Native Grain Research Articles

Comparing the nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of an Australian native grain variety with commonly consumed wheat

SummaryClimate change is threatening our current food systems and countries around the world are seeking alternative food sources to safeguard against potential food insecurity and nutrient deficiency concerns. Various traditional foods used by Aboriginal groups of Australia have previously been shown to be highly nutritious, contain beneficial functional properties and can thrive in the harsh climatic conditions found across Australia. As interest in these traditional foods grows, Aboriginal groups are looking at developing a range of foods for modern markets. However, for many of these foods, there is still little known about their nutritional and functional properties. In this study, we report the nutrition composition and antioxidant properties of a native Australian grain species that is currently being developed for commercial markets by a collective of Aboriginal Traditional Custodians and compare its properties to a commonly consumed wheat variety. Compared with wheat, the native grain species contained 2‐fold greater protein and total fats, and higher levels of essential minerals and trace elements, including 8‐fold iron levels and >2.5‐fold calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese levels. Functionally, the native grain contained 2.4‐fold greater polyphenol content and displayed greater antioxidant potential in exposed human monocyte cultures. Importantly, the native grain was also found to contain a very low gluten content. Altogether, this shows that the native grain is nutritionally and functionally superior to commonly consumed wheat for the measured parameters and could potentially serve as a grain alternative or be used to fortify current wheat‐based and gluten‐free products.

Australian native grain reduces blood glucose response and Glycemic Index

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are disproportionately affected by diet-related disease such as type 2 diabetes, the rate of which is 20 fold higher than that of non-Indigenous young Australians(1). Before colonisation, Gomeroi and other First Nations people harvested, threshed and ground native grass seeds with water into a paste before cooking(2). The introduction of white refined flour has meant that time-consuming grass seed processing has mainly ceased, and native grains are no longer eaten habitually. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 10% incorporation of two native grain flours on postprandial blood glucose response and Glycemic Index (GI). Five male and five female subjects, with a mean age of 30 ± 0.9 and BMI of 21.6 ± 0.4 and normoglycemic, participated in GI testing of three flour + water pancake compositions matched for available carbohydrate: 100% wheat (Wheat) and 90% wheat:10% native grains (Native_a and Native_b). Effect on satiety was determined using subjective ratings of hunger/fullness over the time course of the GI testing. In comparison to the plain flour pancake, replacing 10% plain wheat flour with Native_b flour significantly reduced the GI by 28.8% from 73 ± 5 to 48 ± 5, having a profound effect on postprandial blood glucose levels in 9 of 10 subjects (p<0.05, paired t-test). The GI of 10% Native_a flour pancake was not different from 100% wheat flour pancake (75 ± 5). Satiety tended to be greater when native grains were incorporated but this study was not powered to detect effect on satiety. In conclusion, replacing only 10% of plain wheat flour with Native_b flour was sufficient to significantly reduce the blood glycemic response to the pancake. This replacement could be easily implemented for prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. For Aboriginal people with access to grain Country, the nutritional health benefits associated with eating native grains, as well as the cultural benefits of caring for Country, will have a direct transformational impact on local communities. Our vision is to revitalise Gomeroi grains and to guide a sustainable Indigenous-led industry to heal Country and people through co-designed research.

Molecular and physiological characterization of early semi-dwarf mutants of rice and localization of SNP variants in Sd1 locus generated through gamma radiation

