https://repository.utm.md/handle/5014/8301 2026-11-01T20:34:14Z 2026-11-01T20:34:14Z CHETRARIU, Ancuta DIANU, Irina NETREBA, Natalia SANDU, Iuliana CODINĂ, Georgiana Gabriela GÂTLAN, Anca Mihaela PETRARU, Ancuta AVRĂMIA, Ionut MACARI, Artur DABIJA, Adriana https://repository.utm.md/handle/5014/37672 2026-10-29T09:20:35Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Technological potential and changes in bioactive compounds during ripening of four sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) cultivars grown in the Republic of Moldova CHETRARIU, Ancuta; DIANU, Irina; NETREBA, Natalia; SANDU, Iuliana; CODINĂ, Georgiana Gabriela; GÂTLAN, Anca Mihaela; PETRARU, Ancuta; AVRĂMIA, Ionut; MACARI, Artur; DABIJA, Adriana Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), known as a “superfruit” due to its complex nutritional profile, exhibits significant variations in bioactive compounds depending on variety and ripening stage. This study evaluates the ripening dynamics of four specific varieties-Dora, Cora, Clara, and Mara-cultivated in the Republic of Moldova to identify the optimal harvest window and technological potential for each variety. Over a sevenweek period (August-September), several physicochemical and biochemical parameters were monitored, including pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), total dry matter (TDM), lipid content, color, hardness, vitamin C, total carotenoids content (TCC), and organic acids. Analytical methods such as refractometry, spectrophotometry, and capillary electrophoresis were employed to track these components. A downward trend in TSS and titratable acidity, characteristic of non-climacteric fruits, was observed. The Cora and Mara varieties exhibited the highest productivity and total dry matter content (up to 35.61%), making them suitable for concentrated food products. Clara stood out with the highest lipid accumulation (reaching 2.32%), identifying it as the premium variety for oil extraction. Vitamin C levels generally decreased across all varieties during ripening, with the Mara variety maintaining the highest concentrations (up to 518 mg/100 g). Conversely, total carotenoids showed a peak during full maturity (late August) for most varieties, with Dora reaching the highest values (40.73 mg/100 g). The present study highlights that the optimal harvest time for maximizing bioactive compounds is between late August and early September.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z AVRĂMIA, Ionut MACARI, Artur NETREBA, Natalia DIANU, Irina SANDU, Iuliana BUCULEI, Amelia CHETRARIU, Ancuta OROIAN, Mircea DABIJA, Adriana https://repository.utm.md/handle/5014/37671 2026-10-29T09:03:51Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Multifunctional characterization and inter-annual variability of bioactive compounds in Hippophae rhamnoides L. sea buckthorn varieties AVRĂMIA, Ionut; MACARI, Artur; NETREBA, Natalia; DIANU, Irina; SANDU, Iuliana; BUCULEI, Amelia; CHETRARIU, Ancuta; OROIAN, Mircea; DABIJA, Adriana The growing interest in natural bioactive compounds has positioned sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) as a source of high-value phytochemicals for pharmaceutical and functional applications. Renowned for its complex biochemical profile, this species synthesizes significant levels of lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants, notably carotenoids and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). These constituents provide extensive therapeutic and pharmacological benefits, including strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerative properties. Consequently, characterizing the exact bioactive composition of sea-buckthorn is essential for identifying cultivars with exceptional multi-functional potential. However, a major challenge in exploiting this botanical resource lies in the significant variability of its chemical profile. While the fundamental pharmacological attributes of the plant are genetically determined, the absolute concentration of its bioactive compounds can vary. Factors such as specific cultivar traits and inter-annual climatic conditions, including severe seasonal droughts, are known to influence secondary metabolite accumulation. Although individual varieties exhibit distinct nutritional profiles, systematic data tracking these fluctuations over consecutive years remain limited, particularly regarding certified cultivars adapted to specific regional ecosystems. To extend current understandings, this study evaluates the multi-functional characteristics and inter-annual stability of 17 distinct sea buckthorn varieties over a continuous three-year monitoring period. Specifically, this research focuses on four select varieties officially registered in the Republic of Moldova Official Catalogue of Plant Varieties and Species.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z COJOCARI, Daniela BĂLAN, Greta DIANU, Irina AVRĂMIA, Ionuț CHETRARIU, Ancuța DABIJA, Adriana MACARI, Artur https://repository.utm.md/handle/5014/37668 2026-10-29T08:32:49Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Potențialul antimicrobian al extractului și pulberii de cătină împotriva Listeria monocytogenes COJOCARI, Daniela; BĂLAN, Greta; DIANU, Irina; AVRĂMIA, Ionuț; CHETRARIU, Ancuța; DABIJA, Adriana; MACARI, Artur Listeria monocytogenes reprezintă unul dintre cei mai importanți agenți patogeni alimentari, fiind responsabilă de infecții severe asociate cu rate ridicate de spitalizare și mortalitate. În contextul interesului crescând pentru conservanții naturali, cătina este considerată o sursă valoroasă de compuși bioactivi cu potențial antimicrobian. Scopul studiului. Evaluarea in vitro a activității antimicrobiene a extractului și pulberii de cătină asupra tulpinii Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932.; Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most important foodborne pathogens, responsible for severe infections associated with high hospitalization and mortality rates. In the context of growing interest in natural preservatives, sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is considered a valuable source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial potential. Aim of the study. To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of sea buckthorn extract and powder against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z CUȘMENCO, Tatiana DIANU, Irina NETREBA, Natalia REȘITCA, Vladislav MACARI, Artur SANDU, Iuliana https://repository.utm.md/handle/5014/37667 2026-10-29T07:41:56Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Integration of agro-food by-products into dairy technology: sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Pomace flour in glazed cottage cheese manufacture CUȘMENCO, Tatiana; DIANU, Irina; NETREBA, Natalia; REȘITCA, Vladislav; MACARI, Artur; SANDU, Iuliana The purpose of this paper is to investigate the incorporation of sea buckthorn pomace flour (SBPF), a by-product of fruit processing, into glazed cottage cheese in order to obtain a dairy product with enhanced functional value and improved quality characteristics. Four formulations containing 1.25%, 2.50%, 3.75%, and 5.00% SBPF were developed and compared with a control sample. Sensory, textural, microbiological, and physico - chemical analyses were performed immediately after production and during a 12-day storage period. Sensory evaluation indicated good overall acceptability, with scores ranging from 4.20 to 5.00 for taste, aroma, texture, appearance, and color. Texture profile analysis showed that SBPF affected hardness (46.88 - 59.08 g), cohesiveness (0.08 - 0.09 %), gumminess (3.81 - 5.78 g), springiness (0.99 - 1.00), adhesiveness (45.22 - 54.63 g·s), and resilience (0.48 - 0.62%). Microbiological assessment revealed total mesophilic aerobic counts between 3.10 and 3.50 log₁₀ CFU/g and yeast and mold counts ranging from 2.00 to 2.25 log₁₀ CFU/g. Pathogenic microorganisms, including Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes, were not detected in any sample. Physico - chemical parameters remained within acceptable limits, with pH values of 4.55 - 4.59, water activity of 0.767 - 0.772 c.u., moisture content of 21.3 - 23.0%, total sugars of 23.8 - 24.3%, fat content of 26.5 - 27.0%, and ash content of 1.68 - 1.74%. The results demonstrate the potential of SBPF as a sustainable ingredient for the development of value-added dairy products.

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