Search Results (169)

A robust Folin–Ciocalteu method, coupled with an optimized ultrasonic-assisted extraction, was established for accurate quantification of total polyphenols in high-oil grape seed matrices, where lipid interference and low extraction efficiency have been persistent challenges. Samples were first defatted with n-hexane to eliminate lipid interference. Key colorimetric parameters—Folin–Ciocalteu reagent volume, Na₂CO₃ concentration, reaction temperature, and time—were systematically optimized and validated for linearity, precision, and recovery. Subsequently, using defatted grape seed powder as the raw material, a four-factor, three-level Box–Behnken design combined with response surface methodology was employed to optimize the four extraction parameters: solid-to-liquid ratio, ethanol concentration, extraction temperature, and extraction time. The optimal conditions were 0.5 mL of Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, 20% Na₂CO₃, and reaction at 30 °C for 2.0 h, yielding a linear calibration curve (R² = 0.9991) with satisfactory methodological validation. Optimal extraction (52% ethanol, 1:50 w/v, 68 °C, 21 min) achieved a total polyphenol content of 2.93 × 10⁴ mg·kg⁻¹, closely matching the predicted value (relative error = 0.34%). Analysis of seven grape seed varieties from the Hebei Province revealed significant content variation (p < 0.05), ranging from 3.24 to 7.47 × 10⁴ mg·kg⁻¹, with Rose grape seeds exhibiting the highest level. The developed method effectively overcame matrix interference from high oil content, offering a reliable, efficient tool for screening high-polyphenol grape seed varieties and supporting the development of value-added functional products. Full article

To change the saturated fatty acid composition of traditional cookies and enhance their functionality, corn oil-based emulsion gels were innovatively used as a substitute for butter. The study also investigated the impact of adding powder on the overall quality of cookies. Under optimal conditions comprising a 6:4 oil-to-water ratio, 3% gelatin concentration, and 0.1% grape seed polyphenol concentration, the prepared emulsion gel achieved an oil retention rate of 84.5%. Following the incorporation of the emulsion gel, the sensory score of the composite sample WZ significantly increased. The texture became softer, and a greenish-brown color, more acceptable to consumers, was developed. In vitro digestion analysis further revealed that the combined incorporation of Nannochloropsis gaditana powder and the emulsion gel reduced the RDS content from 59.6% to 54.0%,while increasing RS content to 25.8%, thereby effectively retarding the rate of in vitro starch digestion. This study utilized a corn oil-GSP/gelatin emulsion gel as a butter substitute in combination with microalgae incorporation, thereby achieving concurrent health enhancement and quality improvement of cookie products. The approach provides a feasible technical strategy and theoretical foundation for developing novel baked foods that exhibit favorable sensory properties and controlled starch digestion characteristics. Full article

The growing interest in sustainable food systems has spurred research into the valorisation of agro-industrial by-products as sources of bioactive compounds. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical composition, bioactivity, biotransformation, and potential nutraceutical applications of by-products from chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) and grape (Vitis vinifera L.). Recent studies identify matrices such as chestnut leaves, shells, and burs, as well as grape pomace, skins, seeds, stems, and vine shoots, as rich in phenolic compounds, dietary fibres, vitamins, and minor bioactives, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Emerging evidence highlights the importance of gastrointestinal digestion and microbial biotransformation in modulating the bioavailability and biological efficacy of phenolic compounds, particularly fibre-bound phenolics. The review further discusses state-of-the-art analytical approaches for chemical characterisation, including chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods, as well as emerging strategies for extraction, encapsulation, and delivery to enhance stability and bioavailability. Finally, the integration of chestnut and grapevine by-products into nutraceuticals, functional foods, and natural preservatives is critically examined from technological, safety, regulatory, and sustainability perspectives. Overall, this synthesis underscores the potential of these underutilised biomass streams as multifunctional raw materials that support waste valorisation, resource efficiency, and the development of next-generation health-promoting ingredients aligned with circular bioeconomy principles. Full article

The development of innovative cosmetic ingredients has driven growing interest in emulsion systems that combine performance, stability, and sustainability. Pickering emulsions can form physically stable systems by adsorbing solid particles at the oil–water interface. In this study, bacterial cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and nanocrystals (CNCs), obtained via acid hydrolysis, were evaluated as stabilizing agents in Pickering emulsions containing jojoba, castor, and grape seed oils for hair conditioning applications. Structural and physicochemical characterization revealed that CNCs exhibited higher crystallinity, a narrower size distribution, and a higher negative surface charge than CNFs, resulting in enhanced colloidal stability. Emulsion analyses showed that CNCs more effectively reduced interfacial tension and produced smaller, more homogeneous droplets. Stability assessments under pH variation, thermal stress, and storage demonstrated that CNC-stabilized emulsions, particularly with castor oil, maintained stability indices above 95% for up to 60 days, whereas CNF-based systems showed greater sensitivity to environmental conditions. The incorporation of CNCs into a prototype conditioning cream resulted in a creamy texture and improved physical stability without compromising formulation performance. Overall, these results highlight CNCs as robust and efficient stabilizing materials for Pickering emulsions, reinforcing the potential of bacterial nanocellulose in advanced cosmetic formulations. Full article

