Thirty‐three years of 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline,a principal basmati aroma compound in scented rice (Oryza sativa L.): a status review

Rice is the staple food of around 3 billion people, most of them in Asia which accounts for 90% of global rice consumption. Aromatic rices have been preferred over non‐aromatic rice for hundreds of years. They have a premium value in national as well as international market owing to their unique aroma and quality. Many researchers were involved in identifying the compound responsible for the pleasant aroma in aromatic rice in the 20th century. However, due to its unstable nature, 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline (2AP) was discovered very late, in 1982. Buttery and co‐workers found 2AP to be the principal compound imparting the pleasant aroma to basmati and other scented rice varieties. Since then, 2AP has been identified in all fragrant rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties and a wide range of plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and various food products. The present article reviews in detail biochemical and genetic aspects of 2AP in living systems. The site of synthesis, site of storage and stability in plant systems in vivo is of interest. This compound requires more research on stability to facilitate use as a food additive. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry     

Production of a root‐specific flavour compound, 2‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxy benzaldehyde by normal root cultures of Decalepis hamiltonii Wight and Arn (Asclepiadaceae)

The flavour compound 2‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxy benzaldehyde from normal roots of swallow root (Decalepis hamiltonii) raised in vitro was extracted with dichloromethane, evaporated to dryness and dissolved in ethanol for qualitative (TLC) and quantitative (GC‐MS) analysis. Maximum root biomass and the maximum content of flavour compound (40 ± 2.1 µg g^?1 dry weight) were recorded after 45 days of growth on Murashige and Skoog medium containing 1.0 mg l^?1 α‐naphthaleneacetic acid. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Purification,characterisation and application of α‐l‐rhamnosidase from Penicillium citrinum MTCC‐8897

An α‐l ‐rhamnosidase secreted by Penicillium citrinum MTCC‐8897 has been purified to homogeneity from the culture filtrate of the fungal strain using ammonium sulphate precipitation and cation‐exchange chromatography on carboxymethyl cellulose. The sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of the purified enzyme gave a single protein band corresponding to the molecular mass 51.0 kDa. The native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis also gave a single protein band confirming the enzyme purity. The K_m and V_max values of the enzyme for p‐nitrophenyl α‐l ‐rhamnopyranoside were 0.36 mm and 22.54 μmole min^?1 mg^?1, respectively, and k_cat value was 17.1 s^?1 giving k_cat/K_m value of 4.75 × 10⁴ m ^?1 s^?1. The pH and temperature optima of the enzyme were 7.0 and 60 °C, respectively. The purified enzyme liberated l ‐rhamnose from naringin, rutin, hesperidin and wine, indicating that it has biotechnological application potential for the preparation of l ‐rhamnose and other pharmaceutically important compounds from natural glycosides containing terminal α‐l ‐rhamnose and also in the enhancement of wine aroma.     

Effects of explant source,culture medium: Strength and growth regulators on the in-vitro propagation of three Jamaican yams: (Dioscorea cayenensis,D trifida and d rotundata)

Explants of tuber, meristem and vines from three widely cultivated yam species in Jamaica—D cayenensis, D rotundata and D trifida—were examined for their responses to mineral media strength, inorganic ammonium and growth regulator supplements. Tuber pieces (5mm³) showed some positive growth responses but did not produce in-vitro plantlets on all the media tested. Meristem tips of D trifida grew rapidly on basal media (BM) supplemented with either 0.1 mglitre^?1 6-benzylamino purine (BAP) and 0.01 mg litre^?1indole butyric acid or 0.2 mg litre^?1 BAP and 1.0 mg litre^?1 naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) producing plantlets by 28 weeks. The nodal explants grew rapidly with plantlets obtained from all the cultivars within 4 weeks. Use of young, vigorously growing vines of 8 weeks or less, as explant source, gave low contamination levels (16–25%) in culture when sterilised for 30 min in 200 g litre^?1 NaOCl in the case of D trifida and 300 g litre^?1 NaOCl in the case of D cayenesis prior to culturing. Initiation of growth was optimal when explants were taken from monopodial vines grown in October or January and placed on BM supplemented with 0.5 mg litre^?1 BAP (BM0.5BAP). Addition of 0.5 mg litre^?1 kinetin to the BM or 0.05 mg litre^?1 NAA to BM0.5BAP depressed shoot production, while 5.0 mg litre^?1 kinetin increased swelling of the nodal region in explants from sympodial shoots and from vines grown in March. The results suggest that nodal segments excised from young, fast growing vines of these species are the best explant source for the purpose of commercial micropropagation.     

Assessment of iron bioavailability from twenty elite late‐maturing tropical maize varieties using an in vitro digestion/Caco‐2 cell model

An in vitro digestion/Caco‐2 cell model was used to assess iron bioavailability of twenty elite late‐maturing tropical maize varieties grown in three diverse agroecologies in West and Central Africa (WCA). Kernel‐iron concentration of the varieties, averaged across locations, varied from 19.2 to 24.4 mg kg^?1, while mean kernel‐zinc concentration ranged between 19.4 and 24.6 mg kg^?1. Significant differences in iron bioavailability were observed among varieties, but the environment had no significant effect. Mean bioavailable iron ranged between 14% below and 43% above the reference control variety, TZB‐SR. Variety DMR‐LSR‐Y with the highest concentrations of kernel‐iron and ‐zinc of 24–25 mg kg^?1 across the three locations had a similar quantity of bioavailable iron as the reference control, TZB‐SR. In the long run this variety could be potentially effective in reducing iron deficiency because of its high kernel‐iron. The most promising varieties were Mid‐altitude STR synthetic and ACR91SUWAN‐1‐SRC1. They had kernel‐iron and ‐zinc levels of 22–24 mg kg^?1 and bioavailable iron 24–36% higher than the reference control, TZB‐SR. Additional research is necessary to determine if the increases in kernel‐iron concentration and bioavailable iron observed in this study can significantly improve the iron status of individuals in WCA at risk for iron deficiency. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Maintaining quality and bioactive compounds of broccoli by combined treatment with 1‐methylcyclopropene and 6‐benzylaminopurine

BACKGOUND: Broccoli deteriorates very quickly after harvest at ambient temperature due to the loss of green colour and the consequent yellowing of florets. To search for an effective method to control quality deterioration, the effect of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) combined with 6‐benzylaminopurine (6‐BA) treatment on visual quality, antioxidant enzymes and bioactive compounds in broccoli florets were investigated. RESULTS: A combined treatment of 2.5 µL L^?1 1‐MCP and 200 mg L^?1 6‐BA significantly reduced the increase of lightness (L*) value, and retained a high level for the hue value (H) and chlorophyll content. Superoxide dismutase, ascobate peroxidase and catalase activities increased while the activity of peroxidase decreased during storage in treated samples in comparison with the controls. The combined treatment enhanced the biosynthesis of glucosinolate and the formation of the anticarcinogen sulforaphane, which improved the health benefit of broccoli. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that a combined treatment of 1‐MCP and 6‐BA could be a good candidate for maintaining the visual quality and enhancing the nutritional value in broccoli during storage at 15 °C. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Shelf‐life extension of vacuum‐packaged sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets by combined γ‐irradiation and refrigeration: microbiological,chemical and sensory changes

