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Enhancing the quality and shelf life of strawberries: study of pectin-based films and application of coatings with natural deep eutectic solvents and Moringa oleifera leaf extract
Publication . Braham, Fazia; Souza, Hiléia K. S.; Magalhães, Júlia M. C. S.; Zaidi, Farid; Gonçalves, Maria P.
This study investigates the dual application of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES), composed of choline chloride and maltose (4:1 M ratio), as an eco-friendly medium for extracting bioactive compounds from Moringa oleifera leaf flour and as a plasticizer in pectin films. The NADES extract (MNE) showed high efficiency in extracting phenolic compounds (36.25 ± 0.14 mg GAE/g), with antioxidant capacities of 0.97 ± 0.03 mmol TE/g (ORAC) and 0.96 ± 0.21 PI (ABTS). Pectin-based films were prepared with and without NADES or MNE and evaluated for thickness, optical properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), and microstructure. Films containing NADES or MNE exhibited higher WVP (2.327 ± 0.075 and 2.180 ± 0.032 g⋅m−1⋅s-1⋅Pa−1 × 10−10, respectively) compared to control films without plasticizer (1.269 ± 0.051 × 10−1⁰ g m−1 s−1 Pa−1), and demonstrated improved structural homogeneity. To assess practical use, the films were applied as edible coatings on strawberries. Coated fruits showed reduced weight loss and decay, and better retention of firmness, acidity, soluble solids, and anthocyanins over 11 days at 4 °C. These results highlight NADES-based coatings as a sustainable approach to enhance food preservation. Future research should aim to optimize these formulations for broader food applications and industrial scalability.
Engineered bioaerogel particles: a core–shell approach to adenosine delivery for wound healing
Publication . Bernardes, Beatriz G.; Sousa, Clara; Sellitto, Maria Rosaria; Iglesias-Mejuto, Ana; Gaudio, Pasquale Del; Costa, Raquel; García-González, Carlos A.; Oliveira, Ana Leite
Chronic wounds require advanced biomaterials that combine structural integrity with controlled drug delivery. This study reports the development of novel core–shell aerogel particle systems based on silk fibroin (SF), silk sericin (SS), and alginate (ALG) designed for the controlled delivery of adenosine (ADO), a molecule known for anti-inflammatory and angiogenic properties, which can play a role in the process of wound healing. Leveraging the biocompatibility, porosity, and tunable properties of these natural polymers, a core–shell architecture was engineered by combining prilling and supercritical CO₂ drying technologies. The particles were composed of a SF/ALG core and an ALG or an ALG combined with a SS shell. All particle compositions exhibited high porosity (94–97%) and a pH-responsive swelling behavior. FTIR and PCA confirmed structural integrity and composition. ADO encapsulation achieved moderate loading and controlled-release profiles, influenced by shell composition. Biological evaluation confirmed biocompatibility in human dermal fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells. Although no significant differences were observed, the reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenesis by ADO-loaded particles in CAM assays support their potential as multifunctional wound-healing platforms.
Growth, appetite regulation, intestine health, and functionality of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fed different oilseed-based diets
Publication . Guttuso, Paolo; Santos, Rafaela A.; Magalhães, Rui; Moutinho, Sara; Couto, Ana; Gamboa, Margarida; Pousão-Ferreira, Pedro; Carvalho, Nelson Mota de; Madureira, Ana Raquel; Serra, Cláudia R.; Oliva-Teles, Aires; Guerreiro, Inês
The growing inclusion of plant feedstuffs (PF) in aquafeeds has driven the partial replacement of fishmeal, with oilseed meals such as soybean, rapeseed, and sunflower among the most widely used, although they differ markedly in nutritional composition, particularly in their carbohydrate fractions. Within this context, this study investigated the effects of different oilseed-based diets on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) growth performance, feed utilization, liver composition and index, diets' apparent digestibility, plasma metabolites, gut morphology and immune-related gene expression, digesta short-chain fatty acids, and appetite-related gene expression. For that purpose, fish were fed diets containing either 30% soybean, rapeseed, sunflower, a mix of the three, or a control diet without oilseed ingredients (fish meal, corn gluten, wheat meal and gluten) for 65 days. The experimental diets did not affect growth, feed efficiency and body composition. Fish fed the Sunflower diet exhibited the lowest hepatosomatic index, liver lipid and glycogen levels, plasma glucose, and apparent digestibility coefficients for energy and lipids. Plasma triglycerides were higher in fish fed the Soybean and Rapeseed diets, while plasma cholesterol was increased in fish fed the Soybean and Sunflower diets. Digestive enzyme activity (amylase and lipase) was higher in fish fed the Rapeseed diet. While immune-related gene expression was not affected by dietary treatment, intestine morphology presented minimal changes, namely decreased goblet cell number and increased supranuclear vacuolization in fish fed the Soybean diet. Acetate concentration was higher in the gut of fish fed Sunflower and Soybean than in other diets. Intestine peptide YY and hypothalamus cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (cart) expression were increased in fish fed Soybean, Sunflower, and Mix diets (except for cart in Soybean diet). In conclusion, diets with up to 30% oilseed inclusion supported normal growth of gilthead seabream juveniles and did not induce gut health disruption. However, the dietary carbohydrate profile influenced hepatic energy storage, nutrient utilization, and selected appetite-related molecular responses. These findings provide insight into potential diet–host interactions associated with oilseed-based formulations.
How banking regulation affects collusion sustainability: a multimarket contact approach
Publication . Prekwinkel, Laura; Brito, Duarte; Vasconcelos, Helder
This paper investigates how regulatory instruments affect collusion sustainability in banking within a theoretical framework where: (i) banks compete simultaneously in loan and deposit markets characterized by different degrees of product differentiation; (ii) strategic interaction occurs through an infinitely repeated game with Nash reversion strategies; and (iii) capital requirements, reserve ratios, and interbank rates alter the relative profitability of each market. We show that the impact of these instruments on collusion depends critically on relative market differentiation: the same regulatory instrument can either facilitate or hinder coordination depending on which market exhibits greater product homogeneity. This non-monotonicity implies that regulators must account for market structure when calibrating policy instruments to avoid unintended effects on competitive intensity.
Faster and smarter budgeting in higher education: a data-driven approach to strategic financial planning based on design science research methodology
Publication . Faustino-Mendes, Tiago; Pedrosa, Isabel; Ribeiro-Campos, Miguel; Lopes, Rafael
In Higher Education Institutions (HEI), the dynamics of knowledge and the need for innovation co-exist with of sustainability and efficiency challenges. Information is difficult to consolidate and interpret because the environment is growing increasingly complex and fragmented. As data is scattered across multiple systems, the processes of collecting, cleaning and integrating are time-consuming and require significant resources. This makes it difficult to aggregate information for more effective decision-making. Therefore, the use of Business Intelligence (BI) is essential for facing growing competitive and operational pressures. This paper presents the development of ERPBI Budget Control Map, which is intended to support decision-making in the administrative HEI departments. Based on Design Science Research Methodology, the artefact was developed to centralise financial, human resources and academic data, optimizing the budgeting process and facilitating the identification of deviations and cost-saving opportunities. The findings demonstrate increased operational efficiency and reduced costs, as well as the importance of fostering a data-driven culture and adopting an integrated strategy in HEI. Beyond these technical outcomes, this project revealed that true innovation in BI in HEI goes beyond processes and tools: real transformation requires a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and the surrounding context, combining digitalization with strategic insights.