Marine Phospholipids from Fishery By-Products Attenuate Atherosclerosis

In this study, the anti-atherosclerotic properties of three marine phospholipids (MPLs) extracts from fishery by-products including codfish roe, squid gonad, and shrimp head are verified. Their effects on key factors involved in atherosclerosis are examined and compared to explore whether the differences in their constitutions lead to the differences in the function. All three MPLs dampen oxidation of low- density lipoproteins (LDL) in vitro. Treating RAW264.7 macrophages and HUVECs endothelial cells with each MPLs ranging 10–100 µg mL⁻¹ does not decrease cell viability, yet ox-LDL caused cytotoxicity of both cells are alleviated by 50 or 100 µg mL⁻¹ MPLs treatment. In addition, the three MPLs reduce ox-LDL induced macrophage foam-like transition, mainly through inhibition of lipid uptake. Of the three MPLs, the one from squid gonad exhibits the best effect. On the other hand, all three MPLs modulate inflammatory responses, equally, by inhibiting the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells, and decreasing secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and MCP-1. Using a high-cholesterol diet induced zebrafish model, it is found that all three MPLs, especially the one from squid gonad, alleviates cholesterol accumulation in early plaques, and decreases total cholesterol as well as lipid peroxide in vivo. Practical Applications: As a way of making the best of the increasingly scarce marine resources, valuable lipid components can be recovered from by-products and wastes from the fishery industry. Here, we tested the anti-atherosclerotic effects and the mechanisms of three MPLs extracted from codfish roe, squid gonad, and shrimp head. Our study provides further evidence that marine phospholipids extracted from fishery by-products could protect against atherosclerosis, and helps to elucidate the structure-function relationship of MPLs.     

Enhanced photocatalytic and antifungal activity of ZnO–Cu2+and Ag@ZnO–Cu2+ materials

Zinc oxide is one of the most versatile nanostructured materials with a broad range of applications. Besides, its physicochemical properties can be tuned easily by synthesis conditions to be optimal for a specific application. In our group, we aim for the production of visible light-active materials with enhanced antimicrobial activity. Thus, we synthesize ZnO–Cu²⁺and Ag@ZnO–Cu²⁺ by using a fast and robust microwave solvothermal reaction. We investigate the limit of solubility of Cu²⁺into ZnO lattice producing Cu doped ZnO materials with different doping levels (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 at. %, Cu/Zn). We also investigate the role of the copper precursor, using copper(II) acetate or copper(II) sulfate as model precursors. Copper acetate incorporates more efficiently into ZnO lattice by decreasing the Eg value of the doped materials at low doping levels. Furthermore, we study the composites Ag@ZnO–Cu²⁺ aiming to reduce doping levels and to improve antimicrobial activity. Characterization of the materials by different techniques demonstrates their uniform size, purity, crystallinity, and visible light activity. In this study, we evaluate airborne fungal contamination and demonstrate the capacity of ZnO–Cu²⁺ and Ag@ZnO–Cu²⁺ to inhibit fungal growth. We studied the microbiological quality of indoor air (vivarium) by sampling air under different conditions. By sampling air with a photocatalytic prototype, the amount of fungi in the air decreases considerably, particularly fungi that can enter the lung. In addition, ZnO–Cu²⁺ shows excellent antifungal activity against Candida sp at low doses. We use Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and holotomographic microscopy (HTM) to provide further evidence on the capacity of the prepared materials to achieve effective damage to fungal cells and to inhibit biofilm formation.     

Extraction and characterization of hydroxyapatite-based materials from grey triggerfish skin and black scabbardfish bones

The conversion of food industry by-products to compounds with high added value is nowadays a significant topic, for social, environmental, and economic reasons. In this paper, calcium phosphate-based materials were obtained from black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo) bones and grey triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) skin, which are two of the most abundant fish by-products of Madeira Island. Different calcination temperatures between 400 and 1000°C were employed. Materials obtained from calcination of bones of black scabbard fish were composed by homogeneous mixtures of hydroxyapatite (Ca₁₀(PO4)₆(OH)₂, HAp) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-Ca₃(PO₄)₂, β-TCP). Because of the high biocompatibility of HAp and the good resorbability of β-TCP, these natural biphasic materials could be very relevant in the field of biomaterials, as bone grafts. The ratio between HAp and β-TCP in the biphasic compound was dependent on the calcination temperature. Differently, the material obtained from skin of grey triggerfish contained HAp as the main phase, together with small amounts of other mineral phases, such as halite and rhenanite, which are known to enhance osteogenesis when used as bone substitutes. In both cases, the increase of calcination temperature led to an increase in the particles size with a consequent decrease in their specific surface area. These results demonstrate that from the fish by-products of the most consumed fishes in Madeira Island it is possible to obtain bioceramic materials with tunable composition and particle morphology, which could be promising materials for the biomedical field.     

An analytical method for the analysis of trihalomethanes in ambient air using solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry: An application to indoor swimming pool complexes

A simple method for the collection and analysis of the four brominated and chlorinated trihalomethanes (THMs) in air samples is described. Ambient air samples were collected in pre‐prepared glass vials, with THM analysis performed using solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, where the need for chemical reagents is minimized. Analytical parameters, including oven temperature program, solvent volume, incubation time, vial agitation, extraction time and temperature, as well as desorption time and temperature, were evaluated to ensure optimal method performance. The developed method allows for point‐in‐time quantification (compared to an average concentration measured over extended periods of time), with detection limits between 0.7 to 2.6 µg/m³. Excellent linearity (r² > 0.99), repeatability (3% to 11% RSD), and reproducibility (3% to 16% RSD) were demonstrated over a concentration range from 2 to 5000 µg/m³. The method was validated for the analysis of THMs in indoor swimming pool air and was used to investigate the occurrence of THMs in the air above 15 indoor swimming pools. This is the first study to report the occurrence of THMs in swimming pool air in Australia, and concentrations higher than those previously reported in other countries were measured.     

