Search Results (514)

The search for natural sources of bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties has intensified in recent years. Among these, Tannat grape pomace (TGP), a primary byproduct of winemaking, stands out for its high phenolic content, although its bioactivity may be affected during gastrointestinal digestion. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of in vitro digestion on the antioxidant (ABTS, ORAC-FL, intracellular ROS inhibition), anti-diabetic (α-glucosidase inhibition), anti-obesity (lipase inhibition), and anti-inflammatory (NO inhibition) properties of five sugar-free biscuits formulated with varying percentages of TGP and sucralose. No significant differences were observed in the bioaccessible fractions (BFs, representing the compounds potentially released in the small intestine) between control biscuits and those enriched with TGP, suggesting limited release of phenolics at this stage. Conversely, the colonic fractions (CFs, simulating the material reaching the colon) from biscuits with higher TGP content exhibited greater bioactivities. HPLC-DAD-MS analysis of the CF from the biscuit containing 20% TGP and 4% sucralose revealed a high content of procyanidin trimers, indicating the persistence of these specific phenolic compounds after in vitro digestion. These findings suggest that TGP-enriched biscuits may deliver health benefits at the colonic level and support their potential application in the formulation of functional foods. Further microbiota and in vivo studies should be assessed to confirm the latter. Full article

Catalytic upgrading of pyrolysis oils is an important step for producing replacement hydrocarbon-rich liquid biofuels from biomass and can help to advance pyrolysis technology. Catalysts play a pivotal role in influencing the selectivity of chemical reactions leading to the formation of main compounds in the final upgraded liquid products. The present work involved a systematic study of solvent-free catalytic reactions of cyclohexanone in the presence of hydrogen gas at 160 °C for 3 h in a batch reactor. Cyclohexanone can be produced from biomass through the selective hydrogenation of lignin-derived phenolics. Three types of catalysts comprising undoped NbOPO₄, 10 wt% NiO/NbOPO₄, and 30 wt% NiO/NbOPO₄ were studied. Undoped NbOPO₄ promoted both aldol condensation and the dehydration of cyclohexanol, producing fused ring aromatic hydrocarbons and hard char. With 30 wt% NiO/NbOPO₄, extensive competitive hydrogenation of cyclohexanone to cyclohexanol was observed, along with the formation of C₆ cyclic hydrocarbons. When compared to NbOPO₄ and 30 wt% NiO/NbOPO₄, the use of 10 wt% NiO/NbOPO₄ produced superior selectivity towards bi-cycloalkanones (i.e., C₁₂) at cyclohexanone conversion of 66.8 ± 1.82%. Overall, the 10 wt% NiO/NbOPO₄ catalyst exhibited the best performance towards the production of precursor compounds that can be further hydrodeoxygenated into energy-dense aviation fuel hydrocarbons. Hence, the presence and loading of NiO was able to tune the activity and selectivity of NbOPO₄, thereby influencing the final products obtained from the same cyclohexanone feedstock. This study underscores the potential of lignin-derived pyrolysis oils as important renewable feedstocks for producing replacement hydrocarbon solvents or feedstocks and high-density sustainable liquid hydrocarbon fuels via sequential and selective catalytic upgrading. Full article

This research examined the impact of dietary supplementation with Phlogacanthus pulcherrimus extract (PPE) on the growth, disease resistance, and expression of immune-, growth-, and antioxidant-related genes in Labeo chrysophekadion. Over 150 days, 90 fish from each group were fed diets with 0 (control), 0.25, 0.50, or 0.75 g/kg of PPE. Phytochemical analysis revealed phenolics (96.00 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (17.55 mg QE/g), anthraquinones, and triterpenoids, along with moderate antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 1314.08 μg/mL). One-way ANOVA of growth indices, including weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and survival rate, revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05); however, PPE supplementation significantly enhanced immune and antioxidant gene expression. IL-1β was significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated at all doses, with the highest expression observed at 0.50 g/kg, showing a fivefold increase compared to the control. In addition, the highest relative expressions of IGF-1 and CAT were found at 0.75 g/kg, with 4.5-fold and 3.5-fold increases compared to the control, respectively. PPE at 0.75 g/kg decreased the cumulative mortality rate (CMR) by 20% compared to the control group, which had a CMR of 50% following exposure to Aeromonas hydrophila. PPE acted as an effective immunostimulant and antioxidant, supporting reduced antibiotic reliance in aquaculture. Full article

