Chemical Stability of Ascorbic Acid Integrated into Commercial Products: A Review on Bioactivity and Delivery Technology

SNaP-C: Development of a Silver Nanoparticle Antioxidant Assay for the Selective Quantitative Analysis of Vitamin C in Beverages

The development of a sensitive and selective silver nanoparticle assay for the quantitation of vitamin C (SNaP-C), as ascorbic acid (AA) and total ascorbic acid (TAA = AA + dehydroascorbic acid, DHAA), is described. Three assay parameters were investigated and optimized: (1) synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to produce a reliable enhanced localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the presence of specific added antioxidants; (2) ensuring long-term stability of AA and DHAA in aqueous solutions; and (3) SNaP-C assay conditions to allow for rapid analysis of samples (beverages) by monitoring the enhanced LSPR. The synthesis of AgNPs using soluble starch as a capping agent and d-arabinose as a reducing agent was optimized in a CEM Discover SP laboratory microwave. Given that AA and DHAA lack aqueous stability, these forms were stabilized via the addition of 1% (w/v) meta-phosphoric acid. To convert DHAA to AA, the reducing agent tris(2-carboxyethyl) phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP) was added with its concentration (2.5 mM) and reaction time (24 h) optimized. Using a Box-Behnken design for three factors, the SNaP-C assay reaction conditions of 1000 μL of AgNPs (in suspension) with 100 μL of beverage (or analytical standard) and 4.9 mL of water using the CEM Discover SP microwave were optimized, resulting in an incubation time of 90 °C for 6 min. Finally, a list of potential interferents that commonly respond to other antioxidant capacity assays, like the Folin-Ciocalteu, were investigated to demonstrate that the SNaP-C assay is selective and sensitive for ascorbic acid and gallic acid.

A multifaceted analysis: Unveiling the complexities of wheat genotypes, fortification, and processing on iron and zinc bioavailability in whole wheat flour and chapati

This study examines the complex interactions between wheat cultivar selection and fortification with NaFeEDTA and ascorbic acid (AA) on the bioavailability of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in whole wheat flour (WWF) and chapati. Nineteen hexaploid wheat cultivars were rigorously assessed for their intrinsic Fe and Zn profiles, including total content (TC), solubility (S), and bio-accessibility (B), utilizing an in-vitro gastrointestinal model. Significant variations (P < 0.05) were observed among cultivars, with Fe content ranging from 32.8 mg.kg-1 to 42.8 mg.kg-1 and Zn content ranging from 34.5 mg.kg-1 to 43.8 mg.kg-1 in WWF. Fortification with NaFeEDTA (T3: 250 mg.kg-1) significantly increased total Fe TC in WWF by 85.0 %, Fe and Zn solubility by 51.2 % and 22.3 %, and bio-accessibility by 165.5 % and 84.2 %, respectively, compared to control. Conversely, AA fortification (T3: 250 mg.kg-1) elevated Fe and Zn solubility by 98.7 % and 62.1 %, and bio-accessibility by 282.2 % and 230.5 %, respectively, compared to control. Notably, cultivar-specific responses to both fortification strategies were also evident. When translated to chapati, both NaFeEDTA and AA fortification (T3) enhanced Fe and Zn bio-accessibility compared to unfortified chapati. The impact of fortification was cultivar-dependent, with certain cultivars showing greater efficacy in improving Fe and Zn bio-accessibility. Correlation analysis revealed intricate relationships among Fe and Zn bioavailability parameters, highlighting the importance of tailored fortification approaches. These findings have significant implications for optimizing fortification strategies to improve bioavailable Fe and Zn intake through wheat-based diets.

Inhibition of Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes in coconut juice by graphene-doped photocatalyst rGO/TiO2

This research used the photocatalyst rGO/TiO2 prepared by hydrothermal method to inhibit the growth of these microorganisms in water and coconut juice. In coconut juice, the initial count of Salmonella typhimurium decreased from 3 × 105 CFU /mL to 6.3 × 104 CFU /mL, and the initial count of L. monocytogenes was reduced from 3 × 105 CFU/mL to 1.2 × 105 CFU/mL. Moreover, the chemical structure characterization rGO/TiO2 showed that the doping of rGO formed a compact composite, enhanced the transfer of photogenerated electrons, and improved the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2. The active substances ·OH and ·O2- produced by photocatalysis directly destroyed the integrity of bacteria cells, led to leakage of protein and DNA in the cells, and resulted in inactivation of the microorganisms, although Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes have different cell structures. These results would provide a good candidate photocatalyst to resist Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes and promote the development of photocatalysis applications.

Enhancement of Growth, Antioxidant Activity, and Immunity in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Through Recombinant Bacillus subtilis Expressing L-Gulonolactone Oxidase

Due to its lack of the L-gulonolactone oxidase (GULO) enzyme, Nile tilapia is unable to synthesize vitamin C; thus, it requires an adequate level of exogenous vitamin C in its diet. To enhance antioxidant properties and vitamin C-related effects, we employed recombinant technology to integrate the GULO-encoding gene into the Bacillus subtilis chromosome. In this study, fish were divided into four groups: those fed with a basal diet (CON), a basal diet + vitamin C (VC), a basal diet + wild-type B. subtilis (BS), and a basal diet + recombinant B. subtilis (BS+GULO). After 90 days of the feeding trial, the BS+GULO groups showed the highest improvements in final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, average daily gain, and relative growth rate. The VC, BS, and BS+GULO groups exhibited increased total immunoglobulin and lysozyme activity; however, only the VC and BS+GULO groups showed elevated alternative complement 50 levels, phagocytic activity and improved antioxidant parameters compared to the control. HPLC and qRT-PCR analyses revealed elevated serum vitamin C and intestinal GULO mRNA levels in the BS+GULO group. A challenge test showed increased pro-inflammatory gene expression and immune response against S. agalactiae in the BS+GULO group, indicating improved antagonistic activity over wild-type B. subtilis.

Enhancing physicochemical, bioactive, and nutritional properties of sweet potatoes: Ultrasonic contact drying with slot jet nozzles compared to hot-air drying and freeze drying

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, but their quality can be impacted by the drying process. This study investigates the impact of slot jet reattachment (SJR) nozzle and ultrasound (US) combined drying (SJR + US) on sweet potato quality, compared to freeze-drying (FD), SJR drying, and hot air drying (HAD). SJR + US drying at 50 °C closely resembled FD in enhancing quality attributes and outperformed HAD and SJR in key areas such as rehydration, shrinkage ratios, and nutritional composition. Notably, SJR + US at 50 °C produced the highest total starch (36.84 g/100 g), total dietary fiber (8.48 g/100 g), total phenolic content (158.19 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoid content (119.08 mg QE/g), DPPH antioxidant activity (6.44 μmol TE/g), β-carotene (31.98 mg/100 g), and vitamin C (5.27 mg/100 g). It also exhibited higher glass transition temperatures (Tg: 14.49 °C), indicating better stability at room temperature. The hardness values for SJR + US samples were similar to FD, while HAD samples had the highest hardness. SJR + US at 50 °C resulted in the lowest total color changes (ΔE), indicating minimal impact on appearance. Additionally, FTIR analysis revealed that peaks in specific spectral regions indicated superior preservation of bioactive compounds in SJR + US samples compared to other methods, which was also confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA) and heatmap visualization. Overall, these findings suggest that SJR + US is an effective alternative to conventional drying techniques, significantly improving the quality of dried sweet potatoes.

Luminescent Carbon Dots From Biomass Waste for the Sensitive Determination of Ascorbic Acid in Tablet Dosage Forms

Affordable and eco-friendly green spectrofluorometric (FL) methods can enhance the safety and cost-effectiveness of quality assurance and control in ascorbic acid (ASA) formulations. However, most current techniques for ASA analysis have faced challenges like complexity, delayed response times, low throughput, time-consuming procedures, and requirements for expensive equipment and hazardous chemicals for analyte modification. The study is aimed at producing natural carbon quantum dots (NACQDs) from pumpkin seed peels (PSPs), a natural waste material, using a rapid microwave-assisted method. A variety of techniques, including transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, were employed to characterize the PSP-based NACQDs. The NACQDs were used as probes for FL analysis of ASA, where the addition of ASA caused fluorescence quenching of the NACQDs. The developed method demonstrated good linearity (r = 0.996), sensitivity, accuracy (percentage recovery ranging from 99.36% to 100.35%), and precision (%RSD less than 0.21%) in the quantification of ASA in the range of 0.3-15 μg/mL. The method's LOD and LOQ values were 0.1 and 0.3 μg/mL, respectively. The successful analysis of ASA in tablet formulations demonstrated the practicality of the proposed method. Greenness assessment tools highlighted its superior eco-friendliness compared to reference techniques.

