Pineapple Research Articles

Formulasi Sediaan Lip Gel Dari Ekstrak Etanol Kulit Buah Nanas (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) Sebagai Pelembab Bibir

Lips are a facial area that is vulnerable to adverse environmental influences, which can lead to discomfort such as dry, chapped lips, and a dull appearance. Lip gels are commonly used in lip care. Pineapple peel waste (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) contains compounds that can be utilized for lip care. The objective of this study was to determine the formulation of a lip gel preparation by testing its physical properties, irritation, and effectiveness as a lip moisturizer. This study is an experimental study. Base optimization was carried out, followed by formulation of preparations with pineapple peel extract concentrations of F1=3%, F2=5%, and F3=7%, physical evaluation of the preparation, namely organoleptic tests, homogeneity tests, spreadability tests, adhesiveness tests, viscosity, pH, irritation tests, and moisturizing effectiveness tests. The results showed that pineapple peel extract can be used as an active ingredient in lip gel preparations. The physical properties of the preparations were semi-solid, yellow to brownish in color with a characteristic pineapple aroma, and did not cause irritation or erythema. All formulas were still within the requirements of good characteristics. The lip gel formulation F2 was more effective based on the results of the percentage increase in moisture content, which was 73.18%.

The Effectiveness of Pineapple Peel Extract (Ananas comosus L. merr) as Natural Larvicides of culex sp. Larvae

The Effectiveness of Pineapple Peel Extract (Ananas comosus L. merr) as Natural Larvicides of culex sp. Larvae

Synthesis of Co3O4 Nanoparticles Using Ananas Comosus Peel Extract for Cr6+ Ion Adsorption and Antibacterial Applications

AbstractWater contamination, caused by both point and nonpoint sources, alongside the prevalence of diseases caused by bacteria, represents a significant global challenge. In this work, cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4 NPs) were synthesized using various volume ratios such as 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate as salt precursor solution and Ananas comosus peel extract. The synthesized NPs were used as a high surface area nanoadsorbent for removal of Cr6+ from aqueous solution and antibacterial activity against drug‐resistant bacterial strains applications. The TGA–DTA analysis confirms that Co3O4 NPs were thermally stable above 500 °C. The calculated average sizes were found to be 12.58, 13.40, and 22.05 nm for the 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 ratios, respectively. The SEM–EDS analysis with TEM–HRTEM and SAED validated that Co3O4 NPs were spherical‐shaped without impurities. The band gap energy and the specific surface area of the 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 Co3O4 NPs were calculated as 3.33, 2.95, and 2.70 eV and 24.7, 23.7, and 22.5 m2/g, respectively. Functional group analysis confirms the presence of numerous secondary metabolites within the peel extract. Cyclic voltammetry coupled with EIS proves the enhanced electrochemical properties of synthesized Co3O4. The Co3O4 (1:1) NPs exhibited higher adsorption efficiency (95%) toward Cr6+ removal and were found to be fit with pseudo‐second‐order kinetics and also with both the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The maximum (13 mm) zone of inhibition was achieved against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes by Co3O4 (1:2) NPs.

Unlocking the wound-healing potential: An integrative in silico proteomics and in vivo analysis of Tacorin, a bioactive protein fraction from Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. Stem

Tacorin, a bioactive protein fraction derived from pineapple stem (Ananas comosus), has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for wound healing. This study employs an integrated approach, combining in silico proteomics and in vivo investigations, to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying Tacorin's wound healing properties. In the domain of in silico proteomics, the composition of Tacorin is elucidated through LC/MS-MS protein sequencing, revealing ananain (23.77 kDa) and Jacalin-like lectin (14.99 kDa) as its predominant constituents. Molecular protein-protein docking simulations unveil favorable interactions between Tacorin's components and key regulators of wound healing, including TGF-β, TNF-α, and MMP-2. The calculated free binding energies indicate strong binding affinities between Tacorin proteins and their target receptors. Specifically, ananain demonstrates a binding affinity of −12.2 kcal/mol with TGF-β, suggesting its potential as a potent activator of TGF-β-mediated signaling, while Jacalin-like lectin exhibits the most favorable binding affinity of −8.7 kcal/mol with TNF-α. Subsequent 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provide insights into the dynamic behavior and stability of Tacorin-receptor complexes, shedding light on the molecular determinants of Tacorin's therapeutic effects. Complementing the in silico analyses, in vivo studies evaluate Tacorin's efficacy in wound healing using skin and uterine incision models. Tacorin treatment accelerates wound closure and promotes tissue repair in both models, as evidenced by macroscopic observations and histological assessments. Overall, this study provides compelling evidence of Tacorin's therapeutic potential in wound healing and underscores the importance of elucidating its molecular mechanisms for further development and clinical translation.

