Carbohydrate Fractions Research Articles

PSVII-2 Effects of Feeding a Starch or Pectin Supplement on Ruminal Parameters and gas Production of Grazing Young Bulls

Abstract The study aimed to investigate the effects of two feeding times and two sources of energy supplementation on pH, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and in vitro gas production (IVGP) of beef cattle reared in Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu pastures. We used eight rumen-cannulated ½ Aberdeen Angus x ½ Nellore young bulls (280±7 kg) distributed in a double 4x4 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of supplementation at 0.3% of body weight with corn or citrus pulp, supplied at 0900 or 1700. Ruminal fluid pH was measured with a digital pH analyzer and SCFA was analyzed on a Shimadzu HPLC. The IVGP was determined using a transducer and a data logger for 48 h after incubation of samples combining forage and supplement in real intake proportion (88% forage, 12% supplement). Considering the rapid fermentation of sugars, animals supplemented with pectin maintained higher pH (P = 0.021) due to changes in bacterial populations to digest the pectic substances (Table 1). Lactate production after starch digestion caused lower pH. Despite the differences in evaluated energy substrates, there was no effect on the primary SCFA concentration (P > 0.05). Citrus pulp provided greater formic (P = 0.005) and valeric (P = 0.042) acids concentrations compared with corn, but there was no influence of formic acid in lactic acid production (Table 1). The greater IVGP by citrus pulp (P = 0.0140; Figure 1) may be related to its greater carbohydrate fraction A, soluble with a rapid rate of rumen degradation, and also because its ruminal fermentation results in greater acetic acid production, which provides more ruminal H2 and CO2, favoring the CH4 production. The citrus pulp can be used as an alternative source to corn because it might prevent acidosis, does not affect the main SCFA production, and is a non-human edible feed.

PSXIII-12 Characterization of Physiochemical and Nutrient Profiles of Feedstock and co-Products from Canola bio-oil Processing in Ruminants: Impacted by Source Origin

Abstract The objective of this study was to characterize physiochemical and nutrient profiles of feedstock and co-products from canola processing that were impacted by source origin to compare feedstocks and co-products (mash and pellet) from five different bio-oil processing plants with five batches of samples in each processing plant in Canada (CA) and in China (CH) collected by the Canola Council of Canada (CCC). The detailed physicochemical and nutrients parameters for ruminants were determined in chemical composition, TDN and truly digestible nutrients, energy profile (ME, NE), and protein and carbohydrate subfractions and their degradation and digestion in dairy cows. The data were analyzed using the Mixed model procedure in SAS 9.4 with RCBD. The treatment differences were compared using Tukey method. The results showed CP was greater in CH meals (P=0.003). The EE was not different between CA and CH (P >0.05). TDN1x was similar in canola meals regardless of the country (P >0.05). CH meals and feedstock had greater tdCP and tdNDF than CA (P< 0.05), while CA had greater tdNFC (P< 0.05). The energy values of ME3x, NELp3x, NEm3x, and NEg3x were similar in canola meals from both countries (P >0.05). No differences were observed in the energy profile of feedstock between CA and CH (P >0.05). The results also showed that pelleting affected the protein fractionation of CA canola meals (P< 0.05). Canola meals were different between CA and CH in the soluble (PA2) and slowly degradable fractions (PB2) (P< 0.05). The carbohydrate fractions of soluble fiber (CB2), digestible fiber (CB3), and indigestible fiber (CC) were different among CH meals (P< 0.05). CH presented greater water-soluble carbohydrate (CA4, P=0.04) and less CB2 (P=0.01) and CC (P< 0.001) than CA canola meals. Although the seeds were similar within and between counties, the oil-extraction process and pelleting seemed to have generated some different aspects on the meals in both countries.

