Article
Environmental Sciences
J. Julio Camarero, Cristina Valeriano
Summary: Humans have influenced open oak forests through pollarding and grazing for centuries. However, these cultural landscapes are now facing the abandonment of traditional uses as well as new threats, like rising temperatures and increasing drought stress. Precise data on long-term radial growth changes are needed to better understand and preserve these oak woodlands. This study compared the growth patterns and responses to climate variables and drought index of different types of oak trees in Spain. The findings highlight the importance of periodic pollarding for maintaining long-term growth enhancement and the threats posed by pollarding abandonment and increasing aridification.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Suhong Ren, Zhiping Wang, Lirong Yan, Qiming Feng, Zhangjing Chen, Rongjun Zhao
Summary: This study investigated and compared the anatomical characteristics and chemical compositions of sapwood and heartwood of Michelia macclurei Dandy. The results showed significant differences in many anatomical features between the two types of wood. Heartwood had lower lignin content and higher extractives compared to sapwood. The study also found that certain antifungal extractives were mainly present in heartwood. These findings enhance our understanding of the properties of sapwood and heartwood and provide valuable information for the utilization of Michelia macclurei Dandy.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nikolay V. Ul'yanovskii, Aleksandra A. Onuchina, Anna V. Faleva, Natalia S. Gorbova, Dmitry S. Kosyakov
Summary: The lignan-rich extractives obtained from the knotwood of coniferous trees have shown promising antioxidant properties and other bioactivities. This study aims to characterize the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of these extractives from Norway spruce, Scotch pine, Siberian fir, and Siberian larch. The results showed that the extractives contained a variety of polyphenolic compounds with significant antioxidant activity.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wenya Hu, Honggang Nie, Yinghao Wang, Na Li, Shuangshuang Di, Qiong Pan, Jikun Liu, Yehua Han
Summary: A matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging method was developed to study the migration and transformation of metabolites in the xylem during heartwood formation and after mechanical injury. The method successfully identified different types of metabolites and revealed their migration and transformation mechanisms.
Article
Forestry
Tiina Belt, Martti Venalainen, Michael Altgen, Anni Harju, Lauri Rautkari
Summary: The study revealed significant variability in the content and distribution of heartwood extractives, not only between trees but also within and even among the annual rings of a single tree. Stilbenes appeared to follow a general radial trend, while resin acids did not show consistent radial changes.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ruoke Ma, Jia Luo, Mengji Qiao, Yunlin Fu, Pingchuan Zhu, Penglian Wei, Zhigao Liu
Summary: The aim of this study was to identify the flavonoid compounds in Dalbergia odorifera heartwood extracts and investigate their correlation with heartwood color in order to establish a method for evaluating the quality of the heartwood. The results revealed significant correlations between the heartwood color parameters, L* and b*, and the total flavonoid contents of the extracts. The study also identified 50 flavonoid components and established a method for determining the contents of 16 major components. Several major components were found to have significant negative correlations with heartwood color.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Jan Tumajer, Xavier Serra-Maluquer, Antonio Gazol, Ester Gonzalez de Andres, Michele Colangelo, Gabriel Sanguesa-Barreda, Jose Miguel Olano, Vicente Rozas, Jose Ignacio Garcia-Plazaola, Beatriz Fernandez-Marin, J. Bosco Imbert, Lluis Coll, Aitor Ameztegui, Josep Maria Espelta, Arben Q. Alla, Filipe Campelo, J. Julio Camarero
Summary: The growth pattern of oak species in the Mediterranean, characterized by bimodal growth, is influenced by local precipitation patterns and species-specific traits. The bimodal growth helps compensate for reduced growth in summer and may determine the response of forest ecosystems to climate change.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Ruoke Ma, Heng Liu, Yunlin Fu, Yingjian Li, Penglian Wei, Zhigao Liu
Summary: Heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera has high economic value due to its natural durability, beautiful color, special aroma, and richness in active ingredients used in traditional Chinese medicine. The composition and structural characteristics of secondary metabolites, lignin, and mineral elements show significant variations in sapwood, transition zone, and heartwood. The transition zone in the xylem is identified as the key location involved in heartwood formation.
Article
Forestry
Ladislav Dzurenda, Michal Dudiak, Viera Kucerova
Summary: The article examines the differences in physical and chemical properties of false heartwood, mature wood, and sapwood of Fagus sylvatica L., including density, color, moisture, acidity, and chemical composition. The study finds that the most significant difference lies in the color, with false heartwood having a red-brown color, mature wood a light ochre-white color, and sapwood a white-pale grey color. Additionally, variations in density and acidity were observed.
