Loading...
Research Project
Mountain Research Center
Funder
Authors
Publications
Longevity and Parasitism Capacity of Psyttalia concolor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Fed on Sugar Solutions and Insect Honeydew
Publication . Pinheiro, Lara A.; Pereira, José Alberto; Medina, Pilar; Santos, Sónia A.P.
Sugars are important food sources required by adult parasitoid species to enhance their
survival, fecundity and fitness. The beneficial capacity of Psyttalia concolor Szépligeti, as a biological
control agent of different fruit fly pest species, is expected to increase when different sugar food
sources are supplied. The objective of this study was to test the effect of seven sugars (glucose,
fructose, sucrose, trehalose, melibiose, melezitose and sorbitol) on the longevity and parasitism
capacity of P. concolor. Moreover, we evaluated the effect of two types of honeydew excreted by
hemipteran pests present in olive trees, Saissetia oleae Olivier (Coccidae) and Euphyllura olivina (Costa)
(Psyllidae) on the longevity of the parasitoid. Our results show a positive effect of carbohydrate
(single sugars and honeydew) consumption on parasitoid survival. Female longevity increased when
fed on sorbitol and melibiose, while males benefited from feeding on glucose and fructose, suggesting
that hexose-nectars would benefit males. Sucrose increased the percentage of non-emerged hosts
and parasitism rate while melezitose significantly decreased these percentages, compared to the
other sugars offered. P. concolor benefited more from feeding on honeydew than on sugars, and this
food item can represent an important source of energy for the parasitoid. This result indicates the
importance of specific nutrients for promoting the action of P. concolor against pests
A Comprehensive Review of Fish Protein Hydrolysates Targeting Pet Food Formulations
Publication . Ribeiro, Tânia Bragança; Maia, Margarida R. G.; Fonseca, António J. M.; Marques, Bianca; Caleja, Cristina; Rosa, Ana; Martins, Rui; Almeida, André; Mota, Maria J.; Aires, Tiago; Rocha, Cristina M. R.; Teixeira, José A.; Ana R. J. Cabrita, Ana R. J. Cabrita; Barros, Lillian; Pintado, Manuela
The fish industry generates significant amounts of fish by- and co-products
(FBCPs) annually, projected to reach 160.8 million tonnes by 2030. This growth
highlights the urgent need for sustainable FBCP management and an oppor-
tunity to improve the sector’s environmental sustainability. Fish protein hydro-
lysates (FBCPHs) and bioactive peptides (BPs) derived from these FBCPs are
gaining recognition in the pet food sector for their nutritional and bioactives
benefits. FBCPHs, primarily sourced from category 3 by-products unsuitable for
human consumption, could significantly enhance the economic viability of
both industries. This review analyzes production processes, highlighting the
benefits and challenges of enzymatic hydrolysis and reviewed emerging
technologies such as subcritical water hydrolysis (SWH), which are promising
sustainable alternatives by enhancing extraction efficiency and reducing
energy consumption. The review explores FBCPHs’ applications in pet food,
focusing on beneficial biological activities (e.g. antioxidant, prebiotic, neuro-
protective). Findings show FBCPHs have significant potential in pet food
formulations, providing palatability, hypoallergenic benefits, and addressing
health concerns like gastrointestinal disorders and stress-related behaviors.
However, further research is required to optimize production processes, scale
industrial application, and ensure regulatory compliance. In conclusion,
FBCPHs present a valuable solution for promoting sustainability, improving
pet nutrition, and supporting the circular economy
Effect of olive pomace extract application and packaging material on the preservation of fresh-cut Royal Gala apples
Publication . Madureira, Joana; Melgar, Bruno; Delgado Alves, Vitor; Moldão, Margarida; Margaça, Fernanda M. A.; Santos-Buelga, Celestino; Barros, Lillian; Cabo Verde, Sandra
The efficiency of natural olive pomace extracts for enhancing the quality of fresh-cut appleswas
compared with commercial ascorbic acid and two different packaging films (biodegradable polylactic
acid (PLA) and oriented polypropylene (OPP)) were tested. The composition of atmosphere inside the
packages, the physicochemical parameters (firmness, weight loss and color), the microbial load, total
phenolic content and antioxidant activity of fresh-cut apples were evaluated throughout 12 days of
storage at 4 C. After 12 days of refrigerated storage, a significant decrease in O2 was promoted in PLA
films, and the weight loss of the whole packaging was higher in PLA films (5.4%) than in OPP films
(0.2%). Natural olive pomace extracts reduced the load of mesophilic bacteria (3.4 0.1 log CFU/g and
2.4 0.1 log CFU/g for OPP and PLA films, respectively) and filamentous fungi (3.3 0.1 log CFU/g
and 2.44 0.05 log CFU/g for OPP and PLA films, respectively) growth in fresh-cut apples after five
days of storage at 4 C, and no detection of coliforms was verified throughout the 12 days of storage.
In general, the olive pomace extract preserved or improved the total phenolic index and antioxidant
potential of the fruit, without significant changes in their firmness. Moreover, this extract seemed to be
more effective when combined with the biodegradable PLA film packaging. This work can contribute to
the availability of effective natural food additives, the sustainability of the olive oil industries and the
reduction of environmental impact. It can also be useful in meeting the food industries requirements to
develop new functional food products.
Biochemical and Molecular Profiling of Wild Edible Mushrooms from Huila, Angola
Publication . Kissanga, Raquel; Liberal, Ângela; Diniz, Inês; Rodrigues, Ana S.B.; Baptista-Ferreira, João L.; Batista, Dora; Ivanov, Marija; Sokovic, Marina; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Fernandes, Ângela
The harvesting, processing, and sale of wild edible mushrooms (WEM) is a relevant economic
activity in Angola and a good example of the use of non-wood forest products for food.
Although there is deep traditional knowledge about the general properties of WEMs, a huge gap
remains in detailed scientific knowledge. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the socio-economic
importance of the species sold at local markets in Huila, Angola, from their molecular identification
to the assessment of their nutritional, chemical, and bioactive profiles. From the eight WEM
morphotypes studied, five were identified based on phenotypical and molecular approaches (four
Russula spp., and Amanita loosei). The studied mushrooms proved to be a rich source of carbohydrates,
proteins, and ashes, also presenting low amounts of fat. Chemical analyses further revealed mannitol
as the main free sugar in all samples, and organic acids, namely, oxalic, quinic, malic, citric, and
fumaric acids in low amounts. Additionally, the -tocopherol isoform and monounsaturated fatty
acids were predominant. Regarding phenolic acids, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric,
and cinnamic acids were detected in all mushroom hydroethanolic extracts, being responsible for
their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Our investigation contributes to the identification
and knowledge of WEMs as important complementary food sources in Angola, some of which
were reported for the first time, promoting their utilization as a basis of nutritional and functional
ingredients, as being able to be part of a balanced diet and to be used in new bio-based formulations
Biochemical Characterization and Fuel Properties of Endemic Taurus Flowering Ash (Fraxinus ornus subsp. cilicica) Bark from Turkey
Publication . Sen, Ali Umut; Simões, Rita; Yüceda˘, Cengiz; Miranda, Isabel; Fernandes, Ângela; Pereira, Helena
Taurus flowering ash (Fraxinus ornus subsp. cilicica) is an endemic tree species in Turkey.
The bark of the species was characterized for summative chemical composition, the monomeric
composition of polysaccharides, phenolic content, in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant properties of
hydrophilic extracts, the composition of lipophilic extractives and suberin, and thermal degradation.
The bark has an elevated ash content (17%), primarily composed of calcium, and a noteworthy
extractive content (38.9%), predominantly of hydrophilic compounds. The antioxidant activity of the
bark extracts is moderate, with an IC50 value of 40 g/mL and an EC50 value of 230 g/mL by DPPH
and TBARS methods. The lipophilic extractives principally contain fatty acids and diterpenoids. The
suberin content is low (1%) and composed primarily of !-hydroxy acids with 9,10,18 trihydroxyoctadecanoic
acid as the major suberin monomer. The lignin content is low (9.8%), and polysaccharides
represent 33%. The ignition temperature of the bark is 190 C, the burnout temperature is 653 C, and
the activation energy in combustion is 29 kJ mol1. A biorefinery concept was developed considering
the bark’s chemical and thermal characteristics to convert approximately 90% of the bark mass into
valuable chemicals, extracts, functional materials, and additives.
Organizational Units
Description
Keywords
Contributors
Funders
Funding agency
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Funding programme
6817 - DCRRNI ID
Funding Award Number
UIDP/00690/2020