High Protein Content Research Articles

Harnessing nature’s treasure of bioactive compounds from ethnomedicinal Macromycos Lentinus squarrosulus Mont.

Mushrooms are low-calorie foods with a high content of proteins, vitamins B and D, minerals, carbohydrates and fibers (1). Many researchers have shown that edible mushrooms contain numerous bioactive compounds with multiple health-promoting effects such as antiulcer, antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory antitumor, anticholesterol, anti-inflammatory and antihaemorrhagic effects (2). There arises a pressing need to tap into the potential of medicinal mushrooms like L. squarrosulus which has ethnomedicinal values and are used in treating anaemia, ulcer, fever, cough, infertility and fungal infections, as well as to reduce the risk of metabolic diseases (3-5). Global multidrug resistance calls for a search for new potential lead compounds as therapeutic agents. Many macromycos still remain understudied as sources of bioactive compounds. Further investigation of bioactive components found in L. squarrosulus, will be informative regarding the biological activity of the organisms as medicinal agents. The ethanol extract of the ethnomedicinal macromycos L. Squarrosulus was subjected to GC-MS analysis for bioactive compounds among these thirteen compounds of hits were achieved with bioactive compounds in the ethnomedicinal macromycos. Of these compounds (2E)-Dodec-2-en-1-yl methyl ether (13.95%) formed the largest number while 1,2-15,16-Diepoxyhexadecane (9.03%) constituted the next high number of such compounds. Other amino acids, fatty acids, ethyl esters and other compounds identified included 2-Methyl-4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-4-oxo-2-butenoic acid (2.12%), L-Alanine, N-L-alanyl- (0.94%), Benzofuran, 3-methyl- (1.63%), Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (3.75%) and 2'-Hydroxy-à-naphthoflavone (2.53%). Some of these compounds have antioxidant, hepatoprotective, hypocholesterolemic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiarthritic, anticoronary and immune suppression as well as cancer preventive activities. The present study has identified bioactive components with therapeutic potential in L. squarrosulus; it forms a basis for screening, isolating and identifying various bioactive compounds which may be valuable in treating a wide range of ailments, disorders and diseases soon.

Effects of Different Zinc Concentrations on Culture Growth of Spirulina platensis and Its Production of Zinc Enriched as Superfood

With its high protein, vitamin and mineral content, Spirulina platensis (SP) is the most widely used microalgae as a food supplement and the most cultivated microalgae for this purpose. Zinc is a regulatory microelement that is incorporated into the structure of many proteins in the cell and is particularly deficient in cereal-based societies. Due to the high adaptability of SP to environments with high metal concentrations and its high capacity to secrete substances called phytochelatin and metal-binding capacity, in this study zinc-enriched SP (ZnSP) was produced by binding metals to SP by organic means. For this purpose, modified media with 4 different Zn concentrations were prepared and SP was cultured in these media. Optical density, chlorophyll-a, phycobiliprotein and dry cell weight analyses were performed to monitor the culture. During the culture period, biomass and filtered culture medium were collected from logarithmic and stationary stages and Zn analyses were performed. The most suitable culture medium and growth conditions were determined to obtain Zn-enriched SP. 338.4 mg kg-1 Zn was measured in SP biomass grown in Zn-3 medium containing 8 mg L-1 Zn. It may be possible to obtain Zn-enriched SP in this medium and under the specified culture conditions, and even this ratio can be increased by adding Zn to the culture medium after the logarithmic stage.

The study of high-protein plant components on the example of soybeans and corn for aquaculture feed

It is important to use nutritious compound feeds with high content of protein in order to obtain qualitative marketable fish products under an intensive cultivation. During the production of high-protein aquaculture feeds, protein-rich animal and plant ingredients should be added to the composition. To such components refer: fish flour, meat-and-bone meal, wheat, corn, various types of soybeans, etc. Animal ingredients can be partially replaced by vegetable ingredients, but should not be 100%. Popular plant-based feed additives are soybean and corn. They are rich sources of plant protein which make them an ideal supplement to form a complete fish diet, especially in conditions of the intensive cultivation. These ingredients are often cheaper in comparison to animal proteins, which is the reason why the use of these ingredients makes feed more affordable for fish producers. For producers, semi-finished products of two or more ingredients are produced now as pellets or dry mixes. It is made to simplify the production process. In the majority of cases, these additives include a combination of animal protein and plant protein. This paper considers plant components such as soybean and corn in combination with fish flour for the manufacture of compound feeds. It also presents amino acid compositions of these components. Studies on the determination of the amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in experimental feeds containing soybean and corn are conducted and described. In the course of the experiment it is revealed that the feed with soybean content has a higher percentage of crude protein content, but the feed with corn has a higher content of carbohydrates in its composition.

