University of Food Technologies

Diabetes mellitus is a global health problem requiring innovative approaches for effective management. Natural compounds derived from medicinal plants offer promising avenues due to their diverse biological activities. The aim of this study was to assess the inhibitory effects of Cedrus atlantica extracts on the enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which play a crucial role in the regulation of postprandial glucose levels, as well as to investigate their phytochemical composition and antioxidant capabilities. Aqueous extract of bark (EA), aqueous extract of cones (CA), and aqueous extract of leaves (FA) of C. atlántica were prepared and evaluated for enzyme inhibition using acarbose as a standard. The CA extract showed potent α-amylase inhibition (IC50 307 ± 0.02 μg/mL) and remarkable α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 70 ± 0.04 μg/mL), outperforming the FA and EA extracts. Quantitative analysis revealed that EA and CA extracts had higher total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and tannin content than FA extract. Antioxidant assessments highlighted the outstanding performance of CA extract, with a low IC50 ABTS (30.65 ± 0.1 μg/mL) and an impressive EC50 FRAP (59.43 ± 1.19 μg/mL), outperforming FA extract. The results demonstrate the remarkable antidiabetic potential of C. atlantica extracts, particularly the CA extract, by inhibiting key enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion. These extracts possess various phytochemical compounds with significant antioxidant capacities, suggesting that they are suitable for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. Further research to isolate and identify the bioactive compounds in CA extract could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing diabetes and oxidative stress-related conditions.

Environmental negotiations are complex, and conveying the interaction between science and policy in traditional teaching methods is challenging. To address this issue, innovative educational approaches like serious gaming and role-playing games have emerged. These methods allow students to actively explore the roles of different stakeholders in environmental decision-making and weigh for instance between sometimes conflicting UN Sustainable Development Goals or other dilemmas. In this work the phosphorus negotiation game (P-Game) is for the first time introduced. We present the initial quantitative and qualitative findings derived from engaging 788 students at various academic levels (Bachelor, Master, PhD, and Postdoc) across three continents and spanning 22 different countries. Quantitative results indicate that female participants and MSc students benefitted the most significantly from the P-Game, with their self-reported knowledge about phosphorus science and negotiation science/practice increasing by 71–93% (overall), 86–100% (females), and 73–106% (MSc students in general). Qualitative findings reveal that the P-Game can be smoothly conducted with students from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. Moreover, students highly value their participation in the P-Game, which can be completed in just 2–3 h. This game not only encourages active engagement among participants but also provides valuable insights into the complex environmental issues associated with global phosphorus production. We strongly believe that the underlying methodology described here could also be used for other topics.

Medicinal plants play a vital role in traditional medicine. They offer remedies for various ailments and contribute significantly to human health. Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl is herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family, native to Türkiye, Iran, and the Caucasus. Known for its medicinal properties and ornamental value. It grows in various habitats and displays high phenotypic variability. Major essential oil constituents are α -pinene, (E)-caryophyllene, germacrene D, Δ-cadinene, and others. These constituents contribute to its medicinal properties. S. lavandulifolia has significant potential for health-related applications due to its diverse pharmacological effects. Clinical and laboratory studies have shown multiple benefits like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, antitumor, anticholinesterase, antimicrobial, analgesic, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and gastrointestinal benefits. Furthermore, studies have shown potential in extending human lifespan, reducing fatigue, nausea, vomiting associated with primary dysmenorrhea, and managing PCOS-induced abnormal uterine bleeding. However, some potential toxicity issues about abortion and renal toxicity were also reported. Ongoing research and clinical trials are essential to fully understand its benefits and safety profile.

Tenebrio molitor is considered a sustainable protein source for diets in poultry. It has been investigated in regard to the performance, health status, and product quality in different poultry species. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of low-fat Tenebrio molitor meal (LFTM) included in the broilers’ diet on the growth performance and carcass composition of the birds. The trial was conducted at the Institute of Animal Science-Kostinbrod, Bulgaria. A total of 120 male one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were allocated to 5 groups. After an adaptation period of 14 days, the birds were fed a basal diet (C) and diets including LFTM in amounts of 2.5% (T2.5), 5% (T5), 7.5% (T7.5), and 10% (T10). The growth performance of the birds was measured during the trial. At 35 days of age, 8 birds per group were slaughtered, and their carcass quality was evaluated. We found a linear response of BWG and FCR towards the inclusion of Tenebrio molitor meal (TM) in the diet. For the whole period (14–35 d), the BWG decreased (p = 0.0002), while the values of FCR increased (p = 0.0001) with the increase in the levels of the insect meal. The doses of 7.5% and 10% of the insect meal were associated with lower carcass weight and also decreased the yield of the breast. The results of the study indicated that the incorporation of LFTM, especially in amounts of 7.5–10%, could not be appropriate for broilers due to adverse effects on the growth performance and carcass composition.

The aim of the study is to investigate the extraction of features from microscopic images of honey plants pollen for classifying honey based on its botanical origin. Pollens from black locust, linden, lavender, canola and thistle are used. The color image of the pollen grain is converted into a gray image, from which classification features are extracted using popular texture recognition methods - Gabor filter, gray level co-occurrence matrix and local binary patterns. The extracted textural features are then processed with the principal component analysis method for dimensionality reduction and removal of correlated data. Geometric features related to the shape of the pollen grain are extracted from the binarized image. Through linear discriminant analysis, four classifiers are synthesized based on the textural and geometric features. To improve their performance, three hybrid structures mixing textural and geometric features are proposed. A comparative analysis of the performance of all seven linear classifiers is performed using a leave-one-out-cross-validation test. The best success rate obtained is 96%. The efficacy of the proposed algorithms is assessed through simulations conducted using the MATLAB programming language.

Plants are rich sources of specialized metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenes, phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, and volatile oils, which provide various health benefits including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiaging, skin-altering, and anti-diabetic properties. However, challenges such as low and inconsistent yields, environment and geographic factors, and species-specific production of some specialized metabolites limit the supply of raw plant material for the food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, biotechnological approaches using plant in vitro systems offer an appealing alternative for the production of biologically active metabolites. Among these, hairy root cultures induced by Rhizobium rhizogenes have firmed up their position as "green cell factories" due to their genotypic and biosynthetic stability. Hairy roots are valuable platforms for producing high-value phytomolecules at a low cost, are amenable to pathway engineering, and can be scaled up in bioreactors, making them attractive for commercialization. This review explores the potential of hairy roots for specialized metabolites biosynthesis focusing on biotechnology tools to enhance their production. Aspects of morphological peculiarities of hairy roots, the diversity of bioreactors design, and process intensification technologies for maximizing biosynthetic capacity, as well as examples of patented plant-derived (green-labeled) products produced through hairy root cultivation at lab and industrial scales, are addressed and discussed.

In the dynamic corporate world, there is an increasing need to explore opportunities to integrate circular economy principles into sustainable development strategies. By applying the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR), the aim is to achieve the maximum global effect. The analysis focuses on the role that business can play in promoting the transition to a more sustainable model of production and consumption, taking into account the environmental and societal gains. Through a review of current literature and case studies, successful practices and challenges for enterprises in integrating the circular economy into their business models are analyzed. The publication also examines the importance of cooperation between corporations, government and civil society in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and emphasizes the importance of building strategic partnerships. In conclusion, recommendations are made for the business sector and for political decision-makers regarding the optimal practices for successfully integrating the circular economy into sustainable development strategies based on the principles of corporate social responsibility.

The convergence of green initiatives and Industry 4.0 presents both opportunities and challenges for modern enterprises. The aim of this study is to propose a model that offers a structured approach for companies and entrepreneurs to embed green initiatives into their operations, capitalizing on the technological advancements and operational efficiencies of Industry 4.0. By drawing parallels to Intel's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, this model is designed to be comprehensive, addressing critical aspects such as resource efficiency, supply chain sustainability, and technology-driven innovation. The proposed Integrative Model provides a strategic roadmap for achieving sustainability goals while leveraging the technological advancements of Industry 4.0. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, big data analytics, and advanced manufacturing, the model not only enhances operational efficiency but also promotes sustainable practices across the value chain. The study underscores the necessity of a phased approach for implementation, involving assessment, strategic planning, and continuous improvement. This model complements existing frameworks like Intel's ESG by providing specific tools and strategies tailored to the unique demands of Industry 4.0 enterprises. Ultimately, it serves as a critical resource for companies aiming to achieve a competitive advantage through sustainable, technology-driven practices.

