RESUMO
Tritordeum is an amphiploides species resulting from the hybridization between durum wheat (T. durum) and wild barley (H. chilense). This new cereal is considered a natural crop as it is obtained by traditional breeding techniques. Given its appreciable organoleptic characteristics, agronomic features, presence of interesting components, and good technological properties, Tritordeum is of promising interest for the development of health-oriented foods. In this study, we evaluated two registered Tritordeum cultivars, Bulel and Aucan. T. durum (Provenzal) was employed as the positive control. The extracted proteins were digested by gastric/pancreatic proteases, and their biological effects on Caco-2 differentiated on transwell inserts were determined. Changes in cell viability, monolayer permeability, organization of F-actin microfilaments, and ER stress triggered by protein-digested samples (DPs) were inspected. Our results showed that exposure to Provenzal-DPs promptly disrupted the tight junction barrier. Conversely, Aucan-DPs did not enhance monolayer permeability, whereas Bulel-DPs exerted only slight effects. Provental-DPs-induced toxicity was also confirmed by changes in cell viability and by the deep reorganization of the enterocyte cytoskeleton. In contrast, Aucan-DPs and Bulel-DPs did not affect monolayer viability and cytoskeleton structure. Overall, our findings suggest that both Tritordeum cultivars could be potential candidates for mitigating the toxicity of wheat flour.
RESUMO
The increasing population, food demand, waste management concerns, and the search for sustainable alternatives to plastic polymers have led researchers to explore the potential of waste materials. This study focused on a waste of pine nut processing referred to in this paper as pine nut skin. For the first time, its nutritional profile, potential bioactive peptide, contaminants, and morphological structure were assessed. Pine nut skin was composed mainly of carbohydrates (56.2%) and fiber (27.5%). The fat (9.8%) was about 45%, 35%, and 20% saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acid, respectively, and Omega-9,-6, and -3 were detected. Notably, oleic acid, known for its health benefits, was found in significant quantities, resembling its presence in pine nut oil. The presence of bioactive compounds such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and phytosterols further adds to its nutritional value. Some essential elements were reported, whereas most of the contaminants such as heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, rare earth elements, and pesticides were below the limit of quantification. Furthermore, the in silico analysis showed the occurrence of potential precursor peptides of bioactive compounds, indicating health-promoting attributes. Lastly, the morphological structural characterization of the pine nut skin was followed by Fourier Transform Infrared and solid-state NMR spectroscopy to identify the major components, such as lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. The thermostability of the pine nut skin was monitored via thermogravimetric analysis, and the surface of the integument was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy and volumetric nitrogen adsorption. This information provides a more comprehensive view of the potential uses of pine nut skin as a filler material for biocomposite materials. A full characterization of the by-products of the food chain is essential for their more appropriate reuse.