Improved Antioxidant Activity Research Articles

Assessment of Opuntia ficus-indica supplementation on enhancing antioxidant levels

Opuntia ficus-indica (OFi) is a major fruit source prevalent in semiarid and arid regions across various countries worldwide. It is widely recognised for its potential health benefits; however, most studies investigating its effects have been limited to pre-clinical models, highlighting the need for further validation through clinical trials. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of OFi supplementation in enhancing antioxidant levels. Fifty healthy participants, aged 18 years and older, including males and females, received a daily OFi supplement of 1500 mg for 3 months. These findings revealed a significant 48.1% increase in salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P < 0.001), indicating improved antioxidant activity. Simultaneously, oxidative stress biomarkers showed substantial reductions: malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased by 28.3%, nitrotyrosine (3-NT) decreased by 51.5%, and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) decreased by 59.8% (P < 0.001). Furthermore, participants reported a 20.1% improvement (P < 0.001) in Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), reflecting a notable enhancement in overall well-being. In conclusion, OFi exhibited promising efficacy in elevating antioxidant levels and mitigating oxidative stress. These findings suggest its potential as an adjuvant therapy for managing chronic conditions associated with oxidative stress.

Macroporous Resin Recovery of Antioxidant Polyphenol Compounds from Red Onion (Allium cepa L.) Peel

In this study, polyphenols in the crude extract (CE) from red onion peel were recovered by macroporous resin, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. Among the four resins screened (SP850, XAD2, XAD7HP, and XAD16N), XAD7HP showed the highest desorption and recovery ratios, and it was used to optimize polyphenol recovery through single-factor experiments. The optimal conditions were established as 1 g resin, pH 4, 25 °C, 7 h for adsorption, followed by desorption with 70% ethanol for 1 h at 25 °C. These conditions achieved 85.00% adsorption ratio, 87.10% desorption ratio, and 20.9% yield of the macroporous resin-recovered extract (MRE) from the CE. HPLC analysis revealed that rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and myricetin were major compounds in the MRE, with the content of these compounds higher (about 7-fold) compared to the CE, confirming enhanced recovery of polyphenols by macroporous resin. Moreover, FT-IR and ¹H-NMR analysis confirmed the successful recovery of these polyphenol compounds in the MRE. Furthermore, the MRE displayed significantly improved antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) and anti-inflammatory activities (inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis and reactive oxygen species production) compared to the CE. In summary, our findings suggest that macroporous resin can effectively recover polyphenol compounds from red onion peel extract and enhance their biological activities.

Development of Pectin-Based Films with Encapsulated Lemon Essential Oil for Active Food Packaging: Improved Antioxidant Activity and Biodegradation

This study evaluated the physicochemical, morphological, and functional properties of pectin-based films incorporated with lemon essential oil (EO) to assess their potential as biodegradable food packaging materials. The results showed that EO incorporation significantly influenced the film’s characteristics. The control film exhibited a smooth surface, while the EO-containing film had a rougher texture with globular structures and interconnected channels, likely representing dispersed EO droplets and matrix alterations. The mechanical analysis revealed increased elongation at break (20.05 ± 0.784%) for EO-incorporated films, indicating improved flexibility, while tensile strength and Young’s modulus decreased, suggesting reduced stiffness. Film thickness increased slightly with EO (0.097 ± 0.008 mm) compared to the control (0.089 ± 0.001 mm), though the difference was not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05). Moisture content decreased in EO-containing films (28.894%) compared to the control (35.236%), enhancing water resistance. Water solubility increased slightly (16.046 ± 0.003% vs. 15.315 ± 0.040%), while the swelling rate decreased significantly (0.189 ± 0.003 vs. 0.228 ± 0.040; p &lt; 0.05), indicating greater structural stability in aqueous environments due to the hydrophobic nature of EO. Transparency tests showed that EO slightly increased film opacity (0.350 ± 0.02 vs. 0.290 ± 0.012), aligning with trends in UV-protective materials. The EO-incorporated films also exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Antifungal tests revealed strong inhibition of Botrytis cinerea (100%) and moderate inhibition of Alternaria alternata (50%) in EO-containing films. These results demonstrate that EO incorporation improves the functional properties of pectin films, enhancing their flexibility, antimicrobial activity, and environmental stability, making them promising candidates for sustainable food packaging applications. These novel active food packaging materials exhibit strong physical properties and significant potential in maintaining food quality and prolonging shelf life.