Legumes and cereal crop rotation effect on soil fertility under selected agronomic practices in central farming region, Mongolia

The experimental study aimed at identifying the effects on soil fertility and resources using five different treatments, fallow, non-cultivated land, serial plants, leguminous plants, and grass, was conducted in a central agricultural region of Mongolia. The findings highlight the beneficial effects of cooperative agriculture for food and fodder on the restoration of soil fertility and its resulting useful effect on wheat crop yield. To ensure the stability of soil fertility in the central agricultural region, the key results of the suggest that mobile macro element nitrogen in the soil increased by 45-75.9 per cent over a 3-year rotation with spring soft wheat as the major crop grown along with leguminous plants. Furthermore, the implementation of a two-year rotation of Melilotus albus as intercropping for fodder and food purposes has been found to enhance the rate of soil cellulose decomposition. Furthermore, it has been observed that the continuation of favorable weather conditions and availability of moisture directly correlate with the extent of cellulose decomposition. The aggregate structure of the soil with a diameter of 1-3 mm, which is crucial for growing perennial grass (Agropyron cristatum), is improved by 11.87 per cent to enhance the field's soil structure and reduce erosion. In our research, it was found that legumes have a high protein content and are important role in meeting the needs of livestock and human food, while enriching the soil with nitrogen and increasing the yield of other crops. However, the practical importance of our research lies in the fact that it was established that perennial plants improve the structure of the soil. Legumes, according to our research, are rich in protein and contribute significantly to the provision of food for humans and livestock, as well as to the enhancement of soil nitrogen levels and the growth of other crops. Nevertheless, our study holds practical significance because it proves that grasses enhance the soil's structure as well.

Advances in Bioprocess Engineering for Optimising Chlorella vulgaris Fermentation: Biotechnological Innovations and Applications.

Chlorella vulgaris, a unicellular green microalga, has obtained significant attention due to its high protein content, abundance of bioactive compounds, and broad biotechnological potential. Used in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods, it is now gaining traction in cosmetics, biopharmaceuticals, and environmental applications. Recent advancements in fermentation technology, such as the development of high-density fermentation strategies, adaptive evolution of strains, and real-time monitoring systems, have greatly improved the efficiency, scalability, and sustainability of C. vulgaris production, enhancing bioavailability and product quality. This review explores developments in C. vulgaris fermentation, highlighting advancements in strain improvement through genetic engineering, metabolic optimization, mutagenesis, and adaptive evolution, alongside bioprocess engineering and the optimization of fermentation parameters. Key considerations include bioreactor design, downstream processing, and innovative monitoring technologies aimed at maximizing biomass yield and bioactive compound production. Emerging applications of fermented C. vulgaris across industries are also highlighted, along with future perspectives on scaling up production, addressing regulatory challenges, and ensuring biosafety. These insights provide a comprehensive outlook on the future of C. vulgaris fermentation in biotechnological applications.

LncRNAs maintain the functional phase state of nucleolar prion-like protein to facilitate rRNA processing.

Liquid-to-solid phase transition of proteins with prion-like domains (PLDs) has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases and aging. High protein concentration is one important aspect triggering the transition; however, several prion-like proteins, including fibrillarin (FBL), an important phase-separated protein in the nucleolus for pre-rRNA processing, show relatively high expression levels in certain cells, especially cancer cells, without obvious phase transitions and growth arrest. How cells maintain prion-like protein proteostasis is still unknown. Here, we attempt to answer the question, with FBL as an example. We find that lncRNA DNAJC3-AS1 can buffer the behavior of FBL condensation and maintain the state and function of fibrillar component/dense fibrillar component (FC/DFC) units in human cell lines through two mechanisms, not only facilitating FBL condensation but also inhibiting excessive aggregation by binding multiple PLDs and partially blocking their interactions. We propose that lncRNAs could supply buffered systems to sustain functional phase states of prion-like proteins.