Purpose The ‘Improved White Ponni’ (IWP) rice variety, which is susceptible to lodging, leading to yield losses. Our primary goal is to develop new rice lines with non-lodging traits, enhancing stem strength and resistance to adverse conditions. Additionally, we aim to improve yield-contributing agronomic traits, benefiting farmers, food security, and the environment. Our work contributes to scientific knowledge and addresses a significant issue in Southern Indian rice cultivation. Materials and Methods In the present study, early and semi-dwarf early mutants of IWP were developed without altering the native grain quality traits using gamma ray-mediated mutagenesis. The seeds (500) were irradiated with γ-rays after fixing the Lethal Dose 50 (LD50), and selection for semi-dwarfism and earliness was imposed on a large M2 population. The selected traits were confirmed by evaluating the M3 lines at morpho-physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels. Results The response of mutants to gibberellic acid has been studied, which identified responsive mutants as well as slow-responding mutant lines including IWP-11-2, IWP-48-2, IWP-50-11, and IWP-33-2. Agar plate assay indicated low α- amylase content in IWP-50-11, IWP-33-2, IWP-43-1, IWP-47-2, and IWP-18-1. The scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the mutants displayed an increased cellular dimension in comparison to the wild type. In dwarf mutants, null alleles were observed for the SD1 gene-specific primers which depicts gene undergone mutation. Further sequencing revealed the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the SD1 gene resulting in semi-dwarfism in the mutant IWP-D-1. Conclusions The impact of a defective gibberellic acid-mediated signaling pathway in mutants to produce a novel high-yielding and early maturing semi-dwarf rice variety.

Nature of Oxides in Al–Mg Alloys

Acting as substrates for heterogeneous nucleation, native oxides in Al–Mg alloys have shown their potential for grain refinement. However, the limited knowledge about the nature of the oxides in Al–Mg alloys impedes the widespread application as native grain refiners. The aim of this work is to comprehensively investigate the native oxides in Al–Mg alloys through electron microscopy. Our results show that the predominant inclusions in Al–Mg alloys are oxides in three types of oxide films at the micrometer scales: young films, old films and oxide skins. All oxide films consist of discrete oxide particles of three types in nanometer scale depending on the Mg contents: γAl2O3 (< 0.4 wt.%), MgAl2O4 (0.08–3.5 wt.%) and MgO (> 2 wt.%). Specifically, MgAl2O4 particles have sizes ranging from a few tens to a few hundreds nanometer and possess an elementary shape of octahedron faceted by {111} planes. In Al–Mg alloys, the native oxides have a lognormal size distribution, with the average mean size fluctuating in accordance with the oxide configurations as Mg content varies. The agglomerating feature causes inhomogeneous sampling, and dual-peak lognormal curves are found for low-Mg-content alloys (0.08/0.4%), which could be eliminated by increasing the Mg content (2.0/3.5%) or by using the high-shear melt conditioning (HSMC) technology. Understanding the native oxides in Al–Mg alloys shall provide instructions on their application in grain refinement.

Short Communication: Diversity of indigenous LAB from kefir grains cultured in goat milk based on phenotypic characteristics for probiotic candidates

Abstract. Wulansari PD, Rahayu N, Kusuma RJ, Sukarno AS. 2023. Short Communication: Diversity of indigenous LAB from kefir grains cultured in goat milk based on phenotypic characteristics for probiotic candidates. Biodiversitas 24: 6389-6395. Kefir grain is the starter of kefir products containing the symbiotic compound of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast. Microbial diversity in kefir grain is affected by multiple factors that include the origin of microbiota, upkeep, storage, and types of milk. Goat milk exhibits various superior properties in composition or characteristics. These have inspired the present study to obtain the local isolates from LAB derived from native Indonesian kefir grain produced and revitalized using goat milk. This study aimed to obtain local LAB isolates from kefir grain through phenotypic identification and characterization. The morphology of phenotypic identification consisted of macroscopic, microscopic, and biochemical identification. Based on macroscopic and microscopic observation, the isolates were milky white, circular, entire edge, smooth and shiny surface with convex elevation, coccus/basil shaped, Gram-positive, negative catalase, non-motile, non-spore, non-producing CO2, heterofermentative/homofermentative, able to ferment various carbohydrates, growing at 37 and 45°C, pH 4.4, and salinity level of 6.5%. A scientific approach enabled to obtaining of several LAB strains, namely nine isolates of Lactococcus and seven isolates of Lactobacillus. It takes genotypic identification to promote the identification process up to the species level.

Indigenous Australian grass seeds as grains: macrostructure, microstructure and histochemistry.

Utilization of grains of local grasses by Australia's First Nations people for food and connection to Country has largely been lost due to colonization. Native Australian grain production has the potential to deliver environmental, economic, nutritional and cultural benefits to First Nations people and the wider community. Revitalization of the native grain food system can only be achieved if relevant properties of the grains are elucidated. This study aimed to characterize the grain structure and histochemistry of four Australian native grasses: Dactyloctenium radulans (Button Grass), Astrebla lappacea (Curly Mitchell Grass), Panicum decompositum (Native Millet) and Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass). For these species, as well as wheat and sorghum, whole-grain images were obtained via stereo microscopy, starch and the embryo were visualized, and sections of fixed grains were imaged via bright-field and fluorescence microscopy. The shape, size and colour of the whole native grains varied between the species. The aleurone layer was one-cell thick in the native species, as in the domesticated grains, except for Weeping Grass, which had a two-cell-thick aleurone. In the native grains, endosperm cell walls appeared thinner than in wheat and sorghum. Starch granules in Button Grass, Curly Mitchell Grass and Native Millet were found mainly in the central region of the starchy endosperm, with very few granules in the sub-aleurone layer, whereas Weeping Grass had abundant starch in the sub-aleurone. Protein appeared most abundant in the aleurone and sub-aleurone layers of the native grains, although in Button Grass, the starchy endosperm was observed to be rich in protein, as in wheat and sorghum. As a proportion of the whole grain, the embryo was larger in the native species than in wheat. The differences found in the grain properties among the four native Australian species have important implications for the agri-food industry in a changing climate.

Study of the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in Native Cereal-Pulse Flours and the Influence of the Baking Process on TAC Using a Combined Bayesian and Support Vector Machine Modeling Approach.

During the last few years, the increasing evidence of dietary antioxidant compounds and reducing chronic diseases and the relationship between diet and health has promoted an important innovation within the baked product sector, aiming at healthier formulations. This study aims to develop a tool based on mathematical models to predict baked goods' total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The high variability of antioxidant properties of flours based on the aspects related to the type of grain, varieties, proximal composition, and processing, among others, makes it very difficult to innovate on food product development without specific analysis. Total phenol content (TP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) were used as markers to determine antioxidant capacity. Three Bayesian-type models are proposed based on a double exponential parameterized curve that reflects the initial decrease and subsequent increase as a consequence of the observed processes of degradation and generation, respectively, of the antioxidant compounds. Once the values of the main parameters of each curve were determined, support vector machines (SVM) with an exponential kernel allowed us to predict the values of TAC, based on baking conditions (temperature and time), proteins, and fibers of each native grain.

Teff: Food for the Future

Teff (Eragrostis tef) is a native Ethiopian grain crop that is gaining popularity in the United States as a nutritious grain and a high quality forage crop. It is a reliable low-risk crop that is relatively resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses and can be grown under moisture stress or waterlogged conditions. While it has a lot of potential, more research and education on teff is needed, particularly in the area of breeding and in the cropʼs nutrient and water requirements. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning-Center/Courses.

Grain growth in thermally evaporated CdS thin films: An approach to MgF2 activation for window layer applications

• Grain growth evolution is undertaken in CdS films by MgF 2 activation. • Films are crystallized along cubic phased (2 2 0) plane with increased band gap. • Surface roughness is varied with treatment and films showed Ohmic behavior. • PL peak at ∼685 nm owing to surface states and morphology demonstrated grain growth. • Findings warrant that films activated at 200 °C could be applied as window layer. Cadmium sulfide (CdS) is an attracting window layer material to Cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells where pristine CdS thin films consist of colossal amount of native defects and grain boundaries (GBs) which behave like recombination centers and trap states and are major roadblocks in achievement of higher device performances. Typically, the influence of these defects is controlled employing post-deposition Cadmium chloride (CdCl 2 ) activation while its toxic character demands investigation of alternative eco-friendly compounds. Hence in the present study, Magnesium fluoride (MgF 2 ) activation at 100 °C, 200 °C and 300 °C temperature is carried out on thermally evaporated CdS thin films in order to seek viability of other halide composites as an activation agent. The XRD findings show that all the MgF 2 activated CdS films are polycrystalline in nature having mixed hexagonal and cubic crystalline phases with (2 2 0)C preferred reflection where intensity of this orientation is diminished with activation temperature. The crystallite size is observed to be increased from 35 nm to 39 nm, optical transmittance is found to fluctuate and the optical energy band gap of CdS films is enhanced from 2.35 eV to 2.39 eV with MgF 2 activation temperature. AFM images demonstrated hill-like topography wherein grain size is varied from 54 nm to 68 nm with activation temperature. The current voltage characteristics revealed to the development of Ohmic contacts where electrical resistivity is determined in range 4.7 × 10 1 –1.3 × 10 2 Ωcm. The intensity of photoluminescence (PL) emission peaks is found to be enhanced and the surface morphology demonstrated grain growth with maximum for 200 °C activated films. Appearance of Cd, S, Mg and F peaks in EDS patterns validated deposition of CdS films with incorporation of Mg and F into the CdS lattice. Findings demonstrated applicability of activated films at 200 °C as optical window to photovoltaic (PV) devices.

Distribution and dynamics of U.S. continental shelf ridge sediment and morphology: A brief review

The U.S. continental shelf is an important sediment source for beach nourishment and restoration efforts that mitigate erosion, increase resilience to storm impacts, provide habitat, and support the economy. The continental shelf is the preferred source for borrow sediment to closely match the native grain size distribution and composition of the site being restored. However, spatiotemporal variability of continental shelf sediment ranges in size and composition, resulting from previous sea levels and contemporary variability such as normal shelf processes, storm waves, and anthropogenic activities. Understanding the nature and distribution of continental shelf ridge sediment changes over time should reduce costs of efforts required to explore offshore sediments for coastal restoration projects. This review examines the present state of knowledge on the availability, distribution, and characteristics of continental shelf sediment under normal conditions and potential variability after storms and dredging. Under normal conditions sediment on the shelf is easily located and characterized as potential borrow areas. However, storms can induce enough sediment transport to change the boundaries of sediment borrow areas and the location of known sand ridges. Dredging can also influence sediment infilling of the dredged borrow areas, which impact benthic infauna and introduce potential onshore impacts depending on the geometry and nearshore proximity of the excavation. The results of this summary have identified gaps in the present knowledge such as a need for additional sand searches in under-investigated regions, a better understanding of storm impacts on hydrodynamic-driven ridge migration and continuing to review best management practices when new research of dredging practices and impacts are presented. A brief review of the present state of knowledge on the distribution and dynamics of continental shelf sedimentology and morphology are presented here to aid in advancing the scientific and coastal management community’s knowledge of shelf sediments and dynamics as well as highlight potential future research needs.

Genetic variation among einkorn genotypes based on gene targeted functional markers and its possible relationship with drought tolerance at seed germination stage.

Einkorn wheat is one of the first primary genetic resources for discovery of new alleles related to biotic and abiotic stress tolerances for further genetic improvements while it became more popular especially for its native grain status as healthy food resources. Therefore, this study aims to determine germination parameters of 32 local einkorn (Triticum monococcum) genotypes collected from Kastamonu and its vicinity, Turkey under drought stress conditions, and to reveal the genetic relationship of those genotypes based on drought related gene targeted functional markers (GTFMs). Germination test was conducted at 20 ± 0.5°C in darkness with randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Seeds placed on double filter papers in a covered glass petri dishes (80 × 15mm) were treated with polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) with a -0.23MPa. The final germination percentages (FGPs), speed and span of germination parameters were determined. Drought stress severely worsened all germination parameters measured. The genotypes SG24 and SG12 were the most drought tolerant and sensitive genotypes based on 21.1% and 64.8% of reduction rates in FGPs, respectively. Twelve GTFMs produced a total of 32 bands and 26 of them were polymorphic. The mean polymorphism ratio of the markers and average band per marker were determined as 86.31% and 2.66, respectively. The highest polymorphism information content (PIC) was obtained from AIB1 gene marker (0.875). This study revealed that there was a significant genetic variation for drought tolerance levels of local einkorn wheat genotypes at germination stage and drought related GTFMs can be used not only to reveal genetic variation but also to distinguish the drought tolerant genotypes.

Tomamaeite Cu3Pt in native osmium from river sediments in the Nizhnie Sergi Region, Central Urals

The article is devoted to tomamaeite Cu3Pt from inclusions in a native osmium grain from alluvial river sediments in the Nizhnie Sergi region, Sverdlovsk oblast. It is the fourth fnding of this mineral in the Urals. In addition to tomamaeite, native osmium Os0.36Ir0.33Ru0.31 contains the inclusions of digenite (or, possible, roxbyite), millerite, Fe-Ni-Pt alloy, an unidentifed Pd mineral, magnesiohornblendite, and low-Ca pyroxene. In composition, tomamaeite is close to ideal formula Cu3Pt and contains minor amounts of (wt. %) Pd (up to 2.0), Ir (up to 1.7), Ru and Ni (up to 0.6), and Fe (up to 0.2). In addition to native osmium, two grains of native ruthenium Ru0.54Os0.23Ir0.23 and Ru0.40Os0.31Ir0.29 are found in sediments. Our data suggest that PGE minerals in river sediments could be sourced from mafc-ultramafc massifs located in the Nizhnie Sergi area. The formation of tomamaeite and coexisted minerals is related to the process of postmagmatic transformation of the primary PGE mineral assemblage, probably, during serpentinization of ultramafc rocks.

Use of Native and Acid-modified Spent Grain to Remove Oil from Wastewater

The possible use of spent grain, main waste product of breweries, for purifying waste water from oil was considered. Modified sulphuric and nitric acids at various temperatures increase the sorption properties of spent grain with regard to oil. Increased acids' concentration and temperature during the treatment by spent grain help to reduce the residual concentration of oil in standardized test solutions of wastewater treated by modified spent grain. It was found that the maximal removal of oil occurs while using the spent grain modified by 5% sulfuric acid at 121 °C and overpressure of 1 atm. The use of modified spent grain makes possible to improve the purification degree of oil-contaminated wastewater.

Predicting the Properties of Industrially Produced Oat Flours by the Characteristics of Native Oat Grains or Non-Heat-Treated Groats.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the properties of the native oat grain or non-heat-treated groats (laboratory-scale dehulling) can be used to predict the quality of the industrially produced oat flour produced from heat-treated groats. Quality properties such as the color, hectoliter weight, thousand seed weight and hull content of Finnish native grains (n = 30) were determined. Furthermore, the relationship between the properties of the native grains and the chemical composition of the raw oat materials before and after the milling process were studied. A significant relationship (p < 0.01) was observed between the thousand seed weight of the native oat groats and the chemical composition of the industrially produced oat flour. Furthermore, the protein content of the native grains measured by NIT correlated with the chemical composition of the oat flours. These results suggest that the properties of oat flour produced on an industrial scale, including heat treatment, could be predicted based on the properties of native oat grains.

Intrusion of heavy metals/metalloids into rice (Oryza sativa L.) in relation to their status in two different agricultural management systems in Sri Lanka

The contentious results of elevated As and Cd levels, in both Sri Lankan rice and in agrochemicals have recently raised tremendous attention. These claims could not standalone due to the study's poorly designed sampling and analytical methodologies. In this work, selected traditional Sri Lankan rice and hybrid rice varieties were cultivated (under fertilized and organic conditions) using a split-plot design during Yala (May to August) and Maha (September to March) seasons in two regions: Anuradhapura and Kurunegala. As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Se contents were determined in harvested rice grain and straws for Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) risk assessment. In addition, analysis of these elements in water, soil, and agrochemicals was used to estimate their geochemical behavior. The majority of agrochemicals and fertilizers had Cd, Cr, and Pb. Grain Cd contents in rice varieties were ranged from not detectable to 158.9 μg kg−1 in both cultivation seasons, and soil was sought to be the primary Cd source. As, Se, Hg, and Pb were also not detectable in both rice grain and straws. Native variety Pachcha Perumal rice grain showed a low Cd accumulation in both seasons at both regions. Kuruluthuda and Madathawalu showed a moderate accumulation versus other varieties. Cultivating and consuming these native traditional rice varieties practicing organic farming could be a possible way to combat CKDu risks. The correlations (between the rice grain Cd content and farming condition, location, or season of cultivation) were tested linear regression to fit data on to Freundlich model, and no distinct statistical correlations were observed (p > 0.05). Mean chromium contents (38.5–112.1 μg kg−1) detected in the rice grain were not alarming. Soil, irrigation water, and agrochemicals were free from As and Hg. However, rice straws contained substantial amounts of Cd. Therefore, use of it as organic manure should be limited.

Effect of Finishing Diet and Lairage Time on Steers Welfare in Uruguay.

Simple SummaryThe transport and general handling of slaughter animals are associated with a series of events that cause stressful and unfavorable conditions that can compromise animal welfare. All these stressful events start at the farm and end with the death of the animal. In this experiment, we evaluated the effect of two finishing strategies and two contrasting lairage times through the combination of several indicators regarding productivity, physiology, behavior and postmortem variables. Individual temperaments and their impact on welfare and carcass quality were also considered. Animal welfare was not compromised in any diet during the finishing period. Individual temperament had a positive impact on the productivity and on all physiological indicators at different preslaughter stages. For that reason, we consider that it should be given paramount importance when talking about animal welfare. According to our results, with pasture-based animals, without fasting on the farm and after a short time of transportation (3.5 h), a longer preslaughter resting time (15 vs. 3 h) is desirable from the animal welfare perspective. Furthermore, our results suggest that this longer resting period, would also be more convenient from the carcass quality perspective.The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of two different pasture-based finishing strategies and lairage time on steers welfare in Uruguayan conditions. Sixty Hereford (H) and Braford (B) steers were assigned to two different diets for finishing purposes: (D1) native pasture plus corn grain (1% of live weight) (H n = 15, B n = 15) and (D2) high-quality pasture (H n = 15, B n = 15). The average daily gain was registered every 14 days, and temperaments were individually assessed one week before slaughter by three individual tests: crush score, flight time and exit speed, building a multicriterial temperament index (TIndex). Animals were slaughtered the same day in two groups (50% from D1 and 50% from D2 in each group) after traveling for 3.5 h and staying 15 (long lairage) and 3 h (short lairage) in the lairage pens, respectively. The behaviors were observed during lairage, and physiological indicators were used to assess stress at the farm after transport, after lairage and at slaughter. Bruises incidence and final pH were registered at the abattoir as a means of assessing the overall animal welfare. Calmer animals had higher average daily gains with no differences either between diets or between breeds. Calmer animals also had a lower stress response during all preslaughter stages, regardless of the time in lairage. Transport did not imply psychological stress (cortisol) for any slaughter group, but physical stress was evident after transport in both groups through NEFA and CPK increases. Bruise incidences did not differ between lairage groups. The short lairage group did not have enough time to cope with the environment before slaughter, with the consequent deleterious effects on the carcass pH. Animals from the long lairage group had a higher metabolic response shown through NEFA values, but they had enough time to rest and recover overnight, reaching final pH values lower than 5.8, considered the upper limit of the normal range. According to this experiment, with pasture-based animals without fasting on the farm and after 3.5 h of transportation, a resting period of 15 h in lairage should be better than a 3-h one.

Influence of γ‐irradiation on antioxidant, thermal and rheological properties of native and irradiated whole grain millet flours

SummaryMillets of different types like Barnyard (Echinochloa utilis), Finger (Eleusine coracana), Foxtail (Setaria italic), Kodo (Paspalum setaceum) Little (Panicum sumatrense), Pearl (Pennisetum glaucum) and Proso millets (Penicum miliaceum) are staple foods for Indian and African diets. The germination, fungal and microbial contamination leads to postharvest losses mainly due to poor warehouse storage in Asia and Africa. Six millet varieties conditioned at 12% and 14% moisture content and irradiated at a dosage of 2.5 and 5 kGy and then milled into flours. The flour was analysed for composition, antioxidant and the rheological and thermal properties. Pearl, Proso, Finger Kodo at 12% moisture contents showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in Phenolic contents at 2.5 kGy level of irradiation treatments compared with native and 5% irradiation treatment level. The DPPH activity showed an interesting results (42.77–72.65%) with wide variation and a mixed trend of high and low results with irradiation. Thermal transition temperatures showed that the irradiation decreased the transition temperatures primarily due to loss of the crystalline and amorphous starch structure due to radiation that lead to rapid water uptake and shorter time to reach peak viscosity. We are further studying the application of the irradiated flours in different food products to understand the influence of irradiation on nutritional, sensory and functional properties in cereal‐based products.

Insight into rice (Oryza sativa L.) cooking: Phenolic composition, inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and starch physicochemical and functional properties

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the effect of the phenolic composition in addition to the thermal treatments (i.e., roasting and frying) and the subsequent cooking on the starch physicochemical characteristics of red and brown rice. Native starch (Ns) was isolated to provide a theoretical and practical basis for starch functional properties. Red rice was characterized by superior phenolic contents and the presence of proanthocyanidins, which were enhanced by roasting and declined after all cooking methods. However, brown rice showed greater phenolic stability compared with red rice. Chromatographic separation showed that red rice was dominated by protocatechuic acid and (−)-epicatechin, whereas brown rice showed high contents of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, (−)-epicatechin, and syringaldehyde. Our results showed that processing profoundly influenced the color parameters of rice grain. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated intermolecular hydrogen bonds formed between native starch and phenolic compounds in rice influenced by cooking methods. Brown rice showed lower amylose (AAC), which influenced the grain's thermal characteristics and digestibility. Cooking and frying enhanced the AAC while roasting led to a significant reduction. Cooked red rice phenolic extract showed higher enzyme inhibition for α-amylase and α-glucosidase compared to brown rice extract. Notably, Ns showed considerably higher AAC, gelatinization enthalpy, and digestibility rate than native rice grain. Oil-frying significantly increased damaged starch, reduced gelatinization enthalpy, enhanced resistance starch (RS), and reduced the estimated glycemic index (eGI), which are favorable nutritional qualities.

Application of Paramecium caudatum for the assessment of energy costs for food raw materials and products digestibility

An analysis of the information contained in the scientific and technical literature shows the potential for the application of Paramecium caudatum culture to the first stage of pre-clinical evaluation of new sources of biologically active substances, functional ingredients and food products. The purpose of the work is to investigate the possibility of estimating the energy costs for digestibility of amaranth flour in a model experiment using Paramecium caudatum ciliates. The objects of the study were two samples of amaranth flour–from native amaranth grain of the Voronezh variety and from grain subjected to preliminary heat treatment (IR heating to a temperature of 100–150 °C for 30-50 sec). Experimental data have been obtained confirming the possibility of using test organism data in the pre-clinical evaluation of food and products: the control of the population size of Paramecium caudatum provides initial data for calculating such important indicators as biotic potential and standardized relative biological value, allowing for an indirect assessment of the energy costs of digesting a prototype (food raw materials or product) in comparison with the reference object. A comprehensive analysis of the experimental data obtained also leads to the conclusion that living systems can function with the use of the test samples. It has been established that the scope of the Paramecium caudatum test object in the preclinical evaluation of food raw materials and products can be expanded in the direction of estimating the energy costs of digesting food raw materials or products.

Complete chloroplast genome of the grain Chenopodium quinoa Willd., an important economical and dietary plant

The grain Chenopodium quinoa Willd. is the main traditional food of Inca aboriginal, which was a native grain in South American Andes Mountains, the edible and cultivation history of which has been more than five thousand years. In this study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of C. quinoa on the Illumina platform by shotgun genome skimming method. The complete chloroplast genome of C. quinoa was 152,087 bp in length with the GC content 37.2%, which was comprised of a large single copy (LSC) region of 83,570 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,107 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats (IRA/IRB) of 25,205 bp. The chloroplast genome encoded 133 genes including 88 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis constructed using the maximum likelihood (ML) method strongly supported the monophyly of each genus in the family Chenopodiaceae, and the genus Chenopodium is sister to Spinacia as a cluster, which closely grouped to Dysphania.