Search Results (289)

The development of functional yogurt products enriched with plant-derived ingredients and biologically active compounds represents a promising strategy to improve the nutritional, probiotic, and antioxidant properties of fermented dairy foods. The aim of this study was to evaluate how plant-derived ingredients (whole-meal flour from sprouted wheat grain and a protein-rich functional ingredient derived from hemp press cake), used individually or in combination with curcumin- or ergosterol-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae biomass, influence the physicochemical, structural-mechanical, probiotic, antioxidant, and sensory characteristics of yogurt products. Two forms of yeast biomass were used as enrichment agents: one containing encapsulated curcumin and the other with a high ergosterol content. Milk mixtures were supplemented with yeast biomass containing 34.0 mg/g encapsulated curcumin or 10.55 mg/g ergosterol. Additionally, whole-meal flour from sprouted wheat grain or the hemp-derived protein ingredient was incorporated into the yogurt products at concentrations of 2–3%. These ingredients were tested both individually and in combination to identify optimal formulations that would confer novel properties to the final products. Based on the conducted studies, it was found that the addition of enriched yeast biomass and the protein ingredient resulted in a denser and more uniform structure in the yogurt products compared to those of the control. The titratable acidity of the experimental formulations ranged from 80.2 to 91.8 °T, while pH values ranged from 3.79 to 4.04. Compared with the control sample, these changes indicate enhanced lactic acid fermentation activity. The number of probiotic microorganisms in the experimental samples reached 1.6 × 10⁷–6.4 × 10⁷ MPN/g, exceeding those of the control by an order of magnitude. The type of plant ingredient used significantly determined the technological properties of the finished product. Compared with the control sample, yogurt products supplemented with the hemp press cake-derived protein ingredient exhibited higher protein content (33–34% on a dry matter basis), increased viscosity (2.5–2.6 Pa·s), and reduced syneresis (values of 16.1 mL). The whole-meal flour from sprouted wheat grain exhibited a more pronounced stimulating effect on the growth of probiotic microflora. Enrichment of yogurt products with yeast biomass also increased antioxidant activity: the AOA (DPPH) value increased to 69–84% compared to ~62% in the control. Biotesting using Paramecium caudatum, a sensitive protozoan model widely used for rapid assessment of biological compatibility, toxicity, and the relative biological value of food systems, demonstrated a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in protozoan growth to 104–106% compared with the control sample, suggesting the absence of toxic effects and the potential bioavailability of yogurt matrix components. This data confirm the potential of using enriched yeast biomass in combination with plant ingredients for creating probiotic yogurt products with improved structural and functional properties. Full article

Background: Long-term care facility (LTCF) residents are highly susceptible to healthcare-associated infections, and prevention is challenging given frailty, dementia, communal living, and resource constraints. Environmental surface and air contamination contribute to transmission. Novel no-touch automated disinfection technologies have been studied in hospitals, but evidence specific to LTCFs is scarce. This scoping review summarizes recent LTCF-focused interventions, their effectiveness, and implementation considerations. Methods: This scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist. We searched PubMed, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus for observational or experimental studies evaluating environmental disinfection in LTCFs/nursing homes, excluding body decolonization, non-LTCF settings, and reviews/protocols. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data via Covidence. This review has been registered on OSF (Open Science Framework). Results: Of 1491 records, 7 studies met the inclusion criteria (6 from the USA, 1 from Australia): one cluster randomized trial, one interrupted time series studies, three prospective observational studies, and two pre–post designs. Interventions included physical methods (HVAC-integrated UV/UVGI, continuous UVGI) and chemical approaches (dry hydrogen peroxide, room fogging plus chlorine dioxide wipes, hydrogen peroxide wipes). Outcomes were heterogeneous (surface SARS-CoV-2 RNA, COVID-19 attack/case rates, airborne/surface microbial loads, and one clinical endpoint—acute respiratory illness). Several studies reported reductions in environmental or airborne bioburden; however, UV-based studies did not demonstrate statistically significant reductions in clinical infections. Certainty was limited by small numbers, non-randomized designs, and diverse outcome measures. Conclusions: No-touch automated disinfection methods appear promising as supplements to standard infection prevention control bundles for reducing environmental contamination in LTCFs. Nevertheless, consistent clinical benefits are unproven. Rigorous, LTCF-tailored, adequately powered trials with standardized clinical and environmental outcomes, plus implementation and cost-effectiveness evaluations, are needed. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable and affordable surfactants requires the exploration of novel bio-based alternatives. In this context, this work investigates the potential of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as a surface-active agent. To this purpose, the performance of commercial dry, commercial fresh, and cultivated yeast was evaluated by characterizing their wetting behavior and formulating emulsions with a fixed oil-to-water ratio. Microscopic and macroscopic stability was monitored over 24 h and quantified via the creaming index (CI). The experimental results demonstrate that both the yeast source and concentration significantly dictate the surface properties and emulsion stability. Notably, commercial dry yeast exhibited the highest degree of hydrophobicity, likely attributed to the presence of sorbitan monostearate (SMS) in the formulation. Consequently, this was the main variant capable of producing stable emulsions, with microscopic evidence suggesting a Pickering-like stabilization mechanism driven by the irreversible adsorption of yeast cells at the oil–water interface. Conversely, commercial fresh and cultivated yeast failed to exert significant stabilizing activity. These results demonstrate that S. cerevisiae biomass can be effectively repurposed as a functional constituent in green emulsion technology, offering a scalable pathway for the development of biocompatible, particle-stabilized industrial formulations. Full article

