Browsing by Author "Heleno, Sandrina A."
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- Harnessing the power of natural mineral waters in bread formulations: effects on chemical, physical, and physicochemical propertiesPublication . Ferreira, Fernanda; Guimarães, Rafaela; Lemos, André; Milho, Catarina; Silveira, Tayse F. F. da; Ueda, Jonata M.; Carocho, Márcio; Heleno, Sandrina A.; Barros, Lillian; Ferreira, Isabel C. F. R.; Pintado, Manuela; Alves, Maria JoséThis study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating natural mineral waters (NMW), including thermal water (TW) and bottled mineral water (BMW), into bread (‘biju’ type) to enhance its mineral content and explore their impacts on physicochemical, technological, biochemical, and chemical composition. NMW, rich in sodium, potassium, and magnesium, resulted in bread formulations with higher contents of these minerals and greater total mineral levels, thus potentially enriching food products. Proximate composition analysis showed no significant differences in moisture, proteins, carbohydrates, and energy, except for lipids and soluble sugars. Texture analysis revealed that water type influenced textural properties, with salt content affecting hardness, springiness, and cohesiveness. Viability analysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed consistent results across formulations, suggesting water pH and mineral content did not significantly affect fermentation. In addition, bread formulations without added salt were developed to assess the potential of sodium-rich NMW as a natural source of salt. For these samples, and considering the parameters assessed, except for salt and sodium content, the differences observed were slight compared to salt-added formulations, highlighting NMW’s potential to produce low-salt bread. These findings not only enhance the value of local resources but also offer an innovative and sustainable strategy for utilizing NMW springs across Europe.
- Lemna minor: unlocking the value of this duckweed for the food and feed industryPublication . Sosa, Diana; Alves, Felipe M.; Prieto, Miguel A.; Pedrosa, Mariana C.; Heleno, Sandrina A.; Barros, Lillian; Feliciano, Manuel; Carocho, MárcioDuckweed (Lemna minor L.) is a small floating aquatic plant that has an important economic impact in several industrial areas. With its high biomass production, reasonable protein content, and resilience to several climates, it has been attracting increasing interest for potential use in animal and human food systems. Historically consumed in southwest Asia, this duckweed is now gaining attention as a potential novel food in Europe. This manuscript explores the contributions of duckweed to various food and feed industries, including aquaculture and livestock, while also pointing out the incipient research carried out for human consumption. Most importantly, it highlights the potential of Lemna minor as a vegetable for future human consumption whether eaten whole or through extraction of its nutrients.
- Plant extracts and SARS-CoV-2: research and applicationsPublication . Heleno, Sandrina A.; Carocho, Marcio; Reis, Filipa S.; Pires, Tânia C. S. P.; Pintado, Manuela; Ferreira, Isabel C. F. R.; Barros, LillianThe recent pandemic of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has brought upon the world an unprecedented challenge. During its acute dissemination, a rush for vaccines started, making the scientific community come together and contribute to the development of efficient therapeutic agents and vaccines. Natural products have been used as sources of individual molecules and extracts capable of inhibiting/neutralizing several microorganisms, including viruses. Natural extracts have shown effective results against the coronavirus family, when first tested in the outbreak of SARS-CoV-1, back in 2002. In this review, the relationship between natural extracts and SARS-CoV is discussed, while also providing insight into misinformation regarding the use of plants as possible therapeutic agents. Studies with plant extracts on coronaviruses are presented, as well as the main inhibition assays and trends for the future regarding the yet unknown long-lasting effects post-infection with SARS-CoV-2.