Identification, quantification and nutraceutical evaluation of the extracts from Arnebia benthamii roots of Himalayan regions of J&K, India.

Arnebia benthamii is one of the important sources of biologically active naphthoquinone pigments. The present study aimed at extraction of shikonin from Arnebia benthamii roots and its characterization. In order to identify and quantify shikonin, the extracts were evaluated using HPLC, LCMS, GCMS, NP-HPTLC and FTIR. Furthermore, nutraceutical evaluation was also done. It was found that the amount of shikonin was very low in the extracts obtained by using aqueous ethanol as it was not detected through chromatographic techniques. However, when hexane was used for extraction, a significant amount of shikonin (4.55 mg/g) was detected. The shikonin showed a linear range from 2-55 µg/mL with LOD and LOQ of 2.65 and 8.02 respectively, with a retention time of 3.64 min. The results of FTIR revealed that hexane extract had the intensity of functional groups similar to that of the standard. The values of DPPH radical inhibition were observed as 82.98 ± 0.01, 65.09 ± 0.23 %, 62.28 ± 0.86 % and 54.09 ± 0.23 % for Std, Ehex, Eus and Evs, respectively. The hexane extract showed the highest antioxidant activity as compared to other samples. Moreover, the hexane extracted shikonin displayed significantly (p > 0.05) high α-amylase and pancreatic lipase inhibition, indicating its high anti-diabetic and anti-lipidemic potential. It can be concluded that hexane is the best solvent for the extraction of shikonin and has better nutraceutical potential compared to ethanolic extracts.

Upscaling of Apple By-Product by Utilising Apple Seed Protein as a Novel Wall Material for Encapsulation of Chlorogenic Acid as Model Bioactive Compound.

Encapsulation is a versatile technique used to protect sensitive bioactive compounds under gastrointestinal conditions. In this study, nanoencapsulation of chlorogenic acid into the apple seed protein matrix was performed using the green technique ultrasonication to protect it from harsh gastric conditions and increase its biological activity and bioavailability upon digestion. Both nano (Nano-Chl) and native capsules (NT-Chl) were characterised by particle size, charge, structure, and morphology. The encapsulation efficiency, release behaviour, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties were also evaluated. The experimental results show that the particle size of the NT-Chl and Nano-Chl was found in the range of 1.4 µm to 708 nm. The encapsulation efficiency was found to be 69% and 80% for NT-Chl and Nano-Chl, respectively. Furthermore, an in vitro digestion study revealed that Nano-Chl showed controlled-release behaviour under simulated intestinal conditions in comparison to NT-Chl. Moreover, Nano-Chl showed enhanced antioxidant and antidiabetic activity in comparison to NT-Chl after simulated digestion. It was concluded that the protein from apple seeds could be utilised as a functional ingredient itself or as a wall material for the encapsulation of sensitive bioactive compounds. Furthermore, these encapsulated particles can be fortified into different food formulations for the development of functional food.

Encapsulation of Catechin into ß-Glucan Matrix Using Wet Milling and Ultrasonication as a Coupled Approach: Characterization and Bioactivity Retention.

In this study, the nanoencapsulation of catechin into the ß-glucan matrix from oats [O-Glu (C)] and barley [B-Glu (C)] was performed using the coupled approach of ultrasonication and wet milling. The nanoencapsulated catechin was characterised by particle size distribution, surface charge, SEM, and FTIR. The particle size was found to be 200 nm and 500 nm while zeta potential was found -27.13 and -24 mV for O-Glu (C) and B-Glu (C), respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of O-Glu (C) and B-Glu (C) was found to be 86.5% and 88.2%. FTIR and SEM revealed successful entrapment of catechin in ß-glucan. The encapsulated capsules showed sustainable release during simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Moreover, both O-Glu (C) and B-Glu (C) showed that biological activity such as lipase inhibition activity and antioxidant assay were retained after in vitro digestion. It was concluded that O-Glu (C) and B-Glu (C) can be used as functional ingredients effectively in food as well as in the pharmaceutical field.

Ultrasonication as an innovative approach to tailor the apple seed proteins into nanosize: Effect on protein structural and functional properties.

