Total Sugar Content Research Articles

Crude glycerol-water organosolv delignification of sugarcane bagasse to produce fermentable sugars

This study evaluated the organosolv pretreatment with crude glycerol as a cosolvent for the delignification of raw sugarcane bagasse and the release of fermentable sugars from enriched-cellulose fraction by enzymatic hydrolysis. The pretreated solid fractions were characterized by pulp yield, weight loss, cellulose and hemicellulose content, lignin content, and delignification extent. Condition 9 (210 ºC, 60 min, 8 mL g-1) led to the highest delignification (~79%) with high total reducing sugars (TRS) concentration (~300 g L-1) and lower carbohydrate preservation (< 41%). While condition 1 (180 ºC, 150 min, 8 mL g-1) led to the highest cellulose preservation (~70%) and TRS (> 412 g L-1), even with a lower delignification extent (> 69%). This work contributed to an effective and optimized strategy to reuse crude glycerol in organosolv pretreatment as a facilitator of lignocellulose delignification, in addition to validating new protocols for the biorefinery production chain, providing sustainable biomaterials with added value.

Bioprospecting of exopolysaccharides from the endophytic fungi Epicoccum sorghinum AMFS4, for its structure, composition, bioactivities and application in seed priming

The endophytic fungi, Epicoccum sorghinum AMFS4 was investigated for its metabolic components and composition of bioactive exopolysaccharides (EPS). Metabolic analysis of the ethyl acetate extract majorly detected sugars derivatives such as, 4-Cholesten-3-one semicarbazone (20.9%), d-Fructose (18.96%), and α-d-Galactopyranosiduronicacid (1.71%). The growth curve and EPS yield were determined as 12.22 ± 1.02 g/L and 7.41 ± 0.32 g/L (dry weight) respectively on day 8. The deproteined EPS has been characterised with pyranose ring linked by α-glycosidic bonds, composing fructose, galactose and glucose monosaccharides validated by HPLC. Total sugar content was found to be 93.18 ± 0.81% with detection of proteins and uronate. The viscous EPS appeared filamentous under SEM observation and behaves as emulsifier with notable antioxidant properties. Priming of EPS on tomato seeds showed early induction of secondary rooting than in the control seedlings. Thus, E. sorghinum AMFS4 synthesises bioactive EPS with simple carbohydrate structure, good water absorption and significant metabolic influence on seed germination.

Comparative analysis of nutrient composition and antioxidant activity in three dragon fruit cultivars.

Dragon fruit has significant economic value in many countries due to has excellent nutritional content, health advantages, and adaptability to different climates, making it an important crop in the global fruit industry. This study aimed to gather comprehensive nutritional data on three dragon fruit cultivars by analysing the levels of micronutrients, fibre, carbohydrates, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in their pulps. Uniform dragon fruit samples underwent thorough analysis for proximate composition, mineral content, pigments, antioxidants, and vitamin C, with statistical methods used to assess significant differences among the parameters studied. The proximate composition analysis revealed significant differences among the three dragon fruit cultivars. Among the proximate components, protein (0.40±0.02g/100 g), moisture (91.33±0.88%), crude fibre (0.32±0.07 g/100 g), and ash (1.27±0.09 g/100 g) were more abundant in Hylocereus costaricensis than in Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus megalanthus. On the other hand, Hylocereus undatus had higher carbohydrate (17.02±0.63 g/100 g) and energy (69.74±2.44 kcal/100 g) contents. K (7.23±0.35 mg/100 g), Ca (1.61±0.13 mg/100 g), Fe (1.84±0.05 mg/100 g), and Zn (0.37±0.034 mg/100 g) are highly abundant in H. costaricensis. Additionally, Hylocereus costaricensis had the highest anthocyanin content (120.15±3.29 mg/g FW) and total carotenoid content (72.51±1.62 mg/g FW), along with the highest vitamin C content (8.92±0.13 mg/g FW) and total soluble phenolic content (572.48±20.77 mg/100 g). Its remarkable antioxidant activity was further highlighted by the lowest SC50 value (13.50±0.4 mg/mL) for its DPPH radical scavenging capacity. The total soluble sugar content was highest in Hylocereus megalanthus (8.72±0.30 g/100 g FW). Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed distinct trait and genotype associations; among the studied cultivars, Hylocereus costaricensis demonstrated superior performance across multiple traits. Correlation analysis indicated significant positive correlations among several traits, while principal component analysis highlighted the contribution of each trait to overall variance, with PC1 explaining 73.95% of the total variance. This study highlights the nutritional variations among dragon fruit cultivars, with Hylocereus costaricensis showing superior performance, guiding dietary planning and functional food development.