Physicochemical and sensory quality of mackerel fish ball formulated by dumbo catfish (Clarias gariepinus) protein isolate as a binder

Catfish is a freshwater fish with high protein content and productivity. However, its use is still limited. Food processing and formulation can be a solution to utilize catfish protein in fish-based products. This study investigated the physicochemical and sensory quality of mackerel fish balls (MFBs) formulated with catfish protein isolate (CPI) as a binder. The catfish protein was isolated using the pH-shifting method with extraction at pH 11 and precipitation at pH 5.5. The fish ball formulation contained mackerel crushed meat (MCM) and catfish protein isolate (CPI), with ratios of F1 (100:0), F2 (85:15), and F3 (70:30). The MFBs were also analysed for their physical (e.g., colour, water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss, texture), proximate, and sensory properties. The results showed that the CPI had a high protein content (93.46% db), which followed the Codex Alimentarius standard. The addition of CPI had a significant effect on the colour, WHC, cooking loss, hardness, proximate composition, and sensory properties (colour, aroma, taste, texture, and overall attributes) of MFBs (p<0.05). The CPI improved WHC, hardness and protein content while reducing the cooking loss of MFBs. The MFBs with the ratio of MCM: CPI of 85:15 (F2) were the best formulation based on the hardness value, protein content, and sensory properties. The protein content of F2 increased by 6.89% from the control. CPI can be an additive ingredient in highly nutritious fish-based products with good physical and sensory properties.

A Systematic Review: Assessment of the Metabolomic Profile and Anti-Nutritional Factors of Cannabis sativa as a Feed Additive for Ruminants.

Background:Cannabis sativa is a high-value crop that can be cultivated for ruminant's feed and medicinal purposes. The demand for Cannabis and Cannabis products has increased since the beginning of 21st century. Objectives: The increase in the production cost of high-protein feeds such as lucerne has led to an urgent need to investigate alternative high-protein sources. Methods: Cannabis has been identified as an alternative to lucerne due to its high protein content. Results: However, the cultivation and uses of Cannabis and its by-products in South Africa is limited due to the strict legislation. The metabolites and nutritional value of Cannabis are influenced by growing conditions and soil type. Furthermore, the available literature has shown that Cannabis contains anti-nutritional factors that may affect feed intake or bioavailability and digestibility. Conclusions: Therefore, it is crucial to employ a processing method that can reduce anti-nutritional factors to promote the feed intake and growth rate of sheep. Fermentation, as a processing method, can reduce anti-nutritional factors found in Cannabis, which will make it a palatable alternative feed supplement for ruminants such as Dorper sheep. Overall, this review paper aimed to examine the available literature on the use of Cannabis as an alternative high-protein feed supplement for Dorper sheep in South Africa.

Enhanced Electrochemiluminescence Detection of Dopamine Using Antifouling PEDOT-Modified SPEs for Complex Biological Samples.

Detecting medically important biomarkers in complex biological samples without prior treatment or extraction poses a major challenge in biomedical analysis. Electrochemical methods, specifically electrochemiluminescence (ECL), show potential due to their high sensitivity, minimal background noise, and straightforward operation. This study investigates the ECL performance of screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) modified with the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and its derivatives for dopamine (DA) detection. PEDOT modification significantly enhances ECL intensity, improves sensitivity, and expands the linear range for DA detection. Functionalizing PEDOT with ethylene glycol (EG) further enhances stability, specificity, and resistance to interferences for DA detection. These modified SPEs demonstrate the linear range of 1-200 μM and a detection limit as low as 0.887 nM (S/N = 3), surpassing many previous studies using SPEs. Moreover, the PEDOT-EG4-OMe-modified SPEs can reliably detect DA in solutions with high protein concentrations or artificial cerebrospinal fluid. These results suggest that the PEDOT derivative-modified SPE can serve as reusable and sensitive DA sensors in complex biological environments, highlighting the potential of the ECL system for a range of challenging applications.

Exploiting 19F NMR in a Multiplexed Assay for Small GTPase Activity.

Small GTPases (smG) are a 150-member family of proteins, comprising five subfamilies: Ras, Rho, Arf, Rab, and Ran-GTPases. These proteins function as molecular switches, toggling between two distinct nucleotide-bound states. Using traditional multidimensional heteronuclear NMR, even for single smGs, numerous experiments, high protein concentrations, expensive isotope labeling, and long analysis times are necessary. 19F NMR of fluorinated proteins or ligands can overcome these drawbacks. Using indole position-specific 19F labeling of the proteins, the activities of several smGs were measured in a multiplexed fashion. We investigated 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-fluoro tryptophan containing smGs to study nucleotide binding. Distinct resonances for GDP- or GTP-bound states of three different 19F-labeled smGs, RhoA, K-Ras, and Rac1, were observed, and the kinetics of exchange and hydrolysis were measured. This multiplexed system will permit screening of nucleotide-specific ligands of smGs under true physiological conditions.

Production Performance and Nutritional Quality of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Nurtured in Different Organic Waste

Nutritionists are beginning to pay attention to black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae (BSFL) as an alternative to expensive soybean and fish meal in animal feed which is abundant in different nutrients. Additionally, organic wastes including leftover food, animal excreta, and agricultural wastes, can be used to efficiently raise and spread BSFL. This study was carried out to evaluate the yield, production performance and proximate composition of BSFL nurtured on different organic waste namely, broiler starter feed (BF); rice bran (RB); market-sourced vegetable wastes (VW); chicken manure (CM) and kitchen waste (KW). The BF fed group had the highest observed larval yields (16.2 kg in total; P<0.05). Raising BSFL on BF, VW and KW resulted in the greatest body weight (0.149, 0.147 and 0.150 g, respectively) and growth rate (0.012 g), whereas the KW fed group had the longest body length (P<0.05). The fed groups that received CM and BF had the highest and lowest mortality rates, respectively (P<0.05). All fed groups except RB had improved feed conversion ratios, while VW and KW fed groups had higher protein conversion ratios (2.626 and 2.852, respectively; P<0.05). All the group had better substrate reduction rate compared to CM fed group (P<0.05). The dry matter and ash contents of BSFL reared on BF, VW and KW were higher than the RB and CM group (P<0.05). The KW supplemented BSFL had the highest ether extract level, whereas the BF fed group had the highest protein content (43.58%, P<0.05). In conclusion, BSFL can be successfully reared on kitchen and vegetable scraps. It is anticipated that the cost of black soldier fly farming and animal production will decrease since these organic waste shown favorable effects on BSFL growth performance and nutritional quality comparable to broiler feed in the current study. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 139-148, 2024

Microalgae bioprospecting for the food industry: insights into the autotrophic biomass production and macromolecular accumulation of four microalgal species.

In this study, four microalgal strains were evaluated for their biomass production capacity and macromolecule biosynthesis. These include three strains from the phylum Chlorophyta: Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120, Stichococcus sp. LB2PC 0117, and Tetraselmis sp. LB2PC 0320, and one strain from the phylum Haptophyta: Isochrysis sp. LB2PC 0220. The experiments were conducted under typical laboratory-scale setups. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis based on the 18-28S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) was performed to validate the taxonomic identity of the strains. Each strain was exposed to four different cultivation conditions based on two levels of illumination intensity [25-(LI) and 50-(HI) µmol m- 2 s- 1] and nitrogen loading [100-(LΝ) and 300-(HΝ) mg NaNO3 L- 1] in a full factorial design. All the microalgae achieved maximum biomass production under HI-HN conditions, which amounted to 1495, 919, 844, and 708mg/L for Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120, Stichococcus sp. LB2PC 0117, Tetraselmis sp. LB2PC 0320 and Isochrysis sp. LB2PC 0220, respectively, after 16 days of cultivation. Among them, Stichococcus sp. LB2PC 0117 had the highest protein content (49.9% wt.) under LI-HN conditions and Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120 had the highest lipid content (44.3% wt.) under HI-LN conditions. Both Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120 and Tetraselmis sp. LB2PC 0320 accumulated the highest carbohydrate content (~ 37% wt.) under LI-LN and HI-LN conditions, respectively. Based on biomass and macromolecule production, Monoraphidium sp. LB2PC 0120 was identified as the most promising candidate for upscaling studies, expecting its highly manipulatable compositional profile to support multiple applications in the food industry, rendering this microalga a valuable resource.

