Source Of Valuable Compounds Research Articles

Insect chitosan derived from Hermetia illucens larvae suppresses adipogenic signaling and promotes the restoration of gut microbiome balance

Chitosan, the deacetylated form of chitin, is considered a valuable source of compounds in the feed and food industries. However, the impact of Hermetia illucens larvae chitosan (HCS) with specific physicochemical characteristics on obesity mediated by lipid accumulation and microbiome dysbiosis has not been fully elucidated. We purified HCS with a low molecular weight (84 kDa), low crystallinity, and a high deacetylation rate, characterizing it through several analytical techniques, including gel permeation chromatography, FT-IR, 1H NMR, FE-SEM, and XRD analysis. HCS effectively inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by suppressing the production of reactive oxygen species. The adipogenic signaling of preadipocytes, mediated by the phosphorylation of mTOR and PPARγ, which are essential for the expression of fatty acid synthase, was attenuated by HCS. In mouse models fed high-fat diets, the oral administration of HCS prevented changes in white adipose tissue and liver weight and reduced plasma levels of total cholesterol. Additionally, the analysis of the microbiota using 16S rRNA revealed that HCS improved dysbiosis by modulating the composition and abundance of specific bacterial genera, including F. rodentium, L. gasseri, L. reuteri, and L. murinus. These findings highlight the potential of HCS as a candidate for the treatment of obesity-related metabolic diseases.

Novel endophytic fungal species Pithoascus kurdistanensis producing morphine compounds

Papaver genus, commonly known as popies, is a valuable source of alkaloids used in medicine, including papaverine, morphine, codeine, and thebaine. We isolated six endophytic fungal isolates producing morphinan alkaloids from four Papaver species growing in Kurdistan Province, Iran. To do this, a 1:1 mixture of methanol and chloroform was used to extract fungal cultures. The contents of morphinan alkaloids in the extracts were subsequently determined using phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Among the morphinan alkaloid-producing fungal isolates, IRAN 4653C had the highest yield giving 23.06 (mg/g) morphine and 2.03 (mg/g) codeine when grown in potato dextrose liquid medium. The identity of this isolate was examined and recognized as a new fungal species named as Pithoascus kurdistanesis sp. nov. based on multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of ITS, TEF-1α, and TUB2 sequences data and morphological features. The morphinan-producing endophytic fungus and the isolated Pithoascus species from Papaver are being reported for the first time. Accordingly, this fungus shows promise as a new source of valuable compounds which is illustrated and introduced here as a new Microascaceae member belonging to Pithoascus from Kurdistan Province, Iran. Moreover, the morphinan productivity of P. kurdistanesis was further validated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS).

Antioxidant and antibacterial extracts from rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) skins: Exploring the Potential of Transforming Agricultural Byproducts into Functional Supplements

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is a tropical fruit characterized by its oval shape and hairy skin, primarily valued for its juicy pulp. The peels, constituting 45% of the fruit’s weight, are a source of valuable compounds like geraniin, ellagic acid, and quercetin. These peels possess antimicrobial properties effective against various bacteria, making them suitable for food preservation and packaging. Additionally, rambutan extracts hold promise as supplements in animal feed, enhancing growth and reducing methane production. This research delves into the antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes of diverse rambutan varieties. The skin (exocarp) of rambutan fruits from three Costa Rican cultivars -Creole, Rongrein, and Yellow- were collected and processed. Total polyphenolic content (TPC), proanthocyanidins, antioxidant activity, geraniin content, and antimicrobial activity were determined for the three varieties. Also, proanthocyanidin-enriched fractions from rambutan extracts were generated and analyzed. The results revealed TPC and antioxidant activity variations among different rambutan varieties and harvest years. All rambutan extracts displayed antimicrobial activity. In conclusion, the research underscores the rich antioxidant content in rambutan peels, irrespective of the variety, and underscores their potential for use in both human and animal nutrition due to their chemical composition.

Sanguisorba officinalis L. ethanolic extracts and essential oil - chemical composition, antioxidant potential, antibacterial activity, and ex vivo skin permeation study.