Investigation of coconut shell fillers loaded and pine apple fiber reinforced epoxy sandwich composites

Investigation of coconut shell fillers loaded and pine apple fiber reinforced epoxy sandwich composites

First Report of heart rot disease on Pineapple Caused by Phytophthora nicotianae in Guangxi province, China.

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a perennial economically important tropical fruit in Guangxi Province, China. Between September to November 2022, the rot of heart leaves of pineapple was found on 6.7 hectares of pineapple, NaLang village Jiangxi Town, Jiangnan District, Nanning City and on 200 hectare Liutian Village, Wangmao Town, Bobai County, Yulin City. The disease incidence of the investigated 10500 plants was from 20% to 30%. The basal heart leaves near the soil surface showed symptoms of water-soaked lesions and soft rot. The infected heart leaves were easily pulled out. As the disease developed, 800 plants of the investigated diseased plants collapsed and died. The diseased leaves from each district were surface-disinfected for 3 min with 1.0% hypochlorite solution, then rinsed three times in sterile water, and plated to carrot agar medium (CA media) (Luo et al. 2012). Inoculated dishes were incubated at 28°C in the dark. After 5 days, Eight mycelium colonies were recovered from diseased tissue. Colonies developing on CA exhibited white cottony mycelium which was aseptate. Numerous sporangia and chlamydospores were visible after 10-15 d later. The chlamydospores were spherical in shape and measured an average of 25.8 to 37.5 μm. The shape of the sporangia was papillate, oval or spherical, and 34.5 to 58.2 μm. These characteristics were consistent with the description of Phytophthora (Stamps et al. 1990). For molecular identification, the direct colony PCR method (Lu et al. 2012) was used to amplify the ITS of rDNA, β-tubulin (Tu), and elongation factor (EF) locus of the 2 strains NNPN1 from Nanning city and YLPN1 from Yulin city using the primer pairs of ITS4/ITS5, T1/T2 (O'Donnell et al. 1997) and EF1/EF2 (O'Donnell et al. 1998). The resulting sequences were deposited in GenBank (OR612028 and OR612029 for ITS; OR620158 and OR620159 for elongation factor; OR620160 and OR620161 for β-tubulin). BLAST searches with the three gene sequences revealed the greatest similarity with the sequences of some Phytophthora sp. The complete genome sequences of highly similar Phytophthora sp. were downloaded and the sequences of the corresponding 3 genes of each genome was extracted by Bioedit software. Phylogenetic trees were constructed in MEGA 11 using the maximum likelihood (ML) method based on the concatenated sequences of ITS, EF1α, and Tubulin (Figure 1). The 2 isolates grouped with P. nicotianae in the phylogenetic tree. The morphology and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis indicated that the new isolate was P. nicotianae. Tests of pathogenicity were performed according to Koch's postulates using the P. nicotianae strains NNPN1 and YLPN1. Fresh wounds were made symmetrically with a sterile needle on 2 tender basal leaves of pineapple plants (Bali variety) at the 8- to 10-leaf stage and each wound was covered with a piece of mycelium disc from each isolate. Control seedlings were inoculated identically except CA medium disc was used to cover the wound. Plants were placed in pots in a greenhouse at 28°C and 90% relative humidity. After 12 days, soft rot was observed clearly on the base of heart leaves of 9 inoculated plants, while the 9 control plants appeared normal. The pathogenicity tests were conducted three times with similar results. The strains were then reisolated from the infected plants and found to be Phytophthora sp. as those of the inoculum by morphology. P. nicotianae was previously reported as the causal agent of heart rot of pineapple in Guangdong and Hainan Province of China (Luo et al. 2012; Shen et al. 2013). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. nicotianae on pineapple in Guangxi province in China. Identification of the pathogen of heart rot disease on pineapple is vital to reduce yield losses of the disease using effective control method.

