Stability of Essential Oils: A Review

Optimization of the determination of volatile organic compounds in plant tissue and soil samples: Untargeted metabolomics of main active compounds

This review critically assesses the determination of low molecular weight volatiles by different methods, providing context for the development of suitable techniques to determine volatile content in plant tissue and soil samples as well as the associated analytical challenges. Although sensitive analytical methods have been reported in recent decades, studies on their application in modern investigative techniques are lacking. Herein, the latest sampling methods in volatile biochemistry, current advancements in the understanding of these analytes, and the significance of these findings for other types of volatiles are summarized. Gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, ion chromatography, thin-film microextraction, and real-time monitoring techniques are discussed and critically determined. This review concerns the methods most suitable for future research in this area.

Preparation and insecticidal performance of 1,8-cineole/cellulose acetate electrospun fibrous membranes

Plant essential oils and their components have broad application prospects as substitutes for chemical pesticides. However, the burst release and persistence time need to be optimized. In this study, 1,8-cineole (1,8-CIN) was embedded in degradable cellulose acetate (CA) by electrospinning to achieve sustained release. The results showed that the sustained-release membrane had good morphology and thermal stability. The release test showed that the deficiency of the explosive release of 1,8-CIN improved after encapsulation, and 21.74 % of the drug remained after 42 days. In the application test, the fiber membrane could kill the test insects in a short period of time and affect the behavior choices of the test insects. It affected the growth and oviposition of the test insects and reduced adult longevity by 13.64 % and oviposition by 23.35 %. This study can improve the utilization rate of pesticides, alleviate environmental pressure, and provide new ideas for pest control.

Compositional Optimization for Miticidal Activity, Ecotoxicity, and Phytotoxicity of Rosmarinus officinalis Essential Oils as Biorational Pesticides

Recognizing the challenges in using botanicals as sustainable pest control agents due to compositional variation, this study addresses the limitations of traditional component-based approaches such as Hewlett and Plackett or Wadley's models. Based on the assumption of noninteractivity among constituents, these models often fail to predict outcomes accurately due to dynamic intermolecular interactions. We introduce a whole mixture-based approach, employing a combination of experimental design and polynomial modeling. This technique accurately predicts miticidal activity on Tetranychus urticae, ecotoxicity on Daphnia magna, and phytotoxic activities on Phaseolus vulgaris of Rosemarinus officinalis essential oils with varying composition. The RMSE values from the polynomial model are 66.9 and 5.0 for miticidal activity and ecotoxicity, respectively, while they are much higher in component-based models, up to 1097.7 and 41.3, respectively. Additionally, we utilize multiobjective optimization algorithms to identify the optimal supplementary blending of oils and compounds. This strategy aims to maximize miticidal effectiveness while minimizing ecotoxicity and phytotoxicity. Our approach for predicting multicomponent mixture effects is likely to bridge the knowledge gap between research and commercialization.

Innovative ultrasonic emulsification of cinnamon essential oil pickering emulsion stabilized by rice straw-derived cellulose nanocrystals

For the first time, ultrasonic emulsification was studied for cinnamon essential oil (CEO) Pickering emulsion, stabilized by cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) from rice straw. Sonication proved to be an effective method for emulsifying CEO, creating small emulsion droplets around 700 nm in size, with an even dispersion characterized through a low polydispersity index. The biomass-derived CNC exhibits high encapsulation efficiency (> 95 %) with varying CEO concentration (5-25 vol%), creating droplets with negative surface charge with limited aggregation of emulsions. Optimization through the Box Behnken design using response surface methodology provides a model for the interaction and effects of variables towards the formulation. Optimal condition was concluded to be at 11.47 vol% CEO, 0.84 wt/vol% CNC and at 6 sonication cycles. The optimized Pickering emulsions retain the antimicrobial properties of CEO, with a large inhibition zone and low MIC value of around 0.048 vol% CEO. DPPH inhibition assay indicates that the emulsification process enhances the antioxidation properties of cinnamon essential oil, expressed through a lower IC50 of 0.90 vol% CEO, in comparison to pure essential oil at 1.33 vol% CEO. Overall, this research proposes a novel approach towards using nanocellulose as carriers for essential oil with potential in a large variety of applications.

An implementation framework for evaluating the biocidal potential of essential oils in controlling Fusarium wilt in spinach: from in vitro to in planta

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae, causes a significant challenge on vegetative spinach and seed production. Addressing this issue necessitates continuous research focused on innovative treatments and protocols through comprehensive bioassays. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of plant-based compounds in controlling fungal diseases. The present work aims to conduct a series of experiments, encompassing both in vitro and in planta assessments, to investigate the biocontrol capabilities of different essential oils (EOs) at various application rates, with the ultimate goal of reducing the incidence of Fusarium wilt in spinach. The inhibitory effect of four plant EOs (marjoram, thyme, oregano, and tea tree) was initially assessed on the spore germination of five unknown Fusarium strains. The outcomes revealed diverse sensitivities of Fusarium strains to EOs, with thyme exhibiting the broadest inhibition, followed by oregano at the highest concentration (6.66 μL/mL) in most strains. The tested compounds displayed a diverse range of median effective dose (ED50) values (0.69 to 7.53 µL/mL), with thyme and oregano consistently showing lower ED50 values. The direct and indirect inhibitory impact of these compounds on Fusarium mycelial growth ranged from ~14% to ~100%, wherein thyme and oregano consistently exhibiting the highest effectiveness. Following the results of five distinct inoculation approaches and molecular identification, the highly pathogenic strain F-17536 (F. oxysporum f.sp. spinaciae) was chosen for Fusarium wilt assessment in spinach seedlings, employing two promising EO candidates through seed and soil treatments. Our findings indicate that colonized grain (CG) proved to be a convenient and optimal inoculation method for consistent Fusarium wilt assessment under greenhouse conditions. Seed treatments with thyme and oregano EOs consistently resulted in significantly better disease reduction rates, approximately 54% and 36% respectively, compared to soil treatments (P > 0.05). Notably, thyme, applied at 6.66 µL/mL, exhibited a favorable emergence rate (ERI), exceeding seven, in both treatments, emphasizing its potential for effective disease control in spinach seedlings without inducing phytotoxic effects. This study successfully transitions from in vitro to in planta experiments, highlighting the potential incorporation of EOs into integrated disease management for Fusarium wilt in spinach production.

3D printed cinnamon essential oil/banana peel carbon dots loaded corn starch/gelatin bilayer film with enhanced functionality for food packaging application

Using 3D printing technology, a gelatin-polyvinyl alcohol‑carbon dots (GPC) layer+corn starch-polyvinyl alcohol-cinnamon essential oil (CPC) layer active bilayer film with an external barrier function and an internal controlled-release effect was successfully produced for food preservation. The GPC film was provided with potent antioxidant and UV blocking properties by the banana peel carbon dots (CDs). The cinnamon essential oil (CEO) had the strongest interaction with the film matrix at 3% (w/w), causing the CPC film having the lowest surface wettability, good integrity, and lowest crystallinity. The CEO's stability and releasing effectiveness were greatly enhanced by the creation of a bilayer film. At 60% filling rate of the CPC layer, the bilayer film showed the highest CEO retention after drying and the best CEO release performance. Finally, the created active bilayer film was found to significantly improve the sensory quality stability of the spicy essential oil microcapsule powders. It also successfully extended the mangoes' shelf life by delaying browning and rot.

