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Vitis vinifera L. is a natural source of bioactive compounds that is already used for cosmeceutical and nutraceutical approaches. However, their phytochemical and antioxidant properties, although studied, have not been fully explored. We aimed to characterize V. vinifera L. cv. Falanghina seed extracts in different polarity solvents (hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and a mixture of acetone–water) for their phytochemical contents, including the total phenolic compound content (TPC), free radical scavenging capacities, and antioxidant ability on HepG2 cells. We directly profiled the functional quality of V. vinifera seed extracts against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells, focusing on mitochondrial functions. The content of bioactive compounds was characterized by LC-MS. To assess the cytocompatibility of the extracts, a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was conducted. Results showed that extraction with ethyl acetate (18.12 mg GAE·g−1) and ethanol solvents (18.07 mg GAE·g−1), through Soxhlet, and with an acetone–water mixture (14.17 mg GAE·g−1), through maceration, yielded extracts rich in (poly)phenols, with good scavenging and antioxidant activity (98.32 I% for ethanol solvents and 96.31 I% for acetone–water mixture). The antioxidant effect of polyphenols is at least partially due to their capacity to maintain mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy, which elevates mitochondrial efficiency, resulting in diminished ROS production, hence re-establishing the mitochondrial quality control. These findings highlight the valorization of Vitis by-products to improve food functional characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valorisation and conservation of plant genetic resources (PGRs) and wild fruit PGRs are critical to ensure the maintenance of genetic and cultural heritage and to promote new perspectives on resource use. New strategies to characterize PGRs are needed, and the omics approach can provide information that is still largely unknown. The Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) is an underutilized, drought and fire-resistant species distributed in the Mediterranean area and its berries have large ethnobotanical use. Although their phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity are known, they are not well characterised, particularly from a proteomic perspective. The aim of this work is the characterisation of two ecotypes of A. unedo (Campania and Sicily) from a molecular viewpoint to valorise and encourage the preservation of this wild fruit. Samples were collected from two different geographical areas to assess whether different geographical conditions could influence the characteristics of leaves and fruits at the three stages of ripening (green, veraison, red). Proteomic analysis identified 904 proteins, of which 122 showed significance along the ripening. Some of these differentially abundant proteins, such as chalcone synthase, show a marked increase during ripening. The protein functional classes with the highest representation are involved in protein and amino acid metabolism, glycolysis and in secondary metabolism. From a proteomic perspective, there are no differences between the fruits from the two regions compared by the ripening stage. However, the pedoclimatic metabolic imprinting allowed the observation of good diversity in the metabolomic profiles between the two ecotypes, especially for anthocyanins, 4 times more abundant in the Sicilian veraisoned fruit than in the Campania one, and catechins, with double the abundance in the Campania ecotype compared to the Sicilian ecotype in the green phase, but more abundant (3x) in the Sicilian veraisoned fruit. Phenolic compounds show a 20% greater abundance in the Campania green arbutus fruit than in the Sicilian one, values that then equalise as ripening progresses. Multi-omic characterisation enhanced the knowledge on a wild fruit plant species which shows specific adaptations and responses to the environment to be considered when addressing the issue of local agrobiodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intra- and interdomain phyllosphere microbiome features of Quercus ilex L. in a Mediterranean context is reported. We hypothesized that the main driver of the phyllosphere microbiome might be the season and that atmospheric pollutants might have a co-effect. Hence, we investigated the composition of epiphytic bacteria and fungi of leaves sampled in urban and natural areas (in Southern Italy) in summer and winter, using microscopy and metagenomic analysis. To assess possible co-effects on the composition of the phyllosphere microbiome, concentrations of particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined from sampled leaves. We found that environmental factors had a significative influence on the phyllosphere biodiversity, altering the taxa relative abundances. Ascomycota and Firmicutes were higher in summer and in urban areas, whereas a significant increase in Proteobacteria was observed in the winter season, with higher abundance in natural areas. Network analysis suggested that OTUs belonging to Acidobacteria, Cytophagia, unkn. Firmicutes(p), Actinobacteria are keystone of the Q. ilex phyllosphere microbiome. In addition, 83 genes coding for 5 enzymes involved in PAH degradation pathways were identified. Given that the phyllosphere microbiome can be considered an extension of the ecosystem services offered by trees, our results can be exploited in the framework of Next-Generation Biomonitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil pollution is a pressing problem requiring solutions that can be applied without large-scale side effects directly in the field. Phytoremediation is an effective strategy combining plant and root-associated microbiome to immobilize, degrade, and adsorb pollutants from the soil. To improve phytoremediation, it is necessary to think of plants, fungi, and bacteria not as individual entities, but as a meta-organism that reacts organically, synergistically, and cooperatively to environmental stimuli. Analyzing the tripartite enzymatic activity in the rhizosphere is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying plant–microorganism communication under abiotic stress (such as soil pollution). In this work, the potential of a microbial consortium along with a plant already known for its phytoremediation capabilities, Schedonorus arundinaceus (Scheb.) Dumort., was validated in a mesocosm experiment with pluricontaminated soil (heavy metals, PAHs, and PCBs). Chemical