Article
Food Science & Technology
Kristyna Opustilova, Barbora Lapcikova, Lubomir Lapcik, Shweta Gautam, Tomas Valenta, Peng Li
Summary: Physicochemical analyses were conducted on curcumin standard sample and curcumin multiple emulsions. The study revealed poor stability of the emulsions and showed that the content of curcuminoid substances can be determined using MDSC method. CLSM observation confirmed the presence of suspended curcumin particles in the oil phase.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mathieu Balcaen, Johan Steyls, Arnulf Schoeppe, Veronique Nelis, Paul Van der Meeren
Summary: The study revealed that the composition of oil phase and phospholipids can influence the characteristics of w/o emulsions and w/o/w emulsions. Additionally, the hydrophilic emulsifier was found to have an impact on the properties of w/o/w emulsions.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Monica Umana, Pawel Wawrzyniak, Carmen Rossello, Beatriz Llavata, Susana Simal
Summary: This study demonstrates that adding artichoke bracts in oil microencapsulation can improve the stability and encapsulation efficiency of emulsions, while reducing the content of oxidation indicators. Artichoke bract microcapsules have larger particles, lower moisture content, lower solubility, and better antioxidant properties under controlled storage conditions.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Vania Isabel Sousa, Joana Filipa Parente, Juliana Filipa Marques, Marta Adriana Forte, Carlos Jose Tavares
Summary: This review explores the techniques for extracting essential oils from plants and the applications of microencapsulated essential oils. Essential oils have a wide range of applications in the agrochemical, pharmaceutical, medical, food, textile, cosmetic, and hygiene industries.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Wanjun Han, Xiuhang Chai, Farah Zaaboul, Chin-Ping Tan, Yanwen Sun, Chunhuan Liu, Yuanfa Liu
Summary: The crystallization behavior of beeswax in liquid oil is influenced by temperature and concentration, with lower temperatures promoting the formation of supersaturation state. High beeswax concentrations inhibit crystallization, while higher supersaturation levels and lower cooling temperatures accelerate crystal penetration through the interfacial membrane, leading to droplet aggregation and coalescence.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zhaohua Huang, Baozhong Guo, Chong Deng, Can Tang, Chengmei Liu, Xiuting Hu
Summary: W/O/W emulsions were successfully prepared using rice bran wax (RBX) for oil phase oleogelation, showing improved stability and increased average particle size and viscosity with higher RBX concentrations. The RBX also enhanced the protection and bioaccessibility of proanthocyanidins and beta-carotene, with optimum results achieved at RBX concentrations of 8.0% or 10.0%.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaohui Mao, Feifei Wang, Baoshan Lu, Tian Tang, Qi Liu, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: In this study, a novel polymer nanoparticle PBM@PDM was synthesized and used as a demulsifier for stable water-in-oil (W/O) or oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. PBM@PDM could immediately induce coalescence of water droplets and effectively release water in W/O emulsion. It also successfully destabilized O/W emulsion stabilized by asphaltenes.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Samah Mechmechani, Simon Khelissa, Adem Gharsallaoui, Khaled El Omari, Monzer Hamze, Nour-Eddine Chihib
Summary: Biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces is a public health concern, and there is an urgent need for new eradication methods. Combining multiple methods is an effective approach for biofilm control. Microencapsulated enzymes and essential oils show promise as anti-biofilm agents.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ruoning Zhang, Jingjing Yu, Nan Liu, Yanxiang Gao, Like Mao
Summary: This study developed a new method to stabilize W/O emulsions using nanoparticles and oleogel from ethylcellulose (EC), which can be applied for multiple delivery. The results showed that both EC nanoparticles and oleogels contributed to the stability of the emulsions, even during freeze-thawing and heating processes. Furthermore, the addition of curcumin and anthocyanin improved the light stability of the bioactives in the emulsions.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xuyan Zong, Huan Li, Qian Tang, Xiangyu Wang, Yuanyi Li, Li Li
Summary: This study successfully prepared glucoamylase microcapsules (GM) using the W/O/W complex coacervation-freeze-drying method. The optimized GM showed a high encapsulation efficiency of 85.64% and exhibited sustained release characteristics in both liquid and solid states. The microcapsules also demonstrated higher enzyme activity under high temperature conditions. Overall, this research provides important theoretical and practical guidance for the application of glucoamylase in the brewing industry.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jadranka Fraj, Lidija Petrovic, Ljiljana Dekic, Jelena Milinkovic Budincic, Sandra Bucko, Jaroslav Katona
Summary: Microcapsules for simultaneous encapsulation of hydrophilic and lipophilic active substances were produced and characterized using a double emulsification process followed by complex coacervation. The results indicated that genipin concentration and interaction in the gelatin/NaCAS system influence the properties of microcapsules. Release kinetic determination showed that the release mechanism is simple diffusion, with optimal genipin concentration and proteins mass ratio identified for highest encapsulation efficiency.
JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Kaibin Mo, Jing Li, Fenfen Liu, Ying Xu, Xianhui Huang, Hengjia Ni
Summary: This study found that 100 mg/kg MEEOs can help reduce the diarrhea index of weaning piglets, alleviate intestinal oxidative stress and inflammation, and maintain intestinal health, making it a recommended health promoter in piglets during the weaning period.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Enhan Zhang, Yuan Zhao, Zhongyang Ren, Linfan Shi, Wuyin Weng
Summary: The comparative effects of water-in-oil (W/O) and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions on the physicochemical characteristics of silver carp surimi gels were investigated. It was found that the addition of W/O emulsion decreased breaking force and hardness, increased yellowness value, while the addition of O/W emulsion had no significant effect on these parameters.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shahryar Yousefi, Peyman Rajaei, Leila Nateghi, Hamid Rashidi Nodeh, Ladan Rashidi
Summary: The production conditions of multiple W/O/W nanoemulsions containing sesamol and retinol were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Span 80, Tween 80, and water in oil ratio (W/O) were considered as independent variables, while encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and particle size were taken as dependent variables. An optimum sample with high EE% and small particle size was produced by adjusting the percentages of Span 80, Tween 80, and W/O. The release of sesamol and retinol was measured in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), showing different release rates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xue Wang, Anna-Christina Amason, Yabin Lei, Ron Gabbard, Julie Ann A. Wieland, Richard A. Gross
Summary: There is growing pressure on microcapsule manufacturers to adopt green chemistry principles and use safe biobased materials. This study explores the use of diphenolic acid as a replacement for bisphenol-A in microcapsule production, and the results show promising potential for its application.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Goncalo Figueiredo, Carina Pedrosa Costa, Joana Lourenco, Tania Caetano, Silvia M. Rocha, Sonia Mendo
Summary: Microbial metabolomics is used to analyze and understand the metabolites produced and released by microorganisms in specific conditions. This research aims to investigate the impact of culture media changes on the metabolic profile and production of biotechnologically relevant compounds in Pedobacter lusitanus NL19 and Pedobacter himalayensis MTCC 6384. The study identified 320 metabolites belonging to different chemical families and associated 80 metabolites with various metabolic pathways. The findings provide insights into how slight changes in culture media composition can affect microbial metabolism and have potential applications in metabolomics pipeline construction and biotechnology.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Val Karavaeva, Filipa L. Sousa
Summary: In this study, a large-scale comparative genomic analysis was conducted to investigate the taxonomic distribution and phylogeny of succinate dehydrogenases and fumarate reductases. The findings suggest that structural classification and phylogeny are closely related for types C, D, and F, while types A, B, and E exhibit a more complex relationship, indicating the possibility of subgroup classification.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Natercia C. T. Martins, Sara Fateixa, Tito Trindade
Summary: In this study, hydrophobic paper-based SERS substrates with high reproducibility and uniformity were fabricated by inkjet printing Ag colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) on office paper pre-treated with chitosan (CH) or N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC). Coating the paper with these biopolymers substantially improved the SERS performance of the paper substrates. Crystal violet (CV) 100 µM was used as a molecular probe, and an increase of about 9-fold and 7-fold in the observed SERS intensity was observed when the papers were coated with CH and TMC, respectively. The coated substrates also showed improved reproducibility compared to non-coated office paper.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sara Fateixa, Otilio Mulandeza, Helena I. S. Nogueira, Tito Trindade
Summary: The applicability of Raman imaging extends to various aspects of pharmaceutical production, such as characterizing pharmaceutical formulations, monitoring drug delivery processes, and detecting counterfeit drugs or contaminants. This study investigates the use of Raman imaging to characterize the main components of commercial APAP tablets and identify the presence of 4-aminophenol (4-AP) as a contaminant. The results show that Raman imaging is capable of detecting small amounts of 4-AP in APAP tablets, suggesting its potential in characterizing APAP products.
VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
J. G. Cuadra, S. Molina-Prados, Gladys Minguez-Vega, Ana. C. Estrada, T. Trindade, C. Oliveira, M. P. Seabra, J. Labrincha, S. Porcar, R. Cadena, D. Fraga, J. B. Carda
Summary: Transparent TiO2 thin films coated with Ag NPs were synthesized using industrially applicable techniques, without high vacuum. These films showed high transmittance (>80%) and exhibited photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties. The presence of Ag NPs on the TiO2 surface improved the photocatalytic efficiency, resulting in a 99% degradation of Rhodamine B under UV light. The films also showed significant antimicrobial activity, killing 93% of Gram-negative bacteria when irradiated by UV light for 4 hours.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luiza R. Melo de Lima, Ana C. Dias, Tito Trindade, Jose M. Oliveira
Summary: The circulation of motor vehicles with an exhaust system is a major cause of pollution, and countries are making efforts to achieve a sustainable level of air quality and limit CO2 emissions. There is significant interest in developing technological innovations such as alternative fuels and lighter thermoplastic composites for auto applications. A comparative LCA of PP-based GnPs nanocomposite and PP/GF composite for automotive applications showed that using nanocomposites can reduce the environmental impact caused by auto parts.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniel Andrade, Pedro Fonseca, Filipa Sousa, Manuel Gutierres
Summary: This study investigated the risk of valgus knee alignment movement on initial contact during landing in patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft compared to those with a patellar tendon autograft and healthy individuals. Results showed that ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft does not increase the risk of valgus knee alignment movement, but differences were found in various parameters between the reconstruction groups and healthy participants. Evaluating movement quality with a motion capture system and developing specialized rehabilitation programs may be necessary.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Sonia Gomes Ribeiro, Catia Martins, Tiago Tavares, Alisa Rudnitskaya, Fernando Alves, Silvia M. Rocha
Summary: This review provides a detailed overview of the volatile composition and characteristics of grape spirit and Port wine, as well as its influence on the final aroma of Port wine. It also discusses the importance of the Douro Demarcated Region (Portugal) and the role of fortification spirit in the production of Port wine. With the most extensive database on the volatile composition of both grape spirit and Port wine, containing 23 and 208 compounds respectively, this review addresses the global outlook and future challenges, emphasizing the crucial position of analytical coverage of volatile components for innovation based on consumer preferences.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
J. G. Cuadra, Ana C. Estrada, C. Oliveira, L. A. Abderrahim, S. Porcar, D. Fraga, T. Trindade, M. P. Seabra, J. B. Carda
Summary: Spray pyrolysis is a promising method for producing thin, transparent films on glass substrates. ZnO thin films synthesized by this method exhibit high crystallinity, adhesion and chemical resistance, and also possess the ability to degrade water pollutants and exhibit antibacterial properties. These films have exceptional optical properties and durability, and can be reused.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Goncalo Silva, Marcio Goethel, Leandro Machado, Filipa Sousa, Mario Jorge Costa, Pedro Magalhaes, Carlos Silva, Marta Midao, Andre Leite, Suse Couto, Ricardo Silva, Joao Paulo Vilas-Boas, Ricardo Jorge Fernandes
Summary: In this study, we investigated the acute recovery effects of using an intelligent sports legging embedded with an intelligent system for electrostimulation, localised heating, and compression. The results showed that the recovery methods provided by the sports legging did not effectively recover the torque values produced isometrically.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mariana Sell, Ana Rita Lopes, Maria Escudeiro, Bruno Esteves, Ana R. Monteiro, Tito Trindade, Luisa Cruz-Lopes
Summary: Timely diagnosis and appropriate antitumoral treatments are crucial in combating cancer, which remains a leading cause of death globally. Nanotechnology provides benefits in cancer therapy by reducing adverse effects and enabling targeted drug delivery to cancer cells. This comprehensive review summarizes recent advancements (2010-2023) in the design and application of nanosystems for cancer therapy, covering various classes of nanoparticles and their role in drug delivery, tumor microenvironment, and vasculature. The review also compares strategies for passive and active targeting of nanoparticles and emphasizes their importance in cancer theranostics.
Article
Crystallography
Yasmine Fernine, Natercia C. T. Martins, Mustapha Taleb, Tito Trindade
Summary: Green chemical routes for the synthesis of colloidal metal nanocrystals have attracted great interest in the field of nanosciences and biological applications. Among these methods, the synthesis of metal colloids using medicinal plant extracts has shown promise in producing nanocrystals with surfaces modified by biologically derived compounds, which can be further explored for pharmaceutical purposes. Therefore, the development of spectroscopic methods to understand the potential benefits of using formulations containing natural compounds and therapeutic metal nanoparticles is of great relevance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana R. Monteiro, Catarina I. V. Ramos, Sara Fateixa, Maria G. P. M. S. Neves, Tito Trindade
Summary: This study reports a novel approach to construct arrays of ethylenediamine-modified graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and DNA oligonucleotides that can fold into different G-quadruplex structures, optimizing the efficiency of drug delivery for targeted clinical therapies.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liliana Pinho, Andreia S. P. Sousa, Claudia Silva, Christine Cunha, Rubim Santos, Joao Manuel R. S. Tavares, Soraia Pereira, Ana Rita Pinheiro, Jose Felix, Francisco Pinho, Filipa Sousa, Augusta Silva
Summary: This study aims to analyze the coactivation of antagonist muscles in the thigh and ankle in post-stroke subjects during the sit-to-stand task. The results show that the coactivation of ankle joint muscles in post-stroke subjects is more dysfunctional, indicating that the distal segment may more accurately reflect central nervous system dysfunction in post-stroke subjects.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Joana L. Lopes, Ana C. Estrada, Sara Fateixa, Nikolai A. Sobolev, Ana L. Daniel-da-Silva, Tito Trindade
Summary: This research focuses on finding a green chemical strategy to enhance the sustainability of bismuth vanadate for photocatalytic water purification. By hydrothermal carbonization of kappa-carrageenan, a biopolymer derived from red seaweeds, monoclinic BiVO4 supported on carbon spheres is successfully prepared. These hybrid materials exhibit visible-light photocatalytic activity for the removal of tetracycline in water. They possess appropriate wavelength range for photon absorption, good adsorption capacity, durability, and the ability to be reused in subsequent catalytic steps, making them cost-effective and sustainable.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2024)
