Search Results (573)

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum L.) are considered a functional food due to their high content of bioactive compounds with demonstrated health benefits. This study evaluated four cultivars (G3, G4, G5, and G7) grown under Mediterranean climate conditions, focusing on their physicochemical properties (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and pH), bioactive compound (sugars and organic acids, total and individual phenolic and carotenoid compounds, and antioxidant activities (DPPH and CUPRAC assay)), and aromatic profiles (by GC-MS) to assess their suitability for fresh consumption or incorporation into food products. G4 exhibited the most favorable physicochemical characteristics, with the highest total soluble solids (20.2 °Brix) and sugar content (92.8 g 100 g⁻¹ dw). G5 stood out for its lower titratable acidity (0.34%) and highest ripening index (54.8), indicating desirable flavor attributes. Concerning bioactive compounds, G3 and G4 showed the highest total phenolic content (17.9 and 19.1 mg GAE g⁻¹ dw, respectively), with neochlorogenic acid being predominant. G4 was notable for its high carotenoid content, particularly zeaxanthin (1722.6 μg g⁻¹ dw). These compounds significantly contributed to antioxidant activity. Volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles revealed alcohols and aldehydes as the dominant chemical families, with hexanal being the most abundant. G5 and G7 exhibited the highest total VOC concentrations. Principal component analysis grouped G3 and G4 based on their high sugar and phenolic content, while G5 and G7 were characterized by their complex aromatic profiles. Therefore, G3 and G4 are promising candidates for fresh consumption and potential functional applications, while G5 and G7 are particularly suitable for new product development due to their nutraceutical and aromatic value. Full article

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are highly volatile chemicals in natural and anthropogenic environments, significantly affecting indoor air quality. Major sources of indoor VOCs include emissions from building materials, furnishings, and consumer products. Natural wood products release VOCs, including terpenes and aldehydes, which exert diverse health effects ranging from mild respiratory irritation to severe outcomes, such as formaldehyde-induced carcinogenicity. The temporal dynamics of VOC emissions were investigated, and the toxicological and physiological effects of the VOCs emitted by two types of natural wood, Korean Red Pine (Pinus densiflora) and Japanese Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), were evaluated. Using female C57BL/6 mice as an animal model, the exposure setups included phytoncides, formaldehyde, and intact wood samples over short- and long-term durations. The exposure effects were assessed using oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzyme activity, hepatic and renal biomarkers, and inflammatory cytokine profiles. Long-term exposure to Korean Red Pine and Japanese Cypress wood VOCs did not induce significant pathological changes. Japanese Cypress exhibited more distinct benefits, including enhanced oxidative stress mitigation, reduced systemic toxicity, and lower pro-inflammatory cytokine levels compared to the negative control group, attributable to its more favorable VOC emission profile. These findings highlight the potential health and environmental benefits of natural wood VOCs and offer valuable insights for optimizing timber use, improving indoor air quality, and informing public health policies. Full article

