Protein Content Research Articles

Effect of different drying techniques on the physicochemical and nutritional properties of Moringa oleifera leaves powder and their application in bakery product

The study analyzed the influence of drying methods and conditions on the quality of moringa leaves powder (MLP) and determined the optimal MLP to wheat flour ratio for cake development. Cabinet drying temperatures enhanced mass and tapped density but reduced the angle of repose, water retention capacity, and oil retention capacity. The moisture content of cabinet-dried MLP samples exhibited a substantial reduction as temperature is increased. The crude protein and fat content increased with increasing drying temperatures. Vacuum dried samples had the highest fiber content (16.62g/100g). Cabinet dried samples at 60°C had the highest ash content (8.37g/100g). The energy obtained from MLP dried in a cabinet at 70°C was the highest (383.33 Kcal/kg). The mineral composition of MLP in vacuum drying showed the largest growth. Sun drying was less efficient in preserving antioxidant components, while vacuum drying was the most successful. But sun drying was more cost effective than that of other drying methods. The composition of cakes formulated from MLP and wheat flour blends exhibited notable variations characterized by an increase in protein content and decrease in carbohydrate content with the incorporation of MLP. 5% and 10% MLP enriched cakes showed the best customer acceptance.

Poultry manure application enhances the phytochemical contents, antioxidant, and fixed oil of Momordica charantia L

Due to its rich sources of bioactive compounds, Momordica charantia (bitter melon) is used as a food and natural medicine, resuting in many beneficial health effects. Poultry manure is a valuable source of organic fertilizer used to enrich soil fertility to obtain high yields from agricultural products. It contains high levels of essential macro and micronutrients. The present study aimed to determine the effects of chicken and turkey manure applications on the protein content, extract content, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and mineral matter productivity of bitter melon fruits. In addition, the study evaluated the chicken and turkey manure applications on the fixed oil quality of bitter melon seeds. In this context, different doses of chicken (T1:10, T2:12.5, T3:15, T4:17.5 t/ha) and turkey (T5: 10, T6: 12.5, T7:15, T8:17.5 t/ha) manures were applied by sowing. The crude protein contents values of the bitter melon fruits ranged from 4.79 to 7.80 %, and a maximum crude protein content of bitter melon fruits was obtained from T8 application. The highest DPPH activity was observed with the T7 (88.43 %) and T4 (86.23 %) applications, while the highest FRAP value was obtained from T4 application (73.52 mg TE/g). In addition, the highest total phenolic content (21.13 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid amount (11.44 mg QE/g) of bitter melon fruits were obtained from T6 application. Maximum capric acid (50.40 %) was recorded in the seed oil after applying the T1, while the highest concentration of lauric acid (30.09 %) were reflected by applying the T5. The highest Fe, Cu and Mn concentrations were found in the T4, while the highest concentration of Zn and B recorded in the fruit extract appeared after applying the T6. The PCA analysis showed 56.2 % of total variation. Thus, the results suggest that the application of poultry manure could be employed to get maximum benefits regarding protein and extract contents, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, fixed oil component and mineral content values.

Delayed application of water and fertilizer increased wheat yield but did not improve quality parameters

Context or problemWheat is an important food crop for mankind, simultaneous improvement of wheat yield and quality is human most important goal, but they often cannot increase at the same time. Objective or research questionThe effects of irrigation mode, nitrogen application rate and topdressing time on yield and quality of two wheat varieties were studied, and the possibility of synergistic improvement of yield and quality was also explored. MethodsTwo irrigation treatments (conventional border irrigation and micro-sprinkling irrigation) were set up, and three nitrogen application rate treatments (120, 210 and 300kgN ha−1) were set up under each irrigation treatment. The yield formation and quality parameters of wheat were investigated. ResultsThe grain yield, key enzyme activities of protein synthesis, protein content and dough processing quality of the two cultivars increased with the increase of nitrogen application rate. However, when the nitrogen level was higher than 210kgN ha−1, the grain yield and processing quality of winter wheat did not increase further. Under the same nitrogen application rate, compared with conventional border irrigation (CBI), micro-sprinkling irrigation (MSI) significantly increased the grain yield and total protein content, but did not improve the ratio of glutenin to gliadin and dough processing quality parameters. ConclusionsUnder the experimental conditions, the synergistic improvement of wheat yield and quality parameters could be achieved by optimizing nitrogen application rate, and the delayed application of water and fertilizer could further increase wheat grain yield, but did not improve grain quality parameters. Implications or significanceThis study provided theoretical guidance for further improving the grain yield and quality of winter wheat in the North China Plain.

