Presence Of Phytate Research Articles

The Iron and Calcium Availability and the Satiating Effect of Different Biscuits.

Biscuits are bakery products made with wheat flour. Wheat is a good source of minerals and dietary fibre, although the presence of phytate or other components could modify mineral availability. In addition, cereal-based products are usually characterised by high fibre content that can influence satiety. The objectives of this study were to evaluate both the iron and calcium availability and the satiety effect of different types of biscuits (traditional recipe vs. "Digestive") sold in the Spanish market, identifying whether the biscuit type could have effects on these parameters. Nutritional composition and the use of the generic descriptor "Digestive" of biscuits were collected from labels. Phytate and mineral contents were also measured. All samples were previously digested by a simulated process of the gastrointestinal conditions. The satiating effect of biscuits was evaluated according to VAS questionnaires. Results indicated that the mineral content and availability were different between types of biscuits (the traditional recipe showed the highest calcium concentration, while iron was higher in the "Digestive" type). However, mineral availability showed the highest percentages for both minerals, calcium and iron, in the Maria-type samples. Regardless of the different fibre content of both types of biscuits, and despite being higher in the Digestive type than in the Maria type, the satiety measures indicated that the Maria type had more effect on the food intake control. Thus, the descriptor "Digestive¨ in biscuits does not seem to be a marker of better nutritional quality, including parameters of effects on health such as mineral availability or satiety.

Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Properties of Chia Seeds from Latin American Countries.

In the last few decades, chia (Salvia hispanica L.) cultivation has expanded around the world, and the seeds have become well known due to their rich composition of nutrients and bioactive compounds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the physical, chemical, and nutritional profile of eight types of chia seeds grown in different Latin-American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, and Peru). The results showed that several nutritional parameters of the seeds, such as the protein content and amino acid profile, dietary fiber content, lipid content, mineral composition, and presence of phytate, depend on the location in which they were grown. Other parameters, such as ash content, fatty acid profile, or various physical parameters, were uniform across locations (except for color parameters). The results support the notion that the nutritional characteristics of seeds are determined by the seeds' origin, and further analysis is needed to determine the exact mechanisms that control the changes in the seed nutritional properties of chia seeds.

Phosphate Solubilizing and Phytate Degrading Streptomyces Isolates Stimulate the Growth and P Accumulation of Maize (Zea mays) Fertilized with Different Phosphorus Sources

Actinobacteria are involved in many soil processes related to plant growth, including the secretion of various bioactive products and nutrient cycling. The aim of this study was to characterize the plant growth promoting traits (phosphate solubilizing activity, phytate degradation ability and indolic compounds production, and organic acids secretion) of seven actinobacteria isolates and evaluate the effect of two selected rhizospheric Streptomyces on growth and phosphorus content of maize in presence of different phosphorus (P) sources (tri-calcium phosphate, triple super phosphate and calcium phytate). Phylogenetic analysis of partial 16S rRNA sequences showed that the Streptomyces isolates were clustered in two distinct separated groups. All Streptomyces isolates produced 2-ketogluconic acid and oxalic acid in fermentation medium supplemented with inorganic P sources, while in the presence of phytate, all isolates secreted 2-ketogluconic acid and malic acid. All the isolates were able to release inorganic P from insoluble phosphate sources and this behavior was negatively correlated with pH reduction. Phytate degradation raged from 1.65% to 95.2%, and total indole compound production ranged from 6.3 to 27.8 µg ml−1. The shoot dry weight, root dry weight, plant height, chlorophyll content and tissue P concentration were significantly (p < 0.05) increased by both inoculations with Streptomyces isolates and by the addition of different phosphorus sources, compared to their appropriate controls. The inoculation of Streptomyces isolates resulted in a significant increase in plant phosphorus content from different phosphate sources. Streptomyces sp. UTMC 1478 (Streptomyces sp. 63) and Streptomyces sp. 47 were suitable inoculants for increasing maize growth and P from soil amended with different phosphorus sources, indicating their potential use as plant growth-promoting phospho-bacteria.