Knowledge about the composition (volatile and non-volatile) and functionality of natural extracts from Mediterranean plants serves as a basis for their further application. In this study, five selected plants were used for the extraction of plant metabolites. Leaves and flowers of Critmum maritimum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Olea europea, Phylliera latifolia and Mellisa officinalis were collected, and a total of 12 extracts were prepared. Extractions were performed under microwave-assisted conditions, with two solvent types: water (W) and a hydroalcoholic (ethanolic) solution (HA). Detailed extract analysis was conducted. Phenolics were analyzed by detecting individual bioactive compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography and by calculating total phenolic and total flavonoid content through spectrophotometric analysis. Higher concentrations of total phenolics and total flavonoids were obtained in the hydroalcoholic extracts, with the significantly highest total phenolic and flavonoid values in the rosemary hydroalcoholic extract (3321.21 mg_GAE/L) and sea fennel flower extract (1794.63 mg_QE/L), respectively; and the lowest phenolics in the water extract of olive leaves (204.55 mg_GAE/L) and flavonoids in the water extracts of sea fennel leaves, rosemary, olive and mock privet (around 100 mg_QE/L). Volatile organic compounds (VOC) were detected using HS-SPME/GC–MS (Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), and antioxidant capacity was estimated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay) and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) methods. HS-SPME/GC–MS analysis of samples revealed that sea fennel had more versatile profile, with the presence of 66 and 36 VOCs in W and HA sea fennel leaf extracts, 52 and 25 in W and HA sea fennel flower extracts, 57 in rosemary W and 40 in HA, 20 in olive leaf W and 9 in HA, 27 in W mock privet and 11 in HA, and 35 in lemon balm W and 10 in HA extract. The lowest values of chlorophyll a were observed in sea fennel leaves (2.52 mg/L) and rosemary (2.21 mg/L), and chlorophyll b was lowest in sea fennel leaf and flower (2.47 and 2.25 mg/L, respectively), while the highest was determined in olive (6.62 mg/L). Highest values for antioxidant activity, determined via the FRAP method, were obtained in the HA plant extracts (up to 11,216 mg_AAE/L for lemon balm), excluding the sea fennel leaf (2758 mg_AAE/L) and rosemary (2616 mg_AAE/L). Considering the application of these plants for fresh fish preservation, antimicrobial activity of water extracts was assessed against Vibrio fischeri JCM 18803, Vibrio alginolyticus 3050, Aeromonas hydrophila JCM 1027, Moraxella lacunata JCM 20914 and Yersinia ruckeri JCM 15110. No activity was observed against Y. ruckeri and P. aeruginosa, while the sea fennel leaf showed inhibition against V. fisheri (inhibition zone of 24 mm); sea fennel flower was active against M. lacunata (inhibition zone of 14.5 mm) and A. hydrophila (inhibition zone of 20 mm); and rosemary and lemon balm showed inhibition only against V. fisheri (inhibition zone from 18 to 30 mm). This study supports the preparation of natural extracts from Mediterranean plants using green technology, resulting in extracts rich in polyphenolics with strong antioxidant potential, but with no clear significant antimicrobial efficiency at the tested concentrations. Full article

The white oil-bearing rose (R. alba L.) is the second of the industrially important rose species for Bulgarian rose cultivation and essential oil production. In recent years, the interest in white oil-bearing rose has increased, following the worldwide trend for searching for new aromatic alternatives. Therefore, the purpose of the current research is to evaluate the volatile compounds profile of fresh R. alba L. flowers using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). More than 75 individual compounds were identified and quantified using HS-SPME-GC/MS. The study revealed that the aroma-bearing fraction of rose volatiles consists mainly of monoterpene alcohols; 2-phenylethanol was the most abundant component (8.4–33.9%), followed by geraniol (12.8–32.5%) and citronellol + nerol (17.7–26.5%). Linalool, α-pinene, β-myrcene, and rose oxides were also observed in low concentrations. The stearopten fraction in the HS phase was observed in low concentration, with main representatives nonadecane + nonadecene, heptadecane, heneicosane, and tricosane. The HS-GC profile of the R. alba fresh flowers shows distinct differences in relative abundance of the components between the two studied clones of the population, as well as between volatiles in petals and in the whole blossom. The absence of some undesirable components, such as allergenic and potentially carcinogenic methyl eugenol in fresh R. alba blossom, makes white oil-bearing rose a promising alternative to R. damascena in perfumery, natural cosmetics, and aromatherapy. Full article

