Characteristics of Mulberry Leaf Powder Enriched With γ-Aminobutyric Acid and Its Antioxidant Capacity as a Potential Functional Food Ingredient.

To improve the functional properties of mulberry leaves, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) enrichment treatments were applied. The results showed that the combined treatment of sodium glutamate immersion, cold shock, and anoxic significantly increased the GABA content. HPLC analysis displayed that the quantity of some active phenolics was significantly increased after the treatment. The GABA-enriched mulberry leaf powders were subsequently prepared, and it was found that as the particle size decreased, their water and oil holding capacity and their swelling power decreased, while the angle of repose increased. The dissolution rate of GABA and total phenolics increased as the particle size decreased. Optical observations and SEM results revealed that the fiber structures of the particles were gradually destroyed as the particle size decreased. Further, FTIR analysis showed that the active compounds in the powders were not destroyed. M400 and M140 powder showed the maximum DPPH radical scavenging ability and AGEs inhibition capacity, respectively. Additionally, adding the powders effectively alleviated the staling of bread without any significant effect on taste.

Exogenous GABA improves the antioxidant and anti-aging ability of silkworm (Bombyx mori).

Silkworm (Bombyx mori) was used to explore the anti-aging ability of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its potential mechanism. 0.086∼8.6 mM GABA solutions were sprayed on mulberry leaves to raise silkworms. The results showed that GABA increased the fecundity of adult silkworms. And in the larva silkworms on the 3th day of the 5th instar, GABA significantly reduced the trehalose content in the hemolymph, the triglycerides and glycogen levels in the fat body, while sharply increased the NAD+/NADH level in the fat body. GABA significantly increased the GSH content and activities of SOD and CAT, while reduced the level of MDA. Furthermore, GABA reduced the mRNA expression of BmRpd3, Bmchico and BmAkh2, while increased the mRNA expression of BmAMPK. In summary, GABA has anti-aging potential by playing roles in energy homeostasis, reducing carbohydrate and lipid level, increasing anti-oxidative capacity, and regulating mRNA expression of longevity-related genes.

A bisindolylmaleimide-naphthalimide building block for the construction of the energy transfer cassette.

Double build-in chromophores with naphthalimide and bisindolylmaleimide incorporating to one molecule were synthesized efficiently and characterized fully. Its spectral properties were investigated. Effective intramolecular energy transfer together with the strong emission in solution and solid state were discussed in terms of its electronic structures. Optimized structure and frontier molecular orbital were calculated based on D3(mol) platform. Obviously electron delocalization before and after excitation was observed according to the molecular orbital calculation, which corresponds to the mechanism of excitation energy transfer through space occurred in the donor-linker-acceptor molecular system. The opto-physical properties of the dye indicated potential application of electro-optical materials.