Layer-by-layer coated probiotics with chitosan and liposomes exhibit enhanced therapeutic effects for DSS-induced colitis in mice.

Probiotic therapy has emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, offering advantages in terms of safety and convenience. However, oral probiotics encounter significant challenges, including exposure to a hostile gastric environment with low pH, bile salts, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and damage to the protective mucus layer. These factors reduce probiotic survival rates and limit their physiological activity. To address these challenges, we developed a layer-by-layer coated probiotics with curcumin-loaded liposome and polymer. Through DSS-induced colitis mice experiments, we demonstrated that the coated probiotics exhibited an improved survival rate in the gastrointestinal tract and enhanced adhesion to the intestinal mucosa. Furthermore, multi-layered coated probiotics exhibited remarkable efficacy in alleviating colitis by efficiently repairing the gut barrier, modulating gut microbial homeostasis, and reducing bacterial motility at sites of colonic inflammation. Our innovative approach holds promise for effectively treating gastrointestinal diseases.

Immobilization of pancreatin based on ultrasound-assisted polydopamine functionalized magnetic porous chitosan for the detoxification of ochratoxin A in wine.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin that globally contaminates fruits and their products. Since OTA have a huge negative impact on health hazards and economic losses, it is imperative to establish an effective and safe strategy for detoxification. Here, pancreatin was immobilized on the surface of polydopamine functionalized magnetic porous chitosan (MPCTS@ PDA) for the degradation of OTA. Compared with free pancreatin, MPCTS@ PDA@ pancreatin displayed excellent thermal stability, acid resistance, storage stability and OTA detoxification in wine (>58%). Moreover, the MPCTS@ PDA@ pancreatin retained 43% initial activity after 8 reuse cycles. There was no significant change in the quality of wine after MPCTS@ PDA@ pancreatin treatment. Moreover, it did not exhibit cytotoxicity which facilitated its application in wine. These results demonstrated that MPCTS@ PDA@ pancreatin can be used as a highly effective biocatalysate for OTA detoxification in wine.

Polyphenols synergistic drugs to ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via signal pathway and gut microbiota: A review.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease with an increasing incidence worldwide. Single drug therapy may have toxic side effects and disrupt gut microbiota balance. Polyphenols are widely used in disease intervention due to their distinctive nutritional properties and medicinal value, which a potential gut microbiota modulator. However, there is a lack of comprehensive review to explore the efficacy and mechanism of combined therapy with drugs and polyphenols for NAFLD. AIM OF REVIEW: Based on this, this review firstly discusses the link between NAFLD and gut microbiota, and outlines the effects of polyphenols and drugs on gut microbiota. Secondly, it examined recent advances in the treatment and intervention of NAFLD with drugs and polyphenols and the therapeutic effect of the combination of the two. Finally, we highlight the underlying mechanisms of polyphenol combined drug therapy in NAFLD. This is mainly in terms of signaling pathways (NF-κB, AMPK, Nrf2, JAK/STAT, PPAR, SREBP-1c, PI3K/Akt and TLR) and gut microbiota. Furthermore, some emerging mechanisms such as microRNA potential biomarker therapies may provide therapeutic avenues for NAFLD. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: Drawing inspiration from combination drug strategies, the use of active substances in combination with drugs for NAFLD intervention holds transformative and prospective potential, both improve NAFLD and restore gut microbiota balance while reducing the required drug dosage. This review systematically discusses the bidirectional interactions between gut microbiota and NAFLD, and summarizes the potential mechanisms of polyphenol synergistic drugs in the treatment of NAFLD by modulating signaling pathways and gut microbiota. Future researches should develop multi-omics technology to identify patients who benefit from polyphenols combination drugs and devising individualized treatment plans to enhance its therapeutic effect.

Impact of polyphenol-loaded edible starch nanomaterials on antioxidant capacity and gut microbiota.

Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) have the capability to adsorb polyphenol components from apple pomace efficiently, forming bound polyphenols (P-SNPs). These bound polyphenols may have potential bioactivities to affect human health positively. Therefore, in-depth in vivo observation of the antioxidant activity and evaluation of its gut microbiota regulatory function are essential. The results revealed that P-SNPs indicated significant scavenging abilities against DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radicals. Furthermore, the nanomaterials exhibited non-toxic properties, devoid of hepatorenal and intestinal damage, while concurrently stimulating the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) within the gastrointestinal tract. Notably, P-SNPs significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity in serum, liver, and kidney tissues, fostering the proliferation of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bacillus, norank_f__Muribaculaceae) while suppressing pathogenic bacterial growth (Helicobacter, Odoribacter). This study proposes a novel research concept for the scientific use of polyphenols in promoting gut health.

Preparation and characterization of pectin-alginate-based microbeads reinforced by nano montmorillonite filler for probiotics encapsulation: Improving viability and colonic colonization.

Hydrogel microbeads can be used to enhance the stability of probiotics during gastrointestinal delivery and storage. In this study, the pectin-alginate hydrogel was enhanced by adding montmorillonite filler to produce microbeads for encapsulating Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens (LK). Results showed that the viscosity of biopolymer solutions with 1 % (PAMT1) and 3 % (PAMT3) montmorillonite addition was suitable for producing regular-shaped microbeads. A layered cross-linked network was formed on the surface of PAMT3 microbeads through electrostatic interaction between pectin-alginate and montmorillonite filler, and the surrounding LK with adsorbed montmorillonite was encapsulated inside the microbeads. PAMT3 microbeads reduced the loss of viability of LK when passing through the gastric acid environment, and facilitated the slow release of LK in the intestine and colonic colonization. The maximum decrease in viability among all filler groups was 1.21 log CFU/g after two weeks of storage, while PAMT3 freeze-drying microbeads only decreased by 0.46 log CFU/g, indicating that the gel layer synergized with the adsorbed layer to provide dual protection for probiotics. Therefore, filler-reinforced microbeads are a promising bulk encapsulation carrier with great potential for the protection and delivery of probiotics and can be developed as food additives for dairy products.

Characterization and stability assessment of polyphenols bound to Lycium barbarum polysaccharide: Insights from gastrointestinal digestion and colon fermentation.

Polysaccharides and polyphenols are biologically active components that coexist in Lycium barbarum fruit, and there may be interactions between them that affect the release of each other. In this study, polyphenols bound to L. barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) were characterized, and the stability of bound phenolics (BP) was assessed by gastrointestinal digestion and colon fermentation. The results showed that a total of 65 phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and coumarins were identified by UPLC-MS/MS. Quantitative analysis revealed that the major phenolic constituents were rutin, p-coumaric acid, catechin, ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid, and gallic acid, and their contents were 58.72, 24.03, 14.24, 13.28, 10.39, and 6.7 mg GAE/100 g DW, respectively. The release of BP by gastric digestion and gastrointestinal digestion was 9.67 % and 19.39 %, respectively. Most polyphenols were greatly affected by gastric digestion, while rutin was released in small intestine. The BP were fully released (49.77 %) and metabolized by gut microorganisms, and a considerable number of intermediates and end-products were detected, such as phloroglucinol, phenylacetic acid, and phenyllactic acid. Microbiomics data emphasized the positive impact of LBP on gut bacteria of Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Clostridioides. These findings could deepen our understanding of the bioavailability and biological fate of BP and also provide reference data for nutrient release and utilization of L. barbarum as a whole.

Sea Buckthorn Flavonoid Extracted by High Hydrostatic Pressure Inhibited IgE-Stimulated Mast Cell Activation through the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.), as one of the Elaeagnaceae family, has the significant function of anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and other physiological activities. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) extraction has the advantages of being easy and efficient, while maintaining biological activity. In this study, sea buckthorn flavonoid (SBF) was extracted with HHP and purified sea buckthorn flavonoid (PSBF) was isolated by AB-8 macroporous resin column. HPLC analysis was used to quantified them. In addition, the effect of anti-allergy in RBL-2H3 cells by SBF, PSBF, and their flavonoid compounds was evaluated. The results demonstrate the conditions for obtaining the maximum flavonoid amount of SBF: 415 MPa for 10 min, 72% ethanol concentration, and a liquid to solid ratio of 40 mL/g, which increased the purity from 1.46% to 13.26%. Both SBF and PSBF included rutin, quercitrin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol. In addition, quercitrin, kaempferol, and SBF could regulate Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. Moreover, extracellular Ca2+ influx was reduced by quercitrin and PSBF. Furthermore, rutin, quercetin, iso-rhamnetin, and SBF could also inhibit P-p38 and P-JNK expression, thereby suppressing the phosphorylation of the MAPK signaling pathways. Overall, SBF is effective for relieving food allergy and might be a promising anti-allergic therapeutic agent.

Development of a polyphenol-enriched whole kiwifruit dietary supplement and its potential in ameliorating hyperlipidemia.

BACKGROUND: Kiwifruit pomace, which contains abundant phenolic compounds, is typically discarded during the juicing process, leading to wastage of valuable resources. To address this issue, various indicators (including total acidity, sugar/acid ratio, vitamin C, total polyphenols, polyphenol monomers, and soluble solids content) of 15 kiwifruit cultivars were evaluated and juiced. Then, a polyphenol-concentrated solution from kiwifruit pomace was backfilled into kiwi juice to prepare whole nutritious compound kiwi juice, and its anti-hyperlipidemic activity on obese model mice was then investigated. RESULTS: Through grey relational analysis and the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS), Kuimi and Huayou were identified as the predominant varieties for juicing, with weighted relevance scores of 0.695 and 0.871 respectively and TOPSIS scores of 0.6509 and 0.8220 respectively. The polyphenol content of Cuixiang pomace was 43.97 mg g-1 , making it the most suitable choice for polyphenol extraction. By backfilling a polyphenol-concentrated solution derived from Cuixiang pomace into compound kiwi juice of Huayou and Kuimi, the whole nutritious compound kiwi juice with polyphenols was produced and exhibited superior bioactivities, including enhanced hepatic oxidative stress defense, and alleviated serum lipid abnormalities. Furthermore, whole nutritious compound kiwi juice with polyphenols ameliorated host intestinal microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the relative abundance of the phyla Bacteroidota and Verrucomicrobiota. CONCLUSION: A hypolipidemic dietary supplement based on kiwifruit pomace polyphenols has been successfully developed, providing an effective solution for hyperlipidemia intervention. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Investigation the nutritional properties of Auricularia auricula pulp fermented with Lactobacillus strains and their effects on gut microbiota.

BACKGROUND: Auricularia auricula is rich in bioactive components, and microbial fermentation can further dramatically increase its content and bioavailability. However, there are few studies on the relationship between fermented A. auricula pulp (FAAP) and gut microbiota. In this study, standard strains Lactobacillus plantarum 21801 and 21805 purchased from the China Center of Industrial Culture Collection were used to ferment A. auricula pulp at a ratio of 2:1, with an inoculum of 5%, a fermentation temperature of 31 °C, and a fermentation time of 22 h. The nutritional properties, aroma, and color of FAAP and their effects on the body characteristics of mice and the structure and abundance of gut microbiota are discussed. RESULTS: The results showed that, compared with A. auricula pulp, FAAP significantly increased the nutritional properties while maintaining favorable sensory quality and flavor profiles. Among them, the content of total polyphenols and total flavonoids reached 22.04 µg mL-1 and 20.56 µg mL-1 respectively, and the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid free-radical scavenging rate increased to 73.21%. The consumption of FAAP had no negative effects on weight or liver and kidney function in mice and dramatically enhanced the antioxidant capacity in the liver and serum. The production of short-chain fatty acids in the gut was promoted, the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, norank_f__Muribaculaceae and unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae) increased, and the growth of some pathogenic bacteria (Helicobacter, Mucispirillum, and Alloprevotella) was inhibited. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that FAAP is rich in nutrients and has unique functional properties that promote host health and regulate the gut microbiota. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Layer-by-layer coated probiotics with chitosan and liposomes demonstrate improved stability and antioxidant properties in vitro.

