CBQF - Contribuições em Revistas Científicas / Contribution to Journals
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- Impact of pre-treatment strategies on enzymatic hydrolysis of alternative protein sources: case study for black soldier fly larvaePublication . Borges, Sandra; Ribas, Tânia C. F.; Almeida, André; Pintado, ManuelaThe rising global demand for protein-rich food has intensified interest in alternative and sustainable protein sources. Insects, particularly black soldier fly (BSF) larvae, represent promising substrates due to their high nutritional content and potential for valorization into functional ingredients. This study investigated the impact of pre-hydrolysis treatments on the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis using alcalase to enhance protein solubilization and bioactive peptide production. Pre-treatments included organic acids (propionic and acetic acid) and a pressure-thermal method. Results indicated that BSF larvae responded differently to the evaluated pre-treatment strategies. Notably, the pressure-thermal treatment combined with enzymatic hydrolysis increased soluble protein content by approximately 30% and antioxidant activity by approximately 20%, suggesting enhanced release of bioactive peptides. Although organic acid treatments increased protein solubility, they did not improve the degree of hydrolysis or antioxidant activity. These findings highlight the potential of pressure-thermal pre-treatment to improve the efficiency of protein extraction from insect biomass and support the integration of such approaches into food bioprocessing strategies aimed at developing novel, high-value protein ingredients.
- Comparative effects of dehydration methods on the proximate composition and phytochemical profile of Spondias mombin pulpPublication . Santiago-Santiago, Rosa Maria; Michel, Mariela R.; Pintado, Manuela; Rodriguez-Herrera, Raul; Aguilar-Zárate, Pedro; Ascacio-Valdés, Juan Alberto; Flores-Gallegos, Adriana C.Spondias mombin fruit is a seasonal product with limited valorization in Mexico, mainly because of its short shelf life and scarcity of available scientific information. In this study, two drying methods—hot air-drying and freeze-drying—were evaluated for the dehydration of S. mombin pulp. Freeze-dried samples presented a higher content of hydrolysable polyphenols (18.92 ± 5.31 mg GAE/g), whereas no significant differences were detected in condensed polyphenols. The total flavonoid content was significantly greater in the freeze-dried pulp (11.32 ± 1.27 mg CE/g). Antioxidant activity assessed by the ABTS and DPPH assays did not differ between treatments; however, the reducing power of the freeze-dried samples was greater than that of the control samples, as determined by the FRAP assay (14.40 ± 1.07 mg TE/g). HPLC–ESI–MS analysis enabled the identification and quantification of polyphenols, organic acids, and monosaccharides, highlighting the presence of compounds belonging to the methoxycinnamic acid family and ascorbic acid. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights that can serve as a basis for future research on the processing and valorization of S. mombin, contributing to the development of advanced processing strategies to improve the stability, quality, and utilization of underexploited fruits.
- Migration of ionic and nanoparticulate zinc from nanocellulose/ZnO nanoparticle films: morphology-dependent behaviour and modellingPublication . Mendes, Ana Rita; Geiss, Otmar; Bianchi, Ivana; Ponti, Jessica; Matos, Ana; Silva, Cristina L. M.; Poças, FátimaThe incorporation of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) into biopolymers has gained attention for active food packaging due to their antimicrobial properties. However, potential Zn migration associated with safety concerns remains underexplored, particularly in non-regulated bio-based polymers. In this study, Zn migration from nanocellulose (NC) films incorporating spherical-, flower- and sheet-shaped ZnO NPs was evaluated, in ionic and nanoparticulate forms. Migration tests were conducted using water and ethanol 10% as food simulants under different time-temperature conditions. Zinc release was quantified using complementary analytical and microscopic approaches, and Fick's second law and Weibull models were employed to describe the migration kinetics. Migration behaviour was influenced by nanoparticle morphology, simulant type, and temperature. Zinc migrated predominantly as Zn2+, with minimal nanoparticle contribution, although distinction from cellulose fibres proved challenging. NC films containing flower-shaped nanoparticles exhibited the highest Zn migration, yet migration levels for all films remained below the European specific migration limit. Water promoted higher migration than ethanol, and unexpectedly, Zn migration was lower at 60 degrees C compared to 23 degrees C, likely due to matrix effect. Fickian fits yielded diffusion coefficients in the range 10(-16)-10(-15) m(2) s(-1), while Weibull beta < 1, confirmed diffusion-controlled release. These findings confirm the potential of NC/ZnO nanocomposites for food packaging applications and highlight the importance of combining multi analytics with kinetic modelling to support safety assessment.
