Evaluating the Efficiency of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae in Converting Mackerel Head Waste into Valuable Resources.

The seafood processing industry generates significant waste, including mackerel heads (MH), constituting 20-32% of total waste. This study explored the potential of utilizing MH as a feed source for black soldier fly larvae (BSF larvae). BSF larvae are known for their ability to efficiently convert organic materials into nutrient-rich biomass. Five concentrations of MH (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% in chicken feed) were fed to BSF larvae for eight days. After harvesting, their growth, MH conversion efficiency, nutritional content, and heavy metals reduction potential were measured. BSF larvae showed optimal growth when fed with a feed containing 20% MH, resulting in a 14.36-fold increase in weight compared to the control group, as determined by the Fisher's Least Significant Difference Test. BSF larvae maintained a survival rate of 99.33%. With the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 2.09 at 20% MH, feed efficiency was improved by up to 65.15%, and feed reduction up to 73.53%. MH enhanced lipid and protein content in BSF larvae. Furthermore, BSF larvae in this study showed higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as other amino acids which are required for breeding animals. The current study highlights the potential of MH as a feed source for BSF larvae, improving nutritional biomass. It also suggests BSF larvae as an eco-friendly option for handling seafood processing waste and as an alternative feed source for animals.

Nutritional Composition and Safety Aspects of Deep-Sea Whelks (Buccinum tenuissimum Kuroda).

The deep-sea whelk Buccinum tenuissimum Kuroda is highly sought-after as food in East Asian countries, notably, Korea and Japan. However, it lacks official recognition as a food product in Korea. This study aimed to assess its nutritional composition and safety for the potential development of seafood products. The nutritional analysis revealed high protein (13.54-20.47 g/100 g whelk), fat (0.85-8.59 g/100 g whelk), carbohydrate (1.55-12.81 g/100 g whelk), and dietary fiber (1.25-1.95 g/100 g whelk) contents in both muscle and gut samples, with energy contents ranging from 339.11 ± 1.64 to 692.00 ± 3.21 kJ/100 g. Key minerals, including iron, potassium, calcium, and sodium, and essential fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, arachidonic acid, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids, were abundant, making it a potential supplementary food. Notably, heavy metal levels met the Korean standards for seafood safety. No trans fats, radioactivity concerning the radioactive isotopes 134Cs/137Cs and 131I, or pathogenic bacteria were detected. This confirms the safety and nutritional value of deep-sea whelks, suggesting their potential for developing seafood products rich in beneficial components, which could enhance nutrition and food security while contributing to economic growth.

Development and Quality Characteristics of Jangjorim Prepared Using Long-Arm Octopus (Octopus minor) as an Elderly-Friendly Food.

We prepared a long-arm octopus Jangjorim prototype (LOJP) by optimizing the ratio of ingredients for seasoning and establishing heat sterilization parameters. The optimal amounts of purified water (2.9-56.6%, A), starch syrup (0.3-37.8%, B), and soy sauce (25.5-71.5%, C) for the production of seasoning soy sauce were obtained using response surface analysis. The LOJP was prepared by combining A, B, and C under the optimal conditions and evaluated for consumer preferences and physicochemical, nutritional, and microbiological properties and compared with Korea's legal management standards for geriatric nutrition. The hardness of the LOJP produced using the optimal mixing ratio of purified water (51.2%, 154.0 g), starch syrup (29.3%, 308.0 g), and soy sauce (19.5%, 256.9 g) was 36.7 × 1000 N/m2. This value was lower than the hardness of raw octopus (2153.6 × 1000 N/m2) by 2116.9 × 1000 N/m2. It received the highest score (8.7) in the preference evaluation of older consumers. The LOJP was classified as level 2, allowing consumption through the gums of elderly consumers per Korea's food standards for the elderly. The LOJP was the product highly preferred by elderly consumers with chewing disorders due to its ease of intake and nutritional content.

In Vitro Assessment of Anti-Adipogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seeds Extract on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Raw264.7 Macrophages.

