Soluble Fiber Research Articles

Promoting the grinding of wheat bran through treatment by sodium carbonate and its mechanism

This work investigated the effect of treatment by sodium carbonate on grinding of wheat bran and the related mechanism. Specifically, wheat bran was treated by sodium carbonate solutions at the ratio of 1:2 to make addition of sodium carbonate at 0.0%, 4.0%, 8.0%, 12.0%, 15.0%, and 30.0% based on the mass of bran, dried, and ground using the universal high-speed grinder. It was found that treatment by sodium carbonate significantly reduced the particle size of ground bran and this effect was positively correlated with the sodium carbonate content, which suggested that treatment by sodium carbonate promoted the grinding of wheat bran. Besides, treatment by sodium carbonate improved the hardness of bran. On the other hand, treatment by sodium carbonate damaged the crystal structure, the cell wall and lignin of bran. Moreover, treatment by sodium carbonate converted bound phenolics, including ferulic acid, into free phenolics and insoluble dietary fiber, including unextractable arabinoxylan, into soluble dietary fiber. These results suggested that treatment by sodium carbonate had already damaged the structure of bran and altered the texture of bran before the mechanical stress during grinding was applied. As a result, treatment by sodium carbonate promoted the grinding of wheat bran.

Examination of Salmonella Prevalence in Pigs Through Rye-Based Feeding and Coarser Feed Structure Under Field Conditions.

Salmonellosis is the second most commonly occurring bacterial zoonosis in Germany. Rye in pig feeding offers new possibilities for addressing that issue due to its high content of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs). These are fermented in the intestinal tract to specific fermentation products, which seem to have bacteriolytic effects against Salmonella. A coarse feed structure can display synergistic effects. Seven conventional pig fattening farms increased the rye content (40%-70%) while limiting the amount of fine particles (maximum of 20% ≤0.25mm). Samples from pigs were tested for Salmonella antibodies and compared with samples from 167 farms without any changes to the feed. Rye-based diets had a significant (p<0.05) impact on Salmonella antibody (percentage optical density [OD%]) detection. In this study, it became apparent that significantly fewer positive OD% values could be detected due to the increase in rye compared to farms that did not change the feed (Farm 6 P0: 35.45±36.18; P1: 15.48±16.98; P2: 9.36±8.17). An elimination of Salmonella could not be achieved, but especially farms with high antibody counts were able to strongly reduce those in both phases consecutively (Farm 5 P0: 35.17±35.53; P1: 18.56a±20.96; P2: 13.38a±18.99). That was different on farms without adapted feeding, where an increase in Salmonella antibodies was observed (P0: 17.38±22.21; P1: 20.12±25.39; P2: 18.12±25.44). By increasing the proportion of rye and limiting the proportion of fine particles in the feed, Salmonella antibodies (OD% values) in meat juice and blood can be significantly reduced, especially on farms with an initially high incidence of Salmonella. If that is implemented in feeding across the board on farms, an improvement in food safety and a decreased risk of zoonosis can be expected.

On review on herbal drug and drug interactions

Herbal drugs are defined as any form of a plant or plant product that contains a single herb or combinations of herbs that are believed to have complementary effects. Although they are considered to be safe, because they are natural, they may have various adverse effects, and may interact with other herbal products or conventional drugs. These interactions are especially important for drugs with narrow therapeutic indices. Concurrent use of herbs may mimic, magnify, or oppose the effect of drugs. Plausible cases of herb-drug interactions include: bleeding when warfarin is combined with ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), garlic (Allium sativum), dong quai (Angelica sinensis), or danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza); mild serotonin syndrome in patients who mix St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) with serotonin-reuptake inhibitors; decreased bioavailability of digoxin, theophylline, cyclosporin, and phenprocoumon when these drugs are combined with St John’s wort; induction of maniain depressed patients who mix antidepressants and Panax ginseng; exacerbation of extrapyramidal effects with neuroleptic drugs and betel nut (Areca catechu); increased risk of hypertension when tricyclic antidepressants are combined with yohimbine (Pausinystalia yohimbe); potentiation of oral and topical corticosteroids by liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra); decreased blood concentrations of prednisolone when taken with the Chinese herbal product xaio chai hu tang (sho-saiko-to); and decreased concentrations of phenytoin when combined with the Ayurvedic syrup shankhapushpi. Anthranoid-containing plants (including senna [Cassia senna] and cascara [Rhamnus purshiana]) and soluble fibres (including guar gum and psyllium) can decrease the absorption of drugs.

