Effect of the main ingredients of Rhizoma gastrodiae on mycelial biomass and exopolysaccharide productions by submerged culture of Grifola frondosa

Various concentrations of the main ingredients of Rhizoma gastrodiae including gastrodin (GA) and p‐hydroxybenzyl alcohol (HA) as well as p‐hydroxylbenzaldehyde (HBA) were separately added into the cultural medium of Grifola frondosa in submerged culture. The results showed that the additive concentration of gastrodin from 0.10 to 0.35 g L^?1, p‐hydroxybenzyl alcohol from 0.05 to 0.30 g L^?1 and p‐hydroxylbenzaldehyde from 0.05 to 0.30 g L^?1 can significantly promote the EPS production by submerged culture of G. frondosa (P < 0.05). Among them, the addition of p‐hydroxylbenzaldehyde at 0.15 g L^?1 exhibited the best results, and the EPS productions reached 2.2511 ± 0.0378 g L^?1, with an increase of 45.03% compared with the control (without additives). Furthermore, all of the additives had an effective stimulatory effect on mycelial biomass. In addition, there is an important and novel breakthrough that p‐hydroxylbenzaldehyde was more effective than R. gastrodiae extract on increasing the EPS productions.     

Effects of sugar concentration on mango wine composition fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae MERIT.ferm

This study investigated the effect of initial sugar concentrations (^°Brix of 17, 23 and 30) on mango wine composition fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae MERIT.ferm. It was found that growth rate and maximum cell population were inversely correlated with initial sugar levels with the fastest growth rate and largest cell population in the low sugar fermentation. However, the cell population in the low and medium sugar fermentation declined significantly (from 8.7 and 8.2 log to 2 and 2.8 log, respectively) relative to the high sugar fermentation in which cell populations remained stable upon reaching the stationary phase (7.7 log). Glycerol production increased with increasing sugar content in low (13.4 g L^?1), medium (14.5 g L^?1) and high (15.9 g L^?1) sugar fermentation. In addition, high sugar fermentation had a negative impact on volatile production with significantly lower amounts of acetate esters (1.5 mg L^?1) but more acetic acid (0.54 g L^?1) compared to the low (5.0 mg L^?1 and 0.44 g L^?1, respectively) and medium (3.7 mg L^?1 and 0.49 g L^?1, respectively) sugar fermentations. Furthermore, volatiles especially terpene hydrocarbons (α‐caryophyllene was released) present in mango juice were significantly metabolised after fermentation, while numerous new volatile compounds (such as isobutyl alcohol, isoamyl alcohol, ethyl and acetate esters) were produced. Some terpene alcohols were released and converted into corresponding acetyl esters. This may indicate that the mango wines fermented with different levels of sugars would have different flavour aromas.     

Co‐inoculation of yeast and lactic acid bacteria to improve cherry wines sensory quality

This study examined the effect of co‐inoculation of yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the chemical and sensory characteristics of cherry wines, in comparison with a traditional sequential culture. Three LABs were investigated, including two O. oeni (SG26 and Viniflora) and one L. plantarum (PL18). All co‐inoculations significantly shortened the fermentation time (average 8 days earlier) to reach a stable level of residual sugar (<2 g L^?1) and L‐malic acid (<0.5 g L^?1), and no inhibitory effect on the yeast proliferation was observed. For volatiles determined, co‐culture with SG26 produced the greatest amount of volatile components (138.5 mg L^?1), whereas sequential inoculation with PL18 had the lowest level (119.6 mg L^?1). PCA result revealed that different LABs had diverse influences on the volatile profile of cherry wines, and sensory analysis confirmed that these samples presented distinct sensory profiles, and particularly, a stronger note of fruity was perceived when co‐culture was used.     

