Physicochemical,functional andATR‐FTIR molecular analysis of protein extracts derived from starchy pulses

An alkaline solubilisation and isoelectric point precipitation process were used to isolate proteins from broad bean, chickpea, lentil and white bean. The physicochemical, water solubility and foaming properties as well as their protein digestion characteristics of whole flours and its protein extracts were correlated with their molecular characteristics, analysed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). The processing of pulses resulted in protein recoveries ≥50.12% and yields up to 30.26% for broad bean. The purity of the protein was from 68.27% to 86.58% for chickpea and broad bean, with in vitro digestion values ≥80.59%. The protein extracts showed up to 0.85 mg g^?1 of phenolic compounds (gallic acid eq./100 g). The ATR‐FTIR analysis of the extracts showed different proportions of α‐helix and β‐sheet secondary structures of the amide II group. The analysis of the amide III group reflected inter‐ and intramolecular associations that could have influenced their emulsion and foam characteristics.     

Antioxidant capacity and total phenolics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyphostemma digitatum</Emphasis> before and after processing: use of different assays

In the framework of standardisation of new healthy food sources, this paper aimed to study the total phenolics and the antioxidant power of Cyphostemma digitatum (Vitaceae) in water and ethanol extracts, using 96-well micro plates with BMG FLUOstar Optima micro plate reader. Total phenolics by Folin–Ciocalteu method in the water extracts were significantly lower after processing, decreasing from 1.41 ± 0.06 g GAE/100 g in the raw leaves to 0.80 ± 0.08 g GAE/100 g in the processed sample; the ethanol extract revealed the same trend with higher values, decreasing from 1.95 ± 0.03 to 1.56 ± 0.12 g GAE/100 g. The antioxidant capacity was elucidated by four methods: TEAC, DPPH, FRAP and ORAC. No or very weak correlations were found between antioxidant assays and total phenolics; this confirms that the antioxidant capacity could be attributed to other molecules. The ORAC assay proved to be more powerful than the other assays; it showed 103.3 ± 2.5 mmol/100 g Trolox equivalents in the raw leaves ethanol extract and 91.9 ± 3.0 mmol/100 g in the processed sample. ORAC assay showed the opposite for the water extract where the antioxidant capacity increased from 16.7 ± 0.2 to 41.7 ± 2.7 mmol/100 g Trolox equivalents after processing, which could be attributed to new water-soluble compounds generated in the consumed form.     

Genetic Variability for Vitamin B9 and Total Dietary Fiber in Lentil (Lens culinaris L.) Cultivars

The present study was conducted to determine the genetic variability of two major health-promoting bioactive components in lentil (lens culinaris L.) cultivars. The total dietary fiber content in lentil genotypes was analyzed using a combination of enzymatic and gravimetric methods utilizing the Total Dietary Fiber Assay Kit (Sigma Chemicals, St. Louis, USA). The total dietary fiber varied significantly in the range of 10 ± 1 to 21 ± 1 g/100 g lentil dry seed weight with an average of 15.0 g/100 g lentil dry seed weight (p < 0.1). Further, a significant genotypic difference was also recorded in the lentil genotypes (p < 0.1) for folate content which was estimated using the trienzyme extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography method with an average value of 222 µg/100 g lentil dry seed weight. The range of variability for folate content was 114 ± 3 to 330 ± 7 µg/100 g dry seed weight, except in one of the genotype IG-163, where the folate content was recorded as high as 448 ± 7 µg/100 g dry seed weight. The mean total dietary fiber and folate content of Mediterranean landraces of lentil was higher (18 g/100 g and 247 µg/100 g lentil dry seed weight) as compared to the other genotypes (15 g/100 g and 198 µg/100 g lentil dry seed weight), respectively.     

