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Exclusive Papers Collection of Editorial Board Members and Invited Scholars on Food Chemistry

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 12229

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ana Belén Martín Diana

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Agrarian Technological Institute of Castilla and Leon (ITACyL), Finca Zamadueñas, 47071 Valladolid, Spain
Interests: functional food; ingredients; bioactivity; antioxidants; food and health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Daniel Rico

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Agrarian Technological Institute of Castilla and Leon (ITACyL), Finca Zamadueñas, 47071 Valladolid, Spain
Interests: food processing; antioxidants; postharvest; cereals and pulses; fruit and vegetables; extrusion; edible coatings; high pressure processing; vacuum frying
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce this Special Issue, which will be a collection of high-quality papers on food chemistry from invited scholars and the Editorial Board Members. Our aim is to provide a platform for sharing insights and developments in the field of food chemistry research, and a venue for networking and communication between scholars.

We will accept submissions of original research articles and comprehensive review papers, grounded in sound science, that addresses the current critical issues in this field and highlights novel concepts.

Please note that all papers will undergo a thorough peer-review process, and if successful, will be published in a fully open-access mode.

Dr. Ana Belén Martín Diana
Dr. Daniel Rico
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. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). 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

  • functional food
  • ingredients
  • bioactivity
  • antioxidants
  • food and health
  • food processing

