CBQF - Contribuições em Revistas Científicas / Contribution to Journals
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- Oat and lentil-based muffins as a functional food: enhance glycaemia control, anti-inflammatory effects, and intestinal epithelium integrityPublication . Geraldo, Rafaela; Machado, Manuela; Silva, Sara; Pinho, Simão; Gouveia, Alexandra; Neves, Delminda; Pinto, Elisabete; Pintado, Manuela; Vasconcelos, Marta W.The increased interest in functional foods has driven research into health-promoting properties. This study evaluated muffins made with 100 % oatmeal (OM) or a 50:50 lentil/oatmeal flour mix (LM) using the INFOGEST in vitro model. Analysis included starch composition, glycaemic response, cytotoxicity, and immunomodulatory effects in Caco-2 cells under basal and stimulated conditions. Digestion revealed limited hydrolysis in oral/gastric phases, with increase in intestinal phase. OM exhibited 8.9 % higher starch and greater hydrolysis. In contrast, LM presented 9.3 % lower estimated glycaemic index. Both muffins were non-toxic. Under stimulation, LM showed stronger anti-inflammatory effects, decreasing interleukin-6/8 mRNA and cytokine levels, while upregulating Transforming Growth Factor-β under basal conditions. LM enhanced barrier integrity, reduced Acetyl-Coenzyme A acetyltransferase 2 , and upregulated Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and Sirtuin 1 , indicating improved metabolic regulation. These findings highlight lentil/oatmeal muffins as functional options that may support glycaemic control and intestinal health, aiding strategies against diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Upcycled orange peel ingredients: a scoping review on phytochemical composition, extraction techniques, and biorefinery strategiesPublication . Vilas-Boas, Ana A.; Magalhães, Daniela; Gómez-García, Ricardo; Campos, Débora A.; Correia, Marta; Pintado, ManuelaBackground/Objectives: Orange peels (OP), a major by-product of the juice industry, are rich in bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, pectin, carotenoids, and essential oils). Its valorization represents a promising route to reduce food waste and foster a circular bioeconomy. This review aimed to map scientific progress in OP upcycling, focusing on the extraction of bioactive ingredients for human nutrition and integrated biorefinery approaches aligned with zero-waste principles. Methods: A bibliometric analysis and a scoping review were conducted covering studies published between 2003 and 2023. Scopus database and VOSviewer was usedto identify research trends, hotspots, and gaps. Conventional and emerging green extraction methods were critically compared, and integrated biorefinery strategies for maximizing OP valorization were systematically assessed. Results: The analysis revealed an exponential rise in OP research over the past decade, reflecting growing interest in sustainable food waste valorization. Polyphenoland pectin-rich extracts are currently the focus of research and applications, driven by their high economic and nutritional value. Innovative multi-extraction and zero-waste biorefinery models have emerged, yet most remain at low technological readiness levels. Carotenoids and other bioactive compounds remain underexplored, and challenges persist regarding standardization and scalability. Conclusions: OP valorization is shifting towards integrated green extraction and biorefinery frameworks that address clean-label demands, promote circular economy goals, and align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Future research should prioritize (i) standardized protocols, (ii) scalable green extraction technologies, (iii) the inclusion of underutilized compounds such as carotenoids, and (iv) regulatory pathways to accelerate industrial translation.
- Locally-sourced animal protein hydrolysates in high-plant-protein diets can promote European seabass growth and nutrient utilization, reducing reliance on fishmealPublication . Rodrigues-dos-Santos, Luciano; Basto, Ana; Monteiro, Marta; António, Carla; Rodrigues, Ana M.; Sá, Tiago; Velasco, Cristina; Martins, Rui; Rosa, Ana; Pintado, Manuela; Almeida, André; Valente, Luisa M. P.Upcycling meat and fish by-products into bioactive protein hydrolysates promotes zero-waste practices within the circular bioeconomy and provides locally-sourced alternatives to replace fishmeal (FM) in aquafeeds. In this study, novel hydrolysates were developed from blue shark skin, fish by-products, and swine processed animal protein, aiming to reduce the high-quality FM inclusion in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) diets. Four isoproteic (53%) and isolipidic (18%) plant-based diets were formulated: a control (CTRL) diet containing 12.5% FM was compared to three experimental diets, including 3% of each hydrolysate at the expense of FM-protein: SHARK, FISH, and SWINE. Seabass juveniles (13 g) stocked in 160 L tanks (3.9 kg/m3) were fed the diets in triplicate, three times daily until satiety, for 89 days. All diets were equally well accepted, promoting similar feed intake, daily growth index (1.6), and efficient feed conversion ratio (1.0–1.1). All fish at least quadrupled their initial size, but those fed the SWINE diet showed the highest body weight (55 g) and significantly higher condition factor (1.22), hepatosomatic index (HSI) (1.6), and viscerosomatic index (VSI) (8.4). Intestinal integrity remained similar across treatments, and apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of protein and fat were above 96%. Iron (Fe) ADC was at least doubled with hydrolysates inclusion. Whole-body and muscle composition were similar across groups. However, the muscle metabolome of the SHARK-fed fish exhibited higher levels of glycolytic intermediates and lower levels of glucogenic amino acids (AAs) and fumarate, suggesting an increased catabolic activity. However, these changes were not reflected in fish growth performance or muscle flesh quality, which remained similar among treatments.
- From 1D microbiological assays to 3D advanced skin models: enhancing preclinical strategies to unravel the impact of bioactive textiles on the human skin microbiomePublication . Negut, Irina; Mazzanti, Camilla; Laurano, Rossella; Ciardelli, Gianluca; Bronco, Simona; Oliveira, Cláudia S.Bioactive textiles have emerged as multifunctional materials to actively interact with the human skin and its microbiome. By embedding natural or synthetic bioactive compounds, such as chitosan, essential oils, plant extracts, and metallic nanoparticles, these materials aim to prevent and target infections, modulate inflammation, and promote skin homeostasis. Given the critical role of the skin microbiome in maintaining barrier integrity and immune balance, strategies that selectively inhibit pathogenic microorganisms (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Cutibacterium acnes) while preserving beneficial commensals like Staphylococcus epidermidis are essential to avoid dysbiosis and associated dermatological disorders. This review highlights current trends in the design and functionalization of bioactive textiles, emphasizing sustainable and biocompatible approaches that leverage natural antimicrobial compounds and green synthesis techniques. It also examines conventional evaluation pipelines primarily based on 1D microbiological assays and 2D skin models, highlighting their limitations in predicting real-world performance. Advanced in vitro models, particularly 3D reconstructed human skin platforms incorporating both pathogenic and commensal microbiota members, are presented as indispensable tools to study fabric–skin–microbe interactions under physiologically relevant conditions. These models enable accurate assessment of antimicrobial efficacy, biocompatibility, and microbiome impact, providing a bridge between in vitro and clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the potential of bioactive textiles in managing microbiome-related skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and acne, is discussed alongside the importance of developing microbiome-safe materials. Despite encouraging clinical evidence demonstrating pathogen reduction and symptomatic improvement, the successful translation of these materials to clinical practice needs interdisciplinary research and the adoption of advanced preclinical strategies to ensure innovative solutions for personalized skin health.
- 46 – Mild reductions in BMI Z-score through lifestyle modifications seem to improve cardiovascular risk in a Portuguese pediatric populationPublication . Nascimento, H.; Rocha, S.; Fernandes, J.; Costa, E.; Rego, C.; Mansilha, H. F.; Rocha-Pereira, P.; Quintanilha, A.; Santos-Silva, A.; Belo, L.
- Fortification of yogurt with Solanum melongena phenolic extract: physicochemical stability, bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and antioxidant effectsPublication . Añibarro-Ortega, Mikel; Gómez-García, Ricardo; Machado, Manuela; Pereira, Alexis; Costa, Eduardo M.; Pintado, Manuela; Barros, Lillian; Pinela, JoséThis study investigated the impact of fortifying yogurt with Solanum melongena phenolic extract by assessing its physicochemical, biochemical, and antioxidant stability, including its behavior during in vitro simulated digestion. Fortification influenced the yogurt's pH, titratable acidity, and color, and improved its cohesiveness during shelf life. The fortified yogurt exhibited higher glucose levels and reduced lactic acid production compared to the control. During simulated digestion, the extract modulated alterations in the protein and fatty acid profiles of the yogurt. Among phenolic compounds, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acids exhibited good stability during the oral and gastric phases but decreased in the intestinal digest. Some antioxidant effects were enhanced during digestion, particularly against lipid peroxidation, but declined during storage. Furthermore, phenolic acids were absorbed in an in vitro Caco-2 cell model, supporting their bioavailability. Overall, yogurt fortification with S. melongena extract improved nutritional and functional properties, highlighting its potential as a sustainable functional food. Future studies should address sensory acceptance, safety aspects, and in vivo health outcomes.
- Bioactive aromatic plant extracts modulate metabolism and inflammation in HeLa cellsPublication . Silva, Sara; Machado, Manuela; Pintado, Manuela; Costa, Eduardo M.Aromatic plants are rich sources of bioactive compounds with recognized therapeutic potential. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and biological activities of ethanolic extracts from four aromatic species—Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary), Aloysia citrodora (lemon verbena), and Tanacetum balsamita L. (costmary)—using HeLa human cancer cells as a model. LC–MS analysis identified 28–44 metabolites per species, with phenolic compounds and terpenoids comprising 58–67% of total metabolites. Biological assays demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of HeLa cell metabolism down to 150 µg/mL, with rosemary displaying the strongest effects. LDH assays confirmed membrane disruption, most notably for lemon verbena (ca. 80% of release), and cellular proliferation was significantly disrupted by all extracts, most notably for thyme (70% reduction). Under oxidative conditions, costmary, thyme, and lemon verbena reduced intracellular ROS by up to 35% and all extracts suppressed IL-6 secretion, with rosemary showing the strongest anti-inflammatory response, lowering IL-6 levels to near or below the assay’s detection limit. Out of all the extracts, rosemary exhibited the most pronounced effects across cytotoxic, antioxidant, and cytokine assays, suggesting synergistic activity of its phenolic and terpenoid constituents. Multivariate analyses (correlation and PCA) linked specific metabolite classes to bioactivity patterns, providing insight into the mechanistic diversity underlying plant-specific effects. Overall, the results support the potential of these aromatic plants as sources of multifunctional bioactive compounds with anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Evaluation of novel 3D architectures based on knitting technologies for engineering biological tissuesPublication . Ribeiro, V. P.; Ribeiro, A. S.; Silva, J. C.; Durães, N. F.; Bonifácio, G.; Correlo, V. M.; Marques, A. P.; Sousa, R. A.; Oliveira, A. L.; Reis, R. L.Textile-based technologies are considered as potential routes for the production of 3D porous architectures for tissue engineering applications. We describe the use of two polymers, namely polybutylene succinate (PBS) and silk fibroin (SF) to produce fiber-based finely tuned porous architectures by weft and warp knitting. The obtained knitted constructs are described in terms of their morphology, mechanical properties, swelling ability, degradation behaviour and cytotoxicity. Each type of polymer fibers allow for the processing of a very reproducible intra-architectural scaffold geometry, with distinct characteristics in terms of the surface physicochemistry, mechanical performance and degradation capability, which has an impact on the resulting cell behaviour at the surface of the respective biotextiles. Preliminary cytotoxicity screening shows that both materials can support cell adhesion and proliferation. Furthermore, different surface modifications were performed (acid/alkaline treatment, UV radiation and plasma) for modulating cell behavior. An increase of cell- material interactions were observed, indicating the important role of materials surface in the first hours of culturing. Human Adipose-derived Stem Cells (hASCs) became an emerging possibility for regenerative medicine and tissue replacement therapies. The potential of the recently developed silk- based biotextile structures to promote hASCs adhesion, proliferation and differentiation is also evaluated. The obtained results validate the developed constructs as viable matrices for TE applications. Given the processing efficacy and versatility of the knitting technology, and the interesting structural and surface properties of the proposed polymer fibers, it is foreseen that our developed systems can be attractive for the functional engineering of tissues such as bone, skin, ligaments or cartilage and also for develop more complex systems for further industrialization of TE products.
- Protein hydrolysates from Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens as novel food sources for dogsPublication . Leal, D.; Borges, S.; Almeida, A.; Pintado, M.; Fonseca, A. J. M.; Cabrita, A. R. J.There has been a growing interest in insect meals as a sustainable alternative protein source for animal food and feed. In parallel, insect hydrolysates have been investigated in vitro for their bioactive properties, but the impact of dietary inclusion on dog’s nutritional parameters needs to be elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and bioactive properties of four insect hydrolysates obtained from the enzymatic hydrolysis of Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens using ALCALASE 2.5L and Corolase PP enzymes and investigate the effects of their dietary inclusion on diet palatability, digestibility, and fecal characteristics and metabolites of adult Beagle dogs. Four two-bowl tests were performed using 12 adult Beagle dogs to assess palatability by the pairwise comparison between the control diet (a commercial diet with 3% of shrimp hydrolysate) and each of the four experimental diets (control diet with the replacement of 3% (w/w) of shrimp hydrolysate by 3% of each insect protein hydrolysate). A digestibility trial designed according to a replicated Latin square 5 × 5 design, with ten adult dogs, five periods of 10 d each, and five diets was performed to evaluate the effects on food intake, fecal characteristics and metabolites, apparent total tract digestibility, and estimated metabolizable energy content of the control and experimental diets. Chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant and antihypertensive activities of insect hydrolysates depended on the insect species and enzyme used. No differences were observed in the first diet approached or tasted, but the inclusion of hydrolysates of T. molitor obtained from Corolase PP hydrolysis showed a greater intake ratio (P = 0.032). Food intake, diet digestibility and fecal characteristics were not different between diets, except for an increased fecal caproate concentration in dogs fed the control diet (P = 0.024). The dietary inclusion of insect hydrolysates did not affect nutritional parameters, and further investigation is needed to evaluate their health-promoting properties for pet foods and supplements.
- WEFE nexus unveiled: a comprehensive review of monitoring and modelling methods in the water-energy-food-ecosystems nexusPublication . Vrachioli, Maria; Mellios, Nikos; Alp, Emre; Borchard, Nils; Calheiros, Cristina Sousa Coutinho; Castelli, Giulio; Coletta, Virginia Rosa; Carvalho, Pedro N.; Dominguez-Soberanes, Julieta; Fader, Marianela; Giordano, Raffaele; Madrid-Lopez, Cristina; Oral, Hasan Volkan; Papadopoulou, Chrysaida-Aliki; Papadopoulou, Maria; Pereira, Sofia I. A.; Pineda-Martos, Rocio; StepisnikPerdih, Tadej; Vamvakeridou-Lyroudia, Lydia; Ziliaskopoulos, Konstantinos; Adamos, Giannis; Brouwer, Floor; Laspidou, ChrysiSustainable resource management in the face of climate change is a pressing challenge for our society. This paper delves into the water-energy-food-ecosystems (WEFE) nexus, a scientific framework that supports the integrated assessment and management of the interconnected resources. Shifting from sectoral to cross-sectoral and transdisciplinary perspectives, the WEFE nexus addresses interdependencies and interactions among water, energy, food, ecosystems, and climate. This paper focuses on the extended nexus, incorporating ecosystems as a fourth pillar, underscoring the importance of considering ecosystems on an equal footing with water, energy, and food sectors. In addition, the paper emphasizes the significance of monitoring and modelling techniques, laying the foundations for understanding the nexus complexities and assessing uncertainty. The paper offers an overview of integrated nexus modelling, system analysis and socio-economic modelling, bridging the gap between nexus science and practice. It highlights the role of multifaceted stakeholder engagement methods, policy assessment, and institutional analysis in nexus models. Quantifying the nexus through indicators, and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, EU Green Deal, and EU Blue Deal are also key focal points. Finally, the last part of the paper addresses challenges in existing nexus modelling attempts, advocates for the integration of transdisciplinary information, and presents lessons learned. The paper concludes with recommendations for the future of the WEFE nexus, emphasizing its potential in fostering transformative change toward sustainable resource management and inclusive policymaking.