Digestion Process Research Articles

A fluorescence-electrochemical dual-mode aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection of lead based on exonuclease-catalyzed recycling and hybridization chain reaction amplification

To improve the accuracy and reliability of the detection system, this study combined the exonuclease-assisted autocatalytic target cycling fluorescence strategy with an electrochemical platform to establish a dual-mode fluorescence-electrochemical aptasensor for the ultra-sensitive quantification of lead ion (Pb2+). In the fluorescence detection strategy, ssDNA could hybridize with the aptamer to form double-stranded DNA. With the addition of Pb2+, the aptamer dissociated from the double-stranded DNA to capture Pb2+ and trigger the enzymatic digestion process, leading to the target recirculation to achieve the first signal amplification. The free ssDNA could then hybridize with S1, and the released S2 was able to trigger a hybridization chain reaction (HCR) in the electrochemical system, achieving the second signal amplification. The quantification of Pb2+ was realized by measuring both the fluorescence and the differential pulse voltammetry signals with detection limits of 0.028ng/mL and 0.788pg/mL, respectively. This fluorescence-electrochemical dual-mode aptasensor overcame the limitations of complex matrices and environmental interference, and provided a valuable reference for the development of reliable multi-signal sensors in water, tea and vegetable safety monitoring.

Optimization of anaerobic filter reactor with zeolite immobilization media for dairy sludge waste treatment for biogas production

Abstract Sludge from the dairy industry’s wastewater treatment contains a high organic content and a strong odor. It is proposed to treat the sludge by an anaerobic digestion process using a continuous anaerobic filter reactor (AFR) equipped with media immobilization support and a combination of ORP and pH sensors. Three immobilized media were put into different AFRs. The process took place in a cylindrical reactor with a column height of 150 cm and diameter of 63 cm with a total volume of 30 L. The total period of the anaerobic digestion process took place 17 days after the batch process. When the experiment was carried out using a flow-rate of 5 L/day, the highest sCOD removal of 90.44 % was using bioring media. Meanwhile, using flow-rate of 8L/day the highest sCOD removal up to 88.05 % was achieved by using zeolite media. The highest average methane production was obtained 8 mL/day and 24 mL/day of zeolite media by using flow-rate 5 L/day and 8 L/day respectively and reduced HRT up to 90 hours. To ensure the cellular activity on degradation of organic compounds is measured by Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) value. In the first stage, the ORP value is -60.23 mV to -472.82 mV for a flow-rate of 5 L/day subsequently the second stage is -471.9 mV to -477.75 mV for a flow-rate of 8 L/day. Anaerobic filter reactors using zeolite media can retain the effect of influent perturbation with a high range of alteration of sCOD and high recovery.

In Vitro Digestion of Vacuum-Impregnated Yam Bean Snacks: Pediococcus acidilactici Viability and Mango Seed Polyphenol Bioaccessibility.

This study investigates the in vitro digestion of vacuum-impregnated yam bean snacks enriched with Pediococcus acidilactici and mango seed polyphenols, focusing on bacterial survival and polyphenol bioaccessibility. The snacks were prepared by vacuum impregnation (VI) with solutions containing either mango seed extract, P. acidilactici, or a combination of both, followed by dehydration. The antimicrobial activity of the treatments was assessed against pathogens, revealing limited effectiveness, likely due to insufficient concentrations of mango seed extract and the intrinsic resistance of the bacteria. VI of mango seed extract improved the total soluble phenols (TSP) content up to 400% and maintained the initial probiotic concentration (106 cell/mL). In vitro digestion was performed to simulate gastrointestinal conditions, measuring the stability of TSP and the survival of P. acidilactici. The results indicated that the viability of P. acidilactici fluctuated throughout the digestion process (106 to 104 log UFC/g), the polyphenols showed varying degrees of bioaccessibility (11 to 30%), and the TSP content in the intestinal fraction ranged from 1.95 to 6.54 mg GAE/g. The study highlights the potential of VI for incorporating functional components into plant-based snacks, though further optimization is necessary to enhance the stability of P. acidilactici and the effectiveness of the bioactive ingredients.

Effects of Feeding Frequency on Liver Transcriptome: Unveiling Appetite-Regulating Peptides in Mexican Pike Silverside (Chirostoma estor)

The Mexican pike silverside (Chirostoma estor) is a zooplanktivorous, agastric short-intestined species, and it has been found that increased-frequency feeding (twelve feedings a day) improved feed efficiency and promoted growth by 70%. This work determined the effect of different juvenile feeding frequencies upon the C. estor liver transcriptome. The level of the expression of appetite-regulating peptides was analyzed in silico to understand the mechanisms involved in appetite control in this species. Differential expression analysis showed that up-regulated genes between treatments were related to metabolism, digestive processes, immune system response, apoptosis, growth, and oxidative stress. This information explains the better performance of pike silverside fed 12 times daily. Appetite regulatory peptides were identified for the first time in the liver of C. estor in response to high feeding frequencies, contributing to the general knowledge of the roles of each family of neuropeptides in this agastric, short-intestined fish. The information presented here emphasizes the need to explore further the complex physiological processes involved in appetite regulation in C. estor. Additionally, it will serve as a basis for more specific targeted studies of appetite control to elucidate the mechanisms behind this process.

Analysis and Detection of Heavy Metals Content in Some Selected Packaged Fruit Juices of Kathmandu City by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

The determination of level of heavy metals in packaged fruit juices is crucial, as extended exposure to even small quantities of these toxic element can cause severe health issues and chronic poisoning. Hence, it is essential to gather comprehensive data on the presence of heavy metals in packaged fruit juice samples. The objective of this research work is to determine heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb) in four different types of packaged fruit juice samples viz Apple, Mango, Orange and Lychee of four different popular brands bought from retail market of Kathmandu city by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and compare with acceptable limit set by WHO/FAO. Wet acid digestion method was used for digestion process of packaged fruit juice samples. The concentration of Iron were ranged from 0.572-0.762mg/L in Orange juices; 0.362-0.624mg/L in Mango juices; 0.277-3.649mg/L in Apple juices; 0.279-1.770mg/L in Lychee juices respectively. Copper concentration were ranged from not detected (ND)-0.574mg/L in Orange juices; ND for all selected samples in Mango juices; ND- 0.023mg/L in Apple juices; ND-0.041mg/L in Lyclee juices. Similarly Zinc concentration were ranged from 0.0511-0.2026mg/L in Orange juices; ND-0.0700mg/L in Mango juices; ND for all selected samples in Apple juices; ND-0.0287mg/L in Lychee juices. The concentration of hazardous element Lead was found below detection limit in all selected packaged fruit juice samples. The heavy metals concentration in selected brand of packaged fruit juice samples was in following order: Fe>Zn>Cu> Pb. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 12(3): 158-165.

Concept of Koshtha and Koshtha Parikshana: A comprehensive review

In Ayurveda, the concept of Koshtha integrates both anatomical and physiological dimensions, playing a pivotal role in understanding digestive health and Dosha balance. Anatomically, Koshtha denotes the body's cavities. Physiologically, it refers to the functional state of the digestive tract, influencing bowel movements and digestive processes based on an individual's Dosha constitution. Koshtha is categorized based on predominant Dosha influence. Koshtha Parikshana (assessment of Koshtha) is crucial for effective Ayurvedic treatment. It aids in diagnosing digestive disorders, selecting appropriate medications, and determining dosages. Additionally, it informs dietary and lifestyle recommendations and guides preparatory treatments such as Snehapana before Shodhana (detoxification) therapies. By understanding Koshtha, practitioners can tailor treatments to align with the individual's digestive constitution, enhancing therapeutic outcomes and overall health. This review emphasizes the importance of Koshtha in Ayurvedic practice, highlighting its physiological relevance, clinical implications, and its role in personalized treatment planning.

Cu–N–C single-atom nanozyme as an ultrasensitive sensing platform for α-glucosidase detection

Alpha-glucosidase (α-Glu) is a hydrolase that promotes the rise of glucose in the blood during the digestion process, and it plays a crucial role in regulating glucose levels within a normal range. Herein, we developed an ultrasensitive colorimetric platform by preparing a Cu–N–C single-atom nanozyme (Cu–N–C SAzyme) with a potent oxidase-like effect on accurately detection of α-Glu and efficient screening of its potential inhibitors. This artificial nanoenzyme was able to catalyze the oxidation of colorless 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to blue oxide (oxTMB) without the assistance of H2O2. In addition, with the participation of α-Glu, l-ascorbic acid-2-O-α-d-glucopyranose (AAG) can be catalyzed to produce ascorbic acid (AA), which significantly reduces the oxidation, resulting in a noticeable fading of the blue color. Therefore, we designed a straightforward colorimetric test for α-Glu activity, achieving detection limits as low as 0.09 U/L and a linear response from 0.25 to 8 U/L. Most importantly, this platform has been effectively applied to measure α-Glu in real samples.

Modeling and forecasting biogas production from anaerobic digestion process for sustainable resource energy recovery

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is one of the most extensively accepted processes for organic waste cleanup, and production of both bioenergy and organic fertilizer. Numerous mathematical models have been conceived for modeling the anaerobic process.In this study, a new modified dynamic mathematical model for the simulation of the biochemical and physicochemical processes involved in the AD process for biogas production was proposed. The model was validated, and a sensitivity analysis based on the OAT approach (one-at-a-time) was carried out as a screening technique to identify the most sensitive parameters. The model was developed by updating the bio-chemical framework and including more details concerning the physico-chemical process. The fraction XP was incorporated into the model as a particulate inert product arising from biomass decay (inoculum). New components were included to distinguish between the substrate and inoculum, and a surface-based kinetics was used to model the substrate disintegration. Additionally, the sulfate reduction process and hydrogen sulfide production have been included. The model was validated using data extracted from the literature. The model's ability to generate accurate predictions was testified using statistical metrics. The model exhibited excellent performance in forecasting the parameters related to the biogas process, with measurements falling within a reasonable error margin. The relative absolute error (rAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) were both less than 5 %, indicating a high ability of the current model in comparison with the literature. Additionally, the scatter index (SI) was below 10 %, and the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NES) approached one, which affirms the model's accuracy and reliability. Finally, the model was applied to investigate the performances of the AD of food waste (FW). The findings of this study support the robustness of the developed model and its applicability as a virtual platform to evaluate the efficiency of the AD treatment and to forecast biogas production and its quality, CO2 emission, and energy potential across various organic solid waste types.

Anaerobic Digestion for Textile Waste Treatment and Valorization

AbstractTextile waste is becoming among the most polluting waste in the world, discarded mostly in landfills. Valorizing textile waste via anaerobic digestion (AD) helps conserve resources, reduce environmental impact, and foster a circular economy. Although several reviews have discussed textile waste AD, there is a lack of detailed understanding of the challenges encountered during textile waste AD. Therefore, the goal of this review is to focus on challenges encountered and possible solutions for those challenges for biogas and fertilizer conversion via AD. Potential strategies include chemical, biological, and thermal pretreatments that significantly increase the digestion process. Co‐digestion of natural textile waste, cotton, and wool with carbon and nitrogen‐rich substrates improves AD efficiency by twofold. Moreover, separating polyester from polycotton and textile dye removal via solvent and advanced oxidation processes significantly increases methane yield compared with untreated textile waste. This review can aid in analyzing suitable methods to optimize the biogas production of textile waste via AD.

Microbial process in anaerobic digestion of food wastes for biogas production: a review

Microbial process in anaerobic digestion of food wastes for biogas production: a review

Microfluidization outperforms homogenization: Optimizing stability and bioaccessibility in krill oil emulsions

AbstractThis research presents a rigorous comparative analysis of high‐pressure homogenization (HPH) and microfluidization (MF) for the production of krill oil (KO) emulsions, scrutinizing their impact on oxidative stability, bioaccessibility, and the behavior under in vitro simulated digestion. Our findings revealed that MF emulsions possessed a distinct advantage, with a droplet size and distribution that promoted exceptional oxidative stability, evidenced by a sustained reduction in oxidative markers and enhanced retention of bioactive components, including EPA and DHA, and the potent antioxidant astaxanthin. In contrast, HPH yielded larger and less uniform particles, correlating with diminished stability. The in vitro digestion studies underscored the superior bioaccessibility of MF emulsions, with a pronounced release of free fatty acids during the intestinal phase, indicative of an optimized digestion and absorption process due to the smaller droplet size of the emulsions. The study's insights advocate for the adoption of microfluidization in the food industry for the development of advanced delivery systems for n‐3 fatty acids, particularly in the context of KO‐based products. The technique shows promise in enhancing the quality, stability, and bioavailability of these products, which are rich in health‐promoting lipids. The microfluidization technique emerges as a promising avenue for the fortification of a diverse range of commercial food, beverage, and pharmaceutical products with lipids that contribute to health and wellness.

In vitro digestion and fermentation of polysaccharides from nine common Polygonatum spp. and their impact on human gut microbiota

This study aimed to investigate the dynamic changes in the physicochemical properties of polysaccharides from nine common Polygonatum spp. during in vitro simulated saliva-gastrointestinal digestion, in vitro fermentation, and their subsequent effects on human gut microbiota. Results revealed that the total sugar contents of Polygonatum spp. polysaccharides almost had little changes during the vitro digestion, and the molecular weight presented a downward trend. The in vitro digestion process produced almost no free monosaccharide, with small variations on FT-IR spectroscopy analysis. However, during the in vitro fermentation process, the polysaccharides generated remarkable changes, the total sugar showed a downward trend, and the molecular weight was degraded. There were significant changes in the monosaccharide composition, and possibly the sugar occurred isomerism. Regarding the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, both acetic acid and propionic acid were found to be significantly elevated in the treatment group compared to the control group, and the pH value dramatically decreased. Simultaneously, Polygonatum spp. polysaccharides could remarkably modulate the richness of microbial communities and improved their diversity, especially Narrowly Defined Clostridium, and Bacteroidetes. In general, this study can be helpful to better understand the potential digestion and fermentation mechanism of the genus Polygonatum polysaccharides.

Repercussion of manufacture and digestion process of foods enriched with sesame flour on the antioxidant response of human hepatocyte cultures

As natural bioactive compounds with recognized antioxidant power, polyphenols may impact on several diseases associated with oxidative stress. In this study, defatted sesame flour (DSF) was investigated as a potential source of dietary polyphenols and a functional ingredient. Additionally, the impact of manufacture and digestion processes on the biological efficacy of the resulting extracts in the HepG2 cell line was explored. For this purpose, polyphenolic extracts were obtained from three sources: DSF, a control sweet cookie formulation and 10% DSF-enriched cookies. In addition, extracts of potentially bioaccessible polyphenols from in vitro digested cookies were collected. Cells were incubated with all these extracts and then injured with H2O2. Intracellular oxidative state and viability, antioxidant enzymes activities, glutathione (GSH) content, and oxidation of proteins and lipids were analyzed. The results showed DSF pro-oxidant actions on the cellular redox state, which hormetically enhanced the antioxidant response. Similarly, biological activity of DSF enriched cookies was found to persist after manufacture and digestion, promoting lipid peroxidation alleviation and GSH replenishment.By promoting an antioxidant response in cells, DSF may be considered for functional incorporation, offering preventive benefits and protective action to counterbalance oxidative damage. This study contributes to highlighting the benefits of DFS validating its final biological effects in a cellular model.

Starch in Emulsion-Type Sausage Reduced the Gastric Digestibility of Meat Protein by Reducing the Stability and Increasing the Viscoelasticity of Gastric Digests.

The effect of the addition of native starch (S) and modified starches (distarch phosphate (SP), acetylated distarch phosphate (AP), and starch acetate (SA)) in emulsion-type sausage on the digestion process of meat protein was studied in this work. The addition of native and modified starches reduced the release of -NH2 during the simulated gastric digestion stage, whereas the addition of SA increased the total release of -NH2 after the whole digestion. Peptidomic analysis revealed that the presence of starch decreased the release of peptides in the gastric digestion. The presence of starch reduced the stability of the digests but increased the viscosity of the gastric digestive fluid, which should largely be responsible for the decreased gastric digestibility of meat protein. These results highlighted the physical properties of digests as a key factor affecting the gastric digestion process of meat protein and provided guidance for the application of starches in meat products.

Fermented plant-based beverage supplemented with uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis) pulp: an innovative and pioneering approach to diversify plant-based diet product market

Over the years, there has been an increase in demand for plant-based foods as alternatives. In line with this, this work explores the production and in vitro digestion of a fermented plant-based beverage (FPBB) produced with pea and rice proteins and 0% (FPBB-C), 5% (FPBB-5), and 10% (FPBB-10) uvaia pulp through lactic fermentation with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG. The in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process was conducted to assess the bioaccessibility of L. rhamnosus GG, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity before and after simulating the gastrointestinal conditions. After 48 h of digestion, highly viable L. rhamnosus GG cells remained throughout the gastrointestinal system. FPBB-C (106.89%) and FPBB-5 (109.38%) exhibited higher survival rates than FPBB-10 (102.20%), indicating that these beverages have a higher prebiotic action potential. Compared with the non-digested samples, after 48 h of digestion, all samples exhibited a significant increase in TPC. The same behavior occurs for the antioxidant activity of FPBB-C, FPBB-5, and FPBB-10 by DPPH (4.06, 3.96, and 8.44 mg TEAC mL−1), ABTS (10.28, 11.06, 11.97 mg TEAC mL−1), and FRAP method (917.02, 863.87, and 1983.23 mg TEAC mL−1). Thirteen compounds were identified and quantified in uvaia pulp by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS, particularly epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin-3-rhamnose, and quercetin-3-glucoside. Isorhamnetin was the main phenolic compound detected in the colon, assumably due to the conversion of quercetin-3-glucoside by the probiotic cells. In conclusion, as all counts were above 9 log CFU g−1, the FPBB formulations containing pea, rice protein, and uvaia pulp become a promising vehicle for carrying L. rhamnosus GG.

Effect of plastic additives on anaerobic biological reutilization of biodegradable plastics and sludge: Focusing on the digestion process, microbial composition and metabolic traits

The inevitable release of plastic additives (PAs) from biodegradable plastics (BPs) might affect the ensuing biological reutilization, and the impact of PAs on anaerobic co-digestion performance is still controversial. This study evaluated the impacts of three typical PAs (bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), acetyl tributylcitrate (ATBC), tributyl citrate (TBC)) on the BPs anaerobic co-digestion with waste-activated sludge (WAS). Results indicated that the BPs type had a significant effect on methane production, but the effect of PAs was negligible within a concentration range (0.5–50 mg/g TSS). Mechanistic exploration revealed that PAs addition exhibited insignificant effects on solubilization, hydrolysis, and acidification stage. Microbial communities' analyses suggested that PAs did not change the diversity and composition of microbial communities. Furthermore, the addition of PAs has no direct effect on the metabolic function of microorganisms. This study shed light on the effects of PAs on BPs biological reutilization and help to gain a better understanding of the potential environmental hazards of plastics.

Infl uence of enzyme drug and vitamin U on the livability, growth rate and digestion processes of broiler chickens

Infl uence of enzyme drug and vitamin U on the livability, growth rate and digestion processes of broiler chickens

Incorporation of coffee grounds powder as reinforcement in epoxy resin for high-performance industrial coatings: a cost of goods sold and blue ocean strategy analysis

In some organic waste treatment facilities, coffee grounds are utilized for biogas production through anaerobic digestion processes. However, this method is expensive and complex. An innovative alternative involves transforming coffee grounds into a new product, a high-performance coating. This study explores a strategic analysis for this new product. The composite is created by adding coffee grounds in an epoxy matrix as reinforcement. Different proportions of coffee grounds were added to epoxy, and resulting composites evaluated for mechanical and thermal properties. Previous analysis shows some promising results for the material, but none evaluations of fabrication cost or revenue were done, so a cross-analysis between the cost of goods sold (COGS) and the Blue Ocean Strategy model was used to identify market opportunities and compared the obtain product with nowadays market ones. Coffee grounds in epoxy offer a sustainable option, opening new market avenues with competitive performance and cost. This composite could impact industrial coatings, promoting eco-friendly practices.

Engineering surfactant-free pickering double emulsions gels with different structures as low-calorie fat analogues: Tunable oral perception, inhibiting lipid digestion, and potent co-delivery for lycopene and epigallocatechin gallate

Structural design has been as a transformative strategy to create clean-label and well-nourished fat-based foods. Herin, surfactant-free, plant-based oil-in-water-in-oil (O/W/O) and water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions gels (EGs) were designed using protein microgels and fat crystals formed in situ, which achieved dual-interface Pickering stabilization. The suitability and difference of O/W/O and W/O/W EGs as fat analogues in maintaining fat texture, inhibiting lipid digestion, target release and bioactivity of co-loading epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and lycopene were examined. O/W/O and W/O/W EGs displayed own unique characteristics, and could be tailored to optimize their performance. O/W/O EGs provided smoother oral perception similar to butter. The multi-structure and interface modulation for double EGs achieved inhibiting lipid digestion, fat phase position mainly controlled the digestive process. Co-delivery systems exhibited synchronous release profiles, allowing a more obvious in-time sustained release of lycopene in O/W/O and EGCG in W/O/W EGs. Both co-delivery O/W/O and W/O/W showed anti-inflammatory bioactivity.

Study the Utilization of Biochar Derived from Sugarcane Waste to Enhance the Biogas Efficiency During the Anaerobic Digestion Process for Treating Pig Farm Wastewater

This experiment aims to study the use of biochar (Biochar, BC) from sugarcane trash through the pyrolysis process at different temperatures of 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700°C. Then add BC to the Anaerobic Digestion (AD) system of wastewater from pig farms, then analyze the characteristics of wastewater and the amount of biogas obtained before and after treatment and to study the characteristics of decomposition, the generation of biogas (Biogas) to the reduction of organic matter in wastewater (COD). From this experiment, it can be concluded that all 6 systems are producing biogas, such as: the normal system and the system with BC filling at different burning temperatures: 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700℃ in the amount of 0.4g into the system. .64, 46.13, 51.90 and 65.98% respectively. From the experiments of all systems, it is observed that the system filled with BC at a temperature of 700℃ is able to produce biogas the best because the high heating temperature will cause the electrons of the charcoal to break easily and cause more holes to be a place for microbes to grow well. A comparison of the conventional system and adding biochar with the same amount but different temperature into the sewage treatment system without using air can be concluded that the conventional system is the generation of biogas is still low efficiency and the system of adding BC at the temperature of 300, 400, 500, 600℃ in the same amount. Notice that the generation of biogas is higher in order and the filling of BC at a temperature of 700℃ is able to produce biogas higher than other systems.