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Zeghbib W, Boudjouan F, Carneiro J, Oliveira ALS, Sousa SF, Pintado ME, Ourabah A, Vasconcelos V, Lopes G. LC-ESI-UHR-QqTOF-MS/MS profiling and anti-inflammatory potential of the cultivated Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. and the wild Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. fruits from the Algerian region. Food Chem 2024; 460:140414. [PMID: 39084103 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Opuntia plants are abundant but still underexplored edible resources of the Algerian region. This work chemically characterizes extracts of different parts of the fruit of the commercial Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. and the wild Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. growing in Bejaia, and evaluates their anti-inflammatory potential through different cell and cell-free bioassays. The LC-ESI-UHR-QqTOF-MS/MS analysis enabled the identification of 18 compounds, with azelaic acid and 1-O-vanilloyl-β-d-glucose reported here for the first time. Aqueous extracts of seeds were the most effective in scavenging superoxide anion radical (IC50 = 111.08 μg/mL) and presented the best anti-inflammatory potential in LPS-stimulated macrophages (IC50 = 206.30 μg/mL). The pulp of O. stricta suggested potential for addressing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, with piscidic and eucomic acids predicted with the strongest binding affinity towards tyrosinase, exhibiting higher scoring values than the reference inhibitor kojic acid. This pioneer study brings valuable perspectives for the pharmacological, nutritional and economic valorization of the wild O. stricta for functional foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid Zeghbib
- Université de Bejaia, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Laboratoire de Biochimie Appliquée, 06000 Bejaia, Algeria; CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Fares Boudjouan
- Université de Bejaia, Faculté de Technologie, Laboratoire de Génie de l'Environnement, 06000 Bejaia, Algeria; Université de Bejaia, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Département de Biotechnologie, 06000, Bejaia, Algeria.
| | - João Carneiro
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Ana L S Oliveira
- CBQF-Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina-Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sérgio F Sousa
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, BioSIM, Departamento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Manuela Estevez Pintado
- CBQF-Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina-Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Asma Ourabah
- Université de Bejaia, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Laboratoire de Biochimie Appliquée, 06000 Bejaia, Algeria.
| | - Vitor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP-Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Graciliana Lopes
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
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Wang H, Zhou X, Liu Y, Xie W, Yang D, Huo D, Guo Q, Wang R. Identification and molecular docking of xanthine oxidase and α-glucosidase inhibitors in Opuntia ficus-indica fruit. J Food Sci 2024; 89:4192-4204. [PMID: 38829742 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.17144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Opuntia ficus-indica fruit (OFI) is rich in bioactive compounds, which can promote human health. In this work, the purified OFI extract was prepared from OFI and its bioactivities were investigated. Xanthine oxidase (XOD) and α-glucosidase (α-Glu) inhibitors of the purified OFI extract were screened and identified by bio-affinity ultrafiltration combined with UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS technology. The inhibitory effect of these inhibitors on enzymes were verified, and the potential mechanism of action and binding sites of inhibitors with enzymes were revealed based on molecular docking. The results showed that the total phenolic content of the purified OFI extract was 355.03 mg GAE/g DW, which had excellent antioxidant activity. Additionally, the extract had a certain inhibitory effect on XOD (IC50 = 199.00 ± 0.14 µg/mL) and α-Glu (IC50 = 159.67 ± 0.01 µg/mL). Seven XOD inhibitors and eight α-Glu inhibitors were identified. Furthermore, XOD and α-Glu inhibition experiments in vitro confirmed that inhibitors such as chlorogenic acid, taxifolin, and naringenin had significant inhibitory effects on XOD and α-Glu. The molecular docking results indicated that inhibitors could bind to the corresponding enzymes and had strong binding force. These findings demonstrate that OFI contains potential substances for the treatment of hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixian Wang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Functional Food of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhou
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Functional Food of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Yixuan Liu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Functional Food of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Wenxuan Xie
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Functional Food of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Derui Yang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Functional Food of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Dongxue Huo
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Functional Food of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Quan Guo
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Functional Food of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Ruimin Wang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Functional Food of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China