- Managing Listeria by cleaning and disinfection: experiences from food processing industries and from manufacturers of cleaning and disinfection agentsPublication . Langsrud, S.; Heir, E.; Pedersen, M. E.; Moen, B.; Teixeira, P.; Corbett, K.; Rip, D.; Gouws, P.; Kovacevic, J.; Waite-Cusic, J.; Fletcher, G. C.; Fox, E.; Michel, V.; Hanin, A.; Alvarez-Ordóñez, A.; Switt, A. Moreno; Caracci, A. Urzúa; Rivera, D.; Dørum, G.; Møretrø, T.Effective cleaning and disinfection (C&D) are crucial to control Listeria monocytogenes in the food processing environments (FPE). There is a lack of studies examining the effect of C&D agents and practices in the FPE. The aim of the present study was to collect practical experiences from food processing facilities and compare them with the guidelines for control of L. monocytogenes. The experiences of 130 food processors from 15 countries were collected by a web-based survey, and 12 manufacturers of C&D agents from six countries were interviewed. Most of the food processors (64%) reported detection of Listeria spp. in their FPE at least once in the last five years, with 13% reporting repeated detection in the same sampling location for a period of over three months. Alkaline cleaning agents (72%) and disinfectants based on peracetic acid (48%) or quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC; 36%) were the most used products. Large variations were found in the composition of C&D agents, both regarding additives and the concentrations of biocidal agents. For drains and floors, changing C&D practices (frequency, concentration, exposure time) was reported to eliminate reoccurring L. monocytogenes by 12 out of 27 respondents. For equipment, upgrading or replacing parts was reported successful by 6 out of 20 respondents. No association was found between the active ingredient in C&D agents used and the elimination of Listeria spp. Industry guidelines should be kept updated to support hygiene best practice and stricter requirements for environmentally friendly and low-toxicity C&D agents.
- Hormonal modulation by omeprazole improves tomato growth under single and combined water and nitrogen deficitsPublication . Fernandes, A. P. G.; Machado, J.; Bingobingo, A. B.; Vasconcelos, M. W.; Vives-Peris, V.; Gómez-Cadenas, A.; Carvalho, S. M. P.Omeprazole (OMP) has emerged as a promising protective compound against abiotic stress and a potential plant growth promoter, yet its role under combined stress and underlying mechanisms remains unclear. This study assessed the hormonal response of tomato plants to single and combined nitrogen (N) and water (W) deficits (50%N and/or 50%W) and the impact of OMP application to the root zone (0 and 1 μM) under these conditions. Combined deficit induced distinct hormonal shifts, including decreased shoots' abscisic acid (ABA) and indole-acetic acid (IAA), alongside increased salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and jasmonic acid-isoleucine (JA-Ile). OMP consistently improved plant performance irrespective of the growth conditions, increasing total dry weight by 23% and enhancing nitrogen use efficiency and water use efficiency by 23% and 17%, respectively. Root growth stimulation in OMP-treated plants correlated with higher root IAA under control (+9%), N deficit (+27%), and W deficit (+20%) conditions, while combined deficit plants exhibited 35% lower root ABA without significant root biomass gain. OMP also improved photosynthetic rates and decreased shoots’ lipid peroxidation, suggesting a protective effect. Hormonal modulation by OMP included lowering stress-related hormones - restoring JA and JA-Ile to control levels and reducing phaseic acid and SA under W deficit - while promoting IAA, a growth-related hormone. Collectively, these findings indicate that the combined deficit triggers a distinct hormonal profile from single deficits, and that OMP acts as both a stress alleviator and a growth promoter under N and W limitations by modulating hormonal, physiological and biochemical responses in a condition-specific manner.
- Hydrogel-forming ability and biological characterization of exopolysaccharide (EPS) from porphyridium cruentumPublication . Duarte, Marta M.; Suprinovych, Artem; Veiga, Anabela; Lopes, Ana I.; Tavaria, Freni K.; Morais, Rui C.; Oliveira, Ana L.Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are emerging as sustainable polymers for biomedical hydrogels. Here, we report hydrogels from sulfated EPSs produced by Porphyridium cruentum and ionically crosslinked with Ca2+, Ce3+, or Cu2+ to generate tunable networks with bioactive potential. Rheological analysis showed viscoelastic behavior was primarily governed by cation nature and accessible binding site density, with diminishing gains above 2.5 wt% EPS and limited benefit beyond 10 wt% crosslinker. Ce3+ produced the most solid-like gel, Ca2+ yielded more thixotropic networks, and Cu2+ promoted rapid, heterogeneous crosslinking consistent with fast surface complexation. These network signatures showed distinct in vitro performances. Cation selection tuned antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with Cu2+ achieving rapid bactericidal effects and Ce3+ enabling an 8-log reduction after 24 h. The ABTS assay showed that Ca2+- and Ce3+-crosslinked gels had antioxidant potential (≥40 µM Trolox eq.mg−1); however, antioxidant capacity was assay dependent. Conditioned-medium assays showed ≥75% viability at day 3 for Ca2+- and Ce3+-crosslinked gels against human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), while only Ce3+-crosslinked gels were cytocompatible against human keratinocytes (HaCaTs). Cu2+-crosslinked gels were highly cytotoxic across all tested conditions. Macrophage cytokine readouts (TNF-α and IL-6) indicated formulation-dependent immunobiological response. This work establishes microalgal EPSs as versatile polymers and links crosslinking chemistry to rheological modulation and multifunctional biomedical performance, while direct wound-healing efficacy remains to be demonstrated in future in vivo or wound repair functional models.
- Nannochloropsis sp. extract as a potential functional ingredient for food applicationsPublication . Martins, Valter F. R.; Lopes, Ana I.; Machado, Manuela; Pintado, Manuela E.; Morais, Rui M. S. C.; Morais, Alcina M. M. B.This present study provides a comprehensive and novel assessment of Nannochloropsis sp. extracts as multifunctional ingredients for food applications, combining lipid profiling, nutritional quality indices, and antimicrobial activity. The extracts were obtained by ultrasound-assisted hydroethanolic extraction (90% EtOH solution; 20 kHz pulses of 30 s during 10 min). Nannochloropsis sp. biomass exhibited a high lipid content (36.6%), and GC-FID analysis of its extract revealed high concentrations of palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Nutritional quality indices—including the index of atherogenicity (AI), the index of thrombogenicity (TI), and the hypocholes- terolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (HH)—were favorable, and the health-promoting index (HPI) was high. Although the extract exhibited low antioxidant activity in ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC assays, it demonstrated inhibitory activity against Gram-negative (Yersinia enterocolitica, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis) and Gram- positive (Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes) foodborne pathogens, with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 6.3–12.5 mg/mL. These findings highlight the novelty of positioning Nannochloropsis sp. extracts as multifunctional ingredients that couple favorable lipid nutrition with antimicrobial functionality, rather than as single-purpose bioactives. The results support their potential for application in healthy food formulations and shelf-life extension strategies.
