Search Results (133)

This study evaluated the antifungal potential of essential oils (EOs): oregano (Origanum vulgare), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), and basil (Ocimum basilicum). These oils were tested against fungi isolated from banana peels (Musa paradisiaca). The fungi tested were identified through macroscopic and microscopic analyses and DNA sequencing, after being isolated in potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium modified with 0.05% chloramphenicol. Subsequently, the antifungal properties of the tested essential oils were evaluated in vitro at concentrations of 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 ppm prepared in a 0.05% Tween 80 solution. Cinnamon EOs showed the highest antifungal activity, significantly inhibiting the growth of pathogens at a concentration of 400 ppm. Other EOs showed moderate effects at higher concentrations: rosemary inhibited fungal growth at 600 ppm, oregano at 800 ppm, and clove at 1000 ppm. These findings highlight the potential of EOs as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides, contributing to the development of sustainable agricultural practices and the post-harvest management of bananas. It is recommended to conduct future research to assess the economic viability and practical impacts of large-scale applications. Full article

Restaurants and open markets generate considerable quantities of organic waste. Converting these residues into poultry feed ingredients offers a sustainable disposal route. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and sensory viability of a novel feed complement formulated from Bonito fish meal (Sarda chiliensis chiliensis) and Única potato peel flour (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Única). This study was conducted in three phases: (i) production and nutritional characterization of the two by-product flours; (ii) formulation of a 48:52 (w/w) blend, incorporated into broiler diets at 15%, 30%, and 45% replacement levels over a 7-week trial divided into starter (3 weeks), grower (3 weeks), and finisher (1 week) phases; and (iii) assessment of growth performance (weight gain, final weight, and feed conversion ratio), followed by a sensory evaluation of the resulting meat using a Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) analysis. The Bonito fish meal exhibited 50.78% protein, while the Única potato peel flour was rich in carbohydrates (74.08%). The final body weights of broiler chickens ranged from 1872.1 to 1886.4 g across treatments, and the average feed conversion ratio across all groups was 0.65. Replacing up to 45% of commercial feed with the formulated complement did not significantly affect growth performance (p > 0.05). Sensory analysis revealed that meat from chickens receiving 15% and 45% substitution levels was preferred in terms of aroma and taste, whereas the control group was rated higher in appearance. These findings suggest that the formulated feed complement may represent a viable poultry-feed alternative with potential sensory and economic benefits, supporting future circular-economy strategies. Full article

The current work is established with the object of modifying the source of Fenton system and substituting iron source as a catalyst with magnetite/potato peels composite material (POT400-M) to be an innovative solar photocatalyst. The structural and morphological characteristics of the material are assessed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The technique is applied to treat oil spills that pollute seawater. The effectiveness of the operating parameters is studied, and numerical optimization is applied to optimize the most influential parameters on the system, including POT400-M catalyst (47 mg/L) and hydrogen peroxide reagent (372 mg/L) at pH 5.0, to maximize oil removal, reaching 93%. Also, the aqueous solution and wastewater temperature on the oxidation reaction is evaluated and the reaction exhibited an exothermic nature. Kinetic modeling is evaluated, and the reaction is found to follow the second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic examination of the data exhibits negative enthalpy (ΔH′) values, confirming that the reaction is exothermic, and the system is verified to be able to perform at the minimal activation energy barrier (−51.34 kJ/mol). Full article

Sweet potato is a valuable root due to its nutritional benefits, health-promoting properties, and technological applications. The peel, often discarded during food processing, can be employed in the food industry, supporting a circular economy. Purple sweet potato peel (PSPP) is rich in anthocyanins, which can be used as natural colourants and antioxidants. Optimising their extraction can enhance yield and reduce costs. The current work aimed to optimize anthocyanin and antioxidant recovery from PSPP using a Box-Behnken design and sonotrode ultrasound-assisted extraction (sonotrode-UAE). Three independent variables were analysed: extraction time (2–6 min), ethanol concentration (35–85%), and liquid-to-solid ratio (10–30 mL/g). The dependent variables included total monomeric anthocyanin content (TMAC), individual anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity. TMAC in 15 extracts ranged from 0.16 to 2.66 mg/g PSPP. Peonidin-3-caffeoyl-p-hydroxybenzoyl sophoroside-5-glucoside was the predominant anthocyanin. Among four antioxidant assays, Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) showed the highest value. Ethanol concentration significantly influenced anthocyanin and antioxidant recovery (p < 0.05). The model demonstrated adequacy based on the coefficient of determination and variation. Optimal extraction conditions were 6 min with 60% ethanol at a 30 mL/g ratio. Predicted values were validated experimentally (coefficient of variation <10%). In conclusion, PSPP is a promising matrix for obtaining anthocyanin-rich extracts with antioxidant activity, offering potential applications in the food industry. Full article