Sanguisorba officinalis L. is classified as a medicinal plant and used in traditional medicine. The root of this plant is mainly used as a medicinal raw material, but the above-ground parts are also a valuable source of health-promoting biologically active compounds. The study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content (TPC) of extracts prepared in 70% and 40% aqueous ethanol solution (dry extract content 50-500g/L) from the aerial parts of S. officinalis. The essential oil was isolated from the tested raw material, and its composition was determined using GC-MS. Ethanolic extracts and essential oil have been tested for antibacterial activity. The extract in 70% v/v ethanol (dry extract content: 500g/L) was subjected to HPLC analysis for the content of selected phenolic acids and an ex vivo skin permeation study. The ability of these metabolites to permeate and accumulate in the skin was analysed. Extracts prepared at both ethanol concentrations showed similar antioxidant activity and TPC. Depending on the method, concentration of solvent, and dry extract content (50-500g/L), the activity ranged from 1.97 to 84.54g Trolox/L. TPC range of 3.80-37.04gGA/L. Gallic acid (424mg/L) and vanillic acid (270mg/L) had the highest concentrations among the phenolic acids analysed. Vanillic acid (10μg) permeates the skin at the highest concentration. The highest accumulation in the skin was found for 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (53μg/g skin), 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (45μg/g skin), and gallic acid (45μg/g skin). The tested ethanolic extracts exhibited antibacterial activity. Samples with a dry extract concentration of 500g/L showed the largest growth inhibition zones. The most sensitive strains to these extracts were P. aeruginosa (24mm), S. lutea (23mm), and S. pneumoniae (22mm). The smallest inhibition zones were observed for B. subtilis (17mm). The essential oil showed weaker antimicrobial activity (growth inhibition zone 8-10mm). The GC-MS method identified 22 major components of the essential oil, including aliphatic hydrocarbons, unsaturated terpene alcohols, aliphatic aldehydes, unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, sesquiterpene, phytyl ester of linoleic acid, nitrogen compound, phytosterol, terpene ketone, phenylpropanoids, aliphatic alcohol, diterpenoid, aromatic aldehyde, and aliphatic carboxylic acid. The conducted research has shown that ethanolic extracts from Sanguisorbae herba are a valuable source of compounds with antibacterial and antioxidant potential, including phenolic acids. The fact that selected phenolic acids contained in the tested extract have the ability to permeate and accumulate in the skin provides the basis for conducting extended research on the use of extracts from this plant raw material in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations applied to the skin.

Ultrasound-assisted sustainable extraction of bioactive phytochemicals in shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) peel: A DoE and metabolomics combined approach

Fruits and vegetables, essential components of human nutrition, undergo considerable losses and waste during processing. Recognizing this issue, this study delves into the potential use of shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) peels, typically discarded by-products, using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), a green and effective method. Employing the Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology, the study optimized extraction parameters, obtaining an extraction time of 10 min, an amplitude of 47%, and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:10. The results revealed a broad diversity of potentially bioactive compounds, including flavonoids (isorhamnetin, delphinidin), phenolic acids (sinapoyltyramine), stilbenes (piceatannol 3-O-glucoside), terpenoids (gibberellin), and sulphur compounds (3-ethylthiophene). Notably, the extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Additionally, the study investigated the ability of shallot peel extracts to inhibit key enzymes – alpha-glucosidase (Glu), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and tyrosinase (Tyr) – relevant in carbohydrate metabolism, memory, and skin pigmentation. While demonstrating significant Glu inhibition, no notable AChE or Tyr inhibition was observed. Correlation analysis highlighted the involvement of flavonoids and terpenoids in the bioactivities observed. This research underscores the potential of shallot by-products as a source of valuable compounds with applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Further exploration is encouraged to unveil specific bioactive compounds responsible for the antioxidant potential and to harness the full potential of shallot by-products in promoting health and sustainability.

Hidden Treasure: Halophilic Fungi as a Repository of Bioactive Lead Compounds.

