Search Results (9,789)

Microbial biosurfactants have emerged as natural and sustainable alternatives to synthetic surfactants used in the food industry, due to the growing demand for biodegradable and safe ingredients. Produced by bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, these compounds exhibit important physicochemical properties, such as emulsifying capacity, surface tension reduction, foam stabilization, and favorable interaction with different food matrices. In addition to their technological function, they exhibit relevant biological activities, including antioxidant and antimicrobial action, which contribute to the control of lipid oxidation and microbiological deterioration. These characteristics make biosurfactants attractive for applications in emulsions, fermented beverages, aerated products, probiotic systems, and bioactive packaging. The objective of this work is to provide a narrative literature review that integrates recent advances in the production, functionality, safety, sustainability, and application perspectives of biosurfactants in the food sector. In the field of production, biotechnological advances have made it possible to overcome historical limitations such as high cost and low yield. Strategies such as the use of agro-industrial waste, metabolic engineering, microbial co-cultures, continuous fermentations, and in situ removal techniques have increased efficiency and reduced environmental impacts. Despite the advances, significant challenges remain. Future prospects and advances tend to facilitate industrial adoption and consolidate biosurfactants as strategic ingredients for the development of more sustainable, functional, and technologically advanced foods. Full article

Postbiotics represent a promising strategy for reconciling increasing consumer demand for clean-label foods with the need to maintain high microbiological safety standards. The present review analyzed the applications of postbiotics in meat products, other food matrices and bioactive packaging, with particular emphasis on their production methods, compositional analysis and antimicrobial properties. Available evidence indicates that postbiotics offer important technological advantages over live probiotics, including enhanced stability during processing and storage and the absence of viable cells, which facilitates their integration into established food quality and safety control systems. The reviewed studies show that postbiotics produced mainly via fermentation with selected lactic acid bacteria and subsequently stabilized, most often by freeze-drying, exhibit pronounced antimicrobial activity in diverse food matrices, particularly meat and dairy products. Their ability to inhibit the growth of major foodborne pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp., highlights their potential as effective biopreservatives contributing to shelf-life extension and improved microbiological safety. From an industrial perspective, postbiotics can be implemented within the framework of hurdle technology and incorporated into active packaging systems and edible coatings. The wider use of postbiotics in industry remains limited by regulatory uncertainty and methodological diversity. Key challenges include inconsistent taxonomic/strain reporting, divergent methods of inactivation and final processing (which alter bioactive profiles), lack of standardized composition and potency testing, and limited food matrix validation and toxicological data. To eliminate these gaps, regulatory definitions and labelling should be harmonized, and guidelines for production and reporting (strain identity, inactivation parameters, preservation method), and targeted safety and shelf-life testing are recommended. These steps are necessary to translate the documented antibacterial and antioxidant properties of postbiotics into industrial applications. Full article

Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor (SLPI) is a conserved serine protease inhibitor expressed on mucosal surfaces, which has multiple functions including anti-protease, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. SLPI plays critical roles in tissue homeostasis and pathology. Through its anti-protease ability, SLPI safeguards tissues from excessive damage caused by proteolytic enzymes released during inflammation and contributes to extracellular matrix remodeling, thereby influencing the cellular and tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, SLPI expression is implicated in shaping the immune landscape that facilitates tumor progression, and in driving epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Consequently, it is not surprising that SLPI plays a complex and context-dependent role across various malignancies. It is overexpressed in most cancers such as colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, and breast carcinomas, and this overexpression often correlates with a more advanced and aggressive disease. Conversely, its levels are reduced in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, where elevated expression may be associated with a more favorable prognosis. This diverse behavior underscores that SLPI function in cancer is tissue-specific and dependent on the functional or pathological state. In prostate cancer, SLPI expression exhibits a bimodal behavior: levels are reduced in the early stages of the disease compared to normal tissues but become significantly upregulated in more advanced and aggressive stages of disease, with significantly higher levels observed in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Elevated SLPI levels in prostate cancer correlate with a reduced prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression-free survival. In this review, we outline the current evidence regarding the multifaceted functions of SLPI and its expanding role in cancer, focusing primarily on the recently described molecular mechanisms and clinical significance of SLPI in prostate carcinoma. Full article

This study aimed to develop natural, safe, and effective antimicrobial packaging materials for extending the shelf life of chilled pork during refrigeration. Emodin-chitosan (Em-Cs) composite films with varied concentrations were developed by combining the casting method with photodynamic inactivation technology, utilizing chitosan as the matrix and emodin as the functional photosensitizer for active packaging. The optical, mechanical, and barrier properties of the composite films were examined. The inhibitory effects of the samples on Escherichia coli, Salmonella Derby, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas fragi under 450 nm blue light irradiation were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the Em-Cs composite film exhibited excellent transparency, mechanical strength, and water barrier properties, with good compatibility between emodin and chitosan. Under light irradiation, the composite film generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), whose bactericidal efficacy depends on the concentration of emodin and the duration of light exposure. When applied to chilled pork packaging, this composite film inhibited bacterial growth within the meat for 10 days, effectively retarding pH increase, lipid oxidation, and volatile basic nitrogen accumulation. The present study proposes a novel methodology for the application of photodynamic technology in the context of food preservation, and it presents a new type of natural antimicrobial packaging material for the preservation of chilled pork. Full article

Water represents the fundamental source of life for all human and animal populations; however, its consumption has become increasingly hazardous due to high levels of pollution. Modern agricultural practices rely heavily on pesticides, which significantly contribute to water contamination and imbalances in aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, another critical category of pollutants consists of pathogenic bacteria that proliferate in aquatic environments, mainly originating from hospital and urban wastewater because of human activity. Considering these major environmental and health challenges, the present study aims to develop an optimized method for water treatment by synthesizing magnetic silica-based aerogels using a microfluidic vortex chip and systematically varying synthesis parameters to enhance material performance. The physicochemical properties of the aerogels were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, and BET. The pesticide adsorption capacity of the materials was evaluated using FT-ICR HR-MS analysis, which demonstrated the high efficiency of the aerogels in removing a complex mixture of pesticides. In parallel, antimicrobial efficacy was assessed against E. faecalis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa isolated from surface water, hospital wastewater, and the influent of a well-known wastewater treatment plant in Bucharest, as well as against ATCC reference strains. Additionally, the study investigated the biocompatibility and biological responses of magnetic aerogels using MTT assays, nitric oxide production, lactate dehydrogenase release, intracellular ROS levels, and quantification of total protein, malondialdehyde, and reduced glutathione in HaCaT and HEK293 cell lines. The results confirm the efficiency and application potential of the developed materials and emphasize the importance of optimizing synthesis to achieve high-performance aerogels for effective decontamination of polluted waters. Full article

In the present study, potato starch (PS) was functionalized with theaflavin (TF). Potato starch aldehyde (DPS)–theaflavin (DPS-TF) conjugates were prepared by conjugating TF with DPS. The synthesized DPS-TF conjugates were characterized via UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and tested for antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The UV–vis spectrum results demonstrated that DPS-TF conjugates exhibited the characteristic absorption peaks of theaflavin at 280 nm, which can be attributed to the benzotropolone structure present in theaflavin. The absorbance values of the peaks progressively intensified as the concentration of grafted theaflavins increased. FTIR confirmed the depletion of the aldehyde groups and the presence of TF-specific vibrations in the conjugates in DPS-TF. ¹H-NMR demonstrated that the conjugation occurred between the H-6, H-8, H-6′, and H-8′ positions of theaflavin and the aldehyde groups of starch aldehyde. XRD demonstrated that the DPS-TF conjugates were in the amorphous state. SEM observation demonstrated that DPS-TF exhibited a mixed morphology of flakes and lumps, which differed from that of native starch and starch aldehyde. The scavenging activity of DPS-TF against DPPH and ABTS radicals was significantly higher than that of DPS (p < 0.05), with the antioxidant activity increasing in line with the concentration of theaflavins. In comparison with PS and DPS, DPS-TF conjugates demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, an elevated grafting ratio corresponds to a heightened level of these functional properties. This study highlights the promise of the starch aldehyde–theaflavin conjugates for use as a viable antioxidant and antimicrobial agent for food applications. Full article

Poly(hexamethylene biguanide) (PHMB) is a polycationic antimicrobial polymer exhibiting broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and is widely used in medical settings for infection prevention and control. However, the relationship between chemical structure and antimicrobial activity remains unclear. In this study, we synthesised and characterised a series of polymeric biguanides with systematically varied alkyl chain lengths to examine the effects of structural variation on physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity. H NMR spectroscopy and FTIR confirmed successful polymerisation. Solubility measurements revealed a progressive decrease in aqueous solubility with increasing alkyl chain length, consistent with increased hydrophobicity. Dynamic light scattering indicated reversible folding and unfolding of polymer chains in aqueous solution, with stabilisation at higher concentrations. Diffusion-ordered spectroscopy was used to calculate hydrodynamic diameters and polydispersity indices. Antimicrobial assays against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed that polymers containing heptamethylene and octamethylene chains exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, whereas tetramethylene- and pentamethylene-containing polymers showed greater fungicidal activity against Candida albicans. Highly hydrophobic polymers showed increased aggregation, resulting in reduced antimicrobial efficacy. Overall, these results indicate that both charge density and alkyl chain length are key determinants of antimicrobial activity. This polymeric biguanide series provides a platform for further investigation of structure–activity relationships and mechanisms of action against pathogenic microorganisms and their biofilms. Full article

Metallogels constitute a rapidly expanding class of hybrid soft materials in which metal ions, metal complexes, or metal-containing nanoparticles play a decisive structural and functional role within a three-dimensional gel network. Their unique combination of supramolecular assembly, metal-ligand coordination, and dynamic network behaviour provides tunable mechanical, optical, electrical, redox, and catalytic properties that are not accessible in conventional hydrogels or organogels. This review systematically summarises current knowledge on metallogels, beginning with a classification based on matrix type, dominant metal interaction and functional output, spanning metallohydrogels, metal-organic gels, metal-phenolic gels, nanoparticle-based gels, polymer-based metallogels and low-molecular-weight metallogels. Key synthesis pathways are discussed, including coordination-chemistry-driven formation, metal-ligand self-assembly, in situ reduction, diffusion-mediated strategies, sol-gel-like polymerisation, enzyme-assisted routes, and bio-derived fabrication. Particular emphasis is placed on structure-function relationships that enable the development of catalytic, conductive, luminescent, antimicrobial, and biomedical metallogels. The examples compiled here highlight the versatility and transformative potential of metallogels in next-generation soft technologies, including sensing, energy conversion, wound healing, drug delivery, and emerging applications such as soft electronics and on-skin catalytic or bioactive patches. By mapping current progress and emerging design principles, this review aims to support the rational engineering of metallogels for advanced technological and biomedical applications Full article

This study presents the development and characterization of chia mucilage–montmorillonite (MMT) films enriched with Lactobacillus sakei postbiotics. The films were evaluated mainly for their antimicrobial properties and practical applicability in food systems. The postbiotic contained 21 phenolic compounds and 60 volatile metabolites that exhibited inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. Incorporation of postbiotics and MMT into chia mucilage significantly enhanced antimicrobial performance. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets were used as a model food system to demonstrate practical applicability, and their shelf life was extended by 9–15 days compared with controls. These findings confirm the potential of postbiotic-loaded chia mucilage–MMT films as promising bioactive packaging materials for food systems, combining natural antimicrobial activity with improved preservation capacity. Full article

The escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance has spurred interest in probiotics as alternatives for combating bacterial infections. This study aimed to isolate and characterize probiotic Lactobacillus johnsonii (L. johnsonii) from yak feces with protective efficacy against acute Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection. In vitro, DY2 supernatant inhibited the growth of E. coli. In vivo, mice pretreated orally with DY2 (1 × 10⁹ CFU/mL) for 21 days before E. coli challenge exhibited significantly reduced weight loss (p < 0.001), lower bacterial translocation in the intestines (p < 0.001), and normalized organ indices (p < 0.05) compared to untreated infected controls. DY2 modulated host immune and oxidative responses by significantly lowering serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6; p < 0.001 to p < 0.05) and malondialdehyde (MDA; p < 0.001), while elevating levels of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 (p < 0.05) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC; p < 0.001 to p < 0.01). Histologically, DY2 preserved intestinal mucosal integrity, with reduced villus shortening and inflammatory infiltration (p < 0.001 for villus length in key segments). 16S rRNA sequencing of intestinal microbiota revealed enhanced α-diversity (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001), community stability, and enrichment of beneficial genera such as Butyricimonas in DY2-treated mice. Conclusively, Lactobacillus johnsonii DY2 protects against acute E. coli infection via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, gut barrier strengthening, and microbiota-modulating activities. Yak-derived lactobacilli are promising probiotics with excellent antibacterial properties. Full article

The Helianthus genus comprises more than 60 species distributed throughout North and Central America, with a few extending into South America. Among these, H. annuus and H. tuberosus represent the most widely utilized and extensively investigated species. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding the phytochemical composition and biological activities of Helianthus species. Phytochemical studies of Helianthus taxa have demonstrated that terpenoid constituents, including sesquiterpene lactones, diterpenes, and triterpenes, together with phenolic compounds, constitute the principal classes of secondary metabolites. Pharmacological investigations on Helianthus extracts have revealed a broad spectrum of biological activities. More than twenty distinct bioactivities have been reported for H. annuus, with the majority supported by in vitro assays (≈26 reports), reflecting multiple experimental evaluations per activity using different plant parts, extracts, and models; followed by a substantial number of in vivo studies in animal models (≈21 reports), and very limited clinical evidence. In comparison, five bioactivities have been described for H. tuberosus, mainly in vitro with a few in vivo reports, whereas only single in vitro bioactivities have been described for H. salicifolius and H. angustifolius. Among these, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties are the most frequently documented. Full article

