CBQF - Working Papers / Preprints
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- Salt-cured Atlantic cod skin: a sustainable source of acid-soluble type I collagenPublication . Coscueta, Ezequiel R.; Brassesco, María Emilia; Pintado, ManuelaCollagen is the most abundant protein in the animal kingdom. Industrial collagen is mainly bovine and porcine origin. However, due to religious beliefs, allergic issues, and infectious diseases, alternative sources of collagen as marine are gaining increasing interest. In this work, the acid-soluble collagen (ASC) were extracted from salt-cured Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) skin and characterized. The extraction yield was about 2.0%, equivalent to the extraction yield reported for other fish skins. The electrophoretic pattern showed the typical type I structure (α, β and γ chains). UV-VIS and FTIR absorbance spectra suggested a very pure ASC with an intact triple helical structure. The integrity and the adequate porosity required for different applications were then confirmed by electron micrograph. Our findings allow us to say that, for the first time, we extracted acid-soluble type I collagen from salt-cured Atlantic cod skin, with characteristics suitable for application in various fields, such as biomedical.
- Art casting in Portuguese 19th century industrial foundries: a multi-analytical study of an emblematic copper-based alloy monumentPublication . General-Toro, Pablo; Bordalo, Rui; Moreira, Patrícia Raquel; Vieira, Eduarda; Brunetti, Antonio; Iannaccone, Roberta; Bottaini, CarloThe outdoor sculpture of the first Portuguese king, D. Afonso Henriques (~1109 – 1185 AD), placed in Guimarães (North Portugal) is one of the most emblematic national sculptures. Created in 1887 by António Soares dos Reis, it possesses a remarkable symbolic value in the presumed birthplace of the king. In addition to the artistic and heritage importance of the monument, it is one of the few sculptures cast by a Portuguese industrial foundry in the 19th-century. This study obtained data on the sculpture's elemental composition and corrosion products, gathering important historical and technical information. For this purpose, a multi-analytical approach consisting of X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) was carried out to characterise the bulk metal and corrosion layers. The data revealed a ternary alloy of Cu, Sn, Zn with Pb, Fe, As, Bi and Mn as minor elements. The alloy matches that of other sculptures cast in that period. In terms of corrosion, it is characterised by the presence of oxides. These results represent the first step for applying an appropriate conservation strategy for bronze sculptures with similar characteristics.
- Non-ionic aqueous micellar extraction of trypsin inhibitors and isoflavones from soybean meal: process optimizationPublication . Coscueta, Ezequiel R.; Brassesco, María Emilia; Malpiedi, Luciana Pellegrini; Nerli, BibianaSimultaneous extraction of trypsin inhibitors and soy isoflavones from soybean meal was investigated using the non-destructive phytochemical extraction process, namely aqueous micellar system. The ethoxylated aliphatic alcohols Genapol X-080, Tergitol 15-S-7, and Tergitol 15-S-9, all non-toxic and biodegradable surfactants, were assessed as potential extractants. A Box-Behnken multifactorial design with the application of the Derringer desirability was used to determine the conditions that maximized the trypsin inhibitors and isoflavone extraction while minimizing the protein extraction. The optimum condition of 5% m/m of surfactant in 50 mM aqueous sodium citrate solution pH 4.5, at 45 °C for 45 min, was established for the three surfactants. The novel methodology would allow the extraction of the main soybean antinutritional factors, trypsin inhibitors, and the valuable isoflavones, preserving the nutritional quality of the treated material. This represents a sustainable alternative methodology for industrial purposes due to its low cost, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and easy scaling up.
