Higher Amino Acid Content Research Articles

Nutritional composition of sea squirts from Iwate Prefecture, Japan

n this study, due to the effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, sea squirts were not exported overseas and were discarded without being used for food. We addressed the disposal issue by raising awareness of sea squirts and incorporating them into food. When the general food composition of peeled sea squirts from Iwate Prefecture was analyzed, it was confirmed that they had a high ash content of 5.9% protein, 0.3% fat, 6.3% carbohydrates, and 2.9% ash, similar to shellfish. The mineral content of sea squirts from Iwate Prefecture revealed high levels of magnesium, iron, and zinc, similar to those of shellfish. The analysis of free amino acids in sea squirts revealed high levels of taurine, glutamic acid, proline, and alanine, indicating high amino acid content related to the taste of sea squirts, particularly sweetness and umami. It was confirmed that sea squirts are rich in minerals and amino acids, making them functional foods beneficial to human health.

Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles using Extract of Cynodon dactylon and Assessment of their Biological Activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Nanotechnology is a groundbreaking technology that that has been widely applied in creating materials which are useful in various fields. It's important to maintain eco-friendly approaches for synthesis of nanoparticles by diversifying the substrate sources. In this study, the researchers used aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs). Quantitative phytochemical analysis of the extract showed high concentrations of alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, and phenolic compounds. In contrast, moderate concentrations of tannins, oils, and fats, and low concentrations of phlorotannins, saponin, triterpenoids, and cardiac glycosides were found. Sterols, anthraquinone glycosides, gums, and mucilages were not detected in the extract. The synthesized ZnONPs showed absorbance ranging from 293 nm to 336 nm, with a peak at 307 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that the surface of the ZnONPs contained alcohol (intermolecular bonded), alkyne, amine salt, alkane, alkyne, aromatic compounds, conjugated alkene, amine, nitro compound, sulfonyl chloride, alkylaryl ether, and sulfoxide. Dynamic light scatering (DLS) analysis of the ZnONPs showed that its average size was 35.34±1.64 nm, and the polydispersity index was 0.6335. Spectrum of X ray diffraction indicated that peaks formed at 2θ and their corresponding orientation planes are 31.92o (100), 34.62o (002), 36.44o (101), 47.64o (102), 56.84o (110), 63.3o (200), and 68.16o (112). Transmission electron micrograph revealed the spherical shape, and nonuniform sizes of ZnONPs, which ranged from 0.52 nm to 8.32 nm. Antibacterial analysis of biosynthesized ZnONPs recorded 16±3.2 mm and 6.0±2.2 mm; 6.7±2.1 mm and 4.33±1.3 mm, 0.0±0.0 mm and 1.0±1.41 mm, against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, at 53.3 mg/mL, 26.7 mg/mL and 13.3 mg/ml concentrations, respectively. At sub-inhibitory concentrations, biosynthesized ZnONPs demonstrated effective dose-dependent antibiofilm formation activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Consequently, extract of Cynodon dactylon is suitable for biosynthesis of ZnONPs with effective antibacterial and antibiofilm formation activities.

Study of Changes in the Amino Acid Composition of Spiked Cereals during the Ripening Process

Introduction. The amino acid composition of compound feed is of great importance in feeding all kinds of animals. The lack of one or another amino acid limits the assimilation of other amino acids, resulting in excessive compound feed consumption, deterioration of the metabolism in the bodies of animals and increasing of their susceptibility to diseases. The use of grain heaps of wheat in the early ripening stages as feed raw materials is a promising direction for the development of the fodder base that will provide a balanced amino acid composition of compound feed with a lower content of expensive fish meal, which is the main source of protein in compound feeds. Aim of the Article. The article is aimed at determining the optimal ripening stage of spiked cereals, at which a high content of protein and proteinogenic amino acids is observed. The proposed technology and technological tools for early harvesting of spiked cereals will reduce agrotechnical terms of harvesting, reducing losses from shatter losses, and get grain of enhanced nutritive value. Materials and Methods. To study the amino acid composition, 4 samples of a winter wheat grain heap were taken: the winter wheat varieties Admiral and Luchezar, the perennial winter wheat (trititrigia) variety Pamyati Lyubimovoy and the gray wheatgrass variety Sova. Harvesting the wheat of these varieties was carried out by a combing-threshing unit in 5 phenological stages (growth stages are presented on the BBCH scale): 77 – late milk ripeness, 83 – early phase of wax ripeness, 87 – gold wax ripeness, 89 – full ripeness, 92 – overripeness. Results. The results of analyzing amino acid composition of 4 samples of wheat grain heap showed a high content of almost all the amino acids studied in the phase of gold wax ripeness, except of aspartic acid and asparagine, glutamic acid and glutamine, and tryptophan. Discussion and Conclusion. Grain heap of waxy ripeness wheat is a promising grain raw material for the production of compound feeds, which will reduce the amount of expensive components, such as fishmeal.

Origin and Function of Amino Acids in Nectar and Nectaries of Pitcairnia Species with Particular Emphasis on Alanine and Glutamine.

Floral nectar contains sugars and numerous other compounds, including amino acids, but little is known about their function and origin in nectar. Therefore, the amino acid, sugar, and inorganic ion concentrations, as well as the activity of alanine aminotransferase (AlaAT) and glutamine synthetase (GS) in nectar, nectaries, and leaves were analyzed in 30 Pitcairnia species. These data were compared with various floral traits, the pollinator type, and the phylogenetic relationships of the species to find possible causes for the high amino acid concentrations in the nectar of some species. The highest concentrations of amino acids (especially alanine) in nectar were found in species with reddish flowers. Furthermore, the concentration of amino acids in nectar and nectaries is determined through analyzing flower color/pollination type rather than phylogenetic relations. This study provides new insights into the origin of amino acids in nectar. The presence of almost all amino acids in nectar is mainly due to their transport in the phloem to the nectaries, with the exception of alanine, which is partially produced in nectaries. In addition, active regulatory mechanisms are required in nectaries that retain most of the amino acids and allow the selective secretion of specific amino acids, such as alanine.

Amino acid composition of proteins of hulled and naked oats

The expansion of the production of products with specified functional indicators (cereals, bakery products, pasta, desserts, muesli, yogurts) and feed with a certain amino acid composition is the main task of the food industry and the feed industry, and naked oats have firmly occupied their own niche in these areas of processing. The purpose of the research is to establish the amino acid composition of oat proteins of the hulled oat variety Konkur and naked varieties Bekas and Baget, to assess the balance of essential amino acids in oat proteins relative to the «reference protein» (amino acid scale according to FAO / WHO data) in order to use grain as an additive in food and feed to increase the proportion of essential amino acids in them. The research was carried out during 2018-2022 at the experimental base of the Samara Research Institute of Agriculture. Grain samples of the varieties of filmy and naked oats Konkur, Bekas and Baget were used as experimental material. It was found that the highest proportion of essential amino acids was observed in varieties of naked oats 39,9-41,0 g/kg. The sum of critical amino acids (lysine, methionine, tryptophan) in naked oat varieties was 9,4-9,6 g/kg, which is 1,1-1,3 g/kg higher than in the filmy variety Konkur. According to studies, 1 g of Konkur variety protein contains 249,7 mg of essential amino acids, proteins of naked oat variety Bekas - 268,4 mg and Baget variety - 262,9 mg, which corresponds to 69,4 %, 74,6 % and 73,0 % relative to FAO/WHO recommended standards. The excess of some essential amino acids in naked oat varieties (amino acid score over 100 %) contributed to the imbalance in the ratio of essential amino acids to the «reference» values, while increasing the coefficient of difference in amino acid scores (KRAS protein of Konkur variety was 24,2 %, Bekas variety 33,9 %, varieties Baget 35,5 %), thereby contributing to a decrease in the biological value of the proteins of the varieties Bekas and Baget in relation to the protein of the filmy variety Konkur. Grain of naked oats with a high content of essential amino acids should be used as an ingredient in the production of food and feed with high nutritional value.

Millet's Role as a Climate Resilient Staple for Future Food Security: A Review

This review comprehensively examines the role of millets as a sustainable and resilient food source in the context of global climate change and escalating food security challenges. Millets, a group of small-seeded grasses traditionally grown in semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia, are re-emerging as crops of significance due to their remarkable adaptability to harsh environmental conditions and their rich nutritional profile. The review begins by outlining the various types of millets, including pearl, finger, and foxtail millet, and their geographic distribution, emphasizing their adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. It then delves into the nutritional aspects of millets, highlighting their high content of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, making them a potent solution to combat malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies prevalent in many developing regions. A critical focus is placed on the climate resilience of millets. Their exceptional drought tolerance, ability to thrive in poor soil conditions, lower water, and nutrient requirements compared to staple crops like wheat and rice, and resistance to pests and diseases underscore millets' potential as sustainable crops in increasingly unpredictable climatic scenarios. This resilience not only promises to bolster food security but also contributes to sustainable agricultural practices. It explores the challenges and limitations in millet cultivation, processing, consumer acceptance, and market integration. It highlights the current gaps in millet-focused agricultural policies, the need for improved processing technologies, and strategies to enhance consumer appeal and marketability. Innovations in millet breeding for enhanced traits, advances in processing technologies, and the impact of biotechnology and climate-smart agricultural practices are examined. These technological and scientific advancements present opportunities for overcoming existing challenges and enhancing the role of millets in global food systems. Also presents case studies from various countries, particularly India, illustrating successful initiatives in millet cultivation, integration into national food policies, and community-led efforts. These examples offer valuable insights into practical approaches for promoting millets.

Nutritionally Important Pro-Health Active Ingredients and Antioxidant Properties of Fruits and Fruit Juice of Selected Biennial Fruiting Rubus idaeus L. Cultivars.

Raspberry fruits are an important source of many biologically active chemical compounds exerting nutritional and pro-health effects. The study presents a comparative analysis of nutritionally important bioactive chemical compounds-polyphenols; flavonoids, including anthocyanins; vitamin C; amino acids; fatty acids; and primary metabolites-contained in the fruits of three biennial fruiting cultivars, R. idaeus 'Glen Ample', 'Laszka', and 'Radziejowa', i.e., common cultivars in Poland and Europe. The antioxidant activity of fresh fruits and juice was determined with five methods. The analyses revealed the strong free radical scavenging potential of the fruits and juice, confirmed by the high concentration of nutrients, e.g., polyphenols, anthocyanins, vitamin C, amino acids, and fatty acids. The antioxidant activity of the juice determined with the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and OH radical methods was from 2.5 to 4.0 times higher than that of the fruits. The following orders of total polyphenol contents were established in the analyzed cultivars: 'Glen Ample' < 'Laszka' < 'Radziejowa' in the fruits and 'Glen Ample' < 'Radziejowa' < 'Laszka' in the juice. The highest antioxidant activity was exhibited by the 'Radziejowa' fruits. Given their high content of dietary fiber, the fruits of the analyzed raspberry cultivars can be consumed by dieting subjects. The concentrations of vitamin C (28-34 mg/100 g) and anthocyanins (20-34 mg/100 g) indicate the biological and pharmacological activity of these fruits. The main unsaturated fatty acids in the fruits were gamma-linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3n3), which neutralize excess free radicals. The amino acids nutritionally essential to humans were dominated by leucine, arginine, and phenylalanine. This is the first comparative analysis of the antioxidant activity of fruits and juice and the contents of selected active compounds in the fruits of biennial fruiting cultivars of R. idaeus, i.e., a highly commercialized crop in Europe.

Extracellular activity of proteases from Yarrowia lipolytica IPS21 as a function of the carbon and nitrogen source

Abstract The yeast strain Yarrowia lipolytica IPS 21 was tested for its ability to produce the protease enzyme on analytically pure carbon sources as well as on waste carbon sources. It was confirmed that the yeast Y. lipolytica IPS21 can have a higher proteolytic activity in the presence of waste carbon sources in chrome-tanned leather shavings (CTLS) than on yeast extract alone. This is confirmed by the high concentration of amino acids in samples with CTLS, suggesting increased degradation of CTLS by Y. lipolytica or secretion of proteases into the medium. It was also confirmed that metals accumulate mainly in the biomass and not in the supernatant. The biomass was also found to contain high levels of Ca, K and P, which are essential for plant growth. These results show that Y. lipolytica strain IPS21 can be used for the production of extracellular alkaline proteases and for the degradation of protein waste.

