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The intake of mushrooms provides numerous beneficial properties for the correct functioning of the human body due to their rich content in carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. However, most of the reports are focused on the determination of bioactive compounds and only a few regarding the essential mineral content and the evaluation of the RDI. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the mineral composition of different cultivated (A. bisporus and P. ostreatus) and wild edible mushrooms (A. crocodilinus, A. arvensis, A. silvicola, A. impudicus, M. mastoidea, M. rhacodes, and P. ostreatus) collected in the south of Spain and north of Morocco. First, the optimization of a microwave-assisted digestion method was carried out using a Box–Behnken design with a response surface methodology to quantify the total content of five metals: Fe, Mg, Na, K, and Ca in mushrooms. The samples were analyzed by FAAS and ICP-OES. The percentage of the RDI of each mineral covered by the intake of mushrooms was calculated. It was observed that a high percentage of RDI levels are covered and just exceeded for Fe. Thence, due to their beneficial properties and high content of essential minerals, mushrooms would be proposed as a valuable source of nutrients to manufacture some food supplements.

Summary: Significant progress has been recently made in our understanding of the evolution of jasmonates biosynthesis and signaling. The bioactive jasmonate activating COI1-JAZ co-receptor differs in bryophytes and vascular plants. Dinor-iso-12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (dn-iso-OPDA) is the bioactive hormone in bryophytes and lycophytes. However, further studies showed that the full activation of hormone signaling in Marchantia polymorpha requires additional unidentified hormones. Δ4-dn-OPDAs were previously identified as novel bioactive jasmonates in M. polymorpha. In this paper, we describe the major bioactive isomer of Δ4-dn-OPDAs as Δ4-dn-iso-OPDA through chemical synthesis, receptor binding assay, and biological activity in M. polymorpha. In addition, we disclosed that Δ4-dn-cis-OPDA is a biosynthetic precursor of Δ4-dn-iso-OPDA. We demonstrated that in planta cis-to-iso conversion of Δ4-dn-cis-OPDA occurs in the biosynthesis of Δ4-dn-iso-OPDA, defining a key biosynthetic step in the chemical evolution of hormone structure. We predict that these findings will facilitate further understanding of the molecular evolution of plant hormone signaling.

Curricula related to instrumental analysis aim for competency-based education to promote the development of teaching strategies that encourage students to successfully tackle the problem-solving and tasks inherent to their profession. However, this endeavor is constrained by the complexity of equipment and the lack of time in laboratory classes. The objective of this work is to present an alternative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) practice that adapts the desired competencies to a shorter and more effective timeframe. It seeks more active participation from the student and contextualizes chromatographic analysis within a real-world problem that encompasses the entire analytical process, from sample to final result. In this scenario, the student receives a solid sample of spicy paprika from a supermarket and must report the level of spiciness in terms of the total amount of capsaicinoids. To achieve this, they must first apply different experimental conditions for extracting the analytes of interest (varying temperatures and solvents) and selecting the most optimal condition. This practice is designed for short sessions, specifically conducted in two 2.5 h laboratory sessions, and has been implemented in the subject “Advanced Techniques in Instrumental Analysis (ATIA)” in the fourth year of the Degree in Biotechnology at the University of Cadiz. The results obtained demonstrated a significant increase in student motivation and an improvement in the acquisition of skills; 100% of the students achieved a grade higher than seven in the final evaluation of their learning process.

Inadequately managed agricultural waste significantly impacts the environment, health, and economy. This pollution stems from the underutilization, inadequate awareness, and insufficient treatment of agricultural waste. Fruit and vegetable wastes are valuable sources of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to revalorize discarded waste from red habanero chili peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) by extracting bioactive compounds through different extraction processes: maceration (ME), maceration assisted by ultrasound (US), Soxhlet extraction (SE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and supercritical fluid extraction with a co-solvent (SFEC). The extraction processes had significant effects on extraction efficiency and phytochemical profile (capsaicinoids and carotenoids recovery). The results indicated that the highest-efficiency process was SFEC, in addition to its high phytochemicals recovery (14.9 mg of total capsaicinoids and total carotenoids 292.09 µg per gram of sample). Concerning the phytochemical profile of the extract, the maceration process yielded the highest concentration of compounds, followed by US and SFEC. These data reveal that the use of the SFE and SFEC processes is recommended for extracting phytochemicals with biological activity from red habanero chili pepper waste for diverse industrial applications.

The intake of mushrooms provides numerous beneficial properties for the correct functioning of the human body due to their rich content in carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. However, most of the reports are focused on the determination of bioactive compounds and only a few regarding the essential mineral content and the evaluation of the RDI. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the mineral composition of different cultivated (A. bisporus and P. ostreatus) and wild edible mushrooms (A. crocodilinus, A. arvensis, A. silvicola, A. impudicus, M. mastoidea, M. rhacodes, and P. ostreatus) collected in the south of Spain and north of Morocco. First, the optimization of a microwave-assisted digestion method was carried out using a Box–Behnken design with a response surface methodology to quantify the total content of five metals: Fe, Mg, Na, K, and Ca in mushrooms. The samples were analyzed by FAAS and ICP-OES. The percentage of the RDI of each mineral covered by the intake of mushrooms was calculated. It was observed that a high percentage of RDI levels are covered and just exceeded for Fe. Thence, due to their beneficial properties and high content of essential minerals, mushrooms would be proposed as a valuable source of nutrients to manufacture some food supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naringenin is one of the main phenolic compounds found in grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi Macfad.). This compound is known for its therapeutical properties as an antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antineoplastic agent. In order to enable the development of drugs based on this compound, an appropriate extraction method needs to be developed. For this study, enzymatic extraction was chosen, as it is a cheap and green extraction method. Optimal extraction conditions (pH, temperature, agitation, solvent composition, sample-to-solvent ratio and enzyme-to-sample ratio) were determined through a Plackett–Burman and a Box–Behnken design, resulting in pH 6.0, 40 °C, 50 rpm, 20% EtOH, 0.2 g sample per 15 mL solvent and 1000 U/g. Once extraction conditions were determined, a single-factor experiment was performed under optimal conditions to determine extraction time, which resulted in 10 min per extraction. Finally, repeatability and intermediate precision were evaluated through naringenin quantification. Good values were obtained for both parameters (1.80% and 2.05%, respectively). Furthermore, extracts presented significant amount of naringenin (0.18 ± 0.02 mg/g).

Jinicuil seed starch (JSS) was partially characterized and then evaluated as wall material. JSS showed higher content of proteins, lipids, and resistant starch than commercial corn starch (CCS). JSS granules presented both oval-spherical shapes and heterogeneous sizes (~1–40 µm) and exhibited a crystallinity lower than CCS with an A-type X-ray diffraction pattern. Both gelatinization peak and final viscosity values in the pasting profile were higher in JSS than in CCS. At 90 °C, the water solubility was 22% and the swelling power was 17 g g−1. Under refrigeration and freeze-thaw, the JSS gel showed high stability. JSS showed a significant presence of protein and small particles; therefore, it was evaluated as wall material in spray drying. The results showed the formation of spherical aggregates and encapsulation efficiencies of L-ascorbic acid of 14.97–81.84%, with process yields of 19.96–27.64%, under the conditions evaluated. JSS has a potential application in the food industry but also as wall material for microencapsulation by spray drying.

Wine lees, an important by-product of the wine industry, pose a major environmental problem due to the enormous quantities of solid–liquid waste that are discarded annually without defined applications. In this study, the optimization of a method based on a Box–Behnken design with surface response has been carried out to obtain extracts with high anthocyanin content and potent antioxidant activity. Six variables have been considered: %EtOH, temperature, amplitude, cycle, pH, and ratio. The developed method exhibited important repeatability properties and intermediate precision, with less than 5% CV being achieved. Furthermore, these novel methods were successfully applied to diverse wine lees samples sourced from Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah varieties (Vitis vinifera), resulting in extracts enriched with significant anthocyanin content and noteworthy antioxidant activity. Additionally, this study evaluated the influence of grape variety, fermentation type (alcoholic or malolactic), and sample treatment on anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity, providing valuable insights for further research and application in various sectors. The potential applications of these high-quality extracts extend beyond the winemaking industry, holding promise for fields like medicine, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals, thus promoting a circular economy and mitigating environmental contamination.

