Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation

This paper aimed to investigate the impact of dry heat treatment and fractionation on white sorghum grain's chemical and rheological properties. For this, dry heat treatment was applied to sorghum grains of different granulations, integral (I), large (L > 300 μm), medium (200 μm < M < 250 μm), and small (S < 200 μm), at corresponding temperatures of 144 °C, 132 °C (M), and 121 °C (S). The content of amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and volatile compounds was determined in sorghum flours, along with the dynamic rheological behavior of sorghum dough. The results indicated that dry heat treatment increased mono and polyunsaturated fatty acid content, and decreased lysine, isoleucine, and glutamic acid contents. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in amino acid and fatty acid profiles were observed between fractions. Generally, Ca and Na increased after dry heat treatment of sorghum grains, while Fe, Zn, and Cu decreased, except in the M particle size sample. The optimal fraction M is distinguished by an increase in Fe, Zn and Cu content compared to the control. Volatile compounds were affected by both fractionation and dry heat treatment, with samples with S particle size possessing a distinct volatile profile. Dry heat treatment produced a stiffer, less deformable dough, maintaining elastic dominance and slightly reducing the peak gelatinization temperature. Particle size reduction led to dough strengthening and an increase in elastic and viscous moduli. The combined use of fractionation and dry heat treatment permits precise control of sorghum's nutritional and rheological properties.

Zeolites are widely acknowledged as minerals with outstanding characteristics, primarily due to their complex porous structure and large specific surface area. The modification of natural and synthetic zeolites can improve their properties, making them suitable for a wider range of applications. In recent years, silver-exchanged natural zeolites have been increasingly studied because silver is known for its antimicrobial and electrical conductivity properties, which enhance their utility in various fields. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review specifically focused on the silver-zeolite composite system. It synthesizes advancements in silver modified zeolites, offering a targeted analysis that connects synthesis methodologies to enhanced properties and applications. The paper is structured to include an overview of the general characteristics of both natural and synthetic zeolites, and methods for their modification to serve as supports for Ag+ and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). It subsequently covers the properties of silver-exchanged zeolites and their principal applications. The study also summarizes the advantages and limitations of these materials, along with an analysis of future trends regarding new production possibilities and potential applications.

The by-products of the oil cold pressing of flaxseed are deemed to be safe, edible products. They have been shown to possess high nutritional value (compared with the seeds, they are richer in proteins and minerals) and adequate functional parameters (i.e., a high water-holding capacity and emulsion stability). In oilcakes, we found a portion of oil that was richer in unsaturated fatty acids (87.90%) than flax seeds (57.40%). Mg predominates in flax seeds, while Ce is predominant in flaxseed oilcake. Regarding essential amino acids, the seeds (76.71%) were found to be richer than the oilcake (70.46%). The use of methanol, low extraction temperatures, s high ultrasonic amplitude, and longer times resulted in the highest antioxidant capacity and phenolic content for flaxseed oilcake. Our analyses showed that oilcakes can be utilized as a functional ingredient or for the extraction of bioactive compounds, which can be incorporated into food products due to their nutritional, social, and economic benefits.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), the sodium salt of the L – glutamic acid, is a flavor enhancer compound, which naturally exists in different foodstuffs being responsible for the “umami” taste. It is also used as a food additive (E612) in various commercial products, although its consumption in high quantities having potential toxic effects. A new HPTLC method was developed in order to determine MSG in commercial food seasoning powders (FSPs). The analysis was carried out on HPTLC silica gel 60 F 254 plates using a mixture of propanol – acetic acid – water 6:2:1 (v/v/v) as mobile phase. The detection was done in visible light after derivatization with ninhydrin and the images of the plates were processed by a digital processor. Two type of calibration curve were used, namely, standard calibration curve for quantification of MSG in vegetables and matrix-matched calibration curve for determination of MSG in FSPs. Also, the evaluation of linear, quadratic and non-linear equations to be used for each type of calibration was performed. The results proved that the quadratic equation fits the results best in both cases. The obtained results prove the MSG addition in different FSPs, which can be used in the routine analysis of this food additive. • Monosodium glutamate is analyzed in vegetables and food seasoning products by HPTLC. • Among the linear and non-linear equations, the quadratic one fits the data best. • Matrix-matched calibration is more effective for determining monosodium glutamate. • Monosodium glutamate natively exists in vegetables used for food seasoning product.

Fish smoking is one of the oldest preservation methods and has traditional forms in most parts of the world, each with distinct variables. The presence of PAHs in smoked fish is of great concern for producers and consumers alike, as PAHs have great negative effects on human health. This study aimed to determine the physicochemical characteristics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content level in smoked rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) processed using a commercial portable grilling and smoking oven. Sawdust of hardwood (beech, cherry, sour cherry, walnut, and plum) and softwood (fir, willow) were used to produce aromatic essences. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that different tree species tend to accumulate different PAHs in different concentrations. In the case of the generalized additive model (GAM) analyzing fish meat, fir tree reduced the concentration of PAHs in fish meat. When GAM analyzed fish skin, cherry, sour cherry, and willow trees significantly reduced the concentrations of PAHs in fish skin compared to beech trees. Furthermore, the results regarding the skin of the fish suggest that it acts as a protective barrier, trapping smoke particulates and reducing the penetration of PAHs into the meat. The present method clearly shows that, at least in the case of Benzo[a]pyrene, it is safer than traditional methods of smoking. This highlights the need for further research into the physicochemical properties of fish tissue and their impact on PAH accumulation.

Abstract Cave ecosystems comprise specialized microbial communities that play essential roles in biogeochemical cycles; yet their metabolic capabilities and ecological functions are not yet fully understood. As conventional cultivation techniques offer limited insights into the metabolic capabilities, methods based on direct functionality screening could provide more in-depth knowledge of cave microbial activity. In this study, we utilized the Community-Level Physiological Profiling (CLPP) based on Biolog® EcoPlate™ approach to assessing carbon substrate utilization by microbial communities associated with pool water, sediment, sediment (limon), and moonmilk from five caves in Romania. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) statistics were employed to infer the patterns of C-substrate metabolization and their environmental drivers. Environmental variables such as sodium (Na) and electrical conductivity (EC) significantly impacted C-utilization capabilities as indicated by both PCA and GAM. The latter analysis elucidated non-linear relationships between variables, such as EC, Na, and Mg, and microbial metabolic diversity indices. However, distinct C utilization patterns were detected among sampled sites and chemical types. Unlike moonmilk samples whose associated microbial communities appeared as exhibiting low C-substrate utilization, the highest activity was shown in cave pool water samples with the associated microbial communities extensively consuming D-galacturonic acid and Tween 80. Conversely, substrates like L-threonine and α-ketobutyric acid showed limited utilization across all cave samples. Average Well Color Development (AWCD) and Shannon diversity indices indicated that microbial communities associated to samples from Cloșani and Muierilor caves demonstrated the highest metabolic diversity. Our findings suggested that metabolic profiling using Biolog®EcoPlates™ method combined with multivariate statistical methods might prove as suitable approach to effectively screen for cave microbial functionality and the probable environmental drivers. Besides, this work distinguishes from similar studies by relying on GAM analysis to predict the environmental factors governing the microbially-mediated organic carbon degradation in subterranean ecosystems.

Stroke is a major cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, making early diagnosis and effective treatment crucial for reducing its impact. In response to the limited efficacy of current treatments, alternative therapeutic strategies, such as novel biomarkers and therapies, are emerging to address this critical unmet medical need. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Due to their dysregulation, they have been implicated in the onset and progression of various diseases. Recent research highlighted the important role of miR-181 family members in the context of stroke. Polymorphisms such as rs322931 in miR-181b are associated with increased stroke risk. miR-181 family members are aberrantly expressed and related to various aspects of stroke pathology, affecting inflammatory responses or neuronal survival. We provide a comprehensive overview of how alterations in miR-181 expression influence stroke mechanisms and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Life cycle assessment of a technology is the key to technological development in the context of sustainable development. Orchard waste has been identified as a potential source of bioplastics. The objective of this study was to conduct a life cycle assessment of two specific bioplastic materials, namely, L-polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). Bioplastics, such as PLA acid and PHB, can be used as alternatives to conventional plastics due to their biodegradability and non-toxicity, both of which have the potential to replace conventional petroleum-based plastics. Polylactic acid was synthesized from orchard waste in a series of stages, including biomass processing, pretreatment for carbohydrate extraction, simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), and microwave polymerization. PHB, another biodegradable polymer, is produced by microorganisms through the fermentation of sugars obtained from the same biomass. Applied LCAs show that for PLA production, the stages having the greatest environmental impact are biomass processing, pretreatment, and the SSF process, and for PHB production, very energy-intensive stages significantly contributing to the environmental impacts are biomass processing and pretreatment stages. For both PLA and PHB, the initial stages of biomass processing and pretreatment are the most energy-intensive and significant contributors to CO2 emissions.