Machine Learning Applied to the Oxygen-18 Isotopic Composition, Salinity and Temperature/Potential Temperature in the Mediterranean Sea

 Mathematics 2021, 9(19), 2523

This study proposed different techniques to estimate the isotope composition (δ18O), salinity and temperature/potential temperature in the Mediterranean Sea using five different variables: (i–ii) geographic coordinates (Longitude, Latitude), (iii) year, (iv) month and (v) depth. Three kinds of models based on artificial neural network (ANN), random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) were developed. According to the results, the random forest models presents the best prediction accuracy for the querying phase and can be used to predict the isotope composition (mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) around 4.98%), salinity (MAPE below 0.20%) and temperature (MAPE around 2.44%). These models could be useful for research works that require the use of past data for these variables.

Production of a Potentially Probiotic Product for Animal Feed and Evaluation of Some of Its Probiotic Properties

 Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(18), 10004

Nowadays, probiotics have been proposed for substituting antibiotics in animal feed since the European Union banned the latter compounds in 2006 to avoid serious side effects on human health. Therefore, this work aimed to produce a probiotic product for use in animal feed by fed-batch fermentation of whey with a combination of kefir grains, AGK1, and the fermented whole milk used to activate these kefir grains. The probiotic culture obtained was characterized by high levels of biomass (8.03 g/L), total viability (3.6 × 108 CFU/mL) and antibacterial activity (28.26 Activity Units/mL). Some probiotic properties of the probiotic culture were investigated in vitro, including its survival at low pH values, under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, after freezing in skim milk at −20 °C, and in the commercial feed during storage at room temperature. The viable cells of lactic and acetic acid bacteria and yeasts exhibited higher tolerance to acidic pH and simulated gastrointestinal conditions when the cells were protected with skim milk and piglet feed, compared with washed cells. The results indicated the feasibility of producing a probiotic product at a low cost with a potential application in animal feed.

Metal and metalloid profile as a fingerprint for traceability of wines under any Galician protected designation of origin

 Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 102, 104043, 2021

Effective and cheap methods for detecting fraud and, guaranteeing wine authenticity, are of paramount importance in the sector. In this sense, three different kinds of prediction models (random forest, artificial neural networks, and support vector machines) were developed to classify wines, according to their element contents (metals and metalloids, obtained using an inductively coupled plasma with a quadrupole mass spectrometer, and an optic emission spectrophotometer). One models were developed using 45 inputs variables, and then the models were subjected to a process of reducing variables to simplify models and save material and time costs. A total accuracy was reached in all phases for the white wines-random forest models. From a practical point of view, the accuracy and the errors obtained by the selected models (except for red wines-artificial neural network developed using reduced variables) are acceptable. The models developed with fewer variables, can make the prediction task easier.

Modelling and Prediction of Monthly Global Irradiation Using Different Prediction Models

 Energies 2021, 14(8), 2332

Different prediction models (multiple linear regression, vector support machines, artificial neural networks and random forests) are applied to model the monthly global irradiation (MGI) from different input variables (latitude, longitude and altitude of meteorological station, month, average temperatures, among others) of different areas of Galicia (Spain). The models were trained, validated and queried using data from three stations, and each best model was checked in two independent stations. The results obtained confirmed that the best methodology is the ANN model which presents the lowest RMSE value in the validation and querying phases 1226 kJ/(m2∙day) and 1136 kJ/(m2∙day), respectively, and predict conveniently for independent stations, 2013 kJ/(m2∙day) and 2094 kJ/(m2∙day), respectively. Given the good results obtained, it is convenient to continue with the design of artificial neural networks applied to the analysis of monthly global irradiation.

Assessment of Glyphosate Impact on the Agrofood Ecosystem

 Plants 2021, 10(2), 405

Agro-industries should adopt effective strategies to use agrochemicals such as glyphosate herbicides cautiously in order to protect public health. This entails careful testing and risk assessment of available choices, and also educating farmers and users with mitigation strategies in ecosystem protection and sustainable development. The key to success in this endeavour is using scientific research on biological pest control, organic farming and regulatory control, etc., for new developments in food production and safety, and for environmental protection. Education and research is of paramount importance for food and nutrition security in the shadow of climate change, and their consequences in food production and consumption safety and sustainability. This review, therefore, diagnoses on the use of glyphosate and the associated development of glyphosate-resistant weeds. It also deals with the risk assessment on human health of glyphosate formulations through environment and dietary exposures based on the impact of glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA—(aminomethyl)phosphonic acid—on water and food. All this to setup further conclusions and recommendations on the regulated use of glyphosate and how to mitigate the adverse effects.

