Oleuropein hydrolysis in natural green olives: Importance of the endogenous enzymes

Novel procedures for olive leaves extracts processing: Selective isolation of oleuropein and elenolic acid

Several processes have been developed in the past to selectively extract oleuropein and its aglycones from olive derived materials. In the present manuscript, we outline a novel approach for processing olive leaves aqueous extracts. This allowed first to select microwave irradiation as the methodology able to provide a large enrichment in oleuropein. Subsequently, the use of lamellar solids led to the selective and high yield concentration of the same. Adsorption on solids also largely contributed to the long term chemical stability of oleuropein. Finally, an eco-friendly, readily available, and reusable catalyst like H2SO4 supported on silica was applied for the hydrolysis of oleuropein into hydroxytyrosol and elenolic acid. This latter was in turn selectively isolated by an acid-base work-up providing its monoaldehydic dihydropyran form (7.8 % extractive yield), that was unequivocally characterized by GC-MS. The isolation of elenolic acid in pure form is described herein for the first time.

In-package cold plasma treatment to extend the shelf life of food

Conventional food preservation methods such as heat treatment, irradiation, chemical treatment, refrigeration, and coating have various disadvantages, like loss of food quality, nutrition, and cost-effectiveness. Accordingly, cold plasma is one of the new technologies for food processing and has played an important role in preventing food spoilage. Specifically, in-package cold plasma has become a modern trend to decontaminate, process, and package food simultaneously. This strategy has proven successful in processing various fresh food ingredients, including spinach, fruits, vegetables, and meat. In particular, cold plasma treatment within the package reduces the risk of post-processing contamination. Cryoplasm decontamination within packaging has been reported to reduce significantly the microbial load of many foods' spoilage-causing pathogens. However, studies are needed to focus more on the effects of in-package treatments on endogenous enzyme activity, pest control, and removal of toxic pesticide residues. In this review, we comprehensively evaluated the efficacy of in-package low-temperature plasma treatment to extend the shelf life of various foods. The mechanisms by which cold plasma interacts with food were investigated, emphasizing its effects on pathogen reduction, spoilage mitigation, and surface modification. The review also critically assessed the effects of the treatments on food quality, regulatory considerations, and their potential as viable technologies to improve food safety and packaging life. In-package cold plasma treatment could revolutionize food storage when combined with other sophisticated technologies such as nanotechnology.

Bioassay-guided detection, identification and assessment of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds from olive tree flower extracts by high-performance thin-layer chromatography linked to spectroscopy

Olive trees are one of the most widely cultivated fruit trees in the world. The chemical compositions and biological activities of olive tree fruit and leaves have been extensively researched for their nutritional and health-promoting properties. In contrast, limited data have been reported on olive flowers. The present study aimed to analyse bioactive compounds in olive flower extracts and the effect of fermentation-assisted extraction on phenolic content and antioxidant activity. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) hyphenated with the bioassay-guided detection and spectroscopic identification of bioactive compounds was used for the analysis. Enzymatic and bacterial in situ bioassays were used to detect COX-1 enzyme inhibition and antibacterial activity. Multiple zones of antibacterial activity and one zone of COX-1 inhibition were detected in both, non-fermented and fermented, extracts. A newly developed HPTLC-based experimental protocol was used to measure the high-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for the assessment of the relative potency of the extracts in inhibiting COX-1 enzyme and antibacterial activity. Strong antibacterial activities detected in zones 4 and 7 were significantly higher in comparison to ampicillin, as confirmed by low IC50 values (IC50 = 57-58 µg in zone 4 and IC50 = 157-167 µg in zone 7) compared to the ampicillin IC50 value (IC50 = 495 µg). The COX-1 inhibition by the extract (IC50 = 76-98 µg) was also strong compared to that of salicylic acid (IC50 = 557 µg). By comparing the locations of the bands to coeluted standards, compounds from detected bioactive bands were tentatively identified. The eluates from bioactive HPTLC zones were further analysed by FTIR NMR, and LC-MS spectroscopy. Multiple zones of antibacterial activity were associated with the presence of triterpenoid acids, while COX-1 inhibition was related to the presence of long-chain fatty acids.

The Bioactivity of a Hydroxytyrosol-Enriched Extract Originated after Direct Hydrolysis of Olive Leaves from Greek Cultivars

Nowadays, olive leaf polyphenols have been at the center of scientific interest due to their beneficial effects on human health. The most abundant polyphenol in olive leaves is oleuropein. The biological properties of oleuropein are mainly due to the hydroxytyrosol moiety, a drastic catechol group, whose biological activity has been mentioned many times in the literature. Hence, in recent years, many nutritional supplements, food products, and cosmetics enriched in hydroxytyrosol have been developed and marketed, with unexpectedly positive results. However, the concentration levels of hydroxytyrosol in olive leaves are low, as it depends on several agricultural factors. In this study, a rapid and easy methodology for the production of hydroxytyrosol-enriched extracts from olive leaves was described. The proposed method is based on the direct acidic hydrolysis of olive leaves, where the extraction procedure and the hydrolysis of oleuropein are carried out in one step. Furthermore, we tested the in vitro bioactivity of this extract using cell-free and cell-based methods, evaluating its antioxidant and DNA-protective properties. Our results showed that the hydroxytyrosol-enriched extract produced after direct hydrolysis of olive leaves exerted significant in vitro antioxidant and geno-protective activity, and potentially these extracts could have various applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.

Evaluation of Olive Leaf Phenolic Compounds' Gastrointestinal Stability Based on Co-Administration and Microencapsulation with Non-Digestible Carbohydrates

The large generation of olive by-products has motivated their revalorization into high-added-value products. In this regard, olive leaves pose as an interesting source of bioactive compounds, due to their phenolic content with commonly known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, with potential application in non-communicable diseases. However, their effectiveness and applicability into functional foods is limited by their instability under gastrointestinal conditions. Thus, the development of protective formulations is essential. In this study, the spray-drying encapsulation of a phenolic-rich olive leaf extract with inulin as the encapsulating agent was optimized. Then, the behavior of the free extract under gastrointestinal conditions, its co-administration with the encapsulating agent, and the optimized microencapsulated formulation were studied through an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process following the INFOGEST protocol. Digestion of the free extract resulted in the degradation of most compounds, whereas this was minimized in the co-administration of the non-encapsulated extract with the encapsulating agent. This protective effect, related to its interaction with inulin, was similar to the microencapsulated formulation. Thus, both approaches, co-administration and microencapsulation with inulin, could be promising strategies for the improvement of the stability of these anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory compounds under gastrointestinal conditions, enhancing their beneficial effect.

Effect of heat treatment on phenolic composition and radical scavenging activity of olive leaf extract at different pH conditions: a spectroscopic and kinetic study

BACKGROUND

The present study focused on the effect of isothermal treatment (5-90 °C) and pH (2.0-6.0) of aqueous olive leaf phenolic extract solutions on the kinetics of degradation of single and total phenolic compounds and radical scavenging activity, with the objective of predicting and optimizing the thermal treatments in foods enriched with olive leaf extracts.

RESULTS

The major compound, oleuropein, showed higher degradation at low pH 2.0 and temperature-dependent reaction rates, which fitted well a first-order kinetic model, with an estimated activation energy of 98.03 ± 0.08 kJ mol^-1 . Oleuropein hydrolysis resulted in a zero-order increase in hydroxytyrosol concentration at same pH (E_a  = 71.59 ± 1.5 kJ mol^-1 ), whereas a 100-fold slower degradation rate was observed at higher pH. Verbascoside was only degraded at pH 6.0, also following first-order kinetics. These changes in oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol concentrations led to significant changes in fluorescence maximum intensities centered around 315 and 360 nm and in the 425-500 nm spectral zone for samples at pH 6.0, which could be associated with verbacoside degradation. Conversely, analysis of total phenolic content and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity showed little changes, indicating a rather constant overall reducing capacity of the resulting pool of compounds after thermal treatments.

CONCLUSION

The present study can contribute to the knowledge related to oleuropein and phenolic fraction degradation as a result of matrix (pH) and processing. The kinetic parameters obtained could be applied for predicting and optimizing the thermal treatments in foods and drinks enriched with olive leaf extracts. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Assessment of Starters of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Killer Yeasts: Selected Strains in Lab-Scale Fermentations of Table Olives (Olea europaea L.) cv. Leccino

Olives debittering, organoleptic quality and safety can be improved with yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (LABs) selected strain starters, that allow for better fermentation control with respect to natural fermentation. Two selected killer yeasts (Wickerhamomyces anomalus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and Lactobacillus plantarum strains were tested for olive (cv. Leccino) fermentation to compare different starter combinations and strategies; the aim was to assess their potential in avoiding pretreatments and the use of excessive salt in the brines and preservatives. Lactobacilli, yeasts, molds, Enterobacteriaceae and total aerobic bacteria were detected, as well as pH, soluble sugars, alcohols, organic acids, phenolic compounds, and rheological properties of olives. Sugars were rapidly consumed in the brines and olives; the pH dropped quickly, then rose until neutrality after six months. The oleuropein final levels in olives were unaffected by the treatments. The use of starters did not improve the LABs’ growth nor prevent the growth of Enterobacteriaceae and molds. The growth of undesirable microorganisms could have been induced by the availability of selective carbon source such as mannitol, whose concentration in olive trees rise under drought stress. The possible role of climate change on the quality and safety of fermented foods should be furtherly investigated. The improvement of olives’ nutraceutical value can be induced by yeasts and LABs starters due to the higher production of hydroxytyrosol.

Nano-vesicular carriers for bioactive compounds and their applications in food formulations

The most commonly used vesicular systems in the food industry include liposomes, niosomes, phytosomes, or transfersomes. This review focuses on showing how nano-vesicular carriers (NVCs) amend the properties of bioactive compounds (bioactives), making them suitable for food applications, especially functional foods. In this research, we elaborate on the question of whether bioactive-loaded NVCs affect various food aspects such as their antioxidant capacity, or sensory properties. This review also shows how NVCs improve the long-term release profile of bioactives during storage and at different pH values. Besides, the refinement of digestibility and bioaccessibility of diverse bioactives through NVCs in the gastrointestinal tract is elucidated. NVCs allow for stable vesicle formation (e.g. from anthocyanins) which reduces their cytotoxicity and proliferation of cancer cells, prolongs the release bioactives (e.g. d-limonene) with no critical burst, reduces the biofilm formation capacity of both Gram-positive/negative strains and their biofilm gene expression is down-regulated (in the case of tannic acid), low oxidation (e.g. iron) is endured when exposed to simulated gastric fluid, and unpleasant smell and taste are masked (in case of omega-3 fatty acids). After the incorporation of bioactive-loaded NVCs into food products, their antioxidant capacity is enhanced, maintaining high encapsulation efficiency and enduring pasteurization conditions, and they are not distinguished from control samples in sensory evaluation despite the reverse situation about free bioactives.

