Nutritional and Physicochemical Properties of Wild Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.)-Effects of Geographic Origin.

In recent years, much attention has been devoted to Vaccinium L. berries because of their substantial potential to be adapted for the development of innovative food and pharmaceutical applications. The accumulation of plant secondary metabolites is extremely dependent on climate and other environmental conditions. In order to increase the reliability of the findings, this study was conducted with samples collected in four regions in Northern Europe (Norway, Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania) and analyzed in a single laboratory using a standardized methodology. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional (biologically active compounds (phenolic (477-775 mg/100 g fw), anthocyanins (20-57 mg/100 g fw), pro-anthocyanidins (condensed tannins (141-269 mg/100 g fw)) and antioxidant activity in different systems (ABTS•+, FRAP). Physicochemical properties (acidity, soluble solids, color) of wild Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. were also evaluated. The results may contribute to the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals with potential health benefits in the future. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on the evaluation of the biologically active compounds of wild lingonberries from different Northern European countries based on one laboratory's validated methods. The results indicated a geomorphological influence on the biochemical and physicochemical composition of wild Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. depending on their place of geographical origin.

Enzymes-Assisted Extraction of Plants for Sustainable and Functional Applications.

The scientific community and industrial companies have discovered significant enzyme applications to plant material. This rise imparts to changing consumers' demands while searching for 'clean label' food products, boosting the immune system, uprising resistance to bacterial and fungal diseases, and climate change challenges. First, enzymes were used for enhancing production yield with mild and not hazardous applications. However, enzyme specificity, activity, plant origin and characteristics, ratio, and extraction conditions differ depending on the goal. As a result, researchers have gained interest in enzymes' ability to cleave specific bonds of macroelements and release bioactive compounds by enhancing value and creating novel derivatives in plant extracts. The extract is enriched with reducing sugars, phenolic content, and peptides by disrupting lignocellulose and releasing compounds from the cell wall and cytosolic. Nonetheless, depolymerizing carbohydrates and using specific enzymes form and release various saccharides lengths. The latest studies show that oligosaccharides released and formed by enzymes have a high potential to be slowly digestible starches (SDS) and possibly be labeled as prebiotics. Additionally, they excel in new technological, organoleptic, and physicochemical properties. Released novel derivatives and phenolic compounds have a significant role in human and animal health and gut-microbiota interactions, affecting many metabolic pathways. The latest studies have contributed to enzyme-modified extracts and products used for functional, fermented products development and sustainable processes: in particular, nanocellulose, nanocrystals, nanoparticles green synthesis with drug delivery, wound healing, and antimicrobial properties. Even so, enzymes' incorporation into processes has limitations and is regulated by national and international levels.

Development and Validation of the UPLC-DAD Methodology for the Detection of Triterpenoids and Phytosterols in Fruit Samples of Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton and Vaccinium oxycoccos L.

Cranberries are used in the production of medicinal preparations and food supplements, which highlights the importance of triterpene compounds determination in cranberry fruit raw material. The aim of our study was to develop and validate for routine testing suitable UPLC-DAD methodology for the evaluation of triterpene acids, neutral triterpenoids, phytosterols, and squalene content in cranberry samples. The developed and optimized UPLC-DAD methodology was validated according to the guidelines of the International Council for Harmonization (ICH), evaluating the following parameters: range, specificity, linearity (R2 > 0.999), precision, LOD (0.27−1.86 µg/mL), LOQ (0.90−6.18 µg/mL), and recovery (80−110%). The developed and validated technique was used for the evaluation of triterpenic compounds in samples of Vaccinium macrocarpon and Vaccinium oxycoccos fruits, and their peels, pulp and seeds. The studied chromatogram profiles of Vaccinium macrocarpon and Vaccinium oxycoccos were identical but differed in the areas of the analytical peaks. Ursolic acid was the dominant compound in fruit samples of Vaccinium macrocarpon and Vaccinium oxycoccos. The highest amounts of triterpenic compounds were detected in the cranberry peels samples. The developed method for the detection of triterpene compounds can be applied in further studies for routine testing on the qualitative and quantitative composition of fruit samples of Vaccinium macrocarpon and Vaccinium oxycoccos species and cultivars.