Main Applications of Cyclodextrins in the Food Industry as the Compounds of Choice to Form Host–Guest Complexes

 Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(3), 1339

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligomers broadly used in food manufacturing as food additives for different purposes, e.g., to improve sensorial qualities, shelf life, and sequestration of components. In this review, the latest advancements of their applications along with the characteristics of the uses of the different CDs (α, β, γ and their derivatives) were reviewed. Their beneficial effects can be achieved by mixing small amounts of CDs with the target material to be stabilized. Essentially, they have the capacity to form stable inclusion complexes with sensitive lipophilic nutrients and constituents of flavor and taste. Their toxicity has been also studied, showing that CDs are innocuous in oral administration. A review of the current legislation was also carried out, showing a general trend towards a wider acceptance of CDs as food additives. Suitable and cost-effective procedures for the manufacture of CDs have progressed, and nowadays it is possible to obtain realistic prices and used them in foods. Therefore, CDs have a promising future due to consumer demand for healthy and functional products. 

Enhancing the saccharification of pretreated chestnut burrs to produce bacteriocins

 Journal of Biotechnology, 329, 13-20

The present study aims to valorize chestnut burrs, an important lignocellulosic waste, through a biorefinery concept. A solid residue rich in glucan (41.36 ± 0.59 %) and lignin (39.06 ± 0.01 %) obtained from a previous process of pre-hydrolysis was subjected to four treatments with water or NaOH to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis. Saccharification was performed using different ratios of commercial cellulases and β-glucosidases and at controlled pH 4.8 or 6.0 (with citrate buffer) or uncontrolled pH. Carbohydrate-rich solutions with or without nutrients were used to produce bacteriocins by Lactobacillus plantarum CECT 211. The use of NaOH at high temperatures (120 and 130 °C) was the most suitable treatment to improve saccharification. Regarding the production of bacteriocins, the best result was obtained using the enzymatic solution obtained at controlled pH 6.0, supplemented with MRS broth nutrients (except glucose). Thus, the concentrations of bacteriocins obtained in this culture medium (9.21 BU/mL) was 1.22 and 1.98 times higher than those obtained in the nutrient supplemented medium buffered at pH 4.8 (7.56 BU/mL) and in the commercial MRS broth (4.65 BU/mL), respectively. These results highlight the feasibility of the technology developed in this work.

Essential Oils as Antimicrobials in Crop Protection

 Antibiotics 2021, 10(1), 34

At present, organic crops have reached an important boom in a society increasingly interested in the conservation of the environment and sustainability. It is evident that a part of the population in the Western world focuses their concern on how to obtain our food and on doing it in a way that is as respectful as possible with the environment. In this review, we present a compilation of the work carried out with the use of essential oils as an alternative in the fight against different bacteria and fungi that attack crops and related products. Given the collected works, the efficacy of essential oils for their use as pesticides for agricultural use is evident. 

HCR 2020

Cuatro investigadores vinculados a nuestro grupo de investigación [AA1] (Grupo de Investigaciones Agro-ambientales y Alimentarias de la Universidad de Vigo)   -Jesús Simal, Francisco J. Barba, Seid Mahdi Jafari e Jian Bo Xiao - han sido reconocidos como HCR (High Cited Researcher) por Clarivate.

Esta mención como HCR implica un reconocimiento a los investigadores como los más influyentes del mundo, como lo demuestra la producción de varios artículos altamente citados citados que se ubican en el primer percentil según las citas por campo en el último decenio (2011-2020) según Web of Science™.

Este hecho situaría a la Universidade de Vigo en el terceiro lugar en el ranking correspondiente, solamente por detrás de la Universidad de Barcelona, la Universidad de Granada, y pondría al grupo de investigación como uno de los referentes en materia de investigaciones agroalimentarias.

Recordemos que la Universidad de Vigo, también aparece en el Ranking de Shanghai, dentro del apartado de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (en el que se encuentra encuadrada la actividad investigadora de nuestro grupo) en el rango 51-75 del mundo. Así la Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos es el ámbito de conocimiento mejor situado en todo el Sistema Universitario de Galicia este año 2020.

