MyMedR

Displaying publications 101 - 120 of 128 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Recovery of Phenolic Compounds from Jackfruit Seeds Using Subcritical Water Extraction

Alibekov RS, Mustapa Kamal SM, Taip FS, Sulaiman A, Azimov AM, Urazbayeva KA

Foods, 2023 Sep 02;12(17).
PMID: 37685228 DOI: 10.3390/foods12173296

Jackfruit is one of the major fruits cultivated in many Asian countries. Jackfruit seeds are generally disposed of into the environment, which causes an environmental concern that leads to biowaste accumulation. The seeds have excellent nutritional value, such as carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Bioactive compounds, such as phenolic, can be recovered from jackfruit seeds that could add value to the food and pharmaceutical industry. Thus, this study focused on utilizing subcritical water to extract the phenolic compounds from jackfruit seeds and correlate them with antioxidant activity (AA). The extraction of phenolic compounds was studied at different temperatures and extraction times. The highest total phenolic compounds (TPC) and AA were obtained by treating the jackfruit seed powder at 210 °C, 30 min, and 15% solid loading under subcritical water extraction (SWE) with 1.84 mg GAE/100 g (TPC) and 86% (AA). High correlation between the extracted TPC and AA of the jackfruit seed extracts was obtained (R2 = 0.96), indicating a significant positive relationship between TPC and AA. A higher amount of TPC was obtained via SWE as compared to Soxhlet extraction (1 h:0.53 mg GAE/100 g and 4 h:1.20 mg GAE/100 g). More pores were detected on the surface of the sample treated by SWE than using Soxhlet extraction. Thus, jackfruit seed extracts can be potentially beneficial in the fortification of fermented dairy or meat products.
Towards a Multispectral Imaging System for Spatial Mapping of Chemical Composition in Fresh-Cut Pineapple (Ananas comosus)

Mollazade K, Hashim N, Zude-Sasse M

Foods, 2023 Aug 28;12(17).
PMID: 37685176 DOI: 10.3390/foods12173243

With increasing public demand for ready-to-eat fresh-cut fruit, the postharvest industry requires the development and adaptation of monitoring technologies to provide customers with a product of consistent quality. The fresh-cut trade of pineapples (Ananas comosus) is on the rise, favored by the sensory quality of the product and mechanization of the cutting process. In this paper, a multispectral imaging-based approach is introduced to provide distribution maps of moisture content, soluble solids content, and carotenoids content in fresh-cut pineapple. A dataset containing hyperspectral images (380-1690 nm) and reference measurements in 10 regions of interest of 60 fruit (n = 600) was prepared. Ranking and uncorrelatedness (based on ReliefF algorithm) and subset selection (based on CfsSubset algorithm) approaches were applied to find the most informative wavelengths in which bandpass optical filters or light sources are commercially available. The correlation coefficient and error metrics obtained by cross-validated multilayer perceptron neural network models indicated that the superior selected wavelengths (495, 500, 505, 1215, 1240, and 1425 nm) resulted in prediction of moisture content with R = 0.56, MAPE = 1.92%, soluble solids content with R = 0.52, MAPE = 14.72%, and carotenoids content with R = 0.63, MAPE = 43.99%. Prediction of chemical composition in each pixel of the multispectral images using the calibration models yielded spatially distributed quantification of the fruit slice, spatially varying according to the maturation of single fruitlets in the whole pineapple. Calibration models provided reliable responses spatially throughout the surface of fresh-cut pineapple slices with a constant error. According to the approach to use commercially relevant wavelengths, calibration models could be applied in classifying fruit segments in the mechanized preparation of fresh-cut produce.
Consumer Liking of Turnip Cooked by Different Methods: The Influence of Sensory Profile and Consumer Bitter Taste Genotype

Nor NDM, Mullick H, Zhou X, Oloyede O, Houston-Price C, Harvey K, et al.

Foods, 2023 Aug 24;12(17).
PMID: 37685121 DOI: 10.3390/foods12173188

Brassica vegetables are bitter, predominantly because they contain bitter-tasting glucosinolates. Individuals with high bitter taste sensitivity are reported to have lower consumption of bitter vegetables. Studies reported that cooking methods can alter the sensory characteristics of vegetables, increasing acceptability. This study investigated consumer liking of turnip cooked by four methods (boiled-pureed, roasted, steamed-pureed and stir-fried) and related this to sensory characteristics. Additionally, this study examined the effect of the bitter taste genotype on taste perception and liking of the cooked turnip samples. Participants (n = 74) were recruited and the TAS2R38 genotype was measured. Liking, consumption intent, perception of bitterness and sweetness of turnip were evaluated. A sensory profile of the cooked turnip variants was also determined by a trained sensory panel. There were significant differences in the overall (p = 0.001) and taste (p = 0.002) liking between cooking methods. Turnip liking was increased when preparation led to sweeter taste profiles. The TAS2R38 genotype had a significant effect on bitter perception (p = 0.02) but did not significantly affect taste liking. In conclusion, the cooking method affected turnip liking, and the bitter perception in turnip was influenced by the TAS2R38 genotype. However, taste sensitivity did not predict turnip liking in this UK adult cohort.
Fulltext Volatile Organic Compounds of Scheffersomyces spartinae W9 Have Antifungal Effect against Botrytis cinerea on Strawberry Fruit

Zou X, Wei Y, Zhu J, Sun J, Shao X

Foods, 2023 Sep 28;12(19).
PMID: 37835272 DOI: 10.3390/foods12193619

This study aims to evaluate the antifungal effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by a marine biocontrol yeast, Scheffersomyces spartinae W9. The results showed that the VOCs from the yeast inhibited the growth of Botrytis cinerea mycelium and spore germination by 77.8% and 58.3%, respectively. Additionally, it reduced the disease incidence and lesion diameter of gray mold on the strawberry fruit surface by 20.7% and 67.4%, respectively. Electronic micrographs showed that VOCs caused damage to the morphology and ultrastructure of the hyphae. Based on headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS), S. spartinae W9 emitted 18 main VOCs, and the pure substance of VOCs, such as 3-methyl-1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 2-phenylethanol, and isoamyl acetate, showed antifungal effects against B. cinerea mycelium growth. Among them, 2-phenylethanol exhibited the strongest antifungal activity. It has been concluded that VOCs are the key antifungal mechanism of S. spartinae W9, and a promising strategy for controlling gray mold on strawberry fruit.
Fulltext Analyzing Active Compounds in Elateriospermum tapos Yogurt for Maternal Obesity: A Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Study

Naomi R, Teoh SH, Embong H, Balan SS, Othman F, Mamat-Hamidi K, et al.

Foods, 2023 Sep 26;12(19).
PMID: 37835227 DOI: 10.3390/foods12193575

Maternal obesity, characterized by an elevated body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy, is known to have adverse effects on the offspring. However, a recent study suggests that Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) yogurt may hold potential in mitigating excessive weight retention post-pregnancy. Thus, this study aims to employ network pharmacology to explore the pharmacological effects of the bioactive compounds present in E. tapos yogurt against maternal obesity. Initially, a screening process is conducted to identify the bioactive compounds in E. tapos yogurt, followed by the prediction of potential gene targets for these compounds using Swiss Target Prediction and the SuperPred databases. Maternal obesity-associated genes are sourced from the OMIM, DisGeNet, and GeneCards databases. The interaction between the identified compounds and maternal obesity genes is established via protein-protein interaction analysis, gene ontology examination, and KEGG pathway analysis. To validate the results, molecular docking studies are conducted using AutoDock Tools software. The findings reveal that out of the 64 compounds analyzed, three meet the screening criteria, resulting in a total of 380 potential gene targets. Among these targets, 240 are shared with maternal obesity-related genes. Further analysis demonstrates the favorable affinity of these active compounds with key targets, linking them to biological processes involving protein phosphorylation, inflammation, as well as the pathways related to lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis, and the other signaling pathways. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the potential pharmacological effects of the bioactive compounds found in E. tapos yogurt against maternal obesity. These findings open avenues for further exploration and potential therapeutic interventions targeting maternal obesity.
Fulltext Mathematical Modelling of Canola Oil Biodegradation and Optimisation of Biosurfactant Production by an Antarctic Bacterial Consortium Using Response Surface Methodology

Zahri KNM, Khalil KA, Gomez-Fuentes C, Zulkharnain A, Sabri S, Convey P, et al.

