Search Results (769)

Cultured meat is emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional animal agriculture, with scaffolds playing a central role in supporting cellular attachment, growth, and tissue maturation. This review focuses on the development of gel-based hybrid biomaterials that meet the dual requirements of biocompatibility and food safety. We explore recent advances in the use of naturally derived gel-forming polymers such as gelatin, chitosan, cellulose, alginate, and plant-based proteins as the structural backbone for edible scaffolds. Particular attention is given to the integration of food-grade functional additives into hydrogel-based scaffolds. These include nanocellulose, dietary fibers, modified starches, polyphenols, and enzymatic crosslinkers such as transglutaminase, which enhance mechanical stability, rheological properties, and cell-guidance capabilities. Rather than focusing on fabrication methods or individual case studies, this review emphasizes the material-centric design strategies for building scalable, printable, and digestible gel scaffolds suitable for cultured meat production. By systemically evaluating the role of each component in structural reinforcement and biological interaction, this work provides a comprehensive frame work for designing next-generation edible scaffold systems. Nonetheless, the field continues to face challenges, including structural optimization, regulatory validation, and scale-up, which are critical for future implementation. Ultimately, hybrid gel-based scaffolds are positioned as a foundational technology for advancing the functionality, manufacturability, and consumer readiness of cultured meat products, distinguishing this work from previous reviews. Unlike previous reviews that have focused primarily on fabrication techniques or tissue engineering applications, this review provides a uniquely food-centric perspective by systematically evaluating the compositional design of hybrid hydrogel-based scaffolds with edibility, scalability, and consumer acceptance in mind. Through a comparative analysis of food-safe additives and naturally derived biopolymers, this review establishes a framework that bridges biomaterials science and food engineering to advance the practical realization of cultured meat products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Polyphenols found in polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) have been shown to possess strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. The present study aimed to assess the effects of two types of EVOO with different polyphenol content and dosages on the lipid profile of hyperlipidemic patients. Methods: In this single-blind, randomized clinical trial, 50 hyperlipidemic patients were randomized to receive either a higher-dose, lower-phenolic EVOO (414 mg/kg phenols, 20 g/day) or a lower-dose, higher-phenolic EVOO (1021 mg/kg phenols, 8 g/day), for a period of 4 weeks. These doses were selected to ensure equivalent daily polyphenol intake in both groups (~8.3 mg of total phenols/day), based on chemical analysis performed using NMR spectroscopy. The volumes used (8–20 g/day) reflect typical daily EVOO intake and were well tolerated by participants. A group of 20 healthy individuals, separated into two groups, also received the two types of EVOO, respectively, for the same duration. Primary endpoints included blood levels of total blood cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, lipoprotein-a (Lpa), and apolipoproteins A1 and B. Measurements were performed at baseline and at the end of the 4-week intervention. Linear mixed models were performed for the data analysis. Results: The higher-phenolic, lower-dose EVOO group showed a more favorable change in total blood cholesterol (p = 0.045) compared to the lower-phenolic, higher-dose group. EVOO intake was associated with a significant increase in HDL (p < 0.001) and reduction in Lp(a) (p = 0.040) among hyperlipidemic patients in comparison to healthy individuals. Conclusions: EVOO consumption significantly improved the lipid profile of hyperlipidemic patients. Higher-phenolic EVOO at lower dosages appears to be more effective in improving the lipid profile than lower-phenolic EVOO in higher dosages. Full article

Background/Objectives: Most snakebite incidents in Latin America are caused by species of the Bothrops genus. Their venom induces severe local effects, against which antivenom therapy has limited efficacy. Metabolites derived from Coffea arabica have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents to inhibit the local effects induced by B. asper venom. Methods: Three enzymatic assays were performed: inhibition of the procoagulant and amidolytic activities of snake venom serine proteinases (SVSPs); inhibition of the proteolytic activity of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs); and inhibition of the catalytic activity of snake venom phospholipases A₂ (PLA_2s). Additionally, molecular docking studies were conducted to propose potential inhibitory mechanisms of the metabolites chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and caffeic acid. Results: Green and roasted coffee extracts partially inhibited the enzymatic activity of SVSPs and SVMPs. Notably, the green coffee extract, at a 1:20 ratio, effectively inhibited PLA₂ activity. Among the individual metabolites tested, partial inhibition of SVSP and PLA₂ activities was observed, whereas no significant inhibition of SVMP proteolytic activity was detected. Chlorogenic acid was the most effective metabolite, significantly prolonging plasma coagulation time and achieving up to 82% inhibition at a concentration of 62.5 μM. Molecular docking analysis revealed interactions between chlorogenic acid and key active site residues of SVSP and PLA₂ enzymes from B. asper venom. Conclusions: The roasted coffee extract demonstrated the highest inhibitory effect on venom toxins, potentially due to the formation of bioactive compounds during the Maillard reaction. Molecular modeling suggests that the tested inhibitors may bind to and occupy the substrate-binding clefts of the target enzymes. These findings support further in vivo research to explore the use of plant-derived polyphenols as adjuvant therapies in the treatment of snakebite envenoming. Full article