Sperm production, gonadal oxidative stress, DNA damage biomarkers and reproductive hormonal responses of cocks fed AFB1-contaminated diets supplemented with wireweed leaf

To assess the ameliorative effects of wireweed leaf supplement (WLS) and ascorbate on reproductive potentials and gonadal oxidative status of cocks fed aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contaminated diets, a total of 250 sexually mature cocks were distributed into five treatment groups: 1 (Control/Basal diet), 2 (Basal + 1 mg/kg AFB1), 3 (Basal + 1 mg/kg AFB1 + 200 mg/kg Ascorbate), 4 (Basal + 1 mg/kg AFB1 + 2.50 g/kg WLS) and 5 (Basal + 1 mg/kg AFB1 + 5.00 g/kg WLS). Each group was replicated 5 times with 10 cocks per replicate. The cocks in group 2 recorded significantly (P < 0.05) reduced daily sperm production and efficiency; gonadal antioxidative enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total proteins, luteinising hormone and testosterone concentrations while there were significant (P < 0.05) elevations in the gonadal malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) peroxidation activity, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and nitric oxide (NO) levels when compared with cocks in the control group. However, cocks in groups 3, 4 and 5 recorded improvements in all the parameters studied when compared with group 2 cocks. Therefore, inclusions of WLS and ascorbate were beneficial to the reproductive potentials of cocks fed AFB1 contaminated diets.

Impact of Conventional Pasteurization, High Temperature Short Time, Ultra-High Temperature, and Storage Time on Physicochemical Characteristics, Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and Microbiological Quality of Fruit Nectars

Berries are a valuable source of numerous bioactive compounds, and they have an interesting organoleptic profile. Unfortunately, their low storage life determines the need for their preservation. Among the various methods used in this regard, it was decided to use the High Temperature Short Time (HTST) (90 °C/15 s) and Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) (130 °C/5 s) methods to preserve the produced fruit nectar blends (strawberry-blackcurrant and strawberry-chokeberry). For comparison, the nectars were also preserved using conventional pasteurization (90 °C/10 min). Physicochemical, chromatographic, and microbiological determinations were carried out in the tested nectars before and immediately after processing, as well as after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 months of refrigerated storage. All methods allowed for the significant inactivation of selected microbial groups. Non-significant changes were observed as a result of HTST and UHT processing in the context of pH, TSS, and titratable acidity. Varied major changes occurred in the content of bioactive components (TPC-decrease or increase by 2-4%, TAC-decrease by 3-20%, vitamin C-decrease by 15-78%), antioxidant activity (decrease or increase by 3-9%), and nephelometric turbidity (decrease or increase by 11-65%). Both nectars showed better quality and nutritional value after the HTST and UHT processes compared to treatment with classic pasteurization. Storage affected the degradation of bioactive compounds, reduced antioxidant activity, increased turbidity, and caused the brightening of samples together with reducing redness and yellowness. Considering the results obtained, it is reasonable to recommend the use of the HTST and UHT methods in industrial conditions for the preservation of liquid fruit and vegetable products such as juices, nectars, and beverages.

Antioxidant content following fermentation of lemongrass for herbal beverage development

Consumers have increasingly favoured fermented drinks due to their high content of probiotic secondary metabolites. These beverages are believed to possess the capacity to safeguard against non-communicable ailments such as coronary heart disease, cancer, diabetes, antimicrobial infections, and other dietary-related disorders. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a commonly used botanical ingredient in therapeutic tea production. It is renowned for its highly valuable essential oil, which has significant commercial demand. This study examines the functional content and antioxidant effects of fermented beverages derived from lemongrass. We employed the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to carry out the fermentation process on the lemongrass compositions, extending the duration from t = 24 to t = 96 h. We used non-fermented samples as control. This investigation identified numerous active biomolecules and polyphenols in the fermented samples, including flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, and reducing sugars. After t = 24 h fermentation, the radical-scavenging activity reached its maximum level of 89.1%, and the antioxidant content reached 13.06 µg/ml, which is equivalent to the amount of ascorbic acid. After t = 36 h fermentation, the total phenolic content reached a concentration of 237.19 µg/ml, while the flavonoid content reached its peak at 55.21 µg/ml after t = 72 h fermentation. Lemongrass fermentation exhibits a wide range of phytochemicals and bioactive components that effectively eliminate free radicals, despite the antioxidant content fluctuation throughout the fermentation period of t = 24 to t = 96 h.

Exploiting UPO versatility to transform rutin in more soluble and bioactive products

The discovery of unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) completely changed the paradigm of enzyme-based oxyfunctionalization reactions, as these enzymes can transform a wide variety of substrates with a relatively simple reaction mechanism. The fact that UPO can exert both peroxygenative and peroxidative activity in either aromatic or aliphatic carbons, represents a great potential in the production of high value-added products from natural antioxidants. In this work, the flavonoid rutin has been considered as possible substrate for UPO from Agrocybe aegerita, and its peroxygenation or its peroxidation and successive oligomerization have been studied. Different experiments were performed in order to reduce the range of process variables involved and gaining insight on the behavior of this enzyme, leading to a multivariable optimization of UPO-based rutin modification. While trying to preserve enzyme activity this optimization aimed for maximizing the production of more soluble antioxidants. Reusability of the enzyme was evaluated recovering UPO using an enzymatic membrane reactor, revealing challenges in enzyme stability due to inactivation during the filtration stages. The influence of the radical scavenger ascorbic acid on product formation was investigated, revealing its role in directing the reaction towards hydroxylated rutin derivatives, hence indicating a shift towards more soluble and bioactive products.

Development and optimization of electrosprayed vitamin C - chitosan nanoparticle: A CCD-RSM approach and characterization of bioactive encapsulant

Electrospraying for Vitamin C (VC) encapsulation in Chitosan (Cs) nanoparticles was investigated and particle size, zeta potential, loading capacity (LC%) and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) were examined. Cs concentration (1-2% w/v) and voltage (21-25 kV) were varied with VC (0.25-0.75 w/w Cs). Twenty experiments in a face-centered CCD-RSM design were evaluated. ANOVA suggested voltage and Cs concentration as significant factors for particle size and VC content affected zeta, LC and EE%. RSM proposed optimum processing parameter at 2% Cs, 0.746 VC: Cs mass ratio and 21 kV voltage with 251.1 ± 59.03 nm particle size, 36.6% LC and an EE of 85.42%. Encapsulated particles were subjected to release behaviour, antioxidant property and analyzed through FTIR, DSC and XRD. Encapsulated VC had better antibacterial properties than Cs nanoparticles, and comparable VC retention in apple juice showed its effectiveness. Overall, nanoencapsulation of VC using electrospraying was successfully developed to be used in numerous food processing applications.

Content-Related Quality Control of Water- and Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Fortified Non-Alcoholic Beverages

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Vitamin-fortified non-alcoholic beverages (VFNABs) are rising in popularity and availability. However, owing to their regulation as foods, there are also growing quality and safety concerns. Therefore, we aimed to provide an overview of the content-related quality of VFNABs on the Slovenian market.

METHODS

Vitamin contents in 50 VFNABs (29 waters, 5 juices, 12 energy drinks, and 4 instant drinks) were determined using validated methods based on liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

The results revealed several quality issues, which were determined in all four VFNAB types. These included an indication of at least one vitamin, present in a lower-than-significant amount, on the nutrition declaration in 64% of the tested VFNABs and vitamin contents outside the tolerance interval (65-150% of the label claim) in almost half of the cases (48.4%, n = 244). Since the disclosed quality issues are not only a reason for the misleading of consumers but may also pose safety risks for both individuals and public health, we further performed an overall assessment of the VFNABs as vitamin sources. The results revealed that the tested VFNABs not only fully cover but in several cases considerably exceed daily vitamin needs (up to 616% of the reference values), an effect which is further accentuated in children.

CONCLUSIONS

The performed content-related quality control study undoubtedly highlight the need for stricter quality control and regulation and can be utilized as a foundation and recommendation for the manufacturers in terms of committing to and pursuing the production of VFNABs.