The pressing demand for novel compounds to address contemporary health challenges has prompted researchers to venture into uncharted territory, including extreme ecosystems, in search of new natural pharmaceuticals. Fungi capable of tolerating extreme conditions, known as extremophilic fungi, have garnered attention for their ability to produce unique secondary metabolites crucial for defense and communication, some of which exhibit promising clinical significance. Among these, halophilic fungi thriving in high-salinity environments have particularly piqued interest for their production of bioactive molecules. This review highlights the recent discoveries regarding novel compounds from halotolerant fungal strains isolated from various saline habitats. From diverse fungal species including Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Myrothecium, and Cladosporium, a plethora of intriguing molecules have been elucidated, showcasing diverse chemical structures and bioactivity. These compounds exhibit cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines such as A549, HL60, and K-562, antimicrobial activity against pathogens like Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans, as well as radical-scavenging properties. Notable examples include variecolorins, sclerotides, alternarosides, and chrysogesides, among others. Additionally, several compounds display unique structural motifs, such as spiro-anthronopyranoid diketopiperazines and pentacyclic triterpenoids. The results emphasize the significant promise of halotolerant fungi in providing bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical, agricultural, and biotechnological uses. However, despite their potential, halophilic fungi are still largely unexplored as sources of valuable compounds.

Development of a simulation model to carry out technical-economic analysis of a food waste valorization process.

Worldwide interest in food waste has been grown over the years. According to the FAO about one third of all food produced for human consumption in the world is lost or wasted each year, amounting to about 1,6 billion tons per year. Food waste can become a source of valuable compounds which may be used as ingredients in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or food products. This study aims to evaluate the use of a process simulation software, specifically SuperPro Designer®, to carry out a technical-economic analysis of an orange waste valorization process. Specifically, the extraction of free sugars, essential oils, antioxidant phenolic compounds and pectin were digitally replicated by reproducing the corresponding material and energy balances. An economic and environmental assessment were carried out to evaluate the feasibility of the biorefinery modeled. The amount of orange peel processed, utilities and raw material costs were identified as significant parameters in the analyses performed. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the profitability patterns under different operating conditions. Meanwhile, the aim of the environmental assessment is to define a disposal inventory, which is the starting point for a life cycle assessment. As a result, SuperPro Designer® can be a valuable tool in the designing and optimizing food waste treatment systems, providing detailed descriptions of the process performance, and enabling cost-effective and sustainable waste management practices. Indeed, the simulation accurately reproduced all the steps involved, identifying the total investment and the related economic parameters, as well as the outputs and the resulting disposal inventory.

Perfil químico da tinta de Octopus vulgaris e validação de seu potencial como antioxidante, antimicrobiano, anticancerígeno e antiesquistossomótico in vitro

ABSTRACT Among marine creatures including squids, cephalopods and Octopus, one of the most unique features is production of ink which is an extremely valuable source of pharmaceuticals. The current study investigates the ink produced from Octopus vulgaris chemically as well as its potential antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-schistosomal activities in vitro. Twenty-one different compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis of Octopus vulgaris ink. Results revealed that O. vulgaris ink had antioxidant capability to cover DPPH free radical when compared to ascorbic acid. Moreover, Octopus vulgaris ink exhibited antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis followed by Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeuroginosa and exhibited a molluscicidal activity against adult Biomphalaria alexandrina snails and had a distinguished mortal effect on free larval phases of Schistosoma mansoni. Furthermore, its anticancer activity was confirmed, where IC50 value of breast cancer cell line MCF-7, human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCT) and human liver cancer cell line (HepG2) were 29.8, 38.29 and 30.38μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, ink extracted from O. vulgaris may be considered as source of valuable compounds that can be used as molluscicidal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-schistosomal agents.

From the chokeberry fruit products and by-products to health-promoting effects through multifaceted in vitro bioactivity evaluation and molecular docking studies

BACKGROUND: Polyphenolic-rich chokeberry extracts and juice could provide health benefits in humans. Moreover, by-products after processing stand out as a potential new source of valuable compounds. OBJECTIVE: The research aimed to evaluate in vitro bioactivity of chokeberry fruit extract, juice, and waste extract (material remaining after juice processing) based on their chemical composition and molecular docking analysis. METHODS: Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the phenolics, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and proanthocyanins content in freeze-dried samples. Additionally, individual anthocyanins, flavonoids, and sugars were identified through HPLC analysis. The antioxidant capacity was tested using two in vitro methods and assessing antimicrobial activity. The effects of tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase inhibition were examined using spectrophotometric methods. Molecular docking analysis identified the interaction of chokeberry components with the active sites of these enzymes. RESULTS: The waste extract exhibited the most robust antioxidant activity within the DPPH system. While bactericidal activity was absent across all chokeberry preparations, they demonstrated inhibitory effects on specific microbiological strains relevant to the gastrointestinal tract. Results revealed the chokeberry products’ ability to inhibit tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase. Molecular docking confirmed the strong interactions between chokeberry compounds and these enzymes. CONCLUSION: The results indicate the potential of chokeberry products and by-products as valuable resources for pharmaceutical applications.

Valorizacija ljušture invazivnih rakova iz reke Dunav (Faxonius limosus) - ekstrakcija i karakterizacija proteina

In order to deal with invasive crayfish (Faxonius limosus) impact on the native crayfish, as well as fish biodiversity in the Danube River, a possible solution would be to find and adopt mechanisms for its utilization for novel valuable product production. Apart from utilizing edible parts for novel food products, the shell waste can also be considered a source of valuable compounds. The complex structure of the shell mainly consists of three basic compounds: chitin, protein and minerals-mainly calcium carbonate. In this study, shell waste proteins were extracted using three extraction methods. The first method involved using naturally present enzymes (proteases and lipases) in crayfish wastes to recover proteins through an autolysis process. To accelerate the process, UV radiation was used. The remaining two extraction methods were alkaline extraction of proteins, wherein one method alkaline extraction was applied directly to the shell waste, and the other method, alkaline extraction followed an acidic demineralization step of the shell waste. The obtained protein concentrates were analysed for yield, crude protein content, DPPH radical scavenging ability, amino acid content, and structure. The results have shown that a similar percentage of protein content was obtained by all three methods: 67.20-68.03 %, but the extraction yield was considerably different. Alkaline deproteinization with or without the step of demineralization resulted in a 9.20-10.98 % yield, while UV radiation accelerated autolysis resulted in only a 3.41 % yield. Although protein extraction without using exogenous enzymes or chemicals is a very interesting approach, a drawback of this approach is the low process yield. FTIR spectroscopy revealed a secondary structure that was similar in all three concentrates, according to peak deconvolution, with the autolytic concentrate differing to a lesser extent, showing a slightly higher share of b-sheet structures. The DPPH assay revealed high antioxidant activity of the concentrates (72.00-88.06 %), probably originating from active peptides derived from proteins and residual carotenoids, mainly astaxanthin.

Extraction and Characterization of the Essential Oil from the Leaves of Ocimum basilicum and Evaluation of its Antioxidant Properties

The essential oil was extracted from the leaves of Ocimum basilicum using a modified steam distillation method. The chemical composition and free radical inhibition property of the plant essential oil were investigated. Results from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of 39 different compounds in the essential oil of Ocimum basilicum. The major components, Terpinen-4-ol (21.31%), Eucalyptol (18.97%), α-Terpineol (14.41%), γ-Terpinene (12.61%), Caryophyllene (11.90%), α-Pinene (6.11%), and β-Myrcene (5.54%), were found in high percentages. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging assays, with Ascorbic acid as a standard drug. The results showed that the essential oil extracted from Ocimum basilicum leaves exhibited positive effects at different concentrations when tested using both methods. At a concentration of 2.5 μL/mL, the Ocimum basilicum essential oil significantly scavenged 60.89% of hydrogen peroxide radicals, while the standard Ascorbic acid scavenged 79.13%. Similarly, at a concentration of 10 μL/mL, the plant’s volatile oil inhibits 87.12% of DPPH radicals, while the standard Ascorbic acid inhibits 90.40%. This study highlights the potential of the essential oil derived from Ocimum basilicum leaves as a valuable source of compounds with free radical scavenging properties, consistent with its traditional medicinal applications. Graphical Abstract showing the entire experimental process:

Combinations of Spent Grains as Sources of Valuable Compounds with Highly Valuable Functional and Microbial Properties

The potential of spent grains as a source of valuable compounds with various properties has gained attention. They are the by-product of the brewing process, typically resulting from the beer-making process. Five different mixed combinations of spent grains of barley, wheat, rice, maize and finger-millet were formulated and further analyzed and compared. Barley and wheat (BW), barley and rice (BR), barley and maize (BM), and barley and finger-millets (BF) were mixed in a ratio of 1:1 (w/w) and ground into a fine powder to study their techno-functional, phytochemical and in vitro properties. The techno-functional, phytochemical and in vitro properties of barley and maize (BM) were found to be the best choice, making it a promising candidate for applications in value-added products. The WAI (water absorption index) of BM (5.03 g/g) was the highest compared to BB (3.20 g/g), BF (3.56 g/g), BR (4.10 g/g) and BW (4.33 g/g), whereas the WSI (water solubility index) and OAC (oil absorption capacity) of BM (7.06% and 1.90 g/g, respectively) were lower than BW (7.60% and 2.24 g/g, respectively), BR (8.20% and 2.30 g/g, respectively), BF (9.67% and 2.57 g/g, respectively) and BB (10.47% and 2.70 g/g, respectively). A higher percentage of inhibition of DPPH (44.14%) and high phenolic and flavonoid contents (72.39 mg GAE/gm and 66.03 mg QE/gm, respectively) were observed in BM. It also showed higher in vitro properties like amylase and lipase inhibition assay (89.05% and 62.34%, respectively) than the other combinations. The present study provides valuable information about the differences between spent grain varieties and their combinations, with potential applications in various industries.

Brewer's Spent Grain, Coffee Grounds, Burdock, and Willow-Four Examples of Biowaste and Biomass Valorization through Advanced Green Extraction Technologies.

This paper explores the transformation of biowastes from food industry and agriculture into high-value products through four examples. The objective is to provide insight into the principles of green transition and a circular economy. The first two case studies focus on the waste generated from the production of widely consumed food items, such as beer and coffee, while the other two examine the potential of underutilized plants, such as burdock and willow, as sources of valuable compounds. Phenolic compounds are the main target in the case of brewer's spent grain, with p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid being the most common. Lipids are a possible target in the case of spent coffee grounds with palmitic (C16:0) and linoleic (C18:2) acid being the major fatty acids among those recovered. In the case of burdock, different targets are reported based on which part of the plant is used. Extracts rich in linoleic and oleic acids are expected from the seeds, while the roots extracts are rich in sugars, phenolic acids such as chlorogenic, caffeic, o-coumaric, syringic, cinnamic, gentisitic, etc. acids, and, interestingly, the high-value compound epicatechin gallate. Willow is well known for being rich in salicin, but picein, (+)-catechin, triandrin, glucose, and fructose are also obtained from the extracts. The study thoroughly analyzes different extraction methods, with a particular emphasis on cutting-edge green technologies. The goal is to promote the sustainable utilization of biowaste and support the green transition to a more environmentally conscious economy.

Biological Properties, Phenolic Profile, and Botanical Aspect of Nigella sativa L. and Nigella damascena L. Seeds: A Comparative Study.

The use of Nigella seeds in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic fields is common, since the iniquity and the virtues of these plants are directly related to their characteristic phytochemical composition. This investigation focused on the comparative study of the botanical aspect, phenolic profile, and in vitro and in vivo biological activities of Nigella sativa L. (NS) and Nigella damascena L. (ND) seeds. The macro- and micro-morphological properties of these seeds were studied, and the key dissimilarities between them were clearly illustrated. The phytochemical contents and phenolic profiles were determined, and the in vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using four methods. The in vivo antioxidant and biochemical parameters of the blood of supplemented mice were determined. The results of the macro- and micro-structure analysis revealed differences between the two plants. Here, ND is characterized by higher phytochemical contents and the best antioxidant activities. The HPLC analysis indicated the presence of nine compounds, namely seven phenolic acids, particularly hydroxybenzoic and caffeic acids, and two flavonoids. The administration of ND extract to mice for 21 days at a concentration of 500 mg/kg allowed a substantial amelioration of plasma antioxidant properties. In addition, the extracts ameliorate blood parameters (cholesterol, triglycerides, glycemia, and urea). Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of extracts demonstrated their effects on Staphylococcus and Aspergillus. Nigella seeds, in particular ND, expressed considerable in vitro antioxidant properties and demonstrated significant amelioration of mice blood properties. Consequently, these species can serve as a valuable source of compounds with various applications.