Geographical origin authentication of agrifood products is essential for ensuring their quality, preventing fraud, and maintaining consumers’ trust. In this study, we used proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) and excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy combined with chemometric methods for the geographical origin characterization of olive drupes and leaves from different Tuscany subregions, where olive oil production is relevant. Single-block approaches were implemented for individual datasets, using principal component analysis (PCA) for data visualization and Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) for sample classification. ¹H NMR spectroscopy provided detailed metabolomic profiles, identifying key compounds such as polyphenols and organic acids that contribute to geographical differentiation. EEM fluorescence spectroscopy, in combination with Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC), revealed distinctive fluorescence signatures associated with polyphenolic content. A mid-level data fusion strategy, integrating the common dimensions (ComDim) method, was explored to improve the models’ performance. The results demonstrated that both spectroscopic techniques independently provided valuable insights in terms of geographical characterization, while data fusion further improved the model performances, particularly for olive drupes. Notably, this study represents the first attempt to apply EEM fluorescence for the geographical classification of olive drupes and leaves, highlighting its potential as a complementary tool in geographic origin authentication. The integration of advanced spectroscopic and chemometric methods offers a reliable approach for the differentiation of samples from closely related areas at a subregional level. Full article

Although Zn (II)-(−)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) complex (Zn-EGCg) is known for its promising bioactivities, little attention has been paid to its incorporation into daily green tea consumption. In this study, we aimed to incorporate Zn (II) into green tea extract to promote the formation of Zn-EGCg complex within the tea matrix. We then investigated how the formation of Zn-complexed green tea extract (Zn-GTE) influences the gut microbiota in a Western diet (WD)-fed mouse model. Structural analyses using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) suggested that Zn (II) interacted with hydroxyl groups of polyphenols within the extract, consistent with Zn-EGCg formation, although the complex could not be unequivocally identified. Under intake levels equivalent to daily consumption, Zn-GTE administration restored WD-induced reductions in alpha-diversity and resulted in a distinct microbial composition compared to treatment with green tea extract (GTE) or Zn alone, as shown by beta-diversity analysis. Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis revealed increased abundances of bacterial taxa belonging to o_Clostridiales, o_Bacteroidales, and f_Rikenellaceae, and decreased abundances of g_Akkermansia in the Zn-GTE group compared to the GTE group. These findings highlight that Zn-GTE, prepared via Zn (II) supplementation to green tea, may exert distinct microbiota-modulating effects compared to its individual components. This study provides new insights into the role of dietary metal–polyphenol complexes, offering a food-based platform for studying metal–polyphenol interactions under physiologically relevant conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic inflammation and Western-style diets elevate colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, particularly in individuals with colitis, a feature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Diets rich in polyphenol-containing functional foods, such as cocoa, may reduce gut inflammation and modulate the gut microbiome. This study investigated the impact of cocoa polyphenol (CP) supplementation on inflammation and microbiome composition in mice with colitis, fed either a healthy or Western diet, before, during, and after the onset of disease. We hypothesized that CPs would attenuate inflammation and promote distinct shifts in the microbiome, especially in the context of a Western diet. Methods: A 2 × 2 factorial design tested the effects of the basal diet (AIN93G vs. total Western diet [TWD]) and CP supplementation (2.6% w/w CocoaVia™ Cardio Health Powder). Inflammation was induced using the AOM/DSS model of colitis. Results: CP supplementation did not reduce the severity of colitis, as measured by disease activity index or histopathology. CPs did not alter gene expression in healthy tissue or suppress the colitis-associated pro-inflammatory transcriptional profile in either of the two diet groups. However, fecal microbiome composition shifted significantly with CPs before colitis induction, with persistent effects on several rare taxa during colitis and recovery. Conclusions: CP supplementation did not mitigate inflammation or mucosal injury at the tissue level, nor did it affect the expression of immune-related genes. While CPs altered microbiome composition, most notably in healthy mice before colitis, these shifts did not correspond to changes in inflammatory signaling. Basal diet remained the primary determinant of inflammation, mucosal damage, and colitis severity in this model. Full article

Knowledge about the composition (volatile and non-volatile) and functionality of natural extracts from Mediterranean plants serves as a basis for their further application. In this study, five selected plants were used for the extraction of plant metabolites. Leaves and flowers of Critmum maritimum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Olea europea, Phylliera latifolia and Mellisa officinalis were collected, and a total of 12 extracts were prepared. Extractions were performed under microwave-assisted conditions, with two solvent types: water (W) and a hydroalcoholic (ethanolic) solution (HA). Detailed extract analysis was conducted. Phenolics were analyzed by detecting individual bioactive compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography and by calculating total phenolic and total flavonoid content through spectrophotometric analysis. Higher concentrations of total phenolics and total flavonoids were obtained in the hydroalcoholic extracts, with the significantly highest total phenolic and flavonoid values in the rosemary hydroalcoholic extract (3321.21 mg_GAE/L) and sea fennel flower extract (1794.63 mg_QE/L), respectively; and the lowest phenolics in the water extract of olive leaves (204.55 mg_GAE/L) and flavonoids in the water extracts of sea fennel leaves, rosemary, olive and mock privet (around 100 mg_QE/L). Volatile organic compounds (VOC) were detected using HS-SPME/GC–MS (Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), and antioxidant capacity was estimated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay) and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) methods. HS-SPME/GC–MS analysis of samples revealed that sea fennel had more versatile profile, with the presence of 66 and 36 VOCs in W and HA sea fennel leaf extracts, 52 and 25 in W and HA sea fennel flower extracts, 57 in rosemary W and 40 in HA, 20 in olive leaf W and 9 in HA, 27 in W mock privet and 11 in HA, and 35 in lemon balm W and 10 in HA extract. The lowest values of chlorophyll a were observed in sea fennel leaves (2.52 mg/L) and rosemary (2.21 mg/L), and chlorophyll b was lowest in sea fennel leaf and flower (2.47 and 2.25 mg/L, respectively), while the highest was determined in olive (6.62 mg/L). Highest values for antioxidant activity, determined via the FRAP method, were obtained in the HA plant extracts (up to 11,216 mg_AAE/L for lemon balm), excluding the sea fennel leaf (2758 mg_AAE/L) and rosemary (2616 mg_AAE/L). Considering the application of these plants for fresh fish preservation, antimicrobial activity of water extracts was assessed against Vibrio fischeri JCM 18803, Vibrio alginolyticus 3050, Aeromonas hydrophila JCM 1027, Moraxella lacunata JCM 20914 and Yersinia ruckeri JCM 15110. No activity was observed against Y. ruckeri and P. aeruginosa, while the sea fennel leaf showed inhibition against V. fisheri (inhibition zone of 24 mm); sea fennel flower was active against M. lacunata (inhibition zone of 14.5 mm) and A. hydrophila (inhibition zone of 20 mm); and rosemary and lemon balm showed inhibition only against V. fisheri (inhibition zone from 18 to 30 mm). This study supports the preparation of natural extracts from Mediterranean plants using green technology, resulting in extracts rich in polyphenolics with strong antioxidant potential, but with no clear significant antimicrobial efficiency at the tested concentrations. Full article

Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as hawthorn, is a valuable plant in pharmaceutical production. Its flowers, leaves, and fruits are rich in antioxidants. This study explores the application of pulsed electric field (PEF) for enhanced extraction of bioactive compounds from C. monogyna leaves. The liquid-to-solid ratio, solvent composition (ethanol, water, and 50% v/v aqueous ethanol), and key PEF parameters—including pulse duration, pulse period, electric field intensity, and treatment duration—were investigated during the optimization process. To determine the optimal extraction conditions and their impact on antioxidant activity, response surface methodology (RSM) with a six-factor design was employed. The total polyphenol content in the optimized extract was 244 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight, while individual polyphenols were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Furthermore, antioxidant activity was assessed using ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging assays, yielding values of 3235 and 1850 μmol ascorbic acid equivalents/g dry weight, respectively. Additionally, correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate the interactions between bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. Compared to other extraction techniques, PEF stands out as an eco-friendly, non-thermal standalone method, offering a sustainable approach for the rapid production of health-promoting extracts from C. monogyna leaves. Full article

