Water-soluble Nutrients Research Articles

The Involvement of Ascorbic Acid in Cancer Treatment

Vitamin C (VC), also known as ascorbic acid, plays a crucial role as a water-soluble nutrient within the human body, contributing to a variety of metabolic processes. Research findings suggest that increased doses of VC demonstrate potential anti-tumor capabilities. This review delves into the mechanisms of VC absorption and its implications for cancer management. Building upon these foundational insights, we explore modern delivery systems for VC, evaluating its use in diverse cancer treatment methods. These include starvation therapy, chemodynamic therapy (CDT), photothermal/photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT), electrothermal therapy, immunotherapy, cellular reprogramming, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and various combination therapies.

Determination of 11 nutrients in liquid milk by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

To establish an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous determination of 11 nutritional components(thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinamide, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, biotin, choline, L-carnitine) in liquid milk. Milk samples were shaken with 20 mmol/L ammonium formate solution and heated in a water bath at 100 ℃ for 30 min, then incubated with papain and acid phosphatase at 45 ℃ for 16 h, the lower liquid was collected after centrifugation for analysis. UPLC separation was performed on an ACQUITY~(TM) HSS T3(3.0 mm×150 mm, 1.8 μm) column, 2 mmol/L ammonium formate(containing 0.1% formic acid) solution and acetonitrile(containing 0.1% formic acid) were used as mobile phase. Quantitative detection was performed by internal standard method. 11 nutritional components can be effectively separated and detected in 12 min, and the linear correlation coefficients(R~2) were all above 0.995. The limits of detection(LODs) were between 0.05 and 0.50 μg/L, and the limits of quantification(LOQs) were between 0.20 and 1.25 μg/L. The recovery rates of three-level addition were 85.6%-119.3%, and the precision RSDs were between 3.68% and 7.82%(n=6). Based on the detection of 60 liquid milk samples from 5 different animals, it was found that the contents of 11 nutrients in liquid milk from different milk sources were significantly different, but pyridoxine could not be detected. The method can quantitatively detect 11 water-soluble nutrients, including free and bound forms, by effective enzymolysis. It is sensitive, reproducible and can meet the needs of quantitative detection.

Effects of steam explosion on raspberry leaf structure and the release of water-soluble nutrients and phenolics

Raspberry leaves were subjected to steam explosion at 0.5 and 1.0 MPa for 60–120 s, aiming to disrupt their physical and chemical structure and, consequently, promote the release of phenolic compounds into the leaf aqueous infusion. Under optimal condition of 1.0 MPa for 60 s, steam explosion led to a notable 23 % increase in total phenolic content, a 29 % elevation in ABTS radical scavenging capacity, and a 13 % rise in DPPH radical scavenging capacity of the aqueous infusion. Utilizing UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and UHPLC-QE-MS/MS techniques, respectively, a total of 39 phenolic compounds were identified from raspberry leaves, and the changes in the contents of the most important 11 species were analyzed following steam explosion. Through correlation analysis and considering the content of each phenolic compound, it was inferred that the heightened antioxidant capacity of the aqueous infusion primarily stemmed from a substantial increase in the release of ellagic acid after steam explosion.

Adding nanoparticles to improve emulsion efficiency and enhance microbial degradation in Pickering emulsions.

Interfacial microbial degradation of alkane in Pickering emulsions stabilized by hydrophobic bacterial cells is a new mechanism for microbial degradation of water-insoluble chemicals, where both water-insoluble chemicals in the oil phase and water-soluble nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) in the water phase are bio-accessible to living microorganisms anchoring onto the oil-water interfaces. In the present work, super-hydrophobic Mycobacterium sp. (contact angle 168.6°) degradation of tetradecane was set up as a model. Addition of fumed SiO2 particles (Aerosil® R974) as a new strategy was developed to enhance tetradecane degradation where the biodegradation rate (based on the accumulated biomass) increased by approximately 80%. The enhanced effect of SiO2 particles on the tetradecane degradation attributed to the synergistic effect of SiO2 particles on the emulsion efficiency of Pickering emulsions stabilized by bacterial cells and then on the enhancement of interfacial microbial degradation in Pickering emulsions. KEY POINTS: • Interfacial microbial degradation in bacterial cells stabilized Pickering emulsions. • Adding fumed SiO2 particles to enhance microbial degradation of tetradecane. • Correlation relationship between emulsion efficiency and interfacial microbial degradation.

