Acrylamide detection and reduction in meat products using organic acids, fruit extracts, and probiotics.

Grilled foods are an important source of acrylamide, which has neurotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic properties. The current study aims to evaluate the level of acrylamide in beef, chicken, and fish products, especially those requiring high cooking temperatures, using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Reduction of acrylamide by organic acids i.e., (citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and lactic acid) and fruit extracts of lemon, apple, and grape has also been investigated. The results revealed that the highest mean acrylamide concentration was found in chicken products (grilled chicken) which recorded 8.32 µg/100 g, followed by beef products (beef grilled) with a concentration of 7.91 µg/100 g, and fish products (pan-fried fish burgers) which recorded 6.77 µg/100 g). Furthermore, the mixture of organic acid has the highest effect on reducing the level of acrylamide in a chemical model system. Moreover, the fruit extract mixture was more effective in reducing the percentage of acrylamide in the grilled chicken than organic acids mixture. Finally, the addition of fruit extract improved the sensory properties of grilled chickens. In sum, this study offers novel and promising natural strategies to decrease acrylamide in meat products toward further future application in meat industry to deliver safe food to consumers.

Effect of air-frying on formation and correlations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, acrylamide, and heterocyclic aromatic amines in foods and risk assessment.

The levels of acrylamide (AA), four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH4), and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) in 184 air-fried agricultural, fishery, and animal products were measured using GC-MS and UPLC-MS/MS. Among the tested samples, sea algae exhibited the highest levels of PAH4 and eight specific HAAs (HAA8), while root and tuber crops had the greatest amount of AA. Agricultural and fisheries products had higher levels of all three contaminants, while livestock products had an inverse correlation between PAH4 and HAA8. The margin of exposure in the Korean population is considered "unlikely a concern" for all samples for PAH4 and HAA8, however, that for AA in cereal, vegetable, and root and tuber crops is deemed "may be a concern", with a value < 10,000 in all age groups. These findings suggest a need to evaluate dietary AA exposure in certain food categories and further research to minimize AA formation during air frying. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-024-01639-4.

Acrylamide formation in air-fryer roasted legumes as affected by legume species and roasting degree: the correlation of acrylamide with asparagine and free sugars.

Acrylamide is a well-recognized hazardous compound with known carcinogenic, genotoxic, neurotoxic, and reproductive toxic effects. This research aimed to investigate how different legume species and roasting durations influence acrylamide formation during air-fryer roasting. The study also examined the relationship between acrylamide formation and the levels of free asparagine and free sugars in different bean species. Asparagine content varies substantially across different bean species. Sucrose was the predominant sugar across all bean species, with smaller amounts of galactose and glucose. Air-fryer-roasted Wandu kong (garden pea) showed the highest acrylamide formation, followed by Ultari kong (kidney bean) and Heoktae (black soybean), in that order. Beans roasted for longer periods in an air fryer contained significantly higher levels of acrylamide. This study revealed a strong positive correlation between acrylamide formation and the level of free asparagine in the beans, highlighting the risks associated with certain legume species and air-fryer roasting durations.

Effects of cooking methods on antioxidant activity and acrylamide formation in red bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.).

Red bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a popular and nutritious vegetable. In this study, oven cooking (OV), air-frying (AF), and infrared grilling (IR) were used to cook red bell peppers at different temperatures (170, 180, 190, and 200 °C). Changes in the total phenolic content, ascorbic acid content, antioxidant activity, and sugar and acrylamide content in red bell peppers were evaluated before and after cooking. The total phenolic and ascorbic acid contents decreased significantly after cooking (p < 0.05). Among the three evaluated methods, OV-cooked red bell peppers exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. The acrylamide content showed the lowest levels in OV 170 °C (93.67 ± 3.22 µg/kg dw) and the highest in AF 200 °C (1985.38 ± 76.39 µg/kg dw) samples. Compared to the AF and IR methods, OV was identified as the best way to preserve the antioxidant activity of red bell peppers while reducing acrylamide production. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-024-01623-y.

An Antibacterial, Highly Sensitive Strain Sensor Based on an Anionic Copolymer Interpenetrating with κ-Carrageenan.

