Oil-holding Capacity Research Articles

Process Modeling and Convective Drying Optimization of Raspberry Pomace as a Fiber-Rich Functional Ingredient: Effect on Techno-Functional and Bioactive Properties

This study aimed to transform raspberry pomace, a by-product of the berry industry, into a sustainable, fiber-rich functional ingredient using convective drying. Drying experiments were conducted at temperatures of 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 °C to identify the optimal conditions that balance process efficiency and preservation of functional and bioactive properties. The best results were achieved at 70 °C, where a high drying rate (DR) of 0.46 kg H2O·kg−1 db·min−1, effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) of 1.53 × 10−10 m2·s−1, and activation energy (Ea) of 34.90 kJ·mol−1 were observed. The Page model accurately represented the drying behavior (R2 = 0.9965−0.9997). Total dietary fiber (TDF) content remained stable across temperatures (52.52–64.76 g·100 g−1 db), while soluble dietary fiber (SDF) increased by 43.40%, resulting in a solubility (SOL) of 71.8%, water-holding capacity (WHC) of 8.2 mL·g−1 db, and oil-holding capacity (OHC) of 3.0 mL·g−1 db. High retention of bioactive compounds was achieved at 70 °C, including phenolics (32.10 mg GAE·g−1 db) and anthocyanins (25.84 mg C3G·g−1 db), resulting in significant antioxidant activities (DPPH: 33.29 mg AAE·g−1 db, IC50 0.016 mg·mL−1; ABTS: 35.85 mg AAE·g−1 db, IC50 0.029 mg·mL−1). These findings demonstrated the potential of convective drying at 70 °C to efficiently transform raspberry pomace into a high-quality functional ingredient. This process promotes sustainable production and waste reduction in the berry industry.

Effect of electron beam irradiation treatment on microstructure, physicochemical properties, and bioactive content of areca nut.

Electron beam irradiation treatment is a novel technology that uses low-dose ionizing radiation for the treatment of crops or food to enhance their quality. This study investigated the effects of electron beam irradiation on the microstructure, physicochemical properties, and bioactive compounds of areca nuts. As the irradiation dose increased, the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content in the areca nuts decreased significantly, whereas the polysaccharide and pectin content increased gradually. The hardness, chewiness, and adhesiveness of areca nuts reached their lowest values when the irradiation dose was within the range of 6-9 kGy, indicating that irradiation effectively reduced the hardness of the areca nut fibers. The decrease in crystallinity led to the formation of loose structures in the fibers upon irradiation, thereby improving their water retention, expansion, and oil-holding capacity, which are beneficial for the subsequent processing of areca nut-based chewable products. The water- and oil-holding capacities of the areca nuts peaked when the irradiation dose was within the 6-9 kGy range. Electron irradiation also affected the content of active substances in the areca nuts, particularly alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, showing an overall trend of initial increase followed by subsequent decrease. Electron irradiation was not only effective in softening the fibers but it also impacted the overall quality of the areca nuts significantly. The results provide valuable reference data for improving the quality of areca nuts through electron beam irradiation technology. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Structure and functionality of Pleurotus geesteranus protein isolate as a function of pH.

Edible mushroom proteins hold great potential for food applications, but those extracted using the alkaline extraction-acid precipitation method typically exhibit poor solubility in neutral water, with the structural changes during acid precipitation remaining unclear. In this study, Pleurotus geesteranus protein isolate (PGPI) with high water solubility was prepared with alkaline extraction, followed by dialysis and freeze-drying, and the effects of pH on the structural and functional properties of PGPI were systematically investigated. PGPI was enriched in essential and aromatic amino acids, and the molecular weight of bands in the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profile was mainly distributed below 45kDa. The zeta potential of PGPI changed from +16.84 to 17.58mV when the pH increased from 2 to 9, with a pI of 4.3. At pH 7, PGPI showed a size of 232.7nm. Away from pH 7, the particle size of PGPI increased. When the pH decreased from 7 to 2, PGPI exhibited a lower α-helix structure content and a higher β-sheet content and a gradual decrease in fluorescence intensity. In addition, as the pH approached 4, H0 and the content of SS group increased to a peak. These results indicated that lowering the pH induced the development of more ordered protein structure, which could be the primary reason for the poor water solubility of P. geesteranus protein obtained through alkaline extraction and acid precipitation. Additionally, these structural changes result in alterations to its functional properties, including water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, foaming capacity, foaming stability, emulsion activity index, and emulsion stability index.

