Bioaccessibility of iron in developed pectin iron complex using Citrus limon Burm F. peels subjected to in-vitro gastro-pancreatic digestion.

Pectin from the citrus peel waste has novel applications in food and biomedical industries. The present work focused on addressing iron deficiency, which is a global health concern, by developing a functional ingredient using pectin extracted from Assam lemon (Citrus limon Burm. F) and supplementing iron via the pectin­iron complex (PIC). Extracted pectin was incubated with iron chloride hexahydrate (0.90-1.80 mM) for 180 h to optimize the complexation conditions, with the optimal concentration being 1.36 mM. The iron bioavailability and its absorption in the PIC was assessed using in-vitro simulation digestion and Caco-2 cell monolayers. The bioaccessible form of iron in the developed PIC during the intestinal phase was 5.34 ± 0.16%, which was negligible in pectin. The absorption of bioaccessible iron in the PIC was found to be 2.93 ± 0.03%. The results demonstrated that PIC could reduce iron deficiency and increase fibre intake, leading to several health benefits.

3D food printing: paving way towards novel foods.

3D food printing, a part of additive manufacturing technique is used to modify the process of the food manufacturing in terms of color, shape, flavor, texture and nutrition. It liberates the user to identify and modify their meal according to one's desire, matching to the very minute details. Currently, it is used in decorating and fabricating, food products such as chocolate, cookies and cakes. The process of printing foods depends on several factors such as the physical state of food (whether powder, liquid or semi-solid), size and shape of the syringes to be used and the composition of the ingredients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Apart from the use of 3D food printing for fabrication, it can also play an important role in solving malnutrition by enhancing the nutritional profile of the meal. The objective of this review is to highlight the different methods used in 3D food printing, 3D food printers, benefits of 3D food printing and challenges faced while food printing. Moreover, the paper discusses the applications of 3D food printing and its scope in the near future.

Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. and Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. Flowers: New Sources of Bioactive Compounds.

Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (AH) and Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. (AL) are two endemic plants that grow on the Asian continent. To date, their applications have been aimed at using their fruit as a food source or for some of their therapeutic virtues. In this study, attention was given to the flowers of AH and AL. Initially, the cytotoxicity of the phytoextracts was assessed, and the content of minerals, phenols, and flavonoids was determined. Furthermore, some antioxidant components were identified by HPLC. Furthermore, the ability of AH and AL extracts to modulate the gene expression of some targets involved in the antioxidant response was studied. The results obtained highlighted the nutritional and antioxidant value of the AH and AL flower extracts. This study will contribute to enhancing the use of AH and AL flowers as potential supplements in human nutrition.

Mushroom Cultivation, Processing and Value-added Products: A Patent Based Review.

BACKGROUND: Edible mushrooms are an abundant source of carbohydrates, proteins, and multiple antioxidants and phytonutrients. This paper presents a general overview on the edible fungus describing the inventions made in the field of its cultivation, equipment and value-added products. OBJECTIVE: To understand and review the innovations and nutraceutical benefits of mushrooms as well as to develop interest regarding the edible mushrooms. METHODS: Information provided in this review is based on the available research investigations and patents. RESULT: Mushrooms are an edible source of a wide variety of antioxidants and phytonutrients with a number of nutraceutical properties including anti-tumor and anti-carcinogenic. Thus, several investigations are made for cultivation and improvement of the yield of mushrooms through improvisation of growth substrates and equipment used for mushroom processing. The mushroom has been processed into various products to increase its consumption, providing the health and nutritional benefit to mankind. CONCLUSION: This paper summarizes the cultivation practices of mushroom, its processing equipment, methods of preservation, value-added based products, and its nutraceutical properties. The review also highlights the various scientific feats achieved in terms of patents and research publications promoting mushroom as a wholesome food.

Comparative analysis of tooth discoloration induced by conventional and modified triple antibiotic pastes used in regenerative endodontics.

BACKGROUND: Success of the regenerative endodontic treatment depends upon the disinfection of the root canal system. Because almost no instrumentation is carried out, the disinfection protocol relies only on the medicaments used. The most commonly used medicament is triple antibiotic paste (TAP) composed of metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline. The major drawback associated with the minocycline is tooth discoloration. Several antibiotics have been suggested as an alternative to minocycline. However, the tooth discoloration potential of these alternative formulations has not been documented. AIM: The present study is designed to evaluate the crown discoloration produced by different modifications of TAP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Freshly extracted human anterior teeth (n = 40) were sectioned 3 mm above and 5 mm below the cementoenamel junction. After access cavity preparation and canal enlargement, specimens were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 for each group), and each group received the following antibiotic paste fillings: TAP with minocycline, TAP with amoxyclav, and TAP with clindamycin. Samples in control group were left empty. Images were taken with DSLR on day 0, 1, and at weeks 1, 2, and 3 at a fixed resolution. The analysis of slices was performed using the ImageJ software and mean values of pixel intensity were calculated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. RESULTS: TAP with minocycline and amoxyclav induced more coronal discoloration compared with the clindamycin group (P <.001). CONCLUSION: Modified TAP with clindamycin did not induce clinically visible discoloration up to 3 weeks after placement.