Amount Of Starch Research Articles

Portion control tableware differentially impacts eating behaviour in women with and without overweight

Portion control tableware has been described as a potentially effective approach for weight management, however the mechanisms by which these tools work remain unknown. We explored the processes by which a portion control (calibrated) plate with visual stimuli for starch, protein and vegetable amounts modulates food intake, satiety and meal eating behaviour. Sixty-five women (34 with overweight/obesity) participated in a counterbalanced cross-over trial in the laboratory, where they self-served and ate a hot meal including rice, meatballs and vegetables, once with a calibrated plate and once with a conventional (control) plate. A sub-sample of 31 women provided blood samples to measure the cephalic phase response to the meal. Effects of plate type were tested through linear mixed-effect models. Meal portion sizes (mean ± SD) were smaller for the calibrated compared with the control plate (served: 296 ± 69 vs 317 ± 78 g; consumed: 287 ± 71 vs 309 ± 79 g respectively), especially consumed rice (69 ± 24 vs 88 ± 30 g) (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). The calibrated plate significantly reduced bite size (3.4 ± 1.0 vs 3.7 ± 1.0 g; p < 0.01) in all women and eating rate (32.9 ± 9.5 vs 33.7 ± 9.2 g/min; p < 0.05), in lean women. Despite this, some women compensated for the reduced intake over the 8 h following the meal. Pancreatic polypeptide and ghrelin levels increased post-prandially with the calibrated plate but changes were not robust. Plate type had no influence on insulin, glucose levels, or memory for portion size. Meal size was reduced by a portion control plate with visual stimuli for appropriate amounts of starch, protein and vegetables, potentially because of the reduced self-served portion size and the resulting reduced bite size. Sustained effects may require the continued use of the plate for long-term impact.

Understanding the Impact of High-Pressure Treatment on Physico-Chemical, Microstructural, and Microbiological Aspects of Pumpkin Cubes.

In this study color, texture, starch-pectin, total antioxidant capacity, microbial count, and microstructure of HPP-treated Violina pumpkin cubes were evaluated. Samples were treated at six different pressures (100 to 600 MPa-HPP100 to HPP600) for 3 min. Moisture, total soluble solids, and pH showed no significant differences between untreated (UNTR) and treated samples. Pumpkin tissue showed great structural modifications as changes in cell size and shape, cell wall damage, increased cell wall thickness, cell detachment and dehydration, and calcium ions deposition mainly from HPP300 to 600. UNTR samples showed the highest value of maximum and minimum cell elongation, perimeter segment, and a more regular cell wall thickness whereas HPP600 showed the lowest values for all these parameters. A noticeable difference was observed in HPP600 samples, with a difference in terms of color (ΔE 11.3 ± 1.9) and hardness (87.4 ± 27.8 N) compared to the UNTR ones (194.9 ± 37.9 N) whereas treatments at other pressures changed less markedly the color and texture. HPP200 could ensure a higher amount of starch and pectin availability while HPP200 and HPP400 showed the highest total antioxidants capacity. High-pressure treatment from HPP400 to 600 gave the highest destruction of microorganisms but negatively influenced the structural quality as well as texture and microstructure.

Effect of summer acupoint application treatment (SAAT) on gut microbiota in healthy Asian adults: A randomized controlled trial.

Acupoint application has served as an important complementary and adjunctive therapy in China. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of summer acupoint application treatment (SAAT) on the abundance and biological structure of gut microbiota in healthy Asian adults. Based on the CONSORT guidelines, 72 healthy adults were included in this study, randomly divided into 2 groups, receiving either traditional (acupoint application within known relevant meridians, Group A) or sham (treated with placebo prepared by mixing the equal amount of starch and water, Group B) SAAT. SAAT stickers include extracts from Rhizoma Corydalis, Sinapis alba, Euphorbia kansui, Asari Herba, and the treatment group received 3 sessions of SAAT for 24 months, administered to BL13 (Feishu), BL17 (Geshu), BL20 (Pishu), and BL23 (Shenshu) acupoints. Fecal microbial analyses via ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequencing were performed on donor stool samples before and after 2 years of SAAT or placebo treatment to analyze the abundances, diversity, and structure of gut microbiota. No significant baseline differences were present between groups. At the phylum level, the baseline relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria was identified in fecal samples collected from each group. After treatment, the relative abundance of Firmicutes was significantly increased in both groups (P < .05). Notably, a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Fusobacteria was observed in the SAAT treatment group (P < .001), while the abundance of Bacteroidetes was decreased significantly in the placebo group (P < .05). At the genus level, the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium and Subdoligranulum species in the 2 groups were all significantly increased (P < .05). In addition, a significant reduction in the relative abundance of Blautia, Bacteroides, and Dorea in Group A (P < .05) and Eubacterium hallii group and Anaerostipes (P < .05) in Group B was observed after treatment. Our findings indicated SAAT substantially influenced the bacterial community structure in the gut microbiota of healthy Asian adults, which might serve as potential therapeutic targets for related diseases, and provided a foundation for future studies aimed at elucidating the microbial mechanisms underlying SAAT for the treatment of various conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, irritable bowel syndrome.