Chemical characteristics of red swimming crab (Thalamita spinimana) in Dompak Waters, Tanjungpinang City

Red swimming crab (Thalamita spinimana) is one of the fishery commodities caught by fishermen in Senggarang Village, Tanjungpinang City. Dompak Waters is one of the red swimming crab fishing ground for Senggarang fishermen. Utilization of red swimming crab have not used optimally as raw material for food and industry. This study aimed to determine the nutritional composition, fatty acids, amino acids, and heavy metals in red swimming crab. The sample used is fresh red swimming crab meat contained in the carapace and claws. The results showed that the nutritional composition of fresh red swimming crab meat contained 81.13% moister, 15.48% protein, 0.59% fat, 2.14% ash, 0.67% carbohydrate, and 0.53% crude fiber content. The highest amino acid content in red swimming crab is glutamic acid at 16,043.78 mg/kg. Red swimming crab has 0.38% unsaturated fatty acids and 0.20% saturated fatty acids. Heavy metals Hg, Pb, and Sn contained in red swimming crab are still below the based on Indonesian National Standard for heavy metal maximum threshold contained in food. Red swimming crab caught by fishermen in Senggarang Village from Dompak Waters fishing ground area are safe to use as food and nutritious raw materials.

Fungal metabolism and free amino acid content may predict nitrogen transfer to the host plant in the ectomycorrhizal relationship between Pisolithus spp. and Eucalyptus grandis.

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are crucial for tree nitrogen (N) nutrition; however, mechanisms governing N transfer from fungal tissues to the host plant are not well understood. ECM fungal isolates, even from the same species, vary considerably in their ability to support tree N nutrition, resulting in a range of often unpredictable symbiotic outcomes. In this study, we used isotopic labelling to quantify the transfer of N to the plant host by isolates from the ECM genus Pisolithus, known to have significant variability in colonisation and transfer of nutrients to a host. We considered the metabolic fate of N acquired by the fungi and found that the percentage of plant N acquired through symbiosis significantly correlated to the concentration of free amino acids in ECM extra-radical mycelium. Transcriptomic analyses complemented these findings with isolates having high amino acid content and N transfer showing increased expression of genes related to amino acid transport and catabolic pathways. These results suggest that fungal N metabolism impacts N transfer to the host plant in this interaction and that relative N transfer may be possible to predict through basic biochemical analyses.

Evaluation of the feasibility of using inorganic and organic acids for the extraction of amino acids from high-protein material (mealworm larvae) by chemical hydrolysis

High-protein mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) were treated with organic and inorganic acids in order to check the feasibility of applying acid hydrolyzates derived from them. Hydrolysis was optimized for the highest content of amino acids that have beneficial effects on plant development. The response surface method served the purpose of selecting optimal process conditions for such media as phosphoric acid, citric acid, acetic acid and mixtures of phosphoric and citric acids. The elemental composition of the best formulations and their amino acid profile was determined. Plant tests on cucumber (germination and pot tests) revealed the beneficial effect of the hydrolyzates on plant biometric parameters. By offering valuable insights into the relationship between fertilizer treatments and plant growth, our study contributes to developing sustainable agricultural practices and improved crop productivity.

Effects of foliar selenium application on Se accumulation, elements uptake, nutrition quality, sensory quality and antioxidant response in summer-autumn tea

Summer-autumn tea is characterized by high polyphenol content and low amino acid content, resulting in bitter and astringent teast. However, these qualities often lead to low economic benefits, ultimately resulting in a wastage of tea resources. The study focused on evaluating the effects of foliar spraying of glucosamine selenium (GLN-Se) on summer-autumn tea. This foliar fertilizer was applied to tea leaves to assess its impact on plant development, nutritional quality, elemental uptake, organoleptic quality, and antioxidant responses. The results revealed that GlcN-Se enhanced photosynthesis and yield by improving the antioxidant system. Additionally, the concentration of GlcN-Se positively correlated with the total and organic selenium contents in tea. The foliar application of GlcN-Se reduced toxic heavy metal content and increased the levels of macronutrients and micronutrients, which facilitated adaptation to environmental changes and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, GlcN-Se significantly improved both non-volatile and volatile components of tea leaves, resulting in a sweet aftertaste and nectar aroma in the tea soup. To conclude, the accurate and rational application of exogenous GlcN-Se can effectively enhance the selenium content and biochemical status of tea. This improvement leads to enhanced nutritional quality and sensory characteristics, making it highly significant for the tea industry.

Metabolite profiles and biological activities of different phenotypes of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. Pekinensis)

Chinese cabbage is considered as one of the most important cruciferous vegetables in South Korea because of its use in salads, kimchi, and Korean cuisine. Secondary metabolites were quantified in three Chinese cabbage varieties: 65065, interspecific hybrid of Chinese cabbage × red cabbage exhibiting a deep purple color; 85772, interspecific hybrid of Chinese cabbage × red mustard exhibiting a reddish-purple color; and a typical Chinese green cabbage cultivar “CR Carotene” (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis cv. CR Carotene). A total of 54 metabolites (2 amines, 2 sugar alcohols, 2 sugar phosphates, 6 carbohydrates, 18 amino acids, 13 organic acids, 8 phenolic compounds, and 3 carotenoids) were detected in 85772. Of them, 52 metabolites excluding β-carotene and 9-cis-β-carotene, and 51 metabolites excluding leucine, β-carotene, and 9-cis-β-carotene, were detected in 65065 and CR Carotene, respectively. Amino acid content was the highest in 85772, followed by 65065 and CR Carotene. The cultivars 65065 and 85772 contained high levels of phenolic compounds and total anthocyanins. Cyanidin-, pelargonidin-, and petunidin-type anthocyanins were detected in 65065 and 85772. However, delphinidin-type anthocyanins which typically impart a deep purple color were identified only in the deep purple phenotype 65065. Furthermore, the total anthocyanin content was the highest in 85772 (4.38 ± 0.65 mg g −1 dry weight) followed by that in 65065 (3.72 ± 0.52 mg g−1 dry weight). Antibacterial and antioxidant analyses revealed remarkable antibacterial effects of the purple cultivars against pathogens Vibrio parahaemolyticus (KCTC 2471), Bacillus cereus (KCTC 3624), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (KCCM 11803), Staphylococcus aureus (KCTC 3881), Chryseobacterium gleum (KCTC 2094), and Proteus mirabilis (KCTC 2510)] and methicillin-resistant pathogenic strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (0826, 0225, 0254, 1113, 1378, 1731, p01827, and p01828) compared with the antibacterial effects of CR Carotene. Furthermore, 65065 and 85772 exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity than that of the CR Carotene. Therefore, the novel purple Chinese cabbages (65065 and 85772), derived from interspecific hybridization, are potentially favorable alternatives to the typical green Chinese cabbage, given the higher content of amino acids, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, as well as an increased ability to scavenge free radicals and inhibit pathogen growth.

N-Acetylglutamate and N-acetylmethionine compromise mitochondrial bioenergetics homeostasis and glutamate oxidation in brain of developing rats: Potential implications for the pathogenesis of ACY1 deficiency

Aminoacylase 1 (ACY1) deficiency is an inherited metabolic disorder biochemically characterized by high urinary concentrations of aliphatic N-acetylated amino acids and associated with a broad clinical spectrum with predominant neurological signs. Considering that the pathogenesis of ACY1 is practically unknown and the brain is highly dependent on energy production, the in vitro effects of N-acetylglutamate (NAG) and N-acetylmethionine (NAM), major metabolites accumulating in ACY1 deficiency, on the enzyme activities of the citric acid cycle (CAC), of the respiratory chain complexes and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), as well as on ATP synthesis were evaluated in brain mitochondrial preparations of developing rats. NAG mildly inhibited mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) activity, moderately inhibited the activities of isocitrate dehydrogenase 3 (IDH3) and complex II-III of the respiratory chain and markedly suppressed the activities of complex IV and GDH. Of note, the NAG-induced inhibitory effect on IDH3 was competitive, whereas that on GDH was mixed. On the other hand, NAM moderately inhibited the activity of respiratory complexes II-III and GDH activities and strongly decreased complex IV activity. Furthermore, NAM was unable to modify any of the CAC enzyme activities, indicating a selective effect of NAG toward IDH mitochondrial isoforms. In contrast, the activities of citrate synthase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, and of the respiratory chain complexes I and II were not changed by these N-acetylated amino acids. Finally, NAG and NAM strongly decreased mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Taken together, the data indicate that NAG and NAM impair mitochondrial brain energy homeostasis.

The Efficacy of Yeast Supplementation on Monogastric Animal Performance-A Short Review.

Due to a continual growth in the world's population and the prohibition of antibiotics in animal production, the livestock industry faces significant challenges in the global demand for meat, eggs, and dairy products. The growing demand for organic products and the prohibition on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have compelled animal nutrition experts to search for natural substitutes that include medical plants and beneficial microorganisms. Natural feed additives like probiotics are found to be more effective than AGPs in reducing the load of harmful intestinal pathogens. One of the probiotics that has generated considerable interest since ancient times is yeast. Yeast is used as a supplement in animal feeds due to its relatively high protein, amino acid, energy, and micronutrient content. Yeast byproducts such as yeast cells and cell walls contain nutraceutical compounds (i.e., β-glucans, mannooligosaccharides, and nucleotides) and have been shown to improve animal growth performance and health. Though the application of yeast supplements has been reviewed to date, only a scarce amount of information exists on the yeast-derived products in non-ruminant nutrition. Additionally, it is difficult for nutritionists to differentiate the characteristics, composition, and optimal feeding among the diverse number of yeast-containing products. Due to the increasing popularity of using yeast-based products in animal feeds, the development of analytical approaches to estimate yeast and its components in these products is greatly needed. Thus, in this review, we intend to provide current knowledge of different categories of commercially available yeast and yeast-derived additives, along with their role in improving animal growth performance and health, their proposed mechanisms of action, and the challenges of quantifying yeast content and biologically active components.

Proteomic profile of the germinating seeds reveals enhanced seedling growth in Arabidopsis rpp1a mutant.

Ribosomal phosphoprotein P1 (RPP1) is an integral component of the P-protein stalk in the 60S subunit of eukaryotic ribosomes and is required for the efficient elongation of translation. Previously, Arabidopsis RPP1A was revealed to be involved in the regulation of seed size and seed storage protein accumulation. In this work, the seedling growth analysis shows that the knockout mutation of Arabidopsis RPP1A significantly promoted seedling growth, particularly in the shoots. The label-free quantitative proteomic analysis demonstrated that a total of 593 proteins were differentially accumulated between the germinating seeds of the wild-type Col-0 and rpp1a mutant. And these proteins were significantly enriched in the intracellular transport, nitrogen compound transport, protein transport, and organophosphate metabolic process. The abundance of proteins involved in the RNA and protein processing processes, including ncRNA processing and protein folding, were significantly increased in the rpp1a mutant. Mutation in RPP1A highlighted the effects on the ribosome, energy metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism. The abundance of enzymes involved in glycolysis and pyruvate mechanism was decreased in the germinating seeds of the rpp1a mutant. Whereas the processes of amino acid biosynthesis, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, and biosynthesis of cofactors were enhanced in the germinating seeds of the rpp1a mutant. Taken together, the lack of RPP1A triggered changes in other ribosomal proteins, and the higher amino acid contents in the seedlings of the rpp1a mutant probably contributed to enhanced biosynthesis, processing, and transport of proteins, resulting in accelerated growth. Our results show the novel role of a P-protein and shed new light on the regulatory mechanism of seedling growth.

Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Orange-Footed Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa)-Effect of Different Enzymes on Protein Yield and Bioactivity.

While sea cucumber is a food delicacy in Asia, these food resources are less exploited in Europe. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition and potential food applications of the less exploited orange-footed sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa). In particular, the antioxidative capacity and free amino acids associated with the umami flavor released by enzymatic hydrolyses by either Bromelain + Papain (0.36%, 1:1) or Alcalase (0.36%) were studied. Fresh C. frondosa contained approximately 86% water, and low levels of ash (<1%) and lipids (<0.5%). The protein content was 5%, with a high proportion of essential amino acids (43%) and thus comparable to the FAO reference protein. The high concentration of free amino acids associated with umami, sour, sweet, and bitter may contribute to flavor enhancement. Hydrolysis by Bromelain + Papain resulted in the highest protein yield, and the greatest concentration of free amino acids associated with umami and sour taste. All samples showed promising antioxidant capacity measured by FRAP, ABTS, DPPH and ORAC compared to previous reports. The inorganic arsenic concentration of fresh C. frondosa ranged from 2 to 8 mg/kg wet weight and was not affected by processing. This is comparable to other seafood and may exceed regulatory limits of consumption.

The Impact of Varied Levels and Application Methods of Boric Acid on the Performance and Protein Content

This research investigates the influence of boron (B) application on the yield and protein content of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a crop of significant importance due to its high protein and essential amino acid content. The study underscores boron's crucial, albeit still unclear, role in plant growth, and notes the damage boron deficiency and excess can cause, such as thickened stems, rough leaf tissues, stunted growth, and leaf scorching. Highlighting the plant species-dependent variance in optimal boron requirements, with legumes including common bean often needing more, the study reveals that a foliar application of 0.05% boric acid concentration, applied twice post-emergence, maximizes seed yield, while higher concentrations are detrimental. The research thus emphasizes the necessity of striking a balance in boron application to avoid either deficiency or toxicity, offering insights into appropriate boron dosage and application method for effective common bean cultivation. By contributing to a broader understanding of boron's role in common bean production and offering directions for optimized fertilization practices, this study helps improve both crop yield and quality. However, it also signals the need for further exploration of the long-term effects of boron application and its interaction with other nutrients under different environmental conditions.

Enhancing ultrafiltration performance for dairy wastewater treatment using a 3D printed turbulence promoter

Dairy factories annually generate an increasing amount of wastewater, which can cause eutrophication due to high concentrations of amino acids and lipids. To address this issue, membrane technology has emerged as a promising solution, but membrane fouling remains a significant challenge, since it can cause decreased flux, decrease membrane rejection performance, and increased energy demand. This study aimed to reduce membrane fouling by integrated a three-dimensional printed (3DP) turbulence promoter into an ultrafiltration dead-end cell and varying stirring speeds. Two mathematical models, Hermia and resistance-in-series, were used to analyze the fouling process. According to both models, the cake layer formation model indicated the most prevalent fouling mechanism. Specific energy demand, permeate flux, membrane rejection, and membrane reversible and irreversible resistances were measured, calculated, and compared. The results suggest that the combination of an integrated 3DP turbulence promoter and high stirring speeds can effectively reduce membrane fouling in a dairy wastewater treatment module.

Effect of temperature on the growth, feeding performance, gonadal development, and nutritive compositions in the muscle of fry stream groupers, Acrossocheilus fasciatus

AbstractTo determine the optimal temperature in rearing of fry stream groupers, Acrossocheilus fasciatus, a total of 540 fry fish with an initial body weight of (0.57 ± 0.16) g, and body length of (4.08 ± 0.40) cm were randomly distributed to 18 15‐L tanks and reared at six different temperatures (12, 16, 20, 24, 26, and 28°C) for a period of 60 days. Fish were hand‐fed to satiation under all six different temperature treatments. At the end of the experiment, almost all the growth, feeding, and gonadal development parameters were higher in the 26°C group than in the rest of the groups. As temperature increased from 12 to 26°C, the specific growth rate and feeding efficiency of fry significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05). When temperature reached 28°C, these parameters were significantly lower than in the 26°C group (p &lt; 0.05). The histological structure of the gonads showed that in the 26°C group, a large number of sperm cells resided in the testis in a free condition, and many yolk granules aggregated together and formed plates in the ovary. This histological information indicated that the gonadal maturity of fish in the 26°C group was higher than that of the other groups. Thus showing a turning point of growth, feeding, and gonadal development in the 26°C group. In relation to the nutritive compositions of muscle tissue, fish reared at 16°C exhibited the highest content of amino acids and fatty acids. These parameters significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased as the temperature increased from 16 to 28°C. The proportion of essential amino acids (EAA/NEAA) and unsaturation of fatty acids (∑UFA/FA) did not show significant temperature influence (p &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, increases in temperature significantly improved the growth rate, feeding performance, and gonadal development rate of fry A. fasciatus. Regression analysis based on growth and feeding performance showed that the optimal temperature of rearing fry A. fasciatus was 23.81–26.57°C.