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The preparation of high specificity and affinity antibodies is challenging due to limited information on characteristic groups of haptens in traditional design strategy. In this study, we first predicted characteristic groups of flurogestone acetate (FGA) using quantitative analysis of molecular surface combined with atomic charge distribution. Subsequently, FGA haptens were rationally designed to expose these identified characteristic groups fully. As a result, seven monoclonal antibodies were obtained with satisfactory performance, exhibiting IC 50 values from 0.17 to 0.45 μg/L and negligible cross-reactivities below 1% to other 18 hormones. The antibody recognition mechanism further confirmed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions involving predicted FGA characteristic groups and specific amino acids in the antibodies contributed to their high specificity and affinity. Finally, one selective and sensitive ic-ELISA was developed for FGA determination with a detection limit as low as 0.12 μg/L, providing an efficient tool for timely monitoring of FGA in goat milk samples. [Display omitted] • An effective strategy was proposed and evaluated to identify the characteristic groups. • Antibody to FGA with high specificity and affinity was first obtained. • The recognition mechanism of mAb 1D4 and 10F3 was investigated by molecular simulation. • An ic-ELISA was developed to detect FGA in goat milk samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Beef semimembranosus muscle retained nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity at 14 d. • NOS activity and content decreased mainly due to the degradation by calpain. • NOS in beef semimembranosus muscle was mainly distributed in the sarcolemma. • Protein S-nitrosylation level tended to accumulate during beef postmortem aging. Abstract In this study, the activity, expression and localization of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was investigated in beef semimembranosus muscle (SM) during postmortem aging. Five beef SM muscles were vacuum-packaged and aged for 1, 3, 7 and 14 d at 4 °C. Results showed that SM muscle retained NOS activity during the 14 d storage period. Compared to 1 d of storage, NOS activity and neuronal NOS (nNOS) content decreased significantly at 3 and 7 d (P < 0.05). Calpain played a major role in degrading nNOS during beef postmortem aging. In addition, immunofluorescence studies suggested that nNOS in beef SM muscle was mainly distributed in the sarcolemma. The S-nitrosothiol (SNO) content in SM muscle increased significantly at 1, 3 and 7 d post-slaughter. This manuscript is the first study to demonstrate the activity and expression of NOS in beef during postmortem aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • S-nitrosylation level of myoribrillar proteins were increased by GSNO treatments. • Different myofibrillar proteins showed varied S-nitrosylation reactivity. • Cross-linked proteins were formed by GSNO treatments via disulfide bond. • GSNO changed the myofibrillar protein susceptibility to calpain-1 proteolysis. Abstract This study was designed to investigate the nature of modification of myofibrillar proteins by nitric oxide (NO) and the extent to which S-nitrosylation alters their susceptibility to calpain-1 proteolysis. Isolated myofibrils from porcine semimembranosus muscle were incubated with the NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) at 0, 20, 50, 250, 1000 µM for 30 min at 37 °C and then incubated with purified calpain-1. GSNO treatment decreased the thiol content of myofibrillar proteins and increased their intensity and amount of S-nitrosylation. GSNO caused the formation of proteins cross-linkage through intermolecular disulfide. More desmin and titin (T2, the degraded fragment of original titin) were degraded by calpain-1 when myofibrils were incubated with 1000 µM GSNO. Incubation with 250 and 1000 µM GSNO suppressed calpain-1-catalyzed cleavage of troponin-T. The data suggest that NO could change the redox state of myofibrillar proteins and subsequently affect the extent of proteolysis by calpain-1 in a protein-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Nitric oxide could induce S-nitrosylation and the cross-linkage of calpain-1. • Nitric oxide inhibits calpain-1 autolysis of both catalytic and regulatory unit. • Nitric oxide and calpastatin have synergistic effect on calpain-1 proteolysis. • Calpastatin potentially protects calpain-1 from the nitric oxide modification. Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the dual effect of the nitric oxide donor NOR-3 and calpastatin on µ-calpain activity, autolysis, and proteolytic ability. µ-Calpain and calpastatin were purified and allocated to the following five treatments: µ-calpain, µ-calpain + calpastatin, µ-calpain + NOR-3, µ-calpain + calpastatin + NOR-3, and µ-calpain + NOR-3 + calpastatin. µ-Calpain autolysis and the activity against purified myofibrils was initiated by addition of calcium. Results showed that NOR-3 could induce µ-calpain S-nitrosylation and effectively block the activity via the inhibition of µ-calpain autolysis. Calpastatin inhibited µ-calpain activity in a dose-dependent manner. The combined treatment of NOR-3 and calpastatin exerted a further inhibitory effect on µ-calpain activity, autolysis and proteolysis which was affected by the addition order of NOR-3 and calpastatin. Our data suggest that S-nitrosylation may play a regulatory role in mediating µ-calpain activity in the presence of calpastatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We firstly studied the metabolic pathways of S-nitrosylation in postmortem pork. • The motif of S-nitrosylated proteins was explored in postmortem pork muscle. • The S-nitrosylated proteins mostly belong to enzyme involved in metabolic process. • S-nitrosylation likely inhibits cell death of muscle cells in postmortem pork meat. Abstract This study aimed to determine the characteristics, metabolic pathways and cellular functions of S-nitrosylated proteins from pork postmortem muscle using bioinformatics analysis. The results showed that S-nitrosylated proteins had a broad range of molecular weight and pI value and were mainly located in the functional region of secondary structure. The motif revealed the lysine (K) positioned at −5, −7, +1 and +5 through the S-nitrosocysteine while "C-X-X-C" was identified as the motif for non-S-nitrosylation-modified cysteine. The proteins were widely localized in cell compartments and mostly belonged to enzymes participating in the metabolic process. Glycolysis was the most significant pathways of S-nitrosylated proteins in postmortem muscle. The cell death of muscle cells was predicted to be inhibited by S-nitrosylation with the potential influence on the apoptosis. Those identified pathways and cellular functions of S-nitrosylation are proposed to have a profound influence on meat quality and should be highly regarded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • High level of NO concentration inhibited the rate of energy metabolism. • Infusion of NOS inhibitor leaded to fast rate of glycolysis in pork. • Activity of key glycolytic enzymes was regulated by protein S-nitrosylation. Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of protein S-nitrosylation on the glycogen metabolism in postmortem pork. The pork samples were incubated with control (0.9% NaCl), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, or NO donor for 4 and 12 h at 4 °C. Results indicate that NOS inhibitor treatment led to significantly lower level of glycogen and higher lactate content at 24 h compared those of control and NO donor treatments (P < 0.05). The pH of NOS inhibitor treatment was significantly lower than other treatments, which indicates the fast glycolysis during postmortem aging (P < 0.05). In addition, the activities of glycolytic enzymes including GP, GAPDH and PK were significantly different among three treatments (P < 0.05) possibly due to the different modification of protein S-nitrosylation. These results suggest that NO could regulate the glycogen metabolism through modulating the activities of glycolytic enzymes by protein S-nitrosylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity and the homology of peptides extracted from dry-cured Xuanwei and Jinhua ham. The antioxidant activity of crude peptides was assessed by ORAC and ABTS assays and the scavenging effects on DPPH and O 2− free radicals. LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used to analyze the peptide composition. Based on the identified peptides, homologous proteins were matched by the Peaks software. Overall, 243 and 213 peptides were identified with their parent proteins in Xuanwei and Jinhua dry-cured hams. Based on the ORAC and TEAC values, XHP showed higher antioxidant ability than JHP ( P  < 0.05). After further purification by G-15 chromatography, the results indicate that the oligopeptides with less than 1000 Da had greater antioxidant activity than the other two fractions. Homology-based proteomics showed that the majority of peptides originated from myosin which accounted for 26% in XHP and 32% in JHP respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We found that oligomeric procyanidins improve the physicochemical properties of wheat flour, and that a more compact and denser gluten microstructure is formed when an increasing amount of oligomeric procyanidins is incorporated. Further, we found that oligomeric procyanidins alter the rheological properties, molecular weight distribution, secondary structure, and thermal stability of gluten, and that oligomeric procyanidins alleviate the loss of extensibility and viscosity after the dough is exposed to high temperatures. Collectively, these results imply that oligomeric procyanidins improve the rheological properties of flour-based foods, likely by (1) regulating sulfhydryl/disulfide redox reactions in the gluten network and impairing the formation of large polymers, and by (2) binding to hydrophobic sites in gluten proteins and altering their conformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biochemical properties of buckwheat honey, including contents of sugars, proteins, total phenols, methylglyoxal (MGO), minerals and phenolic compounds, were determined in comparison with those of manuka honey. Buckwheat honey has higher contents of sugars, proteins and total phenols but a lower content of MGO than manuka honey. Buckwheat honey contains abundant minerals involved in a number of vital functions of the human body as does manuka honey, and has even higher contents of Fe, Mn and Zn. In buckwheat honey, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid and p-coumaric acid are the dominant phenolic compounds. Moreover, the antibacterial and cellular antioxidant activities of buckwheat honey were compared with those of manuka honey. Buckwheat honey exhibits antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, comparable with manuka honey, and the cellular antioxidant activity of buckwheat honey is higher than that of manuka honey. Our results suggest that buckwheat honey has great nutritional and commercial potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs) on the retrogradation of maize starch with different amylose/amylopectin ratios was investigated. The apparent amylose contents in high-amylose maize (HAM), normal maize (NM), and amylopectin maize (APM) starches are 79.05%, 25.43% and 0%. Structural characterizations of retrograded maize starches in the presence of OPCs were conducted by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The results suggest that OPCs inhibit the retrogradation of maize starches in low concentrations (1.5–2.5%) with different inhibitory effects for HAM, NM and APM starches. It may be attributed to the variations on interaction ways and binding capabilities between different types of starches and OPCs. The in vitro enzymatic digestion result indicates HAM starch and OPCs have stronger interactions with the formation of resistant structures. These findings provide a further evidence for exploring the interactions between starches and phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The changes of DJ-1 in RFN and PSE meat were comparatively investigated. • The contents of DJ-1 and oxDJ-1 continuously increased during 7 d of aging. • PSE meat had higher DJ-1 expression and oxidative stress than that of RFN meat. • DJ-1 was located in cytoplasm, membrane and some nucleus of muscle cell. • DJ-1 was shown to correlate with meat quality and oxidative attributes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of oxidative attributes, protein DJ-1 expression, oxidized form (oxDJ-1), and cellular localization in RFN and PSE pork meat during the post-mortem aging. The longissimus thoracis of RFN and PSE groups were collected and classified by determination of pH, color and purge loss and then aged for 1, 3 and 7 d at 4 °C postmortem. Results showed that the content of DJ-1 and oxDJ-1 was continuously increased during 7 d of postmortem aging. A relatively higher protein DJ-1, oxDJ-1, oxygen reactive species and disulfide bond contents were found in PSE meat in comparison to RFN meat. Immunostaining showed that protein DJ-1 was located in cytoplasm, membrane and some nucleus of muscle cells. DJ-1 was shown to correlate with meat quality and oxidative attributes, suggesting a regulatory role in resisting oxidative stress and meat quality formation during post-mortem aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of S-nitrosylation on the autolysis and catalytic ability of μ-calpain in vitro in the presence of 50 μM Ca 2 + was investigated. μ-Calpain was incubated with different concentrations of nitric oxide donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and subsequently reacted with purified myofibrils. Results showed that the amount of 80 kDa μ-calpain subunit significantly decreased as GSNO increased from 0 to 300 μM, but increases of GSNO to 300, 500 and 1000 μM did not result in further inhibition. The catalytic ability of nitrosylated μ-calpain to degrade titin, nebulin, troponin-T and desmin was significantly reduced when the GSNO concentration was higher than 300 μM. The cysteine residues of μ-calpain at positions 49, 351, 384, and 592 in the catalytic subunit and at 142 in small subunit were S-nitrosylated, which could be responsible for decreased μ-calpain activity. Thus, S-nitrosylation can negatively regulate the activation of μ-calpain resulting in decreased proteolytic ability on myofibrils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Myofibrillar protein of S-nitrosylation in pork longissimus thoracis was identified. • Differential SNO-modified proteins between PSE and RFN meat were analyzed. • S-nitrocysteines of myosin and actin were differentially detected in two meat groups. • Sarcomeric protein S-nitrosylation could be an alternative pathway of NO affecting meat quality. In this paper, the S-nitrosylated myofibrillar protein in pork was comparatively analyzed between pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) and red, firm, and non-exudative (RFN) meat. The S-nitrosothiol and immunoblot of S-nitrosylated protein indicated that the overall protein S-nitrosylation level in PSE pork was higher than that in RFN pork. Proteomics showed that 114 SNO-modified cysteines corresponding to 65 proteins were over-expressed in PSE samples while 74 nitrosylated cysteines of 20 proteins were over-expressed in RFN samples. Differential proteins including myosin, actin, actinin, nebulin, titin, troponin-I, and filamin were distributed in the cytoskeleton and muscle fibers, participating in muscle contraction, cell development, and myofibril assembly by exerting binding activity. The enriched KEGG pathways included tight junction, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, AMPK signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway. Our data suggest that S-nitrosylation of myofibrillar protein could be an alternative pathway of NO involved in the regulation of fresh meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Oleic acid/β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex exhibited great thermal stability. • β-Cyclodextrin microencapsulation protected oleic acid from oxidation. • Van der Waals force and hydrogen bonding are the main driving forces. The physicochemical properties and interactions of the complex of oleic acid (OA) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were studied by experimental and computational methods. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction confirmed the successful preparation of OA/β-CD inclusion complex. The stability of the complex was improved, exhibiting a 61.2 °C higher degradation temperature and a lower peroxide value than OA. Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies revealed that the carboxyl group of OA entered into the β-CD cavity to form hydrogen bonds, which was confirmed by conformational search and weak interactions analysis. Dispersion energy from van der Waals (–290.79 kJ/mol) contributed 87.3% to total interaction energy (–253.88 kJ/mol). Topological analysis showed that four moderate hydrogen bonds were formed between OA and β-CD with the bond energy ranging from –76.05 to –30.25 kJ/mol. This work provided theoretical basis for the development of nutritional supplements containing unsaturated fatty acids encapsulated by β-CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural characteristics of noodle dough under different vacuum mixing times were investigated using three flour samples by texture profile analysis (TPA), SEM, FTIR micro-imaging, and by measuring the glutenin macropolymer and free –SH content. The sheeted dough mixed for 8 min presented better textural properties and a more compact and even microstructure. Insufficient mixing resulted in an uneven distribution and an inadequately developed gluten network, especially for weak-gluten flour (Jimai 22). Excessive mixing was detrimental to the developed dough network and decreased the uniformity of component spatial distribution. Furthermore, excessive mixing led to a decrease in GMP content as well as the increase in free –SH content. Flours with different protein characteristics behaved differently. The TPA, microstructure and free –SH content of dough of Zhengmai 366 was less affected by mixing time than that of Jimai 22, suggesting that strong-gluten flour has better noodle dough mixing tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An aqueous aged garlic extract (AGE) was prepared by soaking sliced garlic in water for 20 days at room temperature (23–25 °C). In order to locate the antioxidant ingredients of the aqueous AGE, an activity-guided fractionation approach using ABTS assay, DPPH assay and FRAP assay were conducted to guide the fractionation by means of extraction, column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Some phenols and organosulfur compounds were identified as antioxidants in AGE by GC–MS. Furthermore, UV, IR, ESI-MS, NMR and specific rotation experiments led to the identification of l -phenylalanine, l -tryptophan, (3S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- β -carboline-3-carboxylic acid, (1S,3S)-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- β -carboline-3-carboxylic acid, and (1R,3S)-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- β -carboline-3-carboxylic acid as the major antioxidants in the AGE. The EC 50 values of these purified tetrahydro- β -carboline derivatives were 0.625–1.334 μmol/mL and 1.063–2.072 μmol/mL in ABTS assay and DPPH assay, respectively. It is the first time for us to identify (3S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- β -carboline-3-carboxylic acid as an in vitro antioxidant in AGE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commonly consumed foxtail millet varieties Jingu28 and Jingu34 were compared in terms of phytochemical composition, antioxidant property, and antiproliferative activity. The cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) was evaluated based on HepG2 cell cultivation. Antiproliferative properties against HepG2 and MDA cell were assayed by methylene blue assay. Total phenolic content (TPC) was 78.79 and 114.22 mg gallic acid equiv/100 g DW in Jingu28 and Jingu34. Both varieties contained ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and p -coumaric acid, syringic acid. Xanthophylls and zeaxanthin were also detected. Peroxyl radical scavenging capacity of the foxtail millet were 228.13 (Jingu28) and 355.03 (Jingu34) μmol of vitamin C equiv/100 g, respectively. CAA values of the foxtail millet varieties ranged from 1.52 to 8.97 μmol quercetin equiv/100 g DW. The proliferation of MDA and HepG2 cancer cells were significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner after exposure to Jingu28 and Jingu34 extractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research, the copigmentations of malvidin-3- O -glucoside with five hydroxybenzoic cofactors ( p -hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, vanillic acid, and syringic acid) were investigated. The influence of the concentration of these cofactors and the reaction temperature was examined. The equilibrium constant ( K ), stoichiometric ratio ( n ) and the thermodynamic parameters (Δ G °, Δ H °, Δ S °) related to the copigmentation were also reported here. Theoretical calculations were performed to identify the relative arrangement between the pigment and cofactors in the copigmentation complexes. Besides, the comparison of the relative binding free energies (ΔΔ G binding ) derived from the theoretical calculations and experimental data were made, and the binding strength of these copigmentation complexes was discussed with the interaction energies (Δ E ). AIM analysis was also used to explore the main driving forces contributing to the copigmentation. In the comparison of the five studied cofactors, syringic acid had a stronger copigmentation effect than the other four phenolic acids investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of peptide components of protein hydrolysates is often difficult due to the lack of suitable analytical methods. In the present study, an UHPLC–Q-TOF MS/MS method was developed and used to identify peptides derived from the protein hydrolysate of Mactra veneriformis . The peptide sequences were deduced by de novo sequencing based on MS/MS fragmentation data. A total of 21 peptides, four nucleobases, and one nucleoside were identified from the hydrolysate using this method. These peptides were chemically synthesised and showed antioxidant activity in radical scavenging assays. This method is suitable for quick, sensitive, and accurate analysis of complex protein hydrolysates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A novel MUED method was developed for rapid analysis of fatty acid profiles. [•] Several critical experimental parameters were optimised with RSM. [•] The MUED shortened the sample preparation procedure and time. [•] The MUED improved the extraction and derivatisation efficiencies of lipids. [•] The MAED reduced oxidisation and decomposition of unsaturated fatty acids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The interaction of procyanidins with proteins has aroused extensive attention due to its important relationship with the bioavailability and astringent property of polyphenols. In the present work, we have investigated the interactions of lysozyme with procyanidin dimer (B3) using various biophysical approaches, which aims to