Search Results (730)

The modern livestock industry incorporates widely used antibiotic growth promoters into animal feed at sub-therapeutic levels to enhance growth performance and feed efficiency. However, this practice contributes to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in livestock, which may be transmitted to humans through the food chain, thereby diminishing the efficacy of antibiotics in treating bacterial infections. Current research explores the potential of essential oils from derived medicinal plants as alternative phytobiotics. This review examines modern encapsulation strategies that incorporate essential oils into natural-origin matrices to improve their stability and control their release both in vitro and in vivo. We discuss a range of encapsulation approaches utilizing polysaccharides, gums, proteins, and lipid-based carriers. This review highlights the increasing demand for antibiotic alternatives in animal nutrition driven by regulatory restrictions, and the potential benefits of essential oils in enhancing feed palatability and stabilizing the intestinal microbiome in monogastric animals and ruminants. Additionally, we address the economic viability and encapsulation efficiency of different matrix formulations. Full article

Appropriate carriers or templates are crucial for maintaining the stability, biological activity, and bioavailability of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). Selecting suitable templates remains challenging for fully utilizing SeNPs functionalities and developing applicable products. Exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) have gained importance in drug delivery systems, yet research on selenium products prepared using exosomes remains limited. To address this gap, we utilized Cyperus bean ELNs to deliver SeNPs, investigated three preparation methods for SeNPs-ELNs, identified the optimal approach, and performed characterization studies. Notably, all three methods successfully loaded SeNPs. Ultrasonic cell fragmentation is the optimal approach, achieving significant increases in selenium loading (5.59 ± 0.167 ng/μg), enlargement of particle size (431.17 ± 10.78 nm), and reduced absolute zeta potential (−4.1 ± 0.43 mV). Moreover, both exosome formulations demonstrated enhanced stability against aggregation during storage at 4 °C, while their stability varied with pH conditions. In vitro digestibility tests showed greater stability of SeNP-ELNs in digestive fluids compared to ELNs alone. Additionally, neither ELNs nor SeNP-ELNs exhibited cytotoxicity toward LO₂ cells, and the relative erythrocyte hemolysis remained below 5% at protein concentrations of 2.5, 7.5, 15, 30, and 60 μg/mL. Overall, ultrasonic cell fragmentation effectively loaded plant-derived exosomes with nano-selenium at high capacity, presenting new opportunities for their use as functional components in food and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cancer drive demand for therapeutic functional foods. This study developed freeze-dried fermented camel milk (FCM) with Ajwa date pulp (ADP), evaluating its physical and functional properties, probiotic survival, and potential benefits for diabetes and cancer. To achieve this target, six FCM formulations were prepared using ABT-5 starter culture (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Streptococcus thermophilus) with or without Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus B-1937 and ADP (12% or 15%). The samples were freeze-dried, and their functional properties, such as water activity, dispersibility, water absorption capacity, water absorption index, water solubility index, insolubility index, and sedimentation, were assessed. Reconstitution properties such as density, flowability, air content, porosity, loose bulk density, packed bulk density, particle density, carrier index, Hausner ratio, porosity, and density were examined. In addition, color and probiotic survivability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions were analyzed. Also, antidiabetic potential was assessed via α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, while cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay on Caco-2 cells. The results show that ADP supplementation significantly improved dispersibility (up to 72.73% in FCM15D+L). These improvements are attributed to changes in particle size distribution and increased carbohydrate and mineral content, which facilitate powder rehydration and reduce clumping. All FCM variants demonstrated low water activity (0.196–0.226), indicating good potential for shelf stability. The reconstitution properties revealed that FCM powders with ADP had higher bulk and packed densities but lower particle density and porosity than controls. Including ADP reduced interstitial air and increased occluded air within the powders, which may minimize oxidation risks and improve packaging efficiency. ADP incorporation resulted in a significant decrease in lightness (L*) and increases in redness (a*) and yellowness (b*), with greater pigment and phenolic content at higher ADP levels. These changes reflect the natural colorants and browning reactions associated with ADP, leading to a more intense and visually distinct product. Probiotic survivability was higher in ADP-fortified samples, with L. acidophilus and B. bifidum showing resilience in intestinal conditions. The FCM15D+L formulation exhibited potent antidiabetic effects, with IC₅₀ values of 111.43 μg mL⁻¹ for α-amylase and 77.21 μg mL⁻¹ for α-glucosidase activities, though lower than control FCM (8.37 and 10.74 μg mL⁻¹, respectively). Cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells was most potent in non-ADP samples (IC₅₀: 82.22 μg mL⁻¹ for FCM), suggesting ADP and L. rhamnosus may reduce antiproliferative effects due to proteolytic activity. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that ADP-enriched FCM is a promising functional food with enhanced probiotic viability, antidiabetic potential, and desirable physical properties. This work highlights the potential of camel milk and date synergies in combating some NCDs in vitro, suggesting potential for functional food application. Full article

