CIMO - Posters em Encontros Científicos Nacionais
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- Proposal for the Development of Bio Based Hybrid Molecules: Exploring Molecular Dynamics for Coloring and Preservation of MoleculesPublication . Novais, Cláudia; Sousa, Sérgio F.; Abreu, Rui M.V.; Santos-Buelga, Celestino; Pereira, Carla; Barros, LillianDespite the considerable progress in the field of food additives, the controversy in which some of them are still involved has encouraged research into the next generation of safer and healthier counterparts
- Exploring molecular dynamics for the development of bio-based hybrid molecules with applications in coloring and preservationPublication . Novais, Cláudia; Sousa, Sérgio F.; Abreu, Rui M.V.; Santos-Buelga, Celestino; Pereira, CarlaAlthough substantial progress has been made in food additives, ongoing controversies surrounding some of them have driven research into the next generation of safer and healthier options. These additives can come from natural sources and confer health benefits beyond coloring or preserving, among others. However, issues of stability, sustainability, and cost effectiveness often constitute limiting factors, highlighting the need for innovative solutions [1] Non-covalent complexation is a natural process and a crucial mechanism for stabilizing and enhancing blue, violet, and red colors in flowers, vegetables, and fruits. In this context, copigmentation with antioxidant and antimicrobial molecules can be explored. New cheminformatics tools and models can be used to support the development of unique dual function hybrid compounds by predicting and verifying experimental results in order to develop new bio-based molecules as the next generation of food additives [2]. For that purpose, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to evaluate the interaction between several natural molecules, used as colorants, and two natural antioxidants (ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol) by calculating their binding affinity (ΔG). System minimizations were performed using the Sander program from the AMBER18 software package. For the equilibrium and production phases, PMEMD was used, followed by analysis using CPPTRAJ, both from the AMBER18 software package. Among all colorants, the interaction with the antioxidant showing the highest average ΔG was α-tocopherol, particularly notable in the case of curcumin (-10.02). For ascorbic acid, the ΔG values were around zero. Based on these results, further studies will be performed to assess the potential hybridization between the curcumin molecule and α-tocopherol, as also the effectiveness of the hybrid as a dual-function additive.
- Potencial de Pigmentos Naturais Bioativos: Técnicas de Extração Convencionais e Não Convencionais, Métodos de Estabilização e Aplicações na Indústria AlimentarPublication . Molina, Adriana K.; Corrêa, Rúbia C.G.; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.; Barros, Lillian; Pereira, Carla
- Perfil mineral e fitoquímico de microvegetais de acelga biofortificados com selénioPublication . Pereira, Alexis; Dias, Maria Inês; Oliveira, Beatriz; Pinela, JoséO selénio (Se) é um micronutriente essencial nos mamíferos, desempenhando um papel crucial no funcionamento normal da tiroide e no fortalecimento do sistema imunológico [1]. Embora necessário em pequenas quantidades, a ingestão inadequada de alimentos ricos em Se está associada a graves problemas de saúde [1]. Além disso, quando o teor de selénio no solo agrícola é baixo, as colheitas apresentam inevitavelmente uma menor concentração deste mineral. A biofortificação de alimentos surge, portanto, como uma estratégia para mitigar a deficiência de selénio na dieta. Este estudo teve como objetivo produzir microvegetais de acelga (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla) biofortificados com selénio em sistemas de agricultura vertical. Os microvegetais foram produzidos numa câmara climática de dimensões “walk-in”, com condições controladas de luz, temperatura e humidade, e suplementados com uma solução nutritiva contendo diferentes concentrações de selenato e selenito de sódio. Quatorze dias após a sementeira, os microvegetais foram colhidos, desidratados e submetidos a extração sólido-líquido com etanol a 80% para obtenção de extratos para análise. Os perfis de compostos fenólicos, betalaínas, ácidos orgânicos, açúcares livres e elementos minerais foram determinados através de diferentes técnicas, incluindo métodos cromatográficos e espectroscópicos. As análises permitiram identificar ácido oxálico, sete betalaínas e até oito compostos fenólicos; porém, não foram detetados açúcares solúveis. Por outro lado, os microvegetais biofortificados com selenato de sódio apresentaram teores mais elevados de selénio, potássio, cálcio e ferro, em comparação com aqueles biofortificados com selenito de sódio. Os resultados indicaram que a fonte inorgânica de selénio utilizada na biofortificação influencia o perfil mineral e fitoquímico dos microvegetais de acelga, sendo o selenato de sódio a fonte mais eficiente para a acumulação de nutrientes essenciais.
- Uso sustentável da abóbora: extratos de subprodutos de abóbora egípcia como conservantes naturalPublication . Leichtweis, Maria Gabriela; Molina, Adriana K.; Pereira, Carla; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Mohamed, Mustafa H.M.; Oliveira, Beatriz; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, LillianAtualmente, a indústria alimentícia tem desenvolvido cada vez mais produtos práticos, prontos para consumo e com longa vida útil.
- Compostos bioativos de bio resíduos de abóbora para aplicação em alimentosPublication . Leichtweis, Maria Gabriela; Molina, Adriana K.; Pereira, Carla; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, LillianEm relação à avaliação da atividade antioxidante, todas as amostras apresentaram grande capacidade antioxidante.
