Search Results (78)

Broth cooking is a traditional pretreatment and ripening strategy for high-commercial-value dehydrated marine food, effectively enhancing its texture and rehydration properties. In this work, we characterized the structural information of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) derived from beef scrap stock and investigated their effects on the texture and rehydration performance of dehydrated abalone. The optical and structural properties of the MRPs were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescence spectroscopy. These MRPs showed osmosis in abalone processing including pretreatment and drying. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) results revealed that MRP pretreatment improved the moisture migration and physicochemical properties of dehydrated abalone. These findings suggest that MRPs, owing to their high osmotic efficiency and nanoscale size, could serve as promising food additives and potential alternatives to traditional penetrating agents in the food industry, enhancing the rehydration performance of dried seafood and reducing quality deterioration. Full article

Dehydration and storage conditions used to preserve dairy cultures in the industry may negatively impact their viability and functionality. This study investigated the effects of freeze-drying and storage on the metabolic activity of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 73 (L73). The strain’s viability after freeze-drying and storage, its metabolic activity in cultured milk, and its performance as a ripening agent in miniature cheeses were evaluated. Neither the freeze-drying process nor the storage conditions negatively affected its viability, as L73 maintained its initially high levels (>10 log cfu mL⁻¹) throughout the storage period. L73 improved the overall quality of the cheeses, as a reduction in hydrophobic peptides (i.e., potential bitter peptides) was evidenced in cheese manufactured with L73. Furthermore, L73 exhibited protective properties, as evidenced by the decreased availability of compounds that could be used as energy sources by adventitious microorganisms (e.g., galactose, hippuric acid) and the increased production of lactic acid in both cultured milk and cheese. Full article

Biocontrol is one of the most promising alternatives to chemical preservatives for food preservation. This study investigated the biocontrol potential of yeasts isolated from raw milk cheese against spoilage moulds. Eighty-four native yeast strains were screened for antagonistic activity against Penicillium commune, Fusarium verticillioides, and Mucor plumbeus/racemosus via confrontation using a milk-based culture medium. Fifteen strains from the species Pichia jadinii, Kluyveromyces lactis, Kluyveromyces marxianus, and Geotrichum candidum exhibited significant antagonistic activity (inhibition zone > 2 mm) against M. plumbeus/racemosus and F. verticillioides. The modelling of the impact of ripening conditions revealed that temperature was the primary factor influencing yeast antagonism. In addition, notable variability at both species and strain levels was found. The antagonist activity was associated with different mechanisms depending on the species and strains. K. lactis stood out for its proteolytic activity and competition for iron and manganese. Additionally, two strains of this species (KL890 and KL904) were found to produce volatile organic compounds with antifungal properties (phenylethyl alcohol and 1-butanol-3-methyl propionate). G. candidum GC663 exhibited strong competition for space, as well as the ability to parasitise hyphae linked to its pectinase and β-glucanase activity. The latter enzymatic activity was detected in all P. jadinii strains, with P. jadinii PJ433 standing out due to its proteolytic activity. In a cheese matrix, the efficacy of eight yeast strains against three target moulds was assessed, highlighting the potential of G. candidum GC663 and P. jadinii PJ433 as biocontrol agents, exhibiting high and moderate efficacy, respectively, in controlling the growth of F. verticillioides and M. plumbeus/racemosus. Nonetheless, further research is necessary to elucidate their full spectrum of antifungal mechanisms and to validate their performance under industrial-scale conditions, including their impact on cheese quality. Full article

Background: The objective of this review is to demonstrate the efficacy of mifepristone as an inducing agent of labor by analyzing its impact on cervical maturation and maternal and neonatal outcomes. The research results showed that mifepristone facilitates cervical ripening and enhances uterine sensitivity. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted to descriptively summarize and compare available data. No formal meta-analytic model was applied. The analysis was descriptive and based on pooled aggregated data without the use of inferential modeling. Studies published through November 2024 were retrieved using the Medline, Ovid, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The search was based on a combination of keywords: “mifepristone”, “induction”, and “labor”. Randomized clinical trials and prospective and retrospective studies concerning full-term pregnancies with unfavorable cervices were included, while studies concerning termination of pregnancy or intrauterine death were excluded. The outcomes analyzed included cesarean section rates, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and oxytocin and prostaglandin use. Results: Ten studies were analyzed, with a total of 1561 patients. The use of mifepristone showed a reduction in the use of oxytocin (RR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.70–1.01), although this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.065), and a highly significant reduction in prostaglandin use (42.7% vs. 78.9%; RR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.48–0.60; p < 0.0001), with no significant difference in cesarean section rate (18.9% vs. 23.6%; RR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.63–1.01; p = 0.068). However, a significantly higher rate of neonatal ICU admissions was observed in the mifepristone group (13.9% vs. 9.3%; RR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.08–2.02; p = 0.014). Only studies excluding patients with a previous cesarean section were included for the analyses of cesarean sections, oxytocin, and prostaglandin use, while all studies were retained for NICU evaluation. Conclusions: Mifepristone represents a promising option for labor induction due to its ability to improve cervical maturation and reduce the need for additional uterotonic agents. Our pooled analysis confirmed a significant reduction in prostaglandin and oxytocin use, and a non-significant trend toward fewer cesarean deliveries. However, the observed increase in NICU admissions in the mifepristone group raises important concerns regarding neonatal safety. Further studies are needed to investigate whether this association reflects underlying clinical factors, variations in NICU admission policies, or a true pharmacological effect. Future research should focus on optimizing dosing regimens, identifying patient subgroups who benefit most, and clarifying neonatal outcomes through long-term follow-up. Full article

Cheese ripening is a time-consuming process that can lead to spoilage and product loss. The objective of this study was to evaluate the spoilage of Mozzarella-type cheese over 14 days at 4 °C, packaged with polyurethane-based films containing curcumin as an antioxidant agent. A series of physicochemical analyses were conducted, including lipid, crude fiber, and crude protein content, as well as color measurements, weight loss, moisture content, water activity, pH, titratable acidity, total and non-protein nitrogen, proteolysis index, and cheese oxidation (measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances—TBARS). Additionally, microbiological tests were performed to assess mesophilic bacteria, total coliforms, fungi, and yeasts. The results indicated that the polyurethane-based packaging helped maintain the Mozzarella-type cheese’s weight by significantly reducing water loss; after 14 days, the packaged cheese reached a weight loss of approximately 3%, compared to 27% of unpackaged cheese. However, that also increased moisture retention inside the package, which accelerated Mozzarella-type cheese spoilage compared to the negative control. The moisture content of packaged cheese was maintained at approximately 42%, compared to 22% of unpackaged cheese. Furthermore, the polyurethane-based films with curcumin did not exhibit any significant antioxidant effect on the cheese. It can be concluded that these polyurethane-based films are not suitable for foods with high moisture content. Full article

Throughout the process of dry-cured ham, moulds such as P. nordicum, a producer of ochratoxin A (OTA), grow on its surface. The use of combined biocontrol agents (BCAs) is a promising strategy for controlling this hazard. The goal of this study is to assess the effect of D. hansenii, S. xylosus, and P. chrysogenum as BCAs on the metabolome of two strains of P. nordicum and to understand the differences between both strains. Each ochratoxigenic strain was inoculated both individually and in combination with the BCAs onto ham for 30 days under the environmental conditions experienced during traditional ripening. Untargeted metabolomics was performed through mass spectrometry using a Q-Exactive Plus Orbitrap. The BCAs caused alterations in the metabolomes of both ochratoxigenic moulds, mainly in phenylalanine catabolism and the valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis pathways, although with some differences. In the absence of the BCAs, the metabolomes of both types of P. nordicum were globally changed, despite these being moulds of the same species. In conclusion, these data help us to understand the differences between OTA-producing strains in dry-cured ham and confirm the need to demonstrate the efficacy of BCAs against a wide range of toxigenic moulds before they can be used to minimise OTA contamination in the meat industry. Full article

Peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) is valued for its flavor, nutrition, and economic importance, yet as a climacteric fruit, it undergoes rapid postharvest senescence due to respiratory surges and ethylene production, leading to flavor loss and reduced marketability. Recent advances in postharvest physiology, including ethylene regulation, metabolic analysis, and advanced packaging, have improved preservation. Compared with traditional methods, emerging technologies, such as nanotechnology-based coatings and intelligent packaging systems, offer environmentally friendly and highly effective solutions but face high costs, technical barriers, and other constraints. This review examines changes in key flavor components—amino acids, phenolic compounds, sugars, organic acids, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—during ripening and senescence. It evaluates physical, chemical, and biotechnological preservation methods for maintaining quality. For instance, 1-MCP extends shelf life but may reduce aroma, underscoring the need for optimized protocols. Emerging trends, including biocontrol agents and smart packaging, provide a foundation for enhancing peach storage, transportation, and marketability. Full article

The success of double cropping in Vitis vinifera L. cultivated in temperate climates relies on bud forcing efficiency, which requires the prompt unlocking of apical dormant buds with sufficient fruitfulness. Chemical dormancy-breaking strategies need to be tested to enhance dormant bud forcing in summer pruning, as hydrogen cyanamide, the most used agent, could damage green organs. This study tested whether foliar applications of cytokinins and auxins could modulate dormancy release, potentially affecting bud forcing dynamics and shoot fruitfulness. The forcing treatments involved trimming primary shoots at the eighth node, removing lateral shoots, and retaining the main leaves and inflorescences. Five treatments were investigated: unforced control, control + 6-Benzyladenine application, forcing (FR), forcing + 6-Benzyladenine application (FBA), and forcing + Naphthaleneacetic acid application (FNAA). Phenological evolution, vegetative and productive parameters, and physiological characteristics have been assessed. Results showed that among the forcing treatments, FBA showed the highest forced/primary shoots ratio (106%), followed by FR (94%) and FNAA (21%). Primary yields were similar across treatments (2.74 kg), but total yield was highest in FBA (4.78 kg, including 2.02 kg from forced grapes), followed by FR (3.62 kg, with 1.09 kg forced). FNAA yielded no forced crop. During forced grapes maturation, photosynthesis rates were higher in forced leaves (11.1 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, as FR and FBA average) than primary leaves (−32%). Forced grapes ripened 47 days later and achieved higher sugar content (21.7 °Brix) and titratable acidity (10.6 g/L) than primary grapes. The findings suggest cytokinins application enhances bud forcing, supporting the feasibility of double cropping, while auxins limited it. Full article

Nanoemulsions are significant for cosmetic products intended for skin care and for health products due to the reduced size (range 20 to 500 nm) of the globules, which avoids processes of instability. They present transparency, fluidity, wettability, and spreadability; increase skin penetration; and have good sensation. The main instability mechanism of nanoemulsions is called Ostwald ripening, responsible for increasing the average diameter of emulsion globules. Sesame Seed Oil (SO) and Raspberry Seed Oil (RO) are indicated as moisturizing agents recently used in the cosmetic industry and for reducing transepidermal water loss, preventing damage to the skin barrier. They contain specific compounds with common properties such as antioxidant, moisturizing, emollient, and photoprotective actions, making them attractive alternative and complementary treatments to soften the process of skin aging. Below, we present the results of this research on the development of nanoemulsions containing Sesame Seed Oil added with Raspberry Seed Oil by the low-energy method. SO nanoemulsions at HLB = 8.0 were obtained with PEG 15 castor oil (A) and PEG 30 castor oil (F.80) and had globule sizes of 50 nm and 200 nm, respectively, along with pH values considered suitable for skin care products and lower viscosity values allowing for the easy application of nanoemulsions to the skin. Nanoemulsions A and F.80 showed antioxidant activities of 68.71% and 67.75%, respectively. SO nanoemulsions with PEG 15 and PEG 30 castor oil were obtained at 85 °C and 75 °C, respectively, and have the lowest Ostwald ripening index (1.33 × 10²² m³ s⁻¹). The in vitro evaluation conducted using the HET-CAM method for nanoemulsions and PEG 15 and PEG 30 castor oils showed that they were slightly irritating and could be used in cosmetic products. Full article

The information on the involvement of hormones in the release of dormancy in grass caryopses is still insufficient. The main aim of the present study was to deepen our understanding of the mechanism dormancy release in Avena fatua L. caryopses by after-ripening in relation to abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellins (GAs). The after-ripening of florets during dry storage resulted in dormancy removal in caryopses, allowing their germination at 20 to 30 °C. Sensitivity to ABA and paclobutrazol (PAC), a GAs biosynthesis inhibitor, decreased as the after-ripening period was extended. After-ripening increased the ABA content in the embryos of dry caryopses and decreased the total content of bioactive GAs, except for GA₁, the content of which increased. Accordingly, the ABA/GAs ratio was increased, and the ABA/GA₁ ratio was lowered due to after-ripening. After-ripening led to a decrease in the ABA content and increased the bioactive GAs contents, including GA₁ and GA₆, regarded as the most important for germination, in the embryos within 18 h of caryopses germination. The results obtained indicate that the embryos of dormant caryopses contained sufficient levels of bioactive GA₁ and GA₆ at early stages of germination, but their germination was prevented due to having too high an ABA concentration. It seems that the agents most important in dormancy removal through after-ripening include a reduction in the ABA content and sensitivity, as well as an increase in the bioactive GAs, particularly GA₁ and GA₆, in the embryos of germinating caryopses, which brings about a reduction in the ABA/GAs, ABA/GA₁, and ABA/GA₆ ratios, thus enabling germination. Full article

Monilinia fructicola is the most common and destructive brown rot agent on peaches. Knowledge of gene expression mediating host–pathogen interaction is essential to manage fungal plant diseases. M. fructicola putative virulence factors have been predicted by genome investigations. The pathogen interaction with the host was validated. Five M. fructicola isolates were inoculated on two cultivars (cv.s) of peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) ‘Royal Summer’ and ‘Messapia’ with intermediate and late ripening periods, respectively. The expression pattern of 17 candidate effector genes of M. fructicola with functions linked to host invasion and fungal life, and seven peach genes involved in the immune defense system were monitored at 0, 2, 6, 10, and 24 h-post inoculation (hpi). All fungal isolates induced similar brown rot lesions on both cv.s whereas the modulation of effector genes was regulated mainly at 2, 6, and 10 hpi, when disease symptoms appeared on the fruit surface, confirming the involvement of effector genes in the early infection stage. Although differences were observed among the fungal isolates, the principal component investigation identified the main differences linked to the host genotype. The salicylic acid and jasmonate/ethylene signaling pathways were differently modulated in the host independent from the fungal isolate used for inoculation. On plants susceptible to brown rot, the pathogen may have adapted to the host’s physiology by modulating its effectors as weapons. Full article

The accelerated ripening and senescence of fruits and vegetables is characterized by various biochemical changes that hinder the maintenance of their postharvest quality. In this context, developing edible films and coatings formulated with natural and biodegradable materials emerges as a sustainable strategy for preserving the quality parameters of these products in replacement of conventional petroleum-based packaging. Recently, plant-based polymers, including mucilage from different cactus species and/or their bioactive compounds, have been investigated to develop edible films and coatings. As the available literature indicates, the Opuntia genus stands out as the most used for mucilage extraction, with the cladode being the most exploited part of the plant. Conventional extraction methods are widely employed to obtain mucilages, which are applied to fruits and vegetables after being combined with plasticizing and cross-linking agents. In general, these films and coatings have proven effective in prolonging the shelf life and maintaining the nutritional, physical, and sensory quality of fruits and vegetables. Given their preservation potential, combining cactus mucilages with bioactive compounds, probiotics, and prebiotics represents an emerging trend in developing functional films and coatings. However, some limitations have been identified, such as the underutilization of different species and parts of the plant, the lack of standardization in extraction methods, and the absence of studies on the effects of the physicochemical properties of mucilages in the formulation and characteristics of films and coatings. Therefore, overcoming these limitations is essential for developing edible films and coatings with enhanced techno-functional properties and greater commercial viability. Full article

Ceratonia siliqua L. is a medicinal plant that has long been used in traditional Moroccan medicine to treat many diseases. This study aimed to assess the impact of the stages of the immature phase of carob pulp (M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5) on phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antidiabetic activity of Ceratonia siliqua L. The identification of the phenolic profile by HPLC-UV/MS-MS and the study of the antidiabetic effect by in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies were carried out for extracts with high contents of phenolic compounds from immature wild carob pulp from the communes of Timoulit (TM), Bin Elouidane (AW), and Ouaouizerth (TG) in the province of Azilal in the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region. The results revealed a gradual increase in total sugar content over the pulp’s ripening period, reaching a value of 2134 ± 56.23 mg GE/100 g fresh weight (FW) for TG. The three locations showed peak values for total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total condensed tannin (TCT) at the M2 stage. AW had the highest concentrations of TPC (3819 ± 226.4 mg GAE/100 g FM), TFC (1034 ± 57.08 mg QE/100 g FM), and TCT (1472 ± 28.46 mg CE/100 g FM). The DPPH assay (7892 ± 296.1 mg TE/100 g FM) and the FRAP assay (278.2 ± 7.85 mg TE/100 g FM) both demonstrated that the TG zone is a highly potent antioxidant zone. In contrast, the AW site exhibited a markedly elevated value of 725.4 ± 103.6 mg TE/100 g FM in the ABTS assay. HPLC-UV-MS/MS analysis showed that the methanolic extracts of immature carob pulp (MEICP) from the three areas contained several different chemical compounds. The most prevalent were 3-O-p-coumaroyl-5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, quercetin 3-methyl ether, gallic acid, and galloylquinic acid. Immature carob pulp extract (ICPE) from AW showed the strongest in vitro inhibition of pancreatic α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 0.405 µg/mL) and TG extracts were most potent against intestinal α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 0.063 µg/mL). In vivo, AW, TG, and TM extracts significantly reduced postprandial glycemia in rats, with AW having the greatest effect. These results highlight the antidiabetic potential of ICPE. The 3-O-p-Coumaroyl-5-O-caffeoylquinic acid showed better affinity for α-amylase compared to acarbose and interacted significantly with several amino acid residues of the enzyme. Similarly, this molecule and 3,4-Dicaffeoylquinic acid demonstrated a strong affinity for α-glucosidase, suggesting their potential as natural inhibitors of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Most of the compounds are not substrates of P-glycoprotein and exhibited high intestinal absorption. Furthermore, the majority of these compounds did not act as inhibitors or substrates of CYP450 enzymes, reinforcing their suitability for development as oral medications. These results underscore the potential of immature carob pulp as a promising antidiabetic agent. Full article

Red propolis is an active ingredient of great nutritional interest which offers numerous benefits as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the application of an edible and antimicrobial gelatine coating containing red propolis to increase the shelf life of grapes. Gelatine films with an addition of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% of red propolis extract were produced to evaluate their antimicrobial activity using the disk diffusion test in solid media. The films with 25% red propolis extract showed antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The grapes were coated with pure gelatine, without a plasticizer and with gelatine with 25% red propolis and then stored for 1, 4, 10, 19 and 25 days at temperatures of 25 °C and 5 °C. The results showed that the gelatine coating with propolis reduced the mass loss of grapes stored at 25 °C for 19 days by 7.82% and by 21.20% for those kept at 5 °C for 25 days. The pH, total titratable acidity, soluble solids and color of the grapes increased due to the ripening process. Furthermore, the sensory acceptability indexes of the refrigerated grapes with coatings were superior (>78%) to those of the control samples (38%), proving the effectiveness of the coatings in maintaining the quality of grapes during storage. Full article

The seeds of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) have been used as significant medicinal and nutritional ingredients worldwide. The abundant proteins and polysaccharides in lotus seeds make them susceptible to contamination by aflatoxin (AF), a fungal toxic metabolite. This study was conducted to investigate the susceptibility of lotus seeds at different stages of ripening to AF contamination, as well as the mechanism of the contamination. Seven groups of lotus receptacles with seeds at different ripening stages (A–G, from immature to mature) were used for the experiment. Spores of Aspergillus flavus, an AF producer, were inoculated on the water-gap area of the seeds in each receptacle. Then, each receptacle was covered with a sterilized bag, and its stalk part was soaked in water containing a life-prolonging agent, after which it was kept at room temperature for 14 days. The AF content of each whole inoculated seed from the A–G groups and that of each seed part (pericarp, cotyledon, and embryo) from the D and E groups were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Microtome sections were prepared from the samples and observed under a light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The seeds from the A and D groups had higher AF contents than the seeds from the B, C, E, F, and G groups, indicating that the condition of the water-gap area and the development of the embryo and cotyledon parts of the seeds are associated with AF contamination. Full article