Probiotics are of increasing interest for their potential health benefits, but their survival and adhesion in the harsh gastrointestinal environment remain a concern. This study explored a single-cell encapsulation technique to enhance probiotic survival and adhesion in the gastrointestinal tract. We encapsulated probiotics in curcumin-loaded liposomes, further coated them with polymers using layer-by-layer techniques. The coated probiotics were evaluated for survival in simulated gastrointestinal conditions, adhesion to colonic mucus, and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The results showed that multi-layer encapsulation increased probiotic size at the nanoscale, enhancing their survival in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Upon reaching the colon, the shedding of the coating coincided with probiotic proliferation. Additionally, the coated probiotics exhibited increased adhesion to colonic mucus. Moreover, the coating acted as a protective barrier for effectively scavenging reactive oxygen radicals, ensuring probiotic survival in inflammatory environments. This study combines the synergistic effects of probiotics and curcumin, underscoring the promise of single-cell encapsulation techniques in improving the efficacy of probiotics for addressing colitis-related diseases.

[Factors Affecting Nitrate Concentrations and Nitrogen and Oxygen Isotope Values of Effluents from Waste Water Treatment Plant].

Urban domestic sewage is one of the important nitrate (NO-3) sources for surface water; however, their NO-3 concentrations and nitrogen and oxygen isotope values (δ15N-NO-3 and δ18O-NO-3) remain unclear, and the factors affecting NO-3 concentrations and δ15N-NO-3 and δ18O-NO-3 values of effluents in the waste water treatment plant (WWTP) are still unknown. Water samples in the Jiaozuo WWTP were collected to illustrate this question. Influents, clarified water in the secondary sedimentation tank (SST), and effluents of the WWTP were sampled every 8 h. The ammonia (NH+4) concentrations, NO-3 concentrations, and δ15N-NO-3 and δ18O-NO-3 values were analyzed to elucidate the nitrogen transfers through different treatment sections and illustrate the factors affecting the effluent NO-3 concentrations and isotope ratios. The results indicated that ① the mean NH+4 concentration was (22.86±2.16) mg·L-1 in the influent and decreased to (3.78±1.98) mg·L-1 in the SST and continuously reduced to (2.70±1.98) mg·L-1 in the effluent of the WWTP. The median NO-3 concentration was 0.62 mg·L-1 in the influent, and the average NO-3 concentration increased to (33.48±3.10) mg·L-1 in the SST and gradually increased to (37.20±4.34) mg·L-1 in the effluent of the WWTP. ② The mean values of δ15N-NO-3 and δ18O-NO-3 were (17.1±10.7)‰ and (19.2±2.2)‰ in the influent of the WWTP, the median values of δ15N-NO-3 and δ18O-NO-3 were 11.9‰ and 6.4‰ in the SST, and the average values were (12.6±1.9)‰ and (5.7±0.8)‰ in the effluent of the WWTP. ③ The NH+4 concentrations of influent had significant differences compared to those in the SST and the effluent (P<0.05). The reduction of NH+4 concentrations in the SST was due to the above nitrification during the aerobic treatment process, which transferred NH+4 to NO-3. The NH+4 concentrations in the SST had no significant differences with that in the effluent of the WWTP (P>0.05). ④ The NO-3 concentrations in the influent had significant differences with those in the SST and the effluent (P<0.05), and minor NO-3 concentrations but relatively high δ15N-NO-3 and δ18O-NO-3 values in the influent were probably due to denitrification during the pipe sewage transportation. The obviously increased NO-3 concentrations (P<0.05) but decreased δ18O-NO-3 values (P<0.05) in the SST and the effluent resulted from water oxygen incorporation during the nitrification. The above results confirmed the impacts of aerobic and anaerobic treatment processes on NO-3 concentrations and isotope ratios of effluent from the WWTP and provided scientific basis for the identification of sewage contributions to surface water nitrate via average δ15N-NO-3 and δ18O-NO-3 values.

The optimization of sequential fermentation in the dealcoholized apple juice for reducing lipids.