Polysaccharide-based hydrogels are suitable for use in the field of flexible bioelectronics due to their benign mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, the preparation of hydrogel sensors with high performance without affecting their physicochemical properties (e.g., flexibility, toughness, self-healing, and antibacterial activity) remains a challenge and needs to be solved. Herein, a metal ion cross-linking reinforced, double network hydrogel was formed from a 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) copolymer interpenetrating κ-carrageenan (CAR), followed by immersing the gel in a Cu2+ ion solution to obtain an antibacterial CAR/P(AM-co-AMPS)-Cu2+ conductive hydrogel. LiCl was added as the electrolyte. The presence of the LiCl electrolyte and sulfonated molecular chain units not only gives the hydrogel good electrical conductivity (conductivity up to 2.68 S/m) but also improves the sensitivity of the hydrogel as a stress-strain sensor, with a hydrogel sensitivity GF of up to 3.76 in the 20%-100% strain range and response time of up to 280 ms. The CAR double-helical structure and sol-gel properties and the interaction of multiple noncovalent bonds between polymers provide the hydrogel with excellent self-healing, with a self-healing efficiency of 68%. In addition, the electrostatic interaction of Cu2+ with Escherichia coli cells can inhibit their growth, exhibiting good antibacterial properties with an inhibition circle diameter of 20.5 mm. This work could provide an effective strategy for antibacterial multifunctional CAR-based bionic sensors.

Protective Effect of Sulfur-Containing Heterocyclic Analogs Against Acrylamide-Induced Behavioral and Biochemical Alterations in Zebrafish.

Acrylamide (ACR) is a water-soluble monomer with broad consumer applications, even in foods due to thermal processes. Acute exposure to ACR may lead to neurotoxic effects such as ataxia and skeletal muscle weakness in humans and experimental animals. Oxidative stress is the primary pathway in ACR toxicity; therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the possible protective effect of benzo[b]thiophene analogs as an antioxidant drug for ACR poisoning. For this purpose, adult zebrafish were chosen as the experimental model considering the 3Rs of research. Hydroxyl containing benzo[b]thiophene analogs, 1-(3-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl) ethanone (BP) and 1-(3-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl) propan-1-one hydrate (EP) were injected via intraperitoneal (i.p.) route at an effective dose of 5 mg/kg one hour before the exposure of ACR (0.75 mM) for three days. ACR fish showed aberrant socio-behavior with low exploration, tight circling, negative scototaxis, disrupted aggression, and tight shoaling. These results indicated depression comorbid and anxiety-like phenotype. BP and EP partially reduced the aberrant socio-behavior. BP and EP elevated the antioxidant defense and reduced the oxidative damage in the brain caused by ACR. Cellular and tissular alterations caused by ACR were visualized through histopathological study. BP and EP administration reduced and repaired the cellular changes via the antioxidant mechanism. BP and EP altered the axonal growth and regeneration gene and synaptic vesicle cycle gene expression necessary for neurotransmission. This combined gain-of-function of redox mechanism at molecular, cellular, and tissular levels explains the behavioral improvement at the organismal level of the organization.

Customized Modification of Welan Gum Properties Through Controllable Grafting of Acrylamide.

Welan gum (WG) has a wide range of applications, but it is not yet suitable for applications such as oil recovery profile control that have complex requirements for viscosity, gelation properties, and so forth. Grafting modification is an important strategy for improving the property of WG, but there are few reports on controllable modification of WG to customize it for specific application. Acrylamide (AM) dosage was identified as the key factor affecting the grafting ratio of AM onto WG by a uniform experimental design. The grafting ratio can be directly adjusted between 99% and 378% based on the positive correlation with dosage of AM, and viscosity can be adjusted between 206 and 327 mPa s based on the negative correlation with grafting ratio. The 50% weight loss temperature of W11 with a grafting ratio of 110% raised from 314 to 336°C after grafting. The viscosity of the hydrogel formed with WG11 reached 15,654 mPa s, nearly nine times higher than that of unmodified WG. In addition, the gelation time can be controlled within 5 days, so that it can be injected to the optimal area in oilfield profile, avoiding pipeline blockage. This study enables adjusting viscosity of WG grafted with AM by controlling the grafting rate, and enhances gelation performance and thermal stability of WG, which will expand the application of WG in oil recovery and other fields.

Detection and simultaneous imaging of acrylamide, miR-21 and miR-221 based on multicolor aggregation-induced emission nanoparticles and DNAzyme walker.

