Low Molecular Weight Carbohydrates Research Articles

193 The effects of mannan oligosaccharides on mortality and full value nursery swine

Abstract Mannan oligosaccharides [Actigen; ACT (Alltech, Inc., Nicholasville, KY)] are refined low molecular weight carbohydrates obtained from the cell wall of a specific strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Peer-reviewed studies with nursery swine has suggested that ACT can positively impact intestinal morphology and permeability, inhibit gut colonization of enteric pathogens, and improve the pattern of immune responses with and without viral challenges. To validate these findings, three commercial scale experiments involving a total of 10,634 nursery pigs [PIC 337 × 1050, initially 6.4 kg of body weight (BW)] were conducted. Pens of 36 to 50 mixed sex pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments supplemented with 0 or 800 ppm of ACT, with a total of 112 replications per treatment. In all trials, pigs were fed a nursery program comprised of two phases. Phase 1 from d 0 to 21 (experimental diets) and Phase 2 from d 22-37, 22-43, and 22-44, in Exp. 1, 2, and 3, respectively (common diets). Phase 1 diets were corn-soybean meal based and contained 9% whey permeate, 5% rolled oats, and were formulated to contain 1.38% SID Lysine. Phase 2 diets were corn-soybean meal based and formulated to contain 1.30% SID Lysine. In all experiments, data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (Cary, NC) in a randomized complete block design with pen serving as the experimental unit and initial BW serving as blocking factor. Percentage mortality and full value pig were analyzed using a binomial distribution. No significant ACT × experiment interactions (P > 0.10) were observed in mortality or full value pig (Table 1). From d 0 to 21, there was no evidence for differences in average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), or gain to feed ratio (G:F; P > 0.10) between dietary treatments (data not showed). From d 0 to 44, mortality was reduced (P < 0.0002), and full value pigs increased (P < 0.0004) in pigs fed diets with 800 ppm compared with pigs fed diets without ACT supplementation. In conclusion, whereas pigs fed diets supplemented with 800 ppm ACT did not show growth performance advantages, these experiments suggest livability and full value pig improvements.

Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis provides insights into blue light response of Flammulina filiformis

Blue light promotes primordium differentiation and fruiting body formation of mushroom. However, the blue light response mechanism of mushroom remains unclear. In this study, mycelium of Flammulina filiformis was exposed to blue light, red light and dark conditions, and then the comparative metabolome and transcriptome analysis was applied to explore metabolic regulation mechanism of F. filiformis under blue light and red light conditions. The yield of the fruiting body of F. filiformis under blue light condition was much higher than that under dark and red light conditions. Metabolome analysis showed that blue light treatment reduced the concentrations of many low molecular weight carbohydrates in the pilei, but it promoted the accumulation of some low molecular weight carbohydrates in the stipes. Blue light also decreased the accumulation of organic acids in the stipes. Blue light treatment reduced the levels of tyrosine and tryptophan in the stipes, but it largely promoted the accumulation of lysine in this organ. In the stipes of F. filiformis, blue light shifted metabolite flow to synthesis of lysine and carbohydrates through inhibiting the accumulation of aromatic amino acids and organic acids, thereby enhancing its nutritional and medicinal values. The transcriptome analysis displayed that blue light enhanced accumulation of lysine in fruiting body of F. filiformis through downregulation of lysine methyltransferase gene and L-lysine 6-monooxygenase gene. Additionally, in the stipes, blue light upregulated many hydrolase genes to improve the ability of the stipe to biodegrade the medium and elevated the growth rate of the fruiting body.

Low molecular weight carbohydrate patterns of mangrove macroalgae from different climatic niches under ocean acidification, warming and salinity variation

Ocean acidification has increased due to the enhanced solubility of CO2 in seawater. Mangrove macroalgae in tropical and subtropical coastal regions can benefit from the higher availability of CO2 for photosynthesis and primary production. However, they can be negatively affected by the simultaneously occurring warming and increased salinity in estuaries. Thus, we analyzed the isolated effects of ocean acidification and the interactive effects of increased temperature and salinity on the low molecular weight carbohydrate (LMWC) contents of the mangrove red macroalgae Bostrychia montagnei and Bostrychia calliptera from Brazilian tropical and subtropical populations. Specimens from both climatic niches were tolerant to pH decreased by CO2 enrichment and enhanced their LMWC contents under increased availability of CO2. Specimens from both climatic niches also accumulated their dulcitol and sorbitol contents to cope with warming and salt stress. Nevertheless, temperature of 34 °C was lethal for tropical macroalgae, while 29 °C and 31 °C were lethal for subtropical B. calliptera under salinity of 35. Tropical and subtropical B. montagnei synthesized dulcitol (5–110 mmol kg−1 dry weight) and sorbitol (5–100 mmol kg−1 dry weight) as osmoregulatory, energy and thermal protection compounds, whereas tropical and subtropical B. calliptera synthesized mainly dulcitol (10–210 mmol kg−1 dry weight). Although digeneaside has an energy function in Bostrychia spp., it is not an osmolyte or thermal protection compound. Our data demonstrated that both tropical and subtropical Bostrychia spp. benefit from ocean acidification by CO2 enrichment, increasing their LMWC contents. However, warming and increased salinity in estuaries will be detrimental to them, even they producing protective metabolites. Multifactorial approaches are recommended to investigate whether negative effects of increased temperature and salinity nullify positive effects of ocean acidification on these Bostrychia species/populations.

Effect of temperature during flowering, pod set, and seed development on yield components and accumulation of protein, starch, and low molecular weight carbohydrates in two faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivars

AbstractThe aim was to explore the impact of temperature during seed development on yield performance and seed quality in faba bean when grown at cool temperatures representative for high latitude regions. Two varieties, an early and a medium late maturing, were grown in climate chambers with three temperature regimes (day/night temperatures of 14°C/12°C, 19°C/12°C, and 24°C/12°C) from onset of flowering to maturation. Yield components were recorded, and the accumulation of protein, starch, and low molecular weight carbohydrates including the raffinose family oligosaccharides was followed during the accumulation phase until physiological maturity. The lower temperature regimes strongly delayed pod and seed development compared with 24°C/12°C. Temperature affected the number of pods per plant for the upper node group. Plants grown at 19°C had the highest total dry seed weight compared with plants grown at 14°C and 24°C. Temperature per se did not influence the content of starch, protein, and low molecular weight carbohydrates, while their accumulation followed the moisture content in the seed, and thus the seed development stage. The content of raffinose family oligosaccharides increased sharply when the seed moisture dropped below 70% and leveled off at about 40% and 50% moisture for verbascose and stachyose, respectively, coinciding with physiological maturity. The results provide more knowledge about the seed maturation and accumulation in faba bean under low temperatures, important for cultivation under high latitude regions.

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents for Solubility and Selective Fractionation of Bioactive Low Molecular Weight Carbohydrates.

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) have been shown to be selective and environmentally friendly solvents for the extraction of bioactive compounds. However, studies on the solubility of low-molecular-weight carbohydrates (LMWCs) in NADESs are scarce. In this work, new solubility data of LMWCs in NADESs are provided and a new approach based on the use of these solvents for the efficient fractionation of bioactive carbohydrates was explored for the first time. Several mono- and disaccharides and three NADESs based on choline chloride (ChCl) and different donors (2-ethylene glycol (EtG), glycerol (Gly) and ethanedioic acid dihydrate (Eth)) were considered. While the degradation of carbohydrates, mainly ketoses, was detected with ChCl:Eth due to its acidic nature, ChCl:EtG and ChCl:Gly were found to be useful alternatives for selectively separating bioactive ketoses and their corresponding aldoses (e.g., lactulose/lactose and tagatose/galactose) present in equimolar binary mixtures. In addition, the usefulness of ChCl:EtG for the selective enrichment of lactulose to be used as food ingredient or nutraceutical was proven (from a 25% in the reaction mixture to a 56% in the purified sample). NADESs could be used for the selective fractionation of value-added carbohydrates from interfering sugars for several applications, including food science, engineering or pharmaceuticals.

