Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ludmila Motelica, Denisa Ficai, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Anton Ficai, Vladimir-Lucian Ene, Bogdan-Stefan Vasile, Ecaterina Andronescu, Alina-Maria Holban
Summary: Developing biodegradable packaging materials with antimicrobial properties can extend the shelf life of food, reduce food waste, and monitor the storage conditions of sensitive food.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Juliana Beatriz Miazaki, Adriele Rodrigues dos Santos, Camila Fabiano de Freitas, Ana Paula Stafussa, Jane Martha Graton Mikcha, Rita de Cassia Bergamasco, Lucineia Aparecida Cestari Tonon, Grasiele Scaramal Madrona, Wilker Caetano, Leandro Herculano da Silva, Monica Regina da Silva Scapim
Summary: The present study evaluated the efficiency of an edible coating of alginate and erythrosine in the preservation of ricotta cheese submitted to the technique of Photodynamic Inactivation of Microorganisms (PDIM). The results showed that the use of 100 mu mol/L erythrosine in the coating had better antimicrobial effect without compromising the sensory attributes and nutritional characteristics of ricotta cheese.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zineb Mahcene, Aminata Khelil, Sara Hasni, Fatih Bozkurt, Mohamed Bilal Goudjil, Fatih Tornuk
Summary: The study developed a new technique for preserving natural cheese using an edible biofilm made of sodium alginate and essential oils. The coated cheese samples showed moderate oxidative stability, reduced microbial growth, weight loss, and hardness compared to uncoated samples. Sensory analysis indicated that cheese coated with sodium alginate and essential oils were preferred by panelists.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gulsum Aydin, Elif Busra Zorlu
Summary: Composite films were prepared by incorporating roselle extract (HE) into alginate films. The surface characteristics of the films became rougher with increasing concentrations of HE, and the physical and mechanical properties of the composite films decreased. However, the composite films exhibited significant antibacterial activity.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guilherme Ribeiro de Carvalho, Amanda Miki Kudaka, Rafael Affonso Netto, Camila Delarmelina, Marta Cristina Teixeira Duarte, Liliane Maria Ferrareso Lona
Summary: This study developed a polyelectrolyte film with antiviral and antibacterial activity using sodium alginate and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride). The film showed continuous and compact structures, and the addition of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) improved its mechanical properties and thermal stability. The polyelectrolyte film exhibited inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Bin Zhang, Yang Liu, Huanhuan Wang, Wenhua Liu, Kit-leong Cheong, Bo Teng
Summary: The study demonstrated that the bilayer film containing ginger essential oil exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity, physical properties, and structural characteristics, making it suitable for food packaging.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fatemeh Shahdadi, Maliheh Faryabi, Haroon Khan, Ali Salehi Sardoei, Bahman Fazeli-Nasab, Bey Hing Goh, Khang Wen Goh, Ching Siang Tan
Summary: This study examined the antibacterial effects of Mentha longifolia essential oil and pulegone in edible coatings on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli in cheese. The results showed that the addition of these compounds significantly reduced bacterial growth during storage. Increasing the concentration of chitosan, M. longifolia, and pulegone in the coatings further decreased the bacterial population, with pulegone exhibiting a stronger effect. Overall, the findings suggest that M. longifolia essential oil and pulegone, combined with alginate and chitosan coatings, have antibacterial effects against S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and E. coli in cheese.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Shima Jafarzadeh, Ali Salehabadi, Abdorreza Mohammadi Nafchi, Nazila Oladzadabbasabadi, Seid Mahdi Jafari
Summary: Research shows that bionanocomposite films can effectively reduce weight loss and microbial spoilage in cheese packaging, improving the shelf life of cheese. Furthermore, there is a call to reduce the use of non-biodegradable polymers and promote the application of bio-materials in cheese packaging.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
S. Mohan, T. G. Unnikrishnan, Umang Dubey, M. Ramesh, K. Panneerselvam
Summary: Antimicrobial and biodegradable film-forming biopolymers, such as chitosan combined with Mustard oil, show great potential for applications in food packaging. The inclusion of Mustard oil improves the physical, mechanical, thermal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of the film. Additionally, the composite films demonstrate good soil biodegradation, making them environmentally friendly.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Haiying Cui, Rui Xu, Wei Hu, Changzhu Li, Mohamed A. Abdel-Samie, Lin Lin
Summary: Environmental issues caused by plastic packaging materials have become increasingly serious, leading to extensive research on environmentally friendly active packaging materials. In this study, Litsea cubeba essential oil loaded soy protein isolate nanoparticles (LSNPs) were successfully fabricated with appropriate particle size, high storage stability, and salt solution stability. These LSNPs were then added to lentinan edible films. The results showed that the lentinan film with LSNPs in the volume ratio of 4:1 had excellent physical properties and exhibited antibacterial, oxidation resistance, and thermal stability effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Lopresti, Luigi Botta, Vincenzo La Carrubba, Liliana Di Pasquale, Luca Settanni, Raimondo Gaglio