Increasing Antioxidant Activity in Food Waste Extracts by β-Glucosidase

Research background

Food by-products such as onion peels and olive leaves are rich in bioactive compounds applicable as natural and low-cost sources of antioxidants. Still, these compounds mainly exist in glycosylated form. Often, hydrolysis of glycoside compounds increases their antioxidant activity and health benefits. However, not many studies have been done concerning the β-glucosidase effect, specifically from Aspergillus niger, on glycosylated compounds within these by-products. Also, changes in the antioxidant activity of the mentioned by-products under the effect of β-glucosidase have not been reported yet. Therefore, this study considers the effect of A. niger β-glucosidase on glucoside compounds and the antioxidant activity of onion peel and olive leaf extracts.

Experimental approach

The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Also, glucose, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured. Moreover, TLC and HPLC analyses were performed before and after the enzymatic hydrolysis.

Results and conclusions

The obtained results showed an increase in the extract antioxidant activity after treatment. Also, β-glucosidase increased the glucose content of the extracts. The thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results showed the β-glucosidase efficacy to hydrolyze quercetin glucosides in onion peel extract, and the quercetin concentration increased from (0.48±0.04) mg/mL in the untreated extract to (1.26±0.03) mg/mL in the treated extract (0.5% m/V) after 3 h of enzymatic hydrolysis at 45 °C. Also, the content of quercetin-3-O-glucoside increased considerably from (1.8±0.1) to (54±9) µg/mL following the enzyme treatment. Moreover, oleuropein in olive leaf extract (1% m/V) was hydrolyzed completely from (0.382±0.016) to 0 mg/mL by β-glucosidase for 24 h at 50 °C.

Novelty and scientific contribution

This study showed that A. niger β-glucosidase, as a stable enzyme, hydrolyzed quercetin and oleuropein glycosides in onion peel and olive leaf extracts. Thus, A. niger β-glucosidase is a good candidate for processing the food waste and extracting valuable bioactive compounds. Also, the treated extracts with higher antioxidant and biological activity, and without bitter taste can be applicable as potent, natural and cost-effective antioxidants in the food industry.

Chemical and Enzymatic Characterization of Leaves from Spanish Table Olive Cultivars

Olive leaves are generated as by-products in the olive industry and contain substances with biological properties that provide health benefits. Although these compounds have been characterized in many leaves from olive cultivars devoted to olive oil extraction, few data are available on leaves from the processing of table olives. In this study, the concentration of polyphenols, triterpenic acids, sugars and enzymatic activities (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, β-glucosidase and esterase) were determined in the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) of cvs. Aloreña, Cacereña, Empeltre, Hojiblanca, Manzanilla, Verdial, Gordal and Morona. The mean total phenolic content in olive leaves reached 75.58 g/kg fresh weight, and oleuropein was the main polyphenol identified (89.7-96.5%). The main triterpenic acid identified was oleanolic acid, and the main sugar was mannitol, with mean values of 15.83 and 22.31 g/kg, respectively. However, the content of these biocompounds was influenced by the type of cultivar and the orchards of origin. The highest oleuropein content was found in the Manzanilla variety, while the Gordal had the highest triterpene and mannitol content. In particular, the phenolic content could also be affected by endogenous enzymatic activities. High polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and β-glucosidase activity and low esterase activity were detected, compared to the fruit. Similar to the phenolic compounds, enzymatic activities varied with the harvesting season. The lowest phenolic content corresponded to the highest polyphenol oxidase activity detected during spring. The rest of the enzymatic activities also varied throughout the year, but no common trend was observed.

Effect of Salt Addition and Fermentation Time on Phenolics, Microbial Dynamics, Volatile Organic Compounds, and Sensory Properties of the PDO Table Olives of Gaeta (Italy)

'Oliva di Gaeta' is almost certainly the most important and well-known PDO denomination for table olives in Italy. Their production is based on a specific two-stage trade preparation called the 'Itrana' method. In this work, we investigated how variations in the duration of the initial water fermentation (i.e., 15 and 30 days) and the salt concentration (i.e., 6% and 8% NaCl) influence the chemical features, microbial dynamics, polyphenols, volatile organic compounds, and sensory features of 'Oliva di Gaeta'. The time of the addition of salt did not affect the final concentration in the brine, but a longer initial water fermentation (before salt addition) led to lower pH values. The bacterial count constantly increased until the salt addition (i.e., either 15 or 30 days), while the yeast population peaked on day 30. Generally, the two different salt concentrations did not affect the count of microorganisms at the end of fermentation, with the only exception being a higher lactic acid bacteria count for the treatment with 6% salt added at 30 days. At commercial maturity, the crucial bitter tastant oleuropein was not completely removed from the drupes, and differences in salt concentration and the length of the first-stage water fermentation did not influence its content at the end of olive curing. Richer volatile profiles of olives were detected with higher-salt treatments, while the combination of low salt and early saline treatment provided a more distinct profile. Longer initial water fermentation caused a small increase in some phenolic compounds (e.g., iso-verbascoside, verbascoside, and hydroxytyrosol-glucoside). A panel test indicated that salt application at 30 days resulted in a more "Sour" and "Bitter" taste, irrespective of the salt concentration. The low salt concentration coupled with the late saline treatment resulted in more "Fruity" notes, probably due to the higher production of esters by lactobacilli. The slightly bitter perception of the olives was consistent with the partial removal of oleuropein. Our work revealed the characteristics of the 'Itrana' method and that the variation in salt concentration and its time of application changes parameters ranging from the microbial dynamics to the sensory profile. Specifically, our data indicate that 6% NaCl coupled with a longer initial water fermentation is the most different condition: it is less effective in blocking microbial growth but, at the same time, is more potent in altering the nutritional (e.g., polyphenols) and sensorial qualities (e.g., bitterness and fruitiness) of 'Oliva di Gaeta'.

Metabolomic and transcriptional profiling of oleuropein bioconversion into hydroxytyrosol during table olive fermentation by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum

This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the bioconversion of oleuropein into low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds in two selected Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains, namely, C11C8 and F3.5, under stress brine conditions and at two different temperatures (16°C and 30°C). For this purpose, we adopted an experimental strategy that combined high-resolution mass spectrometry, in silico functional analysis of glycoside hydrolase family 1 (GH1)-encoding candidate genes, and gene expression studies. The oleuropein hydrolysis products and the underlying enzymatic steps were identified, and a novel putative bgl gene was detected, using seven strains belonging to the same species as controls. According to metabolomic analysis, a new intermediate compound (decarboxymethyl dialdehydic form of oleuropein aglycone) was revealed. In addition, strain C11C8 showed a decrease in the oleuropein content greater than that of the F3.5 strain (30% versus 15%) at a temperature of 16°C. The highest increase in hydroxytyrosol was depicted by strain C11C8 at a temperature of 30°C. PCR assays and sequencing analyses revealed that both strains possess bglH1, bglH2, and bglH3 genes. Furthermore, a reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay showed that bglH3 is the only gene transcribed under all tested conditions, while bglH2 is switched off in strain C11C8 grown at cold temperatures, and no transcription was detected for the bglH1 gene. The bglH3 gene encodes a 6-phospho-β-glucosidase, suggesting how phospho-β-glucosidase activity could belong to the overall metabolic strategy undertaken by L. plantarum to survive in an environment poor in free sugars, like table olives.

IMPORTANCE In the present study, a new candidate gene, bglH3, responsible for the β-glucosidase-positive phenotype in L. plantarum was detected, providing the basis for the future marker-assisted selection of L. plantarum starter strains with a β-glucosidase-positive phenotype. Furthermore, the ability of selected strains to hydrolyze oleuropein at low temperatures is important for application as starter cultures on an industrial scale.

Angioprevention of Urologic Cancers by Plant-Derived Foods

The number of cancer cases worldwide keeps growing unstoppably, despite the undeniable advances achieved by basic research and clinical practice. Urologic tumors, including some as prevalent as prostate, bladder or kidney tumors, are no exceptions to this rule. Moreover, the fact that many of these tumors are detected in early stages lengthens the duration of their treatment, with a significant increase in health care costs. In this scenario, prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the global control of these diseases. Although specialized diets are not the only way to decrease the chances to develop cancer, epidemiological evidence support the role of certain plant-derived foods in the prevention of urologic cancer. In many cases, these plants are rich in antiangiogenic phytochemicals, which could be responsible for their protective or angiopreventive properties. Angiogenesis inhibition may contribute to slow down the progression of the tumor at very different stages and, for this reason, angiopreventive strategies could be implemented at different levels of chemoprevention, depending on the targeted population. In this review, epidemiological evidence supporting the role of certain plant-derived foods in urologic cancer prevention are presented, with particular emphasis on their content in bioactive phytochemicals that could be used in the angioprevention of cancer.

An In Vitro and In Silico Study of the Enhanced Antiproliferative and Pro-Oxidant Potential of Olea europaea L. cv. Arbosana Leaf Extract via Elastic Nanovesicles (Spanlastics)

The olive tree is a venerable Mediterranean plant and often used in traditional medicine. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Olea europaea L. cv. Arbosana leaf extract (OLE) and its encapsulation within a spanlastic dosage form on the improvement of its pro-oxidant and antiproliferative activity against HepG-2, MCF-7, and Caco-2 human cancer cell lines. The LC-HRESIMS-assisted metabolomic profile of OLE putatively annotated 20 major metabolites and showed considerable in vitro antiproliferative activity against HepG-2, MCF-7, and Caco-2 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 9.2 ± 0.8, 7.1 ± 0.9, and 6.5 ± 0.7 µg/mL, respectively. The encapsulation of OLE within a (spanlastic) nanocarrier system, using a spraying method and Span 40 and Tween 80 (4:1 molar ratio), was successfully carried out (size 41 ± 2.4 nm, zeta potential 13.6 ± 2.5, and EE 61.43 ± 2.03%). OLE showed enhanced thermal stability, and an improved in vitro antiproliferative effect against HepG-2, MCF-7, and Caco-2 (IC₅₀ 3.6 ± 0.2, 2.3 ± 0.1, and 1.8 ± 0.1 µg/mL, respectively) in comparison to the unprocessed extract. Both preparations were found to exhibit pro-oxidant potential inside the cancer cells, through the potential inhibitory activity of OLE against glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase (IC₅₀ 1.18 ± 0.12 and 2.33 ± 0.19 µg/mL, respectively). These inhibitory activities were proposed via a comprehensive in silico study to be linked to the presence of certain compounds in OLE. Consequently, we assume that formulating such a herbal extract within a suitable nanocarrier would be a promising improvement of its therapeutic potential.