Recovery of bioactive compounds from pineapple waste through high-pressure technologies

This study aimed to obtain bioactive compounds from the residue from pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merril) juice processing, using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). The SFE were performed using ethanol as a co-solvent and evaluating different pressure, temperature, and co-solvent percentage. For the PLE, temperature and ethanol percentage were assessed. The best extraction conditions for SFE were 20 MPa, 60 °C, and 15 % ethanol, while for PLE they were obtained at 10 MPa, 100 °C with 50 % and 75 % ethanol. Both methods presented a higher concentration of bioactives than other recognized vegetable waste sources. However, it was observed that PLE showed a higher overall extract yield, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity. The main phenolic compounds identified were caffeic acid and ferulic acid. Therefore, pineapple residue is a potential source of bioactive compounds, and the pressurized liquid extraction technique proved more efficient for their recovery.

Formulasi dan Uji Aktivitas Anti-aging Sediaan Hand Cream yang Mengandung Ekstrak Etanol Kulit Buah Nanas (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.)

Hand skin that is often exposed to the sun easily loses moisture and is more rough. Hand cream is a care product that is applied to the palms and backs of the hands that can help restore hydration and skin function due to dry and rough skin. Pineapple peel contains flavonoids, vitamin C, and bromelain enzymes that has potential to be formulated into anti-aging preparations. This research aims to formulate ethanol extract of pineapple peel (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) into hand cream and to test the effectiveness as anti-aging agent. This research included making extracts by percolation method using 70% ethanol solvent, testing the antioxidant activity of pineapple peel extract using DPPH method, and hand cream formulations with the addition of pineapple peel extract with respective concentration of 0% (F0), 5% (F1), 7.5% (F2), and 10% (F3). Evaluation of hand cream preparations included organoleptic test, homogeneity, emulsion type, pH, viscosity, and physical stability at room temperature storage for 12 weeks and cycling test. Anti-aging effectiveness testing was carried out during the 4 weeks treatment period, by measuring parameters such as moisture, pores, blemishes and wrinkles on the skin of the backs of volunteers' hands which were measured once a week using a skin analyzer. The results of the antioxidant activity test of the ethanol extract of pineapple peel were included in the strong category with an IC50 value of 88.21 µg/mL. The hand cream preparation produced was homogeneous, O/W emulsion type, pH value 5.09-6.56, viscosity value 4086.76-6104.96 cPs, stable during 12 weeks of storage at room temperature and stable in the cycling test for 4 weeks. Hand cream preparations with a concentration of 10% have better effectiveness than 0%, 5% and 7.5% which results in an average percent moisture recovery of 77.60%, pores 62.92%, blemishes 55.65%, and wrinkles 45.92%.

Effect Pineapple Extract (Ananas comosus L, Merr) To Dadih Quality During Cold Temperature Storage

The objectives of this research were to study the effect of storage temperature and pineapple extract on physicochemical, organoleptic, and total bacterial colony of curd. This study used factorial completely randomized design with 2 factors, with two replications. The results showed that storage temperature, pineapple extract and interaction affected significantly fat and protein content, total bacterial colonies, and organoleptis. Storage temperature significantly affected pH, while pineapple extract did not affect pH. The highest fat content wat at room temperature storage without the addition of pineapple extract, namely 12.91%, the highest protein content was at room temperature storage with the addition of 10% pineapple extract, namely 4.74%. Storage at cold temperatures with the addition of 2.5% pineapple extract produced the highest total colonies, namely 2.6 x 106 CFU. At room temperature storage, panelists tended to dislike the color, aroma, and texture of the curd. However, at refrigerator temperature storage, panelists preferred the color of the curd and really liked the taste. Panelists tended to like the curd both without pineapple extract and with pineapple extract. The addition of 7.5% pineapple extract and storage at cold temperatures resulted in a protein content of 4.78% and a fat content of 10.67% which met the National Yoghurt Quality Standard. Keywords: Lactic Acid Bacteria; Curd; Pineapple; Total Bacterial Colonies

Re-harvest application of 2-(3-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid on pineapple plants

The application of plant regulators such as exogenous auxin may provide effects on the translocation of carbohydrates to plant sinks, which may result in larger parthenocarpic fruits. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of the application of 2-(3-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid on the growth and quality of pineapple fruits. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design. After floral induction, 2-(3-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid (CPA) was applied directly on the inflorescences at the following doses: 0 mg L-1; 40.0 mg L-1; 80.0 mg L-1; 120.0 mg L-1 and 160.0 mg L-1. Growth evaluations continued until 84 days after application, measuring fruit length (cm) with and without crown, crown length (cm), leaf D dry matter, fruit weight with and without crown (g), calculating if also, the absolute and relative growth rates. The post-harvest and quality characteristics of the fruits were also evaluated, as well as the harvest index. The application of CPA significantly reduces the length and weight of the crown of the fruits, however, the exogenous application of auxin provided an increase in the weight of the fruit. Regarding the post-harvest analysis, the application of CPA reduced the content of soluble solids in the fruit pulp.