Effect of seasonality on the leaf phenology and physiology of Byrsonima species (Malpighiaceae)

Introduction: Defined seasonality in savanna species can stimulate physiological responses that maximize photosynthetic metabolism and productivity. However, those physiological responses are also linked to the phenological status of the whole plant, including leaf phenophases. Objective: To study how physiological traits influence phenophase timing among congeneric and co-occurring savanna species. Methods: We evaluated the leaf phenology and physiological traits of populations of Byrsonima intermedia, B. coccolobifolia, and B. verbascifolia. Physiological measurements were performed at the onset of the dry and rainy seasons and again late in the season. Results: B. intermedia and B. coccolobifolia were classified as brevideciduous and B. verbascifolia as evergreen. The maximum quantum yield for B. intermedia and B. coccolobifolia were lowest during the dry season. At the onset of the dry period, the highest chloroplastidic pigment levels were observed, which decreased as the season advanced, total chlorophyll/carotenoid ratios were lowest, and carotenoid contents were highest. We detected low starch content values at the start of the rainy season, coinciding with the resumption of plant growth. Two months into this season, the leaves were at their peak structural and functional maturity, with high water-soluble polysaccharide values and photosynthetic rates, and were storing large amounts of starch. Conclusions: Physiological and leaf phenological strategies of the Byrsonima species were related to drought resistance and acclimatization to the seasonality of savanna water resources. The oscillations of the parameters quantified during the year indicated a strong relationship with water seasonality and with the phenological status of the leaves. Objective: We studied how physiological traits, and not only seasonality, influence phenophase timing among congeneric and co-occurring savanna species. Methods: We followed the leaf phenologies and physiological traits of populations of Byrsonima intermedia, B. coccolobifolia, and B. verbascifolia native to the Brazilian savanna. Analyses of specific leaf mass, relative water content, leaf phenology, leaf carbohydrate content, chloroplastidic pigments, and photosynthetic efficiency were performed at different times during both the dry and rainy seasons. Physiological measurements were performed at the onset of the dry season and again late in that season, as well as at the onset of the rainy season and again late in the rainy season. Results: Byrsonima intermedia and B. coccolobifolia were classified here as brevideciduous and B. verbascifolia as evergreen. Few variations in chlorophyll a fluorescence values were detected over the full year, with the lowest maximum quantum yield values (Fv/Fm) for B. intermedia and B. coccolobifolia occurring during the dry season. The deciduous species (B. verbascifolia) evidenced higher photosynthetic yields during periods of abundant water availability, mainly after its complete recovery after the start of the prolonged rainy period. The highest chloroplastidic pigment levels were observed at the onset of the dry period, although chlorophyll levels decreased as the dry season advanced. The lowest total chlorophyll/carotenoid ratios and the highest carotenoid contents observed at the onset of the dry season indicated that Byrsonima plants were still investing in mechanisms of photoprotection and the dissipation of excess energy from their photosynthetic systems even under water deficit conditions. We detected low starch content values at the onset of the rainy season, which coincides with the resumption of plant growth. At two months into the rainy season, the leaves were at their peak structural and functional maturity, exhibiting high water-soluble polysaccharide values and high photosynthetic rates, and were storing large amounts of starch. Conclusions: Our data evidenced that the physiological and foliar phenological strategies of the Byrsonima species studied here were related to drought resistance and to acclimatization to the seasonality of savanna water resources. The oscillations of the parameters quantified during the year in the three studied species indicated not only a strong relationship with water seasonality, but also with the phenological statuses of the leaves.

PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTORS are involved in starch degradation adjustment via inhibition of the carbon metabolic regulator QUA-QUINE STARCH in Arabidopsis.

As sessile organisms, plants encounter dynamic and challenging environments daily, including abiotic/biotic stresses. The regulation of carbon and nitrogen allocations for the synthesis of plant proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids is fundamental for plant growth and adaption to its surroundings. Light, one of the essential environmental signals, exerts a substantial impact on plant metabolism and resource partitioning (i.e., starch). However, it is not fully understood how light signaling affects carbohydrate production and allocation in plant growth and development. An orphan gene unique to Arabidopsis thaliana, named QUA-QUINE STARCH (QQS) is involved in the metabolic processes for partitioning of carbon and nitrogen among proteins and carbohydrates, thus influencing leaf, seed composition, and plant defense in Arabidopsis. In this study, we show that PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING bHLH TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS (PIFs), including PIF4, are required to suppress QQS during the period at dawn, thus preventing overconsumption of starch reserves. QQS expression is significantly de-repressed in pif4 and pifQ, while repressed by overexpression of PIF4, suggesting that PIF4 and its close homologs (PIF1, PIF3, and PIF5) act as negative regulators of QQS expression. In addition, we show that the evening complex, including ELF3 is required for active expression of QQS, thus playing a positive role in starch catabolism during night-time. Furthermore, QQS is epigenetically suppressed by DNA methylation machinery, whereas histone H3 K4 methyltransferases (e.g., ATX1, ATX2, and ATXR7) and H3 acetyltransferases (e.g., HAC1 and HAC5) are involved in the expression of QQS. This study demonstrates that PIF light signaling factors help plants utilize optimal amounts of starch during the night and prevent overconsumption of starch before its biosynthesis during the upcoming day.

Characterization, immunomodulatory activity and digestibility in vitro of a novel floridean starch from Grateloupia filicina

In this study, a new low molecular weight floridean starch was isolated and purified from Grateloupia filicina. The chemical structure was characterized, and the immunomodulatory activity and in vitro digestibility were determined. The molecular weight (MW) of the floridean starch was 2918 Da and the main links of the floridean starch were α-1, 4- glycosidic link or α-1, 6- glycosidic link. The floridean starch was C-type crystalline and mainly in flat disk and other irregular shapes. The immunomodulatory determination results showed that it can significantly activated macrophages release of NO and rapidly increased the secretion amount of IL-6. In addition, it was more easily digested compared with other traditional starches such as rice starch, wheat starch, and corn starch, because the glucose amount was highest during the entire determination process, which agreed with the quantity of starch that was digested in the first 20 min of pancreatic digestion phase (RDS, 40.43 %). Therefore, it is a good choice for hypoglycemic patients.

Impact of Starch Gelatinization on Digestibility and Human Health

AbstractThe availability of digestible energy from consumed starch depends on whether the starch is in an amorphous/digestible or ordered/less digestible form. The capacity of man to digest starch has been an evolutionary process where early hunter gatherers would have eaten crops with relatively low amounts of starch that is also not cooked. This requires a lot of digestive effort to extract calories and hence the efficiency in the body of the starch digestive process. Modern man, however, cooks (and has done for centuries) starchy crops. This, combined with the high starch contents of foods that are also readily available, has led to excess calories in the diet (from other nutrient sources too) and associated disease states. This article is designed to set the gelatinization of starch in the context of health and how starch processing needs to be regulated to control excess calories in the diet – many from starch. Key messages to gain from this review are that i) starch is a potential source of energy and depending on how and when it is processed and consumed it will impact on energy and health plus that ii) overall management of calories – including from digestible starch – is critical for optimal health.

Novel Approach for Quantitative Characterization of Short-Range Molecular Order in Gelatinized Starch by X-ray Diffraction.

A novel quantitative method was developed to characterize short-range molecular order in gelatinized wheat and potato starches using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Gelatinized starches with different amounts of short-range molecular order and amorphous starches with no short-range molecular order were prepared and characterized by the intensity and area of Raman spectral bands. The degree of short-range molecular order in the gelatinized wheat and potato starches decreased with increasing water content used for gelatinization. By comparing XRD patterns of gelatinized and amorphous starch, the XRD peak at 33° (2θ) was shown to be typical of gelatinized starch. The relative peak area (RPA), intensity, and full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the XRD peak at 33° (2θ) decreased with the increase in water content for gelatinization. We propose that the RPA of the XRD peak at 33° (2θ) can be used to quantify the amount of short-range molecular order in gelatinized starch. The method developed in this study will help to explore and understand the relationship between the structure and functionality of gelatinized starch in food and nonfood applications.

Resistant Starch Decreases Serum Total Cholesterol and Triacylglycerol Concentrations in Rats

Rats were meal-fed semipurified diets containing a low (0.8 g/MJ) and a high (9.6 g/MJ) amount of resistant starch (RS) or various amounts of RS (0.8 to 9.6 g/MJ) and guar gum (0 to 8.8 g/MJ). In one experiment, rats were fed the low and high RS diets in three dietary regimens (ad libitum consuming, 12 h ad libitum/12 h food deprived, and meal fed). Effects of RS and guar gum on serum postprandial and postabsorptive concentrations of total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerol (TAG), growth, hydrogen excretion, tissue weights and contents of small intestine and cecum, and pH of cecal contents were investigated. In addition, effects of RS on food intake, de novo hepatic synthesis of fatty acids and neutral sterols, and on lipoprotein lipase activity and weight of epididymal fat pads were investigated. Compared with feeding the low RS diet, the high RS diet reduced the serum TC and TAG concentrations, with these effects observed after 1 and 2 wk of feeding, respectively. The dietary regimen did not influence the effect of RS on the serum TC and TAG concentrations, but it did affect the serum TAG concentration. Resistant starch had no effect on the hepatic synthesis of fatty acids and neutral sterols or on the lipoprotein lipase activity in epididymal fat pads. Guar gum also reduced the serum TC concentration, but it had no effect on serum TAG concentration. The tissue weights and contents of small intestine and cecum as well as hydrogen excretion increased with increasing amounts of dietary RS and guar gum, whereas the pH of cecal contents decreased. No effects of RS on food intake and total body weight gain were found, whereas guar gum decreased weight gain. Feeding the high RS diet also led to a lower weight of the epididymal fat pads. We conclude that dietary RS can reduce serum TC and TAG concentrations and fat accretion.

Starches of Varied Digestibilities Differentially Modify Intestinal Function in Rats

Starches of different digestibilities may enter the colon to different extents and alter colonic function. Male Fischer 344 rats were fed diets containing 25% cooked potato starch, arrowroot starch, high amylose cornstarch or raw potato starch for 6 wk. Fecal weight, transit time, colonic thymidine kinase activity (a marker for cell proliferation), and weight, starch content and pH of the cecum and proximal and distal colon were measured. Raw potato starch was much less completely digested than high amylose cornstarch, resulting in a 32-fold greater amount of undigested starch entering the cecum in the raw potato starch group. Both the high amylose cornstarch and raw potato starch diets significantly enhanced fecal weight and produced large intestinal hypertrophy, effects that were greatest in the raw potato starch group. Raw potato starch feeding was associated with the highest level of thymidine kinase activity, although the differences in thymidine kinase activity among the four groups were not significant. This diet also produced a 50% longer transit time. Entry of a large amount of raw potato starch into the colon resulted in greater luminal acidity, greater luminal bulk and slower transit. A much smaller amount of starch entered the colon in the high amylose cornstarch group and resulted in fecal bulking but no alteration in transit.

Labellar Structure of the Maxillaria splendens Alliance (Orchidaceae: Maxillariinae) Indicates Floral Polyphenols as a Reward for Stingless Bees

Several studies have reported stingless Meliponini bees gathering hairs from the labella of Maxillaria spp., including M. ochroleuca, a member of the M. splendens alliance. Such hairs usually contain food materials and are thought to have nutritional value. The papillose labella of representatives of the Maxillaria splendens alliance, however, bear scattered, simple 1-5-celled uniseriate trichomes (hairs) that lack food materials. By contrast, here, as well as polyphenolic compounds, typical labellar papillae usually contain small quantities of starch, protein, and minute droplets of lipid, the last probably involved in the production of fragrance. Towards the labellum apex occur elevated groups of papillae that lack food materials, but contain volatile compounds, probably fragrance precursors. In the past, the terms 'trichomes' or 'hairs' and 'papillae' have been used interchangeably, causing some confusion. Since the trichomes, however, unlike the papillae, are easily detachable and can fragment, it is most likely they, not the papillae, that have previously been observed being collected by bees, but their poor food content indicates that they do not function as food-hairs. Even so, our field observations of M. ochroleuca reveal that stingless bees scrape polyphenol-rich labellar tissue and possibly use this material to produce a resinous, complex, heterogeneous substance commonly referred to as 'bee glue', used for nest construction and repair.