Biochemical Studies of Different Parts of Afzelia Africana Smith

Phytochemical and proximate analysis was carried out on the seed, leaf, stem bark, stem, root bark and root of Afzelia Africana plant. This analysis revealed that phytochemical constituents were mostly predominant in the leaf and lower in other parts of the plant. Steroid was high in the root (0.49±0.01) and lower in the stem (0.04±0.01). Phytate content was high in the seed (0.40±0.03) and lower in the stem. Carbohydrate, protein, fats, ash and moisture content were high in the seed. Fibre was high in the stem (61.1±0.23) and lower in the seed (3.61±0.06). Vit. C (ascorbic acid) was the highest vitamin component in all the plant parts with leaf being the highest (12.69±1.02) and root having the lowest (2.64±1.24). The stem has the lowest content of Vit. A, Vit. B2, and Vit. B3. The seed has the highest calcium content (188.80±5.54) while the leaf has the lowest (28.84±0.25). Stem bark has the highest magnesium content (10.08±0.94) and lowest in the root (4.96±0.14). Potassium and phosphorus were high in the leaf (368.67±3.06) and low in the stem. Sodium was high in the seed (11.63±0.40) and lower in the root (5.23±0.23). This study shows that the seed of Afzelia africana has the highest biochemical content and could serve as a good food supplement for man and livestock. The presence of phytate is known to induce mineral-related deficiency, its consumption also provides protection against a variety of cancers via its antioxidant properties.

Phosphorus mobilization and improvement of crop agronomic performances by a new white-rot fungus Ceriporia lacerata HG2011.

Some soil microorganisms can mobilize unavailable phosphorus (P) in soils for plant use and increase P fertilizer efficiency. Thus, an abiotic P solubilization experiment and fungal incubation in solution and soil were conducted to investigate the mobilization of various P compounds by a new white-rot fungus Ceriporia lacerata HG2011. The crop agronomic performances were then evaluated in the winter barley-summer maize-winter wheat rotation field. Ceriporia lacerata HG2011 had a wide P mobilization spectrum and mobilized P by different mechanisms depending on P sources supplied in liquid culture. The chief mechanism employed by this fungus was the production of protons in mobilizing Ca3 (PO4 )2 , low-molecular-weight organic acids and other unknown substances in FePO4 and AlPO4 , phytase (an inducible enzyme in the presence of phytate) in phytate, and phosphatase in lecithin and ribonucleic acid, respectively. As a result of the large fungal biomass, P accumulated in the hypha should also be considered in the assessment of the fungal P mobilization, and not just only soluble inorganic P. As C. lacerata HG2011 colonized on and in the test soil, phosphatase and phytase activities were enhanced but pH decreased in the soil, leading to P mobilization. The application of this fungus mobilized soil P, increased crop P uptake and yields, and consecutively reduced P fertilizer use without yield sacrifices in the multiple crop rotation field. C. lacerata HG2011 showed a new use with respect to mobilizing soil P and reducing P fertilizer input in modern agriculture beyond medical purposes, environmental protection and biofuel production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Feeding Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal with Multienzyme on Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Economics of Production of Broiler Chicks

Background: Moringa leaves have wide range of medicinal value including antimicrobial property. Therefore, it could be an alternative of antibiotic growth promoters in poultry but the presence of phytate and other anti-nutrients can reduce the bioavailability of certain nutrients. Enzymes may reduce anti-nutrients effect, break down non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs), reduce intestinal viscosity and ultimately improve digestibility of nutrients by improving gut performance. An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal with multienzyme on the performance, carcass characteristics and economics of broiler chicks. Methods: Day-old, 150 broiler chicks (Vencobb-400) were randomly allotted to five treatment groups. The T1 i.e. control group was fed on basal diet, while, T2, T3, T4 and T5 treatment groups were supplemented with 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% of moringa leaf meal in combination with multienzyme @ 50g/100kg feed in the basal broiler starter and finisher ration, respectively.Result: Body weight gain was higher (P less than 0.01) in broilers fed diet supplemented with 1.5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) and multienzyme at 3 or 6 weeks of age. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) at the starter phase was recorded in the T2 group and over the entire period of the trial T4 treatment group had the best FCR. Significant increase in dressing yield percent and relative weight of giblet was observed in broilers fed diet with 1.5% level of moringa leaf meal and multienzyme. Supplementation of MOLM with multienzyme was profitable in terms of reduction in feed cost per kg gain. It was concluded that supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal @ 1.5% with multienzyme at 50g/100Kg dose in the diet was effective in improving the performance and net profit in broiler chicks.

