Fast, sustainable, and simultaneous analysis of water- and fat-soluble vitamins by the two-dimensional microcarbon fiber fractionation system hyphenated with MS detection.

BACKGROUND: Vitamins are micronutrients that are required for normal growth and development of living organisms. However, due to their various chemical properties (e.g., acid-base behavior, the presence of numerous forms) and fluctuating concentration levels within complex matrices, simultaneous analysis of multi-class vitamins, including their active forms, is a challenging task. The growing nutrient shortage in foods is concerning for food consumers, manufacturers, and quality control organizations. Hence, a simple, fast, and greener approach that can simultaneously analyze multi-class vitamins is required to aid food testing and clinical laboratories in evaluating vitamin content more rapidly and accurately. RESULTS: A green and rapid analytical method based on online two-dimensional microscale carbon fiber/activated carbon fiber fractionation-mass spectrometry (2DµCFs-MS) was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of vitamins (water- and fat-soluble vitamins and some analogs) in food supplements and fortified energy drinks. Vitamins have been successfully separated into three different fractions using the minimum toxic solvent (only 0.7 mL of organic solvent) in a single run within 6 min. The limit of detection (LOD) ranges from 0.1 to 10.4 ng/mL, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) ranges from 0.39 to 34.5 ng/mL. The method also showed adequate repeatability and intermediate precision, with RSD<10 % and R2 > 0.99 for most vitamins. The analytical method was evaluated in terms of greenness, with an analytical greenness (AGREE) score of 0.68. SIGNIFICANCE: The 2DµCFs-MS system was developed to separate and detect multi-class vitamins simultaneously, which can be used as a beneficial tool to investigate vitamin content for food labeling and determining the vitamins in biological fluids and other complex samples. The developed method can tackle the challenge of simultaneous and fast routine analysis of multi-class vitamins.

Rapid simultaneous determination of 7 fat-soluble vitamins in human serum by ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Accurate detection of vitamins is critically important for clinical diagnosis, metabolomics and epidemiological studies. However, the amounts of different vitamins vary dramatically in human serum. It is a challenge to achieve simultaneous detection of multiple vitamins rapidly. Herein, we developed and validated a sensitive and specific method using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for simultaneous quantification of 7 fat-soluble vitamins (FSVs) across their physiological concentrations in serum for the first time, which was subjected to protein precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction to an organic phase, evaporation to dryness and reconstitution with acetonitrile. In the present procedure, retinol (vitamin A), ergocalciferol (25-OH-D2), cholecalciferol (25-OH-D3), α-tocopherol (vitamin E), phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menatetrenone-4 (MK-4), and menaquinone-7 (MK-7) were detected in one analytical procedure for the first time within 5.0 min by triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for vitamin A was 10.0 ng mL-1, LOQs for 25-OH-D2 and 25-OH-D3 were 1.0 ng mL-1, LOQ for vitamin E was 100.0 ng mL-1, and LOQs for vitamin K1, MK-4 and MK-7 were 0.10 ng mL-1, respectively, with a correlation (R2) of 0.995-0.999. Recoveries ranged from 80.5% to 118.5% and the intra-day and inter-day coefficients of variance (CVs) were 0.72-8.89% and 3.2-9.0% respectively. The method was validated according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and U.S. Food and Drug guidelines and C62-A on bioanalytical methods, and was used for clinical routine determination.

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in fat-soluble vitamin deficiency.

Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are essential for maintaining normal body function and metabolism. Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency may lead to bone diseases, anemia, bleeding, xerophthalmia, etc. Early detection and timely interventions are significant for preventing vitamin deficiency-related diseases. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is developing into a potent instrument for the precise detection of fat-soluble vitamins due to its high sensitivity, high specificity, and high resolution.

Utilization of diverse protein sources for the development of protein-based nanostructures as bioactive carrier systems: A review of recent research findings (2010-2021).

