Degradation of carbamazepine by the UVA-LED365/ClO2/NaClO process: Kinetics, mechanisms and DBPs yield.

A mixed oxidant of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) and NaClO was often used in water treatment. A novel UVA-LED (365 nm)-activated mixed ClO2/NaClO process was proposed for the degradation of micropollutants in this study. Carbamazepine (CBZ) was selected as the target pollutant. Compared with the UVA365/ClO2 process, the UVA365/ClO2/NaClO process can improve the degradation of CBZ, with the rate constant increasing from 2.11×10-4 sec-1 to 2.74×10-4 sec-1. In addition, the consumption of oxidants in the UVA365/ClO2/NaClO process (73.67%) can also be lower than that of UVA365/NaClO (86.42%). When the NaClO ratio increased, both the degradation efficiency of CBZ and the consumption of oxidants can increase in the UVA365/ClO2/NaClO process. The solution pH can affect the contribution of NaClO in the total oxidant ratio. When the pH range of 6.0-8.0, the combination process can generate more active species to promote the degradation of CBZ. The change of active species with oxidant molar ratio was investigated in the UVA365/ClO2/NaClO process. When ClO2 acted as the main oxidant, HO• and Cl• were the main active species, while when NaClO was the main oxidant, ClO• played a role in the system. Both chloride ion (Cl-), bicarbonate ion (HCO3-), and nitrate ion (NO3-) can promote the reaction system. As the concentration of NaClO in the reaction solution increased, the generation of chlorates will decrease. The UVA365/ClO2/NaClO process can effectively control the formation of volatile disinfection by-products (DBPs), and with the increase of ClO2 dosage, the formation of DBPs can also decrease.

Upgrading hazelnut skins: Green extraction of polyphenols from lab to semi-industrial scale.

Hazelnut skins (HS) are usually managed as waste; however, this by-product is a source of bioactive compounds, with potential applications in feed and food sectors. Phenolic compounds can be extracted using green protocols combining enabling technologies and green solvents. This work investigates subcritical water extraction (SWE) of bioactive compounds from HS. A laboratory-scale study was performed on four different batches, with significant batch-to-batch heterogeneity. The evaluation of polyphenolic profiles and antioxidant activities afforded promising results compared to the benchmark of reflux maceration. To evaluate process effectiveness, the extraction protocol was replicated on a semi-industrial plant that processed 8 kg of matrix. Downstream processes have been optimized for scale-up, demonstrating the effectiveness of SWE in retaining product concentration and bioactivity avoiding excipients in spray-drying phase. Hazelnut extracts exhibited antibacterial properties against animal- and food-borne pathogens, supporting their potential use as sustainable feed ingredients for improved hazelnut production and animal farming practices.

Probing the role of BrCl in benzotriazole transformation during seawater chlorination.

A common understanding attributes the formation of brominated disinfection by-products (Br-DBPs) in seawater chlorination to the conversion of hypochlorous acid to hypobromous acid (HOBr) by bromide. In this study, we reveal that bromine chloride (BrCl), mediated by both chloride and bromide in seawater, plays a dominant role in the transformation of 1H-benzotriazole (BTA) and 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (MBTA) and in the formation of brominated DBPs. Using anisole as a reference compound, the second-order rate constant for the reaction of BrCl with BTA was determined to be (2.65 ± 0.13) × 105 L mol-1 s-1, which is over 30,000 times higher than that for the reaction between HOBr and BTA. Ten brominated products were identified and showed a successive bromination pattern. The bromination reaction mechanism was elucidated through theoretical calculations, and the pathways were proposed. The concentrations of brominated BTA and MBTA in seawater were 5.7 and 7.9 times higher than in bromide-only solutions, respectively. BrCl significantly promoted brominated product generation and increased the toxicity of blended DBPs. These results suggest that focusing solely on bromide's effect on brominated product generation may significantly underestimate the potential for DBP formation during seawater chlorination.