Up4Health

El proyecto Europeo Up4Health se basa en el aprovechamiento de biomasa generada en procesos que se llevan a cabo en la industria, por ejemplo en bodegas, almazaras, o plantas de procesamiento de frutos secos, de los que se obtienen ingredientes funcionales que pueden usarse en otras industrias de diversa índole, como pueden ser la alimentaria, nutracéutica o cosmética.

En Up4Health, además de aprovechar esta materia prima residual rica en compuestos bioactivos, se optimiza la cadena de valor de las industrias productivas del sector alimenticio persiguiendo el objetivo de “residuo cero”, lo que hace que además de ser un proyecto innovador, sea sostenible.

Los ingredientes funcionales de los que hablamos son los siguientes: agua de fruta natural rica en polifenoles, fibra dietética rica en polifenoles, extractos oleosos naturales de frutas y xilooligosacáridos prebióticos. Las aplicaciones en las que se podrán utilizar estos compuestos bioactivos van desde los alimentos funcionales, como productos cárnicos, barritas snack saludables, alimentos suaves para personas mayores, soluciones bebibles en forma de gel, aceite de oliva, bebidas naturales, yogurt, hasta los suplementos nutracéuticos e incluso los cosméticos.

En este proyecto, financiado por el programa H2020, colaboran nueve organizaciones de cinco países distintos  se realiza en colaboración con la empresa AMEREX, que aplicará diversos polifenoles extraídos de harina de fibra de oliva y uva en algunos productos de la industria alimentaria, con el objetivo de retrasar los procesos oxidativos y aumentar la vida útil del producto final.

(blog del proyecto aqui)

Jesús Simal, medalla de la Real Academia Galega de Ciencias

Una das Medallas de Investigación que a Real Academia Galega de Ciencias terá como destinatario o coordinador do grupo AA1,  Jesús Simal, en particular na sección de Química e Xeoloxía. A entrega das medallas será lugar o día 8 de octubre no Colexio de Fonseca (USC) 

Poderá seguirse a retransmisión da entrega de premios en directo a través de @RAGalegaCiencia en Twiter ou ben a través de este enlace

Enlaces de Prensa:

• Diario da Universidade de Vigo
• GCiencia
• El Faro de Vigo
• Atlántico Diario
• La Región
• Galicia Press
• Galicia Conficencial
• Vigo Hoy

Extraction, Properties, and Applications of Bioactive Compounds Obtained from Microalgae

 Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2020, 26, 1929-1950

DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200403172206

With the increase in the global population, getting new sources of food is essential. One of the solutions can be found in the oceans due to algae. Microalgae are aquatic photosynthetic organisms used mainly due to their variety of bioactive compounds. The consumption of microalgae has been carried out for centuries and is recommended by organizations, such as OMS and FAO, due to its nutritional value and its properties. Based on the existing literature, there is substantial evidence of the nutritional quality of the algae as well as their functional elements. However, much quantification is still necessary, as well as studying possible adverse effects. The present review describes the compounds of alimentary interest present in these algae as well as different extraction techniques assisted by different energetic mechanisms (such as heat, supercritical-fluid, microwave, ultrasound, enzymes, electric field, high hydrostatic pressure, among others). The most challenging and crucial issues are reducing microalgae growth cost and optimizing extraction techniques. This review aimed a better understanding of the uses of microalgae for new researches in nutrition. Since the use of microalgae is still a field in which there is much to discover, it is likely that more benefits will be found in its consumption.

Main bioactive phenolic compounds in marine algae and their mechanisms of action supporting potential health benefits

 Food Chemistry, 2020, 341, 128262

DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.128262

Given the growing tendency of consumers to choose products with natural ingredients, food industries have directed scientific research in this direction. In this regard, algae are an attractive option for the research, since they can synthesize a group of secondary metabolites, called phenolic compounds, associated with really promising properties and bioactivities. The objective of this work was to classify the major phenolic compounds, compare the effectiveness of the different extractive techniques used for their extraction, from traditional systems (like heat assisted extraction) to the most advance ones (such as ultrasound, microwave or supercritical fluid extraction); the available methods for identification and quantification; the stability of the enriched extract in phenolic compounds and the main bioactivities described for these secondary metabolites, to offer an overview of the situation to consider if it is possible and/or convenient an orientation of phenolic compounds from algae towards an industrial application.