Background and Objectives: This study evaluated the in vitro anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seed extract (BCS extract) as a potential candidate for developing herbal formulations targeting metabolic disorders. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the BCS extract by assessing its 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrohydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO), and mRNA expression levels of key pro-inflammatory mediators. We also quantified the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling molecules. To assess anti-adipogenic effects, we used differentiated 3T3-L1 cells and BCS extract in doses from 10 to 100 µg/mL. We also determined mRNA levels of key adipogenic genes, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/BEPα), adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and sterol-regulated element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: This study showed a concentration-dependent DPPH radical scavenging activity and no toxicity at concentrations up to 30 µg/mL in Raw264.7 cells. BCS extract showed an IC50 of 328.77 ± 20.52 µg/mL. Notably, pre-treatment with BCS extract (30 µg/mL) significantly enhanced cell viability in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated Raw264.7 cells. BCS extract treatment effectively inhibited LPS-induced production of PGE2 and NO, as well as the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6, possibly by limiting the phosphorylation of p38, p65, inhibitory κBα (I-κBα), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). It also significantly attenuated lipid accumulation and key adipogenic genes in 3T3-L1 cells. Conclusions: This study highlights the in vitro anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory potential of BCS extract, underscoring its potential as a promising candidate for managing metabolic disorders.

Development and Quality Characteristics of Elderly-Friendly Pulpo a La Gallega Prepared Using Texture-Modified Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) Arms.

Considering the need for developing new senior-friendly processed seafood, this study aimed to develop octopus pulpo with high preference and excellent quality characteristics for elderly individuals by optimizing the vinegar immersion and sous vide softening treatment conditions for octopus (Octopus vulgaris) arms. The optimal sous vide heating temperature (70.0-100.0 °C), time (69.5-170.5 min), and vinegar concentration (0.2-0.8%) were established using response surface methodology (RSM). The pulpo prototype was produced using an octopus arm softened under optimal conditions and seasoned with a potato and olive oil sauce. The physicochemical and nutritional properties of the prototype were evaluated, followed by sensory evaluation and safety assessments. The hardness of softened octopuses obtained by 0.48% vinegar immersion and sous vide treatment (84.3 °C, 139.8 min), determined using RSM, was 394.5 × 1000 N/m2, showing a reduction of 83.0%; this was confirmed by electron microscopic observation. The texture of the pulpo prototype with softened octopus arms showed the highest preference (8.4 points) and high physicochemical and nutritional properties. Overall, the octopus pulpo a La Gallega prototype produced using texture-modified octopus arms was suitable for consumption by elderly people with chewing disorders and could help improve their quality of life.

Yield optimization, physicochemical characterizations, and antioxidant properties of food grade agar from Gracilaria tenuistipitata of Cox's Bazar coast, Bangladesh.

The present study was aimed at investigating the optimization of extraction variables for food grade quality agar from Gracilaria tenuistipitata, so far, the first study on Bangladeshi seaweed. Water (native)- and NaOH (alkali)-pretreated agars were comparatively analyzed by several physicochemical parameters. All extraction variables significantly affected the agar yield in both extraction conditions. Alkali-pretreated agar provided a better yield (12-13% w/w) and gel strength (201 g/cm2) in extraction conditions as followed by 2% NaOH pretreatment at 30°C for 3 h, seaweed to water ratio at 1:150, and extraction temperature at 100°C for 2 h. Gelling and melting temperatures, color, and pH values of both agars were found to be comparable with commercial agar. Significantly higher sulfate contents including organic and inorganic and total carotenoids were reported in native (3.14% and 1.29 µg/mL) than that in alkali-pretreated agar (1.27% and 0.62 µg/mL). FTIR spectrum demonstrated the purity of the agar as characterized by the stronger relative intensity with higher degree of conversion of L-galactose 6-sulfate to 3,6-anhydrogalactose in alkali pretreatment group than that of native ones. Moreover, antioxidant activity (% DPPH scavenging) was observed and confirmed by IC50 values of 5.42 and 9.02 mg/mL in water- and alkali-pretreated agars, respectively. The results suggested that agar from G. tenuistipitata with optimized alkali extraction conditions could promote cost-effective yield with improved physicochemical characteristics and biofunctional values upon consumption by the consumers as food materials.

Efficacy Confirmation Test of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seeds Extract Using a High-Fat Diet Mouse Model.