Selected factors influencing the ability of Bifidobacterium to form biogenic amines

The ability of typical probiotic culture of Bifidobacterium to produce biogenic amines could be considered a contrastive feature to the beneficial dietary effect on human health. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the decarboxylase activity of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CCDM 239 influenced by selected factors (pH 4.5 and 5.0; the contents of NaCl 0–20.0 g L^?1, glucose and lactose 0–10.0 g L^?1) at in vitro conditions. The kinetics of the biogenic amine production under the above‐mentioned conditions was also monitored. The biogenic amine content detection was carried out in the supernatants of inoculated broth [MRS enriched with amino acids: arginine, ornithine, lysine, tyrosine; 3 g L^?1 after the cultivation (48 h, 37 ± 1 °C)]. RP‐HPLC after the precolumn derivatisation with dansyl chloride was used. In most cases, the low concentrations of tyramine were monitored (<15 mg L^?1). Simultaneously, it was found out that the addition of certain fermentable saccharide concentrations and NaCl in their mutual combination seemed to have supporting effect on the decarboxylase activity of the tested Bifidobacterium.     

Physicochemical and microbiological description of Caxiri – a cassava and corn alcoholic beverage

Caxiri is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from cassava, corn and sweet potatoes by indigenous people in Brazil. Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Lactobacillus fermentum, Bacillus subtilis and L. helveticus were the main microbial species detected. Maltose was the main carbohydrate found (19.12 g L^?1), and lactic acid (15.09 g L^?1) and ethanol (92.16 g L^?1) were also found in high concentrations. Gas chromatography‐flame ionisation detector was used to identify thirteen volatile compounds. Among these volatiles, the higher concentrations were decanoic acid (123.04 μg L^?1) for the acids, diethyl malate (88.32 μg L^?1) for the esters, furfural (109.31 μg L^?1) for the aldehydes, 2‐phenylethanol (1022.76 μg L^?1) for the alcohols and 1,1‐diethoxyethane (226.24 μg L^?1) for the others. This study contributes to increasing knowledge of the microbiota present in the alcoholic fermentation produced from cassava, corn and sweet potatoes.     

Determination of 4‐ethylcatechol in a Merlot wine using sensory evaluation and the electronic tongue

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of 4‐ethylcatechol (4‐EC) on the sensory profile of Brettanomyces‐contaminated Merlot wine and evaluate electronic tongue discrimination. Using sensory evaluation panels, the consumer detection threshold (DT) and the consumer rejection threshold (CRT) of 4‐EC were determined in Merlot containing 493, 714, 1035 and 1500 μg L^?1 4‐EC. The DT of 4‐EC in Merlot was 823 μg L^?1, while the CRT was 1323 μg L^?1. The electronic tongue discriminated index (DI = 82%) among the samples, with hierarchical clustering showing a clear distinction between the control sample and the spiked samples. The lowest concentration distinguished by the electronic tongue was 493 μg L^?1, a lower value than the sensory threshold determined. These findings suggest that for the detection of 4‐EC in Merlot, the e‐tongue may be more sensitive than some consumers and the e‐tongue may be a suitable methodology for detection of subthreshold concentrations of chemical compounds in wine.     

Optimisation of culture conditions and development of a novel fed‐batch strategy for high production of β‐galactosidase by Kluyveromyces lactis

The aim of this study was to enhance β‐galactosidase production by Kluyveromyces lactis CICC1773. Firstly, the optimum culture conditions were obtained by response surface methodology, and the maximum β‐galactosidase activity reached 20.6 U mL^?1, about two‐fold increase than that of the initial conditions (initial fermentation medium and conditions). To further improve β‐galactosidase production, a new fed‐batch strategy based on pH feedback control was developed successfully in a 7‐L fermenter, using 400 g L^?1 lactose as feeding medium. As a result, the β‐galactosidase activity and productivity reached up to 111.61 U mL^?1 and 5.31 U/(mL·h), enhanced by 15.3‐fold and 17.6‐fold superior than the results of initial conditions, respectively. To our knowledge, β‐galactosidase activity obtained was the highest value among the results reported by nonrecombinant strains. These results demonstrated that the new fed‐batch strategy based on optimum culture conditions could be automatic control easily and be conductive to further scale up for industrial fermentation.     

