Search Results (203)

Legumes are vital sources of protein, dietary fibre and nutrients, making them crucial for global food security and sustainable agriculture. However, their widespread acceptance and consumption are often limited by undesirable sensory characteristics, such as “a beany flavour”, bitterness or variable textures. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms governing appearance, aroma, taste, flavour, texture and palatability in legumes, aiming to enhance their sensory appeal. This review highlights the transformative power of multi-omics approaches in dissecting these intricate biological pathways and facilitating the targeted enhancement of legume sensory qualities. By integrating data from genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, the genetic and biochemical networks that directly dictate sensory perception can be comprehensively unveiled. The insights gained from these integrated multi-omics studies are proving instrumental in developing strategies for sensory enhancement. They enable the identification of key biomarkers for desirable traits, facilitating more efficient marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) in breeding programs. Furthermore, a molecular understanding of sensory pathways opens avenues for precise gene editing (e.g., using CRISPR-Cas9) to modify specific genes, reduce off-flavour compounds or optimise texture. Beyond genetic improvements, multi-omics data also inform the optimisation of post-harvest handling and processing methods (e.g., germination and fermentation) to enhance desirable sensory profiles and mitigate undesirable ones. This holistic approach, spanning from the genetic blueprint to the final sensory experience, will accelerate the development of new legume cultivars and products with enhanced palatability, thereby fostering increased consumption and ultimately contributing to healthier diets and more resilient food systems worldwide. Full article

Microbial contamination is a global concern with impacts on a variety of industries ranging from marine to biomedical applications. Recent research on hydrophilic polymer-based coatings is focused on combining antifouling polymers with nanomaterials to enhance mechanical, optical, and stimuli-responsive properties, yielding colour changing, self-healing, and super hydrophilic materials. This study combines the hydrophilic and antifouling properties of vitamin B5 analogous methacrylamide (B5AMA)-based polymers with stimuli-responsive anthocyanin-dye-loaded cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to develop antifouling materials with colour changing capabilities upon bacterial contamination. Poly(B5AMA)-grafted CNCs were prepared through surface-initiated photoiniferter reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (SP-RAFT) polymerization and characterized through proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR), transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), and X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) to confirm the formation of surface-grafted polymer chains. The bare CNCs and poly(B5AMA)-grafted CNCs were loaded with anthocyanin dye and evaluated for pH-dependent colour changing capabilities. Interestingly, anthocyanin-loaded CNCs demonstrated vibrant colour changes in both solution and dried film form upon bacterial contamination; however, limited colour changing capabilities of the composites, specifically in dried film form, were attributed to the enhanced dispersibility and antifouling capabilities of the polymer-coated CNCs. Full article

Fatty fish, such as mackerel (Scomber scombrus), are recommended as part of a healthy diet, providing essential fatty acids (FA). Fried fish is appreciated for its attributes, including a crispy texture, golden crust, and pleasant taste. However, frying increases the fat content and the caloric value of food. This study evaluated the use of pre-frying edible coatings on mackerel fillets aiming to: (i) reduce oil absorption, (ii) minimize water loss, preserving fish succulence, and (iii) prevent fat oxidation. For this purpose, alginate- and carrageenan-based coatings were supplemented with extracts of Pelvetia canaliculata (Pc), a seaweed with high potential as a source of bioactive compounds. The fried fillets were analysed for colour, texture, moisture, ash, lipid content, and FA profile. No significant differences were observed for colour and textural parameters. Fillets coated with Pc-supplemented carrageenan showed the highest moisture (an increase of 3%) and the lowest fat content (a decrease of 7,5%) compared to the control (fried uncoated fillets). Coated fillets also exhibited reduced saturated FA and increased monounsaturated FA. In general, linoleic acid (C18:2) decreased markedly, while the values for docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6, n-3) remained stable (11–12% of total FA). Moreover, the n3/n6 ratio and atherogenic indices (AI) were improved in the coated fillets. Full article

