Total Crude Protein Content Research Articles

Exploring Silkworm Litter as a Liquid Manure: A Key to Boost Mulberry Growth and Productivity

Mulberry (Morus spp.) is the primary food source for silkworm, Bombyx mori L. Mulberry growth and nutritional quality are critical for successful sericulture. With the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices particularly in rearing silkworms with chemical free mulberry leaves, the use of organic inputs has gained attention as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers. Silkworm litter, a by-product of silkworm rearing is rich in organic matter and essential nutrients, making it a potential resource for recycling into organic manure. This study explores the effectiveness of silkworm litter based liquid organic manure (SLLM) at different doses along with Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) in improving the growth, yield and nutritional quality of mulberry. The treatment RDF + Soil drenching of 250 l acre-1 of 20% SLLM at 10 Days after pruning (DAP) + Foliar spray of 150 l acre-1 of 10 % SLLM at 25 DAP (T9) recorded longest shoot length (89.36 cm and 133.28 cm), maximum shoots per plant (16.53 and 23.80), leaves per shoot (22.17 and 32.02), maximum leaf area (153.44 cm2 and 226.56 cm2) at 45 and 60 DAP, respectively and leaf yield (67.31 Tonnes ha-1 year-1). Leaf quality parameters such as total chlorophyll (2.37 mg g-1), crude protein (21.56 %) and carbohydrate content (20.26%) were also found superior in T9. This shows that SLLM being liquid manure contained nutrients in readily available form which has supplied the nutrients that are required for mulberry growth and development. Indicating enhanced mulberry growth, yield along with improved quality parameters.

Protein hydrolysates derived from superworm (Zophobas morio): Composition, bioactivity, and techno-functional properties.

This study aimed to produce protein hydrolysates from superworm (Zophobas morio) flour using the enzymes alcalase (HA), protamex (HP), or flavourzyme (HF), and to characterize their nutritional composition, techno-functional properties, bioactive capacity, and bioaccessibility index. The enzymatic process increased the total amino acid and crude protein contents of the hydrolysates by approximately 36% and 46%, respectively, generating better foaming capacity, oil retention, and emulsification capacity, when compared to raw flour. Although 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical capture was similar between the hydrolysates, HA (1479,66μM FeSO4/g) and HP (1514,66μM FeSO4/g) showed greater antimicrobial and iron reducing power (FRAP) activity, while HF has a higher scavenging efficiency for the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical (27.53%). The best antimicrobial activity was observed for HA against Vibrio corallilyticus (400mg/mL), and HP showed a better antioxidant response scavenging for DPPH radical. The antioxidant capacity against ABTS radical after in vitro simulation of gastrointestinal digestion (GID) was as follows: HA (79.07±1.53%), HP (74.65±5.85%), and HF (57.95±8.31%). Therefore, insect flour is a promising ingredient for the production of protein hydrolysates and their application in animal and human feeds.

Functional properties and safety traits of L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri postbiotic extracts

Postbiotics are the non-viable bacterial products or the low molecular weight metabolites produced by probiotics that have received considerable attention owing to their health promoting effects. The present study aimed to investigate the safety and antibacterial properties of postbiotic components of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (Lra) and Limosilactobacillus reuteri (Lre) for their potential applications in food products. The freeze dried postbiotic metabolites (FD-P) from Lra and Lre were extensively analyzed for their physico-chemical properties and antibacterial actions against common food borne pathogens. Higher levels of total flavonoids (1971.79 ± 20 mg Qu/ g), total short-chain fatty acid (23 µg/g), sugar contents, CAT, and SOD anti-oxidative enzymes were detected in the Lra postbiotic, while GSH-px levels and riboflavin were higher in Lre postbiotics (P < 0.01). No significant differences were recorded in the total phenolic (2501 and 2518 mg GAE/ L) and crude protein contents (305. 58 and 296.23 µg/g) of the postbiotics (p ≥ 0.05), respectively. Both FD-P samples showed enhanced activities against Gram-Positive pathogens compared to Gram-Negative pathogens (p < 0.05), while combining the two postbiotics further potentiated the antibacterial actions. Both FD-P samples were non-hemolytic to human erythrocyte cells, and exhibited low cytotoxicity in MRC 5 and IPEC-J2 cell lines at the highest used concentrations (150 mg/ml). In summary, the postbiotics derived from Lra and Lre are safe bioactive ingredients with enhanced antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities, having potential applications as a natural preservatives in food system, potentially enhancing safety and extending the shelf life of food products.

Economic and financial viability of the production of Brazilian somalis sheep fed with different nutritional plans.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the economic and financial viability of finishing of two sexes of Brazilian Somalis sheep in feedlot receiving diets with 0 and 15% reduction in the total digestible nutrients and crude protein contents. A completely randomized design was adopted, in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with treatments consisting of two sexes (non-castrated males (21.13 ± 5.00kg) and females (17.99 ± 3.79kg) and two diets (0 and 15% reduction in the levels of total digestible nutrients and crude protein). Four simulations of productive scenarios were carried out: non-castrated males receiving the diet with 0% reduction; non-castrated males receiving the diet with 15% reduction; females receiving the diet with 0% reduction and females receiving the diet with 0% reduction, for a period of 70 days in feedlot. The highest costs of the system were with feeding and other costs, mainly the acquisition of animals. For both sexes, the 0% reduction diet showed the highest total cost, total revenue, break-even point. Non-castrated males fed a non-reduced diet and females fed a 15% reduction diet had higher net income, rate of return, total productivity, net present value, internal rate of return, profitability index and profitability rate. Less favorable situations were not profitable for any scenario. However, the increase in sales price favorability makes the activity viable. The reduction of total digestible nutrients and crude protein affects the economic and financial viability of Brazilian Somalis sheep. For non-castrated males it is recommended the diet without reduction and for females the diet with 15% reduction of nutrients.

Effect of blanching conditions and solar drying on selected nutritional, anti-nutritional and bioactive components of formulated avocado seed powder

Avocado (Persea americana Mill) seeds are mainly considered as waste by-products of avocado fruit processing in many countries, including Tanzania despite their potential health and economic benefits. The present work investigated the effect of hot water blanching and solar drying treatments on nutritional, bioactive, and cyanogenic glycosides of avocado seed samples in an attempt to develop quality avocado seed powders (ASPs) by using solar drying technology. Results showed that total ash, crude protein, crude fiber, total phenolic, proanthocyanidins, and cyanogenic glycosides contents showed a significant reduction in avocado seed powders with respect to increased blanching temperature and time. On the other hand, crude fat and total carotenoids contents, showed a decline with respect to increased temperature only. Blanching treatment at 85 °C for 10 minutes retained a significant amount of total ash (86.9%), crude fat (100%), crude protein (78.8%), crude fiber (91.6%), total carotenoids (43.6%) and total phenol contents (47.0%) in developed avocado seed powder. Cyanogenic glycosides were highly reduced at 95 °C for 20 minutes (81.1%) than at 85 °C for 10 minutes (58.5%). However, the level of cyanogenic glycosides in all avocado seed powders are far below the lethal dose (36 mg/100 g) of hydrocyanic acid. The significant high losses of nutrients and phytochemicals was observed at a blanching treatment of 95 °C for 20 minutes. This could be due to prolonged leaching of soluble compounds to hot water and degradation of heat-sensitive bioactive compounds. The aforementioned results revealed that, different temperatures and times during hot water blanching significantly influence the quality of formulated avocado seed powder. Therefore, hot water blanching treatment at 85 °C for 10 minutes and solar drying technology could be employed to produce a nutrient-rich and palatable avocado seed powder that can find its use in normal food consumption and food processing industries, particularly in low income settings. Key words: Avocado seed, avocado seed powder, solar drying, hot water blanching, utilization

Investigation of the Physicochemical Properties and its Correlation during Koji-Moromi Fermentation Stage of Production Soy Sauce Naturally Brewed in Central Java, Indonesia

Soy sauce, a widely consumed condiment, undergoes intricate physicochemical transformations during its natural fermentation process. This research delved into the analysis of physical and chemical properties in naturally brewed soy sauce, aiming to elucidate the impact of fermentation stages (Koii, earlier moromi, final moromi, soy sauce product) and sample variations on these properties. Parameters such as pH, total acid, total soluble solids, and water activity (aw) were assessed. Additionally, chemical attributes were analyzed, including total nitrogen, crude protein, formol nitrogen, and sodium chloride (NaCl) content. The correlation between physical and chemical properties during the fermentation stages was determined using the principal component analysis (PCA) method. The fermentation process significantly affected soy sauce's physical and chemical properties. Key factors include total dissolved solids, water activity, total acids, salt, total nitrogen, crude protein, and formol nitrogen, which display distinct patterns. These fluctuations were primarily driven by microbial activity and enzymatic hydrolysis, and total nitrogen, crude protein, and formol nitrogen play pivotal roles in characterizing soy sauce quality. Remarkably, total acid content and pH values exhibited significant variations that deviate from expected correlations due to weak acids. Samples C and D were deemed the most suitable out of the five tested, aligning better with quality standards for soy sauce. This study sheds light on the complex physicochemical changes during soy sauce fermentation, emphasizing the impact of raw materials and microbial processes on its properties.

Variation in Crude Protein Content among Recombinant Inbred Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice, Oryza sativa L., is the world's most important staple crop, feeding more than half of the world's population, protein plays important role in human nutrition. Protein is the second most abundant storage matter in rice grain. Protein, crucial for growth, antibody production, and immunity, ranks as the second most abundant storage component in rice grains. Various factors, including grain protein content, amino acid composition, and fat content, influence the nutritional quality of rice, with grain protein content being particularly significant. This study conducted screening and evaluation of crude protein content across 200 recombinant inbred lines of rice, derived from an inter-specific cross between BPT5204 and HPR14 parents. Results indicated a range of total crude protein content from 14.99 (mg/g) to 28.11 (mg/g) among samples. Grouping analysis based on available crude protein content categorized the lines into three major groups: approximately 3% (7 lines) exhibited significantly higher protein content (&gt;25mg/g), 59% (119 lines) displayed moderate content (20 mg/g to 25 mg/g), and 38% (76 lines) showed low protein content (&lt;20 mg/g). The identification of high protein content genotypes in this study holds potential for mapping key genomic regions associated with protein content in rice.

Comparative Assessment of In Vitro Xanthine Oxidase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of Cultured Cambial Meristematic Cells, Adventitious Roots, and Field-Cultivated Ginseng.

Panax ginseng, a traditional Chinese medicine with a history spanning thousands of years, faces overexploitation and challenges related to extended growth periods. Tissue-cultured adventitious roots and stem cells are alternatives to wild and field-cultivated ginseng. In this study, we assessed the in vitro xanthine oxidase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of saponin extracts among cultured cambial meristematic cells (CMC), adventitious ginseng roots (AGR), and field-cultivated ginseng roots (CGR). The xanthine oxidase (XO) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were determined by uric acid estimation and the p-NPG method, respectively. Spectrophotometry and the Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum nitrate, and Bradford methods were employed to ascertain the total saponins and phenolic, flavonoid, and protein contents. The calculated IC50 values for total saponin extracts against XO and α-glucosidase were 0.665, 0.844, and >1.6 mg/mL and 0.332, 0.745, and 0.042 mg/mL for AGR, CMC, CGR, respectively. Comparing the total saponin, crude protein, and total phenolic contents revealed that AGR > CMC > CGR. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first report on the in vitro comparison of xanthine oxidase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities among AGR, CMC, and CGR. The findings offer valuable insights into the development of hypoglycemic and antihyperuricemic medicinal, nutraceutical, and functional products utilizing AGR and CMC.

THE INFLUENCE OF RED BEET VARIETIES AND CULTIVATION ON THEIR BIOCHEMICAL AND SENSORY PROFILE

Modern pharmacology shows that beetroot extracts exhibit antihypertensive and hypoglycaemic activity as well as excellent antioxidant activity. The promising results of the phytochemicals contained in the extracts suggest the opportunity for their use in functional foods.This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical profile (total ash and crude protein content, total polyphenols and betalains content) and sensory properties (5 points hedonic scale) of beetroot varieties from bio-B (B Taunus, B Boro, B Gesche) and traditional production-TP (TP Taunus, TP Boro, TP Rocket). The beetroots were obtained from a private producer from Austria. The crude protein content in evaluated red beetroots ranged from 1.54 % (B Taunus) to 5.32 % of fresh weight (TP Boro). The ash content range was 0.53 % (TP Rocket and TP Boro) to 0.63 % of fresh weight (TP Taunus). The total polyphenol content was the highest in sample of B Taunus – 3.29 mg GAE kg-1 of fresh weight (GAE – gallic acid equivalent). Betalains were determined separately as the red – violet betacyanins and the yellow betaxanthins. The concentration of betacyanins ranged from 5.7 mg.kg-1 (TP Boro) to 8.07 mg.kg-1 of fresh weight (B Gesche), while that of betaxanthins – from 2.77 mg.kg-1 (TP Boro) to 5.39 mg.kg-1 of fresh weight (B Gesche). Sensory properties (appearance, color, consistency, aroma, taste) of all the beetroot varieties were evaluated overall as good with the best score in a taste and overall appearance noted for TP Boro. The results improve our knowledge on beetroot as a valuable vegetable and indicate that further studies on the properties of different varieties of red beet are justified.

Characterization of rusk incorporated with black rice (Oryza sativa L.) for its physicochemical and functional properties, in-vitro starch digestibility, and anti-inflammatory efficacy.

The consumption of bakery goods is gradually increasing due to their accessibility, convenience, distinctive flavor, and affordability. The food industry is experimenting with novel methods of fortification, supplementation, enrichment, and adding value to bakery ingredients. The present investigation assessed the physicochemical, morphological, and sensorial properties, and anti-inflammatory efficacy of rusks with black rice incorporated. The addition of black rice flour significantly increased (P < 0.05) the total ash (from 1.34 to 1.78 g·kg-1 ), crude protein (from 5.68 to 75 g·kg-1 ), and total fat (from 11.93 to 12.80 g·kg-1 ) content but the carbohydrate content of the rusk decreased significantly (from 76.23 to 71.42 g·kg-1 ). Similarly, the phenolic and flavonoid content increased and showed excellent free-radical scavenging activity after black rice incorporation. The inclusion of black rice flour led to improved functional properties while decreasing the rate of starch digestion and the eGlycemic Index (eGI) score. The sensory scores declined after black rice incorporation but for all rusk samples acceptability was above the lowest level (i.e., ≥5). This study demonstrated that the incorporation of black rice flour into refined wheat flour can enhance the nutritional value of rusk and that it is possible to prepare rusk and other bakery goods using up to 30% black rice with taste and other sensory attributes similar to control rusk. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

On-Farm Tree Mulberry Geometry: Biochemical, Growth and Yield Analysis in the Traditional Areas of Sericulture

Navigation from bush to tree mulberry plantation has been in force in recent years to conquer water scarcity and high-temperature impact in traditional areas. Despite no scientific recommendation, Seri-farmers are practicing varied geometry as per their knowledge and expediency wherein a systematic analysis of the growth, leaf quality, and yield parameters is lacking. Thus, tree mulberry gardens in traditional districts - Kolar and Chikkaballapura were selected to analyze the impact of varied geometry on biochemical, growth, and yield parameters of mulberry variety V1. Surprisingly, diverse geometry of 5'x5', 6'x6', 7'x5', 8'x4', 8'x8', 9'x5', 10'x5', 10'x10', and 12'x12' is in practice in the tree mulberry plantations of the study area. The foliage of tree mulberry raised under 12'x12' geometry possesses the highest total crude protein (30.81mg/100g), nitrogen (4.93%), phosphorus (0.39%), and potassium (1.66%) contents. Among growth yield parameters, 12'x12' geometry recorded the highest number of shoots per tree - 62, the number of leaves - 881, maximum shoot height - 157 cm, fresh weight of leaves - 4.18 g. However, leaf yield was recorded lowest (3.876 kg) in 12'x12' mulberry plantation over all the geometry where the number of trees accommodated per unit area was less. Further, the highest leaf moisture measuring 75.80% was recorded from 8'x4' mulberry plantation geometry. The data stated that the number of tree mulberry recorded was 3625 per hectare of plantation under 8'x4' geometry, giving rise to the highest leaf yield of 49209 kg per hectare per year with a gross return of Rs.761000. Computing all these data, we infer that rather than following capricious geometry for establishing tree mulberry plantation, we suggest following a scientific basis of geometry wherein mulberry crop quality and yield are steadfast to harvest cocoons qualitatively and quantitatively good.

Growth and Survival of Philippine Endemic Juvenile Silver Therapon (Leiopotherapon plumbeus) Fed with Different Natural Live Feeds

Aquaculture of the endemic silver therapon (Leiopotherapon plumbeus) in Laguna de Bay is now seen as valuable instrument to improve its diminished stock and fisheries. Its dietary preferences during its early life stages are not yet well understood leading to low survival. Hence, the present study examined the effect of different natural live feeds namely, Panagrellus redivivus, Moina macrocopa, Artemia franciscana nauplii, and Paramecium caudatum, on the survival and growth of juvenile silver therapon after 30 days of feeding trials. Panagrellus fed silver therapon juveniles have better survival (97.85%, p&lt;0.05), followed by Artemia (54.37%), Moina (45.26%) and Paramecium (40.67%). For growth, a Panagrellus diet also resulted to significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) mean values for all parameters: weight gain (259.50 mg), length gain (13.40 mm), specific growth rate (5.60%), absolute growth (8.65 mg) and relative growth rate (5.08). Differences in the effects of different live feeds on the survival and growth of L. plumbeus juveniles may be at tributed to their different nutritional composition, with Panagrellus having better total crude protein and fat content, and amino acid and fatty acid composition, which are important in the overall metabolism, growth, development, and survival of fish. The present study demonstrates that provision of Panagrellus to L. plumbeus juveniles will result in significantly better survival and growth.

Physico-functional and nutritional characteristics of germinated pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) flour as a functional food ingredient

The study investigated the effect of germination on pigeon pea flour’s physico-functional (pH, color, water and oil absorption capacities, swelling and foaming capacities and bulk densities) and proximate, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity. The physico-functional and proximate parameters were determined using standard protocols. The color analysis showed that germination significantly increased the flour samples’ lightness (L*) (70.7; p = 0.009) by almost 1.5-fold. Germination resulted in almost 1.1 times higher oil absorption capacity than the control (219.9%; p = 0.022). The foaming capacity of the germinated samples significantly (p = 0.015) increased by 6.4%. Germination significantly reduced the loose bulk density (0.54 vs 0.63; p = 0.012) but significantly increased the tapped bulk density (0.84 vs 0.77; p = 0.002). The germinated samples recorded significantly (1.62%; p = 0.010) lower crude fat, about 1.2 times lower than the raw flour. Germination significantly increased the flour’s total ash (4.2% vs 3.6%; p = 0.003) and crude protein (11.6% vs 9.4%; p = 0.047) content. Germinated pigeon pea flour will perform better in formulating baked products, aerated foods and food extenders than non-germinated pigeon pea flour. Hence, the germination of pigeon peas should be encouraged because it harnesses the functional and proximate attributes measured.

Improved forage quality and biomass yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) by Arabidopsis QQS orphan gene

Improving the forage quality of alfalfa in terms of digestibility and crude content is essential for any alfalfa quality breeding programs. Arabidopsis thaliana orphan gene QQS (Qua-Quine Starch) has been shown to improve protein content and alter carbohydrate composition in different food crops. However, there are significant differences in agronomic traits and nutritional conditions between alfalfa and other food crops. To explore the biological function and molecular mechanisms of QQS in alfalfa, we generated QQS transgenic plants and their segregated population (T1 generation), and evaluated their performance under normal- and nitrogen-deficient conditions. Our findings indicate that QQS can significantly enhance the total nitrogen and crude protein content of alfalfa and increase nodule weight under low-nitrogen conditions. Furthermore, QQS transgenic lines also showed reduced levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and lignin, improving forage digestibility. By RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR analysis, we found that QQS affected the expression of genes involved in carbon and nitrogen metabolism, lignin biosynthesis and amino acid biosynthesis and degradation pathways in alfalfa. In addition, QQS also improved alfalfa biomass yield by increasing branch number and plant height in both greenhouse and field conditions. Our results demonstrate that QQS as a useful molecular tool can improve alfalfa biomass yield and overall forage quality and could have significant implications for the alfalfa breeding industry in satisfying the constant demands for high-quality and high-yielding forage.

Effect of Green Synthesized ZnO-NPs on Growth, Antioxidant System Response and Bioactive Compound Accumulation in Echinops macrochaetus, a Potential Medicinal Plant, and Assessment of Genome Size (2C DNA Content).

Echinops macrochaetus is a medicinal plant that can be used to cure various diseases. In the present study, plant-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized using an aqueous leaf extract of the medicinal plant Heliotropium bacciferum and characterized using various techniques. E. macrochaetus was collected from the wild and identified using the internal transcribed spacer sequence of nrDNA (ITS-nrDNA), which showed the closeness to its related genus in a phylogenetic tree. The effect of synthesized biogenic ZnO-NPs was studied on E. macrochaetus in a growth chamber for growth, bioactive compound enhancement and antioxidant system response. The irrigation of plants at a low concentration of ZnO-NPs (T1 = 10 mg/L) induced more growth in terms of biomass, chlorophyll content (273.11 µg/g FW) and carotenoid content (135.61 µg/g FW) than the control and other treatments (T2-20 mg/L and T3-40 mg/L). However, the application of a high concentration of ZnO-NPs (20 and 40 mg/L) increased the level of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, APX and GR), total crude and soluble protein, proline and TBARS contents. The accumulations of the compounds quercetin-3-β-D-glucoside, luteolin 7-rutinoside and p-coumaric acid were greater in the leaf compared to the shoot and root. A minor variation was observed in genome size in treated plants as compared to the control group. Overall, this study revealed the stimulatory effect of phytomediated ZnO-NPs, which act as bio-stimulants/nano-fertilizers as revealed by more biomass and the higher production of phytochemical compounds in different parts of the E. macrochaetus.

Performance of dairy cows offered high or low digestibility grass silages at a high or low total diet crude protein content

Performance of dairy cows offered high or low digestibility grass silages at a high or low total diet crude protein content

Effects of Ammonification–Steam Explosion Pretreatment on the Production of True Protein from Rice Straw during Solid-State Fermentation

It is difficult to obtain high-protein contents from rice straw using direct fermentation due to its low nitrogen content. This study investigates the effects of ammonification–steam explosion pretreatment of rice straw on the protein content after solid-state fermentation (SSF). The pretreatment is carried out under multi-strain inoculation conditions. The samples of rice straw after ammonification (TA), steam explosion (TSE), and ammonification and steam explosion (TA-SE) were compared to the control group (TC). The results indicate that both ammonification and steam explosion could disintegrate rice straw’s lignocellulosic structure, releasing nutrients that can be used for microbial reproduction. In addition, amino compounds are formed along with depolymerization products, thus effectively promoting the true protein content. Post-fermentation, total crude protein contents of TA, TSE, and TA-SE samples were 2.56, 1.83, and 4.37 times higher than that of Tc samples, respectively, and true protein contents were 2.52, 1.83, and 5.03 times higher. This study shows that the true protein content by combined ammonification and steam explosion pretreatment of rice straw during 96 h of solid-state fermentation was 46.7% of its total matter, rendering it a suitable alternative to high-protein animal feed.

Sequential ultrasound assisted deep eutectic solvent-based protein extraction from Sacha inchi meal biomass: towards circular bioeconomy.

The need for high-quality dietary proteins has risen over the years with improvements in the quality of life. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been regarded as potential green alternatives to conventional organic solvents for protein extraction from press cake biomass, meeting the needs of sustainable development goals. Sacha inchi seed meal (SIM) is generated as a by-product of the seed oil extraction industries containing high protein content. The current study presents a novel ultrasound assisted DES method for the extraction of SIM protein in a sequential manner. Four different DESs were screened, out of which choline chloride (ChCl)/glycerol (1:2) gave promising results in protein recovery and was further selected. The sequential ultrasound-ChCl/glycerol could effectively extract high total crude protein content (77.43%) from SIM biomass compared to alone ultrasound (29.21%) or ChCl/glycerol (58.32%) treatment strategies. The SIM protein extracted from ultrasound-ChCl/glycerol exhibited high solubility (94.39%) at alkaline pH and highest in vitro digestibility (71.16%) by digestive enzymes (pepsin and trypsin). The protein characterization by SDS-PAGE and FTIR elucidated the structural properties and presence of different functional groups of SIM protein. Overall, the sequential ultrasound-ChCl/glycerol revealed its significant potential for one-step biorefining of the waste Sacha inchi meal biomass for circular bioeconomy.

Nutritional and Microbial Assessment of Cookies Made from Compounded Flours

This study utilized composite flour from wheat, coconut shell and tiger nut to produce cookies in order to improve the nutrient contents of cookies and encourage the use of compounded flour. Appropriate quantity of the different blends of compounded flour and wheat were mixed with other ingredients to produce cookies. Microbial, organoleptic and nutritional assessments were carried out on the flour and cookies. The sensory evaluation shows the cookies produced were all acceptable in terms of texture, taste and acceptability in general. The 100% wheat flour cookies were appraised to be the best in terms of appearance and texture while 100% tiger nut flour cookies were most preferred in terms of crumbliness and general acceptability. Furthermore, 90:10 (wheat: Coconut Shell) cookies were most preferred in terms of taste. The organisms isolated were characterized and identified to be Bacillus alvei, Bacillus brevis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aeromonas hydrophila and Staphylococcus aureus. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was found to be the most occurring isolate. The total viable and total fungal counts vary from 1.0 x 101 to 2.7 x 101 and 1.0 x 101 to 4.0 x 101 CFU/g respectively. Enterobacteriaceae was not detected in any of the samples. The proximate composition of the cookies were from 4.38 to 12.03, 2.10 to 20.10, 22.10 to 32.00, 3.00 to 5.00 and 1.20 to 3.10% for total crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, moisture and total ash contents respectively. Conclusively, given the nutritional value and microbial quality of the cookies, the use of the composite flours is recommended which in return will cause a reduction in total reliance on wheat flour.

Evaluation of Nutrient Content and Antioxidant Activity of Wood Ear Mushroom (Auricularia auricula-Judae) in the Addition of Reeds (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv) as a Cultivation Medium

The nutritional content of mushrooms depends on the type of substrate in the growing medium. Lignocellulose is one of the substrates used for fungal growth media. In this study, the effect of adding dried reeds (Imperata cylindrical (L.) Beauv) on Sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) Nielsen) sawdust-based media was investigated for wood ear mushroom (Auricularia auricula-Judae) fruiting body. Reeds have been added to Sengon sawdust as wood ear mushroom cultivated medium with variations of S0, S1, S2, S3, and S4 (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of reeds, respectively). S0 was designed as the negative control and S4 as the positive control. The evaluation was carried out against the C/N ratio, yield, biological efficiency (BE), nutritional content, and antioxidant activity of fruiting body mushrooms after 10, 20, and 30 days planted. The highest C/N ratio and BE were obtained from the S1 medium. The lowest moisture content was obtained from the S0 medium. The lowest fat content was obtained from the S4 medium. The best result of nutritional analysis includes the following; the highest total carbohydrate, ash, crude fiber, and crude protein content was obtained from S3, S4, S3, and S0. Furthermore, the best result of antioxidant activity against ABTS and DPPH was obtained at methanol extract of fruiting body mushrooms from S1 medium, compared with ascorbic acid as the positive control. This study has shown that adding reeds to the cultivated medium influences the growth, nutritional content, and antioxidant activity of wood ear mushrooms.