Search Results (262)

Sideroxylon cinereum, an endemic Mauritian fruit, was investigated through comprehensive chemical analyses of solvent extracts from its pulp and seed. Dried fruit materials were subjected to maceration using water and organic solvents including methanol, ethanol, propanol, and acetone to obtain extracts of varying polarity. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds, with pulp extracts generally richer in phytochemicals than seed extracts. UV-Vis and FTIR analyses confirmed key organic constituents, including sulfoxides in seeds. HPLC quantification showed notable citric acid content in the pulp (15.63 mg/g dry weight). Antioxidant assays indicated that organic solvent extracts of the pulp had superior free radical scavenging activity, while the seed’s aqueous extract exhibited the highest ferric reducing power. GC–MS profiling identified a diverse bioactive profile rich in terpenes, notably lanosterol acetate (>45% in both pulp and seeds). It is important to note that these findings are based on solvent extracts, which may differ from the phytochemical composition of the whole fruit as typically consumed. Among the extracts, aqueous fractions are likely the most relevant to dietary intake. Overall, the extracts of Sideroxylon cinereum pulp and seed show potential as sources of bioactive compounds for functional product development. Full article

This study investigates the effects of salinity and pH modulation on the growth, biochemical composition, and bioactive compound production of Limnospira platensis under photoautotrophic batch cultivation. Cultures were grown in cylindrical photobioreactors using modified Jourdan medium, with controlled variations in NaCl concentrations (0.2–10 g L⁻¹) and pH levels (9–11) to simulate moderate environmental stress. Maximum biomass productivity (1.596 g L⁻¹) was achieved at pH 11 with 10 g L⁻¹ NaCl, indicating that L. platensis can tolerate elevated stress conditions. Phycocyanin (PC) content peaked at 9.54 g 100 g⁻¹ dry weight (DW) at pH 10 and 5 g L⁻¹ NaCl, triple the value at pH 9, highlighting optimal physiological conditions for pigment synthesis. Protein fraction dominated biomass composition (40–60%), while total lipid content increased significantly under high pH and salinity. Polyphenol content reached 19.5 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) gDW⁻¹ at pH 10 with 0.2 g L⁻¹ NaCl, correlating with the highest antioxidant activity (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity). These findings underscore the potential of L. platensis as a valuable source of proteins, pigments, and antioxidants, and emphasize the utility of moderate environmental stress in enhancing biomass quality, defined by protein, pigment, and antioxidant enrichment. While this study focused on physiological responses, future research will apply omics approaches to elucidate stress-response mechanisms. This study provides insights into optimizing cultivation strategies for large-scale production exploitable in food, pharmaceutical, and bio-based industries. Full article

Cichorium intybus L. (common chicory) is a medicinal plant valued for health-promoting effects. Although analgesic properties are known for chicory sesquiterpenes, the effects of extracts need yet to be explored. This study aimed to evaluate for the first time the analgesic effect (against nociceptive pain) of the root extract from C. intybus var. foliosum. The target evaluation was preceded by toxicity tests in vivo and phytochemical standardization of root extracts prepared with different extraction methods—pectinase-assisted, pressure-assisted, and a combination of both—to choose the most effective one. The phytochemical profiling involved UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS and UHPLC-PDA analyses. The toxicity and the analgesic effects were tested in mice following the OECD 423 guideline and the hot-plate test, respectively. The highest recovery of bioactive compounds was achieved for the pressure-assisted extract: 642.5 mg sesquiterpene lactones, 187.1 mg phenolic acids, and 47.3 g inulin/100 g of dry matter. The extract showed no toxic effects at the oral dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight, including no histopathologic changes, in mice within two weeks (GHS Category 5/Uncategorized). The maximum analgesic effect (MAE) of the extract at 600 mg/kg was 6.75% for rearing and 13.7% for jumping, with the impact on the nocifensive reactions not differing significantly from those of paracetamol at 60 mg/kg. Despite the relatively low effects at 600 mg/kg, the verified safety and abundance of active compounds encourage further studies on the extract and its active fractions as potential approaches to complementary pain therapy, with special concern for their mechanisms of action. Full article

The effective use of biowaste resources becomes crucial for the development of bioprocessing alternatives to current oil- and chemical-based value chains. Targeting the development of multi-product biorefinery approaches benefits the viability and profitability of these process schemes. Certain oleaginous microorganisms, such as oleaginous red yeast, can co-produce industrially relevant bio-based products. This work aims to explore the use of industrial and urban waste as cost-effective feedstock for producing microbial oil and carotenoids using Rhodosporidium toruloides. The soluble fraction, resulting from homogenization, crushing, and centrifugation of discarded vegetable waste, was used as substrate under a pulse-feeding strategy with a concentrated enzymatic hydrolysate from municipal forestry residue obtained after steam explosion pretreatment (190 °C, 10 min, and 40 mg H₂SO₄/g residue). Additionally, the initial nutrient content was investigated to enhance process productivity values. The promising results of these cultivation strategies yield a final cell concentration of 36.4–55.5 g/L dry cell weight (DCW), with an intracellular lipid content of up to 42–45% (w/w) and 665–736 µg/g DCW of carotenoids. These results demonstrate the potential for optimizing the use of waste resources to provide effective alternative uses to current biowaste management practices, also contributing to the market of industrially relevant products with lower environmental impacts. Full article

This study aims to determine the Blaťácké zlato cheese in vitro antioxidant activity and its correlation with specific peptides. A general physicochemical evaluation was also conducted, considering possible differences between batches. The antioxidant activity focused mainly on the nitrogen fractions with the shortest-chain peptides. Other parameters were evaluated, including color, weight, size, moisture, dry matter, and texture analysis, which included the whole cheese hardness and the texture profile analysis. The ethanol soluble (EtOH-SN) and non-protein nitrogen (NPN) fractions were selected to evaluate antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) methods, total phenol content (TPC), and peptide profiles. Our findings revealed significant differences between batches for NPN ABTS activity and EtOH-SN TPC. Significant differences were observed for water activity, moisture, dry matter, moisture on fat-free basis (MFFB), and pH in the central surface. DPPH and TPC showed a similar behavior, and NPN showed higher values than the EtOH-SN fraction. However, the opposite was observed for ABTS. Significant correlations were found for the biological activities with individual peaks of their corresponding HPLC peptide profiles. Finally, the principal component analysis separated the cheeses according to the batch, mainly due to specific peptides. Full article

Biorefinery is gaining attention as a promising approach to valorize natural resources and promote a circular bioeconomy. This study aimed to recover high-value molecules, such as xanthophylls and polar lipids with nutraceutical applications, through enzymatic pretreatment and sequential pressurized liquid extraction (PLEseq), by reusing the residual biomass of Nannochloropsis gaditana after each processing step. Remarkably, pure glycolipids (102.95 ± 1.10 mg g⁻¹ dry weight) were obtained immediately after enzymatic pretreatment, facilitating their easy recovery. Furthermore, two alternative sequential extraction processes were successfully developed, using ethanol and water as green solvents at varying temperatures and in different orders. The most effective PLEseq conditions yielded up to 48 mg mL⁻¹ of carbohydrates using water at 50 °C, and up to 44 mg mL⁻¹ of proteins via subcritical water extraction at 100 °C, prior to conventional lipid extraction with ethanol to produce various concentrated extracts. In the inverted PLEseq process—starting with ethanol extraction followed by successive water washes—isolated and purified fractions of lutein and astaxanthin were obtained, contributing to the complete depletion of the residual biomass. Overall, the development of an integrated and sequential biorefinery protocol that enables the extraction of multiple high-value compounds holds significant potential for application in the food industry. Full article

This study investigates the effect of fiber weight fraction on the tribomechanical behavior of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) composites under dry sliding conditions. Composite specimens with 50%, 65%, and 70% basalt fiber contents were manufactured and tested through tensile, flexural, and pin-on-disc tribological evaluations. Key tribological parameters, including the coefficient of friction (COF), specific wear rate (K), and contact temperature, were measured under various applied loads and sliding speeds. Statistical analysis was performed using a generalized linear model (GLM) to identify significant factors and their interactions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses indicated that abrasive wear, matrix cracking, and fiber–matrix interfacial failure were the dominant wear mechanisms. The experimental results revealed that the fiber weight fraction had the most significant influence on COF (42.78%), while the sliding speed had the predominant effect on the specific wear rate (77.69%) and contact temperature (32.79%). These findings highlight the potential of BFRP composites for applications requiring enhanced wear resistance and mechanical stability under varying loading conditions. Full article

Snow cover constitutes a medium that can be used as a way of assessing air pollution. The chemical composition of snow layers from the same snowfall event reflects the composition of atmospheric aerosols and dry precipitates, depending on the properties of the adsorbing surface and prevailing weather conditions. Analyzing snow samples provides reliable insights into anthropogenic pollution accumulated in soil and groundwater of different land use type areas, as well as allows the evaluation of the degree and sources of environmental pollution. The aim of the research was to determine the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in various sites of Zawoja village and identify their possible sources and factors influencing their differentiation. A total of 15 surface snow samples of the same thickness and snowfall origin were collected from different locations in the village in the winter of 2024. The samples were pre-concentrated by solid phase extraction and analyzed by gas chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry. The sampling set was invented, and the extraction procedure and analysis parameters were optimized. A spatial distribution map of PAHs was created. The contamination of ∑16PAHs varied from 710 to 2310 ng/L in melted snow with the highest concentrations detected in Zawoja Markowa by the border of the Babia Góra National Park, which is interpreted mainly as a result of the topographical setting. Medium molecular weight PAHs were the dominant fraction, which, combined with specific PAH ratios, indicate the combustion of biomass and coal as the main source of contamination. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) (<5 mm) are recognized as an emerging global problem in all oceans and coastlines around the world. This paper provided the quantification and characteristics of microplastics found on fourteen beaches along the northwestern Moroccan Mediterranean coast. A total of 42 samples were gathered at a depth of 5 cm along the shoreline using a quadrant of 1 m × 1 m. Microplastics were detected in all sediment samples. The average abundance was 59.33 ± 34.38 MPs kg⁻¹ of dry weight (median: 48.33 MPs kg⁻¹), ranging from 22 ± 7.21 to 135.33 ± 38.80 MPs kg⁻¹. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between sampling sites. All observed microplastics were classified according to their shape, color, and size. The microplastic shapes comprised fibrous MPs (77.61%), fragments (15.65%), films (4.49%), foams (1.85%), and pellets (0.40%). Microplastic particles in the sediment samples ranged from 0.063 to 5 mm in length and were composed of small (54.3%, <1 mm) and large sizes (45.7%, 1–5 mm). The size fractions with the greatest percentage of MPs were 1–2 mm (24.9%). The dominant color of the microplastics was transparent (43.2%), followed by black (15.8%) and blue (13.3%), with shapes that were mainly angular and irregular. The present results indicate a moderate level of microplastic contamination on the beaches throughout the northern Moroccan Mediterranean coast, and tourism, fishing activities, and wastewater discharges as the most relevant sources. Full article

Maize is one of the most productive cereal crops, and is increasingly being grown over large areas. Using the right cultivar of high-quality selected seeds for sowing can be crucial for its productivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of kernel fraction on the seed quality, seed vigor, morphological traits, and seed yield of the trilinear hybrid maize cv. ‘Lokata’. The research factor was the kernel fraction, categorized based on the thousand-kernel weight (TKW) into four groups: I—small; II—medium; III–large; and IV–very large. A three-year experiment showed that increases in the TKW resulted in increases in germination and vigor up to fraction III (large seeds) in maize. Sowing maize seeds with a higher TKW resulted in plants with higher fresh and dry weights in the early stages of maize development; however, this response decreased as growth progressed. The seed yield was significantly correlated with plant height and the number of kernels per cob for all fractions sown, but the fraction did not significantly modify the seed yield of ‘Lokata’ maize. Full article

The application of biochar to traditional soil and soilless growth media in agriculture has been reported to increase plant production. However, it remains unclear which biochar component drives this process or which biogeochemical process is attributed to better plant productivity. Therefore, this study aims to determine how biochar organic carbon (C) composition and thermal stability influence nitrogen availability and tomato production. Soilless growth media composed of a mixture of 60% and 40% coconut coir (CC) (Cocos nucifera L.) and fine pine bark (PB) (Pinus genus), respectively, was amended with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12% biochar per dry weight. The amended media were used to grow Red Bounty tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum) for three months. After harvesting tomatoes and determining yield, organic C composition and C thermal stability of the biochar amended soilless growth media mixtures were determined using solid-state ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C NMR) and multi-elemental scanning thermal analysis (MESTA), respectively. Thermal stability data were used to determine the “R400 index”, and nitrate (NO₃⁻) concentration was determined using the water extractable method. Results showed that biochar-amended media significantly increased pH (p < 0.0001) and NO₃⁻ (p = 0.0386) compared to the no-char control. Biochar amended soilless media organic C composition was dominated by O-alkyl-C as a result of a higher fraction of soilless media; however, total C, carboxyl-C, phenolic-C, and aromatic-C increased with increasing biochar content and related negatively to R400, which decreased with increasing biochar content. Nitrate retention and tomato yield increased with increasing total C, carboxyl-C, phenolic-C, and aromatic-C and decreasing R400. This indicates that the stable form of C, carboxyl-C, phenolic-C, aromatic-C, and low R400 enhanced NO₃⁻ sorption, reducing leaching and enhancing its availability for tomato growth. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) is one of the most widespread species of the genus Solidago from the Asteraceae family. It has a rich composition of biologically active compounds and is traditionally used to address kidney, urinary tract, and liver diseases. Previously, it was proven that the S. canadensis extract obtained with a 40% ethanol solution had the most promising anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity. Therefore, this extract was selected for the further formulation of amino acid preparations and 3D-printed dosage forms. The aims of the present study were to investigate the chemical composition, toxicity, and antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activity of S. canadensis dry extract, its amino acid preparations, and 3D-printed dosage forms. Results: A total of 18 phenolic compounds and 14 amino acids were determined in the extracts. The S. canadensis herb extracts were verified to be practically non-toxic preparations (toxicity class V, LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg). They also showed moderate antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and β-hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes. The most pronounced hepatoprotective activity was observed with S. canadensis herb extract and its amino acid preparations with phenylalanine, alanine, and lysine at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight. The most pronounced anti-inflammatory activity was found with S. canadensis herb extract and its preparation with arginine. According to the calculated docking score array and the analysis of binding modes in the active sites of COX-1 and COX-2, the flavonoid fraction and caffeic acid in the S. canadensis extracts presented moderate inhibitory activity. Conclusions: The development of innovative 3D-printed oral dosage forms represents a promising strategy to formulate dietary supplements or pharmaceutical preparations for these herbal extracts. Full article

This study examined the effects of dietary crude protein (CP: 18%, 15%) and crude fat (EE: 8%, 4%) levels, and their interactions, on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum indices, and rectal fecal microbiota in sika deer fawns during early wintering. A two-month 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted using 32 healthy five-month-old male fawns randomly assigned to four groups: P18E8 (18% CP, 8% EE), P18E4 (18% CP, 4% EE), P15E8 (15% CP, 8% EE), and P15E4 (15% CP, 4% EE). The P18E4 group showed the highest total weight gain and average daily gain (p < 0.05), along with greater apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, calcium, and fiber fractions (p < 0.05). Serum urea content was significantly lower in this group, indicating improved nitrogen utilization (p < 0.05). Dominant fecal microbiota at the phylum level across all groups included Firmicutes_A and Bacteroidota, with the P18E4 group showing a unique genus composition within Bacteroidota, known for enhancing fiber digestion. In summary, a diet with 18% CP and 4% EE optimized growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut microbiota composition, providing a strategy for improving the health and productivity of sika deer fawns during overwintering. Full article

Coffee pulp, which accounts for approximately 40% of the dry weight of coffee cherries, is one of the many byproducts produced by the world’s most popular beverage, coffee. Such neglected waste represents an interesting source of bioactive compounds, such as procyanidins, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This study aims to develop an efficient method for procyanidins extraction from Coffea arabica pulp using a novel microwave–ultrasound hybrid method of extraction. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and a novel hybrid method (MAE–UAE) were comparatively analyzed. Using Box–Behnken design, the hybrid extraction method was optimized, giving a procyanidin yield of 60.88 mg/g (under these conditions: ~60 °C, ~21 min, ~1:13 solid-to-liquid ratio). The purification was carried out through a Sephadex LH-20 packed column chromatography, and the identified procyanidin dimers and trimers were confirmed by HPLC/ESI-MS. The hybrid extract’s acetonic fraction’s DPPH and ABTS tests revealed that procyanidins had a greater capacity to scavenge radicals than Trolox (p < 0.05). The findings highlight the potential of sustainable extraction methods for valorizing coffee pulp in functional food and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mixotrophic cultivation of microalgae using agro-industrial by-products as supplements offers a sustainable strategy to enhance biomass production and bioactive compound synthesis. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different agro-industrial by-products—orange peel extract, Cladophora glomerata macroalgal hydrolysate, and solid-state fungal fermentation hydrolysate—on the growth and bioactivity of Chlorella sorokiniana. Methods: Microalgae were cultivated under mixotrophic conditions with different agro-industrial by-products as organic carbon sources. Biomass accumulation was monitored through dry weight measurements. Lipid extraction was carried out using dimethyl carbonate. The antimicrobial activity of the extracted compounds was assessed against Escherichia coli, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus subtilis by determining the minimal inhibitconcentrations. Results: Orange peel extract supplementation resulted in the highest biomass production. It increased dry weight by 13.86-fold compared to autotrophic conditions. Cladophora glomerata macroalgal hydrolysate followed with a 5.79-fold increase, and solid-state fungal fermentation hydrolysate showed a 4.14-fold increase. The lipophilic fraction extracted from microalgal biomass showed high yields. Orange peel extract supplementation achieved the highest extraction yield (274.36 mg/g DW). Antimicrobial activity varied based on the supplement used: biomass cultivated with orange peel extract exhibited superior activity against E. coli, whereas Cladophora glomerata macroalgal hydrolysate biomass demonstrated potent activity against B. subtilis (MIC: 5.67 g/mL). Conclusions: These findings underscore the potential of agro-industrial by-products for enhancing microalgal biomass and metabolite production. The observed antimicrobial properties highlight the application of microalgal-derived compounds in sustainable bioprocesses, supporting their use in pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications. Full article