The current study focuses on evaluating the enzyme inhibition (acetylcholinesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, pancreatin lipase), antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the "Modesto" apricot, "Stanley" plum, and their hybrid the "Stendesto" plum-apricot. The "Stendesto" is the only successful plum-apricot hybrid in Bulgaria. A spectrophotometric approach was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity following four complementary assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC). The "Stendesto" plum-apricot revealed its enhanced antioxidant potential compared to its parental lines. Apart from the free phenolics extraction, two other techniques (alkaline and acid hydrolysis) were applied to reveal the biological potential of the studied fruit. Not only free but also bound phenolic extracts were able to inhibit α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase, while none of the extracts inhibited lipase or α-amylase. None of the apricot extracts had antimicrobial activity, while the other fruit had limited antimicrobial activity. The proposed results undoubtedly reveal that hybrid fruits possess enhanced biological activity compared to their parents. This is a first comprehensive evaluation of hybrid fruits with reference to parental lines. This makes them an interesting research topic that should be better explored.

This paper aims to examine sustainable practices within the manufacturing and high-tech industries, highlighting how green entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices are reshaping these sectors. As global pressures to address climate change intensify, these sectors are increasingly adopting sustainable strategies that not only reduce environmental impact but also drive economic growth. The paper discusses key sustainable practices, including energy management, advanced manufacturing technologies, and supply chain optimization, highlighting their significance in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing operational efficiency. Case studies from leading companies, such as Toyota, Google, and Apple, illustrate how innovations in renewable energy, automation, and ethical sourcing are being integrated into business models to support long-term sustainability goals. Additionally, the paper examines the challenges faced by organizations, particularly smaller enterprises, in implementing these practices, and the critical role of international regulatory frameworks in ensuring global sustainability standards. The analysis underscores the importance of the “triple bottom line” approach – profit, people, and planet – as a strategic framework for businesses aiming to achieve resilience and leadership in the emerging green economy. The findings suggest that while the transition to sustainable practices presents significant challenges, it also offers substantial opportunities for long-term economic and environmental benefits.

The study explores the role of Industry 4.0 technologies in fostering green entrepreneurship. It examines the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and robotics into manufacturing processes. The primary goal of the study is to assess how these technologies can enhance production sustainability, optimize supply chains, and reduce the environmental footprint of logistics. The study employs a qualitative analysis of existing literature, case studies, and statistical data, providing a comprehensive assessment of the impact of these technologies on sustainable manufacturing and green entrepreneurship. The results indicate that Industry 4.0 technologies significantly contribute to sustainable manufacturing by reducing waste and improving energy efficiency. Despite the significant benefits, challenges such as high initial costs for smart equipment, the need for reliable data networks, and increased customer demands hinder the widespread adoption of these technologies. Industry 4.0 technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for enhancing sustainability and supporting green entrepreneurship. Realizing these opportunities requires collaborative efforts among businesses, governments, and stakeholders to ensure balanced economic development and environmental conservation.

Our study focuses on plant diversity in the Allal El Fassi dam, a semi-arid continental bioclimate, to understand human-impacted aquatic ecosystems. We analyzed plant, soil, and water samples from 40 stations using various indices. We identified 55 plant species across 35 families, with Poaceae, Asteraceae, Asparagaceae, and Rosaceae being dominant. The transition zone (formerly Zone 2) is characterized by dense vegetation of hydrophytes, hemicryptophytes, and therophytes. The transformed (formerly Zone 1) and terrestrial zones (formerly Zone 3) have less diverse vegetation, dominated by phanerophytes, geophytes, and chamerophites. Phanerophytes, due to their developed root systems, are suited to dam soil types. Predominant species like Tamarix gallica L., Nerium oleander L., Juncus acutus L., and Arundo donax L. indicate the dam’s ecological transformation into a terrestrial ecosystem isolated from the river by sedimentary deposits following floods. These species are opportunistic, and adapted to water level variations.

