Food Compounds Research Articles

Liensinine, a Novel and Food-Derived Compound, Exerts Potent Antihepatoma Efficacy via Inhibiting the Kv10.1 Channel.

Plant metabolites from natural product extracts offer unique advantages against carcinogenesis in the development of drugs. The target-based virtual screening from food-derived compounds represents a promising approach for tumor therapy. In this study, we performed virtual screening to target the presumed inhibitor-binding pocket and identified a highly potent Kv10.1 inhibitor, liensinine (Lien), which can inhibit the channel in a dose-dependent way with an IC50 of 0.24 ± 0.07 μM. Combining molecular dynamics simulations with mutagenesis experiments, our data show that Lien interacts with Kv10.1 by binding with Y539, T543, D551, E553, and H601 in the C-linker domain of Kv10.1. In addition, the interaction of sequence alignment and 3D structural modeling revealed differences between the C-linker domain of the Kv10.1 channel and the Kv11.1 channel. Furthermore, antitumor experiments revealed that Lien suppresses the proliferation and migration of HCC both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, the food-derived compound, Lien, may serve as a lead compound for antihepatoma therapeutic drugs targeting Kv10.1.

Research Progress on Extraction and Detection Technologies of Flavonoid Compounds in Foods.

Flavonoid compounds have a variety of biological activities and play an essential role in preventing the occurrence of metabolic diseases. However, many structurally similar flavonoids are present in foods and are usually in low concentrations, which increases the difficulty of their isolation and identification. Therefore, developing and optimizing effective extraction and detection methods for extracting flavonoids from food is essential. In this review, we review the structure, classification, and chemical properties of flavonoids. The research progress on the extraction and detection of flavonoids in foods in recent years is comprehensively summarized, as is the application of mathematical models in optimizing experimental conditions. The results provide a theoretical basis and technical support for detecting and analyzing high-purity flavonoids in foods.

Mechanistic QSAR modeling derived virtual screening, drug repurposing, ADMET and in-vitro evaluation to identify anticancer lead as lysine-specific demethylase 5a inhibitor

A lysine-specific demethylase is an enzyme that selectively eliminates methyl groups from lysine residues. KDM5A, also known as JARID1A or RBP2, belongs to the KDM5 Jumonji histone demethylase subfamily. To identify novel molecules that interact with the LSD5A receptor, we created a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model. A group of 435 compounds was used in a study of the quantitative relationship between structure and activity to guess the IC50 values for blocking LASD5A. We used a genetic algorithm-multilinear regression-based quantitative structure-activity connection model to forecast the bioactivity (PIC50) of 1615 food and drug administration pharmaceuticals from the zinc database with the goal of repurposing clinically used medications. We used molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulation modelling, and molecular mechanics generalised surface area analysis to investigate the molecule’s binding mechanism. A genetic algorithm and multi-linear regression method were used to make six variable-based quantitative structure-activity relationship models that worked well (R 2 = 0.8521, Q 2 LOO = 0.8438, and Q 2 LMO = 0.8414). ZINC000000538621 was found to be a new hit against LSD5A after a quantitative structure-activity relationship-based virtual screening of 1615 zinc food and drug administration compounds. The docking analysis revealed that the hit molecule 11 in the KDM5A binding pocket adopted a conformation similar to the pdb-6bh1 ligand (docking score: −8.61 kcal/mol). The results from molecular docking and the quantitative structure-activity relationship were complementary and consistent. The most active lead molecule 11, which has shown encouraging results, has good absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties, and its toxicity has been shown to be minimal. In addition, the MTT assay of ZINC000000538621 with MCF-7 cell lines backs up the in silico studies. We used molecular mechanics generalise borne surface area analysis and a 200-ns molecular dynamics simulation to find structural motifs for KDM5A enzyme interactions. Thus, our strategy will likely expand food and drug administration molecule repurposing research to find better anticancer drugs and therapies. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Detection of Non-Formalin Food Additives Acid Compounds in Food Using Purple Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lamb) Anthocyanins

Purpose – Formalin in food can be detected using anthocyanin pigments in purple sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lamb). Anthocyanins turn red or pink on contact with acidic formalin. Concerns arise about similar color changes with other acidic compounds. Thus, this study examines anthocyanin reactions with various acidic compounds—Food Additives Acids: acetic, lactic, citric, phosphoric, ascorbic, benzoic, and tartaric acid. Methodology –This simple experiment involved 7 test samples and 1 control (formalin). Sample concentrations adhered to BPOM guidelines, and pH levels were measured. Purple sweet potatoes were mixed 1:1 with distilled water. 5 mL of each sample was combined with anthocyanin drops in separate test tubes (10 mL total volume). Observations tracked color change duration (735.40 seconds). pH was measured again post-observation. Findings – Results showed red coloration in lactic, phosphoric, and acetic acid samples—not always indicating formalin. pH changes after anthocyanin addition can quantitatively detect formalin and acid samples. Originality – This research has never been conducted before. Previous studies only focused on the detection of formalin acid compounds in food, not about acidic food additives.

