Chemical composition and sensory profiling of coffees treated with asparaginase to decrease acrylamide formation during roasting.

Acrylamide is an amide formed in the Maillard reaction, with asparagine as the primary amino acid precursor. The intake of large amounts of acrylamide has induced genotoxic and carcinogenic effects in hormone-sensitive tissues of animals. The enzime asparaginase is one of the most effective methods for lowering the formation of acrylamide in foods such as potatoes. However, the reported sensory outcomes for coffee have been unsatisfactory so far. This study aimed to produce coffees with reduced levels of acrylamide by treating them with asparaginase while retaining their original sensory and bioactive profiles. Three raw samples of Coffea arabica, including two specialty coffees, and one of Coffea canephora were treated with 1000, 2000, and 3000 ASNU of the enzyme. Asparagine and bioactive compounds (chlorogenic acids-CGA, caffeine, and trigonelline) were quantified in raw and roasted beans by HPLC and LC-MS, while the determination of acrylamide and volatile organic compounds was performed in roasted beans by CG-MS. Soluble solids, titratable acidity, and pH were also determined. Professional cupping by Q-graders and consumer sensory tests were also conducted. Results were analyzed by ANOVA-Fisher, MFA, PCA and Cluster analyses, with significance levels set at p ≤ 0.05. Steam treatment alone decreased acrylamide content by 18.4%, on average, and 6.1% in medium roasted arabica and canefora coffees. Average reductions of 32.5-56.0% in acrylamide formation were observed in medium roasted arabica beans when 1000-3000 ASNU were applied. In the canefora sample, 59.4-60.7% reductions were observed. However, steam treatment primarily caused 17.1-26.7% reduction of total CGA and lactones in medium roasted arabica samples and 13.9-22.0% in canefora sample, while changes in trigonelline, caffeine, and other evaluated chemical parameters, including the volatile profiles were minimal. Increasing enzyme loads slightly elevated acidity. The only sensory changes observed by Q-graders and or consumers in treated samples were a modest increase in acidity when 3000 ASNU was used in the sample with lower acidity, loss of mild off-notes in control samples, and increased perception of sensory descriptors. The former was selected given the similarity in chemical outcomes among beans treated with 2000 and 3000 ASNU loads.

Hybrid Fruits for Improving Health-A Comprehensive Review.

Several species of hybrid fruits, such as citrus, grapes, blueberries, apples, tomatoes, and lingonberries among others, have attracted scientific attention in recent years, especially due to their reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The bagasse, leaves, bark, and seeds of these hybrid fruits have large amounts of polyphenols, such as flavonoids, which act as potent antioxidants. Several studies have been carried out in cellular models of neurotoxicity of the extract of these fruits, to document the beneficial effects for human health, as well as to prove its antiproliferative effect in cancer cells. In the present review, through a synthesis of existing information in the scientific literature, we demonstrate that hybrid fruits are a source of antioxidant and bioactive compounds, which act in the inhibition of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, and consequently improving human health.

A review of in vitro methods to evaluate the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in tropical fruits.

International guidelines strongly advise about the frequent and varied intake of plant in diet. In this scenario, the consumption of fruits is closely related to health benefits due to the abundant presence of bioactive substances. Accordingly, the production of tropical fruits has stood out worldwide, reaching records since the past decade. However, to ensure that phenolic substances are indeed used by the body, they need to be accessible for absorption. For this purpose, several methods are used to assess the phenomenon of bioaccessibility. We provide information on i) in vitro methods for the evaluation of the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in tropical fruits, including their derivatives and by-products; ii) a study performed using a semi-dynamic in vitro digestion model; iii) simulated digestion with a dialysis membrane step, polyphenol transport/uptake using cell culture, and in vitro colonic fermentation process. Although standardized static and semi-dynamic in vitro digestion methods already exist, few studies use these protocols to assess the bioaccessibility of polyphenols in tropical fruits. To guarantee that in vitro digestion assays reproduce consistent results compared to in vivo reference methods, it is essential to universalize standardized methods that allow the comparison between results, enabling the validation of in vitro digestion methods.