In vitro inhibitory effects of cranberry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) extracts on aldose reductase, α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase

The in vitro inhibitory activities of different seed extracts prepared from cranberry bean mutant SA‐05 and its wild‐type variety Hwachia against aldose reductase, α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase were examined. The results indicated that the polyphenolics‐rich extracts obtained using 800 g kg^?1 methanol and 500 g kg^?1 ethanol demonstrated inhibitory activities against aldose reductase (IC₅₀ of 0.36–0.46 mg mL^?1) and α‐glucosidase (IC₅₀ of 1.32–1.94 mg mL^?1). The 500 g kg^?1 ethanol extracts also showed α‐amylase inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ of 70.11–80.22 μg mL^?1). Subsequent extracts, prepared further with NaCl and H₂O from precipitates of 800 g kg^?1 methanol or 500 g kg^?1 ethanol extracts, exhibited potent α‐amylase inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ of 17.68–38.68 μg mL^?1). A combination of 500 g kg^?1 ethanol extraction plus a subsequent H₂O extraction produced highest polyphenolics and α‐amylase inhibitors. The SA‐05 α‐amylase inhibitor extracts showed greater inhibitory activities than that of Hwachia. Thus, cranberry bean mutant SA‐05 is an advantageous choice for producing anti‐hyperglycaemic compounds.     

Preparation of alcalase hydrolysed rice bran protein concentrate and its inhibitory effect on soybean lipoxygenase activity

Rice bran protein concentrate (RBPC) was prepared from defatted rice bran and hydrolysed by alcalase at different hydrolysis times. As the hydrolysis times increased, the degree of hydrolysis (DHs) increased. RBPC hydrolysate obtained at 50 min (RBPCH‐50) had the highest inhibitory efficiency on soybean lipoxygenase (LOX) activity (66%). The inhibition kinetics of the reaction analysed by Lineweaver–Burk plots indicates that RBPCH‐50 is a competitive inhibitor. RBPCH‐50 inhibited soybean LOX with an IC₅₀ of 11.73 μg μL^?1 RBPCH‐50, and the obtained K_I was 4.59 μg μL^?1 RBPCH‐50. LOX inhibitory activity of RBPCH‐50 was significantly higher than that of 50 and 100 ppm butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and 50, 100, and 200 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (P ≤ 0.05); however, LOX inhibitory activity of RBPCH‐50 was similar to that of 200 ppm BHA (P > 0.05). Therefore, RBPCH might potentially be used as a natural LOX inhibitor.     

Effects of overexpression of the alcohol acetyltransferase‐encoding gene ATF1 and disruption of the esterase‐encoding gene IAH1 on the flavour profiles of Chinese yellow rice wine

Alcohol acetyltransferase (AATase), which is mainly encoded by ATF1, is one of the most important enzymes for acetate ester synthesis. On the other hand, isoamyl acetate is degraded into a higher alcohol under the catalysis of IAH1‐encoded esterase. In this study, Chinese Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used as the parent strain to construct an ATF1 overexpression and IAH1 disruption mutant. The results show that after 5 days of pre‐fermentation, the concentrations of ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate and isobutyl acetate in the yellow rice wines fermented with EY1 (pUC‐PIAK) increased to 468.94 mg L^?1 (which is approximately 22‐fold higher than that of the parent cell RY1), 99.86 and 7.69 mg L^?1 respectively. Meanwhile, isoamyl alcohol production was reduced to 56.37 mg L^?1 (which is approximately 50% of that produced by the parent strain RY1). Therefore, ATF1 overexpression and IAH1 disruption can significantly increase acetate esters contents and reduce isoamyl alcohol content in Chinese yellow rice wine, thereby paving the way for breeding an excellent yeast strain for high‐quality Chinese yellow rice wine production.     

