Valuable Ingredients Research Articles

A simulation‐guided tri‐spiral condenser design for enhancing lemongrass essential oil recovery

AbstractWe present a groundbreaking achievement in essential oil extraction, showcasing the development of a highly efficient tri‐spiral condenser for use in microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) setups. This innovative condenser is specifically designed to swiftly cool vapors, optimizing oil yield during the MAE process. Our investigations demonstrate a notable improvement in oil purity, attributed to the expedited condensation facilitated by the tri‐spiral design. Traditional heat exchangers, like the Liebig condenser, fall short in efficiently handling the high vapor production rates of MAE. In response to this challenge, our tri‐spiral condenser design enhances condensation speed, resulting in a remarkable 12.2% increase in oil yield compared with the Liebig condenser (2.1% with tri‐spiral vs. 1.87% with Liebig), as validated by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. Beyond elevating oil purity, our design holds promise for diverse applications requiring rapid cooling. This work not only advances laboratory practices but also contributes to the broader societal need for efficient and sustainable methods in the essential oil extraction industry.Practical applicationsThe innovative tri‐spiral condenser design, as elucidated in this article, presents significant practical applications, especially in the realm of lemongrass essential oil recovery. This breakthrough technology holds promise for the fragrance and cosmetics industries, where lemongrass essential oil is a valuable ingredient. The novel condenser design enhances extraction efficiency, leading to a higher concentration of essential oil with improved aromatic compounds. Cosmetic manufacturers can benefit from a more potent and fragrant lemongrass oil for skincare and aromatherapy products. Additionally, the pharmaceutical sector could leverage this advancement for developing therapeutic products harnessing the medicinal properties of lemongrass. By optimizing essential oil recovery, the tri‐spiral condenser design not only caters to the needs of the fragrance, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, but also aligns with a broader trend towards sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices, ensuring the accessibility of high‐quality lemongrass essential oil for diverse applications.

Hemp Seeds (Cannabis sativa L.) as a Valuable Source of Natural Ingredients for Functional Foods-A Review.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has experienced a significant resurgence in popularity, and global interest in diversifying its use in various industries, including the food industry, is growing. Therefore, due to their exceptional nutritional value, hemp seeds have recently gained increasing interest as a valuable ingredient for obtaining high-quality foods and dietary supplements. Hemp seeds stand out for their remarkable content of quality proteins, including edestin and albumin, two distinct types of proteins that contribute to exceptional nutritional value. Hemp seeds are also rich in healthy lipids with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (omega-6), alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), and some vitamins (vitamins E, D, and A). Polyphenols and terpenoids, in particular, present in hemp seeds, provide antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review examines the scientific literature regarding hemp seeds' physicochemical and nutritional characteristics. The focus is on those characteristics that allow for their use in the food industry, aiming to transform ordinary food products into functional foods, offering additional benefits for the body's health. Innovating opportunities to develop healthy, nutritionally superior food products are explored by integrating hemp seeds into food processes, promoting a balanced and sustainable diet.

Integrated non-targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics reveals the browning mechanism of scraped ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.).

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) possesses a rich nutritional profile, making it a valuable ingredient for a wide range of culinary applications. After removing its outer skin, ginger can be effectively utilized in the production of pickles and other processed food products. However, following scraping, ginger undergoes a series of physiological and biochemical changes during storage, which can impact its subsequent development and utilization in food. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the browning mechanism of scraped ginger using non-targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics. The findings revealed 149 shared differential metabolites and 639 shared differential genes among freshly scraped ginger, ginger browned for 5 days, and ginger browned for 15 days. These metabolites and genes are primarily enriched in stilbenes, diarylheptane, and gingerol biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and tyrosine metabolism. Through the combined regulation of these pathways, the levels of phenolic components (such as chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid) and the ginger indicator component (6-gingerol) decreased, whereas promoting an increase in the content of coniferaldehyde and curcumin. Additionally, the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) were significantly increased (p-adjust <0.05). This study hypothesized that chlorogenic and ferulic acid undergo polymerization under the catalysis of PPO and POD, thereby exacerbating the lignification of scraped ginger. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for understanding the browning mechanism of ginger after scraping. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Ginger's quality and nutrition can change when its skin is removed. This happens due to physical and biochemical reactions during scraping. The browning that occurs affects both the taste and health benefits of ginger, we can better understand how to prevent browning and maintain ginger's quality. This research sheds light on improving ginger processing techniques for better products.

