High Carbohydrate Content Research Articles

Sugarcane: A Climate Resilient Devine Crop

Worldwide increasing demands of food, fodder, fuel and other bio-chemicals for erratically increasing population, urbanization and industrialization. Only sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) has great potential as a major feedstock for sugar, biofuel and allied related production. Sugarcane is the lead driver for production of sugar and sweeteners globally. It is considered among the best options and replace the fossil fuels for production of biofuels today due to an exceptional biomass production capacity, high carbohydrate (sugar + fiber) content, and a favourable energy input/output ratio. The conversion of sugarcane biomass into fermentable sugars for second-generation ethanol production is a promising alternative to meet future demands of biofuel production in the world. Biofuels have gained much importance due to the depleting fossil fuel resources and the over-accumulation of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the environment. Biofuel and paper production from sugarcane can be achieve the targets to replace fossil fuels to scavenge carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere and to attain environmental and economic sustainability. Fermentable sugars (40-60%) of molasses which is diluted with distilled water and by fermentation process (Saccharomyces cerevisae) produce rum (wine). Application of sugarcane by-products, such as press mud, vinasse and bagasse, to improves chemical, physical, and biological properties of soil and enhanced the crop quality and yield. For transfer the live micro-organism from agar slant of laboratory to rhizosphere then sugar press mud play key role in formulating microbial inoculant as suitable carrier. Food yeast Torulopsis utilis, is prepared from molasses used as baker’s and brewer’s yeast in bakery industry. Sugarcane improves the economy of rural population by providing lead source of fodder for livestock management as a sugarcane tops and by-products of sugarcane (molasses treated with urea, mineral mixture treated sugarcane top hays etc.). Scientific interventions have not only helped to improve the cane crop but industrial procedures have also been upgraded resulting in improved production of biofuel, paper, wine etc and other sugarcane by-products used to improve the economy of rural and urban population. However, building a bridge between science and industry requires investments in research, development and transfer of new technologies to the industry as well as specialized personnel to deal with new technological challenges.

Chemical composition and potent antibacterial activities of colony-forming cyanobacteria, Desmonostoc muscorum (Nostocales, Cyanophyceae)

Cyanobacteria are important natural sources of biomolecules and active compounds with promising biological activities against a wide range of microbial pathogens. The study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and antibacterial activities of colony-forming cyanobacteria, Desmonostoc muscorum. Proximate analysis showed that D. muscorum biomass possesses high concentration of carbohydrates (35.50 ± 0.12%), protein (20.19 ± 0.03%), and ash (16.90 ± 0.02%). The elemental composition of D. muscorum biomass is in a decreasing order of Ca > Mn > Mg > K > Na > Fe> Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Cd. Also, D. muscorum extract exhibited potent antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes with MIC values of 125 μg/mL, 125 μg/mL, and 250 μg/mL, respectively. The current study documents the promising use of D. muscorum as good sources of microelements and compounds which can be harness for food and medical applications.

Nutritional Composition and Antinutritional Factors of Five Wild Edible Fruits Grown in the Mekdela District, South of Wollo, Ethiopia.

This study was carried out to determine the mineral content and nutritional properties of five wild fruits Rhus vulgaris, Rosa abyssinica, Rhus natalensis, Euclea racemosa, and Ficus sur. The proximate composition parameters (moisture, ash, crude fiber, crude fat, and crude protein) and antinutritional factors were evaluated using methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists and elemental analysis using the atomic absorption spectroscopy technique. Among the five wild edible fruit species, Rhus vulgaris had the highest carbohydrate content (83.3 ± 0.28 g/100 g) and a high total energy (344.5 ± 2.21 kcal/100 g). Euclea racemosa was found to have the maximum ash content (12.8 ± 0.37 g/100 g), protein content (3.22 ± 0.01 g/100 g), and moisture (16.24 ± 0.003 g/100 g), respectively. Rhus natalensis showed the highest fiber content (9.54 ± 0.003 g/100 g). Mineral analysis showed that local wild fruits contained a considerable amount of minerals. The calcium concentration ranged from 99.51 mg/100 g in Euclea racemosa to 160.12 mg/100 g in Ficus sur. Potassium concentration varied from 54.34 mg/100 g in Euclea racemosa to 234 mg/100 g in Rhus vulgaris. Iron ranges from 21.4 mg/100 g in Rosa abyssinica to 41 mg/100 g in Rhus natalensis, and zinc ranges from 2.3 mg/100 g in Rhus vulgaris to 4.2 mg/100 g in Ficus sur. A high saponin content (2.12 mg/100 g) and a low tannin content (0.23 mg/100 g) were obtained in Rosa abyssinica. The phytate content (1.52 mg/100 g) and the oxalate content (0.9 mg/100 g) were high in Rhus natalensis. In conclusion, the present study shows that wild fruits can be used as food supplementation in food in a safe area.

