Anna Lenart-Boroń

Snowmaking systems are increasingly used to serve winter tourism in mountain regions, yet their role in the environmental dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated how snowmaking infrastructure affects the transport, retention and reduction of antibiotic residues, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and phenotypically resistant bacteria along two interconnected water chains feeding technical snow production in mountain catchments. Over two winter seasons (2023/24 and 2024/25), we quantified a panel of clinically relevant antibiotics, ARGs and resistance phenotypes in wastewater effluent, intake water, reservoirs, technical snow, aged snow, meltwater and receiving streams; culturable bacteria, resistance phenotypes and ARGs were additionally assessed in reservoir sediments and snow cannon filter material. Wastewater and intake water exhibited the highest antibiotic loads and ARG richness, dominated by fluoroquinolones, macrolides and β-lactam resistance determinants. Reservoirs accumulated substantial amounts of antibiotics but their reduction occurred further along the snowmaking chain. Fresh technical snow still contained multiple antibiotics and ARGs, and harbored resistant Enterobacteriaceae, indicating that snowmaking systems can redistribute AMR determinants into the snowpack. Aged snow, meltwater and receiving streams showed nearly complete loss of antibiotic residues and reduced ARG richness, due to processes of snow transformation and downstream transport. By integrating chemical, molecular and phenotypic data with the technical layout of the infrastructure, we identify specific components as AMR retention hotspots and clarify where barrier functions are most effective. Our findings demonstrate that snowmaking infrastructure can both concentrate and distribute antibiotic residues and resistance determinants in mountain catchments, highlighting the need to consider snowmaking systems in environmental AMR risk assessments and One Health frameworks.

Snowmaking systems are increasingly used to serve winter tourism in mountain regions, yet their role in the environmental dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated how snowmaking infrastructure affects the transport, retention and reduction of antibiotic residues, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and phenotypically resistant bacteria along two interconnected water chains feeding technical snow production in mountain catchments. Over two winter seasons (2023/24 and 2024/25), we quantified a panel of clinically relevant antibiotics, ARGs and resistance phenotypes in wastewater effluent, intake water, reservoirs, technical snow, aged snow, meltwater, receiving streams and reservoir sediments. Wastewater and intake water exhibited the highest antibiotic loads and ARG richness, dominated by fluoroquinolones, macrolides and β-lactam resistance determinants. Reservoirs accumulated substantial amount of antibiotics but their reduction occurred further along the snowmaking chain. Fresh technical snow still contained multiple antibiotics and ARGs, and harbored resistant Enterobacteriaceae and Aeromonas, indicating that snowmaking systems can redistribute AMR determinants into the snowpack. Aged snow, meltwater and receiving streams showed nearly complete loss of antibiotic residues and reduced ARG richness, due to processes of snow transformation and downstream transport. By integrating chemical, molecular and phenotypic data with the technical layout of the infrastructure, we identify specific components as AMR retention hotspots and clarify where barrier functions are most effective. Our findings demonstrate that snowmaking infrastructure can both concentrate and distribute antibiotic residues and resistance determinants in mountain catchments, highlighting the need to consider snowmaking systems in environmental AMR risk assessments and One Health frameworks.

This research focused on the formulation of a health-oriented, clean-label food product fortified with encapsulated bioactive compounds from Sambucus nigra, Aronia melanocarpa, and Echinacea purpurea. To evaluate the protection of these sensitive compounds during production and storage, a comprehensive characterization was performed. This included basic physicochemical analyses, phenolic profiling, antioxidant activity tests, as well as rheological and textural measurements. Furthermore, sensory analysis, consumer evaluation, and microbiological stability during storage were assessed. Results from Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses confirmed the structural integrity of the capsules post-processing. Additionally, the application of a starch–psyllium carrier ensured that the textural and rheological properties remained fully comparable to the control sample, preventing undesirable matrix alterations. Specifically, product hardness (1.17–1.23 N) and adhesiveness (8.17–8.94 N·s) were maintained at stable levels, while color alterations were minor and likely noticeable only to trained observers (ΔE* < 3.2). Microbiological evaluation demonstrated that the application of different formulated products effectively inhibited the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, with inhibition rates increasing from 3.4 to 39.7%. Collectively, the experimental data demonstrate that encapsulation is a highly effective strategy for fortifying fruit-based systems with sensitive extracts, successfully maximizing bioactivity retention while maintaining high product quality and sensory appeal.

Hyaluronic acid (HA)–based nanocapsules containing plant-derived bioactives are promising formulations for dermatological applications. In this study, nanocapsules containing extracts of Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis and Aesculus hippocastanum were synthesized and their structural and functional properties were characterized. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the formation of spherical nanostructures with uniform morphology, while rheological analyses demonstrated stable viscoelastic behavior suitable for topical application. Their antimicrobial potential was assessed on microorganisms isolated from multiple regions of healthy human skin and opportunistic pathogens. A diverse panel of approx. 100 bacterial and fungal isolates was identified using MALDI-TOF MS. The antimicrobial activity of formulations was compared with commonly used disinfectants: H₂O₂, octenidine, isopropanol and topical ophthalmic antiseptic. Arnica-based formulations showed the strongest inhibitory effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whereas chestnut extract demonstrated selective activity against Candida spp. Calendula-based formulations exhibited limited antimicrobial activity. These findings demonstrate that plant-extract-loaded HA nanocapsules exhibit selective antimicrobial properties dependent on extract type and microbial group, supporting their potential as multifunctional components of future dermatological formulations.

This work presents a method to encapsulate plant extracts within a binary polysaccharide carrier and to characterize the physicochemical and rheological performance of the resulting biocomposites in the context of food use. Using a starch/psyllium matrix, extracts from Sambucus nigra (SN), Aronia melanocarpa (AM), and Echinacea purpurea (EP) were effectively protected and incorporated through a stepwise workflow encompassing matrix preparation, encapsulation, structural verification, and functional assessment. SEM revealed a porous network containing uniformly distributed, extract-loaded spherical structures (~800–1500 nm), while FTIR supported the presence of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions that contributed to system stability. The prepared nanoemulsions showed shear-thinning (pseudoplastic) behavior, indicating favorable processing characteristics, whereas most physicochemical and bioactivity measurements were performed on lyophilized composites. The dried materials preserved extract-specific color signatures (ΔE > 5) and exhibited distinct thermal responses: AM produced a pronounced plasticizing effect (Tg reduced by >20 °C), while the incorporation of extracts generally delayed thermal degradation, consistent with polyphenol–starch interactions. Phase-transition behavior was also altered, with melting peaks suppressed for SN and AM and melting temperatures lowered for EP. Surface analysis indicated increased hydrophobicity and a reduced polar component of surface free energy, suggesting improved moisture barrier potential. Antioxidant capacity closely tracked total phenolic content (r > 0.94), with caffeic acid contributing strongly, particularly in EP-based systems. Antimicrobial activity depended on extract type (broad-spectrum for EP, selective for SN, minimal for AM), and the comparatively higher sensitivity of Gram-negative bacteria points to improved phenolic availability and membrane interactions upon encapsulation. Collectively, these results highlight the starch/psyllium matrix as a flexible platform for stabilizing plant extracts while enabling tunable functional attributes for functional food applications.

Hyaluronic acid (HA)–based nanocapsules containing plant-derived bioactives are promising formulations for dermatological applications. In this study, nanocapsules containing extracts of Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis and Aesculus hippocastanum were synthesized and their structural and functional properties were characterized. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the formation of spherical nanostructures with uniform morphology, while rheological analyses demonstrated stable viscoelastic behavior suitable for topical application. Their antimicrobial potential was assessed on microorganisms isolated from multiple regions of healthy human skin and opportunistic pathogens. A diverse panel of approx.. 100 bacterial and fungal isolates was identified using MALDI-TOF MS. Antimicrobial activity of formulations was compared with commonly used disinfectants: H₂O₂, octenidine, isopropanol and topical ophthalmic antiseptic. Arnica-based formulations showed the strongest inhibitory effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whereas chestnut extract demonstrated selective activity against Candida spp. Calendula-based formulation exhibited limited antimicrobial activity. These findings demonstrate that plant-extract-loaded HA nanocapsules exhibit selective antimicrobial properties dependent on extract type and microbial group, supporting their potential as multifunctional components of future dermatological formulations.

The increasing consumption of highly processed foods has resulted in a reduced intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, thereby intensifying interest in the development of functional food. This study aimed to enrich fruit mousses with bioactive compounds derived from elderberry extract using an encapsulation strategy. Three formulations were prepared: a control mousse, a mousse enriched via direct addition of the extract, and a mousse supplemented with a nanoemulsion. Comprehensive analyses, including SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), colorimetry, texture and rheological measurements, phenolic acid and flavonoid content, antioxidant and reducing activity, sensory evaluation, and microbiological assessment, confirmed the successful formation of submicron capsules (400–900 nm), effective incorporation of grape seed oil into the fruit mousse formulations, and minimal color alteration (ΔE* < 1). The enriched mousses exhibited slightly higher hardness (7.5%) and adhesiveness (5.4%) as well as enhanced antioxidant and reducing activity compared to the control. Rheological analyses indicated improved structural stability resulting from fortification. Sensory evaluation demonstrated good consumer acceptance, while microbiological analyses suggested a potential shelf-life extension due to inhibited microbial growth. Overall, encapsulation proved to be an effective approach for incorporating elderberry-derived bioactive substances into fruit mousses while preserving product quality.

This paper describes a study conducted to investigate the spread of Lecanosticta acicola, the cause of brown spot needle blight (BSNB), in Pinus mugo dune forests in the Polish Baltic region. Between 2023 and 2025, 22 sites were surveyed, including coastal forests and some ornamental plantings. Characteristic BSNB symptoms were recorded in 21 of the 22 locations, and the pathogen’s presence was confirmed through culture isolation and species-specific PCRs. The disease was most severe in compact, monospecific P. mugo thickets, where defoliation exceeded 30%, while mixed stands with P. sylvestris or occasionally P. nigra exhibited lower infection rates. A degree of infection of P. sylvestris was observed in proximity to heavily infected P. mugo stands, confirming interspecific transmission under high inoculum pressure. We observed nearly ubiquitous occurrence of L. acicola along the coast, suggesting an advanced stage of establishment. However, the very recent detection of the pathogen at the westernmost sites indicates ongoing westward spread. These findings highlight the vulnerability of coastal P. mugo populations and underline the need for genetic diversity data that would allow us to trace the origins and pathways of L. acicola spread in the south-eastern Baltic region. The potential adaptation of the pathogen to P. sylvestris in the future would pose a serious risk for Polish forestry.

This paper describes the study conducted to investigate the spread of Lecanosticta acicola, the cause of Brown Spot Needle Blight (BSNB), along the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea, with the main focus on Pinus mugo stands originally established for dune stabilization. Between 2023 and 2025, 22 sites were surveyed, including coastal forests and ornamental plantings. Characteristic BSNB symptoms were recorded in 21 of the 22 locations, and the pathogen’s presence was confirmed through culture isolation and species-specific PCRs. The disease was most severe in compact, monospecific P. mugo thickets, where defoliation exceeded 30%, while mixed stands with P. sylvestris or occasionally P. nigra exhibited lower infection rates. A degree of infection of P. sylvestris was observed in proximity to heavily infected P. mugo stands, confirming interspecific transmission under high inoculum pressure. We observed nearly ubiquitous occurrence of L. acicola along the coast suggesting an advanced stage of establishment. However, the very recent detection of the pathogen at the westernmost sites indicate ongoing westward spread. Human activity, particularly tourism, likely facilitates the pathogen’s dispersal between dune forests. These findings highlight the vulnerability of coastal P. mugo populations and underline the need for genetic diversity data that would allow to trace the origins and pathways of L. acicola spread in the south-eastern Baltic region. The potential adaptation of the pathogen to P. sylvestris poses a serious future risk for Polish forestry.

Polysaccharide-based composites, such as those containing chitosan, offer significant potential due to their biodegradability, non-toxicity and membrane-forming properties. Chitosan, due to its functional groups, is ideal for nano-/microcapsule formation. Encapsulation protects bioactive components from environ-mental stress, improves physicochemical properties and enhances biological and antimicrobial activity. This research has developed a surfactant-free method to produce beeswax and olive oil nano-/microcapsules stabilized solely within a chitosan matrix without synthetic stabilisers or additional surfactants. The formation of gels and films containing these nano/micro capsules was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Incorporation of the nano/micro capsules into the matrix reduced the mechanical properties compared to the control sample, but significantly improved the hydrophobicity and UV barrier properties. Microbiological tests revealed mild antibacterial properties, highlighting the potential of the composites for applications in cosmetics, such as emulsions and creams, and in food technology, as coatings and packaging materials. The encapsulation process enables the straightforward integration of bioactive ingredients, thus expanding the potential applications.