Protein Extracts Research Articles

Tailoring defoliation and nitrogen management for large canopy radiation use and biomass production of perennial systems destined for biorefinery

Perennial leafy grasses and legumes are promising for extraction of proteins with a green biorefinery amid increasing demand for local production. However, which defoliation strategy increases radiation-use efficiency and biomass production still needs to be determined. A multi-year field experiment started in 2019 in Denmark with fertilized grasses (perennial ryegrass, tall fescue), unfertilized legumes (alfalfa, red clover) and their fertilized mixture (grass-legume), each defoliated at 2-, 4- or 8- weeks interval, at either 7-9 or 12-14 cm defoliation height. The main aim was to quantify effects of species, defoliation height and frequency, and nitrogen application rate on canopy radiation interception, aboveground biomass and crude protein production, as well as aboveground radiation use efficiency (RUEA).The results showed that accumulated intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (AIpar) increased with increasing defoliation height and decreasing frequency for most systems, with the largest AIpar obtained seasonally by red clover (730-815 MJ m−2) and grass-legume mixture (790-826 MJ m−2) defoliated at medium to low frequency. Tall fescue defoliated at medium to low frequency yielded the highest aboveground biomass (10-14 Mg ha−1) and red clover defoliated at medium to high frequency yielded the most crude protein (2.5-2.9 Mg ha−1) compared to all other systems annually. RUEA decreased with increasing defoliation height and maximum values were achieved at medium frequency, with tall fescue having significantly higher RUEA (1.6-2.1 g MJ−1) than the other systems. Seasonally, RUEA was variable at high defoliation frequency, being consistently higher at the start and the end of the season for ryegrass and the mixture systems.This study pinpoints tall fescue and red clover as perennial crops with high agronomic productivity among tested species for green biorefinery and also concluded that red clover in temperate humid climate maximize productivity and sustainability for biorefining with defoliation at low height and medium frequency.

Extracellular Proteomic Profiling from the Erythrocytes Infected with Plasmodium Falciparum 3D7 Holds Promise for the Detection of Biomarkers.

Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), which causes the most severe form of malaria, if left untreated, has 24h window in which it can cause severe illness and even death. The aim of this study was to create the most comprehensive and informative secretory-proteome possible by combining high-accuracy and high-sensitivity protein identification technology. In this study, we used Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 (Pf3D7) as the model parasite to develop a label-free quantification proteomic strategy with the main goal of identifying Pf3D7 proteins that are supposed to be secreted outside the infected erythrocytes in the spent media culture during the in-vitro study. The spent culture media supernatant was subjected to differential and ultra-centrifugation steps followed by total protein extraction, estimation, and in-solution digestion using trypsin, digested peptides were analyzed using Nano-LC coupled with ESI for MS/MS. MS/MS spectra were processed using Maxquant software (v2.1.4.0.). Non-infected erythrocytes incubated spent cultured media supernatant were considered as control. Out of discovered 38 proteins, proteins belonging to P. falciparum spp. were EGF-like protein (C0H544), Endoplasmic reticulum chaperone GRP170 (C0H5H0), Small GTP-binding protein sar1 (Q8I1S0), Erythrocyte membrane protein 1, PfEMP1 (Q8I639), aldehyde reductase (Q8ID61), Conserved Plasmodium proteins (Q8IEH3, Q8ILD1), Antigen 332, DBL-like protein (Q8IHN4), Fe-S cluster assembly protein (Q8II78), identified and chosen for further in-depth investigation. This study highlights the value of secretory Plasmodium proteins play crucial roles in various aspects of the disease progression and host-pathogen interactions which can serve as diagnostic markers for malaria infection.

Purification of α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin from cow milk

Whey, a valuable byproduct of dairy processing, contains essential proteins like β-lactoglobulin (βLG) and α-lactalbumin (αLA), making it a focus of research for its nutritional benefits. Various techniques, including chromatography and membrane filtration, are employed for protein extraction, often requiring multiple purification steps. One approach that has gained prominence for the purification and concentration of proteins, including those present in whey, is the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in aqueous two-phase systems. Our study simplifies this process by using PEG alone for whey protein purification. This approach yielded impressive results, achieving 92% purity for βLG and 90% for αLA. These findings underscore the effectiveness of PEG-based purification in isolating whey proteins with high purity.

Pongamia pinnata seed extract-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticle loaded nanogel for estimation of their antipsoriatic properties.

This research describes the eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles employing Pongamia pinnata seed extracts loaded with nanogel formulations (AgNPs CUD NG) to improve the retention, accumulation, and the penetration of AgNPs into the epidermal layer of psoriasis. AgNPs were synthesized using the Box-Behnken design. Optimized AgNPs and AgNPs CUD NG were physico-chemically evaluated using UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM, FT-IR, PXRD, viscosity, spreadability, and retention studies. It was also functionally assessed using an imiquimod-induced rat model. The entrapment efficiency of AgNPs revealed ~ 79.35%. Physico-chemical parameters announced the formation of AgNPs via surface plasmon resonance and interaction between O-H, C = O, and amide I carbonyl group of protein extract and AgNO3. Optimized AgNPs showed spherical NPs ~ 116nm with better physical stability and suitability for transdermal applications. AgNPs CUD NG revealed non-Newtonian, higher spreadability, and better extrudability, indicating its suitability for a transdermal route. AgNPs CUD NG enhanced the retention of AgNPs on the psoriatic skin compared to normal skin. Optimized formulations exhibit no irritation by the end of 72h, indicating formulation safety. AgNPs CUD NG at a dose of 1 FTU showed significant recovery from psoriasis with a PASI score of ~ 0.8 compared to NG base and marketed formulations. Results indicated that seed extract-assisted AgNPs in association with CUD-based NG formulations could be a promising nanocarrier for psoriasis and other skin disorders.

Effects of dietary supplementation of Enterococcus faecium postbiotics on growth performance and intestinal health of growing male mink

Recent studies have demonstrated that postbiotics possess bioactivities comparable to those of probiotics. Therefore, our experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of postbiotics derived from Enterococcus faecium on the growth performance and intestinal health of growing male minks. A total of 120 growing male minks were randomly assigned to 4 groups, each with 15 replicates of 2 minks. The minks in the 4 groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15% postbiotics derived from E. faecium (PEF), respectively. Compared to the control, PEF improved feed/gain (F/G) during the first 4 weeks and the entire 8 weeks of the study (p < 0.05); in addition, 0.1% PEF improved average daily gain (ADG) during the first 4 weeks and the entire 8 weeks of the study (p < 0.05), while 0.15% PEF improved ADG during the first 4 weeks of the study (p < 0.05). Consequently, 0.1% PEF minks displayed greater body weight (BW) at weeks 4 and 8 (p < 0.05), and 0.15% PEF minks had greater BW at week 4 (p < 0.05) than minks in the control. Furthermore, compared to the control, both 0.05 and 0.1% PEF enhanced the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) (p < 0.05) in the initial 4 weeks, while both 0.1 and 0.15% PEF enhanced the apparent digestibility of CP and DM in the final 4 weeks (p < 0.05). Additionally, trypsin activity was elevated in the 0.1 and 0.15% PEF groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). In terms of intestinal morphology, PEF increased the villus height and villus/crypt (V/C) in the jejunum (p < 0.05), and both 0.1 and 0.15% PEF decreased the crypt depth and increased the villus height and V/C in the duodenum (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Supplementation with 0.1% PEF increased the SIgA levels but decreased the IL-2, IL-8, and TNF-α levels in the jejunum (p < 0.05). Compared to the control, E. faecium postbiotics decreased the relative abundances of Serratia and Fusobacterium (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results indicate that the growth performance, digestibility, immunity, and intestine development of minks are considerably affected by E. faecium postbiotics. In particular, dietary supplementation with 0.1% E. faecium postbiotics provides greater benefits than supplementation with 0.05 and 0.15%.

