Works presented

Summary
This study evaluates the carbon footprint of food consumption in Galicia, using the Atlantic Diet as a sustainability benchmark for comparison. Through life cycle analysis (LCA) and the Open LCA software, the carbon footprints of the most commonly consumed food products in Galicia were calculated based on the 2021 consumption report from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA). The estimated annual per capita carbon footprint is 1677.25 kg CO2e, which corresponds to 460.60 kg CO2e per person per day. This figure exceeds the estimated value for the Atlantic Diet, which stands at 3.01 kg CO2e per person per day, representing an increase of 32.61 %. The study identifies processed meats, dairy products, fresh bread, and cocoa derivatives as the most environmentally impactful items. Differences were also observed between actual consumption habits and the theoretical model of the Atlantic Diet, particularly in the higher intake of processed foods and sugars. The composition of consumed products and production methods play a critical role in the environmental sustainability of food consumption in Galicia. These findings offer a quantitative basis for understanding the environmental impact of food consumption and emphasize the need to promote more sustainable dietary patterns to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

Direction
FERNANDEZ CARRASCO, EUGENIO (Tutorships)

Court
Barros Velázquez, Jorge (Chairman)
CALO MATA, MARIA DEL PILAR (Secretary)
ALFONSO RANCAÑO, MARIA AMPARO (Member)

Summary
The growing prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, has led governments and international organizations to implement public health strategies that promote healthier diets. In this context, front-of-pack nutrition labeling (FOPL) has established itself as a key tool to inform consumers quickly and comprehensibly about the nutritional content of processed foods. This work consists of a comparative review of the FOPL systems applied in 24 countries, grouped by continent, with the aim of analyzing their characteristics, nutrient profiling models, enforceability and legal basis, as well as the available scientific evidence on their impact on public health. The systems are classified into seven main types: Warning labels (Latin America and Israel), Nutri-Score (Spain, France, Portugal, Ireland), Nutritional Traffic Lights (United Kingdom, Ecuador), Health Star Rating (Australia, New Zealand), Keyhole (Sweden, Norway), Healthy Choice Logo (Netherlands, Indonesia) and Nutriinform Battery (Italy). The results show that mandatory warning systems, such as those of Chile, Mexico and Brazil, are the ones that show the greatest progress in reducing the consumption of unhealthy products and in food reformulation, particularly in countries with active public policies and nutrition education campaigns. In contrast, voluntary and evaluative systems, such as Nutri-Score or Health Star Rating, although offering comparative advantages, show less effectiveness when not accompanied by regulatory measures. It is concluded that front-of-pack nutrition labeling is an effective measure, but it must be framed within broader policies that include regulation of the food environment, access to healthy foods and nutrition education. Although there is no single universal model, international experience shows that simple, mandatory and evidence-based systems have a greater impact on public health.

Direction
MONDRAGON PORTOCARRERO, ALICIA DEL CARMEN (Tutorships)

Court
Barros Velázquez, Jorge (Chairman)
CALO MATA, MARIA DEL PILAR (Secretary)
ALFONSO RANCAÑO, MARIA AMPARO (Member)

Summary
Given the large industrialization process that takes place, among other sectors, in the food industry and the plastic waste it generates, directly affecting the ecosystem and biodiversity, it is essential to meet the needs of the demand for food products in a sustainable manner. To this end, it is possible to contribute to the packaging of various types of products by using selected macroalgae in combination with other substances such as essential oils, natural extracts, combinations of algae compounds or the addition of nanoparticles, in order not only to promote the circular economy, but also to improve the conditions of packaging, preservation and transport of products, affecting the molecular structures and reactions between chemical compounds. Thus, following the PRISMA method, 7 bibliographic searches were carried out, which resulted in the review of 117 scientific articles obtained from the Scopus, Web of Science and Elseiver databases. The origins, extraction processes and functionalities of polysaccharides derived from macroalgae such as agar, alginate, carrageenan, fucoidan, laminaria and ulvan. In addition, their use for the production of films for food packaging is discussed, mentioning the main advantages and disadvantages of each material. According to the studies, the current state of research in this field is booming. Depending on the type of polysaccharide obtained and the selected algae, different activities and functionalities of the developed films are obtained, from their inherent biodegradability, hydrophobicity, gelling, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, further studies are required to support their practical application beyond laboratory analysis and consistent research on methods that allow an efficient extraction of the algae without altering their composition or implicit functionalities.

