Intestinal Phase Research Articles

Fabrication of pH-responsive whey protein/sodium alginate composite hydrogel beads for theaflavins

In this study, pH-responsive whey protein (WP)/sodium alginate (SA) composite hydrogel beads using the ionic gelation method were described and evaluated for their potential as delivery carriers for theaflavin (TF). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the interaction between WP and SA in the hydrogel beads is driven primarily by the strong intermolecular interactions, including hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attractions. The swelling ratio of the beads possesses good pH dependence and pH reversibility, effectively preventing the release of TF in the gastric environment. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of TF in hydrogel beads ranged from 94.995 ± 0.03 to 95.709 ± 0.14, with a loading capacity (LC) of 27–34 mg/g. In in vitro digestion simulations, owing to the pH responsiveness, hydrogel beads released minimal TF throughout gastric digestion and were fully released in the intestine phase. Additionally, the release kinetics of TF from the beads were further examined in a simulated intestinal environment. These findings suggest that the hydrogel bead system is a promising carrier for encapsulating TF, offering a theoretical and experimental basis for its future application in the food industry.

In vitro digestion and fermentation of the whole goji berry: Bioactive ingredients change and impacts on human gut microbiota.

Goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) is a nutrient-rich fruit and has received enormous interest for its health benefits. The beneficial effects of goji berry are linked to the absorption of bioactive compounds within the gastrointestinal digestion process and colon fermentation. Nonetheless, how certain bioactive compounds were released, and metabolism changed of the consumption of whole goji berries were still unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the digestion characteristics of key bioactive compounds in whole goji berries with an in vitro digestion model, and the effects of whole goji berries on the structure of gut microbiota were also investigated. Results showed that a significant release of carbohydrates during the digestion process, peaking within the first 15min of the intestinal phase (421.4±5.82mgGE/g, dry weight, respectively), was observed, and the phenolic release reached the highest in the first 15min of the gastric phase. Meanwhile, the bioaccessibilities of phenolic compounds and carbohydrates were determined to be 63.87% and 80.40%, respectively, after intestinal digestion. In addition, the undigested fractions of goji berries could be further fermented to produce short-chain fatty acids, which decreased the colon pH value (from 7.38 to 6.71) as well as the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Moreover, the goji berries regulated the composition of gut microbiota by promoting beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Paraclostridium, whereas inhibiting the proliferation of harmful bacteria (e.g., Fusobacterium). Our results indicated that the goji berry exhibited significant bioactivity during the digestion and fermentation stage and might provide some new insights into the utilization of goji berries in healthy food processing.

Changes of polyphenols and their antioxidant activities in non-pigmented, red and black rice during in vitro digestion

Polyphenols, a major bioactive constituent in rice grain, require processing and digestion before being absorbed by human body. Free and bound phenolics, flavonoids and their antioxidant activities in non-pigmented, red and black rice after cooking and INFOGEST digestions of oral, gastric and intestinal phases were investigated. It showed that cooking caused great losses of polyphenols and antioxidant activity. Free ferulic, isoferulic and p-coumaric acid in most rice were highest at intestinal phase (p < 0.05). Bound ferulic acid in three colored rice, bound p-coumaric acid in black rice and catechin in red rice were higher at oral and/or gastric phase. After cooking, total flavonoids of non-pigmented and pigmented rice were highest at intestinal and gastric phase, respectively. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, peonidin-3-O-glucoside and quercetin peaked at intestinal phase in black rice. It suggested that black rice has a greater potential to be used in meal balance and functional product development.

Early diagnosis of Trichinella spiralis and Trichinella nativa: Expression of the serine protease gene at the invasive intestinal and muscular larva stages.

