Artículos (Ingeniería Química)

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttps://hdl.handle.net/11441/53665

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Increasing the added-value of a plant-based waste: model salad dressing based on an emulgel containing microfluidized hull pea fiber
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2025) García González, María del Carmen; Alfaro Rodríguez, María del Carmen; Lobo Llamas, Carlos; Muñoz García, José; Ingeniería Química; Junta de Andalucía
BACKGROUND: Changes in consumer habits have driven the food industry to develop new recipes based on organic ingredients. Furthermore, the use of waste-derived plant-based raw materials, such as pea hull fibers, is consistent with sustainable development. In this work, we report on the production and the physical characterization of an emulgel-based salad dressing containing chia oil and a microfluidized suspension of pea hull fiber. RESULTS: We determined the rheological properties, particle size distribution, physical stability, and microstructure of the emulgel produced. The sample microstructure was studied by means of (a) optical microscopy using polarizing light and bright-field illumination and (b) laser diffraction. The microstructure consisted of a microfluidized oil-in-water emulsion containing oil droplets embedded in a microfluidized pea fiber suspension. According to multiple light scattering results, the microfluidized emulsion was creamed in a few hours, while the emulgel remained stable for more than 60 days. The slight decrease in the storage and loss viscoelastic moduli of the mechanical spectra with aging time may be related to the onset of a fiber reaggregated process. Non-linear creep compliance data revealed that the emulgel studied exhibited very shear thinning behavior with a practical yield stress of 10 Pa. CONCLUSIONS: Microfluidized pea hull fiber suspension can be used as the only stabilizer of the salad dressing based on an emulgel microstructure. It can provide acceptable physical stability and appropriate rheological properties for pumping and handling. The developed emulgel-based salad dressing exhibits physicochemical and engineering properties compatible with commercial applications.
Use of protein-based matrices as amino acids source in in-vitro grapevine
(Taylor & Francis LTD, 2024-01-22) Jiménez Rosado, Mercedes; Rodríguez Declet, Arleen; Negri, Paola; Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco; Romero García, Alberto; Domenico Rombolà, Adamo; Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Proteins are sources of peptides and amino acids which are able to stimulate plant growth. Protein-based matrices are a novel source of these raw materials since they allow their availability in small, prolonged doses, which could be of interest in in-vitro assays. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the use of soy protein-based matrices in in-vitro cultures of grape, cv. Magliocco Canino. Their influence was assessed in different media conditions in the presence or absence of zinc (an essential microelement for plant growth). The shoots were evaluated after 35 days of growth based on their growth parameters (weight increase, number of stems, number of leaves, stem and internode length). A biochemical profile of the shoots cultivated in different media was obtained by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The results highlighted the benefits of using protein-based matrices in in-vitro culture as shoots showed an increase in weight, number of leaves, and longer stems, also in zinc-deficient media. In conclusion, this work emphasises the potential of protein-based matrices as stimulants for grapevine explants. This could have important implications for the cultivation of these crops and could be the starting point for further studies on the stimulating effect of different proteins on crops.