Reevaluation of Phytase Action Mechanism in Animal Nutrition

The release of phosphorus from phytates occurs via sequential cleavage of phosphate groups. It was believed that, regardless of the properties of phytases, the rate of phytate dephosphorylation is limited by the first cleavage of any phosphate group. The position of the first cleaved-off phosphate group depending on the specificity of phytase. The inhibition of dephosphorylation initiation is not associated with the action mechanism of the enzyme and can be rather due to the insufficient phytase activity or low availability of phytates. The analysis of the transformations in the inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6)→inositol (I) reaction chain shows that IP6 dephosphorylation as a whole limits the phosphate group removal from I(1,2,5,6)P4 (third reaction from the beginning of hydrolysis of phosphate bonds in PA). The lower availability of nutrients in the presence of phytates is not due to action of phytates, but is caused by PA anions (IP6-3), which bind positively charged metal ions, amino acids, and proteins. The availability of nutrients increases as a result of the decrease in their binding caused by the decrease in the concentration of IP(6-3) anions under the action of phytases. Phytases added to feeds play a lesser role in the digestion of phytates compared to natural enzymes and complement their action. The concept of extra-phosphoric effect has no scientific justification, since phytases exhibit only the phosphohydrolase activity and are not able to catalyze other reactions.

Isolation and identification of phytase-producing Bacillus and Enterobacter species from Nigerian soils

The bioavailability of phosphorus and other nutrients in feed for monogastrics is restricted by the presence of phytate. Exogenous supply of phytase produced by bacteria and other microbes can enhance the bioavailability of these nutrients and reduce phosphorus pollution. The objective of the study was to isolate bacteria with phytase-producing potentials from soil; which may be employed for the bioavailability of phosphorus and other nutrients in feed for monogastrics in Nigeria. Top soil samples were collected from two dumpsites in Lagos, Nigeria and bacteria were isolated and screened for potentials to produce phytase. The isolates with phytase potential were primarily identified by their cultural and biochemical characteristics and then confirmed using the 16S rRNA sequencing, after which their expressed phytases were quantified. A total of six isolates belonging to three species were identified as phytase producers. Sequence data analyses revealed these to be Bacillus subtilis (2), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (3) and Enterobacter cloacae (1) with accession numbers MH879827 and MH879832; MH879828, MH879830 and MH879831; and MH879829 respectively. Phenotypic phytase activity was highest in E. cloacae ODS 29 (9.69 ± 0.04 U/ml) and least in B. subtilis ODS 10 (8.83 ± 0.02 U/ml). In conclusion, phytase-producing Bacillus and Enterobacter species were isolated and characterized from Nigerian soils. These bacteria species could be used in biotechnological applications.&#x0D; Keywords: Bacillus, Enterobacter, Monogastrics, Phylogenetic analysis, Phytase

Qualitative in vitro study on the degradation of mineral complexes in vegetables

Mechanisms of degradation and absorption of mineral complexes by the human digestive system are complex and still under investigation. The elaborate matrix of vegetables, and the presence of phytates and other inhibitors make study of these mechanisms difficult. In this qualitative study, extracts from freeze-dried savoy cabbage, broccoli, kale and spinach were subjected to digestion in vitro at pH 2.0 and pH 7.5 and analysed using SEC-ICP-MS. The results suggest that low molecular weight species (peak 6), related to the iron and zinc fractions, which appeared after acidic digestion in all vegetables, except in kale, were considerably reduced after digestion at pH 7.5. Low molecular weight species (peak 9), related to the phosphorus fraction, were present in all vegetables, except in kale, after alkaline digestion. While cabbage, broccoli and spinach showed similar degradation patterns, kale showed a different degradation behaviour.