Summary: In this study, antibacterial biopolymeric films containing carvacrol (CRV) and nisin were investigated for potential food packaging applications. The combination of CRV and nisin significantly influenced the properties of Mater-Bi based films, leading to higher antibacterial activity compared to films containing CRV or nisin alone.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jaweria Ashfaq, Iftikhar Ahmed Channa, Asif Ahmed Shaikh, Ali Dad Chandio, Aqeel Ahmed Shah, Bushra Bughio, Ashfaque Birmahani, Sultan Alshehri, Mohammed M. Ghoneim
Summary: This study focuses on the development of cost-effective biodegradable and edible packaging films using household materials. The films showed improved water vapor barrier properties, transparency, and tensile strength, and maintained these properties even after repeated bending cycles.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dani Dordevic, Simona Dordevic, Fouad Ali Abdullah Abdullah, Tamara Mader, Nino Medimorec, Bohuslava Tremlova, Ivan Kushkevych
Summary: This study aims to produce edible/biodegradable packaging with the addition of spent coffee grounds (SCG) oil and investigate how this fortification affects the chemical, textural, and solubility properties of the films. The results showed that the packaging samples produced with the addition of SCG oil had higher antioxidant capacity compared to control samples. The findings suggest that films manufactured with SCG oil have significant potential as effective and promising materials for active food packaging purposes.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xin He, Min Li, Xuechen Gong, Baolong Niu, Wenfeng Li
Summary: The degradable antibacterial film prepared using chitosan and a mixture containing antibacterial cinnamon essential oil showed promising properties in terms of preservation, mechanical strength, and antimicrobial activity. The addition of 0.5% of the mixture led to the best preservation and mechanical properties, while also exhibiting high inhibition rates against E. coli and S. aureus.
FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Esmail Abdollahzadeh, Amene Nematollahi, Hedayat Hosseini
Summary: There is no standardized methodology for assessing the antimicrobial effects of edible films, but disc and well diffusion assays along with viable cell count methods are the most common. The key to selecting an appropriate evaluation method lies in the type of active components and materials used in producing the edible films.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roxana Cristina Popescu, Verena Kopatz, Ecaterina Andronescu, Diana Iulia Savu, Wolfgang Doerr
Summary: The involvement of 3D tumor cell models in the testing of novel nanotechnology-based strategies for cancer management provides valuable information on the behavior of tumor cells in complex architectures. In this study, polyethylene glycol-encapsulated iron oxide nanoparticles were used for targeted drug delivery and enhanced radiation therapy. The effects of nanoparticles and X-rays were evaluated on 2D and 3D cell models of normal and cancer cells. The results show that the proposed treatment is promising for the management of cervical adenocarcinoma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ludmila Motelica, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Bogdan-Stefan Vasile, Anton Ficai, Denisa Ficai, Ecaterina Andronescu, Alina Maria Holban
Summary: In this paper, the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) by forced solvolysis in different alcohols was reported, and the influence of alcohol type (n-butanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerin) on the size and properties of the NPs was studied. The photocatalytic activity of the NPs against a dye mixture and their antibacterial effects were also investigated. The results showed that the NPs exhibited good photocatalytic activity, with degradation efficiency reaching 99.99%, and strong inhibition of bacterial growth, indicating their potential applications in water purification.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Joanna Kisala, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Anton Ficai, Denisa Ficai, Renata Wojnarowska-Nowak, Tomasz Szreder
Summary: This study presents the degradation of TBBPA using two Fe3O4 magnetic photocatalysts (F1 and F2). The results indicate that both catalysts are effective for the reductive degradation of TBBPA. Quantum chemical calculations show that the degradation process follows the Eley-Rideal mechanism.
Article
Polymer Science
Nicoleta Mirela Marin, Georgiana Dolete, Ludmila Motelica, Roxana Trusca, Ovidiu Cristian Oprea, Anton Ficai
Summary: In this study, two chelating resins were prepared and used for the simultaneous adsorption of toxic metal ions. The stability of the obtained resins was evaluated, and they showed excellent stability in various mediums. Adsorption studies were conducted on complex acid effluents polluted with metal ions, and the affinity series for the chelating resins were obtained. The results showed promising potential for wastewater treatment in the context of the circular economy approach.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angela Spoiala, Cornelia-Ioana Ilie, Georgiana Dolete, Gabriela Petrisor, Roxana-Doina Trusca, Ludmila Motelica, Denisa Ficai, Anton Ficai, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Mara-Lia Ditu
Summary: Due to the impact of water pollution on the environment and human health, there is a pressing need for the development of innovative membranes. This study aimed to create adsorbent composite membranes using a biodegradable polymer, alginate, for the removal of toxic pollutants, with a focus on lead. The composite membranes were successfully obtained and exhibited antimicrobial activity due to the presence of silver nanoparticles and caffeic acid. The membranes were characterized using various techniques and their capability for water treatment and antimicrobial treatment was evaluated.
