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The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the feasibility of two of the most prevalent agricultural residues in Ecuador, banana peels and pineapple peels, as a carbon source in the culture medium of Komagataeibacter hansenii for the production of bacterial cellulose (BC) and BC-based paper. This analysis includes an assessment of the productivity parameters of the obtained BC and the quality parameters of the BC-based paper, employing multivariate statistical methodologies. The experimental design consisted of fifteen treatments: T1 served as the control using the standard HS medium, while treatments T2–T8 used banana peel extracts (BPE), and treatments T9–T15 used pineapple peel extracts (PPE) at concentrations from 10% to 40% (v/v). Extracts were prepared with tailored pretreatments for each type of peel to optimize bioactive compound recovery. Standardized fermentation and purification conditions were applied, and once the cellulose was obtained, additives and coating agents were incorporated to produce paper samples from each treatment. The results indicated that higher BPE concentrations (T5, T6, T7, and T8) correlated significantly with increased Weight and Yield of BC, as well as improved grammage and water content in the BC-based paper. This highlights that efficient paper production is influenced by the quality of the bacterial cellulose used, with BPE-based media yielding optimal results due to their nutrient composition, which promotes bacterial growth and metabolic activity. This approach suggests a pathway for advancing sustainable and economical paper production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turmeric and ginger are extensively employed as functional ingredients due to their high content of curcuminoids and gingerols, considered the key bioactive compounds found in these roots. In this study, we present an innovative and fast method for the assay of curcuminoids and gingerols in different foods containing the two spices, with the aim of monitoring the quality of products from a nutraceutical perspective. The proposed approach is based on paper spray tandem mass spectrometry coupled with the use of a labeled internal standard, which has permitted to achieve the best results in terms of specificity and accuracy. All the calculated analytical parameters were satisfactory; accuracy values are around 100% for all spiked samples and the precision data result lower than 15%. The protocol was applied to several real samples, and to demonstrate its robustness and reliability, the results were compared to those arising from the common liquid chromatographic method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the first years of history, microbial fermentation products such as bread, wine, yogurt and vinegar have always been noteworthy regarding their nutritional and health effects. Similarly, mushrooms have been a valuable food product in point of both nutrition and medicine due to their rich chemical components. Alternatively, filamentous fungi, which can be easier to produce, play an active role in the synthesis of some bioactive compounds, which are also important for health, as well as being rich in protein content. Therefore, this review presents some important bioactive compounds (bioactive peptides, chitin/chitosan, β-glucan, gamma-aminobutyric acid, L-carnitine, ergosterol and fructooligosaccharides) synthesized by fungal strains and their health benefits. In addition, potential probiotic- and prebiotic fungi were researched to determine their effects on gut microbiota. The current uses of fungal based bioactive compounds for cancer treatment were also discussed. The use of fungal strains in the food industry, especially to develop innovative food production, has been seen as promising microorganisms in obtaining healthy and nutritious food. Fungal-based bioactive compounds have various health benefits. Prebiotic fungi play an active role in the regulation of gut microbiota. Anti-tumor effective fungal components will contribute to alternative medicine. Beta-glucan and chitin are the most promising fungal metabolites for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible and medicinal mushrooms possess excellent nutritional properties due to their incredible versatility in growing on different substrates and producing extracellular enzymes with a wide range of specificity. These features make them excellent candidates for various biotechnological applications. In this context, biotechnological applications using edible and medicinal mushrooms can focus on the bioprocessing of agro‐industrial wastes, an economical and environmentally friendly strategy. This review, based on recent original research and scientific reviews, highlights the versatility and potential of mushrooms in terms of sustainability and efficiency. We emphasized the biotechnological applications of edible and medicinal mushrooms and their enzymes including food production with high nutraceutical value by enhancing the quality and flavor of food industry products. Other biotechnological applications addressed in this review were cosmeceutical and biomedical development using mushroom extracts with bioactive compounds; wood pulp pretreatment processes in the pulp and paper industry; bioethanol production; and bioremediation for decontaminating soils and polluted effluents. These applications explain how edible and medicinal mushrooms have gained significance in biotechnology over the years, opening new avenues for innovation. The current tendency to study edible and medicinal mushrooms has gained the attention of researchers because these are still less known organisms becoming an attractive and natural source of novel bioactive compounds that could be integrated into a circular model production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining biologically active compounds with nanocarriers is an emerging and promising strategy for enhancing the activities of molecules while reducing their levels of toxicity. Green nanomaterials have recently gained momentum in developing protocols for treating and preserving artifacts. In this study, we designed a functional biohybrid material by incorporating tributyltin(IV) ferulate (TBT-F) into halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), generating a new formulation called HNT/TBT-F. The primary objective was to develop a formulation with robust antimicrobial properties and reinforcing features for treating paper with artistic and historical value. To characterize HNT/TBT-F, assess the HNT's loading capacity, and investigate the TBT-F release kinetics from the nanotubes, various analytical techniques, including UV-Vis and infrared spectroscopies, thermogravimetry, and microscopy analysis, were employed. Furthermore, we evaluated the antimicrobial potential of TBT-F and HNT/TBT-F against Kocuria rhizophila, a bacterial strain known for its opportunistic behavior and a cause of artifact biodeterioration. HNT/TBT-F exhibited a significantly stronger bactericidal effect than TBT-F alone against K. rhizophila cells growing planktonically or those forming a biofilm. This enhanced performance could relate to the confinement of TBT-F within the nanotubes, which likely improved its physical-chemical stability and increased the local concentration of TBT-F upon contact with the bacterial cells. Additionally, we evaluated the mechanical properties of a paper treated with HNT/TBT-F, assessing any potential alterations in its color. The findings of this study highlight the favorable attributes of the HNT/TBT-F formulation and its potential for developing protocols aimed at consolidating and preserving culturally significant paper objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the peels of ripe banana (Musa sp.), variety “Prata”, were used to prepare a flour, which was evaluated for its physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant activity. The characterization of its chemical profile was performed by a fast and simple method: paper spray-mass spectrometry. This flour had high carbohydrate content and total dietary fiber, and significant amount of total phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. In addition, this flour exhibited higher water-holding, oil-holding and swelling capacities than those of fruit by-products reported in the literature. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, constituents of insoluble dietary fiber. By the paper spray-mass spectrometry technique, it was possible to suggest the presence of 26 substances such as organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, sugars, quinones, and terpenoids. Thus, this study demonstrated that the ripe banana peel flour has potential application as an ingredient for functional foods.

This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics and the production of bioactive compounds of Pereskia aculeata Mill. at different harvest times. Here, we performed a qualitative evaluation of the chemical profile by paper spray mass spectrometry (PSMS), the phenolic acid and flavonoid profile by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), antioxidant activity, total carotenoids, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, color characteristics, total soluble solids (TSS), total solids (TS), pH, and total titratable acidity (TTA). The chemical profile was not affected, with the exception of 4,5-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene and azelaic acid, which was only identified in the leaves harvested during the winter. The content of four phenolic acids and three flavonoids were analyzed; out of these, no significant amounts of ellagic acid and quercetin were detected. There was no difference in production of bioactive compounds between seasons, reflecting the antioxidant activity, which also did not differ. Brightness, chroma, and leaf pH were the only physicochemical characteristics that did not vary between seasons.

Anionic cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were used to stabilize emulsions that combined water-soluble (and oil-soluble), strongly antioxidant extracts with a water-immiscible, notably antimicrobial essential oil. Specifically, the radical scavenging activity was primarily provided by aqueous extracts from olive fruit (Olea europaea L.), while the antimicrobial effects owed eminently to thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris L.). The resulting emulsions were highly viscous at low shear rate (4.4 Pa·s) and displayed yield stress. The addition of edible salts decreased the yield stress, the apparent viscosity and the droplet size, to the detriment of stability at ionic strengths above 50 mM. Once characterized, the antioxidant and antimicrobial emulsions were applied on packaging-grade paper. Coated paper sheets inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes , a common foodborne pathogen, and acted as antioxidant emitters. In this sense, the release to food simulants A (ethanol 10 vol%), B (acetic acid 3 wt%), and C (ethanol 20 vol%) was assessed. A 24-hour exposure of 0.01 m2 of coated paper to 0.1 L of these hydrophilic simulants achieved inhibition levels of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) in the 15–29 % range. All considered, the bioactive properties of thyme essential oil towards lipophilic food products can be complemented with the antioxidant activity of aqueous olive extracts towards hydrophilic systems, resulting in a versatile combination for active food packaging. • Nanocellulose-stabilized emulsions included thyme oil (lipophilic) and olive extract (water-soluble). • Thyme oil inhibited the growth of diverse foodborne pathogens and showed fair antioxidant activity. • Olive extract possessed stronger antioxidant properties and certain activity against L. monocytogenes. • Salt addition decreased yield stress, viscosity, and droplet size, to the detriment of stability. • Paper coated with these emulsions emitted antioxidant compounds to different food simulants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid and unprecedented expansion of the global population highlights concerns about the sufficiency of food resources to sustain this growth. This study investigates and substantiates the feasibility of renewable food resources in order to meet the nutritional requirements of consumers. Three edible aquatic weeds, helencha (Enhydra fluctuans), malancha (Alternanthera philoxeroides), and kalmi (Ipomoea aquatica), were used to produce edible paper sheets. The composition of the raw aquatic weeds and paper sheet samples was analyzed, including the proximate composition, amino acid content, minerals and heavy metal contents, and bioactive compounds. The dried raw aquatic weeds and paper sheets showed similar proximate compositions, with carbohydrates being the highest component (50.38–64.63%), followed by crude protein (15.25–19.13%), ash (9.30–15.88%), and lipid (1.55–3.43%). The raw weeds and paper sheets were rich in essential minerals like Na, Ca, and Zn with contents ranging from 27.7 mg/100 g to 30.4 mg/100 g, 126.8 mg/100 g to 489.65 mg/100 g, and 4.5 mg/100 g to 16.3 mg/100 g, respectively. Acceptable levels of heavy metals, including Ni, Pb, and Cu, were found. The paper sheets contained seven essential and eight non-essential amino acids. Among the essential amino acids, the phenylalanine content was the highest at 2735.9 mg/100 g in E. fluctuans paper sheets, followed by methionine at 2377.29 mg/100 g in the raw E. fluctuans and histidine at 1972.6 mg/100 g in E. fluctuans paper sheets. A. philoxeroides sheets showed the highest total amino acid content (16,146.81 mg/100 g), while I. aquatica showed the lowest (13,118.67 mg/100 g). The aquatic weed paper sheets were rich in bioactive compounds, and the numbers in E. fluctuans, A. philoxeroides, and I. aquatica paper sheets were 31, 33, and 40, respectively. There were no significant changes in the nutritional content of the aquatic weeds in paper sheet form compared with the raw weeds, which suggests promising prospects for their production and consumption as a source of nutrition and bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora) and jambolan (Syzygium cumini) fruits are rich in phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties, mostly concentrated in the peel, pulp, and seeds. Among the techniques for identifying these constituents, paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) stands out as a method of ambient ionization of samples for the direct analysis of raw materials. This study aimed to determine the chemical profiles of the peel, pulp, and seeds of jabuticaba and jambolan fruits, as well as to assess the efficiency of using different solvents (water and methanol) in obtaining metabolite fingerprints of different parts of the fruits. Overall, 63 compounds were tentatively identified in the aqueous and methanolic extracts of jabuticaba and jambolan, 28 being in the positive ionization mode and 35 in the negative ionization mode. Flavonoids (40%), followed by benzoic acid derivatives (13%), fatty acids (13%), carotenoids (6%), phenylpropanoids (6%), and tannins (5%) were the groups of substances found in greater numbers, producing different fingerprints according to the parts of the fruit and the different extracting solvents used. Therefore, compounds present in jabuticaba and jambolan reinforce the nutritional and bioactive potential attributed to these fruits, due to the potentially positive effects performed by these metabolites in human health and nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterization of plant compounds with pharmacological activity is a field of great relevance in research and development. As such, identification techniques with the goal of developing new drugs or even validating the bioactive properties of extracts must be explored in order to further expand the knowledge of plant extract composition. Most works in this field employ HPLC, when exploring non-structural and cell wall carbohydrates from Rhynchelytrum repens. Phenolic compounds were studied by classical chromatography techniques and UV-vis spectrophotometry, with C-glycosylated flavonoids being detected but with no further details regarding the chemical structure of these compounds. In this work we employ paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS-MS) for the evaluation of the chemical profile of R. repens methanol extract. Positive ionization mode identified 15 compounds, belonging to flavonoids, fatty acids, and other classes of compounds; negative mode ionization was able to identify 20 compounds comprising the classes of quinic acids, stilbenes and flavonoids. PS-MS proved effective for the evaluation of R. repens extracts, making it possible to identify a total of thirty-five compounds. The bioactive properties attributed to R. repens were confirmed by the identification and characterization of compounds identified by PS-MS.

