Sustainable food processing and zero-waste management of by-products require the search for natural functional ingredients that can be used in finished food products. Edible mushrooms are a rich source of non-volatile bioactive compounds, but their functionality in complex food matrices remains poorly understood. The aim of the study was to compare the profiles of bioactive non-volatile compounds in Pleurotus ostreatus and Agaricus bisporus extracts obtained by the ultrasonic and combined (shaking + ultrasound) methods and to assess the possibility of using the selected extract in zero-waste broths. The content of DNA, polyphenols, nucleosides and nucleotides, and low-molecular-weight metabolites, as well as the antioxidant activity of the extracts and broths, was assessed. Significant species and technological differences in extraction efficiency were demonstrated, with A. bisporus extracts obtained using the combined method characterized by the highest content of compounds with reducing potential. Adding 2% A. bisporus extract to the broth increased the reduction potential (FRAP) and selectively altered the nucleoside and polyphenol profile, without significantly affecting key umami nucleotides. The results provide preliminary evidence suggesting that mushroom extracts could be considered as functional ingredients in zero-waste products, with the potential to enhance their bioactive properties.

This study analyzed the degree of fungal contamination of cereal grains and assessed the potential of gemini surfactants as antifungal agents used in seed dressing. Identification analysis based on the ITS region showed that representatives of the genera Penicillium and Fusarium were most frequently identified among the isolated microorganisms. The sensitivity testing of the gemini surfactants-12-6-12 hexamethylene-1,6-bis(N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide) and 12-O-12 3-oxa-1,5-pentane-bis(N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide), as well as formulations derived from them-showed that the growth of mold monocultures was inhibited at concentrations <0.0005-0.0016%. A consortium containing a mixture of five different strains inhibited the growth at concentrations of 0.031-0.125%. In studies of treated grains, both on synthetic media and in pot tests, the following parameters were considered: the type of gemini surfactant in the fungicide, the coating agent concentration, and various filamentous fungi. It was found that wheat grains showed comparatively lower infection levels under the tested conditions for the 12-6-12/N/IT7/S formulation, containing the main active ingredient, hexamethylene-1,6-bis(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylammonium) dibromide, and a single concentration of the coating agent. Fusarium sp. monocultures colonized treated grain more quickly than a consortium of five strains. The results indicate that seed coatings based on gemini surfactants may represent a potentially useful approach under controlled conditions; however, further studies including toxicity assessment, environmental impact evaluation, and field validation are required.

Food losses and waste occur throughout the food production chain, creating an urgent need for their recovery and valorization into sustainable food products. Sensory acceptance is crucial for consumer interest and market success and can be enhanced using yeast extract. However, strategies that simultaneously valorize meat and vegetable by-products into nutritionally and functionally enriched products while ensuring sensory acceptability have been scarcely investigated. This study examined whether poultry carcasses after mechanical meat separation, combined with root vegetable processing residues, could be converted into a zero-waste broth with enhanced nutritional and bioactive-related properties. The developed broth was obtained by cooking for 3 h at 122 °C under 0.2 MPa, with 2% (v/v) yeast extract added to improve umami taste. The broth was analyzed for amino acids, protein and nucleoside content, turbidity, vitamins A, K, and B-group, and antioxidant activity. The yeast-extract-enriched broth showed high levels of these vitamins, supporting EU-compliant nutrition and health claims, and demonstrated strong antioxidant activity as measured by in vitro assays. Preliminary sensory testing indicated high acceptability of the broth, likely due to the addition of yeast extract. Overall, the study demonstrates that meat and vegetable by-products can be effectively valorized into a nutritionally enriched and compositionally promising product.

Cationic gemini surfactants are used due to their broad spectrum of activity, especially surface, anticorrosive and antimicrobial properties. Mixtures of cationic and anionic surfactants are also increasingly described. In order to investigate the effect of anionic additive on antimicrobial activity, experimental studies were carried out to obtain MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. Two gemini surfactants (12-6-12 and 12-O-12) and two single quaternary ammonium salts (DTAB and DDAC) were analyzed. The most commonly used commercial compounds of this class, i.e., SDS and SL, were used as anionic additives. In addition, computer quantum mechanical studies were also carried out to confirm the relationship between the structure of the mixture and the activity. The obtained results of microbiological tests and quantum mechanical calculations are in agreement with each other and show the lack of synergism in catanionic mixtures in the case of antibacterial activity.

