5 research outputs found
1st Natural products application: health, cosmetic and food: book of abstracts
The Mountain Research Center is one of the research groups working within the Polytechnic Institute of Braganza,
in Braganza Portugal. Since the foundation of this center in 2003, more than a thousand research items
have been published throughout more than 40 international public funding’s, allowing the center to interact
internationally with many research groups from the academy and also with the private sector.
In all these years, we have had the commitment of disseminating science around the world, creating solid and
robust bonds and partnerships with both, academia and industrial innovator, and we are always looking for more
challenging collaborations.
In this sense, the mountain research center gathers di erent ways to keep evolving our main mission of Science
dissemination. In the present moment, where we all are involved in ghting against the current problem
the world is facing, we have decided to join the scienti c community adopting the available resources in order
to keep the owing communication of our works.
Therefore, one of our responses was the creation of the rst edition of the Natural Product Applications Online
Congress, which focuses on the dissemination of works involved in the cosmetic, food, and health industries.
Thanks to all of you in less than a month the congress reached more than 450 registration from universities
and important companies from di erent parts of the world.
The NPA congress received and processed more than 200 communications, from which the scienti c committee
has selected and referred each of them to their appropriate type for communication considering the limited
time we will have ahead.
All the submitted works were divided into three main categories, Oral, Pitch, and Poster communications which
add them up to our 9 Keynote lectures, and one special oral communication.
We could not thank you more for your participations, and we hope to see you next year on the second edition
of the Natural Product Applications Congress.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Estudo do potencial anti-inflamatório de uma biblioteca de compostos naturais de cogumelos por screening virtual contra as Enzimas COX (-1 E -2)
Mestrado de dupla diplomação com a UTFPR - Universidade Tecnológica Federal do ParanáO uso de Anti-Inflamatórios Não Esteroides (AINEs) no tratamento de doenças
inflamatórias tem sido generalizado, principalmente no tratamento da artrite reumatóide.
Os AINEs atuam principalmente promovendo a inibição das enzimas ciclooxigenases, especificamente
as isoenzimas COX-1 e COX-2. As enzimas COX catalisam a conversação
do ácido araquidônico em prostaglandinas. Os AINEs que atuam como inibidores das
enzimas COX, induzem uma significativa atividade anti-inflamatória, analgésica e antipirética.
No entanto, dados recentes mostram que o uso prolongado de AINEs pode originar
efeitos colaterais cardiovasculares, incluindo insuficiência cardíaca isquêmica e infarte do
miocárdio. O uso de compostos naturais como potenciais anti-inflamatórios, através da
inibição das enzimas COX, têm sido assim proposto. Neste estudo, uma biblioteca de
compostos de baixo peso molecular (LMW 3.0), presentes em cogumelos, foi preparada
e aumentada para 190 compostos, a partir de bibliotecas preparadas anteriormente com
40 compostos (LMW 1.0) e 115 compostos (LMW 2.0), respetivamente. As famílias de
compostos presentes na biblioteca incluem: quinonas, isoflavonas, flavonas, catecóis, aminas,
ácidos gordos, alcaloides, terpenos, esteroides e derivados de aminoácidos. Foram
também realizados estudos in silico de toxicidade (ADMET), tendo-se previsto que no
geral estes compostos apresentam baixa toxicidade. De seguida realizou-se a seleção das
estruturas 3D, de cada uma das enzimas COX, e procedeu-se à seleção do melhor software
de docking por intermédio de estudo de Re-Docking e Cross-Docking. A biblioteca
LMW 3.0 foi então testada in silico, contra as estruturas selecionadas das enzimas COX-1
e COX-2, utilizando o software de docking selecionado, o AutoDock Vina (VINA). Dos
190 compostos testados, os quatro que apresentaram o valor mais baixo de constante de
inibição (Ki) previsto contra COX-1, foram: a Aurisina A (152,4 nM), a Naringina (496,8
nM), a 5,6-Epoxi-24(R)-metilcolesta-7,22-dien-3B-ol (588,1 nM) e a Aurisina K (696,2 nM). Para a COX-2, os compostos que apresentaram menor
valor de Ki previsto foram: a Clavilactona C (55,4 nM); o Inonotusol C (77,6 nM), o Inonotusol
A (91,9 nM) e a Putrescina-1,4-dicinamida (91,9 nM). Foram também realizados
estudos in silico de toxicidade (ADMET), tendo-se previsto que, no geral, os compostos