Utilizing co-composted biochar as a growing medium for buttercrunch lettuce

In this study, we explored the utilization of co-composted biochar (COMBI), the end product of co-composted poultry carcasses and biochar, as a growth medium for buttercrunch lettuce in a controlled environment. Despite the potential benefits that COMBI could provide, its use is currently limited, as reported in previous studies. The study's objective was to compare the performance of COMBI with various types of biochar with a comparison to a control group that used soil only. The results indicated that the application of COMBI treatment led to an increased water-holding capacity of the soil, ranging from 29% to 34%, which could help to mitigate drought stress and retain water-soluble nutrients under certain circumstances. However, there were no significant differences in stem diameter, dry shoot weight, or dry root weight of lettuce between the COMBI and control groups. While the use of COMBI did not result in increased crop yield, the study found that the application of wood-based biochar (WBC) and distiller's grain biochar (DGBC) in COMBI reduced the nitrate content in lettuce by 20.3–29.7% compared to the control group. Additionally, the application of COMBI treatment significantly lowered the Cu content of lettuce leaves. These findings suggested that the use of co-composted biochar as a growing media can have some benefits, particularly in terms of water-holding capacity and reduced nitrate and Cu content in lettuce leaves. However, the study highlights the need for continued research and development of this approach to ensure that it meets safety and quality standards and is a viable and sustainable option for crop production.

Growth and Body Composition of Spiny Lobster (Panulirus homarus) Reared with Short-Term Fasting

Slow growth rate tends to be a challenge in the cultivation of spiny lobster (P. homarus) because it impact on long rearing periods and high operational costs, especially for feeds. Short-term starvation or fasting has known to allow the minimum feed usage without inhibiting biota growth, also improves digestive function, reduces the amount of water-soluble nutrient metabolites, and reduces operational costs. Spiny lobster (P. homarus) measuring 50.0 ± 10.0 g was reared for 6 weeks in floating net cages. Lobsters were fasted at intervals of 1 fasting day/1 day of feeding, 1 fasting day/2 days of feeding, and fed daily. Survival, growth, and feed efficiency of spiny lobster (P. homarus) were analyzed. Higher growth rate and energy retention were found in spiny lobster (P. homarus) reared with short-term fasting system. Lower FCR also found in the same rearing system. Spiny lobster (P. homarus) body content indicate its ability to store nutrient in mucle and hepatopancreas in order to adapt to starved condition. Short-term fasting can improve growth and feed efficiency in spiny lobster (P. homarus) cultivation

Effect of sun-dry on nutritional and sensory acceptability of wilted African leafy vegetables: a case study of Morogoro Region, Tanzania

African leafy vegetables are rich in micronutrients that can help solve hidden hunger problems in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, their availability is limited due to seasonality and high post-harvest losses, which account for about 50%. In the field survey, we observed that wilted vegetables are usually discarded from the Morogoro Region, Tanzania markets. That loss also contributes to the loss of resources used to cultivate and transport the vegetables. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of the commonly used sun-drying method on the nutritional and sensory properties of fresh and wilted African nightshade and cowpea leaves. The common practice of handling fresh vegetables by vendors was adopted by putting the freshly harvested vegetables in an open basin at 24 ± 2°C for 3 days. Then, the stored vegetables were either sprayed or dipped in water to reduce the wilting rate. Next, the fresh and the wilted vegetables were dipped into hot water at 100°C for 7 min. Afterwards, the vegetables were sundried (22.5 ± 5.5°C) for three consecutive days. To study the effect of wilting, blanching, and sun drying fresh and dried vegetables were analysed for moisture, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, antioxidant activity and nitrate contents. Fresh and dried vegetables were used to prepare sauces using traditional recipes. The vegetable sauces were analysed for their sensory attributes using 30 semi-trained panellists. After drying, ascorbic acid contents, antioxidant activity and nitrate were reduced. The β-carotene significantly increased in the African nightshade and decreased in the cowpea leaves. Ascorbic acid ranged from 17.40 to 2.22 mg/100 g, antioxidant activity from 37.30 to 19.78, nitrate 230 to 10 mg/100 g and β-carotene from 96.38 to 79.49 mg/100. The sensory results showed relative acceptability among the sauces prepared from the fresh, fresh-dried and wilted-dried vegetables. In conclusion, blanching before drying reduced the water-soluble nutrient content but improved the sauces’ sensory scores of fresh and wilted vegetables. Therefore, reducing the post-harvest loss of African leafy vegetables is possible by drying the wilted vegetables and preparing the sauces with acceptable quality.

