Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences

Gasiński A., Noguera-Artiaga L., Kawa-Rygielska J.

In recent years, research has shown that malting legume seeds can be a viable modification method; however, very few applications of legume malts are currently available. This research aimed to determine whether using malted chickpeas can significantly impact the volatile composition of the produced hummus, as aroma is one of the crucial factors in the acceptance of food products. Five chickpea malts produced by germination by a different amount of time (24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h, and 120 h) were used as a substrate for the production of hummuses and were compared to the hummus produced from unmalted chickpeas. Hummuses produced from the chickpea malt germinated for 96 h and 120 h were characterized by a higher concentration of most volatiles than the control sample, while the hummuses produced from chickpea malts germinated for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h were characterized by a lower concentration of volatiles.

Tumbarski Y., Peykova-Shapkova I., Ivanova M., Cholakov R., Dutkiewicz A., Grzymajło K.

In the present study, four Lactobacillus strains (Lacticaseibacillus casei ATCC 393, Lacticaseibacillus casei RC-1, Lactobacillus acidophilus RC-2 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus RC-10) were investigated to determine their probiotic potential. The strains were evaluated based on their resistance to simulated upper gastrointestinal conditions, tolerance to bile salts, antimicrobial activity, antibiotic resistance and ability to adhere to intestinal cells. All the strains were resistant to simulated upper gastrointestinal conditions (pH 2.5 + pepsin and pH 7.4 + pancreatin) and exhibited cell recovery rates varying between 74.24 and 87.50% (pH 2.5 + pepsin) and between 93.95 and 98.15% (pH 7.4 + pancreatin) at the 24th h of cultivation. The strains demonstrated resistance to various concentrations of bile salts (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1%) with survival rates > 50% (L. casei ATCC 393 and L. casei RC-1) and >60% (L. acidophilus RC-2 and L. rhamnosus RC-10) in bile salt concentration of 0.25% at the 24th h of incubation. The four Lactobacillus components—Lactobacillus culture (LC), cell biomass (CB) and cell-free supernatant (CFS) exhibited moderate to high antimicrobial activity against six Gram-positive and six Gram-negative bacteria; however, they failed to inhibit the growth of yeasts and fungi tested in the antimicrobial screening. In addition, the neutralized to pH = 7.0 cell-free supernatant (NCFS) of the four strains completely lost its antimicrobial effect. The results for antibiotic susceptibility of four Lactobacillus strains showed that L. casei ATCC 393 was resistant to 11, L. casei RC-1 was resistant to 9, L. acidophilus RC-2 was resistant to 8, and L. rhamnosus RC-10 was resistant to 11 of the total 23 antibiotics tested. The highest degree of adhesion of the studied isolates to the intestinal cell line IPEC-J2 was observed in L. casei RC-1 (39.45%), L. rhamnosus RC-10 (23.38%) and L. acidophilus RC-2 (19.25%) in comparison with the reference probiotic strain L. casei ATCC 393. Based on the results obtained, the strains studied can be considered as having probiotic potential.

Pecka-Kiełb E., Króliczewska B., Król B., Słupczyńska M., Sowiński J., Zachwieja A., Kaszuba J., Zigo F.

Kucharska-Guzik A., Guzik Ł., Charzyńska A., Michalska-Ciechanowska A.

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of producing and characterizing Cistus creticus L. powders obtained through spray drying and freeze drying using maltodextrin and inulin as carriers. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of polyphenols by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) identified key bioactive compounds, including punicalagin isomers and their galloyl esters, as well as flavonoids (myricetin-3-galactoside, myricetin-3-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-galactoside, and tiliroside). Phenolics in powders produced by both drying techniques ranged from 73.2 mg to 78.5 mg per g of dry matter. Inulin proved to be as effective as maltodextrin in spray drying, offering a promising alternative for plant-based powder formulation. Antioxidant capacity measured by Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay with 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (TEAC ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay indicated that spray-dried powders with inulin exhibited antioxidant properties comparable to those with maltodextrin. The results demonstrated that Cistus creticus L. powders obtained with inulin can serve as valuable sources of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits similar to those obtained with maltodextrin. Moreover, from a technological perspective, inulin proved to be an equally efficient carrier in terms of production-process parameters such as moisture content and water activity, making it a viable alternative to maltodextrin in plant-based powder formulations.

Kobierski M., Kondratowicz-Maciejewska K., Labaz B.

