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Supplementation of beer with Pinus sylvestris L. shoots extracts and its effect on fermentation, phenolic content, antioxidant activity and sensory profiles
Relationships Between Photosynthetic Efficiency and Grain Antioxidant Content of Barley Genotypes Under Increasing Nitrogen Rates
Nitrogen fertilization may affect the functioning of photosynthesis as well as the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of cereal grains. Little is known about the relationship between the efficiency of photosynthesis and the content of phenolic compounds in barley grain, especially in conditions of varying nitrogen availability. In this regard, a field experiment was conducted to examine the responses of two primary barley genotypes with elevated phenolic compound content (TPC) in grain and an intensive modern cultivar H. v. vulgare with high protein content to increasing nitrogen fertilization (rates of 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg N ha−1) during the study years, which differed in terms of hydrothermal conditions. The leaf greenness index (SPAD) and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were evaluated on three occasions throughout the growing season. Following the harvest, the chemical composition of the grains, including phenolic acids, flavonoids and antioxidant potential, was evaluated. The antioxidant potential and chemical composition of the grain, including TPC and protein content, depended to the greatest extent on genetic and environmental factors, and only then on nitrogen fertilization. Nitrogen increased the TPC content and antioxidant capacity ABTS+ of the grains of all studied genotypes and the protein content in H. v. vulgare grain. Rates of 60 and 90 kg N ha−1 resulted in a significant increase in the SPAD, PIabs and Fv/Fm in BBCH 34 and 57. A positive correlation was confirmed between the SPAD and PIabs and the content of TPC and ABTS+ in the grain. The dependence of qualitative characteristics on the Fv/Fm was also demonstrated. The primary genotypes are characterized by a greater genetic potential for the synthesis of phenolic compounds than the modern cultivar H. v. vulgare. The synthesis of phenolic compounds, and thus their accumulation in the grain, is clearly stimulated by unfavorable environmental factors and moderate nitrogen rates and depends on the chlorophyll content in the leaves and the efficiency of photosynthesis. N fertilization has a beneficial effect on the content of phenolic compounds in grain resulting from the improvement in the SPAD and PIabs. The chemical composition of grain and the increase in antioxidant potential are determined by the Fv/Fm, which is low under hydrothermal stress conditions.
Ground lemon and stevia leaves as renewable functional fillers with antioxidant activity for high-density polyethylene composites
AbstractThe development of new sustainable material solutions in the processing of thermoplastic polymers concerns both the application of biopolymers and the use of valorized plant derivatives as fillers and modifiers of petrochemical polymers. Herein, the possibility of using unprocessed raw parts of two commonly used in the food industry leaves, i.e., lemon (LL) and stevia (ST), as active and functional fillers for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been verified. The series of composites containing 1, 2, and 5 wt% of ground leaves produced in the melt-mixing process were analyzed for thermal properties (DSC and TGA), and the antioxidant potential of the fillers was evaluated. Verifying the active effect of the ground leaves on the resistance to oxidation in the molten state was carried out by oxygen induction time (OIT by DSC) analysis and oscillatory rheology under steady-state shear conditions combined with spectroscopic (FTIR) carbonyl index (CI) analysis. Studies have shown that the introduction of 5 wt% of both types of leaves allows for a significant increase in the melt oxidation resistance (above 2 times longer OIT concerning HDPE, ~ 35 min) of composites without substantial changes in their crystalline structure and thermal stability. Determined after the long-term rheological measurements in an oxidative atmosphere CI showed 70 and 82% lower values for 5 wt% LL and ST composites compared to unmodified polyethylene. Graphical abstract
Camelina sativa Seeds and Oil as Ingredients in Model Muffins in Order to Enhance Their Health-Promoting Value
The aim of this study was to see whether it is possible to add camelina oil and seeds as ingredients in muffins in order to enhance their health-promoting value, such as their bioactive compound content, while maintaining the organoleptic attributes considered desirable by consumers. Camelina oil is characterised by a high linolenic acid content. Four types of muffins were prepared for analysis: MBnO—control muffins (containing 11.85% rapeseed oil), MCsO—muffins containing camelina oil instead of rapeseed oil, MCsS—muffins containing 6.65% camelina seeds in relation to the mass of prepared dough, and MCsOS—muffins containing both camelina oil and camelina seeds. The change in the fatty acid profile in muffins with the addition of camelina oil was significant; however, it was found that, as a result of thermal treatment, lower amounts of saturated fatty acids were formed. Among all the investigated experimental variants, muffins were characterised by the highest contents of all the phenolic acids analysed. The substitution of rapeseed oil with camelina oil had no negative effect on most of the organoleptic attributes of the muffins. Moreover, thanks to a greater content of carotenoids, camelina oil had an advantageous effect on the improvement of product colour, thus improving its overall desirability.
Coffee silverskin and cocoa pod husk modified with methacrylic acid as fillers for the urea-formaldehyde resin in plywood production
Diverse approaches to insect control: utilizing Brassica carinata (A.) braun and Camelina sativa (L.) crantz oil as modern bioinsecticides
The forest environment is exposed to a number of harmful factors that significantly reduce the resistance of forest stands, often leading to their extinction. In addition to abiotic and anthropogenic factors, biotic factors pose a significant threat to forests, among which insect pests are at the top of the list. Until now, the use of chemical insecticides has been considered the most effective method of pest control, resulting in pesticide residue in the environment. In an effort to minimize the harmful effects of insecticides, the European Union (EU), through EU Commission Implementing Regulations 2022/94, 2021/2081, 2021/795, and 2020/1643, has decided to withdraw from use a number of preparations containing compounds such as phosmet, indoxacarb, alpha-cypermethrin, and imidacloprid, among others. Botanical insecticides appear to be a promising alternative. Among them, plant oils and essential oils have become an innovative solution for controlling pests not only of forests but also of agricultural crops. The purpose of this literature review was to select oilseed plants with great biological potential. The rich chemical compositions of the seeds of Brassica carinata (A.) Braun and Camelina sativa (L.) Cranz predispose them to use as raw materials for the production of biopesticides with broad mechanisms of action. On the one hand, the oil will provide a physical action of covering pests feeding on a plant with a thin film, which will consequently lead to a reduction in gas exchange processes. On the other hand, the bioactive compounds in it or extracts of fat-insoluble compounds suspended in it and derived from the pomace fraction may have deterrent or lethal effects. This paper presents evidence of the potential action of these raw materials. Preparations based on these oils will not pose a threat to living beings and will not negatively affect the environment, thus allowing them to gain social acceptance.
The Influence of Cynips quercusfolii on the Content of Biofunctional Plant Metabolites in Various Morphological Parts of Quercus robur
English oak (Quercus robur) hosts over 200 species of galls formed by insect larvae, most notably the oak gall wasp (Cynips quercusfolii). These galls result from the abnormal growth of plant tissue in response to oviposition, acting as a shelter and nutrient source for the larvae. In addition, the galls trigger oxidative stress in the host plant, resulting in the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This stress response promotes the biosynthesis of antioxidant compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins. To our knowledge, this is the first study to monitor seasonal changes in phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins in relation to C. quercusfolii infestation over a complete vegetation cycle using integrated UPLC profiling and statistical modeling PCA. For the first time, the contents of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins were assessed throughout the vegetation cycle—from flowering to acorn fall. Results showed that galls affect the biochemical profile of the whole plant, suggesting a systemic response to local infection. The results provide new insights into oak defense responses and suggest that gall formation may be associated with systemic metabolic shifts potentially involved in stress mitigation. Furthermore, the study supports the further investigation of oak galls as a valuable source of polyphenols for pharmacological and industrial applications.
The Effect of Mineral Fertilization on the Content of Bioactive Compounds in Hemp Seeds and Oil
The popularity of hemp cultivation for industrial purposes has been steadily growing for many years. With the addition of products derived from these plants to the Novel Food Catalogue, maintained by the European Commission, a significant increase in interest in hemp food is also expected. The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics of hempseed, oil, and oil cake samples produced from experimental plots grown in different conditions. The research was conducted on the Henola variety, one of the newest and most popular varieties of hemp, recently bred for grain and oil. The content of bioactive compounds in grain and oil has been subjected to detailed chemical analyses in order to determine the effect of fertilization, the method of plant cultivation, and processing conditions on their quantity. The test results and the statistical analysis carried out showed a significant impact of the tested factors on the content of some of the tested bioactive compounds. The obtained results will help in the development of an effective method of cultivation for this hemp variety in order to maximize the content of the desired bioactive compounds per unit of cultivation area.
Impact of Various Essential Oils on the Development of Pathogens of the Fusarium Genus and on Health and Germination Parameters of Winter Wheat and Maize
Currently, researchers are looking for ways to replace synthetic pesticides with substances of natural origin. Essential oils are produced by plants, among other things, to protect against pathogens, which is why there is interest in their use as fungicides. This experiment assessed the composition of essential oils from a commercial source, their impact on the development of mycelium of pathogens of the Fusarium genus, and the possibility of using them as a pre-sowing treatment. Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) were inoculated with a suspension of mycelium and spores of fungi of the Fusarium genus and then soaked in solutions containing oils of sage (Salvia officinalis L.), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). The obtained results indicate that thyme essential oil had the strongest effect on limiting the development of Fusarium pathogens and seedling infection, but at the same time it had an adverse effect on the level of germination and seedling development of the tested plants. The remaining essential oils influenced the mentioned parameters to varying degrees. Selected essential oils can be an alternative to synthetic fungicides, but they must be selected appropriately.
Variation in the concentrations of phenolic compounds and carotenoids in the grain of a large collection of Triticum durum Desf. accessions
Influence of the genotype of the hen (Gallus gallus domesticus) on main parameters of egg quality, chemical composition of the eggs under uniform environmental conditions
Selected Chemical and Physical Properties of Pine Wood Chips Inoculated with Aspergillus and Penicillium Mold Fungi
Mold fungi representing genera of Penicillium and Aspergillus commonly develop on the surface of freshly harvested wood chips during storage. As a result, they are often considered as low-quality material and intended for incineration. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of wood chips infestation with mold fungi representing genera of Aspergillus and Penicillium on their basic chemical and physical properties, such as: chemical structure (evaluated with FTIR spectroscopy), mass loss and hygroscopicity, after an incubation of 3, 6 and 9 weeks. Based on the visual assessment and ergosterol content analysis, it was found that inoculation of wood chips with molds led to the intense fungal development on their surface. However, as observed in FTIR spectra, the presence of molds caused no changes in wood chemical structure. Furthermore, no mass loss and no significant increase in the hygroscopicity of wood were observed. Therefore, pine wood chips overgrown by studied genera of fungi seem to be a valuable material for various applications.
Determination of chemical markers affecting the occurrence of Panolis flammea Den. & Shiff.
AbstractThe research conducted so far on the chemical mechanisms of trees' defence against foliophages has not uncovered the chemical compounds biosynthesized by plants that are essential for these mechanisms. The objective of this study was to identify a chemical indicator for the presence of the pine beauty moth in Pinus sylvestris stands. Fresh needled shoots were collected from the crowns of pine trees in stands where the pine beauty moth tends to occur in large numbers, as well as from control stands. Total phenolic contents, total flavonoids contents, total chlorophyll content, terpene compounds, phenolic compound concentration, LMWOAs, sugar content, and colour analysis were conducted. Chlorophyll content, the presence of Panolis flammea in forest stands, and the colour of pine needles were discovered to be related. Variable L* correlated positively with the concentrations of chlorophyll a and b. In pine needles that were not attacked by the pine beauty moth, significantly higher concentrations of 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, salicylic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, quercitin, and rutin were found, with the first compound having the most significant effect (4‐hydroxybenzoic acid). Based on the study results, the connected compounds in pine needles make them susceptible to insect attack. In addition, insect repellent programmes were mentioned.
Potencjał adaptacji i zastosowania Brassica carinata w Polsce: analiza nasion jako źródła związków bioaktywnych
Comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of conifer cones collected from Polish forests
Insect fat influences broiler performance, meat quality, and the cecal microbiota similarly to plant oils rather than animal fats
Abstract We evaluated the addition of Hermetia illucens larvae (BSFL) fat to broiler diets compared to that of soybean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO), palm oil (PO), palm kernel fatty acid distillate (PKFD), poultry fat (PF), pig lard (PL), and beef tallow (BT) on performance, meat quality, and cecal microbiota abundance. BSFL addition reduced the feed conversion ratio compared to PO, PF, and BT addition and improved nutrient digestibility at 14 days and 28 days of age. BSFL addition enhanced broiler immune responses compared with SO, PO, and PL by increasing IgA levels; compared to PO by increasing IgG levels; and compared to PL by increasing IgY and IL-6 levels. Moreover, broiler free triiodothyronine levels increased when BSFL was added. Reduced drip loss after 7 days was observed in the RO, PO, PF, PL, and BT groups, while the salt-induced water uptake in the PL group was greater than that in the BSFL group. Compared with the SO group, BSFL addition increased C18:3 and overall n-3 FAs in breast meat. BSFL fat in broiler diets leads to outcomes that are more similar to those of plant oils than to those of animal fats, particularly regarding nutrient digestiblity and immune response.
Correlation between rotational molding process temperature and degradation changes of polyethylene and composites containing coffee spent grounds used as an active filler
Activated Carbon from Coconut Shells as a Modifier of Urea–Formaldehyde Resin in Particleboard Production
Various methods for the effective modification of urea–formaldehyde (UF) adhesives, aimed at enhancing the performance of wood-based materials, have been continually explored worldwide. The aim of this work was to investigate and evaluate the effect of introducing small amounts (0.25–1.5%) of activated carbon from coconut shells (ACCS) in UF adhesive on the properties of particleboard. The performed investigations of the adhesive mixture’s properties showed an increase in both viscosity and reactivity. Moreover, the use of loadings of 0.75% and 1% had a positive effect on mechanical properties such as bending strength, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond. In these variants, a delay in the degradation of the adhesive bonds by water was also observed, as indicated by the lower thickness swelling values measured after 2 h. However, under long-term exposure to water, the modification had no considerable effect on the dimensional stability of the boards. Markedly, the addition of 1 and 1.5% of ACCS resulted in a reduction in formaldehyde content, which can be attributed to the excellent adsorption capacity of activated carbon. Overall, a loading of 1% was found to be optimal, resulting in improved strength, enhanced water resistance, and reduced formaldehyde content.