Chemical composition,antioxidant activity and anti‐lipase activity of Origanum vulgare and Lippia turbinata essential oils

This study reported the chemical composition, phenolic content, antioxidant and anti‐lipase activity of oregano and Lippia essential oils. The major compounds found in oregano essential oil were γ‐terpinene (32.10%), α‐terpinene (15.10%), p‐cymene (8.00%) and thymol (8.00%). In Lippia essential oil, α‐limonene (76.80%) and 1,8‐cineole (4.95%) represented the major compounds. Oregano essential oil had higher phenolic content (12.47 mg gallic acid mL^?1) and DPPH scavenging activity (IC₅₀ 0.357 μg mL^?1) than Lippia essential oil (7.94 mg gallic acid mL^?1 and IC₅₀ 0.400 μg mL^?1, respectively). Both essential oils had similar antioxidant indexes (about 1.2) determined by Rancimat. Moreover, oregano essential oil had also higher anti‐lipase activity (IC₅₀ 5.09 and 7.26 μg mL^?1). Higher phenolic content in the essential oils was related with higher scavenging and anti‐lipase activities. Oregano and Lippia essential oils could be used as natural antioxidants on food products.     

Partial purification of a polygalacturonase from a new Aspergillus sojae mutant and its application in grape mash maceration

The use of polygalacturonase (PG) preparations in winemaking promotes the release of phenolic compounds. A PG from a new source, Aspergillus sojae mutant, was semi‐purified and tested for grape mash maceration. Crude extract (CE), a commercial pectinase, and two high PG activity semi‐purified preparations, F_I and F_II, were applied for maceration at PG activity of 3.5 U g^?1 of grape for 46 h. Enzyme‐assisted maceration significantly (P < 0.05) increased the total phenolic content from 255.8 to 916.3 ± 5.2, 5732.9 ± 9.9, 563.4 ± 6.7 and 620.6 ± 18.4 mg L^?1 for CE, commercial pectinase, F_I and F_II, respectively. The content of individual phenolics such as gallic, protocatechuic, chlorogenic and p‐coumaric acids was improved. Principal component and hierarchical clustering analyses suggested that CE has a better performance upon the release of phenols. Semi‐purified preparations acted similar to commercial pectinase. These findings open an opportunity for the potential use of PG from the mutant strain as an alternative macerating enzyme.     

Lactulose production from lactose by recombinant cellobiose 2‐epimerase in permeabilised Escherichia coli cells

Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus cellobiose 2‐epimerase (CsCE) catalyses the single substrate lactose into lactulose and is the most efficient enzyme ever found for the enzymatic synthesis of lactulose. Ethanol‐permeabilised Escherichia coli cells containing CsCE were used as biocatalysts for lactulose production. The reaction conditions for maximum lactulose production were optimised to be 600 g L^?1 lactose, pH 7.5, 80 °C and 12.5 U mL^?1 of whole‐cell biocatalyst. After incubated at Na₂HPO₄–NaH₂PO₄ buffer for 2 h, approximately 390.59 g L^?1 lactulose was obtained with a conversion yield of 65.1%. The lowest production and conversion yield of epilactose were also found in Na₂HPO₄–NaH₂PO₄ buffer with a final concentration of 11.7 g L^?1 and a conversion yield <2%. The results represent a promising technology to attain high production and conversion yield of lactulose with a high purity on industrial scale.     