Diagnosis of trichinellosis at the intestinal stage during larval development is the primary challenge in the early detection and treatment of trichinellosis. The use of serine protease as a diagnostic marker for serological tests has been the subject of various studies, but data on Trichinella nativa serine protease in the intestinal phase are still insufficient for a proper diagnosis. This study aimed to establish the duration of the intestinal phase for early diagnosis and to determine the level of expression of the serine protease gene in T. nativa and Trichinella spiralis larvae. We used European isolates from T. spiralis pigs and T. nativa larvae isolated from spontaneously infected wild carnivorous animals (wolf, Karaganda region) in Central Kazakhstan. Isolation of larvae from the meat of infected animals was carried out using the compressor method. For two species of Trichinella, 36 mice (in each group 18 mice) were infected with 250 larvae and euthanized by intramuscular injection of xylazine followed by an intravenous overdose of anestofol at 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 30 dpi (each day 3 infected mice) and one control group (3 mice). Sequencing and bioinformatics methods were used to determine the DNA and cDNA of the serine protease gene, and molecular methods (DNA extraction, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and sequence) were used to measure the accumulation of serine protease transcripts in isolated larvae. The results showed differences in the duration of intestinal phase between T. spiralis and T. nativa. The intestinal larvae of T. nativa were observed from 7 to 30 dpi, and the intensity of invasion increased up to 30 dpi (p < 0.001), while in the case of T. spiralis, the increase in larval growth in the intestinal phase decreased to 21 dpi, and only an increase of 1.6 ± 0.88 (p < 0.01) was detected at 30 dpi. T. nativa muscle larvae were detected at 21 dpi, compared with T. spiralis at 14 dpi. This characteristic was also reflected in the levels of serine protease transcripts in the samples. Accumulation was observed in both cases higher in the muscular stage of development, whereas the duration of the intestinal stage of T. nativa made it possible to detect serine protease at 30 dpi. The intestinal stage of T. nativa lasts for 30 days, indicating that the use of T. nativa serine protease is useful for the identification of intestinal infection. Furthermore, this protein can be used to identify T. spiralis and T. nativa in laboratory samples. Serine protease can be used as a marker for serological diagnosis. Within the framework of the research topic, it is important to conduct further studies on the species specificity of the obtained recombinant protein. It is necessary to focus on identifying highly specific Trichinella proteins for early disease detection.

Characterization of orange peel extract-cross linking whey protein nanoparticles and their influences on the physical and sensory properties of orange juice

This work explores the characterization of orange peel extract (OPE)-cross-linked whey-protein nanoparticles for enhancing the physical and sensory properties of orange juice. Three methods were employed to cross-link particle-forming peptides with citric acid, i.e., OPE charging–cross-linking–desolvation (A), cross-linking–OPE charging–desolvation (B), and OPE charging–desolvation–cross-linking (C). B method produced smaller particles (229 ± 11.53 nm) with higher encapsulation efficiency (67.16 ± 1.75%). Kinetic studies indicated predominantly diffusion-based release of OPE from the particles, B express the lowest diffusion rate with 10.20 ± 1.23% after 6 h incubation in NaCl. Using citric acid as a cross-linking agent enhanced the encapsulation efficiency. Moreover, functional orange juices were formulated using OPE and B capsules (500 mg/L). Under simulated in-vitro gastrointestinal conditions, the antioxidant activity was higher in B capsule supplemented juice comparing to OPE supplemented juice at oral, gastric, and intestinal phase which recorded of 69.43 ± 0.750, 85.66 ± 1.12 and 94.53 ± 2.00 mg ascorbic acid/100g respectively by DPPH and 80.91 ± 1.37, 132.01 ± 0.50 and 153.47 ± 2.63 mg ascorbic acid/100g respectively by ABTS. Sensory evaluation demonstrated the acceptability of OPE and cross-linked nanoparticles by the panelists. Cross-linking–OPE charging–desolvation provides high encapsulation efficiency with palatable physico-sensorial attributes in orange juice and offers a promising strategy for creating a nutritious beverage.

Probiotic Encapsulation: Bead Design Improves Bacterial Performance during In Vitro Digestion (Part 2: Operational Conditions of Vibrational Technology).

