Functionalization of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)-Based Bioplastic with Phloretin for Active Food Packaging: Characterization of Its Mechanical, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities.

The formulation of eco-friendly biodegradable packaging has received great attention during the last decades as an alternative to traditional widespread petroleum-based food packaging. With this aim, we designed and tested the properties of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)-based bioplastics functionalized with phloretin as far as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and morpho-mechanic features are concerned. Mechanical and hydrophilicity features investigations revealed a mild influence of phloretin on the novel materials as a function of the concentration utilized (5, 7.5, 10, and 20 mg) with variation in FTIR e RAMAN spectra as well as in mechanical properties. Functionalization of PHA-based polymers resulted in the acquisition of the antioxidant activity (in a dose-dependent manner) tested by DPPH, TEAC, FRAR, and chelating assays, and in a decrease in the growth of food-borne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932). Finally, apple samples were packed in the functionalized PHA films for 24, 48, and 72 h, observing remarkable effects on the stabilization of apple samples. The results open the possibility to utilize phloretin as a functionalizing agent for bioplastic formulation, especially in relation to food packaging.

Biotechnological Applications and Health-Promoting Properties of Flavonols: An Updated View.

Flavonols are a subclass of natural flavonoids characterized by a remarkable number of biotechnological applications and health-promoting properties. They attract researchers' attention due to many epidemiological studies supporting their usage. They are phytochemicals commonly present in our diet, being ubiquitous in the plant kingdom and, in particular, relatively very abundant in fruits and vegetables. All these aspects make flavonols candidates of choice for the valorization of products, based on the presence of a remarkable number of different chemical structures, each one characterized by specific chemical features capable of influencing biological targets inside the living organisms in very different manners. In this review, we analyzed the biochemical and physiological characteristics of flavonols focalizing our attention on the most promising compounds to shed some light on their increasing utilization in biotechnological applications in processing industries, as well as their suitable employment to improve the overall wellness of the humankind.

Health Benefits Related to Tree Nut Consumption and Their Bioactive Compounds.

Long-term studies with regular tree nut consumption have indicated positive outcomes for multiple health benefits. Here, we review the beneficial effects of tree nuts, highlighting the impact on glucose modulation, body weight management, cardiovascular risk, inflammation, oxidative stress, cognitive performance, and gut microbiota. Nuts are important sources of nutrients and phytochemicals, which, together with a healthy lipid profile, could help prevent certain chronic diseases, protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, and improve cognitive performance, thus reducing the impact of aging and neurodegeneration.

A Fast and Efficient Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Tocopherols in Cow Milk Followed by HPLC Determination.

A fast HPLC method with fluorescence detector (FD) was developed for the determination of three tocopherols (TOCs) in milk samples from Modicana cattle breed. The ultrasound-assisted procedure was optimized for the extraction of TOCs prior to HPLC/FD analysis, reducing sample preparation time and allowing a fast quantification of α-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol and γ tocopherol. The optimized ultrasonic extraction combines an efficient and simple saponification at room temperature and a rapid HPLC quantification of TOCs in milk. The precision of the full analytical procedure was satisfactory and the recoveries at three spiked levels were between 95.3% and 87.8%. The linear correlations were evaluated (R2 > 0.99) and the relative standard deviation (RSD) values for intra-day and inter-day tests at three spiked levels were below 1% for the retention time and below 5.20% for the area at low level spiking. The proposed procedure, reducing the experimental complexity, allowed accurate extraction and detection of three TOCs in milk samples from Modicana cattle breed.

Grape water: reclaim and valorization of a by-product from the industrial cryoconcentration of grape (Vitis vinifera) must.

