Open Access journal ISSN (Print) 2344-2344 - ISSN (Online) 2344-5300 This journal is no longer being updated because: the publisher no longer provides RSS feeds
Authors:Cristina Elena GHERASIM, Francisc Vasile DULF, Andrea BUNEA, Dumitriţa RUGINĂ, Adela PINTEA Abstract: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of the addition of lipids with different origin and unsaturation degree on the bioaccessibility of major carotenoids from raw baby spinach leaves. The standardized INFOGEST protocol of static in vitro digestion was applied to determine the bioaccessibility of lutein and β-carotene from baby spinach, before and after the addition of avocado pulp (5% and 10%) and sour cream (10% and 20%), as lipid sources. Baby spinach leaves, avocado fruits and sour cream were characterized in terms of carotenoid composition, lipid content and fatty acids profile by C30-HPLC-DAD and GC-MS. The bioaccessibility of lutein was lower (7.1%) than that of β-carotene (9.05%) from unsupplemented baby spinach leaves. Addition of avocado and sour cream determined a significant decrease of lutein bioaccessibility, especially in the case of high concentration of sour cream (20%). Oppositely, the bioaccessibility of β-carotene was increased by the addition of both lipid sources, at both concentrations, with a significant improvement for 10% sour cream, from 9.05% to 13.28%. Generally, the highest amount of lipid did not result in better bioaccessibility of carotenoids. PubDate: 2023-10-03 DOI: 10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:2023.0005 Issue No:Vol. 80, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Bogdan Florin HODIȘAN, Floricuța RANGA, Elena-Suzana BIRIȘ-DORHOI, Anca-Corina FĂRCAȘ, Maria TOFANĂ Pages: xx - xx Abstract: Wine is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Romania, as a country, has a history in vineyards and wine making. This present study analyzed the phenolic compounds of 5 varieties of wine from Romania (Fetească Regală Muscat Ottonel, Riesling Italian, Pinot Gris and Merlot). The results suggested that some of the wines present a wide category of phenolic compounds where others present low values and some of the compounds are absent as detected with a developed HPLC-DAD-ESI+ method. Phenolic compounds were identified after the retention time. Merlot wine presented, in most cases, the highest values for phenolic compounds, with a few exceptions. As a conclusion, romanian wines are rich in phenolic compounds that possess a series of beneficial properties. PubDate: 2023-07-27 DOI: 10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:2023.0006 Issue No:Vol. 80, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Bianca ENARU, Anca FĂRCAŞ, Andreea STĂNILĂ, Sonia SOCACI, Zoriţa DIACONEASA Pages: 1 - 13 Abstract: Liposomes are nanoscale spheroidal vesicles, predominantly composed of phospholipids, that offer a hydrophilic core surrounded by a hydrophobic bilayer. Their unique structure endows them with excellent biocompatibility and the ability to house both hydrophilic and lipophilic agents, making them exceptionally suited for targeted delivery applications. This versatility has seen liposomes gain widespread use in various industries, including medicine, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. This comprehensive review meticulously examines the spectrum of liposome fabrication techniques, providing insight into their respective advantages and limitations. Specifically, we scrutinize methods such as reverse phase evaporation, freeze drying, the Bangham method (also known as the thin film hydration technique), ethanol injection, the emulsion method, and ultrasonication. Each of these methodologies contributes to the array of liposomal forms, influencing their final characteristics and suitability for different applications. The present review categorizes liposomes based on the fabrication technique, offering a comparative perspective that is instrumental for researchers and practitioners in selecting the optimal method for their specific delivery system needs. PubDate: 2023-11-19 DOI: 10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:2023.0004 Issue No:Vol. 80, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Mihaela Cristina BUHAȘ, Adelin Rareș CANDREA, Alexandru TĂTARU, Anamaria BOBOIA, Andreea BOCA, Doina MIERE, Laura Ioana GAVRILAȘ Pages: 14 - 24 Abstract: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease which highly impacts the quality of life of psoriatic patients. Although the pathogenesis of psoriasis is multifactorial, recent evidence suggest that alterations in the intestinal microbiome play an important role suggesting a clear status of dysbiosis associated with the disease. This study aimed to assess the frequency of probiotic and prebiotic food consumption in psoriasis patients in Romania (n = 122), with an emphasis on potential dietary risk or protective factors linked with psoriasis. The results showed that consuming fermented and probiotic foods, such as fermented dairy products, kombucha, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, may have an essential role in limiting or alleviating psoriasis symptoms. Future research should also investigate this relationship, considering other food groups, such as fish, meat, and fats, using a national validated food frequency questionnaire. PubDate: 2023-11-19 DOI: 10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:2022.0026 Issue No:Vol. 80, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Veronica Sanda CHEDEA, Liliana Lucia TOMOIAGĂ, Floricuța RANGA, Maria-Doinița MUNTEAN, Alexandra SÎRBU, Maria COMȘA, Jeanine CRUCERU, Horia-Silviu RĂCOARE, Raluca Maria POP Pages: 25 - 36 Abstract: Following the global trend of selling high-quality wines, those produced in Blaj vineyard must be superior due to a highly competitive market and consumer tastes and demands. Because the quality of wine is given by both