Nutritional Composition Research Articles

Solid-state fermentation using wheat bran to produce glucose syrup and functional cereal bars.

Wheat bran is one of the most abundant by-products from grain milling, which can be used as substrate for solid-state fermentation (SSF) to obtain enzymes able to convert this agro-industrial waste into glucose syrup, which in turn can be applied for the production of different food products. The present study aimed to determine centesimal composition of wheat bran, obtain enzymatic extract that converts wheat bran into wheat glucose syrup (WGS), produce rice flakes cereal bars (RFCB), and evaluate their nutritional composition and the presence of functional compounds, as well as their antioxidant potential. Determination of centesimal composition of wheat bran demonstrated its nutritional potential. Enzymatic extract was obtained and it converted wheat bran into WGS, which were applied to rice flakes producing RFCB. These cereal bars proved to be a source of dietary fiber (1.8g) and soluble protein (7.2g) while RCFB produced with corn glucose syrup did not present these nutritional components. In addition, RFCB produced with WGS showed polyphenolic compounds, among them flavonoids, which exhibited antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging (47.46% and 711.89μM Trolox Equivalent/g, respectively), and iron ion reduction (71.70μM Trolox equivalent/g). Final product showed a decrease in caloric value and sodium content. Therefore, the present study showed that the bioprocess of SSF yields a nutritional, ecological, and functional food product, which might be of great interest for food industry, adding nutritional and functional value to a well-stablished product.

Analysis of nutritional composition in opaque2- and crtRB1-based single- and double-biofortified super sweet corn.

Sweet corn has emerged as a favorite food item worldwide owing to its kernel sweetness. However, traditional sweet corn cultivars are poor in provitamin-A (proA) and essential amino acids, viz., lysine and tryptophan. So far, no sweet corn hybrid with high nutritional qualities has been commercialized elsewhere. Here, we analyzed accumulation of provitamin-A (proA), lysine, and tryptophan in a set of mutant versions of (i) crtRB1-, (ii) o2-, and (iii) crtRB1 + o2-based sweet corn inbreds and hybrids with (iv) traditional sweet corn (wild-type: O2 + CrtRB1). The crtRB1- and crtRB1 + o2-based genotypes possessed significantly higher proA (17.31ppm) over traditional sweet corn (2.83ppm), while o2- and crtRB1 + o2-based genotypes possessed significantly higher lysine (0.345%) and tryptophan (0.080%) over traditional sweet corn (lysine 0.169%, tryptophan 0.036%). Late sowing favored high kernel lysine, proA, and green cob yield among hybrids. Sweetness (17.87%) among the improved inbreds and hybrids was comparable to the original sweetcorn genotypes (17.84%). Among the four genotypic classes, crtRB1 + o2-based improved genotypes showed stronger association among traits over genotypes with o2 and crtRB1 genes alone. Significant association was observed among (i) proA and BC (r = 0.99), (ii) proA and BCX (r = 0.93), (iii) lysine and tryptophan (r = 0.99), and (iv) green cob yield with fodder yield (r = 0.73) in sweet corn hybrids. The study demonstrated that combining crtRB1 and o2 genes did not pose any negative impact on nutritional, yield, and agronomic performance. Sweet corn with crtRB1 + o2 assumes significance for alleviating malnutrition through sustainable and cost-effective approach.

Physicochemical characterisation and impact of Gryllus bimaculatus addition on gluten‐free flour blends

