Search Results (6,409)

The search for natural alternatives to sodium nitrite in meat products is driven by concerns about consumer health and the need to maintain product quality and safety. In this study, the effect of sodium nitrite reduction on the quality parameters of canned pork meat with 1% lyophilized cell-free supernatant (CFS) from L. paracasei B1, during 30 days of storage, was assessed. Reduction of sodium nitrite content led to measurable changes in the color, texture, and oxidative stability of canned pork; however, the presence of 1% CFS helped preserve color, alleviated the negative impact on textural parameters, and limited lipid oxidation, thereby counteracting the typical consequences of nitrite reduction. Among the tested variants, S_75, containing 75% of the standard nitrite dose, showed the best overall balance between color retention, textural integrity, and oxidative stability. Samples without nitrite (S_0) exhibited a noticeable increase in lightness (L*) and decrease in redness (a*) over time, accompanied by a shift towards yellow-brown hues (b*, C*, H°). Importantly, the total color difference (ΔE) was least pronounced in the S_75 variant, with values of approximately 2.5 after 1 day and 2.7 after 30 days, which was markedly lower than in S_50 (ΔE ≈ 6.0 and 3.9) and S_0 (ΔE ≈ 7.9 and 8.5), thereby confirming superior color retention and overall stability during storage. Texture analysis showed that initial hardness and chewiness were higher in nitrite-free samples (S_0), suggesting that the complete omission of nitrite may negatively affect product structure. Nevertheless, all variants softened during storage, and samples with higher nitrite content, particularly S_75, retained better elasticity and cohesiveness. Lipid oxidation, expressed as TBARS values, progressed fastest in samples completely depleted of nitrite (S_0), increasing from 0.31 mg MDA/kg (day 1) to 1.35 mg MDA/kg (day 30), which confirms the antioxidant role of sodium nitrite. Interestingly, the presence of 1% CFS in the variants with reduced nitrite content partially mitigated this effect, as TBARS values in S_75 increased only from 0.29 to 0.46 mg MDA/kg, and, in S_50, from 0.45 to 0.66 mg MDA/kg, compared to the nitrite-free variant. This suggests that CFS may also have contributed to antioxidant protection. Fatty acid profiles remained relatively consistent across methods. Microbiological analysis revealed no significant differences between groups. These results demonstrate that partial nitrite reduction combined with CFS is effective, highlighting the potential of CFS as a promising functional additive in clean label meat preservation. Furthermore, reducing the sodium nitrite content in canned pork products may contribute to improved consumer health by reducing exposure to potentially harmful nitrosamine precursors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity-related insulin resistance leads to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, the pathophysiology of these metabolic alterations remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to characterize the lipidomic alterations during obesity–insulin resistance–T2DM progression in a high-sugar diet (HSD) model. Methods: Fruit flies were fed either a standard diet (SD) or an HSD and monitored across a 14-day period. Metabolic phenotyping and lipidomic profiling were conducted during the experiment. Results: After two days of HSD, fruit flies exhibited an obesity phenotype (50% increase in triglyceride content) and insulin resistance (hyperglycemia and insulin overexpression), progressing to an early T2DM-like state (increased triglycerides, hyperglycemia, and normal insulin expression) from days 4 to 6, and finally to a late T2DM-like phenotype (increased triglycerides, hyperglycemia, and insulin down-regulation) from days 8 to 14. Multivariate analyses indicated an altered lipidome profile in HSD-fed fruit flies from day 2 until the end of the experiment. Fatty acids and phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs) containing 16:0, 16:1, and 18:1 acyl chains were significantly altered during the development of obesity-related insulin resistance and early T2DM-like state (days 2 to 6); whereas palmitic acid and oleic acid-LysoPE alterations were associated with the onset and progression of obesity-related T2DM-like state (days 4 to 14). Conclusions: The progression from obesity-related insulin resistance to a T2DM-like state in an HSD-fed D. melanogaster model is accompanied by distinct lipidomic signatures involving 16- and 18-carbon fatty acid derivatives. These findings provide insight into potential biomarkers and mechanistic pathways in the early pathogenesis of T2DM. Full article