Dickeya ananae sp. nov., pectinolytic bacterium isolated from pineapple (Ananas comosus).

Recently, species clustering within Dickeya zeae has been identified as complex, encompassing validly published names, including D. oryzae and D. parazeae, with some strains potentially delineating new species. In this study, genomes of strains isolated from a bacterial heart rot outbreak in pineapple (Ananas comosus var. comosus) on Oahu, Hawaii, along with two strains from pineapple in Malaysia, were sequenced. Orthologous average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values among the sequenced genomes ranged from 98.93-99.9% and 91.8-99.9%, respectively, supporting the classification of seven strains within the same species. Comparisons of ANI and dDDH values between these seven strains and type strains of D. zeae, D. parazeae, and D. oryzae ranged from 94.4-95.9% and 57.2-66.5%, respectively. These values fall below the proposed boundaries for new species designation, supporting the delineation of a novel species. Phylogenetic analyses, including 16S rRNA, gapA, multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) of 10 housekeeping genes, whole-genome, and pangenome analyses, were concordant and revealed a distinct monophyletic clade, separating these strains from other members of the D. zeae complex, with D. oryzae as the closest relative. Notably, a nitrogen fixation gene cluster comprising 28 genes, similar to the Klebsiella spp. nitrogenase gene cluster, was found in the genome of the seven pineapple strains. Based on polyphasic approaches, including ANI, dDDH, biochemical, physiological, and phylogenomic analyses, we propose the reclassification in a new species of the five pineapple strains from Hawaii A5391, A5410T, A5611, A6136, and A6137, together with the two pineapple strains from Malaysia CFBP 1272 and CFBP 1278, previously classified as D. zeae. We propose the name Dickeya ananae sp. nov. for this taxon, represented by the type strain A5410T (= ICMP 25020T = LMG 33197T).

Antibacterial potential of queen pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr Var. Queen) peel extract on the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria

Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study in 2017, the prevalence of caries in each country reached 20% to more than 50%. Caries is formed due to the role of several factors including host, agent (microorganisms), substrate, and time. Bacteria involved in the origin of caries formation such as Lactobacillus group bacteria found in the oral cavity which can cause dental caries, one of which is Lactobacillus acidophilus. The use of natural cleansers is highly recommended to remove residual bacteria as an effort to prevent caries. Queen Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr Var. Queen) is a fruit that contains very complex compounds that can act as anticarcinogenic and antibacterial. This study aims to determine the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria. This type of research was a laboratory experimental type with posttest only control group design. This study used the dilution method of the number of samples, namely concentrations of 0.781%, 1.56%, 3.125%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, 100%, positive controls and negative controls. This study was conducted 3 times repetition. Manual calculation of the number of bacterial colonies that grow on nutrient agar media and expressed in colony forming units (CFU) which will determine the MBC and MIC. The Shapiro-Wilk test showed a p value> 0.05 at all concentrations and normally distributed data, but when tested for homogeneity the data was not homogeneous so that the non-parametric statistical test continued using the Kruskal Wallis test showing a value of p < 0.05. Conclusion: Colony count results showed that the concentration of 3.12% can inhibit the visible growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria which is stated as the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and can prevent growth after subculture to antibiotic-free medium at a concentration of 6.25% which is stated as the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC).