Enzymatic production and physicochemical and functional properties of sorghum protein isolates.

Grain sorghum has emerged as a promising source for producing alternative proteins, yet current extraction methods lack efficiency. In this study, a novel enzymatic approach using α-amylase and cellulase on sorghum materials was developed to address this challenge. Comparisons were made among the proteins isolated from dry-milled sorghum flours, wet-milled sorghum gluten meals, and sorghum dried distiller's grains (DDG). Remarkably, proteins obtained from sorghum gluten meals demonstrated the highest protein purity (83-85 %) and recovery rate (92-93 %), followed by those from sorghum flour (purity 75-76 %) and DDG (purity 45-50 %). Physicochemical properties and functionalities of the isolated sorghum proteins were analyzed and compared with common commercial plant proteins (e.g., soy protein isolate, pea protein isolate, and wheat gluten). Sorghum proteins exhibited higher levels of crude fat content, α-helix, and random coil structures, along with higher surface hydrophobicity and oil holding capacity (OHC) compared to the commercial plant protein isolates. Notably, proteins extracted from sorghum flours displayed slightly higher α-helix and random coil structures, total sulfhydryl content, water holding capacity (WHC), OHC, and protein digestibility compared to proteins isolated from sorghum gluten meals. Overall, this study demonstrates that enzymatic processing is feasible in producing sorghum proteins and provides insights into their basic properties and functionalities.

Physicochemical and processing properties and in vitro fecal fermentation characteristics of Prunus cerasifera Ehrhart polysaccharide

Prunus cerasifera Ehrhart fruit polysaccharide (PCP) was obtained after determining the optimal extraction conditions for complex enzyme-assisted hot buffer extraction based on single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, followed by characterization of its physicochemical, processing, rheological, and biological properties. PCP was a thermally stable carbohydrate with acidic functional groups and a molecular weight of 1398.69 kDa, exhibiting smooth, dense flake and honeycomb network microstructures. PCP had favorable hygroscopicity, moisturizing properties, water and oil-holding capacity, proemulsification capability, and in vitro antioxidant activity. The apparent viscosity of PCP in an aqueous system was dependent on concentration and temperature and was altered by the variety and amount of metal ions added; its aqueous solutions exhibited strong viscosity and hydrogel-forming tendencies at suitable concentrations, along with excellent hydrogel properties after gelation. Furthermore, PCP favored the growth of beneficial gut microbiota and associated microbes responsible for producing essential short-chain fatty acids. Overall, PCP displayed high potential as a multifunctional additive for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Effect of γ-irradiation combined with enzymatic modification on the physicochemical properties of defatted rice bran dietary fiber

This study comprehensively examines how combining γ-irradiation and enzymatic modification influences the microstructure and physicochemical properties of dietary fiber (DF) obtained from defatted rice bran. The resulting yields of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) were measured at 13.38 ± 0.40 g/100 g and 52.19 ± 0.97 g/100 g, respectively. The modifications led to a diminish in particle size, an increase in specific surface area, and an improvement in water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, swelling capacity, glucose adsorption capacity, and cholesterol adsorption capacity. Furthermore, the modified DF exhibited enhanced anti-digestive properties and probiotic activity. Cluster and principal component analysis results revealed that the modified SDF exhibited superior functional properties. Correlation analysis indicated a noticeable relationship between the monosaccharide composition of DF and its functional characteristics. These findings suggest that γ-irradiation combined with enzymatic modification represents a viable approach for enhancing the quality of rice bran DF.