Physicochemical Characterization and Kinetics Study of Polymer Carriers with Vitamin C for Controlled Release Applications

This study focuses on the selection and evaluation of a kinetic model for the release of vitamin C from different delivery systems, including microcapsules, hydrogels, and a hybrid system combining both. The microcapsules were synthesized from a 2% sodium alginate solution and with vitamin C incorporated in selected formulations. Hydrogels were obtained through photopolymerization using poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and polyvinyl alcohol, with and without the addition of vitamin C. The hybrid system incorporated the vitamin C-containing microcapsules within the hydrogel matrix. Physicochemical properties, such as density, porosity, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), were evaluated. Kinetic studies of vitamin C release were conducted under dynamic and static conditions, and the experimental data were fitted to six different kinetic models: zero-order, first-order, second-order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and Hixson-Crowell. The Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models provided the best fit for most systems, indicating that the release is predominantly controlled by diffusion and, in dynamic conditions, swelling of the matrix. The hybrid system, while exhibiting slower release than the microcapsules and hydrogel alone, demonstrated more controlled and sustained release, which is advantageous for applications requiring prolonged action.

Mechanism of vitamin C alleviating the immunotoxicity of 17α-methyltestosterone in Carassius auratus

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the use of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has become increasingly common, leading to severe environmental pollution and harm to aquatic organisms. 17α-Methyltestosterone (MT) is a synthetic androgen that can cause immunotoxicity in aquaculture, affecting fish health. To address this issue, this study aimed to investigate the effect of Vitamin C (VC) on MT-induced immunotoxicity and determine the optimal VC supplementation.

RESULTS

Carassius auratus was exposed to 50 ng/L MT and treated with 25, 50, and 150 mg/kg VC for 7, 14, and 21 d. Morphological indicators, histological characteristics, hepatic antioxidant capacity, and immune-related gene expression were analyzed. Additionally, RNA-seq was performed on the liver tissues of the control, MT, and MT + 25 mg/kg VC groups after 21 d. Results showed that, MT treatment significantly increased liver malondialdehyde content and inhibited immune-related gene expression (TNF-α, IL-8, INF-γ, IL-10, Caspase-9, and IGF-I), causing oxidative stress and immunotoxicity, leading to hepatic steatosis. However, supplementation with 25-50 mg/kg VC effectively alleviated the MT-induced damage to the hepatic structure and immune system. RNA-seq revealed significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes in multiple signaling pathways, including the mTOR, MAPK, and Wnt pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, 25-50 mg/kg VC alleviated inhibitory effect of MT on immune-related genes in C. auratus liver, reducing MT-induced tissue damage. VC not only alleviated inflammation, oxidative stress, and immunotoxicity induced by MT through the regulation of the mTOR, MAPK, and Wnt signaling pathways, but also indirectly enhanced cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms by regulating the NRF2 pathway. This provides a theoretical basis for VC application in aquaculture, improving fish health and increasing efficiency.

Extraction Methods for Brain Biopsy NMR Metabolomics: Balancing Metabolite Stability and Protein Precipitation

Background/Objectives: Metabolic profiling of tissue samples via liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) requires the extraction of polar metabolites in a suitable deuterated solvent. Such methods often prioritise metabolite recovery over protein removal due to the relatively low sensitivity of NMR metabolomics and the routine use of methods able to supress residual protein signals. However, residual protein may impact metabolite integrity and the metabolite stability after NMR sample preparation is often overlooked. This study aimed to investigate the effect of residual protein contamination in rodent brain extracts and identify a reproducible extraction method that optimises metabolite recovery while ensuring sample stability. Methods: The performance of acetonitrile/water (50-100% MeCN), methanol/water (50-100% MeOH), and methanol/water/chloroform (MeOH/H2O/CHCl3) were assessed for extraction efficiency, reproducibility, residual protein contamination, and metabolite stability up to eight hours post NMR sample preparation. Results: Aspartate and glutamate deuteration were observed in 50% MeCN, 50% MeOH, and 67% MeOH extractions along with the conversion of N-acetyl aspartate to aspartate and acetate in 50% MeCN and 50% MeOH extractions. Both observations correlated with residual protein contamination and, thus, are a result of inadequate protein precipitation, as confirmed by ultrafiltration. MeOH/H2O/CHCl3 extraction preserved the stability of these metabolites while maintaining good extraction efficiency and reproducibility. Conclusions: Thus, we recommend MeOH/H2O/CHCl3 extraction for untargeted brain NMR metabolic profiling due to its effective protein precipitation and reliable performance. Nonetheless, the performance of detecting metabolites prone to oxidation such as ascorbate and glutathione is not improved by this method.

SNaP-C: Validation of a novel, selective silver nanoparticle antioxidant capacity assay for Vitamin C content in beverages

A validated silver nanoparticle assay (SNaP-C) for quantitation of Vitamin C, as ascorbic acid (AA) and total AA (TAA), was applied to 31 beverages. SNaP-C assay results (LOD of 2.2 mg/L AA) were compared to AA and TAA determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV/Vis (LOD = 0.4 mg/L AA), and two well-known assays. All approaches were calibrated using meta-phosphoric acid stabilized AA, where the reducing agent tris(2-carboxyethyl) phosphine hydrochloride was added to convert dehydroascorbic acid to AA for determination of TAA. Statistical comparisons of these four resulting datasets were completed. SNaP-C and HPLC were not statistically significantly different (P > 0.05) for comparison of AA and TAA (mg/L) in these samples, whereas the CUPRAC and Folin-Ciocalteu assays statistically significantly overestimated values of AA and TAA content, respectively. The SNaP-C method is a novel assay that has high specificity for AA capable of quantifying TAA with addition of TCEP.

Unwanted Loss of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) During in Situ Chemical Oxidation Sample Preservation: Mechanisms and Solutions

To assess the performance of hazardous waste sites remediation technologies, like in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) with persulfate (S 2 O 8   2 - ) researchers must periodically measure concentrations of target contaminants. Due to the presence of relatively high concentrations of the residual oxidant expected in many samples, the standard analytical method requires the addition of a relatively high concentration of ascorbic acid to prevent the oxidation process from continuing after sample collection. We discovered that addition of ascorbic acid quencher results in a radical chain reaction that transforms two common halogenated solvents (i.e., tetrachloroethene and hexachloroethane). To avoid the artifact associated with the radical chain reaction, a small quantity of n-hexane can be added to aqueous samples to extract target compounds and protect them from the radical chain reaction initiated by addition of the quencher. We recommend the use of this alternative sample preservation method whenever high concentrations of residualS 2 O 8   2 - are expected to be present in water samples that are contaminated with halogenated solvents.

Enhanced fluorescence properties of polyfluorene-based polymer dots through an ascorbic acid-photoaging treatment for living cell imaging

The polymer dots (Pdots) prepared by the conjugated polymer (PFO, poly (9,9-dihexylfluorene-2,7-diyl)) have high fluorescence intensity and are often used in biological fluorescence imaging. However, due to the chain defects, the PFO Pdots suffer from stability issues such as photoinactivation and photobleaching. To solve this problem, we drew inspiration from the preparation process of organic planar light-emitting devices and added an optimization processing after Pdots was prepared. We used illumination as the driving force to activate defects on its chain, and ascorbic acid as a reducing substance to restore the chain defects of the polymer to a more stable state. Through this method, we increased the fluorescence intensity by nearly 1.9 times, and significantly improving their long and short-term stability. In addition, it ensures other properties remain unchanged. This optimization scheme is also fully compatible with the entire biological imaging process, ensuring that other important properties such as cytotoxicity do not undergo unnecessary changes. Furthermore, we conducted material characterization and theoretical simulation, revealing that the optimization scheme mainly serves to repair C-9 alkyl defects on the polyfluorene unit. This study has improved and enhanced the fluorescence performance of PFO Pdots, and also provides a way to optimize the treatment of other similar conjugated polymer material systems.

Functional Breads with Encapsulated Vitamin C and Fish Oil: Nutritional, Technological, and Sensory Attributes

The fortification of bread is considered an effective approach for improving its nutritional properties. However, the incorporation of free bioactive components into bread formulations may affect the overall quality of breads in different ways, depending on the sensitivity of bioactive components to baking factors. In this study, the incorporation of encapsulated vitamin C (ascorbic acid and its salts) and fish oil in breads was investigated for their stability and effect on bread quality. The combination of fish oil emulsions increased the retention of encapsulated ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, or sodium ascorbate in breads compared to that of the free non-combined vitamin. At the same time, the combination of vitamin gels increased the retention of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and decreased the lipid oxidation in breads compared to the non-combined encapsulated forms. The highest retention values of ascorbic groups, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and DHA were about 70%, 88%, and 95% in breads after baking, respectively. There was the negative correlation between the ABTS radical scavenging capacity and peroxide value in breads. The specific volume of breads was improved by vitamin gels but reduced by fish oil emulsions. Their combination resisted individual impact on the specific volume of breads. The breads with combined ascorbic acid gels and fish oil emulsions showed similar textural properties to the control one. The functional bread with calcium ascorbate gel and fish oil emulsion had the highest moisture content of 45.87%. The inclusion of vitamin gels plus fish oil emulsion decreased free water but increased the bound water. Combining ascorbic acid gels with fish oil emulsions effectively reduced and masked the fishy flavor. The integration of encapsulation techniques and multi-nutrient fortification is proposed as an effective way to enhance the nutritional value and quality of functional bread through synergistic effects.

Exploring the preservation efficiency of cured betel leaf essential oil in augmenting the quality of fruit juice: a comprehensive evaluation of physicochemical, microbial, and sensory parameters

Betel leaves have deep roots in India's cultural heritage and have long been known for their use in traditional diets as a masticatory agent. These leaves contain beneficial compounds like antimicrobials, antioxidants, and anticancer properties. This study aims to investigate how betel leaf essential oil (BLEO) can act as a preservative for orange, grape, watermelon, and sugarcane juices. To make sure BLEO doesn't affect the taste, a sensory study was done using fuzzy logic analysis to determine the right concentration. Physicochemical and microbial properties in control and BLEO-treated juices were evaluated at weeks 0 and 2. Results showed that the addition of BLEO in fruit juices yielded a significant reduction in microbial populations, in total plate count and yeast and mold count. The decrease in free radical scavenging activity observed in BLEO-treated juices was comparatively less pronounced than in the control. GC-MS analysis has identified the bioactive compounds present in BLEO, revealing high concentrations of bioactive compounds. The observation of the study demonstrates the remarkable potential of BLEO to serve as a natural preservative in a diverse range of fruit juices.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-024-05963-9.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Six Allium Extracts Using Protein-Based Biomimetic Methods

Medicinal plants are a valuable reservoir of novel pharmacologically active compounds. ROS and free radicals are primary contributors to oxidative stress, a condition associated with the onset of degenerative diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease, and vascular disease. In this study, we used different spectrophotometry methods to demonstrate the antioxidant properties of 6 Allium extracts: Allium fistulosum; Allium ursinum; Allium cepa: Arieș red cultivar of A. cepa, and white variety of A. cepa; Allium sativum; and Allium senescens subsp. montanum. HPLC-MS determined the chemical composition of the extracts. Among the tested extracts, the Arieș red cultivar of A. cepa stands out as having the best antioxidant activity, probably due to the high content of polyphenols and alliin (12.67 µg/mL and 3565 ng/mL, respectively). The results obtained in this study show that Allium extracts have antioxidant activity, but also free radical scavenging capabilities. Also, their interactions with cytochrome c and hemoglobin can be the basis of future studies to create treatments for oxidative stress-related diseases.

Microneedles mediated-dermal delivery of Vitamin C: Formulation, characterization, cytotoxicity, and enhancement of stability

Vitamin C (VIT C) is an antioxidant that prevents skin aging. Although dermal delivery is one of the most effective routes to transport VIT C to the skin, the impact of this route can be limited by the barrier function of the stratum corneum (SC). Additionally, VIT C rapidly oxidized and degraded under light and temperature. Therefore, this study provides an approach to utilizing microneedles (MNs) to improve the dermal delivery of VIT C and enhance its stability by incorporating a stabilizing system of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sodium metabisulfite (Meta) within the MNs. Vitamin C microneedles (VIT C MNs) were fabricated using different biodegradable polymers and various concentrations of EDTA/Meta. VIT C MNs were evaluated for morphology, VIT C content, mechanical properties, dissolution rate, needles' insertion, physicochemical properties, ex vivo permeation, viscosity of VIT C polymeric solutions, cytotoxicity, and stability. The results showed that VIT C MNs were uniform and mechanically strong. The recovery of VIT C in MNs was 88.3-90.0 %. The dissolution rate of MNs was <30 min. The flux of VIT C varied based on the composition of MNs. VIT C MNs demonstrated safety against human dermal fibroblasts. VIT C MNs with EDTA/Meta (0.1/0.3 %) were stable under different storage conditions for two months. In conclusion, VIT C MNs were successfully developed using biodegradable polymers, and the stabilizing system (EDTA/META) provided a stable dermal delivery system for VIT C to protect skin from aging.

Lipid-Based Gels for Delivery of 3-O-Ethyl L-Ascorbic acid in Topical Applications

This study explores the incorporation of 10% 3-O-ethyl L-ascorbic acid (ETVC), a derivative of vitamin C, into two lipid gel systems: a hydrogel (HG) consisting exclusively of lipids and water and a bigel (BG) combining the hydrogel with an oleogel made from olive oil and beeswax. We investigated the ETVC release profiles from both materials using synthetic membranes and measured their permeation through porcine skin in vitro. Additionally, the interaction of these lipid gel systems with the stratum corneum (SC) was determined. Results from the release study indicate that the BG exhibited slower ETVC release compared to the HG. The permeation experiments showed that the presence of lipids in the formulations enhanced ETVC retention in the skin. The HG delivered a higher amount to the SC, while the BG achieved greater retention in the epidermis. This difference is attributed to the different lipophilic nature of each material. The structural analysis of SC lipids revealed that the organization of surface lipids remained unaltered by the application of the gels. Finally, an in vitro efficacy test in porcine skin using methylene blue indicated that our ETVC gels exhibited antioxidant activity. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of lipid-based gels for topical applications.

Poly(ε-Caprolactone)-Based Composites Modified With Polymer-Grafted Magnetic Nanoparticles and L-Ascorbic Acid for Bone Tissue Engineering

The aim of this study was to develop multifunctional magnetic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) mats with antibacterial properties for bone tissue engineering and osteosarcoma prevention. To provide good dispersion of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs), they were first grafted with PCL using a novel three-step approach. Then, a series of PCL-based mats containing a fixed amount of ION@PCL particles and an increasing content of ascorbic acid (AA) was prepared by electrospinning. AA is known for increasing osteoblast activity and suppressing osteosarcoma cells. Composites were characterized in terms of morphology, mechanical properties, hydrolytic stability, antibacterial performance, and biocompatibility. AA affected both the fiber diameter and the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. All produced mats were nontoxic to rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells; however, a composite with 5 wt.% of AA suppressed the initial proliferation of SAOS-2 osteoblast-like cells. Moreover, AA improved antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared to PCL. Overall, these magnetic composites, reported for the very first time, can be used as scaffolds for both tissue regeneration and osteosarcoma prevention.

In vivo absorption and excretion in rats and in vitro digestion and fermentation by the human intestinal microbiota of 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid from the fruits of Lycium barbarum L

2-O-β-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG) from Lycium barbarum fruits has diverse bioactivities, yet its absorption and digestion are poorly understood. Therefore, the in vivo absorption of AA-2βG in rats was investigated in the present study. After oral administration to SD rats, AA-2βG was absorbed intact, reaching a peak plasma concentration of 472.32 ± 296.64 nM at 90 min, with fecal excretion peaking at 4-8 h and decreasing rapidly by 12-24 h, indicating a prolonged intestinal presence. Furthermore, the digestibility under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and the impact on the gut flora through in vitro fermentation of AA-2βG were investigated. The results reveal that AA-2βG resisted in in vitro simulated digestion, indicating potential interactions with the gut microbiota. The results of in vitro fermentation showed that AA-2βG regulated the composition of the gut microbiota by promoting Oscillospiraceae, Faecalibacterium, Limosilactobacillus, and Fusicatenibacter, while inhibiting Enterococcus, Phocaeicola, Bacteroides, and Streptococcus. Furthermore, at the species level, AA-2βG promoted the growth of Limosilactobacillus mucosae and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and inhibited the growth of Enterococcus. F. prausnitzii is a major producer of n-butyric acid, and the results of short-chain fatty acids also demonstrated a significant promotion of n-butyric acid. Therefore, the study on the absorption, excretion, and regulatory effects of AA-2βG on the gut microbiota supported its potential development as a functional food additive to enhance intestinal health and prevent diseases.

Impact of Wall Material-to-Active Ratio in the Stability of Spray-Dried Ascorbic Acid Using Maltodextrin and Gum Arabic

Encapsulation revolutionizes industries through enhanced stability, controlled release, and targeted performance of active ingredients. The novel aspect of this study explores the impact of the wall material-to-active (WM:A) ratio on the stability of ascorbic acid (AA) encapsulated in a maltodextrin (MD) and gum arabic (GA) blend (2:1 w/w). Microparticles were spray-dried and analyzed using SEM, TGA, DSC, thermal stability, and antioxidant activity assessments. Stability tests under different conditions revealed that a higher WM:A ratio (7:1) improved the active stability and antioxidant activity during storage, highlighting its importance in the encapsulation process. SEM analysis confirmed particles with no cracks, and the particles demonstrated excellent thermal stability up to 200 °C with minimal degradation. These findings underscore the critical role of the WM:A ratio in determining the stability of encapsulated AA within a carbohydrate matrix, offering valuable insights for advancing encapsulation technologies.

Understand the Stabilization Engineering of Ascorbic Acid, Mapping the Scheme for Stabilization, and Advancement

Vitamin C is extensively used in cosmetic formulation, howbeit stability is the supreme demerit that limits its use in beautifying products. Numerous techniques are being employed to inhibit the degradation of vitamin C caused by formulation components to facilitate the use in skin rejuvenating products. Diverse materials are being exercised in formulation to stabilize the ascorbic acid and ingredients selected in this formulation composition help for stabilization. The initial stable prototype is developed and further optimization is accomplished by applying the design of experiment tools. The stable pharmaceutical formulations were evaluated for the evaluation parameters and designated as two optimized formulations. The analytical method for the assay of ascorbic acid from the United States pharmacopeia and the related substance method from European pharmacopeia has been modified to be used for cream formulation. The DoE design exhibited that the stability of formulation is impacted by citric acid and tartaric acid but not by propylene glycol and glycerin. The analysis results of topical formulations for the evaluation parameter exhibited satisfactory results. The in-vitro release study method has been developed, optimized, and validated to fit the analysis. The in-vitro studies have been performed for selected compositions and both the formulation has similar kinds of release patterns. The stability study as per ICH guidelines exhibited that the product is stable for accelerated, intermediate, and room-temperature storage conditions. The optimized formulation shows constant release and permeation of ascorbic acid through the skin. The formulation with the combinations of citric acid, tartaric acid, and tocopherol is more stable and the degradation of vitamin C has been reduced significantly. The beaucoup strategies in the unique composition help to protect the degradation by inhibiting the multitudinous degradation pathways.

Molecular dynamics simulations of choline chloride and ascorbic acid deep eutectic solvents: Investigation of structural and dynamics properties

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) composed of choline chloride (ChCl) and ascorbic acid (AA) were investigated using the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The analyses of the configuration, radial distribution function (RDFs), coordination number, spatial distribution function (SDFs), interaction energies, hydrogen bond number, and self-diffusion coefficient of the ChCl/AA binary systems of different concentrations showed that the stability of the hydrogen bond network and the mutual attraction between systems were the strongest at the experimental eutectic concentration (molar ratio of 2:1). In our simulated temperature range from 303.15 to 353.15 K, the hydrogen bonding network of ChCl/AA DES does not undergo considerable alterations, indicating that its stability was insensitive to temperature. In addition, the influence of the water content on the ChCl/AA DES system was further investigated. The simulated results revealed that the water molecules could disrupt the formation of the hydrogen bonding network by occupyin positions that are essential for the formation of hydrogen bonds within the DES system.

Microencapsulation of vitamins: A review and meta-analysis of coating materials, release and food fortification

Vitamins are responsible for providing biological properties to the human body; however, their instability under certain environmental conditions limits their utilization in the food industry. The objective was to conduct a systematic review on the use of biopolymers and lipid bases in microencapsulation processes, assessing their impact on the stability, controlled release, and viability of fortified foods with microencapsulated vitamins. The literature search was conducted between the years 2013-2023, gathering information from databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and publishers including Taylor & Francis, Elsevier, Springer and MDPI; a total of 49 articles were compiled The results were classified according to the microencapsulation method, considering the following information: core, coating material, solvent, formulation, process conditions, particle size, efficiency, yield, bioavailability, bioaccessibility, in vitro release, correlation coefficient and references. It has been evidenced that gums are the most frequently employed coatings in the protection of vitamins (14.04%), followed by alginate (10.53%), modified chitosan (9.65%), whey protein (8.77%), lipid bases (8.77%), chitosan (7.89%), modified starch (7.89%), starch (7.02%), gelatin (6.14%), maltodextrin (5.26%), zein (3.51%), pectin (2.63%) and other materials (7.89%). The factors influencing the release of vitamins include pH, modification of the coating material and crosslinking agents; additionally, it was determined that the most fitting mathematical model for release values is Weibull, followed by Zero Order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas; finally, foods commonly fortified with microencapsulated vitamins were described, with yogurt, bakery products and gummy candies being notable examples.

Emerging berries from the Brazilian Amazon and Atlantic Forest biomes: new sources of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits

Brazil has a broad geographic biodiversity spread across its six different biomes. However, it has been suffering from the abusive exploitation of its resources, which poses a threat to the local fauna and flora. The Amazon and Atlantic Forest, for example, are birthplaces to rare and edible native species, such as bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba, Arecaceae) and camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia, Myrtaceae), and cereja-do-Rio Grande (Eugenia involucrata, Myrtaceae) and grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis, Myrtaceae), respectively. These plants produce fruits which are sources of macro and micronutrients, including sugars, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, and/or lipids. Nutritionally, their consumption have the ability to reach partially or totally the daily recommendations for adults of some nutrients. More recently, these fruits have also been exposed as interesting sources of minor bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, terpenes, and/or polyphenols, the latter which include anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and tannins. Particularly, bacaba stands out for being a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (around 22%, dry weight) and dietary fibers (6.5-21%, dry weight); camu-camu has very high contents of vitamin C (up to 5000 mg per 100 g of pulp, dry basis); and cereja-do-Rio-Grande and grumixama are abundant sources of anthocyanins. Although they are still underexplored, several in vitro and in vivo studies with different parts of the fruits, including the peel, seed, and pulp, indicate their health potential through anti-oxidative, anti-obesity, antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemic, antimicrobial, and/or anticancer effects. All things considered, the focus of this research was to highlight the bioactive potential and health impact of native fruits from the Amazon and Atlantic Forest biomes.

Noni (Morinda citrifolia) leaf extract incorporated methylcellulose active films: A sustainable strategy for browning inhibition in apple slice packaging

Methylcellulose, a prominent polysaccharide prevalent in the food sector, was considered to fabricate the active films with glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker and Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Leaf Extract (NLE) as an active agent. FTIR analysis confirms the intermolecular -OH bonding, and SEM micrograms demonstrate methylcellulose active films' homogeneous, dense morphologic appearance. Due to the crosslinking effect of glutaraldehyde and noni leaf extract, tensile strength (41.83 ± 0.134 MPa) and crystallinity (62.91 %) of methylcellulose films were improved. Methylcellulose active films suppress water and moisture uptake at various relative humidities. The inhibition capability against foodborne pathogens and the excellent antioxidant activity [DPPH (93.191 ± 1.384 %) and ABTS (90.523 ± 1.412 %)] of NLE incorporation suggested that food packed in methylcellulose active films were effective against pathogenic and oxidative attacks. During preservation, to ensure the apple slices' nutritional values, they are covered with physiochemically enhanced methylcellulose active films for up to 120 h. The minimum reduction in vitamin C, reducing sugar content, percentage weight loss, pH, and total phenolic content of apple slices preserved in MGN active films at room temperature suggests it is an affordable and efficient replacement to traditional single-use plastic packaging in the cut fruit industry.

