Abstract
Sprout is a nutritious ready-to-eat vegetable. In this study, we examined the effects of ultrasonication treatments (treated with 28, 40 or 80 kHz frequency for 10 min at 25 °C) on the changes in microstructure, seed hydration and germination, sprout growth, sprout quality, and microbial load of two adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) varieties (Kaohsiung 8 and Kaohsiung 10). The results indicated that the ultrasonication at 40 kHz or 80 kHz improved seed hydration and enhanced germination; this is linked to the ultrasound-induced microstructure changes in the hilum and seed coat surface of treated seeds. The ultrasonication-increased sprout growth and yield were possibly attributable to the increased α-amylase activity during germination. Ultrasonication also improved total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and total saponins contents and further enhanced the anti-oxidative activities (FRAP and DPPH) of produce sprouts. The results further indicated that the 40 kHz or 80 kHz treatment decreased microbial loads of treated sprouts to an acceptable level; therefore, these two treatments can be used for germination improvement and an effective microbial control treatment for adzuki bean sprout production.
Highlights
This study provides information on seed germination, sprout yield, phytochemicals contents, antioxidative ability, and microbial status of two adzuki bean varieties
The results indicated that all the ultrasonication treatments were able to increase seed hydration, improve germinations, and increase α-amylase activities of two tested adzuki bean varieties and subsequently increase their sprout productions
The ultrasonication-improved seed hydration was linked to the ultrasound-induced microstructural changes on the hilum and the surface of seed coats in the treated adzuki bean seeds
Summary
The results further indicated that the 40 kHz or 80 kHz treatment decreased microbial loads of treated sprouts to an acceptable level; these two treatments can be used for germination improvement and an effective microbial control treatment for adzuki bean sprout production. The germinations of some adzuki bean varieties are relatively low compared to other legumes such as soybean and mung bean [6] and affects their sprouts production. Another concern is that the produced sprouts are vulnerable to microbial contamination, which can result from the microbial load on the harvested seeds and the microbial multiplication during sprouting [7]. The efficacy of ultrasonication on seed decontamination appears to be species-dependent
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