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanoscale membrane-enclosed particles, are natural carriers of proteins and nucleic acids. Microalgae are widely used as a source of bioactive substances in the food and cosmetic industries and definitely have a potential to be used as the producers of EVs for biomedical applications. In this study, the extracellular vesicles isolated from the culture medium of two unicellular microalgae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlamy-EVs) and Parachlorella kessleri (Chlore-EVs), were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), cryo-electronic microscopy (cryo-EM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The biocompatibility with human cells in vitro (HEK-293T, DF-2 and A172) and biodistribution in mouse organs and tissues in vivo were tested for both microalgal EVs. An exogenous therapeutic protein, human heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), was successfully loaded to Chlamy- and Chlore-EVs, and its efficient delivery to human glioma and colon carcinoma cell lines has been confirmed. Additionally, in order to search for potential therapeutic biomolecules within the EVs, their proteomes have been characterized. A total of 105 proteins were identified for Chlamy-EVs and 33 for Chlore-EVs. The presence of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the Chlamy-EV constituents allows for considering them as antioxidant agents. The effective delivery of exogenous cargo to human cells and the possibility of the particle yield optimization by varying the microalgae growth conditions make them favorable producers of EVs for biotechnology and biomedical application. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hermetia illucens larvae can efficiently convert agri-food residues into high-protein biomass for animal feed and nutrient-rich frass for soil amendment. However, the potential spread of carbapenem resistance genes (CRGs), which confer resistance to last-resort carbapenem antibiotics, and Enterobacteriaceae, common carriers of these genes and opportunistic pathogens, raises important safety concerns. This study aimed to assess the influence of different agri-food-based diets on Enterobacteriaceae loads and the CRG occurrence during the bioconversion process. Methods: Four experimental diets were formulated from agri-food residues and anaerobic digestate: Diet 1 (peas and chickpea waste), Diet 2 (peas and wheat waste), Diet 3 (onion and wheat waste), and Diet 4 (wheat waste and digestate). Enterobacteriaceae were quantified by viable counts, while five CRGs (bla_KPC, bla_NDM, bla_OXA-48, bla_VIM, and bla_GES) were detected and quantified using quantitative PCRs (qPCRs). Analyses were performed on individual substrates, formulated diets, larvae (before and after bioconversion), and frass. Results: Plant-based diets sustained moderate Enterobacteriaceae loads. In contrast, the digestate-based diet led to a significant increase in Enterobacteriaceae in both the frass and mature larvae. CRGs were detected only in legume-based diets: bla_VIM and bla_GES were found in both mature larvae and frass, while bla_OXA-48 and bla_KPC were found exclusively in either larvae or frass. No CRGs were detected in onion- or digestate-based diets nor in young larvae or diet inputs. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the diet composition may influence the proliferation of Enterobacteriaceae and the persistence of CRGs. Careful substrate selection and process monitoring are essential to minimize antimicrobial resistance risks in insect-based bioconversion systems. Full article

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is a metalloproteinase widely present in plant organelles that plays crucial roles in photosynthesis, pest and disease resistance, growth and development, and flower color formation. Due to the high cost and reuse difficulties of plant PPO in applications, immobilization has emerged as a key technology to improve its stability, recyclability, and reusability. Immobilized plant PPO has been widely used in environmental and detection fields. This review examines different immobilization methods and carrier materials for plant PPO and summarizes its applications in wastewater treatment, biosensor detection, food preservation, and theaflavin synthesis. Finally, current challenges and future opportunities for immobilized plant PPO are discussed. Full article

