Processing parameters, techno-functional properties and potential food application of lentil protein concentrate as an ingredient for the plant-based market.

Lentil (Lens culinaris) is a protein-rich legume consumed worldwide and it also has the potential to become an alternative source of protein ingredient for human nutrition. The aim of this study was to determine the best processing parameters for the whole grain protein wet extraction, as well as to analyze the techno-functional properties, and physical characteristics of the protein concentrate and its flour. It was also evaluated the application of the concentrate into a fish-like croquette. The processing route was carried out by alkaline extraction and acid precipitation of the proteins where the pH, stirring time and solute:solvent ratio were evaluated. The final dried protein concentrate presented 85% protein on dry basis and a mass yield of 14%. The results were reproducible when tested on a first scaling up test. For the techno-functional properties, solubility, water and oil retention capacities, emulsification and foaming capacities and stability, and gelling capacity were tested. As for the food application into fish-like croquettes, the lentil protein showed similar scores for sensory acceptance, flavor and texture when compared to a commercial clean-taste concentrate. The results observed in this study were compatible to other alternative pulse-protein ingredients on the market, positioning lentil protein as a promising alternative protein source to produce ingredients for the plant-based market.

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal improves quail growth performance.

The aim of the present study was to determine the nutritional value of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal for quail (experiment I) and the dose-response effects of BSF levels on growth performance, relative organ weight, and body composition of growing quails (experiment II). In experiment I, 100 35-day-old quail were distributed in a completely randomized design, with two treatments (reference and test diet) and 10 replicates. The experimental period consisted of 5 days of adaptation, followed by 5 days of total excreta collection. The experimental feed consisted of a reference diet and a test diet formulated with 850 g/kg reference diet and 150 g/kg BSF. In experiment II, 1000 1-day-old quail were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five dietary levels of BSF (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 g/kg). At 42 days of age, birds were slaughtered, and the relative organ weight and body composition were determined. Apparent metabolizable energy values corrected for nitrogen retention of BSF meal were 13.8 MJ/kg. Across the starter (1-14 days) and overall period (1-42 days), increasing BSF levels had a quadratic effect on body weight and body weight gain. Feed conversion ratio was quadratically affected during the starter phase and linearly reduced over the overall period. Additionally, the BSF levels linearly decreased the small intestine's relative weight at 42 days and had a quadratic effect on the rate of protein deposition. We concluded that the inclusion of 100 g/kg BSF meal improves feed conversion ratio for growing quail.

Trends and prospects in dairy protein replacement in yogurt and cheese.

There is a growing demand for nutritional, functional, and eco-friendly dairy products, which has increased the need for research regarding alternative and sustainable protein sources. Plant-based, single-cell (SCP), and recombinant proteins are being explored as alternatives to dairy proteins. Plant-Based Proteins (PBPs) are commonly used to replace total dairy protein. However, PBPs are generally mixed with dairy proteins to improve their functional properties, which makes them dependent on animal protein sources. In contrast, single-Cell Proteins (SCPs) and recombinant dairy proteins are promising alternatives for dairy protein replacement since they provide nutritional components, essential amino acids, and high protein yield and can use industrial and agricultural waste as carbon sources. Although alternative protein sources offer numerous advantages over conventional dairy proteins, several technical and sensory challenges must be addressed to fully incorporate them into cheese and yogurt products. Future research can focus on improving the functional and sensory properties of alternative protein sources and developing new processing technologies to optimize their use in dairy products. This review highlights the current status of alternative dairy proteins in cheese and yogurt, their functional properties, and the challenges of their use in these products.

Growth, metabolism and digestibility of Nile tilapia fed diets with solvent and extrusion-treated Jatropha curcas cake.

Physic nut Jatropha curcas cake/meal obtained after oil extraction has a high protein content, however, the presence of antinutrients (trypsin inhibitor, lectin and phytate) and toxic compounds (phorbol esters) limit their use as an alternative feedstuff. Thus, the detoxification process in cake/meal is necessary to allow their inclusion in fish diets. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of solvent and extrusion-treated jatropha cake (SETJC) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets on growth, body composition, nutrient utilization, metabolic and hematological responses, and digestibility of experimental diets. Five experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (28.50% digestible protein) and isoenergetic (13.39 MJ/kg digestible energy) with graded levels of SETJC (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12%). The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and four replicates. The detoxification treatments reduced the phorbol esters (PE) of jatropha cake by 96% (0.58 mg/g of PE before and 0.023 mg/g of PE after treatments). Increased levels of SETJC depressed growth, feed efficiency, and protein digestibility. A similar trend was observed for hematological and biochemistry parameters. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, as well as phosphorus and magnesium concentrations in the fillets, increased at the highest levels of SETJC. Thus, the data of the present study suggests that the residual content, different structural forms of phorbol ester and its biological activity, as well as some antinutritional factors, can influence negatively the growth, metabolism and digestibility of experimental diets for Nile tilapia.

Demand changes meat as changing meat reshapes demand: The great meat revolution.

As consumer acceptance and overall demand for the different types of meat are important determinants of the new balance between conventional and alternative meats, our goal was to approach the changes in meat demand, as affected by the increasingly available alternative meats coupled to the challenges of conventional meat including the meat paradox, with emphasis on the Brazilian scenario. Then, some aspects of the demand for alternative meats are presented, with a brief historical background. As the decisions taken in the present shape this unprecedented revolution in the way we produce and choose whether to eat meat and, if so, which one, the details of the transition to alternative meat chains in Brazil are yet to be written. It seems even more difficult to predict which food protein items will be in higher demand in the next decades, as new products will likely present themselves for their quality as food items as well as for their ethical and environmental attributes.

Innovations and developments in single cell protein: Bibliometric review and patents analysis.

Background: Global demand for food products derived from alternative proteins and produced through sustainable technological routes is increasing. Evaluation of research progress, main trends and developments in the field are valuable to identify evolutionary nuances. Methods: In this study, a bibliometric analysis and search of patents on alternative proteins from fermentation processes was carried out using the Web of Science and Derwent World Patents Index™ databases, using the keywords and Boolean operators "fermentation" AND "single cell protein" OR "single-cell protein." The dataset was processed and graphics generated using the bibliometric software VOSviewer and OriginPro 8.1. Results: The analysis performed recovered a total of 360 articles, of which 271 were research articles, 49 literature review articles and 40 publications distributed in different categories, such as reprint, proceedings paper, meeting abstract among others. In addition, 397 patents related to the field were identified, with China being the country with the largest number of publications and patents deposits. While this topic is largely interdisciplinary, the majority of work is in the area of Biotechnology Applied Microbiology, which boasts the largest number of publications. The area with the most patent filings is the food sector, with particular emphasis on the fields of biochemistry, beverages, microbiology, enzymology and genetic engineering. Among these patents, 110 are active, with industries or companies being the largest depositors. Keyword analysis revealed that the area of study involving single cell protein has included investigation into types of microorganisms, fermentation, and substrates (showing a strong trend in the use of agro-industrial by-products) as well as optimization of production processes. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis provided important information, challenges, and trends on this relevant subject.

Something to chew on: technological aspects for novel snacks.

Snacks have accompanied people for a long time, meeting our needs for something fast and filling between meals. Societies and technologies have changed, and so have snacks, adapting to people's daily lives, concerns, and demands. Although traditional snacks, such as potato chips, are still ubiquitous and popular worldwide, there is not unanimity around them anymore, since many people have been looking for healthier snacks. Studies have been carried out to propose healthier snack options by changing their composition and/or techniques to produce them, minimizing contents of energy-dense components and/or maximizing the retention or bioavailability of nutrients. This mini-review presents the main trends on development of snacks and future perspectives. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of feeding crude or treated tung meal (Aleurites fordii) in the diet of Rhamdia quelen on growth, digestive enzymes and biochemical parameters / Efeitos da alimentação de farelo de tungue (Aleurites fordii) bruto ou tratado na dieta de Rhamdia quelen sobre o crescimento, enzimas digestivas e parâmetros bioquímicos

This study evaluated the addition of tung (Aleurites fordii) meal to the feed of Rhamdia quelen, as an alternative to animal protein sources. Silver catfish juveniles were fed different diets which included crude tung meal, chemically treated tung meal and a control without tung meal. The chemical treatment was based on the sequential application of acid and alcohol solutions and reduced the phytic acid from 1.63 to 0.61% and condensed tannin content from 0.025 to 0.018%. The nutritional response of fish to these ingredients was evaluated over nine weeks, based on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and biochemical responses. After nine weeks, the diet containing crude tung meal caused reduced growth (weight: -57.9%; total length: -21.09%; specific growth rate: -99.74%). This diet also reduced acid protease and lipase activities, decreased concentrations of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides in plasma and decreased liver glycogen and glucose concentrations. However, after nine weeks, fish fed with treated tung meal showed higher growth (weight, total length and specific growth rate similar to control) and reduced metabolic changes, possibly due to the removal of antinutrients and toxic substances. At the 32% level of inclusion, the chemically treated tung meal can be considered an alternative protein source for silver catfish.

Este estudo avaliou a adição de farelo de tungue (Aleurites fordii) na dieta de Rhamdia quelen, como uma alternativa à fontes de proteína animal. Juvenis de jundiá foram alimentados com diferentes dietas incluídas de farelo de tungue bruto, farelo quimicamente tratado e uma dieta controle sem farelo de tungue. O tratamento químico foi baseado na aplicação sequencial de soluções ácida e alcoólica e reduziu o conteúdo de ácido fítico de 1,63% para 0,61% e o conteúdo de taninos condensados de 0,025% para 0,018%. A resposta nutricional dos peixes à estes ingredientes foi avaliada ao longo de nove semanas, baseado no crescimento, atividade de enzimas digestivas e respostas bioquímicas. Após nove semanas, a dieta contendo farelo de tungue bruto causou reduzido crescimento (peso: -57,9%; comprimento total: -21,09%; taxa de crescimento específico: -99,74%). Esta dieta também reduziu a atividade de protease ácida e lipase, reduziu concentrações de glicose, colesterol e triglicerídeos no plasma e concentrações de glicogênio e glicose no fígado. No entanto, após nove semanas, os peixes alimentados com farelo de tungue tratado mostraram maior crescimento (peso, comprimento total e taxa de crescimento específico igual ao controle) e poucas alterações metabólicas, possivelmente devido a remoção de antinutrientes e substâncias tóxicas. Ao nível de 32% de inclusão, o farelo de tungue quimicamente tratado pode ser considerado uma fonte de proteína alternativa para o jundiá.

Effect of feeding crude or treated tung meal (Aleurites fordii) in the diet of Rhamdia quelen on growth, digestive enzymes and biochemical parameters / Efeitos da alimentação de farelo de tungue (Aleurites fordii) bruto ou tratado na dieta de Rhamdia quelen sobre o crescimento, enzimas digestivas e parâmetros bioquímicos

This study evaluated the addition of tung (Aleurites fordii) meal to the feed of Rhamdia quelen, as an alternative to animal protein sources. Silver catfish juveniles were fed different diets which included crude tung meal, chemically treated tung meal and a control without tung meal. The chemical treatment was based on the sequential application of acid and alcohol solutions and reduced the phytic acid from 1.63 to 0.61% and condensed tannin content from 0.025 to 0.018%. The nutritional response of fish to these ingredients was evaluated over nine weeks, based on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and biochemical responses. After nine weeks, the diet containing crude tung meal caused reduced growth (weight: -57.9%; total length: -21.09%; specific growth rate: -99.74%). This diet also reduced acid protease and lipase activities, decreased concentrations of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides in plasma and decreased liver glycogen and glucose concentrations. However, after nine weeks, fish fed with treated tung meal showed higher growth (weight, total length and specific growth rate similar to control) and reduced metabolic changes, possibly due to the removal of antinutrients and toxic substances. At the 32% level of inclusion, the chemically treated tung meal can be considered an alternative protein source for silver catfish.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou a adição de farelo de tungue (Aleurites fordii) na dieta de Rhamdia quelen, como uma alternativa à fontes de proteína animal. Juvenis de jundiá foram alimentados com diferentes dietas incluídas de farelo de tungue bruto, farelo quimicamente tratado e uma dieta controle sem farelo de tungue. O tratamento químico foi baseado na aplicação sequencial de soluções ácida e alcoólica e reduziu o conteúdo de ácido fítico de 1,63% para 0,61% e o conteúdo de taninos condensados de 0,025% para 0,018%. A resposta nutricional dos peixes à estes ingredientes foi avaliada ao longo de nove semanas, baseado no crescimento, atividade de enzimas digestivas e respostas bioquímicas. Após nove semanas, a dieta contendo farelo de tungue bruto causou reduzido crescimento (peso: -57,9%; comprimento total: -21,09%; taxa de crescimento específico: -99,74%). Esta dieta também reduziu a atividade de protease ácida e lipase, reduziu concentrações de glicose, colesterol e triglicerídeos no plasma e concentrações de glicogênio e glicose no fígado. No entanto, após nove semanas, os peixes alimentados com farelo de tungue tratado mostraram maior crescimento (peso, comprimento total e taxa de crescimento específico igual ao controle) e poucas alterações metabólicas, possivelmente devido a remoção de antinutrientes e substâncias tóxicas. Ao nível de 32% de inclusão, o farelo de tungue quimicamente tratado pode ser considerado uma fonte de proteína alternativa para o jundiá.(AU)

Fish meal obtained from the processing of Rhamdia quelen: an alternative protein source / Farinha de peixe obtida do processamento de Rhamdia quelen: uma fonte proteica alternativa

The study of alternative protein sources is very important to lower the cost of aquafeeds. In this study, the use of waste from the processing of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) in the diet of juveniles of this species was evaluated. This feed was used in a recirculation system with 16 polypropylene tanks (280 L), each one containing 50 fish (initial weight = 5.50 ± 0.09 g). Fish were tested on four diets (37% crude protein and 3200 kcal kg-1 digestible energy): a control diet composed of swine meat and bone meal, one with meal made from silver catfish carcasses with viscera, a diet of meal from carcasses without viscera, and a diet of fish meal made from the whole fish. The data measured were final weight, condition factor, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, daily weight gain, and protein retention rate of fishes on different diets. Overall higher final weight (50.5 g), specific growth rate (3.9% day-1), feed conversion (1.3:1), and deposition of body protein (6.3 g) was observed for fish fed with the diet containing carcass meal from silver catfish with viscera than on the other diets. The incorporation of waste meal from the processing of silver catfish into the diet is viable for achieving fish growth.

O estudo de fontes de proteínas alternativas é muito importante para reduzir o custo de dietas aquícolas. Neste estudo foi avaliada a utilização de resíduos do processamento de jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) na dieta de juvenis desta espécie. Deste modo, foi utilizado sistema de recirculação com 16 tanques de polipropileno (280 L), cada um com 50 peixes (peso inicial = 5,5 ± 0,09 g). Foram testadas quatro dietas (37% de proteína bruta e 3.200 kcal-1 kg de energia digestível): dieta controle, composta por farinha de carne e ossos suína, substituída por farinha de peixe, composta por peixe inteiro (jundiá), farinha de carcaças de jundiá com vísceras e dieta com farinha de carcaças de jundiá sem vísceras. Foi avaliado, o peso final, fator de condição, taxa de crescimento específico, taxa de conversão alimentar, ganho de peso diário e taxa de retenção de proteína. Observou-se maior peso final (50,5 g), taxa de crescimento específico (3,9% dia-1), conversão alimentar (1,3:1), deposição de proteína corporal (6,3 g) para os peixes alimentados com as dietas compostas por farinha de carcaça de jundiás com vísceras. A incorporação de farinha de resíduos do processamento de jundiás na dieta é viável para o crescimento dos peixes.

Fish meal obtained from the processing of Rhamdia quelen: an alternative protein source / Farinha de peixe obtida do processamento de Rhamdia quelen: uma fonte proteica alternativa

The study of alternative protein sources is very important to lower the cost of aquafeeds. In this study, the use of waste from the processing of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) in the diet of juveniles of this species was evaluated. This feed was used in a recirculation system with 16 polypropylene tanks (280 L), each one containing 50 fish (initial weight = 5.50 ± 0.09 g). Fish were tested on four diets (37% crude protein and 3200 kcal kg-1 digestible energy): a control diet composed of swine meat and bone meal, one with meal made from silver catfish carcasses with viscera, a diet of meal from carcasses without viscera, and a diet of fish meal made from the whole fish. The data measured were final weight, condition factor, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, daily weight gain, and protein retention rate of fishes on different diets. Overall higher final weight (50.5 g), specific growth rate (3.9% day-1), feed conversion (1.3:1), and deposition of body protein (6.3 g) was observed for fish fed with the diet containing carcass meal from silver catfish with viscera than on the other diets. The incorporation of waste meal from the processing of silver catfish into the diet is viable for achieving fish growth.(AU)

O estudo de fontes de proteínas alternativas é muito importante para reduzir o custo de dietas aquícolas. Neste estudo foi avaliada a utilização de resíduos do processamento de jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) na dieta de juvenis desta espécie. Deste modo, foi utilizado sistema de recirculação com 16 tanques de polipropileno (280 L), cada um com 50 peixes (peso inicial = 5,5 ± 0,09 g). Foram testadas quatro dietas (37% de proteína bruta e 3.200 kcal-1 kg de energia digestível): dieta controle, composta por farinha de carne e ossos suína, substituída por farinha de peixe, composta por peixe inteiro (jundiá), farinha de carcaças de jundiá com vísceras e dieta com farinha de carcaças de jundiá sem vísceras. Foi avaliado, o peso final, fator de condição, taxa de crescimento específico, taxa de conversão alimentar, ganho de peso diário e taxa de retenção de proteína. Observou-se maior peso final (50,5 g), taxa de crescimento específico (3,9% dia-1), conversão alimentar (1,3:1), deposição de proteína corporal (6,3 g) para os peixes alimentados com as dietas compostas por farinha de carcaça de jundiás com vísceras. A incorporação de farinha de resíduos do processamento de jundiás na dieta é viável para o crescimento dos peixes.(AU)

Internal RNAs overlapping coding sequences can drive the production of alternative proteins in archaea.

Prokaryotic genomes show a high level of information compaction often with different molecules transcribed from the same locus. Although antisense RNAs have been relatively well studied, RNAs in the same strand, internal RNAs (intraRNAs), are still poorly understood. The question of how common is the translation of overlapping reading frames remains open. We address this question in the model archaeon Halobacterium salinarum. In the present work we used differential RNA-seq (dRNA-seq) in H. salinarum NRC-1 to locate intraRNA signals in subsets of internal transcription start sites (iTSS) and establish the open reading frames associated to them (intraORFs). Using C-terminally flagged proteins, we experimentally observed isoforms accurately predicted by intraRNA translation for kef1, acs3 and orc4 genes. We also recovered from the literature and mass spectrometry databases several instances of protein isoforms consistent with intraRNA translation such as the gas vesicle protein gene gvpC1. We found evidence for intraRNAs in horizontally transferred genes such as the chaperone dnaK and the aerobic respiration related cydA in both H. salinarum and Escherichia coli. Also, intraRNA translation evidence in H. salinarum, E. coli and yeast of a universal elongation factor (aEF-2, fusA and eEF-2) suggests that this is an ancient phenomenon present in all domains of life.

Duckweed in Irrigation Water as a Replacement of Soybean Meal in the Laying Hens Diet

Water lentils (Duckweed [DW])(Lemna gibba), in irrigation ponds, was evaluated by replacing two levels of soybean meal (SBM) on performance and egg quality of laying hens of 54 weeks of age. A total of 72 white Lohmann laying hens were randomly allocated into 3 treatments with 6 replicates/treatment, 4 hens/replicate in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were: control group (DW0%) with (SBM) as the main source of protein, T1 (DW10%) and T2 (DW20%), where duckweed replaced 10% and 20% of SBM for 9 weeks. No significant differences were observed among the dietary treatments in body weight change, feed conversion ratio, egg weight and mortality rate. Replacement with (DW20%) decreased (p 0.05) feed intake, egg laying rate and egg mass. The dry albuminin (DW10%) decreased (p 0.05) from 7 to 9 weeks and in the total period. Yolk pigmentation was highly (p 0.001) improved by the replacement. Blood spots were increased (p 0.05) with (DW20%). Duckweed grown in good quality irrigation water can replace up to 10% of the SBM as a source of protein without adverse effects on hen performance and egg quality in addition to profitability.(AU)

Duckweed in Irrigation Water as a Replacement of Soybean Meal in the Laying Hens Diet

Water lentils (Duckweed [DW])(Lemna gibba), in irrigation ponds, was evaluated by replacing two levels of soybean meal (SBM) on performance and egg quality of laying hens of 54 weeks of age. A total of 72 white Lohmann laying hens were randomly allocated into 3 treatments with 6 replicates/treatment, 4 hens/replicate in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were: control group (DW0%) with (SBM) as the main source of protein, T1 (DW10%) and T2 (DW20%), where duckweed replaced 10% and 20% of SBM for 9 weeks. No significant differences were observed among the dietary treatments in body weight change, feed conversion ratio, egg weight and mortality rate. Replacement with (DW20%) decreased (p 0.05) feed intake, egg laying rate and egg mass. The dry albuminin (DW10%) decreased (p 0.05) from 7 to 9 weeks and in the total period. Yolk pigmentation was highly (p 0.001) improved by the replacement. Blood spots were increased (p 0.05) with (DW20%). Duckweed grown in good quality irrigation water can replace up to 10% of the SBM as a source of protein without adverse effects on hen performance and egg quality in addition to profitability.

Duckweed in Irrigation Water as a Replacement of Soybean Meal in the Laying Hens Diet

ABSTRACT Water lentils (Duckweed [DW])(Lemna gibba), in irrigation ponds, was evaluated by replacing two levels of soybean meal (SBM) on performance and egg quality of laying hens of 54 weeks of age. A total of 72 white Lohmann laying hens were randomly allocated into 3 treatments with 6 replicates/treatment, 4 hens/replicate in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were: control group (DW0%) with (SBM) as the main source of protein, T1 (DW10%) and T2 (DW20%), where duckweed replaced 10% and 20% of SBM for 9 weeks. No significant differences were observed among the dietary treatments in body weight change, feed conversion ratio, egg weight and mortality rate. Replacement with (DW20%) decreased (p 0.05) feed intake, egg laying rate and egg mass. The dry albuminin (DW10%) decreased (p 0.05) from 7 to 9 weeks and in the total period. Yolk pigmentation was highly (p 0.001) improved by the replacement. Blood spots were increased (p 0.05) with (DW20%). Duckweed grown in good quality irrigation water can replace up to 10% of the SBM as a source of protein without adverse effects on hen performance and egg quality in addition to profitability.