Search Results (670)

The study explored the impact of Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) on the physicochemical, structural, functional, and antioxidant properties of protein concentrates from white pea (Lathyrus sativus), red gram (Cajanus cajan), and black gram (Vigna mungo). The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of MAE as a sustainable green extraction technique compared to the conventional method. Total amino acid content increased in MAE protein from 69.23 to 72.78 g/100 g powder in white pea protein (WPP), 69.41 to 72.39 g/100 g powder in red gram protein (RGP), and 65.56 to 70.30 g/100 g powder in black gram protein (BGP). Functionally, MAE significantly improved solubility and emulsifying capacity and water- and oil-holding capacities. Bioactive evaluation showed a significant increase in total phenolic and flavonoid contents, followed by improved DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP activities. A reduction in tannins and phytic acid correlated with enhanced in vitro protein digestibility. These enhanced MAE-derived proteins further demonstrated superior performance when incorporated into wheat flour, improving its nutritional and functional properties. Overall, MAE protein demonstrated improved structural integrity, antioxidant potential, and digestibility, highlighting white pea protein as the most responsive legume to MAE, followed by red and black gram. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) treatment duration on the physicochemical and functional properties of hazelnut protein. Proteins were extracted from defatted hazelnut flour and subjected to ACP for 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 min. The results demonstrated that ACP treatment significantly modified protein characteristics: it generally reduced particle size and increased absolute zeta potential, with the smallest particles observed after 4 and 6 min of treatment. Concurrently, a decrease in L, a, and b color values indicated sample darkening with extended processing. Structural analysis revealed that ACP induced changes in protein secondary structure, leading to a significant increase in surface hydrophobicity and a decrease in free sulfhydryl content. These structural and physicochemical modifications, particularly the enhanced surface hydrophobicity and reduced particle size, collectively improved emulsifying activity and stability, as well as foaming capacity and stability. The highest emulsion and foaming stability were observed in samples treated for 6 min. Hazelnut protein gels exhibited pronounced solid-like behavior and ACP treatment enhanced the rheological properties of the gels, with the maximum gel strength observed at a 6 min treatment. Overall, these findings indicate that ACP is an effective non-thermal technology for positively altering the physicochemical and techno-functional properties of hazelnut protein. Full article

Covalent modification of polyphenols effectively enhances functional properties of proteins. This study conjugated potato protein isolate (PPI) with gallic acid (GA) via an alkaline method to investigate structural and functional alterations. Successful conjugation was confirmed by a significant decrease in free amino and sulfhydryl groups, coupled with a marked increase in total phenolic content. Multispectroscopic analyses indicated a loosening of the secondary structure and notable changes in the tertiary conformation. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations corroborated these findings, revealing that GA conjugation induced conformational expansion, improved structural stability, and enhanced surface hydrophilicity. These structural modifications led to substantial functional improvements in the PPI-GA conjugates, including enhanced dispersion stability, improved emulsifying performance, strengthened antioxidant activity, and increased thermal stability. This research may provide effective strategy and technical support for the improvement of functional properties of PPI and expand its application in the food industry. Full article

Background/Objectives: Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), particularly the emerging GII genotype, poses a severe threat to the swine industry in affected regions, primarily in Asia. Current vaccines based on classical strains often provide limited cross-protection against these heterogeneous variants, though it should be noted that these vaccines are primarily designed to induce maternal immunity in sows. The objective of this study was to develop a novel inactivated vaccine using an emerging PEDV GIIc variant and evaluate its immunogenicity and cross-protective efficacy against heterologous strains. Methods: A novel PEDV strain, designated PEDV-HeN2024, was isolated from clinical samples and identified through cell culture, immunofluorescence assay (IFA), genetic sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. An inactivated vaccine was prepared by emulsifying the purified virus with ISA 201 VG adjuvant (1:1, v/v). Immunogenicity was assessed in piglets by measuring virus-neutralizing antibody titers and PEDV-specific IgG levels. Cross-protective efficacy was evaluated through in vitro neutralization assays and in vivo challenge studies with homologous GIIc and heterologous GIIa and GIIb strains. Results: The isolated PEDV-HeN2024 strain demonstrated pathogenicity, causing severe diarrhea and 100% mortality in PEDV-naïve neonatal piglets. Sera from vaccinated animals showed potent cross-neutralizing activity against homologous GIIc, as well as heterologous GIIa and GIIb strains. In challenge studies, vaccinated piglets were significantly protected against clinical disease, showing no diarrhea or viral shedding, and maintained normal intestinal architecture. Conclusions: The inactivated vaccine developed from the emerging PEDV GIIc variant elicits robust humoral immunity and provides cross-protection against prevalent heterologous GII strains. These findings highlight its potential as a promising spectrum vaccine candidate for controlling PEDV outbreaks. This study underscores the importance of using recently circulating strains for vaccine development to overcome the limitations of current vaccines. Full article

Microbial biosurfactants have emerged as natural and sustainable alternatives to synthetic surfactants used in the food industry, due to the growing demand for biodegradable and safe ingredients. Produced by bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, these compounds exhibit important physicochemical properties, such as emulsifying capacity, surface tension reduction, foam stabilization, and favorable interaction with different food matrices. In addition to their technological function, they exhibit relevant biological activities, including antioxidant and antimicrobial action, which contribute to the control of lipid oxidation and microbiological deterioration. These characteristics make biosurfactants attractive for applications in emulsions, fermented beverages, aerated products, probiotic systems, and bioactive packaging. The objective of this work is to provide a narrative literature review that integrates recent advances in the production, functionality, safety, sustainability, and application perspectives of biosurfactants in the food sector. In the field of production, biotechnological advances have made it possible to overcome historical limitations such as high cost and low yield. Strategies such as the use of agro-industrial waste, metabolic engineering, microbial co-cultures, continuous fermentations, and in situ removal techniques have increased efficiency and reduced environmental impacts. Despite the advances, significant challenges remain. Future prospects and advances tend to facilitate industrial adoption and consolidate biosurfactants as strategic ingredients for the development of more sustainable, functional, and technologically advanced foods. Full article

This study systematically compared spray drying (SD) and freeze drying (FD) for microencapsulating Idesia polycarpa oil using a soy protein isolate/maltodextrin (SPI/MD) wall system. SD produced predominantly spherical and compact microcapsules with higher solubility (51.33%), encapsulation efficiency (81.9%), and superior oxidative stability (oxidation induction period, 6.05 h), together with improved thermal resistance, indicating its suitability for applications requiring enhanced stability and aroma retention. In contrast, FD yielded irregular and porous microcapsules with significantly higher emulsifying activity (29.12 m² g⁻¹, p < 0.05) but lower solubility and encapsulation efficiency. Integrated physicochemical characterization-including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), particle size and polydispersity index (PDI), ζ-potential, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), oxidative stability index (OSI) measurements, and volatile profiling via odor activity value (OAV) analysis—revealed clear process-dependent structure–function relationships. The denser SPI/MD matrix formed during SD restricted lipid molecular mobility and oxygen diffusion, thereby suppressing lipid oxidation and promoting the retention of key lipid-derived odorants. Conversely, the porous structure generated by FD facilitated interfacial functionality but increased molecular diffusion pathways. Overall, this work demonstrates that SPI/MD-based microencapsulation functions as a molecular stabilization platform for highly unsaturated plant oils and provides mechanistic guidance for selecting drying strategies to tailor Idesia polycarpa oil microcapsules for specific food applications. Full article

Biosurfactants produced by halophilic bacteria are gaining attention as eco-friendly and biocompatible alternatives to synthetic surfactants due to their high surface activity, stability under extreme conditions, and intrinsic antimicrobial properties. These amphiphilic biomolecules hold great promise for bioremediation, biomedical, and pharmaceutical applications. In this study, moderately halophilic bacteria capable of biosurfactant production were isolated from saline mud collected at the Burgas solar salterns (Bulgaria). The halophilic microbiota was enriched in Bushnell–Haas (BH) medium containing 10% NaCl amended with different carbon sources. Primary screening in BH liquid medium evaluated the isolates’ ability to degrade n-hexadecane while at the same time producing biosurfactants. Thirty halophilic bacterial strains were isolated on BH agar plates supplemented with 2% n-hexadecane, 2% olive oil, or 2% glycerol. Four isolates—BS7OL, BS8OL, BS9GL, and BS10HD—with strong emulsifying activity (E₂₄ = 56%) and reduced surface tension in the range of 27.3–45 mN/m were derived after 7 days of batch fermentation. Strain BS10HD was chosen as the most potent biosurfactant producer. Its phylogenetic affiliation was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis; according to the nucleotide sequence, it was assigned to Halomonas ventosae. The extract material was analysed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Upon spraying the TLC plate with ninhydrin reagent, the appearance of a pink spot indicated the presence of amine functional groups. FTIR analysis showed characteristic peaks for both lipid and peptide functional groups. Based on the observed physicochemical properties and analytical data, it can be suggested that the biosurfactant produced by Halomonas ventosae BS10HD is a lipopeptide compound. Full article

Injecting chemical agents into tree trunks is a key method for preventing pine wilt disease (PWD). However, the long-term use of conventional trunk injection agents such as emamectin benzoate (EB) and avermectin (AVM) may lead to nematode resistance. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the potential of new-generation nematicides, including fluopyram (FLU) and its compound formulations, as alternatives to EB and AVM in PWD prevention. In this study, four trunk injection agents, i.e., 5% FLU microemulsion (ME), 2% AVM + 6% FLU ME, 5% EB ME, and 5% AVM emulsifiable concentrate (EC), were injected into Pinus massoniana trunks, and their residual dynamics over time and preventive effects on PWD were compared. Results showed that all agents were transported to various parts of the trees within 90 days post-injection, with FLU showing significantly stronger translocation compared with EB and AVM. At 660 days post-injection, the active ingredient levels of 5% FLU ME in apical branches remained significantly higher than those of the other three agents at both tested doses (30 and 60 mL). Artificial inoculation with 10,000 Bursaphelenchus xylophilus nematodes per tree at 90 days post-injection showed that trees injected with 5% FLU ME and 2% AVM + 6% FLU ME had nearly 100% disease prevention rates at both doses, outperforming 5% EB ME and 5% AVM EC. A second nematode inoculation at 480 days post-injection showed that 2% AVM + 6% FLU ME showed 50% efficacy, outperforming 5% EB ME (25% efficacy). These findings offer a foundation for developing alternative trunk injection strategies for future PWD management in China. Full article

This study evaluated two formulations of L-carnitine, which were developed and impregnated in an oil-based self-emulsifying system (SEDDS), the first with tyrphostin AG17 and the second without the addition of tyrphostin AG17. The formulation with tyrphostin AG17 showed the presence of stable microvesicles up to 498 h after its preparation. To establish a robust safety profile in compliance with modern regulatory frameworks and the 3Rs principle (replacement, reduction, and refinement), a toxicological evaluation was conducted integrating an in silico quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) analysis with confirmatory in vivo subchronic toxicity studies. The QSAR analysis, performed using the OECD QSAR Toolbox and strictly adhering to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) validation principles, predicted an acute oral LD50 of 91.5 mg/kg in rats, a value showing high concordance with the historical experimental data (87 mg/kg). Furthermore, computational modeling for repeated-dose toxicity yielded a no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of 80.0 mg/kg bw/day, a no-observed-effect level (NOEL) of 60.4 mg/kg bw/day, and an ADI = 56 mg/day. These computational findings were substantiated by a 90-day subchronic toxicity study in male Wistar rats, where daily intragastric administration of tyrphostin AG17 at doses up to 1.75 mg/kg resulted in not statistically significant hematotoxic activity (p < 0.05), with a maximum cumulative dose over 90 days of 157.5 mg/kg. Collectively, these data indicate that tyrphostin AG17 combines high stabilizing efficacy with a manageable safety profile, supporting its proposed regulatory status as a functional food additive. Based on these results, it is concluded that tyrphostin AG17 shows promising characteristics for use as a stabilizer in food and other substances. Full article

Plant oils are increasingly explored as sustainable functional ingredients in topical emulsions due to their emollient properties and reported photoprotective potential. This study aimed to formulate physically stable W/O emulsions containing selected plant oils (olive, avocado, sesame, flaxseed, and grape seed oils) at two concentrations (15% and 30%) and to evaluate their physicochemical, rheological, occlusive, and UV-protective properties. All formulations were confirmed as W/O systems with skin-compatible pH values and demonstrated shear-thinning, non-Newtonian flow with varying degrees of thixotropy. Increasing oil content from 15% to 30% reduced shear stress, consistency index, and viscoelastic moduli, indicating a softer internal structure. Moreover, the viscosities of the emulsions were not solely determined by the viscosities of the individual oils, suggesting significant interactions with the emulsifier system. High occlusion factors were demonstrated for all emulsions, with the highest values observed for 30% olive- and grape seed oil–based formulations. Spectrophotometric SPF assessment revealed measurable UV-protective activity only for emulsions containing 30% olive, avocado, or flaxseed oil (SPF > 1). All formulations exhibited satisfactory physical stability under mechanical and thermal stress. These findings demonstrate that plant oils can modulate the structure and performance of W/O emulsions and may serve as valuable supportive ingredients in the development of photoprotective cosmetic products. Full article

The invasive fish Atherina boyeri constitutes an ecologically disruptive yet underexploited biomass with strong potential for transformation into value-added biofunctional ingredients. This study investigates the functional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of protein hydrolysates that were produced from fish collected in the Hirfanlı and Yamula reservoirs using three commercial proteases (alcalase, bromelain, and flavourzyme). Bromelain produced the highest degree of hydrolysis, yielding higher proportions of low-molecular-weight peptides and greater radical-scavenging activity. Flavourzyme hydrolysates exhibited the most favorable emulsifying properties, Alcalase hydrolysates produced the highest foaming capacity and stability. All hydrolysates showed high absolute zeta-potential values across pH 3–9, demonstrating strong colloidal stability. Protein solubility remained above 80% across most pH levels, indicating extensive peptide release and improved compatibility with aqueous media. The Oil-binding capacity (2.78–3.75 mL/g) was consistent with reported values for marine hydrolysates. Antioxidant and antimicrobial evaluations revealed clear enzyme-dependent patterns, with Bromelain exhibiting the strongest DPPH activity and Alcalase and Flavourzyme showing the most pronounced inhibition of major foodborne pathogens. Additionally, all hydrolysates exhibited measurable ACE-inhibitory activity, with flavourzyme-derived peptides showing the highest inhibitory activity, underscoring their potential relevance for antihypertensive applications. These findings highlight the strategic valorization of A. boyeri through enzymatic hydrolysis, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable, clean-label functional ingredient source. Full article

Porcine blood is a major slaughterhouse by-product and a sustainable source of high-quality proteins with potential food and nutraceutical applications. This study valorized porcine whole blood (WB, 6.7 ± 0.1% protein) and red cell fraction (CF, 50.4 ± 0.2% protein) through alcalase hydrolysis, generating hydrolysates (WBH and CFH) with bioactive and techno-functional properties. Optimal hydrolysis conditions, defined as enzyme-to-substrate (E/S) and incubation time yielding the highest degree of hydrolysis (DH) with cost-effective enzyme usage, were 1% E/S for 4 h (WBH) and 2.5% E/S for 4 h (CFH). WBH showed a higher DH (59.5 ± 2.6%) than CFH (30.8 ± 3.3%). Antioxidant assays revealed higher ABTS activity in CFH (14.1 vs. 11.1 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/g, p < 0.05), while both exhibited similar ORAC values (166.8–180.2 mg Trolox equivalents/g, p > 0.05). After simulated gastrointestinal digestion, ABTS activity was preserved, whereas ORAC decreased (~40%). ACE inhibitory activity was also pronounced, particularly in CFH (IC₅₀ = 59.5 µg protein/mL), but digestion converged values between hydrolysates (118–135 µg protein/mL). Techno-functional tests showed moderate emulsifying activity (~40%), with CFH displaying markedly higher oil absorption (4.79 vs. 1.31 g oil/g). Considering the limited information on porcine blood hydrolysates under gastrointestinal conditions, these findings provide new insights into their stability and support their potential as multifunctional ingredients for health-promoting foods and functional formulations. Full article

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) produced by actinomycetes of the genus Rhodococcus play crucial roles in their ecological success, metabolic versatility, and biotechnological value. This review summarizes existing studies of Rhodococcus EPSs, emphasizing the biochemical composition, functional attributes, and practical significance of EPSs, as well as their importance in biomedicine, bioremediation, and other applications (food industry, biomineralization) with respect to the EPS chemical composition and biological roles. Rhodococcus species synthesize complex EPSs composed primarily of polysaccharides, proteins and lipids that, like in other bacteria, support cell adhesion, aggregation, biofilm formation, and horizontal gene transfer (and can prevent exogenous DNA binding) and are highly important for resistance against toxicants and dissolution/assimilation of hydrophobic compounds. EPSs produced by different species of Rhodococcus exhibit diverse structures (soluble EPSs, loosely bound and tightly bound fractions, capsules, linear and branched chains, amorphous coils, rigid helices, mushroom-like structures, extracellular matrix, and a fibrillar structure with a sheet-like texture), leading to variations in their properties (rheological features, viscosity, flocculation, sorption abilities, compression, DNA binding, and interaction with hydrophobic substrates). Notably, the EPSs exhibit marked emulsifying and flocculating properties, contributing to their recognized role in bioremediation. Furthermore, EPSs possess antiviral, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferating activities and high viscosity, which are valuable in terms of biomedical and food applications. Despite extensive industrial and environmental interest, the molecular regulation, biosynthetic pathways, and structural diversity of Rhodococcus EPSs remain insufficiently characterized. Advancing our understanding of these biopolymers could expand new applications in biomedicine, bioremediation, and biotechnology. Full article

Plant-derived proteins have been growing in interest for the design of innovative foods and ingredients following the trend of animal protein substitution. These proteins display interesting functional properties, including emulsifying, foaming, and gelling capacity. Unfortunately, commercially available plant protein ingredients often present limited functionality due to the modifications induced during production. In this study, ohmic heating (OH) was evaluated as a physical modification strategy to enhance the functionality of commercial pea protein (PP). PP dispersions were subjected to OH at 100 °C, 130 °C, and 150 °C, and their physicochemical, foaming, emulsifying, and gelling properties were assessed. OH processing significantly reduced mean particle size, with the surface-area weighted diameter (D(3,2)) decreasing from approximately 76.1 µm in untreated PP to 56.5, 31.1, and 10.6 µm after OH at 100, 130, and 150 °C, respectively. These structural changes resulted in a clear improvement in foaming performance, with foaming capacity increasing by approximately 40% compared to the control, while all foams remained stable for at least 60 min. In contrast, emulsifying activity showed no substantial enhancement. Cold-set gels prepared from OH-treated PP exhibited significantly altered rheological behavior, characterized by lower complex modulus values (G* ≈ 0.8–5.4 kPa at 1 Hz) compared to the untreated PP gel (≈25.2 kPa), indicating the formation of softer yet more homogeneous gel networks. Overall, the results demonstrate that OH is an effective tool to tailor the functional properties of commercial pea protein, particularly by enhancing foaming performance and modulating gel structure, supporting its potential application in the development of novel plant-based food products. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) induces oxidative stress and disrupts nuclear organization and chromatin-associated metabolic processes in plant cells. Therefore, identifying natural, biodegradable, non-bioaccumulative compounds that enhance plant tolerance to heavy metals is crucial. We hypothesized that Cd exposure (175 µM CdCl₂, 24 h) activates mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), triggering defined epigenetic modifications that lead to transcriptional repression, and that thyme oil (TO; 0.03% (v/v), emulsified) mitigates these effects by stabilizing chromatin organization. We analyzed nuclear MAPK (p44/42) activation, global DNA methylation (5-methylcytosine; 5-mC), and selected histone modifications as key components of early stress signaling and epigenetic regulation. We found that Cd exposure doubled global 5-mC levels and caused pronounced alterations in histone marks, including decreases in H3K4Me2 (~34%), H3T45Ph (~48%), and H4K5Ac, accompanied by strong increases in H3K9Ac (~57%) and H3K56Ac (~148%). These changes were associated with chromatin condensation and reduced transcriptional activity. In contrast, co-treatment with TO maintained MAPK activity and epigenetic parameters close to control levels, preventing chromatin compaction and transcriptional repression. Together, these findings indicate that TO stabilizes the nuclear signaling–epigenetic interface under Cd stress and represents a promising bioprotective strategy. This work provides the first demonstration that TO modulates both MAPK activation and Cd-induced histone modifications in plants. Full article