Search Results (1,226)

This study evaluates how different purification methods influence the antioxidant properties of polyphenol-rich berry pomace extracts, taking into account both the source of the pomace and the purification strategy used. The extracts were obtained from raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, and wild strawberry pomaces derived from the production of unclarified juices and purées. The extracts were analyzed in three states: crude (CEX), purified using Amberlite XAD 1600N adsorbent resin (XAD), and purified via size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) on a gel filtration resin. Ellagitannins, flavanols, and anthocyanins were determined using HPLC-DAD-FD methods. Antioxidant properties were determined based on: total antioxidant compounds, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and Fe³⁺ ion reduction power. Purification significantly enhanced the concentration of antioxidant compounds, which increased 2-fold with the XAD method and more than 3-fold using SEC. The extracts exhibited strong DPPH radical scavenging activity, ranging from 65% to 90% for raspberry and blackberry extracts and from 34% to 95% for strawberry and wild strawberry extracts, depending on the degree of purification. Similarly, Fe³⁺-reducing power increased 2- to 6-fold in extracts purified using XAD and SEC compared to crude extracts. Purification via size-exclusion chromatography enabled the separation of tannin-rich and anthocyanin-rich extract fractions. Ellagitannins were the main class of polyphenols contributing to the enhanced antioxidant potential. Anthocyanins contributed significantly to antioxidant activity only in the case of blackberry extracts. Full article

Analysis of NMR data reported for constituents found in the invasive soft coral Carijoa (Telesto) riisei has been used to develop a model that can identify punaglandins in C. riisei extracts. Principal component analysis of ¹H and ¹³C NMR data showed that the model can be used to identify the presence of various subclasses of punaglandins that possess different oxidations states of the cyclopentane ring. The application of this model through analysis of covariant HMBC data obtained from dichloromethane extracts showed that C. riisei has significant variability in punaglandin concentration, with many colonies being completely devoid of punaglandins. To verify the identity of compounds predicted by the model, purification of an extract obtained from C. riisei collected from an artificial reef in southeast Queensland led to the isolation of one new compound, 7Z-punaglandin 4-epoxide (1), a series of known punaglandins (2–6), and the known pregnanes 7–9. The absolute configurations of 7Z-punaglandin 4 epoxide (1), punaglandin 6 (4), and carijenone (6) were determined for the first time by comparison of experimental and TDDFT calculated ECD data. All the isolated punaglandins reported herein were predicted to be present using the NMR fingerprint model. Full article

In recent years, research and development in the field of green extraction of bioactive compounds from plants has intensified. This increased focus is driven by market trends, environmental concerns, and consumers’ growing interest in natural and healthy ingredients, as well as bioactive compounds. This development aligns with a global trend toward more sustainable use of natural resources. In this context, macroalgae have been recognized as valuable sources of bioactive compounds with various health benefits. These molecules include proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and pigments. Phycobiliproteins (PBPs) are pigments and metabolites of particular interest that can be extracted from microalgae. This group of colored proteins, mainly present in cyanobacteria and red algae, is known to have a wide range of potential applications. However, conventional methods for extracting PBPs, such as homogenization, maceration, and freezing, are time-consuming and energy-intensive, often producing unsatisfactory yields. As a result, new extraction technologies have been developed, including ultrasound-assisted extraction, ionic liquid extraction methods, and the use of natural deep eutectic solvents. This review summarizes existing green processes for extracting and purifying PBPs, with the aim of enabling feasible and sustainable valorization of algae. Specifically, it covers various extraction and purification techniques of PBPs, as well as the effects of environmental growth conditions on the production of these metabolites. It also highlights the biological and pharmacological activities of PBPs and explores their potential applications in the food, cosmetic, and biomedical sectors. Full article