This study developed chitosan-based active edible coating formulations with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties exhibited by oregano and cinnamon leaf essential oils (EOs) to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut ‘Braeburn’ apples. The primary coating consisted of chitosan (1.5% w/v), ascorbic acid (2% w/v), and citric acid (2% w/v). Oregano (0.06 and 0.15% v/v) and cinnamon leaf (0.06 and 0.1% v/v) EOs were added to the primary coating. The coated apple slices were stored for 9 days at 4 ± 1 °C. Changes in weight loss, water activity, titratable acidity, total soluble solids content, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, firmness, colour, visual appearance, surface morphology, and microbial activity were measured on days 2 and 9. The results revealed that the control samples deteriorated rapidly during storage. However, higher concentrations of EOs reduced moisture loss, water activity, and acid conversion but slightly impacted visual appearance. The coatings effectively inhibited the PPO activity through storage. The formulation with 0.1% cinnamon leaf EO may be considered a viable candidate for application as a coating material, followed by the formulation containing 0.06% oregano EO, maintaining the optimum quality parameters of fresh-cut apples. Chitosan-based coatings with added EOs can be a promising alternative for maintaining fresh-cut apple quality during storage. Full article

The textile industry requires products with a wide range of characteristics for use in diverse applications such as the production of shoes, bags, jackets, thermal clothing and articles for the automotive industry, among others. These products have traditionally been made from leather, which is obtained from animal hides. However, leather production has come under enormous pressure due to sustainability concerns in various areas and the growing number of people who actively choose to avoid all animal products. The main solutions developed by the textile industry have been to apply synthetic coatings based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PUR) to textile substrates. One of the ways to reduce the environmental impact and non-renewable content of artificial leather is to replace parts of the synthetic component with lignocellulosic by-products. In the present work the feasibility of using small branches and leaves of Eucalyptus globulus (BLE) as a component of an aqueous PUR formulation for coating textile products was evaluated. In addition, the possibility of obtaining functional textile products with antioxidant properties based on the BLE particles incorporation was also evaluated. The effect of the BLE particle size distribution in the PUR formulation and on the properties of the coated textile products was evaluated. The BLE particles and their size influenced the colour, appearance, hydrophobicity and mechanical properties of the coated textiles. The (BLE) particles have improved the tensile strength of textile coating products without loss of elongation, improving their properties for specific applications. Furthermore, the textiles coated with the (BLE) particles showed interesting antioxidant properties, being possible to obtain coated fabrics with five times more DPPH radical scavenging activity than the reference coated fabric without (BLE) particles. Full article

Thermochromic materials have attracted interest in textile applications, particularly in printing and dyeing processes. However, their thermochromic properties and impact on fabric comfort remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the thermochromic properties of printed fabrics with green-to-brown transitions and evaluates their comfort attributes. In the present study, a thermochromic dye paste was applied to nylon/cotton medium-weight fabric via screen printing process. The brown pigment paste was applied first, followed by the thermochromic olive green dye. The printed fabrics were tested for thermochromism, morphology, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and comfort properties. Comfort properties were assessed via air permeability, water vapour permeability, and moisture management tests. The results show reversible colour changes from green (25 °C) to brown (40 °C), with increasing lightness (L*) and shifting green–red coordinates (−a*). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed uniform dye dispersion, and the FTIR validated the presence of thermochromic pigments. The printed fabrics showed a reduction in air permeability from 40.2 mm/s to 0 mm/s, while water vapour permeability decreased by 62.50% compared to the pristine fabric due to the coating layers. The overall moisture management properties of the printed fabric remained similar to those of the unprinted fabric, with a grade of 1. These findings highlight the potential of thermochromic textiles for adaptive camouflage, particularly in military uniforms, contributing to the advancement of intelligent textiles with enhanced thermal responsiveness. Full article

