Digestion Tests Research Articles

New insights into adlay seed bran polysaccharides: Effects of enzyme-assisted Aspergillus niger solid-state fermentation on its structural features, simulated gastrointestinal digestion, and prebiotic activity

Adlay seed bran, typically discarded or used as animal feed, represents a significant resource waste. This study investigates the structural and physicochemical properties, in vitro digestive behavior, and fecal fermentation profiles of adlay seed bran polysaccharides (ASBPs) prepared using different methods. These methods include hot water extraction, Aspergillus niger solid-state fermentation (SSF), and enzyme-assisted SSF with β-glucosidase, cellulase, and xylanase, referred to as ASBP, ASBP-F, ASBP-GF, ASBP-CF, and ASBP-XF, respectively. Results showed that enzyme-assisted SSF with A. niger improved extraction efficiency and uniformity of ASBPs, increasing total neutral sugars, uronic acids, mannose, and galactose while reducing glucose content, molecular weight, and particle size. ASBP-CF had the best extraction rate, sugar content, lowest molecular weight, finest uniformity, and smallest particle size. In simulated digestion tests, all ASBP variants were stable in stomach and small intestine conditions but degradable by human fecal microbiota, showing varying fermentability levels. ASBPs increased Bacteroidetes populations, inhibited Proteobacteria growth, and enhanced short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) production, with ASBP-CF showing the highest fermentability and prebiotic efficacy. ASBP-CF was particularly effective in promoting beneficial bacteria like Bacteroides and restraining harmful bacteria such as Escherichia_Shigella, producing more SCFAs during fermentation. These findings suggest that ASBP-CF has potential as a dietary supplement to improve gut health, presenting a high-value utilization strategy for adlay seed bran.

Utilization of coalmine overburden-furnace slag and fly ash mixed cement-treated subbase/base course material for sustainable flexible pavements: mechanical performance and environmental impact.

The scarcity of conventional aggregates with tremendous growth in highway construction and the indiscriminate dumping of industrial waste materials in precious landfills has become a huge global concern. This study is aimed at utilizing wastes from various industries, including coalmine overburden (OB) dump, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, and fly ash to produce suitable and sustainable cement-treated subbase/base course layers (CBSB/CTB) for flexible pavement construction. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the composition of the blended material considering unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and Poisson's ratio. Results demonstrated that 50% OB dump, 40% slag, 5% fly ash, and 5% cement achieved a 7-day UCS of 4.84MPa and Poisson's ratio of 0.25, in line with IRC:37-2018 guidelines. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analysis confirmed the presence of ettringite crystals, calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H), and calcium-aluminosilicate-hydrate (C-A-S-H) gels which are the source of strength development in the blend. Further, a soaked California bearing ratio (CBR) of 136.08% and flexural strength of 2.06MPa after 7days and 28days of curing, respectively, demonstrates the overall strength of the stabilized waste. Approximately 4% weight loss was observed after wet-dry durability tests, indicating exceptional performance of the optimal blend in inclement weather conditions. Furthermore, the environmental impact of the blended material was studied through a leaching study. Fly ash had a high zinc (Zn) level, while BOF slag showed a rich concentrationof chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) in the acid digestion test. In spite of this, the toxicity characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP) test indicated that the levels of heavy metals that leached from the stabilized material stayed considerably below the permissible limits set forth in Indian Standard, IS:10500 (2012). Finally, cost analysis showed a 51.6% reduction in construction cost with cement-treated industrial wastes instead of granular base/subbase made with conventional aggregates. The study recommends the suitability of the stabilized waste material as an alternate construction material for large-scale field applications, which could encourage the construction of flexible pavements that are environmentally benign, economical, and sustainable.

Hsa_circ_0001492 regulates the hsa-miR-145-5p/ovarian carcinoma immunoreactive antigen domain 2 axis to promote the progression of lung adenocarcinoma.

Circular RNA (circRNA) has been proven to be a key regulator in a range of tumor illnesses, such as lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD); however, the regulatory mechanisms of circRNA remain unclear. In this study, circRNA (hsa_circ_0001492) in LUAD was examined for its regulatory and functional potential. qRT-PCR was used to assess the hsa_circ_0001492 level in LUAD. The RNAse R digestion test was employed to isolate hsa_circ_0001492. The primary location of hsa_circ_0001492 enrichment in LUAD cells was identified through a nucleoplasmic separation test. LUAD cell migration, proliferation, and spherogenicity were examined using wound healing, transwell, EdU, and cell spherogenicity assays. The association between miR-145-5p and hsa_circ_0001492/ovarian carcinoma immunoreactive antigen domain 2 (OCIAD2) was validated using a dual luciferase experiment. The interaction between sh-hsa_circ_0001492 and miR-145-5p was confirmed through an RNA pull-down assay. The effects of hsa_circ_0001492, miR-145-5p, and OCIAD2 on LUAD tumor development were examined using xenograft mouse models and immunohistochemistry tests. Results showed a higher amount of hsa_circ_0001492 in LUAD. The cytoplasm of LUAD cells was observed in the area where hsa_circ_0001492 mainly accumulated; hsa_circ_0001492 enhanced LUAD cell migration, proliferation, and sphere-forming ability. MiR-145-5p and OCIAD2 were identified as targets of hsa_circ_0001492 and miR-145-5p, respectively. The level of OCIAD2 was increased by hsa_circ_0001492 through targeted binding to miR-145-5p. In nude mice, tumor growth was inhibited by silencing hsa_circ_0001492, while knockdown of miR-145-5p and overexpression of OCIAD2 promoted the growth of LUAD tumors. In conclusion, hsa_circ_0001492 regulates the hsa-miR-145-5p/OCIAD2 axis to promote the progression of LUAD, and could be a useful target for the diagnosis and treatment of LUAD.

Size-controlled interfacial crystallization of A-type resistant starch microparticles via acetone precipitation

Short-chain glucan (SCG) recrystallization has emerged as an effective approach for producing resistant starch microparticle (RSP), which hold promise in both food science and clinical nutrition. This study introduces a novel method utilizing Tween 80 (TW80) to mediate the interfacial recrystallization of SCG into A-type crystalline RSP (ARSP) through acetone precipitation. TW80 plays a crucial role by stabilizing water-in-oil microemulsion droplets within acetone-oil mixtures, facilitating the formation of uniform and spherical ARSP ranging in size from 0.2 μm to 2 μm. The surface characteristics of ARSP, including porosity and smoothness, are notably influenced by SCG concentration. As SCG concentration increases, the melting temperature of ARSP rises from 117 °C to 145 °C, accompanied by a decrease in average surface area from 12.07 to 8.35 m2/g, alongside an increase in crystallinity. Moreover, the in vitro digestion test revealed that the digestion rate of ARSP was decreased from 0.73 h−1 to 0.39 h−1 with increasing SCG concentration, while increasing the resistant starch (RS) content in ARSP from 48.6% to 70.5%. This enhancement offers a strategic approach for modulating the digestion rate of ARSP, presenting opportunities for tailored release profiles and improved stability in food science applications. These findings underscore the potential of ARSP as a functional ingredient with significant implications for nutritional and clinical settings.

Anti-Obesity Effects of a Collagen with Low Digestibility and High Swelling Capacity: A Human Randomized Control Trial.