Effect of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on nutrients and anti-nutrients of African black nightshade and African spider plant

African black nightshade is a leafy vegetable consumed in many parts of Africa. African spider plant is also a very important indigenous leafy vegetable consumed all around Africa. Both the African black nightshade and African spider plant are popular despite their tedious preparation techniques which involve boiling and discarding the first water or a lengthy boiling duration to remove bitterness. However, this preparation technique reduces heat-labile and water-soluble nutrients. Fermentation can be a better alternative processing technique since it has been observed that fermented products have better nutritional content and increased safety. However, there is still limited literature on the effect of fermentation on the nutrients and anti-nutrients content of these vegetables. This study aimed to ferment African black nightshade and African spider plant using Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactococcus lactis cultures and determined the effect of the fermentation on their nutrients and anti-nutrients content. Both vegetables were submerged in a 3% sugar and 3% salt brine solution. Total ash, crude proteins and crude fibres significantly increased in starter culture inoculated vegetables. However, both β-carotene and ascorbic acid were slightly reduced in all fermented batches. Anti-nutrients were significantly reduced in all fermented batches. In conclusion, lactic acid fermentation of these vegetables demonstrated the ability to maintain or increase nutrients while reducing of anti-nutrients.

Optimizing nutrients through drip fertigation and plastic mulch on the growth and yield in banana (Musa acuminata L.)

Among various crops, fruits play an important role to offer dietary requirements. Banana is one of the vital fruits in India and ranks second in terms of area under cultivation. As banana needs enough of nutrients and water to ensure high productivity, proper agronomic management on the aspects are essential. Recently, the adoption of drip irrigation, plastic mulch and fertigation of water-soluble nutrients through drip irrigation have become popular in banana farming. Fruits play an important role in the dietary requirements. Among various fruits, banana is vital crop in India that ranks second in terms of area under cultivation. Banana needs sufficient nutrients and water to ensure high productivity as evidenced in the earlier research; hence, proper nutrient and management are essential. To investigate the effects of different levels of primary nutrients through drip fertigation and plastic mulch on the response of the Grand Naine cultivar of banana, a field experiment was conducted in the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India during Oct. 2019 to Apr. 2021. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four fertigation levels, namely, 1.2 recommended dose of fertilizer (1.2 RDF), 1.0 RDF, 0.8 RDF and 0.6 RDF as the first factor and the second factor was with and without mulch (M1 and M0). Application of higher rate of nutrients (1.2 RDF) ensured better growth parameters and yield attributes. The highest banana yield was obtained under 120% RDF (i.e., 1.2 RDF) fertigation for both the main and ratoon crops, with a yield of 58.9 and 46.6 t/ha, respectively, however, it remained on par with 1.0 RDF and 0.8 RDF. Further, plastic mulch showed its significant superiority over non-mulched crop in terms of major growth parameters and yield of banana main crop; however, mulching did not significantly influence ratoon crop productivity. The study suggested 0.8 RDF and plastic mulching can be adopted in banana to obtain a higher yield and efficient nutrient utilization of applied nutrients in subtropical conditions of West Bengal.

Crop load, fruit russeting, vegetative growth traits and leaf nutrient effects as a function of customized foliar nutritive fluids in Gale Gala apple (Malus × domestica) in dry temperate environment

The study exploited the clonal rootstocks for bio-efficacy testing of water soluble customized nutrient (WSCN), viz. K2O:S:Mg:Ca:Zn:B (6:11:5:0.3:0.3:0.4, w/w) on agronomic performance, fruit yield and quality characteristics on Gale Gala apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) grafted onto EMLA.111 and EMLA.7 clonal rootstocks in dry temperate climatic conditions of north-west Himalaya. The trial procedure included tree fertilization of four levels of NPK soil fertilizers (100, 80, 60 and 40% of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF-NPK, 70:35:70, one-year-old tree basis) were supplemented along with WSCN foliar formulation. Application of 60% RDF+75g WSCN+25g urea at 15 DAPF followed by 75g WSCN at 30 and 45 DAPF improved growth traits, fruit coloration, fruit yield and quality attributes. All applied concentrations of WSCN reduced russeting in Gale Gala apple significantly. The effects of the integrated fertilizers schedules with WSCN on russet control were also evaluated. EMLA.111 was the most suitable clonal rootstock, where, the rate of russeting on fruits was less compared to EMLA.7 irrespective of the WSCN treatments tested. The phenological observations in relation to the initiation of the flowering lasting for 19 days were also recorded. The pest management programme was adopted to manage the apple pest complex. Between the different schedules with foliar WSCN, the differences were also recorded in amount of russeting on EMLA.111/ EMLA.7 rootstocks compared to control. The schedules with foliar WSCN on a wet canopy noticed less russetted fruits. The study also identified the relationship between yield and productivity traits using path coefficient analysis to know the direct and indirect effects of independent variables on managerial ability of the crop. Principle component analysis (PCA) of fruit quality traits was also worked out for differences among WSCN formulations tested which accounted 100% of the cumulative variance.

Organic Production of Snap Bean in Bulgaria: Pests and Diseases Incidence and Control, Soil Fertility and Yield

Among factors affecting snap bean production in organic growing systems, pests and diseases are of paramount importance. The current study was aimed to determine the impact of organic production practices on snap bean pests and diseases infestation, soil fertility and yield. Five treatments of plants during the whole growing season with a Bordeaux mixture at a dose of 3000 g/ha, provided more than 50 percent protective effect against the development of the bacterial blight Xanthomonas axanopodis pv. phaseoli and anthracnose Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. In organic fields, commercial bioproducts containing pyrethrins or entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana can be successfully applied to control the black bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.). To limit the attack of bean weevil (Acanthoscelides obtectus Say), phytopesticide containing pyrethrins can also be used. Against the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch.), products containing the active ingredient azadirachtin were seen to be effective five days after treatment. Soil amendment with vermicompost at a dose of 2850 L/ha slightly increased the amounts of water-soluble nutrients; however, soil remained nutrient deficient across the growing season. Among the tested Bulgarian varieties, Evros possessed higher yield, and appear to be suitable for organic system than the Tangra variety.

Mixed grass species differ in rhizosphere microbial community structure and function response to drought compared to monocultures

