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Food Chemistry: Food Quality and New Analytical Approaches

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2023) | Viewed by 21297

Special Issue Editors

Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
Interests: food chemistry; natural products chemistry; nutraceuticals; mass spectrometry polyphenols; chemoprevention
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
Interests: food chemistry; natural products chemistry; nutraceuticals; mass spectrometry polyphenols; chemoprevention
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague,

The term “food quality” represents a multi-faceted concept that comprises a wide range of food characteristics apart from sensory properties, ranging from health-related properties (e.g., nutritional and nutraceutical aspects) to safety concerns (e.g., absence of contamination, fraud, chemical changes during processing and storage) and socio-cultural considerations (e.g., geographical origin). If the sensory evaluation often meets consumers’ expectations and subjective acceptance criteria, the other features can be scientifically (thus, objectively) evaluated. To this purpose, a number of analytical strategies have been successfully exploited and new approaches are continuously being developed, which increasingly pose a challenge to the scientific community.

This Special Issue aims to collect valuable contributions to these topics, in the form of both original research papers and review articles.

Dr. Simona Piccolella
Prof. Dr. Severina Pacifico
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • food composition analysis
  • chemical characterization
  • extraction procedures
  • spectroscopy
  • mass spectrometry
  • authenticity
  • food fraud

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3764 KiB  
Article
LC–MS Metabolomic Profiling of Five Types of Unrefined, Cold-Pressed Seed Oils to Identify Markers to Determine Oil Authenticity and to Test for Oil Adulteration
by Agata Sumara, Anna Stachniuk, Alicja Trzpil, Adrian Bartoszek, Magdalena Montowska and Emilia Fornal
Molecules 2023, 28(12), 4754; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124754 - 14 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1456
Abstract
The authenticity of food products marketed as health-promoting foods—especially unrefined, cold-pressed seed oils—should be controlled to ensure their quality and safeguard consumers and patients. Metabolomic profiling using liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF) was employed to identify authenticity markers for [...] Read more.
The authenticity of food products marketed as health-promoting foods—especially unrefined, cold-pressed seed oils—should be controlled to ensure their quality and safeguard consumers and patients. Metabolomic profiling using liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF) was employed to identify authenticity markers for five types of unrefined, cold-pressed seed oils: black seed oil (Nigella sativa L.), pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo L.), evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis L.), hemp oil (Cannabis sativa L.) and milk thistle oil (Silybum marianum). Of the 36 oil-specific markers detected, 10 were established for black seed oil, 8 for evening primrose seed oil, 7 for hemp seed oil, 4 for milk thistle seed oil and 7 for pumpkin seed oil. In addition, the influence of matrix variability on the oil-specific metabolic markers was examined by studying binary oil mixtures containing varying volume percentages of each tested oil and each of three potential adulterants: sunflower, rapeseed and sesame oil. The presence of oil-specific markers was confirmed in 7 commercial oil mix products. The identified 36 oil-specific metabolic markers proved useful for confirming the authenticity of the five target seed oils. The ability to detect adulterations of these oils with sunflower, rapeseed and sesame oil was demonstrated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry: Food Quality and New Analytical Approaches)
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16 pages, 1663 KiB  
Article
Untargeted Metabolomics Combined with Sensory Analysis to Evaluate the Chemical Changes in Coppa Piacentina PDO during Different Ripening Times
by Gabriele Rocchetti, Alessandra Scansani, Giulia Leni, Samantha Sigolo, Terenzio Bertuzzi and Aldo Prandini
Molecules 2023, 28(5), 2223; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28052223 - 27 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1139
Abstract
Ripening time is known to drive the chemical and sensory profiles of dry meat products, thus potentially affecting the final quality of the product. Starting from these background conditions, the aim of this work was to shed light, for the first time, on [...] Read more.