Valorisation of olive mill wastewater by enhancement of natural hydroxytyrosol recovery

Recovery of natural and simple phenolic compounds with high added value was performed successfully from olive mill wastewater. Three types of olive mill wastewater were assayed in bioconversion at 15 and 40 L in mechanically stirred systems for 2 h at 50 °C. Maximum hydroxytyrosol concentrations of about 1.53, 0.83 and 0.46 g L^?1 were obtained in the presence of 5 IU Aspergillus niger β‐glucosidase per milliliter of OMW in North OMW, MSP and MCC, which were 2.70‐, 1.38‐ and 1.77‐fold higher than the controls, respectively. Enzymatic pretreatment was followed by two tangential flow membrane separation steps, microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF), and concentration procedures for the ultrafiltration permeate. The latter exhibited a COD level of 48.44 g L^?1. The UF permeate concentration increased the hydroxytyrosol concentration to 7.2 g L^?1. Hence, this innovative work described an environmently friendly process; pilot‐scale has allowed producing a new and natural product which obeyed the dietary requirements; it contains some minerals beneficial to health and does not contain heavy metals or chemicals. Overall, this chemical‐free large‐scale process proved efficient for recovery of natural hydroxytyrosol.     

Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of wine vinegars produced by two different techniques

BACKGROUND: The presence of phenolics in fruit, red wine and vinegar has positive health effects due to their significant antioxidant activity. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of two different vinegar production methods on antioxidant activity and phenolic level of vinegars derived from Ulugbey Karasi grapes. Traditional surface and industrial submerge methods were used to make vinegar. Samples were taken from fresh red grape juice, maceration, wine, traditional vinegar and industrial vinegar. RESULTS: Total phenolic content of traditional and industrial vinegar samples were 2690 mg L^?1 and 2461 mg L^?1 GAE, respectively. ORAC values of traditional and industrial vinegar samples were 10.50 µmol mL^?1and 8.84 µmol mL^?1 TE, respectively. Antioxidant activity values of traditional and industrial vinegars were 13.50 mmol L^?1 and 10.37 mmol L^?1 TEAC, respectively. Gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, p‐coumaric acid and ferulic acid were detected in grape juice, wine and vinegar samples. The content of catechin in industrial vinegar (27.50 mg L^?1) was significantly higher than that of in traditional vinegar (13.76 mg L^?1) (P < 0.05). Traditional vinegar had higher amounts of chlorogenic and syringic acids than the industrial vinegar (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed that different production methods affected the functional constituents of wine vinegars. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Isolation,characterisation and fermentation optimisation of glucansucrase‐producing Leuconostoc mesenteroides DRP105 from sauerkraut with improved preservation stability

A total of fifty‐six strains of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Chinese sauerkraut juice from Shenyang were screened for glucansucrase production. Among them, strain DRP105 was detected to produce highest yield of glucansucrase in MRS broth, which was identified to be Leuconostoc mesenteroides. Based on Plackett–Burman Experiment, sucrose, sodium acetate and initial pH were found to be the most significant factors for glucansucrase production of L. mesenteroidesDRP105. Afterwards, effects of the three main factors on glucansucrase activity were further investigated by central composite design, and the optimum composition was sucrose 35.74 g L^?1, sodium acetate 6.46 g L^?1 and initial pH 5.90. Optimum results showed that glucansucrase activity was increased to 6.26 ± 0.09 U mL^?1 in 24 h fermentation, 33.19% higher than before. Our study also suggested that Tween 80 and dextran have potential to improve glucansucrase stability at temperature (30 °C) higher than enzyme storage temperature in crude fermented broth.     

Nutritional composition and sensory attributes of Alaskan flatfishes compared to plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)

Proximate composition, fatty acids profiles and other nutritional values were evaluated for fillets of Limanda aspera (yellowfin sole), Lepidopsetta bilineata (southern rock sole) and Lepidopsetta polyxystra (northern rock sole) and compared to North Sea plaice (Pleuronectes platessa). Additional information is given on the composition of fillets from arrowtooth flounder (Atheresthes stomias). Plaice (0.8% lipid) and Alaska soles (1.0–1.2% lipid) can be classified as lean species, resulting in low 0.3–0.5 g ∑EPA+DHA/100 g muscle, although the fatty acid profiles of the extracted lipids were characterised by high amount of n‐3 fatty acids (33.2–47.3%). Arrowtooth flounder belong to the medium‐fat species (4.3%). Taurine was the most prevalent free amino acid; mean values ranging between 221 mg100 g^?1 and 247 mg100 g^?1 wet weight. The selenium content varied between 130 and 310 μg kg^?1 ww. Sensory attributes of Southern and Northern rock sole were comparable to plaice.     