que apresentaram melhor potencial inibidor das enzimas COX-1 e COX-2 apresentaram
também baixa toxicidade prevista. A modo de avaliar o melhor composto (clavilactona C),
realizou-se a dinâmica molecular demonstrando a estabilidade com a proteína COX-2. Os
compostos que apresentaram maior potencial previsto de inibição da COX-1 e COX-2 poderão
assim ser considerados como candidatos a fármacos com potencial anti-inflamatório,
sendo necessário no entanto que esta atividade seja verificada experimentalmente.The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment
of inflammatory diseases has been widespread, mainly in the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis. NSAIDs act mainly by promoting the inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes,
specifically the isoenzymes COX-1 and COX-2. COX enzymes catalyze the conversation
of arachidonic acid in prostaglandins. NSAIDs that act as inhibitors of COX enzymes
induce significant anti- inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity. However, recent
data show that prolonged use of NSAIDs can lead to cardiovascular side effects, including
ischemic heart failure and heart attack. The use of natural compounds, as potential antiinflammatory
drugs, through inhibition of COX enzymes has thus been proposed. In this
study, a library of low molecular weight compounds (LMW 3.0), present in mushrooms,
was prepared and increased to 190 compounds, from libraries previously prepared with
40 compacts (LMW 1.0) and 115 compounds (LMW 2.0), respectively. The families
of compounds present in the library include: quinones, isoflavones, flavones, catechols,
amines, fatty acids, alkaloids, terpenes, steroids and amino acid derivatives. in silico
toxicity studies (ADMET) were also carried out, and it was predicted that in general
these compounds present low toxicity. Then, the 3D structures were selected for each
of the COX enzymes, and the best docking software was selected through Re-Docking
and Cross-Docking studies. The LMW 3.0 library was then tested in silico, against
the selected structures of the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, using the selected docking
software, AutoDock Vina (VINA). Of the 190 compounds tested, the four that showed
the lowest predicted inhibition constant (Ki) against COX-1, were: Aurisin A (152.4
nM), Naringin (496.8 nM), 5,6-Epoxy-24(R)- methylcholesta-7,22-dien-3B-ol (588.1 nM)
and Aurisin K (696.2 nM). For COX-2, the compounds that had the lowest predicted Ki
value were: Clavylactone C (55.4 nM); Inonotusol C (77.6 nM), Inonotusol A (91.9 nM)
and Putrescine-1,4-dicinamide (91.9 nM). in silico toxicity studies (ADMET) were also carried out, and it was predicted that, in general, the compounds that showed the best
inhibitory potential for COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes also had low expected toxicity. In
order to evaluate the best compound (clavylactone C), molecular dynamics was performed
demonstrating stability with the COX-2 protein. The compounds from the LMW 3.0
library that showed the greatest potential for inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 could thus
be considered as candidates for drugs with anti-inflammatory
TRANSCOLAB SUMMIT: Trends in grain-based foods: book of abstracts
TRANSCOLAB is a European project that brings together universities, research centres, foundations, and companies
from Castilla y León and Northern Portugal. This project intends to strengthen the connection between
research institutions and companies, identifying the challenges and needs of the cereal industry and the existing
scientific-technological capacities of the participating entities. It also aims to generate novel products, promote
knowledge and innovation transfer, and develop a series of actions to promote innovative products and processes
in the cereal sector, particularly in bakery and pastry.
Therefore, and because the project is coming to an end, the TRANSCOLAB partners organised an international
congress, bringing together researchers and professionals to share innovative ideas in this field. The congress is
divided into four different topics:
1. Past as key to the future (ancient grains, wholemeal products, and sourdoughs)
2. New Ingredients in grain-based products (Pseudocereals, pulses, and new flour sources)
3. Novel technologies, processes, and products
4. Sustainability and Circular economy.
The TRANSCOLAB SUMMIT team would like to thank you for your application to the congress, contributing to
its success, with more than 170 registrations. The submitted works were received, processed, divided into two
main categories (Oral Communications and Posters), and later distributed according to the aforementioned topics.