Toward Efficient Bactericidal and Dye Degradation Performance of Strontium- and Starch-Doped Fe2O3 Nanostructures: In Silico Molecular Docking Studies.

In this study, various concentrations of strontium (Sr) into a fixed amount of starch (St) and Fe2O3 nanostructures (NSs) were synthesized with the co-precipitation approach to evaluate the antibacterial and photocatalytic properties of the concerned NSs. The study aimed to synthesize nanorods of Fe2O3 with co-precipitation to enhance the bactericidal behavior with dopant-dependent Fe2O3. Advanced techniques were utilized to investigate the structural characteristics, morphological properties, optical absorption and emission, and elemental composition properties of synthesized samples. Measurements via X-ray diffraction confirmed the rhombohedral structure for Fe2O3. Fourier-transform infrared analysis explored the vibrational and rotational modes of the O-H functional group and the C=C and Fe-O functional groups. The energy band gap of the synthesized samples was observed in the range of 2.78-3.15 eV, which indicates that the blue shift in the absorption spectra of Fe2O3 and Sr/St-Fe2O3 was identified with UV-vis spectroscopy. The emission spectra were obtained through photoluminescence spectroscopy, and the elements in the materials were determined using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy micrographs showed NSs that exhibit nanorods (NRs), and upon doping, agglomeration of NRs and nanoparticles was observed. Efficient degradations of methylene blue increased the photocatalytic activity in the implantation of Sr/St on Fe2O3 NRs. The antibacterial potential for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was measured against ciprofloxacin. E. coli bacteria exhibit inhibition zones of 3.55 and 4.60 mm at low and high doses, respectively. S. aureus shows the measurement of inhibition zones for low and high doses of prepared samples at 0.47 and 2.40 mm, respectively. The prepared nanocatalyst showed remarkable antibacterial action against E. coli bacteria rather than S. aureus at high and low doses compared to ciprofloxacin. The best-docked conformation of the dihydrofolate reductase enzyme against E. coli for Sr/St-Fe2O3 showed H-bonding interactions with Ile-94, Tyr-100, Tyr-111, Trp-30, ASP-27, Thr-113, and Ala-6.

Genetic Engineering of Starch Biosynthesis in Maize Seeds for Efficient Enzymatic Digestion of Starch during Bioethanol Production.

Maize accumulates large amounts of starch in seeds which have been used as food for human and animals. Maize starch is an importantly industrial raw material for bioethanol production. One critical step in bioethanol production is degrading starch to oligosaccharides and glucose by α-amylase and glucoamylase. This step usually requires high temperature and additional equipment, leading to an increased production cost. Currently, there remains a lack of specially designed maize cultivars with optimized starch (amylose and amylopectin) compositions for bioethanol production. We discussed the features of starch granules suitable for efficient enzymatic digestion. Thus far, great advances have been made in molecular characterization of the key proteins involved in starch metabolism in maize seeds. The review explores how these proteins affect starch metabolism pathway, especially in controlling the composition, size and features of starch. We highlight the roles of key enzymes in controlling amylose/amylopectin ratio and granules architecture. Based on current technological process of bioethanol production using maize starch, we propose that several key enzymes can be modified in abundance or activities via genetic engineering to synthesize easily degraded starch granules in maize seeds. The review provides a clue for developing special maize cultivars as raw material in the bioethanol industry.

Comparative analysis of the transcriptome during single-seed formation of Castanea henryi: regulation of starch metabolism and endogenous hormones