Acrylamide (AA) in heat-processed foods has emerged as a global health problem, mainly carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and reproductive toxicity, and an increasing number of researchers have delved into elucidating its toxicological mechanisms. Studies have demonstrated that exposure of HepG2 by AA in a range of concentrations can induce the upregulation of miR-21 and miR-221. Monitoring the response of intracellular miRNAs can play an important role in unraveling the mechanisms of AA toxicity. Here, multicolor aggregation induced emission nano particle (AIENP) probes were constructed from three AIE dyes for simultaneous imaging of intracellular AA and AA-induced miR-21/miR-221 by combining the recognition function of AA aptamers and the signal amplification of a DNAzyme walker. The surface of these nanoparticles contains carboxyl groups, facilitating their linkage to a substrate chain modified with a fluorescent quencher group via an amide reaction. Optimization experiments were conducted to determine the optimal substrate-to-DNAzyme ratio, confirming its efficacy as a walker for signal amplification. Sensitive detection of AA, miR-21 and miR-221 was achieved in extracellular medium, with detection limits of 0.112 nM for AA, 0.007 pM and 0.003 pM for miR-21 and miR-221, respectively, demonstrating excellent selectivity. Intracellularly, ZIF-8 structure collapsed, releasing Zn2+, activating DNAzyme cleavage activity, and the fluorescence of multicolor AIENPs within HepG2 cells gradually recovered with increasing stimulation time (0-12 h) and concentrations of AA (0-500 µM). This dynamic response unveiled the relationship between AA exposure and miR-21/miR-221 expression, further validating the carcinogenicity of AA.

Protective effect of rutin on acrylamide induced ovarian inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and hormonal changes: Based on in silico and in vivo study.

Acrylamide (AA) is a carcinogenic compound that affects people due to its frequent use in laboratories and industry as well as the high-temperature cooking of foods with high hydrocarbon content. AA is known to cause severe reproductive abnormalities. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of rutin (RU), a phytoactive compound, against AA-induced reproductive toxicity in female rats. Initially, rats were exposed to AA (40 mg/kg for 10 days). Therapy of RU was given after AA intoxication consecutively for 3 days. After 24 h of the last treatment, all the animals were sacrificed. The study evaluated reproductive hormones, oxidative stress markers, membrane-bound enzymes, DNA damage, histological findings, and an in silico approach to determine the protective efficacy of RU. The results indicated that RU significantly protected against inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage induced by AA, likely due to its antioxidant properties.

Immobilization of l-asparaginase on genipin cross-linked chitosan beads shows better acrylamide diminution in cassava chips: Process optimization and characterization.

Glutaraldehyde is the conventionally used cross-linker for the activation and cross-linking of support matrices used in enzyme immobilization. However, the toxic nature of glutaraldehyde makes it unsafe for food applications, propelling the need for nontoxic cross-linkers. Genipin reacts with the primary and secondary amines generating a dark-blue colored pigment and is an attractive alternative to glutaraldehyde as a cross-linker for enzyme immobilization. Apart from its excellent cross-linking properties, genipin possesses added advantages over glutaraldehyde such as proven health benefits, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The present study explores the application of chitosan beads cross-linked with the natural and nontoxic agent, genipin, for immobilizing l-asparaginase, aimed at its subsequent use in mitigating acrylamide formation in food products. The immobilized l-asparaginase exhibited improved functionalities such as stability, reusability, and reduction in acrylamide formation in deep-fried cassava chips. One of the limitations observed during application in the food process was the mechanical fragility of the chitosan beads during speedy stirring. This can be overcome by increasing the concentration and time of contact of the coagulant bath during the formation of chitosan beads. The drying of the enzyme-bound chitosan beads will also lead to shrinkage and prevent breakage during stirring. This study conclusively demonstrated the applicability of immobilizing l-asparaginase on genipin cross-linked chitosan beads in food-related processes.

The variation of acrylamide and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in tea with different roasting degrees and the effects of tea polyphenols on their formation.

BACKGROUND: Roasting is an essential step in making roasted teas, and its role in producing flavors has been widely studied. However, the variation of potential hazardous compounds during the tea roasting process is still vague. The present study established an effective method based on liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry to simultaneously determine the variation of acrylamide (AA), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), and free amino acids during the tea roasting process. Meanwhile, the effects of several tea polyphenols on the formation of AA and 5-HMF were investigated by a wet-to-dry thermal model reaction. RESULTS: Medium-temperature roasted teas had the highest levels of AA and 5-HMF, with ranges of 0.13-0.15 µg g-1 and 68.72-123.98 µg g-1, respectively. Quantitative results showed that the levels of monosaccharides and amino acids decreased during roasting, which might contribute to the formation of 5-HMF and AA. Meanwhile, the decrease of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epicatechin (EC) might be related to their inhibitory effects on 5-HMF and AA. Thermal model reaction results showed that EGCG and EC significantly inhibited 5-HMF formation with a decline rate of 33.33% and 72.22%, respectively, mainly by trapping glucose. Gallic acid (GA) also had an inhibitory effect on the formation of AA (decreased by 92.86%) and 5-HMF (44.44%), mainly through impeding the preliminary reaction of asparagine and glucose. CONCLUSION: The roasting temperature determined the levels of AA and 5-HMF in teas. Catechins inhibited the formation of 5-HMF and AA mostly through trapping monosaccharides, while the inhibitory effect of GA was achieved by impeding the reaction. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

In vivo and in vitro effects of crocetin and its amide derivative on acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity.

Objective: Acrylamide (ACR) is a neurotoxic agent whose damage could be attenuated by antioxidants administration. Crocetin is a saffron-derived antioxidant that has neuroprotective effects. This study evaluates the protective effects of trans-sodium crocetinate (TSC) and its water-soluble derivative, Bis-N-(N-methylpyprazinyl) crocetinate (BMPC) against ACR neurotoxicity. Materials and Methods: PC12 cells were treated with TSC and BMPC (1.95, 3.9, 7.81, 15.62, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 µM) for 24 hr. ACR was then added at a concentration of 6.5 mM (IC50), and cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide. In the in vivo study, male Wistar rats were treated with ACR (50 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) for 11 days alone or in combination with TSC and BMPC (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) or vitamin E (200 IU/kg, i.p.). Motor impairments were then evaluated. The cerebral cortex of sacrificed rats was taken for the malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels measurement. Results: In vitro studies showed that TSC at a concentration of 7.81 µM and BMPC at concentrations of 3.9, 7.81, and 15.62 µM exhibited the lowest toxicity in acrylamide administration. In the in vivo study, pretreatment with 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg of TSC ameliorated behavioral impairments, but BMPC could not attenuate them. GSH and MDA were improved by 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg TSC and 2.5 mg/kg BMPC. Conclusion: TSC and BMPC administration improved behavioral index and oxidative stress injuries in Wistar rats exposed to ACR through MDA reduction and GSH content enhancement in the cerebral cortex.

Synthesis of Novel Acrylamide Graft Copolymer of Acacia nilotica Gum for the Stabilization of Melatonin Nanoparticles for Improved Therapeutic Effect: Optimization Using (3)2 Factorial Design.

The objective of the present study was to optimize the microwave-assisted synthesis of the acrylamide graft copolymer of Acacia nilotica gum (AM-co-ANG). Furthermore, graft copolymer was used for the formulation of a nanoparticulate system using a novel top to bottom solvent antisolvent technique for the delivery of melatonin. Grafting of ANG was optimized by using 32 factorial design, where concentrations of polymer and monomer (acrylamide) were used as independent variables and swelling index in acidic (0.1 N HCl) and basic (1 N NaOH) pH. Grafted polymers were further used to develop and optimize nanoparticulate system using concentration of the graft copolymer and concentration of drug as independent variables. The size of the nanoformulation and entrapment efficiency were selected as dependent variables. Difference in infrared spectrum and absorbance maxima in the ultraviolet region confirm that grafting has taken place. Porous structure and a higher contact angle confirmed hydrophobic nature of AM-co-ANG as compared with the native polymer. Acrylamide graft copolymers show more swelling in 1 N NaOH as compared with 0.1 N HCl. In vitro toxicity studies in hepatic (HepG2 cell line), brain (SHSY5Y cell line), and skin (HaCaT cell line) cells easily predict that synthesized polymer have no cytotoxicity. The entrapment efficiency ranged from 55.24 ± 1.35% to 73.21 ± 1.83%. A nonlinear correlation was observed between independent and dependent variables, as confirmed by multivariate analysis of variance, surface regression, and the correlation report. The prepared formulations were able to release drug up to 12 h. The regression coefficient easily predicted that most of the formulations followed Baker-Lonsdale drug release kinetics.

Renoprotective effects of apocynin and/or umbelliferone against acrylamide-induced acute kidney injury in rats: role of the NLRP3 inflammasome and Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathways.