Consumer awareness of the relationship between health and nutrition has caused a substantial increase in the demand for nutraceuticals and functional foods containing bioactive compounds (BACs) with potential health benefits. However, the direct incorporation of many BACs into commercial food and beverage products is challenging because of their poor matrix compatibility, chemical instability, low bioavailability, or adverse impact on food quality. Advanced encapsulation technologies are therefore being employed to overcome these problems. In this article, we focus on the utilization of plant and animal derived proteins to fabricate micro and nano-particles that can be used for the oral delivery of BACs such as omega-3 oils, vitamins and nutraceuticals. This review comprehensively discusses different methods being implemented for fabrications of protein-based delivery vehicles, types of proteins used, and their compatibility for the purpose. Finally, some of the challenges and limitations of different protein matrices for encapsulation of BACs are deliberated upon. Various approaches have been developed for the fabrication of protein-based microparticles and nanoparticles, including injection-gelation, controlled denaturation, and antisolvent precipitation methods. These methods can be used to construct particle-based delivery systems with different compositions, sizes, surface hydrophobicity, and electrical characteristics, thereby enabling them to be used in a wide range of applications.

Protective effects and mechanism of amino acids as chokeberry cyanidin and its glycoside protectant under the condition of vitamin C coexistence.

In the presence of vitamin C, cyanidin and cyanidin glycosides are degraded during the processing and storage of food products. To solve this issue, we investigated the protective effects and mechanism of action of five amino acids on the stability of cyanidin and its glycosides from chokeberry. The results showed that 0.3% tryptophan most effectively inhibited the degradation of cyanidin and its glycosides in the presence of vitamin C, under ultraviolet, dark, and sucrose-rich conditions. Fluorescence spectrum analysis showed that tryptophan could form noncovalent binding complexes with cyanidin-3-O-galactoside and cyanidin through hydrophobic and electrostatic forces and hydrogen bonds. Molecular docking results showed that the indole structure of tryptophan could form hydrophobic interactions with cyanidin-3-O-galactoside and cyanidin via hydrogen bonding, resulting in greater protection. Therefore, tryptophan could effectively protect cyanidin and its glycosides in cyanidin- and cyanidin glycoside-rich food products.

Variation in phenolic, antioxidant and vitamin amounts among some medicinal plants and investigation by PCA analysis: Lamiaceae family / Variación en las cantidades de fenoles, antioxidantes y vitaminas entre algunas plantas medicinales e investigación poranálisis PCA: familia Lamiaceae

Aromatic and medicinal plants are of great importance to determine the contents of the active compounds of plant origin and to evaluate them depending on variety and climate factors in order to determine the phenolic, antioxidant enzyme activity, vitamin contents in species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Examination of the characteristics of different species, the highest peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity, ascorbate peroxidase (AxPOD), total antioxidant (TA), malondialdehyte (MDA), caffeic acids (CA), vitamin C contents,and chloric acid (ChA) were obtained in the M. longifoliaspecies. The highest vitamin E and catalase (CAT) were determined in the S. hortensisspecies but the highest total phenolic (TP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and chlorogenic acid (ChgA) were determined in the S. spicigeraspecies. As a result of PCA analysis, it can be said that Mentha longifolia(L.) Hudson and Satureja spicigeraspecies have significant value in terms of biochemical and phenolic content.

Las plantas aromáticas y medicinales son de gran importancia para determinar el contenido de los compuestos activos de origen vegetal y evaluarlos en función de la variedad y factores climáticos con el fin de determinar la actividad enzimática fenólica, antioxidante, contenido vitamínico en especies pertenecientes a la familia Lamiaceae. El examen de las características de diferentes especies, la mayor actividad enzimática de peroxidasa (POD), ascorbato peroxidasa (AxPOD), antioxidante total (TA), malondialdehído (MDA), ácidos cafeicos (CA), contenido de vitamina C y ácido clorhídrico (ChA) se obtuvieron en la especie M. longifolia. La mayor cantidad de vitamina E y catalasa (CAT) se determinó en la especie S. hortensis, pero la mayor cantidad total de enzima fenólica (TP), superóxido dismutasa (SOD), peróxido de hidrógeno (H2O2) y ácido clorogénico (ChgA) se determinó en la especie S. spicigera. Como resultado del análisis de PCA, se puede decir que las especies Mentha longifolia(L.) Hudson y Satureja spicigeratienen un valor significativo en términos de contenido bioquímico y fenólico.

Antivitamins B12: Synthesis and application as inhibitory ligand of the B12-tailoring enzyme CblC.

Antivitamins B12 are non-natural corrinoids that have been designed to counteract the metabolic effects of vitamin B12 and related cobalamins (Cbls) in humans and other mammals. A basic structure- and reactivity-based concept typifies antivitamins B12 as close structural mimics of vitamin B12 that are not transformed by the cellular metabolism into organometallic B12-cofactors. Antivitamins B12 have the correct structure for efficient take-up and transport via the natural mammalian pathway for cobalamin assimilation. Thus they can be delivered to every cell in the body, where they are proposed to target and inhibit the Cbl tailoring enzyme CblC. Antivitamins B12 may be specifically inert Cbls or isostructural Cbl-analogues that carry a metal centre other than a cobalt-ion. The syntheses of two antivitamins B12 are detailed here, as are biochemical and crystallographic studies that provide insights into the crucial binding interactions of Cbl-based antivitamins B12 with the human B12-tailoring enzyme CblC. This key enzyme binds genuine antivitamins B12 as inert substrate mimics and enzyme inhibitors, effectively repressing the metabolic generation of the B12-cofactors. Hence, antivitamins B12 induce the diagnostic symptoms of (functional) B12-deficiency, as observed in healthy laboratory mice.

Fat-Soluble Vitamin Supplementation Using Liposomes, Cyclodextrins, or Medium-Chain Triglycerides in Cystic Fibrosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency remains a challenge in cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic pancreatitis, and biliary atresia. Liposomes and cyclodextrins can enhance their bioavailability, thus this multi-center randomized placebo-controlled trial compared three-month supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins in the form of liposomes or cyclodextrins to medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) in pancreatic-insufficient CF patients. The daily doses were as follows: 2000 IU of retinyl palmitate, 4000 IU of vitamin D3, 200 IU of RRR-α-tocopherol, and 200 µg of vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7, with vitamin E given in soybean oil instead of liposomes. All participants received 4 mg of ß-carotene and 1.07 mg of vitamin K1 to ensure compliance with the guidelines. The primary outcome was the change from the baseline of all-trans-retinol and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations and the percentage of undercarboxylated osteocalcin. Out of 75 randomized patients (n = 28 liposomes, n = 22 cyclodextrins, and n = 25 MCT), 67 completed the trial (89%; n = 26 liposomes, n = 18 cyclodextrins, and n = 23 MCT) and had a median age of 22 years (IQR 19-28), body mass index of 20.6 kg/m2 [18.4-22.0], and forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 65% (44-84%). The liposomal formulation of vitamin A was associated with the improved evolution of serum all-trans-retinol compared to the control (median +1.7 ng/mL (IQR -44.3-86.1) vs. -38.8 ng/mL (-71.2-6.8), p = 0.028). Cyclodextrins enhanced the bioavailability of vitamin D3 (+9.0 ng/mL (1.0-17.0) vs. +3.0 ng/mL (-4.0-7.0), p = 0.012) and vitamin E (+4.34 µg/mL (0.33-6.52) vs. -0.34 µg/mL (-1.71-2.15), p = 0.010). Liposomes may augment the bioavailability of vitamin A and cyclodextrins may strengthen the supplementation of vitamins D3 and E relative to MCT in pancreatic-insufficient CF but further studies are required to assess liposomal vitamin E (German Clinical Trial Register number DRKS00014295, funded from EU and Norsa Pharma).

Advances in Research on Food Bioactive Molecules and Health.

Fresh and processed food products are rich in bioactive molecules, including polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids, peptides, antioxidants, phenolics, phytosterols, and novel lipids. Bioactive molecules in food could prevent several diseases (i.e., metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc.). Thus, consumer awareness is growing about the health-promoting impact of food bioactive molecules. Health claims are essential added-value features, wherein health-enhancing potential of bioactives depend on their chemical structure. On the other hand, the investigation of the structure-function relationship of food bioactive molecules is of importance. In this regard, Molecules is delighted to highlight the importance of food bioactive molecules and their effect on health. In this Special Issue of Molecules, researchers are invited to contribute original research and up-to-date reviews.

Lipid Nanoparticle-mRNA Formulations for Therapeutic Applications.

After decades of extensive fundamental studies and clinical trials, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have demonstrated effective mRNA delivery such as the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines fighting against COVID-19. Moreover, researchers and clinicians have been investigating mRNA therapeutics for a variety of therapeutic indications including protein replacement therapy, genome editing, and cancer immunotherapy. To realize these therapeutics in the clinic, there are many formidable challenges. First, novel delivery systems such as LNPs with high delivery efficiency and low toxicity need to be developed for different cell types. Second, mRNA molecules need to be engineered for improved pharmaceutical properties. Lastly, the LNP-mRNA nanoparticle formulations need to match their therapeutic applications.In this Account, we summarize our recent advances in the design and development of various classes of lipids and lipid derivatives, which can be formulated with multiple types of mRNA molecules to treat diverse diseases. For example, we conceived a series of ionizable lipid-like molecules based on the structures of a benzene core, an amide linker, and hydrophobic tails. We identified N1,N3,N5-tris(3-(didodecylamino)propyl)benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (TT3) as a lead compound for mRNA delivery both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we tuned the biodegradability of these lipid-like molecules by introducing branched ester or linear ester chains. Meanwhile, inspired by biomimetic compounds, we synthesized vitamin-derived lipids, chemotherapeutic conjugated lipids, phospholipids, and glycolipids. These scaffolds greatly broaden the chemical space of ionizable lipids for mRNA delivery. In another section, we highlight our efforts on the research direction of mRNA engineering. We previously optimized mRNA chemistry using chemically-modified nucleotides to increase the protein expression, such as pseudouridine (ψ), 5-methoxyuridine (5moU), and N1-methylpseudouridine (me1ψ). Also, we engineered the sequences of mRNA 5' untranslated regions (5'-UTRs) and 3' untranslated regions (3'-UTRs), which dramatically enhanced protein expression. With the progress of LNP development and mRNA engineering, we consolidate these technologies and apply them to treat diseases such as genetic disorders, infectious diseases, and cancers. For instance, TT3 and its analog-derived lipid-like nanoparticles can effectively deliver factor IX or VIII mRNA and recover the clotting activity in hemophilia mouse models. Engineered mRNAs encoding SARS-CoV-2 antigens serve well as vaccine candidates against COVID-19. Vitamin-derived lipid nanoparticles loaded with antimicrobial peptide-cathepsin B mRNA enable adoptive macrophage transfer to treat multidrug resistant bacterial sepsis. Biomimetic lipids such as phospholipids formulated with mRNAs encoding costimulatory receptors lead to enhanced cancer immunotherapy.Overall, lipid-mRNA nanoparticle formulations have considerably benefited public health in the COVID-19 pandemic. To expand their applications in clinical use, research work from many disciplines such as chemistry, engineering, materials, pharmaceutical sciences, and medicine need to be integrated. With these collaborative efforts, we believe that more and more lipid-mRNA nanoparticle formulations will enter the clinic in the near future and benefit human health.

Smart Vitamin Micelles as Cancer Nanomedicines for Enhanced Intracellular Delivery of Doxorubicin.

Chemotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for cancer. However, intracellular delivery of many anticancer drugs is hindered by their hydrophobicity and low molecular weight. Here, we describe highly biocompatible and biodegradable amphiphilic vitamin conjugates comprising hydrophobic vitamin E and hydrophilic vitamin B labeled with dual pH and glutathione-responsive degradable linkages. Vitamin-based micelles (vitamicelles), formed by self-assembly in aqueous solutions, were optimized based on their stability after encapsulation of doxorubicin (DOX). The resulting vitamicelles have great potential as vehicles for anticancer drugs because they show excellent biocompatibility (>94% after 48 h of incubation) and rapid biodegradability (>90% after 2.5 h). Compared with free DOX, DOX-loaded vitamicelles showed a markedly enhanced anticancer effect as they released the drug rapidly and inhibited drug efflux out of cells efficiently. By exploiting these advantages, this study not only provides a promising strategy for circumventing existing challenges regarding the delivery of anticancer drugs but also extends the utility of current DOX-induced chemotherapy.

Starch-based materials encapsulating food ingredients: Recent advances in fabrication methods and applications.

Encapsulation systems have gained significant interest in designing innovative foods, as they allow for the protection and delivery of food ingredients that have health benefits but are unstable during processing, storage and in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Starch is widely available, cheap, biodegradable, edible, and easy to be modified, thus highly suitable for the development of encapsulants. Much efforts have been made to fabricate various types of porous starch and starch particles using different techniques (e.g. enzymatic hydrolysis, aggregation, emulsification, electrohydrodynamic process, supercritical fluid process, and post-processing drying). Such starch-based systems can load, protect, and deliver various food ingredients (e.g. fatty acids, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, flavors, essential oils, irons, vitamins, probiotics, bacteriocins, co-enzymes, and caffeine), exhibiting great potentials in developing foods with tailored flavor, nutrition, sensory properties, and shelf-life. This review surveys recent advances in different aspects of starch-based encapsulation systems including their forms, manufacturing techniques, and applications in foods.

Proteome Analysis and In Vitro Antiviral, Anticancer and Antioxidant Capacities of the Aqueous Extracts of Lentinula edodes and Pleurotus ostreatus Edible Mushrooms.

In this study, we examined aqueous extracts of the edible mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) and Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom). Proteome analysis was conducted using LC-Triple TOF-MS and showed the expression of 753 proteins by Pleurotus ostreatus, and 432 proteins by Lentinula edodes. Bioactive peptides: Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor, superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin reductase, serine proteinase and lectin, were identified in both mushrooms. The extracts also included promising bioactive compounds including phenolics, flavonoids, vitamins and amino acids. The extracts showed promising antiviral activities, with a selectivity index (SI) of 4.5 for Pleurotus ostreatus against adenovirus (Ad7), and a slight activity for Lentinula edodes against herpes simplex-II (HSV-2). The extracts were not cytotoxic to normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). On the contrary, they showed moderate cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines. Additionally, antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS radical cation scavenging and ORAC assays. The two extracts showed potential antioxidant activities, with the maximum activity seen for Pleurotus ostreatus (IC50 µg/mL) = 39.46 ± 1.27 for DPPH; 11.22 ± 1.81 for ABTS; and 21.40 ± 2.20 for ORAC assays. This study encourages the use of these mushrooms in medicine in the light of their low cytotoxicity on normal PBMCs vis à vis their antiviral, antitumor and antioxidant capabilities.

Insight into the structural, chemical and surface properties of proteins for the efficient ultrasound assisted co-encapsulation and delivery of micronutrients.

Three different proteinaceous biopolymers, namely, egg white protein (EWP), soy protein isolate (SPI) and corn protein isolate (CPI) were used as protective shell materials to encapsulate micronutrients via an ultrasonic encapsulation technique. It was found that the physicochemical properties of the three protein-based matrices, including surface/total thiol (-SH) content, surface activity and denaturation temperature were the key factors that influenced the shell formation and stability. The EWP and CPI-shelled microcapsules reduced the degradation of the encapsulated vitamins by 20% and 40% after exposure to heating and UV-light irradiation. A double emulsion technique was further developed to co-encapsulate both oil- (vitamin A and D) and water-soluble (vitamin B, C and minerals) micronutrients. In-vitro digestion study showed that the proteinaceous microcapsules enable a sustained release of micronutrients, demonstrating their potential for food fortification applications.

Preparation and Evaluation of Lipid Emulsion Containing 13 Vitamins for Injection Without Anaphylactoid Reactions.

OBJECTIVE: Multivitamins containing Tween 80 can cause anaphylactoid reactions. The objective of this study was to develop a new lipid emulsion containing 13 fat- and water-soluble vitamins for injection (13V-LE) that were simultaneously dissolved in one bottle and to evaluate the stability of and anaphylactoid reactions to 13V-LE. METHODS: Particle size, ζ-potential, and polydispersity of 13V-LE were assayed with a Zetasizer Nano ZS. Entrapment efficiency of 13V-LE was determined with HPLC. Behavior, histamine, and blood pressure of beagle dogs were investigated by observation, fluorospectrophotometry, and sphygmomanometry. RESULTS: The 13V-LE with the smallest particles and highest entrapment efficiency with stable ζ-potential was composed of soybean oil, glycerin (2.25%, w:v), egg lecithin (1.2%, w:v), and purified water. There was no obvious change in characteristics of the 13V-LE samples in terms of appearance, size distribution, ζ-potential, pH value, or concentration over 6 months. In anaphylactoid reactions tests, when being administered with the multivitamin Infuvite Adult containing Tween 80, six beagles showed grade IV symptoms (P<0.01 vs control), low blood pressure, and high plasma-histamine concentrations (P<0.05 or P<0.01). However, there were no significant differences in behavior, blood pressure, or histamine concentration in the dogs before and after administration in the 13V-LE group. CONCLUSION: The 13V-LE formulation is a suitable intravenous lipid emulsion without anaphylactoid reactions.

Vitamins in Human and Donkey Milk: Functional and Nutritional Role.

BACKGROUND: Whole milk is a good source of all the nutrients, and it also contains a sufficient number of vitamins to permit regular the growth of the neonate. Dairy cow milk can create allergy in infants less than 12 months old because of the high caseins and ß-lactoglobulin content. In these circumstances, donkey milk can represent a good replacement for dairy cows' milk in children affected by Cow Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) because of its close chemical composition with human milk, mainly due to its low protein and low mineral content. Milk vitamin content is highly variable among mammalian species and it is strictly correlated with the vitamin status and the diet administered to the mother. Fat-soluble vitamins content in donkey milk is, on average, lower compared to ruminants' milk, while vitamin C content determined in donkey milk is higher compared to dairy cows' milk, showing a great similarity with human milk. In donkey milk, the content of vitamins of the B-complex such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, and folic acid is higher compared to human milk. The use of donkey milk as a new functional food must be further evaluated in interdisciplinary clinical trials in which pediatricians, dietitians, and food scientists must be involved to deepen the knowledge about the positive health impact of donkey milk in different sensitive people, especially children and the elderly.

Antioxidants in Potatoes: A Functional View on One of the Major Food Crops Worldwide.

With a growing world population, accelerating climate changes, and limited arable land, it is critical to focus on plant-based resources for sustainable food production. In addition, plants are a cornucopia for secondary metabolites, of which many have robust antioxidative capacities and are beneficial for human health. Potato is one of the major food crops worldwide, and is recognized by the United Nations as an excellent food source for an increasing world population. Potato tubers are rich in a plethora of antioxidants with an array of health-promoting effects. This review article provides a detailed overview about the biosynthesis, chemical and health-promoting properties of the most abundant antioxidants in potato tubers, including several vitamins, carotenoids and phenylpropanoids. The dietary contribution of diverse commercial and primitive cultivars are detailed and document that potato contributes much more than just complex carbohydrates to the diet. Finally, the review provides insights into the current and future potential of potato-based systems as tools and resources for healthy and sustainable food production.

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.: A Multi-Benefit Potential to Be Exploited.

Consumer interest in foods with enhanced nutritional quality has increased in recent years. The nutritional and bioactive characterization of fruits and their byproducts, as well as their use in the formulation of new food products, is advisable, contributing to decrease the global concerns related to food waste and food security. Moreover, the compounds present in these raw materials and the study of their biological properties can promote health and help to prevent some chronic diseases. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (prickly pear) is a plant that grows wild in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world, being a food source for ones and a potential for others, but not properly valued. This paper carries out an exhaustive review of the scientific literature on the nutritional composition and bioactive compounds of prickly pear and its constituents, as well as its main biological activities and applications. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins and bioactive compounds. Many of its natural compounds have interesting biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and antimicrobial. The antioxidant power of prickly pear makes it a good candidate as an ingredient of new food products with fascinating properties for health promotion and/or to be used as natural extracts for food, pharmaceutic or cosmetic applications. In addition, it could be a key player in food security in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world, where there are often no more plants.

Ultrasonic microencapsulation of oil-soluble vitamins by hen egg white and green tea for fortification of food.

We report the microencapsulation of oil soluble vitamins (A, D and E) using a one pot ultrasonic process and raw egg white proteins as a shell material. Green tea catechin/iron complex coating method was further developed to impart UV filtering property to the microcapsules in order to protect the encapsulated nutrients from photodegradation. The microcapsules showed antibacterial properties and long shelf-life. The encapsulated vitamins were protected from degradation upon heating, UV irradiation, simulated storage/transit and cooking processes. The in-vitro digestion study showed that functional vitamin D can be potentially released in the gastrointestinal tract improving vitamin D availability by more than 2-fold compared to the free vitamin. The vitamin D microcapsules were highly stable and maintained their microstructures once incorporated into staple food products. The low-cost egg white shell encapsulated vitamins can improve the nutritional value of staple food products to combat maternal and child malnutrition.

Molecular Simulations suggest Vitamins, Retinoids and Steroids as Ligands of the Free Fatty Acid Pocket of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein*.

We investigate binding of linoleate and other potential ligands to the recently discovered fatty acid binding site in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, using docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Simulations suggest that linoleate and dexamethasone stabilize the locked spike conformation, thus reducing the opportunity for ACE2 interaction. In contrast, cholesterol may expose the receptor-binding domain by destabilizing the closed structure, preferentially binding to a different site in the hinge region of the open structure. We docked a library of FDA-approved drugs to the fatty acid site using an approach that reproduces the structure of the linoleate complex. Docking identifies steroids (including dexamethasone and vitamin D); retinoids (some known to be active in vitro, and vitamin A); and vitamin K as potential ligands that may stabilize the closed conformation. The SARS-CoV-2 spike fatty acid site may bind a diverse array of ligands, including dietary components, and therefore provides a promising target for therapeutics or prophylaxis.