Article
Agronomy
J. Julio Camarero, Alvaro Rubio-Cuadrado, Antonio Gazol
Summary: Forests store carbon as wood, with the radial growth of trees being influenced by climate variability. This study investigated intra-annual radial growth rates of tree species in mesic and xeric sites, finding that different species respond differently to climate factors such as wet winters and cool springs impacting spring growth, and dry autumns impacting autumn growth.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Mohamed Traore, Joeri Kaal, Antonio Martinez Cortizas
Summary: This study investigates the transition zone in oak wood through color parameters and molecular structure analysis. The results show significant differences between the transition zone, sapwood, and heartwood in terms of color and chemical composition, which may be related to lignification and storage of polysaccharide compounds.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Filipe Campelo, Alvaro Rubio-Cuadrado, Fernando Montes, Michele Colangelo, Cristina Valeriano, J. Julio Camarero
Summary: This study investigates the effects of different leaf and xylem traits on wood formation and tree-ring development in coexisting tree species in a Mediterranean forest. The simulations show that climate warming will result in reduced growth in both deciduous and evergreen oaks, with evergreen oaks being better able to recover after drought.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Errol Mougnala Moukagni, Isabelle Ziegler-Devin, Rodrigue Safou-Tchima, Nicolas Brosse
Summary: This study focused on extracting polymeric hemicelluloses from different parts of Aucoumea klaineana Pierre using Steam Explosion and conventional extraction methods. The hemicelluloses extracts were characterized, providing insights for further innovative processing. Different impregnation methods resulted in the recovery of different types of hemicelluloses, with neutral impregnation preserving more acetyl groups.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Rita Kartika Sari, Yanico Hadi Prayogo, Ratih Afrida Lismana Sari, Nur Asidah, Mohamad Rafi, Ietje Wientarsih, Wayan Darmawan
Summary: Intsia bijuga wood, also known as Merbau in Indonesian, is a commercial wood with high economic value primarily found in Indonesia. The study aimed to select the best extraction solvent and phytosome formulation for I. bijuga heartwood extract for topical antiaging cosmetics, taking into consideration antioxidant, antityrosinase, and sun protection factor (SPF) values. The results showed that 50% ethanol extract and phytosome formulation had promising antiaging properties, making them suitable for development as active ingredients in cosmetics.
Article
Forestry
Eliandra Pereira Silva, Graciene da Silva Mota, Elesandra da Silva Araujo, Thais Brito Sousa, Cassiana Alves Ferreira, Helena Pereira, Fabio Akira Mori
Summary: This study described the cellular features and chemical composition of Agonandra brasiliensis cork and compared it with other cork species. The cork cells of A. brasiliensis are larger and have lower density, with higher lignin content and lower suberin content. The cork of A. brasiliensis differs considerably from other cork species in terms of suberization level, impacting its potential commercial applications towards insulation and low-density products.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Thijs Vangeel, Duarte M. Neiva, Teresa Quilho, Ricardo A. Costa, Vicelina Sousa, Bert F. Sels, Helena Pereira
Summary: Tree barks are waste streams in forest industries that can be potentially used as a resource for biorefineries. This study characterized the anatomical and chemical properties of barks from six tree species, revealing their heterogeneity and variability in composition. The results suggest the need for tailored biorefining approaches.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Junia Alves-Ferreira, Luis C. Duarte, Maria C. Fernandes, Helena Pereira, Florbela Carvalheiro
Summary: Cistus ladanifer, a widespread shrub in the Mediterranean region, is known for its production of labdanum gum. Its extracts have various applications in perfumery and cosmetics, as well as bioactive properties such as antioxidant and antimicrobial. The residues from the essential oil industry can also be used to produce marketable products like phenolic compounds, sugars, lignin, and lactic acid, showing the potential of C. ladanifer in a biorefinery context.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Umut Sen, Marta Martins, Everton Santos, Maria Amelia Lemos, Francisco Lemos, Helena Pereira
Summary: The waste cork granules of Quercus cerris bark underwent isothermal and non-isothermal slow pyrolysis. The reaction heat, as well as the properties and yields of biochar, bio-oil, and pyrolysis gas were investigated. The results showed that both isothermal and non-isothermal slow pyrolysis of cork produced biochars, with non-isothermally produced chars having similar fuel properties to isothermally produced chars. Furthermore, the FT-IR results demonstrated a higher degree of degradation in isothermal chars and the beginning of aromatization in the char structure. These findings suggest the potential for cost-effective production of cork-based biochars using non-isothermal slow pyrolysis.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ivone Torrado, Ana Dionisio, Maria C. Fernandes, Luisa Bivar Roseiro, Florbela Carvalheiro, Helena Pereira, Luis C. Duarte
Summary: This study explores the production of oligosaccharides from pine nut shells by autohydrolysis and suggests their potential use in the biorefinery framework. Xylo-oligosaccharides were the main products, reaching 28.7 g/100 g xylan at the optimal conditions. The stability of the oligosaccharides at different temperatures and pH levels indicates their market potential in the food and pharma sectors.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Bruno Esteves, Umut Sen, Helena Pereira
Summary: Biomass is an increasingly important resource for energy generation. The influence of the chemical composition on the heating value of biomass has not been thoroughly studied. Lignin has a higher heating value than polysaccharides, while extractives can have higher heating values depending on their oxidation levels. The proportions of chemical components in biomass determine its heating value.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Umut Sen, Bruno Esteves, Helena Pereira
Summary: Bark-based biorefineries are expected to be a trending topic in the future, particularly in terms of adsorbent applications and antioxidant production. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the development of bark-based biorefineries considering different unit operations and potential end products. This state-of-the-art review provides insight into the pyrolysis and extraction studies of bark as key conversion processes. The results suggest that barks are rich in hydrophilic extractives with potential antioxidant properties, and pyrolysis operations can produce functional chars for value-added applications as adsorbent materials. A biorefinery scheme allows for the production of platform chemicals, antioxidant extracts, and biochars from barks while contributing to waste reduction and environmental pollution.