Sustainable-Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Hyssopus officinalis and Calendula officinalis Extracts and Their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized using aqueous medical plant extracts as reducing and capping agents show multiple applicability for bacterial problems. The aim of this study was to expand the boundaries on AgNPs using a novel, low-toxicity, and cost-effective alternative and green approach to the biosynthesis of metallic NPs using Calendula officinalis (Calendula) and Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssopus) aqueous extracts. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. The effectiveness of biosynthesized AgNPs in quenching free radicals and inhibiting the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms was supported by in vitro antioxidant activity assay methods and using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test, respectively. The elucidated antimicrobial and antioxidative activities of medical plant extracts were compared with data from the engineered biosynthetic AgNPs. The antimicrobial effect of engineered AgNPs against selected test cultures was found to be substantially stronger than for plant extracts used for their synthesis. The analysis of AgNPs by TEM revealed the presence of spherical-shaped nano-objects. The size distribution of AgNPs was found to be plant-type-dependent. The smaller AgNPs were obtained with Hyssopus extract (with a size range of 16.8 ± 5.8 nm compared to 35.7 ± 4.8 nm from Calendula AgNPs). The AgNPs' presumably inherited biological functions of Hyssopus and Calendula medical plants can provide a platform to combat pathogenic bacteria in the era of multi-drug resistance.

Variation of Triterpenes in Apples Stored in a Controlled Atmosphere.

Apples are seasonal fruits, and thus after harvesting apples of optimal picking maturity, it is important to prepare them properly for storage and to ensure proper storage conditions in order to minimize changes in the chemical composition and commercial quality of the apples. We studied the quantitative composition of triterpenic compounds in the whole apple, apple peel and apple flesh samples before placing them in the controlled atmosphere (CA) chambers, and at the end of the experiment, 8 months later. HPLC analysis showed that highest total amount of triterpenic compounds (1.99 ± 0.01 mg g-1) was found in the whole apple samples of the 'Spartan' cultivar stored under variant VIII (O2-20%, CO2-3%, N2-77%) conditions. Meanwhile, the highest amount of triterpenic compounds (11.66 ± 0.72 mg g-1) was determined in the apple peel samples of the 'Auksis' cultivar stored under variant II (O2-5%, CO2-1%, N2-94%) conditions. In the apple peel samples of the 'Auksis' cultivar stored under variant I (O2-21%, CO2-0.03%, N2-78.97%) conditions, the amount of individual triterpenic compounds (ursolic, oleanolic, corosolic, and betulinic acids) significantly decreased compared with amount determined before the storage. Therefore, in the apple flesh samples determined triterpenic compounds are less stable during the storage under controlled atmosphere conditions compared with triterpenic compounds determined in the whole apple and apple peel samples.

Sea Buckthorn Leaf Powders: The Impact of Cultivar and Drying Mode on Antioxidant, Phytochemical, and Chromatic Profile of Valuable Resource.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L. (HR)) leaf powders are the underutilized, promising resource of valuable compounds. Genotype and processing methods are key factors in the preparation of homogenous, stable, and quantified ingredients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenolic, triterpenic, antioxidant profiles, carotenoid and chlorophyll content, and chromatic characteristics of convection-dried and freeze-dried HR leaf powders obtained from ten different female cultivars, namely 'Avgustinka', 'Botaniceskaja Liubitelskaja', 'Botaniceskaja', 'Hibrid Percika', 'Julia', 'Nivelena', 'Otradnaja', 'Podarok Sadu', 'Trofimovskaja', and 'Vorobjovskaja'. The chromatic characteristics were determined using the CIELAB scale. The phytochemical profiles were determined using HPLC-PDA (high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector) analysis; spectrophotometric assays and antioxidant activities were investigated using ABTS (2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power) assays. The sea buckthorn leaf powders had a yellowish-green appearance. The drying mode had a significant impact on the total antioxidant activity, chlorophyll content, and chromatic characteristics of the samples; the freeze-dried samples were superior in antioxidant activity, chlorophyll, carotenoid content, and chromatic profile, compared to convection-dried leaf powder samples. The determined triterpenic and phenolic profiles strongly depend on the cultivar, and the drying technique had no impact on qualitative and quantitative composition. Catechin, epigallocatechin, procyanidin B3, ursolic acid, α-amyrin, and ß-sitosterol could be used as quantitative markers in the phenolic and triterpenic profiles. The cultivars 'Avgustinka', 'Nivelena', and 'Botaniceskaja' were superior to other tested cultivars, with the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity.

