Study of bioactive volatile compounds from different parts of Pistacia lentiscus L. extracts and their antioxidant and antibacterial activities for new active packaging application

Controlling beef microbial spoilage with diacetyl-based active packaging sachet

Meat safety is still at the front line of consumer concern due to the need to control traditional as well as evolving pathogens, such as the ones resistant to antibiotics or preservatives, as well as other food-related stresses. For instance, bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonellaspp. will continue affecting the safety of raw beef, which means that there is a continuous need for advanced antimicrobial solutions, such as active food packaging technologies, which are able to ensure the microbial safety of the packaged beef, while enhancing its shelf life. The main goal of this work was the development of an antimicrobial food packaging solution for fresh beef meat, able to be effective without direct contact between package and food, by incorporating food flavourings in polymeric materials. To achieve this, the antimicrobial susceptibility of L. monocytogenes and S. enterica to diacetyl was evaluated. Then, diacetyl was entrapped in active gels through a gelation reaction involving sodium stearate and ethanol. Texture profile analysis was employed to determine the optimal amount of diacetyl that effectively inhibited the growth of Salmonella enterica at 37 °C without compromising the mechanical properties of the gel and its handling. Diacetyl release from the active gel and from an active gel blend with porous food-grade cyclodextrin nanosponges (CDNS) was quantified by gas chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) at 37 °C and 4 °C. At 4 °C, stearate gels released 0.13 ± 0.01 mg per gram of material while the CDNS blends were able to release 0.55 ± 0.05 mg per gram of material. In vivo testing of the antimicrobial efficacy of both components (gel and blend), in the form of sachets, was conducted in a packaged fresh beef meat artificially inoculated with Salmonella enterica under refrigerated storage. The blend displayed superior efficacy, inhibiting Salmonella by 77 %, on opposite to the gel (33 %). Furthermore, both sachets exhibited a high inhibitory effect (93 to 99 %) against common bacteria found in beef meat such as total viable counts, Pseudomonas spp. and lactic acid bacteria. The efficacy of these cost-effective and easy-to-produce antimicrobial GRAS sachets encourages their application as active food packaging technology, enhancing safety and extending the shelf life of fresh meat products.

Evaluation of polyphenolic profile, antioxidant, anti-cholinesterase, and anti-alpha-amylase activities of Pistacia lentiscus L. leaves

The phytochemical profile of the hydro-methanolic extract from Pistacia lentiscus L. leaves (MEPLL) was analysed using the LC-ESI-MS/MS method, which identified 17 compounds. The major compounds identified were quinic acid (234.25 mg/g extract), tannic acid (45.92 mg/g extract), quercitrin (2.99 mg/g extract), protocatechuic acid (1.96 mg/g extract), and gallic acid (1.34 mg/g extract). MEPLL exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 4.79 ± 0.31 µg/mL for DPPH, 2.80 ± 0.02 µg/mL for ABTS, and an A0.5 value of 3.80 ± 0.64 µg/mL for the phenanthroline assay. Additionally, MEPLL exhibited significant inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (IC50 = 5.76 ± 0.97 µg/mL), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (IC50 = 28.94 ± 1.48 µg/mL), and α-amylase (IC50 = 8.9 ± 0.14 µg/mL), outperforming the positive controls. Molecular docking studies further supported these in vitro results.

Promoting Circular Economy by Leveraging Annatto Byproducts from Bixa orellana L. into Sustainable Antioxidant Food Packaging

Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) is cultivated primarily for the extraction of bixin, a natural dye with substantial industrial importance, resulting in the generation of large quantities of residues that remain underutilized. This study provides the first in-depth characterization of annatto byproducts derived through molecular distillation, highlighting their untapped potential for sustainable innovation. Employing state-of-the-art techniques-HS-SPME-GC-MS for volatile compounds and UPLC-MS/QTOF for non-volatile ones-the research identified a remarkable array of bioactive constituents. Over thirty pharmacologically significant compounds were unveiled, many appearing for the first time in annatto byproducts. Notable discoveries include diterpenoid alcohols, oleamide, δ-tocotrienol, n-alkanes, fatty acid methyl esters, and springene among the volatiles. Among the non-volatiles, groundbreaking identifications such as dihydroactinidiolide, dihydrochalcone, 3-phenyl propiofenone, novel tetracosan amides, halisphingosine A, kauranetriols, and phytoene derivatives redefine the chemical profile of this residue. Further amplifying the value of these findings, the study successfully transformed these byproducts into innovative antioxidant packaging materials, demonstrating their high potential for food preservation and sustainable applications. The packaging films, developed from samples devoid of vegetable oil, exhibited robust antioxidant properties, offering a compelling solution to extend shelf life and reduce spoilage. This work underscores the importance of revalorizing agricultural residues like annatto byproducts, turning waste into high-value resources that align with the principles of the circular economy.