Comparative study of physicochemical and structural properties of plant proteins hydrolyzed by different

This study used trypsin to hydrolyze soybean protein isolate (SPI), Cyperus esculentus protein (CEP), Wheat gluten protein (WGP), and flaxseed protein (FP) to varying extents, comparing the structure and physicochemical properties of four plant proteins as well as their enzymatic hydrolysates. Results indicate SPI's surface hydrophobicity rises with hydrolysis, whereas CEP's decreases. Additionally, all four plant proteins exhibit improved essential amino acid content and oil-holding capacity as hydrolysis progresses. The CEP with a 20% degree of hydrolysis achieved the optimal oil holding capacity, reaching 10.2 g/g. SPI demonstrated superior foam capacity. As the degree of hydrolysis increased, foam stability varied among the four proteins. The CEP hydrolyzed to 10% exhibited the highest emulsifying activity index, achiving a value of 60 m2/g. Additionally, the emulsifying stability index of CEP hydrolysates significantly improved as the degree of hydrolysis increased. According to the DPPH• assay, both CEP and their enzymatic hydrolysate had the highest free radical scavenging rate. These findings provided a theoretical basis and empirical evidence for the use and adaptation of plant protein hydrolysates as a promising and environmentally sustainable source of plant-derived peptides in food processing reaprocessing.

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

Sunflower receptacles are the main by-product of the processing of Helianthus annuus L. 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. 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 < 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 < 0.05 or p < 0.01) and increased the fecal water content (p < 0.05). The high-dose group significantly promoted the intestinal peristalsis of mice (p < 0.05). From hematoxylin-eosin (H&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. 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.

Unveiling a novel exopolysaccharide produced by Pseudomonas alcaligenes Med1 isolated from a Chilean hot spring as biotechnological additive

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs), a constitutive part of bacterial biofilm, act as a protecting sheath to the extremophilic bacteria and are of high industrial value. In this study, we elucidate a new EPS produced by thermotolerant (growth from 34–44 °C) strain Pseudomonas alcaligenes Med1 from Medano hot spring (39.1 °C surface temperature, pH 7.1) located in the Central Andean Mountains of Chile. Bacterial growth was screened for temperature tolerance (10–60 °C) to confirm the thermotolerance behaviour. Physicochemical properties of the EPS were characterized by different techniques: Scanning Electron Microscopy- Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Whole genome of P. alcaligenes Med1 has also been studied in detail to correlate the structural and functional characteristics with genomic insight. The EPS demonstrated amorphous surface roughness composed of evenly distributed macromolecular lumps composed of mainly carbon and oxygen. The monosaccharide analysis has shown the presence of glucose, galactose, and mannose sugars at different ratios. TGA revealed the high thermal stability (315.3 °C) of the polysaccharide. The GPC has shown that Med1 is a low molecular weight polysaccharide (34.8 kDa) with low PI. The 2D-NMR linkage analysis suggests a diverse array of glycosidic bonds within the exopolysaccharide structure. The functional properties of the EPS were evaluated for food industry applications, specifically for antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP an H2O2). Extracted Med1 EPS revealed significant emulsification activity against different food grade vegetative oils (Coconut oil, Corn oil, Canola oil, Avocado oil, Sunflower oil, Olive oil, and Sesame oil). The highest 33.9% flocculation activity was observed with 60 mg L−1 EPS concentration. It showed water-holding (WHC) of 107.6% and oil-holding (OHC) capacity of 110.8%. The functional EPS produced by Pseudomonas alcaligenes Med1 from Central Andean Chilean hot spring of central Chile can be a useful additive for the food-processing industry.

Influence of oil base and gelling agent on the performance of oil gels

Abstract Oil gels, as a novel delivery system, have broad prospects in carrying nutrients and active substances. It has been found that the properties of oil gels are closely related to the types of oil bases and gelling agents used. In this study, soybean oil, sesame oil, and coconut oil were used as oil bases, while ethyl cellulose (EC), monoglycerides (MG), herbal extracts (HE), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-xanthan gum (HPMC-XG) were used as gelling agents to prepare different oil gels. The performance of the oil gels was evaluated based on appearance, microstructure, viscosity, oil-holding capacity, and drug-loading capability.

