Upscaling of Apple By-Product by Utilising Apple Seed Protein as a Novel Wall Material for Encapsulation of Chlorogenic Acid as Model Bioactive Compound.

Encapsulation is a versatile technique used to protect sensitive bioactive compounds under gastrointestinal conditions. In this study, nanoencapsulation of chlorogenic acid into the apple seed protein matrix was performed using the green technique ultrasonication to protect it from harsh gastric conditions and increase its biological activity and bioavailability upon digestion. Both nano (Nano-Chl) and native capsules (NT-Chl) were characterised by particle size, charge, structure, and morphology. The encapsulation efficiency, release behaviour, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties were also evaluated. The experimental results show that the particle size of the NT-Chl and Nano-Chl was found in the range of 1.4 µm to 708 nm. The encapsulation efficiency was found to be 69% and 80% for NT-Chl and Nano-Chl, respectively. Furthermore, an in vitro digestion study revealed that Nano-Chl showed controlled-release behaviour under simulated intestinal conditions in comparison to NT-Chl. Moreover, Nano-Chl showed enhanced antioxidant and antidiabetic activity in comparison to NT-Chl after simulated digestion. It was concluded that the protein from apple seeds could be utilised as a functional ingredient itself or as a wall material for the encapsulation of sensitive bioactive compounds. Furthermore, these encapsulated particles can be fortified into different food formulations for the development of functional food.

Effect of different pretreatments on antioxidant activity of oats grown in the Himalayan region.

In this work the different varieties of oats were subjected to three pre-treatments such as germination, sand roasting and γ-irradiation. The pretreated oat grains were evaluated for phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. RP-HPLC displayed that the amount of ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, ellagic acid and epicatechin in native, roasted and γ-irradiated oats varied in the range of 2.51-3.23, 0.97-1.89, 4.35-5.33, 1.56-2.197 and 3.387-10.8 µg/100 g, respectively. Total phenolic content (TPC) expressed as µg GAE/g and µg FAE/g and total flavonoid content (TFC) expressed as µg rutin equivalent/g was found highest in germinated samples. Study reported increase in antioxidant activity in the following order; γ-irradiation > germination > roasting > native. It was concluded that the different pretreatments enhanced antioxidant properties of the oat grains therefore can be efficiently utilized as food or functional ingredient in various food systems.

Encapsulation of Catechin into ß-Glucan Matrix Using Wet Milling and Ultrasonication as a Coupled Approach: Characterization and Bioactivity Retention.

In this study, the nanoencapsulation of catechin into the ß-glucan matrix from oats [O-Glu (C)] and barley [B-Glu (C)] was performed using the coupled approach of ultrasonication and wet milling. The nanoencapsulated catechin was characterised by particle size distribution, surface charge, SEM, and FTIR. The particle size was found to be 200 nm and 500 nm while zeta potential was found -27.13 and -24 mV for O-Glu (C) and B-Glu (C), respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of O-Glu (C) and B-Glu (C) was found to be 86.5% and 88.2%. FTIR and SEM revealed successful entrapment of catechin in ß-glucan. The encapsulated capsules showed sustainable release during simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Moreover, both O-Glu (C) and B-Glu (C) showed that biological activity such as lipase inhibition activity and antioxidant assay were retained after in vitro digestion. It was concluded that O-Glu (C) and B-Glu (C) can be used as functional ingredients effectively in food as well as in the pharmaceutical field.

ß-Glucan from mushrooms and dates as a wall material for targeted delivery of model bioactive compound: Nutraceutical profiling and bioavailability.

Rutin was nano-encapsulated in date [En-Ru(D)] and mushroom [En-Ru(M)] ß-glucan matrix to protect it from the harsh gastrointestinal environment and to enhance its bioavailability and biological activity upon digestion. The encapsulation was carried using green technology i.e., ultra-sonication. The En-Ru(D) and En-Ru (M) showed the hydrodynamic diameter of 314.04 and 482.21 nm with polydispersity index of 0.21 and 0.33. The in vitro release behaviour followed the Higuchi model. The antimicrobial activity of En-Ru(D) and En-Ru(M) were evaluated against gram negative E. coli (ATCC 25922) and gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Furthermore, En-Ru(D) and En-Ru(M) exhibited increased bioavailability of rutin in intestinal fluid with retention of anti-obesity and antioxidant activities after digestion (p < 0.05). Therefore, ß-glucan matrix can efficiently encapsulate flavonoids and regulate the release of functional bioactive ingredients in the simulated human digestive conditions.

