Adsorption isotherms of pinhão (Araucaria angustifolia seeds) starch and thermodynamic analysis

The seeds of Araucaria angustifolia, commonly known as pinhão, are widely consumed in both Southern and Southeastern Brazil due to their high nutritious value comprised basically by starch. The literature on the technological aspects of this seed is still very scarce. Moisture adsorption isotherms of pinhão starch were determined at 10, 20, 30 and 40 °C using the gravimetric method. Results show that the Peleg model most appropriately represents the experimental data. Other models (Chung–Pfost, GAB, Henderson, BET and Chirife) also were found to adjust well. The isosteric heat of sorption (differential enthalpy) was calculated by using the moisture adsorption isotherm and decreased as moisture content increased. The enthalpy–entropy compensation theory was applied to adsorption isotherms and the isokinetic temperature for pinhão starch was calculated by plotting the differential enthalpy versus differential entropy. It was found that the adsorption process investigated was enthalpy-controlled and spontaneous.     

Isolation and Characterization of Starch from Seeds of Araucaria brasiliensis: A Novel Starch for Application in Food Industry

The pinhão seeds (Araucaria angustifolia), are composed of 34% of starch and very low fractions of protein, lipids and phenolic compounds. This composition is favorable to obtain a stable, white in color and odorless starch, useful in the food industry. The isolated starch is constituted predominantly of small‐sized round granules (10–25 μm), rather than oval ones. Compared to corn starch, pinhão starch has a lower temperature and enthalpy of gelatinization. Retrogradation occurs to a lower extent in pinhão starch, due to its lower amylose content (∼25%). The pasting profile of pinhão starch showed a higher consistency than that of corn starch, with lower temperature in the peak of maximum viscosity. The higher swelling and solubility values of pinhão starch, in conjunction with the higher storage modulus (G') suggest new different applications of this novel starch. The low protein content of the starch granule favors applications like production of glucose and fructose syrups. The simple method of extraction and the high yield of starch from pinhão seed might be attractive not only for pilot‐plant but also for commercial‐scale production.     

Chemical characterization of Chinese chive seed (Allium tuberosum Rottl.)

Chinese chive seeds (Allium tuberosum Rottl.) (grown in China) were investigated. Density, thousand-grain weight, and hectolitre weight of seeds were 1.27 g/cm³, 4.9 g, and 71 kg/100 l, respectively. The results showed that Chinese chive seeds contained high amounts of oil (15.8%), dietary fibre (18.2%) and crude protein (12.3%). Oil of seeds was composed of 10.1% saturated and 90.0% unsaturated fatty acids. Linoleic(69.1%) and palmitic (7.0%) were the most abundant unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, respectively. Chinese chive seeds contained 4.5 mg/kg of thiamin, 2.8 mg/kg of riboflavin and 55.1 mg/kg of niacin. The mineral contents of the seed of A. tuberosum, for iron, calcium and zinc, were 580 mg/kg, 1328 and 80.8 mg/kg, respectively. Analysis of the amino acid content of Chinese chive seed revealed that it was a rich source of the essential amino acids, isoleucine, tryptophan and lysine. The study revealed that Chinese chive seeds had high levels of nutritionally important components, such as oil, minerals and essential amino acids.     

Reserve mobilisation in mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) seed (Leguminosae)

The seeds of Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) have a water barrier composed of the palisade layer present in the seed tegument and galactomannans in the endosperm. Changes in the morphological and physiological states of seeds are usually accompanied by changes in their metabolism. The aim of this study was to detect and characterise the main reserves and their mobilisation during and following germination of P. juliflora seeds. Sections of seeds 0, 24, 48 and 72 h after the onset of the imbibing process were evaluated by light microscopy, and seed reserves were extracted and quantified. Polysaccharides were isolated and characterised by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In mesquite seeds a well‐developed endosperm, consisting largely of the storage carbohydrate (galactomannans), lies between the seed coat and the cotyledons. Germination was complete after 24 h of imbibition. At this time, morphological changes were observed in stained protein bodies. Chemical analysis showed a decrease in protein levels until 48 h. After 48 h, globular structures were observed in the cotyledon cells, but after 72 h these grains were smaller and their content was reduced. Polarisation microscopy confirmed that this material was composed of starch grains. The ¹H NMR spectrum of P. juliflora seeds showed that sucrose was used following germination. Apparently, sucrose is the transport sugar mobilised from reserve stocks for seedling growth. Parallel to endosperm galactomannan degradation, starch is produced transitorily in the cotyledon. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemische Zusammensetzung von Samen und Samenschale der Ackerbohne (Vicia faba L.)