Foods, 2021 Nov 14;10(11).
PMID: 34829082 DOI: 10.3390/foods10112801

An Antarctic soil bacterial consortium (reference BS14) was confirmed to biodegrade canola oil, and kinetic studies on this biodegradation were carried out. The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of BS14 to produce biosurfactants during the biodegradation of canola oil. Secondary mathematical equations were chosen for kinetic analyses (Monod, Haldane, Teissier-Edwards, Aiba and Yano models). At the same time, biosurfactant production was confirmed through a preliminary screening test and further optimised using response surface methodology (RSM). Mathematical modelling demonstrated that the best-fitting model was the Haldane model for both waste (WCO) and pure canola oil (PCO) degradation. Kinetic parameters including the maximum degradation rate (μmax) and maximum concentration of substrate tolerated (Sm) were obtained. For WCO degradation these were 0.365 min-1 and 0.308%, respectively, while for PCO they were 0.307 min-1 and 0.591%, respectively. The results of all preliminary screenings for biosurfactants were positive. BS14 was able to produce biosurfactant concentrations of up to 13.44 and 14.06 mg/mL in the presence of WCO and PCO, respectively, after optimisation. The optimum values for each factor were determined using a three-dimensional contour plot generated in a central composite design, where a combination of 0.06% salinity, pH 7.30 and 1.55% initial substrate concentration led to the highest biosurfactant production when using WCO. Using PCO, the highest biosurfactant yield was obtained at 0.13% salinity, pH 7.30 and 1.25% initial substrate concentration. This study could help inform the development of large-scale bioremediation applications, not only for the degradation of canola oil but also of other hydrocarbons in the Antarctic by utilising the biosurfactants produced by BS14.
Fulltext Bitter Gourd Honey Ameliorates Hepatic and Renal Diabetic Complications on Type 2 Diabetes Rat Models by Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Apoptotic Mechanisms

Arigela CS, Nelli G, Gan SH, Sirajudeen KNS, Krishnan K, Abdul Rahman N, et al.

Foods, 2021 Nov 20;10(11).
PMID: 34829154 DOI: 10.3390/foods10112872

Honey has several pharmacological effects, including anti-diabetic activity. However, the effectiveness of bitter gourd honey (BGH) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties of BGH on the kidney and liver of a streptozotocin-induced diabetes rat model.
METHODS: A single dose (nicotinamide 110 mg/kg, streptozotocin (STZ) 55 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) was used to induce DM in male rats. For 28 days, normal or diabetic rats were administered 1 g/kg/day and 2 g/kg/day of BGH orally. After the treatment, blood, liver, and kidney samples were collected and analysed for biochemical, histological, and molecular parameters. In addition, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to identify the major bioactive components in BGH.
RESULTS: The administration of BGH to diabetic rats resulted in significant reductions in alanine transaminase (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, and urea levels. Diabetic rats treated with BGH showed lesser pathophysiological alterations in the liver and kidney as compared to non-treated control rats. BGH-treated diabetic rats exhibited reduced levels of oxidative stress (MDA levels), inflammatory (MYD88, NFKB, p-NFKB, IKKβ), and apoptotic (caspase-3) markers, as well as higher levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) in the liver and kidney. BGH contains many bioactive compounds that may have antioxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.
CONCLUSION: BGH protected the liver and kidney in diabetic rats by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis-induced damage. As a result, BGH can be used as a potential therapy to ameliorate diabetic complications.
Fulltext Factors Influencing Consumption Behaviour towards Aquatic Food among Asian Consumers: A Systematic Scoping Review

Budhathoki M, Campbell D, Belton B, Newton R, Li S, Zhang W, et al.

Foods, 2022 Dec 14;11(24).
PMID: 36553785 DOI: 10.3390/foods11244043

Asia accounts for over 70% of total global aquatic food consumption, but aquatic food consumption behaviours and attitudes among Asian consumers are poorly documented and understood. This paper synthesises literature on factors influencing aquatic food consumption behaviour in Asia and the potential to support transitions toward more sustainable food consumption patterns. We identified 113 studies for inclusion in a scoping review, and identified five clusters of publications: (1) product attributes, availability, and accessibility (24% of publications); (2) willingness to pay for aquatic foods (25%); (3) psychosocial factors (e.g., attitudes and subjective norms) (17%); (4) sociodemographic and lifestyle factors (21%); and (5) miscellaneous factors, including food safety and social status (13%). This study indicates that multiple interacting factors influence aquatic food consumption behaviours among Asian consumers, among which price is central. Knowledge of, and attitudes toward, the perceived quality and safety of aquatic foods were identified as important but were mediated by household characteristics. Sustainable production practices, country of origin, and ecolabels were found to be less influential on consumption behaviour. We found that improving consumers' knowledge and attitudes about the quality and safety of aquatic foods might positively influence aquatic food consumption behaviour. Future multidisciplinary research is required to better understand interactions among the multiple factors that influence Asian consumers' aquatic food consumption behaviour.
Fulltext The Nutritional and Functional Properties of Protein Isolates from Defatted Chia Flour Using Different Extraction pH

