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Processes
Special Issues
Bioactive Compound Function Characterization in Biochemical Engineering
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Bioactive Compound Function Characterization in Biochemical Engineering

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Biological Processes and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 October 2026 | Viewed by 3459

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Noroska Gabriela Salazar-Mogollón

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Guest Editor
Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150101, Ecuador
Interests: natural product analysis; advanced chromatographic techniques (HPLC, UHPLC, GC, GC×GC); chemometrics and multivariate data analysis; bioactive compounds and mass spectrometry
Dr. Karel Dieguez Santana

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Guest Editor
Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150101, Ecuador
Interests: chem-bioinformatics; machine learning; bioactive compounds; molecular docking; simulation and design of industrial processes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advances in biochemical engineering have been driven by the growing interest in understanding and utilizing bioactive compounds derived from natural or engineered sources. These compounds, including secondary metabolites, peptides, and small molecules, can influence metabolic pathways, exhibit therapeutic activity, or enhance the performance of bioprocesses. Functional characterization involves the use of both experimental and computational strategies to evaluate biological activity, target interactions, and process compatibility.

This Special Issue of Processes, entitled “Bioactive Compound Function Characterization in Biochemical Engineering”, seeks to publish high-quality contributions exploring the latest methodologies and applications related to bioactive molecules in biochemical systems. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

  • Functional analysis of natural and synthetic bioactive compounds;
  • Metabolic engineering and pathway optimization for bioactivity enhancement;
  • Analytical and omics-based techniques for compound identification and activity profiling;
  • In silico molecular docking and ADMET prediction of bioactive candidates;
  • Bioprocess design and scale-up strategies for sustainable production;
  • Integration of bioactive compound functionality into industrial or therapeutic applications.

We welcome interdisciplinary studies combining biochemistry, chemical engineering, synthetic biology, and computational modeling.

Prof. Dr. Noroska Gabriela Salazar-Mogollón
Dr. Karel Dieguez Santana
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Processes 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 2400 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

  • bioactive compounds
  • functional characterization
  • biochemical engineering
  • omics technologies
  • in silico analysis
  • natural product-based therapeutics
  • computational modeling