Comparison of Phenolic Compounds in Olive Leaves by Different Drying and Storage Methods

Oleuropein, a bitter substance that exists in olive leaves, can be hydrolyzed to hydroxytyrosol. These are the main phenolic compounds, and they have beneficial properties to human bodies. In this study, we established a simple and new method to determine oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol quickly by HPLC. HPLC conditions were set as follows: water (A) acetonitrile (B) as mobile phase, gradient elution orders: 90%A–10%B for 0–10 min, 80%A–20%B for 14–30 min, and then change to 90%A–10%B for 30–33 min; detection wavelength: 280 nm. Compared with other detection methods, the method simplified the elution procedure and shortened the time. Additionally, we provided a better drying method and preservation of olive leaves in tea drinking production that were air-dried at room temperature of 25 °C.

Preparation of Hydroxytyrosol by Acid Hydrolysis from Olive Leaves

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is the main bioactive compound in olive leaves. However, olive leaves contain a lower level of HT and the extraction process of HT was rarely optimized. In this study, compared with two extraction methods, ultrasound was found to have a positive effect on improving the yield of HT. Therefore, ultrasound was used to assist hydrolysis of hydrochloric acid to extract HT from olive leaves. Response surface method and macroporous resins were applied to optimize the extraction process as well as enrichment of HT. The results showed that ultrasonic extraction time had a significant effect on the yield and the optimal extraction conditions were obtained: ultrasonic time was 120 min, hydrochloric acid concentration was 1.60 mol/L and the liquid-to-material ratio was 60.00 mL/g. Under the optimal extraction condition, the yield of HT was 14.11 ± 0.12 mg/g. NKA-Ⅱ macroporous resin was proved to be a suitable resin to enrich HT from extraction solution. The optimal condition for enriching HY was 250 mL of loading solution at the flow rate of 1.5 mL/min with 40 mL volume of 75% ethanol–eluent at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The concentration of HT changed from 2.27% to 9.25% after enrichment by macroporous resin.

Chemical parameters and antioxidant activity of turning color natural-style table olives of the Sigoise cultivar

A chemical characterization of turning color table olives of the Sigoise variety was made through their processing as natural-style. Polyphenols, sugars, tocopherols, fatty acids, and antioxidant activity in the olives were monitored throughout the elaboration process. Oleuropein, salidroside, hydroxytyrosol 4-glucoside, rutin, ligustroside and verbascoside showed a decrease of 16.90-83.34%, while hydroxytyrosol increased during the first months of brining. Glucose was consumed by 90% due to the metabolism of the fermentative microbiota. The tocopherol content remained stable during the process and only the α-tocopherol decreased. The fatty acids were not affected. The loss in antioxidant compounds resulted in a decrease in the percentage of DPPH radical inhibition from 75.91% in the raw fruit to 44.20% after 150 days of brining. Therefore, the turning color natural table olives of the Sigoise variety are a good source of bioactive compounds.

Development of a Novel Bi-Enzymatic Nanobiocatalyst for the Efficient Bioconversion of Oleuropein to Hydroxytyrosol

Lipase A from Candida antarctica (CalA) and β-glucosidase from Thermotoga maritima (bgl) were covalently co-immobilized onto the surface of chitosan-coated magnetic nanoparticles (CS-MNPs). Several parameters regarding the co-immobilization procedure (glutaraldehyde concentration, incubation time, CS-MNPs to enzyme mass ratio and bgl to CalA mass ratio) were evaluated and optimized. The developed nanobiocatalyst was characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Biochemical parameters such as kinetic constants and thermal stability were also evaluated. The nanobiocatalytic system revealed an increase in the Km constant followed by a decrease in Vmax value compared with the native enzymes, while a significant increase (>5-fold higher) of the thermal stability of the immobilized CalA, both in individual and in co-immobilized form, was observed after 24 h incubation at 60 °C. Finally, the nanobiocatalyst was efficiently applied for the bioconversion of oleuropein to hydroxytyrosol, one of the most powerful naturally derived antioxidants, and it could be recycled for up to 10 reaction cycles (240 h of constant operation) at 60 °C, retaining more than 50% of its initial activity.

Strategies to Broaden the Applications of Olive Biophenols Oleuropein and Hydroxytyrosol in Food Products

Oleuropein (OLE) and hydroxytyrosol (HT) are olive-derived phenols recognised as health-promoting agents with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities, providing a wide range of applications as functional food ingredients. HT is Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), whereas OLE is included in EFSA daily consumptions recommendations, albeit there is no official GRAS status for its pure form. Their application in food, however, may be hindered by challenges such as degradation caused by processing conditions and undesired sensorial properties (e.g., the astringency of OLE). Among the strategies to overcome such setbacks, the encapsulation in delivery systems and the covalent and non-covalent complexation are highlighted in this review. Additionally, the synthesis of OLE and HT derivatives are studied to improve their applicability. All in all, more research needs however to be carried out to investigate the impact of these approaches on the sensory properties of the final food product and its percussions at the gastrointestinal level, as well as on bioactivity. At last limitations of these approaches at a scale of the food industry must also be considered.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity of Hydroxytyrosol and 3,4-Dihydroxyphenyglycol Purified from Table Olive Effluents

New liquid effluents based on the use of acetic acid in the table olive industry make it easier to extract bioactive compounds to be used for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical purposes. The use of water acidified with acetic acid or in brine with or without acetic acid for storing the table olive enhances the extraction of two more active phenolic compounds: hydroxytyrosol (HT) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG). This work has two aims: (1) measure the solubilization of phenolics controlled for two years using more than thirty olive varieties with different ripeness index as a potential source of HT and DHPG, and (2) evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the purified phenolics. The effluents with a higher concentration of phenolics were used for the extraction of HT and DHPG in order to evaluate its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro by the determination of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Human Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Interleukin-1β (Il-1β). The anti-inflammatory activity of these phenolic extracts was demonstrated by studying the expression of cytokines by qPCR and the levels of these proteins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Oleuropein-Laded Ufasomes Improve the Nutraceutical Efficacy

