CBQF - Contribuições em Revistas Científicas / Contribution to Journals
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- Optimizing vineyard pruning biochars for nutrient adsorption: toward sustainable fertilizer applicationsPublication . Dorosh, Olena; Peixoto, Andreia F.; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Castro, Paula M. L.; Moreira, Manuela M.Agricultural residues, such as vineyard prunings, are abundant yet underutilized resources with potential for conversion into value-added products. In this study, vineyard prunings were investigated for the first time as feedstock for nutrient-enriched biochars intended for use as enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs). Four biochars were produced using distinct physical (industrial-scale pyrolysis, CO2-assisted pyrolysis) and chemical (MgCl2, AlCl3 pretreatment) procedures. Their adsorption capacities for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were evaluated across a wide pH range (2–13). Optimization studies, including dosage, kinetics, and isotherms, revealed maximum Langmuir adsorption capacities of 10.4 mg N g?1 and 12.7 mg P g?1, which were comparable to or higher than other low-cost agricultural biochars, confirming the competitive performance of vineyard pruning-derived biochars. Beyond adsorption efficiency, these biochars provide additional benefits by valorizing a widely available viticulture residue, reducing open-field disposal and burning, and generating low-cost fertilizers that may reduce nutrient leaching and improve soil health. This work introduces a novel circular pathway linking vineyard waste management to sustainable nutrient delivery, integrating agricultural byproduct utilization with environmental remediation strategies.
- From grape stalks to lignin nanoparticles: a study on extraction scale-up, solubility enhancement and green nanoparticle productionPublication . Cassoni, Ana C.; Bourbon, Ana I.; Pastrana, Lorenzo; Vasconcelos, Marta; Pintado, ManuelaTo effectively valorize lignin, some challenges must be addressed. First, emerging techniques based on green methods may experience difficulties during the scale-up process. Secondly, the low solubility of lignin can hinder further valorization. This study investigated the impact of lignin extraction scale-up on yield and purity and evaluated strategies to enhance lignin solubility. Lignin from grape stalks was extracted using two previously optimized methods—alkaline and deep eutectic solvents—at a scale-up by factors of 5, 10, and 20 times. Although a slight decrease in extraction yield was observed with increasing scale, lignin purity remained consistent across all conditions. After extraction, lignin samples were subjected to solubilization tests using surfactants (Tween 20, Tween 80, and polyethylene glycol) and organic solvents (ethanol and acetic acid). Results demonstrated that surfactants were notably more effective in solubilizing lignin (up to 74.5%) compared to organic solvents. Furthermore, as an alternative to lignin solubilization, the production of lignin nanoparticles through ultrasonication with minimal chemical use was also explored. Upon optimization, spherical nanoparticles with a mean diameter of approximately 200 nm were successfully obtained. The use of surfactants was necessary to avoid nanoparticle aggregation during concentration steps and to enhance colloidal stability. This study demonstrates the feasibility of scaling up lignin extraction methods and further explores two approaches to enhancing the valorization of the obtained lignin—solubilization and the production of lignin nanoparticles—thereby contributing to the development of efficient and sustainable strategies for diverse lignin-based applications.
- Impact of leaching on the nutritional composition of acorn speciesPublication . Rodrigues, Cristina V.; Maia, Maria Luz; Babo, Pedro; Pintado, ManuelaHistorically, acorns have been used as a food source; however, nowadays, they are neglected despite their nutritional value. One of the barriers is their high tannin content, which leads to bitterness, reduced nutrient absorption, and may prevent digestion and liver toxicity. This study explored the impact of leaching on the nutritional and physicochemical properties of three endemic Portuguese species (Quercus pyrenaica, Quercus rotundifolia, and Quercus robur). The findings revealed that leaching significantly affected flour's pH, acidity, water activity, and macronutrient profile, which overall leads to reductions in these parameters. Moreover, although rich in insoluble fiber, with potential gut health benefits, substantial fiber losses occurred. Fatty acid analysis showed high oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acid levels, with favourable atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, indicating high fat quality. Leaching also significantly decreased soluble sugars and reduced mineral content by approximately 90 %. Overall, these findings emphasise the acorn's potential as a sustainable and nutritious food source. Although leaching reduced soluble sugars, minerals, and part of the fiber and lipid fractions, key macronutrients and a favourable fatty acid profile were preserved, supporting the use of acorn flours in functional food applications.
