Percorrer por autor "Murta, Daniel"
A mostrar 1 - 10 de 19
Resultados por página
Opções de ordenação
- Black soldier fly - an invaluable weapon in the war for the sustainability of the agrarian economy and defense of the environmentPublication . Menino, Regina; Murta, DanielThe growing demographic pressure, worldwide, has been alerting our planet, in an increasingly alarming way, to a progressive food deficit and a growing degradation of the quality of the environment; thus, the urgent need for new alternatives for agricultural production (among others) has been revealing the potential of insects in the two aspects mentioned above. In this context, the black soldier fly has revealed an invaluable potential for the biological composting of the remnants of agricultural production, with the triple objective of eliminating potentially polluting products, producing food for livestock farming and producing organic fertilizers capable of competing with chemical fertilizers, without the harmful effects of the latter, and with a high potential for the sustainability of the productivity of agricultural soils. The present communication, based on the advances that scientific experimentation has shown in this area, intends to highlight the high potential of this dipteran in the desideratum in question, particularly in the context of a circular economy.
- BSF - time to change the fliesPublication . Menino, Regina; Murta, Daniel
- Cattle effluents, either composted or bio-digested by Black Soldier Fly larvae, in the fertilization of ryegrass in sandy soilsPublication . Menino, Regina; Lopes, Ivã; Semedo, José N.; Scotti-Campos, Paula; Murta, Daniel; Castelo-Branco, Amélia; Nestler, Cecília; Moreira, OlgaThe relative agronomic performance of two organic fertilizers - effluents from intensive cattle farming, after composting either by traditional aerobic methods (compost) or by bio-digestion by larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF) (frass) - in the growth of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) on a sandy soil was evaluated. For this purpose, a pot trial was conducted in a semi-controlled greenhouse. Eight treatments were defined, with four treatments using the compost and four treatments using frass (with a 10% nitroamoniacal nitrogen supplementation in all treatments), in addition to a negative control without fertilization, and a positive control with exclusively chemical nitroamoniacal fertilization. Regarding the biomass production, the BSF frass displayed a higher potential than the compost, with a significantly higher production from an N endowment equivalent to 280 kg ha-1 (252 kg organic N + 28 kg mineral N). While the yields obtained with compost were stable when 350 kg ha-1 (315 kg organic N + 35 kg mineral N) were provided, the yields obtained with BSF frass revealed a tendency to continue to progress with higher doses. This could be justified by the fact that the P2O5 and K2O content of BSF frass is significantly higher than that of the compost, and these nutrients continued to be mineralized over time. Furthermore, the obtained results confirm the potentiating effect of mineral fertilizers in the maximization of biomass production, when associated with organic fertilizers in adequate proportions. In addition, it was verified that the addition of frass enhanced the water use by plants, which was significantly higher than the treatments with compost, regardless of the N endowment. It was concluded that mixing chemical and organic fertilizers positively impacts soil fertility and the sustainability of the production as a whole, by increasing productivities in a sustainable way.
- Characterization of lipid extracts from the Hermetia illucens larvae and their bioactivities for potential use as pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredientsPublication . Almeida, Cíntia; Murta, Daniel; Nunes, Rui; Baby, André Rolim; Fernandes, Ângela; Barros, Lillian; Rijo, Patricia; Rosado, CatarinaThere is an increasingly growing demand for the use of natural and sustainable bioactives in the field of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The biomass from black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) can be viewed as an innovative source of compounds with high aggregate value and marketing potential due to the sustainable organic matter bioconversion process used as substrate for its development. This insect can be a source of lipid compounds with high added value, mainly due to its high content in fatty acids (FA) with potential applicability in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. In this context, in this work different extraction methods were tested (decoction, microwaves, maceration and ultrasound), using water, acetone, n-hexane as extraction solvents, to evaluate yields of the BSF larvae lipid extracts, as well as their lipid profile, and a preliminary safety screening was conducted. Results show that despite using different extraction techniques and solvents, similar FA composition profiles were obtained. The lauric acid content (C12: 0) is elevated in all the extracts in relation to the other FA, ranging 37%–62%. The contents in palmitic (C16: 0) and oleic (C18: 1n-9) acids, were also high in all applied extraction methods. The omega-6 FA (ω-6 PUFAs), mainly linoleic acid (C18: 2n6c), were also identified in the lipid fraction of BSF larvae biomass, with a content variation between 4.5% and 17.7%, while the omega-3 group, namely α-Linolenic acid (C18: 3n3), presented values between 0.66% and 1.95%. None of the extracts presented toxicity in preliminary tests with the Artemia salina model. Through this study, it was possible to confirm that BSF larvae oil can be obtained by sustainable methods, containing a broad mixture of FA and being highly rich in lauric acid, with a promising skin care applicability.