Nutritional composition and bioavailability prediction calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium in Justicia galeopsis leaves in Côte d’Ivoire

Wild edible plants are known to make important contributions to the livelihoods of local communities of sub-Saharan Africa countries including Côte d’Ivoire. Some have an important nutritional intake. The aim of this study was to assess the physicochemical and nutritive properties of Justicia galeopsis leaves to ascertain its nutritional suitability as well as health benefits. J. galeopsis leaves were purchased at market in Abengougou Division. Physicochemical composition, micronutrients and antinutritional factors were determined. All results, based on dry matter, had indicated that J. galeopsis leaves were very rich in fiber (33.85%), protein (21.11%), vitamin B12 (4173.09 mg/kg) and vitamin C (892.17 mg/kg of fresh leaf) but low in fat (4.06%). The mineral elements contents were high (17.76%) with remarkable amount of potassium (103.08 g/kg), phosphorus (77.66 g/kg), calcium (59.87 g/kg), sodium (28.30 g/kg), iron (373.01 mg/kg), zinc (177.84 mg/kg) and manganese (128.57 mg/kg). The presence of phytate (33.83 mg/100g), oxalate (740.67 mg/100g) and tannin (66.33 mg/100g) were revealed. The molar ratios of [Phytate]/[Ca] (0.00), [Phytate]/[Zn] (0.15), [Phytate]/[Fe] (0.11) and [Oxalate]/[(Ca+Mg)] (0.07) indicate the high bioavailability for these minerals. This work revealed that J. galeopsis leaves are very nutritive. They could help cover people's nutritional needs and contribute to food security.© 2018 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Wild edible plants, Justicia galeopsis leaves, Abengourou Division, nutritional composition, anti-nutritional factors, mineral bioavailability

Bacterial-facilitated uranium transport in the presence of phytate at Savannah River Site

At the Department of Energy (DOE) managed Savannah River Site (SRS), uranium and other heavy metals continue to pose threats to the ecosystem health and processes. In the oxic soil of this site, uranium is present primarily as soluble salts of the uranyl ion (i.e., U(VI) or UO22+). Although UO22+ has a strong sorption to the soil, the mobile indigenous bacteria may facilitate its transport. On the contrary, precipitation of UO22+ with phosphate has been found to be an alternative remediation strategy. This research investigated the effects of mobile bacteria and phytate on UO22+ transport at SRS in column experiments. It was discovered that UO22+ can barely be mobilized by de-ionized water but can be significantly transported with the aid of mobile indigenous bacteria. UO22+ had the most facilitated transport observation when it reached equilibrium with the bacteria before the transport. When UO22+ and bacterial were introduced to the soil at the same time or UO22+ was pre-deposited in the soil, the facilitated transport was less pronounced. In the presence of phytate, bacterial-facilitated UO22+ transport was hindered. pH was found to play the key role for UO22+ immobilization in the presence of phytate. The immobilization of UO22+ with the addition of phytate increased with the increase of pH within the pH range of this study because of the impact of pH on the solubility of UO2(OH)2. Phytate promoted UO2--PO43- complex and/or [Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2] formation, leading to enhanced UO22+ immobilization in the SRS soil.

Improving wheat as a source of iron and zinc for global nutrition.

Wheat is the staple food crop in temperate countries and increasingly consumed in developing countries, displacing traditional foods. However, wheat products are typically low in bioavailable iron and zinc, contributing to deficiencies in these micronutrients in countries where wheat is consumed as a staple food. Two factors contribute to the low contents of bioavailable iron and zinc in wheat: the low concentrations of these minerals in white flour, which is most widely consumed, and the presence of phytates in mineral‐rich bran fractions. Although high zinc types of wheat have been developed by conventional plant breeding (biofortification), this approach has failed for iron. However, studies in wheat and other cereals have shown that transgenic (also known as genetically modified; GM) strategies can be used to increase the contents of iron and zinc in white flour, by converting the starchy endosperm tissue into a ‘sink’ for minerals. Although such strategies currently have low acceptability, greater understanding of the mechanisms which control the transport and deposition of iron and zinc in the developing grain should allow similar effects to be achieved by exploiting naturally induced genetic variation. When combined with conventional biofortification and innovative processing, this approach should provide increased mineral bioavailability in a range of wheat products, from white flour to wholemeal.