The combined effect of γ‐irradiation and refrigeration on the shelf‐life of vacuum‐packaged sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets was studied by monitoring the microbiological, chemical and sensory changes of non‐irradiated and irradiated fish samples using low‐dose irradiation doses of 1 and 3 kGy. Fish species such as sea bream and sea bass are very popular in the Mediterranean countries due to their high quality characteristics, and their preservation is a constant challenge given their extreme perishability. Irradiation (3 kGy) dramatically reduced populations of bacteria, namely, total viable counts (3 vs 7 log cfu g^?1) for the non‐irradiated samples, Pseudomonas spp (<2 vs 7.6 log cfu g^?1), H₂S‐producing bacteria typical of Shewanella putrefaciens (<2 vs 5.9 log cfu g^?1), Enterobacteriaceae (<2 vs 6.0 log cfu g^?1) and lactic acid bacteria (<2 vs 3.5 log cfu g^?1) after 10 days of storage. The effect was more pronounced at the higher dose (3 kGy). Lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and H₂S‐producing bacteria typical of Shewanella putrefaciens showed higher sensitivity to γ‐radiation than did the rest of the microbial species. Of the chemical indicators of spoilage, Trimethylamine (TMA) values of non‐irradiated sea bream increased very slowly, whereas for irradiated samples significantly lower values were obtained reaching a final value of 7.9 and 6.3 mg N per 100 g muscle at 1 and 3 kGy respectively (day 42). Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) values increased slowly attaining a value of 67.3 mg N per 100 g for non‐irradiated sea bream during refrigerated storage, whereas for irradiated fish, lower values of 52.8 and 43.1 mg N per 100 g muscle were recorded (day 42). Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values for irradiated sea bream samples were higher than respective non‐irradiated fish and increased slowly until day 21 of storage, reaching final values of 1.1 (non‐irradiated), 2.0 (1 kGy) and 2.2 mg malonaldehyde kg^?1 muscle (3 kGy), respectively (day 42). Sensory evaluation showed a good correlation with bacterial populations. On the basis of overall acceptability scores (sensory evaluation) a shelf‐life of 28 days (3 kGy) was obtained for vacuum‐packaged sea bream, compared with a shelf‐life of 9–10 days for the non‐irradiated sample. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

l‐Citrulline Supplementation‐Increased Skeletal Muscle PGC‐1α Expression Is Associated with Exercise Performance and Increased Skeletal Muscle Weight

Scope

l ‐citrulline has recently been reported as a more effective supplement for promoting intracellular nitric oxide (NO) production compared to l ‐arginine. Here, the effect of l ‐citrulline on skeletal muscle and its influence on exercise performance were investigated. The underlying mechanism of its effect, specifically on the expression of skeletal muscle peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α), was also elucidated.

Methods and results

Six‐week‐old ICR mice were orally supplemented with l ‐citrulline (250 mg kg^?1) daily, and their performance in weight‐loaded swimming exercise every other day for 15 days, was evaluated. In addition, mice muscles were weighed and evaluated for the expression of PGC‐1α and PGC‐1α‐regulated genes. Mice orally supplemented with l ‐citrulline had significantly higher gastrocnemius and biceps femoris muscle mass. Although not statistically significant, l ‐citrulline prolonged the swimming time to exhaustion. PGC‐1α upregulation was associated with vascular endothelial growth factor α (VEGFα) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) upregulation. VEGFα and IGF‐1 are important for angiogenesis and muscle growth, respectively, and are regulated by PGC‐1α. Treatment with NG‐nitro‐l ‐arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l ‐NAME), a nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor, suppressed the l ‐citrulline‐induced PGC‐1α upregulation in vitro.

Conclusion

Supplementation with l ‐citrulline upregulates skeletal muscle PGC‐1α levels resulting in higher skeletal muscle weight that improves time to exhaustion during exercise.

     

Factors affecting the in-vitro establishment of Jamaican yams (Dioscorea spp) from nodal pieces

Factors such as inorganic ammonium, growth regulator supplements, propagule type and subculture period affecting the in-vitro establishment of Dioscorea cayenensis and D trifida have been examined. The results indicate that for D cayenensis, transfer of whole plantlets to fresh initiation media prior to cutting into nodal segments and transfer to establishment media was beneficial. Addition of 800 mg litre^?1 NH₄NO₃ to basal medium (BM) containing 0.5 mg litre^?1benzylamino purine (BAP) caused a significant improvement in nodal numbers and resulted ir. 11.8 propagules per original explant after 8 weeks or 184.1 propagules after 16 weeks in-vitro. Rapid establishment of D trifida cv Short Neck Yampie depended on the original explant source. Explants obtained from small tuber vines grew faster on establishment than those obtained from leafy cuttings. Initiation on BM supplemented with 0.5 mg litre^?1 kinetin (BM0.5K) and establishment on BM supplemented with 0.5 mg litre^?1 BAP (BM0.5BAP) produced the optimum result for the vines obtained from small tubers (24.0 propagules after 8 weeks of culture). For explants obtained from leafy cuttings, initiation on BM0.5BAP and establishment on BM0.5K gave optimum results (15.8). Quick establishment of initiated plantlets shown by increased shoot response and high multiplication rates were achieved in this study.     

α‐Glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitory activities of phloroglucinal derivatives from edible marine brown alga,Ecklonia cava

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by defects in insulin secretion and action, which can lead to damaged blood vessels and nerves. With respect to effective therapeutic approaches to treatment of DM, much effort has being made to investigate potential inhibitors against α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase from natural products. The edible marine brown alga Ecklonia cava has been reported to possess various interesting bioactivities, which are studied here. RESULTS: In this study, five phloroglucinal derivatives were isolated from Ecklonia cava: fucodiphloroethol G ( 1 ), dieckol ( 2 ), 6,6′‐bieckol ( 3 ), 7‐phloroeckol ( 4 ) and phlorofucofuroeckol A ( 5 ); compounds 1, 3 and 4 were obtained from this genus for the first time and with higher yield. The structural elucidation of these derivatives was completely assigned by comprehensive analysis of nuclear magnetic spectral data. The anti‐diabetic activities of these derivatives were also assessed using an enzymatic inhibitory assay against rat intestinal α‐glucosidase and porcine pancreatic α‐amylase. Most of these phlorotannins showed significant inhibitory activities in a dose‐dependent manner, responding to both enzymes, especially compound 2 , with the lowest IC₅₀ values at 10.8 µmol L^?1 (α‐glucosidase) and 124.9 µmol L^?1 (α‐amylase), respectively. Further study of compound 2 revealed a non‐competitive inhibitory activity against α‐glucosidase using Lineweaver‐Burk plots. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that Ecklonia cava can be used for nutritious, nutraceutical and functional foods in diabetes as well as for related symptoms. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical characteristics of Śliwowica Łącka and other plum brandies

BACKGROUND: ?liwowica ??cka is a strong, distilled, home‐made plum brandy produced in a submontane region of Poland. The aim of the present study was to determine the chemical composition of this alcoholic beverage (samples from the years 2001–2004) and compare it with that of other plum brandies. Gas chromatography and spectrophotometry methods were used to detect major volatile components. RESULTS: Home‐made Polish plum brandies generally contained more ethanol (64.7–72.5% v/v), methanol (5.59–8.74 g L^?1100°) and butanol (32–335 mg L^?1100°) and less isobutanol (406–491 mg L^?1100°), pentanol (4.3–14.9 mg L^?1100°) and 2‐phenylethanol (61–68 mg L^?1100°) than other samples. The amyl alcohols/1‐propanol and isobutanol/1‐propanol ratios might be used as indices to distinguish spontaneously fermented plum brandies from those produced by monoculture. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) were found in the plum brandy sensory characteristics examined. Total sensory scores of Polish plum brandies ranged between 12.0 and 14.3, while Slovakian Slivovica received the highest score (16.7). CONCLUSION: The results showed that plum brandies produced in the ??cko area are characterised by a similar and original chemical composition that results mainly from spontaneous fermentation as well as traditional production technology. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

In vitro-cultured wheat spikes provide a simplified alternative for studies of cadmium uptake in developing grains

