Search Results (401)

Coffee silverskin (CS), a by-product generated during coffee roasting, contains high levels of xylan hemicellulose and protein, making it a promising substrate for functional ingredient production. This study developed an integrated bioprocess to simultaneously produce bioactive peptides and xylooligosaccharides (CS-XOS) from CS. Conventional alkaline extraction (CAE) under optimized conditions (1.0 M NaOH, 90 °C, 30 min) yielded 80.64 mg of protein per gram of CS and rendered the solid residue suitable for XOS production. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the extracted protein using protease_SE5 generated low-molecular-weight peptides (0.302 ± 0.01 mg/mL), including FLGY, FYDTYY, and FDYGKY. These peptides were non-toxic, exhibited in vitro antioxidant activity (0–50%), and showed ACE-inhibitory activities of 60%, 26%, and 79%, and DPP-IV-inhibitory activities of 19%, 18%, and 0%, respectively. Concurrently, the alkaline-treated CS solid residue (ACSS) was hydrolyzed using recombinant endo-xylanase, yielding 52.5 ± 0.08 mg of CS-XOS per gram of ACSS. The CS-XOS exhibited prebiotic effects by enhancing the growth of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (μ_max 0.100–0.122 h⁻¹), comparable to commercial XOS. This integrated bioprocess eliminates the need for separate processing lines, enhances resource efficiency, and provides a sustainable strategy for valorizing agro-industrial waste. The co-produced peptides and CS-XOS offer significant potential as functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals. Full article

Introduction. Larvae of the insect Hermetia illucens can represent an alternative source for low-molecular-weight chitosan (CS) production compared with CS from crustaceans (CS_crustac), making it appealing in terms of pharmaceutical applications. Hence, the performances of CS_larvae and CS_crustac were compared herein by investigating the in vitro features of nanoparticles (NPs) made from each polysaccharide and administered with the antioxidant quercetin (QUE). Methods. X-ray diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy enabled the identification of each type of CS. Following the ionic gelation technique and using sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin as a cross-linking agent, NPs were easily obtained. Results. Physicochemical data, release studies in PBS, and the evaluation of antioxidant effects via the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test were studied for both CS_larvae and CS_crustac. QUE-loaded NP sizes ranged from 180 to 547 nm, and zeta potential values were between +7.5 and +39.3 mV. In vitro QUE release in PBS was faster from QUE-CS_larvae NPs than from CS_crustac, and high antioxidant activity—according to the DPPH test—was observed for all tested NP formulations. Discussion. The agar diffusion assay, referring to Escherichia coli and Micrococcus flavus, as well as the microdilution assay, showed the best performance as antimicrobial formulations in the case of QUE-CS_larvae NPs. QUE-CS_larvae NPs can represent a promising vehicle for QUE, releasing it in a sustained manner, and, relevantly, the synergism noticed between QUE and CS_larvae resulted in a final antimicrobial product. Conclusions. New perspectives for low-molecular-weight CS are disclosed by adopting renewable sources from insects instead of the commercial CS_crustac. Full article

This study investigated the immunonutritional potential of high-molecular-weight (Mw~85 kDa), non-degraded chitosan (NCS) and gamma-radiation-degraded, low-molecular-weight chitosan (RCS) incorporated into aquafeeds for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). RCS was produced by γ-irradiation (10 kGy) in the presence of 0.25% (w/v) H₂O₂, yielding low-viscosity, colloidally stable nanoparticles with Mw ranging from 10 to 13 kDa. Five diets were formulated: a control, NCS at 0.50%, and RCS at 0.025%, 0.050%, and 0.075%. No adverse effects on growth were observed, confirming safety. Immune gene expression (e.g., ifng1, nfκb, tnf), antioxidant markers (e.g., reduced MDA, increased GSH and GR), and nonspecific humoral responses (lysozyme, IgM, and bactericidal activity) were significantly enhanced in the NCS-0.50, RCS-0.050, and RCS-0.075 groups. Notably, these benefits were achieved with RCS at 10-fold lower concentrations than NCS. Following challenge with Edwardsiella tarda, fish fed RCS-0.050 and RCS-0.075 diets exhibited the highest survival rates and relative percent survival, highlighting robust activation of innate and adaptive immunity alongside redox defense. These results support the use of low-Mw RCS as a biologically potent, cost-effective alternative to traditional high-Mw chitosan in functional aquafeeds. RCS-0.050 and RCS-0.075 show strong potential as immunonutritional agents to enhance fish health and disease resistance in aquaculture. Full article

