Abstract: The paper describes the application of four different Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments on the same olive oil sample to extract, in our best extent, the oil chemical composition reasonably featured by the specific genotype (cultivar) and de-tailed environmental conditions (terroir). The acquisition of three different 1H-NMR experiments was set to extract the combined information about a) main components, b) less represented components, and c) very tiny represented but key-ruling secoridoid species, respectively. To enclose the main chemical information within a unique da-taset, a single 1H NMR spectrum was reconstructed by customized crops from the three mentioned experiments (RICC-NMR). The robust setup of four experiments, namely I) standard 1H{13C}, II) multiple pre-saturated 1H{13C}; III) 1H selective excita-tion at 9.25 ppm, and IV) 13C{1H} acquisition, allowed to process the 1H-RICC-NMR and the 13C-NMR profiles so that any sample chemometrics was chemo-metrically characterized with an enhanced precision over several key minor species important for the remarkable analytical conclusions. In this paper, some specific EVOOs from Sicily and Sardinia are compared and discussed.

Abstract: Bee pollen is widely recognized for its health benefits, with its nutritional and bioactive properties varying by botanical origin. This study analyzed twelve bee pollen samples collected from six different apiaries in Uruguay during two seasons (spring and autumn) to determine their botanical composition; nutritional profile (protein, lipids, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, ash, and fatty acid profile); bioactive compound content (total phenols, vitamin C, tocopherols, and carotenoids); antioxidant activity (ABTS and ORAC); color, and its ability to inhibit enzymes involved in carbohydrate and fat digestion. Among the samples collected in autumn, three were monofloral (one from Casuarina and two from Eucalyptus). The spring samples, however, were all multifloral, except for one monofloral Rapeseed sample. Monofloral samples had higher protein, fiber, tocopherol, and total phenol content, along with higher ABTS and ORAC values, but lower carotenoid levels. In contrast, autumn samples had lower protein and lipid content but higher fiber and vitamin C levels. The predominant fatty acids were palmitic, linolenic, linoleic, and oleic acids, with most samples showing a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (40.7–57.9%). Compared to other food matrices, the α-glucosidase inhibition values of Uruguayan bee pollen are similar to those found in raw citrus pomace. This is the first report on bee pollen's ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase in relation to its anti-obesity properties. Uruguayan bee pollen shows significant potential for combating metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: Oxidative stress and its relation on the onset of several chronic diseases has been in-creasingly studied and highlighted in recent years. This fact has been concurrent with increased reports on the antioxidant properties of various phytochemicals derived from fruits, vegetables, herbs, or seaweed, which can be accessible by intake or obtained following chemical extraction from these sources. These phytochemicals are majorly the result of each plant’s secondary metabolism, out of which the main chemical groups include structural polysaccharides, unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), pigments (chlo-rophylls, carotenoids, anthocyanins) and chief among them, phenolic compounds. The structural features of each group allow them to act at different sites, levels, by different molecular mechanisms and display diverse effectiveness as chemo-preventive agents for various diseases. Beyond their antioxidant properties, these phytochemicals have been described to exert a plethora of chemo-preventive and therapeutic effects, in-cluding anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-obesity or neuroprotective, acting through various mechanisms and paths involved. This knowledge has led to the development of various nutraceuticals enriched in antioxidant phytochemicals to be used as functional ingredients in foods, or for their periodic separated intake, whether as enriched extracts, or isolated compounds of high efficacy. Overall, phytochemical antioxidants are attrac-tive biomolecules to be used as nutraceuticals of relevant chemo-preventive and ther-apeutic properties on the onset of various diseases related to antioxidant stress.

Abstract: The increasing consumer demand for natural and health-promoting food products has led to a growing interest in plant secondary metabolites due to their potential benefits in functional foods. These bioactive metabolites, including phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, and others, are well-known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and other biological properties. Integrating them into food products offers a promising approach to enhancing nutritional value and supporting health promotion. However, challenges related to bioavailability, stability, and regulatory compliance must be addressed to ensure their efficacy and safety. This work provides an overview of the origin, health benefits, challenges, and applications of plant secondary metabolites in functional foods, highlighting their potential to meet new consumer demands and contribute to a more sustainable food system.