provide insights into the mechanism of protein/polyphenol aggregation. Procyanidin B3 spontaneously binds lysozyme, inducing the multilevel structural changes in lysozyme and the formation of insoluble complexes. The relationship between lysozyme aggregation and the loss of enzymatic activity was monitored using dynamic light scattering and fluorescence quenching. The influences of two carbohydrates (gum arabic and sucrose) on lysozyme/B3 aggregation were also studied. Gum arabic effectively inhibited the formation of insoluble aggregates, but was unable to restore the fluorescence and activity of lysozyme. However, sucrose concomitantly decreased the aggregate size with the recovery of fluorescence and lysozyme activity. These results proposed two probable mechanisms by which these two carbohydrates inhibit protein/polyphenol aggregation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mactra veneriformis has been used as sea food and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years in China. In the present study, a high performance liquid chromatograph coupled with photodiode array detector and electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometer (HPLC–DAD–ESI-MS) method was established for detection of the nucleosides and nucleobases in M. veneriformis from four aquaticultural area of Jiangsu during different harvest time of one year. The validated method was successfully applied to identifying 10 nucleosides and nucleobases in 48 M. veneriformis samples. Quantitative analysis showed that nucleosides and nucleobases are rich in all M. veneriformis samples. However, their contents vary in different areas and harvest times. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to classify the 48 samples based on the contents of the nucleosides and nucleobases. As a result, the samples could be mainly clustered into four groups, which was similar as aquaticultural areas classification. Based on the results, present method might be applicable for the quality control of M. veneriformis, or even other marine shellfish aquiculture and their products, and the quality of M. veneriformis might be more related with aquaticultural areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Procyanidins are abundant in sorghum episperm. In this study, the effects of procyanidins from Sorghum bicolor (L.) moench episperm (sorghum procyanidins, SPC) in preventing dental caries were investigated through analysis on SPCs’ effects on cariogenic bacteria and ability in scavenging superoxide anion free radicals. In addition, the SPC with activity in preventing dental caries were identified. The ESI-MS/MS analysis results revealed that the compositions of SPC purified by macroporous resin were dimmers, trimers, tetramers, pentamers and hexamers of procyanidins and catechin/epicatechin monomers. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of SPC on Streptococcus mutans (Ingbritt C) and Streptococcus sobrinus 6715 were 8 and 16mg/ml, respectively. The SPC had a remarkable inhibition effect (P <0.05) on acid production of S. sobrinus (Ingbritt C) and S. mutans 6715 compared with the control group, and a dose-dependent relationship was observed. By increasing the concentration of SPC in the experimental condition (200–600mg/L), the scavenging ratio of superoxide anion radicals increased significantly, indicating that SPC could be used as a potential dental-caries-preventative medicine with its antibacterial and antioxidant ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with a lowered risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Grapes are rich in phenolics, flavonoids, and resveratrol, which have been suggested to be responsible for the health functions. Thirteen grape varieties and eighteen common phytochemicals were evaluated for their ability to induce mammalian phase II detoxification enzymes – quinone reductase (QR) in Hepa1c1c7 murine hepatoma cells. Amongst all the grape varieties analyzed, Cabernet Franc showed the highest inducible effect on QR with the lowest induction concentration. Quercetin, genistein, and resveratrol exhibited strong QR induction activity amongst the eighteen phytochemicals. The proliferation of Hepa1c1c7 cells was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner after exposure to all of the grape extracts and some of the phytochemicals. The selective index (SI) of grapes and phytochemicals as anticarcinogenic potency was assessed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Food authenticity is extremely important and widely targeted bi-omics is a promising pipeline attributing to incorporating metabolomics and peptidomics. Colla Corii Asini (CCA, Ejiao) is one of the most popular tonic edible materials, with counterfeit and adulterated products being widespread. An attempt was devoted to develop a high-throughput and reliable DI–MRM3 program facilitating widely targeted bi-omics of CCA. Firstly, predictive MRM program captured metabolites and peptides in trypsin-digestive gelatins. After data alignment and structure annotation, primary parameters such as Q1 → Q3 → Q LIT , CE, and EE were optimized for all 17 metabolites and 34 peptides by online ER-MS. Though a single run merely consumed 6.5 min, great selectivity was reached for each analyte. Statistical results showed that nine peptides contributed to distinguish CCA from other gelatins. After cross-validation with LC–MRM, DI–MRM3 was justified to be reproducible and high-throughput for widely targeted bi-omics of CCA, suggesting a meaningful tool for food authenticity. [Display omitted] • DI–MRM3 program was developed for simultaneous metabolome and peptidome profiling. • DI–MRM3 was justified to be reproducible and high-throughput for widely targeted bi-omics. • A total of nine peptides were screened as diagnostic markers for CCA, CCB, and CCC. • Two batches of CCA samples were suspected as bovine-hide adulterated counterfeited CCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The method has significant advantage in identifying S-nitrosylated protein. • S-nitrosylation of those enzymes for postmortem meat is still unknown. • Protein S-nitrosylation may exert effect on glycolysis. • It is a new insight to explain PSE meat in postmortem muscle. The activity, expression and S-nitrosylation of glycogen phosphorylase (GP), phosphofructokinase (PFK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) was compared between pale, soft and exudative (PSE) and red, firm and non-exudative (RFN) pork. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity of RFN pork was higher than PSE pork (P < 0.05). Glycogen and lactic acid content were significantly different between PSE and RFN samples at 1 h postmortem (P < 0.05). Compared to PSE pork, RFN pork had lower activities and higher S-nitrosylation levels of GP, PFK and PK (P < 0.05). Moreover, GP expression in RFN pork was lower (P < 0.05) while no significant differences of PFK and PK expression were observed between these two groups. These data suggest that protein S-nitrosylation can presumably regulate glycolysis by modulating glycolytic enzymes activities and then regulate the development of PSE pork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel electrochemical detection system to detect BCAT activity in LAB was initially established. • Determination of NADH with excellent sensitivity and selectivity. • Powerful analytical tool for monitoring the BCAT activity in LAB. In this study, an electrochemical system was established to detect the branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase (BCAT) activity in lactic acid bacteria (LAB). A nanocomposite of chitosan (CS) with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was synthesized, and the composite solution were uniformly spread over the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface by drop-casting to fabricate an electrochemical biosensor. The composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (TEM). Results indicated that the MWCNTs–CS/GCE electrode exhibited higher stability and sensitivity, compared with the GCE electrode. The linear response for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) was 1.0–9.0 μM and the response limit was 0.12 µM. The system effectively and sensitively detected the BCAT activity by NADH concentration in the LAB culture, comparing with the optical method. The culture condition of LAB was optimized by using this system, evidencing that established method was available to detect the BCAT activity of LAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• L. plantarum NJAU-01 can inhibit the protein oxidation during sausage fermentation. • NJAU-01 can promote protein degradation during the fermentation period. • NJAU-01 shows a comparative antioxidant effects as commercial strains. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum NJAU-01 isolated from Chinese dry-cured ham (Jinhua ham) on the regulation of protein oxidation of fermented sausages. Fermented sausages were prepared with different concentrations of L. plantarum NJAU-01 (105 CFU/g, 107 CFU/g and 109 CFU/g), and the commercial strain was used as positive control. The results showed that L. plantarum NJAU-01 at 107 CFU/g and 109 CFU/g significantly lowered the protein carbonyl content and protein surface hydrophobicity compared with the control (P < 0.05). The total sulfhydryl contents in L. plantarum NJAU-01 groups were significantly higher than that of the group without starter culture (P < 0.05). Significant changes were found in sarcoplasmic protein bands within 130–250 kDa, 100–130 kDa and 25–35 kDa during sausage fermentation (P < 0.05). Our data suggest that L. plantarum NJAU-01 has the potential to be an antioxidant starter culture in fermented sausages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption and desorption characteristics of six different resins (NKA-9, XAD-2, AB-8, D3520, DM-130 and Polyamide) were investigated, in order to screen one resin compared favorably with XAD-2 resin for the purification of flavonoids from honey. The adsorption capacity was XAD-2 > AB-8 > DM-130 > D3520 > NKA-9 > Polyamide, and the desorption ratios of XAD-2, AB-8 and DM-130 had no significant differences, which was higher than those of D3520, NKA-9 and Polyamide. By analyzing kinetic adsorption using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and particle diffusion kinetics models combined with kinetic desorption, the adsorption and desorption behavior of AB-8 was similar to that of XAD-2, which was excellent than other four resins. The optimal temperature for XAD-2 and AB-8 to adsorb flavonoids was 25 °C under the analysis of Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms models. AB-8 resin offers an efficient and economical choice for the purification of flavonoids from honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inoculation fermentation technology was applied to the processing of dried cured goose to investigate the protein degradation. Lactobacillus fermentum (L) , Staphylococcus epidermidis (S) and mixed strains (L + S) were individually inoculated into the whole goose before drying. We studied the degradation of protein in the air-dried period of goose. The results showed that compared with natural fermentation, inoculation fermentation significantly increased the content of non-protein nitrogen (14.85 mg/g NPN), proteolysis index (8.98% PI), myofibril fragmentation index (89.35 MFI) and total amount of free amino acids (1332.6 mg/g FAA) of dried cured goose. Electrophoresis revealed that the inoculation fermentation accelerated the degradation of macromolecular proteins and the accumulation of small molecular proteins. The degree of protein degradation in four groups of goose was in an order of L + S group > S group > L group > CK group. It suggested that inoculation fermentation could promote the degradation of myofibrillar proteins. • Lactobacillus fermentum L28 and Staphylococcus epidermidis S24 were identified from air-dried goose. • Inoculation fermentation significantly increased the number of lactic acid bacteria and Staphylococcus. • Inoculation fermentation could promote the degradation of myofibrillar proteins in dried cured goose. • The effect of mixed strains group was better than single strain groups to improve fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An O/W/O double emulsion model system was successfully formulated. • Two possible destabilization mechanisms of O/W/O emulsions were initially proposed. • Tween 80 in the water phase could decrease the interfacial properties of the outer PGPR-adsorbed interface. • The formation of Tween 80 micelles is another factor decreasing the stability of O/W/O double emulsions. Oil-in-water-in-oil (O/W/O) double emulsions are considered an advanced oil-structuring technology that can accomplish multi-functions to improve food quality and nutrition. However, this special structure is thermodynamically unstable. This study formulated a model O/W/O double emulsion with standard surfactants, Tween 80 (4 %) and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR, 5 %), using a traditional two-step method with different homogenization parameters. Cryo-SEM and GC-FID results show that O/W/O emulsions were successfully formulated, and the release rate (RR) of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil from the inner oil to the outer oil phase increased significantly with 2nd homogenization speed increasing, respectively. Interestingly, the RR of all samples reached about 75 % after 2 months of storage, suggesting that O/W/O emulsions were highly unstable. To explain the observed instability, dynamic interfacial tension and interfacial rheology were performed using a drop shape tensiometer. Results demonstrated that unadsorbed Tween 80 in the intermediate aqueous phase was a key factor in markedly decreasing the interfacial properties of the outer PGPR-assembled film by affecting the interfacial rearrangement. Additionally, it was found that the MCT release showed a positive correlation with the Tween 80 concentration, demonstrating that the formed Tween 80 micelles could transport oil molecules to strengthen the emulsion instability. Taken together, this study reveals the destabilization mechanism of model O/W/O surfactants-stabilized emulsions from bulk to interface, providing highly relevant insights for the design of stable O/W/O double emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Development of a sensitive CRISPR/Cas12a-based amplification-free nanoparticle counting method for detection of AFB1. • The first report of the ICPMS single particle counting-based CRISPR/Cas12a biosensing study. • This method has been successfully applied to determination of AFB1 in food matrices (peanut oil, beer, and wheat meal). CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) and CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) have gained extensive applications in bioassays. However, CRISPR-based detection platforms are often hampered by limited analytical sensitivity, while nucleic acid-based amplification strategies are usually indispensable for additional signal enhancement with potential risks of amplification leakages. To address these challenges, an amplification-free CRISPR-based bioassay of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was proposed by applying single nanoparticle counting. Single-particle mode inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Sp-ICPMS) has been regarded as a sensitive tool for nanoparticle counting since one nanoparticle can generate considerable signals above backgrounds. With AFB1, activator strands were introduced to initiate the trans -cleavage of CRISPR/Cas12a for cutting the nanoparticles-tagged-magnetic beads, which were transduced to nanoparticle count signals after separation. Finally, a pico-mole level limit-of-detections (LODs) with moderate selectivity was achieved. Certified reference materials (CRMs) analysis and recovery tests were conducted with promising results. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of the single particle counting-based CRISPR/Cas12a biosensing study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Magnetic N/O codoped porous carbon (MNPC) was prepared using shrimp shell. • MNPC had multi-enzyme activities, especially the excellent oxidase-like activity. • Catalytic activities of MNPC can be regulated by changing pyrolysis temperature. • MNPC can be successfully used for dual-signal triple-mode sensing antioxidants. • MNPC nanozyme can be innovatively used to improve the packaging properties. In this work, shrimp shell-derived magnetic NiFe 2 O 4 /N, O co-doped porous carbon nanozyme with superior oxidase (OXD)-like activity was prepared and used for colorimetric/photothermal/smartphone dual-signal triple-mode detection of antioxidants in fruits and beverages. The magnetic NiFe 2 O 4 /N, O co-doped porous carbon (MNPC) material was triumphantly fabricated using a combined in-situ surface chelation and pyrolysis method. The resultant MNPC composite exhibits a superior OXD-like activity, which can effectively oxidize 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) for yielding colorimetric/temperature dual-signal (CTDS) in absence of H 2 O 2. This CTDS output sensor was successfully used for the determination of ascorbic acid and tannic acid. The proposed CTDS sensor with good specificity and high sensitivity can satisfy different on-site analysis requirements. Interestingly, the MNPC as a sustainable filler was further used for improving packaging properties of polyvinyl alcohol film. In short, this work offers a large-scale and cheap method to fabricate magnetic carbon-based nanozyme for monitoring antioxidants and ameliorating packaging properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is evident from various epidemiological studies that consumption of fruits and vegetables is essential to maintain health and in the disease prevention. Present study was designed to examine phenolic contents and antioxidant properties of three varieties of Crataegus pinnatifida (Chinese hawthorn). Shanlihong variety exhibited elevated levels of total phenolics and flavonoid contents, including free and bond phenolics. Procyanidin B 2 was most abundant phenolic compound in all samples, followed by epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, and isoquercitrin. The free ORAC values, and free hydro-PSC values were 398.3–555.8 μmol TE/g DW, and 299.1–370.9 μmol VCE/g DW, respectively. Moreover, the free cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) values were 678–1200 μmol of QE/100 g DW in the no PBS wash protocol, and 345.9–532.9 μmol of QE/100 g DW in the PBS wash protocol. C. pinnatifida fruit could be valuable to promote consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chemical composition of fermented bee pollen was globally analyzed. • Fermentation led to 668 differential metabolites in bee pollen. • Fermentation significantly changed the primary and secondary metabolites. • Fermentation transformed polyphenol glycosides to aglycones. • Fermentation increased the types and contents of phenolamides. Microbial fermentation can break the bee pollen wall. However, the global profiling of bee pollen metabolites under fermentation remains unclear. This study aims to comprehensively elucidate the changes in the composition of bee pollen after microbial fermentation. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS) based on widely targeted metabolomics analysis was used to compare the chemical composition of unfermented bee pollen (UBP) and fermented bee pollen (FBP). Among the 890 metabolites detected, a total of 668 differential metabolites (classified into 17 categories) were identified between UBP and FBP. Fermentation significantly increased the contents of primary metabolites such as 74 amino acids and derivatives, 42 polyunsaturated fatty acids and 66 organic acids, as well as some secondary metabolites such as 38 phenolic acids, 80 flavone aglycones and 22 phenolamides. The results indicate that fermentation is a promising strategy to improve the nutritional value of bee pollen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding neural pathways and cognitive processes involved in the transformation of dietary fats into sensory experiences has profound implications for nutritional well-being. This study presents an efficient approach to comprehending the neural perception of fat taste using electroencephalogram (EEG). Through the examination of neural responses to different types of fatty acids (FAs) in 45 participants, we discerned distinct neural activation patterns associated with saturated versus unsaturated fatty acids. The spectrum analysis of averaged EEG signals revealed notable variations in δ and α-frequency bands across FA types. The topographical distribution and source localization results suggested that the brain encodes fat taste with specific activation timings in primary and secondary gustatory cortices. Saturated FAs elicited higher activation in cortical associated with emotion and reward processing. This electrophysiological evidence enhances our understanding of fundamental mechanisms behind fat perception, which is helpful for guiding strategies to manage hedonic eating and promote balanced fat consumption. [Display omitted] • EEG analysis reveals neural processes in the brain during fat taste perception. • SFAs and UFAs differ in activating brain functions in δ and α-frequency ranges. • The brain distinguishes FA types based on activation latencies in specific regions. • Source localization shows FA activates primary and secondary gustatory cortices. • SFAs elicit higher activation in regions associated with appetite and reward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Grapes are rich in phenolics, flavonoids and resveratrol, which have been suggested to be responsible for their health benefits. The concentrations of phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanins and resveratrol of 14 grape varieties grown in the Finger Lakes area of New York State were examined. Among the varieties tested, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir contained the highest total phenolic content with 424.6±3.8 and 396.8±12.4mg/100g, respectively. The total flavonoid content of Pinot Noir (301.8±6.2mg/100g) was around 3.1-fold higher than that of Baco Noir. Baco Noir had the highest resveratrol content (571±30μg/100g) of the varieties tested. Cabernet Franc possessed the highest antioxidant activity. Total antioxidant activities of grape extracts are well correlated with total phenolic content. The proliferation of Caco-2, HepG2 and MCF-7 human cancer cells was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner after exposure to Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Catawba, Concord, Sheridan, Niagara and Riesling. The results suggest that phytochemicals in the selected wine grapes have potent antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• 3D printing performance of wheat-based gels was affected by materials' components. • Physicochemical and structural properties about the printed samples were assayed. • LF-NMR can be used to explore changes of water distribution during storage. The effects of material composition on the quality of 3D-printed food using wheat starch, flour and whole meal were explored. Results showed that samples molded by wheat starch and whole meal obtained a more accurate and better quality printing than wheat flour. Wheat flour had the worst printable capacity as it gets stuck easily to the wall of the printer. Starch-protein