ISSN 2285-1364, ISSN CD-ROM 2285-5521, ISSN ONLINE 2285-1372, ISSN-L 2285-1364
 

Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXIX, Issue 2
Written by Corina NEAGU, Mihaela GEICU-CRISTEA

The present paper aims to review the use of blockchain technology to improve traceability and prevent fraud in the food supply chain. With the growing complexity of global food systems, traditional traceability methods are often insufficient to guarantee transparency and data reliability. The main objective of this work is to analyze how blockchain can enhance information accuracy, strengthen consumer trust, and support food safety management across different stages of the supply chain. Blockchain provides a decentralized and secure structure for recording transactions, offering verified information accessible to all stakeholders. The integration with technologies such as IoT, RFID, and Big Data enables real-time monitoring of products from production to retail. Although its large-scale implementation still faces technical and regulatory challenges, the technology has strong potential to support a safer, more transparent, and sustainable food system.

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Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXIX, Issue 2
Written by Mihaela MULȚESCU, Iulia-Elena SUSMAN

This study investigates the use of the photochemiluminescence (PCL) assay in two different systems - hydrophilic (ACW) and lipophilic (ACL) - along with the DPPH method to evaluate the antioxidant potential of three fruits from the Cucurbitaceae family: watermelon, yellow watermelon, and melon. The results showed that the analyzed fruits contain phenolic compounds ranging from 7.40 to 15.43 mg of Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE) per 100 g of fresh weight (FW). Regarding flavonoid content, concentrations were approximately 1 mg Rutin Equivalent (RE) per 100 g FW, while anthocyanin content was below 1 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent (CGE) per 100 g FW. Notably, melon exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity among the fruits in both ACW and ACL systems, followed by watermelon. A strong positive correlation was found between antioxidant capacity assessed with the ACL method and the DPPH assay, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9932. Furthermore, a significant correlation was also observed between the ACW system and the DPPH assay, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9752.

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Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXIX, Issue 2
Written by Marian TOADER, Nicoleta RADU, Narcisa Elena BĂBEANU, Radu-CristianTOMA, Viviana ROMAN

This study aimed to predict, through applying math models, the cytotoxic effects of marine algae-derived biomaterials. The tested bioproducts included both polysaccharide-rich and gold-functionalized extracts, and the cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro on HepG2 and Caco-2 cell lines. The results obtained revealed that the bioproduct derived from Chlorella sp., enriched with gold, exhibited the highest cytotoxicity (100%), with an IC50=134.75 µL/mL. The bioproduct containing only polysaccharides showed significantly lower cytotoxicity. Predictions regarding the cytotoxicity of selected bioproducts on HepG2 cells highlighted the enhanced activity of gold-functionalized extracts compared to simple polysaccharides. Among all the tested samples, the polysaccharides derived from Undaria pinnatifida exhibited the strongest cytotoxic effect on the Caco-2 cell line, followed by the extract from Porphyra umbilicalis. In conclusion, the results obtained through mathematical prediction demonstrate the potential of marine-derived sources in developing new bioproducts with antitumor properties.

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Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXIX, Issue 2
Written by Bogdan BOCĂNEALĂ, Oana Emilia CONSTANTIN, Nicoleta STĂNCIUC, Iuliana APRODU, Gabriela RÂPEANU

The ripening process of Fetească Neagră grapes is a critical determinant of wine quality, particularly in regions with varying climatic conditions. This study evaluates the technological and phenolic maturity of Fetească Neagră grapes over three consecutive years (2021-2023) in the Terasele Dunării wine-growing region. The analysis focused on sugar accumulation, total acidity, pH, nitrogen availability, anthocyanin content, and the Total Polyphenol Index (TPI), alongside the implications of different harvest strategies and maceration techniques.The results indicate significant variations among the three vintages, largely driven by climatic factors. 2021 presented favourable conditions, allowing for extended ripening and balanced phenolic development, while 2022 exhibited an accelerated maturation due to water deficits, necessitating early harvests. 2023, marked by extreme drought, led to a compressed ripening window and lower anthocyanin accumulation, influencing wine color stability and requiring an advanced maceration strategy. Additionally, nitrogen availability fluctuated significantly between years, potentially affecting fermentation dynamics and having multiple technological and sensory implications. These findings underscore the importance of adaptive harvesting decisions and enological interventions in maintaining wine quality under varying climatic conditions. The study highlights the need for real-time monitoring of grape maturation and the application of targeted maceration techniques to optimize phenolic extraction and balance wine composition.

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Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXIX, Issue 2
Written by Mihaela GEICU-CRISTEA, Elisabeta-Elena POPA, Paul-Alexandru POPESCU, Mihaela-Cristina DRĂGHICI, Ion NIȚU, Adriana-Georgiana STERIAN, Amalia-Carmen MITELUȚ, Mona Elena POPA

The relationship between nutrition and mental health has garnered increasing attention in recent years, with emerging evidence highlighting the profound impact of dietary choices on emotional and psychological well-being. This review explores the intricate links between nutrition and mental health, focusing on the roles of macro- and micronutrients in regulating mood, cognitive function, and stress resilience. Nutritional deficiencies, such as those involving omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and magnesium, have been associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Conversely, diets rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, promote better mental health outcomes by supporting gut-brain axis communication, reducing inflammation, and enhancing neuroplasticity. The article also examines the emerging field of nutritional psychiatry, emphasizing personalized dietary interventions to improve mental health. By integrating nutritional strategies into mental health treatment plans, healthcare professionals can offer a holistic approach to fostering emotional resilience and cognitive well-being. This study underscores the need for further research and public awareness to optimize nutrition as a tool for enhancing overall mental health.