Abstract: High-pressure extraction and automatic steam distillation are relatively new methods of preparing analytical samples from plant materials. Due to their high reproducibility, low time consumption, and ability to run several parallel samples, they are becoming increasingly popular in phytochemistry. However, most plant extraction methods predate the engineering of high-pressure extraction and automatic wet distillation. However, the extractions produced must be in the most optimal condition, and development methods must be comparable to results produced by classic extraction methods. Here, we present the development method for three types of plant materials: aronia, holy basil, and juvenile ginger. Aronia berries are well-known for their phenolic antioxidant content and may serve as a model for many other similar crops. Holy basil, a medicinal herb, is a potent source of essential oils. Juvenile ginger represents crops where rhizomes or roots are used. Classic extractions were first performed to assess antioxidant content. Then, high-pressure extraction methods were tuned to produce extracts with similar concentrations. For automatic steam distillation, method development was performed to obtain the highest possible yield of essential oils. We evaluate the dependence of the yield/concentration of essential oils and/or antioxidants as a function of each variable parameter of the instrument.

Abstract: A few studies have investigated the influence on physicochemical and phytochemical compositions during storage in the bottle of wine spirits (WS) aged using Alternative Ageing Technology (AAT) compared it to Traditional Ageing Technolo-gy (TAT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the bottle storage over one and four years on the evolution of chromatic characteristics (CIELab method) and physicochemical characteristics (alcoholic strength, acidity and total dry ex-tract), total phenolic index (TPI), low molecular weight compound contents (HPLC-DAD technique), antioxidant activities (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays) and phenolic characterization (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS technique) of the WSs aged with chestnut wood using TAT (barrels, B) and AAT (micro-oxygenation levels (MOX): O15, O30 and O60; and control (N)). The results showed that after four years of storage in the bottle, the O60 modality resulted in lower changes in physicochemical characteristics, higher preservation of the phenolic content, greater evolution of chromatic characteristics, ensuring its overall quality compared to other modalities. The antioxidant activity decreased similarly in both technologies, such as the phenolic acid content, in particular gallic acid content. According to the findings of this study, Alternative Ageing Tech-nology might be the best alternative for wine spirit quality and the ageing process sustainability.

Abstract: The use of synthetic antioxidants as edible oil stabilizers against oxidative rancidity is the method of preference for the relevant industries, yet these additives have been a subject of intense debate regarding adverse effects of their long-term consumption. In the search of natural replacers, interest has been focused on residual plant materials that could be used as cost-effective sources of oil antioxidants. In this line, this investigation aimed at studying the effect of enrichment of corn oil using waste orange peels (WOP), targeting at fortifying the oil with natural polyphenolic antioxidants, to provide effective shielding against oxidation. Initial comparison of two modes, a stirred-tank and an ultrasound-assisted one, evidenced that the latter was more efficacious in enriching corn oil with total polyphenols. However, detailed examination of the polyphenolic composition revealed that the oil enriched with the stirred-tank mode may have almost two times higher polyphenolic content, which mounted up to 109 mg per kg of oil. The major polyphenolic constituents identified were polymethylated flavones, but also ferulic acid and naringenin. Oil stability trials including the monitoring of peroxide value and p-anisidin value, demonstrated that the oil enriched with WOP polyphenols using the stirred-tank mode exhibited significantly higher oxidative resilience compared to control (neat oil), but also compared to the oil enriched using ultrasonication. Furthermore, it was observed that when neat oil was ultrasonicated, it also displayed exceptional stability against oxidation. Based on the outcome of this study, it is recommended that WOP, owed to their richness in lipophilic flavonoids, might be an ideal candidate for edible oil fortification, which could provide the oil with natural powerful antioxidants. Such a process could lend oils high oxidative resilience, but also functional ingredients.

Abstract: This paper aims to explore the impact of targeted viticultural and enological interventions on reducing the astringency of wines made solely by Mandilaria grape variety. Mandilaria is characterized by its high berry density, high tannin content, in-tense color and full body profile, all of which contribute to the distinctive enological characteristics of the wines while also pretending challenges for producers during vi-nification. This research aims to apply specific practices in the vineyard and the win-ery to reduce the astringency of the variety and adapt the wine produced to the re-quirements of the present consumers demands. In the vineyards of Paros Island, dif-ferent intensities of leaf removal and modifications to pruning load were applied. Three distinct post-harvest grape dehydration techniques and two varying levels of seed removal during alcoholic fermentation were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing astringency. The results demonstrate that post-harvest dehydration tech-niques, particularly air and sun dehydration, significantly influence the quality indi-cators of Mandilaria wines, enhancing phenolic content, tannin levels, and antioxidant activity, while also improving phenolic ripeness and reducing the harsh tannic profile. Furthermore, seed removal effectively diminished astringency without affecting the wine’s structure. These findings suggest that the integration of these viticultural and enological techniques can significantly enhance the sensory attributes of Mandilaria wines, making them more appealing to modern consumers.

Abstract:

The problem of food safety is extremely relevant, due to the general characteristics of the modern world, such as environmental pollution and urbanization. Apricots are an important fresh fruit and nutritionally valuable for humans, as they are rich in polyphenols, vitamins and carotenoids. The purpose of this paper is to present food safety, factors affecting FFs safety, legislation and indicators that should be study for determination of FFs safety according to the regulations and researches carried out up to this moment. The main objective of this study is safety evaluation of some apricot varieties, cultivated in Bulgaria. The methods applied are: determination of lead and cadmium in FFs - inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS); determination of pesticide residues - gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) with subsequent extraction/separation with acetonitrile and purification by dispersing SPE-QuEChERS-method; horizontal method for detection, enumeration and serological typing of Salmonella; horizontal method for detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes, Enterobacteriacea and Clostridium spp. It was found that lead content is 0,005-0,014 mg/kg, cadmium content is less than 0,005 mg/kg, content of organophosphorus, carbamate and dithiocarbamate pesticides is less than 0,010 mg/kg, content of 288 studied pesticides is below the maximum permissible residue levels. In composition of apricots, were not found Salmonella species and Listeria monocytogenes, Enterobacteriaceae in the varieties Hungarian, Delmast and Roxana is less than 10 CfU/ g, and in variety Silistrenska Compotna is 30 CfU/ g, Clostridium spp. is less than 10 CfU/ g for all varieties. As a result, was found that the varieties of fresh apricots are safe, do not pose a risk to consumers health, fruits could be used for further investigations of FFs quality and their intended use for consumption and processing.

Abstract:

Inhibition of α-glucosidase activity is considered to be an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes. The inhibitory mechanisms of sanggenone D and kuwanon G on α-glucosidase were investigated and the pathways for hypoglycemic effects were explored in the current study. The outcomes indicated that sanggenone D (IC50: 4.51 × 10-5 mol/L) and kuwanon G (IC50: 3.83 × 10-5 mol/L) inhibited α-glucosidase activity by non-competition/anti-competition mixed inhibition and competitive inhibition, respectively. Besides, the secondary structure of α-glucosidase were altered by static quenching, and exhibited the decrease in α-helix, β-antiparallel content, while increase in β-sheet content. Furthermore, the interaction forces between sanggenone D/kuwanon G and α-glucosidase were hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds as evidenced by molecular docking. The binding affinity, stability and binding energy aligned with the results of IC50. Cyclization in sanggenone D structure resulted in a decrease in the number of phenolic hydroxyl groups and thus a reduction in the formation of hydrogen bonds, which ultimately diminished the binding affinity of sanggenone D to α-glucosidase. In addition, western blot results showed that sanggenone D and kuwanon G regulated glucose metabolism by activating of GLUT4 pathway.