- Weaving the future: the role of novel fibres and molecular traceability in circular textilesPublication . Sousa, Sofia Pereira de; Silva, Marta Nunes da; Braga, Carlos; Vasconcelos, Marta W.The textile sector provides essential goods, yet it remains environmentally and socially intensive, driven by high water use, pesticide-dependent monocropping, chemical pollution during processing, and growing waste streams. This review examines credible pathways to sustainability by integrating emerging plant-based fibres from hemp, abaca, stinging nettle, and pineapple leaf fibre. These underutilised crops combine favourable agronomic profiles with competitive mechanical performance and are gaining momentum as the demand for demonstrably sustainable textiles increases. However, conventional fibre identification methods, including microscopy and spectroscopy, often lose reliability after wet processing and in blended fabrics, creating opportunities for mislabelling, greenwashing, and weak certification. We synthesise how advanced molecular approaches, including DNA fingerprinting, species-specific assays, and metagenomic tools, can support the authentication of fibre identity and provenance and enable linkage to Digital Product Passports. We also critically assess environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and social assessment frameworks, including S-LCA and SO-LCA, as complementary methodologies to quantify climate burden, water use, labour conditions, and supply chain risks. We argue that aligning fibre innovation with molecular traceability and harmonised life cycle evidence is essential to replace generic sustainability claims with verifiable metrics, strengthen policy and certification, and accelerate transparent, circular, and socially responsible textile value chains. Key research priorities include validated marker panels and reference libraries for non-cotton fibres, expanded region-specific LCA inventories and end-of-life scenarios, scalable fibre-to-fibre recycling routes, and practical operationalisation of SO-LCA across diverse enterprises.
- Lemon co-products as functional ingredients for mortadella reformulation: impact on shelf life, nutritional quality and sensory propertiesPublication . Magalhães, Daniela; Bas, Clara Muñoz; Viuda-Martos, M.; Pérez-Álvarez, J. A.; Teixeira, Paula; Pintado, ManuelaHigh consumption of processed meats is associated with higher intakes of refined sugars, sodium, and fats, and lower intakes of phytochemicals and dietary fibres, prompting a search for healthier processed foods. Lemon by-products, which account for up to 50 % of lemon production, are rich in bioactive compounds and represent a promising functional ingredient. This study examined the effects of incorporating lemon dietary fibre (LDF) and/or lemon phenolic compound-rich extract (LPC) recovered from lemon by-products into mortadella. Four formulations were developed: Control (CS), LDF (3 %), LPC (1 %), and LDF (3 %) + LPC (1 %). The nutritional, technological, microbiological, phenolic content, and sensory properties of the reformulated mortadellas were assessed through shelf-life analysis during 28 days, with sampling at days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Inclusion of LDF significantly (p < 0.05) affected moisture, protein, and colour parameters over time. At day 0, the incorporation of LDF increased protein content (16.47 % vs 15.52 % in CS), reduced moisture (62.67 % vs 65.46 % in CS), and enhanced lightness (L* = 67.49 vs 63.62 in CS). Notably, LDF caused a significant reduction in residual nitrite levels (p < 0.05), decreasing from 70.50 mg/kg in the control to 36.93 mg/kg at day 0, and from 35.66 mg/kg in the control to 7.85 mg/kg at day 28, indicating its potential to enhance product safety. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of eriocitrin and hesperidin in the mortadellas. Formulations containing LPC, which contains vitamin C, highlight their potential as natural antioxidants to reduce lipid oxidation. Moreover, formulations containing LPC, despite the absence of sodium ascorbate, demonstrated excellent microbiological stability (< 2.5 log cfu/g) over 28 days of storage. Sensory evaluation revealed strong acceptance by panellists, confirming their suitability for use in meat products. Overall, incorporating lemon co-products into mortadella provides a practical way to enhance shelf life, nutritional profile, and safety of processed meats.
- Therapeutic potential of Latin American medicinal plants in oral diseases: from dental pain to periodontal inflammation-a systematic reviewPublication . Ramírez-Torres, Valentina; Torres-León, Cristian; Londoño-Hernandez, Liliana; Gómez-García, Ricardo; Ramírez-Guzmán, NathielyOral diseases pose a major public health challenge, especially in low-income countries where dental care is limited due to high costs. In this context, phytotherapy has gained attention as a complementary approach due to its bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, healing, and analgesic properties. These therapeutic effects are mainly attributed to plant-derived bioactive metabolites, which interact with cellular structures, especially the plasma membrane, to modulate inflammation, stimulate tissue regeneration, and support antimicrobial defense. This review systematically examined the scientific literature to identify Latin American medicinal plants with therapeutic potential in dentistry. Based on their clinical and ethnobotanical applications, the analysis focused on species with anti-inflammatory, healing, analgesic, and relaxing effects, particularly in conditions such as dental pain, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Given the close relationship between pain, inflammation, and periodontal disease, these conditions cannot be studied in isolation. Gingivitis and periodontitis often present with painful symptoms and inflammatory responses that overlap with mechanisms of tissue damage and repair. Therefore, broadening the scope of this review allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how Latin American medicinal plants can contribute not only to pain relief but also to periodontal health, inflammation control, and wound healing. Fifty plant species were identified. Among these, 35 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, 28 had healing properties, 20 showed analgesic effects, and 12 were associated with relaxing properties. Mexico accounted for the highest proportion of species (60%), followed by Colombia and Peru (54%) and then Brazil (32%). These percentages represent the proportion of plant species reported in studies originating from each country, relative to the total number of species identified in the review. The most studied species were Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. (Lamiaceae), Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae), Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (Asphodelaceae), and Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae). Latin American medicinal plants demonstrate strong potential not only in dental therapy but also in the management of periodontal inflammation and oral diseases. However, further research and clinical validation are needed to ensure their safe integration into conventional treatments.
- Quality and chemical safety of wheat bread enriched with untreated, milled, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum fermented red lentils (Lens culinaris L.)Publication . Starkute, Vytaute; Bartkiene, Elena; Mockus, Ernestas; Radvila, Emilis; Matuzeviciute, Daiva; Balynaite, Kamile; Bredikis, Arvydas; Ilgunaite, Gabriele; Juskaite, Akvile; Cho, Vaneck; Rocha, João Miguel; Cernauskas, Darius; Ruibys, Romas; Mozuriene, Erika; Akin, Meleksen; Curtis, Tanya; Klupsaite, DovileThis study investigated the effects of untreated, milled, and fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum No. 122 red lentils (Lens culinaris L.) on the quality and safety parameters of wheat bread (WB). The quantity (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 %) and type of lentils added significantly influenced WB specific volume. Bread with 10 % of fermented non-milled (FNM) and 15 % of fermented milled (FM) lentils exhibited lower porosity (average, 52.4 %), while the highest total titratable acidity (1.12°N) was observed in bread enriched with 25 % of (FM) lentils. Enrichment with red lentils increased acrylamide levels in most breads to 14–44 ?g/kg. A moderate correlation (?0.415–0.449) was found between acrylamide levels and certain VOCs of WB. Breads containing 10 and 15 % (FM) and (FNM) lentils showed overall acceptability scores (average, 4.1) similar to control bread. In conclusion, adding 5 % of non-fermented/fermented lentils to WB allowed for high acceptability without increasing acrylamide concentrations.
