Prospecting toxicity of octocrylene in Allium cepa L. and Eisenia fetida Sav

Production of bioactive and functional frozen yogurt through easy-to-make microspheres incorporation

In the food industry, the microencapsulation process is important to control the release of active encapsulated ingredients, mask unwanted flavors, colors, and unpleasant smells, increase shelf life, and protect encapsulated components from light, moisture, and nutritional loss. In this process, microspheres are formed using cross-linked polymer, which can incorporate aqueous or oily ingredients, using simple physicochemical methods of phase separation by coacervation, without the need for organic solvents. In this context, this study aimed to develop bioactive, functional frozen yogurt through the incorporation of microspheres loaded with ascorbic acid or omega 3. The process used resulted in small microspheres (15-80 μm), imperceptible to the palate, and capable of swelling about 14 times, being suitable for incorporating omega 3, without altering the swelling, and extending the shelf life of the ascorbic acid for 6 weeks, even in an acid medium. Also, the matrix does not affect the properties of frozen yogurt and acts as a stabilizer, contributing to reduce the melting rate. The sensory analysis proved that encapsulation was promising to mask the taste and odor of omega 3 and to protect the ascorbic acid, without altering the properties and quality of the frozen product.

Benzophenone-3 sunscreen causes phytotoxicity and cytogenotoxicity in higher plants

The benzophenone-3 (BP-3) sunscreen is recurrently released into the environment from different sources, however, evaluations of its adverse effects on plants do not exist in the literature. In this study, BP-3 was evaluated, at concentrations 2; 20, and 200 µg/L, regarding phytotoxicity, based on germination and root elongation in seeds, in Lactuca sativa L., Cucumis sativus L. and Allium cepa L., and phytotoxicity, cytogenotoxicity and oxidative stress in A. cepa bulb roots. The BP-3 concentrations, except for the 200 µg/L concentration in L. sativa, caused no significant reduction in seed germination. All concentrations tested significantly reduced the elongation of roots from seeds and roots from bulbs. The 20 and 200 µg/L concentrations caused oxidation in cells, disturbances in the cell cycle, and alterations in prophase and metaphase, as well as the induction of micronuclei, in A. cepa root meristems. Furthermore, the three concentrations induced a high number of prophases in root tips. Such disorders were caused by excess H2O2 and superoxide produced in cells due to exposure to BP-3, which triggered significant phytotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity in root meristems. Thus, the recurrent contamination of agricultural and non-agricultural soils with BP-3, even at a concentration of 2 µg/L, represents an environmental risk for plants. These results point to the impending need to set limits for the disposal of this sunscreen into the environment since BP-3 has been used in industry for several decades.

Low-dose chemical stimulation and pest resistance threaten global crop production

Pesticide resistance increases and threatens crop production sustainability. Chemical contamination contributes to the development of pest resistance to pesticides, in part by causing stimulatory effects on pests at low sub-toxic doses and facilitating the spread of resistance genes. This article discusses hormesis and low-dose biological stimulation and their relevance to crop pest resistance. It highlights that a holistic approach is needed to tackle pest resistance to pesticides and reduce imbalance in accessing food and improving food security in accordance with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Among others, the effects of sub-toxic doses of pesticides should be considered when assessing the impact of synthetic and natural pesticides, while the promotion of alternative agronomical practices is needed to decrease the use of agrochemicals. Potential alternative solutions include camo-cropping, exogenous application of phytochemicals that are pest-suppressing or -repelling and/or attractive to carnivorous arthropods and other pest natural enemies, and nano-technological innovations. Moreover, to facilitate tackling of pesticide resistance in poorer countries, less technology-demanding and low-cost practices are needed. These include mixed cropping systems, diversification of cultures, use of 'push-pull cropping', incorporation of flower strips into cultivations, modification of microenvironment, and application of beneficial microorganisms and insects. However, there are still numerous open questions, and more research is needed to address the ecological and environmental effects of many of these potential solutions, with special reference to trophic webs.

Toxicity of methylparaben and its chlorinated derivatives to Allium cepa L. and Eisenia fetida Sav

Methylparaben, chloro-methylparaben, and dichloro-methylparaben were evaluated in Allium cepa at 5, 10, 50, and 100 μg/L and in Eisenia fetida at 10 and 100 μg/L. In A. cepa roots, 100 μg/L methylparaben and 50 and 100 μg/L chlorinated methylparabens reduced cell proliferation, caused cellular changes, and reduced cell viability in meristems, which caused a reduction in root growth. Furthermore, they caused drastic inhibition of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase; activated guaiacol peroxidase and promoted lipid peroxidation in meristematic root cells. In earthworms, after 14 days exposure to the three compounds, there were no deaths, and catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase were not inhibited. However, guaiacol peroxidase activity and lipid peroxidation were observed in animals exposed to dichloro-methylparaben. Soils with dichloro-methylparaben also caused the escape of earthworms. It is inferred that the recurrent contamination of soils with these methylparabens, with emphasis on chlorinated derivatives, can negatively impact different species that depend directly or indirectly on soil to survive.

A Comparative Metabolomics Approach Demonstrates That Octocrylene Accumulates in Stylophora pistillata Tissues as Derivatives and That Octocrylene Exposure Induces Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Cell Senescence

The objective of this work was to study the effect of octocrylene on Stylophora pistillata and to compare the metabolomic response of this coral species to that obtained with Pocillopora damicornis. When S. pistillata coral was exposed to octocrylene, it accumulated octocrylene derivatives similar to P. damicornis. Octocrylene-fatty acid conjugates were found, as well as octocrylene heterosides. Furthermore, the tissue concentrations of various acylcarnitines and three sphingoid bases increased significantly. This phenomenon was indicative of mitochondrial dysfunction and the induction of cellular senescence processes in exposed corals. Overall, the responses of the two corals to octocrylene pollution were consistent. The proven impact of octocrylene on a second coral species suggests that potential environmental octocrylene pollution could impact many reef-building species. Furthermore, this work demonstrates that octocrylene may be modified in vivo by many organisms and that levels of octocrylene contamination in the food chain have probably been underestimated until now.