Verification and validation of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-mediated enzymatic cross-linking in collagen/PEG hydrogels for wound dressing applications
(Elsevier, 2025-11) González, Luisbel; Ruiz, Isleidy; Valerio, Oscar; Aguayo, Claudio; Toledo, Jorge R.; Romero García, Alberto; Serrano, Jonathan; Quiroz, Aracelly; Fernández, Katherina; Ingeniería Química; Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico (FONDECYT). Chile; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Collagen/poly(ethylene glycol) (COL/PEG) hydrogels are attractive wound dressings but typically rely on weak hydrogen bonding at the polymer interface. Here, a catechol–enzymatic strategy is introduced in which dopamine (DA) self-polymerization reduces graphene oxide to conductive rGO while horseradish peroxidase/hydrogen peroxide (HRP/H2O2) catalyzes covalent coupling between native PEG hydroxyls and collagen phenolic residues. Spectroscopic and thermo-mechanical signatures, attenuation of –OH/amide bands in FTIR, a glass-transition shift from −9 °C to −4 °C, increased storage modulus with elastic dominance (E′ ≫ E″, tan δ < 0.3), and higher thermal decomposition temperatures, are consistent with a denser network and the formation of PEG–COL ether linkages without prior PEG or collagen functionalization. Microstructural analyses (SEM/AFM) show greater fibrillar interconnectivity and roughness, while XRD indicates increased amorphous character upon enzymatic cross-linking. Functional performance relevant to wound care was demonstrated: rapid exudate uptake (equilibrium swelling 94 % within 10 min), broad-spectrum antibacterial activity (>99 % reduction of E. coli and ≥90 % of S. aureus), sustained antioxidant capacity, and cytocompatibility (≥80 % viability in human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes) with negligible hemolysis (<1 %). In vitro scratch assays reached 100 % closure by 48 h. In a porcine full-thickness wound model, HRP-cross-linked, rGO-reinforced COL/PEG hydrogels achieved accelerated re-epithelialization by day 21, robust angiogenesis and granulation, and no detectable irritation or systemic pathology. These results establish HRP-mediated, DA-assisted cross-linking as a minimally modified route to conductive, antioxidant COL/PEG hydrogels with tunable mechanics and clinically relevant regenerative efficacy.
Synergistic rheology of chia and aloe vera mucilage with Spirulina residue: Enhancing emulsion stability for sustainable food applications
(Elsevier, 2025-11-01) Calero Romero, Nuria; Trujillo-Cayado, Luis Alfonso; Carrillo de la Fuente, Francisco; Oliveira, Sónia; Raymundo, Anabela; Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); TEP943: Reología Aplicada. Tecnología de Coloides; TEP133: Racionalización Energ. en Procesos de Transf. de Materia
This study was conducted in two phases to develop sustainable, plant-based food emulsions using chia and aloe vera mucilage combined with Spirulina residual biomass (SRB), a protein-rich byproduct from phycocyanin extraction aimed at valorising industrial residues. In the first phase, a response surface methodology was applied to evaluate the rheological properties of aqueous dispersions containing both mucilage and 1 wt% SRB, which constituted the continuous phase of the emulsions. Results revealed a significant synergistic effect between chia and aloe vera: higher chia content enhanced elasticity, while a near 50:50 ratio provided maximum viscosity. While the chia-to-aloe vera ratio had a greater influence on gel-like behaviour, affecting parameters such as elasticity and structure development, the total mucilage concentration had a more pronounced effect on flow properties. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed this synergy by revealing a cohesive and structured network formed through the integration of chia's granular particles and aloe vera's fibrous elements. In the second phase, these mucilage-SRB dispersions were used as the continuous phase in algal oil emulsions. While SRB alone demonstrated strong emulsifying capacity by producing the smallest initial droplet sizes, it also exhibited the highest creaming rates, indicating limited emulsion stability. The addition of chia and aloe vera mucilage significantly reduced creaming by up to 87 % and limited droplet size growth by up to 11 % after 15 days. These findings highlight the functional role of SRB as an emulsifier and the crucial stabilizing effect of chia and aloe vera mucilage in producing clean-label, stable food emulsions.