Polysaccharides with antioxidant activity: Extraction, beneficial roles, biological mechanisms, structure-function relationships, and future perspectives: A review.

Polysaccharides are valuable macromolecules due to their multiple bioactivities, safety, and a wide range of sources. Recently, a series of polysaccharides with antioxidant activity have been intensively reported. In this review, the latest advances in polysaccharides with antioxidant activity have been reviewed, primarily based on the investigations of polysaccharides regarding advanced extraction methods, roles in oxidative stress-related diseases, intracellular signaling pathways associated with antioxidant responses, activating pathways in the gut, structure-function relationships, and methods to improve antioxidant activity. The summarized information highlighted that much work needs to be conducted, from laboratory to industry, to understand and fully utilize the antioxidant potential of polysaccharides. Finally, future perspectives, including scaling-up of advanced extraction methods, standardizing the protocols for assessing and screening polysaccharides, bridging gaps on the biological mechanisms underlying antioxidant activity, performing clinical trials, and elucidating structure-antioxidant relationships, have been addressed. The information present in this review will be helpful to the scientific community when studying on polysaccharides with antioxidant potential and provides research directions for a better understanding of the polysaccharides and promotes their successful applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Size effect-based improved antioxidant activity of selenium nanoparticles regulating Anti-PI3K-mTOR and Ras-MEK pathways for treating spinal cord injury to avoid hormone shock-induced immunosuppression

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a critical condition affecting the central nervous system that often has permanent and debilitating consequences, including secondary injuries. Oxidative damage and inflammation are critical factors in secondary pathological processes. Selenium nanoparticles have demonstrated significant antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties via a non-immunosuppressive pathway; however, their clinical application has been limited by their inadequate stability and functionality to cross the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB). This study proposed a synthesis method for ultra-small-diameter lentinan Se nanoparticles (LNT-UsSeNPs) with significantly superior reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capabilities compared to conventional lentinan Se nanoparticles (LNT-SeNPs). These compounds effectively protected PC-12 cells from oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity, alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced apoptosis. In vivo studies indicated that LNT-UsSeNPs efficiently penetrated the BSCB and effectively inhibited the apoptosis of spinal neurons. Ultimately, LNT-UsSeNPs directly regulated the PI3K-AKT-mTOR and Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathways by regulating selenoproteins to achieve non-immunosuppressive anti-inflammatory therapy. Owing to their ultra-small size, LNT-UsSeNPs exhibited strong spinal barrier penetration and potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects without compromising immune function. These findings suggest that LNT-UsSeNPs are promising candidates for further development in nanomedicine for the effective treatment of SCI.Graphical abstract

Improving Antioxidant Effect of Stemona tuberosa by Fermentation with Endophytic Fungus Penicillium expansum STRB13

