Extraction and identification of anthocyanin from purple corn (Zea mays L.)

An efficient extraction of anthocyanin from purple corn (Zea mays L.) was investigated in this paper. Tristimulus colourimetry was used to evaluate the process quantitatively and qualitatively. Purple corn anthocyanin was extracted with 1 n HCl–95% ethanol (15:85, v/v) at different extraction temperatures (30–70 °C), times (60–120 min) and solid–liquid ratio (1:20–1:40). The combined effects of extraction conditions on anthocyanin yield and colour attributes were studied using a three‐level three‐factor Box–Behnken design. The results showed that the highest yield of anthocyanin from purple corn (6.02 mg g^?1) were obtained at 70 °C, extraction time 73 min, and solid–liquid ratio 1:25. Three kinds of non‐acylated anthocyanins were detected and characterised as cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, pelargonidin‐3‐glucoside and peonidin‐3‐glucoside by HPLC‐MS.     

Extraction of oil from tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2)

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) was used to extract oil from tiger nuts and the physicochemical properties and the impact of extraction conditions [i.e., temperature (40 °C–80 °C), pressure (20–40 MPa) and time (60–360 min)] on the oil yield were studied. The response surface analysis results revealed that the oil yield was significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the main effect of the extraction pressure, extraction time and their quadratic effects respectively. However, the interaction between the extraction temperature and time had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on the oil yield. The highest oil yield was 26.28 g/100 g sample after 210 min of extraction time at 30.25 MPa and 60 °C respectively. The fatty acid composition of oils obtained by SC-CO₂ and Soxhlet showed marked variation. Also, the fatty acid composition varied depending on the operating conditions. The viscosity of the oil decreased with the increase in temperature.     

Structural Characteristics of Pumpkin Pectin Extracted by Microwave Heating

Abstract: To improve extraction yield of pumpkin pectin, microwave heating was adopted in this study. Using hot acid extraction, pumpkin pectin yield decreased from 5.7% to 1.0% as pH increased from pH 1.0 to 2.0. At pH 2.5, no pectin was recovered from pumpkin flesh powder. After a pretreatment at pH 1.0 and 25 °C for 1 h, pumpkin powder was microwave‐extracted at 120 °C for 3 min resulting in 10.5% of pectin yield. However, premicrowave treatment at 60 °C for 20 min did not improve extraction yield. When microwave heating at 80 °C for 10 min was applied after premicrowave treatment, final pectin yield increased to 11.3%. When pH was adjusted to 2.0, the yield dropped to 7.7% under the same extraction conditions. Molecular shape and properties as well as chemical composition of pumpkin pectin were significantly affected depending on extraction methods. Galacturonic acid content (51% to 58%) of pumpkin pectin was lower than that detected in commercial acid‐extracted citrus pectin, while higher content of neutral sugars and acetyl esters existed in pumpkin pectin structure. Molecular weight (M_w) and intrinsic viscosity (η_w) determined for microwave‐extracted pumpkin pectins were substantially lower than acid‐extracted pectin, whereas polydispersity was greater. However, microwave‐extracted pectin at pH 2.0 had more than 5 times greater M_w than did the pectin extracted at pH 1.0. The η_w of microwave‐extracted pectin produced at pH 2.0 was almost twice that of other microwave‐extracted pectins, which were comparable to that of acid‐extracted pectin. These results indicate that extraction yield of pumpkin pectin would be improved by microwave extraction and different pectin structure and properties can be obtained compared to acid extraction. Practical Application: Pumpkin is a promising alternative source for pectin material. Pumpkin pectin has a unique chemical structure and physical properties, presumably providing different functional properties compared to conventional commercial pectin sources. Depending on the conditions to produce pumpkin pectin, diverse molecular structures can be obtained and utilized in various food applications.     

Optimised methodology for the extraction of protein from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Quinoa is a highly appreciated Andean pseudo‐cereal and has sparked attention worldwide due to its excellent nutritional value. The protein extraction parameters for defatted quinoa seed meal (DQSM) were optimised in this study. Initially, a Plackett–Burman design was applied to screen the factors displaying a potential effect on the quinoa protein extraction yield (Y %, g soluble protein/100 g total protein) being the main evaluated factors: pH, NaCl concentration, time, temperature, solvent type, particle size and solvent/meal ratio. Four main factors: temperature, solvent/meal ratio, pH and time selected from the screening step were optimised with a central composed design (CCD). The obtained response surface model (RSM) produced a satisfactory fitting of the results (R² = 0.9308). Optimal quinoa protein extraction conditions of 36.2 °C, solvent/meal ratio of 19.6/1 (v/w) and 90 min resulted in a protein yield of 62.1% (9.06 g of protein/100 g DQSM) which closely agree with the predicted value of 62.5%.The model was experimentally validated by extracting the quinoa protein using the optimal conditions revealed by RSM. The optimised conditions could be successfully employed in the design process of protein extraction from quinoa seed meal to obtain optimal yields.     

In vitro prebiotic activity of inulin-rich carbohydrates extracted from Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) tubers at different storage times by Lactobacillus paracasei

In the present work the in vitro prebiotic activity of inulin-rich carbohydrates using Lactobacillus paracasei as probiotic microorganism was determined. With this purpose, inulin-rich carbohydrates samples from Jerusalem artichoke tubers stored at 4–5 °C during different times along an overall period of 8 months were extracted. Extraction yield, inulin content and average polymerization degree of inulin-rich carbohydrates samples were also determined. For all samples, extraction yield and inulin content decreased with storage time. In particular, inulin content exhibited values within the range of commercial food grade inulin (≥ 85%). Average polymerization degree values decreased with storage time ranging from 12.1 to 8.3. The in vitro prebiotic activity of inulin-rich carbohydrates samples was assessed using a prebiotic activity score which considered the growing ratio relative to glucose of L. paracasei as well as of the enteric bacteria Escherichia coli when such carbohydrates were used as C source. Inulin-rich carbohydrates extracted from tubers cold-stored during 4 months showed the highest prebiotic activity score, even higher than the corresponding to a commercial food grade inulin, indicating that this sample should be used as a prebiotic food ingredient, representing a potential alternative to the available commercial inulin obtained from chicory roots.     

A simple preparative method for isolation and purification of polysaccharides from mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves

An effective method for preparative extraction and purification of the polysaccharides from mulberry leaves was studied. Orthogonal experiment was carried out to get the optimal conditions (T = 70 °C, pH = 6, t = 60 min, D = 0.4 g g^?1 material) of activated carbon decolorisation. The staged, isocratic and multiple ethanol precipitation procedures were also investigated. Through the activated carbon decolorisation and 20% ethanol precipitation procedure, the polysaccharides yield reached 2.91%, and the content of neutral sugar and uronic acid were improved to 21.87% and 57.43% respectively. This process was superior to the macroporous resin adsorption and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) methods. The structure analysis indicated that the purified mulberry leaves polysaccharide (MLP) was composed of Man, GalA and Rha in the ratio of 1.0:7.2:20.0. The molecular weight measured using GPC was approximately 557 062 D. The IR and ¹H NMR spectra indicated that the MLP was mainly pectin, which was classified as high‐methoxyl pectin.     

Optimisation of production yield by ultrasound‐/microwave‐assisted acid method and functional property of pectin from sugar beet pulp

Response surface methodology was used to optimise pectin recovery from sugar beet pulp using ultrasound‐/microwave‐assisted acid method (UMAAM). The independent variables were microwave heating temperature, microwave heating time and solid‐to‐liquid ratio. From the results, the selected optimal conditions were 92 °C, 37 min, and solid‐to‐liquid ratio 1:30. Under these conditions, the yield and uronic acid content of the pectin (SBP1) was 26.16% and 75.38%, respectively. Compared with the sugar beet pectin (SBP2) extracted by traditional acid method, SBP1 showed a higher molecular weight, higher viscosity and emulsifying activity and stability. The possible reason was that the UMAAM could have had minimal change in the protein–polysaccharide complex structure of pectin, but significantly increased the length of polysaccharide chains compared with SBP2. These results suggested that UMAAM is an efficient method in extracting pectin and has the potential to be used in the sugar beet industry.     

Effect of heating fatty fish: Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras), European sprat (Sprattus sprattus) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) on lipid oxidation and contents of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids

In this study, analyses were carried out to establish the impact of heating three species of fatty fish: trouts, herrings and sprats, on the lipids oxidation and on contents of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. The comminuted fish tissue was heated at restricted access of oxygen at temperature of 60, 100 and 160 °C for 15–120 min. Lipids, extracted with the Bligh‐Dyer method, were determined for peroxide value (PV) and anisidine value (AV). The Fatty acid methyl esters were prepared directly from the tissue, whereas contents of EPA and DHA were determined with the GC/MS method. Depending on the temperature applied, 15‐min heating of fish meat tissue caused 30–80% decrease of PN and 20–40% decrease of AV, on average. Generally, the continued heat treatment caused successive decreases in both PV and AV and the rate of this process was observed to increase along with an increasing temperature. The heating of trout and sprats at temperature of 60, 100 and 160 °C even for 1–2 h did not evoke losses either in EPA or in DHA content. In turn, in the case of herring caught during the pre‐spawning season, ca. 90–120 min of heat treatment contributed to ca. 20–25% decrease in contents of these fatty acids.     

Physicochemical and functional properties of flours from three Black gram (Phaseolus mungo L.) cultivars

Flours processed from three black gram cultivars (Mash1‐1, PU‐19 and T‐9) were studied for proximate composition, physicochemical and functional properties. Protein, fat, ash and crude fibre content varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) from 24.5 – 28.4%, 1.1–1.4%, 2.7–3.3% and 2.7–3.4%, respectively, among the cultivars. Significant differences were also observed in other physicochemical properties. Pasting properties like peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity and setback viscosity were in the range of 2078.7–2473.0 cP, 644.0–863.7 cP and 588.3–804.0 cP, respectively. Textural profile analysis of flour gels displayed significant differences in hardness (13.0–18.9 g), gumminess (2.8–5.9 g), chewiness (2.0–5.7 g) and adhesiveness (21.0–40.9 g). Differential scanning calorimetry revealed starch gelatinisation from 63.5 to 75.6 °C and amylose lipid complex melting from 105.0 to 136.1 °C. Protein solubility profile in the pH range of 2–9 varied from 6.3 to 97.3%. Emulsifying activity index and Emulsifying stability index at pH 3, 5 and 7 varied correspondingly from 6.0 to 14.5 m² g^?1 and 18.8 to 64.9 min. Foaming capacity of 2% flour suspensions at pH 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 varied significantly from 67.3 to 130% among the cultivars. Foam stability varied at different pH and was observed between 0 and 70.8% among the cultivars.     

The antioxidant capacity of polysaccharide from Laminaria japonica by citric acid extraction

An optimal citric acid extraction condition (pH 2.0; extraction temperature: 120 °C; extraction time: 3 h) was developed to obtain polysaccharide from Laminaria japonica. The yield of polysaccharide was 13.31 ± 0.08%, with IC₅₀ value of DPPH radical scavenging activity of 0.98 ± 0.01 mg mL^?1. The viscosity of polysaccharide extracted by citric acid (LJPA) was eight times lower than that of polysaccharide extracted by hot water (LJPW), which may be attributed to the low average molecular weight of LJPA (17.12 kDa). Gas chromatography analysis indicated that LJPA was composed of rhamnose, fucose, xylose, manose, glucose and galactose with relative molar percentages of 4.51%, 20.27%, 12.43%, 12.81%, 10.29% and 39.69% respectively. Furthermore, LJPA exhibited significantly higher antioxidant capacities including oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ABTS radical scavenging activity and reducing power than LJPW. Citric acid extraction showed a positive influence on the polysaccharide degradation and antioxidant capacities of L. japonica.     

Structures and Functional Properties of Starch From Seeds of Three Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) Varieties*

Structures and functional properties of starch from high‐protein, lipoxygenase‐free and low‐linolenic acid soybean variety seeds collected 20 d prior to harvest were investigated. Soybean starches exhibit C_B‐type X‐ray diffraction patterns, and granule diameters were very small (0.7 to 4 µm). Soybeans, 20 d prior to harvest contained 10.9–11.7% starch (dry basis). Apparent amylose content was 19–22% and absolute amylose content was 11.8–16.2%. Amylopectin weight‐average molar mass ranged from 5.1 to 11.3×10⁸ g/mol. Amylopectin average branch chain‐length, determined by anion‐exchange chromatography with an amyloglucosidase post‐column and pulsed amperometric detector, was very short relative to other starches (20.4–20.9). Onset gelatinization temperature ranged from 52–54°C, and ΔH was 12–13 J/g. Paste viscosity was low relative to other starches, especially peak (81–93 RVU) and final (93–106 RVU) viscosity. The apparent amylose content of the low‐linolenic acid soybean starch was significantly higher than that of high‐protein soybean starch, and absolute amylose content of low‐linolenic acid soybean starch was significantly higher than that of lipoxygenase‐free soybean starch. Based on our results, investigations on whether soybeans with different fatty acid oil composition have different starch structures would be worthwhile. Field replicates for each soybean variety exhibited high variation in starch characteristics, with further differences in starch structures and functional properties likely to be determined once variation is minimized.     

Physicochemical characteristics and gelation properties of collagen superfine powder from swine skin: the effects of preheating treatment

Following different preheating treatments (60 °C for 20 min; 80 °C for 20 min; or 120 °C for 10 min, referred as T₁, T₂ and T₃), edible collagen superfine powder (CSP) from swine skin was prepared by superfine grinding method. The CSPs showed a preheating‐dependent decrease in the D₅₀, with different degrees of hydrolysis (9.51–31.05%). A significant effect of preheating on rheological properties of the CSP aqueous dispersions at pH 4–9 was observed, wherein T₂ had the biggest viscosity and water holding capacity. All the 5% CSP dispersions were transformed into stable cold‐set gels after heating at 50–90 °C for 20 min, with insignificant differences in strength. These attributes were consistent with microstructures of the CSP gels detected by scanning electron microscope.     

Extraction of inulin from Burdock root (Arctium lappa) using high intensity ultrasound

Burdock root could be a source of inulin, but scarce studies about its extraction exist. To optimise conventional and ultrasound‐assisted extraction of inulin, various combinations were used. The independent variables for ultrasound extraction were sonication amplitude (20–100%), sonication temperature (20–60 °C) and sonication time (5–25 min) while for conventional extraction the following variables were water to solid ratio (5–15 v/w), temperature (40–90 °C) and time (5–40 min). For each response, a second‐order polynomial model was developed using multiple linear regression analysis. The use of high intensity ultrasound significantly improves the extraction of inulin contained within the body of Burdock root. It was shown that increasing the amplitude (from 20% to 85%) and extraction time increased the extraction yield; however, the effect of temperature was minor. Optimum extraction condition was found to be sonication time: 25 min, sonication amplitude 83.22% and temperature: 36.76 °C.     

Antioxidant and functional properties of a high dietary fibre powder from carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) pomace

The use of carambola pomace as a raw material for the production of a high dietary fibre powder (HDFP) was investigated. A face‐centred design was used to study the effects of extraction conditions, namely water‐to‐pomace ratio, time and temperature, on both reducing sugars (RS) and total extractable polyphenols (EPP) contents of fibre concentrate. RS content decreased by increasing extraction times and water‐to‐pomace ratios, while EPP tend to diminish by increasing temperature and contact time (P < 0.01). Selected HDFPs showed an EPP content in the range of 5.0–6.1 g GAE 100 g^?1 dry basis (db), with antioxidant activities between 386.2–443.9 and 204.7–228.6 μmol Trolox equivalents g^?1 db according to FRAP and ABTS assays, respectively. HDFP obtained at 55 °C, 5 min and 2:1 water‐to‐pomace ratio exhibited the highest EPP content, total dietary fibre (84.0% db) and dietary indigestible fraction (61.3% db). This product can be considered as a potential valuable food ingredient considering their oil retention and swelling capacities.     

Microwave-assisted extraction of lime pectin

Pectin was extracted from lime flavedo, albedo and pulp by employing microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) under pressure. Heating times ranged from 1 to 10 min. Optimal time of heating was 3 min. Molar mass, viscosity, radius of gyration and hydrated radius were found to decrease with heating time. At 3 min heating time, depending on the lime fraction which was extracted, weight average molar mass ranged from about 310,000 to 515,000 Da, and weight average intrinsic viscosities ranged from about 9.5 to 13 dL/g. Pectins dissolved in 0.05 sodium nitrate were characterized by HPSEC with online light scattering, dynamic light scattering and viscosity detection. Molar mass polydispersity passed through maximum at 4 min. Molecules of pectin became less compact with increasing heating time. The results obtained here are consistent with previous evidence that extracted pectins may exist in solution as networks, partially formed networks, i.e. branched molecules or linear molecules depending on extraction conditions and the solvent in which they are dissolved.     

Optimization of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Bioactive Flavonoid Compounds from Spearmint (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mentha spicata</Emphasis> L.) Leaves by Using Response Surface Methodology

The bioactive flavonoid compounds of spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) leaves were obtained by using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) extraction. Extraction was carried out according to face-centred central composite design, and independent variables were pressure (100, 200 and 300 bar), temperature (40, 50 and 60 °C) and co-solvent amount (3, 6 and 9 g/min). The extraction process was optimized by using response surface methodology for the highest crude extraction yield of bioactive flavonoid compounds. The optimal conditions were identified as 209.39 bar pressure, 50.00 °C temperature and 7.39 g/min co-solvent amount. The obtained extract under optimum SC-CO₂ condition was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Seven bioactive flavonoids including catechin, epicatechin, rutin, luteolin, myricetin, apigenin and naringenin were identified as major compounds. The results of quantification showed that spearmint leaves are potential source of antioxidant compounds.     

Changes in inulin and soluble sugar concentration in artichokes (Cynara scolymus L.) during storage

BACKGROUND: The artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) accumulates about 50–70 g kg^?1 of its fresh weight as inulin‐type fructan. Inulin fermentation increases gas production and thereby provokes intestinal discomfort in some people. The present research focuses on the changes in carbohydrate composition occurring in artichoke heads during storage under different conditions (18 °C, 4 °C and 4 °C under polypropylene film packing). RESULTS: Carbohydrate content and composition were determined by anion‐exchange high‐performance liquid chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection. Storage time caused a decrease in inulin content and an average degree of polymerization, accompanied by an increase of free fructose and sucrose due to depolymerization of inulin. CONCLUSION: Higher‐temperature storage and storage without packing induce strong carbohydrate changes. Thereby, eating stored artichoke leads to consumption of an inulin quantity that does not provoke unwanted symptoms related to gas production but sufficient to have a prebiotic effect. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of variety and harvest date on pectin extracted from chicory roots (Cichorium intybus L.)

The influence of harvest date on pectin quality and yield of five varieties of chicory is investigated in this work. The pectin is extracted from the raw material with an acidic treatment at 85 °C for an hour after inulin extraction. Main changes due to harvest date are observed in terms of neutral sugar content, average molecular weight, esterification degree and extraction yield. The galacturonic acid content remains relatively constant throughout the harvest period. While no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in terms of galacturonic acid content and neutral sugar content are observed between the five cultivars studied, average molecular weight, esterification degree and extraction yield are significantly affected by the cultivar type. Depending on the harvest date, a broad range of pectins can easily be extracted from chicory pulps.     

Extraction and microencapsulation of bioactive compounds from pomegranate (Punica granatum var. Wonderful) residues

Pomegranate peels and seeds are industrial residues considered interesting sources of punicalagin (PU) and punicic acid (PA), respectively. To optimise their extraction process and protect them against environmental factors, pomegranate residues were extracted with supercritical CO₂ (SC‐CO₂) using a Box–Behnken design and then optimal extracts encapsulated by spray‐drying applying a 2² central composite design. Peel extracts showed a PU content of 0.4–9.5% with optimal extraction conditions of 400 bar, 43 °C and 20% ethanol. On the other hand, SC‐CO₂ seed extracts showed a PA content of 65.1–78.4% with 450 bar, 48 °C and 10% ethanol as optimal extraction parameters. Otherwise, the encapsulation efficiency of SC‐CO₂ extracts was significantly affected by core/wall material ratio and its quadratic effect. This parameter ranged from 35.1% to 72.4% for peel extracts and from 68.2% to 92.7% for seed extracts. Results showed that the proposed technologies are a feasible approach to the integral utilisation of residues from the pomegranate industry.     

Improved extraction of disulphide‐rich bioactive proteins from soya hulls: characterisation of a novel aspartic proteinase

Soya hull, an underutilised coproduct of soya processing, was investigated as a source of disulphide‐rich bioactive proteins. A Viscozyme L‐assisted extraction method was developed to improve the yield of extracted proteins. The extracted proteins were identified by MALDI TOF–TOF MS, and the most abundant disulphide‐rich protein among identified proteins was purified and the enzymatic properties were evaluated. The results indicated that the Viscozyme L‐assisted extraction method extracted significantly (P < 0.05) more proteins (39.01%) than did the aqueous method (4.52%). The yield of the purified aspartic proteinase nepenthesin‐1‐like [Glycine max] (GmAPN1K) (the most abundant disulphide‐rich protein) is 570 mg Kg^?1. The specific activity of GmAPN1K was 62.1 U mg^?1 at pH 3.0 and 37 °C. The enzyme was optimally active at pH 3.0 and 55 °C. It was stable within pH range 3.0–10.0 and up to 55 °C, respectively, and was specifically inhibited by pepstatin A.