Valorisation of Raspberry Seeds in Cosmetic Industry-Green Solutions.

The fruit processing industry generates large quantities of by-products well known to be rich in bioactive compounds with numerous nutritional properties and beneficial effects for human health. We developed a strategy to valorise raspberry seeds and obtain valuable ingredients with potential application in cosmetic skincare formulas. Cold press extraction technology was applied to extract oil, and the remaining defatted raspberry seed cake was treated with three proline based deep eutectic solvents (DES) to extract polyphenols. The most potent was proline/citric acid extract, with free and total ellagic acid content (52.4 mg/L and 86.4 mg/L), total phenolic content (TPC, 550.1 mg GAE/L) and radical scavenging activity (RSA, 4742.7 mmol TE/L). After the direct mixing of the extract and after encapsulation with starch as a carrier, the skincare emulsion and microemulsion were characterised by irritation potential (Zein test), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), red blood cell (RBC), and DPPH antioxidant test. The resulting preparations were of improved quality in comparison to the control hand cream, with a low skin irritation effect, lower TEWL, and higher antioxidant potential. This work complies with circular economy principles and green technology standards, and represents the efficient model on how to reuse natural resources through waste minimization.

Characterization of Grape Pomace Extract Microcapsules: The Influence of Carbohydrate Co-Coating on the Stabilization of Goat Whey Protein as a Primary Coating.

Both grape pomace and whey are waste products from the food industry that are rich in valuable ingredients. The utilization of these two by-products is becoming increasingly possible as consumer awareness of upcycling increases. The biological activities of grape pomace extract (GPE) are diverse and depend on its bioavailability, which is influenced by processes in the digestive system. In this work, goat whey protein (GW) was used as the primary coating to protect the phenolic compounds of GPE during the spray drying process. In addition, trehalose (T), sucrose (S), xylose (X), and maltodextrin (MD) were added to the goat whey proteins as co-coatings and protein stabilizers. All spray drying experiments resulted in microcapsules (MC) with a high encapsulation efficiency (77.6-95.5%) and yield (91.5-99.0%) and almost 100% recovery of phenolic compounds during the release test. For o-coumaric acid, the GW-coated microcapsules (MC) showed a bioavailability index of up to 731.23%. A semi-crystalline structure and hydrophilicity were characteristics of the MC coated with 10% T, S, X, or 5% MD. GW alone or in combination with T, S, MD, or X proved to be a promising carrier for polyphenols from grape pomace extract and ensured good bioavailability of these natural antioxidants.

Environmental and Economic Life Cycle Assessment of Enzymatic Hydrolysis-Based Fish Protein and Oil Extraction

As global fish consumption rises, a large amount of waste is generated that is generally neglected. Considering the value embedded in these resources, sustainable methods become more important in extracting valuable ingredients from fish processing residues. Enzymatic hydrolysis is a fast and easily reproducible method for recovering protein ingredients and obtaining valuable by-products. To confirm its advantages, an environmental and economic impact assessment is essential. This study overviewed the sustainability and economic viability of extracting protein compounds and oil from Atlantic mackerel processing residues using enzymatic hydrolysis. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) methods were employed. It was found that the climate change impact of the whole process was 0.073 kg CO2-eq per 1 g of fish protein hydrolysate (FPH). As the process produces FPH as the main product and fish oil as the by-product, economic allocation was used to distribute the impacts of FPH and fish oil. The findings of the LCCA showed that producing 1 g of FPH costs EUR 3.68. The contribution analysis indicated the crucial role of electricity and fish in environmental impacts. To ensure the accuracy of the calculation, the results of an LCA study published previously were recalculated. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were susceptible to the region and source of electricity production. This research provides valuable insights into the sustainability and economic aspects of using enzymatic hydrolysis for extracting protein ingredients and oils from Atlantic mackerel. This can inform future investigations of environmentally friendly and economically viable solutions for extracting fish ingredients.