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are important for teas’ quality and act as a critical evaluative criterion in teas. The distinctive aromatic profile of tea not only facilitates tea classification but also has potential applications in aroma-driven product innovation. In this review, we summarized the tea aroma from tea classification, VOCs extraction methodologies, and VOCs detection techniques. Moreover, the potential utilization of tea aroma in the future, such as applications in essential oil refinement, food flavor enhancement, and functional fragrance for personal health care, was proposed. Our review will provide a solid foundation for further investigations in tea aroma and offer significant insights into the development and application of tea fragrance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Within their host trees, mountain pine beetles (MPBs, Dendroctonus ponderosae) interact with many fungal species, each releasing a unique profile of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The FVOCs released by the two primary symbionts of MPBs, Grosmannia clavigera and Ophiostoma montium, have been found to enhance MPB attraction in the field and laboratory studies. Opportunistic, saprophytic fungal species, such as Aspergillus sp. and Trichoderma atroviride, are also common in MPB galleries and can negatively impact MPB fitness. However, little is known about the FVOCs produced by these fungal species and how they may impact MPB feeding and attraction. Methods: To address this knowledge gap, we characterized the FVOC profile of T. atroviride, and performed bioassays to test the effects of its FVOCs on MPB attraction and feeding activity. Results: Our chemical analysis revealed several FVOCs from T. atroviride known to inhibit the growth of competing fungal species and impact subcortical-beetle attraction. Conclusions: From those FVOCs, we recommended four compounds—2-pentanone, 2-heptanone, 2-pentanol, and phenylethyl alcohol—for use in future field tests as anti-attraction lures for MPBs. In bioassays, we also observed strong MPB repellency from FVOCs released by T. atroviride, as well as the mild effects of FVOCs on MPB feeding activity. Our findings highlight the potential for these FVOCs to be utilized in the development of more effective MPB anti-attractant lures, which are crucial for the monitoring and management of low-density MPB populations. Full article

Hotpot dishes are widely favored by consumers for their flavor profiles developed during the cooking process. This study investigated the quality characteristics and volatile compounds (VOCs) of donkey meat slices across varying boiling durations (0–42 s) using gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). The results demonstrated that donkey meat boiled for 12–18 s exhibited optimal characteristics in terms of meat retention, color parameters, shear force values, and pH measurements. Forty-eight distinct VOCs were identified in the samples, with aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, acids, furans, and esters representing the predominant categories. Among these compounds, 18 were identified as characteristic aroma compounds, including 3-hexanone, 2, 3-butanedione, and oct-1-en-3-ol. Samples subjected to different boiling durations were successfully differentiated through topographic plots, fingerprint mapping, and multivariate analysis. The abundance and diversity of VOCs reached peak values in samples boiled for 12–18 s. Furthermore, 28 VOCs were identified as potential markers for distinguishing between different boiling durations, including 2-butoxyethanol D, benzaldehyde D, and (E)-2-pentenal D. This study concludes that a boiling duration of 12–18 s for donkey meat during hotpot preparation yields optimal quality characteristics and volatile flavor compound profiles and provides valuable insights for standardizing cooking parameters in hotpot preparations of other meat products. It is necessary to confirm this finding with sensory evaluations in further research. Full article

The integration of HS-SPME-GC/MS and UPLC-MS/MS techniques enabled the profiling of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and amino acids (AAs) in 18 crabapple flower cultivars, facilitating the development of a novel VOC–AA model. Among the 51 identified VOCs, benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, and ethyl benzoate were predominant, categorizing cultivars into fruit-almond, fruit-sweet, and mixed types. The amino acids, namely glutamic acid (Glu), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (Asp), serine (Ser), and alanine (Ala) constituted 83.6% of the total AAs identified. Notably, specific amino acids showed positive correlations with key VOCs, suggesting a metabolic regulatory mechanism. The Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) model, when combined with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and amino acid profiles, enabled more effective aroma type classification, providing a robust foundation for further studies on aroma mechanisms and targeted breeding. Full article

Tomicus yunnanensis Kirkendall and Faccoli, a native bark beetle species and key pest of Pinus yunnanensis Franch. in southwestern China, relies on host-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for host selection. To unravel these mechanisms, we collected VOCs from P. yunnanensis trunks across four infestation stages (healthy, early-infested, weakened, near-dead) using dynamic headspace sampling. Chemical profiling via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified 51 terpenoids, with α-pinene as the most abundant component. VOC profiles differed markedly between healthy and early-infested trees, while gradual shifts in compound diversity and abundance occurred from the weakened to near-dead stages. Bioactive compounds were screened using gas chromatography–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and a Y-tube olfactometer. Electrophysiological responses in T. yunnanensis were triggered by α-pinene, β-pinene, 3-carene, 2-thujene, and 4-allylanisole. Behavioral tests revealed that α-pinene, 3-carene, and 2-thujene acted as attractants, whereas β-pinene and 4-allylanisole functioned as repellents. These results indicate that infestation-induced VOC dynamics guide beetle behavior, with attractants likely promoting host colonization during early infestation and repellents signaling deteriorating host suitability in later stages. By mapping these chemical interactions, our study identifies potential plant-derived semiochemicals for targeted pest management. Integrating these compounds with pheromones could enhance the monitoring and control strategies for T. yunnanensis, offering ecologically sustainable solutions for pine ecosystems. Full article