Abstract: Anthracnose is a disease caused by phytopathogenic fungi such as Colletotrichum siamense that attacks plants and fruits causing great postharvest losses. Different alternatives for the control of this fungus have been studied, and in the present study we evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of chitosan mixed with methanolic extracts of Baccharis glutinosa and Jacquinia macrocarpa as well as toxicity in different models. Using the radial growth technique, it was observed that the mycelial development of C. siamense was altered and reduced during exposure to the different treatments evaluated during the first hours of incubation, indicating a fungistatic effect. While the cell viability, by colorimetric assay using the XTT salt, showed alteration since the chitosan reduced proliferation by 50 %, while the plant extracts and their mixtures with chitosan reduced approximately 40 % indicating cell damage, which was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. In addition, toxicity tests showed that the extract of J. macrocapra affected the germination percentage of Lactuca sativa seeds while radicle length was reduced in all treatments, except with chitosan alone. The larval survival test for Artemia salina with the extracts indicated their potential toxicity by causing up to 60% mortality. The results indicate that the extracts of B. glutinosa and J. macrocarpa mixed with chitosan are a good option for the control of C. siamense, but at the concentrations used they show a toxic effect in the models evaluated.

Abstract:

This study explores, the multifaceted aspects of sushi rice preparation is explored, including washing, soaking and cooking processes, and their impact on the texture and sensory properties of rice. Selenio rice, a premium short-grain rice, was analysed for variations in amylose content and viscosity profiles. The study allows to highlight how the rice's compositional characteristics, particularly the amylose-to-amylopectin ratio, influence gelatinisation and cooling behaviour. The effects of soaking duration, vinegar mix composition, and water-to-rice ratio on texture profile analysis (TPA) are also examined, as well as overall sensory quality. Rice reaches maximum water absorption within three minutes of soaking, independent of water temperature (10-50°C). Vinegar mix addition effectively lowered rice pH to below 4.5, contributing to improved shelf stability. Additionally, the TPA of sushi rice was evaluated over a 10-day storage period, with findings suggesting that optimised preparation techniques can improve rice quality, extending its freshness and acceptability. The importance is underscored of precise preparation methods in optimising the quality of sushi rice, contributing to the broader field of rice research and culinary science.

Abstract: One of the main plants that people grow is the fig (Ficus carica L.). Nearly every component of the fig is utilized for food and medicine, but handling and storing them after harvest is challenging because of their extreme perishability. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and mixture design were used to optimize the composition of the fig gum jelly. The percentages of fig paste (x1), k-carrageenan (x2), and honey (x3) are independent variables. Nine reactions were assessed by the sensory panel, which included ten elements of both sexes. Y1: Exceptional, Y2: Openness, Y3: Fragrant, Texture A in Y4, Texture C in Y5, Sweetness A (Y6), Sweetness B (Y7), Mouthfeel in Y8 and Y9 - nine polynomial models were created by the overall opinion. With 55 % fig paste, 15 % k-carrageenan, and 30 % honey, the optimal fig gum jelly composition was obtained through numerical optimization. With an astounding 0.3 desirability, the same panel's validation favored the best formulation for every response.

