Plant Matrices Research Articles

Analytical Methods for Brassinosteroid Analysis: Recent Advances and Applications.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are plant steroidal hormones that play crucial roles in plant growth and development. Accurate quantification of BRs in plant tissues is essential for understanding their biological functions. This study presents a comprehensive overview of the latest methods used for the quantification of BRs in plants. We discuss the principles, advantages, and limitations of various analytical techniques, including immunoassays, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) that are used for the detection and quantification of BRs from complex plant matrices. We also explore the use of isotopically labeled internal standards to improve the accuracy and reliability of BR quantification.

Improving Soluble Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Grape Pomace Seeds through Fungal Solid-State Fermentation

Grape pomace seeds contain abundant phenolic compounds, which are also present in both soluble and insoluble forms, similar to many other plant matrices. To further increase the extractable soluble phenolics and their antioxidant activities, grape pomace seeds were fermented with different fungi. Results showed that solid-state fermentation (SSF) with Aspergillus niger, Monascus anka, and Eurotium cristatum at 28 °C and 65% humidity had a significantly positive impact on the release of soluble phenolics in grape pomace seeds. Specifically, SSF with M. anka increased the soluble phenolic contents by 6.42 times (calculated as total phenolic content) and 6.68 times (calculated as total flavonoid content), leading to an overall improvement of antioxidant activities, including DPPH (increased by 2.14 times) and ABTS (increased by 3.64 times) radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, substantial changes were observed in the composition and content of individual phenolic compounds in the soluble fraction, with significantly heightened levels of specific phenolics such as chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid, epicatechin gallate, and resveratrol. Notably, during M. anka SSF, positive correlations were identified between the soluble phenolic content and hydrolase activities. In particular, there is a strong positive correlation between glycosidase and soluble phenols (r = 0.900). The findings present an effective strategy for improving the soluble phenolic profiles and bioactivities of grape pomace seeds through fungal SSF, thereby facilitating the valorization of winemaking by-products.

Exploring the bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption of major classes of pure phenolic compounds using in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion

The bioaccessibility and bioavailability of phenolic compounds (PC) influence directly their role in disease prevention/control. Studies have evaluated this ability through complex plant and food matrices, which may reflect more a synergistic effect of the matrix than the ability of the PCs, hindering their individual exploitation in nutraceutical or pharmaceutical applications. In the present study ten pure PCs representing major classes were evaluated for their bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption in an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGD). This is the first study concerning the bioaccessibility evaluation of pure phloretin, phloroglucinol, naringin, naringenin and daidzein, while no in vitro SGD has been performed before for the other compounds considered here. PCs were analyzed through ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-MSn). Most of the compounds remained present along the gastrointestinal tract, and the bioaccessibility was in general higher than 50%, except for quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate, and ellagic acid. All compounds were highly absorbed in the intestine, with phloretin showing the lowest percentage at about 82%. The study findings provide new knowledge on the bioaccessibility and intestinal absorption of different PCs classes.

Greener approaches to improve phenolic acid composition and antioxidant activity of different cultivation methods of Zingiber officinale Roscoe extracts

Zingiber officinale Roscoe, known as ginger (Bentong variety), is an essential spice ingredient used in food and condiments due to its refreshing aroma and intense flavour. The bioactive constituents found in ginger influence the numerous pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, analgesic, anticancer, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory. This work proposed a greener approach than the conventional plant matrices extraction to promote safe, non-toxic, and environment-friendly products. In this study, three different extraction methods: a) water (WE), b) hydrothermal-assisted (HAE) and c) enzymaticassisted (EAE), have been applied to measure the potential of both ginger extracts from different cultivation methods using fertigation technology and conventionally slopegrown. To ascertain the biological content of the extracts, the phenolic acid composition was quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while the antioxidant activities were analysed using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. The results obtained showed that ferulic acid was significantly highest in EAE extracts of both ginger (fertigation and slope-grown cultivation) at 1.165±0.118 and 0.610±0.062 mg/g. Moreover, EAE of both ginger extracts also found to be significantly highest in TPC (267.481±0.404 mg GAE/g and 247.837±1.675 mg GAE/g), and FRAP value (741.867±2.139 mg AAE/g and 461.733±0.231 mg AAE/g), respectively. However, the highest free radical scavenging activity of fertigated ginger extract through HAE was 134.735±0.021 mg AAE/g. Meanwhile, EAE of the sloped-grown ginger extract was highest at 141.293±0.707 mg AAE/g. This study demonstrates that EAE can be an effective approach in enhancing the TPC and antioxidant activity of ginger extracts. Ginger may therefore be suggested as a more greener and natural antioxidant to lessen oxidation in food products.