Reducing the application of chemical fertilizers and remediating heavy metal pollution in soil are important directions in current agricultural research. Utilizing the plant-growth-promoting and remediation capabilities of bacteria can provide more environmentally friendly assistance to agricultural production. In this study, the Burkholderia alba YIM B08401 strain was isolated and identified from rhizospheric soil, subjected to whole-genome sequencing and analysis, and its Cd²⁺ adsorption efficiency and characteristics were confirmed using multiple experimental methods, including atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results showed that the genome of strain YIM B08401 has a total length of 7,322,157 bp, a GC content of 66.39%, and predicts 6504 protein-coding sequences. It contains abundant functional genes related to nutrient conversion (phosphate solubilization, sulfur metabolism, zinc solubilization, siderophore production), plant hormone regulation (indole-3-acetic acid secretion, ACC deaminase production), phenolic acid degradation, root colonization, heavy metal tolerance, pathogen antagonism, and the production of antagonistic secondary metabolites. Additionally, strain YIM B08401 can specifically bind to Cd²⁺ through various functional groups on the cell surface, such as C-O-C, P=O, and O-H, enabling biosorption. In conclusion, strain YIM B08401 is an excellent strain with plant-growth-promoting, disease-resistant, and bioremediation capabilities, warranting further development as a biofertilizer for agricultural applications to promote green and sustainable agricultural development. Full article

Lactic acid bacteria fermentation has the potential to enhance the biological activity of bamboo shoot polyphenols. The aim of this study was to investigate the release pattern and biotransformation mechanism of bound phenols from bamboo shoots prepared by fermentation with Lactobacillus acidophilus, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Lactobacillus plantarum. The results showed that compared with unfermented controls, bound forms of vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid significantly decreased, while their free forms increased substantially after 6 d fermentation (p < 0.05). Quantitative analysis revealed particularly dramatic transformations for p-coumaric acid, which showed a 30–3000% increase in free form, and ferulic acid with a 203–359% increase in free form. Pediococcus pentosaceus demonstrated outstanding performance in bound phenol release and conversion, correlating with its higher β-glucosidase (0.67 U/g) and ferulic acid esterase (0.69 U/g) production. FITR, SEM, and IFM also demonstrated that LAB fermentation led to changes between free and bound phenols in bamboo shoots. These results demonstrate Pediococcus pentosaceus fermentation most effectively liberates bound phenolics, significantly improving their bioavailability for functional food applications. Full article

In this investigation, a hierarchical FeCo-layered double hydroxide (FeCo-LDH) electrochemical membrane material was prepared by a simple in situ hydrothermal method. The prepared material formed a 3D honeycomb-structured FeCo-LDH-modified carbon felt (FeCo-LDH/CF) catalytic layer with uniform open pores on a CF substrate with excellent catalytic activity and was served as the cathode in a flow-through electro-Fenton (FTEF) reactor. The electrocatalyst demonstrated excellent treatment performance (99%) in phenol simulated wastewater (30 mg L⁻¹) under the optimized operating conditions (applied voltage = 3.5 V, pH = 6, influent flow rate = 15 mL min⁻¹) of the FTEF system. The high removal rate could be attributed to (i) the excellent electrocatalytic oxidation performance and low interfacial charge transfer resistance of the FeCo-LDH/CF electrode as the cathode, (ii) the ability of the synthesized FeCo-LDH to effectively promote the conversion of H₂O₂ to •OH under certain conditions, and (iii) the flow-through system improving the mass transfer efficiency. In addition, the degradation process of pollutants within the FTEF system was additionally illustrated by the •OH dominant ROS pathway based on free radical burst experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance tests. This study may provide new insights to explore reaction mechanisms in FTEF systems. Full article

A substrate–product switch model was proposed to describe ethanol fermentation from longan solid waste using Candida tropicalis at an initial glucose and xylose ratio of 2 to 1. The model incorporated multiple rate equations for cell growth, sugar uptake, and ethanol production along with ethanol consumption. It elucidated the following three-step mechanism: (I) sugar uptake, (II) sugar conversion, and (III) ethanol consumption concerning the effects of concentration factor (CF) and associated growth function. Optimal kinetic parameters were estimated and validated against experimental data. The identification of two critical xylose concentrations showed that ethanol consumption either preceded or coincided with xylose consumption cessation. The phenolics inhibitory effect of gallic acid, ellagic acid, pyrogallol, and catechol on cell growth and ethanol production was elucidated with relatively minimal effect. The highest ethanol concentration of 25.5 g/L was reached with corresponding ethanol mass yield and productivity of 0.30 g/g and 1.063 g/L/h, respectively. The proposed model and kinetics provide valuable insights for designing and optimizing ethanol fermentation, contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective ethanol production. Full article

