Deamidation of food proteins to improve functionality

Many proteins, particularly those in plants, require structural modifications to improve their functional properties for expanded use. Several chemical and enzymatic methods are described for food protein deamidation to improve solubility, emulsification, foaming, and other functional properties of the proteins. The use of enzymes in protein modification is more desirable than chemical treatments because of their speed, mild reaction conditions, and their high specificity. Transglutaminase, protease, and peptidoglutaminase (PGase) are the only enzymes reported in the literature for protein deamidation. Of these, PGase appears to be the most feasible for practical application. PGase production, purification, and use in deamidation are discussed.     

不同胞外多糖产生特性的乳酸菌菌种对酸乳品质的影响

不同EPS产生量的两种乳酸菌，用于酸乳的生产，在4种不同菌株组合形成的发酵乳中，球、杆菌比例和乳糖消耗基本一致，但是在粘度、EPS产生、EPS的单糖组成、对乳清析出的影响，以及感官等方面，均有区别。实验结果表明，在酸乳生产中，以产EPS的德氏乳杆菌保加利亚亚种不产EPS的唾液链球菌嗜热亚种组合较好。     

Different micronization methods significantly improve the functionality of carrot insoluble fibre

This study was to investigate the effects of different micronization methods, including ball milling, jet milling and high-pressure micronization on the characteristics and various functional properties of carrot insoluble fibre-rich fraction (FRF). The results demonstrated that these treatments could effectively (p < 0.05) pulverize the fibre particles to different micro-sizes. As particle size decreased, the bulk density of the insoluble FRF was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased and a redistribution of fibre components from insoluble to soluble fractions was observed. Furthermore, these treatments, especially the high-pressure micronization, could significantly (p < 0.05) increase the physicochemical properties (e.g., water-holding capacity, swelling capacity, oil-holding capacity and cation-exchange capacity), glucose adsorption capacity, -amylase inhibitory activity and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity of the insoluble FRF to different extents (from several to 29-fold). Our findings suggested that these micronization treatments would provide an opportunity to improve the functionality of carrot insoluble FRF in food applications.     

Optimization of hydrocolloid addition to improve wheat bread dough functionality: a response surface methodology study

Effects of high ester pectin+α-amylase+sucrose (GNFZ), a high ester pectin+sucrose (BIG), xanthan gum (XANTHAN) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) on wheat dough performance have been studied. Effects of hydrocolloids added singly and in association at different levels, on the investigated rheological, mechanical and thermal parameters have been evaluated by response-surface methodology. Optimum hydrocolloid formulations for white wheat bread are recommended.Positive linear and negative quadratic significant effects of GNFZ were observed on both the gluten index (GI) and the energy of dissociation of the amylose–lipid complex (ΔH_x). Optimized dosage of 1.36 g GNFZ/100 g flour, d.b. (maximum of the respective response surface plot) led to maximized values for both GI and ΔH_x, described as good indicators and predictors of the quality of fresh and stored formulated breads to be obtained. The strengthening effect of high ester pectin was reinforced by the negative quadratic effect of GNFZ on gluten extensibility, the positive effect of GNFZ/HPMC on the resistance to extension of gluten, and the negative synergistic effect of the pair BIG/HPMC on dough extensibility. XANTHAN when added singly induced desirable increase in dough resistance to extension, and the incorporation of the pair XANTHAN/GNFZ into dough formula is recommended because of the reduction of the induced degree of softening during mixing (farinograph) of GNFZ formulated doughs. A dosage of 0.109 g XANTHAN/100 g flour annulate the softening effect of GNFZ when added at an optimized dose of 1. 36 g GNFZ/100 g flour. Caution should be applied when added XANTHAN in presence of BIG because of the decrease in the extent of amylose–lipid complexation. Addition of HPMC at a level <1/>1 moderate/enhance, respectively, the effect of GNFZ on the resistance to extension of the gluten, and the water binding capability of BIG, and in this respect the incorporation of the cellulose derivative is encouraged at a dose dependent on the required effect.     