Ultrasonic‐assisted enhancement of malt characteristics in amaranth: A study on physicochemical, amino acid, sugar profile, rheological properties, and muffin making

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the potential of incorporating ultrasonication treatment into the soaking process before germination as a method to enhance the nutritional profile of amaranth. While ultrasound has been used to expedite germination in various grains, its impact on germinated grains from a food science perspective remains underexplored. The research focused on the effects of ultrasonication on the composition, functional, and rheological properties of amaranth grains post‐germination.FindingsThe study revealed that germination alone significantly increased γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), protein content, phenolic acids, amino acids, and total dietary fiber while reducing phytic acid and rheological parameters. Incorporating ultrasonication during soaking further elevated amino acids, GABA, protein, and phenolic acid levels. Notably, ultrasonication increased protein content by 25%, antioxidants by 35%, and dietary fiber by 20%, and attributed to cell wall breakdown and enhanced enzymatic activity during germination. Phytic acid levels decreased by up to 95% with prolonged ultrasonication, enhancing nutritional quality. Additionally, GABA levels revealed a significant rise, with an 82% and 87% increase in the Annapurna and Durga varieties, respectively. The study also found that ultrasonication led to reduced starch content, decreased pasting properties, and increased sugar content in the grains. Muffins made with ultrasonicated amaranth showed lower water activity levels, indicating better shelf stability, though specific volume decreased due to starch breakdown and increased amylase activity.ConclusionThe study demonstrates that ultrasonication combined with germination is an effective method for enhancing the nutritional and functional properties of amaranth grains. This method significantly boosts health‐promoting components like GABA, proteins, and antioxidants while also affecting key baking quality parameters.Significance and NoveltyThis research introduces a novel application of ultrasonication to improve the physiochemical, antioxidant, functional, and rheological properties of amaranth grains. The findings suggested a promising strategy for developing nutrient‐rich, functional food ingredients, addressing the growing demand for healthier food products.

The Effects of Corncob and Xylanase Supplementation on Performance, Ileal Digestibility, Intestinal Morphology, Gastrointestinal pH and Serum Biochemical Traits in the Broiler Chickens

This study evaluated the effects of corncob as a source of insoluble fibre and xylanase enzyme on broiler chicken performance, ileal digestibility, intestinal morphology, gastrointestinal pH, and serum biochemical traits. 256-one-day-old (Ross 308) broiler chicks were randomly given six diets for 24 days: a control diet with 0%, 2.5%, or 5% corncob, with or without xylanase, in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Then, chicks were given the control diet with or without xylanase until they reached 42 days. Adding corncob to diets reduced performance during the grower phase (P≤0.05), but when removed, the performance did not differ from the control (P≥0.05). Corncob reduced ash digestibility and cholesterol levels (P≤0.05) while increasing the relative weight of the heart, gizzard, and duodenum and improving the ileal villus high-to-crypt depth ratio (P≤0.05). The feed conversion ratio increased due to corncob inclusion in diets at the starter and grower phases (P≤0.05) but did not differ from the control at the finisher phase. Xylanase supplementation improved performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal histomorphology, and reduced cecum weight with digestive tract pH (P≤0.05). Therefore, adding corncob with xylanase enzyme to broiler chickens' diet does not negatively impact their performance. On the contrary, it improves the broilers' health and reduces production costs.

Effects of soybean insoluble dietary fiber and CaCl2 on the structure and properties of low-moisture extruded products.

Texturized vegetable protein is currently a leading alternative to animal meat. This study examined the effects of soybean insoluble dietary fiber (SIDF) (0% to 20%) and CaCl2 (0% to 1%) on the structure and properties of extruded products made from a soybean protein isolate-wheat gluten (SPI-WG) composite. The study showed that SIDF (4% to 8%) increased the viscosity of extruded products, enhanced their specific mechanical energy, and improved their rehydration rate and tensile strength compared with a control group. The rehydration rate of the extruded products reached a maximum value of 331.67% in the 8% SIDF, 0.5% CaCl2 groups. The addition of excess SIDF prevented the cross-linking of protein molecules to form a loose network structure. Analysis of the infrared spectrum and intermolecular forces showed that physical interactions between fibers and proteins were the dominant forces, with hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds primarily maintaining the structure of the extruded products. The addition of CaCl2 (0.5%) led to protein aggregation and further improved the rehydration and tensile strength of extruded products. Soybean insoluble dietary fiber can improve the rehydration rate and quality of extruded products. The addition of CaCl2 mitigated the weakening of the protein structure caused by excess SIDF. These results provide a basis for the improvement of the quality of low-moisture-extruded texturized vegetable protein products with a high dietary fiber concentration and a high rehydration rate. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Extraction of Soluble Dietary Fiber from Sunflower Receptacles (Helianthus annuus L.) and Its Alleviating Effect on Constipation in Mice

Background/Objectives: Sunflower receptacles are the main by-product of the processing of Helianthus annuus L. Methods: In this study, several extraction methods of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from sunflower receptacles were evaluated, and then, the physicochemical structure and functional properties of these SDFs were examined. Finally, a mouse constipation model was established to explore its therapeutic potential for constipation. Results: The results showed that the SDF yield of citric acid extraction and enzyme extraction was better than that of hot-water extraction. Structural characterization showed that the three SDF functional groups were similar and amorphous, while the surface distribution of the SDF obtained by the citric acid extraction method (ASDF) had more fine pores. Physicochemical analysis showed that ASDF had the best water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, and expansion force. Animal experiments showed that the first black stool defecation time of the model group changed significantly (p &lt; 0.001), indicating that the model was successful. Compared with the model group, the middle- and high-dose groups reduced the first black stool defecation time (p &lt; 0.05 or p &lt; 0.01) and increased the fecal water content (p &lt; 0.05). The high-dose group significantly promoted the intestinal peristalsis of mice (p &lt; 0.05). From hematoxylin–eosin (H&amp;E) staining, it can be seen that the three dose groups of ASDF can improve the damage of mouse colon tissue induced by loperamide hydrochloride to a certain extent. Conclusions: Our results show that ASDF has good physical and chemical properties and laxative properties and has broad development space in the field of health food.

Productivity and economic performance of Nellore young bulls fed diets with increasing fiber content.