Background: Contemporary agriculture heavily relies on synthetic chemicals to ensure high yields and food security; however, their overuse has led to health issues and the development of pesticide resistance in pests. Researchers are now exploring natural, eco-friendly alternatives for pest control. Methods: This study evaluated two ethanol-based formulations (1.25% and 2.50%, v/v) derived from the tangerine peel (Citrus reticulata L. var. Clementina) against conventional chemical treatments and an untreated control group in the cultivation of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L. var. Capiro). A randomised block design was used, with three blocks per treatment containing 45 plants. The experiment was conducted during the wet season (February–April 2023). Results: According to visual inspections and yellow traps, following weekly application from days 30 to 105 post-planting to monitor pest (e.g., Frankliniella occidentalis, Aphididae) and beneficial insect (e.g., Coccinellidae, Apis mellifera) populations, the 2.50% formulation performed similarly to chemical treatments against pests, whilst being harmless to beneficial insects. Post-harvest analysis showed that the formulations achieved 73% of conventional yields, with comparable tuber damage and levels of Premnotrypes vorax larvae. Conclusions: Toxicological tests confirmed the eco-friendliness of the formulations, making them suitable for small-scale Andean ‘chakras’ in organic farming and honey production, without the use of chemicals. Full article

The aim of the present study was to investigate how different drying techniques (lyophilization, convective drying, and osmotic dehydration) affect the phytochemical profile, biological activities, color parameters, and antimicrobial potential of sweet potato peel from four varieties (white, pink, orange, and purple). Lyophilized orange peel showed the highest carotenoid content (21.31 mg β-carotene/100 g), while osmotic dehydration resulted in the highest retention of anthocyanins in purple peel (229.58 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/100 g). Among phenolic compounds, the most abundant were caffeic and cinnamic acids, reaching up to 434.57 mg/100 g and 430.91 mg/100 g, respectively, in white peel. Antioxidant activity was strongest in purple peel, particularly in lyophilized samples. Convective drying enhanced anti-inflammatory activity in orange peel (68.25% inhibition), and all samples demonstrated significant α-glucosidase inhibition, with values up to 96.93%. Antimicrobial effects were observed only in purple peel extracts, which showed strong antifungal activity, especially against Saccharomyces cerevisiae (inhibition zone >50 mm). These results confirm that sweet potato peel holds considerable potential as a functional ingredient and that its bioactive value can be significantly influenced by the drying method applied. Full article

This study develops a sustainable biopolymer film derived from potato peel waste (PW), enhanced with low- and high-viscosity sodium alginate (SA) through a solution casting method. The effect of calcium chloride crosslinking on the PW/SA composites was also evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that SA incorporation improved the film’s cohesion and uniformity, with both low- and high-viscosity SA showing nearly similar effects. Both the addition of SA and crosslinking led to enhanced tensile strength, as well as improved moisture barrier properties, by lowering the water vapor permeability (WVP) factor. The inclusion of high-viscosity SA (hvSA) resulted in superior mechanical and moisture barrier properties compared to the low-viscosity SA (lvSA), achieving a tensile strength of 5.34 MPa, with a 68% improvement compared to the pure PW film. The WVP analysis showed that hvSA had a superior impact, leading to a 32% reduction in WVP compared to the pure film. Crosslinking further boosted the tensile strength and moisture barrier properties. The crosslinked hvSA/PW composite shows the highest tensile strength among all samples, measuring 6.47 MPa, which accounts for a 104% enhancement compared to the pure film. It also led to a 34% reduction in WVP, reaching a value of 1.58 × 10⁻¹² g/(Pa·cm·s). The findings demonstrate that PW/SA composites, especially the crosslinked hvSA/PW, offer the highest mechanical and barrier properties, making them suitable for biodegradable packaging and biomedical applications. Full article