sensory and chemical properties this work presents the phenolic fingerprint, the general chemical characteristics, and the sensory properties of the 2021 Blaj Muscat Ottonel wine as well as the phenolic composition of the grapes from which this wine was produced. Grape phenolics were represented by flavanols (73%), flavonols (14%), hydroxybenzoic acids (9.08 %) and hydroxycinnamic acids (4%), while wine phenolics by flavanols (42%), hydroxycinnamic acids (33%) and hydroxybenzoic acids (15%). Catechin and procyanidin dimer B1 were identified both in grapes and in wine. More than half of the grapes’ procyanidin dimer B1 (3.638 mg/g out of 6.379 mg/g) and more than one-tenth of grapes’ catechin (1.570 mg/g out of 9.298 mg/g) were found in wine. As the general and sensory qualities of the Blaj Muscat Ottonel wine were kept within the limits of a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) demi-sweet wine, the presence of resveratrol glucoside, catechin, and procyanidin in its content supports the idea of classifying this wine as a potential nutraceutical ‘functional wine’. PubDate: 2023-11-19 DOI: 10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:2023.0047 Issue No:Vol. 80, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Alexandra-Ioana GLOGOVEȚAN, Dan-Cristian DABIJA, Cristina Bianca POCOL Pages: 49 - 59 Abstract: This groundbreaking study leverages Google Trends to probe into consumer awareness of Romanian food products certified under European quality schemes, Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), and Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG), delivering prompt insights and addressing an existing research void. By adopting an innovative methodology through big data analytics - Google Trends and analyzing 12 sets of search terms, this study brings fresh insights to academic discourse and provides valuable information for marketers and policymakers. Prominent search interest was detected for 'Salam de Sibiu', ‘Plăcintă dobrogeană', and 'Magiun de prune Topoloveni', pointing to significant consumer familiarity. The study also unveiled regional search patterns, signifying location-based preferences, and potential marketing prospects. However, a marked contrast was found between the high interest in the products and the relatively low awareness of their European quality labels, highlighting a need for enhanced communication initiatives around these certifications. The study could be limited by its focus on Romanian certified food products, which may not be applicable to other geographical contexts. Future research endeavours may also seek to integrate data from Google Trends data with additional indicators of consumer behaviour. PubDate: 2023-11-21 DOI: 10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:2023.0009 Issue No:Vol. 80, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Mircea-Valentin MUNTEAN, Ovidiu RANTA, Ovidiu MARIAN, Vlad STOIAN Pages: 68 - 77 Abstract: Milk is a source of proteins, lipids, vitamins and minerals and its quality can be assessed according to hygienic, nutritional, technological and sensory parameters. The main parameters are: somatic cells count, total number of germs, fat content, protein, lactose, nonfat dry matter, pH. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the characteristics of raw milk from vending machines in a period that includes the July-August summer months and comply qualitative standards: European Regulations 853/2004 and 854/2004 and National Veterinary and Food Safety Authority of Romania (A.N.S.V.S.A.) no. 111/2008 and no. 55/2010. Samples were collected simultaneously from 3 vending machines during a 2-year period, while the ambient temperature at the time of collection varied between 23…31 0C at the time of collection from vending machines. The following parameters were determined: total plate count (TPC), the somatic cell count (SCC), and the content of fat, protein, lactose, casein. All data were analyzed with R Studio soft-ware. Graphic analysis of results was performed with “vegan” package, based on both influence of year and automatic vending machine and related to NTG values. PubDate: 2023-11-21 DOI: 10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:2022.0021 Issue No:Vol. 80, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Oana NEGREAN, Anca FĂRCAȘ, Sonia SOCACI, Călina CIONT, Mădălina MEDELEANU, Elemer SIMON, Oana POP Pages: 78 - 87 Abstract: Prunus spinosa L., commonly known as blackthorn, is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, vitamins, minerals, and organic acids, displaying strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties. This investigation aims to assess bioactive compounds in fresh and lyophilized blackthorn fruits and analyze ethanolic extracts for phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial effects. The primary objective was to develop a chitosan-based film with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, targeting the enhancement of food packaging solutions, along with inhibition of S. aureus bacteria. Results showed that ethanolic extracts of blackthorn possess significant antimicrobial efficacy, demonstrating notable effectiveness against S. aureus. Notably, the film incorporating an 80% ethanolic extract demonstrated greater effectiveness against S. aureus-inoculated cheese. This outcome underscores the inhibitory potential of blackthorn extracts on S. aureus growth within a food matrix. PubDate: 2023-11-19 DOI: 10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:2023.0032 Issue No:Vol. 80, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Mirha PAZALJA, Amina LINDOV, Melika SPAHIĆ, Mirsada SALIHOVIĆ Pages: 88 - 94 Abstract: Iron deficiency anemia is one of the main health issues that has an impact on cognitive function, physical ability, immune function, and reproductive performance. Therefore, this study focused on the determination of iron content in leafy plants cultivated in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the average daily intake of iron via consumption of these plants. The plant samples were prepared by wet digestion with nitric acid (HNO3), and iron content was determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The mean concentration of Fe ranged from 41.97 mg/kg for Brassica oleracea var. acephala to 338.73 mg/kg for Spinacia oleracea. Daily intakes for different leafy plants were also calculated. The leafy plants were arranged by daily iron intake in the following decreasing order Spinacia oleracea > Beta vulgaris > Atriplex hortensis > Urtica dioica > Brassica oleracea var. acephala. Results from this study indicate that leafy plants can be a significant source of iron. The findings conclusively suggest that our local leafy plants are good source of iron through diet. PubDate: 2023-11-15 DOI: 10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:2023.0002 Issue No:Vol. 80, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Teodor RUSU, Paula Ioana MORARU, Olimpia Smaranda MINTAȘ, Mihai Marcel CĂRBUNAR, Horia POP, Ioan Nicolae LUPUȚ Pages: 95 - 107 Abstract: Microgreens produced hydroponically at home, represent a solution of the future due to the advantages it has. The purpose of this research is to analyze certain elements relevant for the microgreens crop (basil and lettuce), simultaneously, in identical low-cost hydroponic platforms, in operational (common spaces) and semi-controlled conditions (plant growing tent). The obtained results were analyzed, both from the point of view of the growing conditions and the influence of light regimes, as well as the development of seedlings, production (fresh weight and dry weight) and quality (total phenolic) of the microgreens. In operational environmental conditions there is a higher variation of the environmental parameters, compared to the semi-controlled environment, but the oscillation of natural light seems to have a better influence on the development of microgreens. Internode length in operational environmental conditions varies for basil between 25.2-35.2 mm, for lettuce between 31.9-32.8 mm, and in semi-controlled environmental conditions, it varies for basil between 25.2-32.1 mm and for lettuce between 30.2-31.9 mm. In semi-controlled conditions, the average fresh weight production achieved by the two species (and four varieties) is 734.73 g m-2 for basil, 809.56 g m-2 for lettuce, and represents 823.74 g m-2 for basil, 777.61 g m-2 for lettuce in operational environmental conditions. The variability of the data recorded for total phenols is very high. Lettuce contains 98-107.33 mg kg-1, and basil 107.67-186.33 mg kg-1 total phenols. Feedback from these tests will be used for final validation of the low-cost hydroponic platform components. PubDate: 2023-11-24 DOI: 10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:2023.0008 Issue No:Vol. 80, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Peter ŠEDÍK, Martina HUDECOVÁ, Cristina Bianca POCOL, Renáta VARGOVÁ Pages: 108 - 118 Abstract: The paper presents an interdisciplinary study involving consumer research complemented by analytical research. The research aim is to identify the mineral content of 5 different types of monofloral honey produced in Slovakia as well as the behaviour of Slovak honey consumers (n=600), but mainly their preferences and awareness of honey quality and its nutritional value. The results showed that honey produced by Slovak beekeepers contained trace and major minerals such as K, Ca, Mg, Na, Mn, Al, Fe, Ba, Sr, Li, Zn. The highest mineral content was identified in honeydew honey and linden honey while the lowest content was in acacia honey and rapeseed honey. Consumer research revealed that most consumers were not able to list nutritional values or specific minerals which are found in honey. The antibacterial activity was indicated by the majority of respondents as the most frequent positive effect of honey. The most preferred monofloral honey was honeydew honey followed by acacia honey and linden honey. PubDate: 2023-11-15 DOI: 10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:2023.0037 Issue No:Vol. 80, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Sofia PAPPOU, Michail Angelos VALSAMIDIS, John BATJAKAS, Vasileios BAKOPOULOS Pages: 119 - 126 Abstract: Efforts are made to produce functional aquaculture diets capable of promoting fish growth and health while being sustainable at social, economic and environmental levels. One of the emerging threats in aquaculture has become the antibiotic resistance phenomena due to antimicrobial drugs. Therefore, functional feed additives of marine origin have been introduced globally as an alternative to fish antibiotics. Towards the selection of natural and sustainable resources of bioactive compounds, seaweed has been proven to be a source of valuable substances showing antibacterial activity. Aim of this study is to evaluate the inhibition of bacterial growth caused by an ethanolic extract of the macroalgae Ulva lactuca against important aquaculture bacterial strains. Vibrio anguillarum O1, Photobacterium damselae sub. piscicida and Tenacibaculum maritimum, were incubated for 48 hours in sterile Brain Heart Infusion Broth and tested for resistance to the extract using broth cultures. The algal extract successfully inhibited the growth of all strains. The optimum inhibition was achieved for VAO1 and PHDP by the undiluted and 1:1 diluted extract, while for TMAR, by the 1:3 dilution as well. The antibacterial activity that the extract provided is considered to be the result of the containing bioactive compounds of the algal strain, such as polysaccharides, carotenoids and phenolic compounds. PubDate: 2023-11-15 DOI: 10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:2023.0027 Issue No:Vol. 80, No. 2 (2023)
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