Emulsification and stabilisation technologies used for the inclusion of lipophilic functional ingredients in food systems.

Food industry is increasingly using functional ingredients to improve the food product quality. Lipid-containing functional ingredients are important sources of nutrients. This review examines the current state of emulsification and stabilisation technologies for incorporating lipophilic functional ingredients into food systems. Lipophilic functional ingredients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, and fat-soluble vitamins, offer numerous health benefits but present challenges due to their limited solubility in water-based food matrices. Emulsification techniques enable the dispersion of these ingredients in aqueous environments, facilitating their inclusion in a variety of food products. This review highlights recent advances in food emulsion formulation, emulsification methods and stabilisation techniques which, together, improve the stability and bioavailability of lipophilic compounds. The role of various emulsifiers, stabilizers, and encapsulation materials in enhancing the functionality of these ingredients is also explored. Furthermore, the review discusses different stabilisation techniques which can yield in emulsion in a solid or liquid state. By providing a comprehensive overview of current technologies, this review aims to guide future research and application in the development of functional foods enriched with lipophilic ingredients.

Is There a Convergence between the Food Classification Adopted by Food-Based Dietary Guidelines and Food Science and Technology?

The World Health Organization (WHO) proposed the dietary guidelines presented as the Food-based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG). The FBDG classify foods according to their origin, nature, nutrient source, food group, and processing level. Food science and technology (FST) ranks food according to its origin, perishability, nutrient source, processing, food group, and formulation. This paper aimed to compare the convergence points for food classification according to the FBDG and FST. This study was carried out in two phases. The first step was identifying the Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG). For each of the FBDG, food items were grouped as fruits, vegetables, cereals, sugars, fat and oils, legumes, foods from animals, dairy products, and others. The second step aimed to identify and describe the different food classification systems. The search was performed on PubMed®, Science Direct, and Web of Science and websites of international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Codex Alimentarius. Our results show that the points of convergence between the classifications were the classification in terms of origin (animal and vegetable), nutrient sources, and food groups. However, inconsistencies were observed for the distribution of food items in each group in the 98 surveyed FBDG. As for nature, there was a convergence for in natura, minimally processed, and processed foods. However, the criteria adopted for minimally processed and processed foods described in the FBDG differ from those considered by the FST. FST also does not recognize the classification of foods concerning the level of processing.

Impact of different roasting conditions on the chemical composition, antioxidant activities, and color of Coffea canephora and Coffea arabica L. samples.

This work aimed to evaluate the physicochemical changes during the roasting process of Robusta and Arabica coffee. The highest content of total phenolics was detected in roasted coffee at temperatures of 135 °C/20.20 min, 210 °C/9.02 min, 210 °C/11.01 min, and 220 °C/13.47 min for both species. Robusta coffee showed greater antioxidant activity compared to Arabica coffee, except for the profiles at 230 °C/17.43 min and 275 °C/7.46 min that did not differ between samples by the DPPH and FRAP methods. For Arabica coffee, the antioxidant activity was independent of the roasting profile used. Robusta coffee presented higher values of the indexes b* (intensity of yellow vs blue), c* (chroma) and hue, being characterized as lighter and with greater chroma and hue. The highest levels of caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) were observed in Robusta coffee. Arabica coffee had lower trigonelline values. Caffeic acid and hydroxymethylfurfural were identified only in Robusta coffee. However, the results provided solid knowledge for the design of general properties and chemical compounds generated from binomials of roasting time and temperature that are little used in the world market.

Viability of Probiotic Microorganisms and the Effect of Their Addition to Fruit and Vegetable Juices.

Consumers' recent interest in healthier diets has increased the demand for food products with functional properties, such as probiotics. However, most probiotic food types available on the market are of dairy origin, which limits their consumption by individuals with food intolerances and by those who adhere to strict vegan and vegetarian diets. The aim of the current review is to assess both the limitations and impacts of the addition of probiotic microorganisms to fruit, vegetable, and/or mixed juices. Thus, an integrative literature review was herein carried out. A bibliographic survey was carried out in the following databases: Lilacs, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Scielo. In addition, searches for studies published in English from 2010 to 2021 were carried out, based on the following meshes: "fruit", ''vegetable", ''juice", and "probiotics", which were used both in combination with each other and with Boolean operators such as "AND" and "OR". Although 254 articles were initially found in the literature search, only 21 of them were selected to compose the final sample. The included studies mainly addressed microorganism viability and physicochemical analyses. Overall, fruit and/or vegetable juices can be suitable matrices used to help the development of probiotic food types. However, the microorganisms added to these products must be capable of adapting to and surviving in them to enable a product's success. Therefore, factors such as pH, fiber content, amino acids, and phenolic compounds play an essential role in the survival of probiotic microorganisms. Given the wide variety of analyses, a comparison between parameters was the major limitation of the present study. Future studies should focus on filling the gaps persisting in the development of probiotic fruit and/or vegetable juices as well as mixed juices.

Nano-Nutraceuticals for Health: Principles and Applications.

The use of nanotechnological products is increasing steadily. In this scenario, the application of nanotechnology in food science and as a technological platform is a reality. Among the several applications, the main use of this technology is for the development of foods and nutraceuticals with higher bioavailability, lower toxicity, and better sustainability. In the health field, nano-nutraceuticals are being used as supplementary products to treat an increasing number of diseases. This review summarizes the main concepts and applications of nano-nutraceuticals for health, with special focus on treating cancer and inflammation. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43450-022-00338-7.

The Role of By-Products of Fruit and Vegetable Processing for the Dietary Treatment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Narrative Review.

Polyphenols-rich food has been utilized to induce a positive effect on human health. Considering that fruit and vegetable by-products (seeds, pomace, and peels) are sources of polyphenols, previous studies have investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with food by-products on cardiometabolic disorders, such as high fasting blood glucose, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Endothelial dysfunction has also been considered a cardiometabolic parameter, given that it precedes cardiovascular disease. However, there is a scarcity of narrative reviews reporting the effect of food by-product supplementation on cardiometabolic disorders in animal and human clinical trials. In this sense, the present narrative review aims to investigate the impact of fruit and vegetable by-product supplementation on cardiometabolic disorders in humans and animals, exploring the possible mechanisms whenever possible. Research articles were retrieved based on a search of the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar using the following keywords and synonyms combined: ("fruit by-products" or "food waste" or "pomace" or "bagasse" or "seeds" or "waste products") AND ("heart disease risk factors" or "endothelial dysfunction" or "atherosclerosis"). It was shown that fruit and vegetable by-products could efficiently improve cardiometabolic disorders in patients with chronic diseases, including hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. Such effects can be induced by the polyphenols present in food by-products. In conclusion, food by-product supplementation has a positive effect on cardiometabolic disorders. However, further studies investigating the effect of food by-products on cardiometabolic disorders in humans are still necessary so that solid conclusions can be drawn.

Essential Oil-Based Nanoparticles as Antimicrobial Agents in the Food Industry.

The use of essential oils (EO) loaded with nanoparticles is the most promising alternative to increase food quality and safety. Interesting works describe the antimicrobial properties of EO for pathogen control in natural and processed foods for human health and animal production, also contributing to sustainability. Their association with different nanosystems allows novel developments in the micronutrition, health promotion, and pathogen control fields, preventing the aggravation of bacterial microevolution and combating antibiotic resistance. Benefits to the environment are also provided, as they are biodegradable and biocompatible. However, such compounds have some physicochemical properties that prevent commercial use. This review focuses on recent developments in antimicrobial EO-based nanoparticles and their application in different food matrices.

Jabuticaba juice improves postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 and antioxidant status in healthy adults: a randomized crossover trial.

Jabuticaba is a Brazilian berry rich in polyphenols, which may exert beneficial effects on metabolic diseases. This randomized crossover study aimed to determine the effects of jabuticaba juice (250 ml in a portion) on postprandial response. Sixteen healthy subjects (11 women; 5 men; 28.4 ± 3.8 years old; body mass index (BMI) 21.7 ± 2.3 kg m-2) consumed two test products after fasting overnight in a randomized controlled crossover design. Each test product portion had a similar composition of sugar components: 250 mL water with glucose, fructose, colored with artificial non-caloric food colorings (placebo); and 250 mL of jabuticaba juice. Beverages were administered immediately before a carbohydrate meal. Blood samples were collected at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after each test product to analyze the concentrations of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, antioxidant capacity, plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and appetite sensations. Compared to the placebo, the intake of jabuticaba juice resulted in a higher GLP-1 response as the area under the curve (AUC) and peaking at 60 min. Jabuticaba juice also resulted in higher antioxidant capacity. Postprandial glucose, insulin, C-peptide levels, and appetite sensations were not significantly different between tests. In conclusion, 250 mL of jabuticaba juice before a carbohydrate meal was able to improve the antioxidant status and GLP-1 concentrations in healthy subjects.

Knowledge Landscape of Starter Cultures: A Bibliometric and Patentometric Study.

BACKGROUND: Starter cultures are essential in food industry biotechnology, consisting of microorganism preparations inoculated to produce safe fermented foods with desirable sensory characteristics. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify and analyze the growth and flow of knowledge regarding starter cultures by creating scientific and technological profiles using patentometric and bibliometric indicators. METHODS: A search for patents and scientific articles was conducted in December 2020 following a proposed 10-step methodology using the Scopus® and Patentinspiration databases. The search strategy was based on the keywords "starter culture" and "fermentation" considering publications up to 2020. RESULTS: A total of 3035 articles and 719 patents were published until 2020, presenting a more significant number in the last ten (10) years due to the development of biological sciences and molecular biology involving enzymes and microorganisms. Italy leads the scientific production while China leads the technological. It was also possible to determine the most productive author and inventors, the most influential articles and inventions, and the main scientific journals and patent offices. CONCLUSION: Scientific and technological activities have an exponential behavior showing that the knowledge about starter cultures continues to grow, becoming a field of interest for optimizing industrial processes related to food fermentation, thus achieving diversification of products that can satisfy the demand for food in an increasingly competitive global market.

The effects of moisture content, fiber length and compaction time on African oil palm empty fruit bunches briquette quality parameters.

In this paper a study on the process of densification of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) is presented. An empirical-statistical model that allows the evaluation of densification process is obtained through an experimental factorial design. The main purpose of the experimental arrangement is to find the appropriate reference values for the experimental factors - moisture content, fiber length and compaction time-with which optimal performance responses of briquettes are achieved. Statistical models are obtained that explain in an acceptable way the influence of independent experimental factors on the mechanical properties of briquettes, such as briquettes density, durability index and compressive strength. It is possible to conclude that briquettes manufactured with the appropriate reference values, moisture content of 8% w.b., fiber length of 73.6 mm and a compaction time of 26.6 s respectively, meet mechanical and thermal requirements that are required in the most representative standards for biomass briquettes for energy purposes. Results obtained in the current investigation can be used as reference for the design of an industrial pilot plant destined to the densification of EFB of African oil palm.

Comparison of powdered and fresh jambu (Acmella oleracea).

Jambu, Acmella oleracea (L.), is a low-growing herb plant, with cylindrical, fleshy, decumbent and branched stem varying from 20 to 30 cm in height. It is an abundantly cultivated and consumed vegetable in the northern region of Brazil and usually consumed in preparations of typical foods of the Amazon region. So, this work aimed to compare the chemical composition and physical chemistry of powdered and jambu leaf mass. Acmella oleracea plants were selected, sanitized and their leaves were crushed (without adding water). The mass was dried in an oven with forced air circulation under different conditions of temperature (60, 70 and 80 °C) and relative humidity (13.09, 8.14 and 5.45%, respectively), in two layer thicknesses (0.5 and 1.0 cm). The physical, chemical, physicochemical parameters moisture content, water activity, ash, protein, lipids, pH, total titratable acidity and color were analyzed in powdered and fresh leaves. Contrast test was used to evaluate the interaction between the layer thicknesses at 5% level of significance. Considering the contrasts, the parameters total soluble solids, ash, protein and lipids do not differ from those in the fresh sample, demonstrating that these parameters are not modified or degraded with the drying conditions. The pH and color parameters differed from those of the fresh material, due to degradation, which can be linked to the rise in temperature sensitivity. The moisture content and water activity also differed and were reduced, contributing to conservation of the material. Contrast analysis made it possible to conclude that the physicochemical composition did not undergo modifications through the use of drying. In addition, a powdered material with reduced water activity was obtained.

Determination of water-soluble vitamins and carotenoids in Brazilian tropical fruits by High Performance Liquid Chromatography.

Vitamins are organic compounds essential for normal physiological functioning and they need to be provided in adequate amounts by the diet. They are nutrients mainly associated to fruit consumption, playing an important role in the cellular function, growth and development of individuals. The present study aimed to analyze levels of vitamins B, C and carotenoids of fruits from the agrobiodiversity of Northeastern Brazil, among them cajuí (Anacardium spp), murici (Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth), pequi (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.), jenipapo (Genipa americana L.), mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes), bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.), cajá (Spondias mombin L.), umbu-cajá (Spondias bahiensis P. Carvalho, Van den Berg & M. Machado), umbu (Spondias tuberosa Arruda), pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.), araçá (Psidium sobralianum Landrum & Proença). The vitamins were quantified using the analytical method High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Vitamin B complex levels varied from 0.003 ± 0.01 mg/100 g to 6.107 ± 0.06 mg/100 g. Vitamin C ranged from 0.36 ± 0.06 mg/100 g to 253.92 ± 9.02 mg/100 g. Carotenoid values ranged from 0.12 ± 0.02 µg/100 g to 395.63 ± 113.69 µg/100 g. Thus, the profile of water-soluble vitamins and carotenoids of the fruits analyzed was quantified. Therefore, these fruits can provide varied amounts of vitamins important to human health. However, it is interesting for the individual to consume fruits in a diversified manner, avoiding monotony and thus guaranteeing the daily intake of more nutrients.

Evaluation of cooking methods on the bioactive compounds of cashew apple fibre and its application in plant-based foods.

Plant co-products currently represent an attractive alternative to the food industry, especially to the growing market of development low-fat products. Among the co-products resulting from tropical fruits' processing, the cashew apple's fibre presents unusual nutritional and sensory characteristics. In several food preparations could use it as an ingredient. In this work, the bioactive compounds of both artisanal and industrialized cashew apple fibre were studied and the influence of the different cooking methods on their bioactive content, and the acceptance and sensory preference of products new plants-based products formulated. It was observed that both artisanal and industrial cashew apple fibres presented a rich composition in the bioactive compounds, especially regarding the content of ascorbic acid found in artisanal (147.8 mg.100g-1) and carotenoids in industrialized fibre (1.87 mg 100 g-1), which resulted in a higher antioxidant activity for both samples in each method evaluated. Frying (180 °C/3 min) and cooking in a combination oven (98 °C/10 min) exhibited higher averages regarding the retention of the bioactive compounds in the fibres, resulting in a higher antioxidant activity for the products processed by these methods. In contrast, it was boiling processing (100 °C/18min) leads to leach of water-soluble biocompounds and, consequently, their products presented a reduced antioxidant activity. The cashew apple "paçoca" and "meatballs" were judged in terms of their attributes (appearance, aroma, taste, overall impression) and buy intention. In general, the average of these results indicated a high sensorial acceptance and a partial possibility in their purchase of these products. The cashew apple fibres are a source of nutrients. Its incorporation in culinary preparations can be a friendly way to avoid waste and promote new food products.

Ozone washing decreases strawberry susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea while maintaining antioxidant, optical and sensory quality.

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of ozone washing (maximum concentration 3.5 mgL-1- 5 and 15 min) on Botrytis cinerea decay, physicochemical parameters, bioactive compounds, in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity, and sensory properties of strawberries cv. Albion throughout refrigerated storage at 5 ± 1 °C. A 5 min long ozonation delayed the onset of B. cinerea infection by 4 days, and significantly reduced its incidence as storage progressed (~17 % lesser than in control at day 8), without impairing physicochemical parameters or sensory quality. This treatment did not affect the antioxidant activity of strawberry extracts neither in in vitro (ORAC and ABTS assays) or in vivo assays using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. Higher ozone doses did not achieve greater reduction of B. cinerea decay throughout the storage period. This study demonstrated that exposing strawberries to a 5 min long aqueous ozone treatment could extend their storability at 5 °C.

Fruit provision from Berberis microphylla shrubs as ecosystem service in Nothofagus forest of Tierra del Fuego.

Berry production is a non-wood product worldwide recognized by its nutritional value and taste, but the most studied species are non-native commercial plants in productive areas, leaving aside native berries. We propose that native berries (Berberis microphylla G.Forst) naturally growing in degradation forests areas could diversify livestock establishment production and complement traditional uses (e.g., livestock). The aims of this work were to 1) environmentally characterize (e.g., soil nutrient content and physical conditions, air conditions and photosynthetically active radiation) in three degraded Nothofagus antarctica Oerst. forest (due to past fires and livestock use) of Tierra del Fuego; and 2) evaluate berries production of B. microphylla in terms of quality production (e.g., fruit number and weigh per shrub) and in terms of quality (individual fruit weight, fruit pulp percentage, and soluble solids content) to assess provisioning ecosystem service of this native shrub in different degraded areas. Studied sites were defined as: 1) Severe soil degradation condition (SEV) (high frequency of horses, bulls and some native guanacos year round, severe soil erosion, and shorter herbaceous layer), 2) Moderate soil degradation condition (MOD) (cattle and guanaco year round, intermediate level of soil erosion and intermediate height of herbaceous layer), and 3) Slight soil degradation condition (SLI) (livestock only during winter, but high frequency of native guanacos, lower soil erosion and taller herbaceous layer). (SEV) had the highest air and soil temperature, least soils nutrients content, highest bulk density, the least soil water content and the poorest fruit production. (MOD) had the highest soil water content and nutrient-rich soils, while (SLI) had the highest relative air humidity and PAR. B. microphylla shrubs grow with similar morphology on the different soil degraded condition. The highest fruit production were at (SLI), however the (SEV) had the highest soluble solids. We conclude that calafate shrubs in degraded Nothofagus forests offer a provisioning ecosystem service through their excellent fruits quality. Livestock farms could diversify their production through native fruits taking advantage of the altered areas occupied by B. microphylla. However, we recommend avoiding intensive livestock use in burned forests since it could lead to an irreversible soil erosion. Proper livestock management in Nothofagus burned forest could keep over the time not only the recognized ecosystem provision services (fruits, meat, wood), but also those of regulation and support that calafate shrubs offer and that make the functionality of the ecosystem.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure processing on structure and functional properties of biodegradable film.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing (200-400 MPa/5 or 10 min) on functional properties of cellulose acetate (CA) films were investigated. As for mechanical properties, HHP caused a reduction in tensile strength (TS), Young's modulus (YM) and an increase in elongation at break (EB). The pressurized films were more luminous, yellowish, reddish and opaque. Less affinity for water was detected for pressurized films through analyses of contact angle and moisture absorption, in addition to reducing the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the occurrence of delamination for most films, except those treated with 200 MPa/10 min and 300 MPa/10 min. All films showed a predominance of amorphous structure in X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). That is alignment with the results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which presented values for glass transition temperature (Tg), water adsorption and melting temperature characteristic of materials with low crystallinity. Films treated with HHP had better mechanical resistance during the sealing at 250 °C. In overall the results confirmed the minimal influence of HHP on the functional properties of the CA film and contributed to the scientific and technological knowledge for its potential application in foods processed by HHP.

Phytochemical screening and DPPH radical scavenging activity of three morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. from Peru, and thermal stability of a milk-based beverage enriched with carotenoids from these fruits.

Mauritia flexuosa L.f. is a palm tree which presents great morphological variability (morphotypes), represented mainly by the mesocarp color of its fruits. The objective of the study was to characterize the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of three morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. ("Yellow", "Colour" and "Shambo") of greater economic importance in the Peruvian Amazon. "Shambo" showed a significantly high content of bioactive compounds (total phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids) and DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to the "Yellow" and "Colour" morphotypes (p ≤ 0.05). There was a significant correlation between DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids (p ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, milk-based beverages enriched with carotenoids of those morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. have been shown to be a good source of bioactive compounds for use in the food industry. The milk-based beverages enriched with carotenoids of those morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. showed higher lightness (L∗) and yellowness (b∗).

Simulated gastrointestinal digestion of Brazilian açaí seeds affects the content of flavan-3-ol derivatives, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Açaí seeds (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) are the major residue generated during industrial extraction of açaí fruit pulp - a popular and typical Amazon fruit rich in bioactive compounds and nutrients. In this study, we investigated the bioaccessibility of an açaí seed extract using an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion model. Catechin, epicatechin and procyanidins B1 and B2 were identified and quantified in the açaí seed extract and monitored by HPLC-DAD through the digestion phases. Bioaccessibility of these flavan-3-ols and deactivation of reactive oxygen species decreased after the intestinal phase, except for peroxyl radical (ROO●). RAW 264.7 macrophages treated either with the digested or undigested açaí seed extract showed reduced NF-κB activation and TNF-α levels, even following gastrointestinal digestion. Thus, the ROO● scavenging capacity and anti-inflammatory activity of the extract were found to be still remarkable after digestion, suggesting that açaí seeds could be explored as a source of bioactive compounds for functional foods, cosmetic or pharmaceutical purposes.

Evaluation of cellular safety and the chemical composition of the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) ethanolic extracts.

Arachis hypogaea L. (Leguminosae) is distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. Peanut has high nutritional and commercial value. Scientific research showed that peanut has biological properties such as anticancer, antioxidant, antiinflammatory. However, it is necessary to know if consumption of peanut, either as food or as a phytopharmaceutical implies a health risk. The aim was to evaluate cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of ethanolic extracts from A. hypogaea. Also, chemical characterization of these extracts was performed. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT and Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) assays on Vero cells. Genotoxicity was studied by Micronuclei and comet assays on Balb/C mice. Qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of extracts were performed. Results showed that extracts have low cytotoxicity. Tegument ethanolic extract (TEE) and Seed ethanolic extract (SEE) were not genotoxic. The treatments with TEE at 250 mg/kg and SEE at 2000 mg/kg revealed (highest concentrations evaluated) some toxicity on blood marrow cells of mice. Chemical characterization indicated that TEE had 74.33 ± 1.10 mg GAE/g of dried extract and SEE had 15.05 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g of dried extract of total phenolic content. Also, proanthocyanidins (O.D. at 550 nm 1.39 ± 0.15) and caffeic acid (2.46%) were identified in TEE. While, linoleic acid (58.84%) oleic acid (11.31%) and palmitic acid (8.37%) were major compounds of SEE. In conclusion, peanut consumption is safe at concentrations recommended for healthy uses, such as nutrition, and phytomedicine.