The development of functional foods is a viable alternative for the prevention of numerous diseases. However, the food industry faces significant challenges in producing functional foods based on probiotics due to their high sensitivity to various processing and gastrointestinal tract conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the operational conditions during the extrusion encapsulation process using vibrating technology on the viability of Lactobacillus fermentum K73, a lactic acid bacterium with hypocholesterolemia probiotic potential. An optimal experimental design approach was employed to produce sweet whey-sodium alginate (SW-SA) beads with high bacterial content and good morphological characteristics. In this study, the effects of frequency, voltage, and pumping rate were optimized for a 300 μm nozzle. The microspheres were characterized using RAMAN spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The optimal conditions for bead production were found: 70 Hz, 250 V, and 20 mL/min with a final cell count of 8.43 Log10 (CFU/mL). The mean particle diameter was 620 ± 5.3 µm, and the experimental encapsulation yield was 94.3 ± 0.8%. The INFOGEST model was used to evaluate the survival of probiotic beads under gastrointestinal tract conditions. Upon exposure to in vitro conditions of oral, gastric, and intestinal phases, the encapsulated viability of L. fermentum was 7.6 Log10 (CFU/mL) using the optimal encapsulation parameters, which significantly improved the survival of probiotic bacteria during both the encapsulation process and under gastrointestinal conditions compared to free cells.

Phytochemical composition, simulated digestive bioaccessibility and cytotoxicity of Ficus auriculata Lour. fruits: In vitro and in silico insights

Ficus auriculata Lour. (Moraceae) is an underutilized wild edible fruit widely consumed for its nutritional properties. The present study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties of the F. auriculata fruit extracts through in vitro digestion (oral, gastric and intestinal phases). The extracts were obtained by hot extraction and cold maceration methods using aqueous and methanolic solvents. Major phytoconstituents identified through LC-MS was subjected to molecular docking against the target proteins. The elemental analysis shows the presence of major elements; high levels of total phenolic compounds (124.61 ± 0.82 mg gallic acid equivalent/g), flavonoids (76.38 ± 0.82 mg quercetin equivalent/g), vitamin E (32.48 ± 0.09 mg alpha-tocopherol equivalent/g), and carbohydrate (34.59 ± 0.45 mg glucose equivalent/g) in hot extracted methanolic undigested extract (HEM UD) and high level of total protein (124.71 ± 0.34 mg bovine serum albumin equivalent/g) in cold extracted methanolic undigested fruit extract were found. HEM UD showed high antioxidant activity in 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl, and superoxide radical scavenging assays with IC50 of 53.30 ± 0.57, 80.69 ± 0.12, and 65.47 ± 1.13 μg/mL, respectively. The HEM UD extract also potentially inhibited the enzyme activity of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, and protein denaturation (IC50 of 67.76 ± 1.22, 83.18 ± 1.23, 87.24 ± 1.15, and 65.76 ± 0.60 μg/mL). The most potent extract (HEM UD) was studied for its anticancer effects by MTT assay against the MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines with the IC50 of 89.80 ± 0.56 and 60.76 ± 0.04 μg/mL, respectively. The LC-MS analysis elucidated ten phytoconstituents. Based on the molecular docking study, querciturone could potentially be an effective constituent in treating diabetes and inflammation-related issues. The findings indicated the ability of F. auriculata fruits as a promising functional food.

Incorporation of coenzyme Q10-loaded nanoemulsions in soy protein gels and assessment of the effects in their microstructure and bioaccessibility of the bioactive

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant that provides multiple health benefits, but its incorporation into foods is challenging due to its high hydrophobicity. This study aimed to develop soy protein isolate (SPI) gels filled with CoQ10-loaded nanoemulsion. Minimum gelation concentration tests were performed at pH 5, 6 and 7, as well as 11, 13 and 15 (SPI% w/w), to determine the best conditions for gel production. Gels with 15% SPI at pH 7 and various aqueous phase replacements by YNano Q10 (25%–85%) were produced. Uniaxial compression tests indicated that oil droplets were active particles interacting with the microgels of SPI, which structured the protein network. According to the confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) micrographs, the gel structure was formed by microgels, common for SPI gels, and nanodroplets occupied the gels’ pores, possibly interacting with each other and with the protein matrix, forming a type of “emulsion network”; the scanning electron microscopy data corroborated the CLSM results. The stability of CoQ10 was evaluated using instrumental colorimetry and showed that the bioactive was highly stable after 45 days of storage according to instrumental color measurements. Regarding the release of CoQ10 during in vitro static digestion, the bioactive was present in the final digesta of gastric phase (GP) and intestinal phase (IP), indicating that EFGs protected the active against the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Notably, the higher the amount of nanoemulsion, the higher the concentration of CoQ10 present in the digesta, and the presence of nanoemulsion droplets did not influence on protein hydrolysis.

In vitro Bioaccesibility of Phenolic Compounds from the Halophytes Suaeda Edulis and Suaeda Esteroa: Opportunity for the Development of Novel Foods

Halophytic plants grow in high salinity environments and present phytochemicals with antioxidant properties, such as phenolic compounds; due to the uncertain availability of healthy foods, there is a growing interest in their nutritional potential. However, their bioactive compounds with beneficial health effects are limited in their bioaccessibility. The objective of this study was to subject S. edulis and S. esteroa to an in vitro digestion process to evaluate the bioaccessibility and total antioxidant capacity of phenolic compounds during three phases of digestion. We determined phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity by colorimetric methods and phenolic composition by UHPLC-DAD. Total phenols, total flavonoids, and total antioxidant capacity by DPPH and TEAC in the three phases of digestion (oral, gastric, and intestinal) of S. esteroa were higher than in S. edulis, founding 4.84 % higher in total phenol content, and 0.05 % in total flavonoid content; also, and 28.94 and 23.93 % higher in total antioxidant capacity by DPPH and TEAC, respectively in the intestinal digestion phase. The bioaccessibility of S. edulis was higher than in S. esteroa; the intestinal was the phase reflecting more bioaccessible compounds. The bioaccessibility percentages of total phenols and flavonoids were 590.16 and 1012.93 %, and the percentage recovery of total antioxidant capacity by DPPH and TEAC were 181.37 and 139.74 %. We identified phenolic acids ferulic, p-Coumaric, and synaptic (hydroxycinnamic), gallic and protocatechuic (hydroxybenzoic), the flavonoids catechin (flavan-3-oles), myricetin and ruthin (flavonols), naringenin and naringin (flavonones). S. esteroa presented bioactive compounds in higher concentrations than S. edulis due to the stress imposed by its habitat; nevertheless, the determined bioactive compounds of S. edulis showed a higher bioaccessibility because it was managed under local improvement.

In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Bioaccessibility of Ethanolic Extracts from Mexican Moringa oleifera Leaf.

This study aimed to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and bioaccessibility of Moringa oleifera ethanolic extracts using pressurized liquid extraction with varying ethanol concentrations (0%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%) in water-ethanol mixtures. Quercetin derivatives and neochlorogenic acid were identified as major compounds via high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The 70% ethanol extract displayed the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic content, highlighting a strong correlation between phenolics and antioxidant potential. Extracts prepared with 50% and 70% ethanol (30 μg/mL) significantly inhibited TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 cytokine secretion, with the 70% ethanol extract demonstrating robust anti-inflammatory effects. During in vitro digestion (oral, gastric, and intestinal phases), minimal changes were noted in most phenolic compounds' post-oral phase, but reductions occurred after the gastric phase. Substantial decreases in major compounds and antioxidant activity were observed in post-gastric and intestinal phases. Overall, ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera, particularly those with 70% ethanol, exhibit promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting potential for developing therapeutic agents against oxidative stress and inflammation-related disorders. However, it is essential to protect these compounds to prevent their degradation during digestion.

Evaluation of nutrients effect on the arsenic bioaccessibility of contaminated soil

Soil is considered the primary source of heavy metals. Even at very low concentrations, chronic exposure to harmful heavy metal (arsenic) has a significant negative impact on human health. In this study, we evaluated the effect of nutrients including glucose, proteins, calcium and control (fasted condition) on soil arsenic (As) bioaccessibility by PBET (Physiologically Based Extraction Test) technique with SHIME (simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem). As bioaccessibility of the NJY soil sample was 4.43 to 8.28%, 2.56 to 8.55% and 5.66 to 23.49% in gastric phase, intestine phase and colon phase respectively with different nutrients. CFI soil sample’s As bioaccessibility varied depending on the nutrients used, and was 5.78 to 23.86%, 2.32% to 12.54% and 1.06 to 13.85% in gastric phase, intestine phase and colon phase correspondingly. As bioaccessibility of the ZZH soil sample was 2.26 to 25.16%, 24.38% to 57.27% and 9.92 to 23.10% in gastric phase, intestine phase and colon phase with varying nutrients. The outcomes showed that, As bioaccessibility of the soil samples was greatly influenced with plant protein, animal protein, calcium and glucose in the three phases of the digestive system. Therefore, nutrients have a considerable effect on As bioaccessibility and assessment of human health risk.