Ufasomes are unsaturated fatty acid liposomes made up of oleic and linoleic acids, natural components required in various biological processes. This kind of nanocarrier is characterized by a simple and dynamic structure and is able to improve the bioavailability of unsaturated fatty acids. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate ufasomes as natural compound delivery systems to deliver oleuropein and improve its antioxidant activity. Oleuropein is a phenolic compound mainly present in olives and olive oil, with several biological properties, such as the antioxidant activity. However, to improve their biological activity, antioxidant compounds should be able to cross cell membranes and uniformly incorporate in cells. Because of the great similarity between their constituents and cell membranes, ufasomes could be advantageous carriers for oleuropein delivery. The physico-chemical characteristics of ufasomes were investigated. A regular shape was shown by transmission electron microscopy studies, while the mean sizes were dependent on the ufasomes composition. In vitro studies highlighted that empty ufasomes did not lead to cell mortality at the tested concentrations and a good carrier internalization in CaCo-2 cells, further studies in vitro studies demonstrated that oleuropein-loaded ufasomes were able to enhance the antioxidant activity of the free active substance making this carrier a suitable one for nutraceutical application.

Application of Hydroxytyrosol in the Functional Foods Field: From Ingredient to Dietary Supplements

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is an amphipathic functional phenol found in the olive tree, both in its leaves and fruits, in free or bound forms, as well as in olive oil and by-products of olive oil manufacture. The European Food Safety Authority recommends regular consumption of HT due to its several beneficial effects on human health, which are closely associated to its antioxidant activity. These reasons make HT an excellent candidate for application as a functional ingredient in the design of novel food products. Patents already exist for methodologies of extraction, purification, and application of HT in supplements and food products. The present review discusses the impact of HT incorporation on food properties and its effects on consumers, based on relevant data related to the use of HT as a functional ingredient, both as a pure compound or in the form of HT-rich extracts, in various food products, namely in edible oils, beverages, bakery products, as well animal-based foods such as meat, fishery and dairy products.

Deciphering Microbial Community Dynamics and Biochemical Changes During Nyons Black Olive Natural Fermentations

French PDO Nyons black table olives are produced according to a traditional slow spontaneous fermentation in brine. The manufacture and unique sensorial properties of these olives thus only rely on the autochthonous complex microbiota. This study aimed at unraveling the microbial communities and dynamics of Nyons olives during a 1.5-year-long spontaneous fermentation to determine the main microbial drivers and link microbial species to key metabolites. Fermentations were monitored at a local producer plant at regular time intervals for two harvests and two olive types (organically and conventionally grown) using culture-dependent and metabarcoding (ITS2 for fungi, V3-V4 region for bacteria) approaches. Olives and brines were also sampled for volatiles, organic acids and phenolic compounds. No major differences in microbiota composition were observed according to olive type or harvest period. Throughout the fermentation, yeasts were clearly the most dominant. ITS2 sequencing data revealed complex fungal diversity dominated by Citeromyces nyonsensis, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Zygotorulaspora mrakii, Candida boidinii and Pichia membranifaciens species. Bacterial communities were dominated by the Celerinatantimonas genus, while lactic acid bacteria remained scarce. Clear shifts in microbial communities and biochemical profiles were observed during fermentation and, by correlating metabolites and microbiota changes, four different phases were distinguished. During the first 7 days, phase I, a fast decrease of filamentous fungal and bacterial populations was observed. Between days 21 and 120, phase II, W. anomalus and C. nyonsensis for fungi and Celerinatantimonas diazotrophica for bacteria dominated the fermentation and were linked to the pH decrease and citric acid production. Phase III, between 120 and 183 days, was characterized by an increase in acids and esters and correlated to increased abundances of Z. mrakii, P. membranifaciens and C. boidinii. During the last months of fermentation, phase IV, microbial communities were dominated by P. membranifaciens and C. boidinii. Both species were strongly correlated to an increase in fruity esters and alcohol abundances. Overall, this study provides an in-depth understanding about microbial species succession and how the microbiota shapes the final distinct olive characteristics. It also constitutes a first step to identify key drivers of this fermentation.

Liposomal Encapsulation of Oleuropein and an Olive Leaf Extract: Molecular Interactions, Antioxidant Effects and Applications in Model Food Systems

The influence of actively/passively encapsulated oleuropein on DPPC liposomes thermal and structural properties, and its antioxidant capacity against lipid peroxidation were investigated. Also, an oleuropein-rich olive leaf extract was encapsulated in soy phosphatidylcholine (PL-90 g) and incorporated in model and commercial drinks. Oleuropein induced a concentration-dependent broadening and splitting of the gel-to-liquid phase transition temperature. Fluorescence measurements revealed a fluidizing effect on liposomes below their gel-to-liquid phase transition temperature, and a higher lipid ordering above, especially to active encapsulation. Oleuropein also showed an antioxidant effect against lipid peroxidation in PL-90 g liposomes. PL-90 g Liposomes with olive leaf extract showed a mean diameter of 405 ± 4 nm and oleuropein encapsulation efficiency of 34% and delayed oleuropein degradation at pH 2.0 and 2.8 model drinks. In conclusion, greater effects were observed on the structure and fluidity of DPPC liposomes when oleuropein was actively encapsulated, while its incorporation into acidic foods in encapsulated form could enhance its stability.

