High Carbohydrate Content Research Articles

Comparative phytochemical and pharmacological analysis of two cultivars of Annona squamosa L. cultivated in Egypt

This study compared two Annona squamosa L. cultivars, Abdelrazik (Annona A.) and Balady (Annona B.), in terms of their chemical profile, in vitro cytotoxicity against HCT-116 and A549 cell lines, and total acetogenin. In addition, the two cultivars pulp were compared regarding carbohydrates and magnesium ions content and immunomodulating activity. The two cultivars were also differentiated genetically by DNA barcoding using the universal primer matK and the specific primer Annona squamosa matK. The results showed that Annona A. seeds had higher acetogenin content and exhibited more potent cytotoxic activity against the two cell lines. In contrast, Annona B. pulp had higher carbohydrate content and lower magnesium ions content. The splenic lymphocyte proliferation assay revealed that Annona A. pulp extract was slightly more active as an immunostimulant. The specific primer used for DNA barcoding was more effective for species identification, while the universal primer was better for cultivar differentiation. Overall, our findings indicate the potential for using active compounds of Annona squamosa L. cultivars to develop new therapeutic agents for cancer therapy and immune enhancement.

Application of Neem and Moringa Seed Oil as Botanical Preservative for Cowpea (<em>Vigna Unguiculata</em> L. Walp)

Purpose: Cowpea, a valuable grain with high protein, carbohydrate, and vitamin content, faces significant post-harvest losses due to insufficient storage, pest infestations, and inefficient processing techniques. Thus, the efficacy of a combination of neem and moringa seed oils in a 1:3 ratio, serving as botanical insecticides, to control Callosobruchus maculatus infestation in five different cowpea varieties was evaluated.Research Method: The extracts were mixed at a ratio of 1:3 neem-moringa seed oils and applied mechanically to cowpea varieties in a concentration of 5.0. They were kept in plastic bowls measuring 17 cm deep by 24 cm wide, covered with muslin cloth for free-flow ventilation, and stored for 360 days.Findings: The result of the data collected at every 60 days showed that the seed extracts were effective in preserving all the cowpea varieties even at 360 days. The results indicate that certain cowpea varieties, such as Ife brown (IFB), were more prone to weevil attacks, while others, like Lobia brown (BGR), shown relatively lower susceptibility. The control samples exhibited a higher number of egg-laying and weevil populations compared to the treated samples.Value: The study revealed that the treatment successfully eradicated the weevil population and prevented new infestations.

Evaluating the Nutritive Value and Quality of Fodder Pea (Pisum arvense L.) Silage Added with Varying Rates of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. Em Thell) Cracks

Silage represents the most effective solution for addressing the deficit in quality, abundance and cost-effectiveness of roughage. The main purpose of silage production is to store fresh herbage material with high nutritional value with minimum nutrient loss. For fodder and silage production, fodder pea is grown in mixtures with cereals in different ratios, but also for the silage from the pure fodder pea using additives. Molasses and crashed cereal grains or cereal can be added to silage material in order to increase its carbohydrate content. The research was conducted to determine nutritive value and silage quality of barley and wheat cracks added at different ratios to fodder pea silage in complete randomized split-plot design with four replications. 100 g withered fodder pea sample without additives and 100 g withered fodder pea sample with 3 g, 6 g, 9 g and 12 g cracked barley were vacuumed in to the 20x26 cm plastic bags and were stored in a dark environment for a period of 45 days to facilitate fermentation at ambient temperatures ranging from 15 to 28°C. Crude protein (%), crude ash (%), dry matter (%), digestible dry matter (DDM, %), dry matter intake (DMI, %), ADF (%), NDF (%), P (%), K (%), Ca (%), Mg (%), total digestible nutrients (TDN), Nel, NEm, Neg, pH, Fleig Score and RFV of pure fodder pea and cracked barley and wheat added silages were determined. According to results, fodder peas, which have a high protein and low carbohydrate content, be ensiled by the addition of high-carbohydrate wheat and barley cracks in order to obtain a quality silage. For this purpose, it is suggested to add at least 6% wheat cracks or 9% barley cracks to fodder pea silage.