Pasta Enriched with De-oiled Sesame and Yellow Pepper Flours: Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties, Protein Quality, and Antioxidant Potential

Valorization of waste as a sustainable food additive to produce value-added products is a recent interest. De-oiled sesame flour (DSF) is underutilized despite its rich protein, fiber, and phenols content. Pasta has a poor nutritional value but is a good vehicle for fortification. Therefore, pasta was enriched with DSF at 10%, 20%, and 30%, in addition to 5% yellow pepper flour (YPF) to improve the taste (S10, S20, and S30, respectively). The enriched pasta was compared to control pasta (S0) made from 100% durum wheat semolina concerning the sensory attributes, cooking quality, physicochemical properties, and microstructure. S20 pasta demonstrated good cooking properties and a texture profile similar to the control, with high sensory appeal. It had the lowest cooking loss (7.60±0.10), gumminess (39.50±5.12 g), and chewiness (0.62±0.09 mJ), the highest water absorption and volume expansion (101.30±1.27% and 295.00±7.07%), a shorter cooking time (10.05±0.71 min) and hardness (73.00±5.66 g), with a moderate cohesiveness (0.54±0.03) (p<0.05). DSF increased the protein content of the enriched pasta significantly compared to the control (14.40±0.57g to 16.90±0.57g versus 13.20±0.28 g/100g). Besides, the protein quality was improved by adding 20% DSF: The essential amino acid index increased from 62.76±0.05% to 73.11±0.95% in S20 (p<0.05). Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was increased from 1.67±2.12% (control) to 28.75±1.53% (S20) (p<0.05). Besides, iron, calcium, and zinc were increased considerably (p<0.05). De-oiled sesame flour at 20% (S20) is a promising additive for pasta producers that offers acceptable physical changes, high nutritional value, and enhanced protein quality compared to control.

A diet containing mango peel silage impacts upon feed intake, energy supply and growth performances of male dairy calves

The major challenges for disposal of waste from fruit processing factories are high transportation costs, limited landfill availability and environmental pollution. Therefore, developing efficient waste management techniques to reduce transportation costs and environment pollution is important. In 2021, global mango production was estimated to be at 57 million tons and mango peel (MP) represents 7–24% of the whole fruit weight. MP has been considered for use as ruminant feed in the form of fresh, dried, or silage. Fresh MP was abundant during the mango season and high in fermentable carbohydrate, which can easily breakdown and pollute the environment if a proper waste management method is not implemented. Thus, in this study, fresh MP was ensiled after sun-drying for one day and then fed to male dairy calves as a roughage source to evaluate its effect on feed intake, digestibility, energy balance, BW gain, feed efficiency and blood metabolites. Eight growing crossbred weaned male dairy calves (Holstein Friesians × Zebu) were allocated into two groups [Control (n = 4) and mango peel silage (MPS, n = 4)]. This experiment lasted for 12 weeks and calves were housed in 3.0 × 1.5 meters individual pen with concrete floor. Before feeding times, the weights of feed ingredients were weighed and mixed for 15 min. Calves were then given their respective diets ad libitum twice a day, at 0800 and 1600 h. Daily feed offered and refusals were recorded to determine the daily feed intake. A digestion trial was performed over the last five days of the experiment. BW and measurements were recorded every two weeks to determine the weight gain and body physical changes. Blood was collected at the end of experiment to analyze serum biochemical parameters. Ensiling improved the energy and protein content and decreased fiber content of MP, thereby improving the forage quality. Feeding a diet containing MPS at 30% of DM weight, compared to an isonitrogenous Control diet increased (P < 0.05) feed intake, energy supply and energy balance, changes in body measurements, weight gain, feed efficiency, and glucose concentration, as well as lowered (P < 0.05) the blood urea nitrogen concentration of male dairy calves. Ensiling fresh MP after sun-drying for one day led to stable, high-DM silage. Therefore, ensiling fresh MP could improve the feed supply for ruminant production and be an effective waste management strategy for fruit processing businesses.