Different chemical components were analysed in the seeds and in testa ofVicia faba. The seeds contain a relativ high crude protein (27,5%), a low crude fatt (3,36%) content; and the lignin concentration is low (2,65%). The testa of the seeds has a very high fibre concentration and is a significant Ca-source (1,86 g/kg). The higher macroelement concentrations in the seeds were measured from K, P and Mg. The main microelements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) have significant higher concentrations in the seed than in the testa. The amino acid composition of seeds is positiv (compared to data of white lupine), the rate of essentiell amino acids is good. The concentrations of the examined antinutritiv organic constituents, especially of alkaloids, are low. On the basis of chemical analysis, the production and utilisation of seeds ofVicia faba is recommended.     

Carbohydrate composition of different varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Twenty varieties of cowpea with the following proximate composition: dry matter, 87–94%; crude protein, 24–33% ether extract, 1–2%; crude fibre, 2–5% and ash, 2–5% were analysed for sugar contents, starch, cell wall carbohydrates and lignin. The legume seeds exhibited a total carbohydrate content ranging from 56% to 68%, the major constituent being starch. Starch values as high as 45% to 48% were obtained for some varieties although most values ranged between 37% and 42%. Ethanol-soluble sugars were verbascose, stachyose, sucrose and raffinose in varying amounts but there were only traces of fructose and glucose. Samples had total soluble sugar contents of 6% to 13%. Values for unavailable carbohydrates for most samples were 11% to 13%. Lignin was very low and ranged from 0·6% to 1·8%.     

Physical–chemical and functional properties of maca root starch (Lepidium meyenii Walpers)

The starch of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walpers) presented oval and irregular morphology, with granule size between 7.4 and 14.9 μm in length and 5.8 and 9.3 μm in diameter. The isolated starch showed the following features: purity of 87.8%, with 0.28% lipids, 0.2% fibre and 0.12% fixed mineral residue, and no protein detected; the ratio between the amylose and amylopectin contents were 20:80; the solubility at 90 °C was 61.4%, the swelling power was 119.0 g water/g starch and the water absorption capacity was 45.9 g water/g starch; the gel turbidity rose 44% during the storing time; the gelatinization temperature was 47.7 °C and the transition enthalpy 6.22 J/g; the maximum viscosity reached 1260 UB at 46.4 °C, with breakdown, setback and consistence of 850, 440 and −410 UB, respectively. The low gelling temperature and the stability during gel refrigeration could be adequate for foods requiring moderate temperature process, but not for frozen food.     

Physicochemical and functional properties of makal (Xanthosoma yucatanensis) starch

Physicochemical and functional properties of makal (Xanthosoma yucatanensis) starch were determined. Granules were oval in shape and 12.4 μm average diameter. Starch purity was high (96.7%) with low protein (0.1%), fat (0.2%), fibre (0.4%) and ash (0.1%) contents. Amylose content was 22.4%. The gelatinization temperature was 78.5 °C and transition enthalpy was 15 J/g. At 90 °C, solubility was 32.9%, swelling power was 28.6 g water/g starch and water absorption capacity was 19.2 g water/g starch. Pasting characteristics were: temperature 75 °C, maximum viscosity 280 BU, breakdown −8 BU, setback 180 BU and consistency 172 BU. Clarity, expressed as transmittance, was 35.8%. Gel deformation was 20.8% with a 0.03 kgf maximum load. Makal starch’s high gelification temperature and firmness make it appropriate for use in high temperature food systems, but its low stability in refrigeration and freezing cycles make it inadequate for use in foods subject to those conditions.     

Functional lupin seeds (Lupinus albus L. and Lupinus luteus L.) after extraction of α-galactosides

Functional lupin seeds from two different cultivars of white (Lupinus albus L.) and yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus L.) each, were obtained by extraction of α-galactosides. The effect of extraction of α-galactosides from lupin seeds on different nutritional parameters (protein, fat, ash, dietary fibre, starch, sucrose, and vitamins B₁, B₂, E and C) and antinutritional factors (α-galactosides, trypsin inhibitor activity and inositol phosphates) were studied. In lupin seeds, α-galactosides were effectively removed and processed seeds contained very low amounts of flatulence causing factors (∼0.5–1%). Protein, fat and starch contents showed high retention in processed seeds (up to ∼130%). Sucrose and soluble dietary fibre, however, decreased significantly as a result of processing and retentions ranged from 10% to 60%, depending on the variety studied. Vitamins B₁, B₂, E and C were also reduced. Trypsin inhibitor activity was detected only in yellow lupin cultivars and inositol phosphate content was modified slightly after extraction. In summary, the functional lupin seeds, with low contents of α-galactosides, are a product of nutritional importance due to their high protein content, dietary fibre and fat contents as well as acceptable levels of thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin E. They can be incorporated as a proteic source, not only in animal feeding but also in a wide range of foods.     