Eustress responses of Musa acuminata cv. red banana using LED spectra.

This study examined the impacts of different LED spectra on the growth of in vitro cultures of Musa acuminata cv. red banana and their biochemical profile, including the antioxidant enzymes catalase and ascorbate peroxidase, photosynthetic pigment and accumulation of total carbohydrate content. The far-red LEDs significantly increase shoot elongation (10.04cm). The greatest number of shoots (2.97) and the greatest multiplication rate (80%) were obtained under the treatment with blue + red LEDs. The formation of microshoots were also enhanced by blue and white LED exposure in a range of 2-2.57 shoots per explant. Root formation was also stimulated by dichromatic blue + red (6.00) LED using MS medium with 2µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The enzymes catalase and ascorbate peroxidase were significantly up-regulated by irradiation with far-red (0.11 ± 0.02 CAT, 0.18 ± 0.04 APX U/mg) and blue (0.08 ± 0.01CAT, 0.10 ± 0.01APX U/mg) LED light. Total chlorophyll (0.45 to 0.80mg/g) was elevated significantly by blue, blue + red and mint-white LED. On the other hand, carotenoids (12.08-14.61mg/g) were significantly boosted by blue + red, red and mint-white LED light. Meanwhile, porphyrin (294.10-350.57mg/g) was highly synthesised after irradiation with mint-white light. Irradiation with LED light significantly increased the accumulation of carbohydrates with the highest carbohydrate content under blue + red LED light (102.22 ± 2.46mg/g) and blue light (91.69 ± 2.10mg/g). In conclusion, these results confirm that the vegetative properties and biochemical profile of red banana in vitro are eustress response to LED spectra.

Growth and Yield of Sweet Corn Plants (Zea mays L Var saccharata.) Effect of Providing Various Nitrogen Sources and Pruning Techniques

Corn is a vital food component primarily due to its high carbohydrate content. This research examines the effects of various nitrogen sources and pruning methods on the growth and yield of sweet corn. The investigation occurred in Tambon Tunong Village, located in the Dewantara District of North Aceh Regency, and in the Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture at Malikussaleh University from February to May 2024. A randomized block design (RAK) was employed for the experimental setup, incorporating two main factors: nitrogen sources (ZA fertilizer, HX Nitro fertilizer, and Urea fertilizer) and pruning methods (No Pruning, Pruning at 45 days after sowing (HST), and Pruning at 55 HST). Nine treatment combinations were evaluated, each replicated three times, resulting in 27 experimental units with 15 plants per unit, culminating in 405 plants. The findings indicated that urea fertilizer at 300 kg/ha produced the most favorable results regarding plant height, stem diameter, cob weight, and overall corn yield (10.79 tons/ha). Additionally, pruning at 45 HST resulted in the highest measurements for stem diameter, leaf count, and corn yield (7.81 tons/ha).

Rendimento e composição nutricional das raízes de armazenamento de batata-doce em resposta a cultivar, época de cultivo e adubação fosfatada

ABSTRACT: Sweet potato is an important food security crop, and the world market for this root is on the rise. Based on the physiological changes in plants in response to climatic conditions and fertilization, this study evaluated the effects of the growing season (rainy and dry season) and P2O5 doses (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 kg ha-1) on total yield, marketable classes yields, as well as chemical composition of storage roots of two sweet potato cultivars. The storage roots yield was greater in the rainy season. The optimum agronomic and economic doses were 128 and 95 kg ha-1 P2O5 for the cultivar Canadense. Cultivar Uruguaiana did not respond to phosphate fertilization, but its storage roots had higher contents of dry matter, lipids, fibers, total and reducing sugars, and starch. Sweet potato cultivation in the rainy season with doses up to 100 kg ha-1 P2O5 increase root yield in marketable size classes in higher economic value and with higher carbohydrate contents. The results can help producers schedule the planting and harvesting of sweet potatoes throughout the year and contribute to the seasonal management of phosphate fertilizer application.

