Article
Food Science & Technology
Ashish A. Kadam, Suman Singh, Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad
Summary: This study found that films containing 10% and 20% of pine needle extract showed high antioxidant performance and better oxygen and water vapor permeability compared to films containing 5%. The addition of pine needle extract altered the color and microstructure of the films, while slightly increasing the thickness.
Article
Polymer Science
Pornchai Rachtanapun, Warinporn Klunklin, Pensak Jantrawut, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong, Yuthana Phimolsiripol, Phisit Seesuriyachan, Noppol Leksawasdi, Thanongsak Chaiyaso, Warintorn Ruksiriwanich, Suphat Phongthai, Sarana Rose Sommano, Winita Punyodom, Alissara Reungsang, Thi Minh Phuong Ngo
Summary: The study found that adding curcumin extract can improve the mechanical properties and antioxidant activity of chitosan films, while reducing moisture content, water solubility, and water vapor permeability.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xixi Zhao, Ruofei Tian, Jingyi Zhou, Yanlin Liu
Summary: Food-borne fungi pose significant hazards to food preservation and human health, calling for packaging films with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized from grape seed extracts and coated with chitosan. The results showed that grapes treated with chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles exhibited reduced decay percentage and weight loss, maintained high titratable acidity, and inhibited mold growth during storage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xiaojing Fan, Bin Zhang, Xing Zhang, Zhiqing Ma, Xianchao Feng
Summary: This study investigated the potential application of Portulaca oleracea extract (POE) in active packaging for chilled meat preservation. The POE was found to have excellent antioxidant capacity and abundant antioxidant compounds. Antioxidant-active packaging films (CS/POE films) were developed using chitosan and starch with different concentrations of POE. These films exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity, effectively reducing lipid oxidation in meat and extending its shelf-life. The results indicated that CS/POE film could be a viable alternative to conventional plastics in food packaging for better preservation of chilled meat.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Larissa de Almeida Soares, Luciana Cristina Lins de Aquino Santana
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of different concentrations of pomegranate peel extract on chitosan films and found that the addition of the extract improved the permeability and antioxidant activity of the films, but may reduce their antimicrobial potential.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Saurabh Bhatia, Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Yasir Abbas Shah, Muhammad Jawad, Mohammed Said Al-Azri, Sana Ullah, Md Khalid Anwer, Mohammed F. Aldawsari, Esra Koca, Levent Yurdaer Aydemir
Summary: The aqueous extract of Ficus racemosa fruit was used to fabricate chitosan and sodium alginate-based edible films for the first time. The addition of Ficus fruit extract into the films improved their thermal stability and antioxidant properties, while affecting properties such as transparency, crystallinity, tensile strength, and water vapor permeability. This study suggests that Ficus fruit extract can be used as a natural plant-based extract to develop food packaging material with enhanced physicochemical and antioxidant properties.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Enrica Musella, Ismael Chahed el Ouazzani, Ana Rita Mendes, Cesare Rovera, Stefano Farris, Cristina Mena, Paula Teixeira, Fatima Pocas
Summary: The combination of olive leaf extract and chitosan offers a promising bio-based packaging solution with good antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, improving the safety and quality of food packaging.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shahid-ul-Islam, Vivek Jaiswal, B. S. Butola, Abhijit Majumdar
Summary: In this study, composite packaging films doped with biomass-fabricated zinc oxide nano-particles and dragon fruit waste extract were developed for potential use in food packaging applications. The films showed improved mechanical strength, thermal stability, and antibacterial properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huimin Yong, Fengfeng Xu, Dawei Yun, Huixia Hu, Jun Liu
Summary: Dialdehyde starch-catechin conjugates were used to produce chitosan-based antioxidant packaging films, which exhibited improved barrier properties and higher antioxidant activity compared to plain chitosan films.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katerina Naumoska, Urska Jug, Kristi Korge, Ana Oberlintner, Majda Golob, Uros Novak, Irena Vovk, Blaz Likozar
Summary: This study involved the incorporation of an ethanol extract from the rhizome bark of Japanese knotweed into a chitosan biofoil. The resulting biofoil demonstrated stable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, as well as improved mechanical properties. Additionally, the biofoil exhibited biodegradability, making it a potential environmentally friendly packaging material.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shiv Dutt Purohit, Ruchir Priyadarshi, Rakesh Bhaskar, Sung Soo Han
Summary: This study discusses the use of nanoceria as a multifunctional filler in food packaging biopolymer films for the first time. Nanoceria was synthesized using the co-precipitation method. Chitosan-based food packaging films incorporated with 1 wt% and 2 wt% nanoceria were prepared and characterized. The nanocomposite films displayed strong UV blocking properties, mechanical strength, thermal stability, moisture barrier properties, photocatalytic activity, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant potential, and biocompatibility, making them suitable for active food packaging applications.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristiane De Carli, Volkan Aylanc, Kheira M. Mouffok, Arantzazu Santamaria-Echart, Filomena Barreiro, Andreia Tomas, Celeide Pereira, Paula Rodrigues, Miguel Vilas-Boas, Soraia I. Falca
Summary: This study developed active films based on chitosan enriched with propolis extract and demonstrated their improved properties, including enhanced thermal stability, mechanical strength, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. These films have potential applications in food packaging to extend the shelf life of products due to their eco-friendly nature.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Chuanli Zhang, Jiang Wang, Huiying Du, Xintong Han, Changjiu Li, Danni Huang, Xiaolong Yu
