Rancid rumors or Native wisdom: Evaluating the efficacy of animal fats as insect repellents attributed to historic-period Native Americans.

Little is known about Native American adaptations to blood-sucking arthropods prior to and following European contact. Multiple accounts starting in the 16th century suggest that rancid animal grease was employed by Gulf Coast indigenes as a mosquito repellent. Although many Native American ethnobotanical remedies for biting insects have been recorded, the use of animal products for this purpose is not well documented. Moreover, few traditional Native American mosquito repellents have been examined using controlled laboratory methods for repellency testing. In this study, we tested the repellent efficacy of fats derived from alligator, bear, cod, and shark that were aged to various stages of rancidity. Using yellow fever mosquitoes, (Aedes aegypti), we performed an arm-in-cage assay to measure the complete protection times resulted from these fats, when applied to human skin. We used a Y-tube olfactometer assay to evaluate long-distance repellency and tested tick-repellency in a crawling assay. Our results suggest that rancid animal fats from cod, bear, and alligator are potent albeit short-lived mosquito repellents. We found that both rancid and fresh fats do not repel ticks. Our findings show the validity of traditional ethnozoological knowledge of Native American people and support aspects of the ethnohistorical record.

ALG5 Regulates STF-62247-Induced Milk Fat Synthesis via the mTOR Signaling Pathway.

Milk fat content is a critical indicator of milk quality. Exploring the key regulatory genes involved in milk fat synthesis is essential for enhancing milk fat content. STF-62247 (STF), a thiazolamide compound, has the potential to bind with ALG5 and upregulate lipid droplets in fat synthesis. However, the effect of STF on the process of milk fat synthesis and whether it acts through ALG5 remains unknown. In this study, the impact of ALG5 on milk fat synthesis and its underlying mechanism were investigated using bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) and mouse models through real-time PCR, western blotting, Oil Red O staining, and triglyceride analysis. Experimental findings revealed a positive correlation between STF and ALG5 with the ability to synthesize milk fat. Silencing ALG5 led to decreased expression of FASN, SREBP1, and PPARγ in BMECs, as well as reduced phosphorylation levels in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, the phosphorylation levels of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway were restored when ALG5 silencing was followed by the addition of STF. These results suggest that STF regulates fatty acid synthesis in BMECs by affecting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway through ALG5. ALG5 is possibly a new factor in milk fat synthesis.

Impact of Holder Pasteurization and Preanalytical Handling Techniques on Fat Concentration in Donor Human Milk: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Donor human milk (DHM) is an essential source of nutrition among high-risk infants (e.g., premature and low-birth weight). Holder pasteurization, a common step in DHM processing, is known to partially alter the composition of DHM; however, the impact on fat composition is historically inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aimed to broadly review the literature on the impact of Holder pasteurization on the fat content in DHM, with a focus on preanalytical sample mixing. METHODS: A systematic search of original, peer-reviewed research articles was conducted on 11 July, 2022. Articles were included if they compared matched raw (control) and Holder-pasteurized human milk samples and measured total lipids, cholesterol, and individual classes of fatty acids. Article review and selection was conducted by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: The search yielded 26 original, peer-reviewed research articles published between 1978 and 2022. Overall methodology varied considerably between studies. When study methods described any mixing for collecting raw milk, 1 (17%) of the 6 of studies reported a small change in total fat concentration following pasteurization (<5%). Alternatively, among studies that did not describe methods for mixing raw milk to ensure a representative sample, 10 (56%) of the 18 reported a significant change (≥± 5%) in total fat concentration, with changes ranging from -28.6% to +19.4%. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that inconsistent findings regarding the impact of Holder pasteurization on fat may be related to study methodologies, particularly preanalytical sample mixing. More research considering the role of preanalytical handling procedures and methodologies is necessary to help clarify the impact of Holder pasteurization on human milk composition.

Analysis of the lipidomic profile of vegetable oils and animal fats and changes during aging by UPLC-Q-exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry.