Polyphenolic characterization, nutritional and microbiological assessment of newly formulated semolina fresh pasta fortified with grape pomace.

The application of an innovative patented technology on grape pomace allowed to obtain a food ingredient no matter the seasonality and with a great shelf-life thanks to its high polyphenolic content. Then, fresh pasta samples fortified with 5 and 10 g/100 g of this innovative ingredient were prepared and their polyphenolic content, nutritional and microbiological assessments were investigated. The two levels of fortification led to an increase of polyphenols content before and after pasta cooking, which resulted in an increased antibacterial activity. Only the fortification with 5 g/100 g of grape pomace powder determined a high level of Slowly Digestible Starch and a low predicted Glycaemic Index, highlighting a possible 'limit effect' for the fortification of semolina fresh pasta. Overall, results confirmed that the use of this concentration obtained with the employment of the new technology allowed the production of fresh pasta with better polyphenolic profile and nutritional value even after cooking.

Upcycling fruit pomaces (orange, apple, and grape-wine): The impact of particle size on phenolic compounds' bioaccessibility.

This work aimed to analyse the effect of particle size on bioactive compounds of different by-products. Orange, apple, and grape-wine by-products obtained from industrial production were dried and ground at two sizes: 1 mm and 0.5 mm. Pomaces were analysed in composition (protein, fat, carbohydrates, moisture, and ash contents) and bioactive compounds (total phenol content by Folin- Ciocalteu method and antioxidant capacity by FRAP assay) and submitted to an in-vitro digestion. FESEM was used to observe the microstructure of samples. All pomaces showed high fibre content (21.7, 31.2, and 58.9 g/100 g, in apple, orange, and grape pomace respectively). Total phenol content in raw material was higher in grape > orange > apple, with no differences (apple) or slight differences (grape and orange) between 1 mm and 0.5 mm particle size. Grape pomace was observed as a porous, more accessible structure, where extracting polyphenols was easier. Orange pomace', was compact and apple pomace structure was even more compact hindering the raw materials polyphenol extraction. After digestion, total phenol content increased in orange and apple pomace for both particle size. In apple, bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds showed a 5 fold increase for 1 mm sample size and a 4 fold increase for 0.5 mm sample size. In orange, for both sizes bioaccessibility increased but to a lesser extent (2.4 fold). In the case of grape pomace, although polyphenol content decreased after digestion (0.7 fold for both sizes), they showed the highest antioxidant capacity. Regarding the effect of particle size on total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity, no trend was found in this work for the fruit pomaces studied. In the case of grape and apple, grinding at 1 mm should be adequate regarding antioxidant capacity while in the case of orange, it may be better to use a pomace ground at 0.5 mm.

Utilization of pretreated green liquor dregs as an activator for blast furnace slag: Effect on hydration, phase assemblage, and rheology.

This study explores the utilization of calcium- and magnesium-rich pulp mill residues, i.e., green liquor dregs (GLDs), as an activator for ground granulated blast furnace slag (BFS). The aim of this study is to examine the potential of this unutilized residue when used as a part of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) and in this way enhance the exploitation of GLD. This study focuses on the fresh- and hardened-state properties of the produced paste and mortar samples, where 70% of BFS and 30% of GLD have been incorporated. Two different-sourced and thermally pretreated (105 °C, 300 °C, and 525 °C) GLDs have been used. The effect of thermal treatment on the utilization possibility of GLDs with respect to viscosity, setting times, reactivity, mineralogy, and microstructure is analyzed using the paste samples, while its effect on workability, and strength gain is measured using the mortar samples. Results show that both GLDs enhance the hydration of BFS and that the early-age hydration and strength increase when the GLDs have undergone pretreatment at the highest temperature (525 °C). However, at the later age (28 days), the samples activated with the GLDs treated at 300 °C achieve the highest strength. The addition of both GLDs treated at any temperature increases the viscosity of the composite samples and reduces their workability; however, it should be noted that optimization of water to binder ratio was not the objective of this study. The results of this study show that GLD, previously considered unreactive, can potentially become a reactive component of AAMs.

