Pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel fractions obtained by supercritical CO2 increase oxidative and colour stability of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) patties treated by UV-C irradiation

Mutagenic assessment and toxicological impact of bergenin in a phenolic-enriched extract from Endopleura uchi (Huber) Cuatrec bark, a medicinal plant from the Amazon rainforest

Endopleura uchi bark traditionally used in folk medicine attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties is due to the presence of bergenin. This study aimed to determine the toxicological parameters associated with exposure to a phenolic-enriched extract of E. uchi bark and bergenin a bioactive byproduct of this compound. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined through spectrometric analyses, while phenolic compounds were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Antioxidant activity was assessed in vitro using the DPPH assay. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were assessed via the MTT assay and comet assay, respectively, whereas mutagenic activity was examined using Salmonella/microsome assay and micronucleus (MN) test. A high content of phenolic (732.22 ± 9.48 mg/g) GAE (gallic acid equivalence) and flavonoid 252.47 ± 5.7 mg/g QE (quercetin) compounds was found in bergenin the phenolic-enriched extract byproduct as well as isomers of gallic acid, epicatechin, isoquercitrin, castalagin, punicalin, and punicalagin. The DPPH value was 23.74 ± 0.45 μg/ml. In MTT assay, the extract exhibited an IC50 of 72.5 ± 2.6 µg/ml. Both extract and bergenin displayed genotoxic activity in L929 fibroblast cells at 50 µg/ml but not mutagenic effects in the Salmonella/microsome assay or MN test. Despite the genotoxic actions, E. uchi bark and bergenin extract did not induce gene or chromosomal mutations, suggesting a low risk of compromising genomic stability. The presence of bioactive compounds such as bergenin and punicalagin in E. uchi bark demonstrates a therapeutic potential of this native tree for treating inflammatory diseases.

The effect of different wall materials on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of pomegranate peel polyphenols (PPP) microcapsules

Pomegranate peel polyphenols (PPP) are natural compounds known for their various biological activities; however, they are easily degraded by environmental conditions, leading to a reduction in their biological activity and health benefits. Therefore, improving the stability of PPP is a critical question that needs to be addressed. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of five common microcapsule wall materials-carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMCNa), sodium alginate (SA), gum Arabic (GA), beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and hydroxypropyl starch (HPS)-in encapsulating PPP to enhance its stability and antioxidant activity. Remarkable results indicated that β-CD-PPP exhibited the lowest moisture content (3.68 %), the highest thermal decomposition temperature (306.03 °C), and the strongest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.26 mg/mL for DPPH, 96.57 % for ABTS). In contrast, CMC-Na-PPP demonstrated the highest encapsulation efficiency (97.94 %) and the largest particle size (9895.63 nm). Moreover, the molecular docking results revealed that all wall materials formed intermolecular interactions with PPP components, with notable differences in binding energies; CMC-Na-PPP had the highest binding energy at -4.38 kcal/mol. These variations are attributed to factors such as molecular weight, free active groups, and spatial conformation of the wall materials. Therefore, in order to fully utilize the biological activity of PPP in food processing, microcapsules formed with β-CD as the wall material are more valuable compared to those formed with other wall materials.

Protein oxidation: The effect of different preservation methods or phenolic additives during chilled and frozen storage of meat/meat products

Lipid and protein oxidation have significant effects on the shelf-life and nutritional value of meat and meat products. While lipid oxidation has been extensively studied, it has been recognized that proteins are also susceptible to oxidation. However, the precise mechanisms of oxygen-induced amino acid and protein modifications in the food matrix remain unclear. This review comprehensively explores the impact of various preservation techniques, including high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), irradiation (IR), and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), on protein oxidation during chilled or frozen storage of meat products. While these techniques have shown promising results in extending shelf-life, their effects on protein oxidation are dose-dependent and must be carefully controlled to maintain product quality. Preservation techniques involving the use of phenolic additives have demonstrated synergistic effects in mitigating protein oxidation during storage. Notably, natural phenolic additives have shown comparable efficacy compared to artificial antioxidants. Additionally, incorporating phenolic additives into bio-edible films has shown promise in combating protein oxidation.

Sorption Isotherms and Thermodynamic Properties of Pomegranate Peels

Convective drying is the most widely used technique to stabilize by-products in the food industry, permitting later processing. A thorough knowledge of the relationship between moisture content and water activity allows the optimization of not only drying operations, but the settings of storage conditions. Thus, the thermodynamic properties of pomegranate peels were determined during the desorption process. Experimental sorption isotherms at 20, 30, 40 and 50 °C showed type II Brunauer behavior. Eight different theoretical and empirical equations were fitted to the experimental results; the theoretical GAB model and the empirical Peleg model were the ones that achieved the best fit (R² of 0.9554 and 0.974, respectively). The Clausius–Clapeyron equation and the enthalpy–entropy compensation theory were used to determine the thermodynamic parameters. The isosteric heat determined from the sorption isotherms decreased regularly as the equilibrium moisture content rose (from 8423.9 J/mol at 0.11 kgH₂O/kg d.m. to 3837.7 J/mol at 0.2 kgH₂O/kg d.m.). A linear compensation was observed between enthalpy and entropy, which indicated an enthalpy-controlled sorption process.

Lipid Extracts Obtained by Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Their Application in Meat Products

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has been recognized as the green and clean technique without any negative impact on the environment. Although this technique has shown high selectivity towards lipophilic bioactive compounds, very few case studies on the application of these extracts in final products and different food matrices were observed. Considering the recent developments in food science and the increasing application of supercritical extracts in meat products in the last decade (2012–2022), the aim of this manuscript was to provide a systematic review of the lipid extracts and bioactives successfully obtained by supercritical fluid extraction and their application in meat products as antioxidant and/or antimicrobial agents. Lipophilic bioactives from natural resources were explained in the first step, which was followed by the fundamentals of supercritical fluid extraction and application on recovery of these bioactives. Finally, the application of natural extracts and bioactives obtained by this technique as functional additives in meat and meat products were thoroughly discussed in order to review the state-of-the-art techniques and set the challenges for further studies.

Phenolic Compounds and Bioactivities from Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Peels

Pomegranate peels, which are normally processed as the main byproduct of pomegranate juice production, are worthy of being researched and utilized for the aim of economic and environmental benefits. In a phytochemical investigation of the peels of Punica granatum L., 10 phenolic compounds containing a common hexahydroxy diphenol moiety were isolated. Three of them were identified for the first time and named as pomegranatins A-C, and from the other seven known ones, two of them were obtained from pomegranate peels for the first time. Their structures were determined via extensive spectroscopic analysis. Besides, for the sake of preliminarily comprehending their biological activities, in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, as well as antitumor assays were detected. In the DPPH antioxidant assay, six compounds presented significant free radical scavenging ability. Two compounds exhibited moderate antimicrobial activities against Candida albicans; one compound could inhibit the proliferation of both C. albicans and Escherichia coli within limits. Four compounds possessed weak antitumor activity toward the Hela cell line without taking into account the bioavailability of ellagitannins. Overall, these results provided further information on the structural diversity of bioactive compounds present in pomegranate peels, as well as on their biological activities.

Influence of the extraction method on the recovery of bioactive phenolic compounds from food industry by-products

Agro-foodindustries generate colossal amounts of non-edible waste and by-products, easily accessible as raw materials for up-cycling active phytochemicals. Phenolic compounds are particularly relevant in this field given their abundance in plant residues and the market interest of their functionalities (e.g. natural antioxidant activity) as part of nutraceutical, cosmetological and biomedical formulations. In "bench-to-bedside" achievements, sample extraction is essential because valorization benefits from matrix desorption and solubilization of targeted phytocompounds. Specifically, the composition and polarity of the extractant, the optimal sample particle size and sample:solvent ratio, as well as pH, pressure and temperature are strategic for the release and stability of mobilized species. On the other hand, current green chemistry environmental rules require extraction approaches that eliminate polluting consumables and reduce energy needs. Thus, the following pages provide an update on advanced technologies for the sustainable and efficient recovery of phenolics from plant matrices.

Polyethylene Films Containing Plant Extracts in the Polymer Matrix as Antibacterial and Antiviral Materials

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) films covered with active coatings containing mixtures of rosemary, raspberry, and pomegranate CO₂ extracts were found to be active against selected bacterial strains that may extend the shelf life of food products. The coatings also offer antiviral activity, due to their influence on the activity of Φ6 bacteriophage, selected as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 particles. The mixture of these extracts could be incorporated into a polymer matrix to obtain a foil with antibacterial and antiviral properties. The initial goal of this work was to obtain active LDPE films containing a mixture of CO₂ extracts of the aforementioned plants, incorporated into an LDPE matrix via an extrusion process. The second aim of this study was to demonstrate the antibacterial properties of the active films against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and to determine the antiviral effect of the modified material on Φ6 bacteriophage. In addition, an analysis was made on the influence of the active mixture on the polymer physicochemical features, e.g., mechanical and thermal properties, as well as its color and transparency. The results of this research indicated that the LDPE film containing a mixture of raspberry, rosemary, and pomegranate CO₂ extracts incorporated into an LDPE matrix inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. This film was also found to be active against Bacillus subtilis. This modified film did not inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas syringae cells; however, their number decreased significantly. The LDPE active film was also found to be active against Φ6 particles, meaning that the film had antiviral properties. The incorporation of the mixture of CO₂ extracts into the polymer matrix affected its mechanical properties. It was observed that parameters describing mechanical properties decreased, although did not affect the transition of LDPE significantly. Additionally, the modified film exhibited barrier properties towards UV radiation. Modified PE/CO₂ extracts films could be applied as a functional food packaging material with antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Simultaneous process optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of polyphenols and ellagic acid from pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) flowers and its biological activities

This study was designed to optimize the extraction rate of total polyphenols and ellagic acid from pomegranate flowers. Single factors were investigated for liquid-to-material ratio (5-25), ethanol concentration (20%-60%), sonication time (5-60 min), and sonication power (150-500 W). The level range of the Box-Bokhen design was determined with respect to the single-factor results. The components of each index were normalized using the entropy weighting method for obtaining the comprehensive evaluation value. Under the actual conditions, the final optimization results were 17 for liquid-to-material ratio, 43% for ethanol concentration, 10 min for ultrasonic time, and 300 W for ultrasonic power. The extracts obtained under optimal conditions were tested for the inhibition of Streptococcus mutans and its biofilm, and results showed that pomegranate flowers exerted some inhibitory effects on the bacterium. Phosphomolybdenum and FRAP assays were used, and DPPH, ABTS, and O^2- radical scavenging tests were conducted, indicating that pomegranate flower extracts have good antioxidant capacity.

Fruit Wastes as a Valuable Source of Value-Added Compounds: A Collaborative Perspective

The by-products/wastes from agro-food and in particular the fruit industry represents from one side an issue since they cannot be disposed as such for their impact on the environment but they need to be treated as a waste. However, on the other side, they are a source of bioactive healthy useful compounds which can be recovered and be the starting material for other products in the view of sustainability and a circular economy addressing the global goal of "zero waste" in the environment. An updated view of the state of art of the research on fruit wastes is here given under this perspective. The topic is defined as follows: (i) literature quantitative analysis of fruit waste/by-products, with particular regards to linkage with health; (ii) an updated view of conventional and innovative extraction procedures; (iii) high-value added compounds obtained from fruit waste and associated biological properties; (iv) fruit wastes presence and relevance in updated databases. Nowadays, the investigation of the main components and related bioactivities of fruit wastes is being continuously explored throughout integrated and multidisciplinary approaches towards the exploitation of emerging fields of application which may allow to create economic, environmental, and social value in the design of an eco-friendly approach of the fruit wastes.

Polyethylene Films Coated with Antibacterial and Antiviral Layers Based on CO2 Extracts of Raspberry Seeds, of Pomegranate Seeds and of Rosemary

The main goal of the work was to create an internal coating based on super critical CO2 extracts of raspberry seeds, pomegranate seeds and rosemary that could be active against chosen bacterial strains. Additionally, the synergistic effect of these substances in the coating were then analysed. The next goal of the work was to demonstrate the antiviral activity of the coatings against phi6 bacteriophage particles (airborne viruses surrogate). The results of the study indicated that three coatings containing a mixture of extracts showed bacteriolytic activity against S. aureus cells and bacteriostatic activity against E. coli and B. subtilis strains. Two coatings showed bacteriolytic activity against a P. syringae strain. As a result of the experiments, a synergistic effect was noted in the active additives/compounds in the coatings. These coatings may be used as internal coatings for packaging films to extend the shelf life of selected food products. All seven coatings may also be used as external coatings with antiviral activity, as these coatings demonstrated significant effects on the phi6 phage, selected as a surrogate for airborne viruses, e.g., coronaviruses. It could be concluded that coatings I–VII will also show antiviral effects on SARS-CoV-2 particles.