Water-holding Capacity Research Articles

Exploring the Impact of Micro-plastics on Soil Health and Ecosystem Dynamics: A Comprehensive Review

Microplastics, defined as particles measuring less than 5 mm, have emerged as widespread environmental pollutants, prompting concerns regarding their impact on soil ecosystems. This review investigates microplastics' presence, movement, and effects on soil health and ecosystem dynamics while highlighting their diverse sources, including industrial production and the breakdown of larger plastic materials. Despite their ubiquity, a significant gap exists in our understanding of the consequences of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems, particularly within soils. The findings of this review article revealed that microplastics exert notable influences on soil properties, altering bulk density, aggregation, and water-holding capacity, which may have significant implications for soil biota and plant vitality. Furthermore, microplastics also carry toxic substances, complicating their environmental impact. The effects on soil microorganisms and soil-dwelling fauna, such as earthworms, underscore the intricate relationships within soil ecosystems. Additionally, microplastics can interact with other soil pollutants, potentially amplifying their adverse effects. The long-term impacts of microplastics on soil health remain uncertain, underscoring the imperative for sustained research endeavours. Challenges persist, including the absence of standardized methodologies for microplastic extraction and identification in soils, which hampers our ability to understand their presence and effects comprehensively. Furthermore, the lack of regulatory frameworks complicates managing and mitigating microplastic pollution. Future research should adopt a holistic approach, considering diverse microplastic types and applications. Both field and laboratory experiments are essential for accurately capturing the varied influences of microplastics. Efforts should concentrate on understanding the occurrence of microplastics, developing reliable detection methods, and exploring their interactions with other pollutants, especially in terrestrial ecosystems. In conclusion, mitigating microplastic pollution requires multifaceted strategies informed by ongoing research efforts and public awareness campaigns. We can effectively address the challenges posed by microplastic contamination in soil ecosystems through concerted action and comprehensive understanding.

Straw application improved soil biological properties and the growth of rice plant under low water irrigation

The application of organic amendments is one way to manage low water irrigation in paddy soils. In this 60-day greenhouse pot experiment involving paddy soil undergoing drying-rewetting cycles, we examined the effects of two organic amendments: azo-compost with a low carbon to phosphorus ratio (C:P) of 40 and rice straw with a high C:P ratio of 202. Both were applied at rates of 1.5% of soil weight (w/w). The investigation focused on changes in certain soil biochemical characteristics related to C and P in the rice rhizosphere, as well as rice plant characteristics. The irrigation regimes applied in this study included constant soil moisture in a waterlogged state (130% water holding capacity (WHC)), mild drying–rewetting (from 130 to 100% WHC), and severe drying–rewetting (from 130 to 70% WHC). The results indicated that the application of amendments was effective in severe drying–rewetting irrigation regimes on soil characteristics. Drying–rewetting decreased soil respiration rate (by 60%), microbial biomass carbon (by 70%), C:P ratio (by 12%), soil organic P (by 16%), shoot P concentration (by 7%), and rice shoot biomass (by 30%). However, organic amendments increased soil respiration rate (by 8 times), soil microbial biomass C (51%), total C (TC) (53%), dissolved organic carbon (3 times), soil available P (AP) (100%), soil organic P (63%), microbial biomass P (4.5 times), and shoot P concentration (21%). The highest significant correlation was observed between dissolved organic carbon and total C (r= 0.89**). Organic amendments also increased P uptake by the rice plant in the order: azo-compost > rice straw > control treatments, respectively, and eliminated the undesirable effect of mild drying–rewetting irrigation regime on rice plant biomass. Overall, using suitable organic amendments proves promising for enhancing soil properties and rice growth under drying–rewetting conditions, highlighting the interdependence of P and C biochemical changes in the rhizosphere during the rice vegetative stage.

