Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-09"
Now showing 1 - 10 of 116
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Innovative fortified kale soup formulation designed for the elderlyPublication . Duarte, Cristina; Pinheiro, Rita; Mata, Fernando; Pinto, Elisabete; Fernandes, Ângela; Vaz-Velho, ManuelaThe nutritional needs of the elderly require immediate attention. Strategies to incorporate healthy, high-fibre, protein-rich ingredients into traditional diets have been identified to enhance health benefits. This study aimed to develop a new food product specifically for older adults, using kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC), and to evaluate its nutritional, sensory, and antioxidant properties. Acceptance was assessed among institutionalised elderly individuals in Galicia (Spain) and Northern Portugal. Fresh kale, both blanched and non-blanched, was air-dried at 80 °C for 2 h. The dehydrated kale was then ground into small particles and/or powder. Blanching did not negatively affect the dehydrated samples’ protein, fibre, or carbohydrate content. The sensory analysis showed 0.5 %–0.8 % kale enrichment improved taste and texture, balancing appeal without bitterness or roughness from higher concentrations. Incorporating non-blanched dehydrated kale (at concentrations of 0.5 %, 0.8 %, and 1.0 %), pea protein isolate (0.58 %), and calcium lactate (0.25 %) into a traditional soup base resulted in a product with a higher protein content. A 240 g serving of this soup (dehydrated kale 0.8 %: sliced 0.5, and flour 0.3) provided approximately 10 % of the daily dietary fibre recommendation. The nutrient-dense soup was well received (66 %) by the Portuguese and was accepted (52 %) by Galician elders, offering a viable alternative to commercial nutritional supplements and common chewing hard foods rich in fibre and protein.
- Bromelain-catalyzed hydrolysis of fish and poultry by-products: a sustainable approach to biopeptide productionPublication . Borges, Sandra; Ribas, Tânia C. F.; Castro, Maria Leonor; Campos, Débora; Mota, Maria João; Almeida, André; Pintado, ManuelaThis study aimed to develop bioactive protein hydrolysates from fish and poultry by-products using bromelain, an enzyme obtained from pineapple by-products, with potential applications in food and biotechnology. The global rise in protein-rich food consumption has led to increased generation of animal by-products from the meat and fish industries. These by-products are rich in protein, making them suitable for producing bioactive compounds. A multifactorial design was employed to optimize the hydrolysis process, evaluating key parameters such as enzyme-to-substrate (E/S) ratio and hydrolysis time. The optimal conditions were identified as 1.3 % (E/ S) for 240 min for fish by-products, and 2.0 % (E/S) for 180 min for poultry by-products. These conditions were scaled up to produce fish (FH) and poultry (PH) hydrolysates. The hydrolysates showed high protein content (70.8 ± 0.1 % for FH and 56.3 ± 1.0 % for PH), potent antioxidant activity (ORAC: 249.02 ± 4.71 µmol eq. Trolox/g for FH and 144.41 ± 11.62 µmol eq. Trolox/g for PH), and notable ACE inhibitory effects (IC₅₀: 693 ± 12 µg protein/mL for FH and 1585 ± 6 µg protein/mL for PH). Furthermore, hydrolysates promoted probiotic strains’ growth, with 1 % (w/v) FH or PH showing comparable performance to conventional culture media in supporting Lactobacillus casei 01 (p > 0.05). These results highlight the potential of bromelain-derived hydrolysates as sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to traditional nitrogen sources in functional fermented food or microbiological culture media. This study contributes to value creation from agro-industrial by-products and aligns with global sustainability initiatives by promoting circular bioeconomy approaches.
- Current usage of paperboard packaging: a case study of the European landscape on tomato packagingPublication . Singh, Srishti; Sögut, Ece; Uysal-Unalan, Ilke; Karlovits, Igor; Coma, Véronique; Corredig, Milena; Poças, FátimaCurrent pressures to decrease plastic packaging for food have resulted in increased demand for paperboard packaging of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the new European Regulation on packaging waste calls for recyclable and for incorporation of recycled fibre in packages which challenges safety. Resistance in humid conditions is critical for paper-based packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables and cellulosic materials are typically chemically treated for improving these parameters. The content in recycled fibre also affects the resistance to moisture and as consequence the composition in additives required for sizing. It is recognised that several factors contribute to the behaviour of the paperboard, including the fibre origin, physic-mechanical treatments, bulk composition and material surface treatments. This work aimed at addressing the relationship between these factors, by conducting a deep physic-chemical characterisation of packages of cherry tomato collected in 4 European countries, in both high and low-cost supermarkets. Samples varied in terms of fibre origin, treatments (bleaching, printing), functional additives (surface or bulk agents). Statistical analysis demonstrated that it is possible to group samples according to different properties that are inter-related, such as the type of fibre and typical formulations (i.e. plasticizers and functional additives used). Materials varied significantly in their performance regarding the hydrophobicity character. Repulpability was also tested as step needed for recyclability. A number of chemicals of concern with Cramer class III toxicity such as mineral oil hydrocarbon, biocide, DiPN isomers and BPA replacers were observed across the samples. This work represents a concept study for larger inter-European studies and clearly points to the need for harmonization of practices and regulations for the utilization of paperboard as food contact material.
- CIPCA2025: X international Conference on food proteins and colloidsPublication . Coscueta, Ezequiel; Brassesco, María Emilia; Machado, Manuela; Borges, Sandra; Coelho, Marta; Gómez-Garcia, Ricardo; Campos, Débora
- Establishing a dengue genomic monitoring in Cuba: uncovering virus dynamics to enhance local responsePublication . Pérez, Melissa; Álvarez, Mayling; Perez, Lissette; Benitez, Ana Julia; Serrano, Silvia; Adelino, Talita Emile Ribeiro; Fonseca, Vagner; Resik, Sonia; Kouri, Vivian; Gresh, Lionel; Franco, Leticia; Rico, Jairo Mendez; Lourenço, José; Alcantara, Luiz Carlos Junior; Guzman, Maria G.; Giovanetti, MartaBackground: A major dengue outbreak was reported by the Cuban Ministry of Health in 2022, highlighting the need for strong surveillance, with high pediatric cases showing warning signs. Using phylogenetic and epidemiologic approaches, we provide evidence toward a better understanding of dengue's recent transmission history. Methods: This study details the implementation of the genomic surveillance system for Dengue virus. Pre-screened DENV-3 positive samples (reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] cycle threshold [Ct] <30) with epidemiologic metadata—including symptom onset, sample collection date, sex, age, residence, symptoms, and disease classification—underwent whole genome sequencing using Nanopore technology. Results: Genome sequences from 2022 to 2023 confirmed DENV-3 genotype III circulation in western, central, and eastern Cuba, covering 15 provinces and one special municipality. All cases were autochthonous, with 93% classified as dengue without warning signs and 7% as severe dengue. Long-term analysis identified a seasonal window of heightened suitability from May to November. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that DENV-3 genotype III has been introduced into Cuba multiple times, primarily from Asia and the Americas. These independent introduction events, likely driven by international travel and trade, underscore the importance of continued viral importation monitoring. The newly sequenced Cuban DENV-3 genotype III genomes were assigned to two distinct sub-lineages within genotype III: 3III_C, corresponding to the older American lineage I (2001-2014), and 3III_B.3, representing a novel introduction into Cuba associated with the more recent American lineage II (2022-2023). Evidence suggests that 3III_C, previously circulating in the country, may have been replaced by 3III_B.3 around 2020. Conclusions: This study outlines the development of a dengue genomic monitoring system in the country. The system will contribute to Cuba's public health response, facilitating timely interventions and potentially reducing the disease's impact on the local population.
- Dough extrusion of apple and cereal by-products flours: a path to healthier breakfast cerealsPublication . Santos, Diva; Silva, José A. Lopes da; Pintado, ManuelaDietary fibre plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, yet global consumption remains below the recommended intake of 25 g per day, as advised by both the FAO and EFSA. While breakfast cereal products (BCPs) are a popular global food choice, they often require reductions in sugar and sodium, alongside an increase in fibre content. Fruit and vegetable by-products, however, offer a sustainable source of fibre-rich flours, providing a potential solution to this challenge. This study aimed to develop innovative, fibre-enriched BCPs using just two ingredients: apple by-product flour and wheat or rice bran. These ingredients were mixed, hydrated, and stabilized overnight before being processed in an extruder-style pasta maker. Finaly, the extrudates were dried at a mild temperature (50 °C). The effect of roasting (180 °C for 4 min) on the final product was also evaluated. The resulting BCPs were not only sensory appealing, as confirmed by a Focus Group tasting session, but also extremely high in fibre, with final formulations containing at least 26 % fibre. Furthermore, these products meet European regulations to be labelled as 'very low sodium' and 'contains naturally occurring sugars.' Beyond their nutritional profile, these BCPs exhibited antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. This research demonstrates that it is feasible to create both health-conscious and delicious breakfast cereals using minimal ingredients and common processing methods like cold extrusion and roasting, which can enhance the bioactive properties of the ingredients.
- Location and tissue effect on physicochemical, mineral and amino acid profile of Moringa oleiferaPublication . Gómez-Martínez, Martha; Garcia-Ortiz, Jesús David; Gómez-Martínez, Susana; Michel, Mariela R.; López-Badillo, Claudia M.; Pintado, Manuela; Rodríguez-Herrera, RaúlIntroduction: Moringa oleifera is a medicinal plant with multiple biological uses, whose tissues have not been studied individually. The objective of this work was to evaluate the location effect on physicochemical, techno-functional, mineral and amino acid profile of two Moringa tissues (leaflets and petioles). Methods: Two Moringa tissues grown in three different locations were characterized physicochemically (fat, fiber, moisture, protein, carbohydrates), techno-functionally (water-holding capacity, swelling capacity, oil-holding capacity and organic molecule absorption capacity), mineral (by fluorecancer x-rays) and aminoacid (by HPLC). Results: Results indicated that leaflets showed higher dry matter content (89.40 ± 0.86 %), ash (11.66 ± 0.59 %), protein (34.61 ± 3.75 %), fat (15.01 ± 1.51 %), water-holding capacity (5.03 mL/g), and swelling capacity (7.28 cm3/g) compared to petioles which presented higher fiber content (36. 21 ± 3.75 %), oil-holding capacity (2.67 g oil/g), and organic molecule absorption capacity (2.91 mL oil/g). In addition, leaflets showed a higher mineral content in comparison to petioles, in both tissues, the major elements were Ca, K, Mg and S. On the other hand, leaflets showed a higher content and diversity of essential and nonessential amino acids. Conclusion: In conclusion, quality and physicochemical, techno-functional, elemental and amino-acid profile are affected by tissue and location.
- Mineral profile, oxidative stability and color traits in dry aged meat: integrative analysisPublication . Ribeiro, Ana J.; Braga, Fernando G.; Oliveira, Irene; Silva, Filipe; Teixeira, Paula; Saraiva, Cristina M.Dry aging enhances beef's sensory quality, but the role of trace-element dynamics in driving physicochemical changes remains unclear. We dry-aged Longissimus lumborum loins (n = 12) for 60 days, sampling on days 1, 14, 35 and 60. Essential (Ca, K, Na, Mg, Fe, Se, Cr, Zn, Cu) and toxic (As, Cd, Co, Pb) elements were quantified by GF-AAS/FAAS; pH and L?, a?, b? color were measured with standard probes; lipid oxidation was assessed via TBARS; and myoglobin redox forms were determined spectrophotometrically. Inner muscle consistently retained higher K, Na, Mg, Zn, Cu and Cr compared to the crust (P < 0.01), reflecting diffusive retention during surface desiccation. Over 60 days, Ca, K, Se and Cr increased (P < 0.01) while Na and Mg decreased (P < 0.001). Iron and zinc exhibited a biphasic pattern, declining to day 35 and rebounding by day 60. Lipid oxidation intensified but remained below sensory rancidity thresholds (TBARS increased from 0.25 ± 0.07 to 0.65 ± 0.33 mg MDA/kg in inner meat and from 0.79 ± 0.15 to 1.53 ± 0.36 mg MDA/kg in crust; P < 0.001), concurrent with a pH rise from 5.61 ± 0.09 to 5.80 ± 0.19 (P < 0.001) and declines of approximately 11 % in redness (a?) and 15 % in yellowness (b?) (P < 0.01). Principal component analysis identified an oxidation-mineral-color gradient (PC1, 30.8 % variance) and a myoglobin-redox axis (PC2, 20.4 %), underscoring mechanistic links between trace element fluctuations, lipid oxidation, and color stability. These results demonstrate that dry aging concentrate minerals and that shifts in Fe, Se, and Zn trajectories modulate oxidative stability, pH drift, and pigment transformations, shaping dry-aged beef color and overall quality.
- Enhancing maize growth and reducing irrigation needs with extracellular polymeric substances and microbial inoculantsPublication . Overall, Alexandra; Moreira, Helena; Sousa, Ana S. S.; Wilfert, Philipp; Loosdrecht, Mark van; Castro, Paula M. L.; Pereira, Sofia I. A.Soil amendments and microbial inoculants can affect plant growth, water retention, and crop resilience. This study investigated the effects of two amendments, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and biochar, with and without bacterial inoculation, on maize (Zea mays) growth, irrigation needs, and physiological responses. Maize was cultivated in soil with 2.5 % and 5 % (w/w) of wet EPS (Kaumera®) or biochar and inoculated with a bacterial consortium consisting of Arthrobacter nicotinovorans EAPPA and Rhodococcus sp. EC35. EPS-treated plants exhibited significantly higher shoot biomass, larger stem thickness, while soil plant analysis development (SPAD) values suggest improved nutrient availability and photosynthetic efficiency. In non-inoculated plants, EPS supplementation increased shoot dry biomass by 78 % and stem thickness by 9 % compared to control plants grown without amendments. This enhancement strongly correlated with nutrient uptake, especially in plants supplemented with 5 % of EPS. Particularly, Mg and Ca concentrations increased by 195 % and 73 %, respectively, compared to non-amended controls. Inoculation further amplified these benefits, underscoring its key role in plant development and resilience. In contrast, biochar-treated plants exhibited reduced growth, suggesting stress effects at the tested addition doses. Electrolyte leakage, a key indicator of plant stress, was significantly lower in soils amended with EPS, suggesting that EPS provides a protective effect to the plants. EPS also demonstrated remarkable water retention benefits, reducing irrigation requirements by 30 % with 5 % of EPS application, compared to 9 % reduction with biochar. The use of EPS, combined with microbial inoculants, represents a sustainable agricultural strategy for optimizing maize production in water-limited environments.