Yeast and lactic acid bacteria are widely used in fermented foods and the nutrients and metabolites produced by fermentation have cholesterol degrading effects. This study utilized Xinjiang Aksu apples as the material to optimize the sequential fermentation process of different strains and construct a fermentation kinetic model to develop a functional fermentation product with low-sugar, probiotics-rich and lipid-lowering properties. The sequential fermentation of dealcoholized apple juice with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum was optimized by response surface design, based on which a sequential fermentation kinetic model was constructed. The changes of short-chain fatty acids, cholesterol elimination rate and hydrophobic properties during the fermentation process were studied. The results showed that the kinetic model established under the optimal conditions could effectively predict the dynamic changes of the basic indexes during the fermentation process. After fermentation, the viable number of L. plantarum was 4.96 × 108 CFU/mL, short-chain fatty acids increased, the cholesterol elimination rate reached 45.06%, and the hydrophobicity was 51.37%, which had favorable lipid-lowering properties and hydrophobic effect. This research will provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the monitoring of microbial dynamics and functionalization development of sequentially fermented apple juice with different strains. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05741-z.

Serum metabolomics combined with 16S rRNA sequencing to reveal the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on host metabolism and gut microbiota.

Gut microbes and microbial metabolites derived from polysaccharides mediate beneficial effects related to polysaccharides consumption. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is the main bioactive components in L. barbarum fruits and possesses considerable health-promoting effects. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether LBP supplementation influenced host metabolic responses and gut microbiota in healthy mice, and to identify bacterial taxa associated with the observed beneficial effects. Our results indicated that mice supplied with LBP at 200 mg/kg BW showed lower serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and liver TG levels. LBP supplementation strengthened the antioxidant capacity of liver, supported the growth of Lactobacillus and Lactococcus, and stimulated short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production. Serum metabolomic analysis revealed that fatty acid degradation pathways were enriched, and RT-PCR further confirmed that LBP up-regulated the expression of liver genes involved in fatty acid oxidation. The Spearman's correlation analysis indicated that some serum and liver lipid profiles and hepatic SOD activity were associated with Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Ruminococcus, Allobaculum and AF12. Collectively, these findings provide new evidence for the potential preventive effect of LBP consumption on hyperlipidemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

[Dissolved Ion Concentrations and Isotope Values in Agricultural Fertilizer Locally Applied in Henan Province].

Agricultural fertilizers (AFs) have provided vegetation with necessary nutrients, but unabsorbed constituents have been retarded in soil, potentially affecting the quality of adjacent surface water and groundwater. AFs element contents and stable isotope compositions have often been utilized to assess and calculate AFs pollution to nitrate and sulfate in surface water and groundwater; however, due to various AFs applied, the dissolved ion concentrations and isotope ratios are still unknown. This study collected commercial AF widely utilized in Henan province, China, to constrain their ion concentrations and isotope values. The dissolved ions (1 g AFs dissolved in 1 L ultrapure water), sulfate sulfur, and oxygen isotope values(δ34S and δ18O) were analyzed, and total nitrogen (TN) contents coupled with nitrogen isotope values(δ15N) in solid AFs were determined to elucidate their elemental and isotopic compositions. These characteristics provided a scientific basis for further assessing their contributions to surface water and groundwater contaminations. The results indicated that pH values in the AFs solutions varied from 3.6 to 10.2, with a mean value of 6.7±1.5 (n=30, 1σ). Sulfate (SO42-) and nitrate (NO3-) concentrations ranged from 4.38 mg·L-1 to 827.29 mg·L-1 and from 1.34 mg·L-1 to 208.90 mg·L-1, with median values of 192.80 mg·L-1 and 13.51 mg·L-1 and average values of (256.19±239.83) mg·L-1 (n=30) and (37.07±53.21) mg·L-1 (n=29), respectively. Dissolved sulfate δ34S and δ18O values in AFs varied from -3.5‰ to 19.0‰ and from 6.7‰ to 18.5‰, with median values of 4.1‰ and 10.1‰ and mean values of (5.8±5.5)‰ (n=22, 1σ) and (10.7±2.7)‰ (n=22, 1σ), respectively. TN and δ15N values in AFs ranged from 0.5% to 38.9% and from -2.7‰ to 3.4‰, with median values of 13.3% and 0.0‰ and average values of (14.8±9.3)% (n=25) and 0.0±1.5‰ (n=24, 1σ), respectively. The lower averaged δ34S values and positive averaged δ18O values potentially resulted from sulfuric acids added as raw materials, giving rise to a negative relationship between pH values and SO42- concentrations (P<0.05). The δ15N values of AFs were close to that of air N2, corresponding to the fact that NO3--N and NH4+-N were synthesized via air N2. Our results revealed the dissolved ion concentrations of SO42-, NO3-, and NH4+ and their δ34S, δ18O, and δ15N values of typically applied AFs in Henan province, which provided the scientific basis for studying the AFs contributions to SO42- and NO3- pollutions in surface water and groundwater surroundings.