Background: Stemona tuberosa Lour. is a plant belonging to the genus Stemona (Stemonaceae) that has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its antitussive and antiparasitic properties. Endophytic fungi have been shown to play an important role in the growth and metabolism of plants. Fermentation involving endophytic fungi tends to result in the production of new or more potent pharmacological compounds. Objective: The study aims to enhance the antioxidant activity of S. tuberosa by fermenting it with a symbiotic endophytic fungus. Methods: Seven symbiotic endophytic fungi were used to screen and ferment S. tuberosa to improve antioxidant activity estimated by 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The chemical constituent changes were characterized by ultraviolet (UV) spectrum and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Results: Penicillium expansum STRB13, an endophytic fungus associated with S. tuberosa, was screened for its ability to enhance antioxidant capacity through fermentation. The fermentation of S. tuberosa using P. expansum STRB13 significantly improved its DPPH radical scavenging activity, achieving an IC50 value of 24.2 μg/mL. Additionally, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of the fermented sample was fourteen times greater, measuring 388.1 ± 32.6 μmol/L compared to 27.5 ± 1.0 μmol/L in the blank sample. Differences observed between the blank and P. expansum STRB13 fermented S. tuberosa (FST) in UV spectra and HPLC analysis indicated the production of new aromatic phenolic compounds through fermentation, which contributed to the enhanced antioxidant activity. Conclusion: This is the first time reporting on the fermentation processing of S. tuberosa with symbiotic endophytic fungus. This study revealed that P. expansum STRB13 FST will be an alternative natural antioxidant. Fermentation with symbiotic endophytic fungus is a new approach to processing TCM and discovering new compounds.

Hybrid Modification of Wheat Bran Using Microbial Processing and Ultrasound: Enhancements in Bran Composition and Bread Quality.

This study investigates the effects of microbial bioprocessing (MB), ultrasound treatment (UT), and their combined application (hybrid method, HM) on the functional and nutritional enhancement of wheat bran (WB) and its impact on bread quality. MB was performed by using Saccharomyces cerevisiae with Levilactobacillus brevis LABE 32 (MB32) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LABE 29 (MB29). MB32 significantly increased soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and reduced phytic acid content by up to 25.7% when compared to the control. UT further decreased phytic acid content by 52.2% and enhanced phenolic compound release, contributing to improved antioxidant activity. The hybrid method (HM) demonstrated the strongest effect, reducing phytic acid content by 95% and enhancing antioxidant properties, including a 2.4-fold increase in bound antioxidant activity (bound-AA). Bread produced from modified WB showed improvements in specific volume (SV), texture, and nutritional composition. The HM-treated WB yielded bread with the highest SV, approximately 10% greater than the control, while MB29 produced significantly harder bread than other samples (p < 0.05). The HM-treated bread had the highest crust L* value and softest texture (p < 0.05). Nutritionally, only UT and HM treatments significantly increased the total dietary fiber (TDF) content, with the most pronounced increase observed in the HM treatment. Phytic acid degradation in the WB modified with MB32 and UT was in accordance with their breads, notably lowering phytic acid content. Additionally, MB32 and HM increased total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity, enhancing the bread's overall nutritional quality. In conclusion, the hybrid application of MB and UT (HM) proved to be the most effective in improving the functional and nutritional properties of WB and the resulting bread, including increased dietary fiber content, reduced phytic acid levels, and enhanced antioxidant activity.

Fabrication and characterization of fish oil emulsions stabilized by metal-phenolic network coatings-decorated Acipenser sturgeon protein.

Acipenser sturio fish oil, rich in ω-3 PUFAs, offers potential for functional foods but is prone to oxidative degradation. This study investigates enhancing antioxidant and emulsifying properties of the oil by modifying Acipenser sturgeon protein (ASP) using metal-phenolic networks (MPNs). ASP was coated with EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) and Ca2+, forming ASP-EGCG-Ca complexes (AECas) used as emulsifiers. The study examined the influence of interface compositions on the physicochemical and oxidative stability of AECas emulsions. Results showed AECas altered protein conformation, increased particle size and zeta potential, and improved antioxidant activity. Fish oil emulsions stabilized by AECas demonstrated superior stability under neutral pH compared to pH-adjusted ASP emulsions. Notably, AECa4 reduced primary oxidation products by 75.14% and secondary ones by 83.18%. This research highlights the use of MPNs for encapsulating ASP as an effective antioxidant and emulsifier to protect lipid-rich emulsions from oxidation.

