Combination of emerging technologies for the extraction of bioactive compounds

Simultaneous combination of subcritical water extraction and enzyme-assisted extraction for protein recovery from lime peels. Characterization of protein hydrolysates

Lime peels are citrus industry residues constituting a great source of bioactive compounds. Reusing these residues contributes to sustainability and reduces the negative environmental impact of food waste removal. In this work, environmentally friendly strategies based on green techniques were developed for the efficient extraction of proteins from lime peels. Two techniques, non-employed before with this aim, were employed: subcritical water extraction (SWE) and enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), as well as their simultaneous combination. SWE with Viscozyme Wheat HT as polysaccharide enzyme enabled a high extraction yield (95 %) in a short analysis time. Proteases Thermolysin and Alcalase were evaluated to release peptides with antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial activities from protein extracts. Most active hydrolysates were analysed by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS enabling to identify 30 peptides along with 44 phenolics, and other bioactive compounds. Some of these compounds are associated to the observed bioactivities, highlighting the potential contribution of the ACE-related antihypertensive peptide FDAVGVK.

Deep eutectic solvents-synergistic ultrasonic-assisted extraction of polyphenols from raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.): Optimization, mechanisms, and in vitro and cellular antioxidant activity

This study explores an innovative approach based on deep eutectic solvents (DESs)-synergistic ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of polyphenols from raspberry (RB). Choline chloride-fructose (ChCl-Fru, 2: 1) was screened and exhibited the highest amounts of active compounds. The optimal conditions for ChCl-Fru-synergistic UAE (ChCl-Fru-UAE) were obtained as follows: ultrasonic power of 360 W, liquid-to-solid ratio of 10:1, and water content in ChCl-Fru of 50 %. Eight compounds were identified in the RB extracts by HPLC-MS/MS method. SEM results revealed that UAE disrupted the surface structure of the samples, thereby facilitating the release of phenolic compounds. Molecular dynamics simulations results confirmed that ChCl-Fru significantly enhanced solute-solvent interactions, especially for delphinidin-3-O-glucoside and ellagic acid, and thus showed higher extraction efficiency. In vitro chemical and cell assays verified that ChCl-Fru-UAE demonstrated stronger antioxidant activities. Overall, ultrasonic-synergistic DESs extraction could be an eco-friendly method for recovering high-value compounds from fruits and their byproducts.

Advances in innovative extraction techniques for polysaccharides, peptides, and polyphenols from distillery by-products: Common extraction techniques, emerging technologies, and AI-driven optimization

Distillery by-products, such as distillers' grains, stillage, and vinasse, are rich in organic compounds and offer immense potential for the recovery of bioactive substances, including polysaccharides, peptides, and polyphenols. The effective utilization of these by-products is critical for achieving long-term sustainability in the distillery sector. This review highlights advancements in extraction techniques, focusing on enzymatic, ultrasound-assisted, and microwave-assisted methods while also exploring emerging approaches such as supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, pulse electric field, and synthetic biology. These innovative techniques address the limitations of traditional methods by improving extraction yields, reducing processing times, and enhancing sustainability. Additionally, the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence is discussed as a promising avenue for optimizing extraction parameters and scaling up processes. By evaluating recent achievements and identifying new opportunities, this study aims to promote sustainable practices in the distillery industry, emphasizing economic feasibility, environmental impacts, and resource optimization for value-added product development.

Advances in valorization of Camellia oleifera Abel. Seed cake: A review on the bioactive components, health benefits, extraction methods, and potential food applications

Camellia oleifera Abel. Seed cake (CSC) is a by-product of camellia oil processing. Owing to the lack of effective utilization, CSC are typically discarded or used as animal feed, fertilizer, or cleaning agents, which limits their full potential and causes environmental pollution. However, the high levels of bioactive compounds in CSC indicate their significant potential in the food industry. The primary bioactive components of CSC are proteins, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and saponins. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have confirmed that these components offer various health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-cancer, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective, and antibacterial effects. The structure of these components significantly influences their bioactivity. Various extraction methods have been developed for isolating bioactive components in CSC, including water extraction, organic solvent extraction, ultrasound/microwave/enzyme-assisted extractions, and combination techniques. CSC have potential applications as food additives, preservatives, and delivery systems. Although existing research has provided preliminary insights into the applications of CSC, this review provides a comprehensive overview of CSC, with more detailed bioactive ingredients, biological activities, extraction techniques, and potential food applications. Further research is needed on the health effects, regulatory mechanisms, clinical studies, structure-bioactivity relationships, and advanced extraction strategies for the full exploitation of CSC.

Chlorella sp. as a promising protein source: insight to novel extraction techniques, nutritional and techno-functional attributes of derived proteins

Amidst the mounting environmental crises and ever-increasing global population, the quest for sustainable food production and resource utilization solutions has taken center stage. Microalgae, with Chlorella species at the forefront, present a promising avenue. They serve as a bountiful protein source and can be conveniently grown in waste streams, thereby tackling food security, environmental sustainability, and economic feasibility. This article embarks on a comprehensive journey through recent research on Chlorella by shedding light on its unique characteristics, its market value, cultivation techniques, and harvesting methods. It also delves into traditional and innovative extraction methods, underscoring the hurdles and breakthroughs in achieving high protein yields from the Chlorella biomass. Moreover, exploration of the protein's nutritional properties, bioactive peptides, and techno-functional attributes, enhance its potential for food applications. Further, this review also examines current market trends in consumer acceptance of this alternative protein and discusses strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their production. By providing invaluable insights into the current status and future prospects of Chlorella protein, it aspires to make a significant contribution to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable food production and resource management.

Genetic Algorithm-Back Propagation Neural Network Model- and Response Surface Methodology-Based Optimization of Polysaccharide Extraction from Cinnamomum cassia Presl, Isolation, Purification and Bioactivities

Ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE) was utilized to obtain the polysaccharides from the bark of Cinnamomum cassia Presl. (C. cassia). Taking the yield of the crude polysaccharides from C. cassia (CCCP) as the assessment indicator, response surface methodology (RSM) and a genetic algorithm-back propagation (GA-BP) artificial neural network model were employed to forecast and contrast the optimal parameters for UAEE. The outcomes demonstrated that the GA-BP model, which was superior in prediction accuracy and optimization capabilities to the RSM and BP models, identified the following conditions as optimal for the UAEE of CCCP: cellulase was employed, the temperature for enzymatic hydrolysis was 50.0 °C, the pH value was 5.248, the addition of enzyme was 3%, and the ultrasonic time was 70.153 min. Under these parameters, the yield of CCCP was significantly increased to 28.35%. Then, UAEE-extracted CCCP under optimal conditions was further separated and purified using a DEAE-52 column and SephadexG-100 column, yielding five purified polysaccharides from C. cassia (CCPs). All of these five fractions were acidic polysaccharides with safety at 3 mg/mL. The CCPs did not significantly affect the viability of HaCaT cells affected by UVB exposure. The CCPs demonstrated differential inhibition of nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide.

Expanding our food supply: underutilized resources and resilient processing technologies

Many underutilized food resources have been traditionally used by regional and poor communities. The history of their consumption makes them potential new food sources for incorporation into the wider food supply. The ability to tap the potential of undervalued and underutilized food sources will reduce the world's reliance on a limited number of food sources and improve food security and sustainability. The expansion of the food diversity of the food supply to include underutilized food resources will require overcoming challenges in the efficient and profitable production of the raw material, application of suitable postharvest handling procedures to maintain the quality of perishable produce, and the use of appropriate traditional and emerging food processing technologies for conversion of the raw material into safe, nutritious and consumer-acceptable foods. Improvement of food processing technologies, particularly resource-efficient resilient food processes, are required to ensure the safety, quality and functionality of the whole food or extracts, and to develop ingredient formulations containing new foods for manufacture of consumer food products. Factors that help facilitate the social acceptance of new underutilized foods include increasing consumer knowledge and understanding of the contribution of new underutilized food resources to diet diversity for good nutrition, confidence in the safety and value of new foods, and their low environmental impact and importance for future sustainable food. The introduction of new underutilized food resources will increasingly require collaboration along the whole food value chain, including support from government and industry. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Ultrasound and Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) Pomace: Analysis of Chemical Properties and Anticancer Activity

Blackberries are seasonal berries that are processed into various products leaving a large amount of residues after processing, and therefore the most effective ways of utilising the residues need to be evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different extraction methods on the chemical content of blackberry pomace extracts from different cultivars and their effect on the viability of the Caco-2 colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line and CCD-18Co normal colon fibroblast cancer cells. Blackberry pomace from berries of the cultivars 'Polar', 'Orkan', and 'Brzezina' was extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and a combination of these two extraction methods (MAE+UAE). The phenolic profile and the amount of organic acids and sugars were detected by HPLC. The spectrophotometric method was used to determine the amount of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and total anthocyanins. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was measured by the MTT assay. The chemical content of the extracts depends on the blackberry cultivar, the extraction method, and its interaction. Only the DPPH antioxidant activity did not depend on these factors and had no statistically significant differences between the different extracts. The extracts at a concentration of 5.0% increased the growth of both cancer cells, while the extracts at 1% and 2.5%, depending on the cultivar, reduced the growth of these cells. The MAE and UAE extracts of the 'Orkan' cultivar at concentrations of 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% best inhibited the viability of Caco-2 cells. The extracts inhibited the growth of the Caco-2 cell line better than CCD-18Co normal colon fibroblasts.

Climate Change and Plant Foods: The Influence of Environmental Stressors on Plant Metabolites and Future Food Sources

Climate change is reshaping global agriculture by altering temperature regimes and other environmental conditions, with profound implications for food security and agricultural productivity. This review examines how key environmental stressors-such as extreme temperatures, water scarcity, increased salinity, UV-B radiation, and elevated concentrations of ozone and CO2-impact the nutritional quality and bioactive compounds in plant-based foods. These stressors can modify the composition of essential nutrients, particularly phytochemicals, which directly affect the viability of specific crops in certain regions and subsequently influence human dietary patterns by shifting the availability of key food resources. To address these challenges, there is growing interest in resilient plant species, including those with natural tolerance to stress and genetically modified variants, as well as in alternative protein sources derived from plants. Additionally, unconventional food sources, such as invasive plant species and algae, are being explored as sustainable solutions for future nutrition.

CO2-responsive switchable hydrophilic solvent as a novel extractant for selective extraction and separation of natural bioactive ingredients: A comprehensive review

When conventional solvents such as water, methanol, ethanol, hexane, petroleum ether, etc., are used to extract active ingredients from natural resources, an evaporation process is required to remove solvent from active ingredients, which not only consumes huge amounts of energy, but also causes harm to human health and the environment. The CO2-responsive switchable hydrophilic solvent (SHS) based on amines and water is an emerging, green and recyclable solvent, which not only has high extraction efficiency of active ingredients, but also can remove solvent from active ingredients without evaporation process. This paper reviews the research progress of amine-based SHS in the extraction of bioactive ingredients from natural resources. The process flow, extraction mechanism, critical influencing factors, recovery of amines and latest applications have been summarized. On this basis, some shortcomings of amine-based SHS are also pointed out. Finally, the improvement directions of amine-based SHS extraction in the future is prospected.

Recent advancements in ultrasound-assisted biomolecule extraction from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: a review

With numerous advantages over conventional techniques, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has become a viable method for the effective extraction of biomolecules from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The fundamentals and workings of UAE are examined in this review, focusing on current developments, including how these impact the extraction of proteins, lipids, enzymes, and other bioactive compounds. UAE not only enhances cell disruption and mass transfer, leading to improved extraction yields, but also preserves the integrity of the extracted bioactive molecules under optimized conditions, making it a preferred choice in Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Additionally, this review explores recent innovative approaches that combine ultrasound with other techniques like enzymatic digestion, supercritical CO2, deep eutectic solvents, and Three-Phase Partitioning (UA-TPP) etc, to further enhance extraction efficiency. The differences in extraction effectiveness between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are attributed to cellular structure and ultrasonic conditions. Overall, this review highlights UAE's promise as a viable and efficient substitute for biomolecule extraction concerning prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells while bringing up areas that need additional research and development.

Evaluation of Cellulase, Pectinase, and Hemicellulase Effectiveness in Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Grape Pomace

Grape pomace, the solid residue from winemaking, is a rich source of polyphenolic compounds with significant antioxidant properties. However, the efficient extraction of these valuable compounds remains a challenge. This study focuses on optimizing the conditions for the enzyme-assisted extraction of polyphenolic compounds from red grape pomace using cellulase, hemicellulase, and pectinase. The key variables investigated in this study were enzyme concentration, extraction time, and solid/liquid ratio. The results highlight the importance of selecting enzymes based on target compounds, as different enzymes were found to be more effective for specific phenolic fractions. Hemicellulase was most effective for phenolic acids, cellulase for catechins, and pectinase for anthocyanins. Enzyme-assisted extraction significantly increased the yield of phenolic compounds and resulted in higher total phenolic content and antioxidant activity compared to control samples treated with solid/liquid extraction without enzyme addition. These findings confirm that enzyme-assisted extraction is a promising approach for enhancing the recovery of polyphenolic compounds from grape pomace.

Extraction of polyphenols and essential oils from herbs with green extraction methods - An insightful review

The demand for polyphenols and essential oils (EOs) on the food market is high and grows every year. Its partially the result of the fact that these compounds can be used in formulation of clean label foods, a fast growing food sector. A significant share of polyphenols and EOs are extracted from herbs. The quality of the extracts is determined mainly by the extraction method. Conventional extraction techniques of phytochemicals are time-consuming, operate at high temperatures, and require usage of organic solvents and energy in large quantities. According to the United Nations Sustainability Development Plan, chemical processes should be replaced by green alternatives that would reduce the use of solvents and energy. Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE), Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) and Cold Plasma-Assisted Extraction (CPAE) meets these criteria. The review shows that each of these techniques seems to be a great alternative for conventional extraction methods ensuring higher yields of bioactive compounds.

Physical field-assisted deep eutectic solvent processing: A green and water-saving extraction and separation technology

Extraction of organic and bioactive compounds from plant materials with the traditional organic solvents aided by water or oil bath heating is not sustainable, because it consumes a lot of energy, time, water/oil, solvents, and results in lower yield. This review discusses deep eutectic solvent (DES) as a green solvent, physical field technology (PFT) as a water-saving and green technology, and how the coupling of PFT (ultrasound [US], microwave [MW], infrared [IR]) to DES will improve the yield and quality of protein, polysaccharides, polyphenols, pectin, and terpenoids extracted from plant materials. Ultrasonication increases DES extraction efficiency via cavitation dislodgement and pores creation. IR coupling to DES enhances the extraction yield of polyphenols and the antioxidant and antiradical activity. MW improves DES extraction yield, reduces energy consumption, operational cost, and compound degradation, and is inferred to be the greenest technology.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Alginate from Fucus vesiculosus Seaweed By-Product Post-Fucoidan Extraction

The solid phase byproduct obtained after conventional fucoidan extraction from the brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus can be used as a source containing alginate. This study involves ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of alginate from the byproduct using sodium bicarbonate. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to obtain the optimum conditions for alginate extraction. The ultrasound (US) treatments included 20 kHz of frequency, 20-91% of amplitude, and an extraction time of 6-34 min. The studied investigated the crude alginate yield (%), molecular weight, and alginate content (%) of the extracts. The optimum conditions for obtaining alginate with low molecular weight were found to be 69% US amplitude and sonication time of 30 min. The alginate extracts obtained were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Ultrasound-assisted extraction involving a short treatment lasting 6-34 min was found to be effective in extracting alginate from the byproduct compared to the conventional extraction of alginate using stirring at 415 rpm and 60 °C for 24 h. The US treatments did not adversely impact the alginate obtained, and the extracted alginates were found to have similar characteristics to the alginate obtained from conventional extraction and commercial sodium alginate.

Resveratrol: Challenges and prospects in extraction and hybridization with nanoparticles, polymers, and bio-ceramics

Resveratrol (RSV), a bioactive natural phenolic compound found in plants, fruits, and vegetables, has garnered significant attention in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries due to its remarkable biological and pharmacological activities. Despite its potential in treating various diseases, its poor pharmacokinetic properties, such as low solubility, stability, bioavailability, and susceptibility to rapid oxidation, limit its biomedical applications. Recent advancements focus on incorporating resveratrol into innovative materials like nanoparticles, polymers, and bio-ceramics to enhance its properties and bioavailability. In this review, an exhaustive literature search was conducted from PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to explore these advancements, to compares conventional and innovative extraction methods, and to highlights resveratrol's therapeutic potential, including its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-cancerogenic, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and cardio-protective properties. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and prospects of hybrid materials combining resveratrol with nanoparticles, polymers, and bio-ceramics for therapeutic applications. Rigorous studies are still needed to confirm their clinical efficacy.

Green and sustainable technologies for extraction of carotenoids from natural sources: a comprehensive review

In recent years, driven by increasing consumer demand for natural and healthy convenient foods, the food industry has been shifting from synthetic to natural products. This shift is also reflected in the growing popularity of non-conventional extraction methods for pigments, which are favored for sustainability and environment-friendliness compared to conventional processes. This review aims to investigate the extraction of carotenoids from a variety of natural sources, including marine sources like fungus, microalgae, and crustaceans, as well as widely studied plants like tomatoes and carrots. Additionally, it delves into the recovery of valuable carotenoids from waste products like pomace and peels, highlighting the nutritional and environmental benefits. The review also emphasizes the role of green solvents such limonene, vegetable oils, ionic liquids, supercritical fluids, and natural deep eutectic solvents in effective and ecologically friendly carotenoid extraction. These technologies support the ideas of a circular and sustainable economy in addition to having a smaller negative impact on the environment. Overall, the present study highlights the crucial importance of green extraction technologies in achieving the dual goals of sustainability and public safety.

NADES-based extraction optimization and enrichment of Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside from Rhododendron arboreum Sm.: Kinetics and thermodynamics insights

Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (Cy3-gal) is the most widespread anthocyanin that has been found to be applicable to nutraceutical and pharmaceutical ingredients. Nevertheless, the process of separation and purification, susceptibilities to heat, and pH inactivation present some limitations. In the present study, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) with an ultrasonic-assisted extraction method were briefly studied, and the recovery of Cy3-gal from Rhododendron arboreum was highlighted. The NADES, consisting of choline chloride and oxalic acid (1:1), was screened out as an extractant, and single-factor experiments combined with a two-site kinetic model were employed to describe the extraction process. Further, the work investigated ultrasound-assisted adsorption/desorption to efficiently purify Cy3-gal using macroporous resins. The optimal extraction conditions to attain maximum Cy3-gal yield was 30% water in a 50:1 (mL/g) solvent-to-sample ratio, 11.25 W/cm3 acoustic density, and 50% duty cycle for 16 min of extraction time. Under these conditions, the results revealed 23.07 ± 0.14 mg/g of Cy3-gal, two-fold higher than the traditional solvents. Furthermore, of the different resins used, Amberlite XAD-7HP showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher adsorption/desorption capacities (12.82 ± 0.18 mg/g and 10.97 ± 0.173 mg/g) and recovery (48.41 ± 0.76%) percent over other adsorbents. Experiments on the degrading behavior (40-80 °C) of the recovered Cy3-gal were performed over time, and the first-order kinetic model better explained the obtained data. In conclusion, the study asserts the use of ultrasonication with NADES and XAD-7HP resin for the improved purification of Cy3-gal from the crude extract.

Nutraceutical potential of Mediterranean agri-food waste and wild plants: Green extraction and bioactive characterization

The agricultural waste and wild plants of the Mediterranean region offer significant nutraceutical potential, rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolics, carotenoids, lipids and volatile organic compounds. These compounds exhibit health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Advanced analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC-MS and NMR are essential for the accurate chemical characterization of these bioactives. Green extraction methods, including ultrasound-assisted, enzyme-assisted and cold plasma-assisted extractions, provide efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to classical techniques for the isolation of bioactive compounds. The valorization of Mediterranean agricultural by-products, such as olive pomace, grape seeds, and citrus peels, exemplifies sustainable approaches to the utilization of these underutilized resources. This chapter explores the bioactive characterization and green extraction methods that contribute to unlocking the nutraceutical potential of Mediterranean plant waste and wild plants, highlighting their role in the development of functional foods and natural health products.

Deep eutectic solvent (DES)-assisted extraction of pectin from Ficus carica Linn. peel: optimization, partial structure characterization, functional and antioxidant activities

BACKGROUND

The pectin from Ficus carica Linn. (fig) peels is a valuable and recyclable constituent that may bring huge economic benefits. To maximize the utilization of this resource, deep eutectic solvent (DES)-assisted extraction was applied to extract pectin from fig peels, and the extraction process was optimized with response surface methodology.

RESULTS

When DES (choline chloride/oxalic acid = 1:1) content was 168.1 g kg-1, extraction temperature was 79.8 °C, liquid-solid ratio was 23.3 mL g-1, and extraction time was 120 min, the maximum yield of 239.6 g kg-1 was obtained, which was almost twice the extraction of hot water. DES-extracted fig peel pectin (D-FP) exhibited better nature than hot water-extracted fig peel pectin (W-FP) in terms of uronic acid content, particle size distribution, and solubility, but lower molecular weight and esterification degree. D-FP and W-FP had similar infrared spectra and thermodynamic peaks but differed in monosaccharide compositions. D-FP also showed good antioxidant capacities and exhibited better functional activities than W-FP.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that D-FP was of promising quality being utilized in food or medical industries and the optimal DES-assisted extraction method might be applied as a sustainable process for the effective extraction of bioactive pectin from fig peels with the excellence of low equipment requirements and simple operation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Potential Use of Tomato Peel, a Rich Source of Lycopene, for Cancer Treatment

Tomatoes are well known for their impressive nutritional value among vegetables. However, the industrial processing of tomatoes generates a significant amount of waste. Specifically, 10% to 18% of the raw materials used in tomato processing become waste. This waste can seriously affect ecosystems, such as freshwater bodies, wetlands, rivers, and other natural environments, if not properly managed. Interestingly, tomato waste, specifically the skin, contains lycopene, a potent antioxidant and antimutagenic that offers a range of health benefits. This makes it a valuable ingredient in industries such as food and cosmetics. In addition, researchers are exploring the potential of lycopene in the treatment of various types of cancer. This systematic review, guided by the PRISMA 2020 methodology, examined studies exploring the possibility of tomato peel as a source of lycopene and carotenoids for cancer treatment. The findings suggest that tomato peel extracts exhibit promising anticancer properties, underscoring the need for further investigation of possible therapeutic applications. The compiled literature reveals significant potential for using tomato peel to create new cancer treatments, which could potentially revolutionize the field of oncology. This underscores the importance of continued research and exploration, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the scientific community's contribution to this promising area of study.

Bioactives from citrus food waste: types, extraction technologies and application

The Citrus fruits belong to the category where the groups of fruits are recognized to be an admirable repository of bioactive elements and phytochemical constituents, with strong biological potentials. The prominent use of Citrus fruits for nutrition as well as food processing has led to the release of a large amount of waste into the environment and surrounding, and it simultaneously burdens the nature and existence of many organisms including the human population. In order to rectify such consequences, the reuse of food waste from citrus for various advantageous effects. In this regard, the first part of the article primarily focussed on the various strategies available for the extraction of chemical elements from citrus waste and the remaining strand of the article focussed on the various bioactive compounds with special reference to their pharmacological as well as the medicinal benefits and future prospects.

Graphical abstract

Plant-based proteins from agro-industrial waste and by-products: Towards a more circular economy

There is a pressing need for affordable, abundant, and sustainable sources of proteins to address the rising nutrient demands of a growing global population. The food and agriculture sectors produce significant quantities of waste and by-products during the growing, harvesting, storing, transporting, and processing of raw materials. These waste and by-products can sometimes be converted into valuable protein-rich ingredients with excellent functional and nutritional attributes, thereby contributing to a more circular economy. This review critically assesses the potential for agro-industrial wastes and by-products to contribute to global protein requirements. Initially, we discuss the origins and molecular characteristics of plant proteins derived from agro-industrial waste and by-products. We then discuss the techno-functional attributes, extraction methods, and modification techniques that are applied to these plant proteins. Finally, challenges linked to the safety, allergenicity, anti-nutritional factors, digestibility, and sensory attributes of plant proteins derived from these sources are highlighted. The utilization of agro-industrial by-products and wastes as an economical, abundant, and sustainable protein source could contribute towards achieving the Sustainable Development Agenda's 2030 goal of a "zero hunger world", as well as mitigating fluctuations in food availability and prices, which have detrimental impacts on global food security and nutrition.

Gardenia yellow pigment: Extraction methods, biological activities, current trends, and future prospects

Food coloring plays a vital role in influencing consumers' food choices, imparting vibrant and appealing colors to various food and beverage products. Synthetic food colorants have been the most commonly used coloring agents in the food industry. However, concerns about potential health issues related to synthetic colorants, coupled with increasing consumer demands for food safety and health, have led food manufacturers to explore natural alternatives. Natural pigments not only offer a wide range of colors to food products but also exhibit beneficial bioactive properties. Gardenia yellow pigment is a water-soluble natural pigment with various biological activities, widely present in gardenia fruits. Therefore, this paper aims to delve into Gardenia Yellow Pigment, highlighting its significance as a food colorant. Firstly, a thorough understanding and exploration of various methods for obtaining gardenia yellow pigment. Subsequently, the potential functionality of gardenia yellow pigment was elaborated, especially its excellent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Finally, the widespread application trend of gardenia yellow pigment in the food industry was explored, as well as the challenges faced by the future development of gardenia yellow pigment in the field of food and health. Some feasible solutions were proposed, providing valuable references and insights for researchers, food industry professionals, and policy makers.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of fatty acids from royal jelly and its effect on the structural and antioxidant property

Fatty acids are the key active components in royal jelly (RJ) with various biological activities. In this study, a novel ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method was established to extract fatty acids from RJ and their structural and antioxidant property were further evaluated. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: liquid-to-solid ratio of 10:1, ultrasonic power of 450 W and ultrasonic duration of 20 min, resulting in a better extraction yield of 16.48 % and 10-hydroxy-2(E)-decenoic acid (10-HDA) content of 4.12 %. Furthermore, compared with the solvent extraction method, the antioxidant activity of extract by ultrasound was enhanced significantly by at least 448 %. GC-MS showed that ultrasound didn't change the chemical composition of fatty acids, while it significantly increased the content of fatty acids. SEM image illustrated that extracts by UAE showed a rougher, looser microstructure compared to the solvent method. Overall, UAE is a promising method to obtain fatty acids in RJ with high efficiency.

Exploration of Polyphenols Extracted from Cytisus Plants and Their Potential Applications: A Review

The increasing world population means an increased demand for sustainable processes and products related to foods, particularly those with added health benefits. Plants can be an alternative source of nutritional and biofunctional ingredients. Cytisus plants are an underexploited bioresource, currently prevalent in the Mediterranean Basin and western Asia. This manuscript addresses the processing potential of Cytisus plants for the development of added-value products, including food formulations, food packaging, cosmetics, and therapeutic applications. Most research has reported that Cytisus spp. are a promising source of inexpensive bioactive polyphenol compounds. Cytisus flowers should be considered and exploited as raw materials for the development of new food ingredients (antioxidants, preservatives, additives, etc.), nutraceuticals, or even direct therapeutic agents (anticancer, antibacterial, etc.). In order to evaluate the socioeconomic effect of these underutilized plants, more research is needed to assess their valorization for therapeutic and dietary possibilities, as well as the economic impact.

Ultrasonic-ethanol pretreatment assisted aqueous enzymatic extraction of hemp seed oil with low Δ9-THC

In this study, ultrasonic-ethanol pretreatment combined with AEE was developed for oil extraction from hemp seeds. The oil yield reached a maximum of 23.32 % at 200 W ultrasonic power and 30 min ultrasonic time, at this point, the degradation rate of Δ9-THC was 83.11 %. By determining the composition of hemp seed before and after pretreatment, it was shown that ultrasonic-ethanol pretreatment reduced the protein content of the raw material. An enzyme mixture consisting of pectinase and hemicellulase (1/1/1, w/w/w) was experimentally determined to be used, and the AEE extraction conditions were optimized using the Plackett-Burman design and the Box-Behnken. The optimal conditions were determined to be pH 5, total enzyme activity of 37,800 U/g, liquid-solid ratio of 10.4 mL/g, enzyme digestion temperature of 32 °C, enzymatic time of 189 min, and oil recovery of 88.38 %. The results of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the emulsion formed during ultrasonic ethanol pretreatment was not uniformly distributed, and the droplets appeared to be aggregated; and the irregular pores of hemp seed increased after pretreatment. The contents of Δ9-THC and CBN in the extracted oil samples were 9.58 mg/kg and 52.45 mg/kg, respectively. Compared with the oil extracted by Soxhlet extraction (SE), the oil extracted by this experimental method was of better quality and similar in fatty acid composition.

Optimization of ultrasound-aided extraction of bioactive ingredients from Vitis vinifera seeds using RSM and ANFIS modeling with machine learning algorithm

Plant materials are a rich source of polyphenolic compounds with interesting health-beneficial effects. The present study aimed to determine the optimized condition for maximum extraction of polyphenols from grape seeds through RSM (response surface methodology), ANFIS (adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system), and machine learning (ML) algorithm models. Effect of five independent variables and their ranges, particle size (X1: 0.5-1 mm), methanol concentration (X2: 60-70% in distilled water), ultrasound exposure time (X3: 18-28 min), temperature (X4: 35-45 °C), and ultrasound intensity (X5: 65-75 W cm-2) at five levels (- 2, - 1, 0, + 1, and + 2) concerning dependent variables, total phenolic content (y1; TPC), total flavonoid content (y2; TFC), 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radicals scavenging (y3; %DPPH*sc), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) free radicals scavenging (y4; %ABTS*sc) and Ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential (y5; FRAP) were selected. The optimized condition was observed at X1 = 0.155 mm, X2 = 65% methanol in water, X3 = 23 min ultrasound exposure time, X4 = 40 °C, and X5 = 70 W cm-2 ultrasound intensity. Under this situation, the optimal yields of TPC, TFC, and antioxidant scavenging potential were achieved to be 670.32 mg GAE/g, 451.45 mg RE/g, 81.23% DPPH*sc, 77.39% ABTS*sc and 71.55 μg mol (Fe(II))/g FRAP. This optimal condition yielded equal experimental and expected values. A well-fitted quadratic model was recommended. Furthermore, the validated extraction parameters were optimized and compared using the ANFIS and random forest regressor-ML algorithm. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) analyses were performed to find the existence of the bioactive compounds in the optimized extract.

Pesticides vs. Biopesticides: From Pest Management to Toxicity and Impacts on the Environment and Human Health

The environmental pollution that occurs in direct response to the widespread use of man-made/conventional pesticides results from many chemicals that require a long period of time, often decades, to degrade. The synthetic nature of pesticides also harms animals, beneficial insects, microorganisms, and plants, as well as humans. Fortunately, however, there are many natural pesticides, the so-called biopesticides, that are also effective against pests and more importantly, do not interfere with the well-being of ecosystems. Consequently, most biopesticides are safer for use around people and pets than man-made pesticides because, for example, they can be easily washed away from fruits and vegetables. The natural habitat is a rich resource with a wide selection of plants, many of which are also used to treat diseases in humans, animals, and plants. Out of concern for public health, environmental safety, and the stringent regulation of pesticide residues in agricultural commodities, the use of biopesticides is becoming increasingly important, but questions regarding potential pest resistance to these products may arise, just as is the case with conventional pesticides. Therefore, the performance and potential role of biopesticides in the management of plant pests should be prioritized due to their sustainability and importance to human and environmental welfare. In this review, we propose to highlight a scenario in which we discuss in detail the main constraints posed by the use of pesticides compared to biopesticides, starting with issues regarding their definition and continuing on to issues related to their toxicity and their impact on the environment and human health.

Design of Experiments for Optimizing Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Plant-Based Sources

Plant-based materials are an important source of bioactive compounds (BC) with interesting industrial applications. Therefore, adequate experimental strategies for maximizing their recovery yield are required. Among all procedures for extracting BC (maceration, Soxhlet, hydro-distillation, pulsed-electric field, enzyme, microwave, high hydrostatic pressure, and supercritical fluids), the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) highlighted as an advanced, cost-efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable alternative for recovering BC (polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids) from plant sources with higher yields. However, the UAE efficiency is influenced by several factors, including operational variables and extraction process (frequency, amplitude, ultrasonic power, pulse cycle, type of solvent, extraction time, solvent-to-solid ratio, pH, particle size, and temperature) that exert an impact on the molecular structures of targeted molecules, leading to variations in their biological properties. In this context, a diverse design of experiments (DOEs), including full or fractional factorial, Plackett-Burman, Box-Behnken, Central composite, Taguchi, Mixture, D-optimal, and Doehlert have been investigated alone and in combination to optimize the UAE of BC from plant-based materials, using the response surface methodology and mathematical models in a simple or multi-factorial/multi-response approach. The present review summarizes the advantages and limitations of the most common DOEs investigated to optimize the UAE of bioactive compounds from plant-based materials.

Ginger Bioactives: A Comprehensive Review of Health Benefits and Potential Food Applications

Ginger is an herbaceous and flowering plant renowned for its rhizome, which is widely employed as both a spice and an herb. Since ancient times, ginger has been consumed in folk medicine and traditional cuisines for its favorable health effects. Different in vitro and in vivo studies have disclosed the advantageous physiological aspects of ginger, primarily due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-carcinogenic properties. These health-promoting features are linked to the variety of bioactive compounds that are present in ginger. Following the advancement in consumer awareness and the industrial demand for organic antioxidants and functional ingredients, the application of ginger and its derivatives has been broadly investigated in a wide range of food products. The prominent features transmitted by ginger into different food areas are antioxidant and nutraceutical values (bakery); flavor, acceptability, and techno-functional characteristics (dairy); hedonic and antimicrobial properties (beverages); oxidative stability, tenderization, and sensorial attributes (meat); and shelf life and sensorial properties (film, coating, and packaging). This review is focused on providing a comprehensive overview of the tendencies in the application of ginger and its derivatives in the food industry and concurrently briefly discusses the beneficial aspects and processing of ginger.

Pressurized Hot Water Extraction of Mangosteen Pericarp and Its Associated Molecular Signatures in Endothelial Cells

The mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) pericarp is known to be rich in potent bioactive phytochemical compounds such as xanthones, which possess pharmacologically important antioxidant activity and beneficial cardiometabolic properties. Mangosteen pericarp is typically classified as unavoidable food waste and discarded, despite being rich in bioactive phytochemical compounds that therefore present an exciting opportunity for valorization. Thus, this study aims to extract phytochemical compounds from mangosteen pericarp using pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) and determine its biological effects in endothelial cells using RNA sequencing. Liquid chromatography with MS/MS (LC/MSMS) and UV detection (LC/UV) was subsequently used to identify three key phytochemical compounds extracted from the mangosteen pericarp: α-Mangostin, γ-Mangostin, and Gartanin. Within the tested range of extraction temperatures by PHWE, our results demonstrated that an extraction temperature of 120 °C yielded the highest concentrations of α-Mangostin, γ-Mangostin, and Gartanin with a concomitant improvement in antioxidant capacity compared to other extraction temperatures. Using global transcriptomic profiling and bioinformatic analysis, the treatment of endothelial cells with mangosteen pericarp extracts (120 °C PHWE) for 48 h caused 408 genes to be differentially expressed. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that key biological processes related to "steroid biosynthesis and metabolism", likely involving the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway, were upregulated by mangosteen pericarp extract treatment. In conclusion, our study suggests a green extraction method to valorize phytochemical compounds from mangosteen pericarp as a natural product with potential beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health.

Valorization of fruit and vegetable processing by-products/wastes

Fruit and vegetable processing by-products and wastes are of great importance due to their high production volumes and their composition containing different functional compounds. Particularly, apple, grape, citrus, and tomato pomaces, potato peel, olive mill wastewater, olive pomace and olive leaves are the main by-products that are produced during processing. Besides conventional techniques, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction (sub-critical water extraction), supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, and fermentation are emerging tools for the recovery of target compounds. On the other hand, in the view of valorization, it is possible to use them in active packaging applications, as a source of bioactive compound (oil, phenolics, carotenoids), as functional ingredients and as biofertilizer and biogas sources. This chapter explains the production of fruit and vegetable processing by-products/wastes. Moreover, the valorization of functional compounds recovered from the fruit and vegetable by-products and wastes is evaluated in detail by emphasizing the type of the by-products/wastes, functional compounds obtained from these by-products/wastes, their extraction conditions and application areas.

Biofunctionalization of natural extracts, trends in biological activity and kinetic release

The health benefits provided by plant matrices is due to the presence of certain compounds that, in studies carried out in vitro and in vivo, have shown to have biological activity in certain conditions, not only as a natural treatment against various conditions, but also for the quality of preventing chronic diseases, these compounds, already identified and studied, they can increase their biological function by undergoing structural chemical modifications or by being incorporated into polymer matrices that allow, in the first instance, to protect said compound and increase its bioaccessibility, as well as to preserve or increase the biological effects. Although the stabilization of compounds is an important aspect, it is also the study of the kinetic parameters of the system that contains them, since, due to these studies, the potential application to these systems can be designated. In this review we will address some of the work focused on obtaining compounds with biological activity from plant sources, the functionalization of extracts through double emulsions and nanoemulsions, as well as their toxicity and finally the pharmacokinetic aspects of entrapment systems.

Impact of High-Pressure Homogenization on Enhancing the Extractability of Phytochemicals from Agri-Food Residues

The primary objective of the Sustainable Development Goals is to reduce food waste by employing various strategies, including the reuse of agri-food residues that are abundantly available and the complete use of their valuable compounds. This study explores the application of high-pressure homogenization (HPH), an innovative nonthermal and green treatment, for the recovery of bioactive compounds from agri-food residues. The results demonstrate that the optimized HPH treatment offers advantages over conventional solid/liquid extraction (SLE), including shorter extraction time, solvent-free operation, low temperatures, and higher yields of phenol extraction (an approximately 20% improvement). Moreover, the micronization of agri-food residue-in-water suspensions results in a decrease in the size distribution to below the visual detection limit, achieved by disrupting the individual plant cells, thus enhancing suspension stability against sedimentation. These findings highlight the potential of HPH for environmentally friendly and efficient extraction processes.

Toward the bioactive potential of myricitrin in food production: state-of-the-art green extraction and trends in biosynthesis

Myricitrin is a member of flavonols, natural phenolic compounds extracted from plant resources. It has gained great attention for various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, as well as cardio-/neuro-/hepatoprotective activities. These effects have been demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo models, making myricitrin a favorable candidate for the exploitation of novel functional foods with potential protective or preventive effects against diseases. This review summarized the health benefits of myricitrin and attempted to uncover its action mechanism, expecting to provide a theoretical basis for their application. Despite enormous bioactive potential of myricitrin, low production, high cost, and environmental damage caused by extracting it from plant resources greatly constrain its practical application. Fortunately, innovative, green, and sustainable extraction techniques are emerging to extract myricitrin, which function as alternatives to conventional techniques. Additionally, biosynthesis based on synthetic biology plays an essential role in industrial-scale manufacturing, which has not been reported for myricitrin exclusively. The construction of microbial cell factories is absolutely an appealing and competitive option to produce myricitrin in large-scale manufacturing. Consequently, state-of-the-art green extraction techniques and trends in biosynthesis were reviewed and discussed to endow an innovative perspective for the large-scale production of myricitrin.

Fenugreek bioactive compounds: A review of applications and extraction based on emerging technologies

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a pharmaceutically significant aromatic crop with health benefits linked to its phytochemicals. This article aims to overview progress in using emerging technologies to extract its bioactive compounds and extraction mechanisms. Also, the trends in the applications of this herb in the food industry and its therapeutical effects were explained. Fenugreek's flavor is the primary reason for its applications in the food industry. At the same time, it has antimicrobial, antibacterial, hepatoprotection, anticancer, lactation, and antidiabetic effects. Phytochemicals responsible for these effects include galactomannans, saponins, alkaloids, and polyphenols. Besides, data showed that emerging technologies boost fenugreek extracts' yield and biological activity. Among these, ultrasound (55.6%) is the most studied technology, followed by microwave (37.0%), cold plasma (3.7%), and combined approaches (3.7%). Processing conditions (e.g., treatment time and intensity) and solvent (type, ratio, and concentration) are significant parameters that affect the performance of these novel extraction technologies. Extracts obtained by sustainable energy-saving emerging technologies can be used to develop value-added health-promoting products.

Extraction, Purification, Structural Characteristics, Biological Activities, and Applications of the Polysaccharides from Zingiber officinale Roscoe. (Ginger): A Review

Zingiber officinale Roscoe. (ginger) is a widely distributed plant with a long history of cultivation and consumption. Ginger can be used as a spice, condiment, food, nutrition, and as an herb. Significantly, the polysaccharides extracted from ginger show surprising and satisfactory biological activity, which explains the various benefits of ginger on human health, including anti-influenza, anti-colitis, anti-tussive, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor effects. Here, we systematically review the major studies on the extraction and purification of polysaccharides from ginger in recent years, the characterization of their chemical structure, biological activity, and structure-activity relationships, and the applications of ginger polysaccharides in different fields. This article will update and deepen the understanding of ginger polysaccharide and provide a theoretical basis for its further research and application in human health and product development.

Sonoprocessing improves phenolics profile, antioxidant capacity, structure, and product qualities of purple corn pericarp extract

For the first time, purple corn pericarp (PCP) was converted to polyphenol-rich extract using two-pot ultrasound extraction technique. According to Plackett-Burman design (PBD), the significant extraction factors were ethanol concentration, extraction time, temperature, and ultrasonic amplitude that affected total anthocyanins (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), and condensed tannins (CT). These parameters were further optimized using the Box-Behnken design (BBD) method for response surface methodology (RSM). The RSM showed a linear curvature for TAC and a quadratic curvature for TPC and CT with a lack of fit > 0.05. Under the optimum conditions (ethanol (50%, v/v), time (21 min), temperature (28 °C), and ultrasonic amplitude (50%)), a maximum TAC, TPC, and CT of 34.99 g cyanidin/kg, 121.26 g GAE/kg, and 260.59 of EE/kg, respectively were obtained with a desirability value 0.952. Comparing UAE to microwave extraction (MAE), it was found that although UAE had a lower extraction yield, TAC, TPC, and CT, the UAE gave a higher individual anthocyanin, flavonoid, phenolic acid profile, and antioxidant activity. The UAE took 21 min, whereas MAE took 30 min for maximum extraction. Regarding product qualities, UAE extract was superior, with a lower total color change (ΔE) and a higher chromaticity. Structural characterization using SEM showed that MAE extract had severe creases and ruptures, whereas UAE extract had less noticeable alterations and was attested by an optical profilometer. This shows that ultrasound, might be used to extract phenolics from PCP as it requires lesser time and improves phenolics, structure, and product qualities.

Optimization of Phenolic Compounds Extraction and Antioxidant Activity from Inonotus hispidus Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Technology

The use of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds has been increasing because it is a good alternative to the conventional extraction methods. UAE was used to maximize total polyphenol content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of the mushroom Inonotus hispidus using response surface methodology (RSM). Firstly, the effect of 40% (v/v) ethanol and 80% (v/v) methanol on the TPC, DPPH scavenging capacity, and FRAP was evaluated. The ethanolic extracts showed a significantly higher (p < 0.0001) TPC, DPPH scavenging capacity, and FRAP than the methanolic extracts. The best condition to produce an extract with the higher TPC and antioxidant activity was achieved when using 40% (v/v) ethanol, a ratio of 75 mL/g, and an extraction time of 20 min. The chromatographic profile of the extract obtained in the optimized condition revealed that hispidin is the main polyphenol present in the extracts of I. hispidus, representing, together with hispidin-like compounds, the majority of the phenolic compounds (159.56 µg/g DW out of 219.01 µg/g DW). The model allowed us to optimize the conditions to maximize the extraction of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from I. hispidus, demonstrating its potential as a source of antioxidant compounds, with possible industrial, pharmaceutical, and food applications.

Persistence and remote sensing of agri-food wastes in the environment: Current state and perspectives

Food demand is expected to increase globally by 60-110% from 2005 to 2050 due to diet shifts and population growth. This growth in food demand leads to the generation of enormous agri-food wastes (AFWs), which could be classified into pre-consumption and post-consumption. The AFW represents economic losses for all stakeholders along food supply chains, including consumers. It is reported that the direct financial, social, and environmental costs of food waste are 1, 0.9, and 0.7 trillion USD/year, respectively. Diverse conventional AFW management approaches are employed at the different life cycle levels (entre supply chain). The review indicates that inadequate transportation, erroneous packaging, improper storage, losses during processing, contamination, issues with handling, and expiry dates are the main reason for the generation of AFWs in the supply chain. Further, various variables such as cultural, societal, personal, and behavioral factors contribute to the AFW generation. The selection of a specific valorization technology is based on multiple physicochemical and biological parameters. Furthermore, other factors like heterogeneity of the AFWs, preferable energy carriers, by-products management, cost, end-usage applications, and environmental legislative and disposal processes also play a crucial role in adopting suitable technology. Valorization of AFW could significantly impact both economy and the environment. AFWs have been widely investigated for the development of engineered added-value biomaterials and renewable energy production. Considering this, this study has been carried out to highlight the significance of AFW cost, aggregation, quantification, and membrane-based strategies for its management. The study also explored the satellite remote sensing data for Spatio-temporal monitoring, mapping, optimization, and management of AFW management. Along with this, the study also explained the most recent strategies for AFW valorization and outlined the detailed policy recommendation along with opportunities and challenges. The review suggested that AFW should be managed using a triple-bottom-line strategy (economic, social, and environmental sustainability).

Juçara Fruit (Euterpe Edulis Martius) Valorization Combining Emergent Extraction Technologies and Aqueous Solutions of Alkanediols

Anthocyanins from juçara fruits were extracted by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) or ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), using aqueous solutions of 1,2-alkanediols and glycerol ethers as biobased solvents. The PLE (100 bar, 13 min, 1 mL/min flow rate) in the optimal extraction conditions originated 23.1 mg_anthocyanins·g_{dry biomass}^-1. On the other hand, the UAE was 10 min long, and the optimal conditions using 1,2-propanediol were 42.6 wt%, 160 W, and pH 7.0, leading to 50 mg_anthocyanins·g_{dry biomass}^-1. Extractions at the UAE optimized conditions, with aqueous solutions of five different 1,2-alkanediols and three glycerol ethers were performed, and compared to water and ethanolic extracts. The biobased solvent solutions presented anthocyanin yields up to 33% higher than water, and were shown to be as efficient as ethanol/water, but generated extracts with higher antioxidant capacity. The anthocyanin-rich extract of juçara, obtained with 1,2-propanediol, was used in the production of a natural soap and incorporated into a cream, showing that the addition of the juçara extract resulted in an antioxidant capacity in both products.

Isolation of the Main Biologically Active Substances and Phytochemical Analysis of Ginkgo biloba Callus Culture Extracts

The work reveals the results of studying the content of biologically active substances in samples of extracts of Ginkgo biloba callus cultures. Callus cultures grown in vitro on liquid nutrient media were the objects of the study. Considering various factors affecting the yield of the target components during extraction, the volume fraction of the organic modifier in the extracting mixture, the temperature factor, and the exposure time were identified as the main ones. The maximum yield of extractive substances (target biologically active substances with a degree of extraction of at least 50%) from the samples of callus culture extracts was detected at a ratio of extragent of 70% ethanol, a temperature of 50 °C, and exposure time of 6 h. Flavonoids, such as luteolin, quercetin, isoramentin, kaempferol, and amentoflavone, were isolated in the extract samples. As a result of column chromatography, fractions of individual biologically active substances (bilobalide, ginkgolide A, B, and C) were determined. The proposed schemes are focused on preserving the nativity while ensuring maximum purification from associated (ballast) components. Sorbents (Sephadex LH-20, poly-amide, silica gel) were used in successive stages of chromatography with rechromatography. The degree of purity of individually isolated substances was at least 95%.

Current Challenges in the Sustainable Valorisation of Agri-Food Wastes: A Review

In the upcoming years, the world will face societal challenges arising, in particular, from the impact of climate change and the inefficient use of natural resources, in addition to an exponential growth of the world population, which according to the United Nations (UN) estimations will be 9.8 billion in 2050. This increasing trend requires optimized management of natural resources with the use of value-added waste and a significant reduction in food loss and food waste. Moreover, the recent pandemic situation, COVID-19, has contributed indisputably. Along with the agri-food supply chain, several amounts of waste or by-products are generated. In most cases, these biomass wastes cause serious environmental concerns and high costs to enterprises. The valorisation of the agri-food loss and food industry wastes emerged as a useful strategy to produce certain value-added compounds with several potential applications, namely in the food, health, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and environmental fields. Therefore, in this review, some of the crucial sustainable challenges with impacts on the valorisation of agri-food loss/wastes and by-products are discussed and identified, in addition to several opportunities, trends and innovations. Potential applications and usages of the most important compounds found in food loss/waste will be highlighted, with a focus on the food industry, pharmaceutical industry, and the environment.

Towards an Eco-Friendly Coffee Rust Control: Compilation of Natural Alternatives from a Nutritional and Antifungal Perspective

Hemileia vastatrix (HV) is the pathogen responsible for the coffee leaf rust (CLR) disease that has spread globally. CLR causes losses of up to a billion dollars annually and affects all types of crops regardless of their production regime (organic or inorganic). Additionally, smallholders produce approximately 80% of coffee in developing countries. The condition causes losses of up to a billion dollars annually. It affects all types of crops regardless of their production regime (organic or inorganic). Approximately 80% of coffee is produced by smallholders in developing countries. Until the 90s, shaded-production systems and native varieties were encouraged; however, the rapid spread of CLR has forced farmers to migrate towards inorganic schemes, mainly due to a lack of knowledge about natural alternatives to pesticides that can be implemented to control HV. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to compile the currently existing options, emphasizing two key factors that guarantee efficient rust control: selective fungicidal activity against HV and the nutrition of coffee crops. Thus, by comprehending how these natural compounds (such as plant, bacteria, fungi, animals, or algae metabolites) impact coffee rust proliferation. Furthermore, since a various range of biochar effects contributes to the control of foliar fungal pathogens through modification of root exudates, soil properties, and nutrient availability, which influence the growth of antagonist microorganisms, we present a review of the pathogen-suppressive effects of biochar, and new control strategies suitable for organic schemes can be developed.

Tetrodotoxin and Its Analogues in Food: Recent Updates on Sample Preparation and Analytical Methods Since 2012

Tetrodotoxin (TTX), found in various organisms including pufferfish, is an extremely potent marine toxin responsible for numerous food poisoning accidents. Due to its serious toxicity and public health threat, detecting TTX and its analogues in diverse food matrices with a simple, fast, efficient method has become a worldwide concern. This review summarizes the advances in sample preparation and analytical methods for the determination of TTX and its analogues, focusing on the latest development over the past five years. Current state-of-the-art technologies, such as solid-phase microextraction, online technology, novel injection technology, two-dimensional liquid chromatography, high-resolution mass spectrometry, newly developed lateral flow immunochromatographic strips, immunosensors, dual-mode aptasensors, and nanomaterials-based approaches, are thoroughly discussed. The advantages and limitations of different techniques, critical comments, and future perspectives are also proposed. This review is expected to provide rewarding insights to the future development and broad application of pretreatment and detection methods for TTX and its analogues.