Search Results (192)

In this study, the aim was to determine the levels of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A (OTA) in baby food consumed in Hatay using fluorescence-detector HPLC (HPLC-FLD) and to reveal the health risks that may occur in babies through consumption of these foods. To determine the dietary intake and to reveal the health risk assessment, the estimated daily intake (EDI) for all mycotoxins, the margin of exposure (MOE) for aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) and OTA, the hazard index (HI) and the consumption-related hepatocellular cancer risk for AFM₁ were calculated. It was reported that 11.5% and 8.2% of the analyzed samples exceeded the legal limit set for AFB₁ and OTA, respectively. However, it was found that AFM₁ concentrations in all samples did not exceed the legal limit. Based on the estimated consumption amounts of the baby foods, the HI values calculated for AFM₁ were below 1, and the MOE values calculated for AFB₁ and AFM₁ were above 10.000, indicating that the consumption of baby foods does not pose a risk regarding AFB₁ and AFM₁ for babies. However, it was determined in all other products, except for toddler formula, that the MOE values calculated for OTA were below 10.000, indicating that their consumption may pose serious health problems in babies. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the potential of Lemna minor (common duckweed) for the removal of galaxolide (HHCB) from polluted water, a compound commonly used in consumer products such as perfumes and detergents. The focus was to identify the optimal conditions for removal, determine the removal efficiency, and elucidate the mechanisms involved. The experiment was conducted by cultivating Lemna minor using as a cultivation medium synthetic sewage and laboratory solutions (MilliQ water) containing galaxolide at two levels of concentration (1034 µg·L⁻¹ and 2326 µg·L⁻¹). The plants were exposed to light for 16 h a day and grown at pH 5. Removal efficiency was assessed through liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection (FLD). Kinetics of observed process was modelled using a pseudo-first-order equation. The study of the HHCB decay mechanism included determining the contributions to the final effect of the following processes occurring simultaneously: sorption on the plant surface, photodegradation, and uptake by Lemna. The removal efficiency (RE%) of galaxolide by Lemna minor was 99.7% when aqueous standard solution was used as the cultivation medium after 14 days, and between 97.8% and 98.6% in the case of wastewater samples. Sorption onto plants surface, photodegradation, and uptake by the plants were identified as the primary mechanisms for HHCB removal. Toxicity studies revealed that galaxolide exposure adversely affected Lemna minor growth, altering photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoid) levels. Full article

Consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for high-quality extra virgin olive oils (HQ-EVOOs) with specific sensory or nutraceutical properties, and originating from particular botanical or geographical origins. Regarding geographic origin, Italy is one of the main producers, with many local production areas, each characterized by its own distinctive typicity. The aim of this study is the chemical, sensory, and nutraceutical profiling of HQ-EVOO produced over two production years in Montespertoli (province of Florence) by 12 producers involved in the “MontEspertOlio” project, funded by the Tuscan Region. Oils were produced based on a production process previously defined and specifically applied to this territory. The shelf-life of the oil was also evaluated over a 12-month period. Legal quality parameters were analyzed according to EU regulation. Phenolic compounds, tocopherols, fatty acid composition, and volatile compounds were analyzed using HPLC-DAD, HPLC-FLD, HS-SPME-GC-MS, and GC-FID, respectively. Finally, sensory analysis was conducted using the Panel Test method. Results showed that Montespertoli HQ-EVOO is characterized by distinctive sensory and chemical traits that fully match consumer preferences, even across two production years characterized by different growing conditions. The shelf-life performance was excellent over 12 months, also showing a protective effect of greater bottle sizes against oxidation. Full article

Estrogens are potent hormones involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Their typically low concentrations in biological samples necessitate highly sensitive analytical methods for accurate quantification. This study presents a high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) method for quantifying estradiol and its metabolites in blood serum and saliva. Analytes were extracted using solid-phase microextraction with a divinylbenzene sorbent and methanol as the desorption agent. FLD was performed after the derivatization of the analytes with dansyl chloride. Separation was achieved on a Poroshell 120 EC-C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 2.7 µm) at 50 °C using water with 0.1% formic acid and methanol as the mobile phase at 0.5 mL/min. A gradient elution increased the methanol concentration from 76% to 100% over 0–8 min, then it returned to 76% at 8.1 min and was held until 11 min had passed. Detection was at λ_EX 350 nm and λ_EM 530 nm. Good linearity was observed for estradiol, 2-hydroxyestradiol, and 2-methoxyestradiol (10–300 ng/mL; R² = 0.9893–0.9995). The LOQ for all analytes was 10 ng/mL. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) offered advantages over liquid–liquid extraction. The method is suitable for quantifying estrogens in the 10 ng/mL–1 µg/mL range. Full article

