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Bioproducts for Health III
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Bioproducts for Health III

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2024 | Viewed by 10792

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Manuela Pintado

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Guest Editor
Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
Interests: biotechnology and biochemistry; development and compositional characterization and validation of bioactivity of functional ingredients (proteins and biopeptides, antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics, and antimicrobials); development of novel functional foods; obtain high-added value products; microbiology and biochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ezequiel Coscueta

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Escola Superior de Biotecnologia da Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
Interests: molecular biology; biotechnology; food science and technology; food chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. María Emilia Brassesco

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Escola Superior de Biotecnologia da Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
Interests: material characterization; food chemistry; enzyme purification; biotechnological techniques

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Health and sustainability must go hand in hand in the efforts to build a promising future. Marine, forestry, agriculture, and food systems are important sources of bioproducts used in health applications. Exploring these sources of biodiversity and their potential for the discovery of natural products with biological activities is necessary for developing new technological strategies. Despite the range of natural compounds already on the market, there is a need to identify bioactive molecules (e.g., polysaccharides, proteins and peptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols) from different natural sources with favorable health properties, including antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antimicrobial, antiatherosclerotic, antioxidant, antithrombotic, immune-modulatory, relaxing, and satiety-inducing effects. In addition, it is necessary to ensure the supply of a sustainable and circular economy in food and industry systems. This third edition of the Special Issue aims to identify and gather works on the latest varied sources of bioproducts, the biological and functional activities of these bioactive compounds, their mechanisms of action, and the methods used for extraction and purification without losing our focus of alignment with a concept of green technology. We also expect to identify methodologies for re-educating consumers to implement a healthier diet and introduce innovative technology in the whole industry chain.

Dr. Manuela Pintado
Dr. Ezequiel Coscueta
Dr. María Emilia Brassesco
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bioactive compounds
  • health applications
  • natural sources
  • purification
  • downstream processing
  • sustainability