BACKGROUND: The term 'grape (Vitis vinifera) water' refers to a by-product from the cryoconcentration of must that, if not reclaimed, would be considered as wastewater. In this study, the nutraceutical potential of waters reclaimed from the cryoconcentration of Grillo and Moscato musts was evaluated. RESULTS: Both waters showed physicochemical parameters in agreement with Italian regulation for drinking water, and interesting levels of F- (3.02-8.02 mg L-1 ) and SO4 - (52.85-49.34 mg L-1 ). Inorganic elements, including Mg (5.54-7.78 mg L-1 ), K (47.12-59.87 mg L-1 ), Fe (219.09-205.32 µg L-1 ), and Zn (189.65-127.30 µg L-1 ), and phenolic contents <35 mg GAE L-1 contributed to determine moderate antioxidant activities. Considering fatty acid composition, oleic and linoleic acids predominated, being higher in Moscato than Grillo samples (64.42% versus 58.22%, and 5.42% versus 6.07%). Grape waters displayed also rich aroma profiles, including mainly esters, alcohols and terpenoids. The latter components (i.e. linalool and α-terpineol) were more abundant in Moscato than in Grillo (13% versus 8%). Interestingly, some minor volatiles, characterized the vine of provenance (e.g. benzaldehyde and 3-methylbutylacetate in Moscato). All grape waters showed also a considerable fraction of ethyl lactate, six-carbon compounds and acetates, reflecting the proximity of samples to the grapes of origin. CONCLUSION: In a growing scenario of environmental decay and resource depletion, results from this study support an innovative and profitable waste recycling strategy for the wine industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Multi-screening Evaluation of the Nutritional and Nutraceutical Potential of the Mediterranean Jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca.

The phylum Cnidaria is one of the most important contributors in providing abundance of bio- and chemodiversity. In this study, a comprehensive chemical investigation on the nutritional and nutraceutical properties of Mediterranean jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca was carried out. Also, compositional differences between male and female organisms, as well as between their main anatomical parts, namely bell and oral arms, were explored in an attempt to select the best potential sources of nutrients and/or nutraceuticals from jellyfish. With the exception of higher energy densities and total phenolic contents observed in females than males, no statistically significant differences related to the specimen's sex were highlighted for the other compound classes. Rather, the distribution of the investigated chemical classes varied depending on the jellyfish's body parts. In fact, crude proteins were more abundant in oral arms than bells; saturated fatty acids were more concentrated in bells than oral arms, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids were distributed in the exact opposite way. On the other hand, major elements and trace elements demonstrated an opposite behavior, being the latter most accumulated in oral arms than bells. Additionally, important nutraceuticals, such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, and antioxidant minerals, were determined. Overall, obtained data suggest the potential employment of the Mediterranean P. noctiluca for the development of natural aquafeed and food supplements.

Expression and delivery of an endolysin to combat Clostridium perfringens.

Clostridium perfringens is a cause for increasing concern due to its responsibility for severe infections both in humans and animals, especially poultry. To find new control strategies to treat C. perfringens infection, we investigated the activity and delivery of a bacteriophage endolysin. We identified a new endolysin, designated CP25L, which shows similarity to an N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase domain and is distinct from other C. perfringens endolysins whose activity has been demonstrated in vitro. The cp25l gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and the gene product demonstrated lytic activity against all 25 C. perfringens strains tested. The probiotic strain Lactobacillus johnsonii FI9785 was engineered to deliver the endolysin to the gastrointestinal tract. The integration of the nisRK two-component regulatory system from the Lactococcus lactis nisin A biosynthesis operon into the chromosome of L. johnsonii allowed constitutive expression of the endolysin under the control of the nisA promoter (P nisA ), while the use of a signal peptide (SLPmod) led to successful secretion of the active endolysin to the surrounding media. The high specificity and activity of the endolysin suggest that it may be developed as an effective tool to enhance the control of C. perfringens by L. johnsonii in the gastrointestinal tract.

Pistacia vera L. as natural source against antimicrobial and antiviral resistance.

Increased global research is focused on the development of novel therapeutics to combat antimicrobial and antiviral resistance. Pistachio nuts represent a good source of protein, fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals (carotenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins). The phytochemicals found in pistachios are structurally diverse compounds with antimicrobial and antiviral potential, demonstrated as individual compounds, extracts and complexed into nanoparticles. Synergistic effects have also been reported in combination with existing drugs. Here we report an overview of the antimicrobial and antiviral potential of pistachio nuts: studies show that Gram-positive bacterial strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus, are the most susceptible amongst bacteria, whereas antiviral effect has been reported against herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). Amongst the known pistachio compounds, zeaxanthin has been shown to affect both HSV-1 attachment penetration of human cells and viral DNA synthesis. These data suggest that pistachio extracts and derivatives could be used for the topical treatment of S. aureus skin infections and ocular herpes infections.

Complete genome sequence of ΦCP51, a temperate bacteriophage of Clostridium perfringens.

