Search Results (511)

The sugarcane industry plays a crucial economic role worldwide, with sucrose and ethanol as its main products. However, its processing generates large volumes of by-products—such as bagasse, molasses, vinasse, and straw—that contain valuable components for biotechnological valorization. This review integrates approximately 100 original research articles published in JCR-indexed journals between 2015 and 2025, of which over 50% focus specifically on sugarcane-derived agroindustrial residues. The biotechnological approaches discussed include submerged fermentation, solid-state fermentation, enzymatic biocatalysis, and anaerobic digestion, highlighting their potential for the production of biofuels, enzymes, and high-value bioproducts. In addition to identifying current advances, this review addresses key technical challenges such as (i) the need for efficient pretreatment to release fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass; (ii) the compositional variability of by-products like vinasse and molasses; (iii) the generation of metabolic inhibitors—such as furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural—during thermochemical processes; and (iv) the high costs related to inputs like hydrolytic enzymes. Special attention is given to detoxification strategies for inhibitory compounds and to the integration of multifunctional processes to improve overall system efficiency. The final section outlines emerging trends (2024–2025) such as the use of CRISPR-engineered microbial consortia, advanced pretreatments, and immobilization systems to enhance the productivity and sustainability of bioprocesses. In conclusion, the valorization of sugarcane by-products through biotechnology not only contributes to waste reduction but also supports circular economy principles and the development of sustainable production models. Full article

Background: Accelerated demographic aging in Hungary and across Europe presents significant public health and socioeconomic challenges, particularly in preserving cognitive function and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Modifiable lifestyle factors—especially dietary habits—play a critical role in brain aging and cognitive decline. Objective: This narrative review explores the mechanisms by which Western dietary patterns contribute to cognitive impairment and neurovascular aging, with specific attention to their relevance in the Hungarian context. It also outlines the rationale and design of the Semmelweis Study and its workplace-based health promotion program targeting lifestyle-related risk factors. Methods: A review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted focusing on Western diet, cognitive decline, cerebrovascular health, and dietary interventions. Emphasis was placed on mechanistic pathways involving systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and decreased neurotrophic support. Key findings: Western dietary patterns—characterized by high intakes of saturated fats, refined sugars, ultra-processed foods, and linoleic acid—are associated with elevated levels of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a lipid peroxidation product linked to neuronal injury and accelerated cognitive aging. In contrast, adherence to Mediterranean dietary patterns—particularly those rich in polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil and moderate red wine consumption—supports neurovascular integrity and promotes brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) activity. The concept of “cognitive frailty” is introduced as a modifiable, intermediate state between healthy aging and dementia. Application: The Semmelweis Study is a prospective cohort study involving employees of Semmelweis University aged ≥25 years, collecting longitudinal data on dietary, psychosocial, and metabolic determinants of aging. The Semmelweis–EUniWell Workplace Health Promotion Model translates these findings into practical interventions targeting diet, physical activity, and cardiovascular risk factors in the workplace setting. Conclusions: Improving our understanding of the diet–brain health relationship through population-specific longitudinal research is crucial for developing culturally tailored preventive strategies. The Semmelweis Study offers a scalable, evidence-based model for reducing cognitive decline and supporting healthy aging across diverse populations. Full article

This study evaluates the agronomic potential of two types of vermicompost—one produced solely from wine industry residues (WIR) and one incorporating sewage sludge (WIR + SS)—under rainfed and deficit irrigation conditions in Mediterranean vineyards. The vermicompost was obtained through a two-phase process involving initial thermophilic pre-composting, followed by vermicomposting using Eisenia fetida for 90 days. The conditions were optimized to ensure aerobic decomposition and maintain proper moisture levels (70–85%) and temperature control. This resulted in end products that met the legal standards required for agricultural use. However, population dynamics revealed significantly higher worm reproduction and biomass in the WIR treatment, suggesting superior substrate quality. When applied to grapevines, WIR vermicompost increased soil organic matter, nitrogen availability, and overall fertility. Under rainfed conditions, it improved vegetative growth, yield, and must quality, with increases in yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN), sugar content, and amino acid levels comparable to those achieved using chemical fertilizers, as opposed to the no-fertilizer trial. Foliar analyses at veraison revealed stronger nutrient uptake, particularly of nitrogen and potassium, which was correlated with improved oenological parameters compared to the no-fertilizer trial. In contrast, WIR + SS compost was less favorable due to lower worm activity and elevated trace elements, despite remaining within legal limits. These results support the use of vermicompost derived solely from wine residues as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, in line with the goals of the circular economy in viticulture. Full article

Dietary advanced glycation end-products (dAGEs) contained in high-sugar/fat and ultra-processed foods of the “Western diet” (WD) pattern predispose to several diseases by altering protein function or increasing oxidative stress and inflammation via RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end-products). Although elevated endogenous AGEs are associated with loss of muscle mass and functionality (i.e., muscle wasting; MW), the impact of dAGEs on MW has not been elucidated. Here, we show that the most common dAGEs or their precursor, methylglyoxal (MGO), induce C2C12 myotube atrophy as endogenous AGE-derived BSA. ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, mitophagy, ubiquitin–proteasome activation, and inhibition of myogenic potential are common atrophying mechanisms used by MGO and AGE-BSA. Although of different origins, ROS are mainly responsible for AGE-induced myotube atrophy. However, while AGE-BSA activates the RAGE-myogenin axis, reduces anabolic mTOR, and causes mitochondrial damage, MGO induces glycolytic stress and STAT3 activation without affecting RAGE expression. Among thirty selected natural compounds, Vaccinium macrocarpon (VM), Camellia sinensis, and chlorophyll showed a surprising ability in counteracting in vitro AGE formation. However, only the standardized VM, containing anti-glycative metabolites as revealed by UHPLC-HRMS analysis, abrogates AGE-induced myotube atrophy. Collectively, our data suggest that WD-linked dAGE consumption predisposes to MW, which might be restricted by VM food supplements. Full article

Accurate phenological information on sugarcane is crucial for guiding precise cultivation management and enhancing sugar production. Remote sensing offers an efficient approach for large-scale phenology retrieval, but most studies have primarily focused on staple crops. The methods for retrieving the sugarcane phenology—the germination, tillering, elongation, and maturity stages—remain underexplored. This study addresses the challenge of accurately monitoring the sugarcane phenology in complex terrains by proposing an optimized strategy integrating spatiotemporal fusion data. Ground-based validation showed that the change detection method based on the Double-Logistic curve significantly outperformed the threshold-based approach, with the highest accuracy for the elongation and maturity stages achieved at the maximum slope points of the ascending and descending phases, respectively. For the germination and tillering stages with low canopy cover, a novel time-windowed change detection method was introduced, using the first local maximum of the third derivative curve (denoted as Point A) to establish a temporal buffer. The optimal retrieval models were identified as 25 days before and 20 days after Point A for germination and tillering, respectively. Among the six commonly used vegetation indices, the NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) performed the best across all the phenological stages. Spatiotemporal fusion using the ESTARFM (Enhanced Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model) significantly improved the monitoring accuracy in heterogeneous agricultural landscapes, reducing the RMSE (root-mean-squared error) by 21–46%, with retrieval errors decreasing from 18.25 to 12.97 days for germination, from 8.19 to 4.41 days for tillering, from 19.17 to 10.78 days for elongation, and from 19.02 to 15.04 days for maturity, highlighting its superior accuracy. The findings provide a reliable technical solution for precision sugarcane management in heterogeneous landscapes. Full article

Wild ales represent a diverse category of spontaneously fermented beers, influenced by complex microbial populations and variable ingredients. This study employed an integrated metabolomic profiling approach combining proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and spectrophotometric assays (DPPH and FRAP) to characterize the molecular composition and antioxidant potential of 22 wild ales from six countries. A total of 53 compounds were identified and quantified using NMR, while 62 compounds were identified by using LC-MS. The compounds in question included organic acids, amino acids, sugars, alcohols, bitter acids, phenolic compounds, and others. Ingredient-based clustering revealed that the addition of dark fruits resulted in a significant increase in the polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity. Concurrently, herb-infused and light-fruit beers exhibited divergent phytochemical profiles. Prolonged aging (>18 months) has been demonstrated to be associated with increased levels of certain amino acids, fermentation-derived aldehydes, and phenolic degradation products. However, the influence of maturation duration on the antioxidant capacity was found to be less significant than that of the type of fruit. Country-specific metabolite trends were revealed, indicating the influence of regional brewing practices on beer composition. Correlation analysis was employed to identify the major contributors to antioxidant activity, with salicylic, dihydroxybenzoic, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids being identified as the most significant. These findings underscore the biochemical intricacy of wild ales and exemplify metabolomics’ capacity to correlate compositional variation with functionality and authenticity in spontaneously fermented beverages. Full article

As demand for plant-based beverages grows, analytical tools are needed to classify and understand their structural and compositional diversity. This study applied a multi-analytical approach to characterize 41 commercial almond-, oat-, rice- and soy-based beverages, evaluating attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, protein secondary structure proportions, colorimetry, and microscopic image texture analysis. A total of 26 variables, derived from ATR-FTIR and protein secondary structure assessment, were employed in multivariate models, using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal PLS-DA (OPLS-DA) to evaluate classification performance. The results indicated clear group separation, with soy and rice beverages forming distinct clusters while almond and oat samples showing partial overlap. Variable importance in projection (VIP) scores revealed that β-turn and α-helix protein structures, along with carbohydrate-associated spectral bands, were the key features for beverages’ classification. Textural features derived from microscopy images correlated with sugar and carbohydrate content and color parameters were also employed to describe beverages’ differences related to sugar content and visual appearance in terms of homogeneity. These findings demonstrate that combining ATR-FTIR spectral data with protein secondary structure data enables the effective classification of plant-based beverages, while microscopic image textural and color parameters offer additional extended product characterization. Full article

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. L.), traditionally cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, is being explored for its agronomic viability in Mediterranean climates. This study assessed the bio-agronomic performance of seven sugarcane varieties and two accessions grown in Sicily, to enhance the fermentation process to produce rum agricole, a spirit derived from fresh cane juice. Agronomic evaluations revealed significant varietal differences, with juice yields of 5850−14,312 L ha⁻¹ and sugar yields of 1.84–5.33 t ha⁻¹. Microbial control was achieved through the addition of lactic acid, which effectively suppressed undesirable bacterial growth and improved fermentation quality. Furthermore, the application of two selected Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (MN113 and SPF21), isolated from high-sugar matrices such as manna and honey byproducts, affected the production of volatile compounds, particularly esters and higher alcohols. Sensory analysis confirmed a more complex aromatic profile in cane wines fermented with these selected yeasts, with overall acceptance scores reaching 7.5. Up to 29 aroma-active compounds were identified, including ethyl esters and higher alcohols. This research represents the first integrated approach combining lactic acid treatment and novel yeast strains for the fermentation of sugarcane juice in a Mediterranean context. The findings highlight the potential for high-quality rum agricole production in Sicily. Full article

Salmonella colonization in the gastrointestinal tract of turkeys presents a risk to the safety of products derived from them. Lactobacillus-based probiotics and a plant-derived compound, trans-cinnamaldehyde, have previously been found to be effective in reducing multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Heidelberg (S. Heidelberg) in turkey poults. However, the effect of the challenge and the application of the treatments on the cecal metabolome has yet to be elucidated. Thus, the objective of the present study was to characterize alterations in the metabolic profiles of cecal contents collected from poults following S. Heidelberg challenge and treatment with Lactobacillus salivarius UMNPBX2 and L. ingluviei UMNPBX19 (LB), trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), or a combination of both (CO) using untargeted gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Poults in the challenged control (PC) group had the most distinct and convergent metabolome profiles, with the most pronounced disparity observed compared to the unchallenged control (NC), indicating the effect of the S. Heidelberg challenge. Perturbations in metabolites in the primary bile acid biosynthesis, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, and steroid biosynthesis were the most prominent. The greater abundance of metabolites, such as primary bile acids and sugars, in the PC group may be associated with S. Heidelberg colonization or potential shifts in microbiota. The treatments yielded varying effects on the metabolome profiles, with the TC and CO groups exhibiting the closest similarity, although TC was more similar to NC. The findings revealed alterations to ceca-associated metabolites, which are likely a response to the S. Heidelberg challenge and the application of the TC and LB treatments. Additional studies are needed to validate the possible causal relationship between the observed shifts. Gaining insight into the alterations to the metabolic microenvironment in the avian cecum will help elucidate the mechanisms by which they facilitate Salmonella persistence. Understanding these relationships can aid in designing more effective pre-harvest Salmonella control strategies and enhancing the efficacy of interventions within the flock. Full article

Black garlic is a thermally processed product derived from fresh garlic through controlled high-temperature and -humidity conditions. During this process, the formation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), a potentially harmful byproduct, is a major quality and safety concern in food processing. This study systematically investigated the distributions of 5-HMF and key process-related biochemical components in black garlic samples from three major production regions in China—Jiangsu, Yunnan, and Shandong. Additionally, correlations between 5-HMF and biochemical components—reducing sugars, amino acids, and organic acids—were analyzed to inform process optimization strategies. Results showed significant regional variation in 5-HMF content, with Jiangsu black garlic exhibiting the highest levels, followed by Yunnan and Shandong (p < 0.05). Partial least squares regression analysis (PLSR) indicated that the key biochemical factors regulating 5-HMF accumulation are primarily organic acids. Among them, citric acid was identified as the most important negative regulator (VIP = 3.11). Although acetic acid (VIP = 1.38) and malic acid (VIP = 1.03) showed positive correlations with 5-HMF, aspartic acid (VIP = 0.41) and fructose (VIP = 0.43) exhibited a weak positive correlation, and arginine (VIP = 0.89) showed weak negative correlations, their effects were far less significant than that of citric acid. Based on these findings, we propose a potential strategy for reducing 5-HMF content in black garlic—selecting raw material cultivars with higher endogenous citric acid levels or exploring the exogenous addition and regulation of citric acid during processing. This study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the accumulation mechanism of 5-HMF in black garlic and suggests new potential regulatory directions for controlling its content. Full article

The critical nitrogen (N) dilution curve is widely used to diagnose crop N status, but no such model has been developed for sugar beet. This study evaluated the effects of irrigation amount and N rate on sugar yield, N use efficiency, and soil nitrate-N (NO₃-N) residue of drip-fertigated sugar beet in the arid southern Xinjiang of China. A reliable N nutrition index (NNI) for sugar yield was also established based on a critical N dilution curve derived from the dry matter of sugar beet. A three-year field experiment was established with six N rates (25–480 kg N ha⁻¹) and three irrigation levels based on crop evapotranspiration (ET_c) (0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 ET_c in 2019 and 2020, and 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 ET_c in 2021). Results showed that sugar yield and N uptake increased and then generally stabilized with increasing N rate, while N use efficiency decreased. Most soil NO₃-N was mainly distributed in the 0–60 cm soil layer, but increasing irrigation amount reduced residual NO₃-N in the 0–80 cm soil layer. Additionally, the established critical N dilution curve of sugar beet was considered stable (Normalized RMSE = 16.6%), and can be used to calculate plant N requirements and further N rates during sugar beet growth. The results indicated that the optimal NNI was 0.97 under 0.6 ET_c for sugar yield production of sugar beet in this study. This study provides a basis for efficient water and N management in sugar beet production in arid and semi-arid regions globally. Full article

Widespread drought conditions have increasingly affected agricultural productivity, requiring the exploration of alternative approaches for improving crop tolerance, yield and quality, since plants adopt many physiological strategies to cope with challenging environments. This study evaluated the effects of a vegetal-derived protein hydrolysate (PH), applied via foliar spray or root drench at a concentration of 3 mL L⁻¹, on tomato plants (n = 96) under well-watered and drought-stressed conditions over a 136-day greenhouse experiment. Overall, sub-optimal irrigation significantly decreased plant dry biomass (−55.3%) and fruit production (−68.8% marketable yield), and enhanced fruit quality in terms of sugar concentration and antioxidant levels. PH treatments, regardless of the application method, did not notably influence above-ground dry biomass, yield, or fruit quality, suggesting that the intensity of drought might have limited PH effectiveness. Metabolomic analysis showed higher concentrations of stress- and quality-related metabolites in tomato fruits from plants under stress, with PH not exerting significant metabolic changes in the fruits. These findings revealed the diminished effectiveness of PHs under severe drought conditions, suggesting that drought stress level needs to be taken into consideration for optimizing biostimulant efficacy. Full article

Climate change challenges existing strawberry cultivars, requiring adaptation and the introduction of new varieties better suited to new climate conditions. This research evaluated the response over time of new advanced breeding selections (AN15,07,53, AN16,53,54 and AN12,44,60) derived from intraspecific crosses, proposed for the Mediterranean environment and organic greenhouse cultivation, by comparing plant yield and fruit quality at each harvest stage against five commercial strawberry cultivars (Dina, Arwen, Melissa, Marimbella, and Elide). Results showed that Dina, AN15,07,53, and AN16,53,54 had higher levels of soluble sugars, organic acids, and anthocyanins than the other cultivars evaluated. In addition, AN16,53,54 showed anticipated peak production and plant yield similar to that of commercial cultivars. Elide showed on average the highest total yield (632 g plant⁻¹), while Dina, AN15,07,53 and AN12,44,60 showed lower yields. The lowest and highest percentages of discarded fruits were recorded in Arwen (10%) and AN 12,44,60 (27.7%), respectively. Two genotypes, AN16,53,54 and AN15,07,53 are susceptible to further evaluation; AN16,53,54 showed appropriate features for organic systems management. An important feature related to the environmental conditions of the Mediterranean area is the precocity of production, combined with good quality properties. The genotype AN15,07,53 derived from two parents with high and low chilling requirements, would need to be evaluated for its performance under very different climatic conditions. Full article

Specialty coffee commercialization has experienced a consistent upward trend over the past several years. The prevalence of specialty coffee consumption has increased considerably, particularly among younger demographics and people who engage in physical activities. Sellers are actively involved in the development of innovative formulas and modifications to maintain the competitiveness of their product in the market. Here, we propose a naturally infused caffeine drink with cascara extract as an alternative social beverage. This beverage was formulated using extracts derived from Arabica Ethiopia coffee beans and coffee cherry shells. The final cascara-infused caffeine drink comprises a 50% Ethiopian Arabica coffee infusion and a 50% coffee cherry shell infusion. This beverage is characterized by an average caffeine content of 0.28 mg/mL, a caffeic acid content of 0.24 mg/mL, and a chlorogenic acid content of 0.13 mg/mL. Furthermore, 100 mL of the cascara-infused coffee drink is enriched with polyphenol compounds at an amount of 80.6 mg of Gallic Acid Equivalents per liter (mg GAE/L), including 67.6 mg of catechin equivalent per liter (mg CAE/L) flavonoids. The formulation of the infused caffeine drink contains natural sugars such as glucose, sucrose, and fructose, in amounts of 0.17 mg/mL, 0.97 mg/mL, and 1.66 mg/mL, respectively. The developed procedure has the potential to enhance the coffee-sale market. Full article

Sucrose is by far the most abundant disaccharide found in nature, consisting of two simple hexose units: d-glucose and d-fructose. This exceptionally inexpensive and widely accessible raw material is produced in virtually limitless quantities. The vast majority is consumed in the food industry either in its native form—as commercial table sugar—or, to a lesser extent, as the basis for artificial sweeteners such as palatinose and sucralose. Beyond its dietary use, sucrose serves as a feedstock for the production of bioethanol, liquid crystals, biodegradable surfactants, and polymers. However, the application of this valuable and extremely cheap raw material (100% optical purity and eight stereogenic centers with precisely defined stereochemistry) in the synthesis of more sophisticated products remains surprisingly limited. In this short review, we focus on the strategic use of the sucrose scaffold in the design and synthesis of fine chemicals. Special attention will be paid to macrocyclic derivatives incorporating the sucrose backbone. These water-soluble structures show promise as molecular receptors within biological environments, offering unique advantages in terms of solubility, biocompatibility, and stereochemical precision. Full article