Influence of fermentation with lactic bacteria on the structure, functional properties and antioxidant activity of flaxseed gum

Flaxseed meal is a by-product of flaxseed oil extraction. In this research, lactic acid bacteria suitable for modification of flaxseed gum were screened based on cellulase activity and the extraction rate of flaxseed gum. The enzyme-weight method was employed to extract flaxseed gum (SDF). The influences of fermentation modification on the extraction yield, structure, function, and antioxidant activity of flaxseed gum was investigated. Based on the enzyme-producing activity and extraction rate, Lactobacillus plantarum (LP-3), Bacillus paracaetocasei (KLDS-82), and Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAC-11) were identified as the most suitable strains for modifying flaxseed gum. The results indicated that the extraction yield of flaxseed gum was 18.45 % ± 0.2 % after fermentation with KLDS-82, which was significantly higher than that of the unmodified group. After fermentation, the microstructure of flaxseed gum became looser and more porous. The characteristic absorption peak of polysaccharide was observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the crystallization area was reduced. Simultaneously, its swelling capacity, water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, and other physicochemical properties have also been enhanced. The glucose adsorption capacity, cholesterol adsorption capacity, sodium cholic acid adsorption capacity, cation exchange capacity, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, and antioxidant properties of SDF modified by Bacillus paracaetocasei (F-SDF) were significantly higher than those of Lactobacillus acidophilus modified SDF (S-SDF), Lactobacillus plantarum modified SDF (Z-SDF), and unmodified SDF (U-SDF). In conclusion, the modification effect of KLDS-82 is the most remarkable. Therefore, it can be utilized as a functional raw material in food.

Fungal fermentation improves the nutritional quality, flavor characteristic and physicochemical property of highland barley bran

Highland barley bran (HBB), as a by-product during the milling of highland barley, is under-utilized. Food-grade fungi R. oligosporus and A. elegans were used in this study to improve the food quality of HBB. Macromolecular nutrients were converted into small molecules during fermentation, which was further identified by scanning electron microscope (SEM), particle size, and metabolite analysis. The insoluble fibers were effectively bio-transformed into the soluble form, inducing significant improvements in the bran’s physicochemical properties including water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, water solubility, and swelling capacity. The antioxidant activity of HBB was also enhanced by fungal fermentation due to the increased phenolics released by fungal enzymes. SPME-GC-MS analysis demonstrated that the HBB’s flavors were significantly improved by fungal fermentation due to the increased alcohols, hydrocarbons, and esters. Additionally, R. oligosporus fermentation tended to release phenolics to achieve high antioxidant activities, and A. elegans fermentation preferred to improve physicochemical properties to enhance the processing applicability of HBB, which were mainly due to their individualized metabolic pathways triggered during fermentation. In conclusion, fermentation with probiotic fungi significantly improved the food quality and processing applicability of HBB, implying a high application potential of fermented HBB to develop functional foods.

Modification of pepper seed protein isolate to improve its functional characteristic by high hydrostatic pressure

Pepper seed protein isolate (PSPI) is a valuable plant-based protein source, yet the impact of processing methods such as high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on its properties remains unclear. The impact of HHP on the structural and functional properties of PSPI at pH 7 and pH 9 was evaluated. Structural changes in PSPI were analyzed using spectral techniques, revealing significant alterations in the secondary and tertiary structures induced by HHP treatment. HHP treatment caused the unfolding of the PSPI structure, leading to the exposure of previously hidden chromophores and hydrophobic groups. The treatment also led to changes in free sulfhydryl groups and increased average particle size suggesting the formation of macromolecular polymers or insoluble aggregates. Consequently, the water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, foaming characteristics, and emulsifying activity index of the modified PSPI were significantly enhanced both at pH 7 and pH 9, with maximum improvements of 121.98 %, 157.29 %, 100.00 %, and 265.78 %, respectively. In conclusion, HHP is a promising strategy for enhancing the physicochemical properties of PSPI for various applications.

Functionality enhancement of pea protein isolate through cold plasma modification for 3D printing application

Pea protein isolate (PPI) is a valued sustainable protein source, but its relatively poor functional properties limit its applications. This study reports on the effects of cold argon plasma (CP) treatment of a 15 % (w/w) PPI solution on the functionality, structure, and oxidative characteristics of PPI, as well as its application in 3D-printed plant-based meat. Results indicate that hydroxyl radicals and high-energy excited-state argon atoms are the primary active substances. A decrease in free sulfhydryl content and an increase in carbonyl content were observed in treated PPI, indicating oxidative modification. Compared to the control group, the gel strength of PPI was increased by 62.5 % and the storage modulus was significantly improved after 6 min treatment, forming a more ordered and highly cross-linked 3D gel network. Additionally, CP significantly improved the water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, emulsifying activity, and emulsion stability of PPI. The α-helix and random coil content in PPI decreased, while the β-sheet content increased, resulting in a more ordered secondary structure after CP treatment. Compared to untreated PPI, the consistency coefficient (K) increased from 36.00 to 47.68 Pa·sn. The treated PPI exhibited higher apparent viscosity and storage modulus and demonstrated better 3D printing performance and self-supporting ability. This study demonstrates that CP can significantly enhance the functional properties of PPI, providing great potential and prospects for improving the printability of 3D printing materials and developing plant protein foods with low-allergenicity.