This study was conducted to identify promising applications of green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) prepared from a bark extract of Sweetinia mahagoni (Sm). The green synthesized Sm-AgNPs were characterized using various spectroscopy methods. AgNPs were first investigated using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and the metal nanoparticles exhibited an intense surfaceplasmon resonance (SPR) peak at different wavelengths. The green synthesized Sm-AgNPs had an SPR peak at 430 nm, which confirms the formation of Sm-AgNPs. In addition, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was conducted to determine the bioactive compounds of bark extract that actively participate in the reduction of Sm-AgNPs, and the results revealed O-H stretching of free hydroxyl alcohol and phenols, N-H bonds of primary amines, S=O stretching of sulfoxide in aromatic groups, C-I stretching due to aliphatic iodo compounds, and C-Br stretching by halo compounds of the bark extract which might reduce and stabilize Sm-AgNPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) results revealed that Sm-AgNPs were approximately irregular spheres. EDS results revealed the complete reduction of silver to elemental silver. The particle size analysis of Sm-AgNPs was conducted using dynamic light scattering (DLS), and the results revealed that Sm-AgNPs were polydisperse with an average size range from 35.8 to 47.8 nm, an average mean size of 41.3 nm, and a Z average of 37.7 nm. Sm-AgNPs had a negative zeta potential value of -19.0 mV, indicating that Sm-AgNPs were very stable in colloidal form. Further studies were carried out to demonstrate their usefulness in industrial and biomedical applications. In these studies, Sm-AgNPs exhibited a very good antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In addition to regular assays, we also investigated important industrial applications such as the reduction of toxic hexavalent chromium to a nontoxic form and sensing of Hg2+ ions. The results revealed that Sm-AgNPs had an excellent performance in biosensor applications such as sensing and detecting mercury at parts per million/parts per billion levels. In conclusion, green Sm-AgNPs are promising materials in therapeutic and industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics and the production of bioactive compounds of Pereskia aculeata Mill. at different harvest times. Here, we performed a qualitative evaluation of the chemical profile by paper spray mass spectrometry (PSMS), the phenolic acid and flavonoid profile by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), antioxidant activity, total carotenoids, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, color characteristics, total soluble solids (TSS), total solids (TS), pH, and total titratable acidity (TTA). The chemical profile was not affected, with the exception of 4,5-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene and azelaic acid, which was only identified in the leaves harvested during the winter. The content of four phenolic acids and three flavonoids were analyzed; out of these, no significant amounts of ellagic acid and quercetin were detected. There was no difference in production of bioactive compounds between seasons, reflecting the antioxidant activity, which also did not differ. Brightness, chroma, and leaf pH were the only physicochemical characteristics that did not vary between seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research into paper-based sensors or functional materials that can perform analytical functions with active recognition capabilities is rapidly expanding, and significant research effort has been made into the design and fabrication of bioactive paper at the biosensor level to detect potential health hazards. A key step in the fabrication of bioactive paper is the design of the experimental and operational procedures for the immobilization of biomolecules such as antibodies, enzymes, phages, cells, proteins, synthetic polymers and DNA aptamers on a suitably prepared paper membrane. The immobilization methods are concisely categorized into physical absorption, bioactive ink entrapment, bioaffinity attachment and covalent chemical bonding immobilization. Each method has individual immobilization characteristics. Although every biomolecule-paper combination has to be optimized before use, the bioactive ink entrapment method is the most commonly used approach owing to its general applicability and biocompatibility. Currently, there are four common applications of bioactive paper: (1) paper-based bioassay or paper-based analytical devices for sample conditioning; (2) counterfeiting and countertempering in the packaging and construction industries; (3) pathogen detection for food and water quality monitoring; and (4) deactivation of pathogenic bacteria using antimicrobial paper. This article reviews and compares the different biomolecule immobilization techniques and discusses current trends. Current, emerging and future applications of bioactive paper are also discussed. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine employing ultrasound‐assisted extraction of bioactive components from Moringa oleifera leaves and apply them in beef patties preservation, as well as antioxidant and inhibitory activities and sensory qualities. The study included studying the chemical content and minerals of the M. oleifera leaves, preparation of aqueous and alcoholic extracts using an ultrasound device, then exploring the extraction yield. The results proved that the extraction yield by ultrasound using ethanol at 80% was the highest, reaching 19.22%. The total phenols in the ultrasonic extract with moringa leaves aqueous extract (AMEUS) amounted to 120,755 mg/mL. Since the AMEUS exhibited the highest value of 68.308 mg/mL calic acid – eight phenolic compounds discovered by HPLC – the total content of flavonoids was also calculated. The inhibitory and antioxidant effects of moringa leaf extracts are well documented. We monitored the changes in chemical indicators, such as the value of peroxide and thiobarbituric acid, as well as the percentage of free fatty acids and physical characteristics, such as water‐carrying capacity, pH, and pigments, for storage periods 0, 4, 8, and 12 days after adding AMEUS to beef patties at a concentration of 0.5%. The patties were kept under refrigeration at 4 ± 1°C during this time. The values of peroxide number, thiobarbituric acid, free fatty acid, and metmyoglobin pigment were decreased in the beef patties treated with the AMEUS. However, they increased continuously during the cryopreservation period, and there was a significant increase in water‐holding capacity (WHC) when the beef patties were treated with AMEUS. The results also showed that adding AMEUS to beef patties improved their qualitative characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several alternatives to bags used for field fruit bagging but little is known about their management in the orchards and the influence of the materials on the phytochemicals and on the physicochemical properties of the fruits after harvest. This study aimed at evaluating fruit bagging with different materials regarding its management and interference in bioactive compounds and physico-chemical features of guava cultivars 'Paluma', 'Século XXI' and 'Pedro Sato', which were cultivated in an organic farming system. The experiment was carried in Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation in 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 harvests. Guavas underwent the following treatments: no bagging (witness); non-woven fabric (TNT); kraft paper; white paper and transparent perforated polyethylene. The following fruit quality variables were analyzed: total phenols; antioxidant activity; carotenoids; peel color; soluble solids; pH; and titratable acidity. This study found that bagging materials interfered both in the phenol content and in the antioxidant activity of the three guava cultivars even though they did not affect pulp carotenoids. Fruit bagging with TNT and transparent perforated polyethylene provided more resistance against weather adversities. Bagging