To deal with the adverse effects associated with the use of currently available treatments for metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, there is a need to find an alternative drug compound. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds extract (BCS extract) for type 2 diabetes using a 45% Kcal-fed obese mouse model. The BCS extract at different doses (400-100 mg/kg) showed a dose-dependent improvement tendency in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hyperlipidemia, and diabetic nephropathy compared to the metformin (250 mg/kg). In particular, BCS extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg significantly inhibited the HFD-induced metabolic conditions. The oral administration of BCS extract (200 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the oxidative stress through lipid peroxidation, normalized the activity of sugar metabolism-related enzymes and the expression of genes involved in fat metabolism, and inhibited insulin resistance through glucose and fat metabolism by regulating the 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression. Furthermore, BCS extract (200 mg/kg) showed renal damage improvement effects compared to the metformin (250 mg/kg). The results clearly show that BCS aqueous extract at an appropriate concentration could help in the treatment of metabolic disorders, and BCS aqueous extract can be used as a functional food for various diabetic complications, such as obesity, diabetes, and NAFLD.

Effect of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma against Listeria monocytogenes Mixed-Culture Biofilms on Food-Contact Surfaces.

Listeria monocytogenes is a major foodborne pathogen. Various methods can be used to control biofilms formed by foodborne pathogens. Recently, the food industry has become interested in plasma, which can be used as a non-thermal technology with minimum changes to product quality. In this study, the effects of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on L. monocytogenes mixed-culture biofilms formed on stainless steel (SS), latex hand glove (HG), and silicone rubber (SR) were investigated. DBD plasma effectuated reductions of 0.11-1.14, 0.28-1.27 and 0.37-1.55 log CFU/cm2, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) demonstrated that DBD plasma cuts off intercellular contact and induces cell decomposition to prevent the development of biological membranes. It was confirmed that the formed biofilms collapsed and separated into individual bacteria. Our findings suggest that DBD plasma can be used as an alternative non-heating sterilization technology in the food industry to reduce biofilm formation on bacterial targets.

Physicochemical and Nutritional Characteristics of Cookies Prepared with Untapped Seaweed Ulva intestinalis: An Approach to Value Addition as a Functional Food.

The present study was investigated to know the sensory, physicochemical, nutritional and fatty acid properties of seaweed-based cookies prepared with untapped seaweed Ulva intestinalis (UI) from Bangladesh coast. The cookies were formulated with different percentages of UI inclusions both in powdered (PUI) and fragmented (FUI) forms, in order to evaluate different quality attributes in prepared value-added cookies. In sensory analysis, seaweed inclusion levels of 1% PUI, 2.5% PUI, 1% FUI, 2.5% FUI and 5% FUI to cookies were acceptable by panelists. Considering the maximum percentage of seaweed inclusions, 2.5% PUI and 5% FUI were selected for further analysis. The results of physicochemical properties such as moisture content, spread factor, baking loss, pH, cookie density, color, texture properties, volatile basic nitrogen and thiobarbituric acid reactive species were within acceptable limits. In nutritional analysis, 2.5% PUI and 5% FUI cookies showed a remarkable and significant increase in lipid and ash contents, compared to untreated controls. Being the first report on fatty acids profile by UI from Bangladesh, among 24 fatty acids identified, the amount of total saturated, mono-unsaturated, omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids were reported to be 641.9 (36.2%), 563.7 (31.8%), 133.8 (7.6%) and 436.3 (24.6%) µg/g DW, respectively. The results suggest that cookies with 2.5% PUI and 5% FUI can be marketed as healthy foods for consumers.

Validating the Health Benefits of Coffee Berry Pulp Extracts in Mice with High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Diabetes.

The effects of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) berry pulp extracts (CBP extracts) on the improvement of diabetes, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were evaluated using various in vitro antioxidant activity assays and through a high-fat diet-induced mild diabetic obese mouse model. After an 84-day oral administration of CBP extracts (400-100 mg/kg), bioactivities were evaluated. The in vitro analysis showed the highest DPPH● scavenging activity of 73.10 ± 4.27%, ABTS● scavenging activity of 41.18 ± 1.14%, and SOD activity of 56.24 ± 2.81%, at a CBP extract concentration of 1000 µg/mL. The in vivo analysis of the CBP extracts showed favorable and dose-dependent anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, NAFLD, nephropathy, and hyperlipidemia refinement effects through hepatic glucose enzyme activity, 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) up-regulation, antioxidant activity, lipid metabolism-related gene expression, and pancreatic lipid digestion enzyme modulatory activities. This study shows that an appropriate oral dosage of CBP extracts could function as a potent herbal formulation for a refinement agent or medicinal food ingredient to control type 2 diabetes and related complications.