Obtaining a fiber-rich ingredient from blueberry pomace through convective drying: Process modeling and its impact on techno-functional and bioactive properties

This study aimed to optimize the convective drying of blueberry pomace (BP) to enhance fiber functionality and bioactive compound retention. BP was dried at 50−90 °C with an airflow of 2.5 m s−1. Drying kinetics were modeled using five mathematical models, with the Page model showing the highest accuracy (R2 = 0.9965−0.9996). Higher temperatures increased drying rates (3.7 × 10−3 to 1.2 × 10−2 kg H2O kg−1 db min−1) and moisture diffusivity (4.00 × 10−8 to 2.17 × 10−7 m2 s−1), with an activation energy of 39.55 kJ mol−1. Total dietary fiber remained stable (20.85 ± 0.17 g 100 g−1 db), while soluble fiber increased (3.11–4.66 g 100 g−1 db) with temperature. Water- and oil-holding capacities decreased (10.86–8.61 mL g−1 db and 3.85 to 3.44 mL g−1 db, respectively). The highest total phenolic content (13.65 ± 0.12 mg GAE g−1 db) and antioxidant activity (6.65 mg AAE g−1 db for DPPH) were observed at 70 °C. Energy consumption decreased significantly (13.88–6.95 kW h−1), leading to reduced CO2 emissions. This study demonstrates the effective use of the Page model to optimize convective drying at 70 °C, reducing production costs by 47% and highlighting its potential to produce fiber-rich ingredients from BP with enhanced techno-functional and bioactive properties.

Extraction optimisation and characterisation of Artocarpus integer peel pectin by malonic acid-based deep eutectic solvents using response surface methodology

Traditional pectin extraction methods involve strong acids, which are environmentally harmful. This study explores an innovative approach using Malonic Acid (MA)-based Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) to extract pectin from Artocarpus integer Peel (AIPP), optimised through Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The extracted AIPP-A and AIPP-B from ChCl-MA and ChDHCit-MA DES, respectively, were characterised for yield, pH, solubility, Degree of Esterification (DE), Water and Oil Holding Capacity (WHC and OHC). The experimental values aligned with RSM model predictions, with low standard deviations: 0.7300 for ChCl-MA and 0.1531 for ChDHCit-MA. Optimal extraction conditions for AIPP-A were 3.27 % ChCl-MA, 1.28 h extraction time, 50.44 °C temperature, and a 1:40 g/mL solid-to-liquid ratio. For AIPP-B, the conditions were 4.95 % ChDHCit-MA, 2.04 h extraction time, 79.65 °C temperature, and a 1:50 g/mL solid-to-liquid ratio. ChCl-MA yielded 30.97 % AIPP, which was higher than that of ChDHCit-MA (27.99 %). Both AIPP demonstrated desirable properties such as low pH, high solubility, and significant DE. AIPP-A exhibited a greater DE (58.40 %) compared to AIPP-B (32.4 %) contributed to its lower WHC and higher OHC. In conclusion, RSM-based optimisation of AIPP extraction with DES is effective in producing pectin that is suitable for use as a gelling agent, preservative, and stabiliser in the food industry.

Effect of Solid-State Fermentation of Hericium erinaceus on the Structure and Physicochemical Properties of Soluble Dietary Fiber from Corn Husk.

Corn husk, a by-product of corn starch production and processing, contains high-quality dietary fiber (DF). Our study compares and analyzes the impact of Hericium erinaceus solid-state fermentation (SSF) on the structure and physicochemical characteristics of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) of corn husks. The study also investigates the kinetics of SSF of H. erinaceus in this process. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results revealed significant structural changes in corn husk SDF before and after fermentation, with a significant elevation in the functional group numbers. The data indicate that the fermented corn husk SDF's water-holding, swelling, and oil-holding capacities increased to 1.57, 1.95, and 1.80 times those of the pre-fermentation SDF, respectively. Additionally, the results suggest that changes in extracellular enzyme activity and nutrient composition during SSF of H. erinaceus are closely associated with the mycelium growth stage, with a mutual promotion or inhibition relationship between the two. Our study offers a foundation for corn husk SDF fermentation and is relevant to the bioconversion of maize processing by-products.