This study explores the valorization of agro-industrial by-products—riceberry broken rice (RBR) and soybean meal (SBM)—as cost-effective substrates for enhancing exopolysaccharide (EPS) production by Bacillus tequilensis PS21. Eight Bacillus strains were screened, and B. tequilensis PS21 demonstrated the highest EPS yield (2.54 g/100 mL DW). The EPS displayed a strong antioxidant capacity with 65.5% DPPH and 80.5% hydroxyl radical scavenging, and a FRAP value of 6.51 mg Fe²⁺/g DW. Antimicrobial testing showed inhibition zones up to 10.07 mm against Streptococcus agalactiae and 7.83 mm against Staphylococcus aureus. Optimization using central composite design (CCD) and the response surface methodology (RSM) revealed the best production at 5% (w/v) RBR, 3% (w/v) SBM, pH 6.66, and 39.51 °C, yielding 39.82 g/L EPS. This EPS is a moderate-molecular-weight (11,282 Da) homopolysaccharide with glucose monomers. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed an amorphous pattern, favorable for solubility in biological applications. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated thermal stability up to ~250 °C, supporting its suitability for high-temperature processing. EPS also exhibited anticancer activity with IC₅₀ values of 226.60 µg/mL (MCF-7) and 224.30 µg/mL (HeLa) at 72 h, reduced colony formation, inhibited cell migration, and demonstrated anti-tyrosinase, anti-collagenase, and anti-elastase effects. This study demonstrates the successful valorization of agro-industrial by-products—RBR and SBM—for the high-yield production of multifunctional EPS with potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. The findings highlight the sustainable potential of these low-cost substrates in supporting the development of green and value-added bioproducts, with promising utilizations across the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Full article

Incorporating health-promoting resveratrol into food products is challenging, primarily due to its poor solubility. Covalent conjugation is a promising, low-energy, and environmentally friendly strategy to overcome this limitation. This study compared the effectiveness of free radical grafting and alkaline methods for covalently conjugating whey protein isolate (WPI) with resveratrol. Conjugates were evaluated for molecular weight, structural characteristics, functional properties, and antioxidant activities. Both methods yielded conjugates with enhanced solubility relative to native resveratrol, with fold increases from 7.6 to 21.7 for the free radical grafting and from 8.1 to 23.6 for the alkaline method. Conjugates prepared via free radical grafting exhibited greater increases in molecular weight (10–100 kDa range), higher resveratrol incorporation (up to 17.6%), and superior functional properties compared to the alkaline conjugates (p < 0.05). Specifically, emulsifying activity, foaming capacity, and foaming stability improved by up to 64.7%, 45.8%, and 220.9%, respectively, compared to WPI. The antioxidant activities of the free radical grafting conjugates were 1.3- to 3.6-fold higher than those of alkaline conjugates. These findings highlight free radical grafting of WPI as a promising approach for incorporating resveratrol and improving the functionality of protein-based ingredients in functional food products. Full article

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation drives skin photodamage, prompting exploration of natural therapeutics. This study investigated the reparative effects and mechanisms of crude Gastrodia elata polysaccharides (GP) on UVB-induced acute skin damage. GP was extracted from fresh G. elata via water extraction and alcohol precipitation. It is a homogeneous polysaccharide with a weight-average molecular weight of 808.863 kDa, comprising Ara, Glc, Fru, and GalA. Histopathological analysis revealed that topical application of GP on the dorsal skin of mice effectively restored normal physiological structure, suppressing epidermal hyperplasia and collagen degradation. Biochemical assays showed that GP significantly reduced the activities of MPO and MDA following UVB exposure while restoring the enzymatic activities of SOD and GSH, thereby mitigating oxidative stress. Moreover, GP treatment markedly upregulated the anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β and IL-10 and downregulated the pro-inflammatory mediators IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, suggesting robust anti-inflammatory effects. Transcriptomics revealed dual-phase mechanisms: Early repair (day 5) involved GP-mediated suppression of hyper inflammation and accelerated necrotic tissue clearance via pathway network modulation. Late phase (day 18) featured enhanced anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue regeneration processes through energy-sufficient, low-inflammatory pathway networks. Through a synergistic response involving antioxidation, anti-inflammation, promotion of collagen synthesis, and acceleration of skin barrier repair, GP achieves comprehensive repair of UVB-induced acute skin damage. Our findings not only establish GP as a potent natural alternative to synthetic photoprotective agents but also reveal novel pathway network interactions governing polysaccharide-mediated skin regeneration. Full article