Modification of food ingredients by ultrasound to improve functionality: A preliminary study on a model system

The use of high-intensity ultrasound for food processing applications is being constantly explored. Extraction of gingerol from ginger, homogenisation of milk and generation of high quality emulsions from food ingredients are some examples where ultrasonication has been found to be efficient, at least in laboratory-scale trials. These ultrasonic processes primarily rely upon the physical effects of ultrasound. However, the potential restrictions and/or uses of the chemical effects generated by ultrasound-induced cavitation phenomena have often been overlooked. Our investigation shows that unwanted reactions between ultrasonically generated radicals and food ingredients could be minimised by selecting lower ultrasonic frequencies for food processing. However, high frequency ultrasound could also be used for food processing, provided suitable radical scavengers are present in the solution. Preliminary results identified the potential of sonochemical hydroxylation of phenolic compounds as an efficient way of enhancing the antioxidant properties of certain food materials. Overall, these investigations have enabled the development of strategies for management of radical sonochemistry in food processing applications.Industrial relevanceThe aim of this work is to identify the problems associated with the application of high power ultrasound in food processing in order to make ultrasonic food processing a safe, viable and innovative processing technology in food industry. Several food and chemical industries will be able to adopt sonochemical treatment to improve the quality and the productivity of specific products. As an adjunct to existing processing technologies the application of ultrasonics can reduce energy requirements and simplify formulation with less need to add ingredients as processing aids.     

Use of homogenisation pressure to improve quality and functionality of probiotic fermented milks containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus BFE 5264

The effects of 60‐MPa milk homogenisation treatment were investigated on the viability of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus BFE5264, when used as yoghurt co‐starter, as well as on the aroma profile, texture and microstructure of the resulting set‐type fermented milks. The results demonstrated that the combined use of homogenisation pressure and co‐inoculation of the probiotic strain with the traditional yoghurt starters allowed the reduction in the product coagulation time, the increase of the probiotic strain viability and the improvement of the product volatile molecule profiles. The rheological indices and the microstructure results indicated the positive effects of the milk homogenisation treatment on the product viscosity index and exopolysaccharide production.     

酶法洗渣提高橙汁得率

研究酶法洗渣提高橙汁得率的新工艺。确定了酶法处理橙渣的工艺条件为:加酶量0.01%、渣水比1∶1、酶解温度45℃、酶解时间50min。实验证明,采用此法生产的橙汁能够明显提高出汁率和改善橙汁的产品质量,从而生产出具有良好的混浊稳定性、口味宜人、鲜艳色泽的橙汁。     

Cold atmospheric plasma-induced protein modification: Novel nonthermal processing technology to improve protein quality,functionality, and allergenicity reduction

With the constant increase in protein demand globally, it is expedient to develop a strategy to effectively utilize protein, particularly those extracted from plant origin, which has been associated with low digestibility, poor techno-functional properties, and inherent allergenicity. Several thermal modification approaches have been developed to overcome these limitations and showed excellent results. Nevertheless, the excessive unfolding of the protein, aggregation of unfolded proteins, and irregular protein crosslinking have limited its application. Additionally, the increased consumer demand for natural products with no chemical additives has created a bottleneck for chemical-induced protein modification. Therefore, researchers are now directed toward other nonthermal technologies, including high-voltage cold plasma, ultrasound, high-pressure protein, etc., for protein modification. The techno-functional properties, allergenicity, and protein digestibility are greatly influenced by the applied treatment and its process parameters. Nevertheless, the application of these technologies, particularly high-voltage cold plasma, is still in its primary stage. Furthermore, the protein modification mechanism induced by high-voltage cold plasma has not been fully explained. Thus, this review meets the necessity to assemble the recent information on the process parameters and conditions for modifying proteins by high-voltage cold plasma and its impact on protein techno-functional properties, digestibility, and allergenicity.     

Application of a dry heat treatment to enhance the functionality of low-heat nonfat dry milk

