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- 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.
- Biofunctional silk sericin hydrogels: a versatile platform with potential for tissue healing and regenerationPublication . Veiga, Anabela; Ribeiro, Viviana; Ramírez-Jiménez, Rosa Ana; Aguilar, Maria Rosa; Rojo, Luis; Oliveira, Ana L.Discarded silk sericin protein (SS) presents a high yet underexplored potential as a biomaterial for tissue engineering (TE). Despite its biocompatibility, antioxidant activity, and moisture retention properties, its poor stability in aqueous media has limited broader application. In this work, we developed and characterized SS-based hydrogels using tannic acid (TA) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) crosslinking systems to address these limitations and expand their use in skin TE. Hydrogels were prepared using SS concentrations of 2.5 % and 5 % (w/v) and evaluated for rheological behavior (G′ ranging from 100 to 10,000 Pa), swelling (up to 24 %), retention capacity (stable over 24–30 h), and degradation in proteolytic environments (mass loss ranging from ∼0–11 %, depending on formulation). TA-crosslinked hydrogels showed strong fluid retention and are suitable for high-moisture 3D wound dressings and coating applications. HRP-crosslinked hydrogels demonstrated tunable mechanical properties, shear-thinning behavior, and full recovery post-deformation, making them ideal for use as bioinks in 3D bioprinting and injectable matrices. In vitro assays confirmed cytocompatibility, with viability exceeding 85 %, and successful cell encapsulation and proliferation. Overall, this study presents a versatile SS-based hydrogel platform with potential for various biomedical applications, particularly in skin tissue healing and regeneration.
- 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.
- Unraveling the extra virgin olive oil effect on inflammation and on gut and saliva microbiotaPublication . Correia, Marta; Gomes, Ana T. P. C.; Moreira, Inês; Maghariki, Jane El; Mendes, Karina; Correia, Maria José; Barros, Rui; Barbosa, Joana Cristina; Rosa, Nuno; Gomes, Ana MariaExtra virgin olive oil (EVOO) with a high content of polyphenols has attracted attention due to its proved beneficial effects in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, modulating cholesterol levels (HDL and LDL), modulating inflammatory markers, and decreasing the levels of haemoglobin1Ac, suggesting that EVOO can have an impact in glycemia regulation. This study assessed the impact of the consumption of a northern Portuguese polyphenol-rich EVOO with a high profile of bioactive molecules on several parameters, such as saliva and serum inflammatory biomarkers, and explored EVOO impact on gut and oral microbiota regarding Bacillota and Bacteroidota content. Thus, the impact on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), C-reactive protein (CRP), inflammatory biomarkers, and faecal and salivary microbiomes were evaluated before and after the exposure to EVOO. The results showed that EVOO promotes a decrease in the levels of HbA1C and in the pro-inflammatory interleukin IL-1β, associated with inflammatory processes. Moreover, EVOO intake modulated gut and oral microbiota, increasing Bacteroidota in both ecological niches and Bacillota in the oral microbiota, both phyla being associated with health, demonstrating a prebiotic effect.
- Simplified, high yielding extraction of xylan/xylo-oligosaccharides from palmaria palmata: the importance of the algae preservation treatmentPublication . Coelho, Diogo; Costa, Diogo Félix; Barroca, Mário; Cunha, Sara Alexandra; Pintado, Maria Manuela; Abreu, Helena; Martins, Margarida; Collins, TonyThe complex plant cell wall heteropolysaccharide xylan, and its breakdown products xylo-oligosaccharides and xylose, are value-added compounds with a plethora of potential applications in diverse areas. They are nonetheless currently poorly exploited, with a major bottleneck being the unavailability of efficient, low-cost, high-yield production processes. The major objective of the present study is to identify and characterise a high-yield process for the preparation of highly pure xylan/XOS products from the macroalga Palmaria palmata. Currently, most xylan is extracted from land-sourced lignocellulosic feedstocks, but we take advantage of the high xylan content, xylan aqueous solubility, lignin-free nature, weakly linked cell wall matrix, and sustainability of the macroalga to identify a simple, sustainable, high-yield, novel-xylan-structure extraction process. This is composed of five steps: alga oven drying, milling, aqueous extraction, centrifugation, and dialysis, and we show that the alga preservation step plays a critical role in component extractability, with oven drying at high temperatures, ~100 °C, enhancing the subsequent aqueous extraction process, and providing for xylan yields as high as 80% of a highly pure (~90%) xylan product. The process developed herein and the insights gained will promote a greater availability of these bioactive compounds and open up their application potential.
- Silk fibroin–alginate aerogel beads produced by supercritical co2 drying: a dual-function conformable and haemostatic dressingPublication . Sellitto, Maria Rosaria; Larobina, Domenico; Soricellis, Chiara De; Amante, Chiara; Falcone, Giovanni; Russo, Paola; Bernardes, Beatriz G.; Oliveira, Ana Leite; Gaudio, Pasquale DelInfection control and bleeding management in deep wounds remain urgent and unmet clinical challenges that demand innovative, multifunctional, and sustainable solutions. Unlike previously reported sodium alginate and silk fibroin-based gel formulations, the present work introduces a dual-functional system combining antimicrobial and haemostatic activity in the form of conformable aerogel beads. This dual-functional formulation is designed to absorb exudate, promote clotting, and provide localized antimicrobial action, all essential for accelerating wound repair in high-risk scenarios within a single biocompatible system. Aerogel beads were obtained by supercritical drying of a silk fibroin–sodium alginate blend, resulting in highly porous, spherical structures measuring 3–4 mm in diameter. The formulations demonstrated efficient ciprofloxacin encapsulation (42.75–49.05%) and sustained drug release for up to 12 h. Fluid absorption reached up to four times their weight in simulated wound fluid and was accompanied by significantly enhanced blood clotting, outperforming a commercial haemostatic dressing. These findings highlight the potential of silk-based aerogel beads as a multifunctional wound healing platform that combines localized antimicrobial delivery, efficient fluid and exudate management, biodegradability, and superior haemostatic performance in a single formulation. This work also shows for the first time how the prilling encapsulation technique with supercritical drying is able to successfully produce silk fibroin and sodium alginate composite aerogel beads.
- A new vision upon hemodialysis: a shift from synthetic to sustainable chitosan membranesPublication . Martingo, Maria Lima; Baptista-Silva, Sara; Pintado, Manuela; Borges, SandraThe article provides a comprehensive review of chronic kidney disease (CKD), covering its epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. It highlights CKD's increasing prevalence globally and its significant impact on public health due to its association with cardiovascular diseases and progression to end-stage kidney disease. The article delves into the diagnostic criteria, including the use of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and albuminuria levels, and outlines the stages of CKD to facilitate early detection and management. It also discusses renal replacement therapies (RRT) such as dialysis and transplantation, comparing hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) in terms of efficiency, complications, and quality of life impacts.The transition towards sustainable dialysis involves the innovative integration of chitosan, a biopolymer into membrane technology. Current synthetic membranes, though functional, fall short in biocompatibility and sustainability. Chitosan's introduction aims to mitigate these issues by harnessing its advantageous biological and eco-friendly properties. Leveraging chitosan not only addresses environmental concerns by providing a sustainable alternative but also exploits the full potential of its properties to revolutionize RRT. The shift towards chitosan-enriched membranes represents a significant stride in advancing dialysis treatment, focusing on patient safety, environmental sustainability, and the effective management of CKD. This approach underscores the importance of innovation in healthcare, specifically in the development of dialysis technologies that prioritize both patient welfare and environmental sustainability.
- Circular animal protein hydrolysates: a comparative approach of functional propertiesPublication . Monteiro, Marta; Rodrigues-dos-Santos, Luciano; Filipa-Silva, Andreia; Marques, Diana A.; Pintado, Manuela; Almeida, André; Valente, Luisa M. P.The growing demand for nutraceuticals has driven interest in upcycling low-value proteins from processed animal by-products and insect larvae into functional protein hydrolysates. This study evaluated five such hydrolysates in comparison to a high-value commercial reference (CPSP90), assessing the proximate composition, amino acid profile, molecular weight distribution, antioxidant activity, and bacterial growth dynamics. Results revealed a wide variability in the composition and bioactivity, driven by the raw material and processing conditions. All hydrolysates displayed a medium to high crude protein content (55.1–89.5% DM), with SHARK being the most protein-rich. SHARK and SWINE hydrolysates were particularly rich in collagenic amino acids, while FISH and CPSP90 contained higher levels of essential amino acids. FISH and INSECT demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activity, with INSECT also showing the highest protein solubility. INSECT and SWINE further displayed mild, selective antibacterial effects, indicating a potential for disease mitigation. Conversely, SHARK and FISH supported opportunistic bacteria growth, suggesting a potential use as nitrogen sources in microbial media. These findings highlight the nutritional and functional versatility of animal-derived protein hydrolysates and support their integration into sustainable feed strategies within a circular bioeconomy.