Research Paper
niloofar Ghasempour; Amir hussein Elhami Rad; MAJID javanmardi; Elham Azarpazhooh; Mohammad Armin
Abstract
This study aimed to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds (antioxidant and antimicrobial) from orange pomace, a byproduct of orange juice production. A Face-Centered CCD design was employed to maximize extraction yield, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity using subcritical water. ...
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This study aimed to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds (antioxidant and antimicrobial) from orange pomace, a byproduct of orange juice production. A Face-Centered CCD design was employed to maximize extraction yield, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity using subcritical water. Extraction temperature (120, 140, and 160°C) and time (20, 30, and 40 minutes) were selected as key variables. The optimal conditions, determined through modeling, were 142.87°C and 39.97 minutes. Under these conditions, the extraction yield reached 13.94%, total phenolic content (TPC) was 454.80 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per 100 g, and free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) was 51.78%. Verification experiments confirmed these results. Additionally, the extracted compounds exhibited strong antimicrobial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 10% and 5% against Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus niger, respectively, compared to 1% for fluconazole. This study highlights the efficiency of subcritical water extraction in recovering bioactive compounds from agricultural byproducts, emphasizing its potential as a sustainable and effective method for producing valuable bioactive materials.
Research Paper
Abstract
Extended AbstractAbstractWheat, providing about 47% of the daily caloric intake of Iranian households, is considered the most strategic agricultural crop in the country. To introduce novel and environmentally safe approaches for grain storage while maintaining product quality, the effects of ozone gas ...
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Extended AbstractAbstractWheat, providing about 47% of the daily caloric intake of Iranian households, is considered the most strategic agricultural crop in the country. To introduce novel and environmentally safe approaches for grain storage while maintaining product quality, the effects of ozone gas concentration and exposure duration on selected characteristics of Triticum aestivum cv. Morvarid wheat kernels was investigated. The evaluated parameters included germination rate, Zeleny sedimentation value, oil content, acidity and peroxide value of the extracted oil, fungal contamination level, and total aflatoxin content after a four-month storage period. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized factorial design (4×4), with four ozone concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 75 ppmv) and four exposure durations (1, 3, 5, and 7 days). Analysis of variance showed that ozone concentration, exposure time, and their interaction had significant effects (P< 0.01) on germination rate, Zeleny value, fungal contamination, and total aflatoxin content of the treated wheat. The lowest germination rate (94%) was recorded at 75 ppmv ozone, while the highest (99.0%) occurred at 0 and 25 ppmv with no significant difference (P > 0.05). The highest Zeleny sedimentation value (34.19 mL) was observed at 50 ppmv ozone, and the lowest (30.16 mL) at 0 ppmv. Minimum fungal contamination (3.88 CFU/g) was found at 75 ppmv ozone, while the maximum (2725 CFU/g) occurred in the untreated control. Similarly, the highest total aflatoxin level (14.96 µg/g) was measured at 0 ppmv ozone, whereas at 75 ppmv it was undetectable. Ozone exposure duration also had a significant effect (P< 0.01) on germination rate, Zeleny value, fungal contamination, and aflatoxin content. The maximum germination rate (100%) occurred after 5 days of exposure, and the minimum (96%) after 3 days. The highest Zeleny value (32.72 mL), not significantly different from the 1- and 5-day treatments, was obtained after 3 days, while the lowest (32.15 mL) occurred after 7 days. Overall, increasing ozone concentration significantly (P < 0.01) reduced fungal contamination and total aflatoxin levels in wheat grains. The minimum fungal count (3.88 CFU/g) was obtained at 75 ppmv ozone, whereas the maximum (2725 CFU/g) was found in the untreated control. The highest aflatoxin content (15.11 µg/g) was detected in the control (0 ppmv, 1-day exposure), while it became undetectable at ozone concentrations ≥50 ppmv for all exposure durations. Therefore, controlled use of ozone gas can be regarded as a novel, eco-friendly postharvest technology that contributes to improving the quality and safety of stored wheat grains during long-term storage.
Negar Roshani-Dehlaghi; Ali Ekrami
Abstract
Electrospun nanostructures provide a nanoscale matrix for encapsulating natural compounds. This process applies an electric field to a polymer-solvent solution, producing fibers with high specific surface area and controllable morphology. Electrospinning conditions prevent degradation of sensitive compounds. ...