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Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXIX, Issue 2
Written by Oana LIVADARIU, Alexandra ADAM

Microplants (microgreens/sprouts) = MMS, are used for their culinary versatility and potential health benefits. By nutrient composition and bioactive compounds, MMS are considered edibles with significant contribution in modulating oxidative stress and inflammation in the human body. This paper explores the theoretical and practical aspects of incorporating broccoli MMS into vegan yoghurt to assess their influence on consumer purchasing preferences. The study outlines an effective protocol for cultivating and integrating broccoli MMS with comestible substrate into plant-based yoghurt formulations. The experimental process included sensory evaluations of the final products conducted by a trained panel and an on-line consumer survey. The results, presented through detailed charts and analysis, highlight the sensory attributes, consumer acceptance, and purchasing behaviours influenced by the addition of broccoli MMS. This study provides valuable insights into the potential market appeal of functional vegan yoghurt enriched with broccoli MMS and its implications for consumer preferences.

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Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXIX, Issue 2
Written by Oana-Alina BOIU-SICUIA, Daniel-Nicolae COJANU, Gheorghe COTEȚ, Alina-Nicoleta PARASCHIV

The transition from conventional to sustainable cultivation of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) triggers the need to identify efficient non-chemical inputs for plant protection and nutrition, as well as appropriate application methods. This study aimed to identify some beneficial microorganisms, bacteria and fungi, efficient in preventing sweet potatoes from pests and diseases. In vitro studies revealed the antifungal effects of a Romanian native Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain in reducing the growth of Alternaria sp. and Fusarium spp., some common phytopathogens for sweet potato. Similar results were seen in Beauveria bassiana, which additionally express insecticidal potential. The shoot-immersion inoculation technique applied with these microorganisms on sweet potato, revealed comparative yields to the conventional production system, as well as pest and diseases management, only when the two beneficial microorganisms were inoculated as mixed treatment.

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Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXIX, Issue 2
Written by Lavinia-Diana-Nicoleta BURUGĂ-BARBU, Oana-Alina BOIU-SICUIA, Diana GROPOȘILĂ-CONSTANTINESCU, Narcisa Elena BĂBEANU

The paper aimed to present the innovative formulation of a natural soap enriched with plant extracts from green sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and red sorrel (Rumex sanguineus). The extracts were obtained using ethanol, methanol, and water as solvents, targeting a broad spectrum of bioactive compounds with known antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The soap formulation process involved the cold saponification method, followed by the incorporation of these extracts. The resulting soap samples were evaluated for key physicochemical parameters, including pH value, moisture content, total fat content, and free alkali levels (NaOH, KOH). Additional analyses included foaming capacity and antimicrobial activity testing. The antimicrobial effect was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 1544, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 14028, and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 51625, using standard disc diffusion and broth dilution methods. The results revealed a skin-compatible pH, low residual alkali content, and promising antimicrobial efficiency, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. These findings highlight the potential of Rumex-derived extracts as multifunctional ingredients in sustainable, bioactive soap formulations.

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Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXIX, Issue 2
Written by Fawzia SHA’AT, Anton-Liviu PETRICA, Ramona-Daniela PAVALOIU

Leveraging senotherapeutics derived from natural sources is pivotal in advancing senotherapy, offering biocompatible and sustainable solutions to target cellular senescence and mitigate age-related diseases. Nanosystems have emerged as versatile vesicles capable of encapsulating and delivering bioactive agents to senescent cells with high specificity and minimal off-target effects. These nanosystems leverage unique physicochemical properties, such as size, surface charge, and functionalization with targeting ligands, to optimize cellular uptake and therapeutic efficacy. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have facilitated the integration of molecular tools such as senolytics and senomorphics within these carriers, enhancing their ability to selectively clear senescent cells or modulate their secretory phenotype. This review highlights the state-of-the-art in nanosystem development for senotherapeutic applications, addressing their advantages, limitations, scalability, economic aspects, regulatory approval, and long-term effects. This work underscores the transformative potential of nanosystems in senotherapeutic delivery and advocates for continued interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome existing barriers and realize their full therapeutic potential.

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Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXIX, Issue 2
Written by Daniel Florin PÎRVAN, Aglaia POPA, Florentina ISRAEL-ROMING

Honey represents a complex natural matrix enriched in phenolic compounds that contribute significantly to its biological activities. The flavonoids and phenolic acids in honey display antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, cardioprotective, antidiabetic and other systemic effects in preclinical models. However, variability in composition, limited human clinical data, and incomplete understanding of bioavailability and metabolism impose limitations on exploitation. The phenolic profile of honey is shaped largely by its botanical origin, though environmental conditions, seasonal factors, and processing methods can also influence the concentrations detected. Meaningful comparison across studies is often challenging because phenolic compounds occur at low levels, honey is analytically complex and researchers use varying extraction and quantification approaches. Notably, the predominant phenolic constituents in honey are flavonoids, which contribute substantially to its antioxidant activity.

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