This study investigated the biotechnological potential of eleven Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (1P–11P) isolated from artisanal and commercial sourdoughs originating from the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine. The strains were cultivated under laboratory conditions on YPD medium, and several physiological, biochemical, and technological parameters were evaluated, including biomass production, protein and carbohydrate content, antioxidant activity, enzymatic activity, and dough leavening performance. The obtained results demonstrated significant differences among the strains (p ≤ 0.05). Biomass production ranged from 2.73 to 6.53 g·L-1, with the highest value recorded for strain 6P. Protein content varied between 41.02% and 57.92% dry weight, with strains 2P and 4P showing the highest levels. The strongest total antioxidant activity was observed in strains 1P and 2P. Superoxide dismutase activity reached its maximum in strains 3P and 4P, while catalase activity was highest in strain 9P, isolated from commercial sourdough. Regarding technological performance, strains 9P and 10P exhibited superior dough leavening ability, characterized by rapid fermentation and efficient CO₂ retention within 90–120 minutes. Overall, artisanal sourdough isolates demonstrated better performance than commercial strains in most evaluated parameters, highlighting their potential for sustainable applications in baking and microbial biotechnology
Fungal strains of the genus Trichoderma are widely used in agriculture as biological disease control agents, due to their ability to suppress pathogens and stimulate plant growth. Identification of new strains with valuable biosynthetic properties is a topic of major interest for the scientific community, having direct implications in the development of sustainable agricultural biotechnologies. In this work was tested strain Trichoderma atrobruneum CNMN FD 25, applied on wheat and triticale grains. The results showed a significant incentive effect on the development of the root system, and to a lesser extent - on the aerial growth of plantlets. Treatment of wheat seeds with biopreparations in concentrations of 0.5 % and 0.33 % led to an increase in the germination rate by 6 %, the length of the plantlets by 12.6 %, the mass of the plantlets by 8.6 %, and the root mass by 23.7 %. In the case of triticale, the same concentrations resulted in an increase in the germination rate by 16 %, in the length of the plantlets by 15 %, in the mass of the plantlets by 7 % and in the root mass by 32 %. These results confirm the biostimulant potential of the T. atrobruneum CNMN FD 25 strain, in particular through its influence on the development of the root system.
The study examines dynamic representations of complex systems in two multifractal scenarios: the Schrödinger multifractal scenario and the Madelung multifractal scenario, both being contextualized in Scale Relativity Theory. These scenarios exhibit the self-organization of complex systems and the emergence of new behavior. The numerical methods used in this study investigated changing patterns, symmetries, and vortex dynamics in various settings. These findings show that complex systems can exhibit self-similar (holographic) patterns, suggesting an intricate interplay between fractality and dynamics across different scales. It describes how these changes can dramatically change any existing viewpoint with reference to Scale Relativity Theory (SRT).
Sour milk, or "set yogurt" as defined by European terminology, is the most popular fermented dairy product in the region and has enjoyed growing global popularity over time. Access to international markets requires effective product protection, which can be achieved through the use of bioprotective probiotic cultures. This study aimed to investigate whether the addition of bioprotective cultures induces any changes in the qualitative properties of set yogurt initially inoculated with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. The research material consisted of set yogurt samples supplemented with three different bioprotective cultures, along with a reference control. The study evaluated pH, fatty acid profiles, microbiological analyses and sensory characteristics, assessed by two independent sensory panels. The sensory attributes analyzed included appearance, aroma, consistency, spoon consistency, mouthfeel, taste/acidity, and aftertaste. Statistical analysis of the results demonstrated that the addition of bioprotective cultures did not significantly affect the qualitative properties of set yogurt during storage period.
This study aimed to compare two canned turkey meat products, respectively turkey liver pâté and canned turkey ham, through sensory, physico-chemical, and microbiological analyses. Sensory evaluation was conducted using a 5-point scale across five parameters (appearance, color, taste, texture, and packaging), assessed by 12 panelists. The canned turkey ham achieved a higher average score (18.17 out of 25 points) compared to the liver pâté (17.25 out of 25 points), mainly in terms of texture and color. Physicochemical determinations included measurements of sodium chloride (NaCl), nitrites (NO2-) moisture, protein, and fat. The liver pâté presented higher fat content (24.80 g·100 g-1), nitrites (5.64 mg·100 g-1), and greater variability in moisture content (62.79-71.14 %), while the canned ham showed lower fat (3.92 g·100 g-1), higher protein (14.80 g·100 g-1), and more uniform composition. Both products were within the acceptable limits for NaCl content (1.35 g·100 g-1 in pâté; 1.19 g·100 g-1 in ham). Microbiological tests confirmed the absence of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli in all samples. Hermetic sealing was verified, indicating compliance with food safety requirements. In conclusion, both products meet quality and safety standards, but the canned turkey ham demonstrates better nutritional balance and technological consistency, while the liver pâté may benefit from improved standardization of fat, moisture, and salt content.