Edible mushrooms are well-known for their culinary and nutritional values. Additionally, they serve as a natural source of polyphenols, a group of bioactive compounds that significantly treat diseases associated with oxidative stress. The polyphenolic profile of mushrooms mainly consists of phenolic acids and flavonoids, whose chemical properties have attracted the attention of both the food and pharmaceutical industries. Consequently, methods for extracting polyphenols from mushrooms encompass conventional techniques (maceration and Soxhlet extraction) as well as innovative or green methods (ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, and pulsed electric field extraction). Nonetheless, extraction with pressurized liquids and supercritical fluids is considered the most suitable method, as they function in a gentle and selective manner, preserving the integrity of the phenolic compounds. The use of mushroom-derived phenolic compounds in food and pharmaceutical formulations continues to face challenges concerning the safety of these extracts, as they might contain unwanted substances. Future applications should incorporate purification systems to yield highly pure extracts, thereby creating safe polyphenol carriers (for food and pharmaceutical products) for consumers. Full article

Among synanthropic species, European hedgehogs are widely distributed throughout Europe. In recent decades, these animals have increasingly adapted to anthropogenic environments, where they find abundant shelter and food resources, along with fewer natural predators. As with other wildlife, it is likely that their coexistence in cities is also affecting their microbiota, promoting the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to assess the occurrence and patterns of AMR in commensal enteric Escherichia coli isolated from hedgehogs (n = 53) living in anthropogenic environments upon admission to a wildlife rescue center in Turin (Italy). The effects of hospitalization on the prevalence and trends of AMR were also assessed. Our results confirm that hedgehogs can harbor resistant E. coli upon admission, in particular against cefazolin (41.5%), ampicillin (37.7%), and enrofloxacin (22.6%). In addition, hospitalization promoted an increase in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of all antibiotics except imipenem, which led to a significant increase in E. coli that was resistant towards doxycycline, enrofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Admitted hedgehogs were also carriers of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli (5.7%), whose presence increased during hospitalization (to 20.8%). These results highlight the role of hospitalizations longer than five days in the acquisition of AMR and suggest that European hedgehogs can become potential carriers of resistant E. coli following hospitalization. Full article

Background: During food processing and storage, traditional protein-based delivery systems encounter significant challenges in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of bioactive compounds, primarily due to their temporal instability. Methods: In this study, a nanocomposite hydrogel was prepared through the co-assembly of a self-assembling peptide, 9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-phenylalanine-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-phenylalanine (Fmoc-FRGDF), and hyaluronic acid (HA). The stability of this hydrogel as a quercetin (Que) delivery carrier was systematically investigated. Furthermore, the impact of Que co-assembly on the microstructural evolution and physicochemical properties of the hydrogel was characterized. Concurrently, the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and controlled release kinetics of Que were quantitatively evaluated. Results: The findings indicated that HA significantly reduced the storage modulus (G′) from 256.5 Pa for Fmoc-FRGDF to 21.1 Pa with the addition of 0.1 mg/mL HA. Despite this reduction, HA effectively slowed degradation rates; specifically, residue rates of 5.5% were observed for Fmoc-FRGDF alone compared to 14.1% with 0.5 mg/mL HA present. Notably, Que enhanced G′ within the ternary complex, increasing it from 256.5 Pa in Fmoc-FRGDF to an impressive 7527.0 Pa in the Que/HA/Fmoc-FRGDF hydrogel containing 0.1 mg/mL HA. The interactions among Que, HA, and Fmoc-FRGDF involved hydrogen bonding, electrostatic forces, and hydrophobic interactions; furthermore, the co-assembly process strengthened the β-sheet structure while significantly promoting supramolecular ordering. Interestingly, the release profile of Que adhered to the Korsmeyer–Peppas pharmacokinetic equations. Conclusions: Overall, this study examines the impact of polyphenol on the rheological properties, microstructural features, secondary structure conformation, and supramolecular ordering within peptide–polysaccharide–polyphenol ternary complexes, and the Fmoc-FRGDF/HA hydrogel system demonstrates a superior performance as a delivery vehicle for maintaining quercetin’s bioactivity, thereby establishing a multifunctional platform for bioactive agent encapsulation and controlled release. Full article