SummaryGryllus bimaculatus (field cricket) powder is a prospect in enriching gluten‐free food products' protein and mineral contents. However, the technological impacts of replacing common gluten‐free cereal flours with G. bimaculatus powder are still incipient. This study aimed to characterise nutritional composition, particle morphology, and particle size distribution of G. bimaculatus powder and the gluten‐free flours (maize, rice, finger millet and proso millet). Additionally, it investigated the effects of substituting these gluten‐free flours with 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% G. bimaculatus powder on proximate composition, hydration and colour properties. G. bimaculatus powder showed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) high protein (44.8 g/100 g) content and essential minerals such as zinc (208.5 mg/kg) and iron (132.2 mg/kg). Micrographs of G. bimaculatus powder revealed compact and heterogenous particles while the flours' particles varied in sizes, and the starch granules had different shapes, sizes and arrangements. Flour particles exhibited bi‐and trimodal size distributions ranging from 1.5 μm to 1100 μm with minor peaks preceding major peaks. Finger millet flour had a greater span of 4.12, while proso millet flour had a lower span of 1.97. Particle size correlated negatively with water absorption capacity (WAC) (r = −0.938) and oil absorption capacity (OAC) (r = −0.955), respectively. G. bimaculatus powder addition significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) fat, protein and fibre contents, decreased (P ≤ 0.05) nitrogen‐free extracts, but had no effect on ash content. Hydration properties differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) except for WAC in proso millet blends. Samples exhibited significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) WAC than OAC in exception of G. bimaculatus powder and showed no emulsifying activities. Addition of G. bimaculatus powder significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased colour differences, reduced redness (a*), yellowness (b*) and lightness. The use of G. bimaculatus powder demonstrates the potential to enhance the nutritional properties and modify the colour and hydration of gluten‐free flours in the development of novel gluten‐free foods.

An overview of alternative protein sources for ruminants in the tropical area

Abstract Investigating alternative protein sources for ruminants in tropical regions is crucial due to distinct climatic conditions and limited resources. Scientists, acknowledging the challenges, are exploring locally accessible alternatives to develop cost-effective and sustainable protein supplements for ruminant nutrition, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nutritional composition for advancing livestock husbandry sustainability. The aim of this research is to elucidate alternative local protein sources for ruminants in tropical areas and assess their effectiveness in promoting sustainable production and enhancing ruminant nutrition. Protein feed sources are essential for providing amino acids to animals and producing animal products such as meat, milk, and wool. Inadequate protein in animal feed may have a detrimental impact on rumen fermentation and animal output. Therefore, alternative protein sources have received increased attention in order to replace the main protein source. The alternative protein sources in this review were divided into five categories: agricultural biomass, fodder shrubs, biological protein and plant weeds, insect protein and agro-industry biomass. Furthermore, plant secondary compounds found in alternative protein sources might be used to modulate rumen fermentation and improve animal performance. By focusing on regional sources of protein, feed costs are reduced while availability is raised. Based on this analysis, it can be concluded that there are a number of alternative protein sources that might be used in place of primary protein sources and that they could support ruminant production in the face of several animal feed crises. However, the potential use of any protein source should be assessed in light of the country’s availability and animal production practices.

Enteral nutrition for elderly patients in intensive care unit settings

Nutrition plays a fundamental role in the management of frail elderly patients. Indeed, effective management can reduce common pathological situations, such as malnutrition, refeeding syndrome, and aspiration pneumonia, which can increase morbidity and mortality in intensive care unit settings. To optimize this management, it is essential to have knowledge of basic aspects such as timing, route, and composition of nutrition, as well as the prevention and management of the most common adverse events.

Nutritional requirements and reproductive performance of Neomysis orientalis: Evaluating the effects of different diets

Mysids have become the preferred diet for Sepia and Hippocampus breeding due to their nutritional content and size. Despite their potential as a high-quality feed, limited literature exists on the specific nutritional needs of N. orientalis and how diet influences their reproduction. This study investigated the effects of various diets—Corethron sp., Chlorella sp., mixed algae, and flakes—on the survival, total reproductive output, and whole tissue nutritional composition of N. orientalis. The main results were as follows: 1) N. orientalis fed with Corethron sp. exhibited the highest survival (90.11 ± 5.09% at 14 d; 57.78 ± 5.09% at 21 d); 2) Significant differences in total reproductive output were observed among the dietary groups, with the mixed diet group showing the highest output (121.67 ± 5.03 ind), followed by the Corethron sp. group (102.67 ± 3.51 ind); 3) Principal component analysis revealed that the nutritional composition of mysids predominantly comprises C18:2n-6, C22:6n-3, Σn-3 PUFA, Asp, Glu, Val, Phe, and TAA; 4) Correlation analysis indicated a strong positive correlation between the dietary C18:2n-6 and Σn-3 PUFA and the survival and total reproductive output of N. orientalis. Additionally, the dietary C20:4n-6 and C20:5n-3 showed a strong positive correlation with the C22:5n-3 and Σn-3 PUFA in N. orientalis. A similar strong positive correlation was observed between dietary amino acids and those in mysids. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that different diets directly influence the nutritional composition of mysids, affecting their survival and total reproductive output during the breeding period. Consequently, Corethron sp. emerges as a suitable diet for N. orientalis, enriching C20:5n-3 and Σn-3 PUFA, which fulfills the nutritional requirements of N. orientalis during their reproductive period, thereby enhancing individual survival and reproduction.