Direction
Cazón Díaz, Patricia (Tutorships)
LOPEZ SANCHEZ, PATRICIA (Co-tutorships)

Court
Barros Velázquez, Jorge (Chairman)
CALO MATA, MARIA DEL PILAR (Secretary)
ALFONSO RANCAÑO, MARIA AMPARO (Member)

Summary
Given the large industrialization process that takes place, among other sectors, in the food industry and the plastic waste it generates, directly affecting the ecosystem and biodiversity, it is essential to meet the needs of the demand for food products in a sustainable manner. To this end, it is possible to contribute to the packaging of various types of products by using selected macroalgae in combination with other substances such as essential oils, natural extracts, combinations of algae compounds or the addition of nanoparticles, in order not only to promote the circular economy, but also to improve the conditions of packaging, preservation and transport of products, affecting the molecular structures and reactions between chemical compounds. Thus, following the PRISMA method, 7 bibliographic searches were carried out, which resulted in the review of 117 scientific articles obtained from the Scopus, Web of Science and Elseiver databases. The origins, extraction processes and functionalities of polysaccharides derived from macroalgae such as agar, alginate, carrageenan, fucoidan, laminaria and ulvan. In addition, their use for the production of films for food packaging is discussed, mentioning the main advantages and disadvantages of each material. According to the studies, the current state of research in this field is booming. Depending on the type of polysaccharide obtained and the selected algae, different activities and functionalities of the developed films are obtained, from their inherent biodegradability, hydrophobicity, gelling, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, further studies are required to support their practical application beyond laboratory analysis and consistent research on methods that allow an efficient extraction of the algae without altering their composition or implicit functionalities.

Direction
Cazón Díaz, Patricia (Tutorships)
LOPEZ SANCHEZ, PATRICIA (Co-tutorships)

Court
DIAZ RUBIO, OLGA (Chairman)
BARCIELA GARCIA, JULIA (Secretary)
JOVER RAMOS, AIDA (Member)

Summary
Olive oil is one of the products with highest risk of adulteration, both for its high health benefits and high quality, as well as for its great socioeconomic impact and elevated market price. Food fraud can occur by blending it with cheaper vegetable oils and, but also by falsifying the origin, cultivar or category. To prevent it, it is very important to be able to perform rapid, sensitive and on-site analyses at different points of the supply chain to ensure traceability and authenticity to protect consumers and support producers (1). The objective of the present study is to develop a DNA-based method by SNPs genotyping (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) to detect olive varieties. Then, the aim is to integrate this method in a miniaturized device that can be applied in different points of the value chain, from farms to food companies. Eight samples of olives and leaves from Cyprus and Turkey were used to develop the method. Before starting, they were morphologically characterised according to endocarp traits, determining varietal identity and authenticity. Once identified, DNA was extracted from all samples to amplify certain regions of the Cycloartenol synthase (OEX) and Lupeol synthase (OEW) genes by end-point PCR, and the amplicons were visualised by gel electrophoresis. Finally, they were sequenced (Sanger sequencing by Macrogen) for bioinformatics analysis. With the bioinformatics analysis, using Geneious Prime Software, the individual sequences were corrected and then aligned with sequences downloaded from GenBank for each gene, to find specific markers (SNPs) that allow identification in complex matrices. With these markers, probes were designed to perform TaqMan genotyping assays to discriminate two alleles with a single nucleotide difference. The discrimination is based on the specific hybridisation of the probes labelled with two different dyes: VIC and FAM. Thus, specific amplification and detection of genomic DNA (gDNA) is achieved by qPCR.

Direction
PRADO RODRIGUEZ, MARTA (Tutorships)
CALO MATA, MARIA DEL PILAR (Co-tutorships)

Court
DIAZ RUBIO, OLGA (Chairman)
BARCIELA GARCIA, JULIA (Secretary)
JOVER RAMOS, AIDA (Member)

Summary
Energy drinks have experienced a considerable increase in popularity among the young population. They are characterized by their high caffeine content and other stimulant compounds, which currently raise growing concern about their potential adverse health effects. This study aims to analyze energy drink consumption patterns among Galician vocational training and university students. To this end, a national market analysis was conducted, compiling nutritional information and ingredient lists for 68 beverages sold in Spain and comparing them with those from other markets. In addition, data was collected from 507 participants through a previously validated online survey. The results indicated that 25% of respondents consumed energy drinks, with a higher prevalence among men (32.9% versus 21.9% of women). Their consumption was motivated by academic performance, a perception of improved concentration, and the variety of beverage flavors. A low level of knowledge and interest in the ingredients and health effects was evident, especially among younger people. Furthermore, statistically significant results were found between the consumption of alcohol and energy drinks. Regarding their simultaneous consumption, although this behavior was not predominant, it is considered worrisome due to the risks it entails. In conclusion, this study highlights the need to strengthen nutritional education and awareness about the risks of energy drink consumption, especially among younger people, and when combined with alcohol, as well as the importance of considering future regulation and prevention strategies.