Vegetable oil and animal fat residues are common evidence in the cases of homicide, arson, theft, and other crimes. However, the lipid composition and content changes during aging on complex carriers remain unclear. Therefore, this study dynamically monitored the lipid composition and content changes during aging of 13 different types of vegetable oils and animal fats on five different carriers using the UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS method. A total of 6 subclasses of 93 lipids including lysophosphatidylcholine (2 species), phosphatidylcholine (2 species), diglyceride (5 species), triglyceride (81 species), acylGlcCampesterol ester (2 species), and acylGlcSitosterol ester (1 species), were first identified in fresh vegetable oils and animal fats. By comparing the LC-MS/MS chromatograms of fresh vegetable oils and animal fats, it was found that there were significant differences between the chromatograms of vegetable oils and animal fats, but it was difficult to distinguish between the chromatograms of vegetable oils or animal fats. After aging at 60 °C for 200 days, there was a significant decrease in the content of diglyceride, triglyceride, acylGlcCampesterol ester, and acylGlcSitosterol ester, while the content of lysophosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylcholine initially increased and then decreased. Furthermore, statistical analysis of lipid differences between vegetable oils and animal fats was performed using cluster heat maps, volcanic maps, PCA, and OPLS-DA. On average, 33 significantly different lipids were screened (VIP > 1, p < 0.05), which could serve as potential biomarkers for distinguishing vegetable oils and animal fats. It was found that the potential biomarkers still existed during aging of vegetable oils and animal fats (100 and 200 days). This research provides important reference information for the identification of vegetable oil and animal fat residues in complex carriers at crime scenes.

Thermal resistance of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella in animal fat - Kinetic analysis and mathematical modeling.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fat on thermal resistance of L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp. A 4-strain cocktail of each microorganism was inoculated to beef tallow and heated isothermally at temperatures between 55 and 80℃. All survival curves did not follow the 1st-order inactivation kinetics but conformed to a two-stage linear pattern. The first stage was markedly less heat-resistant than the second, as manifested by significantly lower D values. The z values of E. coli O157 H7 and Salmonella spp. were 11.8 °C and 12.3 °C in the first stage (z1) but increased to 23.7 °C and 20.8 °C in the second stage (z2), respectively. For L. monocytogenes, while the z values were similar for both stages (z1 = 19.6 °C and z2 = 18.5 °C), the second stage D values are 3.6-5.9 times of those in the first stage. One-step analysis was used to fit the nonlinear curves to the Weibull model, yielding < 1 exponents for the model (0.495, 0.362, and 0.282, respectively, for L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp.), suggesting gradually increased thermal resistance during heating. The experimental results showed that these microorganisms could resist heating for longer time and at higher temperatures in tallow than they do in regular meats containing lower levels of fat. The kinetic models can be used to develop thermal processes to properly inactivate pathogens contaminated in the fat portions of meat products or other high fat products.

The relationship between nonlinear viscoelasticity and baking performance in low-saturated puff pastry margarine.

The oil phase obtained by blending and oleogel methods has potential for the production of non­hydrogenated and low-saturated puff pastry margarine, thereby reducing intakes of both types of dietary fat. The crystal form, microstructure, rheology, and baking applications of puff pastry margarines prepared with anhydrous milk fat (AMF)/palm stearin (POs), POs/palm oil (PO), beef tallow (BT)/PO, or AMF/POs/diacetyl tartaric acid ester of mono(di)glycerides (DATEM) oleogels were investigated using X-ray scattering, polarized light microscope, and rheometer, respectively. All margarines exhibited ß'-form crystal and strongly viscoelastic at low strain. With the addition of DATEM oleogel, their crystal microstructure became more uniform and finer, and the croissants were less hard (1690) and chewiness (160). The chewiness of croissants produced using the margarines was significantly improved with POs content. The theoretical basis for preparation and application in non­hydrogenated and low-saturated puff pastry margarine was provided in the present study.

Interactive Effects of Dietary Fiber and Lipid Types Modulate the Predicted Production and Absorption of Cecal and Colorectal Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Growing Pigs.