Ripening time is known to drive the chemical and sensory profiles of dry meat products, thus potentially affecting the final quality of the product. Starting from these background conditions, the aim of this work was to shed light, for the first time, on the chemical modifications of a typical Italian PDO meat product—namely, Coppa Piacentina—during ripening, to find correlations between its sensory quality and the biomarker compounds related to the progress of ripening. The ripening time (from 60 to 240 days) was found to deeply modify the chemical composition of this typical meat product, providing potential biomarkers of both oxidative reactions and sensory attributes. The chemical analyses revealed that there is typically a significant decrease in the moisture content during ripening, likely due to increased dehydration. In addition, the fatty acid profile showed that the distribution of polyunsaturated fatty acids significantly (p < 0.05) decreased during ripening, because of their high susceptibility to oxidation and conversion to intermediate and secondary molecules. An untargeted metabolomics approach, coupled with unsupervised and supervised multivariate statistics, highlighted a significant impact (prediction scores > 1) of lipid oxidation during ripening time, with some metabolites (such as γ -glutamyl-peptides, hydroperoxy-fatty acids, and glutathione) being particularly discriminant in predicting the changes observed. The discriminant metabolites were coherent with the progressive increase of peroxide values determined during the entire ripening period. Finally, the sensory analysis outlined that the highest degree of ripening provided greater color intensity of the lean part, slice firmness, and chewing consistency, with glutathione and γ-glutamyl-glutamic acid establishing the highest number of significant correlations with the sensory attributes evaluated. Taken together, this work highlights the importance and validity of untargeted metabolomics coupled with sensory analysis to investigate the comprehensive chemical and sensory changes to dry meat during ripening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry: Food Quality and New Analytical Approaches)
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13 pages, 1969 KiB  
Article
Investigation on Antioxidant Activity and Different Metabolites of Mulberry (Morus spp.) Leaves Depending on the Harvest Months by UPLC–Q-TOF-MS with Multivariate Tools
by Zili Guo, Jiangxuan Lai, Yiwen Wu, Sheng Fang and Xianrui Liang
Molecules 2023, 28(4), 1947; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041947 - 17 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1380
Abstract
The changes in active components in mulberry leaves harvested in different months and their antioxidant activities were investigated. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–Q-TOF-MS) with multivariate statistical tools was used to investigate the chemical constituents in the extracts of mulberry leaves. [...] Read more.
The changes in active components in mulberry leaves harvested in different months and their antioxidant activities were investigated. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–Q-TOF-MS) with multivariate statistical tools was used to investigate the chemical constituents in the extracts of mulberry leaves. The results indicated that mulberry leaves were rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, organic acids, and fatty acid derivatives. In addition, 25 different compounds were identified in the different batches of mulberry leaves. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was measured to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activities of mulberry leaves. Among the four batches, batch A, harvested in December, exhibited the strongest DPPH radical-scavenging activity, while batch B, harvested in March, showed the weakest activity. This was related to the total phenolic content in the mulberry leaves of each batch. The optimal harvest time of mulberry leaves greatly influences the bioactivity and bioavailability of the plant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry: Food Quality and New Analytical Approaches)
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14 pages, 1680 KiB  
Article
Application of Doehlert Experimental Design for Optimization of a New-Based Hydrophilic Interaction Solid-Phase Extraction of Phenolic Acids from Olive Oils
by Bochra Bejaoui Kefi, Khaoula Nefzi, Sidrine Koumba, Naceur M’Hamdi and Patrick Martin
Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031073 - 20 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1459
Abstract
In this work, a rapid, precise, and cost-valuable method has been established to quantify phenolic compounds in olive oil using new-based hydrophilic interaction solid-phase extraction (SPE). Boehlert’s experimental design applied the determination of the optimal operating conditions. An investigation into the effects of [...] Read more.
