Search Results (627)

Iron-based Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (Fe-FTS) catalysts are central to coal-to-liquid (CTL) processes but suffer from rapid and complex deactivation under industrial conditions. This review critically examines the key deactivation mechanisms, including carbon/wax deposition, hydrothermal sintering, chemical poisoning (S, Cl, As), and mechanical attrition, and evaluates modern regeneration strategies. These strategies include supercritical fluid extraction for wax removal, controlled oxidative decoking, reductive reconstruction of active iron carbides (χ-Fe₅C₂), chemical de-poisoning, and structural upcycling. We also discuss emerging techniques such as non-thermal plasma and supercritical fluid-assisted reactivation. Finally, we highlight challenges in irreversible phase transformation, in -situ regeneration engineering, and economic feasibility, and outline future directions toward regeneration-friendly catalyst design and advanced syngas purification for a circular CTL economy. Full article

This study investigated the inhibitory effect of nanoemulsions (NEs) derived from various essential oils (EOs) and seed oils (SOs) against pathogenic bacteria isolated from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The EOs of eucalyptus, mandarin, and basil were extracted by hydrodistillation, while the SOs of avocado and pumpkin were extracted by supercritical fluids. GC–MS analysis determined the chemical composition, revealing that limonene (70.88%), eucalyptol (57.85%), and camphor (24.61%) were the main components of the EOs. The SOs were rich in palmitic acid (avocado) and linoleic acids (pumpkin) and contained phytosterols such as β-sitosterol and stigmasterol. Avocado seed oil had the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Eight stable NEs, prepared from individual and mixed oils, were tested against Salmonella enterica subsp. salamae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella variicola, Bacillus oceanisediminis, and Bacillus thuringiensis. Most NEs were effective against E. coli and B. oceanisediminis, with an additive effect for SOs mixtures and a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.53 μL/mL (E. coli), 0.53 μL/mL (B. oceanisediminis), and 2.13 μL/mL (B. thuringiensis). The bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity was 1.62 and 6 h with E. coli and NE Mix AP. These findings suggest that nanoemulsions containing SOs are promising candidates for controlling bacterial contamination in fishery products. Full article

Grape bagasse is an abundant agro-industrial by-product and an important source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. This study evaluated Soxhlet extraction, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), subcritical water extraction (SWE), and sequential extraction strategies for recovering bioactive compounds from grape bagasse. Box–Behnken designs were applied to SFE and PLE to evaluate process effects on extraction yield, while total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and antioxidant activity (ABTS) were additionally determined for PLE extracts. Hydroethanolic extractions showed greater selectivity toward phenolic compounds, whereas water-based extractions promoted higher yields associated with additional polar constituents. In SWE, increasing temperature enhanced extraction yield and phenolic recovery, although anthocyanin contents decreased under more severe thermal conditions. SWE provided higher extraction yields than PLE with comparable phenolic content and antioxidant activity, suggesting the recovery of additional highly polar non-phenolic compounds, whereas PLE resulted in higher extraction yields than SFE. Sequential extraction demonstrated that the first step accounted for most of the phenolic recovery and antioxidant activity, while the second aqueous step increased overall extraction yield. The sequential PLE–SWE route resulted in the highest TPC (198.0 mg GAE g⁻¹) and antioxidant activity (2321 μmol TE g⁻¹), demonstrating the potential of sequential extraction for grape bagasse fractionation and valorization. Full article

The genus Cynara is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely used in food and traditional medicine worldwide. Cynara is characterized by its diverse phytochemical composition, with sesquiterpene lactones, a subclass of terpenoids, being particularly distinctive. These compounds are naturally synthesized as defense mechanisms against herbivores and pathogens while acting as allelochemicals. The sesquiterpene lactones found in Cynara exhibit potential anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. They also possess significant phytotoxic activity, making them promising natural bioherbicides for agricultural applications. The effective exploitation of these compounds requires the use of appropriate extraction solvents and techniques. Compared with conventional solvents and extraction methods, green solvents, including ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents, together with modern extraction techniques, particularly ultrasound-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, and Naviglio extraction, have proven highly effective for their recovery. In addition, the application of elicitation strategies, such as salt stress, shading, hormones, and microbial biostimulants, has emerged as a promising approach for enhancing the production of these compounds during cultivation. Therefore, this review highlights Cynara as a valuable source of sesquiterpene lactones with broad applications in medicine and agriculture and provides guidance on technical approaches relevant to their extraction and the enhancement of their production. Full article