During sequencing of the genome of Clostridium perfringens strain 5147-97, a putative prophage was identified, located within a gene for a proposed flavodoxin oxidoreductase. Mitomycin C induction of this strain released a bacteriophage whose morphological features examined by electron microscopy indicated it belonged to the family Siphoviridae. This phage was hence designated as vB_CpeS-CP51. The 39,108-bp genome includes 50 predicted open reading frames (ORFs), including two that may affect sporulation, and two predicted tRNAs. To determine the ends of the prophage, PCR was performed using primers facing outwards from the proposed end genes. This confirmed the presence of a circularised genome in PEG-precipitated bacteriophage particles.

The Interplay Between Gut Microbiota and Central Nervous System.

This review highlights the relationships between gastrointestinal microorganisms and the brain. The gut microbiota communicates with the central nervous system through nervous, endocrine, and immune signalling mechanisms. Our brain can modulate the gut microbiota structure and function through the autonomic nervous system, and possibly through neurotransmitters which directly act on bacterial gene expression. In this context, oxidative stress is one the main factors involved in the dysregulation of the gut-brain axis and consequently in neurodegenerative disorders. Several factors influence the susceptibility to oxidative stress by altering the antioxidant status or free oxygen radical generation. Amongst these, of interest is alcohol, a commonly used substance which can negatively influence the central nervous system and gut microbiota, with a key role in the development of neurodegenerative disorder. The role of "psychobiotics" as a novel contrast strategy for preventing and treating disorders caused due to alcohol use and abuse has been investigated.

Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from cleaned and disinfected poultry houses prior to day-old chick placement.

The control and elimination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli is an important challenge in the poultry industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of MDR E. coli in cleaned and disinfected poultry houses before day-old chick placement to identify potential flock colonization sources. In this study, a total of 104 swab samples, collected from 104 cleaned and disinfected poultry houses, were analyzed for the presence of E. coli. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of E. coli isolates were determined using the disk diffusion method. Screening for extended-spectrum ß-lactamases-encoding genes was performed by polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing. Out of the 104 samples analyzed, 92 (88.46%) were found to be colonized with E. coli. At least one poultry house per farm was found positive for the presence of E. coli, and one isolate per positive shed was subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. All isolates displayed high resistance rates to most of the antimicrobial agents tested, including commonly used frontline antibiotics in Algeria. All E. coli isolates (100%) exhibited MDR profiles. A single house on four different broiler farms was found to be contaminated with CTX-M-1-producing E. coli. This study suggests the need for the adoption of strict biosecurity measures and the implementation of improved or novel disinfection procedures in all the poultry houses, in order to avoid cross-contamination of day-old chicks by MDR E. coli.

Effect of Nuts on Gastrointestinal Health.

Nuts are high nutrient-dense foods containing healthy lipids, dietary fiber, and bioactive phytochemicals, including vitamins and minerals. Although the beneficial effect of nut consumption on different chronic diseases has been well documented, especially in relation to their cardiometabolic benefits, less scientific evidence is available on their possible beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health. In this narrative review, we summarize the most important findings and new research perspectives in relation to the importance of nut consumption on gastrointestinal health. The integrity of the cell wall structure, cell size and particle size after mastication are known to play a crucial role in energy, nutrient and bioactive release from nuts during digestion, therefore affecting bioaccessibility. Other mechanisms, such as cell wall composition, thickness and porosity, as well as stability of the membranes surrounding the oil bodies within the cell, are also important for energy extraction. As the undigested nutrients and phytochemicals are delivered to the colon, effects on gut microbiota composition are predicted. Although the overall effect of nut consumption on microbial alpha- and beta-diversity has been inconsistent, some scientific evidence suggests an increase in fecal butyrate after almond consumption, and a beneficial role of walnuts on the prevention of ulcerative colitis and protection against the development of gastric mucosal lesions.

Evaluation of the In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Novel Arylsulfonamides against Candida spp.