Formulation and Characteristics of Hydrogel Patch Containing Pineapple Peel (Ananas comosus L.) Ethanol Extract

Abstract Pineapple peel (Ananas comosus L.) contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and the enzyme bromelain, which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties, and the ability to accelerate wound healing. Hydrogel patches, as a formulation for transdermal delivery, are effective in wound healing due to their hydrophilic properties that maintain moisture and prevent bacterial infection in open wounds. This study aims to develop and test the characteristics of hydrogel patch formulations containing ethanol extracts of pineapple peel with varying concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30%, compared to a control (hydrogel patch without pineapple peel extract). A series of evaluation tests were conducted to assess the patch characteristics, including organoleptic tests, pH, absorbency, weight uniformity, swelling ratio, patch thickness, and folding endurance. The results showed that the concentration of pineapple peel extract affects the hydrogel patch characteristics. The higher the extract concentration, the darker the patch color, but the pH, absorbency, and swelling ratio decrease. Patches with higher extract concentrations also showed an increase in weight. Absorbency tests indicated that none of the formulas met the acceptance criteria (<10%), with absorbency results of 22.97%, 11.60%, and 21.95% for 10%, 20%, and 30% extract concentrations, respectively, and 23.43% for the control. Swelling ratio and thickness tests showed the best results for the control, followed by the 10%, 20%, and 30% extract concentrations. The folding endurance test showed that the control and 10% extract formula had good results (>300 folds), while higher extract concentrations reduced the folding endurance of the hydrogel patch .Keywords: extract, pineapple peel, hydrogel patch, formulation, patch characteristics

Development of Pineapple Skin Extract Hydrogel Patch Applications (Ananas comosus L.) as Wound Dressing in Diabetic Ulcers in Mice (Mus musculus)

Abstrak Diabetes melitus merupakan penyakit gangguan metabolisme kronis yang disebabkan oleh tingginya kadar glukosa darah. Salah satu komplikasi yang sering terjadi pada penderita diabetes melitus adalah ulkus diabetikum. Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kulit nanas mengandung flavonoid, yaitu senyawa aktif yang bersifat antiinflamasi dan antimikroba, yang dapat mempercepat penyembuhan luka. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemberian patch hidrogel yang mengandung ekstrak kulit nanas (Ananas comosus L.) sebagai pembalut luka pada tikus putih (Mus musculus) jantan yang mengalami ulkus diabetikum. Penelitian ini melibatkan beberapa tahap, meliputi ekstraksi kulit nanas, pembuatan patch hidrogel, uji aktivitas antibakteri, dan pemberian patch hidrogel pada hewan uji. Penelitian ini menggunakan 20 ekor tikus putih jantan galur Deutschland Denken Yoken (DDY) yang dibagi menjadi 5 kelompok. Kelompok kontrol negatif mendapat patch hidrogel tanpa ekstrak, sedangkan kelompok kontrol positif mendapat Winner Hydrocolloid Dressing. Kelompok perlakuan I, II, dan III masing-masing diberi patch hidrogel dengan ekstrak kulit nanas 10%, 20%, dan 30%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa plester hidrogel dengan ekstrak kulit nanas mempercepat penyembuhan luka pada model ulkus diabetik. Uji aktivitas antibakteri menunjukkan aktivitas antimikroba yang signifikan terhadap Staphylococcus aureus, yang umum ditemukan pada ulkus diabetik. Aplikasi plester hidrogel mengurangi peradangan dan memperbaiki struktur jaringan kulit pada hewan uji, menunjukkan potensi plester hidrogel ekstrak kulit nanas sebagai pembalut luka alternatif yang efektif untuk ulkus diabetik. Kata kunci: ulkus diabetikum, ekstrak kulit nanas, patch hidrogel, pembalut luka

Genome-wide association study of pineapple breeding population

Pineapples (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) are one of the most important tropical fruits. Although pineapple breeding program has been conducted in Japan, sufficient genomic information has not been adopted for breeding. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for pineapple breeding-related traits that can be applied to different populations. Here, we performed a genome-wide association study using seven breeding populations, including 703 individuals with genome-wide 9574 SNPs. Eleven QTLs were detected for nine traits (flesh color, flesh color values (a*, b*), bolting days, days from bolting to harvest, fruit shell color, soluble solid content, acidity, ascorbic acid content, and fruit cracking). Phenotypic value of each genotype in each population was confirmed for each QTL. Six QTLs (acidity QTL ACID-1, ascorbic acid QTL AsA-1 and AsA-2, flesh color QTL FCOL-1 and FCOLb-1, and fruit-cracking QTL CRACK-1) showed significant intergenotypic variance among all populations with genotype segregation. The obtained QTLs and their genotype information will contribute to the selection of cross-breeding parents and marker-assisted selection in pineapple breeding programs.