analyses of the soil at the beginning and end of the experiment confirmed the reduction of the main pollutants. The microscopic observation and chemical analyses confirmed the greater root colonization and pollutant removal following the microbial treatment. To obtain a taxonomic and functional picture, tripartite (plant, fungi, and bacteria) enzyme activity was assessed using a metatranscriptomic approach. Total RNA was extracted from a sample of rhizosphere sampled considering 2 centimeters of root and soil attached. From the total reads obtained, mRNAs were filtered, and analysis focused on reads identified as proteins with enzymatic activity. The differential analysis of transcripts identified as enzymes showed that a general increase in potential enzyme activity was observed in the rhizosphere after our biotechnological treatment. Also from a taxonomic perspective, an increase in the activity of some Phyla, such as Actinobacteria and Basidiomycota, was found in the treated sample compared to the control. An increased abundance of enzymes involved in rhizospheric activities and pollutant removal (such as dehydrogenase, urease, and laccase) was found in the treated sample compared to the control at the end of the experiment. Several enzymes expressed by the plant confirmed the increase in metabolic activity and architectural rearrangement of the root following the enhancement of the rhizospheric biome. The study provides new outcomes useful in rhizosphere engineering advancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy is an important concept in many areas of the world, many production sectors and above all within agricultural and food production. The agro-food sector has become especially aware of the problem of disposal and/or reuse of waste, which is better defined as "secondary raw materials" (SRM). The SRM of agro-food origin have an important value quantified in molecular and functional compounds. We have reviewed many documents concerning food wastes and their re-evaluation as SRM in the agro-food industrial chain. In this work, we gathered scientific literature from the last 60 years regarding not only this concept but also the actual SRM composition of food and which among those can be obtained in compliance with the principle of a circular economy. Initially, our goal was to research and highlight SRMs derived from the processing and conservation of fruit. The results showed the current state of both SRM production and their possible and current use. The data revealed that the main sectors in witch SRM are actually employed are chemical, pharmaceutical, food and nutraceutical ones. We also found that the amount of discarded parts overall represents 50% for all fruit families. In a systematic way, the gaps that the current system shows in the aspects of the valorisation of the SRM have been highlighted. The wide diversity of uses for SRMs obtained from food have emerged a common factor and a guiding thread for the evaluation of these by products. Their reutilization has been highlighted considering different families of fruit plants and the SRMs produced within. [Display omitted] • The studies on secondary raw materials (SRM) hugely increased in the last 60 years. • The SRM are used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food and nutraceutical sectors. • The total quantity of parts discarded represents 50% for all fruit families. • About 60% of Eriaceae (berry fruits) are actually discarded. • Peel is the most frequently discarded part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Giardino Inglese of the Reggia di Caserta is among the most important and ancient gardens in Italy. A survey of vegetation was carried out, and a collection catalogue was produced using updated nomenclature and Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG) IV criteria classification. The data from survey were georeferenced in a GIS environment. For each species, the conservation status at world level as per International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), the phytosanitary status, and the number of individuals were evaluated. Two synthetic indices were created that allow the evaluation of collection's erosion risk (ER). In the analysis, each species is placed in a specific quadrant indicating its level of erosion risk, and a priority score (PS) allows the evaluation of the priorities of any conservations interventions. The collection consists of 235 species, and approximately 65% of these are reported in IUCN Red List. 1671 individuals were registered. The database and the ER assessment allows the future development of tools for the management of the site. The Giardino Inglese is a garden of collections and a conservation basin for historical and monumental specimens of many species, some of which are subject to protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focused on the recovery and application of bioactive and functional compounds (BFC) from a waste matrix, the Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller fruit peel (OFP), using different extraction methods: maceration and Extractor Naviglio®. The presence of BFC was initially evaluated by following the extraction yields and antioxidant activity using the Folin-Ciocȃlteu reagent and the DPPH method, respectively. The quali-quantitative content of BFC was also verified with UHPLC/UV-ESI-HRMS profile of OFP extracts. The evaluation of the BFC yields is aimed at using extract components, such as betanins, in the technological application as textile dye based on natural pigments: we evaluated the stability of the extracted dyes, tested the dyeing power and assessed the stability of the dye on the textile material. The results showed different compositions depending on the polarities of the solvents. The ethanol-water mixture extracts obtained using Naviglio method revealed an important presence in terms of total phenolic compound yields. Wool, linen and cotton fibers were chosen for the dyeing tests. Rock alum and lemon juice, two etching methods, were used. Results suggest that the OFP may be of great interest as a natural source of BFC for food, nutraceutical and technological applications in the sustainability context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effect of dyes extracted through the Naviglio method (an eco-innovative solid-liquid extraction technique) was tested, which proved interesting for such an extraction. The dyes extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller waste were treated to maximize the extraction of the coloring molecules. The extraction method was compared with conventional methods under the