In Vitro Digestion of Vacuum-Impregnated Yam Bean Snacks: Pediococcus acidilactici Viability and Mango Seed Polyphenol Bioaccessibility.

This study investigates the in vitro digestion of vacuum-impregnated yam bean snacks enriched with Pediococcus acidilactici and mango seed polyphenols, focusing on bacterial survival and polyphenol bioaccessibility. The snacks were prepared by vacuum impregnation (VI) with solutions containing either mango seed extract, P. acidilactici, or a combination of both, followed by dehydration. The antimicrobial activity of the treatments was assessed against pathogens, revealing limited effectiveness, likely due to insufficient concentrations of mango seed extract and the intrinsic resistance of the bacteria. VI of mango seed extract improved the total soluble phenols (TSP) content up to 400% and maintained the initial probiotic concentration (106 cell/mL). In vitro digestion was performed to simulate gastrointestinal conditions, measuring the stability of TSP and the survival of P. acidilactici. The results indicated that the viability of P. acidilactici fluctuated throughout the digestion process (106 to 104 log UFC/g), the polyphenols showed varying degrees of bioaccessibility (11 to 30%), and the TSP content in the intestinal fraction ranged from 1.95 to 6.54 mg GAE/g. The study highlights the potential of VI for incorporating functional components into plant-based snacks, though further optimization is necessary to enhance the stability of P. acidilactici and the effectiveness of the bioactive ingredients.

Wheat Bran and Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Biomass' Effect on Aerobic and Anaerobic Degradation Efficiency of Paper Composite.

This study is a continuation of research on sustainable food packaging materials made from locally available feedstock and industrial by-products within the Baltic Sea region. Its main focus is the impact of wheat bran filler and Saccharomyces cerevisiae additive, which was used to develop a novel bio-coating for paper composite packaging, on the biodegradation efficiency of paper composites under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In this study, we analyzed the effect of 15% and 40% concentrations of wheat bran filler and Saccharomyces cerevisiae biomass on the biodegradation efficiency of paper composites. This research was conducted under controlled environmental conditions, with aerobic biodegradation tested at 46 °C in a compost-based mesophilic-thermophilic environment and anaerobic biodegradation tested at 55 °C in an active inoculum thermophilic environment. The results show that the presence of wheat bran filler significantly improves biodegradation efficiency compared to microcrystalline cellulose reference material. Under aerobic conditions, the biodegradation efficiency for the 40% wheat bran and yeast sample was 6.34%, compared to only 0.71% for the cellulose reference material. In anaerobic conditions, the 15% wheat bran and yeast sample showed a biodegradation efficiency of 96.62%, compared to 82.32% for the cellulose reference material.

Chemical Profiling and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) Leaf By-Products' Extracts Obtained with Green Extraction Techniques.

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of different green extraction techniques (GETs) on targeted bioactive compounds from artichoke leaf by-products using deep eutectic solvent extraction (DESE), supercritical CO2 extraction (SCO2E), subcritical water extraction (SWE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Moreover, (HR) LC-ESI-QTOF MS/MS and HPLC-PDA analyses were used to perform qualitative-quantitative analysis on the extracts, enabling the detection of several bioactive compounds, including luteolin, luteolin 7-O-glucoside, luteolin 7-O-rutinoside, apigenin rutinoside, chlorogenic acid, and cynaropicrin as the most representative ones. SWE showed better results than the other GETs (TPC: 23.39 ± 1.87 mg/g of dry plant, dp) and appeared to be the best choice. Regarding UAE, the highest total phenols content (TPC) was obtained with 50:50% v/v ethanol: water (7.22 ± 0.58 mg/g dp). The DES obtained with choline chloride:levulinic acid showed the highest TPC (9.69 ± 0.87 mg/g dp). Meanwhile, SCO2E was a selective technique for the recovery of cynaropicrin (48.33 ± 2.42 mg/g dp). Furthermore, the study examined the antioxidant activity (1.10-8.82 mmol Fe2+/g dp and 3.37-31.12 mmol TEAC/g dp for DPPH• and FRAP, respectively) and total phenols content via Folin-Ciocalteu's assay (198.32-1433.32 mg GAE/g dp), of which the highest values were detected in the SWE extracts. The relationship among the GETs, antioxidant assays, and compounds detected was evaluated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). PCA confirmed the strong antioxidant activity of SWE and showed comparable extraction yields for the antioxidant compounds between UAE and DESE. Consequently, GETs selection and extraction parameters optimization can be employed to enrich artichoke leaf by-products' extracts with targeted bioactive compounds.

