Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-08-20"
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- From lignocellulosic residues to protein sources: insights into biomass pre-treatments and conversionPublication . Vera dos Anjos, Isabela; Coelho, Natacha; Duarte, Hugo; Proença, Diogo Neves; Duarte, Maria F.; Jorge de Barros, Raúl José; Raposo, Sara; Gonçalves, Sandra; Romano, Anabela; Medronho, BrunoWith the global population steadily rising, the demand for sustainable protein sources has become increasingly urgent. Traditional animal- and plant-based proteins face challenges related to scalability, resource efficiency, and environmental impact. In this context, single-cell protein has emerged as a promising alternative. Derived from microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, fungi, and yeast, single-cell protein offers a high nutritional profileincluding all essential amino acids and vitamins—while enabling rapid production, minimal land and water requirements, and no generation of greenhouse gas emissions. A particularly compelling advantage of single-cell protein is its ability to be produced from agro-industrial waste, converting low-cost residues into valuable nutritional resources and contributing to environmental sustainability. Among these waste streams, lignocellulosic biomass from agricultural and forestry residues stands out as a renewable, biodegradable, and abundant feedstock. This review explores the potential of lignocellulosic waste as a substrate for single-cell protein production, emphasizing both its environmental advantages and nutritional value. It highlights the single-cell protein role as a sustainable and scalable alternative to conventional protein sources. The review also identifies key scientific, economic, and regulatory challenges, and recognizes the importance of targeted investments, particularly in policy development, public awareness, and technological innovation, to enable the broader adoption and acceptance of single-cell protein -based products.
- Exploring the development of a clean-label vegan burger enriched with fermented microalgaePublication . Bassani, Joseane C.; Martins, Valter F. R.; Barbosa, Joana; Coelho, Marta; Sousa, Clara; Steffens, Juliana; Backes, Geciane T.; Pereira, Hugo; Pintado, Manuela E.; Teixeira, Paula C.; Morais, Alcina M. M. B.; Morais, Rui M. S. C.Haematococcus pluvialis and Porphyridium cruentum are red microalgae with high biotechnological potential due to their rich composition of bioactive compounds. However, their intense flavor limits their application in food products. This study evaluated the impact of fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (30 ◦C for 48 h; LAB-to-biomass ratio of 0.1:1; 106 CFU/mL) on the physicochemical and functional properties of H. pluvialis and P. cruentum biomasses. Particular attention was given to antioxidant activity (ABTS and ORAC assays), color, amino acid profiles, and volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles, all of which may influence sensory characteristics. Results demonstrated that non-fermented H. pluvialis exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity (AA) than P. cruentum. After fermentation, H. pluvialis showed an ABTS value of 3.22 ± 0.35 and an ORAC value of 54.32 ± 1.79 µmol TE/100 mg DW, while P. cruentum showed an ABTS of 0.26 ± 0.00 and an ORAC of 3.11 ± 0.13 µmol TE/100 mg DW. Total phenolic content (TPC) of fermented H. pluvialis and P. cruentum was 1.08 ± 0.23 and 0.18 ± 0.026 mg GAE/100 mg DW, respectively. Both AA and TPC increased after fermentation. Fermentation also significantly affected biomass color. FTIR analysis showed intensification of protein and carbohydrate vibrational bands post-fermentation. GC-MS analysis of VOCs showed that P. cruentum contained 42 VOCs before fermentation, including trans-β-ionone, 4-ethyl-6-hepten-3-one, hexanal, and heptadienal, which are responsible for fishy and algal odors. Fermentation with Lb. plantarum significantly reduced these compounds, lowering trans-β-ionone to 0.1453 mg/L and eliminating 4-ethyl-6-hepten-3-one entirely. H. pluvialis contained 22 VOCs pre-fermentation; fermentation eliminated hexanal and reduced heptadienal to 0.1747 ± 0.0323 mg/L. These changes contributed to improved sensory profiles. Fermentation also induced significant changes in the amino acid profiles of both microalgae. The fermented biomasses were incorporated into vegan burgers made from chickpea, lentil, and quinoa. Color evaluation showed more stable and visually appealing tones, while texture remained within desirable consumer parameters. These findings suggest that Lb. plantarum fermentation is an effective strategy for improving the sensory and functional characteristics of microalgal biomass, promoting their use as sustainable, value-added ingredients in innovative plant-based foods.
- Metabeliefs about worry, cognitive fusion, and acceptance: associations and mediations analysisPublication . Sanchez-Escamilla, Francisco; Redondo-Delgado, Marta; Jiménez-Ros, Antonia María; Pérez-Nieto, Miguel ÁngelBackground: Although metacognitive therapy (MCT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are grounded in different theoretical frameworks, both target repetitive negative thinking (RNT) processes, such as worry and rumination, and share a focus on fostering psychological flexibility and reducing experiential avoidance. However, no integrated theoretical model currently exists to combine their potential strengths. Recent research highlights the importance of metacognitive beliefs and acceptance-related processes in maintaining maladaptive RNT. Objective: This study aimed to explore metacognitive and acceptance-based variables in relation to RNT. Methods: The sample consisted of 149 people (116 females), aged between 18 and 71 (M = 34.7; SD = 14.9) who answered the following questionnaires: PSWQ, The AAQ-II, The CFQ, The VQ, MCQ-30 and TCQ. Results: The mediation analysis reveals that cognitive fusion significantly mediated the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and worry, whereas acceptance had a weaker mediating effect. Conclusion: Beliefs about the uncontrollability of worry appear to play a pivotal role in sustaining worry, primarily through their influence on cognitive fusion. These findings provide preliminary support for conceptual overlaps between MCT and ACT in addressing RNT. However, as this is an exploratory and crosssectional study, conclusions about treatment mechanisms should be drawn cautiously, and future longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to strengthen these insights.