Low Molecular Weight Sugars Research Articles

Indian apple quality characteristics as affected by controlled atmosphere storage

The effects of controlled atmosphere (CA) storage on postharvest qualities of apple (Royal Delicious) were investigated. Compared to the postharvest quality of fresh apple (0 day) a significant change in the fruit qualities such as respiration rate, firmness, ripening, color, low molecular weight sugar, enzyme activity and concentrations of volatile compounds were observed during CA storage. After 90 days CA storage, apples showed a significant increase in respiration rate (58.7%), ripening index (13.9%) and reduction in firmness (35.8%) compared to fresh apples. During 90 days CA storage, the apple aroma volatile compounds showed a significant increase in their total concentrations from 151.2 µg/kg to 280.7 µg/kg compared to initial storage, followed by a remarkable decrease to 141.8µg/kg during 180 days of storage. Therefore, the study enables us to conclude that the prolonged CA storage of apples significantly reduced fruit quality.

Marine chitin upcycling with immobilized chitinolytic enzymes: current state and prospects

Immobilized chitinase, β-N-acetylglucosaminidases, chitin deacetylases and chitosanases enable ecofriendly enzymic conversion of chitin and its derivative, chitosan, into low-molecular weight sugars known as chitooligosaccharides (COSs).

Creation of a new proof-of-concept pectin/lysozyme nanocomplex as potential β-lactose delivery matrix: Structure and thermal stability analyses

Lactose is a disaccharide and has many uses in food and non-food formulations. Its anomeric form, β-lactose, is a natural inhibitor of the galectin-3 protein, which is responsible for several pathological effects (e.g., colon cancer cell proliferation). However, lactose cannot be orally administered since it is rapidly hydrolyzed by intestinal lactases. Therefore, the development of nanosystems from food hydrocolloids is of particular interest as oral delivery systems for β-lactose to enhance its chemical stability, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability. This report describes a new proof-of-concept assembling of high methoxyl pectin (HMP) and lysozyme (Ly) complexes loaded with β-lactose produced under appropriate solution conditions (ratio, pH, and temperature) without toxic solvents. Under optimized conditions, the prepared nanoparticles had a spherical shape (81.20 ± 0.34 nm), negative surface charge (∼−30 mV), homogeneous size distribution (PDI <0.2), and smooth surface, as evidenced by dynamic light scattering, scanning, and transmission electron microscopes. The encapsulation efficiency of β-lactose was greater than 96%. The particle size and morphology of the nanoparticles hardly changed with the incorporation of β-lactose. The interaction between the compounds was evidenced by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, indicating that intermolecular electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds were the driving forces to form nanoparticles and suggesting the absence of free β-lactose on the surface of nanoparticles. Colorectal cancer cells treated with the nanocomplexes showed time-dependent incorporation of nanocomplexes. The results demonstrate a newly proof-of-concept pectin/lysozyme nanocomplexes loaded with β-lactose, with acid galacturonans covering the nanoparticles and maintaining the thermal stability, being relevant for future application of these complexes as potential oral delivery vehicles in food matrices for low molecular weight sugars. • Assembly of low methoxyl pectin (LMP) and lysozyme (Ly) complexes were developed for the encapsulation of β-lactose. • Electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds were the primary mechanisms for forming the LMP/Ly complexes after heating. • β-lactose was entrapped inside the nanocomplex. • Nanocomplex entered colorectal cancer cells in a time-dependent manner. • These nanocomplexes can be used to protect and deliver bioactive ingredients.

Micronutrient Profile and Carbohydrate Microstructure of Commercially Prepared and Home Prepared Infant Fruit and Vegetable Purees.

Large variability exists in ingredient selection and preparation of home prepared infant purees and there is a lack of data on nutritional quality in comparison to commercially prepared purees. This work had two aims. Study 1 compared the nutritional value of commercially prepared and home prepared infant purees. Food profiles from national food composition databases were used as a proxy for home prepared puree and served as the benchmark for the commercially prepared infant purees. Study 2 focused on a subset of produce that underwent molecular weight analysis to determine differences in carbohydrate profiles. Eighty-eight percent of the measurable micronutrients fell within or above the home prepared norm range with micronutrients falling below the range explained by differences in soil and growing conditions. Physicochemical characterization showed similar carbohydrate profiles with >90% of the carbohydrate fraction in the water extract constituted by low molecular weight sugars for purees produced with home preparation and commercial preparation. The estimated glycemic load (eGL) showed comparable potential impact on blood sugar levels with all purees having a low eGL (<10 glucose equivalent). In conclusion, these data suggest that both preparations provide similar micronutrient density and carbohydrate profiles.