Edible flowers as functional raw materials: A review on anti-aging properties

 Trends in Food Science & Technology, 2020, 106, 30-47

DOI:10.1016/j.tifs.2020.09.023

Background

Diet is a major determinant of aging and lifespan. Development and utilization of food resources with potential anti-aging activity have attracted increasing attention from researchers. Because of their peculiar flavour, aroma and colour, as well as enriched nutrients and phytochemicals, edible flowers have emerged as a new trend for human nutrition. More importantly, a growing body of evidence suggests flowers have potential effects against aging. However, these properties have yet to be systematically understood.

Scope and approach

In this review, we used comprehensive literature retrieval to summarize the major aspects of edible flowers’ anti-aging properties, including effects, active components, and applications. Relevant research articles published in English with no restrictions on publication date have been considered.

Key findings and conclusions

This review found evidence that edible flowers are promising raw materials for prevention or amelioration of skin aging, immunosenescence, neurodegeneration, and even extension of lifespan. Active ingredients in these flowers, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, polysaccharides, etc. may function through the inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and regulation of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IIS) pathway. In addition to their use in traditional food and medicine, some flower extracts or main components have been developed for health care food or skin care products. These findings suggest that despite the partial restriction of harvest, storage and safety, edible flowers are worthy of further investigation to promote healthy aging.

Macroalgae as a Source of Valuable Antimicrobial Compounds: Extraction and Applications

 Antibiotics 2020, 9(10), 642

 DOI:10.3390/antibiotics9100642

In the last few decades, attention on new natural antimicrobial compounds has arisen due to a change in consumer preferences and the increase in the number of resistant microorganisms. Macroalgae play a special role in the pursuit of new active molecules as they have been traditionally consumed and are known for their chemical and nutritional composition and their biological properties, including antimicrobial activity. Among the bioactive molecules of algae, proteins and peptides, polysaccharides, polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids and pigments can be highlighted. However, for the complete obtaining and incorporation of these molecules, it is essential to achieve easy, profitable and sustainable recovery of these compounds. For this purpose, novel liquid–liquid and solid–liquid extraction techniques have been studied, such as supercritical, ultrasound, microwave, enzymatic, high pressure, accelerated solvent and intensity pulsed electric fields extraction techniques. Moreover, different applications have been proposed for these compounds, such as preservatives in the food or cosmetic industries, as antibiotics in the pharmaceutical industry, as antibiofilm, antifouling, coating in active packaging, prebiotics or in nanoparticles. This review presents the main antimicrobial potential of macroalgae, their specific bioactive compounds and novel green extraction technologies to efficiently extract them, with emphasis on the antibacterial and antifungal data and their applications.

Use of Spectroscopic Techniques to Monitor Changes in Food Quality during Application of Natural Preservatives: A Review

 Antioxidants 2020, 9(9), 882

DOI:10.3390/antiox9090882

Consumer demand for food of high quality has driven research for alternative methods of food preservation on the one hand, and the development of new and rapid quality assessment techniques on the other hand. Recently, there has been a growing need and interest in healthier food products, which has led to an increased interest in natural preservatives, such as essential oils, plant extracts, and edible films and coatings. Several studies have shown the potential of using biopreservation, natural antimicrobials, and antioxidant agents in place of other processing and preservation techniques (e.g., thermal and non-thermal treatments, freezing, or synthetic chemicals). Changes in food quality induced by the application of natural preservatives have been commonly evaluated using a range of traditional methods, including microbiology, sensory, and physicochemical measurements. Several spectroscopic techniques have been proposed as promising alternatives to the traditional time-consuming and destructive methods. This review will provide an overview of recent studies and highlight the potential of spectroscopic techniques to evaluate quality changes in food products following the application of natural preservatives.

Valorization of by-products from olive oil industry and added-value applications for innovative functional foods

 Food Research International, 2020, 137, 109683

DOI:10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109683

Background

In the last years, the consumption of olive oil has experienced a sharp rise due to its organoleptic and healthy properties and with this the wastes and by-products derived from the olive production and the olive oil industry have also increased causing important environmental and economic issues. However, the high content in bioactive compounds of these wastes and by-products makes that its recovery is both a great challenge and an excellent opportunity for the olive oil sector.

Aim of the review

This review encompasses the more outstanding aspects related to the advances achieved until date in the olive oil by-products valorisation and added-value applications for innovative functional foods.

