Search Results (4,177)

Lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens (PFL) and laccase from Trametes versicolor were co-immobilized onto nanocellulose (NC), using a layer-by-layer approach. Initially, PFL was adsorbed onto NC through ionic and hydrophobic interactions. To achieve higher PFL immobilization yield and activity, NC was functionalized with aldehyde groups through periodate oxidation (NCox) or glutaraldehyde activation (NC-GA). FTIR analysis confirmed these chemical modifications. Among the functionalized NCs, NCox showed the best capacity to retain higher amounts of PFL (maximum load: 20 mg/g), and this support was selected to proceed with the co-immobilization experiments. In this process, NCox-250-PFL (NCox activated with 250 µmol/g of aldehyde groups) was covered with polyethyleneimine (PEI), laccase was co-immobilized, and a crosslinking step using glutaraldehyde was used to covalently attach the enzymes to the support, producing the biocatalyst NCox-250-PFL-PEI-Lac-GA. Co-immobilized enzymes presented higher thermal stability (50 °C) than soluble enzymes; co-immobilized laccase retained 61.1% of its activity after 24 h, and PFL retained about 90% after 48 h of deactivation at 50 °C. In operational stability assays, the heterogeneous biocatalysts maintained more than 45% of their activity after five cycles of pNPB hydrolysis and ABTS oxidation. This co-immobilized biocatalyst, with its high stability and activity retention, is a promising multi-active heterogeneous biocatalyst for use in cascade reactions of industrial interest. Full article

In this study, ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using a green method employing fresh Citrus aurantium L. aqueous extract (CA) as a reducing agent. After preparation, the ZnO NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The products displayed irregular particle shapes on a nanoscale. The adsorption ability of ZnO NPs was tested with amaranth red dye, and the result showed that it had a satisfied capacity for amaranth red. The adsorption data followed the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir model, which indicated the adsorption process was controlled by a chemical adsorption process and occurred homogeneously on the surface of absorbents. In addition, the prepared ZnO NPs also exhibited antibacterial abilities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria; antioxidant activities were observed in 2-2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-di(3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulphonate) (ABTS) radicals scavenging assays and the ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, which were better than those of traditional ZnO NPs except in the FRAP assay. Based on these findings, the ZnO NPs fabricated with CA aqueous extract displayed promising abilities in the environmental remediation of dye wastewater. Full article

Background: The lack of new antimicrobial drugs and increased antimicrobial resistance has focused attention on the employment of essential oils (EOs) in human and veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to test new binary associations between known and uncommon EOs. Methods: EOs from Origanum vulgare L., Juniperus communis L., Cistus ladaniferus L., Citrus aurantium L. var. amara were tested individually and in binary combinations to study, as follows: antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli; antioxidant capacity via redox-based assays (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP); and anti-inflammatory activity via the bovine serum albumin denaturation inhibition assay. Results: O. vulgare L. showed good antibacterial activity against all strains (MIC = 0.03–0.12%, v/v), followed by C. ladaniferus L., and also had the best antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Synergistic and additive effects were observed for the EO combinations O. vulgare L./C. ladaniferus L. and O. vulgare L./J. communis L. against S. aureus and MRSA, respectively. A reduction in biofilm was noted. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were also detected. Conclusions: The results suggest that EO combinations may be a promising strategy in veterinary settings for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by S. aureus, including drug-resistant and biofilm-forming strains accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation. Full article

The aim of the present study was to investigate the phenolic composition and the efficacy of an innovative formulation based on Mg, Vitamin B6, and water extracts from Vitex agnus-castus, Crocus sativus, Melissa officinalis, Betula pendula, and Betula pubescens developed as an effective tool to face neuroinflammation and depression symptoms occurring in premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The formulation was analyzed through colorimetric and liquid chromatography methods for determining the content in phenols and flavonoids. Additionally, scavenging/reducing properties were investigated via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH,) 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and horseradish peroxidase assays. The biocompatible limits were determined via allelopathy, the brine shrimp lethality test, and Daphnia magna cardiotoxicity assay. The formulation was then assayed in an experimental model constituted by isolated mouse cortex specimens exposed to K⁺ 60 mM Krebs–Ringer buffer, a toxic depolarizing stimulus able to reproduce the burden of inflammation/oxidative stress and the increased serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) impoverishment occurring in different neurological and psychiatric conditions, including depression. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed that the formulation is rich in benzoic acids, namely gentisic acid (155.31 µg/mL) and phenylethanoid compounds, namely hydroxytyrosol (39.79 µg/mL) that support the antioxidant effects measured via DPPH (IC₅₀: 1.48 mg/mL), ABTS (IC₅₀: 0.42 mg/mL), and horseradish peroxidase (IC₅₀: 2.02 mg/mL) assays. The ecotoxicological models indicated the formulation as non-toxic, permitting the identification of a biocompatible concentration (1000 µg/mL) to be used in isolated mouse cortex exposed to K⁺ 60 mM Krebs–Ringer buffer. In this model, the gene expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), estrogen receptor-1 (ESR1), prolactin receptor (PRLR), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and serotonin transporter (SERT) was determined by real-time PCR. In the isolated mouse cortex, the formula reduced COX-2, IL-6, SERT, ESR1, and PRLR gene expression and increased BDNF and IL-10 gene expression. Overall, the study corroborated the use of the formulation as an innovative tool to contrast inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter impairment associated with PMS. Full article

This study compares the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) of methanolic extracts from five cultivated mushroom species: Lentinula edodes (LE), Pleurotus ostreatus (PO), Agaricus bisporus (AgW and AgB), and Hericium erinaceus (HE). Phenolic profiles were analyzed by HPLC. AgW demonstrated the highest TPC (46.2 mg GAE/100 g FW) and superior antioxidant activity in DPPH and FRAP assays, highlighting its phenolic compounds as the primary contributors. Catechin and hydroxybenzoic acid were identified as species-specific phenolics in PO and AgW, respectively, contributing to their antioxidant potential. These findings underscore the diversity of antioxidant mechanisms in mushrooms and their potential as natural sources of bioactive compounds. Full article

This study explores the potential of Tenebrio molitor protein hydrolysates as functional food ingredients, evaluating their bioactivity and consumer acceptance of the incorporation of edible insects into food across Poland and Spain. By aligning technical advancements with consumer preferences, this research bridges the gap between laboratory innovation and market feasibility, contributing to the development of sustainable functional foods. The study optimized the process of enzyme hydrolysis using serine protease from Cucurbita ficifolia, thereby enhancing DPPH scavenging capacity increased from 3.15 ± 0.53 to 8.17 ± 0.62 µM Trolox/mL and ABTS decolorization capacity increased from 4.29 ± 0.01 to 10.29 ± 0.01 µM Trolox/mL after 5 h of hydrolysis. Consumer surveys incorporating the Food Neophobia, Insect Phobia, and Entomophagy Scales revealed demographic and cultural influences on entomophagy acceptance. Among respondents, 27.1% in Poland and 25.7% in Spain had previously consumed insect-based products, while Polish participants showed a higher willingness to adopt insect-enriched foods. The study confirmed that hydrolysis enhances the antioxidant activity of T. molitor protein hydrolysates and that demographic and cultural factors significantly influence consumer acceptance of insect-based foods. Full article

In addition to the immature edible flower heads, the cultivation of globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.) Fiori) generates substantial quantities of by-products, including leaves, stems, and roots, which constitute potential sources of bioactive compounds and prebiotic dietary fiber. Preserving agricultural biodiversity and promoting socioeconomic development are essential for enhancing domestic production and fostering innovation. In the search for new biomolecules with antioxidant properties, this research focused on a globe artichoke landrace at risk of genetic erosion, still cultivated in the northern part of the Lazio region, known as the “Carciofo Ortano”. To investigate the antioxidant properties of various globe artichoke tissues from the “Carciofo Ortano” landrace, methanolic extracts were prepared from the immature main and secondary flower heads, stems, and leaves of representative genotypes of this landrace. Additionally, extracts were obtained from the same tissues of four landraces/clones included in the varietal platform of the PGI “Carciofo Romanesco del Lazio”, which served as reference genotypes: Campagnano, Castellammare, C3, and Grato 1. The antioxidant properties of these extracts were assessed using FRAP, ABTS, DPPH assays, and total phenolic content (TPC). The stem and secondary flower head extracts of two representative “Carciofo Ortano” genotypes and the Grato 1 clone, which have higher phenolic content, demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity. These extracts were therefore studied for their chemical profile using HPLC-DAD and SPME-GC/MS analysis. Additionally, the same extracts were investigated in vitro for their antioxidant capacity in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, assessing their effects on ROS levels and the restoration of GSH levels. Furthermore, the in vivo beneficial effects of counteracting oxidative stress were evaluated in high sucrose-fed Drosophila melanogaster, as oxidative stress is a typical hallmark of hyperglycemic status. Overall, the results indicated that the edible immature inflorescences of the “Carciofo Ortano” landrace, along with the byproducts of its cultivation, are sources of raw materials containing biomolecules whose properties can be exploited for further applications in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. Full article

