Search Results (853)

The biomass and lipid production responses of the psychrophilic marine thraustochytrid Thraustochytrium sp. RT2316-16 were assessed in chemically defined media comprising glucose, up to 17 amino acids and up to 9 B-vitamins and mineral salts. Compared to the control medium with all amino acids and B-vitamins (biomass concentration: 7.1 ± 0.1 g L⁻¹; total lipid content: 30.4 ± 0.5% of the DW), the growth of RT2316-16 was reduced by more than 50% in the medium that lacked cyanocobalamin or pyridoxamine. The total lipid content of the biomass grown in the absence of vitamins was 63% lower than in the biomass produced in the control medium. The composition of the B-vitamin mixture modulated the fatty acid composition, an effect that may have been related to the availability of dissolved oxygen. In bioreactor culture with the dissolved oxygen level controlled to ≥10% of air saturation, the microorganism consumed all 17 amino acids; 8 of the amino acids were fully consumed within a 0–33 h period, in which the specific growth rate was 0.065 h⁻¹. Under these culture conditions, the sum of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in the total fatty acid content rose from 15% (at time 0) to 54% (after 95 h). A medium that contained the 9 amino acids that were not preferentially consumed favored the accumulation of total lipids, but reduced biomass growth. Full article

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are ubiquitous pollutants with reported endocrine-disruption and multiplex toxic activities in a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. In the present review, the molecular and physiological effects of phthalate exposure on invertebrates, as well as less characterized vertebrates such as amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, are thoroughly examined. PAEs induce a series of adverse effects, such as reproductive toxicity, oxidative stress, immune system impairment, and neuroendocrine disruption. The effects can extensively vary depending on the species, developmental stage, and environmental conditions, ranging from impaired hormone signaling, developmental malformations, and thyroid impairment in amphibians and reptiles to lipid metabolism disturbances and epigenetic changes in mammals. This review will place particular emphasis on transgenerational effects, mixture toxicity, and chronic low-level exposure. By integrating evidence from in vivo, in vitro, and omics studies, this review defines areas of knowledge gaps and the necessity to integrate these taxa in integrated ecological risk assessments, as well as regulatory policy. Full article

This study evaluated the potential of cactus berry (C) (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) and red prickly pear (P) (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill.) powder mixtures as natural colourants and antioxidants in chicken batters and sausages made with White Striping (WS) breast meat. The colour and antioxidant activity (AA) of the individual powders and their mixtures–CP (75%C + 25%P), PC (75%P + 25%C), and MCP (50%C + 50%P) were characterised. The mixtures were then incorporated into batters and sausages and compared with controls with and without nitrites. Aqueous extracts of C and P showed the highest total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, showing 7- to 8.5-fold increases over ethanolic extracts. Among the mixtures, PC exhibited the greatest AA, approximately twice that of the others in DPPH^•, ABTS^•+, and FRAP assays. In raw batters and cooked sausages, the mixtures enhanced AA and redness, with PC showing the strongest effects. Additionally, MCP maintained the most stable AA and colour for 28 days (1.5 °C). All mixtures also reduced lipid oxidation (TBARS < 1.75 mg MDA/kg) and prevented colour deterioration, achieving performance comparable to nitrites. Overall, C and P mixtures act as effective natural antioxidants and colour enhancers, offering an alternative to synthetic additives for improving the oxidative stability of WS-affected poultry sausages. Full article

Antioxidants, especially lipophilic antioxidants, absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation and protect human skin from radicals that lead to oxidation reactions. The differences in the protective effects of carotenoids and α-tocopherol against UV radiation and the possible enhanced effects by the polar antioxidants, vitamin C and Trolox, need further investigation. Therefore, malondialdehyde was analyzed as a biomarker for lipid oxidation using the Thiobarbituric Acid-Assay (TBA-Assay) in liposomes irradiated with UV-C, UV-B, and UV-A radiation (254 nm, 320 nm, and 360 nm). In addition, antioxidant degradation was analyzed using HPLC with a diode array or fluorescence detector. The lipophilic antioxidants differ in their effect mainly due to their polarity and the associated different localization in the lipid bilayer. No pro-oxidative effect was observed at antioxidant concentrations close to saturation. The antioxidant effect was low at small concentrations, mainly due to aggregation of the antioxidants. The protective effect at higher antioxidant concentrations increased from up to 25–72% under UV-C, over 59–77% under UV-B, to 77–86% under UV-A radiation. Vitamin C proved to be 2–40 times less effective depending on the wavelength and the lipophilic antioxidant. Mixtures of lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants showed partially additive or synergistic effects. This appears to be dependent on concentration and ratio. Full article

The sustainable extraction of microalgal lipids represents a critical step toward the valorization of biomass for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and biofuel applications. In this study, a microwave-assisted extraction approach using a biocompatible ionic liquid (IL), [N_{1 1 2OH 2OH}][C₆H₁₁O₂], was investigated for lipid recovery from Chlorella vulgaris. Conventional methods (Soxhlet, Folch, and Bligh & Dyer) were first evaluated for benchmarking. Optimization of microwave power, extraction time, and algae-to-IL mass ratio demonstrated that a 1:8 (m/m) ratio under 5 min and 750 W microwave pretreatment achieved the highest lipid yield, with 10.61 ± 0.39% lipids recovered from the supernatant alone. Subsequent extraction of the pretreated biomass using an environmentally benign solvent mixture (ethyl acetate/ethanol, 1:1 v/v) raised the total lipid recovery to 14.29 ± 0.75%, surpassing Soxhlet extraction with chloroform/methanol (13.04 ± 0.16%). Importantly, the IL was efficiently recovered (≈85%) and reused without significant loss of performance or structural integrity, as confirmed by NMR, DSC, and FTIR analyses. The combined process yielded up to 42.56 ± 0.64 mg FAMEs/g algae, comparable to conventional Soxhlet extraction but with superior environmental compatibility. The relative distribution of FAMEs (in weight percent, wt%) was as follows: C16:2 trans 6.05%, C16:3 trans 13.99%, C16:1 cis 1.85%, C16:1 trans 0.82%, C16:0 16.72%, C18:2 cis 13.74%, C18:3 trans + C18:1 cis + C18:2 trans 26.91%, C18:1 trans 1.67% and C18:0 3.61%. These findings demonstrate that microwave-assisted extraction with choline-based ILs offers an efficient, recyclable, and greener alternative for lipid and fatty acid recovery from microalgae. Full article

Nitrated monoaromatic hydrocarbons (NMAHs) are emerging air pollutants commonly found in biomass burning (BB) and anthropogenic aerosols (AA). Despite their frequent deposition into aquatic systems, their ecotoxicity is still poorly understood. This study evaluates the toxicity of BB and AA aerosol extracts and their main NMAH constituents (nitrocatechols, nitrophenols, and nitrosalicylic acids) using in vitro (cellular uptake, cytotoxicity) and in vivo (algal growth inhibition, zebrafish embryo development) bioassays. Polar aerosol extracts showed higher toxicity than nonpolar ones, with stronger interaction via zebrafish organic anion Oatp1d1 than organic cation Oct1 transporter, indicating selective uptake. NMAHs and their relevant mixtures showed similar toxicity patterns as BB water extract, so NMAHs were identified as contributors to aerosol toxicity. Nitrocatechols stand out for their toxicity, showing the highest chronic toxicity in algae (IC₅₀: 0.6–1.1 mg/L) and acute cytotoxicity in fish cells (IC₅₀: 2.0–4.1 mg/L), possibly because they dominated the NMAHs composition of aerosols (BB: 80.6%; AA: 79.8%). Sublethal NMAH concentrations caused developmental disorders and altered lipid homeostasis in zebrafish embryos, indicating early physiological stress on higher organisms. These findings reveal NMAHs as significant ecotoxic components of BB and AA emissions which may pose an increasing threat to aquatic ecosystems following atmospheric deposition. Full article

The influence of different lipid blends on the physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of short dough biscuits was investigated in comparison with a conventional formulation containing palm oil. Six different lipid matrices were employed: palm oil, butter, high-oleic sunflower oil, butter/extra virgin olive oil, butter/high-oleic sunflower oil, and a coconut/sunflower oil mixture. Biscuits were analyzed for fatty acid composition, sterols, tocols, oxidative stability, texture, and sensory attributes. The results showed a variability in the lipid composition. In particular, formulations containing high-oleic sunflower oil and its blends exhibited higher monounsaturated fatty acids and α-tocopherol, while coconut-based samples displayed greater saturated fatty acids and an improved oxidative stability. Butter-containing biscuits had the highest sterol concentration, mainly cholesterol. Textural and sensory evaluations revealed how the lipid fraction significantly affected crispiness, friability, and flavour perception. Biscuits formulated with high-oleic sunflower oil or butter achieved desirable structural and sensory properties, while the coconut/sunflower oil sample obtained the highest overall acceptability. The findings demonstrate that replacing palm oil with selected lipid blends can produce biscuits with an improved lipid quality and oxidative stability and satisfactory sensory performance, contributing to healthier and more sustainable bakery products. Full article

In response to the increasing consumer demand for healthier diets and the needs of individuals with gluten intolerance, chestnut flour (CF) emerges as a valuable unconventional ingredient for sustainable and functional nutrition. This study evaluated the nutritional, phytochemical, and functional properties of gluten-free biscuits formulated with whole rice flour (RF), CF, and their mixtures, where RF was replaced by CF at 0% (control), 10%, 30%, 70%, 90%, and 100% (w/w). In addition, in the 50% CF formulation, 5% of RF was substituted with fruit powders rich in phenolic compounds and recognized as fortifying agents, such as chokeberry (CP), açaí (AP), and blueberry (BP). Proximate composition, macro- and microelement content, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays) were determined for the individual flours, composite flours, fruit powders, and biscuit formulations. Structural characteristics were assessed using Small- and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS) analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Results showed that CF incorporation enhanced both the nutritional and functional profile of flours and biscuits, increasing protein, fiber, lipid, and mineral contents while reducing carbohydrates, and improving TPC, TFC, DPPH, and FRAP values. Fortification with 5% CP, AP, or BP further boosted the phytochemical content of the biscuits, with the chokeberry-enriched sample exhibiting the highest TPC (348.88 mg GAE/100 g d.s.), TFC (253.82 mg QE/100 g d.s.), DPPH (50.36%), and FRAP (21.07 μM Fe²⁺/g d.s.). The combination of 50% CF and 5% CP provided dual benefits, significant bioactive enrichment alongside the preservation of desirable technological properties. Complementary SAXS/WAXS and FTIR analyses indicated that CF and fruit powders enhanced molecular interactions and matrix cohesion, which may contribute to improved texture and antioxidant potential of the biscuits. Overall, this formulation offers a promising and practical approach to developing functional gluten-free biscuits with enhanced nutritional, phytochemical, functional, and structural characteristics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Epalrestat (EPL), an aldose reductase inhibitor, exhibits poor aqueous solubility and limited ocular bioavailability, which significantly restricts its therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. To overcome these limitations, a novel nanostructured lipid carrier (NLCs)-laden contact lens system was developed to achieve sustained and enhanced ocular delivery of EPL. Methods: In this study EPL-loaded NLCs were prepared using Compritol^® 888 ATO (solid lipid), Labrafac™ WL 1349 (liquid lipid), and Solutol^® HS 15 (surfactant) using high-speed homogenization method. The formulations were statistically optimized using a D-optimal mixture design, considering globule size (Y₁), swelling index (Y₂), and drug release at 6 h (Y₃) as key responses. The optimized NLCs were incorporated into contact lenses via the soaking technique and evaluated for physicochemical properties, drug content, in vitro release, ex vivo corneal permeability, and in vivo ocular tolerance. Results: The optimized NLCs formulation showed a globule size of 41.85 ± 2.14 nm, zeta potential of −20.3 ± 1.8 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 93.32 ± 1.27%, indicating excellent physical stability with high drug encapsulation. The swelling index of the optimized NLCs-laden contact lens was 140.69 ± 4.32%, and the optical transmittance was 80.54 ± 1.12%, confirming adequate hydration and transparency for ocular use. The drug content was 96.32 ± 0.84%, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the hydrogel matrix. In vitro release studies demonstrated a sustained drug release of 98.12 ± 2.08% over 24 h, whereas ex vivo corneal permeation indicated significantly higher permeation (97.26 ± 1.95% at 6 h) compared with the control contact lens (38.14 ± 2.41% at 5 h). The in vivo Draize test confirmed that both blank and drug-loaded contact lenses were non-irritating and biocompatible. Conclusions: Thus, the optimized EPL NLCs-laden contact lens demonstrated enhanced corneal permeation, prolonged drug retention, and excellent ocular safety, offering a promising advancement in the management of diabetic retinopathy by improving bioavailability, reducing dosing frequency, and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Full article

In this study, two native microalgae, Chlorella sp. MC18 (CH) and Scenedesmus sp. MJ23-R (SC) were cultivated in bubble column photobioreactors for wastewater treatment. Domestic wastewater (DWW) was used as the main culture medium, alone (100%) and blended (10%) with vinasse, whey, or agro-food waste (AFW), respectively. Both species thrived in 100% DWW, achieving significantly high removal efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. Mineral removal exceeded 90% in all blended systems, highlighting the strong nutrient uptake capacity of both strains. The maximum specific growth rate (µ_max) in 100% DWW was higher for SC than in standard BG11 medium, and supplementation with vinasse, whey, or AFW further increased µ_max for both species. Blending DWW significantly enhanced microalgal biomass and lipid production compared to 100% DWW. Lipid production (max., 374 mg L⁻¹), proximate lipid composition (max., 30.4%), and lipid productivity (max., 52.9 mg L⁻¹ d⁻¹) significantly increased in all supplemented cultures relative to DWW alone, demonstrating the potential of co-substrate supplementation to optimize microalgal cultivation. This study contributes to reducing the water footprint and fills a gap in the bioprocessing potential of algae-based systems, highlighting wastewater blending as a circular economy-aligned approach that supports sustainable bioprocesses and resource recovery. Full article

The combination of rapeseed oil (RO) and hazelnut oil (HO) was selected to create a functional blend integrating two technologically complementary lipid matrices. RO is valued for its favorable fatty acid (FA) profile, particularly its low saturated FA content and the presence of essential polyunsaturated FAs, whereas HO is characterized by high monounsaturated FA levels and inherently greater resistance to oxidative deterioration. Blending these oils enables the formulation of mixtures that balance nutritional quality with improved physicochemical stability, without the need for chemical modification. Such an approach is relevant for applications requiring oils that retain desirable characteristics during storage and handling. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the quality characteristics, FA composition, triacylglycerol (TAG) structures, and oxidative stability of binary blends of RO and HO. Two commercial oils, as well as their blends in RO:HO volume ratios of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3, were tested. The samples were stored under two temperature conditions: 4 °C (refrigeration) and 20 °C (room temperature), and analyzed after two and four months of storage. Initial MUFA content ranged from approx. 61–74%, increasing with HO proportion, whereas PUFA levels decreased accordingly (from ~28% in RO to ~10% in HO-rich blends). The sn-2 TAG position was predominantly occupied by unsaturated FAs (>80%). Statistical analysis (p < 0.05) showed that both storage time and temperature significantly affected PV, while no significant differences were observed in the overall proportions of SFA, MUFA, and PUFA. Blends with a higher proportion of RO exhibited increased AVs, suggesting greater susceptibility to hydrolytic changes, whereas mixtures enriched in HO demonstrated superior oxidative stability, as reflected by significantly lower peroxide values (p < 0.05), which can be attributed to their lower PUFA content. The 1RO:3HO blend exhibited the most favorable balance between beneficial nutritional indices and stability against quality deterioration over the storage period. The results indicated that the formulation of balanced mixtures combining the favorable FA profile of RO with the oxidative resistance of HO represents a promising approach for obtaining oils with improved functional and nutritional properties. Full article

The lipid composition of the mycobint and photobiont symbiotic partners of lichenized ascomycetes varies greatly. The aim of this study was to compare the profile of the major sterols in two closely related lichens from the genus Lobaria with different photobionts. The three-component lichen Lobaria pulmonaria has two photobionts. While the main photobiont is the chlorophycean alga Symbiochloris reticulata, this lichen contains small amounts of the cyanobacterium Nostoc. By contrast, the cyanobacterium Nostoc is the main photobiont in Lobaria retigera. Relatively loosely bound sterols were extracted using a chloroform–methanol mixture, and subsequently, more tightly bound sterols by alkaline saponification. The initial chloroform–methanol extraction step indicated that ergosterol is the principal sterol in both species, with phytosterols constituting a minor fraction. However, the addition of an alkaline saponification step to the standard protocol of sterol extraction greatly increases the release of tightly bound phytosterols, such as campesterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol from L. pulmonaria, but not from L. retigera. Therefore, the mycobionts and Nostoc mainly possess sterols extractable by the standard mixture of chloroform/methanol, while the chlorophycean algal photobiont contains tightly bound sterols. This observation could be important when studying the roles of sterols in the stress tolerance of lichens. Full article

This study investigated the effects of octenyl succinate (OS) starches mixed with oleic acid on functional properties and potential use in edible films. Potato starches esterified with 1%, 3%, 5%, or 7% of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) were mixed with oleic acid. Degree of substitution (DS), hydrodynamic volume, and lipid content were measured to evaluate effectiveness of modification. Blank sample and modified starches were analyzed for water binding capacity, solubility, characteristic of gelatinization, pasting properties, and surface/interfacial tensions. Edible films were prepared from the obtained starches and tested for water vapor permeability, water binding capacity, and solubility. The complexation index increased linearly with DS. Oleic acid reduced water binding capacity and solubility, particularly at 80 °C, altered thermodynamic characteristic of gelatinization, decreased viscosities of OS starch pastes, and increased pasting temperatures by up to 20%. It also enhanced the surface tension lowering effect of OS starch and reduced water vapor permeability in films, especially at higher DS. Films from starch–oleic acid mixtures exhibited lower water binding capacity and solubility, notably in 5% and 7% OSA modified starch. Results show that oleic acid addition to OS starch markedly affect functional properties of starch, highlighting its potential for use in edible film applications. Full article

Biomimetic lipid platforms provide versatile tools for mimicking various types of biological membranes and enable investigation of how industrially important amphiphiles (e.g., permeation enhancers and surfactants) interact with different membrane compositions. For example, antimicrobial lipids such as medium-chain fatty acids (FAs) and monoglycerides (MGs) are promising antibiotic alternatives that disrupt bacterial membranes and their distinct mechanisms of action are a topic of ongoing interest. The potency and targeting spectrum of individual antimicrobial lipids vary and mixing different lipids can improve functional activities. Biophysical studies indicate that optimally tuned mixtures exhibit greater disruption of synthetic lipid bilayers; however, their activity against more complex bacterial membrane compositions is largely unexplored. Herein, we applied electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to investigate how two MG/FA pairs—composed of 10-carbon long monocaprin (MC) with capric acid (CA) and 12-carbon long glycerol monolaurate (GML) with lauric acid (LA)—disrupt tethered lipid bilayers composed of Escherichia coli bacterial lipids. While MC and CA individually inhibit E. coli, MC/CA mixtures at intermediate ratios displayed synergistic membrane-disruptive activity. Mechanistic studies showed that this synergistic activity depends on the MC/CA molar ratio rather than total lipid concentration. In contrast, GML/LA mixtures had weak membrane interactions across all tested ratios and lacked synergy, which is consistent with their low activity against E. coli. Together, the EIS results reveal that an effective disruption synergy against target membranes can arise from combining individually active antimicrobial lipids with distinct membrane-interaction profiles, laying the foundation to develop potent antimicrobial lipid formulations for tackling antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Full article

This report investigates the interaction between the metabolites of the highly virulent bacteria Salmonella enterica and RTGill-W1 cells, a cell line derived from rainbow trout gills. As a facultative intracellular pathogen, Salmonella enterica infects both animals and humans through many routes. Upon entering an organism it can cause severe infection and pathology, which is also influenced by the bacterial metabolites. Although no intracellular presence of the pathogen in the exposed cell line could be detected, a dose-dependent effect of the metabolites on the cell line was observed, as exposure to 5%, 10%, and 20% concentrations led to enhanced metabolic activity and increased cytoplasmic neutral lipid droplets accumulation, whereas the lower dosage of 2.5% induced a lower metabolic rate compared to control and no significant intracellular lipid accumulation. The combination of all of the metabolites might be speculated to have increased the metabolic rate and lipid droplet production at higher concentrations due to possessing a growth factor or an endocrine effect, or as a response to a toxin. This paper may be the first report investigating the effect of a complete bacterial metabolite mixture in cultured cells. Full article