This study evaluated the prevalence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk marketed in Tirana, Albania, along with dietary exposure and associated potential health risks. The World Health Organization has categorized Albania in cluster G02 of GEMS/FOOD, highlighting that milk is a staple in the Albanian diet, which points to a possible health risk. A total of 141 milk samples, comprising both Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) and pasteurized types, were collected from local markets in Tirana and analyzed from March 2023 to February 2024. The determination of AFM1 levels was carried out using High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography with a Fluorescence Detector (HPLC-FLD), a precise and dependable technique for identifying and measuring aflatoxins in food products. Aflatoxin M1 was found in 62.4% of the milk samples, with 26.2% surpassing the European Union’s maximum residue levels (MRL). The mean AFM1 concentrations were 58.8 ± 95.8 ng/kg, reaching a maximum level of 399.0 ng/kg. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) for various groups—toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults—was determined to be 2.161, 1.297, 0.519, and 0.370 ng/kg of body weight per day, respectively. The Hazard Index (HI), derived from the AFM1 exposure for four population groups, was 10.81 (toddlers), 6.48 (children), 2.59 (adolescents), and 1.85 (adults). The Margin of Exposure (MoE) was 1.85, 3.08, 7.71, and 10.81, respectively. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) per 100,000 people in the four groups was 0.034, 0.021, 0.008, and 0.006, respectively. The study is the first comprehensive evaluation of AFM1 prevalence, highlighting the potential risks associated with milk consumption, as milk is a dietary staple in Albanian households. It addresses a critical public health concern regarding aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination in milk consumed in Tirana, Albania, by highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring, regulatory measures, and educational outreach to enhance food safety and safeguard public health in Albania, as well as in other regions facing similar concerns. Full article

Oral administration of dipyridamole (DIP) with acetylsalicylic acid (ACA) is recommended in thromboembolic conditions or for the treatment of myocardial infarction and stroke. The present study presents an alternative dosage form of these two active ingredients, consisting of a honey core and a dark chocolate coating. The composition masks the bitter taste, is palatable and ensures compliance of a wide range of patients, mainly pediatric. For the simultaneous quantitative determination of the analytes, a Diode Array Detector/Fluorescence Detector (HPLC-DAD/FLD) method was used with a C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) and an isocratic two-phase system (A: H₂O 0.2% formic acid—B: Acetonitrile-H₂O 90:10 v/v) 65:35 v/v. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines (r² > 0.999, RSD < 2.3%, % Recovery > 95.4%), and a stability study of the two active ingredients as well as salicylic acid (SAL), which is a hydrolysis product of ACA, was followed. Finally, a digestion protocol (oral cavity–stomach–intestine) for edible materials was applied to determine the release rate of ACA, DIP and SAL in the gastrointestinal tract, while an in vitro permeability study (P_app) was subsequently performed in Franz cells. The results show satisfactory behavior of ACA and DIP and provide a trigger for further studies of the formulation. Full article

The traditional aging of cachaça has been performed with different types of wood barrels. Although it is efficient for incorporating phenolics, volatiles, and color into the drink, it is time-consuming for the industry. Alternative aging processes, such as the use of wood chips, have been proposed, and they have the advantage of achieving aging in a shorter time and producing a quality and innovative drink. Therefore, the influence of jackfruit wood barrel and chips and micro-aeration was investigated during cachaça aging. For that, five treatments were used—stainless steel tank (control); stainless steel tank and micro-aeration (control); jackfruit wood barrel; stainless steel tank with jackfruit chips; and stainless steel tank with jackfruit chips and micro-aeration—during two aging times (40 and 79 days). Aging cachaça with jackfruit wood led to increased physicochemical, color, and total phenolic contents, whereas alcoholic degree, lightness, and copper contents decreased. No influence was observed on higher alcohols. Nineteen phenolic compounds were identified in the jackfruit wood aged cachaça by HPLC-DAD-FLD. Myricetin was predominant, a potential marker for jackfruit wood. Longer aging time decreased the alcoholic degree and total ester, but it increased dry extract, density, total and volatile acidity, and it improved the quality of cachaça. The use of chips accelerated aging, whereas micro-aeration led to decreased myricetin. PCA and HCA clustered the samples into three groups: the first was correlated with several flavonoids and coumarins; the second with myricetin, piceatannol, and trans-ferulic acid; and the last with ellagic acid. The use of jackfruit chips in the aging of cachaça has been shown to be a promising innovation. Full article

Processing methods affect the quality and, most importantly, safety of meat. The effects of various marinades, a kind of green processing technology commonly used in Poland, on PAH contamination in pork neck loins, the most frequently grilled pork meat, were investigated, including universal, pork, and honey mustard, as well as the most popular grilling tools. It is important to note that no such data have been published so far. Our previous study focused on poultry meat, another commonly grilled meat. PAH analysis was conducted using the QuEChERS–HPLC–FLD/DAD method and confirmed by the GC/MS method. Weight loss and changes in individual color parameters after grilling were also analyzed. Grilling on a charcoal grill without an aluminum tray caused statistically the greatest PAH contents. Some of these samples, according to Commission Regulation (EU) No. 915/2023 restrictions, should not be consumed by humans due to the high content of B[a]P (5.26–6.51 µg/kg). The lowest contamination levels overall were determined for the ceramic contact grill. Studies have also shown that the universal and pork marinades can reduce PAH contamination by about 24–29% for 4 heavy PAHs and by 31–32% for 15 PAHs, whereas the honey mustard marinade increases their accumulation in grilled products by 13% for 4 PAHs and 12% for 15 PAHs. Carefully choosing the grilling equipment, such as using electric grills instead of charcoal or using aluminum trays when grilling with charcoal and marinating the meat before grilling, is essential for food producers and consumers. These practices can significantly reduce the harmful health effects of PAHs, making them vital steps toward safer food preparation. Full article

The main objective of this study was to provide an overview of the potential health-promoting properties of honeys collected at specific apiary locations from the protected area of Montesinho Natural Park (MNP), by analyzing their amino acid and polyphenolic profiles, and their biological properties, and comparing them with the renowned Manuka honey. The results revealed differences in total phenolic content among the samples examined and between sampling campaigns, with values ranging from 55.6 to 225 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per 100 g of honey, compared to 57.2 mg GAE/100 g for Manuka honey. Gallic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and catechin were the key phenolics of MNP honey samples. MNP honey exhibited high levels of essential amino acids (phenylalanine, lysine, and valine), strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, moderate enzyme inhibition, and high proline content in some locations. These results highlight the exceptional nutritional and therapeutic potential of MNP honey. Full article

Selenium–polysaccharides possess antioxidant properties, making them promising materials for functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and clinical applications. This study examines the incorporation of selenium into polysaccharides via mycelial biosynthesis and its effects on structure and antioxidant activity. Polysaccharides obtained from Lentinula edodes-submerged cultures grown in Se-supplemented and non-supplemented media were analysed for Se content (RP-HPLC/FLD), structure (FT-IR, HPLC, and HPGPC-ELSD), and antioxidant activity (DPPH scavenging, reducing power, and Fe²⁺ chelation). Two low-molecular-weight Se–heteropolysaccharides (Se-FE-1.1 and Se-FE-1.2) containing ~80 and 125 µg/g Se were isolated, primarily composed of glucose, mannose, and galactose with β-glycosidic linkages. Se incorporation into polysaccharides selectively enhanced their antioxidant activity in the DPPH radical scavenging assay, with minimal effects observed in iron chelation and reducing power assays. Crude Se–polysaccharides displayed the highest antioxidant activity, suggesting an additional contribution from protein components. Our findings demonstrate that Se is effectively incorporated into polysaccharides, altering monosaccharide composition while preserving glycosidic linkages. The selective enhancement of radical scavenging suggests that selenium plays a specific role in antioxidant activity, primarily influencing radical scavenging mechanisms rather than interactions with metal ions. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of selenium incorporation, the nature of its bonding within the polysaccharide molecule, and its impact on biological activity. Full article

Sericin has been characterized as demonstrating a variety of bioactivities, establishing it as a valuable resource for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. The diverse biological activities of sericin are likely linked to its unique biochemical composition and properties. This study aimed to assess the effect of origin, seasonality, and amino acid composition on the bioactivity of sericin samples from two Portuguese regions compared to commercial sericin. The amino acid profile was analyzed using HPLC-FLD. Moreover, several bioactivities were assessed through in vitro assays, including antiproliferative effects, cell migration, antimicrobial activity, anticoagulant properties, antioxidant capacity, and anti-inflammatory effects. The results obtained in this work revealed that the origin and season affect the sericin amino acid profile. In its pure state, sericin exhibited a low content of free amino acids, with tyrosine being the most abundant (53.42–84.99%). In contrast, hydrolyzed sericin displayed a higher amino acid content dominated by serine (54.05–59.48%). Regarding bioactivities, the sericin tested did not demonstrate antioxidant or anti-inflammatory potential in the conducted tests. Notwithstanding, it showed antiproliferative activity in contact with human tumor cell lines at a minimum concentration of 0.52 mg/mL. Regarding antimicrobial activity, sericin had the capacity to inhibit the growth of the bacteria and fungi tested at concentrations between 5 and 10 mg/mL. Additionally, sericin demonstrated its capacity to prolong the coagulation time in pooled human plasma, indicating a potential anticoagulant activity. In addition, the origin and season also revealed their impact on biological activities, and sericin collected in Bragança in 2021 (S3) and 2022 (S4) demonstrated higher antiproliferative, antibacterial, and anticoagulant potentials. Future studies should focus on optimizing sericin’s bioactivities and elucidating its molecular mechanisms for clinical and therapeutic applications. Full article

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is a well-known medicinal plant widely used in phytotherapy due to its abundant secondary metabolites with bioactive properties. Research on tocochromanols conducted in nine populations of St. John’s wort using reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescent light detector (RP-HPLC-FLD) has provided new insights into their diverse composition in different aerial parts of the plant. Flower buds displayed the most diverse tocochromanol profile, while stems contained the lowest levels of these compounds. In most of the examined tissues, δ-T3 was the predominant tocochromanol (34–69%), except in leaves, where α-T dominated. The highest concentration of total tocotrienols was recorded in flower buds (48.5–74.1 mg/100 g dry weight), with δ-T3 (56%) and α-T3 (38%) as the dominant compounds. The highest δ-T3 content was found in unripe seed pods (29.6–45.1 mg/100 g dw). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed distinct differences in tocochromanol composition among the aerial parts of H. perforatum. The findings highlight that H. perforatum has higher potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries than previously assumed, due to its relatively high content of tocotrienols, mainly δ-T3, in different plant organs. Full article

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a medicinal plant known for its bioactive compounds, including tocopherols and tocotrienols, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds play vital roles in the plant’s metabolism and have potential applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. However, the content of these compounds in different anatomical parts of the plant, as well as the influence of environmental factors, such as the year of collection, remain underexplored. This study examined the content of tocochromanols in H. perforatum leaves, flowers, and flower buds, collected in Poland during the years 2022–2024. The results revealed that tocopherols predominantly accumulated in the leaves, while tocotrienols were more abundant in the flowers and flower buds. The year of collection had a significant effect on tocopherol levels, while tocotrienol content showed lower sensitivity to environmental fluctuations, indicating their higher stability. St. John’s wort can be considered a valuable source of biologically active compounds, especially tocotrienols, which exhibit higher stability and less susceptibility to environmental variability. The results underline the importance of considering both the plant’s anatomical parts and the year of collection when aiming to maximize the production of bioactive compounds. Full article

Cloud point extraction is a sample preparation technique that involves using surfactants that are not harmful to the environment. It is based on micelle formation in which the extracted compound is encapsulated in the hydrophobic core of the micelles, which are the extracting agent. The most commonly used surfactants are nonionic. The others are anionic, cationic, or zwitterionic. The effectiveness of cloud point extraction might be enhanced by the addition of neutral salts, the application of proper pH, as well as acidic conditions and temperature. This sample preparation technique may be applied to extract analytes from the following matrices, such as biological and environmental samples. Cloud point extraction may be combined with various analytical techniques and detectors such as HPLC-UV, HPLC-MS, HPLC-FLD, inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry, gas chromatography, and flame atomic absorption spectrometry. When it is combined with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, the limit of quantitation is low—even of the order of ng/L. The recovery of the analyte may reach the value of 100%. Full article

Now under Clusiaceae and Hypericaceae, Clusia and Hypericum were previously categorized under one family until they were divided in 2003 by the APG III system. The Clusia genus is characterized by the presence of tocotrienol derivatives with antiangiogenic properties, and only Hypericum perforatum tocochromanol content has been studied in the Hypericum genus. Twelve species were analyzed: H. aegypticum, H. calycinum, H. empetrifolium, H. lancasteri, H. olympicum f. minus ‘Sulphureum’, H. perforatum, H. xylosteifolium, C. fluminensis, C. minor, C. odorata, C. palmicida, and C. tocuchensis. Plant leaves were analyzed for their tocochromanol (α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocotrienol and tocopherol) contents using a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescent light detector (RP-HPLC-FLD) method. While α-tocopherol (α-T) was present in the highest proportion, the leaves had significant tocotrienol (T3) contents. Following α-T, δ-T3 was present in most Clusia samples, and γ-T3 in most Hypericum samples, except H. olympicum, in which α-T3 followed. C. minor had the highest α-T (112.72 mg 100 g⁻¹) and total tocochromanol (141.43 mg 100 g⁻¹) content, followed by C. palmicida (65.97 and 82.96 mg 100 g⁻¹, respectively) and H. olympicum (α-T 32.08, α-T3 30.68, and total tocochromanols 89.06 mg 100 g⁻¹). The Hypericum genus is a valuable source of tocotrienols, with potential use after purification. Full article