Nonfat dry milk is a valuable food and ingredient because it contains proteins, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. When manufactured, this product is classified into high heat (HH) or low heat (LH) depending on the pre-heat treatment used in pasteurization. Radio frequency dielectric heating, if used alone or as part of a dry heat technology, may induce component interactions in milk powders, which could alter or improve functionality. To pursue this objective, LH was subjected to radio frequency dielectric heating to 80, 85, and 90°C with a subsequent hold period of 60 or 90 min in an oven, set at the designated temperature, 80, 85, or 90°C, assessed for functionality in liquid and gel systems, cooled, and subsequently compared with LH and HH. The functionality assessment included heat stability and foaming, emulsion, and gelling properties. For foaming, LH presented a statistically lower overrun and foam stability compared with all dry-heated LH. The LH dry-heated at ≥85°C exhibited significantly greater foaming capacity than did the LH. Emulsification properties were not significantly different as a function of dry heating compared with LH. As gels, water-holding capacity was greater and syneresis was significantly less for all gels made with the dry-heated LH at <85°C. Gel firmness and cohesiveness were not affected by dry heating. The heat coagulation time at native pH was significantly greater for LH that were dry-heated for 90 min compared with LH. At adjusted pH (6.4 to 7.2), the heat stability was improved if the LH was dry-heated. The dry-heated LH had significantly less foaming properties, but greater emulsion activity compared with the HH. Overall, the dry heat treatment conditions of this study did not result in acid-induced gels with equivalent properties as gels made with HH. Syneresis was similar for all gels except for those made from the dry-heated LH to 90°C and held for 60 min, as this gel had significantly more syneresis than did the gels made from HH. However, the heat stability of dry-heated LH at native, 6.8, 7.0, and 7.2 pH was greater compared with the heat stability of HH. The application of a dry heat treatment enhanced the functional properties of LH, opening the opportunity to develop food products that can use this modified nonfat dry milk such as ice cream, bakery, and meat products.     

Effect of meibomian gland morphology on functionality with applied treatment

PurposeTo determine how Meibomian gland (MG) morphology affects MG function by means of gland expression with the effect of treatment.MethodsFifteen patients (aged 31.6 ± 13.1 years) from a dry eye clinic diagnosed with MG dysfunction had their 365 lower lid MGs visualised with a slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Using infrared meibography (Oculus K5m), MG length, width and tortuosity were objectively measured. Each MG was expressed and the meibum graded (0=clear fluid, 1=cloudy fluid, 2= particulate fluid, 3=inspissated, or 4 = no expression) to determine its functionality. Participants had functionality repeated each time following a sequence of a warm compress, debridement, and forcible expression after 5 min.ResultsJust over 10 % of complete length MGs gave clear expression, while about 5% did not express at all, with most expressed meibum being particulate in nature. In contrast, the majority of partial length glands gave inspissated expression (38 %), with 32 % not expressing at all. No MG of <10 % length expressed. MG gland length was correlated with gland expression (r=?0.507, p < 0.001) and MG tortuosity (r=?0.129, p < 0.001), but not MG width (r=?0.090, p = 0.167). Regardless of MG length, warm compress increased the quality of expression (p < 0.002). Debridement further improved expression in partial MGs (p = 0.003), but not forcible expression (p = 0.529).ConclusionsLength is the key functional morphology metric of lower lid MGs. Warm compress and massage increase the quality of expression in all, but the shortest glands and patients with partial length glands also benefit from debridement.     

Enzymatic treatment to improve the quality of black tea extracts

Enzymatic extraction was investigated to improve the quality of black tea extracts with pretreatment of pectinase and tannase independently, successively and simultaneously. Pectinase improved the extractable-solids-yield (ESY) up to 11.5%, without much of an improvement in polyphenols recovery, while tannase pre-treatment showed a significant improvement in polyphenols recovery (14.3%) along with an 11.1% improvement in ESY. Among the four treatments, tannase-alone treatment showed the maximum improvement in tea quality, with higher polyphenols-in-extracted solids. Treatments involving tannase resulted in the significant release of gallic acid, due to its hydrolytic activity, leading to greater solubility besides favourably improving TF/TR ratio. The results suggested that employing a single enzyme, tannase, for the pre-treatment of black tea is desirable. Enzymatic extraction may be preferred over enzymatic clarification as it not only displayed reduction in tea cream and turbidity but also improved the recovery of polyphenols and ESY in the extract, as well as maintaining a good balance of tea quality.     

采用等离子体处理提高聚酯纤维亲水性

聚酯纤维常以纯纺或与其他纤维混纺的形式广泛应用于纺织品中。当它单独用于纺织加工尤其是应用于服装时,其吸湿透气性差、易带静电、不易染色等性能会使服装的舒适感下降。旨在找到解决这一问题的方法,找出合理的解决过程,预测这种聚酯织物的最终用途。     

Optimization of the enzymatic modification of egg yolk by phospholipase A2 to improve its functionality for mayonnaise production

Egg yolk (EY) was enzymatically modified by phospholipase A₂ to improve its functional properties for mayonnaise production. The optimum reaction conditions predicted by response surface methodology were enzyme concentration of 7432 LEU for 74 min in the presence of 11.5% (w/w) salt. The predicted values were in good agreement with the experimental values. The mayonnaise prepared with 6% (w/w) of the enzymatically modified EY (EM-EY) had no significant differences in overall acceptability or in the perceived intensities of umami, nutty flavor, sourness, oiliness, and rancid flavor as compared to the mayonnaise prepared with 8% (w/w) fresh EY. The stability of the mayonnaise prepared with 6% (w/w) EM-EY was greater than that of the mayonnaise prepared with 10% (w/w) fresh EY. Based on the results, EM-EY, when produced at optimum conditions, has great potential to replace fresh EY.     

低温等离子体处理羊毛织物功能性整理的研究

用小型实验室和大型生产化低温等离子体设备对羊毛织物进行处理,并对羊毛织物的亲水性、抗静电性、易去污性、抗起毛起球性、防缩性、拒水拒油性进行了性能测试.结果表明,低温等离子体处理对羊毛织物的亲水性、抗静电性、易去污性、抗起毛起球性、防缩性、拒水拒油性有着显著的效果,这对于提高羊毛织物的附加值有着积极的意义.实验还表明低温等离子体处理与其它整理剂结合使用,可以提高整理剂的功效及功能整理的效果.     

From bacterial genome to functionality; case bifidobacteria

The availability of complete bacterial genome sequences has significantly furthered our understanding of the genetics, physiology and biochemistry of the microorganisms in question, particularly those that have commercially important applications. Bifidobacteria are among such microorganisms, as they constitute mammalian commensals of biotechnological significance due to their perceived role in maintaining a balanced gastrointestinal (GIT) microflora. Bifidobacteria are therefore frequently used as health-promoting or probiotic components in functional food products. A fundamental understanding of the metabolic activities employed by these commensal bacteria, in particular their capability to utilize a wide range of complex oligosaccharides, can reveal ways to provide in vivo growth advantages relative to other competing gut bacteria or pathogens. Furthermore, an in depth analysis of adaptive responses to nutritional or environmental stresses may provide methodologies to retain viability and improve functionality during commercial preparation, storage and delivery of the probiotic organism.     

Microstructure and rheological properties of psyllium polysaccharide gel

The strong gelling property of psyllium polysaccharides is closely related to its health benefits and applications, such as use as a binding agent in the landscape industry. However, information about gelling properties of psyllium polysaccharides is very limited. To explore the gel properties of psyllium, the alkaline extracted gel fraction (AEG) of psyllium polysaccharides was studied in this investigation. The rheological and low-temperature electron microscopy methods including cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM) and freeze-substitution for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate Ca²⁺ influence on the gel properties of AEG. AEG formed a weak gel with a fibrous appearance. AEG did not have a sharp melting point and exhibited no thermal hysteresis during heating and cooling procedure. The origin of this gelling behaviour was due to the fibrillar gel structure of psyllium polysaccharide. It was found that Ca²⁺ had a significant influence on the gel properties and microstructure. Elastic modulus G′ of gel increased as Ca²⁺ concentration increased. Critical strain S at first increased and then decreased as Ca²⁺ concentration increased. AEG gel became more resistant to temperature change on addition of Ca²⁺. Psyllium gel changed to aggregated gel with added Ca²⁺. The strands of gel appeared thicker and the density of the junction zone increased with increasing Ca²⁺ concentration as revealed by SEM and TEM. The changing bulk gelling properties of psyllium polysaccharide by adding Ca²⁺ was attributed to the change in gel structure.     

High pressure microfluidization treatment of heat denatured whey proteins for improved functionality

Solutions (5% protein) of a whey protein concentrate (WPC) in fresh acid whey or in water, as well as the fresh whey alone, were adjusted to pH 5.8, 4.8 or 3.8, heat treated at 90 °C for 10 min and further exposed to high pressure (150 MPa) microfluidization treatment. The volumes of sediment after centrifugation were recorded as a measure of the degree of insolubility of the proteins. Microfluidization disrupted the heat-induced aggregates into non-sedimenting whey protein polymers so that in some cases, especially at pH 3.8, the products studied were almost completely resistant to sedimentation after the microfluidization treatments. Heat denatured/microfluidized whey proteins reaggregated upon subsequent heating, with the pH having a major impact on the amount of sediment produced. Microfluidization of aqueous WPC solutions heat-treated before spray- or freeze-drying substantially increased the solubility of the powders upon reconstitution. Heat-induced viscoelastic gels were produced from freeze-dried microfluidized samples processed at pH 3.8 and reconstituted to solutions containing 12% (w/w) protein.     

