Search Results (172)

This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and chemical properties of four wild edible macrofungi—Tuber aestivum (Wulfen) Spreng., Terfezia claveryi Chatin, Agaricus arvensis Schaeff. and Bovistella utriformis (Bull.) Demoulin & Rebriev—collected from different regions of Türkiye, with particular emphasis on the role of phenolic compounds. Methanol and hexane extracts were assessed for antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, and Candida albicans using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined, and antioxidant capacities were evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and CUPRAC (cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity) assays. The chemical profiles of hexane extracts were characterized by GC–MS analysis, whereas methanol extracts were analyzed by LC–MS/MS. Methanol extracts with high content of phenolic compounds exhibited markedly higher antimicrobial activity than hexane extracts, especially against Gram-positive bacteria. B. utriformis and A. arvensis displayed the highest phenolic contents (29.61 ± 0.6 and 27.14 ± 0.59 mg GAE/g DW, respectively) and antioxidant activities, revealing a strong positive correlation between TPC and antioxidant capacity. LC–MS/MS analysis revealed catechin, cinnamic acid, and caffeic acid as prominent phenolic constituents, highlighting the role of polyphenols in the observed bioactivity. GC–MS profiling predominantly identified fatty acid methyl esters, particularly linoleic and oleic acids, together with minor phenolic derivatives, suggesting a possible synergistic interaction contributing to the overall biological potential. The results highlight phenolic-rich macrofungi as valuable natural sources of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents with potential applications. Full article

Metabolomic studies in COPD reveal systemic metabolic perturbations, yet sex is often treated as a covariate rather than a biological driver. We aimed to identify plasma metabolites differentiating COPD from controls and to define sex-specific metabolic signatures in both groups. Methods: In this controlled observational study (BIOMEPOC cohort), untargeted plasma metabolomics was performed by LC-MS/MS. Differential abundance was tested across four contrasts (COPD vs. controls; men vs. women within controls; men vs. women within COPD; sex-by-disease interaction) with a false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Because smoking history differed between COPD and controls, a post hoc ever-smokers analysis was conducted. Results: COPD differed from controls in nine metabolites (all decreased): DL-stachydrine, 3-methyl-L-histidine, fructose, pipecolinic and nipecotic acids, 5-nitro-o-toluidine, conjugated linoleic acid, aminoadipate, and creatinine. This pattern is compatible with metabolic depletion, remodeling, and/or altered flux across multiple compartments rather than simple substrate deficiency, spanning muscle-related pools, amino acid handling, carbohydrate-associated metabolism, and exposome-linked inputs. In ever-smokers, results were directionally consistent, with five metabolites remaining nominally significant. Among controls, five metabolites were higher in men after FDR correction (PABA, cis-4-hydroxy-D-proline, N-acetylasparagine, deoxycarnitine, and creatinine), consistent with physiological sex dimorphism in energy pathways, connective-tissue remodeling, and diet/microbiome-related metabolism. Within COPD, six metabolites differed by sex after FDR correction, defining three axes: creatine energy buffering (men: higher GAA/creatinine, lower creatine), purine/urate handling (men: higher urate), and conjugated bile acids (men: higher GCDCA), implicating muscle bioenergetics, redox/inflammatory tone, and gut–liver crosstalk. Conclusions: Plasma metabolomics identifies a pattern compatible with systemic remodeling in COPD and sex-associated divergences in creatine, purine/urate, and bile-acid pathways, supporting a sex-influenced view of systemic COPD heterogeneity and highlighting targets for mechanistic validation. Full article

In this study, the corrosion behavior of pure aluminum in methyl esters with different degrees of unsaturation and chain lengths, as found in biodiesel, was investigated using electrochemical techniques. The methyl esters evaluated included methyl acrylate (C₄H₆O₂) and methyl linoleate (C₁₉H₃₄O₂), which were added to methyl propionate (C₄H₈O₂) and methyl oleate (C₁₉H₃₆O₂), respectively. The electrochemical techniques employed were electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and electrochemical noise (EN), complemented by detailed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The results indicated that both the corrosion rate and the susceptibility to localized corrosion, such as pitting, increased with higher degrees of unsaturation and longer alkyl chain lengths. The corrosion process remained under charge transfer control and was not directly influenced by these factors. However, the charge transfer resistance decreased with increasing unsaturation and chain length, consistent with the observed increase in corrosion rate. Full article

Crude palm oil (CPO) is the most widely consumed vegetable oil globally due to its high agricultural productivity and its increasing use in the food and energy sectors. However, its production process involves intensive operations, severe temperature and pressure conditions, and work environments that increase the risk of industrial accidents, highlighting the need for rigorous process safety assessments from the early design stages. Traditionally, these analyses have relied on inherent safety indices, which, while allowing for quick comparisons, have limitations related to subjectivity and the simplification of complex phenomena. In this context, the present study aims to evaluate the inherent safety of the CPO production process using the Numerical Descriptive Inherent Safety Technique (NuDIST), a quantitative approach based on logistic functions. The methodology considers chemical safety parameters—flammability, explosiveness, toxicity, and reactivity—and process safety parameters—temperature, pressure, heat of reaction, and process inventory—applied to an industrial process with a capacity of 30 t/h of fresh fruit bunches (FFB). The results indicate that linoleic acid is the substance that contributes most to chemical safety, with a Chemical Safety Total Score (CSTS) of 26.14, while process inventory dominates process safety, reaching a Process Safety Total Score (PSTS) of 101.95. The total NuDIST score obtained was 128.09, demonstrating that the process risks are mainly associated with operating conditions rather than the hazards of the substances. Comparisons with other industrial systems reveal that CPO extraction is inherently safer than processes such as chitosan production from shrimp exoskeletons and six (6) possible routes for methyl methacrylate (MMA) production. Taken together, these findings position NuDIST as a robust and objective tool for strengthening the safe and sustainable design of agro-industrial processes. Full article

Flavor-relevant trace volatiles and microbial communities were examined in six sauce-aroma high-temperature Daqu samples. Headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) quantified 210 trace volatile compounds across 14 chemical classes. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) with variable importance in projection (VIP) screening was integrated with sensory scoring, correlation analysis, and molecular docking to an olfactory receptor model. Volatile profiles showed clear stratification in total abundance. Pyrazines dominated the high-total group. Tetramethylpyrazine served as a major driver. Sensory evaluation indicated that aroma explained overall quality best. (E)-2-pentenal and dimethyl trisulfide showed significant positive associations with aroma and overall scores. In the olfactory receptor, the polar residue module that provides directional constraints for Daqu odor activation was formed by Ser75, Ser92, Ser152, Ser258, Thr74, Thr76, Thr98, Thr200, Gln99, and Glu94. The hydrogen-bond or charge network was further reinforced by Arg150, Arg262, Asn194, His180, His261, Asp182, and Gln181. The core discriminant set comprised acetic acid, hexanoic acid, (E)-2-pentenal, nonanal, decanal, dimethyl trisulfide, trans-3-methyl-2-n-propylthiophane, 2-hexanone oxime, ethyl linoleate, propylene glycol, 2-ethenyl-6-methylpyrazine, 4-methylquinazoline, 5-methyl-2-phenyl-2-hexenal, and 1,2,3,4-tetramethoxybenzene. Sequencing revealed higher bacterial diversity than fungal. Bacillus and Kroppenstedtia were dominant bacterial genera. Aspergillus, Paecilomyces, Monascus, and Penicillium were major fungal genera. Correlation patterns suggested that Bacillus and Monascus were positively linked to acetic acid and 1,2,3,4-tetramethoxybenzene. Together, these results connected chemical fingerprints, sensory performance, receptor-level plausibility, and microbial ecology. Concrete targets are provided for quality control of high-temperature Daqu. Full article

The study comprises an in-depth characterization of compositional groups of the liquid by-products obtained from the pyrolysis of swine manure at 500 °C, with the aim of providing an alternative and efficient approach for the valorisation of this waste stream, alongside with the production of biogas and char, the latter of which can be further converted into activated carbon. Two samples were considered: de-watered cake and solid product from anaerobic digestion of swine manure. Biocrude oils were fractionated into weak acidic, strong acidic, alkaline and neutral oil fractions. Subsequently, the neutral oil fraction was separated into paraffinic–naphthenic, slightly polar and polar fractions. All fractions were analyzed by GC–MS. The major identified compositional groups were: (i) for de-watered cake: steroids (40.7%), fatty acids, FAs (23.7%) and n-alkenes/n-alkanes (23.3%); (ii) for solid product from anaerobic digestion: FAs (31.0%), phenols/methoxy phenols (26.6%), n-alkenes/n-alkanes (10.8%) and steroids (10.6%). A variety of short-chain FAs (i.e., linear saturated, mono- and di-unsaturated, cis (i-), trans (ai-), isoprenoid, phenyl alkanoic, amongst others) and methyl esters (FAMEs) were identified as well. FA distribution, nC₁₂–nC₂₀, was similar for both manures studied with nC₁₆ and nC₁₈ as major compounds. FAMEs (nC₁₄–nC₂₈, with even carbon number dominance) in the slightly polar fraction of both samples were accompanied by considerable amounts of oleic (nC_18:1) and linoleic (nC_18:2) acids, and corresponding methyl esters. Hydrocarbons, i.e., n-alkenes/n-alkanes, were in the range of nC₁₅–nC₃₄, with nC₁₈ maximizing. Anaerobically digested manure has resulted in (i) an increase in the portion of longer homologues of hydrocarbons and FAMEs and (ii) the appearance of new FAs series of long chain members nC_22:1–nC_26:1, ω-9. The comprehensive analysis of the biocrude oils obtained from the slow pyrolysis of swine manure indicates their potential for use as biodiesel additives or as feedstock to produce value-added materials. Full article

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) is a promising source of vegetable oils with distinct applications for its pulp and seed fractions. This study presents the first comprehensive quantitative analysis of eleven commercial macauba oils available in the Brazilian market, using validated methods of GC-FID and LC-HRMS. The analysis revealed significant variability among samples. Control pulp oils (PCCs) were characterized by the predominance of oleic acid (C18:1) and palmitic acid (C16:0) methyl esters, and TG 54:3 was the major lipid species, reaching up to 12.11 g 100 g oil⁻¹. For control seed oils (SCCs), the profile was dominated by lauric acid (C12:0) and oleic acid methyl ester; TG 36:0 was the most abundant lipid, which reached concentrations of 49.20 g 100 g oil⁻¹. Among commercial samples, PC3 followed the expected pulp oil profile, whereas PC4 showed deviations. Others commercial samples (PC2, PC5, SC3, SC4, SC5) deviated significantly from expected profiles, showing high levels of linoleic acid (C18:2), and predominance of TG 54:6, with concentrations reaching 61.74 g 100 g oil⁻¹. The integrated GC-FID and LC-HRMS approach provides robust, sensitive, and discriminative analysis of FAMEs and lipid composition of macauba oil samples. These methodologies are essential for quality control in the food and bioproduct sectors, ensuring the chemical integrity of macauba commercial oils. Full article

The efficient conversion of free fatty acids (FFAs) to fatty acid methyl esters via esterification is a crucial step in biodiesel production from low-cost high-FFA feedstocks, which supports global efforts toward renewable energy and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. However, this esterification process is hindered by slow reaction kinetics, high energy demand, and low catalyst efficiencies. This study investigates tungsten disulfide (WS₂) as a heterogeneous catalyst for the esterification of a mixture of oleic and linoleic acids with methanol under ultrasonic activation, aiming to improve catalytic performance, reaction efficiency, and enhance process sustainability. Four commercial WS₂ powders from various suppliers, varying in particle size (2 μm and 90 nm), were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Micron-sized WS₂ exhibited higher catalytic activity than nano-scaled WS₂ due to a higher density of edge defects and abundance of catalytically active edge sites. Variation in reaction parameters demonstrated that the ester yield increases from 7% to 53% as the catalyst loading rises from 2% to 32% and reaches a 95% yield at an FFAs-to-methanol molar ratio of 1:15 under ultrasonic activation at 75 °C for 1 h. Comparative experiments confirmed that ultrasound treatment increases the yield of esterification compared to thermal activation. The results suggest WS₂ as a heterogeneous catalyst appropriate for efficient sonochemical esterification in biodiesel production. These kinetic and catalytic data are valuable for future process design, scalability assessments, and techno-economic evaluations of sustainable biodiesel production. Full article

