Terres Inovia

The antioxidant interactions of α- and γ-tocopherol with curcumin and quercetin were assessed in an oil-in-water emulsion using the WIM-CAT assay, a method integrating Weibull interaction modeling with the conjugated autoxidizable triene technique. Synergistic effects were strongest for γ-tocopherol with curcumin and for α-tocopherol with quercetin, particularly at low tocopherol concentrations (0.2 μM in emulsion, 380 ppm in oil) and high molar ratios (3:1). Increasing tocopherol concentration to 0.6 μM in emulsion (1140 ppm in oil) reduced synergy, likely reflecting pro-oxidant activity. The presence of ferrous ions accelerated oxidation but did not influence synergistic interactions, while acidic conditions reduced tocopherol pro-oxidation and modified the effects of curcumin and quercetin. Weibull modeling revealed isoform-dependent differences during the propagation phase of oxidation. Cyclic voltammetry further suggested that the synergy of α-tocopherol may involve antioxidant regeneration mechanisms, whereas γ-tocopherol appears to act through alternative redox processes. Together, kinetic and electrochemical analyses provide complementary insights into the conditions governing antioxidant interactions.

Nitrogen (N) is the most limiting nutrient for crop growth. Determining the dynamics of N uptake by crops is essential to optimize N management and improve the sustainability of crop production, especially for winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), a highly N-dependent crop. The concept of critical nitrogen concentration is an effective way to diagnose plant nitrogen status, defining the minimum concentration of nitrogen in the aerial parts needed to maximize shoot biomass at a given time in the crop growth. For winter oilseed rape the existing nitrogen dilution curve was developed in the 1990s, but the curve was established only until the beginning of flowering, the reproductive part not being covered. The main objective of this study is to determine new critical N dilution curves for winter oilseed rape over the whole crop cycle. To achieve this, we used data from 36 field trials, conducted between 2003 and 2020 under various N application rates and cultivars, and a new Bayesian statistical framework. For the vegetative phase, the critical curve (Ncvege=4.556 W-0.241) determined in this study was close to the curves found in previous studies. In addition, new critical N dilution curves were determined for the first time in winter oilseed rape, for the reproductive phase (Ncrepro =4.764 W-0.424) and for the entire growth period (Ncunique=7.364 W-0.582). Interestingly the parameters differed markedly from those recently obtained in spring canola. These new dilution curves should provide useful tools for determining the N nutritional status of winter oilseed rape over a longer period, and thus improve nitrogen nutrition diagnosis and enable optimal nitrogen management.

Agriculture faces multiple challenges, including reducing negative environmental impacts and producing quality food for a growing world population. One of the significant issues is the need for an increased proportion of plant-based foods in diets in the developed world and its combination with the ecosystemic services provided, such as those provided by legumes, allowing a reduction in the use of nitrogen fertilizers. This requires systemic innovation in order to increase the sustainable production and consumption of diverse plant protein sources in an interaction between knowledge, tools, regulation, and acceptability. The case of France is chosen to reflect on these innovation issues. There have been a number of recent reviews either on production or on food processing, but none has addressed their systemic interrelations, critical to select the levers such as genetics, agronomy, and processing to improve protein quality and use while maintaining crop performance in an environmentally friendly manner. Here, we review the issues of proteins for healthy and sustainable diets in synergy with agronomical benefits and recommend research priorities to address this topic from farm to fork. This review includes (1) analysis of the economic context for plant-based protein production for food in the context of the agroecological transition towards sustainability and on the consequences in plant breeding schemes; (2) assessment of overall protein production from a diversity perspective, including genetics and diversity of the production systems and territories; and (3) plant proteins in healthy and attractive foods: protein content and quality, typology of processing options for the production of protein-rich food products in relation to consumer needs and demands. Next, we identify major knowledge gaps and emphasize the need for transdisciplinary research from plant breeding to the food market, involving the various stakeholders in the food value chain, to address such complex issues for more sustainable agri-food systems.

This study presents a novel method based on a spectrophotometric assay coupled with mathematical modeling (Weibull interactions modeling CAT) to evaluate synergistic interactions of antioxidants in an oil-in-water model emulsion. The approach addresses a major limitation in current assays by eliminating interference from pro-/antioxidant pathways induced by exogenous radical initiators or buffers, allowing for a more accurate assessment of antioxidant efficacy. Using the Weibull equation, key kinetic parameters (LagP, α, β) were extracted to characterize the impact of antioxidant combinations on lipid oxidation. Results showed that certain combinations, such as α-tocopherol with carnosic acid, dieckol, and myricetin, exhibited concentration-dependent synergistic effects. Among these, carnosic acid in equimolar ratios demonstrated particularly promising interactions. In contrast, ascorbic acid revealed antagonistic behaviour when combined with α-tocopherol. Additionally, the presence of ferrous ions significantly influenced antioxidant interactions, highlighting their role in modulating underlying mechanisms. Overall, carnosic acid and dieckol emerged as strong candidates for use in combination with α-tocopherol under specific conditions. This method provides a refined approach for screening antioxidant synergies and contributes to the development of more effective antioxidant formulations in emulsified systems.

Oilseeds extraction of oils requires the use of a processing aid : a solvent. This seventh article on the comparison of solvents potentially capable of replacing hexane presents a multi-criteria analysis, systematically revisiting aspects from previous investigations. The methodology addresses the problem’s complexity by aggregating different dimensions representative of each criterion, resulting in a nuanced ranking approach. The comprehensive study examined critical dimensions including solvent extractive efficacy, operational safety, explosion risk, toxicity to workers, environmental impact, process modifications, energy consumption, effects on products quality, residual toxicity, technology readiness level, and economic feasibility. From a technical standpoint, hexane today remains the most efficient solvent for oilseed crushers. Dichloromethane may be a viable alternative due to its non-explosive nature, though its toxicity concerns are significant. 2-methyloxolane is the subject of ongoing research and development investments, which may ultimately establish it as a credible alternative solution. Different stakeholders present varied perspectives on solvent replacement. For worker safety, isopropanol and ethanol are preferable options. Environmental advocates may favor ethyl acetate because of its lower energy requirements during processing. Regarding food safety, both ethanol and ethyl acetate are generally regarded as acceptable solvents. Public authorities, for their part, must balance what is desirable with what is feasible, in a multi-criteria framework of balancing safety, toxicity, environmental impact, availability, and cost on a global scale.