- Edible insects and food safety: providing scientific insights for the agro-food sectorPublication . Carvalho, Teresa Bento de; Teixeira, Paula; Barbosa, Joana BastosThe agri-food industry would greatly benefit from a solution based on a sustainable approach inspired by the Farm-to-Fork strategy to fulfill global food demands for primary foodstuffs. Entomophagy has all the potential to answer the cornerstones of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. From a nutritional standpoint, insects are emerging as a high-protein meat alternative, with many edible insects having nutritional profiles similar to other commonly eaten plant and animal products while having the potential to be a more sustainable and ecologically friendly source of nutrients for humans. However, safety concerns remain underexplored, including microbiological, allergenicity, and chemical risks. Furthermore, regulatory frameworks, such as Regulation (EU) No 2015/2283 on novel foods, continue to evolve but exhibit significant gaps in addressing the complexities of insect-based food products. Public perception and cultural acceptance also pose additional challenges. Therefore, this review examines the edible insects’ potential but addresses key obstacles to their integration into human diets. Particular focus is given to the safety and regulatory challenges that must be overcome to ensure consumer confidence. By fostering a better understanding of entomophagy’s benefits and risks, this work aims to support its adoption as a viable strategy for enhancing sustainability and food safety in the global agri-food sector.
- Valorization of food by-products for bio-based hydrogel development: a circular approach on bromelain encapsulation case studyPublication . Vilas-Boas, Ana Martins; Campos, Débora A.; Pintado, Maria ManuelaFood by-product valorization is rapidly gaining importance as a sustainable strategy for designing bio-based hydrogels. This review adopts bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme from pineapple side-streams, as a central case study, offering a targeted perspective rarely explored in the literature. Through a comparative analysis of natural hydrogel matrices derived from food waste, we assess how gelation mechanisms, enzyme–matrix compatibility and barrier properties impact bromelain’s stability, bioactivity and release performance. This work integrates insights with translation-oriented considerations, including scalability, techno-economic and life-cycle assessment, regulatory compliance and supply-chain readiness. By mapping bromelain encapsulation strategies onto a circular bioeconomy framework, we demonstrate how food-waste-derived hydrogels can simultaneously advance enzyme delivery technologies and promote zero-waste solutions. The findings highlight both the opportunities and the critical gaps, particularly in reproducibility, regulatory alignment and industrial scale-up. Bromelain case studies further underline the enzyme’s growing interest for drug delivery, wound healing and nutraceutical applications, clarifying when waste-derived hydrogels outperform conventional systems. This review delivers a unique contribution by merging scientific advances with a practical decision framework, offering guidance on selecting matrices and crosslinkers tailored to bromelain’s activity profile, positioning food-waste-based hydrogels not merely as experimental materials but as credible, future-ready platforms for nutraceutical and biomedical innovation.
- Towards one health action for addressing antimicrobial resistance in the age of polycrisisPublication . Keenum, Ishi; Berendonk, Thomas U.; Bonnedahl, Jonas; Cytryn, Eddie; Dagot, Christophe; Karkman, Antti; Fatta-Kassinos, Despo; Hayes, April; Kirschner, Alexander; Kreft, Jan Ulrich; Manaia, Célia M.; Merlin, Christophe; Rahman, Naziza; Tipper, Holly; Vass, Máté; Zastepa, Arthur; Virta, Marko; Topp, Ed; Schwermer, Carsten Ulrich; Rozman, Svjetlana Dekić; Puljko, Ana; Payne, Sarah Jane; Morrison, Donald; Moniruzzaman, M.; Macedo, Gonçalo; Lawal, Opeyemi U.; Korzeniewska, Ewa; Cooper-Beknazarova, Mira; de França, Paulo Henrique Condeixa; Guo, Jianhua; Gracia, María Rincón; Glaeser, Stefanie; Donner, Erica; Crotti, Elena Sara; Clarke, Leah Marie; Christou, Stella; Amoako, Daniel Gyamfi; Aga, Diana; Adeoye, Israel AdedayoAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a major One Health issue, driven by a myriad of potential accelerators that include emerging climate and social challenges. There is little doubt about the need for interventions at critical control points to reduce AMR, but addressing AMR within a single realm of One Health (for example, human, animal or environmental) is not sufficient to reduce it. Building on the past decade of research, this Perspective highlights comprehensive, systemic and integrative strategies that address the effects of anthropogenic activities and the complex relationship between humans and the environment as key targets for intersectoral and global action.