To address the growing global demand for aquatic protein and the need for sustainable aquaculture, this study explored Aspalathus linearis tea extract as a novel feed additive for Oreochromis mossambicus larvae. Over an eight-week feeding trial, the efficacy of diets supplemented with 30% fermented or green rooibos extract was assessed against a control. Both fermented and green rooibos treatments significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced larval growth, evidenced by improved weight gain and feed conversion ratios (fermented: 1.50 ± 0.25; green: 1.41 ± 0.07). Notably, A. linearis extracts also demonstrated genoprotective potential, as indicated by a marked reduction in micronucleus frequency, most likely attributed to their abundant phenolic compounds. These findings demonstrate that rooibos extract, especially the green variety, can improve growth performance and feed utilization, and also provide genoprotective benefits. The superior outcomes in growth and feed conversion are likely due to the bioactive phenolic compounds, which may enhance palatability, gut health, and nutrient absorption, rather than macronutrient content. This positions rooibos extract as a promising natural functional additive for aquafeed, offering a sustainable strategy to enhance tilapia farming productivity and resource utilization. However, further research is necessary to uncover specific molecular mechanisms, conduct in-depth analyses of gut health and immune responses, and evaluate effects on product quality to facilitate its sustainable and effective integration into aquaculture practices, thereby contributing to both fish health and food security. Full article

This study investigates the effects of electric field pretreatment parameters such as electric field strength (0.1–0.2 kV/cm), waveform (sinusoidal vs. square), and application mode (continuous vs. pulsed) on the quality attributes of dried Fuji apple slices, including ascorbic acid (vitamin C) retention, β-carotene content, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) formation. Electric-field-treated samples were compared to untreated controls after convective drying at 75 °C. Results revealed that vitamin C was significantly influenced by waveform, with sinusoidal waves preserving about 27% more vitamin C than square waves, likely due to reduced oxidative degradation from gentler electroporation. Conversely, square waves caused the highest β-carotene losses (25% vs. control), attributed to prolonged peak voltage destabilizing carotenoids. HMF formation was reduced by 10–23% in electric-field-treated samples compared to controls, linked to accelerated drying rates limiting Maillard reaction time. Low electric field strengths (0.1–0.15 kV/cm) enhanced antioxidant activity; however, higher intensities showed a potential decline. The square waveform had a more detrimental effect on phenolic compounds than the sinusoidal waveform. These findings suggest that low electric field pretreatment, particularly with sinusoidal waveforms at 0.2 kV/cm, enhances drying efficiency while balancing nutrient retention and HMF mitigation, offering a promising strategy for producing high-quality dried fruits. Full article

Microbial decomposition of persistent natural compounds such as phenolic lignin and polysaccharides in plant cell walls plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and underpins diverse biotechnological applications. Among microbial decomposers, fungi from the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota phyla have evolved specialized mechanisms for efficient lignocellulosic biomass degradation, employing extracellular enzymes and synergistic fungal consortia. Fungal coculture, defined as the controlled, axenic cultivation of multiple fungal species or strains in a single culture medium, is a promising strategy for industrial processes. This approach to biomass conversion offers potential for enhancing production of enzymes, biofuels, and other high-value bioproducts, while enabling investigation of ecological dynamics and metabolic pathways relevant to biorefinery operations. Lignocellulosic biomass conversion into fuels, energy, and biochemicals is central to the bioeconomy, integrating advanced biotechnology with sustainable resource use. Recent advancements in -omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, have facilitated detailed analysis of fungal metabolism, uncovering novel secondary metabolites and enzymatic pathways activated under specific growth conditions. This review highlights the potential of fungal coculture systems to advance sustainable biomass conversion in alignment with circular bioeconomy goals. Full article

The depolymerization of lignin represents a promising strategy for its efficient utilization as a precursor for industrial raw materials. However, achieving both high efficiency and environmental sustainability remains a significant challenge. In this study, we present an aqueous electrochemical approach employing nickel as an electrocatalyst, enabling both depolymerization and partial de-aromatization of Kraft lignin under mild reaction conditions. Using an aqueous sodium carbonate medium, room temperature and ambient pressure, we achieved lignin depolymerization over reaction times ranging from 5 to 20 h. Characterization by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirmed the formation of aliphatic products such as acetate and formate, while high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) confirmed the formation of a wide range of phenolic compounds. The conversion of lignin into valuable aromatic and aliphatic compounds offers a promising pathway for the synthesis of a wide range of organic chemicals and their subsequent industrial utilization, thereby supporting the development of a more sustainable economy. Full article