Olive Oil Industry By-Products as a Novel Source of Biophenols with a Promising Role in Alzheimer Disease Prevention.

This review explores the potential health benefits and applications of phenolic secoiridoids derived from olive oil by-products in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). As reviewed herein, polyphenols, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, epicatechin, and resveratrol, show in vitro and in vivo antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, and are particularly relevant in the context of AD, a leading cause of dementia globally. The olive oil industry, particularly in the Mediterranean region, produces significant amounts of waste, including leaves, pomace, and wastewater, which pose environmental challenges but also offer an untapped source of bioactive compounds. Despite promising in vitro and in vivo studies indicating that olive-derived polyphenols, such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, may mitigate AD pathology, human clinical trials remain limited. The variability in extraction methods and the complex nature of AD further complicate research. Future studies should focus on standardizing the protocols and conducting robust clinical trials to fully assess the therapeutic potential of these compounds. This approach not only supports the development of new treatments for AD but also promotes environmental sustainability by valorizing olive oil industry waste.

Comparative evaluation of the osteogenic capacity of second-generation platelet concentrates on dental pulp stem cells - An ex vivo study.

Introduction: Clinical evidence of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) benefits on bone repair is still emerging, prompting researchers to experiment with different PRF formulations as osteoconductive scaffolds. Aims: This study compared the osteoconductive effects of injectable PRF (i-PRF) and leukocyte-rich PRF (L-PRF) on the differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) into osteoblasts. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from the volunteers to prepare L-PRF and i-PRF conditioned media (CM) by centrifugation. DPSCs were isolated from impacted third molars and cultured. Proliferation of DPSCs in response to L-PRF and i-PRF was assessed by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Osteoinductive potential was evaluated through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, alizarin red S (ARS) staining, growth factor levels (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], transforming growth factor [TGF-beta]), and cytokine expression (interleukin 6 [IL-6], IL-8) after 7 days. Results: MTT assay results showed that both L-PRF and i-PRF increased DPSC proliferation relative to the control group. After 7 days in L-PRF and i-PRF CM, DPSCs exhibited increased ALP activity, higher red-colored calcium deposits with ARS staining, and elevated levels of VEGF and TGF-beta. In addition, higher concentrations of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 were observed in both L-PRF and i-PRF compared to the control. Conclusions: Using both L-PRF and i-PRF as scaffolds can enhance the osteoinductive ability of stem cells, offering a potential strategy for regenerative therapies.

Assessing environmental sustainability of substitute feeding formulas for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) using Life Cycle Assessment.

The rise in fish and seafood consumption driven by aquaculture comes with its share of challenges and controversies, notably the need for expanded feed production. The use of fishmeal and fish oil to raise carnivorous fish has caused environmental problems, including ecosystem imbalance and habitat destruction, as well as ethical issues like fishing forage fish for feed instead of human consumption. Thus, the industry has been actively pursuing alternative feed ingredients to reduce reliance on fish-derived components. This progress in the aquaculture feed sector has made selecting the best feed solution complex across various fronts. This study aims to assess the environmental impacts of three feed formulations, each with different protein sources (poultry by-products, PMB, Tenebrio molitor larvae, TM, or Hermetia illucens larvae, HI), tailored for the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), a prized species in European aquaculture. The environmental sustainability of these alternatives was evaluated against benchmarks of fishmeal and fish oil-based feed. Employing a cradle-to-gate approach and a FU of 1 kg of product, the study utilized OpenLCA software supported by the Ecoinvent ® v3.7.1 database. The results focused on the production stages of each ingredient, including logistical and transportation aspects leading up to the final formulation. All alternatives to traditional feed demonstrated either comparable or superior environmental performance (i.e. - 66 % of PMB-f, -33 % of TM-f and - 29 % HI-f kgCO2 eq) with few exceptions for TM-f. This investigation highlighted how integrating innovative ingredients could positively impact the environmental footprint of aquafeed production chains. Furthermore, the main hotspots in the alternative feed formulas life cycles have been identified and viable alternatives for improvement have been proposed, such as selecting different input materials or enhancing energy efficiency. This assessment allows to guide the selection of more environmentally friendly feed formulations before their integration into aquaculture chain processes.

Assessment of Vicia faba L. Peels: Phytochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Potentials.

The current study intends to reach the optimal use of plant wastes and explore their biological activities. It evaluated the bioactivities and phytoconstituents of 70% methanol extract of Vicia faba L. peels. The results revealed that the extract possessed very potent cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer cell line (SKOV-3) (IC50 =0.01 µg/mL) which exceeds doxorubicin (IC50 =0.95 µg/ml), a reference anticancer agent, potent cytotoxicity against prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) (IC50 =13.60 µg/ml), and moderate cytotoxicity against liver cancer cell line (HepG2) (IC50 = 40.9 µg/ml). Furthermore, the extract exhibited a potent antimicrobial effect on the tested gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis& Micrococcus luteus) with inhibition zone (IZ) range (14.0 - 23.0 mm), gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) (IZ= 14.0 mm), and pathogenic fungal yeast (Candida albicans) (IZ= 19.0 mm). Moreover, 46 phytoconstituents were tentatively identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) hyphenated with quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS) in positive ionization mode, 21 phytoconstituents were detected in Vicia faba peel for the first time. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify phenolic compounds, the major compounds were chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, catechin, and vanillin. In conclusion, plant wastes are a rich source of phytoconstituents that exhibit biological efficacy.

Airborne trichloramine in indoor swimming pools in Sweden.

Trichloramine is a disinfection by-product in chlorinated swimming pools. It can evaporate into the air and irritate eyes and airways among swimmers and pool workers. This study aimed to evaluate airborne concentrations of trichloramine in different types of indoor swimming pools. Altogether, 72 swimming pools across Sweden were included; 36 exercise pools, 16 instruction pools, seven adventure pools, and 13 rehabilitation pools. In total, 167 sampling sessions were performed with the majority (N = 91) conducted in public exercise pools. Repeated sampling sessions on different days were performed within all pool categories. Airborne trichloramine was measured stationary by the poolside using active sampling on quartz filters. In total, 434 air samples were collected. The geometric mean (GM) concentration of trichloramine for the exercise pools was 0.12 mg/m3 (range GMpool: 0.02-0.29 mg/m3) and for about 30% the GMpool exceeded the Swedish public health guideline value (0.2 mg/m3). The geometric mean for instruction pools was 0.18 mg/m3 and for adventure pools 0.20 mg/m3. Trichloramine concentrations were statistically significantly lower in rehabilitation pools (GM: 0.03 mg/m3) compared with the other pool categories. A statistically significant effect of time of the day for sampling was found for the exercise and instruction pools, with higher trichloramine levels during evenings compared with mornings and afternoons. For the rehabilitation pools, trichloramine was significantly higher during the cold season compared with the warm season. Variability in trichloramine concentrations was attributed to between-pool as well as within-pool variances. The within-pool variability encourages a repeated sampling strategy to capture the variation between different days. These findings have implications for exposure assessment in epidemiological studies as well as for indoor air quality monitoring. Trichloramine can cause acute irritative effects at elevated levels, and since trichloramine concentrations may differ depending on the time of the day it is recommended that full-day stationary measurements are supplemented with short-term samplings to capture these variations.

