was calculated relative to the water-based sample.</p>
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20 pages, 4960 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Physicochemical Properties, Bioactivities, and Sensory Attributes of Sea Buckthorn–Fava Bean Composite Instant Powder: Spray-Drying Versus Freeze-Drying Coupled with Carriers
by Shi Li, Xizhe Fu, Jing Wen, Lin Jiang, Liheng Shao, Yinglin Du and Chunhui Shan
Foods 2024, 13(23), 3944; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233944 - 6 Dec 2024
Viewed by 91
Abstract
Foods and beverages with health benefits have become increasingly popular with consumers, and fruits and legumes are considered good sources of nutrients. In this study, sea buckthorn and fava bean were used as the main raw materials to prepare sea buckthorn–fava bean composite [...] Read more.
Foods and beverages with health benefits have become increasingly popular with consumers, and fruits and legumes are considered good sources of nutrients. In this study, sea buckthorn and fava bean were used as the main raw materials to prepare sea buckthorn–fava bean composite instant powder (S-FCP). Different drying methods (spray-drying (SD) and freeze-drying (FD)) combined with carriers (maltodextrin (MD) and inulin (INU)) were involved to investigate their effects on physicochemical properties, functional properties, and sensory attributes of instant powder. The results showed that FD better protected the color of the S-FCP and produced particles possessing more porous structures compared to SD; FD-INU (freeze-dried-inulin) had the shortest dissolution time and the largest solubility. In addition, FD-INU had the highest total phenolic and total flavonoid contents and the strongest antioxidant capacity, and FD-INU had better overall organoleptic properties and hypoglycemic potential. Therefore, FD and the use of INU as a carrier are more suitable for the production of the S-FCP. This work provides a promising approach for developing a high-valued instant powder beverage composed of sea-buckthorn/broad bean, which also contributes to the development of the functional food industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Nutrition)
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<p>Fresh sea buckthorn–fava bean composite beverage, spray-dried and freeze-dried S-FCP with different carriers added.</p>
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<p>(<b>a</b>) Particle size distribution of spray-dried S-FCP with different carriers added; (<b>b</b>) Particle size distribution of freeze-dried S-FCP with different carriers added.</p>
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<p>Scanning electron micrographs of spray-dried and freeze-dried S-FCP with the addition of different carriers.</p>
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<p>Contact angles of spray-dried and freeze-dried S-FCP with different carriers added. Different letters in the figur indicate significant differences in values (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05).</p>
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<p>(<b>a</b>) Relaxation time (T<sub>2</sub>) inversion profiles of fresh sea buckthorn–fava bean composite beverage and spray-dried and freeze-dried S-FCP with the addition of different carriers (<b>b</b>) Relative peak areas of different water fractions in fresh sea buckthorn–fava bean composite beverage and spray-dried and freeze-dried S-FCP with the addition of different carriers.</p>
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<p>FT-IR spectra of spray-dried and freeze-dried S-FCP with the addition of different carriers.</p>
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<p>Correlation analysis between contact angle, wetting time, solubility, moisture content, and particle size of spray-dried and freeze-dried S-FCP with different carrier additions.</p>
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<p>(<b>a</b>) TPC and TFC of spray-dried and freeze-dried S-FCP with different carriers added; (<b>b</b>) DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging capacity of spray-dried and freeze-dried S-FCP with different carriers. Different letters in different graph indicate significant differences in values (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05).</p>
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<p>Inhibition of α-Glu and α-Amy by sea buckthorn juice, fresh sea buckthorn–fava bean composite beverage, and FD-INU rehydration beverage. Different letters in the figur indicate significant differences in values (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05).</p>
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<p>Sensory evaluation of spray-dried and freeze-dried S-FCP rehydrated with different carriers.</p>
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21 pages, 6850 KiB  
Article
Adsorption Behaviors of ctDNA and Biological Activities Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol/Polyethylene Glycol/Quaternized Chitosan Composite Hydrogel
by Lili Fu, Kun Liu, Jinyu Yang, Yuan Zhao, Zhijun Wang, Dongxu Tang, Yuesheng Li and Huangqin Chen
Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5770; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235770 - 6 Dec 2024
Viewed by 109
Abstract
In this study, a polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol/hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (PVA/PEG/HACC) ternary composite hydrogel was synthesized using electron-beam radiation. The materials were thoroughly characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, gelation fraction tests, and swelling [...] Read more.
In this study, a polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol/hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (PVA/PEG/HACC) ternary composite hydrogel was synthesized using electron-beam radiation. The materials were thoroughly characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, gelation fraction tests, and swelling rate tests. Systematic adsorption experiments revealed that the rate of adsorption of calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) by the PVA/PEG/HACC hydrogel reached 89%. The adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. This process was mainly characterized by monolayer chemical adsorption, with intraparticle diffusion playing a crucial role. In addition, the process was spontaneous, with higher temperatures enhancing adsorption. The possible adsorption mechanisms included electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals forces. The maximum ctDNA desorption rate was 81.67%. The adsorption rate remained at 71.39% after five adsorption–desorption cycles. The bioactivity of the PVA/PEG/HACC hydrogel was validated by antibacterial, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis tests. The results of this study demonstrated the crucial application potential of adsorbent materials in DNA adsorption and biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physicochemical Research on Material Surfaces)
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<p>A schematic diagram of the preparation process of PVA/PEG/HACC hydrogel.</p>
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<p>Standard curve of ctDNA: (<b>a</b>) UV absorption spectrum of ctDNA, (<b>b</b>) Fitting equation of ctDNA data.</p>
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<p>Characterization of different hydrogel samples: (<b>a</b>) FTIR spectra, (<b>b</b>) XRD patterns, (<b>c</b>) BET.</p>
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<p>Testing of different hydrogel samples: (<b>a</b>) gel fractions of PVA/PEG/HACC, (<b>b</b>) swelling performance, (<b>c</b>) DTG curves, (<b>d</b>) TG curves.</p>
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<p>SEM images: (<b>a</b>) PVA, (<b>b</b>) PVA/PEG, (<b>c</b>) PVA/PEG/HACC.</p>
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<p>Influence of different factors on ctDNA absorption of PVA/PEG/HACC hydrogel: (<b>a</b>) different samples; (<b>b</b>) different HACC content; (<b>c</b>) different radiation absorption doses; (<b>d</b>) different initial concentrations; (<b>e</b>) different pH values; (<b>f</b>) zeta potentials at different pH values.</p>
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<p>(<b>a</b>) Influence of contact time on ctDNA absorption by PVA/PEG/HACC hydrogel (pH = 7.35, T = 293.15 K), The kinetics model of ctDNA absorption on PVA/PEG/HACC hydrogel: (<b>b</b>) Pseudo-first-order kinetics; (<b>c</b>) Pseudo-second-order kinetics; (<b>d</b>) Particle diffusion model fitting; (<b>e</b>) Influence of the initial concentration and temperature on ctDNA absorption by PVA/PEG/HACC hydrogel; (<b>f</b>) Isotherms of ctDNA adsorption by PVA/PEG/HACC hydrogel; (<b>g</b>) Langmuir isotherm model fitting by PVA/PEG/HACC hydrogel; (<b>h</b>) Freundlich isotherm model fitting by PVA/PEG/HACC hydrogel.</p>
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<p>PVA/PEG/HACC hydrogel: (<b>a</b>) ctDNA desorption; (<b>b</b>) hydrogel recycling test; (<b>c</b>) FTIR spectra before and after ctDNA adsorption by PVA/PEG/HACC hydrogel; (<b>d</b>) Possible mechanism of ctDNA adsorption by PVA/PEG/HACC hydrogel.</p>
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<p>Antibacterial test. (<b>a</b>,<b>b</b>) Antimicrobial effect of <span class="html-italic">E. coli</span>; (<b>c</b>,<b>d</b>) Antimicrobial effect of <span class="html-italic">S. aureus</span>; (<b>e</b>,<b>f</b>) Bacteriostatic rings of different hydrogel samples against (<b>e</b>) <span class="html-italic">E. coli</span> and (<b>f</b>) <span class="html-italic">S. aureus</span>. The blue circles mark the location of the drugs, and the red marks the inhibition circles. Note: *: <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, **: <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, ***: <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001.</p>
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<p>(<b>a</b>) Detection of MC3T3-E1 cell apoptosis by Hoechst33342/PI staining; (<b>b</b>) Flow cytogram; (<b>c</b>) Percentage of live cells in flow cytogram; (<b>d</b>) MTT assay for MC3T3-E1 cell activity in different samples.</p>
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16 pages, 2876 KiB  
Article
Effect of Bioactive Packaging Materials Based on Sodium Alginate and Protein Hydrolysates on the Quality and Safety of Refrigerated Chicken Meat
by Svetlana Merenkova and Oksana Zinina
Polymers 2024, 16(23), 3430; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16233430 - 6 Dec 2024
Viewed by 113
