Search Results (17,372)

Pyrazines are the key odorants in food contributing to baked and nutty aromas. In order to improve practicality, a novel electrochemical olfactory biosensor for pyrazine analysis was developed using an olfactory receptor (OR5K1) as the recognition element and AuNPs-PB/ZIF-8@SWCNT/Ti₃C₂ MXene as the sensing matrix. The sensing application and molecular recognition mechanism of OR5K1 toward pyrazines were explored using molecular docking and in silico site-directed mutagenesis. We explored the sensing application and molecular recognition mechanism of OR5K1 toward pyrazines using molecular docking and in silico site-directed mutagenesis. The sensor achieved a linear detection range of 10⁻¹⁴ to 10⁻⁹ M with a low detection limit of 10⁻¹⁴ M. The biosensor exhibited significantly higher current responses toward pyrazine compounds compared to interfering substances, including ethanol, hexanal, acetone, and phenol, demonstrating excellent selectivity, and retained 79% of its initial signal after 12 days of storage, indicating good stability. The change in the reduction peak current (ΔI) in the presence of pyrazine was used as an analytical signal. When applied to four malt samples (pilsner, munich, crystal, and caramel malts), the biosensor showed ΔI responses ranging from 4.6 ± 0.2 µA to 108 ± 6 µA, which corresponded well with the total pyrazine contents determined by GC-TOF/MS (0.092–0.391 mg/kg), with a correlation coefficient of 0.96. Molecular docking revealed binding energies ranging from −3.9 to −6.0 kcal/mol, suggesting spontaneous interactions between OR5K1 and pyrazines, with Leu14, Met81, Asn84, Phe17, Phe85, and Lys90 identified as potential key residues and hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and π−π stacking as primary driving forces. This work provides a sensitive and selective biosensor for pyrazine detection, and the elucidated recognition mechanism offers a molecular basis for understanding roasted aroma perception, supporting applications in food quality control and flavor analysis. Collectively, this study offers new insights for designing olfactory receptor-based electrochemical biosensors and facilitates future exploration of food aroma–receptor interaction mechanisms. Full article

This study characterized the sugar, organic acid, and phenolic profiles of 25 apple pulp samples from 12 cultivars to investigate their associations with antioxidant potential. Fructose and malic acid were the predominant free sugar and organic acid, respectively. Hierarchical clustering based on seven non-redundant chemical traits classified the samples into four distinct chemical types: acid-rich, sugar-enriched/low-phenolic, intermediate/low-accumulation, and phenolic-rich types. Phenolic-related traits showed stronger associations with in vitro antioxidant capacity than sugar- and acid-related traits. For cellular validation, polyphenol extracts from five representative samples were tested at 5 μg/mL, a concentration selected based on cell viability results under the tested conditions. The extracts significantly reduced H₂O₂- and t-BHP-induced intracellular ROS accumulation in HepG2 cells, with the TPGSH sample exhibiting the strongest cellular protection. These findings establish an integrated chemical–antioxidant framework for characterizing apple pulp samples and identifying compositional patterns associated with antioxidant activity. Full article

Olive leaves are a by-product of olive farming and have a high phenolic content. However, the effect of farming system, cultivar, and harvest time on their content is poorly studied. In June, August, and October 2022 (108 samples), leaves of trees ‘Istarska bjelica’, ‘Leccino’, and ‘Oblica’ within an organic and integrated grove were sampled. From these samples, the seven main phenolic compounds and twelve mineral elements were quantified. Data were analysed by three-way ANOVA with tree as a random effect. All 19 compounds and elements showed at least one significant interaction and 14 elements and compounds showed a significant three-way interaction; thus, no factor could be interpreted in isolation. Eight of the ten elements with a three-way interaction showed a reversal of system difference with cultivar–date combinations. Five of the six phenolics with a farming system effect were 26% to 65% higher with organic management; in contrast, apigenin-7-O-glucoside was 37% lower. Sampling date predominantly affected the secoiridoids: oleuropein and oleacein increased 5.9- and 15.6-fold, respectively. Phenolic compounds and mineral elements were correlated: boron correlated negatively with oleuropein (r = −0.76), whereas silicon correlated positively with oleacein (r = 0.46). To standardise olive leaves as a bioactive source, cultivar, harvest date, and farming system must be specified. Full article