This study evaluated whether the volatile profile of methyl linoleate (MLO) can predict its pro-inflammatory capacity. MLO was subjected to two oxidation conditions simulating ambient storage and high-temperature frying. Free radicals, volatile compounds, and aldehydes were quantified using ESR, HS-SPME-GC-MS, and UPLC-MS/MS. Oxidized MLO was applied to RAW264.7 macrophages to evaluate inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress responses, and PLSR models were developed to predict cellular outcomes based on volatile fingerprints. Both oxidation conditions induced substantial increases in short-chain and unsaturated aldehydes, with high-temperature oxidation generating markedly higher levels of key volatiles. Oxidized MLO significantly elevated TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, ROS, NO, and MDA while reducing SOD activity (p < 0.05), demonstrating strong pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant effects. Volatile-based PLSR models achieved high predictive performance, with cross-validated and external R² values approaching 0.9 and RPD values exceeding 2. These findings show that volatile oxidation products reliably reflect the pro-inflammatory potency of oxidized lipids and can support the ranking of oxidized oils and lipid-rich foods, as well as guide processing and dietary strategies. Full article

Background: The search for environmentally friendly antifouling agents has led to an increased focus on marine natural products. Methods: This study investigated the antifouling potential of lipid fractions extracted from ten marine fungal strains isolated from the Beibu Gulf, China. The lipids were evaluated through a multi-level bioassay approach, including the inhibition of microfouling (against four fouling bacteria: Marinobacterium jannaschii, Vibrio pelagius, Vibrio rotiferianus, and Alteromonas macleodii), the prevention of macrofouling (inhibition of barnacle Amphibalanus reticulatus cyprid settlement), and long-term (90-day) marine field trials. Results: Eight lipid fractions demonstrated inhibitory effects against at least one bacterial strain. Five lipids significantly inhibited barnacle cyprid settlement, with half-maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) values ranging from 0.21 to 1.81 µg/mL and exhibited low toxicity (half-maximal lethal concentration (LC₅₀) > 50 µg/mL). Notably, four lipid fractions maintained potent antifouling efficacy (>70% inhibition) throughout the 90-day field exposure. Chemical characterization via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) revealed that the bioactive fractions were predominantly composed of fatty acids and their derivatives. Major identified compounds included palmitic acid, methyl palmitate, linoleic acid, dodecyl-9-ynyl chloroacetate, cis-13-octadecenoic acid, oleic acid, methyl 11,14-octadecadienoate, and (E)-9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester. Conclusions: This work represents the first comprehensive investigation of marine fungal lipids from the Beibu Gulf with multi-target antifouling properties, providing a theoretical foundation and practical candidate compounds for developing eco-friendly antifouling coatings. Full article

Background: Isorhamnetin (ISO), a dietary O-methylated flavonol, was evaluated for hypoglycemic activity and mechanism in a streptozotocin (STZ) model of type 1 diabetes. Methods: We conducted untargeted plasma metabolomics (ESI±), network integration and docking, and measured pancreatic PI3K, phosphorylated AKT, and COX-2; INS-1 β cells challenged with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 were used to assess viability, intracellular ROS, and PI3K phosphorylation. Results: ISO lowered fasting glycemia, increased circulating insulin, improved dyslipidemia by reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and preserved islet architecture. Untargeted plasma metabolomics (ESI±) indicated broad remodeling with enrichment of arachidonic-, linoleic-, starch/sucrose- and glycerophospholipid pathways. Network integration and docking prioritized targets converging on PI3K/AKT and COX-2/eicosanoid signaling. Consistently, in pancreatic tissue, ISO increased PI3K, phosphorylated AKT, and reduced COX-2. In INS-1 beta cells challenged with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, ISO improved viability, decreased intracellular ROS, and partially restored PI3K phosphorylation at 4 µM. Conclusions: Together, these data indicate that ISO exerts hypoglycemic effects while supporting β-cell integrity through activation of PI3K/AKT and tempering of COX-2–linked lipid-mediator pathways. ISO therefore emerges as a food-derived adjunct candidate for autoimmune diabetes, and the work motivates targeted lipidomics and in vivo pathway interrogation in future studies. Full article