The antifungal activity of molecules belonging to the arylsulfonamide chemotype has previously been demonstrated. Here, we screened arylsulfonamide-type compounds against a range of Candida spp. and further established the structure-activity relationship based on a "hit compound". A series of four sulfonamide-based compounds, N-(4-sulfamoylbenzyl) biphenyl-4-carboxamide (3), 2,2-diphenyl-N-(4-sulfamoylbenzyl) acetamide (4), N-(4-sulfamoylphenethyl) biphenyl-4-carboxamide (5) and 2,2-diphenyl-N-(4-sulfamoylphenethyl) acetamide (6), were tested against the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and clinical strains of C. albicans, C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata. Based on the fungistatic potential of prototype 3, a further subset of compounds, structurally related to hit compound 3, was synthesized and tested: two benzamides (10-11), the related amine 4-[[(4-4-((biphenyl-4-ylmethylamino)methyl) benzenesulfonamide (13) and the corresponding hydrochloride, 13.HCl. Both amine 13 and its hydrochloride salt had fungicidal effects against Candida glabrata strain 33 (MFC of 1.000 mg/mL). An indifferent effect was detected in the association of the compounds with amphotericin B and fluconazole. The cytotoxicity of the active compounds was also evaluated. This data could be useful to develop novel therapeutics for topical use against fungal infections.

Opuntia ficus indica cladode as fermentation feedstock for lactic acid production by Lactobacillus acidophilus LA 5.

Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes are by-products which contain high amounts of fibres, bioactive and functional compounds. Given their high annual productivity per hectare, cladodes represent a cheap and suitable substrate, usable for fermentation processes. We investigated their potential as a substrate for the growth and production of lactic acid from Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5. A separate hydrolysis and fermentation was performed. The concentration of reducing sugars obtained after the dilute acid and enzymatic hydrolysis was 28.45 g/L. The lactobacillus count ranged from 6.03 to 8.1 log CFU/mL, whereas lactic acid yield and productivity were 0.63 g/g and 0.73 g/L h, respectively. The maximum lactic acid concentration was found to be 17.5 g/L. This study reports the possibility of using the O. ficus indica cladode for lactic acid production by LA-5 aiming to reduce costs for sustainable industrial production.

Composition and Biological Properties of Blanched Skin and Blanch Water Belonging to Three Sicilian Almond Cultivars.

The almond industry produces, by bleaching and stripping, two by-products: blanched skin (BS) and blanch water (BW). The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional and polyphenolic profile, as well as the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and potential prebiotic effects of BS and BW from three different Sicilian cultivars. The total phenols and flavonoids contents were ≥1.72 and ≥0.56 g gallic acid equivalents and ≥0.52 and ≥0.18 g rutin equivalents/100 g dry extract (DE) in BS and BW, respectively. The antioxidant activity, evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging ability, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity, was ≥3.07 and ≥0.83 g trolox equivalent/100 g DE in BS and BW, respectively. Isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside was the most abundant flavonoid detected in both by-products. No antimicrobial effect was recorded, whereas BS samples exerted antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus 1 (EC50 160.96 µg/mL). BS also showed high fibre (≥52.67%) and protein (≥10.99) contents and low fat (≤15.35%) and sugars (≤5.55%), making it nutritionally interesting. The present study proved that the cultivar is not a discriminating factor in determining the chemical and biological properties of BS and BW.

Nutritional and mineral composition of persimmon fruits (Diospyros kaki L.) from Central and Southern Italy.

In this study, the nutritional and mineral composition of Diospyros kaki fruits from Apulia, Campania, Lazio, Sardinia and Sicily regions was evaluated. Dietary fiber, mineral, pectin, polyphenol, and protein contents were evaluated. Particularly high are the contents of the dietary fiber and pectins. The mineral elements profile was interesting due to its modest content of sodium and high potassium concentration. Protein amounts were in line with the quantities for this fruit. The total polyphenol content of the fruits analysed was very variable, interesting for the quantities found both total and gallic acid. The results obtained confirmed the nutritional value of this fruit even for special dietary regimens such as hypertension and heart diseases and the genuineness of its cultivation in Central-Southern Italy.[Formula: see text].

Comparison of sensitivity to a commercial Origanum vulgare essential oil between extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBL-) and non-ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates.

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Origanum vulgare essential oil (OVEO) against ESBL- and non-ESBL-producing multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacteriaceae isolates. OVEO composition was determined using Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC/MS). In the current study, the effect of OVEO was studied on seven MDR Enterobacteriaceae isolates. Antibacterial activity of OVEO was investigated by the disc diffusion assay and twofold serial dilution method. GC/MS analysis identified thymol (78.21%) as the single major component present in the OVEO. This EO showed an unexpectedly high antibacterial activity against all the studied MDR Enterobacteriaceae isolates, with inhibition zone diameters and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 28 ± 0.6 to 35 ± 0.6 mm and 0.31 ± 0.0 to 5 ± 0.0 µL/mL, respectively. However, ESBL-producing isolates were more susceptible to OVEO than non-ESBL producing isolates. This study compared, for the first time, the sensitivity to OVEO between ESBL and non-ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates.

From by-product to functional food: the survival of L. casei shirota, L. casei immunitas and L. acidophilus johnsonii, during spray drying in orange juice using a maltodextrin/pectin mixture as carrier.

The study reports the production of an innovative functional orange powder supplemented with probiotics and prebiotics, by implementing new ecofriendly and sustainable technologies, such as spray drying. The survival of Lactobacillus casei shirota, Lactobacillus casei immunitas and Lactobacillus acidophilus johnsonii, during spray drying in orange juice was proven and the stability of the powder obtained at room temperature and at 4 °C was investigated. Furthermore, the study highlighted the possibility to enhance the pectin obtained from the food agroindustry as a carrier for the spray-drying process. Combining maltodextrins and pectins at a 10:1 weight ratio. The study showed the efficiency of the maltodextrin/pectin mixture as carriers for the spray-drying process and the viability of the tested microorganisms during both the storage at room temperature and at 4 °C, showing that the latter represents the best storing condition for a longer viability of the microorganisms.

Chemical Characterization, Antibacterial Activity, and Embryo Acute Toxicity of Rhus coriaria L. Genotype from Sicily (Italy).

This study reports a full characterization of the Sicilian sumac, Rhus coriaria L. This fruit represents a potential source of fiber (33.21 ± 1.02%) and unsaturated fatty acids, being the contents of linoleic and α-linolenic acids, 30.82 ± 1.21% and 1.85 ± 0.07%, respectively. In addition, the content of phenolic and total anthocyanin was 71.69 ± 1.23 mg/g as gallic acid equivalents, and 6.71 ± 0.12 mg/g as cyanidin-3-O-glucoside equivalents, respectively. The high content in mineral elements, consisting mainly of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, followed by aluminum, iron, sodium, boron, and zinc, was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Moreover, its antimicrobial activity was evaluated against multidrug resistant (MDR) microorganisms, represented by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from poultry. The activity of seven different sumac fruit extracts obtained using the following solvents-ethanol (SE), methanol (SM), acetone (SA), ethanol and water (SEW), methanol and water (SMW), acetone and water (SAW), water (SW)-was evaluated. The polyphenol profile of SM extract, which showed better activity, was analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). The major component identified was gallic acid, followed by quercetin, methyl digallate, pentagalloyl-hexoside, and kaempferol 3-O-glucoside. The non-toxicity of Sicilian R. coriaria was confirmed by testing the effect of the same extract on zebrafish embryos.

Mineral and Microbiological Analysis of Spices and Aromatic Herbs.

Spices and aromatic herbs have always had great historical importance in human nutrition. Their use has been documented for centuries as a rich source of bioactive compounds; they have been used for their health benefits and also for flavoring or coloring food. However, despite the many health properties linked to the use of spices and aromatic herbs, these can represent biological hazards and can contain chemical substances of concern. Certainly, monitoring potential health hazards in spices and aromatic herbs includes microbiological safety and also the content of inorganic substances: both represent a key step. This research aims at monitoring the compliance of various spices and aromatic herbs from a non-European country market (namely: black cumin seeds, Iranian Tokhme Sharbati, clove buds, Shahjeera, Abbaszadeh saffron, organic fenugreek, whole black pepper, cinnamon, Abthul Ahmar (Asario), Ajwan seeds, whole coriander seeds, black sesame seeds, Sabja seeds) with the current European Union (EU) and WHO regulations, when available, regarding mineral and microbiological parameters. In particular, microbiological assays using rapid and conventional methods, and trace mineral determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were performed. Results show the safety of the tested spices, given that the microbiological parameters were within the legal microbiological criteria set by the European Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 and its amendment Regulation (EC) No. 1441/2007. With reference to potentially toxic Cd, Pb, As, Hg, these were within the limits set by the European Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 and its amendments, Regulation (EU) No. 1317/2021 and Regulation (EU) No. 1323/2021, and WHO. According to EU regulations, for Pb content, 2 samples out of 16 showed values different from the set limits.