Correlations between in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of β-galactosidase/carboxymethylchitosan-silica dosage powder and its physicochemical properties

Oral administration of β-galactosidase, which alleviate lactose intolerance symptoms, is challenging due to its instability throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of this work was to make correlations between the in-vitro digestion and chemical characteristics of a β-galactosidase/carboxymethylchitosan-silica biocatalyst powder. This was obtained by a one-pot silica gel route assisted by carboxymethyl chitosan, using maltose as lyoprotectant. The chemical characterization allowed to understand as was modulated the calcium incorporation, through electrostatic interactions and as maltose protects the enzyme from agglomeration, by vitrification and formation of hydrogen bonds. The formulated biocatalyst could be a complement of silicon and calcium, in turn, it preserves 96 % and 63 % of the enzymatic activity compared with the biocatalyst control (without simulated digestion), in the gastric and intestinal phases, respectively. This activity was even greater than that observed in the commercial products evaluated in these phases. Likewise, the biocatalyst obtained retained its activity after 12 months of storage at 25 °C and it did not present cytotoxicity in cells derived from human colon epithelial mucosa (NCM460) under the conditions and concentrations evaluated. These results make this biocatalyst in an excellent candidate for release of this enzyme. Therefore, it could be useful for lactose-intolerant people.

Evaluation of muscular apoptotic changes and myogenin gene expression in experimental trichinosis after stem cells and atorvastatin added to ivermectin treatment

Trichinosis is a common parasitic disease that affects the striated skeletal muscles, causing apoptotic and degenerative changes associated with myogenin expression in the affected myocytes. Hence, this study aimed to assess the ameliorative effects of stem cells and atorvastatin added to ivermectin on the infected myocytes during the muscular phase of murine trichinosis. 120 laboratory Swiss albino male mice were divided into 10 groups, and each group was subdivided into intestinal and muscular phases (each n = 6); uninfected control; untreated infected control; infected received ivermectin monotherapy; infected received atorvastatin monotherapy; infected received stem cells monotherapy; infected received ivermectin and atorvastatin dual therapy; infected received ivermectin and stem cells dual therapy; infected received atorvastatin and stem cells dual therapy; infected received ivermectin 0.2, atorvastatin 40, and stem cells triple therapy; and infected received ivermectin 0.1, atorvastatin 20, and stem cells triple therapy. Intestinal phase mice were sacrificed on the 5th day post-infection, while those of the muscular phase were sacrificed on the 35th day post-infection. Parasitological, histopathological, ultrastructural, histochemical, biochemical, and myogenin gene expression assessments were performed. The results revealed that mice that received ivermectin, atorvastatin, and stem cell triple therapies showed the maximum reduction in the adult worm and larvae burden, marked improvement in the underlying muscular degenerative changes (as was noticed by histopathological, ultrastructural, and histochemical Feulgen stain assessment), lower biochemical levels of serum NK-κB and tissue NO, and lower myogenin expression. Accordingly, the combination of stem cells, atorvastatin, and ivermectin affords a potential synergistic activity against trichinosis with considerable healing of the underlying degenerative sequel.

Characterization of caseinate-pectin complex coacervates as a carrier for delivery and controlled-release of saffron extract

In this work, microcapsules were developed by the complex coacervation of sodium caseinate and pectin as a carrier for saffron extract. Parameters such as Zeta potential, dynamic light scattering, and microscopic techniques were investigated for their influence on the formation of these complexes. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed the reaction mechanism between the protein and tannic acid or saffron extract. The study revealed that core/shell and protein/polysaccharide (Pr/Ps) ratios play a role in the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) of saffron extract, with EE and LC ranging from 48.36 to 89.38% and 1.14 to 5.55%, respectively. Thermal gravimetric analysis revealed that the degradation temperature of saffron increased significantly with microencapsulation. The use of tannic acid for hardening the microcapsules led to an increase in size from 13 μm to 27 μm. Rheological findings indicated that shear-thinning behavior in the coacervates, with cross-linking, has a minor effect on the interconnected elastic gel structures. However, cross-linking improved the microcapsules' thermal and structural properties. The increase in polymer chain length due to cross-linking and the presence of the guest molecule (saffron extract) resulted in higher rheological moduli, reflecting enhanced entanglements and correlating well with the thermal, structural, and microstructural properties of the coacervates. Kinetic release studies showed a slower release in the gastric phase compared to the intestinal phase, with the Ritger–Peppas model effectively describing saffron extract release, highlighting a dominant swelling and dissolution release mechanism. Therefore, the NaCas/HMP coacervate wall materials made saffron stable in the gastric stage and sustainably release. It in the intestinal stage, promoting excellent absorption of saffron in simulated digestion.Graphical