Characterization of bioactive and nutraceutical compounds occurring in olive oil processing wastes

RATIONALE

Several bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids and secoiridoids, are transferred from olive drupes to olive oil during the first stage of production. Here, the characterization of these low molecular weight (LMW) compounds in olive oil and in closely related processing materials, like olive leaves (OL) and olive mill wastewaters (OMW), was faced up, for the first time, by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS).

METHODS

A novel binary matrix composed of 1,8-bis(tetramethylguanidino)naphthalene (TMGN) and 9-aminoacridine (9AA) (1:1 molar ratio), displaying excellent ionization properties at low levels of laser energy, was employed in reflectron negative ion mode by a MALDI TOF/TOF system equipped with a neodymium-doped yttrium lithium fluoride (Nd:YLF) laser (345 nm). MS/MS experiments were performed by using ambient air as the collision gas.

RESULTS

Four major secoiridoids typically present in olive oil, i.e., the aglycones of oleuropein and ligstroside, and oleacein and olecanthal at m/z 377.1, 361.1, 319.1 and 303.1, respectively, were detected in virgin olive oil (VOO) extracts, along with some of their chemical/enzymatic hydrolysis by-products, such as elenolic (m/z 241.1), decarboxymethyl-elenolic acids (m/z 183.1) and hydroxytyrosol (m/z 153.1). Besides oleuropein aglycone and oleacein, hydroxylated derivatives of decarboxymethyl-elenolic acid and hydroxytyrosol were evidenced in OMW.

CONCLUSIONS

While oleuropein was confirmed in OL extracts, several interesting phenolic compounds, including hydroxytyrosol, were recognized in OMW. The proposed approach based on the use of a novel binary matrix for MALDI MS/MS analyses of LMW bioactive compounds can be considered a promising analytical tool for a rapid screening of the phenolic fraction in olive oils and related processing wastes.

Table olive polyphenols: A simultaneous determination by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Table olives contain a wide range of polyphenols responsible for protective effects on health that have been associated with a lower prevalence of chronic diseases. A new method to identify and quantify these compounds in table olives, by means of methanol:ethanol (1:1; v/v) extraction followed by LC-ESI-MS/MS, has been developed and validated. The chromatographic column Eclipse-XDB-C18, never used before in this kind of application, provided the best results using Milli-Q water with 0.025% acetic acid and acetonitrile with 5% acetone as eluents. This method allows the quantification of 17 polyphenols, namely, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, salidroside, hydroxytyrosol acetate, catechol, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, o-coumaric acid, p-coumaric acid, verbascoside; oleuropein; pinoresinol, apigenin, luteolin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, quercetin and rutin. The new method has been validated and shows linear correlations (R²>0.996), recoveries superior to 95%, high sensitivity, adequate precision and accuracy (RSD < 15%) as well as a short chromatographic analysis of 9 min. Its application to the analysis of Marfil table olives enabled the quantification of 15 polyphenols, among which hydroxytyrosol (384.1 ± 81.2 mg/kg), tyrosol (201.2 ± 3.8 mg/kg), luteolin (88.0 ± 3.8 mg/kg) and salidroside (85.9 ± 3.2 mg/kg) stand out. Furthermore, this method allows to assess whether the intake of a certain number of olives can meet the health claim associated to olive oil polyphenols (Reg. EU n.432/2012). Our results indicate that the daily intake of only 7 olives, which corresponds to 8 g of edible portion, provide an amount of hydroxytyrosol and derivatives (e.g. oleuropein complex and tyrosol) of 5 mg, according to the health claim of the EU. In view of the results, it could be stated that table olives are an excellent source of bioactive compounds, thus emerging as a promising functional food.

Use of Amberlite Macroporous Resins To Reduce Bitterness in Whole Olives for Improved Processing Sustainability

Olives are inedible because of high levels of bitter phenolics (e.g., oleuropein) which are removed during commercial olive processing. Current commercial processing methods are highly water-intensive, produce toxic wastewater, and are environmentally unsustainable. To address this, macroreticular polymeric resins were used to assist debittering and decrease water use. Amberlite resins XAD4, XAD16N, XAD7HP, and FPX66 were evaluated for the ability to adsorb bitter and/or high-value phenolic compounds (i.e., oleuropein, ligstroside, oleuropein aglycone, ligstroside aglycone, oleocanthal, oleacein, and hydroxytyrosol) from whole olives during typical brine storage. All resins effectively adsorbed oleuropein and ligstroside. FPX66 reduced oleuropein in whole olives suspended in a 1.0% acetic acid brine to 0.635 mg/kg wet weight in 2.5 months with no further processing. This concentration is below levels measured in commercial California-style black ripe olives (0.975 mg/kg wet weight). Resins in storage brines effectively decrease levels of bitter phenolic compounds without additional lye processing. Excellent recoveries of high-value phenolic compounds are obtained from resins (e.g., 80.2 ± 3.3% to 89.4 ± 8.9% hydroxytyrosol).

Polyphenol Profile in Manzanilla Table Olives As Affected by Water Deficit during Specific Phenological Stages and Spanish-Style Processing

Reducing water consumption on agriculture is a worldwide goal toward sustainability. In this scenario, two experiments of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) were carried out on olive trees, cultivar Manzanilla. With regard to experiment A, three RDI techniques were applied during the olive pit hardening period (stage II), while in experiment B, two RDI treatments were applied during the rehydration phase (stage III). Table olives under RDI are so-called hydroSOStainable. The effect of water deficit and Spanish-style processing was studied on the polyphenol profile, antioxidant capacity, and total polyphenol content (TPC) of both raw olives (RO) and table olives (TO). The TPC decreased after processing of TO. It could be due to osmotic mechanisms. However, many individual polyphenols, such as oleuropein (main polyphenol) or oleoside diglucoside, increased their concentrations in hydroSOStainable TO. Additionally, the TPC content was correlated to the phenological stage of the fruit when the stress is applied. A moderate stress during pit hardening and an intense stress during the rehydration phase were the treatments that best improved the polyphenol profile.