Floodplains with fluvisols in Poland are crucial areas for both agriculture and environmental relevance. The largest areas of fluvisols are located in the floodplains of the Vistula River and have been identified as significant reservoirs of organic carbon. Humic substances were determined using the following procedure: Cdec—carbon after decalcification, CHA+CFA—carbon of humic and fulvic acids (extracted with 0.5 M NaOH solution), CFA—carbon of fulvic acids (extracted with 2 M HCl solution), CHumin—proportion of carbon in humins. The extraction of soluble organic matter (DOC and DON) was also determined. In the surface layer of grasslands, significantly higher mean contents of total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (Nt) were found compared with arable soils. In fluvisols used as grasslands, compared to the arable soils, significantly higher contents of Cdec, CHA, CFA, Chumin, DOC, DON, and C-stock were observed. The study results indicate that the agricultural use of environmentally valuable lands, such as floodplains, affected the stock of organic carbon and the properties of the humic substances. Grasslands stored significantly more SOC (10.9 kg m−2) than arable soils (6.7 kg m−2), emphasizing their role as organic carbon resevoirs. Agricultural practices such as limiting plowing and introducing grasslands can support carbon sequestration. Therefore, the role of fluvisols in floodplains in carbon sequestration should be emphasized in climate change mitigation strategies.

Franz A., Sowiński J., Głogowski A., Fiałkiewicz W.

Field studies and satellite imagery were conducted on an oat cultivation field located on sandy soil with significant spatial heterogeneity in southwestern Poland. Observations and field measurements were carried out during the BBCH growth stages 12, 31, 49, 77, and 99 at 40 points each. Satellite images were acquired at specific intervals, and selected remote sensing indices (NDVI, GNDVI, SAVI, EVI, NDMI, MCARI) were calculated to investigate possibility of early detection of nitrogen demand at the early stage of oat development. The results of this study confirmed that sandy soils, characterized by limited water and nutrient capacity, require a specialized approach to resource management. The selected remote sensing indices provided an effective method for monitoring oat canopy variability in real time. At BBCH 12 growing stage, the highest correlations with plant density were shown by NDVI, SAVI, GNDVI, and EVI. The correlation coefficients ranged from 0.38 to 0.56, with a significance level of ≤0.01, which indicates their usefulness for monitoring crop emergency and early development. At early growing stage (BBCH 31–34), GNDVI was significantly correlated with the final nitrogen uptake (r = 0.44, p < 0.01) and biomass yield of oat (r = 0.39, p = 0.01). This suggests that the GNDVI index is particularly useful for predicting the final nitrogen uptake and biomass yield of oat. It offers a reliable estimation of the plant’s nitrogen status and its potential for nitrogen absorption, allowing for fertilization management at this critical stage.

Lachowicz-Wolak A., Chmielina A., Przychodniak I., Karwańska M., Siedlecka M., Klimowicz-Bodys M., Dyba K., Rypuła K.

Bovine respiratory disease causes significant economic losses in cattle farming due to mortality, treatment costs, and reduced productivity. It involves viral and bacterial infections, with Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica key bacterial pathogens. These bacteria contribute to severe pneumonia and are often found together. Poland has one of the highest levels of antimicrobial use in food-producing animals among European Union countries. A total of 70 bacterial strains were analyzed, 48 P. multocida and 22 M. haemolytica, collected from affected calves’ respiratory tracts. The bacterial species were confirmed molecularly using PCR, which was also employed to detect antimicrobial resistance and virulence-associated genes. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the broth microdilution method. Antimicrobial resistance varied between the two bacterial species studied. The highest resistance in P. multocida was to chlortetracycline 79.2% (38/48) and oxytetracycline 81.3% (39/48), while M. haemolytica showed 63.6% (14/22) resistance to penicillin and tilmicosin. The highest susceptibility was found for fluoroquinolones: P. multocida demonstrated 91.7% (44/48) susceptibility to enrofloxacin and 87.5% (42/48) to danofloxacin, while 77.3% (17/22) of M. haemolytica were susceptible to both tested fluoroquinolones. The tetH and tetR genes were observed only in P. multocida, at frequencies of 20.8% (10/48) and 16.7% (8/48), respectively. Both species carried the mphE and msrE genes, though at lower frequencies. All M. haemolytica contained the lkt, gs60, and gcp genes. All P. multocida carried the sodA gene, while the hgbB and ompH genes were present in 37.5% (18/48) and 20.8% (10/48) of strains, respectively. The highest resistance was observed against the most commonly used antibiotics in the European Union, although the resistance differed between the studied bacterial species and each strain exhibited the presence of at least one virulence gene.

Czubaszek A., Gertchen M., Gasiński A., Miedzianka J., Kawa-Rygielska J.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of partial rye flour (RF) replacement with white bean malt (WBM) and red bean malt (RBM) on the baking and the nutritional quality of bread. The addition of white and red bean malts to the rye flour reduced the falling number and the maximum viscosity of the paste. Significant differences in the color of the crust and crumb of baked bread were shown. The addition of malt from bean seeds did not cause significant changes in the consumer assessment of bread. In some cases, a 30% increase in the polyphenols content was observed and an improvement in the antioxidant properties of bread with WBM and RBM was noted. Also, the overall protein and essential amino acids content in the bread was significantly increased. Due to WBM and RBM addition, the quantity of volatile compounds was higher than it was in the control sample, and in specific instances, it had doubled compared to the control sample.