This study investigates agricultural land in Maramureș County, Romania, located near an extensive mining site with a history of heavy metal contamination. The polluted area lies adjacent to the Cavnic River, downstream from the Plopiș-Răchițele tailings pond. Local farmers use various fertilization practices, including the application of sediments extracted from the Cavnic River bed and, occasionally, nutrient-rich sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants. While these materials are valued for their essential nutrient content (NPK), their use may worsen existing soil pollution. The research assesses contamination levels, considering both the legacy of mining activities and current agricultural practices. The findings indicate that, although sewage sludge is rich in nutrients, it does not currently represent a viable solution for improving soil quality in this area due to the persistent heavy metal contamination from past mining operations. The study recommends the implementation of local phytoremediation strategies and more accessible government policies focused on the remediation of former mining sites and environmental safety. These should be pursued in parallel with a revised local land-use strategy aimed at reducing the risks associated with pollutant exposure.
In modern poultry meat production, photoperiod regimes and lighting technologies represent critical environmental determinants that directly influence the performance and physiology of broiler chickens. This paper examines the scientific interest in the effects of these factors on growth, carcass traits, and health status using a scientometric approach. The data, collected from the Web of Science database using Boolean search queries, were analyzed with the Bibliometrix package and the Biblioshiny platform in R. In total, 7,421 publications were examined, allowing the assessment of research output, influential authors, leading journals, co-citation networks, and major research themes. The results reveal a substantial increase in scientific interest in the field and indicate a coherent interdisciplinary structure. These findings provide a robust foundation for future research and for the optimization of lighting strategies and photoperiod regimes in commercial poultry production.
The current study aims to evaluate the impact of lubrication at the tool-workpiece interface on material formability, surface roughness of the machined part, and residual stresses in superficial layer in single point incremental forming of 6061-T4 and 2024-T3 aluminum alloys. Picual olive oil was used as a lubricant. The findings indicate that lubricated machining consistently produced superior outcomes compared to dry machining as it simultaneously increased part depth, improved surface roughness, and minimized residual stresses.
In this research, studies were conducted to determine the effect of supplementation of quails feed with ZooBioR, which is a bioproduct based on extracts from the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis biomass. The quails tested belonged to the breed Texas Super. The eggs produced by quails had the following characteristics: egg mass – 12.92±1.30 g, yolk mass – 4.49±0.63 g, yolk/white ratio – 1:1.60, yolk pH – 6.43±0.21. Bioproduct ZooBioR, being rich in well assimilated nutrients (amino acids, phospholipids), it contributed to improving the nutritional value of the quail yolk. The mineral content of yolk was found to be enhanced – for P from 248.0 mg/100 g (control group) to 265.8 mg/100 g yolk (tested group), and the amount of Ca – from 24.5 mg/100 g (control group) to 28.6 mg/100 g yolk (tested group). The total amount of cholesterol does not differ much – from 1152.6 for the control group to 1088.1 mg/100 g yolk for the tested group. Instead, there are trends in the decrease of the free cholesterol fraction, respectively, from 1.9 to 0.3 mg/100 g yolk. The argument would be that the ZooBioR supplement, rich in phospholipids, contributed to the increase in esterified cholesterol fractions and decrease of free cholesterol. Consequently, the decrease in free cholesterol is a beneficial factor in reducing easily assimilated cholesterol from eggs. An increase in the HDL esterified cholesterol fraction was also recorded, from 427.5 (control group) to 457.1 mg/100 g yolk (tested group).
Natural dyes were widely used from Antiquity until the late 19th century to color textiles, cosmetics, and food. This human ingenuity in harnessing natural resources for coloring highlights a true fusion of science and art, encouraging an interdisciplinary analysis of color practices and ancient dyeing techniques. Certainly, the Industrial Revolution and the discovery of synthetic dyes, characterized by greater stability and lower cost, marginalized natural dyes. Nevertheless, the recent awareness of environmental issues and the imperative search for sustainable substitutes for synthetic products have revived interest in the ancient natural dyes. Their biodegradability, non-toxicity, and renewable origin represent viable solutions to contemporary environmental challenges. From this perspective, the study of historical documents would allow for a better understanding of the chemical reactions involved in ancestral dyeing processes and would provide a solid starting point for reassessing the potential of these natural dyes nowadays. Indeed, both historical and chemical investigations are essential not only for rediscovering how colors were obtained by artisans of the past, but also for understanding the wide variety of chemical compounds responsible for the hues of these natural dyes.
Măcin Mountain National Park is a large, protected area in Tulcea County, Dobrogea, Romania. This park represents Romania's ancient geological, scientific, and archaeological sites, making it one of the top-ranked tourist destinations in the country. On this small territory (0.05 % of the country's surface), and in an area of 11,000 hectares, more than half of the Romanian flora can be found. This region stand out by its impressive fauna and flora. 72 plant species are protected as vulnerable and rare species, and 27 species are considered endemic plants. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the most recent and significant reports from literature data with regards to plants from Asteraceae family. Thus, the focus was on analyzing the importance of these species in traditional phytotherapy and modern medicine. Emphasis was given to biological properties, which were validated through scientific research. Consequently, multiple cosmetology and food industry applications were highlighted. Last but not least, studies concerning the safety uses and biotechnological research were presented.
The study aimed to identify the health risks associated with consuming processed milk contaminated with heavy metals (HMs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for adults and children. The risk analyses were performed by applying specific exposure and toxicity indices, which allowed a differentiated comparison between age groups and types of milk. The results highlighted significant variations in the risk level depending on the contaminant and consumer category, with higher values observed in the case of adults. At the same time, the statistical correlations performed between the risk indices suggested the existence of interdependence between exposure to heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, highlighting the potential cumulative effect of these emerging contaminants.
Grapes (Vitis vinifera) are one of the major fruit sources of phenolic compounds. Grape's skin and seeds contain high amounts of bioactive phenolic compounds; polyphenols and wine quality are closely interrelated. This study presents the composition of individual polyphenols, estimated by HPLC-DAD-MS-ESI, the total polyphenolic content and the antioxidant activity of 5 local grapes varieties (Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Regala, Viorica, Feteasca Neagra and Rara Neagra) and one European variety (Cabernet Petit). The value of total polyphenolic content of the studied local red wines (Rara Neagra and Feteasca Neagra) varied between 604 and 1354 mgL-1 and 250 and 300 mgL-1 for white ones (Feteasca Alba, Feteasca Regala and Viorica). The average of antioxidant activities determined by DPPH center dot (expressed in mmol TroloxL-1) in dry red wines from Feteasca Neagra and Rara Neagra samples was about 500-620 mmol Trolox equivalentL-1, which indicates a significant antioxidant effect of these wines. According to the obtained results and the chemometric tools, it was concluded that wines obtained from Moldovan grape varieties are a valuable source of bioactive compounds.
Preventing waste generation is the top priority of the New Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC), which then places the least emphasis on disposal and more on processing for reuse (valorization), recycling, and recovery. In a similar vein, the European Union's bio-economy policy needs to be implemented in order to enhance biological resource management, create new markets for food and biobased goods, and protect the environment. Dairy processors must therefore create efficient and lucrative methods of managing whey waste, especially given the exorbitant prices of the waste treatments used today. The consumers, business, and scientific community are becoming more interested in the recycling and reuse of food and agricultural industry by-products. Deriving added value from otherwise lost food production outputs is a key principle of the circular bioeconomy, even though there is still disagreement over a common definition of this notion. Whey, a byproduct generated during the manufacture of cheese and casein-based dairy products, is rich in nutrients and has several commercial uses. This by-product can be used in various value-added products with the help of advanced technologies. Obtaining whey beverages represents a viable solution for valorization that can be used by cheese producers in our country. The paper proposed the valorization of deproteinised whey in the manufacture of whey beer. It was used in a proportion of 30 % as a substitute for water in the beer production process. Also, to improve the physical-chemical and sensory characteristics, local syrups were used. The most appreciated variant from a sensory point of view was the whey beer with fir bud syrup. The finished product-whey beer, is a product with properties similar to beer: pleasant, characteristic smell, with hop aroma, pleasant bittersweet taste.
This study aimed to develop a biocomposite material by immobilizing sawdust in a natural polymer matrix (chitosan) and to evaluate its biosorptive potential for the removal of dyes and pharmaceutical compounds from aqueous solutions. The synthesized biocomposite, designated as C-SD-2.5%, was characterized by scanning-electron-microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Additionally, particle size and the point of zero charge were established. Its biosorption capacity was evaluated for the removal of two dyes, Malachite green (MG) and Brilliant green (BG), and one pharmaceutical compound, Ethacridine lactate (EL), from aqueous media. The results demonstrated that the removal efficiency exceeded 96 % for all tested molecules after 48 hours under the selected experimental conditions. These findings suggest that the synthesized C-SD-2.5% biocomposite has strong potential as a low-cost and effective adsorbent for the removal of MG, BG, and EL from aqueous environment.
Organic agriculture is a production system that, due to the very low or absent use of pesticides, has as its main advantage the absence of the risk of transmitting toxic substances to the population. Another advantage of organic agriculture over conventional agriculture is the reduction of the impact of pesticides on the environment. In this work, the metabolic changes presented by three selected organic and conventional vegetables were analyzed (pepper, parsley and ginger) using redox titration and enzymatic methods, with a focus on fresh products. The results show increased accumulations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, implicitly, a very high activity against oxidative stress, in the case of the three vegetables from conventional agriculture. Therefore, increasing organic farming practices can largely eliminate both the risks posed by dietary exposure to pesticides and the negative impact on the environment. Encouraging farmers to adopt organic farming in parallel with developing policies to support and supply supermarkets with ecological food.
Poultry meat is one of the most appreciated animal-derived food products, both for its nutritional value and for its specific sensory properties. For a long time, the preservation of the health of birds and the improvement of growth indicators were achieved through the administration of antibiotics, a technique highly contested due to their residue in finished products. Against the backdrop of these issues, various plant-based products (phytoadditives) have emerged, credited with multiple roles, from improving immunity and digestion efficiency to reducing the action of predominant pathogens and even mitigating the environmental impact of animal farming. The purpose of this study is to create a centralized overview of the effects generated by the available phytogenic additives, for their inclusion in specific bird diets with the aim of improving the quantitative and qualitative aspects of meat production.
Diet and sleep are two basic components that directly regulate each individual's overall health. Specialized studies increasingly emphasize that the contemporary human population has difficulties in maintaining optimal body health as a result of the sedentary lifestyle, specific to the 3rd millennium, which is characterized by an increasing proportion of work activity under the influence of artificial light. Scientific evidence available in the literature up to the year 2025 shows that both sleep deprivation and poor quality sleep are generally associated with the promotion of cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative diseases. Dairy-rich diets are optimal options for improving sleep quality because they are rich in protein and especially tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is the basic precursor involved in the synthesis of melatonin, the hormone responsible for initiating, maintaining and improving sleep quality. This work is a complement to the research initiated by the authors on the development of functional dairy food products that improve quality of life by promoting good quality sleep. The paper contains concrete scientific evidence demonstrating that the type of diet and eating pattern directly influences sleep architecture and sleep quality.
The fermentation of Tagetes patula L. flowers infusion by native microorganisms has been studied. The composition of marigold flower microorganisms, which includes yeasts, bacteria, and microscopic molds was determined. It was established that yeasts from the genera Saccharomyces, Brettanomyces, and Rhodotorula, along with lactic acid bacteria from the genera Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc participate in the spontaneous fermentation of the infusion. The influence of sugar and citric acid concentrations on the fermentation duration, as well as physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic indicators of the fermented infusion, was demonstrated. It was established that acidification with citric acid effectively promotes fermentation of the infusion primarily at a sugar concentration of 7.0 %. The pH value significantly impacts the dynamics of spontaneous fermentation and the properties of the fermented marigold infusion. It was found that increasing the initial citric acid concentration and lactic acid adversely affects yeast, particularly Saccharomycetes, during the fermentation of the marigold infusion.
The article presents the research results the purpose of which was to evaluate the possibility of utilization of nutrient media obtained from carrot and celery agri-food wastes as a single source of nutrition for the cultivation of pigmented yeast strains of the genus Rhodotorula. It was established that nutrient media based on carrot and mixture of carrot and celery present an effective substrate for the cultivation of pigmented yeasts R. mucilaginosa CNMN-Ys-10 and R. gracilis CNMN-Ys-03, which allow stimulation of the biomass productivity of yeasts, significantly increase the concentration of carotenoids in biomass and increase the total antioxidant activity of the strain biomass. The medium based on celery wastes inhibits the growth and development of the strains, affects the yeast productivity, significantly modifies the biochemical composition of the biomass and significant increases its total antioxidant activity.
