Rosalva Mora-Escobedo

The industrialization of potato and tomato produces large amount of wastes. Previous studies have demonstrated that these by-products are rich in antioxidant compounds. In this study, the composition and antioxidant efficacy of extracts from potato and tomato by-products were determined in order to evaluate their potential as food additives. Potato and tomato wastes showed to be good sources of fiber, protein and antioxidants. The antioxidant activity and total phenolic, carotenoid and lycopene contents were determined in methanol, ethanol and acetone extracts of the residues. Methanol was the best solvent for the extraction of phenolics while acetone was the best in the extraction of carotenoids in both residues. The greatest antioxidant activity (14.10 μmol Trolox/g) resulted when potato peels were extracted with ethanol. The oxidative stability of canola oil containing either ethanol extracts of potato and tomato wastes (200 and 400 mg/kg) or the synthetic antioxidant BHT (200 mg/kg), compared to oil without antioxidants, was evaluated by measuring their peroxide values, conjugated dienes and p-anisidine value after 72 and 144 h storage at 65 °C. The order of antioxidant efficacy was as follows: potato peels > BHT > tomato residues. The results showed that ethanol extracts of potato and tomato waste could be used as natural antioxidant additives in the protection of vegetable oils.

Sustainable revalorization of agave bagasse, a lignocellulosic residue from mezcal production, is essential for environmental management. This study evaluated its potential as a substrate for the in vitro cultivation of the wild edible mushroom Pleurotus agaves. Characterization revealed a robust lignocellulosic matrix (70.9–75.87% NDF, 42.05–51.18% ADF and 10% lignin) and significant antioxidant potential, particularly in A. marmorata, which also exhibited higher total reducing sugars (11.94 mg/mL). This provides an energetic advantage for initial mycelial growth. Substrate microstructure was analyzed via microscopy (CLSM/SEM) before and after thermal pretreatment (55 °C). The IE-2038 strain was tested in five formulations: straw (P-55), bagasse (B-55), and straw–bagasse mixtures at 50–50%, 25–75%, and 75–25%. Mycelial growth rates indicated that PB-55 and pB-55 exhibited the fastest fungal colonization (8.2 mm/day and 8.3 mm/day). Microstructural analysis revealed significant damage to the polymeric organization of the bagasse, caused by mezcal production techniques and thermal treatment. This damage made lignin and cellulose more accessible for P. agaves. This synergy is supported by the adaptation of P. agaves to agave stalks. These findings confirm the capacity of bagasse as a sustainably bioprocessed substrate for edible mushroom cultivation, providing an effective alternative for the revalorization of agro-industrial residues that contribute to the circular economy.

Overexploitation has led to a rise in pathogenic bacteria within aquaculture, increasing reliance on antibiotics, and developing microorganism resistance. This situation underscores the need to explore alternatives with a reduced ecological impact. Metabolites derived from essential oils have demonstrated antimicrobial properties that can inhibit or diminish the activity of various microorganisms. In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oils against pathogenic bacteria (Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Shewanella, Comamonas, Vibrio, Acinetobacter, and Empedobacter) isolated from tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) brooded in Hidalgo State, Mexico, were investigated. Diffusion tests were conducted using discs infused with 12 different antibiotics and discs infused with essential oils at concentrations of 15, 10, and 5 μL each. Minimal inhibitory concentration tests were performed using a 96-well microplate format. All bacterial strains exhibited multi-resistance to various antibiotics; however, thyme and cinnamon effectively inhibited the tested bacteria at the lowest concentrations, while tea tree oil was the least effective. The findings suggest the potential incorporation of thyme and cinnamon as an alternative prevention to decrease the use of antibiotic treatment.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) have demonstrated potential biomedical application, mainly for cancer treatment. In this work, SPION were successfully synthesized by the coprecipitation method, followed by coating and functionalization with 3-aminopropyl- triethoxysilane (APTES). The synthesized samples (SPION and SPION@APTES) were characterized by their microscopic morphology, electrical charge, composition, and their superparamagnetic behavior was confirmed by SQUID analysis. The aqueous stability of SPION and SPION@APTES was significantly improved upon APTES coating, enhancing their potential as therapeutic molecules. Evaluation of cell viability upon exposure to SPION was assessed through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in three cell- lines (non-tumoral HaCaT, tumoral cervical HeLa, and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer). HeLa cells showed greater tolerance to both samples of SPION than the other cell lines. Conversely, MDA- MB-231 and HaCaT cells showed significant differences between SPION and SPION@APTES. A dose-dependent decrease in cell viability was observed in the three cell-lines at concentrations >200 μg ml⁻¹ for both samples SPION and SPION@APTES. It was demonstrated that dosage, exposure time, and the use of specific cell-lines must be considered when assessing SPION toxicity and its therapeutic potential.

The use of elicitors during germination is a strategy to enhance the nutritional quality and biofunctional properties of various legumes, such as chickpeas, which are important sources of proteins and bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the use of chitosan (CH) and sucrose (SU) during sprouting on protein content, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity (AOX). For this purpose, soaking time, elicitor concentration (CH or SU), and sprouting time were optimized to obtain maximum values for the response variables. The results showed that the optimal conditions for achieving increases in nutritional and biofunctional properties were 1 h of soaking, 0.35% w/v, and 5 days of sprouting for CH, and 2.55 h of soaking, 1% w/v, and 5 days of sprouting for SU. Under these conditions, protein content increased by 7–12%, IVPD by 78–86%, TPC by 379–327%, and AOX by 115% for CH and SU, respectively. Additionally, morphological changes were observed in the cellular structure of chickpea cotyledons, but no changes were detected in the crystalline structure of starch. These results contribute to the understanding of the effect of CH and SU in modifying the nutritional and biofunctional properties of chickpeas.

Aloe barbadensis is a natural source of bioactive compounds whose combined effects have been linked to the improvement of several diseases. There is scientific evidence obtained through in vitro and in vivo assays showing the possible benefits of aloe gel. The aim of this research was to characterize and determine the in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and antibacterial capacities of aloe gel extract. The gel was extracted by removing the exocarp of aloe leaves. Physicochemical characterization, antioxidant activity, quantification of phenolic compounds, spectroscopic techniques (Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Raman, XPS and XRD) and in vitro biological activities were then performed. The aloe gel contained 66.95% of polysaccharides, corresponding to dietary fiber. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy revealed bands of functional groups (e.g., COO-, CO-, and OH) related to the structure of polymannans. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed the presence of minerals such as manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, potassium, sodium, and cobalt. The phenolic compounds identified by HPLC were diverse, highlighting the presence of aloe emodin, aloin and gallic acid. The aloe gel exhibited anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and antibacterial (Salmonella Typhi, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) activities, indicating the possible use of Aloe barbadensis M. as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of diseases.

Cognitive disorders are medical conditions that affect the nervous system and can modify the structural, biochemical, or electrical functions of the brain, spinal cord, or nerves through neuroinflammation. While medications and lifestyle changes can be effective treatments, it is important to note that pharmacologic agents carry dangerous long-term side effects, including an increased risk of liver inflammation. Fortunately, there are many secondary plant metabolites that show antioxidant and neuroinflammation activity, providing alternative treatment options. Aloe barbadensis has a long history of use in traditional medicine due to its biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, hepatic protective, and neuroprotective properties. Aloe barbadensis could have potential to alleviate cognitive disorders through its anti-inflammatory effects. This chapter explores the limited research available on the subject and the potential of Aloe barbadensis and its biological components.

Peptide and protein delivery systems based on degradable poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) capsules offer a promising solution for several problems in conventional drug administration. The use of peptide-loaded PLGA capsules allows continuous release of the bioactive compound, which improves the efficacy of medical therapies and reduces negative side effects for patients. However, these systems must be vectorized to ensure that the release occurs mainly near the damaged tissues or cells. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are well known for their ability to be oriented under an external magnetic field and have been investigated for potential biomedical applications. This chapter evaluates degradable PLGA capsules loaded with IONPs and bioactive peptides from germinated soybeans as potential peptide delivery systems for cancer treatment. In addition, ferroptosis, a newly identified type of cell death related to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the accumulation of intracellular iron, and lipid peroxidation, is considered in this context.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when given in sufficient amounts, provide health benefits to the host by altering the composition of the intestinal microbiota and affecting multiple signaling pathways involved in the immune response, metabolic alterations, and the gut-brain axis. This chapter analyzes the effect of probiotic consumption on pathogenic bacteria in the host’s digestive tract and the role of the intestinal microbiota in bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal system and the brain. Understanding the relationship among probiotics, the modulation of the intestinal microbiota and the health of the host will be useful for the design of new probiotics.

This chapter explores the benefits of soybean, beginning with its significance as a global crop due to its low cost, nutritional value, and health benefits. It provides a general overview of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. It is argued that these biological benefits can be attributed to soybean components, such as phenolic compounds, proteins, and bioactive peptides. The interaction between these components and the intestinal microbiota, which may have a positive effect on certain diseases, is discussed. Furthermore, the chapter describes how the germination process enhances the availability and quantity of these beneficial compounds. It highlights the recent advancements in web servers and bioinformatics tools for the search and prediction of peptides with anticancer activity. It also examines soybean-based products that have been assessed in both in vitro and in vivo models and have demonstrated therapeutic effects.