Review
Food Science & Technology
Erhuan Zang, Linlin Jiang, Hongwei Cui, Xing Li, Yumei Yan, Qian Liu, Ziwei Chen, Minhui Li
Summary: Applying natural food additives extracted from plants is a sustainable development trend in the food industry. Plant-based food additives have gained considerable attention due to their advantages of green safety, health, and environmental protection. However, there are challenges in large-scale production and application, requiring further research to evaluate their safety and potential side effects.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria Manuela Silva, Fernando Henrique Reboredo, Fernando Cebola Lidon
Summary: Colour is an important factor that influences consumers' acceptance and food selection. Synthetic food colourants, which have potential hazards and are associated with various side effects, are being replaced by naturally-derived alternatives. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical characteristics, properties, uses, and health side effects of synthetic and naturally derived food colourants.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Francesca Annunziata, Martina L. Contente, Valentina Anzi, Silvia Donzella, Paola Conti, Francesco Molinari, Piera Anna Martino, Gabriele Meroni, Valerio Massimo Sora, Lucia Tamborini, Andrea Pinto
Summary: This study synthesized a collection of nature-inspired lipophilic phenolic esters using immobilized lipase in cyclopentyl methyl ether. The obtained compounds showed enhanced lipophilicity compared to the parent non-esterified compounds, making them potential additives in the food industry.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Danka Bukvicki, Margherita D'Alessandro, Samantha Rossi, Lorenzo Siroli, Davide Gottardi, Giacomo Braschi, Francesca Patrignani, Rosalba Lanciotti
Summary: The use of plant extracts, such as essential oils, as alternatives to chemical additives and preservatives in food storage has gained significant attention. Essential oils are valuable sources of food preservatives due to their natural antimicrobial properties, providing a healthier alternative without compromising food quality. Combining biocontrol agents, like bacteriocin-producing LAB, with essential oils can enhance the safety and shelf life of food products while preserving their sensory and nutritional quality. This review critically examines the application of essential oils in various food sectors, as well as their combination with biocontrol agents and bacteriocins.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Abdelkader Bensid, Nariman El Abed, Abderrahmane Houicher, Joe M. Regenstein, Fatih Ozogul
Summary: This review provides a detailed overview of different antioxidant and antimicrobial groups in the food industry, focusing on their properties, mechanism of action, and applicability, serving as a guide for students and researchers.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Crisiane A. Marangon, Mirella Romanelli Bertolo, Virginia da C. Amaro Martins, Marcia Nitschke, Ana Maria de Guzzi Plepis
Summary: The study investigates natural emulsions of chitosan/gelatin containing pequi oil and their antimicrobial properties, offering a strategy for the development of natural compound emulsions as food additives. The results demonstrate the synergistic antimicrobial protection between oil and chitosan in the emulsions, highlighting their potential as food additives.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Noushin Eghbal, Wei Liao, Emilie Dumas, Samia Azabou, Philippe Dantigny, Adem Gharsallaoui
Summary: This review focuses on the application of encapsulated natural antimicrobial agents, such as essential oils, plant extracts, bacteriocins, etc., as potential food preservatives to extend the shelf-life of food products. The advantages and drawbacks of various encapsulation methods as well as the current applications of encapsulated antimicrobials in different food products are discussed.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Sneh Punia Bangar, Vandana Chaudhary, Neha Thakur, Priyanka Kajla, Manoj Kumar, Monica Trif
Summary: Edible packaging utilizes edible biopolymers and antimicrobial components to protect food quality and consumer health. Natural antimicrobial agents can replace synthetic compounds, enhancing packaging safety and sustainability. However, further research is needed to quantify the concentration of NAMAs in packaging without compromising film properties.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Crisiane A. Marangon, Caio G. Otoni, Paula C. Bertuso, Murilo A. V. Rodrigues, Mirella R. V. Bertolo, Virginia C. A. Martins, Marcia Nitschke, Ana Maria G. Plepis, Luiz H. C. Mattoso
Summary: This study introduces a smart packaging material that changes color to indicate food spoilage, and demonstrates the improvement of its properties by adding lignin and grape seed extract. The packaging material exhibits functions of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and intelligent detection, contributing to the reduction of food waste.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Paula Garcia Milla, Rocio Penalver, Gema Nieto
Summary: Moringa oleifera, a plant rich in various nutrients and bioactive compounds, has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. It is known for its pharmacological properties such as anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Incorporating Moringa oleifera into bakery products can enhance their nutritional value, but careful consideration of concentration levels is essential to avoid affecting the sensory characteristics of the products.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