The increasing consumption of highly processed foods has resulted in a reduced intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, thereby intensifying interest in the development of functional food. This study aimed to enrich fruit mousses with bioactive compounds derived from elderberry extract using an encapsulation strategy. Three formulations were prepared: a control mousse, a mousse enriched via direct addition of the extract, and a mousse supplemented with a nanoemulsion. Comprehensive analyses, including SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), colorimetry, texture and rheological measurements, phenolic acid and flavonoid content, antioxidant and reducing activity, sensory evaluation, and microbiological assessment, confirmed the successful formation of submicron capsules (400–900 nm), effective incorporation of grape seed oil into the fruit mousse formulations, and minimal color alteration (ΔE* < 1). The enriched mousses exhibited slightly higher hardness (7.5%) and adhesiveness (5.4%) as well as enhanced antioxidant and reducing activity compared to the control. Rheological analyses indicated improved structural stability resulting from fortification. Sensory evaluation demonstrated good consumer acceptance, while microbiological analyses suggested a potential shelf-life extension due to inhibited microbial growth. Overall, encapsulation proved to be an effective approach for incorporating elderberry-derived bioactive substances into fruit mousses while preserving product quality. Full article

Plant oils are increasingly explored as sustainable functional ingredients in topical emulsions due to their emollient properties and reported photoprotective potential. This study aimed to formulate physically stable W/O emulsions containing selected plant oils (olive, avocado, sesame, flaxseed, and grape seed oils) at two concentrations (15% and 30%) and to evaluate their physicochemical, rheological, occlusive, and UV-protective properties. All formulations were confirmed as W/O systems with skin-compatible pH values and demonstrated shear-thinning, non-Newtonian flow with varying degrees of thixotropy. Increasing oil content from 15% to 30% reduced shear stress, consistency index, and viscoelastic moduli, indicating a softer internal structure. Moreover, the viscosities of the emulsions were not solely determined by the viscosities of the individual oils, suggesting significant interactions with the emulsifier system. High occlusion factors were demonstrated for all emulsions, with the highest values observed for 30% olive- and grape seed oil–based formulations. Spectrophotometric SPF assessment revealed measurable UV-protective activity only for emulsions containing 30% olive, avocado, or flaxseed oil (SPF > 1). All formulations exhibited satisfactory physical stability under mechanical and thermal stress. These findings demonstrate that plant oils can modulate the structure and performance of W/O emulsions and may serve as valuable supportive ingredients in the development of photoprotective cosmetic products. Full article

The growing demand for palladium (Pd) necessitates the development of sustainable and efficient recovery methods. This work presents a green, one-step synthesis of activated carbon (AC) from winemaking waste (grape seeds) via direct pyrolysis, eliminating the need for separate, energy-intensive activation. Remarkably, the AC synthesized at the lowest temperature of 400 °C exhibited the highest Pd(II) adsorption capacity (16.20 mg/g at 50 °C), performing comparably to many literature-reported ACs that underwent complex activation processes. Characterization revealed that this optimal material possessed a favorable point of zero charge (PZC 7.78) and the lowest ash content (4.66%). Higher pyrolysis temperatures (400–800 °C) progressively increased surface basicity (PZC up to 11.00) and carboxylic group content (reaching 0.565 mmol/g at 800 °C). A comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) demonstrated the significant environmental advantage of this method, showing a 74% lower total environmental impact and a 92% reduction in acidification potential compared to commercial coal-based AC. These results prove that highly effective Pd(II) recovery can be achieved through a simplified, direct pyrolysis process, offering a sustainable and practical approach for precious metal recycling from waste biomass. Full article

The use of food industry by-products in the production of construction materials is a great method to achieve sustainability and simultaneously reduce cement consumption. The present research analyzes the use of pomegranate seed cakes (untreated, oven-roasted, and microwave-treated), grape seeds, and black cumin seeds for 0–15% cement replacement. In addition, the focus is on the thermal pretreatment methods and their compatibility with the microstructure of the cement, especially microwave processing due to its rapid heating, low energy demand, and improved microstructural compatibility. The outcomes suggest that microwave-treated pomegranate seed cakes resulted in the highest workability stability, lowest slump loss, and most uniform distribution in the cement matrix in comparison to untreated and oven-roasted pomegranate seed cakes. Comprehensive mechanical tests (compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strength) and microstructural analyses (SEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, BET) were conducted on both raw additives and concrete specimens. Although mechanical performance decreases with increasing organic content, mixtures containing 3–5% bio-modifier provided a favorable balance between workability, strength retention, and microstructural development. Microwave pretreatment not only improved the surface morphology but also made the interface more reactive, and by consuming around 80–85% less energy than the oven roasting, it strengthened the sustainability feature of the process. In a nutshell, the research proves that low-energy thermal pretreatment of food-grade waste can result in functional, eco-efficient cementitious composites, and at the same time, the integration of food engineering principles into environmentally friendly construction material design will become inevitable. Full article

