The firmness of blueberry is one of its most significant quality attributes. Modifications in the composition of the cell wall have been associated with changes in the fruit firmness. In this work, cell wall components and calcium concentration in two blueberry cultivars with contrasting firmness phenotypes were evaluated at harvest and 30 days cold storage (0 °C). High performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulse amperometric detector (HPAEC-PAD) analysis was performed using the “Emerald” (firmer) and “Jewel” (softer) blueberry cultivars, showing increased glucose in the firmer cultivar after cold storage. Moreover, the LM15 antibody, which recognizes xyloglucan domains, displayed an increased signal in the Emerald cultivar after 30 d cold storage. Additionally, the antibody 2F4, recognizing a homogalacturonan calcium-binding domain, showed a greater signal in the firmer Emerald blueberries, which correlates with a higher calcium concentration in the cell wall. These findings suggest that xyloglucan metabolism and a higher concentration of cell wall calcium influenced the firmness of the blueberry fruit. These results open new perspectives regarding the role of cell wall components as xyloglucans and calcium in blueberry firmness.

Currently there is a worldwide pandemic due to Covid-19, which has caused a great impact on humanity in social, economic, psychological aspects and unfortunately on health. Due to the risk that food can also be a medium to cause virus diseases, the procedures in the food industry safety programs must be revised; and, to be more specific, to disinfect Covid-19. Some effective disinfectants that have been proved to inactivate the coronavirus are: chlorine dioxide, sodium hypochlorite, quaternary compound, ozone and UV-C (shortwave ultraviolet light). In this review, some treatments used to inactivate a virus, with an emphasis to the coronavirus family, and other influenza viruses, are reported. It has been concluded that the coronavirus could be inactivated using free chlorine solutions at 30 mg/L, sodium hypochlorite 0.25 %, or Chlorine Dioxide (99% purity) diluted at 1/2.5 relation. Also, alcohol is an effective disinfectant at concentrations of 62 to 71% of ethanol. With respect to the use of the quaternary compound, it can be used at concentrations of 0.10%. Ozone is another promising disinfectant to inactivate the coronavirus and Covid-19. Doses of ozone between 10 to 20 ppm for 10 to 15 minutes are recommended to inactivate the coronavirus with 3.5 log10 reductions. However, a warning should be reported to the use of high doses of exposure because it can be a risk to human health. UV-C can inactivate the coronavirus at a value of 67 J/m2 by 1 to 30 minutes of exposure.

Background/Objectives: Bovine mastitis (BM), a prevalent and economically burdensome bacterial infection affecting dairy cattle, poses a significant challenge to the dairy industry. The traditional approach to combating BM, relying heavily on antibiotics, faces growing concerns due to the increasing antibiotic resistance exhibited by pathogens. The objective of this study was to evaluate and determine the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm potential of chitosan nanoparticles (NQo) on S. aureus strains isolated from milk samples obtained from dairy areas in southern Chile from cows diagnosed with BM. Methods: NQo were synthesized using the ionotropic gelation method and thoroughly characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Results: The NQo exhibit a robust positive charge (Z-potential of +55.4 ± 2.5 mV) and an exceptionally small size (20.3 ± 3.2 nm). This unique combination of properties makes NQo particularly well-suited for targeting and interacting with bacterial pathogens. To assess the effectiveness of NQo against BM, we conducted a series of experiments using a Staphylococcus aureus strain isolated from milk samples of cows diagnosed with BM in southern Chile. NQo demonstrated a remarkable ability to inhibit bacterial proliferation and effectively modulate biofilm formation in the S. aureus strains. Furthermore, the performance of NQo in comparison to established antibiotics like ampicillin and gentamicin strongly suggests that these nanoparticles hold immense potential as an attractive alternative for the control, prevention, and/or treatment of BM. Conclusions: NQo exhibit both antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against a clinically relevant BM pathogen. Further investigations are necessary to develop a hydrogel formulation optimized for effective delivery to the target diseased tissue.

Microalgae grow rapidly, require minimal space, can proliferate in non-agricultural land, do not compete with human food sources, and can be cultivated in a variety of environments, including wastewater. They are considered an ecological source of bioactive compounds, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional industrial production methods, which are often resource-intensive. It is important to emphasize that both the species of microalgae and the specific culture conditions play a decisive role in the generation and storage of valuable bioactive compounds, which can act as biostimulants. Biostimulants are organic compounds or microorganisms capable of enhancing crop quality parameters by optimizing nutrient and water use efficiency, while also strengthening tolerance to abiotic stress. The aim of this article is to provide an updated understanding of biostimulants, their modes of action, and their role in regulating plant responses to abiotic stress. It further incorporates examples of successful trials that demonstrate the advantageous applications of microalgae-based biostimulants, while also addressing the barriers and limitations to their commercialization and integration into sustainable agricultural practices.

Microalgae are unicellular photosynthetic organisms with considerable genetic diversity and remarkable metabolic capacity, positioning them as sustainable cellular biorefineries. They can be cultivated in open or closed systems, influenced by physical and chemical variables such as light, temperature, and nutrient availability. These conditions modulate the synthesis of valuable biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, and secondary metabolites. Microalgae are especially notable for their high protein content (up to 70% w/w in Spirulina sp.), polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., DHA and EPA), and β-glucans with bioactive properties. Choosing the correct extraction method (mechanical, enzymatic or combined) is very important to obtain and preserve the functionality of these compounds. Despite their biotechnological potential in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels, industrial development faces challenges such as extraction efficiency, scalability, and regulatory approval. This review compiles current knowledge on the nutritional and bioactive potential of microalgae, highlights advances in extraction technologies and discusses their potential applications in health-oriented industrial innovation.