- Characterization of lipid extracts from the Hermetia illucens larvae and their bioactivities for potential use as pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredientsPublication . Almeida, Cíntia; Murta, Daniel; Nunes, Rui; Baby, André Rolim; Fernandes, Ângela; Barros, Lillian; Rijo, Patricia; Rosado, CatarinaThere is an increasingly growing demand for the use of natural and sustainable bioactives in the field of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The biomass from black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) can be viewed as an innovative source of compounds with high aggregate value and marketing potential due to the sustainable organic matter bioconversion process used as substrate for its development. This insect can be a source of lipid compounds with high added value, mainly due to its high content in fatty acids (FA) with potential applicability in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. In this context, in this work different extraction methods were tested (decoction, microwaves, maceration and ultrasound), using water, acetone, n-hexane as extraction solvents, to evaluate yields of the BSF larvae lipid extracts, as well as their lipid profile, and a preliminary safety screening was conducted. Results show that despite using different extraction techniques and solvents, similar FA composition profiles were obtained. The lauric acid content (C12: 0) is elevated in all the extracts in relation to the other FA, ranging 37%–62%. The contents in palmitic (C16: 0) and oleic (C18: 1n-9) acids, were also high in all applied extraction methods. The omega-6 FA (ω-6 PUFAs), mainly linoleic acid (C18: 2n6c), were also identified in the lipid fraction of BSF larvae biomass, with a content variation between 4.5% and 17.7%, while the omega-3 group, namely α-Linolenic acid (C18: 3n3), presented values between 0.66% and 1.95%. None of the extracts presented toxicity in preliminary tests with the Artemia salina model. Through this study, it was possible to confirm that BSF larvae oil can be obtained by sustainable methods, containing a broad mixture of FA and being highly rich in lauric acid, with a promising skin care applicability.
- Combining Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor meals in diets for European seabass : effects on growth, nutrient utilisation, intestinal morphology and muscle qualityPublication . Costa, Rafaela S.; Basto, Ana; Monteiro, Marta; Pinho, Bia; Sá, Tiago; Santos, Marisa V.; Murta, Daniel; Schrama, Johan W.; Valente, Luisa M.P.This study explored the potential of an insect meal (IM) mixture of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and yellow mealworms (YMs) to substitute 3% (diet IM3), 25% (diet IM25) and 50% (diet IM50) of the fishmeal (FM) protein in a control diet (CTRL; 15% FM) for European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles. The four diets were isoproteic and isolipidic and were tested in triplicate in a recirculating aquaculture system with water at 22 °C and 35 ppt salinity, under a 12 h light/12 h dark photoperiod. After a 75-day feeding period, the fish growth performance, nutrient utilisation, intestinal morphology, muscle fatty acid profile and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. The diets containing IM ensured similar growth (DGI = 2.0) and feed efficiency (FCR = 1.0–1.1) to CTRL. Moreover, they promoted comparable nitrogen and energy retention efficiencies (38–40% and 44–47%). However, fish fed with the IM diets presented 20–27% lower faecal phosphorus losses than the control group. Anterior intestine integrity was maintained in all fish, but those fed IM50 displayed longer villi than the control. The muscle fatty acid profile of IM-fed fish also resembled that of the control, with 364–405 mg EPA + DHA per 100 g of fillet. IM25 and IM50 promoted higher lauric acid deposition in the muscle, and the muscle of fish fed with IM50 presented the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity, suggesting higher antioxidant capacity. Overall, the study shows that the IM mixture can be an adequate protein source for seabass juveniles, also offering functional benefits.
- A comprehensive ecotoxicological evaluation of a treated olive mill wastewater and obtained sludgePublication . Pinto, José N.; Pereira, Andreia; Silva, Ana Rita. R.; Cardoso, Diogo N.; Mostafaie, Amid; Campos, Fábio; Rehan, Iryna; Moreira, Olga; Lopes, Ivã Guidini; Murta, Daniel; Afonso, Alexandra; Oliveira, Margarida; Silvério, Karina S.; Santos, Maria Teresa; Carvalho, Fátima; Almeida, Adelaide; Loureiro, SusanaOlive mill wastewaters (OMWWs) are an environmental problem in the Mediterranean region, and it is crucial to explore strategies for their treatment and repurposing. The chemical precipitation technique (CPT) has been presented as a cost-effective wastewater treatment solution that might be applied to OMWW. The CPT-resulting precipitant subproducts (sludge) may be reprocessed (e.g., agricultural fertilizer and/or soil amendment), while the treated wastewater may be repurposed or reused (e.g., irrigation, aquaponic, or industrial processes). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CPT in treating wastewater from the olive oil industry from an ecotoxicological perspective. Additionally, to assess the safe use of the obtained sludge in CPT treatment, its effects on soil biota were assessed. For this, a set of ecotoxicological assays using freshwater (Raphidocelis subcapitata, Daphnia magna and Danio rerio), terrestrial invertebrates (Folsomia candida and Enchytraeus crypticus), and plants (Brassica oleracea and Lolium perenne) were used as model organisms. Results demonstrated that CPT reduced OMWW toxicity to freshwater organisms, offering a favorable outlook on CPT’s potential as a wastewater treatment method. Increasing application rates of sludge in soil reduced the shoot biomass and the hydric content of both plants compared to the control. Survival of F. candida and E. crypticus was not affected by sludge in soil at any tested application rate, yet sludge application negatively affected the reproduction of both species, even at relevant sludge application rates (2%) of sludge in soils. Overall, the applicability of this sludge obtained by the CPT treatment in soils should be carefully evaluated due to the observed adverse effects on soil biota. Although the results of CPT were promising in reducing the toxicity of OMWW for these aquatic species, some adjustments/improvements should be performed to improve this technique and use all the obtained resources (treated water and sludge) in a fully circular perspective.