Extraction, Composition and Comparisons–Free Volatile Compounds from Hydrosols of Nine Veronica Taxa

The extraction of bioactive plant components, which belong to specialized metabolites, is carried out by conventional and novel extraction methods. In this study, a classical (hydrodistillation, HD) and a novel technique (microwave-assisted water extraction, MAE) were used to isolate free volatile compounds from nine Croatian Veronica taxa (family Plantaginaceae). Each of these extracts consists of a lipophilic phase and an aqueous phase (hydrosol). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify the compounds in the hydrosol phase studied taxa Veronica. The compounds β-ionone and benzene acetaldehyde were detected in all nine Veronica hydrosols studied. Other compounds abundant in all investigated species are germacrene D, α-muurolol, (E)-β-damascenone, and β-ionone. Also, the compositions of hydrosols and lipophilic phases (published in our previous research) of these nine Veronica species were compared. Identification of the compounds in both extract parts is important for selecting the extract part for further biological research. According to the distribution of species in the PCA analyses comparing two methods, only two species showed a greater difference in the composition of the hydrosol by the two methods, therefore our conclusion is that for most species there is no significant difference in the composition. Microwave water extraction is a better choice with regards to more environmentally friendly working conditions. Furthermore, we conclude that hydrosol extracts are not waste products, but are a valuable source of compounds with great potential applications.

Fish beyond fillets: Life cycle assessment of cross-processing herring and lingonberry co-products into a food product

The food industry generates side streams that can be used as sources of valuable compounds. We carried out a life cycle assessment of a protein ingredient obtained by pH-shift processing co-products of herring (Clupea harengus) and lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) pomace. The assessment was based on a combination of primary and literature data to assess climate change, cumulative energy demand, land occupation, and depleted stock fraction impacts of marine resources. We analyzed the environmental profile of the fish protein ingredient on its own and as a consumable fish ball preparation. The potential impacts of the protein ingredient fish ball were compared with a benchmark fish ball and with salmon fillets. The results were generally favorable for the protein ingredient fish ball produced via cross-processing herring co-products and lingonberry pomace. This analysis supports the idea of further investment in cross-processing food sidestreams into a protein ingredient for food products.

Cytoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-migratory activity of Pistacia lentiscus L. supercritical carbon dioxide extract on primary human endothelial cells

Green chemistry is a useful tool for producing valuable chemicals from biomass. However, extracted compounds need to be tested for safety and efficacy before their use in humans. Here we investigate the chemical composition and biological effects of a leaves Pistacia lentiscus L. supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) extract. Terpenes represented the main extract fraction, with Germacrene D (11.18%), delta-cadinene (10.54%), and alpha-pinene (8.7%) the most abundant molecules. Challenged with endothelial cells (ECs), increasing extract concentrations failed to affect cell proliferation or promote cell toxicity. ROS assessment in unstressed and H2O2-treated ECs revealed an extract dose-dependent antioxidant activity. Exposition of H2O2-treated ECs to increasing extract concentrations dose-dependently counteracted H2O2-induced cell impairments. The extract significantly counteracted fetal calf serum-induced ECs migration. For the first time, we report that a SCCO2 extract obtained from PL leaves is safe on ECs and may be a useful source of valuable compounds with vasculoprotective properties.

Elderberry Concentrate Juice Industrial By-Products Characterization and Valorisation