BACKGROUND: High-fiber diets are supplemented with lipids to meet the required energy content, but data on the interactions between dietary fiber (DF) and lipid types on gastrointestinal fermentation in pigs are scant. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to use a combination of in vivo and in vitro fermentation methodologies to determine the interactive effects of DF and lipid types on short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and absorption and organic matter (OM) fermentability in the cecum and colorectal tract of pigs. METHODS: Eight ileal- and cecal-cannulated Yorkshire barrows were fed either pectin- or cellulose-containing diets that were supplemented with either corn oil or beef tallow in 2 independent Youden squares with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (n = 6). Ileal and cecal digesta were collected, freeze-dried, and fermented using inoculum from fresh cecal digesta and feces, respectively, to determine individual SCFA production and absorption and fermentability of OM. RESULTS: Interactions (P < 0.001) between DF and lipid types were observed in which the addition of beef tallow decreased the quantity of cecal and colorectal acetic acid production and cecal acetic absorption, cecal butyric production, predicted cecal OM fermentability, and predicted colorectal propionic acid in pectin diets, but the effects were not observed for cellulose diets. The addition of beef tallow increased (P < 0.001) the production of cecal butyric and propionic acids during in vitro fermentation in cellulose diets and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of OM in pectin diets. CONCLUSIONS: The interactions between DF and lipids on gastrointestinal fermentation largely depend on the degree of saturation of fatty acids in dietary lipids. The addition of beef tallow selectively decreased the production and absorption of individual SCFAs in pectin and cellulose diets but increased cecal butyric and propionic acid production in cellulose diets and the ATTD of OM in pectin diets.

Crystallization behavior and compatibility analysis of palm kernel stearin/anhydrous milk fat blends and application.

In this paper, the compatibility, phase behavior, and crystallization properties of the binary blends of palm kernel stearin (PKS) and anhydrous milk fat (AMF) were investigated by analyzing the solid fat content (SFC), thermal properties, polymorphism, and microstructure, with the aim of providing theoretical guidance for the blending of oils. The results showed that the PKS content primarily determined the SFC trend of the binary blends. However, the binary blends demonstrated poor miscibility and eutectic behavior was predominantly observed in the system, particularly at higher temperatures. Only α and ß' forms appeared in this blended system. Simultaneously, the addition of PKS elevated the liquid phase transition temperature of the binary blends, considerably significantly increased their crystallization rate when the addition of PKS was more than 20% and increased the density and size of the fat crystals. Finally, the mixing design optimization method was used to get the most suitable ratio of the binary blends in the refrigerated cream system with PKS:AMF to be 0.914:0.086. The cream prepared with the above binary blends was indeed superior in overrun and firmness and had high stability. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Some fats with special advantages are often limited in their wide application because of their poor crystallization ability. In this paper, the crystallization ability of fats is improved, and their application scenarios are increased through the combination of fats, so as to provide reference for the production of special fats for food.

Study of Processing Conditions during Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Deer By-Product Tallow for Targeted Changes at the Molecular Level and Properties of Modified Fats.

In most cases, the unused by-products of venison, including deer tallow, are disposed of in rendering plants. Deer tallow contains essential fatty acids and can be used to prepare products for everyday food and advanced applications. This work aimed to process deer tallow into hydrolyzed products using microbial lipases. A Taguchi design with three process factors at three levels was used to optimize the processing: amount of water (8, 16, 24%), amount of enzyme (2, 4, 6%), and reaction time (2, 4, 6 h). The conversion of the tallow to hydrolyzed products was expressed by the degree of hydrolysis. The oxidative stability of the prepared products was determined by the peroxide value and the free fatty acids by the acid value; further, color change, textural properties (hardness, spreadability, stickiness, and adhesiveness), and changes at the molecular level were observed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The degree of hydrolysis was 11.8-49.6%; the peroxide value ranged from 12.3 to 29.5 µval/g, and the color change of the samples expressed by the change in the total color difference (∆E*) was 1.9-13.5. The conditions of enzymatic hydrolysis strongly influenced the textural properties: hardness 25-50 N, spreadability 20-40 N/s, and stickiness < 0.06 N. FTIR showed that there are changes at the molecular level manifested by a decrease in ester bonds. Enzymatically hydrolyzed deer tallow is suitable for preparing cosmetics and pharmaceutical matrices.

Advanced Tandem Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Complex Mixtures of Triacylglycerol Regioisomers: A Case Study of Bovine Milk Fat.

Comprehensive analysis of triacylglycerol (TAG) regioisomers is extremely challenging, with many variables that can influence the results. Previously, we reported a novel algorithmic method for resolving regioisomers of complex mixtures of TAGs. In the current study, the TAG Analyzer software and its mass spectrometric fragmentation model were further developed and validated for a much wider range of TAGs. To demonstrate the method, we performed for the first time a comprehensive analysis of TAG regioisomers of bovine milk fat, a very important and one of the most complex TAG mixtures in nature containing FAs ranging from short to long carbon chains. This analysis method forms a solid basis for further investigation of TAG regioisomer profiles in various natural fats and oils, potentially aiding in the development of new and healthier foods and nutraceuticals with targeted lipid structures.

