Dipping fresh-cut apples in citric acid before plasma-integrated low-pressure cooling improves Salmonella and polyphenol oxidase inactivation.

BACKGROUND: Ready-to-eat fruit and vegetable products have gained tremendous popularity in recent years. The main challenges associated with these minimally processed products are their short shelf life and high food safety concerns. In this study, our goal was to develop an integrated process to both reduce the Salmonella population by >5 log CFU g-1 ) and to reduce polyphenol oxidase activity, followed by quickly cooling the product. We compared the effect of a sequential treatment of dipping in citric acid (CA) followed by cold plasma (CP) treatment on the inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, browning, total phenolic content and the moisture loss of cut apples during the plasma-integrated low-pressure cooling (PiLPC) process. RESULTS: The greatest inactivation of Salmonella (5.68 log CFU g-1 ) and the highest PPO inactivation (78%) were observed after dipping cut apples in 5% CA, followed by 3 min of CP treatment. The color of cut apples remained relatively unchanged, with a fresh-like appearance during 7 days of storage at 4 °C after this combined treatment. Although the low-pressure cooling time was increased when samples were pre-dipped in CA, related to those undipped, the moisture loss was reduced by more than 50% during the PiLPC process. No significant reduction in phenolic content was observed during the PiLPC when the samples were pre-dipped in 5% CA. CONCLUSION: These results indicate the potential of this integrated process for the inactivation of endogenous food enzymes and bacterial pathogens in fresh-cut apples. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Whole-Grain Starch and Fiber Composition Modifies Ileal Flow of Nutrients and Nutrient Availability in the Hindgut, Shifting Fecal Microbial Profiles in Pigs.

Background: Changes in whole-grain chemical composition can affect the site of nutrient digestion, which may alter substrate availability and gut microbiota composition.Objective: This study elucidated the function of whole-grain fermentable fiber composition on ileal substrate flow, hindgut substrate availability, and subsequent gut microbial profiles in pigs.Methods: Five whole grains-1) high-fermentability, high-ß-glucan hull-less barley (HFB); 2) high-fermentability, high-amylose hull-less barley (HFA); 3) moderate-fermentability hull-less barley (MFB); 4) low-fermentability hulled barley (LFB); or 5) low-fermentability hard red spring wheat (LFW)-were included at 800 g/kg into diets fed to ileal-cannulated growing pigs for 9 d in a 6 (periods) × 5 (diets) Youden square. Digesta were analyzed for nutrient flow and microbial composition via 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing.Results: The consumption of fermentable whole grains, HFB, and HFA increased (P < 0.05) ileal starch flow by 69% and dry matter flow by 37% compared with LFB and LFW intakes. The consumption of HFB and HFA increased (P < 0.05) fecal Firmicutes phylum abundance by 26% and 21% compared with LFB intake and increased (P < 0.05) fecal Dialister genus abundance, on average, by 98% compared with LFB and LFW intakes. Fecal Sharpea and Ruminococcus genera abundances increased (P < 0.05) with HFB intake compared with LFB and LFW intakes. In contrast, the consumption of LFB increased (P < 0.05) fecal Bacteroidetes phylum abundance by 43% compared with MFB intake. Ileal starch flow and fecal Firmicutes abundance were positively correlated and determined by using principal components analysis.Conclusions: Increasing dietary fermentable fiber from whole grains can increase ileal substrate flow and hindgut substrate availability, shifting the fecal microbiota toward Firmicutes phylum members. Thus, digesta substrate flow is important to shape gut microbial profiles in pigs, which indicates that the manipulation of substrate flow should be considered as a tool to modulate gut microbiota composition.

Whole-Grain Fiber Composition Influences Site of Nutrient Digestion, Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids, and Whole-Body Energy Utilization in Grower Pigs.

