Essential Amino Acid Index Research Articles

Effect of Processing Methods on Amino Acid and Fatty Acid Composition of Parkia biglobosa Seeds

Parkia biglobosa (PB) is among the various underexploited nutritious plants. A comparative study was conducted on the effect processing PB has on the amino and fatty acid composition. Fermented (FPB), defatted (DPB), and protein isolates (PI) samples were prepared from Parkia biglobosa seeds using various processing methods, and evaluated using standard analytical protocols. The PI showed the highest significant total non-essential amino acids, essential amino acids, and conditionally essential amino acids when compared with FPB and DPB. In addition, the PI showed the highest significant (p < 0.05) total neutral amino acids, basic amino acids, total aromatic amino acids, and the lowest percentage cystine ratio of total sulphur amino acids and total amino acids in comparison with FPB and DPB. The PI also showed a better-predicted protein efficient ratio, essential amino acid index, biological value, protein content, and nutritional index than FPB and DPB. Furthermore, PI amino acid composition was compared favourably with the reference scores for a whole hen’s egg, preschool child, and provisional scoring pattern. Arginine and histidine values of PI were higher than the recommended values. The FPB (42.29%) showed the highest polyunsaturated fatty acids compared with the DPB (41.94%) and PI (26.7%). The dominant saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were stearic acid (15.1 DPB), linoleic acid (42.29 DPB), and oleic acid (14.05 PI). The DPB (1.84) showed a better polyunsaturated to saturated (P:S) ratio than FPB (1.74) and PI (0.91). The results revealed that the processing methods improved the relative amino acid composition, whereas the fatty acid composition improved in DPB. Therefore, PI could serve as an alternative in the formulation of complementary foods.

Unveiling the nutritional treasure trove: A comparative analysis of two Azolla species for potential food applications

The study investigates the nutritional potential of Azolla pinnata and Azolla caroliniana for its food applications. Nutritional evaluation revealed it as a valuable source of major and minor nutrients. Both species exhibited an abundance of vitamins as well as essential macro and micro mineral components. The essential amino acid profile ranged from 41.96% to 42.91%, and non-essential amino acids comprising of 57.1–58.02%. Fatty acid analysis indicated a significant amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (26.96% - 28.06%) and Monounsaturated fatty acids were present in the range of 8.34–8.81%. The ω3:ω6 ratio favored a healthy balance in both species indicating a ratio of 4:1. Protein quality indices showed encouraging values with regard to Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Essential Amino Acid Index (EAAI), Nutritional Index (NI), Biological Value (BV), and Chemical Score (CS) for both species. Findings suggested Azolla species as promising candidate for its food applications. A balanced and varied diet is essential for human health, and to meet this, Azolla can be explored as a complementary source of nutrient along with other major dietary sources.

Nutritional Value Evaluation of New Pea Genotypes (Pisum sativum L.) Based on Their Chemical, Amino Acids and Dietary Fiber Composition.

This research concerned the assessment of the utility value of new pea breeding materials intended for registration in the European Union. The research material consisted of sixteen breeding lines and four reference pea varieties. The evaluation was carried out based on the chemical composition of seeds and its variability within the studied genotypes. The contents of protein, starch, lipids, ash and dietary fiber (DF) were determined. The nutritional value of the protein was assessed in vitro using the value of the limiting amino acid index chemical score (CS) and the integrated essential amino acid index (EAAI). The analyzed pea genotypes were characterized by significant diversity in terms of the content of the tested components. The obtained results combined with the PCA analysis were used to select pea genotypes of the highest quality, having the potential as a raw material for the production of food with health-promoting properties. The effect of the conducted research was the identification of three pea genotypes with the greatest potential in terms of protein content and dietary fiber complex.

Pilot-scale bioremediation of rare earths wastewater by Chlamydomonas sp. YC

The extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) through in-situ leaching with ammonium sulphate [(NH4)2SO4] had resulted in the production of a large volume of ammonium-rich wastewater, causing severe environmental pollution. This study aimed to assess the ability of an indigenous microalga Chlamydomonas sp. YC, isolated from REEs wastewater, to directly treat real REEs wastewater under outdoor conditions in 50 L airlift photobioreactors (AL-PBRs) and 5.0 m3 open race-way photobioreactors (ORWPs). Additionally, the harvested Chlamydomonas sp. YC biomasses from these two pilot photobioreactors were comprehensively analyzed to evaluate the nutritional values. The results showed that Chlamydomonas sp. YC in AL-PBRs exhibited higher biomass production (1.1 g/L), greater removal efficiencies in NH4+-N (24.9%) and total nitrogen (20.4%), as well as higher CO2 fixation rate (125.0 mg/(L·d)), compared to those of ORWPs. Moreover, the Chlamydomonas sp. YC biomasses obtained from the two pilot photobioreactors contained 44.5% and 49.4% protein, 9.1% and 14.3% lipids. Moreover, Chlamydomonas sp. YC in the two pilot photobioreactors displayed essential amino acid indexes (EAAI) of 0.900, which was higher than that of soybean protein (0.657), indicating superior nutritional values. In conclusion, the implementation of the process involving Chlamydomonas sp. YC in AL-PBRs under outdoor conditions holds promise as a coupled microalgal biotechnology for the simultaneous removal of NH4+-N from REEs wastewater, and the capture of CO2 for the production of valuable biomass.

Comparison of nutritional value of the wild and cultivated spiny loaches at three growth stages.

Environmental pollution and overfishing of wild spiny loach have led to the increased demand for breeding the fish. However, the nutritional value between the wild and cultivated spiny loaches was unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional components among the wild and cultivated spiny loaches at different growth stages by analyzing and comparing the proximate compositions, fatty acids, amino acids and volatile compounds. Results showed that the cultivated ones had significantly higher energy and fat contents than the wild. Particularly, the cultivated second-age spiny loach contained the highest contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (4.83 ± 0.01%) and EPA + DHA (0.85 ± 0.02%). Besides, the total essential amino acid content of cultivated second-age spiny loach was 2201.28, exceeding that recommended in the FAO/WTO scoring pattern (2,190). And it had the highest flavor amino acid (6.24 ± 0.04 g/100 g), essential amino acid index value (71.82) and higher contents of volatile compounds. Overall, the cultivated spiny loach, especially that at the second growth stage, displayed the highest nutritional value. The findings of this study would help farmers to harvest the suitable breeding stage of spiny loaches from the perspective of nutritional value, which is beneficial to the sustainable fish farming.

Defatted Flaxseed Flour as a New Ingredient for Foodstuffs: Comparative Analysis with Whole Flaxseeds and Updated Composition of Cold-Pressed Oil.

Flaxseeds are functional foods popular in current diets. Cold-pressing is a solvent-free method to extract flaxseed oil, resulting in a by-product-defatted flour. This study compared whole flaxseeds and defatted flour (proximate composition, fatty acids, vitamin E, total phenolics and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, amino acids, and protein quality) and updated the composition of cold-pressed oil (oxidative stability, peroxide value, UV absorbance, colour, fatty acids, vitamin E, total phenolics and flavonoids, and antioxidant activity) to assess the nutritional relevance and potential for food applications of these samples. The flour had higher ash (6% vs. 4%), fibre (36% vs. 34%), protein (28% vs. 16%), phenolics (205 vs. 143 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g), and antioxidant activity than seeds (p < 0.05), so it should be valued as a novel high-fibre food ingredient with high-quality plant-based protein, as it contains all essential amino acids (106 mg/g) and a high essential amino acids index (112%), with L-tryptophan as the limiting amino acid. The oil, while low in oxidative stability (1.3 h), due to its high polyunsaturated fatty acids sum (75%), mostly α-linolenic acid (57%), contains a significant amount of vitamin E (444 mg/kg), making it a specialty oil best consumed raw. The exploration of the flour as a minimally processed food ingredient highlights its role in supporting food security, circular economy, and sustainability goals, aligning with consumer preferences for natural, low-fat foods. Future research should investigate the bioactivity and shelf-life of the samples, as well as the bioavailability of compounds after digestion.

Effects of fasting on golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus: Physiological and biochemical responses

In practice, golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) reared in offshore cages may experience short-term fasting during extreme weather conditions, yet their physiological and biochemical responses remain poorly understood. To investigate the responses of this species to fasting, golden pompano weighing 138.0 ± 2.1 g were deprived of food for 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, followed by assessments of body mass, somatic parameters, proximate composition, muscle glycogen, intestinal digestive enzymes, muscle amino acid and fatty acid profiles, nutritional value, and muscle texture and water holding capacity. Lower condition factor, hepatosomatic index, viscerosomatic index, hepatic glycogen, and intestinal activities of amylase, lipase and trypsin were found in the fasted fish than in the non-fasted fish, while a sharp decline in these parameters occurred on the first week of fasting. Fresh mass, dry mass, whole body and muscle contents of crude protein and lipid tended to decrease with prolonged fasting, while no statistical differences were found in these parameters between fish fasted for 7 days and the non-fasted fish. Furthermore, the decline rate of whole body crude lipid was consistently higher than that of whole body crude protein throughout the different stages of the 28-day fasting period, with the exception of the second week of fasting. No statistical differences were found in the total essential amino acids (∑EAA), non-essential amino acids (∑NEAA), ratio of ∑EAA to∑NEAA, chemical score, amino acid score, and essential amino acid index in the fasted fish compared to the non-fasted fish of group 0d. Fasting altered the muscle profile of SFA, MUFA and PUFA, sometimes reducing muscle springiness (groups 7d and 14d) and hardness (group 21d). Compared to non-fasted fish, fish fasted for 7 and 14 days exhibited statistically lower or equal drip loss, water loss rate, storage losses, and frozen exudate rate, whereas higher cooked meat rate. The above results indicate that during the 28-day fasting period, the visceral fat and hepatic glycogen are initially metabolized, followed by body proteins and lipids, to maintain the normal metabolism in fasted fish. Fasting has beneficial effects on the nutritional value of amino acids and fatty acids in muscle, although it modifies the muscle SFA, MUFA and PUFA composition and sometimes has negative effects on muscle texture. Considering the balance between body weight loss and flesh quality improvement, the duration of fasting for cultured golden pompano prior to harvesting should not exceed 14 days.

Physicochemical Properties, Functionalities, and Antioxidant Activity of Protein Extracts from New Zealand Wild Sea Cucumbers (Australostichopus mollis).

This study investigated the physicochemical properties, functionalities, and antioxidant capacities of protein extracts from wild sea cucumber Australostichopus mollis collected from four distinct locations in New Zealand. Protein was extracted from sea cucumber body walls using trypsin enzymatic extraction, followed by cold acetone precipitation. The amino acid analysis revealed high glycine (189.08 mg/g), glutamic acid (119.45 mg/g), and aspartic acid (91.91 mg/g) concentrations in all samples. The essential amino acid indexes of the protein extracts (62.96, average) were higher than the WHO/FAO standard references, indicating the excellent protein quality of A. mollis. Furthermore, protein extracts from A. mollis demonstrated superior emulsifying activity (202.3-349.5 m2/g average) compared to commercial soy and whey protein isolates under all tested pH conditions, and enhanced foaming capacity (109.9-126.4%) and stability (52.7-72%) in neutral and acidic conditions. The extracts also exhibited good solubility, exceeding 70% across pH 3-11. Antioxidant capacities (ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power) were identified in A. mollis protein extracts for the first time, with clear variations observed among different locations. These findings elucidate the advantageous functional properties of protein extracts from wild New Zealand A. mollis and highlight their potential application as high-quality antioxidant food ingredients.

Different amino acid compositions and food quality of particulate organic matter driven by two major phytoplankton groups in the Ross Sea

Understanding the amino acid (AA) composition of phytoplankton-derived particulate organic matter (POM) is crucial for unraveling phytoplankton physiology and assessing food quality. This study investigated AA compositions and food quality of POM associated with two phytoplankton groups in the Ross Sea polynya. The Phaeocystis antarctica (P. antarctica)-predominant group, with P. antarctica overwhelmingly contributing to its composition, demonstrated a fresh state and heightened physiological activity. In contrast, the P. antarctica and diatoms-mixed group exhibited superior essential amino acids (EAAs) contributions and a higher EAA index (EAAI), indicating enhanced food quality. Dissimilarity Index values provided nuanced insights into degradation stages not captured by other indices. Despite lower physiological activity, diatoms in the mixed group stood out as crucial sources of high-quality nutrition for higher trophic levels in the Ross Sea polynya. The observed variations in AA compositions not only reflected the phytoplankton community structure but also provided insights into their physiological conditions. Given the ongoing climate-induced environmental changes potentially influencing phytoplankton communities, this study underscores the potential impacts on the intricate food web dynamics in the Ross Sea polynya. The assessment of AA composition emerged as a valuable tool for understanding the ecological implications for higher trophic levels in this polar region.

Comparison of Cricket Protein Powder and Whey Protein Digestibility.

With the global population projected to reach nine billion by 2050, the search for alternative protein sources has become critical. This study evaluated the digestibility of cricket protein powder compared with that of whey protein powder. Cricket protein powder had a slightly lower protein content but higher fat content than whey protein powder. Although both contained all essential amino acids, their quantities varied. The most abundant essential amino acid was leucine in both samples. The essential amino acid index (EAAI) for cricket protein powder reached 79% when utilising crude protein for calculation. When using the amino acid sum calculation method, it increased by nearly 13%. The EAAI for whey protein was then 94% when calculated based on crude protein, with a slight increase observed when using the amino acid sum calculation method. Cricket protein exhibited a gradual increase in digestibility during intestinal digestion, reaching nearly 80%, whereas whey protein digestibility surpassed 97%. Despite the lower digestibility of cricket protein compared with whey protein, it remains sufficiently high for consideration as a valuable protein source. This study highlights the potential of cricket proteins and underscores the importance of assessing their protein content and digestibility in evaluating their nutritional value.

Valorisation of agricultural residues into Thauera sp. Sel9 microbial proteins for aquaculture

Unconventional protein sources are necessary to tackle the increasing demand for food. Microbial proteins (MP) are an alternative source of proteins for feed or food, suitable as feed for aquaculture. Substituting fishmeal with MP obtained from agricultural wastes could reduce the environmental burden of aquaculture and help with waste management. In this study, pure culture MP from the PHA-producer Thauera sp. Sel9 were obtained from agricultural residues (agro-zootechnical digestate and pasta industry leftovers). The produced MP was used in feeding tests with the model fish zebrafish (Danio rerio) to assess potential toxic effects and evaluate overall fish health. The obtained MP was rich in protein (59.5 % w/w over TS) and PHAs (15.0 %) and comprised all fish essential amino acids. The chemical scores and essential amino acid index confirmed the excellent quality of the MP. The feeding tests with 50 % feed substitution with MP resulted in survival rates (80–88 %) comparable to the control group (78 %), with only 100 % MP showing increased mortality. Thauera MP obtained from agricultural residues has the potential to become a partial fishmeal substitute in fish-farming.

Effects of the photovoltaic fishery culture model on muscle nutritional quality and volatile flavor compounds of Litopenaeus vannamei

This study used Litopenaeus vannamei to compare the muscle nutritional quality and volatile flavor compounds of animals raised in the photovoltaic fishery culture model (PM) and the common pond breeding model (CM). Amino acids, fatty acids, and volatile flavor substances were identified and analyzed using an automatic amino acid analyzer and headspace solid phase microextraction(HS-SPME) combined with GC/MS. There were no significant differences between the two culture models in terms of general nutrients, mineral contents, and amino acid compositions in the muscles of L. vannamei. In the PM group, the proportion of flavor amino acids in total amino acids was higher. Based on the amino acid score (AAS) and chemical score (CS), it was found that methionine and cystine were the first limiting amino acids in the muscle samples. The essential amino acid index (EAAI) value was approximately 77 for both models, indicating high-quality proteins. The muscles contained nine types of fatty acids, with the PM group showing significantly higher levels of both monounsaturated and total fatty acids. A total of 23 volatile flavor compounds were identified in both models. The contents of 1-nonanal, n-tridecane, and alpha-terpineol were higher when cultured in the PM. Conversely, the contents of hexanal, 2-ethylhexanol, and dipentene were lower in the PM group. The photovoltaic fishery culture model has the potential to enhance income through photovoltaic power generation. In addition, this study found that the fatty acid composition of L. vannamei was improved in the PM, without compromising muscle composition or flavor. These results provide a theoretical basis for evaluating the meat quality of L. vannamei under different culture models and offer data to support and guide the promotion of the PM.

Utilizing the pH-Shift Method for Isolation and Nutritional Characterization of Mantis Shrimp (Oratosquilla nepa) Protein: A Strategy for Developing Value-Added Ingredients.

This study focused on the production of protein isolates from mantis shrimp (MS). The pH-shift method was investigated to understand its impact on the protein yield, quality, and properties of the produced isolates. The first step was determining how the pH affected the protein solubility profile, zeta potential, and brown discoloration. The pH-shift process was then established based on the maximum and minimum protein solubilization. The solubilization pH had a significant impact on the mass yield and color of the produced protein, with a pH of 1.0 producing the maximum mass in the acidic region, whereas a maximum was found at a pH of 12.0 in the alkaline region (p < 0.05). Both approaches yielded mantis shrimp protein isolates (MPIs) with precipitation at a pH of 4.0 and a mass yield of around 25% (dw). The TCA-soluble peptide and TBARS levels were significantly lower in the MPI samples compared to MS raw material (p < 0.05). The MPIs maintained essential amino acid index (EAAI) values greater than 90%, indicating a high protein quality, and the pH-shift procedure had no negative impact on the protein quality, as indicated by comparable EAAI values between the mantis shrimp protein isolate extract acid (MPI-Ac), mantis shrimp protein isolate extract alkaline (MPI-Al), and MS raw material. Overall, the pH-shift approach effectively produced protein isolates with favorable quality and nutritional attributes.

Growth, Enzyme Activity, Score, and Essential Amino Acid Index of the Asian Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon Fab. 1798) Supplemented with Multi Enzyme

Growth, Enzyme Activity, Score, and Essential Amino Acid Index of the Asian Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon Fab. 1798) Supplemented with Multi Enzyme

Carbohydrate structural complexity modulates the formation, composition and functionality of microbial flocs and its impact on gut microbiota and growth of Pacific white shrimp

The addition of carbohydrate into the culture water to facilitate the growth of heterotrophic bacteria is a common practice in shrimp grow out culture. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of carbohydrate structural complexity on the formation, composition and functionality of microbial flocs, and how it impacts the gut microbiome and growth of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Pacific white shrimp juveniles (1.07 ± 0.01 g) were randomly distributed in 12 indoor fiber tanks (50 cm × 50 cm × 100 cm) and maintained for 30 days at stocking density 107 ind.m−3 (20 ind per tank). Three different carbohydrate sources were added according to the treatments, that is dextrose (Dx) representing simple carbohydrate, potato starch (St) representing starch polysaccharide, and cellulose (Cl) representing complex non-starch polysaccharide. Settleable solids level and particle size of microbial flocs in Dx treatment were consistently higher than those of St and Cl treatments (P < 0.05). Amino acids concentrations were not significantly different amongst the treatments (P > 0.05), however essential amino acid index relative to shrimp requirement was the lowest in the Dx treatment (P < 0.05). Shannon diversity index level in the microbial flocs with Cl as the carbohydrate sources was higher compared to Dx and St. T6SS2 and ExsA gene expressions in the co-culture of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and the microbial floc suspension was highly upregulated in Dx treatment. Accordingly, differences in the shrimp gut microbiome was also observed amongst the treatments. The highest growth performance was demonstrated by the shrimp cultured with cellulose as the carbohydrate source. In conclusion, carbohydrate structural complexity could significantly affect the characteristics of microbial flocs suspended in the culture water and could ultimately affect the shrimp growth performance.

Molybdenum oxide nanoparticles improve soybean yield and enhance nutritional quality

Molybdenum oxide nanoparticles (NPMo) is a novel clean molybdenum source fertilizer known for enhancing grain yield in agricultural crops, including soybean. However, the impact of NPMo application on soybean's nutritional quality remains unclear. To investigate, a potted plant experiment compared soybeans response to three molybdenum sources (NPMo, bulk molybdenum trioxide (BMo), and ammonium molybdate (IMo)), focusing on mineral, fatty acid, and amino acid contents. The results showed that Mo application could improve yield of soybean, as supported by the increased index of yield composition. Further study showed that Mo application increased the concentrations of macronutrients and micronutrients by improve root traits and nodule number. In addition, Mo application optimized the composition of fatty acid by improving polyunsaturated fatty acids via the increased contents of linoleic, linolenic acid and decreased oleic acid in soybean seed. The essential amino acid (EAA) and total amino acid (TAA) content of seeds in soybean-treated with IMo and BMo was higher than that in NPMo treatment, but the EAA/TAA ratio of amino acid in IMo and BMo treatment was lower than that in NPMo treatment, indicating that more bioavailability of seeds in NPMo treatment and this was verified by the higher value of essential amino acid index and biomass value in NPMo treatment. The study finally suggested that NPMo fertilizer increased yield and nutritional quality of soybean.

Chemical composition and amino acids of Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera Acrididae) fed wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum) or rape leaves (Brassica napus)

Abstract Locusts have high nutritional value and are considered alternative protein sources for humans and animals. Diet can strongly affect the nutritional composition of insects. In this study, the influences of diets – wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedlings and rape (Brassica napus) leaves – on the chemical composition and amino acids of the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) were assessed. The crude protein, soluble carbohydrate and triglyceride were analyzed using the Bradford method, anthrone colorimetry, and glycerol kinase chromogenic method, respectively. Additionally, amino acids were determined using cation exchange chromatography. The study revealed that wheat seedlings had lower water content than rape leaves. Although the crude protein content was comparable, the soluble carbohydrates of wheat seedlings were approximately 2.5 times higher than those of rape leaves. The body weight (fresh weight and dry weight), crude protein and triglyceride of locusts significantly increased when fed wheat seedlings compared with when fed rape leaves, with values of 48.08%, 31.58%, 43.83% and 25.00%, respectively. The high water content of rape leaves resulted in the high water content of rape leaf-fed locusts. Plants also affect the amino acid composition of locusts. The eight amino acids (four essential amino acids and four non-essential amino acids) and the total amino acids of rape leaf-fed locusts were significantly enhanced compared with those of wheat seedlings. The essential amino acid index and biological value indicate that the protein quality of locusts fed rape leaves has been significantly improved. These results demonstrate that the nutritional composition of L. migratoria can be altered by manipulating the diet. Insects with controllable nutrients can be provided by insect farms and further studies will improve the development of insects as food or feed.

Effect of pH‐shifting treatment on the structural characteristics and nutritional quality of the ultrasonically extracted protein isolate from soybean meal

AbstractSoybean meal is an underutilized byproduct of the soybean oil processing industry, which is rich in high quality protein but mostly used as an animal feed. Valorization of soybean meal on a large scale is possible by extracting protein isolate and modifying its structural characteristics through pH‐shifting or ultrasonic treatment, which has a direct association with the better functional properties of protein isolate. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of pH‐shifting treatment on the structural characteristics and nutritional quality of ultrasonically extracted soybean meal protein isolate (SMPI). The results showed that the pH shifted SMPI had higher hydrophobicity (60.5–104.3) and free sulfhydryl group (22.67–24.45 μmol/g) than without pH shifted SMPI (53.5 and 19.67 μmol/g, respectively). The fluorescence intensity of the SMPI treated at extreme acidic and alkaline pH was higher than that of other pH‐treated samples. The ꞵ‐sheet (39.68%) components of SMPI treated at pH 10 showed the highest value when compared to other pH‐treated (38.18–39.26%). The alkaline pH‐treated sample had higher concentration of essential amino acids (36.16 g/100 g) than other acidic or near neutral pH‐treated sample (30.06–32.30 g/100 g). The quality parameters such as biological value (67.62), and amino acid index (72.77) were higher for the SMPI treated at pH 10 as compared to the SMPI treated at other pH conditions. Hence, the pH‐treatment method can be utilized as an effective technique to improve the characteristics of SMPI, which will increases its applications in various food sectors.Practical ApplicationsThe current investigation demonstrated that pH‐shifting treatment had a substantial impact on the structural and nutritional quality of the soybean meal protein isolate extracted by ultrasonication. Improvements in soybean meal protein's surface hydrophobicity, free sulfhydryl groups, and secondary structural components will expand its uses in the dairy, bread, meat, and infant food development industries, among other food sectors as these structural changes improve the functionality of protein. Furthermore, the treatment of soybean meal protein isolate with pH shifting led to a considerable increase in nutritional quality, as measured by the essential amino acid composition, essential amino acid index, and protein efficiency ratio, which is expected to increase its utilization in novel food product development.

Digestive properties of β-CN and α-La in different milk protein ingredients

The digestion behavior of proteins not only differs between protein types but also between ion saturation and protein profile. This study aimed to investigate the digestive properties of α-La and β-CN in different dairy protein ingredients, including β-CN concentrate (βCC), micellar casein concentrate (MCC), α-La concentrate (α-LaC), and whey protein concentrate (WPC80), using an in-vitro infant static digestion model. α-La digested much faster in WPC than in α-LaC in the gastric phase, whereas β-CN digested faster in βCC than in MCC during gastric digestion. In the intestinal phase, α-La released more amino acids than β-CN. The released essential amino acids index (EAAIS) was higher in α-LaC than WPC80 and higher in βCC than MCC. This study facilitates better understanding of the effect of protein profile, protein structure, and calcium binding on the digestion behavior of β-CN and α-La, which provide reference for selection of dairy ingredient for infant formula.

Effects of the Replacement of Dietary Fishmeal by the Blend of Tenebrio molitor Meal, Chlorella Meal, Clostridium Autoethanogenum Protein, and Cottonseed Protein Concentrate on Growth, Protein Utilization, and Intestinal Health of Gibel Carp (Carassius gibelio, CAS Ⅴ)

The trial was conducted to investigate the effects of the replacement of dietary fishmeal (FM) by the blend of Tenebrio molitor meal (TMM), Chlorella meal (CM), Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP), cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) on growth, protein utilization and intestinal health of gibel carp (Carassius gibelio, CAS Ⅴ). The FM-based diet was used as the control, and the blended proteins (TMM: CM: CAP: CPC) at ratios of 1 : 1:8 : 2 (BLEND A), 1 : 1:6 : 4 (BLEND B), and 1 : 1:4 : 6 (BLEND C) were used to replace FM at three levels (33%, 67%, 100%), respectively. The results showed that, compared to the control group, growth performance increased significantly when dietary FM was fully replaced by BLEND B (P&lt;0.05), while decreased by BLEND A (P&lt;0.05). The complete substitution of FM with BLEND B significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of intestinal proinflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and tight junction-related genes (P&lt;0.05), improving intestinal tissue morphology and health. And it also significantly increased intestinal trypsin activity (P&lt;0.05), upregulated the mRNA expression of amino acid sensory receptor-related and amino acid or peptide transport-related genes (P&lt;0.05), increased protein apparent digestibility coefficient (P&lt;0.05). The 100% substitution of FM with BLEND A significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of intestinal proinflammatory cytokines and downregulated the mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine il-10 (P &lt;0.05), reduced intestinal villus height (P&lt;0.05), and decreased protein apparent digestibility coefficient (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, BLEND B could completely substitute dietary FM and was beneficial to the growth and health of gibel carp. Dietary digestible essential amino acids index (DEEAI) was found as an important indicator and should be higher than 79.5% to meet the maximum growth of fish.