of guava cultivars 'Paluma', 'Século XXI' and 'Pedro Sato' changed the phytochemical and physicochemical features of the fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a special issue of the journal Molecules titled "Feature Papers in Food Chemistry—2nd Edition." It contains a collection of open access research articles and review papers that focus on new developments and knowledge in food chemistry. The issue covers topics such as the composition of food, bioactive compounds, contaminants, and analytical aspects. It also explores the role of polyphenols and carotenoids in protecting against oxidative stress and the potential health benefits of consuming polyphenol-rich foods. Additionally, the issue examines the polyphenolic composition of wine and beer, the impact of technological processes on their nutritional quality, and the identification of phenolic molecules in these beverages. The document also discusses the influence of variety, cultivation, growing conditions, and technological processes on the nutritional quality of food, as well as the role of contaminants and the relevance of technological processes in improving food quality. Finally, it addresses analytical aspects related to the characterization of bioactive molecules. The authors declare no conflicts of interest, and the document includes a list of contributions from various researchers. [Extracted from the article]

This article is a review of research efforts over the last decade on the sources and characteristics of substances in Canadian pulp mill effluents associated with two responses in fish: (1) induction of detoxification enzymes and (2) reproductive effects. The initial uncertainty regarding the role of chlorine bleaching and dioxins in these responses was resolved by the mid 1990s, when it was determined that effects were not correlated with effluent adsorbable organic halogen (AOX) levels and that releases of dioxins had decreased substantially. In the mid 1990s researchers were able to partially attribute enzyme activity induction in fish to wood components, while other studies showed individual wood extractives had the potential to affect fish reproduction. A lack of correlation between threshold reproductive responses and effluent concentrations indicated additional unidentified compounds and mechanisms were involved. In the late 1990s, source identification approaches in concert with the development of mechanistically linked in vitro and in vivo bioassays showed multiple compounds are affecting production and signaling of sex steroids in fish. These substances are bioavailable and accumulated rapidly, consistent with the body of evidence that has shown a sustained exposure is required to produce both elevated enzyme activity and depressions in sex steroid levels. The patterns of these substances in effluents and fish tissues are not correlated with production type or effluent treatment. Collectively, these findings show that bioactive substances originate from wood and are derived from lignin and/or terpenoids, they are liberated during pulp digestion, and in kraft mills they are present in black liquor and chemical recovery condensates. Additional bioactive substances are also present in bleachery effluents containing residual lignin. The lack of a definitive identification of the responsible compounds has prevented an evaluation of the effectiveness of industry-wide process changes. Continued research into the identities, origins, and environmental fate of these substances and the efficacy of effluent treatment is required to determine their significance and relationship to the existing impacts of effluents from pulp and paper mills in Canadian aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction of biologically active compounds from the aerial biomass of nettle was studied. An analysis of the results revealed the efficiency of using nettle leaves to produce various groups of biologically active compounds. The potential of using nettle stems as a source of cellulose-containing feedstock was demonstrated. The cellulose content in nettle stems was 43.8%. The technology developed for delignification enabled the production of cellulose fiber meeting requirements applicable to cellulose for its further use as feedstock in the paper and chemical industries and as an additive to produce various composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ethyl cellulose reinforces paper substrates. • Bioactive compounds are extracted from avocado by-products. • Ethyl acetate extracts mainly lipids and low amounts of flavonoids and phenolics. • Ethyl cellulose-reinforced paper with bioactive compounds serves as food packaging. Reinforced films were fabricated by impregnating paper in ethyl cellulose solutions. After solvent evaporation, the infused ethyl cellulose acted as binder of the paper microfibres and occupied the pores and cavities, thus improving the mechanical and barrier properties. To prepare active films, avocado by-products from guacamole industrial production were extracted in ethyl acetate. Then, the extract (optimized to be rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids and mainly composed by lipids) was incorporated to the paper reinforced with the highest content of ethyl cellulose. In general, the addition of the avocado by-products extract decreased the water uptake and permeability, improved the wettability, and increased the biodegradability in seawater and the antioxidant capacity. In addition, these films acted as barriers and retainers for Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus. The potentiality of these materials for food packaging was demonstrated by low overall migrations and a similar food preservation to common low-density polyethylene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Food contact materials (FCM) may contain non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) as a result of reaction by-products, oligomers, degradation processes, chemical reactions between packaging materials and foodstuff, or as impurities from the raw materials used for their production. Scope and approach In this review, current approaches for the detection and identification of NIAS from paper and board FCM are presented. Reviewed are the definition of NIAS, approaches for NIAS identification and quantification, the comprehensive analysis of NIAS and the role of in silico tools and bioassays. Key Findings and Conclusions NIAS in paper and board are mostly components from printing inks, adhesives, sizing agents and surface coatings. Recycled paper contains overall more NIAS than fresh paper. Targeted analysis is generally performed for predicted NIAS, whereas an untargeted, or full-scan screening method is applied to detect and identify unpredicted NIAS. Sample preparation and contact conditions fall in two categories; migration and extraction. Migration studies are performed with food simulants while extraction studies are Soxhlet or ultrasound assisted solvent extraction. In untargeted analysis in silico tools are gaining importance in the identification of NIAS. Bioassays are used to determine the bioactivity of extracts or fractions in order to assess the potential toxicity of NIAS present in the mixture. A combination of bioassays and chemical analysis is used to direct the identification of unknown bioactive NIAS in complex mixtures like those from paper and board FCM. However, future research is required into the selection of bioassays since these should not only be sensitive enough for detecting all compounds of concern but should also have a relevance with human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the biological degradability of some chemical compounds communally used in paper industry. Results of the biodegradation of nine compounds commonly used in paper industry were evaluated. The reference compound used was sodium benzoate. The biodegradation line of the reference compound reached 99.0%. This is confirming excellent activity of the inoculum used in these series of experiments. Formamidin-sulfinic acid is used paper manufacturing as bleaching agent. The result illustrated poor biological degradation of this product.

