Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marina Alloisio, Andrea Dodero, Stefano Alberti, Silvia Vicini, Maila Castellano
Summary: Polysaccharide-based composites embedding silver nanoparticles show promising antimicrobial properties due to the combination of effective biocidal properties of the silver nanoparticles and the biocompatibility and environmental safety of the naturally occurring polymeric component. The silver nanoparticles stabilized with alginate chains were successfully synthesized in situ and electrospun into nanocomposite membranes for potential antimicrobial applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xuerong Huang, Zifan Teng, Fengwei Xie, Guangyu Wang, Yingkai Li, Xingxun Liu, Songnan Li
Summary: This study successfully loaded cinnamaldehyde essential oil (CEO) using electrospinning nanoencapsulation technology and developed potential application in food packaging and wound dressing.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nadjat Ardjoum, Nacera Chibani, Shiv Shankar, Stephane Salmieri, Hocine Djidjelli, Monique Lacroix
Summary: The study investigated the influence of Thymus vulgaris essential oils (TEOs), ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP), and their combination on corn starch-based films as antimicrobial packaging materials using the casting method. The results showed no structural change in the composite films after incorporating TEOs and EEP. However, the color properties of the films were significantly affected. The addition of TEOs and EEP increased the film's elongation at break, but decreased tensile strength and modulus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. Hernandez Rangel, R. G. Casanas Pimentel, E. San Martin Martinez
Summary: Collagen electrospun fibers are a promising scaffold for tissue engineering, but they lack sufficient mechanical properties. In this study, halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were added to collagen solution to improve the mechanical performance of the nanofibrous mats. The results showed that the addition of HNT increased the elongation at break by 800% in a non-linear manner, and the optimal concentration of HNT was 0.5%.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Samaneh Tayebi-Moghaddam, Razieh Khatibi, Sevil Taklavi, Mona Hosseini-Isfahani, Hassan Rezaeinia
Summary: In this study, the sustained-release of clove essential oil (CEO) loaded into electrospun nanofibers of zein was used as a biopreservative to extend the shelf life of Iranian white cheese. Different loading levels of CEO affected the fiber structure and mechanical properties, while the gentle release of CEO effectively suppressed bacterial growth in the cheese.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Hazem S. Elshafie
Summary: This article summarizes the chemical composition and biological-pharmaceutical activities of plant essential oils (PEOs), and discusses their possible modes of action and influencing factors. It provides valuable insights into the application of PEOs.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Alexandra Coimbra, Susana Ferreira, Ana Paula Duarte
Summary: Red thyme, a traditional medicinal and culinary plant, possesses diverse bioactive properties in its essential oil, including antimicrobial and insecticidal activities. Studies have shown that the essential oil exhibits a broad antimicrobial spectrum and can potentially be used as a food preservative to inhibit spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Negin Ghazanfari, Farideh Tabatabaei Yazdi, Seyed Ali Mortazavi, Morteza Mohammadi
Summary: In this study, a pulse electric field was used as a pre-treatment to extract essential oil (EO) from coriander seeds. Different voltage and pulse number conditions were optimized, and the effects on EO extraction efficiency, phenolic content, antioxidant activity, oxidative stability, and microbial activity were measured. The best results were obtained at 1 kV/cm and 55 pulses, with linalool as the main constituent of coriander seeds EO. According to SEM results, coriander seeds EO exhibited inhibitory effects on bacterial cell walls.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lucia Galovicova, Natalia Cmikova, Marianna Schwarzova, Milena D. Vukic, Nenad L. Vukovic, Przemyslaw Lukasz Kowalczewski, Ladislav Bakay, Maciej Ireneusz Kluz, Czeslaw Puchalski, Ana D. Obradovic, Milos M. Matic, Miroslava Kacaniova
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the various activities of the Cupressus sempervirens essential oil (CSEO), including antioxidant, antibiofilm, antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antiproliferative activities. The chemical composition of CSEO was determined, revealing the dominance of alpha-pinene and delta-3-carene. CSEO showed strong antioxidant activity, higher antibacterial efficacy, moderate antifungal activity, and demonstrated insecticidal effects. It also had no negative effects on normal cells but showed antiproliferative effects on certain cancer cells. Overall, CSEO has potential as an alternative treatment for various microorganisms and control of pests.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
R. Syafiq, S. M. Sapuan, M. R. M. Zuhri
Summary: Sugar palm starch/sugar palm nanocrystalline cellulose films incorporated with cinnamon essential oil exhibited improved mechanical properties, reduced density and moisture content, and showed inhibition effects on various bacteria and yeast. This biodegradable nano composite film is a promising candidate for active packaging materials.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Jancikova Simona, Dordevic Dani, Sedlacek Petr, Nejezchlebova Marcela, Treml Jakub, Tremlova Bohuslava
Summary: The study aimed to create edible packaging by combining orange essential oil and trehalose in a carrageenan matrix, resulting in decreased transmittance in UV and Vis regions and some antibacterial properties against Gram-positive bacteria. The research highlighted the influence of carrageenan amount and the combination of orange essential oil on the compatibility of trehalose with the film matrix. Different combinations of trehalose, orange essential oil, and carrageenan were found to impact the properties of the edible film, providing valuable insights for future research and applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miroslava Kacaniova, Nenad L. Vukovic, Natalia Cmikova, Lucia Galovicova, Marianna Schwarzova, Veronika Simora, Przemyslaw Lukasz Kowalczewski, Maciej Ireneusz Kluz, Czeslaw Puchalski, Ladislav Bakay, Milena D. Vukic