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

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 842 KB  
Article
Cell-Based Screening Identifies Neoblechnum brasiliense Extract as a Potent Antagonist of the Ecdysteroid Receptor in Dipteran Cells
by Jissela Gaibor Garofalo, Juliana Wegner, Mauricio Gaibor Garofalo, Guy Smagghe, Jorge Briceño and Moises João Zotti
Processes 2026, 14(2), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14020312 - 15 Jan 2026
Viewed by 391
Abstract
The ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) plays a crucial role in insect development and metamorphosis, making it a promising target for the design of novel biorational compounds. This study investigated the cytotoxicity, as well as the EcR agonist and antagonist activities, of three synthetic molecules [...] Read more.
The ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) plays a crucial role in insect development and metamorphosis, making it a promising target for the design of novel biorational compounds. This study investigated the cytotoxicity, as well as the EcR agonist and antagonist activities, of three synthetic molecules analogous to tebufenozide and extracts from nine plant species using the dipteran S2 cell line which originates from the insect model of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Cytotoxicity assays were performed to determine appropriate concentrations of the synthetic molecules and plant extracts for cell transfection. EcR agonist and antagonist activities were evaluated using 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) as the control hormone. The synthetic molecules analogous to tebufenozide did not activate EcR in S2 cells. In contrast, the plant extract of Neoblechnum brasiliense, commonly known as Brazilian dwarf tree fern, exhibited significant antagonistic activity at 100 µM, reducing receptor activity by 92%, likely due to its phytosteroid content, and without inducing cytotoxic effects. These findings demonstrate that certain plant extracts, particularly N. brasiliense, act as effective EcR antagonists and may represent promising natural leads for the development of environmentally compatible biorational compounds to control economically important dipteran pests, such as fruit flies and mosquitoes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compound Function Characterization in Biochemical Engineering)
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13 pages, 622 KB  
Article
Study of the Oxidative Stability of Chia Oil (Salvia hispanica L.) at Various Concentrations of Alpha Tocopherol
by Jorge Briceño, Carlos Vásquez, Janeth Guayta, Carlos Ramírez, José Altuna and Mónica Silva
Processes 2025, 13(12), 3887; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13123887 - 2 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1027
Abstract
Cold-pressed chia oil (Salvia hispanica L.) is highly susceptible to oxidative deterioration due to its exceptional α-linolenic acid content. This study evaluated the effect of increasing α-tocopherol concentrations (0–0.10% w/w) on its oxidative stability through accelerated oxidation testing (Oxitest) [...] Read more.
Cold-pressed chia oil (Salvia hispanica L.) is highly susceptible to oxidative deterioration due to its exceptional α-linolenic acid content. This study evaluated the effect of increasing α-tocopherol concentrations (0–0.10% w/w) on its oxidative stability through accelerated oxidation testing (Oxitest) and long-term refrigerated storage. α-Tocopherol was selected because it is a widely accepted antioxidant in edible oils according to the Codex Alimentarius and FAO/WHO guidelines. A randomized block design (n = 3 independent extraction batches) was used to determine the induction period (IP) at 80 °C, followed by a 15-month evaluation at 15 °C of the control and the most promising treatment. α-Tocopherol increased oxidative resistance in a dose-dependent manner, but concentrations above 0.05% offered no additional benefits. The 0.05% treatment significantly prolonged the IP and effectively limited increases in peroxide and acidity values, keeping all parameters within Ecuadorian regulatory limits and consistent with international quality standards. Fatty-acid profiling confirmed that this antioxidant level slowed α-linolenic acid degradation, preserving the PUFA-rich profile of chia oil. These findings show that low-level α-tocopherol supplementation is a practical strategy to improve long-term stability of cold-pressed chia oil without altering its nutritional properties, providing valuable evidence for the formulation and commercialization of premium functional oils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compound Function Characterization in Biochemical Engineering)
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15 pages, 899 KB  
Article
Functional and Bioactive Characterization of Hemp Cake Proteins and Polyphenols from Non-Psychoactive Cannabis sativa
by María Quinteros, Paola Wilcaso, Carlos Ribadeneira and Edgar Vilcacundo
Processes 2025, 13(10), 3184; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13103184 - 7 Oct 2025
Viewed by 959
Abstract
The agro-industrial residue known as hemp cake, derived from non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa L., represents a sustainable alternative for the development of protein-rich ingredients. In Ecuador, particularly in Bolívar Province, this by-product has been underutilized. However, similar challenges in the valorization of hemp residues [...] Read more.
The agro-industrial residue known as hemp cake, derived from non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa L., represents a sustainable alternative for the development of protein-rich ingredients. In Ecuador, particularly in Bolívar Province, this by-product has been underutilized. However, similar challenges in the valorization of hemp residues have also been reported in other regions, where they are often discarded or used as low-value animal feed. These issues are not exclusive to Bolívar, and since protein stability depends primarily on drying and storage rather than geographic relocation, the valorization strategies proposed in this study can be extrapolated to other production zones. Protein concentrates were extracted from freeze-dried flower cake (TL, freeze-dried hemp cake) and oven-dried flower cake (TS, oven-dried hemp cake) using isoelectric precipitation, yielding protein concentrates from freeze-dried cake (CPL) and oven-dried cake (CPS). Protein content was determined using the Dumas combustion method, the Bradford dye-binding method, and the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) method. Functional properties such as solubility, water absorption, oil absorption, foaming capacity, and foam stability were evaluated, together with total phenolic and flavonoid content and in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Results demonstrated high protein values (up to 90.42%), remarkable functional properties, and strong bioactive potential, supporting hemp cake concentrates as sustainable alternatives for food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compound Function Characterization in Biochemical Engineering)
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29 pages, 1346 KB  
Systematic Review
Schinus molle L. Essential Oil: Chemotypes, Bioactive Compounds, and Pharmaceutical Insights: A Systematic Review
by Matteo Radice, Andrea Durofil, Sandra Ríos-Núñez, Miguel Angel Enríquez Estrella, Luis Humberto Vásquez-Cortez, Mirtha Liliana Plaza Forenza, Reinier Abreu-Naranjo, Irene Gugel, Stefano Manfredini and Laura Scalvenzi
Processes 2026, 14(2), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14020180 - 6 Jan 2026
Viewed by 502
Abstract
Schinus molle L. Essential Oil (SMEO) displays a rich scientific literature, including preliminary studies on its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. This review seeks to systematically analyze the influence of the chemotype diversity of SMEO on its biological and pharmaceutical applications, with a [...] Read more.
Schinus molle L. Essential Oil (SMEO) displays a rich scientific literature, including preliminary studies on its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. This review seeks to systematically analyze the influence of the chemotype diversity of SMEO on its biological and pharmaceutical applications, with a particular focus on antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activities, and to identify research gaps for effective pharmaceutical exploitation. The article selection process was carried out in June 2025 and focused on the PubMed, Scopus, and MDPI databases, producing 176 articles, of which 51 were selected for this review. The present systematic review included the articles published in English and Spanish, with no limitations on the year of publication; data from patent and symposium abstracts were excluded. A qualitative assessment of the selected articles was carried out, including a TRL (Technology Readiness Level) analysis. The results were summarized using hierarchical cluster analysis and a strategic patent search tree, and were processed into tables, graphs, and a heat map, which enabled discussions and proposals for new research trends to be developed. The chemical composition varies significantly depending on the production area, climatic conditions, and seasonality, but the presence of two prevalent chemotypes is evident, α-phellandrene and sabinene, respectively. Data on antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activity were promising, and some formulation prototypes are available, pointing toward the potential development of pharmaceutical and veterinary products. The use of nanotechnology appears to be crucial for the potential pharmaceutical application of SMEO, but further studies are needed. Specifically, further investigation of the properties of SMEO or its components in wound healing applications could represent a new research trend. This review highlights the state of the art of pharmacological research on SMEO and suggests future research directions with a view to develop formulations suitable for safety and efficacy improvements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compound Function Characterization in Biochemical Engineering)
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