Biomass-Derived-Carbon-Supported Spinel Cobalt Molybdate as High-Efficiency Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

Ananas comosus leaves were converted to a porous graphitized carbon (GPLC) material via a high-temperature pyrolysis method by employing iron salt as a catalyst. A cobalt molybdate (CoMoO4)-and-GPLC composite (CoMoO4/GPLC) was then prepared by engineering CoMoO4 nanorods in situ, grown on GPLC. N2 adsorption-desorption isothermal curves and a pore size distribution curve verify that the proposed composite possesses a porous structure and a large specific surface area, which are favorable for charge and reactant transport and the rapid escape of O2 bubbles. Consequently, the as-synthesized CoMoO4/GPLC shows low overpotentials of 289 mV and 399 mV to afford the current densities of 10 mA cm-2 and 100 mA cm-2 towards the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which is superior to many CoMoO4-based catalysts in previous studies. In addition, the decrease in current density is particularly small, with a reduction rate of 3.2% after a continuous OER procedure for 30 h, indicating its good stability. The excellent performance of the CoMoO4/GPLC composite proves that the GPLC carrier can obviously impel the catalytic activity of CoMoO4 by improving electrical conductivity, enhancing mass transport and exposing more active sites of the composite. This work provides an effective strategy for the efficient conversion of waste ananas comosus leaves to a biomass-derived-carbon-supported Co-Mo-based OER electrocatalyst with good performance, which may represent a potential approach to the development of new catalysts for OER, as well as the treatment of waste biomass.

Production of Cellulose Nanofibers From Pineapple Peel (Ananas comosus) and Application in Biodegradable Films

AbstractThe waste of pineapple (Ananas comosus) juice accounts for 35% of the fruit's weight, and this organic material is rich in fibers and cellulose, making it a promising source for producing new ingredients for biodegradable packaging. This study objected to cellulose‐produced nanofibers from pineapple peel by chemical and enzymatic treatment combined with mechanical treatment and subsequently evaluated the application of these nanofibers as a reinforcing agent in biodegradable films. The cellulose nanofibers produced through enzymatic treatment with a sonicator presented the best results and were applied in biodegradable films at concentrations of 3% and 6%. The addition of 6% of cellulose nanofibers increased the tension (26.01 ± 0.78). It reduced the elongation percentage (3.27 ± 0.38) of films in addition to expanding the biodegradability, with up to 96% degradation observed after just 1 day. The use of nanofibers obtained from pineapple peel is a promising ingredient for the development of biodegradable packaging.

Development of Ready to Drink Banana Pseudostem Beverage Incorporated with Pineapple and Grape Extract

Background: Banana pseudostem (Musa acuminata) comprises nearly 30% of plant biomass and carries a substantial quantity of fiber and moisture. Banana pseudostem beverage was developed from banana tender core, natural extracts (Pine apple and Grape) and 2% citric acid used as an antibrowning agent. The present study aimed to develop ready-to-drink banana pseudostem juice incorporated with pineapple and grape extract. The banana pseudostem juice (80%) was incorporated with pineapple (20%) and grape (20%) extracts. Methods: The proximate composition of the ready-to-drink banana pseudostem beverage and the physicochemical properties of banana pseudostem extract were analyzed using standard procedures. Sensory evaluation and microbial quality were analyzed for ready-to-drink banana pseudostem beverages stored at 25°C and 4°C. The beverages were evaluated at 6 days interval period. Result: The ready-to-drink beverages were evaluated at a 6-day interval period. The result of the physicochemical properties of the ready-to-drink banana pseudostem beverage incorporated with pineapple and grape extract during storage at ambient and refrigerated temperature. The banana pseudostem beverage pH value gradually increased and its acidity value decreased. The total soluble solids remained constant, viscosity at 25°C was decreased, at 4°C viscosity was increased during the storage period up to 12 days. During storage conditions, the total soluble solids remain constant, while the viscosity increased at 4! and reduced at 25°C. Minimal substantial changes were observed in the quality of ready-to-drink banana pseudostem beverages during storage conditions. The pineapple extract-flavored pseudostem beverages during storage conditions. The pineapple extract-flavored pseudostem beverage was very well-liked by consumers, according to the organoleptic evaluation. The quality of ready-to-drink banana pseudostem beverages was minimal significant changes were observed. Based on the organoleptic evaluation, the pineapple extract flavored pseudostem beverage was highly accepted by consumer preference. The banana pseudostem beverage incorporated with pineapple extracts was microbiologically safe for 12 days at 25°C and 4°C for human consumption. After 12 days at (25°C) and (4°C), the banana pseudostem beverage incorporated with pineapple extracts proved microbiologically safe.

