Effect of sonoprocessing on the quality of plant-based analog foods: Compatibility to sustainable development goals, drawbacks and limitations.

Sonoprocessing (US), as one of the most well-known and widely used green processing techniques, has tremendous benefits to be used in the food industry. The urgent call for global sustainable food production encourages the usage of such techniques more often and effectively. Using ultrasound as a hurdle technology synergistically with other green methods is crucial to improving the efficiency of the protein shift as well as the number of plant-based analog foods (PBAFs) against conventional products. It was revealed that the US has a significant impact when used as an assistant tool with other green technologies rather than being used alone. It increases the protein extraction efficiencies from plant biomasses, improves the techno-functional properties of food compounds, and makes them more applicable for industrial-scale alternative food production in the circular economy. The US aligns well with the objectives outlined in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Planetary Boundaries (PBs) framework, demonstrating promising outcomes in life cycle assessment. However, several challenges such as uncontrolled complex matrix effect, free radical formation, uncontrolled microbial growth/germination or off-flavor formation, removal of aromatic compounds, and Maillard reaction, are revealed in an increased number of studies, all of which need to be considered. In addition to a variety of advantages, this review also discusses the drawbacks and limitations of US focusing on PBAF production.

Tea saponin-Zein binary complex as a quercetin delivery vehicle: Preparation, characterization, and functional evaluation.

In this study, in order to solve the application problems of poor water solubility and low bioavailability of quercetin, we prepared a nano-delivery system with core-shell structure by anti-solvent method, including a hydrophilic shell composed of tea saponin and a hydrophobic core composed of Zein, which was used to improve the delivery efficiency and biological activity of quercetin. Through the optimal experiments, the loading rate and encapsulation rate of nanoparticles reached 89.41 % and 7.94 % respectively. And the water solubility of quercetin is improved by 30.16 times. At the same time, the quercetin acted with Zein through non-covalent interaction and destroyed its spatial network through structural characterization, while tea saponin covered the surface of Zein through electrostatic interaction, making it change into amorphous state. In addition, the addition of tea saponin makes the nanoparticles remain stable under the changes of external environment. During simulating gastrointestinal digestion procedure, ZQTNPs has higher release rate and bioavailability than free quercetin. Importantly, ZQTNPs can overcome the limitations of a single substance through synergy. These results will promote the innovative development of quercetin precision nutrition delivery system.

Characterization of the extracellular proteases from Bacillus inaquosorum strain E1-8 and its application in the preparation of hydrolysates from plant and animal proteins with antioxidant, antifreeze and anti-browning properties.

BACKGROUND: Bacillus inaquosorum strains is widely recognized for their plant-growth-promoting and biocontrol capabilities, yet their roles in protease production remain unclear. The present study aimed to comprehensively assess the protease-producing performance of B. inaquosorum strain E1-8, at the same time as exploring the novel application of agricultural Bacillus proteases in the preparation of protein hydrolysates for fresh-cut fruits preservation. RESULTS: First, genomic sequencing revealed the diversity of E1-8 proteases, indicating 15 putative extracellular proteases. Subsequently, the fermentation conditions for E1-8 protease production were optimized, with sweet potato powder and soybean meal identified as the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, resulting in a maximum protease activity of 321.48 U mL-1. Upon culturing the strain under these optimized conditions, only an S8 family serine protease and an M48 family metalloprotease were revealed by secretomic analysis and protease inhibitor assays. Additionally, the optimal protease conditions for generating protein hydrolysates from soy, pea, fish and porcine proteins were determined. The molecular weight of the hydrolysates primarily ranged from 2000 to 180 Da, with a total of 17 amino acids identified. The application of these hydrolysates demonstrated a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (i.e. DPPH) scavenging activity ranging from 58.64% to 84.12%, significantly reducing of the melting peaks and the freezing points. Furthermore, the browning index of apple slices stored at 4 °C decreased by 14.81% to 22.15% on the second day, and similar effects were observed in fresh-cut banana stored at 4 °C for 7 days. CONCLUSION: The protein hydrolysates obtained exhibit remarkable antioxidant, antifreeze and anti-browning properties for fresh-cut fruits. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Novel high internal phase emulsion gels stabilized solely by hemp protein isolate: Enhancement of cannabidiol chemical stability and bioaccessibility.

This study aims to fabricate high internal phase emulsion gels (HIPEGs) using modified hemp protein isolates for microencapsulating cannabidiol (CBD) to enhance their chemical stability and bioaccessibility. Importantly, the combined effect of CBD concentrations (0.1 vs 0.5 wt%) and post gel storage conditions (before-refrigeration (BR) vs after-refrigeration (AR)) on the properties of HIPEGs were investigated. The results showed that the CBD concentration above 0.4 % is necessary to fabricate a stable HIPEG. The rheological properties of HIPEGs were influenced by CBD concentration and refrigeration. The AR gels with 0.5 % CBD showed the highest gel strength (up to 91.7 Pa) and solid-like structures. These properties allowed to HIPEGs maintain good physical stability during storage at 4, 25, and 37 °C for 14 days due to the interconnected polyhedral protein matrices and thick interfacial protein layers. These unique protein architectures offered superior protection against CBD degradation (<2 % of initial added amount) for 100 days during exposure to light and temperature (25 or 37 °C). The INFOGEST digestion results showed the BR gels effectively protected CBD during digestion and consequently improved their stability and bioaccessibility up to 95 % and 74 %, respectively. Overall, the fabricated HIPEGs could be valuable for nutraceutical delivery.

Effect of high plant protein/peptide nutrition supplementation on knee osteoarthritis in older adults with sarcopenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Skeletal muscle is an important contributor to joint health. Previous studies have shown that age-related muscle mass and strength loss are closely associated with the development of knee osteoarthritis. The objective of this study is to investigate whether a high plant protein/peptide nutrition supplementation can alleviate knee osteoarthritis by improving muscle mass and strength. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that included participants aged 50-70 years diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and sarcopenia was conducted in China from February 2022 to September 2022 (ChiCTR2200056415). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a 12-week high plant protein/peptide nutrition supplementation or a placebo twice daily, with one serving each after breakfast and dinner, respectively. The primary outcome analyzed using intention-to-treat analysis was difference in Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) from baseline to week 12 between the two groups. The secondary outcomes included changes in muscle mass, strength, symptom and imaging of knee osteoarthritis, body composition, biochemical parameters, and health quality scores. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, a total of 124 participants (38.7% male) completed the trial and were included in the final analysis. Over the 12-week follow-up, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the SPPB total score (1.03, 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.38, P < 0.0001) compared with the placebo group. Grip strength (2.83 kg, 95% CI, 2.13 to 3.53, P < 0.0001) and skeletal muscle mass index (0.66 kg/m2, 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.86, P < 0.0001) were also significantly increased in the experimental group relative to the placebo group. The mean change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index total score was -3.95 points (95% CI, -5.02 to -2.89, P < 0.0001) in the experimental group and 0.23 points (95% CI, -0.17 to 0.63, P = 0.253) in the placebo group. Additionally, within the experimental group, nine participants experienced an improvement in osteophyte magnetic resonance imaging results, while no improvement was observed in the placebo group. The experimental group also exhibited significant improvements in health quality compared with the placebo group as assessed by Short Form 36, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Scale, and the Chalder Fatigue Scale. No serious adverse events were reported during the trial. CONCLUSION: Oral supplementation with high levels of plant protein/peptides can alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis in elderly individuals with minor or mild knee osteoarthritis and sarcopenia. This improvement may be attributed to the enhancements of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance.

The microbial contaminants of plant-based meat analogues from the retail market.

The aim of the study was to analyse the key microbial contaminants of plant-based meat analogues (PBMA) from retail. A total of 43 samples of PBMAs (12 frozen/31 chilled) in the "ready-to-cook" category, such as hamburgers, meatballs or breaded imitation steaks were purchased in retail stores in the Czech Republic in summer (n = 21) and autumn 2022 (n = 22). The detected indicator bacteria (total viable count, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, yeasts, moulds) had relatively low values in the analysed PBMA samples and only rarely reached levels of 7 log CFU/g. E. coli, STEC and coagulase-positive staphylococci were not detected by isolation from plates in any of analysed samples. Mannitol positive Bacillus spp. were isolated from almost half of the analysed samples of the PBMA. B. cereus sensu lato was isolated from 3 samples by isolation from plates, and after enrichment in 35 samples (81 %). Clostridium perfringens could not be detected by isolation from plates, nevertheless after multiplication, it was detected in 21 % of samples. Analyses of PBMA samples revealed considerable variability in microbial quality. The presence of spore-forming bacteria with the potential to cause foodborne diseases is alarming. However, to evaluate the risks, further research focused on the possibilities of growth under different conditions of culinary treatment and preservation is needed.

Toward Diverse Plant Proteins for Food Innovation.

This review highlights the development of plant proteins from a wide variety of sources, as most of the research and development efforts to date have been limited to a few sources including soy, chickpea, wheat, and pea. The native structure of plant proteins during production and their impact on food colloids including emulsions, foams, and gels are considered in relation to their fundamental properties, while highlighting the recent developments in the production and processing technologies with regard to their impacts on the molecular properties and aggregation of the proteins. The ability to quantify structural, morphological, and rheological properties can provide a better understanding of the roles of plant proteins in food systems. The applications of plant proteins as dairy and meat alternatives are discussed from the perspective of food structure formation. Future directions on the processing of plant proteins and potential applications are outlined to encourage the generation of more diverse plant-based products.

Plant-Based Meat Analogues and Consumer Interest in 3D-Printed Products: A Mini-Review.

The markets for plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs) are growing worldwide, showing the increasing consumer demand for and acceptance of these new products. Three-dimensional (3D) food printing is a new technology with huge potential for printing products customised to suit consumers' wants and needs. There is a broad acceptance from consumers regarding the safety and desirability of consuming food products that are produced using 3D printing. As this is a new technology, consumers must be provided with relevant information from a trusted source, with further research needing to be conducted within the context of the identified market and culture. By embracing the strength of customisation of 3D printing and coupling this with the global demand for plant-based products, 3D printed PBMAs could be a future challenger to the currently popular production method of extrusion. Therefore, this article reviews consumer interests in PBMAs and summarises opportunities for using 3D printing technology to produce plant-based meat analogues.

Plant proteins, peptides, and non-protein amino acids: Toxicity, sources, and analysis.

Plants have evolved various mechanisms to synthesize diverse range of substances that contribute to their survival against pests, pathogens, predators, and adverse environmental conditions. Although several plant metabolites possess therapeutic potential, some can be potentially harmful to human and animal health when consumed in large proportion. Proteins, peptides, and non-protein amino acids are products of plant biochemical pathways with proven beneficial and nutritional effects. Despite these benefits, the in vivo toxicities associated with certain plant-derived proteins, peptides, and non-protein amino acids pose a significant risk to humans and animals. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair and weight loss, goiter, cataracts, and infertility. Even though plant processing methods such as soaking and drying can reduce the amount of toxin contained in plants, complete riddance is often impossible. As such, food regulatory bodies need to prevent uncontrolled consumption of the listed and many other toxin-containing plant species to keep the public safe. For this purpose, this review collates crucial insights into the sources, and in vivo toxicity associated with certain plant-derived proteins, peptides, and non-protein amino acids that have the clear potential to adversely affect human health. Additionally, this review provides information on analytical methods suitable for the detection of these substances in plants.

Impacts of dietary animal and plant protein on weight and glycemic control in health, obesity and type 2 diabetes: friend or foe?

It is well established that high-protein diets (i.e. ~25-30% of energy intake from protein) provide benefits for achieving weight loss, and subsequent weight maintenance, in individuals with obesity, and improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D). These effects may be attributable to the superior satiating property of protein, at least in part, through stimulation of both gastrointestinal (GI) mechanisms by protein, involving GI hormone release and slowing of gastric emptying, as well as post-absorptive mechanisms facilitated by circulating amino acids. In contrast, there is evidence that the beneficial effects of greater protein intake on body weight and glycemia may only be sustained for 6-12 months. While both suboptimal dietary compliance and metabolic adaptation, as well as substantial limitations in the design of longer-term studies are all likely to contribute to this contradiction, the source of dietary protein (i.e. animal vs. plant) has received inappropriately little attention. This issue has been highlighted by outcomes of recent epidemiological studies indicating that long-term consumption of animal-based protein may have adverse effects in relation to the development of obesity and T2D, while plant-based protein showed either protective or neutral effects. This review examines information relating to the effects of dietary protein on appetite, energy intake and postprandial glycemia, and the relevant GI functions, as reported in acute, intermediate- and long-term studies in humans. We also evaluate knowledge relating to the relevance of the dietary protein source, specifically animal or plant, to the prevention, and management, of obesity and T2D.

Reduction of antinutrients and off-flavour in kidney bean flour by acidic and alkaline reactive extrusion.

The presence of antinutrients and undesirable flavours in kidney bean flour poses challenges to consumer acceptance. Although extrusion can mitigate antinutrients to some extent, its impact on reducing beany flavour in bean flour remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of injecting acetic acid or sodium carbonate solutions at three concentration levels (0.05, 0.1, 0.15 mol/L), in conjunction with three temperature profiles (40/60/80/80/90, 40/60/80/90/110, 50/70/90/110/130 °C) and two feed moisture levels (25, 30 %), on the removal of antinutrients (condensed tannins, trypsin inhibitor activity, phytic acid, raffinose family oligosaccharides) and reduction of volatile compounds that contribute to beany flavour in whole kidney bean flour. The results showed that all concentrations of acetic acid and sodium carbonate solutions effectively reduced condensed tannins compared to water, especially at 130 °C extrusion temperature. Introducing acetic acid and sodium carbonate solutions at a concentration of 0.15 mol/L led to 72 and 90 % reduction of total raffinose family oligosaccharide content, respectively, in contrast to the 17 % reduction observed with water alone. The incorporation of sodium carbonate solution reduced the total volatile compounds by 45-58 % as compared with water (23-33 %) and acetic acid (11-27 %). This reduction was primarily due to the reduction of aldehydes, alcohols, and aromatic hydrocarbons. These results indicate that injecting sodium carbonate solution during extrusion can effectively reduce antinutrients and beany flavour compounds in kidney bean flour.

Comparing Nutrient Profiles of Meat and Fish with Plant-Based Alternatives: Analysis of Nutrients, Ingredients, and Fortification Patterns.

Nutrient quality of plant-based meat and fish alternative (MFA) products has been reported as variable. The present objective was to compare the nutrient density of raw meat and fish with MFA products and to examine MFA ingredients and fortification patterns. Nutrient composition data for raw beef, pork, and chicken (n = 450) came from the USDA Standard Reference Legacy Reselase (SR28) nutrient composition database (n = 450). Data for plant-based meat alternatives (n = 118) came from the USDA Branded Food Products Database (BFPDB). Data for fish and seafood (n = 68) and alternatives (n = 12) came from the Danish Frida Database and Mintel (n = 503). Analyses compared macronutrient content and selected micronutrients per 100 g and percentage of US Daily Values. Nutrient density scores were based on the NRF5.3 algorithm. NRF5.3 scores were significantly lower for MFA products as compared to meat or fish. Saturated fat content was lower, but the mean MFA sodium content was 660 mg/100 g compared to 60 mg/100 g for beef. Mean protein content (17 g) was lower than for beef and pork (20 g). A search of ingredient lists found that fortification with most nutrients associated with animal source proteins (such as B vitamins, vitamin D, iodine, zinc, and omega-3 EPA and DHA) was minimal. Plant-based MFA products would benefit from nutrient standards and fortification guidelines to ensure that these products are not nutritionally inferior to the originals.

Compliance with a Healthful Plant-Based Diet Is Associated with Kidney Function in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetic kidney disorder with multiple cyst formation that progresses to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease. Plant-based diets have attracted considerable attention because they may prevent CKD development. This study investigated whether adherence to a plant-based diet is associated with kidney function in patients with ADPKD. The overall plant-based diet index (PDI), healthful PDI (hPDI), and unhealthful PDI (uPDI) were calculated using dietary intake data. Among 106 ADPKD patients, 37 (34.91%) were classified as having advanced CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). The overall PDI and hPDI were lower, but the uPDI was higher in patients with advanced CKD than in those with early CKD. The hPDI was negatively correlated with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio. Moreover, the hPDI was inversely associated with advanced CKD [odds ratio (OR): 0.117 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.039-0.351), p < 0.001], and the uPDI was positively associated with advanced CKD [OR: 8.450 (95% CI: 2.810-25.409), p < 0.001]. The findings of the current study demonstrate that greater adherence to a healthful plant-based diet is associated with improved kidney function in ADPKD patients.

Protein Adequacy, Plant Protein Proportion, and Main Plant Protein Sources Consumed Across Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescovegetarian, and Semivegetarian Diets: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: There are several types of plant-based diets, with unknown differences across diets on total/plant protein intake and variety of plant protein sources consumed. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to compare total protein intake, proportion of plant proteins, and main plant protein sources consumed across 4 primarily plant-based diets: vegan, vegetarian, pescovegetarian, and semivegetarian. METHODS: We included observational studies reporting on protein intake and/or protein sources in generally healthy adults that were published between 2002 and 2023. We determined the following: 1) % energy from total and plant protein; 2) the proportion of plant protein relative to total protein intake; and 3) main plant protein sources (median percentage contribution of each source to total plant protein intake; interquartile range) consumed across the 4 diets. The plant protein sources were broadly classified into the following United States Department of Agriculture food groups: grains; nuts and seeds; soy products; and beans, peas, and lentils. RESULTS: We included 13 studies reporting on protein intake/sources that were conducted in the United States, Europe, and South Korea. Of these, 7 reported on vegan, 11 on vegetarian, 7 on pescovegetarian, and 7 on semivegetarian diets with total protein intake ranging from 10% to 17.4%. Vegan diets had the highest plant protein proportion (range: 77%-98%) and semivegetarian diets the lowest (range: 37%-83%). Plant protein source contribution was the highest from grains (range: 60%-78%). Nuts and seeds were the most consumed in vegetarian diets (7.9%; 2.9%-10.3%) and least in semivegetarian diets (3.7%; 2%-14.8%). Soy products and beans, peas, and lentils were most consumed in vegan diets (17.3%; 16.3%-19.9, and 19.6%; 14.6%-21.3, respectively) and least in semivegetarian (3.7%; 1.3%-13.9%, and 8.5%; 5.2%-10.2%) diets. CONCLUSIONS: Vegan diets has the highest plant protein proportion and a variety of plant protein sources, while semivegetarian diets has the lowest plant protein proportion and mainly relied on grains as a plant protein source.

Comprehensive review of plant-derived anti-hyperlipidemia peptides: Production, anti-hyperlipidemia mechanism, and structure-activity relationship study.

Hyperlipidemia, an elevated level of cholesterol and/or triglycerides, has become a major public health problem worldwide. Although drugs intervention is effective in treating hyperlipidemia, most of them have adverse side effects. Peptides from natural plants with high anti-hyperlipidemic activity and a strong safety profile have emerged as promising candidates to prevent and ameliorate hyperlipidemia. This review summarizes the recent advances in plant-derived anti-hyperlipidemic peptides in terms of their sources, production, purification, identification, and activity evaluation. The focus is extended to their potential anti-hyperlipidemic mechanisms and structure-function relationships. Bioactive peptides derived from various plant sources, especially peptides containing hydrophobic and/or acidic amino acids, have shown remarkable effects in hyperlipidemic treatment. Their anti-hyperlipidemic effects are mediated by various mechanisms, including regulation of cholesterol metabolism and triglyceride metabolism, inhibition of inflammation-related metabolic syndrome, and modulation of the gut microbiota. Further evaluation of the stability, bioavailability, and clinical efficacy of these peptides is recommended.

Protein-Chlorogenic Acid Interactions: Mechanisms, Characteristics, and Potential Food Applications.

The interactions between proteins and chlorogenic acid (CGA) have gained significant attention in recent years, not only as a promising approach to modify the structural and techno-functional properties of proteins but also to enhance their bioactive potential in food systems. These interactions can be divided into covalent (chemical or irreversible) and non-covalent (physical or reversible) linkages. Mechanistically, CGA forms covalent bonds with nucleophilic amino acid residues of proteins by alkaline, free radical, and enzymatic approaches, leading to changes in protein structure and functionality, such as solubility, emulsification properties, and antioxidant activity. In addition, the protein-CGA complexes can be obtained by hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, and van der Waals forces, each offering unique advantages and outcomes. This review highlights the mechanism of these interactions and their importance in modifying the structural, functional, nutritional, and physiological attributes of animal- and plant-based proteins. Moreover, the potential applications of these protein-CGA conjugates/complexes are explored in various food systems, such as beverages, films and coatings, emulsion-based delivery systems, and so on. Overall, this literature review provides an in-depth overview of protein-CGA interactions, offering valuable insights for future research to develop novel protein-based food and non-food products with improved nutritional and functional characteristics.

Association between total, animal, and plant protein intake and type 2 diabetes risk in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: While clinical studies indicate that dietary protein may benefit glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetes (T2D), the impact of dietary protein, including whether the protein is of animal or plant origin, on the risk of T2D is uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the associations of total, animal, and plant protein intakes with the risk of T2D. METHODS: A systematic search was performed using multiple data sources, including PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, with the data cut-off in May 2023. Our selection criteria focused on prospective cohort studies that reported risk estimates for the association between protein intake and T2D risk. For data synthesis, we calculated summary relative risks and 95% confidence intervals for the highest versus lowest categories of protein intake using random-effects models. Furthermore, we conducted both linear and non-linear dose-response analyses to assess the dose-response associations between protein intake and T2D risk. RESULTS: Sixteen prospective cohort studies, involving 615,125 participants and 52,342 T2D cases, were identified, of which eleven studies reported data on intake of both animal and plant protein. Intakes of total (pooled effect size: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04-1.24) and animal (pooled effect size: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.09-1.27) protein were associated with an increased risk of T2D. These effects were dose-related - each 20-g increase in total or animal protein intake increased the risk of T2D by ∼3% and ∼7%, respectively. In contrast, there was no association between intake of plant protein and T2D risk (pooled effect size: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.89-1.08), while replacing animal with plant protein intake (per each 20 g) was associated with a reduced risk of T2D (pooled effect size: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.76-0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that long-term consumption of animal, but not plant, protein is associated with a significant and dose-dependent increase in the risk of T2D, with the implication that replacement of animal with plant protein intake may lower the risk of T2D.

Addressing astringency of grape seed extract by covalent conjugation with lupin protein.

Astringency of phenolic-rich foods is a key tactile perception responsible for acceptability/rejection of plant extracts as ingredients in formulations. Covalent conjugation of phenolic extracts with plant proteins might be a promising strategy to control astringency, but suffers from a lack of mechanistic understanding from the lubrication point of view. To shed light on this, this ex vivo study evaluated the effect of conjugation of a phenolic grape seed extract (GSE) with legume protein (lupin, LP) on tribological and surface adsorption performance of GSE in the absence and presence of human saliva (ex vivo). Tribological results confirmed GSE had an inferior lubrication capacity as compared to LP. The lubrication performance of LP-GSE dispersions was comparable to their corresponding LP dispersion (p > 0.05) when covalently conjugated with LP (LP-GSE) with increasing LP:GSE ratio up to 1:0.04 w/w and at a specific degree of conjugation (DC: 2%). Tribological and surface adsorption measurements confirmed the tendency of GSE to interact with human saliva (ex vivo, n = 17 subjects), impairing the lubricity of salivary films. The covalent bonding of LP to GSE hindered GSE's interaction with human saliva, implying the potential influence of covalent conjugation on attenuating astringency. LP appeared to compete with human saliva for surface adsorption and governed the lubrication behaviour in LP-GSE dispersions. Findings from this study provide valuable knowledge to guide the rational design of sustainable, functional foods using conjugation of phenolics with plant proteins to incorporate larger proportions of health-promoting phenolics while controlling astringency, which needs validation by sensory trials.

Replacing the animal fat in Bologna sausages using high internal phase emulsion stabilized with lentil protein isolate (Lens culinaris).

High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) are promising techniques that can replace saturated fat in food without reducing the product's texture, sensory attributes, water-holding capacity, and cooking loss. In the current investigation, 100% pork back fat was replaced by HIPEs formed with lentil protein isolate (LPI) in Bologna sausages. HIPEs were prepared by 25% LPI dispersion (2, 4, 6, and 8%, w/w) and 75% (w/w) soybean oil. HIPEs with higher LPI concentration (4, 6, and 8%, w/w) showed lower droplet size, firmer appearance, and better rheology behavior than 2% LPI. The concentrations LPI (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%, w/w) led to increased moisture in sausages (FH2, FH4, FH6, and FH8, respectively) compared to the FC. These LPI levels resulted in sausage values for pressed juice similar to the FC and lower energy values than sausages with soybean oil (FO) and pork back fat (FC). Besides, these LPI concentrations (4%, 6%, and 8%, w/w) resulted in a lower oil oxidation level in sausages with HIPEs (FH4, FH6, and FH8, respectively) compared to the control sausage formulation with pork back fat (FC). Bologna sausages elaborated with HIPEs showed emulsion stability values higher than 97%, without significance difference between them. The texture and sensory properties of sausages made with HIPEs were comparable to those made with pork back fat. HIPEs may improve the oxidation stability of the Bologna sausages. These results highlight the effectiveness of HIPEs structured with lentil protein in successfully substituting pork back fat in Bologna sausages with a better nutritional appeal.