Natural grassland succession is the interactions among different grass species and various environmental factors. The dynamics of soil microbial communities along succession stages has received tremendous attention. The effects of the coexistence of different grass species on the structure and function of rhizosphere soil microbial communities, however, are poorly understood, especially under drought stress conditions. Here, we investigated how different grass planting patterns and soil water content affect rhizosphere microbial community structure and function. Two typical grass species (Bothriochloa ischaemum and Stipa bungeana) on the Loess Plateau were planted in three planting systems: B. ischaemum monoculture, S. bungeana monoculture, and a mixed culture of the two species under two water regimes (optimal water: 80% field capacity [FC]; drought stress: 60% FC). Rhizosphere soil samples were collected to evaluate the rhizosphere microbial community structure (via phospholipid fatty acid [PLFA] biomarkers) and function (via six enzyme activities). The mixed culture of grass species noticeably shifted the rhizosphere microbial community structure. It caused the rhizosphere gram-positive:gram-negative PLFA ratio and fungal:bacterial PLFA ratio to increase under optimum water conditions. In comparison, drought stress caused total PLFA, bacterial PLFA, and gram-positive PLFA biomass to increase. Drought stress caused rhizosphere-specific enzyme activity to increase under monoculture treatment and rhizosphere-specific enzyme activity to decrease under mixed culture treatment. Soil water-soluble organic carbon, pH, and water-soluble organic phosphorus were the most important factors driving changes to rhizosphere microbial community composition. In comparison, pH was the predominant factor driving variation in rhizosphere specific enzyme activities. Thus, the coexistence of grass species altered the structure and function of the rhizosphere microbial community through changes in rhizosphere pH and water-soluble nutrients. In conclusion, changes to rhizodeposits under a mixed culture of grass species likely affect the structure and function of the rhizosphere microbial community. The results of the present study improve our understanding of the impacts of grass species interaction on soil biogeochemical processes under future global drought stress scenarios.

Class III Peroxidases PRX01, PRX44, and PRX73 Control Root Hair Growth in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Root hair cells are important sensors of soil conditions. They grow towards and absorb water-soluble nutrients. This fast and oscillatory growth is mediated by continuous remodeling of the cell wall. Root hair cell walls contain polysaccharides and hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins, including extensins (EXTs). Class-III peroxidases (PRXs) are secreted into the apoplastic space and are thought to trigger either cell wall loosening or polymerization of cell wall components, such as Tyr-mediated assembly of EXT networks (EXT-PRXs). The precise role of these EXT-PRXs is unknown. Using genetic, biochemical, and modeling approaches, we identified and characterized three root-hair-specific putative EXT-PRXs, PRX01, PRX44, and PRX73. prx01,44,73 triple mutation and PRX44 and PRX73 overexpression had opposite effects on root hair growth, peroxidase activity, and ROS production, with a clear impact on cell wall thickness. We use an EXT fluorescent reporter with contrasting levels of cell wall insolubilization in prx01,44,73 and PRX44-overexpressing background plants. In this study, we propose that PRX01, PRX44, and PRX73 control EXT-mediated cell wall properties during polar expansion of root hair cells.

Preparation and characterization of W1 /O/W2 emulsions stabilized by glycated and heat-modified egg white proteins.

Water-in-oil-in-water (W1 /O/W2 ) emulsions stabilized by protein-carbohydrate complexes were prepared from an inner water phase (W1 ), an oil phase (O) and an outer water phase (W2 ). The complexes consisted of heat-induced aggregates (HIAs) of isomalto-oligosaccharide/egg white protein Maillard conjugates. The effects of polyglycerol ester of polyricinoleic acid (PGPR) concentration, HIA concentration, W1 -to-O volume ratio and W1 /O-to-W2 volume ratio on the properties of the W1 /O/W2 emulsions were systematically investigated. At sufficiently high PGPR concentrations (>2%), the emulsions possess a high negative charge (≈-44 mV). The encapsulation efficiency of the emulsions, which was determined by incorporating a hydrophilic yellow dye in the inner water phase prior to homogenization, was relatively high (up to 93%) and did not change significantly during 14-day storage at 4°C. All emulsions were fluids that exhibited shear thinning behavior. Overall, this study shows that nature-derived emulsifiers can be used to create W1 /O/W2 emulsions suitable for application in the food industry. In addition, we provided a viable strategy to encapsulate water-soluble nutrients. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

High-humidity hot air impingement blanching (HHAIB): An emerging technology for tomato peeling