The elderberry juice industry generates by-products that can be valorised as a source of valuable compounds, namely anthocyanins and carbohydrates recovered from pomace and retentate. This work aims to valorise the anthocyanins and carbohydrates present in pomace and retentate, focused on the analysis and characterization of the polysaccharides present and their use for the stability of pink beverages. The present work shows that pomace contains 50% of carbohydrates, in which glucose and xylose are the major constituents, probably arising from cellulose and xyloglucans of cell walls polysaccharides and from the moiety of main anthocyanins present in berry skin. The concentrated juice is rich mainly in free sugars (55%), glucose and fructose, containing also pectic polysaccharides. However, a large amount of compounds are retained in the ultrafiltration membranes of 100 kDa, constituting the retentate, comprising 52% of water insoluble material. The remaining 48% constitutes the water-soluble fraction, composed of 47% of free sugars, mainly fructose (80%), and 14% of polymeric material constituted by 38% of pectic polysaccharides and 44% of anthocyanins. The use of the colourant in the form of a complex pectic polysaccharides-anthocyanins allowed to achieve a higher colour stability than the isolated anthocyanins, over more than 22 days. This property allowed to use the retentate water soluble fraction as a natural colourant ingredient to develop a stable pink tonic water.

Growth, biofiltration and photosynthetic performance of Ulva spp. cultivated in fishpond effluents: An outdoor study

Anthropogenic impacts on water resources, especially by ​​nutrient discharge, is a worldwide problem in marine coastal areas. In this context, seaweed cultivation in aquaculture wastewater can be considered as an alternative for effluent mitigation, where the biomass becomes a source of valuable compounds. The current study examined the potential use of the seaweeds Ulva pseudorotundata and Ulva rigida to remove nutrients to treat effluents from the culture of Chelon labrosus. Two experiments were conducted under pilot-scale conditions to evaluate the nutrient uptake, photosynthetic activity, and biomass production of the seaweed species cultivated under 50 and 100% effluent concentrations. Photosynthetic parameters were determined by in vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence associated to photosystem II 3 times a day to estimate photosynthetic performance and seaweed physiology throughout the experiment: optimal quantum yield (Fv/Fm), in situ and ex situ electron transport rate (ETR), photosynthetic efficiency (αETR), saturation irradiance (Ek), and the maximum non-photochemical quenching (NPQmax). To evaluate seaweed metabolism and biomass compounds, elemental and biochemical composition were analyzed in the beginning and end of each experiment. Results regarding the nutrient source showed that both species removed more than 65% of ammonium after 3 hours of experimentation. At the end of the experiments, up to 94.8% of the initial ammonium was sequestered from the effluent. Additionally, after 5 days of cultivation under 50% fish effluent both Ulva species were able to remove more than 85% of the nitrate. Although a decrease in uptake efficiency was observed in cultures with 100% fish effluent, at the end of the experiment more than 440 µmol L-1 of nitrate was removed, considering all treatment conditions. The biomass values showed that growth rates of seaweed cultivated in 100% effluent were higher than those obtained in 50% effluent. Moreover, when cultivated in the 100% effluent concentration, a significant increment in protein content was detected in both Ulva species. Our results contribute to the understanding of biofiltration and photosynthetic performance of two different Ulva species in order to improve growth optimization, enhancement of biofiltration capacity and also to boost management practices of seaweed cultivation in aquaculture effluent treatment systems.

Characterization of bark, needles and cones from silver fir (Abies alba mill.) towards valorization of biomass forestry residues

Valorization of renewable biomass forestry gains more and more interest due to the exhaustible nature of fossil based resources and their negative environment impact. Therefore, this study involves thoroughly characterization of bark, needles and cones from silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) of two different ages (40 and 100 years) to determine their potential use as source of valuable compounds. Proximate/ultimate and compositional analysis as well as thermal behavior showed that the studied materials are promising candidates for biomass valorization by torrefaction and pyrolysis. In addition, it was revealed that fir samples contain significant amounts of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The extractive fractions were found to be rich in highly valuable compounds such as terpenes, paraffins, phenols, acids and derivatives of abietic acid. This induced good antioxidant activity of the extractive fractions, with fast scavenging of DPPH radicals. The PCA and hierarchical clustering used for exploratory data analysis offered the possibility to combine multiple information obtained from detailed characterization of samples into a global view of the system. This allowed us to observe and distinguish similarities and differences among samples according to source and age. Needles stand out from bark and cones due to the high content of terpenes in extractives. Paraffins were the main components in the extractives from cones. Saccharides were found, in small amounts, only in the extractives of bark. Differences by age were also observed. The resulted outcomes provide a promising starting point in selecting suitable sources and procedures for valorization of renewable biomass forestry into energy and value added materials.