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Valentino A, Conte R, Bousta D, Bekkari H, Di Salle A, Calarco A, Peluso G. Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Opuntia ficus-indica Fruit (OFI-EVs) Speed Up the Normal Wound Healing Processes by Modulating Cellular Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7103. [PMID: 39000212 PMCID: PMC11241772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication able to transfer active biomolecules across the plant and animal kingdoms. EVs have demonstrated an impressive array of biological activities, displaying preventive and therapeutic potential in mitigating various pathological processes. Indeed, the simplicity of delivering exogenous and endogenous bioactive molecules to mammalian cells with their low cytotoxicity makes EVs suitable agents for new therapeutic strategies for a variety of pathologies. In this study, EVs were isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica fruit (OFI-EVs) and characterized by particle size distribution, concentration, and bioactive molecule composition. OFI-EVs had no obvious toxicity and demonstrated a protective role in the inflammatory process and oxidative stress in vitro model of chronic skin wounds. The results demonstrated that pretreatment with OFI-EVs decreased the activity and gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) in the LPS-stimulated human leukemia monocytic cell line (THP-1). Furthermore, OFI-EVs promote the migration of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), speeding up the normal wound healing processes. This study sheds light, for the first time, on the role of OFI-EVs in modulating important biological processes such as inflammation and oxidation, thereby identifying EVs as potential candidates for healing chronic cutaneous wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Valentino
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.C.); (A.D.S.); (G.P.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Raffaele Conte
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.C.); (A.D.S.); (G.P.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Dalila Bousta
- National Agency of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Tounate, Taounate 34000, Morocco;
| | - Hicham Bekkari
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Environment, Agrofood and Health (LBEAS), Fez 30000, Morocco;
| | - Anna Di Salle
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.C.); (A.D.S.); (G.P.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Calarco
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.C.); (A.D.S.); (G.P.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Peluso
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.C.); (A.D.S.); (G.P.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
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Maiuolo J, Nucera S, Serra M, Caminiti R, Oppedisano F, Macrì R, Scarano F, Ragusa S, Muscoli C, Palma E, Mollace V. Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Possess Important Beneficial Properties Dependent on Their Different Stages of Maturity. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1365. [PMID: 38794436 PMCID: PMC11124804 DOI: 10.3390/plants13101365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. belongs to the Cactaceae family and the genus Opuntia; it is a succulent plant that adapts to extreme climatic conditions. The aerial part of the plant consists of the cladodes, morphological changes of branches that appear green, are covered with thorns, and are essential to reduce excessive perspiration of water. The composition of cladodes is very varied, and the main constituents are water, fibers, polysaccharides, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, sterols, minerals, and polyphenols. Polyphenols are responsible for many beneficial activities for human health, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and nutritional properties. The purpose of this manuscript was to compare the properties of cladodes belonging to the same plant but with different stages of maturity. Relative extracts were tested both in vitro and on a cell line and antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties were found. The antioxidant activity was tested by the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) test, the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) test, and the measurement of cellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Anti-apoptotic activity was evaluated by the annexin/PI assay and measurement of caspases 9 and 3 expression. The results obtained showed that the extracts considered possess antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. However, the different stages of maturity of cladodes are essential for the performance of both functions. In addition, important variations were made in the dissolution of the extracts that brought greater safety in their use. In conclusion, this manuscript provides further information on cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica, which can be used as adjuvants in many human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Maiuolo
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Saverio Nucera
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Maria Serra
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Rosamaria Caminiti
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Francesca Oppedisano
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Roberta Macrì
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Federica Scarano
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Salvatore Ragusa
- PLANTA/Research, Documentation and Training Center, Via Serraglio Vecchio 28, 90123 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Carolina Muscoli
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Ernesto Palma
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Mollace
- IRC-FSH Center, Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (S.N.); (M.S.); (R.C.); (F.O.); (R.M.); (F.S.); (C.M.); (E.P.); (V.M.)
