A carregar...
34 resultados
Resultados da pesquisa
A mostrar 1 - 10 de 34
- Microbial and pest contamination in nuts: Radio frequency disinfestation and controlled atmosphere preservation – A reviewPublication . Liberal, Ângela; Fernandes, Ângela; Moreira, Jorge; Fernandes, Natércia; Gonçalves, Alexandre; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, LillianNuts are increasingly recognized for their rich nutritional profile and bioactive potential, making them a sig- nificant economic contributor globally. However, the commercialization of nuts necessitates stringent quality control measures to mitigate infestations by insect pests and microorganisms, which can lead to rapid deterio- ration both pre- and post-harvest. Contamination often arises from inadequate practices in harvesting, packaging, storage, and transportation, heightening the risk of pathogen infection and mycotoxin contamination. To address these challenges, innovative preservation techniques are essential for enhancing food safety and extending shelf- life without compromising quality. Radiofrequency (RF) technology has emerged as a promising solution in food processing, utilizing volumetric heating for effective disinfestation, pathogen pasteurization, drying, and blanching while maintaining product integrity. In contrast, Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage employs gas composition control to create low-oxygen environments that inhibit microbial growth during storage. This re- view aims to provide a comprehensive overview of nut safety and preservation by identifying key contamination sources and the microorganisms that target nuts. It will analyze the effectiveness of RF and CA technologies in preserving and decontaminating nuts. By exploring these advanced methods, this study highlights their potential to surpass conventional processes, ultimately improving nut safety and quality throughout the supply chain.
- Biotechnological approaches for reducing antinutrients and enhancing lentil (Lens culinaris) flours qualityPublication . Liberal, Ângela; Fernandes, Ângela; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Vívar-Quintana, Ana Maria; Barros, LillianThis study explores the effects of germination and cooking as pretreatments, followed by fermentation using different starter cultures on the physicochemical, nutritional, and techno-functional properties of Beluga and Du Puy lentil flours, focusing on reducing antinutritional factors and enhancing nutrient bioavailability. Fermentation was conducted using lactic acid bacteria (Furfurilactobacillus rossiae and Lactobacillus brevis) and a probiotic yeast (Saccharomyces boulardii) as starter cultures, individually and in combination. Results showed significant improvements in protein content, which increased by up to 38.4 g/100 g dry weight (dw) in Beluga lentils, and γ-tocopherol levels, which reached 8.15 mg/100 g dw after fermentation with L. brevis. Also, in Beluga lentils, germination followed by fermentation with F. rossiae and S. boulardii reduced carbohydrates to 57.7 g/100 g dw. Germination alone enhanced sucrose concentrations to 4.09 g/100 g dw and 4.44 g/100 g dw both Beluga and Du Puy lentils, respectively, while fermentation reduced its levels and promoted glucose production, reaching up to 1.02 g/100 g dw. Reduction in antinutritional factors was notable, with decreased phytic acid and condensed tannins concentration. Techno-functional properties such as water and oil holding capacity, and emulsifying capacity also improved significantly across treatments, enhancing the versatility of lentil flours in diverse food applications. These results highlight the potential of tailored processing techniques to enhance the physico-chemical profile of lentils, providing a foundation for their use in developing nutrient-dense, plant-based food products. Such innovations offer sustainable alternatives to traditional food sources, aligning with the growing demand for high-yield, environmentally friendly options.
- Biochemical and molecular profiling of wild edible mushrooms from huila, AngolaPublication . Kissanga, Raquel; Liberal, Ângela; Diniz, Ines; Rodrigues, Ana S. B.; Baptista-Ferreira, Joao L.; Batista, Dora; Ivanov, Marija; Soković, Marina; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Fernandes, Ângela; Barros, Lillian; Catarino, LuísThe harvesting, processing, and sale of wild edible mushrooms (WEM) is a relevant economic activity in Angola and a good example of the use of non-wood forest products for food. Although there is deep traditional knowledge about the general properties of WEMs, a huge gap remains in detailed scientific knowledge. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the socio-economic importance of the species sold at local markets in Huila, Angola, from their molecular identification to the assessment of their nutritional, chemical, and bioactive profiles. From the eight WEM morphotypes studied, five were identified based on phenotypical and molecular approaches (four Russula spp., and Amanita loosei). The studied mushrooms proved to be a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, and ashes, also presenting low amounts of fat. Chemical analyses further revealed mannitol as the main free sugar in all samples, and organic acids, namely, oxalic, quinic, malic, citric, and fumaric acids in low amounts. Additionally, the alpha-tocopherol isoform and monounsaturated fatty acids were predominant. Regarding phenolic acids, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric, and cinnamic acids were detected in all mushroom hydroethanolic extracts, being responsible for their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Our investigation contributes to the identification and knowledge of WEMs as important complementary food sources in Angola, some of which were reported for the first time, promoting their utilization as a basis of nutritional and functional ingredients, as being able to be part of a balanced diet and to be used in new bio-based formulations.