Deciphering the chemical constituents of Phlomis monocephala extracts using UHPLC-HRMS and their antioxidant, neuroprotective, antidiabetic and toxic potentials

In the current study, five different extracts (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, ethanol, and water) of Phlomis monocephala were analyzed for the first time by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) to identify their phenolic compounds. The extracts were also evaluated for their non-enzyme antioxidant activities using a variety of methods, including DPPH and, ABTS•+ scavenging activities, reduction of ferric (Fe3+), and cupric ions (Cu2+), metal chelating (MCA) activities, and phosphomolybdenum (PBD). Additionally, the extracts were assessed for their in vitro enzyme inhibition potential (acetylcholinesterase (AChE)/butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase). Furthermore, cell viability was evaluated on HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma), S17 cells (murine bone marrow stromal) and RAW (murine macrophages). UHPLC-HRMS allowed for the identification of 115 compounds from different chemical groups including flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides and others. Most of the extracts had strong antioxidant potential and were rich in phenolic compounds. Ethanol and water extracts appear as the most promising antioxidant extracts providing the highest values followed by ethyl acetate by all the methodologies employed in this study. Furthermore, all the extracts, except the aqueous extract, inhibited all the enzymes significantly. Surprisingly, the aqueous extract did not show a prominent inhibition (low or no inhibition) against these enzymes. Hexane, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane exhibited extremely significant cytotoxic effects against all cell lines at a higher concentration. The HepG2 cells demonstrated lower sensitivity to the extracts than RAW and S17 cells. In conclusion, P. monocephala can be considered as a valuable ingredient for the production of functional applications including nutraceuticals.

Evaluation of the technological and compositional features of pancakes fortified with Acheta domesticus

This work focused on the nutritional and technological evaluation of pancakes fortified with increasing Acheta domesticus powder (AP) levels. Scientific literature underscores AP's potential as an ingredient in bakery formulations due to its notable fiber and protein content. Thus, we formulated different pancake samples by replacing wheat flour (WF) with 10, 20, and 30% of AP, denoted as AP10, AF 20, and AP30, respectively, alongside a control sample (CP). We evaluated Water Absorption Capacity (WAC) and Water Solubility Index (WSI) on WF, AP, different WF and AP mixes, and batters' rheology. Lastly, we assessed the pancakes' physical, technological, and compositional parameters. The consistency index, flow index, and density increased from CP to AP30. A similar trend was observed for the textural parameter of hardness and chewiness, while cohesiveness slightly decreased. The pancake diameter and height were higher in fortified samples than in CP. A noticeable shift from brighter to darker color was observed from CP to AP30, with an increase in the a* (toward red) and b* parameters (toward blue). AP can represent a valuable ingredient for baked good fortification.

Fluorescence Spectroscopy Based Characterization of Flaxseed Oil.

Fluorescence spectroscopy has been employed for the compositional analysis of flaxseed oil, detection of its adulteration and investigation of the thermal effects on its molecular composition. Excitation wavelengths from 320 to 420nm have been used to explore the valued ingredients in flaxseed oil. The emission bands of flaxseed oil centred at 390, 414, 441, 475, 515 and 673/720 nm represent vitamin K, isomers of vitamin E, carotenoids and chlorophylls, which can be used as a marker for quality analysis. Due to its high quality, it is highly prone to adulteration and in this study, detection of its adulteration with canola oil is demonstrated by applying principal component analysis. Moreover, the effects of temperature on the molecular composition of cold pressed flaxseed oil has been explored by heating them at cooking temperatures of 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 and 180°C, each for 30min. On heating, the deterioration of vitamin E, carotenoids and chlorophylls occurred with an increase in the oxidation products. However, it was found that up to 140°C, flaxseed oil retains much of its natural composition whereas up to 180 oC, it loses much of its valuable ingredients along with increase of oxidized products.

Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Citrullus mucosospermus, Citroides, and Moringa oleifera Seeds' Hydrocolloids.

