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Abstract Background In the past decades, many natural bioactive compounds with antioxidant, immunoregulatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities have been successfully identified in plant and animal materials. However, due to their poor solubility, unfavorable flavor, low bioavailability and instability during food processing and storage, the development of bioactive compounds used in the food industry presents many technological challenges. Scope and approach Emulsion electrospinning is a novel and simple technique to fabricate core-shell nanofibers, and either water-in-oil (W/O) or oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions can be electrospun to directly encapsulate hydrophilic or hydrophobic compounds into core-shell fibers, respectively. This review introduces fundamentals and advantages of emulsion electrospinning as well as its food applications. The effects of different types of emulsifiers on the formation of emulsion systems and emulsion-based electrospun fibers are highlighted. Further, the existing limitations and scope for future research are discussed. Key findings and conclusions Recent studies have found that the emulsion-based electrospun nanofibers can enhance the encapsulation efficiency, stability, and bioavailability of bioactive compounds, as well as achieve targeted delivery and controlled release, thus providing new strategies to improve their barrier performance compared to conventional electrospinning and therefore facilitating the development of emulsion-based electrospun mats in the food industry. Highlights • Fundamentals and advantages of emulsion electrospinning are overviewed. • Diverse food-grade materials are appropriate for emulsion electrospinning. • Role of different types of emulsifiers in emulsion electrospinning is clarified. • Food applications of emulsion-based electrospun fibers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An array of ultra-long-chain fatty acid sugar alcohol monoesters, with behenic acid as an acyl representative and sugar alcohols altered from ethylene glycol to glycerol, erythritol, pentaerythritol, arabitol, xylitol and sorbitol, were enzymatically synthesized in high purity and selectivity. The molecular structures of the synthetic compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, FT-IR and MS analysis, and the thermal properties were primarily characterized by DSC analysis. The molecular packing and thermal properties of synthetic sugar alcohol monobehenates (SAMBs) were investigated by Temp-Ramp-FT-IR. For in vivo application purposes, the enzymatic lipolysis of synthesized SAMBs was examined by a PPL (porcine pancreatic lipase)-mediated in vitro digestion test, and improved resistance of most SAMBs to enzymatic lipolysis, in comparison to glycerol monopalmitate, was observed. FT-IR spectroscopic analysis of the thermotropic phase transitions of the synthetic SAMBs indicated that the thermal collapse temperatures do not vary significantly as the polar head alters, suggesting their thermostabilities are largely governed by hydrophobic interactions among the alkanyl chains, while the size, properties and volume of the polar heads may determine the packing patterns. Systemic mapping of the structure–property–function relationship of SAMBs revealed the potential of these compounds for multipurpose applications. Ethylene glycol and glycerol monobehenates enable orthorhombic packing, and could find applications in cosmetic formulation, whereas sorbitol monobehenate is capable of forming stable surfactant-free nanoparticles, which could be excellent excipients for solid lipid nanoparticles for use as delivery cargo for drugs and food ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to load glycerol monolaurate (GML) in a microemulsion system for the inactivation of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The influence of ethanol, propylene glycol (PG) and sodium benzoate (Na-Bz) on oil solubilization of GML microemulsions is clearly reflected in the phase behavior of these systems. One dilution-stable microemulsion formulation was determined and stable by the examination of the physical stability. Results showed that the microemulsion at 100 ppm, comparable to 3 mg/L ceftazidime, had much higher antimicrobial activities against S. maltophilia, with a major contribution of GML, and Na-Bz enhanced the antimicrobial activities as a hydrotrope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to improve the depression, enhance the bioavailability, hence strengthen the antimicrobial ability of poorly water-soluble glycerol monolaurate (GML) by loading it in microemulsion system. Microemulsions were prepared with GML as oil, tweens as surfactant, and medium-and-short chain alcohols at different ratio as cosurfactants. The effect of the ratio of surfactant to cosurfactant on the stability of microemulsion was tested. And the effect of the composition and ratio of cosurfactant and the effect of potassium sorbate dissolved in water at different concentration on the area of O/W microemulsion region in pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were also investigated. The results showed that the microemulsion is most stable when the ratio of surfactant to cosurfactant was 3:2, the suitable cosurfactant is pentanol to dodecane at 2:1, the area of O/W microemulsion region in pseudo-ternary phase diagram increased with increasing content of potassium sorbate. The conclusion of this study was that GML loaded in microemulsion had much higher anti-microbial activity than GML alone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

AbstractA large and growing body of literature has investigated the broad antibacterial spectrum and strong synergistic antimicrobial activity of medium chain monoglycerides (MCMs) have been widely investigated. Recently, more and more researches have focused on the regulation of MCMs on metabolic health and gut microbiota both in vivo and in vitro. The current review summarizes the digestion, absorption and metabolism of MCMs. Subsequently, it focuses on the functional and nutritional properties of MCMs, including the antibacterial and antiviral characteristics, the modulation of metabolic balance, the regulation of gut microbiota, and the improvement in intestinal health. Additionally, we discuss the most recent developments and application of MCMs using nanotechnologies in food industry, poultry and pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, we analyze recent application examples of MCMs and their nanotechnology formation used in food. The development of nanotechnology platforms facilitating molecular encapsulation and functional presentation contribute to the application of hydrophobic fatty acids and monoglycerides in food preservation and their antibacterial effectiveness. This study emphasizes the metabolic mechanisms and biological activity of MCMs by summarizing the prevailing state of knowledge on this topic, as well as providing insights into prospective techniques for developing the beneficial applications of MCMs to realize the industrialized production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies reveal that glycerol monolaurate (GML) is regarded as an effective feed supplement in the production of broilers; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The current study aimed to investigate how GML affected production performance and meat quality in yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 528 chicks were randomly assigned into four groups for a 56-day feeding trial. The control group received a basal diet, and the treated groups fed basal diet containing 300 (GML300), 450 (GML450), and 600 (GML600) mg/kg GML. Results revealed that dietary GML notably increased the average daily feed intake (p < 0.05) and body weight in broilers during 28–56 days of age and improved the duodenum and jejunum morphology. Dietary GML increased the total cholesterol in broilers (p < 0.05), but the hepatic, abdominal, and muscular fat deposition, as well as muscle fatty acids, were not affected. The flavor amino acids and total amino acids in muscle of GML300 and GML 450 groups were notably (p < 0.05) increased. GML supplementation selectively increased the colonization of an unclassified genus of Lachnospiraceae family and Bifidobacteriaceae, which were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the increase of muscle amino acids. Meanwhile, dietary GML notably increased short chain fatty acids content and the microbial DNA abundance of carbohydrate, amino acids and lipid metabolism pathway in cecum. These findings demonstrated that dietary GML improved performance, intestinal morphology, and muscle amino acids in broilers mainly by manipulating community, function and metabolites of gut microbiota. Key points: • GML improves performance, muscle composition, and feed efficiency in broilers. • GML alters gut microbiota community, function, and microbial metabolites in broilers. • Improvements of broilers by GML closely associated with gut microbiota alteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, various concentrations of allopurinol were encapsulated into the glucose cross-linked gelatin/zein (1:1, w/w) nanofibers. The encapsulation of allopurinol did not affect the production of smooth and uniform nanofibers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed the hydrogen bonding interactions between allopurinol and proteins. The homogenous dispersion of allopurinol at concentrations of 2.5% (A2.5), 5% (A5), and 10% (A10) was observed, while phase separation happened at a concentration of 20% (A20) allopurinol by recrystallization. The nanofiber wettability was significantly increased for the A2.5 and A5 fibers, but the wettability of the A10 and A20 fibers was even lower compared to the unencapsulated nanofibers. The release experiments of allopurinol from nanofibers into phosphate buffer, simulated gastric fluid, and simulated intestinal fluid suggested the anomalous pattern for the burst release, followed by the Fickian diffusion for the sustained release. In addition, the allopurinol encapsulated nanofibers showed effective suppression against xanthine oxidase. Our work suggest that the glucose cross-linked gelatin/zein nanofibers may be a promising delivery system for hydrophobic bioactive molecules. Image 1 • Allopurinol were uniformly dispersed within the glucose cross-linked gelatin/zein nanofibers. • The loading capacity of allopurinol in the fibers varied from 6.32 to 33.38%. • Anomalous pattern for the burst release, followed by the Fickian diffusion for the sustained release were observed. • The allopurinol encapsulated nanofibers showed effective suppression against xanthine oxidase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, the gelatin/zein nanofibers were electrospun and then cross-linked by glucose via Maillard reaction. The morphology observations showed that the average diameter of the cross-linked gelatin/zein nanofibers decreased with the increasing weight ratio of zein. FTIR results indicated that gelatin and zein molecules were homogenously dispersed within the fibers, and the Maillard reaction occurred between the proteins and glucose. The addition of zein affected the mobility of the gelatin chains, leading to the decreased denaturation temperature. The cross-linked fibers with a 1:1 gelatin/zein ratio showed the most hydrophobic surface (water contact angle of 134°), and comparable mechanical properties to the cross-linked gelatin nanofibers, while a higher ratio of zein (more than 50%) resulted in the decreased elastic modulus. The L929 cell cytotoxicity test suggested that the cross-linked gelatin/zein nanofibers exhibited good biocompatibility and non-cytotoxicity. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The gelatin/zein nanofibers were cross-linked with glucose by Maillard reaction. • The nanofiber morphology was maintained after cross-linking. • The cross-linked nanofibers showed good water resistance, and tunable wettability and mechanical properties. • The cross-linked nanofibers are biocompatible and non-cytotoxic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperuricemia refers to a metabolic disorder associated with high serum uric acid levels and is regarded as a major risk factor not only for the development of gout but also for various chronic diseases. However, current clinical hypouricemic medications still have some undesired side effects and are contraindicated by multiple comorbidities. Thus, the development of natural therapeutic products as novel, safe, and effective alternatives to pharmacological agents is urgently needed. This review mainly focuses on the research progress of phytochemicals in the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. Additionally, the chemical structure, specific mechanism, and effective dose of natural phytochemicals are comprehensively highlighted. Many in vivo and/or in vitro studies have indicated that phytochemicals derived from natural sources, including alkaloids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, possess the beneficial properties of downregulating uric acid levels and dissolving monosodium urate crystals. Therefore, they have great potential to be novel and safe agents that can prevent and combat hyperuricemia and gout. [Display omitted] • Review of beneficial properties and mechanisms of natural plants and phytochemicals to combat hyperuricemia and gout. • Introduction of hypouricemic phytochemicals in terms of the chemical structure, specific mechanism, and effective dose. • Discussion of limitations and future prospects of phytochemicals as potential alternatives to hypouricemic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enzymatic interesterification of a solvent-free, equimolar mixture of trilaurin and 1,3-palmitin-2-olein was studied using three immobilized lipase preparations as catalysts. Analysis of triacylglycerol (TAG) content and fatty acid (FA) distribution monitored the lipase-catalyzed interesterification in sn-1,3 positions and FA exchange in the sn-2 position caused by acyl migration. Lipase from Rhizopus oryzae immobilized on polypropylene showed high sn-1,3 regioselectivity, and minimal exchange in the sn-2 position. With lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus on silica (Lipozyme® TL IM), completely randomized FA distribution was obtained in 24 h. T. lanuginosus lipase on polypropylene caused a moderate rate of FA exchange in the sn-2 position. Thus, the T. lanuginosus lipase and silica promoted randomization of FA distribution, whereas the R. oryzae lipase and polypropylene did not. Higher water activity promoted hydrolysis and thereby increased concentrations of partial acylglycerols, but at the same time a decrease in the acyl migration rate of these intermediates was also observed. The net result was that at a certain degree of interesterification, there was no significant effect of water activity on the degree of exchange in the sn-2 position. On the other hand, a low water activity had the major advantage of giving a high yield of TAG. Practical applications: Both the type and the position of FA affect the properties of TAG. In TAG interesterification, there are thus different requirements for regiospecificity in FA exchange, depending on which product is desired. According to our results, lipase-based catalysts can be used for TAG interesterification either to achieve unchanged FA composition in sn-2 position or fast FA randomization in all positions. This helps to broaden the application of lipases in interesterification. The production of TAG can be tailor-made for lipid mixtures with particular TAG composition and FA distribution using proper lipases, support materials, water activity, and reaction time. The enzymatic LLL-POP model reaction was used to investigate effects of lipase, support material, and water activity on acyl migration. (Fig. A): effect of Lipozyme® TL IM, TLPP and ROPP at aw 0.26, (Fig. B): effect of aw between 0.15 and 0.80 using Lipozyme® TL IM as the example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roles of medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCT) on health benefits under high fat diet (HFD) conditions remain in dispute. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of novel LaPLa-rich MLCT on the glycolipid metabolism and gut microbiota in HFD-fed mice when pork fat is half replaced with MLCT and palm stearin (PS). The results showed that although MLCT could increase the body weight in the mouse model, it can improve the energy utilization, regulate the glucose and lipid metabolism, and inhibit the occurrence of inflammation. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing of gut microbiota indicated that PS and MLCT affected the overall structure of the gut microbiota to a varying extent and specifically changed the abundance of some operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Moreover, several OTUs belonging to the genera Dorea, Streptococcus, and g_Eryipelotrichaceae had a high correlation with obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders of the host. Therefore, it can be seen that this new MLCT has different properties and functions from the previous traditional MLCT, and it can better combine the advantages of MLCT, lauric acid, and sn-2 palmitate, as well as the advantages of health function and metabolism. In summary, this study explored the effects of LaPLa-enriched lipids on glycolipid metabolism in mice, providing theoretical support for future studies on the efficacy of different types of conjugated lipids, intending to apply them to industrial production and subsequent development of related products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycerol monolaurate (GML) is a fatty acid monoglyceride, which richly exists in coconut oil, palm oil, and human milk. Except for the recognized emulsifying properties, GML's good antibacterial ability and low energy density also make it an ideal functional additive and food quality improver. This review discusses GML synthesis, health benefits, positive effects on food storage and quality, and critically discusses its fate and safety in vivo. The routine emulsification of GML in foods is beyond the scope of this review. GML is synthesized through direct esterification, methyl laurate glycerolysis or laurate glycerolysis. Although the in vivo fate of GML is assumed to be similar to that of glyceryl trilaurate, there is no direct experimental evidence for this inference. Previous studies proved that GML functions beyond an emulsifier. In food quality, GML inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms and extends shelf life. It also improves the nutritional value and sensory properties of animal-derived food by regulating amino acid and fatty acid metabolism. In health efficacies, GML reduces lipid accumulation, rebuilds the intestinal barrier, modulates immune activity, and may have positive effects on the nervous system. These are associated with the direct intervention of GML on gut microbiota, immune cell activity and energy metabolism. However, developing more efficient GML synthesis schemes, enhancing the application of GML on food quality, and exploring the in vivo fate, health efficacy mechanism or safety of GML in different experimental models remain interesting topics in the future. • The main preparation methods of glycerol monolaurate (GML) were reviewed. • The in vivo fate of GML was speculated and discussed. • GML can be used as food quality improver and preservative. • GML are benefit on obesity, gut, immune and cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disorder caused by abnormal uric acid (UA) metabolism, which is a complex physiological process involving multiple organs (liver, kidney, and intestine). Although UA metabolism in the liver and kidneys has been elucidated, only a few studies have focused on the process in the intestine. With our growing knowledge of the effects of gut microorganisms on health, the gut microbiota has been identified as a new target for HUA treatment. In this review, the relationship between HUA and the gut microbiota is elucidated, and anti-hyperuricemia mechanisms targeting the intestine are discussed, such as the promotion of purine and UA catabolism by the gut microbiota, increases in UA excretion by the gut microbiota and its metabolites, regulation of UA absorption or secretion in the intestinal tract by certain transporters, and the intestinal inflammatory response to the gut microbiota. Additionally, probiotics (Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli) and prebiotics (polyphenols, peptides, and phytochemicals) with UA-lowering effects targeting the intestinal tract are summarized, providing reference and guidance for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Medium‐chain monoglycerides (MGs) are a group of 1‐monoglycerides of medium‐chain fatty acids with strong antibacterial activity, which may influence the gut microbiota in the diet of broilers. The present study evaluated the effects of mixed MGs on the community and function of gut microbiota in broilers. A total of 528 newly hatched male yellow feathered broiler chicks were weighed and randomly assigned into four groups, including a basal diet (CON), a basal diet containing 300 mg kg−1 MG (MG300), 450 mg kg−1 MG (MG450), or 600 mg kg−1 MG (MG600). RESULTS: The cecal acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid and total short‐chain fatty acid of broilers in the MG‐containing groups were notably increased compared with the CON group. Dietary MG selectively increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae, Bacteroides and an unclassified genus of Lachnospiraceae family, but decreased the proportion of an unclassified genus of Barnesiellaceae and a norank genus of Flavobacteriaceae family in the cecum of broilers. Functional prediction revealed that MG supplementation enriched the microbial gene abundance of amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism, while depleted the gene abundance of fat metabolism and energy metabolism. Moreover, the modulation of gut microbiota by MG supplementation was closely correlated with the alteration of muscle amino acids. CONCLUSION: Dietary MGs altered the gut microbiota community structure and metabolites, and modulated the gene abundance of microbial metabolism pathways in the cecum of broilers, which may further influence the growth performance, nutrient utilization and meat quality of the host. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of antibacterial peptides from Brevibacillus texasporus (BT) on the growth performance, meat quality and gut health of cultured largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Largemouth bass (36.17 ± 1.52 g) were divided into 2 groups and each group was fed with diets supplemented with or without 200 ppm of BT peptides for 130 days. The results showed that BT peptides had no significant influences on growth performance and body indexes, but significantly enhanced total antioxidant capacity and lysozyme content in the serum. Moreover, digestive enzymes activities and intestinal villous height were also prominently increased. From meat quality aspect, no significant differences were found in nutritional components, amino acid composition, fatty acid composition and texture property, except the values of hardness, gumminess and γ-linolenic acid (C18:3n6) were remarkably increased after BT peptides intervention. Finally, the results of gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids revealed that BT peptides significantly decreased the relative abundances of harmful bacteria such as genus Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas , and increased the production of short chain fatty acids. In conclusion, this study confirmed that BT peptides could be used to improve the health of largemouth bass, which provided novel insights into the application of antimicrobial peptides in aquacultures. [Display omitted] • BT peptides enhanced total antioxidant capacity and lysozyme content. • BT peptides increased digestive enzymes activities and intestinal villous height. • Slight changes were found in meat quality after BT peptides intervention. • BT peptides significantly inhibited the relative abundances of harmful gut microbiota. • BT peptides promoted the production of short chain fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In previous studies, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have been found to regulate gut microbiota and change gut barrier status, and the potential positive effects of SCFAs on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have also been found, but the role of SCFAs in these three diseases is not clear. This review aims to summarize existing evidence on the effects of SCFAs on IBD, T1D, and NHFLD, and correlates them with gut barrier and gut microbiota (gut microbiota barrier). Methods: A literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, Springer, and Wiley Online Library up to October 2020 was conducted for all relevant studies published. Results: This is a retrospective review of 150 applied research articles or reviews. The destruction of gut barrier may promote the development of IBD, T1D, and NAFLD. SCFAs seem to maintain the gut barrier by promoting the growth of intestinal epithelial cells, strengthening the intestinal tight connection, and regulating the activities of gut microbiota and immune cells, which might result possible beneficial effects on the above three diseases at a certain dose. Conclusions: Influencing gut barrier health may be a bridge for SCFAs (especially butyrate) to have positive effects on IBD, T1D, and NAFLD. It is expected that this article can provide new ideas for the subsequent research on the treatment of diseases by SCFAs and help SCFAs be better applied to precise and personalized treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Fermentation is a traditional food‐preserving technique. It is an effective process, widely used to enrich the nutrients diversity and bioactivity of the fermented foods since ancient times. This study aimed at investigating the effects of various fermentation starters on the physicochemical, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties of blueberry juices. The blueberry juices were fermented by natural fermentation (NFBJ), self‐made starters fermentation (SFBJ), and commercial starters fermentation (CFBJ); fresh blueberry juice (BBJ) was processed without fermentation for comparison. RESULTS: Probiotics‐fermented blueberry juices (SFBJ and CFBJ) showed less total and reducing sugars, higher titratable acidity, and a wider variety and higher amounts of organic acids than non‐fermented blueberry juice (BBJ) did. All the fermented blueberry juices (NFBJ, SFBJ, and CFBJ) showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher antioxidant potentials than that of BBJ measured by 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid, cupric‐reducing antioxidant capacity, and ferric‐reducing ability power assays. The SFBJ exhibited the highest antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella Typhimurium, with inhibition zone diameters of 38.84 ± 1.74 mm, 34.91 ± 1.53 mm, and 36.18 ± 3.16 mm respectively. Compared with BBJ, the α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of the SFBJ and CFBJ increased by two‑to threefold. The α‐amylase inhibitory activity of the SFBJ and CFBJ increased by 600%, whereas the spontaneous fermentation showed no improvement. The SFBJ and CFBJ promoted glucose consumption of HepG2 cell lines, indicating the promising potential for a higher glucose bio‐utilization. CONCLUSIONS: The SFBJ and CFBJ showed remarkable improvements in the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities compared with non‐fermented and spontaneous fermented juices, indicating their promising potentials as an antihyperglycemic agent. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium sorbate (PS) is a widely used food preservative in the field of food industry. However, the effects of continuous intake and washout period of PS on host health are still unclear. In this study, to investigate long-term effect and after-effect of different concentrations and time points of PS, healthy mice were orally exposed to 150 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg of PS for 10 weeks, and washout treatment for another 5 weeks, respectively. The results indicated that PS intake for 10 weeks had no obvious effects on organs and adipose tissue, nor did it noteworthily interfere with glucolipid metabolism in the serum. However, it caused inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver, increased serum interleukin (IL)-1β level, changed abundances of gut microbiota but failed to promote the production of short chain fatty acids in the gut. After washout period for 5 weeks, liver inflammation and IL-1β level were decreased, and gut environment developed towards a healthier condition. Specifically, PS washout significantly increased abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and the production of isobutyric acid. This study confirmed washout period eliminated negative effects from continuous intake of PS, which provided positive evidence for its safety. [Display omitted] • Continuous intake of PS had no significant effect on organic index. • Continuous intake of PS increased IL-1β level in the serum. • PS washout decreased inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver. • PS washout increased the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. • PS washout promoted the production of isobutyric acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractEconomy of Pakistan is heavily dependent upon agriculture and extensive use of pesticide is quiet common to enhance the crop yield. Imidacloprid is among the first choice pesticides in Pakistan and it has been reported that through run off along with water it ends up in water bodies affecting non target aquatic fauna. Through the present investigation, we are reporting the effects of Imidacloprid on the fatty acids composition of a non-target, commercially important carp: Labeo rohita. Fish were exposed to sub lethal concentration of Imidacloprid (120 mgL1) for 2, 4 and 8 days (short term) as well as for 16, 32 and 64 days (long term experimental conditions). Pesticide untreated controls were also maintained for each treatment. Following the specific Imidacloprid exposure, fatty acid composition (%) was determined in the muscle of all experimental groups by using gas chromatography. Fish exposed to Imidacloprid for 8 days had reduced Palmitic acid (p = 0.02) and elevated muscle Arachidic acid (p < 0.001) than control group. Labeo rohita exposed to the pesticide for 32 days had elevated muscle Oleic (p = 0.02) and Linoleic acid (p = 0.02) while fish exposed to Imidacloprid to 64 days had reduced muscle Palmitic (p = 0.04) and Oleic acid (p = 0.03). In conclusion, we are reporting that the exposure to sub lethal concentration of Imidacloprid disturb the muscle fatty acid composition of Labeo rohita that may affect its food quality. The effects were more pronounced under long term experimental conditions and were probably due to potentiating lipid peroxidation and disturbed fish metabolism upon Imidacloprid exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain medium and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCTs) with high levels of lauric acid (LA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an acidolysis reaction was catalyzed by lipase in a solvent-free system to incorporate LA into algal oil (rich in DHA). Three regiospecific immobilized lipases were compared for their efficiency in the synthesis of MLCTs-riched structured lipids (SLs). The results showed that Lipozyme AOAB8 (from Aspergillus oryzae) displayed the top performance for LA incorporation of MLCTs-riched SLs. The optimum conditions of acidolysis reaction were: reaction temperature 65 °C, substrate mole ratio 1:8 (algal oil to LA), enzyme load 12 g/100 g total substrates, and reaction time of 2.5 h. Under these conditions, LA and DHA of the MLCTs-riched SLs production were 30.91% and 44.68%, respectively, and Lipozyme AOAB8 was reusable for at least 9 times. Melting and crystallization profiles revealed that the MLCTs-riched SLs production possessed preferable physical properties over the original algal oil. The MLCTs-riched SLs can be applied in human milk fat substitutes and dietary supplements as functional lipids. • Medium and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCTs) were synthesized by acidolysis. • Lauric acid (LA) was incorporated into algal oil for the synthesis of MLCTs. • LA and DHA of the MLCTs-riched SLs production were 30.91% and 44.68%, respectively. • Self-made Lipozyme AOAB8 was reusable for at least 9 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipase catalysis has become the most promising technique for enrichment of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) due to its mild and green conditions. In this study, Trichosporon sp. F1-2 was newly isolated from oil-contaminated sludge, and its extracellular lipase was purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation and DEAE-Sepharose chromatography. The molecular weight of the lipase was estimated to be 32.6 kDa. The optimal temperature and pH for lipase activity were 50 °C and 8.0, respectively, and the optimal storage conditions were found to be temperatures below 45 °C and pH 7.0–9.0. The lipase did not require metal ions as cofactors and was significantly inhibited by Zn2+. It was stable in various organic solvents with different log P values, and n-hexane, toluene, dichloromethane, diethyl ether and glycerol even enhanced its activity. It had sn -1,3 regioselectivity and the highest activity towards a medium-chain fatty acid (C8) ester. This study demonstrated the lipase has good potential as a catalyst in enrichment of EPA and DHA in fish oil. The content of EPA and DHA reached 22.9 and 25.4 mol%, respectively, using 100 U of the lipase within 24 h, and the enrichment efficiency of DHA was higher than that of EPA. • Trichosporon sp. F1-2 was newly isolated as a lipase-producing strain. • An alkaline, organic solvent tolerant and 1,3-regioselective lipase was purified. • Lipase F1-2 preferred medium- and discriminated against long-chain fatty acids. • Lipase F1-2 enriched both EPA and DHA in fish oil based on substrate specificity. • DHA was enriched more efficiently than EPA using lipase F1-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the uniform core-shell nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning of bilayer emulsions, which were formed by the addition of gum arabic with opposite charges into the gelatin-stabilized emulsions. The increased weight ratios of gum arabic enhanced the emulsion stability by progressively increasing the viscosity of bilayer emulsions, which contributed to the formation of bead-free and smooth electrospun fibers with the increasing diameters. Transmission electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed that corn oil was evenly distributed in the bilayer emulsion-based fibers. These fibers with various amounts of gum arabic showed a high thermal decomposition stability upon heating to 250 °C, as hydrogen bonds played an important role in the binding of gum arabic to gelatin. The fiber mats showed high oil encapsulation efficiency and good storage stability during 5 days. These results may provide a new strategy to develop bilayer emulsion-based electrospun fibers for bioactive encapsulation in food applications. Image 1 • The uniform nanofibers were fabricated by bilayer emulsion electrospinning. • The encapsulated oil was evenly distributed in the bilayer emulsion-based fibers. • Hydrogen bonds played an important role in the binding of gum arabic to gelatin. • These fibers showed high thermal decomposition stability and storage stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Understanding the interactions between feed additives and the functional properties of egg white protein (EWP) may offer novel insights into the effects of feed additives on laying hens and may provide an alternative for modification of the functional properties of EWP by using laying hens as bioreactors. Glycerol monolaurate (GML) is widely used in the food industry as an effective antibacterial emulsifier. In this work, the effects of three doses of dietary GML supplementation (150, 300, and 450 mg kg−1 hen) on the functional properties of EWP were investigated. RESULTS: The hardness of EWP gels was significantly improved by 300 and 450 mg kg−1 GML supplementation. Foaming capacity (FC) and foaming stability (FS) were increased after GML treatment; 450 mg kg−1 GML supplementation showed the most significant improvements, with 44.82% in FC and 23.39% in FS. Stabilization of EWP‐oil emulsions was also improved, supported by a slowed creaming process and the formation of smaller oil droplets. The heat denaturation temperature and rheological properties were also modified by dietary GML supplementation, implying improved thermal stability. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that GML supplementation has the potential to modify the functional properties of EWP, broadening the application of GML and providing a new perspective for evaluation of the efficacy of feed additives. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 88 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were isolated from Chinese traditional sourdough and five of them were selected based on their bile resistance. All the five strains were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In vitro probiotic properties of the L. plantarum strains including tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, aggregation activity, and cholesterol removal ability were assessed. Two representatives, L. plantarum ZJUFT34 and L. plantarum ZJUFT17, were intragastrically administered to male C57BL/6J mice of 4-week age for 6 weeks to evaluate their in vivo health-promoting effects. The results indicated that L. plantarum ZJUFT34, L. plantarum ZJUFHN9, and L. plantarum ZJUFAH5 could survive the 3-h incubation in simulated gastric juice with a pH value of 2.0, while L. plantarum ZJUFT32 and L. plantarum ZJUFT17 exhibited better autoaggregation activities and coaggregation activities with pathogens. All the strains showed a cholesterol removal ability in vitro. However, L. plantarum ZJUFT34 or L. plantarum ZJUFT17 administration did not significantly change the serum total cholesterol in vivo. But the ratio of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased by the L. plantarum administration. Besides, L. plantarum ZJUFT17 significantly lowered serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations. Furthermore, the administration of the LAB strains showed significant influences on lipid metabolism-related gut microbiota. These findings suggested that the L. plantarum strains may benefit the prevention of metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the gelatin/zein nanofibers by hybrid electrospinning were fabricated. The morphology observations by field emission scanning electron microscopy showed that the diameter of gelatin/zein nanofibers was significantly increased with the increasing gelatin ratio. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry indicated that gelatin and zein strongly interacted via hydrogen bonding. The homogeneous mixing resulted in the crystalline structure for the gelatin/zein nanofiber at a 1:1 wt ratio, which showed a hydrophobic surface (water contact angle of 118°). The mechanical tests showed that the gelatin/zein nanofibers with weight ratios of 1:3 and 1:2 gave rise to much higher elongation at break of 87.9% and 69.0%, indicating good deformability and flexibility. In contrast to the pure gelatin or zein nanofibers, the gelatin/zein fibers preserved the 3D porous structures after immersed in water or ethanol for 24 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the gelatin, zein, and gelatin/zein films were fabricated by electrospinning and solvent casting, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements were performed to characterize the morphology, molecular interactions, thermal behavior, and surface hydrophilicity of the electrospun and casted films. Results showed that the zein particles prevented the gelatin chains from aggregating intra-molecularly in the casted films due to heterogeneous mixing, while strong hydrogen bonding was formed in the nanofibrous film as a result of homogeneous mixing. Interestingly, the gelatin/zein nanofibrous film had a hydrophobic surface (water contact angle of 118.0°), while the casted gelatin/zein film had a hydrophilic surface (water contact angle of 53.5°). The confocal laser scanning microscopy observations suggested that the zein particles were well dispersed in the gelatin network to maintain the nanofibrous structures after immersion in water or ethanol, leading to the improved solvent resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothesis Synthetic sugar alcohol mono-behenates with high melting points, surface activity and resistance to enzymatic lipolysis, are expected to form stable single-component solid lipid nanocarriers (SC-SLNs). The preparation methods and the polar head group of the molecules should affect the size and drug encapsulation efficiency. Experiments SC-SLNs of sugar alcohol mono-behenates with varied polar heads were prepared using emulsification-diffusion method and melting-probe sonication method. Model lipophilic drug fenofibrate was formulated into nanocarriers. The drug release was assessed using the lipolysis model. The structure and drug distribution of the nanocarriers were studied using AFM and TEM. Findings Both the polar head group of the molecules and the preparation methods affect the particle size and size distribution. Nanocarriers prepared with sorbitol mono-behenates showed the smallest mean size (∼100 nm with PdI of 0.26). In addition, they displayed high entrapment efficiency of fenofibrate (95%) and long term drug release. Nanocarriers prepared by emulsification-diffusion method entrapped fenofibrate into lipid bilayers. In contrast, Nanocarriers prepared by melting-probe sonication method had a micelle structure with fenofibrate incorporated into a lipid monolayer. This study provides an insight into the systematic development of novel amphiphilic lipids for solid lipid-based drug delivery system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imidacloprid [1-(6-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)- N-nitro-imidazolidin-2-ylideneamine] is among the most extensively used pesticide in Pakistan. The aim of this investigation was to report the changes in concentration of different elements and amino acid in the muscle of Labeo rohita upon imidacloprid exposure. Juvenile Labeo rohita ( N = 480) were treated with 120mgL imidacloprid under short and long-term experimental conditions. At the end of each experiment, fish muscle was used for elemental concentration (determination by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer) and amino acid estimation (by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)). Our results indicated that sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum, and lead concentrations were significantly different ( P < 0.05) when compared between imidacloprid-treated and untreated L. rohita and changes were more pronounced in short-term experimental groups. HPLC-generated data analysis showed that proline, isoleucine, and glycine concentrations increased while the levels of phenylalanine, alanine, and leucine decreased significantly ( P < 0.05) in muscles of fish exposed to imidacloprid under short-term conditions. On the other hand, serine, arginine, and glycine increased significantly and alanine decreased significantly in L. rohita exposed to pesticide under long-term experimental conditions. It is concluded that imidacloprid (120 mg L) exposure to L. rohita for a variable duration has significantly changed the elemental composition and studied amino acid concentrations in fish muscles making it unsuitable for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work studied the effects of non-ionic Tween 80, anionic sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) and cationic cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactants on the morphology of electrospun gelatin nanofibres, and on the release behaviour, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity of encapsulated curcumin. Scanning electron micrographs showed that addition of SDS significantly increased the nanofibre diameter. Fourier transform infrared and differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that gelatin and SDS intimately interacted via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. However, these interactions inhibited the release of curcumin from the nanofibres with SDS, while CTAB and Tween 80 both facilitated the release. SDS and Tween 80 showed protective effects on curcumin from the attack of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radicals, and the increased release of curcumin from nanofibres with CTAB or Tween 80 resulted in a higher reducing power. The antimicrobial activity results suggested that the curcumin encapsulated gelatin nanofibres with CTAB exhibited effective inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • GMC significantly ameliorated visceral fat accumulation in HFD-fed mice. • GMC improved systemic inflammation in HFD-fed mice. • GMC modulated gut microbiota dysbiosis with increased beneficial bacteria and promoted SCFAs production. • GMC-induced metabolic improvements were closely related to gut microbiota regulation. • Not all of the food preservatives and emulsifiers would drive gut microbiota dysbiosis. Recent findings imply that great consideration should be given to the potential health risks of food additives on gut microbiota. Glycerol monocaprylate (GMC) is a widely consumed food preservative and emulsifier. Our results indicated that GMC significantly ameliorated visceral fat accumulation and systemic inflammation in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Furthermore, GMC induced improvements on the composition and function of gut microbiota, resulting in increased beneficial gut bacteria (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) and promoted production of short chain fatty acids. Notably, GMC-induced metabolic amelioration is closely related to the regulation in gut microbiota. Overall, our findings supported that unlike the emulsifiers previously reported to damage intestinal health, GMC performed the potential on attenuating HFD-induced metabolic disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis, which also refined on the safety evaluation of GMC on gut microbiota. Our findings suggest that when evaluating the safety of food additives with regards to gut microbiota, it is important to take into account the specific characteristics of the additive in question, rather than simply relying on its classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Water, oil and air are common heat transfer media in cooking. • The combination of vacuum, ultrasonic and heating promotes healthy cooking. • Lipid peroxidation in cooking is harmful to its quality, digestibility and safety. • Short-term, uniform and mild new cooking technology reduces the loss of lipids. Foods undergo various physical and chemical reactions during cooking. Boiling, steaming, baking, smoking and frying are common traditional cooking techniques. At present, new cooking technologies including ultrasonic-assisted cooking, vacuum low-temperature cooking, vacuum frying, microwave heating, infrared heating, ohmic heating and air frying are widely studied and used. In cooking, lipid oxidation is the main reason for the change in lipid quality. Oxidative decomposition, triglyceride monomer oxidation, hydrolysis, isomerization, cyclization reaction and polymerization occurred in lipid oxidation affect lipids' quality, flavor, digestibility and safety. Meanwhile, lipid oxidation in cooking might cause the decline of lipid digestibility and increase of health risks. Compared with the traditional cooking technology, the new cooking technology that is milder, more uniform and faster can reduce the loss of lipid nutrition and produce a better flavor. In the future, the combination of various cooking technologies is an effective strategy for families to obtain healthier food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The anti-OA effect of Salmonidae bone collagen peptide (CP) was assessed. • CP was confirmed to inhibit the matrix degradation both in vitro and in vivo. • CP suppressed the role of pro-inflammatory via inhibiting NF-κB signal. • CP impeded the serious destruction of subchondral bone. • CP effectively prevent osteoarthritis in pMMx models as a dietary supplement. Nowadays, the biological activity of collagen peptides has been revealed, but the effect of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) bone-derived collagen peptide (CPs) on osteoarthritis remains unclear. In this study, CPs was identified as a small molecular weight peptide rich in Gly-X-Y structure. Meanwhile, interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced hypertrophic chondrocytes and partial medial meniscectomy (pMMx) surgery model in rats were performed. In IL-1β stimulated chondrocytes, CPs significantly increased the type-II collagen content, reduced the type-X collagen abundance and chondrocytes apoptosis. Meanwhile, CPs reversed the increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase, metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs and RUNX family transcription factor 2 in chondrocytes induced by IL-1β. In vivo , CPs increased pain tolerance of rats and without organ toxicity at 1.6 g/ kg.bw. CPs significantly decreased the levels of COMP and Helix-II in serum. Furthermore, a significant decrease of IL-1β in synovial fluid and cartilage tissue were observed by CPs intervention. From Micro-CT, CPs (0.8 g/ kg.bw) significantly decreased Tb.sp and SMI value. Meanwhile, the expression of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6 were reduced by CPs administration both in vitro and in vivo. Together, CPs showed potential to be a novel and safe dietary supplement for helping anti-inflammatory and cartilage regeneration, ultimately hindering osteoarthritis development. However, the clear mechanism of CPs's positive effect on osteoarthritis needs to be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fermented sea buckthorn juice (FHJ) displayed better antioxidant and antidiabetic properties in vitro. • FHJ ameliorated diet-induced hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota dysbiosis in vivo. • FHJ could interact with Akkermansia to further attenuate metabolic syndrome. • FHJ increased acetate and butyrate contents in caeca. • Fermentation-triggered metabolomic alterations, especially flavonoids in FHJ, played critical roles in the FHJ-microorganism interactions. To enhance physiological activity and probiotic availability of sea buckthorn juice, sea buckthorn juice pulp (BHJ) went through fermentation to the fermented (FHJ). In vitro , FHJ displayed better antioxidant and antidiabetic capacities. To further study effects of FHJ on diet-induced metabolic syndrome (MS) and possible mechanisms in vivo , C57BL/6 mice were fed on BHJ and FHJ under high fat diet (HFD). FHJ, rather BHJ, displayed better performance on ameliorating hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress in MS. Mechanistically, FHJ intervention significantly reversed the microorganism dysbiosis by restoring the microbial diversity, and modulating obesogenic bacteria abundance, like Oscillospira. Furthermore, fermentation altered FHJ's metabolomics, especially flavonoids, contributing to interactions between FHJ and probiotics, like Akkermansia and Lachnospiraceae. Furthermore, short-chain fatty acids, related to ameliorations of MS, were increased by FHJ. This study demonstrated that interactions between metabolomic alterations in FHJ and microorganisms were vital to attenuate MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dynamic effects of glycerol monolaurate (GML) on Larimichthys crocea were explored including feeding and fasting stages. • GML supplementation (1.0 g kg−1) significantly improved the flesh quality and productive performance of Larimichthys crocea. • The flesh quality was evaluated from color, texture, flavor and nutritional value. • GML supplementation (1.0 g kg−1) exhibited promising amelioration effects on Larimichthys crocea. The effects of GML (Glycerol monolaurate) supplementation with two level (0.5 and 1.0 g kg−1) on the productive performance and flesh quality of large yellow croaker (360 per group) were investigated during feeding (23,50-days) and fasting stage (23,70-days). The GML supplementation significantly increased body weight after 23-days and crude protein, inosinic acid, and yellowness after 50-days. Moreover, it increased hardness, springiness, and chewiness by increasing the collagen content, myofiber density, and decreasing myofiber diameter. The high GML supplementation increased the total free amino acids, delicate amino acids, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), and EPA + DHA, whereas it decreased the content of saturated fatty acids/unsaturated fatty acids (SFA/UFA). During fasting, better body shape and color were shown were shown at high GML supplementation. Conclusively, high dose GML supplementation exerted promising effects on the productive performance and flesh quality of large yellow croaker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organogels have been prepared with corn oil as organic solvent and glycerol monolaurate (GML) as organogelator for antimicrobial purpose. The critical gelation concentration (CGC) was found to be 3% (w/w) by the inverted tube method. The physical properties of the organogels containing 3%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% GML were studied by light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and rheological analysis. The results showed that with the increasing organogelator concentration, the gels had a more compact three-dimensional network as the GML molecules crystallized and grew into a stronger backbone network as the gel skeleton, leading to higher thermal stability, higher resistance to deformations and lower spreadability. The antimicrobial assay using zone of inhibition indicated that the prepared organogels possessed strong antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . The successful development of GML-based organogels suggests the potential application as new gelled capsules or spreadable products for controlled drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrolysis parameters (temperature, E/S ratio, pH, and time) for acid protease (from Aspergillus usamii) hydrolysis of wheat gluten were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) using emulsifying activity index (EAI) as the response factor. A temperature of 48.9°C, E/S ratio of 1.60%, pH 3.0, hydrolysis time of 2.5 h was found to be the optimum condition to obtain wheat gluten hydrolysate with higher EAI. The solubility of wheat gluten was greatly improved by hydrolysis and became independent of pH over the studied range. Enzymatic hydrolysis resulted in dramatically increase in EAI, water and oil holding capacity. Molecular weight distribution results showed that most of the peptides above 10 kDa have been hydrolyzed into smaller peptides. The results of FTIR spectra and disulfide bond (SS) and sulfhydryl (SH) content suggested that a more extensional conformation was formed after hydrolysis, which could account for the improved functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two arrays of behenoyl (22 : 0) based amphiphilic lipids with sugar alcohols as a flexible linker were synthesized through acylation of sugar alcohol mono-behenates with diacetyl tartaric anhydride or acetoxy succinic anhydride and some of the resulting products are capable of yielding stable and uniform solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) (mean diameter ∼100 nm, PDI ＜ 0.2) without any additive surfactant, displaying excellent dual functions (as both a solid lipid excipient and emulsifier). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • LA, GML and GTL ameliorated HFD-induced hyperlipidemia. • GML performed better effects on glucose metabolism and systemic inflammation. • LA and its glycerides-induced improvements were related to gut microbiota regulation. • GML regulated phospholipid metabolism and gut microbe-related metabolites. • GML promoted endogenous unsaturated fatty acids synthesis. The anti-bacterial properties of lauric acid (LA) and its glycerides had been studied. However, their effects on gut microbiota remain unclear. Moreover, LA and its glycerides performed controversial influences on lipid metabolism. This study evaluated the regulation of LA, glycerol monolaurate (GML) and lauric triglyceride (GTL) on metabolic health and gut microbiota in high fat diet-fed mice. Serum metabolomics and lipidomics contributed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. LA and its glycerides ameliorated hyperlipidemia, while GML performed more pronounced modulation on glucose metabolism and inflammation. LA and its glycerides modulated gut microbiota with increased Bifidobacterium and decreased Desulfovibrio , which closely related with metabolic improvements. Furthermore, the integrative multi-omics analyses identified that the regulation of phospholipid metabolism, intestinal microbial metabolites (bile acids and indole derivatives) and endogenous unsaturated fatty acids synthesis conduced to the more evident modulation of GML. Our findings suggested an effective strategy of GML for improving metabolism and gut health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• S BL may reduce the release of butyric acid in simulated gastric digestion. • The release rate of GML in S LBL was low in simulated digestion. • S BL and S LBL retarded the release of GML in intestinal digestion in vivo. • S BL and S LBL induced positive changes in gut microbes rapidly. Structuring is a feasible scheme to improve lipids' value. Here, S BL and S LBL (C4-C12 structural lipids) were obtained through enzymatic ester-ester transesterification or acidolysis interesterification using glyceryl tributyrate/glyceryl tridodecanoate and lauric acid/glyceryl tributyrate as raw materials, respectively. The digestive characteristics of S BL and S LBL were investigated in vitro and in vivo , meanwhile, their effects on gut microbes were studied. Compared with their corresponding triglyceride physical mixture, S BL possessed an ideal butyric acid sustained-release effect in simulated stomach digestion. Moreover, the sustained-release effect of S LBL on glycerol monolaurate (GML) was revealed both in vivo and in vitro , while this effect of the S BL was obviously occurred in small intestine. S BL significantly increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium and S LBL promoted the growth of Clostridiales within 24 h. Overall, both S BL and S LBL showed ideal sustained-release effects on GML rather than butyric acid, which may lead to positive changes in gut microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enzymatic synthesis of 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol (OPO), one of the main components of human milk fats, has been hindered by the relatively high cost of sn-1,3-specific lipases and the deficiency in biocatalyst stability. The sn-1,3-specific lipase from Aspergillus oryzae (AOL) is highly and efficiently immobilized with the polystyrene-based hydrophobic resin D3520, with a significant 49.54-fold increase in specific lipase activity compared with the AOL powder in catalyzing the synthesis of OPO through the acidolysis between palm stearin and oleic acid (OA). The optimal immobilization conditions were investigated, including time course, initial protein concentration and solution pH. The sn-1,3 specificity of lipases under different immobilization conditions was evaluated and identified as positively associated with the lipase activity, and the pH of the immobilization solution influenced the regiospecificity and synthetic activity of these lipases. Immobilized AOL D3520, as the biocatalyst, was used for the enzymatic synthesis of the structured lipid OPO through the acidolysis between palm stearin and OA. The following conditions were optimized for the synthesis of structured lipid OPO: 65 °C temperature; 1:8 substrate molar ratio between palm stearin and OA; 8% (w/w) enzyme load; 3.5% water content of the immobilized lipase; and 1 h reaction time. Under these conditions, highly efficient C52 production (45.65%) was achieved, with a tripalmitin content of 2.75% and a sn-2 palmitic acid (PA) proportion of 55.08% in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Sugar medium-chain fatty acid esters are a new type of biodegradable, non-toxic, non-irritant and non-ionic surfactant with proven antimicrobial activity. Various sugar medium-chain fatty monoesters were prepared enzymatically using Lipozyme TLIM in organic solvent. Properties such as surface tension, antimicrobial activity, and ability to foam, emulsify and stabilize emulsions at room temperature were evaluated to conduct systematic studies on the structure-function relationships of these compounds. RESULTS Results showed that all monoesters displayed good surface activity properties. In particular, sucrose monolaurate was the most excellent surfactant among 12 monoesters. Sugar monoesters containing C8 to C12 alkyl chains showed a broad spectrum of increasing antimicrobial activity. All tested monoesters were more effective against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacterium) than Escherichia coli O157:H7 (Gram-negative bacterium). Methyl α- d-glycoside monoesters were the most effective, whereas raffinose monoesters possessed poor antimicrobial activity. CONCLUSIONS Generally, the length of fatty acid chain (hydrophobic group) and sugar groups (hydrophilic group) for sugar medium-chain fatty acid monoesters both affected the surface properties and antimicrobial activities. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of sugar or fatty acid in sugar ester compounds on the surface-active properties and antimicrobial activities of these compounds. Disaccharides of medium-chain fatty acid monoesters were synthesized through transesterifications by immobilized lipase (Lipozyme TLIM) to yield nine monoesters for subsequent study. Their antimicrobial activities were investigated using three pathogenic microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Candida albicans. Their surface-active properties including air–water surface tension, critical micelle concentration, and foaming and emulsion power and stability were also studied. The results showed that all of the tested monoesters were more effective against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacterium) than against Escherichia coli O157:H7 (Gram-negative bacterium). The results demonstrated that the carbon chain length was the most important factor influencing the surface properties, whereas degree of esterification and hydrophilic groups showed little effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The DNA microarray was employed in this study to investigate the gene expression profiles of E scherichia coli treated by oil in water (o/w) microemulsion in order to better understand the antimicrobial mechanism of the microemulsion as a promising food-grade antimicrobial system. Among 5,440 open reading frames of E . coli, a total of 634 and 501 were highly induced and repressed, respectively. According to the annotation and analysis in the Gene Ontology ( GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes ( KEGG) databases, it was found that the differently expressed genes were mainly involved in the biosynthesis of cell wall components and membranes, phosphate-related metabolism and some other biosynthetic pathways, suggesting that the main antibacterial mechanisms of the o/w microemulsion were the attacks to the cell surface structure, especially the cell wall, and its influences on the metabolism of phosphate of the E . coli cells through phosphate absorption inhibition. Practical Applications In the panorama of the increasing need to search for novel strategies in order to prevent foodborne outbreaks, microemulsion systems have been of great interest to researchers for their broad antimicrobial properties. In our group, a series of food-grade or pharmaceutical microemulsion systems based on glycerol monolaurate have been established for antimicrobial applications. It was found that the prepared microemulsions possessed excellent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities due to the disruption and dysfunction of biological membranes and cell walls, as suggested by the transmission electron microscopy observations and membrane permeability experiments. The antimicrobial mechanisms analysis of the microemulsion mediated by DNA microarray in this work will be of great importance in exploring the structure-activity relationship of the o/w microemulsion at molecular biological levels in future work, in order to provide a guideline in designing food-grade antimicrobial microemulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The anionic polymer accelerated octane solubilization in cationic micelles. [•] The solubilization behaviors of nonionic or anionic micelles were not affected. [•] The polymer–micelle complex structures were physiochemically characterized. [•] The mechanism for oil solubilization in surfactant–polymer complexes was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A U-type microemulsion system was prepared using a pseudo-ternary phase diagram. [•] DSC detected w/o, bicontinuous and o/w structural regions along a dilution line. [•] The structural transition points coincided with the electrical conductivity results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The structure-activity relationship of a U-type antimicrobial microemulsion system containing glycerol monolaurate and ethanol at a 1∶1 mass ratio as oil phase and Tween 20 as surfactant were investigated along a water dilution line at a ratio of 80∶20 mass% surfactant/oil phase, based on a pseudo-ternary phase diagram. The differential scanning calorimetry results showed that in the region of up to 33% water, all water molecules are confined to the hydrophilic core of the reverse micelles, leading to the formation of w/o microemulsion. As the water content increases, the water gains mobility, and transforms into bicontinuous in the region of 33–39% water, and finally the microemulsion become o/w in the region of above 39% water. The microstructure characterization was confirmed by the dynamic light scattering measurements and freeze-fracture transmission electron microscope observation. The antimicrobial activity assay using kinetics of killing analysis demonstrated that the microemulsions in w/o regions exhibited relatively high antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus due to the antimicrobial oil phase as the continuous phase, while the antimicrobial activity started to decrease when the microemulsions entered the bicontinuous region, and decreased rapidly as the water content increased in the o/w region, as a result of the dilution of antimicrobial oil droplets in the aqueous continuous phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Glycerol monolaurate (GML) supplementation could significantly improve the flesh quality of Larimichthys crocea. • A diet with 0.075% GML increased the non-essential amino acid and unsaturated fatty acid contents of Larimichthys crocea in muscle. • The addition of GML dramatically augmented amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism. • GML could activate the myogenic-related signaling pathway of Larimichthys crocea in muscle. To improve the quality of cultured large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), this study was performed to study the impacts of glycerol monolaurate (GML) on the nutritional value, growth performance, muscle texture, and taste intensity of L. crocea. The results showed that GML as a feed additive significantly increased the crude lipid content and reduced the diameters of muscle fibers, which in turn markedly altered the flesh texture in terms of cohesiveness. Moreover, the taste indicators (umami and richness) and flavor-related amino acid (glutamic acid, glycine, and proline) contents of L. crocea muscle were significantly higher in the GML group. Metabolomic and gene expression analyses showed that GML supplementation could significantly improve amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism, promote protein and lipid synthesis, and activate myogenic-related signaling pathways of L. crocea. Consequently, adding an appropriate amount of GML to fish feed would be conducive to providing healthy, nutrient-rich and acceptably flavored aquatic-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A total of 18 differential metabolites were identified in MG-treated chicken broth. • Dietary MG improves chicken broth taste with increased taste-active compounds. • A total of 36 differential metabolites were identified in MG-treated chicken meat. • Dietary MG improves meat quality with up-regulated creatine, l -anserine and IMP. • Amino acid and purine metabolism pathway contribute to MG-induced meat improvement. This study was conducted to reveal the differences of chicken fresh meat quality, composition and taste induced by medium-chain monoglycerides (MG) supplementation. Results demonstrated that both chicken broth and meat taste were improved by MG supplementation. The up-regulated l -carnosine, sarcosine, uridine and nicotinamide in the chicken broth of the MG group contributed to the umami and meaty taste. Dietary MG increased the total superoxide dismutase activity and amino acid content in the muscle of chicken breast and reduced the malondialdehyde content and drip loss. Moreover, meat metabolome revealed that creatine, betaine, l -anserine, inosine 5′-monophosphate, hypoxanthine, inosine and phospholipid, as well as amino acid and purine metabolism pathway connected to the improvements of meat quality, composition and taste of broilers by MG addition. In conclusion, these findings provide convincing evidence regarding the improvements of fresh meat quality, composition and taste of broilers by MG supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]