Effects of dry and wet ageing on culled goat meat quality

This study aims to evaluate the effects of ageing time (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks) and of two different ageing techniques (dry and wet ageing) on the rheological, colorimetric, oxidative, volatile, and sensory attributes of meat (hind limbs) sourced from culled Rossa Mediterranea breed goats. Twenty-four goats were involved in the trial. The hind limbs were divided in the two experimental groups: the right ones were subjected to dry ageing and the left ones to wet ageing. Dry-aged (DA) meat showed higher water-holding capacity (WHC) and lower cooking loss (CL) after ageing compared to wet aged (WA) meat (p < 0.05). Among the colorimetric parameters, only lightness showed to be affected by ageing time, decreasing at week 4 (p < 0.05), with lower values in DA then WA (p < 0.05). Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF) decreased at week 1 of DA and at week 2 of WA (p < 0.05), with no further changes probably due to the water loss during ageing. Hexanal was the most produced volatile compound, with higher amount in DA meat from 1 to 3 weeks of ageing (p < 0.01) The first two weeks of dry ageing led to an enhancement in sensory and instrumental tenderness, along with an improvement in flavour, characterised by a heightened release of aldehydes and ketones. However, it is noteworthy that beyond this initial phase, dry ageing has led to a substantial decline in the overall quality.

Enhancing Low-Fat Probiotic Yogurt: The Role of Xanthan Gum in Functionality and Microbiological Quality

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of XG addition on low-fat yogurt (LFY) properties. Pasteurized skimmed buffalo milk (SBM) was heated to 95 ± 2 °C for 16 s, cooled to 40 ± 1 °C, and then divided into six treatment lots. The treatments included the following: T1 (control), T2 (0.2% XG), T3 (0.4% XG), T4 (0.6% XG), T5 (0.8% XG), and T6 (1% XG). A proportion of 2% of a mixed starter culture from Streptococcus thermophilus (ST), Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LB), and Bifidobacterium bifidum (BB) in the ratio 1:1:1 was added. Yogurt was manufactured following the standard manufacturing protocol. Chemical composition and texture were determined at fresh time, while water-holding capacity (WHC), viscosity, and syneresis % were determined at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage. Total bacterial counts (TBC), lactobacilli, streptococci, and bifidobacteria counts were determined at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage. Sensory analysis was performed immediately upon the cooling stage (time zero) and then after 14 and 21 days of storage. The experiment was performed in trice. The results obtained showed that the addition of XG in LFY significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreases the pH, total protein (TP), and ash, and significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased the total solids (TS). Additionally, the addition of XG led to a significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase in hardness, WHC, and viscosity; however, syneresis significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased. The addition of higher amounts of XG led to a significant (p &lt; 0.05) decrease in the TBC and led to a significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase in counts of ST, LB, and BB during the first two weeks of the storage period. Sensory evaluation revealed that increasing the XG concentration up to 0.8% increased the product’s acceptability among panelists; however, further increasing the concentration to 1% had a detrimental impact on its acceptability. To conclude, this study showed that XG can be used as a stabilizer in the manufacturing of LFY as well as a prebiotic for starter culture and improve the quality of LFY.

Production and characterization of bacterial cellulose by Rhizobium sp. isolated from bean root

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polymer renowned for its unique physicochemical and mechanical attributes, including notable water-holding capacity, crystallinity, and a pristine fiber network structure. While BC has broad applications spanning agriculture, industry, and medicine, its industrial utilization is hindered by production costs and yield limitations. In this study, Rhizobium sp. was isolated from bean roots and systematically assessed for BC synthesis under optimal conditions, with a comparative analysis against BC produced by Komagataeibacter hansenii. The study revealed that Rhizobium sp. exhibited optimal BC synthesis when supplied with a 1.5% glucose carbon source and a 0.15% yeast extract nitrogen source. Under static conditions at 30 °C and pH 6.5, the most favorable conditions for growth and BC production (2.5 g/L) were identified. Modifications were introduced using nisin to enhance BC properties, and the resulting BC-nisin composites were comprehensively characterized through various techniques, including FE-SEM, FTIR, porosity, swelling, filtration, and antibacterial activity assessments. The results demonstrated that BC produced by Rhizobium sp. displayed properties comparable to K. hansenii-produced BC. Furthermore, the BC-nisin composites exhibited remarkable inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study contributes valuable insights into BC’s production, modification, and characterization utilizing Rhizobium sp., highlighting the exceptional properties that render it efficacious across diverse applications.

Preparation, characterization, and coating effect of bio-active nano-emulsion based on combined plant essential oils on quality of grass carp fillets

This study aimed to develop a satisfactory essential oil (EO) nano-emulsion through high pressure microjet technology and explore its physiochemical properties and synergistic coating effects on grass carp fillets. The optimal conditions for oregano/litsea cubeba (6:4, wt%/wt%) nano-emulsion were shown to be 80 s high pressure microjet pretreatment time, 9000 lb per square inch pretreatment pressure, 6 % oil phase, and 3:2 Km (mass ratio of surfactant to co-surfactant). The obtained nano-emulsion exhibited 100.42 ± 0.96 nm oil diameter at 4 °C after 15-day storage, coupled with high stability after centrifugation, freeze–thaw and heating treatment. Compared with untreated samples at day 6 storage, the nano-emulsion-treated grass carp fillets exhibited improved textural properties, higher water-holding capacity (74.23 % ± 0.80 %), lower total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N, 13.46 ± 0.30 mg/100g)/thiobaric acid (TBA,0.43 ± 0.02 mgMDA/100g), and lower total viable spoilage bacteria count (4.98 ± 0.21 lgCFU/g). This study facilitates understanding the combined EOs nano-emulsion on improving the shelf life of grass carp fillets.

Precision Phenotyping of Wild Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) to Determine Morpho-Physiological Responses under Increasing Drought Stress Levels Using the PlantEye Multispectral 3D System

The PlantEye multispectral scanner is an optoelectrical sensor automatically applied to a mechatronic platform that allows the non-destructive, accurate, and high-throughput detection of morphological and physiological plant parameters. In this study, we describe how the advanced phenotyping platform precisely assesses changes in plant architecture and growth parameters of wild rocket salad (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. [DC.]) under drought stress conditions. Four different irrigation supply levels from moderate to severe, required to keep 100, 70, 50, and 30% of the water-holding capacity, were adopted. Growth rate and plant architecture were recorded through the digital measure of biomass, leaf area, Canopy Light Penetration Depth, five convex hull traits, plant height, Surface Angle Average, and Voxel Volume Total. Vegetation color assessments included hue, lightness, and saturation. Vegetation and senescence indices were calculated from canopy reflectance in the red (620–645 nm), green (530–540 nm), blue (peak wavelength 460–485 nm), near-infrared (820–850 nm), and 3D laser (940 nm) ranges. The temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation of the environment were also recorded. Overall, morphological parameters, color, multispectral data, and vegetation indices provided over 7200 data points through daily scans over three weeks of cultivation. Although a general decrease in growth parameters with increasing stress severity was observed, plants were able to maintain the same morpho-physiological performances as the control during the early growth stages, keeping both 70% and 50% of the total water-holding capacity. Among indices, the Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) contributed the most to the differentiation between different stress levels during the cultivation cycle. Across the 3 weeks of growth, statistically significant differences were observed for all traits except for the Saturation Average. Comparisons with respect to the control highlighted the strong impact of drought stress on morphological plant traits. This study provided meaningful insights into the health status of wild rocket salad under increasing drought stress.

Dietary hydroxyproline supplementation improves the muscle texture and extends the shelf life of abalone Haliotis discus hannai

In the present study, an 84-day growth trial was conducted in abalone Haliotis discus hannai to evaluate the influences of dietary hydroxyproline (Hyp) levels (0.05, 0.53 and 1.24%) on the growth, collagen metabolism, muscle texture and its changes during storage at 4 °C. The results showed that the weight gain rate of abalones in the groups with 0.53% and 1.24% of dietary Hyp were significantly higher than that in the group with 0.05% dietary Hyp. The 0.53% and 1.24% of dietary Hyp significantly increased lysyl hydroxylase and prolyl 4-hydroxylase activity and pyridinium crosslink content, and up-regulated collagen biosynthesis-related gene expression in abalone muscle. Meanwhile, dietary Hyp supplementation significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of mmp-1 and significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of timp. During the same storage time, the springiness, hardness and water-holding capacity of muscle in the dietary Hyp supplementation treatments were significantly higher. The muscle hardness in the dietary Hyp supplementation groups on day 6 was higher than that in the control group on day 3. Meanwhile, dietary Hyp significantly decreased the content of carbonyl and malonaldehyde, as well as the activity of cathepsin B and cathepsin L in the muscle of abalone during the storage. In conclusion, dietary Hyp supplementation increased collagen content, improved texture and extended the shelf life of abalone.

Sewage sludge biochar as a sustainable and water-safe substrate additive for extensive green roofs

Article describes the application of nutrient-rich sewage sludge (SS) biochar as an innovative additive to extensive green roof substrate at application rates of 10 (SB10) and 20% (v/v) (SB20) and its long-term impact on discharge quality. In addition to a routine analysis of pH, EC, TSS, and COD in the discharge, concentrations of nutrients (total nitrogen and total phosphorus) and metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) were used to monitor leaching from the experimental green plots. SS biochar improves the water-holding capacity and air-filled porosity of the developed substrates SB10 and SB20, where the chemical and physical parameters meet the minimum requirements for multi-layer extensive roof substrate. The addition of biochar didn't substantially increase the concentrations of nutrients in discharge compared to the conventional extensive substrate, even after 30 months. Results suggested that biochar tends to release nutrients gradually when leached out by rain and may therefore serve as a source of P and other micronutrients. Although an increase in the concentrations of metals (Cu, Pb, and Zn) in the SB10 and SB20 substrates was observed, no significant differences in metal leaching were found. Metal concentrations in the aboveground parts of Sedum plants indicated that the pyrolysis of SS transforms water-extractable forms of metals into stable forms, thereby significantly reducing their bioavailability to Sedum species and any direct ecotoxicological risk. Based on our results, we assert that SS biochar could be used as a sustainable, valuable and water-safe component of extensive substrates for green roofs.

Comparative study and characterization of water-treated bacterial cellulose produced by solid or liquid inoculum of Komagateibacter sucrofermentans

Structural and physicochemical properties of two types of bacterial cellulose (BC) produced by Komagateibacter sucrofermentans strain DSM 15973T after 7 days through either immobilized bacteria (solid inoculum) forming BCS7 or free bacteria (liquid inoculum) forming BCL7, followed by a water-based purification as a chem-free alternative treatment, were investigated in this study. SEM verifies the effectiveness of the water-based purification on BC network and reveals the insufficient interfibrillar space of BCS7 compared to BCL7. BCL7 was generally proved to be superior to BCS7 regarding degree of purification, BC yield, overall higher porosity, water swell ability, and water holding capacity (WHC), exhibiting higher hydrophilicity. However, thermally resistant BCS7 reveals a 35% residual up to 800 ºC compared to BCL7 (15%) and prevailed in terms of water retention rate. Both water-treated BC7 were proved to be Iα-rich cellulose type and exhibited a typical type IV(a) isotherm with an H3 type of hysteresis loop, a similar pore distribution, crystallinity index (~77%), crystallite size (~7.5 cm), same levels of moisture content (~98%) and the same poor levels of rehydration after the freeze-drying process. During BCL kinetics in 20 mL of HS medium over 7 days, K. sucrofermentans, 2D pellicle formation was observed until day 3 and then 3D. The highest WHC was obtained on day 4 (116 g water/g cellulose), while the lowest on day 1 (19 g water/g cellulose). Overall, we discussed the preparation and characterization of two different BCs water-treated for purification as an eco-friendly alternative method towards functional, and sustainable application.Graphical

Effects of packaging methods and temperature variations on the quality and microbial diversity of grouper (Epinephelus Lanceolatus) during cold storage

Microbial growth and its metabolism are the primary reasons for fish spoilage. In this study, the effects of temperature fluctuations and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality and microbial diversity of grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) during cold storage were investigated. Fish fillets were packed in air packaging (AP), vacuum packaging (VP), MAP1 (40% CO2/55% N2/5% O2), and MAP2 (60% CO2/35% N2/5% O2), and stored at T1 (4 °C) and T2 (4–8 °C temperature fluctuations), respectively. Total viable counts (TVC), psychrophilic bacteria count, Pseudomonas count, and H2S-producing bacteria count all increased during cold storage. Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Carnobacterium were the dominant genera in AP, VP, and MAP2 at T1 storage, with relative abundances of 82.7%, 54.5%, and 57.3%, respectively. Temperature fluctuations accelerated the spoilage process of the grouper, and increased the relative abundance of Serratia in the samples, but had less effect on the composition of these spoilage bacterial members. The microbial community was more affected by the different gas atmospheres. MAP inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas and increased the relative abundance of Carnobacterium and Psychrobacter in the samples. Low temperature and MAP effectively suppressed the rise of pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine (TMA), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), and K values and maintained the water holding capacity (WHC) and sensory quality of the samples. Grouper had the longest shelf life under MAP2-T1 treatment. The MAP2-T1 samples maintained lower levels of TVB-N (151.8 mg/kg), TMA (7.6 mg/kg), TBARs (0.90 mg MDA/kg), and K value (48.5%) and higher levels of WHC (77.6%) on the 18th day, with a lower degree of spoilage compared to other samples.

Organic Farming vs. Integrated Nutrient Management: A Comparative Review of Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability

In an era where sustainable agriculture is crucial for global food security and environmental preservation, organic farming and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) have emerged as leading practices. This review paper offers a comprehensive comparison of these two approaches, focusing on their impact on agricultural productivity and sustainability. Organic farming, with its emphasis on reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth hormones, and feed additives, aligns closely with the principles of sustainability. It enhances food quality, promotes soil health, and mitigates adverse environmental effects by encouraging natural recovery cycles. However, organic farming's limitations, such as lower yields and a more labour-intensive approach have prompted interest in innovative solutions that blend organic practices with modern technologies. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) presents a compelling alternative. By combining organic, inorganic, and biological nutrient sources, INM seeks to optimize nutrient use efficiency and maintain soil health. This approach offers a flexible nutrient management strategy, balancing organic and inorganic inputs to maintain crop productivity while reducing environmental impact. Studies have shown that INM can improve soil properties, such as bulk density, porosity, and water-holding capacity, leading to enhanced crop yields and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The paper explores how INM's integrated approach not only stabilizes crop production but also supports the growth of soil microbes, providing a source of energy and organic carbon. By using a combination of specific microorganisms, organic matter, and minimal doses of inorganic fertilizers, INM can achieve a harmonious balance that reduces environmental pollution and ensures long-term soil fertility. Ultimately, this review underscores the potential of combining organic and INM practices to create a sustainable and productive agricultural system. Through a comparative analysis, the paper aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and farmers towards adopting strategies that foster agricultural sustainability without compromising productivity.

Characterization of biodiversity and meat quality in Guizhou yellow cattle: Correlations among intrinsic factors

This study aimed to characterize meat quality diversity among Guizhou yellow cattle and investigate the correlations among intrinsic factors that affect beef quality. Various cuts including chuck roll, fore shank, topside, rib fingers, flank, brisket, and tenderloin were taken from the carcass of Sinan cattle, Guanling cattle, and the Simmental-Guanling crossbred cattle for meat quality comparisons. The results showed that meats of all three breeds displayed high water-holding capacity and desirable meat colors, but they were tough in texture. Variations among the breeds were identified, with Guanling cattle having darker meat than the crossbred cattle. The crossbreed had lower shear force indicating potential heterosis benefits, and possessed higher fat content. Guizhou yellow cattle were leaner and more abundant in protein and umami amino acids, potentially contributing to favorable flavor. The hierarchical cluster analysis and nutritional indices assessment implicated that the composition of fatty acids demonstrated a breed-specific effect in Guanling cattle, offering greater benefits in cardiovascular disease prevention. The increased quantity of vitamin A present in the majority of cuts from crossbred and Sinan cattle enhanced their nutritional value. By multivariate data analysis, we found that as the variations in physicochemical properties increased, the nutrient compositions in beef became more complex. Overall, this study demonstrated that meats from all three breeds were nutrient-balanced high-quality protein sources, although certain indexes may vary across cuts and breeds. These variations should be considered when developing breeding strategies in the future.

The impact of biochar addition on morpho-physiological characteristics, yield and water use efficiency of tomato plants under drought and salinity stress

The use of saline water under drought conditions is critical for sustainable agricultural development in arid regions. Biochar is used as a soil amendment to enhance soil properties such as water-holding capacity and the source of nutrition elements of plants. Thus, the research was carried out to assess the impact of biochar treatment on the morphological and physiological characteristics and production of Solanum lycopersicum in greenhouses exposed to drought and saline stresses. The study was structured as a three-factorial in split-split-plot design. There were 16 treatments across three variables: (i) water quality, with freshwater and saline water, with electrical conductivities of 0.9 and 2.4 dS m− 1, respectively; (ii) irrigation level, with 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of total evapotranspiration (ETC); (iii) and biochar application, with the addition of biochar at a 3% dosage by (w/w) (BC3%), and a control (BC0%). The findings demonstrated that salt and water deficiency hurt physiological, morphological, and yield characteristics. Conversely, the biochar addition enhanced all characteristics. Growth-related parameters, such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, and dry and wet weight, and leaf gas exchange attributes, such rate of transpiration and photosynthesis, conductivity, as well as leaf relative water content were decreased by drought and salt stresses, especially when the irrigation was 60% ETc or 40% ETc. The biochar addition resulted in a substantial enhancement in vegetative growth-related parameters, physiological characteristics, efficiency of water use, yield, as well as reduced proline levels. Tomato yield enhanced by 4%, 16%, 8%, and 3% when irrigation with freshwater at different levels of water deficit (100% ETc, 80% ETc, 60% ETc, and 40% ETc) than control (BC0%). Overall, the use of biochar (3%) combined with freshwater shows the potential to enhance morpho-physiological characteristics, support the development of tomato plants, and improve yield with higher WUE in semi-arid and arid areas.

Production and quality evaluation of a novel γ-aminobutyric acid-enriched yogurt.

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter inhibitor that has beneficial effects on various health conditions such as hypertension, cognitive dysfunction, and anxiety. In this study, we investigated a novel yogurt naturally enriched with GABA using a Levilactobacillus brevis strain isolated in our laboratory; the specific optimum yogurt production conditions for this strain were determined. We isolated an L. brevis strain and used it to produce yogurt naturally enriched with GABA. We explored the optimal conditions to enhance GABA yield, including fermentation temperature, inoculation amount, L-monosodium glutamate (L-MSG) concentration, fermentation time, and sucrose content. We also performed mixed fermentation with Streptococcus thermophilus and evaluated the quality of the yogurt. Following optimization (43°C, 8% inoculation amount, 1.5 g/L L-MSG, and 8% sucrose for 40 h of fermentation), the GABA yield of the yogurt increased by 2.2 times, reaching 75.3 mg/100 g. Mixed fermentation with S. thermophilus demonstrated favorable results, achieving a GABA yield akin to that found in some commercially available functional foods. Moreover, the viable microbe count in the GABA-enriched yogurt exceeded 1 × 108 cfu/mL, which is higher than that of commercial standards. The yogurt also exhibited a suitable water-holding capacity, viscosity, 3-week storage time, and favorable sensory test results. This study highlights the potential of naturally enriched GABA yogurt as a competitive commercial yogurt with beneficial health effects.

A new strategy to improve the quality of frozen chicken wings: High voltage electrostatic field combined with phosphorus-free water retaining agent

Freezing is a commonly used method for long-term storage of chicken wing products, of which disadvantages are mainly the product damage caused in the process. The aim of this study was to improve the freezing quality of chicken wings with a combination of phosphorus-free water retaining agent (WRA) and high-voltage electrostatic field (HVEF). The effect of WRA acting at different HVEF intensities (0, 1, 3, and 5 kV/cm) on the quality attributes of frozen chicken wings was investigated in 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days of frozen storage. The results showed that WRA had functional properties of significantly improving the water holding capacity (WHC), color and texture properties, and fat stability of frozen chicken wing samples. The application of HVEF on this basis helped to promote the absorption of WRA and inhibit oxidative deterioration of chicken wing samples during frozen storage. Meanwhile, the combination of HVEF at 3 kV/cm was more prominent in terms of improvement in WHC, moisture content, color, protein secondary structure and microstructure integrity. This advantage had been consistently maintained with the extension of storage time. Overall, WRA combined with HVEF of 3 kV/cm can be used as an effective strategy to improve the freezing quality of chicken wing samples and has the potential to maintain the frozen chicken wing samples quality for a long time.

Improvement of physicochemical properties and quercetin delivery ability of fermentation-induced soy protein isolate emulsion gel processed by ultrasound

This study aimed to investigate the effects of ultrasonic treatment at different powers on the physicochemical properties, microstructure and quercetin delivery capacity of fermentation-induced soy protein isolate emulsion gel (FSEG). The FSEG was prepared by subjecting soy protein isolate (SPI) emulsion to ultrasonic treatment at various powers (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 W), followed by lactic acid bacteria fermentation. Compared with the control group (0 W), the FSEG treated with ultrasound had higher hardness, water holding capacity (WHC) and rheological parameters. Particularly, at an ultrasonic power of 300 W, the FSEG had the highest hardness (101.69 ± 4.67 g) and WHC (75.20 ± 1.07%) (p < 0.05). Analysis of frequency sweep and strain scanning revealed that the storage modulus (G') and yield strains of FSEG increased after 300 W ultrasonic treatment. Additionally, the recovery rate after creep recovery test significantly increased from 18.70 ± 0.49% (0 W) to 58.05 ± 0.54% (300 W) (p < 0.05). Ultrasound treatment also resulted in an increased β-sheet content and the formation of a more compact micro-network structure. This led to a more uniform distribution of oil droplets and reduced mobility of water within the gel. Moreover, ultrasonic treatment significantly enhanced the encapsulation efficiency of quercetin in FSEG from 81.25 ± 0.62 % (0 W) to 90.04 ± 1.54% (300 W). The bioaccessibility of quercetin also increased significantly from 28.90 ± 0.40% (0 W) to 42.58 ± 1.60% (300 W) (p < 0.05). This study enriches the induction method of soy protein emulsion gels and provides some references for the preparation of fermented emulsion gels loaded with active substances.

Isolation and Characterization of Plant-Growth-Promoting, Drought-Tolerant Rhizobacteria for Improved Maize Productivity.

Drought is one of the main abiotic factors affecting global agricultural productivity. However, the application of bioinocula containing plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has been seen as a potential environmentally friendly technology for increasing plants' resistance to water stress. In this study, rhizobacteria strains were isolated from maize (Zea mays L.) and subjected to drought tolerance tests at varying concentrations using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-8000 and screened for plant-growth-promoting activities. From this study, 11 bacterial isolates were characterized and identified molecularly, which include Bacillus licheniformis A5-1, Aeromonas caviae A1-2, A. veronii C7_8, B. cereus B8-3, P. endophytica A10-11, B. halotolerans A9-10, B. licheniformis B9-5, B. simplex B15-6, Priestia flexa B12-4, Priestia flexa C6-7, and Priestia aryabhattai C1-9. All isolates were positive for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, ammonia production, nitrogen fixation, and phosphate solubilization, but negative for hydrogen cyanide production. Aeromonas strains A1-2 and C7_8, showing the highest drought tolerance of 0.71 and 0.77, respectively, were selected for bioinoculation, singularly and combined. An increase in the above- and below-ground biomass of the maize plants at 100, 50, and 25% water-holding capacity (WHC) was recorded. Bacterial inoculants, which showed an increase in the aerial biomass of plants subjected to moderate water deficiency by up to 89%, suggested that they can be suitable candidates to enhance drought tolerance and nutrient acquisition and mitigate the impacts of water stress on plants.

Techno-functional and physicochemical properties of corn flours as potential food ingredients

Background and Objectivescorn plays a crucial role in food security and nutrition. This study aimed to assess the impact of three corn cultivars (Advanta, Leptra, and Porva) and varying particle sizes of flours on estimated glycemic index (eGI), techno-functional properties, and rheological behaviors, crucial in defining their technological properties. FindingsWAI and WSI presented differences among particle sizes for Advanta and Leptra corn flours, whereas Porva flour displayed consistent results regardless of particle sizes. Notably, while Advanta and Leptra did not showed differences in eGI and its fractions, Advanta (174.4 µm) demonstrated the lowest eGI at 32.21, alongside higher water-holding capacity (WHC) compared to wheat flours. Further findings included an initial Emulsification Activity Index (EAI) of 40.55 m2/g and a minimum gelation concentration (LGC) of 12 %. Additionally, rheological characterization indicated a non-Newtonian and pseudoplastic behavior. Conclusionsthis study presented a corn flour with high resistant starch content and low glycemic index with functional properties that could be applied to manufacture healthy food requiring high water solubility, greater emulsification capacity, and water retention capacity greater than conventional flours. Significance and Noveltythe study on intrinsic and extrinsic factors that can modulate the glycemic index of corn becomes crucial. This exploration holds the potential to design healthy commercially viable products.

PH dominates the formation of ginkgo seed protein and whey protein composite gels

This study aimed to investigate the impact of pH on gelation of ginkgo seed protein isolate (GSPI) and whey protein isolate (WPI). The GSPI-WPI composite gels were made by heating a mixture of 12% (w/v) GSPI and 12% (w/v) WPI in equal parts at 90 °C for 30 min at different pHs. Hardness, springiness, and water holding capacity (WHC) of the composite gels at pH 7.0, 8.0 were improved due to formation of a compacted network by disulfide crosslinking. GSPI-WPI formed weak, particulate gels at pH 3.0 with poor WHC. At pH 6.0, the formation of hydrogen bonding improved the rheology of the composite gels. In short, pH is an important quality determinant of the GSPI-WPI composite gels, which provides a basis for gel modification and application in food.