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Porous starch has been created through hydrolysis by amyloglucosidase and α-amylase. However, little information is known about the precise evolution of multi-scale structures of starch during digestion. In this study, rice starch and potato starch, containing different crystalline structures, were hydrolyzed by amyloglucosidase and α-amylase for 20 and 60 min, respectively, and their resulting structural changes were examined. The digestion process caused significant degradation of the molecular structures of rice and potato starches. In addition, the alterations in the ordered structures varied between the two starches. Rice starch exhibited porous structures, thicker crystalline lamellae as determined by small-angle X-ray scattering, and enhanced thermostability after digestion using differential scanning calorimetry. For rice starch, the extent of crystalline structures was analyzed with an X-ray diffractometer; it was found to first increase after 20 min of digestion and then decrease after 60 min of digestion. In contrast, potato starch did not display porous structures but exhibited thicker crystalline lamellae and a reduction in ordered structures after digestion. These findings suggest that it is possible to intentionally modulate the multi-scale structures of starch by controlling the digestion time, thereby providing valuable insights for the manipulation of starch functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing trend in incorporating biomass-based engineered nanomaterials into food products to enhance their quality and functionality. The zeta potential, droplet size, microstructure, and content of free fatty acid (FFA) release were determined to investigate the influence of a plant-derived particle stabilizer, i.e., lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs). Remarkable differences were observed during digestion stages, which were found to be correlated with the concentrations of LCNFs. The gradual FFA release in the small intestine stage from LCNF-coated lipid droplets was monitored over time, with a final lowest release of FFAs amounting to 26.3% in the emulsion containing 20.0% (v/v) of the dispersed phase stabilized by 3 mg/mL of LCNFs. This release can be attributed to the physical barrier at lipid droplet surfaces and the network effect created by the free LCNFs in the continuous phase. This work provides a foundation for the potential application of nature-derived LCNF materials in reducing fat absorbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the in vitro digestive properties of fish oil with different proportions of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), based on an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model (GIT), O/W fish oil emulsions with different ratios of EPA/DHA (5.13, 2.45, and 1.34) were prepared. The changes in the particle size, ζ-potential, and microstructure during digestion, as well as the release behavior of fatty acids during digestion in the small intestinal, were investigated. The results showed similar variation trends for fish oil emulsions with different EPA/DHA ratios. Despite this, each emulsion exhibited unique digestive characteristics. Specifically, all three initial emulsions showed higher stability, with strong negative charges, ranging from -40.02 to -43.77 mV, as well as relatively uniform particle size distributions (0.1-1.0 µm). After oral and gastric digestion, the absolute value of charge of each system decreased significantly (P<0.05), exposing the inner lipid phase. In addition, particle size was found to follow a multi-peak distribution and was mainly concentrated in the range of 10-100 µm. During small intestine digestion, the particle size of each system decreased significantly to 8-13 µm (P<0.05). The release of the free fatty acids (FFA) was 103.21% (EPA/DHA ratio of 5.13), 73.54% (EPA/DHA ratio of 2.45), and 62.51% ((EPA/DHA ratio of 1.34). These results suggest that the relative proportion of EPA and DHA is an important factor influencing fish oil emulsion digestion. This study provides a basis for the determination of the recommended daily EPA and DHA-rich marine lipid intake and the design of fish oil delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy of the phenol-sulfuric acid method, the anthrone-sulfuric method, the sulfuric acid-UV method, and the dinitrosalicylicacid colorimetric method for the determination of the polysaccharides in vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata) was investigated. The key detection conditions of the four methods were optimized by the single factor test. The accuracy, repeatability, stability, recovery rates of the four methods were compared with the optimal experimental conditions for the determination of polysaccharides in vine tea samples. The results showed that the phenol-sulfuric acid method was the most effective for the determination of polysaccharides in vine tea. The optimal UV detection wavelength was 485.5 nm, and the absorbance at 0.1~0.6 mg/mL with glucose as the standard had a good linear relationship. Under the optimal conditions of 500 μL concentrated sulfuric acid, 600 μL 5% phenol solution, 60° water bath temperature, and 20 min water bath time in 0.5 mL crude polysaccharide solution (concentration 0.5 mg/mL) of vine tea, the phenol-sulfuric acid method exhibited the highest precision (RSD 0.18%) and the best stability (RSD 0.30%). The results showed that the polysaccharide content of young and old stems and leaves was 9.87~10.47 and 29.77~30.47mg/g, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been developed to be intelligent delivery systems recently. However, MOFs as oral systems have been challenging. The purpose of this perspective is to briefly review the current applications of oral MOFs and the present dilemma of oral MOFs for humans. The destiny of MOFs‐based materials within the gastrointestinal tract and the blood are discussed, and the principles that guide the development of oral MOFs‐based materials are summarized. It is expected that this perspective will provide new insights on the design and development of oral MOF‐based materials as smart carriers for keeping human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To date, no specific therapies have been approved for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) treatment. Telitacicept is a fusion protein composed of transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand interactor and fragment crystallizable portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG), which neutralizes the B lymphocyte stimulator and a proliferation-inducing ligand., Methods: This phase 2 randomized placebo-controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of telitacicept in patients with IgAN. Participants with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >35 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 and proteinuria ≥0.75 g/d despite optimal supportive therapy, were randomized 1:1:1 to receive subcutaneous telitacicept 160 mg, telitacicept 240 mg, or placebo weekly for 24 weeks. The primary end point was the change in 24-hour proteinuria at week 24 from baseline., Results: Forty-four participants were randomized into placebo ( n = 14), telitacicept 160 mg ( n = 16), and telitacicept 240 mg ( n = 14) groups. Continuous reductions in serum IgA, IgG, and IgM levels were observed in the telitacicept group. Telitacicept 240 mg therapy reduced mean proteinuria by 49% from baseline (change in proteinuria vs. placebo, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, -1.57 to -0.20; P  = 0.013), whereas telitacicept 160 mg reduced it by 25% (-0.29; 95% confidence interval, -0.95 to 0.37; P  = 0.389). The eGFR remained stable over time. Adverse events (AEs) were similar in all groups. Treatment-emergent AEs were mild or moderate, and no severe AEs were reported., Conclusion: Telitacicept treatment led to a clinically meaningful reduction in proteinuria in patients with IgAN in the present phase 2 clinical trial. This effect is indicative of a reduced risk for future kidney disease progression., (© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the International Society of Nephrology.)