Ciastowicz Ż., Pamuła R., Bobak Ł., Białowiec A.

This study evaluates the compatibility and innovative applications of unmodified vegetable oils, including rapeseed, sunflower, linseed, castor, and used cooking oils, in the production of sustainable polymeric materials, particularly polyurethane adhesives. Fatty acid composition was characterized using GC-MS, functional groups were identified by FTIR, and physicochemical properties, such as hydroxyl value, acid value, viscosity, and density, were measured using conventional analytical techniques. The results highlight significant differences in the properties of the oils, influencing their suitability for specific industrial applications. Castor oil, with its high ricinoleic acid content and hydroxyl value, was identified as the most suitable option for bio-based polyols and polyurethane production. Compatibility tests confirmed that unmodified oils can be effectively blended with polyols, ensuring stability and homogeneity without chemical modification. This approach simplifies production, reduces reliance on petrochemical feedstocks, and advances the development of environmentally friendly polyurethane adhesives. Future research will focus on optimizing formulations and assessing the long-term performance of adhesives incorporating unmodified vegetable oils.

Pasaol J.C., Śmieszek A., Pawlak A.

Tumor diseases represent a significant global health challenge, impacting both humans and companion animals, notably dogs. The parallels observed in the pathophysiology of cancer between humans and dogs underscore the importance of advancing comparative oncology and translational research methodologies. Furthermore, dogs serve as valuable models for human cancer research due to shared environments, genetics, and treatment responses. In particular, breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), which are critical in human cancer, also influence the development and progression of canine tumors. The role of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in canine cancers remains underexplored, but its potential significance as therapeutic targets is strongly considered. This systematic review aims to broaden the discussion of BRCA1 and BRCA2 beyond mammary tumors, exploring their implications in various canine cancers. By emphasizing the shared genetic underpinnings between species and advocating for a comparative approach, the review indicates the potential of BRCA genes as targets for innovative cancer therapies in dogs, contributing to advances in human and veterinary oncology.

Komarnicki P., Cieniawska B.

One of the methods used to improve the durability of blueberry fruits is the application of nutrients through foliar feeding with calcium, which can improve the post-harvest mechanical parameters. This study proposed an optimal selection of calcium spray parameters, which enables a rational minimisation of the negative impact of agrochemicals in the environment. The qualitative evaluation of blueberry fruit showed lime spraying induces a significant effect on the increase in fruit size, especially at a pressure of 0.2 MPa and with AIXR nozzles compared to the control group. To assess the mechanical properties, a modern method of identifying the actual loads and maximum surface pressures generated by the picker during harvesting is presented. Compression and fruit rupture tests were also used to determine the pressure values and forces that are considered safe from the perspective of harvest quality. The comparative analysis of destructive compression and detachment tests confirmed that fruit firmness (Fp) was approximately 80% higher than the detachment force (Fpf), with peak pressures more than twice as high, suggesting that handpicking poses minimal risk of mechanical damage. The implementation of optimal spraying techniques combined with the correct assessment of the mechanical properties of fruits is important in agricultural practice, where it is crucial to obtain high-quality blueberries after harvest.

Nawrot-Hadzik I., Fast M., Gębarowski T., Zanoni G., Martens S., Matkowski A., Seweryn P., Hadzik J.

Polygoni cuspidati rhizoma et radix (rhizomes of Reynoutria japonica Houtt.) have a long tradition of use in traditional Chinese medicine confirmed by numerous contemporary studies. Our earlier results implied the potential use of decoction of this raw material in oral wound improvement. In this study, we investigated Polygoni cuspidati rhizoma et radix traditionally prepared decoctions from European wildly growing plant (SC decoction; self-collected decoction) and from a pharmacopeial raw material (PH decoction) purchase from a certified pharmacy in Europe. We performed qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis and examined the effect of the decoctions and their major constituents on the viability of the human gingival fibroblast (HGF-1) cell line. The SC decoction caused a higher increase in cell viability in a wide range of concentrations 2.5–2000 µg/mL (from 100 µg/mL an increase of 35% and more, compared to control, at p ≤ 0.0001), while the decoction PH showed a statistically significant increase only at a concentration of 100 µg/mL (an increase of 24% compared to control, at p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, the PH decoction showed cytotoxic activity towards HGF-1 at higher concentrations (≥500 μg/mL), which was not observed in the SC decoction. Substantial differences in the chemical composition between the two decoctions were also observed. The SC decoction contained significantly more flavan-3-ols and procyanidin dimers and less stilbenes and anthraquinones than the PH decoction. For example, SC contained about 9 times more epicatechin and 3 times more catechin, as well as 4.5 times more procyanidin B1 and 9 times more procyanidin B2 and B4 than the PH decoction but about 7.5 times less resveratrol and 4 times less emodin. We concluded that the high content of flavan-3-ols and procyanidins with low cytotoxic potential towards HGF-1, as well as the correspondingly low content of some anthraquinones, had a beneficial effect on the activity of the SC decoction.

Bekier J., Jamroz E., Sowiński J., Adamczewska-Sowińska K., Wilusz-Nogueira M., Gruszka D.

In recent decades, there has been a significant decrease in humus resources in the terrestrial environment, including in agriculturally used soils, due to increased mineralisation of soil organic matter (SOM). Using composting as a method for recycling lignin-cellulosic biomass, the application of innovative microbial stimulation seems reasonable for obtaining the most useful product. The aim of this study was the qualitative and quantitative analysis of humic acids during the composting of exogenous organic matter (EOM) of energy willow biomass (WBC) and biodegradable municipal waste (MSWC). Samples were collected at different maturity stages, and the following determinations were performed: total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN), carbon of fulvic (CFA) and humic (CHA) acids, carbon of residual fraction (CR), the elemental composition of humic acids, humification index (HR1), and ω (oxidation) ratios. Results indicated the direction and intensity of biotransformation processes were determined by the availability of nitrogen compounds. The innovative use of microbial preparation has resulted in a more useful final product. Inoculation of lignocellulosic substrates stimulated the synthesis of humic acids, and the decomposition of the CR fraction, as well as HR1 and ω ratios, may be used to assess the recycling efficiency.

Kłos A., Wierzba S., Piechaczek-Wereszczyńska M., Matik K., Głowacki M., Płotka M., Gawdzik A., Wiatkowski M., Dołhańczuk-Śródka A., Ziembik Z.

This article presents the findings of fundamental research designed to assess the viability of utilising a range of sorbents to determine whether preset concentration thresholds for specific heavy metals – namely nickel, zinc, cadmium, and lead – have been exceeded in prepared aqueous solutions. The biosorbents employed in the study were mosses, lichens and algae, modified zeolites, and synthetic cationites. It was demonstrated that a state of heterophasic ion exchange equilibrium was attained following an exposure period of approximately two hours. Of the heavy metal sorbents tested, synthetic cationites were found to exhibit the most favourable sorption properties. Furthermore, the sorption processes of heavy metal cations by synthetic cationites were found to be influenced by the pH and salinity of the solution. No significant changes were observed in the pH range of 4.0 to 8.0. A reduction in heavy metal sorption of up to 25% was observed in solutions with conductivity ranging from 300 to 1500 μS cm−1, and up to 15% in solutions with conductivity between 300 and 800 μS cm−1. The results presented here indicate that, with relatively stable water salinity levels, it is possible to detect exceedances of permissible heavy metal concentrations in surface waters on the basis of an analysis of metal concentrations in synthetic cationites exposed in water.

Matera A., Dulak K., Sordon S., Huszcza E., Popłoński J.

Molecular and synthetic biology tools enable the design of new-to-nature biological systems, including genetically engineered microorganisms, recombinant proteins, and novel metabolic pathways. These tools simplify the development of more efficient, manageable, and tailored solutions for specific applications, biocatalysts, or biosensors that are devoid of undesirable characteristics. The key aspect of preparing these biological systems is the availability of appropriate strategies for designing novel genetic circuits. However, there remains a pressing need to explore independent and controllable systems for the co-expression of multiple genes. In this study, we present the characterisation of a set of bacterial plasmids dedicated to recombinant expression in broadly used Escherichia coli. The set includes plasmids with four different, most commonly used bacterial expression cassettes - RhaS/RhaBAD, LacI/Trc, AraC/AraBAD, and XylS/Pm, which can be used alone or freely combined in up to three-gene monocistronic expression systems using Golden Standard Molecular Cloning kit assembly. The independent induction of each of the designed cassettes enables the autonomous expression of up to three recombinant proteins from one plasmid. The expression of a triple-enzyme cascade consisting of sucrose synthase, UDP-rhamnose synthase and flavonol-7-O-rhamnosyltransferase, confirmed that the designed system can be applied for the complex biocatalysts production. Presented herein strategy for the multigene expression is a valuable addition to the current landscape of different co-expression approaches. The thorough characterisation of each expression cassette indicated their strengths and potential limitations, which will be useful for subsequent investigations in the field. The defined cross-talks brought a better understanding of the metabolic mechanisms that may affect the heterologous expression in the bacterial hosts.