Abstract: Bioactive paper includes a range of potential paper-based materials that can perform analytical functions normally reserved for multi-well plates in the laboratory or for portable electronic devices. Pathogen detection is the most compelling application. Simple paper-based detection, not requiring hardware, has the potential to have impacts in society, ranging from the kitchen to disasters in the developing world. Bioactive-paper research is an emerging field with significant efforts in Canada, USA (Harvard), Finland and Australia. Following a brief introduction to the material and surface properties of paper, I review the literature. Some of the early work exploits the porosity of paper to generate paper-based microfluidics (“paperfluidics”) devices. I exclude from this review printed electronic devices and plastics-supported devices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study reports the effect of antimicrobial agents (potassium sorbate and potassium metabisulphite) and an ethylene scavenger (sodium permanganate) as coating material on wrapping paper for individual packing of fruits. The effect of these coatings on the paper′s physical strength and antimicrobial efficacy was modeled using regression analysis (R 2>79.5%). Optimization of the composition of the coating solution was done such as to obtain maximum strength and antimicrobial efficacy of the paper. The inhibitory effect of sodium permanganate on growth of Candida pelliculosa (58%) was most evident, however it had a weakening effect on the physical strength of paper (tensile strength, percent stretch, tensile energy absorption and stiffness). Potassium sorbate exhibited lesser deleterious effect on the physical strength parameters while decreasing growth of C. pelliculosa and Kloeckera apis (>18.8%). Paper coated with optimized combination of chemicals (degree of desirability: 0.835) was tested for its effect on the physicochemical changes of climacteric fruits like peach and plum during storage at room temperature (32±2°C). Physiological changes were much less in active wrapped fruits after six days of storage as compared to unwrapped fruits. This was especially notable in case of puncture resistance (85% increase) and total soluble solids (4±1° Brix increase) in control fruits, compared to 64% and 1° Brix increase respectively, in active wrapped fruits. Thus, use of active wrapping paper will be quite useful for extending the marketable period of climacteric fruits thereby enhancing the marketability and profitability of retailer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to rapidly identify and quantitate, over a wide range of concentrations, anthocyanins in food and therapeutic products is important to ensuring their presence at medicinally significant levels. Sensitive, yet mild, analysis conditions are required given their susceptibility to degradation and transformation. Paper spray ionization has been used to detect and quantify the levels of anthocyanin levels in extracts of fresh and dried elderberries and elderberry stems, as well as 3 commercially available nutraceutical formulations. The component cyanidin glucosides, including cyanidin-3-sambubioside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin-3- sambubioside-5-glucoside and the aglycone cyanidin, were readily detected in a range of sources. Quantitation was achieved by establishing a calibration plot from dilutions of a stock solution of cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside containing malvidin-3,5-diglucoside as an internal standard at a fixed concentration. The same standard was used to quantify the anthocyanin content in the fruit and nutraceutical formulations. Wide 5-fold variations in anthocyanin concentration were detected in the nutraceutical formulations from different suppliers ranging from 1050 to 5430 mg/100 g. These concentrations compared with 500 to 2370 mg/100 g measured in the dried stems and fruit, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper has been used to engineer many types of bio-diagnostics. A major issue to most paper-based bio-diagnostics is the biomolecule instability causing the short shelf-life of the diagnostics. Commercial papers contain various polymeric additives. Polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin (PAE), a polyelectrolyte typically used as wet-strength agent, is commonly used in filter papers and paper towels, which are often used as substrate in bioactive paper. However, the effect of cellulose or polymeric additives on antibody bioactivity is unknown. This limits paper optimization for diagnostic applications. In this study, model papers were made with and without PAE addition. IgM Anti-A blood typing antibody was physisorbed and dried on paper, aged for up to 9 weeks at different relative humidity (RH) conditions and the antibody activity was measured. The antibody bioactivity was represented as blood typing efficiency measured by image analysis. The surface chemical composition was measured using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Antibody bioactivity loss was promoted by elevated RH, corresponding to increased paper water content. PAE significantly reduces the paper water content under ambient environment. Antibody bioactivity is higher on paper made with PAE under the high humidity conditions (57.6%–84.3% RH). However, under conditions of humidity saturation (100%RH), PAE shows little effect on reducing paper water content nor on protecting antibody bioactivity. These results demonstrate the water content of paper to be associated with antibody bioactivity loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The reaction kinetics of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) adsorbed on paper was quantified by image analysis using a colorimetric technique under conditions of excess enzyme. A classical reaction kinetics approach integrated with image processing technique was used to analyse the coloured product formation from the enzyme substrate reaction against time. The order of reaction and rate constant of enzyme activities on paper surface were calculated. ALP was either physisorbed directly on paper or adsorbed on paper treated with a monolayer of a high molecular weight cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM), an anionic polyacrylic acid (PAA) or a high molecular weight polyethylene oxide (PEO). The reaction rate of enzymatic paper follows a first order reaction with respect to the concentration of enzyme–substrate complex. ALP immobilized on paper has a reaction rate 2 to 3 orders of magnitude lower than the free ALP enzyme in buffer solution. This might be due to a critical loss of enzyme flexibility upon adsorption. No increase in reaction rate was achieved by immobilizing ALP on paper treated with a high molecular weight cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) or a highly charged anionic polyacrylic acid oligomer (PAA), which suggests the enzyme orientation was not significantly affected. However, the reaction rate for ALP on PEO treated paper was lower than that on CPAM or PAA treated papers. That is probably due to some PEO-enzyme interaction affecting the tertiary structure of the ALP enzyme. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, Graphene oxide@SiO2@CeO2 hybrid nanosheets (GSCs) have been successfully synthesized by the wet-chemical strategy. TEM, FITR and XPS were applied to characterize the morphology and composition of the nanosheets. The colorimetric assay of these nanosheets indicated that they possessed high intrinsic peroxidase activity, which should be ascribed to the combination of graphene oxide and CeO2. A fully integrated reagentless bioactive paper based on GSCs was fabricated, which were able to simultaneously detect glucose, lactate, uric acid and cholesterol. The results demonstrated that GSCs have great potential as an alternative to the commonly employed peroxidase in daily nursing and general physical examination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A bioactive paper-based colorimetric “dipstick” bioassay is reported that is based on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) catalyzed enlargement of gold nanoparticles that are co-entrapped with the enzyme in a sol–gel based silica material that is coated on a functionalized paper substrate. Test solutions containing acetylthiocholine (ATCh) and a Au(III) salt are spotted over the sensing area of the bioactive test strips containing small (3 nm diameter) primary gold nanoparticles (AuNP). Biocatalyzed hydrolysis of ATCh viaAChE leads to formation of thiocholine, which in turn reduces the Au(III) onto the entrapped nanoparticles, producing particle growth and a concomitant increase in color intensity that can be correlated to the amount of substrate or inhibitor present in test solutions. The entrapped AuNP cannot leach from the silica material, leading to a bioactive paper assay that can utilize visual detection of a color change as a simple readout. Our results show that the dipstick based bioassay is sufficiently sensitive to allow for detection of Paraoxon over the conentration range of 500 nM to ∼ 1 mM. Detection can be made by eye or using a digital camera and image analysis, making the assay suitable for remote analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the implications of the wastewater discharges from paper mills towards aquatic organisms. Basing from a study conducted, several species of fish including cunners have been found to be affected by the toxic emitted during paper manufacturing and bleaching processes. Such discharges causes physiological irregularities on fishes who are living near the paper manufacturing mills. Furthermore, various studies have been carried out concerning other species of fish who are affected by such contamination.

Abstract: Compatibility of Trametes versicolor and Trametes hirsuta laccases was studied with polymers used for flexographic inks. The aim was to produce bioactive paper with ability to change color. Optimum pH for the stability of Trametes versicolor and Trametes hirsuta laccases was determined during storage at room temperature for 60 days. The optimum pH for the stability of both laccases was 8–9. The stabilization effect of flexo printing inks on the enzymes was tested in liquid form and when coated on paper. Sulfo polyester resin HZ1100D stabilized the two laccases both in solution and on paper. For example, Trametes versicolor laccase remained stable for at least 8 weeks when coated with HZ1100D polymer. Furthermore, the adsorption of the flexo inks to cellulose was studied with quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). It was observed that HZ1100D also adsorbs well on cellulose over a wide pH range. The results suggested that laccases are well suited to bioactive paper applications. Large scale manufacturing of bioactive paper products by flexo printing would be possible because of the compatibility of laccases with flexo inks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of polymer on the retention and the thermal stability of bioactive enzymatic papers was measured using a colorimetric technique quantifying the intensity of the enzyme–substrate product complex. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was used as model enzyme. Three water soluble polymers: a cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM), an anionic polyacrylic acid (PAA) and a neutral polyethylene oxide (PEO) were selected as retention aids. The model polymers increased the enzyme adsorption on paper by around 50% and prevented enzyme desorption upon rewetting of the papers. The thermal deactivation of ALP retained on paper with polymers follows two sequential first order reactions. This was also observed for ALP simply physisorbed on paper. The retention aid polymers instigated a rapid initial deactivation which significantly decreased the longevity of the enzymatic papers. This suggests some enzyme–polymer interaction probably affecting the enzyme tertiary structure. A deactivation mathematical model predicting the enzymatic paper half-life was developed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The thermal stability of two enzymes adsorbed on paper, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), was measured using a colorimetric technique quantifying the intensity of the product complex. The enzymes adsorbed on paper retained their functionality and selectivity. Adsorption on paper increased the enzyme thermal stability by 2–3 orders of magnitude compared to the same enzyme in solution. ALP and HRP enzymatic papers had half-lives of 533h and 239h at 23°C, respectively. The thermal degradation of adsorbed enzyme was found to follow two sequential first-order reactions, indication of a reaction system. A complex pattern of enzyme was printed on paper using a thermal inkjet printer. Paper and inkjet printing are ideal material and process to manufacture low-cost–high volume bioactive surfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The research was administered in order to spot the miticidal effect of wild grown plant namely Ferula oopoda against the mites that destroy the leaf tissue and also the colour of the fruit in trees. The theme was to get the herb's (1) aerial, stem and root part about 1 kg and was soaked for about 7 days and then extract the oil by the help of vaccum rotary evaporator, the extracted oil is then allowed to stay for a day in HCl (0.2M), then the solution is filtered and then some charcoal is added to the filtrate and now, it is put on the Bunsen burner for a while, now the HCl extract is again filtered and basified by the addition of Sodium hydroxide (5M), the yellow colour is the indication of basification and now the ppts are collected that are formed over the filter paper, the ppts are dried and later on sprayed on the apple mites and their mortality rates are noted at exposure time of 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48h. It may be a new revolutionary technique that can be economical as well as environment friendly as the oil is only lethal for the target apple mites and doesn't not harm human health [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to validate a workflow that allows structural identification of plant volatiles that induce a behavioral response in insects. Due to the complexity of plant volatile emissions and the low levels at which these bioactive components tend to occur, gas chromatography-electroantennography (GC-EAD) was applied as the prime differentiator technique, i.e., to indicate particular peaks of interest in the chromatogram. In a next step, the analysis was repeated under identical conditions using GC-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS). Combining electron impact (EI) ionization and chemical ionization (CI) with the superior spectral