This study developed phospholipid-based liposomes loaded with extract from wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) tea processing residues to enhance polyphenol stability and delivery. Liposomes were prepared with phospholipids alone or combined with 10–30 mol% cholesterol or β-sitosterol. The effect of different lipid compositions on encapsulation efficiency (EE), particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, stability, thermal properties, diffusion coefficient, and diffusion resistance of the liposomes was investigated. Liposomes with 10 mol% sterols (either cholesterol or β-sitosterol) exhibited the highest EE of polyphenols, while increasing sterol content to 30 mol% resulted in decreased EE. Particle size and PDI increased with sterol content, while liposomes prepared without sterols showed the smallest vesicle size. Encapsulation of the extract led to smaller liposomal diameters and slight increases in PDI values. Zeta potential measurements revealed that sterol incorporation enhanced the surface charge and stability of liposomes, with β-sitosterol showing the most pronounced effect. Stability testing demonstrated minimal changes in size, PDI, and zeta potential during storage. UV irradiation and lyophilization processes did not cause significant polyphenol leakage, although lyophilization slightly increased particle size and PDI. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that polyphenols and sterols modified the lipid membrane transitions, indicating interactions between extract components and the liposomal bilayer. FT-IR spectra confirmed successful integration of the extract into the liposomes, while UV exposure did not significantly alter the spectral features. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay demonstrated the extract’s efficacy in mitigating lipid peroxidation under UV-induced oxidative stress. In contrast, liposomes enriched with sterols showed enhanced peroxidation. Polyphenol diffusion studies showed that encapsulation significantly delayed release, particularly in sterol-containing liposomes. Release assays in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids confirmed controlled, pH-dependent polyphenol delivery, with slightly better retention in β-sitosterol-enriched systems. These findings support the use of β-sitosterol- and cholesterol-enriched liposomes as stable carriers for polyphenolic compounds from wild thyme extract, as bioactive antioxidants, for food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Type I collagen is a major protein in animals, and its hydrolyzed products, collagen peptides, have wide-ranging applications. This article reviews collagen peptides’ preparation methods, biological activities, and application progress in the fields of food, cosmetics, and medicine. By employing various extraction and hydrolysis methods, collagen peptides with different molecular weights can be obtained, and their biological activities are closely related to their molecular weight and amino acid sequence. Studies have revealed that collagen peptides possess a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, hematopoietic promotion, osteogenic differentiation promotion, antihypertensive, and anti-diabetic effects. In the food industry, their antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties have opened new avenues for the development of healthy foods; in the cosmetics field, the moisturizing, anti-aging, and repair functions of collagen peptides are favored by consumers; in the medical field, collagen peptides are used in wound dressings, drug carriers, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Looking to the future, the development of green and efficient preparation technologies for collagen peptides and in-depth research into the relationship between their structure and function will be important research directions. The multifunctional properties of collagen peptides provide a broad prospect for their further application in the health industry. Full article

Background/Objectives: Increasing levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have recently been observed at the human–domestic animal–wildlife interface. Wild birds have been identified as carriers of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and serve as excellent biomarkers for epidemiological studies. This study assessed the current AMR presence in Eastern Spain’s commensal Escherichia coli isolated from free-ranging Bonelli’s eagles (Aquila fasciata). Methods: Nestlings and their nests were intensively sampled between 2022 and 2024 to determine their AMR profile and characterize E. coli. AMR testing was conducted using the broth microdilution method, following the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing guidelines. Additionally, the presence of eaeA (intimin gene) and stx-1 and stx-2 (shiga toxins) was analyzed by real-time PCR to classify E. coli strains into enteropathogenic (EPEC) and Shiga-toxigenic (STEC) pathotypes. Results: Of all E. coli isolates, 41.7% were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, and 30% were multidrug-resistant. Only two strains were classified as EPEC and none as STEC. The highest resistance rates were observed for amoxicillin and tetracycline (19.6% each). Alarmingly, resistance to colistin and meropenem, last-resort antibiotics in human medicine, was also detected. Conclusions: Although the mechanisms of resistance acquisition remain unclear, transmission is likely to occur through the food chain, with synanthropic prey acting as intermediary vectors. These results highlight the role of Bonelli’s eagles as essential sentinels of environmental AMR dissemination, even in remote ecosystems. Strengthening One Health-based surveillance is necessary to address AMR’s ecological and public health risks in wildlife. Full article