Highly selective acetate production from wine lees through acidogenic fermentation

Among winery wastes wine lees have a high, unexplored potential for the production of carboxylic acids and more particularly acetate. In fact, they have a high ethanol and low carbohydrate content which can make thermodynamically feasible the oxidation of ethanol to acetate. In this study, the potential of wine lees for anaerobic acetate production was assessed in batch conditions, 37 °C and pH 5.5. White wine lees (WWL) and red wine lees (RWL) were fermented with and without inoculum, and RWL were also co-fermented with waste activated sludge at 20, 40, 70 and 100 gCOD/L. Endogenous microbiome had the same fermentation performances than the external inoculum in WWL, while it led to almost no carboxylates production in RWL, where the community was dominated by the H2-producer Klebsiella (81.6%). Overall, acetate always represented the majority of carboxylates (58–72% on COD basis). H2 production was low (0.31–6.97 mL H2/g bCODin), thus enabling anaerobic ethanol oxidation to acetate (ΔG = −26.6/-7.4 kJ/mol). In co-fermentation, at 70 and 100 gCOD/L caproate (10.0–16.0%) and heptanoate (1.6–5.4%) appeared, alongside a microbiome enriched in lactate-producers (up to 24.5%). Overall, the high acetate selectivity obtained is promising for biorefinery process coupling.

ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF AZANZA GARCKENEA (GORON TULA/APPLE SNOT) IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS

This study investigates the nutritional and non-nutritional components of Azanza garckeana (commonly known as Goron Tula or Apple Snot) to assess its potential health benefits and limitations. Employing a survey research design, data collection included proximate and sensory analysis of fruits, leaves, stem bark, and roots, along with questionnaires administered to participants in Maiduguri Metropolis, Nigeria. Results revealed that the fruit contains the highest protein (12.0%) and moisture (6.50%), while the stem bark has the highest carbohydrate content (72.16%). Crude fiber is most abundant in the fruit (45%), suggesting benefits for digestion. However, the presence of non-nutritional components, such as oxalates, raises concerns about potential adverse effects, including renal stone formation. Sensory evaluation indicates favorable taste and texture for Goron Tula, though its color was less appealing compared to traditional cola nuts. The study concludes that Azanza garckeana has significant nutritional value and potential for addressing nutrient deficiencies but recommends caution regarding its non-nutritional components. Future research should focus on processing methods to mitigate anti-nutritional factors.

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.

Potential Utilization of Taro Yam as Food in Ngada District

Taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) is a tuberous plant called bonggol that grows underground. The high carbohydrate content of taro makes it a top choice as a staple food when looking for alternatives to rice. Taro has great potential to be processed into various food products to help prevent various nutritional problems and generate additional income for local communities. Ngada Regency is one of the districts that has its own natural strengths and is also rich in natural resources such as local food, one of which is taro yam. Quantitative research was used in this study. Data were collected in the form of secondary data or data obtained from books, journals, newspapers, statistical data and other sources. The technique used for this research study is literature study. Ngada Regency has considerable potential for taro yams. Almost all of Ngada Regency cultivates taro yams. However, taro yam processing in Ngada Regency is still quite simple, such as steaming, frying, making compote and animal feed. The people of Ngada Regency certainly have great potential in processing taro yams into industrial raw materials and materials for food needs, such as turning taro yams into taro rice and taro flour. This needs special attention from the local government in empowering the natural resources owned, to open up business potential and encourage job creation for the community, as well as MSME businesses. Ngada Regency is the third largest district on Flores Island in terms of taro yam cultivation, with 2,916 taro yams produced.

Investigation on Phytochemicals and Nutritional Values of Three Passion Fruit Species Planted in Lam Dong Plateau

This study comprehensively evaluated and compared the nutrient contents, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and anti-nutritional factors of three passion fruit species, namely purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis), yellow passion fruit (<i>Passiflora edulis</i> var. flavicarpa), and sweet granadilla fruit (<i>Passiflora ligularis</i>). The passion fruit samples were collected from various gardens throughout the Lam Dong plateau - Vietnam. The analyses were performed as per standard test methods. <i>Passiflora edulis</i> f. edulis had high contents of carbohydrates, fat, vitamin K1, potassium, phosphorus, and iodine whereas <i>Passiflora edulis</i> var. flavicarpa was rich in carbohydrates and vitamins group B including B3, B6, and B9. <i>Passiflora ligularis</i>, on the contrary, primarily provided essential nutrients of protein, vitamins A, and C, and minerals including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. All three studied passion fruit species generally possessed moderate values of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants; the same pattern was also observed with antinutrients as all three studied passion fruit species were found to contain low concentrations of phytate, tannin, and oxalate. These findings scientifically contribute to the food database system and can be exploited for diet planning.

Chemical and Microbial Quality Assessment of Non-Branded Snacks Sold on the BSMRSTU Campus, Bangladesh

Introduction: Non-branded street food provides affordable and quick meals for students around university campuses. However, concerns regarding their nutritional content have surfaced, particularly in comparison to branded alternatives. This study investigates the chemical composition and microbial quality of non-branded snacks (bread, cakes, cream rolls, and laddu) sold near the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU) campus. Methodology: Samples of non-branded and branded food items, including bread, cakes, cream rolls, and laddu, were collected from vendors and nearby stores. Chemical and microbial analyses were conducted using standard AOAC methods. The nutritional data of non-branded items were compared with their branded counterparts to assess disparities. Results and Discussion: The results revealed significant nutritional disparities between branded and non-branded food items. Non-branded bread contained 51.88% carbohydrates, while branded bread had only 23%, showing a 28.88% difference. Similarly, non-branded cakes exhibited a carbohydrate content 25.15% higher than branded cakes. Cream rolls showed the most significant variation, with non-branded versions containing 67.33% carbohydrates, 52.33% higher than branded versions. Protein analysis showed that branded food items consistently contained higher protein levels, with branded bread showing 20% protein compared to 10.21% in non-branded bread. Fat content was also lower in non-branded cakes, which contained 28.01% fat compared to 37% in branded cakes. All the samples exceeded the recommended level of acceptance for the total plate count while only cake showed growth in the MacConkey medium indicating the potentiality of harboring pathogenic bacterial species. Conclusion: The findings indicate that non-branded food items sold near the BSMRSTU campus contain higher carbohydrate content and lower protein levels compared to branded food items, posing potential nutritional risks. These differences underscore the need for improved nutritional standards and greater consumer awareness of food quality.

BIOTECHNOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION POTENTIAL OF Inga edulis Martius: SEED COLLECTED IN THE AMAZON - BRAZIL

Article highlights- Inga edulis offer potential for biotechnological and environmental applications.- High protein and carbohydrate content in seeds support diverse agro-industrial uses.- edulis seeds enhance environmental education via forest nurseries schools.- Biotechnological potential of I. edulis seeds extends to ecosystem services. AbstractInga edulis Martius is a native species of the Amazon Forest with great potential for urban afforestation in the cities of the Brazilian Amazon and widely used for the recovery of degraded areas. It is commonly cultivated by the Amazonian population for its edible fruit, quality wood, and excellent agroforestry components. This study aimed to select the matrices and obtain information about the behavior of the seeds in terms of drying, biometry, purity and germination, and chemical composition. The seeds collected in the environmental education action were recognized about potentialities of use for biotechnological products and environmental protection. The seed exploitation of this species is attractive due to its composition (protein and carbohydrates) and forest integration. I. edulis seedlings in the schools contribute to environmental education as a sustainable practice with biotechnological potential for the Amazon region.