Marine Polyphenol Phlorotannins as a Natural Sleep Aid for Treatment of Insomnia: A Review of Sedative-Hypnotic Effects and Mechanism of Action.

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. Natural sleep aids are gaining worldwide popularity as alternatives to prescription drugs for improving sleep. Recently, numerous studies have investigated the sedative-hypnotic effects of the polyphenols of terrestrial plants. The hypnotic effects of marine polyphenols have also been studied in recent years. Phlorotannins are marine polyphenols that are found only in brown algae. Phlorotannins exert sedative-hypnotic effects via the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A-benzodiazepine receptor. In addition, the brown seaweed Ecklonia cava supplement containing phlorotannins has been approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a health-functional ingredient that helps improve sleep quality. Currently, it is meaningful to deal with the sedative-hypnotic effects of phlorotannins as natural sleep aids. The current review comprehensively presents the sedative-hypnotic effects in animal models and human clinical trials as well as their mechanism of action, extraction, purification, and safety.

A concise review of the bioactivity and pharmacological properties of the genus Codium (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta).

The genus Codium is one of the most important genera of marine green macroalgae. Its distribution is widespread worldwide and it has a high degree of diversity in species and characteristics. This genus plays an important ecological role in marine ecosystems as it is a primary producer. However, some species in the genus Codium are invasive species and may disturb the functioning of the ecosystem. Economically, Codium has promising potential as a source of diverse nutritional and pharmacological compounds. Codium is edible, has a high nutrient value, and is rich in bioactive compounds. Hence, some species of Codium have been consumed as food and used as herbal medicines in some Asian countries. In recent decades, studies of the bioactivity and pharmacological properties of the genus Codium have attracted the attention of scientists. This review aims to identify gaps in studies analyzing Codium that have been conducted in the past three decades by assessing published research articles on its bioactivity and pharmacological properties. Compounds obtained from Codium have demonstrated significant biological activities, such as immunostimulatory, anticoagulant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, anti-angiogenic, osteoprotective, and anti-obesity activities. This review provides information that can be used as a future guideline for sustainably utilizing the genus Codium.

The Edible Seaweed Gelidium amansii Promotes Structural Plasticity of Hippocampal Neurons and Improves Scopolamine-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Gelidium amansii has been gaining profound interest in East Asian countries due to its enormous commercial value for agar production and its extensive pharmacological properties. Previous studies have shown that the ethanol extract of Gelidium amansii (GAE) has promising neurotrophic effects in in vitro conditions. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed at investigating the protective effects of GAE against scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits and its modulatory effects on hippocampal plasticity in mice. METHODS: For memory-related behavioral studies, the passive avoidance test and radial arm maze paradigm were conducted. The brain slices of the hippocampus CA1 neurons of experimental mice were then prepared to perform Golgi staining for analyzing spine density and its characteristic shape, and immunohistochemistry for assessing the expression of different pre- and postsynaptic proteins. RESULTS: Following oral administration of GAE (0.5 mg/g body weight), mice with memory deficits exhibited a significant increase in the latency time on the passive avoidance test and a decrease in the number of working and reference memory errors and latency time on the radial arm maze test. Microscopic observations of Golgi-impregnated tissue sections and immunohistochemistry of hippocampal slices showed that neurons from GAE-treated mice displayed higher spine density and spine dynamics, increased synaptic contact, and the recruitment of memory-associated proteins such as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NR2A and NR2B) and postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) when compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: With these memory-protective functions and a modulatory role in underlying memory-related events, GAE could be a potential functional food and a promising source of pharmacological agents for the prevention and treatment of memory-related brain disorders.

Evaluation of the Quality Characteristics and Development of a Puffed-Rice Snack Enriched with Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) Drone Pupae Powder.

Edible insect ingredients have gained importance as environmental-friendly energy sources world-wide; the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) drone pupae has gained prominence as a nutritional material. In this study, bee drone pupae were processed under different heating and drying conditions and incorporated into a puffed-rice snack with honey. The sensory, physicochemical, nutritional and microbial qualities of drone pupae powders were tested. The deep-fried and hot-air dried powder was selected; the values of 5.54% (powder) and 2.13% (honey) were obtained on optimization with honey by response surface methodology. Subsequently, the puffed-rice snack product enriched with drone pupae powder was stored at different temperatures for 180 days. The prepared product showed a higher content of proteins, fats, amino acids, and fatty acids compared to the control. The high content of a few minerals were maintained in the processed powder and the product, whereas heavy metals were not detected. The storage test indicated acceptable sensory qualities and safety results, considering important quality parameters. Thus, drone pupae powder and the developed product can be consumed as nutritional food materials; the quality characteristics can be improved through optimal processing.

