CBQF - Documentos de Conferências / Conference Objects
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- Moving forward with solar cooking: closing knowledge gaps in technical, environmental and food quality aspectsPublication . Araújo, A. C. Campos; Silva, C. L. M.Background: Solar cooking is a method that makes use of the sun's energy to cook food. Unlike traditional cooking methods that rely on non renewable energy sources, solar cookers only require sunlight. Solar cookers are environmentally friendly and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, solar cooking helps preserve natural resources by reducing consumption of non renewable energy. Despite the apparent benefits of solar cooking, some knowledge gaps remain regarding technical complexities, sustainability implications, and the impact on food nutritional quality. Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted to comprehend the existing solar cooking knowledge. It examined scientific research available until 31 December 2023. Results: Extensive research has been carried out on heat transfer in solar cooking, but there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the behaviour of food cooked with solar energy. The intricate interplay of dynamic variables affecting solar cookers' energy and food qual- ity performance makes integrating this aspect with existing studies difficult. It is crucial to perform modeling studies of the thermal and quality behaviour of the food prepared in each type of solar cooker. Innovative approaches such as machine learn- ing can be identified as promising tools. Conclusions: To increase the global use of solar cooking, presenting it as a viable solution for cooking-related challenges is essential, emphasizing its positive social and environmental impacts. Although some research works on the thermal performance of solar cookers are available, research on the modeling and simulation of time temperature profiles and his- tories of real foods undergoing solar cooking is very scarce, and it is crucial that the food quality aspects of solar cooking are addressed and experimental studies performed.
- Integrating decellularized small intestine matrices and silk-based textiles for advanced hybrid medical devices developmentPublication . Vale, Inês; Silva, Inês V.; Rosadas, Marta; Oliveira, Ana L.; Ribeiro, Viviana P.Medical textiles are frequently utilized in implants and other medical devices. But even though they are successful in providing structural support for the transplanted organs, they typically exhibit an inert nature that hinders the tissues' or organs' ability to repair or regenerate (1). Decellularized biological tissues, on the other hand, have a remarkable biological character because they include all the naturally occurring biochemical and biological components of the tissues apart from the cellular component that triggers immunological rejection. Decellularization of porcine small intestine submucosa has emerged as a promising approach for soft tissue engineering applications (2). This process involves the removal of cellular content and small intestine tissue layers while preserving the extracellular matrix (ECM) of submucosa layer, which provides structural support and bioactive molecules crucial for soft tissues regeneration. In our study, an innovative and fast-performing protocol will be developed for decellularizing porcine small intestine while maintaining both the submucosa and serosa layers. The main goal of this work is to develop advanced medical devices for burn wound applications by combining an advanced silk fibroin (SF) textile with the decellularized porcine small intestine (dPSI), providing both structural support and biological components for faster tissue regeneration. The interface between the SF textile and the dPSI will be created using a silk sericin (SS)-based hydrogel with biocompatible and glue-like properties.
- Influence of the nutritional growth conditions on the formation of biofilmsPublication . Gomes, Joana; Barbosa, Joana; Teixeira, PaulaIntroduction: Biofilm formation is influenced by many factors and varies between strains. Each strain uses different strategies and expresses different genes to promote biofilm formation and adherence. These processes are dependent on the environmental resources available. For some strains, the ability to form or not form a biofilm is strongly dependent on the biofilm growth conditions, such as the availability of nutrients. Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli are pathogenic bacteria associated with biofilm formation. Biofilm formation promotes the development and spread of infections difficult to treat, and contributes to antimicrobial resistance, which is a current concern. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the biofilm formation of Listeria monocytogenes (two serotypes), Salmonella enterica (four serotypes) and Escherichia coli strains on the surface of polystyrene under different nutrient conditions. Discussion and conclusions: Although this technique shows variability in results across different replicates, it remains possible to verify that: For three L. monocytogenes strains tested (2542, 12MOB047, and 12MOB050), the growth medium had a significant effect on biofilm formation (p < 0.05) (Figure 1); For two S. enterica strains tested (Typhimurium ESB9 and Senftenberg 775W), the growth medium also had a significant effect on biofilm formation (p < 0.05) (Figure 2); In contrast, no significant differences were observed for the E. coli strains (Figure 3). In conclusion, the greatest biofilm production of L. monocytogenes strains occurred in richer nutrient conditions (TSB with 1% glucose), in contrast to S. enterica strains (TSB).