Effect of soaking and inositol phosphate content on in vitro mineral availability in edible seaweeds

Seaweeds are an ideal food-safe natural source of minerals with a potential use in human nutrition. However, the presence of phytate and different treatments before consumption could modify mineral availability. The content and in vitro mineral availability after a simulated gastrointestinal digestion of wakame (Undaria pinnatifida), nori (Porphyra spp.), sea salad (Ulva lactuca, Palmaria palmata, Undaria pinnatifida, Porphyra spp., Laminaria spp.), and sea spaghetti (Himanthalia elongata) were studied. Experiments were assessed after a soaking treatment of seaweeds with cold (20 °C) or hot (70 °C) water, as usually processing before eating. Moreover, inositol phosphate content was determined in the edible macroalgae and the molar ratio phytate/mineral was used as a predictor of the relative availability of minerals. Overall, edible analyzed seaweeds showed a high Ca, Fe, P, and K contents, highlighting wakame for all the studied minerals. In all cases, soaking in cold water showed the highest soluble and dialyzable mineral fractions. High content of phytic acid (IP6) was observed in sea salad (≈ 25 mg (100 g)−1); meanwhile, sea spaghetti showed the lowest IP6 content (3.9 mg (100 g)−1). The low molar ratios Phy/Ca and Phy/Zn obtained in seaweeds could indicate an adequate availability. However, ratios Phy/Fe could compromise the iron availability in wakame, nori, and sea spaghetti. Results obtained confirm that external factor such as soaking, gastrointestinal digestion, and inositol phosphates can affect the mineral availability. Consumption of edible seaweeds can be recommended for the necessary intake of available minerals and trace elements.

Distribution of Phytochemicals and Some Anti-nutrients in Selected Edible Mushrooms in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The present study was carried out to determine the phytochemical and anti nutritional composition of some selected edible mushrooms collected in Ekiti State, Nigeria such as Pleurotus sajor-caju, Termitomyces robustus, Lentinus squarosullus, Termitomyces microcarpous, Termitomyces clypeatus, Lentinus tuber-regium and Polyporus sp. The results of phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids (0.03-0.17%), saponin (0.03-0.12%), total phenols (0.12-4.32%), flavonoids (0.20-6.04%) and tannins (0.04-2.60%). The least concentration of all the phytochemicals was found in Polyporus sp. Results of anti nutrient screening revealed the presence of phytate (0.17-0.34mg/g), oxalate (1.87-4.04mg/g) and cyanide (0.05-0.27mg/g). Furthermore, results revealed significant differences in the phytochemical as well as anti nutritional composition of the mushrooms though some species had similar compositions. The obtained values of phytochemicals and anti nutrients were significantly lower in all the mushroom species compared to their toxic levels according to World Health Organization stipulated safe limits. Thus, the study suggests that all the mushroom species are very safe for consumption while the presence of alkaloids, saponins, phenols and flavonoids indicate medicinal potentials. Hence, screening and characterization of the secondary metabolites are required.

Production of Phytase, Amylase and Cellulase by Aspergillus, Rhizophus and Neurospora on Mixed Rice Straw Powder and Soybean Curd Residue

There is consensus that the presence of phytate in poultry diet negatively influence protein and energy utilization in poultry, and these influences could be enhanced by hydrolytic enzymes augmentation. The objective of study was to produce phytase, amylase and cellulase by Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus oryzae and Neurospora sitophila on solid state fermentation. Phytase production ability was first determined on submerge fermentation (SmF) using glucose as the main C-sources and on solid-state fermentation (SSF). The media composition for phytase production were a combination of rice straw powder and soybean curd residue at ratio of 0-100 % w/w. Maximum enzyme activities were observed at 96 h of incubation. SSF produced higher phytase than SmF. Maximum phytase production was achieved by N. sitophila (195.66 U/g) followed by A. niger and R. oryzae. Best media formula was 30:70 w/w of rice straw powder and soybean curd residue, respectively. At the same media formulation, the highest amylase was obtained by A. niger (141.85/g) followed by R. oryzae and N. sitophila. While for cellulase A. niger (92.0 U/g) followed by N. sitophila and R. oryzae. The ability of A. niger, R. oryzae and N. sitophila to produce phytase, amylase and cellulase on mixed substrate containing rice straw powder and soybean curd residue implies that those isolates are potential for hydrolytic production for poultry feed.