Direction
NEBOT GARCIA, CAROLINA GRACIELA (Tutorships)

Court
Barros Velázquez, Jorge (Chairman)
CALO MATA, MARIA DEL PILAR (Secretary)
ALFONSO RANCAÑO, MARIA AMPARO (Member)

Summary
In this study, the thermal treatments commonly applied to natural cow, sheep and goat milk were investigated in order to assess their effects on the size and behavior of lipid structures and casein micelles. Whole raw milk samples from goat, cow, and sheep were analyzed, alongside whole pasteurized milk goat, cow, and sheep and ultra-high-temperature UHT treated cow’s milk. Microscopic observations were carried out using both optical microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy CLSM. Conventional microscopy of raw, pasteurized, and UHT milk was conducted without any staining. In contrast, CLSM analyses employed Rhodamine B to visualize phospholipids and Fast Green to delineate proteins. To facilitate imaging, a low concentration of xanthan gum was added to the milk dilutions, with and without dyes, to retard the movement of micelles and fat globules. The combined use of optical and CLSM techniques enabled precise measurement and characterization of fat globules as well as fat globule casein micelle complexes. The results indicate statistically significant differences in the size of milk fat globules across species and thermal processing treatments. However, no statistically significant interaction was detected between species and treatment type.

Direction
JOVER RAMOS, AIDA (Tutorships)

Court
Barros Velázquez, Jorge (Chairman)
CALO MATA, MARIA DEL PILAR (Secretary)
ALFONSO RANCAÑO, MARIA AMPARO (Member)

Summary
The octopus (Octopus vulgaris) is a prominent symbol of Galician gastronomy, representing a significant socio-economic value to the region. The decline in captures over the recent years has given rise to concerns within the fishing sector. This has led to the implementation of measures such as closed seasons, which have already been introduced. In this context, the development of aquaculture for this species is also being considered as an alternative, although concerns have been raised about ensuring animal welfare. Recent studies have demonstrated that hormones such as cortisol and corticosterone, which are widely used to evaluate stress in vertebrates, are not involved in this type of response in octopuses. This complicates the identification of reliable endocrine biomarkers. Concurrently, a substantial augmentation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been discovered in these animals, suggesting a possible role in the physiological regulation of this species. In particular, the stability of circulating miRNAs in biofluids, renders them ideal candidates as non-invasive biomarkers. The objective of this project was to characterise and identify novel miRNAs in the haemolymph in response to hyposalinity conditions, a common stressor in this species. The potential for detecting circulating miRNAs in different matrices was evaluated by analysing the fractionation of haemolymph (whole haemolymph, plasma and pellet). A total of 119 previously described miRNAs were identified, and 189 miRNAs were predicted de novo. Among the 119 known miRNAs, 25 showed differential expression in response to osmotic stress. In the novel-miRNAs, two candidates (OX597828.1_28847 and OX597837.1_37256) were selected as potential miRNAs involved in the osmoregulation of these animals. The present study identified circulating miRNAs with possible regulatory functions in response to osmotic stress, and also identified these as potential as biomarkers. Thus, it provides information on the role of these molecules in the octopus haemolymph and the molecular mechanisms that may underlie salinity tolerance.

Direction
LAMAS FREIRE, ALEXANDRE (Tutorships)
Rotllant Moragas, Josep (Co-tutorships)

Court
Barros Velázquez, Jorge (Chairman)
CALO MATA, MARIA DEL PILAR (Secretary)
ALFONSO RANCAÑO, MARIA AMPARO (Member)

Summary
Chitin is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature after cellulose, found in the exoskeleton of invertebrates, the cell wall of fungi, and certain yeasts. Its deacetylation yields chitosan, an acid-soluble biopolymer with noteworthy bioactive properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, wound-healing, and hypocholesterolemic activities. Traditionally, chitin has been extracted from crustaceans, a source closely tied to extractive fishing. Given the need for more sustainable alternatives, insects have emerged as a viable option due to their significant chitin content (15-20 %), high reproductive efficiency, and capacity to valorize biowaste. This bibliographic review aims to analyse the mechanisms of action and potential effects of consuming insect-derived chitin and chitosan on human health, as well as to assess the availability of chitin-rich food products authorised for human consumption in the European Union. The results indicate that species such as Hermetia illucens, Tenebrio molitor, and Acheta domesticus are sustainable and efficient sources of these biopolymers. Several animal studies suggest beneficial effects in preventing metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases, as well as in modulating gut microbiota and lipid metabolism. However, evidence from human studies remains limited and mostly focuses on the whole insect, without isolating the effects of chitin or chitosan. In conclusion, despite their promising potential, the use of these compounds in functional foods still faces regulatory, cultural, and scientific barriers. Further clinical research and regulatory development will be essential to support their integration into more resilient and sustainable food systems.

Direction
REGAL LÓPEZ, PATRICIA (Tutorships)
LAMAS FREIRE, ALEXANDRE (Co-tutorships)

Court
Barros Velázquez, Jorge (Chairman)
CALO MATA, MARIA DEL PILAR (Secretary)
ALFONSO RANCAÑO, MARIA AMPARO (Member)

Summary
The presence of the genus Salmonella spp. in dairy products poses a significant challenge for food safety. The repercussions of Salmonella spp. in food tend to cause a global economic and health impact, requiring stringent control measures. The objective of this literature review is to present an assessment of the current status of Salmonella spp. in milk and dairy products and to determine the efficacy of various control measures and detection methods available to prevent contamination of food offered to the consumer. The presence of Salmonella in food leads to an illness known as salmonellosis, which is a leading cause of foodborne outbreaks in both European Union and non-European Union countries. Noteworthy is the evidence of Salmonella in raw milk-derived dairy products, and there can also be occurrences of inadequate post-pasteurization contamination. To control these occurrences, the European Union has legislative preventive measures in place across all stages of the food chain to prevent this zoonosis. One of the main measures is the detection and identification of Salmonella spp. throughout the entire production process, with traditional detection methods including ISO 6579, immunofluorescence, and immunoenzymatic methods using recombinant phage proteins. In conclusion, diverse control methods and detection and identification techniques serve as essential prevention measures against this zoonosis, which are crucial due to their significant economic and health impact on society.

Direction
FRANCO ABUIN, CARLOS MANUEL (Tutorships)
LAMAS FREIRE, ALEXANDRE (Co-tutorships)

Court
Barros Velázquez, Jorge (Chairman)
CALO MATA, MARIA DEL PILAR (Secretary)
ALFONSO RANCAÑO, MARIA AMPARO (Member)

Summary
In recent years, plant-based beverages have become increasingly consolidated as a common alternative to animal-based milk, driven by shifts in consumer habits and concerns related to health, the environment, and food ethics. However, their growing popularity has also raised important questions regarding their safety, particularly with respect to microbiological, chemical, and technological risks that may arise during production. This work presents a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines with the aim of identifying the main hazards associated with the manufacturing of these beverages. The process began with 1,207 articles retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. After a rigorous selection process based on thematic and methodological quality criteria, 44 studies were included for final analysis. The results show that some of the most common risks are linked to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and Bacillus spp., as well as chemical contaminants such as heavy metals or pesticide residues. Furthermore, processing technologies such as UHT pasteurization, high-pressure homogenization, and cold plasma show promising potential for improving the safety of these products. The most frequently studied raw materials were soy, oats, coconut, and almonds, reflecting both their commercial relevance and their susceptibility to certain types of contamination. Overall, this review provides a clearer understanding of the risks that may compromise the safety of plant-based beverages and highlights the need to strengthen control systems, as well as to move towards more specific and harmonized regulations for these types of products.

Direction
PRADO RODRIGUEZ, MARTA (Tutorships)
CALO MATA, MARIA DEL PILAR (Co-tutorships)

Court
RODRIGUEZ BERNALDO DE QUIROS, ANA ISABEL (Chairman)
LAMAS FREIRE, ALEXANDRE (Secretary)
BARBOSA PEREIRA, LETRICIA (Member)

Summary
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) is an analytical technique that has become a key tool for food analysis, offering rapid, non-destructive, and reliable methods to ensure the quality, authenticity, and safety of various products such as meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Through advanced chemometric models, NIR spectroscopy enables qualitative and quantitative analysis of specific chemical components in complex food matrices, extracting information and optimizing the creation of robust predictive models, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional techniques in many food applications. This literature review emphasizes the efficiency of NIR spectroscopy in the successful detection of adulterations, traceability, and control of critical parameters in both processed and fresh foods. It highlights the versatility and innovation of adopting NIR spectroscopy equipment in process lines or portable devices for controlling parameters such as moisture, fat, protein, and sugar content, among others. Additionally, it underscores the growing interest in sustainable technologies that enhance analytical precision, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact, consolidating this technique as a key tool in the food industry, aligned with regulatory requirements and process efficiency.

Direction
VÁZQUEZ VÁZQUEZ, MANUEL (Tutorships)
Cazón Díaz, Patricia (Co-tutorships)

Court
DIAZ RUBIO, OLGA (Chairman)
BARCIELA GARCIA, JULIA (Secretary)
JOVER RAMOS, AIDA (Member)

Summary
Wheat is one of the most cultivated cereals in the world. The flour obtained from this cereal is widely used and valued for its nutritional profile. The analysis of the composition of wheat flour is essential to determine its nutritional quality and technological properties. However, traditional analytical methods used for this purpose are often laborious, time-consuming, and destructive. Therefore, developing a rapid, cost-effective, and efficient analytical method is crucial for the food industry. As a result, infrared spectroscopic methods, combined with chemometric tools, have emerged as a robust alternative. This study assessed the potential of near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy to quantify the nutritional composition of wheat flour. Calibration models were developed using principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares regression (PLS), validated through full cross-validation. The predictive capabilities of the models were evaluated by statistical indicators such as root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), and residual predictive deviation of cross-validation (RPD). The PLS prediction models developed using NIR data demonstrated high accuracy in estimating various nutritional components, such as total starch, glucose, and minerals. Meanwhile, PCR models derived from NIR spectral data were successfully developed to quantify fructose, sucrose, maltose, and Zn. On the other hand, PLS models based on MIR proved useful for estimating moisture content, ash, and resistant starch fraction, although with lower robustness in quantitative prediction. Infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometric tools proved to be a reliable, robust, useful, and environmentally friendly method for the economic, rapid, and non-destructive quantitative determination of various quality parameters in wheat flour.

Direction
Romero Rodríguez, Mª Ángeles (Tutorships)
Cazón Díaz, Patricia (Co-tutorships)

Court
DIAZ RUBIO, OLGA (Chairman)
BARCIELA GARCIA, JULIA (Secretary)
JOVER RAMOS, AIDA (Member)

Summary
Growing consumer interest in healthier and more sustainable foods, coupled with the need to identify cultivars adapted to organic farming and climate change, is driving the recovery of native cereal ecotypes with breadmaking potential. In this context, rye represents one of the main cereals used for baking in Europe. Specifically, in Galicia, rye and wheat-blended bread are an important symbol of cultural and gastronomic heritage. Within this framework, this study aims to evaluate the effect of the rye cultivation system (conventional and organic), the rye variety (‘Palas’ and ‘Trevinca’), and the proportion of rye flour used in the formulation (100% and 75%) on the nutritional composition of the breads. Nutritional characterization was performed using official AOAC methods and validated enzymatic assays, which assessed the macronutrient content, starch fractions, dietary fiber, and mineral composition of the breads. The results of the study indicate that the proportion of rye flour used in the dough formulation is the most determining factor in the nutritional composition of the breads, with higher values of minerals such as K, Mn, Cu, Ca, P, Zn and Mg, carbohydrates, glucose, and fructose, as well as fiber, amylose and TDS in breads made with 100% rye flour. Furthermore, breads made with flours from organic farming have high contents of Mg, P, K, Ca, Cu, Zn, proteins and humidity. The practice of organic farming has a positive impact on agricultural sustainability, which supports its promotion as part of a more responsible diet. Furthermore, the fact that variety does not represent the main factor of nutritional variation in breads contributes to the inclusion of both local ecotypes in the production of Galician breads.

Direction
Romero Rodríguez, Mª Ángeles (Tutorships)
GARCIA GOMEZ, MARIA BELEN (Co-tutorships)

Court
RODRIGUEZ BERNALDO DE QUIROS, ANA ISABEL (Chairman)
LAMAS FREIRE, ALEXANDRE (Secretary)
BARBOSA PEREIRA, LETRICIA (Member)

Summary
With the increasing development of new bio-based and/or biodegradable food packaging and food contact materials as an alternative to conventional petroleum-based ones, safety assessments are necessary. This is due to the potential risk that they may have in consumer’s health because of the migration of chemical substances from these materials into food. The list of these potential migrants from food packaging includes: intentionally added substances (IAS), such as monomers and additives (antioxidants, stabilizers, antimicrobials, etc.), and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), such as reaction and/or degradation products, etc. It is important to obtain a prior in-depth knowledge of these materials through their characterization, in order to identify the compounds that could potentially migrate into food. In this work, samples of food contact materials labeled as bio-based and/or biodegradable were analyzed. For the identification of compounds, two methods were optimized: PT (purge and trap) and automatic injection of a methanolic extract for the determination of semi-volatile compounds, both with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Subsequently, the toxicity of the identified compounds for which there are no toxicological data was estimated using an in silico methodology such as Cramer's rules. More than 200 compounds of different nature were tentatively identified, but only 29 of them are included in Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 on plastic materials intended to come into contact with food. Of those estimated using Cramer's rules, 38 of them were substances classified with high toxicity (class III), 4 of class II and 122 of class I.

Direction
RODRIGUEZ BERNALDO DE QUIROS, ANA ISABEL (Tutorships)
Lestido Cardama, Antía (Co-tutorships)
BARBOSA PEREIRA, LETRICIA (Co-tutorships)

Court
DIAZ RUBIO, OLGA (Chairman)
BARCIELA GARCIA, JULIA (Secretary)
JOVER RAMOS, AIDA (Member)

Summary
More and more awareness is being raised among the population about the benefits and the drawbacks that the different components that make up food can bring to health. To evaluate the effects of these elements, it is thought that the most appropriate method is in vivo studies in humans or animals. However, it is not easy to carry them out due to ethical and economic considerations, among others. Because of this, as an alternative, in vitro models have been developed, which allow simulating the conditions of the digestive system during digestion. These models may be static or dynamic, they may be mono- or multi-compartmental, they may or may not include microorganisms at the intestinal level, they may be miniaturized systems... What seems clear is that they are reliable and that they are able to successfully reproduce the conditions of the human gastrointestinal tract and that they can be used to evaluate what happens to certain food components as well as apply to different fields such as Nutrition, Technology and Food Safety. For all this, the aim of this work is to do a bibliographic review on the existing models, from the simplest to the most complex and the most current ones, to determine their strengths and weaknesses as well as their fields of application and the challenges they must face in order to develop models as close as possible to the real digestion process In conclusion, it is concluded that in vitro models have great potential as an alternative tool to in vivo studies and that their evolution, especially towards dynamic and miniaturized models such as gut-on-chip, opens new avenues of research to assess digestibility, nutrient bioaccessibility, and food-microbiota interaction. However, important challenges remain, such as the integration of real absorption and the faithful reproduction of intestinal complexity.

Direction
CARDELLE COBAS, ALEJANDRA (Tutorships)

Court
RODRIGUEZ BERNALDO DE QUIROS, ANA ISABEL (Chairman)
LAMAS FREIRE, ALEXANDRE (Secretary)
BARBOSA PEREIRA, LETRICIA (Member)

Summary
The Atlantic Diet (AD) is a common dietary pattern in Galicia and northern Portugal considered healthy due to its health benefits and low environmental impact. The aim of this study is to find out the current level of knowledge and adherence of the Galician population under 60 years of age to the AD. In addition, as bread is a food associated with this diet, the aim is to delve into the knowledge, attitude and consumption of bread and its acceptance by consumers. A consumer study was carried out with 166 people under 60 years of age to assess knowledge and adherence to the AD. In addition, another consumer study was conducted with 203 people focusing on bread including a hedonic evaluation. The 18 breads evaluated by consumers were also characterised by a trained panel of tasters. The results on AD showed that there is a medium level of knowledge and adherence. Regarding bread, it was found that consumers prefer traditional bakery breads, do not eat wholemeal or sourdough breads and attach great importance to taste and texture. After the evaluation of the breads, it was found that the prefered breads were those made with 25% indigenous flour. Furthermore, the cross-checking of data obtained by consumers and tasters determined that the attributes associated with consumer preference were mainly the softness of the crumb and the presence of large or medium-sized alveoli. This highlights the need to promote awareness of and adherence to the DA among the Galician population. The inclusión of quality bread in the context of a healthy and sustainable diet should also be encouraged.

Direction
Romero Rodríguez, Mª Ángeles (Tutorships)
GARCIA GOMEZ, MARIA BELEN (Co-tutorships)

Court
DIAZ RUBIO, OLGA (Chairman)
BARCIELA GARCIA, JULIA (Secretary)
JOVER RAMOS, AIDA (Member)

Summary
The antimicrobial capacity of plants from the Brassica genus is well known. This Master's Thesis aims to obtain the most comprehensive information available regarding these properties, specifically to what extent these plants are capable of inhibiting bacterial growth, thereby offering a unique benefit and distinguishing themselves from other edible plant genera. To this end, all available data on MIC values (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) of Brassica plant extracts are compiled, followed by the creation of a series of tables consolidating as much relevant information as possible (plant species used, extraction methods, tested bacteria, MIC values, etc.). These data will be useful to verify the antimicrobial capacity of these plant species and, potentially, guide future lines of research.

Direction
FRANCO ABUIN, CARLOS MANUEL (Tutorships)
VÁZQUEZ BELDA, BEATRIZ ISABEL (Co-tutorships)

Court
RODRIGUEZ BERNALDO DE QUIROS, ANA ISABEL (Chairman)
LAMAS FREIRE, ALEXANDRE (Secretary)
BARBOSA PEREIRA, LETRICIA (Member)

Summary
In a context where the consumption of fish and seafood has decreased in recent years, a survey was conducted to understand the ideas, evaluations, and expectations of Galician consumers regarding fishery products, including aspects related to purchasing and frequency of consumption. It is observed that the preferred channel for acquiring fishery products is the supermarket, followed by traditional fishmongers, the latter being valued for their service and perception of freshness. Most participants consume seafood weekly, especially at home, with fresh fish being the most common choice, consistent with purchasing behavior. In addition, a favorable attitude towards responsible consumption is observed. Most of participants support measures such as respecting breeding periods, avoiding endangered species, employing sustainable fishing techniques, and consuming local or certified products. Despite this, this awareness does not always translate into higher consumption, which highlights the need to strengthen information and access to sustainable options. There is a widespread knowledge about production methods, although certain preconceived ideas persist. Wild-caught seafood is associated with naturalness, freshness, and nutritious products, while aquaculture is perceived as a more accessible and economical source but often linked to less sustainable or more industrialized practices. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of strengthening communication about sustainable seafood and promoting informed purchasing choices that help counteract the decline in seafood consumption.

Direction
Romero Rodríguez, Mª Ángeles (Tutorships)
GARCIA GOMEZ, MARIA BELEN (Co-tutorships)

Court
RODRIGUEZ BERNALDO DE QUIROS, ANA ISABEL (Chairman)
LAMAS FREIRE, ALEXANDRE (Secretary)
BARBOSA PEREIRA, LETRICIA (Member)

Summary
This Master's Thesis analyses how the type of cow feeding either conventional or pasture-based can influence the colloidal structure of raw milk, with a particular focus on fat globules and casein micelles. The starting point is the importance of colloidal structure in the nutritional and technological properties of milk, as well as the socioeconomic context of Galicia, where dairy production is a key sector and pasture-based systems continue to play a significant role. Confocal and optical microscopy were used to visualise the milk structure, complemented by the ImageJ software for image processing and R software for statistical analysis. The results did not show statistically significant differences between milk from pasture-fed cows and conventionally fed cows, although the data tend to diverge, which suggests that further investigation would be worthwhile. Clear differences were observed between the different routes (geographical collection areas), indicating that geographic origin may play a relevant role. No significant differences were found related to storage time, although some combinations show trends that should be further explored. In summary, this study does not confirm that diet significantly alters the colloidal structure of raw milk, but it does suggest that other factors, such as the geographical origin of the samples, may influence. It also highlights the need to better control variables in future studies in order to more accurately isolate the real effect of feeding.

Direction
JOVER RAMOS, AIDA (Tutorships)

Court
RODRIGUEZ BERNALDO DE QUIROS, ANA ISABEL (Chairman)
LAMAS FREIRE, ALEXANDRE (Secretary)
BARBOSA PEREIRA, LETRICIA (Member)

Summary
Sesame allergy is a widely recognized and increasingly prevalent condition that poses a significant threat to public health. In this context, it is essential to develop accessible and effective detection methods that contribute to preventing adverse reactions in allergic individuals. The present work aimed to develop a rapid and simple molecular method for the detection of sesame in bakery samples. To this end, the extraction and purification of genetic material was carried out from samples with and without sesame declared on the label. Subsequently, two molecular DNA amplification techniques were applied, targeting the ITS non-coding nuclear region: qPCR, used as a reference method, and RPA, an isothermal amplification technique designed to facilitate rapid detection at constant temperature. The visualization of the amplified DNA by RPA was performed on agarose gels stained with bromophenol blue and observed with a transilluminator. Although the main focus of the study was qualitative, a quantitative estimate was also made to determine the amount of sesame present in the samples and to assess the accuracy of the labelling. The results showed that the qPCR technique offers high sensitivity and specificity, consolidating itself as a reliable method for the detection of traces of sesame. Meanwhile, RPA showed signs of being a promising tool; however, the results obtained show the need to optimise the test conditions to ensure its specificity and reliability.

Direction
PRADO RODRIGUEZ, MARTA (Tutorships)
Barros Velázquez, Jorge (Co-tutorships)

Court
DIAZ RUBIO, OLGA (Chairman)
BARCIELA GARCIA, JULIA (Secretary)
JOVER RAMOS, AIDA (Member)

Summary
In this study, the use of active coatings based on chitosan dissolved in different acids and enriched with tea extract was evaluated to improve the quality of refrigerated and frozen sardines. These coatings sought to inhibit lipid oxidation, protein degradation (proteolysis), and microbial growth. First, the antioxidant capacity of different tea extracts was analyzed, selecting white tea due to its high phenolic compound content (427.93 mg GAE/g). Next, 1% (w/v) chitosan solutions were formulated, dissolved in acetic acid or malic acid, and enriched with white tea extract at concentrations of 10% and 20% (v/v). These solutions were applied as coatings on sardines, used as a model for fatty fish. The effects of acetic acid and malic acid used to facilitate the dissolution of chitosan in water were also evaluated. The results showed that coating with 10% tea extract in malic acid (QM+ET10%) reduced lipid oxidation by 57.46% from the third day of refrigerated storage. Meanwhile, treatment with chitosan and malic acid (QM) reduced proteolysis by 44.95% over the same period. Regarding microbial growth, coating with 20% white tea extract in acetic acid (QA+ET20%) was the most effective, followed by treatment with only chitosan and acetic acid (QA). Under frozen conditions, the QM+ET10% treatment achieved an 88.69% reduction in lipid oxidation after three months, while the QM treatment reduced proteolysis by 69.93%. After six months of freezing, the QM coating achieved a 60.59% reduction in lipid oxidation. The results of this master's thesis demonstrate that the application of chitosan and tea extract-based coatings is a simple, cost-effective, and sustainable strategy for preserving the quality of fresh and frozen fish by limiting oxidation, protein degradation, and microbial growth.

Direction
Cazón Díaz, Patricia (Tutorships)
VÁZQUEZ VÁZQUEZ, MANUEL (Co-tutorships)

Court
RODRIGUEZ BERNALDO DE QUIROS, ANA ISABEL (Chairman)
LAMAS FREIRE, ALEXANDRE (Secretary)
BARBOSA PEREIRA, LETRICIA (Member)

Summary
Nowadays, the high consumption of non-biodegradable plastic materials, mainly in the food industry, generates a significant amount of waste with a high environmental impact. For this reason, in recent decades, alternative polymers of natural origin and biodegradable nature have been sought. Among them, bacterial cellulose stands out due to its excellent mechanical properties and its classification as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA. Due to the synthesis process of bacterial cellulose, these films exhibit considerable variability in mechanical properties due to changes in their 3D nanostructure. Additionally, its low elasticity limits its industrial use as food packaging. Therefore, it is essential to explore strategies to enhance its physicochemical properties. The objective of this study was to improve the physicochemical properties of BC by incorporating algae-derived polysaccharides (carrageenan and fucoidan) in situ. The BC films produced with these polysaccharides were evaluated for their mechanical, physical, and structural properties using FT-IR spectroscopy, tensile and puncture resistance tests, water retention and solubility, water vapor permeability, and optical properties. The results showed that the polysaccharides were incorporated into the BC matrix, although without forming strong interactions. Additionally, the films with carrageenan and fucoidan exhibited greater elongation and water retention capacity but a decrease in tensile and puncture resistance.

Direction
Cazón Díaz, Patricia (Tutorships)
LOPEZ SANCHEZ, PATRICIA (Co-tutorships)

Court
DIAZ RUBIO, OLGA (Chairman)
BARCIELA GARCIA, JULIA (Secretary)
JOVER RAMOS, AIDA (Member)