Effect of Addition of Tannin Extract from Underutilized Resources on Allergenic Proteins, Color and Textural Properties of Egg White Gels.

Tannins, present in numerous plants, exhibit a binding affinity for proteins. In this study, we aimed to exploit this property to reduce the concentration of allergenic egg white proteins. Tannins were extracted, using hot water, from the lyophilized powder of underutilized resources, such as chestnut inner skin (CIS), young persimmon fruit (YPF), and bayberry leaves (BBLs). These extracts were then incorporated into an egg white solution (EWS) to generate an egg white gel (EWG). Allergen reduction efficacy was assessed using electrophoresis and ELISA. Our findings revealed a substantial reduction in allergenic proteins across all EWGs containing a 50% tannin extract. Notably, CIS and BBL exhibited exceptional efficacy in reducing low allergen levels. The addition of tannin extract resulted in an increase in the total polyphenol content of the EWG, with the order of effectiveness being CIS > YPF > BBL. Minimal color alteration was observed in the BBL-infused EWG compared to the other sources. Additionally, the introduction of tannin extract heightened the hardness stress, with BBL demonstrating the most significant effect, followed by CIS and YPF. In conclusion, incorporating tannin extract during EWG preparation was found to decrease the concentration of allergenic proteins while enhancing antioxidant properties and hardness stress, with BBL being particularly effective in preventing color changes in EWG.

Low Allergenicity in Processed Wheat Flour Products Using Tannins from Agri-Food Wastes.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the addition of tannins from unutilized resources on wheat allergen reduction, antioxidant properties, and quality by substituting 3%, 5%, and 10% of the flour with chestnut inner skin (CIS) and young persimmon fruit (YPF) powders to produce cookies. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting showed significantly lower wheat allergen content in CIS- or YPF-substituted cookies than in control cookies, and this effect was pronounced for CIS-substituted cookies. In addition, the tannin content and antioxidant properties of the CIS- or YPF-substituted cookies were markedly higher than those of the control cookies. Quality analysis of the CIS- and YPF-substituted cookies showed that the specific volume and spread factor, which are quality indicators for cookies, were slightly lower in the CIS- and YPF-substituted cookies than in the control cookies. Compared to the control, CIS substitution did not affect the breaking stress and total energy values of the cookies; however, YPF substitution at 10% increased these values. Color was also affected by the addition of CIS and YPF. The results suggest that the addition of CIS and YPF can reduce wheat allergens in cookies and improve tannin content and antioxidant properties.

Easy Debonding of Ceramic Brackets Bonded with a Light-Cured Orthodontic Adhesive Containing Microcapsules with a CO2 Laser.

OBJECTIVE: An easy debonding method for ceramic brackets using a light-cured Bis-GMA resin containing heat-expandable microcapsules and CO2 laser was investigated. BACKGROUND: Ceramic brackets are used frequently in orthodontic treatment because of their desirable esthetic properties. However, the application of heavy force to ceramic brackets in debonding can fracture the tooth enamel and ceramic brackets, causing tooth pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 60 freshly extracted bovine permanent mandibular incisors were divided randomly into 10 groups of 6 specimens each, corresponding to the number of variables tested. Ceramic brackets were bonded to bovine permanent mandibular incisors using an orthodontic bonding agent containing heat-expandable microcapsules at different levels (0-30 wt%) and resin composite paste, and cured by a curing device. The bond strengths were measured before and after CO2 laser irradiation, and the temperature increase in the pulp chamber in fresh human first premolars was also evaluated. RESULTS: With CO2 laser irradiation for 5 sec to the bracket, the bond strength in the 25% microcapsule group decreased significantly, to ∼0.17-fold, compared with that of the no-laser group (p < 0.05). The maximum temperature increase in the pulp chamber was 5.3°C with laser irradiation, which was less than the level that induces pulp damage. CONCLUSIONS: From these results, it seems likely that the combined use of a light-cured orthodontic bonding agent containing microcapsules and a CO2 laser is a simple debonding system for ceramic brackets, with less debonding time and enamel damage.