Summary: This study analyzed the chemical composition and various properties of Salvia sclarea essential oil (SSEO). The results showed that SSEO has moderate antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, as well as insecticidal potential. The study also identified the main constituents of SSEO and their antioxidant activity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Danvendra Singh, Apurv Sibal, Deepika Sharma, Sumit Sharma, Bhabani K. Satapathy, Parikshit Goswami, Akos Kukovecz, Amit Rawal, Daniel Sebok
Summary: Electrospun is a unique class of materials with multiple scales and surface functionalities, and upscaling their properties from the lab to industry is often limited by a lack of understanding. In this study, a theoretical framework was developed to predict the elastic properties of electrospun mats, considering the properties of constituent fibers, fiber alignment, and curvature. The framework successfully predicted the elastic moduli of the mats, validated by X-ray nanoCT analysis, and showed good agreement with experimental data for different types of electrospun mats.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Maryam Mounesan, Somaye Akbari, Bogumil E. Brycki
Summary: The synergistic encapsulation of essential oils in dendritic polymers and electrospun fibers was investigated, showing that adding PAMAM extended the encapsulation time of essential oils, and demonstrated a correlation between antibacterial activity and odor intensity.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chaiane R. Rech, Kelly C. S. Brabes, Barbara E. B. Silva, Marco A. U. Martines, Tayla F. S. Silveira, Josue Alberton, Carolina A. A. Amadeu, Thiago Caon, Eduardo J. Arruda, Silvia M. Martelli
Summary: The study explored the incorporation of essential oils into PHB films for food packaging, with certain combinations showing antimicrobial activity and improved flexibility. The results suggest that EO-loaded PHB films could be a promising option for designing biodegradable active packaging for food products.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Anna Geraci, Rosario Schicchi, Francesco Sgadari, Natale Badalamenti, Maurizio Bruno
Summary: This study investigated the essential oil composition of V. album growing on different host trees and found that the nature of the host significantly influences the chemical composition of V. album.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Natale Badalamenti, Alessandro Vaglica, Vincenzo Ilardi, Maurizio Bruno
Summary: Seseli is a large genus of aromatic and economically important herbs mainly distributed in Europe and Asia. The essential oil of Seseli bocconei Guss., a rare plant endemic to Sicily, was analyzed and showed the presence of monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons as the main metabolites.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Svetlana Bancheva, Natale Badalamenti, Gianfranco Fontana, Giorgia Catinella, Antonella Porrello, Maurizio Bruno
Summary: This study evaluated the chemical composition of essential oils from Cyanus adscendens (CA) and C. orbelicus (CO) collected in Bulgaria and not previously investigated. The main components of CA were alpha-bergamotene, (Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrien-1-ol, and calarenepoxide. Caryophyllene oxide, alpha-cadinol, and spathulenol were identified as the main constituents of C. orbelicus essential oil. A complete review of the composition of all essential oils of Cyanus taxa studied so far and cluster analysis was also conducted.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Adele Cicio, Natale Badalamenti, Maurizio Bruno
Summary: The genus Phagnalon, a widely distributed plant with medicinal and food value, has been reviewed for its biological potential and applications. However, there are limitations in the current scientific research on this genus.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Natale Badalamenti, Maurizio Bruno, Monica R. Loizzo, Valeria Puccio, Raimondo Gaglio, Nicola Francesca, Luca Settanni, Francesco Sottile
Summary: This study characterized the chemical composition of the almond skin of Prunus dulcis L. variety Casteltermini and evaluated its inhibitory activity against pathogenic, spoilage, and useful microorganisms. The n-hexane extract of almond skin showed strong inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus growth, indicating its potential as a food bio-preservative and pharmaceutical product.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Roberto Scaffaro, Michele Gammino, Andrea Maio
Summary: Growing environmental concerns drive the development of efficient materials for environmental remediation. Polymer-based hierarchical structures, achieved by combining starting components and processing techniques, are emerging in the field of materials science. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) and/or carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were integrated into poly (vinyl fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-co-HFP) and electrospun into water treatment mats. The nanocomposites with 2 wt% GO and CNTs exhibited the best performance, with high flux, rejection, flux recovery ratio, antifouling properties, and reusability, attributed to the unique microstructure provided by the self-assembled network of GO and CNTs.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gianfranco Fontana, Maurizio Bruno, Francesco Sottile, Natale Badalamenti
Summary: Polymethoxyflavonoids (PMFs) are a type of flavonoid compounds with a flavan carbon framework decorated with methoxy groups. Hydroxylated polymethoxyflavonoids (HPMFs) have both hydroxyl and methoxy groups in their structural units. These compounds are specific to Citrus genus plants, especially in fruits, and are considered important nutraceuticals with promising biological activities and anti-inflammatory effects.
Article
Plant Sciences
Francesco Sgadari, Antonietta Cerulli, Rosario Schicchi, Natale Badalamenti, Maurizio Bruno, Sonia Piacente
Summary: The wild and cultivated Capparis spinosa and Capparis orientalis in Sicily exhibit ecological and morphological differences. This study aimed to quantify the amount of quercetin in C. spinosa and C. orientalis by LC-ESI/QTrap/MS/MS and correlate it with pedoclimatic features. The results showed that quercetin is more abundant in C. orientalis compared to C. spinosa. The highest amounts of quercetin were found in flowers, leaves, and flower buds of C. orientalis from volcanic islands with southwest and east warm exposures. These findings provide a basis for further scientific investigations to explore the potential use of these plants as a source of quercetin for food or pharmaceutical purposes.
Article
Plant Sciences
Alessandra Russo, Adriana Graziano, Maurizio Bruno, Venera Cardile, Daniela Rigano
Summary: This study evaluated the apoptotic effects of two essential oils extracted from Artemisia arborescens on prostate cancer cells, and investigated their impact on the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and the induction of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis. The results showed that these essential oils were able to activate the apoptotic process and enhance the induction of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis. This study provides new evidence for the use of essential oils extracted from traditional medicinal plants in the treatment of tumors, and suggests their potential combination with other prostate cancer therapies.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Roberto Scaffaro, Emmanuel Fortunato Gulino, Maria Clara Citarrella
Summary: The study prepared porous fibrous membranes based on biodegradable polymers for wastewater treatment. The structure and porosity of the membranes were controlled by varying the polymer type and processing method. The results showed that the porous structure of the membranes significantly influenced their mechanical performance, wettability, and oil sorption capacity.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adele Cicio, Stefania Sut, Stefano Dall'Acqua, Maurizio Bruno, Claudio Luparello, Rosa Serio, Maria Grazia Zizzo
Summary: P. maritimum L. is a plant species that grows on beaches and coastal sand dunes mainly in the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea regions. In this study, the ethanolic extract of the bulbs from a local accession in Sicily, Italy, was analyzed. Several alkaloids were identified, including three previously unknown in the Pancratium genus. The extract showed no cytotoxic effects and exhibited antioxidant potential in human Caco-2 intestinal cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giusy Castagliuolo, Michela Di Napoli, Alessandro Vaglica, Natale Badalamenti, Dario Antonini, Mario Varcamonti, Maurizio Bruno, Anna Zanfardino, Giuseppe Bazan
Summary: This study evaluated the chemical composition and biological properties of the essential oils extracted from Thymus richardii subsp. nitidus. Similar chemical compounds were found in the essential oils extracted from different stages of the plant, and these oils and their main constituents exhibited antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberto Scaffaro, Luca Settanni, Emmanuel Fortunato Gulino
Summary: This study compares the techniques of electrospinning (ES) and solution blow spinning (SBS) for the production of nanofibrous membranes. The effects of liquid or solid molecules addition on morphology, structural properties, and release behavior were evaluated. The results show that both ES and SBS can achieve controlled release for up to 500 hours, with SBS allowing for slower release kinetics for liquid molecules and faster release kinetics for solid molecules.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Vincenzo Ilardi, Natale Badalamenti, Alessandro Vaglica, Antonella Maggio, Maurizio Bruno
Summary: Ferulago nodosa is a plant species found in the Balkan-Tyrrhenian area, specifically in Crete, Greece, Albania, and possibly Macedonia. The classification of the western population in Sicily as an endemic sub-species, F. nodosa subsp. geniculata, is controversial. To investigate the existence of two different sub-species, the chemical composition of F. nodosa essential oil from Crete was analyzed and compared with previous reports. The main constituents of the Cretan accessions were trimethyl benzaldehyde derivatives (29.5%) and monoterpene hydrocarbons (56.14%).
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Natale Badalamenti, Rosalia Merra, Rosario Schicchi, Anna Geraci, Francesco Sgadari, Maurizio Bruno
Summary: In this study, GC-MS analysis was used to analyze the chemical composition of the essential oil from the aerial parts of Jacobaea delphiniifolia collected in Sicily. The results revealed the presence of two main metabolites, 1-undecene (63.57%) and thymol methyl ether (13.65%). This is the first report on the essential oil of this species. Chemotaxonomic considerations were also carried out by comparing the oils of other Jacobaea taxa previously studied.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