Tenebrio molitor larvae are a promising source for the next generation of liquid biofuels. However, the conditions and processes required for rearing this insect for biodiesel production need to be investigated. In this study, the effect of dextrose addition to an artificial diet in the oil and biodiesel yield was evaluated. Larvae were fed artificial diets modified with 3, 6, 9, and 15% dextrose. Survival rate, mean dry weight, and oil yield were registered. The 15% dextrose addition resulted in 75% survival, 25 mg individual dry weight, and 29% oil yield. The main components of this oil were palmitic acid (14%), oleic acid (37%), and linoleic acid (20%). With the addition of dextrose, the total saturated fatty acids increased 13% and the polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased 16% compared to the control. However, with the transesterification reaction, the fatty acid methyl esters remained similar for both treatments, with methyl oleate, methyl linoleate, and methyl linolenate as major components. This suggest that the transesterification reaction was incomplete, due to the oil/methanol ratio or the catalyst. Thus, even though a more balanced saturated/unsaturated fatty acid profile can be achieved through dextrose addition, another transesterification method should be tested to obtain a complete reaction. Full article

Amomyrtus luma (A. luma), a native Chilean tree species, produces fruits containing 1–3 non-edible seeds, which are typically discarded as waste during processing. This study evaluated the fatty acid composition and bioactive properties of A. luma seed oil obtained through maceration, ultrasound extraction, and Soxhlet extraction, using hexane as the extraction solvent. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were quantified using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC–FID), revealing that linoleic acid was the most abundant (79.79–80.09%), followed by oleic acid (8.89–9.18%) and palmitic acid (7.29–7.40%), with no significant differences (p < 0.05) among extraction methods. However, extraction conditions significantly influenced the concentration of bioactive compounds, including total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, lycopene, carotenoids, and antioxidant capacity, as determined through DPPH and FRAP assays. A strong correlation was observed between polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, particularly in maceration and ultrasound extraction, whereas Soxhlet extraction favored tocopherols and carotenoids due to the thermal degradation of polyphenols. Soxhlet extraction yielded the highest oil recovery, while ultrasound extraction preserved the highest levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. No antimicrobial activity was detected against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These findings underscore the key role of extraction methods in determining the nutritional and functional quality of A. luma seed oil. Given its high unsaturated fatty acid content and bioactive potential, A. luma seed oil represents a promising ingredient for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, while contributing to waste valorization and sustainable resource utilization. Full article

This study presents the development and optimization of a functional soy sauce fermented with Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris), a medicinal fungus known for its high cordycepin and polysaccharide content. Using C. militaris as the sole starter culture, the process aimed to improve both nutritional and functional properties. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the entire fermentation process. During the koji stage, temperature, aeration, and inoculum concentration were adjusted to maximize protease activity and cordycepin production. In the fermentation stage, temperature, brine concentration, and water-to-material ratio were optimized to increase amino acid nitrogen and bioactive compound levels. Under optimal conditions (24 °C, 679.60 LPM aeration, 9.6% inoculum for koji; 32 °C, 12% brine, 1.53:1 water-to-material ratio for fermentation), the resulting soy sauce contained 1.14 ± 0.05 g/100 mL amino acid nitrogen and 16.88 ± 0.47 mg/100 mL cordycepin. Compared with traditionally fermented soy sauce, the C. militaris product exhibited a darker color, enhanced umami taste, and a distinct volatile profile featuring linoleic acid, methyl palmitate, and niacinamide. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using C. militaris in soy sauce fermentation and its potential as a novel functional condiment with improved bioactivity and sensory quality. Full article

Grape pomace (GP), the main by-product of the wine industry, represents a valuable source of bioactive metabolites with significant potential for valorization in the context of sustainable bioresource management. This study systematically characterizes the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profile, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, ORAC) of GP derived from seven grape varieties across three consecutive vintages (2022–2024). White GP, particularly Verdelho and Sercial, exhibited a superior lipid quality with high concentrations of methyl linoleate (up to 1997 mg/100 g DW) and methyl oleate (up to 1294 mg/100 g DW), low atherogenic (AI < 0.05) and thrombogenic indices (TI ≤ 0.13), and elevated PUFA/SFA ratios (≥8.2). In contrast, red GP, especially from Complexa and Tinta Negra, demonstrated the highest antioxidant potential, with TPC values up to 6687 mgGAE/100 g DW, TFC up to 4624 mgQE/100 g DW, and antioxidant activities reaching 5399 mgTE/100 g (DPPH) and 7219 mgTE/100 g (ABTS). Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA, PLS-DA, HCA) revealed distinct varietal and vintage-dependent clustering and identified key discriminant fatty acids, including linolenic acid (C18:3), lauric acid (C12:0), and arachidic acid (C20:0). These findings underscore the compositional diversity and functional potential of GP, reinforcing its suitability for applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics, in alignment with circular economy principles. Full article