The effects of presoaking with sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃) solution on the polyphenols and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in foxtail millets during germination under NaCl stress condition were investigated, and the key processing parameters, including Na₂SeO₃ concentration, presoaking time, presoaking temperature and NaCl concentration, were optimized via response surface methodology (RSM) based on total phenolic content (TPC) and GABA content of foxtail millet sprouts. The inhibition of sprout growth caused by salt stress was alleviated by presoaking with Na₂SeO₃, which did not alter phenolic compositions, resulting in a significant increase in the levels of both phenolics and GABA. The optimal germination parameters were 42 mg/L Na₂SeO₃, 9.8 h soaking time, 30 °C soaking temperature, and 110 mmol/L NaCl. Under these conditions, the measured TPC and GABA content were 837.22 mg FAE/100 g and 281.68 mg/kg, respectively, which closely approximated the predicted values. Correspondingly, the main free phenolic compounds 3-p-coumaroylquinic acid and N-p-coumaroylserotonin increased by 2.94 and 3.34 times, respectively, and the predominant bound phenolic compounds trans-ferulic acid and trans-p-coumaric acid increased by 2.28 and 6.39 times, respectively. Meanwhile, the total and organic selenium contents of the sprouts reached 14.74 and 12.02 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. This study provides a practical technology for preparing selenium-enriched foxtail millet sprouts with enhanced phenolic compounds and GABA, which can serve as a novel functional food resource. Full article

This work described a novel freshwater strain of Cyanobacteria, Dolichospermum solitarium MAC–C17 from the Zaporozhye region in the south of European Russia and characterised its growth and biochemical parameters. The strain demonstrated high biomass, lipid, and protein productivity, comparable to the best-known data for high-productivity cyanobacteria. The highest protein content (383.76 mg g⁻¹ dry weight) was in the exponential growth phase. In contrast, the highest content of lipids, vitamin E (α-tocopherol) and vitamin A (retinol) was in the stationary phase (150.05 mg g⁻¹, 45.58 µg g⁻¹ and 31.61 µg g⁻¹). The productivity of Dolichospermum solitarium MAC–C17 was 19.26 mg L⁻¹ d⁻¹ for lipids, 42.54 mg L⁻¹ d⁻¹ for protein, 4.06 µg L⁻¹ d⁻¹ for retinol, and 5.85 µg L⁻¹ d⁻¹ for α-tocopherol. A distinctive feature of the new strain was its high chlorophyll a content (4.87–6.12 mg g⁻¹). The antioxidant defence system of Dolichospermum solitarium differed between the exponential and stationary growth phases. During the exponential growth phase, strain MAC–C17 exhibited high catalase activity. In contrast, the stationary phase was characterised by a distinct shift in its antioxidant profile, marked by a substantial increase in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, a significant rise in retinol and α-tocopherol levels. These findings suggest that strain Dolichospermum solitarium MAC–C17 possessed considerable biotechnological potential. It demonstrated strong potential as a producer of high-value commercial compounds, a promising candidate for developing antioxidant formulations, and a valuable asset for applications that boost agricultural yields and advance phytoremediation technologies. Full article