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of alginate-based packaging materials with the incorporation of protein hydrolysates to improve the safety and quality of chicken meat during storage. Physicochemical parameters, microbiological indicators, and color characteristics of chicken meat packaged in [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of alginate-based packaging materials with the incorporation of protein hydrolysates to improve the safety and quality of chicken meat during storage. Physicochemical parameters, microbiological indicators, and color characteristics of chicken meat packaged in bioactive films were determined. We observed a significant increase in moisture content for samples in polyethylene films (by 10.5%) and decrease for the samples in alginate-based films by 5.3%. The highest mass losses were found for the sample without packaging material (20.4%) and for the samples wrapped in alginate films (15.9–17.9%). When packing meat samples by immersion method, a gradual decrease in weight was found (up to 9.1%). On the 7th day of storage, the pH value of the control sample reached 6.55, while for the samples in bioactive alginate-based materials pH level was 6.0–6.15. The most pronounced oxidative processes were observed in the control meat sample (5.1 mmol (12O2)/kg). The application of bioactive alginate-based films led to a significant reduction in fatty peroxide value by 56.2%. The total microbial count in the meat samples packaged in bioactive films was 3.5–5 times lower than in the control sample. Chicken meat wrapped in alginate-based films with protein hydrolysates maintains more stable color characteristics, the lightness index (L) decreased to 37.5, and the redness index (b) increased to 3.4 on the 7th day of storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials II)
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<p>Scheme for the production of bioactive alginate-based packaging materials.</p>
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<p>Dynamics of moisture content (light blue) and weight loss (dark blue) in poultry meat samples during storage.</p>
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<p>Dynamics of the pH level in chicken meat during refrigerated storage.</p>
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<p>Dynamics of the Fatty Acid Value in chicken meat during refrigerated storage.</p>
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<p>Changing the appearance of chicken meat samples during storage at temperature (4 ± 2) °C.</p>
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<p>Changing the appearance of chicken meat samples during storage at temperature (4 ± 2) °C.</p>
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19 pages, 624 KiB  
Article
Effect of Malvaviscus arboreus Flower and Leaf Extract on the Functional, Antioxidant, Rheological, Textural, and Sensory Properties of Goat Yogurt
by Edson Pontes, Vanessa Viera, Gezaildo Silva, Manoel da Silva Neto, Bianca Mendes, Anna Tome, Renata Almeida, Newton C. Santos, Rennan de Gusmão, Hugo Lisboa and Thaisa Gusmão
Foods 2024, 13(23), 3942; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233942 - 6 Dec 2024
Viewed by 106
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating different concentrations (1% and 2%) of Malvaviscus arboreus flower (FE) and leaf (LE) extracts as functional ingredients in goat milk yogurt. This study analyzed the impact of these formulations (YFE1%, YFE2%, YLE1%, and [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating different concentrations (1% and 2%) of Malvaviscus arboreus flower (FE) and leaf (LE) extracts as functional ingredients in goat milk yogurt. This study analyzed the impact of these formulations (YFE1%, YFE2%, YLE1%, and YLE2%) on the physicochemical, bioactive, antioxidant, rheological, textural, and sensory properties of goat yogurt over a 28-day storage period. Including FE and LE extracts significantly enhanced the yogurt’s antioxidant activity, reaching up to 10.17 µmol TEAC/g, and strengthened its ability to inhibit lipid oxidation during storage. This study also observed a reduction in the viability of lactic acid bacteria, particularly L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, suggesting that the extracts may have antimicrobial properties. Notably, using FE, especially at a concentration of 2% (YFE2%), improved both antioxidant and textural properties while reducing syneresis by the end of the storage period. Sensory evaluations showed positive results for YFE1% and YFE2% formulations. These findings suggest that FE has significant potential as a functional food ingredient. This research lays the groundwork for future studies exploring the integration of Malvaviscus arboreus-based ingredients into functional food products, opening new possibilities for innovation in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Research on Flavor Components and Sensory Properties of Food)
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<p>Correspondence analysis of terms elicited from the CATA test.</p>
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15 pages, 4375 KiB  
Article
Effects of Ultrasound-Assisted Treatment on Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Polysaccharides from Sargassum
by Chunxia Zhou, Shanshan He, Shang Gao, Zirui Huang, Wenduo Wang, Pengzhi Hong and Rui-Bo Jia
Foods 2024, 13(23), 3941; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233941 - 6 Dec 2024
Viewed by 174
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ultrasonic treatment on the physicochemical properties and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Sargassum samples (SPs) extracted with different solvents. The alkali-assisted extraction of polysaccharide (SPA), acid-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from (SPB), and hot [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ultrasonic treatment on the physicochemical properties and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Sargassum samples (SPs) extracted with different solvents. The alkali-assisted extraction of polysaccharide (SPA), acid-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from (SPB), and hot water extraction of polysaccharides (SPCs) were perofrmed on Sargassum. Ultrasonic treatment was performed with the SPA, SPB, and SPC in turn, and named USPA, USPB, and UPSC, respectively. The results showed that SPs mainly consisted of mannose, glucose, xylose, rhamnose, galactose, fucose, glucuronic acid, mannuronic acid and guluronic acid. The molecular weight of SPA (434.590 kDa) was the lowest under different solvent extractions, and the molecular weights of SPA, SPB, and SPC were reduced after sonication. SPA had a high carbohydrate content of (52.59 ± 5.16)%, and SPC possessed a high sulfate content of (3.90 ± 0.33)%. After ultrasonic treatment, the biological activities of SPs were significantly increased. The α-glucosidase inhibition assay reflected that the IC50 values of the ultrasonic treatment SPs were significantly reduced, and USPA showed the best activity, with an IC50 of (0.058 ± 0.05) mg/mL. Antioxidant assays demonstrated that USPC exhibited greater DPPH- and ABTS-scavenging capacity. In the anti-glycosylation assay, SPs after sonication demonstrated excellent inhibition of glycosylation products and protein oxidation products, with USPA showing the highest inhibition rate. In conclusion, the biological activities of SPs were enhanced after ultrasonic treatment. This study provides a theoretical reference for their use in food and medicines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Engineering and Technology)
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<p>Technology roadmap. (SPA: alkali-assisted extraction of polysaccharide from <span class="html-italic">Sargassum</span>; SPB: acid-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from <span class="html-italic">Sargassum</span>; SPC: hot water extraction of polysaccharides from <span class="html-italic">Sargassum</span>; USPA: ultrasonic treatment SPA; USPB: ultrasonic treatment SPB; and USPC: ultrasonic treatment SPC).</p>
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<p>Particle size and zeta potential (<b>A</b>); FT-IR (<b>B</b>); oil-binding capacity (OBC) and water-holding capacity (WHC) (<b>C</b>); and viscosity (<b>D</b>) of SPs. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3). Significant differences (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05) are indicated with different letters.</p>
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<p>SEM images of SPs (magnification: 300×).</p>
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<p><span class="html-italic">α</span>-glucosidase inhibition assay of SPs. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3). Significant differences (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05) are indicated with different letters.</p>
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<p>Antioxidant test, including DPPH (<b>A</b>) and ABTS (<b>B</b>) free radical scavenging capacity. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3). Significant differences (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05) are indicated with different letters.</p>
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<p>Anti-glycosylation assay, including the inhibition of fructosamine (<b>A</b>), dicarbonyl compounds (<b>B</b>), and AGEs (<b>C</b>), di-tyrosine (<b>D</b>), kynurenine (<b>E</b>), and <span class="html-italic">N’</span>-formyl kynurenine (<b>F</b>). Data are expressed as mean ± SD (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3). Significant differences (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05) are indicated with different letters.</p>
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29 pages, 6688 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Potential of Chitosan–Oleic Acid Nanoparticles Loaded with Lemon Peel Essential Oil for Topical Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
by Faten M. Ibrahim, Eman Samy Shalaby, Mohamed F. Abdelhameed, Radwa H. El-Akad, Kawkab A. Ahmed, Mohamed S. Abdel-Aziz, El Sayed El Habbasha, Cristina V. Rodrigues and Manuela Pintado
Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5766; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235766 - 6 Dec 2024
Viewed by 202
Abstract
The rising incidence of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) has been leading to the development of alternative antifungal therapies. This study aimed to develop a topical chitosan–oleic acid nanoparticle (CH-OA-NP) cream loaded with lemon peel essential oil (LPEO) for VVC treatment. The characterization of the [...] Read more.
The rising incidence of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) has been leading to the development of alternative antifungal therapies. This study aimed to develop a topical chitosan–oleic acid nanoparticle (CH-OA-NP) cream loaded with lemon peel essential oil (LPEO) for VVC treatment. The characterization of the optimal nanoparticle formulation (F4: 10 g/L CH, 2:1 OA/LPEO ratio) showed high encapsulation efficiency, stability, and controlled release. Moreover, it was characterized regarding its particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and chemical/morphological profile. LPEO-related compounds (e.g., eriodictyol) were identified through LC-ESI-QqTOF-HRMS in the cream matrix, suggesting the preservation of LPEO potential bioactivities after formulation. In silico docking of 12 LPEO metabolites revealed that compounds such as citronellic acid exerted inhibitory effects against several inflammation-associated enzymes (e.g., 14-α-Demethylase). In vitro antimicrobial tests demonstrated remarkable activity against Candida albicans, Gram-negative (e.g., Escherichia coli), and Gram-positive (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. In vivo studies in a rat model of VVC revealed significant antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects of the LPEO-CH-OA-NP cream (5% and 10%), leading to reduced MDA, MPO, and IL-1β levels and increased GSH activity. This novel formulation potentially offers a promising alternative therapy for VVC, addressing the current antifungal therapies’ limitations, counteracting drug resistance. Full article
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<p>FTIR spectra of oleic acid (OA), chitosan (CH), lemon peel essential oil (LPEO), and the optimal nanoparticle formulation (LPEO-CH-OA-NPs).</p>
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<p>TEM micrograph of the selected optimal LPEO-CH-OA-NPs showing their size and shape (<b>A</b>) and their aggregation behavior (<b>B</b>).</p>
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<p>Rheogram of the developed LPEO-CH-OA-NP topical cream. The plot is presented as an average of duplicates.</p>
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<p>In vitro release profiles of LPEO from the LPEO-CH-OA-NPs and from the cream loaded with LPEO-CH-OA-NPs (LPEO cream).</p>
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<p>3D and 2D molecular docking simulations of the miconazole control drug and selected metabolites detected in LPEO-CH-OA topical cream extract that showed high binding affinity evidenced by their docking scores through hydrophilic (green) and hydrophobic (purple) interactions with 14-α-demethylase (PDB ID: 5TZ1), ∆-14-sterol reductase (PDB ID: 4QUV), 1,3-β-glucansynthase (PDB ID: 1EQC), and thymidylate synthase (PDB ID: 5UIV) resembling their co-crystalized ligand interaction with active sites.</p>
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<p>Effect of treatment with LPEO (5 and 10%) and LPEO cream (5 and 10%) on (<b>A</b>) WBCs, (<b>B</b>) neutrophils, (<b>C</b>) lymphocytes, (<b>D</b>) monocytes, (<b>E</b>) basophils, and (<b>F</b>) eosinophil counts in vulvovaginal candidiasis in rats. Data are expressed as mean ± SD, <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 5. Statistical analysis was carried out by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test. * <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.01, *** <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.001, **** <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.0001.</p>
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<p>Effect of treatment with LPEO (5 and 10%) and LPEO cream (5 and 10%) on the platelet count in VVC in rats. Data are expressed as mean ± SD, <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 5. Statistical analysis was carried out by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test. * <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.01, *** <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.001, **** <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.0001.</p>
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<p>Effect of treatment with LPEO (5 and 10%) and LPEO cream (5 and 10%) on (<b>A</b>) RBCs, (<b>B</b>) hemoglobin, (<b>C</b>) MCV, (<b>D</b>) MPV, (<b>E</b>) MCH, (<b>F</b>) MCHC, (<b>G</b>) HCT, and (<b>H</b>) RDW in VVC in rats. Data are expressed as mean ± SD, <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 5. Statistical analysis was carried out by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test. * <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.01, *** <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.001, **** <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.0001.</p>
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<p>Effect of treatment with LPEO (5 and 10%) and LPEO cream (5 and 10%) on the vulvovaginal wash content of (<b>A</b>) MDA and (<b>B</b>) GSH in VVC in rats. Data are expressed as mean ± SD, <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 5. Statistical analysis was carried out by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test. * <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.01, *** <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.001, **** <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.0001.</p>
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<p>Effect of treatment with LPEO (5 and 10%) and LPEO cream (5 and 10%) on the vulvovaginal wash content of (<b>A</b>) MPO and (<b>B</b>) IL-1b in VVC in rats. Data are expressed as mean ± SD, <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 5. Statistical analysis was carried out by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test. * <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.05, *** <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.001, **** <span class="html-italic">p</span>  ≤  0.0001.</p>
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<p>Microbial growth of vaginal fluids samples recorded at day 0, 3, and 5 within different groups.</p>
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<p>Number of colony-forming units of <span class="html-italic">Candida albicans</span> (CFU/mL) in control, treated, and untreated rats’ groups. Data are presented as mean ± SD. One-way ANOVA was used for data analysis (<span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3, <span class="html-italic">p</span> ≤ 0.05).</p>
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<p>Photomicrographs of rat vaginal tissue after hematoxylin and eosin staining. (<b>A</b>) Negative control group showing normal histoarchitecture of vaginal tissue. (<b>B</b>–<b>E</b>) Positive control group, showing necrosis and detachment of mucosa (star), hyperplastic mucosal epithelium (line), heavy submucosal inflammatory cells infiltration (black arrow), submucosal edema (blue arrow), and congested blood vessels (red arrow). (<b>F</b>) Topical cream control group, showing moderate submucosal inflammatory cells infiltration (black arrow) associated with edema (blue arrow). (<b>G</b>) Reference drug showing focal hyperplastic mucosa (line) and mild inflammatory cells infiltration (black arrow). (<b>H</b>) LPEO 5% group showing focal hyperplastic mucosa (line) and moderate inflammatory cells infiltration (black arrow). (<b>I</b>) LPEO 10% group showing mild inflammatory cell infiltration (black arrow). (<b>J</b>) LPEO cream 5% group showing slight hyperplasic mucosa (line) and mild submucosal inflammatory cell infiltration (black arrow). (<b>K</b>) LPEO cream 10% group showing normal histological features of the vaginal tissue. (Scale bar, 100 µm).</p>
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11 pages, 1779 KiB  
Article
New Sesterterpenes from the Antarctic Sponge Suberites sp.
by Stine S. H. Olsen, Sydney K. Morrow, Julia L. Szabo, Michael N. Teng, Kim C. Tran, Charles D. Amsler, James B. McClintock and Bill. J. Baker
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(12), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22120551 - 6 Dec 2024
Viewed by 157
Abstract
Chemical investigation of the Antarctic sponge Suberites sp. has previously led to the identification of new suberitane derivatives, some of which show bioactivity toward respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Our ongoing NMR-guided investigation of new specimens of the sponge resulted in the isolation of [...] Read more.
Chemical investigation of the Antarctic sponge Suberites sp. has previously led to the identification of new suberitane derivatives, some of which show bioactivity toward respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Our ongoing NMR-guided investigation of new specimens of the sponge resulted in the isolation of five new analogs (15), previously reported suberitenones A–D (69), and oxaspirosuberitenone (10). Suberitenone K (1) was characterized as the 8-keto derivative of 6, while three new phenols, suberitandiol (2), abeosuberitandiol (3), and furanosuberitandiol (4), and the degraded sesterterpene norsuberitenone B (5) were also found. Compound 3 displays a ring contraction while 4 has a new dihydrofuran ring. Structural characterization was achieved by a combination of NMR, HR-MS, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Moderate activity towards RSV was reported for 9 and the new metabolite 1, with IC50 values of 15.0 μM and 39.8 μM, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry of Marine Natural Products)
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Figure 1

Figure 1
<p>Unreported (<b>1</b>–<b>5</b>) and known (<b>6</b>–<b>10</b>) sesterterpenes isolated from the Antarctic sponge <span class="html-italic">Suberites</span> sp.</p>
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<p>Key COSY (bold) and HMBC (arrow) correlations of <b>1</b>.</p>
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<p>Key COSY (bold) and HMBC (arrows) correlations of <b>2</b>, <b>3</b>, and <b>4</b>, respectively, highlighting changes in rings C and D.</p>
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<p>(<b>a</b>) Key COSY (bold) and HMBC (arrow) correlations of <b>5</b>; (<b>b</b>) XRD of <b>5</b>.</p>
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<p>Proposed biogenesis of compounds <b>1</b>–<b>5</b>.</p>
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