Search Results (1,963)

Sunflower hulls are an abundant lignocellulosic waste with significant but underexploited potential for the recovery of high-value compounds and production of renewable energy. In this study, an integrated biorefinery approach was developed for the sequential recovery of waxes, free and bound phenolic compounds, and biomethane. Three pretreatment strategies (acid-thermal, mechanically assisted alkaline, and ultrasound-assisted ethanolic) were comparatively evaluated to determine their effects on bound phenolics extraction and biomethane production. Sequential extraction recovered 0.94 g of waxes 100 g⁻¹ d.b. and 145.52 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹ d.b. of free phenolics, with chlorogenic acid as the predominant compound. The different pretreatments exhibited contrasting performances depending on the valorisation criterion considered. Although acid–thermal pretreatment achieved the highest recovery of bound phenolic compounds (99.3 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹ d.b.), ultrasound-assisted ethanolic pretreatment preserved the largest proportion of the original biomass and resulted in the highest overall methane recovery (150% relative to the untreated biomass). Each pretreatment modified the lignocellulosic matrix through hemicellulose solubilization, lignin disruption, and fibre reorganisation, thus explaining the observed differences in phenolic release and biomethane production. The results demonstrate that each pretreatment favours a specific product stream, and that the selection of the most suitable pretreatment depends on the biorefinery’s objective. Full article

Background/Objectives: Medicinal and aromatic plants are important sources of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of 19 commercially available medicinal herb and spice products of reported Mount Athos provenance and investigated the influence of extraction solvent on these properties. Methods: Extracts were prepared by ultrasound-assisted extraction using water, 50% aqueous methanol, or 50% aqueous acetone. TPC was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and a qualitative supercoiled plasmid DNA relaxation assay. Solvent effects were assessed using Friedman and post hoc Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and associations between TPC and antioxidant activity were examined using correlation and regression analyses. Results: TPC and antioxidant activity varied considerably among botanical products and extraction conditions, with Origanum spp. generally exhibiting among the highest TPC values and strong antioxidant responses. Aqueous acetone yielded significantly higher TPC than aqueous methanol and water. Both aqueous organic solvents produced greater DPPH inhibition than water, whereas aqueous methanol produced greater ABTS activity than water; no significant solvent effect was observed for FRAP. TPC was positively associated with antioxidant activity, particularly ABTS and FRAP, explaining up to 78% of its variability. Several extracts also preserved the supercoiled plasmid DNA form under hydroxyl radical-generating conditions, although this observation requires quantitative confirmation. Conclusions: Medicinal herbs and spices of Athonite provenance exhibit considerable phytochemical and antioxidant variability. Extraction solvent influences phenolic recovery and antioxidant activity in an assay-dependent manner, with no single solvent being uniformly superior. These findings provide baseline data supporting further phytochemical characterization and quantitative evaluation of the antioxidant and DNA-protective properties of these botanical materials. Full article

Buckwheat husk is the major by-product produced during buckwheat processing. However, despite its high nutritional and functional value, it remains underutilized as an ingredient in functional foods. This review summarizes current knowledge on the botanical origin, chemical composition, extraction approaches, and bioactive properties of buckwheat husk. Particular emphasis is placed on its high content of insoluble dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, especially rutin, which contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Advances in conventional and green extraction techniques used to obtain buckwheat husk concentrates, including ultrasound- and microwave-assisted methods, are discussed. The techno-functional properties of buckwheat husk, such as water- and oil-holding capacity, emulsifying potential, and texture modification, are evaluated in relation to food applications. Reported uses in bakery products, pasta, dairy foods, beverages, and meat systems are critically reviewed. Safety aspects, allergenicity, and antinutritional factors are also considered. Overall, buckwheat husk is positioned as an underutilized resource with significant potential for sustainable functional food development. Full article

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy of the upper limb and an important cause of pain, sensory disturbance, and hand dysfunction. Open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release are effective, but they may be associated with scar-related pain, wound complications, and delayed return to work. Ultrasound-guided techniques have been developed to reduce soft-tissue trauma, enable real-time visualization of neurovascular structures, and facilitate faster recovery. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, PubMed Central, and Scopus was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines for English-language studies published over the last 14 years. Eligible studies reported ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release techniques and/or compared them with open, mini-open, or endoscopic procedures. Data on procedural technique, study population, follow-up, clinical outcomes, complications, and methodological characteristics were extracted and qualitatively synthesized. Results: Twenty-eight studies were included. Sample sizes ranged from 14 to 152 patients, and follow-up ranged from 3 to 74 months. The most frequently reported ultrasound-guided approaches were device-assisted carpal tunnel release, thread carpal tunnel release, and percutaneous carpal tunnel release. Most studies reported clinically meaningful improvement in symptoms and hand function, small incisions, rapid return to daily activities, and low rates of serious complications. Reported adverse events were mostly minor and transient. However, the evidence was limited by small samples, heterogeneous outcomes, single-center designs, limited long-term follow-up, and potential conflicts of interest. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release appears to be a promising, minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, though current evidence is of low certainty. Larger independent comparative trials with standardized outcomes and long-term follow-up are needed. Full article

Pomegranate peel is an agro-industrial byproduct rich in phenolic compounds with recognized functional properties. Its incorporation into stable food ingredients represents an attractive strategy for byproduct valorization. This study evaluated spray-dried vinegar powders enriched with pomegranate peel extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using vinegar and α-cyclodextrin (αCD). Non-buffered and buffered formulations were compared with two commercial buffered powders during 6 months of storage at 22 °C. Morphological (particle size distribution and scanning electron microscopy images), physicochemical (pH, titratable acidity, moisture content, water activity and color), antioxidant (total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity), antimicrobial and sensory properties were evaluated. The powders maintained stable physicochemical properties, with moisture content remaining ≤1.2%, whereas commercial powders reached 3.0–3.9% after storage. Pomegranate-enriched powders showed total phenolic contents of 5.3–27.9 mg GAE/g_powder and antioxidant activity of 37.1–279.3 µmol TE/g_powder, compared with 0.1–0.3 mg GAE/g_powder and 2.3–4.1 µmol TE/g_powder in the non-enriched formulations, while remaining stable throughout storage. Buffered enriched powders maintained in vitro antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, whereas only non-buffered formulations inhibited Salmonella enterica. The powders were incorporated into a béchamel croquette formulation and showed preliminary sensory acceptability. These results support spray drying with αCD as an effective strategy for obtaining stable powdered ingredients from pomegranate peel byproducts under the evaluated conditions. Full article

Citrus processing generates massive volumes of citrus-processing by-products rich in polyphenols, pectin, and essential oils, yet most of these materials are disposed of with low-value utilization, causing biomass loss and environmental pressure. Physical-assisted extraction techniques represent promising strategies for recovering high-value bioactive components from citrus-processing by-products. This narrative review assesses mainstream conventional and physical-assisted extraction routes (acid-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, and supercritical CO₂ extraction) for phenolic compounds, pectin, and essential oils derived from citrus-processing by-products, summarizes optimal operational parameters, and compares their downstream food, biomaterial, and environmental remediation applications. Key findings demonstrate that ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction generally deliver higher extraction yields and better preservation of thermally sensitive bioactives relative to conventional reflux extraction; nevertheless, industrial-scale translation faces multiple bottlenecks, including high equipment investment, raw-material seasonal variability, incomplete solvent-recovery workflows, and scarce unified multi-dimensional evaluation benchmarks. Major limitations of existing research include the predominant focus on laboratory-scale yield optimization, with insufficient systematic quantitative comparisons covering energy consumption, product functional quality, life-cycle assessment (LCA), and techno-economic performance. Furthermore, thermal-driven oxidative degradation of d-limonene and polyphenols persists as a critical challenge hindering final product quality. Future perspectives highlight the need to establish standardized raw-material pretreatment protocols, combine chemical-based evaluation metrics and ISO 14040-compliant LCA frameworks to balance environmental benefits and economic profitability, and advance pilot-scale validation for hybrid coupled extraction processes. Key conclusions: although citrus-processing by-products possess enormous biorefinery potential, bridging laboratory-scale feasibility and industrial commercialization still requires joint progress in extraction-process optimization, safety validation, and circular-economy-oriented technical innovation. Full article

Medicinal and edible homologous plant polysaccharides (MEHPs) and edible and medicinal mushroom polysaccharides (EMMPs) have attracted increasing attention due to their favorable safety profiles and diverse biological activities. However, existing reviews have mainly focused on individual extraction approaches or specific biological functions, lacking an integrated perspective that connects extraction strategies, structural characteristics, modification techniques, and industrial applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of MEHPs and EMMPs by systematically summarizing conventional and advanced extraction technologies, including ultrasound-, microwave-, and enzyme-assisted extraction, alongside deep eutectic solvent, supercritical fluid, and emerging physically assisted methods. Particular emphasis is placed on extraction mechanisms, kinetic modeling, structural preservation, and artificial intelligence-assisted process optimization. Furthermore, recent advances in multi-technique structural characterization, chemical modification strategies, structure–activity relationships, and applications in functional foods, prebiotics, drug delivery, and health-related fields are discussed. Finally, this review highlights key challenges limiting industrial translation, including raw material variability, insufficient higher-order structural characterization, unclear structure–activity relationships, limited clinical evidence, and regulatory barriers. Future perspectives integrating intelligent manufacturing, sustainable processing, and advanced computational approaches are proposed to facilitate the high-value and sustainable development of MEHPs and EMMPs. Full article

This study investigated the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of gelatin from the swim bladder (SB) of Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) and evaluated its physicochemical and film-forming properties in comparison to commercial bovine and fish skin gelatins. UAE significantly enhanced the extraction efficiency, achieving a yield of 85.26–91.62% (dry weight) within 1–2 h, compared to 78.81% obtained through a 6 h conventional hot-water method. The SB gelatin optimally extracted via UAE for 1 h showed the presence of high-molecular-weight protein cross-links ($\beta$- and $\gamma$-chains). Consequently, it exhibited a gel strength of 258.64 g, which was higher than that of commercial fish skin gelatin (233.35 g), despite possessing a lower hydroxyproline content (47.30 mg/g). Furthermore, the SB gelatin demonstrated viable film-forming capabilities when incorporated with 25% (w/w) of hydrophilic plasticizers (glycerol, PEG-400 and a 1:1 mixture). The resultant SB films displayed higher tensile strength (60.93–71.56 MPa) and lower elongation at break compared to films derived from both commercial marine and bovine gelatins (p < 0.05). Among the evaluated plasticizers, glycerol yielded films with higher initial mechanical flexibility (indicated by the lowest elastic modulus), while the binary mixture of glycerol and PEG-400 provided the most effective water vapor barrier for the SB gelatin films. Overall, UAE-extracted Asian sea bass swim bladder represents a potential alternative source of gelatin that exhibits preliminary potential for bio-based packaging applications. Full article

Total flavonoids (TF) from Artemisia argyi, a traditional edible-medicinal Asteraceae herb, were extracted via a food-grade ternary deep eutectic solvent (TDES, Glycerol/Levulinic Acid/Xylitol = 1:1:1 molar ratio, 30% w/w water) under ultrasound assistance. A hybrid response surface methodology–genetic algorithm–artificial neural network (RSM-GA-ANN) model optimized parameters to deliver a maximum TF yield of 107.7 mg/g—1.5–1.8-fold higher than conventional hydroalcoholic extraction. Greenness was quantified by AGREEprep (score = 0.70) and MoGAPI (score = 80/100), confirming the method’s sustainability, with TDES retaining >84% extraction efficiency over three reuse cycles. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed TDES forms a more stable hydrogen bond network with plant cell walls (average H-bond lifetime: 101.279 ps vs. 46.698 ps for 50% ethanol), a finding validated by density functional theory calculations showing TDES establishes 7–9 hydrogen bonds with cellobiose (the cellulose repeating unit), far exceeding ethanol’s 1–2 hydrogen bonds. Purified TF exhibited potent radical-scavenging activity (DPPH IC₅₀: 0.176 mg/mL; ABTS IC₅₀: 0.159 mg/mL) and multipotent enzyme inhibition (α-glucosidase IC₅₀: 55.31 μg/mL; acetylcholinesterase IC₅₀: 0.618 mg/mL; pancreatic lipase IC₅₀: 0.125 mg/mL). TF also suppressed HCT116, A549, and HepG2 proliferation (IC₅₀ ≈ 50 μg/mL) and protected HepG2 cells against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage. As an in silico probe, the predominant quantified flavonoid eupatilin (3.64 mg/g) docked to xanthine oxidase (−7.78 kcal/mol vs. allopurinol −6.86), offering a structural hypothesis for XO interaction without attributing mixture bioactivity to a single compound. This TDES-based platform offers a scalable, green route to valorize A. argyi for functional food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Enzymatic browning, a reaction catalyzed by polyphenol oxidase (PPO), occurs when polyphenolic compounds in freshly cut produce are exposed to oxygen, reducing sensory quality and consumer acceptability. This study investigated the use of microencapsulated spent coffee grounds (SCG) as a natural inhibitor of browning in 100% apple juice. Phytochemicals were extracted using ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction and subsequently microencapsulated via freeze-drying with maltodextrin, gum arabic, and their combination (1:1) as carrier agents. The encapsulated extracts were evaluated for phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, and anti-browning activity using colorimetric analysis and molecular docking. At the same time, structural characteristics were confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and encapsulation efficiency assessment. The results indicated successful encapsulation, with efficiencies exceeding 70%, and morphology and spectra image confirmed the incorporation of phenolic compounds. Amongst the six identified phenolic compounds, trans-ferulic acid was identified as the predominant phenolic compound (14.50 mg/g), while p-coumaric acid was present at lower levels (0.60 mg/g). Application of microcapsules in apple juice significantly reduced the browning index (29.91, 22.43, and 21.48) and increased lightness (78.63, 82.24, and 81.42) over a five-day storage period, demonstrating potential anti-browning of activity. Molecular docking further revealed that flavonoids such as quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin exhibited strong binding affinity for PPO, suggesting their potential as enzymatic inhibitors. Overall, the findings provide primary evidence for the potential use of SCG-derived polyphenols as sustainable, natural antioxidants, contributing to agro-waste valorization. Full article

Recent advances in non-thermal and hybrid extraction technologies—such as pulsed electric field (PEF), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and enzymatic treatments—have been widely reviewed in the context of general food processing. However, the current literature lacks a critical evaluation of how these modalities reshape the molecular fingerprints, authenticity markers, and cultivar-specific phenolic baselines of olive products, particularly within the Greek production landscape. Existing studies primarily emphasize extraction yield, operational parameters, or sustainability aspects, leaving important gaps regarding molecular consequences, including shifts in secoiridoids, lignans, pigments, oxidation markers, and the composition of by-products such as olive mill wastewater and pomace. This commentary addresses these gaps by integrating emerging extraction technologies with Greece’s omics-enabled analytical capacity (FoodOmicsGR_RI), highlighting how processing innovations may influence authenticity claims, phenolic integrity, and circular economy valorization routes. We discuss mechanistic pathways, molecular-level effects, and technology-specific limitations and propose a structured framework for developing national databases of processing-induced molecular markers. By linking technological mechanisms with cultivar-dependent molecular responses, this commentary aims to support coordinated Greek research efforts toward robust authenticity assurance, sustainable processing, and high-value valorization of olive by-products under evolving climatic and industrial pressures. Full article

Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. is a medicinal plant known for its diverse phytochemical composition; however, information on the lipophilic constituents of its different organs remains limited. This study aimed to characterize the lipophilic composition and associated bioactivities of n-hexane extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction from leaves, flowers, fruit pulp, and seeds of M. aquifolium. The extracts were analyzed using GC–FID/MS of silylated extracts, FAME–GC, MSD–SPME, and UHPLC–HRMS/MS, and were evaluated for antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activities. Nonacosan-10-ol was identified as the predominant constituent in fruit pulp and flower extracts, whereas α-linolenic acid was the major fatty acid in leaves and seeds. Chlorogenic acid was detected as the major phenolic compound in all n-hexane extracts, and 3-hydroxytyrosol was also identified in the lipophilic extracts. The flower extract exhibited notable α-amylase inhibitory activity together with the highest CUPRAC and TEAC values, while the seed extract showed the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity. The leaf extract demonstrated the highest ORAC value and β-carotene bleaching inhibition. These findings reveal substantial differences in the lipophilic composition and bioactivity profiles among M. aquifolium organs and provide new insights into the valorization of different plant parts as sources of bioactive lipophilic constituents. Full article

Rubus saxatilis L. (Rosaceae) is used in traditional medicine in Central Kazakhstan, yet the effect of the extraction method on its phenolic profile and biological activity has not been studied systematically. Three extracts were compared: two prepared by ultrasound-assisted extraction differing only in solvent—water (WE) and 50% ethanol (UAE)—and one by microwave-assisted extraction with 50% ethanol (MAE), allowing the effect of solvent (WE vs. UAE) and of extraction technique (UAE vs. MAE) to be assessed separately. Phenolic composition was determined by HPLC-UV-ESI-MS; antioxidant activity in vitro; cytotoxicity for Artemia salina; and antigenotoxic effects using Escherichia coli K12 MG1655 lux-biosensors (pKatG::lux, pSoxS::lux, pColD::lux) and Drosophila melanogaster models. Four phenolics were identified, with gallic acid dominant in the UAE and MAE extracts and hyperoside predominant in WE, while rutin was not detected in WE. MAE showed the strongest radical-scavenging activity (DPPH, IC₅₀ = 7.44 µg/mL), whereas WE had the highest reducing power (FRAP, EC₅₀ = 52.97 µg/mL). All extracts were non-toxic for A. salina and induced neither oxidative stress nor the SOS response; instead, they attenuated dioxidine-induced SOS signalling by up to 57%, suggesting an antigenotoxic (DNA-protective) effect at the bacterial level. In Drosophila, extracts produced moderate extract-dependent genotoxicity: the lowest damage was observed for MAE. The extraction method governs the phenolic profile and biological activity of R. saxatilis, with MAE being most favorable. Full article

Botrytis cinerea is a major fungal pathogen of grapevine responsible for gray mold, causing significant economic losses worldwide. Under specific environmental conditions, controlled development of Botrytis cinerea may lead to “noble rot,” a quality-enhancing attribute of premium wines; however, the same fungus can rapidly develop into destructive gray mold, causing significant grape losses. Consequently, the challenge is not necessarily the complete eradication of the pathogen, but the regulation of its development to prevent uncontrolled disease progression while preserving grape quality. The present study investigated the potential of using essential oils extracted from selected aromatic plants using ultrasound-assisted hydrodistillation (UAHD) as eco-friendly biocontrol agents against Botrytis cinerea. The extraction process was optimized by evaluating the effects of biomass particle size, ultrasonic power, and distillation time on essential oil yield. Antifungal activity was assessed through in vitro poisoned food and disk diffusion assays and validated in vivo on artificially inoculated grape berries by evaluating disease incidence, disease severity, treatment efficacy, and weight loss. Ultrasound pretreatment increased essential oil yield by up to 29.58% compared with conventional hydrodistillation, with optimal conditions achieved using 1 cm biomass, 150 W ultrasonic power, and 85 min distillation. Oregano, thyme, sage, and lemon balm essential oils achieved 100% inhibition of Botrytis cinerea mycelial growth at the tested concentrations, whereas lavender essential oil showed 95.03% inhibition at 0.125% and complete inhibition at 0.25%. In vivo, essential oil formulations markedly reduced gray mold development, with the 2.0% formulation providing the highest treatment efficacy and the lowest disease severity. These findings show that UAHD-derived essential oils represent promising sustainable alternatives for the management of Botrytis cinerea in viticulture. However, these findings represent preliminary evidence obtained under controlled in vitro conditions, necessitating further validation in real-world applications. Full article

Phycobiliproteins are water-soluble photosynthetic pigments extracted mainly from microalgae and cyanobacteria with many potential biotechnological applications, such as healthy food colorants, nutraceuticals, fluorescent tags, or non-toxic therapeutic agents. We have recently devised a green innovative two-step ultrasound-based process (named UltraBlu) to obtain blue phycocyanin (a phycobiliprotein) with a high-purity grade from the cyanobacterium Limnospira platensis. To assess the possibility of a wider use of the method, this study evaluates the UltraBlu process on an organism of a different taxonomic domain, the red microalga Porphyridium cruentum, for extracts rich in B-phycoerythrin (B-PE), the main phycobiliprotein produced by this organism. The UltraBlu process is characterized by the extraction of phycobiliproteins decoupled from biomass cell lysis, although the process is entirely carried out in an aqueous medium. Conversely, cell lysis is integrated with the purification step and is carried out by ultrasonication in ammonium sulfate solution before the pigment extraction/recovery step. B-PE, significantly purer than that obtained via conventional one-step direct ultrasound-assisted extraction, was recovered within a few hours from fresh biomass, only isolating the B-PE extract from the leftover biomass by centrifugation. Yields generally exceeded 9%, approaching the highest pigment contents reported for P. cruentum in the literature. Full article