Effect of Composting Ashes from Biomass Combustion on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Content

The safe management of waste from biomass combustion is a global problem, as the use of biomass for energy purposes is increasing around the world. Many rapidly developing countries in Asia, Africa, and South America have weak legal regulations regarding the composition of biomass combustion waste, such as ashes. As a result of the improper management of ashes, some of the pollutants may enter agricultural soils and pose a long-term risk to human health through the accumulation of harmful compounds in food. For this reason, research was carried out on the possibility of reducing harmful contaminants contained in ash in the composting process. The work presents the results of the content of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the created composts, followed by an analysis of the toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity of the created fertilisers. Based on the results obtained, a positive impact of the composting process on the reduction in PAHs contained in ash was found. Composting the mixture at 20 °C resulted in a slight decrease in the ΣPAH16 content from 2185.46 µg∙kg−1 to 2063.48 µg∙kg−1. A greater reduction in ΣPAH16 was obtained in the mixture incubated at 40 °C, where an overall decrease in the ΣPAH16 content was recorded from 2185.46 µg∙kg−1 to 1372.38 µg∙kg−1. The composting process also had a positive impact on the TEQ = CEQ, MEQ, and TCDD-TEQ coefficients, causing their decrease.

Canine Mucosal Artificial Colon: development of a new colonic in vitro model adapted to dog sizes

Differences in dog breed sizes are an important determinant of variations in digestive physiology, mainly related to the large intestine. In vitro gut models are increasingly used as alternatives to animal experiments for technical, cost, societal, and regulatory reasons. Up to now, only one in vitro model of the canine colon incorporates the dynamics of different canine gut regions, yet no adaptations exist to reproduce size-related digestive parameters. To address this limitation, we developed a new model of the canine colon, the CANIne Mucosal ARtificial COLon (CANIM-ARCOL), simulating main physiochemical (pH, transit time, anaerobiosis), nutritional (ileal effluent composition), and microbial (lumen and mucus-associated microbiota) parameters of this ecosystem and adapted to three dog sizes (i.e., small under 10 kg, medium 10–30 kg, and large over 30 kg). To validate the new model regarding microbiota composition and activities, in vitro fermentations were performed in bioreactors inoculated with stools from 13 dogs (4 small, 5 medium, and 4 large). After a stabilization period, microbiota profiles clearly clustered depending on dog size. Bacteroidota and Firmicutes abundances were positively correlated with dog size both in vitro and in vivo, while opposite trends were observed for Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. As observed in vivo, microbial activity also increased with dog size in vitro, as evidenced from gas production, short-chain fatty acids, ammonia, and bile acid dehydroxylation. In line with the 3R regulation, CANIM-ARCOL could be a relevant platform to assess bilateral interactions between food and pharma compounds and gut microbiota, capturing inter-individual or breed variabilities.Key points• CANIM-ARCOL integrates main canine physicochemical and microbial colonic parameters• Gut microbiota associated to different dog sizes is accurately maintained in vitro• The model can help to move toward personalized approach considering dog body weight

Characterization and safety of commercial table olives from the Algerian market

In this study, a comprehensive physicochemical characterization of commercial table olives from the Algerian market was conducted, revealing significant discrepancies with international regulations and indicating non-compliance with established standards. Spanish-style green olives and natural turning color olives, for the most part, did not meet the established standards regarding pH and salt concentration. Additionally, samples of oxidized black olives were found, which, due to their high pH, should undergo sterilization but were stored in non-sterilized containers. Microbiological analysis revealed high populations of Enterobacteriaceae and other spoilage microorganisms in the brines, indicating possible deficiencies in hygiene practices during production. The study evaluating the survival of pathogenic microorganisms in the samples indicated that the physicochemical conditions of the product, such as pH and salt concentration, played a crucial role in the non-survival of these pathogens. Furthermore, an antimicrobial effect of certain phenolic compounds present in olives was observed, highlighting the importance of these compounds in food safety.In summary, this study provides a snapshot of the quality of table olives available in the outlets surveyed and underscores the importance of strict microbiological control, quality, and appropriate production practices in the table olive industry in Algeria. The use of preservatives and heat treatments, along with good manufacturing and hygiene practices, are useful tools as control measures to reduce spoilage in table olives. Adhering to established standards in international regulations for table olive processing and implementing effective control measures are essential steps to ensure the quality, safety, and consumer acceptance of this traditionally valued food product.