In situ NADES microwave‐mediated extraction of bioactive compounds from Beta vulgaris L. var. rubra waste

SummaryThe research focused on the recovery of bioactive compounds from beetroot waste (fresh stalks) using an innovative and microwave‐mediated (mw) procedure that could allow the simultaneous eutectic solvent preparation and matrix extraction (in situ mw NADES extraction), as a simplification of more conventional NADES (natural deep eutectic solvents) extractions. The main goal was to propose a fast and simple “one‐pot” extractive approach to obtain and screen non‐toxic, bioactive ready‐to‐use ingredients, potentially useful in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields, meanwhile converting beetroot residues, from worn‐out plant matrices to recycled sources with significant added values. With this purpose, several eutectic mixtures of natural food‐grade hydrogen bond donors (choline chloride or betaine) and hydrogen bond acceptors (fructose, urea, citric acid, and glycerol) were selected and investigated (in opportune ratios) under microwave activation, considering time, temperature, and solvent‐to‐matrix ratio as the influencing variables and the total phenols content recovery as the response. By the in situ NADES microwave method developed, the best results were obtained within 5 min at 70 °C with recoveries of around 0.5 mg of polyphenols for gram of fresh stalks, assessed by the Folin–Ciocalteu test. The suitability of the NADES‐based extractives, as radical scavenging agents, was evaluated using the DPPH assay, which highlighted their good antioxidant activity; moreover, monitoring the betacyanin content by means of UV–vis spectrophotometric analyses, it was evident that NADES provide a relevant stability to the new complexes (up to 3 months) compared to water (24 h). The new in situ process proposed could be also useful for preliminary screenings of different organic matrices, simplifying workup, streamlining the procedures, and reducing costs.

Levels of lipid-derived gut microbial metabolites differ among plant matrices in an in vitro model of colon fermentation

This study explored differences in microbial lipid metabolites among sunflower seeds, soybeans, and walnuts. The matrices were subjected to in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation. Defatted digested materials and fiber/phenolics extracted therefrom were added to sunflower oil (SO) and also fermented. Targeted and untargeted lipidomics were employed to monitor and tentatively identify linoleic acid (LA) metabolites. Walnut fermentation produced the highest free fatty acids (FFAs), LA, and conjugated LAs (CLAs). Defatted digested walnuts added to SO boosted FFAs and CLAs production; the addition of fibre boosted CLAs, whereas the addition of phenolics only increased 9e,11z-CLA and 10e,12z-CLA. Several di-/tri-hydroxy-C18-FAs, reported as microbial LA metabolites for the first time, were annotated. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance indicated significant impacts of food matrix presence and type on lipidomics and C18-FAs. Our findings highlight how the food matrices affect CLA production from dietary lipids, emphasizing the role of food context in microbial lipid metabolism.