A microfluidic model for infantile in vitro digestions: Characterization of lactoferrin digestion

We present a miniaturized, flow-through model for infantile in vitro digestions, following up on our previously published in vitro digestive system for adults. Microfluidic ‘chaotic’ mixers were employed as microreactors to help emulate the biochemical processing going on in the infantile stomach and intestine. Simulated digestive fluids were introduced into these micromixers, and the mixtures were incubated for 60 min after both the gastric phase and the intestinal phase. The pH of the infantile stomach was set at 5.3, which is higher than that of adults. This leads to entirely different patterns of digestion for the milk protein, lactoferrin, used in our study as a model compound. It was found that lactoferrin remained undigested as it passed through the gastric phase and reached the intestinal phase intact, unlike in adult digestions. In the intestinal phase, lactoferrin was rapidly digested. Our miniaturized, infantile, in vitro digestive system requires much less labor and chemicals than standard approaches, and shows great potential for future automation.

Co‐digestion of xanthan gum/Lactobacillus plantarum 75‐coated cantaloupes with Natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa) fruits or beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) leaves on the bioaccessibility of anthocyanins and carotenoid components

SummaryCo‐digestion of cantaloupe (C) melon fresh cuts (FC) coated with probiotics [Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 75/xanthan gum with Natal plum (NP)] or beetroot leaves (BL) was evaluated to determine their bioaccessibility of individual anthocyanins (cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, cyanidin‐3‐O‐sambubioside) and carotenoids (lutein, trans‐β‐carotene and cis‐β‐carotene). Co‐digestion of probiotic‐coated C‐melon‐FC with NP increased the percentage (%) bioaccessibility of cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (11.18%) and cyanidin‐3‐O‐sambubioside (8.89%) compared to single digestion of Natal plum. Bioaccessibility of lutein (18.2%), trans‐β‐carotene (36.92%) and cis‐β‐carotene (16.74%) increased when co‐digestion of probiotic‐coated C‐melon‐FC with BL compared to the single digestion of uncoated C‐melon. Co‐digestion of C‐melon‐FC‐L75 with BL showed the highest antioxidant activity. L. plantarum had the highest LAB survival at the intestinal phase (6.01–6.26 Log CFU mL−1) during single and co‐digestion showing probiotic potential. C‐melon‐FC‐L75, Natal plum and beetroot leaves could be recommended as functional ingredients in meal preparation.

Oxidized paramylon self-assembled nanoparticles loaded with fucoxanthin attenuate insulin resistance in HpeG2 cells

Fucoxanthin (Fx) has garnered significant interest due to its exceptional biological properties. However, its efficacy in enhancing food quality and human health is contingent upon the solubility of the compound in water and its physicochemical stability. Therefore, nanocarriers must be developed to enhance the stability and biocompatibility of Fx. In this study, oxidized paramylon and Fx self-assembled nanoparticles (Fx-OEP) were prepared via the anti-solvent method, with a loading rate of 82.47 % for Fx. The Fx-OEP exhibited robust storage and photostability. In vitro simulated digestion assays demonstrated that Fx-OEP effectively protected Fx from premature gastric release, while achieving a release efficiency of 72.17 % in the intestinal phase. Fx-OEP has the capacity to scavenge a range of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by cellular oxidative stress. Treatment with Fx-OEP resulted in a significant reduction in ROS accumulation in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells, which was attributed to the activation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) pathway. This, in turn, activated insulin receptor substrate 1/glucose transporter type 4 (IRS1/GLUT4), promoting cellular glucose absorption and utilization. These findings indicate the potential of self-assembled nanoparticles based on oxidized paramylon as a new type of nanocarrier for delivering hydrophobic substances.

Influence of soil pH and organic carbon content on the bioaccessibility of lead and copper in four spiked soils

Exploration of the association between heavy metal bioaccessibility (BAc) and soil properties is essential for rationalization of risk assessment and remediation of contaminated soil; however, the high complexity of soil systems often yield conflicting outcomes. To avoid erroneous conclusions, individual comparisons of soil properties is essential. Herein, we determined the changes in the BAc of Pb and Cu with the variation in soil pH and SOC content using Unified Bioaccessibility Research Group of Europe method, and validated these findings with in vivo mouse bioassays. Results indicated that the BAc of Pb and Cu in gastric and intestinal phases decreased by 1.76%–3.92% and 0.90%–3.27%, and by 0.41%–6.01% and 0.67%–1.59%, respectively, with every unit increase in soil pH. Furthermore, with every 1% increase in the absolute content of SOC, the BAc of Pb and Cu decreased by 4.04%–13.94% and 4.01%–34.7%, and by 8.98%–30.15% and 9.58%–20.03%, respectively. The in vivo bioassays results confirmed decrease in Pb concentrations in the liver, kidney, and blood of mice with the increase in Ferralosol pH and SOC content. These findings revealed that the health risks associated with accidental exposures to Pb- and Cu-contaminated soils with high pH and SOC level were relatively low, and the consistent in vivo and in vitro results for the BAc of Pb and Cu suggest the requirement for a swift and simple approach for assessing the risks of heavy metal contaminated soils. Thus, this study enhanced our understanding of the variations in risk assessments with soil properties of Pb- and Cu-contaminated soils, highlighting the role of soil characteristics in health risk assessment and remediation of contaminated soils.

Ultra-high pressure homogenization does not impair the in vitro digestibility of egg yolk granule proteins

Egg yolk granule is a promising ingredient in the food industry. Recent studies have shown that ultra-high pressure homogenization (UHPH) improved the techno-functional properties of the granule, but they did not evaluate its impact on digestibility. Consequently, this work aimed to evaluate the impact of UHPH-treatment (300 MPa and 4 passes) on granule digestibility by using a static in vitro digestion method. While UHPH destabilized the high molecular weight granule lipoproteins, the treatment did not affect the in vitro digestibility of egg yolk granule since similar protein/peptide profiles were obtained from gel electrophoresis and RP-HPLC analysis. Moreover, the degree of hydrolysis was similar between control and UHPH-treated granules with values ranging from 11.5 to 25.2% for the gastric and intestinal phases, respectively. Finally, apovitellin 3-4, apovitellenin IV and phosvitin were specifically digested during the gastric and intestinal phases. Consequently, modifications induced by UHPH on egg yolk granule were not correlated with in vitro digestion experiments. Nevertheless, this work represents an interesting added-value to support the development of innovative egg yolk granule-based ingredients for the food industry.

Different effects of vitamin supplementation on arsenic bioaccessibility in contaminated soils using multiple in vitro methods and their relevant mechanisms

Exposure to arsenic (As) induces adverse effects on human health. Vitamins B1, B6, and C, as indispensable micronutrients for humans, have been proven to influence the metabolism and toxicity of ingested As. To determine the effect of vitamins on health risks associated with soil exposure, As bioaccessibility in 14 soil samples using four in vitro methods of IVG, PBET, SBRC, and UBM was measured with the addition of vitamins B1, B6, and C. With vitamins B1 and B6 addition, the gastric As bioaccessibility in 14 soil samples was reduced by 1.14–3.52 and 1.14–5.02 fold, respectively, and instead an increase in the intestinal bioaccessibility was presented in some cases. Vitamin C supplementation yielded higher As bioaccessibility in the gastric (1.13–13.02 fold) and small intestinal (1.21–33.35 fold) phases, respectively. As evidenced by the X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, arsenic dissolution was promoted by Fe-As and hindered by the formation of Al-As fractions. Soil As dissolution in the simulated gastrointestinal tract was strongly influenced by soil minerals and ingested vitamins, due to the chelation of arsenic with vitamins and soil minerals such as Fe (hydr)oxides, and Fe(III) reductive dissolution to enhance As release by vitamin C as an iron reducer. These findings will expand the knowledge of health risks of exposure to As-contaminated soils and nutritional interventions aiming at the mitigation of As toxicity.