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Biofortification and Other Modern Technologies as Tools for Plant-Based Food Improvement

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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2022) | Viewed by 16538

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Aleksandar Ž. Kostić

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Guest Editor

Chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: bee products; phytochemistry; bioactive compounds; food analytical chemistry; nutritional composition of food; health risk assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Enisa Omanovic-Miklicanin

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Interests: food chemistry; nanotechnology; food contamination; water chemistry; biosynthesis of nanoparticles; food packaging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Food production is becoming more demanding, for several reasons. On one hand, population is constantly growing; the market and customers become increasingly picky, while climatic changes cause a decline in the production of quality food. Consequently, science is at a crossroads and in the midst of several milestones—the question is how to succeed and solve the observed issues. For that purpose, some modern and innovative techniques and technologies have been developed and applied. Biofortification is one of them, which enables plant-based food quality to be upgraded through the application of several agents like selenium, zinc, iron, nitrogen, etc. These agents alleviate plant stress by increasing the content of different bioactive compounds and/or nutrients, improving the quality of the final product. The quality of plant-based food can be improved via application of nanotechnology, especially through the encapsulation technique. In this way, the stability and bioaccessibility/bioavailability of some food ingredients can be significantly improved, especially in the case of phenolics, carotenoids, etc. Phytochemical form plants can be used as reduction agents in the process of the biosynthesis of nanoparticles. In this way, they significantly contribute to the development of green methods for nanoparticle synthesis. Nanoparticles can enforce plant production and contribute to the efficient growth of plants. In addition to chemical, there are some physical (like pulsed electric field, ultrasound, etc.) and genetic techniques which are also applied and are indispensable in agricultural production. This Special Issue aims to collect current research data across the world in order to improve our knowledge of this topic. Moreover, review articles that merge current status and suggest future perspectives are also more than welcome.

Dr. Aleksandar Ž. Kostić
Prof. Enisa Omanović-Mikličanin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

plant-based food
biofortification
encapsulation
bioactive compounds
nutrients
minerals
antioxidants
biosynthesis

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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27 pages, 2206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Effect of the Potassium Dose and Plant Biofertilization by Acinetobacter calcoaceticus on the Growth, Mineral Content, Nutritional Quality, Antioxidant Activity, and Metabolomic Features of Tomatillo Fruits (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.)

by Heriberto F. Ramírez-Cariño, Carlos E. Ochoa-Velasco, José A. Guerrero-Analco, Juan L. Monribot-Villanueva, Concepción Calderón-García, Elizabeth González-Terreros, Cirenio Escamirosa-Tinoco, Isidro Morales and Rogelio Valadez-Blanco

Plants 2023, 12(3), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030466 - 19 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1617

Abstract

An Acinetobacter calcoaceticus UTMR2 strain was evaluated in tomatillo plants (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) using a factorial design with different potassium doses (100, 75, 50 and 0% of the recommended dose). In addition to the agronomic parameters, an analysis of the physicochemical, antioxidant, and metabolomic properties of the fruit was performed. The application of the inoculant affected several parameters of the plant (chlorophyll, weight, and contents of several mineral elements) as well as of the fruit (yield, maturity index, FRAP antioxidant capacity, and contents of protein, fiber, and fat). A multivariate analysis was performed by means of a PCA and a heatmap, indicating that the inoculant induced a strong modulating activity in tomatillo plants for the evaluated parameters, with a remarkable effect at low K doses (0 and 50%). The inoculated treatment at 75% of the K dose resulted in similar plant and fruit characteristics to the fully fertilized control. On the other hand, the biofertilized treatment with no K addition resulted in the highest values in the plant and fruit parameters. In addition, from the metabolomics analysis of the fruits at 75% of the K dose, the up-regulation of 4,4″-bis(N-feruloyl)serotonin, salvianolic acid K, and chlorogenic acid was observed, which may have a role in anti-senescence and resistance mechanisms. In conclusion, the rhizobacterial strain had a positive effect on plant growth, nutritional quality, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of tomatillo fruits at reduced doses of K fertilizer, which gives support for its consideration as an effective biofertilizer strain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofortification and Other Modern Technologies as Tools for Plant-Based Food Improvement)

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19 pages, 1282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Elemental Profile, General Phytochemical Composition and Bioaccumulation Abilities of Selected Allium Species Biofortified with Selenium under Open Field Conditions

by Sandra Vuković, Djordje Moravčević, Jelica Gvozdanović-Varga, Biljana Dojčinović, Ana Vujošević, Ilinka Pećinar, Sofija Kilibarda and Aleksandar Ž. Kostić