Poly (Lactic Acid) Fibrous Film with Betalains from Pitaya (Stenocereus thurberi) by Electrospinning for Potential Use as Smart Food Packaging

The incorporation of biopolymers and natural colorants in smart packaging has garnered significant attention in the food packaging industry. This study investigates the design and characterization of novel fibrous films incorporating betalain extract (BE) from Stenocereus thurberi in poly (lactic acid) (PLA). An electrospinning technique was developed with varying PLA concentrations (2%–12% w/v) and BE concentrations (8%–12% w/v) to create a colorimetric freshness indicator. BE was characterized by quantifying its phytochemical content and assessing its antioxidant capacity. Morphological and structural analyses included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), polydispersity index (PI), mechanical properties, and functional characteristics such as ammonia sensitivity and total antioxidant activity. The results indicated that the incorporation of BE significantly influenced the average diameter of the nanofibers, ranging from 313 ± 74 nm to 657 ± 99 nm. SEM micrographs showed that PLA12-BE12 films exhibited smooth surfaces without bead formation. The FTIR analysis confirmed effective BE incorporation, revealing intermolecular interactions between the betalain molecules and the PLA matrix, which contributed to enhanced structural and functional stability. The mechanical properties analysis revealed that moderate BE additions (8%–10% w/v) enhanced the Young’s modulus and tensile strength, while higher BE concentrations (12% w/v) disrupted the polymer network, reducing these properties. Additionally, the strain at break decreased significantly with BE incorporation, reflecting limited molecular chain mobility. Increasing BE concentration notably improved antioxidant activity, with the BE concentration of 12% (w/v), the ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP radical scavenging activities at the highest values of 84.28 ± 1.59%, 29.95 ± 0.34%, and 710.57 ± 28.90 µM ET/g, respectively. Ammonia sensitivity tests demonstrated a significant halochromic transition from reddish-pink to yellow, indicating high sensitivity to low ammonia concentrations. The possible mechanism is alkaline pH induces aldimine bond hydrolysis and generates betalamic acid (yellow) and cyclo-DOPA-5-O-ß-glucoside (colorless) The fibrous films also exhibited reversible color changes and maintained good color stability over 30 days, emphasizing their potential for use in smart packaging applications for real-time freshness monitoring and food quality assessment.

Changes in phytochemicals, antioxidant activities, and oxidative stability of oil from germinated peanuts

AbstractGermination is a promising technique for enhancing the nutritional and functional properties of seeds. Among the nuts, peanuts are composed of approximately 50% oil, which is abundant in unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols. This study investigated the changes in phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and oxidative stability of oil from germinated peanuts. Peanuts were germinated over 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 days. The oil from germinated peanuts exhibited increased levels of α‐tocopherol, phytosterols, and carotenoids, while the γ‐tocopherol, oleic acid, and linoleic acid levels were reduced. Notably, the oil from germinated peanuts at Day 8 exhibited substantially improved antioxidant activity and oxidative stability compared with oil from ungerminated peanuts. These enhancements were attributed to the elevated phytochemical content of the peanut oil resulting from germination. These results highlight that germination of peanut seeds is an effective strategy for enhancing peanut oil's phytochemical content and oxidative stability, thereby presenting potential benefits for health‐conscious consumers.

Effects of Coix seed polyphenol extract on rumen fermentation, milk production, fatty acid profile, antioxidant activity, and polyphenol content in dairy goats.