Chemical analysis and bioactive compounds from agrifood by-products of peruvian crops

Many countries face the problem of agroindustrial waste elimination, which is linked to environmental damage caused by improper waste management. These wastes contain bioactive compounds often discarded due to a lack of knowledge. The objective of this study was to analyze five types of agroindustrial waste from Peru, including avocado (Persea americana) seeds, lucuma (Pouteria lucuma) seeds, grape (Vitis vinifera) pomace, mango (Mangifera indica) peel, and cocoa (Theobroma cacao) pods. This study includes proximal analysis, determination of total phenolic compound content, analysis of phenolic compounds by UHPLC– Q/Orbitrap/ESIMS/MS (Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry), and the evaluation of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal activities of different samples. The results showed that lucuma seeds had the highest protein content of 6.59 g/100 g DW. Mango peels showed the highest fat content of 4.89 g/100 g DW, cocoa pods had the highest crude fiber content of 26.91 g/100 g DW, and cocoa pods exhibited the highest ash content of 7.14 g/100 g DW. The highest carbohydrate content was found in avocado seeds at 85.85 g/100 g DW. Mango peels (56.66 mg GAE/g DW), avocado seeds (56.35 mg GAE/g DW), and cocoa pods (51.52 mg GAE/g DW) extracts showed the highest phenolic compound contents. Mango peel extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activities evaluated by the ABTS (995.01 μmol TEAC/g DW), DPPH (953.54 μmol TEAC/g DW), and FRAP (1661.13 μmol TEAC/g DW) assays. Extracts from cocoa pods, grape pomace, and lucuma seeds showed inhibitory activity on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In contrast, the extract of lucuma seeds was the only one that showed antifungal activity over Penicillium digitatum. As a result, several phenolic compounds were detected in each, indicating their potential use in developing functional foods and food preservation, among other applications.

Modified ganyong (Canna edulis Kerr.) starch prospective as wheat flour alternative

Ganyong tuber (Canna edulis Kerr.) had high carbohydrate content and has potential to be used as starch. However, the starch obtained was low quality, characterized by brownish color and limited functional properties. The main aim of this work was to obtained the optimum process to transform canna starch into commercial wheat flour SNI 3751:2009 by oxidizing with food grade hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The raw material used was white canna tuber from Samarinda, East Kalimatan which have high carbohydrate content. Initially, the starch was oxidized by 35% H2O2 food grade to form 1%, 2%, 3% concentration, slurry ratio of 10%, 20%, 30% and time of oxidation was 30, 60, 90 and 120 mins. The ganyong tuber starch was then subjected to modification process by optimizing the slurry ratio and H2O2 oxidation time. The assessment was based on basic functional properties, swelling power and water solubility. The process was conducted using a mini-propeller chamber, and data were collected in triplicates for accuracy. The optimum result was achieved with a 60-min oxidation time, 10% slurry concentration and 2% H2O2 concentration. The swelling power value reached 2.9 g/g, and water solubility was measured at 6.09 g/g. Upon proximate analysis, the canna starch contained 85.956% carbohydrates, 2.365% protein, 11.425% water and 0.254% ash content. The color analysis indicated a white degree with brightness of 91.95. Despite the improvements achieved through the process, the functional and other properties of ganyong starch were still considerably below of wheat flour standard.