This study aimed to develop a high-performance Modified Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) filter for the effective removal of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) generated in workplaces and for application in indoor VOCmitigation devices. ACF was modified with CuMnOx catalysts and evaluated for the removal of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzene. The modified ACF filter was prepared by introducing CuMnOx via an impregnation method using Cu(NO₃)₂⋅3H₂O and Mn(NO₃)₂⋅6H₂O precursors, followed by a crucial high-concentration oxygen plasma surface treatment (50 sccm gas flow) to effectively incorporate oxygen functional groups, thereby enhancing catalyst dispersion and activity. Characterization of the fabricated ACF/CuMnOx composite revealed that the optimized sample, now designated ACF-P-0.1 (representing both CuMnOx catalyst impregnation and O₂ plasma treatment), exhibited uniformly dispersed CuMnOx particles (<500 nm) on the ACF surface. This stability retained a high specific surface area (1342.7 m²/g) and micropore ratio (92.23%). H₂-TPR analysis demonstrated low-temperature reduction peaks at 140 °C and 205.8 °C, indicating excellent redox properties that enable high catalytic VOC oxidation near room temperature. The oxygen plasma treatment was found to increase the interfacial reactivity between the catalyst and ACF, contributing to further enhancement of activity. Performance tests confirmed that the ACF-P-0.1 sample provided superior adsorption–oxidation synergy. Benzene removal achieved a peak efficiency of 97.5%, demonstrating optimal interaction with the microporous ACF structure. For formaldehyde, a removal efficiency of 96.6% was achieved within 30 min, significantly faster than that of Raw ACF, highlighting the material’s ability to adsorb VOCs and subsequently oxidize them with high efficiency. These findings suggest that the developed ACF/CuMnOx composite filters can serve as promising materials for VOCs removal in indoor environments such as printing, coating, and conductive film manufacturing processes. Full article

For decades, dendrimers have attracted the great interest of researchers, and continue to do so to this day. These compounds found a wide variety of applications in such areas as medicine, catalysis, and electronics. However, their synthesis is very expensive, and purification and isolation are difficult. In addition, dendrimers are often highly toxic. Toxic properties are significantly dependent on the generation and terminal group features. For the toxicity, decreasing the modification of dendrimer structure is widely used. This review discusses some examples of constructing dendrimers based on macrocyclic compounds—cyclophanes (pillararenes, resorcinarenes, and (thia)calixarenes). Preparation of these hybrids is not very difficult, and due to the presence of a hydrophobic macrocyclic platform, they acquire a number of practically useful properties that are not available to traditional dendrimers, such as additional opportunities for encapsulating substrates. Moreover, dendrimers acquire amphiphilic and chiral properties. This review is devoted to the features of the synthesis and properties of macrocyclic dendrimers based on cyclophanes. The review also demonstrates the prospects of using the resulting dendrimers for medicine, sensorics, catalysis and alternative energy sources. Full article

The valorization of waste materials is essential for sustainability, with used cooking oils (UCOs) offering potential for transformation into valuable functional products. The study investigates the oxidative stability of sunflower and olive oils subjected to high temperatures (160–200 °C) and frying on their physico-chemical properties (acidity, peroxide and iodine value, total polar compounds). Significant deterioration occurred above 180 °C, with increased peroxide and polar compounds and reduced iodine values. A technological process for the purification and saponification of UCOs (sunflower, olive, and palm oils) was developed, demonstrating the potential to transform pollutant waste into a valuable and sustainable product—soap. The incorporation of oregano and thyme essential oils (EOs), identified by GC-FID as rich sources of carvacrol, thymol, p-cymene, and limonene, improved the functional properties of the soaps. The antimicrobial activity of soaps largely relates to their alkaline pH, while the incorporation of EOs contributes to additional antimicrobial effects, obtaining zones of inhibition of up to 10.8 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and up to 7.6 mm against Escherichia coli for palm oil. The study highlights a sustainable approach that transforms waste oils into functional soaps with EOs for added antimicrobial benefits. Full article

Rosmarinic acid (RA), a natural polyphenolic hydroxyl compound found from plants, exhibits many biological activities. This study reported an efficient purification method for RA from the water-soluble rosemary extract. By employing silica gel column chromatography combined with liquid–liquid extraction, the water-soluble extract of rosemary was refined to yield RA with a purity of 92.85 ± 3.18%. To further enhance the potential of RA as a natural preservative, the prepared RA was esterified to produce methyl rosmarinate (RA-me) and propyl rosmarinate (RA-pro). The antioxidant and antibacterial activities of RA and its derivatives were subsequently evaluated. The results indicated that RA and its esterified derivatives exhibited more pronounced antibacterial efficacy against the Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the ester derivatives was enhanced compared to that of RA. RA and RA-me exhibited comparable antioxidant activity, which was superior to that of RA-pro. In summary, this study established an effective purification strategy for RA, laying a foundation for developing better natural, non-toxic preservatives with antibacterial activity. Full article

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play essential roles in human health, being widely used in the prevention and treatment of various conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. However, their oral administration faces significant challenges, including low solubility, rapid oxidation, and low bioavailability, which limit their therapeutic efficacy. This article explores recent advances in oral drug delivery systems designed for polyunsaturated fatty acids, highlighting how innovative technologies, such as nanoemulsions, liposomes, microencapsulation, and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs/NLCs), can improve their stability, absorption and clinical performance. In addition, the main natural sources of these compounds, as well as their extraction and purification methods, and the challenges related to their absorption and metabolism are discussed. This narrative review was based mainly on a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2025 in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The therapeutic benefits of these emerging approaches are analyzed by comparing conventional methods with modern delivery strategies to optimize the use of omega-3 and omega-6 in the body. Finally, the article outlines future perspectives and regulatory challenges associated with these technologies, highlighting their potential to revolutionize the administration of essential fatty acids and broaden their applications in medicine and nutrition. Full article

The persistent contamination of water bodies by organic compounds, heavy metals, and pathogenic microorganisms represents a critical environmental and public health concern worldwide. In this context, polymer composite materials have emerged as promising multifunctional platforms for advanced water purification. These materials combine the structural versatility of natural and synthetic polymers with the enhanced physicochemical functionalities of inorganic fillers, such as metal oxides and clay minerals. This review comprehensively analyzes recent developments in polymer composites designed to remove organic, inorganic, and biological pollutants from water systems. Emphasis is placed on key removal mechanisms, adsorption, ion exchange, photocatalysis, and antimicrobial action, alongside relevant synthesis strategies and material properties that influence performance, such as surface area, porosity, functional group availability, and mechanical stability. Representative studies are examined to illustrate contaminant-specific composite designs and removal efficiencies. Despite significant advancements, challenges remain regarding scalability, material regeneration, and the environmental safety of nanostructured components. Future perspectives highlight the potential of bio-based and stimuli-responsive polymers, hybrid systems, and AI-assisted material design in promoting sustainable, efficient, and targeted water purification technologies. Full article

Three Australian populations of Portulaca oleracea—Common Purslane, Omega Gold and Omega Red—were grown under identical conditions, separated into portions—leaf, bud, stem and root—and their extracts tested for total phenolic content (TPC), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), and for antioxidant activity against hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in a linoleic acid emulsion. Highest TPC was found in Omega Gold and Omega Red roots, with 31.1 and 36.5 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram dry weight (mg GAE/g DW), respectively, being ten times higher than for Common Purslane roots (3.1 mg GAE/g DW). Other plant portions were generally higher for Omega Gold and Omega Red, though with much less difference, i.e., <2-fold variation. Results from other antioxidant tests paralleled those of TPC. Online monitoring of antioxidant activity via post-column reaction with [2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] (ABTS^●+), revealed a peak with significant activity. Purification of the compound responsible yielded oleracein australis 1, and 1D and 2D NMR data are presented for the first time. The results of this study show that Australian populations of P. oleracea are high in bioactivity and may be superior to the internationally recognised medicinal plant, Common Purslane. Full article

In recent years, seaweed-derived polysaccharides have gained recognition as renewed potent bioactive compounds with significant antibacterial and antiviral properties. These polysaccharides include carrageenan, agar, agarose, and porphyran from red seaweed; fucoidan, laminarin, and alginate (alginic acid) from brown seaweed; and ulvan from green seaweed. Their diverse and complex structures, shaped by sulfation patterns, glycosidic linkages, and monosaccharide composition, contribute to their broad-spectrum biological activities, including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and prebiotic functions. This review explores the structural characteristics of these marine polysaccharides, reported in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activities, and the mechanisms underlying their antibacterial and antiviral effects. Additionally, the extraction, purification methods, and commercial applications of these bioactive polysaccharides are discussed. By integrating recent advances and highlighting their multifunctionality, this review underscores the translational promise of seaweed-derived polysaccharides as sustainable, natural agents in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance and infectious diseases. Full article

Vanillin is the compound widely used in the food industry as a flavoring agent. Currently, chemically synthesized vanillin provides the majority of the world’s supply. Due to the increase in consumer awareness, there is a change in preferences towards natural food additives. The main goal of this research was to obtain vanillin through Solid-State Fermentation on agri-food by-products such as brewer’s spent grain, wheat bran, and linseed oil cake. A specially designed SSF culture single-use bag bioreactor made of a poliamide-6 foil sleeve was used to conduct the process on a bench-scale (600 g of dry medium). After extraction and purification, obtained vanillin samples were subjected to sensory analysis to determine whether the origin of microbiologically obtained vanillin affects its aromatic properties. The panelists assessed that the extracts obtained from the cultures of P. chrysosporium CBS246.84 and F. culmorum MUT5855 proved to be attractive flavors as they showed more attractive sensory properties than synthetic vanillin and were comparable to commercially available vanilla bean extract. This is the first study to include sensory analysis of vanillin obtained biotechnologically by the SSF method. Full article

Seaweeds are increasingly valued in the food industry for their bioactive compounds, mainly hydrocolloids like carrageenan. This study investigates E. perplexum, a red seaweed, as a unique and sustainable source of carrageenan with promising functional properties. Using response surface methodology (RSM), the extraction process was optimized through alkaline extraction, identifying optimal conditions of 85 °C for 3 h with 2.58 M KOH, which yielded 77.10% carrageenan. The extracted carrageenan exhibited strong emulsifying activity (71.53 ± 2.41) and color properties comparable to commercial carrageenan, highlighting its viability for food applications. Chemical evaluation revealed a higher sulfate content (8.45 ± 0.16) and slightly reduced carbohydrate levels, which may influence its gelling and stabilizing abilities. Structural examination through ATR-FTIR spectroscopy corroborates the presence of key functional groups, including sulfate esters and galactose derivatives, inferring molecular integrity. These results emphasize the importance of RSM in optimizing extraction and underscore the ability of E. perplexum as a promising source of the derived carrageenan, which is a high-performance additive in food systems. Further research on purification, functional enhancement, and safety assessment is recommended to facilitate its integration into commercial food systems. Full article

Corn head smut is a disease caused by the fungus Sporisorium reilianum. Chemical treatments and tolerant hybrids are available for control of this disease; however, these can lead to the development of resistant strains, complicating its management. This microorganism produces two extracellular enzymes—aspartyl protease EAP1 and xylanase SRXL1—which may be involved in the host penetration and colonization processes. Plants produce peptides that inhibit enzymes involved in phytopathogenesis, which could serve as tools to control plant pathogens. In this study, enzyme inhibitors were extracted from corn seed flours derived from two hybrids—a white variety (DK-2061) and a purple variety (BOGUI)—with the objective of evaluating their inhibitory effects on the enzymes EAP1 and SRXL1. Interestingly, the identified inhibitors were starches that showed 100% enzymatic inhibition. These compounds were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The purified starches exhibited acetylation (1.52 ± 0.07% for DK-2061 and 1.16 ± 0.04% for BOGUI) as a result of the purification process, due to the use of an acetate regulator; however, they maintained their complete inhibitory activity against the studied enzymes. In contrast, the activity of the purified inhibitors was lost after incubation with α-amylase. Each isolated compound showed uncompetitive inhibition on both enzymatic activities, indicated by a decrease in Km and V_max values, as determined using the Lineweaver-Burk equation. This represents the first report of the inhibitory effects of corn starches on aspartyl protease and xylanase extracted from S. reilianum. Therefore, these compounds could serve as valuable elements in strategies to manage head smut, potentially reducing the reliance on chemical fungicides. Full article

Jin’er (Naematelia aurantialba), commonly known as golden ear, is a traditional edible fungus that has long been recognized for its medicinal and culinary properties in China. Recently, it has been registered as a new cosmetic ingredient, drawing significant attention across various fields, including medicine, food, and cosmetics, due to its array of nutritional and medicinal benefits. N. aurantialba is rich in bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, dietary fiber, polyphenols, and active peptides. Among these, N. aurantialba polysaccharides (NAPs) are the primary active components, exhibiting a range of biological properties, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, intestinal flora modulatory, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory effects. This comprehensive review summarizes the latest advancements in the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, functional activity, and related functional mechanisms of NAPs, as well as their industrial applications. Additionally, it discusses the current limitations in NAPs research and explores its potential future research directions. This review aims to provide up-to-date information and valuable references for researchers and industry professionals interested in the potential application of NAPs in the fields of food, medicine, healthcare, and cosmetics. Full article