Adequate neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF) content in the total diet can improve intake efficiency, prevent rumen disorders, and enhance the health and performance of feedlot-finished beef cattle. We hypothesized that an increase in dietary fiber levels would decrease the productive performance but increase the economic performance of young bulls in confinement. Thus, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing fiber levels on feed intake, wastage, and productive and economic performance of Nellore young bulls finished in confinement. We used 20 Nellore cattle, non-castrated males, 30 months old, and average body weight (BW) of 416.35 ± 2.2kg distributed in a completely randomized design, kept in individual stalls. Animals were divided into four treatments consisting of four levels of neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF) (25%, 30%, 35%, and 40% NDF) in total DM. Nutrient intake, feed conversion, feed waste, body weight (BW) at slaughter, total weight gain (TWG), average daily gain (ADG), hot carcass weight (HCW), and carcass yield (CR) were evaluated. In addition, economic parameters (revenue, food expenses, and gross margin) were calculated and compared. The dry matter (DMI), organic matter (OMI), crude protein (CPI), and ether extract (EEI) intakes showed quadratic behavior. The DMI maximum estimated was 28.5% NDF in the diet. The NDF and ADF intakes showed a positive linear effect and the starch intake had a negative linear effect. There was a significant positive linear effect (P < 0.05) for the variables total mixed ration (TMR) offered and daily and total RTM intake. Minimum RTM wastage was estimated with a diet containing 30% NDF. The maximum points for BW at slaughter, HCW, and ADG were 29.9%; 29.6%, and 25% NDF, respectively. The costs of concentrate and silage showed a positive linear behavior, as did the ADG costs and the carcass equivalent cost (P < 0.05). The maximum point of the revenue estimate (US$/animal) was 29.9% of NDF, 26.1% of NDF for the total expenditure on food (US$/animal), and 32.5% of NDF for the gross margin (U$/animal). In conclusion, the animals fed a 30% NDF diet showed the best performance and economics, in addition to less food waste. We recommend 25 to 32.5% of NDF in the diet to obtain maximum productive and economic performance when finishing Nellore young bulls in confinement.

Influences of superfine-grinding and mix enzymolysis alone or combined with hydroxypropylation or acetylation on the hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of coconut endosperm residue fiber.

Coconut endosperm residue is an abundant and low-cost resource of dietary fiber, but the low soluble fiber content limits its functional properties and applications in the food industry. To improve the hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties, coconut endosperm residue fiber (CERF) was modified by superfine-grinding and mix enzymatic hydrolysis alone, or combined with acetylation or hydroxypropylation. The effects of these modifications on the structure and functional properties were studied using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, and in vitro tests. After these modifications, the microstructure of CERF became more porous, and its soluble fiber content, surface area, water adsorption, and expansion capacities were all improved (p < 0.05). Moreover, superfine-grinding and mix enzymolysis combined with acetylation treated CERF showed the highest surface hydrophobicity (48.96) and cholesterol and cholate adsorption abilities (33.72 and 42.04mg∙g‒1). Superfine-grinding-, mix enzymolysis-, and hydroxypropylation-treated CERF exhibited the highest viscosity (17.84 cP), glucose adsorption capacity (29.61µmol∙g‒1), and glucose diffusion inhibition activity (73.96%), and water-expansion ability (8.60mL∙g‒1). Additionally, superfine-grinding and mix enzymatic hydrolyzed CERF had the highest α-amylase inhibiting activity (42.76%). Therefore, superfine-grinding and mix enzymolysis alone or combined with hydroxypropylation were better choices to improve hypoglycemic properties of CERF; meanwhile, superfine-grinding and mix enzymolysis combined with acetylation can effectively improve its hypolipidemic properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study offered three composite modification methods to improve the soluble fiber content and in vitro hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties of coconut endosperm residue fiber. These modification methods were practicable and low-cost. Moreover, it provides good choices to improve the functional properties and applications of other dietary fibers in the food industry.

Purified diets containing high levels of soluble fiber and grain-based diets promote similar gastrointestinal morphometry yet distinct microbial communities.

Dietary fibers are essential for maintaining gut health. Insoluble fibers aid in fecal bulking and water retention while soluble fiber is a fermentative substrate for intestinal microbial communities. Grain-based diets (GBDs) are commonly used in preclinical research but the variability in ingredients across batches impedes reproducibility. Purified diets (PDs), which are composed of highly refined ingredients, pose a potential solution but the most widely used low-fat control PDs contain no soluble fiber. This study intended to identify a PD with a combination of fibers that promotes murine gut health and microbial diversity. A PD with optimal fiber composition would aid in the standardization and reproducibility of studies investigating intestinal physiology and the gut microbiota.

Dietary β-mannanase reduced post-weaning diarrhea of pigs by positively modulating gut microbiota and attenuating systemic immune responses

BackgroundAfter weaning, nursery pigs have difficulty digesting non-starch polysaccharides in their diets, which can result in growth and health problems. Among non-starch polysaccharides, β-mannan is easily found in various cereal grains that form the basis of livestock diets and interferes the digestion and utilization of nutrients. Supplementation of dietary β-mannanase in nursery diet can alleviate the negative effects on nutrient utilization efficiency caused by β-mannan and improve growth and health of pigs. This study was conducted to evaluate effects of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, fecal microbiota, and systemic immune responses of weaned pigs.ResultsDietary β-mannanase (MAN) improved average daily gain (P = 0.053), average daily feed intake (P < 0.05), and gain to feed ratio (P = 0.077) of pigs for 3 weeks after weaning and apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein (P = 0.060) and reduced post-weaning diarrhea (P < 0.05). The MAN did not affect the ileal morphology. Pigs fed with MAN had more diverse fecal microbiota based on the results of alpha diversity [the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs; P = 0.061), Shannon (P = 0.071), and Simpson indices (P = 0.078)] and relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes (P = 0.064) and genus Prevotella (P < 0.05) than pigs fed control diet (CON). As a result of beta diversity, fecal microbiota was clustered (P < 0.05) into two distinct groups between dietary treatments. The MAN decreased (P < 0.05) packed cell volume (PCV), the number of white blood cells (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and cortisol of the pigs for 2 weeks after weaning compared with CON.ConclusionDietary β-mannanase reduced post-weaning diarrhea of pigs by positively modulating gut microbiota and attenuating systemic immune responses.

Aroma compounds and physicochemical and functional properties of traditional Tokat bread

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the physical (height, weight, volume, color, etc.), chemical (protein, fat, ash, moisture, etc.), functional (total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant capacity), nutritional (total, soluble, insoluble dietary fiber, and important starch fractions), and texture properties and volatile organic compounds of traditional Tokat bread. In addition, yeast and bacterial species were isolated and identified from the sourdoughs used in its production. Having a 6‐day shelf life, traditional Tokat bread has an average total dietary fiber content of 14.64%. The predictable glycemic index was 83.09, and the slowly digestible starch content was 6.15%. In traditional Tokat bread, 45 different volatile aroma components were identified, and S. cerevisiae, D. hansenii, K. lactis, L. plantarum, and L. mesentorides species were mostly isolated in sourdough. The characteristics of traditional Tokat breads produced by traditional methods in different regions were determined. It is predicted that the taste and aroma of traditional Tokat bread originate from the hornbeam and pelite woods used in the baking stage and the sourdough used. The yeast composition of the breads collected from different regions also varies.

Fabrication and characterization of dry rice noodles with low glycemic index by formulating with different soluble dietary fibers

Fabrication and characterization of dry rice noodles with low glycemic index by formulating with different soluble dietary fibers

Enhancement of Corn Flour with Carob Bean for Innovative Gluten-Free Extruded Products

The aim of this work is to study new, extruded products based on corn flour enriched with carob bean and the evaluation of its functional quality to develop novel gluten-free food products. Five samples based on corn flour with added carob bean flour (5 to 12.5%) were formulated. Extrusion was performed using a single-screw laboratory extruder at pilot plant scale. Extrusion parameters such as color and carbohydrate content (fiber, sucrose, and starch) were evaluated. Carob bean addition led to an increase in starch, soluble fiber, and insoluble fiber. Texture parameters related to hardness (crunchiness) were significantly reduced with the addition of CB (p &lt; 0.05), detectable from a 5% addition of CB and not significant with more CB content. Samples became browner with the addition of CB; however, when the concentrations of CB are high (&gt;5%) no major differences in color were observed. The extrusion process reduced the content of soluble and insoluble fiber, and sucrose in all formulated samples. Extruded samples with 5–7.5% CB seem to be the best formulation in terms of fiber content, color, and texture parameters. These innovative gluten-free foods could be considered as a source of fiber, and a healthier alternative to some commercially available snacks.

Effect of extrusion on physicochemical and functional properties of cladode flour from Opuntia cochenillifera and Opuntia ficus-indica

In this study, the physicochemical and functional properties of flours obtained from mature cladodes of two nopal species, Opuntia cochenillifera (OC) and Opuntia ficus indica (OF), subjected to different extrusion conditions, varying moisture (20 % and 26 %) and temperature levels (120 °C, 140 °C and 160 °C) were evaluated. The results showed significant differences in chemical composition, physical, functional and phytochemical properties between the two species. OC had a higher ash and ether extract content (29.27 % and 1.28 % respectively), while OF had more protein and carbohydrates (7.83 and 55.31 % respectively). The expansion index was higher (1.06 – 1.27) in OF, especially under high temperature extrusion and low moisture conditions. Bulk density decreased with increasing extrusion temperature, and color was significantly altered by temperature and moisture, with greater changes observed in OF. Functional properties such as oil absorption capacity, water absorption capacity, and water solubility index, were significantly affected by the extrusion process in both species of nopal. In terms of dietary fiber, extrusion increased (4.99 to 10.38 %) the soluble fiber content and decreased (36.91 to 32.30 %) the insoluble fiber content in both species. However, OC had a higher percentage of soluble and total dietary fiber. Phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidant activity were significantly affected by the extrusion process in most treatments, although some maintained or improved these properties. These results highlight the influence of species and extrusion conditions on the properties of nopal flours, providing valuable information for the development of nopal-enriched food products, thereby optimizing their nutritional and technological properties.

Standardization and evaluation of RTE extruded corn-pearlmillet snacks incorporated with kidney bean or green gram flour: A comparative study

The presentstudy aimed to develop ready-to-eat extruded snacks by incorporating kidney bean flour (0-25%) or green gram flour (0-25%) in a cornpearlmillet (70:30) flour blend. All flours were tested for their compositional and nutritional parameters (crude fibre, carotenoid, phyticacid, polyphenols, iron, zinc, and total dietary fibre). Evaluation of pasting characteristics, water absorption, and dough extensibility of flours and physical (bulk density, expansion ratio, sectional expansion index, and hardness) and sensory properties of extruded snacks weredone. The addition of pulses reduced pasting values, resistance to extension, and extensibility of flour while increasing water absorptions significantly (p&lt;0.05). Physical properties and sensory characteristics of extrudates were also significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced by pulses addition. However, considering nutritional aspects, kidney bean flour up to 15% or green gram flour up to 10% is recommended to be incorporated for obtaining extrudates of desirable quality. Both pulses hadsimilar effects on product quality, but the use of green gram flour is preferred over kidney bean due to its minimum anti-nutritional factors available in the resulting product.

Molecular Structure and Properties of Resistant Dextrins from Potato Starch Prepared by Microwave Heating.

The dextrinization of potato starch was performed using a sophisticated single-mode microwave reactor with temperature and pressure control using 10 cycles of heating with stirring between cycles. Microwave power from 150 to 250 W, a cycle time from 15 to 25 s, and two types of vessels with different internal diameters (12 and 24 mm) and therefore different thicknesses of the heated starch layer were used in order to estimate the impact of vessel size used for microwave dextrinization. The characteristics of resistant dextrins (RD) including solubility in water, total dietary fiber (TDF) content, color parameters, the share of various glycosidic bonds, and pasting and rheological properties were carried out. The applied conditions allowed us to obtain RDs with water solubility up to 74% at 20 °C, as well as TDF content up to 47%, with a predominance of low-molecular-weight soluble fiber fraction, with increased content of non-starch glycosidic bonds, negligible viscosity, and a slightly beige color. The geometry of the reaction vessel influenced the properties of dextrins obtained under the same heating power, time, and repetition amounts. Among the conditions used, the most favorable conditions were heating 10 times for 20 s at 200 W in a 10 mL vessel and the least favorable were 15 s cycles.

Changes in Nutritional and Techno-Functional Properties of Whole Grain Maize Flours Induced by Dry-Heat Treatment.

The present study was carried out to demonstrate the effects of dry heat treatment (DHT) at different temperatures (100, 125, 135, 150, and 165 °C) on the nutritional and techno-functional properties of white, blue, and yellow whole grain maize flour. Results showed that DHT increased the insoluble dietary fiber and free phenolic compounds of the investigated maize flours, while the bound phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and pasting properties decreased with the rising of the applied temperature. The application of DHT caused the most notable changes regarding the amount of dietary fiber. Content of NDF (neutral detergent fiber) ranged from 11.48% to 44.35%, 14.19% to 37.84%, and 15.15% to 45.86% in white, yellow, and blue maize samples, respectively. Furthermore, at the highest temperature applied in the DHT (165 °C) the content of soluble free phenolic compounds in yellow and blue maize flour samples was 1.2- and 1.4-fold higher compared to control flour samples. DHT significantly improved the functionality of maize flour in terms of water absorption capacity, water solubility, and digestibility, thus it can be effectively used to make up for the poor functionality of raw maize flour. This study shows that DHT at moderate temperatures (125-135 °C), could be a viable solution for the pre-processing of maize flour to enhance the potential for its utilization in the food industry.

Solid-State Fermentation of Wheat Bran with Clostridium butyricum: Impact on Microstructure, Nutrient Release, Antioxidant Capacity, and Alleviation of Ulcerative Colitis in Mice.

This study investigated the effects of solid-state fermentation with Clostridium butyricum on the microstructure of wheat bran, the release of dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity. Compared with unfermented wheat bran, insoluble dietary fiber and phytic acid content decreased, whereas soluble dietary fiber and water-extractable arabinoxylan content increased in C. butyricum culture. Because of the increased release of phenolic compounds, such as ferulic acid and apigenin, and organic acids, such as isobutyric acid, the antioxidant capacity of the culture was considerably improved. Furthermore, the culture of C. butyricum treated with dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice enhanced the expression of intestinal mucus and tight-junction proteins, modulating the gut microbiota structure, increasing the levels of short-chain fatty acids in the intestine, and restoring the essential functions of the gut microbiota. These anti-inflammatory effects stemmed from the combined action of various effective components.

Impact of bamboo shoot powders on the quality attributes of cassava-based crackers

Bamboo shoots are a nutritious food rich in protein and dietary fibre, low in carbohydrates and fats, and with good mineral and vitamin profiles. Bamboo shoots are projected to be a superfood, although at present they are considered a neglected food commodity that is restricted to a few Asian countries. The use of bamboo shoot powder (BSP) in food fortification represents a promising avenue for enhancing the nutritional value of foods. This study evaluated the differences in nutrient composition and functional properties of two BSP species (Gigantochloa levis and Bambusa vulgaris), and their effects on the proximate analysis, physicochemical properties and sensory attributes of cassava crackers. G. levis BSP had greater amounts of moisture, protein, fat, ash, and total dietary fibre than B. vulgaris BSP. Both types of BSP had good WHC and swelling power which suggest that they could easily be incorporated into food systems. B. vulgaris BSP had better WHC and swelling power than G. levis BSP. The cassava crackers were formulated as C control (0 % BSP), B5 (5 % B. vulgaris), B10 (10 % B. vulgaris), G5 (5 % G. levis), and G10 (10 % G. levis). Adding BSP significantly increased (p<0.05) the moisture, protein, ash, crude fibre and total dietary fibre of the crackers. G. levis BSP had a stronger influence on the colour (p<0.05) of cassava crackers. The overall liking score of cassava crackers containing 5 % G. levis BSP was the highest (p<0.05). In conclusion, BSP enhanced the nutritional properties while improving the sensory characteristics of cassava crackers. BSP is potentially useful as a functional ingredient in cassava crackers and snack products.