Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sara Hasan, Muhammad Amish Hasan, Muhammad Umair Hassan, Muhammad Amin, Sobia Noreen, Asim Anwar, Nazia Shahana Abbas
Summary: The increasing demand for environmentally friendly and healthy plant-based products has led to a significant rise in the use of plant-based biopolymers, particularly mucilage and gums. Basil seed mucilage, a plant-derived polysaccharide known for its stabilization, thickening, gelling properties, and drug delivery potential, was optimized for extraction yield using response surface methodology and artificial neural network. The optimal extraction conditions were determined to be pH 7, temperature of 56 degrees Celsius, 6 hours contact time, and a seed/water ratio of 1:30 (w/v%), resulting in a BSM extraction yield of 9.94%.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abigail Garcia-Villegas, Alejandro Rojas-Garcia, Maria del Carmen Villegas-Aguilar, Patricia Fernandez-Moreno, Alvaro Fernandez-Ochoa, Maria de la Luz Cadiz-Gurrea, David Arraez-Roman, Antonio Segura-Carretero
Summary: The review discusses the bioactive compounds found in tropical fruit by-products and their potential therapeutic properties for skin health in the cosmeceutical industry. Various extraction techniques are also explored, along with the effects of these compounds on oxidative stress, hyperpigmentation, acne, aging, and UV radiation.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
A. O. Adeeyo, J. A. Oyetade, M. A. Alabi, R. O. Adeeyo, A. Samie, R. Makungo
Summary: The environmental impact and denaturing propensity of organic solvents are challenges in the extraction of plant bioactives. Tuning water properties offers a greener and efficient alternative with high yield and preserved bioactivities.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Clara Gomez-Urios, Adriana Vinas-Ospino, Pablo Puchades-Colera, Daniel Lopez-Malo, Ana Frigola, Maria Jose Esteve, Jesus Blesa
Summary: The citrus industry generates waste with bioactive compounds that are beneficial to human health. This study utilized natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) to extract polyphenols and flavonoids from orange peels, and found that NADES were effective in extracting polyphenols and improving their stability.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marco Barbanera, Alessandro Cardarelli, Eleonora Carota, Marco Castellini, Tommaso Giannoni, Stefano Ubertini
Summary: This study aimed to produce solid biofuel and phenolic compounds from winemaking waste by optimizing temperature, residence time, and biomass-to-liquid ratio. Carbonization temperature was found to be crucial, impacting both product yield and quality. The HTC process also yielded liquid by-products with potential for valorization through biological methods.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Acoustics
Jussi Tamminen, Janne Holappa, Dmitry Vladimirovich Gradov, Tuomas Koiranen
Summary: This study compared the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) process for chlorophylls and carotenoids at laboratory and pilot scale, and found that UAE can significantly improve extraction yield. While the effect was less prominent at pilot scale, the scale-up experiment revealed the required ultrasound power density for equal extraction yield at both scales.
ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Antonietta Baiano, Roberto Romaniello, Ferruccio Giametta, Anna Fiore
Summary: The aim of this study was to optimize sustainable processes for extracting phenolic compounds from chicory and fennel by-products using water as a solvent. Compared to conventional extraction methods, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) provided higher phenolic concentrations in chicory extracts (48% and 34% higher, respectively) and shorter extraction times (4-fold and 90-fold reduction, respectively). For fennel extracts, there was a slightly lower amount of phenolics (-11.7% and -10.5%, respectively) but a halved extraction time (UAE) or a 60-fold reduction in time (MAE).
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Fereshteh Safarzadeh Markhali
Summary: The bio-functional properties of olive oil products and by-products are greatly influenced by the proportions and types of endogenous phenolics, which can change favorably/unfavorably during processing. Utilizing innovative technologies and valorizing by-products can lead to sustainable development in olive oil processing.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Aniket Bhavsar, Claver Diallo, M. Ali Ulku
Summary: Due to increasing demands from customers for sustainability, organizations are implementing initiatives to reduce environmental impacts and enhance social responsibilities within their supply chains. Retailers providing Fair Trade alternatives can better support suppliers in developing countries by guaranteeing higher purchase prices and improving education and well-being. Aligning Fair Trade Supply Chains with conventional supply chains can be beneficial if demands for both Fair Trade and conventional products are not cannibalized, leading to increased benefits for both suppliers and workers in developing countries.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ombeline Claux, Cyrille Santerre, Maryline Abert-Vian, David Touboul, Nadine Vallet, Farid Chemat
Summary: Analytical chemistry heavily relies on solvents, usually petroleum-based, with hazardous effects. The ideal alternative solvents for analysis should have high selectivity, solvency, low toxicity, low environmental impacts, be easily biodegradable and obtained from renewable resources at a reasonable price. However, finding a solvent that meets all these requirements is a challenge, as the optimum solvent selection depends on various factors such as extraction procedure, analytical method, matrix, and target molecules. This opinion presents a snapshot of current knowledge on alternative and sustainable solvents in analytical laboratories, focusing on innovation and development of safe products and procedures.
CURRENT OPINION IN GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Esteban Villamil-Galindo, Alejandro Gastelum-Estrada, Cristina Chuck-Hernandez, Marilena Antunes-Ricardo, Edwin E. Reza-Zaldivar, Andrea Piagentini, Daniel A. Jacobo-Velazquez
Summary: Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) is an efficient method for extracting bioactive compounds, and ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation induces the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds. This study optimized the UAE conditions for recovering UVA-induced phenolic compounds in strawberry by-products. The optimal conditions were a 1:30 ratio, 46% ethanol, and 100% ultrasound power, resulting in an average yield of 13 g total phenolics kg(-1). UAE combined with UVA treatment increased the bioactivity of the extracts, displaying anti-proliferative effects and antioxidant activity.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adila Gherabli, Nabil Grimi, Julien Lemaire, Eugene Vorobiev, Nikolai Lebovka
Summary: The freshwater microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is a cell factory for natural astaxanthin, with 4-7% of its total dry weight composed of astaxanthin. The bioaccumulation of astaxanthin in H. pluvialis cysts is a complex process dependent on different stress conditions during cultivation. This review analyzes the various steps in H. pluvialis' processing, including cultivation, biomass harvesting, cell disruption, extraction, and purification techniques. It also collects information on cell structure, biomolecular composition, properties, and the bioactivity of astaxanthin in H. pluvialis, with special emphasis on the recent progress in applying electrotechnologies for growth and biomolecule recovery.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tiziana Amoriello, Francesco Mellara, Stefania Ruggeri, Roberto Ciorba, Danilo Ceccarelli, Roberto Ciccoritti
Summary: This study investigated artichoke by-products as a potential source of phenolic compounds and used these compounds to design a new fresh egg pasta formulation. The results showed that the polyphenols extracted from artichoke by-products could be used as a sustainable ingredient in the design of functional fresh egg pasta, which exhibited good nutritional and technological characteristics even after cooking.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Maria A. Acquavia, Jos e J. Benitez, Giuliana Bianco, Maria A. Crescenzi, Jesus Hierrezuelo, Montserrat Grife-Ruiz, Diego Romero, Susana Guzman-Puyol, Jose A. Heredia-Guerrero
Summary: Reinforced films were produced by impregnating paper with ethyl cellulose solutions, improving the mechanical and barrier properties. Avocado by-products extract, rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, was incorporated into the reinforced paper, reducing water absorption, increasing biodegradability, and acting as a barrier for bacteria. These films demonstrated potential for food packaging with low migrations and similar food preservation to polyethylene.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Syed Faiz Mujtaba, Agha Parvez Masih, Ibrahim Alqasmi, Ahmad Alsulimani, Faizan Haider Khan, Shafiul Haque
Summary: Cosmetics, referred to as 'makeup', are products that enhance the appearance of the human body, while sunlight exposure can lead to light-induced chemical reactions, resulting in oxidative stress and DNA damage.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Paula Mayorga-Burrezo, Francesc Bejarano, Joaquin Calbo, Xiaotao Zhao, J. Alejandro De Sousa, Vega Lloveras, Martin R. Bryce, Enrique Orti, Jaume Veciana, Concepcio Rovira, Nuria Crivillers
Summary: In this study, two redox and magnetically active PTM radical units were connected to a bis(phenylene)diyne chain, generating negative and positive charged species. The influence of the bridge on their stabilization was discussed. The PTM radicals play a key role in stabilizing the cationic species, promoting the generation of quinoidal ring segments.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francesc Bejarano, Diego Gutierrez, Jose Catalan-Toledo, Daniel Roca-Sanjuan, Johannes Gierschner, Jaume Veciana, Marta Mas-Torrent, Concepcio Rovira, Nuria Crivillers
Summary: This study investigates the photoisomerization of an asymmetrically substituted styrene containing a redox-active ferrocene moiety and a terminal alkyne group in solution, and upon forming chemisorbed self-assembled monolayers. The charge transport measurements across the monolayers show that there is an alteration of the isomerization pathway when linked to the gold substrate, favoring trans to cis conversion compared to solution. The experimental results are interpreted based on quantum chemistry calculations.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Aguado, Laura Saldana, Eduardo Perez del Rio, Judith Guasch, Marc Parera, Alba Cordoba, Joaquin Seras-Franzoso, Olivia Cano-Garrido, Esther Vazquez, Antonio Villaverde, Jaume Veciana, Imma Ratera, Nuria Vilaboa, Nora Ventosa
Summary: This study demonstrates for the first time the use of Freon R134a for generating porous polymer matrices with larger pore sizes and better mechanical properties compared to conventional scCO(2) processing. MSCs attached to PLA scaffolds processed with Freon R134a exhibited good metabolic activity and displayed spread morphology with a well-organized actin cytoskeleton. Functionalization of Freon R134a-processed PLA scaffolds with protein nanoparticles significantly enhanced the scaffolds' cytocompatibility.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lidia Ballell-Hosa, Elisabet Gonzalez-Mira, Hector Santana, Judit Morla-Folch, Marc Moreno-Masip, Yaima Martinez-Prieto, Albert Revuelta, Primiano Pio Di Mauro, Jaume Veciana, Santi Sala, Lidia Ferrer-Tasies, Nora Ventosa
Summary: Topical delivery is of great interest due to localized drug delivery, patient compliance, and low risk for side effects. The DELOS nanovesicles drug delivery platform has shown potential for complex wound treatment and has been successfully formulated into hydrogels with improved stability and rheological properties. This has not been widely reported in literature, and further experiments have demonstrated enhanced bioactivity of integrated proteins in the gellified nanovesicles compared to liquid form.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sara Battista, Mariana Koeber, Pierangelo Bellio, Giuseppe Celenza, Luciano Galantini, Guillem Vargas-Nadal, Lorenza Fagnani, Jaume Veciana, Nora Ventosa, Luisa Giansanti
Summary: The newly developed nanovesicle system of the quatsome family shows noticeable antibacterial activity, demonstrating great potential for the treatment of bacterial infections and can also serve as nanocarriers of pharmaceutical actives.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Judit Morla-Folch, Guillem Vargas-Nadal, Edgar Fuentes, Silvia Illa-Tuset, Mariana Koeber, Cristina Sissa, Silvia Pujals, Anna Painelli, Jaume Veciana, Jordi Faraudo, Kevin D. Belfield, Lorenzo Albertazzi, Nora Ventosa
Summary: The development of bright fluorescent nanoparticles is essential for improving the resolution and signal-to-noise ratio in fluorescence imaging techniques. In this study, we developed FRET-based nanovesicles with different dye loadings and investigated their optical properties at the nanoscopic level. The results show that the dye's molecular diffusion in fluid-like membranes can modulate the optical properties of the nanoparticles, resulting in highly efficient and stable nanoprobes.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