A New Protocol for Obtaining Mucilage and Biopolymeric Ecofilms From Cacti

ABSTRACTThe objective was to produce an innovative biopolymeric ecofilm, using hydrotested and reused alcohol for mucilage extraction and incorporation of calcium lactate into the film. The mucilage of Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm‐Dyck was extracted with ethyl alcohol P.A. (99.8%) or reused alcohol after hydrodistillation (82%). Mucilage powder was hydrated (4% w/v), glycerol at a concentration of 60% and calcium lactate (0% and 2%) were added and the emulsion was then placed in the oven for 24 h to prepare the films. The innovation of this work was the recycling of the ethanol used to extract cactus mucilage in order to prepare ecofilms, which resulted in a more environmentally friendly production process. The industrial yield of mucilage extracted using distilled ethanol (1.3%) was lower than that of P.A. alcohol (3.3%). However, the mucilage extracted using distilled ethanol had a higher concentration of carbohydrates and phenolic compounds and lower levels of Na+ and K+, leading to reduced electrical conductivity. The biopolymeric ecofilm obtained was thinner (0.15 mm) and had lower solubility in water (43%) and moisture content (15%), greater transparency (12.65%) and higher tensile strength (12.91 MPa). The addition of calcium lactate in biopolymers decreased water solubility while increasing permeability and thickness. Furthermore, it enhanced the resistance and thermal stability of biopolymeric ecofilms. Thus, biopolymeric ecofilms of mucilage obtained showed potential for use in biofilms and edible coatings on fruits and vegetables, with a strong appeal for lower environmental impact and, consequently, being able to reduce manufacturing costs for the industry.

Biochemical analysis of Justicia carnea leaves used as a hematinic

Justicia carnea is the largest genus of Acanthaceae and is a medicinal plant used widely in Nigeria, reported to have diverse functions, including blood-boosting potential. The phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, amino acid and proximate compositions of the leaf extract of Justicia carnea were determined using standard methods. Results of the quantitative phytochemical analyses on the leaves of Justicia carnea recorded appreciable presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, oxalate, and phytate using GC-FID. Ribalinidine with 42.08±0.03 mg/kg was the highest alkaloid, Flavan -3-ol was 21.18±0.02 mg/kg, presented the highest amount of flavonoids, and phytate with 25.69±0.07 mg/kg as the highest antinutrient. Analysis of Justicia carnea leaves recorded iron (8.61mg/kg) as the major elemental content followed by potassium (5.29±0.11mg/kg). The concentrations of vitamins in Justicia carnea leaves showed vitamin C, with the highest value of (232.32±12.26 mg/100g) followed by Vitamin A (22.16±2.12 mg/kg). The results of proximate composition on Justicia carnea leaves showed a high concentration of carbohydrate (60.35±3.05%) and appreciable amounts of ash (15.02±1.01%), fibre (9.29±0.93%), protein (8.40±0.41%), and low amount of lipid (1.50±0.09%). The amino acid results showed the presence of both essential and non-essential amino acids with their concentrations in increasing and decreasing orders. These results obtained showed that leaves of Justicia carnea may serve as rich source of natural antioxidants, this may be attributed to its rich phytochemicals, nutrients and vitamin compositions and could be recommended as a potential source of useful bioactive constituents as vegetable supplement and has no toxic effect and as an effective hematinic supplement when prepared adequately.

Mapping and Detection of Genes Related to Trichome Development in Black Gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper).

Black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) is a pulses crop with good digestible protein and a high carbohydrate content, so it is widely consumed as human food and animal feed. Trichomes are large, specialized epidermal cells that confer advantages on plants under biotic and abiotic stresses. Genes regulating the development of trichomes are well characterized in Arabidopsis and tomato. However, little is known about trichome development in black gram. In this study, a high-density map with 5734 bin markers using an F2 population derived from a trichome-bearing and a glabrous cultivar of black gram was constructed, and a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) related to trichomes was identified. Six candidate genes were located in the mapped interval region. Fourteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or insertion/deletions (indels) were associated with those genes. One indel was located in the coding region of the gene designated as Scaffold_9372_HRSCAF_11447.164. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis demonstrated that only one candidate gene, Scaffold_9372_HRSCAF_11447.166, was differentially expressed in the stem between the two parental lines. These two candidate genes encoded the RNA polymerase-associated protein Rtf1 and Bromodomain adjacent to zinc finger domain protein 1A (BAZ1A). These results provide insights into the regulation of trichome development in black gram. The candidate genes may be useful for creating transgenic plants with improved stress resistance and for developing molecular markers for trichome selection in black gram breeding programs.