same conditions. The results showed that the extracts obtained with the different techniques, in the same extraction conditions (solvent, pH, temperature, time), were richer in the pigments for the extract obtained with the Naviglio method. The stability of the dyes was tested before the staining. A plant-based fiber, cotton, as well as an animal-based fiber, wool, were chosen for the staining tests. For the two types of fiber, two etching methods were used: one with rock alum, a method widely used to fix a color and one with lemon juice, a method used for a long time by rural populations who practiced the coloring of hides and tissues. In addition, the qualitative content of the pigments was also verified with an HPLC profile of the Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller extracts. Ultimately, the results suggest that the Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller fruit can be of great interest as a natural source of dyes and be used for tinctures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) are a persistent environmental organic contaminant. The possibility of obtaining synergistic effects between plants and microorganisms has further increased the possibility of alternative techniques for bioremediation. Oloptum miliaceum (L.) Röser & H.R. Hamasha and Pennisetum setaceum (Forssk.) Chiov. are, undoubtedly, good model plants for phytoremediation because they have large roots, leaf biomass, and a fast and effective renewal capacity, also, they have a great capacity to host endophytes in their roots. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) based on carbon fraction number was a basic technique used to determine the hydrocarbon degradation, and microorganism's population was identified by high-throughput sequencing of 16s rRNA. The microbial consortium used allows the plant to increase overall biomass, adapt more in terms of redox biology (Superoxide dismutase SOD, catalase CAT, ascorbate peroxidase APX, guaiacol peroxidase GPX), and stress markers (Glutathione S-transferase GST, Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase PAL, Proline content, and lipid peroxidation MDA). In addition, the photosynthetic efficiency and the soil dehydrogenase activity were monitored. After 240 days, the percentage of TPHs removed in Group 2 was 94%, whereas in Group 1, it was 78% in Oloptum miliaceum and Pennisetum setaceum. The removal of aliphatic hydrocarbons (C13–C36) was observed in Oloptum miliaceum and Pennisetum setaceum inoculated with the consortium of indigenous bacteria selected from rhizosphere soil and mycorrhizae strains. Our data demonstrate that, the Poaceae, in relation to its great ecological and vegetative potential, could be a great candidate for extensive remediation of soils contaminated by TPHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, solid-liquid extractions are performed using organic and/or inorganic liquids and their mixtures as extractant solvents in contact with an insoluble solid matrix (e.g., the Soxhlet method) or using sequential atmospheric pressure systems that require long procedures, such as maceration or percolation. The objective of this procedure is the extraction of any compounds that can be carried out from the inner solid material to the outlet, resulting in a solution containing colorants, bioactive compounds, odorous substances, etc. Over the years, in the extraction techniques sector, there have been many important changes from the points of view of production, quality, and human and environmental safety due to improvements in technology. In more recent times, the interest of the scientific community has been aimed at the study of sustainable processes for the valorization of extracts from vegetables and food by-products, through the use of non-conventional (innovative) technologies that represent a valid alternative to conventional methods, generally through saving time and energy and the formation of fewer by-products. Therefore, with the development of principles based on the prevention of pollution, on a lower risk for human health, and on a low environmental impact, new systems have been implemented to reduce extraction times and solvent consumption, to improve efficiency, and to increase the productivity of the extracts. From this point of view, rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE), performed using the Naviglio extractor, compared to traditional applications, is a technique that is able to reduce extraction times, generally leads to higher yields, does not require heating of the system, allows one to extract the active ingredients, and avoids their degradation. This technique is based on a new solid-liquid extraction principle named Naviglio's principle. In this review, after reviewing the latest extraction techniques, an overview of RSLDE applications in various research and production sectors over the past two decades is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focused on the extraction, quantification, and characterization of bioactive compounds of Arbutus unedo L. fruits, comparing the results obtained from the different ripening states. Extractions were performed by different methods (such as maceration extraction and ultrasonic extraction) and food grade solvents (aqueous and hydroalcoholic solvents) in each of the all ripening states (four states considered, associated with four different colors, i.e., green, yellow, orange, and red). The presence of (poly)phenols was quantified and characterized, and scavenging activity was determined by the Folin-Ciocâlteu reagent and the DPPH method, respectively. The content of bioactive compounds was characterized by LC-MS/MS, such as multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry. The results showed that ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) performed better than maceration extraction; ethanol-water mixture extracts showed a more positive effect than the use of aqueous extracts regarding the content of total phenolic compounds. Overall, the total phenolic compounds in the EtOH:H 2 O mixture at a ratio of 7:3 (v:v) were higher than that of the other solvents for both extraction methods. Some bioactive molecules were characterized for the first time in the extracts of A. unedo . The chemical profile of the strawberry tree extracts depended on the degree of fruit ripeness. The results suggest that A. unedo fruits may be of great interest for food and nutraceutical applications., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Scarano, Guida, Zuzolo, Tartaglia, Prigioniero, Postiglione, Pinto, Illiano, Amoresano, Schicchi, Geraci, Sciarrillo and Guarino.)