Isolation, Characterization, and Proteomic Analysis of Crude and Purified Extracellular Vesicles Extracted from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) play vital roles in plant-pathogen interactions; however, the isolation of purified Foc TR4-EVs and their pathogenicity and proteomic profiles are not well studied. This study aims to isolate and characterize purified Foc TR4-EVs and compare their pathogenic effects and protein profiles with crude TR4-EVs. Foc TR4-EVs were isolated using ultracentrifugation and purified by iodixanol gradient centrifugation. After characterization and evaluation of the pathogenicity effects on banana leaves, LC-MS/MS was performed to conduct the proteomics assay. Results indicated that Fraction 2 EVs exhibited clearer spherical structures (TEM), excessive abundance (1.70 × 109 particles/mL), greater intensity (400 a.u), mean size (154.5 nm), moderate protein content (333.16 ng/µL), and protein profile (25-77 kDa), which were superior to Fractions 1, 3, and crude EVs. Crude EVs displayed significant background interference with EV structures (TEM), highest abundance (2.11 × 109 particles/mL), lower intensity (7.0 a.u), higher protein content (528.33 ng/µL), and higher molecular weight proteins (55-70 kDa) compared to gradient EVs. A non-significant biocontrol effect of Foc-EVs on the growth of TR4 spores was observed. Pathogenicity assays revealed that crude EVs caused the largest (2.805 cm2), while Fraction 2 (1.386 cm2) and Fraction 3 (1.255 cm2) resulted in moderate lesions on banana leaves. Proteomic analysis identified 807 unique proteins in Fraction 2, enriched in pathways related to EV trafficking and signaling. In comparison, crude EVs contained 179 unique non-EV proteins related to metabolism and secondary metabolites, indicating that non-EV proteins of crude EVs also influence the pathogenicity observed in banana leaves. This study emphasizes the importance of EV purification, with Fraction 2 being a critical focus for future research on Foc EV pathogenicity.

Optimization of the Frying Process for Maximizing Crispiness of Scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) Adductor Muscle Snacks Using Vacuum Low-Temperature Frying.

Scallops, an economically important seafood, are popular as fried snacks. Vacuum low-temperature frying creates crispy, healthier foods that meet consumer demand for nutritious snacks with excellent texture. However, research on vacuum frying for shellfish products remains limited. This study aimed to optimize the process for developing a healthy, crispy snack that retains the original shape of the Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) adductor muscle using vacuum low-temperature frying technology. The effects of various frying methods on the scallops were analyzed. The vacuum low-temperature frying process was optimized based on evaluations of physical, chemical, and sensory properties. Frying conditions were optimized using response surface methodology, with temperature (X1: 90.1-109.9 °C) and time (X2: 186-774 s) as variables. Based on moisture (5.6 ± 0.1 g/100 g), hardness (1470 ± 5.0 g/cm2), and sensory chewiness (7.6 ± 0.2 points) analyses, 99.9 °C and 480 s were identified as the optimal conditions. Validation was conducted through sensory evaluation by 30 trained panelists. Scallops produced under these optimal frying conditions exhibited low water activity (aw) (0.46), desirable texture (1428 g/cm2), palatability (7.9 points), and high protein content (45.6 g/100 g). The predicted and experimental values for frying temperature and time showed strong agreement, validating the reliability of the optimization model.