Molecular Mechanisms of Coffee on Prostate Cancer Prevention.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common types of cancer among men, and coffee is associated with a reduced risk of developing PCa. Therefore, we aim to review possible coffee molecular mechanisms that contribute to PCa prevention. Coffee has an important antioxidant capacity that reduces oxidative stress, leading to a reduced mutation in cells. Beyond direct antioxidant activity, coffee stimulates phase II enzymatic activity, which is related to the detoxification of reactive metabolites. The anti-inflammatory effects of coffee reduce tissue damage related to PCa development. Coffee induces autophagy, regulates the NF-κB pathway, and reduces the expression of iNOS and inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and CRP. Also, coffee modulates transcriptional factors and pathways. It has been shown that coffee increases testosterone and reduces sex hormone-binding globulin, estrogen, and prostate-specific antigen. Coffee also enhances insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. All these effects may contribute to protection against PCa development.

Evaluation of the antioxidant capacity, volatile composition and phenolic content of hybrid Vitis vinifera L. varieties sweet sapphire and sweet surprise.

Bioactive compounds were extracted using two different extraction solvents (acetone and water) from pulp and whole grape berries derived from hybrid Vitis vinifera L. varieties Sweet sapphire (SP) and Sweet surprise (SU) and were characterised based on a comprehensive metabolomic approach by chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MSE and GC-FID/MS). GC-FID/MS analysis was performed with two different extraction methods (solvent extraction method and solid-phase extraction). Anthocyanins were characterised and quantified by HPLC-UV. The antioxidant potential was assessed by different assays. SP acetone extract from grape skin had the highest mean to DPPH, FRAP, ORAC and phenolic content SP samples, also showed higher anthocyanin content. Globally, 87 phenolic compounds were identified. The relative quantification by UPLC-MSE showed flavonoids the most abundant class. Forty two compounds were found in the volatile fraction of SU, while only thirty one volatile compounds were found in the SP samples.

Ochratoxin a levels in fermented specialty coffees from Caparaó, Brazil: Is it a cause of concern for coffee drinkers?

Although postharvest coffee fruit fermentation can improve coffee flavour and quality, the mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) can also be a result of microbiological activity, albeit in the later drying step of coffee processing. To evaluate the possible occurrence of OTA contamination in postharvest fruit fermentation, fourteen coffees that entailed two different postharvest fruit fermentation times were evaluated. These coffees originated in the surroundings of the village of Pedra Menina in the qualified Denomination of Origin and coffee producer region of Caparaó on the border between Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo states in Brazil. All coffees were classified according to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) protocol and 12 achieved specialty level. OTA was determined in all 14 coffees using immunoaffinity for sample clean-up and high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection for quantification. One sample presented an OTA concentration of 0.75 µg kg-1 and two samples showed OTA concentrations of 0.87 µg kg-1. The other samples had concentrations of OTA below the limit of quantification obtained in this work (0.64 µg kg-1). Thus, all samples showed OTA concentrations far below the most stringent maximum residue limit (MRL) of 5 µg kg-1 established for roasted coffees by European legislation. These low levels were similar to most of the previous results for Brazilian coffees listed and tabled in this work. This comparison showed that OTA contamination due to this kind of postharvest process - fruit fermentation - should not be a concern for producers and consumers of these fermented coffees.

Antitumor Effects of Freeze-Dried Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora) Extracts on Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

Coffee consumption is believed to have chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects and to contribute to preventing the development and progression of cancer. However, there is still controversy around these claims. As indicated in our previous works, diet can influence the risk of breast cancer. Intake of coffee is hypothesized to reduce this risk, but current scientific evidence is not conclusive. This work is aimed at studying the effects of Robusta coffee bean extract on cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis of different human cancers, especially breast cancer cell lines. To this end, cell viability was evaluated by Alamar Blue in 2D and 3D models, the cell cycle by PI, apoptosis by annexin V, mitochondrial morphology, and functionality by mitoTracker, and colony formation capacity by the clonogenic assay. Green and dark coffee extract significantly reduced viability in human breast, colorectal, brain, and bone cancer cells. Coffee anticancer activity was clearly evidenced in MDA-MB-231 (ER-) and MCF-7 (ER+) breast cancer cells but not in the normal breast cell line. In addition, coffee extract induces an increase S phase and a decrease G2/M population in breast cancer cells, affected the mitochondrial morphology, and triggered apoptosis. MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells lost their clonogenic capacity after treatment. The antitumor activity was demonstrated in both 2D and 3D culture cell models.

Bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and antiproliferative effects in prostate cancer cells of green and roasted coffee extracts obtained by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE).

Coffee consumption has been investigated as a protective factor against prostate cancer. Coffee may be related to prostate cancer risk reduction due to its phytochemical compounds, such as caffeine, chlorogenic acids, and trigonelline. The roasting process affects the content of the phytochemicals and undesired compounds can be formed. Microwave-assisted extraction is an alternative to conventional extraction techniques since it preserves more bioactive compounds. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and the putative preventive effects in prostate cancer development of coffee beans submitted to four different coffee-roasting degrees extracted using microwave-assisted extraction. Coffea arabica green beans (1) were roasted into light (2), medium (3) and dark (4) and these four coffee samples were submitted to microwave-assisted extraction. The antioxidant capacity of these samples was evaluated by five different methods. Caffeine, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were measured through HPLC. Samples were tested against PC-3 and DU-145 metastatic prostate cancer cell lines regarding their effects on cell viability, cell cycle progression and apoptotic cell death. We found that green and light roasted coffee extracts had the highest antioxidant activity. Caffeine content was not affected by roasting, chlorogenic acid was degraded due to the temperature, and caffeic acid increased in light roasted and decreased in medium and dark roasted. Green and light roasted coffee extracts promoted higher inhibition of cell viability, caused greater cell cycle arrest in S and G2/M and induced apoptosis more compared to medium and dark roasted coffee extracts and the control samples. Coffee extracts were more effective against DU-145 than in PC-3 cells. Our data provide initial evidence that among the four tested samples, the consumption of green and light coffee extracts contributes to inhibit prostate cancer tumor progression features, potentially preventing aspects related to advanced prostate cancer subtypes.

Potential use of vegetable proteins to reduce Brazil nut oil oxidation in microparticle systems.

Brazil nut oil is mostly composed of unsaturated fatty acids, some of which are associated with decreased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Vegetable proteins have been increasingly used as wall material for partial replacement of carbohydrates and whey proteins. In order to create an oil preservation method, Brazil nut oil was encapsulated with three different types of vegetable protein concentrates and gum arabic (GA): rice (RPC + GA); pea (PPC + GA); and soy (SPC + GA) .For this purpose, vegetable protein concentrates were characterized, and after the drying process the physicochemical characteristics of the microparticles were evaluated. The most stable emulsion, after seven days of evaluation, was composed of RPC + GA. RPC + GA. This treatment was also more stable based on the shelf life assessments. We concluded that RCP microparticles were the best option for encapsulating Brazil nut oil in comparison with the other particles evaluated. In addition, the product obtained is potentially capable of being included in various processed foods.

Fruit-based drink sensory, physicochemical, and antioxidant properties in the Amazon region: Murici (Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth and verbascifolia (L.) DC) and tapereba (Spondia mombin).

Increased fruit consumption due its protective effect on the organism is accompanied by the development of the processing industry of these products. The aim of this work was to optimize fruit pulp-based beverage formulations from the murici and tapereba Amazon region, taking into account their sensory acceptance and antioxidant activity. Total soluble solid content, reducing sugar content, titratable acidity contents, pH, and ascorbic acid content were determined in pulps and formulations. The total content phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were also evaluated. A 22 factorial experiment was formulated to optimize ingredients for the production of murici and tapereba fruit drinks. The murici pulp had higher acidity and higher ascorbic acid content. The analysis of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity presented higher quantity in tapereba pulp. Tapereba-based beverages had better acceptance by the evaluated criteria. Fruit-based beverages murici and tapereba are a well-accepted product and have important nutritional characteristics.

Effect of the roasting levels of Coffea arabica L. extracts on their potential antioxidant capacity and antiproliferative activity in human prostate cancer cells.

Coffee, besides being one of the most consumed stimulating beverages in the world, has important bioactive activities, which have been attracting increasing attention from researchers. However, the standard process of roasting causes changes in its chemical composition. In the present study, extracts obtained from green and roasted beans (light, medium and dark) of Coffea arabica Linnaeus were submitted to high-power ultrasonic extraction and atomization by spray drying. Colorimetric analysis was used to classify the roasting levels of the dried extract samples. The effects of the roasting process on the bioactivity of the dried extracts were verified through the following assays: caffeine, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, by HPLC-PDA; total phenolics by Folin-Ciocalteu; antioxidant activity by DPPH, FRAP, ABTS and ORAC; antiproliferative activity, using the MTT assay; and cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry in metastatic prostate cancer cell lines from bone (PC-3) and brain (DU-145). The results showed that the lowest levels of caffeine, chlorogenic and caffeic acids were observed in dark roasted coffee. In comparison to medium and dark extracts in PC-3 cells, the green and light coffee extracts had higher antioxidant activities and promoted cytotoxicity followed by cell cycle arrest in phase S and apoptosis induction. Thus, the roasting level of the coffee extracts may be related to the potential chemoprotective effects of Coffea arabica L. in prostate cancer cells.

Amazon Fruits Inhibit Growth and Promote Pro-apoptotic Effects on Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Lines.

Murici (Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth and B. verbascifolia (L.) DC.) and tapereba (Spondias mombin) are Amazonian fruits that contain bioactive compounds. Biochemical and molecular characterization of these fruits can reveal their potential use in preventing diseases, including cancer. The extracts were characterized regarding the presence and profile of carotenoids by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total phenolic content by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, and antioxidant activity by antioxidant value 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) content analysis, 22,20-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) content analysis, Ferric-Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP), and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) analysis. The extracts of tapereba and murici studied were important sources of total carotenoids and lutein, respectively. The extracts were then tested for their effect on the viability of the A2780 ovarian cancer (OC) cell line and its cisplatin (CDDP)-resistant derived cell line, called ACRP, by using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays. Their influence on cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by using flow cytometry. Murici and tapereba cell extracts exhibited a strong bioactivity by inhibiting A2780 and ACRP cell viability by 76.37% and 78.37%, respectively, besides modulating the cell cycle and inducing apoptotic cell death. Our results open new perspectives for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies using these Amazon fruit extracts to sensitize ovarian cancer cells to current chemotherapeutic options.

Effect of Roasting Levels and Drying Process of Coffea canephora on the Quality of Bioactive Compounds and Cytotoxicity.

Coffee is a popular drink consumed all over the world. Besides its long-recognized stimulant effect, it has important nutritional and health effects. However, the type of bean processing modifies the composition of brewed coffee and possibly its bioactivity. In this study, extracts obtained from green and roasted beans of Coffea canephora (Coffea canephora var. robusta) were submitted to spray- or freeze-drying and were tested for antiproliferative activity, using MTT assay, and their influence on the cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry analysis. Moreover, colors and nutrient contents were measured to identify the changes due to the roasting process. The results obtained showed that extracts from green and light roasted beans exhibited strong bioactive capacity. Coffee extracts promoted a decrease in cell viability, modulated cell cycle and induced apoptosis in human prostate carcinoma cell line (DU-145). The level of roasting reduced this property, but the type of drying did not in all cases.

Ingredients of mayonnaise: Future perspectives focusing on essential oils to reduce oxidation and microbial counts

Low-acid mayonnaise produced with raw egg is a product rich in oil, almost a home-made product, but it is susceptible to lipid oxidation and microbial contamination by Salmonella Enteritidis, which results in deterioration of the product and forms undesirable components such as free radicals and reactive aldehydes. A better understanding of the factors that affect and can prevent lipid oxidation and microbial growth is essential to improve the product's lifetime. This review presents information on the factors that influence lipid oxidation and can accelerate the proliferation of microorganisms. Monitoring these possible factors can reduce the induction period that accelerates rancidity and ensure microbiological safety of the product, possibly increasing shelf life. The most effective means to slow lipid oxidation in mayonnaise and ensure its safety is the use of antioxidants and antimicrobials. Currently, several synthetic additives are being replaced by natural products such as essential oils. Therefore, to provide a better base for the food industry, an effective antioxidant and antimicrobial system must be designed for mayonnaise(AU)

A maionese de baixa acidez é um produto similar a maionese caseira, produzida com ovo in natura é um produto rico em óleo, susceptível à oxidação lipídica e contaminação microbiana por Salmonella Enteritidis, o que resulta em deterioração do produto e a formação de componentes indesejáveis, tais como os radicais livres e aldeídos reativos. Uma melhor compreensão dos fatores que afetam e que podem prevenir a oxidação de lipídios e multiplicação microbiana é essencial para melhorar o tempo de vida do produto. Esta revisão apresenta o conhecimento dos fatores que influenciam a oxidação lipídica e que podem acelerar a multiplicação de microrganismos. O acompanhamento destes fatores possíveis pode reduzir o período de indução que aceleram o ranço e garantir a segurança microbiológica do produto o que poderia aumentar o tempo de prateleira da maionese. Os meios mais eficazes para retardar a oxidação lipídica na maionese e garantir a sua segurança é a utilização de antioxidantes e antimicrobianos. Atualmente, diversos aditivos sintéticos estão sendo substituídos por produtos naturais, como os óleos essenciais. Portanto, para proporcionar uma melhor base para a indústria alimentar um sistema antioxidante e antimicrobiano eficaz deve ser concebido para maionese(AU)