Strawberries face marketing challenges due to their short post-harvest shelf-life, largely impacted by shrivelling, weight loss, fungal decay, and mechanical damage. Neem oil (NO) is known for its shelf-life extension benefits; however, encapsulation is needed to maintain its efficacy. This study aimed to stabilize and encapsulate NO in a polymeric and lipid material to preserve the quality of strawberries stored at 4 ± 1 °C, 80 ± 2% RH for seven days. After seven days, the nanoparticle-coated fruits showed a weight loss of around 5.9% with niosomes and 8.9% with starch nanoparticles, while the control had a significant 32.45% weight loss. Additionally, both nanoparticle coatings significantly (p < 0.05) preserved fruit colour compared to the untreated control. The findings suggest that nanoparticle coatings could serve as an active agent in preserving the quality of strawberries within the food supply chain. The study provides valuable insights into post-harvest management and fruit preservation, showcasing the effectiveness of these coatings as active packaging solutions. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of selected polysaccharide edible coatings (apple pectin and sodium alginate) on the quality characteristics of fresh-cut beetroot. The changes in texture (hardness), optical parameters such as colour and Hue angle, polyphenols, flavonoids, and red and yellow colourants during 4 weeks of refrigerated storage, as well as changes in microstructure, were examined. Self-standing coatings have also been prepared and characterised by continuous structure without pores, cracks, and high lightness. The obtained results for hardness showed reduced values during storage. Colour parameters (L*, a*, and b*) and Hue angle remained mostly consistent, indicating the preservation of the desired colour, though slight changes were noted during storage. Lightness (parameter L*) increased over time, suggesting changes in the beetroot surface. However, these changes were less pronounced in samples covered with coatings. The use of polysaccharide coatings and storage time positively impacted flavonoids in fresh-cut beetroots, except after 28 days when the lowest values for both parameters were observed. It can also be noted that the polyphenol content in coated samples decreased at a slower rate. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the content of red and yellow colourants for both control and coated samples. However, greater changes were noted for samples treated with coatings. Scanning electron microscopy used at 0 and 28 days showed lower pores in beetroot tissue as a result of applied polysaccharide coatings, and refrigerated storage negatively affected the minimally processed beetroot surface. Nevertheless, minimally processed beetroots obtained with the treatment of polysaccharide coatings as mild technology showed modifications to the quality characteristics, which can find practical use in reducing the waste of fresh-cut vegetables during storage. Full article

Fishery products are highly perishable; therefore, effective preservation strategies are essential to maintain their freshness, quality, and shelf life. One promising approach involves the use of edible coatings formulated with natural extracts, such as muicle (Justicia spicigera). This study evaluated the effect of a muicle–chitosan edible coating on the physical, chemical, and microbiological quality of cazon fish (Mustelus lunulatus) fillets stored in ice for 18 days. The muicle extract was obtained by macerating dried leaves for 48 h, and its antibacterial activity was subsequently assessed. A control group (C) and three treatments—muicle extract (ME), chitosan (CH), and a combined muicle–chitosan coating (MECH)—were applied and monitored throughout the storage period. Quality parameters, including pH, colour, water-holding capacity (WHC), texture, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and mesophilic microbial counts, were evaluated. The muicle extract exhibited antibacterial activity, with MIC and IC₅₀ values of 3.01 ± 0.73 and 204.56 ± 20.23 µg/mL against Shewanella putrefaciens, and 0.10 ± 0.07 and 118.09 ± 14.51 µg/mL against Listeria monocytogenes, respectively. Treatments of ME, CH, and MECH significantly improved (p < 0.05) the quality of fillets by reducing TVB-N, pH, and microbial load compared to the control. In conclusion, the muicle extract demonstrated antibacterial potential and, either alone or in combination with chitosan, effectively preserved the physical, chemical, and microbiological quality of cazon fillets during ice storage. Full article