Goat milk has lower allergenicity and high commercial value but faces storage limitations, often leading to waste. Converting it into powder increases costs, making blending with non-dairy ingredients, such as rice flour, a viable alternative to reduce costs and potentially improve nutrition. In this this study, we developed five dairy compounds by replacing 10–49% of goat milk powder with rice flour. We evaluated their nutritional and physical properties compared to pure goat milk powder and rice flour. Analyses included water activity, total solids, protein, lipids, energy value, color, flowability, wettability, polyphenol content, mineral profile, and morphology. Higher rice flour content increased water activity and improved wettability but reduced flowability, classifying most compounds as reasonable to fair in flow, except for the 10% rice flour sample. All samples met Brazilian standards, which require ≥13 g/100 g of protein. The dairy compounds showed a yellow-greenish color, with significant color differences compared to goat milk powder, particularly at 49% rice flour. Goat milk powder had higher mineral contents (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Zn). Total polyphenol content was highest in the 10% rice flour compound, while individual polyphenols were undetectable. Overall, the formulation proved viable for cost reduction while maintaining nutritional quality. Full article

As compared to red wine technology, where pomace is macerated, the grape juices and musts are obtained by pressing the grapes and removing the pomace, thus removing an important source of antioxidant molecules. The objective of this study was to exploit the bioactive compounds from the black grape pomace and obtain a new food product, namely pasteurized red must with improved health-promoting properties. The study was conducted on four grape varieties for red wines—Fetească Neagră, Cabernet Sauvignon, Blauer Zweigelt, and Arcaș—each coming from a certain recognized Romanian vineyard, as follows: Murfatlar, Dealu Mare, Ștefănești-Argeș, and Iași, respectively. Both the must and the pomace extract used for each product were from the same variety and region. The recovery of polyphenols was achieved by macerating the pomace at ambient temperature, using solutions of ethanol in concentrations of 25%, 50%, and 75%. The results showed that the most efficient method of polyphenol recovery was obtained by using the ethanolic solution of 50%, which was selected for the subsequent stages of the study. The selected hydroalcoholic extract was concentrated by eliminating the solvent by roto evaporation and used as a source of supplementary bioactive compounds for the pasteurized must. The phenolic profiles of the musts enriched with phenolic extracts were determined by liquid chromatography, UHPLS-HRMS, revealing significant increases in the content of individual phenolic acids and other polyphenols. The phenolic extract recovered from the pomace significantly optimized the phenolic quality of the pasteurized must, thus contributing to the improvement of its nutritional value. The new product has a phenolic profile close to that of a red wine, but does not contain alcohol. Also, this technology is a sustainable method to convert grape waste into a safe, antioxidant-rich grape juice with potential health benefits. Full article

This study investigated the potential of high-voltage electrical discharge (HVED), as a green, non-thermal extraction technology, for recovering polyphenols from winter savory (Satureja montana L.). Key process parameters, including frequency (40, 70, 100 Hz) and extraction time (1, 5, 15, 30, 45 min), were optimized, using water as a solvent and maintaining a constant solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:100 g/mL. The extracts were characterized for total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), while individual phenolics were quantified via HPLC-DAD. Multivariate chemometric analyses, including Pearson correlation, heatmap clustering, and principal component analysis (PCA), were employed to reveal relationships between extraction conditions, polyphenolic profiles, and antioxidant activities. The results showed strong correlations between TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity, with compounds such as quercetin-3-D-galactoside, procyanidin A2, and rutin identified as key contributors. Among the tested conditions, extraction at 70 Hz for 45 min provided the highest polyphenol yield and bioactivity. The application of HVED demonstrated its potential as an efficient and environmentally friendly technique for obtaining phenolic-rich extracts. In addition, the use of chemometric tools provided useful insights for optimizing extraction conditions and understanding the contributions of specific compounds to bioactivity. These results support future applications in clean-label product development and contribute to broader efforts in sustainable ingredient production for the food, cosmetic, and nutraceutical sectors. Full article

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), is the leading cause of death worldwide, driven by factors like oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism disorders. Although phenolic compounds such as Tyrosol (Tyr) and Hydroxytyrosol (HTyr) found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) have shown promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, their specific roles in modulating oxidative stress biomarkers and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality in elderly populations, especially in those with prior myocardial infarction, are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EVOO phenolic compounds on oxidative stress biomarkers and HDL functionality, and related metabolic outcomes in both healthy and post-myocardial infarction (post-MI) elderly individuals. This pilot randomized clinical trial study included healthy and post-MI participants aged 65–85 years. Participants in each group were randomly assigned to consume 25 mL per day of one of three types of olive oils: high phenolic (HTyr/Tyr) extra virgin olive oil (HP-EVOO), extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), or refined olive oil (ROO) for a period of 26 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and post-intervention to assess key biomarkers. Plasma levels of (poly)phenols, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (FRAP), lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity (LCAT), and serum paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity were measured. A total of 34 individuals completed the study (mean age: 74 years). Baseline characteristics, including sex, age, body mass index (BMI), weight, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, did not differ significantly between the two groups. A significant increase in both FRAP levels and PON-1 activity was observed in post-MI participants following HP-EVOO consumption compared to baseline (p = 0.014). No significant changes were observed in MDA levels, LCAT activity, or plasma (poly)phenols. These results indicate that HP-EVOO may enhance antioxidant capacity, particularly FRAP and PON-1 activity, in elderly post-MI individuals. The observed differences between groups suggest that underlying cardiometabolic status may influence the response to olive oil phenolic compounds. Further studies are needed to explore the long-term cardiovascular effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Postprandial hyperglycemia is a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, even in healthy individuals. Kanzaki mulberry leaf and water chestnut tea (MW tea), a blend of mulberry (Morus alba) leaves and water chestnut (Trapa japonica) leaves and husks, is rich in polyphenols and 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) and may suppress postprandial glucose spikes, but evidence regarding its short-term daily intake is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the postprandial glycemic response and safety of two-week MW tea consumption using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover trial involving 31 participants. Each intervention period lasted two weeks, separated by a one-week washout. Participants consumed either MW tea or a placebo before meals. Interstitial glucose levels were measured every 15 min using CGM. Postprandial glucose responses were recorded every 15 min for 180 min after a standardized meal on the first day of each period. The primary outcome was the coefficient of variation (CV) in glucose levels, calculated using data from the central 10 days of each intervention period. Safety was assessed using CGM-derived hypoglycemia metrics and blood test results. Results: The CV of glucose levels during the MW tea period was significantly lower than during the placebo period (mean difference: 0.02, p = 0.0006). A significant reduction in 1 h postprandial glucose area under the curve was also observed. No significant differences were found in hypoglycemia occurrence, liver/renal/inflammatory markers, or self-reported adverse symptoms. Notably, 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) levels significantly increased during MW tea intake, suggesting improved glycemic control. Conclusions: Short-term consumption of Kanzaki MW tea effectively suppressed postprandial glucose variability without safety concerns. These findings support MW tea as a promising natural supplement for glycemic management and the prevention of diabetes. Full article

The consumption of low-alcohol fermented beverages has been related to cardiovascular health improvements. Although the underlying mechanism is not completely understood, (poly)phenols have been proposed as one of the mediators. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a controlled intervention with beer on (poly)phenols metabolism in individuals with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS). 20 participants (MetS and control) who consumed a standardized amount of beer during 6 weeks were recruited. Phenolic compounds were assessed in urine. Different changes in phenolic compounds associated with chronic beer consumption were found, particularly related to hesperetin conjugates and to the degradation of phenolic compounds derived from flavonoids and lignans. Noteworthily, MetS and control participants differed in baseline urine phenolic compound profiles and in their metabolization. Significant differences were found in the production and excretion of key (poly)phenols-derived metabolites, such as increased naringenin phase II conjugates in healthy subjects, or increased bacterial flavonoid catabolites. Certain relationships were observed between the phenolic compounds with metabolic and anthropometric variables. These findings suggest that beer-derived (poly)phenols are differentially metabolized according to metabolic-health status, and that they may contribute to certain metabolic health benefits through the modulation of specific metabolic pathways. Full article

The study focused on the distribution of polyphenolic compounds, iridoids, organic acids, and sugars, as well as in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiproliferation, and antibacterial potential, and physicochemical properties between the skin and flesh of 10 haskap berry (Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica Sevast.) cultivars. It was found that the content of individual bioactive compounds significantly depended on the fruit cultivar and the analyzed morphological part. Anthocyanins, kaempferol derivatives and iridoids dominated in the skin, which significantly correlated with most of the analyzed health-promoting properties. In turn, the flesh showed a higher content of quercetin derivatives, sugars and organic acids. No differences were found in the content of phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols and antibacterial activity. The most beneficial properties were shown for the cultivar (cv.) ‘Honeybee’. The study suggests that haskap fruit skin is a valuable raw material for use in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Full article