High Fiber Content Research Articles

Coffee Pulp from Azores: A Novel Phytochemical-Rich Food with Potential Anti-Diabetic Properties

Coffee pulp, a by-product of wet coffee processing, shows significant potential in the food and health domains, but its real applications remain underexplored. This work investigated the chemical composition and bioactive properties of coffee pulp from São Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal). The studied coffee pulp exhibited high fiber content (52% dw), mostly insoluble; notable mineral levels (10.6%), mainly K, Ca, and Mg; and 6% dw of total amino acids, with hydroxyproline, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and leucine in higher amounts. Despite containing low fat (1.6% dw), mainly saturated, it also showed considerable amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids with a favorable n6/n3 ratio (1.40) and vitamin E (α-, β-, and γ-tocopherols). Its antioxidant capacity can be partially explained by the chlorogenic acid content (9.2 mg/g dw), and caffeine (0.98%) was present in similar amounts to those observed in some arabica coffee beans. A decrease in glucose uptake in Caco-2 cells was found, but not in fructose, suggesting selective inhibition of SGLT1 and potential antidiabetic effects. These results show that Azorean coffee pulp has potential as a sustainable and bioactive ingredient for incorporation into functional foods or dietary supplements.

Quantitative Analysis of Yield Stress and Its Evolution in Fiber-Reinforced Cemented Paste Backfill

Fiber-reinforced cemented paste backfill (FR-CPB) has attracted considerable attention in modern mining applications due to its superior mechanical properties and adaptability. Despite its potential, understanding its rheological behavior remains limited, largely because of the absence of quantitative methods for assessing fiber packing behavior within CPB. This study develops a rheology-based approach to determine the maximum packing fraction of polypropylene fibers in fresh CPB, revealing that shorter fibers (3 mm) achieve a maximum packing fraction of 0.661, significantly higher than longer fibers (12 mm) with 0.534. Building on these findings, a quantitative model for the static yield stress of FR-CPB was developed, showing that under a high fiber content (0.9%) and with longer fibers (12 mm), the yield stress reached 274.34 kPa, a 40% increase compared to shorter fibers. Additionally, the study modeled the time-dependent evolution of yield stress, achieving a prediction accuracy with a correlation coefficient of 0.92. These advancements enable the optimization of FR-CPB composition, which can reduce material usage, enhance pipeline transport efficiency, and improve backfill stability in underground voids. By minimizing the risk of structural failure and optimizing resource allocation, this research provides a theoretical foundation for safer and more cost-effective mining operations.

Accelerated design of solid bio-based foams for plastics substitutes.

Biobased substitutes for plastics are a future necessity. However, the design of substitute materials with similar or improved properties is a known challenge. Here we show an example case of optimizing the mechanical properties of a fully biobased methylcellulose-fiber composite material. We tackle the process-structure-property paradigm using Bayesian optimization with Gaussian process regression to map the processed material composition to the final mechanical properties of new bio-based solid foams. We exploited the fast-to-measure rheological properties of the liquid biofiber suspensions processed into foams to show how these collapse to an auxiliary sub-space of low dimensionality for design. The optimal compositions for methylcellulose-fiber foams shown here correspond to two distinct cases: high methylcellulose content for the formation of strong closed-cell foams, and high fiber contents with approximately equal amounts of methylcellulose for the formation of methylcellulose-bound fiber networks. The novel approach is transferable to other biobased foam compositions with different fibers and additives. This new approach allows the rational design of bio-based plastics replacements by encompassing desired final material properties, descriptors of materials processed, and knowledge of the process.

Nutritional and technological potential of umbu-caja and soursop co-product flours.

Umbu-caja and soursop from the Northeast region of Brazil are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds and are widely processed by the fruit agroindustry. However, there is a lack of research examining the composition and nutritional/technological potential of these co-product fruits. The present study evaluated the nutritional and technological characteristics of umbu-caja and soursop co-product flours (UCF and SCF, respectively), in addition to cytotoxicity in healthy cells. The results demonstrated that they are rich in dietary fiber (approximately 53%), low in protein (approximately 8.0%), and have minimal moisture content (<15%). The mineral composition of the flours exhibited a notable presence of copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and boron. The evaluation of antioxidant capacity using the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods demonstrated the presence of antioxidants that resisted processing, indicated by a high antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the flours were found to contain phenolic compounds, predominantly rutin (UCF) and p-coumaric acid (SCF). The cytotoxicity test demonstrated that both co-product flours did not exert detrimental effects on healthy cells according to the MTT assay. The technological analyses highlighted low pH values (2.38 and 3.61 for UCF and SCF, respectively), which is favorable for a greater shelf life and suggests applications in fermented products. In addition, the flours have good water and oil holding capacity and low foaming, and they could be incorporated into food products that require these properties. The results demonstrated promising qualities of the UCF and SCF for incorporation into the human diet and product development, mainly due to their high fiber content, antioxidant capacity and low cytotoxicity.