BACKGROUND: An immature wheat spike culture system was used to monitor cadmium (Cd) accumulation in grains, hulls and awns of bread wheat and durum wheat. Immature spikes were cultured prior to anthesis in a medium containing 50 g L^?1 sucrose and 0.4 g L^?1 L ‐glutamine, supplemented with 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 mg L^?1 cadmium chloride (CdCl₂). Grains were collected at maturity and their Cd accumulation was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). RESULTS: Cd accumulation at CdCl₂ concentrations of 3 mg L^?1 and above was higher in grains of durum wheat compared with bread wheat. In hulls a similar trend was observed at CdCl₂ concentrations above 15 mg L^?1. Starch concentration in grains increased slightly at 3 and 4 mg L^?1 CdCl₂. Cd accumulation negatively affected grain protein concentration. Expression patterns of Cd‐related genes glutathione reductase (TaGR), metallothionein (MT) and phytochelatin synthase (PCS) in spikes cultured in media containing 0, 5, 10, 15 and 25 mg L^?1 CdCl₂ at 5 days post‐anthesis showed that TaGR and PCS expression in bread wheat was up‐regulated at 5 mg L^?1 CdCl₂ but down‐regulated at other CdCl₂ concentrations. However, in durum wheat, expression of all three genes was down‐regulated or remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that immature spike culture can be used to study Cd accumulation in grains and can delineate hyper‐accumulating durum wheat from bread wheat at CdCl₂ concentrations of 2 mg L^?1 and above. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

In vitro inhibitory effects of cranberry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) extracts on aldose reductase, α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase

The in vitro inhibitory activities of different seed extracts prepared from cranberry bean mutant SA‐05 and its wild‐type variety Hwachia against aldose reductase, α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase were examined. The results indicated that the polyphenolics‐rich extracts obtained using 800 g kg^?1 methanol and 500 g kg^?1 ethanol demonstrated inhibitory activities against aldose reductase (IC₅₀ of 0.36–0.46 mg mL^?1) and α‐glucosidase (IC₅₀ of 1.32–1.94 mg mL^?1). The 500 g kg^?1 ethanol extracts also showed α‐amylase inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ of 70.11–80.22 μg mL^?1). Subsequent extracts, prepared further with NaCl and H₂O from precipitates of 800 g kg^?1 methanol or 500 g kg^?1 ethanol extracts, exhibited potent α‐amylase inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ of 17.68–38.68 μg mL^?1). A combination of 500 g kg^?1 ethanol extraction plus a subsequent H₂O extraction produced highest polyphenolics and α‐amylase inhibitors. The SA‐05 α‐amylase inhibitor extracts showed greater inhibitory activities than that of Hwachia. Thus, cranberry bean mutant SA‐05 is an advantageous choice for producing anti‐hyperglycaemic compounds.     

Methionine restriction up‐regulates the expression of the pi class of glutathione S‐transferase partially via the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase‐activator protein‐1 signaling pathway initiated by glutathione depletion

Understanding the molecular events underlying gene regulation by amino acids has attracted increasing attention. Here, we explored whether the mechanism by which methionine restriction affects the expression of the π class of glutathione S‐transferase (GSTP) is related to oxidative stress initiated by glutathione (GSH) depletion. Rat primary hepatocytes were cultured in an L‐15‐based medium in the absence or presence of 200 μM L ‐buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) or in a methionine‐restricted L‐15 medium supplemented with 20 μM L ‐methionine up to 72 h. BSO and methionine restriction time‐dependently induced GSTP mRNA and protein expression in a similar pattern accompanied by a decrease in the cellular GSH level. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), but not of c‐Jun NH₂‐terminal kinase and p38, was stimulated by methionine restriction and BSO. Electromobility gel shift assay showed that the DNA‐binding activity of nuclear activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) increased in cells exposed to methionine restriction or BSO. With the ERK inhibitor FR180204, AP‐1 activation and GSTP expression were abolished. Moreover, the induction of GSTP by methionine restriction and BSO was reversed by GSH monoethyl ester and N‐acetylcysteine. Our results suggest that methionine restriction up‐regulates GSTP gene expression, which appears to be initiated by the ERK‐AP‐1 signaling pathway through GSH depletion in rat hepatocytes.     