BACKGROUND: Variant chemical composition and physical structure of whole grains may change the site of energy digestion from the small to the large intestine. OBJECTIVE: We determined the site of nutrient digestion, standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AAs), and net energy (NE) value of barley cultivars that vary in nutrient composition compared with wheat. METHODS: Ileal-cannulated barrows (27.7 kg initial body weight) were fed diets containing 800 g whole grains/kg alongside a basal and nitrogen-free diet for calculations in a 6 (period) × 7 (diet) Youden square. Diets included 1 of 5 whole grains-1) high-fermentable, high-ß-glucan, hull-less barley (HFB); 2) high-fermentable, high-amylose, hull-less barley (HFA); 3) moderate-fermentable, hull-less barley (MFB); 4) low-fermentable, hulled barley (LFB); and 5) low-fermentable, hard red spring wheat (LFW). Intestine nutrient flow and whole-body energy utilization were tested and explained by using whole-grain and digesta confocal laser scanning. RESULTS: Starch apparent ileal digestibility was 14-29% lower (P < 0.05) in HFB and HFA than in MFB, LFB, and LFW due to the unique embedding of starch within the protein-fiber matrix of HFB and the high amylose content in HFA. Starch hindgut fermentation was 50-130% higher (P < 0.05) in HFB and HFA than in MFB, LFB, and LFW. The SID of indispensable AAs was lower (P < 0.05) in HFB and HFA than in MFB, LFB, and LFW. NE value was 18% higher (P < 0.05) for HFB than for HFA and was not different from MFB, LFB, and LFW. CONCLUSIONS: Whole grains high in fermentable carbohydrates shifted digestion from the small intestine to the hindgut. NE value depended on the concentration of fermentable fiber and starch and digestible protein, ranging from 2.12-1.76 Mcal/kg in barley to 1.94 Mcal/kg in wheat. High-fiber whole grains may be used as energy substrates for pigs; however, the reduced SID of AAs requires titration of indispensable AAs to maintain growth.

Glycemic effect of oat and barley beta-glucan when incorporated into a snack bar: a dose escalation study.

BACKGROUND: The blood glucose-lowering effects of ß-glucan from oats and barley depend on the amounts consumed and their rheological properties. This has been recently challenged with growing evidence that the food matrix may also be an important factor in predicting its physiological response. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of varying doses of ß-glucan from oats and barley and added to a snack bar on postprandial glycemia. DESIGN: In a randomized crossover study, 12 healthy males and females consumed one of 8 snack bars containing 0 (control), 1.5, 3, and 6 g of ß-glucan derived from oats or barley or 3 white bread controls. All treatments contained 50 g of available carbohydrate. Blood glucose concentrations were measured after ingestion of the treatments over 2 hours. RESULTS: Incorporation of 1.5 to 6 g of ß-glucan into snack bars had no additional glucose-lowering benefits irrespective of dose and source compared to the control bars (0 g ß-glucan), suggesting that both the solid food matrix and composition of the bars may play a role in their effects on glycemic response. All bars reduced blood glucose area under the curve (AUC) by an average of 25% (p < 0.05) compared to the mean of the 3 white bread controls. CONCLUSION: Adding ß-glucan from oats and barley to the snack bar formulation used in this study did not yield any additional benefits beyond the glucose-lowering effects of the snack bars themselves.

Mild extraction of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) proteins against conventional methods: Impact on physicochemical and thermal characteristics.

Faba bean (high- and low-tannin) protein isolates were water extracted followed by dialysis or micellization in comparison to concentrates from conventional alkali extraction + acid precipitation, and salt-based extraction (1% NaCl) + dialysis. Protein fractions were characterised for secondary structure conformational changes, crystalline structure, particle size distribution in aqueous suspension and thermal properties. Mild water or salt extraction did not influence particle size distribution. Based on XRD, FTIR and CD, ß-sheet structures were the most abundant secondary structures and water extraction + dialysis had minimal impact on their native conformation. DSC results showed an association between protein purity, glass transition temperature and endothermic enthalpy. High melting temperature above glass transition confirms the suitability of faba bean proteins for thermal/extrusion processing. Fractionation method was a more significant determinant of physicochemical characteristics compared to the cultivar. Further exploration of the techno-functional characteristics of faba bean proteins is essential for value-added food applications.

Effect of Plasma-Activated Water Bubbles on Fusarium graminearum, Deoxynivalenol, and Germination of Naturally Infected Barley during Steeping.

