Fourier Transform Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-MIR) as a Method of Identifying Contaminants in Sugar Beet Production Process-Case Studies.

Food safety has received considerable attention in recent years. Methods for rapid identification of a variety contaminants in both the final product and the manufacturing process are constantly developing. This study used Fourier Transform Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-MIR) spectroscopy to identify various contaminants endangering white sugar production. It was demonstrated that inorganic compounds (calcium carbonate-CaCO3), plastic contaminants (polypropylene), and oily contaminants (compressor sealing and lubrication lubricant) can be identified with a high degree of precision. FT-MIR spectroscopy was proved to be a useful technique for detecting sugar contaminants rapidly and precisely even without the application of a sophisticated spectra analysis. Commercial databases of reference spectra usage significantly simplify and facilitate the application of this method.

Evaluation of Activity of Sesquiterpene Lactones and Chicory Extracts as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors Assayed in Calorimetric and Docking Simulation Studies.

The aim of the study was to explain the effects of sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) from chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) root extracts as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at the molecular level and to determine the inhibition of AChE activity by specific SLs (lactucin and lactucopicrin) and different chicory extracts. The obtained SLs-rich extracts were purified by the countercurrent partition chromatography (CPC) technique. AChE inhibitors were analyzed using two models: isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and docking simulation. The results of ITC analysis of the enzyme and the ligands' complexation showed strong interactions of SLs as well as extracts from chicory with AChE. In a test of enzyme activity inhibition after introducing acetylcholine into the model system with SL, a stronger ability to inhibit the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter was observed for lactucopicrin, which is one of the dominant SLs in chicory. The inhibition of enzyme activity was more efficient in the case of extracts, containing different enzyme ligands, exhibiting complementary patterns of binding the AChE active site. The study showed the high potential of using chicory to decrease the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Lactoferrin: an overview of its main functions, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial role, and clinical significance.

Lactoferrin (LF), a glycoprotein found in mucosal secretions, is characterized by a wide range of functions, including immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. Moreover, several investigations confirmed that LF displays high effectiveness against multiple bacteria and viruses and may be regarded as a potential inhibitor of enveloped viruses, such as presently prevailing SARS-CoV-2. In our review, we discuss available studies about LF functions and bioavailability of different LF forms in in vitro and in vivo models. Moreover, we characterize the potential benefits and side effects of LF use; we also briefly summarize the latest clinical trials examining LF application. Finally, we point potential role of LF in inflammatory bowel disease and indicate its use as a marker for disease severity.

Novel Biodegradable Starch Film for Food Packaging with Antimicrobial Chicory Root Extract and Phytic Acid as a Cross-Linking Agent.

The aim of the study was to obtain and evaluate the properties of biodegradable starch film with the addition of phytic acid (0.05%) as a cross-linking agent and chicory root extract (1-5%) as an antimicrobial agent. To prepare biodegradable film, extracts from chicory root obtained with water or methanol were used. The content of bioactive compounds (sesquiterpene lactones and total polyphenols) was evaluated in chicory extracts. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was tested against Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) using the microculture method. The extracts acted as bacteriostatic agents, decreasing the growth rate (µmax), and extending the lag phase (tlag). The most sensitive bacterium in terms of film bacteriostatic activity was P. fluorescens; all extracts, irrespective of the solvent used, decreased its µmax value. S. aureus was the least sensitive. The obtained films were tested for their properties as food packaging (color, thickness, permeability, mechanical strength). Phytic acid improved the tensile strength and barrier properties of the films. The antimicrobial activity of the films was studied by the disk diffusion method against Gram-negative (P. fluorescens, E. coli) and Gram-positive (B. subtilis, S. aureus) bacteria, as well as fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger). The growth-inhibiting activity of each obtained film was observed for all tested microorganisms, and the most beneficial effect was observed for films with the 5% level of added extracts obtained with water. The growth-inhibiting activity for fungi, in particular for the yeast C. albicans, was low.

Evaluation of butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity by chlorogenic acids and coffee extracts assed in ITC and docking simulation models.

In patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), elevated levels of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) are observed. The enzyme hydrolyses acetylcholine, which shows deficiency in these patients. Therefore, BChE inhibitors are used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, especially synthetic ones, showing side effects with long-term intake. The sources of natural BChE inhibitors are constantly being sought. Coffee brews have been shown to reduce the symptoms of AD in epidemiological studies. However, the ability to inhibit BChE activity has not been investigated, depending on the degree of coffee roasting. The study was aimed at determining the interactions between BChE and the bioactive compounds of coffee and their ability to inhibit the activity of BChE. A comparison of individual bioactive compounds of coffee as well as extracts obtained from two main species, Arabica and Robusta, and additionally from different degrees of roasting was made. Two models were used: isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and molecular docking simulation. ITC analysis showed strong interactions of ferulic and dihydrocaffeic acids with BChE. These compounds are the metabolites of the chlorogenic acids, including both mono- and diesters of caffeic acid with quinic acid. Docking simulation showed their strong hydrophobic interaction with BChE, stabilized by hydrogen bonds and pi-pi interactions. After introducing acetylcholine into the model system, the strongest ability to inhibit hydrolytic activity of BChE was again observed for ferulic acid and additionally for 3-caffeoylquinic acid, and among coffee brews the most active were light roasted Arabica and green Robusta. The study was based on the physiological concentrations of coffee components, so the potential therapeutic effect of coffee infusions was proved.