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Electrospun nanostructures provide a nanoscale matrix for encapsulating natural compounds. This process applies an electric field to a polymer-solvent solution, producing fibers with high specific surface area and controllable morphology. Electrospinning conditions prevent degradation of sensitive compounds. Stability of natural compounds in fibers depends on solution properties, process parameters, and polymer matrix interactions. A primary application preserves antimicrobial and antioxidant properties in food products, where compounds release gradually from the fiber matrix to extend shelf life. The same controlled release principle applies to drug delivery systems, maintaining active agent efficacy over time. Composite structures including core-shell, multilayer, aligned, and woven designs enable diverse release profiles. In biological environments, nanofiber resemblance to the extracellular matrix facilitates cell interactions, while incorporated natural compounds guide cell growth or differentiation. This supports tissue regeneration and topical skin formulations, enhancing active compound penetration and stability simultaneously. Accordingly, this review provides an analytical and comparative examination of recent advances in electrospun nanostructure-based encapsulation of natural compounds, focusing on four key application areas: food industry and active packaging, drug delivery and pharmaceutical applications, tissue engineering and biomedical uses, and cosmetics and personal care products.
Nadereh Tabrizi; shahin zomorodi
Abstract
Stone fruits such as peach, nectarine, apricot, plum, and cherry occupy a prominent position in the agricultural economy due to their high nutritional and economic value, broad consumer acceptance, and important role in food security. However, these commodities face major challenges related to short ...
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Stone fruits such as peach, nectarine, apricot, plum, and cherry occupy a prominent position in the agricultural economy due to their high nutritional and economic value, broad consumer acceptance, and important role in food security. However, these commodities face major challenges related to short postharvest shelf life and high perishability throughout the supply chain. In recent years, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has attracted increasing attention as an emerging non-thermal technology. Beyond its well-established capability for low-temperature surface sterilization and pathogen inactivation, CAP can also act as an abiotic stressor that interacts with the physiological and metabolic pathways of fruits. Evidence indicates that CAP may modulate the activity of key enzymes such as polyphenol oxidases and peroxidases, influence the metabolism of phenolic compounds, and alter the regulation of ripening related hormones, including ethylene and abscisic acid. These effects ultimately contribute to delayed tissue softening, enhanced defense responses, and improved nutritional quality. This review focuses on the molecular and biochemical responses of stone fruits to CAP treatment and discusses critical challenges, including species and dose dependent effects, scalability limitations, regulatory uncertainties, and existing knowledge gaps regarding sensory attributes and consumer acceptance. In addition, the potential synergistic integration of CAP with complementary technologies such as edible coatings, active packaging, and controlled atmosphere storage is explored. Finally, future perspectives are presented in which cold atmospheric plasma is considered not merely as an antimicrobial tool, but as an innovative and intelligent postharvest engineering strategy for the sustainable extension of shelf life and marketability of stone fruits.
Research Paper
Mehrzad Ahmadi; Ali Akbar Ghanbari; Zeinab Sharafi
Abstract
This study investigated 115 kidney bean accessions, comprising 95 medium-seed and 20 long-seed types, obtained from the collection of the National Plant Gene Bank of Iran. ImageJ software was used for image processing and to measure traits including length, width, thickness, perimeter, area, the length-to-width ...
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This study investigated 115 kidney bean accessions, comprising 95 medium-seed and 20 long-seed types, obtained from the collection of the National Plant Gene Bank of Iran. ImageJ software was used for image processing and to measure traits including length, width, thickness, perimeter, area, the length-to-width ratio, single seed weight, and Seed factor form density (FFD).The results showed that the average length, width, and thickness of the medium red kidney beans were 11.84, 7.58, and 5.51 millimeters, respectively. For the long-shaped red kidney beans, the average values were 16.05, 8.25, and 5.67 millimeters, respectively. Furthermore, the Seed factor form density (FFD) values for both the medium and long-shaped beans were 0.0028 grams per square centimeter. The average color intensity for kidney beans was 142.99, and for large kidney beans, it was 170.71 (on a scale of 0 to 255).The average cylindrical coefficient for kidney beans was calculated as 78.28%, and for large kidney beans it was 82.04%.The average sphericity factor was 66.45% for kidney beans and 56.25% for large kidney beans.This study reveals significant diversity in the appearance characteristics of Iranian red kidney beans and emphasizes the necessity of developing national standards for grading beans based on dimensions, shape, and other morphological characteristics. The use of image processing methods can serve as a fast, accurate, and non-destructive tool for seed quality assessment and for enhancing bean marketability standards.