Article
Polymer Science
Georgiana Dolete, Cornelia-Ioana Ilie, Cristina Chircov, Bogdan Purcareanu, Ludmila Motelica, Alina Morosan, Ovidiu Cristian Oprea, Denisa Ficai, Ecaterina Andronescu, Lia-Mara Ditu
Summary: The study aims to develop a hydrogel-based film for sustained and controlled release of vancomycin. Magnetite-coated malic acid nanoparticles (Fe3O4/malic) and MCM-41 were synthesized and loaded with vancomycin for wound dressings. The films exhibited morpho-structural homogeneity, sustained release, and enhanced antimicrobial activity. Magnetite incorporation was also considered for magneto-responsive stimulation of vancomycin diffusion.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristiana Plocon, Alexandru Evanghelidis, Monica Enculescu, Gabriela Isopencu, Ovidiu Oprea, Mihaela Bacalum, Mina Raileanu, Sorin Jinga, Cristina Busuioc
Summary: This study focuses on the fabrication and characterization of composite scaffolds based on polycaprolactone (PCL) and cerium (Ce)-containing powders. The composite scaffolds showed good biological activity and antibacterial effect. The scaffolds were composed of either dimensionally homogeneous fibers or mixtures of fibers with a wide size distribution and beads of different shapes. The immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) triggered the degradation of PCL, mainly through cracks and gaps. The composite scaffolds exhibited excellent biocompatibility, with the samples consisting of PCL and Ce-doped calcium phosphates showing superior performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexandra Catalina Birca, Oana Gherasim, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Ionela Andreea Neacsu, Cristina Chircov, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Ovidiu Cristian Oprea, Ecaterina Andronescu, Miruna Silvia Stan, Carmen Curutiu, Lia Mara Ditu, Alina Maria Holban
Summary: The use of a microfluidic platform with a cross-shape design was explored in this study for synthesizing silver nanoparticles. The precursor concentration and purging speed were varied as experimental parameters. The obtained samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Alginate-based hydrogels containing hyaluronic acid and silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and evaluated for their antimicrobial activity and wound treatment efficiency.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Chircov, Alexandra Catalina Birca, Lorena Alexandra Danciulescu, Ionela Andreea Neacsu, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Roxana-Doina Trusca, Ecaterina Andronescu
Summary: This study aimed to improve the control over the properties of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) by incorporating usnic acid (UA) through two synthesis methods. The results showed that the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method achieved better drug loading efficiency, size, stability, and magnetic properties compared to the co-precipitation method. The cytotoxicity of the UA-loaded MNPs was also demonstrated through the XTT assay, indicating their potential for anticancer treatment applications.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Catalin Paun, Ludmila Motelica, Denisa Ficai, Anton Ficai, Ecaterina Andronescu
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have multiple applications in the biomedical field, including drug delivery, biosensors, and cancer treatment. With their highly tunable properties, MOFs can be precisely tuned for drug release, providing great potential for precision medicine.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cristina Chircov, Iulia Alexandra Dumitru, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Alina Maria Holban, Roxana Cristina Popescu
Summary: Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have been well studied for biomedical applications, particularly as drug delivery systems for infections. The focus has now shifted towards controlling the synthesis reaction to ensure uniform sizes and shapes. This study successfully obtained antibiotic-loaded MNPs using a microfluidic device, and evaluated their structural properties, antibiotic loading, release profiles, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties. The results demonstrated uniformity, good biocompatibility, and promising antimicrobial activity, representing a step forward in the development of effective nanostructured systems for antimicrobial therapies.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ludmila Motelica, Bogdan-Stefan Vasile, Anton Ficai, Adrian-Vasile Surdu, Denisa Ficai, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Ecaterina Andronescu, Gabriel Mustatea, Elena Loredana Ungureanu, Alina Alexandra Dobre
Summary: The overuse of antibiotics leads to the development of drug resistance in microorganisms. Researchers are actively exploring new antimicrobials to overcome this problem. The combination of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and essential oils can produce a strong antimicrobial effect and may have potential applications in wound dressings or food packaging.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Viorica Maria Corbu, Andreea Stefania Dumbrava, Liliana Marinescu, Ludmila Motelica, Cristina Chircov, Adrian Vasile Surdu, Irina Gheorghe-Barbu, Ionut Pecete, Irina Balotescu, Marcela Popa, Ioana Cristina Marinas, Nicoleta Ianovici, Daniela-Georgiana Ciobanu, Lia Mara Ditu, Denisa Ficai, Ovidiu Cristian Oprea, Anton Ficai, Tatiana Eugenia Sesan, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
Summary: This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficiency of different types of nanoparticles against fungi and bacterial strains isolated from cultural heritage objects in Romania. The results showed that silver nanoparticles exhibited the highest antifungal efficiency, while copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles decreased the adhesion capacity of microbial strains. These findings provide promising alternative solutions for the preservation of cultural heritage objects.
FRONTIERS IN MATERIALS
(2023)
