Centre of Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry

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Publications

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish by-products: Innovative extraction and application in food and feed

Publication . Rodrigues, Matilde; Rosa, Ana; Almeida, André; Martins, Rui; Ribeiro, Tânia; Pintado, Manuela; Gonçalves, Raquel F.S.; Pinheiro, Ana C.; Fonseca, António J.M.; Maia, Margarida R.G.; Cabrita, Ana R.J.; Barros, Lillian; Caleja, Cristina

Omega -3 fatty acids (O3FA) are essential nutrients that play a crucial role in maintaining human and animal health. They are known for their numerous health claims, including cardiovascular benefits, contributing to both the prevention and treatment of immunological, neurological, reproductive, and cardiovascular complications, and supporting overall well-being. Fish, especially oily fish, comprise rich source of O3FA. In the fish industry, significant amounts of by-products and waste are generated during processing which are often discarded or used for lower -value applications. However, there is recognition of the potential value of extracting O3FA from these by-products. Various extraction techniques can be used, but the goal is to efficiently extract and concentrate the O3FA while minimizing the loss of nutritional value. To prevent oxidation and maintain the stability of O3FA, natural antioxidants can be added. Antioxidants like polyphenolic compounds and plant extracts help to protect the O3FA from degradation caused by exposure to oxygen, light, and heat. By stabilizing the O3FA, the shelf life and nutritional value of the extracted product can be extended. In summary, this work presents a forwardlooking strategy for transforming fish by-products into high -quality oils, which hold great potential for application in food and feed.

2024Journal article

Open access

Smart-data-driven system for alzheimer disease detection through electroencephalographic signals

Publication . Araújo, Teresa; Teixeira, João Paulo; Rodrigues, Pedro Miguel

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) stands out as one of the main causes of dementia worldwide and it represents around 65% of all dementia cases, affecting mainly elderly people. AD is composed of three evolutionary stages: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Mild and Moderate AD (ADM) and Advanced AD (ADA). It is crucial to create a tool for assisting AD diagnosis in its early stages with the aim of halting the disease progression. Methods: The main purpose of this study is to develop a system with the ability of differentiate each disease stage by means of Electroencephalographic Signals (EEG). Thereby, an EEG nonlinear multi-band analysis by Wavelet Packet was performed enabling to extract several features from each study group. Classic Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) methods have been used for data classification per EEG channel. Results: The maximum accuracies obtained were 78.9% (Healthy controls (C) vs. MCI), 81.0% (C vs. ADM), 84.2% (C vs. ADA), 88.9% (MCI vs. ADM), 93.8% (MCI vs. ADA), 77.8% (ADM vs. ADA) and 56.8% (All vs. All). Conclusions: The proposed method outperforms previous studies with the same database by 2% in binary comparison MCI vs. ADM and central and parietal brain regions revealed abnormal activity as AD progresses.

2022Journal article

Open access

A Comprehensive Review of Fish Protein Hydrolysates Targeting Pet Food Formulations

Publication . Ribeiro, Tânia Isabel Bragança; Maia, Margarida R.G.; Fonseca, António J.M.; Marques, Bianca; Caleja, Cristina; Rosa, Ana; Martins, Rui; Almeida, André; Mota, Maria J.; Aires, Tiago; Rocha, Cristina M.R.; Teixeira, José António; Cabrita, Ana R.J.; Barros, Lillian; Pintado, Manuela

The fish industry generates significant amounts of fish by- and co-products (FBCPs) annually, projected to reach 160.8 million tonnes by 2030. This growth highlights the urgent need for sustainable FBCP management and an opportunity to improve the sector’s environmental sustainability. Fish protein hydrolysates (FBCPHs) and bioactive peptides (BPs) derived from these FBCPs are gaining recognition in the pet food sector for their nutritional and bioactives benefits. FBCPHs, primarily sourced from category 3 by-products unsuitable for human consumption, could significantly enhance the economic viability of both industries. This review analyzes production processes, highlighting the benefits and challenges of enzymatic hydrolysis and reviewed emerging technologies such as subcritical water hydrolysis (SWH), which are promising sustainable alternatives by enhancing extraction efficiency and reducing energy consumption. The review explores FBCPHs’ applications in pet food, focusing on beneficial biological activities (e.g. antioxidant, prebiotic, neuroprotective). Findings show FBCPHs have significant potential in pet food formulations, providing palatability, hypoallergenic benefits, and addressing health concerns like gastrointestinal disorders and stress-related behaviors. However, further research is required to optimize production processes, scale industrial application, and ensure regulatory compliance. In conclusion, FBCPHs present a valuable solution for promoting sustainability, improving pet nutrition, and supporting the circular economy.

2024Journal article

Open access

Valorization of Solanum melongena L. crop by-products: Phenolic composition and in vitro antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial properties

Publication . Añibarro-Ortega, Mikel; Dias, Maria Inês; Petrović, Jovana; Núñez, Sonia; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Costa, Eduardo M.; Machado, M.; Pintado, Manuela; Soković, Marina; López, Víctor; Barros, Lillian; Pinela, José

This study explored the valorization of post-harvest eggplant aerial parts as a sustainable source of value-added ingredients by investigating their phenolic composition and in vitro bioactive properties. HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn analysis identified chlorogenic acid derivatives as the predominant phenolic compounds (53 % of the phenolic fraction), followed by O-glycosylated kaempferol and quercetin. The extract displayed antioxidant activity in physiologically relevant cell-based assays and significant α-glucosidase inhibitory capacity that far exceeded that of the standard drug acarbose. It also inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), suggesting its potential to mitigate diabetes-related complications. Furthermore, the extract showed a modest pancreatic lipase inhibitory effect and capacity to suppress interleukin 6 production. Selective cytotoxicity against human gastric and colon adenocarcinoma cell lines and strong antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens were observed. Given the growing demand for natural alternatives to synthetic drugs, these findings position eggplant crop biomass as a promising, sustainable source of active compounds with potential applications in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical formulations for managing type 2 diabetes and other oxidative stress-mediated conditions. This study not only contributes to the valorization of agricultural waste but also expands the research on by-products of Solanaceae crops, offering a pathway for sustainable resource utilization.

2025Journal article

Open access

Alginate Edible Films Containing Essential Oils: Characterization and Bioactive Potential

Publication . Lopes, Ana I.; Melo, Adma; Afonso, Tiago B.; Silva, Sara; Barros, Lillian; Tavaria, Freni K.; Pintado, Manuela

Essential 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.

2025Journal article

Open access