The influence of brewing method on bioactive compounds residues in spent coffee grounds of different roasting degree and geographical origin

The content of bioactive compounds in spent coffee grounds (SGC) was studied. SGC were obtained from Coffea arabica beans of different roasting degrees (light and dark) and different geographical origins (Nicaragua, Columbia and Mexico) processed using four brewing methods (mocha, filtered, drip and infusion). The highest caffeine and chlorogenic acid contents were determined in filtered spent coffee extracts. All extracts of light roasted spent coffee grounds showed lower browning index levels in comparison to that from dark roasted spent coffee grounds. Generally, the highest content of total polyphenolic compounds and highest antioxidant capacity were determined in extracts prepared in drip. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study indicate that the spent coffee grounds produced of domestic levels, especially those obtained from filter coffeemaker, could be considered as a good source of natural antioxidants.     

Valorisation of potato wastes

Potato processing industry has a high degree of discarding, which currently has low added value being used primarily for animal feed. However, potato wastes offer a broad range of interesting components such as antioxidants, starch, protein or fibre with potential applications in the food and non-food industries. The recovery of these high valuable fractions using efficient multistage and multiproduct processes could be of great interest. This short review provides a general overview on the integral valorisation of potato wastes, offering an updated vision of the main residual parts generated during potato harvesting and processing, the high valuable obtained components focusing on the bioactive ones and the potential of the emerging extraction techniques over conventional ones. In addition, innovative applications are discussed to highlight the scientific and applied interest of these underutilised and undervalued fractions and to emphasise the integral valorisation of raw materials.     

Valorisation of protein hydrolysates from animal by-products: perspectives on bitter taste and debittering methods: a review

Conversion of animal by-products to high value-added food ingredients is one of the top trends in the slaughter industry. Enzymatic hydrolysis of animal by-products can generate protein hydrolysates, which provides an opportunity for effective utilisation. However, bitterness of protein hydrolysate is a major undesirable aspect for various applications. In this review, the current knowledge on protein hydrolysates from animal by-products is briefly reviewed. The structural features of bitter peptides and bitter taste receptors are summarised. Moreover, the potential approaches for debittering protein hydrolysates are highlighted, including exopeptidase treatment, Maillard reaction, plastein reaction and encapsulation. In addition, the current debittering strategies and challenges are also discussed. This article presents some opportunities to utilise protein hydrolysates from animal by-products and their debittering methods.     

基于人体感应的智能紫外线消毒控制系统设计

针对办公环境的消毒要求,使用嵌入式微处理器STM32F103C8T6作为控制单元,采用蓝牙作为无线通信协议,再配合红外人体感应模块和语音提示,利用紫外线消毒的特性,设计了一款智能紫外线消毒控制系统。该系统能够远程配置消毒时间段,自动根据配置的时间进行消毒,并在紫外线消毒期间对进入消毒区域进行人体检测和语音提示。既有效完成了办公环境紫外线消毒需求,也避免了紫外线辐射对人体的危害,同时实现了智能化和远程控制,节省了人力和物力。     

Recent trends for the employment of jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) by-products as a source of bioactive compounds with nutritional,functional and preservative applications: a review

Only 50%–60% of total seafood catch is used for human consumption, seafood processing being considered as one of the main sources of by-products. Among marine species, jumbo squid (JS; Dosidicus gigas) represents the most important squid fishery, showing an increasing economic interest in many countries. As for any other marine species, the regular cleaning, dressing and processing produce high quantities of by-products (skin, head, fins, viscera, tentacles, unclaimed mantle, etc.) that are rich in many nutrients (proteins, lipids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, biopolymers, etc.). This review compiles information about extraction and employment of JS by-products with the aim of enhancing their economic value and reduce environmental drawbacks. A special emphasis is given to the relevance in developing methods susceptible to transform by-products into useful and profitable products susceptible to be applied in several industries such as food, medicine, agrochemical or pharmaceutical. Future possible trends for widening this profitable use are mentioned.     

New food safety challenges of viral contamination from a global perspective: Conventional,emerging, and novel methods of viral control

Food- and waterborne viruses, such as human norovirus, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis E virus, rotaviruses, astroviruses, adenoviruses, and enteroviruses, are major contributors to all foodborne illnesses. Their small size, structure, and ability to clump and attach to inanimate surfaces make viruses challenging to reduce or eliminate, especially in the presence of inorganic or organic soils. Besides traditional wet and dry methods of disinfection using chemicals and heat, emerging physical nonthermal decontamination techniques (irradiation, ultraviolet, pulsed light, high hydrostatic pressure, cold atmospheric plasma, and pulsed electric field), novel virucidal surfaces, and bioactive compounds are examined for their potential to inactivate viruses on the surfaces of foods or food contact surfaces (tools, equipment, hands, etc.). Every disinfection technique is discussed based on its efficiency against viruses, specific advantages and disadvantages, and limitations. Structure, genomic organization, and molecular biology of different virus strains are reviewed, as they are key in determining these techniques effectiveness in controlling all or specific foodborne viruses. Selecting suitable viral decontamination techniques requires that their antiviral mechanism of action and ability to reduce virus infectivity must be taken into consideration. Furthermore, details about critical treatments parameters essential to control foodborne viruses in a food production environment are discussed, as they are also determinative in defining best disinfection and hygiene practices preventing viral infection after consuming a food product.