resolution and mass accuracy of the technique enabled straightforward identification of these unknowns, with high confidence in a minute amount of time. Moreover, because of the intrinsic sensitivity of the technique, components that occur at trace amounts but may induce disproportional large behavioral responses are evenly well-identified. We were able to positively identify β-caryophyllene as a bioactive compound in female carob moths. Behavioral attraction was negatively correlated with the amount of β-caryophyllene in host fruits. In an oviposition experiment on filter paper, β-caryophyllene was stimulated in the range of 40–100 ng, while concentrations above 200 ng inhibited oviposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive, functional scaffolds are required to improve the regenerative potential of stem cells for tissue reconstruction and functional recovery of damaged tissues. Here, we report a paper-based bioactive scaffold platform for stem cell culture and transplantation for bone reconstruction. The paper scaffolds are surface-engineered by an initiated chemical vapor deposition process for serial coating of a water-repellent and cell-adhesive polymer film, which ensures the long-term stability in cell culture medium and induces efficient cell attachment. The prepared paper scaffolds are compatible with general stem cell culture and manipulation techniques. An optimal paper type is found to provide structural, physical, and mechanical cues to enhance the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs). A bioactive paper scaffold significantly enhances in vivo bone regeneration of hADSCs in a critical-sized calvarial bone defect. Stacking the paper scaffolds with osteogenically differentiated hADSCs and human endothelial cells resulted in vascularized bone formation in vivo . Our study suggests that paper possesses great potential as a bioactive, functional, and cost-effective scaffold platform for stem cell-mediated bone tissue engineering. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the feasibility of a paper material for stem cell application to repair tissue defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe an inkjet printed paper-based sensor that reports ATP by the enzyme catalysed hydrolysis of S-methyl-l-cysteine generating an odour (methyl mercaptan) that is easily detectable by the human nose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential use of cellulose based materials for active food packaging applications was explored. For this purpose, the sorption of lysozyme in a cellulose based paper pulp was optimized using the experimental design methodology. A Face-Centered Composite design was applied to investigate the effect of short/long fibers ratio and carboxymethyl cellulose concentration on linking lysozyme to the fibers surface and to optimize the cellulosic matrix composition. The related polynomial model showed good fitting ability (R > 0.9) as well as good prediction ability (Q > 0.8). The best combination of factors was 50 % short fibers, 50 % long fibers and at least 4 % carboxymethyl cellulose. Afterwards the lysozyme release was investigated using a mathematical model based on Fick's second law. It was able to describe the release kinetics of lysozyme from the paper sheets made with the optimized cellulosic matrix into water at different temperatures (between 4 and 23 °C), pH (from 4 to 7) and NaCl concentrations (from 0.2 to 2 M). The apparent diffusion coefficients for the lysozyme were in the range of 3.1 × 10-6.6 × 10 and the E value was 22.1 kJ/mol at pH 5 and NaCl concentration of 0.5 M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has been removed: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal ( http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy ). This article has been removed at the request of the Author, as it contains commercially sensitive information which could harm the industrial partner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of six postharvest treatments including: 1) wrapping with shrink film, 2) wax coating, 3) paper packing, 4) wax coating plus film-wrapping, 5) wax coating plus paper packing, 6) uncovered, on the physicochemical quality attributes of pomegranate, cvs. 'Eshkafto' and 'Rabbab'. Treated fruits stored at 3.5 °C and about 85 % relative humidity for up to 12 weeks. Mean weight loss of pomegranate cvs. 'Eshkafto' and 'Rabbab' was lower in film-wrapped (1.19%), wax coated plus paper packed (1.94%), wax coated (3.67%) and paper-packed fruits (4.27%) compared with uncovered fruits (9.61%), respectively. However, the efficiency of wax coating plus film-wrapping in reducing weight loss (1.01%) was not superior to film-wrapping alone (1.19%). Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of film-wrapped and also wax coated plus film-wrapped fruits of cv. 'Eshkafto' significantly were higher than that, control fruit, but with cv. 'Rabbab' only total anthocyanin of these treatments were higher than control fruit. Film wrapping plus wax coating also was highly effective in reducing electrolyte leakage in the husk of fruits and might be enhanced low temperature tolerance in pomegranates. Cultivar 'Eshkafto' had the highest contents of total phenolic, total anthocyanin, total soluble solids, titratable acid, ethanol and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting environmental contaminant used in a wide variety of products, and BPA metabolites are found in almost everyone’s urine, suggesting widespread exposure from multiple sources. Regulatory agencies estimate that virtually all BPA exposure is from food and beverage packaging. However, free BPA is applied to the outer layer of thermal receipt paper present in very high (∼20 mg BPA/g paper) quantities as a print developer. Not taken into account when considering thermal paper as a source of BPA exposure is that some commonly used hand sanitizers, as well as other skin care products, contain mixtures of dermal penetration enhancing chemicals that can increase by up to 100 fold the dermal absorption of lipophilic compounds such as BPA. We found that when men and women held thermal receipt paper immediately after using a hand sanitizer with penetration enhancing chemicals, significant free BPA was transferred to their hands and then to French fries that were eaten, and the combination of dermal and oral BPA absorption led to a rapid and dramatic average maximum increase (Cmax) in unconjugated (bioactive) BPA of ∼7 ng/mL in serum and ∼20 µg total BPA/g creatinine in urine within 90 min. The default method used by regulatory agencies to test for hazards posed by chemicals is intra-gastric gavage. For BPA this approach results in less than 1% of the administered dose being bioavailable in blood. It also ignores dermal absorption as well as sublingual absorption in the mouth that both bypass first-pass liver metabolism. The elevated levels of BPA that we observed due to holding thermal paper after using a product containing dermal penetration enhancing chemicals have been related to an increased risk for a wide range of developmental abnormalities as well as diseases in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The colorimetric assay on a paper microzone plates (PμZPs) was developed. [•] We demonstrate that PμZPs can be prepared in large numbers by using robotic spotter. [•] Automatic image processing software has been developed. [•] The test is a green