Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Khaled A. Nematallah, Sahar Elmekkawy, Maha R. A. Abdollah, Mohey M. Elmazar, Essam Abdel-Sattar, Meselhy Ragab Meselhy
Summary: This study utilized cheminformatics software to study the chemical and biological features of Eucalyptus globulus bark cultivated in Egypt. The results identified 37 compounds, including 15 reported for the first time from this species. In silico virtual study of human metabolism and molecular docking simulations were also performed, revealing the potential hepatoprotective effect of the extract and the higher binding affinities of its metabolites to relevant enzymes. The extract exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against liver cancer cell lines and its absorption was enhanced through nanoformulation.
Article
Forestry
Jorge Santos, Danilo Escobar-Avello, Cecilia Fuentealba, Gustavo Cabrera-Barjas, Julia Gonzalez-Alvarez, Jorge M. Martins, Luisa H. Carvalho
Summary: One of the most important by-products in the Chilean forestry industry is the bark obtained during the debarking process. The bark of Pinus radiata is a potential source of extracts rich in condensed tannins, while the bark of Eucalyptus globulus has extracts rich in hydrolyzable tannins. This study investigates the potential joint valorization of these by-products and demonstrates the potential application of the extracts in bioadhesive formulation.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Daniel G. Gomes, Michele Michelin, Aloia Romani, Lucilia Domingues, Jose A. Teixeira
Summary: In this study, hydrothermal treatment was used to fractionate industrial Eucalyptus globulus bark residue for biofuels and value-added compounds. The highest glucose yield of 84% was achieved at a severity factor of 4.04, resulting in a 4.38-fold improvement in enzymatic saccharification of cellulose. Esteemed strategies for bio-ethanol production included simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) and pre-saccharification and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (PSSF).
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mauricio M. de Souza Ribeiro, Juliane Vigano, Nathalia Stahl de Novais, Leonardo M. de Souza Mesquita, Renan Canute Kamikawachi, Wagner Vilegas, Patricia Santos Lopes, Camila Soares da Silva, Mauricio Ariel Rostagno, Priscila Carvalho Veggi
Summary: Stryphnodendron adstringens (Barbatimao) barks, listed in the Brazilian national list of medicinal plants, have been used in commercial products and popular medicine. This study aimed to use ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to recover phenolic compounds from Barbatimao barks. The results showed that UAE parameters played a significant role in obtaining higher yields of phenolic compounds compared to conventional techniques. UAE proved to be an efficient technique for obtaining a tannins-rich extract from Barbatimao barks.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jorge Gominho, Ricardo A. Costa, Ana Lourenco, Teresa Quilho, Helena Pereira
Summary: The study found that industrial stump bark has higher ash content, while fresh stump bark contains more extractives, lignin, and polysaccharides. In addition, eucalyptus stump bark also contains abundant fatty acids, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds, with antioxidant activity.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Adrien Faye, Alfred C. W. Leung, Seymour Guyot-Reeb, Minh Tan Ton-That, Desire Chimeni-Yomeni, Hongbo Li, Karen Stoeffler, Damien Maillard, Marzouk Benali
Summary: The majority of biomass residue in Canada contains valuable tannins, but traditional extraction methods are environmentally unfriendly. New cleaner methods have been developed to reduce energy and water consumption, with ultrasound-assisted extraction and extract solution recycling showing promising results in terms of increased tannin yield and reduced environmental impact.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Patricia Henriques, Marta Martinho, Maria de Lurdes Serrano, Antonio P. Mendes de Sousa, Ana Maria Brites Alves
Summary: Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are emerging prebiotics with various benefits for physical and mental health. In this study, bleached kraft pulp from Eucalyptus globulus was used as a lignin-free material for XOS production. Through alkaline extraction and acid hydrolysis, a maximum conversion rate of xylan to XOS of 30.2% was achieved under specific conditions, with xylobiose and xylotriose prevailing as products.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Vivian P. de Brito, Mauricio M. de Souza Ribeiro, Juliane Vigano, Mariana A. de Moraes, Priscilla C. Veggi
Summary: Barbatimao bark extract rich in phenolic compounds can be incorporated into silk fibroin hydrogels, and hydrogels containing barbatimao propylene glycol extract show better physical-chemical and structural performance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana Fernandes, Luisa Cruz-Lopes, Yuliya Dulyanska, Idalina Domingos, Jose Ferreira, Dmitry Evtuguin, Bruno Esteves
Summary: This study characterized Eucalyptus globulus forest residues and investigated their liquefaction process. Acid catalyst showed higher yields compared to basic catalyst. The temperature, duration, and particle size influenced the liquefaction yield, with temperatures between 160-180 degrees C being preferable. Bark was more susceptible to liquefaction compared to branches, and fine fractions of both could be processed together.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Lourenco, Antonio Velez Marques, Jorge Gominho
Summary: Eight polyhydroxy triterpenoid acids, along with two other triterpenoid acids, were identified and quantified in Eucalyptus globulus wood. The trimethylsilylated polyhydroxy triterpenoid acids showed specific fragmentation patterns in their EI spectra, with sequential loss of hydroxyl groups and specific cleavage in ring E. This study provides a foundation for further research on the chemical composition of Eucalyptus wood.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Shara Rodrigues da Silva, Thales Henrique Barreto Ferreira, Aline Janaina Giunco, Eliana Janet Sanjinez Argandona
Summary: The study aimed to determine the nutritional potential of baru pulp and evaluate different solvents for extracting secondary metabolites. Results showed high nutritional content and phenolic compounds in the pulp, with solvents having significant effects on the total phenolics extracted. The study contributes to knowledge about baru pulp and its extraction processes for researchers and fruit producers.
JOURNAL OF FOOD MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manel Nardjes Toumi, Abdelfettah Benyamina, Mohamed Ali Bouzidi, Abdelkader Semmak, Yassine Bellebna, Fawzia Toumi, Amar Tilmatine
Summary: This study aims to maximize the extraction yield of phenolic compounds from eucalyptus extract by using a pulsed electric field and reduce the extraction duration. The results show that under the optimal pulse electric field treatment, the total phenol content doubles and the flavonoid content significantly increases.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Deborah Cristina Barcelos Flores, Caroline Pagnossim Boeira, Grazielle Castagna Cezimbra Weis, Renius de Oliveira Mello, Frederico Luiz Reis, Liziane Maria Barassuol Morandini, Ademir Farias Morel, Daniel dos Santos, Erico Marlon de Moraes Flores, Renato Aquino Zachia, Daniele Rubert Nogueira-Librelotto, Clarice Madalena Bueno Rolim, Claudia Severo da Rosa
Summary: This study aimed to find the optimal extraction method for obtaining bioactive compounds from Inga marginata Willd fruits, and evaluate their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. The extraction efficiency was measured by the total phenolic and total flavonoid content, as well as antioxidant activity using different methods. Ultrasonic extraction at 5 minutes and 60 degrees Celsius yielded the highest bioactive compound content, which showed inhibitory effects on the growth of microorganisms. Thirteen chemical compounds were identified, confirming the extract's high phytochemical capacity. Furthermore, the extract exhibited no cytotoxicity at the tested concentrations.
INNOVATIVE FOOD SCIENCE & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mariana S. T. Amandio, Jorge M. S. Rocha, Ana M. R. B. Xavier
Summary: This study evaluated the potential of enzymatic hydrolysis (EH) of pretreated Eucalyptus globulus bark for improving cellulosic sugars concentrations. High solids loading and the introduction of additives did not improve EH performance, but increasing solids loading to 14% (w/v) in batch operation was successful. Fed-batch operation strategy increased the total solids loading and achieved a cellulosic sugars concentration of 161 g L-1 with an EH conversion efficiency of 76%. Eucalyptus globulus bark, pretreated by kraft pulping, is a promising feedstock for cellulosic sugars production.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
C. Chemetova, D. Mota, A. Fabiao, J. Gominho, H. Ribeiro
Summary: The study focuses on using low-temperature hydrothermally treated Eucalyptus globulus bark for growing media formulation, showcasing its potential in reducing waste and increasing circular economy practices in horticulture.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Carina Pedrosa Costa, Samuel Patinha, Alisa Rudnitskaya, Sonia A. O. Santos, Armando J. D. Silvestre, Silvia M. Rocha
Summary: Improving dietary and ecological biodiversity is crucial for a more sustainable food system and planetary health. This research aims to contribute to the sustainable valorization of elderberries by evaluating the impact of cultivar, harvest year, and plantation field on berry composition. The study found that harvest year and plantation field had the biggest influence on physicochemical parameters, indicating the importance of macro- and mesoclimate conditions on plant metabolism. Elderberry juice and dried pomace are low-energy foods, rich in carbohydrates and potentially a source of vegetal protein.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana C. Q. Silva, Barbara Pereira, Nicole S. Lameirinhas, Paulo C. Costa, Isabel F. Almeida, Patricia Dias-Pereira, Ines Correia-Sa, Helena Oliveira, Armando J. D. Silvestre, Carla Vilela, Carmen S. R. Freire
Summary: The aim of this study is to prepare dissolvable biopolymeric microneedle (MN) patches composed solely of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) for the transdermal delivery of diclofenac sodium salt (DCF). The MNs showed adequate morphology, thermal stability, and the required mechanical strength for skin insertion. Experiments demonstrated the insertion capability and dissolution of the patches, as well as their noncytotoxicity.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Maria del Mar Contreras-Gamez, Angel Galan-Martin, Nalin Seixas, Andre M. da Costa Lopes, Armando Silvestre, Eulogio Castro
Summary: Pretreatment processes are crucial for efficient biomass refining, and in the past two decades deep eutectic solvents (DES) have emerged as an alternative, offering more sustainable processes with both environmental and economic benefits. This paper provides an updated review of DES-based applications in biorefinery schemes, discussing their composition, synthesis, recycling, and existing techno-economic and life cycle assessment studies. Challenges, barriers, and perspectives for the scale-up of DES-based processes are also discussed.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Beatriz Agostinho, Armando J. D. Silvestre, Joao A. P. Coutinho, Andreia F. Sousa
Summary: Given the current environmental crisis caused by polymers, it is crucial to make changes in the production, consumption, and management of polymeric materials. This article acknowledges the importance of (bio)degradable polymers, especially polyesters, in substituting traditional persistent ones. The focus is on bio-based poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene succinate), and furan-based polyesters, as well as the progress in greening fossil-based polymers like poly(caprolactone) and poly(glycolic acid).
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Rodrigo T. Neto, Sonia A. O. Santos, Joana Oliveira, Armando J. D. Silvestre
Summary: The molecular characteristics of proanthocyanidins, especially mean degree of polymerization (mDP), significantly influence their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Conventional extraction techniques cannot overcome the compositional variabilities in proanthocyanidin extracts. Eutectic solvents, a new class of solvents, can be customized for specific applications. By adjusting the eutectic solvent's composition, proanthocyanidins with specific mDP values can be obtained regardless of the raw material. The use of a quaternary eutectic solvent system successfully standardized proanthocyanidin extracts' mDP from grape pomace, overcoming the limitations of conventional solvents.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sandrine S. Ferreira, M. Rosario Domingues, Cristina Barros, Sonia A. O. Santos, Armando J. D. Silvestre, Amelia M. Silva, Fernando M. Nunes
Summary: Elderberry polyphenols can efficiently trap MGO, reducing its cytotoxicity in cells and showing antiglycation potential.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fernanda R. R. Vieira, Nuno V. V. Gama, Ana Barros-Timmons, Dmitry V. V. Evtuguin, Paula C. O. R. Pinto
Summary: This study aimed to develop new rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) for thermal insulation based on kraft lignin. By carefully optimizing the formulation, foams containing high content crude lignin-based polyol exhibited good thermal conductivity and density.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catia. S. D. Oliveira, Patricia Moreira, Maria T. Cruz, Claudia M. F. Pereira, Artur M. S. Silva, Sonia A. O. Santos, Armando J. D. Silvestre
Summary: This study focuses on the lipophilic characterization of E. globulus leaves and finds that triterpenic acids are the main compounds, which can be effectively extracted by hydrodistillation. Therefore, E. globulus leaves can be considered as a valuable source of bioactive compounds.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sami Zaidi, Abdelkader Bougarech, Majdi Abid, Souhir Abid, Armando J. D. Silvestre, Andreia. F. F. Sousa
Summary: Monofuranic-based polyesters are considered promising for the future plastic industry, but the potential for innovation, low cost, and easy synthesis of 5,5'-isopropylidene bis-(ethyl 2-furoate) (DEbF) has been overlooked. The introduction of biobased bisfuranic polyester (PDDbF) with extreme flexibility and comparable properties to fossil-based polyethylene suggests a highly promising material for flexible packaging.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alvaro Vaz, Joao Coelho, Vera Costa, Thaddeus Maloney, Josphat Phiri, Paula Pinto, Antonio Mendes de Sousa, Rogerio Simoes
Summary: Hardwood vessel elements in wood-free printing paper operation can cause vessel picking and ink refusal, which can be mitigated with mechanical refining but at the cost of paper quality. Enzymatic passivation of vessels through xylanase and cellulase-laccase cocktail treatments improved paper quality by altering vessel adhesion and hydrophobicity. Thermoporosimetry analysis revealed more porous vessel structures, surface analysis showed lower O/C ratio, and bulk chemistry analysis indicated higher hemicellulose content. The enzymatic treatments decreased vessel picking count and reduced water contact angle of fiber sheets compared to vessel-rich sheets.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Fernanda R. Vieira, Nuno V. Gama, Dmitry V. Evtuguin, Carlos O. Amorim, Vitor S. Amaral, Paula C. O. R. Pinto, Ana Barros-Timmons
Summary: Rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) were synthesized using lignin-based polyol obtained through the reaction of kraft lignin with propylene carbonate. The formulations were optimized to achieve low thermal conductivity and low density for lightweight insulation. The resulting bio-based RPUFs exhibited comparable properties to commercial RPUFs and showed potential as a replacement for petroleum-based RPUFs. This study introduces a novel approach using 100% unpurified lignin-based polyol in the production of RPUFs.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Patricia I. F. Pinto, Paula C. R. Pinto, Dmitry V. V. Evtuguin, Falk Liebner
Summary: Competition issues in the food industry have led to the exploration of alternative solutions to replace starch in papermaking. Covalent grafting of quaternary ammonium groups onto Eucalyptus kraft lignin has shown promise in providing cationic products with excellent water solubility. This study evaluated the use of cationic lignin as a partial substitution for cationic starch in papermaking, demonstrating that it does not compromise key paper properties and can be fine-tuned to meet specific requirements.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sonia N. Pedro, Ana T. P. C. Gomes, Carla Vilela, Carla Vitorino, Rosa Fernandes, Adelaide Almeida, Maria Helena Amaral, Mara G. Freire, Armando J. D. Silvestre, Carmen S. R. Freire
Summary: A new type of microemulsion based on deep eutectic solvent (DES) has been developed to improve the efficacy of antibiotics in ocular infections. By using betaine-based DES aqueous solutions, the water solubility of the antibiotic chloramphenicol can be increased up to 140-fold. These DES solutions are applied as water phases in stable water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) microemulsions, achieving sustained-release and higher permeation through the cornea. Compared to commercialized eye drops, these microemulsions show higher antimicrobial activity and faster action against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tania Almeida, Anna Karamysheva, Bruno F. A. Valente, Jose M. Silva, Marcia Braz, Adelaide Almeida, Armando J. D. Silvestre, Carla Vilela, Carmen S. R. Freire
Summary: It is found that the use of bioactive transparent nanocomposite films can enhance the mechanical properties and water resistance of food packaging. These films also have UV-blocking and antioxidant activities, as well as antibacterial and weight loss delay capabilities.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Filipe S. Matos, Sara Fateixa, Niklas von Weymarn, Carmen S. R. Freire, Armando J. D. Silvestre, Carla Vilela
Summary: In this study, sustainable functional fibers with low environmental foot-print and superior properties were manufactured by functionalizing regenerated cellulose fibers with a natural derived phosphorus compound. The modified fibers exhibited phosphorus content up to 1.80% and a uniform and smooth surface morphology. They also showed moderate antioxidant activity, water contact angles below 92 degrees, and good thermal-oxidative stability. The flame-retardant performance of the fibers was excellent, with the fibers ceasing to burn before flaming or glowing, even after several flame applications.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
