Insights into recent innovations in barrier resistance of edible films for food packaging applications.

The utilization of biopolymer-based food packaging holds significant promise in aligning with sustainability goals and enhancing food safety by offering a renewable, biodegradable, and safer alternative to traditional synthetic polymers. However, these biopolymer-derived films often exhibit poor barrier and mechanical properties, potentially limiting their commercial viability. Desirable barrier properties, such as moisture and oxygen resistance, are critical for preserving and maintaining the quality of packaged food products. This review comprehensively explores different traditional and advance methodologies employed to access the barrier properties of edible films. Additionally, this review thoroughly examines various approaches aimed at enhancing the barrier properties of edible films, such as the fabrication of multilayer films, the selection of biopolymers for composite films, as well as the integration of plasticizers, crosslinkers, hydrophobic agents, and nanocomposites. Moreover, the influence of process conditions, such as preparation techniques, homogenization, drying conditions, and rheological behavior, on the barrier properties of edible films has been discussed. The review provides valuable insights and knowledge for researchers and industry professionals to advance the use of biopolymer-based packaging materials and contribute to a more sustainable and food-safe future.

Antidiabetic Property Optimization from Green Leafy Vegetables Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction to Improve Cracker Production.

Here we test a method of incorporating of plant extracts into popular snack foods to help control diabetes. Since some fresh vegetables contain antidiabetic compounds, ultrasound-assisted extraction was used to optimize their extraction of from spring onions, bunching onions, and celery for later incorporation into crackers. We compared various concentrations of ethanol used during extraction, after which they were exposed to an ultrasound processor whose amplitude and sonication time were also varied. The optimal extraction conditions were found to be an ethanol concentration of 44.08%, an amplitude of 80%, and a sonication time of 30 min. This resulted in the highest level of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (i.e., 1,449.73 mmol ACE/g) and the highest extraction yield (i.e., 24.16%). The extract produced from these optimum conditions was then used as a constituent component of crackers at 0.625%, 1.25%, or 2.5% w/w. These biscuits were then produced at baking temperatures of 140°C, 150°C, or 160°C. We then measured the physical characteristics and bioactivities of sample biscuits from each treatment. We found that biscuits containing 2.5% vegetable combination extract and baked at 140°C had the highest total phenolic content, the strongest antioxidant performance, and showed the most substantial antidiabetic and antiobesity effects. Here we establish conditions for the effective extraction of antidiabetic functional ingredients via ultrasound from green leafy vegetables. We also provide a method of using these ingredients to prepare crackers with the aim of developing a functional antidiabetic snack food.

Influence of solvent-free extraction of fish oil from catfish (Clarias magur) heads using a Taguchi orthogonal array design: A qualitative and quantitative approach.

This study aimed to efficiently utilize catfish heads, enhancing the oil extraction process while improving the cost-effectiveness of fish byproduct management. The study employed the wet rendering method, a solvent-free approach, utilizing a two-factor Taguchi orthogonal array design to identify critical parameters for optimizing oil yield and ensuring high-quality oil attributes. The extraction temperature (80-120°C) and time (5-25 min) were chosen as variables in the wet rendering process. Range analysis identified the extraction time as a more significant (p < 0.05) factor for most parameters, including oil yield, oil recovery, acid value, free fatty acids, peroxide value, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. The extraction temperature was more significant (p < 0.05) for oil color. Consequently, the wet rendering method was optimized, resulting in an extraction temperature of 80°C and an extraction time of 25 min, yielding the highest oil yield. This optimized wet rendering process recovered 6.37 g/100 g of oil with an impressive 54.16% oil recovery rate, demonstrating comparable performance to traditional solvent extraction methods. Moreover, Fourier transfer infrared spectra analysis revealed distinct peaks associated with triacylglycerols and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The oil recovered under optimized conditions contained higher levels of PUFA, including oleic acid (189.92 µg/g of oil), linoleic acid (169.92 µg/g of oil), eicosapentaenoic acid (17.41 µg/g of oil), and docosahexaenoic acid (20.82 µg/g of oil). Volatile compound analysis revealed lower levels of secondary oxidation compounds under optimized conditions. This optimized wet rendering method offers practical advantages in terms of cost-efficiency, sustainability, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced oil quality, making it an attractive option for the fish processing industries. Future research possibilities may include the purification of the catfish head oil and its application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Bioconservation of iron and enhancement of antioxidant and antibacterial properties of chicken gizzard protein hydrolysate fermented by Pediococcus acidilactici ATTC 8042.

