scholarly journals Advances in Research on Food Bioactive Molecules and Health

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (24) ◽  
pp. 7678
Author(s):  
Mohamed Fawzy Ramadan ◽  
Alessandra Durazzo ◽  
Massimo Lucarini
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Structure ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Processed Food ◽  
Consumer Awareness ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Function Relationship ◽  
Relationship Of

Fresh and processed food products are rich in bioactive molecules, including polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids, peptides, antioxidants, phenolics, phytosterols, and novel lipids. Bioactive molecules in food could prevent several diseases (i.e., metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc.). Thus, consumer awareness is growing about the health-promoting impact of food bioactive molecules. Health claims are essential added-value features, wherein health-enhancing potential of bioactives depend on their chemical structure. On the other hand, the investigation of the structure-function relationship of food bioactive molecules is of importance. In this regard, Molecules is delighted to highlight the importance of food bioactive molecules and their effect on health. In this Special Issue of Molecules, researchers are invited to contribute original research and up-to-date reviews.

scholarly journals Aromatic Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency: The Added Value of Biochemistry

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 3146
Author(s):  
Riccardo Montioli ◽  
Carla Borri Voltattorni
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Aromatic Amino Acid ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Acid Decarboxylase ◽  
Amino Acid Decarboxylase ◽  
Aromatic Amino Acid Decarboxylase ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
Function Relationship ◽  
Relationship Of

Aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare, autosomal recessive neurometabolic disorder caused by mutations in the DDC gene, leading to a deficit of AADC, a pyridoxal 5′-phosphate requiring enzyme that catalyzes the decarboxylation of L-Dopa and L-5-hydroxytryptophan in dopamine and serotonin, respectively. Although clinical and genetic studies have given the major contribution to the diagnosis and therapy of AADC deficiency, biochemical investigations have also helped the comprehension of this disorder at a molecular level. Here, we reported the steps leading to the elucidation of the functional and structural features of the enzyme that were useful to identify the different molecular defects caused by the mutations, either in homozygosis or in heterozygosis, associated with AADC deficiency. By revisiting the biochemical data available on the characterization of the pathogenic variants in the purified recombinant form, and interpreting them on the basis of the structure-function relationship of AADC, it was possible: (i) to define the enzymatic phenotype of patients harboring pathogenic mutations and at the same time to propose specific therapeutic managements, and (ii) to identify residues and/or regions of the enzyme relevant for catalysis and/or folding of AADC.

scholarly journals Extraction of Total Anthocyanins from Sicana odorifera Black Peel Fruits Growing in Paraguay for Food Applications

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (13) ◽  
pp. 6026
Author(s):  
Laura Mereles ◽  
Silvia Caballero ◽  
Alberto Burgos-Edwards ◽  
Macarena Benítez ◽  
Danya Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Total Anthocyanin ◽  
Efficient System ◽  
Natural Colorant ◽  
Solid Ratio ◽  
Screening Design ◽  
Total Anthocyanins ◽  
Food Applications ◽  
Antioxidant Characteristics

Sicana odorifera is a native fruit of South America large in size. Its dark-colored skin constitutes a useful byproduct for obtaining bioactive molecules because it is rich in polyphenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins. Obtaining appropriate extracts for obtaining anthocyanins can be useful for multiple applications in the food industry or for obtaining phytopharmaceuticals. In this work, the fruit and its peel composition were evaluated, an anthocyanin extraction system was designed and optimized, and the extract obtained was characterized. The peel composition of S. odorifera ripe fruits from the black accession growing in Paraguay was rich in polyphenol compounds and anthocyanins. Ultrasound-assisted extractions of total anthocyanins were studied, and the extraction variables were optimized. First, a screening design was considered to analyze time, pH, liquid–solid ratio, solvent concentration, and temperature. From the screening design, the significant variables were considered in a Box–Behnken design, and a response surface methodology was applied. The resulting total anthocyanin extract was characterized by UPLC-DAD-MS / MS-ESI. The most efficient system for the extraction of anthocyanins from the peel was at 15 min, 20 °C, pH = 6, 60% ethanol, and 80 mL/g of liquid–solid ratio. The highest concentration obtained was 61.908 mg C3G/g peel extract. In the extract, 12 main compounds were tentatively identified, including five anthocyanin derivatives, five flavonol derivatives, and two flavonol aglycones. This study provides information for the obtention of an anthocyanin-based dye from black kurugua peel, possibly useful for future applications as a natural colorant in high-added-value foods due to its antioxidant characteristics.

scholarly journals Green Tea and Its Relation to Human Gut Microbiome

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (13) ◽  
pp. 3907
Author(s):  
Sergio Pérez-Burillo ◽  
Beatriz Navajas-Porras ◽  
Alicia López-Maldonado ◽  
Daniel Hinojosa-Nogueira ◽  
Silvia Pastoriza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Green Tea ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Bioactive Metabolites ◽  
Microbial Dysbiosis ◽  
Inflammatory Processes ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Middle Man ◽  
Specific Species

Green tea can influence the gut microbiota by either stimulating the growth of specific species or by hindering the development of detrimental ones. At the same time, gut bacteria can metabolize green tea compounds and produce smaller bioactive molecules. Accordingly, green tea benefits could be due to beneficial bacteria or to microbial bioactive metabolites. Therefore, the gut microbiota is likely to act as middle man for, at least, some of the green tea benefits on health. Many health promoting effects of green tea seems to be related to the inter-relation between green tea and gut microbiota. Green tea has proven to be able to correct the microbial dysbiosis that appears during several conditions such as obesity or cancer. On the other hand, tea compounds influence the growth of bacterial species involved in inflammatory processes such as the release of LPS or the modulation of IL production; thus, influencing the development of different chronic diseases. There are many studies trying to link either green tea or green tea phenolic compounds to health benefits via gut microbiota. In this review, we tried to summarize the most recent research in the area.

scholarly journals The Bioactive Potential of Trawl Discard: Case Study from a Crinoid Bed Off Blanes (North-Western Mediterranean)

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Alfredo García-de-Vinuesa ◽  
Montserrat Demestre ◽  
Arnau Carreño ◽  
Josep Lloret
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Fish Habitat ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Trawl Survey ◽  
Bioactive Potential

Although knowledge of the bioactive compounds produced by species inhabiting coastal waters is increasing, little is known about the bioactive potential produced by marine species occupying deeper habitats with high biodiversity and productivity. Here, we investigate about the bioactive potential of molecules produced by species that inhabit the crinoid beds, a poorly known essential fish habitat affected by trawling, wherein large amounts of commercial and noncommercial species are discarded. Based on a trawl survey conducted in 2019, 14% of the 64 species discarded on crinoid beds produce molecules with some type of bioactive potential, including; soft corals (Alcyonium palmatum); tunicates (Ascidia mentula); bony fish, such as horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus); European hake (Merluccius merluccius); and chondrichthyans, such as small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula). In addition, 16% of the discarded species had congeneric species that produce compounds with bioactive potential, indicating that such species might also possess similar types of bioactive molecules. Molecules with antioxidant, antitumour, antihypertensive, and antibacterial properties were the most frequent, which could provide the basis for future research aiming to discover new marine-based drugs and compounds for other human uses. Among all species or genera that produce compounds with bioactive potential, 68% presented medium or high vulnerability to trawling. Results show that the discarded catch contains many species, which produce different bioactive compounds that represent an added-value resource. These results highlight the importance of manage properly crinoid beds, to ensure that species that produce molecules with bioactive potential inhabiting these habitats are protected.

Structure–property–function relationship of fluorescent conjugated microporous polymers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. G. Monika Bai ◽  
H. Vignesh Babu ◽  
V. Lakshmi ◽  
M. Rajeswara Rao
Keyword(s):  
Long Range ◽  
Structure Property ◽  
Porous Organic Polymers ◽  
Aggregation Induced Emission ◽  
Microporous Polymers ◽  
Exciton Migration ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Function Relationship ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Conjugated Microporous Polymers

Fluorescent porous organic polymers are a unique class of materials owing to their strong aggregation induced emission, long range exciton migration and permanent porosity, thus envisioned to possess a wide range of applications (sensing, OLEDs).

scholarly journals Immunomodulating Effects of Fungal Beta-Glucans: From Traditional Use to Medicine

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1333
Author(s):  
Hidde P. van Steenwijk ◽  
Aalt Bast ◽  
Alie de Boer
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Beta Glucan ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Beta Glucans ◽  
And Function

The importance of a well-functioning and balanced immune system has become more apparent in recent decades. Various elements have however not yet been uncovered as shown, for example, in the uncertainty on immune system responses to COVID-19. Fungal beta-glucans are bioactive molecules with immunomodulating properties. Insights into the effects and function of beta-glucans, which have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, advances with the help of modern immunological and biotechnological methods. However, it is still unclear into which area beta-glucans fit best: supplements or medicine? This review has highlighted the potential application of fungal beta-glucans in nutrition and medicine, reviewing their formulation, efficacy, safety profile, and immunomodulating effects. The current status of dietary fungal glucans with respect to the European scientific requirements for health claims related to the immune system and defense against pathogens has been reviewed. Comparing the evidence base of the putative health effects of fungal beta-glucan supplements with the published guidance documents by EFSA on substantiating immune stimulation and pathogen defense by food products shows that fungal beta-glucans could play a role in supporting and maintaining health and, thus, can be seen as a good health-promoting substance from food, which could mean that this effect may also be claimed if approved. In addition to these developments related to food uses of beta-glucan-containing supplements, beta-glucans could also hold a novel position in Western medicine as the concept of trained immunity is relatively new and has not been investigated to a large extent. These innovative concepts, together with the emerging success of modern immunological and biotechnological methods, suggest that fungal glucans may play a promising role in both perspectives, and that there are possibilities for traditional medicine to provide an immunological application in both medicine and nutrition.

Morphology-Function Relationship of Thermoelectric Nanocomposite Films from PEDOT:PSS with Silicon Nanoparticles

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (8) ◽  
pp. 1700181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitin Saxena ◽  
Mihael Čorić ◽  
Anton Greppmair ◽  
Jan Wernecke ◽  
Mika Pflüger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silicon Nanoparticles ◽  
Nanocomposite Films ◽  
Function Relationship ◽  
Relationship Of

scholarly journals High-resolution single-cell 3D-models of chromatin ensembles during Drosophila embryogenesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiu Sun ◽  
Alan Perez-Rathke ◽  
Daniel M. Czajkowsky ◽  
Zhifeng Shao ◽  
Jie Liang
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Computational Method ◽  
Midblastula Transition ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Large Ensembles ◽  
Chromatin Folding ◽  
Function Relationship ◽  
Relationship Of

AbstractSingle-cell chromatin studies provide insights into how chromatin structure relates to functions of individual cells. However, balancing high-resolution and genome wide-coverage remains challenging. We describe a computational method for the reconstruction of large 3D-ensembles of single-cell (sc) chromatin conformations from population Hi-C that we apply to study embryogenesis in Drosophila. With minimal assumptions of physical properties and without adjustable parameters, our method generates large ensembles of chromatin conformations via deep-sampling. Our method identifies specific interactions, which constitute 5–6% of Hi-C frequencies, but surprisingly are sufficient to drive chromatin folding, giving rise to the observed Hi-C patterns. Modeled sc-chromatins quantify chromatin heterogeneity, revealing significant changes during embryogenesis. Furthermore, >50% of modeled sc-chromatin maintain topologically associating domains (TADs) in early embryos, when no population TADs are perceptible. Domain boundaries become fixated during development, with strong preference at binding-sites of insulator-complexes upon the midblastula transition. Overall, high-resolution 3D-ensembles of sc-chromatin conformations enable further in-depth interpretation of population Hi-C, improving understanding of the structure-function relationship of genome organization.

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