Alternative proteins and novel processing technologies are crucial to transforming contemporary food systems into ones with lower environmental impact while meeting the rising global demand for protein. Alternative protein sources from plants, microbes, insects, and cultivated cells offer diverse nutritional and techno-functional attributes that can partially or fully replace conventional animal proteins in meat analogs and related products. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on major categories of alternative protein sources, including plant-based ingredients, microbial- and fermentation-derived proteins, insect and other emerging sources, and cultivated (cell-based) meat, with a specific focus on their suitability for structured meat analog applications. Modern structuring and processing technologies are discussed, including the traditional wet and dry extrusion to modern technologies like high-moisture extrusion, high-pressure processing, shear-cell technology, 3D printing, fermentation-based structuring, and enzymatic protein modification. Furthermore, this review critically evaluates product design and quality attributes of meat analogs, including physicochemical properties, sensory performance, nutritional aspects, and safety considerations. This review highlights technological and scale-up challenges, as well as the necessity of multi-criteria optimization in sensory quality, nutrition, sustainability, and affordability, and presents research priorities focused on combining multiple protein sources and advanced processing pathways for next-generation meat analog. This review provides an integrated framework linking protein sources, processing technologies, antioxidant functionality, and sustainability considerations to support the development of next-generation meat analogs. In addition, this review highlights the intrinsic antioxidant potential of alternative proteins, emphasizing the role of bioactive peptides, polyphenols, and structure–function relationships in enhancing oxidative stability and product quality. Full article

Dry electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes enable rapid, gel-free setups, which are crucial for point-of-care diagnostics, but often face challenges with comfort and signal quality—especially in a clinical context. Novel “flower” dry electrodes are a special type of reusable scalp electrodes for dry EEG, featuring a distinct flower-like shape with angled pins in three intertwined layers. While the new electrode design has been validated in an in vivo study on healthy volunteers, we tested its clinical applicability in a proof-of-concept study involving three patients diagnosed with epilepsy and delirium. The recordings were of high diagnostic quality, enabling the reliable identification of pathological patterns, such as generalized spike–wave complexes and intermittent delta activity, with a signal-to-noise ratio comparable to prior reports for sponge-based EEG systems (limited case series). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) proved to be sufficiently high for clinical diagnostic purposes, resulting in visually clear and interpretable EEG data that enabled effective assessment of patients’ neurophysiological signals. Consequently, our findings demonstrate that the comfortable flower-electrode design is a viable and effective tool for epilepsy diagnostics, extended recording, and clinical neurophysiology. It represents a significant step towards patient-centered and gel-free EEG technology, specifically in point-of-care and emergency applications, without compromising the diagnostic quality of the recordings. Full article

Eutectic solvents have become a viable choice to create innovative pharmaceutical technologies within the framework of the green chemistry approach. Despite the growing applicative interest, a general gap remains in the pharmaceutical sector regarding thorough and systematic research of their properties and useful applications. In this work, eutectic solvents have been prepared from choline chloride and polyols (sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, and isomalt) at different molar ratios (1:1, 2:3, and 3:2), characterised, and used for the solubility enhancement of poorly water-soluble drugs (ibuprofen and naproxen) as well as the potential drug candidate apigenin. The interactions between the eutectic solvent components were investigated by DSC, FTIR, and refractive index methods. In all eutectic solvents, the water content detected by Karl Fischer titration and loss on drying was less than 3%. Solubility studies, carried out using the shake-flask method, showed significant solubility enhancement of the following: ibuprofen: ~152-fold increase, naproxen: ~144-fold increase, and apigenin: ~188-fold increase. These findings highlighted the great potential of eutectic solvents as solubility enhancers in the development of novel and more effective drug delivery systems. Full article

Carbon fiber-reinforced resin matrix composites (CFRC) are extensively used in aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and sports equipment. However, the brittle nature of the resin matrix causes CFRC to exhibit severe vibrations and noise under dry friction conditions. Enhancing the intrinsic damping properties of the resin matrix serves as a fundamental and effective strategy to mitigate vibration and noise radiation in composite components. This study systematically investigates high-temperature co-curing damping composites using co-curing technology, aiming to improve the mechanical performance and damping characteristics of traditional fiber-reinforced epoxy resin composites. A novel carbon fiber-reinforced terminal carboxyl nitrile epoxy pre-polymer composite material demonstrates both stable chemical properties and excellent high-temperature resistance. Through formulation adjustments, the curing temperature and time of epoxy resin are matched with those of the terminal carboxyl nitrile epoxy pre-polymer. The performance of epoxy carbon fiber composites was evaluated through tensile tests, flexural tests, impact tests, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Results show that blending epoxy resin with terminal carboxyl nitrile liquid rubber enhances energy dissipation by increasing intermolecular friction and hydrogen bonding interactions. The damping ratio of epoxy resin-based carbon fiber composites reaches as high as 1.67%. Tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength reach 1968 MPa, 1343 MPa, and 127 kJ/m², respectively. The addition of terminal carboxylated nitrile liquid rubber facilitates the formation of continuous friction membranes, enhancing friction stability. Tensile tests demonstrate that carbon fiber composites containing 25% terminal carboxylated nitrile liquid rubber outperforms other formulations. As evidenced by impact tests, the performance of the prepared composites is superior to that of other configurations. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicates that the 25% rubber-containing composites exhibit enhanced damping characteristics and higher loss modulus. Experimental results confirm that this study advances the development of functional composites for vibration reduction and noise control applications. Full article

Meat and meat products are integral components of various diets and provide many macro- and micronutrients. However, concerns over their potential adverse health effects remain pressing. This study employed a semi-quantitative Risk–Benefit Assessment (RBA) methodology to compare both beneficial and adverse health impacts of various meat products, i.e., fermented (Salame and Chouriço), dry-cured (Presunto), and heat-treated (Fiambre), with unprocessed grilled pork meat as a reference. Nutritional composition and microbiological and toxicological hazards were assessed using data acquired from national and international databases and the literature. In the end, a heatmap approach was used to summarize and compare product profiles. While grilled pork offered the most favorable profile, processed products showed high levels of sodium, nitrites, and contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and ochratoxin A. Notably, Salame exhibited the most concerning risk profile, including high levels of histamine and ochratoxin A, whereas Fiambre, despite the high nitrite content, showed the lowest microbial and toxicological risks. These findings highlight significant variability in health-related impacts among meat products, caused mainly by processing technologies. The results can improve dietary guidance and regulations and encourage innovations, especially by indicating the potential of using engineered fermentation techniques and novel additives for improved meat products. Full article

Drying chili peppers is a crucial technique for their preservation, as it extends shelf life while minimizing the degradation of high-value bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the impact of modulated solar irradiation on the drying kinetics and quality retention of “Chile de Agua” (Capsicum annuum L.) peppers across three maturity stages (unripe, ripe, and overripe). Two cylindrical solar dryers were employed: a conventional solar dryer (CSD) and a novel Solar Dryer with Dynamic Irradiance Control (SDIC) utilizing Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology. Drying behavior was analyzed through moisture ratio and drying rate, while quality attributes were assessed via color parameters, capsaicinoid content, and flavonoid profiling using UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS. Results demonstrated that the maturity stage significantly influences drying kinetics; unripe fruits exhibited the fastest dehydration rate, reducing drying time by approximately 14% compared to overripe fruits. Regarding quality, the CSD better preserved color (ΔE of 15.29 for ripe chilies). At the same time, the SDIC system significantly favored the retention of bioactive compounds, maintaining higher concentrations of total capsaicinoids (up to 1700 µg/g DW) and flavonoids such as luteolin (15.9 mg/100 g DW) and quercitrin (11.5 mg/100 g DW), especially in ripe fruits. The findings suggest that optimal processing requires selecting the drying method based on the targeted final use: CSD for color preservation in unripe chilies, or SDIC for maximizing bioactive retention in ripe fruits. Full article

The rapid expansion of anaerobic digestion (AD) as a key technology for producing renewable energy has led to a substantial increase in digestate generation. This has intensified the need for sustainable management strategies that align with circular economy principles. While the solid fraction of digestate (SD) is traditionally applied to land or composted, its heterogeneous composition, regulatory constraints, and handling challenges restrict its wider use. This review aims to clarify the current state of SD treatment and highlight emerging opportunities to convert this underexploited resource into value-added bioproducts. A systematic bibliographic analysis of the past decade was conducted to identify consolidated and emerging SD valorisation technologies, supported by an evaluation of EU-level regulatory frameworks and the role of mechanical solid–liquid separation in enabling downstream valorisation. In addition, a comprehensive comparative table compiling physicochemical characterisation data of SD from various feedstocks and separation methods is presented, emphasising the significant variability in composition and its implications for valorisation pathways. The results show that, while composting and thermochemical routes, particularly pyrolysis, remain predominant, novel approaches such as advanced drying, pelletisation, vermicomposting, insect bioconversion, and fermentation-based pathways (including submerged and solid-state fermentation) are rapidly gaining interest. These emerging technologies enable the production of high-value products such as biochar, pellets, enzymes, microbial biopesticides, protein sources, and fungal biomass. However, their adoption is currently limited by feedstock heterogeneity, process complexity, scalability constraints, and economic considerations. Overall, SD is a versatile feedstock whose valorisation is expanding beyond agricultural applications. However, regulatory harmonisation, quality assurance, and process optimisation are still needed to encourage industrial uptake and to fully integrate SD into circular bioeconomy frameworks. Full article

Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of corneal nerves in the pathophysiology of dry eye disease (DED) and other related ocular surface disorders (OSDs). These conditions increasingly demonstrate neuropathic and neurotrophic components, wherein alterations in corneal nerve morphology and function contribute to symptomatology and disease progression. Recent advances in imaging and diagnostic modalities have enabled detailed, in vivo evaluation of corneal nerve architecture and sensory function, offering novel insights into underlying mechanisms and therapeutic responses. This review comprehensively examines current and emerging technologies for corneal nerve assessment, both structural and functional. The structural methods include in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based nerve imaging (e.g., micro-OCT), and emerging technologies like multiphoton microscopy. The functional methods of corneal nerve assessment include advanced esthesiometers, quantitative sensory testing (QST), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The emerging technologies also include AI-driven analytical platforms that can be applied to both structural and functional methods. These various nerve assessment modalities can aid in delineating DED subtypes, selecting targeted treatments, monitoring nerve regeneration, and predicting treatment outcomes. By integrating structural and functional assessments, these technologies are reshaping the diagnosis, phenotyping, and management of DED and other related OSDs, paving the way for personalized therapeutic approaches. Full article

Although probiotics are widely used in the food industry due to their health-promoting effects, their application is often limited by low stability and poor viability under processing, storage, and gastrointestinal conditions. Encapsulation has emerged as a promising strategy to address these issues, offering enhanced protection and controlled release of probiotic strains. This review summarizes recent advances in encapsulation techniques relevant to food applications, including spray drying, freeze drying, coacervation, and liposome formation, as well as novel approaches such as multilayer nanocoatings and dual-core systems. The use of natural biopolymers such as alginate, chitosan, and pectin, along with food-grade synthetic materials, has greatly improved the stability of probiotics in complex food matrices. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as cell-mediated coatings offer improved resistance to gastric acid and oxygen, enhancing probiotic survival through the gastrointestinal tract. These advances contribute to the development of functional foods with better health benefits. However, challenges remain regarding scalability, strain-specific encapsulation efficiency, and regulatory approval. Future research should focus on optimizing food-grade materials, exploring synergistic effects with bioactive compounds, and ensuring consistent performance across food systems. Full article

In recent years, new methods to reuse, repurpose, recycle, and recover decommissioned wind turbine blades (dWTBs) have actively been developed in the wind industry. In this study, the authors address the scientific challenge of repurposing decommissioned wind turbine blades for earthwork applications, particularly as part of retaining structures. A gravity retaining structure made entirely from recycled materials is introduced, consisting of glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite modular units derived from dWTBs. To improve the structure’s sustainability, a mixture of typical sand and lightweight waste materials is considered for filling and backfilling of the GFRP units. In particular, two waste materials are examined—a polymer foil derived from recycled laminated glass and tyre-derived aggregate (TDA) in the form of rubber powder—which are incorporated into the sand matrix in typical dry mass proportions ranging from 2% to 32% and 5% to 20%, respectively, reflecting practical ranges considered in geotechnical backfill applications. The research involved material testing of all recyclates and their mixtures with standard sand, as well as two-dimensional finite-element (2D FE) analysis of a retaining structure using the determined material properties. To facilitate the real-world implementation of this novel technology, a structure was designed to account for ground conditions at a specific site to protect against an existing landslide. In summary, this study presents the concept of a sustainable retaining structure along with results from material tests and an initial design for implementation, supported by FE analysis of overall stability. Full article