Identification of elite accession of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) for root yield and brittleness

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) is a commercially important arid to subtropical type agroecology crop. The field experiments were conducted at ICAR-DMAPR, Anand and ARS, AU, Samdari under agro-climatic zones III and IA, respectively. The impact of both locations was studied and diverse morphotypes of Ashwagandha were evaluated for physical, chemical and molecular parameters due to genotypic traits. The accessions were observed to be eclectic in morphological, molecular and chemical content compared to available checks. Accession DNA-4 is unique for number of branches, dry stem weight, berry size, root weight, number of secondary roots, root size, test weight and root yield. Accession DTWr-1 is unique for crude fiber, starch and total withanolides content. The result obtained from evaluation studies showed that accession DNA-4 will be suitable for the powder industry and the extraction industry might prefer DTWr-1. DTWr-1 and DNA-4 were earnestly performed under both locations. Both the morphotypes with high starch and low crude fibre content roots fetch a premium price under Agro-climatic zone IA and maintain root brittleness suitable for churna and extract preparation. Overall, the region-specific cultivation of selected elites under particular agro-climatic conditions for specific purposes will be promoted.

Chemical, Thermal, and Morphological Properties of Sustainable Lignocellulosic Biomaterial

By the present paper, an experimental investigation was proposed to compare the morphological, chemical and mechanical properties of the Petiole Date Palm Wood (PDPW) collected from north and south of Algeria. Both regions have very distinctive climatic conditions &amp;ndash; wet conditions in the north (near the Mediterranean Sea) and semi-arid conditions in the south Biskra. To achieve this aim, large quantities of waste from PDPW were collected, cleaned, and cut according to the normalization specific to each type of test. After that, scanning electron micrographs, infrared spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and thermogravimetric analysis were made, and moisture content (MC) and water absorption (WA) were determined, to compare the effect of the different environmental conditions. From the results obtained, petiole date palm wood typical for the southern region had a high fiber content, attributed to its low porosity and excellent mechanical properties, which resulted in low water absorption. In contrast, the northern petiole wood reveals a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) and significant damping coefficient. At comparable relative density values, the specific properties were found to be comparable to those of balsa, foams and metallic honeycombs.

Evaluating chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed administration for cholesterol reduction in quail (Coturnix coturnix)

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds contain phenolic compounds such as flavonols and phenolic acids (myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, caffeic acid) that act as primary and synergistic antioxidants. These antioxidants reduce cholesterol by inhibiting absorption in the intestine and enhancing bile acid formation, facilitating cholesterol excretion through feces. Additionally, the high protein and fiber content in S. hispanica L. seeds reduces appetite and promotes prolonged satiety. This study evaluates the effect of different administration patterns of S. hispanica L. seeds on cholesterol reduction in common quail (Coturnix coturnix). The research involved five groups: three treatment groups receiving S. hispanica L. seeds at varying frequencies (once, twice, three times daily) and two controls (positive, negative), with six C. coturnix in each group. The S. hispanica L. seed dose was 1.8 mg per 200 g body weight (BW) administered for 30 days. Cholesterol levels were measured at baseline and after treatment and analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan’s Post Hoc Test. Results indicated that administering S. hispanica L. seeds three times daily significantly reduced cholesterol levels (p &lt; 0.05) compared to other frequencies. This research provides a foundation for further exploration into practical applications of S. hispanica L. seeds in cholesterol management, both in animals and potentially in humans.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic Properties of Mixed Mulberry (Morus alba) Jam at Different Temperatures and Aloe Vera (Aloe vera) Concentrations

This study aims to determine the effects of temperature and Aloe vera concentration on the physicochemical and organoleptic properties of mixed mulberry (Morus alba) jam. Jam is a semi-solid fruit and sugar-based product that requires a thickening agent to achieve optimal texture. Aloe vera was selected as a natural thickening alternative due to its polysaccharide content, such as acemannan and glucomannan, which can form gels, replacing expensive and import-dependent commercial pectin. The research employed a quantitative experimental method with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), involving four treatment combinations of Aloe vera concentration (75 g and 100 g) and cooking temperature (70°C and 85°C). The parameters tested included physicochemical properties such as viscosity, fiber content, and vitamin C levels, along with organoleptic evaluations involving 25 panelists to assess viscosity and taste. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and an effectiveness test to identify the best treatment. The results showed that the combination of 100 g Aloe vera concentration and a cooking temperature of 85°C produced the best-quality jam, characterized by optimal viscosity, high fiber content, preserved vitamin C levels, and high panelist preference for viscosity and taste. This conclusion highlights the potential of Aloe vera as a cost-effective and value-added natural thickening agent for the food industry.

The Influence of Rice Types and Boiling Time on Glycemic Index: An In Vivo Evaluation Using the ISO 2010 Method

Effective blood glucose management is essential for individuals with type 1 diabetes, particularly when dietary adjustments involve staple foods like rice. As a primary carbohydrate worldwide, rice significantly influences the glycemic index (GI) based on its type and cooking method. This study investigated the impact of rice type and boiling duration on the GI in healthy adults using an in vivo approach aligned with ISO 2010 standards. The glycemic response to four rice types (white round-grain, parboiled medium-grain, white long-grain, and whole-grain long-grain) was measured through postprandial blood glucose levels under both standard and extended boiling conditions to assess their implications for dietary glycemic control. Ten healthy participants (mean age 25 years, body mass index (BMI) 23.0 ± 1.6 kg/m2) consumed rice samples containing 50 g of available carbohydrates, prepared under controlled boiling conditions. Postprandial glycemic response was measured at regular intervals over 2 h following ingestion, with glucose solution as a reference food. The GI was calculated based on the incremental area under the glycemic response curve for each rice sample. Extended boiling significantly increased the GI across all rice types. White round-grain rice exhibited the highest relative increase (+15.8%) in the GI, while whole-grain long-grain rice, despite showing a greater percentage increase (+25.4%), maintained the lowest overall GI due to its high amylose and fiber content. Rice types with higher amylopectin content demonstrated faster glycemic responses and higher GI compared to high-amylose types. This study highlights rice type and cooking time as critical factors influencing postprandial glycemic response. Shorter boiling durations may benefit individuals requiring strict glycemic control, particularly those with diabetes, underscoring the importance of personalized dietary guidance for managing glycemic outcomes effectively.

Hydrolysis of palm kernel meal fibre using a newly isolated Bacillus subtilis F6 with high mannanase activity

AbstractPalm kernel meal (PKM) presents a challenge for non-ruminant livestock feeding due to its high fibre content predominantly in the form of mannan. Microbial fermentation offers a sustainable solution for fibre hydrolysis in lignocellulosic biomass. In this study, a Bacillus subtilis strain (F6), with high mannanase secretion capability, was isolated from the environment. Fermentation of PKM with B. subtilis F6 resulted in at least a 10% reduction in neutral detergent fibre, decreasing from 78.4 to 60.9% within 24 h. Notably, B. subtilis F6 rapidly responded to PKM, producing significant mannanase activity within 6 h, facilitating quick fibre degradation. Transcriptome analysis identified key enzymes involved in this process, with β-mannanase GmuG showing the highest increase in expression (45.2-fold) after fermentation. Purified recombinant GmuG exhibited strong PKM hydrolysis activity, primarily releasing mannobiose and mannotriose. Characterization of GmuG using locust bean gum as a substrate revealed an optimum temperature of 50–55 °C and pH optima at 5.0 and 9.0. This study highlights the potential of B. subtilis F6 and its mannanase GmuG for efficient PKM fibre hydrolysis, and provides insights into their application in the valorization of mannan-rich bioresources. Graphical Abstract

Effects of Supplementing Concentrate on Cumulative Gas Production of Ration-Based Natural Grass

