Digestion Conditions Research Articles

Effect of the Type of Herbal Preparations (Powdered Plant Material vs. Dry Ethanolic Extracts) on the Bioaccessibility of Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng.) Phytochemicals in Simulated Digestion Conditions

The main aim of this study was to determine the potential bioaccessibility of bearberry phytochemicals influenced by the type of herbal preparations. Herbal preparations–powdered plant materials and dry extracts obtained using various ethanol concentrations (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%) were subjected to simulated gastric or gastrointestinal digestion for the evaluation of the bioaccessibility of the phytochemicals. The phytochemical characterization of the plant material, dry extracts, and potentially bioaccessible fractions was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometric assays. The content of the main compounds, i.e., arbutin, hydroquinone, hyperoside, pentagalloylglucose, and picein, as well as the total phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity through the ABTS•+-scavenging activity and Fe3+-reducing power were determined. The bioaccessibility of arbutin, i.e., the main compound in bearberry, was high, in most cases exceeding 95%, and was generally unaffected by the experimental factors; however, the changes in the content of the other compounds, the total phenolic content, and the antioxidant activity were more prominent and influenced by the type of the herbal preparation and the stage of digestion. Given the compromise between the abundance of the bearberry phytochemicals, the antioxidant activity, and the resulting potential bioaccessibility of these phytochemicals, the dry extracts prepared with 40% ethanol seem to be the most promising for phytopharmaceutical purposes and functional food applications.

Relevance of Anthocyanin Metabolites Generated During Digestion on Bioactivity Attributed to Intact Anthocyanins

Epidemiological and in vitro studies suggest that dietary anthocyanins in their intact form exert beneficial effects on human health. However, the potential contributions of anthocyanin metabolites to these beneficial effects have been underestimated. The objective of this review was to critically analyze the outcomes of studies concerning the formation, identification, cellular transport, and biological actions of anthocyanin metabolites generated during digestion to formulate several premises supporting the idea that these compounds largely contribute to human health. Studies performed using purified or semi-purified anthocyanins under digestion or physiological conditions were prioritized in this review. It was found that the information available about the digestive stability and metabolism of anthocyanins, as well as about their transport and deposition in human tissues has mostly been generated using plant extracts or tissues naturally containing compounds identified as anthocyanin metabolites or compounds that can serve as precursors of compounds identified as anthocyanin metabolites. This has significantly compromised the accurate identification of anthocyanin metabolites. Studies with pure or semi-purified anthocyanins are scarce in this regard. Some analytical procedures have also led to the unreliable identification and quantification of anthocyanin metabolites and, consequently, to the unreliable determination of their contribution to human health. Evidence suggests that anthocyanins are also highly metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract and transported, stored, and biologically active as their intermediary structures and final metabolites.

Mechanistic Insights into Lignin's Inhibition of Gluten Digestibility: Evidence from In Vitro Static Digestion.

This study investigates the inhibitory effects of lignin on gluten digestibility and elucidates the underlying mechanism using static in vitro digestion protocols involving pepsin and pancreatin. Gluten digestibility was evaluated based on the degree of protein hydrolysis (DH), peptides' profile, and free amino acids (AAs) content. The interactions between lignin and gluten under digestive conditions and their impact on proteolytic enzyme activities were examined through various analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), viscosity measurements, ζ-potential analysis, and enzyme kinetics. Results reveal that lignin significantly impairs gluten digestibility by inducing the formation of protein aggregates, leading to distinct intermediate peptides and reduced levels of key AAs such as aspartic acid, phenylalanine, proline, and histidine. These findings offer valuable insights into gluten-lignin interactions and highlight lignin's potential applications in the food industry, particularly as a functional additive to modulate nutrient digestibility.

Preparation and evaluation of novel Agriophyllum squarrosum starch nanoparticles for encapsulation of lycopene with enhanced retention rate and bioactivity during simulated in-vitro digestion.

In this study, we developed novel Agriophyllum squarrosum starch nanoparticles (ASSNPs) for the encapsulation of lycopene (LYC), aiming to enhance its stability and bioactivity under adverse environmental and digestive conditions. The small-granule starch extracted from A. squarrosum seeds was processed using ionic liquids (ILs) as an effective "green" solvent, followed by a systematic treatment involving ultrasonication and pullulanase to prepare the ASSNPs. The resulting nanoparticles exhibited small size, narrow particle size distribution, negative zeta potential, and high encapsulation efficiency of up to 64.3 %. The structures of ASSNPs were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. These analytical techniques confirmed the successful encapsulation of LYC and revealed increased intermolecular interactions. Stability and degradation experiments demonstrated that the retention of the LYC in the complexes was significantly higher than that of the unencapsulated LYC, highlighting the superior protective effects of ASSNPs on the storage and digestive stability of LYC. This research elucidated the structural features of the complex between ASSNPs and LYC, underscoring the potential of ASSNPs as a food-grade delivery system. This approach offers a sustainable method for enhancing the bioavailability of hydrophobic nutraceuticals.

Starch-based encapsulation to enhance probiotic viability in simulated digestion conditions

This research aims to meet the demand for efficient delivery systems in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. The study involved the synthesis of starch-based nanoparticles for potential application in the encapsulation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Various techniques such as zeta sizer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the encapsulated probiotics in microbeads. The results showed 85.00 % encapsulation efficiency of beads. Microscopic analysis revealed that the probiotics accumulated within the wall material and formed small, smooth polygonal granules on the capsule surface. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of amorphous humps and some crystallinity of nanoparticles in the capsules. Moreover, encapsulation significantly improved probiotic viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. This study highlights the potential of starch-based nanoparticles to enhance the stability and viability of probiotics, demonstrating their potential applications across various industrial sectors. Further research should focus on investigating the long-term stability and functional efficacy of encapsulated probiotics in microbeads for real-world applications.

Impact of Physical Activity on Digestive System Diseases

ABSTRACT Introduction: Digestive system diseases, including IBD, and GERD, are prevalent health concerns worldwide. Physical activity, widely acknowledged for its health benefits, has emerged as a promising area of research for its potential in mitigating symptoms and influencing risk factors associated with digestive system diseases. This study aims to critically assess existing evidence on the role of physical activity in the prevention, symptom management, and progression of prevalent digestive disorders. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of pertinent studies was conducted through comprehensive searches in databases including PubMed, NCBI and Google Scholar. The data were sourced from clinical and experimental studies, evaluated for methodological rigor, participant characteristics, and therapeutic outcomes. State of knowledge: The analysis demonstrated that physical activity can exert beneficial effects on digestive health through mechanisms such as enhanced gut motility, reduced inflammation, and increased microbiota diversity. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise was associated with reduced risk and symptom improvement in patients with IBS and IBD, while high-intensity exercise showed variable effects, with potential symptom exacerbation in certain cases. Additionally, exercise correlated with a lower incidence of GERD, likely due to benefits in weight management. Despite these positive associations, inconsistencies in study design and exercise protocols underscore the need for standardized guidelines on physical activity tailored to specific digestive conditions. Conclusions: Physical activity appears to play a beneficial role in managing and potentially preventing certain digestive system diseases. While moderate exercise shows promise in symptom alleviation and risk reduction, further research is necessary to establish clear, condition-specific exercise recommendations.

American Foregut Society White Paper on the Endoscopic Assessment of the Gastroesophageal Valve after Anti-Reflux Surgery

Background: Pathologic reflux is a common debilitating digestive condition and anti-reflux surgery is an effective treatment option. Depending on the specifics of the procedure, anti-reflux surgery leads to distinct changes in the endoscopic appearance of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). This American Foregut Society (AFS) white paper develops nomenclature for describing the endoscopic characteristics of the EGJ after commonly performed laparoscopic antireflux operations. Methods: The AFS Anti-Reflux Barrier Collaborative analyzed the anatomic manipulation and corresponding endoscopic appearance of the EGJ after commonly performed anti-reflux surgery including: (1) 360° anterior/posterior (AP) fundoplication (Nissen); (2) posterior partial fundoplication (Toupet); (3) anterior partial fundoplication (Watson, Dor); (4) magnetic sphincter augmentation; and (5) concomitant hiatal hernia repair with transoral fundoplication (cTIF). Results: Characteristics common to the anti-reflux surgery procedures include restoration of intra-abdominal esophageal length and crural diaphragm repair such that the hiatal aperture is no longer visible in the retroflexed endoscopic view. With regard to the geometry of anti-reflux procedures, the Collaborative established that when evaluated endoscopically in retroflection, the surgically constructed valve should be described in reference to the angle of His and the extent of anatomic change described in terms of (1) the depth of the anterior and posterior grooves, (2) the apposition of the valve collar to the endoscope, (3) the length of the valve, and (4) the position of the squamocolumnar junction relative to the lip of the valve. Conclusions: Current anti-reflux operations share much in common but employ varying degrees of valvular reconstruction leading to distinct endoscopic characteristics. Developing a consistent nomenclature for describing the appearance of the post-surgical valve is essential to develop a better understanding of how variables such as the tightness of the hiatal repair, tightness of the valve collar, and length of the valve can impact the outcome of anti-reflux surgery and predict reflux recurrence.

Bioplastic’s Valorisation by Anaerobic Co-Digestion with WWTP Mixed Sludge

Bioplastics are designed to degrade at the end of their lifecycle, but effective management of their end-of-life phase and integration into existing organic waste management systems remain significant challenges. Some bioplastics decompose under anaerobic conditions, with the anaerobic digestion (AD) process being a potential solution for their disposal. AD is a promising technology for valorising organic wastes, enabling biomethane production, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting product circularity. This study focuses on evaluating the continuous co-digestion of bioplastics with mixed sludge from an urban wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) was the selected bioplastic, as various studies have reported its high and rapid degradation under anaerobic mesophilic conditions. PHB’s biodegradability under typical WWTP anaerobic digestion conditions (35 °C, 20-day retention time) was assessed in batch tests and the results indicate that PHB degradation ranged from 68 to 75%, depending on particle size. To further explore the potential of AD for PHB valorisation, the feasibility of anaerobic co-digestion of PHB with WWTP sludge was tested on a continuous laboratory scale using two digesters: a conventional digester (CSTR) and an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR). The results indicated complete degradation of PHB, which led to higher biomethanisation percentages in both digesters, rising from 58% to 70% in the AnMBR and from 44% to 72% in the CSTR. The notable increase observed in the CSTR was attributed to changes in microbial populations that improved sludge biodegradability.

Gut-Brain Nexus: Mapping Multi-Modal Links to Neurodegeneration at Biobank Scale.

Co-occurring disorders of the gut-brain axis combined with genetic and proteomic data can better predict neurodegenerative risk.

A Programmable Oral Nanomotor Microcapsule for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

AbstractGiven the unique anatomy and location of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), oral pharmacological treatment is the mainstay for managing IBD because of its convenience and direct accessibility to the gastrointestinal tract. However, efficient delivery systems must be designed to navigate the harsh gastrointestinal environment during application. Here, an innovative oral drug delivery system was proposed using nanomotor (NM)‐loaded soluble microcapsules for treating IBD. MnO2‐Au‐mSiO2 NMs incorporate partially encapsulated MnO2 antennas that convert reactive oxygen species into oxygen, autonomously propelling the NMs. Astaxanthin (AST), known for its anti‐inflammatory properties, is loaded into the mesoporous silica (mSiO2) of NMs (AST@NMs). AST effectively reduces inflammation and shifts macrophages from a proinflammatory (M1) phenotype to an anti‐inflammatory (M2) phenotype. To protect the nanomotors from harsh digestive conditions and achieve intestinal‐responsive release, using photocurable 3D printing, we fabricated enteric‐coated oral microcapsules (MCs). Additionally, to prevent leakage of AST@NMs, a calcium alginate shell was cured in situ on the surface of the microcapsules (AST@NMs@MCs). In vitro and in vivo, AST@NMs@MCs effectively reduced inflammation, repaired the intestinal barrier, and modulated the gut microbiota. These findings underscore the protective effects of the microcapsules on AST@NM, highlighting their potential as a promising strategy for treating colitis.

Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in endometriosis patients: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: Despite its prevalence, limited research has explored the direct correlation between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and endometriosis, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to bridge this gap by investigating the prevalence of IBS among endometriosis patients and identifying associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: The study conducted a cross-sectional analysis, it was done at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah. From September to December 2023. Women who were diagnosed with endometriosis and aged above 18 years old were included. Results: Our study revealed that 47.8% of endometriosis patients had previously been diagnosed with IBS. Interestingly, Saudi patients exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of IBS compared to non-Saudi individuals. While no substantial link emerged between IBS prevalence and other demographic or endometriosis-related factors, patients with chronic digestive conditions like food intolerance, esophageal reflux, and inflammatory colon diseases showed a higher likelihood of IBS. Conclusions: This study underscores a substantial association between IBS and endometriosis, urging healthcare providers to consider IBS as a potential comorbidity in affected patients. The findings stress the importance of holistic assessments and awareness regarding overlapping symptoms and risk factors. Further research is encouraged to unveil underlying mechanisms and devise optimal management strategies for individuals grappling with both conditions.

Alteration in rheological and digestive properties of O/W emulsions using controlled aggregation of konjac glucomannan and xanthan gum in aqueous phases

The modulation of lipid digestion and emulsion stability remains a pivotal area of research, crucial for developing healthier food products with enhanced sensory and nutritional attributes. This study investigates the influence of konjac glucomannan (KGM) and xanthan gum (XG) on oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions throughout simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) digestion, focusing on rheological properties, microstructure evolution, and lipid release kinetics. Three distinct O/W emulsions were formulated with 20 wt% oil content, incorporating either 0.8 wt% XG, a 1:1 mixture of KGM and XG (KGM/XG), or a blend of KGM-XG. Rheological assessments revealed all emulsions exhibited shear-thinning behavior across applied shear rates (0.1–100 1/s). During gastric and small intestinal digestion phases, the KGM-XG emulsion exhibited significantly higher viscosity at higher shear rates (2.512–100 1/s), indicating robust molecular interactions between KGM and XG under digestive conditions. The analysis of microstructure, particle size, and flow behavior showed that the KGM-XG emulsion exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher viscosity and smaller particle sizes compared to other systems throughout the digestion process. This finding indicates that KGM-XG emulsion demonstrates a strong resistance to enzymes and digestive fluid during the transition from oral to small intestinal phases. Importantly, the extent of free fatty acid (FFA) release at the end of the small intestinal phase was highest for XG (34.4%), followed by KGM/XG (15.65%) and KGM-XG (13.23%). These findings highlight the potential of KGM-XG emulsions to modulate lipid digestion kinetics, offering applications in designing emulsion-based foods, such as sauces, beverages, and reduced-fat foods.

Probiotic Milk and Oat Beverages with Increased Protein Content: Survival of Probiotic Bacteria Under Simulated In Vitro Digestion Conditions.

The increasing prevalence of plant-based dietary preferences, driven by lactose intolerance, allergies, and adherence to vegan diets, has necessitated the exploration of alternative food matrices for probiotic delivery. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of whey protein isolate, pea protein isolate, and soy protein isolate on the viability of L. casei and L. johnsonii during simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Furthermore, the study investigated the impact of two distinct matrices-cow's milk and an oat-based beverage-on the survival of these probiotic strains. Fermented products were prepared using cow's milk and an oat-based beverage as matrices, with simulated digestion performed following a seven-day storage period at 5 °C. The in vitro digestion model encompassed oral, gastric, and small intestinal phases, with probiotic viability assessed using the plate-deep method at each stage. Before digestion, L. casei exhibited higher populations than L. johnsonii in both matrices. Including 3% soy and pea protein, isolates promoted the growth of L. casei in both fermented milk and oat beverages. However, a marked reduction in probiotic viability was observed during the gastric phase, with L. casei counts decreasing by 6.4-7.8 log cfu g-1 in fermented milk and 3.1-4 log cfu g-1 in oat beverages, while L. johnsonii demonstrated similar reductions. These findings underscore the protective role of dairy components on probiotic viability, while the oat-based matrix exhibited a reduced capacity for sustaining probiotic populations throughout digestion. Future research should focus on optimizing plant-based matrices to enhance probiotic stability during gastrointestinal transit.

Does Encapsulation Improve the Bioavailability of Polyphenols in Humans? A Concise Review Based on In Vivo Human Studies.

Polyphenols offer an array of health benefits that can contribute to well-being. Nevertheless, their bioactivity can be compromised due to their low bioavailability. Encapsulation has been explored as a strategy to enhance the stability and bioavailability of polyphenols. During encapsulation, polyphenols are protected from degradation by a wall material that acts as a protective coating. This coating shields the polyphenols from the harsh physiological conditions of digestion, ensuring their delivery to the intestine. However, the majority of evidence, particularly regarding bioavailability after digestion, is derived from in vitro studies. While these studies provide valuable preliminary insights, they cannot definitively confirm the effects in vivo due to their inability to accurately replicate physiological conditions and the complex gut microbial ecosystem. Consequently, this review seeks to evaluate the current evidence from in vivo human studies to elucidate the efficacy of encapsulation in improving polyphenols' bioavailability. Current clinical evidence on the impact of encapsulation on polyphenol bioavailability is primarily focused on polyphenols derived from grape pomace, cocoa, and bilberries, as well as individual polyphenols such as fisetin, hesperidin, and curcumin. Encapsulation has been an effective technique in improving the bioavailability of individual polyphenols like hesperidin, fisetin, and curcumin. However, this approach has not yielded consistent results when applied to groups of polyphenols, such as bilberry anthocyanins or cocoa phenolic acids. Encapsulation by micellization has shown promising results in improving the bioavailability of curcumin in a nutraceutical context. Further studies are needed to explore the bioavailability of encapsulated polyphenols, especially in the functional food context.

Person-first and identity-first disability language: Informing client centred care

BackgroundAddressing individuals with a disability can entail the use of person-first (person with a disability) or identity-first language (disabled person). However, there has been debate about use of these terms, yet there is a lack of evidence to inform preference across people with a broad range of health conditions, demographics, or health related factors. MethodsA 42-item survey measuring demographic and health condition factors, implicit and explicit preference for person-first and identity-first language use was open for completion by individuals with a self-reported health condition between July 7, 2021 and November 30, 2021. Recruitment was undertaken via posts on relevant social media sites and through community support and advocacy organisations. ResultsData analysis included responses from 875 valid surveys. Mean age of participants was 39.7 (SD: 13.7) years. There were 89 (10.2%) male, 637 female (72.8%) and 149 (17.0%) non-binary/other participants. When referring to themselves, participants most often reported use of identity first language (n = 335, 42.2%), followed by person-first language (n = 272, 34.1%), then both interchangeably (118, 23.7%). When referring to others, participants most often used person first language (n = 312, 39.4%), followed by both interchangeably (269, 34.0%), then identity-first language (n = 211, 26.6%). Disability language preference varied across health conditions, with participants with neurodevelopmental conditions most likely to use identity-first language and participants with digestive conditions most often preferencing person-first language. Participants who were younger and of non-binary gender preferred use of identity-first language. Appropriate use of identity-first language was rated significantly higher for people with a disability/health condition and family/friends than for third-party representatives, including healthcare professionals, educators, media and the general public. ConclusionFindings highlight the need to understand health condition and disability language preference in a more nuanced way to promote respectful language use when addressing people in the context of their disability/health condition.

How Scheduled Maintenance Affects Anaerobic Digester Supervision Through Modelling: A Practical Approach

Anaerobic digestion plays a crucial role in the transition toward a circular economy. Incorporating system supervision through mathematical modelling can enhance control and resilience. This study aims to assess the impact of scheduled digester maintenance on the effectiveness of modelling as a tool for monitoring and control. Data from a pilot-scale plug-flow digester were analyzed using an adapted ADM1 model. The maintenance involved halting the digester and removing sedimented solids. Model calibration indicated solid retention in the first two zones of the reactor, while the hydrolysis coefficient and biogas potential remained at 0.122 d−1 and 100.4 mL CH4/gVS, respectively. The average biogas production decreased from 156 to 109 mL/gVS pre- and post-maintenance. Simulations showed a decline in the model’s predictive accuracy after maintenance. To improve model fit, the initial conditions, solids retention, and kinetic parameters were adjusted. Optimal performance was achieved with khyd at 0.045 d−1 and B0 at 52.28 mL gVS−1, revealing an issue with the digester’s heating system. In conclusion, maintenance can significantly alter digester conditions, requiring model recalibration to maintain its effectiveness as a digital copilot for process supervision.

Anti-Bacterial Potential of Multi-strain Probiotics Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Strain Dad-13 and FNCC-0250) and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GMRMP-001 against Escherichia coli FNCC-0091 In Vitro and In Vivo

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Dad-13, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FNCC-0250 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GMRMP-001 are probiotics strain isolated from Indonesian local and traditional fermented foods. This study aims to evaluate the administration of multi-strain probiotics at dose of 109 CFU/mL/day for 14 days against the diarrhea-causing bacteria Escherichia coli FNCC-0091 at a dose of 1011 CFU/mL/day. Thirty rats were randomized and the divided into 5 groups, including control group, skim milk group, single-strain group, multi-strain group and E. coli group. Antibacterial activity was analyzed in vitro, feed intake, body weight were analyzed, microbial analysis was carried out on feces and cecum, short chain fatty acids were analyzed and intestinal morphology was measured. The result showed that the single-strain and multi-strain inhibition zone in in vitro test produces a very strong inhibitory potential (&gt; 9 mm). The number of L. plantarum and L. paracasei increased and the number of E. coli decreased significantly in the feces and cecum of Rat indicating the survival rate of the probiotic bacteria in the digestive tract and their ability to fight pathogenic bacteria. The concentration of acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid compounds also increased, indicating that the digestive tract is at a low pH so that it can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in rats. In addition, consumption of multi-strain probiotics does not have a negative effect on intestinal morphology. The conclusion is that multi-strain probiotics are able to inhibit pathogenic bacteria in vivo and in vitro. HIGHLIGHTS Multi-strain probiotics isolated from traditional Indonesian fermented foods can reduce the potential for diarrhea. Single-strain and multi-strain have the same effectiveness in inhibiting pathogenic bacteria as seen from the growth of the bacteria. Digestive conditions were damaged in rat that were not given probiotic intervention, but when they received probiotic intervention, digestive conditions improved. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Anaerobic Degradation of Aromatic and Aliphatic Biodegradable Plastics: Potential Mechanisms and Pathways.

Biodegradable plastics (BDPs) have been widely used as substitutes for traditional plastics, and their environmental fate is a subject of intense research interest. Compared with the aerobic degradation of BDPs, their biodegradability under anaerobic conditions in environmental engineering systems remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the degradability of BDPs composed of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(lactide acid) (PLA), and their blends, and explore the mechanism underlying their microbial degradation under conditions of anaerobic digestion (AD). The BDPs readily depolymerized under thermophilic conditions but were hydrolyzed at a slow rate under conditions of mesophilic AD. After 45 days of thermophilic AD, a decrease in the molecular weight and significant increase in the production of methane and carbon dioxide production were observed. Network and metagenomics analyses identified AD as reservoirs of plastic-degrading bacteria that produce multiple plastic-degrading enzymes. PETase was identified as the most abundant plastic-degrading enzyme. A potential pathway for the anaerobic biodegradation of BDPs was proposed herein. The polymers of high molecular weight were subjected to abiotic hydrolysis to form oligomers and monomers, enabling subsequent microbial hydrolysis and acetogenesis. Ultimately, complete degradation was achieved predominantly via the pathway involved in the conversion of acetic acid to methane. These findings provide novel insight into the mechanism underlying the anaerobic degradation of BDPs and the microbial resources crucial for the efficient degradation of BDPs.

Umami-enhancing effect of Agaricus bisporus-pork bone stocks based on the EUC value and sensory evaluation

In this study, Agaricus bisporus and pork bone stocks (PBS) were enzymatically digested, and the equivalent umami concentration (EUC) value, sensory evaluation and hydrolysis degree (DH) were used as indexes to find the optimal enzyme digestion conditions. Finally, the optimal enzymatic solution was mixed and analyzed for flavor compounds in the optimal enzymatic solution before and after Maillard reaction (MR) by GC × GC-O-MS. The results showed that the enzymatic digestion of mushroom stocks (MS) with a combination of Cellulase-Protamex™ (C-P) yielded high levels of flavor amino acids (40.733 ± 0.340 g/L), and 5′-nucleotides (12.807 ± 0.239 mg/g), and EUC values up to 1755.786 ± 40.759 g/100 g. Meanwhile, the simultaneous enzymatic hydrolysis of PBS with a combination of Flavourzyme™-Protamex™ (F-P) yielded high levels of flavor amino acids (51.265 ± 0.550 g/L) and 5′-nucleotides (17.477 ± 0.260 mg/g) with EUC values up to 3420.619 ± 114.193 g/100 g. Using the DH and sensory evaluation as indicators, the results showed that the greatest DH and the highest sensory scores were obtained with the addition of C-P-MS and F-P-MS at 7:3 (m/m). Finally, the compounds with large changes in concentration were mainly mushroom flavored 1-octen-3-ol (2208.614 ± 12.879 μg/kg), sweet-flavored 3-octanone (269.871 ± 11.691 μg/kg), floral-flavored benzyl alcohol (156.704 ± 14.859 μg/kg), green flavored 2-pentylfuran (190.470 ± 12.934 μg/kg), and almond-flavored furfural (523.555 ± 5.674 μg/kg).

Indole-3-Acetic Acid Esterified with Waxy, Normal, and High-Amylose Maize Starches: Comparative Study on Colon-Targeted Delivery and Intestinal Health Impact.

Background: Accumulating research suggests that metabolites produced by gut microbiota are essential for maintaining a balanced gut and immune system. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), one of tryptophan metabolites from gut microbiota, is critical for gut health through mechanisms such as activating aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Delivery of IAA to colon is beneficial for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, and one promising strategy is IAA esterified starch, which is digested by gut microbes in colon and releases loaded IAA. Amylose content is a key structural characteristic that controls the physicochemical properties and digestibility of starch. In the current study, IAA was esterified with three typical starches with distinct amylose content to obtain indolyl acetylated waxy maize starch (WMSIAA), indolyl acetylated normal maize starch (NMSIAA), and indolyl acetylated high-amylose maize starch (HAMSIAA). The study comparatively analyzed their respective physicochemical properties, how they behave under in vitro digestion conditions, their ability to deliver IAA directly to the colon, and their effects on the properties of the gut microbiota. The new characteristic peak of 1H NMR at 10.83 ppm, as well as the new characteristic peak of FTIR spectra at 1729 cm-1, represented the successful esterification of IAA on starch backbone. The following in vitro digestion study further revealed that treatment with indolyl acetylation significantly elevated the resistant starch content in the starch samples. In vivo experimental results demonstrated that WMSIAA exhibited the most significant increase in IAA levels in the stomach, whereas HAMSIAA and NMSIAA demonstrated the most remarkable increases in IAA levels in the small intestine and colon, respectively. The elevated IAA levels in the colon are conducive to promoting the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria and significantly alleviating DSS-induced colitis. This research presents innovative insights and options for the advancement of colon-specific drug delivery systems aimed at preventing and curing gastrointestinal disorders.