Food-derived compounds for CYP-phenotyping.

Food-derived compounds for CYP-phenotyping.

Bioaccessibility of Principal Health-Promoting Compounds in Broccoli ‘Parthenon’ and Savoy Cabbage ‘Dama’

Currently there is a general concern among consumers to purchase goods increasingly healthy that not only provide the necessary nutrients, but also beneficial compounds with functional properties and antioxidant activity. Because of this, there has been an increased consumption of vegetables of the Brassicaceae family, especially brassicas. Thus, in this research work, two types of brassicas(broccoli and Savoy cabbage) were evaluated and it was found that broccoli had a higher content of functional compounds. But functional compounds are absorbed and used in different ways when they are digested, so besides knowing the content of these compounds in foods it is necessary to know their bioavailability, which will help meet the health properties of food to optimize the diet and to establish nutritional recommendations.

From sulfite liquor to vanillin: effect of crystallization process on the yield, purity, and polymorphic form of crystals

ABSTRACT Different approaches for vanillin crystallization were performed using an aqueous solution, with low concentrations of this potential food and pharmaceutical phenolic compound, obtained from adsorption/desorption experiments applied to an oxidized solution of lignin isolated from softwood sulfite liquor. The process yield and purity of the vanillin crystals were determined, and the thermal stability of the two resulting polymorphic forms was analyzed by DSC. Crystallization processes by swift cooling and evaporation with heat favor the nucleation of metastable vanillin crystals (Form II) with lower yields than slow evaporative and cooling processes that crystallize vanillin into the stable polymorph (Form I) with yields around 80%. Moreover, the polymorphic form of vanillin, yield, and purity were found to be highly dependent on the conditions of the crystallization process, mainly the temperature and the range of temperature variation. The melting points of polymorphic Form I and II were found to be 82.6 and 81.0°C, respectively, proving that Form I is the most thermodynamically stable vanillin crystal form. In conclusion, the process conditions for vanillin crystallization strongly affect the polymorphic form, the process yield, the contents, and the type of impurities in the final product, consequently, influencing its potential industrial applications.

An efficient Analysis based on the Internet of Things, SVM and KNN for Operative Diabetic Retinopathy Classification

These days, diabetes is an incurable disease, with millions of people suffering from it worldwide. Several variables namely lack of education, crowded living conditions, obesity and improper diet are among the causes of this recent upsurge in diabetes cases. They are identified by the name of infections induced by bacteria or viruses, harmful compounds in food, autoimmune reactions, obesity, unhealthy lifestyles, and pollution in the environment. Excessive and sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common retinal micro-vascular dysfunction that is characterized by the occurrence of a disorder of retinal blood vessels resulting in impaired vision. The IoT-based work is conducted in this work on the machine learning (ML) techniques, K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The classification of diabetic retinopathy is a topic that is under research. The range of activities of the processes of downsampling, labelling, image flattening, and format conversion is all within the dataset preparation process. An advanced prognosis model is designed which follows a combination of two machine learning techniques such as SVM and KNN. This approach classifies the images of diabetic retinopathy into five segments (subclasses), thus facilitating in-depth analysis. Our solution proposal in this case is a superior one because of its higher classification accuracy and faster processing speed as the findings showed. The robustness and accuracy that the SVM is known for are ensured by the convergence of the KNN to the SVM. The paper also proves a close linkage of clinical symptoms and blood sugar readings to an algorithmic DM prediction system that is based on IoT and ML approaches. This is another advantage of this method that it outperforms the existing classification methods. Amongst all the classifiers that we used in this project, the KNN ML classifier turned out to be the most accurate one with an accuracy rate of 93%. It was found that the algorithm performed with a 79% accuracy rate after tough testing and training and it was consistently providing number one quality DM predictions.

Structured soft particulate matters for delivery of bioactive compounds in foods and functioning in the colon.

The present review discusses challenges, perspectives, and current needs of delivering bioactive compounds (BCs) using soft particulate matters (SPMs) for gut health. SPMs can entrap BCs for incorporation in foods, preserve their bioactivities during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal digestion, and deliver BCs to functioning sites in the colon. To enable these functions, physical, chemical, and biological properties of BCs are integrated in designing various types of SPMs to overcome environmental factors reducing the bioavailability and bioactivity of BCs. The design principles are applied using food grade molecules with the desired properties to produce SPMs by additionally considering the cost, sustainability, and scalability of manufacturing processes. Lastly, to make delivery systems practical, impacts of SPMs on food quality are to be evaluated case by case, and health benefits of functional foods incorporated with delivery systems are to be confirmed and must outweigh the cost of preparing SPMs.

Green Technology for Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Edible Plants.

In modern society, the use of bioactive compounds in various foods and cosmetic industry sectors through the development of general foods, functional foods, cosmetics, customized cosmetics and several pharmaceuticals has become one of the key technological sources. The most critical step in isolating and purifying bioactive compounds from natural plant materials is the extraction process. Over the past five years, there has been a reasonable compromise between economic, social, and environmental requirements, resulting in safer and more efficient traditional and non-traditional extraction methods. This literature review aims to comprehensively review green extraction technologies for the extraction of bioactive compounds from plant materials from 2020 to 2024.

Identification of acetaldehyde based on plasmonic patterns of a gold nanostructure conjugated with chromophore and H2O2: a new platform for the rapid and low-cost analysis of carcinogenic agents by colorimetric affordable test strip (CATS).

Acetaldehyde, a prevalent carbonyl compound in fermented foods, poses challenges in various applications due to its reactivity. This study addresses the need for efficient acetaldehyde detection methods across biotechnological, environmental, pharmaceutical, and food sectors. Herein, we present a novel colorimetric/UV spectrophotometric approach utilizing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), particularly gold nano-flowers (AuNFs), for sensitive acetaldehyde identification. The method exhibits a notable sensitivity, detecting acetaldehyde at concentrations as low as 0.1 μM. The mechanism involves the interaction of acetaldehyde molecules with AuNFs, leading to a significant change in the absorbance spectrum, which serves as the basis for detection. Moreover, its applicability extends to human biofluids, notably urine samples. Integration with a cost-effective one-drop microfluidic colorimetric device (OD-μPCD) enables the development of an affordable test strip (CATS). This semi-analytical device, employing a multichannel OD-μPCD, facilitates real-time analysis of acetaldehyde in human samples. Our findings demonstrate the pioneering utilization of AuNPs for selective and sensitive acetaldehyde detection, promising advancements in environmental and occupational safety standards, and laying a foundation for enhanced detection and monitoring of related volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Discrimination of aniline and benzaldehyde assisted with Fisher's base

A novel strategy for the detection and discrimination of benzene series compounds in effluent and food by the unique reaction of Cy237 with aniline and benzaldehyde under LED light irradiation was developed.

Curcuminoids: Composition, extraction, health benefits, delivery systems, and relation to COVID‐19 treatment

AbstractCurcuminoids, resevetrol, and quericitin are naturally occurring compounds in various foods that contain antiviral functionalities. Among them, curcuminoids are the lipophilic phenolic compounds extracted from rhizomes of Curcuma longa. L, a perennial plant from the Zingiberaceae family. Industrial applications and popularization of curcuminoids are still developing slowly due to the unacceptable bitter taste and poor bioavailability of these components. Appropriate extraction conditions play a central role to obtain extracts and preserve the biological activity of curcuminoids. Green extraction technologies can be of great value to extract these bioactive compounds. Curcuminoids are biologically effective in terms of molecular targets and physiological effects against some of the main global diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and arthritis. Being nutraceutical, curcuminoids and its food products could be a new challenge to combat the COVID‐19 like viral infections. This review summarized the latest data related to chemical composition, production, extraction methods, potential health benefits, and relation of curcuminoids to COVID‐19 treatment.

In silico Screening of Food and Drug Administration-approved Compounds against Trehalose 2-sulfotransferase (Rv0295c) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Insights from Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulations.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a prominent global health challenge, distinguished by substantial occurrences of infection and death. The upsurge of drug-resistant TB strains underscores the urgency to identify novel therapeutic targets and repurpose existing compounds. Rv0295c is a potentially druggable enzyme involved in cell wall biosynthesis and virulence. We evaluated the inhibitory activity of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compounds against Rv0295c of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, employing molecular docking, ADME evaluation, and dynamics simulations. The study screened 1800 FDA-approved compounds and selected the top five compounds with the highest docking scores. Following this, we subjected the initially screened ligands to ADME analysis based on their dock scores. In addition, the compound exhibited the highest binding affinity chosen for molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to investigate the dynamic behavior of the ligand-receptor complex. Dihydroergotamine (CHEMBL1732) exhibited the highest binding affinity (-12.8 kcal/mol) for Rv0295c within this set of compounds. We evaluated the stability and binding modes of the complex over extended simulation trajectories. Our in silico analysis demonstrates that FDA-approved drugs can serve as potential Rv0295c inhibitors through repurposing. The combination of molecular docking and MD simulation offers a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between ligands and the protein target, providing valuable guidance for further experimental validation. Identifying Rv0295c inhibitors may contribute to new anti-TB drugs.