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) are two crops with long and important histories in human societies. This review aims to compare industrial hemp and tobacco from traditional uses to modern applications, focusing on bioactive compounds, health implications, and socio-economic and environmental aspects. Industrial hemp has traditionally been used for fibre, textiles, and paper and is now increasingly recognized as a multifunctional crop for food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and other bio-based industries. Tobacco, in contrast, has developed mainly as a commercial leaf crop and remains strongly associated with nicotine dependence and major public health concerns. Industrial hemp contains cannabinols, terpenes and antioxidant phenolics. These substances support hemp’s growing use in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and other bio-based industries. In contrast, tobacco is dominated by alkaloids, especially nicotine, along with related compounds such as nornicotine and anatabine. Because of this, research on tobacco is mostly focused on addiction, toxic constituents, and major public health risks, while hemp research increasingly highlights potential biological activities and industrial benefits. However, hemp products still require strict quality control due to variability and the risk of THC contamination. Regulatory frameworks reflect these differences: tobacco products are tightly controlled globally due to proven health harms, while restrictions on industrial hemp cultivation have been gradually relaxing in many regions. Generally, the review shows two contrasting development paths—industrial hemp is increasingly positioned as a sustainable resource for the bioeconomy, whereas tobacco continues to raise serious health, environmental, and regulatory challenges. Full article

Apple pomace represents a sustainable source of phenolic compounds with significant antioxidant potential. This study investigated the recovery of water-extractable bioactive constituents from apple pomace using aqueous ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) combined with biochemical profiling and machine learning-based modelling. Extraction conditions were varied according to time (10–30 min), temperature (25–75 °C), and solvent-to-solid ratio (10–20 mL/g). The obtained extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content (TP), total flavonoid content (TF), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, metal chelating, and phosphomolybdenum assays), and enzyme inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. TP and TF ranged from 4.70 to 9.97 mg GAE/g and 0.21–0.79 mg RE/g, respectively, while antioxidant assays demonstrated substantial variation depending on extraction conditions. Strong correlations (r = 0.827–0.945, p < 0.001) were observed between phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Artificial neural networks, random forests, support vector machines, and a hybrid ensemble model were applied to predict extraction outcomes, with predictive performance varying substantially among biochemical responses and modelling approaches. Multi-objective optimization using the NSGA-II formulation identified a representative Pareto compromise at approximately 15.1 min, 25.7 °C, and a solvent-to-solid ratio of 13.7 mL/g, balancing desirable biochemical responses with processing requirements. Full article

Climate change-induced metabolic decoupling in grapevines compromises wine quality in warm regions, making the use of foliar biostimulants a promising mitigation strategy. This study evaluates the impact of seaweed extract with silicon (SWE-Si) and yeast/bacteria extract (YBE) on Merlot grapes under warm climate and restrictive water conditions. The resulting wines were evaluated to check the effects on grapes. Following standardized micro-vinifications, wines were characterized by their physicochemical, phenolic, and volatile profiles, alongside discriminative sensory triangle tests. Both biostimulant treatments accelerated ripening, leading to increased alcoholic levels compared to the Control. SWE-Si significantly enhanced phenolic accumulation, specifically increasing total anthocyanins by 89% and tannins by 70%, while YBE-treated wines exhibited a substantial increase in medium-chain ethyl esters, particularly ethyl decanoate. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis confirmed distinct aromatic fingerprints for each treatment. Sensory panels successfully discriminated all treated wines in visual, olfactory, and gustatory phases. These findings demonstrate that foliar biostimulation effectively modulates Merlot chemical and organoleptic profiles, with SWE-Si favoring color and structure and YBE enhancing fruity aromatic profiles. Consequently, strategic biostimulant application provides a practical tool for optimizing wine quality in climate-threatened viticultural regions. Full article

Postharvest losses of fresh produce remain a major global challenge, with fruits and vegetables estimated to suffer losses of 20–40% worldwide. This study developed sodium alginate-based edible coatings incorporating pectin and bioactive compounds derived from orange peel, chitosan, and clove essential oil for postharvest preservation of cherry tomatoes. Orange peel was utilised as a dual-purpose raw material for simultaneous extraction of pectin and bioactive compounds, supporting a sustainable dual valorisation strategy aligned with circular bioeconomy principles. The use of chitosan significantly reduced film moisture content, indicating denser polymer network formation with lower water retention. FTIR analysis indicated intermolecular interactions among alginate, pectin, chitosan, and clove oil components through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Mechanical analysis demonstrated that formulation modifications had minimal effect on Young’s modulus but significantly influenced peak force values, suggesting alterations in structural integrity and fracture resistance of the films. Incorporation of clove essential oil in F3 substantially improved DPPH radical scavenging activity relative to F1 and F2, and showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC) on a wet-weight basis, with the best overall visual quality among coated formulations observed when stored at 4 °C for 15 days. The uncoated control developed visible mould growth during storage. The developed coating systems show potential as sustainable alternatives for enhancing postharvest quality and extending the storage stability of fresh cherry tomatoes, pending quantitative postharvest validation. Full article