Antibacterial microcapsules were prepared by using a compound of chitosan with an antioxidant of bamboo leaves (AOB) as the wall material and tung oil as the core material. The microcapsules were modified by adding them to waterborne coatings, and the modified waterborne coatings were coated onto Basswood samples. The performance of the obtained coatings was then characterised through a comparative analysis. The investigation focused on the effect of varying percentages of chitosan and AOB in microcapsules with a constant core-to-wall ratio on the performance of the waterborne on the surface of Basswood. The core-to-wall ratio of the microcapsules was established at 1:2, with the ratios of chitosan and AOB in the walls fixed at 9:1, 8:2, and 7:3, respectively. The results demonstrated that the gloss, impact resistance, and hardness of the coatings exhibited an increase with increasing ratios of AOB under varying M_chitosan:M_AOB (M_C:M_A) conditions. Conversely, the adhesion exhibited a decrease with an increase in AOB. The colour difference value exhibited minimal change. The self-healing rate of the coating exhibited an initial increase, followed by a subsequent decrease, in response to the increasing AOB concentration. The antimicrobial effect was optimised at a ratio of 9:1 for the combination of chitosan and AOB. The coating of Basswood containing 1.0% microcapsules and 9:1 M_C:M_A demonstrated superior performance, exhibiting a gloss of 9.7 GU, a colour difference ΔE of 31.03, a hardness of HB, an adhesion rating of grade 1, an impact resistance of grade 4, a self-healing rate of 19.09%, and a noteworthy antimicrobial effect against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Full article

The research presented in this article seeks to identify the possible causes of reinforcement shadows (RS) on the surface of concrete test specimen produced under laboratory conditions. Different hypotheses about RS were selected based on factory practices and simulated in the study. The test specimens were cast horizontally in contact with steel form-facing surfaces coated with a water-soluble release agent. In addition, two scenarios were analysed during specimen production: reinforcing mesh was fixed using plastic spacers or tie wire. The analysis of the reinforcement shadows was based on visual inspection, taking photos, surface moisture content measurements, and colour variation analysis using the Natural Colour System. It was concluded that RS, which are typically characterized by darker lines, can be defined by the percentage of black colour present in the shadowed area compared to the percentage of black colour in the surrounding area. This percentage can be quickly assessed on a factory scale using digital colour readers that provide timely information. The reduced concrete cover thickness from 35 mm to 10 mm revealed light horizontal dark lines on the exposed surface. It was hypothesised that the gap of less than 10 mm between the reinforcing bars and the steel form-facing plate, along with the sieving effect of the fresh concrete, can retard the cement paste hydration process, resulting in unhydrated ferrite phases that contribute to the dark colour of the unhydrated cement. The release agent sprayed on the steel form-facing surface straight through the reinforcing mesh created a RS effect of the reinforcement on the exposed concrete surface. The absence of a release agent under steel rebars decreased the wettability at the interface between the formwork and fresh concrete, resulting in dark lines during the curing process. It is important to avoid such cases when manufacturing precast reinforced concrete elements. Quantitatively assessing RS and proposing a standardized method for calculation and categorization could be a new research direction in the future. Full article

Evaluating the air purification performance of photocatalytic materials typically requires complex gas decomposition tests involving expensive analytical equipment and lengthy testing periods. In this study, photocatalytic performance evaluation methods involving resazurin (Rz) ink and fluorescence probe techniques were investigated as alternatives to conventional gas decomposition tests. TiO₂ films with varying performance levels were fabricated by controlling TiO₂ slurry concentration and the amount of photocatalyst deposited through spin coating. Photocatalytic performances of the synthesised films were then evaluated using the acetaldehyde decomposition method, Rz ink test, and fluorescence probe method for measuring OH radical generation. The acetaldehyde decomposition rate constants showed high correlation with both the Rz colour change rate in modified-pH ink (R² = 0.91) and the OH radical concentration (R² = 0.98). Conventional Rz ink testing for high-performance materials showed rapid colour changes, indicating its limited applicability. Our modified-pH Rz ink enabled facile analysis by ensuring controlled reactivity. Both the modified Rz ink method, which enables quantitative evaluation within five minutes even for high-performance materials, and the fluorescence probe method are suitable as reliable screening tools for photocatalytic air purification materials. These simplified evaluation methods will aid in developing more efficient photocatalysts and advancing environmental purification technologies. Full article