Effects of different oxidation methods on the functional properties and gel characteristics of hazelnut proteins

SummaryThis study aimed to investigate the effects of different oxidation modes on the functional and gel properties of hazelnut proteins. The solubility of hazelnut protein showed a small trend when the oxidation level was low, and it decreased significantly with the increase in concentration. The maximum value of water‐holding capacity (WHC), emulsifying activity index (EAI), and emulsion stability index (ESI) was 343.33%, 56.00 m2 g−1, and 75.85 min at AAPH concentration of 1.0 mmol L−1, respectively. The functional properties of hazelnut proteins, except oil‐holding capacity (OHC), gradually reduced with the increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. H2O2 modified improved OHC, foaming capacity, foam stability, and EAI of hazelnut proteins, whereas WHC and ESI gradually decreased. The results of the secondary structure of hazelnut protein gels indicated a high ratio of α‐helix and β‐fold of the gels. Also, the increase in oxidation led to an increase in the gels' voids. Also, oxidation led to a rough and loose network structure of hazelnut protein gels. These results suggested that peroxyl radical, hydroxyl radical, and MDA produced during lipid peroxidation affected the interfacial properties of hazelnut protein and disrupted the formation of hazelnut protein gel, thus affecting the quality of hazelnut protein.

Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of soluble dietary fiber (β-glucan) from different barley varieties and study of its characterization and functional attributes.

Green technology, encompassing sustainable practices in food production, extends to dietary fiber extraction. This study aimed to enhance dietary fiber extraction from the selected barley varieties (Jou-17, Sultan-17, and Pearl-21) using the ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) technique. This process involved washing, drying, de-fatting (using ethanol as green solvent), and protein removal steps. The response surface methodology (RSM) technique was used to optimize the yield of soluble dietary fiber (SDF; β-glucan) with time, temperature, and power. Optimal conditions yielded the highest SDF (5.21%) in all selected varieties after 17.5 min at 41.70°C with 130.5 W. FTIR pattern confirmed the functional group in the tested sample. TGA and DSC spectra determined the thermal of SDF (β-glucan). Monosaccharide composition confirmed that SDF (β-glucan) is glucose in nature. Proximate analysis indicated that Jou-17 had the highest moisture (13.4%) and crude fiber (10.10%) content. Sultan-17, on the other hand, had the maximum levels of ash (2.75%), crude fat (1.22%), and protein (8.84%). The NFE, water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, and foaming capacity of extracted SDF (β-glucan) in the "Pearl-21" barley variety were determined to be 78.37%, 14.07 g/g, 6.99 g/g, and 126.17%, whereas highest foaming-stability (96.26%) was observed in Jou-17 variety. PCA also confirmed the association in studied variables. In a nutshell, optimizing the extraction of SDF (β-glucan) from the selected barley varieties using green technology and its favorable properties opens up promising paths for future endeavors and contributes to the advancement of sustainable and health-conscious practices in the food industry.

Regulation in protein hydrophobicity via whey protein-zein self-assembly for improving the techno-functional properties of protein

This work aims to verify the feasibility of improving protein function by regulating its hydrophobicity and reveal the relationship between structure and function. Whey protein (WP) and zein were the source of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polypeptide chains to prepare complex proteins (CPs) with much different structure and function. The results showed that the water- and oil-holding capacities, emulsifying properties and gel properties of CPs can be significantly improved via changing WP-zein ratio. All these can be attributed to the changes in protein hydrophobicity, which not only regulated the binding strength of protein to water and oil, but also modified their molecular structure (surface characteristics, availability of free thiols, α-helix, β-sheet, random coil and the formation of disulfide bonds). Notably, optimal protein hydrophobicity varies greatly among different functional properties. Overall, the techno-functional properties of protein can be improved via tuning its hydrophobicity, which may provide novel sights in protein modification.