Enhanced stability of encapsulated lemongrass essential oil in chitosan-gelatin and pectin-gelatin biopolymer matrices containing ZnO nanoparticles

The use of essential oils is widespread in various fields such as pharmacy, pest control, and active packaging. However, their instability and short-term effects require methods to enhance their durability and effectiveness. Encapsulation in biopolymer matrices appears to be a promising approach due to the environmental safety and cost-effectiveness of such formulations. In this study, different oil-in-water emulsions were prepared by mixing chitosan-gelatin (C-G) or pectin-gelatin (P-G) solutions with lemongrass essential oil (LG). ZnO NPs were used as an additional active component. Encapsulation in biopolymer matrices resulted in stable emulsions with a significantly slower release of LG, and ZnO NPs further suppressed LG release, particularly in the P-G emulsion. They also contributed to the stability of the emulsions and a decrease in the average droplet size of LG. Furthermore, the presence of LG and ZnO NPs improved the smoothness of the films prepared from the emulsions and dispersions using the casting technique. SEM/EDS analysis confirmed the homogeneous distribution of ZnO NPs in both C-G and P-G films. By adjusting the type and content of the biopolymers and NPs, such emulsions could be effectively utilized in various applications where controlled release of active components is required.

Assessment of Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Liposomes Loaded with Curcumin and Lippia origanoides Essential Oil

(1) Introduction: Curcumin and Lippia origanoides essential oils have a broad spectrum of biological activities; however, their physicochemical instability, low solubility, and high volatility limit their therapeutic use. Encapsulation in liposomes has been reported as a feasible approach to increase the physicochemical stability of active substances, protect them from interactions with the environment, modulate their release, reduce their volatility, improve their bioactivity, and reduce their toxicity. To date, there are no reports on the co-encapsulation of curcumin and Lippia origanoides essential oils in liposomes. Therefore, the objective of this work is to prepare and physiochemical characterize liposomes loaded with the mixture of these compounds and to evaluate different in vitro biological activities. (2) Methods: Liposomes were produced using the thin-layer method and physiochemical characteristics were calculated. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of both encapsulated and non-encapsulated compounds were evaluated. (3) Results: Empty and loaded nanometric-sized liposomes were obtained that are monodisperse and have a negative zeta potential. They inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and did not exhibit cytotoxic activity against mammalian cells. (4) Conclusions: Encapsulation in liposomes was demonstrated to be a promising strategy for natural compounds possessing antimicrobial activity.

Unveiling the mechanism of essential oil action against skin pathogens: from ancient wisdom to modern science

Essential oils are among the most well-known phyto-compounds, and since ancient times, they have been utilized in medicine. Over 100 essential oils have been identified and utilized as therapies for various skin infections and related ailments. While numerous commercial medicines are available in different dosage forms to treat skin diseases, the persisting issues include their side effects, toxicity, and low efficacy. As a result, researchers are seeking novel classes of compounds as substitutes for synthetic drugs, aiming for minimal side effects, no toxicity, and high efficacy. Essential oils have shown promising antimicrobial activity against skin-associated pathogens. This review presents essential knowledge and scientific information regarding essential oil's antimicrobial capabilities against microorganisms that cause skin infections. Essential oils mechanisms against different pathogens have also been explored. Many essential oils exhibit promising activity against various microbes, which has been qualitatively assessed using the agar disc diffusion experiment, followed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration for quantitative evaluation. It has been observed that Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans have been extensively researched in the context of skin-related infections and their antimicrobial activity, including established modes of action. In contrast, other skin pathogens such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogens, Propionibacterium acnes, and Malassezia furfur have received less attention or neglected. This review report provides an updated understanding of the mechanisms of action of various essential oils with antimicrobial properties. This review explores the anti-infectious activity and mode of action of essential against distinct skin pathogens. Such knowledge can be valuable in treating skin infections and related ailments.

Application of Natural Functional Additives for Improving Bioactivity and Structure of Biopolymer-Based Films for Food Packaging: A Review

The global trend towards conscious consumption plays an important role in consumer preferences regarding both the composition and quality of food and packaging materials, including sustainable ones. The development of biodegradable active packaging materials could reduce both the negative impact on the environment due to a decrease in the use of oil-based plastics and the amount of synthetic preservatives. This review discusses relevant functional additives for improving the bioactivity of biopolymer-based films. Addition of plant, microbial, animal and organic nanoparticles into bio-based films is discussed. Changes in mechanical, transparency, water and oxygen barrier properties are reviewed. Since microbial and oxidative deterioration are the main causes of food spoilage, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of natural additives are discussed, including perspective ones for the development of biodegradable active packaging.

Effect of neroli-flavored chewing gum on anxiety

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of neroli-flavored chewing gum in reducing anxiety. A single-blind, two-group study was conducted on 72 university students. Participants were randomly assigned to either the commercial neroli-flavored chewing gum (CNC) group or the natural hydro-distilled neroli-flavored chewing gum (NNC) group. The research instrument used was Spielberger's State-Anxiety questionnaire. While there was no significant difference in anxiety scores between the CNC and NNC groups before the intervention, a significant difference was observed in anxiety scores 20 min after the intervention. Within-group comparisons indicated statistically significant differences between pre-test and post-test values of anxiety in the NNC group. The results of this study suggest that natural hydro-distilled neroli-flavored chewing gum can reduce anxiety in university students.

Insecticidal Activity of Some Major Essential Oil Components against Metopolophium dirhodum and Its Predators

Essential oils (EOs) are plant metabolites with important insecticidal effects. Nevertheless, information on the efficacy of the major substances on aphids and their natural enemies is still missing. The objective of this paper is, therefore, to identify the efficacy of selected EO majority substances-β-citronellol, carvacrol, isoeugenol, and linalool, including their binary mixtures-on the mortality and fertility of the aphid Metopolophium dirhodum, an important cereal pest. The best efficacy was proven for the binary mixture of β-citronellol and linalool (1:1 ratio), for which the estimated LC50(90) is 0.56(1.58) mL L-1. This binary mixture applied in sublethal concentrations significantly reduced aphid fertility. It was found that the phenomenon can be attributed to β-citronellol, as the females treated with LC30 laid 45.9% fewer nymphs, on average, compared to the control. Although β-citronellol and linalool, including their 1:1 mixture, showed very good efficacy on aphid mortality, they were, on the other hand, very friendly to the larvae of Aphidoletes aphidimyza and Chrysoperla carnea, which are important aphid predators. Based on our results, the newly discovered synergically acting binary mixture β-citronellol/linalool can be recommended as an efficient substance suitable for the further development of botanical insecticides used against aphids.

Harnessing medicinal plant compounds for the control of Campylobacter in foods: a comprehensive review

Campylobacter is a major foodborne and zoonotic pathogen, causing severe human infections and imposing a substantial economic burden on global public health. The ongoing spread and emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains across various fields exacerbate therapeutic challenges, raising the incidence of diseases and fatalities. Medicinal plants, renowned for their abundance in secondary metabolites, exhibit proven efficacy in inhibiting various foodborne and zoonotic pathogens, presenting sustainable alternatives to ensure food safety. This review aims to synthesize recent insights from peer-reviewed journals on the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter species, elucidate the in vitro antibacterial activity of medicinal plant compounds against Campylobacter by delineating underlying mechanisms, and explore the application of these compounds in controlling Campylobacter in food. Additionally, we discuss recent advancements and future prospects of employing medicinal plant compounds in food products to mitigate foodborne pathogens, particularly Campylobacter. In conclusion, we argue that medicinal plant compounds can be used as effective and sustainable sources for developing new antimicrobial alternatives to counteract the dissemination of MDR Campylobacter strains.

Microsponges-mediated targeted topical delivery of rosemary oil for hair growth promotion: optimization and in-vivo studies

Individuals experiencing hair loss, irrespective of gender, confront significant psychological challenges. This study explores the untapped potential of rosemary oil (ROS) to stimulate hair growth, addressing its limited permeability. The focus is on innovating ROS-loaded microsponges (MS) for enhanced topical application. Utilizing Box-Behnken design (33), the study optimizes ROS-MS compositions by varying solvent volume, polymer mix, and drug concentration. The optimized ROS-MS formulation exhibits noteworthy attributes: a 94% ± 0.04 production yield, 99.6% ± 0.5 encapsulation efficiency, and 96.4% ± 1.6 cumulative ROS release within 24 h. These microsponges exhibit uniformity with a particle size of 14.1 µm ± 4.5. The OPT-ROSMS-gel showcases favorable characteristics in appearance, spreadability, pH, drug content, and extrudability. Ex-vivo skin deposition tests highlight heightened permeability of OPT-ROSMS-gel compared to pure ROS-gel, resulting in three-fold increased follicular retention. In-vivo studies underscore the superior efficacy of OPT-ROSMS-gel, revealing enhanced hair development in length, thickness, and bulb diameter, surpassing ROS-gel and minoxidil by approximately 1.2 and 1.5 times, respectively, along with nearly two-fold increase in β-catenin levels. In conclusion, microsponges emerge as a promising ROS delivery method, effectively addressing hair loss. This research advances hair loss treatments and underscores the significance of this innovative paradigm in fostering hair growth.