BACKGROUND: The poultry industry is one of the fastest growing sectors, and it generates considerable quantities of chicken gizzards (CG) every day. However, due to their hard texture and high microbial load, and due to cultural beliefs, they are not preferred by consumers. Chicken gizzards are a substantial source of proteins, iron, and other nutrients, which can be used effectively to produce nutraceuticals, rich in peptides (antioxidants and antibacterial), bio-iron, essential free amino acids, and fatty acids vital for human health. RESULTS: Lactic acid fermentation of CG by Pediococcus acidilactici ATTC 8042 increased the antioxidant activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiaziline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) by up to 26 times compared with unfermented CG (P < 0.05). The amount of hydrolysis and solvents (ethanol and water) used for extracting protein hydrolysates significantly affected the antioxidant properties. Moreover, fermented CG showed a negligible reduction in bio-iron (2-3%) compared with heat-processed CG (85 °C for 15 min), in which bio-iron was reduced by up to 20.3% (P < 0.05). The presence of unsaturated fatty acids such as C20:4 and C22:4 n-6 indicated a low level of lipid oxidation. CONCLUSION: Fermented CG, with its reasonably high antioxidant and antibacterial activity, together with a substantial amount of bio-iron and other nutritional components can serve as a functional food or feed additive to reduce oxidative stress and to treat iron deficiency. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antimicrobial resistance: more than 70 years of war between humans and bacteria.

Development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is one of the major issues in the present world and one of the greatest threats faced by mankind. Resistance is spread through both vertical gene transfer (parent to offspring) as well as by horizontal gene transfer like transformation, transduction and conjugation. The main mechanisms of resistance are limiting uptake of a drug, modification of a drug target, inactivation of a drug, and active efflux of a drug. The highest quantities of antibiotic concentrations are usually found in areas with strong anthropogenic pressures, for example medical source (e.g., hospitals) effluents, pharmaceutical industries, wastewater influents, soils treated with manure, animal husbandry and aquaculture (where antibiotics are generally used as in-feed preparations). Hence, the strong selective pressure applied by antimicrobial use has forced microorganisms to evolve for survival. The guts of animals and humans, wastewater treatment plants, hospital and community effluents, animal husbandry and aquaculture runoffs have been designated as "hotspots for AMR genes" because the high density of bacteria, phages, and plasmids in these settings allows significant genetic exchange and recombination. Evidence from the literature suggests that the knowledge of antibiotic resistance in the population is still scarce. Tackling antimicrobial resistance requires a wide range of strategies, for example, more research in antibiotic production, the need of educating patients and the general public, as well as developing alternatives to antibiotics (briefly discussed in the conclusions of this article).

Purification, physicochemical properties, and statistical optimization of fibrinolytic enzymes especially from fermented foods: A comprehensive review.

Fibrinolytic enzymes are proteases responsible for cleavage of fibrin mesh in thrombus clots, which are the primary causative agents in cardiovascular diseases. Developing safe, effective and cheap thrombolytic agents are important for prevention and cure of thrombosis. Although a wide variety of sources have been discovered for fibrinolytic enzymes, only few of them have been employed in clinical and therapeutic applications due to the drawbacks such as high cost of production, low stability of enzyme or therapeutic side effects. However, the discovery of new fibrinolytic enzymes requires complex purification stages and characterization, which gives an insight into their diverse modes of action. Post-discovery, approaches such as a) statistical optimization for fermentative bioprocessing and b) genetic engineering are advantageous in providing economic viability by finding simple and cost-effective medium, strain development with sufficient nutrient supplements for stable and high-level production of recombinant enzyme. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of different sources, purification techniques, production through genetic engineering approaches and statistical optimization of fermentation parameters as proteases have a wide variety of industrial and biotechnological applications making 60% of total enzyme market worldwide. New strategies targeting increased enzyme yields, non-denaturing environments, improved stability, enzyme activity and strain improvement have been discussed.

Improved Beta Cell Glucose Sensitivity Plays Predominant Role in the Decrease in HbA1c with Cana and Lira in T2DM.

AIM: To examine the effect of combination therapy with canagliflozin plus liraglutide versus each agent alone on beta cell function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 45 poorly controlled (HbA1c = 7%-11%) T2DM patients received an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and after 16 weeks of treatment with: (i) liraglutide (LIRA); (ii) canagliflozin (CANA); (iii) liraglutide plus canagliflozin (CANA/LIRA). RESULTS: Both liraglutide and canagliflozin significantly lowered HbA1c with no significant additive effect of the combination on HbA1c (0.89%, 1.43%, and 1.67% respectively). Insulin secretion during the OGTT, measured with (∆C-Pep/∆G)0-120, increased in the 3 groups (from 0.30 ± 0.06 to 0.48 ± 0.10; 0.29 ± 0.05 to 0.98 ± 0.23; and 0.24 ± 0.06 to 1.09 ± 0.12 in subjects receiving CANA, LIRA and CANA/LIRA respectively; P = 0.02 for CANA vs LIRA, P < 0.0001, CANA/LIRA vs CANA), and the increase in insulin secretion was associated with an increase in beta cell glucose sensitivity (29 ± 5 to 55 ± 11; 33 ± 6 to 101 ± 16; and 28 ± 6 to 112 ± 12, respectively; P = 0.01 for CANA vs LIRA, P < 0.0001, CANA/LIRA vs CANA). No significant difference in the increase in insulin secretion or beta cell glucose sensitivity was observed between subjects in LIRA or CANA/LIRA groups. The decrease in HbA1c strongly and inversely correlated with the increase in beta cell glucose sensitivity (r = 0.71, P < 0.001). In multivariate regression model, improved beta cell glucose sensitivity was the strongest predictor of HbA1c decrease with each therapy. CONCLUSION: Improved beta cell glucose sensitivity with canagliflozin monotherapy and liraglutide monotherapy or in combination is major factor responsible for the HbA1c decrease. Canagliflozin failed to produce an additive effect to improve beta cell glucose sensitivity above that observed with liraglutide.