The Thermal Properties and Nutritional Value of Biomass of Oleaginous Yeast Rhodotorula sp. during Glucose Fed-Batch Cultivation in Medium with Waste Nitrogen

The biotechnological processing of oleaginous yeast biomass should be comprehensively managed using the zero-waste policy. This study focused on the biomass of the red yeast Rhodotorula obtained from a medium containing waste nitrogen. The cells accumulate lipids in intracellular lipid droplets; however, they are also rich in protein. Therefore, the nutritional value of lipid and protein, according to their fatty acid and amino acid composition, is a necessary step for practical application. For the very first time, this study focused on understanding the influence of temperature on powdered red yeast biomass to study components phase transition or chemical reactions by using DSC. Rhodotorula glutinis var. rubescens was cultivated in a glucose fed-batch in a potato wastewater medium, where the biomass yield was powdered, and lipid and fatty acid, protein, and amino acid compositions were determined. The DSC diagrams of red yeast biomass were characterized by two small and mild endothermic peaks, indicating the presence of fat and the presence of low molecular weight carbohydrates and a distinct peak associated with the presence of crystalline sugars. The nutritional quality of the lipid fraction as atherogenicity (0.223), thrombogenicity index (0.438), PUFA/SFA (0.24), and the n-6/n-3 ratio (3.275) was adequate for the recommendation and resulted from the fatty acid composition. The yeast protein was characterized by a high content of glutamic acid (99 mg/1 g of protein), and a value of essential amino acid index of protein suggested a superior amino acid composition compared to the FAO/WHO standard. Despite a high essential amino acid index (>120), yeast protein was characterized by a low content of Lys or Met.

Variations on primary metabolites of the carrageenan-producing red algae Sarcopeltis skottsbergii from Chile and Sarcopeltis antarctica from Antarctic Peninsula

Several studies reported that gametophytes and tetrasporophytes of Gigartinaceae produce different carrageenan types, as observed in Sarcopeltis species although they have isomorphic haploid and diploid phases. Cystocarpic and non-fertile plants of Sarcopeltis (ex Gigartina) skottsbergii produced kappa-carrageenans, while tetrasporophytes produced lambda-carrageenans, and yields were higher in cystocarpic and sterile specimens than in tetrasporophytes. However, comparison on the other primary metabolites among different life history phases still needed to be investigated. Then, we tested the hypothesis if the variation on primary metabolites (pigments, proteins and carbohydrates) are related to the life history phases of Sarcopeltis antarctica and Sarcopeltis skottsbergii, and/or are influenced by abiotic factors. Primary metabolites of S. antarctica varied according to the life-history phases: non-fertile specimens presented higher phycobiliprotein concentrations, tetrasporophytes presented higher chlorophyll a concentrations, and cystocarpic specimens presented higher concentrations of proteins, polysaccharides and floridean starch. However, primary metabolites of S. skottsbergii varied in response to some abiotic factors (nutrients, temperature and salinity), since principal component analysis evidenced two groups; one was related by the higher nitrate and phosphate concentrations, and the other was related to the higher temperatures and lower salinities. Concentrations of floridean starch, low molecular weight carbohydrates, and polysaccharides are higher in S. antarctica than in S. skottsbergii, which could be related to the protective role of these compounds against salinity variation and low temperatures faced in the Antarctic extreme environments.

Soil warming decreased dissolved organic carbon quantity and quality in subtropical forests.

Soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is the most active part in forest soil carbon pool, the responses of which to climate warming has profound effects on forest carbon cycling. Based on a manipulative soil warming experiment in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests, we collected soil solutions in situ and used ultraviolet-visible, infrared and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy analyses to explore the effects of soil warming (+4 ℃, 1 year) on soil DOC quantity and quality along the soil profile. The results showed that soil DOC flux remained constant along the soil profile. Soil DOC mainly included two humic-like fractions and one microbial metabolite. Warming significantly decreased soil DOC flux and the abundance of aromatic and hydrophobic components, and increased the amount of low molecular weight carbohydrates. Furthermore, soil warming increased the relative proportion of humic-like fractions in the surface soil layer (0-10 cm) and microbial metabolite in the deep soil layer (30-40 cm), indicating that warming might accelerate microbial turnover in the deep layer. Overall, soil warming not only decreased soil DOC content, but also simplified the composition of soil DOC in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests.

Single-cell transcriptome sequencing revealing the difference in photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism between epidermal cells and non-epidermal cells of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis (Rhodophyta).

