Search Results (352)

The rising demand for energy resources and industrial goods presents significant challenges to sustainable development. Sunflower oil, commonly utilized in the food sector, biofuels, and various industrial applications, is notably affected by this demand. In Bulgaria, it serves as a primary source of vegetable fats, ranking second to butter in daily consumption. The aim of this study is to evaluate and propose methods to improve energy and resource efficiency in sunflower oil production in Bulgaria. The analysis is based on data from an energy audit conducted in 2023 at an industrial sunflower oil production facility. Reconstruction and modernization initiatives, which included the installation of high-performance, energy-efficient equipment, led to a 34% increase in energy efficiency. The findings highlight the importance of adjusting the technological parameters such as temperature, pressure, grinding level, and pressing time to reduce energy use and operational costs. Additionally, resource efficiency is improved through more effective raw material utilization and waste reduction. These strategies not only enhance the economic and environmental performance of sunflower oil production but also support sustainable development and competitiveness within the industry. The improvement reduces hexane use by approximately 2%, resulting in energy savings of 12–15 kWh/t of processed seeds and a reduction in CO₂ emissions by 3–4 kg/t, thereby improving the environmental profile of sunflower oil production. Full article

Nutrition plays a fundamental role in promoting health and preventing chronic diseases, with bioactive food components offering a therapeutic potential in biomedical applications. Among these, edible oils are recognised for their functional properties, which contribute to disease prevention and metabolic regulation. The proposed study aims to evaluate the quality of four bioactive oils (olive oil, sunflower oil, tomato seed oil, and pumpkin seed oil) by analysing their thermal behaviour through infrared (IR) imaging. The study designed a customised electronic system to acquire thermographic signals under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The acquisition system was used to extract thermal data. Analysis of the acquired thermal signals revealed characteristic heat absorption profiles used to infer differences in oil properties related to stability and degradation potential. A hybrid deep learning model that integrates Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) units was used to classify and differentiate the oils based on stability, thermal reactivity, and potential health benefits. A signal analysis showed that the AI-based method improves both the accuracy (achieving an F1-score of 93.66%) and the repeatability of quality assessments, providing a non-invasive and intelligent framework for the validation and traceability of nutritional compounds. Full article

Over the past years, increasing attention has been drawn to the adverse effects of agricultural pesticide use on pollinators, with honeybees being especially vulnerable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of residues detectable and/or quantifiable of neonicotinoid pesticides and other pesticides in biological materials (bees, bee brood, etc.) and beehive products (honey, pollen, etc.) applied as seed dressings in rapeseed and sunflower plants in two growing seasons (2020–2021) in fields located in three agro-climatic regions in Romania. The study involved the comparative sampling of hive products (honey, pollen, adult bees, and brood) from experimental and control apiaries, followed by pesticide residue analysis in an accredited laboratory (Primoris) using validated chromatographic techniques (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS). Toxicological analyses of 96 samples, including bees, bee brood, honey, and pollen, confirmed the presence of residues in 46 samples, including 10 bee samples, 10 bee brood samples, 18 honey samples, and 8 pollen bread samples. The mean pesticide residue concentrations detected in hive products were 0.032 mg/kg in honey, 0.061 mg/kg in pollen, 0.167 mg/kg in bees, and 0.371 mg/kg in bee brood. The results highlight the exposure of honeybee colonies to multiple sources of pesticide residue contamination, under conditions where legal recommendations for the controlled application of agricultural treatments are not followed. The study provides relevant evidence for strengthening the risk assessment framework and underscores the need for adopting stricter monitoring and regulatory measures to ensure the protection of honeybee colony health. Full article

Problems with primary food production (food insecurity, malnutrition, and socioeconomic problems) persist throughout the world, especially in rural areas. Despite these problems, the available natural food resources are underutilized; residents are no longer interested in growing and consuming foods native to their region. In this regard, this study carries out the morphological and nutritional characterization of a native sunflower (Helianthus annuus) grown in the Sierra Gorda, Querétaro, Mexico, known as “Maíz de teja”, to implement a sustainable monoculture production system. The results were compared with some other sunflower varieties and other oilseeds grown and consumed in the country. This study determined that this native sunflower seed is a good source of linoleic acid (84.98%) and zinc (17.2 mg/100 g). It is an alternative protein source (18.6 g/100 g), comparable to foods of animal origin. It also provides a good amount of fiber (22.6 g/100 g) and bioactive compounds (total phenolic compounds (TPC) 3.434 ± 0.03 mg/g and total flavonoids (TFC) 0.67 ± 0.02 mg/g), and seed yield 341.13 kg/ha. This study demonstrated a valuable nutritional profile of this native seed and its potential for cultivation. Further research is needed to improve agricultural management to contribute to food security and improve the socioeconomic status of the community. Full article

This study aimed to assess the use of selected raw materials, such as whole-grain oat flakes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds, to obtain bars using baking and drying methods. Modifying the bars’ composition involved selecting the fibre preparation, replacing water with NFC juice, and using fresh apple juice and apple pomace. The Psyllium fibre preparation, also in the form of a mixture with apple fibre, was the most useful in dough cohesion and the quality of the bars. Baked bars were characterised by higher sensory quality than those obtained by drying. Microwave–convection drying was a good alternative to baking, primarily due to the lower temperature resulting in a lower acrylamide content and comparable product quality. The basic grain ingredients and fibre preparations mainly shaped the nutritional and energy value and the sensory and microbiological quality. Modifying the recipe using NFC or fresh juice and apple pomace allowed the bars to develop new properties and quality characteristics. The use of NFC juices resulted in a reduction in the pH of the bars, which is associated with a higher microbiological quality of the bars. All bars had low acrylamide content, significantly lower than the permissible level. Using fresh pomace or fibre preparations made from by-products is a possibility to increase the fibre content in the bars and a method of managing by-products. Full article

This study explored the potential of chitosan (CH)/bacterial cellulose (BC) complexes (0.5% w/v) as novel emulsifiers to stabilize oil-in-water (o/w) Pickering emulsions (20% v/v sunflower oil), with a focus on their gel-like behavior. Emulsions were prepared using CH combined with BNC derived via H₂SO₄ (BNC1) or H₂SO₄-HCl (BNC2) hydrolysis. Increasing BNC content improved stability by reducing phase separation and enhancing viscosity, while CH contributed interfacial activity and electrostatic stabilization. CH/BNC1_25:75 emulsions showed the highest stability, maintaining an emulsion stability index (ESI) of up to 100% after 3 days, with minimal change in droplet size (R_h ~8.5–8.8 μm) and a positive ζ-potential (15.1–29.8 mV), as confirmed by dynamic/electrophoretic light scattering. pH adjustment to 4 and 10 had little effect on their ESI, while ionic strength studies showed that 0.1 M NaCl caused only a slight increase in droplet size combined with the highest ζ-potential (−35.2 mV). Higher salt concentrations led to coalescence and disruption of their gel-like structure. Rheological analysis of CH/BNC1_25:75 emulsions revealed shear-thinning behavior and dominant elastic properties (G′ > G″), indicating a soft gel network. Incorporating sunflower-seed protein isolates into CH/BNC1 (25:75) emulsions led to coacervate formation (three-layer system), characterized by a decrease in droplet size and an increase in ζ-potential (up to 32.8 mV) over 7 days. These findings highlight CH/BNC complexes as sustainable stabilizers for food-grade Pickering emulsions, supporting the development of biopolymer-based emulsifiers aligned with bioeconomy principles. Full article

Under the scenario of global climate warming, meteorological risks affecting sunflower cultivation in Xinjiang’s 10th Division were investigated by developing a meteorological-growth coupling model. Field experiments were conducted at three representative stations (A1–A3) during 2023–2024 to assess temperature and precipitation impacts on yield and quality traits among sunflower cultivars with varying maturation periods. The main findings were: (1) Early-maturing cultivar B1 (RH3146) exhibited superior adaptation at low-temperature station A1, achieving 12% higher plant height and an 18% yield increase compared to regional averages. (2) At thermally variable station A2 (daily average temperature fluctuation ± 8 °C, precipitation CV = 25%), the late-maturing cultivar B3 showed enhanced stress resilience, achieving 35.6% grain crude fat content (15% greater than mid-maturing B2) along with 8–10% increases in seed setting rate and 100-grain weight. These improvements were potentially due to optimized photoassimilated allocation and activation of stress-responsive genes. (3) At station A3, characterized by high thermal-humidity variability (CV > 15%) during grain filling, B3 experienced a 15-day delay in maturation and a 3% reduction in ripeness. Two principal mitigation strategies are recommended: preferential selection of early-to-mid maturing cultivars in regions with thermal-humidity CV > 10%, improving yield stability by 23%, and optimization of sowing schedules based on accumulated temperature-precipitation modeling, reducing meteorological losses by 15%. These evidence-based recommendations provide critical insights for climate-resilient cultivar selection and precision agricultural management in meteorologically vulnerable agroecosystems. Full article

Sunflower is one of the four most important oilseed crops in the world, and its edible oil is of high nutritional quality. However, the molecular regulatory mechanism of oil accumulation in sunflowers is still unclear. In this study, we selected two inbred lines with significant differences in oleic acid content and similar agronomic traits: the high oleic acid content (82.5%) inbred line 227 and the low oleic acid content (30.8%) inbred line 228. Sunflower seeds were selected for transcriptome experiments at 10, 20, and 30 days after full bloom (DAFB). There were 21, 225, and 632 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified at the three times, respectively. The Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that DEGs from two sunflower cultivars at three stages were significantly enriched in the activities of omega-6 fatty acid desaturase and glucosyltransferase. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis found that at 10, 20, and 30 DAFB, DEGs were significantly enriched in the unsaturated fatty acid synthesis pathway, glutathione metabolism pathway, and pyruvate metabolism pathway. Through mapping analysis of GO in the KEGG pathway, it was found that the omega-6 fatty acid desaturase gene FAD6/FAD2, diacylglyceroyltransferase gene DGAT, glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase gene GPAT, and long-chain acyl-CoA synthase gene LACS may play important roles in regulating sunflower oleic acid content. Our research provides candidate genes and a research basis for breeding high oleic sunflowers. Full article

Orobanche cumana Wallr. is a root parasitic plant that causes considerable yield losses of up to 50% in sunflower Helianthus annuus plantations. The holoparasite fulfills its entire demand for water, minerals, and organic nutrients from the host’s vascular system. Agronomic practices alone are not effective in controlling this pest. This study investigated the mechanism of a verified plant growth-promoting strain, Streptomyces rochei D74, on the inhibition of the parasitism of O. cumana in a co-culture experiment. We conducted potted and sterile co-culture experiments using sunflower, O. cumana, and S. rochei D74. Our results suggest that the inoculated bacteria invoked the sunflower systemic resistance (SAR and ISR) by increasing the activity of resistance-related enzymes (SOD, POD, PPO, and PAL), the gene expression of systemic resistance marker genes (PR-1 and NPR1), ethylene synthesis genes (HACS. 1 and ACCO1), and JA synthesis genes (pin2 and lox). The expression levels of ISR marker genes (lox, HACS. 1, ACCO1, and pin2) increased by 1.66–7.91-fold in the seedling stage. Simultaneously, S. rochei D74 formed a protective layer on the sunflower root surface, preventing O. cumana from connecting to the vascular system of the sunflower roots. In addition, S. rochei D74 reduced 5DS synthesis of the strigol precursor substance, resulting in a reduction in O. cumana germination. These results demonstrated that the S. rochei D74 strain improved systemic resistance and decreased seed germination to prevent O. cumana parasitism. Full article

Vegetable oil is regarded as a medium that can replace kerosene in electrical discharge machining (EDM) hole processing due to its renewability and environmental friendliness. Meanwhile, numerical simulation serves as an effective means to study the behavior of the gap flow field during EDM processing. Based on this, this study explored the influence of hole size and different vegetable oil dielectrics (sunflower seed oil, canola oil, and soybean oil) on the movement of electro-corrosion residues in the processing gap. The simulation results demonstrate that the viscosity of the oil affects the escape rate of the particles. In holes of 1 mm and 4 mm of size, the escape rate of canola oil at any time period is superior to that of sunflower seed oil and soybean oil. In a 1 mm hole, its average escape rate reached 19.683%, which was 0.24% and 0.19% higher than that of sunflower seed oil and soybean oil, respectively. Subsequently, experiments were conducted in combination with the simulation results to explore the influence of current, pulse width, and pulse interval on hole processing. This further confirmed the application potential of vegetable oil in electrical discharge micro-hole processing and provided theoretical support and experimental basis for optimizing the green manufacturing process. Full article

Current biodiesel production is costly, in part due to the catalysts added during transesterification and later washed out. We have previously shown that intact rapeseed shells can be ball-milled with an alcohol to produce biodiesel without an added catalyst. Here, we report on the activation and identity of the complexing agent within the shells of rapeseeds and sunflower seeds. Lignin, present in the cell walls of plant matter, complexes with iron and manganese within metallic media, such as in a ball mill, and acts as a catalyst support in a transesterification reaction with oil and methanol. When ball-milled with methanol, rapeseed and sunflower seeds produce up to 90% biodiesel, similar to yields produced by industrial methods. However, this new method for producing biodiesel is a greener alternative, as it requires fewer organic solvents, may reduce the time and energy required for synthesis, and may reduce the effort required for product purification. Full article

Biosurfactants are becoming increasingly popular, but industrial production of biosurfactants is difficult, partly due to high production costs resulting from the need to use expensive substrates. One economically feasible candidate is vegetable oils, which can be directly metabolized without pretreatment. The aim of this work is therefore to investigate the possibility of using vegetable oils for lipopeptide production by Serratia marcescens G8-1. The genetic background of this strain for the production of lipopeptides was investigated using a genomic approach. The biosurfactants were analysed by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry. The ability to reduce surface tension was investigated using a tensiometer. The results showed that the best effect in reducing surface tension was achieved by adding waste rapeseed oil. Sunflower and linseed oil also showed good results. Significantly poorer results were obtained when fresh rapeseed oil, sesame oil and pumpkin seed oil were used. The putative gene cluster for cyclic lipopeptides NRPS was identified in the genome of S. marcescens G8-1. The results obtained confirmed that serrawettin W1 is the major biosurfactant produced by S. marcescens G8-1. Of particular interest, the results showed the presence of vinylamycin when rapeseed oil was used. Full article

The global demand for sustainable protein sources has led to a growing interest in plant-based alternatives, with sunflower products emerging as a promising yet underutilized option. This review provides a comprehensive overview and critical evaluation of current knowledge on the flavor and off-flavor profiles and codes of sunflower seeds and their by-products, with a focus on both volatile and non-volatile low-molecular-weight compounds. It can highlight the importance of the sensomics approach and the knowledge on key food odorants and tastants. Furthermore, this review underscores the importance of advanced analytical methodologies for linking chemical composition to sensory outcomes. While volatile compounds that activate human olfactory receptors, such as aldehydes, terpenes, and pyrazines, are well described in sunflower products, using the sensomics approach the key odor-active stimuli are just verified in sunflower oil. In addition, the roles of non-volatile components including lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and secondary metabolites such as polyphenols require further investigation and experimental validation to confirm their role as key tastants and their effect on sensory perception. By compiling existing data, this review establishes a foundational database of known and potential flavor-relevant compounds in different sunflower products, providing a valuable resource to directly or indirectly guide sensory (sensomics) studies and promote sunflower-based product innovation. Identifying the key flavor contributors in the different sunflower-based products and raw materials would facilitate precise approaches in processing and product formulation to enhance sensory quality while mitigating off-flavors. Addressing these challenges will support the development of sunflower-based food products with optimized flavor and nutritional profiles, consistent with global sustainability goals and consumer acceptance. Full article

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.), traditionally cultivated for their oil, are increasingly valued for their nutritional and functional properties across a range of food applications. Sunflower seed butter is a nutritious, allergen-free alternative to traditional nut butter. Nevertheless, comprehensive information on its sensory properties and consumer acceptance is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the sensory characteristics, nutritional composition, and consumer preferences of sunflower seed butter, including commercial products and laboratory-developed prototypes. A total of 13 samples (11 commercial, 2 prototypes) were evaluated for protein, fat content (Kjeldahl, Soxhlet methods), and texture attributes, including hardness, stickiness, and spreadability. Descriptive sensory analysis was conducted by a trained panel (n = 10), and consumer acceptance was evaluated by 98 participants using a 9-point hedonic scale. The results indicated that consumer liking was primarily driven by flavor, particularly a roasted flavor profile with brown color and creamy texture. No significant correlations were found between consumer liking and protein or fat content. These findings underscore the dominant role of sensory attributes in shaping consumer perception and provide a basis for optimizing product formulation and marketing strategies in sunflower seed butter development. Full article

The present work aimed to obtain and characterize sunflower seed oil (SO) enriched with compounds from turmeric rhizome (TR). For this purpose, the enriched oil was obtained from two strategies: extraction of the compounds from TR using SO as solvent (ESO) and simultaneous extraction of SO and TR compounds using ethyl acetate as solvent (ESOS). In these strategies, the effect of time (15 and 30 min) and temperature (60 and 70 °C) on the enrichment in relation to the curcuminoids content was determined. Evaluation of phytochemicals such as total phenolic compounds (TPCs), phenolic compound profile and fatty-acid profile and bioactivity by antioxidant potential (AP) was carriedoutin the enriched oils and in the SO;mean while, oxidative stability and cytotoxicity were evaluated using HaCaT (human immortalized keratinocyte) cells. From the results obtained, higher contents of curcuminoids (510 mg/100 g oil) were observed in the oil obtained from simultaneous extraction (ESOS) in a shorter time and lower temperature (15 min and 60 °C), and similar behavior was found for the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential. The profile of phenolic compounds revealed the presence of phenolic acids, curcuminoids and terpenes in the composition of the enriched oils, which increased oxidative stability. The oils obtained did not show any cytotoxic effect against the cells tested, confirmed by the high survival rate (>88%) after 48 h of exposure. Full article