Olive mill wastewaters (OMWW) generated during olive oil extraction represent a significant environmental challenge due to their high organic matter content, acidic pH, phenolic content, and toxicity. Their composition varies widely depending on the extraction method and remains difficult to treat, particularly for small-scale producers lacking access to complex infrastructure. This study evaluates the combined effect of the extraction system (traditional vs. three-phase continuous) and filtration level (single vs. double) on the physicochemical and biological properties of OMWW. The methodologies employed included the analysis of water content, density, fatty acid composition, acidity, pH, total solids, chemical and biochemical oxygen demand, and biodegradability. The results indicate that traditional systems consistently produced OMWW with higher organic matter and phenolic loads, while filtration moderately reduced antioxidant potential and acidity, especially in traditional systems. The use of simple, low-cost filtration materials proved effective in improving effluent clarity and could serve as a practical pre-treatment option. This approach offers an accessible strategy for small producers aiming to valorise OMWW or reduce environmental impact. However, the study was conducted at the laboratory scale, and the long-term behaviour of filtered OMWW under real operating conditions remains to be evaluated. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck cladodes are rich in dietary fiber, polyphenols, and minerals, which are known to exert antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. However, the mechanisms and active constituents have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of continuous N. cochenillifera consumption on lipid metabolism, immune function, and the gut microbiota in mice. Methods: The feed was made using freeze-dried and powdered cladodes of N. cochenillifera. Male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to four groups: control diet (C), control diet plus 10% N. cochenillifera (CN), high-fat diet (FC), and high-fat diet plus 10% N. cochenillifera (FN). Results: Cactus supplementation reduced the body and liver weights that were elevated by the high-fat diet. Serum total cholesterol and free fatty acids were increased in the FC group compared with the C group, while cactus intake lowered these levels and enhanced fecal cholesterol excretion. Cactus consumption also elevated fecal total IgA and mucin contents. IL-4 expression in Peyer’s patches was significantly increased in the FN group compared with the FC group. Gut microbiota analysis showed significant differences in β-diversity, along with increased α-diversity and higher abundance of Lachnospiraceae, following cactus intake. Conclusions: These findings suggest that N. cochenillifera intake increases gut microbiota diversity, which enhances intestinal barrier function and thereby contributes to improved lipid metabolism and immune regulation. Full article

L-carnitine supplementation enhances fatty acid oxidation and antioxidant defense mechanisms in livestock. Twenty-four wether lambs were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments: a control (basal diet), a low-L-carnitine diet (0.01%), or a high-L-carnitine diet (0.05%). After a 15-day adaptation period, all lambs underwent a 45-day experimental phase to assess the impact of L-carnitine supplementation on performance, carcass, muscle, and antioxidant capacity. Although growth performance did not show significant differences (p > 0.05), muscle pH increased in the L-carnitine group (p < 0.05), while drip loss decreased in both the low- and high-dose groups (p < 0.05). The a* value of the Longissimus dorsi muscle significantly increased (p < 0.01), enhancing meat color saturation (p < 0.05), with a reduction in the hue angle observed in the high-dose group (p < 0.01). L-carnitine supplementation led to an elevated myoglobin content and a higher proportion of oxymyoglobin, driven by a significant increase in MRA activity (p < 0.01). The concentration of L-carnitine was positively correlated with the a* value, which in turn was associated with higher total myoglobin content and a greater proportion of oxymyoglobin. In terms of antioxidant capacity, the L-carnitine group exhibited a significant increase in superoxide dismutase content. Moreover, there was upregulation of TFR1 and CAT expression at the mRNA level, while HEPH showed downregulation (p < 0.01). Significant increases were observed in both content and mRNA expression of LDHB and NADHBR5 (p < 0.01). The addition of 0.05% L-carnitine to the diet significantly enhanced muscle color stability in hybrid sheep. This improvement was primarily driven by a significant increase in MRA activity in the high-dose group, which facilitated the conversion of metmyoglobin to oxymyoglobin, thereby significantly boosting meat quality prospects for the sheep industry. Full article