Identification of radiation processing of different plant foods of Pakistan origin using the rapid technique of Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectrometry

Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectrometry is a potential technique for detection of irradiated foods like plant foods, which contain cellulosic materials as well as low molecular weight sugars and like the meat and fish, which contain bones. This study is focused on identification of irradiated foods such as tree nuts (pine nuts and walnuts), beans and pulses (red grams, white beans, pinto beans and green peas), and food containing low molecular weight sugars (pan masala and dried dates). The food samples were obtained from Pakistan and exposed to different permissible doses of radiation using electron beam linear accelerator. The control and irradiated samples were kept at room temperature in the laboratory for the record of ESR spectra. For post-irradiation stabilities the food samples were analysed at different intervals of time (15, 90 and 300 days). The controlled samples in case of cellulosic foods showed ESR signal at g0 = 2.004 and irradiated samples were shown with triplet signal indicative of the presence of radiation-induced cellulose radicals. Similarly, in case of Pan Masala and dried dates, a straight signal at zero level was observed for un-irradiated samples and a complex ESR signal was appeared for irradiated samples. The observed radiation-induced signals were dose-dependent and showed an increasing trend with an increase in radiation dose. The comparison of intensities of ESR signals was also carried out along with the study of post-irradiation stabilities of the ESR signals and method proved to be valid for differentiation of controlled and irradiated samples of food.

Influence of kilned specialty malt odorant markers on the aroma composition and sensory profile of beer

Specialty malt beers are brewed with the intention of providing distinct flavour and colour. To this end, special malts have different chemical compositions. More specifically, the availability of enzymes, small peptides, organic acids, Maillard products, low-molecular weight sugars and amino acids depend on the malting procedure applied and thus vary between the malt styles. To investigate the influence of kilned specialty malts (KSM) on the properties of wort and beer, brewing trials were carried out adding 10 and 20% of pale ale, Vienna, Munich or melanoidin malt. Alongside sensory analysis, the aroma composition of each beer was investigated throughout their brewing processes, revealing significant losses of the KSM odorant markers after the boiling process. Statistical analysis indicated a major influence of KSM-derived Maillard aldehydes on the sensory profile of the beers. Finally, the transfer rates of the odorants were calculated from the malt to the beer, suggesting a high influence of the brewing process on the formation of KSM odorants and thus on the aroma composition of the final beer.

An Evaluation of the Mechanisms of Galacto-Oligosaccharide (GOS)-Induced IgE Cross-Linking on Basophils in GOS Allergy.

The prebiotics, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), are small carbohydrate molecules with 1–7 galactose units linked to glucose and have been shown to trigger IgE-mediated anaphylaxis in some cases following ingestion. It is still an unresolved question of how GOS cross-links IgE on basophils. In this study, we examined whether human galectins, a class of lectins that bind specifically to β-galactoside carbohydrates, are involved in GOS-induced basophil activation. Basophil activation test to GOS and control allergen, Blomia tropicalis (Blo t) extract were performed in the presence or absence of four sugar-based galectin inhibitors (lactose, thiodigalactoside [TDG], TD139, and GB1107) and one peptide-based inhibitor, G3-C12. Results showed that TD139, GB1107, and G3-C12 did not display a specific inhibitory effect on GOS-induced basophil activation as compared to control allergen. An inhibitory effect of lactose and TDG on GOS-induced basophil activation was observed and varied between subjects with up to 100% inhibition at low doses of GOS. The results of competitive ELISA suggest that the inhibitory effects of high dose lactose and TDG on the basophil activation is likely due to the cross-reactivity of GOS-specific IgE to lactose and TDG. Basophil activation is performed using purified basophils suggested that cell surface receptors on other blood cells were not required to induce basophil activation. In conclusion, our results suggest that GOS, a low molecular weight sugar, is able to cross-link IgE independently.

Distribution of soil organic matter fractions are altered with soil priming

Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a central role in mediating soil productivity through its impacts on nutrient cycling and retention, aggregate stability and water retention. Thus, management techniques or technologies including novel soil amendments could benefit farmers through the accumulation of carbon (C) and other nutrients in SOM. However, these same inputs can also lead to accelerated mineralization of native SOM through the process known as priming. This unresolved paradox may be due to the limited understanding of how different SOM fractions respond to priming and in which direction. In this study, we examine the response of functionally distinct SOM fractions to priming when soils are amended with lactobionate, a low molecular weight sugar acid byproduct of cheese manufacturing. Liquid-based 13C lactobionate was added to an agricultural silty loam soil to study its persistence, priming effects, and response of different SOM fractions to lactobionate over 84 days. Cumulative soil carbon dioxide (CO2) was greater in lactobionate-amended soils versus control and by the end of the experiment, 53% of added lactobionate was mineralized. In total, positive priming of 40% of extant SOM was observed from 14 to 84 days. Lactobionate-induced changes to SOM fractions were determined at days 14, 28, 56 and 84 of the incubation to examine if and how priming altered the distribution of C between fast and slow-cycling SOC fractions. In response to lactobionate, the total C content of the water extractable organic matter (WEOM) fraction initially increased by 100% from the dissolved lactobionate we added, but then declined and at a faster rate than other SOM fractions. In addition, the total C of the light-fraction particulate organic matter (LF-POM) fraction also declined. At the same time, we observed total C increases in the slower-cycling sand-sized POM (H-POM) and mineral-associated organic (MAOM) C fractions, in response to lactobionate additions. We also saw a marginal increase in total soil C in the lactobionate-amended soils. Our findings therefore suggest that the application of lactobionate to soils may induce positive priming of the faster cycling LF-POM and WEOM fractions, but also concurrent gains in the H-POM and MAOM C fractions associated with long-term persistence and relative resiliency to disturbance with no net loss of total soil carbon. Thus, the application of low-molecular weight C-based materials such as lactobionate presents an avenue to building more persistent SOM through its impacts on the internal cycling and transformation of SOM fractions.

Strawberry Juice Powders: Effect of Spray-Drying Conditions on the Microencapsulation of Bioactive Components and Physicochemical Properties.

The drying of fruit juices has advantages such as easy handling of powders, reduction in volume, and preservation of the characteristics of the fruit. Thus, in this work, the effect of the spray drying conditions of strawberry juice (SJ) with maltodextrin (MX) as a carrying agent on the microencapsulation of bioactive compounds and physicochemical properties was studied. The content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity showed higher values at low concentrations of MX, while the effect of drying temperature was negligible. The thermal characterization showed that the low molecular weight sugars in the juice decreased the glass transition temperature (Tg). The morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that at low concentrations of MX, the particles agglomerated, while at intermediate and high concentrations, the particles were observed as well separated. Through microstructural analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD), the presence of amorphous state was confirmed in all the samples, which is beneficial for preventing chemical and biochemical reactions, and promoting the conservation of the microencapsulated bioactive compounds.

Glucosinolate-Enriched Fractions from Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Exert Myrosinase-Dependent Cytotoxic Effects against HepG2/C3A and HT29 Tumor Cell Lines

The consumption of glucosinolate (GL)-rich foods, including Brassica vegetables, such as mustard, broccoli, and maca, is associated with decreased risk of developing cancer. The GL content in maca, which is recognized as a “superfood”, is approximately 100-times higher than that in other brassicas. Although maca is a potential dietary source of GLs, limited studies have examined the bioactivity of maca GLs using the combination of chemical characterization and bioassays. In this study, the fractions (Lm-II and Lm-III) rich in intact GLs (glucotropaeolin and glucolimnanthin) were isolated and characterized from maca ethanolic extracts using chromatography and mass spectrometry. Additionally, the growth-inhibitory effects of Lm-II and Lm-II fractions against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2/C3A) and colon adenocarcinoma (HT29) cell lines were examined in the absence or presence of myrosinase (MYR). Fractions lacking low molecular weight sugars dose-dependently exerted cytotoxic effects in the presence of MYR. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of Lm-II and Lm-III against HepG2/C3A were 118.8 and 69.9 µg/mL, respectively, while those against HT29 were 102.6 and 71.5 µg/mL, respectively. These results suggest that the anticancer properties of maca can be attributed to GLs and corroborate the categorization of maca as a “superfood.” Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2021.1952444

Гепатопротекторная терапия препаратом низкомолекулярных сахаров беременных с функциональными расстройствами печени на фоне раннего токсикоза и лекарственной гепатопатии

Objective. To assess the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight sugar solution as a hepatoprotector in the first trimester of pregnancy in patients with liver functional disorders against the background of early toxicosis and / or hepatotoxicity. Patients and methods. The study included 70 patients: the main group (n = 30) – pregnant women with functional hepatopathies who received therapy with drug Heptrong; the control group (n = 30) – pregnant women who received standard treatment, of which 15 patients had hepatotoxicity (essential phospholipid therapy) and 15 patients with early toxicosis (intravenous saline fluid therapy, Cerucal), as well as 10 pregnant women with early toxicosis who were treated without drugs (the placebo group). Results. Pregnant women with early toxicosis noted a decrease in its clinical manifestations against the use of the drug Heptrong after 2.3 ± 0.8 days from the onset of therapy; by the end of therapy, all patients had no vomiting, and nausea stopped in 80%, which was not observed in comparison groups. The normalization of alanine aminotransferase (≤40 U/L) occurred in 80% of pregnant women in the main group (p &lt; 0.01) and in 66% (p &lt; 0.01) when treating with essential phospholipids. The normalization of alanine aminotransferase (≤40 U/L) occurred in 90% (p &lt; 0.01) and 33.3% (p = 0.03), respectively. A significant decrease in the level of bile acids (from 8.49 ± 2.1 μmol/L to 2.74 ± 1.1 μmol/L; p &lt; 0.05) and improvement in the indicators of the antioxidant system – an increase in total antiradical activity (from 804.0.0 ± 10.5 μmol/L to 839.0 ± 11.0 μmol/L; p &lt; 0.05) and a decrease in the level of conjugated dienes (from 3.77 ± 0.2 μmol/L to 3.26 ± ± 0.1 μmol/L; p &lt; 0.05) – were observed only in the main group. A number of other indicators of the “liver panel” tended to improve only in the main group. Conclusion. Heptrong is an effective hepatoprotective drug, which considerably improves the state of pregnant women during early toxicosis and helps to reduce liver transaminases and bile acids in pregnant women with hepatotoxicity. Due to the antiinflammatory and pronounced antioxidant effect, which is not observed in standard pharmacological treatment, Heptrong can be used to prevent late obstetric complications. Key words: Heptrong, drug-induced hepatopathies, “liver panel” indicators, early toxicosis

Cryo‐3D Printing of Hierarchically Porous Polyhydroxymethylene Scaffolds for Hard Tissue Regeneration

AbstractHigh molecular weight polyhydroxymethylene (PHM) has a repeat unit identical to that of low molecular weight sugar alcohols and exhibits carbohydrate‐like properties. Herein, cryogenic extrusion‐based 3D printing is combined with a phase separation in water to fabricate hierarchically porous PHM scaffolds containing interconnected macro‐, micro‐, and nanopores. As PHM is infusible and insoluble in common solvents, its precursor polyvinylene carbonate (PVCA) dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is used to 3D print hierarchically porous PVCA scaffolds that are converted into PHM by hydrolysis without impairing the pore architectures. Similar to low‐temperature deposition manufacturing, the PVCA/DMSO freezes on a build platform at −78 °C. However, instead of removing the frozen solvent by sublimation, the frozen scaffold is immersed in water to recover DMSO and to effect phase separation by precipitation. However, the computer‐guided printhead pathway controls macropore formation phase separation of frozen PVCA/DMSO upon contact with water accounts for simultaneous micro‐ and nanopore formation. Contrary to 3D printing of PVCA/DMSO at ambient temperature, this cryo‐3D printing process does not require shear thinning additives and affords significantly improved build precision with macropore sizes variable between 200 and 1500 µm. Cryo‐3D‐printed PHM scaffolds are biocompatible and promote osteoblast proliferation.

Prediction of the glass transition temperature of low molecular weight components and polysaccharide mixtures

Abstract Sugar-rich food products are difficult to dehydrate and successful drying often requires the addition of a polysaccharide drying aid to increase the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the final mixture. The objective of this work was to develop a mathematical model to predict Tg of low molecular weight sugar and food acid components in combination with different drying aids. The Couchman-Karasz model was extended by the additional term θ, which represents the excess enthalpy of mixing expressed by the Redlich-Kister equation. The term θ can be adjusted for various polysaccharides to estimate Tg of newly formulated mixtures. Comparison of the predictions against literature and experimental data for sucrose with dextrans and maltodextrin (MD) DE 5, 6, 15 and 20, and mango juice with MD DE 17-21, and glucose, citric acid and fructose with MD DE 9-13 all demonstrated good predictive power and gave confidence to the utilization of the model.

Thermal properties of Corinthian currant pastes as affected by storage

Currant paste made of Corinthian currants, a variety of raisins (Vitis vinifera, var. apyrena), is a highly nutritious product containing low-molecular weight sugars, whose physical state affects their stability. Thermal properties (glass transition temperature, melting temperature, and melting enthalpy) of Corinthian currant pastes were investigated as a function of relative humidity and storage temperature. Glycerol was added to currant paste at levels 0%–15% by weight. A simple power model was developed for thermal properties prediction. Furthermore, the sorption characteristics of currant paste samples were studied and were well described by the five-parameter GAB sorption model. Water and glycerol acted as plasticizers depressing the thermal properties of currant paste samples. The increase in the storage temperature resulted in an increase in glass transition and melting temperatures, while melting enthalpy decreased. The selection of relative humidity and storage temperature is critical for the maintenance of desirable quality characteristics of Corinthian currant pastes. Practical applications Today's consumer demand for plant-based products has driven the food manufacturers to the development of novel plant-based products. Air-dried fruits are high nutritional foods and an excellent source of functional and nutraceutical ingredients. The development and production of a paste from Corinthian currants is a novel food that meets the above purposes. The phase state of the product ingredients, amorphous and crystalline regions, is critical for product quality assessment and storage stability. The contribution of this research in these terms relies on the investigation of the thermal properties of these products, such as glass transition temperature, melting temperature and melting enthalpy, and the development of a simple power model for properties prediction. Based on relative humidity and storage temperature, it could be used in determining the best storage conditions of Corinthian currant paste to keep its desirable quality characteristics, while it can be applied to similar products.

Stem metabolism under drought stress - a paradox of increasing respiratory substrates and decreasing respiratory rates.

Metabolic changes underpinning drought-induced variations in stem respiration (Rs ) are unknown. We measured Rs rates and metabolite and gene expression profiles in Ulmus minor Mill. and Quercus ilex L. seedlings subjected to increasing levels of drought stress to better understand how carbon, nitrogen and energy metabolism interact during drought. In both species, only plants showing extreme stress symptoms - i.e. negligible rates of leaf stomatal conductance and photosynthesis, and high stem dehydration (30-50% of maximum water storage) and contraction (50-150 μm week-1 ) - exhibited lower Rs rates than well-watered plants. Abundance of low-molecular weight sugars (e.g. glucose and fructose) and sugar alcohols (e.g. mannitol) increased with drought, at more moderate stress and to a higher extent in Q. ilex than U. minor. Abundance of amino acids increased at more severe stress, more abruptly, and to a higher extent in U. minor, coinciding with leaf senescence, which did not occur in Q. ilex. Organic acids changed less in response to drought: threonate and glycerate increased, and citrate decreased although slightly in both species. Transcripts of genes coding for enzymes of the Krebs cycle decreased in Q. ilex and increased in U. minor in conditions of extreme drought stress. The maintenance of Rs under severe growth and photosynthetic restrictions reveals the importance of stem mitochondrial activity in drought acclimation. The eventual decline in Rs diverts carbon substrates from entering the Krebs cycle that may help to cope with osmotic and oxidative stress during severe drought and to recover hydraulic functionality afterwards.

Impaired liver function in first half of pregnancy in practice of obstetrician-gynecologist

The article discusses the most common non-infectious liver pathology that complicates the course of the first half of pregnancy. Supraphysiological increase in sex hormone levels and exogenous hormonal effects when using assisted reproductive technologies contribute to the early manifestation of intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnant women and can cause liver damage in the first half of pregnancy. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease during pregnancy is the most common cause of an unexplained increase in hepatic transaminases. An increase in liver transaminases before pregnancy and in its early stages is associated with the development of preeclampsia and perinatal complications. Safe hepatotropic drugs in the first half of pregnancy include ursodeoxycholic acid, essential phospholipids and solutions of low molecular weight sugars.

Does microwaving or freezing reduce the losses of non-structural carbohydrates during plant sample processing?

Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) are the main form of carbon storage in broadleaved trees; precise NSC quantification is relevant to predict forest resilience. Sample microwaving before drying is considered to reduce NSC losses; however, evidence is scarce. We demonstrate that microwaving leaf and branch sapwood samples before drying did not significantly reduce NSC losses with respect to freezing or direct stove-drying. Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) mediate tree survival, but precise determinations of NSC concentrations remain challenging. An unclear aspect is whether carbohydrate losses during sample processing can be reduced by different sample treatments. We postulated that due to higher metabolic rates, leaves should be more responsive to sample treatments than branch sapwood, and resource-acquisitive species should be more responsive to sample treatment than resource-conservative species. In leaves and branch sapwood of six tree species, we compared the effects of three sample treatments on the concentrations of NSC, starch, and low-molecular weight sugars: sample microwaving before drying (microwave), sample freezing at − 20 °C before drying (freezing), and only drying (stove). We found that across species and tissues, freezing led to significantly higher NSC and sugar concentrations than microwave and stove. This effect was, however, entirely driven by the leaves. Although the effect of sample treatments on NSC, starch, and sugar concentrations differed among species, resource-acquisitive species were not necessarily more affected by sample treatments than resource-conservative species. Results suggest that either freezing or microwaving does not reduce carbohydrate losses in branch sapwood during sample handling and processing; however, freezing reduces leaf sugar and NSC losses when compared with microwave or direct stove-drying (194 words).

Synthesis and immunostimulatory activity of sugar-conjugated TLR7 ligands

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a type of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which are activated by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). The activation of TLRs initiates innate immune responses and subsequently leads to adaptive immune responses. TLR agonists are effective immuomodulators in vaccine adjuvants for infectious diseases and cancer immunotherapy. In exploring hydrophilic small molecules of TLR7 ligands using the cell-targeted property of a vaccine adjuvant, we conjugated 1V209, a small TLR7 ligand molecule, with various low or middle molecular weight sugar molecules that work as carriers. The sugar-conjugated 1V209 derivatives showed increased water solubility and higher immunostimulatory activity in both mouse and human cells compared to unmodified 1V209. The improved immunostimulatory potency of sugar-conjugates was attenuated by an inhibitor of endocytic process, cytochalasin D, suggesting that conjugation of sugar moieties may enhance the uptake of TLR7 ligand into the endosomal compartment. Collectively our results support that sugar-conjugated TLR7 ligands are applicable to novel drugs for cancer and vaccine therapy.

High Yielding Acid-Catalysed Hydrolysis of Cellulosic Polysaccharides and Native Biomass into Low Molecular Weight Sugars in Mixed Ionic Liquid Systems.

Ionic media comprising 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride and the acidic deep eutectic solvent choline chloride/oxalic acid as co‐solvent‐catalyst, very efficiently convert various cellulosic substrates, including native cellulosic biomass, into water‐soluble carbohydrates. The optimum reaction systems yield a narrow range of low molecular weight carbohydrates directly from cellulose, lignocellulose, or algal saccharides, in high yields and selectivities up to 98 %. Cellulose possesses significant potential as a renewable platform from which to generate large volumes of green replacements to many petrochemical products. Within this goal, the production of low molecular weight saccharides from cellulosic substances is the key to success. Native cellulose and lignocellulosic feedstocks are less accessible for such transformations and depolymerisation of polysaccharides remains a primary challenge to be overcome. In this study, we identify the catalytic activity associated with selected deep eutectic solvents that favours the hydrolysis of polysaccharides and develop reaction conditions to improve the outcomes of desirable low molecular weight sugars. We successfully apply the chemistry to raw bulk, non‐pretreated cellulosic substances.

Acrylamide determination during an industrial roasting process of coffee and the influence of asparagine and low molecular weight sugars

The formation and partial degradation of acrylamide (AA), asparagine and low molecular weight sugars were evaluated during an industrial coffee roasting process, in which the temperature increased from 90° to about 215 °C. Arabica and Robusta varieties were roasted individually. AA content reached the maximum value at 10 min, corresponding to a temperature of 175–177 °C (1045 ± 28 and 795 ± 25 µg kg−1 for Arabica and Robusta, respectively). Successively, AA content decreased very quickly and at 14 min (203–205 °C) its concentration was lower than the benchmark level of 400 µg kg−1 for roast coffee set by the EU Commission Regulation (2017/2158). In the final product, AA content was close to 300 µg kg−1. Asparagine quickly decreased; contrary, the concentration of fructose and glucose increased reaching their maximum value at 12 min. Then, a quick degradation occurred; their increase could be mainly due to the hydrolysis of sucrose, which decreased in the same period.