Food Science & Nutrition最新文献

Nanophytosomes (NP_S) loaded with whole pomegranate fruit extract with peel and arils (PFE) at different levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC) were produced using a thin-film hydration method and reinforced with calcium ions. PFE was obtained by pressing whole pomegranates, followed by mixing with PC at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3, which then strengthens the phytosome wall by CaCl₂ solutions (1.35 and 2.70 mM) and lyophilized to create a stable powder form. The characteristics of the NP powders, including encapsulation efficiency (EE), particle size, ζ-potential, polydispersity index (PDI), structure, microstructure, and thermal properties, were evaluated. Additionally, the storage stability of phenolic compounds over two months was investigated. The PFE powder demonstrated appropriate characteristics for incorporation into the phytosome system, with a total phenol content of 371.19 mg GAE/g dry weight, anthocyanins at 300.68 mg/g, flavonoids at 194 mg/100 g, and an antioxidant activity of 90.98%. The highest EE was determined to be 98.53%, indicating its unique ability as a nano-carrier. PFE-loaded NPs showed favorable characteristics, such as low PDI values (< 0.5), smaller particle size (170 nm), and a spherical morphology. The PFE-NP had a particle size of 128.6 nm, zeta potential of −40.15 mV, mobility of −3.15 μm cm/Vs, PDI of 0.168, and EE of 98.53%. The optimized nanoparticles remained stable for two months at 4°C, with negligible changes in particle size (~10 nm), total phenol content (TPC), and PDI of the PFE-Nanophytosomes. All NP samples showed better stability at storage temperatures over 60 days. PEF-NPs improved the stability of phenolic compounds while improving solubility, masking taste, and delivery to target tissues, which can be considered in future applications.

The consumer preference for low-calorie and nutritious foods has urged the attention of researchers and food designers to develop food products with alternative organic ingredients. For the first time, persimmon is successfully developed into fruit leather (pestil) using a non-caloric stevia sweetener. The study started with the production of persimmon (Diospyros kaki) leather, initially evaluating the compatibility of non-caloric stevia (S_T) sweetener with hydrocolloids (corn starch, pectin, and guar gum) by the hot air oven method, in which guar gum exhibited superior flexibility. After setting the leather recipe, the trials were performed in a microwave oven by employing a Box–Behnken experimental design to optimize the drying process. Independent variables including microwave power (MP), microwave time (MT), and leather thickness (LT) have shown their optimum values at 210 W, 30 min, and 3.5 mm, respectively, based on physicochemical analyses focusing on moisture content, texture, color, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (AC). MP had the most substantial impact on the variables, followed by MT, while LT showed the least influence. Optimized development of microwave products emphasized better physicochemical attributes, highlighting the energy-efficient nature of the resulting product in comparison to hot air-dried product. Sensory evaluation favored the optimized microwave-dried product over the hot air oven leather products. Therefore, utilizing novel processing technologies like microwave drying is recommended for producing functional (S_T) based persimmon leather to uphold superior product quality.

The rising prevalence of asthma has heightened awareness of the benefits of functional foods and nutraceuticals for managing the condition. Matricaria chamomilla L., a plant with various health benefits, is commonly consumed as tea in China and other countries. We previously reported the chemical composition and anti-asthma effect of the active fraction of M. Chamomile (MC). This study investigated the protective mechanism of MC on asthma using an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model in rats and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE). The effect of MC on asthmatic rats was evaluated through biochemical and histological analyses. Following treatment with MC in OVA-induced asthmatic rats, improvements were observed in behavioral measures, total and differential cell counts of leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inflammatory cell infiltration, and the structural integrity of lung and bronchial tissues. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increase in the protein expression level of Kif3a, while the expression levels of LC-3B, BECN1, and Caspase-3 were decreased. Furthermore, the effect of MC on autophagy was analyzed using an LPS-induced 16HBE cell model. MC reduced cell damage and determined the optimal treatment concentration at 200 μg/mL for 48 h; LPS-induced cell apoptosis was reversed by MC using flow cytometry analysis. Autophagy flux was measured through mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus, and MC blocked the autophagic flux of 16HBE cells induced by LPS. The mRNA and protein expression of LC3-II, BECN1, and Cleaved Caspase-3 were decreased, whereas Kif3a was increased following treatment with MC. The protective effect of co-treatment with 3-MA and MC was more significant, and MC exhibited similar efficacy to 3-MA in inhibiting autophagy. Hence, MC is a potential autophagy inhibitor, which could inhibit over-activated autophagy levels to enhance Kif3a expression, thereby decreasing apoptosis to against asthma. M. Chamomile is a promising pharmaceutical and dietary supplement candidate for the amelioration of asthma.

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from biological waste is an emerging technology that has excellent antibacterial properties. The present study has been designed to prepare silver nanoparticles by adopting green synthesis, which is based on the drying of fruits and vegetable peel to form silver nanoparticles. Two types of fruits (apples and tomatoes) and three types of vegetables (carrots, capsicum, and cucumber) were divided into three groups: one group was kept without any treatment, the second group was subjected to nanoparticles without silver nitrate, and the third group was subjected to silver nanoparticles. All the groups were stored for 15 days at room temperature and assessed for the physiochemical analysis of fruits and vegetables at 0 and 15th day and weight loss at 0, 5, 10, and 15th day of storage. Specifically, the titratable acidity of apples increased from 1.45 to 1.47 g/L, whereas nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles-treated apples ranged from 1.40 to 1.43 g/L. For tomatoes, the titratable acidity decreased from 0.54 to 0.44 g/L in controls, compared to 0.39–0.44 g/L in treated samples. Carrots in the control group decreased from 0.38 to 0.32 g/L, whereas treated samples maintained 0.29–0.34 g/L. Capsicum's acidity fell from 0.37 to 0.27 g/L in controls, compared to 0.28–0.32 g/L in treated capsicum. Cucumber's acidity decreased from 0.23 to 0.17 g/L in controls, whereas treated cucumbers showed 0.40–0.46 g/L. Overall, the nanoparticle treatments were effective in preserving the produce's titratable acidity, indicating enhanced freshness and extended shelf life. It was examined that treatments treated with nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles have a great impact on the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. There is a great possibility of using nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles in combination with peel extract of fruits and vegetables to improve the shelf life of vegetables and fruits.

Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt (C. grandis), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is recognized for its phytochemicals that possess antioxidant and antidiabetic properties, along with a wide array of nutritional and health-promoting benefits. However, a comprehensive investigation of the phytochemical profiles and biologically active constituents in different parts of C. grandis has not yet been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents of three distinct parts of C. grandis (fruit, leaves, and stem) at the same growth stage. The phytochemicals in C. grandis were identified using UHPLC-HRMS–based untargeted metabolomics, followed by a quantitative analysis of the primary metabolites. The qualitative analysis revealed 60 secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds (6 hydroxybenzoic acids, 22 hydroxycinnamic acids, 2 coumarins, 1 flavanone, 1 flavanonol, 2 flavones, 22 flavonols, and 2 lignans) and triterpenes (2 cucurbitacins). Furthermore, nine plant hormones and 30 amino acids were successfully identified. The quantitative analysis of 32 types of secondary metabolites indicated that the leaves contained the highest total amounts of flavonoids (501.37 mg/100 g) and hydroxycinnamic acids (1148.23 mg/100 g). Additionally, the analysis of amino acids revealed a total of 20 types, with the leaf extract exhibiting the highest total amounts of both essential and nonessential amino acids, followed by the fruit and stem extracts. In conclusion, the analysis of the primary and secondary metabolite composition and content of various parts of C. grandis demonstrated that the leaf extract replace with had the greatest functionality, suggesting its potential utility in the development of health functional foods.

Mimusops zeyheri Sond is an undervalued indigenous fruit tree with fruits that are consumed as a health snack in rural communities aross Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the interaction effect of five accessions of M. zeyheri and four fruit maturity stages on some quality and nutritional compositions. Fruits of five M. zeyheri accessions were grouped into four maturity stages for analysis of fruit size, fruit firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, proximate analysis, and amino acids. Accession 6E consistently had the highest size (27.62 mm), while accession 3L (6.40 kg) had the highest fruit firmness. Accession M7 displayed the highest TA (3.20%) at dark green unripe stage (T1). Highest moisture content and protein percentage were recorded in accession HY at T1. This changes were in concomitant to an increase in moisture content and a decrease in ash and protein content. Accessions M7 at T1 to T4 maturity stage exhibited the highest essential amino acids including histidine and threonine, as well as Ca, Mg, and Na. Accessions 3E and 6E at T2 and T3 maturity stage exhibited the highest P, Fe, Zn, and Mn. These findings highlight the variability of physicochemical and nutritional compositions among different M. zeyheri accessions at varying stages of fruit maturity.

Malnutrition is a significant life threat to children under 5 years of age, especially in disadvantaged regions where accesses to commercial therapeutic foods are limited. Local therapeutic foods, specifically Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), have emerged as crucial interventions. This study delves into the nutrient composition, sensory qualities, and acceptability of hospital-based locally formulated RUTF in comparison to the WHO standard formulation, examining samples from two hospitals in the northern region of Ghana. The research was a cross-sectional study design, conducted within 3 months and involved 112 mothers/caregivers and their children. The locally prepared RUTF, demonstrated potential to meet the nutrient requirement of children under 5 years, particularly for SAM management. Microbial analysis indicated safe consumption levels, but discrepancies in nutrient composition arose due to ingredient variations and addition of specific minerals and vitamin. The local formulae compared to WHO standard RUTF, liquid therapeutic formulae, and human breast milk revealed both strengths and limitations in the local formulations. Chemical analysis of samples revealed energy and protein content of 530 kcal and 14 g per 100 g for Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), and King Medical Centre (KMC) recorded 570 kcal and 11 g per 100 g respectively. The mean and average acceptability of the samples indicate WHO standard RUTF performed better than the other two samples with an overall acceptability of (30.4) followed by TTH (27.0) and KMC was least liked with (23.0). The study highlights the need for stringent adherence to guidelines and local adaptations to ensure effective, culturally appropriate, and safe therapeutic formulae for malnourished children, and hence, emphasized the critical role of local solutions in global malnutrition management strategies.

Oxidative stress, particularly when precipitated by the intake of a diet rich in fats, has the potential to induce an inflammatory state. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the administration of agents possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for the benefit of these patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of postbiotic and paraprobiotic substances to regulate oxidative stress and inflammation. We hypothesized that both postbiotics and paraprobiotics could demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, with distinct differences in their effectiveness. A total of 88 Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains were assessed for antioxidant activity. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: HFD + PBS, HFD + DSS, HFD + DSS + postbiotic, and HFD + DSS + paraprobiotic. Various parameters, including weight change, disease activity index, and gene expression analysis, as well as enzymes involved in oxidative activities and inflammation were evaluated after treatment with derivatives of six selected strains. In comparison with the groups exposed to DSS, mice treated with a combination of postbiotic and paraprobiotic alongside DSS exhibited a reduction in DSS-induced negative effects on both phenotypical characteristics and molecular indices, particularly the Nrf2- and NF-kB-related genes, with a notable focus on postbiotic. Based on the results, it can be inferred that despite the utilization of an unhealthy regime that may worsen oxidative stress and inflammation, the condition can be efficiently controlled by employing secure variations of probiotics, such as paraprobiotic and postbiotic components, with a particular emphasis on postbiotics.

Marine organisms are rich in antioxidant peptides; however, extracting these peptides is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly, with sequence losses leading to uncertain results. This study aimed to identify abalone-derived antioxidant peptides with strong Keap1 binding ability and validate their antioxidative activities using a cellular oxidative damage model. We constructed an abalone-derived peptide library comprising 363 peptides using virtual enzymatic hydrolysis techniques. Of the 98 human Keap1 protein structures available in the protein data bank database, 2FLU was selected as the receptor. Using the CDOCKER module in Discovery Studio software, molecular docking was performed with the peptide library as ligands and 2FLU as the receptor, targeting the binding site at coordinates x: 5.000222, y: 7.103889 and z: 5.058000. Ten abalone-derived peptides with the strongest inhibition against Keap1–Nrf2 interaction were identified. A 2,2′-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidative damage model in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was used to verify the molecular docking results and identified DEDEDEDK as the most active antioxidant peptide. DEDEDEDK interferes with Keap1–Nrf2 binding, significantly reducing reactive oxygen species levels in damaged cells, increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and elevated glutathione content, indicating its potential to mitigate AAPH-induced oxidative damage in HUVECs.

Coatings with antibacterial properties, integrated with biological agents, offer a novel and promising strategy for preserving meat products. This study investigates the effect of Persian gum (PG) coating containing Lactobacillus sakei bacteria on beef quality during refrigerated storage. Beef loin pieces were divided into five groups (control, 1% PG, 2% PG, and 1% and 2% PG with L. sakei bacteria). The groups were evaluated for microbial, chemical, and sensory tests at specific periods (days 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8). The results of the microbial analysis (the mean LAB count) revealed that the quality of meat significantly (p < 0.05) improved in the presence of L. sakei coatings, ranging from 6.08 to 7.31 log₁₀ CFU/g in different treatment groups at the end of the experiment. Additionally, coatings containing L. sakei significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the microbial counts of mesophilic, psychrophilic, and Enterobacteriaceae bacteria, resulting in an extended shelf life of at least 8 days. The chemical findings indicated that increases in pH values (ranging from 5.98 to 6.57), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) levels (from 18.30 to 32.33 mg N/g), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) (from 2.16 to 4.12 mg MDA/kg), and protein carbonyl (PC) concentrations (from 1.33 to 2.05 nmol/mg protein) during storage at 4°C were ranked as follows: PG 2% + L. sakei < PG 1% + L. sakei < PG 2% < PG 1% < control. Additionally, overall acceptability, texture, odor, and color were significantly higher in the groups coated with L. sakei than in other groups. Based on the results, the groups covered with PG and L. sakei indicated that the quality and safety of beef increased and extended the shelf life of meat. In conclusion, PG solution containing L. sakei bacteria can be recommended as a new method for beef packaging.