Wood, a vital material for both modern and heritage objects, is particularly susceptible to degradation caused by water due to its hydrophilic nature and porous structure. Therefore, developing sustainable strategies to protect wood is of significant importance. This study aims to produce a highly hydrophobic coating for the protection of wood following a straightforward procedure and using materials that are compatible with wood. First, nano/sub-microlignin (NL) is isolated and produced from beech wood through a one-step tailored organosolv process. Next, NL is incorporated into Sivo 121, a water-borne and solvent-free silane system recommended by the manufacturer for protecting wood surfaces. Composite coatings containing various concentrations of NL and Sivo 121 are applied to chestnut (Castanea spp.) and oak (Quercus spp.). The impact of NL concentration on the contact angles of water drops (CAs) and colour changes (ΔE) of the treated wood specimens is investigated. The coating with 4% w/w NL demonstrates enhanced hydrophobicity (CA = 145°) and has a negligible effect on the colour of pristine oak (ΔE < 3). The wetting properties of coated oak are not affected after 100 tape peeling cycles. However, the coating exhibits poorer performance on chestnut, i.e., CA = 135°, which declines after 80 peeling cycles, and ΔE > 5. The drop pH does not have any noticeable effect on CA. The latter remains stable even after prolonged exposure of coated oak and chestnut samples to artificial UV radiation and outdoor environmental conditions. Finally, the composite coating offers good and comparable protection for both wood species in the biological durability soil burial test Full article

Exposure to short-wavelength light, including UV-A and blue light, can degrade high-value products like rosé wine, which are usually packaged in colourless bottles. This study investigates the optimisation of sol–gel coatings enhanced with UV-absorbing additives (Tinuvin 479 and semaSORB 20109) to provide photoprotection for rosé wines. Coatings with varying additive concentrations (0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, and 1.5%) were applied to glass substrates via spin coating and cured with UV light. Then, optical and mechanical characterisation was performed. The 1.5% concentration semaSORB 20109 bilayer coating demonstrated improved photoprotective properties without compromising colour properties, leading to successful application on glass bottles by spray coating. Accelerated degradation tests confirmed that the optimised coating effectively protected against photodegradation, as indicated by the stability of polyphenol levels and colour parameters in rosé wines. The results suggest that these coatings could be a suitable option for commercial-scale applications, enhancing the light resistance of colourless-bottled products. Full article

This study investigates the genetic architecture of the Kazakh Whiteheaded (KWH) cattle, applying population genetics approaches to resequenced genomes. F_ST analysis of 66 cattle breeds identified breeds for admixture analysis. At K = 19, the composite KWH breed showed contributions from Hereford, Altai, and Kalmyk cattle. Principal component analysis and ancestry inference confirmed these patterns, with KWH genomes comprising 45% Hereford, 30% Altai, and 25% Kalmyk ancestries. Haplotype analysis revealed 73 regions under putative selection in KWH, some shared with Hereford (e.g., with the gene DCUN1D4) and some KWH-specific (e.g., with the gene SCMH1). F_ST analysis identified 105 putative intervals under selection, with key genes (KITLG, SLC9C1, and SCMH1) involved in coat colour and physiological adaptations. Functional enrichment using The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) in selected regions highlighted clusters associated with developmental processes, ubiquitination, and fatty acid metabolism. Point F_ST identified 42 missense variants in genes enriched in functions related to economically important traits. Local ancestry inference revealed genomic intervals with predominantly non-Hereford ancestry, including high Altai (e.g., SCAPER) and Kalmyk (e.g., SRD5A2) contributions, while Hereford-dominated regions included genes ENO1 and RERE. This work elucidates the genomic contributions and adaptive signatures of selection shaping the KWH breed, providing candidate genetic variants for breeding program improvement and enhanced genome predictions. Full article