Acrylamide (ACR) is a toxic, probably carcinogenic compound commonly found in fried foods and used in the production of many industrial consumer products. ACR-induced acute kidney injury is mediated through several signals. In this research, we investigated, for the first time, the therapeutic effects of phytochemicals apocynin (APO) and/or umbelliferone (UMB) against ACR-induced nephrotoxicity in rats and emphasized the underlying molecular mechanism. To achieve this goal, five groups of rats were randomly assigned: the control group received vehicle (0.5% CMC; 1 ml/rat), ACR (40 mg/kg, i.p.), ACR + APO (100 mg/kg, P.O.), ACR + UMB (50 mg/kg, P.O.), and combination group for 10 days. In ACR-intoxicated rats, there was a significant reduction in weight gain while the levels of blood urea, uric acid, creatinine, and Kim-1 were elevated, indicating renal injury. Histopathological injury was also observed in the kidneys of ACR-intoxicated rats, confirming the biochemical data. Moreover, MDA, TNF-α, and IL-1ß levels were raised; and GSH and SOD levels were decreased. In contrast, treatment with APO, UMB, and their combination significantly reduced the kidney function biomarkers, prevented tissue damage, and decreased inflammatory cytokines and MDA. Mechanistically, it suppressed the expression of NLRP-3, ASC, GSDMD, caspase-1, and IL-1ß, while it upregulated Nrf-2 and HO-1 in the kidneys of ACR-intoxicated rats. In conclusion, APO, UMB, and their combination prevented ACR-induced nephrotoxicity in rats by attenuating oxidative injury and inflammation, suppressing NLRP-3 inflammasome signaling, enhancing antioxidants, and upregulating Nrf-2 and HO-1 in the kidneys of ACR-induced rats.

Synthesis, DFT Calculations, and Biological Studies of New 2-cyano-3-(naphthalene-1-yl)acryloyl amide Analogues as Anticancer Agents.

A set of novel naphthalene derivatives was synthesized via investment of the electrophilic reaction center of the easily obtainable starting substance, 2-cyano-3-(naphthalen-1-yl)acryloyl chloride (1), with various nitrogen nucleophiles and assessed as potential antitumor agents. The chemical structures of these derivatives were completely specified using several spectral and elemental analyses. The antiproliferative efficacy of the discovered compounds against the human cancer cell lines HepG2 and MCF-7 was investigated. Compounds 12b and 9 have more potent anticancer activity versus MCF-7 breast cancer. DFT calculations for the synthesized compounds were studied to determine molecular geometry, frontier orbital analysis, and molecular electrostatic potential. Compound 2 has the lowest energy gap, the highest softness, and the lowest hardness molecule. Also, the electrophilicity values of the studied molecules provide evidence for their biological effectiveness, as compound 9 had significant antiproliferative activity and a high value of electrophilicity (ω) (0.190 eV).

Discerning the role of a site cation in ACoO3 perovskites for boosting Co3+/Co2+ redox cycle for pollutant degradation: DFT calculation, mechanism and toxicity evolution.

The degradation of persistent and refractory pollutants, particularly plastic and resins manufacturing wastewater, poses a significant challenge due to their high toxicity and high concentrations. This study developed a novel hybrid ACoO3 (A = La, Ce, Sr)/PMS perovskite system for the treatment of multicomponent (MCs; ACN, ACM and ACY) from synthetic resin manufacturing wastewater. Synthesized perovskites were characterized by various techniques i.e., BET, XRD, FESEM with EDAX, FTIR, TEM, XPS, EIS, and Tafel analysis. Perovskite LaCoO3 exhibited the highest degradation of MCs i.e., ACN (98.7%), ACM (86.3%), and ACY (56.4%), with consumption of PMS (95.2%) under the optimal operating conditions (LaCoO3 dose 0.8 g/L, PMS dose 2 g/L, pH 7.2 and reaction temperature 55 °C). The quantitative contribution (%) of reactive oxygen species (ROS) reveals that SO4•- are the dominating radical species, which contribute to ACN (58.3% for SO4•- radicals) and ACM degradation (46.4% for SO4•- radicals). The tafel plots and EIS spectra demonstrated that perovskites LaCoO3 have better charge transfer rates and more reactive sites that are favorable for PMS activation. Further, four major degradation pathways were proposed based on Fukui index calculations, as well as GC-MS characterization of intermediate byproducts. Based on a stability and reusability study, it was concluded that LaCoO3 perovskites are highly stable, and minimal cobalt leaching occurs (0.96 mg/L) after four cycles. The eco-toxicity assessment performed using QSAR model indicated that the byproducts of the LaCoO3/PMS system are non-toxic nature to common organism (i.e., fish, daphnids and green algae). In addition, the cost of the hybrid LaCoO3/PMS system in a single cycle was estimated to be $34.79 per cubic meter of resin wastewater.