Plants 2023, 12(2), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020349 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1779

Abstract

Allium species are known as a rich source of many compounds with potential healing effects. Biofortification is recognized as an effective agrotechnical measure for raising the level of biogenic elements—especially microelements in the edible parts of these species, so Allium can be considered as a ‘natural dietary supplement’. The aim of this research was to test the effects of foliar application of Se fertilizer (Na₂SeO₄) in different doses (control—0, 10, 20 and 30 g per ha) on the content of macro, microelements and secondary metabolites (SMs)—free phenolics, flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in the edible parts, i.e., leaves of two selected Allium species in Serbia (A. odorum and A. schoenoprasum), which grew in open field conditions over the course of two growing seasons. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF), as an indicator of the ability of plants to accumulate biogenic elements, was also determined. Although with no full regularity, the dose of 10 g of Se per ha yielded the highest content for the most biogenic elements for both alliums in the first growing season, i.e., a dose of 20 g of Se per ha for A. schoenoprasum, and a dose of 30 g of Se per ha for A. odorum in the second growing season. The obtained results justified the Se-biofortification of different alliums. The BAF values indicated the ability of both Allium species to accumulate S, K and P in their leaves during both growing seasons. The accumulation of potentially toxic elements was not recorded for either species, emphasizing the safety of the produced plant material for human consumption. Additionally, Se-treated plants had higher SM contents compared to control plants. The growing season also showed an impact on SM content; i.e., in the second season, characterized as drought-stressed, the synthesis of SMs was significantly higher compared to that in the first season. Further research should be directed towards finding the appropriate dose of Se, expanded in the sense of conducting research in controlled conditions, as well as different ways of applying Se fertilizer. The idea of this study was also to popularize the examined Allium species, which are rarely grown in the territory of Serbia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofortification and Other Modern Technologies as Tools for Plant-Based Food Improvement)

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11 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Rye Plants (Secale cereale) as Affected by Agronomic Biofortification with Iodine

by Anna Krzepiłko, Bogdan Kościk, Monika Skowrońska, Sebastian Kuśmierz, Jacek Walczak and Roman Prażak

Plants 2023, 12(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010100 - 25 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1151

Abstract

This study assessed the possibility of using iodine-containing fertilizers for agronomic biofortification of rye biomass used as fodder for cows, and establish the best application method and form and the optimal dose of iodine (I) under field conditions. The impact of iodine fertilization on grain iodine content was not studied. Results showed that agronomic biofortification of rye plants with iodine, influenced by its dose, form, and method of application was highly effective in increasing I shoot contents. Plant I-enrichment via foliar and soil application significantly affected I concentration in plant biomass even at a low dose (2.5 kg ha⁻¹). Soil I application as KI appeared optimal for rye plants used as fodder for cows, especially cropped under the soil with a neutral reaction. Iodine application improved the biological quality of rye plants by increasing concentrations of sugar, chlorophylls, and at a low rate, protein and total antioxidant capacity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofortification and Other Modern Technologies as Tools for Plant-Based Food Improvement)

11 pages, 545 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formulation of Functional Drink with Milk Fortification: Effects on the Bioaccessibility and Intestinal Absorption of Phenolics

by Gulay Ozkan, Esra Capanoglu and Tuba Esatbeyoglu

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3364; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233364 - 3 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1308

Abstract

Due to a turn toward to functional foods with improved nutritional value, rosehip could be an appropriate candidate to create formulations using a milk matrix. In the present study, the influence of bovine or almond milk fortification on the bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption of rosehip infusion phenolics, mainly catechin, were investigated by a combined method of an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion/Caco-2 cell culture model. The results indicated that bovine (IB) or almond milk (IA) fortification enhanced the retention of total phenolics (TPC; increase of 8.1% and 20.3% for IB and IA, respectively), while there was a decline in the total flavonoids (TFC; decrease of 64% and 17% for IB and IA, respectively) and antioxidant capacity measured by CUPRAC assay (decrease of 15% and 4% for IB and IA, respectively) throughout the gastrointestinal tract in comparison with the control sample (IC). Then, based on the cytotoxicity (SRB) assay, 1/5 times diluted digests were subjected to transepithelial transportation of Caco-2 cells. According to the results, the bovine milk matrix positively affected the transportation of phenolics across the epithelial cell layer. It could be concluded that it is possible to produce functional infusion drinks with improved stability, bioaccessibility, and absorption efficiency of rosehip phenolics in the formulations containing milk matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofortification and Other Modern Technologies as Tools for Plant-Based Food Improvement)