Peeling is an essential operation for tomato processing. A new peeling method, high-humidity hot air impingement blanching (HHAIB) heating technology, was developed as an alternative to the conventional lye and hot-water peeling to eliminate the use of chemicals and the discharge of wastewater. The current work explored the feasibility of HHAIB for tomato peeling. The effects of heating temperature (100–120 °C), relative humidity (20%–40%) and heating time (0–180 s) on the peeling performance were investigated. The optimum treatment was found to be 110 °C heating temperature in combination with 40% of relative humidity and 75 s treatment time, which resulted in lower peeling loss, firmness loss and color deterioration compared with other HHAIB conditions that achieved 100% peelability. The comparative study of optimized HHAIB peeling with conventional lye and hot-water peeling showed that HHAIB peeled tomato obtained lower peeling loss and firmness loss, and higher preservation of phytochemicals, antioxidant capacity and color. In addition, compared with fresh tomatoes, HHAIB processing increased the antioxidant activity, lycopene, and total phenolic content in peeled tomatoes by 16.01%, 10.46%, 12.80%, respectively. The laser scanning confocal microscopy image of fresh tomato skin surface and the scanning electron microscope images of peels and flesh showed that HHAIB caused cracking of the epidermis and melting of the cuticular membrane while reduced the serious damage of flesh. Industrial practicePeeling is a necessary step in tomato processing, which impacts subsequent processing efficiency and product quality. At present, the most common used peeling methods in the industry are hot water or/and alkali peeling, but it induces the loss of water-soluble nutrients, chemical residues and waste liquid treatment. Therefore, the industry urgently needs an alternative peeling technology. The current work shows that HHAIB is a very promising peeling technology as it not only has an excellent peeling performance, but also enhances the preservation of phytochemicals, antioxidant capacity and quality attributes compared to conventional lye and hot-water peeling.

Enhancement of cashew yield through foliar feeding of nutrients

The experiment, conducted to access the effect of water soluble nutrients on growth and yield of cashew under rainfed conditions at farmer’s field during the years 2017-18 and 2019-20 with nine treatments viz., control (no spray), urea (2%), 0:52:34 (1% and 2%), 13:0:45 (1% and 2%), 19:19:19 (1% and 2%), using 6 years old trees of cashew cv. Vengurla-4 planted at 7m x 7m spacing, showed that three foliar applications of nutrients at 19:19:19 @ 2 per cent recorded the highest sex ratio (0.24), nut weight (8.50g) and yield (8.58 kg tree-1 and 1.75t ha-1) and appeared best for cashew yield enhancement.

Nutrient recovery of the hydrothermal carbonization aqueous product from dairy manure using membrane distillation

ABSTRACT Phosphorus is a crucial resource for the agricultural industry, but its limited supply requires recovery from waste materials before it is lost and leads to eutrophication. Dairy manure is rich with phosphorus, and the growth and consolidation within the dairy industry has led to dairy manure management becoming a significant concern. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and membrane distillation (MD) were investigated as an alternative to treat dairy manure and recover nutrients, specifically phosphorus and nitrogen. HTC is a thermal treatment process that converts organic matter into a hydrochar analogous to a low-grade coal, and MD is a thermally-driven separation process that can utilize low-grade waste heat from HTC, thus the two processes are synergetic. A byproduct of the HTC process is the aqueous product (HAP) that contains the water-soluble nutrients and organic components of dairy manure. In this work, the efficacy of MD to concentrate the nutrients in the presence of dissolved organic carbon was assessed. Samples included synthetic nutrient-rich streams as well as HAP produced at HTC temperatures ranging from 200 °C to 260 °C. In each case, the nutrients were successfully concentrated in the feed loop with rejections >99%. Dissolved carbon was found to foul the MD membrane at levels proportional to its hydrophobicity, with little fouling observed for glucose and substantial fouling observed for HAP solutions created at higher temperatures.