Concomitant administration of resveratrol and resistance training ameliorates acrylamide-induced spatial learning impairment in rats.

Objective: The present study examined effects of resistance training (RT) and resveratrol (RES) alone and together on acrylamide (AC)-induced memory impairment in rats. Materials and Methods: Animals were divided into 6 groups: (1) Control group which received normal saline intraperitoneally (ip) daily for 8 weeks; (2) Scopolamine (SCO) group which received SCO (1 mg/kg/day, ip) for 8 weeks; (3) AC group which received AC (5 mg/kg/day, ip) for 8 weeks; (4) AC + RT group which received AC (5 mg/kg/day, ip) for 8 weeks and performed RT (5 days a week for 8 weeks); (5) AC + RES group which received AC (5 mg/kg/day, ip) and RES (1 mg/kg/day, ip) for 8 weeks; and (6) AC + RT + RES group which received AC (5 mg/kg/day, ip) and RES (1 mg/kg/day, ip) for 8 weeks and performed RT (5 days a week for 8 weeks). On day 53, animal training began in the Morris Water Maze (MWM) and 24 hr after the last training, the probe test was performed. Results: RT and RES alone did not significantly affect escape latency or traveled distance increased by AC. However, concomitant RES and RT treatment significantly reduced these parameters compared to the AC group. Co-treatment with RES and RT also significantly increased the time spent in the target quadrant compared to the AC group. Lipid peroxidation was reduced in the AC+RES and AC+RT+RES groups compared to the AC group. Conclusion: It seems that daily co-treatment with RES and RT for 8 weeks ameliorates the memory-impairing effects of AC.

Exploring Maillard reaction markers and melanoidins to investigate toxicological and antioxidant profiles of optimized expanded snacks from corn/common bean mixtures.

BACKGROUND: Extrusion cooking of cereal-legume flour mixture is an innovative strategy to introduce nutrient-enriched ready-to-eat snacks to the market. However, this thermal process triggers the formation of compounds that could impact safety aspects of these products. Maillard reaction markers and the end products known as melanoidins were evaluated to assess the toxicological and bioactive profiles of extruded snacks from corn-plus-common-bean-flour combinations. Different molecular weight fractions were isolated and purified to analyze their antioxidant activity and to investigate the role of melanoidins. RESULTS: The snack formulated with an 84:16 ratio of corn:common bean flours exhibited an enhanced toxicological profile. It displayed the lowest levels of acrylamide and furanic compounds, along with reduced blockage of lysine residues in the protein. Extrusion increased the antioxidant activity of uncooked flours (30 to 64%) and total phenolic compounds (26 to 50%), and decreased the available lysine (-72.7 to -79.5%). During the fractionation process, it was established that compounds within the range of 3-10 kDa made the greatest contribution to antioxidant activity. The fraction greater than 10 kDa, which included melanoidins, displayed 7 to 33% lower antioxidant activity. The purification of the fraction greater than 10 kDa revealed that pure melanoidins represented approximately one-third of the antioxidant activity in that fraction. Non-covalent adducts linked to the melanoidin core therefore had a relevant role in the antioxidant action of formulated snacks. CONCLUSION: This investigation illustrates the importance of considering both potential risks and associated benefits of compounds formed during the Maillard reaction while developing new extruded snacks. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Trends in acrylamide content in selected potato/sweet potato products on the Canadian market.

Processed plant-based foods, particularly high carbohydrate-containing foods, are among the greatest contributors to dietary acrylamide, a probable human carcinogen, uptake. Between 2009 and 2020, five surveys were conducted to determine acrylamide in high carbohydrate-containing foods in Canada. These surveys included sampling of potato and sweet potato chips, French fries, and frozen potato/sweet potato products, as a follow-up to our earlier surveys from 2002 - 2008. Samples were analyzed using isotope dilution (13C3-acrylamide) with LC-MS/MS. The highest mean acrylamide levels were found in sweet potato chips. Among potato chips (57 to 4660 ng g-1), one brand consistently showed the highest concentrations with wide variability. Acrylamide concentrations decreased over time in ready-to-eat French fries (from 480 to 358 ng g-1), and one brand showed a clear reduction temporally. Wide variations were observed among brands, among lots/outlets of same brands, and among different food chains. Acrylamide levels in potato chips decreased between 2009 and 2016 (504.3 ng g-1) relative to the period 2002 - 2008 (1096.9 ng g-1). The acrylamide trends observed in the products measured in the latest study indicate that food producers may have adopted mitigation strategies.