1. Optimised extraction and HPLC–DAD determination of steroidal glycoalkaloids in potato tubers : analytical validation and environmental sustainability evaluationHajer Ben Ammar, Peter Dolničar, Barbara Pipan, Lovro Sinkovič, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Steroidal glycoalkaloids ( α-solanine and α-chaconine) are major potato toxins whose accurate quantification is often challenged by matrix effects and chromatographic selectivity. This study reports the optimisation and validation of a robust reversed-phase HPLC-DAD method for the determination of glycoalkaloids in potato tissues, combined with a systematic assessment of the environmental sustainability of the analytical workflow. Extraction conditions were optimized by integrating systematic solvent screening with a factorial experimental design to evaluate the effect of key operational variables on glycoalkaloid recovery and refine extraction performance The resulting extraction medium improved extract cleanliness and chromatographic stability. A subsequent C18 solid-phase extraction SPE step further reduced matrix effect and enhanced analytical selectivity. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a conventional C18 column using an acetonitrile-water gradient, providing baseline resolution (Rs > 1.5) of α 2 -solanine and α-chaconine with stable diode-array detection (DAD) at 205 nm. The method was validated according to ICH Q2(R2) and AOAC guidelines, demonstrating excellent linearity (R > 0.995), low limits of detection (0.462–0.767 µg/mL) and quantification (1.540–2.558 µg/mL), high precision (≤ 5% RSD), and recoveries of 90–105%. Robustness testing confirmed minimal sensitivity to routine variations in chromatographic parameters. Application to potato breeding lines demonstrated reliable quantification and revealed genotype-dependent variation in glycoalkaloid content. The environmental assessment of the analytical procedure was evaluated using Analytical Eco-scale, GAPI and AGREE metrics, demonstrating reduced solvent consumption, avoidance of strongly acidic extraction conditions, and a simplified sample preparation workflow. The proposed HPLC-DAD workflow provides a validated, high-performance, and environmentally conscious approach for routine GA quantification, suitable for food-safety monitoring, regulatory compliance and breeding programme applications.
Ključne besede: α-chaconine, α-solanine, analytical method, HPLC-DAD, potato tubers, environmental sustainability
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.06.2026; Ogledov: 58; Prenosov: 44
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2. Changes of nutraceutical traits in baby leaves of sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) induced by Moringa spp. extractsDonata Arena, Roberto Lo Scalzo, Hajer Ben Ammar, Valentina Picchi, Giulia Bianchi, Daniela Romano, Luca Ciccarello, Nicolas Al Achkar, Ferdinando Branca, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: brassica crops, foliar application, natural extracts, antioxidant compounds, glucomoringin, isothiocyanate derivatives
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 09.04.2026; Ogledov: 252; Prenosov: 202
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3. Insights on physiological, biochemical and genetic responses of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum l.) to drought conditionsNicolas Al Achkar, Hajer Ben Ammar, Donata Arena, Daniela Romano, Ferdinando Branca, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: plant stress, physiological signalling, defence mechanisms, genetic assessment, pre-breeding, agricultural practices
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 08.04.2026; Ogledov: 262; Prenosov: 182
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4. From bitter toxins to bioactive assets: redefining quinolizidine alkaloids in Lupinus spp.Hajer Ben Ammar, Barbara Pipan, Lovro Sinkovič, 2026, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Lupins (Lupinus spp.) are climate-resistant grain legumes gaining attention as sustainable protein sources. However, their use in the human diet is limited by quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs), a class of nitrogenous secondary metabolites. QAs represent a nutritional paradox: They are central to plant defence mechanisms, yet confer toxicity and bitterness that compromise food safety and consumer acceptance. Recent findings suggest that at sub-toxic concentrations, certain QAs may exert bioactivities that could be important for metabolic regulation. Thus, the sustainable integration of lupins into food systems depends on whether QAs are considered as undesirable contaminants or redefined as bioactive phytochemicals with dose-dependent functional potential. Significant methodological progress has been made over the last five years. Advances in high-resolution techniques and metabolomics have expanded the structural catalogue of QAs, facilitated species- and genotype-specific chemotyping and allowed first conclusions on biosynthesis. At the technological level, novel processing methods have improved the efficiency of QA removal while maintaining protein quality and, in some cases, have enabled the selective extraction of alkaloids for potential valorisation. This review critically synthesises recent advances in QA chemistry, biosynthesis, analytical methodologies, toxicology, processing strategies and emerging bioactivities. Despite this progress, major challenges remain, including the lack of standardised analytical protocols, insufficiently defined sensory thresholds, fragmented regulatory frameworks and the absence of clinical validation. Future research should shift from exclusive alkaloid elimination towards controlled modulation and selective valorisation to establish lupins as safe, multifunctional crops contributing to food security, human health and sustainable agriculture.