- Chemical composition and biological activity of Commelina erecta: an edible wild plant consumed in BrazilPublication . Cavichi, Lucas V.; Liberal, Ângela; Dias, Maria Inês; Mandim, Filipa; Pinela, José; Kostić, Marina; Soković, Marina; Kalschne, Daneysa Lahis; Fernandes, Ângela; Canan, Cristiane; Barros, Lillian; Amaral, Joana S.In recent years, the interest in products of natural origin has boosted the exploitation and use of plants as food and sources of bioactive compounds, especially wild plants widely used in different cultures for several purposes. Commelina erecta is a wild edible plant (WEP) traditionally used as food and medicine, about which few studies exist. Thus, this study aimed at enhancing the knowledge about its nutritional, chemical and bioactive profile, considering different plant parts and development stages, in order to increase its inclusion in the diet of South American communities. The nutritional profile was found to be similar to other WEP frequently consumed in Brazil. Thirteen phenolic compounds (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) were tentatively identified, with apigenin, luteolin and quercetin derivatives being the most abundant. Fructose and oxalic acid were the major sugar and organic acid, respectively, in the aerial parts of C. erecta, and four isoforms of tocopherols were also identified. Regarding the plant’s antioxidant activity, the EC50 values varied between 18.4 and 1060 µg/mL in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation assay (TBARS) and between 53 and 115 µg/mL in the oxidative haemolysis inhibition (OxHLIA) assay. The hydroethanolic extract obtained from stems at the flowering stage also presented anti-inflammatory activity. In general, all the extracts evidenced promising antimicrobial activity. Altogether, these results reinforce the traditional use of this plant species as food and medicine to support the diet of needier populations and also promote food sovereignty and sustainability.
- Bioactive properties and phenolic compound profiles of turnip-rooted, plain-leafed and curly-leafed parsley cultivarsPublication . Liberal, Ângela; Fernandes, Ângela; Polyzos, Nikolaos; Petropoulos, Spyridon Α.; Dias, Maria Inês; Pinela, José; Petrović, Jovana; Soković, Marina; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, LillianPetroselinum crispum Mill., Fuss., is a culinary vegetable used as an aromatic herb that garnishes and flavours a great variety of dishes. In the present study, the chemical profiles and bioactivities of leaf samples from 25 cultivars (three types: plain- and curly-leafed and turnip-rooted) from this species were assessed. Seven phenolic compounds were identified in all the varieties, including apigenin and kaempherol derivates. Apigenin-O-pentoside-O-hexoside was the major compound in all the tested parsley types (20, 22 and 13 mg/g of extract, respectively) and responsible for its excellent antioxidant activity, also investigated in this study. Antimicrobial activities were also explored, and the results revealed a good bioactivity against specific tested pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi. In conclusion, the leaves of all the types of P. crispum are a good source of natural bioactive compounds that confer health benefits, and thus, they should be part of a balanced and diversified diet.
- Chemical and Bioactive Properties of Red Rice with Potential Pharmaceutical UsePublication . Baptista, Eugénia; Liberal, Ângela; Cardoso, Rossana V.C.; Fernandes, Ângela; Dias, Maria Inês; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; García, Pablo A.; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barreira, João C.M.Red rice has been proposed as a super-food. Accordingly, the nutritional properties (AOAC), as well as its chemical composition, including sugars (HPLC-RI), organic acids (UFLC-PDA), tocopherols (HPLD-FD), and phenolic compounds (LC-DAD-ESI/MSn), together with the main bioactive properties (antioxidant, cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and antibacterial activities), were evaluated to access its nutritional benefits and health improvement potential. The most abundant macronutrients found were carbohydrates (87.2 g/100 g dw), proceeded by proteins (9.1 g/100 g dw), fat (2.6 g/100 g dw), and ash (1.1 g/100 g dw). Sucrose and raffinose were the only detected sugars, with sucrose presenting the maximum concentration (0.74 g/100 g dw). MUFAs and PUFAs were the predominant fatty acids (40.7% and 31%, respectively). Among the two detected tocopherol isoforms, γ-tocopherol (0.67 mg/100 g dw) predominated over α-tocopherol. The phenolic compounds profile, majorly composed of flavan-3-ols, should be associated with the detected bioactivities, which may provide biological benefits to human health beyond the primary nutritional effect. Overall, the bioactive potential of red rice was comprehensively accessed.
- A comparison of the bioactivity and phytochemical profile of three different cultivars of globe amaranth: red, white, and pinkPublication . Liberal, Ângela; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Pereira, Carla; Adega, Filomena; Barros, Lillian; Dueñas, Montserrat; Santos-Buelga, Celestino; Abreu, Rui M.V.; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.The phytochemical profiles and bioactivities of red, white and pink globe amaranth (Gomphrena haageana K., Gomphrena globosa var. albiflora and Gomphrena sp., respectively), much less studied than the purple species (G. globosa L.), were compared. The chemical characterization of the samples included the analysis of macronutrients and individual profiles of sugars, organic acids, fatty acids, tocopherols, and phenolic compounds. Their bioactivity was evaluated by determining the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities; the absence of cytotoxicity was also determined. Red and pink samples showed the highest sugar content. Otherwise, the white sample gave the highest level of organic acids, and together with the pink one showed the highest tocopherol and PUFA levels. Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside was the major flavonol in white and pink samples, whereas a tetrahydroxy-methylenedioxyflavone was the major compound in the red variety, which revealed a different phenolic profile. The pink globe amaranth hydromethanolic extract revealed the highest antioxidant activity, followed by those of red and white samples. The anti-inflammatory activity was more relevant in red and pink varieties. None of the samples presented toxicity in liver cells. Overall, these samples can be used in bioactive formulations against inflammatory processes and in free radical production.
- Determination of Carbohydrate Composition in Lentils Using Near-Infrared SpectroscopyPublication . López-Calabozo, Rocío; Liberal, Ângela; Fernandes, Ângela; Revilla, Isabel; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, Lillian; Vivar-Quintana, Ana MariaCarbohydrates are the main components of lentils, accounting for more than 60% of their composition. Their content is influenced by genetic factors, with different contents depending on the variety. These compounds have not only been linked to interesting health benefits, but they also have a significant influence on the techno-functional properties of lentil-derived products. In this study, the use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict the concentration of total carbohydrate, fibre, starch, total sugars, fructose, sucrose and raffinose was investigated. For this purpose, six different cultivars of macrosperm (n = 37) and microsperm (n = 43) lentils have been analysed, the samples were recorded whole and ground and the suitability of both recording methods were compared. Different spectral and mathematical pre-treatments were evaluated before developing the calibration models using the Modified Partial Least Squares regression method, with a cross-validation and an external validation. The predictive models developed show excellent coefficients of determination (RSQ > 0.9) for the total sugars and fructose, sucrose, and raffinose. The recording of ground samples allowed for obtaining better models for the calibration of starch content (R > 0.8), total sugars and sucrose (R > 0.93), and raffinose (R > 0.91). The results obtained confirm that there is sufficient information in the NIRS spectral region for the development of predictive models for the quantification of the carbohydrate content in lentils.
- Nutritional and phytochemical profiles and biological activities of Moringa oleifera Lam. edible parts from Guinea-Bissau (West Africa)Publication . Fernandes, Ângela; Bancessi, Aducabe; Pinela, José; Dias, Maria Inês; Liberal, Ângela; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Ćirić, Ana; Soković, Marina; Catarino, Luís; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, LillianMoringa oleifera is an edible medicinal plant used to fight malnutrition in Africa. In this study, M. oleifera flowers, fruits and seeds from Guinea-Bissau were characterized for their nutritional composition and hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts were prepared to investigate the phenolic profiles and bioactivities. Seeds presented higher levels of proteins (~31 g/100 g dw), fat (~26 g/100 g dw) and flavan-3-ol derivatives, while carbohydrates, proteins, citric acid, and glycosylated flavonoids were abundant in fruits and flowers, these last samples also being rich in α-tocopherol (~18 mg/100 g dw). Some of the identified polyphenols had never been described in M. oleifera. In general, hydroethanolic extracts contained more polyphenols and were more active against lipid peroxidation, NO production, and tumour cells growth. Significant antimicrobial effects against the tested bacteria and fungi strains were displayed by both hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts. The M. oleifera potential to fight malnutrition and health issues was highlighted.
- Chemical features and bioactivities of lactuca canadensis L., an unconventional food plant from Brazilian cerradoPublication . Liberal, Ângela; Coelho, Carla T.P.; Fernandes, Ângela; Cardoso, Rossana V.C.; Dias, Maria Inês; Pinela, José; Alves, Maria José; Severino, Vanessa G.P.; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, LillianThroughout the world, people’s diet is generally quite restricted regarding the variety of plants used in their daily regime. The Unconventional Food Plant (UFP) Lactuca canadensis L. is an edible species of wild lettuce sparsely described in literature and considered to be native from the eastern and central parts of North America. To valorize this species as potential alternative food, an analysis of its nutritional, chemical, and bioactive properties was performed. The results specify the occurrence of organic acids, mainly quinic acid (127.9 ± 0.6 g/kg dry weight (dw)), polyunsaturated fatty acids (65.3%), among which are linolenic acid (44.4 ± 0.4 %), and tocopherols, mostly α-tocopherol (61.2 ± 0.7 mg/kg dw). Additionally, eight phenolic compounds were also identified, among which luteolin-O-glucuronide was found in larger amounts in both infusion and hydroethanolic extracts (5.46 ± 0.09 and 4.6 ± 0.1 mg/g dw, respectively). Carbohydrates and proteins were the main macronutrients (603 ± 1 and 177.5 ± 0.3 g/kg dw, respectively), followed by ashes (166.5 ± 0.9), indicative of a great amount of minerals. Additionally, good antioxidant and antibacterial activities were detected in the analyzed extracts. In general, our results contribute to extend the range of different, unexploited, and nutritionally balanced plant foods, such as Lactuca canadensis, that can and should be included in the daily diet.