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Linear low-density polyethylene (PE) containing an inclusion complex composed of [beta]-cyclodextrin and D-limonene (CD-lim) is proposed as an innovative food wrapping material with antimicrobial features. PE/CD-lim composites are prepared by conventional, high-volume processing, and the optical and mechanical properties of the developed formulations appear suitable for their use as food packaging materials. Compared to plain PE, the PE/CD-lim films have improved haze and UV-vis outcomes, but also decreased gloss values. Addition of CD-lim slightly increases water uptake, up to levels suitable for the foreseen application. It also allows to improve performance of PE as food packaging material, since the PE/CD-lim composites provide barrier to ultraviolet light, an added value for packaging of fatty acids-containing food items, whose shelf life is often limited by oxidation caused by UV light. Most importantly, PE/CD-lim composites exhibit significant antimicrobial properties against a wide range of microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria. Hence, PE films containing CD-lim display suitable properties to play a role as active food packaging films. Highlights * Development of polyethylene-based composites containing a natural filler * Composite films with enhanced antimicrobial and antifungal efficiency * Improved transparency to visible light and barrier to UV of the composites KEYWORDS antibacterial properties, composites, food packaging material, mechanical properties, polyethylene (PE), UV-vis spectroscopy, 1 | INTRODUCTION Nearly half of polymeric food containers and films are produced from various grades of polyethylene (PE), like high-density (HDPE), low-density (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). (1,2) [...]

The pursuit of novel or modified substances based on a natural origin, like flavonoids, is essential in addressing the increasing number of diseases and bacterial resistance to antibiotics, as well as in maintaining intestinal balance and enhancing overall gut health. The primary goal of this research was to evaluate the impact of specific flavonoid compounds—chalcones, flavanones, and flavones—substituted with -Br, -Cl, -CH3, and -NO2 on both pathogenic and probiotic microorganisms. Additionally, this study aimed to understand these compounds' influence on standardized normal and pathologically altered intestinal microbiomes. 8-Bromo-6-chloroflavone 4′-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside and 8-bromo-6-chloroflavanone showed the most promising results as bactericidal agents. They significantly limited or inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria without adversely affecting the probiotic's growth. Digestion in vitro studies indicated that 6-methyl-8-nitroflavone and 8-bromo-6-chloroflavone positively modulated the gut microbiome by increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing potentially pathogenic microbes. This effect was most notable in microbiomes characteristic of older individuals and those recovering from chemotherapy or antibiotic treatments. This study underscores the therapeutic potential of flavonoid compounds, particularly those with specific halogen and nitro substitutions, in enhancing gut health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for new substances of natural origin, such as flavonoids, is necessary in the fight against the growing number of diseases and bacterial resistance to antibiotics. In our research, we wanted to check the influence of flavonoids with chlorine or bromine atoms and a nitro group on pathogenic and probiotic bacteria. We synthesized flavonoids using Claisen–Schmidt condensation and its modifications, and through biotransformation via entomopathogenic filamentous fungi, we obtained their glycoside derivatives. Biotransformation yielded two new flavonoid glycosides: 8-amino-6-chloroflavone 4′-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside and 6-bromo-8-nitroflavone 4′-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside. Subsequently, we checked the antimicrobial properties of the aforementioned aglycon flavonoid compounds against pathogenic and probiotic bacteria and yeast. Our studies revealed that flavones have superior inhibitory effects compared to chalcones and flavanones. Notably, 6-chloro-8-nitroflavone showed potent inhibitory activity against pathogenic bacteria. Conversely, flavanones 6-chloro-8-nitroflavanone and 6-bromo-8-nitroflavanone stimulated the growth of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Pediococcus pentosaceus). Our research has shown that the presence of chlorine, bromine, and nitro groups has a significant effect on their antimicrobial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compounds present in hemp show multidirectional biological activity. It is related to the presence of secondary metabolites, mainly cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, and the synergy of their biological activity. The aim of this study was to assess the activity of the Henola Cannabis sativae extract and its combinations with selected carriers (polyvinyl caprolactam–polyvinyl acetate–polyethylene glycol graft copolymer, magnesium aluminometasilicate, and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin) in terms of antimicrobial, probiotic, and immunobiological effects. As a result of the conducted research, the antimicrobial activity of the extract was confirmed in relation to the following microorganisms: Clostridium difficile, Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pyrogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aereuginosa, and Candida albicans (microorganism count was reduced from ~102 CFU mL−1 to <10 CFU mL−1 in most cases). Additionally, for the system with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, a significant probiotic potential against bacterial strains was established for strains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Streptococcus thermophilus (microorganism count was increased from ~102 to 104–107). In terms of immunomodulatory properties, it was determined that the tested extract and the systems caused changes in IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate flower extract, rich in anthocyanins, demonstrates beneficial health-promoting properties such as an anti-diabetic and antioxidant effect, among others. However, the potential health-promoting properties may be hindered by the low stability of anthocyanins. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess whether stabilizing carriers, namely HP-γ-cyclodextrin (HP-γ-CD), α-cyclodextrin (α-CD), Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (Me-β-CD), Inulin (Inu) and Arabic gum (AGu) affect the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of lyophilized pomegranate flower extract, how they influence stability, release profile, and whether the systems exhibit prebiotic activity. Interactions between pomegranate flower extract and these factors were analyzed using FT-IR. The structures were examined through microscopic imaging while for the prepared prebiotic systems, antidiabetic activity was determined and confirmed by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase; antioxidant activity was expressed by DPPH and CUPRAC assays. The content of pelargonidin-3,5-glucoside in these systems was assessed using the HPLC method. The release profiles of pelargonidin-3,5-glucoside were examined in a medium at pH = 6.8 and pH = 1.2, and the stability was assessed after subjecting the systems to high temperatures (T = 90 °C). The prebiotic potential was evaluated for 10 prebiotic bacterial strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis Lactobacillus rhamnosus gg, Lactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus fermentum lf, Streptococcus thermophilus). As a result of the conducted research, better functionalities of the obtained systems containing Pomegranate flower extract were proven in terms of prebiotic and antidiabetic effects. The obtained delivery systems for pelargonidin-3,5-glucoside allow for better use of its health-promoting effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear low‐density polyethylene (PE) containing an inclusion complex composed of β‐cyclodextrin and d‐limonene (CD‐lim) is proposed as an innovative food wrapping material with antimicrobial features. PE/CD‐lim composites are prepared by conventional, high‐volume processing, and the optical and mechanical properties of the developed formulations appear suitable for their use as food packaging materials. Compared to plain PE, the PE/CD‐lim films have improved haze and UV–vis outcomes, but also decreased gloss values. Addition of CD‐lim slightly increases water uptake, up to levels suitable for the foreseen application. It also allows to improve performance of PE as food packaging material, since the PE/CD‐lim composites provide barrier to ultraviolet light, an added value for packaging of fatty acids‐containing food items, whose shelf life is often limited by oxidation caused by UV light. Most importantly, PE/CD‐lim composites exhibit significant antimicrobial properties against a wide range of microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria. Hence, PE films containing CD‐lim display suitable properties to play a role as active food packaging films. Highlights: Development of polyethylene‐based composites containing a natural fillerComposite films with enhanced antimicrobial and antifungal efficiencyImproved transparency to visible light and barrier to UV of the composites [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]