Natural fermentation of lentils. Functional properties and potential in breadmaking of fermented lentil flour

The effects of fermentation on functional properties of lentil flour and rheological properties of doughs and breads produced from blends of wheat and fermented lentil flour were studied. Lentil protein solubility was higher at neutral pH than acid pH; the lowest and highest protein solubility values were observed at pH 4.0 and pH 7.0, respectively. Water hydration capacity and fat binding capacity of fermented lentil flour (FLF) were always higher than those of non-fermented lentil flour (NFLF), irrespective of fermentation temperature (28–42°C) and flour concentration (79–221 g/l). Emulsifying properties of NFLF were similar to the properties of other legume flours in the range used in experiment. In contrast, the emulsion capacity and stability of FLF were very low and flours fermented at 42°C did not even form emulsion. Rheological properties of doughs made from wheat-fermented lentil blends were similar to those from wheat flour with the addition of other legume flours such as pea and bean. Good quality breads were produced at 2.5 to 10% NFLF and FLF supplementation (except for bread with 10% FLF addition which was middle quality).     

Optimization of trypsin-assisted extraction,physico-chemical characterization,nutritional qualities and functionalities of palm kernel cake protein

The extraction of palm kernel cake protein (PKCP) was enhanced by trypsin-assisted assay. From the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) generated model, the optimum conditions were using trypsin at concentration 1.36 g/100 g, reacted on palm kernel cake (PKC) slurry (1.1 g/100 mL) at 50 °C and pH 9.5. The trypsin extracted protein yield (61.99 ± 0.74 g/100 g) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the alkaline (pH 9.5) method (10.21 ± 0.24 g/100 g). Surface hydrophobicity of PKCP (159.36) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than soy protein isolate (SPI) (51.51). PKCP had a lower denatured temperature (66.88 °C) than SPI (101.41 °C). The electrophoretograms of PKCP showed 3 bands at 2.20, 3.51 and 4.28 kDa, compared to SPI which had 22 bands with molecular weight ranging from 2.00 to 82.79 kDa. Except lysine, the essential amino acids of PKCP met the suggested requirements of FAO/WHO for 2–5 year old infants. The in-vitro digestibility, essential amino acids/total amino acids (E/T) value, biological value and computed-protein efficiency ratio (C-PER) value for PKCP were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of SPI. PKCP also showed better solubility (30.12–97.79 vs. 9.15–69.78 g/100 g) emulsifying activity (143.25 vs. 32.57 m²/g); but lower emulsifying stability (37.83 vs. 43.08%), foaming capacity (22.5 vs. 100.0 ml/100 ml) and foam stability (3.70 vs. 19.20 ml) than the SPI.     

The dynamic changes of ascorbic acid,tocopherols and antioxidant activity during germination of soya bean (Glycine max)

The objective of this investigation was to study the dynamic changes of ascorbic acid, tocopherols and their antioxidant activity of soya bean sprouts during germination. Results showed that the expression levels of genes related to biosynthesis of ascorbic acid and tocopherols dramatically increased during germination. The expression levels of most genes were up to the peak at day 3 and kept constantly until the end of germination. The contents of ascorbic acid, α‐tocopherol, γ‐tocopherol, δ‐tocopherol and total tocopherols increased during soya bean sprouts germination and reached peak levels on day 5, of 74.42 ± 1.64 mg/100 g DW, 7.64 ± 0.13 mg/100 g DW, 15.84 ± 1.85 mg/100 g DW, 12.37 ± 1.06 mg/100 g DW, 35.85 ± 2.81 mg/100 g DW, respectively. The antioxidant activity of soya bean sprouts increased during germination and reached peak level on day 5 to 311.01 ± 49.01 μmol ASA equiv./100 g DW. Therefore, germination significantly increased the biosynthesis of ascorbic acid, tocopherols and antioxidant activity of soya bean sprouts.     

