Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture最新文献

Background: Measuring the germination index of corn, and gelatinization index, thermodynamic properties, long-range structure, short-range structure and particle morphology of corn starch, the study aimed to investigate the effects of different microwave (MW) treatment on the structural and functional properties of germinated corn starch.

Results: The results indicated that after appropriate MW treatment, the germination indices (germination rate, germination potential, sprout length and sprout weight) of germinated corn starch were improved after 7 days of germination. In addition, MW treatment also affected the structure of germinated corn starch. MW treatment could reduce the relative crystallinity of starch, but did not change the crystal type and the peak position of each absorption peak in Fourier transform infrared spectra. In addition, rapid visco-analysis and differential scanning calorimetry results showed, respectively, that MW treatment decreased the peak viscosity of germinated corn starch and increased the gelatinization temperature. Finally, MW treatment made the starch surface become rough, destroyed the starch particle structure and produced random cracks and voids.

Conclusion: Overall, the present study proves that appropriate MW treatment is an effective measure for the modification of germinated corn starch, and provides a theoretical basis for the application of MW technology in germinated corn products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Xiushui Ninghong tea (XSNH) has a long history and is renowned both in China and internationally. Based on different processing techniques, XSNH can be classified into Ninghong Congou, Ninghong Tea Jinhao, Ninghong Tea Longxucha and other types. To investigate the differences in nutrient compounds and mineral element contents among various types of XSNH, 34 samples from seven types were collected, primarily from tea-producing areas.

Results: Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences in the contents of crude polysaccharides, K, Mg and Fe, whereas significant differences were observed in the levels of moisture, free amino acids, caffeine, tea polyphenols, thearubigin, theaflavins, Zn, P, Mn, Cu and Se. The data were analyzed using various statistical methods such as hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis. Characteristic compounds and elements such as theaflavin, Se, free amino acids, P and tea polyphenols were identified as key differential components for distinguishing different sample types.

Conclusion: Our research has highlighted the differences in chemical indicators among various types of XSNH, providing a crucial theoretical basis for the future classification and grading of XSNH quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Kenaf seeds are a rich source of protein; however, finding the best extraction method is crucial to obtaining high-quality protein from these underutilized seeds. This research devised an optimized extraction process for best recovery of kenaf seeds protein using response surface methodology. The key parameters affecting the yield and protein content were optimized, including extraction pH (2-11), seed:water ratio (5:1-50:1), temperature (30-90 °C), and duration (20-360 min). The physicochemical and techno-functional properties of kenaf seed protein isolates (KSPIs) were examined.

Results: A maximum protein yield of 12.05 g/100 g with purity level 91.94 g/100 g was obtained using an optimized extraction with pH 11.0, seed:water ratio 50:1, 360 min duration, and temperature 50 °C. The oil and water retention capacities of KSPI were 1.14 mL g^-1 and 1.37 mL g^-1 respectively. After 30 min at pH 7, KSPIs demonstrated remarkable emulsion capacity (83.12%) and stability (75.63%), along with high foaming capacity (106%) and stability (18.3%). As per high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, arginine, glutamic acid, leucine, phenylalanine, and lysine were the most abundant amino acids detected in KPSIs. The KSPIs' globular protein structure was successfully verified using analytical approaches, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, protein fraction ratios, and differential scanning calorimetry. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that KPSI has a molecular weight distribution ranging from 10 kDa to 50 kDa.

Conclusion: The results of this study support the application of the proposed response-surface-methodology-optimized extraction method for efficient recovery of high-quality kenaf seed proteins that meet the necessary physicochemical and techno-functional requirements. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Chitosan (CS), an abundant alkaline polysaccharide, is valued for its biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and antibacterial properties. However, its limited solubility and modest antioxidant activity constrain its utility. Grafting polyphenols onto chitosan through the use of grafting reactions can enhance both the solubility and bioactivity of chitosan. Among the techniques employed, the free radical grafting method is favored for its simplicity, environmental sustainability, and its effectiveness in preserving biological activity.

