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The present study aims to evaluate the antibacterial potential of syrups derived from the buds of indigenous Romanian conifers, specifically silver fir (Abies alba) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). The research is motivated by the increasing clinical interest in natural bioactive compounds as viable alternatives or adjuncts to synthetic pharmaceutical agents. By utilizing traditional extraction methods on raw materials harvested from natural forest ecosystems, this work seeks to characterize the therapeutic and ...

Ornamental plants of the family Poaceae are becoming increasingly popular in modern landscape design due to their high ornamental value, ecological resilience, and adaptability to various soil and climatic conditions. The biological features of growth, habit formation, and methods of reproduction in different climatic conditions were studied. During 2023-25, research was initiated at the Kherson SAEU focusing on the cultivation of grass planting material via seed and vegetative propagation, specifically for Pennis...

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of wheat sourdough product (powder form) on wheat flour dough rheological properties. Wheat sourdough (SD) was obtained from fermented wheat flour which allows bakers to obtain a healthier, nutritious, tastier and better flavor bread without high fermentation phases. The impact of SD (1-4%) on dough rheological properties have been analyzed using Mixolab according to the standard method ICC No. 173 and HAAKE MARS 40 rheometer (Termo-HAAKE, Karlsruhe, Germany) for osc...

Nowadays, the use of eco-friendly additives in drilling fluids to improve the rheological properties is widespread. This work aims to study the evaluation of rheological properties of drilling fluid suspensions contained Algerian Na-Bentonite and potato starch PS as viscosifier with different concentrations (0.6%, 1.2% and 2%) depending on the aging time. After the trials of aging, the possibility to ameliorate rheological properties of drilling fluid suspensions using an eco-friendly environment additive which is...

Oxidoreductase enzymes play a key role in modern biotechnology due to their high specificity and ability to catalyze redox processes under mild conditions. They are used in environmental monitoring, biosensor development, and fine organic synthesis. However, their practical use in their native form is limited by their low stability, sensitivity to environmental changes, and the inability to re-extract from the reaction mixture. Immobilizing enzymes on various carriers can solve these problems. Magnetic nanoparticl...

In recent years, growing consumer interest in traditional and minimally processed foods has encouraged the development of artisanal meat products with improved nutritional characteristics. Among these, pork pate remains a widely consumed product whose quality is strongly influenced by formulation and raw material selection. The sustainable use of animal-derived resources, including nutrient-rich organs, has gained increasing relevance in food production, as these materials are still insufficiently valorized, their...

This study describes the use of a soybean oil oleogel structured with beeswax (4-6% w/w) as a fat replacer in gluten-free millet flour-based muffins. The oleogel was incorporated into the muffin formulation by replacing 100% of the conventional fat. The dough rheology was analyzed to evaluate changes in viscoelastic behavior, and the muffins were evaluated for their sensory and textural profile. The results indicated that the oleogel maintained the desired dough rheology and produced muffins with acceptable textur...

Apple peels represent a significant source of bioactive compounds with potential health-promoting effects, including polyphenols, flavonoids, dietary fibers, vitamins, and essential minerals. Due to their high content of polyphenols and flavonoids, apple peels exhibit remarkable antioxidant activity, contributing to the development of functional foods and to the reduction of chronic disease risks such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional properties ...

In healthcare facilities, the microbiological quality of air is crucial for health safety, as it determines the type and amount of microorganisms present indoors. Poor air quality is linked to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), affecting both patients and staff. Contributing factors include inadequate infection monitoring, gaps in sanitary protocols, and insufficient preventive measures. HAIs are a major challenge for modern healthcare, affecting 5-15% of hospitalized patients. Indoor air quality significant...

Biologically active food products have demonstrated their effectiveness in maintaining health and ensuring well-being. In recent years, these foods have been enriched with the addition of probiotics, polyphenols, vitamins, peptides or other substances with health benefits. The importance of probiotics in restoring the balance of intestinal microbiota has led to their increasing use by consumers. Thus, food products augmented with various probiotic strain formulas have been developed. A problem that always arises i...

Honey is rich in glucose and fructose, making it a quick source of energy. Honey has antimicrobial properties, can help digestion, has a probiotic effect, can soothe digestive irritations, is often used as a natural remedy for coughs and sore throats, having a soothing and antibacterial effect, contains antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body. Polyfloral honey is produced by bees from the nectar of several species of flowers, hence the name "polyflora". The physicochemical analyses carried out ...

Quince (Cydonia oblonga) is a fruit of notable nutritional and therapeutic value, largely due to its high content of bioactive compounds. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the nutritional composition, antioxidant capacity, and polyphenolic profile of quince fruits Through standardized and rigorous physico-chemical analyses, the fruit was shown to possess a complex nutritional profile, with a particularly high concentration of vitamin C. Additionally, quince exhibited strong antioxidant activity, wh...

Yogurt milk's functionality can be enhanced by fortifying it with natural ingredients like probiotic bacteria, prebiotic additives, phenolic compounds, and dietary fiber. Beyond these, non-nutritive additives, such as flavors, are commonly used to improve its organoleptic appeal. Alternatively, bacterial mixtures can be employed to produce flavors esters via biotransformation during milk fermentation, offering a biotechnological approach to flavoring. This study focused on formulating four essential oils: tangerin...

Traditional production is more sustainable through local efficiency, meat and spices often come from local farms or markets, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transport, respect for resources and cultural diversity, while industrial methods are oriented towards volume, uniformity and profit, often with higher ecological costs. Traditional pork sausages are prized for their unique flavors and textures, making them a staple in the Romanian tradition. The process of preparing traditional pork sausage has ...

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is an enzyme belonging to the oxidoreductase class with applications in biotechnology and the food industry, environmental depollution and clinical diagnosis. HRP is an effective biocatalyst in the oxidation of organic compounds. Many biotechnology fields, such as environmental applications and the pharmaceutical industry, require stable peroxidase-based biocatalytic systems. The goal of our work was to develop efficient immobilized biocatalysts containing HRP. HRP immobilization was p...

Apple juices are already well-known and appreciated products, which under certain conditions can be enriched with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, contributing to increasing nutritional intake as well as to completing some nutritional deficiencies. Such an approach often constitutes sustainable solutions from an economic and process point of view. Obtaining these new types of apple juices ensures the completion of their already known nutritional benefits with the therapeutic ones brought by the intake of ho...

This study evaluates the influence of dietary supplementation with royal jelly on growth dynamics in sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus), a species of significant interest in aquaculture. Throughout a controlled experimental period, juvenile sturgeons were fed diets containing varying concentrations of royal jelly and were monitored for key growth performance parameters, including weight gain, specific growth rate, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio. The results revealed a significant impact of royal jelly sup...

ABSTRACT Fish and seafood represent some of the most nutritionally dense and well-balanced food sources, forming one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors in the global food market. Recent advancements in food science and technology have enabled innovative solutions to enhance the quality, extend the shelf life, and ensure the safety of fish products. The evolving fish and seafood market has spurred the development of novel products to meet increasing consumer demand for healthy, diverse, and convenient dieta...

Multi-enzymatic cascade reactions, that is, the integration of several biocatalytic transformations occurring simultaneously, offer a wide range of possibilities and new ways to synthesize products with high added value. Such systems improve biocatalytic processes by saving time and reducing waste, while being self-sufficient in terms of requirements for related factors. As a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative method for the production of chemicals and biological products increases in import...

The modern lifestyle exerts a range of negative effects on human health, while the growing prevalence of chronic diseases and the state of contemporary therapies highlight the critical need for healthy nutrition. A significant portion of both food products and pharmaceutical preparations currently in use contain synthetic ingredients, many of which are associated with adverse side effects. Consequently, global demand for natural, ecologically clean food products and therapeutic agents has increased substantially, ...

The walnut kernel (Juglans regia L.) is highly appreciated for its unique sensory properties and nutritional value. Walnut kernels contain around 60% oil; this varies from variety to variety. Walnut oil is cold-pressed from dried walnut kernels and has a strong and distinctive walnut flavour. The effect of adding some spices as a natural source of antioxidants on the oxidative stability of walnut oil was investigated in the present study. Three types of flavoured walnut oil were obtained: with garlic (Allium sativ...

Aquaculture has become an essential component of global food production, offering a sustainable source of animal protein. However, the sector continues to face significant challenges related to environmental sustainability and suboptimal reproductive efficiency. In recent years, the incorporation of plant-derived bioactive compounds, commonly referred to as phyto-additives, has emerged as a promising, natural alternative to synthetic additives and chemotherapeutics. These substances can improve growth performance,...

The aim of the study was to monitor two types of Carpathian salami (one with a fat content of 20% and the other with 30% content). Variations in humidity, pH, fat and NaCl content were monitored, as well as changes that occurred during storage. The monitoring interval of the influence of raw and auxiliary materials on the obtained salami and the physicochemical and organoleptic changes occurred during storage was 1 - 115 days. In the case of the two types of salami, it was observed that the variation of fat conten...

Biomass-produced biocarbon has low surface functionality and a reduced pore volume, these properties reduce the performance of the biocarbon and limit its applications. Among the various surface engineering strategies, oxidation leads to both an increase in pore volume and surface functionality, by introducing oxygen-containing chemical groups. This study presents a short review of the oxidation pathways in surface engineering of biocarbon materials, evaluates the controlling factors, such as key parameters, that ...

Figs (Ficus carica) are renowned for their high antioxidant content and rich nutritional profile. They are an excellent source of vitamins (particularly vitamins A, C, K, and B-complex), essential minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron), fiber, and bioactive compounds that offer numerous health benefits. Due to these properties, figs contribute to improved digestion, better blood sugar regulation, and enhanced cardiovascular health. Sausages are a widely enjoyed food, which inspired us to reimag...

Plants are sources of compounds with medicinal potential, an impressive number of medicines have in their composition compounds isolated from natural sources, many of them being used since ancient times, in traditional medicine. Aromatic and medicinal plants are sources of various nutrients and non-nutritive molecules, many of which exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. V. album extracts have a complex chemical composition, some of the identified compounds being responsable for their antibacterial and ...

In this research, we studied wines from eleven wine regions of Romania (Stefanesti, Dragasani, Dealul Mare, Minis, Blaj, Babadag, Focsani, Tarnave, Silagiu, Iasi, Cotnari), but also for two years of different production (2019 and 2021), to observe their chemometric profile according to the geographical origin. The chemical composition was determined for 40 white wines and 34 red wines. The studied chemical parameters were alcohol concentration, wine density, total acidity, free and total sulfur dioxide, non-reduci...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of several extraction methods on the content of bioactive compounds of polyphenolic structure and antioxidant properties of petals from marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis). Ethanolic extracts prepared using maceration, turbo-extraction and bead-beating techniques were investigated for total phenolics, flavonoids and tannins, and antioxidant activities as measured by FRAP and DPPH assays, as well. The results showed that the highest phenolic content (1316.367...

A comparative assessment of the chemical composition of amaranth green mass cultivated in 2022 and 2023 was carried out. It was revealed that the content of nitrates, tannins and phytates in the 2023 harvest exceeded these indicators compared to the 2022 harvest by 3.3, 1.4 and 4 times, respectively. The amount of oxalic acid was 16 times lower, and that of tannins did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration of 0.5%. At the same time, the content of proteins and fats decreased by 12.6 and 31.6%, respectiv...

The social significance of donkey milk for human health stems from its potential advantages for vulnerable populations, including children and those with special dietary needs. The variation in its composition throughout lactation indicates that it can be adapted to fulfil the specific nutritional demands of these groups. The focus of this paper is to investigate the chemical profile of donkey milk and the changes that occur during lactation. The study was performed on samples taken at various stages of lactation,...

In recent years, the domestic frozen bakery and pastry market has shifted towards ready-to-bake frozen products, driven by the global trend for convenience and on-the-go consumption. This study aims to analyze the quality indicators of cakes subjected to freezing to determine their shelf life and optimize freezing conditions. Four sample categories were evaluated: fresh cake (P1), cake subjected to thermal shock (P2), cake frozen for 3 months (P3), and cake frozen for 6 months (P4). Quality assessments included se...

This article presents a numerical study of the effects of changing the geometry of the turbine impeller blades on the efficiency and intensity of homogenization in a bioreactor. The mixing of liquid media is an important stage of technological processes in various industries. Modern Impellers are equipped with homogenizing devices for introducing energy into the liquid, they include hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical devices or their combinations. Rational selection of the mixing device at the design stage is imp...

With the development of food production technologies, the consumers attention has turned to products with specific nutritional and health-promoting properties. For this necessity, today's manufacturers have turned their attention to fortified foods, and a raw material that is found in great diversity and that can be used to enrich food is represented by mushrooms. The purpose of this study consists in determining how the addition of different concentrations of crued polysaccharides extracted from mushrooms and add...

<i>Trichoderma harzianum</i> is a well-known biocontrol agent with growing interest as a multifunctional bioinoculant due to its diverse metabolic capabilities. Despite its promising potential, the transition from laboratory-scale cultivation to industrial-scale production still presents challenges, particularly in optimizing biomass and spore yield at low cost. This study focused on testing a new medium for spore/mycelium production of <i>T. harzianum</i> integrating traditional growth media with gazpacho, a toma...

This study investigates the nutritional composition and sensory characteristics of mango-based jams prepared with different sweeteners, evaluating their potential as a nutritious and appealing food product. Mango, a tropical fruit rich in vitamins A, C, and dietary fiber, is an ideal base for jams, contributing both health benefits and natural sweetness. The study analysed the effects of various sweeteners, including refined sugar, honey, agave syrup, and stevia, on mango jams' nutritional profile and sensory prop...

The increasing interest in biostimulants as sustainable solutions for agriculture has been widely documented in high-impact scientific literature. Biostimulants are recognized for their ability to promote plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, and increase resilience to environmental stress. This study researches the effects of the newly developed Georgian biostimulant BactoFert-L Boden on the growth and development of cucumber seedlings (Cucumis sativus) under various saline stress conditions. Soil salinization i...

The aim of the project concerns the production, characterization and impact on consumers of biscuits with wholemeal flour and grated carrots. The innovative character results from the use of wholemeal flour, which, unlike white flour, retains the bran and wheat germ, making it richer in fiber, vitamins and minerals. This contributes to a lower glycemic index and a superior nutritional profile. Carrots provide moisture and natural sweetness and are also an important source of beta-carotene, fiber and other vitamins...

A new biocatalyst based on glucose oxidase immobilized on Fe3O4 magnetite nanoparticles modified with chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate was synthesized. Magnetite nanoparticles were obtained by mixing solutions of FeCl2 and FeCl3 with ammonia while heating to a temperature of 65 ?C. To stabilize the nanoparticles and ensure the presence of amino groups on their surface, chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate were sequentially deposited on magnetite. Immobilization of glucose oxidase on the support was carried out...

Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) is a species with seasonal reproduction, temperature being considered one of the most important key factors that ensures the seasonal reproductive cycle. The wintering temperature should be carefully controlled to prevent any adverse effects on reproduction. In many fish species, the wintering at high temperatures have a negative impact on reproduction success. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of wintering temperature on sterlet males by evaluating the quantity and quali...

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a vital crop for Kenyan smallholder farmers, contributing to food security and income. However, declining soil fertility and reliance on costly synthetic fertilizers pose significant challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of OBLIGA BONACRAFT P20S10, a microbiological phosphorus-sulfur fertilizer, as a sustainable alternative. Field trials were conducted in four agroecological zones: Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Machakos, and Murang'a, using a randomized complete bl...

This study investigates objectives and aims. A novel method of targeting the bacteriostatic efficacy of chicken egg yolk polyclonal antibodies (IgY) against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. Specific IgY targeting Staphylococcus aureus was produced by immunizing hens with formaldehyde-killed Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 33593) as an antigen. The IgY was extracted from egg yolks and purified to 94% purity. Cultures of S. aureus were treated with IgY at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 ?g/ml, alongside blank controls wi...

Our study explored the impact of adding avocado to chicken liver pate, focusing on both nutritional composition, oxidative stability and organoleptic (sensory) characteristics. By incorporating avocado, we aimed to create a healthier, more nutritious alternative to traditional pate. Nutritional analysis included determining protein, fat, minerals, water, salt, carbohydrate content, and energy value. The results showed that adding avocado led to a decrease in fat content and an increase in beneficial omega-3 fatty ...

This thesis studies the impact of the addition of two types of enzymes: Rohapect PTE-100 and Pectinase to 6 varieties of apple, grown in the Valea Dambovi?ei area in order to improve the quality of apple juice. The 6 apple varieties used are: Sirus, Florina, Red Topaz, Golden, Starkrimson and Rozela. Thanks to the new varieties planted, and the use of modern technology, the production of apples has increased, and the apples are used fresh or processed in the form of natural juice as such or mixed with other fruits...

This paper is a review of the potential of olive pomace, a by-product of the olive sector, as a precursor for the production of biochar. In general, it presents a panorama of this sector, which is so important worldwide and particularly in the Mediterranean region, the largest olive and olive oil producing area in the world, representing 90% of global production. We also address the problem of the large amount of waste (around 15 million tons/year), in the form of pomace, generated by this olive oil production ind...

Mycotoxins are agents with different and complex chemical structures, with toxic effects for humans and animals. They can be present in feed and food, although in very small quantities, mycotoxins have a negative effect on the health of animals and people. Ochratoxins are mycotoxins intensively studied in recent years due to their toxicity on the animal and human body; these toxins show nephrotoxic, immunotoxic and myelotoxic, neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects. Thirty male rats of the Sprague- Dawley breed were ...

CRISPR-Cas adaptive immunity systems of prokaryotes have been identified in 42% of bacteria and 85% of archaea [1] and are actively used in genetic engineering. However, in nitrogen-fixing nodule bacteria required for agriculture, these systems are very poorly characterized. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the diversity of CRISPR-Cas systems in the genomes of 39 isolates of alfalfa nodule bacteria Sinorhizobium meliloti recovered from soil samples from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, which belong to the Centra...

Nodule bacteria increase the resistance of host plants to abiotic stress factors; however, the role of the genetic potential of rhizobia in the formation of productive salt-tolerant plant-microbial symbiosis remains underestimated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pool of genes responsible for the salt tolerance of the alfalfa microsymbiont, Sinorhizobium meliloti, using the DNA microarray technique, phenotype microarray (PM), NGS and NNGS-technologies and genome mining (antismash 5.0). As a result of the ...

In any terrestrial area, but especially in the case of mountainous areas, the spatial distribution of vegetation is conditioned by a series of natural factors such as relief, climatic factors or soils. From another point of view, the distribution of vegetation is different, depending on the phenophases, implicitly on the observation period, during the growing season. In this context, the aim of the work was to analyze the vegetation coverage of the grasslands in the Poiana Rusca Mountains, by applying the Normaliz...

This research aimed to determine the occurrence of different Staphylococcus spp., in three types of Romanian traditional cheeses made of raw milk, and to establish their antimicrobial resistance profile. Additionally, we have also screened the biofilm forming capacity of the S. aureus isolates. Thus, 25 samples (cow telemea n = 10, sheep telemea n = 5, and cow ca? n = 10) were collected from local small producers that sell in urban fresh markets in Timi? county. A total of 64% (16/25) of the examined samples were ...

In the current context, in which the European Union, through various projects, requires the reduction of the consumption of pesticides it is necessary to investigate some different products to control the Phytophthora infestans potato blight, biological ones, that have the role of improving the structure and health of the soil, avoiding contamination of it but also of groundwater with synthetic active substances. Potato production is diminished by the presence of weeds, pathogens and pests. One of the most importa...