Ma. del Rocío López Cuellar

1. Biological food contamination causes annual losses exceeding USD 110 billion and results in approximately 420,000 human deaths [1]. Globally, more than 200 foodborne diseases (FBDs) caused by pa...

Foodborne diseases (FBDs) are a major global public health problem, causing millions of deaths annually and substantial economic losses. Antimicrobial treatment is increasingly challenged by bacterial resistance. Essential oils from herbs and spices, such as carvacrol from thyme and oregano, offer potential solutions due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. However, its stability and its controlled release are affected by media and environmental conditions. Nanoencapsulation presents a promising alternative to address these challenges. This review analyzes 44 original papers and 21 patents concerning the recent advancements in the nanoencapsulation of carvacrol over the past decade, focusing on natural matrices and their applications in food, packaging, and human health fields. Various encapsulation techniques and matrices have been explored, demonstrating that nanoencapsulation can maintain the stability and antimicrobial efficacy of carvacrol. Moreover, nanoencapsulated carvacrol shows promising applications in inhibiting biofilm formation and quorum sensing, as well as exhibiting anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Patents related to nanoencapsulated carvacrol highlight its potential for intelligent packaging and healthcare. Nanoencapsulated carvacrol is a promising alternative to synthetic antimicrobials and as an adjuvant in inflammatory disease treatments and cancer, offering enhanced efficacy and versatility in applications.

First report on the co-production of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) by halophilic archaea Haloferax mucosum.

Se realizó un estudio bibliométrico relativo a investigaciones originales sobre aislamiento de bacterias ácido lácticas y sus productos, realizadas por grupos de investigación mexicanos, y publicadas en revistas científicas incluidas en el Journal Citation ReportsTM, en el periodo 2001-2020. Se registraron 49 artículos de investigación original, con enfoques en taxonomía microbiana y caracterización de metabolitos funcionales. Las principales fuentes de aislamiento fueron productos de agave y leche, y la UNAM fue la institución más productiva en el periodo analizado. Todas las investigaciones se publicaron en revistas extranjeras.

Initiatives to reduce plastic waste are currently under development worldwide. As a part of it, the European Union and private and public organizations in several countries are designing and implementing regulations for single-use plastics. For example, by 2030, plastic packaging and food containers must be reusable or recyclable. In another approach, researchers are developing biopolymers using biodegradable thermoplastics, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), to replace fossil derivatives. However, their production capacity, high production costs, and poor mechanical properties hinder the usability of these biopolymers. To overcome these limitations, biomaterials reinforced with natural fibers are acquiring more relevance as the world of bioplastics production is increasing. This review presents an overview of PHA–vegetal fiber composites, the effects of the fiber type, and the production method’s impact on the mechanical, thermal, barrier properties, and biodegradability, all relevant for biopackaging. To acknowledge the behaviors and trends of the biomaterials reinforcement field, we searched for granted patents focusing on bio-packaging applications and gained insight into current industry developments and contributions.

Microorganisms have developed quorum sensing (QS) systems to detect small signaling molecules that help to control access to additional nutrients and space in highly competitive polymicrobial niches. Many bacterial processes are QS-regulated; two examples are the highly related traits of the natural genetic competence state and the production of antimicrobial peptides such as bacteriocins. The Streptococcus genus is widely studied for its competence and for its ability to produce bacteriocins, as these antimicrobial peptides have significant potential in the treatment of infections caused by multiple-resistant pathogens, a severe public health issue. The transduction of a two-component system controls competence in streptococci: (1) ComD/E, which controls the competence in the Mitis and Anginosus groups, and (2) ComR/S, which performs the same function in the Bovis, Mutans, Salivarius, and Pyogenic groups. The cell-to-cell communication required for bacteriocin production in the Streptococcus groups is controlled mainly by a paralog of the ComD/E system. The relationships between pheromone signals and induction pathways are related to the bacteriocin production systems. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in the understanding of signaling and the induction of bacteriocin biosynthesis by QS regulation in streptococci. This information could aid in the design of better methods for the development and production of these antimicrobial peptides. It could also contribute to the analysis and emerging applications of bacteriocins in terms of their safety, quality, and human health benefits.