Metabolic profiling of milk thistle different organs using UPLC-TQD-MS/MS coupled to multivariate analysis in relation to their selective antiviral potential

IntroductionSilybum marianum commonly known as milk thistle is one of the most imperative medicinal plants due to its remarkable pharmacological activities. Lately, the antiviral activities of S. marianum extract have been studied and it showed effectiveness against many viruses.ObjectiveAlthough most previous studies were concerned mainly with silymarin content of the fruit, the present study provides comprehensive comparative evaluation of S. marianum different organs’ chemical profiles using UPLC-MS/MS coupled to chemometrics to unravel potentially selective antiviral compounds against human coronavirus (HCoV-229E).MethodologyUPLC-ESI-TQD-MS/MS analysis was utilized to establish metabolic fingerprints for S. marianum organs namely fruits, roots, stems and seeds. Multivariate analysis, using OPLS-DA and HCA-heat map was applied to explore the main discriminatory phytoconstituents between organs. Selective virucidal activity of organs extracts against coronavirus (HCoV-229E) was evaluated for the first time using cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay. Correlation coefficient analysis was implemented for detection of potential constituents having virucidal activity.ResultsUPLC-MS/MS analysis resulted in 87 identified metabolites belonging to different classes. OPLS-DA revealed in-between class discrimination between milk thistle organs proving their significantly different metabolic profiles. The results of CPE assay showed that all tested organ samples exhibited dose dependent inhibitory activity in nanomolar range. Correlation analysis disclosed that caffeic acid-O-hexoside, gadoleic and linolenic acids were the most potentially selective antiviral phytoconstituents.ConclusionThis study valorizes the importance of different S. marianum organs as wealthy sources of selective and effective antiviral candidates. This approach can be extended to unravel potentially active constituents from complex plant matrices.

Toward a common methodological framework for the sampling, extraction, and isotopic analysis of water in the Critical Zone to study vegetation water use

AbstractThe analysis of the stable isotopic composition of hydrogen and oxygen in water samples from soils and plants can help to identify sources of vegetation water uptake. This approach requires that the heterogeneous nature of plant and soil matrices is carefully accounted for during experimental design, sample collection, water extraction and analyses. The comparability and shortcomings of the different methods for extracting water and analyzing isotopic composition have been discussed in specialized literature. Yet, despite insightful comparisons of extraction methods and benchmarking methodologies of laboratories worldwide, the community still lacks a roadmap to guide sample collection, extraction, and isotopic analyses, and many practical issues for potential users remain unresolved: for example, which (soil or plant) water pool(s) does the extracted water represent? These constitute a hurdle for the implementation of the approach by newcomers. Here, we summarize discussions led in the framework of the COST Action WATSON (“WATer isotopeS in the critical zONe: from groundwater recharge to plant transpiration”—CA19120). We provide guidelines for (1) sampling soil and plant material for isotopic analysis, (2) methods for laboratory or in situ water extraction, and (3) measurements of isotopic composition. We highlight the importance of considering the process chain as a whole, from experimental design to isotopic analysis to minimize biased estimates of the relative contribution of different water sources to plant water uptake. We conclude by acknowledging some of the limitations of this methodology and advice on the collection of key environmental parameters prior to sample collection for isotopic analyses.This article is categorized under: Science of Water > Hydrological Processes Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change Science of Water > Water Extremes

Intensification of extraction process through IVDV pretreatment from Eryngium creticum leaves and stems: Maximizing yields and assessing biological activities

“Intensification of Vaporization by Decompression to the Vacuum” (IVDV) has initially emerged as a technology primarily employed for expanding and enhancing the texture of biological products. However, its recent applications have showcased significant promise in the realm of extracting bioactive molecules from various plant materials. In this context, optimization using response surface methodology was conducted to investigate the impact of IVDV pretreatment on the extractability of phenolic compounds from Eryngium creticum leaves and stems, as well as their biological activities. Using IVDV preceding the extraction led to higher total phenolic content (TPC) and enhanced antiradical activities in treated materials compared to untreated ones. The optimal processing conditions in terms of water content, steam pressure and treatment time were determined in order to maximize TPC (89.07 and 20.06 mg GAE/g DM in leaves and stems, respectively) and antiradical (DPPH) inhibition percentage (93.51% and 27.54% in leaves and stems, respectively). IVDV-treated extracts showed superior antioxidant, antibacterial and antibiofilm capacities compared to raw extracts. Using RP-UHPLC-PDA-MS, caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid were identified in IVDV-treated leaves. IVDV can be implemented as an innovative treatment applied prior to extraction to boost the recovery of biomolecules from plant matrices.