Insights into the key odorants in fresh and dried Amomum tsaoko using the sensomics approach

To identify the key odorants in Amomum tsaoko (AT), volatiles in fresh AT (FAT) and dried AT (DAT) were investigated using molecular sensory science. In addition to this, the sensomics approach was used to confirm the presence of the compound in FAT that contributed the most to its aroma profile. A total of 49 odor-active compounds (43 in FAT and 42 in DAT) with flavor dilution (FD) factors ranging from 1 to 6561 were identified, with eucalyptol exhibiting the highest FD factor of 6561. Odorants with FD factors ≥ 27 were quantitated, and 23 and 20 compounds in FAT and DAT, respectively, with odor activity value ≥ 1 were determined as key odorants. Recombination and omission experiment further indicated that (E)-2-dodecenal, geranial, octanal, (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-decenal, and eucalyptol contributed significantly to the overall aroma profile of FAT. After drying of FAT, the concentrations of aldehydes decreased significantly, whereas those of terpene hydrocarbons increased. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that 26 FAT and 23 DAT odorants were biomarker compounds.

Chemical Profiling of Drimys granadensis (Winteraceae) Essential Oil, and Their Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anticholinesterase Properties

A complete and comprehensive chemical and biological study of Drimys granadensis, a native Ecuadorian aromatic plant, was conducted. By conventional steam distillation from dried leaves, a yellowish, translucent essential oil (EO) with a density of 0.95 and a refractive index of 1.5090 was obtained. The EO was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC/MS) and an FID detector (GC/FID), respectively. Enantiomeric distribution was also carried out by GC/MS using a chiral selective column (diethyl tert-butylsilyl-BETA-cyclodextrin). The microdilution broth method was employed to assess the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the EO against a panel of opportunistic microorganisms. Antioxidant capacity was measured using diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals. Finally, the inhibitory potential of the EO against acetylcholinesterase was also valued. Sixty-four chemical compounds, constituting 93.27% of the total composition, were identified, with major components including γ-muurolene (10.63%), spathulenol (10.13%), sabinene (5.52%), and δ-cadinene (4.22%). The characteristic taxonomic marker of the Drimys genus, Drimenol, was detected at very low percentages (<2%). Two pairs of enantiomers ((1S,5R)-(+)-α-pinene/(1S,5S)-(-)-α-pinene; (1S,5R)-(+)-β-pinene/(1S,5S)-(-)-β-pinene) and one pure enantiomer (1R,4S)-(-)-camphene were identified. Regarding antimicrobial potency, the EO exhibited a significant moderate effect on Listeria monocytogenes with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 250 µg/mL, while with the remaining microorganisms, it exerted less potency, ranging from 500 to 2000 µg/mL. The EO displayed moderate effects against the ABTS radical with a half scavenging capacity of 210.48 µg/mL and no effect against the DPPH radical. The most notable effect was noticed for acetylcholinesterase, with a half inhibition concentration (IC50) of 63.88 ± 1.03 µg/mL. These antiradical and anticholinesterase effects hint at potential pharmacological applications in Alzheimer's disease treatment, although the presence of safrole, albeit in low content (ca. 2%), could limit this opportunity. Further in vivo studies are necessary to fully understand their potential applications.

Neuroinflammation and acetylcholinesterase inhibition potentials of acyclic monoterpenoids isolated from Cymbopogon distans (Nees ex Steud.) Will. Watson

Cymbopogon distans (Nees ex Steud.) Will. Watson (Poaceae) is a promising aromatic plant distributed in the Himalayas. In this study, five acyclic monoterpenoids, namely geranyl acetate (RS1), neral (RS2), geranial (RS3), citral (RS4) and geraniol (RS5) were isolated from the essential oil of C. distans. The isolated compounds were tested for in-vitro neuroinflammation inhibitory potential in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. RS1-RS4 exhibited significant neuroinflammation inhibition without any cytotoxic effect at the dose of 10 μM. RS4, the most active anti-neuroinflammatory compound (TNF-α 31.48 ± 1.00%; IL-6 24.02 ± 0.63%; IL-1β 42.15 ± 1.76%) was also able to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in a dose-dependent manner. The results showed that RS4 (an isomeric mixture of neral and geranial) has the potential to inhibit neuroinflammation and AChE, which are the biomarkers of neurodegenerative disorders.

Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil Inhibits the Ability of Fusobacterium nucleatum to Produce Volatile Sulfide Compounds, a Key Components in Oral Malodor

Oral malodor still constitutes a major challenge worldwide. A strong effort is invested in eliminating volatile sulfur compound-producing oral bacteria through organic natural products such as essential oils. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a known volatile sulfur compound-producing bacteria that inspires oral malodor. The aim of the present study was to test the effect of lavender essential oil on the bacterium's ability to produce volatile sulfide compounds, the principal components of oral malodor. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of lavender essential oil on Fusobacterium nucleatum was determined in a previous trial. Fusobacterium nucleatum was incubated anaerobically in the presence of sub-MIC, MIC, and above MIC concentrations of lavender essential oil, as well as saline and chlorhexidine as negative and positive controls, respectively. Following incubation, volatile sulfur compound levels were measured using GC (Oralchroma), and bacterial cell membrane damage was studied using fluorescence microscopy. Chemical analysis of lavender essential oil yielded five main components, with camphor being the most abundant, accounting for nearly one-third of the total lavender essential oil volume. The MIC (4 µL/mL) of lavender essential oil reduced volatile sulfur compound secretion at a statistically significant level compared to the control (saline). Furthermore, the level of volatile sulfur compound production attributed to 1 MIC of lavender essential oil was in the range of the positive control chlorhexidine with no significant difference. When examining bacterial membrane damage, 2 MIC of lavender essential oil (i.e., 8 µL/mL) demonstrated the same, showing antibacterial membrane damage values comparative to chlorhexidine. Since lavender essential oil was found to be highly effective in hindering volatile sulfur compound production by Fusobacterium nucleatum through the induction of bacterial cell membrane damage, the results suggest that lavender essential oil may be a suitable alternative to conventional chemical-based anti-malodor agents.

Mushroom oils: A review of their production, composition, and potential applications

This review delves into the world of mushroom oils, highlighting their production, composition, and versatile applications. Despite mushrooms' overall low lipid content, their fatty acid composition, rich in essential fatty acids like linoleic acid and oleic acid, proves nutritionally significant. Variations in fatty acid profiles across mushroom species and the prevalence of unsaturated fats contribute to their cardiovascular health benefits. The exploration extends to mushroom essential oils, revealing diverse volatile compounds through extraction methods like hydrodistillation and solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE). The identification of 1-octen-3-ol as a key contributor to the distinct "mushroom flavor" adds a nuanced perspective. The focus broadens to applications, encompassing culinary and industrial uses with techniques like cold pressing and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Mushroom oils, with their unique nutritional and flavor profiles, enhance gastronomic experiences. Non-food applications in cosmetics and biofuels underscore the oils' versatility. The nutritional composition, enriched with essential fatty acids, bioactive compositions, and trace elements, is explored for potential health benefits. Bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds and terpenes contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, positioning mushroom oils as nutritional powerhouses. In short, this concise review synthesizes the intricate world of mushroom oils, emphasizing their nutritional significance, extraction methodologies, and potential health benefits. The comprehensive overview underscores mushroom oils as a promising area for further exploration and utilization. The characteristics of mushroom biomass oil for the use in various industries are influenced by the mushroom species, chemical composition, biochemical synthesis of mushroom, and downstream processes including extraction, purification and characterization. Therefore, further research and exploration need to be done to achieve a circular bioeconomy with the integration of SDGs, waste reduction, and economic stimulation, to fully utilize the benefits of mushroom, a valuable gift of nature.