The allocation of photoassimilates is considered as a key factor for determining plant productivity. The difference in photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism between source and sink cells provide the driven force for photoassimilates' allocation. However, photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism of different cells and the carbon allocation between these cells have not been elucidated in Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis. In the present study, transcriptome analysis of epidermal cells (EC) and non-epidermal cells (NEC) of G. lemaneiformis under normal light conditions was carried out. There were 3436 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified, and most of these DEGs were related to photosynthesis and metabolism. Based on a comprehensive analysis both at physiological and transcriptional level, the activity of photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism of EC and NEC were revealed. Photosynthesis activity and the synthesis activity of many low molecular weight carbohydrates (floridoside, sucrose, and others) in EC were significantly higher than those in NEC. However, the main carbon sink, floridean starch and agar, had higher levels in NEC. Moreover, the DEGs related to transportation of photoassimilates were found in this study. These results suggested that photoassimilates of EC could be transported to NEC. This study will contribute to our understanding of the source and sink relationship between the cells in G. lemaneiformis.

Conversion of carbohydrates to carboxylic acids during hydrothermal and oxidative treatment of concentrated kraft black liquor

Black liquor, a side stream of the kraft pulping process, contains valuable low molecular weight carboxylic acids and carbohydrates. Hydrothermal treatment and wet oxidation of black liquor with a dry matter content of 43 % were investigated as an approach to convert these carbohydrates to carboxylic acids to increase their concentration. Wet oxidation with H2O2 or O2 at 115–185 °C led to partial degradation of carbohydrates, but no significant formation of the investigated carboxylic acids, glycolic, lactic, formic and acetic acid, was detected. Treatment under N2 atmosphere at 185 and 220 °C finally led to an increase of the hydroxy acid concentration. After two hours of heat treatment at 220 °C, 90 % of the carbohydrates were degraded, coupled with a high carbon conversion efficiency of 32 % based on the formation of lactic acid and glycolic acid, of which the concentrations increased by 51 and 73 %, respectively.

Ocean warming and increased salinity threaten Bostrychia (Rhodophyta) species from genetically divergent populations

Increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the Earth's atmosphere have resulted in global change, such as ocean warming and sea level rise. Increased salinity in estuaries is expected as a result of sea level rise and warming. Thus, we analysed the interactive effects of increased temperature and salinity on multiple physiological responses of Bostrychia montagnei and B. calliptera from two biogeographic provinces, Tropical Southwestern Atlantic (TSA) and Warm Temperate Southwestern Atlantic (WTSA). Macroalgae were cultured under three salinities (15, 25 and 35 PSU) and three temperatures: mean sea surface temperature (SST: 27 °C for TSA and 24 °C for WTSA), an RCP8.5 ocean warming scenario (SST + 5 °C), and a maximum temperature to test the algal upper thermal tolerance limits (RCP8.5 + 2 °C). Macroalgae from both localities decreased their growth under increased temperature and salinity. RCP8.5 + 2 °C was lethal for both macroalgae from TSA. RCP8.5 and RCP8.5 + 2 °C at 35 PSU were lethal for B. calliptera from WTSA, due to the interactive effects between increased temperature and salinity. Overall, increased salinity decreased the effective quantum yield and relative electron transport rate in algal photosynthesis. Our results demonstrated that the macroalgae synthesized proteins, carbohydrates (polysaccharides and low molecular weight carbohydrates), and antioxidants to tolerate detrimental temperatures and salinities. Our results also demonstrated that the macroalgae adjusted their pigment contents (phycobiliproteins, total carotenoids, and chlorophyll a) for efficient light-harvesting under thermal and saline stress. Our findings suggest that ocean warming and increased salinity in estuaries will be detrimental to B. montagnei and B. calliptera populations from both biogeographic provinces, especially to those from TSA that already live closer to their upper thermal tolerance limits.

Mangrove macroalgae increase their growth under ocean acidification: A study with Bostrychia (Rhodophyta) haplotypes from different biogeographic provinces

Increasing oceanic CO2 has caused a decrease in oceanic pH, a process termed ocean acidification (OA). OA may benefit fleshy macroalgae due to the increased availability of inorganic carbon sources for photosynthesis since they are tolerant of decreases in pH. In this study, we analyzed multiple physiological responses of Bostrychia montagnei and Bostrychia calliptera from two biogeographic provinces of Brazil (Tropical Southwestern Atlantic [TSA] and Warm Temperate Southwestern Atlantic [WTSA]) after culturing them at a set of bioreactors in three pH levels (7.2, 7.6, and 8.0). Two pH were decreased by CO2 enrichment into the culture medium. Molecular analyses using plastidial (rbcL-3P) and mitochondrial (COI-5P) DNA markers were also performed to identify genetic divergences between macroalgae from TSA and WTSA. Molecular evidence of COI-5P marker demonstrated that the specimens of both B. montagnei and B. calliptera from TSA and WTSA constitute different haplotypes, with a strong segregation between them. Macroalgae from both localities increased their growth in treatments of decreased pH with increased CO2 availability. Overall, physiological responses of the algae were not negatively affected by decreased pH. B. montagnei from TSA increased its polysaccharide and allophycocyanin content at pH 7.2, and B. montagnei from WTSA increased its low molecular weight carbohydrate content at pH 7.2 as well. Antioxidant activity — a proxy for physiological stress — was not affected by decreased pH. Our study indicates that haplotypes of B. montagnei and B. calliptera from TSA and WTSA can be relevant to CO2 sequestration in mangroves once they are tolerant of decreased pH and increase their growth under increased CO2 availability.

In vitro fermentability of globe artichoke by-product by Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum

Potential prebiotic effect of globe artichoke by-product (Cynara cardunculus L.) was evaluated in vitro. Representative lactic acid bacteria from human colon, like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, were incubated up to 96 h with artichoke by-product versus sucrose control. Low molecular weight carbohydrates (6.14% dw) in raw artichoke by-product were extracted with ethanol. Fermentability was evaluated by monitoring growth, pH, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lactic acid production. Maximum growth of L. acidophilus differed on both substrates but B. bifidum exhibited a similar growth pattern. Artichoke by-product provided a higher growth than control for both bacteria. Release of total SCFAs was also significantly higher on artichoke by-product than on the control in both bacterial cultures. Nonetheless, no clear pH reduction was found in culture medium for artichoke by-product batches. Lactic acid content in L. acidophilus culture was remarkably higher on control (6.6-fold) than on artichoke by-product. Non-fermented residue of artichoke by-product was 56.2% and 41.8% for L. acidophilus and B. bifidum, respectively. Artichoke by-product shows a potential prebiotic effect under the assayed conditions. The use of valuable bio-resources, like artichoke by-product, is another step ahead on waste management and reduction of the main residues from the agro-food industry.

Television advertising and development of dental caries in children aged 6 to 12 years.

Advertising today is increasingly seen to be targeting children as they can be easily persuaded. The influence on them is reinforced by children's difficulty in perceiving messages critically, in distinguishing the real from the imaginary, in their great confidence in messages from the media and popular characters and personalities, and in their inability to recognize risk and their propensity for imitation. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of television advertising on children's nutritional preferences and the intensity of dental caries in children aged 6 to 12 years.Materials and methods: The study included 277 children (158 boys and 119 girls) aged 6 to 12 years from different schools in Sofia. A survey was used to assess the nutritional preferences of these children who are under the influence of watching television commercials. The DMF (T+t) index introduced by Klein, Palmer & Knutson (1938) was used to assess the intensity of dental caries. A correlation analysis was performed between the time spent watching TV and the development of dental caries. Many children buy on their own or ask their parents to buy advertised sweet candies, fizzy drinks and fruit juices, which are a risk factor for the development of dental caries. The results show that the longer they spend in front of the TV, the stronger the pronounced caries activity in children, supported by a statistically significant difference (p<0.001), Rho (277)=0.438. The studied children aged 6 to 12 years have unhealthy dietary preferences for low molecular weight carbohydrate foods, increasing their oral risk profile. Prolonged standing in front of the TV screen correlated with an increase in the intensity of dental caries in half of the children.

A dual-mode reactive matrix for sensitive and quantitative analysis of carbohydrates by MALDI-TOF MS

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a widely used tool for the analysis of carbohydrates. However, the detection of carbohydrates by MALDI-TOF MS is often limited by the unsatisfactory ionization efficiency, instability and the matrix interference in low molecular weight region. Here, we demonstrate that a reactive matrix, 2-hydrazinoquinoline (2-HQ), can be used to detect neutral, sialic and low molecular weight carbohydrates sensitively both in the positive and negative ion mode. Since 2-HQ reacts efficiently with the reducing end of carbohydrate to form stable hydrazone, the ionization efficiency of derived carbohydrates is significantly enhanced. Using 2-HQ, the sensitivity for analyzing glycans has been improved 10-fold and 100-fold compared with those using 3-aminquinoline (3-AQ) and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) as matrix, respectively. Moreover, quantitative analysis of neutral, acidic and low molecular weight carbohydrates has been achieved because of the good reproducibility by using 2-HQ as matrix. As a result, up to 50 glycans in a single sample spot of human fresh serum without any prior purification and enrichment have been successfully detected. Therefore, 2-HQ as a new reactive matrix has shown great potentials in widespread applications for sensitive, selective, quantitative, high speed and high throughput analysis of carbohydrates in complex samples by MALDI-TOF MS.

The red alga Tsunamia transpacifica (Stylonematophyceae) from plastic drift shows adaptation to its uncommon habitat in ultrastructure and soluble low molecular weight carbohydrate composition

The recently described red alga Tsunamia transpacifica (Stylonematophyceae) was previously isolated from plastic drift found at the pacific coast, but the natural habitat remains unknown. Here, we investigate ultrastructural details and the low molecular weight soluble carbohydrate composition to get further insight into the adaptation to this uncommon habitat. By means of high pressure freeze fixation, followed by freeze substitution, we could detect an up to 2-µm-thick cell wall surrounded by a distinct layer of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), likely responsible for the adhering capacities of Tsunamia. The central position of the nucleus and multilobed parietal chloroplast, already observed by light microscopy, could be confirmed. The ultrastructure revealed large electron-dense bodies (EB) in the central cytoplasm, likely resembling degradation products of the chloroplast. Interestingly, these structures contained phosphorous and cobalt, and iron was found in smaller rounded electron-dense bodies by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Accumulation of these elements suggests a high biosorption activity of Tsunamia. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) data showed the presence of two heterosides (floridoside and digeneaside) together with the polyol sorbitol, which are known as organic osmolytes and compatible solutes. Taken together, these are the first observations on ultrastructural details, element storage and accumulation of protective compounds are contributing to our understanding of the ultrastructural and osmotic solute basis for the ability of Tsunamia to thrive on plastic surfaces.

Inulin extraction from common inulin-containing plant sources

Currently there is a growing interest from the food industry in obtaining inulin for its possible use in the elaboration of functional foods. A set of optimum extraction conditions was developed for the recovery of inulin plus fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) from several common inulin-containing plant sources, like chicory roots (Cichorium intybus L.) and Jerusalem artichoke tubers (Helianthus tuberosus L.), as well as from novel sources like globe artichoke inflorescence (Cynara cardunculus L.) and its by-product. Optimal conditions for temperature (60−80 °C), time (20−60 min) and solvent to solid ratio (10−40 mL/g) were estimated in order to maximize inulin plus FOS extraction by using response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken design. Inulin plus FOS were estimated colorimetrically by difference between total carbohydrate and reducing sugar contents for the optimization. Moreover, the profile of inulin and low molecular weight carbohydrates was studied in optimized plant extracts by HPLC. Inulin in raw samples and optimal extracts were further characterized by Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy. According to response surface methodology model, optimal conditions for inulin plus FOS extraction depended on plant source and were achieved at a solvent to solid ratio of 27.8–37.4 mL/g, from 62−80 °C and a variable time of 22−60 min. The highest inulin plus FOS contents were achieved in chicory root (70.5 g/100 g dry weight) and Jerusalem artichoke tuber (81.1 g/100 g dry weight), and the lowest ones were attained in globe artichoke by-product (4.2 g/100 g). Nevertheless, its high availability and low cost would support this novel globe artichoke by-product as an alternative and valuable source of inulin and FOS for the food industry. At the same time their reuse as potential prebiotic ingredients would contribute to the circular economy.

Hulless barley and β-glucanase affect ileal digesta soluble beta-glucan molecular weight and digestive tract characteristics of coccidiosis-vaccinated broilers.

Exogenous β-glucanase (BGase) in barley-based feed has been shown to reduce digesta viscosity in chickens, and thereby improve performance. Less well studied is the potential for BGase to convert barley β-glucan into low molecular weight carbohydrates, which might influence digestive tract function and enteric disease. Coccidiosis-vaccinated broiler chickens were fed graded levels of hulless barley (HB) and BGase to determine their effects on β-glucan depolymerization and digestive tract characteristics. Broilers were fed high β-glucan HB (0%, 30% and 60% replacing wheat) and BGase (0%, 0.01% and 0.1%) in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. A total of 5,346 broilers were raised in litter floor pens and vaccinated for coccidiosis on d 5. Each treatment was assigned to 1 pen in each of 9 rooms. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05. At both 11 and 33 d of broiler ages, peak molecular weight of β-glucan in ileal digesta decreased with increasing BGase for 30% and 60% HB. The maximum molecular weight for the smallest 10% β-glucan molecules (MW-10%) decreased with BGase at both ages for 30% and 60% HB; for birds fed 0% HB, only 0.1% BGase decreased MW-10%. The 0.1% BGase increased caecal short chain fatty acids (SCFA) compared to the 0.01% BGase at d 11 only for the 60% HB. Ileal pH increased with increasing HB and BGase at d 11 and 33. Caecal pH was lower for 0.1% BGase than 0% BGase for 60% HB at d 11. Relative mRNA expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 in the ileum increased with 0.1% BGase at d 11 and 33, respectively, whereas expression of ileal mucin 2 (MUC2) decreased with 0.1% BGase at d 33. In the caeca, interactions between HB and BGase were significant for monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) on d 11, but no treatment effects were found at d 33. In conclusion, BGase depolymerized high molecular weight β-glucan in HB in a dose-dependent manner. Hulless barley and BGase did not increase SCFA concentrations (except for 60% HB with 0.1% BGase at d 11) and caused minor effects on digestive tract histomorphological measurements and relative mRNA gene expression.

Isolation of Low Molecular Weight Carbohydrates from Seeds of SyzygiumCuminiandan Investigation into their Prebiotic Properties

Syzygium cumini(L.) Skeels (jamun) is a medically important fruit with numerous health protective effects. Seeds of this fruit contain 74.5 % NFE (nitrogen free extracts) and therefore possess a good source of carbohydrates. This fraction consists of high molecular weight carbohydrates (HMWC) like inulin (41.1 %) and resistant starch (3.9 mg/L); and hitherto unquantified low molecular weight carbohydrates (LMWC). This study was performed to extract and quantify LMWC from jamun seeds. To extract LMWC, ethanol concentration, extraction time and solute particle size were evaluated in 21 experimental designs using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on the central composite rotatable design (CCRD). A quadratic polynomial equation was obtained by multiple regression analysis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tested significance of the factors and their interactions at 95 % confidence interval. High Performance Anion Exchange Chromatography – Pulsed Amperometric Detection (HPAEC-PAD) was used to characterize the prebiotic fraction into individual sugars. Prebiotic potential of LMWC was established by calculating the Prebiotic Activity Score (PAS). A maximum LMWC yield (21 g / 100 g) was obtained when extraction was performed with 50 % ethanol as solvent for 80 to 85 h using the seed powder with 0.6 mm particle size. The predicted yield was in agreement with the experimental value and therefore proved the suitability of the RSM model. This model could be used as a standard for scaling up LMWC extraction from jamun seeds. A positive PAS of 1.532 ± 0.008 ascertained the prebiotic efficacy of the LMWC extracts. This score reflected the ability of probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus to gainfully utilize the LMWC in the growth medium in comparison to pathogenic strains like Escherichia coli.

Characterization of custard apple seeds for the separation of prebiotic low molecular weight carbohydrates (LMWC)

The concept of waste to wealth is gaining lot of importance in the recent days. In this context, the present study was undertaken to identify the potential prebiotics present in the custard apple seeds. Among the different components identified, the Low Molecular Weight Carbohydrates (LMWC) were chosen for the study and the extraction was performed using Ethanol at three different concentrations (50%, 75% and 95%) and different combination of temperature, time and speed of rotation. The maximum yield of 9.16% was obtained with 50% Ethanol, 37 0C, 72h and 60 rpm. The probiotic organism Lactobacillus bulgaricus displayed a positive growth of 7.54±0.04 log cfu/ml on LMWC over a period of 24 hours which confirmed the prebiotic functionality of LMWC. Scanning Electron Microscopy and FTIR analysis were done to confirm the morphological characteristics. Therefore, all the results obtained showed that LMWC can be used as potential prebiotics in the food industry and the commercial utilization of custard apple seeds.