The utilization of magnetic fields in agricultural contexts has been demonstrated to exert a beneficial effect on various aspects of crop development, including germination, growth, and yield. The present study investigates the impact of magnetic biostimulation on seeds of purple maize (Zea mays L.), variety INIA 601, cultivated in Cajamarca, Peru, with a particular focus on their physical characteristics, yield, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity. The results demonstrated that seeds treated with pulsed (8 mT at 30 Hz for 30 min) and static (50 mT for 30 min) magnetic fields exhibited significantly longer cobs (16.89 and 16.53 cm, respectively) compared with the untreated control (15.79 cm). Furthermore, the application of these magnetic fields resulted in enhanced antioxidant activity in the bract, although the untreated samples exhibited higher values (110.56 µg/mL) compared with the pulsed (91.82 µg/mL) and static (89.61 µg/mL) treatments. The geographical origin of the samples had a significant effect on the physical development and the amount of total phenols, especially the antioxidant activity in the coronet and bract. Furthermore, a total of fourteen phenols were identified in various parts of the purple maize, with procyanidin B2 found in high concentrations in the bract and crown. Conversely, epicatechin, kaempferol, vanillin, and resveratrol were found in lower concentrations. These findings underscore the phenolic diversity of INIA 601 purple maize and its potential application in the food and pharmaceutical industries, suggesting that magnetic biostimulation could be an effective tool to improve the nutritional and antioxidant properties of crops. Full article

Among biomass gasification syngas cleaning methods, non-catalytic reforming emerges as a sustainable and high-efficiency alternative. This study employed integrated experimental analysis and kinetic modeling to examine non-catalytic reforming processes of biomass-derived producer gas utilizing a synthetic tar mixture containing representative model compounds: naphthalene (C₁₀H₈), toluene (C₇H₈), benzene (C₆H₆), and phenol (C₆H₅OH). The experiments were conducted using a high-temperature fixed-bed reactor under varying temperatures (1100–1500 °C) and equivalence ratios (ERs, 0.10–0.30). The results obtained from the experiment, namely the measured mole concentration of H₂, CO, CH₄, CO₂, H₂O, soot, and tar suggested that both reactor temperature and O₂ content had an important effect. Increasing the temperature significantly promotes the formation of H₂ and CO. At 1500 °C and a residence time of 0.01 s, the product gas achieved CO and H₂ concentrations of 28.02% and 34.35%, respectively, while CH₄, tar, and soot were almost entirely converted. Conversely, the addition of O₂ reduces the concentrations of H₂ and CO. Increasing ER from 0.10 to 0.20 could reduce CO from 22.25% to 16.11%, and H₂ from 13.81% to 10.54%, respectively. Experimental results were used to derive a kinetic model to accurately describe the non-catalytic reforming of producer gas. Furthermore, the maximum of the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and the Relative Root Mean Square Error (RRMSE) between the model predictions and experimental data are 2.42% and 11.01%, respectively. In particular, according to the kinetic model, the temperature increases predominantly accelerated endothermic reactions, including the Boudouard reaction, water gas reaction, and CH₄ steam reforming, thereby significantly enhancing CO and H₂ production. Simultaneously, O₂ content primarily influenced carbon monoxide oxidation, hydrogen oxidation, and partial carbon oxidation. Full article

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary addition of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) powder on the growth performance, meat quality, oxidative stability and cold storage quality of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). In this research, 480 quail chicks were divided into four experimental groups, and each experimental group was composed of four replicates, each containing 30 quail chicks. Commercial feed was used in the study, but BBP was added to the feed at levels of 0%, 1%, 2% and 4%. Results showed that dietary addition of blueberry powder did not affect body weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed between hot and cold carcass weights and carcass yield among carcass parameters (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were found among the blueberry-supplemented groups in terms of thigh, back and neck ratios (p < 0.05). In this study, it was determined that thiobarbituric acid (TBA), pH and peroxide values in breast meat samples kept at +4 °C for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days were lower in the blueberry-supplemented groups compared to the control group and these values decreased linearly as the supplement level increased (p < 0.05). The addition of blueberries to the quail diets resulted in similar L, a and b values in breast and thigh meat and skin among the groups (p > 0.05) except for the b value in thigh meat (p < 0.05). The findings obtained in this study revealed that although adding blueberries to the quail diet did not have a significant effect on performance, the antioxidant activity and phenolic substance content of the plant had a significant effect on increasing the shelf life of meat. It was concluded that blueberry could be used as a natural additive that may replace synthetic antioxidants. Full article

Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (Pennell) D.Y.Hong, an endangered perennial herb, is rich in triterpenes, iridoids, and phenolic compounds, which exhibit significant pharmacological effects. However, the molecular mechanisms of triterpenoid biosynthesis in N. scrophulariiflora remain unclear. Here, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to investigate the triterpene content in different tissues and the expression patterns of key enzyme-encoding genes related to triterpenoid biosynthesis. We functionally characterized eight upstream oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) involved in triterpenoid biosynthesis, among which NsOSC2 is a bifunctional enzyme capable of catalyzing the conversion of 2,3-oxidosqualene to β-amyrin and α-amyrin. Additionally, an efficient regeneration system and a stable genetic transformation system were established for N. scrophulariiflora. These findings reveal key genes in triterpenoid biosynthesis, providing a theoretical foundation for the future production of key triterpenoids in N. scrophulariiflora through synthetic biology approaches. Full article