J. Alejandro De Sousa, Raphael Pfattner, Diego Gutierrez, Kilian Jutglar, T. Bromley Stefan, Jaume Veciana, Concepcio Rovira, Marta Mas-Torrent, Bruno Fabre, Nuria Crivillers
Summary: The preparation of monolayers based on an organic radical and its diamagnetic counterpart has been investigated on hydrogen-terminated silicon surfaces. The monolayers exhibit a characteristic diode behavior in solid-state metal/monolayer/semiconductor junctions, which is influenced by the electronic characteristics of the organic molecule. The presence of the radical significantly enhances the rectification ratio and photosensitivity of the junction.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Adriana R. Kyvik, Ramon Roca-Pinilla, Karla Mayolo-Deloisa, Xavier Rodriguez Rodriguez, Marc Martinez-Miguel, Marta Martos, Mariana Kober, Nora Ventosa, Jaume Veciana, Judith Guasch, Elena Garcia-Fruitos, Anna Aris, Imma Ratera
Summary: In this study, novel biofunctionalized gold surfaces with the antimicrobial multidomain recombinant protein JAMF1 were developed. The immobilized JAMF1 protein successfully reduced biofilm formation of both Escherichia coli and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. This strategy provides new possibilities for biomolecule immobilization in fundamental biological studies and biotechnological applications.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nerea Gonzalez-Pato, Xavier Rodriguez Rodriguez, Nicola Pellizzi, Claudia Fasolato, Judith Guasch, Paolo Postorino, Jaume Veciana, Alejandro R. R. Goni, Imma Ratera
Summary: We developed an easy and low-cost method to prepare highly homogeneous electroactive substrates for simultaneous surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and electrochemical measurements. The substrates were made by depositing a quasi-hexagonal pattern of uniformly distributed gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) using block-copolymer micellar lithography, followed by electrodeposition of additional gold onto the pre-patterned ITO. The resulting substrates exhibited strong and homogeneous Raman signals and demonstrated good electrochemical performance.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nerea Gonzalez-Pato, Davide Blasi, Domna M. Nikolaidou, Francesco Bertocchi, Jesus Cerda, Francesca Terenziani, Nora Ventosa, Juan Arago, Andrea Lapini, Jaume Veciana, Imma Ratera
Summary: This article reports the preparation and characterization of organic nanoparticles doped with polychlorinated trityl radicals as nanothermometers for temperature sensing. The nanoparticles show excellent thermal sensitivity and have the potential to be used as nanothermometers in bio applications.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Raphael Pfattner, Elena Laukhina, Jinghai Li, Rossella L. Zaffino, Nuria Aliaga-Alcalde, Marta Mas-Torrent, Vladimir Laukhin, Jaume Veciana
Summary: Composites with different components exhibit unique synergistic properties, and the energy bandgap in their electronic structure can be tuned to design tailor-made systems. A study found an emergent insulator-metal transition in bilayered thin-films at room temperature, and the electrical/optical bandgaps could be adjusted. This makes these materials ideal candidates for flexible and soft sensors for various applications.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Fabiao Santos, Julia Valderas-Gutierrez, Eduardo Perez del Rio, Miquel Castellote-Borrell, Xavier Rodriguez Rodriguez, Jaume Veciana, Imma Ratera, Judith Guasch
Summary: Despite recent achievements, advanced personalized immunotherapies still face limitations in terms of biomedical and technical aspects. In this study, researchers engineered a three-dimensional hydrogel with an inverse opal structure to mimic the lymph node environment and improve the expansion and proliferation of therapeutic T cells. The hydrogel with precise control over its pore size exhibited enhanced proliferation of primary human CD4+ T cells and outperformed hydrogels without the predetermined pore structure.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Marc Martinez-Miguel, Adriana R. Kyvik, Lena M. Ernst, Albert Martinez-Moreno, Olivia Cano-Garrido, Elena Garcia-Fruitos, Esther Vazquez, Nora Ventosa, Judith Guasch, Jaume Veciana, Antonio Villaverde, Imma Ratera
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2020)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Luiz F. Pinto, Vega Lloveras, Songbai Zhang, Flonja Liko, Jaume Veciana, Jose L. Munoz-Gomez, Jose Vidal-Gancedo
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
J. Alejandro de Sousa, Francesc Bejarano, Diego Gutierrez, Yann R. Leroux, Ewa Malgorzata Nowik-Boltyk, Tobias Junghoefer, Erika Giangrisostomi, Ruslan Ovsyannikov, Maria Benedetta Casu, Jaume Veciana, Marta Mas-Torrent, Bruno Fabre, Concepcio Rovira, Nuria Crivillers