Enhanced gelling property and freeze-thaw stability of potato, tapioca, and corn starches modified by mild heating in aqueous ethanol solution.

BACKGROUND: Physically modified starches can be classified as natural ingredients on food labels and clean label products. Thus, the market demand for physically modified starch is increasing. Potato, tapioca, and corn starches were physically modified by mild heat treatment in an alcoholic solution to enhance their gelling property and freeze-thaw stability. RESULTS: During mild heating of starch suspension (40% w/w) in 10% ethanol solution at the onset gelatinization temperature, granular swelling of starch occurred, followed by amylose leaching with medication of the surface structure of the starch granules. All treated starches exhibited increased gelatinization and pasting temperatures and decreased breakdown for pasting due to improved stability against shear and heat. The treated starches had higher hardness, cohesiveness, and springiness of gel than the respective native starches, and these gel properties were more pronounced in potato starch than in tapioca and corn starches. The treated starches showed substantially reduced gel syneresis during freeze-thawing. CONCLUSION: Physical modification of starch by mild heat treatment in an alcoholic solution substantially improved its gelation ability and freeze-thaw stability. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Improvement of textural and sensory characteristics of aged rice using hydrothermal treatment with xanthan gum.

Aged rice (AR) was mildly heated in aqueous dispersions containing different amounts of xanthan gum (Xan) at 60 °C for 1 h, and then dried in a humidity chamber (50 °C, 80% RH) for 12 h. The AR kernels treated without Xan showed a coarse surface with many pores after cooking, whereas the same rice treated with Xan showed a smooth and uniform surface. Prior to the treatment, the cooked AR was harder and less sticky than the cooked fresh rice (FR). The hydrothermal treatment softened the cooked AR although did not change its adhesiveness. The same treatment in the presence of Xan could increase the adhesiveness of AR, making the textural characteristics of AR similar to those of FR. Sensory evaluation revealed that the mild heat treatment in the presence of Xan restored the eating quality and acceptability of cooked AR which had been lost by aging. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01306-0.

Deinococcus radiodurans-derived membrane vesicles protect HaCaT cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress via modulation of MAPK and Nrf2/ARE pathways.

BACKGROUND: Deinococcus radiodurans is a robust bacterium that can withstand harsh environments that cause oxidative stress to macromolecules due to its cellular structure and physiological functions. Cells release extracellular vesicles for intercellular communication and the transfer of biological information; their payload reflects the status of the source cells. Yet, the biological role and mechanism of Deinococcus radiodurans-derived extracellular vesicles remain unclear. AIM: This study investigated the protective effects of membrane vesicles derived from D. radiodurans (R1-MVs) against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells. RESULTS: R1-MVs were identified as 322 nm spherical molecules. Pretreatment with R1-MVs inhibited H2O2-mediated apoptosis in HaCaT cells by suppressing the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. R1-MVs increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, restored glutathione (GSH) homeostasis, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) production in H2O2-exposed HaCaT cells. Moreover, the protective effect of R1-MVs against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells was dependent on the downregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation and the upregulation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. Furthermore, the weaker protective capabilities of R1-MVs derived from ΔDR2577 mutant than that of the wild-type R1-MVs confirmed our inferences and indicated that SlpA protein plays a crucial role in R1-MVs against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: Taken together, R1-MVs exert significant protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in keratinocytes and have the potential to be applied in radiation-induced oxidative stress models.

Antioxidant and in vitro cosmeceutical activities of chestnut inner shell fermented by Monascus kaoliang.

Chestnut inner shell (CIS) was fermented at 30 °C for 12 day using Monascus kaoliang, either in solid or submerged state, and alcohol extracts (70% ethanol) of the fermented CIS were examined for their antioxidant (total phenol content and diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity) and in vitro cosmeceutical activities (tyrosinase and elastase inhibitory activities). Both activities were significantly increased by the M. kaoliang-fermentation, more apparently by submerged fermentation (SMF) than by solid-state fermentation (SSF). The cosmeceutical activity reached its maximum value on the 3rd day of fermentation. The residual amounts of phenolic acids and catechins in the CIS extracts were increased by the fermentation, up to 395.0 and 344.3 µg/g, respectively. More phenolic acids were produced by SMF than SSF, whereas more catechins were produced by SSF than SMF. Therefore, SMF using M. kaoliang was an efficient process for the utilization of CIS as a source of cosmeceuticals.

Debranched waxy maize resistant dextrin: Synthesis, ethanol fractionation, crystallization, and characterization.

Waxy maize (Zea mays L.) dextrins (WMD), prepared by enzymatic debranching, were fractionated through precipitation in different concentrations of aqueous ethanol (50 %, 60 %, and 80 %). The fractionated WMDs were then crystallized at 4 °C or 50 °C for 2 days to prepare resistant dextrins (RD). Recovery yield, chain distribution, crystalline structure, thermal transition, and in vitro digestibility of the fractionated/crystallized WMDs were evaluated. Crystallization at 4 °C resulted in higher yields (>90 %) than that at 50 °C, regardless of the fractionation condition. The chain profile of the dextrins recovered at different temperatures appeared similar, but the longer chains had a greater tendency to associate. Crystal arrangement (A- or B-type) depended on the fractionation and crystallization conditions. Most crystals showed a typical B-type arrangement, except for the crystals prepared at 50 °C with 80 % ethanol (A-type). The enzyme resistance ranged from 49.9 % to 92.4 % depending on the fractionation and crystallization conditions.

The cooking method features controlling eating quality of cooked rice: An explanation from the view of starch structure in leachate and morphological characteristics.

This study investigated leachate and morphological properties of electric-cooked rice (ECR), electric pressure-cooked rice (EPCR), and instant cooked rice (ICR) to explore the effects of cooking methods on eating quality of cooked rice. The leachate was obtained by rinsing cooked rice with warm water. EPCR had the highest amounts of total solid and amylopectin in the leachate and the highest contents of surface and bound lipid. The amylopectin branch chain length of leachate was not significantly different among rice samples. EPCR leachate solution showed the highest apparent viscosity and the greatest decline with increasing shear rate due to high amount of amylopectin. In morphological characteristics, degrees for disruption of the starch structure and compression of protein present in rice kernel were largest in EPCR. Textural hardness of ICR was much lower than that of ECR or EPCR. EPCR had the highest glossiness, stickiness, moistness, and overall acceptability scores. Principal component analysis score plot showed significant differences in leachate and textural characteristics of cooked rice according to cooking methods.

In vitro cosmeceutical activity of alcoholic extract from chestnut inner shell fermented with Aspergillus sojae.

Chestnut inner shell was fermented in solid state with Aspergillus sojae, and then extracted using ethanol (95%) to analyze its cosmeceutical activity and phenolic composition. The fermentation significantly increased the antioxidant activity, and in vitro cosmeceutical activities. The ethanol extract showed the higher activities than ethyl acetate and water extracts. DPPH radical scavenging activity of the alcoholic extract was 80.53%, and tyrosinase and elastase inhibition activities were 101.01%, and 76.73%, respectively, after 10 days of fermentation. Kojic acid, a secondary metabolite of A. sojae was produced by the fermentation as a major bioactive component. Gallic acid, ellagic acid, and coumaric acid appeared the major phenolic acids in the alcoholic extract from fermented chestnut inner shell. The alcoholic extract from chestnut inner shell fermented by A. sojae may be used as an effective and bioactive cosmeceutical. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01044-9.

Metabolite profile and antioxidant potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during malting.

In addition to barley, wheat malt is considered an important beer material because of the recent popularity of wheat beer in the global market. The changes in metabolite profiles and antioxidant potential of wheat samples collected every 24 h during malting were investigated. Dynamic metabolite changes through 1H NMR-based metabolomics approaches, quantitative individual phenolic acids by high-performance liquid chromatography and antioxidant potential by colorimetric methods were assessed. Orthogonal projection to latent structure with discriminant analysis showed that metabolites were responsible for discrimination of each malting stage for wheat. Phenolic acids, whose main component was ferulic acid, increased with time during wheat malting. Much higher phenolic acid contents were found in rootlets/acrospires than in the bodies of dried wheat malt. The overall results of this study provide novel information on changes in dynamic metabolites during wheat malting.

Improvement of pasting and gelling behaviors of waxy maize starch by partial gelatinization and freeze-thawing treatment with xanthan gum.

To improve the pasting and gelling behaviors of waxy maize starch, an aqueous dispersion with or without xanthan gum was subjected to partial gelatinization (5 ℃ above the onset melting temperature of starch) and freeze-thawing treatment. After the treatments, starch granules were slightly deformed, with partial loss of birefringence, and tended to aggregate. The relative crystallinity and thermal stability of waxy maize starch crystals decreased by the treatments. These changes indicated that the treatment affected the inner structure and chain arrangement of the granules. The treated waxy maize starches, however, showed a higher overall pasting viscosity with shorter and more cohesive pastes than that of the native starch. The treated starches formed rigid gels with increased stability against freeze-thawing. The addition of small amounts of xanthan gum enhanced the effects of the treatments.

Immunostimulatory Potential of Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from an Edible Plant, Petasites japonicus, via the Induction of Murine Dendritic Cell Maturation.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently been isolated from different plants. Plant-derived EVs have been proposed as potent therapeutics and drug-delivery nanoplatforms for delivering biomolecules, including proteins, RNAs, DNAs, and lipids. Herein, Petasites japonicus-derived EVs (PJ-EVs) were isolated through a series of centrifugation steps and characterized using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Immunomodulatory effects of PJ-EVs were assessed using dendritic cells (DCs). PJ-EVs exhibited a spherical morphology with an average size of 122.6 nm. They induced the maturation of DCs via an increase in the expression of surface molecules (CD80, CD86, MHC-I, and MHC-II), production of Th1-polarizing cytokines (TNF-α and IL-12p70), and antigen-presenting ability; however, they reduced the antigen-uptake ability. Furthermore, maturation of DCs induced by PJ-EVs was dependent on the activation and phosphorylation of MAPK and NF-κB signal pathways. Notably, PJ-EV-treated DCs strongly induced the proliferation and differentiation of naïve T cells toward Th1-type T cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells along with robust secretion of IFN-γ and IL-2. In conclusion, our study indicates that PJ-EVs can be potent immunostimulatory candidates with an ability of strongly inducing the maturation of DCs.

Effect of combination of dry heating and glucose addition on pasting and gelling behavior of starches.

Normal corn, waxy corn, potato, and tapioca starches were subjected to dry heating by adding glucose at slightly alkaline conditions to investigate the impact of the combination of dry heating and glucose addition. After dry heating, normal/waxy corn and tapioca starches showed increased peak viscosity and decreased pasting temperatures, whereas potato starch exhibited decreased peak viscosity. The increase in peak viscosity of normal/waxy corn and tapioca starches became more significant after adding glucose to the dry heating process. Moreover, the starch gels became more rigid after dry heating with the addition of glucose than native and control starch. Dry heating alone decreased the melting temperatures and enthalpy of the starches assessed. Nevertheless, dry heating with glucose addition induced no significant changes in the melting characteristics of corn and tapioca starches; however, it significantly increased the melting temperature and enthalpy of potato starch compared to those by dry heating alone. Furthermore, dry heating in combination with glucose addition reduced paste clarity and induced slight thermal browning. These results clearly indicate that the combination of dry heating and glucose addition induces more intense changes in the properties of starch than those by dry heating or glucose addition alone.

Immunoregulatory properties of a crude extraction fraction rich in polysaccharide from Chrysanthemum zawadskii Herbich var. latilobum and its potential role as a vaccine adjuvant.

The objective of the current study was to demonstrate the immunostimulatory effects of a polysaccharide isolated from Chrysanthemum zawadskii Herbich var. latilobum leaves (CP) and evaluate its potential as a vaccine adjuvant. Results showed that CP induced maturation of the dendritic cells (DCs). In addition, CP-treated DCs activated naïve T cells to polarized CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and substantially induced the production of IFN-γ and IL-2 in vitro. Furthermore, CP initiated the maturation of DCs via the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Interestingly, systemic administration of CP-treated DCs pulsed with ovalbumin (OVA) peptides significantly enhanced the immune response in vivo, which included the generation of antigen (OVA)-specific polyfunctional T cells, increased cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity, induction of Th1-mediated humoral immunity, and suppression of tumor growth. Taken together, our study highlighted the immunoregulatory activity of CP as well as its potential as a candidate vaccine adjuvant.

HMOC, a chrysin derivative, induces tolerogenic properties in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated dendritic cells.