Because hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major global health burden, innovative strategies are essential to achieve the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating viral hepatitis and closing persistent coverage gaps for injectable vaccines. While parenteral administration remains the gold standard for immunization, constraints such as cold-chain dependence and needle-associated barriers limit its reach, particularly in resource-constrained environments. This review summarizes work aimed at a plant-produced orally delivered vaccine as a transformative, scalable step towards global hepatitis B elimination. Early studies demonstrated proof of concept for the oral delivery of plant-produced hepatitis B vaccine candidates, including human trials using lettuce and potato as the host, but they were limited by low antigen yields and instability. In contrast, maize-produced antigens represent a significant advancement, achieving high levels of accumulation and utilizing the seed’s natural desiccation physiology for bioencapsulation to protect the antigen from digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. Mechanistically, this platform enables timed antigen release in the duodenum, promoting M-cell uptake and CD103⁺ (cells expressing CD103 known as integrin alpha E) dendritic cell (DC) presentation, thus encouraging immunogenic programming over oral tolerance. In addition, defatting the grain by supercritical fluid extraction further improves antigen thermostability up to 45 °C for one month and ambient temperatures for one year, maintaining structural integrity under extreme conditions in accordance with the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) stability guidelines. Current recommendations for immunization are for three parenteral administrations using the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The primary dose is usually given shortly after birth as a part of a multivalent vaccine. Therefore, initial studies for the oral plant-based vaccine have focused on using an oral boost after the parenteral prime. Data to support this premise are summarized along with co-administration of an oral and parental administration to elicit a stronger immune response. By overcoming past issues related to dose density and stability, this scalable, needle-free platform offers a practical way to eliminate global hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission, especially in resource-constrained environments. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are major toxic organic constituents attached to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and contribute substantially to PM2.5-associated oxidative stress and respiratory toxicity. This study investigated the protective effects of shallot (Allium ascalonicum) extracts against PAH-induced oxidative stress in human nasal epithelial cells (RPMI 2650). Shallot extracts were prepared using various extraction techniques and assessed for their phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity. Among the extracts evaluated, the supercritical fluid extract exhibited the highest total flavonoid content and anti-inflammatory property, whereas the ethanolic extract (EtOH) exhibited the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity and was therefore selected for subsequent investigations. HPLC analysis of the EtOH extract identified quercetin and gallic acid as major phenolic constituents. Exposure of RPMI-2650 cells to PAHs (0.25 μg/mL) significantly induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and lipid peroxidation while reducing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, indicating oxidative stress induction. Cotreatment with the ethanolic extract (1.25–5 μg/mL) effectively mitigated these effects by reducing ROS generation, suppressing lipid peroxidation, and restoring SOD activity in a dose-dependent manner. These protective effects are attributed to the antioxidant phytochemicals present in shallot, particularly quercetin. Collectively, these findings indicate that shallot extracts attenuate PAH-induced oxidative stress in human nasal epithelial cells. Full article

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are one of the most important dietary sources of carotenoids, especially lycopene, a bioactive compound associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects. This review synthesizes recent data on the phytochemical composition of tomatoes, with a focus on lycopene, its main biological mechanisms and health benefits, including the reduction in oxidative stress. The manuscript also highlights the influence of thermal processing and food matrix on the bioavailability of lycopene, as well as the role of innovative formulation and nanoencapsulation systems in increasing its stability and absorption. Modern extraction and analysis methods are also presented, including ultrasound, microwave and supercritical-fluid-assisted techniques, along with HPLC chromatographic methods. A distinctive element is the analysis of lycopene-based food supplements available on the markets in Romania, Europe and the United States, from the perspective of composition, standardization and safety. Current data support the potential of lycopene as a valuable nutraceutical ingredient, but further clinical studies are needed to confirm therapeutic benefits. Full article

Background: Neutrophil dysregulation drives inflammatory pathologies through mechanisms such as matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) release. High-value bioprospecting of agro-industrial residues offers a sustainable strategy to identify novel bioactive compounds. In this study, the immunomodulatory effects of seed oils (SOs) obtained via supercritical fluid extraction from Passiflora edulis and Rubus glaucus byproducts on human neutrophil responses was evaluated. Methods: SO lipid profiles were characterized via GC-MS. Human neutrophils were isolated using Percoll gradients and treated with the SOs (10–50 µg/mL). Cytocompatibility was assessed via MTT and trypan blue assays. MMP-9 activity and ERK1/2/p38 phosphorylation were determined via zymography and Western blotting, respectively. Results of GC-MS revealed matrices rich in unsaturated lipids: R. glaucus SO was dominated by linoleic (50.02%) and α-linolenic (29.84%) acids, whereas P. edulis SO contained linoleic (58.91%) and oleic (19.75%) acids. Both oils were highly biocompatible up to 50 µg/mL. Both SOs significantly increased MMP-9 release; notably, R. glaucus induced a dose-dependent response and a potential priming effect at 10 µg/mL. Interestingly, neither oil induced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 or p38. Conclusions: Supercritical fluid-extracted SOs from P. edulis and R. glaucus byproducts modulate early neutrophil responses by increasing MMP-9 release through pathways independent of classical MAPK phosphorylation. Further functional and in vivo validation is needed to clarify the precise regulatory roles of these specialized lipid matrices in human inflammation resolution and their potential as bioactive ingredients for nutraceutical or pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Mycotoxins are fungal secondary metabolites with dual significance: they threaten health via food contamination yet hold potential as biopesticides. Their isolation from complex matrices remains a critical challenge. This review analyzes classical methods (liquid–liquid extraction, SPE including QuEChERS, chromatography). Traditional techniques suffer from poor selectivity, multi-step processing, large toxic solvent volumes, and matrix effects. As alternatives, emerging strategies based on rational design are considered: directed cocrystallization, supercritical fluid extraction, smart MOF/COF membranes, and AI integrated with physicochemical modeling. The concept of “precision” extraction enabling prediction of target isolation at the molecular level is developed. Recommendations for standardizing experimental reporting to create machine-readable datasets for neural networks are provided. The review concludes that while most still require experimental validation for mycotoxins, these approaches point toward selective, sustainable mycotoxin isolation technologies for analytical control and pure standard production. Full article

Agri-food byproducts are increasingly recognized as sustainable feedstocks for high-value bioactive compounds; but their practical valorization requires integrated evidence on recovery conditions; chemical composition; bioactivity; and application readiness. This review critically examines green recovery strategies and chemical profiling platforms for bioactive compounds recovered from peels; pomace; seed residues; hulls; vegetation waters; and pruning waste. Emphasis is placed on how extraction variables shape chemical profiles; extract quality; and reported biological activities. Ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction; enzyme- and fermentation-assisted recovery; supercritical fluid extraction; pressurized liquid extraction; pulsed electric field-assisted pretreatment; and green solvent-based extraction are discussed in terms of target-compound selectivity; solvent and energy demand; process safety; scalability; and sustainability-related evidence. Chromatographic; mass-spectrometric; spectroscopic; and metabolomics-based profiling approaches are evaluated for identification; annotation; quantification; fingerprinting; quality-marker selection; and standardization; with confidence levels distinguished according to authentic-standard matching; tandem mass spectrometry evidence; spectral libraries; or fingerprint-level evidence. Circular valorization pathways in food; nutraceutical; cosmetic; pharmaceutical, and biopesticide-related applications are further considered with attention to feedstock heterogeneity; process standardization; stability; safety; regulatory feasibility; scalability; and techno-economic feasibility. Overall; this review provides a linkage-oriented framework for developing standardized; application-readiness-oriented bioactive candidates from agri-food byproducts. Full article

Ergosterol (ERG) is a bioactive sterol found in fungal cell membranes with reported cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) conditions were optimized for Lentinula edodes (shiitake) using Response Surface Methodology and subsequently applied to Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster). Optimized SFE (690 bar, 69.8 °C, no co-solvent) produced significantly more concentrated ERG extracts than Soxhlet extraction for both species—280.57 ± 10.80 mg_ERG/g_extract for shiitake and 95.87 ± 7.18 mg_ERG/g_extract for oyster—corresponding to a 107% and 65% increase, respectively. Three biomass pre-treatments—ultrasound, microwave, and enzymatic—were evaluated in combination with SFE. Enzymatic pre-treatment with chitinase significantly improved ERG concentration: 337.53 ± 23.12 mg_ERG/g_extract for shiitake. These results obtained after analysis of samples by GC-MS demonstrate that high-pressure SFE combined with chitinase pre-treatment is an effective strategy for producing ERG-rich extracts from fungal matrices. Full article

Food industry by-products represent an abundant and underexploited source of bioactive compounds, dietary fibers and proteins with significant potential for functional food development. Recent studies estimate that up to 30 to 50% of processed raw materials are discarded as by-products, while food waste contributes approximately 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to nearly 3.3 billion tons of CO₂ annually. This review critically evaluates advances (2015–2026) in the valorization of food industry by-products, with a focus on technological efficiency, health-related evidence, and environmental impact. Specifically, it addresses the following research question: to what extent do current valorization strategies provide measurable technological, nutritional, and environmental advantages over conventional food production systems? Emerging extraction technologies including ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction (20–40 kHz, 30–60 °C), supercritical fluid extraction (200–350 bar, 35–60 °C), enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation demonstrated improvements in extraction yields (up to 20–50% increases compared to conventional methods) and higher purity in the recovered compounds. These approaches enable the isolation of compounds such as pectins from citrus peels, polyphenols from grape pomace, galacto-oligosaccharides from dairy whey, and collagen from fish by-products. From an environmental perspective, valorization strategies can reduce waste disposal and associated emissions by up to 30%, depending on the scale and type of by-product processing. Furthermore, these approaches contribute directly to circular economy models and support multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) and SDG 13 (climate action). However, challenges remain, including variability in raw material composition, scalability limitations, and the limited availability of high-quality clinical evidence supporting health benefits. By integrating nutritional potential, technological feasibility, and sustainability indicators, this review provides a comprehensive and critical assessment of the current state of by-product valorization and identifies key gaps for future research. Full article

Marine macroalgae are widely distributed renewable resources that offer substantial economic and environmental benefits. This review comprehensively examines seaweeds from the phyla Chlorophyta, Heterokontophyta, and Rhodophyta, highlighting key advances and persistent challenges. Global seaweed production is highly concentrated: Asia accounts for 97% of the total, with China as the dominant producer. These seaweeds synthesize a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including sulfated polysaccharides, phlorotannins, terpenoids, proteins, peptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and pigments. Notably, brown algae represent the richest source of both phlorotannins and polyunsaturated fatty acids. To recover these valuable compounds efficiently, a range of advanced green extraction techniques have been developed, such as enzyme-assisted, microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and supercritical fluid extraction, along with natural deep eutectic solvents. These methods consistently outperform conventional approaches in terms of yield, extraction time, and environmental sustainability. The isolated compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of validated pharmacological activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, antitumor, and antiviral effects. Consequently, they have found diverse applications in functional foods, biomedicine, cosmetics, agriculture, aquaculture, and environmental protection. Despite this promise, critical challenges remain in elucidating structure–activity relationships, developing scalable and sustainable extraction protocols, and advancing clinical translation. Future research should prioritize the discovery of novel marine bioactives, the enzymatic production of oligosaccharides, efficient purification of algal proteins and peptides, and the scaling-up of industrial processes to fully realize the pharmaceutical and biotechnological potential of marine macroalgae. Full article

Wine production is one of the most important agricultural activities worldwide, and generates significant amounts of organic by-products, particularly grape pomace. Traditionally, this was seen as waste, but currently, this residue has been reanalyzed from the perspective of the principles of the bioeconomy and circular economy, demonstrating its potential as a rich source of bioactive compounds with great potential for valorization. Its heterogeneous composition accumulates a variety of polyphenols, dietary fibers, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other secondary metabolites that confer important biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. The chemical composition of grape pomace varies substantially according to variety, winemaking method, and extraction conditions, directly impacting its potential application. Extraction methods have progressed from traditional procedures to more advanced techniques such as ultrasound, supercritical fluids, and natural solvents, enabling the selective separation of high-value compounds. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of grape pomace valorization, emphasising its composition, green extraction and current industrial applications. In addition, regulatory frameworks and sustainability strategies supporting the integration of grape pomace into value-added production chains are discussed. Overall, grape pomace valorization supports waste reduction and the production of new functional products that balance economic efficiency and environmental responsibility. Full article

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau), a citrus fruit typically cultivated in the Mediterranean basin, represents a valuable source of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavanone glycosides, and essential oil constituents, which are associated with antioxidant and metabolic effects. Notably, these compounds are highly concentrated not only in the edible fraction but also in industrial by-products, such as peel and pomace, which represent an underexploited resource for sustainable valorisation. This review examines recent advances (2020–2025) in the recovery and application of bioactive compounds from bergamot by-products (BBP), with a focus on green extraction technologies, including ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction, enzyme-assisted processes, supercritical fluids, and natural deep eutectic solvents. Particular attention is given to the incorporation of BBP-derived extracts into food systems as natural antioxidants, flavouring agents, and functional ingredients. In addition, current evidence on their nutritional relevance and biological activities, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering effects, is critically discussed. The integration of green extraction technologies with stabilization strategies, such as microencapsulation, supports the development of clean-label foods enriched with bergamot bioactives, contributing to both product functionality and sustainability. Overall, bergamot by-products (BBP) emerged as a promising model for the circular recovery of natural bioactive compounds and their incorporation into innovative functional food formulations. Full article