Diet influences community dynamics following vaginal group B streptococcus colonization.

The vaginal microbiota plays a pivotal role in reproductive, sexual, and perinatal health and disease. Unlike the well-established connections between diet, metabolism, and the intestinal microbiota, parallel mechanisms influencing the vaginal microbiota and pathogen colonization remain overlooked. In this study, we combine a mouse model of Streptococcus agalactiae strain COH1 [group B Streptococcus (GBS)] vaginal colonization with a mouse model of pubertal-onset obesity to assess diet as a determinant of vaginal microbiota composition and its role in colonization resistance. We leveraged culture-dependent assessment of GBS clearance and culture-independent, sequencing-based reconstruction of the vaginal microbiota in relation to diet, obesity, glucose tolerance, and microbial dynamics across time scales. Our findings demonstrate that excessive body weight gain and glucose intolerance are not associated with vaginal GBS density or timing of clearance. Diets high in fat and low in soluble fiber are associated with vaginal GBS persistence, and changes in vaginal microbiota structure and composition due to diet contribute to GBS clearance patterns in nonpregnant mice. These findings underscore a critical need for studies on diet as a key determinant of vaginal microbiota composition and its relevance to reproductive and perinatal outcomes.IMPORTANCEThis work sheds light on diet as a key determinant influencing the composition of vaginal microbiota and its involvement in group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in a mouse model. This study shows that mice fed diets with different nutritional composition display differences in GBS density and timing of clearance in the female reproductive tract. These findings are particularly significant given clear links between GBS and adverse reproductive and neonatal outcomes, advancing our understanding by identifying critical connections between dietary components, factors originating from the intestinal tract, vaginal microbiota, and reproductive outcomes.

Effects of Different Carbon and Nitrogen Ratios on Yield, Nutritional Value, and Amino Acid Contents of Flammulina velutipes

The carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio in the cultivation medium significantly influences the growth rate, vigor of mycelium, yield of fruiting bodies, and their nutritional composition. Recently, agricultural and forestry wastes have been increasingly used in cultivating Flammulina velutipes. However, systematic research on how these materials affect the nutritional and functional properties of the fruiting bodies is lacking. This study investigated the effects of different C/N ratios on F. velutipes cultivation. We evaluated the agronomic traits, nutritional composition, and flavor compounds of the fruiting bodies. Our findings reveal that an optimal C/N ratio of 27:1 in the composted substrates enhances the total yield of fruiting bodies, with 25.1% soybean straw as the primary raw material. This ratio also significantly increases the levels of crude protein, total amino acids, and essential amino acids in the fruiting bodies (p < 0.05). Fruiting bodies from the high-nitrogen (HN) treatment showed the highest content of umami amino acids and equivalent umami concentration value. Additionally, we employed an untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics approach to analyze the metabolite profiles of fruiting bodies cultivated in high-nitrogen (HN), medium-nitrogen (MN), and low-nitrogen (LN) substrates. We found that the carbon–nitrogen ratio can affect the flavor and quality of fruiting bodies by regulating amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism and other related pathways. Our results suggest that a C/N ratio of 27:1 offers numerous benefits for the cultivation of F. velutipes with comprehensive analyses and has promising application prospects.

Nutritional Composition, Bioactive Compounds, Food Applications, and Health Benefits of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.): A Review

ABSTRACTPigeon pea is one of the most multipurpose grain legumes in the tropical and subtropical world. It is highly resilient to climate change due to drought tolerance. It ranks sixth following common beans, chickpeas, field peas, cowpeas, and lentils globally. Pigeon pea is an excellent source of high‐quality protein, essential amino acids, and minerals. Furthermore, pigeon pea is endowed with valuable water‐soluble vitamins such as thiamin, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, and niacin. With low levels of saturated fat and sodium and being cholesterol free, pigeon peas emerge as a nutritious dietary choice. Pigeon peas are rich sources of bioactive compounds with various potential health properties, including anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antidiabetic effects. Pigeon peas can be consumed in diverse forms, including whole seeds, split seeds (known as dhal), vegetables using green seeds, and fresh pods. Moreover, pigeon peas find application in a variety of food products, including bread, pasta, noodles, snacks, and biscuits. Despite their nutritional and medicinal properties, pigeon peas remain among the least utilized legumes globally. This review paper aims to provide up‐to‐date information on the nutritional compositions, bioactive compounds, food applications, and health benefits of pigeon peas.

Evaluation of lauric acid enhancement of black soldier fly larvae from coconut.

The current study evaluated the potential enhancement of lauric acid (LA) in black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae (BSFL), a source of this short-chain fatty acid which has antimicrobial and immunostimulatory properties. Replicate groups of BSFL were reared on either the coconut or Gainesville diet for 7 days. After the rearing period, BSFL were harvested, purged, dried, and subjected to proximate, fatty acid and amino acid compositions, and pepsin digestibility analyses. Results demonstrate changes in proximate composition. BSFL reared on the coconut had significantly (P = 0.002) higher lipid content (47.3% vs. 25.2%) on a dry-matter basis. The LA concentration in BSFL produced on the coconut was 31% greater than those reared on Gainesville, resulting in almost 150% more LA. Furthermore, BSFL-fed coconut had reduced crude protein (29.7% of dry weight) and ash (3.7% of dry weight) relative to those fed Gainesville (43.4% and 7.5% for crude protein and ash, respectively) but higher pepsin digestibility (91.0% vs. 87.0%). The relative amounts of various amino acids in the 2 BSFL meals did not differ extensively, with statistically lower concentrations of only phenylalanine and tryptophan and higher concentrations of alanine, arginine, isoleucine, leucine, and serine in BSFL reared on coconut. Results demonstrate that the nutritional composition of BSFL can be manipulated, and an enhancement of LA concentrations of 150% was achieved with coconut, which has value for BSFL as a feed for various livestock, including aquaculture. Lower protein content is a tradeoff in terms of BSFL value as a feed additive.

Future of Food Exploring Edible Insects- An Alternative Approach: A Review

The burden of human population is influences availability and quality of food, therefore edible insect may be an alternative source for food. Almost all insects are rich in their nutritional content and have the potential to be served as food for animals and humans. It is provide important necessary nutrition required for the people, while its nutritional content may vary from species to species and genus to genus. Many numbers of insect are recognized as edible that belong to genus Ocalea, order Coleoptera. Apart from direct consumption, edible insects have a huge impact in the food processing industry. These insects are extremely rich in their nutritional value and can help to resolve the world’s hunger crisis and other global deficits. At present day, most of the edible insects are collected from the wild area, even though in-house and these insects provide sustainable product. Till date, there is total of 1,900 edible insects are reported from worldwide. This review is summarizing on the different types of edible insects availability, nutritional composition and production strategies.

Optimization and Shelf-life Study of Finger Millet-based Cookies Premix

Multigrain cookie premixes were developed using finger millet (Eleusine coracana) to provide a nutritious food option for vulnerable groups, especially preschool children facing micronutrient malnutrition. Three types of cookie premixes were formulated with varying proportions of grains and evaluated for sensory parameters using a 9-point hedonic scale. The best combination of calcium and iron-rich ingredient s was found to be finger millet flour, refined wheat flour, grain amaranth, garden cress seed, milk powder in the ratio of 40:25:20:5:10. This premix was also evaluated for nutritional composition and shelf life. The cookies made from this premix were rich in essential nutrients, with 319.8 mg of calcium and 8.89 mg of iron per 100 g. The sensory evaluation showed that all the premixes were well accepted (sensory score >7) and the selected premix remained acceptable over a storage period of 90 days.