Ultrasonic treatment assisted extraction of sunflower protein

Sunflower meal is a promising source of protein, which can be used as a food ingredient in the formulations of meat, flour and confectionery products. Alkaline extraction technology is traditionally used to obtain sunflower protein, but its efficiency can be increased using physical methods: ultrasound, microwave radiation, extraction at high pressure and others. Thу article deals with an application of the ultrasonic treatment for increase of the efficiency of protein extraction from defatted plant material: from the protein fraction of sunflower meal and from sunflower meal. The trial samples for protein extraction were prepared by the preliminary treatment of the samples in the ultrasonic bath for 15 minutes at a frequency of 40 hertz at temperature 24-28° C. The control sample was not subjected to such pretreatment. Then protein was isolated from the raw material by alkaline extraction followed by isoelectric precipitation. The possibility of the protein preparation isolation with a higher crude protein content (93,66% m.f.b) compared to the control sample has been shown. The mass yield of protein was 64% of its content in the raw material. The influence of ultrasonic treatment on the efficiency of protein extraction from raw material with different crude protein content is demonstrated. The results of the study show the feasibility of usage of ultrasound treatment in isolation of sunflower protein. In particular, the crude protein content in the trial protein sample after ultrasonic treatment was increased by 8,23% compared to the control sample. The obtained results demonstrated their consistency when compared to the results of other studies. However, there are only a limited number of studies on the use of ultrasound in the extraction of sunflower derived products.A comparison of the results obtained showed their consistency with the results of other studies. However, there are only a small number of studies on the use of ultrasound in the extraction of sunflower processing products.

Ultrasonic treatment assisted extraction of sunflower protein

Sunflower meal is a promising source of protein, which can be used as a food ingredient in the formulations of meat, flour and confectionery products. Alkaline extraction technology is traditionally used to obtain sunflower protein, but its efficiency can be increased using physical methods: ultrasound, microwave radiation, extraction at high pressure and others. Thу article deals with an application of the ultrasonic treatment for increase of the efficiency of protein extraction from defatted plant material: from the protein fraction of sunflower meal and from sunflower meal. The trial samples for protein extraction were prepared by the preliminary treatment of the samples in the ultrasonic bath for 15 minutes at a frequency of 40 hertz at temperature 24-28° C. The control sample was not subjected to such pretreatment. Then protein was isolated from the raw material by alkaline extraction followed by isoelectric precipitation. The possibility of the protein preparation isolation with a higher crude protein content (93,66% m.f.b) compared to the control sample has been shown. The mass yield of protein was 64% of its content in the raw material. The influence of ultrasonic treatment on the efficiency of protein extraction from raw material with different crude protein content is demonstrated. The results of the study show the feasibility of usage of ultrasound treatment in isolation of sunflower protein. In particular, the crude protein content in the trial protein sample after ultrasonic treatment was increased by 8,23% compared to the control sample. The obtained results demonstrated their consistency when compared to the results of other studies. However, there are only a limited number of studies on the use of ultrasound in the extraction of sunflower derived products.A comparison of the results obtained showed their consistency with the results of other studies. However, there are only a small number of studies on the use of ultrasound in the extraction of sunflower processing products.

Hydrothermal extraction and thorough characterization of carrageenans and proteins from Gigartina pistillata

Carrageenan, an interesting biopolymer from red seaweed, possesses a myriad of applications in food, nutraceutical, or pharmaceutical industries. Although its conventional extraction used to be performed with alkaline solvents, water extraction under subcritical conditions is an alternative eco-friendly technique that has gained popularity in recent years. This work evaluates the recovery and characterization of carrageenan and proteins from Gigartina pistillata. The highest number of proteins was identified at the lowest processing tempeartures. Extracted carrageenan exhibits molecular weights greater than 500 kDa and good rheological behaviour, with interest for food applications and for the formulation of hydrogels when mixed with KCl. The carrageenans and carrageenan hydrogels presented interesting properties such as good thermal stability until 170 °C (TGA-DTG) and show characteristic bands of kappa/iota carrageenans in FTIR studies. Greater cell viability than 70% were achieved on NIH/3T3 fibroblast at carrageenan concentrations of 0.05 and 0.025%, whereas carrageenan extracted at 160 °C (concentration of 0.025%) displays a lower inflammatory action than other samples. In this sense, in this work the eco-friendlier extracted carrageenan was thoroughly characterized and its potentiality to be used in the biomedical field was evaluated.

The application of deep eutectic solvents for protein extraction from bee bread (Perga)

Bee bread is one of the basic nutrients that bees use as a protein source and is formed as a result of the fermentation of bee pollen. In the last few years, this product has become increasingly recognized and consumed among bee products due to its functional properties. However, deep eutectic solvents (DES) have attracted great interest in recent years as promising green alternatives to replace traditional solvents due to their variable viscosity, low vapor pressure, application-specific adjustability, non-flammability and chemical stability. In this study, bee bread was extracted in 12 different DES with different hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA):hydrogen bond donor (HBD) combinations. The DES combination with the highest total protein content was determined to be choline chloride (ChCl)-urea. Then, ultrasonic extraction conditions were optimized for maximum bioactive extraction in extracts prepared with ChCl-urea. The optimum conditions were found as 31.3 %, 25 min, 35 °C for ultrasonic power, extraction time and temperature, respectively. The desirability value (d) of the model was 0.83. The extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content, total protein content, individual polyphenolics, individual amino acids and individual vitamins as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activity tests. According to the results, total protein, total individual amino acids and total individual phenolics were higher in the extracts obtained with ChCl-urea compared to the extract prepared with conventional solvent (ethanol). In conclusion, all these findings showed that ChCl-urea combination can be an alternative to ethanol depending on the structural characteristics of the target compounds to be extracted from bee bread.

Propolis extract and Hermetia illucens larval proteins synergistically inhibit the growth of Aspergillus niger

The individual and combined inhibitory activities of propolis extract (PE) and Hermetia illucens larval proteins (Black soldier fly larvae proteins) (BSFLP) against Aspergillus niger were investigated. The antifungal effects of PE, BSFLP and Synergy of PE and BSFLP (SPB) against Aspergillus niger were determined by mycelial growth, spore germination rate and hyphal elongation. Membrane integrity was measured by assessing changes in extracellular proteins, reducing sugars, and electrical conductivity. Intracellular MDA, H2O2, ergosterol, and mannan contents were also evaluated. SEM was used to observe the morphology of the Aspergillus niger mycelium. Additionally, AutoDock Tools software and multi-ligand docking methods were used to study the synergistic interactions of ligand combinations on the receptor. The results showed that the combination of PE and BSFLP had excellent effects. During the treatment of antifungal agents, the membrane permeability changed and a large amount of content leaked, while control check (CK) remained almost unchanged. Ergosterol content was found to increase, while mannan content decreased significantly, leading to cell death. In addition, SPB can cause abnormal accumulation of MDA and H2O2, leading to oxidative stress in cells. SEM results showed that morphology of Aspergillus niger treated with SPB was severe wrinkling, distortion and even breakage. Multi-ligand docking results showed that the binding affinity of receptor 1KS5 to 14 complex ligands increased, as indicated by the decrease in docking energy values. These results provide scientific basis for further study on the application of SPB and development of effective antifungal products.

Profiling Tel1 Signaling Reveals a Non-Canonical Motif Targeting DNA Repair and Telomere Control Machineries.

The stability of the genome relies on Phosphatidyl Inositol 3-Kinase-related Kinases (PIKKs) that sense DNA damage and trigger elaborate downstream signaling responses. In S. cerevisiae , the Tel1 kinase (ortholog of human ATM) is activated at DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and short telomeres. Despite the well-established roles of Tel1 in the control of telomere maintenance, suppression of chromosomal rearrangements, activation of cell cycle checkpoints, and repair of DSBs, the substrates through which Tel1 controls these processes remain incompletely understood. Here we performed an in depth phosphoproteomic screen for Tel1-dependent phosphorylation events. To achieve maximal coverage of the phosphoproteome, we developed a scaled-up approach that accommodates large amounts of protein extracts and chromatographic fractions. Compared to previous reports, we expanded the number of detected Tel1-dependent phosphorylation events by over 10-fold. Surprisingly, in addition to the identification of phosphorylation sites featuring the canonical motif for Tel1 phosphorylation (S/T-Q), the results revealed a novel motif (D/E-S/T) highly prevalent and enriched in the set of Tel1-dependent events. This motif is unique to Tel1 signaling and not shared with the Mec1 kinase, providing clues to how Tel1 plays specialized roles in DNA repair and telomere length control. Overall, these findings define a Tel1-signaling network targeting numerous proteins involved in DNA repair, chromatin regulation, and telomere maintenance that represents a framework for dissecting the molecular mechanisms of Tel1 action.

P-085 Transcriptomic and proteomic characterization of unexplained male infertility: alterations in energy metabolism

Abstract Study question Which are the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of spermatozoa belonging to patients with Unexplained Male Infertility (UMI)? Summary answer Transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of UMI patients differ from the fertile men, having the energy metabolism altered. What is known already About 30% of infertile couples suffer from “Unexplained Infertility” (UI). Considering that the male factor contributes to 50% of infertility cases, it is estimated that half of all couple UI cases are due to unexplained male infertility (UMI). Men are diagnosed with UMI when despite having “normal” seminal parameters they are unable to conceive. Due to the lack of UMI classification criteria and the seminogram-only-based infertility diagnosis, little is known about the mechanisms underlying UMI. Study design, size, duration 80 normozoospermic human semen samples with proven fertility and 80 samples from patients with UMI were used for this study. Ejaculates were obtained from Clínica Quirón Bilbao between 2012 and 2018, and after capacitation they were pooled to perform protein and RNA extractions. Participants/materials, setting, methods For transcriptomic analysis, libraries were prepared using the SMARTer Stranded Total RNA-Seq Kit v3. Sequencing was performed on NextSeq 2000 system (1x 50 bp, 50 cycles, P3 kit) at Centre de Regulació Genómica (CRG). For the proteomic analysis, Tandem MassTag (TMT) 6-plex isotopic labeling strategy was adopted, and generated peptides were run in a Q Exactive mass spectrometer. To find differentially expressed genes and proteins between both groups EdgeR and Perseus softwares were employed. Main results and the role of chance In the present study, a total of 156.124 transcripts and 1722 proteins were identified in human sperm. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed the existence of distinguishable differences in the transcriptomic and proteomic profile of control and UMI samples. Specifically, 3112 differentially expressed transcripts and 385 differentially expressed proteins were identified. Among the differentially expressed proteins, 49 were correlated with RNA expression. Coherent RNA-protein signatures were mainly related to axonemal dynein complex assembly and flagellated sperm motility. Proteins involved in energy metabolism were enriched in UMI protein signatures but were not well correlated with the RNA. Furthermore, genes involved in protein transport and chromosome condensation were highly enriched in UMI group but were not detected by proteomics profiling. According to our results, there is a lack of RNA-protein correlation at human sperm. However, differential transcriptomic and proteomic profiles were found when comparing fertile normozoospermic samples to UMI samples. Concretely, our results suggest that altered energy metabolism may be one of the key factors in patients leading with UMI. Thus, the study of human sperm metabolism may be essential to find new targets of male infertility. Limitations, reasons for caution The lack of a consensus on the classification criteria of UMI makes this group of patients very heterogeneous. Further studies are needed to identify and validate specific transcripts and/or proteins that may alter specific metabolic processes and cause infertility. Wider implications of the findings The study of human sperm metabolism may be essential to understand the causes of many UMI cases. In this context, the identification of key protein or transcripts could be very helpful to predict the success of the assisted reproductive treatments. Trial registration number Not applicable

Elucidating regulation of polyhydroxyalkanoate metabolism in R. eutropha: Identification of transcriptional regulators from phasin and depolymerase genes

Despite the ever-growing research interest in polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as green plastic alternatives, our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing PHA synthesis, storage, and degradation in the model organism Ralstonia eutropha remains limited. Given its importance for central carbon metabolism, PHA homeostasis is probably controlled by a complex network of transcriptional regulators. Understanding this fine-tuning is key for developing improved PHA production strains thereby boosting the application of PHAs. We conducted promoter pull-down assays with crude protein extracts from R. eutropha Re2058/pCB113, followed by LC-MS/MS, to identify putative transcriptional regulators involved in the expression control of PHA metabolism, specifically targeting phasin phaP1 and depolymerase phaZ3 and phaZ5 genes. The impact on promoter activity was studied in vivo using β-galactosidase assays and the most promising candidates were heterologously produced in Escherichia coli and their interaction with the promoters investigated in vitro by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays. We could show that R. eutropha DNA-binding XRE-family-like protein H16_B1672, specifically binds the phaP1 promoter in vitro with a KD of 175 nM and represses gene expression from this promoter in vivo. Protein H16_B1672 also showed interaction with both depolymerase promoters in vivo and in vitro suggesting a broader role in the regulation of PHA metabolism. Furthermore, in vivo assays revealed that the H-NS-like DNA-binding protein H16_B0227 and the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase PpiB, strongly repress gene expression from PphaP1 and PphaZ3, respectively. In summary, this study provides new insights into the regulation of PHA metabolism in R. eutropha, uncovering specific interactions of novel transcriptional regulators.

Plant-based proteins: clinical and technological importance

AbstractHealthy and sustainable diets have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, driven by a desire to consume foods that not only help health but also have a favorable influence on the environment, such as plant-based proteins. This has created controversy because plant-based proteins may not always contain all the amino acids required by the organism. However, protein extraction methods have been developed due to technological advancements to boost their nutritional worth. Furthermore, certain chemicals, such as bioactive peptides, have been identified and linked to favorable health effects. As a result, the current analysis focuses on the primary plant-based protein sources, their chemical composition, and the molecular mechanism activated by the amino acid types of present. It also discusses plant protein extraction techniques, bioactive substances derived from these sources, product development using plant protein, and the therapeutic benefits of these plant-based proteins in clinical research.

Soil Metaproteomics for Microbial Community Profiling: Methodologies and Challenges.

Soil represents a complex and dynamic ecosystem, hosting a myriad of microorganisms that coexist and play vital roles in nutrient cycling and organic matter transformation. Among these microorganisms, bacteria and fungi are key members of the microbial community, profoundly influencing the fate of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon in terrestrial environments. Understanding the intricacies of soil ecosystems and the biological processes orchestrated by microbial communities necessitates a deep dive into their composition and metabolic activities. The advent of next-generation sequencing and 'omics' techniques, such as metagenomics and metaproteomics, has revolutionized our understanding of microbial ecology and the functional dynamics of soil microbial communities. Metagenomics enables the identification of microbial community composition in soil, while metaproteomics sheds light on the current biological functions performed by these communities. However, metaproteomics presents several challenges, both technical and computational. Factors such as the presence of humic acids and variations in extraction methods can influence protein yield, while the absence of high-resolution mass spectrometry and comprehensive protein databases limits the depth of protein identification. Notwithstanding these limitations, metaproteomics remains a potent tool for unraveling the intricate biological processes and functions of soil microbial communities. In this review, we delve into the methodologies and challenges of metaproteomics in soil research, covering aspects such as protein extraction, identification, and bioinformatics analysis. Furthermore, we explore the applications of metaproteomics in soil bioremediation, highlighting its potential in addressing environmental challenges.

Enhancing protein extraction from soybean expeller: Exploring the impact of precipitating agents and flour-to-water ratios on functional properties

AbstractThis study investigates sustainable methods for producing protein from soybean expeller via pH-shifting processes, aiming to reduce water usage in alkaline extraction by adjusting solid-to-liquid ratios per cycle and employing isoelectric precipitants like lactic acid and lactic acid bacteria (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lactococcus Lactis) to enhance functional and antioxidant properties over a wide pH range. Results indicate that the most efficient approach involves three 1:10 (w/v) extraction cycles with lactic acid bacteria as precipitants, demonstrating high productivity and low specific water consumption. Protein content and recovery yield showed no significant differences compared to alternatives with higher water consumption or less eco-friendly precipitants. Despite lower solubility, protein products precipitated with lactic acid bacteria formed stable emulsions, exhibiting superior free radical scavenging activity.

Enhancing protein extraction from heterotrophic Auxenochlorella protothecoides microalgae through emerging cell disruption technologies combined with incubation

This study evaluated pulsed electric fields (PEF) and ultrasonication (US) combined with incubation to enhance cell disruption and protein extraction from Auxenochlorella protothecoides, comparing them to conventional high-pressure homogenization (HPH). A 5 h incubation enhanced protein yield by 79.4 % for PEF- and 27.2 % for US-treated samples. Extending the incubation to 24 h resulted in a total yield increase of 122 % for PEF (0.25 ± 0.03 kgEP kgTP−1) and 51.9 % for US. Autofermentation in untreated cells after 24 h resulted in protein release with lower yields than all other treated and incubated samples. While HPH had the highest protein yield (0.58 ± 0.04 kgEP kgTP−1), PEF-incubation after 5 h (56.6 ± 5.3 MJ kgEP−1) and 24 h (49.5 ± 3.7 MJ kgEP−1) were 1.5 and 1.7-times more energy-efficient than HPH (82.9 ± 7.8 MJ kgEP−1). PEF combined incubation is an energy-efficient and targeted protein extraction method in heterotrophic A. protothecoides biorefinery.

Physicochemical characteristics and microbial diversity of sous vide scallops (Chlamys farreri) during chilled storage

This study investigated the impact of sous vide (SV) cooking methods on the physical and chemical characteristics as well as the microbial composition of scallops (Chlamys farreri) over a 30 days period of refrigerated storage. Scallop treatments were divided into two groups: CS (scallops vacuum-packed and then steamed for 30 min at 75 °C) and CK (scallops steamed for 15 min at 100 °C). With the increase in refrigeration time, the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), pH, cooking loss, microbial content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content gradually increased, while the water-soluble protein extraction rate and the myofibrillar protein (MP) extraction rate of the CS and CK samples significantly decreased. Notably, the SV steaming treatment effectively reduced microbial degradation of proteins, improved water retention of scallop samples, and maintained high MP extraction as compared to CK samples (MP content ranged from 1.09% to 2.50% in the CK group and 1.75%–3.33% in the CS group). During the late stages of refrigeration, conventionally cooked scallops (CK) were dominated by Pseudomonas and Psychrobacter, with the ability to produce biogenic amines, while SV steamed scallops were dominated by Psychrobacillus. Furthermore, a link was discovered between the microbial community and the physicochemical parameters.

Fish Oil Supplementation Mitigates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity: Exploring Epigenetic Modulation and Genes Associated with Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in Mice

This study investigated the effects of fish oil (FO) treatment, particularly enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice. The investigation focused on elucidating the impact of FO on epigenetic modifications in white adipose tissue (WAT) and the involvement of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). C57BL/6j mice were divided into two groups: control diet and HFD for 16 weeks. In the last 8 weeks, the HFD group was subdivided into HFD and HFD + FO (treated with FO). WAT was removed for RNA and protein extraction, while ASCs were isolated, cultured, and treated with leptin. All samples were analyzed using functional genomics tools, including PCR-array, RT-PCR, and Western Blot assays. Mice receiving an HFD displayed increased body mass, fat accumulation, and altered gene expression associated with WAT inflammation and dysfunction. FO supplementation attenuated these effects, a potential protective role against HFD-induced obesity. Analysis of H3K27 revealed HFD-induced changes in histone, which were partially reversed by FO treatment. This study further explored leptin signaling in ASCs, suggesting a potential mechanism for ASC dysfunction in the obesity-rich leptin environment of WAT. Overall, FO supplementation demonstrated efficacy in mitigating HFD-induced obesity, influencing epigenetic and molecular pathways, and shedding light on the role of ASCs and leptin signaling in WAT dysfunction associated with obesity.

Can gene-editing accelerate the protein shift? Consumer acceptance of an upcycled meat-substitute

Transforming waste in the production stage to food (upcycling) can contribute to increased environmental sustainability in the food systems. The side-stream in potato starch production contains protein, and gene-editing enables upcycling of potato-protein while avoiding the use of chemical processes in the extraction of food grade protein. We explore the demand for products containing this upcycled protein. Data were collected via an online survey of 1508 Swedish consumers who completed a choice experiment in which they selected among different sausages made from meat, soy, peas or potato-protein. Although meat is the most preferred product type, respondents choose potato-protein over soy and pea-protein. Upcycled potato-protein products are predicted to draw on the market share for meat more than from soy and pea-protein, suggesting considerable potential environmental benefits. The acceptance of upcycled products is not significantly different depending on if the upcycling is achieved by a chemical process or gene-editing (CRISPR-Cas9) techniques. We discuss the importance of the legal status of gene-editing and the role this may play in reducing food waste. Further, we discuss how policy makers can play an important role in reducing food waste, by means of regulations and by encouraging public and private initiatives that accommodate upcycling in the different stages of food production.