In this work, a rapid, precise, and cost-valuable method has been established to quantify phenolic compounds in olive oil using new-based hydrophilic interaction solid-phase extraction (SPE). Boehlert’s experimental design applied the determination of the optimal operating conditions. An investigation into the effects of the methanol composition (50–100%), the volume of eluent (1–12 mL), and pH (1–3) on the extraction of phenols acids and total phenols from Tunisian olive oils was performed. The results showed that the extraction conditions had a significant effect on the extraction efficiency. The experiment showed that the greatest conditions for the SPE of phenolic acids were the methanol composition at 90.3%, pH at 2.9, and volume at 7.5 mL, respectively. The optimal conditions were applied to different types of olive oils, and it could be concluded that larger concentrations of polyphenols were found in extra virgin olive oil (89.15–218), whereas the lowest levels of these compounds (66.8 and 5.1) were found in cold-pressed crude olive oil and olive pomace oil, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry: Food Quality and New Analytical Approaches)
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23 pages, 1542 KiB  
Article
Multielemental, Nutritional, and Proteomic Characterization of Different Lupinus spp. Genotypes: A Source of Nutrients for Dietary Use
by Alfio Spina, Rosaria Saletti, Simona Fabroni, Antonio Natalello, Vincenzo Cunsolo, Michele Scarangella, Paolo Rapisarda, Michele Canale and Vera Muccilli
Molecules 2022, 27(24), 8771; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27248771 - 10 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1024
Abstract
Among grain pulses, lupins have recently gained considerable interest for a number of attractive nutritional attributes relating to their high protein and dietary fiber and negligible starch contents. The seeds of Lupinus albus (cv. Multitalia and Luxor, and the Modica ecotype); L. luteus [...] Read more.
Among grain pulses, lupins have recently gained considerable interest for a number of attractive nutritional attributes relating to their high protein and dietary fiber and negligible starch contents. The seeds of Lupinus albus (cv. Multitalia and Luxor, and the Modica ecotype); L. luteus (cv. Dukat, Mister, and Taper); and L. angustifolius (cv. Sonet) analyzed in this study were deposited within the germplasm collection of the Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops of Acireale and were sowed in East Sicily in 2013/14. The collected seeds were analyzed for their multielemental micro- and macronutrient profiles, resulting in a wide variability between genotypes. Lupin seed flour samples were subjected to a defatting process using supercritical CO2, with oil yields dependent on the species and genotype. We determined the fatty acid profile and tocopherol content of the lupin oil samples, finding that the total saturated fatty acid quantities of different samples were very close, and the total tocopherol content was about 1500.00 µg/g FW. The proteomic analysis of the defatted lupin seed flours showed substantial equivalence between the cultivars of the same species of Lupinus albus and L. luteus. Moreover, the L. angustifolius proteome map showed the presence of additional spots in comparison to L. albus, corresponding to α-conglutins. Lupin, in addition to being a good source of mineral elements, also contributes vitamin E and, thanks to the very high content of gamma-tocopherols, demonstrates powerful antioxidant activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry: Food Quality and New Analytical Approaches)
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17 pages, 1760 KiB  
Article
Fast and Sensitive Analysis of Short- and Long-Chain Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Foods of Animal Origin
by Federica Gallocchio, Alessandra Moressa, Gloria Zonta, Roberto Angeletti and Francesca Lega
Molecules 2022, 27(22), 7899; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227899 - 15 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1279
Abstract
The availability of sensitive analytical methods to detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in food of animal origin is fundamental for monitoring programs to collect data useful for improving risk assessment strategies. The present study aimed to develop and validate a fast and [...] Read more.
The availability of sensitive analytical methods to detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in food of animal origin is fundamental for monitoring programs to collect data useful for improving risk assessment strategies. The present study aimed to develop and validate a fast and sensitive method for determining short and long-chain PFASs in meat (bovine, fish, and swine muscle), bovine liver, hen eggs, and cow’s milk to be easily applicable in routine analysis of food. A QuEChERS extraction and clean-up method in combination with liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) were used. The method resulted in good linearity (Pearson’s R > 0.99), low limits of detection (7.78–16.35 ng/kg, 8.26–34.01 ng/kg, 6.70–33.65 ng/kg, and 5.92–19.07 ng/kg for milk, liver, egg, and muscle, respectively), and appropriate limits of quantification (50 ng/kg for all compounds except for GenX and C6O4, where the limits of quantification were 100 ng/kg). Trueness and precision for all the tested levels met the acceptability criteria of 80–120% and ≤20%, respectively, regardless of the analyzed matrix. As to measurement uncertainty, it was <50% for all compound/matrix combinations. These results demonstrate the selectivity and sensitivity of the method for simultaneous trace detection and quantification of 14 PFASs in foods of animal origin, verified through the analysis of 63 food samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry: Food Quality and New Analytical Approaches)
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13 pages, 1431 KiB  
Article
Application of Density Measurements for Discrimination and Evaluation of Chemical Composition of Different Types of Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM)
by Piotr Kiełczyński, Piotr Szymański, Marek Szalewski, Krzysztof Wieja, Andrzej Balcerzak and Stanisław Ptasznik
Molecules 2022, 27(21), 7600; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217600 - 05 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1131
Abstract
At present, the problem of identifying and controlling different types of Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM) is a very important practical issue in the meat industry. To address this challenge, the authors propose a new, analytical method for the discrimination and characterization of MSM [...] Read more.
At present, the problem of identifying and controlling different types of Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM) is a very important practical issue in the meat industry. To address this challenge, the authors propose a new, analytical method for the discrimination and characterization of MSM that uses density measurements. The method proposed by the authors, in contrast to the analytical methods existing so far, is rapid, non-destructive, relatively simple and can be computerized. The density measurements of meat samples were conducted with a modified pycnometric method. Statistically significant (p<0.01) differences were found in the evaluated mean values of density for all investigated types of meat. Subsequently, the density measurements were correlated with the physicochemical properties of meat samples. A high correlation coefficient was found between the density of meat samples and the content of protein, sodium and fat. The authors have proven that density measurements allow for rapid discrimination of various types of MSM, and can also be effectively used to determine the chemical composition of MSM samples, e.g., the content of protein, fat and sodium. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry: Food Quality and New Analytical Approaches)
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11 pages, 1608 KiB  
Article
In Silico Approach of Glycinin and Conglycinin Chains of Soybean By-Product (Okara) Using Papain and Bromelain
by Andriati Ningrum, Dian Wahyu Wardani, Nurul Vanidia, Achmat Sarifudin, Rima Kumalasari, Riyanti Ekafitri, Dita Kristanti, Woro Setiaboma and Heli Siti Halimatul Munawaroh
Molecules 2022, 27(20), 6855; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27206855 - 13 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1741
Abstract
This study explores utilization of a sustainable soybean by-product (okara) based on in silico approach. In silico approaches, as well as the BIOPEP database, PeptideRanker database, Peptide Calculator database (Pepcalc), ToxinPred database, and AllerTop database, were employed to evaluate the potential of glycinin [...] Read more.
This study explores utilization of a sustainable soybean by-product (okara) based on in silico approach. In silico approaches, as well as the BIOPEP database, PeptideRanker database, Peptide Calculator database (Pepcalc), ToxinPred database, and AllerTop database, were employed to evaluate the potential of glycinin and conglycinin derived peptides as a potential source of bioactive peptides. These major protein precursors have been found as protein in okara as a soybean by-product. Furthermore, primary structure, biological potential, and physicochemical, sensory, and allergenic characteristics of the theoretically released antioxidant peptides were predicted in this research. Glycinin and α subunits of β-conglycinin were selected as potential precursors of bioactive peptides based on in silico analysis. The most notable among these are antioxidant peptides. First, the potential of protein precursors for releasing bioactive peptides was evaluated by determining the frequency of occurrence of fragments with a given activity. Through the BIOPEP database analysis, there are several antioxidant bioactive peptides in glycinin and β and α subunits of β-conglycinin sequences. Then, an in silico proteolysis using selected enzymes (papain, bromelain) to obtain antioxidant peptides was investigated and then analyzed using PeptideRanker and Pepcalc. Allergenic analysis using the AllerTop revealed that all in silico proteolysis-derived antioxidant peptides are probably nonallergenic peptides. We also performed molecular docking against MPO (myeloperoxidases) for this peptide. Overall, the present study highlights that glycinin and β and α subunits of β-conglycinin could be promising precursors of bioactive peptides that have an antioxidant peptide for developing several applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry: Food Quality and New Analytical Approaches)
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15 pages, 1121 KiB  
Article
Identification and Quantification of Anthocyanin and Catechin Compounds in Purple Tea Leaves and Flakes
by El-Sayed M. Abdel-Aal, Iwona Rabalski, Lili Mats and Ishan Rai
Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6676; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196676 - 07 Oct 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1991
Abstract
Tea is the first most popular beverage worldwide and is available in several selections such as black (fully oxidized), Oolong (partially oxidized) and green (non-oxidized), in addition to purple tea, an emerging variety derived from the same tea plant (Camellia sinensis). [...] Read more.