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation with concentrate on the cumulative in vitro gras production of rations made from natural grass. Natural grass is the primary source of fibre in livestock diets, especially for ruminant animals, and thrives in tropical regions. The high fibre content in field grass can have a positive effect on the digestive process. The following treatments were applied: T1 (40% natural grass + 60% concentrate-C1), T2 (40% natural grass + 60% concentrate-C2), T3 (40% natural grass 60% concentrate-C3), and T4 (40% natural grass + 60% concentrate-C4). The experiment used a randomized block design (RBD) involving four treatments and three replications. The variables observed were cumulative gas production, potential of degradation (b) and rate of degradation (c) values. The results revealed that the treatments significantly affected (P&lt;0.05) cumulative gas production, with the highest value occurring in the T5 treatment (155.6 ml/500 g DM), followed by the T4, T3, T2 and T1 treatments (147.8, 138.0, 129.0 and 91.6 ml/500 mg DM, respectively), and potential gas production; however, the treatments did not significantly affect the b and c values. It can be concluded that, based on the research results, the concentrate containing the highest proportion of tofu waste had the highest cumulative gas production.

Efficient RNA extraction method for acquiring high-quality RNA from various tissues of the fiber crop abaca, Musa textilis Née.

Isolation of high-quality RNA from abaca is very challenging due to the presence of polyphenols, polysaccharides, and its high fiber content. In this study, we compared six extraction methods across three tissue types and different developmental stages (in-vitro-grown young versus field-grown mature tissue). The Invitrogen PureLink RNA kit proved to be the most efficient in extracting RNA from young abaca tissues (leaves, pseudostem, and corm). The quality of RNA extracted from young tissues was further assessed by RNA-seq applications, with raw sequencing reads mapping back to the M. textilis reference genome at rates of 86.0%-90.4%. The SDS-TRIzol-method modified with an added on-column DNAse I treatment was used to extract RNA from mature tissues (leaves, midrib, and pseudostem). RNA isolated from five M. textilis cultivars and across three mature tissue types showed RNA yield per 100 mg of fresh weight ranges from 0.57 to 10.94 µg and RNA integrity number (RIN) scores of more than 7.0 for all tissue types. Our improved SDS-Trizol method for RNA extraction described here is simple and yields good quality RNAs from mature abaca tissues while the PureLink RNA kit is suitable for extracting RNA from young abaca samples amenable to RT-qPCR and next-generation sequencing studies.

Effects of Preservation Methods on the Proximate Composition of Three Varieties of Pepper

Pepper is a vital commercial crop, cultivated for vegetable, spice, and value-added processed products. It is an important constituent of many foods, adding flavour, colour, minerals and vitamins A and C, therefore, indispensable to Ghana and world food industries. Proximate analysis of food is very critical in the food science that determine the composition of any food substance. It is through the proximate analysis that nutritional assessment on moisture, ash, crude protein crude fat and crude fibre are made. Essentially, proximate analysis allows manufacturers to maintain quality control. This study aimed at determining the effects of preservation on the proximate composition of three varieties of pepper (Capsicum frutescence, Capsicum cayenne and Capsicum chinense) in the Bibiani Municipality of the Western North Region. The study was laboratory experiment. From the findings it was revealed that the pepper stored under room temperature was noted for good protein (14.64%), ash (8.04%) and fat (10.71%) and carbohydrate (68.09% while parboiling pepper and drying influence a very high fibre (11.50%) content, and retain good amount of ash (5.53%), carbohydrate (68.09%) with poor fat (4.56%) and protein (10.21%) content. It was also observed that the ash content of pepper due to interaction effect of varietal variation and method of preservation also showed a distinct difference (p&amp;lt;0.01) The effect of interaction between the variety and method of preservation influenced a significant variation in the protein content of the pepper samples. The study showed moisture content in pepper differs with respect to difference in the variety. Hence, different variety of pepper has moisture level of a vary effect.

Inhibition of interlaminar damage in CFRP laminates by inserting non-woven carbon fiber interlaminar reinforced tissue

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) are known for their high strength and stiffness, essential in high-performance applications. However, in complex structures with fiber discontinuities, such as tapered sections and bolt holes, CFRP laminates are prone to interlaminar damage due to low interlaminar toughness. This study aimed to enhance CFRP interlaminar fracture toughness by inserting non-woven carbon-fiber-reinforced layers. Two non-woven tissues were used: resin-impregnated conventional carbon fiber and resin-free recycled carbon fiber. Evaluations of modes I and II interlaminar fracture toughness revealed that laminates with non-woven inserts had fracture toughness values two to three times higher than pristine CFRP. Non-woven tissues of varying lengths were embedded at ply discontinuities, and tensile tests were conducted to assess their effectiveness. Results confirmed that both non-woven tissues significantly improved interlaminar toughness and effectively suppressed delamination, attributed to high fiber content and complex crack paths, enhancing energy absorption and mechanical performance in CFRP laminates.

Mechanical, Antimicrobial and Morphological Properties of Biodegradable Trays Based on Cassava Starch and Agroindustrial Processing Residues

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the development of biodegradable composites using agroindustrial residues, such as potato peels and mango integument, processed into flours (PPF and MIF), and determined their nutritional composition, total phenolic content and total tannins. The soluble and insoluble lignin content was quantified in the MIF, which exhibited a high crude fibre content (76.55%) and insoluble lignin (20.86%). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examined the morphology of particles and final composites, while the antimicrobial activity of MIF and potato peel extract (PPE) was tested against Staphylococcus aureus. The biodegradability of the composites was assessed in soil, comparing them to commercial EPS. In a factorial design (23), the influence of PPE (1.84–3.68 g), MIF (10–20 g) and drying temperature (55°C–65°C) was investigated regarding the mechanical strength, elongation, antimicrobial activity and physical properties of the composites. Optimal conditions for producing composites with higher strength (1.304 MPa), elongation (0.951%) and antimicrobial activity (30.036‐mm halos) included 3.68 g of PPE, 10 g of MIF and drying at 65°C. However, the interaction between MIF and temperature negatively impacted the results. Biodegradability showed a steady mass loss after 60 days. It is concluded that the use of PPE and MIF offers a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum‐based packaging, with appropriate production conditions essential to optimize composite properties, reinforcing the potential of the food industry to adopt environmentally friendly materials.

Bactris guineensis, an underutilized Costa Rican palm fruit: juice processing and its nutritional profile

Introduction. Bactris guineensis is a crop that produces visually appealing fruits resembling purple-black grapes with round seeds. This palm species naturally thrives in the lowland regions of tropical America. However, limited information available about this fruit. Objective. To investigate the nutritional composition, bioactive compound content, antioxidant capacity, and aroma profile of the huiscoyol fruit grown in Costa Rica, as well as to evaluate the effects of juice processing (enzymatic maceration and thermal treatment) on its bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. Materials and methods. Fruits were collected from randomly selected palms and bunches in Guanacaste Conservation Area, specifically in Palo Verde and Cañas, during peak harvest years (2007, 2011, 2014, and 2016). Nutritional composition, bioactive compound content, antioxidant capacity, and aroma and polyphenol profiles were analyzed. Juices were prepared using thermal treatment, enzymatic maceration, and a combination of both methods. The bioactive compound content and antioxidant capacity were assessed following each treatment. Results. Huiscoyol fruit exhibited high fiber content [7.3 ± 2.5 g per 100 g of fresh weight (fw)], and significant potassium content (307 ± 98 mg per 100 g fw). Anthocyanin levels ranged from 28.3 to 47.9 mg per 100 g fw, with cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside as the predominant compound. Total polyphenol content varied between 219 and 1,013 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g fw. Vitamin C content reached a maximum of 48 mg per 100 g fw. Antioxidant capacity, as measured by H-ORAC, ranged from 6,690 to 14,688 μmol Trolox equivalents per 100 g fw. Enzymatic maceration and thermal treatments applied to the juice did not significantly affect the bioactive compounds content or antioxidant activity (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion. Huiscoyol fruit demonstrate nutritional and antioxidant potential, making it promising ingredient for funtional beverages. Its bioactive components, such as polyphenols and anthocyanins, showed remarkable stability under thermal and enzymatic processing conditions.

Analysis of the bamboo SWEET gene family reveals that Dendrocalamus farinosus SWEET14 is involved in source-sink carbohydrate partitioning.

In higher plants, SWEET genes play a crucial role in source-sink carbohydrate partitioning. Dendrocalamus farinosus is an economic bamboo species because of its high fiber content and rapid growth. The transportation of photosynthetic products is essential for bamboo growth. Here, we identified 50 major SWEET genes in D. farinosus. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that DfSWEET14 and DfSWEET44 were homologs of OsSWEET11 and OsSWEET4, respectively. DfSWEET5, DfSWEET14 and DfSWEET44 were highly expressed in leaf veins, stems and roots, respectively, and their expression was responsive to glucose and sucrose. DfSWEET9 and DfSWEET28 were involved in photosynthetic product distribution, ABA/MeJA signaling and pathogen responses. DfSWEET14 was localized to the plasma membrane, and was highly expressed in lateral buds and young shoots only. The overexpression of DfSWEET14 in wheat resulted in higher root/shoot biomass ratio under drought stress and increases in grain-filling duration, seed yield, net photosynthetic capacity, soluble sugar content, seed size and grain weight. This suggests that DfSWEET14 is involved in sucrose partitioning from leaves to grains. These results provide new insights into genetic improvement of bamboo and into the breeding of other economic crops for high yield by manipulation of source-sink carbohydrate partitioning and drought responses.

Use of domestic raw materials in the production of enriched and specialized confections

In Russia and other countries of the world, excessive consumption of easily digestible carbohydrates and saturated fats with a lack of dietary fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acids among children and adolescents has been found. In the absence of physical activity, it contributes to the accumulation of excess body weight and the subsequent development of obesity. Snacks occupy a large place in the nutrition of children in schools and preschool institutions. Very often, fl our confections are used as snacks. In this regard, expanding the range of fl our confectionery products intended for this population group is relevant. The All-Russian Research Institute of the Confectionery Industry has developed sugar cookies for feeding children three years of age and older with the addition of domestically produced barley oatmeal, decorated with confectionery glaze containing domestically produced fruit and vegetable powders. The cookies had a total sugar content of less than 25% and fat (without trans isomers) of about 20% and, in accordance with the Technical Regulations TR CU 021/2011, can be recommended for the diet of children three years of age and older. Furthermore, the cookies are characterized by a dietary fiber content of more than 6g/100g and, according to the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union TR CU 022/2011, have been classified as food products with a high dietary fiber content.

Production of Functional White Bread Enriched with Various Dietary Fibers with High Consumer Acceptance.

Fiber-enriched breads are inferior to wheat flour (white) breads in terms of volume, taste, and textural characteristics. The aim of this study was to produce functional dietary fiber (DF)-enriched white bread (WB) with high consumer acceptance. Wheat fiber (WF) was added to wheat flour as an insoluble fiber source (5%); polydextrose and inulin were used as soluble fibers at three different concentrations (2, 4, and 6%) individually or in combination. Their effects on dough rheology (farinograph and extensograph properties) and bread properties (volume, baking loss, moisture, texture, color, sensory, and crumb-grain characteristics) were investigated. The addition of WF, polydextrose and inulin had significant effects on dough rheology and bread properties. Hardness, chewiness, cell density, and DF content of breads were generally increased, whereas volume yield, baking loss, moisture and porosity values decreased with increasing DF concentration. The bread with the highest DF content (PD6IN6) contained 7.1 times more DF than WB. According to the results of sensory analysis, except for the sample with 6% concentration of polydextrose and inulin, all the other breads had very high overall acceptance values. Although the breads produced in the study have a high fiber content, their important quality characteristics (moisture content, volume yield, cell density, color values and sensory properties) are similar to those of WB. As a result, the overall quality characteristics of bread made with different dietary fibers were maintained, and functional WB enriched with DF were produced with high consumer acceptance.

Efektivitas Ekstrak Padina minor dalam Meningkatkan Kadar Klorofil Pada Tanaman Sorgum

Sorghum is a potential alternative food source due to its high carbohydrate, fiber, and protein content, which surpasses that of rice, as well as its greater adaptability to marginal land and dry weather conditions. However, sorghum productivity is often hindered by suboptimal fertilizer use, necessitating additional solutions like biostimulants. Seaweed-based biostimulants, such as Padina minor, hold promise in enhancing plant growth by stimulating nutrient absorption, improving resistance to abiotic stress, and enriching soil quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of P. minor extract in increasing chlorophyll levels in sorghum plants. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with varying concentrations of P. minor extract (20%, 30%, and 40%) and application frequencies (1, 2, and 3 times). The research results showed that (1) a concentration of 20% with administration of the extract once gave a significant increase in chlorophyll levels compared to other concentrations and frequencies; (2) administration of biostimulants in low concentrations and with fewer administration frequencies has proven to be more effective; (3) higher concentrations and frequencies of biostimulants can cause toxicity to plants; (4) the use of P. minor extract as a biostimulant can be a sustainable alternative in agricultural practices to improve the quality and productivity of sorghum.