Municipal wastewater treatment and fouling in microalgal-activated sludge membrane bioreactor: Cultivation in raw and treated wastewater

Since the advent of conventional activated sludge biological treatment plants, their low efficiency in nitrogen and phosphorus removal has become a significant concern. Therefore, in this study, the performance of microalgal-activated sludge membrane bioreactor (MAS-MBR) as a self-biological treatment or as a post-treatment for conventional biological treatments was investigated. A continuous MAS-MBR with two ratios of algae/sludge (only microalgae and 5:1) was used to treat raw and treated wastewater. The optimum case was achieved with the cultivation of mixed algae/sludge in raw wastewater (R2 case). In this case, the ammonium and phosphorus removal efficiencies were 94.36 ± 3.5 and 88.37 ± 3 %, respectively. Furthermore, the highest oxygen production rate (OPR) and oxygen uptake rate (OUR) values were obtained in this case (145.58 ± 3 and 68.43 ± 1.5 mgO2/lit.d, respectively). In addition, membrane fouling was adversely increased in R2 compared with other cases, indicating the necessity of membrane cleaning for high-performance bioreactors in nutrient removal. Transmembrane pressure (TMP) jump in R2 was captured after 14 days, while the results supported that the membrane fouling was influenced by raised production of carbohydrate fraction of soluble microbial products (SMPc) and protein fraction of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSp) at first and last stages, respectively. Therefore, although the MAS-MBR is a potential candidate as a self-biological treatment, the membrane fouling is high in this case.

Protein and carbohydrate profiles of a diploid and a tetraploid red clover cultivar

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is characterized by high dry matter (DM) yield and a high nutritive value. It has a higher concentration of soluble carbohydrate than lucerne and its protein is less degradable in the rumen than lucerne protein. The aim of this study was to quantify the main crude protein (CP) and carbohydrate (CHO) fractions of a tetraploid (4n, cv K-32) and a diploid (2n, cv K-39) red clover cultivar harvested at three stages of development in the spring growth. Results showed that the cultivar and stage of development had a large impact on chemical composition and the protein and carbohydrate fractions determined by the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS). The rapidly degradable protein fraction (PA) was significantly higher in the tetraploid (272 to 287 g kg-1 CP with advancing plant development) than in the diploid red clover cultivar (214 to 268 g kg-1 CP). Rumen degradable carbohydrate concentration was not affected by cultivar but it was significantly influenced by the stage of development. The concentration of rumen degradable protein decreased from 726 to 655 g kg-1 CP with advancing plant development in the diploid red clover cultivar. In conclusion, the tetraploid red clover cultivar was higher in CP, its protein was more rapidly degradable, and it was characterized by lower concentrations of lignin and unavailable carbohydrate fractions than the diploid cultivar.

Quantitation of relationship and development of nutrient prediction with vibrational molecular structure spectral profiles of feedstocks and co-products from canola bio-oil processing.

This program aimed to reveal the association of feed intrinsic molecular structure with nutrient supply to animals from canola feedstocks and co-products from bio-oil processing. The special objective of this study was to quantify the relationship between molecular spectral feature and nutrient availability and develop nutrient prediction equation with vibrational molecular structure spectral profiles. The samples of feedstock (canola oil seeds) and co-products (meals and pellets) from different bio-oil processing plants in Canada (CA) and China (CH) were submitted to this molecular spectroscopic technique and their protein and carbohydrate related molecular spectral features were associated with the nutritional results obtained through the conventional methods of analyses for chemical and nutrient profiles, rumen degradable and intestinal digestible parameters. The results showed that the spectral structural carbohydrates spectral peak area (ca. 1,487.8 to 1,190.8 cm-1) was the carbohydrate structure that was most significant when related to various carbohydrate parameters of canola meals (p<0.05, r>0.50). And spectral total carbohydrate area (ca. 1,198.5 to 934.3 cm-1) was most significant when studying the various carbohydrate parameters of canola seeds (p<0.05, r>0.50). The spectral amide structures (ca. 1,721.2 to 1,480.1 cm-1) were related to a few chemical and nutrient profiles, Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) fractions, truly absorbable nutrient supply based on the Dutch protein system (DVE/OEB), and NRC systems, and intestinal in vitro protein-related parameters in co-products (canola meals). Besides the spectral amide structures, α-helix height (ca. 1,650.8 to 1,643.1 cm-1) and β-sheet height (ca. 1,633.4 to 1,625.7 cm-1), and the ratio between them have shown to be related to many protein-related parameters in feedstock (canola oil seeds). Multiregression analysis resulted in moderate to high R2 values for some protein related equations for feedstock (canola seeds). Protein related equations for canola meals and carbohydrate related equations for canola meals and seeds resulted in weak R2 and low p values (p<0.05). In conclusion, the attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy vibrational molecular spectroscopy can be a useful resource to predict carbohydrate and protein-relates nutritional aspects of canola seeds and meals.

Combustion dynamics of crude and upgraded Thermal DeOxygenation oils in a compression ignition engine

Thermal DeOxygenation (TDO) is a robust thermochemical conversion scheme to produce hydrocarbons from biomass feedstock. The process targets the carbohydrate fraction of biomass to yield a broad mixture of primarily aromatic hydrocarbons within a boiling point range of 348–798 K with low oxygen content (<4 wt%). The resulting materials are amenable to traditional hydrotreating and distillation processes with approximately 70% by mass in the distillate fuel range. The simple conversion scheme combined with commercially viable upgrading routes makes TDO oils a feasible alternative fuel for transportation applications. This paper is the first systematic treatment of fit-for-purpose testing of TDO oils in a compression ignition engine. Blends of partially upgraded TDO oils (e.g. whole oil, distilled oil, hydrotreated oil and hydrotreated-distilled oil) are prepared with certified ultra-low sulfur diesel at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by volume. The resulting fuels are analyzed for fuel characteristics and combustion dynamics in an instrumented single-cylinder compression ignition engine. All fuel blends at 10% blend level by volume exhibited adequate engine performance. Hydrotreating of the oils is a necessary step to meet cetane number and EPA soot emissions requirements at 20% blend volume. Combined distillation and hydrotreatment meet or exceed all fuel specification and engine performance benchmarks. Partially upgraded TDO oils are suitable fuel options for compression ignition applications.

Protein and carbohydrate fractionation of silages made from maize, &lt;i&gt;Urochloa&lt;/i&gt; species and their mixtures

New feed assessment systems and methodologies for ruminants are being used with the aim of maximizing the use of nutrients by animals. The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) considers the dynamics of ruminal fermentation and the potential loss of nitrogen in feed evaluation. We used this system to evaluate the protein and carbohydrate fractionation of silages made from maize and Urochloa species alone and in combination (70:30). The experiment was carried out under a completely randomized experimental design with 4 replications. Treatments comprised silages made from the following forages: maize (Zea mays); Congo grass (Urochloa ruziziensis); Xaraes palisadegrass (U. brizantha 'Xaraés'); Paiaguas palisadegrass (U. brizantha 'BRS Paiaguás'); 70% maize + 30% Congo grass; 70% maize + 30% Xaraes palisadegrass; and 70% maize + 30% Paiaguas palisadegrass. The results showed that despite the Urochloa exclusive silages having higher crude protein concentration than maize and mixed silages, they have a higher proportion of unavailable fractions with slow degradation rates, which can compromise animal performance. The maize silage and mixed silages had higher percentages of protein and carbohydrates with high degradation potential than Urochloa exclusive silages. Therefore, mixed silages represent one more alternative to provide forage with good nutritional value for ruminant feeding in times of feed shortage. Mixing grass and maize at ensiling would increase the volume of silage produced relative to ensiling maize alone without any significant reduction in quality of the silage produced. However, further studies are needed to determine the appropriate combinations of maize and grass at ensiling to produce silage with the desired nutritional value for the particular application and class of animals being fed. Feeding studies with animals would verify production levels achieved with the various silages.

Monosaccharide profile of “Mendim Me Zon”: Beverage from Solanum aethiopicum Shum berries

Solanum aethiopicum Shum is a plant belonging Solanaceae family. These berries are used for their food and pharmacological virtues. For instance, they are commonly consumed in the form of hot-drink, so called “Mendim Me Zon” used by the forest people. Revitalizing and detoxifying properties are attributed to this beverage. The bioactivity of this drink is often attributed to its secondary metabolites. While monosaccharides also have a biological activity that may contribute to the virtues of this tea. The present work was carried out to analyse the carbohydrate fraction of “Mendim Me Zon”. The extract prepared following the preparation conditions of “Mendim Me Zon” was analysed to determine its proximate composition, including soluble carbohydrates, proteins and total phenolic compounds. The monosaccharide profile was established using gas chromatography. Results show that carbohydrates were its most abundant constituent in the extract, although the taste was bitter. This taste is certainly determined by phenolic compounds present in the extract. Gas chromatography analysis of the extract showed that extract was composed of pentose (fucose), hexoses (mannose, galactose and glucose), hexosamines (glucosamine and galactosamine), uronic acid (glucuronic acid) and sialic acid (N-acetyl-neuraminic acid). Fructose was absent from the extract, while the mannose was relatively more abundant. These results might suggest that “Mendim Me Zon” contains monosaccharides and their derivatives with many beneficial biological functions. The monosaccharide profile justifies the traditional use of this drink as a nutraceutical. However, further studies including toxicological one are still needed to determine the safety and efficacy of “Mendim me Zon”.

Using vibrational molecular spectroscopy to reveal carbohydrate molecular structure properties of faba bean partitions and faba bean silage before and after rumen incubation in relation to nutrient availability and supply to dairy cattle.

To our knowledge, there is limited study on the relationship between the molecular structure of feed and nutrient availability in the ruminant system. The objective of this study is to use advanced vibrational molecular spectroscopy (attenuated total reflection [ATR]-Fourier transform infrared [FT/IR]) to reveal carbohydrate molecular structure properties of faba bean partitions (stem, leaf, whole pods [WP], and whole plant) and faba bean silage before and after rumen incubation in relation to nutrient availability and supply to dairy cattle. The study included the correlation between carbohydrate-related spectral profiles and chemical profiles, feed energy values, Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System carbohydrate fractions, and rumen degradation parameters of faba bean samples (whole crop, stem, leaf, WP, and silage) before and after rumen incubation. FTIRspectra of faba bean sample before and after 12 and 24 h rumen incubations were collected with JASCO FT/IR-4200 with ATR at mid-IR range (ca. 4000-700 cm-1 ) with 128 scans and at 4 cm-1 resolution. The univariate molecular spectral analysis was carried out using OMNIC software. The results show that ATR-FT/IR spectroscopic technique could detect the change of microbial digestion to carbohydrate-related molecular structure. The spectral parameters of feed rumen incubation residues had a stronger correlation with less degradable carbohydrate fractions (neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber,acid detergent lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose) while spectral profiles of original faba samples had a stronger correlation with easily degradable carbohydrate fractions (starch). In conclusion, rumen degradation of carbohydrate contents can be reflected in the change of its molecular spectral profiles. The study shows that vibrational molecular spectroscopy (ATR-FT/IR) shows high potential as a fast analytical tool to evaluate and predict nutrient supply in the ruminant system.

Improving the technology of boiled sausages with the addition of vegetable protein for the nutrition of school-age children

The content of the article is closely related to the fact that all modern society promotes a healthy lifestyle. Meat products are of particular importance for this concept-proper nutrition is also considered. Poultry meat is used as the main source of raw materials in the production of product formulations, as well as lentil flour as vegetable protein. During the study, it was found that when using protein raw materials from lentils, the stability of meat emulsions increased, and the proportion of fat decreased, and the proportion of protein in the products increased, which ensured a decrease in cholesterol and the overall energy value of the products. At the same time, the amino acid composition of the products is balanced, the consistency improves, and the yield increases. In the course of laboratory studies, the mass fraction of protein, fat, carbohydrates, moisture and nitrites in the proposed product was determined. A sample of the product with lentil flour was formed, which underwent organoleptic examination.

"Centrifugal Pneumatic-Sieve Fractionation of Barley and Wheat Flour for Maximum Recovery of Protein and Carbohydrate Fractions"

"Centrifugal Pneumatic-Sieve Fractionation of Barley and Wheat Flour for Maximum Recovery of Protein and Carbohydrate Fractions"

Characterization of the Colloidal Properties of Dissolved Organic Matter From Forest Soils

Components of dissolved organic matter (DOM) span from sub-nm molecules to colloidal aggregates of several hundred nm. The colloidal fraction is important for the transport of organic matter and associated elements in the environment, and for the stability of DOM constituents with respect to microbial decomposition. This study focuses on the colloidal properties of DOM extracted from spruce forest soils of a chronosequence. The DOM samples were obtained by common water extraction procedures at 21 and 100°C, respectively. We applied an experimental approach combining chemical analysis with light and X-ray scattering techniques that informed on the colloidal size, charge, and structure of DOM. Results showed that two main types of colloids were present: semi-flexible cylinders and fractal aggregates. The cylinders consisted of carbohydrates, presumably hemicelluloses, while the aggregates were a composite material containing a large fraction of carbohydrates together with aliphatics and clay particles. These fractal aggregates dominated the cold-water extracts whereas the strong increase in total organic carbon by hot-water extraction caused a concomitantly strong increase of semi-flexible cylinders, which became the predominant species. Comparison between the chronosequence soils showed that with increasing forest age, the amount of carbon extracted per gram of soil declined and the concentration of the semi-flexible cylinders decreased. Thus, the distribution between the fractal aggregates and cylinders in the forest soil DOM samples depends on the composition of the soil organic matter and the leaching temperature. Changes in this distribution may have important implications for the reactivity and stability of DOM colloids.

Fermentation quality and protein fractions of four Pennisetum grass silages

AbstractIn order to make good use of Pennisetum grasses to relieve the shortage of animal feed, the nutrients, silage fermentation quality, and Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) protein fractions of Pennisetum spp. were evaluated in this study. Four Pennisetum cultivars of Reyan‐4, Mott, Guimu‐1, and MT‐1 were harvested at the first cut and second cut, and they were wilted and ensiled for the analyses of fermentation quality and protein fractions. The first‐cut grasses had higher crude protein (CP), water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents, and lower detergent fiber contents than the second cut ones. Mott had higher CP content. Reyan‐4 and MT‐1 contained higher WSC contents, and their silages had lower pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH3‐N) content, higher lactic acid content than Mott and Guimu‐1 silages. Wilting increased pH and NH3‐N contents and decreased lactic acid contents of both cut silages. The CNCPS analysis showed that fresh MT‐1 of either first or second cut had more evenly distributed protein fractions than other three grasses. Wilting and ensiling increased nonprotein nitrogen contents and decreased unavailable protein contents of four grasses. Four cultivars at the first cut contained more CP and less fiber than those at the second cut. Reyan‐4 and MT‐1 had better fermentation quality of silage than Mott and Guimu‐1; the latter might need additives to improve fermentation quality at ensiling.

Critical evaluation of heat extraction temperature on soluble microbial products (SMP) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) quantification in wastewater processes.

While soluble microbial products (SMP) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in wastewater bioprocesses have been widely studied, a lack of standard quantification procedures make it difficult to compare results between studies. This study investigated the effect of temperature on SMP and EPS profiles for biological nutrient removal (BNR) sludges and aerobic membrane bioreactor sludge by adapting the commonly used heat extraction and centrifugation scheme, followed by colorimetric quantification of the carbohydrate and protein fractions using the phenol-sulfuric acid (PS) and the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) methods, respectively. To overcome known inconsistencies in colorimetry, total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), and fluorometry analyses were performed in tandem. SMP samples marginally benefitted from heat extraction, owing to their mostly soluble nature, while EPS profiles were greatly influenced by temperature. 60 °C appears to be a suitable general-purpose extraction temperature near the lysis threshold for the sludges tested. The PS method's misestimation due to lack of specificity was observed and contrasted by TC analyses, while the TN analyses corroborated the BCA assays. Fluorometry proved to be a sensitive and rapid analytical method that provided semi-quantitative information on SMP and EPS constituents, particularly its proteinaceous components, with positive implications for robust wastewater process control.

Utilization of Different Carbon Sources by Nordic Microalgae Grown Under Mixotrophic Conditions