Heavy metal sensing in plant and soil solutions using carbon fiber electrode

Analysis of trace level metals in environmental samples (e.g., soil, water, and plant samples) is important for assessing environmental quality and food safety. This paper reports a non-toxic, eco-friendly, and cost-effective sensing method, capable of in-situ detection of microgram per liter (µg/L) levels of heavy metal ions in plant and soil solutions using carbon fiber electrodes (CFEs) produced without using any microfabrication. The electrochemical behaviors of the CFEs were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. As proof of principle, the CFEs were validated for sensing selected heavy metals in buffer solutions as well as in extracted plant and soil solutions using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DP-ASV). Experimental results confirm that the CFEs were able to simultaneously measure cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) with a detection limit of 2.10, 0.93, and 1.85 µg/L respectively in buffer solution, showcasing good selectivity and sensitivity. The ideal pH range for heavy metal detection was also extensively investigated and was found to be between pH 4.0 and pH 5.0. These findings lay a better foundation towards long-term and stable electrochemical analysis for plant and soil solution matrices.

Updating the Status quo on the Eco-Friendly Approach for Antioxidants Recovered from Plant Matrices Using Cloud Point Extraction.

The concepts of "green chemistry" are gaining importance in the agri-food sector due to the need to minimize pollution from toxic chemicals, improve the safety and sustainability of industrial processes, and provide "clean-labeled products" required by consumers. The application of the cloud point extraction (CPE) is considered a promising alternative to conventional organic solvents. In the CPE, the separation of compounds from the bulk solution occurs by adding a surfactant (either non-ionic or ionic). When the solution is heated to or above a critical temperature, referred to as the cloud point, two phases are formed-micellar and aqueous. Recently, the horizons of the traditional CPE have been increasingly expanding by improved procedures and integration with other techniques, such as the microwave- and ultrasonic-assisted extraction. This article provides an updated overview of the theory and research articles on the CPE from 2018 to 2023 and critically discusses the issues relevant to the potential applicability of the CPE as a promising and green technique for antioxidants recovered from plant materials. Finally, some future perspectives and research needs for improved CPE are presented.

Quality parameters and lipid composition of oil extracted from spent coffee grounds: A promising alternative to vegetable oils used for consumption and cosmetic purposes

AbstractCoffee grounds are the most commonly generated daily waste in the world, raising numerous questions regarding their proper management and their environmental impact. The present study focuses on the physical and chemical characterization of oil extracted from spent coffee grounds (SCG), with the aim of valorizing this by‐product as a potential source for oil production. The results obtained from the analysis of SCG oil were also compared to those of some edible oils (soybean, corn, and sunflower oils) and cosmetic oils (lentisc, sweet almond, and castor oils). The results revealed that spent coffee waste yielded an important amount of oil, specifically 17.19%, as compared to corn (4.31%) and soybean (19.52%) seeds. Regarding the fatty acids composition of SCG oil, eight components were identified, with a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids accounting for more than 45% of total fatty acids. The phytosterols composition of SCG oil revealed the presence of seven components, with β‐sitosterol being the predominant one. The tocopherol analysis showed that SCG oil contained only α and β isomers, with β‐tocopherol being the dominant form at over 68%. These findings accentuate the potential of spent coffee waste as a promising alternative for oil production and open up new applications for SCG oil, such as in the food industry, pharmaceutical applications, and cosmetics.Practical Application: Given the significant increase in the demand for vegetable oils, the oil industry has recently begun to explore new plant matrices, particularly those having low costs. SCG are the most commonly generated daily by‐product in the world. The present investigation aims to characterize and valorize the oil extracted from SCG. The obtained results revealed the potential of SCG as a promising alternative for oil production. Consequently, valorizing spent coffee waste as a natural by‐product for oil production can be an ideal solution to address numerous issues related to its proper management and its environmental impact. Hence, the oil industry can promote spent coffee waste, cheapest by‐products, as a promising alternative for oil production. Moreover, the present investigation represents a commendable model of the circular economy since the remaining waste obtained after extracting lipids from the coffee grounds waste can be used as natural fertilizer rich in protein for plant development.