Abstract:

COVID-19 infection continues globally with frequent emergence of unfamiliar SARS-CoV-2 variants acting to impair immunity conferred by vaccines. The competitive binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) to mimetic and act as a de-coy over that by native ACE-2 receptors on healthy human cells re-mains a practical approach to lessen viral spread. In this study, a therapeutic strategy was developed that targeted gastrointestinal SARS-CoV-2 infection using ACE-2 encapsulated in chi-tosan/tripolyphosphate cross-linked nanoparticles (NPs). Optimization conditions were determined by varying pH (4.0-6.5) and chitosan: ACE-2 mixing ratios (1:1, 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:1), followed by choice of spray-drying (SD), freeze-drying (FD), or spray-freeze drying (SFD) with varying mannitol concentrations (0, 1:1, and 5:1 of total weight). The optimal formulation was achieved using a pH 5.5 with a mixing chitosan-ACE-2 ratio of 2:1; where ACE-2 loaded NPs had an average particle size of 303.7 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.21, encapsula-tion efficiency (EE) of 98.4%, zeta potential of 6.8 mV, and ACE-2 loading content (LC) of 28.4%. In general, all drying methods main-tained the spherical shape of the NPs with varying mannitol concen-tration having a significant (P<0.05) effect. After reconstitution, all SD samples had a relatively low yield rate, but the ACE-2 NPs dehydrated specifically by SFD required a lower amount of added mannitol (1:1 of its total weight) and produced a higher yield rate (P<0.05) and similar PDI and EE values, along with relatively good particle size and LC. This formulation also produced a high ACE-2 release and uptake in differentiated Caco-2 cells; thus, representing an effective ACE-2 en-capsulation procedure for use with dry powders.

Abstract: There is widespread agreement that the climate is changing. Some dramatic disturbances are reported when the costs are in lives. But to those working the land it is also clear that substantive changes are at hand. The air and ground temperatures are rising, water quality and quantity is changing, insect populations are on the move, and new bacteria and viruses abound. While there is evidence that similar localized perturbations have occurred in the past, the increases in human population and industry are unprecedented. It can be argued that their combined assault on the environment appears to be either the driving force or a major contributor to the deleterious changes. What has happened, and what is happening, in and around vineyards is described.

Abstract: Food safety is directly related to human health and has attracted intense attention all over the world. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), as a rapid and selective technique, has been widely applied in monitoring food safety. SERS substrates, as an essential factor for sensing design, greatly influence the analytical performance. Currently, nanostructure-based SERS substrates have garnered significant interest due to their excellent merits in improving the sensitivity, specificity, and stability, holding great potential for rapid and accurate sensing toward food contaminants in complex matrices. This review summarizes the fundamentals of Raman spectroscopy and the used nanostructures for designing SERS platform, including precious metal nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks, polymers, and semiconductors. Moreover, it introduces the mechanisms and applications of nanostructures in enhancing SERS signals for monitoring hazardous substances, such as foodborne bacteria, pesticide and veterinary drug residues, food additives, illegal adulterants, and packaging material contamination. Finally, the review offers broad prospects in sustainable, environmentally friendly, and large-scale analysis to evaluate food safety.

Abstract: The detection and quantification of mycotoxins in beer are critical for ensuring consumer safety and regulatory compliance. These contaminants, originating from barley and other grains, persist and potentially transform during the brewing process. This study presents an innovative analytical protocol using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS/MS) for the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of nine mycotoxins, including aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2), Ochratoxin A (OTA), Fumonisins (FB1, FB2), Deoxynivalenol (DON), and HT-2. The method leverages the efficiency of multi mycotoxins immunoaffinity columns, providing streamlined sample preparation with high specificity and sensitivity. Validation was conducted using craft beers from Calabria, including freeze-dried samples to enhance analytical consistency and stability. The method's accuracy was confirmed by spiking samples with mycotoxins at concentrations compliant with the European Commission's regulations (Recommendation 2024/1038/EU). The developed protocol delivers reliable results with minimized resource consumption, offering a robust tool for quality control and safety assessments in brewing. By addressing knowledge gaps in freeze-dried craft beer, this study contributes to advancing food safety standards in the brewing industry.