Research Paper
Omid Ahmadi
Abstract
Carum Carvi essential oil, possessing effective antioxidant compounds and strong antibacterial properties, is introduced as a natural source with high potential for applications in the food and healthcare industries. Optimizing the operational conditions for producing the nanoemulsion of this essential ...
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Carum Carvi essential oil, possessing effective antioxidant compounds and strong antibacterial properties, is introduced as a natural source with high potential for applications in the food and healthcare industries. Optimizing the operational conditions for producing the nanoemulsion of this essential oil under subcritical water conditions using a response surface methodology provides uniform distribution, improved stability, and enhanced bioavailability of the active constituents. In this study, the oil phase (Carum Carvi essential oil), the aqueous phase (distilled water), and the emulsifier (Tween 80) were mixed in volume ratios of 0.62, 21.63, 2.75 mL, respectively, to optimize the operating conditions (temperature and time) for nanoemulsion production via subcritical water method. A design of experiments with a response surface approach was conducted in the temperature range of 110–190 °C and heating times of 60–120 minutes. Following optimization, the results indicated that a temperature of 161 °C and duration of 97 minutes were the most suitable conditions for nanoemulsion production, yielding the smallest average particle size (141 nm) and the lowest polydispersity index of 0.183. The properties of the nanoemulsion produced under the optimal conditions were evaluated: antioxidant activity of 63.53 %, and antibacterial activity (zone diameter indicating inhibition of growth) against both the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and the Gram-negative Escherichia coli, measured at 1.8 cm and 1.6 cm respectively. Finally, the product stability, assessed by zeta potential analysis, showed −25.87 mV, indicating high stability of the produced product.
Research Paper
Mohammad Vahedi Torshizi; saeid minaei; Sajad Kiani
Abstract
Bread is one of the most important staple foods worldwide, and its quality plays a crucial role in consumer acceptance. This study evaluated the effects of salt concentration (7–34 g per kilogram of dough), storage temperature (4°C and 15–20°C), and storage duration (7 days) on the ...
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Bread is one of the most important staple foods worldwide, and its quality plays a crucial role in consumer acceptance. This study evaluated the effects of salt concentration (7–34 g per kilogram of dough), storage temperature (4°C and 15–20°C), and storage duration (7 days) on the textural properties of toast bread. Firmness, cohesiveness, springiness, chewiness, and moisture content were analyzed through texture profile analysis and statistical methods. Results of statistical analysis showed that with increasing storage time, bread firmness increased from 6–8 N to 12–14 N, while cohesiveness and springiness decreased from 0.72 to 0.64 and from 80% to 70%, respectively. Moisture content declined from 34.05% to 27.03%, and chewiness increased by approximately 50%. Regarding the effect of salt, the highest cohesiveness (0.71) was observed at 28–31 g, while the lowest (0.65) occurred at 7 g. Springiness reached its maximum at 25 g and its minimum at 13 g. In terms of temperature conditions, refrigerated storage (4°C) increased firmness and cohesiveness while better preserving moisture, however, samples stored at room temperature showed higher springiness values. Using 16–22 g of salt per kilogram of dough provides optimal texture and slows staling. Lower levels reduce cohesiveness, whereas amounts above 28 g increase firmness and chewiness. Storage at 4°C is better for long-term moisture retention, while room temperature is recommended for short-term use. Therefore, it is suggested that industrial toast bread producers optimize product quality throughout the supply chain by adjusting salt levels within a moderate range and selecting storage conditions based on distribution and consumption times.
Research Paper
Alireza Qolizadeh Qare Qeshlagh; Abolfazl Kamkar; Ali Misaghi; Amirali Anvar
Abstract
In this study, active packaging films based on quince seed mucilage and bacterial nanocellulose were developed with different concentrations of thyme essential oil (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%), and their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties were evaluated. The results of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration ...