Combination Therapy With Canagliflozin Plus Liraglutide Exerts Additive Effect on Weight Loss, but Not on HbA1c, in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of combination therapy with canagliflozin plus liraglutide on HbA1c, endogenous glucose production (EGP), and body weight versus each therapy alone. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Forty-five patients with poorly controlled (HbA1c 7-11%) type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on metformin with or without sulfonylurea received a 9-h measurement of EGP with [3-3H]glucose infusion, after which they were randomized to receive 1) liraglutide 1.2 mg/day (LIRA), 2) canagliflozin 100 mg/day (CANA), or 3) liraglutide 1.2 mg plus canagliflozin 100 mg (CANA/LIRA) for 16 weeks. At 16 weeks, the EGP measurement was repeated. RESULTS: The mean decrease from baseline to 16 weeks in HbA1c was -1.67 ± 0.29% (P = 0.0001), -0.89 ± 0.24% (P = 0.002), and -1.44 ± 0.39% (P = 0.004) in patients receiving CANA/LIRA, CANA, and LIRA, respectively. The decrease in body weight was -6.0 ± 0.8 kg (P < 0.0001), -3.5 ± 0.5 kg (P < 0.0001), and -1.9 ± 0.8 kg (P = 0.03), respectively. CANA monotherapy caused a 9% increase in basal rate of EGP (P < 0.05), which was accompanied by a 50% increase (P < 0.05) in plasma glucagon-to-insulin ratio. LIRA monotherapy reduced plasma glucagon concentration and inhibited EGP. In CANA/LIRA-treated patients, EGP increased by 15% (P < 0.05), even though the plasma insulin response was maintained at baseline and the CANA-induced rise in plasma glucagon concentration was blocked. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that liraglutide failed to block the increase in EGP caused by canagliflozin despite blocking the rise in plasma glucagon and preventing the decrease in plasma insulin concentration caused by canagliflozin. The failure of liraglutide to prevent the increase in EGP caused by canagliflozin explains the lack of additive effect of these two agents on HbA1c.

Evidence Against an Important Role of Plasma Insulin and Glucagon Concentrations in the Increase in EGP Caused by SGLT2 Inhibitors.

Sodium-glucose cotransport 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) lower plasma glucose but stimulate endogenous glucose production (EGP). The current study examined the effect of dapagliflozin on EGP while clamping plasma glucose, insulin, and glucagon concentrations at their fasting level. Thirty-eight patients with type 2 diabetes received an 8-h measurement of EGP ([3-3H]-glucose) on three occasions. After a 3-h tracer equilibration, subjects received 1) dapagliflozin 10 mg (n = 26) or placebo (n = 12); 2) repeat EGP measurement with the plasma glucose concentration clamped at the fasting level; and 3) repeat EGP measurement with inhibition of insulin and glucagon secretion with somatostatin infusion and replacement of basal plasma insulin and glucagon concentrations. In study 1, the change in EGP (baseline to last hour of EGP measurement) in subjects receiving dapagliflozin was 22% greater (+0.66 ± 0.11 mg/kg/min, P < 0.05) than in subjects receiving placebo, and it was associated with a significant increase in plasma glucagon and a decrease in the plasma insulin concentration compared with placebo. Under glucose clamp conditions (study 2), the change in plasma insulin and glucagon concentrations was comparable in subjects receiving dapagliflozin and placebo, yet the difference in EGP between dapagliflozin and placebo persisted (+0.71 ± 0.13 mg/kg/min, P < 0.01). Under pancreatic clamp conditions (study 3), dapagliflozin produced an initial large decrease in EGP (8% below placebo), followed by a progressive increase in EGP that was 10.6% greater than placebo during the last hour. Collectively, these results indicate that 1) the changes in plasma insulin and glucagon concentration after SGLT2i administration are secondary to the decrease in plasma glucose concentration, and 2) the dapagliflozin-induced increase in EGP cannot be explained by the increase in plasma glucagon or decrease in plasma insulin or glucose concentrations.