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) containing Cymbopogon citratus essential oil: Enhancing the stability and acaricide efficacy against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

The objectives of this study were to develop a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) to enhance the stability and efficacy of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil or lemongrass oil (LEO) against cattle tick larvae and engorged females. The system with the highest oil loading in SEDDS was composed of LEO (23.33%w/w), Tween 80: SGKH 4000 in a 2:1 ratio as surfactant (66.67%w/w), and propylene glycol as co-surfactant (10%w/w). The selected SEDDS-LEO has a particle size of 18.78 nm with a narrow size distribution (polydispersity index of 0.27). Notably, the stability of SEDDS was superior to that of the original oil, both during long-term storage and under accelerated conditions. SEDDS-LEO at oil concentrations ranging from 1.458% to 5.833% w/v showed a significantly higher percentage of egg-laying reduction against adult ticks compared with the original oil at the same concentrations (p < 0.05). Furthermore, SEDDS-LEO demonstrated greater larvicidal efficacy than the original oil, with lower LC50 and LC90 values of 0.91 mg/mL and 1.20 mg/mL, respectively, whereas the original oil's LC50 and LC90 values were 1.17 mg/mL and 1.74 mg/mL, respectively. Our findings indicate that SEDDS-LEO is a promising candidate for use as an acaricide in the control of tick populations in dairy cattle.

A novel method for determination of peroxide value and acid value of extra-virgin olive oil based on fluorescence internal filtering effect correction

Peroxide value (PV) and acid value (AV) are widely used indicators for evaluating oxidation degree of olive oils. Fluorescence spectroscopy has been extensively studied on the detection of oil oxidation, however, the detection accuracy is limited due to internal filtering effect (IFE). Due to the primary and secondary IFE, at least two wavelengths of absorption information are required. Least squares support vector regression (LSSVR) models for PV and AV were established based on two absorption coefficients (μa) at 375 nm and emission wavelength and one fluorescence intensity at corresponding wavelength. The regression results proved that the model based on 375 and 475 nm could reach the best performance, with the highest correlation coefficient for prediction (rp) of 0.889 and 0.960 for PV and AV respectively. Finally, the explicit formulations for PV and AV were determined by nonlinear least squares fitting, and the rp could reach above 0.94 for two indicators.

Efficacy of Essential Oil Vapours in Reducing Postharvest Rots and Effect on the Fruit Mycobiome of Nectarines

Nectarines can be affected by many diseases, resulting in significant production losses. Natural products, such as essential oils (EOs), are promising alternatives to pesticides to control storage rots. This work aimed to test the efficacy of biofumigation with EOs in the control of nectarine postharvest diseases while also evaluating the effect on the quality parameters (firmness, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity) and on the fruit fungal microbiome. Basil, fennel, lemon, oregano, and thyme EOs were first tested in vitro at 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0% concentrations to evaluate their inhibition activity against Monilinia fructicola. Subsequently, an in vivo screening trial was performed by treating nectarines inoculated with M. fructicola, with the five EOs at 2.0% concentration by biofumigation, performed using slow-release diffusers placed inside the storage cabinets. Fennel, lemon, and basil EOs were the most effective after storage and were selected to be tested in efficacy trials using naturally infected nectarines. After 28 days of storage, all treatments showed a significant rot reduction compared to the untreated control. Additionally, no evident phytotoxic effects were observed on the treated fruits. EO vapors did not affect the overall quality of the fruits but showed a positive effect in reducing firmness loss. Metabarcoding analysis showed a significant impact of tissue, treatment, and sampling time on the fruit microbiome composition. Treatments were able to reduce the abundance of Monilinia spp., but basil EO favored a significant increase in Penicillium spp. Moreover, the abundance of other fungal genera was found to be modified.

Ultraviolet spectrophotometry as method to determine the concentration of β-myrcene released from chitosan in aqueous medium

Myrcene (β-myrcene), found in essential oils from plant species such as hops and cannabis, has many advantageous properties, but its use is limited due to volatility and low solubility in water. One way to circumvent these limitations is to encapsulate the essential oils in a polymer matrix. However, these hydrophobic molecules are difficult to quantify when dispersed in water. Seeking to study the release of this terpene in drug release tests from polymeric matrices, this work aimed to develop an easy and cheap UV spectrophotometric method for the quantification of β-myrcene in aqueous medium. To achieves this goal, samples were prepared in 0.05% (w/v) polysorbate 80 solution, with concentrations of β-myrcene ranging from 0.01% to 0.1% (v/v), and were analyzed at 226 nm. Each sample was analyzed in triplicate and repeated on three different days, to evaluate the repeatability of the results. The results were subjected to Q, F and Student's t-tests. The regression parameters obtained for β-myrcene were above 0.99 and through statistical analysis, it was possible to confirm the repeatability for the results. The values of the limits of detection and quantification indicated that the method is not affected by intrinsic factors of the equipment. The results of accuracy, robustness and selectivity showed recovery rates within acceptable limits. This demonstrates that the quantification of β-myrcene in aqueous medium by UV spectrophotometry is feasible.

Eco-friendly management strategies of insect pests: long-term performance of rosemary essential oil encapsulated into chitosan and gum Arabic

This study focused on encapsulation of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil (EO) on chitosan and gum Arabic matrix in various ratios and with varying essential oil concentrations. Additionally, UV/VIS spectroscopy was used to determine cumulative-release profiles. The insecticidal activity was tested against Tribolium castaneum and Oryzaephilus surinamensis, both pests of stored products. In terms of encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and loading capacity (LC%), capsules had EE at 45.8% and LC at 2.31%. Furthermore, many minor compounds were lost after encapsulation, until identifying only 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol, and camphor after 60 d of storage. The fumigant tests demonstrated that encapsulated EO exhibited an effective control against insect pest during storage periods, namely, 30, 45, and 60 d with 99, 66, and 46% mortality for T. castaneum and 100, 84, 82% mortality for O. surinamensis.

The influences of street food vendor frying equipment on the quality of frying oil

This study was initiated to determine the quality of fresh and used oil for street vendor fried food products in Harar City, Ethiopia. Using a purposive sample technique, 12 respondents were selected for the study. The study obtained a total of 12 oil samples, categorized as fresh, in-use, and discarded, from two distinct groups of respondents. Specifically, six samples were collected from vendors utilizing an electric fryer constructed from stainless steel, while the remaining six samples were acquired from vendors employing a pan heated by wood or charcoal.The moisture content of fresh, in-use, and discarded oil samples, among other physical characteristics of the samples obtained from two types of vendors, was examined and found to vary between 0.14 and 0.44%, 0.19 and 0.52%, and 0.25 and 0.75%, respectively. Comparably, the refractive indices of oil samples that were fresh, in use, and discarded were 1.4595-1.4686, 1.4670-1.4885, and 1.4810-1.4960, in that order. Furthermore, the ranges of viscosities for fresh oil, oil samples in use, and oil samples that were discarded were 57.15-76.94, 100-196.50, and 210.22-288.50 mPa, respectively. Chemical properties, including % free fatty acid for similar samples, range from 0.22 to 1.30, 1.12 2.54, and 1.38-3.66%, respectively. Peroxide values of fresh, in-use, and discarded oil samples, have a maximum value of 11.19 meq/kg, 42.90, and 57.60 meq/kg, respectively. The iodine value showed the highest value for the fresh oil sample, while the minimum was obtained under discarded oil sample. The result indicated that they used low-quality oil. The values obtained after frying for samples collected from vendors who used a pan fryer heated with charcoal or wood fire deviated significantly from the requirements, indicating that the palm oil used by those street vendors was unsafe to consume because it could endanger the consumers' health.

Delivery systems designed to enhance stability and suitability of lipophilic bioactive compounds in food processing: A review

Lipophilic compounds, such as flavors, fat-soluble vitamins, and hydrophobic nutrients possess vital properties including antioxidant effects, functional attributes, and nutritional value that can improve human health. However, their susceptibility to environmental factors including heat, pH changes, and ionic strength encountered during food processing poses significant challenges. To address these issues, diverse bioactive delivery systems have been developed. This review explores delivery systems designed to optimize the stability and suitability of lipophilic bioactive compounds in food processing. Extensive literature analysis reveals that tailoring delivery systems with various biopolymers can protect bioactives through steric hindrance and formation of thick interfacial layers on the emulsion surfaces. Thus, the access of oxygen, prooxidants, and free radicals at the emulsion interface could be inhibited, resulting in enhanced processing suitability of bioactives as well as chemical stability under diverse environmental conditions. The insights presented in this review hold immense value for the food and beverage industries.

Novel Study on Chemical Characterization and Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anticholinesterase Activity of Essential Oil from Ecuadorian Bryophyte Syzygiella rubricaulis (Nees) Stephani

Our research focuses on exploring the chemical composition and some biological properties of the essential oil derived from Syzygiella rubricaulis (Nees) Stephani, a bryophyte species. To conduct a comprehensive analysis, we utilized a DB5MS capillary column along with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and flame ionization (GC-FID). The qualitative and quantitative examination revealed the presence of 50 compounds, with hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (48.35%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (46.89%) being the predominant constituents. Noteworthy compounds identified include bicyclogermacrene (12.004%), cedranone <5-> (9.034%), spathulenol (6.835%), viridiflorol (6.334%), silphiperfol-5,7(14)-diene (6.216%), biotol <β-> (6.075%), guaiol (4.607%), viridiflorene (4.65%), and α-guaienol (3.883%). Furthermore, we assessed the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activity of the essential oil, revealing a compelling inhibitory effect against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with an IC50 value of 26.75 ± 1.03 µg/mL and a moderate antimicrobial (MIC 500 µg/mL, Enterococcus faecium, Lysteria monocytogenes) and antioxidant effect (ABTS: SC50 343.38 and DPPH 2650.23 µg/mL). These findings suggest the potential therapeutic application of the bryophyte essential oil in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease due to its potent anticholinesterase properties.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles: A versatile platform for encapsulation and delivery of essential oils for food applications

Essential oils (EOs) are biologically active and volatile substances that have found widespread applications in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. However, there are some challenges to their commercial utilization due to their high volatility, susceptibility to degradation, and hydrophobicity. In their free form, EOs can quickly evaporate, as well as undergo degradation reactions like oxidation, isomerization, dehydrogenation, or polymerization when exposed to light, heat, or air. Encapsulating EOs within mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) could overcome these limitations and thereby broaden their usage. MSNPs may endow protection and slow-release properties to EOs, thereby extending their stability, enhancing their efficacy, and improving their dispersion in aqueous environments. This review explores and compares the design and development of different MSNP-based nanoplatforms to encapsulate, protect, and release EOs. Initially, a brief overview of the various types of available MSNPs, their properties, and their synthesis methods is given to better understand their roles as carriers for EOs. Several encapsulation technologies are then examined, including solvent-based and solvent-free methods. The suitability of each technology for EO encapsulation, as well as its impact on their stability and release, is discussed in detail. Opportunities and challenges for using EO-loaded MSNPs as preservatives, flavor enhancers, and antimicrobial agents in the food industry are then highlighted. Overall, this review aims to bridge a knowledge gap by providing a thorough understanding of EO encapsulation within MSNPs, which should facilitate the application of this technology in the food industry.

Photochemical stability of chitosan films doped with cannabis oil

The effect of UV radiation from three different sources on chitosan (CS) films containing the addition of 10% by weight of cannabis oil was investigated. Cannabis oil (CBD) alone exposed to UV is unstable, but its photostability significantly increases in the chitosan matrix. The course of photochemical reactions, studied by FTIR spectroscopy, is slow and inefficient in chitosan with CBD, even under high-energy UV sources. The research also included chitosan films with CBD cross-linked with dialdehyde starch (DAS). Using AFM microscopy and contact angle measurements, the morphology and surface properties of prepared chitosan films with CBD were investigated, respectively. It was found that CBD embedded in CS is characterized by the best photostability under the influence of an LED emitting long-wave radiation. Using a monochromatic and polychromatic UV lamp (HPK and UV-C) emitting high-energy radiation, gradual degradation accompanied by oxidation was observed, both in the CS chains and in the CBD additive. Additionally, changes in surface properties are observed during UV irradiation. It was concluded that CS protects CBD against photodegradation, and a further improvement in photochemical stability is achieved after system cross-linking with DAS.

In silico study of antibacterial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase and toxicity of main phytoconstituents from three active essential oils

The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have resulted in antibiotic resistance. However, there are alternative approaches that could either substitute antibiotics or enhance their effectiveness without harmful side effects. One such approach is the use of terpene-rich essential oils. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the antibacterial activity of the main components of three plant essential oils, namely Anthemis punctata, Anthemis pedunculata and Daucus crinitus. Specifically, we targeted bacterial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase, an enzyme that plays a critical role in bacterial protein synthesis. To investigate how the phytocompounds interact with the enzyme's active sites, we employed a molecular docking study using Autodock Software Tools 1.5.7. Our findings revealed that all 28 phytocompounds bound to the enzyme's active sites with binding energies ranging from -6.96 to -4.03 kcal/mol. These results suggest that terpene-rich essential oils could be a potential source of novel antimicrobial agents.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Comparison of Emulsion Stabilizers: Application for the Enhancement of the Bioactivity of Lemongrass Essential Oil

Recent focus on cellulose nanomaterials, particularly biodegradable and biocompatible cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), has prompted their use as emulsion stabilizers. CNCs, when combined with salt, demonstrate enhanced emulsion stabilization. This study explored three emulsion stabilizers: Tween 80, soybean CNCs with salt (salted CNCs), and a combination of salted CNCs with Tween 80. Soybean CNCs, derived from soybean stover, were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Antifungal testing against Aspergillus flavus revealed increased bioactivity in all lemongrass essential oil (EO)-loaded emulsions compared to pure essential oil. In addition, all three emulsions exhibited a slight reduction in antifungal activity after 30 days of room temperature storage. The release experiment revealed that the EO-loaded nanoemulsion exhibited a slow-release profile. The nanoemulsion stabilized by salted CNCs and Tween 80 exhibited significantly lower release rates when compared to the nanoemulsion stabilized solely by Tween 80, attributed to the gel network formed by salted CNCs. The findings of this study highlight the efficacy of cellulose nanocrystals procured from soybean byproducts in conjunction with synthetic surfactants to create nanoencapsulated essential oils, resulting in improved antimicrobial efficacy and the achievement of sustained release properties.

The Effect of Peppermint and Thyme Oils on Stabilizing the Fatty Acid Profile of Sunflower Oil

Presently, there is an increasing shift towards the utilization of natural antioxidants and compounds with protective attributes for fatty acids in order to replace synthetic counterparts that may pose health risks. This transition aligns with the growing emphasis on promoting healthy and organic food choices. Essential oils stand out in this context due to scientific validations of their antioxidant properties. There are few published research results concerning changes in the fatty acid composition in model systems with the addition of essential oils. This study aims to investigate the impact of incorporating peppermint and thyme oils on inhibiting changes in the fatty acid profile of sunflower oil stored at both room temperature with exposure to daylight and in a thermostat set at 40 °C. The experimental procedure involved the addition of peppermint and thyme oils, along with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), to batches of sunflower oil. The samples were then stored for 11 months. The study observed a detrimental influence of storage conditions on the quantitative changes in the fatty acid profile of the sunflower oil. The addition of BHA stabilized the content of linoleic acid in the sunflower oil (approximately 53 g/100 g of linoleic acid compared to approximately 58 g/100 g in the control sample). Meanwhile, the model system of sunflower oil with the addition of peppermint and thyme oils (40 °C) exhibited a statistically significant decrease in the concentration of linoleic acid to approximately 8 g/100 g after eleven months of thermostating. Similar trends to those observed for linoleic acid were noted for the total fatty acid content in the sunflower oil. Notably, the efficacy of the selected substances in inhibiting adverse transformations in fats was contingent upon their concentration and the storage temperature.