Evaluation of the Mineral, Amino Acid and Antimicrobial Properties of Raw and Fermented Trametes elegans

Mushrooms are known to be sources of food and bioactive compounds with medicinal properties. In this study, the mineral, proximate, amino acid and antimicrobial properties of a wild macrofungus, Trametes elegans was investigated. Standard methods were used to evaluate the mineral, proximate and amino acid content of raw and fermented T.elegans. By soaking in methanol and acetone, extracts from the macrofungus’s powdered fruiting bodies were obtained. Using common microbiological methods, the macrofungus extracts’ antimicrobial activity was assessed on test isolates. In addition, isolation and identification of microorganisms associated with raw and fermented T. elegans was done using standard microbiological techniques. The physicochemical parameters (Temperature, pH and Total Titratable Acid) were also monitored during solid and liquid state fermentation of Trametes elegans. The concentration of carbohydrate (70.24±0.33) was higher in the raw sample, while moisture (3.22±0.13), fat (1.85±0.04) and protein contents (22.48±0.09) were higher in sample subjected to solid fermentation. Also, crude fibre (6.68±0.76) and Ash (3.60±1.39) were higher in sample subjected to liquid fermentation. The micro elements analysed are zinc and iron and macro elements are potassium, magnesium and phosphorus and their values increased in fermented Trametes elegans. Analyses of both essential and non-essential amino acids were conducted. The most common amino acids found in all of the samples examined were glutamic acid, leucine, arginine, and aspartic acid. Cysteine and methionine are the least abundant. The amino acid scores were determined by ratio of the milligrams of amino acid per gram of test protein to the milligrams of amino acid per gram in the reference pattern. The results showed that methionine had the lowest score in the raw sample (3.14) and tryptophan had the highest score (18.17) in T. elegans that had undergone solid fermentation. Methanol and acetone extracts inhibited all test isolates except Lactobacillus plantarum. The commercial drug exhibited higher antibacterial activity compared to the extracts, with a significant difference (P≤ 0.05). The inhibitory zones ranged from 5.50 mm against Bacillus subtilis to 18.13 mm against E. coli. The range of the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 12.5 to 50 mg/mL, while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 12.5 to 50 mg/mL. In light of this findings, T. elegans, could be considered as potential sources of natural antimicrobial and can also be relevant for use as food supplements in animals and man.

Contribution of Covalent Modification of Food-derived Compounds to Anti-inflammatory Activities

Contribution of Covalent Modification of Food-derived Compounds to Anti-inflammatory Activities

PETR: A novel peristaltic mixed tubular bioreactor simulating human colonic conditions.

A novel bioreactor simulating human colonic conditions for in vitro cultivation of intestinal microbiota is presented. The PEristaltic mixed Tubular bioReactor (PETR) is modular designed and periodically kneaded to simulate intestinal peristalsis. The reactor is introduced, characterized from a bioprocess engineer's perspective and discussed in its ability to mimic colon conditions. PETR provides physiological temperature and appropriate anaerobic conditions, simulates intestinal peristalsis, and has a mean residence time of 32.8 ± 0.8 h comparable to the adult human colon. The single-tube design enables a time-constant and longitudinally progressive pH gradient from 5.5 to 7.0. Using a dialysis liquid containing high molecular weight polyethylene glycol, the integrated dialysis system efficiently absorbs short chain fatty acids (up to 60%) and water (on average 850 mL d-1 ). Cultivation of a typical gut bacterium (Bifidobacterium animalis) was performed to demonstrate the applicability for controlled microbiota cultivation. PETR is unique in combining simulation of the entire colon, peristaltic mixing, dialytic water and metabolite absorption, and a progressive pH gradient in a single-tube design. PETR is a further step to precise replication of colonic conditions in vitro for reliable and reproducible microbiota research, such as studying the effect of food compounds, prebiotics or probiotics, or the development and treatment of infections with enteric pathogens, but also for further medical applications such as drug delivery studies or to study the effect of drugs on and their degradation by the microbiota.