The wine industry generates significant quantities of agro-industrial waste, with grape pomace representing its main fraction. White grape pomace (WGP), rich in fermentable sugars and lipids, can serve as a substrate for biosurfactant production. In this study, the sugar fraction of WGP was used as substrate to produce sophorolipids (SL), a class of microbial biosurfactants, by the yeast Starmerella bombicola. To examine efficient SL production, both a sugar source and lipid source were examined. Three lipid sources were tested: grape seed oil (GSO) extracted from WGP, spent frying oil (SFO), and rapeseed oil (RO), the later serving as a commercial reference. WGP-aqueous extraction yielded a sugar-rich fraction (WSE, 67% w/w) comprising ca. 97% carbohydrates, of which 60% were free sugars, mainly glucose and fructose. GSO accounted for 11% of the seeds’ weight and was predominantly composed of esterified linoleic (71%) and oleic (18%) acids. Bola-type SL were produced under optimized shake-flask conditions at 30 °C and 200 rpm in all WSE conditions, with SFO yielding the highest SL concentration (6.03 g/L), attributed to its oleic acid richness, and GSO yielding 3.75 g/L. This work demonstrates the potential of WGP-derived biomolecules as low-cost alternatives to first-generation substrates (commercial glucose and RO) in SL production by S. bombicola, contributing to the development of sustainable biosurfactants that can serve as a green alternative to petroleum-based surfactants, while reducing the environmental footprint of the wine industry. Full article

This study aimed to develop and characterize an eco-friendly facial mask based on the pullulan biopolymer incorporating grape seed flour extract, a sustainable source of polyphenols. The extract was characterized by its phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, enzyme inhibition and antimicrobial activity. High total phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with the presence of trans-resveratrol, conferred strong antioxidant activity. The extract effectively inhibited tyrosinase and elastase enzymes, indicating its anti-aging potential, and exhibited antimicrobial effects particularly against Staphylococcus aureus. The incorporation of the extract in pullulan films increased thickness and coloration while maintaining transparency and improving barrier properties. The bioactive films showed strong antioxidant activity and displayed selective antibacterial activity against S. aureus, including MRSA strains. A facial mask prototype was successfully produced, demonstrating flexibility, solubility, and potential for topical applications. Overall, the developed pullulan–grape seed extract films exhibit multifunctional cosmeceutical potential combining antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-aging effects with sustainable valorization of wine industry by-products. Full article

AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE6 (AIL6) is a transcription factor specifically expressed in embryos. It is a key to improving peony regeneration through tissue culture. Based on transcriptomic data from our previous research and the published genome data of Paeonia ostii, we identified the PoAIL6 gene associated with somatic embryogenesis (SE) in Paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan’. Structural and phylogenetic analyses were conducted on the PoAIL6-encoded protein, and its expression pattern across tissues and embryo developmental stages were explored using real-time quantitative PCR. Our results revealed that PoAIL6 contained two AP2 conserved domains and the characteristic motif of AIL6 genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the PoAIL6 gene has similarity to grape (Vitis vinifera) and cocoa (Theobroma cacao). PoAIL6 exhibited the highest expression during early embryonic development, with expression levels gradually decreasing throughout SE progression. It was most highly expressed in peony seeds and showed relatively high expression in callus tissue. This study underscores the pivotal role of PoAIL6 in the early SE and lays a playground for elucidating its molecular mechanisms, supporting the development of efficient and stable regeneration and transformation systems in peony. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable, health-promoting foods has intensified efforts to improve the antioxidant potential of berry crops through integrative agronomic, genomic, and breeding innovations. Berries are rich dietary sources of bioactive compounds that support human health and provide benefits far beyond basic nutrition. This review explores the diversity of major berry crops, including blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, blackberries, and grapes, with emphasis on their nutritional value and antioxidant profiles. It also examines their domestication history, wild relatives, and commercial cultivars, offering insight into the genetic and phenotypic diversity underlying their rich chemical composition. Furthermore, the review highlights the application of modern tools to enhance antioxidant content. By integrating agronomic practices such as seed priming and grafting, advanced molecular breeding technologies, including multi-omics, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and genome editing, breeders and researchers can accelerate the development of high-value berry cultivars that combine superior nutritional quality, resilience to environmental stress, and sustainable productivity under the challenges posed by climate change. Full article

Biomolecules of microbial origin are gaining attention for their use in various industries, including cosmetics, due to their broad bioactivities, peculiar properties, and sustainability. This study aimed to develop a novel, eco-friendly nanoemulsion from fungal chitosan hydrochloride (ChC), Pseudomonas aeruginosa biosurfactant (PaB), and grape seed oil (GSO), and to assess its antimicrobial action, biofilm control, and biocompatibility. High-energy emulsification was performed to produce the nanoemulsion (CCh-PaB-GSO), which was characterized by FTIR. Its stability was monitored for 30 days via DLS, zeta potential (ZP), and PDI. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for cariogenic Streptococcus species, inhibitory fraction concentration (FIC), influence on exopolysaccharide (EPS) quantification produced by bacteria, bacteria’s cell wall hydrophobicity, and biofilm control were determined. Biocompatibility was assessed using the HET-CAM technique by determining the irritation potential. FTIR analysis confirmed the formation the interaction between the substances that compound the nanoemulsion. The CCh-PaB-GSO had nanometric micelles (169.5–203.4 nm), PDI (0.241–0.271), and a positive ZP (+20.25 to +31.94 mV). It showed a consistent MIC (2.0 mg/mL CCh, 0.1 mg/mL PaB, and 3.2 mg/mL GSO) for all tested Streptococcus species and an indifferent interaction effect, FIC (1.32). At sub-MIC, the CCh-PaB-GSO effectively reduced EPS and microbial cell wall hydrophobicity, inhibiting biofilm adhesion. The CCh-PaB-GSO demonstrated biocompatibility with no signs of irritation. In conclusion, the ChC-PaB-GSO system forms an effective and stable nanoemulsion with potential for application as an eco-sustainable and biocompatible product for caries control. Full article

Background/Objectives: Grape seed oil (GSO) is a potent source of dietary phytochemicals, particularly polyphenols and flavonoids, known for their health-promoting properties. This study aims to investigate the anticancer and hepatoprotective effects of a nanoemulsion formulation of grape seed oil (GSONE), to enhance the efficacy and bioavailability of its phytochemical constituents against solid tumors. Methods: Ninety female Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups: control, alone, GSONE alone, Ehrlich solid tumor (EST), EST treated with GSO, and EST treated with GSONE. Tumor development, growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant status, hepatic histopathology, apoptotic gene expression, and flow cytometry analyses were assessed following 30 days of daily oral treatment. Results: GSONE significantly reduced tumor weight and volume (52.9%) and more effectively counteracted tumor-induced body weight loss than crude GSO. Treatment with GSONE normalized serum protein levels and improved liver function markers (AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin) to near-control values. Tumor markers (AFP, CEA) and oxidative stress indices (MDA, 8-OHdG) were markedly decreased, while activities of hepatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH) were restored. GSONE enhanced gene expression of pro-apoptotic markers (Bax, TP53, caspase-3, caspase-9), suppressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and significantly increased the proportion of p53- and cleaved caspase-3-positive tumor cells. Liver histopathology and ultrastructure demonstrated normalized morphology and reduced damage in GSONE-treated mice. Multivariate analyses confirmed GSONE’s restorative effect compared to raw GSO. Conclusions: The delivery of dietary phytochemicals via nanoemulsion significantly enhances antitumor and hepatoprotective actions in a preclinical solid tumor model. These findings support the potential of phytochemical-rich edible oils, enhanced by nanotechnology, for dietary prevention and adjunctive management of cancer. Full article

The development of sustainable, active food packaging materials is essential for reducing plastic waste and improving food preservation. This study investigated the fabrication and characterization of bio-based films composed of sodium alginate (Na-alginate), bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), and grape seed extract (GSE) as a natural antioxidant. Films were prepared via casting solutions with 2% Na-alginate, 1% and 2% of BNC, glycerol as a plasticizer, and varying GSE concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, and 2% w/w). The films’ physicochemical properties, including thickness, mechanical strength, water vapor permeability, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), were evaluated. To assess practical applicability, blueberries were packaged in these films and stored at 4 °C for four weeks, with spoilage, weight loss, and visual quality monitored. The results demonstrated that GSE significantly enhanced the films’ antioxidant capacity, with 1% GSE achieving an optimal balance between mechanical integrity and bioactivity. Blueberries packaged in GSE-enriched films exhibited lower spoilage, reduced weight loss, and maintained better visual appearance compared to controls. These findings suggest that Na-alginate/BNC/GSE films possess potential as biodegradable active packaging materials for extending the shelf life of perishable fruits. Full article