Design and synthesis of novel dihydropyridine- and benzylideneimine-based tyrosinase inhibitors

Tyrosinase (TYR) inhibitors are very significant as they inhibit enzyme tyrosinase activity, and its inhibition is vital for skin care, anticancer medication, and antibrowning of fruits and vegetables. This work presents a novel and economical route for the preparation of new synthetic tyrosinase inhibitors using amlodipine (4). The novel conjugates 6 (a-o) were designed, synthesized, and characterized by spectroscopic analyses, including Fourier transform infrared and low- and high-resolution mass spectroscopy. The purified compound 4 was refluxed with various aldehydes and ketones 5 (a-o) for 5-8 h in methanol at 60°C-90°C. This research modified the drug in a step-by-step manner to develop therapeutic properties as a tyrosinase inhibitor. The structures of synthesized ligands 6 (a-o) were established based on spectral and analytical data. The synthesized compounds 6 (a-o) were screened against tyrosinase enzyme. Kojic acid was taken as standard. All the prepared compounds 6 (a-o) have good inhibition potential against the enzyme tyrosinase. Compounds 6o, 6b, 6f, and 6k depicted excellent antityrosinase activity. Compound 6k, with an IC50 value of 5.34 ± 0.58 µM, is as potent as the standard kojic acid (IC50 6.04 ± 0.11 µM), standing out among all synthesized compounds 6 (a-o). The in silico studies of the conjugates 6 (a-o) were evaluated via PatchDock. Compound 6k showed a binding affinity score of 8,999 and an atomic contact energy (ACE) value of -219.66 kcal/mol. The structure-activity relationship illustrated that the presence of dihydropyridine nuclei and some activating groups at the ortho and para positions of the benzylideneimine moiety is the main factor for good tyrosinase activity. The compound 6k could be used as a lead compound for drug modification as a tyrosinase inhibitor for skin care, anticancer medication, and antibrowning for fruits and vegetables.

Determination of ethoxyquin by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and a Singapore survey of ethoxyquin residues in eggs, egg products and poultry

In this study, an advanced ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for quantifying ethoxyquin (EQ). The approach employed a distinctive antioxidant added extraction step designed to prevent ethoxyquin decomposition and maintain analytical precision. This method effectively determines residue levels of EQ in eggs, processed egg products, poultry muscle, salmon, and liquid milk. The method was shown to have a limit of quantitation (LOQ) for eggs, milk, salmon, and chicken muscle of 1.5 µg/kg, 1.9 µg/kg, 2.1 µg/kg, and 1.2 µg/kg, respectively. The recoveries of EQ ranged from 79.2% to 107.6%, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) below 8.4%. A surveillance study for the presence of EQ in different types of eggs and poultry muscle available in Singapore was conducted and a total of 140 samples were tested. EQ residues in all samples were found to be below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) MRLs of 500 µg/kg. Some samples of salted and preserved eggs from China were detected with higher concentration of EQ.

Influence of Pasteurisation (Conventional vs. Radiofrequency) and Chill Storage on Retention of Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol and Carotenoids in Salmorejo

Salmorejo, a Mediterranean tomato-oil puree, is considered a dietary source of antioxidant vitamins C and E and carotenoids lycopene and β-carotene, the latter endowed with provitamin A activity. However, these antioxidants can be degraded in oxidation reactions catalysed or not by enzymes during pasteurisation and storage treatments used to stabilise the salmorejo before consumption. Due to its better penetration, the use of dielectric heating by radiofrequency (RF) may improve results of pasteurisation in this product. The objective was to assess the effects of pasteurisation temperature (70-100 °C, at 5 °C intervals) and storage time (0-5 months, at one-month intervals) on levels of ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and carotenoids and antioxidant capacity (AC) in salmorejo pasteurised (over 10 s) by conventional (CH) or RF continuous heating. Two successive experiments were conducted to select an adequate pasteurisation temperature for use in the shelf-life study. Pasteurisation upon tested conditions allows a good retention of salmorejo antioxidants. Either CH or RF pasteurisers can be used with similar results. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic + dehydroascorbic acids) was more abundant (15-19 mg 100 g-1) than carotenoids (0.9-2.6 mg 100 g-1) (all-trans + cis lycopene and β-carotene) and α-tocopherol (0.8-1.2 mg 100 g-1) in the pasteurised product. Using excessively low temperatures (70 °C) resulted in partial losses of the three antioxidants, possibly due to oxidase residual activities. Intensifying thermal treatment improved this issue with minor losses of the thermolabile vitamin C and increased carotenoid content. Using a suitable temperature (80 °C) did not prevent most vitamin C from being degraded by the first month, while α-tocopherol, and, to a lesser extent, carotenoids, showed good retention levels during shelf life under refrigeration. Vitamins C and E and carotenoids, either by degradation, regeneration or releasing, likely contribute to the AC in salmorejo. Phenolic antioxidant response, radical-scavenging activities and redox potential values confirmed this finding. The pasteurised-chilled salmorejo shows good antioxidant properties with potential health implications, a positive nutritional aspect for consumers of this tomato-oil homogenate. The losses of antioxidants and AC due to pasteurization would be of little relevance compared to the losses accumulated during shelf life.

Effect of defatted Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley seed flour as a fat replacer on physicochemical, technological, and sensory properties of beef patty

Defatted Lagenaria siceraria seed flour (DLSSF) was obtained from defatted seed cake, dried, and ground through a sieve of 500 μm and characterized. A 2 × 4 factorial design (two flour hydration rates and four fat substitution rates) was used to produce a low-fat beef patty by replacing fat with DLSSF. Beef kidney fat was used to formulate the control sample. Chemical, physical, technological, sensory, and nutritional characteristics of low-fat beef patties manufactured were evaluated. DLSSF contains mainly protein. As fat replacers, DLSSF induces a significant increase in the pH of the raw and cooked patty, the moisture and protein contents, the cooking yield, the cohesion, chewiness, springiness, and lightness of the cooked beef patty with fat substitution rate. There is a decrease in fat content, total calories, water retention capacity, hardness, and redness of the cooked patty with a fat substitution rate. From the sensory analysis, the substitution of fat improves the acceptability of samples. Based on the overall parameters analyzed, DLSSF containing 60% water can be used to produce low-fat beef patty by replacing fat at 100%. From these results, hydrated DLSSF could be an effective method to solve the problems of noncommunicable diseases related to animal fat consumption.

Yeast cells-xanthan gum coacervation for hydrosoluble bioactive encapsulation

This study assessed the technological feasibility of microencapsulating vitamin C (VC) via coacervation between yeast cells (YC) and xanthan gum (XG). The interaction efficiency between YC and XG was examined across various pHs and ratios, while characterizing the microcapsules in terms of encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and thermal and chemical stability. Additionally, in vitro digestion experiments were conducted to determine the digestion efficiency and bioavailability of the bioactive compound. The optimally produced microcapsules exhibited favorable functional attributes, including low water activity (≤ 0.3) and particle size (≤ 33.52 μm), coupled with a high encapsulation efficiency (∼ 86.12 %). The microcapsules were able to increase the stability of VC at high temperatures and during storage when compared to the control. The in vitro experiment revealed that the microcapsules effectively retained approximately 50 % of the VC in simulated gastric fluid, with up to 80 % released in simulated intestinal fluid. However, due to prior degradation in the simulated gastric fluid, the achieved bioavailability was around 68 %. These results are promising, underscoring the potential of these microcapsules as a viable technology for encapsulating, protect, and releasing water-soluble bioactives in the GI tract.

25 year experience of patterns of plasma vitamin C levels in patients requiring home parenteral support

OBJECTIVE

Vitamin C deficiency is common in patients with chronic intestinal failure. Risk factors are poorly understood and guidelines for monitoring largely based on expert opinion. The aim of this study was to describe patterns of vitamin C deficiency in patients on long-term home parenteral support (HPS).

DESIGN

A retrospective review of a prospectively collated database for 236 HPS patients cared for in Glasgow, from 1998 to 2023, was interrogated for subjects with paired CRP and vitamin C measurements. Following analysis of the impact of CRP on vitamin C levels, further review of associated clinical, micronutrient and dietetic details in those with a paired CRP <5 mg L-1 were used to identify risk factors for hypoascorbataemia.

RESULTS

1527 recorded episodes with paired CRP and vitamin C measurements were analysed. Period prevalence of hypoascorbataemia was between 29.3 and 52.5%, depending on choice of the lower reference range for vitamin C as either 15 μmol L-1 or 26.1 μmol L-1. The influence of CRP appeared most significant early during HPS with other factors, including extensive mucosal disease, precedent surgery or presence of a colostomy identified as more significant on multivariate analysis for those on long-term HPS (OR 1.3261-1.5609, 1.0752-1.1008, and 0.6260-0.6663 for threshold vitamin C of 26.1 or 15 μmol L-1 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin C may present differently in long term HPS patients in comparison to those in the acute phase of illness. An evidence based approach to guideline development should be promoted to reduce morbidity.

Response Surface Optimization for the Enhancement of the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Citrus limon Peel

Citrus limon is among the species of the genus Citrus that dominates the world market. It is highly nutritious for humans as it contains twice the amount of the suggested daily intake of ascorbic acid and is also a good source of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and other bioactive compounds. This study aimed to identify the optimal extraction procedures and parameters to obtain the maximum quantity of bioactive components from lemon peel by-products. Various extraction techniques, including stirring, ultrasound, and pulsed electric field, were evaluated, along with factors such as extraction time, temperature, and solvent composition. The results revealed that simple stirring for 150 min at 20 °C proved to be the most effective and practical method. The ideal solvent mixture consisted of 75% ethanol and 25% water, highlighting the crucial role of solvent composition in maximizing extraction efficiency. Among the extracted compounds were phenolics, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids. Under optimum extraction conditions, the extract was found to contain high total phenolic content (TPC) (51.2 mg of gallic acid equivalents, GAE/g dry weight), total flavonoid content (TFC) (7.1 mg of rutin equivalents, RtE/g dry weight), amounts of ascorbic acid (3.7 mg/g dry weight), and total carotenoids content (TCC) (64.9 μg of β-carotene equivalents, CtE/g). Notably, the extracts demonstrated potent antioxidant properties (128.9 μmol of ascorbic acid equivalents, AAE/g; and 30.3 μmol of AAE/g as evidenced by FRAP and DPPH assays, respectively), making it a promising ingredient for functional foods and cosmetics. The study's implications lie in promoting sustainable practices by converting lemon peel into valuable resources and supporting human health and wellness through the consumption of natural antioxidants.

Characteristics of a Lipid Hydrogel and Bigel as Matrices for Ascorbic Acid Stabilization

Ascorbic acid (AA) has many health benefits, including immune and cardiovascular deficiency protection, prenatal problems, and skin diseases. Unfortunately, AA is easily oxidized and has limited bioavailability. Thus, the development of formulations that stabilize and enhance the efficacy of AA is a challenge. In this study, 4% AA was encapsulated in two recently developed gels, a hydrogel and a bigel. The hydrogel was formed exclusively with lipids and water, and the bigel was a combination of the hydrogel with an oleogel formed with olive oil and beeswax. The effect of AA in gel microstructures was determined using X-ray scattering, rheology, and texture analysis. Additionally, the capacity of these materials to protect AA from degradation upon temperature and sunlight was studied. Results showed that the incorporation of AA into both materials did not affect their microstructure. Moreover, hydrogel-protected AA showed only 2% degradation after three months at 8 °C, while in aqueous solution, it degraded by 12%. Regarding sunlight, bigel showed a good shielding effect, exhibiting only 2% AA degradation after 22 h of exposure, whereas in aqueous solution, AA degraded by 10%. These results suggest that both proposed gels could be used in biomedical applications and the field of food.

A Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe Based on RhB Functionalized Tb-MOFs for the Continuous Visual Detection of Fe3+ and AA

In this study, a red-green dual-emitting fluorescent composite (RhB@MOFs) was constructed by introducing the red-emitting organic fluorescent dye rhodamine B (RhB) into metal-organic frameworks (Tb-MOFs). The sample can be used as a ratiometric fluorescent probe, which not only avoids errors caused by instrument and environmental instability but also has multiple applications in detection. The results indicated that the RhB@MOFs exhibited a turned-off response toward Fe3+ and a turned-on response for the continuous detection of ascorbic acid (AA). This ratiometric fluorescent probe possessed high sensitivity and excellent selectivity in the continuous determination of Fe3+ and AA. It is worth mentioning that remarkable fluorescence change could be clearly observed by the naked eye under a UV lamp, which is more convenient in applications. In addition, the mechanisms of Fe3+- and AA-induced fluorescence quench and recovery are discussed in detail. This ratiometric probe displayed outstanding recognition of heavy metal ions and biomolecules, providing potential applications for water quality monitoring and biomolecule determination.

Synergistic Combination of Letrozole and Berberine in Ascorbic Acid-Stabilized AuNPs: A Promising Solution for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a deadly disease that affects countless women worldwide. The most conventional treatments for breast cancer, such as the administration of anticancer medications such as letrozole (LTZ), pose significant barriers due to the non-selective delivery and low bioavailability of cytotoxic drugs leading to serious adverse effects and multidrug resistance (MDR). Addressing these obstacles requires an innovative approach, and we propose a combined strategy that synergistically incorporates LTZ with berberine (BBR) into stabilised AuNPs coated with ascorbic acid (AA), known as LTZ-BBR@AA-AuNPs. The LTZ-BBR@AA-AuNPs, a novel combined drug delivery system, were carefully designed to maximise the entrapment of both LTZ and BBR. The resulting spherical nanoparticles exhibited remarkable efficiency in trapping these two compounds, with rates of 58% and 54%, respectively. In particular, the average hydrodynamic diameter of these nanoparticles was determined to be 81.23 ± 4.0 nm with a PDI value of only 0.286, indicating excellent uniformity between them. Furthermore, their zeta potential was observed to be -14.5 mV, suggesting high stability even under physiological conditions. The release profiles showed that after being incubated for about 24 h at pH levels ranging from acidic (pH = 5) to basic (pH = 7), the percentage released for both drugs ranged from 56-72%. This sustained and controlled drug release can reduce any negative side effects while improving therapeutic efficacy when administered directly to cancer. MDA-MB-231 cells treated with LTZ-BBR@AA-AuNPs for 48 h exhibited IC50 values of 2.04 ± 0.011 μg/mL, indicating potent cytotoxicity against cells. Furthermore, the nanoparticles demonstrated excellent stability throughout the duration of the treatment.

Bioaccessibility and bioactive potential of different phytochemical classes from nutraceuticals and functional foods

Nutraceuticals and functional foods are composed of especially complex matrices, with polyphenols, carotenoids, minerals, and vitamins, among others, being the main classes of phytochemicals involved in their bioactivities. Despite their wide use, further investigations are needed to certify the proper release of these phytochemicals into the gastrointestinal medium, where the bioaccessibility assay is one of the most frequently used method. The aim of this review was to gather and describe different methods that can be used to assess the bioaccessibility of nutraceuticals and functional foods, along with the most important factors that can impact this process. The link between simulated digestion testing of phytochemicals and their in vitro bioactivity is also discussed, with a special focus on the potential of developing nutraceuticals and functional foods from simple plant materials. The bioactive potential of certain classes of phytochemicals from nutraceuticals and functional foods is susceptible to different variations during the bioaccessibility assessment, with different factors contributing to this variability, namely the chemical composition and the nature of the matrix. Regardless of the high number of studies, the current methodology fails to assume correlations between bioaccessibility and bioactivity, and the findings of this review indicate a necessity for updated and standardized protocols.

Ascorbic acid modulates the structure of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factor pyocyanin and ascorbic acid-furanone-30 combination facilitate biofilm disruption

The production of pyocyanin by Pseudomonas aeruginosa increases its virulence, fitness and biofilm formation. Pyocyanin is also a redox molecule and we hypothesize that ascorbic acid being an antioxidant will interact with pyocyanin. The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential interaction of ascorbic acid with pyocyanin, and also to investigate the impact of ascorbic acid in combination with Furanone-30 on quorum sensing and biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa. When incubated with ascorbic acid, hyperchromic and hypsochromic shifts in pyocyanin absorbance peaks at 385 nm and 695 nm were observed. In the presence of dehydroascorbic acid and citric acid, these shifts were absent, indicating that the intrinsic antioxidant property of ascorbic acid was probably essential in binding to pyocyanin. NMR spectroscopy showed shifts in ¹H NMR pyocyanin peaks between 8.2 to 5.8 ppm when incubated in the presence of ascorbic acid. Density Functional Theory (DFT) supported potential interactions between the -CH₂OH or -OH moieties of ascorbic acid with the -C=O moiety of pyocyanin. The pyocyanin-ascorbic acid complex impaired pyocyanin binding to DNA. Ascorbic acid combined with furanone-30 elevated quorum-sensing inhibition in P. aeruginosa, which was directly associated with significantly reduced P. aeruginosa virulence, adhesion, aggregation and biofilm formation and enhanced antibiotic-mediated bacterial killing. This study demonstrated that the antioxidant ascorbic acid directly binds to pyocyanin, modulates its structure and results in disruption of biofilm formation and associated tolerance to antibiotics.

The Study of the Cytotoxicity, Proliferative and Microbiological Activity of the Medicated Chewing Gum with Ascorbic Acid and Lysozyme Hydrochloride Using Different Culture of Cells

Medicated chewing gum with lysozyme hydrochloride and ascorbic acid as active pharmaceutical ingredients was developed for application in dentistry. The aim of this research was to study the cytotoxicity, proliferative, and microbiological activities of the active ingredients in different types of cell cultures. The preclinical study of active pharmaceutical ingredients and their combinations was carried out using culture lines such as HepG2 (human hepatocarcinoma cells), Hek293 (human embryonic kidney cells), and MAEC (mouse aortic endothelial cells). MTT assays were used to analyse cytotoxicity and proliferative activity, while the state of antioxidant protection was assessed by the content of sulfhydryl groups and catalase activity. The determination of lipid peroxidation products was based on the level of TBA-active products. As a microbiological model for studying the effect of the developed dental medicine on the ability of the oral cavity microorganisms to form biofilms, the following strains were used: Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Candida albicans. The optical density of the formed biofilm was evaluated by the intensity of the experimental sample's colour on a StatFax 303 Plus photometer at a wavelength of 630 nm. The combination of ascorbic acid and lysozyme hydrochloride in the established concentrations (20 mg and 10 mg per 1 gum, respectively) resulted in a slight stimulation of cell proliferation without any toxic effects and increased antioxidant protection, preventing the development of oxidative stress. It was found that, in contrast to the separately used active substances, the combination of lysozyme hydrochloride and ascorbic acid inhibits the biofilm formation of all studied microorganisms and shows the ability to destroy diurnal biofilms of L. plantarum and fungi of the genus Candida, indicating potentiation and summation of the active pharmaceutical ingredients' composition effects in the developed dental medicine. Due to the observed positive pharmacological and microbiological action, the combination of lysozyme hydrochloride and ascorbic acid in the medicated chewing gum serves as a promising tool for the prevention and treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the periodontium and mucous membranes and the prevention of caries.

Development of shelf life-extending packaging for vitamin C syrup based on high-density polyethylene and extracted lignin argan shells

Biobased packaging is an essential parameter in the pharmaceutical industry. In the present work, bio-composites consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as a matrix and lignin recovered from argan nut shells as filler were developed to investigate their potential use as packaging materials for vitamin C drugs. The lignin was extracted via alkali and klason processes, and the effects of the extraction method as well as the lignin content on the thermal, morphological, mechanical, and rheological properties of the produced composites, as well as their application for vitamin C packaging, were investigated. Among all the prepared packaging materials, the one with desirable results in pH, color stability, hardness, and mechanical characteristics was based on alkali lignin. It achieved its highest Young's modulus enhancement, 10.12 %, at 10 % alkali lignin loading, while the highest yield strain enhancement (4.65 %) was obtained with 2 % loading. When compared to neat HDPE and HDPE/klason lignin packaging materials, vitamin C solutions packed with this composite showed a lower oxidation rate, attributed to the extremely low pH variation and high color stability of the material, which decreased the rate of vitamin C degradation. According to these findings, HDPE/alkali lignin composite is a promising vitamin C syrup packaging material.

Preservation of Phenols, Antioxidant Activity, and Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate in Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) Fruits with Different Drying Methods

Jujube, commonly known as the Chinese date, is a nutritious fruit with medicinal importance. Fresh jujube fruits have a shelf life of about ten days in ambient conditions that can be extended by drying. However, nutrition preservation varies with the drying method and parameters selected. We studied total phenolic content (TPC), proanthocyanidins (PA), vitamin C, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and antioxidant activities in jujube fruits dried with freeze-drying (FD), convective oven drying (OD) at 50 °C, 60 °C, and 75 °C, and sun drying (SD) with FD as a control. The cultivars used for this study were 'Capri' and 'Xiang' from Las Cruces in 2019, and 'Sugarcane', 'Lang', and 'Sherwood' from Las Cruces and Los Lunas, New Mexico, in 2020. Freeze-drying had the highest of all nutrient components tested, the best estimates of mature jujube fruits' nutrient contents. Compared with FD, the majority of PA (96-99%) and vitamin C (90-93%) was lost during SD or OD processes. The retention rates of antioxidant activities: DPPH and FRAP were higher in OD at 50/60 °C than SD. SD retained a higher cAMP level than OD at 50/60 °C in both years. The increase in oven drying temperature from 60 °C to 75 °C significantly decreased TPC, PA, antioxidant activities, and cAMP.

The Biochemistry and Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Food, Fruits, and Marine Algae

It is more effective to maintain good health than to regain it after losing it. This work focuses on the biochemical defense mechanisms against free radicals and their role in building and maintaining antioxidant shields, aiming to show how to balance, as much as possible, the situations in which we are exposed to free radicals. To achieve this aim, foods, fruits, and marine algae with a high antioxidant content should constitute the basis of nutritional elements, since natural products are known to have significantly greater assimilation efficiency. This review also gives the perspective in which the use of antioxidants can extend the life of food products, by protecting them from damage caused by oxidation as well as their use as food additives.

Insight into the biochemical and physiological mechanisms of nanoparticles-induced arsenic tolerance in bamboo

INTRODUCTION

Arsenic (As) contamination in soil, sediments, and water poses a significant threat to the growth of bamboo plants. However, nanoparticles with high metal absorbance capacity can play a key role in the reduction of heavy metals toxicity in plants as well as maintaining their growth under toxicity.

METHODS

Hence, an in vitro experiment was conducted to determine the influence of three types of nanoparticles: 150 µM silicon nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs), 150 µM titanium nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs), and 150 µM zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on As (150 µM and 250 µM) tolerance enhancement of a one-year-old bamboo species (Pleioblastus pygmaeus).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results showed that while As at 150 µM and 250 µM significantly disrupted the plant growth by excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) components, and inducing cell membrane peroxidation, the addition of NPs increased both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities, upregulated glyoxalase defense system, and improved gas exchange parameters and photosynthetic pigments content, leading to the enhanced plant shoot and root dry weight. These were achieved by lowering levels of ROS, electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and the superoxide radical ( O 2 • - ), as well as decreasing As accumulation in the plant organs. Thus, it might be concluded that ZnO NPs, SiO₂NPs, and TiO₂NPS alone or in combination can significantly increase the bamboo plant tolerance to As toxicity via key mechanisms, including induction of various antioxidants and glyoxalase defense systems, scavenging of ROS and methylglyoxal (MG), increasing phytochelatins production, reduction of As accumulation and translocation, and improving photosynthetic pigments under As toxicity. Additionally, the results showed that the combined application of 150 µM ZnO NPs, SiO₂ NPs, and TiO₂ NPs had the greatest effect on enhancing the plant tolerance to As at 150 µM and 250 µM.

Derivatives of L-Ascorbic Acid in Emulgel: Development and Comprehensive Evaluation of the Topical Delivery System

The dual controlled release of emulgels makes them efficient drug delivery systems of increasing interest. The framework of this study was to incorporate selected L-ascorbic acid derivatives into emulgels. From the formulated emulgels, the release profiles of actives were evaluated considering their different polarities and concentrations, and consequently their effectiveness on the skin via a long-term in vivo study that lasted for 30 days was determined. Skin effects were assessed by measuring the electrical capacitance of the stratum corneum (EC), trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), melanin index (MI) and skin pH. In addition, the sensory and textural properties of emulgel formulations were compared with each other. The changes in the rate of the release of the L-ascorbic acid derivatives were monitored using the Franz diffusion cells. The obtained data were statistically significant, and indicated an increase in the degree of hydration of the skin and skin whitening potential, while no significant changes in TEWL and pH values were detected. The consistency, firmness and stickiness of the emulgels were estimated by volunteers applying the established sensory evaluation protocol. In addition, it was revealed that the difference in hydrophilic/lipophilic properties of L-ascorbic acid derivatives influenced their release profiles without changing their textural characteristics. Therefore, this study highlighted emulgels as L-ascorbic acid suitable carrier systems and one of the promising candidates as novel drug delivery systems.