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Research Project
Mountain Research Center
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Publications
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
Brown Rot Caused by Gnomoniopsis smithogilvyi (syn. Gnomoniopsis castaneae) at the Level of the Chestnut Tree (Castanea sativa Mill.)
Publication . Lema, Filipe; Baptista, Paula; Oliveira, Cristina M.; Ramalhosa, Elsa
The European chestnut tree (Castanea sativa Mill.) has great economic importance, mostly
due to the recognized nutritional value of its fruit. Thus, the development and improvement
of the techniques of the production, preservation, and control of the diseases/pests of chestnut
trees is a topic of great interest to producers, companies, researchers, and consumers to ensure
the quality of this exceptional fruit. Recently, an emerging rot in chestnuts caused by the fungus
Gnomoniopsis smithogilvyi (syn. Gnomoniopsis castaneae Tamietti) (Gnomoniaceae, Diaporthales) was
reported both in Australia and Europe. Since then, the number of records of this pathogen in several
countries of the world (Europe and Asia) where Castanea spp. is cultivated has been increasing. This
disease, called “brown rot”, has been causing significant production losses, raising serious concerns
for producers and the chestnut industry. This review describes the world distribution and life cycle of
the causal agent of brown rot. The life cycle of G. smithogilvyi can involve primary infection, caused
by ascospores, and secondary infection, related to the asexual phase of the fungus (conidia). Then,
the analytical methods used to detect G. smithogilvyi are described. Furthermore, the incidences of
the disease caused by G. smithogilvyi are presented, ranging from 5 to 94%, with high infection rates
causing significant economic losses. The damages caused by G. smithogilvyi are discussed. In fact, it
can act as an endophyte or as a pathogenic fungus, causing fruit rot, canker in several plant tissues,
and necrosis in leaves, as well as in galls caused by the gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu.
Possible pre- and post-harvest methods to mitigate the damage caused by moulds, and in particular
G. smithogilvyi, are presented, including biocontrol agents and chemicals. Finally, some challenges and
future prospects for a number of uncertainties related to the epidemiology, geographic distribution,
spread, detection, and management of this disease are discussed.
Editorial: Edible wild plants and fungi - resource to explore, preserve, and valuate
Publication . Catarino, Luis; Barros, Lillian; Romeiras, Maria M.
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.
Ethnomycological prospect of wild edible andmedicinal mushrooms from Central and Southern Africa—A review
Publication . Bastos, Claudete; Liberal, Ângela; Moldao, Margarida; Catarino, Luís; Barros, Lillian
In several regions of Africa, the daily diet is partly dependent on the edible products
from wild animals, plants, and mushrooms, driven by their availability, wide distribution
in the local environment, and the low incomes of the general population. The documentation
of ethnomycological information is particularly important to validate or correct
the identification of specimens and the preservation of these natural resources with
cultivation potential, thus improving their consumption and utilization for medicinal
purposes. The number of wild edible mushroom species consumed varies between
different regions of Africa, with around 300 species being documented in the literature.
However, despite its rich biodiversity, theAfrican continent is still underexploited,
which is reflected in poor food contribution to populations that are often in need.
Here, the safe use of mushrooms is guided by the insufficiency of studies that validate
their nutritional and medicinal properties, since they are key factors in the suppression
of protein deficiency in the everyday diet of the populations and a source of bioactive
compounds useful for the formulation of added-value functional products. Thus, it
becomes essential to investigate African mushrooms, not only from the identification
point of view, but also in terms of nutritional, chemical, and bioactive characterization,
hence deepen the knowledge about this valuable natural resource. Bearing these
in mind, the main objective of this study is to systematize the knowledge available in
scientific publications and specialized websites, thus gathering information about the
valuable profits that come from using these widely appreciated natural products.
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Contributors
Funders
Funding agency
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Funding programme
6817 - DCRRNI ID
Funding Award Number
UIDB/00690/2020