Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as a non-destructive method for analysing herbarium specimens

A rapid spectroscopic method for the identification of the filamentous fungi isolated from Turkish traditional mold-ripened cheeses

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is an alternative microbial identification technique due to its faster analysis times and lower cost compared to molecular methods. In this study, forty-three fungal strains isolated from different Turkish traditional mold-ripened cheeses representing nine different Penicillium species (P. roqueforti, P. corylophilum, P. before, P. crustosum, P. spinulosum, P. rubens, P. brevicompactum, P. paneum, and P. solitum) were analyzed by using FTIR HTS-XT (High Throughput Screening Extension) method in the 4000-400 cm-1 wavenumber range. The spectra of the isolates were evaluated, and the chemical structures corresponding to the fungus-specific spectral regions were determined as fatty acids (3600-2800 cm-1), amide I and amide II of proteins and peptides (1740-1500 cm-1), polysaccharides (1200-900 cm-1) and carbohydrates (900-600 cm-1). The isolates were grouped according to the hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) by applying chemometrics combined with FTIR spectroscopy. Results showed that FTIR spectroscopy has a high capability for rapid determination of cheese fungi based on their FTIR spectra.

From Dormant Collections to Repositories for the Study of Habitat Changes: The Importance of Herbaria in Modern Life Sciences

In recent decades, the advent of new technologies for massive and automatized digitization, together with the availability of new methods for DNA sequencing, strongly increased the interest and relevance of herbarium collections for the study of plant biodiversity and evolution. These new approaches prompted new projects aimed at the creation of a large dataset of molecular and phenological data. This review discusses new challenges and opportunities for herbaria in the context of the numerous national projects that are currently ongoing, prompting the study of herbarium specimens for the understanding of biodiversity loss and habitat shifts as a consequence of climate changes and habitat destruction due to human activities. With regard to this, the National Biodiversity Future Center (active in Italy since 2022) started a large-scale digitization project of the Herbarium Centrale Italicum in Florence (Italy), which is the most important Italian botanical collection, consisting of more than 4 million samples at present.

Advancing herbal medicine: enhancing product quality and safety through robust quality control practices

This manuscript provides an in-depth review of the significance of quality control in herbal medication products, focusing on its role in maintaining efficiency and safety. With a historical foundation in traditional medicine systems, herbal remedies have gained widespread popularity as natural alternatives to conventional treatments. However, the increasing demand for these products necessitates stringent quality control measures to ensure consistency and safety. This comprehensive review explores the importance of quality control methods in monitoring various aspects of herbal product development, manufacturing, and distribution. Emphasizing the need for standardized processes, the manuscript delves into the detection and prevention of contaminants, the authentication of herbal ingredients, and the adherence to regulatory standards. Additionally, it highlights the integration of traditional knowledge and modern scientific approaches in achieving optimal quality control outcomes. By emphasizing the role of quality control in herbal medicine, this manuscript contributes to promoting consumer trust, safeguarding public health, and fostering the responsible use of herbal medication products.