Exogenous melatonin improves peanut field productivity and quality at reduced nitrogen application

ContextNitrogen (N) plays integral roles in plant growth and yield. Finding ways to increase plant yield with reduced N usage will promote both agricultural and environmental sustainability. Melatonin acts as a multifunctional regulatory molecule in numerous metabolic processes crucial for plant growth and development as well as response to environmental stresses. The effects of melatonin on the material accumulation and transport, source-sink dynamics, as well as its association with yield and quality formation of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) remain unclear, especially at different N levels. ObjectivesWe aim to investigate the response mechanism of melatonin in peanut plants subjected to reduced N application, in order to confirm the hypothesis that melatonin regulates carbon and N accumulation and transport, and coordinates source-sink relationships to increase production and improve quality. MethodsThis study examined the effects of two seed dressing treatments (with or without 0.5μM MT) and three N fertilizer levels (90, 135, and 180kg/ha) using a randomized complete block design with split plots and three biological replications over 2021 and 2022. The evaluation focused on photosynthetic physiology, enzyme activities related to carbon and N metabolism, accumulation and transport of dry matter and N, yield, and quality, while exploring the relationships among these variables. ResultsMelatonin-treated plants had more stable carbon and N metabolism than the untreated ones. This stability was linked to improved photosynthesis, sucrose production, and N assimilation, especially at the reduced N levels (90 and 135kg/ha). Across three N levels and two years of field tests, MT increased peanut dry matter by 23.49% from 455.63g/m2 to 562.66g/m2, enhanced the accumulation and mobilization of dry matter and N to grains by increasing peanut grain mass by 22.41-29.07% at different N levels. This process appears to subsequently elevate the effective pod rate, leading to an average increase in pod yield, fat and protein content by 12.63%, 7.95%, and 10.33%, respectively, over a two-year period and across three N application levels. ConclusionsPlants subjected to melatonin treatment exhibited a coordinated source-sink relationship, which is manifested in high photosynthetic capacity and a high proportion of assimilates transported to pods, thus promoting effective proportions and pod fullness to improve peanut yield and quality under reduced N application. SignificanceOur research provided insights into the response mechanism of melatonin on peanut carbon and N metabolism across various N treatments, contributing to a deeper understanding of how melatonin enhances crop yield and quality.

Investigating the Multifaceted Changes in Physicochemical and Nutritional Attributes of Chicken-Based Nutri Cereal Mix under Cold Plasma Treatment

In this study multifaceted changes in physicochemical and nutritional properties of nutri-cereal mix (NCM) under cold plasma treatment (CPT) were investigated. In present investigation NCM was prepared and treated under CPT using a DBD-based plasma source for 5 min, 10 min, and 15 min at 9 kv. The results revealed that the water and oil absorbing capacity of cold plasma treated Nutri cereal mix (CPT-NCM) increased with increasing CPT time. The carbohydrate content in CPT-NCM decreased with increasing CPT time. From the colour analysis it was observed that the total colour difference (TCD) and whiteness index (WI) increased from 0.23 (NCM -5) to 0.97 (NCM -15), and 55.11 (NCM -5) to 56.08 (NCM -15), respectively. Additionally, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis suggested that the thermostability of CPT-NCM is likely affected by NCM levels and changes in protein structure and conformation. The diffractograms and micrographs confirmed the crystallinity and microstructural changes in protein content, respectively. Amino acid profiling confirmed that NCM -10 comprises the higher amount of most of the analysed amino acids. Overall, the current study recommends that CPT enhances the physicochemical and nutritional properties of NCM, making it suitable for producing a variety of food products with improved quality characteristics.

