The packaging used for food products is mostly made of synthetic polymeric materials, especially plastics, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and the contamination of terrestrial and aquatic environments. Given the growing demand for environmentally responsible solutions, biopolymers from renewable sources, such as carbohydrates and proteins extracted from agro-industrial wastes, are emerging as promising alternatives for the development of sustainable packaging materials. In this context, this study aimed to develop and characterize biopolymeric films formulated from isolated sunflower seed protein combined with commercial citrus pectin in different proportions. The films were prepared by casting and characterized in terms of their optical, barrier, and mechanical properties and thermal stability. Increases in the amount of pectin added led to increases in film luminosity. All the prepared films showed complete soil degradation after 10 days of exposure, except those with higher amounts of pectin (80 and 100%). The main results showed that there was no linear correlation between the pectin/protein ratio and barrier, mechanical or thermal properties. Nonetheless, the addition of pectin led to films that were more rigid and less flexible. Regarding oxygen and water vapor barrier properties, the film containing 80% protein and 20% pectin exhibited the lowest permeability values. It was concluded that it is feasible to produce films based on pectin combined with protein isolated from sunflower seeds, representing a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging.

Rice is a globally important staple crop valued not only for sustenance but also for its potential health benefits, yet Philippine pigmented rice varieties remain underexplored. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of five Philippine rice varieties cultivated in the Cordillera region—white rice, brown rice, red rice, purple rice, and black rice—using two extraction techniques: maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Both methods used 80% methanol as the solvent (1:10 w/v); maceration (48 h, room temperature) and UAE (30 min, room temperature). Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total anthocyanin content (TAC) were quantified using the Folin–Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride colorimetric, and pH differential methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity was assessed via the DPPH assay and expressed as EC₅₀ values. Pigmented rice varieties exhibited higher levels of phenolics and anthocyanins, along with stronger antioxidant activity, compared to non-pigmented rice. Among all samples, red rice extracted via UAE showed the highest TPC (731.25 ± 0.02 mg GAE/100 g), highest TFC (9.69 ± 1.56 mg QE/100 g), and one of the highest TAC values (183.69 ± 16.70 mg C3G/100 g), with the lowest EC₅₀ value (52.49 ± 0.23 μg/mL), indicating strong antioxidant potential. UAE outperformed maceration in enhancing phytochemical yield and antioxidant activity, likely due to better cell disruption and compound release. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between TPC and TAC (r = +0.745), and significant negative correlations between antioxidant EC₅₀ and both TPC (r = –0.847) and TAC (r = –0.804). These results suggest that phenolic and anthocyanin contents strongly contribute to antioxidant capacity and support the potential of pigmented Philippine rice as a functional food and antioxidant source.

In response to the growing environmental challenges posed by the improper disposal of plastic food packaging and the urgency to valorize natural resources and agri-food waste, science relentlessly seeks more sustainable approaches, and the use of food waste based-biopolymers represents a promising alternative. Therefore, this work evaluated the use of buriti oil as a potential plasticizing agent in biopolymeric films from different carbohydrate-based matrices, namely, locust bean gum (LBG) and starch (extracted from cassava peel and inner bark), both individually and blended. The films were prepared via casting and characterized in terms of their optical (color and opacity), barrier, and mechanical properties, as well as their biodegradability. The main findings indicated that the incorporation of buriti oil significantly influenced the film characteristics, with different effects depending on the polymeric material's composition. Replacement of glycerol by buriti oil led to increases in luminosity for all films, while color saturation only increased for the pure LGB and blended films. Film opacity increased for the LBG film but decreased for the films containing starch. There was a significant reduction in oxygen and water permeability for the LGB-based film. The materials' biodegradability was positively affected, allowing for prolonged shelf life without compromising their natural decomposition. However, this substitution also led to non-uniformity in LBG/starch films. Furthermore, the complete replacement of glycerol with buriti oil, particularly for films prepared with cassava starch, resulted in a drastic reduction in flexibility and increased fragility, indicating that the oil cannot be employed as the only plasticizer. Nevertheless, the use of buriti oil as an additive or as a partial substitute for glycerol led to interesting results in terms of barrier properties without compromising the film's desired resistance and flexibility, indicating buriti oil as a promising additive for the development of biodegradable films.

Coffee pulp is a phenolic-rich by-product with antioxidant potential; however, its use in functional foods may be restricted by stability and bioaccessibility issues. This study aimed to evaluate how the incorporation of protein-enriched soy milk influences a coffee pulp infusion's digestibility and functional performance.

Eleven formulations were prepared by modifying both the proportion of soy milk added to the infusion (0–30%) and the protein content in the soy milk (3.9–11.7%), based on a central composite circumscribed design (CCC) within a response surface methodology (RSM) framework, to model and predict the effects of these two variables on the stability and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds. The samples underwent standardized in vitro gastrointestinal digestion following the INFOGEST protocol. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and FRAP) were determined before and after digestion.

The statistical models exhibited high validity and predictive performance (R² and Q² > 0.9 in most cases), capturing the complex influence of both the proportion of soy milk and its protein enrichment on the behavior of phenolic compounds during digestion. In particular, quadratic effects and protein–soy interactions accounted for a significant proportion of the explained variance, up to 65.5% in some cases, highlighting the nonlinear and synergistic nature of the formulation’s impact on antioxidant functionality. The results showed that a formulation containing 18% soy milk and 9.4% protein yielded the optimal functional profile, favoring the bioaccessibility of phenolics and their antioxidant capacity, likely due to interactions with soy proteins that enhance compound stability and release during digestion. Compared to the infusion without soy, the optimized formulation led to post-digestion bioaccessibility improvements of 33% for TPC, 46% for TFC, 51% for ABTS, and 42% for FRAP.

This study highlights the value of plant-based matrices and multivariate modeling for enhancing and optimizing polyphenol-rich functional beverages.

The escalating environmental concerns associated with conventional plastics drive an urgent search for more sustainable food packaging solutions, with particular emphasis on biodegradable films derived from biopolymers. In this context, the valorization of agro-industrial waste, often rich in polysaccharides and proteins, represents a promising strategy. This study investigated the development and characterization of biodegradable films based on citrus pectin and isolated sunflower seed protein (PISG), both individually and in blends (Pectin/PISG 25:75). Buriti oil was evaluated as a potential plasticizing agent, partially (50%) and totally (100%) replacing glycerol. Films were produced via the casting method and characterized in terms of moisture content, water solubility, optical, barrier, mechanical, and thermogravimetric properties, as well as their biodegradability. The results demonstrated that the substitution of glycerol with buriti oil significantly altered the films' properties. A general trend of reduced moisture content and water solubility was observed with increasing oil content, particularly evident in protein-based films. Regarding optical properties, oil incorporation intensified the color in all formulations, with a more pronounced effect in protein matrices. The barrier properties were positively influenced by adding oil, showing a reduction in both water vapor and oxygen permeability. However, the complete replacement of glycerol led to a marked loss of flexibility and increased brittleness in the films, particularly for protein-based formulations. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that buriti oil generally enhanced the thermal stability of the films. Biodegradability was modulated, with oil-containing films exhibiting a longer degradation time, suggesting improved durability without compromising their inherent biodegradability. In conclusion, buriti oil is a promising additive for enhancing the hydrophobicity and barrier properties of pectin and sunflower seed protein films. Nevertheless, optimizing its mechanical properties, potentially through its combination with other plasticizers or by improving incorporation techniques, is crucial for its successful application in sustainable food packaging systems.

Fats derived from coffee by-products, i.e., coffee pulp (CP), could constitute a valuable source of bioactive lipids for neuroprotective nutraceutical development. Sustainable recovery of these lipids and comprehensive compositional profiling using high-throughput lipidomics are essential steps in valorizing CP waste streams. This work aimed to explore the impact of the ethanol-modified supercritical carbon dioxide (EtOH-scCO₂) extraction technique on the profile of recovered lipid fractions under several extraction conditions (45 and 65 ºC; 20 and 30 MPa; and 5 and 10% w/w co-solvent) by UHPLC/ESI-timsTOF, alongside conventional Folch extraction. Profiling analysis revealed that the Folch method yielded a higher number of lipids (266) compared to EtOH-scCO₂ (from 249 to 263), but the overall lipid abundance was decreased. Glycerolipids and triacylglycerols were the dominant categories and classes, respectively, across all groups. Differential analysis demonstrated that glycerophospholipids, phosphatidylinositols, and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol 16:0_18:3 lipid exhibited the most significant expression differences at the category, class and species level, respectively. EtOH-scCO₂ extraction, in comparison with the Folch method, favored the extraction of long-chain lipids containing more double bonds, with lower EtOH proportion (5%) resulting in a longer chain and a higher unsaturation degree. Multivariate analysis (PCA, PLS-DA, and hierarchical clustering) showed a clear different lipid profile between EtOH-scCO₂ and Folch extracts. Moreover, EtOH-scCO₂ extracts were further distinguished according to EtOH percentages, with lower ethanol content (5%) diverging most from Folch extracts, which reflected a tunable extraction selectivity driven by the relatively lower polarity of the supercritical phase. This trend was further supported by the significantly high correlation between EtOH and lipid species, highlighting the notable contribution of EtOH in lipid extraction. Overall, these results suggested that the EtOH-scCO₂ extraction offered a promising and selective approach for obtaining extracts enriched in long-chain polyunsaturated lipids from CP, with a prospective ability to enhance nerve function and brain health. These findings guide the targeted recovery of specific lipid species from coffee by-products for high-value applications.

Coffee pulp and cocoa shell are by-products from coffee and cocoa processing rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Evaluating the combination of these materials in a single infusion intended for human consumption represents a promising strategy to enhance their functional potential. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the combined infusion before and after simulated in vitro digestion, through in vitro and cell-based assays, to explore synergistic effects and support sustainable functional beverage development. Infusions were prepared using different concentrations of coffee pulp and cocoa shell. A standardized simulated in vitro digestion protocol based on the INFOGEST model was applied to the coffee pulp and cocoa shell infusions to mimic gastrointestinal conditions. The total phenolic content (TPC) was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant activity was assessed through FRAP and ABTS assays. Additionally, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured in IEC-6 (rat intestinal epithelial) and HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) cell lines after oxidative stress was induced with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH). TPC was significantly higher in the infusion made exclusively from coffee pulp (1341.3 mg GAE/L), decreasing progressively with increasing cocoa shell content, down to 308.4 mg GAE/L in the 100% cocoa shell infusion. Antioxidant capacity (ABTS and FRAP) followed the same trend: ABTS dropped from 3.2 to 0.1 mg TE/mL and FRAP from 14.9 to 0.6 mmol TE/mL. This same trend was observed in infusions after in vitro digestion. Infusions and digested infusions were not toxic to IEC-6 and HepG2 cells, maintaining ≥93% viability. t-BOOH-induced ROS were prevented by the infusions (48-114 %) and the digested infusions (43-112 %) in both intestinal and hepatic cells. In conclusion, coffee pulp and cocoa shell infusions retain antioxidant activity after digestion and reduce cellular oxidative stress, supporting their use as sustainable functional beverages.

Microplastics (MPs), pervasive pollutants found in various environmental matrices, pose growing ecological and health concerns. Honeybees (Apis mellifera carnica), owing to their broad foraging behavior and environmental sensitivity, have been proposed as potential bioindicators for environmental pollution, including microplastics. This study investigates whether honeybees can act as proactive samplers of MPs in urban environments. Over a one-year period, 1215 honeybee specimens were systematically collected from nine distinct urban locations in Croatia, with standardized protocols ensuring consistency in hive sampling, processing, and analysis. The collected bees underwent a multi-step laboratory protocol involving physical separation, chemical digestion, and stereomicroscopic examination for the presence of MPs, categorized by size, shape, and color. Despite the comprehensive and rigorous sampling and analytical procedures, no microplastic particles were detected on or within the bee specimens. The absence of MPs may reflect the relatively low environmental contamination at the selected sampling sites, which were intentionally chosen to avoid heavy industrial or traffic-related sources. Additionally, reduced human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic may have further contributed to lower microplastic presence. These findings emphasize the need for broader and more diverse sampling efforts across different environmental contexts and beekeeping practices to validate the initial results. Future studies involving private apiaries and expanded geographical coverage could offer deeper insights into the feasibility of using honeybees as sentinel organisms for microplastic monitoring.

Acknowledgement: This work was carried out within the project "Food Safety and Quality Center" (KK.01.1.1.02.0004). The project is co-financed by the European Union throughthe European Regional Development Fund.

Hydrolysed flours are widely used in infant and functional foods to improve digestibility and sweetness. This study compared the carbohydrate release profiles of hydrolysed and non-hydrolysed rice-based flours (HF and NHF) and baby meals (HM and NHM) after in vitro digestion to assess the influence of gastrointestinal maturity on the glycemic response.

Samples were prepared according to industrial specifications and digested in triplicate using the INFOGEST 2.0 protocol, with adaptations for the infant model (e.g., adapted enzyme concentrations, time and pH) [1-3]. Digestion was stopped by cooling and analysed by means of HPLC-RI, enabling direct and detailed chromatographic assessment of the extent of hydrolysis.

Industrial hydrolysis modified the carbohydrate composition by increasing the proportion of glucose (up to 23%) and short-chain oligosaccharides like maltotriose (up to 12.1%), while reducing maltose compared to non-hydrolysed matrices. This shift reflects selective starch breakdown, favouring glucose production. Also, digestion efficiency was higher in the adult model across all samples, with greater monosaccharide release and lower residual starch. In contrast, infant digestions were characterised by higher maltose proportions (~50%), lower glucose levels (12.9–22.7%), and a greater persistence of starch and longer-chain oligosaccharides, highlighting reduced enzymatic activity.

The effect of industrial hydrolysis on monosaccharide release was more pronounced in the adult model, suggesting that its nutritional benefit depends on the maturity of the digestive system. This underscores the need to align processing strategies with the physiological capacity of the target population and suggest implications for product formulation in infant nutrition.

1.Brodkorb,A.,et al. Nature Protocols,2019.14(4):p.991-1014.

2.Gillard,B.K.,et al.Clinical Chemistry,1983.29(6):p.1119-1123.

3.Ménard,O.,et al.Food Chemistry,2018.240:p.338-345.

In line with modern lifestyle trends, there is a compelling need to connect environmental issues about sustainability directly with human nutrition and health. Consumers are increasingly gravitating towards innovative, functional food products that are both health-supportive and quick to prepare. Packaging factors like material type, origin, and environmental impact post-use also heavily influence consumer decisions. Our study introduces an exciting development in this area: edible and biodegradable films made from whey protein, a by-product of the dairy industry.

These films serve a dual purpose. Firstly, they are used as carriers for encapsulating lyophilized Lactiplantibacillus plantarum cultures, offering their health benefits. Secondly, they consist an environmentally friendly packaging solution. Our research focused on the viability of the bacterial strain within these films under different concentrations of bacterial nanocellulose (BCNW 0%, 5%, 10%) and storage temperatures (5°C and 25°C) over 90 days. Results indicated that the encapsulated bacteria maintained higher viability compared to free cells (73% higher), especially at lower temperatures and higher BCNW concentrations where the viability maintenance was about 9.2 Log CFU/g

Further, the films were tested as packaging material for lyophilized soup, examining the microorganism's behavior during soup preparation involving hot water or microwave heating. The findings were promising, showing that the microbial population remained at desirable levels (>7 Log CFU/mL), an indicating population for delivering the functional properties of the strain.

This innovative approach not only utilizes a dairy industry by-product but also enhances food functionality while aligning with consumer demands for sustainability and health. This study represents a step forward in the development of functional, sustainable food packaging solutions.