Contamination of barley by deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium graminearum, causes considerable financial loss to the grain and malting industries. In this study, two atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) reactors were used to produce plasma-activated water (PAW) bubbles. The potential of PAW bubbles for the steeping of naturally infected barley (NIB) during the malting process was investigated. The PAW bubbles produced by treating water for 30 min using a bubble spark discharge (BSD) at low temperature resulted in the greatest concentration of oxygen-nitrogen reactive species (RONS). This treatment resulted in 57.3% DON degradation compared with 36.9% in the control sample; however, the same treatment reduced germination significantly (p < 0.05). Direct BSD ACP treatment for 20 min at low temperature and indirect treatment for 30 min increased the percentage of germinated rootlets of the seedlings compared with the control. Considering both the DON reduction and germination improvement of barley seeds, continuous jet ACP treatment for 30 min performed better than the other treatments used in this study. At higher temperature of PAW bubbles, the concentration of RONS was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced. Based on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis and fungal culture tests, the PAW bubble treatment did not significantly reduce infection of NIB. Nonetheless, this study provides useful information for the malting industry for PAW treatment optimization and its use in barley steeping for DON reduction and germination improvement.

Cereal grain fiber composition modifies phosphorus digestibility in grower pigs.

Increased fermentable carbohydrates (e.g., ß-glucan, amylose) may increase endogenous losses including for P, and thereby reduce apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of P. The present study assessed effects of barley cultivars varying in fermentable starch and fiber on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and ATTD of P, myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate; InsP6) and Ca, and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of P and the presence of lower inositol phosphates (InsP) compared to wheat. In a 6 (period) × 5 (diet) Youden square, seven ileal-cannulated barrows (initial BW, 27.7 kg) were fed diets containing 80% of one of five cereal grains differing in amylose, ß-glucan, and fiber content: 1) high-fermentable, high-ß-glucan, hull-less barley (HFB); 2) high-fermentable, high-amylose, hull-less barley (HFA); 3) moderate-fermentable, hull-less barley (MFB); 4) low-fermentable, hulled barley (LFB); and 5) low-fermentable, Canadian Western Red Spring wheat (LFW). On dry matter (DM) basis, cereal grains contained between 0.32% to 0.53% total P and 0.24% to 0.50% InsP6-P. The InsP6-2-P was calculated as the sum of all detected InsP-P (InsP6-P to InsP2-P) in the sample. The P release of degraded InsP-P was calculated by using the following equation: sum InsP6-2-Pdiet (g/kg DM) × (AID or ATTD sum InsP6-2-P (%)/ 100). Data were analyzed using a mixed model with diet as fixed effect, and pig and period as random effects. On DM basis, diets contained 41.4% to 50.6% starch, 0.88% to 8.54% ß-glucan, 0.81% to 0.89% total P, and 0.19% to 0.35% InsP6-P. The MFB, LFB, and LFW had greater (P < 0.05) diet AID of P than HFB and HFA, and MFB had greater (P < 0.05) diet ATTD and STTD of P than HFB. The ATTD of InsP6-P was greater (P < 0.05) for HFB than LFB and the ATTD of the sum InsP6-2-P was greater (P < 0.05) for HFB and HFA than LFB. Total tract P release was greater (P < 0.001) for HFB, HFA, and LFW than MFB and LFB. The LFW had greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of Ca than LFB. Diet ß-glucan content was not correlated with STTD of P (R2 = 0.03) or ATTD of InsP6 (R2 = 0.05). In conclusion, cereal grains high in fermentable fiber, e.g., amylose and ß-glucans included in specific hull-less barley cultivars, had lower diet AID, ATTD, and STTD of P, but greater ATTD of InsP6-P and sum InsP6-2-P. Carbohydrate fermentation, thus, results in greater total tract P release from InsP-P hydrolysis.

Increased fermentable carbohydrates (e.g., ß-glucan, amylose) may increase intestinal endogenous phosphorus (P) losses and thereby reduce P digestibility. The study assessed effects of cereal grains varying in fermentable carbohydrates on non-phytate-P and phytate-P. Phytate is the major binding form of P in plant seed and is incompletely degraded. Seven barrows cannulated at the terminal ileum were fed diets containing 80% of one of five cereal grains: 1) high-fermentable, high-ß-glucan, hull-less barley; 2) high-fermentable, high-amylose, hull-less barley; 3) moderate-fermentable, hull-less barley; 4) low-fermentable, hulled barley; and 5) low-fermentable wheat. Diet ileal digestibility of P was greater for low- and moderate-fermentable grain than high-fermentable grain, and diet total tract digestibility of P was greater for moderate-fermentable barley than high ß-glucan barley. Total tract digestibility of phytate-P was greater for high ß-glucan than low-fermentable barley. Total tract P release was greater for high-fermentable barley, and wheat than moderate- and low-fermentable barley. In conclusion, cereal grains high in fermentable fiber had lower diet ileal and total tract digestibility of P resulting in greater excretion of P, but greater total tract digestibility of phytate-P. Carbohydrate fermentation, thus, increases total tract P release from phytate-P degradation.