Strike while the iron is hot: unravelling the impact of dietary iron on two edible insects

Abstract Edible insects are key players in the alternative protein market. Alongside their high protein content, edible insects contain abundant trace minerals, including iron. Given the lack of sustainable and bioavailable iron sources, edible insects are a promising iron source in both human and livestock diets. However, little is known about how the iron concentration in edible insects can be manipulated. This study aims to investigate the impact of dietary iron at different concentrations on the growth, survival, and nutrient composition of two edible insect species larvae: black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) and yellow mealworm (YM, Tenebrio molitor). Substrate iron content was increased using ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), ranging from 267-563 mg/kg (0 to 10 mM FAC) for YM and 323-6637 mg/kg (0 to 100 mM FAC) for BSF. Larval weight of YM was unaffected by dietary iron content, but survival rates significantly decreased by 4% at the 10 mM diet. In BSF larvae, no differences in body weight or survival were noted between dietary iron treatments, but cuticular lesions potentially indicative of iron overload appeared at 100 mM diet. When exposed to excess dietary iron, both YM and BSF showed significant increases in iron content in a dose-dependent manner, with BSF larvae exhibiting a threefold increase from 372 mg/kg to 999 mg/kg. Both species exhibited significant reductions in zinc on iron-enriched diets. Calcium levels in BSF strongly correlated with dietary iron concentration, rising by over 20% at the 100 mM diet, a phenomenon not previously reported. Finally, across all dietary iron concentrations, no significant effects on protein and fat content or soluble protein composition were observed in either species. All together data suggest that BSF larvae can act as a precious source of both iron and calcium for food and feed formulations through substrate manipulation.

Natural Feed Administration During Fattening Stage for the Growth of Mud Crabs (Scylla sp.) Under Different Rearing Systems

Mud crab (Scylla spp.) aquaculture holds significant potential in supporting food security, economic growth, and ecological balance. This study aims to summarize various findings related to critical factors in mud crab farming, such as feed types, rearing systems, and stocking density, and their impact on productivity, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and economic profitability. The review highlights that trash fish feed at 15% of body weight yields optimal growth and feed efficiency due to its high protein content. Feed diversification, including stingray and janitor fish, offers promising results with reduced costs. Various rearing systems are employed, ranging from cages and earthen ponds to advanced technologies such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). Small bamboo floating cages demonstrate superior outcomes in growth and survival rates (SR). Mangrove habitats significantly enhance crab growth, while silvofishery systems provide a sustainable farming alternative. Optimal stocking density, such as 4 crabs/m², balances growth and production. Additionally, Scylla serrata exhibits the best growth rate compared to other species, particularly males. Innovations like soft-shell farming technology add economic value to the product. Overall, the success of mud crab aquaculture depends on the optimal combination of feed, rearing systems, and environmental management. This review offers strategic insights for developing efficient, sustainable, and economically viable crab farming practices.

The Identification of AMT Family Genes and Their Expression, Function, and Regulation in Chenopodium quinoa.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is an Andean allotetraploid pseudocereal crop with higher protein content and balanced amino acid composition in the seeds. Ammonium (NH4+), a direct source of organic nitrogen assimilation, mainly transported by specific transmembrane ammonium transporters (AMTs), plays important roles in the development, yield, and quality of crops. Many AMTs and their functions have been identified in major crops; however, no systematic analyses of AMTs and their regulatory networks, which is important to increase the yield and protein accumulation in the seeds of quinoa, have been performed to date. In this study, the CqAMTs were identified, followed by the quantification of the gene expression, while the regulatory networks were predicted based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), with the putative transcriptional factors (TFs) having binding sites on the promoters of CqAMTs, nitrate transporters (CqNRTs), and glutamine-synthases (CqGSs), as well as the putative TF expression being correlated with the phenotypes and activities of GSs, glutamate synthase (GOGAT), nitrite reductase (NiR), and nitrate reductase (NR) of quinoa roots. The results showed a total of 12 members of the CqAMT family with varying expressions in different organs and in the same organs at different developmental stages. Complementation expression analyses in the triple mep1/2/3 mutant of yeast showed that except for CqAMT2.2b, 11/12 CqAMTs restored the uptake of NH4+ in the host yeast. CqAMT1.2a was found to mainly locate on the cell membrane, while TFs (e.g., CqNLPs, CqG2Ls, B3 TFs, CqbHLHs, CqZFs, CqMYBs, CqNF-YA/YB/YC, CqNACs, and CqWRKY) were predicted to be predominantly involved in the regulation, transportation, and assimilation of nitrogen. These results provide the functions of CqAMTs and their possible regulatory networks, which will lead to improved nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in quinoa as well as other major crops.