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity and modulatory effect of aqueous leaf extract of Pistacia lentiscus L on oxaliplatin-induced oxidative stress in isolated rat liver mitochondria

This study evaluates the antioxidant effects of aqueous leaf extract of Pistacia lentiscus (ALEPL) and its potential to counteract oxaliplatin (OXA)-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress in rat livers, a common side effect of chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Bioactive compounds were identified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS and MS), with Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) for chemical and mineral analysis. ALEPL showed notable antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 4.30 ± 0.27 μg/mL for DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging, 13.64 ± 0.51 μg/mL for reducing power, 32.62 ± 5.32 μg/mL for hydroxyl radical scavenging, and 205.08 ± 25.77 μg/mL for superoxide anion radical scavenging. In ex vivo experiments, mitochondria isolated from Wistar rat livers were treated with OXA and ALEPL in a dose-dependent manner. ALEPL pretreatment effectively restored mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme activities, increased glutathione (GSH) levels, and reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA) caused by OXA. These findings suggest that ALEPL has the potential to act as a natural antioxidant to support cancer treatment by mitigating chemotherapy-induced oxidative stress. Future studies could explore its application as an adjuvant in clinical settings to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy while reducing its side effects.

Silver decorated zeolite embedded in bionanocomposite hydrogels based on cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose for excellent catalytic hydrogenation of azo dyes

Herein, bionanocomposite beads based on Carboxymethyl cellulose/Dextrant sulfate (CMC/DS) embedding silver nanoparticle-functionalized zeolite (AgZ) were developed and proposed as catalysts for catalytic hydrogenation of Direct Red 16 (DR16) azo dye under different experimental parameters. The obtained results showed that AgZ incorporation into the polymer matrix produced highly porous structures with improved thermal stability. For antibacterial application, it was shown that the engineered bionanocomposites were effective against all tested bacteria. The CMC-DS-AgZ catalysts showed good catalytic performances for the hydrogenation of DR16 in various real-life water samples and even in presence of several mineral salts, however with a high efficiency (99 %) obtained for the catalyst prepared at elevated AgZ content (with a kapp rate constant of 0.239 min-1). Moreover, the hydrogenation study of various azo dyes highlighted the satisfactory application potential of the catalysts and their versatility. The catalyst beads showed good recyclability for five successive cycles without any significant loss of efficiency or stability. The proposed mechanism for DR16 catalytic hydrogenation on C3-D1-AgZ revealed that AgZ could enhance the catalytic activity of the beads by facilitating the formation of AgH intermediates. Finally, the green synthesized materials were shown to be viable and potential candidates for the purification of environmental media.

Evaluation of Phytochemical Content and In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Pistacia lentiscus L. Leaves Extracts, a Medicinal Plant From the Beni-Snassen Forest (Eastern Region of Morocco)

A medicinal plant from the Beni-Snassen Forest in the eastern region of Morocco has been studied. This scientific research was carried out to measure the content of essential phytochemical constituents and their antioxidant capacities from the hydromethanolic extract of leaves of Pistacia lentiscus L. located on sites at varying levels of altitudes. Our results have shown that at the lowest altitude, there was a height significant (p ≤ 0.05) in the content of flavonoids and polyphenols. On the other hand, the ascorbic acid, chlorophylls, and tannins had a higher content concentration on sites with high altitudes. Analysis correlation shows a hight correlation between the DPPH and the polyphenols content. A correlation between the total antioxidant activity and flavonoid content was found to have many similarities. The results indicated that P. lentiscus L. leaves have significant sources of chemical compounds that might be employed for various purposes.

Beyond the Nut: Pistacia Leaves as Natural Food Preservatives

The pistachio tree (Pistacia vera) is globally renowned for its nutritious nuts, while its leaves remain an underutilized source of chemicals with significant potential value as food preservatives. Similar value may be found in the leaves of other wild Pistacia species common in Central Asia, the Levant, and around the Mediterranean. Some species' leaves have been used as natural preservatives, demonstrating their effectiveness and highlighting their rich bioactive components. This review investigates the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Pistacia leaves, comparing both cultivated and wild species. A comprehensive search was performed across several scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, utilizing a combination of keywords related to Pistacia species and their bioactive compounds. The inclusion criteria focused on articles published in English from 2017 till the end of June 2024, analyzing the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Pistacia leaves and employing relevant extraction methods. A total of 71 literature sources were included, covering species such as P. vera, P. atlantica, P. terebinthus, and others sourced from countries such as Iran, Turkey, and Italy. This review found that Pistacia leaves are rich in polyphenolic compounds and exhibit robust antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, with certain wild species outperforming P. vera, suggesting species-specific traits that enhance their preservative potential. The major findings indicate that extracts from wild species exhibit superior bioactivity, which could be harnessed for food preservation. These insights underscore the promising role of Pistacia leaves as natural food preservatives, with further research needed to address challenges in extraction and application. Exploring their synergistic effects with other preservatives could lead to innovative solutions in food preservation while fostering local economic growth.

The Phenolic Content of Pistacia lentiscus Leaf Extract and Its Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Properties

The aims of this study were to determine the polyphenolic profile, to estimate the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and to evaluate the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the extract of Pistacia lentiscus leaves, and the hydroacetonic mixture was employed as an alternative for common solvents in the extraction process. In order to explain the antidiabetic activity, molecular docking has been performed on the main constituents of the leaf extract. The characterization of the extract has been performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) leading to the detection of 20 compounds of which gallic acid, ellagic acid, catechin, kaempferol, and quercetin 3-glucoside were identified using authentic standards. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents, assessed using the Folin-Ciocalteu and quercetin methods, were 394.5 ± 0.08 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry extract (mg GAE/g DE) and 101.2 ± 0.095 mg quercetin equivalent/g dry extract (mg QE/g DE), respectively. On the other hand, the antioxidant activity of leaf extract, quantified by determining the ability to neutralize the free radical DPPH and β-carotene/linoleate model system, reached the values of 0.0027 ± 0.002 mg/mL and 0.128 ± 0.04 mg/mL, respectively. Regarding the antidiabetic activity, based on the inhibition of pancreatic α-amylase activity, a significant inhibition of about 68.20% with an IC50 value of 0.266 mg/mL had been observed. This finding is consistent with the molecular docking study of the main phenolic compounds of the extracts, where a remarkable binding affinity against α-amylase was observed, with values of -7.631 (kcal/mol), -6.818 (kcal/mol), and -5.517 (kcal/mol) for the major compounds catechin, quercetin-3-glucoside, and gallic acid, respectively.

Carboxymethyl cellulose/poly (vinyl alcohol) based active film incorporated with tamarind seed coat waste extract for food packaging application

Incorporating a bioactive food waste extract into biodegradable polymers is a promising green approach to producing active films with antioxidant and antibacterial activity for food packaging. Active packaging films from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) incorporated with tamarind seed coat waste extract (TS) were prepared by solvent casting method using citric acid as a crosslinking agent. The effect of TS content on the film properties was determined by measuring the optical, morphology, mechanical, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), antioxidant, and antimicrobial attributes. The CMC/PVA-TS films were also tested on fresh pork. The addition of TS did not significantly affect the film structure and WVTR but it improved the mechanical and UV barrier properties. The films possessed antioxidant and antimicrobial ability against bacteria (S. aureus and E. coli). Thus, CMC/PVA packaging was successfully prepared, and the incorporation of TS enhanced the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the film, which extended the shelf-life of fresh pork.

