Publications by authors named "A Serio"

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses risks for food stakeholders because of the spread of resistant microbes and potential foodborne diseases. In example, pigs may carry strains, which can infect humans through contaminated food preparations. Due to their antibacterial properties and capacity to modulate bacterial drug resistance, essential oils (EOs) are attracting interest as prospective substitutes for synthetic antimicrobials which can help to reverse microbial resistance.

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In this study, for the first time, the volatile fraction from two domesticated accessions ("Paprika" and "Baklouti") collected in Tunisia was investigated by two complementary analytical techniques, such as Solid-Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) and Proton Transfer Reaction-Time-of-Flight-Mass Spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS). The obtained results highlighted the presence of a high number of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), including monoterpene and sesquiterpene compounds with -curcumene, I-zingiberene, -bisabolene and -sesquiphellandrene as the major components. In addition, GC/MS was used to investigate the non-volatile chemical composition of the dried powders and their extracts, which were found to be rich in sulfur compounds, fatty acids and sugars.

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Article Synopsis
  • There is growing concern about the safety of vegetable proteins, specifically from lupins, due to the presence of a mycotoxin-producing fungus associated with animal diseases.
  • A study aimed to characterize the growth and spore formation of this fungus on lupins, also examining its production of the harmful mycotoxin, phomopsin-A (PHO-A), and various alkaloids.
  • Results showed that the fungus grew best on potato and oat-flakes media, produced high levels of PHO-A over time on lupins, and generated significant amounts of quinolizidine alkaloids, indicating incomplete existing knowledge about this fungal species and its impact on lupin safety.
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Biofilms are a critical factor for food safety, causing important economic losses. Among the novel strategies for controlling biofilms, essential oils (EOs) can represent an environmentally friendly approach, able to act both on early and mature stages of biofilm formation. This review reports the anti-biofilm mechanisms of action of EOs against five pathogenic bacterial species known for their biofilm-forming ability.

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, the causative agent of anthrax, is among the most likely bacterial pathogens to be used in a biological attack. Inhalation anthrax is a serious, life-threatening form of infection, and the mortality from acute inhaled anthrax can approach 100% if not treated early and aggressively. Food and Drug Administration-approved antibiotics indicated for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or treatment of anthrax are limited.

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