Physicochemical,technological and sensory characteristics of a rice (Oryza sativa L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) soup prepared by extrusion

The aim of this work was to prepare and evaluate an instant soup formulated with broken rice and beans processed by thermoplastic extrusion using a pilot‐scale, single‐screw extruder. The final product was characterised regarding its physicochemical composition, amino acid profile, functional–technological properties and sensory performance. The extrusion parameters were set using three extrusion zone temperatures (30, 40 and 70 °C), a screw speed of 177 rpm, feed rate of 260 g min^?1. and circular matrix of 3.85 mm. The final product contained considerable levels of protein (12.91 g per 100 g) and dietary fibre (8.07 g per 100 g). Amino acid profile analysis showed that only sulphur‐containing amino acids and tryptophan were limiting with the remaining present in adequate concentrations to meet children's requirements. Regarding functional and technological properties, the instant soup powder showed appropriate water solubility and water absorption indexes as expected. The soup sensory analysis indicated good acceptability, with a purchase intent index of 71%.     

Functional properties and in vitro trypsin digestibility of red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) protein isolate: Effect of high-pressure treatment

The effects of high-pressure (HP) treatment at 200–600 MPa, prior to freeze-drying, on some functional properties and in vitro trypsin digestibility of vicilin-rich red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) protein isolate (KPI) were investigated. Surface hydrophobicity and free sulfhydryl (SH) and disulfide bond (SS) contents were also evaluated. HP treatment resulted in gradual unfolding of protein structure, as evidenced by gradual increases in fluorescence strength and SS formation from SH groups, and decrease in denaturation enthalpy change. The protein solubility of KPI was significantly improved at pressures of 400 MPa or higher, possibly due to formation of soluble aggregate from insoluble precipitate. HP treatment at 200 and 400 MPa significantly increased emulsifying activity index (EAI) and emulsion stability index (ESI); however, EAI was significantly decreased at 600 MPa (relative to untreated KPI). The thermal stability of the vicilin component was not affected by HP treatment. Additionally, in vitro trypsin digestibility of KPI was decreased only at a pressure above 200 MPa and for long incubation time (e.g., 120 min). The data suggest that some physiochemical and functional properties of vicilin-rich kidney proteins can be improved by means of high-pressure treatment.     

Optimisation of microwave digestion for determination of Fe,Zn, Mn and Cu in various legumes by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu levels in three Turkish legumes, kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), lentil (Lens esculenta) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum), were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Dissolution conditions in the microwave‐assisted wet digestion method were studied by investigating several variables, including type of acid mixture, acid volume, digestion time, microwave power input and sample weight. Comparison with conventional wet acid digestion was also made. In order to check the element losses during digestion and the accuracy of the results, all tests were repeated after the addition of a spiked standard element solution to the legume sample. The microwave‐assisted digestion procedure optimised for kidney bean was adapted for lentil and chickpea. Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu concentrations (mg per 100 g sample) were determined in kidney bean as 6.27 ± 0.94, 2.23 ± 0.36, 1.64 ± 0.14 and 0.99 ± 0.19, in lentil as 8.24 ± 1.11, 2.46 ± 0.06, 1.17 ± 0.19 and 1.01 ± 0.28 and in chickpea as 6.00 ± 1.40, 2.21 ± 0.14, 1.60 ± 0.43 and 0.58 ± 0.18 respectively. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Winged Bean Flour and Isolate Compared with Soy Isolate

The proximate composition, amino acid profile and functional properties of isolated winged bean proteins were determined and compared with soy protein isolate. Winged bean protein extracted at pH 10 and pH 12 had protein contents of about 90% and 80%, respectively. Alkali extraction of winged bean proteins at pH 10 and pH 12 did not affect the amino acid distribution of the isolated proteins. Oil and water absorption, emulsion, and foaming properties of winged bean isolated compared favorably with soy isolate. Least gelation concentration for winged bean isolate was 18% compared to 14% for soy isolate. Thus, winged bean protein isolate with its high protein content, high lysine and other essential amino acid content and good functionality has a good potential as an ingredient in food products.     