Metabolic and transcriptomic analyses of nectaries reveal differences in the mechanism of nectar production between monocots (Ananas comosus) and dicots (Nicotiana tabacum)

BackgroundNectar is offered by numerous flowering plants to attract pollinators. To date, the production and secretion of nectar have been analyzed mainly in eudicots, particularly rosids such as Arabidopsis. However, due to the enormous diversity of flowering plants, further research on other plant species, especially monocots, is needed. Ananas comosus (monocot) is an economically important species that is ideal for such analyses because it produces easily accessible nectar in sufficient quantities. In addition, the analyses were also carried out with Nicotiana tabacum (dicot, asterids) for comparison.ResultsWe performed transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) analyses of the nectaries of Ananas comosus and Nicotiana tabacum, to test whether the mechanisms described for nectar production and secretion in Arabidopsis are also present in these plant species. The focus of these analyses is on carbohydrate metabolism and transport (e.g., sucrose-phosphate synthases, invertases, sucrose synthases, SWEETs and further sugar transporters). In addition, the metabolites were analyzed in the nectar, nectaries and leaves of both plant species to address the question of whether concentration gradients for different metabolites exist between the nectaries and nectar The nectar of N. tabacum contains large amounts of glucose, fructose and sucrose, and the sucrose concentration in the nectar appears to be similar to the sucrose concentration in the nectaries. Nectar production and secretion in this species closely resemble corresponding processes in some other dicots, including sucrose synthesis in nectaries and sucrose secretion by SWEET9. The nectar of A. comosus also contains large amounts of glucose, fructose and sucrose and in this species the sucrose concentration in the nectar appears to be higher than the sucrose concentration in the nectaries. Furthermore, orthologs of SWEET9 generally appear to be absent in A. comosus and other monocots. Therefore, sucrose export by SWEETs from nectaries into nectar can be excluded; rather, other mechanisms, such as active sugar export or exocytosis, are more likely.ConclusionThe mechanisms of nectar production and secretion in N. tabacum appear to be largely similar to those in other dicots, whereas in the monocotyledonous species A. comosus, different synthesis and transport processes are involved.

Sensitization and allergy to pineapple and coconut juice in patients followed up for allergic diseases in Parakou, Benin

Objectives: Little is known about adverse food reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the sensitization and allergy to two tropical fruits, pineapple (Ananas comosus) and coconut (Cocos nucifera), among patients followed up for allergic disease in Borgou Teaching Hospital in Parakou, Benin. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021. Adult patients (≥18 years) who were followed up for allergic asthma, rhinitis, or conjunctivitis were included in the study. Information on clinical manifestations following pineapple juice or coconut water drinking was collected, and skin prick testing was carried out. Results: Overall, 101 patients were enrolled, male-female ratio of 0.4:1 and mean age of 33.4 (±14.4) years. Clinical manifestations were triggered by pineapple in 53.5%, mainly mouth and lip pruritus (38.6%). The prevalence of sensitization was 36.6%. Allergy was diagnosed in 24.8% (or 46.3% of those who complained) and was associated with mouth and lip pruritus (odds ratio [OR] = 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6–10.6; P = 0.003), bronchospasm (OR = 3.7;95%CI = 1.1–12.7; P = 0.031), allergic rhinitis (OR = 3.5; 95%CI = 1.2–10.4; P = 0.020), and conjunctivitis (OR = 4.4; 95%CI = 1.6–12.5; P = 0.007). Clinical manifestations after ingestion of coconut water reportedly occurred in 18.8% and were mostly bronchospasm (8.9%). The prevalence of sensitization was 20.8%. Allergies were diagnosed in 6.9% (or 33.3% of those who complained), with no association found with demographic or clinical characteristics. Conclusion: Pineapple is a common cause of food allergy among patients who are followed up in Borgou Teaching Hospital, while coconut is less responsible for this disorder. More studies are required to improve knowledge of allergic diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is facing an epidemiological transition.