Collagen is a protein formed by very long amino acid chains. When conveniently treated, it can incorporate water into the net, thus increasing its volume and mass. The present work aimed to evaluate the potential anti-obesity effects of bovine collagen that has been technologically treated to increase its water retention capacity in an acid pH medium, with the objective of inducing satiation. Collagen's digestibility was tested with a pepsin digestion test. Its swelling capacity was tested in an acid pH medium simulating gastric conditions. Postprandial levels of ghrelin in response to collagen supplementation were tested in rats. In a randomized control trial, 64 subjects with overweight/obesity were allocated in two groups: supplemented daily with two protein bars enriched with collagen (20 g per day) for 12 weeks, or control group. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were assessed in all the participants. This collagen showed a low digestibility (<60%) and high swelling capacity (>1900%) in vitro. In humans with overweight and obesity, this collagen significantly reduced body weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and fatty liver index (FLI) and increased fat-free mass when compared with the control group. A significant reduction in the sarcopenic index; total, troncular, and visceral fat (measured by DEXA); and serum leptin levels were observed in the collagen group at the end of the intervention, with no differences with respect to controls. Collagen reduced the sensation of hunger and increased fullness and satisfaction. In male Wistar rats, collagen decreased postprandial blood ghrelin levels. Collagen supplementation (20 g per day for 12 weeks) reduced body weight, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, FLI, and SBP in humans with overweight and obesity, which might be related to the increased sensation of fullness and satisfaction reported by the volunteers after the intake.

Novel one-step method to construct gellan gum-zein core-shell structured starch beads for regulating starch digestion

A simple and efficient one-step method combining ion crosslinking and antisolvent exchange has been developed to construct gellan gum/corn starch@zein (GG/CS@Z) core-shell structured beads. This novel approach aims to reduce the digestibility and digestion rate of starch. The GG/CS@Z beads were comprehensively characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), swelling power experiments and in vitro simulated digestion tests, respectively. SEM and CLSM analyses unequivocally confirmed the successful construction of the core-shell structure in GG/CS@Z beads. The encapsulation of starch within the core-shell structure effectively restricted its swelling and gelatinization by inhibiting water contact. Notably, compared to native corn starch, the GG/CS@Z5 beads exhibited significantly enhanced contents of slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS), reaching 34.07 % and 26.86 %, respectively. These findings demonstrate the potential of GG/CS@Z core-shell structured beads as functional food ingredients for individuals with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Nutrient Digestive Bypass: Determinants and Associations with Stool Quality in Cats and Dogs

The effect of digestive bypass macronutrients and age on stool quality (moisture and firmness) in dogs and cats is not well understood. Data were analyzed from digestibility tests (n = 2020, 361 dogs and 536 cats) including dry and wet product types. Both food and feces were measured for moisture and nutrients according to standard protocols; stool firmness was graded. Linear mixed modeling was used to evaluate the associations between nutrient bypass, age and stool quality. Bypass protein increased stool moisture (dog, cat p &lt; 0.0001) and decreased firmness (dog p = 0.01, cat p &lt; 0.0001), while bypass fiber decreased stool moisture and increased firmness (dog, cat p &lt; 0.0001 for both). Both species manifested a negative quadratic effect of advanced age on stool firmness (dog p &lt; 0.0001 and cat p = 0.02). However, the association of advanced age (quadratic effect) with metabolizable energy required to maintain body weight was different between species; dogs had a positive association (p = 0.028), while it was negative for cats (p &lt; 0.0001). Taken together, these data may aid in the development of food formulations for companion animals, which can better meet changing nutritional needs across life stages.

Porous starch-probiotics encapsulation for 3D-printed chocolate

This study aims to utilize 3D printing technology to prepare functional chocolates with high content and viability of probiotics. Firstly, in order to protect probiotics (L. plantarum, lpl) avoiding inactive by melting chocolate syrup, we used raw starches as different amylose/amylopectin ratios (up to ∼30% amylose) for preparing novel porous carriers to encapsulate them. Then the formed pores of porous starches (HPPS1:0,3:1,1:1,1:3,0:1) were identified by SEM and BET, and their ability to encapsulate lpl were compared (with HPPS3:1 showing the best behavior) based on the survival rate and gastrointestinal simulation system. Then HPPS3:1-lpl capsule was applied in 3D printed chocolate, with optimization of adding levels for the shaping property. Probiotic cell viability, rheology, texture, and digestion simulation were also compared. The results showed that the surviving amount of probiotics (107 CFU/g) in HPPS3:1-lpl@choc (add 15% HPPS3:1-lpl to the chocolate) was much higher than that in lpl@choc (102 CFU/g, without microencapsulation protection) after in-vitro digestion test, among which HPPS3:1-lpl@choc15 had the best shaping property. This research provides a new alternative strategy for utilizing porous starch carrier to encapsulate probiotics for melting 3D printing of chocolate (or other similar food materials) as personalized design.

Potential for Biogas Production from Water Hyacinth and Banana Peels: A Case Study of Substrates Harvested from Lomé, Togo

Climate change and the growing demand for energy have prompted research on alternative eco-friendly energy sources. This study focused on the potential for biogas production from water hyacinth and banana peel waste through physicochemical characterization and batch anaerobic digestion tests. The water hyacinth and banana peel samples were dried, ground, and subjected to elemental, proximate, and fiber content analyses. Subsequently, banana peel waste, water hyacinth stems, and leaves were used for batch anaerobic digestion tests in 500 mL glass flask bottles for 21 days under mesophilic conditions in n = 3 trials. Kruskal–Wallis and Dunnett’s tests were performed to identify the significance of the differences in biogas yield among the samples. The analyses of the elemental, proximate, and fiber contents of water hyacinth and banana peels revealed that they possess a suitable chemical composition and essential nutrients for the production of high-yield biogas. The biogas yields from water hyacinth leaves, stems, and banana peels were 280.15, 324.79, and 334.82 mL/g VS, respectively. These findings indicate that water hyacinth and banana peel waste have significant potential for biogas production.

Improved viability of probiotics by co-encapsulation of wheat germ oil under storage and gastrointestinal conditions: Effects of drying methods and wall composition

To improve the viability of probiotics during food storage and gastrointestinal digestion, this study developed solid microcapsules co-loaded with probiotics and wheat germ oil using W1/O/W2 emulsion pre-encapsulation, followed by spray drying (SD), freeze drying (FD) and spray freeze drying (SFD), respectively. The effects of drying methods and wall materials on the microstructure, physicochemical properties, storage stability, and gastrointestinal tolerability were highlighted. Firstly, all samples showed high encapsulation efficiency for probiotics (86%–99.2%) and wheat germ oil (72%–85%), low moisture content (2.8%–5.3%) and hygroscopicity (6.3%–11.6%), and wall materials exhibited structural stability during the drying process. The results of viable cell counts indicated that SFD caused more damage to bacterial cells than the other two drying methods, as evidenced by the total death of encapsulated probiotics within 90 days. In contrast, SD and FD encapsulated probiotics remained at 8.8–9.9 log CFU/g after 150 days of storage at 4 °C and 25 °C. Furthermore, the viability of probiotics in the co-encapsulated and pectin-added microcapsules was significantly enhanced in storage stability and simulated gastrointestinal digestion tests. Based on the above results, it was suggested that the co-encapsulation strategy of combining the W1/O/W2 structure and SD or FD to prepare microencapsulated powders can obtain probiotic products with high activity and high stability. Meanwhile, composite wall material (whey protein isolate and pectin) could enhance probiotics' protective effect and colonic targeted release behavior. In conclusion, the current research provides a valuable reference for the application of probiotics and functional oils in the food industry.

Impact of Bioplastic Design on Biodigestion Treatment

In this study, the impact of bioplastic design on anaerobic digestion for biogas production was investigated. This research aims to facilitate the integration of bioplastics into a circular economy, which is why our study proposes considering not only aspects related to their degradation in the formulation but also ensuring efficient behavior in anaerobic digestion plants. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) samples, derived from different starch sources and formulated with varying concentrations of calcium carbonate and thicknesses, were subjected to anaerobic digestion tests. Three key parameters were explored: the influence of filler concentration, the effect of sample thickness, and the role of starch origin. Biogas production and kinetics were assessed using biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests. The results reveal that calcium carbonate concentration negatively influenced the methane production rate, reaching 30 NmL/gVS/day for the filler-free sample, highlighting the importance of understanding filler effects on anaerobic digestion. Additionally, thicker samples exhibited slower biogas production, with a rate of 25 NmL/gVS/day compared to 30 NmL/gVS/day for the thinnest sample, emphasizing the relevance of sample thickness in influencing digestion kinetics. The starch origin did not yield significant differences in biogas production, providing valuable insights into the feasibility of using diverse starch sources in bioplastic formulations. This study enhances our understanding of bioplastic behavior during anaerobic digestion, offering essential insights for optimizing waste management strategies and advancing circular economy practices.

Impact of Rice Bran Oil Emulsified Formulation on Digestion and Glycemic Response to Japonica Rice: An In Vitro Test and a Clinical Trial in Adult Men.

To assess the effect of rice bran oil emulsified formulation (EMF) on cooked rice, a single-arm open clinical trial and in vitro testing for digestion and glycemic response were performed. Fifteen Japanese men consumed 200 g of packed rice, cooked with or without EMF. Blood samples were collected 0, 30, 60, and 120 min post-consumption and analyzed for glucose, insulin, and triglyceride levels. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and sensory evaluation were also performed. A two-step in vitro digestion test, simulating gastric and small intestinal digestion was conducted. EMF-added rice group showed higher insulin response levels at 60 min than the placebo group. Stratification of participants with HbA1c ≥ 5.6 or an insulinogenic index ≤ 0.4 revealed a significant reduction in Cmax glucose levels. A significant correlation was observed between venous and CGM blood glucose levels and no significant sensory differences were observed. The in vitro test revealed significantly lower C∞, equilibrium starch concentrations, with EMF. Clinical trial suggests that EMF may stimulate insulin secretion and reduce blood glucose levels in participants with lower insulin responses. In vitro tests suggest that EMF inhibits glycemic digestion. This trial was registered at the UMIN Center (UMIN000053495; registered 31 January 2024).

Physicochemical properties and in vitro release of formononetin nano-particles by ultrasonic probe-assisted precipitation in four polar organic solvents

Although formononetin has a considerable biological activity, its therapeutic use is limited by its low solubility. Formononetin was dissolved in ethanol, methanol, N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in this investigation, the antisolvent precipitation procedure with the assistance of an external ultrasonic probe was used to manufacture the formononetin nano-particles. The ideal parameters for response surface BBD optimization are as follows: feed volume flow rate of 6 mL/min; ultrasonic power of 860 W; and liquid-liquid ratio of 1:12.5. The formononetin nano-particles have a smaller particle diameter than raw sample; the lowest size can be as small as (329 ± 1.99) nm, which is 45 times smaller than raw. An in vitro digestion test using a solution that simulated intestinal solution revealed that the release rate of the nano-particle was 1.75 times than that of the raw formononetin. The formononetin nano-particles generated by the aforementioned four solvents have the following order of diameter: ethanol > methanol > DMF > DMSO. This study provided a technical reference for the functional food components in deep processing.

Autochthonous probiotic bacteria improve intestinal pathology and histomorphology, expression of immune and growth-related genes and resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer).

The study isolated two strains of intestinal autochthonous bacteria Lactiplantibacillus plantarum1 (MH155966.1) (L1) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum2 (MH105076.1) (L2) from the Choobdeh Abadan region. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different strains of probiotic bacteria on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, histopathologic and histomorphometric characterization of the intestine, expression of immune and growth related genes, and evaluate Lates calcarifer resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus. To achieve this, for each treatment 60 L. calcarifer juveniles (75 ± 12g) were randomly distributed in three fiberglass tanks (300L) and fed for 45 days. The treatments were established as Diet 1 (control diet); L1 (diet with Lb. plantarum isolated 1); L2 (diet with Lb. plantarum isolated 2) with a bacterial concentration of 1 × 109 CFU/g. Nine fish from each treatment were sampled and examined, after euthanasia. The fish were placed 2cm from the beginning of the intestine for microscopic sampling of villi height, villi width and thickness of the epithelium, with 3 treatments: The result showed differences in the mean values of total weight were found at the end of the experiment. After 45 days of culture, the fish fed with L1 had higher (P < 0.05) growth performance than the other treatment groups. But at the end of the trial, in L2, the digestive enzyme activities were higher (P < 0.05) than the other treatment groups. The fishes fed diets supplemented with the L2 group, like the digestive enzyme activities test, presented an increase in the thickness of the epithelium of the intestine, and villus height, and villus width were greatest in L2. Fish feeding with L1 and L2 probiotics induced higher transcription levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming cells (GMCFC), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) genes in the gut, which may correlate with better immune and hematological parameters in these groups. The results of the challenge test revealed that the percentage of survival was significantly higher in L1 (76.2%) and L2 (80.95%) treatments than in the control (P < 0.05). These results indicate that host-derived probiotics (Lb. plantarum) have significant potential as important probiotics to enhance nutrient utilization, Digestive enzymes, and metabolism by increasing the gut surface area of Lates calcarifer juveniles at 45 days of culture.

Application of functional compounds from agro-industrial residues of Brazilian's tropical fruits extracted by sustainable methods in alginate-chitosan microparticles

The extraction and encapsulation of bioactive compounds have emerged as promising strategies to enhance their utility in various industrial applications. This study explores functional compounds derived from tropical fruit waste, including grape pomace, jabuticaba, and dragon fruit. These compounds were extracted using sustainable methods such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, maceration, and pressurized liquid extraction for incorporation into alginate and chitosan microparticles. Among the extraction methods employed, pressurized liquid extraction demonstrated the highest efficiency in recovering phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and betalains. The optimized microparticles were tailored to specific fruit sources, with chitosan concentrations of 0.19%, 0.27%, and 0.34%, and alginate concentrations of 2.26%, 1.79%, and 1.73% for grape pomace, dragon fruit husk, and jabuticaba peel, respectively. These microparticles exhibited encapsulation efficiencies ranging from 98.43% to 99.78%. Furthermore, they displayed low solubility (0.23%–0.39%) and high hygroscopicity (38.92%–41.01%). In vitro gastrointestinal digestibility tests showed that the bioaccessibility of the phenolic compounds reached up to 95%. This finding suggests that the encapsulated bioactive compounds remain highly bioavailable, making them potentially valuable in the development of pharmaceutical and health products as well as functional foods. In conclusion, this research underscores the significance of valorizing tropical fruit by-products in Brazil through pressurized liquid extraction, followed by their efficient encapsulation within alginate and chitosan matrices. This process not only reduces waste but also opens up exciting avenues for applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Degradation of paper-based boxes for food delivery in composting and anaerobic digestion tests

This study evaluated the fate of food delivery boxes when subjected to biological treatments, reproducing at the lab-scale the conditions of full-scale plants. Four paper-based boxes were composted: two made of paper only, one coupled with polylactic acid (PLA), and one with a barrier coating. One paper only box and the box with PLA were also investigated for their anaerobic degradability with biochemical methane potential (BMP) and semi-continuous tests. During composting, the boxes were not recognisable inside the compost after four (paper only boxes), eight (box with PLA), and twelve (box with barrier coating) weeks. In BMP tests, the paper only box showed a degradability similar to that of food waste (92 %), while the box with PLA degraded only at 76 %. Furthermore, undigested pieces of PLA were found in semi-continuous tests. Accordingly, paper resulted suitable for biological treatments, while the presence of PLA or other barrier coatings can be critical.

Spray-drying microencapsulation of plum peel bioactives using Arabic gum and maltodextrin as coating matrix

The goal of the current study is to develop a microencapsulation formulation of plum peel bioactives in Arabic gum and/or maltodextrin through spray-drying. A mixture design of experiments was used with 2 coating materials (Arabic gum and maltodextrin) and 1 process factor (inlet temperature) to find the optimum conditions for maximizing the encapsulation efficiency (EE) in terms of total phenolic content (TPC), encapsulation yield (EY), antioxidant activity and total anthocyanin content (TAC). The systems for the selected 4 responses were modeled satisfactorily (p < 0.0001) with non-significant lack of fit (p > 0.05). The optimum conditions (5% maltodextrin and 5% Arabic gum at 160 °C) to obtain the maximum yields (85% EE, 81.50% EY, 5.78 mg trolox equivalents of antioxidant activity per g dried microcapsule and 0.65 TAC as mg cyaniding-3-glucoside per g dried microcapsule) were tested to confirm the proposed method. The difference between the actual and the predicted values were less than 2%. Moreover, morphological and physicochemical properties of the microparticles were also performed. Release behaviour of the TPC was also investigated based on the in vitro digestion test. TPC release in the gastric fluid was higher than in the intestinal fluid (78.92% versus 69.37%).

Germination-Induced Enhancement of Brown Rice Noodle Nutritional Profile and Gut Microbiota Modulation.

This study explored how germination influences the starch digestion and intestinal fermentation characteristics of brown rice noodle. The study began with in vitro starch digestion tests to assess how germination affects starch digestibility in brown rice noodles, revealing an increase in rapidly digestible starch content and a decrease in resistant starch content. Subsequently, an in vitro human fecal fermentation model was used to simulate the human intestinal environment, showing that germination altered pH levels and the production of short-chain fatty acids, particularly by increasing propionate while decreasing acetate and butyrate. Additionally, the study noted a decrease in gut microbiota diversity following fermentation, accompanied by an increase in Megamonas growth and a decrease in Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium. In conclusion, these findings suggest that germination could enhance the nutritional value and intestinal probiotic properties of brown rice noodles. This research contributes valuable insights into the role of germination in improving the nutritional properties of rice-based products and provides a foundation for further exploration into the development of health-promoting rice noodles.

Lignin nanoparticle as a vehicle to load, release, and improve the stability and antioxidant activity of curcumin: Comparison between dropping and pouring regimes

Curcumin (Cur) was loaded in lignin nanoparticles (LNP) via an antisolvent method by pouring (P-) and dropping (D-) regimes, respectively, and Cur-loaded LNP (Cur/LNP) were comparatively characterized. The results indicated that P-Cur/LNP (62–92 nm) was much smaller than D-Cur/LNP (134–139 nm). For both regimes, their maximum loading efficiencies were comparable (91 ± 3%), while dropping regime (236.2 mg/g) demonstrated a higher loading capacity than pouring regime (174.6 mg/g). In both regimes, Cur was loaded in an amorphous form via the hydrophobic, hydrogen-bonding, and π-π interactions with lignin matrix and it demonstrated a controlled release in in vitro digestion test. In comparison, Cur in D-Cur/LNP showed higher stabilities against photodegradation, thermal treatment, and 30-d storage than that in P-Cur/LNP, while P-Cur/LNP concluded a higher antioxidant activity than D-Cur/LNP. The present findings attested that LNP was a valuable tool to stabilize and controlled release of lipophilic phytochemicals as well as improve their bioactivities.

Evaluation of the Effect of Thickeners in Enteral Formulas on the Gastric Emptying Rate of Proteins and Carbohydrates Using a Semi-Dynamic Gastric Model.

The emptying rate of specific nutrients in enteral formulas is poorly understood, despite the importance of controlling the emptying rate in tube-fed patients. Because of their viscosity, thickened formulas are widely used to avoid gastric reflux and reduce the burden on caregivers. This study examined how thickeners in enteral formulas affected the gastric emptying rates of proteins and carbohydrates. A semi-dynamic gastric model was used to prepare and digest test enteral formulas that contained either no thickeners or agar (0.2%). The amounts of protein and carbohydrates in each emptied aliquot were determined, and the emptying rate was calculated. We found that agar accelerated protein emptying, and an exploratory experiment with agar (0.5%) suggested the possibility of concentration dependence. Additionally, experiments using gellan gum (0.08%), guar gum (0.2%), or carrageenan (0.08%, 0.2%) suggested that protein emptying could vary depending on the thickener type and that carrageenan might slow it. These results could help with the appropriate selection of thickeners added to liquid foods based on the patient's metabolic profile to manage nutrition, not only for tube-fed patients but also for those with oropharyngeal dysphagia or diabetes.