This two-part study assesses the impact of biogas inhibition on large-scale waste-to-energy anaerobic digestion (WtE-AD) plants through techno-economic and life cycle assessment approaches. The first part addresses technical and economic aspects. An anaerobic co-digestion system using vegetable waste (FVW) and meat waste (MW) was operated at laboratory scale in a semi-continuous regime with daily feeding to establish a stable process and induce programmed failures causing methanogenic inhibition, achieved by removing MW from the reactor feed and drastically reducing the protein content. Experimental data, combined with bioprocess scale-up models and cost engineering methods, were then used to evaluate the effect of inhibition periods on the profitability of large-scale WtE-AD processes. In the experimental stage, the stable process achieved a yield of 521.5 ± 21 mL CH₄ g⁻¹ volatile solids (VS) and a biogas productivity of 0.965 ± 0.04 L L⁻¹ d⁻¹ (volume of biogas generated per reactor volume per day), with no failure risk detected, as indicated by the volatile fatty acids/total alkalinity ratio (VFA/TA, mg VFA L⁻¹/mg L⁻¹) and the VFA/productivity ratio (mg VFA L⁻¹/L L⁻¹ d⁻¹), both recognized as effective early warning indicators. However, during the inhibition period, productivity decreased by 64.26 ± 11.81% due to VFA accumulation and gradual TA loss. With the progressive reintroduction of the FVW:MW management and the addition of fresh inoculum to the reaction medium, productivity recovered to 96.7 ± 1.70% of its pre-inhibition level. In WtE-AD plants processing 60 t d⁻¹ of waste, inhibition events can reduce net present value (NPV) by up to 40.2% (from 0.98 M USD to 0.55 M USD) if occurring once per year. Increasing plant capacity (200 t d⁻¹), combined with higher revenues from waste management fees (99.5 USD t⁻¹) and favorable electricity markets allowing higher selling prices (up to 0.23 USD kWh⁻¹), can enhance resilience and offset inhibition impacts without significantly compromising profitability. These findings provide policymakers and industry stakeholders with key insights into the economic drivers influencing the competitiveness and sustainability of WtE-AD systems. Full article

Propolis contains abundant flavonoid and phenolic compounds, whose composition and concentration vary significantly in different geographical origins, thereby affecting its bioactive properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. In this study, the flavonoid and phenolic content in the ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) from Henan (HN) and Shandong (SD) provinces was quantitatively analyzed, and the results showed that concentrations of both bioactive components in HN were slightly higher than those in SD. The non-targeted metabolomics technology was further employed to analyze the components of EEP, and a total of 10683 metabolites were detected. In the comparison between the samples of HN and SD, there were a total of 1436 differential metabolites, with 553 decreased and 883 increased in the HN sample. Among them, there were 205 differential metabolites related to flavonoids and phenols, with 108 decreased and 97 increased in the HN sample. However, a greater number of carboxylic acids and derivatives, fatty derivatives and organooxygen metabolites were found at higher relative levels in the HN sample. As a result, the EEP of the HN sample was selected to investigate its inhibitory effect on inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 microglia cells. The results showed that LPS promoted the M1 polarization of BV2 microglia. However, treatment with EEP at concentrations of 10 µg/mL, 5 µg/mL, and 2.5 µg/mL could partially restore the cell morphology to its non-activated state. Meanwhile, LPS stimulation increased the protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α significantly, as well as the relative gene expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS and TLR4. After treatment with the EEP, the expression levels of these three proteins and six genes were significantly decreased. These findings revealed that EEP effectively inhibited the M1 polarization of LPS-induced BV2 cells and decreased the expression of inflammatory factors, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for neuroinflammation. Full article

Background: Fatty acyl–ACP thioesterase (FAT) genes regulate fatty acid composition and content, yet the FAT family in maize has not been systematically characterized. Methods: Ten ZmFAT genes were identified from the maize genome and analyzed for gene structure, protein properties, phylogeny, collinearity, cis-acting elements, and predicted interactions. Transcriptome and qRT–PCR data were used to assess expression patterns during seed development. Results: The ten ZmFAT genes were grouped into two subfamilies (three ZmFATA and seven ZmFATB genes). Two pairs of collinear genes were detected within maize and one pair between maize and rice. Promoter analysis revealed light- and development-responsive elements. Two genes were functionally annotated in fatty acid biosynthesis, while five proteins exhibited interactions and 14 miRNAs were predicted to regulate ZmFAT genes. Expression analysis showed that ZmFATA1/2 and ZmFATB4/6/7 maintained high expression in both upper and lower seed parts, and qRT–PCR confirmed their gradual upregulation during seed development. Conclusion: This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the maize ZmFAT family, offering insights into fatty acid metabolism and valuable genetic resources for improving maize oil composition. Full article