Effect of sodium chloride on the thermodynamic, rheological, and microstructural properties of field pea protein isolate/chitosan complex coacervates.

The effect of increasing sodium chloride concentration (cNaCl, 0-0.4 M) on the formation and rheological and microstructural properties of field pea protein isolate (FPPI)/chitosan (Ch) complex coacervates was investigated. The maximum turbidity and zeta potential of FPPI/Ch mixtures consistently decreased with the increasing cNaCl. The tertiary conformation of FPPI was altered to facilitate the aggregation of FPPI/Ch complexes via hydrophobic interactions. Changes in thermodynamic parameters during the titration of FPPI with Ch confirmed the addition of NaCl could cause the inhibition of electrostatic complexation and the induction of non-Coulombic interactions. FPPI/Ch complex coacervates exhibited first enhanced and then weakened viscoelastic properties and an initially tightened and then a loosened microstructure as the cNaCl increased. In summary, appropriate cNaCl favors the formation of FPPI/Ch complex coacervates with improved functionalities via the coordination of promoted hydrophobic interactions and inhibited electrostatic attractions, facilitating the application of this protein ingredient in food development.

Review of the beneficial and anti-nutritional qualities of phytic acid, and procedures for removing it from food products.

Phytic acid (PA) is the primary phosphorus reserve in cereals and legumes which serves the biosynthesis needs of growing tissues during germination. It is generally considered to be an anti-nutritional factor found in grains because it can bind to minerals, proteins, and starch, limiting their bioavailability. However, this same mineral binding property can also confer a number of health benefits such as reducing the risk of certain cancers, supporting heart health, and managing renal stones. In addition, the ability of PA to bind minerals allows it to be used in certain food quality applications such as stabilizing the green color of vegetables, preventing lipid peroxidation, and reducing enzymatic browning in fruits/vegetables. These beneficial properties create a potential for added-value applications in the utilization of PA in many new areas. Many possible processing techniques for the preparation of raw materials in the food industry can be used to reduce the concentration of PA in foods to mitigate its anti-nutritional effects. In turn, the recovered PA by-products could be available for novel uses. In this review, a general overview of the beneficial and anti-nutritional effects of PA will be discussed and then dephytinization methods will be explained.

Hindgut fermentation of starch is greater for pulse grains than cereal grains in growing pigs.

The nutritive value of starch, the major source of dietary energy in pigs, varies depending on its susceptibility for digestion. The botanical origin of starch determines starch structure, and therefore, digestibility. To compare digestibility of starch, fiber, gross energy (GE), crude protein, and amino acid (AA), and to characterize undigested starch of grains in growing pigs, seven ileal-cannulated barrows (initial body weight, 30 kg) were fed six diets containing 96% of one of six test ingredients (three pulse grains: zero-tannin faba bean, green field pea, or mixed-cultivar chickpea; three cereal grains: hulled barley, hard red spring wheat, or hybrid yellow, dent corn), or a N-free diet in a 7 × 7 Latin square at 2.8 × maintenance digestible energy. Grain samples were ground with a hammer mill through a 2.78-mm screen. Amylose content ranged from 29% to 34% for pulse grains and from 22% to 25% for cereal grains. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of starch was greater (P < 0.05) in cereal (94% to 97%) than pulse grains (85% to 90%) and was lowest (P < 0.05) in faba bean (85.3%) followed by field pea (87.2%) and chickpea (90.1%). However, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of starch of all tested grains was close to 100%. Apparent hindgut fermentability (AHF, as ATTD - AID) of starch was greater (P < 0.05) in pulse grains (9.9% to 15%) than cereal grains (3.3% to 4.8%). The AHF of total dietary fiber tended to be the greatest (P < 0.10) for corn (43.5%) and lowest for wheat (25.3%). The AHF of GE was greater (P < 0.05) in pulse grains (17% to 20%) than in cereal grains (9% to 11%) and resulted in greater (P < 0.05) digestible energy (DE) contribution from hindgut fermentation for pulse grains than cereal grains (0.9 vs. 0.5 Mcal/kg). Wheat had the greatest standardized ileal digestibility of total AA (90.2%; P < 0.05). Confocal laser scanning microscopy images revealed that 20% to 30% of starch granules of pulse grains were entrapped in protein matrixes. In scanning electron microscopy images, starch granules were larger in faba bean and field pea than cereal grains. Digesta samples revealed pin holes and surface cracks in starch granules of corn and wheat, respectively. In conclusion, hindgut fermentation of starch and fiber was greater in pulse grains than cereal grains resulting in a greater DE value despite lower ileal DE for pulse grain than cereal grains. Defining the digestible and fermentable fractions of starch may enhance the accuracy of equations to predict the net energy value of these feedstuffs.

Reduction of T-2 and HT-2 mycotoxins by atmospheric cold plasma and its impact on quality changes and germination of wheat grains.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is susceptible to mycotoxin contamination, which can result in significant health risks and economic losses. This research examined the ability of air atmospheric cold plasma (air-ACP) treatment to reduce pure and spiked T-2 and HT-2 mycotoxins' concentration on wheat grains. This study also evaluated the effect of ACP treatment using different gases on wheat grain germination parameters. The T-2 and HT-2 mycotoxin solutions applied on round cover-glass were placed on microscopy slides and wheat grains (0.5 g) were individually spiked with T-2 and HT-2 on their surfaces. Samples were then dried at room temperature (∼24 °C) and treated by air-ACP for 1 to 10 min. Ten minutes of air-ACP treatment significantly reduced pure T-2 and HT-2 concentrations by 63.63% and 51.5%, respectively. For mycotoxin spiked on wheat grains, 10 min air-ACP treatment significantly decreased T-2 and HT-2 concentrations up to 79.8% and 70.4%, respectively. No significant change in the measured quality and color parameters was observed in the ACP-treated samples. Wheat grain germination parameters were not significantly different, when treated with ACP using different gases. Air-ACP treatment and ACP treatment using 80% nitrogen + 20% oxygen improved the germination of wheat grains by 10% and 6%, respectively. This study demonstrated that ACP is an innovative technology with the potential to improve the safety of wheat grains by reducing T-2/HT-2 mycotoxins with an additional advantage of improving their germination. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) technology has a huge potential to degrade mycotoxins in food grains. This study evaluated the efficacy of ACP to reduce two major mycotoxins (T-2 and HT-2 toxins) in wheat grains. The results of this study will help to develop and scale-up the ACP technology for mycotoxin degradation in grains.

Field pea protein isolate/chitosan complex coacervates: Formation and characterization.

Influence of chitosan (Ch) with low, medium, and high molecular weight (LMW, MMW, and HMW) on the formation of field pea protein isolate (FPPI)/Ch complex coacervates was investigated. An increase in maximum turbidity and a gradual shift of critical pH values towards the isoelectronic point of FPPI were observed as the FPPI/Ch ratio increased. Formation of FPPI/Ch complex coacervates was dominated by the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. FPPI/Ch complex coacervates exhibited a porous network microstructure and relatively uniform-sized and even-distributed pores were found in FPPI/Ch-HMW coacervates. Different thermodynamic profiles were observed during complex coacervation between FPPI and Ch with varying MWs and the largest binding stoichiometry was observed in the Ch-MMW at pH 6.6. In summary, the Ch-HMW was demonstrated to be most suitable for the formation of FPPI/Ch complex coacervates with homogenous microstructure but caused less changes in the tertiary conformation of FPPI compared to the Ch-LWM and Ch-MMW.

A Biorefinery Strategy That Introduces Hydrothermal Treatment Prior to Acid Hydrolysis for Co-generation of Furfural and Cellulose Nanocrystals.

Hydrothermal treatment of wood pulp at 150-225°C prior to acid hydrolysis was investigated in the context of isolating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The objective was 2-folds as follows: (a) generating furfural as a value-added co-product; and (b) concentrating and forming new CNC precursors through thermal re-orientation of para-crystalline cellulose chains that will in turn improve CNC recovery and yield. Furfural yields up to 19 and 21% xylan conversion were obtained at 200 and 225°C hydrothermal treatments, respectively. In addition, these hydrothermal treatment conditions increased the crystallinity index of the pulp (77%) to 84 and 80%, respectively. Consequently, the CNC yield from hydrothermally treated wood pulp, when compared to untreated wood pulp, improved by up to 4- and 2-folds, respectively. An efficient acid hydrolysis process with yield improvements can translate to reduced CNC isolation and purification costs and increased production capacity. The qualities of the CNCs in terms of particle size and crystallinity were not affected due to hydrothermal treatment. However, the zeta potential, sulfur, hydrogen, and oxygen content of the CNCs were significantly lower at 225°C while carbon composition increased, and dark brown coloration was observed that indicates caramelization. This study demonstrates for the first time a novel biorefinery strategy that introduces hydrothermal treatment prior to acid hydrolysis to co-generate furfural and CNC with improved efficiency.

The potential of fiber-depleted starch concentrate produced through air currents assisted particle separation of barley flour in bio-ethanol production.

Isolation of fiber concentrate enriched in ß-glucan from barley flour via air currents assisted particle separation (ACAPS) generates an underutilized by-product stream, starch concentrate. Since barley starch concentrate (BSC) is depleted in soluble fibre, we examined the enzyme requirements for its hydrolysis and subsequent fermentation. Lower doses of a common raw starch hydrolyzing enzyme (STARGEN™ 002) effectively hydrolyzed BSC, achieving similar hydrolysis kinetics to the wheat benchmark. Hydrolysis of BSC did not require further enzyme supplementation, which is required for optimal wheat hydrolysis. This likely resulted from the smaller particle size of BSC relative to wheat feedstocks. Interestingly, simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of BSC using a 0.25X dose of STARGEN™ 002 alone enabled efficient ethanol production, though a requirement for phosphorus supplementation was identified. This study proposes a biorefining strategy that supports the generation of a value-added co-product, starch concentrate, while significantly reducing the enzyme requirements for bioethanol production.

Effect of Soybean Soluble Polysaccharide on the Formation of Glucono-δ-Lactone-Induced Soybean Protein Isolate Gel.

The effect of soybean soluble polysaccharide (SSPS) on the formation of glucono-δ-lactone (GDL)-induced soybean protein isolate (SPI) gel was investigated. Electrophoretic analysis showed the SSPS did not change the electrophoretic behavior of SPI during the formation of SPI gel. However, infrared analysis indicated the ß-sheet content increased, and the contents of random coil and α-helix decreased in both cooked SPI and SPI gel. The SSPS and SPI might conjugate via the Maillard reaction according to the results of grafting degree, color change, and infrared analyses. The main interactions during the formation of SPI gel changed from non-covalent to electrostatic interaction after adding SSPS. Sulfhydryl group content also increased in both cooked SPI and SPI gel. The water-holding capacity and gel strength of SPI gel decreased as the SSPS concentration increased. Larger aggregate holes were observed in the microstructure of SPI gel at higher SSPS concentration. Thus, SSPS could covalently conjugate with SPI and influence the formation of hydrogen bonds, disulfide bonds, and electrostatic interaction among SPI molecules to eventually form a loose gel network.

Evaluation of biomolecular interactions of sulfated polysaccharide isolated from Grateloupia filicina on blood coagulation factors.

An edible marine red alga, Grateloupia filicina, collected from Jeju Island of Korea was hydrolyzed by cheap food-grade carbohydrases (Viscozyme, Celluclast, AMG, Termamyl, and Ultraflo) to investigate its anticoagulant activity. Among the tested enzymatic extracts of G. filicina, a Termamyl extract showed the highest anticoagulant activity. Anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and gelpermeation chromatography on Sepharose-4B were used to purify the active polysaccharide from the crude polysaccharide fraction of G. filicina. The purified sulfated polysaccharide (0.42 sulfate/total sugar) showed approximately 1,357 kDa molecular mass and was comprised mainly of galactose (98%) and 1-2% of glucose. The sample showed potential anticoagulant activity on activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin time (TT) assays. The purified G. filicina anticoagulant (GFA) inhibited the coagulation factor X (92%), factor II (82%), and factor VII (68%) of the coagulation cascade, and the molecular interaction (protein-polysaccharide) was highly enhanced in the presence of ATIII (antithrombin III). The dissociation constant of polysaccharide towards serine proteins decreased in the order of FXa (58.9 nM) >FIIa (74.6 nM) >FVII (109.3 nM). The low/less cytotoxicity of the polysaccharide benefits its use in the pharmaceutical industry; however, further studies that would help us to elucidate the mechanism of its activity are needed.

Rheological characterization of gum and starch nanoparticle blends.