The present investigation endeavors to optimize a method based on enzyme-assisted extraction for the efficient retrieval of bioactive compounds from mulberry, leveraging its notable health-promoting properties. A combined approach of Plackett–Burman design followed by Box–Behnken design was employed for determining the crucial extraction parameters and subsequently, refining the process. Optimal conditions consisted of heating 0.15 g of mulberry at 40 °C, using 15 mL of 70% EtOH as a solvent at pH 4, 38.46 enzyme units per g of sample, and shaking at 200 rpm. The optimum extraction time study revealed that 5 min of extraction was sufficient to reach the maximum concentration of the bioactive compound. The repeatability and intermediate precision assessment exhibited a coefficient of variation below 5%. Among the diverse mulberry varieties scrutinized, Morus nigra showed the highest anthocyanin content (27.90 ± 2.14 mg/100 g), while Morus rubra showed the highest concentration of phenolic compounds (121.10 ± 19.56 mg/100 g). Moreover, the extracted compounds showcased significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Consumers are increasingly asking for products with better organoleptic characteristics, flavors, aromas, colors, attractiveness, etc [...]

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a plant recognized for its pungent taste and aromatic qualities, primarily derived from its underground rhizome. Apart from its widespread culinary applications, ginger is valued for its potential health benefits attributed to the presence of gingerols and shogaols. For this reason, this work proposes the development of a microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method for the extraction of gingerols and shogaols present in ginger rhizomes. The influence of the extraction temperature (50–100 °C), the solvent composition (50–100% ethanol in water), and the sample-to-solvent ratio (0.3–0.7 g sample: 20 mL) on the extraction of these bioactive compounds has been studied. To this end, a Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD) in combination with a response surface methodology (RSM) has been applied. The optimum conditions for the total extraction of gingerols and shogaols were: 87% ethanol in water, 100 °C, and 0.431 g of ginger sample in 20 mL solvent. The developed method required short extraction times (5 min) and demonstrated favorable levels of repeatability and intermediate precision (CV < 5%). Finally, the MAE method was successfully used for the extraction of gingerols and shogaols from a variety of ginger samples.

The goal of this study is to optimize a UAE method for the extraction of the main bioactive compounds present in the ginger rhizome (gingerols and shogaols). Ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale) has a considerable content of bioactive compounds, in particular gingerols and shogaols, with interesting pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial properties, among others. The isolation of these compounds requires an efficient extraction process with short extraction times and the employment of specific non-toxic solvents for humans. In this work, the optimization of an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method for the extraction of the main pungent compounds in the ginger rhizome, i.e., gingerols and shogaols, has been carried out. For this purpose, a Box–Behnken design (BBD) has been used to optimize the experimental design through a response surface methodology (RSM). The percentage of ethanol in the extraction solvent, the temperature, the amplitude, and the cycle of the ultrasounds, as well as the sample-to-solvent ratio, were the variables to be studied. Thus, the percentage of ethanol in the extraction solvent was identified as the most influential factor. Once the compounds were extracted, the identification of gingerols and shogaols was performed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to a quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (Q-ToF-MS), and the quantification by UHPLC coupled to a diode array detector (DAD) detector. Finally, the optimized UAE method required only 10 min of extraction time, presenting good repeatability and intermediate precision levels (

Flavonoids are one of the main groups of polyphenols found in natural products. Traditional flavonoid extraction techniques are being replaced by advanced techniques to reduce energy and solvent consumption, increase efficiency and selectivity, to meet increased market demand and environmental regulations. Advanced technologies, such as microwaves, ultrasound, pressurized liquids, supercritical fluids, and electric fields, are alternatives currently being used. These modern techniques are generally faster, more environmentally friendly, and with higher automation levels compared to conventional extraction techniques. This review will discuss the different methods available for flavonoid extraction from natural sources and the main parameters involved (temperature, solvent, sample quantity, extraction time, among others). Recent trends and their industrial importance are also discussed in detail, providing insight into their potential. Thus, this paper seeks to review the innovations of compound extraction techniques, presenting in each of them their advantages and disadvantages, trying to offer a broader scope in the understanding of flavonoid extraction from different plant matrices.

Interest in phenolic compounds has recently increased due to their potential as antioxidant agents. Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) have a high content of phenolic compounds, which presents them as a promising source for the extraction of these compounds. However, it is necessary to use analytical techniques to identify and quantify their actual compound content to determine the quality of the raw material and the potential of the final product. Ultrasound assisted extraction is a green, rapid and environmentally friendly extraction technique that produces high quality extracts from natural products. Hence, the aim of this research is to optimize the variables of the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) process for the extraction of moringa leaves using response surface methodology (RSM) to extract the main flavonoids using methanol as the extraction solvent. A Box–Behnken design (BBD) has been used to evaluate the effect of the ultrasound extraction process variables. Finally, the optimal extraction time in the range between 2 and 30 min was determined. The results revealed that the methanol concentration was the most influential variable. The optimal extraction time was established at 15 min. Six of the main flavonoids were quantified by UHPLC-DAD and identified by UHPLC-QToF-MS. The results confirmed that UAE is an efficient method for the extraction and subsequent analysis and quality control of the flavonoids that can be found in moringa leaves.

Betacyanins have been reported to provide prominent health-promoting effects, in addition to contributing to the exotic color and pleasant palate of red dragon fruit that has been attracting universal interest for over a decade. An accurate determination of betacyanins in dragon fruit is important if we are to benefit from the nutraceutical features of these compounds. Seven betacyanin pigments have been identified and extracted by means of ultrasound-assisted techniques from red dragon fruit. Chemometric tools such as Box–Behnken Design (BBD) in conjunction with response surface methodology (RSM) have been successfully used to evaluate and optimize the relevant extraction variables i.e., temperature (A: 10, 35, 60 °C), solvent composition (B: 20, 50, 80% methanol in water), sample to solvent ratio (C: 0.1:10, 0.2:10, 0.3:10 g/mL), power (D: 20, 45, 70%), and cycle (E: 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 s−1). The results obtained from the analysis of variance (ANOVA) suggest that the solvent composition (p 0.0063), sample to solvent ratio (p 0.0126), and cycle (p 0.0302) are the most influential variables in betacyanin extraction. The optimal variable settings for ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) were a 54.6 °C extraction temperature, 0.3 s−1 cycle, 20% ultrasound power, 21.4% methanol in water solvent composition, 0.2:10 sample to solvent ratio, and a 5 min extraction time. The validation of the method for repeatability and intermediate precision provided excellent results at 1.56% and 2.94% respectively. Furthermore, the novel UAE method was successfully used for the determination of betacyanins content in red dragon fruit from different geographic origins.

Jinicuil seed starch (JSS) was partially characterized and then evaluated as wall material. JSS showed higher content of proteins, lipids, and resistant starch than commercial corn starch (CCS). JSS granules presented both oval-spherical shapes and heterogeneous sizes (~1–40 µm) and exhibited a crystallinity lower than CCS with an A-type X-ray diffraction pattern. Both gelatinization peak and final viscosity values in the pasting profile were higher in JSS than in CCS. At 90 °C, the water solubility was 22% and the swelling power was 17 g g−1. Under refrigeration and freeze-thaw, the JSS gel showed high stability. JSS showed a significant presence of protein and small particles; therefore, it was evaluated as wall material in spray drying. The results showed the formation of spherical aggregates and encapsulation efficiencies of L-ascorbic acid of 14.97–81.84%, with process yields of 19.96–27.64%, under the conditions evaluated. JSS has a potential application in the food industry but also as wall material for microencapsulation by spray drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ice formation and accumulation on surfaces has a negative impact in many different sectors and can even represent a potential danger. In this review, the latest advances and trends in icephobic coatings focusing on the importance of their durability are discussed, in an attempt to pave the roadmap from the lab to engineering applications. An icephobic material is expected to lower the ice adhesion strength, delay freezing time or temperature, promote the bouncing of a supercooled drop at subzero temperatures and/or reduce the ice accretion rate. To better understand what is more important for specific icing conditions, the different types of ice that can be formed in nature are summarized. Similarly, the alternative methods to evaluate the durability are reviewed, as this is key to properly selecting the method and parameters to ensure the coating is durable enough for a given application. Finally, the different types of icephobic surfaces available to date are considered, highlighting the strategies to enhance their durability, as this is the factor limiting the commercial applicability of icephobic coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]