Submit to IJMS Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Bioactive Compounds from Agrifood Byproducts: Their Use in Medicine and Biology

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

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: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 11372

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Paola Faraoni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

1. Department of Experimental and Clinic Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
2. “Nanobiosens” Joint Lab, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
Interests: biological effects of natural compounds; seed germination; X. fastidiosa infection; air and water pollution; Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and side effects of PDT

Dr. Serena Laschi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

1. Ecobioservices and Researches SrL, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Florence, Italy
2. “Nanobiosens” Joint Lab, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
Interests: analytical chemistry; biosensors; electrochemistry; disposable sensors; screen-printing technology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The impact of drugs and chemicals on human health is currently a topic of great interest. These substances are increasingly used in medicine, industry, and modern research labs. Artificially synthesized substances have become more efficient; however, the risks they pose to human health, the environment, and the economy have also increased.

A modern medicine approach following the principles of ethics and bio-sustainability, in which the drugs synergize with natural substances, is gaining traction.

Agrifood byproducts, an important and efficient resource in many applications in the fields of modern cellular biology and medicine, may also mitigate the economic impact of using artificially synthesized materials.

This Special Issue aims to present the most recent and significant developments in the use of these substances in medicine and biology. Both original research and review articles are welcome.

Dr. Paola Faraoni
Dr. Serena Laschi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

bioactive compounds
natural products
agrifood byproducts
nutraceutics
nutritional supplements
antimicrobial substances
clinical and pre-clinical studies
in vitro cellular models
extraction protocols

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 2285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Fermentation Strategies of Strawberry Tree Arbutus unedo Fruits to Obtain High Nutritional Value Products

by Francesca Anna Ramires, Miriana Durante, Isabella D’Antuono, Antonella Garbetta, Angelica Bruno, Annamaria Tarantini, Antonia Gallo, Angela Cardinali and Gianluca Bleve

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25020684 - 5 Jan 2024

Viewed by 930

Abstract

The strawberry tree (Arbustus unedo) is a medicinal plant and an important source of biocompounds, potentially useful for pharmaceutical and chemical applications to prevent or treat several human diseases. The strawberry tree fruits have usually been used to produce traditional products such as jams and jellies and to obtain fermented alcoholic drinks, representing the most valuable derivative products. Other fermented products are potentially interesting for their nutritional value; however, the fermentation process needs to be controlled and standardized to obtain high-quality products/ingredients. In this work, we investigated two different fermentative procedures, using strawberry tree whole fruit and fruit paste as matrices inoculated with a selected starter strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae LI 180-7. The physical, chemical, microbiological and nutritional properties of fermented products were evaluated, as well as their antioxidant activity. The new obtained fermented products are enriched in organic acids (acetic acid varied from 39.58 and 57.21 mg/g DW and lactic acid from 85.33 to 114.1 mg/g DW) and have better nutritional traits showing a higher amount of total polyphenols (phenolic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins) that ranged from 1852 mg GAE/100 g DW to 2682 mg GAE/100 g DW. Also, the amount of isoprenoid increased ranging from 155.5 μg/g DW to 164.61 μg/g DW. In this regard, the most promising strategy seemed to be the fermentation of the fruit paste preparation; while the extract of fermented whole fruits showed the most powerful antioxidant activity. Finally, a preliminary attempt to produce a food prototype enriched in fermented strawberry tree fruits suggested the whole fruit fermented sample as the most promising from a preliminary sensory analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Agrifood Byproducts: Their Use in Medicine and Biology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2572 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polysaccharides and Phenolic Compounds Recovered from Red Bell Pepper, Tomato and Basil By-Products Using a Green Extraction by Extractor Timatic^®

by Mohamad Khatib, Lorenzo Cecchi, Maria Bellumori, Beatrice Zonfrillo and Nadia Mulinacci

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(23), 16653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242316653 - 23 Nov 2023