Commercial interest on the application of starch nanoparticles (SNP) in food is rapidly growing. Since gums are commonly used in food processing for their texturizing functionality, it is important to understand the influence of SNP on gum rheology. λ-Carrageenan and xanthan gum were selected in this study due to their wide range of applications in food systems. SNP isolated from waxy (0% amylose) and high amylose maize (71% amylose) were used. Binary blends consisting of 0.5% (w/v) gum and different concentrations of SNP were prepared and their flow behaviors evaluated using a rheometer. The starch source, concentration and thermal stability of the SNP influenced the viscosity and viscoelastic properties of the gum-SNP blends, in particular in the low elasticity λ-carrageenan. The blends containing high concentrations of high amylose maize SNP, when compared to waxy SNP, showed higher viscoelastic stability at temperatures up to 90°C, possibly due to their higher thermal stability.

Enrichment of tocopherols and phytosterols in canola oil during seed germination.

The effect of canola (Brassica napus L.) seed germination under illuminated and dark environments on the total concentration and the composition of tocopherols and phytosterols in seedlings and extracted oil were investigated. During the first 10 days of germination, a decrease in gamma-tocopherol was offset by an increase in alpha-tocopherol, indicating the interconversion of these isomers. From day 10 to day 20 under illumination, there was a net increase in alpha-tocopherol and total tocopherols suggesting the synthesis of new tocopherols, whereas there was no net increase in tocopherols in dark. Tocopherols were mainly concentrated in the leafy seedling tops rather than in the non-photosynthesizing bottoms, whereas phytosterols were equally distributed across both sections. The total tocopherol content of oil extracted from 20-day-old seedlings was 4.3- to 6.5-fold higher than that of intact seeds. On a dry seedling basis, the content and composition of phytosterols did not change significantly (p > 0.05) over the sprouting period, but the concentration of total phytosterols in the oil fraction increased 4.2- to 5.2-fold. The concentration of these valuable phytochemicals in the oil fraction is largely due to the depletion of oil reserves during germination, as well as the de novo synthesis of new alpha-tocopherol stimulated by the presence of light. Germination may represent a viable means to naturally concentrate these high-value constituents in canola oil, offering improvements in oil quality based on the nutritional value and oxidative protection offered by tocopherols and the health benefits provided by both tocopherols and phytosterols.

ß-Glucans and Resistant Starch Alter the Fermentation of Recalcitrant Fibers in Growing Pigs.

Interactions among dietary ingredients are often assumed non-existent when evaluating the nutritive value and health effects of dietary fiber. Specific fibers can distinctly affect digestive processes; therefore, digestibility and fermentability of the complete diet may depend on fiber types present. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of readily fermentable fibers (ß-glucans and resistant starch) on the degradation of feed ingredients containing more persistent, recalcitrant, fibers. Six semi-synthetic diets with recalcitrant fibers from rapeseed meal (pectic polysaccharides, xyloglucans, and cellulose) or corn distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS; (glucurono)arabinoxylans and cellulose) with or without inclusion of ß-glucans (6%) or retrograded tapioca (40%) substituted for corn starch were formulated. Six ileal-cannulated pigs (BW 28±1.4 kg) were assigned to the diets according to a 6×6 Latin square. ß-glucan-extract increased apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of non-glucosyl polysaccharides (accounting for ~40% of the fiber-fraction) from rapeseed meal (6%-units, P<0.001), but did not affect non-glucosyl polysaccharides from DDGS. Retrograded tapioca reduced ATTD of non-glucosyl polysaccharides from rapeseed meal and DDGS (>10%-units, P<0.001), indicating that the large amount of resistant starch entering the hindgut was preferentially degraded over recalcitrant fibers from rapeseed meal and DDGS, possibly related to reduced hindgut-retention time following the increased intestinal bulk. Fermentation of fiber sources was not only dependent on fiber characteristics, but also on the presence of other fibers in the diet. Hence, interactions in the gastrointestinal tract among fibrous feed ingredients should be considered when evaluating their nutritive value.

Dry matter, lipids, and proteins of canola seeds as affected by germination and seedling growth under illuminated and dark environments.

The effect of germination and growth under illuminated and dark environments on canola seed reserves was investigated. Depletion of proteins and lipids in whole seedlings and their top (leaf/cotyledons) and bottom parts (stem/roots/seed coat) was independent of light, whereas the protein solubility increased at a faster rate under an illuminated environment than in the dark. A rapid increase in free fatty acids but a net decrease of dry matter content in seedlings grown in the dark environment was observed. The dry matter content of seedlings grown in the illuminated environment increased due to photosynthetic biomass accumulation.