Dietary Fiber Components Research Articles

Historical changes in the contents and compositions of fibre components and polar metabolites in white wheat flour

Thirty-nine UK adapted wheat cultivars dating from between 1790 and 2012 were grown in replicated randomised field trials for three years, milled, and white flour analysed for the contents of dietary fibre components (arabinoxylan and β-glucan) and polar metabolites (sugars, amino acids, organic acids, choline and betaine) to determine whether the composition had changed due to the effects of intensive breeding. The concentrations of components varied between study years, indicating strong effects of environment. Nevertheless, some trends were observed, with the concentrations of arabinoxylan fibre and soluble sugars (notably sucrose, maltose and fructose) increasing and most amino acids (including asparagine which is the precursor of acrylamide formed during processing) decreasing between the older and newer types. The concentration of betaine, which is beneficial for cardio-vascular health, also increased. The study therefore provided no evidence for adverse effects of intensive breeding on the contents of beneficial components in wheat flour.

Identification of a major QTL and associated molecular marker for high arabinoxylan fibre in white wheat flour.

Dietary fibre (DF) has multiple health benefits and wheat grains are major sources of DF for human health. However, DF is depleted in white wheat flour which is more widely consumed than wholegrain. The major DF component in white flour is the cell wall polysaccharide arabinoxylan (AX). We have identified the Chinese wheat cultivar Yumai 34 as having unusually high contents of AX in both water-soluble and insoluble forms. We have therefore used populations generated from crosses between Yumai 34 and four other wheat cultivars, three with average contents of AX (Ukrainka, Altigo and Claire) and one also having unusually high AX (Valoris), in order to map QTLs for soluble AX (determined as relative viscosity of aqueous extracts of wholemeal flours) and total AX (determined by enzyme fingerprinting of white flour). A number of QTL were mapped, but most were only detected in one or two crosses. However, all four crosses showed strong QTLs for high RV/total AX on chromosome 1B, with Yumai 34 being the increasing parent, and a KASP marker for the Yumai 34 high AX allele was validated by analysis of high AX lines derived from Yumai 34 but selected by biochemical analysis. A QTL for RV was also mapped on chromosome 6B in Yumai 34 x Valoris, with Valoris being the increasing allele, which is consistent with the observation of transgressive segregation for this population. Association studies in an independent germplasm panel identified marker trait associations for relative viscosity in these same locations while direct selection for fibre content in breeding resulted in high levels of enrichment for the Yumai 34 1B allele. The data therefore indicate that marker-assisted breeding can be used to develop wheat with high AX fibre in white flour.

A Review on the Potential Reuse of Functional Polysaccharides Extracted from the By-Products of Mushroom Processing

Mushrooms contain many types of nutrients; they are widely regarded as healthy food product. The development of the global mushroom industry has resulted the production of by-products such as stipes, discarded space bags, and broken fruiting bodies. Mushroom by-products account for approximately 20% of mushroom weight and have a high recycling value. Mushroom by-products are most commonly used as compost and animal feed. They contain large amounts of polysaccharides, triterpenes, ergosterol, glycoproteins, dietary fiber, and other components from which functional components could be extracted. Among those components, polysaccharides have been widely studied. This review paper evaluated current research findings, which revealed that new extraction techniques such as microwave, ultrasound, pulsed electrical fields, and high pressure could be used to increase the efficiency of polysaccharide recovery from mushroom by-products. We also separately discussed the functionality of various types of polysaccharides extracted from different mushroom by-products with regard to immune regulation, alleviation of cardiovascular disease, protection of intestinal health, as well as anticancer, antibacterial, and other health promoting effects. This review highlights that mushroom waste contains many types of functional polysaccharide components that have potential applications in foodstuffs and medicine. The use of new extraction techniques can improve the utilization of whole mushrooms. Effective recovery of polysaccharide components from mushroom by-products can increase the overall value of mushroom cultivation and decrease the production of agricultural waste.

Development and Evaluation of White Button Mushroom Based Snacks

Snacks are different from meals in terms of size, nutritional content, hunger, and thirst sensation before and after the event. Considering the nutritive value, available snacks in the market are rich in carbohydrates and fats; being less in dietary fibre and functional components such as antioxidants, polyphenolic components which leads to extreme health risks in children and adolescents. Protein, one of the important components required during the growing years is lacking in snack foods, therefore in the present study an attempt was made to develop protein and fibre rich snacks using mushroom as the major component. Two mushroom snack products such as mushroom tikki and stuffed mushroom were developed using white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), spice mixture, and other ingredients. For the processing of the snack products, technologies such as blanching and in-pack pasteurization were used. The developed products were subjected to proximate analysis; mineral and vitamin profile; functional components; chemical components; organoleptic evaluation and microbial analysis for safety. Mushroom tikki had moisture 40.24%, carbohydrate 17.5%, protein 10.7%, fat 20.12%, fibre 7.91% and ash 3.54%. Stuffed mushroom had moisture 66.11%, carbohydrate 14.5%, protein 4.05%, fat 6.82%, fibre 6.65%, and ash 1.87%. Both the products were good in all the sensory properties and were found microbially safe. The developed snack products, as were rich in protein, dietary fibre, antioxidants and phenolic components helps in the consumption of balanced nutrients in children and adolescents.

In vitro study for investigating the impact of decreasing the molecular weight of oat bran dietary fibre components on the behaviour in small and large intestine.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the role of β-glucan molecular weight (Mw) and the presence of other carbohydrates on the physiological functionality of oat bran via an in vitro digestion study. A complete approach using three different in vitro digestion models (viscosity of the small intestine digest, reduction of bile acids and on-line measurement of gas evolution) was used to predict the physiological functionality of enzymatically modified oat bran concentrate (OBC). OBC was enzymatically treated with two β-glucanase preparations at three different levels in order to specifically decrease β-glucan Mw (Pure: purified β-glucanase) or β-glucan and other cell wall polysaccharides (Mix: commercial food-grade cell wall degrading enzyme preparation). The Mw of β-glucan in OBC was tailored to high (1000 kDa), medium (200-500 kDa) and low (<100 kDa) values. The amount of arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides varied from 0.3 to 4.7 g per 100 g of OBC when OBC was treated with the Mix enzyme at the highest dosage. When the enzymatically treated OBCs were studied in an upper gut model, a decrease in the viscosity of the digest simultaneously with the reduction of β-glucan Mw was observed. At a similar β-glucan Mw range, OBC samples treated with the Pure enzyme had lower viscosity than the samples treated with the Mix one, which also contained arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides. After enzymatic hydrolysis, the capacity of OBC to reduce bile acid was decreased regardless of the enzyme treatment used, and a positive correlation was found between β-glucan Mw and bile acid reduction (r = 0.99**). The production of colonic gases by the enzymatically treated OBC samples in an in vitro colon model showed an inverse correlation between β-glucan Mw and initial rate of gas formation (r = -0.9**), but no impact of arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides was observed. This study emphasised the complexity of factors affecting the functionality of oat components under physiological conditions and demonstrated the possibility to produce Mw-tailored oat fibre ingredients that could contribute to gut mediated health benefits.

Potential of fruit and vegetable waste as a source of pectin

Fruit processing waste accounts for 16% of waste produced and is rich in bioactive molecules, especially pectin, which is a soluble dietary fibre. Modern diets made after processing of grains lack soluble dietary fibres and this creates an opportunity for their fortification and enrichment. Fruit waste contains 5-35% soluble dietary fibres in the form of pectin which can be extracted through chemical, physical, enzymatic methods or any combination thereof. The choice of extraction method depends on ease of extraction, quantity of pectin, quality of final product extracted and economic feasibility. Conventional extraction methods take longer time and aren’t environmentally friendly whereas novel extraction techniques like microwave, ultrasound, and high pressure for extraction generally give higher pectin yield with superior quality of final product. Pectin thus extracted can be added to bakery products and have been shown to increase water holding capacity and functional properties of baked products. Drinks present another scope for their incorporation since they have very low to no soluble dietary fibre component. Valorisation of fruit waste is step towards sustainable technologies in circular economy producing zero waste.

Effects of body weight and fiber sources on fiber digestibility and short chain fatty acid concentration in growing pigs.

ObjectiveThe study was conducted to determine the effects of body weight (BW) and fiber sources on nutrient digestibility, fiber fermentation and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration in different intestinal segments of growing pigs fed high-fiber diets.MethodsNine barrows with initial BW of 25.17±0.73 kg and 9 barrows with initial BW of 63.47±2.18 kg were allotted to a duplicate 9×2 Youden Square design with 3 dietary treatments and 2 periods. The dietary treatments were formulated with 3 different high-fiber ingredients: corn bran, sugar beet pulp, and soybean hulls, respectively. Each diet was fed to 3 barrows with different stage of BW in each period.ResultsThere were no differences in the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of most nutrients between pigs at different BW stages. Pigs at 60 kg had greater (p<0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of total dietary fiber (TDF), soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), and had greater (p<0.05) hindgut disappearance of IDF and cellulose than pigs at 25 kg. The acetate, propionate and total SCFA concentrations in ileal digesta and feces of pigs at 60 kg were greater (p<0.05) than those of pigs at 25 kg. In addition, fiber sources affected (p<0.05) the AID of gross energy (GE), organic matter (OM), ether extract (EE), crude protein, SDF and hemicellulose, the hindgut disappearance and ATTD of dietary fiber components, the lactate and propionate concentrations in ileal digesta and the butyrate, valerate and total SCFA concentrations in feces. There were interactions (p<0.05) between BW and fiber sources on the AID of GE, OM, EE, SDF, hemicellulose, the ATTD of EE, TDF, and IDF, and the hindgut disappearance of SDF and hemicellulose.ConclusionIncreasing BW mainly improved the digestibility of dietary fiber fractions, and the dietary fiber sources influenced the digestibility of almost all the dietary nutrients in growing pigs.

BIOCONVERSION OF SECONDARY PRODUCTS OF PROCESSING OF GRAIN CEREALS CROPS

A method has been developed for the production of organic ingredients from secondary products resulting from the high-quality grinding of triticale and wheat into flour, which involves the enzymatic action of amylolytic enzymes to release starch polysaccharides while preserving the native properties of dietary fibers and biologically active substances associated with them. To a large extent, the features of the properties of the obtained ingredients are due to the number and composition of the components of dietary fiber of grain, as well as the morphological features of their structure. It is shown that the viscosity of aqueous colloidal systems at a concentration of soluble dietary fiber of the ingredient 0.5 % increases 11 times; at a concentration of 1.0 % — 30 times, forming a viscous gel-like structure. This allows them to be used for gelling, thickening and stabilization of aquatic food systems. The use of ingredients with a high content of NLP in baking is possible only taking into account their water absorption capacity. A method for the enzymatic modification of secondary products of processing of grain triticale was developed. On the basis of the study of the kinetics and efficiency of the effect of proteolytic and cellulolytic enzyme preparations (EP) and their compositions, optimal conditions for enzymatic modification (the EP dosage is 0.5…0.75 units of PA/g of bran, 0.3…0.4 units of CA/g of bran, the optimum temperature is 40–50 °С, pH is 5.0 and 3.5, the duration of reactions is 1.5 hours) have been determined. The use of cellulolytic EP allowed to increase the amount of reducing substances and soluble protein by 1.5–2.5 times in comparison with the control sample. The biomodified bran obtained using the MEC «Shearzyme 500 L» + «Neutrase 1.5 MG» and «Viscoferm L» + «Distizym Protacid Extra» has a high degree of hydrolysis of non-starch polysaccharides and proteins, is characterized by a certain ratio of high-, medium-, low-molecular peptides and amino acids, has different functional and technological properties. They can be used in the production of a wide range of general-purpose, functional and treatmentand-prophylactic food products.

Kidneys and microbiota

The review article analyzes the results of studies of the bi-directional relationship of the intestinal microbiota and kidneys, the so-called colorenal interactive axis of interaction. The intestinal microbiota is considered as a kind of organ that influences the brain, cardiovascular and immune systems, as well as the kidneys of the "host". Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) formed in the colon as the result of microbial metabolism from plant components of dietary fiber and acting as ligands for the olfactory receptor, paired G-proteins in the kidneys are recognized as the markers of this symbiosis. With the help of modern omix technologies, the development of dysbiosis taking into account patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been proved, which leads to the accumulation of precursors of uremic toxins, a decrease in the production of SCFA, which have nephroprotective properties and play a key role in energy homeostasis.&#x0D; Changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota in CKD, an increase in the content of uremic toxins in the intestinal lumen contribute to the appearance of the “leaky” intestinal barrier syndrome, the movement of bacteria from the intestine into the general circulation, the development of systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, comorbidity, the progression of CKD, and an increase in mortality. Diets with restriction of protein and potassium quotas, violation of nutritional status lead to the development of dysbiosis in CKD. A decrease in the diet of vegetables and fruit causes the expansion of bacteria producing uricase and urease, which are enzymes in the formation of uremic toxins and reduce the number and variety of bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids. Potential targeted effects on the axis of “intestinal microbiota - chronic kidney disease” are being discussed: the use of a diet enriched in plant fibers, heat-treated, then chilled potatoes and rice as prebiotics (sources of resistant starch), nuts, plant seeds, and pro-, pre-, synbiotics, fecal transplantation. Most of the proposed interventions in the structure and functions of the microbiota are not dangerous, side effects are minimal.

Unripe mango kernel starch: Partial characterization

Although a rich source of polyphenols, starch and dietary fibre, unripe mango has been identified as a functional ingredient. The kernel of unripe mango is rich in starch and certain compounds such as non-starch polysaccharides (components of dietary fibre), polyphenols and lipids. The isolation of starch from unripe mango kernel can be an alternative to obtain non-conventional ingredients to diverse end-uses. The aim of this study was the isolation of starch from unripe mango kernel and its partial characterization. The isolated starch was studied in morphology with microscopic methods, X-ray diffraction, thermal properties, pasting profile, and in vitro digestibility. The starch granules were distinguished as oval and round-with a mean size of 50 μm and some debris of lipids in the surface. The amylose content of the starch granule was 23 g/100 g and A-type diffraction pattern was observed. The temperature and enthalpy of gelatinization are similar to conventional starch as maize with a low tendency to retrogradation. The pasting profile of mango kernel starch was identified as typical of native starch with gel formation upon cooling. The in vitro enzymatic hydrolysis of mango kernel starch was different from that of conventional starches with slow digestion rate in the cooked sample. The starch from unripe mango kernel can be an alternative to starchy raw materials like as cereals or pulses in food and non-food applications.

The Manufacturing Process of Kiwifruit Fruit Powder with High Dietary Fiber and Its Laxative Effect.

Kiwifruit is rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and other functional components, and it has long been used as a functional food to treat intestinal ailments such as constipation. The current research made full use of the kiwifruit, the juice was prepared by microencapsulation, and the dietary fiber in kiwifruit pomace was modified by enzymatic hydrolysis and grinding, then, the two were mixed to obtain an ultra-micro kiwifruit powder (UKP). In addition, the laxative effect of the UKP was verified by a diphenoxylate induced constipated mice model. The results demonstrated that compared with the raw samples, the retention rate of vitamin C, lutein and catechin in UKP were 83.3%, 81.9% and 88.3%, respectively, thus effectively avoiding the loss of functional components during the processing of kiwifruit. Moreover, α-amylase, protease and the ball milling process effectively reduced the size of dietary fiber in kiwifruit pomace, and its water-holding capacity (WHC), oil-holding capacity (OHC) and swelling capacity (SWC) were enhanced by 1.26, 1.65 and 1.10 times, respectively. Furthermore, to analyze the laxative effect of the UKP, a constipation mice model was established by diphenoxylate treatment (5 mg·kg−1, i.g.) for the last week, with or without UKP supplementation (2.4 g·kg−1 B.W. per day) for 4 weeks. The results demonstrated that UKP significantly increased feces condition (fecal output and dejecta moisture content, gut transit (the intestinal propulsion rates) and substance P (SP) levels in portal vein plasma, and it decreased the whole gut transit time and mucinogen granules secreted by goblet cell in constipated mice.

Effect of barley chromosomes on the β-glucan content of wheat

In wheat, β-glucan (BG) content represents an important component of dietary fibre with important health benefit. Among cereals, barley, oats and rye have the highest BG content in the grain (from 3 to 10%), while bread and durum wheat contain percentages lower than 1%. Screening genetic resources for improving wheat BG can contribute to human health. In this study, a complete series of wheat–barley addition lines were evaluated for the BG content in replicated field trials for 3 years to determine how the added chromosome influence the BG in wheat. On the overall, the BG varied among the addition lines, and the effect of individual barley chromosomes on the wheat background was evident in each experiment. Significant higher BG than Chinese Spring was found in four addition lines (CS-1H/1HS-6H, CS-2H, CS-6H and CS-7H), while three lines (CS-3H, CS-4H and CS-5H) showed lower amount than the wheat parental line. Particularly, CS-7H had significant high BG in all the years considered, with percentage increments of the mean values ranging from 17.2 to 48.1% in comparison to Chinese Spring. Though BG in wheat grain increased in some addition lines, it was still much lower than in barley. Results are discussed in relation to the genes controlling the synthesis and breakdown of BG in the wheat background.

Genome-wide association study of feruloyl arabinoxylan content in common wheat grain

Arabinoxylan (AX) is an important component of dietary fiber, and exerts significant effects on the processing quality and nutritional value of flour. Feruloyl arabinoxylan (FAX) is a major factor influencing the functional properties of AX. Here, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted for FAX content using a high-density SNP platform. FAX content was evaluated in 256 wheat varieties (two populations) in four environments. Results showed that 83 and 33 marker-trait associations (MTAs) for FAX content were identified, explaining 6.7–9.2% and 10.2–21.2% phenotypic variation in the two populations. Two and three MTAs were repeatedly detected in at least two environments. Five MTAs were detected in both populations. Linear regression indicated a clear dependence of FAX content on the number of favorable alleles, indicating that QTL pyramiding would be an effective approach to modify FAX content. Associated with these significant MTAs, five candidate genes: isoflavone reductase, carnitine dehydrogenase, acylamino acid releasing enzyme, glucose isomerase, and GMP synthase were found to be involved in FAX biosynthesis. Lastly, our study contributes important information for genetic improvement of wheat quality and contributes to developing marker-assisted selection.

Brown Rice Versus White Rice: Nutritional Quality, Potential Health Benefits, Development of Food Products, and Preservation Technologies.

Obesity and chronic diet-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and celiac are increasing worldwide. The increasing prevalence of these diseases has led nutritionists and food scientists to pay more attention to the relationship between diet and different disease risks. Among different foods, rice has received increasing attention because it is a major component of billions of peoples' diets throughout the world. Rice is commonly consumed after polishing or whitening and the polished grain is known a high glycemic food because of its high starch content. In addition, the removal of the outer bran layer during rice milling results in a loss of nutrients, dietary fiber, and bioactive components. Therefore, many studies were performed to investigate the potential health benefits for the consumption of whole brown rice (BR) grain in comparison to the milled or white rice (WR). The objective of this work was to review the recent advances in research performed for purposes of evaluation of nutritional value and potential health benefits of the whole BR grain. Studies carried out for purposes of developing BR-based food products are reviewed. BR safety and preservation treatments are also explored. In addition, economic and environmental benefits for the consumption of whole BR instead of the polished or WR are presented. Furthermore, challenges facing the commercialization of BR and future perspectives to promote its utilization as food are discussed.

New functional ingredient from orange juice byproduct through a green extraction method

The aim of this work was to obtain, by water extraction, antioxidant dietary fiber from orange juice byproducts. Extractions were performed to orange pomace powder (OPP) varying temperature (55, 65, 75°C) and time (30, 45, 60 min). Two fractions (sediment and supernatant) were obtained from the water extractions and extractable polyphenolic content, antioxidant capacity, total carotenoid content (TCC), and bioaccessibility were determined. Results showed that at 75°C and 45 min the best combination of antioxidant capacity for both fractions is obtained. Under this condition, the sediment is a potential source of antioxidant dietary fiber. Supernatant is rich in bioaccessible polyphenols, associated to soluble fiber as majority component of dietary fiber. Moreover, the water extraction increased the bioaccessibility of polyphenols and carotenoids contained in the OPP. Therefore, both fractions are a potential source of functional food ingredients and orange juice byproducts were entirely revalued. Practical applications The present study suggests an extraction method for orange juice byproducts. Following the principles of green extraction, the technique proposed consists of a water extraction (free of solvents), does not produce waste and is of easy industrial application. As a result, two potential food ingredients with different functional and technological properties are obtained. Therefore, orange juice byproducts are completely revalued and a solution for the management of these byproducts is presented. In addition, the two functional ingredients obtained in this study are a step in the right direction for the development of new functional food formulations.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure and superfine grinding treatment on physicochemical/ functional properties of pear pomace and chemical composition of its soluble dietary fibre

In this study, we evaluated the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and superfine grinding treatment (SFGT) on the physicochemical and functional properties of pear pomace. By using Gas chromatography and Fourier transform infrared measurement, the structural properties and monosaccharides component of dietary fibre (DF) in pear pomace were analyzed. The results showed that both HHP and SFGT could increase the soluble dietary fibre (SDF) content and change the chemical structure and monosaccharide compositions of SDF, while HHP showed a better performance in improving the main functional characteristics such as water- and oil-holding capacity, swelling and cholesterol binding capacity. Moreover, HHP treatment could effectively improve the physicochemical/functional properties of pear pomace. This study demonstrated that the pear pomace treated by HHP could be a useful fibre-rich ingredient in developing functional foods.

Texture and mouthfeel perceptions of a model beverage system containing soluble and insoluble oat bran fibres

Dietary fibre fortified products have increased in popularity as health-conscious consumers seek convenient ways to increase fibre intake. Fibres from wholegrains are particularly desirable inclusions in food products because of their proven physiological health-benefits. When fortifying beverages with fibre, however, the insoluble dietary fibre components present in wholegrains often contribute to unpleasant gritty sensations making the products unpalatable. Consequently, designing wholegrain-fortified beverages with sufficient fibre-content to make health related fibre claims is a major challenge in the food manufacturing industry. This work aims to take a systematic approach in identifying the texture/mouthfeel related sensory impact and interaction between two commercial oat fibre ingredients (Oatwell28XF® and Milled Oats) when added to a model beverage system. Eighteen samples were prepared containing either or both the ingredients, at varying levels, and were assessed by a trained panel using conventional sensory descriptive techniques. The results indicate that the two different oat bran fibres produced distinct mouthfeel perceptions which could be attributed to the varying soluble and insoluble fibre content of the samples. Insoluble dietary fibre concentrations above 2% (w/w) resulted in particle-related sensory properties chalkiness, dryness and particle perception, which dominated the overall mouthfeel and textural sensory perception of the samples. Samples with predominantly soluble β-glucan, resulted in perceptions of smoothness, sliminess and stickiness residue, while thickness, mouthcoating and cloying sensations were driven by total fibre concentration, irrespective of fibre solubility. This work provides a solid foundation for food manufacturers aiming to rationally design and develop nutritionally superior fibre-fortified beverages and is relevant to fibre content concentrations required for labelling/nutrition claims for consumer products in many developed nations.

Chemical, enzymatic, and antioxidant enrichments of full-fat soybean and sunflower meal by Bacillus subtilis (ATCC® 6633™) fermentation using a solid-state bioreactor

This study was conducted to fortify nutritional and chemical composition of sunflower meal (SFM) and full-fat soybean (FFSB) used as a protein source in farm animal nutrition by Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 fermentation. An optimized set of fermentation parameters (60% moisture, 6.5-7.0 pH, 30-35 °C temperature, continuous aeration of 0.5-1.0 L/min and agitation of 20-100 rpm) were used to ferment SFM and FFSB samples with or without using bacterial inoculant for 0, 24, 48, and 72 h. The results indicated that the total organic acids (TOA) contents and crude ash (CA) of SFM and FFSB increased significantly, but there were significant reductions in dietary fiber (DF) components (acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF)) in both feed samples. Moreover, urease activity, trypsin inhibitors (TI), and phytic acid (PA) contents of both feed samples reduced by 50%, 35%, and 79%, respectively. Total flavonoid level reduced by 30% in FFSB samples, but remained unchanged in SFM samples. The levels of tannin in FFSB and SFM decreased significantly. Although there were no significant changes in the activities of amylase, celulase, and beta-glucanase; the protease and phytase activities increased significantly. The total phenolic compounds content and the antioxidant activities of FFSB and SFM samples increased significantly. In conclusion, the fermented FFSB (F-FFSB) and fermented SFM (FSFM) had lowered the levels of ADF, NDF, tannin, TI, urease activity, and PA but they were remarkably enriched with organic acids, enzymes, and antioxidants. These feed materials could be used as functional feed additives or feed materials in farm animal nutrition.

β-glucan content in a panel of Triticum and Aegilops genotypes

Non-starch polysaccharides are the main components of dietary fibre, not digested in the small intestine, and with beneficial effects on human health. Among cereals, barley, oats and rye have the highest β-glucan content in the grain (from 3 to 10%), while wheat, rice and corn contain percentages lower than 1%. In this paper, we report the screening of a collection of cultivated and wild wheats for β-glucan content to identify useful genotypes for wheat breeding programs. β-glucan content was determined in a panel of 43 wild and cultivated accessions of diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid wheat (Triticum and Aegilops species), grown in replicated field trials for two years. The average content of β-glucans in durum wheat was 0.51% and 0.55% in 2016 and 2017, respectively, with a range of variation between 0.39 and 0.70%; the bread wheat showed always a β-glucan content lower than 1%. The Triticum wild species showed concentrations ranging between 0.41 and 1.33%. High β-glucan contents were found in some Aegilops species (Ae. markrafii, Ae. umbellulata, Ae. biuncialis and Ae. negletta) with values up to 7.1%. On the overall, the results obtained indicated a wide genetic diversity for β-glucans in some Aegilops species, which can be considered in interspecific gene transfer programs to constitute wheat varieties with β-glucan content higher than 2%, concentration adequate for a 10–15% reduction of cholesterol in the blood.

Drought stress affects the protein and dietary fiber content of wholemeal wheat flour in wheat/Aegilops addition lines.

Wild relatives of wheat, such as Aegilops spp. are potential sources of genes conferring tolerance to drought stress. As drought stress affects seed composition, the main goal of the present study was to determine the effects of drought stress on the content and composition of the grain storage protein (gliadin (Gli), glutenin (Glu), unextractable polymeric proteins (UPP%) and dietary fiber (arabinoxylan, β-glucan) components of hexaploid bread wheat (T. aestivum) lines containing added chromosomes from Ae. biuncialis or Ae. geniculata. Both Aegilops parents have higher contents of protein and β-glucan and higher proportions of water-soluble arabinoxylans (determined as pentosans) than wheat when grown under both well-watered and drought stress conditions. In general, drought stress resulted in increased contents of protein and total pentosans in the addition lines, while the β-glucan content decreased in many of the addition lines. The differences found between the wheat/Aegilops addition lines and wheat parents under well-watered conditions were also manifested under drought stress conditions: Namely, elevated β-glucan content was found in addition lines containing chromosomes 5Ug, 7Ug and 7Mb, while chromosomes 1Ub and 1Mg affected the proportion of polymeric proteins (determined as Glu/Gli and UPP%, respectively) under both well-watered and drought stress conditions. Furthermore, the addition of chromosome 6Mg decreased the WE-pentosan content under both conditions. The grain composition of the Aegilops accessions was more stable under drought stress than that of wheat, and wheat lines with the added Aegilops chromosomes 2Mg and 5Mg also had more stable grain protein and pentosan contents. The negative effects of drought stress on both the physical and compositional properties of wheat were also reduced by the addition of these. These results suggest that the stability of the grain composition could be improved under drought stress conditions by the intraspecific hybridization of wheat with its wild relatives.