Advances in Extracting Bioactive Compounds from Food and Agricultural Waste and By-Products Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents: A Circular Economy Perspective.

Due to the urgent need for a transition to sustainable, zero-waste green technology, the extraction of bioactives from food and agricultural by-products and waste has garnered increasing interest. Traditional extraction techniques often involve using organic solvents, which are associated with environmental and health risks. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) have emerged as a promising green alternative, offering advantages such as low toxicity, biodegradability, and the ability to dissolve a wide range of biomolecules. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent trends in the application of NADESs for extracting bioactive compounds from sustainable sources. The review explains the composition and principles of preparation and highlights various applications of NADESs in extracting different classes of bioactive compounds, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize extraction processes. By summarizing the latest advancements and trends, this review aims to support research and industrial applications of NADESs, promoting more sustainable and efficient extraction methods in the food and agricultural sectors.

Transforming plant-based waste and by-products into valuable products using various "Food Industry 4.0" enabling technologies: A literature review.

The last several years have seen unprecedented strain on food systems as a result of pandemics, climate change, population growth, and urbanization. Thus, academic and scientific communities now view global food security as a critical issue. However, food loss and waste are a major challenge when adopting food security and sustainability strategies, since a large proportion of food is lost or wasted along the food supply chain. In order to use resources efficiently and enhance food security and sustainability, food waste and by-products must be reduced and properly valorized. Plant-based food production generates various by-products which are generally rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. Emerging technologies have been effectively employed to extract these valuable compounds with health benefits. Recently, Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, robotics, smart sensors, 3D printing, and digital twins have a great deal of potential for waste reduction and by-products valorization in food industry. Reducing food waste not only benefits the environment, but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and thus contributes to sustainable resource management. This review provides up-to-date information on the potential of Industry 4.0 for converting plant-based waste and by-products into valuable products. Recent studies showed that innovations in Industry 4.0 provide attractive opportunities to increase the effectiveness of manufacturing operations and improve food quality, safety and traceability. By leveraging Food Industry 4.0, companies can transform plant-based waste and by-products into valuable products and contribute to a more sustainable and efficient food production system.

Comparative Analysis on Polyphenolic Composition of Different Olive Mill Wastewater and Related Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extracts and Evaluation of Nutraceutical Properties by Cell-Based Studies.

This study reports a comparative analysis of the polyphenolic composition and nutraceutical properties of different olive mill wastewater (OMWW) and corresponding extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) extracts. Specifically, four OMWWs and corresponding EVOOs from cultivars Frantoio (A) and Leccino (B) obtained from different crushing seasons (early-stage (A1 and B1) and later-stage (A2 and B2)) were analyzed. Employing HPLC-DAD and LC-MS methods, the primary polyphenol content was identified and quantified. Overall, OMWW extracts showed a greater polyphenolic content compared to corresponding EVOO extracts, with OMWW B1 displaying the highest levels of polyphenols. The antiradical properties of extracts towards radical species (DPPH, ABTS, O2-, and HOCl-) were demonstrated in vitro, revealing a correlation with polyphenolic content. In fact, OMWW B1 and B2 demonstrated the strongest antiradical activity. Exploring nutraceutical properties of OMWWs, the intestinal permeation of the main polyphenols in a co-culture model (Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cell lines) was assessed, with tyrosol achieving a permeation of almost 60%. Furthermore, the involvement in the inflammation process has been evaluated in cell studies on THP1-derived macrophages by immunocytochemistry, demonstrating that OMWW B1 may exert an anti-inflammatory effect by modulating specific phenotype expression on macrophages. In conclusion, this study provides evidence supporting the reuse of OMWWs as a source of polyphenols with nutraceutical properties.

Green Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Apple Pomace from the Cider Industry.

The cider-making industry in Asturias generates between 9000 and 12,000 tons of apple pomace per year. This by-product, the remains of the apple pressing, and made up of peel, flesh, seeds and stems, is a valuable material, containing substantial amounts of antioxidant compounds associated with healthy properties. Polyphenols such as dihydrochalcones and quercetin glycosides, and triterpenic acids, among which ursolic acid is a major compound, are the main antioxidant families described in apple pomace. The simultaneous recovery of those families has been accomplished by low frequency ultrasound-assisted extraction. Working extraction conditions were optimised by response surface methodology (RSM): time, 5.1 min; extractant composition, 68% ethanol in water; solid/liquid ratio, 1/75 and ultrasonic wave amplitude, 90%. This procedure was further applied to analyse those components in the whole apple pomace (WAP), apple peel (AP) and apple flesh (AF). On average, dry WAP contained almost 1300 µg/g of flavonols, 1200 µg/g of dihydrochalcones and 4200 µg/g of ursolic acid. These figures increased in the apple peel to, respectively 2500, 1400 and 8500 µg/g dry matter. Two linear multivariate regression models allowed the antioxidant activity of apple by-products to be predicted on the basis of their bioactive composition. The results derived from this study confirm the potential of industrial cider apple pomace as a source of high-value bioactive compounds, and the feasibility of the ultrasound-assisted extraction technique to recover those components in a simple and efficient way.

Antioxidative and Anti-Atopic Dermatitis Effects of Peptides Derived from Hydrolyzed Sebastes schlegelii Tail By-Products.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder associated with significant morbidity, including pruritus, recurrent skin lesions, and immune dysregulation. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidative and anti-AD effects of peptides derived from hydrolyzed Sebastes schlegelii (Korea rockfish) tail by-products. Hydrolysates were prepared using various enzymes, including Alcalase, Flavourzyme, Neutrase, and Protamex. Among them, Protamex hydrolysates demonstrated the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity with an RC50 value of 69.69 ± 0.41 µg/mL. Peptides were further isolated from the Protamex hydrolysate using dialysis, fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The most active peptide, STPO-B-II, exhibited a single peak and was identified as a sequence of Glu-Leu-Ala-Lys-Thr-Trp-His-Asp-Met-Lys, designated as MP003. In vivo experiments were conducted using a 2,4-dinitrochlorbenzene (DNCB)-induced AD model in NC/Nga mice. The isolated peptide, MP003, showed significantly reduced AD symptoms, including erythema, lichenification, and collagen deposition. Additionally, MP003 decreased epidermal and dermal thickness, eosinophil, and mast cell infiltration and downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and IgE in serum and skin tissues. These findings suggest that peptides derived from Sebastes schlegelii tail by-products may serve as potential therapeutic agents for AD.

Biodegradation of the Antiretroviral Tenofovir Disoproxil by a Cyanobacteria/Bacterial Culture.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is an antiretroviral drug extensively used by people living with HIV. The TDF molecule is hydrolysed in vivo and liberates tenofovir, the active part of the molecule. Tenofovir is a very stable drug and the discharge of its residues into the environment can potentially lead to risk for aquatic species. This study evaluated the TDF biodegradation and removal by cultures of Microcystis novacekii with the bacteria Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes. Concentrations of TDF of 12.5, 25.0, and 50.0 mg/L were used in this study. The process occurred in two stages. In the first 72 h, TDF was de-esterified, forming the tenofovir monoester intermediate by abiotic and enzymatic processes associated in an extracellular medium. In a second step, the monoester was removed from the culture medium by intracellular processes. The tenofovir or other by-products of TDF were not observed in the test conditions. At the end of the experiment, 88.7 to 94.1% of TDF and its monoester derivative were removed from the culture medium over 16 days. This process showed higher efficiency of TDF removal at the concentration of 25 mg/L. Tenofovir isoproxil monoester has partial antiviral activity and has shown to be persistent, maintaining a residual concentration after 16 days in the culture medium, therefore indicating the need to continue research on methods for total removal of this product from the aquatic environment.