Bioaccessible Fraction Research Articles

Comprehensive LC‐MS/MS phenolic profiling of Arum elongatum plant and bioaccessibility of phenolics in their infusions

AbstractArum elongatum has various bioactive compounds including phenolic acids and flavonoids that may have beneficial effects on human health. The main objectives of this study were to determine the phenolic profile of the A. elongatum plant together with the total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), and total antioxidant capacities of A. elongatum infusions throughout gastrointestinal digestion. The samples used in the present study were obtained from two cities (C1 and C2) in Türkiye. According to the results, while the primary compounds found in sample C1 were vanillic acid (51.29 ± 2.61 ng/mg), p‐coumaric acid (48.36 ± 2.84 ng/mg) and O‐coumaric acid (156.02 ± 0.67 ng/mg); chlorogenic acid (50.63 ± 0.65 ng/mg), scutellarin (144.34 ± 0.74 ng/mg), and O‐coumaric acid (53.34 ± 0.97 ng/mg) were the major compounds in C2 sample showing the differences between different locations. In addition to these, although both TPC and TFC values for C2 infusion (2960 ± 104 mg GAE/100 g and 397 ± 50 mg CE/100 g, respectively) were found to be higher than the infusion of sample C1, there were no significant differences between the TPC and TFC results after intestinal digestion (p > 0.05). Besides, TPC of the bioaccessible fractions of these two samples didn't show a significant difference (p > 0.05), whereas C1 infusion (202 ± 21%) presented a higher value than the C2 infusion (143 ± 12%) for their bioaccessible TFC value. Our results indicated that A. elongatum infusion may be a potential herbal tea due to its rich phenolic content, making it a suitable substitute for widely used herbal teas.

Fortification of an Innovative Tomato Cold Soup with High Bioaccessible Sulforaphene from UV-B–Treated Radish Seeds

The aim of this work was to develop an innovative tomato cold soup fortified in bioactive compounds through the incorporation of UV-B–treated radish seeds. After a 20 kJ m−2 UV-B treatment, radish seeds increased their sulforaphene content by 30%. Different concentrations of UV-B–treated seeds (0, 0.5, 1.5, 3, and 5 g kg−1) were added to a chopped vegetables cold soup, mainly made of Kumato® cherry tomatoes as novelty, including pepper, cucumber, and garlic, which was stored for 8 days at 4 °C. Added seeds did not affect physicochemical quality attributes, microbial growth, nor sensory perception. Nevertheless, a dose-dependent behaviour was shown in glucoraphenin and sulforaphene content, according to concentrations of UV-B–treated seeds added. It was also appreciated after an in vitro digestion that the bioaccessible fraction of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates was kept constant throughout the refrigerated storage. The sulforaphene content of the soup increased by ~ 19% after 2 days at 4 °C, of which the 33% was bioaccessible (measured in vitro), and subsequently was degraded by ~ 20% after 8 days at 4 °C.

AG1®, a Novel Synbiotic, Demonstrates Superior Mineral Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability Compared to a Tablet Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement Using an In Vitro Model of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

While traditional multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplements generally come in tablet form, new powder forms of MVM supplements are available with theoretically higher bioavailability relative to tablet MVM supplements. The purpose of this study was to assess the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of minerals (magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K)) in a tablet MVM supplement compared to a novel powder Foundational Nutrition supplement (AG1®), containing minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals, and pre-/probiotics, in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The tablet MVM supplement was specifically formulated for this study, with matched mineral contents and identical chemical structures. The adapted Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) model was used to assess the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of soluble minerals using a simulated upper gastrointestinal tract and dialysis membrane to mimic human digestion and absorption. The bioaccessibility was assessed at the end of the stomach and duodenum. The bioaccessibility and bioavailability were assessed at 1, 2, and 3 h following dialysis. The preliminary soluble mineral analysis of the tablet (crushed to a powder) and AG1 powder demonstrated significantly higher (p < 0.05) soluble fractions of Zn and Ca, but lower Mg in the AG1 powder vs. the tablet. The total soluble mineral percentages at the stomach and duodenum end were all significantly higher for the AG1 powder vs. the tablet (p < 0.05). Mg, Ca, and Zn were more (p < 0.05) bioaccessible and bioavailable in the powder compared to the tablet during the small intestine simulation. The bioaccessible fraction of K was higher (p < 0.05) only at 3 h for the tablet vs. the powder. These preclinical data demonstrate that the AG1 powder has superior dissolution and disintegration characteristics compared to the tablet, leading to increased bioaccessibility and bioavailability in vitro.

Particle-size resolved aerosol levels of total and extractable platinum in urban and rural regions of Western Europe

In this study, we determined the levels of total and extractable platinum in size-resolved atmospheric aerosol (PM) samples obtained from roadside and background urban sites in each of six European cities (Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Milan, Stockholm, and Thessaloniki), as well as at three rural sites in northern, central and southern Europe. A Hi-Vol sampler was used to collect PM in three size classes (PM>7, PM7-3, PM3) which were characterized for total platinum and extractable platinum, using a suite of physiologically relevant extraction fluids – alveolar lung fluid (ALF), gambles saline, 0.07M HCl, and MQ (high purity, 18MΩ, water). The resulting large data set of Pt in ambient aerosols is one of the most extensive developed to date.Order-of-magnitude differences in air concentrations of total platinum were observed between urban sites, ranging from 2.4 to 45.6 pg/m3. Relatively consistent and low concentrations (0.9–4.9 pg/m3) of total platinum were observed at the rural background sites. Roadside canyon sites in London and Thessaloniki exhibited the highest concentrations. Levels of total platinum at urban background sites were similar across the cities (2.4–14.2 pg/m3) and were approximately ½ the levels measured at urban roadside/canyon sites. When total platinum concentrations were normalized to PM mass the range in air concentrations was substantially reduced to just 4-fold (mean of 129 ng/g at rural background sites to 532 ng/g, London/Thessaloniki). The majority of the total platinum was present in the fine (PM3) fraction, however the contribution of coarse particles (>7 μm and 7-3 μm) to total platinum was also very significant (>30% at nearly all sites).Median site class extractable platinum concentrations (total suspended particulate, TSP) were all below 1 pg/m3 except for the urban canyon sites in London and Thessaloniki (1.8–6.8 pg/m3). Rural background concentrations of extractable platinum (TSP) were especially low (0.05 pg/m3 in MQ and 0.13–0.25 pg/m3 in the other solvents). For the TSP, the MQ extractable fraction was 2.5–5.5% of total platinum across site classes and 6.1–21.1% across site classes for the other three solvents. Except for the most contaminated urban canyon sites (London and Thessaloniki) the differences in platinum extracted by the three non-MQ solvents was not significant when site class medians are compared; thus, 0.07M HCl may be used to address the putatively bioaccessible fraction of platinum in aerosol particulate matter.

Influence of the packaging systems on the phenolic profile and antioxidant properties of wine pomace used as seasoning in chicken meat.

White wine pomace products (wWPP) represent an innovative strategy as a functional food ingredient to be used as a seasoning both for their technological and functional properties. Nevertheless, the bioactive compounds of wWPP used as a seasoning could be modified during storage. The seasoning in the meat, regardless of the storage method used, modified its phenolic profile and in its bioaccessible fractions, while maintaining a high total antioxidant capacity and total polyphenol content. The contact of the seasoning with the meat can be considered safe as it does not show cytotoxicity in the Caco-2 cells. Additionally, the ability to modulate the cell oxidative stress of the bioaccessible fractions and the potential benefits on microbiota by the colonic fermentation fraction, suggest its potential use as a functional ingredient, without being affected by storage. These results are novel and may help to establish the value of this product as a functional ingredient.

In Vitro Digestion Assessment (Standard vs. Older Adult Model) on Antioxidant Properties and Mineral Bioaccessibility of Fermented Dried Lentils and Quinoa

The growing number of older adults necessitates tailored food options that accommodate the specific diseases and nutritional deficiencies linked with ageing. This study aims to investigate the influence of age-related digestive conditions in vitro on the phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and bioaccessibility of minerals (Ca, Fe, and Mg) in two types of unfermented, fermented, and fermented dried quinoa and lentils. Solid-state fermentation, combined with drying at 70 °C, significantly boosted the total phenolic content in Castellana and Pardina lentils from 5.05 and 6.6 to 10.5 and 7.5 mg gallic acid/g dry weight, respectively, in the bioaccessible fraction following the standard digestion model, compared to the unfermented samples. The phenolic profile post-digestion revealed elevated levels of vanillic and caffeic acids in Castellana lentils, and vanillic acid in Pardina lentils, while caffeic acids in Castellana lentils were not detected in the bioaccessible fraction. The highest antioxidant potency composite index was observed in digested fermented dried Castellana lentils, with white quinoa samples exhibiting potency above 80%. Mineral bioaccessibility was greater in fermented and fermented dried samples compared to unfermented ones. Finally, the digestive changes that occur with ageing did not significantly affect mineral bioaccessibility, but compromised the phenolic profile and antioxidant activity.

Digitalizing the TIM-1 Model Using Computational Approaches─Part Two: Digital TIM-1 Model in GastroPlus.

A TIM-1 model is an in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) simulator considering crucial physiological parameters that will affect the in vivo drug release process. The outcome of these experiments can indicate the critical bioavailability attributes (CBAs) that will impact the fraction absorbed in vivo. The model is widely used in the nonclinical stage of drug product development to assess the bioaccessible fraction of drugs for numerous candidate formulations. In this work, we developed a digital TIM-1 model in the GastroPlus platform. In a first step, we performed validation experiments to assess the luminal concentrations and bioaccessible fractions for two marker compounds. The digital TIM-1 was able to adequately reflect the luminal concentrations and bioaccessible fractions of these markers under different prandial conditions, confirming the appropriate integration of mass transfer in the TIM-1 model. In a second set of experiments, a case example with PF-07059013 was performed, where luminal concentrations and bioaccessible fractions were predicted for 200 and 1000 mg doses under fasted and achlorhydric conditions. Experimental and simulated data pointed out that the achlorhydric effect was more pronounced at the 1000 mg dose, showing a solubility-limited dissolution and, consequently, decreased bioaccessible fraction. Toward future applications, the digital TIM-1 model will be thoroughly applied to explore a link between in vitro and in vivo outcomes based on more case examples with model compounds with the access of TIM-1 and plasma data. Ideally, this digital TIM-1 can be directly used in GastroPlus to explore an in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) between the fraction dissolved (digital TIM-1 settings) and the fraction absorbed (human PBPK settings).

In vitro bioaccessibility of macro and trace elements in biofortified and conventional farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Biofortification is a promising strategy to improve the nutrient profile of farmed fish but requires consideration of the nutrient bioaccessible fraction. In this study, the in vitro bioaccessibility of macro and trace elements was investigated in biofortified and conventional farmed gilthead seabream and common carp, also taking into account the effect of cooking (by steaming). Biofortification enhanced iodine and selenium levels in seabream and carp fillets. Steaming increased iodine and selenium contents in biofortified seabream, and increased selenium and decreased copper levels in biofortified carp. Higher iodine bioaccessibilty (> 80%) was observed in biofortified seabream compared to biofortified carp (45%). In both species, selenium, iron, and zinc bioaccessibility was ≥ 70%. Upon steaming iodine and iron bioaccessibility decreased in seabream, while selenium bioaccessibility decreased in carp. The consumption of steamed biofortified seabream and carp contributes to significantly higher daily intakes of iodine (up to 12% and 10%, respectively) and selenium (up to 54% and above 100%, respectively) compared to conventional counterparts. The present study demonstrates the potential of developing innovative biofortified farmed fish using natural sustainable feed ingredients to improve the intake of important nutrients for human health.

A multi-residue method for the analysis of organic pollutants released from atmospheric PM2.5 in simulated biological fluids: Inhalation bioaccessibility and bioavailability estimation

BackgroundIn recent decades, there has been a growing interest within the scientific community regarding the study of the fraction that could be released in simulated biological fluids to estimate in vitro bioaccessibility and bioavailability of compounds. Concerning particulate matter (PM), studies were essentially focused on metal (oid)s probably due to more complex methodologies needed for organic compounds, requiring extraction and pre-concentration steps from simulated fluids, followed by chromatographic analysis. Thus, the development of a simple and sensitive methodology for the analysis of multi-class organic compounds released in different inhalation simulated fluids would represent a great contribution to the field. ResultsIn this work, a methodology for the analysis of 49 organic pollutants, including 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 12 phthalate esters (PAEs), 11 organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), 6 synthetic musk compounds (SMCs) and 2 bisphenols released in simulated fluids from PM2.5 samples was developed. After a physiologically based extraction test (PBET) by using artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF) and a simulated body fluid (SBF, filling a dialysis membrane) to obtain in vitro inhalation bioaccessible and bioavailable fractions, respectively; compounds were determined by a vortex-assisted liquid-liquid extraction (VALLE) and a subsequent analysis by programmed temperature vaporization-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (PTV–GC–MS/MS). Experimental conditions concerning VALLE extraction (extraction time and amount of NaCl (g)) were optimized by using a central composite design (CCD), best MS/MS transitions were selected and matrix-matched calibration combined with use of labelled subrogate standards provided high sensitivity, minimization of matrix effects and recovering losses compensation. SignificanceThe successful validation results obtained for most of the compounds demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed methodology for the analysis of multi-class organic pollutants released in ALF and SBF for inhalation bioaccessibility and bioavailability assessment, respectively. Furthermore, applicability of the method was proved by analysing 20 p.m.2.5 samples, being the proposed in vitro PBET dialyzability approach for assessing organic pollutant's inhalation bioavailability applied to PM2.5 samples for the first time.

Potentially harmful elements released by volcanic ash of the 2021 Tajogaite eruption (Cumbre Vieja, La Palma Island, Spain): Implications for human health

This study assesses the potential impacts on human health of volcanic ash emitted during the 2021 Tajogaite eruption (La Palma Island, Spain). Ash samples were physically and chemically characterized and leaching tests (with deionized water and acidic solution) were performed according to the IVHHN protocols to elucidate i) the leachable elements that may affect water quality and represent a potential threat for livestock and humans through drinking water supply; and ii) the bioaccessible fraction of toxicants able to be solubilized from ash surfaces if ashes are incidentally ingested by children. The most abundant readily water-soluble compounds were SO4, F, Cl, Na, Ca, Ba, Mg, and Zn. Fluoride and chloride (up to 1085 and 1347 mg/kg) showed higher values in distal ash samples than closer ones. The potential F availability assessed from water leachates may suggest important environmental and health implications. In addition, long-term health hazard due to a long–term weathering of tephra deposits should be possible as confirmed by the greater amount of F extracted by acidic solution. Concentration of other trace elements (e.g., As, V, Mn, Mo, Cr, Fe, Se, Ti, Pb) were low compared to global medians and within the range globally assessed. Indicative calculation of hazard for water supply showed that F concentration may exceed both the recommended value (1 mg/L) for irrigation purpose and the health-based drinking water limits of 1.5 mg/L (for humans) and 2 mg/L (for livestock). If the predicted concentrations in water were compared with the toxicologically dose, F showed a potential health-risk for children through drinking water. The indicative health-risk characterization via accidental ash ingestion showed that the direct exposure does not represent a primary source of F daily intake for children. This important outcome confirmed F as element with the greatest health threat during Tajogaite 2021 eruption.

Chemical and cell antioxidant activity of amaranth flour and beverage after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Role of peptides

The potential of peptides generated by simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) of two products derived from Amaranthus manteggazianus seeds, flour (F) and beverage (B), to exert peroxyl scavenging activity (ORAC) and antioxidant action on intestinal cells was studied. B was prepared by solubilisation of seed proteins, with the addition of gums and the application of a pasteurization treatment. The gastrointestinal digests FD and BD showed some differences in the peptide/polypeptide composition. The SGID produced increased ORAC activity for both samples, with some differences in the ORAC of the whole digests BD and FD and of some gel filtration fractions. Bioaccessible fractions (FDdbs and BDdbs) were obtained after treatment with cholestyramine resin to remove bile salts due to their cytotoxicity and oxidative effect. BDdbs presented a greater ORAC potency (IC50: 0.05 ± 0.01 and 0.008 ± 0.004 mg protein/ml for FDdbs and BDdbs, respectively). These fractions showed low cytotoxicity values (measured by LDH release) and produced high intracellular ROS inhibition (around 80 %), increased the SOD activity and the GSH content, with no effect on GPx activity in Caco2-TC7 cells exposed to H2O2. Several fractions with MM < 2.2 kDa presented also these cellular actions; fractions from FD induced higher increases in GSH concentration. Amaranth flour and a processed matrix like the beverage are shown as sources of bioactive peptides with potential cell antioxidant activity.

Selenium bioaccessibility in rice grains biofortified via soil or foliar application of inorganic Se

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient for humans, and its deficiency is related to various diseases. Recent studies have proposed strategies to increase Se intake, especially using selenium biofortification in staple foods. However, few investigations shed light on the chemical species and the bioavailability of Se in cereal grains, including rice, one of the most important staple foods worldwide. This study aimed to determine the bioaccessible fractions of Se in rice grains biofortified with inorganic Se species using an in vitro sequential extraction method to simulate human digestion. Samples and extracts were submitted to microwave-assisted acid digestion, and total/bioaccessible Se levels were determined by DRC-ICP-MS. Accurate Se quantification was achieved using matrix-matching calibration. Rice biofortification via foliar application increased Se levels in the bioaccessible fraction more effectively than soil applications. Bioaccessible Se represented, on average, 61 ± 5 % of the total levels. Of the total Se content in rice, 44 ± 4 % was extracted in the gastric step, which is where most protein-bound bioaccessible selenium is degraded. Biofortification with inorganic forms of Se effectively increases the bioaccessible content of this element in food. Still, the amount to be applied must be corrected based on the bioaccessible fraction of the nutrient in rice grains.

Composition and bioaccessibility of inorganic elements in plant-based yogurts

This study aimed to evaluate the composition of inorganic elements as well as their bioaccessibility in commercial plant-based yogurt. The samples were mineralized using fast ultrasound-assisted acid digestion, and the inorganic elements were determined by ICP-MS. The method was validated according to the INMETRO guide, with recoveries from 99% to 111%; precision from 2% to 14%, and LOQ ranging from 0.4 µg/100 g to 2.5 mg/100 g. The element concentrations (mg/100 g) of the plant-based yogurts were Ca(<LOQ-239.90); Cu(<LOQ-0.16); Fe (0.07–1.48); K(27.0–226.4); Mg(3.72–23.9); Mn(0.05–0.34); Na(2.77–165.3); P(7.80–189.6); Zn(<LOQ-1.06), and Se (<LOQ-2.18 µg/100 g). In turn, the animal-based yogurts contained only Ca, K, Mg, Na, Zn, and Se. The bioaccessible Ca was higher in animal-based yogurt (41%), while the bioaccessible fraction of Mn(30%), Cu(25–61%), and Fe(9–33%) was only quantified in the plant-based yogurts. Regarding the trace elements, some samples showed bioaccessibility above 50% for Cr, Ni, Mo, Ba, and Co, while the animal-based yogurts showed bioaccessibility only for Mo(71%). Despite the variation in the mineral contents of plant-based yogurts, the bioaccessibility was similar to that of animal-based yogurt. The bioaccessible fraction (>50%) demonstrates the importance of knowing the composition of plant-based foods to ensure the safety and health of consumers despite the lower contents of the trace elements.

Bioaccessibility and Genoprotective Effect of Melanoidins Obtained from Common and Soft Bread Crusts: Relationship between Melanoidins and Their Bioactivity.

Bread crust constitutes an important by-product of the bakery industry, and its utilization for the isolation of melanoidins to be used as a functional ingredient can enhance its added value and contribute to health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioaccessibility, bioactivity, and genoprotective effect of melanoidins derived from bread crust. Bioaccessibility was assessed in gastric, intestinal digestion, and colonic fermentation fractions. The results revealed a relationship between bioaccessible melanoidins and their type (common or soft bread). No cytotoxicity effects were observed for bioaccessible fractions, as assessed by MTT and RTA methods, and they did not affect the distribution of E-cadherin in Caco-2 cells, confirming their ability to maintain membrane integrity. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that the gastrointestinal and colonic fermentation fractions successfully transported across the intestinal barrier, without affecting cell permeability, and showed antioxidant activity on the basolateral side of the cell monolayer. Remarkably, both fractions displayed a significant genoprotective effect in Caco-2 cells. Our findings provide crucial insights into the relationship between the melanoidins and their bioactivity and genoprotective effect. These results demonstrated the potential of bioaccessible melanoidins as valuable bioactive compounds for the development of functional foods, without showing toxic effects on gastrointestinal cells.

Effect of whey protein isolate addition on set-type camel milk yogurt: Rheological properties and biological activities of the bioaccessible fraction

The manufacture of camel milk (CM) yogurt has been associated with several challenges, such as the weak structure and watery texture, thereby decreasing its acceptability. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of whey protein isolate (WPI) addition on the health-promoting benefits, texture profile, and rheological properties of CM yogurt after 1 and 15 d of storage. Yogurt was prepared from CM supplemented with 0, 3, and 5% of WPI and compared with bovine milk yogurt. The results show that the water holding capacity was affected by WPI addition representing 31.3%, 56.8%, 64.7%, and 45.1% for yogurt from CM containing 0, 3 or 5% WPI, and bovine milk yogurt, respectively, after 15 d. The addition of WPI increased yogurt hardness, adhesiveness, and decreased the resilience. CM yogurt without WPI showed lower apparent viscosity, storage modulus, and loss modulus values compared with other samples. The supplementation of CM with WPI improved the rheological properties of the obtained yogurt. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of yogurt before and after in vitro digestion varied among yogurt treatments, which significantly increased after digestion except the superoxide anion scavenging and lipid oxidation inhibition. After in vitro digestion at d 1, the superoxide anion scavenging of the 4 yogurt treatments respectively decreased from 83.7%, 83.0%, 79.1%, and 87.4% to 36.7%, 38.3%, 44.6%, and 41.3%. The inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition, cholesterol removal, and degree of hydrolysis exhibited different values before and after in vitro digestion.

Evaluation of the Bioaccessible Fraction of T-2 Toxin from Cereals and Its Effect on the Viability of Caco-2 Cells Exposed to Tyrosol.

The bioaccessibility of mycotoxins is an important factor that has to be considered when assessing the risk they pose to human health. Bioactive compounds like phenolics could play a protective role against the toxic effects of contaminants. In this work, the bioaccessible fraction of the T-2 toxin (T-2) contained in breakfast cereals and its effect on the viability of Caco-2 cells were investigated. Furthermore, the effect of tyrosol (a polyphenol abundant in EVOO) on T-2-induced cytotoxicity was evaluated in the same cell line. After standardized in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, the T-2 toxin was released from T-2-spiked breakfast cereals and further quantified by UHPLC-MS/MS. The bioaccessible fraction of T-2 was 51 ± 4%. The cell viability study was performed by pre-treating the cells for 24 h with tyrosol (25, 50 and 100 µM) and subsequently adding T-2 at 15 nM or by treating the cells with a combination of tyrosol and T-2. In the simultaneous treatment, 25 µM tyrosol prevented the toxic effects produced by the exposure to T-2 at 15 nM; however, cytotoxic effects were observed for the other combinations tested. The pre-treatment of Caco-2 cells with tyrosol did not attenuate the cytotoxic effects caused by exposure to T-2. These results suggest that tyrosol at low concentrations (25 µM) could exert a cytoprotective effect on Caco-2 cells against 15 nM T-2 when administered simultaneously with T-2. However, more studies are required to corroborate this hypothesis.

Size exclusion chromatography to evaluate in vitro proteolysis: A case study on the impact of microstructure in pulse powders.

Cellular pulse ingredients are increasingly being studied but little knowledge on their proteolysis patterns upon digestion is available. This study investigated a size exclusion chromatography (SEC) approach to study in vitro protein digestion in chickpea and lentil powders, providing novel insights into proteolysis kinetics and the evolution of molecular weight distributions in the (solubilized) supernatant and (non-solubilized) pellet fractions. For the quantification of proteolysis, SEC-based analysis was compared to the commonly used OPA (o-phthaldialdehyde) approach and nitrogen solubilized upon digestion, leading to highly correlated proteolysis kinetics. Generally, all approaches confirmed that microstructure dictated proteolysis kinetics. However, SEC analysis delivered an additional level of molecular insight. For the first time, SEC revealed that while bioaccessible fractions reached a plateau in the small intestinal phase (around 45-60min), proteolysis continued in the pellet, forming smaller but mostly insoluble peptides. SEC elutograms showed pulse-specific proteolysis patterns, unidentified using other current state-of-the-art methods.

Bioaccessibility of Fifteen Elements from Dried Fruits by the BARGE (Bioaccessibility Research Group of Europe) Unified Bioaccessibility Method (UBM) and Multivariate Statistical Analysis

The BARGE (Bioaccessibility Research Group of Europe) unified bioaccessibility method (UBM) was applied to assess the bioaccessibility of essential and toxic elements (B, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Mo, and Cd) in 11 dried fruit samples, two certified reference materials, and British Geological Survey guidance material (BGS) 102. The total, UBM gastric, and gastro-intestinal (GI) phase concentrations of elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma—mass spectrometry. The accuracy of the methods was verified using BGS 102 for the BARGE UBM and SRM 1573a for total concentrations. The order for mean bioaccessible fractions (BF %) in gastric phase for the dried fruit was Rb (101) > Sr (79) > Mn (59) > Cr (46) > Ni (37) > Fe (36) = Zn (36) > Cu (33) > Co (32) > Al (24) > V (22) > B (19) > Cd (18) > Mo (8) > As (6). Total and bioaccessible concentrations for Mn, Rb, and Sr are significantly and positively correlated with each other. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to classify bioaccessible elements and samples in gastric and GI phases.

Influence of sprouting on the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of benzoxazinoids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids of soft and hard wheat cultivars

Grain germination increases the contents of benzoxazinoids and the antioxidant capacity of wheat and differentially affects the phytochemical composition of hard and soft wheat cultivars. It was investigated whether wheat cultivars (sprouted or not) with distinct grain texture characteristics (BRS Guaraim, soft vs. BRS Marcante, hard texture) would have different behavior in relation to changes in phytochemical compounds, bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity during simulated gastrointestinal digestion of a tabbouleh preparation. Sprouting increased the nominal amount of phytochemicals in tabbouleh resulting in increased release of phenolic acids (up to 7.5-fold) and benzoxazinoids (up to 12.5-fold) during all digestion phases besides higher bioaccessibility (up to 2.8-fold). Sprouting caused greater increase in the bioaccessibility of phenolic acids for the soft wheat cultivar (4.5-fold) than for the hard cultivar (1.9-fold) and it increased the colon available index of phenolic acids only for the soft cultivar (1.8-fold). Flavonoids, mainly represented by apigenin glycosides, were marginally increased after sprouting but underwent relative increase along digestion being the major phytochemicals found in the bioaccessible fraction obtained after intestinal digestion (73–94% of total phytochemicals). The increase in apigenin glycosides was associated to the increase of in vitro and intracellular antioxidant capacity of tabbouleh along digestion. Sprouting increased the peroxyl radical removal capacity of tabbouleh in the gastric phase and in the non-bioaccessible fraction regardless of the cultivar. The highest hydroxyl radical removal capacities were found in non-sprouted cultivars, especially in the soft texture cultivar in the undigested and bioaccessible fractions. The bioaccessible fraction obtained after wheat digestion was more efficient to scavenge intracellular ROS than undigested samples, the highest scavenging potency being observed for the hard texture cultivar with no effect of sprouting. These findings confirm the hypothesis that the phytochemicals of hard and soft wheat cultivars (sprouted or not) have different behavior during digestion in terms of biotransformation, bioaccessibility and ability to remove reactive species and indicate that tabbouleh produced from sprouted wheat results in increased release of bioactive phytochemicals during digestion.

Hair Heavy Metals and Food Consumption in Residents of Chengdu: Factors, Food Contribution, and Health Risk Assessment.

Heavy metal pollution is one of the most pressing issues threatening food security and human health. This study assesses heavy metal (chromium, cadmium, copper, zinc, nickel, and lead) exposure via hair metal concentrations in Chengdu residents, reflecting metal intake from food consumption. From June 2020 to February 2021, a sampling survey was conducted on residents' hair (n=182) and food (n=301) in six main urban areas of Chengdu. The concentrations of heavy metals in hair and food were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the results showed that the residents of Chengdu City had high hair concentrations of Cd (0.17±0.03 mg kg-1) and Zn (293±21.3 mg kg-1). Gender significantly affected the hair Cr, Zn, and Ni concentrations. Based on the survey results obtained from Chengdu City residents, the habits and diet structure are assessed for the influence of six heavy metals in the hair of the residents. Adolescents' (13-18 years old) hair had significantly higher Pb concentrations than adults (19-59 years old). The concentration of Ni in hair was affected by perming and dyeing habits. For dietary exposure, cereals and meat were the main contributors to the residents' daily intake of heavy metals. The bioaccessibility of Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb in food was 2.45-74.67%, 10.6-78.7%, 13.4-82.5%, 8.89-89.2%, 7.70-85.1%, and 15.4-86.2%, respectively. In health risk evaluation based on the bioaccessible fraction of six heavy metals, the hazard quotient of each heavy metal in food was less than 1, indicating no potential non-carcinogenic risk.