Microalgae are promising candidates for sustainable wastewater treatment coupled to the production of biofuel, bioplastic and/or bio-fertilizers. In Nordic countries, however, light is a limiting factor for photosynthesis and biomass production during the winter season. Compared to municipal wastewater, industrial wastewater streams from the pulp and paper industry contain lower amounts of nitrogen, but high concentrations of carbon sources, which could be utilized by microalgae to enhance biomass production in limiting light. This study focused on the utilization of methanol, glycerol and xylose by five different Nordic microalgae [Chlorella vulgaris (13–1), Coelastrella sp. (3–4), Desmodesmus sp. (2–6), Chlorococcum sp. (MC1) and Scotiellopsis reticulata (UFA-2)] grown under mixotrophic conditions. Two of these strains, i.e., Chlorococcum sp. (MC1) and Scotiellopsis reticulata (UFA-2) were able to grow in the presence of xylose or methanol at concentrations of 6 g L–1, or 3%, respectively, in a 12/12 h day/night cycle. HPLC analysis confirmed the consumption of those substrates. Glycerol (2.3 g L–1) was tolerated by all strains and increased growth for Chlorella vulgaris (13–1), while higher concentrations (20 g L–1) were only tolerated by Chlorococcum sp. (MC-1). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, performed after growth in presence of the dedicated carbon source, indicated an increase in the fingerprint region of the carbohydrate fraction. This was particularly the case for Chlorococcum sp. (MC1), when grown in presence of glycerol, and Scotiellopsis reticulata (UFA-2), when grown in presence of xylose. Therefore, these strains could be potential candidates for the production of biofuels, e.g., bioethanol or biogas. We could show that Nordic microalgae are able to grow on various carbon sources; the actual uptake rates are low during a 12/12 h day/night cycle requesting additional optimization of the cultivation conditions. Nonetheless, their potential to use pulp and paper waste-streams for cheap and sustainable biomass production is high and will support the development of new technologies, turning waste-streams into resources in a circular economy concept.

A study to investigate the energy recovery potential from different macromolecules of a low-lipid marine Tetraselmis sp. biomass through HTL process

This study investigated the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of extracted major macromolecules from Tetraselmis sp. biomass. The carbohydrate fraction was first recovered from Tetraselmis biomass using pressurized heated water. The crude lipid fraction was then extracted from carbohydrate-free biomass by hexane. The remaining biomass was considered as protein extract. HTL runs were conducted from 275 to 350 °C and 30 min for each extract; the maximum biocrude yields for carbohydrate, lipid, and proteins were obtained at 325, 325, and 350 °C, respectively. Next, HTL runs of these macromolecules were conducted at 350 °C for 10–60 min. The highest biocrude yields from carbohydrate, lipid, and protein extracts were obtained at 45, 20, and 45 min, respectively. The optimal energy recovery, as biocrude, from carbohydrate, lipid, and protein extracts were 41, 85, and 81%, respectively. Therefore, microalgae biomass with low carbohydrate content or carbohydrate-extracted biomass could be used as feedstock for biocrude production.

Extrusion Cooking Effect on Carbohydrate Fraction in Novel Gluten-Free Flours Based on Chickpea and Rice.

Extrusion cooking allows the development of value-added products from pulses, such as gluten-free snacks with added functional properties. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the changes induced by the extrusion process on the carbohydrate fraction (total carbohydrates, soluble sugars and oligosaccharides, dietary fiber, and arabinoxylans) of novel flour formulations based on chickpeas and rice enriched with different dietary fiber sources. Moreover, the influence of the addition of fiber-rich ingredients, such as Fibersol® and passion fruit, on the analyzed compounds was also evaluated. Sucrose was the main soluble sugar found in analyzed formulations, and raffinose was the prevalent oligosaccharide, followed by stachyose. The content of total α-galactosides tended to be higher after extrusion cooking. As a consequence of the extrusion treatment, the content of total and soluble dietary fiber was statistically increased in most of the analyzed samples. In general, no significant changes were observed in total arabinoxylan content as a consequence of the extrusion process, while the content of water-soluble arabinoxylans was significantly increased in extruded formulations. It was observed that the content of total available carbohydrates, stachyose, and water-soluble arabinoxylans were significantly influenced by the addition of passion fruit, Fibersol®, and both. The incorporation of these ingredients in gluten-free formulations based on chickpeas and rice allows one to obtain suitable functional formulations for the development of innovative, gluten-free, extruded snack-type products, which could be an interesting alternative for people with celiac disease.

Influence of Different Light Sources on the Biochemical Composition of Arthrospira spp. Grown in Model Systems.

Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima are prokaryotic microalgae commercially marketed as spirulina. The pigments extracted from these algae are widely used for cosmetic and nutraceutical applications. This work aimed to evaluate the influence of three light-emitting lamps (white, orange and blue) on the growth and biomass composition of two strains of A. platensis (M2 and M2M) and one of A. maxima. The obtained data show strain- and light-dependent responses of the microalgae. In addition, white and orange lights led to a similar overall effect by increasing the levels of chlorophyll a and carotenoids. However, exposure to orange light resulted in the highest dry weight (5973.3 mg L−1 in M2M), whereas white light stimulated an increase in the carbohydrate fraction (up to 42.36 g 100 g−1 in A. maxima). Conversely, blue light led to a constant increase in the concentration of phycocyanin (14 g 100 g−1 in A. maxima) and a higher content of proteins in all strains. These results provide important environmental information for modulating the growth of different spirulina strains, which can be used to address the synthesis of biochemical compounds of strategic importance for the development of new nutraceutical foods.

Soil carbohydrate and aggregation as affected by carbohydrate composition of paper mill biosolids

Paper mill biosolids (PB) are recognized as a valuable source of carbon for the physical improvement of arable soils. However, little is known about the composition of carbohydrates of these materials and their breakdown in soil, which contributes to soil structural stability. The objectives of this study were to characterize the carbohydrates in PB and to determine under controlled conditions and in the field the soil carbohydrate content and water-stable aggregation. The field experiment consisted of PB applied every year (2000–2008) at 0, 30, and 60 Mg wet weight·ha−1 to annual row crops with soils collected after 3, 6, and 9 yr. The other experiment consisted of PB added at 50 Mg wet weight·ha−1 to two soils, a clay and a sandy loam, and incubated at 25 °C and 60% water-filled pore space for 16 wk. The PB differed in their content in galactose, mannose, and arabinose for total fraction and sum of carbohydrates for water-soluble fraction. In the field, repeated annual PB application increased most of soil total carbohydrates (sum and individuals) after 3 yr and the proportion of &gt;1 mm stable aggregates. The incubation study confirmed results obtained in the field, where the PB richest in carbohydrates induced the highest increases in soil total carbohydrates in both soil types. Soil total and microbial (galactose and mannose)-derived carbohydrates were closely correlated with the percentage of large aggregates, while with water-soluble carbohydrates, they are highly correlated to the amount of microbial carbohydrates applied, thus further contributing to improve soil C quality.

Phytochemical Screening, Nutritional Value, Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Cancer, and Anti-Bacterial Assessment of Aqueous Extract from Abelmoschus esculentus Pods

Known for its high nutritional and medicinal value, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is commonly used for replacing plasma and expanding blood volume in humans. It is a major economic crop cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate and evaluate the nutritional properties and prospective applications of the consumable parts of okra. The total ash content (mineral content), carbohydrate, crude fiber, fat, protein, and moisture fractions of okra pod aqueous extract were determined. The results show that okra aqueous extract contained 84.670–87.650% moisture, 1.514–1.197% ash, 7.857–8.261% carbohydrate, 2.367–3.410% crude protein, and 6.781–8.314% crude fiber. Okra was determined to have high nutritional value, with γ-tocopherol and α-tocopherol contents about 2.67 mg/100 g and 1.62 mg/100 g, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to determine the sugars present in okra aqueous extract. The water-soluble polysaccharide content was 10.22–16.45 g/100 g. The tested aqueous extract was a rich source of total phenolic compounds in gallic acid equivalents (288.2–3426.2 mg/100 g), chlorophyll a (3.53 mg/100), chlorophyll b (2.43 mg/100), and carotenoids (1.3 mg/100 g). The detected minerals were Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, K, Na, and Mn. Atomic absorption spectrometry analysis of these ashed minerals was performed. In addition to the nutritional benefits, okra pods exhibited antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. The aqueous extract was found to be potentially active against bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC value = 21.8 mg/mL), Escherichia coli (MIC value = 18.7 mg/mL), Bacillus cereus (MIC value = 20.7 mg/mL), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC value = 20.2 mg/mL). Okra aqueous extract exhibited inhibitory activity against α-amylase (IC50 = 120 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 115 µg/mL). The okra extract exhibited high anticancer activity, concentration-dependent and with an IC50 value of about 158.3 mg/mL. The results indicated that okra pods have nutritional and medicinal properties and, hence, can be used as a functional food and broad-spectrum nutraceutical supplement.