Microbial proteins offer a sustainable alternative for animal nutrition. Rossellomorea marisflavi NDS, a bacterium isolated from seawater, was previously identified as a promising candidate due to its high protein content. This study aimed to enhance its single cell protein production through systemic fermentation optimization. Single-factor optimization in shake flask determined the optimal conditions to be: a salinity of 20‰ NaCl, a temperature of 32 °C, and an initial pH of 7.3, and a medium composed of 1% (w/v) corn flour, 1% peptone, 0.3% beef extract, and 0.2% KCl. Scaling up to a 10 L bioreactor demonstrated that a two-stage agitation strategy (150 rpm for the first 20 h followed by 180 rpm for the remaining 12 h) enhanced single cell protein yield. Furthermore, allowing the pH to fluctuate freely was more beneficial for protein production than maintaining a constant pH of 7.3 ± 0.02. Under these optimized conditions, the biomass composition (wet weight) was determined to be 2.3767 ± 0.0205% crude ash, 15.6013 ± 0.0082% crude protein, 0.1023 ± 0.0026% crude lipid, and 2.6997 ± 0.0021% carbohydrates. Amino acid analysis revealed a rich profile, with lysine and glutamic acid being the predominant essential and non-essential amino acids, respectively. Fatty acids analysis indicated that C14:1n5 was the most dominant. These findings underscore the potential of R. marisflavi NDS as a high-quality dietary protein supplement and provide a solid foundation for its industrial-scale production. Full article

The Dof (DNA binding with one finger) protein is one of the unique transcription factors in plants, and it plays an important role in plant growth and stress response. Sesame is an oil-bearing crop with high oil content and rich nutrition. In this study, 34 Dof genes were identified in the sesame genome using bioinformatics technology, and their physicochemical properties, gene structure, conserved motifs, tissue-specific expression and functions in fatty acid synthesis were preliminarily analyzed. The results showed that although there were differences in sequence length, molecular weight and isoelectric point, SiDofs all contained a conservative zinc finger structure, which could be divided into three categories in phylogeny. All 34 SiDof genes contain 1–2 exons, and the conserved motifs among subfamilies are similar. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that the expression levels of SiDof8, SiDof10 and SiDof34 were the highest in seeds 24 days after pollination. Overexpression of SiDof8, SiDof10 and SiDof34 could significantly increase the contents of C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3, and all of them are located in the nucleus. There were Dof DNA binding elements in the promoter region of fatty acid synthesis genes. These results provide a theoretical basis for further study on the function of the sesame Dof genes and biological breeding. Full article

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) is a high-value crop due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids and its outstanding nutritional, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic properties. However, this species faces challenges from diseases, particularly root rot. In this study, we identified one of the causal agents of root rot in sacha inchi using morphological observations, molecular methods, and pathogenicity tests. The pathogen was isolated from root tissues showing symptoms of Fusarium infection, observed in a plot in the Picota province. Morphological identification, DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis using the ITS and TEF-1α markers revealed that the isolate causing root rot was Fusarium suttonianum (FSSC 20). Analysis of the PQ636870 (ITS) and PQ639345 (TEF-1α) sequences in the NCBI database, together with phylogenetic analysis, revealed 99.58% and 99.51% similarity with the ITS and TEF sequences, respectively, corresponding to F. suttonianum. Pathogenicity tests confirmed that this species induced the same symptoms observed in the field, fulfilling Koch’s postulates. This study represents the first report of F. suttonianum as a pathogen causing root rot in sacha inchi in Peru. This finding is critical for developing effective strategies for disease management and control, contributing to the sustainability and improvement of sacha inchi production in the region. Full article

The depletion of fossil fuel reserves and their environmental impact have driven the search for sustainable energy alternatives. Biodiesel has emerged as a promising substitute. Being a major byproduct of the coffee industry, spent coffee grounds (SCGs) offer a viable feedstock due to their abundance, high fatty acid content, and calorific value. This study explores biodiesel production from SCGs. First, oil was experimentally extracted from SCGs using Soxhlet extraction with hexane as the solvent. The oil yield varied between 12 and 13.4% with a density of 0.9 g/mL. Reactor modeling and kinetic analysis were performed, showing that CSTRs in series are favorable for the esterification and transesterification reactions. Furthermore, Aspen Plus was used to simulate the extracted oil conversion into biodiesel through a two-step esterification and purification process. The simulation results are verified against previous experimental research. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the influence of key process parameters, including methanol-to-oil ratio, reactor residence time, and transesterification temperature. The simulation results indicate an optimal biodiesel mass yield of 90.31%, with a purity of 99.63 wt%, at a methanol-to-oil ratio of 12:1 and a transesterification temperature of 60 °C. Full article

In this study, canola oil was used as a natural enriched source of C18 fatty acids and coconut oil as a natural enriched source of C12 fatty acids. The study synthesized five potassium carboxylate (RCOO⁻K⁺) liquid soaps via saponification of coconut–canola oil blends (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100) using a novel in situ dissolution method with controlled KOH addition to prevent solid paste formation. The water demand required to dissolve RCOO⁻K⁺ and mitigate soap crystallization was determined, increasing from 1.76 to 5.18 g H₂O/g oil as canola oil content rose, with soap concentration decreasing from 55.1% (100:0) to 18.5% (0:100). Reaction kinetics revealed faster KOH depletion in coconut oil-rich blends (100:0, 75:25, 50:50; 2 h) compared to canola oil-rich blends (25:75, 0:100; 8 h). Key soap properties, including foam stability, detergency, wettability, viscosity, and thermal behavior, were assessed. The 50:50 blend exhibited the highest foam stability due to the synergistic effects of medium-chain saturated (e.g., laurates) and long-chain unsaturated (e.g., oleates) RCOO⁻K⁺. The short, saturated chains promoted rapid foam formation, while the longer, unsaturated chains enhanced foam film stability. RCOO⁻K⁺ detergency on hair tresses with artificial sebum ranged from 16.9% to 29.7% and was relatively higher compared to sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, and sodium cocoyl glutamate (6.1–13.2%) but lower compared to sodium isethionates (34.2%). RCOO⁻K⁺ wettability on cotton textiles improved with higher coconut oil content. RCOO⁻K⁺ contact angles on artificial sebum surface (6.1–13.7°) demonstrated excellent wettability, effectively penetrating and emulsifying hydrophobic residues. Viscosity ranged from 13–45 mPa·s with Newtonian Flow-type behavior. No crystals were observed in the soaps when cooled in the range of 60 to −30 °C. These results demonstrate RCOO⁻K⁺ soaps as tunable, sustainable liquid soaps with performance optimized by adjusting the oil blend ratios. Full article

Microalgae are unicellular photosynthetic organisms with considerable genetic diversity and remarkable metabolic capacity, positioning them as sustainable cellular biorefineries. They can be cultivated in open or closed systems, influenced by physical and chemical variables such as light, temperature, and nutrient availability. These conditions modulate the synthesis of valuable biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, and secondary metabolites. Microalgae are especially notable for their high protein content (up to 70% w/w in Spirulina sp.), polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., DHA and EPA), and β-glucans with bioactive properties. Choosing the correct extraction method (mechanical, enzymatic or combined) is very important to obtain and preserve the functionality of these compounds. Despite their biotechnological potential in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels, industrial development faces challenges such as extraction efficiency, scalability, and regulatory approval. This review compiles current knowledge on the nutritional and bioactive potential of microalgae, highlights advances in extraction technologies and discusses their potential applications in health-oriented industrial innovation. Full article

The Cauchao berry (Amomyrtus luma), native to southern Chile and Argentina, has been traditionally used in folk medicine, yet scientific evidence supporting its bioactive potential remains limited. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds and assess their antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Fresh and freeze-dried samples were compared in terms of proximate composition, dietary fiber, reducing sugars, and fatty acid profiles. Proximate and fiber contents were determined using AOAC methods, while fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography, and α-tocopherol levels were measured via HPLC. Extraction optimization was conducted using a Box–Behnken design within a response surface methodology framework, employing freeze-dried samples. Total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and anthocyanin (TAC) contents were quantified spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant potential was assessed by DPPH and ORAC assays, while α-glucosidase inhibition determined antidiabetic activity. Phenolic profiles were characterized by HPLC. Optimal extraction conditions (58% ethanol, 60% ultrasound power, 30 min) enhanced antioxidant response. Results showed high fiber content (~39%), linoleic acid as the predominant fatty acid, and an α-tocopherol concentration of ~95 µg/g. TPC, TFC, and TAC values reached 25.43 ± 0.85, 46.51 ± 1.38, and 5.91 ± 0.40 mg/g d.m., respectively. Antioxidant capacity was 289.54 ± 9.05 μmol TE/g (DPPH) and 451.09 ± 6.04 μmol TE/g (ORAC). The IC₅₀ for α-glucosidase inhibition was 0.558 ± 0.015 mg/mL. Phenolic compounds were identified. These findings position the Cauchao berry as a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. Full article