In total, 34 Oral and 42 Panel Communications will be presented, joined by three Technical Communications
and six plenary lectures. Moreover, the TRANSCOLAB SUMMIT will start with a Traditional and Innovative Bakery
workshop, with 45 participants. On the SUMMIT’s last day, we will have a discussion panel regarding “Myths and
truths regarding cereal consumption”. Once again, we would like to thank you all for attending our congress, and
we hope to see you again at future research events.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
New trends from fungi secondary metabolism in the pharmaceutical industry
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that can produce a wide range of secondary
metabolites with a significant impact on society. Some metabolites are exploited
for their activity as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and anti-microbial
agents, and in the production of cancer vaccines, among other pharmaceutical
applications. Since the discovery of penicillin, the pharmaceutical industry has
been greatly interested in fungi as sources of natural bioactive compounds, and
fungi metabolites have made an indispensable contribution to improving human and
animal health throughout the last decades. Starting with the development of antibiotics,
the pharmaceutical industry has increasingly turned to these compounds for a
variety of applications. The increase in the number of patents registered worldwide is
a strong indicator that the market realizes the great potential of fungi secondary
metabolites. In general, the pharmaceutical industry trend is centered on adopting
different strategies to discover new drugs, and fungi secondary metabolites are viewed as having significant potential. This chapter explores the current pharmaceutical
applications of secondary metabolites found in fungi. Initially, the most
recent mushroom studies and their commercial pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical
applications are explored. An overview of the different classes of fungi secondary
metabolites with biologically relevant activities is then presented. Recently marine
fungi were found to be a rich source of secondary metabolites. Due to the recent
relevancy of marine fungi, an overview of marine fungi secondary metabolites with
relevant pharmaceutical-related activities is also presented. Finally, the potential of
fungi metabolites as a source of natural pigments and the methodologies used to
characterize and explore fungi secondary metabolites are also analyzed.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT,
Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020).
L. Barros and R. Calhelha thank the national funding by FCT through the institutional scientific
employment program-contract for their contract, while M. Carocho thank FCT through the individual
scientific employment program-contracts (CEECIND/00831/2018).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
FIG (Ficus Carica L.) Bioresidues as sources of bioactive compounds and natural pigments for the food industry
The 17 goals of sustainable development address several topics, such as: (2) Zero hunger and sustainable agriculture; (9)
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; (12) Responsible consumption and production; that are essential for the promotion of the
circular economy, product development and conscious production [1]. Fig is a food matrix, cultivated in Portugal and valued by the
Portuguese people for consumption in natura, being also used in wines, liqueurs, and jams. As this fruit is very appreciated and
consumed, it´s cultivation leads to the production of tons of leaves, usually discarded [2].
Therefore, in the present work, the leaves of five fig varieties (Figure 1), namely Dauphine (Da), Longue d'Aout (La),
Pasteliere (Pa), Marseille (Ma) and Bourjassote Noire (Bn), were nutritionally and chemically characterized to detect possible
bioactive molecules. The antioxidant and antimicrobial, activities were also analyzed, to provide the food industry with natural
additives in alternative to the artificial ones; and at the same time, promote the circular economy.
Regarding the nutritional profile of the five leaves, La sample exhibited the highest amount in proteins (18.0±0.6 g/100g
dw), while Pa revealed the highest content in fats (2.2±0.1 g/100g dw). The highest moisture content was presented by Da leaves
(17.3±0.1 g/100g fw), and for the ashes, La sample was the one that presented the highest value (14.18±0.06 g/100g fw).
Concerning the organic acids, these molecules were most abundant in Ma leaves, where it was possible to identify oxalic,
malic and citric acids with a total of 139.6±0.4 mg/g dw. For the soluble sugars profiling, in all samples it was possible to identify
five sugars, namely, fructose, glucose, sucrose, trehalose, and raffinose in different concentrations; however, Da leaves revealed the
higher amount (17±1 g/100g dw). Tocopherols where also analyzed, and in all samples, three of the four isoforms where detected,
being Pa sample standing for the predominance of these compounds (4.14±0.05 mg/100 g dw).
For the bioactive analysis, different assays were performed, and Pa sample showed the strongest antioxidant potential for
the TBARS assay, with an EC50 value of 105±5 mg/mL. For the antimicrobial activity assay, Da leaf extract was the one displaying
the best results, by presenting Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) ranging from 1.25 to 10 mg/mL against the tested bacterial
strains. On the other hand, for the antifungal activity, the samples present very similar profiles, with the exception of the Pa sample,
that present the lowest MIC of 5 mg/mL for Aspergillus fumigatus.
In general, these leaf extracts can be used in the food industry namely in pastry and bakery products as promising sources
of bioactive compounds, and at the same time, this reuse of biowaste promotes circular economy, and reduces the impact of biowaste
resulting from the fig industry, thus meeting some of the goals of sustainable development.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES to the CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020). S.Heleno and M. Carocho thank FCT for their individual employment program–contract
(CEEC-IND/00831/2018, CEECIND/03040/2017), and L. Barros also thanks to the national funding by FCT through the institutional scientific employment program–contract for her contract. the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Competitiveness and Internationalization Operational Program for financial support to the project 100% Figo (POCI-01-0247-FEDER-064977) and for C. Shirashi PhD grant.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio