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- Advancing Pickering emulsions with natural-based solid dispersion particles: Particle screening and design of pectin-based emulsionsPublication . Rezende, Stephany; Santamaria-Echart, Arantzazu; Ribeiro, Andreia; Dias, Madalena M.; Barreiro, FilomenaGiven the evolving trends in consumption, Pickering emulsions are emerging as a promising solution for functional and healthier foods, highlighting the need to diversify particle stabilisers. This study assessed the potential of curcumin-based solid dispersions (SDs) prepared with natural polymers (pectin, maltodextrin, Arabic gum, potato starch, and k-carrageenan) as Pickering stabilisers. Among these, pectin-curcumin SDs (contact angle = 48.0 ± 3.6◦) demonstrated effective emulsion stabilisation, as confirmed by confocal microscopy. The impact of oil volume fraction (φ = 0.20–0.70) and SD concentration (1.0–5.0 % wt.) on emulsion stability was evaluated. An intermediate φ (0.45) consistently minimised creaming index (CI = 0–16.67 %) and droplet size (D[4,3] =2.53–4.12 μm). Complete reduction of creaming (CI = 0 %) was achieved at high SD concentration with low φ or low SD concentration with high φ, leading to improved stability. The three produced optimised formulations exhibited distinct colour properties (L* = 64.06–72.00, a* = 11.09–12.50, b* = 55.10–60.70), with hues ranging from yellow to orange, highlighting their potential for natural colouring applications. Rheological behaviour varied from gel-like (G’ > G”) to viscoelastic (G’ = G”), broadening their potential in food formulations. Higher SD concentrations with lower/intermediate φ produced structured, gel-like emulsions suitable for sauces or spreads. In contrast, lower SD concentrations with higher φ yielded fluid emulsions for dressings or beverages. These findings highlight the feasibility of SD-based Pickering emulsions for designing stable (≥30 days), visually appealing, and texturally versatile food products.
- Alginate Edible Films Containing Essential Oils: Characterization and Bioactive PotentialPublication . Lopes, Ana I.; Melo, Adma; Afonso, Tiago B.; Silva, Sara; Barros, Lillian; Tavaria, Freni K.; Pintado, ManuelaEssential oils (EOs) are natural substances rich in phenolic compounds with notable antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, they present some limitations, such as low stability and bioavailability. Incorporating EOs into polymeric films offers a novel approach to overcome these challenges while enhancing their efficacy. In this study, we produced and thoroughly characterized alginate-based edible films incorporated with five different EOs—rosemary, eucalyptus, oregano, sage, and thyme. This is the first comprehensive investigation to include this diverse range of EOs in alginate films. Their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that alginate films containing EOs exhibited significant bioactive properties. Notably, the film incorporated with oregano EO completely inhibited the growth of all tested bacteria and fungi and showed the highest antioxidant activity. Based on these findings, alginate films containing EOs present promising bioactive potential and could serve as biodegradable alternatives to conventional packaging materials, reducing environmental impact. However, further studies are necessary to assess their safety profile and confirm their viability as replacements for traditional food packaging. Future research should focus on evaluating cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and the practical application of these films in food matrices.
- Analysis of Airborne Fungal Spores in Lima, Perú (2021–2024): Seven Clinically Important Spore TypesPublication . Idiaquez, Alexa Paredes; Calderón-Llosa, Oscar; Feliciano, Manuel; Sánchez-Reyes, EstefaníaFungal spore calendars help illustrate the abundance and distribution of spores throughout the year, enabling clinicians and patients to predict and treat allergic symptoms based on spore presence and concentration. This three-year study (2021–2024) established the first fungal spore calendar for the most clinically important spore types in Lima, Perú: Alternaria, Cladosporium, Nigrospora, Curvularia, Drechslera, Fusarium, and Stemphylium. Air sampling was performed using a Burkard volumetric spore trap placed on the rooftop of SANNA Clínica el Golf in San Isidro, Lima. Cladosporium was the most abundant (37,945 spores/m3), followed by Nigrospora (11,558), Curvularia (3946), Fusarium (2454), Alternaria (2138), Drechslera (1850), and Stemphylium (201). The highest concentrations of Alternaria, Nigrospora, Curvularia, and Drechslera were recorded in 2023–2024, with seasonal peaks mainly during spring/summer. Meteorological correlations showed that Alternaria, Cladosporium, Nigrospora, and Curvularia were positively correlated with temperature while Drechslera had a negative correlation. Cladosporium, Curvularia, Fusarium, and Stemphylium were negatively correlated with relative humidity, while other types showed a mix of both positive and negative responses or inverse responses. These two meteorological parameters are likely the main influences on spore concentrations; however, other factors may include other meteorological parameters. Cladosporium correlated positively with southwesterly winds, and negatively with northwesterly, winds, and Curvularia was positively correlated with northeasterly winds.
- Anti-Proliferative, Anti-Inflammatory, In Vitro Wound Healing Potentials and Phenolic Content of Phlomis Crinita Cav. ExtractsPublication . Chelgham, Abdelhakim; Borges, Ana Margarida; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Merouane, Abdelaziz; Noui, Abdallah; Saadi, AbdelkaderPhlomis crinita Cav. (P. crinita), a medicinal plant from the Lamiaceae family, is widely used as a natural remedy in traditional North African and Southern European folk medicine to treat lesions and burns through the application of its leaves This study aimed to investigate its biological activities, including antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Hydromethanolic extracts were prepared from the leaves, flowers, and rhizomes. Phytochemical analysis determined total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (FC). Antiproliferative activity was evaluated using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay against five human tumor cell lines (AGS, Caco-2, HeLa, MCF-7, and NCI-H460), each derived from a carcinoma of a distinct organ. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The wound-healing potential was evaluated using the scratch assay. Phytochemical analysis revealed significant variations in TPC and FC among the extracts, with the rhizome extract exhibiting the highest levels: TPC: 128.15 μg GAE/mg DW and FC: 46.91 μg QE/mg DW. All extracts demonstrated antiproliferative activity against the tumor cell lines, with the rhizome extract showing the most potent growth inhibition (GI50: 178.11 ± 4.10 μg/mL against AGS). The rhizome extract also exhibited the most potent inhibition of nitric oxide production (IC50: 152.42 ± 10.88 μg/mL) compared to the other extracts tested. In the wound-healing assay, leaf extract demonstrated comparable healing effects to Allantoin, a known wound-healing agent. Our findings support the notion that P. crinita can be considered a promising source of therapeutic bioactive compounds.
- Antimicrobial and wound healing effects associated to cytocompatibility and the relationship with phytochemical profile of selected Portuguese monofloral honeysPublication . Machado, Alexandra M.; Marto, Joana; Gonçalves, Lídia Maria; Ribeiro, Helena Margarida; Duarte, Aida; Tomás, Andreia; Falcão, Soraia; Vilas-Boas, Miguel; Miguel, Maria Graça; Figueiredo, Ana CristinaOwing to its applications in both food and pharmaceutical industries honey is regarded as a functional product. This study evaluated 32 Portuguese monofloral honeys and their activity was compared with manuka honey 850 + . The antimicrobial activity was determined against Gram-positive and negative bacteria, and yeast. Antioxidant activity, wound healing ability, and cell viability were studied in the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). Phytochemical profile analysis was performed by UPLC/DAD/ESI-MSn. Chestnut, bell heather, eucalyptus, manuka, and strawberry tree honeys demonstrated higher antioxidant activity and were effective against S. aureus. Incense and orange honeys showed wound healing rates of 89 % and 86 %, respectively. All the honeys had cell viability above 76 %. Bell heather and strawberry tree honeys showed the highest total phenolic content, while incense and orange honeys, showed the lower ones. Phytochemical profile analysis evidenced two main clusters, one dominated by isoprenoids and norisoprenoids, as well as phenolic acids and derivatives, while the other included flavonoids as main compounds. Blending different Portuguese monofloral honeys may be an alternative to faster wound healing, by combining their diverse bioactive components. The gathered knowledge can be further explored in formulations that consider the biological activity capacity and composition of each honey.