Removal of PAHs, TSS, oils and fats from ammonium-rich coke wastewater by granular filtration.

Coke wastewater is a complex industrial wastewater due to its high content of toxic compounds such as cyanides, thiocyanates, phenols, tar, oils, and fats. After a series of treatments, wastewater with a high ammonium content is obtained (around 4,150 mg·L-1). A stripping process is used to reduce it. Certain pollutants in the influent, such as tar, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), oils, fats and total suspended solids (TSS), interfere with stripping and therefore must be previously removed. In this study, the performance of a pilot-scale airlift sand filter was evaluated under real conditions for the reduction of the concentration of tar, PAHs, oils, fats and TSS, before stripping. Prior to the sand filter, a cationic flocculant was added to the influent (2 ppm). High (10 mm.min-1), medium (7.5 mm.min-1) and low sand speeds (1.9-2.6 mm.min-1) were assessed. The latter conditions gave the best results: a decrease of 98.2% in TSS, 99.7% in oils, fats and grease and 97.6% in PAHs. The final effluent (≤ 1.6 mg PAHs·L-1, ≤ 5 mg TSS·L-1 and ≤ 0.05 mg·L-1 of fats, oils and grease) was suitable for the stripping process.

Elucidating the impact of sanitary waste on the formation of fat, oil and grease deposits in sewer systems.

The accumulation of fat, oil and grease (FOG) deposits in sanitary sewer systems is a significant cause of sewer overflows, mainly due to their tendency to adhere to pipe walls. The aim of this study is to (i) develop laboratory-prepared FOG deposits using a mixture of iron (Fe) and aluminium (Al) metal ions, fatty acids, saccharides and cooked oils, in addition to various sanitary waste materials such as paper towels, wipes and pads and (ii) examine the characteristics of these FOG deposits. The goals of this study were to (i) gain a deeper understanding of the impact of sanitary waste on the formation of FOG deposits and (ii) discuss the detailed physiochemical properties of these FOG deposits. The findings revealed that FOG deposits can vary in nature, appearing as either a smooth, paste-like substance or a coarse, semi-solid material, depending on the types of waste present in the sewer. Analysis of the fatty acid profile indicated that the FOG deposits with wipes have the highest viscosity (3.2 × 104 Pa s) and larger composition of smaller chain saturated fatty acids (caprylic acid 0.64%, undecanoic acid 5.61%, lauric acid 4.65%, myristic acid 3.21% and palmitic 8.38%). In contrast, FOG deposits with Fe and Al metal impurities have higher heat resistance and thermal stability (melting point of 125 °C) and have larger composition of long chain fatty acids. Furthermore, FTIR analysis confirmed that these FOG deposits are composed of metallic salts of fatty acids, aligning with samples from sewer lines. Our results suggest that FOG deposit formation involves the aggregation of excess calcium, which compresses free fatty acid micelles, and a saponification reaction between the calcium aggregates and free fatty acids. This research illuminates the complex processes behind FOG deposit formation and their varied characteristics, providing valuable insights into potential strategies for preventing FOG-related sewer blockages.

The interactive force between fat, oil, and grease (FOG) deposits and the effect of food waste disposers on kitchen drainage systems.

Food waste disposers (FWDs) streamline kitchen waste management and facilitate waste classification, whether they would increase the potential of blockage in kitchen drainage system is still unknown. This study conducted a theoretical analysis of the interactive forces between fat, oil, and grease (FOG) deposits and their aggregation on pipe walls. The study involved grading food waste particles processed by FWDs using sieving and weighing techniques to determine the mean weight diameter (MWD) of various aggregations. A full-scale experimental system, implemented in a 60-m high test tower, simulated blockages in horizontal pipes of high-rise buildings. The effect of pipeline materials and particle sizes on blockage were examined by measuring the adhesion of deposits on horizontal pipes. Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) analysis suggested that liquid bridge force is a primary factor in aggregate formation. Hand-cut particles formed aggregates with the highest MWD value. Particle size analysis revealed that sizes ranging from 2.36 to 4.75 mm, 1.18-2.36 mm, and 0.60-1.18 mm constituted over 80 % of particles ground by FWDs, with an average size of 2.16 mm. Results of full-scale experiment indicate particle diameters, friction coefficients and lipophilic coefficient significantly affected the propensity of these aggregates to adhere to pipes. Notably, particles processed by FWDs tended to cause blockages more frequently than hand-cut particles. These findings elucidate the deposition mechanism of FOG deposits and offer strategies to reduce blockages in kitchen drainage systems, such as reducing current grinding particle size by 18 % to 1.77 mm or selecting pipes like cast iron and high-density polyethylene.

Nutritional factors affecting camel (Camelus dromedarius) milk composition.

Saharan population in Algeria still depending on bovine milk, which suffers from serious constraints undermining its sustainability. Camelus dromedarius milk has experienced growing demand following the emerging market requirements for livestock production and dairy farming over the past decade. The present work aimed at analysing the effect of nutritional regime on milk quality. The differences in pH, Acidity D°, Ash and Fats were significant. The pH was negatively influenced by the intensification conditions such as the much higher use of concentrates. The major constituents of milk were strongly and positively correlated with barley, wheat bran, TN/Kg.DM (Total Nitrogen/ Kg. Dry Matter), Kg.DM, Concentrates and daily watering. The results showed that a good energy-protein balance around 73 g PDI/UFL (Protein Digestible in the Intestine/Energetic Forage Unit for milk production) was beneficial for a better milk protein ratio. The use of corn, soybeans, palm dates and VM-premix (Vitamin Mineral) supplementation were also favourable to the synthesis of fats. Crude fiber and cell walls were better valued in the synthesis of fats with the availability of concentrates and the increasing of TN /Kg.DM and VM-premix rate in dietary regime. The vitamin C content elevate following high ratio of UFL /Kg.DM and PDI/UFL. For thus, the influence of nutritional status can lead to major improvements that need also more advanced and detailed studies.

Mathematical and computational modeling of fats and triacylglycerides.

Fats and oils are found in many food products; however, their macroscopic properties are difficult to predict, especially when blending different fats or oils together. With difficulties in sourcing specific fats or oils, whether due to availability or pricing, food companies may be required to find alternative sources for these ingredients, with possible differences in ingredient performance. Mathematical and computational modeling of these ingredients can provide a quick way to predict their properties, avoiding costly trials or manufacturing problems, while, most importantly, keeping the consumers happy. This review covers a range of mathematical models for triacylglycerides (TAGs) and fats, namely, models for the prediction of melting point, solid fat content, and crystallization temperature and composition. There are a number of models that have been designed for both TAGs and fats and which have been shown to agree very well with empirical measurements, using both kinetic and thermodynamic approaches, with models for TAGs being used to, in turn, predict fat properties. The last section describes computational models to simulate the behavior of TAGs using molecular dynamics (MD). Simulation of TAGs using MD, however, is still at an early stage, although the most recent papers on this topic are bringing this area up to speed.

Batch and continuous enzymatic interesterification of beef tallow: Interesterification degree, reaction relationship, and physicochemical properties.

The relationship between batch and continuous enzymatic interesterification was studied through enzymatic interesterification of beef tallow. The interesterification degree (ID) during the batch reaction was monitored based on triacylglycerol composition, sn-2 fatty acid composition, solid fat content, and melting profile and was described by an exponential model. A relationship equation featuring reaction parameters of the two reations was established to predict the ID and physicochemical characteristics in continuous interesterification. The prediction of the ID based on triacylglycerol composition was reliable, with an R2 value greater than 0.85. Interesterification produced more high-melting-point components for both reactions, but the acyl migration in the batch-stirring reactor was much greater, resulting in faster crystallization, a more delicate crystal network, and lower hardness. The relationship equation can be employed to predict the ID, but the prediction of physicochemical properties was constrained by the difference in acyl migration degree between the two reactions.

Advancements in Sustainable Plant-Based Alternatives: Exploring Proteins, Fats, and Manufacturing Challenges in Alternative Meat Production.

The rise in plant-based food consumption is propelled by concerns for sustainability, personal beliefs, and a focus on healthy dietary habits. This trend, particularly in alternative meat, has attracted attention from specialized brands and eco-friendly food companies, leading to increased interest in plant-based alternatives. The dominant plant-based proteins, derived mainly from legumes, include soy protein isolates, which significantly impact sensory factors. In the realm of plant-based fats, substitutes are categorized into fat substitutes based on fats and fat mimetics based on proteins and carbohydrates. The production of these fats, utilizing gums, emulsions, gels, and additives, explores characteristics influencing the appearance, texture, flavor, and storage stability of final plant-based products. Analysis of plant-based proteins and fats in hamburger patties provides insights into manufacturing methods and raw materials used by leading alternative meat companies. However, challenges persist, such as replicating meat's marbling characteristic and addressing safety considerations in terms of potential allergy induction and nutritional supplementation. To enhance functionality and develop customized plant-based foods, it is essential to explore optimal combinations of various raw materials and develop new plant-based proteins and fat separation.

Polyoxyethylene tallow amine and glyphosate exert different developmental toxicities on human pluripotent stem cells-derived heart organoid model.

The early stage of heart development is highly susceptible to various environmental factors. While the use of animal models has aided in identifying numerous environmental risk factors, the variability between species and the low throughput limit their translational potential. Recently, a type of self-assembling cardiac structures, known as human heart organoids (hHOs), exhibits a remarkable biological consistency with human heart. However, the feasibility of hHOs for assessing cardiac developmental risk factors remains unexplored. Here, we focused on the cardiac developmental effects of core components of Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs), the most widely used herbicides, to evaluate the reliability of hHOs for the prediction of possible cardiogenesis toxicity. GBHs have been proven toxic to cardiac development based on multiple animal models, with the mechanism remaining unknown. We found that polyoxyethylene tallow amine (POEA), the most common surfactant in GBHs formulations, played a dominant role in GBHs' heart developmental toxicity. Though there were a few differences in transcriptive features, hHOs exposed to sole POEA and combined POEA and Glyphosate would suffer from both disruption of heart contraction and disturbance of commitment in cardiomyocyte isoforms. By contrast, Glyphosate only caused mild epicardial hyperplasia. This study not only sheds light on the toxic mechanism of GBHs, but also serves as a methodological demonstration, showcasing its effectiveness in recognizing and evaluating environmental risk factors, and deciphering toxic mechanisms.

Coconut oil as an alternative to butter and shortening in bread making.

The characteristics of bread prepared with coconut oil were investigated to determine whether it can be used as an alternative to butter and shortening. Loaf height of the bread increased by adding butter and shortening water content of bread containing oils and fats was lower than that without oils and fats, and baking loss increased with decreasing water content. The addition of oils and fats influenced the baking color of bread and hindered the hardening of bread samples over time. Moreover, the addition and type of oils and fats influenced the crust density of bread samples and dough expansion. Furthermore, numerous fine bubbles were present in bread samples without oils and fats, whereas the size and number of bubbles increased and decreased in bread samples containing oils and fats, respectively. The band concentrations of insoluble proteins at approximately 39, 41, and 48 kDa in freeze-dried bread samples without oils and fats were significantly lower than those containing oils and fats. Thirty volatile compounds were detected in all bread samples tested, and the number was high in the following order: bread samples with butter, shortening, and coconut oil, and without oils and fats. However, sensory evaluation showed no significant differences among all bread samples tested. Therefore, it was suggested that bread containing coconut oil had the same characteristics as that containing butter and shortening. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Butter and shortening are usually used in bread making, although bread prepared with coconut oil can possess the same characteristics as that containing them. Therefore, this study evaluated the characteristics of bread prepared with coconut oil and revealed that use of coconut oil enabled a vegan bread with reduced environmental impact because coconut oil is a vegetable-derived oil that does not require the cutting of tropical rainforests.

Thermophysical properties of blends composed of Amazonian fats and soybean oil.

Thermophysical properties of blends composed of soybean oil and fats obtained from fruits and seeds from Brazilian Amazonian region (Murumuru, Tucuma, and Bacuri) were investigated, looking for more sustainable alternatives to the mostly used industrial fats, for applications in product formulation. Fatty acid (FA) and triacylglycerol composition, nutritional indexes, solid fat content (SFC), compatibility, consistency, melting, and crystallization profiles were determined. Soybean oil increased blends' unsaturated FA profile, leading to lower SFC, but higher nutritional quality. Fats' melting profiles were significantly altered with soybean oil addition: temperatures decreased with the increase in oil content. Iso-solids diagrams showed that lipids were compatible, which is a technological advantage. SFC and consistency profiles suggested that tucuma and murumuru fats could be used as hardstocks for lipid products, and bacuri fat could be applied in products such as margarine and spreads. Blends could improve fats' spreadability and other technological properties, which is promising for applications in products formulation.