- Proximate composition and free sugar and fatty acids profiles of Asian hornet larvae: An alternative food source?Publication . Pereira, Alexis; Dias, Maria Inês; Pereira, Carla; Pinto, M. Alice; Barros, Lillian; Pinela, JoséAsian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) is an invasive species native to Southeast Asia that unintentionally found its way into Europe in 2004.1,2 It was first reported in France and rapidly spread across the country and later into other European nations, including Portugal in 2011.2 Asian hornet larvae are believed to be rich in nutrients, but further research is required to determine their potential as an alternative food source. Although entomophagy is recognized as a sustainable dietary practice for replacing animal protein and promoting food security, it has not received the deserved attention in many Western countries.3 Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the proximate composition and individual profiles of free sugars and fatty acids in Asian hornet larvae from nests collected in Northern Portugal. The Asian hornet population from each nest was immobilized with cold carbon dioxide. Thereafter, the nests were dissected to remove the larvae, which were analyzed for moisture, ash, protein, crude fat, and dietary fiber contents following official food analysis procedures.4 The carbohydrate content was estimated by difference, and the energy value was calculated according to current regulations.5 HPLC-RI and GC-FID techniques were employed to characterize the individual profiles of free sugars and fatty acids, respectively.6 The study revealed that proteins and carbohydrates were the most abundant macronutrients, followed by crude fat and dietary fiber. A 100 g portion of dehydrated larvae provided 446 kcal of energy. Furthermore, seven free sugars and twenty-five fatty acids were identified in the studied samples. Overall, these findings contribute to a more detailed characterization of the nutritional value of this invasive species' larvae. In future works, it will be important to perform other chemical analyses and promote the consumer's perception and attitude toward the inclusion of insects into sustainable contemporary diets.
- Biofortification of Swiss chard micro- and baby greens with selenium and iodinePublication . Pereira, Alexis; Dias, Maria Inês; Pinela, JoséAgrifood systems are currently facing security due to their capacity to address the challenges posed by population growth, climate change, and depletion of natural resources.
- Diversidade nutricional de acessos de tomate de mesa das regiões Centro e Norte de PortugalPublication . Pereira, Alexis; Añibarro-Ortega, Mikel; Rocha, Filomena; Lopes, V. Rolim; Carvalho, Ana Maria; Barata, Ana Maria; Barros, Lillian; Pinela, JoséO tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) é uma das culturas hortícolas mais importantes em todo o mundo e desempenha um papel fundamental na dieta mediterrânica. Ao longo dos anos, o cultivo de tomate em sistemas agrícolas extensivos, como hortas e quintais, levou ao surgimento de várias variedades tradicionais com características morfológicas e sensoriais distintas. Estas variedades representam um valioso reservatório de diversidade genética que deve ser preservado. No entanto, há uma escassez de dados na literatura que relacionem as características morfológicas do tomate com diferenças na sua composição. O objetivo deste estudo foi caraterizar a diversidade nutricional de acessos de tomate de mesa originários das regiões Centro e Norte de Portugal, atualmente conservados no Banco Português de Germoplasma Vegetal. Para isso, foram selecionados vários acessos de tomate conhecidos localmente como "comum," "coração-de-boi," "pequenino," "rasteiro" e "miúdo". Estes acessos foram regenerados em campos experimentais, sob as mesmas condições edafoclimáticas, para obter frutos maduros para análise e reposição de sementes. Os frutos foram analisados quanto à sua composição centesimal, incluindo os teores de humidade, proteína, gordura, cinzas e hidratos de carbono, utilizando métodos analíticos oficiais para alimentos. Os perfis individuais de açúcares livres, ácidos orgânicos, ácidos gordos e tocoferóis foram caraterizados por meio de diferentes técnicas cromatográficas. Os carotenoides licopeno e β-caroteno foram quantificados utilizando um método espetrofotométrico. Os resultados destas análises contribuíram para uma compreensão abrangente sobre as características nutricionais dos acessos de tomate de mesa selecionados e com origem nas regiões Centro e Norte de Portugal.
- Biofortification of Swiss chard baby leafy greens with selenium and iodine in indoor vertical farming systemsPublication . Pereira, Alexis; Dias, Maria Inês; Oliveira, Beatriz; Pinela, JoséAgrifood systems are currently facing scrutiny due to their capacity to address the challenges posed by population growth, climate change, and depletion of natural resources. Consequently, addressing food insecurity and malnutrition has become a significant focus of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. One critical aspect of human nutrition is the deficiency of essential micronutrients like selenium and iodine (the so-called hidden hunger), which affects billion people worldwide and leads to severe health issues [1]. Climate change can further exacerbate this problem by reducing the levels of these elements in the soils and, consequently, in food crops [2]. Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla) is an herbaceous leafy vegetable consumed worldwide and popular for its year-round availability and affordability. It is rich in antioxidants and the leaves and stalks contain high quantities of chlorophyll and betalain pigments, dietary fiber, and micronutrients such as vitamins A and C and minerals such as calcium, iron, and phosphorus [3]. This study aims to address these scientific questions by developing sustainable biofortification methods for Swiss chard baby leafy greens in vertical farming systems. To achieve this, the combined effects of different concentrations of selenium and iodine forms in the nutrient solution and variable blue-red LED light ratios on the production of baby leafy greens will be investigated [4]. After harvest, the plants will be characterized for morphophysiological, phytochemical, nutritional, and bioactive parameters using a wide range of analytical techniques and in vitro cell-based assays [5,6]. The efficiency of biofortification will be assessed through bioaccessibility and bioavailability studies of the target micronutrients [7]. This transdisciplinary research is expected to develop sustainable techniques to improve the nutritional status of Swiss chard baby leafy greens through biofortification in controlled-environment vertical farms. The anticipated outcomes have the potential to catalyse the development of innovative food production processes, ultimately leading to the creation of more sustainable, healthier, and nutrient-rich plant foods.