https://hdl.handle.net/11000/426 2026-07-03T17:57:34Z https://hdl.handle.net/11000/40154 Título : Mineral and metal(loid)s content in canned tuna available in the Spanish market Autor : Jiménez-Redondo, Nuria; Casanova-Martínez, Isabel; Sendra, Esther; Cano-Lamadrid, Marina; Signes-Pastor, Antonio J. Resumen : Global fish consumption has increased in recent decades, and tuna is among the most popular and widely consumed species worldwide, although demand varies by region. However, tuna, including canned tuna, may contain metal(loid)s such as Hg, As, and Cd, which can pose health risks if intake exceeds established safety limits and recommended intake. This study aimed to evaluate macroelements, microelements and metal(loid)s concentrations in all available private-label (store-brand: 58 types x 2 production batches) canned tuna products commercialized in the Spanish market at the time of purchase from supermarkets in the Vega Baja del Segura region (Alicante, Spain). All available canned tuna types were analyzed, and a novel aspect was correlating element content with FAO fishing area, tuna species, and covering liquid in recently purchased samples. As and Cd levels were highest in tuna from FAO areas 51 and 34, respectively. Significant differences by species were observed only for K, Fe, Cu and Cd. Tuna in brine generally had higher macro- and microelement levels, while tomato sauce samples showed the highest Cd content. The results suggest that the mineral and metal (loid) content in canned tuna is mainly influenced by the fishing zone and the covering liquid, while the species plays a less important role. In line with these results, which highlight the importance of origin and processing in the nutritional and toxicological characterization of canned tuna products. Our findings suggest that preservation techniques aimed at minimizing metal transfer during processing should be considered, particularly through the optimization of covering liquids, especially for products originating from areas where higher concentrations were detected. 2026-07-01T12:27:37Z https://hdl.handle.net/11000/40153 Título : Evaluating Sustainable Feed Alternatives in Sparus aurata: How Alternative Proteins and Oils Maintain EPA+DHA Content and Improve Human Health Lipid Indices Autor : Sendra, Esther; Casanova-Martínez, Isabel; Rodríguez-Estrada, Marcos; Calduch-Giner, Josep Àlvar; Pérez-Sánchez, Jaume; Cano-Lamadrid, Marina Resumen : This study evaluated the effects of alternative feed formulations on the proximate composition and lipid quality of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) in a long-term feeding trial (May 2022–September 2023). Three isoenergetic and isoproteic diets were tested in replicate tanks: a fishmeal-based control (CTRL), a processed animal protein–based diet (PAP), and a diet including insect meal and microalgae oil (ALT). Diet pellet sizes were adapted to the fishes’ developmental stage. Proximate composition and fatty acid profiles were assessed in feed and in fish fillets, with 20 fish analyzed per dietary treatment. The human health lipid indices of the fillets were calculated. Virtual diets were reconstructed to estimate theoretical fatty acid intake across growth, based on feed composition and consumption. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed distinct clustering by diet. Fillets from all diets met European Food Safety Authority criteria for being high in omega-3 fatty acids, with some variation in EPA and DHA concentrations among formulations. The ALT diet showed a 15% higher EPA+DHA content and the greatest fish lipid quality (FLQ) values, even having the lowest polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake from feed, partly due to its elevated lauric acid (C12:0) content, which may contribute to rapid energy mobilization and omega-3 preservation. PAP-fed fish showed the most balanced PUFA/SFA and n6/n3 ratios. These findings demonstrate the viability of sustainable feed alternatives for maintaining nutritional quality in gilthead sea bream, supporting aquaculture sustainability without compromising nutritional value. 