Nutrient Composition of Cereals-based Complementary Flour and its Nutritional Adequacy in Infants Nutrition

Evaluation of the quality of complementary flour and its nutritional adequacy in relation to infant’s nutritional requirements was done to four different types of complementary flour (composite cereals with groundnuts, maize, millet and sorghum). The collected samples were analysed for determination of macronutrient, micronutrients and phytate content. The mean protein content in all types of complementary flour was 7.30 ± 2.52 g/100 g. A significant difference in protein content between composite cereals (p ≤ 0.001) and other types of cereals-based foods was observed. Fat and iron content were found to be inadequate in all types of complementary flours. Phytate content ranged from 59.47 - 1176.8 mg/100 g, the highest content was observed in sorghum. On the other hand, the mean iron and zinc content in all types of complementary flour was 5.25 ± 1.35 mg/100 g and 2.99 ± 1.36 mg/100 g respectively. The molar ratios of phytate:iron and phytate:zinc were at a level that would tend to inhibit bioavailability of iron and zinc in 97% and 45% of analysed samples respectively. An association between anaemia and phytate:iron molar ratio (AOR = 4.2, 95%, 1.2 - 6.9) was observed. The quality and adequacy of nutrients in cereal-based complementary flour has shown to be inadequate and likely to be compromised by the presence of phytate.

Phytate dephosphorylation by Lactobacillus pentosus CFR3

SummaryStudies on phytate‐degrading enzymes from lactobacilli are scarce, despite its potential in improving the nutritional quality of plant‐based foods. Therefore, the current investigation deals with the phytate‐degrading enzyme produced by a native Lactobacillus pentosus strain. Phytase activity was highest towards the end of the exponential phase. Activity increased in the presence of maltose (381.1%) compared with glucose. The presence of phytate in the media stimulated the enzyme production. The enzyme of interest was a 70 kDa protein with a pH and temperature optima of 5.0 and 55–60 °C, respectively. It retained 46% of activity after exposure to 70 °C for 20 min and also showed broad substrate specificity. It was completely inhibited by Hg2+, Fe2+ and PMSF while being activated by Co2+. This report is the first to show dephytinisation of autoclaved finger millet flour either by fermentation with L. pentosus or by treatment with the corresponding cell‐free extract.

Imaging Organophosphate and Pyrophosphate Sequestration on Brucite by in Situ Atomic Force Microscopy

In order to evaluate the organic phosphorus (OP) and pyrophosphate (PyroP) cycle and their fate in the environment, it is critical to understand the effects of mineral interfaces on the reactivity of adsorption and precipitation of OP and PyroP. Here, in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to directly observe the kinetics of coupled dissolution-precipitation on cleaved (001) surfaces of brucite [Mg(OH)2] in the presence of phytate, glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) and pyrophosphate, respectively. AFM results show that the relative order of contribution to mineral surface adsorption and precipitation is phytate > pyrophosphate > G6P under the same solution conditions and can be quantified by the induction time of OP/PyroP-Mg nucleation in a boundary layer at the brucite-water interface. Calculations of solution speciation during brucite dissolution in the presence of phytate or pyrophosphate at acidic pH conditions show that the solutions may reach supersaturation with respect to Mg5H2Phytate.6H2O as a Mg-phytate phase or Mg2P2O7 as a Mg-pyrophosphate phase that becomes thermodynamically stable before equilibrium with brucite is reached. This is consistent with AFM dynamic observations for the new phase formations on brucite. Direct nanoscale observations of the transformation of adsorption/complexation-surface precipitation, combined with spectroscopic characterizations and species simulations may improve the mechanistic understanding of organophosphate and pyrophosphate sequestration by mineral replacement reactions through a mechanism of coupled dissolution-precipitation occurring at mineral-solution interfaces in the environment.

Comparison of Neurospora crassa and Neurospora sitophila for phytase production at various fermentation temperatures

Kanti A, Sudiana IM. 2016. Comparison of Neurospora crassa and Neurospora sitophila for phytase production at various fermentation temperatures. Biodiversitas 17: 769-775. There is general consensus that the presence of phytate in poultry negatively influences protein in and energy utilization by poultry, and these influences would be mitigated by augmentation of hydrolytic enzymes. The objective of this study was to evaluate phytase production by Neurospora crassa and Neurospora sitophila on solid state fermentation. The isolates were isolated from oncom Bogor. Phytase production ability was first determined on submerge fermentation (SmF) using glucose as the main C-sources, and on solid state fermentation (SSF) on media containing maize 30%, soybean 30%, and rice brand 40% w/w. Maximum enzyme activities were observed at 96 h incubation. SSF produce higher phytase than SmF. Optimum temperature for phytase production was 35°C. Highest phytase production by Neurospora crassa was 45.25 Unit per g substrate, while 40.78 Unit per g substrate was produced by Neurospora sitophila. Peptone and yeast extract were good N-sources for both isolates. Starch supplement increased phytase activity. Increased amylase activity was also observed when starch supplement was added on SSF. This study proves that Neurospora crassa and Neurospora sitophila can be used to produce phytase for better poultry nutrition. Keywords: Neurospora crassa, Neurospora sitophila, phytase, solid state fermentation

Cow's milk proteins allergy: the latest on therapy

The progressive increase in incidence in cow’s milk proteins allergy (CMPA) in the past decades required primary prevention strategies for children at high-risk. Evidence of the role of gut microbiota in promoting the maturation of the immune system during early life encouraged supplementing the diet with probiotics in order to facilitate tolerance and delay or prevent sensitization. The efficacy of this strategy has not been consistently proven [1]. Breastfeeding is the most common therapeutic approach to CMPA in infants, although recent data showed that human milk has no effect on the development of allergy [2]. Use of special formulas is recommended in infants who are allergic or at high risk for CMPA. Extensively hydrolysed formulas (eHF) are the first therapeutic option. Amino acid-based formulas (AAFs) are recommended in infants who fail to respond to eHF, or have poor growth and IgE-mediated gastrointestinal disorders, or severe atopic eczema [3]. Hydrolysed formulas that do not originate from CMP are tolerated in 90% of children with CMPA. Use of soy milk is contraindicated in the first six months of life because of allergenic proteins and the presence of phytates and phytoestrogens [4]. The primary therapy for CMPA remains a strict avoidance of CMP, which promotes natural acquisition of tolerance in 80% of cases within the first 3 years of life. When the reintroduction of food causes severe clinical manifestations, diet restriction cannot be considered a solution, but instead exposes the infant to the constant danger of accidental exposure. Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) in food allergy requires the oral administration of increasing amounts of food up to a target dose, with the aim of reaching tolerance acquisition, which is considered complete when it is fully dose-independent[5]. OIT guidelines are not yet available. In severe, IgE-mediated clinical reactions to CMP, the combined therapy with Omalizumab, before and during “rush” OIT, reduced the number of severe adverse reactions and the duration of therapy while enhancing the possibilities of tolerance acquisition [6]. The use of Interferon-gamma (IFN-g) administered subcutaneously, as adjuvant in oral immunotheraphy (OIT + IFN- g), is a recent treatment. Unlike Omalizumab, the efficacy of IFN-g has been demonstrated in non-IgE-mediated food allergy. IFN-g seems to play a key role in the induction of tolerance but not in its maintenance. In studies on IgE-mediated CMPA, duration of treatment in patients with combined therapy (OIT + IFN-g) is 2-3 months compared to 6-12 months for patients treated exclusively with OIT [7].