Retrospective survey of Dickeya fangzhongdai using a novel validated real-time PCR assay.

Dickeya fangzhongdai, an aggressive plant pathogen, causes symptoms on a variety of crops and ornamental plants including bleeding canker of Asian pear trees. Historical findings stress the need for a specific detection tool for D. fangzhongdai to prevent overlooking the pathogen or assigning it to general Dickeya spp. Therefore, a qualitative real-time PCR for specific detection of D. fangzhongdai has been developed and validated. The developed assay shows selectivity of 100%, diagnostic sensitivity of 76% and limit of detection with 95% confidence interval in plant matrices ranging from 311 to 2,275 cells/mL of plant extracts. The assay was successfully used in a retrospective survey of selected host plants of relevance to Europe and environmental niches relevant to D. fangzhongdai. Samples of potato tubers and plants, plants from the Malinae subtribe (apple, pear, quince, and Asian pear tree) and fresh surface water from Slovenia were analyzed. D. fangzhongdai was not detected in any plant samples, however, 12% of surface water samples were found to be positive.

Evaluation of Bioactive Effects of Five Plant Extracts with Different Phenolic Compositions against Different Therapeutic Targets.

Plant extracts rich in phenolic compounds have been reported to exert different bioactive properties. Despite the fact that there are plant extracts with completely different phenolic compositions, many of them have been reported to have similar beneficial properties. Thus, the structure-bioactivity relationship mechanisms are not yet known in detail for specific classes of phenolic compounds. In this context, this work aims to demonstrate the relationship of extracts with different phenolic compositions versus different bioactive targets. For this purpose, five plant matrices (Theobroma cacao, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Silybum marianum, Lippia citriodora, and Olea europaea) were selected to cover different phenolic compositions, which were confirmed by the phytochemical characterization analysis performed by HPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS. The bioactive targets evaluated were the antioxidant potential, the free radical scavenging potential, and the inhibitory capacity of different enzymes involved in inflammatory processes, skin aging, and neuroprotection. The results showed that despite the different phenolic compositions of the five matrices, they all showed a bioactive positive effect in most of the evaluated assays. In particular, matrices with very different phenolic contents, such as T. cacao and S. marianum, exerted a similar inhibitory power in enzymes involved in inflammatory processes and skin aging. It should also be noted that H. sabdariffa and T. cacao extracts had a low phenolic content but nevertheless stood out for their bioactive antioxidant and anti-radical capacity. Hence, this research highlights the shared bioactive properties among phenolic compounds found in diverse matrices. The abundance of different phenolic compound families highlights their elevated bioactivity against diverse biological targets.

Imprinting-based smart syringe: A fast, efficient, and selective approach for extraction of methyl gallate from Caesalpinia pulcherrima extract

A simple, facile, quick, highly selective, and efficient extraction protocol for a medicinal compound methyl gallate (MG) is developed for the first time using molecularly imprinted-based solid phase extraction (MISPE). Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to calculate the binding energies of the complex of MG with the functional monomer in the gas and in the implicit solvent to evaluate the best combination of the functional monomer, crosslinker, and porogen for MG. Decisively, the synthesis of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and its respective non-imprinted polymer (NIP) was conducted using methacrylamide (MAAm) as a functional monomer, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TRIM) as a crosslinker, and methanol as a porogen. The polymers were characterized by SEM, FT-IR, BET, and TGA, while the adsorption properties of MG-MIP/NIP were evaluated by batch rebinding experiments. Theoretical modeling was done by Langmuir, Freundlich, Scatchard analysis, LF-isotherm, and kinetic models. The MG-MIP appeared to have a higher binding capacity towards MG compared to the corresponding NIP: 57.6 mg/g compared to only 17.6 mg/g rendering an imprinting factor 3.3. Moreover, in competitive recognition studies, the synthesized MG-MIP showed good selectivity towards MG compared to its structural analogs, confirming the presence of MG-specific imprinting sites. In competitive recognition tests and real-sample analysis, HPLC was used to determine the concentration of MG and the analogous compounds. Furthermore, the volume and elution times of the washing solvent (DI water) and elution solvent (acetonitrile) were optimized. Finally, MG-MISPE frits were successfully designed for selective enrichment of MG from Caesalpinia pulcherrima methanolic extract using a syringe, PTFE membrane, and MG-MIPs. Hence, MG-MISPE is a promising alternative of traditional extraction methods for selective extraction and enrichment of MG from complex plant matrices. The approach has potential to be applied to any compound of interest.