- Functional silk sericin-calcium loaded hydrogels: advancing towards human skin equivalentsPublication . Veiga, A.; Foster, O.; Kaplan, D.; Oliveira, A.; Ribeiro, V.Silk sericin (SS), is a protein traditionally discarded during industrial silk processing, contaminating waste waters, with negative economic and ecological impact to the environment. In recent years there has been a growing interest in the recovery and utilization of SS due to its interesting biological properties. SS-based biomaterial platforms, such as hydrogels, are capable of cell incorporation and maintenance over time, acting as a nutritive natural-based environment for cell proliferation1. This opens new avenues to develop more reliable and reproducible in vitro models for a better understanding of human skin conditions while minimizing animal studies. Our team has previously developed an enzymatic crosslinked SS hydrogel using horseradish peroxidase (HRP), to be applied in situ for wound healing. This hydrogel promoted cell viability and complete skin regeneration after 21 days when applied in a diabetic wound model2. These promising results have motivated the use of this formulation as a platform for cell encapsulation, in an approach to develop a natural-based human skin equivalent (HSE). The incorporation of nanoparticles (NPs) within hydrogels is reported to further enhance the biological behavior of encapsulated cells3. In this context, calcium plays an important role in maintaining skin homeostasis and modulating cell proliferation and differentiation4. In a recent study, we explored hydroxyapatite (HAp) and HAp/SS NPs as materials to enhance the adhesion and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), validating the use of this particulate system to support cell growth. The NPs were produced using a continuous manufacturing process in a new modular oscillatory flow plate reactor (MOFPR). The reaction system enables the production of tailored and homogeneous NPs. In the present work, HDFs and HaCaT were incorporated within a SS/HRP hydrogel to construct a HSE. The system was further optimized with the addition of NPs to the system: a screening was conducted using different HAp and HAp/SS NP concentrations. Our results show that the HAp/SS particles at a low concentration, were associated with the best biological performance (0.05 mg/mL). The co-culture SS system was assembled with a stable silk-fibroin (SF) porous scaffold embedded with human adipose tissue with the addition of neural cells (hiNSCs), as reported by Vidal et al.5 to develop a full-thickness HSE (Figure 1). The sustained viability of the cells in the model over 21 days suggests the formation of a stable and reproducible model representing well some of the characteristics and functionality of native skin (Figure 2).
- Food safety in urban agriculture: a comprehensive reviewPublication . Rezende, Lourenço Pinto de; Barbosa, Joana; Teixeira, PaulaIntroduction & Purpose: The concept of urban agriculture has been linked to food security and mental well-being. However, concerns have been raised regarding urban-grown produce, as urban environments may pose unique challenges to maintaining food safety. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current state of knowledge regarding the food safety of urban farm products. Results: Microbiological Contamination: All microbiological studies reported a significant presence of fecal microorganisms (>7.01 log10CFU/mL). Commonly found microorganisms included several pathogenic organisms. Contamination was observed in compost, and/or untreated irrigation water, with the latter often considered the primary source of contamination. Vegetables were commonly contaminated with food borne pathogens Presence of Pollutants: Soil contamination with heavy metals is common, including Lead (n=6), Cadmium (n=3), Cadmium, Chromium and Copper (n=2). Widespread soil pollution with these elements. The presence of Pb usually often occurs alongside the presence of cadmium and zinc, suggesting a common source of pollution contributing to excessive contamination. Geographic distribution of analysis: Five out of six PTE analysis were conducted in western cities. All but one of the microbiological analysis were conducted in emerging economies. This distribution suggests different concerns by researchers and the overall population in these areas. Conclusion: Through the systematic review of scientific reports on the urban farm contamination a pattern of pollution emerged. There is substantial evidence of widespread soil, water, compost and produce contamination. Urban farming in developing countries appears to face significant microbiological concerns, mainly due to the mismanagement of wastewater. Alternatively, due to centuries of pollution, in western cities the main cause for concern is the presence of potentially toxic elements in urban agricultural soils. Nonetheless, there is a clear lack of information regarding PTEs in urban farm soils in Africa and non-Chinese Asia while the microbiological status of western urban farms continues to be insufficiently explored.