Effects of Ultrasound-Assisted Treatment on Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Polysaccharides from Sargassum.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ultrasonic treatment on the physicochemical properties and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Sargassum samples (SPs) extracted with different solvents. The alkali-assisted extraction of polysaccharide (SPA), acid-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from (SPB), and hot water extraction of polysaccharides (SPCs) were perofrmed on Sargassum. Ultrasonic treatment was performed with the SPA, SPB, and SPC in turn, and named USPA, USPB, and UPSC, respectively. The results showed that SPs mainly consisted of mannose, glucose, xylose, rhamnose, galactose, fucose, glucuronic acid, mannuronic acid and guluronic acid. The molecular weight of SPA (434.590 kDa) was the lowest under different solvent extractions, and the molecular weights of SPA, SPB, and SPC were reduced after sonication. SPA had a high carbohydrate content of (52.59 ± 5.16)%, and SPC possessed a high sulfate content of (3.90 ± 0.33)%. After ultrasonic treatment, the biological activities of SPs were significantly increased. The α-glucosidase inhibition assay reflected that the IC50 values of the ultrasonic treatment SPs were significantly reduced, and USPA showed the best activity, with an IC50 of (0.058 ± 0.05) mg/mL. Antioxidant assays demonstrated that USPC exhibited greater DPPH- and ABTS-scavenging capacity. In the anti-glycosylation assay, SPs after sonication demonstrated excellent inhibition of glycosylation products and protein oxidation products, with USPA showing the highest inhibition rate. In conclusion, the biological activities of SPs were enhanced after ultrasonic treatment. This study provides a theoretical reference for their use in food and medicines.

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.

Nutritional Content Analysis Of Yellow Pumpkin Brownies (Cucurbita Moschata L.) With Stevia Sweetener (Stevia Rebaudiana) As A Sugar Cane Substitution

An unhealthy diet that includes sugary snacks may promote a rise in glucose levels and enhance the risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Brownies are high in sugar and should be replaced with healthier ingredients to reduce their sugar content and glycemic index with stevia as natural sweeteners and yellow pumpkin which are low in calories and carbohydrates. To determine the nutritional content of brownies products with the substitution of cane sugar with stevia and yellow pumpkin. This study utilized a quasi-experimental design using completely randomized design (CRD). We experimented to evaluate the effects of four different treatments, comparing the use of cane sugar and stevia in different ratios: 100% cane sugar (P0), 50% cane sugar and 50% stevia (P1), 25% cane sugar and 75% stevia (P2), and 100% stevia (P3). Moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate and energy variables were tested using by different method, gravimetric, kjehdahl, soxhlet, by difference, and atwater which was repeated 3 times. We conducted data analysis using a one-way ANOVA and Duncan test to determine the treatment pairs with the highest significance level. The findings demonstrated that replacing cane sugar with stevia significantly affect the nutritional content of yellow pumpkin brownies products (p<0.05, for all comparisons). The treatments with the highest average of nutritional contents were as follows: P3 had the highest moisture content (48.64±0.04%), ash content (1.06±0.06%), protein (6.93±0.11%), and fat (14.49±0.34%), whereas P0 had the highest carbohydrate content (39.45±0.23%) and total energy (281.19±0.76 kcal/100g). The nutritional content of yellow pumpkin brownies has significantly modified by substituting sugar cane with stevia. However, additional investigation is required to determine other nutritional contents and assess its potential as functional food.

Comparison of Yam Composite Cookies Sensory Characteristic Between Sugar and Stevia Sweeteners

Yam (Dioscorea alata L.) is one source of carbohydrates with a low glycemic index. It is useful for controlling blood glucose levels. Yam has high carbohydrate and protein content but low sugar content. This research contributed to compare the sensory characteristics of the yam composite cookies between sugar and stevia sweeteners. This research is a quasi-experimental study with a cross-sectional design. Purple yam tubers were made into yam flour. The composite was made from yam flour and green bean flour (F1=100:0; F2= 80:20; F3= 60:40; F4= 40:60; F5= 20:80) (%w/w). Composites were processed into cookies with sugar and stevia sweeteners. Cookies with sugar and stevia sweeteners tested sensory characteristics to 31 in healthy adults aged 25-35. The results showed that the sensory characteristics of shape, size, color, texture, sweet taste and umami taste of yam cookies with sugar sweetener were not better than stevia sweetener. In contrast, the sub-variables of aroma, taste, and overall sweet potato cake with sugar were better than stevia. This implies that yam composite cookies with stevia sweeteners are healthier, but less desirable.

Evaluating citrus juice: A comparative study of physicochemical, nutraceutical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of citrus juices from Nepal

Citrus fruit juice is highly beneficial to human health, providing essential nutrients like carbohydrates, vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Juices from citrus fruit varieties grown in various regions of Nepal were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, nutraceutical content, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The pH of the juices ranged between 2.09 and 3.62, while total soluble solids (TSS) varied from 7° Brix to 12.3 °Brix. Among varieties, C. aurantifolia exhibited the highest titratable acidity at 7.39 g/100 mL. C. limon showed the highest moisture content (94.74 %), C. reticulata had the highest carbohydrate content (14.6 ± 0.4 g/100 mL, n = 3), and C. aurantifolia presented the highest protein content (34.1 ± 0.7 mg/100 mL). C. sinensis recorded the highest flavonoid content (91.4 ± 0.3 mg/100 mL), C. reticulata had the highest phenolic content (65.8 ± 0.6 mg/100 mL), and C. limon exhibited the highest ascorbic acid content (45.1 ± 0.4 mg/100 mL). The methanolic extracts of all citrus fruit juices demonstrated robust antioxidant properties, as determined by DPPH assay. Notably, C. limon and C. aurantifolia juice extracts demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microbes. This study highlights the variation in nutrient and phytochemicals compositions among different citrus fruit juices, underscoring the nutritional and medicinal benefits of citrus species.

Making Sense of the Relationship Between Ultra-Processed Foods, Obesity, and Other Chronic Diseases.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is a food category within the NOVA system. The key feature of UPFs are foods that have been highly processed and contain various additives, especially those that are industrially produced. It is claimed that UPFs are inherently unhealthy. The classification system is highly controversial. This paper critically evaluates the evidence. In stark contrast to conventional systems for food classification, the NOVA system disregards the nutritional values of foods. As a result, many foods generally considered to be healthy are included as UPFs, whereas many unhealthy foods are excluded. Epidemiological studies, mainly prospective cohort studies, have consistently reported an association between the intake of UPFs and risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, common mental disorders (especially depression), and all-cause mortality. A similar association has been reported for cancer and hypertension, but the supporting evidence is weaker. The most plausible explanation for this is that the associations are largely due to a limited number of unhealthy foods, such as processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages. Studies of the relationship between UPFs and obesity present a different picture. There is much evidence that suggests that UPFs play a major causal role in obesity. The high contents of fat, sugar, carbohydrates, and sodium commonly present in UPFs makes these foods hyperpalatable. In addition, UPFs typically have a high energy density. As a result of these two features of UPFs, most people consume an excessive energy intake when presented with UPFs. Because UPFs include a wide range of foods, many of which are healthy, it is likely that while many UPFs are obesogenic, many others are not.

Enhancing Lignin-Carbohydrate Complexes Production and Properties With Machine Learning.

Lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) present a unique opportunity for harnessing the synergy between lignin and carbohydrates for high-value product development. However, producing LCCs in high yields remains a significant challenge. In this study, we address this challenge with a novel approach for the targeted production of LCCs. We optimized the AquaSolv Omni (AqSO) biorefinery for the synthesis of LCCs with high carbohydrate content (up to 60/100 Ar) and high yields (up to 15 wt %) by employing machine learning (ML). Our method significantly improves the yield of LCCs compared to conventional procedures, such as ball milling and enzymatic hydrolysis. The ML approach was pivotal in tuning the biorefinery to achieve the best performance with a limited number of experimental trials. Specifically, we utilized Bayesian Optimization to iteratively gather data and examine the effects of key processing conditions-temperature, process severity, and liquid-to-solid ratio-on yield and carbohydrate content. Through Pareto front analysis, we identified optimal trade-offs between LCC yield and carbohydrate content, discovering extensive regions of processing conditions that produce LCCs with yields of 8-15 wt % and carbohydrate contents ranging from 10-40/100 Ar. To assess the potential of these LCCs for high-value applications, we measured their glass transition temperature (Tg), surface tension, and antioxidant activity. Notably, we found that LCCs with high carbohydrate content generally exhibit low Tg and surface tension. Our biorefinery concept, augmented by ML-guided optimization, represents a significant step toward scalable production of LCCs with tailored properties.