Viewed by 657

Abstract

Fruits and vegetables processing produces significant amounts of by-products rich in valuable bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and dietary fiber. Food by-product re-use promotes the eco-sustainability of several crops. This study aimed to apply green extractions of bioactive compounds from by-products of basil, tomato, and red bell pepper production. Tests were performed by applying extraction procedures both at laboratory scale and using the Timatic^® extractor. Water and ethanol 10% and 20% were used for extraction of red bell pepper and tomato, testing different temperatures (30, 50, and 90 °C; water at 90 °C and ethanol 20% were applied for basil. The obtained phenolic extracts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD-MS. Polysaccharides of tomato and red bell pepper were extracted at laboratory scale and chemically characterized using ¹H-NMR to define the methylation and acylation degree, and DLS to estimate the hydrodynamic volume. Laboratory extraction tests allowed efficient scaling-up of the process on the Timatic^® extractor. Phenolic content in the dried extracts (DE) ranged 8.0–11.2 mg/g for tomato and red bell pepper and reached 240 mg/g for basil extracts. Polysaccharide yields (w/w on DM) reached 6.0 and 10.4% for dried tomato and red bell pepper, respectively. Dry extracts obtained using the Timatic^® extractor and water can be useful sources of bioactive phenols. The study provided new data on tomato and red bell pepper polysaccharides that may be useful for future applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Agrifood Byproducts: Their Use in Medicine and Biology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Progesterone and β-hCG Determination Using an Electrochemical Combo-Strip for Pregnancy Monitoring

by Serena Laschi, Patrick Severin Sfragano, Francesco Ranaldi and Ilaria Palchetti

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(20), 15381; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242015381 - 19 Oct 2023

Viewed by 899

Abstract

The development of analytical devices that can allow an easy, rapid and cost-effective measurement of multiple markers, such as progesterone and β-hCG, could have a role in decreasing the burden associated with pregnancy-related complications, such as ectopic pregnancies. Indeed, ectopic pregnancies are a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality in both high-income and low-income countries. In this work, an effective and highly performing electrochemical strip for a combo determination of progesterone and β-hCG was developed. Two immunosensing approaches were optimized for the determination of these two hormones on the same strip. The immunosensors were realized using cost-effective disposable electrode arrays and reagent-saving procedures. Each working electrode of the array was modified with both the IgG anti-β-hCG and anti-progesterone, respectively. By adding the specific reagents, progesterone or β-hCG can then be determined. Fast quantitative detection was achieved, with the analysis duration being around 1 h. Sensitivity and selectivity were assessed with a limit of detection of 1.5 × 10^–2 ng/mL and 2.45 IU/L for progesterone and β-hCG, respectively. The proposed electrochemical combo-strip offers great promise for rapid, simple, cost-effective, and on-site analysis of these hormones and, thus, for the development of a point-of-care diagnostic tool for early detection of pregnancy-related complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Agrifood Byproducts: Their Use in Medicine and Biology)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 2384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Virgin Olive Oil By-Products: Biological Activity of Phenolic Extract of Pâté on AGS Gastric Cells

by Paola Faraoni, Lorenzo Cecchi, Maria Bellumori, Alessio Gnerucci, Francesco Ranaldi and Nadia Mulinacci

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(9), 7959; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24097959 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1179

Abstract

Pâté is a by-product of olive oil production which represents an abundant source of phenolic compounds and can be used for food formulation, reducing its environmental impact and promoting a circular economy. In this context, the effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of pâté were evaluated for the first time in an AGS human cell line commonly used as model of gastric mucosa. Pâté was obtained from Tuscan olives; the total phenolic content was 16.6 mg/g dried extract, with verbascoside and secoiridoid derivatives as the most abundant phenols. The phenolic pâté extract did not alter viability, distribution of cell cycle phases or proliferation and migration of AGS cells at the tested concentrations. Seven enzymes were chosen to investigate the metabolic effect of the pâté extract in the context of oxidative stress. Pâté produced a statistically significant increase in the activity of key enzymes of some metabolic pathways: Lactate dehydrogenase, Enolase, Pyruvate kinase, Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, Citrate synthase, 3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase and Hexokinase. Pre-treatments with the extract of pâté at 100 µg/mL or 200 µg/mL, as observed through PCA analysis, appeared able to counteract the enzymatic activity alterations due to oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂ 1 mM and 2 mM. The results indicate that dried pâté, due to its phenolic components, can be proposed as a new functional food ingredient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Agrifood Byproducts: Their Use in Medicine and Biology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 6219 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Purple Sweet Potato Powder Containing Anthocyanin Mitigates High-Fat-Diet-Induced Dry Eye Disease

by Ming-Cheng Chiang, Ying-Chung Liu, Bo-Yi Chen, Dai-Lin Wu, Chia-Lian Wu, Chun-Wen Cheng, Wen-Lung Chang and Huei-Jane Lee

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(8), 6983; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24086983 - 10 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2382

Abstract

Purple sweet potato (PSP) powder with anthocyanins possesses the ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Studies have presumed a positive correlation between body fat and dry eye disease (DED) in adults. The regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation has been proposed as the mechanism underlying DED. This study developed an animal model of high fat diet (HFD)-induced DED. We added 5% PSP powder to the HFD to evaluate the effects and underlying mechanisms in mitigating HFD-induced DED. A statin drug, atorvastatin, was also added to the diet separately to assess its effect. The HFD altered the structure of lacrimal gland (LG) tissue, reduced LG secretory function, and eliminated the expression of proteins related to DED development, including α-smooth muscle actin and aquaporin-5. Although PSP treatment could not significantly reduce body weight or body fat, it ameliorated the effects of DED by preserving LG secretory function, preventing ocular surface erosion, and preserving LG structure. PSP treatment increased superoxide dismutase levels but reduced hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α levels, indicating that PSP treatment reduced oxidative stress. PSP treatment increased ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 and acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 levels in LG tissue, signifying that PSP treatment regulated lipid homeostasis maintenance to reduce the effects of DED. In conclusion, PSP treatment ameliorated the effects of HFD-induced DED through the regulation of oxidative stress and lipid homeostasis in the LG. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Agrifood Byproducts: Their Use in Medicine and Biology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2895 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Salt-Affected Rocket Plants as a Possible Source of Glucosinolates

by Emilio Corti, Sara Falsini, Cristina Gonnelli, Giuseppe Pieraccini, Besiana Nako and Alessio Papini

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(6), 5510; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24065510 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1227

Abstract

Soil salinity can have various negative consequences on agricultural products, from their quality and production to their aesthetic traits. In this work, the possibility to use salt-affected vegetables, that otherwise would be discarded, as a source of nutraceuticals was explored. To this aim, rocket plants, a vegetable featuring bioactive compounds such as glucosinolates, were exposed to increasing NaCl concentrations in hydroponics and analysed for their content in bioactive compounds. Salt levels higher than 68 mM produced rocket plants that did not comply with European Union regulations and would therefore be considered a waste product. Anyway, our findings, obtained by Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry, demonstrated a significant increase in glucosinolates levels in such salt-affected plants. opening the opportunity for a second life of these market discarded products to be recycled as glucosinolates source. Furthermore, an optimal situation was found at NaCl 34 mM in which not only were the aesthetic traits of rocket plants not affected, but also the plants revealed a significant enrichment in glucosinolates. This can be considered an advantageous situation in which the resulting vegetables still appealed to the market and showed improved nutraceutical aspects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Agrifood Byproducts: Their Use in Medicine and Biology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

22 pages, 1505 KiB

Open AccessReview

Molecular Mechanisms of the Protective Effects of Olive Leaf Polyphenols against Alzheimer’s Disease

by Jose M. Romero-Márquez, Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández, María D. Navarro-Hortal, Rosa Quirantes-Piné, Giuseppe Grosso, Francesca Giampieri, Vivian Lipari, Cristina Sánchez-González, Maurizio Battino and José L. Quiles

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(5), 4353; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054353 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2811

Abstract

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the cause of around 60–70% of global cases of dementia and approximately 50 million people have been reported to suffer this disease worldwide. The leaves of olive trees (Olea europaea) are the most abundant by-products of the olive grove industry. These by-products have been highlighted due to the wide variety of bioactive compounds such as oleuropein (OLE) and hydroxytyrosol (HT) with demonstrated medicinal properties to fight AD. In particular, the olive leaf (OL), OLE, and HT reduced not only amyloid-β formation but also neurofibrillary tangles formation through amyloid protein precursor processing modulation. Although the isolated olive phytochemicals exerted lower cholinesterase inhibitory activity, OL demonstrated high inhibitory activity in the cholinergic tests evaluated. The mechanisms underlying these protective effects may be associated with decreased neuroinflammation and oxidative stress via NF-κB and Nrf2 modulation, respectively. Despite the limited research, evidence indicates that OL consumption promotes autophagy and restores loss of proteostasis, which was reflected in lower toxic protein aggregation in AD models. Therefore, olive phytochemicals may be a promising tool as an adjuvant in the treatment of AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Agrifood Byproducts: Their Use in Medicine and Biology)

► Show Figures