Search Results (4,763)

Vine shoot residues represent an abundant lignocellulosic by-product of the wine industry and a promising source of phenolic compounds with potential functional applications. In this work, a biocatalytic strategy combining aqueous citric acid treatment and subsequent laccase-mediated oxidation was developed for the valorization of vine shoot-derived phenolic liquors. The pretreatment was optimized by response surface methodology, and the selected conditions, 190 °C, 75 min, and 0.82% citric acid, yielded a pretreated solid containing 2.9 ± 0.02% hemicellulose, 47.5 ± 0.20% cellulose, and 51.8 ± 1.87% lignin, together with a phenolic-rich liquor containing 27.66 ± 0.39 mg GAE g⁻¹ dry solid. Chemical characterization by UHPLC-timsTOF-MS revealed a complex mixture of phenolic acids, lignin-derived compounds, carbohydrate derivatives, and secondary metabolites. Laccase-catalyzed oxidation was first used as a reactivity assessment step, showing that the phenolic compounds present in the liquor were susceptible to enzymatic transformation. This treatment decreased the total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity of the liquor. Subsequently, enzymatic oxidation was carried out in the presence of starch, yielding washed starch solids with retained Folin-reactive phenolic content of approximately 4 mg GAE g⁻¹ starch and measurable antioxidant capacity. Overall, this study demonstrates an integrated valorization route in which citric acid-assisted fractionation of vine shoot residues generates phenolic-rich liquors that can be chemically characterized, enzymatically activated, and directly used for starch functionalization, providing a sustainable strategy to convert agro-industrial residues into bio-based functional systems. Full article

The genus Capsicum is widely used worldwide for its culinary value and functional potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioactive compounds, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of sweet and hot pepper at different stages of ripeness. Six varieties of peppers at five stages of ripeness were analysed. Mineral parameters (Ca, Fe, Na, K, Mg) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while bioactive compounds (vitamin C, organic acids, carotenoids, and phenols) were analysed by liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using ABTS and DPPH assays, and antimicrobial activity was assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration against bacteria and yeasts. Multivariate analyses (PCA and heatmap) were carried out at a significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed that genotype was the main determinant of variability, surpassing the effect of ripeness. Potassium was the predominant mineral (3431.5 mg/100 g DW) in Malagueta chilli M5. Variety-specific peaks were identified, notably vitamin C in Habanero chilli (M3) (10,319.5 mg/100 g DW), capsaicin in Malagueta chilli (M5) (1949.8 mg/100 g DW), and carotenoids in Orange medium peppers (M5) (9495.8 mg/100 g DW). Antioxidant activity was higher in hot varieties (41.3 mmol ET/100 g DW in Habanero chilli (M2) by DPPH), while antimicrobial activity varied against Escherichia coli (2.6 mg/mL in Yellow medium peppers (M4)), Staphylococcus aureus (5.2 mg/mL in Orange medium pepper), and Streptococcus mutans (2.0 mg/mL in Jalapeño chilli), with low MIC values. Multivariate analyses confirmed that chemical and biological variability is primarily structured by genotype. Full article

Amaranthin is a major red-violet betacyanin of Amaranthaceae and an increasingly relevant natural pigment for food, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and biotechnological applications. This review integrates knowledge from over 100 studies, addressing amaranthin as a chemically defined betalain, distinguishing it from other scientific uses of the term, and evaluates its natural sources, analytical methods, extraction strategies, in vitro production systems, biosynthetic regulation, and biological activity. Cultivated Amaranthus species are among the richest plant sources, with total betacyanins of 46.1–199 mg/100 g fresh weight and amaranthin constituting up to 80.9% of the pigment fraction. Reliable identification and quantification rely on high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD), liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometry, while microwave-, ultrasound-, and green solvent-assisted extraction markedly improve pigment recovery and stability. While plant in vitro cultures, including callus, suspension, and shoot systems, have clarified biosynthetic regulation and offer controlled production platforms, engineered Yarrowia lipolytica CcAmaSy1 currently provides the highest reported yield, reaching 2.97 ± 0.029 g L⁻¹ in fed-batch fermentation. Amaranthin-rich extracts and purified pigments demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral potential; however, mechanistic, bioavailability, and in vivo evidence remain limited. Standardized analytical protocols, further investigation of stable high-yield sources, physicochemical stability assessment, and structure–activity studies are identified as priorities for advancing future application-oriented research on this multipotential pigment. Full article

This work aimed to develop bioactive films based on alginate and κ-carrageenan that were incorporated with different concentrations 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1 and 2% (w/v) of cinnamon essential oil (CEO). The films were crosslinked with a solution of calcium chloride obtained from limestone sludge through acid dissolution. The films were characterised according to their physical, mechanical, optical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The best film formulation consisted of 1.5% total carbohydrate concentration, 0.45% glycerol and 0.4% (w/v) of Tween 20. The Fourier transform infrared Spectroscopy analysis confirmed the crosslinking between the polysaccharides and the incorporation of the CEO into the polymer matrix. The addition of the CEO increased the film thickness, reduced moisture content and water vapour permeability, yet it increased solubility, due to matrix disruption invoked by the oil droplets. SEM analysis showed that CEO affected film microstructure, with moderate concentrations leading to more homogeneous structures. In terms of the mechanical properties, CEO incorporation reduced stiffness and yield strength whilst increasing film flexibility, showcasing a plasticising effect. The films were colourless and transparent; moreover, none of the samples exhibited absorbance in the visible region (400–800 nm); however, all films showed absorption in the UV region. The incorporation of the CEO into the films provided antioxidant activity. Particularly, the sample containing 2% CEO had the highest activity, with values of 97.5 ± 0.77% and 75.9 ± 1.82% in the ABTS and DPPH, respectively. Overall, these results suggest that the developed films have promising potential as sustainable food packaging materials with enhanced antioxidant functionality, although further optimisation is needed to improve antimicrobial performance and validate their effectiveness in real food packaging systems. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) from wild Calamintha nepeta (Portugal) populations collected in Portugal (Évora) were investigated in order to evaluate the impact of Mediterranean seasonal conditions on their phytochemical composition and biological activity. Essential oil GC-FID and GC-MS analyses revealed distinct seasonal chemotypes, with spring samples dominated by isopulegone/pulegone, whereas autumn samples contained higher proportions of isomenthone and menthol. Antioxidant activity was assessed through lipid peroxidation inhibition, DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing power assays, while antibacterial activity was evaluated against multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates. Seasonal differences were reflected in both EO chemical composition and bioactivity. Autumn samples displayed greater antioxidant potential, with Y1A showing the highest inhibition of lipid peroxidation (IC₅₀ = 0.85 mg/mL) and Y2A exhibiting the highest ferric reducing power. Conversely, spring samples were more active against MDR bacteria. Among them, Y1S showed the broadest antimicrobial spectrum, with MIC values ranging from 465 to 1767 μg/mL. The unusually wet spring season coincided with marked isopulegone accumulation (≈50%), while warmer autumn conditions favoured higher levels of isomenthone and menthol in the EOs. These findings highlight the importance of seasonal environmental conditions in determining the phytochemical profile and bioactive potential of C. nepeta EOs, providing valuable insights for their standardisation and valorisation in pharmaceutical, food and conservation-related applications. Full article

Circaea lutetiana (Onagraceae) is a perennial medicinal species widely distributed across temperate forest ecosystems of Europe, Asia, and North America. This mini-review integrates current knowledge on the botanical characteristics, ecological distribution, phytochemical composition, and biological properties of Circaea lutetiana, with particular emphasis on its dominant polyphenolic constituents. Available studies demonstrate that the species is rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, ellagic acid derivatives, and ellagitannins, among which oenothein B represents a characteristic and major constituent. Beyond polyphenols, structurally characterized glycosides, lipophilic metabolites, phytosterols, triterpenoids, fatty acids, tocopherols, and mineral elements contribute to the chemical complexity of the species. The reported biological activities of Circaea lutetiana, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial effects, are discussed in relation to the phytochemical profile of the plant and the biological significance of its major constituents. Recent research in green nanotechnology has additionally highlighted the potential of Circaea lutetiana extracts, particularly in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles, where plant metabolites act as reducing and stabilizing agents and may contribute to improved antimicrobial performance. Full article

Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop is a perennial plant of the family Asteraceae that is mainly distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Despite being widely recognized as an invasive weed in agriculture, most of the scientific evidence shows its significant phytochemical and pharmacological importance. In the present review article, a comprehensive summary of the available literature on C. arvense’s botanical properties, phytochemical composition, biological activities, standardization potential, and future therapeutic prospects has been carefully provided. This plant has been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, infections, bleeding disorders, and liver-related disorders. Phytochemical investigations showed the presence of many bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenes, sterols, tannins, glycosides, and volatile compounds. Among the reported biological activities, antioxidants and antimicrobial properties are the most studied activities. In addition, anticancer, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities have also been investigated. The environmental adaptability, rapid growth, and extensive root system of C. arvense highlight its potential for development as a sustainable medicinal and industrial crop. However, there are critical research gaps present in phytochemical standardization, toxicity assessment, pharmacokinetics, and clinical validation, warranting further comprehensive studies. Full article

This study examined Kefiran, an exopolysaccharide derived from milk kefir grains, as a novel biopolymer for encapsulating phenolic extracts from sunflower cake and its antimicrobial properties in the development of natural and functional food ingredients. Kefiran was obtained from kefir grains using three extraction protocols: hot water (M1), hot water with 30% trichloroacetic acid (M2), and mild heat combined with ultrasound at 60 °C (M3). The ultrasound-assisted method produced the highest carbohydrate concentration. Spectrophotometric assays (phenol–sulfuric and Bradford), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and water-holding capacity were employed to characterize the composition, structure, and morphology of the extracts, revealing well-preserved polysaccharide fingerprints and a highly porous microstructure, consistent with their potential application in food systems. Kefiran was then evaluated as an encapsulating agent in complex coacervation at pH 3.75, using three Kefiran-based wall formulations (M1, M2, and M3) with gum arabic and whey protein isolate (WPI) as co-wall materials, and their performance was compared with gum arabic and WPI controls. Across formulations, coacervate microcapsules achieved high encapsulation efficiencies (83–93%), tunable particle sizes, and predominantly negative zeta potentials, indicative of good colloidal stability. The Kefiran extract and coacervate microcapsules demonstrated significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 250 to 1000 µg/mL. The findings support ultrasound-extracted Kefiran as a multifunctional biopolymer suitable for bioactive delivery and as a natural antimicrobial component in advanced functional food formulations. Full article

The development of bio-based active packaging materials has gained increasing attention as a sustainable alternative to synthetic plastics. In this study, chitosan-based films incorporating yerba mate kombucha infusion (YMK-I) were developed and fully characterized. Films were prepared using different YMK-I concentrations (25–100% v/v) as solvent, with acetic acid-based chitosan films as controls. The infusion showed pH 2.5, titratable acidity of 3.5%, total solids of 6%, high phenolic content (1085 mg GAE/L), and reducing sugars (18.3 g/L). Acetic and lactic acids were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values ranged from 0.03 µg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus to 0.3 µg/mL for Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Rheological results indicated that YMK-I performed similarly to acetic acid as a solvent. Fourier Transformed Infrared with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) suggested interactions between chitosan and bioactive compounds. Thermal analyses showed that YMK-I acted as a plasticizer and introduced thermolabile components, altering glass transition and degradation behavior. Increasing YMK-I content reduced tensile strength and increased elongation, indicating greater flexibility, while water vapor permeability increased due to hydrophilic compounds. Films enriched with YMK-I exhibited high antioxidant activity (Radical Scavenging Activity > 85%) and strong antimicrobial effects (>98% inhibition) against E. coli and S. aureus. These results highlight the potential of chitosan–kombucha films as multifunctional materials for specialized applications. Full article

In contemporary research on natural bioactive compounds, increasing emphasis is placed on the development of efficient and sustainable extraction technologies. This study aimed to develop and optimize an innovative extraction process for wild cyclamen (Cyclamen purpurascens Mill.) tubers to maximize the yield of total extractives using a Box–Behnken design. The effects of four extraction parameters were evaluated on the system response. A second-order polynomial model accurately described the extraction process, yielding a coefficient of determination of 0.919. The liquid-to-solid ratio was identified as the dominant factor affecting the extraction efficiency compared to the other factors investigated. The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: extraction time of 15.5 min, 13% (v/v) ethanol, liquid-to-solid ratio of 13.5 mL/g, and extraction temperature of 34 °C, resulting in a yield of 53.44%. The optimized process yielded a significant saponin content of 16.19 g/100 g, while the levels of phenolic compounds (132.52 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (12.04 mg QE/100 g) were also quantified. UHPLC–ESI–MS/MS analysis confirmed the presence of triterpene saponins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. DPPH, ABTS⁺, and CUPRAC assays indicated the antioxidant potential of the extract, while the minimum inhibitory concentration assay showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The established chemical profile and observed biological activities provide the basis for further evaluation of wild cyclamen tubers as a source of bioactive secondary metabolites. Full article

Fruit tree leaves are an abundant agro-waste material with promising yet underexplored biological potential. This study compared the biological activity of aqueous extracts obtained from apple (Malus domestica), apricot (Prunus armeniaca), and cherry (Prunus cerasus) leaves and their kombucha-fermented counterparts in the context of cosmetic and dermatological applications. Phytochemical composition before and after fermentation was analyzed chromatographically. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, while intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in keratinocytes and fibroblasts were assessed using the H₂DCFDA probe. Cytotoxicity was determined by Alamar Blue and Neutral Red assays. Antimicrobial activity against seven bacterial strains was investigated using minimum inhibitory concentration and disc diffusion methods. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells by measuring TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels using ELISA. The influence of the samples on collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase activity was also analyzed. Fermentation increased the content of selected phenolic compounds and enhanced antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ageing properties. Ferments more effectively reduced oxidative stress in skin cells and showed no cytotoxicity within the tested concentration range. These findings indicate that kombucha fermentation may support the valorization of fruit tree leaf agro-waste as multifunctional ingredients for skincare formulations. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) are widely studied as natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents in food systems. However, their high volatility, low water solubility, instability, phytotoxicity, and strong aroma often limit their consistent applicability for food preservation. This review critically examines the literature and synthesizes current essential oil stabilization and delivery strategies in food systems, integrated with a bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed literature published before June 2025. The bibliometric findings showed an expanding research field, supported by 543 authors and 54 journals, revealing the disciplinary diversity of research on essential oil-based preservation systems. In addition, the review highlights a significant focus of studies on nanoemulsions, encapsulation, and active packaging in essential oil applications. Interestingly, the study also reveals the emergence of non-contact, or vapor-phase, technologies with improved release management. Furthermore, the review shows that essential oils’ functionality depends not only on major bioactive compounds but also on chemical class, oxidative sensitivity, release behavior, interactions with the food matrix, and the delivery platform. Mechanistically, stabilization technologies such as emulsions, encapsulation, and coatings/films can improve the protection, dispersion, and release of essential oils; however, their effectiveness strongly relies on formulation variables, matrix composition, and the regulatory framework. Emerging platforms such as nanofibers, zeolites, and metal–organic frameworks offer promising routes for vapor-phase or non-contact delivery systems, ensuring improved release control, functionality, and sensory quality, but may be limited by their scalability and production cost. However, a major research gap identified by this review is the imbalance between extensive “in vitro” studies and limited studies on real food matrices, which impedes understanding of the impacts of food matrices and packaging materials on essential oil release kinetics, antimicrobial efficacy, and sensory quality. Therefore, future research should integrate real-food applications, consumer acceptability, shelf-life performance, release-kinetic modeling, and techno-economic analysis to advance essential-oil-based technologies in food systems. Full article

Nepeta govaniana and Nepeta subsessilis display metabolomes typical for the genus Nepeta L. (Lamiaceae), predominated by monoterpenoid iridoids and phenolic acids. Underexplored phytochemical composition and largely undefined biological potential are the main reasons for the underutilized status of these two intriguing species. This study fills some of the existing knowledge gaps by comprehensively analyzing the composition of methanol-soluble nonpolar, semi-polar, and polar metabolites in leaves, and providing the information about antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. Integration of comprehensive HPLC/MS and GC/MS metabolomics with plastid loci-derived (trnL-F, rbcL, and matK) phylogenetic data, revealed the phylogenetic relatedness of N. govaniana and N. subsessilis with congeneric species, and placed them within the Nepeta‘s chemotype A whose members produce both iridoid aglycones and glycosylated iridoids. Methanol extracts of these two phylogenetically related species displayed a notable antioxidant potential, but were less efficient as antimicrobial agents. Such results draw from the predominance of methanol-soluble polar compounds (polyphenolics and iridoid glycosides), exhibiting respectable antioxidant potential, and lower abundance of nepetalactone-type iridoids, known as potent antimicrobials. N. govaniana is here highlighted as a slightly more efficient antimicrobial and antioxidant agent than N. subsessilis, which can be ascribed to a higher content of methanol-soluble metabolites in leaves. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most extensively cultivated crops worldwide and a recognized dietary-rich source of phytochemicals associated with cardioprotective, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-aging properties. This study provides a comprehensive comparative assessment of the lipophilic composition, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity of six Solanum varieties, namely Roma, Kumato, Globe, and Vine (S. lycopersicum L.), Cherry (S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme), and Tamarillo (S. betaceum), using a validated μQuEChERS/HPLC-PDA analytical approach combined with complementary in vitro antioxidant assays. The optimized analytical method exhibited robust analytical performance, with strong linearity (R² ≥ 0.993), high sensitivity and selectivity, satisfactory precision (%RSD < 20%), and acceptable recoveries (78–118%), confirming its suitability for routine profiling of lipophilic compounds in complex matrices. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among varieties, highlighting the strong role of genotype in modulating lipophilic phytochemical accumulation. Kumato and Cherry exhibited the highest levels of lycopene, β-carotene, and tocopherols, whereas Globe consistently exhibited the lowest lipophilic antioxidant content. In vitro assays identified Vine with the greatest TPC (290 µgGAE/g dw) and antioxidant activity (1603 µgTE/g dw), while Globe recorded the lowest values (194 µgGAE/g dw and 1395 µgTE/g dw, respectively). Hierarchical clustering analysis further corroborated these findings, revealing three chemically distinct clusters: Vine and Tamarillo associated with superior TPC and antioxidant activity; Cherry and Kumato characterized by elevated carotenoid and tocopherol content; and Globe and Roma distinguished by comparatively lower nutritional quality across all parameters assessed. These results demonstrate that the validated μQuEChERS/HPLC-PDA method is a reliable, sensitive, and efficient tool for comparative phytochemical profiling of tomato varieties. The observed compositional differences may contribute to future studies focused on nutritional evaluation, traceability, and authenticity assessment of tomato-derived products. Full article

Bifurcaria bifurcata R. Ross 1958 is a perennial brown seaweed belonging to the Sargassaceae family and represents an underexploited marine bioresource with promising applications in the sustainable food and pharmaceutical sectors. To support its sustainable valorization as an alternative to synthetic additives, this study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the chemical composition, bioactivity, and mineral profile of B. bifurcata to support its valorization. The essential oil, obtained by hydrodistillation and characterized by GC—MS, revealed a rich chemical profile comprising 51 compounds, of which 42 were identified, accounting for 95.37% of the total composition. The major constituents included 2′-hydroxy-4′,5′-dimethylacetophenone (13.11%), benzene, 1-ethyl-3,5-dimethyl- (9.79%), 1,5,9-cyclododecatriene, 1,5,9-trimethyl- (8.57%), and benzene, 1-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methoxy- (8.52%). The essential oil exhibited moderate antioxidant activity under in vitro conditions, with a total antioxidant activity of 74.85 ± 2.78 mg E α-tocopherol/g and IC₅₀ values of 0.103 ± 0.004 (DPPH), 0.106 ± 0.002 (FRAP), and 2.672 ± 0.123 mg/mL (β-carotene bleaching assay). In addition, notable antibacterial activity was observed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Listeria monocytogenes, with inhibition zones ranging from 10 to 12 mm. Mineral analysis of the seaweed powder highlighted its nutritional importance, with high levels of organic matter, proteins, and sugars, along with substantial concentrations of essential macroelements (K, Ca, Mg, and Na) and trace elements (Fe, Mn, and Zn). Overall, these findings demonstrate the potential of B. bifurcata as a sustainable marine resource for the development of natural antioxidants, antimicrobial agents, and mineral-rich ingredients, contributing to environmentally friendly food systems and green pharmaceutical applications. Full article