2026-07-01T12:27:01Z https://hdl.handle.net/11000/40152 Título : Metabolic and microbial stability of protein-fortified fermented dairy drinks: Effect of base and storage Autor : Rodríguez-Soriano, Marta; Solivella-Poveda, Ana M.; Ropero, Ana B.; Beltrá, Marta; Cano-Lamadrid, Marina; Sendra, Esther Resumen : Aging, particularly in the elderly, is marked by physiological changes that alter protein requirements and utilization, while higher protein intake helps maintain nutritional status and physical function. Fermented dairy products improve protein digestibility and calcium bioavailability, offering benefits for the elderly. Whey protein is a suitable fortifier due to its solubility, digestibility, and acceptance. For these reasons, this study aimed to formulate and analyse whey protein–fortified fermented dairy drinks suitable for home preparation and acceptable to elderly consumers in terms of nutritional, functional, and sensory properties. To facilitate self-care or caregiver-assisted intake, the drinks were designed to be prepared in advance and stored for consumption throughout the day. Changes in sensory attributes, microbial load, physicochemical properties (pH and color), organic acids, sugars, and free amino acids (FAA) were evaluated. Regarding sensory quality, all formulations were free of off-flavors, and notable differences in their profiles allowed for adaptation to different preferences. Microbial counts remained high (>8 log CFU g⁻¹) throughout storage, with quark and kefir-drinks showing the highest stability. The addition of whey protein decreased lightness and increased a* and b*, whereas storage at 24h20C maximized kefir acidification. Lactic acid was the predominant organic acid, and lactose and glucose levels decreased over time due to microbial activity. Finally, storage at 24h20C led to enhanced proteolytic activity; notably, kefir significantly doubled their essential FAA content. Overall, all formulations were shelf- stable under the tested conditions. 2026-07-01T12:24:14Z https://hdl.handle.net/11000/40032 Título : Phenolic and triterpenoid composition and inhibition of α-amylase of pistachio kernels (Pistacia vera L.) as affected by rootstock and irrigation treatment Autor : Noguera-Artiaga, Luis; Pérez López, David; Burgos Hernández, Armando; Wojdyło, Aneta; Carbonell Barrachina, Ángel A. Resumen : The current water scarcity forces farmers to adopt new irrigation strategies to save water without jeopardizing the fruit yield and quality. In this study, the influence of 3 regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) treatments and 3 rootstocks on the functional quality of pistachios were studied. The functional parameters studied included, polyphenols, triterpenoids, and inhibition of α-amylase. The results showed that P. terebinthus and P. atlantica rootstocks led to pistachio kernels with higher contents of polyphenols and triterpenoids (mainly betulinic acid with 111 and 102 µg g−1, respectively) than pistachios obtained using P. integerrima rootstock (81 µg g−1). On the other hand, the use of moderate RDI (T1 treatment) increased the total content of polyphenols (∼10%), quercetin-O-galloyl-hexoside (∼15%), keampferol-3-O-glucoside (∼19%), and polymeric procyanidins (∼20%), as compared to the control trees, resulting in pistachios with a better functional profile, lower economic cost and with a lesser environmental impact. 2026-06-04T14:13:07Z https://hdl.handle.net/11000/40031 Título : Octopus vulgaris ink extracts exhibit antioxidant, antimutagenic, cytoprotective, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic effects in selected human cancer cell lines Autor : Hernández Zazueta, Martin Samuel; García Romo, Joel Said; Noguera-Artiaga, Luis; Luzardo Ocampo, Iván; Carbonell-Barrachina, Ángel Antonio; Taboada Antelo, Pablo; Campos Vega, Rocio; Rosas Burgos, Ema Carina; Burboa Zazueta, María Guadalupe; Ezquerra Brauer, Josafat Marina; Martínez Soto, Juan Manuel; Santacruz Ortega, Hisila del Carmen; Burgos Hernández, Armando Resumen : Cancer is a noncommunicable disease of rising worldwide concern. Marine food products such as Octopusvulgaris ink (OI) could be sources of compounds addressing these concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the antimutagenic,cytoprotective, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and antioxidant capacity of OI extracts on human cancer cell lines (22Rv1,HeLa, A549). The ARPE-19 cell line was used as a reference human cell line to evaluate the ink’s cytotoxicity. The waterextract exhibited the highest antimutagenic and cytoprotective effect, but the dichloromethane extract (DM) showedthe lowest half lethal concentration against 22Rv1 cells. Structural elucidation of purified DM fractions (F1, F2, F3)identified an unreported compound, N-(2-ozoazepan-3-yl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (OPC). DM-F2 showed highantiproliferative effect (LC 50 = 27.6 μg/mL), reactive species