Summary: The effects of Caulerpa lentillifera (CL) extract incorporation on the properties of chitosan/gelatin (CS/GEL) films were studied. The addition of CL improved the antioxidant activity, water stability, and physical properties of the films. The CS/GEL-CL films showed better water stability and antioxidant activity, making them suitable for food packaging applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Swarup Roy, Seung-Jae Min, Deblina Biswas, Jong-Whan Rhim
Summary: In this study, curcumin-integrated chitosan nanoparticles (CNP@Cur) were prepared and used to fabricate functional films based on mixed biopolymers. The addition of CNP@Cur significantly improved the mechanical strength, UV-light shielding properties, and hydrophobicity of the film without much reducing the transparency. The CNP@Cur on nanocomposite films also showed improved antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Overall, blending bioactive functional nanofillers improved the physical and functional properties of the bio-based film.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Swarup Roy, Jong-Whan Rhim
Summary: Quercetin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (QCNP) were prepared using a simple one-pot chemical reaction and incorporated into chitosan-based bioactive packaging films with excellent UV blocking properties. The addition of QCNP influenced the physical properties of the films and enhanced the release of quercetin under acidic and alcoholic conditions, showing potent antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The developed chitosan/QCNP-based films have promising applications in active food packaging.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cristiana S. A. Bento, Marisa C. Gaspar, Patricia Coimbra, Herminio C. de Sousa, Mara E. M. Braga
Summary: Hydrogels are widely used in biomedicine as drug delivery systems, wound dressings, contact lenses, and tissue engineering scaffolds. However, their high sensitivity to terminal sterilization poses a challenge for researchers. This paper reviews the literature on hydrogel sterilization, covering conventional methods and emerging techniques, as well as considerations for aseptic processing. It also provides a summary of hydrogel materials, network types, and biomedical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Patricia Concordio-Reis, Ana Catarina Macedo, Martim Cardeira, Xavier Moppert, Jean Guezennec, Chantal Sevrin, Christian Grandfils, Ana Teresa Serra, Filomena Freitas
Summary: In this study, a novel exopolysaccharide (EPS) derived from Alteromonas macleodii Mo 169 was used to prepare selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited good dispersion and spherical shape, with an average size of 32 nm. The cytotoxicity of the EPS and EPS/SeNPs bio-nanocomposite was evaluated on human keratinocyte and fibroblast cell lines, showing no significant cytotoxicity for EPS alone and only mild cytotoxicity for the bio-nanocomposite at higher concentrations. Moreover, the non-cytotoxic concentrations of EPS/SeNPs bio-nanocomposite demonstrated a significant cellular antioxidant effect on the tested cell line, reducing ROS levels by up to 33.8%.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Katarina Cankar, Johanna Christina Hakkert, Robert Sevenier, Christina Papastolopoulou, Bert Schipper, Joao P. . Baixinho, Naiara Fernandez, Melanie S. Matos, Ana Teresa Serra, Claudia Nunes Santos, Khabat Vahabi, Alain Tissier, Paul Bundock, Dirk Bosch
Summary: This study identifies an enzyme in chicory roots that can synthesize a compound with anti-inflammatory activity, and demonstrates that the accumulation of this compound can be increased through gene editing techniques. This contributes to a better understanding of the synthesis pathway of this compound in chicory and highlights the potential for extracting different health products from chicory.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Jose M. S. Matos, Dmitry V. Evtuguin, Antonio P. M. Sousa, Maria Graca V. S. Carvalho
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of treating industrial oxygen-delignified eucalypt kraft pulp with a commercial endo-xylanase on ECF bleaching performance. The treatment resulted in improved bleachability and brightness stability of the pulps, with a reduction in chemical loads. However, it also led to an increase in the chemical oxygen demand of the effluent. Overall, the enzymatic treatment showed potential benefits for pulp bleaching, but its environmental impact needs to be considered.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Patricia Concordio-Reis, Martim Cardeira, Ana Catarina Macedo, Sonia S. Ferreira, Ana Teresa Serra, Manuel A. Coimbra, Ana Amorim, Maria A. M. Reis, Filomena Freitas
Summary: This study identified a new dinoflagellate, Heterocapsa sp. AC210, as a producer of novel exopolysaccharides (EPS). The cultivation and EPS production in a bioreactor were thoroughly evaluated. The EPS consisted of seven different sugar monomers, including rare fucose and glucosamine not previously reported in dinoflagellates' EPS. The EPS also exhibited a high sulphate content, which is associated with biological properties. Cytotoxicity tests showed that the EPS did not reduce cell viability at concentrations up to 1 g L-1. Furthermore, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assays demonstrated the potential application of the EPS in cosmeceutical and biomedical fields, as it reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species and IL-8 and IL-6 secretion in keratinocytes.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joana Henriques, Joao Pina, Mara E. M. Braga, Ana M. A. Dias, Patricia Coimbra, Herminio C. de Sousa
Summary: This study proposes the development of a new nanosystem for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with an oxygen-rich environment. The nanosystem, CUR-IL@ncSi, consists of silica nanocapsules containing curcumin dissolved in hydrophobic ionic liquids (ILs) with high oxygen dissolving capacities. CUR-IL@ncSi demonstrated the ability to generate singlet oxygen (O-1(2)) and exhibit antimicrobial effects through photodynamic inactivation. These results suggest the potential use of CUR-IL@ncSi in developing biomedical products with enhanced oxygenation and aPDT capacities.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mara E. M. Braga, Marisa C. Gaspar, Herminio C. de Sousa
Summary: Supercritical fluid technology is widely used in the food industry for processing and preserving food products and monitoring food quality. Carbon dioxide is the main solvent used under supercritical conditions. Various applications have been researched, from decaffeinating coffee to micronizing vanilla, and even innovative processes like protein-based snack extrusion and beetroot drying. The gap between research and industrial applications is mainly due to a lack of understanding about food chemical changes during these processes and limited technical data. However, this field is expanding rapidly, and in the future, we may see a menu composed of meals prepared using supercritical methods.
CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Marisa C. Gaspar, Mara E. M. Braga
Summary: Food packaging trends are changing due to concerns about plastic pollution and agrifood waste. Edible films and coatings are discussed as new developments with additional functionalities. The challenges in industrial processes and film properties are addressed. The use of agrifood residues in packaging systems is highlighted as a promising strategy for sustainability. More research and actions are needed to find the best packaging material for each food product with reduced production costs.
CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ruben Gariso, Mara E. M. Braga, Fernando P. Bernardo
Summary: This paper proposes a mathematical model for the diffusion-controlled release and convection-dispersion transport of an active ingredient from a cylindrical product in a wind tunnel. The model is designed to aid the development of products with targeted release profiles. By coupling analytical solutions for the transient release and transport, an overall analytical solution is obtained, which has advantages over numerical approximations for computational tasks like model fitting and optimization.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jose M. S. Matos, Dmitry V. Evtuguin, Antonio P. M. Sousa, Nazare Almeida, Ricardo J. Oliveira, Susana R. Pereira, Paula C. R. Pinto, Maria da Graca V. S. Carvalho
Summary: This study evaluated the products derived from xylan in the effluent from the treatment of oxygen-delignified eucalypt kraft pulp using nanofiltration as a purification step. The xylan-derived solutions were purified and concentrated using membrane nanofiltration to obtain XOS with commercial value as prebiotics. Future refinement is needed for the implementation of a membrane filtration system to obtain high-purity products.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Daiane Rodrigues dos Santos, Luise Lopes Chaves, Vinicius Couto Pires, Julia Soares Rodrigues, Matheus Alves Siqueira de Assuncao, Gabriel Bezerra Faierstein, Adauto Gomes Barbosa Neto, Juliana de Souza Reboucas, Elaine Christine de Magalhaes Cabral Albuquerque, Silvio Alexandre Beisl Vieira de Melo, Marisa Costa Gaspar, Rosangela Maria Rodrigues Barbosa, Mara Elga Medeiros Braga, Herminio Cipriano de Sousa, Fabio Rocha Formiga
Summary: Potential strategies for combating Aedes aegypti include the use of natural products and nanomaterials that can induce toxic effects on the mosquito's egg, larvae, pupae, and adults. This article discusses conventional vector control strategies and explores new insights on developing eco-friendly nanoformulations against Aedes aegypti.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Natasa Nastic, Zorana Mutavski, Jelena Zivkovic, Rita Ambrus, Naiara Fernandez, Nebojsa Menkovic, Senka Vidovic
Summary: The aim of this study was to extract anthocyanin-enriched fractions from black raspberry pomace using ultrasound-assisted extraction and the Particles from Gas-Saturated Solutions process. The results showed that the amplitude of ultrasound had a significant effect on extraction yield and total phenolic content. The high-performance techniques used in this study allowed for the production of natural fractions with desirable characteristics for the development of nutraceuticals and food formulations.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Catia V. T. Mendes, Jorge M. S. Rocha, M. Graca V. S. Carvalho
Summary: This study demonstrated the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic residue through simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. Increasing solid content improved the ethanol concentration, yield, and productivity, but a decrease was observed at the maximum solid concentration. The co-application of two enzyme complexes positively affected the conversion efficiency.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ricardo M. F. da Costa, Bruno Almeida, Antonio Portugal, Rachael Simister, Leonardo D. Gomez, Ana L. Winters, Barbara D. Hauck, Maurice Bosch, Luis A. E. Batista de Carvalho, Jorge P. L. Canhoto, Maria da Graca V. S. Carvalho
Summary: The study found that pretreatments using white-rot fungi and mild alkali can effectively reduce the recalcitrance of Eucalyptus wood, improve kraft pulping and bleaching efficiency, reduce chemical usage, and decrease costs and environmental impacts.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
