Methodologies for Improving Antioxidant Properties and Absorption

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 March 2025 | Viewed by 4797

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Science, “Roma Tre” University, 00146 Rome, Italy
Interests: organic chemistry; antioxidants; natural compound synthesis; antioxidant activity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The beneficial effects of an antioxidant are determined not only by its radical scavenging capacity, but also by its absorption profile and bioavailability, which allows the molecule to reach the target cell or to prevent the long-term oxidation of compounds used in biology, medicine or food, and in the cosmetic industry.

Various systems have been explored to enhance the absorption and/or bioavailability of natural antioxidants: (a) modifications of the structure of the molecule, to enhance its solubility, activity, or stability; and (b) the use of “delivery” systems (nanocarriers, liposomes, etc.) which facilitate transport to the target.

We invite you to submit your latest research findings or a review article to this Special Issue, which will bring together current research regarding the effect of antioxidant structure modifications on antioxidant activity and the results of new carrier systems in enhancing antioxidant transport, cell targeting, and absorption.

This research can include both in vitro and in vivo studies, relating to any of the following topics: (i) the structure/antioxidant activity of modified natural or synthetic antioxidants, or (ii) the role of carrier systems in the enhancement and/or specificity of cell/tissue/organ absorption of the target antioxidant molecule.

We look forward to receiving your contribution.

Dr. Daniela Tofani
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • modified antioxidant synthesis
  • antioxidants activity/capacity
  • antioxidant adsorption
  • nanocarriers
  • liposomes
  • transport systems
  • antioxidant polymers

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 2992 KiB  
Article
Green Recovery and Identification of Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitor Molecules from Pisco Grape Pomace by Targeted Effects Analysis Using Thin-Layer Chromatography, Bioassay, and Mass Spectrometry
by Jacqueline Poblete, Joaquín Fernández-Martínez, Mario Aranda and Issis Quispe-Fuentes
Antioxidants 2024, 13(11), 1418; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13111418 - 19 Nov 2024
Abstract
The search and identification of inhibitory molecules from novel natural sources, such as pisco grape pomace extract obtained by green techniques, may help to develop agents with therapeutic potential that are beneficial to health with fewer adverse effects than drugs. Many drugs act [...] Read more.
The search and identification of inhibitory molecules from novel natural sources, such as pisco grape pomace extract obtained by green techniques, may help to develop agents with therapeutic potential that are beneficial to health with fewer adverse effects than drugs. Many drugs act as enzyme inhibitors, decreasing their activity and thus correcting a metabolic imbalance. This study aims to identify bioactive molecules with antioxidant and inhibitory activity over acetylcholinesterase and cyclooxygenase enzymes present in pisco grape pomace green extracts. Bioactive molecules were detected and identified applying directed effect analysis on planar chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. For the first time, the presence of antioxidant molecules (quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, and gallic acid) and inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (kaempferol-3-O-glucoside) and cyclooxygenase (gallic acid) enzymes are reported in pisco grape pomace. According to the results, grape pomace could be an alternative to develop novel functional foods and nutraceuticals that provide health benefits and, at the same time, generate a circular economy in the industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies for Improving Antioxidant Properties and Absorption)
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41 pages, 38449 KiB  
Article
Metabolome and Metagenome Integration Unveiled Synthesis Pathways of Novel Antioxidant Peptides in Fermented Lignocellulosic Biomass of Palm Kernel Meal
by Hammad Qamar, Rong He, Yuanfei Li, Min Song, Dun Deng, Yiyan Cui, Miao Yu and Xianyong Ma
Antioxidants 2024, 13(10), 1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13101253 - 17 Oct 2024
Viewed by 570
Abstract
Approximately one-third of the entire world’s food resources are deemed to be wasted. Palm kernel meal (PKM), a product that is extensively generated by the palm oil industry, exhibits a unique nutrient-rich composition. However, its recycling is seldom prioritized due to numerous factors. [...] Read more.
Approximately one-third of the entire world’s food resources are deemed to be wasted. Palm kernel meal (PKM), a product that is extensively generated by the palm oil industry, exhibits a unique nutrient-rich composition. However, its recycling is seldom prioritized due to numerous factors. To evaluate the impact of enzymatic pretreatment and Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation upon the antioxidant activity of PKM, we implemented integrated metagenomics and metabolomics approaches. The substantially enhanced (p < 0.05) property of free radicals scavenging, as well as total flavonoids and polyphenols, demonstrated that the biotreated PKM exhibited superior antioxidant capacity. Non-targeted metabolomics disclosed that the Lactobacillus fermentation resulted in substantial (p < 0.05) biosynthesis of 25 unique antioxidant biopeptides, along with the increased (p < 0.05) enrichment ratio of the isoflavonoids and secondary metabolites biosynthesis pathways. The 16sRNA sequencing and correlation analysis revealed that Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus acidilactici, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and polysaccharide lyases had significantly dominated (p < 0.05) proportions in PMEL, and these bacterial species were strongly (p < 0.05) positively interrelated with antioxidants peptides. Fermented PKM improves nutritional value by enhancing beneficial probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants and minimizing anti-nutritional factors, rendering it an invaluable feed ingredient and gut health promoter for animals, multifunctional food elements, or as an ingredient in sustainable plant-based diets for human utilization, and functioning as a culture substrate in the food sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies for Improving Antioxidant Properties and Absorption)
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11 pages, 3508 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Antioxidant Effects of Cysteine Derivative and Sm-Cluster for Food Applications
by Lingxia Chen, Lijun Wang, Lifu Ma, Chao Wang, Xinshu Qin, Minlong Wang, Xiaohe Zhang, Ruoyan Yang, Bing Fang and Jie An
Antioxidants 2024, 13(8), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13080910 - 28 Jul 2024
Viewed by 835
Abstract
The incorporation of antioxidants in food products is essential to prevent or delay deterioration, thereby addressing food spoilage. Thiol compounds, recognized for their natural antioxidant properties, are widely used in various foods; however, their antioxidant capacity is often limited. This study investigates the [...] Read more.
The incorporation of antioxidants in food products is essential to prevent or delay deterioration, thereby addressing food spoilage. Thiol compounds, recognized for their natural antioxidant properties, are widely used in various foods; however, their antioxidant capacity is often limited. This study investigates the potential enhancement of thiol antioxidant capacity through the addition of a soluble, low-toxic inorganic Sm-cluster. Our findings demonstrate that the Sm-cluster significantly bolsters the antioxidant efficacy of thiol compounds. We explored, for the first time, the in vitro antioxidant activities of an Sm-oxo/hydroxy cluster combined with a cysteine derivative for potential food applications. The composition exhibited a robust inhibition of aromatic aldehyde flavor compound oxidation and displayed strong, dose-dependent DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine) radical scavenging activity. Notably, the antioxidant activity of the Sm-cluster/cysteine derivative was further enhanced under strong visible light conditions, which typically increased the likelihood of oxidation. These results suggest that the combination of inorganic cluster and thiol compounds presents a promising natural alternative to traditional antioxidants in the food industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies for Improving Antioxidant Properties and Absorption)
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14 pages, 659 KiB  
Article
Essential Oil Emulsion from Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) Leaves: Exploration of Its Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties for Possible Application as a Natural Food Preservative
by Maria Merlino, Concetta Condurso, Fabrizio Cincotta, Luca Nalbone, Graziella Ziino and Antonella Verzera
Antioxidants 2024, 13(6), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13060718 - 13 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1152
Abstract
This study explored, for the first time, the chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of a caper leaf essential oil (EO) emulsion for possible food applications as a natural preservative. The EO was extracted by hydrodistillation from the leaves of [...] Read more.
This study explored, for the first time, the chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of a caper leaf essential oil (EO) emulsion for possible food applications as a natural preservative. The EO was extracted by hydrodistillation from the leaves of Capparis spinosa growing wild in the Aeolian Archipelago (Sicily, Italy) and exhibited a pungent, sulphurous odour. The volatile fraction of the emulsion, analysed by SPME-GC-MS, consisted of over 100 compounds and was dominated by compounds with recognised antibacterial and antioxidant properties, namely dimethyl tetrasulfide (18.41%), dimethyl trisulfide (12.58%), methyl isothiocyanate (7.97%), and terpinen-4-ol (6.76%). The emulsion was effective against all bacterial strains tested (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis, Pseudomonas fluorescens), with L. monocytogenes exhibiting the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC = 0.02 mg/mL) while E. coli had the highest (MIC = 0.06 mg/mL). The emulsion had a good DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine) radical scavenging activity that was dose-dependent and equal to 42.98% at the 0.08 mg/mL level with an IC50 value of 0.099 mg/mL. Based on the results, the caper leaf EO emulsion has the potential to be proposed as a natural alternative to chemical preservatives in the food industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies for Improving Antioxidant Properties and Absorption)
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16 pages, 4025 KiB  
Article
Inclusion of a Catechol-Derived Hydrazinyl-Thiazole (CHT) in β-Cyclodextrin Nanocavity and Its Effect on Antioxidant Activity: A Calorimetric, Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Approach
by Mihaela Mic, Adrian Pîrnău, Călin G. Floare, Mariana Doina Palage, Ovidiu Oniga and Gabriel Marc
Antioxidants 2023, 12(7), 1367; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12071367 - 29 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1453
Abstract
The aim of the present research was to obtain a supramolecular complex between a strong antioxidant compound previously reported by our group, in order to extend its antioxidant activity. The formation of the inclusion complex of a catechol hydrazinyl-thiazole derivative (CHT) and β-cyclodextrin [...] Read more.
The aim of the present research was to obtain a supramolecular complex between a strong antioxidant compound previously reported by our group, in order to extend its antioxidant activity. The formation of the inclusion complex of a catechol hydrazinyl-thiazole derivative (CHT) and β-cyclodextrin in aqueous solution has been investigated using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), spectroscopic and theoretical methods. The stoichiometry of this inclusion complex was established to be equimolar (1:1) and its equilibrium constant was determined. An estimation of the thermodynamic parameters of the inclusion complex showed that it is an enthalpy and entropy-driven process. Our observations also show that hydrophobic interactions are the key interactions that prevail in the complex. 1H NMR spectroscopic method was employed to study the inclusion process in an aqueous solution. Job plots derived from the 1H NMR spectral data demonstrated 1:1 stoichiometry of the inclusion complex in a liquid state. A 2D NMR spectrum suggests the orientation of the aromatic ring of CHT inside the β-CD cavity. The antiradical activity of the complex was evaluated and compared with free CHT, indicating a delayed activity compared with free CHT. To obtain additional qualitative and visual insight into the particularity of CHT and β-CD interaction, molecular docking calculations have been performed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Methodologies for Improving Antioxidant Properties and Absorption)
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