Proximate, Minerals and Vitamins Analyses of Some Common Foods in Nigeria

Nutritional composition is a key factor that must be considered in our daily choice of diets. Hence, the need for nutritional analysis of these five (5) common Nigerian solid foods (poundo yam, semovita, corn flour, cassava flour, and wheat flour). The flour samples were chemically analysed for proximate and Mineral elements: magnesium, iron, sodium and calcium composition, using the methods described by Association of Analytical chemist. Vitamin A content was determined by spectrophotometric method while Vitamin C content was determined using the spectrometric method coupled with DNPH procedures. The result revealed that Poundo yam had the highest carbohydrate content (82.695%) and least in the following parameters; moisture (7.55%), calcium (30.075mg), iron (9.20mg), sodium (15.565mg), and magnesium (26.185mg) among other samples. Semovita has the highest protein content (16.3%), vitamin A (0.52mg) and vitamin C (3.61mg). Wheat flour was rated highest in ash (1.82%) and sodium (25.3mg) contents respectively. It was also observed that wheat flour had the least content of vitamin A (0.09mg). Corn flour was highest in crude fat (5.5%). Cassava flour had the highest crude fibre (1.9%), calcium (228.55mg), iron (17.85mg) and magnesium (88.55mg), and turned out to be least in protein (1.025%) and vitamin C (0.44mg) content.

Chemico-nutritional characterization and anti-inflammatory potential of Chirabilva (Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb.) seed: alternate source of protein supplement and fatty acids.

Exploring unconventional protein sources can be an alternative strategy to meet the deficiency. The seeds of Chirabilva (Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb., Family- Ulmaceae) are eaten raw by the ethnic communities of Southeast Asian countries. The present study assessed the chemical, nutritional, and biological potential of the seeds (HIS) and pericarp (HISP) of H. integrifolia. The seeds contain mainly fixed and very few essential oils. The fixed oil of HIS is composed primarily of unsaturated oleic (47%) and saturated palmitic (37%) acids. The HIS are exceptional due to a high content of lipid (50%), protein (24%), carbohydrates (19%), fiber (4%), and anti-nutritional components within permissible limits. The high content (in mg/Kg) of phosphorus (6000), magnesium (422), Calcium (279), and essential nutrients (Ni, Co, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Cr) in the range of (0.04-6.69) were observed. The moderate anti-oxidant potential of HISP was evident in single electron transfer in-vitro assays. Moreover, HISP extract and HIS solvent-extracted fixed oil showed anti-inflammatory action in lipopolysaccharide-induced HaCaT cells by significantly attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) without causing cytotoxicity. Results support de-oiled HIS cake as an alternative source of a high-protein diet and its oil with anti-inflammatory attributes for topical applications.

Processing of Agricultural Residues with a High Concentration of Structural Carbohydrates into Biogas Using Selective Biological Products

Biomass, particularly agricultural residues and biomass rich in structural carbohydrates, offers significant potential for sustainable biogas production. Biological pretreatment using microorganisms, particularly Trichoderma species, is discussed as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable approach to improving the decomposition of structural carbohydrates into fermentable sugars. This study aimed to assess the impact of employing a selective biological product (BP) on the biogas production process and biomethane potential using winter wheat straw (WWS) as a representative feedstock. The biological product, consisting of microorganisms of the Trichoderma spp. genus, was introduced to enhance microbial activity. The biogas potential results showed that WWS treated with the BP exhibited a remarkable improvement in biogas production. Specifically, biogas yield increased from 364.1 L/kg of mass in untreated straw to 439.9 L/kg in BP-treated straw, representing a substantial 20.8% increase. Furthermore, in continuous loading tests, the steady-state biogas yield from BP-treated straw ranged from 553.6 to 582.0 L/kg VS, which was notably higher compared to untreated straw with a yield of 490.0 L/kg VS. Overall, the results of this study demonstrated that the application of selective biological products significantly enhanced biogas production and biomethane potential from structural carbohydrates containing biomass sources.

Effect of extraction method on the structure and bioactivity of polysaccharides from activated sludge

Resource recovery is a pivotal facet of waste activated sludge treatment, particularly within the framework of carbon neutrality and the circular economy. Polysaccharides are emerging as a valuable resource from waste activated sludge, and the choice of extraction method affects the properties of the polysaccharides, which is of utmost importance for subsequent application. This investigation examined the effects of six extraction methods (i.e., acidic, alkaline, ultrasonication, hot-water, microwave, and electric treatments) on the yield, chemical composition, structural characteristics, and bioactivities of polysaccharides extracted from sludge. For each extraction method, two operational parameters, namely the treatment time and strength (e.g., the acid and alkali concentration), were initially optimized in terms of the polysaccharide yield. The polysaccharide yield varied from 1.03 ± 0.12 % to 5.34 ± 0.10 % adopting the extraction methods under optimized conditions, and the alkaline extraction method had the highest yield of polysaccharides with a treatment time of 120 min and NaOH concentration of 1 %. At least one polysaccharide fraction was successfully purified from the crude polysaccharide of each extraction method. The compositions and structures of these fractions, including carbohydrate, protein, sulfate, uronic acid contents, and monosaccharide compositions, were determined. Carbohydrate was the dominant component, with the hot-water-2 fraction having the highest carbohydrate content (77.90 % ± 2.02 %). Monosaccharides in the polysaccharides were measured, with mannose, rhamnose, glucose, and xylose being found in all fractions, whereas ribose was exclusively found in the acid-1 fraction. The molecular weights of these fractions ranged between 1.60 × 104 Da and 7.11 × 106 Da. Furthermore, the bioactivities of the polysaccharides, encompassing five anti-oxidant and three anti-coagulant properties, were assessed, with the ultrasonication-1 fraction having superior performance in seven of the assays. Finally, the association among the fractions in terms of composition and bioactivity was assessed adopting cluster analysis and regression methods. The findings underscore the effect of the extraction method on the properties of polysaccharides extracted from sludge, thereby providing valuable insights for the prospective applications of polysaccharides.

Karakteristik Kimia dan Sensori Brownies Ubi Jalar Putih dengan Penambahan Tepung Kacang Hijau

Brownies are a kind of cake that is dark brown in color, has a smooth texture and special taste, and does not require baking powder. White sweet potatoes and mung beans can be used as raw material for brownies, where white sweet potatoes have a fairly high carbohydrate content while mung beans have a high protein content. The purpose of this study was to obtain the effect of white sweet potato and mung bean flour on the chemical and sensory characteristics of brownies and to obtain the best ratio. The treatment in the study consisted of five treatments and three replications and used a CDR (Completely Randomized Design). The ratios of white sweet potato and mung bean flour, namely 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40. The results of the research on the selected treatment were 80% white sweet potato flour : 20% mung bean flour, which had moisture content of 30.44%, ash content of 0.96%, fat content of 20.31%, protein content of 12.42%, carbohydrate content of 35.88%, and fiber content of 6.62%. The descriptive test showed that the brownies had a brown color, mung beans and sweet potato flavor, mung beans and sweet potato taste, and soft texture.

Effects of different extraction methods on the physico-chemical characteristics and biological activities of polysaccharides from Clitocybe squamulosa

This study comparatively evaluated the effects of the commonly used six extraction methods (acidic, alkaline, enzymatic, ultrasonic, high-pressure, and microwave) on the physico-chemical properties, processing characteristics, and biological activities of polysaccharides from Clitocybe squamulosa (CSFPs). The results show that polysaccharides extracted using an enzyme-assisted extraction method has a relatively high extraction yield (4.46 ± 1.62 %) and carbohydrate content (70.79 ± 6.25 %) compared with others. Furthermore, CSFPs were all composed of glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, and glucosamine hydrochloride. Only ultrasonic-assisted extraction of polysaccharides (CSFP-U) has a triple helix chain conformation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed significant differences in the microstructure of polysaccharides prepared using different methods. Besides that, the polysaccharides prepared by alkali extraction (CSFP-B) and high-pressure assisted extraction (CSFP-H) have good water (2.86 ± 0.29 g/g and 3.15 ± 0.29 g/g) and oil (8.13 ± 0.32 g/g and 7.97 ± 0.04 g/g) holding properties. The rheological behavior demonstrated that CSFPs solutions were typical non-Newtonian fluid. Apart from this, the antioxidant capacity (clearing DPPH (IC50 = 0.29) and ABTS free radicals (IC50 = 0.19), total reduction ability (IC50 = 3.02)) of polysaccharides prepared by the microwave-assisted extraction (CSFP-M) method was significantly higher than that of other extraction methods. By contrast, the polysaccharide prepared by acid extraction (CSFP-A) has the optimum binding capacity (bile acid salt (71.30 ± 6.78 %) and cholesterol (57.07 ± 3.26 mg/g)). The antibacterial activity of CSFPs was positively correlated with their concentration. Thus, the research results can provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of polysaccharides from C. squamulosa.

Variability in proximate composition, phytochemical traits and antioxidant properties of Iranian agro-ecotypic populations of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a multi-use annual forage legume crop that is widely used in food products such as syrup, bitter run, curries, stew, and flavoring. In the present study, morphological traits, proximate composition (moisture, crude fibre, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and energy value), total phenol and total flavonoid contents, and antioxidant properties of 31 Iranian agro-ecotypic populations of the plant was investigated. Among the leaf and seed samples studied, the seeds exhibited the high ash (3.94 ± 0.12%), fat (7.94 ± 0.78%), crude fibre (10.3 ± 0.25%), protein (35.41 ± 1.86%), and carbohydrate (50.5 ± 1.90%) content. In general, more energy value (kcal/100 g) was also obtained from the seed (318.88 ± 1.78–350.44 ± 1.27) than leaf samples (45.50 ± 1.32–89.28 ± 0.85). Antioxidant activity and power of leaf samples were ranged from 67.95 ± 0.05‒157.52 ± 0.20 μg/ml and from 45.17 ± 0.01‒361.92 ± 0.78 μmol Fe+2 per g dry weigh, respectively. Positive linear correlations between antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds were observed. A significant correlation between proximate composition (dependent variable) and some morphological features (independent variable) was observed. Considerable variability in the studied traits among the plant samples can be interestingly used in further food and production systems.

Dynamic changes in carbohydrate components and the bacterial community during the ensiling of wilted and unwilted sweet sorghum.

Sweet sorghum can be used to produce a substantial quantity of biofuel due to its high biological yield and high carbohydrate content. In this study, we investigated the dynamic changes in fermentation characteristics, carbohydrate components, and the bacterial community during the ensiling of wilted and unwilted sweet sorghum. The results revealed a rapid fermentation pattern and high-quality fermentation quality in wilted and unwilted sweet sorghum, wherein lactic acid, and acetic acid accumulated and stabilized during the initial 9 days of ensiling, with the pH values less than 4.2, until 60 days of ensiling. We found that the ensiling of sweet sorghum involved the degradation (5% ~ 10%) of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and hemicellulose and that the degradation of NDF fit a first-order exponential decay model. A shift in dominance from Lactococcus to Lactobacillus occurred before the first 9 days of ensiling, and the abundance of Lactobacillus (r = -0.68, p < 0.001) was negatively correlated with the NDF content. The relative abundances of Lactobacillus in wilted and unwilted sweet sorghum after ensiling for 60 days were 76.30 and 93.49%, respectively, and relatively high fermentation quality was obtained. In summary, ensiling is proposed as a biological pretreatment for sweet sorghum for subsequent biofuel production, and unlike other materials, sweet sorghum quickly achieves good fermentation quality and has great potential for bioresource production.