Optimizing separation: Utilizing Aspergillus oryzae for bioflocculation of marine Tetraselmis subcordiformis on agricultural residues

AbstractMicroalgae are a promising source of high-quality nutrients for the growing population. They contain high concentrations of protein, unsaturated fatty acids and carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and antioxidants. However, conventional separation methods are too high in cost or cause contamination in the end product. Thus, fungal bioflocculation has gained traction as a promising separation method. This is a process in which microalgae adhere to mycelial surfaces. Problematically, previous studies often investigated the bioflocculation process via inedible and possibly harmful fungal species. In this study, the safe and edible fungus Aspergillus oryzae was investigated for the bioflocculation of marine microalga Tetraselmis subcordiformis on the basis of agricultural residues. Fungal growth conditions were optimized to achieve a maximum separation of 99.5% and dry mass ratio (algal to fungal) of 0.48 g g−1. This efficacy was achieved with the fungal culture conditions of 25 °C, 75 rpm, 105 spores mL−1 and an addition of 800 mg L−1 urea. Additionally, field emission scanning electron microscopy and microscopy of thin sections of paraffin embedded biomass revealed that the mycelial structure played a critical role in microalgal separation. The nitrogen addition resulted in a denser mycelial network, aiding the capture of microalgal cells, thus enhancing bioflocculation. Overall, the above-described process was able to produce biomass suitable for human consumption while exclusively utilizing agricultural residues as media components. These findings open possibilities for scalable, cost-effective microalgae harvesting systems, which can be integrated into sustainable food production. Future research could focus on optimizing the system for other microalgal species and exploring industrial scale applications in food and feed sectors.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BOVINE HIDE GELATIN WITH THE TYPE AND CONCENTRATION OF ACID AS A PRE -TREATMENT SOLUTION

The aim of the research was to study the physical and chemical properties of bovine skin gelatin soaked in different types and concentrations of acids and to obtain the types and concentrations of acids that could produce good quality gelatin. The materials used in the study were 10 kg of PO fresh cowhide, acetic acid, HCl and lime citric acid. The treatment applied was the percentage of acid, namely 3%, 4% and 5%. Parameters observed included yield, moisture content, ash content, pH, fat content, protein content, gel strength and viscosity. Statistical analysis was used with a completely randomized design with factorial pattern with 2 repetitions, as the first level is the type of acid, namely CH3COOH, HCL and C6H8O7 and the second level is the percentage of acid: 3%, 4%, 5%. The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA (Co Variance Analysis) based on a completely randomized factorial design. If there is a difference, proceed with Duncan's multiple area test. The interaction between the type of acid and the percentage of acid affects all parameters. Treatment with HCl gave the highest yield of 18.05% and the pH closest to normal was 4.62. Acetic acid treatment resulted in the highest protein content, gel strength and viscosity (95.94%, 222.01 Bloom, 10.44 cP). Treatment with lime citric acid obtained the lowest ash content of 0.36%.

Assessment of Genetic Variability and Trait Associations in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Germplasms for Targeted Breeding Strategies

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a pivotal legume crop with substantial contributions to global food security and agricultural sustainability due to its high protein content, adaptability and nitrogen-fixing ability. The efficiency of breeding programs in enhancing chickpea productivity and resilience relies heavily on understanding and utilizing genetic variability within the germplasm. This study investigates the extent of genetic variability among forty-three chickpea genotypes, focusing on key traits such as number of pods (NPP), biological yield (BY), harvest index (HI), days to flowering (DTF), days to maturity (DTM), that influence yield and other agronomic characteristics. Analysis of variance showed significant variability among genotypes for various traits. Higher phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) compared to genotypic coefficients (GCV) indicated the presence of environmental influence, particularly for traits like number of pods per plant (NPP) and biological yield (BY). High heritability was observed for days to flowering (DTF) and maturity (DTM), while genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM) varied, indicating additive gene action for some traits. Correlation and path analysis revealed positive relationships between plot yield and traits such as Days to Flowering (DTF), plant height (PH), and harvest index (HI). Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis indicated significant genetic diversity, grouping genotypes into clusters and identifying top performers like GJG1801 and NBEG 924. This study emphasizes the importance of genetic variability in breeding programs, aiding in the selection of elite genotypes for targeted traits improvement.