Size properties of legume seeds of different varieties using image analysis

Image analysis system was used to provide geometric parameters of legume seeds, which are important for designing of engineering processes such as drying, milling, germination etc. Measured features of bean and lentil seeds were projected area, equivalent diameter, MaxFeret, MinFeret and thickness. Three approximation models (an oblate spheroid, two sphere segments and a triaxial ellipsoid) were used to evaluate volume and surface area of lentil and bean seeds of various varieties. The best approximation model was found as the triaxial ellipsoid and the oblate spheroid for bean varieties and two sphere segments for lentil varieties. From the model data estimated specific surface area were ranged from 5.1–5.8 cm²/g for bean varieties and 11.57–11.95 cm²/g for lentil varieties. Image analysis system provided fast and accurate values of important technological properties of legume such as geometric parameters, volume and surface area.     

Effect of virgin coconut oil cake on physical,textural, microbial and sensory attributes of muffins

A study was carried out to develop muffins by substituting refined wheat flour (RWF) with virgin coconut oil (VCO) cake (0–50 g/100 g flour blend). Progressive replacement of RWF with VCO cake resulted in significant (P < 0.05) decrease in peak viscosity of flour blends (from 2527.75 cP in the control to 389.5 cP in 50 g VCO cake/100 g flour blend) and the muffins height (from 34.26 mm in the control to 26.88 mm in 50 g VCO cake/100 g flour blend). Significant colour change was observed in the crust and crumb regions. Free fatty acid and microbial analysis revealed that the quality of muffin samples was unaffected by the addition of VCO cake during 16‐day storage at both refrigerated (4 ± 2 °C) and ambient temperature (35 ± 2 °C). Incorporation of 40 g VCO cake/100 g flour blend significantly (P < 0.05) increased the overall acceptability of the muffins (with a maximum score of 8.5). Muffins with 40 g VCO cake/100 g flour blend were enriched with protein (8.49 g/100 g), fat (18.46 g/100 g), crude fibre (1.14 g/100 g) and minerals (1.15 g/100 g).     

Using modified soy protein to enhance foaming of egg white protein

BACKGROUND: It is well known that the foaming properties of egg white protein are significantly reduced when a small amount of yolk is mixed in the white. To improve foaming properties of yolk‐contaminated egg white protein, soy protein isolate (SPI) and egg proteins were modified to make basic proteins, and effects of these modified proteins on egg white foaming were evaluated in a model and an angel cake system. RESULTS: SPI and egg yolk proteins were modified to have an isoelectric point of 10, and sonication was used to increase protein dispersibility after the ethyl esterification reaction. However, only the addition of sonicated and modified SPI (SMSPI) showed improvement of foaming in the 5% egg protein model system with 0.4% yolk addition. SMSPI was then used in making angel food cake to examine whether the cake performance reduction due to yolk contamination of the white would be restored by such alkaline protein. Cake performance was improved when cream of tartar was used together with SMSPI. CONCLUSION: Basic soy protein can be made and used to improve egg white foaming properties and cake performance. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of thermal treatments on vitality and physical characteristics of bean,chickpea and lentil

Thermal disinfestation treatments are relatively easy to apply, leave no chemical residues and may have some fungicidal activity. However, temperature and time combinations required to kill insect pests may meet or exceed those that reduce the viability of seeds, nutrients content, shelf life or technological characteristics. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of thermal treatments (different temperature and time combinations) on physical and biological characteristics of bean, chickpea and lentil. Seed samples of common bean, chickpea and lentil were treated at low (12, 24 or 48 h at −18 °C) or high (30, 60 or 90 min at 60 °C) temperature. Seed germination, mean germination time, physical characteristics: solids loss, electrolytes leached and firmness after cooking, were determined. The use of thermal treatments for disinfesting seeds of bean, chickpea and lentil represent a physical technique of pest control that can be harmless for seeds destined for crop production (especially for organic farming) or to be stored in germplasm banks. Moreover, thermal treatments can be applied also to grain legumes used as food by humans, with no significant effect on lentils and with a reduction of cooking time for chickpeas. Beans should be treated only with cold treatments and for no more than 24 h.     