- Exploring sustainable alternatives in aquaculture feeding : the role of insectsPublication . Fantatto, Rafaela Regina; Mota, Joana; Ligeiro, Carolina; Vieira, Inês; Guilgur, Leonardo Gaston; Santos, Marisa; Murta, DanielThe aquaculture sector faces uncertainty due to environmental changes, economic factors, and availability of food resources. Conventional aquatic feeds heavily depend on fishmeal. This results in sustainability challenges due to overexploitation of wild fish stocks, rising costs, and environmental impacts, which has driven the search for innovative and sustainable alternatives, such as insects. European Union legislation has evolved to allow the use of certain insect species in aquafeeds, favoring the market access and approval of additional species. However, regulations still need to be standardized across countries and the substrates approved for insect feed clearly defined, since the nutritional composition of insects depend on species and diet. These ingredients have high potential to replace fishmeal in aquatic feeds, although, present challenges regarding optimal growth and digestibility, specially due to the chitin in composition, that need to be overcome. However, chitin and its derivatives may also have positive effects in fish feeds as prebiotic and immunomodulator. These insect-based protein sources have several benefits, such as efficient nutrient utilization, short maturation periods, and profitability, addressing the economic and environmental challenges associated with conventional aquafeed ingredients. Scientific studies indicate that insects have the potential to improve flesh quality, strengthen the immune system, and reduce disease susceptibility in farmed fish, promoting sustainable and productive aquaculture systems. The integration of insects as alternative protein sources in aquatic feeds can offer a promising path towards sustainable and environmentally friendly aquaculture systems. Based on the research available for this topic, this review aimed to evaluate the real potential of using insect-based raw-materials in feeds for aquaculture and their effects on growth, feed utilization, immunological response, disease resistance, quality, and safety of fish.
- Exploring the potential of Hermetia illucens larvae extracts : a promising approach for dermocosmetic formulationsPublication . Filipe, Márcia Santos; Cardoso, Rossana V.C.; Ayuso, Manuel; Murta, Daniel; Díaz-Lanza, Ana María; Rosado, Catarina; Pires, Tânia C.S.P; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Rijo, PatriciaGlobally, the yearly disposal of 1.3 billion tonnes of food raises environmental and public health concerns. Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae present a sustainable solution, converting organic waste into nutrient-rich biomass. The extracted oil from BSF larvae, rich in fatty acids (FA), offers an eco-friendly alternative for the cosmetic industry. In this study, larvae sourced from a Portuguese company were fed olive pomace, a by-product of olive oil production. The lipidic sample extracted revealed a composition high in oleic acid, valuable for cosmetics. Investigating the biological activity of lipid extractions from larvae fed with olive pomace is a novel approach. Notably, the n-hexane ultrasound-assisted extraction method demonstrated potent antioxidant properties, and some extracts displayed antimicrobial activity. Five non-cytotoxic extracts; three with no relevant activity (IC50 from 236 to >400 μg/mL). These findings highlight BSF larvae as an environmentally friendly source of fatty acids, offering promising alternatives for diverse applications.
- First insights into macromolecular components analyses of an insect meal using hyperspectral imagingPublication . Silva, Flávia Matias Oliveira da; Fidalgo, Liliana G.; Inácio, Rita S.; Fantatto, Rafaela; Carvalho, Maria J.; Murta, Daniel; Pereira, Nuno S. A.The non-invasive nutritional analysis of feed through images captured by hyperspectral cameras represents an innovative and promising approach in the field of biotechnology. With this technology, it is possible to capture images at multiple wavelengths and identify unique spectral patterns associated with different molecular components, such as total fat and moisture. The technique is particularly valuable in biological environments, enabling a more detailed and comprehensive analysis of the presence and distribution of nutrients. The objective of this work was to perform a nutritional pre-characterization of Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly-BSF) larvae meal, using hyperspectral images in the range of 400–1000 nm, with a spectral resolution of 7 nm and a spatial sampling of 512 pixels, and correlate them to traditional chemical analysis methods. The results were also compared to wheat flour samples. The chemical results of BSF meal indicated 7.2% ± 0.05% (w/w) and 28.15% ± 0.15% (w/w) in moisture and total fat content, respectively. When compared to wheat flour, BSF meal contains less total fat and this difference was clearly identified in the spectra derived from the hyperspectral images, which underscores the efficiency and utility of multispectral cameras to conduct real-time and non-destructive analyses. Furthermore, this analysis can be extended to other components (e.g., protein content), increasing the potential of the technique for feed characterization.