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12 pages, 1149 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Different Concentrations of Potassium Silicate in Nutrient Solution Affects Selected Growth Characteristics and Mineral Composition of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

by Anja Mavrič Čermelj, Eva Fideršek, Aleksandra Golob, Nina Kacjan Maršić, Katarina Vogel Mikuš and Mateja Germ

Plants 2022, 11(11), 1405; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11111405 - 25 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1657

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of potassium silicate (K₂SiO₃) on the physiological and growth characteristics and elemental composition of barley plants. Hydroponically grown barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) var. Wilma was exposed to four different levels of Si in the form of K₂SiO₃ at concentrations of 0 (Si₀), 0.5 (Si_0.5), 1 (Si₁) or 1.5 (Si_1.5) mM Si. Plants were analyzed for root length, number of dry leaves, number of trichomes, electron transport system activity in mitochondria (ETS), leaf pigment content and elemental composition of roots and leaves. Treatment with Si_0.5 significantly increased the concentration of total chlorophylls, root length and ETS activity in barley. Plants with no Si added to the nutrient solution had significantly more dry leaves than plants from all Si-treated groups. Necrosis was observed in Si₀ plants, while leaf damage was not visible in treated plants. According to the results of the study, we evidenced that plants were stressed due to Si deficiency. The addition of K₂SiO₃ significantly affected the concentration of Si, K, Ca, Cl, S, Mn, Fe and Zn in roots and leaves of barley. In barley treated with Si_0.5, plants showed the best performance in terms of their physiological characteristics and growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofortification and Other Modern Technologies as Tools for Plant-Based Food Improvement)

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10 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Foliar Zinc-Selenium and Nitrogen Fertilization Affects Content of Zn, Fe, Se, P, and Cd in Wheat Grain

by Zdenko Lončarić, Vladimir Ivezić, Darko Kerovec and Andrijana Rebekić

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1549; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081549 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2190

Abstract

The grain yield and concentrations of Fe, Zn, Se, Cd, and P in two winter wheat genotypes and in vitro bioaccessibility of Fe and Zn under the effect of different nitrogen fertilization and Zn-Se foliar application were evaluated. The total grain Fe, Zn, and Se concentrations, as well as Fe and Zn concentrations, after in vitro digestion were under the strongest effect of foliar Zn-Se application. On the other hand, Fe and Zn bioaccessibility (%) were under the most substantial effect of genotype. Regarding the need to increase concentrations of essential micronutrients in wheat grain, foliar Zn-Se application is a reliable and accepted agricultural practice, but to improve mineral bioaccessibility in human nutrition, foliar Zn-Se application should be combined with the most responsive genotypes. For this reason, further research on the genotype specificity of wheat regarding micronutrient bioaccessibility should be carried out. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofortification and Other Modern Technologies as Tools for Plant-Based Food Improvement)

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Review

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32 pages, 2558 KiB

Open AccessReview

Fighting Obesity-Related Micronutrient Deficiencies through Biofortification of Agri-Food Crops with Sustainable Fertilization Practices

by Carlos Esteban Guardiola-Márquez, María Teresa Santos-Ramírez, M. Eugenia Segura-Jiménez, Melina Lizeth Figueroa-Montes and Daniel A. Jacobo-Velázquez

Plants 2022, 11(24), 3477; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11243477 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5692

Abstract

Obesity is a critical medical condition worldwide that is increasingly involved with nutritional derangements associated with micronutrient deficiencies, including iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. Nutritional deficiencies in obesity are mainly caused by poor-quality diets, higher nutrient requirements, alterations in micronutrient metabolism, and invasive obesity treatments. The current conventional agricultural system is designed for intensive food production, focusing on food quantity rather than food quality, consuming excessive agricultural inputs, and producing nutrient-deficient foods, thus generating severe health and environmental problems; agricultural food products may worsen obesity-related malnutrition. Therefore, modern agriculture is adopting new biofortification technologies to combat micronutrient deficiencies and improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. Biofertilization and nanofertilization practices are increasingly used due to their efficiency, safety, and reduced environmental impact. Biofertilizers are preparations of PGP-microorganisms that promote plant growth by influencing plant metabolism and improving the nutrient uptake, and nanofertilizers consist of synthesized nanoparticles with unique physicochemical properties that are capable of increasing plant nutrition and enriching agricultural products. This review presents the current micronutrient deficiencies associated with obesity, the modern unsustainable agri-food system contributing to obesity progression, and the development of bio- and nanofertilizers capable of biofortifying agri-food crops with micronutrients commonly deficient in patients with obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofortification and Other Modern Technologies as Tools for Plant-Based Food Improvement)

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