Anaerobic digestion (AD) offers a sustainable solution by treating biodegradable waste while recovering bioenergy, enhancing the share of renewable energy. Thus, this study aims to investigate the AD for managing and valorizing residues from the potato chip industry: potato peel (PP), potato offcuts (OC), waste cooking oil (WCO), wastewater (WW), and sewage sludge (SS). In particular, the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of each residue, anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of an AD plant are assessed. WW, OC, and SS present a BMP of around 232–280 NmL_CH4/kg of volatile solids (VS). PP and WCO reach a BMP slightly lower than the former substrates (174–202 NmL_CH4/g_VS). AcoD results in methane yields between 150 and 250 NmL_CH4/g_VS. An up-scaled anaerobic digester is designed to manage 1.60 Mg/d of PP. A residence time of 12 days and a digester with 165 m³ is estimated, yielding 14 Nm³_CH4/Mg_VS/d. A simulated AD plant integrated with a combined heat and power unit results in a carbon footprint of 542 kg of CO₂-eq/Mg_db PP, primarily from biogenic GHG emissions. These findings highlight the potential of AD to generate renewable energy from potato industry residues while reducing fossil fuel-related GHG emissions and promoting resource circularity. Full article

Potato peel represents a major by-product of the potato-processing industry and a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. This study investigates the biochemical and nutritional composition of peels from five purple and two red potato cultivars, with particular attention to their phytochemical profiles and antioxidant properties. Total phenolic content, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids were quantified using UV–visible spectrophotometry. The phytochemical composition was further characterized via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with a Diode-Array Detector (HPLC-DAD). Antioxidant and radical-scavenging capacities of the extracts were assessed through Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Significant variability was observed across cultivars for all measured parameters. While all samples were rich in carbohydrates and proteins, they shared a common phenolic profile dominated by chlorogenic acid and its derivatives, as well as caffeic acid. Anthocyanin composition, however, was highly cultivar-specific. Notably, all extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant and antiradical activities, in agreement with their high total phenolic content. These findings highlight the potential of red and purple potato peels as valuable sources of functional ingredients for food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

The development of biodegradable food packaging materials with active functionalities presents a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic films. This study developed a bioactive complex film through solvent casting technique using potato starch (PS) and κ-carrageenan (κC) as the matrix, incorporated with ethanol extract of crab-apple peel (EEC). Fourier-transform infrared analysis confirmed the formation of hydrogen bonds between the film-forming constituents. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that higher concentrations of EEC led to a relatively rough film surface. XRD indicated that the incorporation of EEC reduced the crystallinity of the potato starch. The addition of EEC significantly increased the a and b values of the complex film (p < 0.05), while the L value and opacity decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The TS, Young′s modulus, and WVP of the complex films decreased significantly with increasing EEC concentration (p < 0.05). The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging abilities of PS-κC-EEC film were enhanced from 12.35% to 75.48% and from 10.26% to 72.52%, respectively. PS-κC-EEC film exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The application of the PS-κC-EEC film for the refrigerated preservation of pork demonstrated that the lipid oxidation level of wrapped pork was reduced. These results suggest that the fabricated PS-κC-EEC film could be utilized for the preservation of pork and extends its shelf life. Full article

This study explores the creation and characterization of a compostable biopolymer derived from banana peels, addressing the issue of organic waste. Rich in protein, fiber, water, and cellulose, banana peels can be transformed into biodegradable polymers through acid hydrolysis, which breaks down cellulose chains, making them suitable for use in aquiculture and agriculture. Methionine, an essential amino acid for aquiculture, was added to enhance the biopolymer’s value in fish feed. The biopolymer was synthesized by heating, crushing, and subjecting the peels to acid hydrolysis. The methionine was integrated by causing it to form ester bonds with the cellulose. The products were characterized using UV-VIS and IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UV-VIS and IR spectra confirmed the incorporation of the methionine, while TGA showed reduced mass loss in the methionine-enriched biopolymer, likely due to the retention of water molecules. SEM images revealed roughness, indicating the crosslinking of the small cellulose chains. The incorporation of methionine led to a more uniform and compact structure. The obtained biopolymer has potential applications in agriculture, especially for potato cultivation, and shows promise for sustainable aquiculture, particularly in tilapia feed. This research contributes to both waste valorization and the development of eco-friendly materials. Full article

Essential oil-loaded edible films have emerged as promising natural systems for active food packaging due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. However, retaining volatile bioactives within hydrophilic matrices remains challenging. In this regard, this study compared the performance of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), citrus peel pectin (CPP), and potato starch (PS) edible films as encapsulating systems of orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) essential oil using Tween 80 as surfactant and glycerol as a plasticizer. Film-forming emulsions were characterized regarding droplet size distribution and rheological behavior. Films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Limonene retention was quantitatively determined post-drying through gas chromatography. CMC-based films exhibited the highest retention (~65%), primarily due to their higher viscosity, which limited oil droplet mobility and volatilization. Despite presenting similar internal porosity, PS films showed significantly lower retention (~53%), attributed to larger droplet size and lower viscosity. CPP films, with the smallest droplets and intermediate viscosity, showed similar limonene retention to PS-based films, highlighting that high internal porosity may compromise encapsulation efficacy. The results emphasize that matrix viscosity and emulsion stability are critical determinants of essential oil retention. Although polysaccharide films, particularly CMC, are promising carriers, further structural and processing optimizations are required to enhance their encapsulation performance for commercial applications. Full article

The study investigated the physiological response to heat exposure of three potato landraces (Biancona del Faggeto, Rossa delle Macchie, and Quarantina delle Macchie), which are primarily grown in the rural area of Mount Amiata (Grosseto, Tuscany) and are distinguished by specific phylogenetic relationships and nutraceutical composition. Nutraceutical and genetic analyses were performed on tubers collected from the field, whereas physiological assessments were conducted on plants grown in Microcosmo simulators. Overall, nutraceutical analyses revealed tissue-specific differences in the distribution of starch and antioxidants, with ‘Biancona del Faggeto’ and ‘Quarantina delle Macchie’ accumulating more starch in the pulp than in the peel. The level of polyphenols and antioxidants differed between the pulp and the peel, but they accumulated most in the peel of ‘Biancona’. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ‘Rossa’ and ‘Quarantina’ were more closely related than ‘Biancona’. Given that ‘Biancona’ also contained more starch and antioxidants than the others, this suggests a strong relationship between the phylogeny of the potato varieties and their nutritional content. Heat stress reduced net carbon assimilation and stomatal conductance in all landraces, with ‘Quarantina’ showing the greatest reductions, indicating that stomatal closure is the primary limitation of CO₂ uptake. However, both the maximum and actual quantum yields of photosystem II remained stable under heat stress, indicating that the primary limitation was not caused by damage to photosynthesis light-dependent reactions. These findings highlight the complex interplay between the genetic background and nutraceutical capacity of potato plants, as well as their physiological adaptability to withstand environmental stressors, and provide valuable insights for breeding healthier and more heat-tolerant potato landraces. Full article

Potato peels (PPs) represent a significant agro-industrial by-product with notable potential for valorization due to their rich composition of bioactive compounds, including phenolics, glycoalkaloids, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. This review explores the functional applications of PPs in the food industry by examining their chemical profile, extraction methods, and biological activities. Phenolic compounds, mainly chlorogenic acid and its derivatives, are the most abundant bioactives and contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Glycoalkaloids, such as α-solanine and α-chaconine, exhibit antimicrobial activity but require careful monitoring due to their potential toxicity, although recent evidence suggests that controlled doses may provide health benefits. The choice of extraction technique influences the recovery of these compounds, with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) proving to be efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional methods. The incorporation of PP-derived ingredients into food formulations, including cereal, dairy, meat, and fish products, as well as vegetable oils, has shown promising results in the improvement of nutritional quality, oxidative stability and functional properties. However, challenges remain with regard to the standardization of PP composition, bioavailability of bioactive compounds and their stability within food matrices. Advancing research on PPs will not only contribute to circular economy goals but also provide innovative solutions for the food industry, reinforcing the link between sustainability and human health. Full article

Food waste management is a critical environmental challenge, particularly when organic waste ends up in landfills. This study focuses on the Romanian household food model to understand the composition of food waste and the effectiveness of homemade composters in transforming this waste into quality compost. The findings aim to highlight composting as a viable solution for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and conserving water resources. We start from the issue of food waste in landfills and its environmental implications, and the objective is to evaluate the composition of household food waste in Romania and the efficiency of homemade composters. Two samples, namely P1 and P2, of compost were obtained at home using low-cost materials. P1 compost was obtained starting from five waste materials (potato peels, banana peels, orange peels, sawdust, and water), and P2 was prepared starting from nine waste materials (potato peels, banana peels, orange peels, apple peels, apples, cardboard, paper, dried vine leaves, and water). In order to study their potential to be used as fertilizers, various parameters were investigated: pH, aqueous extract conductivity 1:5 Humidity, Ca (mg/kg), Mg (mg/kg), Na (mg/kg), K (mg/kg), Zn (mg/kg), Mn (mg/kg), Cu (mg/kg), particle size (mm), N, C, H, C/N, C/H, N/H content. The final products can be safely used for various household needs, providing a sustainable solution for food waste management. Full article