Kinetics of the dissipation of azoxystrobin, quizalofop-p-ethyl, fluazifop-p-butyl and clomazone in fermented legume seeds

In this study, four plant matrices, including soybean, chickpea, pea, and lens, underwent fermentation by Bacillus subtilis var. natto. Then, the process influence on the content of four pesticides (clomazone, azoxystrobin, fluazifop-p-butyl, and quizalofop-p-ethyl) was evaluated, depending on the fermentation length. Fermentation was conducted for 312 h in controlled conditions of temperature and relative humidity (37 °C, 75%). The pesticide residue content in fermented seeds was assessed with the QuEChERS multiresidue method, combined with gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The studies demonstrated that Bacillus subtilis can biodegrade pesticides in legume seeds, with those microorganisms having a greater potential to degrade herbicides, especially fluazifop-p-butyl, and quizalofop-p-ethyl, than azoxystrobin and clomazone. The highest pesticide degradation occurred during first hours of fermentation. The quizalofop-p-ethyl and fluazifop-p-butyl levels reached < 0.02 mg/kg in nearly all studied seeds already after 48 h. At the end of fermentation (after 312 h), the azoxystrobin and clomazone levels ranged from 0.0203 mg/kg (soybean) to 0.0475 mg/kg (lens) and from 0.001 mg/kg (chickpeas) to 0.0753 mg/kg (lens), respectively. In all studied plant matrices, levels of pesticide residues were below the established MRLs, with clomazone being the sole exception.

Analyzing the Impact of Simulated Nitrogen Deposition on Stoichiometric Properties and Yield of Ma Bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro) Shoots, Leaves, and Soil Substrate

The growth dynamics of Ma bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro) are intricately linked to nitrogen availability, a pivotal nutrient. Escalating global nitrogen deposition, primarily driven by anthropogenic factors, is reshaping nutrient fluxes and productivity within forest and bamboo ecosystems. Such alterations bear significant implications for the growth equilibrium and yields of rapid-growth species such as Ma bamboo, thereby influencing their sustainable management strategies. This investigation delves into the responses of Ma bamboo under varying nitrogen deposition scenarios (0 g·clump−1, 11.2 g·clump−1, 13.5 g·clump−1, and 22.5 g·clump−1), examining stoichiometric attributes in bamboo shoots, leaves, and soil across distinct growth phases. Our empirical findings reveal that in the early growth stage, nitrogen enrichment markedly augmented N and P concentrations in the foliage and shoots, alongside a corresponding enhancement in soil P content. This was paralleled by a substantial reduction in the C:N ratio in leaves and the C:P ratio in shoots and soil, indicating an amplified uptake of P and N in both plant and soil matrices. During the middle stage, all nitrogen treatments boosted nitrogen levels across various plant tissues, while concurrently, soil C content exhibited a notable decline with increased nitrogen supplementation. In the late stage, leaf and soil N content continued to ascend; however, alterations in C content in both soil and leaves were not pronounced. Contrastingly, N and P levels in shoots showed a gradual decrement. Yield assessments disclosed that during the early stage, the N3 treatment (22.5 g·clump−1) not only delayed shoot emergence by 14 days but also surged the yield by 115.87% in comparison to the control (CK). In the late stage, the N2 treatment (13.5 g·clump−1) extended emergence duration by 10 days, with the yield apex under N3 treatment (22.5 g·clump−1) evidencing a 116.67% yield augmentation over CK. In summation, this study elucidates the stoichiometric balancing and distribution strategies within the plant–soil system of Ma bamboo, investigating its adaptability and responsive feedback to diverse nitrogen deposition gradients. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of plant nutrient adaptation mechanisms in the context of nitrogen deposition, enriches the discourse on plant population stoichiometry, and offers valuable insights and scientific underpinnings for broader-scale community or ecosystem stoichiometry studies.

Bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of kefir-based smoothies fortified with kale and spinach after invitro gastrointestinal digestion.

The kefir-based smoothies with kale and spinach were designed as a ready-to-drink and innovative functional snack. Microbiological, physicochemical, as well as pre- and postgastrointestinal total antioxidant capacity (TAC; CUPRAC, DPPH, and FRAP) analyses were conducted. It was determined that the kefir-based smoothies with vegetables had higher ash, carbohydrate, and dietary fiber values. Fructose and glucose contents of smoothy with kale were high, while smoothy with spinach included high sucrose and maltose. The microbiology results revealed that kefir-based vegetable smoothies had minimum Lactobacillaceae viability (>log 7 cfu g-1) for the required functional effect after 14-day storage. Moreover, the addition of kale significantly increased (p < .01) the level of initial TAC (CUPRAC, DPPH, and FRAP) and total phenolic content (TPC) values. After invitro gastric digestion analysis, smoothie with spinach demonstrated higher TAC and TPC values and the control sample had higher TAC and TPC values compared with a predigestion step. It was found that invitro intestinal DPPH values were higher for the sample with spinach samples, while the sample with kale had the highest FRAP values. It was also found that the bioaccessibility indexes of plain kefir were determined to be the highest in both invitro gastric and intestinal procedures. The present study provided novel insights into the invitro digestion properties of kefir fortified with vegetables. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to identify the functional properties of the milk and plant matrices mixture using invitro and invivo trials.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for flonicamid in various crops.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant ISK Biosciences Europe N.V. submitted two requests to the competent national authority in Finland and Belgium, respectively, to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance flonicamid in potatoes and in various crops. The data submitted in support of the requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for potatoes, lettuces and salad plants, spinaches and similar leaves, beans (without pods), cardoons, celeries, Florence fennels and rhubarbs. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues according to the residue definition as of the sum of flonicamid, TFNA and TFNG, expressed as flonicamid in the plant matrices under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg for each compound. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the uses of flonicamid according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Miniaturized centrifugation accelerated pipette-tip matrix solid-phase dispersion based on poly(deep eutectic solvents) surface imprinted graphene oxide composite adsorbent for rapid extraction of anti-adipogenesis markers from Solidago decurrens Lour

Overweight and obesity are the causes of many diseases and have become global "epidemics". Research on natural active components with anti-adipogenesis effects in plants has aroused the interest of researchers. One of the most critical problems is establishing sample preparation and analytical techniques for quickly and selectively extracting and determining the active anti-adipogenesis components in complex plant matrices for developing new anti-adipogenic drugs. In this study, a new poly(deep eutectic solvents) surface imprinted graphene oxide composite (PDESs-MIP/GO) with high selectivity for phenolic acids was prepared using deep eutectic solvents as monomers and crosslinkers. A miniaturized centrifugation-accelerated pipette-tip matrix solid-phase dispersion method (CPT-MSPD) with PDESs-MIP/GO as adsorbent, coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography, was further developed for the rapid determination of anti-adipogenesis markers in Solidago decurrens Lour. (SDL). The established method was successfully used to determination anti-adipogenesis markers in SDL from different regions, with the advantages of accuracy (recoveries: 94.4-115.9%, RSDs≤9.8%), speed (CPT-MSPD time: 11min), selectivity (imprinting factor: ∼2.0), and economy (2mg of adsorbent and 1mL of solvents), which is in line with the current advanced principle of "3S+2A" in analytical chemistry.