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 670 KiB  
Article
Functionalities of Tremella fuciformis Polysaccharides Modified with Gallic Acid
by Tai-Ti Liu, Kai-Siang Hong and Tsung-Shi Yang
Molecules 2024, 29(24), 5890; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29245890 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 816
Abstract
This research aimed to modify polysaccharides extracted from the edible mushroom Tremella fuciformis with gallic acid (GA) and to complex them with zinc ions. The functionalities of the modified Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TFPs) were investigated. Regarding antioxidant activity, TFP-GA demonstrated effective scavenging activity [...] Read more.
This research aimed to modify polysaccharides extracted from the edible mushroom Tremella fuciformis with gallic acid (GA) and to complex them with zinc ions. The functionalities of the modified Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TFPs) were investigated. Regarding antioxidant activity, TFP-GA demonstrated effective scavenging activity against DPPH radicals, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, TFP-GA exhibited superior reducing ability toward Fe3+ and enhanced chelating activity toward Fe2+ compared to unmodified TFP. Notably, the TFP-GA conjugate outperformed GA in Fe2+-chelating activity. In terms of antimicrobial activity, the TFP-GA-Zn complex showed significantly improved antimicrobial effectiveness against S. aureus and E. coli compared to TFP-GA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Papers Collection of Editorial Board Members and Invited Scholars on Food Chemistry)
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15 pages, 2927 KiB  
Article
Comparative Efficacy of Botryocladia leptopoda Extracts in Scar Inhibition and Skin Regeneration: A Study on UV Protection, Collagen Synthesis, and Fibroblast Proliferation
by Chen-Che Hsieh, Tsung-Kai Yi, Yi-Feng Kao, Shin-Ping Lin, Ming-Chieh Tu, Yu-Chieh Chou, Jheng-Jhe Lu, Huey-Jine Chai and Kuan-Chen Cheng
Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5688; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235688 - 30 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1250
Abstract
Botryocladia leptopoda is a red macroalga known for its bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-regenerative properties. The study aimed to examine their effects on UV protection, collagen synthesis, fibroblast proliferation, and pigmentation modulation. Bioactive compounds were extracted using two solvents, producing ethanol [...] Read more.
Botryocladia leptopoda is a red macroalga known for its bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-regenerative properties. The study aimed to examine their effects on UV protection, collagen synthesis, fibroblast proliferation, and pigmentation modulation. Bioactive compounds were extracted using two solvents, producing ethanol extract (FE) and alkaline extracts (AE). Methods involved characterizing extracts using mass spectrometry and assessing their effects on human fibroblasts under UVB-induced damage. UV absorbance, ROS production, and collagen synthesis were evaluated. The FE extract, which comprised 4-hydroxyquinoline, phytosphingosine, and docosapentaenoic acid, reinstated procollagen type I synthesis to 113% of baseline levels and reduced TGF-β1-mediated fibroblast proliferation to 87.78%. FE also suppressed Smad2 and α-SMA by 71% and 68%, respectively, indicating modulation of fibrosis-associated pathways. AE, containing 4-hydroxyquinoline and phenylalanine betaine, demonstrated dose-responsive cellular repair, reducing fibroblast proliferation to 97.86% and collagen Type I expression by 73% at 1000 μg/mL. Both extracts decreased ROS production, with FE and AE reducing levels by 21.4% and 19.7%, respectively, under UVB-induced oxidative stress. FE showed superior scar inhibition, while AE excelled in skin regeneration and pigmentation management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Papers Collection of Editorial Board Members and Invited Scholars on Food Chemistry)
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23 pages, 377 KiB  
Article
Detailed Phytochemical Composition, Cyto-/Hepatotoxicity, and Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Profile of Moroccan Spices: A Study on Coriander, Caraway, and Mystical Cumin
by Hiba Bouzaid, Liliana Espírito Santo, Diana M. Ferreira, Susana Machado, Anabela S. G. Costa, Maria Inês Dias, Ricardo C. Calhelha, Lillian Barros, Oumaima Chater, Youssef Kandri Rodi, Faouzi Errachidi, Fouad Ouazzani Chahdi, Maria Beatriz P. P. Oliveira and Rita C. Alves
Molecules 2024, 29(15), 3485; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153485 - 25 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1843
Abstract
Coriander, caraway, and mystical cumin are famous for their aromatic properties and widely used in Moroccan cuisine. The nutritional/phytochemical composition of their seeds (used for food flavoring and preservation) were compared. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and hepatotoxic effects were also explored. The fat [...] Read more.
Coriander, caraway, and mystical cumin are famous for their aromatic properties and widely used in Moroccan cuisine. The nutritional/phytochemical composition of their seeds (used for food flavoring and preservation) were compared. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and hepatotoxic effects were also explored. The fat content was similar among the samples (13%), with monounsaturated fatty acids being predominant. The coriander and mystical cumin seeds were extremely rich in C18:1n9c (81 and 85%, respectively) while, in the caraway, C18:1n12 (25%) was found together with C18:1n9c (32%). The caraway seeds also presented a higher proportion of C18:2n6c (34%) than the other seeds (13 and 8%, correspondingly). γ-Tocotrienol was the major vitamin E form in all the samples. The caraway seeds contained double the amount of protein (~18%) compared to the other seeds (~8%) but, qualitatively, the amino acid profiles among all seeds were similar. The seeds were also rich in dietary fiber (40–53%); however, differences were found in their fiber profiles. Caraway showed the highest antioxidant profile and anti-inflammatory activity and an LC-DAD-ESI/MSn analysis revealed great differences in the phenolic profiles of the samples. Cytotoxicity (NCI-H460, AGS, MCF-7, and CaCo2) and hepatotoxicity (RAW 264.7) were not observed. In sum, besides their flavoring/preservation properties, these seeds are also relevant source of bioactive compounds with health-promoting activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Papers Collection of Editorial Board Members and Invited Scholars on Food Chemistry)
20 pages, 2676 KiB  
Article
Impact of Different Carbon Sources on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Produced during Fermentation by Levilactobacillus brevis WLP672 Measured Using Proton Transfer Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS)
by Sarathadevi Rajendran, Iuliia Khomenko, Patrick Silcock, Emanuela Betta, Franco Biasioli and Phil Bremer
Molecules 2024, 29(14), 3275; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29143275 - 11 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1570
Abstract
Bacterial fermentation is considered to be a cost-effective means of generating desired flavour compounds from plant-based substrates. However, the wide range of substrates present in plants makes it challenging to understand how individual components impact on flavour volatile organic compound (VOC) production. To [...] Read more.
Bacterial fermentation is considered to be a cost-effective means of generating desired flavour compounds from plant-based substrates. However, the wide range of substrates present in plants makes it challenging to understand how individual components impact on flavour volatile organic compound (VOC) production. To simplify this, a defined medium can be used to better understand VOCs production with regard to individual compounds. In the current study, the VOCs produced by the lactic acid bacterium, Levilactobacillus brevis WLP672, growing in a defined medium containing different carbon sources (either glucose (DM), fructose (DMFr) or citrate (DMCi)) under a range of fermentation conditions (time: 0, 7, and 14 days; and temperature: 25 and 35 °C) were assessed using proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS). Among the detected mass peaks (m/z), after 7 days of fermentation, the concentrations of m/z 45.033 (t.i. acetaldehyde), m/z 49.011 (t.i. methanethiol), and m/z 89.060 (t.i. ethyl acetate) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in DM at 35 °C than all other treatments at either temperature. The knowledge obtained will help to produce desirable LAB fermentation flavour VOCs or VOC mixtures that could be used in developing plant-based analogues with acceptable sensory properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Papers Collection of Editorial Board Members and Invited Scholars on Food Chemistry)
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13 pages, 1195 KiB  
Article
Production of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Concentrates from Common Kilka Oil: Optimization of the Urea Complexation Process
by Zahra Eskandari, Seyed Fakhreddin Hosseini and Anan Yaghmur
Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2430; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112430 - 21 May 2024
Viewed by 1891
Abstract
There has been an increase in interest in the application of ω-3 PUFAs, especially EPA and DHA, in the development of various food products owing to their myriad health benefits. However, most fish oils do not contain more than 30% combined levels of [...] Read more.
There has been an increase in interest in the application of ω-3 PUFAs, especially EPA and DHA, in the development of various food products owing to their myriad health benefits. However, most fish oils do not contain more than 30% combined levels of EPA and DHA. In this study, through the urea complexation procedure, the production of EPA and DHA concentrate in their free fatty acids (FFAs) form was achieved from an enzymatic oil extracted from common kilka (Clupeonella cultriventris caspia). To gain the maximum value of EPA and DHA, the response surface methodology (RSM), which is an effective tool to categorize the level of independent variables onto the responses of an experimental process, was also used. Different variables including the urea–fatty acids (FAs) ratio (in the range of 2–6, w/w), the temperature of crystallization (in the range of −24–8 °C), and the time of crystallization (in the range of 8–40 h) were investigated by response surface methodology (RSM) for maximizing the EPA and DHA contents. Following the model validation, the levels of the variables at which the maximum desirability function (0.907 score) was obtained for response variables were 5:1 (urea–FAs ratio), −9 °C (the temperature of crystallization), and 24 h (the time of crystallization). Under these optimal conditions, increases of 2.2 and 4.4 times in the EPA and DHA concentrations were observed, respectively, and an increase in the concentrations of EPA and DHA from 5.39 and 13.32% in the crude oil to 12.07 and 58.36% in the ω-3 PUFA concentrates were observed, respectively. These findings indicate that the urea complexation process is efficient at optimizated conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Papers Collection of Editorial Board Members and Invited Scholars on Food Chemistry)
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15 pages, 1270 KiB  
Article
Hydroxylated Tetramethoxyflavone Affects Intestinal Cell Permeability and Inhibits Cytochrome P450 Enzymes
by Kuo-Ching Jan and Mohsen Gavahian
Molecules 2024, 29(2), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020322 - 9 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1791
Abstract
Tetramethoxyflavones (TMFs) found in the Citrus genus have garnered considerable interest from food scientists and the health food industry because of their promising biological properties. Nonetheless, there are currently limited data available regarding the effectiveness and bioavailability of “hydroxylated TMFs”, which are flavones [...] Read more.
Tetramethoxyflavones (TMFs) found in the Citrus genus have garnered considerable interest from food scientists and the health food industry because of their promising biological properties. Nonetheless, there are currently limited data available regarding the effectiveness and bioavailability of “hydroxylated TMFs”, which are flavones known for their potential in disease prevention through dietary means. This study aims to provide insights into the chemical and biological properties of hydroxylated TMF and evaluates its effects on intestinal cell permeability and cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibition. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and microsomes analyze the TMFs and hydroxylated TMFs, elucidating cell penetration and metabolic inhibition potential. 3H7-TMF shows the fastest (1-h) transport efficiency in intestinal cells. The Caco-2 cell model exhibits significant transport and absorption efficiency. Dissolved hydroxyl-TMF with hydrophilicity possibly permeates the gut. 3H7-TMF has higher transport efficiency (46%) 3H6-TMF (39%). IC50 values of TMFs (78-TMF, 57-TMF, 3H7-TMF, 3H6-TMF) against CYP enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4) range from 0.15 to 108 μM, indicating potent inhibition. Hydroxyl groups enhance TMF hydrophilicity and membrane permeability. TMFs display varied inhibitory effects due to hydroxyl and methoxy hindrance. This study underscores the strong CYP inhibitory capabilities in these TMFs, implying potential food–drug interactions if used in medicines or supplements. These findings can also help with food nutrition improvement and pharma food developments through innovative approaches for Citrus waste valorization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Papers Collection of Editorial Board Members and Invited Scholars on Food Chemistry)
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Review

