Whey protein isolate/jujube polysaccharide-based edible nanocomposite films reinforced with starch nanocrystals for the shelf-life extension of banana: Optimization and characterization.

The formulation of new bionanocomposite (BNC) films using whey protein isolates (WPI, 3.3-11.7 %)-jujube polysaccharide (JPS, 1.59-18.41 %)/starch nanocrystals (SNCs, 0.32-3.68 %) blends was optimized. The ultrasound-assisted acid hydrolysis produced ~63.1 nm SNCs from native starch with -24.3 mV ζ-potential. The extracted JPS purification led to a single symmetrical peak for galactoarabinan-rich fraction (1.35 × 105 Da). The optimal levels of barrier (oxygen (11.85 cm3 m-2 d-1 atm-1) and water vapor (3.22 × 10-10 g m-1 s-1 Pa-1) permeability rate), optical (opacity index (2.7 AU µm-1), total color difference (18.69), and whiteness index (77.40)), and thermal (glass transition temperature (-8.29 °C) and melting point (110.38 °C)) properties were obtained at 5.0 % WPI, 15.0 % JPS, and 3.0 % SNCs. The film-forming solution of optimal BNCs had a significant antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The improved crystallinity of BNCs at an optimal SNC level was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD). The field emission-scanning electron (FE-SEM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopy images confirmed a continuous and uniform network for the optimal BNCs without any pores or cracks accompanied by low surface roughness. The FTIR spectroscopy proved covalent interaction and hydrogen bonding among chemical functional groups of WPI and JPS reinforced with SNCs. The optimal BNC could preserve banana fruits with favorable physicochemical and microbial quality during storage.

Strategies for lowering the added sugar in yogurts.

The rising awareness about the adverse health effects of high sugar consumption has led to regulatory amendments for triggering sugar reduction in food products. Sugar reduction in yogurt is a challenging endeavor due to the changes in taste, flavor, texture, maintenance of food functionality, shelf-life, cost and consumer acceptability. A review of the scientific literature, patents, and web articles revealed several approaches being explored by the dairy industry to reduce the sugar addition. A careful assessment of these strategies and their critical analysis is presented in this review. The strategies for sugar reduction involve multifaceted approaches including the use of alternative low-calorie sweeteners, honey, fruit preparations, novel cultures, lactase addition, inulin fiber addition, and flavor interventions. Much of the work so far has focused on development of low-calorie alternative sweeteners, and novel sweeteners-based solutions are evolving. The use of food structuring approaches remains to be explored for sugar reduction in yogurt.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.): a potential unique therapeutic food rich in organosulfur and flavonoid compounds to fight with COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the current major health crisis in the world. A successful strategy to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is the improvement of nutritional pattern. Garlic is one of the most efficient natural antibiotics against the wide spectrum of viruses and bacteria. Organosulfur (e.g., allicin and alliin) and flavonoid (e.g., quercetin) compounds are responsible for immunomodulatory effects of this healthy spice. The viral replication process is accelerated with the main structural protease of SARS-CoV-2. The formation of hydrogen bonds between this serine-type protease and garlic bioactives in the active site regions inhibits the COVID-19 outbreak. The daily dietary intake of garlic and its derived-products as an adjuvant therapy may improve side effects and toxicity of the main therapeutic drugs with reducing the used dose.

Non-Thermal Ultrasonic Extraction of Polyphenolic Compounds from Red Wine Lees.

This study presents the results of conventional aqueous (CE) and non-conventional ultrasound-assisted (UAE) extractions of polyphenolic compounds from lees extracts of red wine varieties (Merlot and Vranac). The effect of ultrasound extraction time (t, s), and amplitude (A,%) from a 400 W ultrasound processor with different ultrasonic probes diameters (Ds, mm) on the amount and profile of polyphenolic compounds in the obtained extracts was investigated and compared to CE. The optimal conditions resulting in maximum extraction of phenolic compounds were: Probe diameter of 22 mm, amplitude 90% and extraction time for Vranac wine lees 1500 s and for Merlot wine lees extraction time of 1361 s. UAE proved to be significantly more effective in enhancing the extraction capacity of trans-resveratrol glucoside (30.57% to 300%), trans-resveratrol (36.36% to 45.75%), quercetin (39.94% to 43.83%), kaempferol (65.13% to 72.73%), petunidin-3-glucoside (41.53% to 64.95%), malvidin-3-glucoside (47.63% to 89.17%), malvidin-3-(6-O-acetyl) glucoside (23.84% to 49.74%), and malvidin-3-(6-O-p-coumaroyl) glucoside (26.77% to 34.93%) as compared to CE. Ultrasound reduced the extraction time (2.5-fold) and showed an increase of antioxidant potential by 76.39% (DPPH) and 125.83% (FRAP) compared to CE.

Effect of Breed and Diet Type on the Freshness and Quality of the Eggs: A Comparison between Mos (Indigenous Galician Breed) and Isa Brown Hens.

Eggs are a nutritious food, offering a balanced source of essential amino and fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. Genetic and diet factors can modify hen egg traits. Thus, the effects of breed and feed on egg quality using two laying hens, Mos (autochthonous breed) and Isa Brown (commercial hybrid), and three feeds, commercial fodder (CF), corn/pea/triticale (CPT) and corn/wheat (CW), were investigated. Freshness parameters (egg weight, eggshell weight and thickness, albumen height, Haugh units and yolk color), chemical composition, color and textural parameters, as well as fatty acid profile, were assessed on a total of 288 eggs, from the two breeds. The samples were divided in 96 eggs, corresponding to each of the three dietary treatments. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) in albumen height and Haugh units, obtaining the highest values for Isa Brown genotype; meanwhile, laying hens fed with CF had the highest weight, as well as the greatest eggshell thickness. Cooked yolks of Isa Brown eggs presented the highest values of luminosity, while the yellowness was higher for Mos eggs. Regarding the texture of eggs, genotype was again the parameter having the greatest impact, obtaining higher values in hardness, gumminess and chewiness in those eggs from the Mos breed. Concerning egg chemical composition, it was affected by breed and diet type, but Mos eggs were characterized by a significantly (p < 0.001) higher contents of fat (9.53% vs. 7.58%), protein (12.31% vs. 11.66%) and ash (1.10% vs. 1.04%) than Isa Brown ones. Finally, diet type influenced the fatty acid profile, mainly affecting oleic and linoleic acids, which showed significantly (p < 0.05) highest values (42.90 and 14.66 g/100 g of total fatty acids) in CW and CF diets, respectively. Overall, breed and bird diet factors had a strong effect on egg quality and nutritional profile. Moreover, eggs from Mos hens had more attractive nutritional indices, and they could even be improved more by changing the diet.