Search Results (372)

Background: Crosslinker-free, pH-induced hydrogels offer a green alternative for food preservation but often lack mechanical robustness. Objective: In this study, we developed a ternary hydrogel from cod myofibrillar protein (CP), sodium alginate (SA), and Ulva prolifera-derived insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) to enhance structural and preservation properties. Methods: Hydrogels with 0–3% IDF were characterized to assess their texture, water-holding capacity (WHC), and microstructure. Based on the balance between reinforcement and macroscopic processability, the 2% IDF formulation was selected for the shrimp preservation trial, which was conducted over 15 days at 4 °C. Results: Incorporation of 2% IDF significantly increased gel hardness (from 278.0 ± 6.8 g to 393.0 ± 1.8 g; p < 0.01, n² = 0.87) and WHC (from 60% to 84.3 ± 2.1%; p < 0.01). In preservation tests, the CP-SA-IDF coating maintained TVB-N at 41.62 ± 3.7 mg/100 g, significantly lower than the control (78.65 ± 4.5 mg/100 g; p < 0.01) and inhibited microbial growth (TVC: 6.9 ± 0.3 log CFU/g vs. control 9.1 ± 0.4 log CFU/g; p < 0.05). A combined freshness index demonstrated superior overall preservation efficacy (0.82 vs. 0.49 in control; p < 0.05). Conclusions: IDF reinforces the CP-SA network via hydrogen bonding and physical entanglement, creating an effective edible coating for aquatic product preservation. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate how hydration temperature, rotational speed, and screw restriction influence the extraction efficiency, physicochemical characteristics, and monosaccharide composition of chia seed mucilage (CSM). Optimal extraction conditions (43.7 Hz, 100% screw restriction and 50 °C) yielded an extraction efficiency of 65.69% and a mucilage yield of 7.66%, producing a material with an average particle size of 15.28 μm, a ζ-potential of 9.7 mV, and weak-gel rheological behavior. Structural analyses confirmed the absence of insoluble fiber and revealed crystalline phases including MgO, Ca₅P₈, K₂S, K₄P₆, and CaCO₃, along with typical polysaccharide functional groups (–OH, –CH, C=O, COO⁻, C–O). Moderate hydration temperature combined with controlled mechanical conditions favored the release of mucilage enriched in xylose, glucose, and arabinose, which are characteristic of seed coat polysaccharides. In contrast, minimal mechanical action or excessive seed disruption shifted the monosaccharide profile toward cell wall structural carbohydrates, indicating reduced mucilage purity. Elevated hydration temperature (75 °C) enhanced the solubilization of uronic acids and arabinose, suggesting increased extraction of acidic polysaccharide fractions associated with the seed coat matrix. These findings demonstrate that extraction parameters strongly determine CSM composition, structural integrity, and functional attributes. The results provide a basis for tailoring chia-derived polysaccharides for applications in hydrocolloid systems, bio-based materials, and functional polymer formulations. Full article

Roselle beverage residue (RBR), a by-product of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. processing, retains bioactive compounds, including soluble and insoluble dietary fiber and polyphenols. Its antihyperglycemic effect in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been previously demonstrated; however, its role in lipid metabolism remains unknown. This study assessed the preventive and therapeutic potential of RBR on dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis in a rodent model of late-stage T2DM characterized by hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia. Male Wistar rats with T2DM induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet combined with streptozotocin received 6% RBR supplementation as either a preventive intervention (starting at week 1 in healthy rats or week 9 in insulin-resistant rats) or a therapeutic intervention (starting at week 14 in diabetic rats). After 17 weeks, RBR supplementation significantly reduced serum triglycerides and total cholesterol, attenuating hepatic lipid accumulation regardless of the timing of intervention. Hepatic Acadm expression, involved in fatty acid β-oxidation, was significantly upregulated in rats treated with RBR from week 1 and 9, whereas no significant modulation was observed for genes related to fatty acid synthesis or uptake. These findings suggest that RBR supplementation may contribute to improving lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis in a rat model of late-stage T2DM. Full article

Medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) is a plant species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Despite the nutritional and functional value of the medlar fruit, there is limited research, particularly regarding its potential as a source of dietary fibers, indigestible plant-based components, important for improving health. Fungal cellulase enzymes were used to treat medlar fruit in physiological (PRM) and consumable (CRM) maturity and obtain insoluble dietary fibers (IDF). The yield of obtained insoluble dietary fibers was 83% for both PRM and CRM. Fungal strains Aspergillus welwitschiae have proven to be significant producers of the cellulase enzyme complex and are also safe for use in food production. Swelling capacity exhibited the most pronounced response to the enzymatic treatment; 8.51–8.65% vs. 12.24–12.86% (untreated and treated fruits, respectively). Dietary fibers extracted from medlar fruits exhibited antioxidant activity that can be attributed to the presence of bound polyphenolic compounds within the fiber material. Microscopic analysis and FTIR spectra revealed structural changes in the medlar fibers due to enzyme activity, indicating partial hydrolysis of lignocellulosic components. This process enhances the functional properties of medlar-based IDF, making it a valuable ingredient for fiber-enriched food products. Full article

Plum pomace (PP), a key by-product of plum juice processing, is a rich yet underutilized source of dietary fiber. However, its high-value exploitation is severely limited by the lack of efficient extraction and modification technologies. This study optimized the extraction of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) from plum pomace (PP) via Design of Experiments (DOE), and evaluated their modification effects. Alkaline extraction was screened as the optimal method for IDF, and orthogonal experiments determined the optimal conditions: solid-to-liquid ratio 1:20 g/mL, 14 g/L NaOH, 60 °C, and 80 min, achieving a high extraction yield of 62.18%. For SDF, enzymatic extraction was superior, and response surface methodology (RSM) optimized the process to a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:15.5, 1.0% enzyme dosage, 61.5 °C, and 92 min, with a yield of 29.3%. Physical, chemical, and biological modifications all significantly enhanced SDF’s water/oil-holding capacity, cholesterol/glucose adsorption capacity, and cation exchange capacity. Biologically modified SDF showed the most significant enhancement, with WHC of 5.58 ± 0.05 g/g, OHC of 4.38 g/g, CAC of 7.68 mg/g, and CEC of 3.28 mmol/g. These results provide technical support for the high-value utilization of PP and lay a foundation for its application in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Full article

Sulfonated aromatic polymers (SAPs) represent promising alternatives to perfluorinated ionomers for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), but their high hydrophilicity and limited chemical stability often require structural reinforcement and controlled cross-linking. In this study, composite membranes based on sulfonated poly(phenylsulfone) (SPPSU) and sulfonated poly(ethersulfone) (SPES) were fabricated with and without electrospun PPSU nanofiber mats and subsequently cross-linked through a solvent-induced sulfone-bridge formation at 180 °C. SPPSU/SPES blends (70/30, 50/50, 30/70) displayed good miscibility, while PPSU fibers improved dimensional stability and suppressed excessive swelling. Cross-linking strongly influenced membrane properties: intermediate treatment (20 h) enhanced mechanical strength and solvent resistance with limited loss of IEC, whereas extended treatment (30 h) produced highly stable, low-swelling networks. Despite lower IEC and water uptake, 30 h-treated membranes exhibited higher proton conductivity, attributed to reduced tortuosity and more continuous ionic pathways. Mechanical and hydration analyses identified SPPSU-50, SPPSU-70, and SPPSU-100 as the most balanced compositions. Proton mobility analysis revealed high membrane tortuosity, consistent with dense cross-linked structures reinforced by fibers. Overall, the combined use of SPPSU/SPES blending, PPSU nanofiber reinforcement, and sulfone-bridge cross-linking yields robust, water-insoluble membranes with improved electrochemical performance suitable for PEMFCs and other applications. Full article

The positive effects of phenolic compounds in the gastrointestinal tract are influenced by dietary fibers. The aim of this work was to study the interactions between syringic acid and soluble and insoluble dietary fibers from the β-glucan group, including laminarin from Laminaria digitata, zymosan A from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and β-glucan from Euglena gracilis. Kinetic models of the pseudo-first and pseudo-second order were applied to describe the interactions in time. The stability of the complexes between syringic acid and dietary fibers was monitored at different times by the DPPH method. The water holding capacity, water swelling capacity and water solubility of dietary fibers were determined. FTIR spectra were recorded to characterize the possible binding of syringic acid and dietary fibers. The results showed that syringic acid adsorbed onto dietary fibers with different adsorption capacities. The highest adsorption capacity was observed for zymosan A (431 mg g⁻¹), followed by laminarin (382 mg g⁻¹) and β-glucan from Euglena gracilis (336 mg g⁻¹). The parameters of the kinetic models showed good agreement with the experimental data. The highest antiradical activity was found for the complex of syringic acid—β-glucan from Euglena gracilis. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the bonding of syringic acid onto dietary fibers. The interactions of polyphenols and dietary fibers are important to understand the role of dietary fibers as carriers of polyphenols. Full article

Due to the seasonality of its production and its polluting characteristics, the management and disposal of large amounts of grape pomace (GP) produced worldwide every year can pose a significant economic and environmental challenge. The research on the possible exploitation of GP for various purposes has been constantly growing during recent years, due to the increased general sensitivity to issues like the sustainability of agro-industrial production and the growing consumer demand for the use of natural versus synthetic compounds. This work concerned the determination of the polyphenolic profile and the dietary fiber content of skins and seeds from unfermented and fermented white and red grape pomace of different cultivars, sampled from local wineries in the Piedmont area (Italy) after winemaking. A double extraction was performed to maximize the extraction of polyphenols from grape pomace flours. The extractable polyphenols content (EPP) was determined in the extracts, while the non-extractable polyphenols (NEPP) linked to fiber were quantified as condensed tannins in the residue after extraction. The total dietary fiber (TDF) was determined for skins and seeds; limited to skins, the analysis was extended to the distinction between soluble and insoluble dietary fiber (SDF and IDF). The polyphenolic and dietary fiber content was significantly higher in seeds than in skins. However, from a nutritional point of view, the dietary fiber of skins may be more interesting due to the higher NEPP content than in seeds; moreover, the winemaking technique influenced the quantity and characteristics of skin fiber, which contained SDF, almost absent in seeds. Full article

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of agro-industrial waste from C. cajan shell, plantain peels (Musa spp.), and Zea mays cob husk on in situ ruminal degradation kinetics and in vitro gas production. Rumen degradation of DM in the soluble fraction (A) was higher (p = 0.0001) in plantain peel (37.5%). The insoluble but potentially degradable fraction (B) was higher (p = 0.0001) in C. Cajan shell (71.7%). Regarding the degradation rate in percentage per hour (c: 0.13%/h), degradation potential (A + B: 86.3%) and effective degradation at the different passage rates (k) (0.02: 79.6%, 0.05: 72.4%, and 0.08: 67.3% k, respectively), it was higher (p < 0.05) in the plantain peels. Rumen NDF degradation was higher (p < 0.05) in plantain peels for all degradation parameters (A + B: 80.8, k: 0.02: 57.1%, 0.05: 44.9%, and 0.08: 37.6%, respectively). Total gas production kinetics (D; 333.3 mLgas/0.5 g degraded DM) and gas production at 24, 48, and 96 h were lower (p = 0.0001) in plantain peels. CH₄ production was low (p = 0.0001) in plantain peels at all evaluated times (24 h: 32.7, 48 h: 37.9, and 96 h: 53.5 mL/0.5 g degraded DM). CO₂ production was lower (p < 0.05) in C. Cajan and plantain peels at all evaluated times. Under the conditions of this study, it can be concluded that the use of plantain peels (Musa spp.) can be beneficial to animals when incorporated into the diet, as it contains a similar protein content to tropical forages, as well as low fiber content, high ruminal degradation, and secondary compounds that benefit energy maximization by mitigating enteric gas production in ruminants. Full article

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of reactive extrusion (thermomechanical and chemical process) on the chemical composition, techno-functional properties, glucose and cholesterol adsorption capacity, and bioactive compound profile of spent coffee grounds (SCG). SCG was extruded using citric acid or alkaline hydrogen peroxide as reagents, and a control sample was extruded without reagents. Treatment with citric acid resulted in the highest levels of total dietary fiber (79.6 g/100 g) and insoluble fiber (76.2 g/100 g), especially cellulose, and significantly improved glucose (32.7 mmol/L) and cholesterol (4.5 mg/g) adsorption at neutral pH. Treatment with alkaline hydrogen peroxide increased water retention capacity (3.9 g/g). Although chemical treatments reduced total polyphenol and antioxidant activity, they effectively broke down the lignocellulosic matrix, thereby increasing fiber availability and functionality. Extrusion without reagents (processes induced by mechanical and thermal factors) favored the retention of caffeine and chlorogenic acids, increasing soluble fiber and maintaining antioxidant capacity. Therefore, reactive extrusion is a technological strategy that aligns with the principles of the circular economy, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to landfill disposal and adding value to spent coffee grounds by transforming lignocellulosic residue into functional ingredients with broad application potential. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the substitution of wheat flour (WF) for grape (Vitis vinifera L.) pomace (GP) on cookie formulation. The techno-functional properties of GP flour (GPF) were characterized, and cookie formulations containing 15% (C15) and 20% (C20) GPF were developed. To evaluate the antioxidant and functional potential, free (FPF, soluble phenols) and bound phenolic fraction (BPF, insoluble phenols) were extracted. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant potential (ABTS and DPPH assays) were measured. The GPF shows differences in oil and water retention, non-foaming properties, and non-significant differences in swelling capacity compared to WF. C15 and C20 show L* values from 27.9 to 36.2, b* values from 2.22 to 2.64, and a* values from 8.84 to 10.49. GPF addition elevates ash and fiber content by 3.5–4.2 and 14–31.6 times. GPF cookie (C15) exhibited a significantly higher TPC compared to WF. Although the FPF fraction in the cookies was higher compared to BPF, the contribution of BPF to antioxidant activity was high (DPPH = 29.9%, ABTS = 16.3%) compared to FPF (DPPH = 26.3%, ABTS = 20.3%). Given that FPF is traditionally the only antioxidant fraction measured, the antioxidant potential of incorporating grape by-products is being underestimated; this is the first report of this in a cookie. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is increasingly valued as a climate-resilient crop due to its nutritional quality and adaptability; however, there is limited information on the nutritional composition of heat-tolerant genotypes grown in tropical environments or the potential of quinoa leaves as an additional nutrient source. This study assessed the nutritional composition of leaves and grains from three heat-tolerant quinoa genotypes (Ames 13746 (Pison), Ames 13748 (Copacabana), and Ames 13745 (Kaslae)) to support their use as multipurpose crops in warm regions. Crude protein, amino acid, dietary fiber fraction, total fat, total starch, and mineral (Ca, Mg, P, K, Fe, and Zn) concentrations were quantified using AOAC, AACCI, and AOCS standardized methods. The grains exhibited a balanced essential amino acid profile, with lysine concentrations exceeding those of most staple cereals. The protein contents in the leaves and grains did not differ among genotypes (p > 0.05), although combustion analysis yielded consistently higher values than the Kjeldahl method. The leaves differed significantly in insoluble and total dietary fiber (p < 0.05), with Kaslae presenting the highest levels. In grains, the dietary fiber, total fat, total starch, and mineral contents did not vary among genotypes. The leaf mineral composition differed in terms of Ca and P, while Mg, Fe, K, and Zn levels remained similar across genotypes. These findings underscore quinoa’s potential as a nutrient-dense, multipurpose crop for food production in tropical environments. Full article

Human health is profoundly influenced by external factors, with stress being a primary contributor. In this context, the digestive system is particularly susceptible. The prevalence of diseases affecting the small intestine and colon is increasing. Consequently, insoluble plant fibers, such as cellulose and hemicellulose, play a crucial role in promoting intestinal transit and maintaining colon health. Lettuce is a widely consumed leafy vegetable with high nutritional value and has been intensively studied through hydroponic cultivation. This study aims to optimize the cultivation conditions and freeze-drying process of Lugano and Carmesi lettuce varieties (Lactuca sativa L.) by identifying the optimal growth conditions, freeze-drying duration, and sample surface area in order to achieve an optimal percentage of insoluble fibers. Carmesi and Lugano varieties were selected based on their contrasting growth characteristics and leaf morphology, allowing to assess whether treatments and processing conditions have consistent effects on different types of lettuce. The optimal freeze-drying parameters were determined to include a 48 h freeze-drying period, a maximum sample surface area of 144 cm², and growth under combined conditions of supplementary oxygenation and LED light exposure. The optimal fiber composition, cellulose (21.61%), hemicellulose (11.84%) and lignin (1.36%), was found for the Lugano variety, which exhibited lower lignin and higher cellulose contents than the Carmesi variety. The quantification of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin was performed using the well-known NDF, ADF and ADL methods. Therefore, optimized freeze-dried lettuce powder, particularly from the Lugano variety, presents a high-value functional ingredient for enriching foods and developing nutritional supplements aimed at digestive health. Full article

Constipation is a global health issue, with a prevalence of approximately 16%, and insufficient dietary fiber intake is a major contributing factor. Citrus peel residue contains a high proportion of dietary fiber, accounting for about 20–44% of its composition. In this study, the constipation-relieving effects of three functional components derived from citrus peel residue—cellulose (CEL), pectin (PEC), and citrus peel powder (CPP)—were systematically compared using a loperamide-induced mouse model. All groups were administered an equivalent dose of 200 mg/kg daily. The results showed that supplementation with CEL, PEC, and CPP improved defecation parameters. Among these, PEC effectively modulated the SCF/C-kit and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. Compared with the model group, PEC increased Akkermansia abundance by approximately 34% and reduced Desulfovibrio abundance by about 26% Additionally, the smaller particle size and improved solubility of PEC promote the production of beneficial metabolites, thereby alleviating constipation. In contrast, CEL primarily alleviates constipation through its physical properties. At equivalent doses, CPP provides less constipation relief due to its lower component concentrations and a primary composition of insoluble dietary fiber. These findings provide preliminary mechanistic insights and support further exploration of citrus by-products as functional food candidates for the management of constipation. Full article

This work presents an approach to water-dispersible polylactide (PLA) particle fabrication and their application in low-temperature film formation using a combination of mechanical dispersion and ultrasonication techniques. Stable PLA dispersions were obtained after removal of surfactant and allowed for thin-film preparation, exhibiting a significantly reduced minimum film formation temperature (MFFT) from 128 °C to 80 °C after reducing the characteristic particle size from ~2.2 µm to ~140 nm. To tailor the interfacial behavior and mechanical flexibility of the resulting coatings, a set of conventional and bio-based plasticizers was evaluated, including epoxidized fatty acids, PEG-400, and several hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) synthesized from menthol and carboxylic acids. Compatibility between PLA and each plasticizer was predicted using Hansen solubility parameters. The efficiency of plasticization was assessed through glass transition temperature suppression in solvent-cast films. The combination of submicron PLA particles and selected plasticizers enabled film formation at temperatures as low as 48 °C, confirming the potential of these systems for energy-efficient coating technologies. Furthermore, composite coatings incorporating micro-sized cellulose fibers (L/D ≈ 10.5–11.5) regenerated from agricultural residues were successfully obtained, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating bio-derived fillers into waterborne PLA formulations. In this study, the use of water-insoluble deep eutectic solvents type plasticizers for PLA coatings from water dispersions was reported for the first time. This establishes a foundation for developing sustainable, low-VOC, and low film formation temperature PLA-based coating materials. Full article