Soy Hulls Research Articles

New findings on acid-extractable pectins from soy hull

Soy hull has been considered a potential source of commercial pectin. The aim of the present study was to investigate its real potential as a source of pectin. Soy hull (sample 1) was extracted with 0.1 M HCl, for 45 min, at 90 °C (fraction A), conditions previously reported to result in yields and GalA in the range of commercial pectins. The extraction resulted in low uronic acid content (UA 39 %) and lower yield. Similar values were obtained using harsher conditions (boiling 0.14 M HNO3 for 30 min and 60 min – Fractions B and C, respectively). HSQC-NMR confirmed the coextraction of galactomannans. Considering the unexpected results, three other soy hull samples (2, 3 and 4) were used for extraction. The yields and UA were in the range of 10–13 % and 26–48 %, respectively, also below published data. Prior removal of galactomannan by water extraction increased the UA content to 62 % and gave rise to a pectin with a degree of methyl-esterification (DM) of 29 %. The pectin had remarkable amount of rhamnogalacturonan I and xylogalacturonan and did not form gel with calcium. The findings using four different commercial samples did not support previously published data and demonstrated that soy hull is not suitable as a raw material for production of food grade pectins by conventional extraction.

Studies on X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns of Soya-hulls for Interpretation of Crystallinity Index

X-Ray diffraction (XRD) technique is a prominent and nondestructive tool, used for the determination of crystallographic structure of any material. The technique follows the Brag’s Law and measures the intensities and scattering angles of the X-rays that leave the material to provide information on phases, preferred crystal orientations, crystal defects, crystallinity, and many other parameters. Crystallinity Index (CI), which is a quantitative indicator of crystallinity of any material, can also be calculated using XRD data and applying Segal’s method. In the present study, XRD patterns of Alkali/Acid treated soya-hulls are recorded and used for the calculation of CI. Results indicated wide variation of CI ranging from 22%-76% with lowest value for sodium hydroxide treated and highest for ascorbic acid treated soya hulls which may be due to maximum removal of hemicelluloses and amorphous lignin type structure. This study reveals that organic acids which are more eco-friendly can work better to increase CI and cellulose content of any lignocellulosic waste biomaterials like soya hulls for the application in composite and nanocomposites material synthesis.

Characterization of industry grade soybean wax for potential applications in natural fiber reinforced composite (NFRC) filaments

A characterization study was conducted to obtain and analyze the thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties of industry grade wax soybean (Glycine max) for coating soy hull fibers from soybean processing in order to incorporate the soy wax coated soy fibers in additive manufacturing applications. The waxes when coated onto soy hull fibers are expected to better the fiber-polymer interface to produce additive manufacturing filaments with improved mechanical properties to be printed using fused filament fabrication technique. The printed parts can then be used in the automotive industry because the parts will be more sustainable, have less carbon footprint, and increased mechanical properties. The information obtained from this characterization study will be the preliminary step to determine the suitability of the waxes for fiber coating application. Applying soybean waxes in this manner increases the value of soybean waxes from being a source for candle making to being incorporated in manufacturing parts. Four wax samples were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, viscometry, Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, Vickers micro-hardness testing, compression, and flexural testing. One sample was chosen with the most suitable properties for polymer composites and 3D printing filaments were produced.

P157. Role of the cecum on faecal microbial community structure in finisher pigs using a caecectomized pig model

The cecum is a major site of fermentation of dietary nutrients. In the pig, there is a knowledge gap pertaining to the role of the cecum in nutrient metabolism and health. The objective of this preliminary work was to develop a caecectomized pig model and to evaluate cecum microbial community structure in cecectomized finisher pigs fed a high fibre diet. Caecectomies were performed at the nursery to grower phase transition (∼ 63 d of age) prior to the experiment. A total of 10 barrows (initial BW = 83 kg; ∼112 d of age) were allotted to 1 of 2 treatments (5 replicates/treatment) in a 4 wk experiment. Treatments consisted of caecectomized (CEC-) or cecum intact (CTRL) pigs. All pigs were fed a moderately complex, high fibre (soy hulls included at 25%) finisher diet (3,006 ME kcal/kg) during the entirety of the trial. Data was analysed using PROC MIXED procedures of SAS with treatment as fixed effect and initial BW block as random effect. No differences were observed in BW on d 0 (82.92 vs 83.92 kg) or d 28 (110.78 vs 114.36 kg) between treatments (CEC- vs CTRL, respectively). During wk 4 CTRL pigs tended to have greater (P<0.09) ADFI compared to CEC- pigs (4.39 vs. 3.45 kg/d). Faecal samples (obtained on d 0, 14, and 28) were used to evaluate phylum-level bacterial community structure by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. No significant differences were observed in microbial community structure between treatments over the time course of the experiment. Preliminary data suggests there may be utility in development of a caecectomized pig model to evaluate the role of the caecum in pig nutrient metabolism and health. Additional analyses are in process to investigate fibre digestion kinetics and bacterial community structure at the genus/species levels.

Emulsifying properties of different soy hull pectin polysaccharides and application in mayonnaise.

The online version of this article (10.1007/s10068-022-01083-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

121 Effects of Total Dietary Fiber Content During Gestation on Sow Reproductive Performance

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of total dietary fiber (TDF) levels during gestation on sow and litter performance. A total of 397 (Camborough, PIC) individual-housed sows were used. Sows were balanced by parity (P4-P10) and body condition score (BCS, 1-5) at breeding and allocated to 2 treatments: Low Fiber (TDF = 9%, LF) or High Fiber (TDF = 18%, HF) with similar insoluble to soluble fiber ratios 7.4 and 7.5 respectively. During gestation, all sows were fed according to their BCS (BCS 1 and 2 = 2.7 kg/d, BCS 3 = 2kg/d and BCS 4 and 5 = 1.6 kg/d). From d 90 of gestation thin sows (BCS 1 or 2) received an additional 0.9 kg/d. During lactation sows received a common diet, 1.81 kg/d pre-farrow, and then ad libitum. Diets were milo based with wheat midds and soy hulls as fiber sources. Dietary treatments were isonutrient and isocaloric and formulated to meet or exceed NRC (2012) nutrients. Data were analyzed for main effects of treatment and within body condition category. Overall, sows that received the LF diet were heavier at placement in lactation (306.6 and 280.6 kg; P = 0.012, for LF and HF, respectively). Similarly, the estimated post-partum BW was heavier for those fed the LF diet (283.1 and 256.1 kg; P = 0.008) and at wean BW (271.3 and 257.1 kg; P = 0.003). However, sows fed a HF gestation diet tended to lose less weight during lactation (17.0 and 4.0 kg; P = 0.080). There were no differences for total born (P = 0.767), born alive (P = 0.821), stillborn (P = 0.850) or weaned pigs (P = 0.620). In conclusion, elevating TDF during gestation did not improve litter performance, but did reduce weight and body condition loss during lactation.

PSVII-11 Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Prototype Maintained Growth in Finishing Pigs Fed Diets with Reduced Energy and Protein

Abstract During warm summer months, dietary intake levels of finishing pigs can drastically decrease, which may impact overall growth performance through macronutrient insufficiencies resulting from decreased intake. The goal of this 77-d finishing pig trial was to investigate the inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation prototype (SCFP) in diets with reduced nutrient content on growth performance. A total of 44 pens (237 finishing gilts and barrows) were assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: CON formulated in 4 diet phases using corn, soybean meal, and DDGS, CON+ where 1% SCFP was added, and RED5+ and RED8+ where protein, amino acids, and energy were reduced 5% and 8%, respectively with the inclusion of soy hulls plus 1% SCFP. Dietary NDF was 16% and 17.5% in RED5+ and RED8+, respectively and 13% in CON and CON+. Pigs and feeders were weighed every 2 weeks; data were analyzed as a completely random design with pens as the experimental unit. In d28-d42, gain:feed ratio (G:F) was lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in RED8+ and RED5+ pigs than CON and CON+, and in d42-d56 G:F was lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in RED5+ than CON+ with CON and RED8+ intermediate. In d56-d70, average daily gain and BW were reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in RED8+ pigs than CON, and G:F was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in RED8+ than CON and CON+. In all other weigh periods, BW was similar across all groups. There was no difference in dry matter digestibility of diets in any phase. The similar growth and feed intake between CON, CON+, and RED5+ pigs suggest that the SCFP may provide a nutrient uplift by way of enhanced nutrient digestion to offset the 5% reduction in dietary protein and energy.

Molecular docking and dynamic insights on the adsorption effects of soy hull polysaccharides on bile acids

SummaryMolecular docking is a powerful tool that visualises interactions between receptors and ligands. This technique and experimental studies were used to explore the adsorption effects of soy hull polysaccharides (SHP) on bile acids (BAs). Docking sites and interactions between SHP and six BAs (deoxycholic acid, lycholic acid, taurine cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid and glycodesoxycholic acid) were identified by molecular docking. The docking sites were mainly O and H atoms, and interaction forces were mainly facilitated by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, with hydrogen bonds being the main bond type. BAs‐binding studies, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential results showed that hydrogen bonding was the main force mediating SHP and BAs adsorption. The hydrogen bonding was positively proportional to the adsorption capacity of BAs and negatively proportional to the absolute value of zeta potential. The molecular dynamic simulation of glycocholic acid and SHP was also performed. Hydrogen bond spacing and root mean square deviation analyses indicated that the glycocholic acid and SHP combination was stable. This study has the significance of preventing cardiovascular diseases by revealing the adsorption effects of SHP on bile acids BAs.

Effect of Supplementing Grass Silage-Based Diets with Concentrate Carbohydrate Sources with Different Fermentation Profiles on N Metabolism of Beef Heifers Fed to Maintenance

The synchronous supply of energy and nitrogen (N) substrates to the rumen microbes on grass silage (GS)-based diets can potentially lead to reduced levels of N excreted in the urine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing GS-based diet with carbohydrate sources differing in rumen fermentation profile on N metabolism of beef heifers. Six Belgian Blue × Holstein Friesian cross beef heifers (487 ± 29 kg BW) were used in a 3 × 3 Latin Square design (n = 6). Dietary treatments were: (RB) GS supplemented with rolled barley; (MM) GS supplemented with maize meal and; (SH) GS supplemented with soya hulls offered at 40:60 forage to concentrate ratio on a dry matter (DM) basis, at maintenance feeding (40 g DM/kg BW0.75). Carbohydrate source had no effect on DM, organic matter, or N intake or total N excretion and the amount of N excreted in the urine (p &gt; 0.05). Animals offered MM excreted a higher percentage of N in the faeces and a lower percentage of N in the urine compared to animals offered RB (p &lt; 0.05). There was a time by interaction for ruminal ammonia (NH3) concentrations (p &lt; 0.01). Ruminal NH3 concentrations peaked at 2 h post-feeding for all treatments. At 3 h post-feeding, ruminal NH3 concentrations for the RB treatment remained higher compared to MM and SH treatments. Molar proportions and total ruminal volatile fatty acids were similar among dietary treatments (p &gt; 0.05). Supplementing GS-based diets with different carbohydrate sources had no impact on the total level of N excreted or the amount of N excreted in the urine. However, there was a higher percentage of N excreted in the faeces and a lower percentage of N excreted in the urine when animals were offered MM compared to those offered RB (p &lt; 0.05).

Biodegradable composites of starch/polyvinyl alcohol/soybean hull (Glycine max L.) produced by thermoplastic injection

AbstractSoybean hull is an agro‐industrial residue produced abundantly both in Brazil and worldwide. It is generated during the dehulling of the grains for oil production. This work aimed to develop materials using low‐cost, abundant, and biodegradable raw materials, as soybean hull, corn starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and glycerol. Five formulations of thermoplastic starch (TPS) were produced containing between 4% and 19% of ground soybean hull and another five formulations of the same composition but with 6% PVA added. The materials were extruded and injected to produce specimens. They were analyzed by FTIR‐ATR, mechanical tests, mass loss in water, and dimensional variations. The addition of hull to the TPS did not affect the processability of the materials, and the PVA improved the processability. Hull concentration from 8% to 15% increased the tensile strength of the materials, and the PVA reduced them. Soybean hull provided greater dimensional stability to the specimens, especially with PVA and with the highest hull contents (15% and 19%).Content of soy hulls between 8% and 15% acted as a structural reinforcer of TPS materials, forming a composite, as it increased the tensile strength, reduced the elongation, increased the stiffness, and improved the dimensional stability of the materials.

Na+/Ca2+ induced the migration of soy hull polysaccharides in the mucus layer in vitro

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of Na+/Ca2+-induced soy hull polysaccharide (SHP) migration in the mucus layer. The viscosity, potential, microstructure, SHP migration, and metabolite migration were analyzed. The results showed that Na+ had little effect on the viscosity of polysaccharides, while Ca2+ increased the viscosity of polysaccharides. Na+ and Ca2+ promoted the migration of SHP particles by reducing the zeta potential, while they decreased the migration of SHP chyle particles by increasing the aggregation. SHP was fermented by gut microbiota to produce a large number of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Compared with Ca2+, Na+ increased the migration of total SCFAs in the mucus layer. The high-Na+/Ca2+ mucus internal environment had a specific effect on the transport of nutrients in the intestine.

Biodegradable starch / polyvinyl alcohol composites produced by thermoplastic injection containing cellulose extracted from soybean hulls (Glycine max L.)

Soybean hull is an agro-industrial residue of extensive generation in the soybean oil-producing industry, where approximately 5% of the processed volume of soy beans is converted into hulls. The main use for soy hulls is animal feed, being of great importance to find more ways of consumption for the hulls. This research proposed a noble application for soy hulls: using the hulls as a source for extracting cellulose fibers. Cellulose fibers were extracted from the hulls by alkaline treatment, ground (< 600 µm) and added to thermoplastic starch (TPS). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was also added to the materials produced in order to promote better compatibility between the components. Ten formulations were produced, containing between 4 and 19 wt% of cellulose, and 2 controls. Half of the formulations contained 6 wt% PVA. Cellulose fibers and soybean hulls were characterized by FTIR-ATR and SEM, and the analyzes showed partial purification of the cellulose fibers, with a purity of 92 wt%. The composites were produced by extrusion followed by injection, and characterized by stress-strain, FTIR-ATR and dimensional stability after injection (shrinkage and warpage) tests. Cellulose fibers did not increase the tensile strength (TS) of the composites, but reduced the deformation capacity by 62% (to 19% of fibers) compared to the control. Cellulose fibers together with PVA increased the TS by up to 22% (to 19% fibers and 6% PVA in the composition), making the material more mechanically resistant. For this same formulation, the deformation capacity was reduced by a maximum of 75%, and the modulus of elasticity was increased by a maximum of 230% (the composite became more resistant and rigid). Cellulose fibers reduced the shrinkage value of the specimens, reducing the shrinkage value to less than 1% for the formulations containing 19% cellulose fibers. The cellulose fibers associated with 6% PVA had a synergistic action in the shrinkage of the specimens, further reducing the shrinkage in length (0.4% length shrinkage for 15% cellulose fibers; 0.1% length shrinkage for 19% cellulose fibers). The addition of cellulose fibers and 6% PVA to TPS made the composites more rigid and mechanically reinforced, and also with greater dimensional stability after injection.

Destruction of hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction in soy hull polysaccharide: Effect on emulsion stability

Hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions play an important role in the microstructure of soy hull polysaccharide (SHPA) and the stability of corresponding emulsions. In this study, urea and NaCl were added in the preparation of samples, which could destroy these two noncovalent interactions, and they were labeled as SHPA-U and SHPA-N, respectively. The results show that more hydrogen bonding was generated along with the electrostatic shielding effect, which led to longer and branched polysaccharide chains of SHPA-N. However, the chain of SHPA-U was rough and fragmentary, which may be attributed to hydrogen bonding and protein regions destroyed by urea. Furthermore, the addition of NaCl and urea led to lower interfacial pressure, and the adsorption kinetics at the oil/water interface were significantly changed. In addition, all emulsions had a liquid-like structure, and both SHPA-N and SHPA-U emulsions had a bimodal size distribution. The relaxation time and line width of the 1H NMR analysis decreased with the addition of NaCl and urea, indicating the decreasing interaction between SHPA-N/SHPA-U and oil molecules. These phenomena were related to the coalescence and flocculation in these two emulsions. After 24 h of storage, the stability of the SHPA-N emulsion was superior to the others; this may be due to its higher viscosity. This study laid the foundation for further research on the mechanism of polysaccharide O/W emulsions stabilized by SHPA and other polysaccharides.

The adhesion of the gut microbiota to insoluble dietary fiber from soy hulls promoted the proliferation of probiotics in vitro

Soy hull insoluble dietary fiber (SHIDF) extracted from soybean water-soluble polysaccharides enzymatically is a good carbon source for the growth of gut microbiota. Genomics, co-precipitation and proteomics analyses were used to investigate adhesion behavior of the gut microbiota toward SHIDF in vitro. After gut microbiota fermentation, the content of total and reducing sugars decreased with increasing fermentation time, but the content of NH3–N first increased and then decreased, and gas was produced mainly during 8–16 h. The structure and abundance of the gut microbiota were regulated after fermentation. Proliferation of beneficial bacteria increased, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The adhesion of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium longum to SHIDF increased gradually with increasing adhesion time. The adhesion of two probiotics to IDF first increased and then decreased with increasing bacterial age (6, 12, 24, and 36 h). SDS, EDTA, bile salts, trypsin and proteinase K in the adhesion environment affected probiotic adhesion to SHIDF to a certain extent. Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium longum showed significant differences in adhesion membrane proteins after SHIDF treatment. The 30S ribosomal protein S21 and GAPDH (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase), a surface protein involved in intestinal adhesion, were found to be significantly upregulated through label free proteomic analysis.

Effects of soy hull polysaccharide on dyslipidemia and pathoglycemia in rats induced by a high-fat-high-sucrose diet

The present work aimed at investigating the effects of soy hull polysaccharide (SHP) in alleviating adverse effects in rats fed a high-fat-high-sucrose diet. After SHP feeding for 4 weeks, the fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum triglyceride (TG), serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and 16S rDNA gene sequence were determined. Administration of SHP significantly decreased body fat content and TG levels, and increased water intake and HDL-C levels after 4 weeks of treatment. The antihyperglycemic effect of SHP at a dose of 400mg/kg mb had the most significant effects among the three dosage groups. SHP notably restored the FBG in rats fed a high-fat-high-sucrose diet (P<0.05). Furthermore, SHP at 400mg/kg mb increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and decreased that of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria at the phylum level. The polysaccharide treated groups had significantly higher content of total SCFAs, and the main fermentation products were acetic, propionic, n-valeric and i-valeric acids. Thus, SHP restores blood lipid levels in rats fed a high-fat-high sucrose diet through regulation of the gut microbiota.

Characterization of the structure and properties of the isolating interfacial layer of oil–water emulsions stabilized by soy hull polysaccharide: Effect of pH changes

The effect of pH on the microstructure and properties of the soy hull polysaccharide interfacial layer was determined. The particle size at pH 2.0 was the largest (36.7 μm), whereas the absolute ζ-potential was the smallest. The protein content was the lowest at pH 2.0 and 9.0 and peaked around pH 4.0–5.0 (77.7%). The ordered secondary protein structure content under low pH conditions was greater than that under high pH conditions and the stability of the interfacial layer was higher at high pH, whereas the emulsion viscosity decreased by two orders of magnitude between pH 2.0 and 9.0. It appears that low pH reduced the thermal stability and increased the apparent viscosity of the emulsion by increasing the structural order of the protein in the interfacial layer. These findings lay the foundation for future work to reveal the key components and characteristic structures of soy hull polysaccharide that affect interfacial stability.

Impact of four fiber-rich supplements on nutrient digestibility, colostrum production, and farrowing performance in sows.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary fiber (DF) sources on sow and litter performance, and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) and nutrients. A total of 48 sows were stratified for body weight at mating and randomly assigned to one of four DF sources (mixed fiber [MF], palm kernel expellers [PKE], sugar beet pulp [SBP], or soy hulls [SH]) and fed the diet from mating until farrowing. Within DF treatments, sows were supplemented with one of two extra energy sources (glycerol or sugar dissolved in water), whereas a third group (control) received water from day 108 of gestation until farrowing. The number of total born, live-born, and stillborn pigs; birth time and birth weight of the pigs; farrowing duration; and farrowing assistance (FA) were recorded. Live-born pigs were weighed again at 12 and 24 h after birth to record weight gain, which was used to estimate intake and yield of colostrum. Blood samples were collected once daily from day -3 relative to farrowing until day 1 after farrowing in sows and once from selected pigs right after birth. Fecal samples were collected on day 114 of gestation and colostrum at 0, 12, 24, and 36 h after onset of farrowing. Intake of soluble and insoluble nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) was greater for SBP (P < 0.001) and PKE (P < 0.001) supplemented sows, respectively, when compared with other groups. Farrowing duration and stillbirth rate were not affected by DF sources, but PKE and SH supplemented sows had greater FA than SBP and MF supplemented sows (P < 0.001). Extra energy supplement did not improve the farrowing performance. Concentration (P = 0.02) and output (P = 0.04) of dry matter in colostrum, and ATTD of GE (P < 0.001) and crude protein (CP; P < 0.001) were lower for PKE supplemented sows than in sows from the remaining groups. Intake of insoluble NSP correlated negatively with ATTD of GE (P < 0.001) and CP (P < 0.001). Concentrations of glucose (P < 0.001), lactate (P < 0.001), CO2 (P < 0.001), and HCO3 (P < 0.001) in sows blood were increased with time progress relative to farrowing. Newborn pigs from PKE supplemented sows had greater concentration of lactate (P = 0.02) and lower blood pH (P = 0.02) than the remaining treatments. In conclusion, PKE supplement reduced ATTD of GE and CP, and concentration and output of dry matter in colostrum but increased FA. Results of this experiment indicated that the use of PKE as a fiber source for late gestating sows should be avoided.

Thermal and Kinetic Studies on Biomass Degradation via Thermogravimetric Analysis: A Combination of Model-Fitting and Model-Free Approach.

Thermal degradation behavior and kinetics of two agricultural (soy and oat hulls) and two forestry biomass (willow and spruce) residues were investigated using a unique combination of model-fitting and model-free methods. Experiments were carried out in an inert atmosphere at different heating rates. Both single step and multistep models were explored in deriving activation energies, frequency factors, and mechanisms of all four biomass residues. For the single step models, activation energy values ranged from 107.2 kJ/mol for willow and 139.7 kJ/mol for soy hull, and the frequency factors for both materials were 1.1 × 109 and 2.66 × 1012 s–1, respectively. The multistep models gave further insight into the different mechanisms across the full degradation spectrum. There was an observed difference between the number of distinct steps/mechanisms for the agriculture-based versus wood-based biomass materials, with pyrolysis occurring in three distinct steps for the agricultural biomass residues while the woody residues degraded in two steps. The difference in the number of distinct steps can be attributed to the composition and distribution of components of the biomass, which would differ based on the nature and source of the biomass.

The emulsifying stability of soy hull polysaccharides with different molecular weight obtained from membrane-separation technology

Abstract Polysaccharides are macromolecules used for food development, and their further separation into different molecular weights allows their broader application in the food industry. Here, we performed microwave-assisted ammonium oxalate extraction of soy hull polysaccharide (SHP; MASP), followed by their separation and purification using membrane-separation technology and analyses of the emulsifying stability and MASP mechanism at different molecular weights. Additionally, we compared the composition and structural differences in SHP components and evaluated the separation and grading-emulsification stability properties of the membrane-emulsified components. The results showed improved emulsification stability properties of high molecular weight SHPs that had been separated and purified by membrane separation, with the formed emulsion exhibiting a high degree of viscosity, uniform particle-size distribution, smaller particle size, less interfacial tension, and a high Zeta potential. Moreover, the chemical composition, monosaccharide composition, and molecular weight of SHP were different.

Higher fiber complementary food alters Fecal microbiota composition and normalizes stool form in Malawian children: A randomized trial

Dietary fiber favorably modulates gut microbiota and may be protective against diarrhea in sub-Saharan Africa where rates in infants and young children are high. Soybean hull is high in fiber and accessible in rural Africa; however, its use in complementary feeding has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to determine the acceptability and feasibility of a soybean, soy hull fiber, and maize (SFM) blend food; the primary outcome was compliance to the feeding protocol. Secondary outcomes were stool form and frequency, fecal microbiota composition, growth and dietary intake. In a parallel, single-blind study, children 6-36 months of age from the Lilongwe district of Malawi were randomized to receive daily SFM (n=69) or maize only(n=10) porridge(phala) for 6 months. Anthropometrics were measured monthly, and compliance, stool frequency,and stool form, weekly. At baseline, 3-month,and 6-month (study end) time points, dietary intake (24-h recall) was assessed,and fecal samples were collected. Fecal DNA was analyzed by Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for microbes of interest and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Mothers accessed the acceptability and feasibility of the study foods at study end. Mothers reported excellent compliance to feeding the SFM porridge, rated it more acceptable than maize,and noted improved appetite, weight, and stool consistency of their children. Stool frequency at baseline (2±1 stools/d) was unchanged with intervention; however, there were significantly fewer diarrhea-type stools reported during study months 4-6 vs.1-3 for the SFM group, whereas no improvement was seen for the maize group. At study end, the fecal abundance ofAkkermansia muciniphila was enriched in children receiving the SFM, compared to maize (p&lt;0.05), and a trend for increased Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (p=0.07) was seen. A comparison of fecal microbiota composition using linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe)showed notable differences in numerous taxa in the SFM group compared to baseline, whereas the maize comparator exhibited fewer changes. Fiber intake was higher for the SFMgroup, compared to maize at 6 months (13.7±3.8 vs. 8.4±4.5 g/day, p&lt;0.01). Weight-for-height and BMI-for-age Z-scores were significantly higher for the SFM group. In young Malawian children, feeding a blend of soybean, soy hulls and maize reduced diarrhea-type stools and increased the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, a bacterial species involved in maintaining intestinal health, and thus may provide a feasible means of improving wellness in children in resource-poor settings through the modulation of microbiota composition.