Separation‐preconcentration of Cu,Cd, Pb and Ni in various water and food samples on Sepabeads SP‐207

This study presents a solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure for preconcentration and separation of Cu(II), Cd(II), Pb(II) and Ni(II), as their diethyldithiocarbamate chelates on Sepabeads SP‐207 resin using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The parameters, including pH, sample volume, eluent type and volume etc., were optimised. The influences of the some alkali, alkali earth and transition metal ions on the involvement of copper(II), cadmium(II), lead(II) and nickel(II) were also examined. The preconcentration factor was calculated as 50. The limit of detections of the analyte ions (k = 3, N = 21) were 0.18 μg L^?1 (Cu), 0.17 μg L^?1 (Cd), 0.55 μg L^?1 (Pb) and 1.67 μg L^?1 (Ni). GBW 07605 Tea and NRCC‐DORM‐2 Dogfish Muscle certificated reference materials were used for confirm of method. The method was successfully performed for determination of Cu(II), Cd(II), Pb(II) and Ni(II) ions in water and food samples. The relative standard deviation was found to be lower than 7%.     

Lactic acid production using waste generated from sweet potato processing

Organic waste generated from industrial sweet potato canning is estimated to be 30% of incoming raw material with significant residual carbohydrate content. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of waste generated from sweet potato processing material to support the growth of lactic acid bacteria and the production of lactic acid. The waste was comprised of 16.5% solids consisting of 18.5% ash, 4.4% protein, 20.5% simple sugars and 19% soluble starch. Following a screening of three lactic acid bacteria strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus was deemed the best candidate for lactic acid production. The potential of various dilutions of the enzyme‐hydrolysed waste, with and without pH control, as a fermentation substrate was evaluated. Lactic acid production was highest in hydrolysed waste (without dilution) at pH set point 5.0, yielding 10 g L^?1 in 72 h. Thus, lactic acid, a valuable organic compound, can be generated from sweet potato waste.     

The prevention of fish spoilage by high antioxidant Australian culinary plants: Shewanella putrefaciens growth inhibition

Shewanella putrefaciens is a marine bacterium and a major microbial cause of spoilage in low temperature stored seafood. A survey of fruits and culinary herbs was undertaken on Australian plants with high antioxidant capacities. Twenty‐eight extracts from thirteen plant species were investigated for the ability to inhibit S. putrefaciens growth. Of these, eight extracts (28.6%) substantially inhibited S. putrefaciens growth. The muntries (Kunzea pomifera), lemon aspen (Acronychia acidula) and desert lime (Citrus glauca) extracts were efficient anti‐S. putrefaciens agents, with MIC values ≤3000 μg mL^?1. Of these, the muntries methanolic extract was the most potent growth inhibitor (MIC = 2240 μg mL^?1). The aqueous desert lime extract was also an effective growth inhibitor (MIC of 3857 μg mL^?1), whilst the methanolic bush tomato (Solanum aviculare), aqueous muntries and Davidson's plum (Davidsonia pruriens) extracts displayed moderate S. putrefaciens growth inhibition. All extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay, with LC50 values (>1000 μg mL^?1). Nontargeted HPLC‐QTOF mass spectroscopy (with screening against three compound databases) putatively identified twenty compounds that were present in both inhibitory muntries extracts. The low toxicity of these extracts and their inhibitory bioactivity against S. putrefaciens indicates their potential as natural fish and seafood preservatives.