Cationic surfactants, accounting for approximately 7% of the global surfactant market, are widely used in applications such as fabric softeners, biocides, and corrosion inhibitors. Recently, gemini surfactants—comprising two amphiphilic units linked by a spacer—have attracted significant interest due to their superior surface activity, lower critical micelle concentrations, and strong antimicrobial properties. However, their poor biodegradability, resulting from their complex molecular structure, has raised environmental concerns. To address this, researchers have developed ester-based gemini surfactants incorporating biodegradable bonds. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the structure of ester-based gemini surfactants (hydrophobic chain length and spacer type) and their antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. Three series of compounds featuring different functional groups in the spacer were synthesized, along with a trimeric surfactant for comparative purposes. The results demonstrated that both the hydrophobic chain length and the presence of additional cationic groups significantly influence the CMC and antimicrobial performance. Quantum mechanical calculations were also performed to search for correlations between electronic properties and chemical reactivity of compounds. These findings highlight that ester-based gemini surfactants combine high surface and antimicrobial activity with the potential for improved biodegradability, making them promising candidates for use in environmentally friendly applications.

Molds pose a severe challenge to agriculture because they cause very large crop losses. For this reason, synthetic fungicides have been used for a long time. Without adequate protection against pests and various pathogens, crop losses could be as high as 30–40%. However, concerns mainly about the environmental impact of synthetic antifungals and human health risk have prompted a search for natural alternatives. But do natural remedies only have advantages? This article reviews the current state of knowledge on the use of antifungal substances in agriculture to protect seeds against phytopathogens. The advantages and disadvantages of using both synthetic and natural fungicides to protect cereal grains were discussed, indicating specific examples and mechanisms of action. The possibilities of an integrated control approach, combining cultural, biological, and chemical methods are described, constituting a holistic strategy for sustainable mold management in the grain industry.

Abstract Santalum genus belongs to the family of Santalaceae, widespread in India, Australia, Hawaii, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, and valued as traditional medicine, rituals and modern bioactivities. Sandalwood is reported to possess a plethora of bioactive compounds such as essential oil and its components (α-santalol and β-santalol), phenolic compounds and fatty acids. These bioactives play important role in contributing towards biological activities and health-promoting effects in humans. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown the role of sandalwood extract as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, neuroleptic, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and anticancer activities. Safety studies on sandalwood essential oil (EO) and its extracts have proven them as a safe ingredient to be utilized in health promotion. Phytoconstituents, bioactivities and traditional uses established sandalwood as one of the innovative materials for application in the pharma, food, and biomedical industry.

Food is an integral part of everyone's life. Disposable food serving utensils and tableware are a very convenient solution, especially when the possibility of the use of traditional dishes and cutlery is limited (e.g., takeaway meals). As a result, a whole range of products is available on the market: plates, trays, spoons, forks, knives, cups, straws, and more. Both the form of the product (adapted to the distribution and sales system) as well as its ecological aspect (biodegradability and life cycle) should be of interest to producers and consumers, especially considering the clearly growing trend of "eco-awareness". This is particularly important in the case of single-use products. The aim of the study was to present the current trends regarding disposable utensils intended for contact with food in the context of their biodegradability. This paper has summarized not only conventional polymers but also their modern alternatives gaining the attention of manufacturers and consumers of single-use products (SUPs).

Due to their large possibility of the structure modification, alkylammonium gemini surfactants are a rapidly growing class of compounds. They exhibit significant surface, aggregation and antimicrobial properties. Due to the fact that, in order to achieve the desired utility effect, the minimal concentration of compounds are used, they are in line with the principle of greenolution (green evolution) in chemistry. In this study, we present innovative synthesis of the homologous series of gemini surfactants modified at the spacer by the ether group, i.e., 3-oxa-1,5-pentane-bis(N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromides). The critical micelle concentrations were determined. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of the synthesized compounds were determined against bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC 10536 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538; yeast Candida albicans ATCC 10231; and molds Aspergillus niger ATCC 16401 and Penicillium chrysogenum ATCC 60739. We also investigated the relationship between antimicrobial activity and alkyl chain length or the nature of the spacer. The obtained results indicate that the synthesized compounds are effective microbicides with a broad spectrum of biocidal activity.