Muscle aging and atrophy in the elderly are closely associated with increased oxidative stress in muscle tissue. Bioactive peptides derived from protein hydrolysates have emerged as promising functional ingredients for alleviating sarcopenia due to their antioxidant properties and enrichment in essential amino acids. In a preliminary screening, mackerel protein hydrolysate (MPH) showed notable protective effects in a myotube atrophy model. This study evaluated the anti-atrophic potential of MPHs produced using different enzymes in H₂O₂-treated C2C12 myotubes. Among five hydrolysates, the alcalase-derived hydrolysate (MHA) demonstrated the most potent effects in maintaining myotube diameter, restoring myosin heavy chain (MYH) expression, and downregulating the atrophy-related genes MAFbx and MuRF1. Mechanistically, MHA activated the Akt/FoxO signaling pathway and inhibited NF-κB activation, thereby reducing muscle protein degradation. Additionally, MHA significantly lowered intracellular ROS levels and showed strong direct antioxidant activity. Amino acid and molecular weight profiling revealed high levels of essential amino acids and low-molecular-weight peptides, suggesting a synergistic contribution to its bioactivity. These findings suggest that MHA is a promising food-derived functional material with anti-atrophic and antioxidant properties and may be useful in preventing or managing age-related muscle loss such as sarcopenia, warranting further preclinical validation. Full article

In this study, we designed an injectable skin-rejuvenating formulation based on polyethylene glycol–polycaprolactone–polyethylene glycol (PEG-PCL-PEG) copolymers to provide a synergistic combination of biocompatibility, antioxidative capacity, and regenerative potential. Through the systematic optimization of the precursor molar ratio and molecular weight, well-defined PEG-PCL-PEG copolymers were synthesized and structurally characterized using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. An optimized precipitation and drying protocol effectively reduced residual solvents, as confirmed by gas chromatography (GC). Idebenone was incorporated as an antioxidant to prevent skin aging, while hyaluronic acid (HA), L-arginine, and glycerin were included to promote collagen regeneration. In vitro assays demonstrated that idebenone-loaded samples exhibited prolonged intracellular antioxidant activity with low cytotoxicity. The collagen-promoting formulation, containing HA, glycerin, and L-arginine, enhanced the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and type III collagen (COL3) while suppressing inflammatory genes, suggesting a favorable environment for extracellular matrix remodeling. In vivo evaluation corroborated these outcomes, showing angiogenesis, collagen reorganization, and progressive dermal thickness. Histological analysis further confirmed sustained matrix regeneration and tissue integration. These results highlight the potential of PEG-PCL-PEG-based injectables as a multifunctional platform for collagen regeneration, offering a promising strategy for both cosmetic and clinical applications. Full article

Objectives: The compound 3-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) propionic acid (HMPA) is a terminal metabolite derived from polyphenol compounds. It has been studied for its potential to support brain health indirectly through its anti-oxidant effects and ability to enhance the gut environment; however, its role in dementia pathogenesis is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate how HMPA inhibits Aβ42 aggregation in vitro. Methods: We examined the inhibitory effects of HMPA on amyloid-β protein (Aβ) aggregation using a thioflavin T (ThT) assay and electron microscopy (EM). Results: ThT assays demonstrated that HMPA inhibited both the nucleation and elongation phases of Aβ aggregation. Additionally, EM of low-molecular-weight (LMW) Aβ42 in the presence of HMPA demonstrated shorter fibrils compared to those formed without HMPA. The EC₅₀ of HMPA in LMW Aβ42 was 5–6 mM. Conclusions: These findings indicate that, similar to several polyphenol compounds such as myricetin and rosmarinic acid, HMPA may inhibit Aβ pathogenesis, although it requires a fairly high concentration in vitro. These findings suggest the potential of HMPA as a lead compound for modulating Aβ-related neurodegeneration. Full article

Olive mill wastewater (OMW), a byproduct of the olive oil industry, is a potential source of natural bioactive phenolic polymers. In this work, a column chromatography technique was used for the isolation of a new complex polymer (named OMW-2000XAD) from OMW via fractionation on Amberlite^® XAD16 resin. The developed procedure was simple and proved to be reproducible using OMW from two different sources. OMW-2000XAD was further characterized by elemental, glycosidic, and amino acid composition analysis, as well as spectroscopic techniques. The polymer’s molecular size, which was estimated via gel filtration chromatography, was 1960 kDa, which is significantly larger than other high-molecular weight fractions previously isolated from OMW or other agro-industrial wastes. OMW-2000XAD was mainly composed of phenolic compounds (89.8%). It also contained polysaccharides (16.1%) and proteins (10.3%), with glucose (12.25%) and cysteine (1.71%) being the most abundant sugar and amino acid, respectively, as well as metals (1.29%, primarily potassium). However, due to its low solubility, complexity, and heterogeneous composition, it was not possible to identify all phenolic compounds or elucidate a definitive structure via MS, FTIR, and NMR. OMW-2000XAD exhibited strong radical scavenging antioxidant capacity (ABTS^•+, DPPH^• and peroxyl radicals), with results up to 7415 µmol Trolox equivalent/mol (ORAC method), but showed no antiproliferative effects, highlighting the need for further research. Full article

The growing demand for nutraceuticals has driven interest in upcycling low-value proteins from processed animal by-products and insect larvae into functional protein hydrolysates. This study evaluated five such hydrolysates in comparison to a high-value commercial reference (CPSP90), assessing the proximate composition, amino acid profile, molecular weight distribution, antioxidant activity, and bacterial growth dynamics. Results revealed a wide variability in the composition and bioactivity, driven by the raw material and processing conditions. All hydrolysates displayed a medium to high crude protein content (55.1–89.5% DM), with SHARK being the most protein-rich. SHARK and SWINE hydrolysates were particularly rich in collagenic amino acids, while FISH and CPSP90 contained higher levels of essential amino acids. FISH and INSECT demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activity, with INSECT also showing the highest protein solubility. INSECT and SWINE further displayed mild, selective antibacterial effects, indicating a potential for disease mitigation. Conversely, SHARK and FISH supported opportunistic bacteria growth, suggesting a potential use as nitrogen sources in microbial media. These findings highlight the nutritional and functional versatility of animal-derived protein hydrolysates and support their integration into sustainable feed strategies within a circular bioeconomy. Full article

Extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall significantly reduce surface salinity in coastal waters, presenting considerable challenges to the aquaculture of Japanese scallops (Mizuhopecten yessoensis) in shallow cage systems. This study investigated the effects of chronic low-salinity stress on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and gene expression profile of M. yessoensis using a 60-day salinity gradient experiment. S33 represents the control treatment with normal seawater salinity (33‰), while S30, S28, and S26 represent experimental groups with progressively lower salinities of 30‰, 28‰, and 26‰, respectively. A decline in salinity was accompanied by an increase in oxygen consumption. The S26 group exhibited a higher ammonia excretion rate (2.73 μg/g·h) than other groups, indicating intensified nitrogen metabolism. Growth was inhibited under low-salinity conditions. The S33 group exhibited greater weight gain (16.7%) and shell growth (8.4%) compared to the S26 group (11.6% and 6%), which also showed a substantially higher mortality rate (46%) compared to the control (13%). At 28‰, antioxidant enzyme activities (T-AOC, SOD, CAT, POD) were elevated, indicating a moderate level of stress. However, at the lowest salinity (26‰), these indicators decreased, reflecting the exhaustion of the antioxidant systems and indicating that the mollusks’ adaptive capacity had been exceeded, leading to a state of stress fatigue. NAD-MDH activity was elevated in the S26 group, reflecting enhanced aerobic metabolism under stress. Transcriptome analysis revealed 564 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the S33 and S26 groups. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these DEGs were mainly associated with immune and stress response pathways, including NF-κB, TNF, apoptosis, and Toll/Imd signaling. These genes are involved in key metabolic processes, such as alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. Genes such as GADD45, ATF4, TRAF3, and XBP1 were upregulated, contributing to stress repair and antioxidant responses. Conversely, the expressions of CASP3, IKBKA, BIRC2/3, and LBP were downregulated, potentially mitigating apoptosis and inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that M. yessoensis adapts to chronic low-salinity stress through the activation of antioxidant systems, modulation of immune responses, and suppression of excessive apoptosis. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying salinity adaptation in bivalves and offers valuable references for scallop aquaculture and selective breeding programs. Full article