Composition of Sugars in Wild and Cultivated Lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.).

Products of lingonberries are widely used in the human diet; they are also promising beauty and health therapeutic candidates in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It is important to examine the sugar profile of these berries, due to potential deleterious health effects resulting from high sugar consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the composition of sugars in wild clones and cultivars or lower taxa of lingonberries by HPLC-ELSD method of analysis. Acceptable system suitability, linearity, limits of detection and quantification, precision, and accuracy of this analytical method were achieved. The same sugars with moderate amounts of fructose, glucose, and low amounts of sucrose were found in wild and cultivated lingonberries. Cultivar 'Erntekrone' and wild lingonberries collected from full sun, dry pine tree forests with lower altitude and latitude of the location, distinguished themselves with exclusive high contents of sugars. The changes in the sugar levels during the growing season were apparent in lingonberries and the highest amounts accumulated at the end of the vegetation. According to our findings, lingonberries seem to be an appropriate source of dietary sugars.

Quality Characteristics of Raspberry By-Products for Sustainable Production.

Raspberry seeds are a by-product of berries, both from their primary processing, such as in juice production, and secondary processing, such as in oil extraction. These seeds contain plenty of valuable components such as crude fiber, proteins, fats, and vitamins. Quality characterization is the initial step toward using these seeds as a sustainable and functional food. The aim of studying raspberry seeds' quality profile, both before oil extraction and after different processing methods (supercritical CO2, subcritical CO2, cold pressing, and hexane solvent), is to point out the benefits of this by-product and to raise consumer awareness about their health and well-being benefits. This study provides evidence that raspberry seeds have good physical parameters for use in other products as a functional food enrichment ingredient, such as in baked goods, offering considerable health benefits due to their high nutrient content. The weights, peroxide values, moisture content, nutritional energy values, and colors were determined before oil extraction to give initial seed values. The nutrient content and amounts of macroelements, P, K, Ca, and Mg, as well as microelements, B, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn, were determined in the tested variety 'Polka', both before and after oil extractions and using different methods. The raspberry seeds' moisture was 9.2%, their peroxide content was 5.64 mEq/kg, their nutritional value was 475.25 Kcal., and their total weight was 2.17 mg (1000 units). The seeds contain 7.4% protein, 22.1% crude fiber, 11.0% crude fat and oil, and 2.8% sugar. We determined how different oil extraction methods influence the nutrient, micro-, and macro-component values. We concluded that the seeds contained the highest manganese (45.3 mg/kg), iron (29.2 mg/kg), and zinc (17.4 mg/kg) contents and the lowest content of copper (5.1 mg/kg). This research shows that raspberry seeds represent a potential natural food ingredient, and after oil extraction with subcritical or supercritical CO2 or cold pressing, they can be used as a sustainable and functional food.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Hyssopus officinalis and Salvia officinalis Extracts, Their Properties, and Antifungal Activity on Fusarium spp.

Recent focus has been given to nanoparticles as an alternative fungicidal compound instead of chemical ones. More environmentally friendly ways of synthesis are the highest priority regarding the antifungal agents in the agriculture sector. Therefore, in this research, hyssop (H. officinalis) and sage (S. officinalis) aqueous extracts were prepared and used as a reducing source in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Aqueous extracts and green synthesized AgNPs were examined for phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity. Hyssop and sage extracts based AgNPs were analyzed using UV-vis spectrometry, SEM-EDS, and TEM-EDS. Antifungal activity against Fusarium spp. isolates collected from different infected crops was determined. Fusarium spp. isolates from strawberry, asparagus, pea, carrot, wheat, and rapeseed samples identified at the molecular level by translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1α) gene amplification and sequencing. Green synthesized AgNPs had lower phytochemical content, however higher antioxidant activity compared to pure extracts. Both hyssop and sage extracts are suitable reducing agents for AgNPs formation, and sage extract results in larger particle size. Aqueous hyssop extract had higher antifungal activity than aqueous sage extract. However, a 10% concentration of whole sage extract based AgNPs solution, added to the PDA medium, and a 5% concentration of hyssop extract based AgNPs inhibited Fusarium spp. the most. F. proliferatum was the most sensitive to all treatments among the other fungi.

Antimicrobial Antioxidant Polymer Films with Green Silver Nanoparticles from Symphyti radix.

Antimicrobial natural polymer film with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized using aqueous plant root extracts as reducing capping agents and for film formatting show extensive applicability for pathogenic microorganism problems. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) techniques. The antimicrobial activity of biofilm with green AgNPs was analysed by inhibiting the growth of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria culture using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were slightly higher in aqueous extracts of Sym. Radix than in Sym. Radix/AgNPs. The antimicrobial effect of polymer film/AgNPs against selected test bacteria cultures was substantially more robust than with pure film. Pictures of AgNPs obtained by TEM revealed the presence of spherical-shaped nano-objects with an average size 27.45 nm. SEM-EDS studies confirmed the uniform distribution of metal nanoparticles throughout the biopolymeric matrix. Morphological studies of the surface showed that the obtained surface of the films was even, without holes or other relief irregularities. These apparent Symphyti radix polymer film/AgNPs' biological functions could provide a platform for fighting pathogenic bacteria in the era of multi-drug resistance.

Correlation between Antimicrobial Activity Values and Total Phenolic Content/Antioxidant Activity in Rubus idaeus L.

Plant by-products, which are discarded into the environment, are rich in valuable compounds. The aim of this research was to determine the antibacterial activity of Rubus idaeus L. morphological parts and its correlation with total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The authors also aimed to evaluate the plant's potential as added-value products. New aspects were revealed for further use and for making novel and natural products. The study's results indicated that raspberry leaves, inflorescences, and fruits could effectively combat three Gram-positive bacteria. According to the findings, among the various plant parts, root and seed extracts had the lowest antibacterial activity. Data revealed moderate, weak, or very weak correlation between the antimicrobial activity and phenolic content parameters. These findings underscore the viability of substituting synthetic antimicrobials with natural alternatives. The present study is significant for preparing novel products as antibacterials by appropriate and optimized processing using all raspberry morphological parts, and the research results show promising prospects for future purposeful utilisation of nature-based products. Raspberry plant parts can find applications in emerging fields that generate economic and environmental value.

Phenolic Compounds in Berries of Winter-Resistant Actinidia arguta Miq. and Actinidia kolomikta Maxim.: Evidence of Antioxidative Activity.

Variations between fruit cultivars can significantly impact their biochemical composition. The present research examined the variability in the qualitative and quantitative content of phenolic compounds in berry extracts of Actinidia kolomikta and Actinidia arguta cultivars. Additionally, antioxidant activities of berry extracts were evaluated. The total phenolic, flavonoid, proanthocyanidin contents and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were determined using the appropriate methodologies. The average amount of phenolic compounds in A. kolomikta berries (177.80 mg/g) was three times higher than that of A. arguta (54.45 mg/g). Our findings revealed that berries of A. kolomikta and A. arguta accumulated, on average, 1.58 RE/g DW (rutin equivalent/g dry weight) and 0.615 mg RE/g DW of total flavonoids, 1439.31 mg EE/g DW (epicatechin equivalent/g dry weight) and 439.97 mg EE/g DW of proanthocyanidins, and 23.51 mg CAE/g DW (chlorogenic acid equivalent/g dry weight) and 5.65 mg CAE/g DW of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, respectively. The cultivars of both species were characterized by higher antioxidant activity of total phenolic compounds determined using CUPRAC and FRAP methods compared to the ABTS•+ method. The variability in phenolic compounds' qualitative and quantitative content in tested berry extracts was evaluated by applying ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to mass spectrometry in tandem with electrospray ionization. Significant intraspecific differences in the amounts of total phenolic compounds, total flavonoid compounds, proanthocyanidins, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were determined among cultivars. Four phenolic acids, eight flavonols, two flavones, and five flavon-3-ols were identified in the berry extracts.

Citrus × paradisi L. Fruit Waste: The Impact of Eco-Friendly Extraction Techniques on the Phytochemical and Antioxidant Potential.

Citrus fruits have been the subject of extensive research over the years due to their impressive antioxidant properties, the health benefits of flavanones, and their potential use in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Grapefruit have been shown in studies to improve overall health, with numerous potential benefits, including improved heart health, reduced risk of certain cancers, improved digestive health, and improved immune system function. The development of cyclodextrin complexes is an exciting approach to increasing the content of flavanones such as naringin and naringenin in the extraction medium while improving the profile of beneficial phenolic compounds and the antioxidant profile. This research aims to optimize the extraction conditions of the flavanones naringin and naringenin with additional compounds to increase their yield from different parts of grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi L.) fruits, such as albedo and segmental membranes. In addition, the total content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and the antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts produced conventionally and with -cyclodextrin was examined and compared. In addition, antioxidant activity was measured using the radical scavenging activity assay (ABTS), radical scavenging activity assay (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The yield of naringin increased from 10.53 ± 0.52 mg/g to 45.56 ± 5.06 mg/g to 51.11 ± 7.63 mg/g of the segmental membrane when cyclodextrins (α, ß-CD) were used; naringenin increased from 65.85 ± 10.96 µg/g to 91.19 ± 15.19 µg/g of the segmental membrane when cyclodextrins (α, ß-CD) were used. Furthermore, the results showed that cyclodextrin-assisted extraction had a significant impact in significantly increasing the yield of flavanones from grapefruit. In addition, the process was more efficient and less expensive, resulting in higher yields of flavanones with a lower concentration of ethanol and effort. This shows that cyclodextrin-assisted extraction is an excellent method for extracting valuable compounds from grapefruit.

Biochemical and Antioxidant Profiling of Raspberry Plant Parts for Sustainable Processing.

The optimization of innovation and food technological processes not only increases the profits of companies but also allows them to achieve the set goals of the green trajectory. This research aimed to collect data on the biochemical composition of different parts of the raspberry variety 'Polka', including the various morphological parts, to present the importance of differentiating plant parts in food processing, and to show the potential of usage for primary processing in different fields of the food industry. Fruits, stems (cane), leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots were evaluated according to their chemical composition and mineral (Ca, Mg, B, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn) contents, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity. In our study, the contents of inverted sugar, saccharose, and total sugar varied from 51.8 ± 2.46 %, 18.9 ± 0.31 %, and 69.7 ± 4,36 % in raspberry puree to 5.9 ± %, 1.51 ± %, 7.39 ± % in the seeds, respectively. The results regarding the mineral composition of various raspberry parts (mg/kg) indicated significant differences (p < 0.05). The contents of manganese and iron (57.6 ± 0.50; 36.9 ± 0.59) were the highest in all the parts in the plant. Manganese varied from 246 ± 10.32 in inflorescence to 40.1 ± 0.87 in the seeds. Iron fluctuated from 1553 ± 44.03 in the roots to 35.5 ± 0.15 in the seeds. The highest statistically significant boron content (p < 0.05) was found in the leaves (41.8 ± 0.33), while the lowest was in the seeds (7.17 ± 0.19). The total phenol content of the raspberry's distinct parts ranged from 6500 mg GAE/100 g DW to 1700 mg GAE/100 g DW. The inflorescence had the considerably highest total phenol content. Our study found that the highest amount of epicatechin is found in the roots (9162.1 ± 647.86 mg), while the fruits contain only 657.5 ± 92.99, and the lowest value is in the stems (130.3 ± 9.22). High levels of procyanidin B2 were found in the raspberry roots (7268.7 ± 513.98), while the stems had the lowest value-368.4 ± 26.05. The DPPH of the raspberry morphological parts ranged from 145.1 to 653.6 µmol TE/g FW, ABTS-from 1091.8 to 243.4 µmol TE/g FW, and the FRAP-from 720.0 to 127.0 µmol TE/g FW. The study revealed the importance of differentiating plant parts in production for the quality of the final product. Studies showed that raspberry plant parts represent a potential source of natural food ingredients, and can be a potential raw material for products rich in phenolic compounds or dietary fiber, which can provide healthy properties to food when used as an additive that may be economically attractive for consumers.

Phytochemical Composition of Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) Fruits Growing in Protected Areas of Lithuania.

The fruits of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. are an important source of bioactive compounds with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies on the phytochemical analysis of cranberry fruit samples showed that the qualitative and quantitative composition of biologically active compounds varied in cranberry fruit samples collected from different types of wetland sites: the total anthocyanin content was 698 ± 24-8352 ± 200 µg/g, the total flavonol content-518 ± 16-2811 ± 31 µg/g, the total content of triterpene compounds-4060 ± 122-6542 ± 157 µg/g, the content of chlorogenic acid-17 ± 0.4 µg/g to 1224 ± 41 µg/g, and the total content of proanthocyanidins-919 ± 19 µg EE/g to 3038 ± 137 µg EE/g. The percentage composition of anthocyanins in cranberry fruit varied between the different wetland sites: in some cranberry fruit samples, four anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, peonidin-3-galactoside, and peonidin-3-arabinoside) were predominant, while in other samples, six anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, peonidin-3-galactoside, peonidin-3-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and peonidin-3-glucoside) predominated. The results of these studies showed the differences in the composition of secondary metabolites in the studied cranberry samples and prove that the standardization of the qualitative and quantitative composition of cranberry fruit raw materials and the application of routine tests are necessary for the expansion of the use of botanical raw materials in the production of functional foods and phytopreparations.

Physico-Chemical Properties, Fatty Acids Profile, and Economic Properties of Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Seed Oil, Extracted in Various Ways.

In Europe, the green course is becoming increasingly relevant, and there are more and more suggestions for its improvement. The valorization of food waste attracts increasing attention and is one important current research area. The aim of this study was to examine oils from 16 raspberry variety seeds and to compare their yields and fatty acid contents. The next task was to extract oil from the raspberry variety 'Polka' by four different methods and to compare the yield, colors, fatty acids content and composition, and kinematic and dynamic viscosity. The last task was to analyze the economic profitability of oil extraction by different methods. This study demonstrates the potential of different varieties of raspberry by-products and shows the influence of different oil extraction methods on the fatty acid composition of the oil and the economic potential of such products. The analysis revealed that the predominating fatty acid in the raspberry variety 'Polka' seed oil was linoleic acid (44.0-44.8%), followed by α-linolenic acid (37.9-38.1%) and oleic acid (10.2-10.6%). Of the 16 raspberry cultivars tested, 'Polka' seed oil had the least linoleic (ω-6) (44.79%) and the most α-linolenic (ω-3) fatty acids and the best ratio of ω-6 to ω-3 fatty acids-1.2:1. Raspberry variety 'Polka' seed oil contains a lot of carotenoids; their total amount depending on the extraction method varies from 0.81 mg/100 g (extracted with subcritical CO2) to 3.25 mg/100 g (extracted with supercritical CO2). The oil yield can be increased by grinding the seeds into a finer fraction. The most expensive method of oil production is supercritical CO2 extraction, and the cheapest method with the fastest payback of equipment is the cold-pressing method. The results of the research have revealed the influence of different oil recovery methods on the yield of oil, the composition of the fatty acid, colors, and viscosity. The results are very important for producers wishing to commercialize raspberry seed oil.

Exploring the Potential of Sustainable Acid Whey Cheese Supplemented with Apple Pomace and GABA-Producing Indigenous Lactococcus lactis Strain.

This study aimed to utilize two by-products, acid whey and apple pomace, as well as an indigenous Lactococcus lactis LL16 strain with the probiotic potential to produce a sustainable cheese with functional properties. Acid whey protein cheese was made by thermocoagulation of fresh acid whey and enhancing the final product by adding apple pomace, L. lactis LL16 strain, or a mixture of both. The sensory, the physicochemical, the proteolytic, and the microbiological parameters were evaluated during 14 days of refrigerated storage. The supplementation of the cheese with apple pomace affected (p ≤ 0.05) the cheese composition (moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and fiber), the texture, the color (lightness, redness, and yellowness), and the overall sensory acceptability. The addition of the presumptive probiotic L. lactis LL16 strain decreased (p ≤ 0.05) the concentration of glutamic acid, thus increasing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) significantly in the acid whey cheese. The supplementation with apple pomace resulted in slightly (p < 0.05) higher counts of L. lactis LL16 on day seven, suggesting a positive effect of apple pomace components on strain survival. The symbiotic effect of apple pomace and LL16 was noted on proteolysis (pH 4.6-soluble nitrogen and free amino acids) in the cheese on day one, which may have positively influenced the overall sensory acceptance.

Optimization of Enzyme-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Leaves: Evaluation of Mixed-Culture Fermentation.

Hippophae rhamnoides L. leaves possess a remarkable amount of polyphenols that could serve as a natural remedy in various applications. In comparison, numerous techniques, such as conventional and high-pressure techniques, are available for extracting the bioactive fractions from sea buckthorn leaves (SBL). However, enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) of SBL has not been comprehensively studied. The aim of this study was to optimize critical EAE parameters of SBL using the cellulolytic enzyme complex, Viscozyme L, to obtain a high-yield extract with a high concentration of bioactive compounds. In order to determine the optimal conditions for EAE, the study employed a central composite design and response surface methodology to analyze the effects of four independent factors (pH, temperature, extraction time, and enzyme concentration) on two different responses. Our findings indicated that under optimal conditions (3:15 h extraction, temperature 45 °C, pH 4.9, and 1% Viscozyme L v/w of leaves DW), EAE yielded 28.90 g/100 g DW of the water-soluble fraction. Furthermore, the EAE-optimized liquid extract was continuously fermented using an ancient fermentation starter, Tibetan kefir grains, which possess lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and have significant potential for use in biopreservation. Interestingly, the results indicated various potential prebiotic characteristics of LAB. Additionally, alterations in the cell wall morphology of the SBL residue after EAE were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This study significantly optimized EAE parameters for sea buckthorn leaves, providing a promising natural source of bioactive compounds for various applications, such as nutraceuticals, functional foods, and high-value products.

Sustainable Development Solutions: Growing and Processing Raspberries on Lithuanian Farms.

The EU's goals by 2050 are to ensure food security, prevent bio-diversity loss, and strengthen the EU food system's resilience. Recent scientific research and the situation in the global market show that the cultivation and processing of raspberries is currently completely unsustainable. This sector is experiencing a huge decline in Lithuania. Therefore, we chose the sustainability of raspberry growing (from farm) and processing (to fork) as an object. The aim of this article was (i) to analyze the raw material of the raspberry plant for product sustainable processing, (ii) to create a digital sustainability measurement model, and (iii) to present sustainable development solutions for effective raspberry growing and processing on Lithuanian farms using content and descriptive methods. This paper discusses how to help small raspberry growers and processors achieve sustainable economic, environmental, and social performance from field raw material to processed products. Analysis of the scientific literature has revealed qualitative and quantitative sustainability indicators for improving raspberry production. The assessment of the sustainability according to our created model revealed the (un)sustainable factors and the current situation in raspberry farms on a Likert scale from very unsustainable to very sustainable. Based on the evaluation we have determined sustainable development solutions. Raspberry growing and processing in Lithuania can contribute to environmental conservation, economic growth, and social well-being, fostering a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector by investing in R&D, improving productivity, creating employment opportunities and supporting rural communities, establishing a robust waste management system, and embracing renewable energy sources. Raspberry growers and processors can use the digital model we created for the sustainability, efficiency, and development directions of their farm.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Their Control Strategies: An Overview Focused on Green Synthesized Plant-Based Metallic Nanoparticles.

Mosquitoes act as vectors of pathogens that cause most life-threatening diseases, such as malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Yellow fever, Zika, West Nile, Lymphatic filariasis, etc. To reduce the transmission of these mosquito-borne diseases in humans, several chemical, biological, mechanical, and pharmaceutical methods of control are used. However, these different strategies are facing important and timely challenges that include the rapid spread of highly invasive mosquitoes worldwide, the development of resistance in several mosquito species, and the recent outbreaks of novel arthropod-borne viruses (e.g., Dengue, Rift Valley fever, tick-borne encephalitis, West Nile, yellow fever, etc.). Therefore, the development of novel and effective methods of control is urgently needed to manage mosquito vectors. Adapting the principles of nanobiotechnology to mosquito vector control is one of the current approaches. As a single-step, eco-friendly, and biodegradable method that does not require the use of toxic chemicals, the green synthesis of nanoparticles using active toxic agents from plant extracts available since ancient times exhibits antagonistic responses and broad-spectrum target-specific activities against different species of vector mosquitoes. In this article, the current state of knowledge on the different mosquito control strategies in general, and on repellent and mosquitocidal plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles in particular, has been reviewed. By doing so, this review may open new doors for research on mosquito-borne diseases.