El Sayed Hassan Atwaa, Magdy Ramadan Shahein, Hanan A. Radwan, Nahed S. Mohammed, Maha A. Aloraini, Nisreen Khalid Aref Albezrah, Maha A. Alharbi, Haitham Helmy Sayed, Mamdouh Abdelmegid Daoud, Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
Summary: Synthetic chemical preservatives are widely used in the food industry, but due to potential health risks, natural food preservatives are being sought after. This study explored the use of plant extracts as antimicrobial agents to develop alternatives to synthetic additives in food products. The results showed that sumac extracts exhibited the best antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Olexandra Boyko, Viktor Brygadyrenko
Summary: Inorganic food additives are widely used in various fields, not just the food industry. While they are safe for humans and agricultural animals in certain concentrations, they have a negative impact on other living organisms. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different inorganic food additives on the vitality of nematode larvae that parasitize agricultural animals. The results showed that alkalis, such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, had the strongest effects on the larvae.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Beatriz Nunes Silva, Jose Antonio Teixeira, Vasco Cadavez, Ursula Gonzales-Barron
Summary: This study provides an overview of lactic acid bacteria and plant extracts as antimicrobial agents in artisanal cheeses, as well as thermisation as a strategy to avoid pasteurisation. The mechanisms of antimicrobial action, advantages, limitations, and potential commercial applications of these approaches are discussed. Plant extracts and lactic acid bacteria appear to be effective in reducing microbial contamination, while thermisation can effectively inactivate pathogens.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ayu Masyita, Reka Mustika Sari, Ayun Dwi Astuti, Budiman Yasir, Nur Rahma Rumata, Talha Bin Emran, Firzan Nainu, Jesus Simal-Gandara
Summary: Essential oils are concentrated liquids extracted from plants, containing bioactive compounds that have various biological activities. They have potential applications in pharmaceutical, medical, and food industries, particularly as antimicrobial agents and food preservatives.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Bin Dong, Cailing Yu, Yanjun Lin, Guowen Zhou, Chunlong Sun, Jun Wang, Tao Wu
Summary: Natto peptide derived from P. pastoris exhibited excellent antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, extending the storage time of pork and maintaining its quality.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Marita A. Cardoso, Sandra F. H. Correia, Helena M. R. Goncalves, Rui F. P. Pereira, Sonia Pereira, Teresa M. R. Maria, Maria M. Silva, Artur J. M. Valente, Elvira Fortunato, Rute A. S. Ferreira, Veronica de Zea Bermudez
Summary: This study explores the potential application of PMMA-based composite films in electrochromic devices, confirming their advantages in emitting in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions, fast switching speed, and high transparency.
JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Joao C. Barbosa, Daniela M. Correia, Arkaitz Fidalgo-Marijuan, Renato Goncalves, Mariana Fernandes, Veronica de Zea Bermudez, Maria M. Silva, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez, Carlos M. Costa
Summary: Environmentally friendlier separators based on PHBV membranes with CFO fillers were prepared by electrospinning method to improve the electrochemical properties. The composite membranes show a well-defined porosity and high ionic conductivity, with fiber orientation and filler addition not significantly affecting physicochemical properties. The addition of CFO enhances battery performance, making them attractive candidates for the next generation of natural polymer-based separator membranes for lithium-ion battery applications.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria Manuela Silva, Fernando Henrique Reboredo, Fernando Cebola Lidon
Summary: Colour is an important factor that influences consumers' acceptance and food selection. Synthetic food colourants, which have potential hazards and are associated with various side effects, are being replaced by naturally-derived alternatives. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical characteristics, properties, uses, and health side effects of synthetic and naturally derived food colourants.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Raquel Alves, Arkaitz Fidalgo-Marijuan, Lia Campos-Arias, Renato Goncalves, Maria Manuela Silva, Francisco Javier del Campo, Carlos M. Costa, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez
Summary: In this study, environmentally friendly solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on gellan gum and ionic liquid (IL) were prepared and applied in electrochromic devices (ECDs). The developed SPEs showed good thermal stability, suitable mechanical properties, and high ionic conductivity. The electrochromic performance of the SPE was evaluated and demonstrated a fully flexible ECD operating at voltages below 1.0 V.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jaime Fernandes, Fernando H. Reboredo, Ines Luis, Maria Manuela Silva, Maria M. Simoes, Fernando C. Lidon, Jose C. Ramalho
Summary: This study evaluated the elemental composition and contribution to the daily intake of essential elements in 25 commonly used herbal tea plants. The concentrations of different elements varied among plant families and organs, and no harmful elements were found. Some plant samples were found to be rich in potassium, calcium, zinc, and other essential elements.