β-Glucosidase Discovery and Design for the Degradation of Oleuropein

Current lye processing for debittering California black table olives produces large amounts of caustic wastewater and destroys many of the beneficial phenolic compounds in the fruit. Herein, we propose using enzyme treatment in place of lye, potentially reducing the amount and causticity of wastewater produced. By specifically targeting the bitterness-causing compound, oleuropein, retention of other beneficial phenolics may be possible. A β-glucosidase from Streptomyces sp. was identified from a screen of 22 glycosyl hydrolases to completely degrade oleuropein in 24 h. Computational modeling was performed on this enzyme, and mutation C181A was found to improve the rate of catalysis by 3.2-fold. This mutant was tested in the context of the olive fruit and leaf extract. Degradation was observed in the olive leaf extract but not in the fruit matrix, suggesting that enzyme fruit penetration is a limiting factor. This work discovers and begins the refinement process for an enzyme that has the catalytic properties for debittering olives and provides direction for future engineering efforts required to make a product with commercial value.

Reducing Phenolics Related to Bitterness in Table Olives

Olives are one of the oldest food products in human civilization. Over the centuries, numerous methods have been developed to transform olives from a bitter drupe into an edible fruit. Methods of processing table olives rely on the acid, base, and/or enzymatic hydrolysis of bitter phenolic compounds naturally present in the fruit into nonbitter hydrolysis products. Today, there are three primary methods of commercial table olive processing: the Greek, Spanish, and Californian methods, in addition to several Artisanal methods. This review focuses on the technological, microbiological, chemical, and sensory aspects of table olive processing and the inherent benefits and drawbacks of each method. The table olive industry is facing challenges of environmental sustainability and increased consumer demand for healthier products. Herein, we examine current research on novel technologies that aim to address these issues.

Technologies and Trends to Improve Table Olive Quality and Safety

Table olives are the most widely consumed fermented food in the Mediterranean countries. Peculiar processing technologies are used to process olives, which are aimed at the debittering of the fruits and improvement of their sensory characteristics, ensuring safety of consumption at the same time. Processors demand for novel techniques to improve industrial performances, while consumers' attention for natural and healthy foods has increased in recent years. From field to table, new techniques have been developed to decrease microbial load of potential spoilage microorganisms, improve fermentation kinetics and ensure safety of consumption of the packed products. This review article depicts current technologies and recent advances in the processing technology of table olives. Attention has been paid on pre processing technologies, some of which are still under-researched, expecially physical techniques, such ad ionizing radiations, ultrasounds and electrolyzed water solutions, which are interesting also to ensure pesticide decontamination. The selections and use of starter cultures have been extensively reviewed, particularly the characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeasts to fasten and safely drive the fermentation process. The selection and use of probiotic strains to address the request for functional foods has been reported, along with salt reduction strategies to address health concerns, associated with table olives consumption. In this respect, probiotics enriched table olives and strategies to reduce sodium intake are the main topics discussed. New processing technologies and post packaging interventions to extend the shelf life are illustrated, and main findings in modified atmosphere packaging, high pressure processing and biopreservaton applied to table olive, are reported and discussed.

Soft-MS and Computational Mapping of Oleuropein

Olive oil and table olives are rich sources of biophenols, which provides a unique taste, aroma and potential health benefits. Specifically, green olive drupes are enriched with oleuropein, a bioactive biophenol secoiridoid. Olive oil contains hydrolytic derivatives such as hydroxytyrosol, oleacein and elenolate from oleuropein as well as tyrosol and oleocanthal from ligstroside. Biophenol secoiridoids are categorized by the presence of elenoic acid or its derivatives in their molecular structure. Medical studies suggest that olive biophenol secoiridoids could prevent cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, and neurodegeneration. Therefore, understanding the biomolecular dynamics of oleuropein can potentially improve olive-based functional foods and nutraceuticals. This review provides a critical assessment of oleuropein biomolecular mechanism and computational mapping that could contribute to nutrigenomics.

Technological Potential of Lactobacillus Strains Isolated from Fermented Green Olives: In Vitro Studies with Emphasis on Oleuropein-Degrading Capability

Technological properties of two strains of Lactobacillus plantarum (B3 and B11) and one of Lactobacillus pentosus (B4), previously isolated from natural fermented green olives, have been studied in vitro. Acidifying ability, salt, temperature, and pH tolerances of all strains were found in the range reported for similar strains produced in Italy and optimal growth conditions were found to be 6.0–8.0 pH, 15–30°C temperature, and less than 6% NaCl. Moreover, all strains showed very good tolerance to common olive phenol content (0.3% total phenol) and high oleuropein-degrading capability. It was found that medium composition affected the bacterial oleuropein degradation. B11 strain grown in a nutrient-rich medium showed a lower oleuropein-degrading action than when it was cultivated in nutrient-poor medium. Furthermore, enzymatic activity assays revealed that oleuropein depletion did not correspond to an increase of hydroxytyrosol, evidencing that bacterial strains could efficiently degrade oleuropein via a mechanism different from hydrolysis.