109 documents found, page 1 of 11
Linking bioaccessibility and carotenoids to antioxidant activity in diatoms
Rocha, Helena R.; Coelho, Marta; Coelho, Natacha; Morais, Rui M. S. C.; Pintado, Manuela; Gomes, Ana M.Diatoms are photosynthetic microalgae with a siliceous cell wall and remarkable adaptability, making them a sustainable and renewable resource for high-value bioactive compounds (1,2). Their rapid growth, efficient carbon fixation, and minimal land and freshwater requirements (1,2) position them as attractive candidates for the development of eco-friendly products in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosme...
Bioactive profile, bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of diatoms: a comp...
Rocha, Helena R.; Coelho, Marta; Coelho, Natacha; Morais, Rui M. S. C.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Gomes, Ana M.Diatoms are microalgae with significant biotechnological potential due to their richness in bioactive compounds, including carotenoids and phenolics, contributing to their antioxidant properties. This study aims to compare the bioactive profile and antioxidant activity of three diatom species: Chaetoceros calcitrans, Nannofrustulum shiloi, and Cylindrotheca fusiformis cultivated in closed Flat Panel photobiorea...
Breaking the silica barrier: optimising carotenoid extraction from diatoms
Rocha, Helena R.; Coelho, Marta; Sousa, Sérgio; Morais, Rui M. S. C.; Pintado, Manuela; Gomes, Ana M.Diatoms are a rich source of bioactive carotenoids, but their rigid silica frustules limit solvent penetration, reducing extraction efficiency and concealing the true carotenoid content. This study aimed to optimise the removal of silica from Chaetoceros calcitrans, Nannofrustulum shiloi, and Cylindrotheca fusiformis to enhance carotenoid extraction the efficiency. A combination of physical treatments (Ultratur...
Development of functional chocolate incorporating Akkermansia muciniphila: the ...
Vedor, Rita; Machado, Daniela; Barbosa, Joana; Andrade, José C.; Gomes, Ana M.Objective: This study evaluated the feasibility of using chocolate as a food matrix for delivering Akkermansia muciniphila, a next- generation probiotic known for improving gut barrier function and metabolic health. The research assessed the viability of A. muciniphila in three different chocolate formulations, characterised the chocolate’s biological characteristics, and evaluated the potential prebiotic and b...
From tradition to innovation: enhancing a ready-to eat spinach mash with algae
Barbosa, Joana Cristina; Fonseca, Mariana; Barracosa, Rita; Magalhães, Inês; Correia, Daniela; Grilo, Beatriz; Pedroso, Verónica; Gomes, Ana M.Objective: To enhance the nutritional profile of a traditional Portuguese dish, esparregado, this project explored the incorporation of algae and microalgae as sustainable and health- promoting ingredients. Methods: A conventional esparregado recipe made with spinach was reformulated by incorporating algae-based ingredients. Three prototypes were developed: (1) with 10% (w/w) Ulva rigida; (2) with 10% (w/w) Chl...
Reinventing smoothies with microalgae: enhancing nutrition and antioxidant capa...
Barbosa, Joana Cristina; Fonseca, Mariana; Helou, Pelega; Barracosa, Rita; Magalhães, Inês; Correia, Daniela; Grilo, Beatriz; Pedroso, VerónicaObjective: This study aimed to develop and assess microalgae- enriched smoothies as stable, nutrient-rich, and sustainable functional beverages. The focus was on enhancing nutritional value and bioactive properties using two sustainably cultivated species: Chlorella vulgaris and Limnospira platensis (Spirulina). Methods: Two smoothie formulations were developed: SCv (with Chlorella vulgaris) and SSp (with Spiru...
Evaluation of the stability of Akkermansia muciniphila in a plant-based ice cre...
Torres, Silvia Melissa Garcia; Teixeira, José A.; Encina-Zelada, Christian R.; Machado, Daniela; Silva, Cristina L. M.; Gomes, Ana M.Objective: The growing demand for plant-based diets and interest in ancestral crops have driven the development of innovative functional foods, such as plant-based ice creams. Akkermansia muciniphila, a next-generation probiotic, is notable for its therapeutic potential and its ability to modulate metabolic and inflammatory disorders, including obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, its incorporation into fro...
Modulatory effects of calcium-alginate encapsulated Akkermansia muciniphila in ...
Vedor, Rita; Barbosa, Joana C.; Machado, Daniela; Carvalho, Nélson Mota de; Costa, Célia Maria; Madureira, Ana Raquel; Gomes, Ana M.Introduction: Gut microbiota are the collection of bacteria, archaea and eukarya that colonise the gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans [1]. Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics have a positive e=ect on improving intestinal homeostasis by modulating both the microbiota profile and metabolic functions. This modulation may lead to beneficial changes in the production of specific organic acids and the co...
Exploring carotenoid-intestinal microbiota interplay: in vitro insights into ga...
Rocha, Helena R.; Morais, Rui C.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Gomes, Ana M.; Coelho, Marta C.Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for 41 million deaths each year, are often associated with unhealthy dietary habits. To combat this, nutrition and health organizations recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (1). These foods are abundant in carotenoids, lipid-soluble phytochemicals (2) known for their health-enhancing properties, including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-mutagenic effec...
More than a meat- or synthetic nitrogen fertiliser-substitute: a review of legu...
Duarte, Rafael D. C.; Iannetta, Pietro P. M.; Gomes, Ana M.; Vasconcelos, Marta W.Legumes are essential to healthy agroecosystems, with a rich phytochemical content that impacts overall human and animal well-being and environmental sustainability. While these phytochemicals can have both positive and negative effects, legumes have traditionally been bred to produce genotypes with lower levels of certain plant phytochemicals, specifically those commonly termed as ‘antifeedants’ including phen...