Hydrocolloids form gel-like structures when dispersed in water and have garnered significant attention for their diverse applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. The extraction of hydrocolloids from natural sources, such as seeds, presents an intriguing avenue due to the potential diversity in composition and functionality. Utilising seeds from Citrullus lanatus mucosospermus, lanatus citroides, and Moringa aligns with the growing demand for natural and sustainable ingredients in various industries. This research investigated hydrocolloids extracted from Citrullus mucosospermus (CMS), lanatus citroides, and Moringa oleifera seeds, highlighting their versatile physicochemical and functional attributes. Hydrocolloids were extracted from the seeds and subjected to analysis of their proximate composition, particle size distribution, and interfacial tension using the hot water extraction method. Protein content variation was observed among the raw oilseed (CMS, Citroides, and Moringa oleifera) flours. The protein content of the hydrocolloids surpassed that of raw oilseeds, significantly enhancing the amino acid profile. Furthermore, the hydrocolloid ash contents ranged from 4.09% to 6.52% w/w dry weight, coupled with low fat levels. The particle size distribution revealed predominantly fine particles with a narrow size distribution. All three hydrocolloids demonstrated remarkable oil- and water-holding capacities, highlighting their suitability for efficient stabilisation and emulsification in food formulations. These findings suggest the potential utilisation of these hydrocolloids as valuable ingredients across a spectrum of applications, encompassing food, pharmaceuticals, and industry, thus contributing to the development of sustainable and functional products. The unique attributes presented herein mark a noteworthy advancement in the understanding and application of novel hydrocolloids from CMS, Citroides, and Moringa oleifera.

Designing the Quality Characteristics of Berry Processing Byproducts Using Fermentation

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in berry fruit processing byproducts, namely, seeds, pulp, and peel, due to the high content of nutritionally valuable ingredients. The market is seeing an increase in the popularity of fermented products, especially those from vegetables or fruits. Fermented fruit pomace can be used as an ingredient or food additive. Many studies have confirmed that the fermentation process can increase the antioxidant activity of plant extracts due to the decomposition of cell walls. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality and antioxidant potential of fermented berry pomace (from chokeberry, blackcurrant, raspberry, and strawberry) in terms of its potential use as an alternative source of valuable ingredients for the design of new food products. The scope of this research included assessing microbiological quality, vitamin C and total phenolic compound (TPC) contents, and antioxidant activity using ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The polyphenolic compound and vitamin C contents, as well as antioxidant activity, depended on the mixture of microbial strains used for fermentation and the type of fruit pomace. The most favorable parameters for TPC, ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP were obtained for chokeberry pomace samples inoculated with yeast cultures. Chokeberry pomace exhibited the highest vitamin C content when inoculated with a mixture of bacteria.

A sustainable glycolipid hydrotrope‐solubilizer for cleansers and detergents

AbstractAlkyl polyglycosides (APGs), based on renewable glucose and fatty alcohols, are recognized for their performance and biodegradability. Hydrotropic/solubilizing effect properties have already been identified on short‐chain variants such as hexyl and ethylhexyl, but these ingredients were not fully bio‐based. This study investigated the hydrotropic/solubilizing properties of eco‐designed 100% bio‐based heptyl glucoside, under various conditions, compared to industrial and personal care benchmarks and other short chain APGs. Foaming power was firstly evaluated at different temperatures with two static methods. Hydrotropic performance was assessed with a commonly used surfactant in the presence of high electrolyte, acid and alkali concentrations. Further trials were done using ethoxylated rapeseed oil as an oil lubricant model in electrolyte‐charged aqueous solution. The solubilizing effect of hydrophobic additives such as fragrances, essential oils and vitamin E was quantified. Finally, effects on formulation preservation were screened with two natural personal care preservatives. Heptyl glucoside was found to be an effective and versatile hydrotrope for industrial applications, with additional intrinsic lubrication properties. It was also revealed as an efficient solubilizer for personal care products with the additional benefit of reducing the preservative dosage required in natural formulations. Its unusual non‐foaming nature, while not disrupting the foaming capacity of surfactants, makes it suitable for all types of cleansers. The calculated carbon footprint has a low value, making heptyl glucoside a valuable ingredient combining both performance and low environmental impact.

Production and Characterization of Ackee Apple (Blighia sapida) Seeds and African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) Seeds Oil Mixtures and their Biodiesel

This paper focused on the characterization of oils and biodiesels derived from Ackee apple seeds and African star apple seeds obtained from local markets. The oils from individual seeds and their mixtures at varying ratios were characterised for relative density, free fatty acid, acid, iodine, and saponification, which yielded 0.91 g/cm3, 1.06 mg-KOH/g, 2.12 mg-KOH/g, 38.36mg-iodine/100g, and 195.74 mg-KOH/g of ackee seed oil, respectively. And 0.89 g/cm3, 2.105 mg-KOH/g, 4.2 mg-KOH/g, 52.49 mg-iodine/100 g, and 227.7 mg-KOH/g of African star apple seed oil, respectively. The highest relative density of 0.9064 g/cm3 and free fatty acid of 3.73 mg-KOH/g were achieved from the mixture of ackee apple and African star apple seeds’ oils at 80 and 20%, respectively, while the highest saponification of 221.264 mg-KOH/g and iodine of 49.66 mg-iodine/100 g were obtained from the oil mixture of 20 and 80%, respectively. Also, the oils extracted from the seeds, were subjected to a transesterification process to produce biodiesel. 144°C flash point, 206°C fire point, and 2.8°C cloud point were obtained from the biodiesel of the oil mixture of 20 and 80%, respectively. Further analysis of the mixtures showed low volatility and high resistance to fire due to their high flash and fire points. The highest value recorded for the flash point is lower when compared with some other seed oils flash points; however this value is higher than the standard flash point for biodiesels .Highest boiling point of 64°C was attained at an oil mixture ratio of 60 and 40%, respectively. This value is too low compared to the normal boiling point range of 315-350°C for biodiesels, and the high acid values recoded for the mixtures make the oils inedible. The oils, however, have advantages over other edible seed oils as they will serve as valuable ingredients in the soap-making industries since they are not competing with food resources

Evaluation of Derma Genie™-H001 as a Functional Cosmetic Ingredient for Hair Loss Improvement: Assessing Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidative, Photoprotective, Antiandrogenic, and Hair Growth-Inductive Effects

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the potential of Derma Genie™-H001 as a functional cosmetic ingredient for alleviating hair loss symptoms by evaluating its impact on anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, photoprotective, antiandrogenicity, and activation of hair growth-related gene expression. Methods: We employed various methods, including nitric oxide (NO) assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR, to estimate anti-inflammatory activities). Additionally, this study assessed antioxidative and photoprotective effects on human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs) using water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) assay, 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF-DA) assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, and ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiation assay. To investigate the anti-hair loss effects of Derma Genie™-H001, 3D spheroid culture and qRT-PCR were conducted. Results: Derma Genie™-H001 exhibited the characteristics of polyphenols and demonstrated 2,2-dipheny-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Importantly, it showed no cytotoxicity on HDPCs and increased the diameter of HDPCs 3D spheroid. Inflammatory mediators such as NO and proinflammatory cytokines were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in Raw 264.7 cells treated with Derma Genie™. Moreover, Derma Genie™ exhibited substantial protective effects against hydrogen peroxide (H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;) and UVB-induced cytotoxicity in HDPCs. Notably, qRT-PCR analysis revealed a decrease in the expression of genes related to hair loss and an increase in the expression of genes associated with hair growth in HDPCs treated with Derma Genie™. Conclusion: Derma Genie™-H001 demonstrated promising effects in mitigating LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines, H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;-induced cytotoxicity, UVB-induced cytotoxicity, and DHT-induced TGF-β1 expression. Furthermore, it significantly upregulated the expression of hair growth-related genes. These findings suggest that Derma Genie™ may serve as a valuable functional cosmetic ingredient for improving hair loss symptoms.