BackgroundIn seed plants, the ovule is the precursor to the seed. The process of ovule development and differentiation is regulated by multiple factors, including starch metabolism and endogenous hormones. Castanea henryi produces nuts with high nutritional value. However, the high proportion of empty buds restricts the commercial use of the tree. Previous studies have shown that the empty bud phenotype is closely related to ovule abortion. If none of the ovules in the ovary expand rapidly and develop in 7–8 weeks after pollination, an empty bud will form. Therefore, we studied the development and molecular mechanisms underlying single seed formation in C. henryi.ResultsWe found that 49 days after pollination (DAP) is a critical period for the formation of fertile and abortive ovules. The morphology and starch distribution of the fertile and abortive ovules differed significantly at 49 DAP. The fertile ovules were smooth and round in appearance, with a large amount of starch. In contrast, abortive ovules were smaller with only a small amount of starch. The embryo sac of the abortive ovule proceeded to develop abnormally, and the entire ovule lacked starch. We identified 37 candidate genes involved in metabolism with potential roles in the regulation of starch levels. Three ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) genes, one granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) gene, and two beta-amylase genes could affect starch accumulation. The levels of auxin, cytokinins, gibberellins, and jasmonic acid in fertile ovules were higher than those in abortive ovules. In addition, the levels of endogenous abscisic acid and salicylic acid in abortive ovules were higher than those in fertile ovules of the same age, consistent with the expression patterns of genes related to the synthesis of abscisic and salicylic acid and signal transduction. We identified and mapped the differentially expressed genes associated with hormone synthesis and signal transduction.ConclusionsThese results improve our general understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying single seed development in C. henryi and the phenomenon of empty buds, providing directions for future research.

Effect of starch on the gel properties and protein conformation of egg white subjected to alkali‐heat treatment

SummaryThe colour, texture, water‐holding capacity (WHC) and particle properties of gels were examined to assess the impact of starch (cassava, corn and sweet potato starch) on the attributes of alkali‐heat‐induced gels. The results indicated that the whiteness, hardness and WHC of egg white gels were positively affected by starches. The microstructure of the mixed gel showed increasing reticulation and holes as the starch content increased, which contributed to the stiff structure of the gel. Although the gel made with corn starch had the lowest WHC, the gel made with sweet potato starch had the highest WHC. The average size of the gel particles decreased as a result of the inhibition of starch gelatinisation. Starch causes alterations in the protein secondary structure of egg white gels, primarily causing α‐helix and β‐sheet interconversion. The stiffness of the gels was improved by increasing the quantity of β‐sheet structures. According to the electrophoresis findings, a small amount of sweet potato starch can help prevent ovalbumin from degrading, while having no impact on the ability of the protein to cross‐link.

The corewood of 25-year-old Hevea brasiliensis from two rubber plantations has high starch content

In Brazil after 25 to 30 years of rubber production, when yield starts to drop, rubber trees are felled and destined for firewood and charcoal, despite the good mechanical properties and workability of the wood, and relatively low production costs. Wood with low starch content could be destined for the production of higher added-value products with potential to spare deforestation of many native forest species, but in rubberwood, starch increases palatability by wood borers and accelerates fungal degradation, thus compromising wood durability and the quality of timber. The aim of this study is to determine whether removal of the outer part of wood or varying the season of logging would result in wood with lower starch content. We measured the content of starch using enzymatic hydrolysis, the radial distribution of starch grains by light microscopy, and the corresponding seasonal variation of starch in 25-year-old felled trees. Rubberwood had large amount of starch in its entire trunk, increasing from the inner to the outer region, before decreasing in the outermost sapwood. Starch content was lower in summer, although higher than in other timber species. After relating the data to a comprehensive bibliographic survey of starch quantification in rubberwood, it was concluded that there are no technological arguments to destine the inner part of rubber tree trunks to the production of higher value products.

Recycling of wet grinding industry effluent using effective Microorganisms™ (EM)

A considerable volume of effluent released from the food processing industries, after the extensive use in the products manufacturing and industrial process. Effluents, either without treatment or with improper treatment, released out from the industries would severely damage the environment and human health. An investigation was done by recycling the effluent samples, collected from the wet grinding industry, Madurai, India, which was determined with an acidic pH (5.93), high turbidity (160.78 NTU), high BOD (62.4 mg/l) and COD (274.38 mg/l) and a significantly higher quantity of starch (115.81 mg/l). Biological wastewater treatment method was chosen in this experiment on the basis of the biodegradability index of effluent (3.21–10.75). The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of wastewater treatment in a prototype STP utilizing the Effective Micro-organisms™ Consortium application. The US EPA International Water Quality Standards and the Water Quality Index were used to compare the water quality of the recycled effluent with and without the EM application. The effluent from the EM consortium treatment was found to have acceptable levels of pH (7.38), salinity (1.94 ppt) and Conductivity (4.05 mS); and a declining trend found in TDS (1.81 ppt), BOD (24.4 mg/l) and COD (148.83 mg/l) level when the effluent treated using EM. Removal effectiveness of EM significant reduce in the treated effluents starch (85.15%), sulphate (78.42), phosphate (79.60), nitrogen (65.54%), and turbidity (82.73%) level were observed. Which was shown to be comparatively better than employing without EM treatment. This research substantially intends to the best practices, towards sustainable industries through Cleaner Production Mechanism.

Effects of jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) non-starch polysaccharides with different molecular weights on structural and physicochemical properties of jicama starch

Jicama, Pachyrhizus erosus L., is a kind of widely cultivated but underutilized crop across the world. It contains considerable amounts of starch and non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs), which have not been well studied. As the key characteristics for the processing, physicochemical and rheological properties of starch-based systems can be affected by the blending of NSPs. In the current study, jicama NSPs (named as PEP) were firstly fractionated to two sub-fractions (PEP-3P and PEP-6P) using gradient ethanol precipitation method. The three fractions showed differences in molecular weight (Mw) and monosaccharide compositions. Then, the three jicama NSPs were introduced into the jicama starch (PES) system to explore their effects on PES. Results showed that jicama NSPs with larger Mw promoted the leaching of amylose from PES, formed a denser and more uniform gel network structure. The pasting, thermal, and rheological tests indicated that the blending starch systems with jicama NSPs had lower viscosity, weaker thermal stability, and gel strength compared with the pure PES system. In addition, PEP-6P and PES blending systems had the strongest gel strength, which may be due to the narrower distribution of Mw. In the in vitro system, the content of resistant starch of the complexes decreased after jicama NSPs were added. Analysis of the interaction force showed that the PES/PEP-6P complex had stronger hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction. These results provided new knowledge on underlying interaction mechanism between natural starch and NSPs.

Towards attractive texture modified foods with increased fiber content for dysphagia via 3D printing and 3D scanning

As life expectancy increases so do age related problems such as swallowing disorders, dysphagia, which affects 10%–30% of people over 65 years old. For dysphagia patients the texture and rheological properties of the food, and the bolus, is critical to avoid choking and pneumonia. Texture modified foods, timbals, are often served to these patients due to their ease of swallowing. The main concern with these foods is that they do not look visually alike the food they replace, which can decrease the patient’s appetite and lead to reduced food intake and frailty. This study aims to improve both the visual appearance of texturized food as well as the energy density and fiber content of the timbal formulation. 3D scanning and additive manufacturing (3D Printing) were used to produce meals more reminiscent of original food items, increasing their visual appeal. Rheology was used to ensure the original flow profile was maintained as the timbal was reformulated by reducing starch contents and partially replacing with dietary fibers. The amount of starch was reduced from 8.7 wt% in the original formulation to 3.5 wt% and partially replaced with 3 wt% citrus fiber, while maintaining properties suitable for both swallowing and 3D printing. The resulting formulation has improved nutritional properties, while remaining suitable for constructing visually appealing meals, as demonstrated by 3Dprinting a chicken drumstick from a model generated with 3D scanning.

Preparation of High Bio-Content Polyurethane Coatings from Co-Liquefaction of Cellulosic Biomass and Starch for Controlled Release Fertilizers

To manufacture high bio-content degradable polyurethane-coated fertilizer, the co-liquefaction of corn straw and starch was carried out to convert more biomass into bio-polyol so as to substitute petroleum-based polyol. The effect of the corn straw to starch ratio on liquefaction behavior was mainly investigated by monitoring acid value, hydroxyl value, and liquefaction rate. Both chemical structures and properties of bio-polyols and their coatings were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), etc. The results indicated that adding a certain amount of starch to corn straw for co-liquefaction could contribute to a higher hydroxyl content of bio-polyol than that from sole biomass. Compared to molecular weight, the hydroxyl value was a more significant index to ensure coating quality. The incorporation of starch segments to bio-polyol led to good thermal stability, limited residual small molecules, and high crosslinking density of the coating. The controlled-release ability of coated urea prepared by co-liquefied bio-polyol was better than that of corn-straw-based bio-polyol, and the optimal ratio of corn straw to starch was 3:1. Overall, this study provides a new route to fabricate corn straw as a cost-effective and degradable coating with good controlled-release properties, which benefits solid biomass recycling.