The search for sustainable and health-promoting food sources has increased interest in edible insects, which are rich in proteins and bioactive compounds with potential nutraceutical applications. In this study, we evaluated the bioactive properties of protein hydrolysates derived from Aegiale hesperiaris (maguey white worm, WW) and Comadia redtenbacheri (maguey red worm, RW), two culturally and economically significant insect species in Mexico. Hydrolysates were obtained via enzymatic treatments: either single hydrolysis with pepsin (PH) or sequential hydrolysis with pepsin followed by trypsin (PTH). The PTH hydrolysates exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical inhibition above 90% and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity between 75–85%. Additionally, they showed significant angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, reaching IC₅₀ values of 0.35 and 0.017 $\mathsf{\mu }$g/mL for WWPH and RWPH, respectively—the latter outperforming the commercial drug Enalapril (IC₅₀ = 0.11 $\mathsf{\mu }$g/mL). SDS-PAGE analysis revealed low molecular weight peptides (<10 kDa), especially between 5–9 kDa, associated with enhanced bioactivity. Peptides from RW also showed low Hill coefficients, suggesting a gradual and sustained interaction with ACE. These findings support the use of insect-derived hydrolysates as promising multifunctional ingredients for the development of functional foods targeting cardiovascular health. Full article

(1) Background: Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.) are underutilized legumes rich in nutrients; however, they are limited by the presence of antinutritional content. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a low-cost germination treatment on the nutritional composition, antinutrient content, and digestibility of whole lima beans. (2) Methods: unlike previous studies focused on common legumes or isolated proteins, this work adopted a whole-seed approach and integrated multiple parameters to provide a comprehensive evaluation. (3) Results: The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents increased significantly, by 215.57 mg GAE/g and 71.84 mg RE/g, respectively, at 72 h of germination (p < 0.05). Antioxidant activity nearly doubled compared to raw beans, while the tannins and phytic acid content decreased significantly (p < 0.05). SDS-PAGE showed that germination enhanced digestibility by breaking down high-molecular-weight proteins into smaller fragments (15–30 kDa). Notably, samples germinated for 12–48 h showed higher digestibility after 2–3 h of limited proteolysis. (4) Conclusions: these findings indicate that germination effectively reduces antinutritional factors and improves digestibility, making processed lima beans a promising nutrient-dense ingredient for food formulations. Full article

Iron deficiency is a global health issue, making the development of novel iron supplements to enhance iron absorption critically important. In this study, low molecular weight donkey-hide gelatin peptides (LMW DHGP) were enzymatically hydrolyzed from donkey-hide gelatin. Experimental results demonstrated that the iron chelating capacity of LMW DHGP reached 249.98 μg/mg. Key amino acids (Asn, Gly, Cys, Lys) may participate in chelation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed rough, porous amorphous structures of LMW DHGP-iron complexes. The results of circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD) indicated that the self-assembly of LMW DHGP-iron complexes appears to be primarily mediated by peptide α-helical structural conformations. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy further indicated that the interaction between LWM DHGP and Fe²⁺ likely occurs through carboxyl and amino functional groups. In vitro digestion stability studies demonstrated that LMW DHGP-iron complexes exhibited superior iron ion solubility compared to FeSO₄ in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. PGPAG-iron complexes exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with scavenging rates of 71.64% (DPPH radical) and 88.79% (ABTS radical). These findings collectively suggest that LMW DHGP-iron complexes possess significant potential as a novel iron supplement in food applications, which provides valuable theoretical insights for the development of innovative iron supplementation strategies. Full article