- Fondazione R. Dulbecco, 88046 Lamezia Terme, Italy
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Yazidi R, Yeddes W, Djebali K, Hammami M, Aidi-Wannes W, Ben Farhat M, Msaada K, Saidani Tounsi M. Optimizing prickly pear by-product valorization: formulating molasses with enhanced antioxidant capacities and sugar contents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38576270 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2337831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
This study endeavoured to capitalize on prickly pear by-products for the optimization of molasses formulation, targeting elevated antioxidant capacities and superior sugar contents. Through robust statistical modelling, the optimal cooking parameters-temperature (70-80 °C) and duration (60-90 min)-were determined, guided by responses of antioxidant activity and Brix value. A D-Optimal mixture design further delineated the ideal proportions of molasses components (pulp, peel, and seeds). Characterization revealed that peel harboured the highest concentrations of total polyphenols (396.41 mg GAE/100g FW) and flavonoids (234.26 mg CE/100g FW), emphasizing its antioxidant potential (DPPH inhibition IC50: 12.72 µg/ml). The optimal cooking conditions were established at 78.35 °C for 79.70 min, with predictive equations guiding ingredient proportions (0.265 g pulp, 0.710 g peel, 0.025 g seed). Intriguingly, while peel inclusion enhanced total sugar content and antioxidant activity, seed incorporation exerted a contrasting effect by reducing total sugar content and limiting antioxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghda Yazidi
- Laboratory of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Biotechnology Center of Borj-Cedria, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
- Faculty of Science of Tunis, University of Tunis EL Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Walid Yeddes
- Laboratory of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Biotechnology Center of Borj-Cedria, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Kais Djebali
- Useful Materials Valorization Laboratory, National Centre for Research in Materials Science, Soliman, Tunisia
| | - Majdi Hammami
- Laboratory of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Biotechnology Center of Borj-Cedria, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Wissem Aidi-Wannes
- Laboratory of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Biotechnology Center of Borj-Cedria, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Mouna Ben Farhat
- Laboratory of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Biotechnology Center of Borj-Cedria, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Kamel Msaada
- Laboratory of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Biotechnology Center of Borj-Cedria, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Moufida Saidani Tounsi
- Laboratory of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Biotechnology Center of Borj-Cedria, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
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Moraru A, Dima ȘO, Tritean N, Oprița EI, Prelipcean AM, Trică B, Oancea A, Moraru I, Constantinescu-Aruxandei D, Oancea F. Bioactive-Loaded Hydrogels Based on Bacterial Nanocellulose, Chitosan, and Poloxamer for Rebalancing Vaginal Microbiota. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1671. [PMID: 38139798 PMCID: PMC10748236 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Biocompatible drug-delivery systems for soft tissue applications are of high interest for the medical and pharmaceutical fields. The subject of this research is the development of hydrogels loaded with bioactive compounds (inulin, thyme essential oil, hydro-glycero-alcoholic extract of Vitis vinifera, Opuntia ficus-indica powder, lactic acid, citric acid) in order to support the vaginal microbiota homeostasis. The nanofibrillar phyto-hydrogel systems developed using the biocompatible polymers chitosan (CS), never-dried bacterial nanocellulose (NDBNC), and Poloxamer 407 (PX) incorporated the water-soluble bioactive components in the NDBNC hydrophilic fraction and the hydrophobic components in the hydrophobic core of the PX fraction. Two NDBNC-PX hydrogels and one NDBNC-PX-CS hydrogel were structurally and physical-chemically characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and rheology. The hydrogels were also evaluated in terms of thermo-responsive properties, mucoadhesion, biocompatibility, and prebiotic and antimicrobial effects. The mucin binding efficiency of hydrogel base systems was determined by the periodic acid/Schiff base (PAS) assay. Biocompatibility of hydrogel systems was determined by the MTT test using mouse fibroblasts. The prebiotic activity was determined using the probiotic strains Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum. Antimicrobial activity was also assessed using relevant microbial strains, respectively, E. coli and C. albicans. TEM evidenced PX micelles of around 20 nm on NDBNC nanofibrils. The FTIR and XRD analyses revealed that the binary hydrogels are dominated by PX signals, and that the ternary hydrogel is dominated by CS, with additional particular fingerprints for the biocompounds and the hydrogel interaction with mucin. Rheology evidenced the gel transition temperatures of 18-22 °C for the binary hydrogels with thixotropic behavior and, respectively, no gel transition, with rheopectic behavior for the ternary hydrogel. The adhesion energies of the binary and ternary hydrogels were evaluated to be around 1.2 J/m2 and 9.1 J/m2, respectively. The hydrogels exhibited a high degree of biocompatibility, with the potential to support cell proliferation and also to promote the growth of lactobacilli. The hydrogel systems also presented significant antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Moraru
- Faculty of Biotechnologies, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Bucharest, Bd. Mărăști Nr. 59, Sector 1, 011464 Bucharest, Romania;
- S.C. Laboratoarele Medica Srl, Strada Frasinului Nr. 11, 075100 Otopeni, Romania;
| | - Ștefan-Ovidiu Dima
- Polymers and Bioresources Departments, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 202, Sector 6, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.-O.D.); (N.T.); (B.T.)
| | - Naomi Tritean
- Polymers and Bioresources Departments, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 202, Sector 6, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.-O.D.); (N.T.); (B.T.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 91-95, Sector 5, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena-Iulia Oprița
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 296, Sector 6, 060031 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-I.O.); (A.-M.P.); (A.O.)
| | - Ana-Maria Prelipcean
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 296, Sector 6, 060031 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-I.O.); (A.-M.P.); (A.O.)
| | - Bogdan Trică
- Polymers and Bioresources Departments, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 202, Sector 6, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.-O.D.); (N.T.); (B.T.)
| | - Anca Oancea
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 296, Sector 6, 060031 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-I.O.); (A.-M.P.); (A.O.)
| | - Ionuț Moraru
- S.C. Laboratoarele Medica Srl, Strada Frasinului Nr. 11, 075100 Otopeni, Romania;
| | - Diana Constantinescu-Aruxandei
- Polymers and Bioresources Departments, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 202, Sector 6, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.-O.D.); (N.T.); (B.T.)
| | - Florin Oancea
- Faculty of Biotechnologies, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Bucharest, Bd. Mărăști Nr. 59, Sector 1, 011464 Bucharest, Romania;
- Polymers and Bioresources Departments, National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei Nr. 202, Sector 6, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (Ș.-O.D.); (N.T.); (B.T.)
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Pérez-López AV, Lim SD, Cushman JC. Tissue succulence in plants: Carrying water for climate change. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 289:154081. [PMID: 37703768 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2023.154081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Tissue succulence in plants involves the storage of water in one or more organs or tissues to assist in maintaining water potentials on daily or seasonal time scales. This drought-avoidance or drought-resistance strategy allows plants to occupy diverse environments including arid regions, regions with rocky soils, epiphytic habitats, and saline soils. Climate-resilient strategies are of increasing interest in the context of the global climate crisis, which is leading to hotter and drier conditions in many regions throughout the globe. Here, we describe a short history of succulent plants, the basic concepts of tissue succulence, the anatomical diversity of succulent morphologies and associated adaptive traits, the evolutionary, phylogenetic, and biogeographical diversity of succulent plants, extinction risks to succulents due to poaching from their natural environments, and the myriad uses and applications of economically important succulent species and the products derived from them. Lastly, we discuss current prospects for engineering tissue succulence to improve salinity and drought tolerance in crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arely V Pérez-López
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557-0330, USA.
| | - Sung Don Lim
- Department of Plant Life and Resource Science, Sangji University, Gangwon-do, 26339, South Korea.
| | - John C Cushman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557-0330, USA.
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8
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Monteiro SS, Almeida RL, Santos NC, Pereira EM, Silva AP, Oliveira HML, Pasquali MADB. New Functional Foods with Cactus Components: Sustainable Perspectives and Future Trends. Foods 2023; 12:2494. [PMID: 37444232 DOI: 10.3390/foods12132494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing interest in a healthy lifestyle has contributed to disseminating perspectives on more sustainable natural resource management. This review describes promising aspects of using cacti in the food industry, addressing sustainable, nutritional, and functional aspects of the plant's production. Our study provides an overview of the potential of cacti for the food industry to encourage the sustainable cultivation of underutilized cactus species and their commercial exploitation. The commercial production of cacti has advantages over other agricultural practices by mitigating damage to ecosystems and encouraging migration to sustainable agriculture. The application of cactus ingredients in food development has been broad, whether in producing breads, jellies, gums, dyes, probiotics, and postbiotic and paraprobiotic foods. However, in the field of probiotic foods, future research should focus on technologies applied in processing and researching interactions between probiotics and raw materials to determine the functionality and bioactivity of products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shênia Santos Monteiro
- Post-Graduate Program in Engineering and Management of Natural Resources, Center for Technology and Natural Resources, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58429-140, Brazil
| | - Raphael Lucas Almeida
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Newton Carlos Santos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Priscila Silva
- Post-Graduate Program in Process Engineering, Center for Science and Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58429-140, Brazil
| | - Hugo Miguel Lisboa Oliveira
- Post-Graduate Program in Process Engineering, Center for Science and Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58429-140, Brazil
- Department of Food Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58429-140, Brazil
| | - Matheus Augusto de Bittencourt Pasquali
- Post-Graduate Program in Engineering and Management of Natural Resources, Center for Technology and Natural Resources, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58429-140, Brazil
- Department of Food Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58429-140, Brazil
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Ferreira RM, Costa AM, Pinto CA, Silva AMS, Saraiva JA, Cardoso SM. Impact of Fermentation and Pasteurization on the Physico-Chemical and Phytochemical Composition of Opuntia ficus-indica Juices. Foods 2023; 12:foods12112096. [PMID: 37297341 DOI: 10.3390/foods12112096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Opuntia ficus-indica fruits are a source of valuable compounds, presenting a high nutritional value and several health benefits. However, due to its low shelf life and increased production, there are considerable post-harvest losses of this cactus fruit. So, ways need to be found to drain the increased production of this fruit that is being wasted. The chemical composition of prickly pear makes it an appealing substrate for fermentation. This study investigates the production of fermented beverages produced from Opuntia ficus-indica cv 'Rossa' and evaluates the effects of different fermentation times (18 and 42 h) and post-fermentation pasteurization by high-pressure (500 MPa for 10 min) and temperature (71.1 °C for 30 s) on the physico-chemical and biological characteristics of the produced beverages. According to the results, the beverage produced from 48 h of fermentation has an alcohol content value of 4.90 ± 0.08% (v/v) and a pH of 3.91 ± 0.03. These values contribute to an extended shelf life and improved organoleptic characteristics compared to the sample fermented for 18 h. Additionally, the longer fermentation resulted in 50% fewer total soluble solids, 90% less turbidity, and lower pH when compared to the sample fermented for 18 h. Moreover, overall, high-pressure processing demonstrates better retention of "fresh-like" characteristics, along with higher levels of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant capacity, similar to those observed in the juice for SO•- and NO•-scavenging abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo M Ferreira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, Campus Universitário de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Adriana M Costa
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, Campus Universitário de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos A Pinto
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, Campus Universitário de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Artur M S Silva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, Campus Universitário de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jorge A Saraiva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, Campus Universitário de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Susana M Cardoso
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, Campus Universitário de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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