Ruscus aculeatus L. (butcher’s broom) is traditionally used in the management of chronic venous disorders; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its vascular activity remain insufficiently characterized. This study investigated the effects of an 80% ethanolic rhizome extract on human cerebral microvascular endothelial hCMEC/D3 cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The extract was phytochemically characterized using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection–high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC–DAD–HRMS), while its biological effects were evaluated by assessing cell viability and the secretion of selected cytokines, including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) isoforms, using Bio-Plex multiplex assays. Phytochemical analysis confirmed steroidal saponins as the predominant constituents and also revealed minor phenolic compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acid amides. The extract (10 and 50 μg/mL) was well tolerated by hCMEC/D3 cells and did not significantly reduce cell viability under either normoxic or hypoxic conditions. Its effects on cytokine secretion depended on oxygen availability and the mediator examined. Under hypoxia, the extract partially shifted interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion toward normoxic levels and attenuated interferon alpha (IFN-α)-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production, whereas a significant increase in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) relative to the untreated control was observed only with the combination of 50 μg/mL extract and IFN-α. Hypoxia also differentially affected TGF-β isoforms, increasing TGF-β1 and decreasing TGF-β2, while treatment with the extract shifted both responses toward the profile observed under normoxia; TGF-β3 remained largely unchanged. Overall, these findings indicate that R. aculeatus rhizome extract does not exert a uniform anti-inflammatory effect but rather modulates endothelial secretory responses in an oxygen- and mediator-dependent manner. These observations provide new insights into the endothelial effects of R. aculeatus that may contribute to its vascular activity. Full article

Rosehip fruit (Rosa spp.) has sparked growing scientific interest due to its high content of bioactive compounds, which give it significant therapeutic potential. In a context where nutritional issues like obesity and type 2 diabetes continue to increase worldwide, the search for preventive and complementary dietary strategies has become a priority. This study aimed to evaluate the potential hypoglycemic and neuroprotective properties of rosehip fruit (Rosa canina, Rosa moschata, Rosa rubiginosa) through the characterization of its phenolic compounds, evaluation of its antioxidant activity, and analysis of its ability to inhibit alpha-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymatic activities. Four phenolic compounds, mainly quercetin derivatives with high antioxidant activity, were identified. Enzymatic activity revealed significant inhibition of α-glucosidase, with values ranging from 237.9 ± 23.0 μg mL⁻¹ to 288.4 ± 22.90 μg mL⁻¹, reinforcing the antidiabetic potential of the fruit. However, no inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase or butyrylcholinesterase enzymes was detected, indicating limited effectiveness in terms of neuronal protection based on the evaluated criteria. These results suggest that rosehip fruit has significant therapeutic potential in managing diabetes, but limitations in its neuroprotective effect. Full article

Single-factor experiments were conducted with sensory score set as the evaluation index to investigate individual effects of sugar substitution dosage, mass ratio of xylitol (Xyl) to isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO), and osmotic soaking duration on the comprehensive quality of low-sugar strawberry preserves. Box–Behnken design (BBD)-based response surface methodology (RSM) and back-propagation neural network (BPNN) models were subsequently established for parallel process optimization and comparative modeling analysis based on single-factor experimental datasets. Physicochemical indicators including total sugar, titratable acidity, total flavonoids, total phenolics, chromatic aberration, moisture content and water activity of low-sugar strawberry preserves manufactured under optimized technological parameters were determined and systematically compared with those of sucrose-controlled counterparts. The RSM and BPNN models predicted maximum sensory scores of 81.62 and 82.62, respectively. Experimental verification conducted under the practically adjusted optimal conditions derived from the RSM and BPNN models yielded sensory scores of 81.63 and 82.72, respectively, with the BPNN-derived condition achieving a higher verified sensory score than the RSM-derived condition. Based on these results, the optimal processing parameters were determined as a 40% (w/w) addition amount of compound sugar substitute, a Xyl/IMO mass ratio of 1.5, and a soaking time of 5.5 h. Lower total sugar and titratable acidity, yet higher contents of total phenolics and flavonoids, were detected in sugar-substituted strawberry preserves in comparison with sucrose-preserved samples. Meanwhile, stronger red–yellow chromaticity was observed in sucrose-based preserves, while sugar-substituted products delivered higher lightness. Superior predictive capacity of the BPNN model to RSM was validated in the formulation optimization of strawberry preserves. Our experimental findings show that partially replacing sucrose with functional sweeteners improves the nutritional attributes of fruit preserves without impairing their sensory acceptability. Full article