Eggceptional variances: Exploring immunomodulation across commercial caged, free-range, and Tibetan environments

The nutritional quality of poultry eggs is altered at different geographic altitudes, seasonal latitudes, and feeding conditions, which in turn affect the immune function of the consumer. The main objective of this study was to investigate how different environments (caged, free-range, and Tibetan farming) affect the nutritional composition of eggs, subsequently influencing the immune status of the organism and establishing a correlation between environment, food, and health. The results demonstrated that the three types of eggs significantly enhanced the health status of immunocompromised mice. Eggs efficiently protect immune organs, prevent decline in immune cell activity, and improve the body's resilience to external stimuli by regulating the secretion of cytokines, immunoglobulins, and the differentiation of lymphocyte subpopulations. Moreover, all three types of eggs enhanced digestion and nutrient absorption by repairing the damaged intestinal barrier. Notably, the caged egg showed effective regulation of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Besides regulating cytokine levels, free-range eggs significantly increased lymphocytes and erythrocyte concentrations. Meanwhile, Tibetan eggs primarily exerted their immunological effects by stimulating cytokine secretion and repairing the intestinal barrier. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of how eggs from diverse environments affect the immune system, providing an essential theoretical basis for egg production and guiding consumers in dietary choices.

Functional Model Beverages of Saffron Floral By-Products: Polyphenolic Composition, Inhibition of Digestive Enzymes, and Rheological Characterization

Despite the rapid and dynamic evolution of research into dietary polyphenols, there is still a knowledge gap regarding their bioaccessibility since it could be influenced by the chemical and nutritional compositions of the food matrix. This study aimed to describe the impact of food thickeners (xanthan gum, guar gum, β-glucan, pectin) on the bioactivity of flavonoids from saffron floral by-products in model beverages before and after thermal processing. The different beverage formulas were characterized in terms of polyphenolic composition using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn and rheological properties. The impact of food thickeners and thermal processing on the inhibition of digestive enzymes was also determined. The model beverages mainly presented glycosylated flavonols (of kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin), with a reduced content in some heat-treated samples. The inhibitory effect on α-amylase was only detected in heat-treated beverages, showing the formulation without any thickener to have the greatest inhibitory effect. Finally, the presence of saffron floral by-products in the beverages showed a tendency to decrease the flow consistency index (K) and an increase in the flow behavior index (n), most probably driven by the aggregation of phenolics with thickeners. Therefore, this research provides new insights into the development of flavonoid-rich beverages in order to ensure that they exert the expected beneficial effects after their ingestion.

Effects of different dietary energy levels on growth performance, meat quality and nutritional composition, rumen fermentation parameters, and rumen microbiota of fattening Angus steers

This study investigates the effects of varying energy levels in diets on Black Angus steers, focusing on growth performance, muscle composition, rumen microbial community, and their interrelationships. Twenty-seven Black Angus steers, aged approximately 22 months and weighing 520 ± 40 kilograms, were randomly divided into three groups: low-energy (LE), medium-energy (ME), and high-energy (HE). Each group consisted of nine individuals. The steers were fed diets with energy levels of 6.657 MJ/kg (LE), 7.323 MJ/kg (ME), and 7.990 MJ/kg (HE) following a 14-day pre-feeding period, with a subsequent 90-day main experimental phase. After the 90-day feeding period, both the HE and ME groups exhibited significantly higher average daily weight gain (ADG) compared to the LE group (p < 0.05). The feed-to-weight ratios were lower in the HE and ME groups compared to the LE group (p < 0.05). The HE group showed significantly higher crude fat content in the longissimus dorsi muscle compared to the LE group (p < 0.05), with total fatty acid content in the muscle surpassing that in the ME and LE groups (p < 0.05). As dietary energy levels increased, the diversity of the rumen microbial community decreased (p < 0.05), and significant differences in bacterial community structure were observed between the LE and HE groups (p < 0.05). The results suggest that higher dietary energy levels enhance growth performance and alter muscle composition in Black Angus steers, while also influencing the rumen microbial community. This study contributes to understanding optimal dietary strategies for finishing Angus cattle to improve beef quality, economic returns, and the development of standardized production procedures.

Comparative study on the morphological characteristics, nutritional quality, and tastes of large yellow croaker from five cage culture areas: Relay farming improved fish quality

Relay culture of large yellow croaker from Fujian to Zhejiang is a good model for improved fish quality. However, there is a scarcity of information regarding the comprehensive evaluation of quality alterations following relay culture. In the present study, the large yellow croaker from Ningde (ND) was transferred to net cages in Dongtou (DT), Nanji (NJ), Dongji (DJ) and Dacheng (DC) for continued culture. The 15-month-old fish from ND, DJ, DC, DT, and NJ were sampled on-site for a subsequent comparative study on the morphological characteristics, nutritional quality, and tastes. Results showed that the fish from DJ, DC, DT, and NJ had a lower condition factor (CF) and a higher ratio of body length to height (L/H) than those from ND. The fish from DJ, DC, DT, and NJ, at rates of 77.8%, 91.3%, 95.7%, and 100%, exhibited different geometric morphometrics from those from ND using 10 typical landmarks and Morpho J software. Ralay culture also significantly affected the histology and ultrastructure of muscle fibers, as reflected by an increase in the muscle fiber density and decreases in the ratio of fiber area to gap, I band width, and sarcomere length in the relay culture fish compared to the ND fish. The relay culture fish showed low lipid content and high moisture content. Relay culture also significantly affected the levels of some nutritional composition, including deceases in the levels of hydrolyzed glycine, C16:0, C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c, Σn-6 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids), Fe (iron), Mn (manganese), and Co (cobalt), and increases in the levels of C20:5n3 (EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid), C22:6n3 (DHA, docosahexaenoic acid), C18:0, Σn-3/Σn-6 PUFA, Σn-3 PUFA, Al (aluminum), Se (selenium), Na (sodium), and Ca (calcium). The levels of taste substances such as guanosine monophosphate (GMP) and most flavor amino acids sharply declined after relay culture. However, the ratio of taste activity value (TAV) of ΣDAA to ΣBAA (delicious amino acids/bitter amino acids) in the DT and NJ fish was higher than that in the ND fish. Significant negative relationships between market price and quality parameters were found, including CF, crude lipid, C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c, Σn-6 PUFA, Fe, Mn, and TAV of GMP, whereas there were positive relationships between market price and 4 quality parameters such as L/H, moisture, Σn-3/Σn-6 PUFA, and the ratio of TAC of ΣDAA to ΣBAA. In conclusion, relay culture improved large yellow croaker quality by changes in morphological characteristics, nutritional quality, and tastes, which provides a theoretical basis for quality improvement.

Nutritional profiling and in silico analysis of pharmacological activities from local rice Pulu Mandoti fermented with Pleurotus spp.

Pulu Mandoti, a local red rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety popular among Sulawesi residents, has gained recognition for its perceived health benefits, especially as a preferred dietary option for individuals with diabetes or those seeking to prevent obesity. Given the increasing consumption of mushrooms, particularly Pleurotus species, renowned for their nutritional and medicinal attributes, this study delves into the transformative effects of Pleurotus spp. fermentation on Pulu Mandoti, the indigenous rice variety. Proximate analysis disclosed elevated dry matter (91.99 ± 0.61%), crude protein (8.55 ± 0.15%), and crude fat (1.34 ± 0.05%) in Pleurotus cystidiosus fermentation compared to Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus djamor. Concurrently, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities were notably improved in all Pleurotus fermentations. Pulu Mandoti fermented with P. cystidiosus outperformed other treatments, aligning with molecular docking results pinpointing 11-Eicosenoic acid, methyl ester, and butylated hydroxytoluene as optimal interactors with antioxidant receptors 5O0x and 2CKJ. Butylated hydroxytoluene demonstrated interactions with the antidiabetic receptor 2QV4, along with 9-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester. These compounds, previously unreported in Pleurotus, displayed promising attributes as antioxidants and antidiabetic agents. Furthermore, the investigation delved into the fatty acid profiles, emphasizing the diverse range of potential bioactive compounds in fermented Pulu Mandoti. The findings of this research present a potential functional food rich in natural antioxidants and antidiabetic compounds, highlighting the yet undiscovered capabilities of Pleurotus spp. fermentation in augmenting the nutritional composition and bioactivity of indigenous rice varieties, specifically Pulu Mandoti.

Nutritional compositions of native mudskipper (Apocryptes bato) fish influenced by sex: A first report on nutritional profiling of mudskipper in Bangladesh

Native mudskipper (Apocryptes bato) is a freshwater fish species found in the riverine coastal area of Bangladesh. However, nutritional compositions of this fish are still unknown. Thus, as pioneer report, the study aims to determine the chemical compositions, minerals content, amino acids and fatty acids profiles of male and female native mudskipper collected from the Payra River in Bangladesh. The results revealed that female mudskipper had significantly (p < 0.05) higher protein, lipid, ash and energy content in comparison to male mudskipper. The total essential amino acid (EAA) ratio in male (299.59 ± 3.90 mg/g) was observed to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) in contrast to female (250.86 2.04 mg/g) that maintains the FAO/WHO minimum guidance about 40 % for both sexes. With respect to fatty acids content, female were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 8.54 %) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 4.89 %) than in male of EPA (6.31 %) and DHA (3.60 %), respectively. However, male had significantly (p < 0.05) higher atherogenic (AI) and thrombogenic (TI) index in comparison to female. The lipid indices (p <0.05) HH, HPI, FLQ and ω-3/ω-6 ratio showed higher 1.14, 1.40, 15.04 and 3.76 for female that was little lower for the male 1.05, 1.21, 11.11 and 3.41, respectively. Female had significantly (p < 0.05) higher mineral levels than male. The study summarize that both male and female species are nutrient enriched including higher minerals, essential amino acids and lipid quality indices. Thus, it could be concluded that nutritionally both male and female mudskipper could be benefited for the human health.

Tomato pomace food waste from different variants as a high antioxidant potential resource

Pomaces obtained from three San Marzano tomato genotypes including the wild type (WT), Sun Black (SB), and colorless fruit epidermis (CL) were dried at 50 °C and analyzed for nutritional composition, total polyphenol (TPC), flavonoid (TFC) content, polyphenol qualitative profile, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and antimicrobial activity. Commercial dried tomato powder (CTRP) was included as a control. No differences were detected nutritionally, in TPC and antimicrobial activity, but significant changes were observed for TFC and TAC, underlying variation in the phenolic profile. SB pomace (SBP) had the highest TFC and TAC. LC-HRMS analysis showed a flavonoid-enriched profile in SBP besides the exclusive presence of anthocyanins, with petanin and negretein as the most abundant. Among flavonoids, quercetin-hexose-deoxyhexose-pentose, naringenin, and rutin were the major. Overall, we showed the potential of dried tomato pomace, especially SBP, as an extremely valuable waste product to be transformed into a functional ingredient, reducing the food industry waste.

Complex nitrogen sources from agro-industrial byproducts: impact on production, multi-stress tolerance, virulence, and quality of Beauveria bassiana blastospores.

Biological control through entomopathogenic fungi provides essential ecological services in the integrated management of agricultural pests. In the context of submerged liquid fermentation, the nutritional composition significantly influences the ecological fitness, virulence and quality of these fungi. This study specifically explores the impact of various complex organic nitrogen sources derived from agro-industrial byproducts on the submerged liquid fermentation of Beauveria bassiana, a versatile entomopathogenic fungus known for producing hydrophilic yeast-like blastospores. Notably, manipulating the nitrogen source during submerged cultivation can influence the quality, fitness, and performance of blastospores. This research identifies cottonseed flour as the optimal low-cost nitrogen source, contributing to increased production yields, enhanced multi-stress tolerance, heightened virulence with extended shelf life and long-term bioactivity. These findings deepen our understanding of the critical role of nitrogen compound selection in liquid media formulation, facilitating the production of ecologically fit and virulent blastospores for more effective pest biocontrol programs.