Synergetic green synthesis of CuO, ZnO, and CuO-ZnO nanocomposite nanoparticles using Genista hispanica L. extract for enhanced photocatalytic and antioxidant properties
(Springer Nature, 2025-07-02) Azabi, Warda; Gherraf, Noureddine; Romero García, Alberto; Abdullah, Johar Amin Ahmed; Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
In this study, CuO, ZnO, and CuO-doped ZnO (CuO-ZnO) nanocomposite nanoparticles were synthesized using a green approach, with Genista hispanica L. extract as a capping and reducing agent. The effects of extract concentration and calcination on the nanoparticle’s (NPs) morphological, structural, and optical properties were analyzed. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Visible (UV‒Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and zeta potential (ZP) measurements. X-ray diffraction confirmed monoclinic and hexagonal structures, with average sizes of 11.1, 13.0, and 8.8 nm after calcination for CuO, ZnO, and CuO-ZnO nanocomposite nanoparticles at 30 g of extract. SEM images showed reduced particle sizes (10.5, 8.7, and 8.4 nm) with increased extract concentration and calcination. The CuO-ZnO nanocomposite (NCs) demonstrated enhanced stability with a zeta potential of −12.23 mV. At the same time, CuO and ZnO nanoparticles exhibit a stability of −17.5 mV and −7.5 mV, respectively. Photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) revealed a maximum photodegradation rate of 38%, 27% for CuO and ZnO nanoparticles, and 87% for CuO-ZnO nanocomposite in 120 min, attributed to their synergistic effect. Antioxidant tests confirmed the superior scavenging activity of CuO-ZnO nanocomposites compared to individual oxides. Higher extract concentrations enhanced phytochemical content, resulting in smaller nanoparticles, while calcination improved purity. These results demonstrate the potential of CuO-ZnO nanocomposites for photocatalytic and antioxidant applications.
Graphene oxide and condensed tannins enhance the efficacy of alginate hydrogels in wound management
(Elsevier, 2025-06) González, Luisbel; Zapata, Bastián; Figueroa, Toribio; Ruiz, Isleidy; Montoya, Luis Felipe; Pino, Esteban J.; Aguayo, Claudio; Toledo, Jorge R.; Romero García, Alberto; Fernández, Katherina; Ingeniería Química; Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico (FONDECYT). Chile; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Wound healing involves the participation of platelets, growth factors, and other mediators. In this context, the properties of the dressing play a crucial role in tissue regeneration. To address this need, functionalized alginate hydrogels were developed with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and condensed tannins (TA) extracted from the bark of Pinus radiata for use as wound dressings. The hydrogels were physicochemically characterized, including assessments of their antioxidant, antibacterial, in vitro, and in vivo wound-healing properties. A polyelectrolyte layer was detected on the surfaces of the Alg/rGO4.5 hydrogels, composed of C-C/C-H bonds (39.9 %), which prevented fiber relaxation during swelling and reduced the density of negative charges on the surface (−46.8 mV), thereby increasing the hydrophobicity of the hydrogel (92.3°). The electrical conductivity of the hydrogels significantly increased with the addition of rGO, reaching values of up to 27.7 mS/m, a property that is important for promoting cell migration in the wound-healing process. Additionally, the TA release reached 26.4 % in Alg/rGO9/TA9, enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the material (46.0 ± 5.8 mg TE/100 g). The TA exhibited antimicrobial activity against E. coli and supported cell viability, achieving a rate of 145 %, indicating notable cell regeneration. In vivo studies conducted on Yorkshire pigs showed that the Alg/rGO9/TA9 hydrogels achieved complete wound closure in 21 days and demonstrated superior tissue regeneration compared to a commercial dressing. Histologically, the functionalized hydrogel promoted better re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation, highlighting the potential of these hydrogels as wound dressings. This study underscores the importance of hydrogel functionalization in enhancing their properties and applicability in regenerative medicine.
Collagen/rGO/tannin hydrogels with a programmable biointerface for tunable electrical conductivity and antioxidant capacity in tissue regeneration
(Elsevier, 2026-01) González, Luisbel; Ruiz, Isleidy; Raposo, María; Aguayo, Claudio; Toledo, Jorge R.; Pérez-Puyana, Víctor Manuel; Romero García, Alberto; Fernández, Katherina; Ingeniería Química; Ingeniería y Ciencia de los Materiales y del Transporte; Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico (FONDECYT). Chile; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Restoring the endogenous bioelectric field while simultaneously protecting healing tissue from mechanical and oxidative stress remains a major challenge for next-generation wound dressings. Here we present an interface-programmed collagen hydrogel that integrates dopamine-reduced graphene oxide (rGO-PDA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and condensed tannins (TA) into a single supramolecular network. rGO-PDA provides electronic pathways; TA forges multivalent π–π and hydrogen-bond bridges that immobilize rGO within the fibrillar matrix, confer radical-scavenging capacity and compatibilized the organic/inorganic phases; PEG acts as a hydrophilic spacer that tunes porosity and plasticity. Compared with the PEG-plasticized collagen control, the optimized COL/PEG20/TA10 formulation increased the storage modulus fourfold to 47 kPa, doubled the critical strain, raised the thermal decomposition onset by 80 °C and achieved stable conductivities of 10.3 mS/cm, comparable to native skin. The same interfacial design lowered the water-contact angle to 33 °, raised swelling to 150 % and enabled a biphasic release of TA that maintained 30 % DPPH inhibition for 4 h. Extracts enhanced human dermal fibroblast viability to 151 ± 5 % and accelerated in vitro scratch closure to > 95 % in 48 h. In a porcine full-thickness model the hydrogel achieved complete, scar-free re-epithelialization and highly organized dermal architecture within 21 days, while rabbit and guinea-pig tests confirmed it to be non-irritant. These results demonstrate that molecularly engineered collagen/rGO/TA interfaces can synchronously deliver mechanical reinforcement, bioelectronic stimulation and antioxidant defense, providing a scalable, all-natural platform for advanced wound management.
Investigating surface properties of a blend of phycocyanin and chia mucilage for its possible applications in dispersed systems
(Elsevier, 2025-10) Vela Albarrán, María; Trujillo-Cayado, Luis Alfonso; Carrillo de la Fuente, Francisco; Santos García, Jenifer; Calero Romero, Nuria; Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Innovación, Ciencia y Empresa. España; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); TEP943: Reología Aplicada. Tecnología de Coloides; TEP133: Racionalización Energ. en Procesos de Transf. de Materia
The study of the effect of protein-polysaccharide interactions on the properties of air-water and oil-water interfaces has special relevance in the development of processed dispersions, such as foams or emulsions. Specifically, the analysis of the interfacial behaviour of mixtures that exhibit associative interactions. A surface characterization of a system consisted of a 1:1 mixture of phycocyanin and chia mucilage was studied by comparison with both unitary aqueous systems. Surface activity was assessed through surface tension measurements, revealing that the mixture achieved a surface tension of approximately 52 mN/m at 0.1 wt%, like pure phycocyanin, despite its lower protein content. Interfacial rheology showed a significant enhancement in viscoelastic properties for the mixture, with elastic and viscous moduli (G′ and G″) approximately two orders of magnitude higher than those of phycocyanin alone, indicating a reinforced gel-like behaviour. In contrast, chia mucilage alone formed a fluid-like film with G″ > G′. Zeta potential measurements confirmed that the mixture retained a high negative surface charge (like phycocyanin), ensuring colloidal stability. The foaming capacity increased with concentration for phycocyanin, which produced the greatest volume expansion. In the 1:1 phycocyanin–chia mucilage blend, overrun was intermediate but protein-efficient up to a concentration of 0.25 wt%, beyond which the increasing bulk viscosity curtailed further aeration. Chia mucilage alone consistently displayed the lowest foaming capacity. These findings demonstrate a cooperative interaction between phycocyanin and chia mucilage, resulting in improved surface structuring and mechanical strength, making the blend a promising candidate for sustainable, bio-based stabilizers in dispersed systems.
Sustainable stabilization of microfluidized chia oil nanoemulsions by mixed proteins
(Springer nature, 2025-08-25) Santos García, Jenifer; Jiménez Rosado, Mercedes; Trujillo-Cayado, Luis Alfonso; Romero García, Alberto; Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is an animal globular protein widely employed in emulsion-based formulations, such as food products. However, non-animal proteins have recently emerged as potential sustainable alternatives. Phycocyanin (PC), a protein derived from algae, is non-toxic and biocompatible. In this study, nanoemulsions containing chia oil were formulated using BSA, PC, and their 1:1 mixture as stabilizers. The Z-potential of protein solutions was determined at pH 2.5 and 4, surface tension and interfacial rheology were measured to assess interfacial properties, and emulsions were prepared using rotor–stator homogenization followed by microfluidization. The droplet size distribution, rheological behaviours, and physical stability (Turbiscan Stability Index) were evaluated, and pectin was incorporated at different concentrations to improve stability. Z-potential measurements indicated that pH 2.5 was optimal for protein stability. At this pH, PC and the protein mixture exhibited a more structured interface than BSA alone. Microfluidized emulsions stabilized with the mixture showed the smallest droplet size (150 nm) and moderate polydispersity (span = 2.48). The primary destabilization mechanism was creaming, which was mitigated by adding pectin; concentrations of 7.5–10 wt.% produced more structured systems, increased viscosity, and reduced instability. These findings highlight the potential of combining BSA and PC for developing stable and sustainable chia oil nanoemulsions.
Comparative Assessment of Injection and Compression Molding on Soy Protein Bioplastic Matrices for Controlled Iron Release in Horticulture
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-06-17) Castro Criado, Daniel; Jiménez Rosado, Mercedes; Pérez-Puyana, Víctor Manuel; Romero García, Alberto; Ingeniería Química; Ingeniería y Ciencia de los Materiales y del Transporte; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Junta de Andalucía
Conventional horticultural fertilization frequently leads to nutrient loss and environmental contamination, driving interest in biodegradable controlled-release systems. This work developed soy protein isolate (SPI) matrices containing 5 wt.% FeSO4·7H2O using injection. The matrices were evaluated for crosslinking, mechanical properties, water uptake (WUC), soluble matter loss (SML), iron-release kinetics in water and soil, and biodegradability under composting conditions. Injection-molded samples achieved very high crosslinking with moderate rigidity and water absorption and delivered iron rapidly in water, while compression-molded samples exhibited slightly lower crosslinking but greater stiffness, higher WUC, minimal SML, and sustained iron release. Notably, both processing methods yielded comparable iron-release profiles in soil and complete biodegradation within 71 days. Overall, compression molding produces SPI-based matrices with superior mechanical strength and water retention, positioning them as an ideal solution for long-lasting, sustainable nutrient delivery in horticulture.
Theoretical study on the interactions between ibrutinib and gold nanoparticles for being used as drug delivery in the chronic lymphocytic leukemia
(Elsevier, 2020) Sánchez Coronilla, Antonio; Martín Fernández, Elisa Isabel; Fernández de Córdova, Francisco José; Prado Gotor, Rafael; Hidalgo Toledo, José; Química Física; Ingeniería Química; Junta de Andalucía; Universidad de Sevilla; FQM106: Carbolinas
A theoretical study of the interaction of ibrutinib with both cysteine/methyl-cysteine and gold surface is presented. The interest of ibrutinib is that binds through its acrylamide group with the S atom from Cys481 residue of Bruton-tyrosine-kinase (BTK) protein and inhibits the maturation of B-lymphocytes. In a first part, the interaction of ibrutinib through its acrylamide group with cysteine/methyl-cysteine is studied in the range of 298 to 315 K to analyse the effect of increasing the temperature in the binding of the drug with the amine-acid. The interaction is favoured at physiologic temperature but its stability decreases at higher temperatures. Thus, in patients with fever the drug may present a lower effectivity and certain amount of free drug in the blood may appear increasing the risk of toxicity for them. In the second part, the interaction of ibrutinib with a gold surface was studied to explore the possibility of using gold nanoparticles as ibrutinib deliverer. The most stable interaction corresponds to the structure with the nitrogen atoms from pyrimidine moiety and from NH2 directly focused over gold atoms keeping acrylamide group of ibrutinib free for joining to BTK. Therefore, according to the theoretical results gold nanoparticles may be used as ibrutinib deliverer.
Vegetable oils as renewable fuels for power plants based on low and medium speed diesel engines
(Elsevier, 2020-06) Torres-García, Miguel; García-Martín, Juan Francisco; Jiménez-Espadafor Aguilar, Francisco José; Fernandes Barbin, Douglas; Álvarez-Mateos, María Paloma; Ingeniería Energética; Ingeniería Química; Universidad de Sevilla; TEP137: Máquinas y Motores Térmicos; AGR155: Obtención de Biocombustibles
There is a high potential for plant oils as alternative fuel for low and medium speed diesel engines, making petroleum-derived fuels likely to be replaced in these types of engines. Vegetable oils have important advantages over both heavy fuel oil (HFO) and marine gas oil (MGO), the fuels currently used in diesel power plants by large two stroke low-speed diesel engines and by medium speed diesel engines, respectively. The emission of certain pollutants and greenhouse gases like SOx, soot and, mainly, CO2 can be reduced by using vegetable oils in these types of engines. This work discusses the potential of vegetable oils as fuel for power plant diesel engines and the problems that can be derived from their use. Current experiences with medium speed diesel engines together with the analysis carried out in this paper indicate that vegetable oils can substitute HFO and MGO, without almost any engine modification.
Editorial for the Special Issue Novel Food and Beverages: Production and Characterization: 2nd Edition
(MDPI, 2025) Pérez-Puyana, Víctor Manuel; Romero García, Alberto; Jiménez Rosado, Mercedes; Ingeniería y Ciencia de los Materiales y del Transporte; Ingeniería Química; TEP229: Tecnología y Diseño de Productos Multicomponentes
AI-empowered spectroscopic gas sensing towards real-time food system monitoring and predictive quality control
(Elsevier, 2025-10) Fangchen Ding; Rili Zha; Leiqing Pan; Xiao Dong Chen; García-Martín, Juan Francisco; Weijie Lan; Ingeniería Química; National Natural Science Fund of China; Innovational Fund for Scientific and Technological Personnel of Hainan Province; Research Startup Foundation of Nanjing Agricultural University; Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
Background The advancement of efficient, intelligent, and scalable detection technologies has become a critical priority for ensuring quality control throughout the food supply chain. Spectroscopic gas sensing (SGS) has emerged as a promising analytical approach, offering non-contact operation, rapid response, and high sensitivity. By monitoring changes in ambient gas composition associated with processing, transportation, and storage in food system, SGS techniques enable efficient assessment of food quality and safety. Scope and approach This review focuses on promising SGS techniques applied in food system, particularly non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy, tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy, and photoacoustic spectroscopy. Their fundamental principles, operational parameters, and performance characteristics are systematically reviewed for recent food-related applications. Notably, specific advances in AI-enabled SGS, including signal denoising, feature extraction, multimodal fusion, and dynamic feedback within cloud-edge-device frameworks are addressed. Finally, this review proposes a technical roadmap and conceptual framework for scaling up SGS in food system, highlighting emerging trends in integrating AI-enabled SGS with Internet of Things (IoT), flexible materials, and digital twin systems, and emphasizing the importance of standardized protocols and open spectral datasets for scalable implementation. Key findings and conclusion The integration of SGS technologies with advanced AI techniques enables rapid and non-contact detection of food gases at ppm to ppb levels, providing a powerful solution for real-time food system monitoring and predictive quality control. Furthermore, deep interconnection between AI-empowered SGS and IoT networks, intelligent packaging, and digital twin systems, together with the need for unified standards and accessible spectral datasets are crucial future trends.
Quantitative Prediction and Kinetic Modelling for the Thermal Inactivation of Brochothrix thermosphacta in Beef Using Hyperspectral Imaging
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-08-10) Qinglin Li; García-Martín, Juan Francisco; Fangchen Ding; Kang Tu; Weijie Lan; Changbo Tang; Xiaohua Liu; Leiqing Pan; Ingeniería Química; Key Research & Development Program of Jiangsu Province in China; nternational Science & Technology Cooperation Program of Hainan Province
In this work, the feasibility of simulating the thermal inactivation of Brochothrix thermosphacta in beef during heating processing based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI) in the wavelength range of 400–1000 nm was investigated. The Weibull and modified Gompertz kinetic models for the thermal inactivation of B. thermosphacta in beef heated in the range 40–60 °C were developed based on the full wavelength, featured spectral variables, and their principal component scores of HSI information, respectively. Notably, the specific wavebands at 412 nm and 735 nm showed a strong correlation with the surviving B. thermosphacta population during the beef heating process. The partial least squares regression models had a satisfactory ability in quantifying B. thermosphacta in beef, with an Rv2 and RMSE of 0.826 and 0.341 log CFU/g, respectively. Furthermore, the Weibull model coupled with the HSI at 735 nm was suitable for kinetic modeling of the thermal inactivation of B. thermosphacta in beef, with an R2 value of 0.937. Consequently, this work suggests the potential of the HSI technique for quantifying and monitoring microbes in meat during heating and can be applied for the thermal inactivation kinetic modeling of microorganisms.
Revalorization of Olive Stones from Olive Pomace: Phenolic Compounds Obtained by Microwave-Assisted Extraction
(MDPI, 2025-07-23) Castillo-Rivas, Alicia; Álvarez-Mateos, María Paloma; García-Martín, Juan Francisco; Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Universidad de Sevilla; European Union (UE)
Olive stones (OS) are a by-product of great interest from olive oil mills and the table olive industry due to their high content of phenolic compounds. In this work, the extraction of phenolic compounds from OS via microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) with aqueous acetone was assayed. A central composite design of experiments was used to determine the optimal extraction conditions, with the independent variables being temperature, process time, and aqueous acetone (v/v). The dependent variables were the total content of phenolic compounds (TPC) measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu method and the main phenolic compounds identified and quantified by UPLC. Under optimal conditions (75 °C, 20 min, and 60% acetone), 3.32 mg TPC was extracted from 100 g of dry matter (DM) OS. The most suitable extraction conditions were different for each polyphenol. Therefore, 292.11 μg vanillin/g DM; 10.94 μg oleuropein/g DM; and 10.11 protocatechuic acid μg/g DM were obtained under conditions of 60 °C, 15 min, and 100% acetone; 43.8 °C, 10.45 min, and 61.3% acetone; and 64.8 °C, 16.58 min, and 97.8% acetone, respectively. Finally, MAE was compared with the traditional Soxhlet method under the same conditions. As a result, MAE was proven to be an enhanced and more feasible method for polyphenol extraction from OS.
Emerging Trends in Sustainable Biological Resources and Bioeconomy for Food Production
(MDPI, 2025-06-11) Trujillo-Cayado, Luis Alfonso; Sánchez García, Rosa M.; García Domínguez, Irene; Rodríguez Luna, Azahara María; Hurtado-Fernández, Elena; Santos García, Jenifer; Ingeniería Química; Ministerio de Innovación, Ciencia y Empresa. España; TEP943: Reología Aplicada. Tecnología de Coloides
The mounting global population and the challenges posed by climate change underline the need for sustainable food production systems. This review synthesizes evidence for a dual-track bioeconomy, green (terrestrial plants and insects) and blue (aquatic algae), as complementary pathways toward sustainable nutrition. A comprehensive review of the extant literature, technical reports, and policy documents published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted, with a particular focus on environmental, nutritional, and techno-economic metrics. In addition, precision agriculture datasets, gene-editing breakthroughs, and circular biorefinery case studies were extracted and compared. As demonstrated in this study, the use of green resources, such as legumes, oilseeds, and edible insects, results in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water footprints compared with conventional livestock production. In addition, these alternative protein sources offer substantial benefits in terms of bioactive lipids. Blue resources, centered on micro- and macroalgae, furnish additional proteins, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidant pigments and sequester carbon on non-arable or wastewater substrates. The transition to bio-based resources is facilitated by technological innovations, such as gene editing and advanced extraction methods, which promote the efficient valorization of agricultural residues. In conclusion, the study strongly suggests that policy support be expedited and that research into bioeconomy technologies be increased to ensure the sustainable meeting of future food demands.
Use of the Glycolipopeptid Biosurfactant Produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Tw226 to Formulate Functional Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil Emulsions
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-04-28) Lara, Virginia M.; Gliemmo, María F.; Vallejo, Marisol; García González, María del Carmen; Alfaro Rodríguez, María del Carmen; Campos, Carmen A.; Ingeniería Química; Universidad de Buenos Aires; National Research Council of Argentina, CONICET; National Agency of Scientific and Technical Research
The stabilization of essential oils in emulsions using surfactants of natural origin is of significant interest, and the use of biosurfactants produced by lactic acid bacteria could be an alternative. In this study, the total and partial substitution of Tween 80 in cinnamon bark essential oil emulsions was proposed using a glycolipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Tw226. The oil-in-water emulsions formulated contained cinnamon bark oil at a concentration of 5 g/L, with Tween 80, the biosurfactant, or a mixture of both as the surfactant agent, reaching a final concentration of 5 g/L. Homogenization was performed using a high-speed homogenizer. The emulsion with both the biosurfactant and Tween 80 was classified as a nanoemulsion (Z-av < 200 nm) that was stable for eight weeks, while the one with only the biosurfactant was a mini-emulsion (200 > Z-av < 500 nm). Furthermore, the emulsion with a combination of surfactants exhibited antioxidant activity equal to that of the emulsion with only Tween 80 and higher than that of the emulsion with only the biosurfactant. The antifungal activities of the three emulsions against Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, and Zygosaccharomyces bailii did not change, regardless of the surfactant used, according to MIC values. In conclusion, a mixture of biosurfactant and Tween 80 or biosurfactant alone is an alternative for reducing or substituting synthetic surfactants in essential cinnamon bark oil emulsions, depending on their desired physical and functional properties. This work amplifies the scarce knowledge of essential oil emulsions stabilized with biosurfactants produced by lactic acid bacteria.
Synthesis and characterization of succinylated pectin hydrogels with enhanced swelling performances
(Elsevier, 2025-09) Liotino, Stefano; Cometa, Stefania; Todisco, Stefano; Mastrorilli, Piero; Bengoechea Ruiz, Carlos; Salomone, Antonio; De Giglio, Elvira; Ingeniería Química
A novel polymeric material was obtained through succinylation of pectin (S-Pec), resulting in greater stability, film-forming ability, transparency, swelling, and water retention capacity compared to native pectin (Pec). Spectroscopic techniques confirmed the success of the succinylation reaction performed on pectin, employing the reaction of galacturonic acid with succinic anhydride as a model reaction under similar experimental conditions. Moreover, fluorinated succinic anhydride was used to gain insight into the succinylation degree by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and a different thermal behavior of S-Pec compared to Pec was confirmed through thermoanalytical characterization. Additionally, the effect of cross-linking either Pec or S-Pec in the presence of divalent cations (i.e., calcium or magnesium ions) on water retention capacity and stability was tested. A significant improvement in the ability to absorb and retain water or saline solution was found for magnesium-crosslinked succinylated pectin, while the in vitro hydrogel stability was higher for the calcium-crosslinked one. The obtained polymer represents a promising substrate for the development of natural-based superabsorbent polymers.
Scientific Advances in STEM: Synergies to Achieve Success (Volume 3)
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-03-11) Beltrán, Ana M.; Torres Hernández, Yadir; Félix Ángel, Manuel; Ingeniería y Ciencia de los Materiales y del Transporte; Ingeniería Química

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