In this study, protein was extracted from the apple seed flour using alkali-acid precipitation method. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of ultrasonication on structural and techno-functional properties of apple seed protein. Both native (N-protein) and ultra-sonicated protein (US-protein) were characterized for size, zeta potential, structure, protein pattern, crystallinity, thermal stability and functional properties. The results revealed that the hydrodynamic diameter of N-protein and US-protein was 1.2 µm and 484 nm while zeta potential was -11 and -19 mV, respectively. Fourier transform infrared-spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis showed change in the conformational characteristics and functional groups of proteins after nano-reduction. SEM revealed change in the surface morphology of protein molecule upon ultrasonication. Differential scanning calorimetry showed decreased denaturation temperature for US-protein compared to N-protein . SDS-PAGE depicted no change in protein pattern upon ultrasonication. Ultrasonicated protein exhibited increased functional properties like emulsification, foaming, hydrophobicity and oil absorbing properties and hence can be efficiently used as functional ingredient in food and nutraceutical industry.

ß-Glucan from mushrooms and dates as a wall material for targeted delivery of model bioactive compound: Nutraceutical profiling and bioavailability.

Rutin was nano-encapsulated in date [En-Ru(D)] and mushroom [En-Ru(M)] ß-glucan matrix to protect it from the harsh gastrointestinal environment and to enhance its bioavailability and biological activity upon digestion. The encapsulation was carried using green technology i.e., ultra-sonication. The En-Ru(D) and En-Ru (M) showed the hydrodynamic diameter of 314.04 and 482.21 nm with polydispersity index of 0.21 and 0.33. The in vitro release behaviour followed the Higuchi model. The antimicrobial activity of En-Ru(D) and En-Ru(M) were evaluated against gram negative E. coli (ATCC 25922) and gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Furthermore, En-Ru(D) and En-Ru(M) exhibited increased bioavailability of rutin in intestinal fluid with retention of anti-obesity and antioxidant activities after digestion (p < 0.05). Therefore, ß-glucan matrix can efficiently encapsulate flavonoids and regulate the release of functional bioactive ingredients in the simulated human digestive conditions.

Exploitation of polyphenols and proteins using nanoencapsulation for anti-viral and brain boosting properties - Evoking a synergistic strategy to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

The world is currently under the threat of COVID pandemic and has focused every dimension of research in finding a cure to this novel disease. In this current situation, people are facing mental stress, agony, fear, depression and other associated symptoms which are taking a toll on their overall mental health. Nanoencapsulation of certain brain boosting polyphenols including quercetin, caffeine, cocoa flavanols and proteins like lectins can become new area of interest in the present scenario. Besides the brain boosting benefits, we have also highlighted the anti- viral activities of these compounds which we assume can play a possible role in combating COVID-19 given to their previous history of action against certain viruses. This review outlines the nanoencapsulation approaches of such synergistic compounds as a novel strategy to take the ongoing research a step ahead and also provides a new insight in bringing the role of nanotechnology in addressing the issues related to COVID pandemic.

Characterisation and utilisation of nano-reduced starch from underutilised cereals for delivery of folic acid through human GI tract.

Ball milling offers green approach for size reduction of starch granules to nano scale size. In this research work, the starch from two underutilised cereal varieties viz. foxtail starch (FS) and sorghum starch (SS) were milled to achieve the desired nanometric range with mean particle diameter of 467.98 and 271.12 nm for nano foxtail (FSN) and nano sorghum starch (SSN), which were highly stable as revealed by zeta potential analysis. Functional attributes like solubility, swelling index, apparent amylose content, emulsifying and pasting properties were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) clearly revealed damaged starch granules produed by the process of milling. X-ray diffraction (XRD) displayed decrease in crystallinity upon milling to 16.08% (SSN) and 18.56% (FSN) and disappearance of some peaks. Attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) also revealed reduced crystallinity as confirmed by the decreased absorbance ratio of 1047/1022 cm-1 in nano starch particles. Rheological analysis displayed shear thinning behaviour of nano starch samples as evaluated using Herschel-bulkely model and Power law. The nano starch samples exhibited comparatively low thermal gelatinisation temperatures as compared to native counter particles. Moreover, the nano-encapsulated starch samples offered more resistance to in-vitro digestion and showed control release of folic acid at target sites.

Nanoreduction as a technology to exploit ß-Glucan from cereal and fungal sources for enhancing its nutraceutical potential.