Selenium (Se) foliar spraying improves grain nutritional quality of pigmented wheat, yet the physiological and molecular regulatory mechanisms of Se-mediated anthocyanin accumulation in black wheat remain poorly understood. In this study, six concentrations of sodium selenite (0–150 mg·L⁻¹, 0 mg·L⁻¹ served as the blank control) were foliarly applied to black wheat Nongda 3753 and white wheat Jimai 22 to screen the optimal Se dosage. Dynamic changes in grain antioxidants across multiple time points throughout grain filling were characterized, and transcriptome sequencing combined with an Arabidopsis mutant functional assay was performed to dissect the regulatory network. The results showed that grain Se content in Nongda 3753 reached its peak (0.61 mg·kg⁻¹) under the 150 mg·L⁻¹ treatment, representing a 555.63% increase over the control. Under the 75 mg·L⁻¹ treatment, total phenolics (2.68 mg GAE·g⁻¹), total flavonoids (2.96 mg rutin·g⁻¹), and DPPH scavenging rate (89.02%) all reached their maximum levels; therefore, 75 mg·L⁻¹ was determined as the optimal compromise dosage for comprehensive grain quality improvement. Through temporal profiling, 25 days after anthesis (DAA) was identified as the critical Se-responsive stage, at which anthocyanin content reached its highest level among all time points (117.08 mg·kg⁻¹), showing a significant increase of 25.13% compared with the control at the same time point, and the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway was uniquely enriched. The anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) gene was specifically upregulated by Se, and nine key transcription factors were screened. Functional verification revealed that TaMYB20-like acts as a negative regulator of anthocyanin accumulation. This work clarifies the temporal pattern and molecular basis of Se-enhanced antioxidant synthesis, offering gene targets for Se-enriched functional wheat breeding. Full article

Extended skin contact transforms white wines into polyphenol-rich “orange” wines, yet the optimal combination of harvest maturity and maceration time is not fully established. The evolution of physicochemical, phenolic, and chromatic properties was evaluated in Sauvignon blanc and Fetească regală wines produced with 1, 3, and 6 months of skin contact at technological and advanced phenolic maturity. Phenolic compounds were quantified by HPLC-DAD/MS, global indices by Folin–Ciocalteu (FCI) and total polyphenol index (TPI), and color by CIELAB. Skin-derived monomers were rapidly extracted, whereas seed-derived oligomers (procyanidins B2, C1) and ellagic acid required prolonged hydroalcoholic exposure. In phenolic-mature Sauvignon blanc, total phenolics reached 338.8 mg L⁻¹ after 6 months, with total flavonoids of 312.8 mg L⁻¹ and procyanidin B2 of 91.7 mg L⁻¹. In technologically mature Fetească regală, flavonoids declined from 266.8 mg L⁻¹ at 3 months to 201.7 mg L⁻¹ at 6 months. Three-way ANOVA identified significant main effects of cultivar, harvest maturity, and maceration duration on all evaluated phenolic responses (all p < 0.0001), together with significant interactions; cultivar × maturity for total phenolic acids was the only nonsignificant interaction (p = 0.071). In technologically mature Sauvignon blanc, titratable acidity decreased from 6.16 to 4.78 g L⁻¹ and pH increased from 2.98 to 3.32 between the unmacerated control and 6 months. Exploratory correlations showed inverse associations between titratable acidity and pH (r = −0.830) and between malic (MA) and L-lactic (LA) acids (r = −0.901), without implying causality. Under the conditions examined, 1–3 months of maceration generally provided substantial phenolic extraction while limiting some declines observed after 6 months, particularly in technologically mature Fetească regală. Full article

