Folate composition of 10 types of mushrooms determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

White button, crimini, shiitake, maitake, enoki, oyster, chanterelle, morel, portabella, and uv-treated portabella mushrooms were sampled from U.S. retail outlets and major producers. Folate [5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-CH₃-H₄folate), 10-formyl folate (10-HCO-folate), 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (5-HCO-H₄folate)] was analysed using a validated LC–MS method in four composites of each product, including an in-house mushroom control composite and a reference material (BCR 485 Lyophilised Mixed Vegetables). Chanterelle and morel had the lowest total folate (2–6 μg/100 g), oyster had the highest (mean, 44.2 μg/100 g); other types contained 12.4 μg/100 g (shiitake) to 29.8 μg/100 g (vitamin D-enhanced portabella). Enoki and oyster had almost exclusively 5-CH₃-H₄folate. Morel and chanterelle contained predominately formyl folates. Other species had similar amounts of 5-CH₃-H₄folate and formyl folates. Enoki, oyster, and shiitake, unlike all others, had low to non-detectable 10-HCO-folate (<1 μg/100 g). These precise data on the composition of folate vitamers in different types of mushrooms will facilitate assessment of the dietary contribution of naturally occurring folate.     

Folate content in foods commonly consumed in Egypt

The folate content in some Egyptian foods was determined using RP-HPLC-FL. Trienzyme treatment was used for legumes, dienzyme treatment for cereals and starchy vegetables, and monoenzyme treatment for vegetables and fruits. The highest folate content (633 μg/100 g) was found in dried Jew’s mellow due to low water content, followed by legumes (e.g. 150 μg/100 g for chick peas) and leafy vegetables (100 μg/100 g). For other foods, folate content ranged from 10–90 μg/100 g. In all foods, the predominant folate form was 5-CH₃–H₄folate, except for dried Jew’s mellow, which contained more than 80% 10-HCO–PteGlu. Using folate data from our own analyses and food tables and food consumption data, the dietary folate intake per capita in Egypt was estimated. However, representative and validated food composition data for folate in Egyptian foods are needed for estimating and evaluating the adequacy of the population’s folate intake.     

Optimisation of octadecyl (C18) sorbent amount in QuEChERS analytical method for the accurate organophosphorus pesticide residues determination in low-fatty baby foods with response surface methodology

Three low-fatty baby food matrices were fortified with 0.01–0.2 mg/kg of phorate, diazinon, chlorpyrifos and methidathion. A “quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe” – like method (QuEChERS) was used. Quantities of octadecyl (C₁₈) sorbent differed with fortification level and matrix fat, based on central composite experimental design. Quantification was performed by Nitrogen–Phosphorus Detector gas chromatography, using matrix-matched standards. The highest (p < 0.05) recoveries were observed for methidathion, the lowest fortification levels for a specific C₁₈ amount and the lowest C₁₈ amounts. In meals containing vegetables (1.9% fat) and lamb (3.0% fat), 180–210 mg C₁₈ gave recoveries from 67.0% to 105.0% and absence of co-extracts. Yogurt dessert (4.5% fat) required 200–230 mg C₁₈ for similar results. Recoveries could also be predicted with <20% error by a polynomial model. The results suggest that modified QuEChERS could be effectively used in the low-fatty baby meals residue analysis.     

Characterization of supercritical fluid extrusion processed rice–soy crisps fortified with micronutrients and soy protein

Protein and micro-nutrients enriched rice–soy crisps (RSC) were prepared using supercritical fluid extrusion and their impact on quality attributes was determined. A low-shear, twin screw, co-rotating extruder was used to produce puffed RSC using supercritical CO₂ (SC-CO₂), which served as an expansion agent during the process carried out at lower temperatures (∼100 °C) compared to conventional steam based extrusion (∼130–180 °C). The fortified RSC contained 25–40 g/100 g soy protein and four micronutrients (iron, zinc, vitamin A and C) at the recommended daily values in 100 g product. The RSC were analyzed for physical characteristics and nutrient composition. The increasing soy protein fortification from 25 to 40 g/100 g reduced the crisps expansion ratio (4.27–2.95), crispiness (15.0–9.5), and increased piece density (0.21–0.27 g/cm³), bulk density (0.17–0.22 g/cm³) and hardness (76.39–129.05 N). The nutrient fortification improved protein (334–568%) and dietary fiber (571–901%) and the extrusion process retained all of the added minerals and about 50% retention of vitamin A and C in the final products. The SC-CO₂ assisted extrusion is an effective process-based approach to produce low-moisture, fortified crispy products. These products are appropriate for consumption as nutribars especially for school lunch programs in developing countries to reduce malnutrition through process based nutrient fortification approaches.     

The effect of different folate forms on denaturation of bovine folate binding protein

Denaturation temperatures (T_max) of folate binding protein (FBP) complexed with various folate derivatives were studied using differential scanning calorimetry. Surface plasmon resonance technique was used to elucidate the effect of heat treatment, i.e., pasteurization and UHT treatment, of FBP on FBP content and its binding capacity to folate. The folate derivatives studied were (6S)5-HCO-H₄folate, (6S)5-CH₃-H₄folate and pteroyl-l-glutamic acid (PteGlu). The results showed that different folate forms affected the heat denaturation temperature of FBP differently. Apo-FBP underwent an endothermic transition with a maximum at 60.5 ± 0 °C. After ligand binding, the maximum of the denaturation shifted with a transition maximum at 72.4 ± 0.3 °C for (6S)5-HCO-H₄folate and 78.7 ± 0.5 °C for (6S)5-CH₃-H₄folate. The highest temperature shift was observed for PteGlu with maximum transition temperature at 83.7 ± 0.2 °C. Pasteurization temperatures did not eliminate the binding capacity of FBP regardless of folate form bound, whereas the UHT-treatment did.     

Thermal Destruction of 5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid in Buffer and Model Food Systems

Thermal kinetic data (rate constants, k, and activation energies, Ea) for 5-Methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-CH₃-H₄PteGlu) were determined in citrate buffers (pH 3-6) and in model food systems between 100° and 140°C. As pH increased from 3.0 to 6.0, the rate constants decreased as the temperature increased from 100° to 130°C, the rate constants increased. Ea values were 19.0, 17.0, 19.7 and 19.8 kcal/mole at pH 3, 4, 5 and 6, respectively. In the model food systems, the Ea values (kcal/mole) were 7.85 in apple juice and 10.6 in tomato juice. When dissolved oxygen content was reduced to 5.3 ppm, the stability of the 5-CH₃H₄PteGlu was increased substantially.     

Lipid components,fatty acids and triacylglycerol molecular species of black and red rices

Extracted lipids obtained from black and red rices were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), for endogenous tocochromanols. The molecular species and fatty acid (FA) distribution of triacylglycerols (TAG) isolated from these total lipids were analysed by a combination of AgNO₃ thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography (GC), and were investigated in relation to the content of endogenous tocochromanols. With a few exceptions, the predominant tocols were γ-tocotrienol and α-tocopherol, followed by α-tocotrienol (red) and γ-tocopherol (black) with much smaller amounts of β-, δ-tocopherols and δ-tocotrienol. The lipids of these rices were comprised mainly of TAG (76.4–80.5%), free FA (7.2–9.8%), and phospholipids (3.5–3.6%), whilst other components were present in minor proportions (0.1–4.1%). The principal FA components were palmitic (16:0), oleic (18:1n − 9) and linoleic (18:2n − 6) acids. Fifteen different TAG molecular species were detected and quantified by successive applications of AgNO₃-TLC and GC. The major TAG components were S₂M (7.0–7.8%), SM₂ (12.6–12.9%), M₃ (15.7–16.5%), SMD (23.5–23.7%), SD₂ (5.7–5.8%), M₂D (9.3–9.8%), MD₂ (8.1–8.6%) and D₃ (5.8–7.4%) (where S, M, D, and T denote a saturated FA, a monene, a diene, and a triene, respectively). The results suggested that these rice lipids contain large amounts of nutraceuticals with proven positive health effects.     

Conformational changes and dynamic rheological properties of fish sarcoplasmic proteins treated at various pHs

The conformational changes and rheological properties of soluble sarcoplasmic proteins isolated from striped catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus), treated at various pHs (2–12), were investigated. Isoelectric point of striped catfish sarcoplasmic proteins was determined to be pH 5. SDS–PAGE of sarcoplasmic proteins treated at various pHs, showed molecular masses ranging from 11 to 97 kDa. Most sarcoplasmic proteins, regardless of treated pHs, showed a molecular mass of 43 kDa. A decrease in total sulfhydryl content was observed when the pH was shifted away from 6, indicating disulfide formation at pH lower and higher than 6. Gradual increases of S₀-ANS and S₀-PRODAN were observed as pH increased from 6 to 12, indicating the unfolding of sarcoplasmic proteins during alkaline extraction. DSC thermograms of sarcoplasmic proteins treated at pH 5–9 exhibited an exothermic transition peak, probably due to disulfide bond formation, and/or hydrophobic interactions, which was highly related to the onset temperature of G′ rising. Gel network formation of sarcoplasmic proteins did not take place at extreme pHs (<4 or >9) where proteins were highly charged while the viscoelastic properties of sarcoplasmic proteins were observed at pH 5.5–9. The highest G′ value at 90 °C was observed at pH 5.5 and 8 (P ? 0.05). The gel point, a temperature at which G′ = G″, increased to higher temperature as pH was shifted away from 7.     

Meta-analysis of relationships between enteric methane yield and milk fatty acid profile in dairy cattle

Various studies have indicated a relationship between enteric methane (CH₄) production and milk fatty acid (FA) profiles of dairy cattle. However, the number of studies investigating such a relationship is limited and the direct relationships reported are mainly obtained by variation in CH₄ production and milk FA concentration induced by dietary lipid supplements. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to quantify relationships between CH₄ yield (per unit of feed and unit of milk) and milk FA profile in dairy cattle and to develop equations to predict CH₄ yield based on milk FA profile of cows fed a wide variety of diets. Data from 8 experiments encompassing 30 different dietary treatments and 146 observations were included. Yield of CH₄ measured in these experiments was 21.5 ± 2.46 g/kg of dry matter intake (DMI) and 13.9 ± 2.30 g/kg of fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM). Correlation coefficients were chosen as effect size of the relationship between CH₄ yield and individual milk FA concentration (g/100 g of FA). Average true correlation coefficients were estimated by a random-effects model. Milk FA concentrations of C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C16:0, and C16:0-iso were significantly or tended to be positively related to CH₄ yield per unit of feed. Concentrations of trans-6+7+8+9 C18:1, trans-10+11 C18:1, cis-11 C18:1, cis-12 C18:1, cis-13 C18:1, trans-16+cis-14 C18:1, and cis-9,12 C18:2 in milk fat were significantly or tended to be negatively related to CH₄ yield per unit of feed. Milk FA concentrations of C10:0, C12:0, C14:0-iso, C14:0, cis-9 C14:1, C15:0, and C16:0 were significantly or tended to be positively related to CH₄ yield per unit of milk. Concentrations of C4:0, C18:0, trans-10+11 C18:1, cis-9 C18:1, cis-11 C18:1, and cis-9,12 C18:2 in milk fat were significantly or tended to be negatively related to CH₄ yield per unit of milk. Mixed model multiple regression and a stepwise selection procedure of milk FA based on the Bayesian information criterion to predict CH₄ yield with milk FA as input (g/100 g of FA) resulted in the following prediction equations: CH₄ (g/kg of DMI) = 23.39 + 9.74 × C16:0-iso – 1.06 × trans-10+11 C18:1 – 1.75 × cis-9,12 C18:2 (R² = 0.54), and CH₄ (g/kg of FPCM) = 21.13 – 1.38 × C4:0 + 8.53 × C16:0-iso – 0.22 × cis-9 C18:1 – 0.59 × trans-10+11 C18:1 (R² = 0.47). This indicated that milk FA profile has a moderate potential for predicting CH₄ yield per unit of feed and a slightly lower potential for predicting CH₄ yield per unit of milk.     

Monitoring of fatty acid composition in virgin olive oil by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy coupled with partial least squares

A rapid Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectroscopic method was applied to the determination of fatty acid (FA) profile and peroxide value (PV) of virgin olive oil. Calibration models were constructed using partial least squares (PLS) regression. A FA calibration model was constructed in the spectral range from 3033 to 700 cm⁻¹. Oleic acid (62.0–80.0%), linoleic acid (5.3–15.0%), saturated fatty acids (SFA, 12.6–19.7%), mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, 64.4–81.0%) and poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 6.0–15.9%) were considered for chemometric analysis. PV (5.7–15.7 meq O₂ kg⁻¹) was calibrated using the signal of the full spectral range 4000–700 cm⁻¹ with first derivative pre-treatment. The LODs of the FTIR-chemometric methods were: 3.0% for oleic acid, 0.5% for linoleic acid, 1.3% for SFA, 3.0% for MUFA, 0.3% for PUFA and 1.0 meq O₂ kg⁻¹ for PV. Analytical methods were evaluated by use of validation samples (n = 25 for all the FA related parameters and n = 10 for PV) with nearly quantitative recovery rates (98–103%). The proposed method provided results comparable to official procedures, with the advantages of being less expensive and more rapid.     

Effect of pretreatment on lipid oxidation and fishy odour development in protein hydrolysates from the muscle of Indian mackerel

Impact of different pretreatments on chemical compositions of Indian mackerel mince was studied. Mince prepared using washing/membrane removal/alkaline solubilisation process (W–MR–Al) contained the lowest remaining myoglobin and haem iron content and also showed the lowest total lipid and phospholipid contents. When mince and W–MR–Al were hydrolysed using Alcalase for up to 120 min, a higher degree of hydrolysis (DH) was found in W–MR–Al after 30 min of hydrolysis. Furthermore, hydrolysate from W–MR–Al had lower peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and non-haem iron content throughout hydrolysis period (P < 0.05). When hydrolysate powder produced from mince and W–MR–Al (0–0.3% w/v) were fortified in milk, the former resulted in the lower likeness score (P < 0.05) at all levels used. The addition of the latter, for up to 0.2%, had no effect on likeness of all attributes, compared with milk without fortification (P > 0.05). Therefore, the appropriate pretreatment of mince yielded hydrolysate with lower fishy odour.     

Control of the Maillard reaction by ferulic acid

This study investigated how ferulic acid (FA) affects the formation of certain Maillard reaction products (MRPs), i.e., early MRPs, fluorescent and non-fluorescent advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and melanoidins in model systems. Glycation mixtures were prepared containing soy glycinin or bovine serum albumin (final concentration 10 mg/ml) and fructose (222 mM) in 0.2% KOH in the presence or absence of FA (12.95 mM) and incubated at 60 °C for 60 min. The extent of the MR was estimated by analysis of free amino groups, the incorporation of sugar into the protein backbone as well as the formation of N^?-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), fluorescent AGEs (λ_exc = 337 nm, λ_em = 350–550 nm) and melanoidins (absorbance at 420 nm). Formation of CML and fluorescent AGEs was reduced by nearly 90% by the addition of FA while early MRPs and melanoidins were inhibited to a lesser extent (∼10% and 28%, respectively) compared to AGE formation. A controlled formation of early MRPs was achieved by use of FA, and it is a new finding. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time the use of FA as a reliable means of obtaining novel glycoprotein preparations containing low amounts of AGEs, with the potential to be used as functional food ingredients, is proposed.     

The effect of sulphuric acid activation on the crystallinity,surface area,porosity, surface acidity,and bleaching power of a bentonite

The Hanç?l? (Keskin, Ankara, Turkey) bentonite was activated with H₂SO₄ by dry method at 97 °C for 6 h to obtain optimum parameters for imparting a maximum bleaching power towards soybean oil. The H₂SO₄ content in dry bentonite-acid mixture was changed between 0% and 70%. The natural and activated samples were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N₂ adsorption–desorption, and n-butylamine adsorption (from the solution in cyclohexane). The specific surface area (S), specific micro–mesopore volume (V), mesopore size distribution (PSD), and surface acidity (n_m) of the samples were determined. The bleaching power (BP) of each sample for alkali-refined soybean oil was determined. The S, V, n_m, and BP increase after activation at various acid contents up to 40% H₂SO₄ without any considerable change in crystal structure of the smectite. The BP is controlled more by the PSD rather than other adsorptive properties of the bleaching earth. The optimum parameters for activation to obtain maximum bleaching power, are H₂SO₄% = 50–60, S = 250–230 m² g⁻¹, V = 0.46–0.47 cm³ g⁻¹, n_m = 9.0 × 10⁻⁴–8.4 × 10⁻⁴ mol g⁻¹ and PSD mainly distributed between 1.4 and 6.0 nm.     

Detection of ethanol in food: A new biosensor based on bacteria

A microbial biosensor for determination of ethanol has been developed. The microbial ethanol biosensor comprises a Methylobacterium organophilium-immobilized eggshell membrane and an oxygen (O₂) electrode. The microbial biosensor responds linearly to ethanol in the range 0.050–7.5 mM with a detection limit of 0.025 mM (S/N = 3) and the response time is 100 s. The optimal loading of bacterial cells on the biosensor membrane is 40 mg (wet weight). The optimal working conditions for the microbial biosensor are pH 7.0 phosphate buffer (50 mM) at 20–25 °C. The interference test, operational and storage stability of the biosensor are studied in detail. Finally, the biosensor is applied to determine the ethanol contents in various alcohol samples and the results are comparable to that obtained by a gas chromatographic method. Our work demonstrates that the proposed microbial biosensor is a reliable method to determine the ethanol content in wine samples.     

Interactions of dietary fibre and omega-3-rich oil with protein in surimi gels developed with salt substitute

Most Western populations have insufficient intake of fibre and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), while sodium intake greatly exceeds the recommended maximum. Surimi seafood is not currently fortified with these nutraceutical ingredients. Alaska pollock surimi seafood was developed with salt substitute and fortified with either 6 g/100 g of fibre or 10 g/100 g of ω-3 oil (flax:algae:menhaden, 8:1:1) or fibre + ω-3 oil (6 g/100 g of fibre + 10 g/100 g of ω-3 oil). The objective was to determine effects of the dietary fortification on physicochemical properties of surimi. Fortification with either dietary fibre or ω-3 oil alone or in combination enhanced (P < 0.05) rheological and textural characteristics. The combined fortification had a synergistic effect on rheological properties. This indicates greater gelation of surimi in the presence of fibre + ω-3 oil, suggesting their interaction with surimi myofibrillar proteins. Fibre results in protein dehydration increasing protein concentration; while oil is immobilised by protein filling void spaces in the gel matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that fibre and ω-3 oil did not interfere with normal denaturation of surimi proteins. Colour properties were only slightly affected (P < 0.05). Fortification of surimi with fibre and ω-3 oil resulted in a quality product that could be useful in developing surimi products with nutritional benefits.     

Determination of flavonoids in propolis-rich functional foods by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection

A method of reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled with a diode array detector (DAD) was developed for the simultaneous determination of 10 common flavonoids in propolis-rich functional foods. Flavonoids in a sample were extracted with methanol in an ultrasonic bath for 15 min and then chromatographically separated on a C₁₈ column. The binary mobile phase, composed of water with 1% tetrahydrofuran (pH = 2.5) and acetonitrile, was used for gradient elution. The proposed method revealed a good linearity between the peak area of each analyte and its concentration. The intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 1.90% and 4.91%, respectively. Recoveries were within the range of 84.2–118.7%. LODs and LOQs were 0.043–0.232 μg mL⁻¹ (S/N = 3) and 0.007–0.039 mg g⁻¹ (S/N = 10), respectively. The proposed method provided a simple and rapid routine analysis of common flavonoids in propolis-rich functional foods which are popular on the market nowadays.     

Molecular characteristics of partially hydrolyzed fucoidans from sporophyll of Undaria Pinnatifida and their in vitro anticancer activity

The effects of molecular characteristics on the anticancer activity of fucoidans were investigated after hydrolysis by copper acetate and then fractionation with 30 and 5 kDa membranes, which produced three fucoidan fractions: F_>30 K, F_5–30 K and F_<5 K. The F_>30 K and F_5–30 K consisted of mostly carbohydrate (58.2–61.3%) and sulphate (31.7–35.5%) with small amounts of proteins (1.2–6.4%). However, the major constituents of F_<5 K were sulphate (31.8%) and ash (37.5%) with smaller amounts of carbohydrate (15.5%) and protein (1.2%). The molecular weights (M_w) of F_>30 K, F_5–30 K and F_<5 K, obtained by a light scattering technique, were 262, 5.6 and 1.6 kDa, respectively. The observed anticancer activities were 18.0–28.5% for F_>30 K, 19.2–57.5% for F_5–30 K and 26.5–36.5% for F_<5 K, respectively, in the concentration range of 0.2–0.8 mg/mL. The results suggest that the anticancer activity of fucoidans could be considerably improved by lowering their M_w and by improving the binding properties of sulphate groups possibly through changing the molecular conformation.     

Influence of calcium fortification on sensory, physical and rheological characteristics of fruit yogurt

There has been great demand of calcium fortified dairy products as they can serve as an ideal vehicle for carrying extra calcium to fulfill the nutritional needs but there is need to generate information on the effect of fortification of calcium on the physical properties of these products. In the present study, the calcium enriched mango yogurt was prepared after fortification of pasteurized yogurt mix with 50 mg Ca/100 ml of calcium lactate, this level selected from a preliminary study of sensory evaluation. Fortification of yogurt with calcium lactate at this level significantly (P<0.005) increased the water holding capacity (WHC) by 2.99% on 1st day of storage. WHC of calcium fortified fruit yogurt was higher than control fruit yogurt on 7th and 14th day of storage. Measurements performed on slowly stirred samples (flow curves and final apparent viscosity) showed that calcium-enriched fruit yogurt had stronger structures. Calcium fortified fruit yogurt showed less shear thinning behavior as compared to control. Also, apparent viscosity measurements at constant shear rate showed a significantly (P<0.05) less decrease in initial apparent viscosity in calcium fortified fruit yogurt. However, no statistically significant (P>0.05) difference was observed in tan δ values of control and calcium fortified fruit yogurt indicating similar nature of bonds involved in the gel structure formation of both the yogurt samples. The more firm structure of the calcium fortified fruit yogurt is thus attributed to the higher extent of colloidal calcium phosphate cross-linking between casein micelles due to increased calcium content by fortification. Also flavor, color, and body and texture scores of control and calcium fortified fruit yogurt did not show any significant difference (P>0.05).     

Profiles of lipid components,fatty acid distributions of triacylglycerols and phospholipids in Jack beans (Canavalia gladiata DC.)

Endogenous tocopherols in extracted lipids from Jack beans (Canavalia gladiata DC.) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and were investigated in relation to the fatty acids (FA) distribution of triacylgycerols (TAG) and phospholipids (PL). The dominant tocopherols were (δ)-tocopherol (78.9–96.5 mg%) and (γ)-tocopherol (42.1–56.1 mg%) with much smaller amounts of (α)-tocopherol (1.1–1.3 mg%). The lipids of Jack beans comprised mainly TAG (34.6–38.6 wt.%) and PL (54.8–57.4 wt.%), and other components were also detected in minor proportions (0.3–3.8 wt.%). The PL components included phosphatidyl choline (46.2–48.7 wt.%), phosphatidyl inositol (23.4–29.6 wt.%) and phosphatidyl ethanolamine (18.5–21.2 wt.%). Comparison of these different beans showed, with a few exceptions, no significant differences (P > 0.05) in FA distribution. The FA distribution of TAG among the five beans was evident in the Jack beans: unsaturated FA (93.3–95.3 wt.%) were predominantly concentrated at the sn-2 position and saturated FA (33.6–34.4wt.%) primarily occupying the sn-1 position or sn-3 position. The results obtained from this work would provide useful information to both producers and consumers for manufacturing functional foods or beverages in Japan and elsewhere.