María Jesús Moreno-Vásquez

Resveratrol is a phenolic compound with recognized antioxidant activity; however, its application is limited by its low stability and poor gastrointestinal bioavailability. This study investigated the functionalization of zein with resveratrol through a free radical-mediated grafting reaction using an ascorbic acid/hydrogen peroxide redox system and evaluated the effect of dialysis on the resulting conjugates. The materials were characterized by UV–Vis, FTIR, XPS, XRD, SEM, DSC, and TGA. Protein and total phenolic contents were determined using the Bradford and Folin–Ciocalteu assays, antioxidant activity was evaluated by ABTS and DPPH, and stability was assessed under simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Spectroscopic, structural, morphological, and thermal analyses indicated modifications in the zein matrix after functionalization, with dialysis producing a more homogeneous surface morphology. The functionalized materials exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity than native zein, reaching ABTS and DPPH inhibition values of 87–93% and 84–86%, respectively, comparable to free resveratrol. During simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the conjugates maintained resveratrol contents between 885.9 and 1115.0 μmol GAE/g, although significant time-dependent variations were detected within each treatment (p < 0.05). Overall, free radical-mediated functionalization provided zein–resveratrol conjugates with improved physicochemical stability while preserving the antioxidant properties of resveratrol, supporting their potential application as protein-based delivery systems for phenolic bioactive compounds.

Electrospraying has emerged as a promising technique for producing biopolymeric structures containing bioactive compounds. In this study, gelatin and gelatin–curcumin nanoparticles were produced by uniaxial electrospraying, and the effects of gelatin and curcumin extract concentrations on their rheological, morphological, and physicochemical characteristics were evaluated. Gelatin solutions (5–15% w/v) were first characterized by rheological analysis, which exhibited Newtonian flow behavior over the evaluated concentration range, favorable for the electrospraying process. Electrospraying was performed at fixed conditions of 15 kV voltage, 0.1 mL h⁻¹ flow rate, and 10 cm tip-to-collector distance. Increasing gelatin concentrations influenced the resulting morphology, with structures ranging from pearled fibers to spherical particles and, at higher concentrations, fibers with few pearls. Gelatin structures exhibited mean hydrodynamic diameters of 420.63–762.66 nm, determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS), with PDI values of 0.49–0.89. At a fixed gelatin concentration of 8% (w/v), varying curcumin extract concentration from 1 to 5% (w/v) resulted in a non-linear change in particle size, with mean diameters ranging from 196.30 to 622.16 nm and PDI values of 0.60–0.79. The selected formulation containing 8% (w/v) gelatin and 5% (w/v) curcumin extract exhibited the highest absolute zeta potential (−28.56 ± 1.25 mV), suggesting a lower tendency toward particle aggregation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) supported molecular interactions between gelatin and curcumin. Overall, the results demonstrate that formulation composition influences the morphology, particle size distribution, and surface charge of gelatin–curcumin structures produced by uniaxial electrospraying. Further studies are required to evaluate encapsulation efficiency, curcumin storage stability, release behavior, and biological performance.

The development of sustainable biopolymer-based active packaging materials is essential to replace single-use petroleum-derived plastics and reduce food deterioration. In this study, chitosan-based films incorporating green-synthesized silver microparticles (Ag microparticles) obtained from pecan nutshell extract rich in phenolic compounds were developed as multifunctional materials with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Films were prepared by the casting method using chitosan solutions at different concentrations (1.5–2.5% w/v), with Ag microparticles incorporated at 0.25% (w/v). The phenolic profile of the extract (gallic acid, catechin, ferulic acid, and ellagic acid), determined by UPLC-DAD, confirmed its role as a reducing and stabilizing agent during Ag microparticle synthesis. All film-forming solutions exhibited non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior, and variations in viscosity and consistency were directly reflected in the mechanical behavior of the films. Strong antioxidant activity, mainly governed by single-electron transfer mechanisms, was observed in ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The films also showed pronounced antibacterial activity, achieving complete inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes. Finally, it is concluded that film mechanical properties are strongly governed by the rheological behavior of the chitosan-based film-forming solutions. The resulting chitosan-Ag microparticle films combine suitable mechanical behavior with antioxidant activity and antibacterial effects against Listeria monocytogenes, suggesting their potential for future application in active food-packaging systems.

The water quality of the Sonora River in spring 2025 was investigated by measuring concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Ni), total/fecal coliform counts, and the presence of Escherichia coli. Wells' water samples were collected from Bacoachi, Arizpe, Huepac, San Felipe de Jesús, Banamichi, Aconchi, Baviacora, Mazocahui, Ures, and Hermosillo. Fecal coliforms, E. coli, Hg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Ni were not detected. Total coliform counts exceeded the NOM-210-SSA1-2014 permissible limits, and Pb concentrations were within the NOM-127-SSA1-2021 limits. No safe threshold for Pb concentration in drinking water has been established due to its toxicity; therefore, continuous monitoring is essential for tracking Pb levels and reducing the risk of total coliform contamination in the Sonora River.

In this study, we investigate the valorization of asparagus processing by-products—cut-off waste (CAW) and whole asparagus waste (WAW)—as sources of bioactive compounds, primarily polyphenolics, and their conjugation with chitosan (CS) to enhance their antioxidant and antibacterial properties, with potential applications as a food-preservation additive. Aqueous (CAWaq, WAWaq) and ethanolic (CAWet, WAWet) extracts were prepared and characterized to determine total phenol and flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, and polyphenolic compound profile. Among the extracts, WAWaq exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with a total phenolic content of 9.93 mg gallic acid equivalents/g DW, and quercetin, rutin, and phenolic acids were identified as major constituents. A novel conjugate (WAWaq–CS) was synthesized via free-radical-mediated chemical modification of chitosan with WAWaq and characterized by means of ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and determination of bioactive properties. WAWaq-CS improved the antioxidant activity of chitosan and exhibited selective inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus across all tested concentrations, inducing cell death, as confirmed by resazurin viability and optical density measurements. Conversely, Pediococcus acidilactici maintained viability at low concentrations, preserving probiotic functionality in antibacterial systems. These findings indicate the potential of asparagus waste extract–chitosan conjugates as sustainable materials with dual functionality, highlighting the transformation of agro-industrial residues into functional materials for active food packaging and food preservation.

(1) Background: The replacement of petroleum-based plastics with sustainable biopolymer films is crucial for global food preservation. Biopolymers like zein and pectin offer biodegradable and compostable alternatives but often require functionalization. This study develops and characterizes a novel antioxidant film by incorporating silver microparticles (AgMp) derived from the valorization of an agricultural waste product: pecan nutshell extract. (2) Methods: AgMp were synthesized via green reduction method using the extract. These bioactive microparticles were subsequently incorporated into a zein/pectin polymeric solution using the solvent-casting technique. The particles and the active films were characterized using FTIR, SEM, and antioxidant assays (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP). (3) Results: The extract and AgMp exhibited a potent antioxidant activity (100% inhibition for ABTS/DPPH). SEM analysis confirmed the scale of 0.545–1.033 µm, classifying the material as microparticles. The final films retained a dose-dependent antioxidant activity (66.78% for ABTS and 53.67% for DPPH). (4) Conclusions: This work validates that pecan nutshell extract as an effective green reducing and capping agent. The resulting film possesses significant antioxidant activity, offering a promising alternative for active food packaging applications, such as bioactive pads or inserts.

This review explores the eco-friendly synthesis of metallic nanoparticles derived from polysaccharides obtained from agricultural and food industry waste. Initially, it outlines the problem of agri-food waste, highlighting its abundance and the potential to extract valuable polysaccharides such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin. The focus is on green synthesis methods that use these polysaccharides to produce metallic nanoparticles, emphasizing the environmental benefits compared to conventional methods. The article reviews the physicochemical properties of key polysaccharides and details their extraction processes from various agricultural waste. The synthesis of diverse types of metallic nanoparticles, including monometallic (e.g., gold, silver, and platinum), bimetallic (e.g., gold–silver and gold–zinc), and oxide nanoparticles (e.g., zinc oxide and iron oxide), is extensively covered. Additionally, mechanisms of nanoparticle synthesis, such as nucleation, growth, stabilization, and capping, are examined, alongside examples from existing research. The article highlights the applications of these nanoparticles in diverse fields, including food safety, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental protection. It concludes by underscoring the potential of green synthesis to reduce waste and promote sustainable industrial practices and calls for further research to optimize these methods.

The increasing demand for sustainable materials has propelled research into polysaccharide modifications for various applications, particularly in active packaging. This review aims to explore the incorporation of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols into polysaccharides, focusing on chemical modification through free radical grafting techniques. The methods examined include enzymatic, physical, and chemical grafting techniques, highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing the properties of polysaccharide-based films. Recent studies have demonstrated that free radical grafting can significantly improve the mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties of these films, extending their applicability in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, challenges such as the stability of polyphenols and the understanding of grafting mechanisms remain critical areas for further investigation. This review discusses these advancements and outlines future research directions, emphasizing the potential of polysaccharide modifications to create innovative materials that meet the evolving needs of consumers and industries alike.

The agricultural production of asparagus generates a significant number of residues rich in bioactive compounds, most of which are wasted. In this study, active edible films with antioxidant and antibacterial properties for food packaging were developed using ethanolic extracts obtained from asparagus residues. These ethanolic extracts of asparagus residue (AspE) were incorporated (1 y 4 wt%) into sodium alginate (SA) solutions for the preparation of alginate–chitosan (SA/CS) bilayer films using the casting method, and they were characterized by optical, structural, mechanical, and thermal properties. In addition, the total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity were determined. The results showed that the SA/CS film with 1% AspE had better optical, structural, mechanical, and thermal properties due to its color, flexibility, and homogeneity. Both films incorporated with AspE exhibited antioxidant and antibacterial activity, with higher activity in the film with 4% AspE. However, this film showed shrinkage and surface irregularities that make its application in food packaging difficult, so the formulation with 1% AspE was considered better for this type of application. This study shows that asparagus residues can be a valuable source of bioactive compounds for the food industry, indicating the potential for the valorization of this agri-food waste.