Chlorella vulgaris is a microalga with well-established nutritional, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial potential. The current study aimed to explore the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the ethanolic extract of C. vulgaris and to assess how nanoparticle formation affects the chemical composition, antimicrobial potential, antioxidant capacity, and spasmolytic activity of the extract, building on earlier evidence for its modulatory effects on gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Even though AgNPs from Chlorella have been obtained previously, to the best of our knowledge, their spasmolytic activity has not been evaluated. To assess their properties and stability, ATR-FTIR, TEM images, XRD, DLS, and zeta potential were used. The obtained AgNPs were mostly spherical (with a diameter between 10 and 50 nm) and showed good colloidal stability. The synthesis of AgNPs resulted in significant changes in lipid composition, pigment content, and fatty acid profiles, including a decrease in total chlorophylls and an increase in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The biosynthesized AgNPs showed moderate to strong antibacterial activity against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. The most pronounced inhibitory effect was observed against A. niger and P. chrysogenum. In ex vivo organ bath experiments, AgNPs modulated the contractile activity and the spasmolytic profile of isolated rat gastric smooth muscle compared with C. vulgaris extract. These results demonstrate that green-synthesized AgNPs present systems with altered smooth muscle activity and improved antibacterial qualities, underscoring their potential for use in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and gastrointestinal therapeutics. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable materials and the valorization of waste streams have intensified research on wastewater biorefineries and bioplastics. Within this framework, this study aims to develop and characterize poly (lactic acid) (PLA)-based films partially substituted with microalgae biomass derived from wastewater treatment at different concentrations (PLA-MA: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%). The films were produced and systematically characterized in terms of their morphological (SEM), structural (FTIR), physical (thickness, weight, swelling, and solubility), thermal (TGA), mechanical (tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus), optical (colorimetry and UV–Vis), barrier (water vapor permeability), and biodegradability properties. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of microalgae biomass into the polymeric matrix and indicated good compatibility at low biomass loadings, whereas higher concentrations (>20%) introduced hydrophilic functional groups associated with increasing structural incompatibility. Partial substitution of PLA with microalgae biomass significantly modulated the physical, mechanical, and optical properties of the resulting composites. Notably, biodegradability assays revealed that the PLA-MA 50% composite achieved 89% degradation within 120 days, demonstrating that microalgal biomass markedly accelerates material decomposition. Furthermore, antimicrobial tests conducted for PLA-MA 0%, 20%, and 50% confirmed the safety of wastewater-derived microalgae for incorporation into the polymer matrix. Overall, these results highlight the potential of wastewater-derived microalgae biomass as a promising and sustainable component for short-life-cycle bioplastic applications, particularly in the agricultural sector. Full article

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are extensively employed for their antimicrobial and biomedical properties, yet concerns persist regarding their potential toxicity. While AgNPs can induce oxidative stress, membrane disruption, and DNA damage, in vivo data remain inconsistent. This study investigated whether batch-to-batch variability in nominally identical AgNPs of 10 nm size contributes to divergent in vivo toxicity outcomes. CD-1 (ICR) mice were intravenously injected with a single 10 mg/kg bw dose of spherical, citrate-coated 10 nm AgNPs from three different batches purchased from the same manufacturer. The mice were euthanized 24 h post-exposure for quantitative silver determination by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) and histopathological evaluation of liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and brain. Autometallography and immunofluorescence were used to assess silver distribution and cellular localization in the hepatobiliary system. All the batches induced hepatobiliary toxicity, characterized by hepatocellular necrosis and gallbladder wall hemorrhage, of differing severity. The most toxic batches contained higher proportions of smaller AgNPs, suggesting that differences in size distribution influence toxicological outcomes. Silver agglomerates were localized within multiple cell types, indicating internalization and cell-specific cytotoxicity. These findings highlight that minor physicochemical variations affect in vivo results, underscoring the importance of nanoparticle characterization to improve reproducibility in nanotoxicological research. Full article

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/starch composites have attracted considerable attention as promising eco-friendly materials due to their renewable origins and complementary properties. The system synergized benefits including cost reduction and enhancing biodegradation through filled with starch, and reducing moisture sensitivity by adding PLA. In recent years, PLA/starch composites have also emerged as functional materials for controlled-release applications, benefiting from their inherent phase-separated structures and distinct water solubility and degradation behaviors of the two components. By tailoring starch content and dispersion, starch-rich domains can serve as water-responsive pathways within the PLA matrix, enabling tunable release of functional substances from films or coatings. This concept has been successfully demonstrated in applications such as antimicrobial food packaging and slow-release fertilizer coatings. This review first outlines the fundamental aspects of PLA/starch composites, including microstructure, interfacial compatibility, and biodegradability. It then focuses on their design and performance as controlled-release systems, covering fabrication strategies, structure–property relationships, and evaluation methods. Finally, the advantages and limitations of current PLA/starch-based controlled-release materials are critically discussed, and future research directions are proposed to guide the development of sustainable, multifunctional materials for food packaging and agricultural applications. Full article