Renewing the potential of rice crop residues as value-added products in the cosmetics industry

Purpose of this study is to explore the extraction of potentially valuable cosmetic ingredients from rice crop residues, aiming to mitigate their environmental impact. MethodsWe employed AOAC methods to analyze the fat, protein, ash, fiber, soluble, and insoluble carbohydrate content in these residues. To identify sugars rich in galactose and acidic sugars, a total soluble carbohydrate extraction was performed. Cellulose, as part of the insoluble carbohydrates, was isolated through alkaline and acid hydrolysis, while sodium silicate was derived from the ash. Characterization of insoluble cellulose and silicate involved techniques like FTIR, DSC, PXRD, microphotography, porosity assessments, and water absorption studies. For proteins, alkaline solubilization and precipitation at the isoelectric point were utilized, with quantification via BCA and amino acid profiling through gas chromatography. Evaluation of radical scavenging capacity using DPPH led to the calculation of apparent molecular weight via SDS-PAGE. ResultsThe results revealed low levels of gum, mucilage, and pectin in both residues, contrasting with a high concentration of insoluble polysaccharides. Among these, Iβ cellulose displayed potential attributes for cosmetic applications due to its oil and water adsorption characteristics. However, silicates obtained from the ashes did not exhibit direct use potential. In terms of protein extraction, we observed antioxidant properties, with enhanced performance through enzymatic hydrolysis, achieving a hydrolysis degree of 30.41% and a DPPH radical absorption rate exceeding 70%. ConclusionRice residues, particularly husk and straw, shown valuable substances suitable for potential cosmetic applications, encompassing cellulose, hydrolyzed proteins, and ash as a silicate precursor.

Bioactive Compounds and Potential Health Benefits through Cosmetic Applications of Cherry Stem Extract.

Cherry stems, prized in traditional medicine for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, derive their efficacy from abundant polyphenols and anthocyanins. This makes them an ideal option for addressing skin aging and diseases. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of cherry stem extract for potential skincare use. To this end, the extract was first comprehensively characterized by HPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS. The extract's total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity, radical scavenging efficiency, and its ability to inhibit enzymes related to skin aging were determined. A total of 146 compounds were annotated in the cherry stem extract. The extract effectively fought against NO· and HOCl radicals with IC50 values of 2.32 and 5.4 mg/L. Additionally, it inhibited HYALase, collagenase, and XOD enzymes with IC50 values of 7.39, 111.92, and 10 mg/L, respectively. Based on the promising results that were obtained, the extract was subsequently gently integrated into a cosmetic gel at different concentrations and subjected to further stability evaluations. The accelerated stability was assessed through temperature ramping, heating-cooling cycles, and centrifugation, while the long-term stability was evaluated by storing the formulations under light and dark conditions for three months. The gel formulation enriched with cherry stem extract exhibited good stability and compatibility for topical application. Cherry stem extract may be a valuable ingredient for creating beneficial skincare cosmeceuticals.

Effects of cavitation jet combined with ultrasound, alkaline hydrogen peroxide and Bacillus subtilis treatment on the properties of dietary fiber

In this study, we compared the effects of three methods on the structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) in okara: cavitation jet plus ultrasonic treatment (UC), cavitation jet plus alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment (HC), and cavitation jet plus fermentation with Bacillus subtilis (FC). Compared to UC-IDF, the two types of co-modified IDF showed significant differences in particle size and specific surface area. Structural analyses showed that HC-IDF had a porous structure and complex morphological structure, with a significant increase in the absorption peak area at around 3420 cm−1 and 1051 cm−1, and a significant decrease in thermal stability and crystallinity. Of the three treatments, HC most effectively enhanced the physicochemical and adsorption properties of IDF, including the emulsion stability (84.49% ± 3.5%), water-holding capacity (16.04 ± 0.05 g/g), glucose absorption capacity (53.17 ± 3.44 g/g), cholesterol absorption capacity (32.87 ± 0.89 mg/g), and nitrite absorption capacity (211.7 ± 0.17 μg/g). These results demonstrate the potential of HC-modified okara IDF as a valuable functional food ingredient. Therefore, the cavitation jet combined with alkaline hydrogen peroxide method has a good potential for application in the study of dietary fiber modification.