Article
Plant Sciences
Salvadora Navarro-Torre, Sara Ferrario, Ana D. Caperta, Goncalo Victorino, Marion Bailly, Vicelina Sousa, Wanda Viegas, Amaia Nogales
Summary: Salinity is a major concern in Mediterranean agriculture, and developing strategies to reduce its impact is crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of halotolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (H-PGPB) in enhancing grapevine's tolerance to salt stress. Grapevines grafted onto a salt-sensitive rootstock were inoculated with a consortium of H-PGPB. Half of the plants in each treatment were subjected to salinization, followed by removal of NaCl to assess plant recovery. The results showed that inoculation with H-PGPB had a positive effect on plant physiology and improved the ability of grapevines to recover from salt stress.
JOURNAL OF PLANT INTERACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Umut Sen, Andrei Longo, Margarida Goncalves, Isabel Miranda, Helena Pereira
Summary: This study explores the properties of Quercus cerris phloem, evaluates the production of biochar from it, and examines its application as an adsorbent. The results show that Quercus cerris phloem is a lignocellulosic solid material that can decompose in a wide temperature range, and the biochar derived from it has high adsorption capacity.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Joana P. A. Ferreira, Madalena Gracio, Isabel Sousa, Antonio Pagarete, M. Cristiana Nunes, Anabela Raymundo
Summary: This study evaluates the use of ultrasound technology for extracting high added-value compounds from Dunaliella salina and its impact on the sensory profile. The results show that solid concentration and extraction time are crucial factors influencing the process. Ultrasound-assisted extraction improves the odor/aroma of D. salina and reduces intense sea/fish odors while enhancing earthy and citrus notes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Helena Pereira, Rita Simoes, Isabel Miranda
Summary: This study presents a detailed analysis of the chemical composition of the cuticular waxes and cutin in the leaves of Terminalia catappa, a widespread tropical species. The findings suggest that the leaves of T. catappa could be a potential source for the extraction of bioactive compounds due to their high proportion of specific chemical compounds.
Editorial Material
Forestry
Vicelina Sousa, Isabel Miranda, Teresa Quilho, Helena Pereira
Article
Environmental Sciences
Umut Sen, Catarina Viegas, Maria Paula Duarte, Elisabete Muchagato Mauricio, Catarina Nobre, Ricardo Correia, Helena Pereira, Margarida Goncalves
Summary: Maceration extraction of waste-grade cork samples was conducted using different solvents. The results showed that binary solvents and pure acetone were the most efficient, with extract yields of up to 6% and total phenolic content of up to 488 mg GAE/g. The extracts exhibited antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Marco A. Freitas, Joana Ferreira, Maria Cristiana Nunes, Anabela Raymundo
Summary: This study examined the composition of volatiles in microalgae-enriched gluten-free breads, as well as the bioaccessibility of protein and minerals after in vitro digestion. The study also investigated the effects of digestion on the antioxidant capacity and alpha-amylase inhibitory potential of the breads. The results showed a decrease in protein and mineral availability, as well as a decrease in antioxidant potential after digestion. The overall aroma of the microalgae-enriched breads was primarily due to the presence of alcohols and terpenes, with alkanoic acids being the most abundant lipophilic bioactive compounds. Phytic acid was also found in all of the breads and may contribute to the decrease in nutrient bioaccessibility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)