Related Special Issues

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3582 KiB  
Article
Solid-State 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of Soluble and Insoluble β-Glucans Extracted from Candida lusitaniae
by Ruslan Bikmurzin, Arūnas Maršalka and Lilija Kalėdienė
Molecules 2023, 28(24), 8066; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28248066 - 13 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 667
Abstract
β-glucans are widely known for their biological activities. However, the choice of extraction method can significantly influence their structural characteristics, thereby potentially impacting their biological functions. In this paper, three fractions of β-glucans were obtained from Candida lusitaniae yeast via alkali and hot-water [...] Read more.
β-glucans are widely known for their biological activities. However, the choice of extraction method can significantly influence their structural characteristics, thereby potentially impacting their biological functions. In this paper, three fractions of β-glucans were obtained from Candida lusitaniae yeast via alkali and hot-water extraction methods and were analyzed using solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy was used as a nondestructive technique that preserves the structure of the analyzed molecules. The results suggest that differences in the β-glucan structure are affected by the choice of extraction method. The main difference occurred in the 82–92 ppm region with signal presence suggesting that β-glucans have a linear structure when hot-water-extracted, which is absent in alkali-extracted fractions resulting in the acquisition of β-glucans with an ordered, possibly helical structure. A hot-water extracted water-insoluble (HWN) fraction consists of linear β-1,3-glucans with other signals indicating the presence of β-1,6-linked side chains, chitin and small amounts of α-glucan impurities. For those that are alkali-extracted, alkali-insoluble (AN) and water-soluble (AWS) fractions are structurally similar and consist of an ordered β-1,3-glucan structure with β-1,6-linked side chains and a significant amount of α-glucan and chitin in both fractions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioproducts for Health III)
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16 pages, 2979 KiB  
Article
Potential Biological Properties of Lycopene in a Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System
by Sônia Nair Báo, Manuela Machado, Ana Luisa Da Silva, Adma Melo, Sara Cunha, Sérgio S. Sousa, Ana Rita Malheiro, Rui Fernandes, José Roberto S. A. Leite, Andreanne G. Vasconcelos, João Relvas and Manuela Pintado
Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1219; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031219 - 26 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1810
Abstract
In recent years, lycopene has been highlighted due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, associated with a beneficial effect on human health. The aim of this study was to advance the studies of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms on human keratinocytes cells (HaCaT) of [...] Read more.
In recent years, lycopene has been highlighted due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, associated with a beneficial effect on human health. The aim of this study was to advance the studies of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms on human keratinocytes cells (HaCaT) of a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) loaded with lycopene purified from red guava (nanoLPG). The characteristics of nanoLPG were a hydrodynamic diameter of 205 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.21 and a zeta potential of −20.57, providing physical stability for the nanosystem. NanoLPG demonstrated antioxidant capacity, as shown using the ORAC methodology, and prevented DNA degradation (DNA agarose). Proinflammatory activity was evaluated by quantifying the cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, with only IL-8 showing a significant increase (p < 0.0001). NanoLPG showed greater inhibition of the tyrosinase and elastase enzymes, involved in the skin aging process, compared to purified lycopene (LPG). In vitro treatment for 24 h with 5.0 µg/mL of nanoLPG did not affect the viability of HaCaT cells. The ultrastructure of HaCaT cells demonstrated the maintenance of morphology. This contrasts with endoplasmic reticulum stresses and autophagic vacuoles when treated with LPG after stimulation or not with LPS. Therefore, the use of lycopene in a nanoemulsion may be beneficial in strategies and products associated with skin health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioproducts for Health III)
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16 pages, 2034 KiB  
Article
Fish By-Products: A Source of Enzymes to Generate Circular Bioactive Hydrolysates
by Sandra Borges, Joana Odila, Glenise Voss, Rui Martins, Ana Rosa, José António Couto, André Almeida and Manuela Pintado
Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031155 - 24 Jan 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2269
Abstract
Fish viscera are usually discarded as waste, causing environmental problems, or as low-value by-products. This study describes a self-sufficient and zero waste approach to obtain enzymes and protein hydrolysates from fish by-products. Firstly, recovery steps of viscera enzymatic extract were applied, and the [...] Read more.
Fish viscera are usually discarded as waste, causing environmental problems, or as low-value by-products. This study describes a self-sufficient and zero waste approach to obtain enzymes and protein hydrolysates from fish by-products. Firstly, recovery steps of viscera enzymatic extract were applied, and the resulting raw extract was stable at a pH range of 8–9 and at temperatures between 40 and 50 °C. The application of the extracted enzymes and alcalase on fish by-products hydrolysis was also determined. The selected conditions for the enzymatic hydrolysis were 10% (E/S) for 6 h using viscera enzymatic extract and 3% (E/S) for 2 h using alcalase. Fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) proved to have a notable antioxidant capacity with similar activity, ~11 mg ascorbic acid/g dry extract (ABTS assay) and ~150 mg Trolox/g dry extract (ORAC assay). FPH were also able to inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme, however, alcalase hydrolysates revealed a higher antihypertensive potential, IC50 of 101 µg of protein/mL. In general, FPH obtained by both enzymes systems maintained these bioactivities after the passage throughout a simulated gastrointestinal tract. The hydrolysates also displayed important technological properties, namely oil absorption capacity (~1 g oil/g sample) and emulsifying property (~40%). Therefore, it will be conceivable to use fish by-products based on a circular economy approach to generate added value compounds for animal and human nutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioproducts for Health III)
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Review

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24 pages, 2466 KiB  
Review
Anti-Cancer Potential of Phytochemicals: The Regulation of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
by Shuangyu Liu, Lingyu Li and Dongmei Ren
Molecules 2023, 28(13), 5069; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135069 - 28 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1326
Abstract
A biological process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) allows epithelial cells to change into mesenchymal cells and acquire some cancer stem cell properties. EMT contributes significantly to the metastasis, invasion, and development of treatment resistance in cancer cells. Current research has demonstrated that phytochemicals [...] Read more.
A biological process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) allows epithelial cells to change into mesenchymal cells and acquire some cancer stem cell properties. EMT contributes significantly to the metastasis, invasion, and development of treatment resistance in cancer cells. Current research has demonstrated that phytochemicals are emerging as a potential source of safe and efficient anti-cancer medications. Phytochemicals could disrupt signaling pathways related to malignant cell metastasis and drug resistance by suppressing or reversing the EMT process. In this review, we briefly describe the pathophysiological properties and the molecular mechanisms of EMT in the progression of cancers, then summarize phytochemicals with diverse structures that could block the EMT process in different types of cancer. Hopefully, these will provide some guidance for future research on phytochemicals targeting EMT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioproducts for Health III)
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22 pages, 1447 KiB  
Review
Canthin-6-Ones: Potential Drugs for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases by Targeting Multiple Inflammatory Mediators
by Zongying Zhang, Anqi Wang, Yunhan Wang, Weichen Sun, Xiaorong Zhou, Qiuyun Xu, Liming Mao and Jie Zhang
Molecules 2023, 28(8), 3381; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28083381 - 11 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1394
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory disease (CID) is a category of medical conditions that causes recurrent inflammatory attacks in multiple tissues. The occurrence of CID is related to inappropriate immune responses to normal tissue substances and invading microbes due to many factors, such as defects in [...] Read more.
Chronic inflammatory disease (CID) is a category of medical conditions that causes recurrent inflammatory attacks in multiple tissues. The occurrence of CID is related to inappropriate immune responses to normal tissue substances and invading microbes due to many factors, such as defects in the immune system and imbalanced regulation of commensal microbes. Thus, effectively keeping the immune-associated cells and their products in check and inhibiting aberrant activation of the immune system is a key strategy for the management of CID. Canthin-6-ones are a subclass of β-carboline alkaloids isolated from a wide range of species. Several emerging studies based on in vitro and in vivo experiments reveal that canthin-6-ones may have potential therapeutic effects on many inflammatory diseases. However, no study has yet summarized the anti-inflammatory functions and the underlying mechanisms of this class of compounds. This review provides an overview of these studies, focusing on the disease entities and the inflammatory mediators that have been shown to be affected by canthin-6-ones. In particular, the major signaling pathways affected by canthin-6-ones, such as the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and the NF-κB signaling pathway, and their roles in several CIDs are discussed. Moreover, we discuss the limitations in studies of canthin-6-ones and provide possible solutions. In addition, a perspective that may suggest possible future research directions is provided. This work may be helpful for further mechanistic studies and possible therapeutic applications of canthin-6-ones in the treatment of CID. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioproducts for Health III)
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19 pages, 11618 KiB  
Review
Exploration of the Use of Natural Compounds in Combination with Chemotherapy Drugs for Tumor Treatment
by Jianping Wu, Yunheng Li, Qiaojun He and Xiaochun Yang
Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1022; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031022 - 19 Jan 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2530
Abstract
Currently, chemotherapy is the main treatment for tumors, but there are still problems such as unsatisfactory chemotherapy results, susceptibility to drug resistance, and serious adverse effects. Natural compounds have numerous pharmacological activities which are important sources of drug discovery for tumor treatment. The [...] Read more.
Currently, chemotherapy is the main treatment for tumors, but there are still problems such as unsatisfactory chemotherapy results, susceptibility to drug resistance, and serious adverse effects. Natural compounds have numerous pharmacological activities which are important sources of drug discovery for tumor treatment. The combination of chemotherapeutic drugs and natural compounds is gradually becoming an important strategy and development direction for tumor treatment. In this paper, we described the role of natural compounds in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs in synergizing, reducing drug resistance, mitigating adverse effects and related mechanisms, and providing new insights for future oncology research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioproducts for Health III)
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