Results: In this study, chlorogenic acid (CGA) and polydatin (PLD) were conjugated successfully to chitosan by a Vc/H₂O₂ redox system. Analytical techniques such as ultraviolet-visible (UV-visible) spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) were employed to confirm the formation of covalent bonding between the polyphenol molecules and the chitosan backbone. The novel conjugates displayed superior antioxidant properties in comparison with pristine chitosan, as evidenced by their enhanced 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacities, and Fe²⁺ reducing power. Both CGA-CS and PLA-CS exhibited excellent lipid and protein oxidation inhibition capabilities. Furthermore, the conjugates were shown to have significant antibacterial effects against four common pathogenic bacteria: Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, and Staphylococcus aureus (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The newly synthesized water-soluble polyphenol-chitosan conjugates demonstrated remarkable biological activity, particularly CGA-CS. This study offers new insights and a strong theoretical foundation for developing natural food preservation materials with potential applications in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: The phytopathogenic genus Fusarium can cause damage such as root and stem rot in economically important crops, with significant implications. To seek a sustainable method for controlling this phytopathogen in seeds, the antifungal activity of essential oils (EOs) from thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) was evaluated against isolates of F. graminearum, F. equiseti, F. culmorum and F. oxysporum originating from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) crops in the Boyacá (Colombia).

Results: Initially, the effectiveness of commercial fungicides against the mentioned phytopathogenic fungi was evaluated. Upon verifying that these isolates exhibited high resistance to these compounds, the EOs were assessed as a potential control alternative. A disk diffusion assay demonstrated complete in vitro inhibition of the growth of the evaluated phytopathogens when undiluted EOs were used. Subsequently, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these oils was determined using the agar well diffusion technique, revealing a MIC of 10 and 1 μL mL^-1 for thyme and oregano oil, respectively. Following this, the antifungal activity of the EOs applied to quinoa seeds was evaluated, and germination indices were measured as an indirect indicator of their toxicity.

Conclusion: Despite both EOs successfully inhibiting microbial growth in the seeds, it was also found that thyme EO at 100 μL mL^-1 and oregano EO at 10 μL mL^-1 inhibited seed emergence and germination. However, lower concentrations exhibited a reduction in fungal population without affecting these germination indices. Therefore, it is suggested that the use of these compounds has potential in the treatment and disinfection of quinoa seeds. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Radix Astragali, commonly known as Astragalus, is a traditional medicinal and edible plant valued for its Qi-tonifying properties. The dosage form of Radix Astragali processed with honey, known as honey-processed Astragalus (HPA), shows improved Qi-tonifying efficacy as compared to the raw product. Polysaccharides are the main bioactive ingredients in its aqueous extract. This study used a multiomics approach integrating microbiomics and metabolomics to elucidate the Qi-tonifying mechanisms of honey-processed Astragalus polysaccharides (HAPS).

Results: HAPS-treated mice showed improved symptom scores, spleen and thymus indices, serum cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β) and intestinal mucosa secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) compared to the mice with spleen Qi deficiency. The analysis of gut microbiota indicated that HAPS regulated the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Bacteroides, Proteobacteria and Helicobacter, thereby improving intestinal flora dysbiosis in mice with spleen Qi deficiency. Eleven biomarkers in fecal metabolomics analysis were screened and identified, primarily associated with linoleic acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, comprehensive analyses demonstrated that HAPS regulates palmitic acid and sphingolipid metabolism by modulating the abundance of Bacteroidetes, which in turn increased the levels of intestinal mucosal SIgA and restored intestinal mucosal immune function in mice with spleen Qi deficiency.

Conclusion: Our findings revealed that HAPS is an essential active ingredient of HPA, and its Qi-tonifying mechanism is closely related to the improvement of intestinal immune function. These findings lay the foundation for the application of HAPS as an immunomodulatory agent in health and dietary foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Tomatoes are a significant product of the Mediterranean region and a crucial component of the Mediterranean diet. The formulation of dried tomato products enriched with proteins and bioactive compounds could be a strategic approach to promote adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Six different novel tomato products were analyzed using different protein enrichment sources (pea proteins and leaf proteins) and drying technologies (hot-air dryer, microwave vacuum dryer, and conventional dryer). The novelty of this approach lies in combining product-specific criteria with global societal factors across their life cycles. Using 21 criteria and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) survey of experts, the social sustainability score for each product was determined through a multi-criteria assessment.

Results: The tomato product's life cycles have minimal regional impacts on unemployment, access to drinking water, sanitation, or excessive working hours. However, they affect discrimination, migrant labor, children's education, and access to hospital beds significantly. The study identified nutritional quality as the top criterion, with the most sustainable design being a tomato bar enriched with pea protein and processed using microwave vacuum drying.