Vacuum-steam pulsed blanching (VSPB) softens texture and enhances drying rate of carrot by altering cellular structure, pectin polysaccharides and water state

As a new type of blanching technology, vacuum-steam pulsed blanching (VSPB) has higher blanching efficiency and quality, but the mechanism of this technology on texture softening and drying enhancement is still unclear. In this study, the mechanism was revealed from texture, pectin, nanostructure, cell ultrastructure, calcium, and water state. Results revealed that VSPB treatment reduced the hardness and chewiness, increased water-soluble pectin, decreased sodium‑carbonate-soluble and chelate-soluble pectin concentration, and resulted in depolymerization and degradation of pectin nanostructure. However, transmission electron microscopy showed that blanching damaged the cell wall structure and the integrity of the middle layer. Scanning electron microscope - Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurement observations indicated that lipid droplets containing calcium ions were formed under the action of VSPB. In addition, low field nuclear magnetic resonance showed that the redistribution of moisture in carrot was facilitated by VSPB. The findings reveal the mechanism of texture softening and drying rate enhancement driven by blanching. Industrial relevanceThermal blanching is an essential thermal treatment for many fruits and vegetables processing. Hot water blanching and steam blanching are the two most frequently employed blanching methods due to simple to establish and easy to operate. However, hot water and steam blanching holds several disadvantages, e.g., hot water blanching requires a huge amount of water and generates an excessive amount of wastewater, particularly loss of water-soluble nutrients during blanching due to leaching and diffusion, while for steam blanching, the existence of air and water vapor among the piled materials leads to low blanching efficiency and un-uniform heating. VSPB is an innovative steam blanching method. In the VBSP process, the air and water vapor are expelled by the vacuum pump to facilitate steam deep penetration in the materials, particularly the piled materials, so as to improve blanching efficiency and uniformity. Previous study indicated VSPB could soften texture and reduce the drying time of carrot, but the mechanism was not clear. The current work reveal that VSPB softens texture and enhances drying rate of carrot via micro-, ultra-structure modification, pectin polysaccharides degradation and changes of water state. The findings have important implications for understanding and controlling the blanching triggered texture formation and drying enhancement.

Earthworm-Collembola interactions affecting water-soluble nutrients, fauna and physiochemistry in a mesocosm manure-straw composting experiment

A mesocosm fermentation experiment was undertaken to investigate interactions between Eisenia fetida and Collembola affecting composting processes. Earthworms, Collembola, respiration, water soluble nutrients and compost characteristics (near infrared spectra – NIRS) were monitored on four occasions over 136 days. Earthworms were the main drivers of early changes in composts, increasing the general abundance of Collembola, although responses varied with species. Earthworms accelerated substrate mineralisation and release of soluble nutrients whilst also changing compost characteristics. Collembola alone had little direct effect on soluble nutrient concentrations or respiration; they did however alter compost characteristics (NIR spectra). Earthworm-Collembola interactions affecting respiration and soluble nutrients were mainly antagonistic in the early stages of composting but synergistic in later stages. In the later stages of composting, the higher abundance of Collembola when combined with earthworms resulted in greater concentrations of soluble nitrate and phosphate. These findings emphasise the importance in vermicomposting practice of different invertebrate groups having access to feedstock at appropriate stages of the process. The high concentrations of soluble nutrients released during vermicomposting indicate the need for control measures to avoid off-site pollution and loss of this resource.

Analysis of water-soluble nutrients in Lycium barbarum leaves and differences between different producing areas

This study is to clarify the composition and content differences of water-soluble nutrients in Lycium barbarum leaves(LBLs) from different areas. The total polysaccharides, free monosaccharides and oligosaccharides, nucleosides and amino acids in 35 batches of LBLs were analyzed with use of spectrophotometry, HPLC-ELSD and UPLC-MS/MS. The results showed that LBLs contained abundant polysaccharides, fructose, glucose, sucrose and maltose, with an average contents of 39.07, 12.69, 8.99, 17.44, 8.32 mg·g~(-1), respectively. Besides, eight nucleosides and twelve amino acids were detected in LBLs, and their average total contents were 54.95, 336.9 μg·g~(-1). Principal component analysis(PCA) and partial least squares discrimination analysis(PLS-DA) of carbohydrate, nucleoside and amino acid showed that the water-soluble nutrients of the samples from Qinghai Province were significantly different from those from other areas mainly in asparagine, proline, glutamine, sucrose, adenine and guanosine. In this study, the compositions and contents of water-soluble nutrients in LBLs were preliminarily clarified, which provided basis for further development and utilization of LBLs resoures.