Sweet buttermilk, a by-product of butter production, remains highly underutilized despite containing some relevant components (i.e., phospholipids) that may have a high biological value and may exert some positive technological functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using ultrafiltered (UF) sweet buttermilk at different volume reduction ratios (3 and 5) to replace emulsifiers and/or stabilizers in the production of a novel clean-label ice cream formulation made with sweet buttermilk-based mixtures. The functional, thermo-rheological, and sensory profile of four types of ice creams was investigated. Increasing the degree of sweet buttermilk concentration positively influenced the overrun values and at the same time improved the ice cream’s resistance to melting. Also, the thermo-rheological profile during melting was influenced by the presence of UF buttermilk. These differences in techno-functional properties were probably partly caused by the different total phospholipids content caused by UF buttermilk. Some sensory properties (i.e., structure, consistency) were positively related to the utilization of UF buttermilk, while aroma and taste were negatively influenced. This study demonstrated that UF buttermilk can be used as an additive replacer in ice cream production because it enhances the structural and rheological properties of the final product.

The presence of chlorophylls in phenolic extracts may limit their use in food products due to undesirable coloration. This project seeks to minimize the co-extraction of chlorophylls during the ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of polyphenols from sugar beet leaves (SBLs) by optimizing the extraction condition using response surface methodology (RSM). Optimization aimed to minimize the chlorophyll yield (CY) of the extraction while maximizing the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) with the lowest possible amount of sample. Optimized extraction parameters were 25% ethanol as solvent, 8 min extraction time, and 3.98% (w/v) solid:liquid ratio. The experimental values at optimized condition were 11.49 ± 0.66 mmol gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/L TPC, 2.09 ± 0.06 mmol quercetin equivalent/L TFC, and 0.05 ± 0.01 mg/g CY. In the optimized extract, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was 3.16 ± 0.25 mmol trolox equivalent/L, and trans-ferulic acid had the highest concentration (123.39 ± 4.13 µmol/L) among the detected phenolic compounds. The optimized extract, at a phenolic concentration of 300 µmol GAE/L, chelated cupric and ferrous ions by 48.95 ± 1.06%, and 66.18 ± 1.31%, respectively. Adding the optimized extract to vegetable oils increased their oxidative stability significantly (p < 0.05). The antioxidant activity index of the optimized extract in all the cases was comparable to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), confirming that the obtained extract could be a reliable substitute for synthetic antioxidants. The results of this study are important in enhancing the utilization of extracts recovered from food by-products in the food industry. Graphical Abstract

The genus Pistacia, with its species having notable ecological, economic, and medicinal implications, demonstrates remarkable environmental adaptability. The central objective of the study is to analyze interspecific variations between Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica and Pistacia terebinthus across three distinct bioclimatic zones in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco. The methodology includes collecting dendrometric measurements and conducting macromorphological examinations on these two taxa, with a detailed analysis of 27 qualitative and quantitative variables. A micro-morphological analysis of leaves, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), is employed to explore specific features such as size and stomatal density, as well as qualitative aspects like epidermal cell shape and trichomes. Dendrometric measurements have revealed that the canopy surface and the number of trunks per tree can serve as distinctive features between the two species. Regarding the sex ratio of Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica, 59% of the examined trees are males, primarily associated with the jujube tree in arid zones and the dwarf palm in humid areas. In contrast, female Pistacia terebinthus exhibit a similar percentage, predominantly associated with oak groves and cade juniper in their distribution areas. Principal component analysis of biometric measurements emphasized a significant disparity between the two species, representing 60.25% of the total variance. The use of SEM unveiled new features facilitating the identification of the two species. By leveraging the macromorphological and micromorphological variability of pistachio trees, we can qualify those best suited to diverse bioclimates. In this regard, we suggest incorporating them into reforestation and rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring our declining ecosystems.