Conclusion: The study revealed that integrating sensory and nutrient compounds into social sustainability assessments improves food sustainability and provides a practical roadmap for social life cycle assessments of food products. It emphasized the importance of considering global social issues when reformulating Mediterranean products to ensure long-term adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Incorporating social factors into sustainability scores can also enhance the effectiveness of product information for conscious customers. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Texturized vegetable protein is currently a leading alternative to animal meat. This study examined the effects of soybean insoluble dietary fiber (SIDF) (0% to 20%) and CaCl₂ (0% to 1%) on the structure and properties of extruded products made from a soybean protein isolate-wheat gluten (SPI-WG) composite.

Results: The study showed that SIDF (4% to 8%) increased the viscosity of extruded products, enhanced their specific mechanical energy, and improved their rehydration rate and tensile strength compared with a control group. The rehydration rate of the extruded products reached a maximum value of 331.67% in the 8% SIDF, 0.5% CaCl₂ groups. The addition of excess SIDF prevented the cross-linking of protein molecules to form a loose network structure. Analysis of the infrared spectrum and intermolecular forces showed that physical interactions between fibers and proteins were the dominant forces, with hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds primarily maintaining the structure of the extruded products. The addition of CaCl₂ (0.5%) led to protein aggregation and further improved the rehydration and tensile strength of extruded products.

Conclusion: Soybean insoluble dietary fiber can improve the rehydration rate and quality of extruded products. The addition of CaCl₂ mitigated the weakening of the protein structure caused by excess SIDF. These results provide a basis for the improvement of the quality of low-moisture-extruded texturized vegetable protein products with a high dietary fiber concentration and a high rehydration rate. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a cereal crop known for its biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) capacity, a plant-mediated activity limiting nitrification pathway. The use of BNI-producing plants represents an environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach to reduce nitrogen (N) losses, such as nitrate (NO₃ ^-) leaching and nitrous oxide (N₂O) gas emissions. The present study aimed to test the effectiveness of different S. bicolor cultivars in rotation to retain ammonium (NH₄ ⁺) in soils and promote N availability for the subsequent wheat crop. A two-year field rotation was established with four sorghum cultivars followed by winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Urea alone or combined with the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide was applied to promote a NH₄ ⁺-based fertilization regimes.

Results: AddingN-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide maintained higher soil NH₄ ⁺ content and reduced ammonia-oxidizing bacteria population during sorghum cultivation. However, the benefits of the inhibitor on sorghum growth were cultivar-dependent. Notably, the further reduction in ammonia-oxidizing bacteria abundance for sorghum Voyenn and the increased soil NH₄ ⁺ content for Vilomene suggested a BNI potential for these cultivars. Importantly, the Vilomene precedent enhanced wheat yield for both fertilization regimes.

Conclusion: Overall, the present study confirms that sorghum is a suitable catch crop and emphasizes the importance of selecting the proper sorghum cultivar to maximize the yield of the target wheat crop, at the same time as minimizing N losses. Furthermore, developing combined strategies with selected sorghum cultivars and the application of urease inhibitors enables to enhance sorghum productivity as forage, achieving added value to the rotation. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Postharvest mango fruit are highly susceptible to rapid ripening, softening and senescence, greatly limiting their distribution. In this study, we evaluated the potential effects of carvacrol (0.06 g L^-1) on mango (25 ± 1 °C) and the mechanisms by which it regulates antioxidant activity, energy and cell wall metabolism.

Results: The results showed that carvacrol treatment delayed the 'Guifei' mango color transformation (from green to yellow) and the decrease in firmness, titratable acidity, weight loss and soluble solids content, and suppressed the increase in relative conductivity, malondialdehyde content and reactive oxygen species (H₂O₂ and O₂ ^·-) as well as enhancing antioxidant activity. In addition, carvacrol treatment increased ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione levels, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase and dehydroascorbate reductase activities in mango. Meanwhile, energy level (adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate and energy charge) content and energy metabolizing enzyme activities (H⁺-ATPase, Ca²⁺-ATPase, succinate dehydrogenasepears and cytochrome C oxidase) were increased on carvacrol treatment, which resulted in the maintenance of higher energy levels. Finally, the application of carvacrol was effective in maintaining firmness and cell wall components by inhibiting the activities of polygalacturonase, cellulase, pectin methyl esterase and β-galactosidase.

Conclusion: The current study demonstrates that carvacrol effectively delays the ripening and softening of mangoes by modulating energy metabolism and cell wall dynamics through the attenuation of oxidative stress. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.