The transfer of natural antioxidants from feed to milk has become a research hotspot. Polyphenols are a source of potent natural antioxidants that may play important roles in improving antioxidant activity and milk quality in dairy goats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of polyphenol-rich Coix seed extract (CSE) on rumen fermentation, milk production, fatty acid profile, antioxidant activity, and polyphenol content in milk from lactating dairy goats. Forty dairy goats were allocated to 4 treatments, and the treatments containing 0, 1.5, 3.0, or 4.5 g of CSE per kg of total mixed ration. The results indicated that the ruminal fluid total volatile fatty acid level increased linearly and quadratically, the acetic acid concentration and acetate:propionate ratio decreased quadratically, and the propionic acid level increased quadratically with increasing CSE concentration. An increase in dietary CSE linearly and quadratically increased milk production parameters, and quadratically increased milk protein, lactose, and solids-not-fat. The concentrations of C18:3n-3, C20:3n-3, and C22:5n-3 in milk were affected by the treatment, and increased quadratically, whereas those of C18:2n-6c, C20:3n-6, and C20:4n-6 decreased quadratically with increasing CSE. An increase in the concentration of CSE in the diet linearly and quadratically increased 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity in plasma and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and catalase (CAT) activities in milk. The levels of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, catechin, apigenin, kaempferol, and bergapten in milk were affected by the treatment, and linearly and quadratically increased with increasing dietary CSE levels. Significant positive correlations were detected between TAC, CAT, and DPPH scavenging activity and gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, and bergapten, and positive correlations were detected between CAT and DPPH scavenging activity and catechin concentration in milk. In addition, significant positive correlations were detected between DPPH scavenging activity in plasma and TAC, DPPH scavenging activity in milk. Taken together, these findings indicate that dietary supplementation with CSE appears to be a promising strategy for improving the production performance of lactating dairy goats. Overall, the appropriate supplemental level of CSE was 1.5 g/kg in dairy goats under the conditions of the current experiment.

Investigating effects of air-cold plasma jet on enzymatic activity and nutritional quality attributes of Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) juice

This study aimed to investigate the effects of air-cold plasma jet processing on the quality of mangosteen juice using an experimental design that varied the duty cycle of the power source (30%–70%), air flow rate (1–5 L/min), and treatment time (2–10 min). Changes in pH, color, ascorbic acid (AA), anthocyanin, flavonoid, phenolic content, enzyme activities, and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The cold plasma jet treatment substantially inactivated polyphenol oxidase, reducing its activity by up to 60% across all tested conditions, while peroxidase activity exhibited varying responses. The optimal treatment conditions (60% duty cycle, 4 L/min air flow rate, and 4 min treatment time) maximized bioactive compound levels, resulting in an 87.75% increase in AA content, along with substantial increases in total anthocyanins, phenolic content, and flavonoids. Cold plasma jet improved antioxidant activity, particularly in the DPPH radical scavenging activity. No notable change in color was observed. This study highlights the effectiveness of cold plasma technology for processing mangosteen juice while preserving its essential nutritional and physical qualities. The method offers a promising nonthermal alternative for maintaining the quality of high-value processing-sensitive mangosteen juice.

Effect of Dietary Cold-Pressed Hempseed Cake Supplemented with Tomato Waste on Laying Hen Performance and Egg Yolk Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Status Before and After Storage.

A ten-week study was conducted to investigate the effects of the dietary inclusion of HSC as a source of PUFAs together with a natural source of antioxidants such as DT or DTP on the performance of laying hens and egg quality, as well as the lipid profile, antioxidant content and oxidative stability of egg yolk before and after storage. A total of 96 laying hens (aged between 28 and 37 weeks) were divided into three groups of 32 birds each (eight replicate cages, four birds per cage) and were assigned randomly the following dietary treatments: a standard corn-soybean meal diet (C), a diet containing 20% hempseed cake and 4% dried whole tomato (HT) and a diet containing 20% hempseed cake and 4% dried tomato pomace (HTP). The incorporation of HSC and tomato waste (DT and DTP) into the diet of hens caused increases in feed intake (p < 0.05) and yolk color score without changing egg production, egg weight or feed conversion ratio (FCR). The HT and HTP diets ensured a lower content (p < 0.05) of cholesterol in the egg yolk but a higher content (p < 0.001) of n-3 FAs, especially of ALA (α-linolenic acid, 18:3n-3), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5n-3) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n-3), which allowed for an increase in the hypo-/hypercholesterolemic FA ratio and a reduction in the n-6/n-3 FA ratio and TI (thrombogenicity index) value compared to those of C eggs. In addition, the inclusion of DT or DTP in the diet of laying hens increased the antioxidant content in the yolk, which led to an increase in the oxidative stability of the yolk lipids, evidenced by a decrease in the concentrations of MDA (malondialdehyde) in fresh eggs and those stored for 30 days at 4 °C. DTP exerted the most desirable effects because the egg yolk had the most intense color, the highest contents of n-3 FAs and natural antioxidants and the best oxidative stability of yolk lipids before and after egg storage. It was concluded that the simultaneous enrichment of the diet of laying hens with n-3 FAs and natural antioxidants (carotenoids, tocopherols and phenols), in addition to improving the color of the yolk, leads to eggs with a higher content of n-3 FAs and antioxidants, improved antioxidant activity and better PUFA stability during egg storage.

Enhancing the Stability of Litsea Cubeba Essential Oil Emulsions Through Glycosylation of Fish Skin Gelatin via Dry Maillard Reaction.

Emulsions are widely utilized in food systems but often face stability challenges due to environmental stresses, such as pH, ionic strength, and temperature fluctuations. Fish skin gelatin (FSG), a promising natural emulsifier, suffers from limited functional properties, restricting its broader application. This study explored the enhancement of emulsion stability in Litsea cubeba essential oil systems through the glycosylation of fish skin gelatin (FSG) with dextran via the dry Maillard reaction. Among dextrans of varying molecular weights (10 kDa, 100 kDa, 200 kDa, and 500 kDa), the 200 kDa dextran exhibited the best emulsification performance, achieving a remarkable 160.49% increase in stability index. The degree of grafting (DG) increased with molecular weight, peaking at 34.77% for the 500 kDa dextran, followed by 23.70% for the 200 kDa variant. The particle size of the FSG-Dex 200 kDa conjugate emulsion was reduced to 639.1 nm, compared to 1009-1146 nm for the unmodified FSG, while hydrophobicity improved by 100.56%. The zeta potential values approached 30 mV, indicating enhanced stability. Furthermore, glycosylation significantly improved antioxidant activity, as evidenced by increased radical scavenging capacity in both DPPH and ABTS assays. These findings underscore the potential of glycosylated FSG as a natural emulsifier in food applications.

Biochar co-compost increases the productivity of Brassica napus by improving antioxidant activities and soil health and reducing lead uptake.

Lead (Pb) is a serious toxic metal without any beneficial role in the biological system. Biochar (BC) has emerged as an excellent soil amendment to mitigate Pb toxicity. The impact of BC co-compost (BCC) in mitigating the toxic impacts of Pb has not been studied yet. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of BC and BCC in improving the growth, physiological, and biochemical traits of Brassica napus and soil properties and reducing health risks (HR). The study was comprised of different Pb concentrations (control and 100 mg kg-1) and organic amendments (control, BC, compost, and BCC). The results indicated that Pb stress reduced the growth, photosynthetic pigments, seed yield, and oil contents by increasing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and Pb uptake and accumulation in plant tissues and decreasing photosynthetic pigment and nutrient availability. The application of BCC alleviated the adverse impacts of Pb and improved seed production (40.24%) and oil yield (11.06%) by increasing chlorophyll a (43.18%) and chlorophyll b (25.58%) synthesis, relative water content (23.89%), total soluble protein (TSP: 23.14%), free amino acids (FAA: 26.47%), proline (30.98%), APX (40.90%), CAT (32.79%), POD (24.93%), and SOD (33.30%) activity. Biochar co-compost-mediated increase in seed and oil yield was also linked with a reduced accumulation of Pb in plant parts and soil Pb availability and improved the soil-available phosphorus, potassium, total nitrogen, soil organic carbon (SOC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). Furthermore, BCC also reduced the bioaccumulation concentration, daily metal intake, hazard index, and target hazard quotient. In conclusion, application of BCC can increase the growth, yield, and oil contents of Brassica napus by improving the physiological and biochemical traits and soil properties and reducing the Pb uptake.

Influence of sonication-assisted fermentation on the physicochemical features and antioxidant activities of yogurts fortified by polyphenol-rich pineapple peel powder with varied chemical profiling

This study investigated the effects of pineapple peel powder with varied chemical profiles and sonication-assisted polyphenol biotransformation during fermentation on the quality characteristics of yogurt products. It aimed at exploring the feasibility of sonication-assisted fermentation to enhance the physicochemical properties, control post-acidification, and improve antioxidant activities in yogurts fortified with polyphenol-rich pineapple peel powder. Targeted analysis showed that polyphenol-rich pineapple dietary fiber obtained by ultrasonication-assisted extraction (NPFU) exhibited the slowest rates of acidification, highest antioxidant capacity, and lowest degree of whey separation at 21.67 %. Sonication pretreatments significantly increased transformation of free phenolic acids derived from pineapple peel fiber during fermentation, particularly increasing the accumulation of ferulic acid, caffeic acid and 5-hydroxyflavone, revealing the positive effects of sonication-mediated fermentation in promoting the hydrolysis of conjugated phenolics into free fractions. Yogurts fortified with pineapple peel fiber displayed significantly higher antioxidant activities (p < 0.05) compared to those with pineapple peel whole powder, corresponding with the increased free phenolics. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis was employed to explore the mechanisms underlying the alleviated post-acidification by sonication-assisted fermentation during storage. Metabolomic profiling revealed that the bioactive components from pineapple peel extract significantly influenced the metabolism pathways of lactic acid bacteria particularly involving galactose metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, closely associated with the acid production of the strains and the regulation of the post-acidification rates of yogurt during storage. These results confirmed the potential of ultrasound-assisted fermentation combined with the addition of pineapple dietary fiber to enhance yogurt quality, providing an innovative tool to develop future yogurt products with high marketability.

Chitosan nanoparticles alleviate chromium toxicity by modulating metabolic homeostasis and promoting chromium sequestration in Zea mays L.

Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) have been proposed as a potential alternative in alleviating chromium (Cr) toxicity. However, the mechanisms underlying remains poorly understood. This study investigates the effects of CSNPs on carbon/nitrogen metabolism, cell wall Cr binding capacity, and antioxidant activity in Zea mays L. under Cr stress. Cr stress decreased the total dry weight (DW) by 48.5 %. By contrast, the total DW was reduced by only 26.2 % in CSNPs-treated plants. Analysis of transcriptomic, enzyme activity, and metabolite content data, CSNPs-treated plants exhibited a higher level of relatively stable Carbon and Nitrogen metabolism than untreated plants. CSNPs application resulted in a substantial increase in the levels of sucrose and soluble protein by 78.0 % and 19.4 % in the leaves, and 60.0 % and 59.7 % in the roots, respectively. Meanwhile, CSNPs increased the contents of glutathione, phytochelatin, and cell wall polysaccharide. This increase resulted in a higher retention of Cr in vacuole and cell wall. Additionally, CSNPs alleviated the oxidative damage by improving antioxidant activity. Overall, our results suggest that CSNPs alleviates Cr toxicity by modulating metabolic homeostasis and promoting Cr sequestration in maize plants. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying CSNPs-mediated Cr stress response with potential implications for crop production.

Metabolic and cannflavin profiles of germinated hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.)

This study aimed to identify the optimal germination period for maximizing cannflavin A (CFL-A) and cannflavin B (CFL-B) production in hemp seeds. Utilizing ultra-high performance liquid chromatograph with orbitrap mass spectrometry (uHPLCOrbitrap-MS/MS), the research measured metabolomic activities, complemented by spectrophotometric analysis of antioxidant activity. The findings indicated that CFL-A and CFL-B concentrations progressively increased, reaching a peak at 72 h. Notably, the polar compounds saw the emergence of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, a derivative of enzymatic sugar-to-aldehyde conversion. In contrast, the non-polar fraction exhibited a decrease in cannabidiolic acid levels. The study also noted the potential formation of alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) through hydrolysis, which serves as an energy source for germination. Metabolomic profiles were categorized by Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), revealing significant changes from Day 0 to Day 1, followed by relative stability until Day 3. A substantial reduction in DPPH IC50 values was observed from 93.00 mg/kg (Day 0) to 43.18 mg/kg (Day 3), indicated stronger radical scavenging capacity. The highest FRAP and TPC value was recorded on Day 3, reflecting the accumulation of bioactive compounds, resulting in improved antioxidant activity.

Recovery of Selenium-Enriched Polysaccharides from Cardamine violifolia Residues: Comparison on Structure and Antioxidant Activity by Different Extraction Methods.

The residues from selenium-enriched Cardamine violifolia after the extraction of protein were still rich in polysaccharides. Thus, the recovery of selenium polysaccharides (SePSs) was compared using hot water extraction and ultrasonic-assisted extraction techniques. The yield, extraction rate, purity, specific energy consumption, and content of total and organic selenium from different SePS extracts were determined. The results indicated that at conditions of 250 W (ultrasonic power), 30 °C, and a liquid-to-material ratio of 30:1 extracted for 60 min, the yield of SePSs was 3.97 ± 0.07%, the extraction rate was 22.76 ± 0.40%, and the purity was 65.56 ± 0.35%, while the total and organic selenium content was 749.16 ± 6.91 mg/kg and 628.37 ± 5.93 mg/kg, respectively. Compared to traditional hot water extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction significantly improves efficiency, reduces energy use, and boosts both total and organic selenium content in the extract. Measurements of particle size, molecular weight, and monosaccharide composition, along with infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy, revealed that ultrasonic-assisted extraction breaks down long-chain structures, decreases particle size, and changes monosaccharide composition in SePSs, leading to lower molecular weight and reduced dispersity. The unique structure of SePSs, which integrates selenium with polysaccharide groups, results in markedly improved antioxidant activity and reducing power, even at low concentrations, due to the synergistic effects of selenium and polysaccharides. This study establishes a basis for using SePSs in functional foods.

BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF ZnO PHYTONANOPARTICLES OBTAINED FROM Annona muricata L. FRUIT PULP FOR POSSIBLE CO-ADMINISTRATION WITH PROBIOTICS STRAINS

Phytonanotechnology represents a new approach that uses plant extracts to synthesize metal oxide nanoparticles with higher biocompatibility. Recently, the production of ZnO phytonanoparticles (ZnO PTNPs) for food fortification has gained attention due to their lower risk and outstanding properties. Inclusion of ZnO PTNPs might have some effects as antimicrobial properties against pathogens strains, however, could result in challenges when intended to add probiotics in a nanofortified food matrix. For this reason, the co-administration of ZnO PTNPs with probiotics represents a new scenario for the development of modern functional food. This study aimed to evaluate the biological properties including the antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, stability during gastrointestinal conditions, and the biological effect on the viability of a probiotic strain of ZnO phytonanoparticles obtained from soursop (Annona muricata L.) pulp for possible co-administration in food applications. The synthesis resulted in the formation of polydisperse ZnO nanowires with thicknesses ranging from 82 to167 nm and ζ potential values + 27.5 mV and +41.8, before and after sonication and stabilization protocol. ZnO PTNPs exhibited an improved antioxidant activity (IC50 = 6.14 mg/mL) compared with the ethanolic extract of Annona muricata L. Non-hemolytic activity in human erythrocytes was evidenced, whereas the interaction between ZnO PTNPs and Lactiplantibacillus fabifermentans BAL-27-ITTG allows the preservation of adequate viable counts of the probiotic microorganism (&gt;1.2X109 UFC/mL), suggesting biocompatibility. Moreover, ZnO PTNPs were shown to be highly stable in stomachal and intestinal conditions with maximum rates of dissolution of 20% and 12%, respectively. Finally, it was confirmed a contribution of 45% of zinc for every dose of ZnO PTNPs used. The present study offers a promising path for the production of functional phytonanoparticles and suggests further investigation for future applications in food matrices.