- Allergic inflammation triggers dyslipidemia via IgG signallingPublication . Fernández-Gallego, Nieves; Castillo-González, Raquel; Moreno-Serna, Lucía; García-Cívico, Antonio J.; Sánchez-Martínez, Elisa; López-Sanz, Celia; Fontes, Ana Luiza; Pimentel, Lígia L.; Gradillas, Ana; Obeso, David; Ramírez-Huesca, Marta; Ruiz-Fernández, Ignacio; Nuñez-Borque, Emilio; Carrasco, Yolanda R.; Ibáñez, Borja; Martín, Pilar; Blanco, Carlos; Barbas, Coral; Barber, Domingo; Rodríguez-Alcalá, Luis M.; Villaseñor, Alma; Esteban, Vanesa; Sánchez-Madrid, Francisco; Jiménez-Saiz, RodrigoAllergic diseases begin early in life and are often chronic, thus creating an inflammatory environment that may lead to metabolic disorders, although the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that allergic inflammation induces diet-independent dyslipidemia in a mouse model of allergy and atherosclerosis. Using untargeted lipidomics in mouse plasma, we found that allergic inflammation induces a unique lipid signature that extends beyond acute and late inflammation and that is characterized by triglyceride (TG) changes in circulation. Alterations in blood TGs following an allergic reaction are independent of T-cell-driven late phase inflammation. On the contrary, the humoral component is sufficient to induce a TG increase and a unique lipid profile through the IgG-mediated alternative pathway of anaphylaxis. Lastly, we demonstrated blood TG changes in patients after undergoing an allergic reaction. Overall, this study reveals the importance of IgG-mediated allergic inflammation insofar as it regulates lipid metabolism, which may contribute to atherosclerosis and, ultimately, to cardiovascular events.
- Bio-based superabsorbent hydrogels for nutrient-controlled releasePublication . Ribeiro, Alessandra B.; Moreira, Helena; Pereira, Sofia I. A.; Godinho, Mariana; Castro, Paula; Pereira, Carla F.; Casanova, Francisca; Freixo, Ricardo; Pintado, Manuela E.; Ramos, Óscar L.The drought is characterized by a low water precipitation rate, with strong impact on the crop productivity, threaten global food production. In this context, the use of soil amendments, such as superabsorbent hydrogels constitute a potential technology for water use efficiency and increase crop yields. In this work, it was synthesised a cellulose-based hydrogel, carrying out its characterisation, evaluated its environmental safety and its potential to be used as a soil amendment. The hydrogel was successfully synthesised using a simple process and inexpensive reagents. The hydrogel showed pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and conductivity below 10.0 µS cm-1. The FTIR showed a low intensity peak in the crystallinity region, which was supported by the low crystallinity index (27.3 % ± 0.6) verified by PXRD analysis. The swelling capacity reached more than 200 g of water, the hydrogel showed good resistance to osmotic pressure and high thermostability, which favours the application in hot and arid areas. Regarding the safety evaluation, no potentially hazardous compound was detected, nor was there any adverse effect on soil microrganisms. In addition, the hydrogel was found to be safe for use during sowing and for promoting seedling development. In the green pot experiment, the hydrogel demonstrated a significant increase in maize biomass, root biomass and potential to serve as a reservoir for soil nutrients. In conclusion, the superabsorbent hydrogel exhibited promising characteristics for use as a soil amendment, scalability potential and constitutes a sustainable alternative for agricultural applications.
- Online holistic program to foster health amongst students: a pilot study in a Portuguese university during COVID-19 pandemicPublication . Veiga, Elisa; Duarte, Raquel; Capela, Inês; Pinto, Elisabete; Silva, Margarida; Sá, Cristina; Sá, Luís; Kunz, Sahra; Serra, Sofia; Pereira, Henrique; Machado, Bárbara C.; Gomes, Ana; Pimenta, Ana; Almeida, Armando; Silva, Patrícia O.; Correia, MartaDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, several preventive mental health interventions took place to increase the psychological well-being of university students due to the high levels of stress, anxiety and negative emotions experienced in that period. This context reinforced the role of universities in supporting students and preventing the mental health risk factors they faced. In this context a multidisciplinary team of professionals (psychologists, nurses, nutritionists, and artists) in the Portuguese Catholic University, gathered efforts and developed an holistic intervention program for university students based on a mind and body integrated approach. This program of 8 online sessions aims to improve students’ resilience to the psychosocial consequences of COVID-19 pandemic and promote their wellbeing. The twenty university students that participated in this pilot study reported that this intervention improved their emotional self-awareness, their ability to apply self-care strategies, as well as they believed it promoted healthier lifestyle changes. These findings suggest that this program consists in an innovative approach with the potential to promote the psychological health and well-being of university students in adverse circumstances.
- An uplifting avenue upon mealworm chitosan for hemodialysis applicationPublication . Martingo, Maria; Baptista-Silva, Sara; Mesquita, Raquel; Ferreira, João Paulo; Borges, Sandra; Pintado, ManuelaChronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by a continuous decline in kidney function, often persisting for years or even a lifetime. This study presents a new exploration into the extraction and application of insect chitosan (Tenebrio molitor) targeting hemodialysis (HD). Initially, the potential of insect-derived chitosan as a sustainable and effective alternative to traditional sources (i.e. crustaceans) is demonstrated. Efficient extraction methods were developed (totaling between 6 h and 12 h), producing chitosan. Firstly, chitin was efficiently isolated from T. molitor through deproteinization and demineralization, with yields of approximately 5% (w/w). Subsequently, chitosan was obtained from the extracted chitin resulting in yields of between 65.0 ± 0.8% (w/w) and 79.3 ± 0.8% (w/w). Characterization using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed structural similarities with commercial chitosan and degrees of deacetylation in the 73 - 75% range. The bioactive properties of chitosan obtained from T. molitor, including antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, were evaluated. All the microorganisms tested were inhibited, exhibiting minimum lethal concentrations between 2 and 8 mg/mL, confirming the antimicrobial activity of the extracted chitosan. In addition, chitosan showed antioxidant activity in the range of 60 to 65 µmol Trolox equivalent/g, suggesting its viability for various medical applications. This study also developed a chitosan-based membrane (CH - M) culminating in a proof-of-concept phase for hemodialysis. The permeation characteristics of CH-M for urea and albumin were studied in vitro to assess their suitability as HD membranes. Urea was permeable to values of over 70% and albumin was retained.
- Functional and nutritional properties of grape by-product flours from Coahuila, Mexico as potential food ingredientsPublication . Galindo, Alfredo Ivanoe García; Torres-León, Cristian; Aguirre-Joya, Jorge Alejandro; Siller-Sanchez, Arturo; López-Badillo, Claudia Magdalena; Gómez-García, Ricardo; Ramírez-Guzmán, NathielyGrape Pomace Flour (GPF) is a by-product of the wine industry that is currently un-derutilized. This research aimed to determine the functional and nutritional properties of GPF from Coahuila, Mexico. The experimental strategy included the evaluation of the color parameters in GPF with different particle sizes; subsequently, the determination nutritional parameters (moisture, ash, minerals, fat, protein, and carbohydrates) were determined and finally the func-tional parameters: water solubility index (WSI), swelling power (SP), water absorption index (WAI) and oil absorption index (OAI) in GPF, as well as the determination and identification of bioactive compounds by HPLC-MS. The results showed better color characteristics in particle size less than 180 µm. GPF is a good source of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium, highlighting that the magnesium content is higher than in other grape pomace flours. The results of the functional properties showed that GPF presented higher values of WAI (2.64 ± 0.06 g/g), WSI (5.75 ± 0.61 %), and SP (2.80 ± 0.05mL/g) than commercial flours. Finally, GPF presented a high content of phenolic compounds; the HPLC analysis identified important bioactive phenolic compounds. In conclusion, GPF has exceptional functional and nutritional properties, surpassing many conventional flours and aligning with non-conventional ones. GPF's natural color enhances product appeal, making it a versatile, nutrient-rich ingredient that improves food quality.