Characterization of Pinhão Starch. Part I. Extraction and Properties of the Starch Granules

The starch fraction of Pinhão, the seeds of Pinheiro do Paraná (Araucaria angustifolia, Bert, O. Ktze) was easily extracted and represents 21.87% of total weight. The low content of protein, fat and ash accounts for the efficiency of the extraction and purification. Pinhão starch shows an amylose level and strong anionic characteristic similar to corn starch. The round-shaped granules are smaller than those of cassava and similarly resistent to DMSO solubilization, what suggests a very homogenous granular structure.     

Some nutritional and anti-nutritional characteristics of para-rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) seeds

Para-rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) seeds were examined for their proximate analysis, detergent fibre, amino acid and mineral composition. The seeds were further analysed for the presence of anti-trypsin activity, cyanide, phytate and tannins.The average composition of the seed kernel was determined to be (dry matter basis) 21.5% crude protein, 50.2% crude fat, 6.5% crude fibre, 3.6% ash and 18.2% carbohydrates. The amino acid profile, when compared with the NAS/NRC reference protein pattern, revealed deficiencies of lysine, isoleucine and threonine. The seed kernels contained reasonable amounts of trace minerals, but were poor sources of Ca and P.Fresh seed kernel samples contained toxic levels of HCN (164mg/100g dry weight), but most of the cyanide was eliminated by storage and cooking. The relatively high content of phytate P (37.5% of total P) may be expected to further aggravate the problem of low P and to cause severe Ca/P imbalance. No antitryptic activity or tannins could be detected in the samples studied. Because of the presence of an anti-fertility factor and collection and storage problems, it is concluded that rubber seeds show little promise as a human food in normal times.     

Chemical Composition of Pea Fibre Isolates and their Effect on the Endogenous Amino Acid Flow at the Ileum of the Pig

Pea starch, hulls and cotyledon inner fibres, isolated from pea seeds, were incorporated in N-free diets, on a NDF-content basis, in order to study their effect on the ileal endogenous amino acid (AA) excretion in the growing pig. Maize starch and wood cellulose were selected as references. The inner fibre-containing diet was also supplemented with enzymatically hydrolysed casein (EHC) in order to test the peptide alimentation method on a diet containing a fibre source with a high water-holding capacity (WHC=10·9 g water g⁻¹ DM). The fibres were also analysed by different methods (crude fibre, NDF, ADF, enzymatic–gravimetric method, Englyst method). The fibre content of the inner fibre fraction varied widely from one method to another and ranged from 109 g crude fibre to 480 g AOAC fibre kg⁻¹ DM. Compared to the ‘maize starch+wood cellulose’ diet (11·0 g AA excreted kg⁻¹ DM intake), pea starch had no effect on ileal AA losses (9·6 g), whereas pea hulls slightly increased them (14·2 g). The AA excretion dramatically increased with the incorporation of inner fibres (28·0 g), because of their very high WHC. The addition of EHC increased the output (48·0 g) further, at a level that can hardly be explained only by an increase of the endogenous secretions. The results suggest that the NDF content of grain legume products is not indicative of their effect on the ileal endogenous AA losses in pigs and that the physiological effects of fibres along the gastrointestinal tract are due to both their chemical and physical properties.     

Evaluation and characterisation of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad seed oil: Comparison with Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil

The physicochemical properties, fatty acid, tocopherol, thermal properties, ¹H NMR, FTIR and profiles of non-conventional oil extracted from Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad seeds were evaluated and compared with conventional sunflower seed oil. In addition, the antioxidant properties of C. colocynthis seed oil were also evaluated. The oil content of the C. colocynthis seeds was 23.16%. The main fatty acids in the oil were linoleic acid (66.73%) followed by oleic acid (14.78%), palmitic acid (9.74%), and stearic acid (7.37%). The tocopherol content was 121.85 mg/100 g with γ-tocopherol as the major one (95.49%). The thermogravimetric analysis showed that the oil was thermally stable up to 286.57 °C, and then began to decompose in four stages namely at 377.4 °C, 408.4 °C, 434.9 °C and 559.2 °C. The present study showed that this non-conventional C. colocynthis seed oil can be used for food and non-food applications to supplement or replace some of the conventional oils.     

菠萝蜜种子淀粉提取及其理化性质的研究

以菠萝蜜种子为原料提取并纯化种子淀粉,对种子的化学组成及种子淀粉的性质进行了测定。结果表明:菠萝蜜种子含淀粉62.63%,实验室条件下种子淀粉的提取率为42.3%,菠萝蜜种子淀粉在透明度、冻融稳定性、膨胀度、低温溶解性均低于马铃薯淀粉,易老化,浓度>60 g/L的淀粉糊在90℃以上粘度较大,<70℃粘度下降并趋于稳定。     

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.     

Flavonoids and other phenolic compounds in Andean indigenous grains: Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule) and kiwicha (Amaranthus caudatus)

The amount of phenolic acids, flavonoids and betalains in Andean indigenous grains, quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule) and kiwicha (Amaranthus caudatus), was determined. The total amount of phenolic acids varied from 16.8 to 59.7 mg/100 g and the proportion of soluble phenolic acids varied from 7% to 61%. The phenolic acid content in Andean crops was low compared with common cereals like wheat and rye, but was similar to levels found in oat, barley, corn and rice. The flavonoid content of quinoa and kañiwa was exceptionally high, varying from 36.2 to 144.3 mg/100 g. Kiwicha did not contain quantifiable amounts of these compounds. Only one variety of kiwicha contained low amounts of betalains. These compounds were not detected in kañiwa or quinoa. Our study demonstrates that Andean indigenous crops have excellent potential as sources of health-promoting bioactive compounds such as flavonoids.     

Functional properties of square banana (Musa balbisiana) starch

Starch was isolated from unripe square banana (Musa balbisiana) fruit and its functional properties were determined. Square banana starch peak gelatinisation temperature was 79.8 °C and the transition enthalpy was 17.3 J/g. At 90 °C, the solubility was 16.8%, the swelling power was 17.1 g water/g starch and the water absorption capacity was 14.3 g water/g starch. The paste properties were: temperature, 81 °C; maximum viscosity, 326 BU; breakdown, 22 BU; setback, 40 BU and consistency, 18 BU. The clarity, expressed as transmittance, was 17.5%, and gel deformation was 32.4% with a 0.03 kgf maximum load. This starch had high syneresis and low stability in refrigeration and freezing cycles. Given its properties, square banana starch has potential applications in food systems requiring high temperature processing, such as jellies, sausages, bakery and canned products. It is inappropriate, however, for use in refrigerated or frozen foods.     

Characterization of Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) resistance in Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi & Ohashi

Resistance to azuki bean weevil, Callosobruchus chinensis, was studied in a series of field and laboratory experiments in two accessions of rice bean (Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi & Ohashi), one accession of black gram (V. mungo (L.) Hepper), and one accession of mungbean, (V. radiata (L.) Wilczek). Weevil damage to immature pods of the rice bean accessions, ‘Menaga’ and ‘Miyazaki’, was significantly less than to the susceptible mungbean, VC1973A. In mature pods, the pest damage to the pod wall of Menaga was significantly higher than to VC1973A, whereas the damage to Miyazaki was similar to VC1973A. Seeds within the pods of both rice bean accessions were resistant no matter when the pods were harvested. When the insects were exposed directly on dry seeds, both rice bean accessions and a black gram accession VM2164 were resistant to them. In artificial seeds made by mixing flour of the individual resistant Vigna accessions with VC1973A and subsequently exposed to bruchid oviposition, the higher the quantity of resistant Vigna flour the lower the number of bruchids that emerged from such seeds. No bruchids emerged from artificial seeds containing crude starch fraction from the three resistant Vigna accessions when such seeds were exposed to bruchid infestation, whereas many insects emerged from the seeds containing starch of VC1973A or flour of VC1973A alone. In artificial seeds made by mixing crude protein fractions of the three resistant Vigna accessions with flour of VC1973A, as the concentration of protein increased the number of C. chinensis adults that emerged decreased. Fractionation of crude proteins into acetone-precipitable proteins and peptide and amino acid portions resulted in the loss of antibiosis effect. Artificial seeds made from purified starch-polysaccharides fraction, however, exhibited antibiosis effects if prepared from the rice bean seed of Menaga and Miyazaki but not if made from the black gram seed, VM2164.     

Proximate,mineral, amino acid,fatty acid,vitamin E,phytate phosphate and fibre composition of Mimusops zeyheri (Red Milkwood) seed

Mimusops zeyheri, an indigenous tree widely distributed in sub‐Saharan Africa, provides edible fruit. Research on the tree has focused on fruit pulp composition and uses. This study evaluated the nutritional potential of M. zeyheri seed by determining the proximate, fibre and phytate‐phosphate content, the amino acid and fatty acid profiles and vitamin E content of the seed. Dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and ash constituted 91.1%, 88.3%, 9.3%, 25.6% and 2.8% of the seed mass respectively. Glutamic acid (1.29 g per 100 g) was the most abundant amino acid. Lysine and phenylalanine were low. Calcium (587.4 mg per 100 g) was the most concentrated macro‐mineral assayed. Gross energy value was 24.34 MJ kg^?1. Lipid yield was 21.3%. Oleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid. Vitamin E concentration was about 2 μg g^?1. Phytate‐phosphate content was 0.03%. Neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre constituted 33.2% and 15.3% respectively. M. zeyheri seed could be exploited as a dietary energy supplement and an oil source rich in oleic acid.