Development and characterization of antioxidant bilayer film based on poly lactic acid-bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) seed protein incorporated with Pistacia terebinthus extract for active food packaging

This study focuses on designing an active bilayer food package film based on polylactic acid (PLA) and bitter vetch seed protein incorporated with Pistacia terebinthus extract (PTE). The effect of PTE on the physicochemical, barrier, structural, mechanical, and antioxidant properties of the active film was determined. Moisture content, water solubility, and water vapor permeability (WVP) of the active films indicated that the addition of PTE increased its suitability for food packaging. FE-SEM micrographs illustrated that the resulting films had a smooth and dense surface, describing a continuous network of protein molecules within the film structure. FTIR analysis displayed the physical interaction between PTE and the film polymer. XRD revealed an increase in the crystallinity of the active films. The resulting active film had a low migration rate (<7%) of phenolic compounds into fatty food simulant. Notably, the addition of PTE significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased the tensile strength and Young's modulus (from 15.13 and 315.98 MPa to 14.07 and 254.07 MPa, respectively). Concurrently, there was an increase in the elongation at break of the active films (from 23.19 to 75.60%), indicating higher flexibility compared to control films. Additionally, the incorporation of PTE improved the thermal properties of active films. The antioxidant capacity of the designed films was measured based on their DPPH radical scavenging activity, revealing that the antioxidant capacity of the control film increased from 44.65% to 59.72% in the active film containing 15% PTE. In conclusion, the prepared bilayer film can effectively be used as an active food package for sensitive foods to oxidation.

Cross-linked CMC/Gelatin bio-nanocomposite films with organoclay, red cabbage anthocyanins and pistacia leaves extract as active intelligent food packaging: colorimetric pH indication, antimicrobial/antioxidant properties, and shrimp spoilage tests

Multifunctional food packaging films were produced from crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose/gelatin (CMC/Ge) bio-nanocomposites incorporated with Ge-montmorillonite (OM) nanofiller, anthocyanins (ATH) from red cabbage as colorimetric pH-indicator, and pistacia leaves extract (PE) as active agent. The influence of additives on the structural, physical, and functional properties of the films was investigated. The results showed that ATH and PE caused color alteration and reduced transparency. However, they improved the UV light barrier ability by 98 %, with less impact from OM, despite its well-dispersed state in the matrix. Increasing PE content in the bio-nanocomposite films caused an increase in compactness and surface roughness, reduction in moisture content (15.10-12.33 %), swelling index (354.55-264.58 %), surface wettability (contact angle 80.1-92.49°), water vapor permeability (7.37-5.69 × 10¹⁰ g m^-1s^-1Pa^-1), and nano-indentation mechanical parameters, without affecting the thermal stability. ATH-included films demonstrated color pH-sensitivity with improved ATH color stability through the ATH-Al³⁺ chelates formation. PE-added films exhibited effective antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, reaching 93 % of inhibition, and antimicrobial properties with biocidal effects for PE-rich film. The shrimp spoilage test showed that the T-1.5PE film offered the strongest active intelligent response. The CMC/Ge-based bio-nanocomposite films endowed with antioxidant/antimicrobial properties and colorimetric pH-sensitivity have promising potential for food packaging application.

Application of Untargeted Metabolomics to Determine Volatile Compounds from the Spanish Plant Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Used as Tea

One-hundred and seven different volatile compounds were identified in the samples of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi collected from nine locations in Spain. This plant is commonly brewed and used as tea. Volatile compounds profile was detected using solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The most interesting compounds detected from an antioxidant capacity point of view were esters, phenols, and aromatics compounds. All samples were discriminated by principal component analysis. The insolation and altitude of harvest areas, and latent structures were considered for interpretation of results. Discriminant analysis was applied to control the type and concentration of metabolites and determine the best plant antioxidant profiles of volatile compounds from plant origin. Moreover, a heatmap displayed correlations between detected compounds. The discriminant analysis led to 20 quality markers being identified for the analysed plants. The strongest antioxidant capacity was obtained in the samples from Pina de Montalgrao and Loarre (collected in September) for ORAC (33.11 ± 0.61 g Trolox/g sample) and DPPH (IC50 = 711 ± 12 µg/g) methods, respectively. The plant with the highest total phenolic content was Loarre collected in September (171.9 ± 19.4 mg GAE/g DW) and November (177.1 ± 11.0 mg GAE/g DW).