A series of 21 azapolymethylene gemini surfactants were obtained. The synthesis of the title surfactants in one- or two-step reaction proceeds with good yields. The structure and the purity of the synthesized compounds were determined by 1H and 13C NMR, ESI-MS spectra, and elemental analysis. Moreover, 2D COSY, HMBC, and HSQC spectra were performed. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the synthesized compounds were determined against fungi: Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum and bacteria: Escherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Also, the critical micelle concentrations (CMC) were determined. The relationship between antimicrobial and surface activity and surfactant structure has been determined.

Moulds inhabiting mineral-based materials may cause their biodeterioration, contributing to inestimable losses, especially in the case of cultural heritage objects and architectures. Fungi in mouldy buildings may also pose a threat to human health and constitute the main etiological factor in building related illnesses. In this context, research into novel compounds with antifungal activity is of high importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of polyoxometalate-ionic liquids (POM-ILs) and their use in the eradication of moulds from historical brick. In the disc diffusion assay, all the tested POM-ILs inhibited growth of a mixed culture of moulds including Engyodontium album, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus fumigatus. These were isolated from the surfaces of historical brick barracks at the Auschwitz II-Birkenau State Museum in Oświęcim, Poland. POM-IL coatings on historical brick samples, under model conditions, showed that two compounds demonstrated very high antifungal activity, completely limiting mould growth and development. The antifungal activity of the POM-ILs appeared to stem from their toxic effects on conidia, as evidenced by environmental scanning transmission electron microscopy observations. The results herein indicated that POM-ILs are promising disinfectant materials for use not only on historical objects, but probably also on other mineral-based materials.

Abstract The scientific multistep approach described herein is a result of two years of research into a control method against microbial fouling and biodeterioration of historic building materials by phototrophs. A series of tests were conducted to select the best antifouling agent for eliminating ‘green’ coatings and protecting surfaces against biofouling. Of the seven active compounds, two with the best penetration abilities were subjected to a photosynthetic activity inhibition test using confocal microscopy. Of the two, a quaternary ammonium salt (QAC) – didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) – was found to be the most effective. Ten biocides containing QACs at different concentrations were then tested against ‘green’ coatings on wood, brick and plaster, with the best four being selected for further research in model conditions. As a result, biocides containing >14% (v v–1) DDAC were found to be successful antifouling agents for protecting historical materials against biodeterioration by phototrophs.

In this study, we investigated the activities of hexamethylene-1,6-bis-(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylammonium bromide) (C6), pentamethylene-1,5-bis-(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylammonium bromide) (C5), and their two neutral analogues: hexamethylene-1,6-bis-(N-methyl-N-dodecylamine) (A6) and pentamethylene-1,5-bis-(N-methyl-N-dodecylamine) (A5) at concentrations of ½ MIC, MIC, and 2 MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) against hyphal forms of Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404. Enzymatic profiles were determined using the API-ZYM system. Extracellular proteins were extracted from the mycelia and analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The ultrastructure was evaluated using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Both groups of surfactants caused changes in the enzyme profiles. Larger changes in the number and concentration of enzymes were noted after the action of non-ionic gemini surfactants, which may have been due to the 100× higher concentration of neutral compounds. Larger differences between the protein profiles of the control sample and the biocide samples were observed following the use of cationic compounds. On the basis of TEM analyses, we found that, with increasing concentrations of compound C6, the mycelium cells gradually degraded. After treatment at 2 MIC, only membranous structures, multiform bodies, and dense electron pellets remained. Based on these results, we concluded that cationic gemini surfactants, in comparison with their non-ionic analogues, could have a wide range of practical applications as active compounds.

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of microbiocides on the reduction of the microbial population on paper in order to protect it against biodeterioration. The cellulose products were modified with the cationic gemini surfactant hexamethylene-1,6-bis-(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylammonium bromide) C6 and its monomeric analog (didecyldimethylammonium chloride) DDAC. The microbiocides were introduced into the paper by coating and spraing. In the coating method the microbiocides were mixed with starch solution and applied to paper surface as a wet film with a thickness of 24 and 50 µm. In the spraying method the surfactants were applied at 3% concentration in water to get 0.005 ml/cm2 of paper. Experiments were performed with moulds of the genera Aspergillus, Penicilllium, Chaetomium and Trichoderma and bacteria represented by the genera Bacilllus and Pseudomonas. The antimicrobial properties of the paper modified with surfactants were determined by qualitative and quantitative methods. The zones of inhibition were measured using the parallel streak method. Macroscopic assessment of mould growth on the surface of the paper samples was performed over 21 days of incubation. In quantitative analysis, the survival rate of microorganisms on the modified paper samples was determined over 24 h. Aspergillus brasiliensis was the least sensitive mould, with no observable inhibition zones. No growth of this mould was observed either on or underneath the sample. Both of the surfactants applied as coatings or sprays protected the paper effectively against the growth of bacteria and mould. However, the spraying method is simpler to use. Over 24 h, the number of spores and bacteria in all the samples containing surfactants was reduced to below 1 log/10 cm2 (reduction factor up to 99.9%). The compounds may therefore be applied as antimicrobial agents for the protection of paper.

The aim of this study was to develop new sulfur-copolymer concrete composites using waste compounds that have good mechanical characteristics and show a resistance to biocorrosion. The comonomers used to synthesize the sulfur-organic copolymers were-90 wt. % sulfur; 5 wt. % dicyclopentadiene (DCPD); 5 wt. % organic monomers, styrene (SDS), 1-decene (SDD), turpentine (SDT), and furfural (SDF). The concrete composites based on sulfur-organic copolymers were filled with aggregates, sand, gravel, as well as additives and industrial waste such as fly ash or phosphogypsum. The sulfur-organic copolymers were found to be chemically stable (softening temperature, thermal stability, melting temperature, amount of recrystallized sulfur, and shore D hardness). Partial replacement of DCPD with other organic comonomers did not change the thermal stability markedly but did make the copolymers more elastic. However, the materials became significantly stiffer after repeated melting. All the tested copolymers were found to be resistant to microbial corrosion. The highest resistance was exhibited by the SDS-containing polymer, while the SDF polymer exhibited the greatest change due to the activity of the microorganisms (FTIR analysis and sulfur crystallization). The concrete composites with sulfur-organic copolymers containing DCPD, SDS, SDF, fly ash, and phosphogypsum were mechanically resistant to compression and stretching, had low water absorbance, and were resistant to factors, such as temperature and salt. Resistance to freezing and thawing (150 cycles) was not confirmed. The concrete composites with sulfur-organic copolymers showed resistance to bacterial growth and acid activity during 8 weeks of incubation with microorganisms. No significant structural changes were observed in the SDS composites after incubation with bacteria, whereas composites containing SDF showed slight changes (FTIR and microscopic analysis). The concrete composite containing sulfur, DCPD, SDS, sand, gravel, and fly ash was the most resistant to microbiological corrosion, based on the metabolic activity of the bacteria and the production of ergosterol by the molds after eight weeks of incubation. It was found that Thiobacillus thioparus was the first of the acidifying bacteria to colonize the sulfur concrete, decreasing the pH of the environment. The molds Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus versicolor and Cladosporium herbarum were able to grow on the surface of the tested composites only in the presence of an organic carbon source (glucose). During incubation, they produced organic acids and acidified the environment. However, no morphological changes in the concretes were observed suggesting that sulfur-organic copolymers containing styrene could be used as engineering materials or be applied as binders in sulfur-concretes.

This study set out to investigate the biological activity of monomeric surfactants dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and the next generation gemini surfactant hexamethylene-1,6-bis-(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylammonium bromide) (C6) against the environmental strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa PB_1. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined using the dilution method. The viability of the planktonic cells and biofilm was assessed using the plate count method. Enzymatic profile was determined using the API-ZYM system. Proteins were extracted from the biofilm and planktonic cells and analysed using SDS-PAGE. The MIC of the gemini surfactants was 70 times lower than that of its monomeric analogue. After 4 h of treatment at MIC (0.0145 mM for C6 and 1.013 mM for DTAB), the number of viable planktonic cells was reduce by less than 3 logarithm units. At the concentration ≥MIC, a reduction in the number of viable cells was observed in mature biofilms (p < 0.05). Treatment for 4 h with gemini surfactant at 20 MIC caused complete biofilm eradication. At sub-MIC, the concentration of some enzymes reduced and their protein profiles changed. The results of this study show that due to its superior antibacterial activity, gemini compound C6 can be applied as an effective microbiocide against P. aeruginosa in both planktonic and biofilm forms.

This study investigates the biological activity of two cationic gemini surfactants, hexamethylene-1,6-bis-(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylammonium bromide) C6 and pentamethylene-1,5-bis-(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecyla,.mmonium bromide) C5, and their two neutral analogs, hexamethylene-1,6-bis-(N-methyl-N-dodecylamine) (A6) and pentamethylene-1,5-bis-(N-methyl-N-dodecylamine) (A5). Experiments were performed with Aspergillus brasiliensis, which is used in the standard tests for biocides. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for conidia and mycelium were determined using the dilution method. The viability of the conidia was evaluated using the plate count method. The dry mass of the mycelium was determined using the thermogravimetric method. Ergosterol was extracted from the mycelium and evaluated by gas chromatography. The effect of gemini surfactants on fungal morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy. Cationic gemini surfactants were found to be active at lower concentrations compared to their non-ionic analogues, rapidly reducing the total number of conidia that were able to grow. They also decreased both the ergosterol content in the mycelium and its dry weight. These results suggest that cationic gemini surfactants C6 and C5 could have a wide range of practical applications as active compounds. However, it should be remembered that usage at too low concentrations, below the MIC, will only lead to short-term disturbances in the development of conidia and mycelium.

New dimeric, trimeric and tetrameric quaternary ammonium salts were accomplished by reaction of tertiary alkyldimethyl amines with appropriate bromomethylbenzene derivatives. A series of new cationic surfactants contain different alkyl chain lengths (C4–C18), aromatic spacers and different numbers of quaternary nitrogen atoms. The structure of the products was confirmed by spectral analysis (FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and 2D-NMR), mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS), elemental analysis, as well as PM5 semiempirical methods. Compound (21) was also analyzed using X-ray crystallography. Critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 1,4-bis-[N-(1-alkyl)-N,N-dimethylammoniummethyl]benzene dibromides (3–9) was determined to characterize the aggregation behavior. The antimicrobial properties of novel QACs (Quaternary Ammonium Salts) were examined to set their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against fungi Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Penicillium chrysogenum and bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

We investigated the biological activity of surfactants based on quaternary ammonium compounds: gemini surfactant hexamethylene-1,6-bis-(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylammonium bromide) (C6), synthesized by the reaction of N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylamine with 1,6-dibromohexane, and its monomeric analogue dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB). The experiments were performed with bacteria Asaia lannensis, a common spoilage in the beverage industry. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined using the tube standard two-fold dilution method. The growth and adhesive properties of bacterial cells were studied in different culture media, and the cell viability was evaluated using plate count method. Both of the surfactants were effective against the bacterial strain, but the MIC of gemini compound was significantly lower. Both C6 and DTAB exhibited anti-adhesive abilities. Treatment with surfactants at or below MIC value decreased the number of bacterial cells that were able to form biofilm, however, the gemini surfactant was more effective. The used surfactants were also found to be able to eradicate mature biofilms. After 4 h of treatment with C6 surfactant at concentration 10 MIC, the number of bacterial cells was reduced by 91.8%. The results of this study suggest that the antibacterial activity of the gemini compound could make it an effective microbiocide against the spoilage bacteria Asaia sp. in both planktonic and biofilm stages.

A series of new norspermidine derivatives, both nonionic and cationic, have been obtained. Structures of the synthesized compounds have been estab-lished by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 2D NMR, mass spectrometry and elemental analyses. Physicochemical and anti-microbial properties have been discussed.