- Fecal contamination, antibiotic resistance and organic micropollutants in full-scale constructed wetlands in northern Portugal rural areasPublication . Teixeira, Ana Margarida Ribeiro; Matos, Diana; Coelho, Norberta; Halwatura, Lahiruni M.; Abaya, Liezel Mari; Vaz-Moreira, Ivone; Castro, Paula M. L.; Aga, Diana S.; Manaia, Célia M.Background and Aims Constructed wetlands (CWs) are recognized as a promising alternative or complement to traditional wastewater treatments. Their cost-effectiveness and seamless integration into natural landscapes, fostering wildlife habitats, are notable advantages. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of three horizontal subsurface flow CWs with Phragmites australis for reducing fecal contamination, antibiotic resistance, and organic micropollutants (OMPs). Methods Influent, effluent, and sediments samples (n=36) collected throughout 2023 were examined for cultivable Escherichia coli and total coliforms, 10 biomarkers for anthropogenic contamination and 16S rRNA gene by qPCR, 119 OMPs by LC-HRMS, and 16S rRNA-based bacterial community analysis. Results The reduction in fecal contamination (log-units) was of <4.8 for E. coli, <4.0 for total coliforms, and <3.6 for genetic biomarkers. Target OMPs showed variable removal rates, with different substances persisting after treatment (e.g. acetaminophen, fenofibric acid, irbesartan, oxazepam). The bacterial community was dominated by Pseudomonadota (>40%), and treatment led to the reduction of Bacillota and Actinomycetota and increase of the “Halobacterota” and Verrumicrobiota relative abundance. Conclusions The results reveal that the growth of macrophytes and climatic conditions, particularly temperature, influenced the treatment effectiveness, improved during summer. However, the capacity of the plants to uptake bacteria/genes from wastewater has been suggested and its meaning in pathogens ecology is being investigated.
- Exploring the potential of quercus robur kernel and shell for novel food applicationsPublication . Maia, Maria Luz; Rodrigues, Cristina V.; Babo, Pedro; Pintado, ManuelaIntroduction: Acorns are produced in abundance across Portugal, yet remain largely underutilized, with only 1% being currently incorporated into human diets. However, acorns, as a sustainable, gluten-free, and nutrient-rich raw material, align with current consumer trends. Additionally, acorn by-products present significant potential as sources of bioactive ingredients, offering opportunities to enhance food utilization, encourage upcycling, and deliver new nutritional and health benefits. Rich in bioactive compounds like fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and tocopherols—known for their antioxidant properties—acorns also stand out for their high mineral content, making them a valuable addition to traditional foods. Objective: This study focuses on characterizing the kernels and shells of Quercus robur, an endemic Portuguese species supplied by LandraTech. For that purpose, the two samples, kernel, and shells, were ground as flour and then analyzed regarding the physicochemical characteristics and nutritional value, complemented by the determination of their aqueous extract’s antioxidant activity through ABTS and DPPH assays. Conclusions: The characterization of kernels and shells from Quercus robur highlights the significant potential of acorns from native Portuguese oaks as valuable raw materials for sustainable and innovative food applications. This study also emphasizes the importance of exploring underutilized residues as viable resources for the global food industry, promoting a circular economy approach.
- Exploring carotenoid-intestinal microbiota interplay: in vitro insights into gastrointestinal interactions and health-enriching effectsPublication . Rocha, Helena R.; Morais, Rui C.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Gomes, Ana M.; Coelho, Marta C.Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for 41 million deaths each year, are often associated with unhealthy dietary habits. To combat this, nutrition and health organizations recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (1). These foods are abundant in carotenoids, lipid-soluble phytochemicals (2) known for their health-enhancing properties, including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-mutagenic effects (3). However, the intestinal microbiota (IM) significantly influences the efficiency of carotenoids (4). The IM plays a vital role in the absorption and metabolism of carotenoids (4). A balanced diet can modulate the composition of the IM, promoting the growth of beneficial microbes and inhibiting harmful ones (5). The IM also synthesizes and releases various metabolites, which can be absorbed into the circulatory system, influencing the host’s health (6). These interactions are crucial for understanding carotenoids' preventive and therapeutic potential. Objective: This study aimed to explore the interaction between carotenoids and the IM during simulated gastrointestinal digestion and absorption. Three carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene), a pigment mixture (MIX), and the alga Osmundea pinnatifida were analyzed. The focus was on understanding how carotenoids affect bioaccessibility, absorption, microbial dynamics, and organic acid production. Additionally, the study assessed the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimutagenic properties of carotenoids, providing insights into their potential health benefits.
- Exploring new biobased material sources as platforms to advance skin wound healing and regenerationPublication . Ribeiro, Viviana; Bernardes, Beatriz G.; Duarte, Marta; Rosadas, Marta; Sousa, Teresa; Sousa, Alda; Serra, Julia; García-González, Carlos; Oliveira, Ana L.Chronic wounds are one of the major therapeutic and healthcare challenges affecting the population globally. One of the research interests of the Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology Lab (BBT Lab) is to explore the potential of biobased material platforms to advance skin wound healing and regeneration solutions. From the use of natural based biopolymers such as silk fibroin (SF) or sulfated exopolysaccharides (EPS), to the processing of more complex matrices such as the extracellular matrices, the group has been collaborating with some strategic partners in IBEROS+ to process, functionalize and characterize the materials for their physicochemical properties, structural adaptability, biocompatibility and bioactivity. SF microparticulate aerogels loaded with adenosine have been developed via supercritical fluid technology in collaboration with the University of Santiago de Compostela. These particles exhibit a high porosity, biocompatibility, and positive interactions with skin cells towards regeneration, highlighting their promise in wound healing. A new Exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Porphyridium cruentum microalgae was developed as a novel biomaterial platform, offering bioactive properties, high molecular weight, thermal stability, and cytocompatibility for complex wound healing. An extensive characterization is ongoing, with contribution of the University of Vigo. For extensive burn wounds, where autologous grafts are impractical, skin xenografts may provide a viable alternative, mostly if depleted from its immunogenic load. To achieve this, our group has developed and optimized methods for obtaining highly-preserved animal- origin decellularized tissues for human skin healing and regeneration. An important example is the valorization of rabbit skin, a valuable agro-food by-product that exceeds 5000 skins/day only in Europe. Our group has recently developed decellularized rabbit dermal matrices with preserved microarchitecture and human-like biochemical properties and expects to continue further developments in collaboration with the IBEROS+ consortium.
- Exploring challenges and opportunities of nature-based solutions for urban agriculture within buildingsPublication . Calheiros, C. S. C.; Ma, W. M.; Pereira, S. I. A.Urban centers, teeming with increase population density, rely on their rural and peri-urban counterparts for food provision. However, this conventional linear food system gives rise to environmental challenges, such as an elevated carbon footprint due to extensive transportation networks and the accumulation of waste from excessive packaging materials. Promoting Urban Agriculture (UA) within buildings, coupled with Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), holds significant promise for revolutionizing urban food systems and fostering the development of more resilient and sustainable cities, particularly in densely populated urban areas such as Macao. Indeed, Macao relies on mainland China for its fresh fruits and vegetable supply which results in shortages of fresh food when cross-border activities are restricted. This study conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify the technologies, environmental and social impacts, as well as the main challenges and barriers for the public acceptance of UA in buildings. The primary findings from the literature review reveal that the most prevalent NbS for UA within buildings include indoor hydroponics, rooftop farming, and greenhouses. These solutions contribute to significantly decrease the carbon footprint, while promoting food security, healthier dietary choices and reducing reliance on imported or processed foods. Moreover, UA helps mitigating the urban heat island effect by providing shade and cooling the surrounding environment and improving air quality, creating more comfortable and sustainable urban living environments. However, UA in buildings encounters several challenges, including high energy consumption, generation of consumable waste from building farming facilities, restrictions on crop selection, and limitations imposed by building orientation for facade farming. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is paramount to develop tailored sustainable agricultural systems in buildings. Such initiatives have the potential to significantly benefit communities in densely populated cities. To grasp the full potential of UA in buildings, policymakers and stakeholders need to collaborate closely in tackling the accompanying challenges.