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In this study, active packaging films based on quince seed mucilage and bacterial nanocellulose were developed with different concentrations of thyme essential oil (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%), and their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties were evaluated. The results of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) tests demonstrated that thyme essential oil exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes with an MIC of 0.45 μl/ml, while Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium showed higher resistance (MIC = 0.9 μl/ml). The MBC value for Staphylococcus aureus was 0.45 μl/ml, while for Salmonella Typhimurium, it was 1.8 μl/ml. Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of the films revealed that the addition of the essential oil led to a concentration-dependent increase in the inhibition zone diameter, with the highest effect observed at 1.5% concentration against Staphylococcus aureus (17.9 mm). Assessment of antioxidant activity indicated that the addition of the essential oil increased free radical scavenging capacity from 13.63% (base film) to 51.26% at the highest essential oil concentration. The findings of this research demonstrate that films containing thyme essential oil, possessing significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, have suitable potential for use as active packaging in the food industry.
Jalal mohamadzadeh; Masoud Hashemi Shahraki; Hamed Fatemian
Abstract
Golestan Province, with its rich biodiversity and diverse climatic conditions, possesses significant potential for the cultivation and exploitation of medicinal plants. However, challenges such as the shortage of active factories, obstacles within the value chain, and infrastructural limitations highlight ...
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Golestan Province, with its rich biodiversity and diverse climatic conditions, possesses significant potential for the cultivation and exploitation of medicinal plants. However, challenges such as the shortage of active factories, obstacles within the value chain, and infrastructural limitations highlight the necessity of identifying optimal locations for establishing these industries. This study was conducted with the aim of optimally locating medicinal plant processing industries within Golestan Province. The research method was designed in a combined and analytical manner to identify the counties with priority for the establishment of such industries. In addition to economic and infrastructural criteria, environmental constraints were also considered in this study. To ensure foresight in sustainable development, potential scenarios of climate change and water resource availability were included in the analysis. The results indicated that factors such as market accessibility, supply of raw materials, transportation infrastructure, and availability of skilled workforce exert the greatest influence on the location of medicinal plant processing industries. Moreover, counties with suitable lands and efficient transportation networks were identified as high-priority options for development.The final analysis demonstrated that strengthening industrial infrastructure, attracting private-sector investment, and creating processing clusters could pave the way for sustainable development and increase the added value within the medicinal plant production chain. Findings revealed that the counties of Galikesh, Azadshahr, and Maraveh-Tappeh were identified as top-priority areas for establishing medicinal plant processing industries.
Research Paper
Vahid Hakimzadeh; Zohreh Saraei; Morteza Kashaninejad
Abstract
Macadamia is an edible nut with high oil content and a desirable flavor, commonly used as a raw material for producing plant‑based butters. The resulting butter is a semi‑solid, oil‑rich system whose quality and stability depend on its emulsion structure and rheological properties. Therefore, this ...
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Macadamia is an edible nut with high oil content and a desirable flavor, commonly used as a raw material for producing plant‑based butters. The resulting butter is a semi‑solid, oil‑rich system whose quality and stability depend on its emulsion structure and rheological properties. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of lecithin (0.1–0.2%) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (0.05–0.1%) on the emulsion stability and rheological properties of macadamia butter. The results showed that the linear effect of lecithin on emulsion stability was significant at the 95% confidence level (P<0.05). Increasing lecithin concentration in the presence of CMC caused a slight initial decrease followed by an increase in emulsion stability. The storage modulus (G′LVE) and loss modulus (G″LVE) were also significantly affected by lecithin and CMC concentrations. At low lecithin levels, increasing CMC markedly increased these moduli, indicating strengthening of the system’s network structure, whereas this effect diminished at higher lecithin concentrations. Additionally, increasing CMC in the presence of low lecithin increased yield stress (τy) and critical strain (γc), indicating greater structural resistance to deformation. Furthermore, the loss tangent in the linear viscoelastic region (tan δLVE) increased with lecithin concentration but decreased with increasing CMC, reflecting changes in the balance between viscous and elastic behavior. Optimization results indicated that the best formulation consisted of 0.17% lecithin and 0.1% CMC, under which emulsion stability and viscoelastic properties were optimized. These findings suggest that the simultaneous use of lecithin and CMC at appropriate levels can improve the structure and stability of macadamia butter.
Research Paper
Davoud Sabahi Bidgoli
Abstract
Climate change, as one of the most profound challenges of the twenty-first century, has increasingly undermined the environmental, economic, and social foundations of global food systems. Rising temperatures, the intensification of extreme climatic events, growing water scarcity, and instability in agricultural ...