Although we previously identified a new hydroxymethoxyl chrysin derivative (HMOC) using ionizing radiation, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of HMOC in dendritic cells remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the effects of HMOC on phenotypic and functional changes in activated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BMDCs, HMOC treatment inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-12p70, and IL-1ß), surface molecules (CD80, CD86, MHC-I, and MHC-II), and antigen-presentation to MHC-I and II without a decrease in IL-10. Furthermore, HMOC increased indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) activity via activation of JNK and p38 signaling in the presence of LPS. Interestingly, LPS-stimulated DCs treated with HMOC inhibited the proliferation and activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, as well as differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th1-, Th2- and Th17 cells. In addition, LPS-stimulated DCs treated with HMOC induced an increase in CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Collectively, our results suggest that HMOC confers tolerogenic properties in BMDCs, which are responsible for inducing Th cell differentiation to Tregs. Our findings provide a better understanding of the anti-inflammatory mechanism of HMOC in DCs and may contribute to development of a valuable therapeutic candidate for atopic dermatitis.

Effects of germination and roasting on physicochemical and sensory characteristics of brown rice for tea infusion.

Germinated brown rice was roasted for the preparation of tea. The germination induced substantial increases in reducing sugars (from 3224.06 to 5028.80 mg/100 g), free amino acids (from 62.51 to 165.07 mg/100 g), volatile compounds, and phenolics (10.06 to 14.27 mg GAE/100 g). Roasting decreased the residual contents of free amino acids and reducing sugars, but produced the volatiles and phenolics. Browning index was slightly decreased by the germination (from 22.69 to 20.13), but significantly increased by the subsequent roasting. The germinated BR (GBR) was more susceptible to roasting than native BR. Acrylamide content in the roasted GBR was significantly lower than that in the roasted BR, because of the lower asparagine content in GBR. Sensory evaluation revealed that a mild roasting for 5 min at 230 °C after germination for 2 days was appropriate to produce a brown rice tea.

Galangin treatment during dendritic cell differentiation confers tolerogenic properties in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation.

Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDCs) can induce the differentiation of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and are therefore candidates for the prevention or treatment of various inflammatory diseases. Galangin, a major component of propolis and Alpinia officinarum, has well-established anti-inflammatory effects, but its ability to induce a tolerogenic state in DCs has not been demonstrated. In this study, we investigated the effects of galangin on DC differentiation and immune responses. In particular, we compared phenotypic and functional differences between DCs (Gal-DCs) generated by galangin treatment during DC differentiation and bone marrow-derived DCs. Gal-DCs were generated by adding culture medium containing various doses of galangin (1.8-18.5 µM) on 3 and 6 day. Upon lipopolysaccharide (100 ng/mL) stimulation for 24 h, Gal-DCs generated with 7.4 µM galangin treatment showed lower levels of CD86 and lower major histocompatibility complex class II antigen-presentation than those of bone marrow-derived DCs. Furthermore, Gal-DCs showed markedly increased programmed death ligand 1 expression and IL-10 production via the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Interestingly, Gal-DCs co-cultured with allogeneic CD4 T cells exhibited the reduced cell proliferation and differentiation into Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-type cell; instead, Gal-DCs contributed to the induction of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs. Taken together, our data suggest that exposure to galangin during DC differentiation confers tolerogenic properties, efficiently inducing Th cell differentiation to immunosuppressive Tregs. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of galangin on DCs.

Comparison of Physicochemical Properties and Metabolite Profiling Using 1H NMR Spectroscopy of Korean Wheat Malt.

The objective of this study was to compare the physicochemical, enzymatic, and metabolic properties of two control wheat malts imported from Germany and the US to those of malts made from three Korean wheat varieties: Triticumaestivum L., var. Anzunbaengi, Jokyung, and Keumkang. The qualities and enzyme activities of the Korean wheat malts were generally similar to those of the control wheat malts. The Korean wheat malts had slightly lower diastatic power and enzyme activities related to saccharification. The analysis of metabolites in the wheat malt samples was performed using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics, which identified 32 metabolites that differed significantly among the samples. Most amino acids and lipids were more abundant in the Korean wheat malts than in the control wheat malts. These differences among malts could influence the quality and flavor of wheat beers. Further brewing studies are necessary to identify the association between beer quality and individual malt metabolites.

Improvement of mechanical properties of orodispersible hyaluronic acid film by carboxymethyl cellulose addition.

Orodispersible films (ODF) were prepared with mixtures of hyaluronic acid (HA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and the effect of CMC addition on the disintegration and mechanical properties of the composite films were examined. Low molecular weight HA (10 kDa) appeared more acceptable for ODF than high molecular weight HA (800 kDa) because of its rapid disintegration in the oral cavity. The composite films appeared similar to pullulan film with excellent transparency and surface smoothness. The disintegration time as well as mechanical properties of the films such as tensile strength and elongation at break were increased by the addition of CMC. Overall, the CMC addition, up to 35%, improved the mechanical properties of low molecular weight HA film within a proper range of disintegration time for ODF.

Annona muricata L.-Derived Polysaccharides as a Potential Adjuvant to a Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccine in a Thymoma-Bearing Model.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are powerful antigen-presenting cells that are often used to evaluate adjuvants, particularly for adjuvant selection for various vaccines. Here, polysaccharides (named ALP) isolated from leaves of Annona muricata L., which are used in traditional medicine such as for bacterial infections and inflammatory diseases, were evaluated as an adjuvant candidate that can induce anti-tumor activity. We first confirmed the phenotypic (surface molecules, cytokines, antigen uptake, and antigen-presenting ability) and functional alterations (T cell proliferation/activation) of DCs in vitro. We also confirmed the adjuvant effect by evaluating anti-tumor activity and immunity using an ALP-treated DC-immunized mouse model. ALP functionally induced DC maturation by up-regulating the secretion of Th1-polarizing pro-inflammatory cytokines, the expression of surface molecules, and antigen-presenting ability. ALP triggered DC maturation, which is dependent on the activation of the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. ALP-activated DCs showed an ample capacity to differentiate naive T cells to Th1 and activated CD8+ T cells effectively. The systemic administration of DCs that pulse ALP and ovalbumin peptides strongly increased cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity (by 9.5% compared to that in the control vaccine groups), the generation of CD107a-producing multifunctional T cells, and Th1-mediated humoral immunity, and caused a significant reduction (increased protection by 29% over that in control vaccine groups) in tumor growth. ALP, which triggers the Th1 and CTL response, provides a basis for a new adjuvant for various vaccines.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide Activates Mitochondrial Biogenesis but Reduces MMP-1 Activity and Melanin Biosynthesis in Cultured Skin Cells.

The regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, melanogenesis, and connective tissue proteins is critical for homeostasis and aging skin cells. We examined the biological effects of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) on mitochondrial biogenesis, melanogenesis, and connective tissue proteins in vitro. In a radical scavenging assay, PDRN showed antioxidant activities in a dose-dependent manner, and those activities can suppress cellular oxidative stress in skin cells. PDRN directly inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity and cellular tyrosinase activity, thus significantly reducing the cellular melanin content in B16-F10 melanocytes. The mRNA and protein expressions of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), which is a key melanogenic gene transcription factor, were significantly downregulated by PDRN. Accordingly, tyrosinase-related protein 1, dopachrome tautomerase, and tyrosinase, which gene expressions were regulated by MITF, were significantly downregulated by PDRN. Mitotracker-probed mitochondria image analysis suggested that PDRN enhanced mitochondrial density in both murine melanoma cells and in human skin fibroblast cells. In addition, PDRN strongly suppressed in vitro elastase enzyme activity in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-1 gene expression in human skin fibroblast cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that PDRN has multiple beneficial biological activities in skin cells: hypopigmentation, induction of mitochondrial biogenesis, and the inhibition of collective tissue proteins.

A hydroxyethyl derivative of chrysin exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in dendritic cells and protective effects against dextran sodium salt-induced colitis in mice.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease that occurs in the intestinal tract. Phyto-ingredients have been evaluated for their ability to protect against IBD because of their anti-inflammatory activities. In our previous study, we identified a novel derivative of chrysin (HE-chrysin) using irradiation technology, which exhibited stronger anti-cancer activity in human colorectal cancer cells than the original chrysin. Here, to determine whether HE-chrysin is a new therapeutic candidate for IBD, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of HE-chrysin on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and dextran sodium salt (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. HE-chrysin more effectively inhibited BMDC maturation compared to chrysin, as demonstrated by the decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, surface molecules, antigen-presenting ability, and T cell proliferation/activation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BMDCs. These anti-inflammatory effects of HE-chrysin were regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB. Furthermore, oral administration of HE-chrysin attenuated DSS-induced colitis symptoms and clinical signs in the mouse model. The protective effects of HE-chrysin treatment against colitis were mediated by decreasing Th1- and Th17-type cytokine levels. These results indicate that HE-chrysin is attractive candidate for IBD therapy.