Advances in understanding grapevine downy mildew: From pathogen infection to disease management

Plasmopara viticola is geographically widespread in grapevine-growing regions. Grapevine downy mildew disease, caused by this biotrophic pathogen, leads to considerable yield losses in viticulture annually. Because of the great significance of grapevine production and wine quality, research on this disease has been widely performed since its emergence in the 19th century. Here, we review and discuss recent understanding of this pathogen from multiple aspects, including its infection cycle, disease symptoms, genome decoding, effector biology, and management and control strategies. We highlight the identification and characterization of effector proteins with their biological roles in host-pathogen interaction, with a focus on sustainable control methods against P. viticola, especially the use of biocontrol agents and environmentally friendly compounds.

Chemical Composition and Insecticidal Activities of Blumea balsamifera (Sambong) Essential Oil Against Three Stored Product Insects

Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. (Asteraceae), also known as sambong, is a perennial herb used in China for medicinal purposes. The essential oil (EO) of B. balsamifera was extracted by hydrodistillation. Thirty chemical components of the EO were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC, accounting for 88.0% (w/w) of the total oil. The EO of B. balsamifera was mainly composed of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, in which borneol (23.3%), β-caryophyllene (20.9%) and camphor (11.8%) were the major components. The insecticidal activities of the EO and its three main compounds against Tribolium castaneum, Lasioderma serricorne and Sitophilus oryzae were evaluated. The results of bioassays displayed that the EO of B. balsamifera did not have fumigant toxicity to the three target insects, but exhibited significant contact activity against L. serricorne (LD50 = 12.4 μg/adult) and S. oryzae (LD50 = 44.4 μg/adult). Meanwhile, the EO showed a notable repellent effect on T. castaneum at all testing concentrations and a general repellent effect on S. oryzae at high concentrations (78.63 nL/cm2). β-Caryophyllene showed the best performance in the contact toxicity bioassays against the three insects. The results indicated that B. balsamifera has the potential to be used as a source of botanical insecticides for the control of stored-product insects.

Biodegradable nanocomposite poly(lactic acid) foams containing carvacrol-based cocrystal prepared by supercritical CO2 processing for controlled release in active food packaging

Compounds derived from essential oils have been used in active packaging, but their volatility and degradability negatively affect stability and leads to high release rates. The present study aimed to develop PLA bionanocomposite foams loaded with carvacrol cocrystal by supercritical CO2 and its release into a food simulant for control release in food packaging. For this purpose, 4,4'-bipyridine was used as coformer and carvacrol as active agent. Cocrystallized closed cell foams were obtained using supercritical CO2 and were characterized in terms of their physicochemical and mechanical properties, and release kinetics to a D1 simulant were evaluated as well as the antioxidant ability. A better overall mechanical behavior due to the nanoclay promoting a higher interfacial adhesion with the polymeric matrix was revealed. A higher incorporation of carvacrol was observed in samples with higher C30B content. The incorporated cocrystals showed a decrease of one order of magnitude in the estimated effective diffusion coefficient of carvacrol and showed antioxidant activity. These results suggest that the nanocomposite foam containing carvacrol-based cocrystals could be used in active packaging systems with controlled release characteristics, especially with highly volatile compounds, and can be proposed for other fields such as biomedical applications.

An In-Depth Study on the Chemical Composition and Biological Effects of Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oil

The essential oil of Pelargonium graveolens (PGEO) is identified in the literature as a rich source of bioactive compounds with a high level of biological activity. This study aimed to examine the chemical profile of PGEO as well as its antioxidant, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and insecticidal properties. Its chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), achieving comprehensive identification of 99.2% of volatile compounds. The predominant identified compounds were β-citronellol (29.7%) and geraniol (14.6%). PGEO's antioxidant potential was determined by means of DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation neutralization. The results indicate a higher capacity of PGEO to neutralize the ABTS radical cation, with an IC50 value of 0.26 ± 0.02 mg/mL. Two techniques were used to assess antimicrobial activity: minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disk diffusion. Antimicrobial evaluation using the disk diffusion method revealed that Salmonella enterica (14.33 ± 0.58 mm), which forms biofilms, and Priestia megaterium (14.67 ± 0.58 mm) were most susceptible to exposure to PGEO. The MIC assay demonstrated the highest performance of this EO against biofilm-forming S. enterica (MIC 50 0.57 ± 0.006; MIC 90 0.169 ± 0.08 mg/mL). In contrast to contact application, the assessment of the in situ vapor phase antibacterial activity of PGEO revealed significantly more potent effects. An analysis of antibiofilm activity using MALDI-TOF MS demonstrated PGEO's capacity to disrupt the biofilm homeostasis of S. enterica growing on plastic and stainless steel. Additionally, insecticidal evaluations indicated that treatment with PGEO at doses of 100% and 50% resulted in the complete mortality of all Harmonia axyridis individuals.

Combining AI Tools with Non-Destructive Technologies for Crop-Based Food Safety: A Comprehensive Review

On a global scale, food safety and security aspects entail consideration throughout the farm-to-fork continuum, considering food's supply chain. Generally, the agrifood system is a multiplex network of interconnected features and processes, with a hard predictive rate, where maintaining the food's safety is an indispensable element and is part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It has led the scientific community to develop advanced applied analytical methods, such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques applied for assessing foodborne diseases. The main objective of this paper is to contribute to the development of the consensus version of ongoing research about the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the domain of food-crop safety from an analytical point of view. Writing a comprehensive review for a more specific topic can also be challenging, especially when searching within the literature. To our knowledge, this review is the first to address this issue. This work consisted of conducting a unique and exhaustive study of the literature, using our TriScope Keywords-based Synthesis methodology. All available literature related to our topic was investigated according to our criteria of inclusion and exclusion. The final count of data papers was subject to deep reading and analysis to extract the necessary information to answer our research questions. Although many studies have been conducted, limited attention has been paid to outlining the applications of AI tools combined with analytical strategies for crop-based food safety specifically.

In vitro and in vivo study on the anticancer effects of anethole-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles surface decorated with chitosan and folic acid

Anethole (Ant) is a herbal compound with unique properties, which is limited in its clinical use due to its low solubility in aqueous solutions. Therefore, in this study, albumin nanocarrier modified with chitosan-folate was used to transfer Ant to cancer cells and its anticancer effects were evaluated. First, Ant was loaded on albumin nanoparticles by desolvation method and then the surface of nanoparticles was covered with chitosan bound to folate. After characterization, the amount of Ant loading in nanoparticles was measured by the absorption method and then its toxicity effects on breast cancer cell lines, colon, and normal cells were evaluated by the MTT method. The real-time QPCR method was used to investigate the expression changes of apoptosis-related genes in the treated cells compared to the control cells, and finally, the antitumor effects of nanoparticles were evaluated in the mouse model carrying breast cancer. The results of this investigation showed the presence of nanoparticles with dimensions of 252 nm, a dispersion index of 0.28 mV, and a surface charge of 27.14 mV, which are trapped in about 88% of ATL. The toxicity effect of nanoparticles was shown on breast, colon, and normal cancer cells, respectively. In addition, the examination of the gene profile under investigation showed an increase in the expression of BAX and caspase-3 and -9 along with a decrease in the expression of the Bcl-2 gene, which confirms the activation of the internal pathway of apoptosis. The decrease in the volume of tumors and the presence of apoptotic areas in the tissue sections confirmed the antitumor effects of nanoparticles in the in vivo model. The inhibition percentage of free Ant and nanoparticles with a concentration of 25 and 50 mg/kg/tumor volume was reported as 36.9%, 56.6%, and 64.9%, respectively, during 15 days of treatment. These results showed the effectiveness of the formulation in inhibiting cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo.

Optimization and antifungal efficacy against brown rot fungi of combined Salvia rosmarinus and Cedrus atlantica essential oils encapsulated in Gum Arabic

The stability, sensitivity, and volatility of essential oils are some of their most serious limitations, and nanoencapsulation has been considered one of the most effective techniques for solving these problems. This research aimed to investigate the incorporation of Salvia rosmarinus Speen and Cedrus atlantica Manetti (MEO) essential oil mixture in Gum Arabic (GA) and to evaluate nanoencapsulation's ability to promote antifungal activity against two brown rot fungi responsible for wood decay Gloeophyllum trabeum and Poria placenta. The optimization of encapsulation efficiency was performed using response surface methodology (RSM) with two parameters: solid-to-solid (MEO/GA ratio) and solid-to-liquid (MEO/ethanol). The recovered powder characterization was followed by various techniques using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The optimal nanoencapsulating conditions obtained from RSM were ratios of MEO/GA of 1:10 (w/w) and MEO/ethanol of 10% (v/v), which provided the greatest encapsulation efficiency (87%). The results of SEM, XRD, DLS, FTIR, and TGA showed that the encapsulation of MEO using GA modified particle form and molecular structure and increased thermal stability. An antifungal activity assay indicated that an effective concentration of MEO had an inhibitory effect on brown rot fungi. It had 50% of the maximal effect (EC50) value of 5.15 ± 0.88 µg/mL and 12.63 ± 0.65 µg/mL for G. trabeum and P. placenta, respectively. Therefore, this product has a great potential as a natural wood preservative for sustainable construction and green building.

Current status, technology, regulation and future perspectives of essential oils usage in the food and drink industry

Nowadays, essential oils (EOs) have a wide use in many applications such as in food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and animal feed products. Consumers' preferences concerning healthier and safer foodstuffs lead to an increased demand for natural products, in replacement of synthetic substances, used as preservatives, flavourings etc. EOs, besides being safe, are promising alternatives as natural food additives, and much research has been carried out on their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The initial purpose of this review is to discuss conventional and 'green' extraction techniques along with their basic mechanism for the isolation of EOs from aromatic plants. This review aims to provide a broad overview of the current knowledge about the chemical constitution of EOs while considering the existence of different chemotypes, since bioactivity is attributed to the chemical composition - qualitative and quantitative - of EOs. Although the food industry primarily uses EOs as flavourings, an overview on recent applications of EOs in food systems and active packaging is provided. EOs exhibit poor solubility in water, oxidation susceptibility, negative organoleptic effect and volatility, restricting their use. Encapsulation techniques have been proven to be one of the best approaches to preserve the biological activities of EOs and minimize their effects on food sensory qualities. Herein, different encapsulation techniques and their basic mechanism for loading EOs are discussed. EOs are highly accepted by consumers, who are often under the misconception that 'natural' means safe. This is, however, an oversimplification, and the possible toxicity of EOs should be taken into consideration. Thus, in the final section of the current review, the focus is on current EU legislation, safety assessment and sensory evaluation of EOs. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Quality Standards and Pharmacological Interventions of Natural Oils: Current Scenario and Future Perspectives

Medicinal plants are rich sources of natural oils such as essential and fixed oils used traditionally for nutritive as well as medicinal purposes. Most of the traditional formulations or phytopharmaceutical formulations contain oil as the main ingredient due to their own therapeutic applications and thus mitigating several pathogeneses such as fungal/bacterial/viral infection, gout, psoriasis, analgesic, antioxidant, skin infection, etc. Due to the lack of quality standards and progressive adulteration in the natural oils, their therapeutic efficacy is continuously deteriorated. To develop quality standards and validate scientific aspects on essential oils, several chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques such as HPTLC, HPLC, NMR, LC-MS, and GC-MS have been termed as the choices of techniques for better exploration of metabolites, hence sustaining the authenticity of the essential oils. In this review, chemical profiling and quality control aspects of essential or fixed oils have been explored from previously reported literature in reputed journals. Methods of chemical profiling, possible identified metabolites in essential oils, and their therapeutic applications have been described. The outcome of the review reveals that GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and NMR-based chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques are the most liable, economic, precise, and accurate techniques for determining the spuriousness or adulteration of oils based on their qualitative and quantitative chemical profiling studies. This review occupies the extensive information about the quality standards of several oils obtained from natural sources for their regulatory aspects via providing the detailed methods used in chemoprofiling techniques. Hence, this review helps researchers in further therapeutic exploration as well as quality-based standardization for their regulatory purpose.

Harnessing Plant's Arsenal: Essential Oils as Promising Tools for Sustainable Management of Potato Late Blight Disease Caused by Phytophthora infestans-A Comprehensive Review

Potato late blight disease is caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans and is listed as one of the most severe phytopathologies on Earth. The current environmental issues require new methods of pest management. For that reason, plant secondary metabolites and, in particular, essential oils (EOs) have demonstrated promising potential as pesticide alternatives. This review presents the up-to-date work accomplished using EOs against P. infestans at various experimental scales, from in vitro to in vivo. Additionally, some cellular mechanisms of action on Phytophthora spp., especially towards cell membranes, are also presented for a better understanding of anti-oomycete activities. Finally, some challenges and constraints encountered for the development of EOs-based biopesticides are highlighted.

Development and Validation of a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Method for the Analysis of the Novel Plant-Based Substance with Antimicrobial Activity

The research into new pharmaceutical substances based on essential oils, individual biologically active phytochemicals, and plant extracts is a priority in field of pharmaceutical sciences. A novel multicomponent substance based on Melaleuca alternifolia (M. alternifolia) leaf oil (TTO), 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), and (-)-α-bisabolol with potent synergetic antimicrobial activity was investigated and suggested for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) and dandruff. The objective of this research was to establish and validate a specific, accurate, and precise gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for further quantitative and qualitative analysis in order to ensure quality control. The main parameters of validation were suitability, specificity, linearity, accuracy, and intermediate precision according to the European Pharmacopoeia (XI edition), Russian Pharmacopoeia (XIV edition), and some parameters of ICH requirements. The peaks of fifteen chemical phytoconstituents were identified in the test sample solution with the prevalence of (-)-α-bisabolol (27.67%), 1,8-cineole (25.63%), and terpinen-4-ol (16.98%). These phytochemicals in the novel substance were chosen for standardization and validation of the GC-MS method. The chosen chromatographic conditions were confirmed for testing of the plant-based substance in a suitability test. It was established that the GC-MS method provides a significant separation, symmetry of peaks and resolution between phytochemicals. The calibration curves of each phytochemical had good linearity (R2 > 0.999) in five concentrations. In the same concertation range, the accuracy of terpinen-4-ol, 1,8-cineol, and (-)-α-bisabolol determination using the method of additives was 98.3-101.60%; the relative standard deviation (RSD) ranged from 0.89% to 1.51% and corresponded to requirements. The intraday and interday precision was ≤2.56%. Thus, the GC-MS method was validated to be specific, sensitive, linear, accurate, and precise. This GC-MS method could be recommended as a routine analytic technique for multicomponent plant-based substances-enriched terpenes.

Impact of Different Drying Methods on the Microbiota, Volatilome, Color, and Sensory Traits of Sea Fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) Leaves

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) is a strongly aromatic herb of the Apiaceae family, whose full exploitation by the modern food industry is of growing interest. This study aimed at investigating the microbiological quality, volatile profile, and sensory traits of sea fennel spices produced using room-temperature drying, oven drying, microwave drying, and freeze drying. All the assayed methods were able to remove moisture up until water activity values below 0.6 were reached; however, except for microwave drying, none of the assayed methods were effective in reducing the loads of contaminating microorganisms. The metataxonomic analysis highlighted the presence of phytopathogens and even human pathogens, including members of the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Alternaria, and Cryptococcus. When compared to fresh leaves, dried leaves showed increased L* (lightness) and c* (chroma, saturation) values and reduced hue angle. Dried leaves were also characterized by decreased levels of terpene hydrocarbons and increased levels of aldehydes, alcohols, and esters. For the sensory test, the microwave-dried samples obtained the highest appreciation by the trained panel. Overall, the collected data indicated microwave drying as the best option for producing sea fennel spices with low microbial loads, brilliant green color, and high-quality sensory traits.

Biodegradability Assessment of Prickly Pear Waste-Polymer Fibers under Soil Composting

Nowadays, solving the problems associated with environmental pollution is of special interest. Therefore, in this work, the morphology and thermal and mechanical properties of extruded fibers based on polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) added to prickly pear flour (PPF) under composting for 3 and 6 months were evaluated. The highest weight loss percentage (92 ± 7%) was obtained after 6-month degradation of the PLA/PBAT/PPF/CO/AA blend, in which PPF, canola oil (CO), and adipic acid (AA) were added. Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed structural changes in the fibers as composting time increased. The main changes in the absorption bands observed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were related to the decrease in -C=O (1740 cm-1) and -C-O (1100 cm-1) groups and at 1269 cm-1, associated with hemicellulose in the blends with PPF. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed an increase in the cold crystallization and melting point with degradation time, being more evident in the fibers with PPF, as well as a decrease in the mechanical properties, especially Young's modulus. The obtained results suggest that PPF residues could promote the biodegradability of PLA/PBAT-based fiber composites.

Repellent efficacy of the nanogel containing Acroptilon repens essential oil in comparison with DEET against Anopheles stephensi

OBJECTIVE

Malaria is a vector-borne disease that causes many deaths worldwide; repellents are a practical approach to malaria prevention, especially in endemic regions.

RESULTS

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was used to identify compounds in Acroptilon repens essential oil (EO). Alpha-copaene (15.67%), α-cubenen (3.76%), caryophyllene oxide (14.00%), 1-heptadecane (5.61%), and δ-cadinene (2.84) were five major compounds. After that, the nanoemulsion containing the EO with a particle size of 46 ± 4 nm, SPAN 0.85, PDI 0.4, and zeta potential - 5.7 ± 0.4 mV was prepared. Then, it was gellified by adding CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose) to the nanoemulsion. Besides, ATR-FTIR analysis (Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform InfraRed) was used to confirm the EO's successful loading in the nanogel. Finally, the protection time and repellent activity of nanogel compared to DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) were investigated against Anopheles stephensi. Interestingly, the nanogel with a protection time of 310 ± 45 min was significantly more potent than DEET (160 ± 17 min). It could thus be considered for future investigation against other mosquitoes.

Chemical Composition and Anti-Candida Activity of Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. Essential Oils Obtained by Different Distillation Processes

A comparative study on essential oils extracted from Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. from Italy is reported. Two extraction procedures were investigated: hydrodistillation and steam distillation, carried out as a continuous and fractionated procedure. Fresh and dried plant material from two harvests was used. The hydrodistillation method yielded a higher amount of essential oil. The dried plant was significantly richer in essential oil per kg of starting plant material. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of 112 samples showed that the essential oils belong to the piperitenone oxide-rich chemotype. In addition, piperitenone, p-cymen-8-ol, and limonene were among the most abundant compounds in the different samples. A higher amount of piperitenone oxide was obtained by hydrodistillation, while steam distillation gave a higher percentage of piperitenone and limonene. The essential oils were characterized for their anti-Candida albicans activity; higher potency was observed for the samples rich in piperitenone oxide, with MIC values ranging from 0.39 to 0.78 mg·mL-1 (0.039% and 0.078% p/v). The results of this work provide a deep insight into the methodology of essential oil extraction and the associated chemical variability of M. suaveolens Ehrh. Some of the essential oils are potent against C. albicans and could be considered for potential use in therapy.

Fabrication, performance, and potential environmental impacts of polysaccharide-based food packaging materials incorporated with phytochemicals: A review

Although food packaging preserves food's quality, it unfortunately contributes to global climate change since the considerable carbon emissions associated with its entire life cycle. Polysaccharide-based packaging materials (PPMs) are promising options to preserve foods, potentially helping the food industry reduce its carbon footprint. PPMs incorporated with phytochemicals hold promise to address this critical issue, keep food fresh and prolong the shelf life. However, phytochemicals' health benefits are impacted by their distinct chemical structures thus the phytochemicals-incorporated PPMs generally exhibit differential performances. PPMs must be thoughtfully formulated to possess adequate physicochemical properties to meet commercial standards. Given this, this review first-time provides a comprehensive review of recent advances in the fabrication of phytochemicals incorporated PPMs. The application performances of phytochemicals-incorporated PPMs for preserving foods, as well as the intelligent monitoring of food quality, are thoroughly introduced. The possible associated environmental impacts and scalability challenges for the commercial application of these PPMs are also methodically assessed. This review seeks to provide comprehensive insights into exploring new avenues to achieve a greener and safer food industry via innovative food packaging materials. This is paramount to preserve not only food shelf life but also the environment, facilitating the eco-friendly development of the food industry.

Characterization and Antifungal Activity of Lemongrass Essential Oil-Loaded Nanoemulsion Stabilized by Carboxylated Cellulose Nanofibrils and Surfactant

Nanocellulose is an emerging green, biodegradable and biocompatible nanomaterial with negligible toxicities. In this study, a carboxylated nanocellulose (i.e., 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized cellulose nanofibril (TEMPO-CNF)) was prepared from corn stover and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)/thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Corn stover-derived TEMPO-CNF was explored as an emulsion co-stabilizer together with Tween 80 for lemongrass essential oil-loaded emulsions. Droplet size, phase behavior and thermodynamic stability of oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by Tween 80 and TEMPO-CNF were investigated. The optimal nanoemulsion stabilized by this binary stabilizer could achieve a mean particle size of 19 nm, and it did not form any phase separation against centrifugal forces, freeze-thaw cycles and at least 30 days of room temperature storage. The nanoencapsulated essential oil had better inhibition activity against the mycelial growth of Aspergillus flavus than pure essential oil. Results from this study demonstrate the potential of using agricultural byproduct-derived nanomaterial as nanoemulsion stabilizers for essential oils with good emulsion thermodynamic stability as well as enhanced antifungal activities.

Development of Pinaceae and Cupressaceae Essential Oils from Forest Waste in South Korea

The growing awareness of environmental issues has garnered increasing interest in the use of waste material in a wide variety of applications. From this viewpoint, developing essential oils from forest waste can bring new cost opportunities for the effective and sustainable management of unused forestry biomass. However, better knowledge of the production, chemical constituents, and application of essential oils is necessary. Among the species considered to be of interest from the point of view of their essential oils and forest biomass, Pinaceae and Cupressaceae were selected in this study as potential candidates for commercial essential oils based on previous studies. This current study focuses on investigating Pinaceae (Larix kaempferi, Pinus densiflora, and Pinus koraiensis) and Cupressaceae (Chamaecyparis obtusa and Chamaecyparis pisifera) essential oils extracted from various parts from the perspective of their bioactive compounds and potential applications. This is followed by an overview of the essential oils industry in South Korea, with particular attention being paid to utilising unused forest biomass. Therefore, this is a comprehensive review suggesting that Pinaceae and Cupressaceae essential oils extracted from various parts of forest waste could be utilised in various industries, adding value to the aspect of sustainable industry. Furthermore, our study contributes towards capturing the value of forest resources through the utilisation of native essential oils in South Korea.