Relating carbon monoxide photoproduction to dissolved organic matter functionality

Aqueous solutions of humic substances (HSs) and pure monomeric aromatics were irradiated to investigate the chemical controls upon carbon monoxide (CO) photoproduction from dissolved organic matter (DOM). HSs were isolated from lakes, rivers, marsh, and ocean. Inclusion of humic, fulvic, hydrophobic organic, and hydrophilic organic acid fractions from these environments provided samples diverse in source and isolation protocol. In spite of these major differences, HS absorption coefficients (a) and photoreactivities (a bleaching and CO production) were strongly dependent upon HS aromaticity (r2 > 0.90; n = 11), implying aromatic moieties are the principal chromophores and photoreactants within HSs, and by extension, DOM. Carbonyl carbon and CO photoproduction were not correlated, implying that carbonyl moieties are not quantitatively important in CO photoproduction. CO photoproduction efficiency of aqueous solutions of monomeric aromatic compounds that are common constituents of organic matter varied with the nature of ring substituents. Specifically, electron donating groups increased, while electron withdrawing groups decreased CO photoproductivity, supporting our conclusion that carbonyl substituents are not quantitatively important in CO photoproduction. Significantly, aromatic CO photoproduction efficiency spanned 3 orders of magnitude, indicating that variations in the CO apparent quantum yields of natural DOM may be related to variations in aromatic DOM substituent group chemistry.     

Evaluation of seaweed extracts functionality as post-harvest treatment for minimally processed Fuji apples

The potential application of Fucus spiralis, Bifurcaria bifurcata, Codium tomentosum and Codium vermilara extracts as post-harvest treatments in minimally processed (MP) Fuji apple was investigated. 0.5% solutions of each extract were applied to MP Fuji apple and its effect on product quality was assessed over 20 days of storage at 4 ± 2 °C in terms of moisture content, soluble solids concentration (SSC), firmness, browning index (BI) and POD and PPO activities. Application of Codium tomentosum extract resulted in a significant reduction in BI in comparison to all other tested treatments. POD and PPO activities were also significantly lower in MP apple treated with Codium tomentosum extract. These results identify Codium tomentosum extract functionality of reducing enzymatic browning, suggesting the potential application of this extract as a natural additive in MP fruit.Industrial relevanceThis study shows the advantages of using a novel post-harvest treatment based in edible seaweed extracts to preserve fresh-cut fruits, in particular Fuji apple. The results show clearly that this type of dipping treatment decreases browning index and inhibits enzymatic activities when compared with citric acid and control treatment (water). Codium tomentosum extract solution showed the highest efficacy, suggesting the potential application of this extract as a natural additive to be a substitute of chemicals used in food industry and its use has been restricted. This process is efficient, versatile and of simple implementation at the industrial level once the only change in the industrial process consists in the type of post-harvest solution treatment. Associated to the easy adaptation in the industrial process, the exponential development in aquaculture sector allows the obtention of this raw material in a sustained way. Extract functionality was attributed to its demarked inhibitory action on enzymatic activities of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase, two major enzymes involved in enzymatic browning processes.     

Modification of psyllium polysaccharides for use in oral insulin delivery

There is no doubt that fibers, in particular viscous dietary fibers, have positive effects on human health, both in the prevention and in treatment of chronic diseases. Psyllium, a medicinally important serum glucose reducing natural polysaccharide, if suitably tailored to prepare the hydrogels for controlled release of insulin; it can act as double potential candidate for cure of diabetes mellitus. Keeping in view the therapeutic importance of psyllium and its gel-forming nature we have prepared psyllium and methacrylamide based hydrogels by using N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as crosslinker. The present paper discusses the effect of pH on swelling kinetics of the hydrogels and release dynamics of insulin from drug-loaded hydrogels, for the evaluation of the swelling mechanism and drug release mechanism from the hydrogels. Non-Fickian diffusion mechanism has been observed for the release of insulin in pH 2.2 buffer and pH 7.4 buffer.