Tea is the first most popular beverage worldwide and is available in several selections such as black (fully oxidized), Oolong (partially oxidized) and green (non-oxidized), in addition to purple tea, an emerging variety derived from the same tea plant (Camellia sinensis). This study investigated purple tea leaves (non-oxidized) and flakes (water extractable) to thoroughly identify their composition of anthocyanins and catechins and to study the effect of a water extraction process on their compositional properties in comparison with green tea. Anthocyanin and catechin compounds were separated and quantified using UPLC, and their identity was confirmed using LC-MS/MS in positive and negative ionization modes. Delphinidin was the principal anthocyaninidin in purple tea, while cyanidin came in second. The major anthocyanin pigments in purple tea were delphinidin-coumaroyl-hexoside followed by delphinidin-3-galactoside and cyanidin-coumaroyl-hexoside. The water extraction process resulted in substantial reductions in anthocyanins in purple tea flakes. There were no anthocyanin compounds detected in green tea samples. Both purple and green tea types were rich in catechins, with green tea containing higher concentrations than purple tea. The main catechin in purple or green tea was epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) followed by either epicatechin gallate (ECG) or epigallocatechin (EGC), subject to tea type. The extraction process increased the concentration of catechins in both purple and green tea flakes. The results suggest that purple tea holds promise in making healthy brews, natural colorants and antioxidants and/or functional ingredients for beverages, cosmetics and healthcare industries due to its high content of anthocyanins and catechins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry: Food Quality and New Analytical Approaches)
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17 pages, 1806 KiB  
Article
Analytical Approaches in Official Food Safety Control: An LC-Orbitrap-HRMS Screening Method for the Multiresidue Determination of Antibiotics in Cow, Sheep, and Goat Milk
by Severyn Salis, Nicola Rubattu, Federica Rubattu, Maurizio Cossu, Andrea Sanna and Giannina Chessa
Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6162; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196162 - 20 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1429
Abstract
The presence of unauthorized substances, such as residues of veterinary medicines or chemical contaminants, in food can represent a possible health concern. For this reason, a complete legislative framework has been established in the European Union (EU), which defines the maximum limits allowed [...] Read more.
The presence of unauthorized substances, such as residues of veterinary medicines or chemical contaminants, in food can represent a possible health concern. For this reason, a complete legislative framework has been established in the European Union (EU), which defines the maximum limits allowed in food and carries out surveillance programs to control the presence of these substances. Official food control laboratories, in order to ensure a high level of consumer protection, must respond to the challenge of improving and harmonizing the performance of the analytical methods used for the analysis of residues of authorized, unauthorized, or prohibited pharmacologically active substances. Laboratories must also consider the state of the art of the analytical methodologies and the performance requirements of current legislation. The aim of this work was to develop a multiresidue method for the determination of antibiotics in milk, compliant with the criteria and procedures established by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808. The method uses an LC-Orbitrap-HRMS for the determination of 57 molecules of antibiotic and active antibacterial substances belonging to different chemical classes (beta-lactams, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, quinolones, pleuromutilins, macrolides, and lincosamides) in bovine, ovine, and goat milk samples. It provides a simple and quick sample pretreatment and a subsequent identification phase of analytes, at concentrations equal to or lower than the maximum residual limit (MRL), in compliance with Commission Regulation (EU) 2010/37. The validation parameters: selectivity, stability, applicability, and detection capability (ccβ), are in agreement with the requirements of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808 and demonstrated the effectiveness of the method in detecting veterinary drug residues at the target screening concentration (at the MRL level or below), with a false positive rate of less than 5%. This method represents an effective solution for detecting antibiotics in milk, which can be successfully applied in routine analyses for official food control plans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry: Food Quality and New Analytical Approaches)
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15 pages, 2270 KiB  
Article
Pectinases Secretion by Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Optimization in Solid-State Fermentation and Identification by a Shotgun Proteomics Approach
by Matheus Mikio Takeyama, Márcia Corrêa de Carvalho, Helena Sacco Carvalho, Cristiane Rodrigues Silva, Ana Paula Trovatti Uetanabaro, Andrea Miura da Costa, Joseph A. Medeiros Evaristo, Fábio César Sousa Nogueira, Ana Elizabeth Cavalcante Fai and Maria Gabriela Bello Koblitz
Molecules 2022, 27(15), 4981; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154981 - 05 Aug 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1313
Abstract
A sequential design strategy was applied to optimize the secretion of pectinases by a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, from Brazilian sugarcane liquor vat, on passion fruit residue flour (PFRF), through solid-state fermentation (SSF). A factorial design was performed to determine the influence variables and [...] Read more.
A sequential design strategy was applied to optimize the secretion of pectinases by a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, from Brazilian sugarcane liquor vat, on passion fruit residue flour (PFRF), through solid-state fermentation (SSF). A factorial design was performed to determine the influence variables and two rotational central composite designs were executed. The validated experimental result was of 7.1 U mL−1 using 50% PFRF (w/w), pH 5, 30 °C for 24 h, under static SSF. Polygalacturonase, pectin methyl esterase, pectin–lyase and pectate–lyase activities were 3.5; 0.08; 3.1 and 0.8 U mL−1, respectively. Shotgun proteomics analysis of the crude extract enabled the identification of two pectin–lyases, one pectate–lyase and a glucosidase. The crude enzymatic extract maintained at least 80% of its original activity at pH values and temperatures ranging from 2 to 8 and 30 to 80 °C, respectively, over 60 min incubation. Results revealed that PFRF might be a cost-effective and eco-friendly substrate to produce pectinases. Statistical optimization led to fermentation conditions wherein pectin active proteins predominated. To the extent of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the synthesis of pectate lyase by S. cerevisiae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry: Food Quality and New Analytical Approaches)
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14 pages, 1763 KiB  
Article
Total Polyphenols Content, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Leaves of Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. from Morocco
by Mohammed Bouslamti, Azeddine El Barnossi, Mohammed Kara, Badriyah S. Alotaibi, Omkulthom Al Kamaly, Amine Assouguem, Badiaa Lyoussi and Ahmed Samir Benjelloun
Molecules 2022, 27(13), 4322; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27134322 - 05 Jul 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2805
Abstract
Solanum elaeagnifolium is among the invasive plants of Morocco; studies on its chemical composition and biological activities are few in number in Morocco. S. elaeagnifolium has shown molluscicidal and nematicidal and cancer-inhibitory effects, anti-inflammatory, analgesic activity, and antibacterial activity. The objective of this [...] Read more.
Solanum elaeagnifolium is among the invasive plants of Morocco; studies on its chemical composition and biological activities are few in number in Morocco. S. elaeagnifolium has shown molluscicidal and nematicidal and cancer-inhibitory effects, anti-inflammatory, analgesic activity, and antibacterial activity. The objective of this research is to improve this plant and assess its antibacterial and antioxidant properties as well as its total polyphenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The Folin-Ciocalteu method and the aluminium-trichloride method were used to determine TPC and TFC in hydro-ethanolic (HEE) and hydro-acetonic (HAE) leaf extract. Three assays were performed to determine the antioxidant activity: the DPPH test (radical 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), the FRAP test (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), and the TAC test. Disk diffusion and microdilution were used to test antibacterial activity against four pathogenic bacteria and Candida albicans. The hydro-ethanolic extract 2.54 ± 0.4 mg EAG/g has a greater polyphenol concentration than the hydro-acetonic extract 1.58 ± 0.03 mg EAG/g. Although the flavonoid content of the hydro-acetonic extract (0.067 ± 0.001 mg EQ/g) is larger than that of the hydro-ethanolic extract (0.012 ± 0.001 mg EQ/g), the flavonoid content of the hydro-ethanolic extract (0.012 ± 0.001 mg EQ/g). The DPPH values were IC-50 = 0.081 ± 0.004 mg/mL for hydro-ethanoic extract and 0.198 ± 0.019 mg/mL for hydro-acetonic extract, both extracts superior to BHT (0.122 ± 0.021 g/mL). While the FRAP assay showed a low iron-reducing power values for both extracts compared to BHT), the overall antioxidant activity of the two extracts was found to be considerable. The overall antioxidant activity of the hydro-ethanolic extract was 8.95 ± 0.42 mg EAA/g, whereas the total antioxidant activity of the hydro-acetonic extract was 6.44 ± 0.61 mg EAA/g. In comparison with the antibiotic Erythromycin, HAE and HEE from S. elaeagnifolium leaves demonstrated significant antibacterial action. HAE had the best inhibitory efficacy against Bacillus subtilis DSM 6333, with an inhibition diameter of 10.5 ± 0.50 mm and a MIC of 7.5 ± 0.00 mg/mL, as well as against Proteus mirabilis ATCC 29906, with an inhibitory diameter of 8.25 ± 0.75 mm and a MIC of 15 ± 0.00 mg/mL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry: Food Quality and New Analytical Approaches)
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Review

Jump to: Research

14 pages, 548 KiB  
Review
Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Markers, and Meat Quality as Affected by Heat Stress: A Review
by Bochra Bejaoui, Chaima Sdiri, Ikram Ben Souf, Imen Belhadj Slimen, Manel Ben Larbi, Sidrine Koumba, Patrick Martin and Naceur M’Hamdi
Molecules 2023, 28(8), 3332; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28083332 - 10 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1738
Abstract
Heat stress is one of the most stressful events in livestock life, negatively impacting animal health, productivity, and product quality. Moreover, the negative impact of heat stress on animal product quality has recently attracted increasing public awareness and concern. The purpose of this [...] Read more.
Heat stress is one of the most stressful events in livestock life, negatively impacting animal health, productivity, and product quality. Moreover, the negative impact of heat stress on animal product quality has recently attracted increasing public awareness and concern. The purpose of this review is to discuss the effects of heat stress on the quality and the physicochemical component of meat in ruminants, pigs, rabbits, and poultry. Based on PRISMA guidelines, research articles were identified, screened, and summarized based on inclusion criteria for heat stress on meat safety and quality. Data were obtained from the Web of Science. Many studies reported the increased incidences of heat stress on animal welfare and meat quality. Although heat stress impacts can be variable depending on the severity and duration, the exposure of animals to heat stress (HS) can affect meat quality. Recent studies have shown that HS not only causes physiological and metabolic disturbances in living animals but also alters the rate and extent of glycolysis in postmortem muscles, resulting in changes in pH values that affect carcasses and meat. It has been shown to have a plausible effect on quality and antioxidant activity. Acute heat stress just before slaughter stimulates muscle glycogenolysis and can result in pale, tender, and exudative (PSE) meat characterized by low water-holding capacity (WHC). The enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) act by scavenging both intracellular and extracellular superoxide radicals and preventing the lipid peroxidation of the plasma membrane. Therefore, understanding and controlling environmental conditions is crucial to successful animal production and product safety. The objective of this review was to investigate the effects of HS on meat quality and antioxidant status. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry: Food Quality and New Analytical Approaches)
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