Exploitation of polyphenols and proteins using nanoencapsulation for anti-viral and brain boosting properties - Evoking a synergistic strategy to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

The world is currently under the threat of COVID pandemic and has focused every dimension of research in finding a cure to this novel disease. In this current situation, people are facing mental stress, agony, fear, depression and other associated symptoms which are taking a toll on their overall mental health. Nanoencapsulation of certain brain boosting polyphenols including quercetin, caffeine, cocoa flavanols and proteins like lectins can become new area of interest in the present scenario. Besides the brain boosting benefits, we have also highlighted the anti- viral activities of these compounds which we assume can play a possible role in combating COVID-19 given to their previous history of action against certain viruses. This review outlines the nanoencapsulation approaches of such synergistic compounds as a novel strategy to take the ongoing research a step ahead and also provides a new insight in bringing the role of nanotechnology in addressing the issues related to COVID pandemic.

Characterisation and utilisation of nano-reduced starch from underutilised cereals for delivery of folic acid through human GI tract.

Ball milling offers green approach for size reduction of starch granules to nano scale size. In this research work, the starch from two underutilised cereal varieties viz. foxtail starch (FS) and sorghum starch (SS) were milled to achieve the desired nanometric range with mean particle diameter of 467.98 and 271.12 nm for nano foxtail (FSN) and nano sorghum starch (SSN), which were highly stable as revealed by zeta potential analysis. Functional attributes like solubility, swelling index, apparent amylose content, emulsifying and pasting properties were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) clearly revealed damaged starch granules produed by the process of milling. X-ray diffraction (XRD) displayed decrease in crystallinity upon milling to 16.08% (SSN) and 18.56% (FSN) and disappearance of some peaks. Attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) also revealed reduced crystallinity as confirmed by the decreased absorbance ratio of 1047/1022 cm-1 in nano starch particles. Rheological analysis displayed shear thinning behaviour of nano starch samples as evaluated using Herschel-bulkely model and Power law. The nano starch samples exhibited comparatively low thermal gelatinisation temperatures as compared to native counter particles. Moreover, the nano-encapsulated starch samples offered more resistance to in-vitro digestion and showed control release of folic acid at target sites.

Nanoreduction as a technology to exploit ß-Glucan from cereal and fungal sources for enhancing its nutraceutical potential.

ß-Glucan nanoparticles were produced from cereal and fungal sources viz: oats, barley, and yeast using ball milling which is considered as a green technology. The ß-glucan nanoparticles were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Fourier transform infra-spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, antioxidant, anticancerous, antimicrobial and antihypertensive potential of ß-glucan nanoparticles from different sources were also studied. The experimental results revealed that the average particle size for BN (Barley ß-glucan nanoparticle), ON (Oats ß-glucan nanoparticle), and YN (Yeast ß-glucan nanoparticle) were 90.35, 83.55 and 77.44 nm and zeta potential were in the range of -27 to -6.3 mV. . There was an increase in antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive activity of BN, YN, and ON in comparison to native. Study reported increase in anticancerous activity upon size reduction. Also, antibacterial activity of BNT, ONT, YNT, BN, ON and YN against Gram-negative and Gram-positive (E.coli & Bacillus Subtilis) were studied. It was concluded that the ß-glucan nanoparticles showed enhanced nutraceutical properties that might be due to the nanoreduction using green technology.

Protein based packaging of plant origin: Fabrication, properties, recent advances and future perspectives.

Huge plastic waste is receiving worldwide attention nowadays due to its resistance to degradation and toxicity on environmental components including humans. Improper disposal of plastics affect the food chain and compromise various activities of aquatic life. Each facet of the plastic waste problem requires a significant attention and compels its elimination from the environment due to its ecologically deleterious threats. Therefore, this problem of plastic pollution and issues related thereof merits an attention regarding the alternatives wherein biopolymer based packaging has a potential role to play. This line of research has received a renewed focus where biodegradable films are being developed from proteins which are obtained from animals (include fish myofibrillar protein, collagen, gelatine, etc), and plants especially graminacea (rice, wheat, maize, barley etc), leguminaceae (soya beans, pea, etc.), asteraceae (sunflower) but little attention has been paid towards the potential of aquatic plants for development of packaging material. The present review provides a comprehensive account of biodegradable films developed from plant proteins viz. soy protein, wheat gluten, corn zein and sunflower protein as emerging supplement to plastics. Moreover, this article also tip-offs the potential of macrophytes for fabrication of protein based packaging films incorporated with bioactive materials extracted from macrophytes.

Nano-reduction of starch from underutilised millets: Effect on structural, thermal, morphological and nutraceutical properties.

Starch nanoparticles from pearl (Pe) and proso (Pr) millets were characterised for morphological, thermal, rheological and nutraceutical properties which are important parameters to be considered for predicting applicable domain of nanoparticles in food and other industrial applications. In the present study after using collision ball milling to achieve the nano-reduction, dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed the average hydrodynamic particle diameter of 636 nm and 417 nm for nano-reduced pearl (PeN) and proso (PrN) millet starches. Further the nano-particles produced were having greater stability, as revealed by the data obtained for zeta potential. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed loss of crystallinity in starch granules whereas attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) showed no difference in the basic functional groups but decrease in intensity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to elicit the changes in surface topography of starch granules upon nano-reduction. Post nano-reduction treatment various thermal transition temperatures significantly shifted to lower values. Results of anti-oxidant assays for prediction of nutraceutical potential revealed significant increase upon nano-reduction.

Resistant starch from five Himalayan rice cultivars and Horse chestnut: Extraction method optimization and characterization.

In this study resistant starch (RS) was extracted from five Himalayan rice cultivars and Indian Horse chestnut (HCN) using porcine pancreatin enzyme following which it was subsequently characterized for its physicochemical, structural and functional properties. In vitro digestibility test showed that RS content of the rice cultivars and HCN was in the range of 85.5 to 99.5%. The RS extracted from the rice cultivars and HCN showed significant difference in the apparent amylose content (AAC), ranging between 31.83 to 40.68% for rice and 45.79% for HCN. Water absorption capacity (WAC), swelling and solubility index of RS ranged from 112-133.9%, 5.28-7.25 g/g and 0.033-0.044 g/g, respectively. The rice RS granules were polyhedral and irregular shaped with granular length in the range of 4.8-5.9 µm. The HCN RS granule morphology showed smooth surfaced, round, elliptical, irregular and oval shapes with average granular length of 21 µm. Pasting behavior also varied significantly between rice RS and HCN RS with later showing the lower values of pasting properties. Thermal properties (T0, Tp, Tc) and ΔH gel also varied considerably between the rice RS and HCN RS, wherein the highest values for peak gelatinization temperature and gelatinization enthalpy were seen for CH-1039. X-ray diffraction pattern of rice RS and HCN RS showed the characteristic A type of pattern in consonance with cereal starches.

Water extractable pentosans - Quantification of ferulic acid using RP-HPLC, techno-rheological and antioxidant properties.

Water extractable pentosans extracted from three varieties of oats were studied for structural analysis using ATR- FTIR, ferulic acid content using RP-HPLC, antioxidant activity by DPPH, reducing power, and metal chelating assays, and functional properties. The appearance of absorption band at 1720 cm-1 in water extractable pentosans is assigned to the presence of aromatic esters as displayed from ATR-FTIR spectrum. All the samples exhibited non-newtonian behavior with viscosities following the order; SWEP > 20WEP > 90WEP. Bile acid binding capacity of water soluble pentosans varied significantly from 46.69 to 49.40%. RP-HPLC displayed that water extractable pentosans from SKO20 contained about 2 times higher FA (423.00 µg/100 g) compared to SWEP (250.00 µg/100 g) and 90 WEP (253.00 µg/100 g). Water soluble pentosans had DPPH scavenging activity, reducing power, and metal chelation activity in the range of 13.57-17.45 (µg α-tocopherol/g), 8.91-10.24 (µg BHT/g), and 0.55-0.76 (µg citric acid/g), respectively.

ß-d-glucan as an enteric delivery vehicle for probiotics.

Three strains of probiotics L. casei, L. acidophilus and B. bifidum were encapsulated in ß-d-glucan matrix using freeze drying technique in order to increase survivability during their journey through GI tract. The encapsulation efficiency (%) of ß-d-glucan varied significantly with Bifidobacteria showing low survival rate than Lactobacilli. SEM images revealed a partially collapsed structure with bacterial cells distributed randomly in the matrix. Further absorption band between 1300 and 900cm-1 in FTIR spectra shows the presence of bacterial proteins and nucleic acids. For encapsulated ß-d-glucan maximum degree of swelling was observed at pH 3 and 4, whereas when the pH value was increased to 6.5 the encapsulated ß-d-glucan started their disintegration. In vitro release studies revealed that the microcapsules start to dissolve upon entry to the small intestine where it is needed most.

Dual enzyme modified oat starch: Structural characterisation, rheological properties, and digestibility in simulated GI tract.

Oat starches from three different varieties were treated with combination of ß-amylase and transglucosidase and their structural, rheological, thermal, and digestibility through simulated GI tract conditions were investigated. By dual enzyme modification, the granules form a discontinuous compact fibrous structure with many surface cracks. The transformation from A-type to A+V type pattern with decrease in crystallinity was observed in dual enzyme modified starches. The ratio of intensity, 1047/1022cm-1 and 995/1022cm-1 of enzyme modified starches were reduced compared to their native ones as revealed from FTIR spectra. The resistant starch (RS3) content was increased to 35.81-48.88% from 17.14-23.9%. The viscosity of starches decreased on enzymatic treatment, exhibited shear-thinning behavior as reflected from the convex shaped graph. Also, dual enzyme treatment of starches resulted in significant decrease in amount of glucose release for Sabzaar than SKO20 and SKO90. The increase of RS observed in this study is associated with enhanced branch density and RS3 crystallites.

Production of RS4 from rice starch and its utilization as an encapsulating agent for targeted delivery of probiotics.

The research reported in this article is based on the hypothesis that crosslinking of starch can make it a potential wall material for targeted delivery of probiotics by altering its digestion. Three probiotic strains namely Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus plantarum were microencapsulated with resistant starch. Encapsulation yield (%) of resistant starch microspheres was in the range of 43.01-48.46. The average diameter of resistant starch microparticles was in the range of 45.53-49.29µm. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy of microcapsules showed peaks in the region of 900-1300cm-1 and 2918-2925cm-1 which corresponds to the presence of bacteria. Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) showed better thermal stability of resistant starch microcapsules. Microencapsulated probiotics survived well in simulated gastrointestinal conditions and adverse heat conditions. The viability of the microcapsulated lactobacilli also remained high (>7 log cfu g-1) for 2months at 4°C. The results revealed that resistant starch is the potential new delivery carrier for oral administration of probiotics.

Physicochemical properties, in-vitro digestibility and structural elucidation of RS4 from rice starch.

Starches extracted from four different rice cultivars were phosphorylated by using STMP/STPP to make modified food starches with high contents of type 4 resistant starch (RS4). The results revealed 10- fold improvement in RS4 content by the phosphorylation of starch. The phosphorus % and DS values of rice starches ranged from 0.33 to 0.35, and 0.016 to 0.018, respectively. FT-IR spectroscopy showed reduction of OH stretching band at 3290cm-1 and the appearance of PO at 1244-1266cm-1 which confirms crosslinking of starch with STMP/STPP. Phosphorylation was found to increase water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, bile-acid binding and lightness, whereas amylose content, swelling power, solubility index and light transmittance were decreased with phosphorylation. DSC analyses revealed increase in thermal transition temperatures of the crosslinked starches which suggests that the application of STMP/STPP as a crosslinker can improve the integrality and stability of starch. SEM micro-graphs revealed that phosphorylated rice starch granules retained their integrity, while some fissures appeared on the surface of some granules. XRD analysis revealed decreased crystallinity of RS4 rice starches.

γ-Irradiation of oat grain - Effect on physico-chemical, structural, thermal, and antioxidant properties of extracted starch.

Three different varieties of oat grains, Sabzaar, SKO-20, SKO-90 maintained at the moisture level of 12% were γ-irradiated at four different dosage levels - 5, 10, 15, and 20kGy. Starch was extracted and its physicochemical, structural, thermal, and antioxidant properties were studied. Amongst the physico-chemical properties, syneresis, solubility index, swelling index and light transmittance values showed a varied significance from their native counterparts. Irradiation also had an effect on RVA profiles which exhibited a decrease in peak, trough, final and set back viscosities whereas the pasting temperatures showed a significant (P≤0.05) decline. The exposure of hydroxyl groups in starch chain due to irradiation was confirmed via ATR FT-IR. γ-Irradiation resulted in the formation of ridges on the surface of starch as revealed from SEM. Irradiation resulted in a significant improvement in antioxidant activity of the extracted starches.

Physico-chemical, structural, pasting and thermal properties of starches of fourteen Himalayan rice cultivars.

Starch of fourteen rice cultivars grown in Himalayan region were evaluated for physico-chemical, structural, pasting and thermal properties. The rice cultivars selected showed a wide variation in apparent amylose content (AAC), ranging between 10.76%-26.87%, highest in CH-1039 and lowest in SKAU-292 starch. There were ten low, three intermediate and one high AAC rice. Resistant starch content varied significantly among the rice cultivars, ranging from 6.00% to 19.60%. Generally, high ACC starches presented high contents of resistant starch. Water absorption capacity (80.10-130.32%), swelling (5.73-9.61g/g) and solubility (0.037-0.090g/g) indices varied significantly among the rice cultivars. The rice starch granule morphology showed polyhedral or irregular shapes and granular sizes in the range of 1.8-6.7µm in different rice starches. Pasting profile of starch varied significantly among the rice cultivars, probably due to variations in their AAC. Thermal properties of the starches ranged considerably among different rice cultivars: onset temperature of gelatinization, To (58.25-72.49°C), peak temperature of gelatinization, Tp (69.93-93.26°C), conclusion temperature of gelatinization, Tc (97.28±8.28-112.16°C) and gelatinization enthalpy ΔHG (14.29-29.63J/g). The ATR-FTIR spectroscopy of rice starches identified most of the α-1→4 glucosidic linkages within the absorption bands of 1149-1023cm-1.

Germination and microwave processing of barley (Hordeum vulgare L) changes the structural and physicochemical properties of ß-d-glucan & enhances its antioxidant potential.

The nutraceutical potential of ß-d-glucan is largely dependent on its structure, size and viscosity. The present study analyzed the effect of germination and microwave processing of barley on the structural, size, antioxidant and thermal characteristics of ß-d-glucan. The molecular weight and viscosity of ß-d-glucan obtained from germinated barley (GGB) were the lowest (144kDa and 37.33cp) as compared to ß-d-glucan from microwave processed barley (GMB) and unprocessed barley (GUB). The GGB exhibited higher antioxidant potential than GMB and GUB. The Structural elucidation by ATR-FTIR revealed scission in polymeric chain and ß glycosydic linkage of ß-d-glucan obtained from processed barley. The highest peak intensity at glycosydic linkage in GGB confirms more scission in the molecule. The DSC curve of GGB showed the highest transition temperature. It was concluded that germination of barley can be a good approach for enhancing the antioxidant potential of ß-d-glucan.

Geometrical, functional, thermal, and structural properties of oat varieties from temperate region of India.

Geometrical, functional, thermal properties and FTIR analysis of three varieties of oat flour (Sabzaar, SKO20, & SKO90) were investigated. Sabzaar showed highest thickness, geometric mean diameter, arthimetic mean diameter, sphericity and grain volume. The density of oat grains varied from 0.393 to 0.37 g/mL (bulk) and 1.2 to 1.8 g/mL (true). WAC showed significant (P < 0.05) difference among the cultivars with Sabzaar flour showing the highest value (2.36 g/g) and SKO20 (1.98 g/g) the lowest. Peak viscosity of oat flours was in the range of 460.33-489.33 cP. Flour samples showed the presence of small as well as large starch granules, oval or irregular shape with a smooth surface having some dents or fissures and some damaged starch and with varying dimensions. Average granule size of oat starch samples was within the range of 1.5-6.6 µm in Sabzaar, 1.1-5.2 µm in SKO20, and 1.7-6.8 µm in SKO90. The gelatinization transition temperatures onset temperature (To), peak temperature (Tp), and conclusion temperature (Tc) varied significantly (p < 0.05) among three varieties.

In-vitro digestibility, rheology, structure, and functionality of RS3 from oat starch.

Starches isolated from three different varieties of oat were modified with dual autoclaving-retrogradation treatment to make modified food starches with high contents of type 3 resistant starch (RS3). FT-IR spectroscopy showed increase in the ratio of intensity of 1047cm(-1)/1022cm(-1) on treatment. Morphology of the oat starches changed into a continuous network with increased values for onset temperature (To), peak temperature (Tp), and conclusion temperature (Tc). XRD showed an additional peak at 13° and increase in peak intensity at 20° inclusive of the major X-ray diffraction peaks which reflects formation of amylose-lipid complex from dual autoclaving-retrogradation cycle. Peaks at 13° and 20° are the typical peaks of the V-type pattern. Rheological analysis suggested that retrogradated oat starches showed shear thickening behavior as revealed from Herschel-Bulkely model and frequency sweep.