Astragaloside for Improving Diabetic Vasculopathy Based on Microalbuminuria and C-Reactive Protein

Astragaloside has an ameliorative effect on diabetic vasculopathy. In this experiment, we investigated the role of astragaloside in improving diabetic vasculopathy. Eighty cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with microalbuminuria (MAU) symptoms were selected and divided into T2DM group, astragaloside group, astragaloside+SRI-011381 group and astragaloside+ LDN193189 group. Another 20 healthy check-ups were selected as control group. We detected the content of C-reactive protein (CRP), ankle-brachial index (ABI) for both lower limbs, ultrasound examination of both lower limbs, and determined the vascular internal diameter (D), peak flow rate (Vmax), blood flow (Vol) of these three arteries, as well as grading the degree of lesion and scoring. T2DM group showed an increase in CRP level and UAlb content, decreased vessel internal diameter, an increased peak flow rate, decreased blood flow and ABI index, and a higher incidence of arteriopathy, which were all reversed in the Astragaloside group. The incidence of arterial lesions was lower. Compared with astragaloside group, serum CRP level and urine albumin content were increased in the astragaloside+SRI-011381 group, and serum CRP level and urine albumin content were decreased in the astragaloside+LDN193189 group. Moreover, inhibition of TGF-β/Smad pathway improved diabetic vasculopathy. Astragaloside therefore improves diabetic vasculopathy and slows diseased progression by inhibiting TGF-β/Smad signaling, lowering CRP levels as well as urinary albumin levels, hindering vasoconstriction and increasing blood flow.

Dynamics of cyanobacteria/ bacterial consortia for CO2 fixation and simultaneous wastewater treatment

The present study evaluates the potential of a Leptolyngbya sp. based microbial consortia to capture and metabolize atmospheric CO2 to valuable bioproducts, while implementing simultaneously confectionery wastewater treatment. A series of experiments were conducted at different initial dissolved chemical oxygen demand (d- COD) levels on a laboratory scale. Atmospheric CO2 was continuously supplied to the cultivation and CO2 levels were continuously monitored. Biomass samples were selected and analyzed for total biomass, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, chlorophyll-a and phycobiliproteins content. The substrate's d-COD was also measured continuously. In all cases, the d-COD of the wastewater was reduced to the legal limits within 2 to 4 days. The biomass concentration reached levels up to 2.5 ± 0.17gL-1, with a maximum carbohydrate content of 40% and CO2 sequestration up to 86%. The highest proteins and phycobiliproteins content were obtained with initial d-COD equal to 500 ±20mgL-1, and the maximum CO2 removal was 94%. These results indicate that this system has significant potential for both CO2 removal and wastewater treatment, leading to valuable biomass products.

Effect of ozone gas on Attagenus fasciatus (Thunberg) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and Gibbium psylloides (Czempinski) (Coleoptera: Ptinidae) as stored silkworm product pests

The insecticidal potential of ozone gas was tested against two insect pests of stored silkworm products, Attagenus fasciatus (Thunberg) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and Gibbium psylloides (Czempinski) (Coleoptera: Ptinidae). Ozone was tested at three concentrations, 500, 1000 and 1500 ppmv for three exposure times, 1, 2 and 3 h. The adult mortality of two insects was counted during 7 days of treatment. Changes in the morphological features of two insect's adults were examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the chemical composition of treated silkworm cocoons with ozone was determined. Adult mortality of A. fasciatus and G. psylloides was improved with the increase in ozone concentration and exposure time. Thus, all tested concentrations caused complete adult mortality of A. fasciatus after 3 and 5 days of treatment at two exposure times (2 and 3 h), respectively. While the two concentrations of ozone (1000 and 1500 ppmv) caused full mortality of G. psylloides adults after 5 days of treatments at exposure time 3 h. Examination with SEM of treated adults showed induction malformations on the dorsal surface as split between elytra and between the thorax and elytra as well as a split the head capsule from the thorax. Additionally, there was a decrease in the density of some microtrichiae of A. fasciatus. While in case of G. psylloides, observed induction shrinking and deformities occurred in the abdominal cuticles and the abdomen was exploded as results treating of ozone gas. Furthermore, the chemical composition analysis of treated silkworm cocoons showed a slight decrease in protein and carbohydrate contents and increasing at the fat, moisture, fiber and ash contents. Our results indicated that the ozone gas seems to be a promising fumigant for the control of A. fasciatus and G. psylloides.

Evaluation of 10 Edamame Breeding Lines to Determine Yield, Agronomic, and Seed Composition Traits

Edamame is a vegetable soybean (Glycine max) that is harvested at the R6 growth stage. Although it is relatively new to America, the acreage and market demand of edamame have steadily increased. Developing new cultivars that are more adapted to local environments and crop management systems is significantly important to promoting specialty crop production and meeting the market requirements. In this study, 10 edamame breeding lines and four check cultivars were evaluated during 2020–23 to determine the potential production in the southeastern United States. Among genotypes, there were significant differences in the fresh pod and mature seed yields and agronomic and seed composition traits that were investigated. The year effects and genotype × year interactions were also significant in most cases. Fresh pod and mature seed yields were not significantly correlated with most of other agronomic traits and seed compositions. Over 4 years, the fresh pod yield averaged 11,227.5 kg·ha−1 (range, 9800.1–13,154.3 kg·ha−1), and the mature seed yield averaged 2814.7 kg·ha−1 (range, 2029.2–3175.2 kg·ha−1). The average 100-seed weight of 14 genotypes was 26.9 g (range, 23.1–30.1 g), and the average seed size of nine breeding lines was larger than that of the check. Maturity occurred on average 153.3 days after planting (range, 147.1–159.5 days). Based on dry weight, seed protein, oil, and sucrose contents had averages of 43.5%, 18.7%, and 5.0%, respectively. The estimates of broad-sense heritability were medium to high (66.82%–94.90%) for most of the traits, whereas the heritability estimates for fresh pod yield and duration from flowering to maturity were relatively low (23.44%–42.29%). Several breeding lines exhibited good yield, larger seed size, and higher contents of protein, oil, and oleic acid, suggesting the potential of release and commercial production.

Beneficial impact of AgNPs on fucoxanthin production and evaluation of phytochemical variations in Isochrysis sp.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are commonly transformed into various engineered nanomaterials for various applications, leading to their unavoidable disposal in the environment. Despite their toxicity, knowledge gaps remain regarding the metabolic perturbations induced by AgNPs on phytoplankton, which play a crucial role in global biogeochemical cycles and food-web dynamics. This study aimed to utilize AgNPs to elicit stress response of Isochrysis sp. KRJ-105, for enhancing fucoxanthin production, a valuable pigment with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The microalgae were treated with different AgNP concentrations (10, 30, 50, 70, and 100 mg/L) for 12 days, and the results showed that the addition of 50 mg/L AgNPs significantly promoted cellular fucoxanthin biosynthesis (34.61 ± 0.50 mg/g), a 5.94 mg/g higher production compared to the control (28.67 ± 1.01 mg/g). This study represents the first-time report of higher fucoxanthin production in Isochrysis sp. compared to previous reports in the last decade. Furthermore, AgNPs induced stress conditions in Isochrysis sp., also reflected in growth rates and alterations in biochemical composition, including total carbohydrate,total protein, lipid, carotenoid, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis revealed the interaction of AgNPs with the cell surface of Isochrysis sp.KRJ-105.These findings provide novel insights into microalgal interactions with nanoparticles, offering fundamental knowledge on physiochemical changes induced in Isochrysis sp., and its future development in cultivation aspects for superior commercial fucoxanthin production.

Effects of Dietary 5-Aminolevulinic Acid on Growth, Nutrient Composition, and Intestinal Microflora in Juvenile Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei.

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is an endogenous non-protein amino acid and has been used as a new type of growth promoter in aquaculture feed. This study explored the effects of 5-ALA on growth and intestinal health in juvenile shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Shrimps were fed diets containing five different 5-ALA levels (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 g/t) for 90 days. A concentration of 45 g/t 5-ALA significantly improved growth metrics, including the specific growth rate, protein efficiency, and feed conversion (P < 0.05). The optimal concentration of 5-ALA was 38.3 g/t, as indicated by broken-line regression. Dietary supplementation with 5-ALA increased the crude protein content of whole shrimp, but had no significant effect on the moisture, ash, or crude lipid content (P > 0.05). Suitable supplementation of 5-ALA (45 g/t, 60 g/t) improved the activities of the digestive enzymes alpha-amylase, pepsin, trypsin, and lipase, thus promoting digestion and absorption. Shrimp fed with 45 g/t 5-ALA had increased levels of essential amino acids in the muscles and a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the hepatopancreas. Supplementation with 45 or 60 g/t 5-ALA upregulated the expression of genes related to growth and molting, includingchitinase,ecdysone receptor,retinoic X receptor,calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I,heat shock protein 60, andheat shock protein 70. Moreover, dietary supplementation with 5-ALA affected the abundance of intestinal flora, increased the number of beneficial bacteria, and improved intestinal health. These results indicated that 5-ALA may significantly benefit shrimp health and aquaculture productivity, providing a novel theoretical basis for further research into 5-ALA as a dietary supplement.

Lactobacillus fermented chickpeas: Improving dough process quality and biscuit nutritional value

This study aimed to examine the impact of lactobacillus fermented chickpeas (LFC) on dough quality and assess their application potential in biscuits. The results of rheological properties showed that LFC significantly increased the storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G'') of the dough, with a greater increase in G'. The textural analysis showed that the LFC significantly increased the hardness of the dough before and after fermentation. In the low-field NMR analysis, LFC enhanced the bound water content of the dough and reduced the mobility of the water molecules. Furthermore, the network structure of gluten proteins was weakened by LFC, resulting in more exposed starch. In vitro protein digestibility increased by 28.01% at the gastric end and 11.76% at the intestinal end of LFC-biscuits as compared to chickpea biscuits. It was associated with lactobacilli fermentation reducing phytic acid and trypsin inhibitor activity in chickpeas. Moreover, the protein content of the biscuits has been increased (33.26%) and their free amino acid composition has been optimized. The hardness, brittleness, and specific volume of biscuits were significantly enhanced by LFC, with well sensory acceptance. These findings will enrich the theory of lactobacilli fermentation of legumes and inspire its application in baked foods.

Anaerobic degradation of excess protein-rich fish feed drives CH4 ebullition in a freshwater aquaculture pond

Aquaculture is a climate-relevant source of greenhouse gases like methane. Methane emissions depend on various parameters, with organic matter playing a crucial role. Nevertheless, little is known about the composition of organic matter in aquaculture. We investigated the effects of excessive loading of high-protein fish feed on the quality of sediment organic matter in a fishpond to explain extremely high methane ebullition rates (bubble flux). Analysing the molecular composition of water-extractable organic matter using liquid chromatography Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectroscopy, we found strong differences between the feeding area and open water area: low-molecular weight nitrogen and sulphur-rich organic compounds were highly enriched at the feeding area. In addition, methane ebullition correlated well with sediment protein content and total bound nitrogen in pore water. Our results indicate that feed proteins in the sediments are hydrolysed into oligopeptides (CHNO) and subsequently converted to CHOS and CHNOS components during anaerobic deamination of protein and peptide fragments in the presence of inorganic sulphides. These metabolites accumulate at the feeding area due to continuous feed supply. Our findings illustrate the adverse effects of excessive feeding leading to bioreactor-like methane emissions at the feeding area. Improving feed management has the potential to make aquaculture more climate-friendly.

Enhanced competitiveness of Spirodela polyrhiza in co-culture with Salvinia natans under combined exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics and polychlorinated biphenyls

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are prevalent in the environment and pose potential threats to ecosystems. However, studies on the phytotoxicity of MNPs and PCBs on primary producers are limited. This study investigated the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 10 mg/L) and 2,2′,5,5′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB-52, 0.1 mg/L), on the growth of Spirodela polyrhiza and Salvinia natans, and their impact on plant competitive ability under co-culture conditions. Laser confocal microscopy images revealed that PS-NPs accumulated on the leaf and root surfaces of both species. Combined exposure to PS-NPs and PCB-52 significantly inhibited the average specific and relative growth rates (RGR) of both species, reduced chlorophyll a and b levels, and slightly increased carotenoid content, disrupting the photosynthetic system. PCB-52 exacerbated PS-NPs accumulation on plants, leading to increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2−) production in both roots and leaves. This affects the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the soluble protein content. The combined treatment with PS-NPs and PCB-52 induced greater ecological stress in both species than the treatment with PS-NPs alone. In addition, the combined treatment with PS-NPs and PCB-52 significantly improved the relative yield and competition balance index of S. polyrhiza, indicating that PS-NPs + PCB-52 enhanced the competitive ability of S. polyrhiza when co-cultured with S. natans. This study confirmed the effects of co-exposure to PS-NPs and PCB-52 on aquatic plant growth and species competition, contributing to better insight into the ecological impacts of MNPs and organic pollutants.

Efficacy of copper and silver nanoparticles on seedling growth, biochemical and antioxidant potential of Capsicum annuum L., in vitro and ex vitro

Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized using the chemical reduction method and evaluated in vitro and ex vitro on Capsicum annuum. The impact of MNPs, namely Ag, Cu, CuAg NPs, Silver nitrate (AgNO3), and Copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O) as bulk salts, on the physiological, biochemical, and antioxidative profiles of seedlings in C. annuum were examined in this work. Both NPs Primed (NPsP) and NPs Supplemented (NPsS) seeds showed 80–90 % and 90–100 % germination, respectively, after 15 days of inoculation on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) medium, compared to the control (75 %) and 93–97 % in vitro. The seedling length, weight, and vigour index improved significantly in response to in vitro and ex-vitro NP administration. After 45 days of nanoparticle (NPs) treatment, the levels of chlorophyll and carotenoids in NPsP seedlings increased by 65–244 % and 41–203 % in ex vitro, respectively, compared to NPsS seedlings, which showed an increase of 4–114 % and 26–107 %, respectively. Additionally, the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were significantly enhanced in NPsP seedlings, showing an increase of 79–173 % and 62–168 % in ex vitro, compared with NPsS seedlings, which showed an increase of 3–73 % and 22–98 %, respectively. MNPs increased the total protein content in NPsP seedlings by 26–106 % in ex vitro (5–113 %), compared to NPsS seedlings. In the NPsP seedlings, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and proline content rose by 15–47 %, 38–83 %, and 65–121 % at ex vitro (10–61 %), (6–68 %), and proline content decreased, respectively, as compared to NPsS treated seedlings. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level in NPsP seedlings decreased (4–33 %) in ex vitro compared to NPsS seedlings, indicating ROS scavenging and healthy seedling development. In the current study, increased seed germination aided rapid seedling development. Thus, nanoparticles promote seed germination in C. annuum by overcoming the unfavourable effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improving the antioxidative defence system, resulting in increased seedling development.

From antioxidant to muscle enhancer: resveratrol's role in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) nutrition

Resveratrol (RES), a type of stilbenoid, is known for its significant role in enhancing meat quality by virtue of activating SIRT1. Against this backdrop, this study explored the impact of resveratrol on various parameters influencing flesh quality in adult grass carp. Over a span of 9 weeks, adult grass carp were fed diets with five different levels of RES (0, 40, 80, 160 and 320mg/kg). Our findings demonstrated that resveratrol supplementation had no adverse effects on the growth performance of adult grass carp. Notably, adding the right amount of resveratrol to the diets caused the protein and amino acid levels, pH24h, and shear force of grass carp muscle to rise. Additionally, it led to a reduction in cooking loss and lactic acid content. Moreover, Addition of appropriate levels of resveratrol to the feed promoted myofiber hyperplasia in adult grass carp, which may be achieved by stimulating adult myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Subsequent studies have found that appropriate levels of resveratrol inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), which promotes muscle fiber development. Additionally, resveratrol was found to lead to an increase in unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) content in grass carp muscle. This alteration in fatty acid composition could be attributed to changes in fatty acid transport, synthesis, and catabolism. According to muscle protein carbonyl level, muscle protein content and frequency of muscle fibers smaller than 20 μm, the optimum resveratrol supplementations of grass carp were 178.33, 198.33 and 226.67mg/kg.

Optimization of biomimetic fermentation technique for enhanced and eco-friendly extraction of phenolics from pomegranate peel

In this research, we mimicked pomegranate orchard conditions for Aspergillus growth on powdered pomegranate fruit waste (PFW) to extract and purify phenolic compounds. Pomegranate's high ellagitannin content makes it attractive to Aspergillus sp., whose spores are abundant in these environments. Four experiments were conducted with varying PFW:water ratios (1:2.5, 1:5, 1:7, and 1:10), aeration, agitation, and incubation times. The 1:10 ratio achieved the highest antioxidant activity (256.34 mg GAE/g DM) and total phenolic content (300.3 mg GAE/g DM) after 48 h of fermentation, comparable to advanced chemical methods. PCR analysis identified Aspergillus tubingensis, and mycotoxin measurements showed no detectable aflatoxins or ochratoxin A, confirming extract safety and purity. This study introduced a pioneering, natural method for phenolic extraction. Additionally, the very higher protein content of fermented extract (1.18 %) compared to the non-fermented extract (0.03 %), suggests its potential as an attractive topic for future investigations as source of food industrial enzymes.

The polysaccharide from purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice via the VIP/cAMP/PKA/AQPs signaling pathway

BackgroundThe polysaccharide (PSP) from purple sweet potato has great potential for regulating apoptosis, but its regulatory role in acute lung injury (ALI) is unknown. MethodsThe objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect of PSP on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice and lung epithelial A549 cells and its mechanism. Moreover, subacute toxicity evaluation of PSP was carried out on ICR mice. ResultsThe results showed that compared with the ALI group, PSP significantly reduced the total protein content, wet-to-dry (W/D) ratio, the number of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. Moreover, PSP was able to reduce cell apoptosis, the levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and increase the level of superoxide (SOD). In addition, PSP could up-regulate the levels of VIP, cAMP, p-PKA/PKA and AQP1 in mice and A549 cells. And PSP exhibited no apparent adverse effects on the mice. ConclusionsPSP had a protective effect on LPS-induced ALI in mice and lung epithelial A549 cells, which may be related to the inflammatory response and via VIP/cAMP/PKA/AQPs signaling pathway. Thus, PSP may be a promising pharmacologic agent for ALI therapy.