Khushairay ESI, Ghani MA, Babji AS, Yusop SM

Foods, 2023 Aug 14;12(16).
PMID: 37628045 DOI: 10.3390/foods12163046

This study aims to determine the effects of various alkaline pHs on the nutritional and functional properties of protein isolated from defatted chia flour (DCF). The DCF isolated using alkali extraction method at pH 8.5, 10.0, and 12.0 were coded as CPI-8.5, CPI-10.0, and CPI-12.0, respectively. The highest extraction yield and protein recovery yield was demonstrated by CPI-12.0 (19.10 and 59.63%, respectively), with a total protein content of 74.53%, and glutelin showed the highest portion (79.95%). The CPI-12.0 also demonstrated the most elevated essential (36.87%), hydrophobic (33.81%), and aromatic (15.54%) amino acid content among other samples. The DCF exhibited the highest water (23.90 gg-1) and oil (8.23 gg-1) absorption capacity, whereas the CPI-8.5 showed the highest protein solubility (72.31%) at pH 11. DCF demonstrated the highest emulsifying capacity at pH 11 (82.13%), but the highest stability was shown at pH 5 (82.05%). Furthermore, CPI-12.0 at pH 11 shows the highest foaming capacity (83.16%) and stability (83.10%). Despite that, the CPI-10.0 manifested the highest antioxidant capacity (DPPH: 42.48%; ABTS: 66.23%; FRAP: 0.19), as well as ACE-I (35.67%). Overall, the extraction pH had significant effects in producing chia protein isolates (CPI) with improved nutritional and functional qualities.
Fulltext Optimization of the Drum Drying Parameters and Citric Acid Level to Produce Purple Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Powder Using Response Surface Methodology

Senevirathna SSJ, Ramli NS, Azman EM, Juhari NH, Karim R

Foods, 2021 Jun 15;10(6).
PMID: 34203622 DOI: 10.3390/foods10061378

Purple sweet potato (PSP) is a rich source of anthocyanins, but the anthocyanin content and color can be affected by the drying method and processing condition. Response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to investigate the effects of citric acid (CA) concentration, steam pressure (SP) and rotation speed (DS) on the physicochemical and functional properties of drum-dried purple sweet potato powder (PSPP). The anthocyanins of the PSPP were analyzed using mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization and twelve anthocyanins were identified. The results indicated that the moisture content (4.80 ± 0.17-9.97 ± 0.03%) and water activity (0.290 ± 0.004-0.47 ± 0.001) (p < 0.05) decreased with increasing drum temperature as well as with reduced drum rotating speed. CA had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the color and total anthocyanin content (101.83 ± 2.20-124.09 ± 2.89 mg/100 g) of the PSPP. High SP and low DS negatively affected the antioxidant properties of the PSPP. DPPH value of the PSPP ranged from 20.41 ± 0.79 to 30.79 ± 1.00 μmol TE/g. The optimal parameters were achieved at 0.59% CA, 499.8 kPa SP and 3 rpm DS.
Fulltext Kinetic Study of Subcritical Water Extraction of Scopoletin, Alizarin, and Rutin from Morinda citrifolia

Jamaludin R, Kim DS, Salleh LM, Lim SB

Foods, 2021 Sep 24;10(10).
PMID: 34681309 DOI: 10.3390/foods10102260

Noni fruits (Morinda citrifolia) are a source of phenolic bioactive compounds (scopoletin, alizarin, and rutin), which have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, subcritical water was applied to determine the extraction yields and kinetics of phenolic compounds from noni fruits. The scopoletin and alizarin yields increased with the increase in temperature from 100 to 140 °C, while that of rutin increased up to 120 °C and then decreased at 140 °C. The yields of all the compounds rapidly increased from 1 to 2 mL/min and then slightly up to 3 mL/min of water flow rate. The extraction kinetics were assessed using two mathematical models. The two-site kinetic desorption model had a better fit for all experimental conditions throughout the extraction cycle and best described the extraction kinetics of phenolic compounds from noni fruits. The diffusion coefficients of scopoletin and alizarin at 140 °C and 3 mL/min were 3.7- and 16.2-fold higher than those at 100 °C and 1 mL/min, respectively. The activation energies of alizarin were 2.9- to 8.5-fold higher than those of scopoletin at various flow rates. Thus, subcritical water could be an excellent solvent with higher extraction yields and shorter extraction times using an environmentally friendly solvent.
Fulltext The Authentication and Grading of Edible Bird's Nest by Metabolite, Nutritional, and Mineral Profiling

Mohamad Ibrahim R, Mohamad Nasir NN, Abu Bakar MZ, Mahmud R, Ab Razak NA

Foods, 2021 Jul 07;10(7).
PMID: 34359444 DOI: 10.3390/foods10071574

Edible bird's nest (EBN) produced by Aerodramus fuciphagus has a high demand for nutritional and medicinal application throughout the world. The present study was to evaluate the authentication of a man-made house EBN, which are half cup and stripe-shaped by FTIR. Next, both samples were compared according to their metabolite, nutritional, and mineral composition. The results indicated that the FTIR spectra of both EBN samples were identical and similar to the reference, suggesting the authenticity of the EBN used. The metabolites that contribute to the possible medicinal properties of EBN were found by using GC-MS. The results of the proximate analysis, followed by the standard AOAC method, inferred that both EBN shapes to be rich in crude protein and carbohydrate contents. However, the proximate composition between the half cup and stripe-shaped EBN showed significant differences. Major mineral elements detected were calcium and sodium, and magnesium contents were significantly different between both EBN. Additionally, the half cup and stripe-shaped EBN had a low level of heavy metal content than the maximum regulatory limit as set by the Malaysian Food Act 1983. This study concludes that the nutritional composition varied between the samples and thus suggests that nutrient content should be considered as criteria for the grading requirement of commercialized EBN.
Fulltext Sweet-Tasting Natural Proteins Brazzein and Monellin: Safe Sugar Substitutes for the Food Industry

Novik TS, Koveshnikova EI, Kotlobay AA, Sycheva LP, Kurochkina KG, Averina OA, et al.

Foods, 2023 Nov 08;12(22).
PMID: 38002123 DOI: 10.3390/foods12224065

This article presents the results of a comprehensive toxicity assessment of brazzein and monellin, yeast-produced recombinant sweet-tasting proteins. Excessive sugar consumption is one of the leading dietary and nutritional problems in the world, resulting in health complications such as obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Although artificial small-molecule sweeteners widely replace sugar in food, their safety and long-term health effects remain debatable. Many sweet-tasting proteins, including thaumatin, miraculin, pentadin, curculin, mabinlin, brazzein, and monellin have been found in tropical plants. These proteins, such as brazzein and monellin, are thousands-fold sweeter than sucrose. Multiple reports have presented preparations of recombinant sweet-tasting proteins. A thorough and comprehensive assessment of their toxicity and safety is necessary to introduce and apply sweet-tasting proteins in the food industry. We experimentally assessed acute, subchronic, and chronic toxicity effects, as well as allergenic and mutagenic properties of recombinant brazzein and monellin. Our study was performed on three mammalian species (mice, rats, and guinea pigs). Assessment of animals' physiological, biochemical, hematological, morphological, and behavioral indices allows us to assert that monellin and brazzein are safe and nontoxic for the mammalian organism, which opens vast opportunities for their application in the food industry as sugar alternatives.
Fulltext Design of Recyclable Carboxylic Metal-Organic Framework/Chitosan Aerogels for Oil Bleaching

Jia XZ, Yao QB, Zhang B, Tan CP, Zeng XA, Huang YY, et al.

Foods, 2023 Nov 16;12(22).
PMID: 38002208 DOI: 10.3390/foods12224151

Novel hierarchical metal-organic framework/chitosan aerogel composites were developed for oil bleaching. UiO-66-COOH-type metal organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) were synthesized and integrated onto a chitosan matrix with different contents and named MOF-aerogel-1 and MOF-aerogel-2. Due to the compatibility of chitosan, the carboxylic zirconium MOF-aerogels not only maintained the inherent chemical accessibility of UiO-66-COOH, but the unique crystallization and structural characteristics of these MOF nanoparticles were also preserved. Through 3-dimensional reconstructed images, aggregation of the UiO-66-COOH particles was observed in MOF-aerogel-1, while the MOF was homogeneously distributed on the surface of the chitosan lamellae in MOF-aerogel-2. All aerogels, with or without immobilized MOF nanoparticles, were capable of removing carotenoids during oil bleaching. MOF-aerogel-2 showed the most satisfying removal proportions of 26.6%, 36.5%, and 47.2% at 50 °C, 75 °C, and 100 °C, respectively, and its performance was very similar to that of commercial activated clay. The reuse performance of MOF-aerogel-2 was tested, and the results showed its exceptional sustainability for carotenoid removal. These findings suggested the effectiveness of the MOFaerogel for potential utilization in oil bleaching treatments.
HS-SPME-GC-MS Combined with Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Identification to Analyze the Effect of LPL on Yak Milk's Flavor under Different Storage Temperatures and Times

Zhang J, Zhong L, Wang P, Song J, Shi C, Li Y, et al.

Foods, 2024 Jan 22;13(2).
PMID: 38275709 DOI: 10.3390/foods13020342

Flavor is a crucial parameter for assessing the sensory quality of yak milk. However, there is limited information regarding the factors influencing its taste. In this study, the effects of endogenous lipoprotein lipase (LPL) on the volatile flavor components of yak milk under storage conditions of 4 °C, 18 °C and 65 °C were analyzed via headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) combined with orthogonal partial least-squares (OPSL) discrimination, and the reasons for the changes in yak milk flavors were investigated. Combined with the difference in the changes in volatile flavor substance before and after the action of LPL, LPL was found to have a significant effect on the flavor of fresh yak milk. Fresh milk was best kept at 4 °C for 24 h and pasteurized for more than 24 h. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were employed to characterize the volatile components in yak milk under various treatment conditions. Twelve substances with significant influence on yak milk flavor were identified by measuring their VIP values. Notably, 2-nonanone, heptanal, and ethyl caprylate exhibited OAV values greater than 1, indicating their significant contribution to the flavor of yak milk. Conversely, 4-octanone and 2-heptanone displayed OAV values between 0.1 and 1, showing their important role in modifying the flavor of yak milk. These findings can serve as monitoring indicators for assessing the freshness of yak milk.
Fulltext Effect of Diacylglycerol Crystallization on W/O/W Emulsion Stability, Controlled Release Properties and In Vitro Digestibility

Qiu C, Liu Y, Chen C, Lee YY, Wang Y

Foods, 2023 Dec 10;12(24).
PMID: 38137235 DOI: 10.3390/foods12244431

Water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions with high-melting diacylglycerol (DAG) crystals incorporated in the oil droplets were fabricated and the compositions were optimized to achieve the best physical stability. The stability against osmotic pressure, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release profiles of both water- and oil-soluble bioactives were investigated. The presence of interfacial crystallized DAG shells increased the emulsion stability by reducing the swelling and shrinkage of emulsions against osmotic pressure and heating treatment. DAG crystals located at the inner water/oil (W1/O) interface and the gelation of the inner phase by gelatin helped reduce the oil droplet size and slow down the salt release rate. The DAG and gelatin-contained double emulsion showed improved encapsulation efficiency of bioactives, especially for the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) during storage. The double emulsions with DAG had a lower digestion rate but higher bioaccessibility of EGCG and curcumin after in vitro digestion. DAG-stabilized double emulsions with a gelled inner phase thus can be applied as controlled delivery systems for bioactives by forming robust interfacial crystalline shells.
Fulltext Global Trends in Halal Food Standards: A Review

Akbar J, Gul M, Jahangir M, Adnan M, Saud S, Hassan S, et al.

Foods, 2023 Nov 21;12(23).
PMID: 38231601 DOI: 10.3390/foods12234200

The demand for ethical foods is rising, with halal foods playing a significant role in this trend. However, halal standards vary globally, which can have substantial implications. Multiple Halal Certification Bodies (HCBs) can approve food products but they often prioritize national regulations over international alignment. To explore the similarities and differences in halal standards, we conducted a critical analysis of various standards, including Pakistan's halal standards, the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries, Majlis Ugama Islam Singapore, Majelis Ulama Indonesia, GCC Standardization Organization, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia, ASEAN General Guideline, and the halal standards of Thailand, Iran, and Brunei, through a literature survey. While some commonalities exist, differences stemming from various Islamic schools of thought pose challenges for regulators, consumers, and food producers. Controversial issues include stunning, slaughtering, aquatic animals, insects, and labeling requirements. For example, all standards except the GSO allow non-Muslim slaughterers, and stunning is permitted in all standards except those of Pakistan. These disparities underscore the need for standardization and harmonization in the halal food industry to meet the growing demand for ethical foods.
Fulltext Assessing the Foodshed and Food Self-Sufficiency of the Pearl River Delta Megacity Region in China

Wang Y, Shi H, Zhang Y, Li X, Zhao M, Sun B

Foods, 2023 Nov 22;12(23).
PMID: 38231600 DOI: 10.3390/foods12234210

Food self-sufficiency has long been regarded as essential for understanding and managing urban and regional food systems; however, few studies have examined the food self-sufficiency of megacity regions within a comprehensive framework that distinguishes different types of agricultural land (i.e., arable land, horticultural landscapes, and waters). To fill these gaps, we took the Pearl River Delta as a case study and quantified the foodsheds of different types of agricultural land by calculating the land footprint of food consumption. On this basis, food self-sufficiency is defined as the ratio of available and required agricultural area for regional food demand. The results indicated that the self-sufficiency level provided by the arable land in the Pearl River Delta is low and cannot realize self-sufficiency at the regional and urban levels. The horticultural landscapes can provide self-sufficiency at the regional level, whereas the regions with water cannot, as their foodsheds extend over the boundary of the Pearl River Delta. For arable land, establishing a localized regional food system requires expanding the foodshed size. These findings provide evidence that megacity regions may face increasing difficulties in achieving self-sufficiency in the near future. This research can improve policymakers' understanding of the sustainability and resilience of regional food systems in megacity regions.
Fulltext Metal Contents in Fish from the Bay of Bengal and Potential Consumer Exposure-The EAF-Nansen Programme

Moxness Reksten A, Rahman Z, Kjellevold M, Garrido Gamarro E, Thilsted SH, Pincus LM, et al.

Foods, 2021 May 20;10(5).
PMID: 34065408 DOI: 10.3390/foods10051147

Fish represent an important part of the Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi diet. However, fish is also a source of contaminants that may constitute a health risk to consumers. The aim of this study was to analyse the contents of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead in 24 commonly consumed marine fish species from the Bay of Bengal and to assess the potential health risk associated with their consumption. Mercury and lead contents did not exceed the maximum limits for any of the sampled species, and consumer exposure from estimated daily consumption was assessed to be minimal for adults and children. Numerous samples exceeded the maximum limit for cadmium (58%), particularly those of small size (≤25 cm). However, consumer exposure was insignificant, and health assessment showed no risk connected to consumption. These data represent an important contribution to future risk/benefit assessments related to the consumption of fish.
Fulltext Development and Characterization of Physical Modified Pearl Millet Starch-Based Films

Punia Bangar S, Nehra M, Siroha AK, Petrů M, Ilyas RA, Devi U, et al.

Foods, 2021 Jul 12;10(7).
PMID: 34359479 DOI: 10.3390/foods10071609

Pearl millet is an underutilized and drought-resistant crop that is mainly used for animal feed and fodder. Starch (70%) is the main constituent of the pearl millet grain; this starch may be a good substitute for major sources of starch such as corn, rice, potatoes, etc. Starch was isolated from pearl millet grains and modified with different physical treatments (heat-moisture (HMT), microwave (MT), and sonication treatment (ST)). The amylose content and swelling capacity of the starches decreased after HMT and MT, while the reverse was observed for ST. Transition temperatures (onset (To), peak of gelatinization (Tp), and conclusion (Tc)) of the starches ranged from 62.92-76.16 °C, 67.95-81.05 °C, and 73.78-84.50 °C, respectively. After modification (HMT, MT, and ST), an increase in the transition temperatures was observed. Peak-viscosity of the native starch was observed to be 995 mPa.s., which was higher than the starch modified with HMT and MT. Rheological characteristics (storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G'')) of the native and modified starches differed from 1039 to 1730 Pa and 83 to 94 Pa; the largest value was found for starch treated with ST and HMT. SEM showed cracks and holes on granule surfaces after HMT as well as MT starch granules. Films were prepared using both native and modified starches. The modification of the starches with different treatments had a significant impact on the moisture, transmittance, and solubility of films. The findings of this study will provide a better understanding of the functional properties of pearl millet starch for its possible utilization in film formation.

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links