complexes appeared in the samples of wheat flour and whole meal. Whole meal constituted protein, fat, fiber and starch to form various complexes, which strengthen the gel network cross-linking, retard starch aging significantly, and enhance the water binding capacity than just the starch only sample. Printed samples using whole meal still possess a soft and elastic texture after long-time storage. Overall, whole meal with higher protein, fat and fiber content was better for food 3D printing than wheat starch and flour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Different thermal processing differences on normal and PSE muscles were partially explained by proteomics. • Moist heat processing led to more protein denaturation, aggregation and degradation in PSE muscles. • The degradation of structural and sarcoplasmic proteins led to the texture deterioration of PSE muscles. This study aims to assess and compare the influences of different heating methods on the quality characteristics of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like and normal (NOR) pectoralis major through quantitative proteomic analysis. A total of 632 proteins were identified, and there were 84, 89, 50, and 43 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) between processed PSE and NOR samples after four thermal treatments, including boiling (BO), steaming (ST), roasting (RO), and microwaving (MV), respectively, where moist heating conditions led to more different protein abundance. Processed PSE muscles resulted in significant changes in structural proteins related to myofibrillar and connective tissue, which could be associated with their structural instability and degraded quality. Collagen, tropomyosin, myoglobin, and hemoglobin could be potential indicators of PSE muscles color stability and variation during thermal processing. The quantitative proteomic analysis will help correlate molecular changes with processed meat quality towards future optimization of PSE poultry meat processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two polysaccharide fractions (WXA-1 and AXA-1) are obtained from wheat bran. • The compositions and structural characterizations of WXA-1 and AXA-1 are different. • AXA-1 exhibits stronger α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities compared with WXA-1. In this study, two polysaccharide fractions were isolated from wheat bran by sequential extraction with water and alkaline solution, DEAE Cellulose-52 chromatography and Sephacryl S-400 gel permeation chromatography, they were named as WXA-1 and AXA-1, respectively. Structural analyses indicated that both polysaccharide fractions were heteropolysaccharides, their average molecular weights were 193 kDa and 107 kDa, respectively. The backbone of WXA-1 was → 4)-β- d -Xyl p -(1→, which was substituted at O -3 positions by arabinose, glucose and galactose residues, while the backbone of AXA-1 was → 4)-β- d -Xyl p -(1→, which was mainly substituted at O -3 positions by arabinose. AXA-1 exerted a stronger inhibitory effect on the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase compared with WXA-1. Moreover, AXA-1 exhibited a competitive inhibition of α-amylase and a mixed-type noncompetitive inhibition of α-glucosidase. These results suggest that AXA-1 can be used as α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Procyanidin B 2 and catechin has synergistic inhibitory effect on acrylamide. • Ratio of 1:3 and 1:9 have great synergistic inhibitory effect on acrylamide. • Optimal synergistic inhibitory effect (70.11 ± 2.07%) was achieved when ratio of 1:9. • Compared with single use, combined use of procyanidin B 2 decrease the dosage to 1/10. • Composite inhibitor achieve great inhibitory effects on acrylamide at a lower cost. The potential synergistic effects of Flavan-3-ols to inhibit the formation of acrylamide have attracted wide attention. This study aims to investigate the synergistic inhibitory effects of the B-type procyanidin and flavan-3-ols monomer on acrylamide production in food matrix. By comparing the inhibitory effects of different compounds in food matrix, procyanidin B 2 and catechin were screened out for examining their synergistic inhibitory effects on acrylamide by Isobologram analysis. When the interaction index (γ) was lower than 1, the interaction was synergistic reaction. The results showed the procyanidin B 2 /catechin ratio of 1:3 (γ = 0.57) had similar synergistic effect to that of 1:9 (γ = 0.53), both of which showed better effects than the ratio of 1:1 (γ = 0.71). The optimal synergistic inhibitory effect (70.11 ± 2.07%) was achieved when the procyanidin B 2 and catechin concentrations were 0.6 µg/mL and 5.4 µg/mL, respectively. Compared with single use, the combined use of B 2 and catechin could decrease the dosage of B 2 to 1/10 and that of catechin to 1/3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PTM detection-based peptidomics analysis was applied to identify specific peptide biomarkers. • Eight Pelodiscus sinensis specific peptide sequences were selected. • 74 specific peptide biomarkers derived from 8 sequences with various PTM forms were identified. • Seven specific peptide biomarkers were screened out and could be used to discern authenticity. The soft-shelled turtle is a commercially aquatic species in Asian countries, which serves as an important source of collagen with high nutritional and medicinal value, so it is of great significance to distinguish soft-shelled turtle derived collagen from others or adulterations. In this work, peptidomics analysis based on post-translational modification (PTM) assay was used to discover specific peptide biomarkers of soft-shelled turtle gelatin (STG). In total eight specific sequences and 74 peptides with different PTM types were screened out, and seven peptides with good signal responses and STG specificity were selected and validated as STG-specific peptide biomarkers. These peptide biomarkers could be used for distinguishing STG from other animal gelatins, and applied for ensuring the quality of collagens or gelatins from soft-shelled turtle with authenticity and traceability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Composition of fruit cuticle are introduced. • Fruit cuticle metabolism, and regulation of transcriptional factors, phytohormones and environmental elements are reviewed. • Postharvest functions of fruit cuticle are discussed. • Postharvest regulatory technologies of fruit cuticle are summarized. The cuticle of plants, a hydrophobic membrane that covers their aerial organs, is crucial to their ability to withstand biotic and abiotic stressors. Fruit is the reproductive organ of plants, and an important dietary source that can offer a variety of nutrients for the human body, and fruit cuticle performs a crucial protective role in fruit development and postharvest quality. This review discusses the universality and diversity of the fruit cuticle composition, and systematically summarizes the metabolic process of fruit cuticle, including the biosynthesis, transport and regulatory factors (including transcription factors, phytohormones and environmental elements) of fruit cuticle. Additionally, we emphasize the postharvest functions and postharvest regulatory technologies of fruit cuticle, and propose future research directions for fruit cuticle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fermentation enhances the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of bee pollen. • Fermentation increases total phenolics and flavonoids in bee pollen. • Fifteen potential markers (five classes) are related to bee pollen bioactivities. • Four potential markers are newly generated during bee pollen fermentation. As a common food processing technology, microbial fermentation is becoming increasingly popular to promote the bioactivity of materials. This study aims to enhance rape bee pollen bioactivity through fermentation and trace the potential components associated with its bioactivity. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of unfermented bee pollen and fermented bee pollen were evaluated, and their correlation with differential metabolites was analyzed. The results indicated that fermentation significantly (p < 0.05) improved the antioxidant (>2.3-fold) and anti-inflammatory (>1.36-fold) activities of bee pollen, and increased the contents of total phenolics and flavonoids by 1.99 and 1.53 folds. Moreover, the correlation analysis results indicated that 15 components, including three phenolamides, one flavonoid aglycone, seven fatty acids, three amino acids and one ketone compound, were positively correlated with bee pollen antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These results suggest that fermentation is a promising approach to increase the bioactivity of bee pollen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity of free, soluble-conjugated, and bound fractions of brown rice and its processed products (textured rice, cooked rice and rice noodle) were studied. Nineteen phenolic acids were identified. Trans -ferulic acid was the most abundant monomeric phenolic acid with trans-trans -8-O-4′ diferulic acid being most abundant diferulic acid. Processing increased the content of free phenolic acids, but decreased the content of soluble-conjugated phenolic acids. The content of bound phenolic acids was increased by improved extrusion cooking technology and cooking, but not affected by rice noodle extrusion. The total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of free and soluble-conjugated fractions were decreased after processing, whereas those of bound fraction were increased by improved extrusion cooking technology and cooking, but not affected by rice noodle extrusion. Results indicated that whole foods designed for reducing chronic disease risk need to consider the effects of processing on phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity of whole grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thermal treatment methods including explosion-puffing, microwave and roasting were used. • Explosion-puffed oil had higher content of tocopherols, lignans and phytosterols. • Microwaved oil contained maximum value for sesamol. • Explosion-puffing achieved the least effect on content of protein and most amino acids. This study investigated the impact of multiple thermal treatments (explosion-puffing, microwave, and roasting) on the processing qualities of sesame seeds and cold-pressed oil. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed fissures and cavities of sesame seed surface upon thermal treatments. The microwave treatment promoted the maximum conversion of sesamolin into sesamol in the sesame oil. Compared with other treatments, explosion-puffing treatment resulted in most significant increases in the multiple beneficial phytochemicals, as well as in vitro antioxidant properties determined by 2,2-dipheny1-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxidative stability index (OSI). Additionally, thermal treatment processing caused varying degrees of damage of crude protein, total amino acids (TAA) and protein structure (tertiary and second structure). In which, explosion-puffing achieved minimal reduction in the first two indicators. Collectively, explosion-puffing might be a preferable thermal treatment method for industrial sesame processing with improved quality specifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of eight varieties of brown rice (BR) are reported. The total phenolic contents of BR ranged from 72.45 to 120.13 mg of gallic acid equiv./100 g. The phenolics from bound fraction contributed 40.6–50.2% of the total phenolic content. The total flavonoid contents of BR ranged from 75.90 to 112.03 mg catechin equiv./100 g. The flavonoids from the bound fraction contributed 26.9–48.2% of total flavonoids. Trans -ferulic acid was the predominant phenolic acid in BR. Total trans -ferulic acid content ranged from 161.42 to 374.81 μg/100 g. The percentage of trans -ferulic acid in bound fraction ranged from 96.4% to 99.2%. Only α- and γ-tocopherols and -tocotrienols were detected in BR with α-tocopherol and γ-tocotrienol being the predominant. The total peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (PSC) of BR ranged from 18.29 to 40.33 mg vitamin C equiv./100 g. The bound fraction contributed 67.2–77.2% of total PSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical profiles, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of berry extracts were evaluated and compared in four subspecies of Sea buckthorn ( Hippophaë rhamnoides L.). Among the subspecies, Hippophaë rhamnoides L. subsp. sinensis exhibited highest total phenolics content (38.7 ± 1.3 mg GA equiv./g DW) and corresponding total antioxidant activity. Whereas maximum cellular antioxidant and antiproliferative activities were determined in Hippophaë rhamnoides L. subsp . yunnanensis . Total antioxidant activity was significantly associated to total phenolics, isorhamnetin-3-rutinoside and isorhamnetin-3-glucoside. The cellular antioxidant activity and antiproliferative activity of phytochemicals were fairly correlated to phenolic acids and flavonoid aglycones. Lower median effective dose (EC 50 ) of individual compounds against human liver cancer HepG2 cells proliferation studies confirmed the better correlation between antiproliferative activity of Sea buckthorn extracts and flavonoid aglycones, including isorhamnetin, quercetin and kaempferol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous reports have demonstrated that the consumption of fruits and vegetables is beneficial for the human health. Blueberries, in particular, are rich in phytochemicals including free and bound forming. Phytochemical profiles of 14 varieties of blueberry were compared in this study. 12 compounds were analyzed and had significant changes in blueberry fruits. Total antioxidant activities in different blueberry varieties varied about 2.6 times by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, and 2 times by peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (PSC) assay. The cellular antioxidant activities (CAA) in different varieties varied about 3.9 times without phosphate buffer saline (PBS) wash, and 4.7 times with PBS wash by CAA assay. Blueberry extracts had potent antiproliferative activities against HepG2 human liver cancer cells, indicating the potential protective benefits associated with their use as functional foods. The anti-proliferative activity was observed to be dose-dependent in blueberry extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flaxseed ( Linum usitatissimum L.) is a rich source of nutritive and bioactive compounds. The research evaluated the disparity in phytochemical profiles along with total and cellular antioxidant activities between oil and fiber flaxseeds. There were significant differences in total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activities among the six cultivars of fiber and oil flaxseed, respectively. Four phytochemical compounds including caffeic acid, p -coumaric acid and ferulic acid, and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) were identified and quantified in the cultivars of oil and fiber flaxseed by HPLC analysis. Notably, the average of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with total antioxidant activities between fiber and oil flaxseeds were not different significantly; even the cellular antioxidant activity of fiber flaxseed was superior to oil flaxseed. These results suggest that fiber flaxseeds would be valuable candidates as functional products and dietary supplements production owing to the higher bioactive values as well as oil flaxseeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]