Deterrent and insecticidal properties of bean seed (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) whole meal or protein extract incorporated into the diet of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Callosobruchus maculatus, a pest that causes serious damage to chickpea Cicer arietinum, cannot develop in the seeds of Phaseolus or Vigna spp. which contain lectins. The insecticidal activity towards C. maculatus in these seeds is attributed both to lectins with specific affinity to N-acetylglucosamine, the major component of insect chitin, and to alpha-amylase inhibitors (lectin-like proteins). The insecticidal properties of bean meal or bean protein extracts from different sources towards different pest species are variable and need to be experimentally evaluated. The main objective of this study was to determine through a feeding trial on artificial chickpea seed the potential of bean seed meal from a wild bean Vigna caracalla, four varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris, and of a protein extract of P. vulgaris seed, to alter different life history traits of C. maculatus. The chickpea weevil was set up on artificial chickpea seeds containing different amounts of bean meal to observe the effects on female oviposition, percentage of development to adulthood and juvenile development time. These traits were combined in a composite index measuring the alteration of the multiplication rate of C. maculatus fed on artificial seed. The activity of lectin-like extracts was observed on chickpea artificial seed spiked with bean seed extract. Incorporation of bean flour at a rate of 10 and 20% in chickpea artificial seed significantly decreased C. maculatus female fecundity, percentage of adult emergence, and greatly increased the development time. Feeding trials with protein extracts of P. vulgaris reduced fecundity and survival of C. maculatus. Incorporation of 10% V. caracalla bean seed meal in chickpea artificial seed, reduced the multiplication potential of C. maculatus by over 90% showing that bean seed lectin extracts are worthy of further investigation for post-harvest infestation control.     

Amino acid and fatty acid compositions and nutritional quality of muscle in the pomfret, Pampus punctatissimus

The pomfret, Pampus punctatissimus, is an important fisheries resource in China, but little is known about its amino acid and fatty acid compositions. Pomfret muscle contained 18.6% crude protein and 4.95% crude fat. Pomfret protein has a well-balanced amino acid composition, with high amounts of glutamic acid (114 mg/g), lysine (82.8 mg/g), leucine (76.7 mg/g), and aspartic acid (76.0 mg/g). Twenty two fatty acids were found in pomfret oil and saturated fatty acids were the most abundant (48.3%). Palmitic acid (16:0) was the dominant fatty acid, followed by oleic acid (18:1), DHA (22:6n-3), myristic acid (14:0) and stearic acid (18:0), with percentages of 30.5, 26.3, 12.2, 7.37 and 6.86, respectively. The ratio of n-3/n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was 8.04; thus, pomfret muscle is rich in n-3 PUFA.     

Effect of the addition of pulse ingredients to milk on acid production by probiotic and yoghurt starter cultures

Pulses contain carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins which are essential requirements in the human diet and which could also serve as growth nutrients for probiotic and yogurt starter cultures. In this study, milk supplementation with pulse ingredients is examined as a means to increase the nutritional properties of yogurt and probiotic type beverages. The acid production rate of two yogurt starters (A and B) and two probiotic cultures (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus) was followed in milk supplemented with the following soy and pulse ingredients: pea protein, chickpea flour, lentil flour, pea fibre, soy protein concentrate and soy flour. The pulse ingredients had no negative effect on the acidification trends of the fermented milks. On the contrary, with yogurt culture B, pea fibre, pea protein and lentil flour significantly enhanced the acidification rate. All ingredients used for supplementation improved the acidification rate of probiotic cultures, and the highest effects were obtained with lentil and soy flour. Lentil flour had the lowest pH after 12 h which was significantly lower than the product enriched with the same quantity of skim milk powder. The effect of ingredient supplementation on the microbial composition (ratio of cocci to bacilli) of the yoghurt products was also examined. The ratio of cocci to bacilli was between 1.8 and 2.5 for all supplemented yogurt samples obtained with culture A, and these variations were not judged to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). With yogurt products obtained from culture B, however, there was a higher proportional level of lactobacilli in all supplemented samples, as compared to the milk control; the enhanced growth of the lactobacilli was particularly noted when lentil flour was added to milk.     

Does rapid adaptation to a poor-quality host by Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) cause cross-adaptation to other legume hosts?

Initial assays indicated that lentil is a very poor host for an Asian population of the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). Larval survival was near zero, and females laid few or no eggs on lentil seeds. However, mass selection in the laboratory consistently produced a rapid increase in survival (from <2% to >80% in <20 generations) as well as a moderate increase in host acceptance. We investigated whether adaptation to lentil simultaneously causes cross-adaptation to other grain legumes, particularly those closely related to lentil. After 30 generations of selection, survival in lentil exceeded 90% in the lentil line, but remained near zero in a line maintained on the ancestral host, mung bean. Despite this extreme divergence in performance in lentil, the lines did not differ in their survival on eight other legume hosts, including two hosts (pea and fava bean) that belong to the same tribe (Vicieae) as lentil. Similarly, females from the lentil line laid more than three times as many eggs on lentil as females from the mung bean line did, but the lines exhibited only minor differences in their acceptance of eight alternative hosts. Lentil-line females did not show greater acceptance of artificial seeds (glass balls), as might be expected if increased egg-laying on lentil was simply due to a reduction in the overall threshold for oviposition. We conclude that the changes in larval physiology and adult behavior that permitted rapid colonization of a marginal host were largely specific to that host, and not likely to promote a further expansion of the beetle's host range.     

Isolation of clean-label faba bean (Vicia faba L.) proteins: A comparative study of mild fractionation methods against traditional technologies

Plant protein isolation by mild wet processing methods that are free of alkali/acid and thermal treatments were investigated in order to address the fast growing consumer demand for clean-label ingredients. The impact of different mild wet fractionation conditions was established in terms of yield, purity and recovery of faba bean protein concentrates/isolates (PCs/PIs) from both Snowbird (low tannin, LT) and Athena (high tannin, HT) cultivars. Although salt-soluble globulins (74 to 75%) were the primary proteins found in faba beans, PIs resulting from dialysis (LT: 93.2 ± 0.1% and HT: 96.4 ± 0.3%) or micellization (LT: 99.1 ± 0.1% and HT: 98.7 ± 0.2%) following water extraction at 35 °C (W₃₅) at a solvent/feed (S/F) ratio of 2 had higher protein contents than PCs from aqueous NaCl extraction followed by dialysis (LT: 79.1 ± 0.1% and HT: 81.6 ± 0.5%) or alkali extraction followed by acid precipitation (LT: 87.1 ± 1.4% and HT: 86.3 ± 0.2%). These differences in protein extractability of water- and salt-based methods could be attributed to the high levels of endogenously present minerals. Although methionine and cysteine were limiting amino acids, the W₃₅ methods resulted in overall higher amino acid content and in high-quality PIs compared to the rest due to the presence of albumins as confirmed by SDS-PAGE. The W₃₅-PIs were low in raffinose family oligosaccharides, tannins and trypsin inhibitory activity and can be considered chemical-free alternatives to alkali extracted-acid precipitated PCs.     

Legumes are valuable sources of tocopherols

Grain legumes contain numerous phytochemicals useful for their nutritional or nutraceutical properties, such as tocopherols, involved in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and eye pathologies. In this work, tocopherols were quantified in soybean, chickpea, lentil, pea, common bean, broad bean, and three lupin species. In all samples, the gamma congener was the most abundant tocopherol, followed by minor quantities of alpha-tocopherol (with the exception of common bean lacking in this congener) and delta-tocopherol (with the exception of Lupinus angustifolius and Lupinus mutabilis). Beta-tocopherol and tocotrienols were never detected. Some samples of soybean, pea, white lupin and chickpea contained over 10 mg/100 g seeds of total tocopherols. In order to estimate the nutritional value, the vitamin E activity was calculated. Chickpea, soybean and, to a lesser extent, lupin, broad bean and pea may contribute in a relevant way to the daily intake of this vitamin.