Search Results (1,869)

Growing concern about the environmental impact of traditional packaging has driven the development of biodegradable edible films made from natural and functional biopolymers. Various by-products generated during harvesting can be subjected to valorization. Potato, a tuber with high starch content, and carrot, rich in β-carotene, represent important sources of polymeric matrix and bioactive compounds, respectively. Similarly, the use of biodegradable plasticizers such as pectin and polysaccharides derived from nopal mucilage is a viable alternative. This study assessed the physical and chemical properties of edible films composed of potato starch (PS), cactus mucilage (NM), carrot extract (CJ), citrus pectin (P), and glycerin (G). The films were produced by means of casting, with three mixtures prepared that had different proportions of CJ, P, and PS. The experiments were adjusted to a simple mixture design, and the data were analyzed in triplicate, using Pareto and Tukey diagrams at 5% significance. Results showed that adding CJ (between 5 to 6%), P (between 42 to 44%) and PS (between 43 to 45%) significantly affects all of the evaluated physical and chemical properties, resulting in films with luminosity values greater than 88.65, opacity ranging from 0.20 to 0.54 abs/mm, β-carotene content up to 26.11 μg/100 g, acidity between 0.22 and 0.31% and high solubility with a significant difference between treatments (p-value < 0.05) and low water activity (around of 0.47) (p-value > 0.05). These characteristics provide tensile strength up to 5.7 MPa and a suitable permeability of 1.6 × 10⁻² g·mm/h·m²·Pa (p-value < 0.05), which ensures low diffusivity through the film. Similarly, increasing the CJ addition enables the functional groups of the other components to interact. Using carrot extract and potato starch is a promising approach for producing edible films with good functional qualities but with high permeability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Given the clinical limitations of azathioprine (AZA) in treating inflammatory bowel disease, this study developed an AZA-loaded microbiota-modulating and colon-targeted nanoparticle constructed from pectin, Zein, and Eudragit^®S100 (APZE), which was hypothesized to enhance efficacy while reducing toxicity. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was established to simultaneously quantify AZA and its metabolites, enabling the investigation of the pharmacokinetic and microbial metabolism differences between APZE and AZA suspension (AZAS). Methods: APZE was characterized, and an LC-MS/MS method was developed for quantifying AZA and its metabolites in multiple matrices. Given the potential of APZE for colon targeting and modulation of the microbiota, which may affect drug absorption, distribution, and microbiota-mediated metabolism, we determined analyte concentrations in rat plasma, tissues, and microbial cultures at different time points following administration of APZE or AZAS. Results: AZA, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP), and 6-thioguanine (6-TG) were quantified in positive ion mode, and 6-thiouric acid (6-TU) in negative ion mode. The assay demonstrated excellent accuracy, precision, and stability over the concentration range of 5–1000 ng/mL. Orally administered APZE exhibited higher bioavailability, improved intestinal absorption, and reduced formation of the inactive metabolite 6-TU compared to AZAS. In microbial cultures, AZA was metabolized primarily to 6-MP, and APZE underwent more extensive metabolism to 6-MP than AZAS. Conclusions: This method provides accurate and precise quantification of physiologically relevant concentrations of AZA and its metabolites (6-MP, 6-MMP, 6-TG, and 6-TU), offering a bioanalytical tool for the pharmacokinetic and gut microbiota metabolism studies of AZA formulations. These findings suggest that APZE is a promising drug delivery formulation. Full article

Functionalized edible coatings represent a promising strategy to mitigate postharvest losses in fresh and fresh-cut fruits. This study developed a novel, ternary active coating by integrating pectin with a cationic antimicrobial polypeptide (ε-polylysine) and a hydrophobic plant flavonoid (luteolin). The resulting composite film demonstrated transformative improvements in hydrophobicity, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities as compared with conventional pectin-based films. Specially, the ternary composite film exhibited enhanced barrier performance, reducing water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability by 49.1%, 68.6%, and 26.5%, respectively. When applied to fresh-cut apples, the coating effectively suppressed the browning and microbial proliferation while maintaining the hardness, total phenols and flavonoids, total soluble solids, and titratable acids over a 12-day refrigerated storage period. Comprehensive characterization via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and molecular docking simulations revealed that these superior functionalities originate from synergistic electrostatic interactions and hydrogen-bonding networks within the ternary matrix. This work provides a practical strategy for designing high-performance, plant-based coatings to reduce food waste and improve the quality of fresh-cut produce. Full article

The pH of fruit and vegetable juices is usually around 4.0. To adapt to the pH of fruit and vegetable juices, we developed a highly branched pectin as a natural stabiliser, whose polarity is well suited to conditions under weakly acidic conditions. The pectin content of jujube is high (about 2.0%), in which the polysaccharide content of Muzao (2.0–4.8%) is generally higher than the average value of the jujube. To separate the weak polar pectin in jujube, we extracted the crude polysaccharide (ZMP) with 4 times the volume of alcohol. Then we used Diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) cellulose (DEAE-52) ion-exchange chromatography to separate ZMP, and selected the fraction eluted with 0.2 M NaCl for gel purification to obtain ZMP2. After the hydrolysis of ZMP2 with TFA, four fractions, namely ZMP2n5, ZMP2y5, ZMP2n1, and ZMP2y1, were obtained. The purity, molecular weight, and monosaccharide composition of the above four fractions were determined. It was found that each fraction of ZMP2 contained large amounts of galacturonic acid (GalA) and glucuronic acid (GlcA), indicating that ZMP2 was most likely pectin, making it the natural, polar stabiliser we sought. To further determine the primary structure of ZMP2, we also performed FT-IR spectroscopy; methylation; one-dimensional mapping, including Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H NMR), Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹³C NMR) and Distortionless Enhancement by Polarization Transfer 135 (DEPT 135); and two-dimensional mapping, including Correlation Spectroscopy (1H-1H COSY), Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence (HSQC), Heteronuclear Multiple-Bond Correlation (HMBC), and Nuclear Overhauser Effect Spectroscopy (NOESY). In summary, the primary structure of ZMP2 should be as follows: the main chain is connected as →4)-α-D-GalAp-(1→3)-β-D-Galp-(1→, while the end glycosidic bonds of α-D-Galp-(1→ and α-L-Araf-(1→5)-α-L-Araf-(1→ are attached to the main chain by O-3 and O-6 bonds from →3,4)-α-D-GalAp-(1→ and →3,6)-β-D-GalAp-(1→, respectively. Full article

This paper proposes a potential solution to the current issue of developing advanced, biocompatible biomaterials with integrated therapeutic functionality, which would contribute to improving the treatment of skin defects. This study aimed to develop, characterize and evaluate hydrogels based on type I collagen, pectin, alginate and myrtle essential oil, in order to obtain biomaterials with potential in skin regeneration applications. Hydrogels incorporating alginate, pectin, type I collagen and Myrtus communis essential oil were prepared via a multistep procedure comprising homogenization, crosslinking and lyophilization. The obtained hydrogels were characterized by physicochemical and structural methods, such as FTIR spectroscopy, to identify interactions between components; micro-computed tomography, to evaluate internal morphology and porosity; antibacterial tests, for evaluating the ability of the hydrogel to prevent infections at the application site; and in vitro cellular tests, such as the XTT test or cytotoxicity tests, such as LDH, essential for evaluating the biocompatibility of the hydrogel. The highest viability value was recorded for sample J4 (99.53 ± 11.88%), indicating an exceptional compatibility with the cells used, almost identical to that of the untreated control. The samples showed encouraging results, supporting their potential for applications in wound treatment and skin regeneration. Full article

Potassium (K⁺) channel blockers are promising anticancer agents but suffer from off-target toxicities. We designed cross-linked poly-2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)–pectin nanogels (HPN) to deliver two model blockers—dofetilide (Dof) and azimilide (Azi)—and evaluated their physicochemical properties, release behavior, and in vitro anticancer activity. HPN was synthesized by surfactant-assisted aqueous nanogel polymerization and comprehensively characterized (FTIR, DLS, TEM/SEM, XRD, BET). The particles were monodispersed with a mean diameter ~230 nm, compatible with tumor accumulation via the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect, and exhibited a microporous matrix suitable for controlled release. Drug loading was higher for Dof than for Azi, with DL% values of 82.30 ± 3.1% and 17.84 ± 2.9%, respectively. Release kinetics diverged: Azi-HPN followed primarily first-order diffusion with a rapid burst, whereas Dof-HPN showed mixed zero/first-order behavior. Cytotoxicity was assessed in A549 lung cancer and BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cells. Both free and nano-formulated blockers were selectively toxic to A549 with minimal effects on BEAS-2B. Notably, a hormesis-like pattern (low-dose stimulation/high-dose inhibition in MTT) was evident for free Dof and Azi; encapsulation attenuated this effect for Dof but not for Azi. Co-administration with paclitaxel (Ptx) potentiated Dof-HPN cytotoxicity in A549 but did not enhance Azi-HPN, suggesting mechanism-dependent drug-drug interactions. Overall, HPN provides a biocompatible platform that improves K⁺ blocker delivery. Full article

Microbial degradation of pectin is a fundamental process for the carbon cycle and a strategic approach for treating industrial residues. This study characterizes a novel marine bacterium, Paenarthrobacter sp. FR1, isolated from East China Sea intertidal sediment, which exhibits the ability to utilize pectin. Its draft genome (4.83 Mb, 62.92% GC content) is predicted to encode 4498 protein-coding genes. Genomic analysis revealed a rich repertoire of Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes (CAZymes) crucial for this process, including 108 glycoside hydrolases (GHs), 7 polysaccharide lyases (PLs), 35 carbohydrate esterases (CEs), and 11 auxiliary activities (AAs). Genomic analysis provides supportive evidence that FR1 may target both homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan (RG) pectin domains, potentially through complementary hydrolytic and oxidative pathways. Phylogenomic analysis based on Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI, 83.56%) and digital DNA-DNA Hybridization (dDDH, 27.8%) confirmed its status as a potential novel species. Notably, FR1 is a rare Paenarthrobacter isolate with innate pectinolytic capability, a characteristic not previously documented in this genus. This strain’s unique enzymatic machinery highlights its importance in marine carbon cycling and provides a valuable biotechnological resource for degrading pectin-rich wastes. Full article

Off-odors produced by volatile compounds remain a major barrier to consumer acceptance of plant-based proteins. This study presents a novel two-stage fermentation strategy to effectively reduce undesirable volatiles in eight plant proteins. A sequential fermentation process was developed using Lactobacillus plantarum in Stage 1 and a traditional yogurt culture, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus and Lactobacillus acidophilus, in Stage 2. This method was applied to solutions of 9% soy, pea, chickpea, mung bean, faba bean, rice, barley-rice, and hemp proteins. Volatile profiles were analyzed via Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS) and sensory evaluation before and after fermentation. The two-stage fermentation resulted in significant deodorization, with 95–99% reduction in key odorants such as hexanal, 2-pentylfuran, methoxypyrazines, and sulfur compounds across all proteins. The sequential approach significantly outperformed a one-stage fermentation. Allulose enhanced L. plantarum activity while strawberry preserves supported traditional yogurt culture performance. Non-fermentable additives such as pectin, xanthan gum, and oil had minimal effects on volatiles. The proposed fermentation method offers an effective, scalable, and clean-label solution for mitigating off-odors in plant-based proteins. By leveraging microbial metabolism and formulation synergies, this strategy provides a foundation for developing more palatable plant-based dairy alternatives. Full article

Corn processing generates substantial volumes of agricultural by-products, collectively referred to as corn stover, comprising husks, cobs, stalks, leaves, and silks. Although rich in bioactive compounds, these by-products are still predominantly destined for low-value uses such as landfilling and open-field burning. They contain valuable biomolecules such as lignocellulosic fibers, starch, pectin, proteins, and polyphenols, all of which hold significant potential for applications in agricultural and food industries. These compounds offer opportunities as sustainable alternatives to conventional ingredients and as novel functional additives. However, utilization of corn stover remains focused on biofuel production, limiting the development of applications in broader, high-value fields such as functional food ingredients. This review aims to highlight the opportunities that corn stover presents for developing solutions for food production, which is becoming increasingly important as the global population continues to grow and food demand rises, particularly in regions where access to sufficient and nutritious food remains limited. It also considers the challenges to be solved in order to incorporate corn stover in circular economies, like the impact of pesticide presence on derived products and gaps of emerging strategies for scaling up production in alignment with circular economy goals and the high-value utilization of corn stover. Full article

Older adults and patients with masticatory and deglutition disorders often experience difficulties consuming tough, fibrous vegetables. The enzymatic and liposomal conditions for softening garlic scapes were optimized while simultaneously enhancing their nutritional value through vitamin E fortification. Enzymes (Plantase UF and Plantase PT) were applied at varying concentrations and incubation times to determine optimal tenderization conditions, followed by the application of vitamin E-loaded liposomes. The physicochemical, microstructural, and color characteristics of the scapes and liposomal systems were evaluated. Enzymatic treatment significantly (p < 0.05) decreased hardness and increased adhesiveness, indicating effective cell wall disruption. Plantase PT hydrolyzes pectin in the middle lamella, promoting cell separation and softening, and maintains higher activity than Plantase UF, confirming its suitability for the consistent tenderization of fibrous vegetables. Its stability ensures reliable and uniform softening for real-world fibrous vegetable processing. Enzyme–vitamin E co-encapsulation balanced texture and nutrition by enlarging particles and lowering the ζ-potential (p < 0.05). Liposomal encapsulation preserved enzyme activity during processing and enabled sustained vitamin E delivery to scape tissues. Compared with untreated control, vitamin E liposomes provided controlled softening and improved nutrient stability. This highlights the potential of enzyme–liposome systems in developing tenderized older adult-friendly diets using fibrous plants. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the three most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide and remains a major public health challenge, emphasizing the need for effective preventive strategies. Considering the current chemotherapy limitations of key agents, natural products widely researched as dietary supplements can complement conventional treatments. This review concentrates on Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry), including its fruits, leaves and pomace, as a rich source of bioactive compounds with well-documented anticancer properties. Notably, A. melanocarpa contains high levels of polyphenols such as cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and epicatechin, as well as biologically active polysaccharides, including pectins and arabinogalactans. These compounds, through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, are involved in modulating apoptosis pathways specifically targeting cancer cells. Moreover, their complexes may enhance chemopreventive efficacy through synergistic mechanisms. Recent studies show that supplementation with aronia products can improve inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, highlighting its potential role in modulating the tumor microenvironment. Collectively, these findings position A. melanocarpa as a promising candidate for use in integrative strategies aimed at the prevention and adjunctive treatment of CRC. Full article

(1) Background: The replacement of petroleum-based plastics with sustainable biopolymer films is crucial for global food preservation. Biopolymers like zein and pectin offer biodegradable and compostable alternatives but often require functionalization. This study develops and characterizes a novel antioxidant film by incorporating silver microparticles (AgMp) derived from the valorization of an agricultural waste product: pecan nutshell extract. (2) Methods: AgMp were synthesized via green reduction method using the extract. These bioactive microparticles were subsequently incorporated into a zein/pectin polymeric solution using the solvent-casting technique. The particles and the active films were characterized using FTIR, SEM, and antioxidant assays (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP). (3) Results: The extract and AgMp exhibited a potent antioxidant activity (100% inhibition for ABTS/DPPH). SEM analysis confirmed the scale of 0.545–1.033 µm, classifying the material as microparticles. The final films retained a dose-dependent antioxidant activity (66.78% for ABTS and 53.67% for DPPH). (4) Conclusions: This work validates that pecan nutshell extract as an effective green reducing and capping agent. The resulting film possesses significant antioxidant activity, offering a promising alternative for active food packaging applications, such as bioactive pads or inserts. Full article

The effects of pectin extraction, cellulose purification, and sonication on the juice extraction residue from grapefruit were investigated. Pectin extraction using pressurized carbon dioxide (pCO₂) in a sodium oxalate solution (U-OX) lowered the cellulose content and increased the hemicellulose and lignin contents, whereas pectin extraction in deionized water (U-DW) did not affect these contents. Pectin extraction and cellulose purification induced hydrolysis and removal of non-crystalline cellulose regions. The sonication of the purified cellulose samples formed fiber-like structures with widths of <100 nm on their surfaces. The cellulose purification process increased the surface charge and formed a gel-like structure with increased hardness, adhesiveness, and film structure. These processes enhance the absorption of amphiphilic dyes, although to a lesser extent than that of the untreated juice extraction residue (UJR) after sonication. Before sonication, UJR adsorbed cationic dyes, whereas after, UJR adsorbed both polar and nonpolar dyes. These results suggest that juice residue could be used as a biomaterial with diverse potential applications. Full article

Texture is a critical quality attribute of strawberry fruit, and phytohormones play a pivotal role in fruit softening, which mainly results from cell wall metabolism, which is governed by genes and enzymes. To gain further insights into strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa, Duch. cv.  Akihime ) softening, our study investigated changes across five stages in fruits in their firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), cell microstructure, cell wall materials, activities of cell wall-modifying enzymes, gene expression, endogenous phytohormone levels, and their correlation. During strawberry ripening, firmness decreased, while SSC, intercellular space, and separation of the cell wall from the plasma membrane increased. Meanwhile, the contents of ionic pectin (ISP) and cellulose (CE), pectin methylesterase (PME) activity, FaPME expression, and the levels of zeatin (Z) and strigolactone (SL) decreased, showing a positive correlation with firmness. In contrast, the activities of pectate lyase (PL) and cellulase (Cx), the expression of FaPL and FaCx, and the contents of gibberellin A₄ (GA₄), GA₉, and abscisic acid (ABA) increased during ripening, and these were negatively correlated with firmness. These results suggest that Z and SL are associated with the maintenance of cell wall integrity and firmness, whereas increases in GA₄, GA_9, and ABA are linked to enhanced cell wall disassembly and fruit softening. Full article

Natural fillers have been widely explored to enhance the mechanical and barrier properties of biodegradable films. In this study, a mineral-rich powder obtained from the solid components of Ucides cordatus crab shells was processed (washing, drying, milling, and sieving at 75 µm) and extensively characterized using SEM, FTIR XRD, EDX, mineral analysis, hygroscopicity, density, and particle size distribution. The powder exhibited heterogeneous morphology and contained 22.52 g·kg⁻¹ of calcium carbonate, along with other trace minerals; its crystalline profile indicated the presence of both calcite and aragonite. Low hygroscopicity (1.76%) and a true density of 2.11 g/cm³ were also observed. When incorporated into pectin-based films at 1–5%, the filler promoted a reduction in film thickness, indicating enhanced structural compaction. Solubility increased linearly with filler content, whereas water vapor permeability (WVP) decreased at 1% and 2% but rose again at 4% and 5%, correlating positively with solubility (r = 0.895). Films containing 4% and 5% exhibited higher tensile strength and elastic modulus, confirming increased rigidity. At elevated concentrations, the films also became less luminous and more chromatic. Overall, the findings demonstrate that crab-shell mineral powder is a viable and sustainable reinforcement capable of tailoring the structural, mechanical, and barrier performance of biodegradable films. Full article