Search Results (151)

Medicinal and aromatic plants are important sources of secondary metabolites used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and health-related applications. However, the phytochemical and bioactive composition of plant raw materials is often highly variable because it is influenced by genotype, developmental stage, cultivation environment, and post-harvest conditions. Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) offers an opportunity to reduce this variability by regulating key aboveground and root-zone factors under reproducible cultivation conditions. This review synthesizes recent research on how environmental control in CEA can influence plant metabolism, biomass formation, phytochemical accumulation, and production value in medicinal and aromatic plants. Particular attention is given to light spectrum and quantity, UV radiation, air temperature, vapor pressure deficit, CO₂ concentration, nutrient solution composition, pH, electrical conductivity, root-zone temperature, salinity, and chemical elicitors. The review distinguishes general environmental regulation from controlled elicitation: some factors primarily support growth, resource-use efficiency, and product consistency, whereas others can be applied as defined stimuli to activate stress-related or defense-related secondary metabolism. Evidence indicates that these factors can modify phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, essential-oil constituents, and other bioactive compounds. However, reported phytochemical changes should not be evaluated only by metabolite concentration but also by biomass production, resource input, technological feasibility, and batch-to-batch consistency. The review also highlights the need to move from single-factor optimization toward integrated, plant-informed control strategies that account for factor interactions, treatment timing, genotype specificity, non-destructive feedback, and realistic energy and resource constraints. Integrating plant physiology, phytochemistry, environmental control, and production technology may support the development of CEA as a framework for developing phytochemical standardization protocols and more reproducible production of high-value medicinal plant material, although further validation across batches, production cycles, and resource inputs is required. Full article

The use of different marine resources, including various colouring agents, is rooted in human history. They have been used as nutrients and medicaments and in luxury products. Readily available marine biological pigments (MBPs) are considered inexpensive materials, since they can be used as colourants. MBPs form part of the ‘’blue technology’’ approach for industrial colouring applications, including staining, textile dyeing, and uses to give fashionable colours to luxury products. They serve as nutrient additives, cosmetic ingredients, and as parts of beauty products. Today, they still are broadly used in the context of diverse new applications. MBPs can be concentrated differently on the bodies of marine creatures, providing each pigment its unique colour and properties. MBPs like carotenoids can complement important cell activities, like photosynthesis. They can function independently or support other micro- and macromolecules. MBPs are essential for their host’s survival. Outside their primary hosts (in the context of uses on and in consumers’ corpora), they either stay unmodified or can be changed by association with specific micro- and macromolecules. A few types of MBPs have been extracted, purified, identified, and formulated as drugs or pure chemicals. MBPs share common properties, such as functioning as antioxidants, can protect against sunlight and UV waves, and can improve vision. They take part in health protection and disease treatment, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegeneration, anti-ageing, and anti-wrinkle functions, and can function as an antimicrobial. With many undiscovered properties, MBPs represent a source for de novo applications with innumerable chances that might offer mastery of the fields of colour-based applications. This review summaries the importance of MBPs and addresses important applicable properties that make them attractive for nutraceutical, medicinal, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical uses, in addition to various industrial applications, and discusses historical and contemporary facts that have attracted human attention, both in the past and today, along with setting out expectations for the future of MBPs. Full article