Abstract: This study introduces an optimized microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method for the recovery of fatty acids from wheat bran, strategically implemented to maximize efficiency while fully adhering to sustainability practices. For an environmentally friendly approach, ethanol was selected as solvent, used alongside potassium hydroxide (KOH) to facilitate the extraction. The effect of water content on extraction yields was investigated, with results confirming that water negatively affects ethanolysis. The method was systematically refined to reduce solvent consumption and streamline the process, resulting in consistent fatty acid recovery yields and demonstrating the reproducibility of the approach. To ensure the efficiency of the implemented extraction protocol, nonadecanoic acid (C19) was used as an internal standard, thus further validating the method’s precision. The recovered fatty acids will serve as a hydrophobic component in the synthesis of biodegradable surfactants when conjugated with inulin, a renewable polysaccharide. Overall, this optimized MAE method offers a sustainable and reproducible approach for the recovery of fatty acids from agrifood waste, contributing to the circular economy. agri-food byproducts, microwave, extraction, fatty acids, GC-MS.

Abstract: The present work studied a modified processing technique of a traditional aerobic fermented cassava product called "Puba". Puba is a food process developed by Native Americans in South America but made in microbiological hazard conditions. The process modification was designed in an anaerobic environment obtained by pressing Puba in a glass jar and sealing then. Changes in the nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity as vitamin C contents were evaluated in the food products produced with cassava peels, cassava from conventional and cassava from organic farming systems as raw materials. In addition, were researched microbiological safety, the pres-ence of lacteal bacteria, and paste properties of the products, named Puba 2.0. One-way variance analysis, Student, and Tukey post hoc tests, with p ≤ 0.05, evaluated the data. Results: The organic cassava had a significantly higher vitamin C content and more beneficial bacterial growth than that grown conventionally (t-test, p ≤ 0.05). The Puba 2 made with cassava peels showed protein and insoluble and total dietary fiber contents significantly increased. Puba 2.0 fermentation promoted the growth of bacteria with probiotic potential and resulted in good qualities for bakery products, compared with Puba. Conclusions: Puba 2.0 fermentation is a simple and inexpensive technique with nutritional, technological, and probiotic potential. This procedure showed the potential of cassava peels use and the nutritional superiority of organic cassava as raw material. The cassava processing made in an environmental temperature and no refrigeration, can be safely applied for human consumption.

Abstract: The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a defining species of the Mediterranean region, and its fruit, the carob pod, has seen a notable increase in economic interest in recent years, primarily due to the production of locust bean gum (E410), a widely used food additive derived from the seeds. The remainder of the fruit, the carob pulp, comprises 80–90% of the fruit's weight and is typically considered a by-product, with its primary application being in animal feed. This study focused on obtaining cellulose-rich extracts from selected carob varieties cultivated in the Mediterranean region. A comprehensive physicochemical characterization of these cellulose-rich fractions was conducted, including the assessment of their antioxidant properties, specifically total phenolics and antioxidant capacity measured by the FRAP, ABTS, and CUPRAC methods. The findings reveal that carob pulp is an excellent source of carbohydrates, including soluble sugars, which constitute 33–45% of the pulp’s fresh weight, depending on the variety, and cell wall polysaccharides. The cell wall polymers, with cellulose as the predominant component, account for approximately 45% of the fresh pulp weight. Notable amounts of other polysaccharides, such as pectins and hemicelluloses, were also identified. Among the studied varieties, Bugadera and Rotjal stood out as exceptional sources of cellulose-rich extracts. Carob pulp was also found to be rich in antioxidant compounds, reflected in its high antioxidant capacity. In particular, the Bugadera variety, grown under irrigated conditions, exhibited a significant concentration of phenolic compounds (24.4 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of pulp) and high antioxidant activity across all methods used, with ABTS measurements reaching up to 391.5 mg Trolox equivalents per gram of pulp. In conclusion, these results underscore the significant potential of carob pulp as a source of valuable cellulose-rich extracts, offering applications beyond its traditional use as animal feed. By exploring these new possibilities, the economic and environmental sustainability of carob cultivation could be greatly enhanced, contributing to the broader valorisation of this iconic Mediterranean fruit.