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Climate change, as one of the most profound challenges of the twenty-first century, has increasingly undermined the environmental, economic, and social foundations of global food systems. Rising temperatures, the intensification of extreme climatic events, growing water scarcity, and instability in agricultural production have placed the food security of millions at risk, while simultaneously exposing the limitations of conventional planning and policy-making approaches. In this context, foresight emerges as a systematic approach for addressing deep uncertainty, enabling the exploration of plausible futures and the design of transition pathways toward resilient and sustainable food systems. The objective of this study is to develop a comprehensive foresight framework to enhance the resilience of food systems to climate change through to the 2050 horizon. By integrating global trend analysis, identification of key driving forces, exploratory scenario development, and policy assessment, the research examines alternative future trajectories of food systems. The proposed framework coherently combines three core dimensions foresight, climate resilience, and adaptive governance allowing for the assessment of interactions among climate, energy, technology, and policy domains. The findings indicate that a continuation of current trajectories is likely to exacerbate food insecurity, increase dependence on imports, and erode environmental sustainability, whereas a deliberate transition grounded in adaptive policies, technological innovation, and integrated resource management can substantially strengthen the resilience capacity of food systems.
Bahareh Nowruzi; Fatemeh Rafiei Forooshani
Abstract
IntroductionAtmospheric cold plasma (ACP) technology represents a groundbreaking non-thermal innovation in industrial microbiology and food engineering, generating reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) under ambient conditions to enable chemical-free processing. This approach effectively reduces ...
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IntroductionAtmospheric cold plasma (ACP) technology represents a groundbreaking non-thermal innovation in industrial microbiology and food engineering, generating reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) under ambient conditions to enable chemical-free processing. This approach effectively reduces microbial loads, inactivates pathogens like bacteria, fungi, and spores, and eliminates contaminants while outperforming thermal methods in retaining nutritional value, color, texture, and sensory attributes of foods. In agriculture, ACP enhances seed germination, plant growth, stress resistance, and yield by modifying surface properties and stimulating physiological responses, thus promoting sustainable practices across the food supply chain from production to packaging. Studies demonstrate ACP's role in minimizing chemical use, improving food safety, and boosting environmental sustainability, positioning it as a versatile tool for microbial control and quality preservation. Materials and MethodsACP systems typically employ configurations such as dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), plasma jets, gliding arc, corona discharge, radio frequency, microwave-induced plasma, and atmospheric glow discharge, operating at atmospheric pressure with gases like air, argon, or helium. Key parameters include voltage (5-20 kV), frequency (50 Hz-13.56 MHz), treatment time (seconds to minutes), gas flow rate (1-10 L/min), and distance from plasma source to sample (1-10 cm), optimized for specific applications like surface decontamination or seed treatment. Microbial inactivation is assessed via plate counts (e.g., CFU/mL reduction >4-6 log for E. coli, Salmonella), while food quality evaluates nutritional retention (e.g., vitamins via HPLC), sensory changes (colorimetry, texture analysis), and physicochemical properties (pH, water activity). Plant responses measure germination rate, seedling vigor, and gene expression via qPCR; low-moisture foods like spices and grains test mycotoxin degradation (ELISA) and spore inactivation. Results and DiscussionACP achieves >5-log reductions in pathogens on food surfaces, such as Salmonella on poultry (up to 6.5 log in 5 min) and Aspergillus spores on grains, with minimal quality impact due to non-thermal RONS action (e.g., OH- , NO- , O3) etching cell membranes and DNA. In low-moisture foods, treatments reduce mycotoxins like aflatoxins by 70-90% via reactive species breakdown, extending shelf life without altering texture or nutrition. Agricultural applications show 20-50% improved seed germination (e.g., tomatoes, wheat) and 15-30% yield increases through enhanced wettability and hormone signaling, alongside biotic/abiotic stress tolerance. Food packaging benefits from plasma-modified films with improved barrier properties and antimicrobial coatings, reducing microbial migration. Challenges include non-uniformity on complex surfaces, scale-up for industry, and RONS residue safety, addressed by combining with ultrasound or optimizing feeds. Mechanisms involve UV radiation, electric fields, and etching, outperforming heat in preserving heat-labile compounds like vitamins (retention >90%). ConclusionACP emerges as a pivotal technology for sustainable food processing, offering superior microbial decontamination, quality preservation, and agricultural enhancements without chemicals or heat damage. Future prospects include hybrid systems, real-time monitoring, and regulatory standardization to fully integrate ACP into industry, reducing post-harvest losses by 20-40% and supporting global food security.