Optimization of Solid-State Fermentation Conditions With Mixed Strains Using Box-Behnken Design for the Production of brewers’ Spent Grain Protein

As the most abundant by-product of the brewing industry, the valorization of proteins from brewers’ spent grains (BSG) is critical to reducing processing waste and meeting the growing demand for plant-derived protein globally. However, the applicability of brewers’ spent grain proteins in food manufacturing has been constrained by the high extraction cost and undesirable functionalities. In this research, BSG was used as the substrate to ferment with the mixed strains Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Kluyveromyces marxianus and then subjected to protein extraction. The solid-state fermentation (SSF) conditions were optimized using single-factor tests together with Box-Behnken Design to 50% initial moisture content, 10% strain inoculum ratio, fermented at pH 5.8 under 32 °C for 6 days, with the highest soluble protein concentration of 0.678 ± 0.0047 µg/µL (equivalent to bovine serum albumin). Furthermore, proteins were extracted from unmalted raw barley grains and BSG control (with a yield of 0.338 ± 0.016 µg/µL and 0.352 ± 0.015 µg/µL, respectively) and then evaluated for their physiochemical characterizations as a comparison of solid-state fermented proteins. The physicochemical attributes of all the intact proteins were similar, except that the fermented samples showed a smaller molecular mass on the SDS-PAGE gel. In conclusion, these results indicated that SSF is a feasible strategy for the bioconversion of BSG into valuable food ingredients as it enhances protein extraction efficiency while reducing the production cost, thereby being beneficial to alleviate the associated environmental pollution and to broaden its possibilities for further integration into the circular economy.

In Vitro Investigation of the Cytotoxic and Antiproliferative Effects of Haberlea rhodopensis Total Extract: A Comparative Study

Haberlea rhodopensis Friv., known also as Rhodope silivryak and the Orpheus flower, is a Balkan endemic “resurrecting” plant belonging to the Gesneriaceae family. In folk medicine, the leaves of Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. were widely used to treat wounds and some infectious diseases of stock such as foot-and-mouth disease and hoof rot, while the herb of Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. is still used to cleanse the stomach, liver, kidneys, and blood vessels. Because of the content of myconoside, during the last decade, Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. extracts have been recognized as valuable cosmetic ingredients. In the present study, we aim to (i) evaluate the cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity of two herb extracts of Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. that are commercially used for the preparation of cosmetic ingredients on different cancer cells, with one normal cell line used as a reference, and (ii) compare the investigated effects with those observed for the reference anticancer, non-selective compound doxorubicin. Herein, we observed a decrease in the inhibitory activity of both extracts compared to those of doxorubicin against all tested cell lines. However, the myconoside-enriched Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. plant Extract 2 (designated also as M2) showed increased inhibitory activity (cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effects) compared to the Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. plant Extract 1 (designated also as E1). Moreover, the Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. plant Extract 2 showed a significant increase in cytotoxicity (at 24 h) and antiproliferative activity (at 48 and 72 h post-treatment) at its highest-tested concentration of 100 µg/mL compared to Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. plant Extract 1.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) seeds: An exceptional source of tocotrienols

Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) are rich in beneficial phytochemicals and are valuable ingredients in the formulation of functional foods and pharmaceutical products, contributing to improved human health and well-being. Nevertheless, cranberry seed chemical composition is still scarcely investigated. Therefore, in the current study, tocochromanol (tocopherol (T) and tocotrienol (T3)) profile variance with respect to genotypes and harvest seasons were investigated. Tocochromanols were extracted by using a standard saponification protocol, as well as an environmentally friendlier and more rapid alternative extraction method, in the seeds of eight cranberry cultivars from two harvest seasons. γ-T3 constituted 87 % of the tocochromanols found in cranberry seeds, while the remaining 13 % were as follows: α-T3 (7 %), δ-T3 (3 %), and γ-T (3 %). Year, cultivar, and their interaction have a significant impact on the content of tocochromanols in cranberry seeds. Tocochromanol concentration varies significantly between cultivars, but is relatively stable over different harvest seasons. Concentration did not significantly differ between the standard saponification protocol and the rapid, environmentally friendlier method. Thereby, the present study shows that the simple and environmentally conscious/friendlier approach is feasible for the extraction of tocochromanols from cranberry seeds with comparable recovery, repeatability and reproducibility, to the saponification protocol.