Search Results (5,336)

The aging population and increasing prevalence of oxidative stress-related diseases underscore the need for functional food and pharmaceutical formulations enriched with bioactive compounds. This study aimed to design sustainable emulsion systems incorporating enzymatically modified fats with enhanced functional and bioactive properties. Enzymatic interesterification was employed as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical catalysis, enabling the transformation of natural lipids without generating undesirable trans isomers. The lipid phase was formulated from blends of hemp oil, a plant-derived source rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids with documented antioxidant potential, and mutton tallow, in an effort to valorize meat industry by-products. Systematic evaluation of emulsion stability, viscosity, and textural properties was conducted using Turbiscan analysis and texture profile analysis. The results demonstrated that xanthan gum concentration was the primary determinant of structural stability, physicochemical stability, and structural integrity of the emulsion systems. Formulation no. 38 (0.8% w/w xanthan gum) was identified as the statistically most stable system based on Turbiscan Stability Index values (TSI = 1.4). Although emulsions containing 1.0% w/w xanthan gum exhibited similarly low TSI values and slightly smaller final droplet diameters, formulation E38 showed the smallest increase in droplet size during storage (<1 µm), indicating superior resistance to structural changes over time. Fat composition showed minimal influence on emulsion behavior, suggesting that lipid selection should prioritize nutritional and bioactive value. These findings indicate that emulsions based on enzymatically modified fats and stabilized with natural polysaccharides can serve as physically stable systems with potential applicability in food, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical formulations intended for bioactive compound delivery. Full article

Strawberry is a non-climacteric fruit with a short postharvest shelf life. Recently, edible coatings have attracted the attention of the food industry. Cellulose is the most abundant carbohydrate polymer on Earth, and is also a renewable natural material, biocompatible with food. This work aimed to evaluate the postharvest quality of strawberries coated with edible coatings based on hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) and its functionalization, using vegetal extracts with reported antifungal activity. Five treatments were applied on postharvest strawberries: C (control, with no coating); Cel (HPMC:BNC in a 95:5 ratio); EPAC (cellulose + Persicaria acuminata extract); EO (cellulose + Pelargonium graveolens essential oil) and CBZ (cellulose + carbendazim). Weight, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ripe index, respiration rate, ethylene production rate, and natural fungal incidence were measured. Furthermore, the C and Cel fruit surface was observed by SEM. Cel and EPAC treatments proved to be beneficial in maintaining the quality of the treated fruit during storage. Both coatings contributed to a lower weight loss and firmness. They also decreased the respiratory rate and the natural fungal incidence, delaying the senescence of the treated strawberries. These treatments can be alternatives to extend strawberry life postharvest. Full article

This study explores crude oil as a chemically and structurally heterogeneous system with potential pharmaceutical relevance beyond its established roles as an energy and feedstock resource. Recent advances in analytical technologies have enabled the detailed characterization of crude oil constituents at the molecular level, thereby linking structural features to physicochemical properties and possible biological activities. The presented analysis outlines the rationale, methodological considerations, and future research directions for integrating crude oil molecular motifs into the pharmaceutical chemical space. Beyond its conventional role as an industrial and energy resource, crude oil may also hold promise for drug discovery. This study seeks to provide a conceptual framework for reconsidering crude oil as a reservoir of pharmacologically relevant scaffolds and to outline methodological approaches for their systematic assessment. Its rigid sp³-rich frameworks, together with sterane/hopane biomarkers, porphyrins, and functional aromatics, structurally overlap with established therapeutic classes and are naturally present in crude oil in suitable abundance, offering opportunities to reduce synthetic effort and expand the chemical space accessible to drug discovery. Advances in petroleomics and in silico methodologies now enable petroleum-derived constituents to be characterized in terms of drug-likeness, bioactivity, and toxicity, providing a framework to reconsider crude oil as an unconventional but analytically and computationally tractable resource for pharmaceutical research. Full article

This study tackles the stabilization and delivery challenges of oxidation-prone carrot oil by engineering tailored Zein-OSA starch hybrid complexes. The influence of complex mass ratios (1:2, 1:1, 2:1) on key structural, colloidal, and functional properties was meticulously evaluated. The complexes were analyzed through spectroscopy, thermal methods, and microscopy. Derived emulsions were assessed for stability under environmental stresses (pH, salts, storage), alongside their rheological behavior and aroma retention. The 1:1 complex emerged with optimal molecular compatibility, thermal stability, and barrier properties. In emulsions, the 1:2 formulation provided the most uniform droplets and superior salt tolerance, while the 1:1 ratio yielded the best pH stability. All emulsions were shear-thinning. Microencapsulation effectively converted the emulsion into a stable, free-flowing powder. This work demonstrates a rational approach to designing robust plant-based delivery systems for protecting and improving the functionality of sensitive lipophilic ingredients in practical applications. Full article

Fluorinated colloidal nanosystems have attracted significant attention for their advantageous properties and potential applications in the biomedical field, especially in ¹⁹F magnetic resonance imaging. These nanosystems are known for their high specificity, excellent biocompatibility, and ease of functional modification. Furthermore, they offer unique advantages for functional surface coating due to their surface performance and chemical resistance. This paper discusses recent developments in fluorinated colloidal nanosystems, including applications in biological detection (such as enzymes, proteins, pH levels, ions, reducing environments, and reactive oxygen species) and surface coating (such as self-cleaning, self-healing, antibacterial properties, anti-fogging, antifouling, and oil–water separation). This article also highlights current challenges and provides suggestions for future research directions in the field of fluorinated colloidal nanosystems. Full article

Strategies to suppress methanogenesis must preserve the functional integrity of the rumen microbial ecosystem. Essential oils (EOs) have emerged as promising modulators of rumen microbial function, though their responses vary widely with chemical structure and inclusion level. This study evaluated the efficacy of selected EOs using detailed in vitro fermentation assays. Nine EOs—cinnamon, lavender, garlic (GAR), lemongrass (LEG), peppermint (PPM), eucalyptus, coriander, oregano, and ginger (GIN)—were evaluated for their effects on rumen fermentation and methane (CH₄) production using a 24 h in vitro batch culture system. Eight EOs were tested at two doses (Low and High) specific to each EO, while GIN was evaluated at a single dose. All treatments were incubated in a rumen fluid–buffer mix (1:1 for fermentation parameters and 1:4 for gas and CH₄ measurements) with a 55:45 forage-to-concentrate substrate (pH 6.9). Overall treatment effects were significant for all measured fermentation parameters (p < 0.01). Most treatments reduced total gas production, CH₄ emissions, and CH₄/total gas ratios compared with the control (p < 0.05), although several responses were dose-dependent or directly divergent. Essential oils showed clear, composition-dependent responses: non-terpenoid EOs produced the strongest but also the most variable antimethanogenic effects, with GAR, particularly at the lower dose, consistently achieving the greatest CH₄ inhibition while maintaining a favorable fermentation pattern. Conversely, terpenoid-based EOs induced moderate, dose-responsive CH₄ reductions with minimal effects on overall fermentation. At the higher dose, PPM suppressed CH₄ without altering major volatile fatty acid (VFA) patterns aside from increases in valerate and branched-chain VFA, whereas LEG reduced CH₄ only when accompanied by marked fermentation depression. Monensin validated its role as an effective positive control. Overall, GAR, characterized by sulfur-based bioactives, emerged as the most effective candidate for CH₄ mitigation under the tested in vitro conditions, highlighting the importance of chemical composition and inclusion level in determining efficacy and reinforcing the need for in vivo validation. Full article

This study investigated the combined influence of hydrothermal treatment and particle size on the techno-functional properties of defatted coconut residue (DCR) to optimize its use as a hydrocolloid fat replacer. A 3 × 2 factorial design evaluated boiling and autoclaving treatments in combination with coarse and fine milling. Fine particle fractions (boiling-fine [BF] and autoclaved-fine [AF]) were identified as optimal, exhibiting peak water-holding capacity (WHC) (10.95 g/g) and oil-holding capacity (4.57 g/g) due to maximized surface area and thermal unblocking of capillary networks. When incorporated into cookies, all DCR formulations qualified as “reduced-fat” (30% reduction) and “high-fiber” (6 g/100 g) products. Crucially, the extreme WHC of fine fractions induced severe water competition within the dough, leading to a direct inverse correlation with quality, characterized by a restricted spread ratio (6.9) and increased hardness (27 N). Furthermore, thermal leaching of Maillard precursors suppressed excessive browning, improving cookie color. While the BF fraction provided the best functional balance, future research should optimize dough moisture to mitigate the impact of high fiber hydration on texture. These findings demonstrate DCR’s potential for agro-food valorization and improved human health. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the substitution of wheat flour (WF) for grape (Vitis vinifera L.) pomace (GP) on cookie formulation. The techno-functional properties of GP flour (GPF) were characterized, and cookie formulations containing 15% (C15) and 20% (C20) GPF were developed. To evaluate the antioxidant and functional potential, free (FPF, soluble phenols) and bound phenolic fraction (BPF, insoluble phenols) were extracted. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant potential (ABTS and DPPH assays) were measured. The GPF shows differences in oil and water retention, non-foaming properties, and non-significant differences in swelling capacity compared to WF. C15 and C20 show L* values from 27.9 to 36.2, b* values from 2.22 to 2.64, and a* values from 8.84 to 10.49. GPF addition elevates ash and fiber content by 3.5–4.2 and 14–31.6 times. GPF cookie (C15) exhibited a significantly higher TPC compared to WF. Although the FPF fraction in the cookies was higher compared to BPF, the contribution of BPF to antioxidant activity was high (DPPH = 29.9%, ABTS = 16.3%) compared to FPF (DPPH = 26.3%, ABTS = 20.3%). Given that FPF is traditionally the only antioxidant fraction measured, the antioxidant potential of incorporating grape by-products is being underestimated; this is the first report of this in a cookie. Full article

Monoacylglycerols (MAGs) are significant intermediate byproducts in the hydrolysis of oils and fats. The accumulation of MAGs not only reduces the quality and purity of the final products in biodiesel production and edible oil refining but also poses challenges for downstream separation processes. Therefore, the development of efficient biocatalysts for the specific MAG conversion is of great industrial importance. The lipase from Aspergillus oryzae (AOL) has shown potential for lipid modification; however, the wild-type enzyme (WT) suffers from poor solubility, tendency to aggregate, and low specific activity towards MAGs in aqueous systems, which severely restricts its practical application. In this study, a combinatorial protein engineering strategy was employed to overcome these limitations. We integrated fusion protein technology with rational design to enhance both the functional expression and catalytic efficiency of AOL. Firstly, the superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) was fused to the N-terminus of AOL. The results indicated that the sfGFP fusion tag significantly improved the solubility and stability of the enzyme, preventing the formation of inclusion bodies. The fusion protein sfGFP-AOL exhibited a MAG conversion rate of approximately 65%, confirming the positive impact of the fusion tag on enzyme developability. To further boost catalytic performance, site-directed mutagenesis was performed based on structural analysis. Among the variants, the mutant sfGFP-Y92Q emerged as the most potent candidate. In the MAG conversion, sfGFP-Y92Q achieved a conversion rate of 98%, which was not only significantly higher than that of sfGFP-AOL but also outperformed the widely used commercial immobilized lipase, Novozym 435 (~54%). Structural modeling and docking analysis revealed that the Y92Q mutation optimized the geometry of the active site. The substitution of Tyrosine with Glutamine at position 92 likely enlarged the substrate-binding pocket and altered the local electrostatic environment, thereby relieving steric hindrance and facilitating the access of the bulky MAG substrate to the catalytic center. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that the synergistic application of sfGFP fusion and rational point mutation (Y92Q) can dramatically transform the catalytic properties of AOL. The engineered sfGFP-Y92Q variant serves as a robust and highly efficient biocatalyst for MAG degradation. Its superior performance compared to commercial standards suggests immense potential for cost-effective applications in the bio-manufacturing of high-purity fatty acids and biodiesel, offering a greener alternative to traditional chemical processes. Full article

Proteins from the bran of Khao Dawk Mali 105 rice at two maturity stages, green (GB) and fully ripe (RB), were extracted using single and sequential enzyme-assisted processes. Non-enzymatic extraction (control), α-amylase (AA), protease (PT), and two sequential treatments (AA-PT and PT-AA) were applied to defatted bran to evaluate their effects on protein yield, structural attributes, and functional properties. Protease-based extractions, particularly PT, produced the highest protein contents (28% in GB and 23% in RB) and significantly improved solubility, water- and oil-holding capacities, and foaming performance. GB extracts consistently outperformed RB across all functional and antioxidant measurements, indicating greater extractability and bioactive potential in green rice bran. Enzymatic hydrolysis also enhanced phenolic and flavonoid release, leading to markedly higher DPPH and FRAP activities. SDS-PAGE profiles demonstrated reduced band complexity and lower-molecular-weight protein in enzymatically treated samples, while FTIR spectra confirmed secondary structural modifications associated with hydrolysis. Overall, protease and sequential assisted extractions provide an efficient and sustainable approach to improving rice bran protein recovery and functionality. These findings highlight green rice bran as a promising source of high-value plant proteins for food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Background: Cyperus esculentus L. is a unique tuber oil crop, in which tuber size directly determines both yield and oil storage capacity. It is crucial to clarify the tuber expansion pattern and explore the key genes associated with tuber expansion in Cyperus esculentus for crop improvement. Methods: This study conducted comprehensive morphological and cytological observations as well as transcriptomic analysis of tubers at multiple developmental stages. Tubers at 1, 5, 10, and 15 d were collected for transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed transcription factors. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was used to determine key functional categories. RT-qPCR was employed to verify the expression patterns of key genes. Results: Cyperus esculentus tubers expanded rapidly from 1 d to 15 d after initial tuber formation, and the expansion rate exhibited a trend of increasing first (1~5 d) and then decreasing (5~15 d). Cell expansion, rather than number, mainly contributed to tuber expansion. By combining the analysis of differential expression and the variation pattern of tuber expansion rate, 822 DEGs were identified to be associated with tuber expansion. GO enrichment analysis revealed that 20 genes were significantly enriched in GO:0043231 (cell wall), especially five remarkable genes encoding expansin, which exercise the function of cell wall loosening and have been proven to be associated with cell expansion. In addition, 57 differentially expressed TFs were further identified to be associated with tuber expansion. Conclusions: This study revealed the tuber expansion pattern of Cyperus esculentus and identified several key genes and TFs, which will facilitate the construction of the regulatory network and the analysis of the mechanism of tuber expansion in Cyperus esculentus. Full article

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is a eusocial insect that relies on a sophisticated chemical communication system for colony organization and function. Its olfactory system is vital for detecting semiochemicals in the environment. This study utilized single sensillum recording (SSR) to assess the olfactory neuronal responses of female alates and workers from basiconica sensilla exposed to a panel of 62 individual pheromones and general odorants, including terpenes, terpenoids, pyrazines, pyridines, ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, acids, aliphatic and aromatic acetates, benzoates, benzyl esters, and three essential oils. Basiconica sensilla, which contain multiple olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), exhibited moderate to strong responses to most of the tested compounds, demonstrating a broad sensitivity to all odorants elevated. Comparative analysis of the two castes revealed that ORNs had similar responses to 47 odorants; however, workers showed stronger responses to nine specific compounds, while female alates responded more strongly to six others. These differences underscore the caste-specific olfactory tuning, likely reflecting their distinct roles within the colony. This study presents the first comprehensive mapping of basiconica sensilla responses to general odorants in S. invicta female alates and workers, enhancing our understanding of the S. invicta chemical ecology and potentially contribute to more effective fire ant management strategies. Full article

A method utilizing quaternion principal component analysis (QPCA) for three-dimensional fluorescence spectral (3D FS) feature extraction is employed to identify frying oil in edible oil. Particle swarm optimization partial least squares support vector machine (PSO-LSSVR) is utilized for detecting frying oil concentration. The study includes rapeseed oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, blending oil, and corn oil samples. Adulteration involves adding frying oil to these edible oils at concentrations of 0%, 5%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%. Firstly, the F7000 fluorescence spectrometer is employed to measure the 3D FS of the adulterated edible oil samples, resulting in the generation of contour maps and 3D FS projections. The excitation wavelengths utilized in these measurements are 360 nm, 380 nm, and 400 nm, while the emission wavelengths span from 220 nm to 900 nm. Secondly, leveraging the automatic peak-finding function of the spectrometer, a quaternion parallel representation model of the 3D FS data for frying oil in edible oil is established using the emission spectra data corresponding to the aforementioned excitation wavelengths. Subsequently, in conjunction with the K-nearest neighbor classification (KNN), three feature extraction methods—summation, modulus, and multiplication quaternion feature extraction—are compared to identify the optimal approach. Thirdly, the extracted features are input into KNN, particle swarm optimization support vector machine (PSO-SVM), and genetic algorithm support vector machine (GA-SVM) classifiers to ascertain the most effective discriminant model for adulterated edible oil. Ultimately, a quantitative model for adulterated edible oil is developed based on partial least squares regression, PSO-SVR and PSO-LSSVR. The results indicate that the classification accuracy of QPCA features combined with PSO-SVM achieved 100%. Furthermore, the PSO-LSSVR quantitative model exhibited the best performance. 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

The increasing consumption of highly processed foods has resulted in a reduced intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, thereby intensifying interest in the development of functional food. This study aimed to enrich fruit mousses with bioactive compounds derived from elderberry extract using an encapsulation strategy. Three formulations were prepared: a control mousse, a mousse enriched via direct addition of the extract, and a mousse supplemented with a nanoemulsion. Comprehensive analyses, including SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), colorimetry, texture and rheological measurements, phenolic acid and flavonoid content, antioxidant and reducing activity, sensory evaluation, and microbiological assessment, confirmed the successful formation of submicron capsules (400–900 nm), effective incorporation of grape seed oil into the fruit mousse formulations, and minimal color alteration (ΔE* < 1). The enriched mousses exhibited slightly higher hardness (7.5%) and adhesiveness (5.4%) as well as enhanced antioxidant and reducing activity compared to the control. Rheological analyses indicated improved structural stability resulting from fortification. Sensory evaluation demonstrated good consumer acceptance, while microbiological analyses suggested a potential shelf-life extension due to inhibited microbial growth. Overall, encapsulation proved to be an effective approach for incorporating elderberry-derived bioactive substances into fruit mousses while preserving product quality. Full article