A water-soluble polysaccharide from foxtail millet (FM-D1) was isolated and purified through gradient ethanol precipitation and column chromatography. Size-Exclusion Chromatography–Multi-Angle Light Scattering–Refractive Index (SEC-MALLS-RI) and high-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) analyses revealed that FM-D1 constitutes a highly purified neutral polysaccharide exclusively composed of glucose as the sugar unit, with a molecular weight of 14.823 kDa. The structural characterization results obtained from gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC–MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) spectra suggest that FM-D1 primarily consists of a main chain linked by →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ and minor quantities of →4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ to form the main chain, with branching mainly composed of α-D-Glcp-(1→ attached to the O-6 position of →4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ sugar residues. Based on these findings, the antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of FM-D1 were evaluated in vitro. The results indicated that FM-D1 exhibited moderate 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging capacity and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC). Furthermore, FM-D1 stimulated macrophage proliferation and inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 246.7 cells. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that foxtail millet holds promise as a potential antioxidant agent and immunologic substance in functional foods. Full article

The review focuses on the evaluation of antioxidant potential and its changes by various factors such as growing conditions, the use of fertilizers, the analyzed part of the plant, the solvent used, the extraction method, purifying procedures, and the determination method for selected medicinal and aromatic plants that are lesser-known as antioxidant sources. The lesser-known representatives of Lamiaceae family (Lamium album, Leonurus cardiaca, Hyssopus officinalis, Scutellaria baicalensis), Asteraceae family (Artemisia absinthium), Myrtaceae family (Pimenta dioica), and Rosaceae family (Crataegus laevigata) were selected. The most important factors affecting antioxidant potential are the used solvent and its polarity (water and its temperature, ethanol, mixture of these solvents, methanol, n-butanol, and ethylacetate), extraction techniques, essential oil preparation, and the type and conditions of antioxidant activity (AA) determination method (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, etc.). The plant composition and the occurrence of biologically active compounds (BACs), such as phenolics (phenolic acids and flavonoids) that participate in their biological impacts and deactivate reactive oxygen species, are also described. This work thus provides a summary of this issue and an extension of information focused on factors that affect plant components’ presence and thus have an impact on the overall antioxidant potential (total polyphenol content TPC, antioxidant activity) of lesser-known plant representatives with antioxidant effect. Full article

Seventy-eight autochthonous strains of Rhizopus arrhizus were isolated from rice wine starter samples across twenty-nine regions in China to evaluate their potential in traditional rice wine fermentation. Strains were assessed for enzyme activity, antioxidant properties, amino acid production, and volatile flavour compounds. Significant variation in enzyme activities was observed, with acidic protease activity ranging from 280 to 1023 U/g, amylase from 557 to 1681 U/g, and esterase from 370 to 2949 U/g. Strains W17 and W42 exhibited the highest enzyme activities and antioxidant capacities, with a total phenolic content of 828 mg/L, total flavonoids of 215 μg/L, and an ABTS scavenging rate of 96.3%. They also produced high levels of glutamic acid (up to 3083 mg/L), enhancing the flavour profile. Histamine levels were low, ranging from 8 to 205 μg/L, ensuring product safety. Analysis of volatile compounds identified 80 substances, including 16 key aroma-active compounds, contributing to a complex flavour profile. These results provide a basis for selecting R. arrhizus strains to optimise rice wine fermentation, addressing market demand for diverse and functional products. Full article

In this study, the effects were explored of digestive enzymes and pH on the bioaccessibility of polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities in Hojicha (roasted green tea, RT) infusions during simulated in vitro digestion. Roasting modifies its polyphenolic profile and reduces bitterness, making it a popular variation of green tea. In this study, RT was used for assessing how the roasting-induced changes influenced the tea’s bioaccessibility and stability under digestive conditions. A two-step gastrointestinal digestion model was applied to mimic real digestion. Total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and MIC) were measured at different digestion stages. Gastric conditions led to a 2.07-fold reduction in TPC and a 4.27-fold reduction in TFC. Digestive enzymes enhanced bioactive compound stability, with TPC and TFC bioaccessibility reaching 56% and 25% in the simulated digestion with digestive enzymes (MD) group, compared to 52% and 20% in the without digestive enzymes (WOE) group. Antioxidant activities were also better preserved, with antioxidant activity retention at 31% in the MD samples versus 19% in the WOE. These findings emphasize the key role of digestive enzymes in maintaining the antioxidant potential of roasted green tea during digestion, providing insight into future research on roasting methods and tea functionality for product development. Full article

Brazilian stingless bee species produce honey with distinct physicochemical and bioactive properties shaped by environmental factors. This study investigated the effects of the rainy and dry seasons on the physicochemical characteristics, chemical fingerprinting, mineral content, and antioxidant capacity of honey from Melipona mondury and Melipona bicolor. The honey samples were analyzed for their phytochemical properties (official methods), total phenolics (Folin–Ciocalteu method), flavonoid content (aluminum complex formation method), antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ABTS assays), and antioxidant activity (erythrocyte model). The mineral content was assessed via TXRF spectroscopy, and chemical fingerprinting was conducted using mass spectrometry. Chemometric tools were used for the samples’ discriminating analyses, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares–Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). Seasonal variations significantly affected the moisture, total soluble solids, and acidity. In turn, the antioxidant capacity was influenced mainly by the bee species. The mineral composition, particularly potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, remained stable. Multivariate analysis identified m/z ions (VIP scores > 2.5), rather than physicochemical or antioxidant capacity parameters, as critical for seasonal discrimination. The antioxidant activity, assessed by oxidative hemolysis prevention, was robust across the seasons, with M. mondury honey (2 mg·mL⁻¹) from the rainy season outperforming ascorbic acid. These findings underscore the impact of the rainy and dry seasons and the potential of secondary metabolite fingerprinting to identify collection periods. Full article

The nutritional value of honey is closely related to its components, which are highly influenced by the botanic origin. C. pi. Shen (Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen), a key plant in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly produced in Gansu Province of China, has attracted much attention for its medicinal value. However, there are few reports about C. pi. Shen honey. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the contents of phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities in C. pi. Shen honey by colorimetric, UPLC-MS/MS, Ferric ion Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), 2,2-bisazo-bis (3-ethyl-benzothiazole-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radical capacity, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH) scavenging ability methods. In comparison with four other high-yield unifloral honeys in China (Acacia honey, linden honey, rape honey, and jujube honey), C. pi. Shen honey demonstrated remarkable advantages. Specifically, the levels of total phenolic acids, total flavonoids, and phenolic components of C. pi. Shen honey were significantly pronounced, especially protocatechuic acid and kaempferol. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of C. pi. Shen honey was also excellent, which was attributed to its phenolic compounds, underscoring its potential biological value. This study is anticipated to serve as a reference for the identification, nutritional assessment, and functional advancement of C. pi. Shen honey. Full article

In recent years, the invasive Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) has increased its spread throughout the Mediterranean Sea, threatening native biodiversity and local economies. This study aimed to valorize C. sapidus sampled in Sicily by utilizing its exoskeleton as a source of chitosan, astaxanthin, and bio-phenolic compounds. These biomolecules were evaluated for their reducing, radical scavenging, and antitumor activity. The ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the free radical scavenging activity against radical 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were significantly higher for chitosan (3.16 ± 0.10 mg AAE/g and 8.1 ± 0.10 µmol TE/g). No significant differences were observed among the tested biomolecules in their activity in scavenging the radical 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). Both bio-phenolic compounds and astaxanthin exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity on CaCo-2 (IC₅₀ = 12.47 and 18 µg/mL) and HepG2 (IC₅₀ = 10.25 and 1.26 µg/mL) cell lines, while only bio-phenols showed no cytotoxic effect on differentiated CaCo-2 cells up to 20 µg/mL. These findings highlight the value of blue crab by-products in supporting a circular economy, offering a sustainable approach to managing this invasive species while providing bioactive compounds with promising medical and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Almond shells (ASs) are a potential source of cellulose that could be obtained through sustainable methods for their valorisation. Biocomposites (BCs) from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and cellulose are interesting materials for developing sustainable packaging materials. BC based on PVA and AS cellulose were obtained by melt blending and compression moulding, by using subcritical water extraction at 160 or 180 °C, and subsequent bleaching with sodium chlorite (C) or hydrogen peroxide (P) to purify cellulose. The influence of the purification method on the properties of BC was analysed. Fibres treated with C were better dispersed in composites than those bleached with P. Residual phenolic compounds in the fibres provide the composite with ABTS∙+ scavenging capacity in line with the residual lignin content of the fibres. Both the presence of phenols and dispersed fibres reduced the film transparency, mainly in the UV range. Fibres enhanced the oxygen barrier capacity of composites, and those treated with HP also improved the water vapour barrier capacity. Fibres treated with C better promoted the increase in the elastic modulus of the composites, due to their highest crystallinity and dispersibility, while favoured the PVA crystallisation. Therefore, the obtained AS cellulose fibres could be used to obtain thermoprocessed PVA biocomposites for food packaging applications. Full article