Pectin is a naturally occurring biopolymer extensively used for applications in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and food industries, and is abundantly present in lemon by-products. Although lemon peels represent a highly promising raw material, the structure of pectin is strongly influenced by extraction and drying processes, and the resulting attributes remain insufficiently understood. The present study systematically investigates the impact of conventional hot acid extraction using three different acidifying agents (citric, sulphuric, and hydrochloric) in combination with two drying techniques (oven-drying and freeze-drying) on the physicochemical, structural, thermal, and viscosity–shear rate properties of pectin obtained from lemon by-products (Citrus limon, Portuguese Eureka variety) following the prior recovery of bioactive compounds (essential oils and phenolic compounds). The results demonstrated that citric acid extraction followed by freeze-drying yielded the highest pectin recovery, at approximately 26.7%, highlighting the suitability of this approach for efficient by-product valorisation. Oven-dried pectins exhibited higher moisture contents (8.5–10%) and lower lightness values (L* = 57.02–65.67), indicating darker colouration compared to freeze-dried pectins (L* = 78.82–83.75). All extracted pectins presented a degree of esterification (DE ≥ 50%), classifying them as high-methoxyl pectins. The galacturonic acid (GalA) content ranged from 37.6 to 48.9% for oven-dried samples and increased to 44.1–58.6% for freeze-dried samples. Furthermore, pectin obtained from lemon by-products exhibited a well-defined structural organisation and enhanced thermal stability, especially for freeze-dried pectin samples, and suitable rheological properties, with no statistically significant variations observed between different acids or drying conditions, supporting its technological suitability for applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

Flax lignans are abundant plant secondary metabolites in flaxseed, with secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) content reaching 0.61–1.33% of seed dry weight—substantially higher than levels reported for sesame seeds (0.01–0.03%), cereals (<0.01%), and most legumes (<0.005%). These levels make them natural bioactive compounds with considerable application potential. This review summarizes the biosynthetic pathways, key enzymes, and regulatory mechanisms of flax lignans; describes their major biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardiovascular protective, and metabolic regulatory effects and possible mechanisms of action; and analyzes current progress in extraction, purification, analytical detection, and application. Key limitations in industrial application include complex extraction procedures, high production costs, lack of unified quality standards, and insufficient clinical evidence. Advanced strategies such as synthetic biology approaches for heterologous production, molecular breeding for high-lignan varieties, and green extraction technologies are discussed as promising solutions. This review is intended to serve as a conceptual reference for subsequent mechanistic studies, product development, and industrial translation of flax lignans in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. Full article

The Karditsa region of Central Greece hosts a rich diversity of woody plant species that represent valuable sources of bioactive phytochemicals with significant ecological, nutritional, and industrial importance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical composition, biological activities, and bioeconomic potential of five selected woody species occurring in the region, namely Rosa canina, Cornus mas, Rubus fruticosus, Prunus spinosa, and Satureja montana. Particular emphasis is placed on the occurrence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, terpenoids, and essential oils, which are responsible for a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Current extraction technologies and analytical approaches used for the recovery and characterization of these bioactive compounds are also discussed, highlighting recent advances in green and sustainable extraction methods. Furthermore, the potential applications of these plant-derived metabolites in functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other bio-based products are critically evaluated. Finally, the review discusses the importance of conserving regional plant biodiversity while promoting the sustainable utilization of natural resources through environmentally responsible valorization strategies. By integrating available phytochemical, biological, and applied research, this review provides an updated synthesis of the scientific evidence and identifies future research directions for the sustainable exploitation of selected woody flora from the Karditsa region. Full article

The olive oil industry generates large amounts of by-products, particularly olive pomace and olive mill wastewater, which represent valuable sources of polyphenolic compounds with well-recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and health-promoting properties. Within the framework of the circular economy, the valorization of these olive-derived residues has emerged as a promising strategy for converting low-value waste into high-added-value ingredients for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in sustainable extraction and sample preparation approaches for the recovery of olive polyphenols, including ultrasound-, microwave-, enzyme-, and membrane-assisted technologies, as well as the use of green solvents and environmentally friendly extraction systems. Furthermore, the review discusses advanced analytical strategies for the identification and quantification of olive-derived polyphenols, covering chromatographic, spectrometric, electrophoretic, and miniaturized analytical platforms. Special attention is given to biopolymer-based encapsulation systems developed to enhance stability, controlled release, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of these bioactive compounds. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives regarding the integration of green extraction technologies, analytical methodologies, and advanced delivery systems are highlighted to promote the sustainable exploitation of olive by-products within a circular economy framework. Full article

Sparassis crispa sensu lato (S. crispa) is a highly valued medicinal and culinary fungus rich in nutritional and bioactive compounds. Polysaccharides, particularly β-glucans, are its most extensively studied constituents, accounting for up to 43.6% of its dry weight—the highest concentration reported among edible fungi. Alongside proteins, terpenoids, phenolics, and ergosterol, these biomolecules confer diverse physiological benefits, including immunomodulatory, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, as well as the capacity to modulate gut microbiota. Consequently, S. crispa exhibits substantial market potential and is increasingly incorporated into functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. This review systematically summarizes the primary bioactive components of S. crispa sensu lato and their associated health benefits, with emphasis on recent advances in immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antioxidant activities. Furthermore, it critically compares the retention of active ingredients, product quality, and bioavailability of key processing technologies. These technologies include various drying methods, grinding techniques, extraction methods, and formulation systems. Despite significant research progress, challenges persist regarding optimal cultivation conditions and standardized industrial processing. Future perspectives highlight the necessity for intelligent cultivation strategies, the adoption of advanced processing technologies, and robust policy support to drive the sustainable development and commercial exploitation of the S. crispa industry. Full article

Olive pomace is a major side stream originating from olive processing for the production of olive oil. This waste material bears a load of polyphenolic antioxidants, and thus it might serve as a source of precious phytochemicals. This work had as its objective the development of an extraction process for the efficacious recovery of polyphenols from dried olive pomace (dOP), employing eco-friendly extraction media. To this end, environmentally benign solvents were first compared for their efficiency in obtaining increased yields in total polyphenols, and 40% aqueous isopropanol was selected as the best-performing mixture. Further examination of the role of acidification showed that mineral acid addition (sulfuric, hydrochloric) had a rather negative effect on polyphenol yield. To the contrary, incorporation of oxalic acid into the solvent at a 10% level provided significantly higher extraction yield (p < 0.05), which reached 27.1 ± 1.1 mg caffeic acid equivalents (CAE) per g dOP. This solvent system (40% isopropanol/10% oxalic acid) was additionally scrutinized for its effectiveness by studying the role of process severity and response surface optimization. Out of both approaches, it was demonstrated that polyphenol extraction yield, but also antiradical activity, was directly correlated with residence time and temperature, within the limits tested. Moreover, a high correlation between polyphenol concentration and antiradical activity was also revealed. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses showed that the extract obtained with the solvent system used (40% isopropanol/10% oxalic acid) was characterized by the presence of both hydroxytyrosol and the flavone luteolin (242.1 and 178.6 μg g⁻¹ dOP, respectively), but, in the absence of isopropanol, the extract produced was largely dominated by hydroxytyrosol (4629.7 μg g⁻¹ dOP). Thus, it was concluded that the solvent system could fundamentally diversify extract composition. It is proposed that, when combined with integrated biorefinery technologies, this approach could effectively contribute to reducing environmental impacts while enabling the production of valuable natural antioxidants or platform chemicals that are vital for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Within the broader context of sustainable food waste management, such strategies might be key elements of a circular economy framework. Full article

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs) are one of the most abundant agro-industrial by-products worldwide, with 650 kg generated per ton of green coffee processed, corresponding to an estimated global production of 6.7 million tons in 2022/2023. Improper disposal of SCG raises environmental concerns, while their reuse offers opportunities for sustainable resource management and circular economy strategies. This review examines SCG valorization by addressing their chemical composition, functional properties, and key applications in sectors such as food, agriculture, environmental remediation, bioenergy, and selected industrial fields, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, construction materials, and functional devices. In this context, it discusses technological approaches, performance outcomes, and implementation considerations, emphasizing the multifunctional potential of SCGs as a renewable feedstock capable of reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and generating economic value. By consolidating the current state of knowledge and exploring diverse valorization pathways, this work frames SCG utilization within a circular bioeconomy framework and highlights how innovative applications can transform this widely available waste into sustainable and economically valuable products. Full article

Animal by-products (ABPs), comprising both edible and inedible components, offer significant nutritional, economic, and environmental value. However, their utilization differs markedly across global jurisdictions due to cultural preferences, regulatory frameworks, and technological capacities, which collectively shape consumption patterns and determine integration into food systems or diversion to industrial applications. While consumer reliance on offal remains high in the Global South, driven by tradition, affordability, and nutritional needs, its acceptance in the Global North is markedly lower, often limited by cultural aversion and perceived risks. Drawing from published evidence and primary survey data, this review examines regional consumption trends, industrial utilization pathways, and emerging valorization opportunities for ABPs. Globally, industrial use of ABPs is increasingly shifting toward advanced bioprocessing, integration within circular bioeconomy models, and high-value applications in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and bio-industrial sectors. An online cross-sectional survey (n = 358) conducted across Africa, North America, Europe, and Asia revealed strong regional disparities in offal consumption, with higher acceptance in parts of Africa and Asia and more selective use in Europe and North America. Respondents also indicated clear support for non-food valorization pathways, particularly animal feed, fertilizer, and energy production, alongside pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. These findings align with the literature, where industrial valorization pathways such as collagen and gelatin extraction, rendering, and bioenergy production dominate. This review synthesized the jurisdictional disparities in consumption, regulation, technological capability, and industrial applications while highlighting emerging technological opportunities for high-value valorization. Recommendations emphasize consumer education, regulatory refinement, technological innovation, and sustainable practices to enhance the economic and environmental benefits of ABP utilization within a circular bioeconomy framework. Full article

Spent brewer’s yeast, a major by-product of the brewing industry, is a valuable source of bioactive compounds. The main technological limitation for their recovery is the rigid yeast cell wall, while the high nucleic acid content may restrict the direct use of yeast-derived extracts for human nutrition. In this study, pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment, applied alone or in combination with enzymatic hydrolysis, was investigated for the production of yeast-derived extracts with different compositions. PEF treatment performed in continuous-flow mode resulted in more than 98% of cells with irreversibly permeabilized membranes and enabled the rapid and selective release of low-molecular-weight intracellular compounds during subsequent incubation of the cells in water. Within 4 h, approximately 61% of total antioxidant activity, 65% of glutathione, and around 80% of free α-amino nitrogen and B-group vitamins were recovered at different rates, while the aqueous extracts were characterized by low purine nucleotide content. Electropermeabilized cells exhibited high sensitivity to enzymatic hydrolysis. After 6 h of incubation with 0.2% (v/v) Alcalase, the obtained hydrolysates contained 254 ± 17 mg/g DCW of protein, mostly in the form of peptides, 148.2 ± 17.3 mg/g DCW of free α-amino nitrogen, and a total phenolic content of 16.7 ± 1.9 mg GAE/g DCW. The maximal antioxidant activity (62.7 ± 9.3 mg TE/g DCW) was reached after 4 h of incubation, corresponding to a 2.7-fold increase compared with cell lysates. Overall, PEF treatment, applied alone or in combination with enzymatic hydrolysis, provides an efficient and mild approach for the production of yeast-derived extracts with tailored compositions and potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Full article

The rising demand for sustainable and circular approaches in the agro-industrial sector has generated interest in repurposing herbal tea residues as sources of high-value bioactive compounds. This work focusses on recovering phytochemicals from Rosa canina L. peel and seed dust (by-products of processing of herbal tea in filter tea bags) using green extraction techniques. Two environmentally friendly technologies were used: ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with a sonotrode and subcritical fluid extraction (SBFE). The extracts were qualitatively profiled using (HR) LC-ESI-QToF-MS/MS and quantified using HPLC-PDA. Both by-products contained phenolic substances, including gallic acid derivatives, ellagic acid, and flavonoids such as quercetin and quercetin-3-O-glucoside (only in the peel). Additionally, Folin–Ciocalteu’s assay was used to determine Total Phenolic content (TP). The extraction efficiency was considered in terms of phenolic compound recovery and total phenolic content obtained under the respective experimental conditions. The maximum TP for SBFE was reported in samples extracted with ethanol–water (48:52) at 180 °C, producing 3876.67 GAE mg/L for peel and 1648.57 GAE mg/L for seeds. In the UAE, extraction with ethanol–water (48:52) for 10 min yielded the maximum TP of 2773.81 GAE mg/L for peel and 957.86 GAE mg/L for seeds. These findings highlight the potential of R. canina infusion by-products as long-term sources of bioactive compounds for use in nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

After numerous false starts, the global microalgae industry is re-emerging, driven by its potential to address critical challenges in food and nutrition, sustainable energy, nutraceuticals, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and climate change mitigation. Although technical advances in microalgae production show value adding potential, progressing from innovation to product launch and competitiveness is complex. It requires an integrated understanding of technology readiness, regulatory compliance, financial necessities, and market competition. This study presents a novel analytical framework underpinning a data-enabled, evidence-based approach to navigating the innovation pathways to market and beyond. The framework integrates value-add opportunities, identifying key stages faced in pre-competitive (including Technology Readiness Level (TRL), R&D spend, and patent trends), and competitive market stages (including product launches, product claims, market size, market share, growth/maturity, international markets, distribution channels, sectoral profile, and competitive landscape), aligned with regulatory requirements. Although not without limitations, such as incomplete data for emerging products, as well as reliance on secondary sources for product stage determination and market size estimates which can influence the accuracy of TRL classification and market potential estimates. This integration of multiple analyses can help in identifying market opportunities and business competitiveness via product, business, and industry level analyses in the pre-competitive (pre-market launch) and competitive (on market) landscapes. Building on the team’s interdisciplinary experience of developing interactive dashboards for food and beverage industries, and microalga processes, this paper provides an overview of the framework, which was designed to guide businesses and researchers in an emerging microalgae industry through the complex landscape of product development along regulatory and commercial pathways. Full article

Esterases catalyze the hydrolysis and transesterification of short-chain fatty acid esters, and microbial esterases are used in the production of biofuels, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. The soil strain Bacillus paralicheniformis T7 secretes enzymes with esterase activity; however, many bacterial enzymes remain insufficiently studied. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and characterize novel GDSL esterases produced by B. paralicheniformis. Protein mass spectrometry, combined with proteomics and genomics, identified genes encoding two GDSL esterases, which were cloned into the pET-28c(+) vector. The resulting proteins were obtained in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) as the recombinant esterases rEST-24 and rEST-28. These recombinant GDSL esterases showed maximum activity at 40 °C and pH 7.0. Moreover, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Fe²⁺ ions inhibited their activity, and rEST-28 was resistant to the detergents Tween-20, Tween-80, and Triton X-100. High-yield esterase activity was detected in bacteria cultured on feather medium and nutrient broth, and submerged fermentation of the B. paralicheniformis T7 strain on feather medium enabled the production of an esterase extract exhibiting activity of 17,618 ± 610 U/g. These results suggest that the B. paralicheniformis T7 strain can produce esterases and shows promising potential for application in technologies that degrade fatty acid esters using hydrolytic enzymes. Full article

Polyphenols are a structurally diverse group of plant secondary metabolites widely recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and chemoprotective properties, which have stimulated their extensive use in food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic products. However, their chemical heterogeneity, wide polarity range, and strong interactions with plant matrices pose major challenges for efficient extraction, separation, and reliable analytical characterization. This review provides a critical overview of contemporary strategies for the extraction, separation, and identification of polyphenols from plant-derived matrices. Conventional extraction methods, including maceration, Soxhlet extraction, and percolation, are discussed alongside modern green technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction. Particular emphasis is placed on environmentally friendly solvents, including ethanol, natural deep eutectic solvents, and ionic liquids, as sustainable alternatives that improve extraction efficiency while reducing environmental impact. The review further highlights chromatographic separation approaches—partition, adsorption, ion-exchange, size-exclusion, and affinity chromatography—and underlines the importance of hyphenated analytical platforms (LC–MS, LC–MS/MS, and LC–NMR) for comprehensive polyphenol profiling. Key analytical challenges, including matrix effects, compound instability, and limited availability of reference standards, are addressed, together with perspectives on industrial implementation, quality control, and standardization. Full article