- Impact of fertilization with cattle slurry in a poplar short rotation coppice on mass balance of nutrients and biomass productivityPublication . Rodrigues, Abel; Pereira, Sofia; Gomes, Alberto Azevedo; Louzada, José; Goncalves, Alexandre B.; Fonseca, Teresa; Castelo-Branco, Amélia; Castro, Paula; Moreira, Helena; Menino, ReginaThe incorporation of cattle slurry in soil in short-rotation-cycle poplar cultivations can be a win–win strategy, insofar as a main feedstock derived from local intensive dairy cattle breeding can be used as a natural fertilizer and in bioenergy produced in the same region. The circularity of this process can contribute to boosting local socio-economic value. In this context, this work involved the installation of a poplar SRC plantation with a density of 5330 trees ha?1 in a 4000 m2 moderately fertile flat site, which was formerly used as a vineyard. Mechanical dosages of slurry of 0, 26.6, 53.2, and 106.5 Mg ha?1, designated as treatments T0, T1, T2, and T3, were applied three times per year during 2019, 2020, and 2021. The variables quantified were related to plant growth, biomass productivity and mass balances of K, P, Cu, Zn, Mg, and N, and organic matter in the whole soil, plant, and slurry system during the first rotation cycle. For treatments T0 and T1, all these seven chemical components showed positive balances in the system, with cumulative demand by soil and biomass being higher than cumulative supply by slurry. Negative balances occurred for P with T2 and T3 and for Zn with T3, so that an overall condition of nutrient saturation of the whole system was not achieved. A no-slurry application, or at most a moderate application equivalent to T1, in the second rotation cycle should therefore be prescribed to allow a nutrient equilibrium status to be achieved through internal seasonal recycling mechanisms. The biomass average productivities ranged from 6.1 to 11.8 Mg ha?1 y?1, peaking under treatment T2, and are within the typical values for a first rotation cycle for poplar SRCs. The biomass fuel quality was not affected by the slurry treatments. A good performance of plant total height and growth in diameter at breast height suggested that poplar trees were not stressed by the applied slurry. Only treatment T1 could assure that cattle CO2-eq methane emissions were overall equilibrated by the carbon sequestration from poplar cultivation, with an absence of climatic-warming impacts. Treatments T2 and T3 could only partially minimize that impact, which would always exist. Globally, this site-specific analysis showed that, under moderately fertile conditions, controlled cattle slurry fertilization of poplar SRC cultivations, which would assure a long-term steady-state equilibrium, can be a viable option to contribute to decentralized production of bioenergy in rural communities.
- Unveiling the global urban virome through wastewater metagenomicsPublication . Global Sewage Surveillance Consortium; Rocha, Jaqueline; Manaia, CéliaUnderstanding global viral dynamics is critical for public health. Traditional surveillance focuses on individual pathogens and symptomatic cases, which may miss asymptomatic infections or newly emerging viruses, delaying detection and response. Wastewater-based epidemiology has been used to track pathogens through targeted molecular assays, but its reliance on predefined targets limits detection of the full viral spectrum. Here, we analyse longitudinal wastewater samples from 62 cities across six continents (2017–2019) using metagenomics and capture-based sequencing with probes targeting viruses associated with gastrointestinal disease. We detect over 2500 viral species spanning 122 families, many with human, animal, or plant health relevance. The bacteriophage family Microviridae and plant virus family Virgaviridae dominate the metagenomic dataset, while Astroviridae and Picornaviridae prevail in the capture-based sequence dataset. Virus distributions are broadly similar across continents at the family and genus levels, yet distinct city-level fingerprints reveal geographical and temporal variation, enabling spatiotemporal surveillance of viruses such as astroviruses and enteroviruses. Global wastewater-based epidemiology enables early detection of emerging viruses, including Echovirus 30 in Europe and Tomato brown rugose fruit virus. These findings highlight the potential of wastewater sequencing for the early detection of emerging viruses and population-wide virome monitoring across diverse hosts.
- Editorial: plant-based solutions for sustainable agriculture and environmental remediationPublication . Santos, Carla S.; Zarafshar, Mehrdad; Silva, Marta Nunes da