Article
Polymer Science
Naima Naffati, Mariana Fernandes, Veronica de Zea Bermudez, Mohamed Faouzi Nsib, Youssef Arfaoui, Ammar Houas, Joaquim Luis Faria, Claudia Gomes Silva, Maria Manuela Silva
Summary: Polymer membranes based on natural polymer chitosan and carbon nanotube-titanium dioxide composites were prepared, showing satisfactory ionic conductivity and semi-crystalline morphology. The addition of plasticizers such as glycerol significantly improved the conductivity. These materials could be used as electrolytes in solid electrochemical devices, offering environmentally friendly and attractive properties.
IRANIAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Claudia Campos Pessoa, Fernando C. Lidon, Ana Rita F. Coelho, Ana Coelho Marques, Diana Daccak, Ines Carmo Luis, Joao Cravidao Caleiro, Jose Carlos Kullberg, Paulo Legoinha, Maria Graca Brito, Jose Cochicho Ramalho, Maria Jose Silva, Ana Paula Rodrigues, Mauro Guerra, Roberta G. Leitao, Paula Scotti Campos, Isabel P. Pais, Jose N. Semedo, Maria Manuela Silva, Carlos Galhano, Nuno Leal, Fernando H. Reboredo, Maria Fernanda Pessoa, Manuela Simoes
Summary: This study evaluated the application of magnesium in tomato fruits and found that foliar application of high concentrations of MgSO4 had little impact on fruit quality and physiology. There were differences in magnesium accumulation patterns between two tomato varieties, but on average, H1534 had higher magnesium content. This study suggests using specific varieties to enhance the added value of tomato fruits and emphasizes the importance of variety choice in designing enrichment workflows.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Rita F. Coelho, Jose Cochicho Ramalho, Fernando Cebola Lidon, Ana Coelho Marques, Diana Daccak, Claudia Campos Pessoa, Ines Carmo Luis, Mauro Guerra, Roberta G. Leitao, Jose Manuel N. Semedo, Maria Manuela Silva, Isabel P. Pais, Nuno Leal, Carlos Galhano, Ana Paula Rodrigues, Paulo Legoinha, Maria Jose Silva, Maria Simoes, Paula Scotti Campos, Maria Fernanda Pessoa, Fernando Henrique Reboredo
Summary: Calcium is essential for plants, and this study investigates the accumulation and deposition of calcium in tuber tissues, as well as its interaction with other essential nutrients. The results show that foliar sprayings of calcium chloride and calcium nitrate fertilizers can increase calcium accumulation in tubers, without significant impact on photosynthetic functions or tuber size. Furthermore, the accumulation patterns of other nutrients in tubers show distinct differences compared to calcium.
Article
Plant Sciences
Diana Daccak, Fernando C. Lidon, Ines Carmo Luis, Ana Coelho Marques, Ana Rita F. Coelho, Claudia Campos Pessoa, Joao Caleiro, Jose C. Ramalho, Antonio E. Leitao, Maria Jose Silva, Ana Paula Rodrigues, Mauro Guerra, Roberta G. Leitao, Paula Scotti Campos, Isabel P. Pais, Jose N. Semedo, Nuno Alvarenga, Elsa M. Goncalves, Maria Manuela Silva, Paulo Legoinha, Carlos Galhano, Jose Carlos Kullberg, Maria Brito, Manuela Simoes, Maria Femanda Pessoa, Fernando H. Reboredo
Summary: There is a growing concern about micronutrient deficits in food products, and agronomic biofortification is considered a mitigation strategy. This study investigated the biofortification of grapes with zinc and its effects on grape quality and winemaking. The results showed that zinc biofortification increased the zinc concentration in grapes without significantly affecting their physicochemical characteristics.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Paulo Joaquim Nunes, Rui Francisco Pinto Pereira, Sonia Pereira, Maria Manuela Silva, Elvira Fortunato, Veronica de Zea Bermudez, Mariana Fernandes
Summary: Two di-ureasils with oxyethylene segments were prepared by the sol-gel method, doped with ionic liquid and lithium salt. The resulting films were translucent, flexible, hydrophobic, and had low surface roughness. The optimized sample exhibited good ionic conductivity and was used in prototype electrochromic devices with promising performance.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jose C. Ramalho, Joao Pelica, Fernando C. Lidon, Maria M. A. Silva, Maria M. Simoes, Mauro Guerra, Fernando H. Reboredo
Summary: The selection of suitable plants for contaminated/degraded mining areas is crucial for environmental management. This study investigated the use of a fast-growing forestry species, Eucalyptus nitens, for the recovery of arsenic (As) from artificially contaminated soils. The results showed that Eucalyptus nitens can accumulate high levels of As in its roots without apparent damage, making it a potential candidate for phytoremediation in cool climate areas.