- Antioxidant Properties and Microbiological Stability of Yogurt Enriched with Elderberry ExtractPublication . Pascariu, Oana-Elena; Estevinho, Letícia M.; Seixas, Natália; Dopcea, Ioan; Boiu-Sicuia, Oana A.; Geicu-Cristea, Mihaela; Israel-Roming, FlorentinaThis study examines the impact of added elderberry (EDB) extract on the physico-chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of yogurt over a 21-day storage period. Two separate experiments were conducted: the first focused on testing concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.5% (w/w) EDB extract for impoving antioxidant properties and replacing potassium sorbate, a chemical preservative commonly used in dairy products, while the second aimed to enhance the bioactive compounds’ concentration by adding 0.5% EDB extract, and to assess the effect of a sweetener (agave syrup) on the sensory profile. Both experimental approaches demonstrated a significant increase (p < 0.01) in total phenolic content. In the first experiment, there was approximately 2.6 times more total phenolic content compared to the control (with a maximum of 11.71 mg GAE/100 g for the sample with 0.2% EDB extract), and about 6 times more with the addition of 0.5% EDB extract and agave syrup (with a maximum of 25.29 mg GAE/100 g). Additionally, the IC50 value decreased for all samples with EDB extract, suggesting enhanced antioxidant activity. Specifically, the antioxidant activity was approximately 3.3 times higher for the control for samples obtained from homemade yogurt with EDB extract, and about 8 times higher for samples obtained by adding EDB extract to commercial yogurt, compared to their respective controls. The high stability of bioactive compounds during the storage period highlights the potential of EDB extract as a functional antioxidant ingredient. Microbiological analysis confirmed the safety of the yogurt, with lactic acid and mesophilic bacteria showing stable counts and minimal declines over time. In the first experiment, a reduction of about 2.3 CFU/g was observed from day 0 to day 21 in samples with 0.1% and 0.2% EDB extract, while the control sample showed a reduction of 1.84 CFU/g. However, the control sample recorded the growth of psychrophilic bacteria, yeasts, and molds. In the second experiment, the samples with 0.5% EDB extract showed an average reduction of approximately 0.35 CFU/g, while the control showed a reduction of 0.51 CFU/g, maintaining stable counts and no detectable growth of psychrophilic bacteria, yeasts, molds, or coliforms. Additionally, the inclusion of different concentrations of EDB extract, along with the combination of a higher concentration of EDB extract and agave syrup, improved the yogurt’s sensory attributes, thereby enhancing consumer acceptance. For the first experiment, 68% of the panelists expressed their preference for the samples with EDB extract, and 10% preferred the control sample. In the second experiment, 49% preferred the sample with 0.5% EDB extract and agave syrup, while 23% preferred the control sample. These findings support the integration of EDB extract into yogurt formulations to boost antioxidant properties while preserving microbiological stability. Future research should explore the potential health benefits and long-term effects of these functional dairy products.
- Application of a lab-made electronic nose as a tool to assess extra virgin olive oil sensory categoryPublication . Ferreiro, Nuno Manuel; Veloso, Ana C.A.; Rodrigues, Nuno; Pereira, José Alberto; Peres, António M.Olive oils assessed by a sensory panel in a national contest and split according to the perceived intensity of the fruitness, green delicate, green medium and green.
- Assessing the prebiotic potential of xylooligosaccharides produced by one-step fermentation using agro-residuesPublication . Cordeiro, Ana; Fernandes, Andreia; Sousa, Joana; Cardoso, Beatriz; Alves, Joana; Silvério, Sara; Peres, António M.; Rodrigues, Lígia R.; Amorim, CláudiaThe prebiotic effect is a fundamental concept in the fields of nutrition and gut health, referring to the beneficial effects of specific non-digestible dietary components on the gut microbiota, including xylooligosaccharides (XOS). These compounds function as food sources for beneficial gut bacteria, fostering their growth and activity. In this work, in vitro studies were performed to evaluate the prebiotic potential of XOS produced from olive stones (OS) and coffee silver skin (CSS) via a one step fermentation using a recombinant Bacillus subtilis 3610 harbouring the xylanase gene xyn2 from Trichoderma reesei. This potential was compared with a commercially available prebiotic oligofructose (Orafti®, BENEO, Germany). A mixture of human faeces from four healthy donors aged between 24 and 28 years old was used as inoculum. The pH variation and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), gases, and ammonia were analysed during the 48 hours fermentations. The prebiotic supplementation resulted in a reduction of the pH value over time, with oligofructose presenting the most significant pH drop at 48 hours (ΔpH=3.65). The addition of prebiotics also significantly increased the production of beneficial SCFAs, with oligofrutose exhibiting a notable increase in the production of lactic and acetic acid production after 48 hours (28.0±0.1 and 28±1 mM, respectively), while OS-XOS and CSS-XOS demonstrated a more prominent rise towards the production of acetic acid (14.8±0.4 and 20.4±0.1 mM, respectively), butyric acid (2.5±0.3 and 3.29±0.04 mM, respectively), and valeric acid (75±1 and 110±14 mM, respectively) at 48 hours. Remarkably, the gas analysis revealed that the addition of OS/CSS-XOS fully suppressed the production of CH4 and increased the CO2 generation after 48 hours (2.6±0.7 and 5.20±0.05 mmol.L-1medium, respectively). These findings strongly suggest that the XOS produced from OS and CSS holds potential prebiotic properties for human health.
- Assessing the Shelf-Life of Olive Oil Under Different Storage Conditions: A Review of Predictive ModelsPublication . Ferreiro, Nuno Manuel; Veloso, Ana C.A.; Pereira, José Alberto; Rodrigues, Nuno; Peres, António M.Olive oil holds a significant position in the global vegetable oil market, often reaching high prices compared to other vegetable oils. However, like other oils, it is vulnerable to oxidation, which can degrade its quality during storage, making it essential to determine its shelf-life. So, kinetic or empirical models have been developed to estimate how long olive oil can maintain the legal quality standards necessary for its commercial classification or to be marketed with nutritional or health claim. This study reviews recent advancements in modelling approaches to predict the shelf-life of olive oil under different storage conditions, namely storage duration (from 2 months to 2 years), temperature (20–50 ºC), and light exposure (light versus dark storage). Most models estimate the timeframe in which olive oil remains compliant with regulatory requirements for specific commercial grades, namely extra virgin olive oil, with fewer models addressing health-related claims. Developed models include pseudo zero-, pseudo first-, and pseudo second-order kinetic models and empirical models, derived from experimental data on the oil’s chemical stability over time. While empirical models can be highly accurate, they often require extensive chemical data, including for compounds for which no legal thresholds exist, and complex statistical techniques, limiting their use by non-specialists. In contrast, kinetic models offer simpler and user-friendly mathematical equations. Nonetheless, olive oil’s shelf-life predictions remain influenced by factors such as initial oil composition, packaging materials, and storage conditions, underscoring the ongoing need to refine the predictive models.
- Assessment of farmer's knowledge about fungi and mycotoxin in Southern MozambiquePublication . Bila, João; Macuamule, Custódia; Bombe, Amina; Ribeiro, Maria Isabel; Venâncio, Armando; Afonso, Sandra; Rodrigues, PaulaMycotoxins find their way into the human and animal body through the consumption of mycotoxin contaminated foods, which may result in acute or chronic intoxication. This study aimed to assess knowledge about fungi and mycotoxins among farmers in the provinces of Gaza and Inhamban.e, in southem Mozamhique.Data were collected using quantitative study hased on non-probabilistic questionnaire, covering 180 farmers from Gaza (90) and Inhambane (90) Provinces, from October to November 2022. Data were subjected to descriptive and statistical analysis. The majority of farmers were aged 36 or over (75.0%), were female (75.2%), had no education or only had primary education (80.6%) and had been a farmer for longer 15 years old (64.4%). The level of knowledge about fungi and mycotoxins is mainly explained by the province of residence, followed by the level of education, age and gender, with producers with higher levels of education and of male gender recording a higher level of knowledge. Regarding mycotoxins, most fanners have never heard about these toxic compounds. Likewise, regardless of the province, a significant number of farmers did not know or have never accounted for production losses or income losses due to fungal or mycotoxin contamination.