ß-Glucan nanoparticles were produced from cereal and fungal sources viz: oats, barley, and yeast using ball milling which is considered as a green technology. The ß-glucan nanoparticles were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Fourier transform infra-spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, antioxidant, anticancerous, antimicrobial and antihypertensive potential of ß-glucan nanoparticles from different sources were also studied. The experimental results revealed that the average particle size for BN (Barley ß-glucan nanoparticle), ON (Oats ß-glucan nanoparticle), and YN (Yeast ß-glucan nanoparticle) were 90.35, 83.55 and 77.44 nm and zeta potential were in the range of -27 to -6.3 mV. . There was an increase in antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive activity of BN, YN, and ON in comparison to native. Study reported increase in anticancerous activity upon size reduction. Also, antibacterial activity of BNT, ONT, YNT, BN, ON and YN against Gram-negative and Gram-positive (E.coli & Bacillus Subtilis) were studied. It was concluded that the ß-glucan nanoparticles showed enhanced nutraceutical properties that might be due to the nanoreduction using green technology.

Nutraceutical profiling of surimi gel containing ß-glucan stabilized virgin coconut oil with and without antioxidants after simulated gastro-intestinal digestion.

Surimi gels containing ß-glucan stabilized virgin coconut oil (VCO) were subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion and the resulting digest was analyzed for nutraceutical properties. ß-glucan stabilized VCO nanoemulsion (ßG-V-N) remarkably improved antioxidant activities of the surimi digest. When epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was added in nanoemulsion, the surimi digest showed the highest antioxidant activities. Antidiabetic activity of the digest was also improved by the addition of ßG-V-N comprising EGCG. Nevertheless, the addition of ßG-V-N lowered ACE inhibitory activity of surimi digest. The surimi digest from the gel added with ßG-V-N possessed an inhibitory effect on five cancer cell lines including HEK (Human embryonic kidney 293 cells), MCF-7 (breast cancer cell line), U87 (human glioma), HeLa (human cervical cancer), and IMR-32 (human neuroblastoma), regardless of EGCG or α-tocopherol incorporated. This study demonstrated that surimi gel supplemented with ßG-V-N in the presence of EGCG exhibited nutraceutical potential and could be used as a functional food.

Resistant starch from five Himalayan rice cultivars and Horse chestnut: Extraction method optimization and characterization.

In this study resistant starch (RS) was extracted from five Himalayan rice cultivars and Indian Horse chestnut (HCN) using porcine pancreatin enzyme following which it was subsequently characterized for its physicochemical, structural and functional properties. In vitro digestibility test showed that RS content of the rice cultivars and HCN was in the range of 85.5 to 99.5%. The RS extracted from the rice cultivars and HCN showed significant difference in the apparent amylose content (AAC), ranging between 31.83 to 40.68% for rice and 45.79% for HCN. Water absorption capacity (WAC), swelling and solubility index of RS ranged from 112-133.9%, 5.28-7.25 g/g and 0.033-0.044 g/g, respectively. The rice RS granules were polyhedral and irregular shaped with granular length in the range of 4.8-5.9 µm. The HCN RS granule morphology showed smooth surfaced, round, elliptical, irregular and oval shapes with average granular length of 21 µm. Pasting behavior also varied significantly between rice RS and HCN RS with later showing the lower values of pasting properties. Thermal properties (T0, Tp, Tc) and ΔH gel also varied considerably between the rice RS and HCN RS, wherein the highest values for peak gelatinization temperature and gelatinization enthalpy were seen for CH-1039. X-ray diffraction pattern of rice RS and HCN RS showed the characteristic A type of pattern in consonance with cereal starches.

Degradation of myofibrillar, sarcoplasmic and connective tissue proteins by plant proteolytic enzymes and their impact on camel meat tenderness.

Inside round muscles (Adductor) from camels treated with bromelain or ficin or papain at 50 or 100 ppm were subsequently stored at 4 °C for 4 days to study the impact on quality attributes, protein degradation and textural changes. Results revealed that papain (100 ppm) treated camel meat showed higher drip loss and lower water holding capacity compared to other treatments. Total protein, sarcoplasmic protein solubility, trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-soluble peptides and soluble collagen were higher in papain and bromelain treated samples at 100 ppm compared to other treatments. Electrophoretic profile of whole camel meat, isolated sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins depicted a noticeable degradation of various proteins in enzyme treated samples, with papain and bromelain (100 ppm) displaying pronounced effect. Meat treated with papain at 100 ppm displayed lower hardness and shear force (P < 0.05). Thus, enzymes treatment at 100 ppm displayed good potential to tenderize camel meat with the papain being more effective among all.

Effect of virgin coconut oil on properties of surimi gel.

Effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) at various levels (0-25%) on the properties of croaker surimi gels were studied. As the levels of VCO increased up to 15%, breaking force continuously decreased. No differences in breaking force, deformation and fracture constant were noticeable when VCO of 15-25% was incorporated. Based on texture profile analysis, hardness and chewiness decreased as the level of added VCO increased up to 10%, while no marked changes were observed with the addition of 10-25% VCO. Addition of VCO had no profound impact on springiness, cohesiveness and resilience. No remarkable change in protein pattern among all surimi gel samples was noticed, regardless of VCO levels. Lower elastic (G') as well as loss moduli (G″) of surimi paste were observed when VCO was added, compared to the control. Nevertheless, there was no marked difference in the moduli among samples containing VCO at all levels. Whiteness of surimi gel increased, whereas expressible moisture content decreased as VCO levels increased. Microstructure study revealed that VCO droplets were distributed uniformly in gel network. Overall likeness of surimi gel was also increased for gel added with VCO. Therefore, VCO addition directly affected textural properties and improved the whiteness as well as sensory property of surimi gel.

Production of RS4 from rice starch and its utilization as an encapsulating agent for targeted delivery of probiotics.

The research reported in this article is based on the hypothesis that crosslinking of starch can make it a potential wall material for targeted delivery of probiotics by altering its digestion. Three probiotic strains namely Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus plantarum were microencapsulated with resistant starch. Encapsulation yield (%) of resistant starch microspheres was in the range of 43.01-48.46. The average diameter of resistant starch microparticles was in the range of 45.53-49.29µm. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy of microcapsules showed peaks in the region of 900-1300cm-1 and 2918-2925cm-1 which corresponds to the presence of bacteria. Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) showed better thermal stability of resistant starch microcapsules. Microencapsulated probiotics survived well in simulated gastrointestinal conditions and adverse heat conditions. The viability of the microcapsulated lactobacilli also remained high (>7 log cfu g-1) for 2months at 4°C. The results revealed that resistant starch is the potential new delivery carrier for oral administration of probiotics.

Microencapsulation of saffron anthocyanins using ß glucan and ß cyclodextrin: Microcapsule characterization, release behaviour & antioxidant potential during in-vitro digestion.

In the present study, the saffron anthocyanins were encapsulated in ß-glucan and ß-cyclodextrin by spray drying technique to achieve their stability under adverse gastro-environmental conditions. The microcapsules were subjected to simulated gastric conditions and release behavior of monomeric anthocyanins, antioxidants and phenols were studied. The structural properties of microcapsules were analyzed by SEM and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The particle size distribution, density, color, encapsulation efficiency and powder yield of samples were also evaluated. A characteristic band at 1700 cm-1 by FTIR and specific enclosed particles in the cavities of wall material were observed from the micrographs of SEM that confirmed the incorporation of anthocyanins in the microcapsules. The higher content of anthocyanins, antioxidants and phenols in the intestinal conditions revealed the protection of core material from adverse conditions of stomach by encapsulation. Further studies are suggested to investigate the stability of encapsulated anthocyanins in different environmental and processing conditions.

Germination and microwave processing of barley (Hordeum vulgare L) changes the structural and physicochemical properties of ß-d-glucan & enhances its antioxidant potential.

The nutraceutical potential of ß-d-glucan is largely dependent on its structure, size and viscosity. The present study analyzed the effect of germination and microwave processing of barley on the structural, size, antioxidant and thermal characteristics of ß-d-glucan. The molecular weight and viscosity of ß-d-glucan obtained from germinated barley (GGB) were the lowest (144kDa and 37.33cp) as compared to ß-d-glucan from microwave processed barley (GMB) and unprocessed barley (GUB). The GGB exhibited higher antioxidant potential than GMB and GUB. The Structural elucidation by ATR-FTIR revealed scission in polymeric chain and ß glycosydic linkage of ß-d-glucan obtained from processed barley. The highest peak intensity at glycosydic linkage in GGB confirms more scission in the molecule. The DSC curve of GGB showed the highest transition temperature. It was concluded that germination of barley can be a good approach for enhancing the antioxidant potential of ß-d-glucan.

Ultrasound treatment: effect on physicochemical, microbial and antioxidant properties of cherry (Prunus avium).

The cherry was treated with ultrasonic waves (33 kHz, 60 W) at different time intervals (10, 20, 30, 40, 60 min) and study was carried out to analyze the change in physico-chemical properties (TSS, pH, color, acidity and firmness), antioxidant potential and microbial load of the fruit during the storage period of 15 days at 4 °C. It was observed that ultrasound treatment (US) between 30 and 40 min showed better retention of color of the fruit during the storage period. The antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS and TPC) also increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) up to 40 min, however the firmness of the fruit was affected and it showed a significant decrease beyond 20 min of US treatment. The sample with 40 min US treatment showed significantly less microbial load than other samples. The 20-40 min US treatment time (33 kHz, 60 W) was suggested for preservation of cherry during the storage at 4 °C.

Structural, thermal, functional, antioxidant & antimicrobial properties of ß-d-glucan extracted from baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cereviseae)-Effect of γ-irradiation.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of γ-irradiation (0, 5, 10, 20, 30 & 50kGy) on the structural, functional, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of yeast ß-d-glucan. The samples were characterized by ATR-FTIR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and the thermal properties were studied using DSC. There was a decrease in the average molecular weight of ß-d-glucan as the irradiation dose increased. The functional properties of irradiated yeast ß-d-glucan were largely influenced by the action of gamma radiation like swelling power and viscosity decreases with increase in the irradiation dose while as fat binding capacity, emulsifying properties, foaming properties and bile acid binding capacity shows an increasing trend. All the antioxidant properties carried out using six different assays increased significantly (p≤0.05) in a dose dependent manner. The antibacterial activity of yeast ß-d-glucan also showed an increasing trend with increase in the irradiation dose from 5 to 50kDa.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of whey and casein protein- effect on functional, rheological, textural and sensory properties of breads.

Milk proteins were hydrolyzed by papain and their effect on the rheological, textural and sensory properties of bread were investigated. Water absorption capacity, emulsification capacity, foam volume, foam stability and solubility of Whey and casein protein concentrates and their hydrolysates were determined. The farinograph parameters of wheat flour and blends of wheat flour with casein and whey protein and their hydrolysates were determined to evaluate changes in water absorption capacity, dough development time, dough stability time and mixing tolerance index. The incorporation of WPC, casein and their hydrolysates up to the level of 5 % showed dough properties comparable to control. It was also found that 5 % level incorporation of milk proteins and their hydrolysates have no drastic effect on physical and sensory attributes of bread. The pasting properties showed significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) when compared with wheat flour at all levels of addition of whey and casein protein concentrates and hydrolysates. Scanning electron microscopy of bread samples shows disruption in the well-defined protein - starch complex of wheat flour bread and the structure of gluten was weak as the concentration of whey protein increases in the wheat flour bread.

Characterization of cookies made from wheat flour blended with buckwheat flour and effect on antioxidant properties.

Buckwheat flour was incorporated into wheat flour at different levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 %) and the physicochemical, functional and antioxidant properties of the blended flour were studied. This study also investigated the effect of buckwheat on the retention of antioxidant properties of cookies during baking. The results showed significant variation in physicochemical and functional properties of the blended flour. The addition of buckwheat flour into wheat flour also increased the antioxidant properties of blended flour proportionally, but metal chelating properties decreased. The incorporation of buckwheat in wheat flour helped in better retention of antioxidant potential of cookies during baking process as buckwheat cookies (100 % buckwheat) showed greater percentage increase in antioxidant properties than control (100 % wheat). Quality characteristics of cookies such as hardness and spread ratio decreased, while as non-enzymatic browning (NEB) increased significantly with increase in the proportion of buckwheat flour in wheat flour. The Overall acceptability of cookies by sensory analysis was highest at 40 % level of blending. This study concluded that addition of buckwheat in wheat flour, may not only improve the physico-chemical and functional properties of the blended flour but may also enhance the nutraceutical potential of the product prepared from it.

Effect of green tea powder on thermal, rheological & functional properties of wheat flour and physical, nutraceutical & sensory analysis of cookies.

Green tea powder (GTP) was incorporated in wheat flour at different levels (1, 2 and 4 %) and its effect on quality parameters of flour and cookies were studied. Thermal analysis showed that addition of GTP did not increase the onset temperature, end temperature and enthalpy of flour significantly. However, the increase in GTP content retarded the retro gradation of the gelatinized wheat flour gel and decreased the water absorption capacity, Oil absorption capacity, water solubility index, Foam capacity and foam stability significantly. The L* and b* values of cookies decreased from 53.63 to 33.23 and 29.02 to 24.39 respectively, while as, a* value showed an increase from 3.61 to 5.23 indirect proportion to quantity added. The addition of GTP to wheat flour increased the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) percent inhibition and reducing power of cookies. Further, it also increases the acceptability for color, aroma and taste; however it loosened its structural integrity and decreased the fracture force.