analytical chemistry assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries, people are becomingmore concerned about pesticide residueswhich are present in or on food and feed products. For this reason, several methods have been developed to monitor the pesticide residue levels in food samples. In this study, a bioactive paper-based sensor was developed for detection of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors including organophosphate and carbamate pesticides. Based on the Ellman colorimetric assay, the assay strip is composed of a paper support (1 × 10 cm), onto which a biopolymer chitosan gel immobilized in crosslinking by glutaraldehyde with AChE and 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic) acid (DTNB) and uses acetylthiocholine iodide (ATChI) as an outside reagent. The assay protocol involves introducing the sample to sensing zone via dipping of a pesticide-containing solution. Following an incubation period, the paper is placed intoATChI solution to initiate enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis of the substrate, causing a yellow color change. The absence or decrease of the yellow color indicates the levels of the AChE inhibitors. The biosensor is able to detect organophosphate and carbamate pesticides with good detection limits (methomyl = 6.16 × 10-4 mM and profenofos = 0.27mM) and rapid response times (~5 min).The results show that the paper-based biosensor is rapid, sensitive, inexpensive, portable, disposable, and easy-to-use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates factors affecting reproduction in fish exposed to pulp and paper mill effluents by comparing effluents from countries with varying levels of documented effects. To explore the hypothesis of wood as a common source of endocrine disrupting compounds, feedstocks from each country were analyzed. Analyses included in vitro assays for androgenic activity (binding to goldfish testis androgen receptors), estrogenic activity (yeast estrogen screen), and neurotransmitter enzyme inhibition (monoamine oxidase and glutamic acid decarboxylase). Chemical analyses included conventional extractives, known androgens, and gas chromatograph index (GCI) profiles. All effluents and wood contained androgenic activity, particularly in nonpolar fractions, although known androgens were undetected. Effluents with low suspended solids, having undergone conventional biotreatment had lower androgenic activities. Estrogenic activity was only associated with Brazilian effluents and undetected in wood. All effluents and wood inhibited neurotransmitter enzymes, predominantly in polar fractions. Kraft elemental chlorine free mills were associated with the greatest neurotransmitter inhibition. Effluent and wood GCI profiles were correlated with androgenic activity and neurotransmitter enzyme inhibition. Differences in feedstock bioactivities were not reflected in effluents, implying mill factors mitigate bioactive wood components. No differences in bioactivities could be discerned on the basis of country of origin, thus we predict effluents in regions lacking monitoring would affect fish reproduction and therefore recommend implementing such programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a novel approach for rapid, selective, and sensitive detection of heavy metals using a solid-phase bioactive lab-on-paper sensor that is inkjet printed with sol-gel entrapped reagents to allow colorimetric visualization of the enzymatic activity of ß-galactosidase (B-GAL). The bioactive paper assay is able to detect a range of heavy metals, either alone or as mixtures, in as little as 10 min, with detection limits as follows: Hg(II) = 0.001 ppm; Ag(I) = 0.002 ppm, Cu(II) = 0.020 ppm; Cd(II) = 0.020 ppm; Pb(II) = 0.140 ppm; Cr(VI) = 0.150 ppm; Ni(II) = 0.230 ppm. The paper-based assay was immune to interferences from nontoxic metal ions such as Na+ or K+, could be used to detect heavy metals that were spiked into tap water or lake water, and provided quantitative data that was in agreement with values obtained by atomic absorption. With the incorporation of standard chromogenic metal sensing reagents into a multiplexed bioactive paper sensor, it was possible to identify specific metals in mixtures, albeit with much lower detection limits than were obtained with the enzymatic assay. The paper-based sensor should be valuable for rapid, on-site screening of trace levels of heavy metals in resource limited areas and developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citation of a published work is one of the parameters considered in the analysis of relevance and importance of scientific contributions. In 2002, for the first time the Impact Factor of Toxicon has risen above 2.0, placing it at the 17th position among 76 journals in the ‘toxicology’ field. The aim of this article was to identify the most cited articles in Toxicon, that have contributed to the steady increase of its Impact Factor. The number of citations, complete reference and type of all documents appearing in Toxicon in the period 1963–2003 were retrieved from the ISI Web-of-Science homepage. The documents retrieved were sorted by the number of citations received. A ‘citation index’, defined as the number of citations divided by the number of years since publication, was calculated for each document. It was clearly seen that reviews in Toxicon received 4.4-fold more citations than articles. Unexpectedly, it was found that recent papers were proportionally more cited than old ones. A decrease in the proportion of papers dealing on ‘snake*’ through out the period and the broadened range of subjects of the most cited papers recently published in Toxicon reflects an increased ‘visibility’ in other fields of toxinology. Research on plant toxins gained its own space in Toxicon with newer publications showing high citation indexes. It can be postulated that these facts helped to increase Toxicon''s Impact Factor from 1.248 in 1999 to 2.003 in 2002. With the increased number of issues in Toxicon as well as publications of subject-dedicated volumes containing mostly reviews, the Impact Factor of Toxicon is expected to keep rising in the near future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Driven by increased health awareness among consumers, the production of foods and beverages enriched with functional bioactive components is gaining more attention. Malting and lactic acid fermentation are biotechnological processes having potential for producing functional foods and beverages. Due to various biochemical and enzymatic induced changes in raw materials, malting of cereal grains and probiotic lactic acid fermentation of plant-based media increases the nutritional quality of treated raw materials. The improved nutritional quality is attributed to the accumulation of functional bioactive components along with the degradation of anti-nutritional components. The selection of raw materials and process parameters are important factors to be considered for increasing the functional bioactive components such as dietary fibres, antioxidants and probiotics. This review article reports the current knowledge on the changes of bioactive components during malting and lactic acid fermentation using probiotic bacterial strains. Process parameters which affect the concentration of bioactive components in raw materials will also be described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]