Production of soft unripened cheeses using acidic and salty coagulants: Investigation of technological and sensory characteristics.

Soft cheeses are coagulated milk products obtained through acidification or applying a combination of acids and heat. In this research, in order to improve technological characteristics, the effects of different coagulants (salt and acids) and process parameters (temperature and homogenization pressure) on the organoleptic, textural, and functional characteristics of soft (unripened) cheese were investigated. The results revealed significant differences between cheeses coagulated with acid and mineral salt regarding protein recovery, fat content, and moisture content (p < .05). Acidic coagulants (74%-94%) resulted in higher cheese yield compared to mineral salt (66%-88%). Texture analysis indicated that the cheese produced with acetic acid had a firmer texture, while samples treated with citric acid exhibited better cohesiveness. Cheeses produced with minerals displayed more acceptable organoleptic characteristics regarding flavor, odor, and texture. This study offers valuable technological insights into cheese production with the highest yield and maximum acceptability.

Production of conjugated linoleic acid by lactic acid bacteria; important factors and optimum conditions.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has recently attracted significant attention as a health-promoting compound. CLA is a group of positional isomers of linoleic acid (LA) with a conjugated double bond naturally occurring in dairy and ruminant meat products. Microbial biosynthesis of CLA is a practical approach for commercial production due to its high safety and purity. There are some factors for the microbial CLA production such as strain type, microbial growth phase, pH, temperature and incubation time, based on which the amount and type of CLA can be controlled. Understanding the interplay of these factors is essential in optimizing the quantity and composition of microbial CLA, as discussed in the current study. Further exploration of CLA and its influences on human health remains a dynamic and evolving area of study.

Phenolic compounds of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.): Separation method, chemical characterization, and biological properties.

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a good source of bioactive compounds. However, information on the biological properties of sugar beet root is limited and its beneficial effects have not been completely understood. In this work, 10 phenolic compounds have been separated and identified in various parts of sugar beet for the first time, including the most abundant epicatechin (31.16 ± 1.89 mg/100 g), gallic acid (30.57 ± 2.69 mg/100 g), and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (30.14 ± 3.63 mg/100 g). The biological activity tests indicated that sugar beet peel potently scavenged the nitric oxide and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radicals with IC50 values of 88.17 ± 05.14 and 28.77 ± 0.62 µg/ml, respectively. In addition, sugar beet peel exhibited the highest reducing power, IC50 values of 11.98 ± 1.20 µg/ml, and the highest ion-chelating activity, IC50 values of 48.52% and 55.21% for cupric and ferrous ions at 250 µg/ml, respectively. Compared to synthetic antioxidants, sugar beet showed promising biological activities, which could be considered further in future studies.

Synthesis and characterization of novel Spirulina protein isolate (SPI)-based hydrogels through dual-crosslinking with genipin/Zn2.

Spirulina protein isolate (SPI) is a bio-polymer that can be used in the design and synthesis of hydrogels due to its biodegradability and non-toxicity. Herein, dual-crosslinked hydrogels were synthesized based on spirulina protein isolate through covalent crosslinking with genipin and metal coordination with Zn2+, and used as delivery systems. From the analysis of colorimetric indices, a high correlation between color changes and the reaction of cross-linkers with amine group structure was observed. By increasing genipin concentration in the range of 5-15 mM, the degree of cross-linking increased up to 83 %. Cross-linked hydrogels, depending on the type and concentration of cross-linkers, had a smooth to rough and dense structure with low porosity. In the FTIR spectra, significant shifts were observed in amide bonds, which are related to the formation of secondary amides after genipin crosslinking. The maximum water absorption capacity (381 %) was obtained at pH 7.4, which was significantly reduced by increasing the concentration of cross-linkers or decreasing the pH of the environment. The release rate of vitamin B6 (model) at pH 2 (45 %) was much lower than at pH 7.4 (65 %) which makes hydrogels suitable for intestinal delivery. Vitamin B6 release data indicated the best fit to the Peppas-Sahlin model in all the cases (98-99 %) and showed that the release process occurs through quasi-Fickian diffusion. The finding reveals that spirulina protein-based hydrogels can potentially be used in the design of practical carriers for the targeted delivery of bioactive compounds.