Ozônio em morangos minimamente processados, uma alternativa ao uso do cloro na segurança de alimentos / Ozone application on ready-to-eat strawberries a food safety alternative to the chlorine use

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da sanitização por ozonização aquosa e da a cloração na redução da carga microbiana de morangos submetidos ao processamento mínimo. Morangos foram selecionados, lavados em água corrente e submetidos aos tratamentos: T1) Imersão em água ozonizada a 0,2 mg L-1 por 5 min; T2) Imersão em água ozonizada a 0,5 mg L-1 por 5 min; T3) Imersão em água ozonizada a 1,0 mg L-1 por 5 min; T4) Cloração; T5) Controle; T6) Morangos in natura. Posteriormente, os frutos foram processados, drenados, embalados e armazenados em câmara de refrigeração a 5ºC ± 1ºC, por seis dias. As análises microbiológicas para Coliformes a 35ºC (NMP g-1) e Contagem de Fungos Filamentosos e Leveduras (UFC g-1) foram realizadas no dia do processamento. Enquanto que as análises microbiológicas de Enumeração de estafilococos coagulase positiva, Coliformes a 45ºC (NMP g-1), e detecção de Salmonella sp. foram realizadas no dia do processamento e após 6 dias de armazenamento. A carga microbiana de Coliformes totais foi constatada apenas em T6. Os tratamentos com a água ozonizada foram mais eficientes do que o cloro na remoção de fungos filamentosos e Leveduras. A contaminação por Salmonella sp., E. coli, e coliformes 45ºC não foram observada em nenhuma das avaliações.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the sanitization process using aqueous ozone and chlorination in reducing the microbial load on strawberries subjected to minimal processing. Strawberries were selected, washed in tap water, and sanitized using the following treatments: T1) Immersion in aqueous ozone at 0.2 mg/L for 5 min; T2) Immersion in aqueous ozone at 0.5 mg/L for 5 min; T3) Immersion in aqueous ozone at 1.0 mg/L for 5 min; T4) Chlorination; T5) Control; or T6) Strawberries without sanitization (natural). After sanitization, the fruits were processed, drained, packaged, and stored under refrigeration at 5ºC ± 1ºC for 6 days. Microbiological analyses for coliforms at 35ºC (MPN/g) and counts of filamentous fungi and yeasts (CFU/g) were performed on the day of processing. Microbiological enumeration of coagulase-positive staphylococci, coliforms at 45ºC (MPN/g), and detection of Salmonella spp. were performed on the day of processing and again after 6 days of storage. The microbial count of total coliforms was observed only in T6. Treatments with aqueous ozone were more effective than treatment with chlorine in removing filamentous fungi and yeasts. Contamination by Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and coliforms at 45ºC was not observed in the analyzed samples.

Characterization of Aspergillus species on Brazil nut from the Brazilian Amazonian region and development of a PCR assay for identification at the genus level.

BACKGROUND: Brazil nut is a protein-rich extractivist tree crop in the Amazon region. Fungal contamination of shells and kernel material frequently includes the presence of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus species from the section Flavi. Aflatoxins are polyketide secondary metabolites, which are hepatotoxic carcinogens in mammals. The objectives of this study were to identify Aspergillus species occurring on Brazil nut grown in different states in the Brazilian Amazon region and develop a specific PCR method for collective identification of member species of the genus Aspergillus. RESULTS: Polyphasic identification of 137 Aspergillus strains isolated from Brazil nut shell material from cooperatives across the Brazilian Amazon states of Acre, Amapá and Amazonas revealed five species, with Aspergillus section Flavi species A. nomius and A. flavus the most abundant. PCR primers ASP_GEN_MTSSU_F1 and ASP_GEN_MTSSU_R1 were designed for the genus Aspergillus, targeting a portion of the mitochondrial small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Primer specificity was validated through both electronic PCR against target gene sequences at Genbank and in PCR reactions against DNA from Aspergillus species and other fungal genera common on Brazil nut. Collective differentiation of the observed section Flavi species A. flavus, A. nomius and A. tamarii from other Aspergillus species was possible on the basis of RFLP polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS: Given the abundance of Aspergillus section Flavi species A. nomius and A. flavus observed on Brazil nut, and associated risk of mycotoxin accumulation, simple identification methods for such mycotoxigenic species are of importance for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system implementation. The assay for the genus Aspergillus represents progress towards specific PCR identification and detection of mycotoxigenic species.