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Cutting-Edge Methods for Exploiting Bioactive Compounds in Biomasses: From the Plant Matrix to Molecular Function

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioactives and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2025 | Viewed by 2134

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
Interests: plant protein purification; protein structural and functional studies; bioactive compound; food recycling; circular economy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will focus on cutting-edge methods for extracting, identifying, and characterizing bioactive compounds from plant biomasses. We will cover state-of-the-art techniques such as enzyme-assisted extraction, supercritical-fluid extraction, and hybrid green technologies.

The matrix effect is a major challenge in the valorization of plant biomass, characterized by intrinsic biological and botanical complexity, impeding the isolation of pure bioactive compounds. When such biomasses derive from a technological transformation, the resulting supramolecular features modify the solubility and bioavailability of the target molecules.

Therefore, tailored approaches are needed to overcome the matrix effects and avoid copurifying undesired compounds. Additionally, advanced screening methods are necessary to exploit the bioactivity of the target compounds and to implement biotechnological applications.

Leading by Dr. Chiara Magni and assisting by our Topical Advisory Panel Member Dr. Davide Emide (University of Milan), this Special Issue aims to provide researchers in biochemistry, biotechnology, green chemistry, food and plant sciences, and related fields with insights into sustainable methods for the novel and more efficient utilization of plant-derived bioactive compounds, enhancing the economical value of agri-food biomasses.

Dr. Chiara Magni
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • plant matrix
  • agri-food biomasses
  • biochemistry
  • bioactive compounds

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 1031 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Surfactant-Mediated Green Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Grape Pomace Using Response Surface Methodology
by Milica Atanacković Krstonošić, Darija Sazdanić, Mira Mikulić, Dejan Ćirin, Jovana Milutinov and Veljko Krstonošić
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 2072; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26052072 - 27 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 412
Abstract
Grape pomace is a by-product abundant in phenolic compounds that can be used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. For the efficient extraction of such compounds, an aqueous solution of non-ionic surfactant Brij S20 was applied as a green extraction medium, and [...] Read more.
Grape pomace is a by-product abundant in phenolic compounds that can be used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. For the efficient extraction of such compounds, an aqueous solution of non-ionic surfactant Brij S20 was applied as a green extraction medium, and the optimization was performed using surface response methodology. The effects of four independent factors (surfactant concentration, time, pH, and solvent-to-material ratio) were evaluated, and total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH radical inhibition, and selected polyphenol compound concentrations were analyzed as responses. Using response surface methodology (RSM), five regression equations were derived and good adequacy of the models was confirmed. The solvent-to-material (SM) ratio was the most influential factor. Surfactant concentration of 3% (m/V), extraction time of 120 min, pH value of 4.06, and SM ratio of 50 mL/g were determined as optimum conditions to maximize all responses. Under the optimal conditions, the mean validated values obtained for TPC, DPPH, gallic acid, catechin, and quercetin concentrations were 968.50 ± 37.06 mg GAE/L, 61.41 ± 7.13%, 5.10 ± 0.05 mg/L, 10.62 ± 0.79 mg/L, and 6.04 ± 0.10 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, the established conditions were applied for the extraction of phenolic compounds from grape pomace of four grape varieties. The proposed extraction method proved effective, providing extracts rich in polyphenols suitable for further applications. Full article
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26 pages, 1328 KiB  
Article
Sequential Obtention of Blood–Brain Barrier-Permeable Non-Polar and Polar Compounds from Salvia officinalis L. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. with Neuroprotective Purposes
by Enrico Romano, Gloria Domínguez-Rodríguez, Luisa Mannina, Alejandro Cifuentes and Elena Ibáñez
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(2), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26020601 - 12 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1208
Abstract
This study investigates the biorefinery approach to extracting blood–brain barrier (BBB)-permeable compounds from Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Salvia officinalis L. for neuroprotective purposes. A sequential extraction process was applied, starting with supercritical CO2 extraction (SC-CO2) to obtain non-polar terpenoids, followed [...] Read more.
This study investigates the biorefinery approach to extracting blood–brain barrier (BBB)-permeable compounds from Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Salvia officinalis L. for neuroprotective purposes. A sequential extraction process was applied, starting with supercritical CO2 extraction (SC-CO2) to obtain non-polar terpenoids, followed by pressurized natural deep eutectic solvent extraction (PLE-NaDES) to recover phenolic compounds from the SC-CO2 residue. PLE-NaDES extracts exhibited higher antioxidant and anticholinergic capacities than SC-CO2 extracts for both plants, with S. officinalis extracts being more bioactive than E. globulus extracts. A total of 21 terpenoids were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry from E. globulus while 24 were detected from S. officinalis SC-CO2 extracts. In addition, 25 different phenolic compounds were identified in both plants using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry from PLE-NaDES extracts. The study of the permeability across the BBB showed limited permeability for non-polar compounds obtained by SC-CO2 from both plants; however, the more polar compounds obtained by PLE-NaDES showed high permeability, particularly for flavonoids in E. globulus and rosmarinic acid in S. officinalis. This study revealed, for the first time, the antioxidant and neuroprotective potential of S. officinalis and E. globulus extracts obtained using SC-CO2 followed by PLE-NaDES, as well as the high permeability of PLE-NaDES extracts when crossing the BBB to exert their protective effects. This research opens a new pathway for exploring alternatives to current drugs used in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Full article
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