Article
Plant Sciences
Diana Daccak, Fernando C. Lidon, Ana Rita F. Coelho, Ines Carmo Luis, Ana Coelho Marques, Claudia Campos Pessoa, Maria da Graca Brito, Jose Carlos Kullberg, Jose C. Ramalho, Maria Jose Silva, Ana Paula Rodrigues, Paula Scotti Campos, Isabel P. Pais, Jose N. Semedo, Maria Manuela Silva, Paulo Legoinha, Carlos Galhano, Manuela Simoes, Maria Fernanda Pessoa, Fernando H. Reboredo
Summary: One-third of the world's population suffers from hidden hunger caused by a lack of micronutrients, particularly zinc, which can lead to various disorders. This study developed an agronomic workflow to increase zinc concentration in two red winegrape varieties without negatively impacting quality. The results showed a significant increase in zinc biofortification without affecting physical and chemical parameters, indicating the potential for higher quality wine production.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Coelho Marques, Fernando C. Lidon, Ana Rita F. Coelho, Claudia Campos Pessoa, Diana Daccak, Ines Carmo Luis, Manuela Simoes, Paula Scotti-Campos, Ana Sofia Almeida, Mauro Guerra, Roberta G. Leitao, Ana Bagulho, Jose Moreira, Maria F. Pessoa, Paulo Legoinha, Jose C. Ramalho, Jose N. Semedo, Lourenco Palha, Catia Silva, Maria Manuela Silva, Karliana Oliveira, Isabel P. Pais, Fernando H. Reboredo
Summary: This study demonstrated that foliar application of selenium increased the selenium content in rice grains, and affected the levels of micro and macronutrients in the grains. The Ariete and Ceres varieties showed the highest enrichment of selenium.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Catarina S. Miranda, A. Francisca G. Silva, Catarina L. Seabra, Salette Reis, M. Manuela P. Silva, Silvia M. M. A. Pereira-Lima, Susana P. G. Costa, Helena P. Felgueiras, Natalia C. Homem
Summary: In chronic wound (CW) scenarios, Staphylococcus aureus-induced infections are very prevalent. This leads to abnormal inflammatory processes, in which proteolytic enzymes, such as human neutrophil elastase (HNE), become highly expressed. A co-axial drug delivery system was developed to incorporate the antimicrobial peptide AAPV, which can suppress HNE activity, and release it controlled by N-carboxymethyl chitosan (NCMC), an antimicrobial polymer effective against Staphylococcus aureus.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Ana Rita F. Coelho, Fernando Cebola Lidon, Claudia Campos Pessoa, Diana Daccak, Ines Carmo Luis, Ana Coelho Marques, Jose Cochicho Ramalho, Jose Manuel N. Semedo, Maria Manuela Silva, Isabel P. Pais, Maria Graca Brito, Jose Carlos Kullberg, Paulo Legoinha, Maria Simoes, Paula Scotti-Campos, Maria Fernanda Pessoa, Fernando Henrique Reboredo
Summary: Calcium plays a crucial role in the development and stress responses of plants. This study monitored the mineral content and growth of Solanum tuberosum L. during a calcium biofortification process using an unmanned aerial vehicle. The results showed that calcium content increased in all organs of the potato plants after foliar application, with variation between different varieties. Only the Agria variety was suitable for industrial processing after the last foliar application.