High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatments Improved Properties of Fermentation of Apple Juice Accompanied by Higher Reserved Lactobacillus plantarum.

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment to obtain high quality juice, and prepared functional apple juice using fermentation technology. The physicochemical properties of HHP (10 min) pasteurized and pasteurized (85 °C, 15 min) apple juices were compared during fermentation. Moreover, the survival of Lactobacillus plantarum after fermentation under simulated gastrointestinal conditions was evaluated. Results showed that HHP-treated apple juice had better properties than that of pasteurized in terms of color difference, total phenol content, and antioxidant activity. After fermentation, about 2.00 log CFU/mL increase in viability of cells was observed and there was around 0.8 reduction in pH value, and the antioxidant capacities were also significantly improved. Additionally, the content of caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid significantly increased after 24 h of fermentation. The survival of Lactobacillus plantarum in simulated gastric fluid reached 97.37% after fermentation. Overall, HHP treatment is expected to be a substitute technology to pasteurization in order to obtain higher quality fermented fruit juice. This study could also be helpful for exploitation of fermented juice.

Evaluation of chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and gut microbiota associated with pumpkin juice fermented by Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

To prepare pumpkin juice (PJ) rich in coenzyme Q10, this study analyzed the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and gut microbiota of pumpkin juice fermented by Rhodobacter sphaeroides (RPJ). The number of viable bacteria in the juice reached 2.8 × 108 CFU/mL; the fermentation process mainly consumed glucose and sucrose; the total sugar content was reduced, ß-carotene was reduced, and a new antioxidant substance, coenzyme Q10, appeared at a content of 12.345 mg/L; levels of volatile alcohols, esters, and ketones significantly increased; and antioxidation ability improved, particularly the ferric ion reducing antioxidant power activity. The gut microbiota of mice shifted by increasing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and protected the gut barrier by reducing Proteobacteria after 48 h of fermentation. Pumpkin juice fermented by Rhodobacter sphaeroides not only produces bioactive substances with antioxidant capacity but can also regulate the gut microbiota of mice.

Preparation of edible starch nanomaterials for the separation of polyphenols from fruit pomace extract and determination of their adsorption properties.

Apple polyphenols are abundantly present in apple pomace, and their applications are limited by the low efficiency of traditional extraction methods and the tendency to pollute the environment. Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) have received much attention due to their renewable, low cost and biocompatibility. The aim of this study was to prepare SNPs of different sizes from corn starch using ultrasonic-assisted chemical precipitation with adsorption of apple polyphenols, investigate the relationship between particle size and adsorption, while experiments were performed to assess antioxidant activity, simulate in vivo digestion and polyphenol release. The results showed that the smaller the particle size of SNPs the higher the adsorption of polyphenols, and the combination of characterization and adsorption kinetics showed that this adsorption was a physicochemical binding process. DPPH radical scavenging activity showed that polyphenols bound to SNPs were more stable than free polyphenols. In vitro simulation of digestion and release processes, SNPs loaded with polyphenols showed better anti-digestive properties, polyphenols are released in small amounts in gastric juices and continuously in intestinal juices. Our results provide a theoretical basis for the direct separation of polyphenols from fruit pomace polyphenol extracts using nanomaterials and the industrial utilization of polyphenol products.

Optimized Extraction of cAMP From Jujube by Ultra-High Pressure Technology and the Anti-allergic Effect for Peanut Allergy Mouse.

Jujube contains abundant cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). In contrast, the extraction technology of cAMP from jujube is still to be explored. In this study, the ultra-high pressure extraction (UHPE) conditions for obtaining the maximum cAMP yield from jujube were optimized. Orthogonal array design (OAD) was applied to evaluate the effects of three variables (pressure, pressure-holding time, and liquid-to-solid ratio) by UHPE on cAMP yield. The results showed that the optimal cAMP yield (1223.2 µg/g) was derived at 300 MPa, 20 min duration, and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 2.5 ml/g. In addition, as an important functional ingredient in jujube, cAMP has potential anti-allergic effect. To develop the functional characteristics of jujube, the effect of cAMP was characterized in vivo with the Balb/c mouse model of peanut allergy, which was established by subcutaneous injection of crude peanut protein extract (PN). The results showed that treatment with cAMP in PN-sensitized mice suppressed the lesions in jejunal tissues and allergic symptoms and restored spleen index. Meanwhile, cAMP treatment reduced serum levels of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, as well as interleukin-4 (IL-4) and stimulated the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), whereas the serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) were not affected. Our results suggested that cAMP has an anti-allergic effect in PN-sensitized mice.

Sequentially fermented dealcoholized apple juice intervenes fatty liver induced by high-fat diets via modulation of intestinal flora and gene pathways.

Low-alcohol beverages damage the liver, whereas dealcoholized apple juice sequentially fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum is a promising dietary intervention for hyperlipidaemia as a functional non-alcoholic beverage that lowers lipid levels and regulates fatty liver. However, their mechanisms of action have not been identified. In this study, we found that low-alcohol cider exacerbated inflammation in mice on a high-fat diet, up-regulate fatty liver CYP2E1 gene, and inhibit the expression of MBOAT7 and TMC4. Apple juice traditionally fermented by S.cerevisiae and then dealcoholized, followed by sequential fermentation by L.plantarum, can improve obesity and fatty liver, reduce the production of liver cholesterol and fat accumulation, and promote the production of short-chain fatty acids. Our research demonstrates that the lipopolysaccharide/lipopolysaccharide-binding protein/cluster of differentiation 14 protein/Toll-like receptor 4 protein signaling pathway affects the occurrence of obesity and inflammation in mice, and the expression of CYP7A1 inhibits the production of lipids. Further research reveals that L. plantarum sequentially fermented dealcoholized apple juice not only regulate and restore the intestinal flora, but also change the ratio of Firmicutes-to-Bacteroides, and decreased endotoxin-bearing Proteobacteria levels. Together, this functional product may be a potential dietary strategy to interfere with hyperlipidemia and obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Acid Leaching Vermiculite: A Multi-Functional Solid Catalyst with a Strongly Electrostatic Field and Brönsted Acid for Depolymerization of Cellulose in Water.

Vermiculite is a natural mineral. In this study, vermiculite and acid-activated vermiculite was used as a solid acid catalyst for the hydrolysis of cellulose in water. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, and BET. The effects of time, temperature, mass ratio and water amount on the reaction were investigated in the batch reactor. The results showed that the highest total reducing sugars (TRS) yield of 40.1% could be obtained on the vermiculite activated by 35 (wt)% H2SO4 with the mass ratio of catalyst to cellulose of 0.18 and water to cellulose of 16 at 478 K for 3.5 h. The acid-activated vermiculite was a stable catalyst through calcination at 628 K and the yield of TRS decreased to 36.2% after three times reuse. The results showed that the crystal structure of vermiculite was destroyed and the surface -OH groups increased after the acid treatment. However, the synergistic effect of a strongly electrostatic polarization and Brönsted acid was responsible for the efficient conversion of cellulose. The mechanism of cellulose hydrolysis on the acid-activated vermiculite was suggested. This work provides a promising strategy to design an efficient solid catalyst for the cellulose hydrolysis, and expands the use of vermiculite in a new field.