Regular consumption of dietary flavonoids and phenolic compounds has been associated with a reduced risk of disease development and progression. In this regard, syringic acid, a hydroxybenzoic acid, is present in fruits and vegetables and plays a vital role in disease prevention. It exhibits therapeutic potential for various chronic diseases through diverse molecular mechanisms, including modulation of cellular and molecular pathways, regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress responses, and maintenance of cellular and tissue architecture. In addition, syringic acid has been shown to modulate gene expression and enzyme activities associated with various chronic diseases. Moreover, preclinical studies, including both in vitro and in vivo investigations, have evidenced that it has significant hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and other beneficial effects. Furthermore, its role in synergistic studies aimed at increasing the efficacy of other compounds/drugs has also been reported. Advances in nanotechnology-based formulations have also improved their stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy, thereby expanding their potential biomedical applications. This review aimed to compile information on its sources, role in different pathogeneses, nanoformulations, and synergistic effects with other drugs. Despite its significant role in preclinical studies, further research is needed to optimize dosage regimens and mechanisms of action, develop novel delivery systems, and conduct comprehensive clinical studies to translate its potential into disease management. Full article

Agro-industrial by-products are promising sources of arabinoxylans (AX), yet their relevance to cosmetic science remains fragmented. This bibliometric and corpus-based review evaluated the functional, dermal, and formulation-related evidence supporting the use of AX as cosmetic ingredients. Three Web of Science Core Collection datasets were analyzed: F1 for functional and agro-industrial applications (31 records), F2 for dermal relevance (86 records), and F3 for formulation-oriented studies (29 records). Bibliometric mapping, thematic analysis, corpus-based qualitative synthesis, structured full-text extraction of the 10 most-cited F1 studies, patent analysis, and a review of the European cosmetic framework were applied. AX research focused on food hydrocolloids, emulsification, oxidative stability, gelation, films, and delivery systems. Functional performance varied with botanical source, extraction route, molecular weight, branching, phenolic content, and associated proteins. Dermal evidence centered on hydrogels, emulgels, films, and skin-contact delivery systems, while direct cosmetic studies remained limited. Representative systems showed emulsion stability for 14 days at AX concentrations up to 0.3%, water-holding capacities near 98% in composite gels, and active-compound release above 80% within 24 h from AX-based films. However, these quantitative outcomes were frequently obtained from multicomponent systems or AX-rich fractions containing proteins, other polysaccharides, crosslinkers, active compounds, or associated constituents; therefore, the measured performance cannot always be attributed specifically to AX. Overall, the reviewed studies document emulsifying, gel-forming, film-forming, hydration-related, antioxidant, and delivery properties in AX-containing or AX-derived systems; direct validation in finished cosmetic formulations remains limited. However, AX-specific contributions require appropriate compositional controls and validation in finished cosmetic formulations. Future research should prioritize standardized ingredient characterization, finished-formulation testing, topical safety and sensory assessment, and direct benchmarking against established cosmetic materials. Given the restricted size of F1 (n = 31), its bibliometric outputs provide an exploratory, descriptive assessment and should not be considered statistically representative of the broader AX field. Full article

Background: Obesity-related metabolic dysfunction includes adipose inflammation, hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and intestinal disturbances. Avenanthramides are oat-specific phenolic amides, and their contribution to metabolic responses to oat foods is difficult to attribute because beta-glucan and the wider oat matrix can affect the same endpoints. This narrative review examines their mechanisms, exposure biology, evidence attribution, and translational readiness. Methods: Cell, animal, pharmacokinetic, and human studies were organized by chemical definition and intervention format, including purified congeners, characterized foods, enriched matrices, and whole-oat products. Parent compounds, circulating metabolites, target tissues, and clinical outcomes were interpreted separately. Results: In cell and animal models, avenanthramides influence NF-κB-related inflammation, redox regulation, hepatic insulin signaling, glucose production, fatty-acid metabolism, and intestinal ecology. Human studies demonstrate dietary exposure to parent compounds and metabolites, while clinical evidence comes mainly from small enriched-food exercise studies. Among the studies identified and appraised in this narrative review, none established an avenanthramide-specific effect on adiposity, liver fat, insulin sensitivity, dyslipidemia, or other cardiometabolic outcomes. Conclusions: The current literature supports measurable exposure and candidate mechanisms; a validated anti-obesity effect requires targeted clinical trials. Next studies need stable, analytically defined preparations, metabolite-informed dose selection, matched food controls, and trials that link measured exposure with prespecified clinical outcomes. Full article