Preparation and characterization of antioxidant and pH-sensitive films based on arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) starch, κ-carrageenan and black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) extract for monitoring spoilage of chicken wings.

In this study, we firstly developed an antioxidant and pH-sensitive film based on arrowhead starch (AS), κ-carrageenan (KC) and black chokeberry extract (BCE) and its physical and structural properties were investigated. We found BCE showed different colors in different pH solutions and incorporation with KC and BCE could significantly decrease light transmittance, increase thickness, elongation at break and pH-sensitive property of AS film. The results of structural property assay indicated that there were some intermolecular interactions between BCE and AS/KC in AS-KC-BCE films. Secondly, we investigated the rheological property of AS, AS-KC and AS-KC-BCE suspensions and found the suspensions showed an obvious shear-thinning behavior with high apparent viscosity. Finally, the functional properties of AS-KC-BCE films were investigated and AS-KC-BCE films showed strong scavenging activity on DPPH free radical and presented visible colour changes in response to the changes of the chicken wing qualities. The results suggest that AS-KC-BCE films can be used in active and intelligent packaging of food industry.

An efficient method for decoloration of polysaccharides from the sprouts of Toona sinensis (A. Juss.) Roem by anion exchange macroporous resins.

An efficient decoloration method for polysaccharides from the sprouts of Toona sinensis (A. Juss.) Roem (PSTS) by anion exchange macroporous resins (AEMR) was investigated in the present paper. The results suggested that D941 resin offered better decoloration efficiency than other tested resins. Based on single-factor experiments, the optimal decoloration parameters of D941 resin were obtained as follows: temperature of 45°C, sample initial concentration of 30mg/ml, pH value of 8.5, static decoloration time of 90min, dynamic decoloration processing volume of 5.5BV with the flow rate of 2BV/h. Decoloration ratio, PSTS recovery ratio and selectivity coefficient were 91.94±1.23%, 90.05±2.35% and 10.92±0.63, respectively. Most of pigment impurities were successfully removed from PSTS solutions after treated by D941 resin, and there was no significant difference in carbohydrate concentration, characteristic groups and molecular weight. Compared with H2O2 oxidation and activated carbon adsorption, this developed method is superior.

A visible-light-induced chemoselective radical/oxidative addition domino process to access α-chloro and α-alkoxy aryl ketones.

A visible-light-induced radical-triggered chemoselective domino process to access α,α-di-functionalized ketones under mild conditions has been developed. This protocol provides a direct approach to synthesize α-chloro or α-alkoxy aryl ketones based on the electronic properties of the substrates. The reaction can tolerate a variety of functional groups to afford the corresponding products in moderate to good yields.

Characterization and bioactivities of a novel purified polysaccharide from Endothelium corneum gigeriae Galli.

In the present study, characterization and cardioprotective activities in vivo of a novel purified polysaccharide (PECGp) from Endothelium corneum gigeriae Galli were investigated. The results found that PECGp had a 96 kDa molecular weight. The backbone chains were composed of α-D-Glc and α-L-Rha linked by (1→4) glycosidic bonds. (1→4, 6) linked α-D-Glc and (1→2, 4) linked α-L-Rha in backbone chains with branches consisting of (1→4) linked α-D-Glc and terminal α-D-Glc-6-COOH. The assay of cardioprotective activities demonstrated that PECGp could significantly reduce the ST-segment elevation, prevented abnormal changes of heart muscle morphology, reverse abnormal hemodynamic and hemorheological parameters, rectify disorganized superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, creatine kinase, creatine kinase MB fraction and lactate dehydrogenase levels. The results suggested that PECGp could be considered as a potential candidate for developing novel cardioprotective agents.

An economical and efficient technology for the extraction of resveratrol from peanut (Arachis hypogaea) sprouts by multi-stage countercurrent extraction.

In this paper, an economical and efficient technology for the extraction of resveratrol from peanut sprouts by multi-stage countercurrent extraction (MSCE) was investigated based on the alkaline extraction and acid precipitation method (AEAP). Firstly, the MSCE equipment and operation procedures were designed. Then, the optimal parameters of MSCE were obtained by using single-factor experiments and Box-Behnken design (BBD) as follows: extraction temperature of 46.6 °C, CaO to raw material ratio of 6:100, water to raw material ratio of 8.8:1 and extraction time of 51.7 min. Finally, the performance of MSCE was compared against the single pot extraction (SPE) under optimal conditions. The results demonstrated that MSCE was a time-saving, energy-saving, and cost-saving extraction technology for manufacturing resveratrol from peanut sprouts.

Optimization for ultrasound-assisted extraction of polysaccharides with antioxidant activity in vitro from the aerial root of Ficus microcarpa.

In this study, optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from the aerial root of Ficus microcarpa (FMPS) were investigated. The optimal conditions for extraction of FMPS were determined as followings: ultrasound power 200 W, ultrasound temperature 70°C, extraction temperature 74°C, liquid-solid ratio 35, extraction time 238 min, ultrasound time 49 min. The experimental yield of FMPS (3.44%) obtained under these conditions was well agreement with the value predicted by the model. In addition, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and antioxidant activity assays revealed that FMPS were acidic polysaccharides and had strong Fe2+ chelating activity and moderate hydrogen peroxide scavenging effect. Further work on the purification, structure characterization and antioxidant activity in vivo of FMPS is in progress.