Effect of Subsoiling on the Nutritional Quality of Grains of Maize Hybrids of Different Eras.

To achieve high maize (Zea mays L.) yields and quality grain, it is necessary to develop stress-resistant cultivars and related cultivation practices, aiming to maximize efficiency. Thus, our objectives were (i) to investigate the impact of tillage practices and maize hybrids (which have improved over time) on yield and its components, and (ii) to characterize the response pattern of maize hybrid grain nutrient quality components to subsoiling. To achieve this, we conducted field trials with five maize hybrids from different eras under two tillage practices: rotary tillage and subsoiling. We compared grain yield, nutritional quality, and other indicators across different tillage conditions from the 1970s to the 2010s. The main results of this study are as follows: under rotary tillage conditions, the 2010s hybrid (DH618) significantly increased yields (9.37-55.89%) compared to hybrids from the 1970s-2000s. After subsoiling, the physiologically mature grains of all hybrids exhibited minimal changes in crude protein and fat content, while there was a significant reduction in the total soluble sugar content of the grains. After subsoiling, there was a substantial 8.14 to 12.79 percent increase in total starch accumulation in the grain for all hybrids during the period of 47-75 days post-anthesis. Furthermore, during the period of 47-75 days after anthesis, the consumption of grain crude protein significantly contributed to the accumulation of total starch in the grains. Ultimately, subsoiling significantly increased the yield of each hybrid and enhanced the total grain starch content at physiological maturity of all hybrids, with the 2010s hybrid (DH618) performing exceptionally well.

Edible coating functionalized with ornamental plant extracts affect the postharvest quality of guava (Psidium guajava) during storage

Present study was carried out during 2021–23 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to investigate the efficacy of active edible coatings, incorporated with extracts from rose leaves and marigold petals in preserving the quality of mature green guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Allahabad Safeda during storage at both ambient (25±2°C) and cold (10±1°C) conditions. The coatings, particularly carboxy methyl cellulose combined with rose leaf extract (CMC+RL) demonstrated the highest effectiveness in minimizing per cent firmness reduction (PFR; 77.02% and 84.71%) compared to the control (89.95% and 89.73%) after 4 and 18 days of ambient and cold storage, respectively. Additionally, the coatings significantly influenced total soluble solids (TSS), total sugar content (TSC) and yellowness index (YI) showing potential in slowing down the fruit ripening. Moreover, the coatings demonstrated notable antioxidant activity with CMC+RL coating exhibited the highest activity. Furthermore, the coatings exhibited a substantial inhibitory effect on polygalactouronase (PG) activity, indicating a potential to mitigate cell wall degradation. Overall, the results highlight the promise of these biodegradable coatings as an alternative to synthetic preservatives in preserving postharvest quality and enhancing the shelf-life of guava fruits.

Действие органоминерального комплекса «Белый Жемчуг» на качество и выход товарных плодов яблони после длительного хранения

Biological fertilizers improve fruit quality; for instance, organomineral, or activated mixes are known to increase consumer qualities of apples. This article describes the effect of a new activated complex (non-root treatment) on the yield, chemical composition, and physiological disorders, e.g., scald and brown spot, of commercial apples after long-term storage. The research featured the natural activated complex of the Beliy Zhemchug (White Pearl) brand. The apple trees were divided into two groups: 1 – untreated control trees; 2 – trees that underwent a non-root treatment with the activated complex (1% solution of its Antifreeze variant + 1% solution of the Drip Ca + Mg variant). The trees belonged to the Sinap Orlovskiy cultivar, which is highly susceptible to brown spot and scald, both in the orchard and during long-term storage. The apples were studied for chemical composition and consumer qualities after long-term storage in a CV114-S refrigerator at +2°C and a relative humidity of 85–90%. The non-root treatment of apple trees with the Beliy Zhemchug activated complex had no significant effect on the content of soluble solids, total sugars, titrated acids, and ascorbic acid in ripe apples. Weather conditions affected the chemical composition 30 days before harvesting. The non-root treatment increased the yield of commercial apples by 1.62 times after long-time storage. The scald, brown spot, and moniliosis damage decreased by 1.9, 2.6, and 1.9 times, respectively. The activated fertilizers of the Beliy Zhemchug brand proved highly efficient as additional techniques in common apple cultivation and could be recommended to improve the quality and yield of commercial fruits after long-term storage.

“Panampaniyaaram”: A Traditional Food Product Made with SmallMillet for Revitalization towards Sustainable Nutrition

performed by panelists using a 9-point hedonic scale were used to assess nineteen treatments on different mixtures by altering the flour types and their percentages in four levels, with palmyrah pulp and small-millet flours, including finger millet, little millet, and Foxtail millet. The sample prepared from 100% finger millet flour was chosen as the most preferred sample, based on the results obtained from the sensory evaluations. Physicochemical analysis of the selected treatment revealed that pH was 5.86±0.01 and the total ash content 1.38±0.18 g/100 g was significantly (p<0.05) higher, and crude fat content 9.04±0.02 g/100 g, total salt content 0.201±0.026 g/100 g, and total sugar content 16.38 g/100g, was significantly (p<0.05) less than that of the control sample which contained wheat flour. The selected treatment of the mineral content was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of the control treatment and contained Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, and Potassium were 150, 60, 32.7 and 76.8 mg/100 g, respectively. In summary, palmyrah fruit pulp and finger millet can be used to create healthy, nutritional and affordable natural snacks “panampaniyaaram”, which will satisfy consumer preferences. Further studies are required to understand the developed product's organoleptic properties, antioxidant, vitamins, and anti-microbial activities as well as ways to extend its shelf-life. Keywords: Panampaniyaaram, palmyrah pulp, small-millets, finger millet, value-addition

Determination of Proximate Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Selected Underutilized Fruits (Namnam, Lovi, Roseapple, Pumello, And Sapota) Grown in Sri Lanka

The present experiment was conducted at the Fruit Research and Development Institute Horana, Sri Lanka, from 2020 to 2021 to evaluate the proximate composition, antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid and total phenolic content of five underutilized fruits, namely Namnam, Lovi, Roseapple, Pumello and Sapota using Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) methods. The parameters determined were moisture, crude fiber, crude fat, sugar, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, titratable acidity, pH, total soluble solids and ascorbic acid. Rose apple and Namnam fruits recorded the highest (91.47%) and the lowest (68.87%) moisture content, respectively. The Pumello fruit exhibited the lowest fat, crude fiber, total sugar, non–reducing sugar and reducing sugar contents with the values of 0.01%, 1.33%, 005%, 0.03%, and 0.02%, respectively. Sapota reported the highest fat, total soluble solids and pH values of 1.33%, 16%, and 4.74%, respectively. Roseapple recorded the highest crude fiber (5.59%) and the total sugar content (0.81%), while Lovi showed the lowest pH (2.29) and highest titratable acid content (2.01%) Pumello had the highest ascorbic acid concentration, whereas Lovi had the lowest value. Pumello and Namnam demonstrated the lowest IC50 value (0.03). Sapota and Roseapple had the highest (20.49) and lowest (2.16) total phenolic content. The study emphasizes the diverse nutritional elements in these underutilized fruits, highlighting their potential as valuable sources of supplementary nutrients.

EFFECTS OF FERTILIZATION REGIMENS ON THE FRUIT YIELD AND QUALITY OF CUCUMBER CULTIVAR ‘DZHERELO’

Abstract. This is research relevant because the effects of different fertilization regimens on the fruit yield and quality of cucumber cv. ‘Dzherelo’ grown in an irrigated vegetable–forage rotation in the Left–Bank Forest–Steppe of Ukraine have been studied. Purpose: to evaluate the effects of different ways of optimizing nutrition regimens on the fruit yield and quality of cucumber cv. ‘Dzherelo’. Methods. Field, computational and statistical. Results. The effects of different fertilization regimens have been studied: mineral, organic, organic–mineral, resource–saving (local mineral fertilization), and complex with a calculated dose of mineral fertilizers and trace elements (foliar fertilizing with Reakom – R – cucumbers). The most effective fertilization regimens increasing the fruit yield and quality of cucumber cv. ‘Dzherelo’ grown in an irrigated vegetable–forage rotation have been selected. The nitrate content in cucumbers was shown to increase to 89.0–93.4 mg/kg of fresh weight after mineral fertilization, which was higher than the nitrate content after the other tested fertilization regimens but did not exceed the maximum permissible level of nitrates in outdoor–grown fresh cucumbers (MPL = 150 mg/kg). Conclusions. It was found that N, P and K from fertilizers were the most effectively absorbed by cucumber plants with broadcast mineral fertilizer at N90P60K60. In this variant, the utilization coefficients were as follows: nitrogen – 54%, phosphorus – 18.8%, and potassium – 51.8%. High yields (20.3 and 18.3 t/ha), marketability (87.7 and 88.0%) and fruit quality (dry matter content = 4.32–4.66%; total sugar content = 2.28–2 .35%; vitamin C content = 11.93–12.47 mg/100 g; nitrate content = 82.6–89.0 mg/kg) were recorded when cucumber cv. ‘Dzherelo’ was fertilized with broadcast mineral fertilizers at N200P210K200 with additional foliar fertilization with Reakom – R – cucumbers complex fertilizer or fertilized with organic–mineral fertilizers (66 t/ha of manure + broadcast N90P60K60), respectively.

Suitability of Selected Apple Varieties for People with Allergies and Diabetes.

The study aimed to select apple varieties suitable for allergy sufferers and people with diabetes. The total polyphenol content, sugar content, acidity, and antioxidant activity of the apple fruit juices were determined using spectrophotometric techniques. The allergenic content in the apple juices was also measured. The strength of sensitisation was assessed using the ELISA method. Given their minimal content of both profilins and Bet v 1 homologues, Koksa Pomarańczowa (4.24 ± 0.08 µg/g Bet v 1 and 4.49 ± 0.82 ng/g profilins) and Książę Albrecht Pruski (5.57 ± 0.07 µg/g Bet v 1 and 3.34 ± 0.09 ng/g profilins) were identified as suitable for people with allergies. For people with diabetes, the most suitable apple variety was found to be Jakub Lebel, providing large doses of antioxidants and polyphenols (41.10 ± 0.20 and 5.16 ± 0.42, respectively) and a relatively low sugar content (9.06 g/100 g).

Evaluation of Select Monarda Taxa in Montane and Piedmont Regions of Georgia: II. Floral Morphology and Nectar Production

We analyzed the floral morphology and nectar production of several cultivars and species of Monarda representing five cultivars and four species grown in Georgia Piedmont and Montane regions. Over the course of two seasons, we detected significant differences among the samples in terms of inflorescence size, petal lobe and corolla widths and lengths, and total sugar content. M. didyma had larger glomerules, longer corollas and petal lobes, and higher nectar volume and total sugar content per flower. M. fistulosa and M. punctata had smaller glomerules, corolla and petal lobe lengths, and total sugar content per flower. Petal lobe and corolla length strongly correlated with sucrose and nectar production. Combined with data on horticultural performance, these results could be valuable in informing breeding goals for conservation-oriented landscape plants.

Halal aspect and nutritional potential of telang (Clitoria ternatea L.) flower kombucha

Abstract Public awareness of halal aspects is increasing, especially for foods. Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) states that fermented drinks are halal if they contain alcohol below 0.5%. Several compounds are produced during the fermentation process in kombucha, including the compound ethanol (alcohol). This research aims to analyze the alcohol content and nutritional content of telang (Clitoria ternatea L.) flower kombucha drinks to fulfil halal aspects and nutritional potential. This research is an experimental study using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with one factor, namely storage time at five observation points (0 weeks, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 weeks). The alcohol content was analyzed using a method using Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection- Head Space (GC-FID). Nutrient content analysis consists of analysis of water, ash, energy, energy from fat and protein content, and carbohydrate analysis carried out by difference. Total sugar content was analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The alcohol content increases during the storage period. Alcohol content is in the range of 0.15-0.17%. This content meets halal aspects with a content of <0.5% following MUI regulations. Statistical analysis using ANOVA showed that storage had no significant effect on alcohol content (p>0.05). Telang flower kombucha contains 117.46 calories of energy, 29.37 grams of carbohydrates, 0.02 grams of fat, 0.04 grams of protein, and 16 grams of sugar per 100 ml.

The communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi established by different winter green manures in paddy fields promote post-cropping rice production1

Winter planting green manures in southern China effectively improve soil properties and rice production through microbial community construction. However, the effects of soil communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from different winter planting green manures on the soil properties and post-cropping rice production remain unclear. In this study, the soil AMF communities of three common winter planting patterns in Southern China, winter fallow, winter ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.), and winter Chinese milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus L.), were explored and their effects on post-cropping rice production were investigated. Compared with winter fallow, the winter ryegrass and winter Chinese milk vetch patterns could alleviate soil acidification, significantly increase soil AMF spore density, and improve the soil AMF community structure. Based on sterilized soil, rice production indicators such as thousand-seed weight, theoretical yield, and the grain amylose and total sugar contents of rice inoculated with AMF spores from winter Chinese milk vetch soil were 6.68-53.57% higher than those without AMF inoculation. Rice panicle weight, seed setting rate, and theoretical yield were 15.38-22.71% higher in the treatment with AMF spores from winter ryegrass soil than in the treatments with no AMF inoculation. In addition, the protein, amylose, and total sugar contents of rice grains were 14.92, 104.82, and 802.23 mg kg-1, respectively, which were 31.31, 14.25 and 34.47% higher than those without AMF inoculation. The AMF community dominated by Glomus and Acaulospora in winter Chinese milk vetch had a more positive effect on the improvement of rice yield, while the AMF community dominated by Glomus in winter ryegrass soil was more conducive to rice quality improvement. These findings have revealed the critical role of AMF communities from green manure in rice production, which lays the theoretical basis for a promising strategy to promote the sustainable development of southern winter agriculture.

Production of ethanol from oil palm trunk by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process at bench scale

Abstract A largenumber of oil palm trees are replanted every year. Considering the extent of replanting and OPT’s high starch and sugar content, it was determined to be a potential raw material for bioethanol production. This study conducted ethanol production by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of starch-rich powder extracted from oil palm trunks. Fermentation was conducted on a 100 L bench scale to evaluate the feasibility and further development of the process before the process is implemented at a larger scale. The preparation of the starch-rich flour involves shredding, drying, and screening of the trunks until the starch-rich powder passes through an 80-mesh sieve. Furthermore, starch was liquefied and partially saccharified. Subsequent saccharification was performed simultaneously with fermentation. The initial total sugar content was adjusted to 15 % w/v and starch was enzymatically hydrolyzed using commercial α-amylase (Liquozyme) and glucoamylase (Novozyme) produced by NOVO. Fermentation was performed using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hakken No. 1. Since the starch-rich flour contains useful nutrients and growth factors for microbes, the fermentation medium only required the addition of a nitrogen source (urea 1 g/L). The ethanol content after fermentation was approximately 8.7 % v/v with a fermentation ratio of 88.8 %. These results were obtained at a fermentation time of 60 h. One OPT yields 80 kg of starch-rich powder, equivalent to 33 liters of bioethanol.

Definition of halal analysis of formulation of kombucha drink from simplicia of malay apple fruit (Syzygium malaccense)

The wealth of biodiversity and the abundance of native Indonesian germplasm resources have not been optimally utilized domestically. Malay apple, which belongs to the myrtaceae family, has various health benefits. However, its utilization is still limited, thus requiring ideas to increase public interest in this fruit. Therefore, innovation is carried out by transforming malay apple into kombucha fermentation beverages as a step to optimize its utilization. The research aimed to measure the total alcohol content, total acid, and total sugar in the formulation of kombucha beverages derived from malay apple fruit juice, with the goal of developing it into a functional beverage. The research process involved testing alcohol content using gas chromatography, measuring total acid by alkalimetric titration method, and measuring total sugar content by anthrone method. The research results showed that the malay apple kombucha sample the level of alcohol content was 0.0213%, the total acid was 1.38% (<2 g/L), and the total sugar was 0.807 µg. The kombucha malay apple which category halal kombucha.

Development of Value-added Ready-to-serve Beverage Based on Garcinia pedunculata: A Super Fruit

Garcinia pedunculata is an indigenous plant and a seasonal fruit of Assam, North-east India with therapeutic potential. The aim of the present study was to develop a value-added RTS beverage to derive optimum commercial benefit to the local growers of Assam. The study was conducted with the following objectives- to develop and standardize RTS beverage from Garcinia pedunculata, to evaluate its organoleptic acceptability, to analyze its nutritional composition and shelf-life stability. Three variations of garcinia RTS beverages were formulated in the study viz., R1, R2 and R3 along with a control (C) and in each variant, different flavours such as chilli powder, jeera powder and ajwain powder were added. Using the standard 9-point hedonic scale, the RTS beverages were evaluated for their acceptability by 30 semi-trained panelists considering their sensory attributes. Also, the nutritional profiles were assessed and shelf-life estimation was done. The results revealed that garcinia RTS (R2 formulation) had maximum sensory attributes which was selected for further analysis and storage study. The TSS and pH value was recorded as 10 and 1.68 respectively which increased during storage. R2 reported a total sugar content of 24.68 g/100 g, Fe- 3.60 mg/100 g, K- 256.56 mg/100 g and vitamin C- 24.65 mg/100 g. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in R2 was reported to be 161.20 mg GAE/100 g and 312.86 mg CE/100 g respectively. DPPH and FRAP assay recorded the values of 59.31 (%inhibition) and 4.13 µmol Fe (II/g) respectively in R2. The shelf-life studies indicated no visible microbial growth but presence of colony formation was recorded. Thus, RTS beverage prepared from Garcinia pedunculata is highly nutritious and can be commercialized as micronutrient enriched value added drink, thereby making it available throughout the season, which shall further help in sustainable economic status of the local growers.

Determination of Carbohydrate Composition in Lentils Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

Carbohydrates are the main components of lentils, accounting for more than 60% of their composition. Their content is influenced by genetic factors, with different contents depending on the variety. These compounds have not only been linked to interesting health benefits, but they also have a significant influence on the techno-functional properties of lentil-derived products. In this study, the use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict the concentration of total carbohydrate, fibre, starch, total sugars, fructose, sucrose and raffinose was investigated. For this purpose, six different cultivars of macrosperm (n = 37) and microsperm (n = 43) lentils have been analysed, the samples were recorded whole and ground and the suitability of both recording methods were compared. Different spectral and mathematical pre-treatments were evaluated before developing the calibration models using the Modified Partial Least Squares regression method, with a cross-validation and an external validation. The predictive models developed show excellent coefficients of determination (RSQ > 0.9) for the total sugars and fructose, sucrose, and raffinose. The recording of ground samples allowed for obtaining better models for the calibration of starch content (R > 0.8), total sugars and sucrose (R > 0.93), and raffinose (R > 0.91). The results obtained confirm that there is sufficient information in the NIRS spectral region for the development of predictive models for the quantification of the carbohydrate content in lentils.

Characterization of low-molecular-weight fucoidan prepared by photocatalysis degradation and its regulation effect on metabolomics of LPS-stimulated macrophages

Fucoidan (ANP) from Ascophyllum nodosum demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory activity. Because lower-molecular-weight polysaccharides usually process even better bioactivities, in the present study, the photocatalytic degradation method with TiO2 and H2O2 was used to prepare low-molecular-weight derivatives (D-ANP-1.5 and D-ANP-3.5) with molecular weight of 5.0 kDa and 2.3 kDa, respectively. The characteristics of D-ANP-1.5 and D-ANP-3.5 were identified by chemical composition analysis, high-performance gel permeation chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography photo-diode array mass, and Fourier transform-infrared spectrum, and compared with that of original fucoidan. The sulfate group retention rates of D-ANP-1.5 and D-ANP-3.5 were over 90.0% and the fucose and total sugar contents increased. However, the uronic acid and protein contents were decreased and the functional groups were not changed during degradation. Subsequently, 7 oligosaccharides in D-ANP-3.5 were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization detector mass and 6 of them were sulfated. Moreover, D-ANP-3.5 (2.3 kDa) supplement showed stronger inhibition effect of nitric oxide production than D-ANP-1.5 and undegraded ANP in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, metabolic profiles results indicated that arginine biosynthesis, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, the TCA cycle, purine metabolism, and glutathione metabolism, along with influencing metabolic biomarkers such as betaine, arginine, NAD+, ATP, and pyroglutamic acid, were involved in the effects of D-ANP-3.5. The superior regulation effect on metabolomics in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells of D-ANP-3.5 could be attributed to its relatively low molecular weight and high fucose content. The present study advance understanding of the mechanism for the anti-inflammation of D-ANP-3.5.

Peningkatan Mutu Kakao Melalui Percepatan Lama Fermentasi dengan Penggunaan Pektinase Aspergillus niger dan Ion Kalsium

Indonesia is the third largest producer of cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.) in the world, but the quality of Indonesian cocoa beans is considered as low. Fermentation is one of the factors that affect the quality of cocoa beans. Fermentation of cocoa beans is a spontaneous fermentation and takes about 5-7 days (for bulk cacao). The objective of this study was to determine the potential of adding pectinase from Aspergillus niger and calcium ions in accelerating fermentation time and the quality of cocoa beans produced. The independent variable in this study was the concentration of calcium ions as an enzyme activator. The concentration of calcium ions and pectinase are applied to cocoa fermentation. The observations made were reducing sugar content, total sugar content, protein content, lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria levels. Parametric data will be analysed by T-test independent with a confidence level of α=0.05. The results showed that added 4.5 units of pectinase and 100 mM calcium ions have significant in reduce the total sugar compared with control due to enzimatic activity. Therefore, the addition of pectinase enzymes from Aspergillus niger and calcium ions have a potential to accelerate the fermentation time and the fermented cocoa beans that have been carried out have met the quality standards of SNI 2828:2008 and included in I – B group of forastero cocoa. This potential needs to be tested further with a larger fermentation volume, for example above 40 kg, to achieve the optimal temperature for the formation of flavor precursors. Keywords: cocoa bean, ion calcium, pectinase, quality

Effects of Actinomycete Act12 on Soil Microbial Community Structure and Plant Traits of Ziziphus jujuba Mill.

Biocontrol agents play a crucial role in agricultural production by reducing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, controlling pests and diseases, and enhancing crop yield and quality. While extensive research has focused on the growth-promoting and yield-increasing effects of biocontrol agents on herbaceous plants, their impact on woody crops such as trees and shrubs has not been reported. This study investigates the effects of the actinomycete strain Act12, applied via root drenching and foliar spraying, on the flowering and fruit set rates, leaf physiology and enzyme activity, and fruit characteristics and yield of the jujube tree (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.). Additionally, this study analyzes the physicochemical properties of the soil and the diversity and community structure of its microorganisms. The results indicate that treatment with Act12 significantly altered the α and β diversity of soil microorganisms and enhanced the interaction networks among them. This led to increased levels of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil, significantly improving nutrient availability. Consequently, there was an improvement in the number of flower buds and fruits, as well as an increase in the longitudinal diameter and individual fruit weight of the jujube. These effects significantly enhanced the yield and total sugar content of the winter jujube. Given these findings, Act12 can be considered an effective microbial agent for enhancing the yield and quality of winter jujube when applied to the soil.