The incorporation of Spirulina platensis has been studied as a strategy to enrich food with bioactive compounds. Recent studies have expanded the use of Spirulina in yogurts, seeking to combine its nutritional value with the practicality of functional foods. This study evaluated the physicochemical and bioactive compounds characteristics of yogurt incorporating commercial and agglomerated (with 30% maltodextrin, efficient carrier agent, in a fluidized bed) Spirulina platensis powder, at concentrations of 0.5–2.0% (w/v) prior to fermentation. This study is novel as it is the first to report the incorporation of S. platensis agglomerated in a fluidized bed into yogurt. Fermentations were carried out at 42 °C for 5 h and then the stirred yogurts were stored at 4 °C for 28 days for stabilization. All yogurts obtained achieved characteristic values according to the Brazilian Normative Instruction 46/2007 with total acidity (0.6–1.5%), pH (3.5–4.6), and viable lactic bacteria of at least 10⁶ CFU.g⁻¹, without significantly affecting the quality of the final product or the activity of lactic acid bacteria. For the nutritional composition, it was observed that the greater the amount of cyanobacteria incorporated, the higher the concentrations of proteins (4.2–5.6%) and ashes (1.3–1.8%) in the product, and for the bioactive compounds, the phenolic compounds ranged between 2.98 and 14.96 mg.100 g⁻¹ and significantly enriched the yogurt with phycocyanin (2.19–3.65 mg.100 g⁻¹), β-carotene (4.73–6.37 mg.100 g⁻¹), and chlorophyll a (12.39–13.77 mg.100 g⁻¹), for the formulations using commercial and agglomerated S. platensis powder. Agglomeration improved the stability of bioactive compounds after fermentation and stabilization processes of the yogurts. Also, it was found that the agglomerated S. platensis powder preserved a higher amount of bioactive compounds in the yogurt, which fulfills one of the main objectives of incorporating this cyanobacterium. Full article

The growing interest in health-promoting diets has brought fermented foods into the spotlight due to their unique microbial compositions and bioactive metabolites. Fermented foods and their beneficial microbiota are expected to stimulate the overall industry’s expansion over the next few years as their beneficial health effects become established. This narrative review explores the evolving dynamics of fermented food microbiota and their interactions with the gut microenvironment, emphasizing strategic pathways to enhance human health. Fermented foods, both industrially produced and traditionally prepared, serve as carriers of beneficial microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and certain fungi that transform food substrates into bioactive compounds including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), exopolysaccharides, and bioactive peptides. Simultaneously, their bioactive metabolites are the subject of passionate investigation by the scientific community, uncovering novel beneficial aspects that have not been elucidated until now. These metabolites contribute to improved gut barrier function, modulation of immune responses, and overall metabolic health. Notably, microbial fermentation can reshape the intrinsic properties of food, offering therapeutic potential beyond basic nutrition. The interactions between food-derived microbes and the host gut microbiota suggest a synergistic mechanism influencing gastrointestinal and systemic health outcomes. Nevertheless, there remains a significant gap in the comprehensive evaluation of the existing literature in this specific research area. Further research is needed to standardize fermented food formulations, validate the effects of individual microbial strains, and optimize their application in personalized nutrition and functional food development. Accordingly, this review highlights the association between the microbiota of fermented foods and their metabolites with the gut microenvironment, emphasizing their potential health-promoting properties. Full article

The perceived quality of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) arises from the multisensory integration of multimodal stimuli, primarily driven by non-volatile and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Given that EVOO is frequently consumed in combination with other foods, cross-modal interactions, encompassing both internal and external elements, play a crucial role in shaping its sensory perception. A more realistic representation of EVOO perception can be achieved by considering these cross-modal effects and their temporal dynamics. This study employed dynamic sensory and instrumental techniques to investigate the product-related mechanisms that influence EVOO flavor perception. Ten trained panelists (mean age = 41.5 years; 50% female) evaluated two EVOO samples under two consumption conditions: alone and accompanied by a solid carrier (bread or chickpeas). Temporal Check-All-That-Apply (TCATA) and nose-space analysis using Proton-Transfer-Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) were conducted simultaneously. Sensory descriptors and mass spectral peaks were analyzed through temporal curve indices (Area Under the Curve, Maximum Citation/Concentration, Time to Maximum), which were then used to construct multi-dimensional sensory and VOC release maps. Findings revealed that the composition and texture of the food carriers had a greater influence on temporal flavor perception than the variability in VOCs released by the different EVOO samples. These results underscore the importance of considering cross-modal sensory interactions when predicting EVOO flavor perception. The carriers modulated both the perception and VOC release, with effects dependent on their specific composition and texture. This methodological approach enabled a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between VOC release and EVOO sensory experience. Full article