This study investigates the emission characteristics and environmental impacts of pollutants from bagasse-fired biomass boilers through the integrated field monitoring of two sugarcane processing plants in Guangxi, China. Comprehensive analyses of flue gas components, including PM_2.5, NOx, CO, heavy metals, VOCs, HCl, and HF, revealed distinct physicochemical and emission profiles. Bagasse exhibited lower C, H, and S content but higher moisture (47~53%) and O (24~30%) levels compared to coal, reducing the calorific values (8.93~11.89 MJ/kg). Particulate matter removal efficiency exceeded 98% (water film dust collector) and 95% (bag filter), while NOx removal varied (10~56%) due to water solubility differences. Heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb) in fuel migrated to fly ash and flue gas, with Hg and Mn showing notable volatility. VOC speciation identified oxygenated compounds (OVOCs, 87%) as dominant in small boilers, while aromatics (60%) and alkenes (34%) prevailed in larger systems. Ozone formation potential (OFP: 3.34~4.39 mg/m³) and secondary organic aerosol formation potential (SOAFP: 0.33~1.9 mg/m³) highlighted aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzene, xylene) as critical contributors to secondary pollution. Despite compliance with current emission standards (e.g., PM < 20 mg/m³), elevated CO (>1000 mg/m³) in large boilers indicated incomplete combustion. This work underscores the necessity of tailored control strategies for OVOCs, aromatics, and heavy metals, advocating for stricter fuel quality and clear emission standards to align biomass energy utilization with environmental sustainability goals. Full article

Agresto is the unfermented juice traditionally obtained from boiled unripe grapes, typically using fruit that would otherwise be discarded, and enriched with spices, herbs, and fruit. In this study, the phenolic profile, antioxidant and antibacterial activity, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of Agresto produced from two grape varieties (Sangiovese, and Vermentino) harvested in Mount Amiata (Tuscany) were evaluated. Agresto from Vermentino showed a higher total phenolic content (TPC), 1.31 mg GAE/mL, as well as a greater total flavonoid and flavonol content and FRAP activity compared to Agresto from Sangiovese. The highest ORAC value was observed in Agresto from Vermentino, 41.01 mg TE/mL, compared to that from Sangiovese. TPC, flavonols, apocarotenes, sulfur derivatives, and non-terpene derivatives were positively correlated with antimicrobial activity against E. coli, FRAP, and ORAC. Overall, our results showed that grape variety significantly influences the chemical composition of Agresto, particularly in terms of both VOCs and phenolic compounds. The observed variations in phenolic composition also affected the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Agresto. These experimental findings clearly suggest the utmost importance of identifying the optimal chemical profile of “unripe grapes” used as raw material for Agresto production, considering both variety and the specific ripening degree achievable through vine green harvesting. Full article

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common hemoglobinopathy, caused by a mutation in the β-globin gene of hemoglobin. It predisposes patients to painful Vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) and multi-organ dysfunctions. The disease exhibits significant phenotypic variability, making it challenging to predict severity and outcomes. This study aimed to characterize the whole blood gene expression profile of Bahraini SCD patients, identifying differentially expressed genes during steady-state (n = 10) and VOC (n = 10) compared to healthy controls (n = 8). Analysis revealed 2073 and 3363 dysregulated genes during steady-state and VOC, respectively, compared to controls, with 1078 genes differentially expressed during VOC versus steady-state. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis highlighted significant deregulation in immune and hematopoietic pathways, including down-regulation of critical genes for immune modulation and hematopoietic balance. Notably, the transcription factor RUNX3, involved in immune cell differentiation and inflammation, was among the 668 down-regulated genes. RUNX3 was four-fold down-regulated in microarray analysis, three-fold in PCR, and showed a mean protein concentration of 11.13 pg/mL during VOC compared to 457.93 pg/mL during steady-state (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that RUNX3 may serve as a potential biomarker for VOC. Future large-scale validation, additional proteomic studies, and functional investigations are recommended to confirm its clinical utility and significance. Full article

Bee pollen’s aroma combined with other floral components serve various purposes, including attracting pollinators and signaling the availability of food sources. The present study aimed to comparatively analyze the volatile profiles of unifloral pollen taxa. Bee pollen loads were collected using pollen traps and sorted based on their botanical origin, determined by color and pollen grain morphology. The separated pollen samples were analyzed using a Purge & Trap/GC-MS system, identifying the volatile profiles of pollen from 16 plant species. The analysis revealed distinguished differences in the total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among the various pollen species. Notably, the pollen from Erica manipuliflora, Papaver rhoeas, and Sisymbrium irio contained the highest number of VOCs, with 54, 51, and 42 substances detected, respectively. Certain volatile compounds appeared to correlate with increased bee visitation. For instance, 4-methyl-5-nonanone was uniquely found in E. manipuliflora pollen, while isothiocyanate compounds were exclusively present in species of the Brassicaceae family. Therefore, given the significant impact of VOCs on honey bees’ preferences, it is essential to consider not only the nutritional value of bee pollen when evaluating its beekeeping value, but also its aroma profile. Full article

Groundwater remains a critical water source for urban communities, particularly in rapidly urbanizing countries such as the Philippines. However, intensifying anthropogenic pressures have contributed to widespread contamination from heavy metals, nutrients, pathogens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and emerging pollutants, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). This review synthesizes findings from 130 peer-reviewed studies on groundwater monitoring and remediation, emphasizing technological advancements and their application in urban environments. The literature is categorized into five thematic areas: monitoring technologies, contaminant profiles, remediation strategies, Philippine-specific case studies, and alignment with global frameworks. Recent innovations—such as Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled systems, remote sensing, biosensors, and artificial intelligence/machine-learning (AI/ML) models—show strong potential for real-time and predictive monitoring. Despite these advancements, technology adoption in the Philippines remains limited due to regulatory, technical, and infrastructural constraints. This review identifies key research and implementation gaps, particularly in the monitoring of emerging contaminants and the integration of data into policy-making and urban planning. To address these challenges, a conceptual framework is proposed to support more sustainable, technology-driven, and context-sensitive groundwater management in heavily urbanized areas. Full article

The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by K. cowanii Ch1 play a significant role in the inhibition of the mycelial growth of phytopathogen strains. As a continuation of our previous studies, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms of the responses of K. cowanii Ch1 against S. rolfsii during a colonization competence interaction in the presence and absence of a mixture of bacterial VOCs under in vitro conditions. The results of this study showed that, in the absence of bacterial VOCs, K. cowanii Ch1 cannot compete against S. rolfsii, and the RNA-Seq analysis revealed the differential expression of genes related to the oxidative stress response in K. cowanii Ch1 for survival. However, in the presence of bacterial VOCs, an interesting phenotypical response was observed in K. cowanii Ch1, resulting in the mycelial growth inhibition of S. rolfsii. The upregulated genes were related to the siderophore-mediated iron transport system, zinc ion transport system, antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase, carbohydrate metabolism, polyketide synthase modules, and related proteins, and katG was probably related to the phenotype resulting in the formation of gas bubbles by K. cowanii. In addition, the VOC profile analyzed at 36 h for bacterial growth revealed a cocktail with an ability to increase the competence of K. cowanii Ch1 against S. rolfsii in vitro and in vivo. This study provides evidence regarding the key role that VOCs play during the colonization competition involving K. cowanii Ch1, the comprehension of which may enable the development of new biocontrol strategies. Full article