Stress Responses in Probiotic Lactobacillus casei

Survival in harsh environments is critical to both the industrial performance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their competitiveness in complex microbial ecologies. Among the LAB, members of the Lactobacillus casei group have industrial applications as acid-producing starter cultures for milk fermentations and as specialty cultures for the intensification and acceleration of flavor development in certain bacterial-ripened cheese varieties. They are amongst the most common organisms in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of humans and other animals, and have the potential to function as probiotics. Whether used in industrial or probiotic applications, environmental stresses will affect the physiological status and properties of cells, including altering their functionality and biochemistry. Understanding the mechanisms of how LAB cope with different environments is of great biotechnological importance, from both a fundamental and applied perspective: hence, interaction between these strains and their environment has gained increased interest in recent years. This paper presents an overview of the important features of stress responses in Lb. casei, and related proteomic or gene expression patterns that may improve their use as starter cultures and probiotics.     

A Review: Nanomaterials as a Filler in Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites

Composite reinforcement is defined as a technique to improve the engineering characteristics of composite and a fiber reinforced composite (FRC) is a composite material consisting of a polymer matrix imbedded with high-strength fibers, synthetic fibers or natural fibers. Natural fibers have recently become attractive to researchers, engineers, and scientists as an alternative reinforcement for FRCs. Nanocomposite shows considerable applications in different fields because of larger surface area, and greater aspect ratio, with fascinating properties. Being environmentally friendly, applications of nanocomposites offer new technology and business opportunities for several sectors, such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and biotechnology industries. Hybrid bio-based composites that exploit the synergy between natural fibers in a nanoreinforced bio-based polymer can lead to improved properties along with maintaining environmental appeal. This review article intended to investigate natural fiber/nanofiller-based hybrid composite with specific concern to their physical and mechanical properties.     

Olive byproducts and their bioactive compounds as a valuable source for food packaging applications

Among the most important agro-industrial activities in the Mediterranean basin, olive oil production has a high impact on the economy of many Mediterranean countries. However, olive oil extraction generates huge quantities of byproducts, including leaves, pomace residues, stones and wastewater, which have severe environmental impacts mainly because of their phytotoxicity and great organic content. Olive oil byproducts are regarded as inexpensive and abundant raw materials rich in bioactive compounds with high and varied health-related activities. Several phenolic compounds and terpenoids were recovered from olive byproducts using different conventional and advanced extraction methods due to their potential to be used in food, packaging, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Recently, the use of olive byproducts and their functional compounds to enhance the functional properties of packaging systems was investigated as a sustainable strategy for food preservation, fostering the sustainability of the olive-oil chain, and promoting circular economy. In this framework, the main goals of this review are to summarize the main bioactive compounds in olive byproducts, to review the main advancements in their extraction, purification, and characterization, and finally to discuss their applications in food packaging systems as well as safety-related aspects.     

Membrane Processing Technology in the Food Industry: Food Processing,Wastewater Treatment,and Effects on Physical,Microbiological, Organoleptic,and Nutritional Properties of Foods

Membrane processing technology (MPT) is increasingly used nowadays in a wide range of applications (demineralization, desalination, stabilization, separation, deacidification, reduction of microbial load, purification, etc.) in food industries. The most frequently applied techniques are electrodialysis (ED), reverse osmosis (RO), nanofiltration (NF), ultrafiltration (UF), and microfiltration (MF). Several membrane characteristics, such as pore size, flow properties, and the applied hydraulic pressure mainly determine membranes’ potential uses. In this review paper the basic membrane techniques, their potential applications in a large number of fields and products towards the food industry, the main advantages and disadvantages of these methods, fouling phenomena as well as their effects on the organoleptic, qualitative, and nutritional value of foods are synoptically described. Some representative examples of traditional and modern membrane applications both in tabular and figural form are also provided.     

Green-based active packaging: Opportunities beyond COVID-19, food applications,and perspectives in circular economy—A brief review

The development of biodegradable packaging, based on agro-industrial plant products and by-products, can transform waste into products with high added value and reduce the use of conventional nonrenewable packaging. Green-based active packaging has a variety of compounds such as antimicrobials, antioxidants, aromatics, among others. These compounds interact with packaged products to improve food quality and safety and favor the migration of bioactive compounds from the polymeric matrix to food. The interest in the potential hygienic–sanitary benefit of these packages has been intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, which made the population more aware of the relevant role of packaging for protection and conservation of food. It is estimated that the pandemic scenario expanded food packaging market due to shift in eating habits and an increase in online purchases. The triad health, sustainability, and circular economy is a trend in the development of packaging. It is necessary to minimize the consumption of natural resources, reduce the use of energy, avoid the generation of waste, and emphasize the creation of social and environmental values. These ideas underpin the transition from the emphasis on the more subjective discourse to the emphasis on the more practical method of thinking about the logic of production and use of sustainable packaging. Presently, we briefly review some trends and economic issues related to biodegradable materials for food packaging; the development and application of bio-based active films; some opportunities beyond COVID-19 for food packaging segment; and perspectives in circular economy.     