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25 pages, 2322 KiB  
Review
PLA- and PHA-Biopolyester-Based Electrospun Materials: Development, Legislation, and Food Packaging Applications
by Cristian Patiño Vidal, Cristina Muñoz-Shugulí, Manon Guivier, Débora Puglia, Francesca Luzi, Adrián Rojas, Eliezer Velásquez, María José Galotto and Carol López-de-Dicastillo
Molecules 2024, 29(22), 5452; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29225452 - 19 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2397
Abstract
The high accumulation of plastic waste in the environment has led to great interest in biodegradable polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA) or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Their benefits, combined with the application of electrospinning technology, represent an innovative proposal for the food packaging industry. [...] Read more.
The high accumulation of plastic waste in the environment has led to great interest in biodegradable polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA) or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Their benefits, combined with the application of electrospinning technology, represent an innovative proposal for the food packaging industry. This article provides a comprehensive review of the latest developments of PLA- and PHA-biopolyester-based electrospun materials for food packaging applications, summarizing the reported technologies, material properties, applications, and invention patents. In addition, the legislation used to assess their biodegradability is also detailed. Electrospun packaging materials are largely developed through uniaxial, coaxial, emulsion, multiaxial, and needleless techniques. PLA- and PHA-biopolyester-based electrospun materials can be obtained as single and multilayer packaging structures, and the incorporation of natural extracts, organic compounds, and nanoparticles has become a great strategy for designing active food packaging systems. The biodegradability of electrospun materials has mainly been evaluated in soil, compost, and aquatic systems through ASTM and ISO normatives. In this review, the dependence of the biodegradation process on the polymer type, conditions, and test methods is clearly reviewed. Moreover, these biodegradable electrospun materials have shown excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, resulting in a great method for extending the shelf life of fruits, bread, fish, and meat products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Papers Collection of Editorial Board Members and Invited Scholars on Food Chemistry)
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