A Systematic Review on Marine Algae-Derived Fucoxanthin: An Update of Pharmacological Insights.

Fucoxanthin, belonging to the xanthophyll class of carotenoids, is a natural antioxidant pigment of marine algae, including brown macroalgae and diatoms. It represents 10% of the total carotenoids in nature. The plethora of scientific evidence supports the potential benefits of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical uses of fucoxanthin for boosting human health and disease management. Due to its unique chemical structure and action as a single compound with multi-targets of health effects, it has attracted mounting attention from the scientific community, resulting in an escalated number of scientific publications from January 2017 to February 2022. Fucoxanthin has remained the most popular option for anti-cancer and anti-tumor activity, followed by protection against inflammatory, oxidative stress-related, nervous system, obesity, hepatic, diabetic, kidney, cardiac, skin, respiratory and microbial diseases, in a variety of model systems. Despite much pharmacological evidence from in vitro and in vivo findings, fucoxanthin in clinical research is still not satisfactory, because only one clinical study on obesity management was reported in the last five years. Additionally, pharmacokinetics, safety, toxicity, functional stability, and clinical perspective of fucoxanthin are substantially addressed. Nevertheless, fucoxanthin and its derivatives are shown to be safe, non-toxic, and readily available upon administration. This review will provide pharmacological insights into fucoxanthin, underlying the diverse molecular mechanisms of health benefits. However, it requires more activity-oriented translational research in humans before it can be used as a multi-target drug.

Evaluation of Toxicity of Crude Phlorotannins and Phloroglucinol Using Different Model Organisms.

Phlorotannins have been proven to contain numerous bioactive compounds that have potential to be applied in variety industries, including cosmetics, functional foods, nutraceuticals, environmental management, and medicine. The larvicidal and growth-inhibiting properties of phlorotannins have been extensively studied in various organisms. However, the toxicity of the phloroglucinol oligomer of phlorotannin is unclear, especially in Artemia salina, Daphnia magna, Lactuca sativa, and Chlorella vulgaris, which are commonly used in many bioassays. Therefore, research using these four organisms should be designed to provide basic information about the toxic effects of phlorotannins and phloroglucinol. This study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal and inhibitory properties of phlorotannins and phloroglucinol on A. salina, D. magna, L. sativa, and C. vulgaris. Phlorotannin extract and phloroglucinol were administered at various concentrations to each test organism. The survival rate of A. salina nauplii and D. magna neonates was observed every 24 h to 72 h, whereas the L. sativa seed germination and inhibition rate of C. vulgaris were observed up to 96 h. The results showed that the 24 h LC50 of phlorotannin on A. salina and D. magna were 10.67 and 1.32 mg/mL, respectively. The germination inhibition of L. sativa was 53.3% with a seed growth of less than 4 mm after 96 h upon exposure to 1 mg/mL of phlorotannin. Freshwater and seawater C. vulgaris experienced yield inhibition of 39.47 and 43.46%, respectively, when 2 mg/mL of phlorotanin was added. These results indicate that phlorotannin affects the survival and growth of the test organisms, so its use as a pesticide, herbicide, and algaecide agent for environmental and aquaculture applications can be further studied.

Evaluation of Dose-Dependent Obesity and Diabetes-Related Complications of Water Chestnut (Fruit of Trapa japonica) Extracts in Type II Obese Diabetic Mice Induced by 45% Kcal High-Fat Diet.

Background and Objectives: The currently used pharmacological agents for metabolic disorders such as type II diabetes have several limitations and adverse effects; thus, there is a need for alternative therapeutic drugs and health functional foods. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the pharmacological effects of water chestnut (fruit of Trapa japonica) extracts (WC: 50-200 mg/kg) for type II diabetes using a 45% Kcal high-fat diet (HFD)-fed type II obese diabetic mice model for a period of 84 days, and the effects were compared to those of metformin (250 mg/kg). Results: Increases in body weight, serum biochemical indices such as triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and blood urea nitrogen, increases in antioxidant defense system enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione, and mRNA expressions (such as AMPKα1 and AMPKα2) in the liver tissue and mRNA expressions (such as AMPKα2 mRNA, leptin, and C/EBPα) in the adipose tissue were observed in the HFD control group. The WC (50 mg/kg)-administered group showed no significant improvements in diabetic complications. However, HFD-induced obesity and diabetes-related complications such as hyperlipidemia, diabetic nephropathy, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), oxidative stress, activity of antioxidant defense systems, and gene expressions were significantly and dose-dependently inhibited and/or normalized by oral administration of WC (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), particularly at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that WC at an appropriate dose could be used to develop an effective therapeutic drug or functional food for type II diabetes and various associated complications, including NAFLD.

The Effect of Combined Superheated Steam Roasting and Smoking on the Quality Characteristic of Alaska Pollack (Gadus chalcogrammus) Roe.

Alaska pollack roe (APR) is a protein source that is usually salted and fermented, containing a high salt content. Using a combination of superheated steam roasting and smoking, we developed a new low-salt ready-to-eat APR variant, whose quality characteristics we analyzed. The optimal conditions for roasting (216 °C for 4 min) and smoking (64 °C for 14 min) were obtained from sensorial attributes using response surface methodology. Under the optimal conditions, smoke-roasted APR had an overall acceptance (OA) score of 8.89. The combination of roasting and smoking significantly increased volatile basic nitrogen (VBN, 18.6%) and decreased the total bacterial count (TBC, 38.6%), while thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were not affected. Smoke-roasting APR also increased its nutritional content to 30% protein with 44% essential amino acids, and more than 40% DHA and EPA in 4.3% fat. During 30 days of storage, the OA, VBN, TBARS, and TBC values significantly changed with time and storage temperature (p < 0.05). The shelf life of the product was estimated to be 24 d. In conclusion, the combination of roasting and smoking APR could improve product quality and may be an alternative to diversify processed APR.

Effect of Steam and Smoke Cooking Processes on Web-Foot Octopus (Amphioctopus sp.) Home Meal Replacement Product.

In Korea, the web-foot octopus (Amphioctopus sp.) is commonly consumed as jjukkumi bokkeum, a spicy stir-fried octopus dish. Using steaming and smoking methods, we made jjukkumi bokkeum home meal replacement (HMR) products. The response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the steam and smoke processes. Quick freezing was applied to freeze the test product at -35 °C. Then, the physicochemical, biological, nutritional characteristics, and shelf-life of the test HMR products were evaluated. The optimal conditions for steaming and smoking were 95 °C for 2 min and 70 °C for 11 min, respectively. The pH, volatile basic nitrogen content, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances content decreased after steaming and smoking, indicating that these processes maintained these parameters well. Sensory evaluation revealed that there were no changes in these characteristics after freezing and reheating. Further, the test HMR products contained the daily nutritional requirements of macro and micronutrients, as well as amino acids and fatty acids. The shelf-life of the HMR products was estimated to be 15 months. The findings of this study indicate that the application of steam and smoke processes to produce a jjukkumi bokkeum HMR product results in a high-quality product with a long shelf-life.

Fucosterol of Marine Macroalgae: Bioactivity, Safety and Toxicity on Organism.

Fucosterol (24-ethylidene cholesterol) is a bioactive compound belonging to the sterol group that can be isolated from marine algae. Fucosterol of marine algae exhibits various biological activities including anti-osteoarthritic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-photoaging, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, anti-neurological, antioxidant, algicidal, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial. Numerous studies on fucosterol, mainly focusing on the quantification and characterization of the chemical structure, bioactivities, and health benefits of fucosterol, have been published. However, there is no comprehensive review on safety and toxicity levels of fucosterol of marine algae. This review aims to discuss the bioactivities, safety, and toxicity of fucosterol comprehensively, which is important for the application and development of fucosterol as a bioactive compound in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. We used four online databases to search for literature on fucosterol published between 2002 and 2020. We identified, screened, selected, and analyzed the literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method and identified 43 studies for review. Despite the potential applications of fucosterol, we identified the need to fill certain related research gaps. Fucosterol exhibited low toxicity in animal cell lines, human cell lines, and animals. However, studies on the safety and toxicity of fucosterol at the clinical stage, which are required before fucosterol is developed for the industry, are lacking.