Ključne besede: Lupinus, quinolizidine alkalois, food safety, analytical methods, detoxification, functional bioactivity
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 03.03.2026; Ogledov: 395; Prenosov: 282
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5. Integrating metabolic and gene expression profiling of glucosinolate biosynthesis under drought stress in Brassica oleraceaHajer Ben Ammar, Souhir Kabtni, Donata Arena, Marwen Amari, Nicolas Al Achkar, Ferdinando Branca, Sonia Marghali, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Drought stress induces pronounced metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming of glucosinolate (GLS) biosynthesis in Brassica oleracea. An integrative approach combining HPLC-based quantification of individual GLSs, quantitative real-time PCR of core biosynthetic and regulatory genes, correlation-based network analysis, and in silico promoter characterization was applied to evaluate drought responses across genetically diverse accessions. Drought triggered strong, accession-specific shifts in GLS composition, with sinigrin content increasing from 35.9% to 55.1% in BR1 and glucoerucin reaching up to 80.2% in CCP1, while indolic GLSs such as glucobrassicin and neoglucobrassicin accounted for >75% of total GLSs in CV2 and CCP3. Hierarchical clustering separated accessions into four distinct drought response clusters independent of morphotype. Correlation analysis revealed drought-induced rewiring of GLS interdependencies, characterized by strengthened positive associations among aliphatic GLSs (r > 0.75). Gene expression profiling identified conserved MYB-centered regulatory modules (MYB28, MYB29, MYB34, MYB122) alongside strong accession-specific induction of CYP79F1 (up to 6.3-fold), FMOGS-OX5 (up to 4.8-fold), and ST5a (up to 5.1-fold). Promoter analysis revealed enrichment of ABA- and stress-responsive cis-regulatory elements. These findings delineate a genotype-dependent regulatory framework underlying GLS plasticity and identify quantitative metabolic and transcriptional markers relevant for breeding drought-resilient Brassica cultivars.
Ključne besede: glucosinolate, gene expression, qRT-PCR, abiotic stress response, drought stress
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.02.2026; Ogledov: 653; Prenosov: 256
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6. Comparative life cycle assessment of olive (Olea europaea L.) production under different agricultural systems: Environmental trade-offs and sustainability insightsMakrem Cherni, Hajer Ben Ammar, Mohamed Guesmi, Rabii Lanwer, Yassine Hidri, Khaled Ouertani, Hakim Boulal, Boubaker Dhehibi, Ajmen Frija, Ajmi Larbi, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: Olive cultivation, Life cycle assessment (LCA), Ecosystem impacts, Agri-environmental indicators, Mediterranean cropping systems
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.02.2026; Ogledov: 437; Prenosov: 246
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7. Enhancing nutraceutical traits in Brassica oleracea L. for functional food productionGresheen Garcia, Donata Arena, Hajer Ben Ammar, Victor Manuel Rodriguez, Pablo Velasco, Ferdinando Branca, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: superfood, super broccoli, bioactive compounds, crop wild relatives, organic breeding
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 27.01.2026; Ogledov: 401; Prenosov: 237
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8. Screening frost-tolerant kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) genotypes through cold-responsive metabolic changes in open field conditionsLovro Sinkovič, Barbara Pipan, Mohamed Neji, Hajer Ben Ammar, Vladimir Meglič, Robert Veberič, Ana Slatnar, Jerneja Jakopič, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: leafy kale, glucosinolate, sugars, pigments, frost stress, metabolic plasticity
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 16.01.2026; Ogledov: 517; Prenosov: 239
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9. Comparative analysis of agronomic performance and bioactive compound profiles of the Sicilian landrace “ciurietto” (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis x italica)Maria Concetta Di Bella, Hajer Ben Ammar, Sergio Argento, Sonia Bonacci, Maria Grazia Melilli, Ferdinando Branca, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: Sicilian landraces, Cultivar comparison, Glucosinolates, TPC, nutritional properties
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 16.01.2026; Ogledov: 451; Prenosov: 188
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10. Glycoalkaloids in potato : a comprehensive overview of accumulation, detection and mitigation strategiesPeter Dolničar, Lovro Sinkovič, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: potato, α-Chaconine, α-Solanine, analytical methods, detection sensitivity, fod safety
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.11.2025; Ogledov: 688; Prenosov: 332
Celotno besedilo (1,22 MB)
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