modulation, early-apoptosis induction (42.9%), and nucleidisruption in 22Rv1 cells. In silico analysis predicted high OPC affinity with Cyclin D1 (−6.70 kcal/mol), suggestingits potential impact on cell cycle arrest. These results highlight the antimutagenic, cytoprotective, and antiproliferativepotential health benefits derived from underutilized marine food products such as OI. Further investigations at in vitro orin vivo levels are required to elucidate mechanisms and health benefits from OI. 2026-06-04T14:07:45Z https://hdl.handle.net/11000/40030 Título : Opinion of Spanish Consumers on Hydrosustainable Pistachios Autor : Noguera-Artiaga, Luis; Lipan, Leontina; Vázquez Araújo, L.; Barber, Xavi; Pérez López, David; Carbonell Barrachina, Ángel A. Resumen : Fruits and vegetables cultivated under controlled deficit irrigation (CDI) are called hydrosustainable (hydroSOS) products and have its own personality and are environmentally-friendly. Focus groups helped in classifying key farming, sensory, and health concepts associated with CDI-grown pistachios. Besides, focus groups also helped in stating that a logo was needed for these special foods, and that a hydroSOS index is also essential to certify that the products have been controlled by a control board. Conjoint analysis was used to check which attributes could be helpful in promoting CDI-grown pistachios among Spanish consumers in a 1st step toward the European Union (EU) market. It was clearly proved that the main silo of properties driving the attention of Spanish consumers was that related to health. The most important attributes for pistachios were “product of Spain,” “rich in antioxidant,” and “crunchy”; this finding was clearly related to the popularity of regional foods, the preoccupation of European consumers for their health, and the joy related to the crunchiness of toasted nuts, respectively. The use of these 3 concepts, together with the use of the hydroSOS logo, will be essential to promote hydroSOS pistachios among Spanish and EU consumers. Finally, it is important to highlight that in general Spanish consumers were willing to pay an extra amount of 1.0 euros per kg of hydroSOS pistachios. These earnings will be essential to convince Spanish farmers to implement CDI strategies and have a sustainable and environmental-friendly use of the irrigation water. 2026-06-04T14:03:58Z https://hdl.handle.net/11000/40029 Título : Volatile Composition, Sensory Profile, and Consumers’ Acceptance of Fondillón Autor : Issa-Issa, Hanán; Noguera-Artiaga, Luis; Sendra, Esther; Pérez-López, Antonio J.; Burló, Francisco; Carbonell-Barrachina, Ángel A.; López-Lluch, David Resumen : No scientific information exists on quality attributes of Fondillón, a special naturally sweet wine produced from overripe Monastrell grapes and one of the only six wines that can use its own name according to European Union Regulations. The aim of this study was to analyze the composition (physicochemical and volatile profile) and sensory quality of this special wine. A specific lexicon to describe wines under the Alicante PDO was developed, using 28 attributes (11 flavor notes, 3 visual, 2 global, and 12 defects). Forty volatile compounds were isolated, and esters were the main chemical family of volatile compounds of Fondillón (∼70%), followed by alcohols (∼20%). Furthermore, two volatile compounds (TDN and vitispirane) were positively correlated with the age of the Fondillón samples, under the specific working conditions used in this study. According to a sensory study, this wine was appreciated by Spanish consumers as having intense fruity notes, high alcohol content, and some bitter and balsamic notes; however, further research is needed to identify the proper profile of Fondillón consumers and their buying and acceptance drivers. 2026-06-04T14:01:03Z https://hdl.handle.net/11000/40028 Título : Chemical composition and cytotoxic potency of essential oil from Seseli petraeum M. Bieb. (Apiaceae) Autor : Önder, Alev; Çınar Koç, Ahsen Sevde; Bakar Ateş, Filiz; Noguera-Artiaga, Luis; Carbonell Barrachina, Angel A. Resumen : The present study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and in vitro cytotoxic activity of the fruit essential oil of Seseli petraeum M. Bieb. growing in the Northern side of Anatolia. The Seseli petraeum essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation from the fruits and analyzed by GC/MS to determine its chemical composition. The major components have been determined as carotol (17.25%), γ-terpinene (10.73%), β-farnesene (8.50%), p-cymene (7.93%), germacrene-D (7.65%), and sabinene (7.31%). The cytotoxic activity of the essential oil was evaluated by MTT assay in vitro on cell proliferation with MCF-7 (Human breast adenocarcinoma) and A549 (Human lung carcinoma) cells. The results showed that the essential oil has potent cytotoxicity against treated cancer cells, whereas it was more cytotoxic in MCF-7 cells (IC50=390.38 μg/mL). The results demonstrated that S. petraeum essential oil has a marked cytotoxic effect against treated cancer cells. Although this effect is likely to be caused by carotol owing to a major component of the oil, further designed studies are necessary due to the possibility of activity, and maybe it occurred due to the synergistic effects of the oil components. The findings of this study may promote the use of the species for pharmaceutical purposes. 2026-06-04T13:56:06Z https://hdl.handle.net/11000/40027 Título : Understanding consumer perception of a new product including apple pomace: The role of health, sustainability, and culinary engagement Autor : Kita, A.; B. Rune, C.J.; Giacalone, D.; Noguera-Artiaga, Luis; Carbonell-Barrachina, Á.A.; Nemś, A.; Kolniak-Ostek, J.; Michalska-Ciechanowska, A.; Mora, M.; Romeo-Arroyo, E.; Vázquez-Araújo, L. Resumen : The aim of the present study was to determine perception of a new product made with apple pomace including consumers from three different gastronomy cultures: Spain (Mediterranean), Poland (Central Europe), and Denmark (Nordic). The new product was mainly made from potato and apple pomace and had the typical texture of a savory snack (crisp-like), but it was characterized by its apple/sweet taste. Besides consumers from the aforementioned countries, a group of Foodies-consumers from 20 different nationalities participated in the study to determine potential differences on the product perception due to their high culinary knowledge/ingredients exposure. Over 600 consumers participated in the study. To segments consumers into different groups beyond nationality, the demographic questionnaire included the short version of the Food Choice Questionnaire, the Food Neophobia Scale, and questions on Dietary and Sustainability related habits. The hedonic response, as well as the intrinsic properties of the product (sweetness, sourness, saltiness, apple flavor, hardness, and crunchiness) were measured using Just-About-Right scales. Additional questions included assessment on the storytelling of the product, potential applications/consumption moments, and finally, the impact of adding a health (high in fiber) or a sustainable (made using by-products) claim. Analysis revealed variations in demographics across consumer groups, potentially influencing their perception of the new product. Including the question on applications/consumption moments of the new food, as well as gathering free words about the main aspects consumers valued about the food, were useful to better understand its potential in the market and design a proper communication strategy. 2026-06-04T13:46:29Z https://hdl.handle.net/11000/40026 Título : Valorization of transgenic Tomaffron-based products enriched in saffron apocarotenoids Autor : Lobato-Gómez, Maria; Rambla, José L.; Zacarías-García, Jaime; Noguera-Artiaga, Luis; Pérez-Beser, Jose; Orzáez, Diego; Gómez-Gómez, Lourdes; Granell, Antonio Resumen : Saffron spice (Crocus sativus L.) is highly valued for its bioactive apocarotenoids, including crocins, picrocrocin, and safranal, but its commercial production is limited due to labor-intensive cultivation. In this study, Tomaffron, a transgenic tomato-based platform enriched with saffron apocarotenoids, has been processed into different tomato products to assess their suitability as carriers of these valuable apocarotenoids. Their composition, antioxidant capacity, and sensory attributes were analyzed, with particular attention paid to saffron apocarotenoid stability during processing and storage. Tomaffron-processed products retained or increased the levels of saffron apocarotenoids, with crocin accumulation remaining stable during storage. Picrocrocin and safranal levels remained stable or increased, and sensory tests confirmed that these products replicated the saffron-like flavor. This work highlights the potential of Tomaffron for delivering saffron apocarotenoids in stable, ready-to-consume food matrices. These findings support the feasibility of developing functional food prototypes enriched in valuable plant secondary metabolites using metabolic engineering. 2026-06-04T13:41:26Z