Evaluation of digestibility, solubility, and surface properties of trehalose-conjugated quinoa proteins prepared via pH shifting technique.

Soluble trehalose-conjugated quinoa proteins (T-QPs) were effectively prepared using the pH-shifting mechanism. The structural properties of the T-QPs were evaluated using a comparative evaluation, which included analyzing the amide I, surface charge and hydrophobicity, protein conformation, thermal stability, and protein structures. The results suggested that the development of the T-QPs was influenced mainly by no-covalent bonds. These interactions significantly influenced (P < 0.05) the quinoa proteins' conformation and higher-protein structure. T-QP had significant (P < 0.05) surface properties. Furthermore, the T-QPs exhibited improved solubility (79.7 to 88.4%) and digestibility (79.8 to 85.1%). Therefore, quinoa protein proved an excellent plant-based protein for conjugation with disaccharides. These findings provide significant insight into the potential development of modified proteins with enhanced solubility and digestibility by creating trehalose-conjugated plant-based proteins.

Trehalose-conjugated lentil-casein protein complexes prepared by structural interaction: Effects on water solubility and protein digestibility.

The two limiting factors for lentil protein utilization are water solubility and digestibility. In this study, we utilized two non-thermal techniques: (1) protein complexation of lentil and casein proteins using the pH-shifting method and (2) protein conjugation with trehalose to produce trehalose-conjugated lentil-casein protein complexes (T-CPs) with enhanced water solubility and digestibility. The protein structure of the T-CPs was analyzed for secondary protein structure, conformation protein, and tertiary protein structure using Fourier-transform infrared, UV, and fluorescence spectroscopies, respectively. The surface hydrophobicity and surface charge of T-CPs solution at pH 7.0 changed significantly (P < 0.05). Using these two non-thermal techniques, the water solubility and digestibility of T-CPs increased significantly (P < 0.05) by 85 to 89 % and 80 to 85 %, respectively. The results of this study suggested that these non-thermal techniques could enhance the surface and protein structure properties, improving water solubility and digestibility.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Escherichia coli isolated from the chicken liver in relation to slaughterhouse conditions.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) has been identified as a sub-group of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). Recent studies indicate APEC as a potential foodborne zoonotic pathogen and a source or reservoir of human extraintestinal infections. The slaughtering and processing of poultry in low-income countries such as Jordan occurs in two distinct ways: in informal facilities known as Natafat and in formal slaughterhouses. This study compared E. coli phenotypes and genotypes according to slaughtering conditions (formal slaughterhouses vs. informal slaughter facilities). Therefore, liver samples (n = 242) were collected from formal (n = 121) and informal slaughter facilities (n = 121). Results revealed a high prevalence (94.2%) of E. coli among all isolates, with 59 (17 formal and 42 informal) isolates considered avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) based on the virulence-associated genes. The prevalence of resistance among isolates was relatively high, reaching up to 99% against penicillin and 97% against nalidixic acid. However, the prevalence of resistance was the lowest (1.3%) against both meropenem and imipenem. Based on the MIC test findings, colistin resistance was 46.9% (107/228). The mcr -1 gene prevalence was 51.4% (55/107), of which 17.1 % were from formal plants (6/36) and 68.1% from informal facilities (49/72). Interestingly, only one isolate (0.9%) expressed mcr-10. Escherichia coli O157:H7 and associated virulence genes were found more in informal (n = 15 genes) than in formal slaughterhouses (n = 8). Phylogroups B1, C, and A were the most frequent in 228 E. coli isolates, while G, B2, and clade were the least frequent. In conclusion, these findings highlight the importance of implementing biosecurity measures in slaughterhouses to reduce antibiotic-resistant E. coli spread. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights into the effects of wet market (Natafat) slaughter conditions on increasing bacterial resistance and virulence.

Structural characterization, biofunctionality, and environmental factors impacting rheological properties of exopolysaccharide produced by probiotic Lactococcus lactis C15.

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) possess distinctive rheological and physicochemical properties and innovative functionality. This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical, bioactive, and rheological properties of an EPS secreted by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis C15. EPS-C15 was found to have an average molecular weight of 8.8 × 105 Da and was identified as a hetero-EPS composed of arabinose, xylose, mannose, and glucose with a molar ratio of 2.0:2.7:1.0:21.3, respectively. The particle size and zeta potential represented 311.2 nm and - 12.44 mV, respectively. FITR exhibited that EPS-C15 possessed a typical polysaccharide structure. NMR displayed that EPS-C15 structure is → 3)α-d-Glcvi (1 → 3)α-d-Xylv (1 → 6)α-d-Glciv(1 → 4)α-d-Glc(1 → 3)ß-d-Man(1 → 2)α-d-Glci(1 → . EPS-C15 scavenged DPPH and ABTS free radicals with 50.3% and 46.4% capacities, respectively. Results show that the antiproliferative activities of EPS-C15 revealed inhibitions of 49.7% and 88.1% against MCF-7 and Caco-2 cells, respectively. EPS-C15 has antibacterial properties that inhibited Staphylococcus aureus (29.45%), Salmonella typhimurium (29.83%), Listeria monocytogenes (30.33%), and E. coli O157:H7 (33.57%). The viscosity of EPS-C15 decreased as the shear rate increased. The rheological properties of the EPS-C15 were affected by changes in pH levels and the addition of salts. EPS-C15 is a promising biomaterial that has potential applications in various industries, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.

Novel spa type and antimicrobial resistance gene profiles of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from bovine mastitis in Jordan.

Staphylococcu aureus is the most prevalent microorganism associated with mastitis in cattle. This study was designed to determine the spa types of Staph. aureus and to assess the resistance genes profile of isolated strains in dairy farms in Jordan. In total, 747 milk samples of cattle suffering from subclinical mastitis were collected from 37 dairy farms and tested for Staph. aureus. To detect antimicrobial resistance genes, all 219 strains of Staph. aureus were tested. Furthermore, 21 isolates of Staph. aureus were typed using spa typing. As a result, different proportions of resistance genes were found for Staph. aureus. High resistance genes were in tetK 100%, blaZ 99%, and tetM 97%. Moderate resistance genes were in aac(6')/aph(2'' 52%, ant(4')-Ia 48%, and ermC 41%. Low resistance genes were in ermA is 24%, aph(3')-III is 15%, and mecA is 15%. The spa typing of 21 isolates revealed six spa types, of which five were previously known. For the first time, a novel spa type (t17158) was identified as the main cause of mastitis in dairy cows in Jordan. The identification of resistance genes and spa types is helpful in determining the most effective treatments for cows and plays a significant role in reducing the transmission of pathogens.