Conclusion

Taking into account the information reported in this manuscript, the development of a multiproduct biorefinery in cascade using eco-friendly technologies interchangable seems a suitable stratety to obtaining high added value compounds from olive oil by-products with applications in the field of innovative functional foods. In addition, this would allow an integral valorization of these residues enhancing the profitability of the olive oil industry. On the other hand, the biocompounds fom olive oil by-products have been described by their interesting bioactivities with beneficial properties for the consumers’ health; therefore, their incorporation into the formulation of functional foods opens new possibilities in the field of innovative foods.

Future perspective

Despite the studies descibed in the literature, more research on the healthy properties of the recovered compounds and their interactions with food components is key to allow their reintegration in the food chain and therefore, the removal of the olive oil by-products.

Non-invasive biomonitoring of organic pollutants using feather samples in feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica)

 Environmental Pollution, 2020, 267, 115672

DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115672

A large portion of organic pollutants (OPs) represent a potential hazard to humans and living beings due to their toxic properties. For several years, birds have been used as biomonitor species of environmental pollution. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pyrethroids (PYRs) were assessed in body feather samples of 71 feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) collected from Asturias and Galicia (NW Spain). The percentage of detection for all chemical groups were above 90% in studied birds. The general pattern was dominated by PAHs (mean value ± standard deviation (SD) 32 ± 15 ng/g) followed by OCPs (3.8 ± 1.1 ng/g), PYRs (3.4 ± 3.8 ng/g), PCBs (1.6 ± 1.0 ng/g), OPPs (1.3 ± 0.70 ng/g) and PBDEs (0.80 ± 0.30 ng/g). Significant differences were observed between age, location and gender suggesting different sources of exposure and accumulation pathways.

Value-Added Compound Recovery from Invasive Forest for Biofunctional Applications: Eucalyptus Species as a Case Study

 Molecules 2020, 25(18), 4227

From ancient times, the medicinal properties of the different Eucalyptus species are well known. In fact, plants from this family have been used in folk medicine as antiseptics, and to treat different ailments of the upper respiratory tract such as sinus congestion, common cold, or influenza. Moreover, other biological activities were described for Eucalyptus species such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In the last few decades, numerous investigations revealed that the compounds responsible for these properties are secondary metabolites that belonging to the group of phenolic compounds and are present in different parts of the plants such as leaves, bark, wood, fruits, and stumps. The increasing demand for natural compounds that can substitute synthetic antioxidants and the increase in resistance to traditional antibiotics have boosted the intense search for renewable natural sources containing substances with such bioactivities, as well as greener extraction technologies and avant-garde analytical methods for the identification of the target molecules. The literature data used in this paper were collected via Scopus (2001–2020) using the following search terms: Eucalyptus, extraction methods, phenolic compounds, and biological activities. This review collects the main studies related to the recovery of value-added compounds from different Eucalyptus species, as well as their biofunctional applications.

Biological Evaluation, DFT Calculations and Molecular Docking Studies on the Antidepressant and Cytotoxicity Activities of Cycas pectinata Buch.-Ham. Compounds

 Pharmaceuticals 2020, 13(9), 232

https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13090232

Cycas pectinata Buch.-Ham. is commonly used in folk medicine against various disorders. The present study investigated the antidepressant and cytotoxicity activity of methanol extract of C. pectinata (MECP) along with quantitative phytochemical analysis by GC-MS method. Here, the GC-MS study of MECP presented 41 compounds, among which most were fatty acids, esters, terpenoids and oximes. The antidepressant activity was assessed by the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) models. In contrast, MECP (200 and 400 mg/kg) exhibited a significant and dose-dependent manner reduction in immobility comparable with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) and phenelzine (20 mg/kg). MECP showed a weak toxicity level in the brine shrimp lethality bioassay (ED50: 358.65 µg/mL) comparable to the standard drug vincristine sulfate (ED50: 2.39 µg/mL). Three compounds from the GC-MS study were subjected to density functional theory (DFT) calculations, where only cyclopentadecanone oxime showed positive and negative active binding sites. Cyclopentadecanone oxime also showed a good binding interaction in suppressing depression disorders by blocking monoamine oxidase and serotonin receptors with better pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties. Overall, the MECP exhibited a significant antidepressant activity with moderate toxicity, which required further advance studies to identify the mechanism.