Process intensification technologies for the recovery of valuable compounds from cocoa by-products

The ever-growing cocoa-product market has driven the cocoa industry to massive levels of production, thus causing excessive waste and by-product generation. Cocoa bean shells (CBS) and pod husks (CPH) are the main cocoa-industry by-products that possess substantial amounts of high added-value compounds. Polyphenols may be the most interesting compounds because of their widely known beneficial effects on human health. Over last decade, both science and industry have focused on finding new cost-effective technologies for phytochemical recovery that are able to lower extraction times, energy consumption and environmental impact. Ultrasound, microwave, pulsed electric field, and subcritical and supercritical fluid are some of these technologies. This review summarizes successful CBS and CPH polyphenol extraction processes that make use of the above-mentioned emerging methods. Moreover, the integration of novel business paradigms, in particular the circular economy and industry 4.0, can help sustainability to be achieved in the cocoa industry.Industrial relevance textIndustrial cocoa by-products have become a massive burden since their inadequate disposal leads to a series of environmental issues. Value-added compounds recovery from CBS and CPH by means of enabling technologies assistance can lead to significant economic and environmental advantages. This approach, coherent with circular economy paradigm, can be integrated with a design of Industry 4.0 driving the development of new products and businesses.     

Sustainable edible packaging systems based on active compounds from food processing byproducts: A review

The global food processing industries represent a challenge and a risk to the environment due to the poor handling of residues, which are often discarded as waste without being used in further sidestreams. Although some part of this biomass is utilized, large quantities are, however, still under- or unutilized despite these byproducts being a rich resource of valuable compounds. These biowastes contain biopolymers and other compounds such as proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, pigments, micronutrients, and minerals with good nutritional values and active biological properties with applications in various fields including the development of sustainable food packaging. This review offers an update on the recent advancement of food byproducts recycling and upgrading toward the production of food packaging materials, which could be edible, (bio)degradable, and act as carriers of biobased active agents such as antimicrobials, antioxidants, flavoring additives, and health-promoting compounds. This should be a global initiative to promote the well-being of humans and achieve sustainability while respecting the ecological boundaries of our planet. Edible films and coatings formulations based on biopolymers and active compounds extracted from biowastes offer great opportunities to decrease the devastating overuse of plastic-based packaging. It has become evident that a transition from a fuel-based to a circular bio-based economy is potentially beneficial. Therefore, the exploitation of food discards within the context of a zero-waste biorefinery approach would improve waste management by minimizing its generation, reduce pollution, and provide value-added compounds. Most importantly, the development of edible packaging materials from food byproducts does not compete with food resources, and it also helps decrease our dependency on petroleum-based products. Practical Application Almost 99% of current plastics are petroleum-based, and their continuous use has been devastating to the planet as plastic-derived components have been detected in all trophic levels. Besides, the increasing amounts of food by-products are a socioeconomic and environmental challenge, and halving food loss and waste and turning it into valuable products has become necessary to achieve sustainability and economic circularity. The development of new packaging systems such as edible materials could be one of the solutions to limit the use of persistent plastics. Edible films and coatings by-products-based could also enhance food packaging performance due to their compounds' bioactivities.     

The Genus Heracleum: A Comprehensive Review on Its Phytochemistry,Pharmacology, and Ethnobotanical Values as a Useful Herb

Heracleum species, also known as hogweed, are traditionally used as food additives, spices, and flavoring agents. Moreover, these plants are widely used in folklore medicine for the treatment of many disorders such as inflammation, flatulence, stomachache, epilepsy, psoriasis, and as carminative, wound healing, antiseptic, antidiarrheal, tonic, digestive, pain killer, analgesic, and anticonvulsant agents. The genus Heracleum has broad pharmacological activities: anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, anti‐oxidant, antiviral, cytotoxic, and anticarcinogenic. A total of 94 compounds have been isolated from plants of the Heracleum genus, all indicating vital biological activities. Also, about 50 compounds have been identified as major components in their essential oils. The genus is rich in several types of bioactive coumarin compounds, with huge potential for the discovery of new coumarins. Various parts of these plants produce essential oils (mainly aliphatic esters and monoterpenes) with a wide spectrum of biological activities. Heracleum species have great potential for applications in the food, cosmetics, perfumery, and pharmaceutical industries due to their broad ethnobotanical uses and pharmacological properties. Accordingly, this review aims to categorize updated and comprehensive information on ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Heracleum species in order to open new perspectives for future studies, including possible uses as functional ingredients in food products.     

Properties,analysis and purification of milk polar lipids

The phospholipids and sphingolipids in milk are gaining interest due to their nutritional and technological qualities. Sphingolipids and their derivatives are highly bioactive compounds with anti-cancer, bacteriostatic and cholesterol-lowering properties. Several low-value process streams of the dairy industry contain considerable amounts of polar lipid and exert potential for further purification. This review deals with the structure of the main dairy polar lipids, their origin and molecular arrangement, their occurrence in raw milk and other dairy products, their methodology of analysis and purification and their nutritional and technological properties.     

槐糖脂的生产及其应用研究进展

槐糖脂是一种生物表面活性剂,可以应用在食品工业、石油工业、环境保护和医药等许多领域。本文综述了槐糖脂的产生菌、槐糖脂的生产、槐糖脂的应用研究,并对今后的研究方向作了展望。     

Optimised processing of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) kernels as a brewing adjunct

Pulse (Fabaceae) grains, such as peas and beans, are derived from crops that are usually cultivated in the absence of mineral nitrogen fertiliser as these crops can obtain their nitrogen requirement naturally from the air via biological nitrogen fixation. Therefore, pulses present a significantly lower greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint than crops demanding nitrogen fertiliser, whilst also offering significant quantities of starch for the brewing and distilling industries. Mitigation of agriculture derived GHG emissions through utilisation of pulses can have a positive environmental impact. To this end, the potential of exploiting dry, dehulled faba bean (Vicia faba L.) kernel flour as an adjunct for beer production was evaluated. The impact of different temperature regimes and commercial enzymes were assessed for their effect on wort: viscosity; run‐off rate; primary amino nitrogen content and, fermentability. Faba beans demonstrated insufficient endogenous enzyme capacity for starch conversion and generated a viscous wort. However, using a stepped temperature mashing regime and exogenous enzyme additions, the faba bean wort was comparable in processability and fermentability to that of 100% malted barley wort. The faba based beer and co‐product qualities demonstrate the environmental, nutritional and commercial potential of pulses in brewing. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of the Institute of Brewing published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Sustainability and Profitability Through Intelligent Value Chain Management in Bast Fibre Processing

Abstract

The excellent properties of natural fibres like flax and hemp have not yet been fully exploited for high added value applications such as use in bio-based natural textiles and high performance fibres. There are few practical applications, although today's know-how in fibre purification, modification and application allow for a large array of viable bio-based products. Currently the development of these natural fibres is strongly determined by the EU subsidy regulations, which drive the motivation of farmers and processors. Due to the expansion of the European Union, agricultural subsidies will decrease in the next decade. Natural fibres will compete only successfully against these reductions by fulfilling three key factors:

? Product quality: The continuing lack of pure, fine and homogenous fibres has to be overcome.

? Market demand: Market demand is driven by product quality. There is a big and increasing demand for high quality upgraded natural fibres in textile and non-textile industry.

? Price: Farmers and fibre producers must have a reasonable economic basis.

Today the economic situation in the agricultural sector is extremely poor without subsidies. However, with each subsequent processing step in the fibre production value chain (mechanical refining, fibre upgrading by wet refining) the profitability increases significantly. To gain economic sustainability in the whole value chain (including spinning and weaving) the more profitable, high added value processing steps at the end of the chain should be employed to offset the less profitable steps. To realise this, we recommend a contract-network between agriculture, mechanical refining, upgrading and manufacturing of half-finished products. The business, which upgrades fibres, owns the innovative key-processing step (quality drives demand). It will lead the network and market fabrics with higher value and better profit by itself. All partners in the network participate by receiving fair prices. This will also guarantee continuous production of high quality raw material by farmers. A detailed operational calculation of the network shows promising results with a good internal rate of return.     

Current and potential uses of bioactive molecules from marine processing waste

Food industries produce huge amounts of processing waste that are often disposed of incurring expenses and impacting upon the environment. For these and other reasons, food processing waste streams, in particular marine processing waste streams, are gaining popularity amongst pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutraceutical industries as sources of bioactive molecules. In the last 30 years, there has been a gradual increase in processed marine products with a concomitant increase in waste streams that include viscera, heads, skins, fins, bones, trimmings and shellfish waste. In 2010, these waste streams equated to approximately 24 million tonnes of mostly unused resources. Marine processing waste streams not only represent an abundant resource, they are also enriched with structurally diverse molecules that possess a broad panel of bioactivities including anti‐oxidant, anti‐coagulant, anti‐thrombotic, anti‐cancer and immune‐stimulatory activities. Retrieval and characterisation of bioactive molecules from marine processing waste also contributes valuable information to the vast field of marine natural product discovery. This review summarises the current use of bioactive molecules from marine processing waste in different products and industries. Moreover, this review summarises new research into processing waste streams and the potential for adoption by industries in the creation of new products containing marine processing waste bioactives. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry     

Molecular identification of naturally occurring bacteriocinogenic and bacteriocinogenic-like lactic acid bacteria in raw milk and soft cheese

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are currently used by food industries because of their ability to produce metabolites with antimicrobial activity against gram-positive pathogens and spoilage microorganisms. The objectives of this study were to identify naturally occurring bacteriocinogenic or bacteriocinogenic-like LAB in raw milk and soft cheese and to detect the presence of nisin-coding genes in cultures identified as Lactococcus lactis. Lactic acid bacteria cultures were isolated from 389 raw milk and soft cheese samples and were later characterized for the production of antimicrobial substances against Listeria monocytogenes. Of these, 58 (14.9%) LAB cultures were identified as antagonistic; the nature of this antagonistic activity was then characterized via enzymatic tests to confirm the proteinaceous nature of the antimicrobial substances. In addition, 20 of these antagonistic cultures were selected and submitted to genetic sequencing; they were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum (n = 2) and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis (n = 18). Nisin genes were identified by polymerase chain reaction in 7 of these cultures. The identified bacteriocinogenic and bacteriocinogenic-like cultures were highly variable concerning the production and activity of antimicrobial substances, even when they were genetically similar. The obtained results indicated the need for molecular and phenotypic methodologies to properly characterize bacteriocinogenic LAB, as well as the potential use of these cultures as tools to provide food safety.     

The industrial applications of cassava: current status,opportunities and prospects

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a drought‐tolerant, staple food crop that is grown in tropical and subtropical areas. As an important raw material, cassava is a valuable food source in developing countries and is also extensively employed for producing starch, bioethanol and other bio‐based products (e.g. feed, medicine, cosmetics and biopolymers). These cassava‐based industries also generate large quantities of wastes/residues rich in organic matter and suspended solids, providing great potential for conversion into value‐added products through biorefinery. However, the community of cassava researchers is relatively small and there is very limited information on cassava. Therefore this review summarizes current knowledge on the system biology, economic value, nutritional quality and industrial applications of cassava and its wastes in an attempt to accelerate understanding of the basic biology of cassava. The review also discusses future perspectives with respect to integrating and utilizing cassava information resources for increasing the economic and environmental sustainability of cassava industries. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Bacteriophages for detection and control of foodborne bacterial pathogens—The case of Bacillus cereus and their phages

Bacillus cereus is among the primary food-poisoning pathogenic bacterium that causes diarrhea and emetic types of diseases throughout the world. Recent advances show that bacteriophages become important tools in detection and control of foodborne bacterial pathogens in foods. They gain the interest of researchers for the food industries mainly because they are host-specific and harmless to humans. Studies showed that bacteriophages could be employed as natural or engineered, whole or part, and temperate or virulent type in designing a range of tools for the detection and control of foodborne bacterial pathogens. This article discusses the recent methods and advances in the utilization strategies of bacteriophages in detection and control of foodborne pathogens, with particular focus on B. cereus pathogen. Moreover, the article presents the latest and relevant information of B. cereus-infecting phages with respect to their potential applications in foods to address food safety issues. It also reflects future research directions by indicating gap of studies on the area.     

Comparative study of physicochemical properties of dextran and reuteran synthesised by two glucansucrases that are highly similar in amino acid sequence

Recently, lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-derived α-glucans have drawn strong attention owing to their various structural organisation and wide (potential) applications in the medicine, food, cosmetic, and biotechnology industries. However, the physicochemical properties of diverse α-glucans, particularly reuteran, remain largely unknown, which significantly impedes their wider applications. This study comparatively evaluated the physicochemical properties of two different α-glucans, Gtf-DSM dextran, and GtfO reuteran produced by the dextransucrase Gtf-DSM from Lactobacillus ingluviei DSM 14792 and the reuteransucrase GtfO from Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730, which are two glucansucrases highly similar in amino acid sequence. The surface morphology analysis demonstrated that Gtf-DSM dextran had a holey and fissured microstructure; however, GtfO reuteran had an irregular dendritic microstructure, forming a fibrous network. Compared to GtfO reuteran, Gtf-DSM dextran showed a larger average particle diameter (162.4 versus 90.3 nm). Additionally, Gtf-DSM dextran displayed some prominent properties, such as better thermostability, higher apparent viscosity, and stronger gel-forming capability, than GtfO reuteran. These results provide a theoretical basis for stimulating the applications of LAB-derived α-glucans in various fields.     

Peptide-rich extracts from spent yeast waste streams as a source of bioactive compounds for the nutraceutical market

Spent yeast is one of the main fermentation process by-products and several bioactive ingredients have been extracted from it, such as mannans and β-glucans. These extraction processes generate waste streams rich in protein, that can still be used to produce peptide-rich extracts. This work describes the use of a scalable and low-cost process to obtain yeast peptide extracts in a circular economy concept. Peptide fractions produced contained 48.3 to 86.4% of protein (w/w) and essential amino acids amounts higher than those defined by FAO and WHO references. Regarding their bioactive properties, extracts exhibited strong antihypertensive and antioxidant activities. Furthermore, an inhibition of 62.0–71.3% in HMG-CoA reductase was observed, a feature hereby described for the first time, thus stating the cholesterol-lowering capacity of yeast peptides. In conclusion, due to their combined nutritional and bioactive characteristics, the produced yeast peptide extracts are good candidates for dietary supplementation and functional foods.     

Perspectives on FDA's Regulation of Nanotechnology: Emerging Challenges and Potential Solutions

ABSTRACT: While public attention has been focused on Escherichia coli outbreaks, genetic engineering, and mad cow disease, nanotechnology has quietly taken its place at the forefront of scientific innovation and is poised to revolutionize numerous industries and fields of study. Although nanotechnology has been on the radar of researchers and developers for decades, it is only in the past few years that real‐world applications have become a pervasive reality. Some of the most promising applications are in the areas of consumer products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including new and over‐the‐counter drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and food and food packaging. Despite the incredible social and economic potential of nanotechnology, FDA faces numerous hurdles in the regulation of these products. This article explores the current state of our scientific understanding of nanotechnology, human and environmental health and safety concerns, the strengths and weaknesses of FDA's existing regulatory authority, and current efforts to address these and other issues relating to the development, understanding, and promotion of nanotechnology. In addition, the article proposes various regulatory and policy considerations FDA should take into account in addressing nano‐based concerns.     

Bacillus spore germination at moderate high pressure: A review on underlying mechanisms,influencing factors,and its comparison with nutrient germination

Spore-forming bacteria are resistant to stress conditions owing to their ability to form highly resistant dormant spores. These spores can survive adverse environmental conditions in nature, as well as decontamination processes in the food and related industries. Bacterial spores may return to their vegetative state through a process called germination. As spore germination is critical for the loss of resistance, outgrowth, and development of pathogenicity and spoilage potential, the germination pathway has piqued the interest of the scientific community. The inhibition and induction of germination have critical applications in the food industry. Targeted germination can aid in decreasing the resistance of spores and allow the application of milder inactivation procedures. This germination-inactivation strategy allows better maintenance of important food quality attributes. Different stimuli are reported to trigger germination. Among those, isostatic high pressure (HP) has gained increasing attention due to its potential applications in industrial processes. However, pressure-mediated spore germination is extremely heterogeneous as some spores germinate rapidly, while others exhibit slow germination or do not undergo germination at all. The successful and safe implementation of the germination-inactivation strategy, however, depends on the germination of all spores. Therefore, there is a need to elucidate the mechanisms of HP-mediated germination. This work aimed to critically review the current state of knowledge on Bacillus spore germination at a moderate HP of 50–300 MPa. In this review, the germination mechanism, heterogeneity, and influencing factors have been outlined along with knowledge gaps.