THE SYNERGY OF THE ANTIRADICAL ACTION OF NATURAL PHENOLS IN MIXTURES WITH MONO- AND OLIGOSACCHARIDES

It has been established that in an acidic medium with pH = 2, the rate of deactivation of the 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical in the reaction with natural phenolic compounds significantly increases in the presence of mono- and oligosaccharides compared to the additive action of the mixture. The maximum antiradical synergistic effect (65% and more) was shown by the binary compositions caffeic acid–maltotriose and dihydroquercetin–maltotriose in the ratio of 80:20% and 70:30%, respectively. Mixtures of saccharides with protocatechuic and pyrocatechuic acids turned out to be less active. For all groups of phenols, the synergistic activity increases with the transition from mono- to di- and trisaccharides. An increase in the medium pH from 2 to 9 actually leads to a complete leveling of antiradical synergism (up to 10%) in all studied phenol-saccharide mixtures, as well as to the appearance of antagonism effects at a high carbohydrate content in the composition. Using NMR spectroscopy, it has been established that the mechanism of synergism consists in the formation of a phenol–saccharide donor-type hydrogen complex between the reactants, which interacts with the radical more effectively than the corresponding monomers. An increase in sugar percentage in the mixture, as well as an increase in the medium pH, leads to the growth of the content of H-complexes of the acceptor-type when phenol acts as a proton acceptor, thus the reducing properties of the complexes and the synergistic effect of the compositions in the reaction with hydrazyl radical will decrease. As a structural parameter associated with the synergistic effect of the composition, the ionization potential of the phenolic component of the mixture, calculated by the DFT method, was used. The established linear relationship between the maximum synergistic effect of the phenol-saccharide mixture and the ionization potential of phenols can later be used to form semi-empirical models for predicting the effectiveness of the antiradical action of natural phenol-carbohydrate synergistic compositions. A comprehensive study of phenol-saccharide mixtures will expand the range of natural synergistic systems with expressed antiradical activity for practical use in pharmacy, perfumery, and the food industry.

Nutritional content of Ficus benjamina fruits consumed by Frugivorous birds in Taman Botani Johor

Ficus benjamina is a common tree in Taman Botani Johor and a food source for many frugivorous birds. This study investigated the nutrient content of F. benjamina fruits by analyzing the fruits of 7 species of birds that were observed safely feeding on the tree. The fruits were collected and analyzed for their nutrient content using a standard method for nutritional composition determination. The results showed that the fruits have a high carbohydrate content (19.7%), a low fat content (0.6%), and a moderate protein content (1.5%). The fruits also have a high moisture content (76.7%) and a low ash content (1.6%). The high carbohydrate content of fruits is likely attractive to frugivorous birds, as carbohydrates are an important energy source for reproduction, growth, and development. The low-fat content may also be beneficial to the birds, as excess fat can be harmful to their health. The results of this study provide valuable information on the nutrient content of F. benjamina fruits, which can be used to better understand the feeding ecology of frugivorous birds in Taman Botani Johor in a safe manner.

Profitability of Utilizing High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) in Confectionery/Bakery Firms in Parts of North Central Nigeria.

High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF), derived from cassava tubers, is a significant meal component due to its high carbohydrate content and various benefits The study investigated the profitability of using HQCF in confectionery and bakery firms in North Central Nigeria. Data was collected from 78 confectionery and bakery firms and 710 workers using structured questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS 23. The study found that most workers were male (62.8%), aged 21-40 (50%), married (75.6%), and had tertiary education (68.0%). Most earned below ₦100,000 monthly, with additional income sources. Key economic factors included land acquisition (61.3% self-purchased), credit access (85.9% from banks), and external financial assistance (91.0%). Firms awareness of government policies on HQCF was high (87.2%), and profitability was significant, with ₦1 invested generating ₦3.76k in revenue. Market availability and cooperative societies for bakers were crucial for success. The study concluded that using HQCF in confectioneries and bakeries in the FCT, Benue, and Nasarawa states is profitable. It revealed that most firms have been losing profit due to non-compliance with policies requiring the inclusion of HQCF in their products. This non-compliance emanates from lapses in policy enforcement. To address this issue, the government should enforce existing policies through relevant agencies. Furthermore, the government should support HQCF availability, offer more credit access, and provide training programs to ensure the sustainability and profitability of HQCF in Nigeria.

Perfil físico-químico e proteico do soro de leite de cabra

ABSTRACT: The cheese after processing, generates whey, which is a residue that has potential benefit to human health. However, there are still few studies that seek to evaluate the composition and potential benefits of goat milk whey, even though it is a promising dairy source. Despite this, the large-scale generation of this waste can favor the environmental impact when improperly disposed of. Given this, the use of all content of dairy production can reverse this impact and increase the income of the dairy industry. Thus, this research prepared a powdered product based on goat’s milk whey from the spray drying technique and evaluate its physicochemical composition by chemical analytical methods and protein profile through polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The elaborated product had a higher carbohydrate content than protein, and the identification of protein fractions showed that the most expressive bands represented beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactoalbumin. Therefore, the elaborated product has the potential to generate novel products for human consumption and with potential health benefits.