The role of 1‐methylcyclopropene in lignification and expansin gene expression in peeled water bamboo shoot (Zizania caduciflora L.)

BACKGROUND: Water bamboo shoot (WBS) (Zizania caduciflora L.) is a fleshy aquatic vegetable susceptible to lignification. In this study, effects of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) anti‐ethylene treatment on lignification of harvested peeled WBS were investigated. RESULTS: Peeled shoots were treated with 0.5 µL L^?1 1‐MCP for 20 h at 20 °C and then stored at 20 °C for up to 9 days. Sensory quality, lignin content and activities of the lignification‐associated enzymes peroxidase (POD) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) were evaluated. Expression of expansin (ZcExp) was also assessed. 1‐MCP application maintained better sensory quality and inhibited the increase in lignin content. Lessened lignification was associated with reduced activities of POD and PAL. Moreover, 1‐MCP‐treated shoots showed lower expression of the ZcExp gene. CONCLUSION: 1‐MCP pretreatment suppressed the synthesis of lignin and thereby delayed lignification in peeled WBS. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Improvement of L(+)‐lactic acid production from cassava wastewater by Lactobacillus rhamnosus B 103

BACKGROUND: L (+)‐Lactic acid is used in the pharmaceutical, textile and food industries as well as in the synthesis of biodegradable plastics. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different medium components added in cassava wastewater for the production of L (+)‐lactic acid by Lactobacillus rhamnosus B 103. RESULTS: The use of cassava wastewater (50 g L^?1 of reducing sugar) with Tween 80 and corn steep liquor, at concentrations (v/v) of 1.27 mL L^?1 and 65.4 mL L^?1 respectively led to a lactic acid concentration of 41.65 g L^?1 after 48 h of fermentation. The maximum lactic acid concentration produced in the reactor after 36 h of fermentation was 39.00 g L^?1 using the same medium, but the pH was controlled by addition of 10 mol L^?1 NaOH. CONCLUSION: The use of cassava wastewater for cultivation of L. rhamnosus is feasible, with a considerable production of lactic acid. Furthermore, it is an innovative proposal, as no references were found in the scientific literature on the use of this substrate for lactic acid production. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical Constituents and Post-Harvest Prospects of Pandanus amaryllifolius Leaves: A Review

The leaves of Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. are widely used for flavoring food items. Extensive work has been done on agro parameters and propagation techniques as well as isolation and identification of the important chemical constituents such as volatile compounds, proteins, alkaloids and flavonoids. This review focuses on the possibilities of using the leaves in food and nonfood industries with particular reference to its aroma component. The major aromatic compound, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, has commercial significance as a flavor constituent that imparts the characteristic aroma of scented rice varieties such as basmati rice in India and in several Asian rice varieties. The compound can be added to nonaromatic rice varieties and other food formulations. The location and concentration of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline in both Pandanus amaryllifolius and aromatic rice has been studied, as has the feasibility of extraction of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline using different methodologies. The different methods for processing and preservation of this flavor compound are reviewed as are the application potential for flavor enrichment. Further, the therapeutic value of Pandanus amaryllifolius leaves and their importance in other areas as a source of phytochemicals and insecticide has also been documented.     

Optimisation of culture conditions and development of a novel fed‐batch strategy for high production of β‐galactosidase by Kluyveromyces lactis

The aim of this study was to enhance β‐galactosidase production by Kluyveromyces lactis CICC1773. Firstly, the optimum culture conditions were obtained by response surface methodology, and the maximum β‐galactosidase activity reached 20.6 U mL^?1, about two‐fold increase than that of the initial conditions (initial fermentation medium and conditions). To further improve β‐galactosidase production, a new fed‐batch strategy based on pH feedback control was developed successfully in a 7‐L fermenter, using 400 g L^?1 lactose as feeding medium. As a result, the β‐galactosidase activity and productivity reached up to 111.61 U mL^?1 and 5.31 U/(mL·h), enhanced by 15.3‐fold and 17.6‐fold superior than the results of initial conditions, respectively. To our knowledge, β‐galactosidase activity obtained was the highest value among the results reported by nonrecombinant strains. These results demonstrated that the new fed‐batch strategy based on optimum culture conditions could be automatic control easily and be conductive to further scale up for industrial fermentation.     

Studies on antioxidant activities of mucuna seed (Mucuna pruriens var utilis) extract and various non‐protein amino/imino acids through in vitro models

The antioxidant activities of a methanolic extract of mucuna beans (Mucuna pruriens var utilis) and several non‐protein amino/imino acids, namely L ‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L ‐dopa), L ‐3‐carboxy‐6,7‐dihydroxy‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline (compound I), (?)‐1‐methyl‐3‐carboxy‐6,7‐dihydroxy‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline (compound II) and 5‐hydroxytryptophan (5‐HTP), were evaluated. By virtue of their hydrogen‐donating ability, all the tested compounds and the mucuna seed extract showed excellent reducing power, with the highest values being recorded for L ‐dopa in a dose‐dependent manner. Similarly, as compared with synthetic antioxidants (BHT and BHA) and quercetin, all the tested compounds and the seed extract were found to be more potent in free radical‐scavenging activity (P < 0.05) against α,α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^?) radicals. Hydroxyl radicals (OH^?) and superoxide anion radicals (O₂^??) were effectively scavenged by the tested compounds, with the exception that no scavenging activity of 5‐HTP was observed on (O₂^??) up to a concentration of 2 mg ml^?1, as was also the case for BHA. Among the tested non‐protein amino/imino acids and seed extract the highest peroxidation‐inhibiting activity (95%) was recorded for 5‐HTP. On the other hand, in the linoleic acid/β‐carotene‐bleaching system, L ‐dopa, compound I and compound II acted as pro‐oxidants, whereas the seed extract showed only weak antioxidant activity as in the linoleic acid emulsion system. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fermentation characteristics of corn‐, triticale‐, and wheat‐based dried distillers' grains with solubles in barley‐based diets determined using continuous and batch culture systems

BACKGROUND: Dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) are becoming increasingly available and popular as an alternative livestock feed. This study used continuous and batch culture techniques to compare the in vitro fermentation characteristics of diets containing corn‐, triticale‐ or wheat‐based DDGS at 200 g kg^?1 diet dry matter (DM) against a barley grain‐based control diet. RESULTS: In continuous fermentation of wheat DDGS diet, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration was decreased by 15.7% across sampling times and NH₃ concentration was quadrupled compared with control, whereas fermentations of corn‐ and triticale‐DDGS diets were similar to the barley‐based control. In batch cultures, corn DDGS differed from control only in increased culture pH. Compared with control diet, triticale DDGS yielded lower total gas production (140.94 versus 148.78 mL g^?1 DM) and in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD; 0.509 versus 0.535). Wheat DDGS diet yielded decreased total gas production (123.49 mL g^?1 DM) and IVDMD (0.468), as well as total VFA production (105.84 versus 134.20 mmol L^?1) and substantially increased ammonia concentration (151.61 versus 58.34 mg L^?1) and acetate:propionate ratio (2.94 versus 1.11). CONCLUSION: Corn‐ and triticale‐ DDGS diets exhibited fermentation characteristics similar to the barley based control diet, consistent with in vivo findings that these diets yielded no adverse effects on production. In vitro ruminal fermentation of wheat DDGS diet differed significantly from control in several aspects including 2.6 to 6X higher ammonia concentrations. Copyright © 2010 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd