Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Brazilian cultivars have different chemical compositions, present prebiotic potential, and beneficial effects on the colonic microbiota of celiac individuals.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential prebiotic properties of cassava cultivars from Northeast [Doce mel and Ourinho (OUR)] and South [Baiana, and IPR-Upira (UPI)] of Brazil in in vitro fermentation systems. The cultivars were evaluated for their chemical composition, and, then, two cultivars were selected (OUR and UPI) and subjected to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion to assess the effects on probiotics Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium animalis growth, metabolic activity, and prebiotic activity scores. Finally, the impact of cassava cultivars on the fecal microbiota of celiac individuals was evaluated using the 16S rRNA gene. Cassava cultivars have variable amounts of fiber, resistant starch, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), organic acids, phenolic compounds, and sugars, with OUR and UPI cultivars standing out. OUR and UPI cultivars contributed to the increase in the proliferation rates of L. casei (0.04-0.19), L. acidophilus (0.34-0.27), and B. animalis (0.10-0.03), resulting in more significant effects than FOS, an established prebiotic compound. Also, the positive scores of prebiotic activities with probiotic strains indicate OUR and UPI's ability to stimulate beneficial bacteria while limiting enteric competitors selectively. In addition, OUR and UPI promoted increased relative abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, and Lactobacillaceae in the fecal microbiota of celiac individuals while decreased Lachnospirales, Bacteroidales, and Oscillospirales. The results show that cassava cultivars caused beneficial changes in the composition and metabolic activity of the human intestinal microbiota of celiacs. OUR and UPI cultivars from the Northeast and South of Brazil could be considered potential prebiotic ingredients for use in the formulation of functional foods and dietary supplements.

Nanoparticles based on biopolymers improved antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds from jambolan (Syzygium cumini (L.) skeels).

Jambolan (Syzygium cumini L.) is an underutilized fruit rich in bioactive phenolic compounds, specially anthocyanins, but the low stability of these substances and interaction with other compounds in the food matrix limit their application as food additives; nanoencapsulation is the best strategy to overcome these limitations. This study aimed to nanoencapsulate a phenolic-rich jambolan extract using whey proteins and pectin by nanoprecipitation in different antisolvent compositions. Two formulations were synthesized (7.33 % extract, 1.67 % pectin, and 5 % concentrated or isolated whey protein) precipitated in different acetone concentrations (50, 70, and 100 % v/v). SEM showed particles with spherical shape and smooth surface. DLS pointed diameters between 82 nm and 116 nm. FTIR indicated chemical interactions between the materials. Encapsulation efficiency showed high phenolic compounds entrapment in all systems [73.81-84.65 %, p > 0.05]. However, particles precipitated in 50 and 100 % acetone (v/v) showed greater anthocyanins retention [56.89-35.24 %, p < 0.05]. Nanoencapsulation potentiated the antioxidant activity up to 110 % more than the crude extract (p < 0.05). These results show the potential of nanoprecipitation as an effective encapsulation process and the biopolymers combination to produce nanoparticles containing jambolan phenolic compounds to promote their application in foods and health products.

Effect of commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-Saccharomyces yeasts on the chemical composition and bioaccessibility of pineapple wine.

Alcoholic fermentation is one of man's most efficient food preservation processes, and innovations in this area are a trend in food science and nutrition. In addition to the classic Saccharomyces yeasts, various other species may have desirable characteristics for obtaining fruit wines. This study investigated the profile of non-Saccharomyces commercial yeasts compared with S. cerevisiae regarding pineapple wine's chemical composition and bioaccessibility. The fermentation profile of the yeasts Lachancea thermotolerans, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, Brettanomyces lambicus, and S. cerevisiae was evaluated for sugar and alcohol content, and the pineapple wines obtained were analyzed for amino acids, phenolics, and organic acids by HPLC and volatile profile by GC/MS. All yeast strains were able to produce ethanol and glycerol at acceptable levels. L. thermotolerans produced higher levels of lactic acid (0.95 g/L) and higher consumption of free amino acids. B. bruxellensis produced higher levels of individual phenolics and ethanol 109 g/L. The alcoholic fermentation process improved the bioaccessibility of phenolics such as catechin (237 %), epigallocatechin gallate (81 %), procyanidin B1 (61 %) and procyanidin B2 (61 %). The yeasts differed in their volatile profiles, with Brettanomyces and Lachancea producing higher levels of compounds associated with pineapple aroma, such as ester ethyl butyrate (260-270 µg/L). These results demonstrate the importance of choosing the yeast strain for the conduction of alcoholic fermentation and that the yeasts Brettanomyces and Lachancea showed technological potential in obtaining pineapple wines. This study contributes to developing processes for obtaining fruit wines by highlighting two non-Saccharomyces yeast species with technological potential for alcoholic fermentations.

A robust method for quantifying 42 phenolic compounds by RP-HPLC/DAD: Columns performance and characterization of Brazilian Citrus peels.

Reliable analytical methods are the basis for the elucidation of phenolic compounds in foods. This study aimed to optimize and validate a method for determining 42 phenolics using reverse-phase (RP) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to diode-array-detector-DAD. The performance of two RP columns was evaluated. The 150x4.6 mm 3-µm column showed superior separation quality, whereas 35 of the 42 phenolics showed a separation resolution ≥1.5. The method's linearity, precision (coefficient variation< 3.09%), recovery (87.5-103.2%), specificity, limits of detection (0.04-0.25 mg/L), and quantification (0.06-0.25 mg/L) had acceptable ranges. Thirty phenolics were quantified in Citrus peels, mainly flavanones, flavanols, flavonols, and phenolic acids, highlighting the high values of hesperidin (535-35070 mg/kg) and naringin (26-36466 mg/kg). Lemon peels named 'Lisboa,' 'Thaiti,' 'Thaiti-2000', and 'Thaiti-2001' presented the main phenolics associated with antioxidant capacity. The presented method was robust for determining 42 phenolic compounds, offering a new approach for bioactive compound quantification in food matrices.

Phenolic composition and encapsulation of Brazilian grape seed extracts: evaluating color stabilizing capacity in grape juices.

The color of grape juice is an important acceptance attribute by consumers, but it suffers losses during storage. The use of commercial antioxidants has limitations because the concept of a "100% natural drink" of Brazilian legislation. This work characterized Brazilian grape seeds, and the cultivar extract with the greatest potential was encapsulated in arabic-gum (encapsulated extract-EE) to evaluate the color stabilizing capacity. The EE used in the grape juice was compared with the commercial antioxidants sulphite and enological tannin during storage (150 days). The BRS Magna and BRS Violeta grape seeds had the highest phenolic content, and the EE showed high catechin (4108 mg/kg), epicatechin (1161 mg/kg) and procyanidin-B2 (905 mg/kg) values. Sulfite was found to be the best color stabilizer. The use of EE (0.5 g/L) in grape juice improved color stability and anthocyanin stability. It was demonstrated that encapsulated grape seed extract has color stabilizing potential and that Brazilian grape seeds are a raw material of high technological value. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-024-05956-8.

Effects of different cold plasma treatments on chemical composition, phenolics bioaccessibility and microbiota of edible red mini-roses.

This study evaluated the effect of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and glow discharge (glow) cold plasma treatments in color, sugars, organic acids, phenolics (concentration and bioaccessibility), antioxidant activity, volatiles, and microbiota of edible mini-roses. Plasma treatments did not affect the flowers' color, while they increased organic acids and phenolics. Flowers treated with DBD had a higher concentration of most phenolics, including hesperidin (84.04 µg/g) related to antioxidant activity, and a higher mass fraction of most volatiles, including octanal (16.46% after 5 days of storage). Flowers treated with glow had a higher concentration of pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside (392.73 µg/g), greater bioaccessibility of some phenolics and higher antioxidant activity. Plasma treatments reduced the microbiota diversity in mini-roses. Regardless of the plasma treatment, phylum Proteobacteria, family Erwiniaceae, and genus Rosenbergiella were the dominant groups. Results indicate plasma treatments as promising technologies to improve the quality and increase phenolic and specific volatile compounds in mini-roses.

A new plant-based probiotic from juá: Source of phenolics, fibers and antioxidant properties.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of juá pulp for fermentation by monoculture L. casei (Lc - 01) and L. acidophilus (La - 05) and co-culture (25 and 37 °C) for 72 h. Viable strain values (> 7 log CFU/g), pH reduction (below 3.7), fructose and glucose and increased of lactic acid showed that the pulp of juá served as a good matrix for fermentation. Catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin procyanidin B1, and gallic acid were the main phenolics that contributed to antioxidant activity. Fermentation by mono or co-culture increased or reduced the content of phenolics and antioxidant activity. Results showed that culture, time and temperature have effects in the fermentation of juá pulp. The co-cultivation of La - 05 + Lc - 01 contributed to improving the bioaccessibility of gallic acid (72.9%) of the jua pulp. Finding indicate juá pulp as a promising substrate to obtaining a new probiotic plant-based fermented beverage.

Mangaba pulp fermented with Lacticaseibacillus casei 01 has improved chemical, technological, and sensory properties and positively impacts the colonic microbiota of vegan adults.

This study aimed to evaluate the functional, technological, and sensory aspects of mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) fruit pulp fermented with the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus casei 01 (LC1) during refrigerated storage (7 °C, 28 days). The effects of the fermented mangaba pulp on the modulation of the intestinal microbiota of healthy vegan adults were also assessed. Mangaba pulp allowed high viability of LC1 during storage and after simulated gastrointestinal conditions (≥7 log CFU/g). The fermented mangaba pulp showed lower pH and total soluble solids, and higher titratable acidity, and concentrations of lactic, acetic, citric, and propionic acids during storage compared to non-fermented pulp. Also, it presented a higher concentration of bioaccessible phenolics and volatiles, and improved sensory properties (yellow color, brightness, fresh appearance, and typical aroma and flavor). Fermented mangaba pulp added to in vitro cultured colonic microbiota of vegan adults decreased the pH values and concentrations of maltose, glucose, and citric acid while increasing rhamnose and phenolic contents. Fermented mangaba pulp promoted increases in the abundance of Dorea, Romboutsia, Faecalibacterium, Lachnospira, and Lachnospiraceae ND3007 genera and positively impacted the microbial diversity. Findings indicate that mangaba pulp fermented with LC1 has improved chemical composition and functionality, inducing changes in the colonic microbiota of vegan adults associated with potential benefits for human health.

Characterization of flours from the aroeira leaf (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi), obtained by different drying methods.

The present work aimed at the development and characterization of aroeira leaf flour (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi), obtained by lyophilization and drying in an air circulation oven. The technological, physical, physico-chemical, morphological, functional, and microbiological aspects were analyzed. Physico-chemical analysis identified the following properties with values provided respectively for fresh leaves (FOin) and flours (FES and FLIO): low water activity (0.984, 0.370, 0.387 g/100 g), moisture (64.52, 5.37, 7.97 g /100 g), ash (2.69, 6.51, and 6.89 g/100 g), pH (0.89, 4.45, 4.48 g/100 g), lipids (0.84, 1.67, 5.23 g/100 g), protein (3.29, 8.23, 14.12 g/100 g), carbohydrates (17.02, 53.12, 33.02 g/100 g), ascorbic acid (19.70, 34.20, 36.90 mg/100 g). Sources of fiber from plant leaves and flours (11.64, 25.1, 32.89 g/100 g) showed increased levels of luminosity. For NMR, the presence of aliphatic and aromatic compounds with olefinic hydrogens and a derivative of gallic acid were detected. The most abundant minerals detected were potassium and calcium. Micrographs identified the presence of irregular, non-uniform, and sponge-like particles. The main sugars detected were: fructose, glucose, and maltose. Malic, succinic, citric, lactic, and formic acids were found. Fifteen phenolic compounds were identified in the samples, highlighting: kaempferol, catechin, and caffeic acid. The values ​​found for phenolics were (447, 716.66, 493.31 mg EAG/100 g), flavonoids (267.60, 267.60, 286.26 EC/100 g). Antioxidant activity was higher using the ABTS method rather than FRAP for analysis of FOin, FES, and FLIO. Since the flours of the aroeira leaf have an abundant matrix of nutrients with bioactive properties and antioxidant activity, they have a potential for technological and functional use when added to food.

Impact of sulfite use and acidification on chemical quality components in thermally processed watermelon juices.

The present study compared pasteurized and reconstituted (from vacuum-concentrated) watermelon juices with sulfite use (∼40 mg/L) and acidification (pH = 4.2) to fresh watermelon juices. The products were evaluated for phenolics, free amino acids, carotenoids, sugars, organic acids, and alcohols by high-performance liquid chromatography-HPLC and the volatile profile by headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry(HS-GC/MS). Pasteurization had no significant impact on most of the chemical components. Furthermore, it potentiated typical watermelon aromas (E,E)-2,6-nonadienal, (Z)-3-nonen-1-ol, 4-hexen-1-ol, (E,Z)-3,6-nonadien-1-ol, 6-amino-2-methyl-2-heptanol, (E)-6-nonenal, (E)-2-nonenal, pentanal, nonanal and 1-nonanol), without off-flavor compounds formation. On the other hand, the reconstituted juice showed reduced amino acids (serine, glutamine, and tryptophan), phenolics (epicatechin gallate, myricetin, and cis-resveratrol), carotenoids (lycopene, ß-carotene, and violaxanthin) and most volatile compounds. Our results showed that sulfite and acidification could maintain watermelon juice's nutritional and quality parameters after pasteurization. The vacuum concentration and reconstitution processes negatively impacted the evaluated compounds. Our findings contribute to improving thermal processes in watermelon juices for better preservation of nutrients, flavor, and bioactive compounds.

Intermittent fasting associated with coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L.) alters gut-liver axis parameters in diet-induced obese rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to investigate the effect of intermittent fasting, associated or not with coconut oil intake, on the gut-liver axis of obese rats. METHODS: A total of 50 rats were divided into five groups: control, obese, obese with intermittent fasting, obese with intermittent fasting plus coconut oil, and obese with caloric restriction. The rats were induced to obesity with a high-sugar diet for 17 wk. The respective interventions were carried out in the last 4 wk. RESULTS: The groups with intermittent fasting protocols had reduced total cholesterol (on average 54.31%), low-density lipoprotein (on average 53.39%), and triacylglycerols (on average 23.94%) versus the obese group; and the obese with intermittent fasting plus coconut oil group had the highest high-density lipoprotein compared with all groups. The obese with intermittent fasting plus coconut oil and obese with caloric restriction groups had lower metabolic load compared with the other groups. The obese group had high citric and succinic acid concentrations, which affected the hepatic tricarboxylic acid cycle, while all the interventions had reduced concentrations of these acids. No histologic changes were observed in the intestine or liver of the groups. CONCLUSION: Intermittent fasting, especially when associated with coconut oil, had effects comparable with caloric restriction in modulating the parameters of the gut-liver axis.

Effect of coating material on microencapsulated phenolic compounds extracted from agroindustrial ciriguela peel residue.

BACKGROUND: Extract of ciriguela residue was microencapsulated by spray-drying and freeze-drying using maltodextrin (M), gum arabic (GA) and their mixture (50% M; 50% GA on dry basis) as encapsulating agents. Total phenolic compounds (TPC), antioxidant activity, physicochemical properties, profile of phenolic compounds by HPLC with diode-array detection and storage stability were evaluated. RESULTS: TPC content of powders ranged from 306.9 to 451.2 mg gallic acid equivalent g-1 dry powder. The spray-dried powder prepared using GA as encapsulating agent had higher TPC content and antioxidant activity, whereas the freeze-dried powder had lower moisture and water activity. Spray-dried microcapsules had spherical shape, whereas freeze-dried products had irregular structures. The profile of phenolic compounds identified in samples was similar, with rutin (342.59 and 72.92 µg g-1 ) and quercetin (181.02 and 43.24 µg g-1 ) being the major compounds in liquid and freeze-dried extracts, respectively, whereas myricetin (97.41 µg g-1 ) was predominant in spray-dried ones. Storage stability tests carried out for 45 days at 7 or 25 °C revealed no statistically significant difference in TPC. CONCLUSION: Ciriguela residue can be considered a source of TPC and used as ingredient with good antioxidant activity in the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ginger beer derived from back-slopping: Volatile compounds, microbial communities on activation and fermentation, metabolites and sensory characteristics.

Physicochemical parameters, microbial diversity using sequencing and amplicon, and metabolite concentrations from Ginger Bug and Ginger Beer were characterized. Furthermore, the sensory aspects of the beverage were determined. The longer ginger bug activation time (96 h) resulted in higher production of organic acids and alcohols, increased phenolic and volatile compounds concentration, greater microbial diversity, and increased lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. In the same way, the longer fermentation time (14 days) of ginger beer resulted in higher ethanol content, volatile compounds, and phenolic compounds, in addition to better sensory characteristics. Our results showed that ginger beer produced with ginger bug and fermented for 14 days showed better volatile and phenolic compound profiles, physicochemical parameters, microbial diversity, and sensory characteristics.

Unrevealing the in vitro impacts of Cereus jacamaru DC. cladodes flour on potentially probiotic strains, selected bacterial populations, and metabolic activity of human intestinal microbiota.

This study investigated the potential impacts of the flour from Cereus jamacaru cactus cladodes (CJF), a cactus native to the Brazilian Caatinga biome, on the growth and metabolism of different potentially probiotic strains, as well as on the abundance of selected intestinal bacterial populations and microbial metabolic activity during in vitro colonic fermentation with a pooled human fecal inoculum. Cultivation of the probiotics in a medium with C. jamacaru cladodes flour (20 g/L) resulted in viable cell counts of up to 9.8 log CFU/mL, positive prebiotic activity scores (0.73-0.91), decreased pH and sugar contents, and increased lactic, acetic, and propionic acid production over time, indicating enhanced probiotic growth and metabolic activity. CJF overall increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp./Enterococcus spp. (2.12-3.29%) and Bifidobacterium spp. (4.08-4.32%) and decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroides spp./Prevotella spp. (8.35-6.81%), Clostridium histolyticum (6.91-3.59%), and Eubacterium rectale/Clostridium coccoides (7.70-3.95%) during 48 h of an in vitro colonic fermentation using a pooled human fecal inoculum. CJF stimulated the microbial metabolic activity, with decreased pH, sugar consumption, lactic and short-chain fatty acid production, alterations in overall metabolic profiling and phenolic compound contents, and maintenance of high antioxidant capacity during colonic fermentation. These results show that CJF stimulated the growth and metabolic activity of distinct potential probiotics, increased the relative abundance of beneficial intestinal bacterial groups, and stimulated microbial metabolism during in vitro colonic fermentation. Further studies using advanced molecular technologies and in vivo experimental models could forward the investigation of the potential prebiotic properties of CJF.

Farming system impacts the bioactive compounds, microbial diversity, aroma and color in edible red mini-roses (Rosa chinensis Jacq.).

Mini-roses (Rosa chinensis Jacq.) is largely used in salty dishes and desserts. This study evaluated instrumental color, sugars, organic acids, phenolics, volatiles, and the indigenous microbiota (fungi and bacteria) in edible mini-roses farmed in discarded fruits biocompost and animal manure systems. A descriptive sensory analysis of flowers was also performed. Mini-roses farmed in biocompost had higher luminosity and intensity of instrumental red color, a higher concentration of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins related to red color, and fructose than mini-roses farmed in animal manure (p < 0.05). Furthermore, mini-roses farmed in biocompost had higher concentrations of various volatiles (p < 0.05), including hexyl acetate and cis-3 -hexenyl butyrate related to the fruity aroma. Bacterial groups related to plant growth-promoting such as Stenotrophomonas and endophilic fungal groups such as Eurotiales sp, Pleosporales sp were found in higher abundance (p < 0.05) in mini-roses farmed in biocompost. Mini-rose farmed in biocompost also received higher score (p < 0.05) for fruity aroma and red color than mini-rose mini-roses farmed in animal manure. Results indicate that farming mini-roses using biocompost from discarded fruits impacts the synthesis of phenolics and volatiles, resulting in a more intense fruity aroma and red color. Findings also suggest that the microbiota of mini-roses farmed in biocompost or animal manure do not represent a major risk for the safety of these products.

High-intensity ultrasound influences the probiotic fermentation of Baru almond beverages and impacts the bioaccessibility of phenolics and fatty acids, sensory properties, and in vitro biological activity.

High-intensity ultrasound (HIUS, 20 kHz, 450 W, 6 min) was used as an alternative to the pasteurization of a water-soluble Baru almond extract (WSBAE). Then, probiotic fermented beverages (Lacticaseibacillus casei) were processed and evaluated during storage (7 °C, 28 days). Four formulations were prepared: RAW (untreated [no pasteurization or ultrasound] and unfermented WSBAE), PAST (pasteurized WSBAE fermented with probiotic), U-BEF (WSBAE added with probiotic, submitted to ultrasound, and fermented), and U-AFTER (WSBAE submitted to ultrasound, added with probiotic, and fermented). PAST and HIUS-treated beverages had similar microbiological quality. The PAST formulation showed decreased monounsaturated fatty acids, compromised health indices, and had the lowest consistency. U-AFTER showed higher concentrations of lactic and acetic acids, lower bioaccessibility for most phenolics and fatty acids, and reduced consumer acceptance. U-BEF had the fermentation time reduced by 13.64%, higher probiotic survival during storage and simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and higher bioaccessibility of phenolics and fatty acids during storage. Furthermore, it presented higher in vitro antidiabetic properties and improved consistency and stability. Finally, U-BEF had improved volatile compound composition, resulting in increased sensory acceptance and improved sensory properties. Our results indicate that the HIUS applied after probiotic addition may be a suitable alternative to pasteurization in the processing of fermented beverages, resulting in reduced fermentation times and improved technological, sensory, and biological properties.

An In Vitro Study of the Impacts of Sweet Potato Chips with Potentially Probiotic Levilactobacillus brevis and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on Human Intestinal Microbiota : Impacts of potato chips with probiotics on intestinal microbiota.

This study formulated sweet potato chips with powdered potentially probiotic Levilactobacillus brevis (SPLB) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (SPLP) and evaluated their impacts on human intestinal microbiota during 48 h of in vitro colonic fermentation. L. brevis and L. plantarum kept high viable cell counts (> 6 log CFU/g) on sweet potato chips after freeze-drying and during 60 days of storage. SPLB and SPLP had satisfactory quality parameters during 60 days of storage. SPLB and SPLP increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus ssp./Enterococcus spp. (3.84-10.22%) and Bifidobacterium spp. (3.25-12.45%) and decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroides spp./Prevotella spp. (8.56-2.16%), Clostridium histolyticum (8.23-2.33%), and Eubacterium rectale/Clostridium coccoides (8.07-1.33%) during 48 h of in vitro colonic fermentation. SPLB and SPLP achieved high positive prebiotic indexes (> 8.24), decreased pH values and sugar contents, and increased lactic acid and short-chain fatty acid production, proving selective stimulatory effects on beneficial bacterial groups forming the intestinal microbiota. The results showed that SPLB and SPLP have good stability and high viable cell counts of L. brevis and L. plantarum when stored under room temperature and caused positive impacts on human intestinal microbiota, making them potentially probiotic non-dairy snack options.

Revealing the beneficial effects of a dairy infant formula on the gut microbiota of early childhood children with autistic spectrum disorder using static and SHIME® fermentation models.

This study evaluated the impact of the Milnutri Profutura® (MNP) dairy infant formula on the gut microbiota of early childhood children (three to five years) with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using static fermentation (time zero, 24, and 48 h) and the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbiol Ecosystem (SHIME®) (time zero, 72 h, and 7 days). The relative abundance of selected intestinal bacterial groups, pH values, organic acids, and sugars were verified at time zero, 24, and 48 h using flow cytometry and measurements. In addition, the diversity and changes in the gut microbiota, and the amounts of acetic, butyric, and propionic acids and ammonium ions (NH4+) in fermentation using the SHIME® were measured at time zero, 72 h, and 7 days. MNP increased Lactobacillus/Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium populations and decreased Bacteroides/Prevotella, Clostridium histolyticum and Eubacterium rectale/Clostridium coccoides populations (p < 0.05) at 24 and 48 h of static fermentation, showing a positive prebiotic activity score (65.18 ± 0.07). The pH, fructose and glucose decreased, while lactic, butyric, and propionic acids increased (p < 0.05) at 48 h of static fermentation. MNP increased (p < 0.05) the Firmicutes phylum during the fermentation in SHIME®. MNP decreased the diversity at 72 h of fermentation, mostly by the increase (p < 0.05) in the Lactobacillus genus. Microbial groups considered harmful such as Lachnospiraceae, Negativicoccus, and Lachnoclostridium were inhibited after administration with MNP. Propionic and butyric acids increased at 72 h and NH4+ decreased (p < 0.05) at the end of fermentation with MNP. The results indicate MNP as an infant formula which may benefit the gut microbiota of children with ASD.

Wheat craft beer made from AFB1-contaminated wheat malt contains detectable mycotoxins, retains quality attributes, but differs in some fermentation metabolites.

Levels of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) were measured during the production of wheat craft beer made with wheat malt contaminated with AFB1 (1.23 µg/kg). A wheat craft beer made with non-contaminated wheat malt was produced for comparison purposes. AFB1 was measured after mashing (malt after the mashing process), and in spent grain (spent grains are filtered to collect the wort - remaining sugar-rich liquid), sweet wort, green beer, spent yeast, and in beer. Physicochemical parameters (pH, titratable acidity, color parameters, total soluble solids), sugars, organic acids, alcohols, and phenolics were evaluated after mashing, and in sweet wort, green beer, and beer samples. Density and yeast counts were determined over 120 h of sweet wort fermentation every 24 h. The AFB1 levels in the final beer were 0.22 µg/L, while the spent grains and spent yeasts contained 0.71 ± 0.17 and 0.11 ± 0.03 µg/kg of AFB1, respectively. AFB1 contamination did not influence the final product's physicochemical parameters, density during fermentation, fructose, or glycerol content. Higher yeast counts were observed during the first 48 h of non-contaminated wheat craft beer fermentation, with higher ethanol, citric acid, and propionic acid contents and lower glucose, malic acid, and lactic acid contents compared with beer contaminated with AFB1. Non-contaminated wheat craft beer also had higher concentrations of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, procyanidin A2, and procyanidin B1. AFB1 contamination of wheat malt may not affect basic quality parameters in wheat craft beer but can influence the final product's organic acid and phenolic contents. Our findings show that if wheat craft beer is made with contaminated malt, AFB1 can remain in the final product and may pose a risk to consumers.

Microencapsulation by spray-drying and freeze-drying of extract of phenolic compounds obtained from ciriguela peel.

Microcapsules of ciriguela peel extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction were prepared by spray drying, whose results were compared with those of freeze-drying as a control. The effects of spray-drying air temperature, feed flow rate and ratio of encapsulating agents (maltodextrin and arabic gum) were studied. Encapsulation efficiency, moisture content, total phenolic compounds (TPC), water activity, hygroscopicity, solubility, colorimetric parameters, phenolic profile by HPLC/DAD, simulated gastrointestinal digestion and morphology of spray-dried and freeze-dried microcapsules were evaluated, as well as their stability of TPC during 90 days storage at 7 and 25 °C. Spray-dried extract showed higher encapsulation efficiency (98.83%) and TPC (476.82 mg GAE g-1) than freeze-dried extract. The most abundant compounds in the liquid extract of ciriguela peel flour were rutin, epicatechin gallate, chlorogenic acid and quercetin. Rutin and myricetin were the major flavonoids in the spray-dried extract, while quercetin and kaempferol were in the freeze-dried one. The simulated gastrointestinal digestion test of microencapsulated extracts revealed the highest TPC contents after the gastric phase and the lowest one after the intestinal one. Rutin was the most abundant compound after the digestion of both spray-dried (68.74 µg g-1) and freeze-dried (93.98 µg g-1) extracts. Spray-dried microcapsules were of spherical shape, freeze-dried products of irregular structures. Spray-dried microcapsules had higher phenolic compounds contents after 90 days of storage at 7 °C compared to those stored at 25 °C, while the lyophilized ones showed no significant difference between the two storage temperatures. The ciriguela agro-industrial residue can be considered an interesting alternative source of phenolic compounds that could be used, in the form of bioactive compounds-rich powders, as an ingredient in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries.