The characterization and stability of the soy protein isolate/1-Octacosanol nanocomplex

Investigating the effects of polar and non-polar polyphenols on the physicochemical properties and functional characteristics of camellia oil body emulsions

This study aimed to investigate the effects of polar catechol and non-polar α-tocopherol, either individually or in combination, on the stability and functional properties of camellia oil body emulsions. Catechol showed strong interactions with the polar surface proteins of OBs, while α-tocopherol associated with the non-polar lipid regions, collectively enhancing emulsion stability. Combined use of catechol and α-tocopherol significantly reduced droplet size (2810 to 1360 nm), increased zeta potential (5 to -42 mV), and decreased peroxide values from 45 to 12 meq/kg and TBARS values from 260 to 130 meq/kg after 14 days. Combined effect of polyphenols improved the stability of OB emulsions under stress conditions, maintaining structural integrity at elevated NaCl concentrations, high temperatures (90 °C), and after three freeze-thaw cycles. These findings demonstrate the synergistic effects of combining polar and non-polar polyphenols, offering a promising strategy for enhancing oxidative stability and functionality in food systems.

Controlled hydrolysis and EGCG conjugation enhance the ADH/ALDH activation activity of chia seed meal protein hydrolysates: Fabrication and structural characterization

This study examines the effects of hydrolysis duration (20-100 min using flavourzyme) and EGCG conjugation on the structure and bioactivity of chia seed meal protein hydrolysates (CSPH) through multi-spectroscopic techniques and physicochemical property evaluation. Subsequently, the activation effects of EGCG-conjugated peptides on alcohol metabolism-related enzymes were further analyzed through the integration of peptidomics, bioinformatics, and computational chemistry. It was found that with the extension of hydrolysis time, the thermal stability of CSPH diminishes, its rigid structure becomes more flexible, and its crystallinity decreases (by up to 27.19 %). Meanwhile, the activation effects on alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05). CSPH hydrolyzed for 60 min demonstrated the highest binding affinity for EGCG, primarily driven by hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The CSPH-EGCG conjugate exhibited enhanced physicochemical properties and significantly elevated activation of ADH and ALDH, with ADH activation rising from 22.66 % to 95.56 % and ALDH activation from 9.45 % to 30.93 %, compared to unmodified CSPH. Seven active peptides were identified from PE-60 by peptidomics and bioinformatics. Computer docking optimized selected three optimal peptides (IPW, FPIH, and IYP). Two-dimensional and three-dimensional interaction analyses showed that these peptides bind to EGCG, ADH, and ALDH via hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and salt bridges. These findings highlight the potential of controlled hydrolysis with flavourzyme and EGCG incorporation to enhance CSPH's properties and bioactivities and offer insights into the practical applications of CSPH and its EGCG complexes in food processing and therapeutic systems.

Comprehensive analysis of primary and secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities provides insights into metabolic profiling of different organs of Pimpinella brachycarpa Nakai

Pimpinella brachycarpa Nakai is a perennial plant that has been widely used as a traditional medicine. However, the comprehensive analysis of primary and secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities in different organs (flowers, leaves, stems, and roots) has not been extensively studied. A comprehensive analysis using GC-qMS, GC-TOFMS, and HPLC metabolomic analyses identified 66 known metabolites in different organs of P. brachycarpa. The heat map showed that most metabolites were high in flowers and leaves. KEGG enrichment analysis based on plant metabolic pathways showed that six pathways were significantly impacted based on -log p-value and pathway impact scores. The in vitro antioxidant activities, such as DPPH, ABTS, and SOD-like, reducing power activities, IC50 values for DPPH, ABTS, and SOD were highest in flower and leaf extracts. This study elucidated the metabolites and medicinal and edible value of different P. brachycarpa organs, promoting the effective utilisation of different P. brachycarpa organs.

Effect of the degree of substitution on water solubility of OSA-debranched starch and its potential use as a 1-Octacosanol carrier

1-Octacosanol(1-Octa) has anti-fatigue, anti-Parkinson's disease, and lipid-regulating effects; however, its long hydrophobic carbon chain results in very poor water solubility, which in turn leads to malabsorption and low bioavailability. To improve the solubility of 1-Octa, it was embedded in octenyl succinic acid and debranched complex-modified starch (OSD) to obtain aqueous OSD-Octa complexes. The solubility of OSD has been found to increase significantly, from 23.40 g/100 g to 94.24 g/100 g, as the degree of substitution increased. Critical micelle concentration determinations and iodine-staining indices indicated that OSD can potentially serve as a carrier for delivering hydrophobic functional factors. The encapsulation efficiency of 79.15 ± 0.02 % and the loading capacity of 44.66 ± 0.49 μg/mg were found with OSD-Octa complexes. Fluorescent 1-Octa particles inside starch were captured clearly. The solubility of 1-Octa in water was 1.532 ± 0.023 mg/mL after encapsulation. These results demonstrate the potential of OSD as a 1-Octa carrier that significantly improves its water solubility.

Tartary buckwheat protein-phenol conjugate prepared by alkaline-based environment: Identification of covalent binding sites of phenols and alterations in protein structural and functional characteristics

Tartary buckwheat protein-rutin/quercetin covalent complex was synthesized in alkaline oxygen-containing environment, and its binding sites, conformational changes and functional properties were evaluated by multispectral technique and proteomics. The determination of total sulfhydryl and free amino groups showed that rutin/quercetin can form a covalent complex with BPI and could significantly reduce the group content. Ultraviolet-visible spectrum analysis showed that protein could form new characteristic peaks after binding with rutin/quercetin. Circular dichroism spectrum analysis showed that rutin and quercetin caused similar changes in the secondary structure of proteins, both promoting β-sheet to α-helix, β-ture and random coil transformation. The fluorescence spectrometry results showed that the combination of phenols can cause the fluorescence quenching, and the combination of rutin was stronger than the quercetin. Proteomics showed that there were multiple covalent binding sites between phenols and protein. Rutin had a high affinity for arginine, and quercetin and cysteine had high affinity. Meanwhile, the combination of rutin/quercetin and protein had reduced the surface hydrophobic ability of the protein, and improved the foaming, stability and antioxidant properties of the protein. This study expounded the mechanism of the combination of BPI and rutin/quercetin, and analysed the differences of the combination of protein and phenols in different structures. The findings can provide a theoretical basis for the development of complexes in the area of food.

The anti-digestibility mechanism of soy protein isolate hydrolysate on natural starches with different crystal types

The effects of soy protein isolate hydrolysate (SPIH) on the physicochemical properties and digestive characteristics of three starch types (wheat, potato, and pea) were investigated. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations showed that hydrogen bonds were the driving force of the interaction between SPIH and starch. Furthermore, the SPIH was predicted to preferentially bind to the terminal region of starch using molecular dynamics simulations. Compared to pure starch, adding 20 % SPIH to wheat starch, potato starch, and pea starch, the content of resistant starch increased by 39.71 %, 125.66 % and 37.83 %, respectively. Both the radial distribution function (RDF) and low field-nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) showed that SPIH reduced the flow of water molecules in starch, indicating that SPIH competed with starch for water molecules. Multiple characterization experiments and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that the anti-digestibility mechanism of SPIH on natural starches with different crystal types could be attributed to the interaction between starch and SPIH, which decreased the catalytic efficiency of amylase. This study clarified the anti-digestibility mechanism of SPIH on natural starches, which provides new insights into the production of low-glycemic index foods for the diabetic population.

An Investigation into the Performance and Mechanisms of Soymilk-Sized Handmade Xuan Paper at Different Concentrations of Soymilk

Invaluable paper relics that embody a rich traditional culture have suffered damage, requiring urgent restoration. In this context, the utilization of soymilk as a sizing agent holds great significance and reverence. This study investigates the use of soymilk as a sizing agent for Xuan paper and evaluates its effects on various properties and the long-term behavior of the paper. The findings reveal that the application of soymilk as a sizing agent for Xuan paper imparts distinct properties, including hydrophobicity, improved mechanical properties, and unique chromaticity. These characteristics-arising from the papillae on the surface of the Xuan paper, the protein folding of the soy protein, and hydrogen-bonding interactions between the soy protein and paper fibers-play a crucial role in shaping the paper's unique attributes. From a physicochemical perspective, the aging process leads to multiple changes in paper properties. These changes include acidification, which refers to a decrease in pH, as well as a decline in mechanical strength, an increase in chromaticity, and a decrease in the degree of polymerization (DP) of the paper. The Ekenstam equation is employed to predict the lifespan of the paper, showing longer lifespans for Sheng Xuan paper and a negative correlation between soymilk concentration and lifespan in soymilk-sized paper. Our work provides valuable insights for the preservation and maintenance of paper, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges of using soymilk for surface sizing.

Research Progress of Protein-Based Bioactive Substance Nanoparticles

Bioactive substances exhibit various physiological activities-such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities-and have great potential for application in food, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. However, the low solubility, chemical instability, and low bioavailability of bioactive substances limit their application in the food industry. Using nanotechnology to prepare protein nanoparticles to encapsulate and deliver active substances is a promising approach due to the abundance, biocompatibility, and biodegradability of proteins. Common protein-based nanocarriers include nano-emulsions, nano-gels, nanoparticles, and nano complexes. In this review, we give an overview of protein-based nanoparticle fabrication methods, highlighting their pros and cons. Additionally, we discuss the applications and current issues regarding the utilization of protein-based nanoparticles in the food industry. Finally, we provide perspectives on future development directions, with a focus on classifying bioactive substances and their functional properties.

Enhanced encapsulation of lutein using soy protein isolate nanoparticles prepared by pulsed electric field and pH shifting treatment

In this study, soy protein isolate (SPI) was modified by a pulsed electric field (PEF) combined with pH shifting treatment (10 kV/cm, pH 11) to prepare SPI nanoparticles (PSPI11) for efficient loading of lutein. The results showed that when the mass ratio of SPI to lutein was 25:1, the encapsulation efficiency of lutein in PSPI11 increased from 54% to 77%, and the loading capacity increased by 41% compared to the original SPI. The formed SPI-lutein composite nanoparticles (PSPI11-LUTNPs) had smaller, more homogeneous sizes and larger negative charges than SPI7-LUTNPs. The combined treatment favored the unfolding of the SPI structure and could expose its interior hydrophobic groups to bind with lutein. Nanocomplexation with SPIs significantly improved the solubility and stability of lutein, with PSPI11 showing the greatest improvement. As a result, PEF combined with pH shifting pretreatment is an effective method for developing SPI nanoparticles loaded and protected with lutein.

Soy Protein Isolate/Genipin-Based Nanoparticles for the Stabilization of Pickering Emulsion to Design Self-Healing Guar Gum-Based Hydrogels

Nowadays, stretchable self-healing hydrogels designed by biomass-based materials have gathered remarkable attention in numerous frontier fields such as wound healing, health monitoring issues, and electronic skin. In this study, soy protein isolate (SPI), a common plant protein, was cross-linked to nanoparticles (SPI NPs) by Genipin, (Gen) which was attracted from the native Geniposide. Oil-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsion was formed by SPI NPs wrapping the linseed oil, and further implanted into poly(acrylic acid)/guar gum (PAA/GG)-based self-healing hydrogels by multiple reversible weak interactions. With the addition of Pickering emulsion, the hydrogels have achieved a remarkable self-healing ability (self-healing efficiency could reach 91.6% within 10 h) and mechanical properties (tensile strength of 0.89 MPa and strain of 853.2%). Therefore, these hydrogels with good reliable durability have outstanding application prospects in sustainable materials.

Preparation of Gum Arabic-Maltose-Pea Protein Isolate Complexes for 1-Octacosanol Microcapsule: Improved Storage Stability, Sustained Release in the Gastrointestinal Tract, and Its Effect on the Lipid Metabolism of High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity Mice

1-Octacosanol (Octa) is a natural compound with several beneficial properties. However, its poor water solubility and metabolism in the digestive tract reduce its efficacy. The Octa-GA-Malt-PPI microcapsule was prepared as follows: gum Arabic (GA):maltose (Malt):pea protein isolate (PPI) = 2:1:2; core:shell = 1:7.5; emulsification temperature 70 °C; pH 9.0. An in vitro simulated gastrointestinal tract was used to analyze the digestion behavior. C57BL/6 mice were selected to establish an obesity model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) to evaluate the effect of Octa monomer and the microcapsule. The diffusivity in water and storage stability of Octa improved after encapsulation. The microcapsule was ascribed to electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. The sustained release of Octa from the microcapsule was observed in a simulated gastrointestinal tract. Compared with Octa monomer, the microcapsule was more effective in alleviating the symptoms of weight gain, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia induced by HFD in mice. In conclusion, the construction of microcapsule structure can improve the dispersibility and stability of Octa in water, achieve sustained release of Octa in the gastrointestinal tract, and improve its efficiency in alleviating the effects of HFD on the body.

Cellulose nanocrystals based delivery vehicles for anticancer agent curcumin

Cancer is a complex disease that starts with genetic alterations and mutations in healthy cells. The past decade has witnessed a huge demand for new biocompatibility and high-performance intelligent drug delivery systems. Curcumin (CUR) is a bioactive stimulant with numerous medical benefits. However, because of its hydrophobic nature, it has low bioavailability. The utilization of many biobased materials has been found to improve the loading of hydrophobic drugs. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with exceptional qualities and a wide range of applications, feature strong hydrophilicity and lipophilicity, great emulsification stability, high crystallinity and outstanding mechanical attributes. In this review, numerous CNCs-based composites have been evaluated for involvement in the controlled release of CUR. The first part of the review deals with recent advancements in the extraction of CNCs from lignocellulose biomass. The second elaborates some recent developments in the post-processing of CNCs in conjunction with other materials like natural polymers, synthetic polymers, β-CD, and surfactants for CUR loading/encapsulation and controlled release. Furthermore, numerous CUR drug delivery systems, challenges, and techniques for effective loading/encapsulation of CUR on CNCs-based composites have been presented. Finally, conclusions and future outlooks are also explored.

Recent Advances in Bio-Based Smart Active Packaging Materials

The shortage of oil resources is currently a global problem. The use of renewable resources instead of non-renewable ones has become a hot topic of research in the eyes of scientists. In the food industry, there is a lot of interest in bio-based smart active packaging that meets the concept of sustainability and ensures safety. The packaging has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that extend the shelf life of food. Its ability to monitor the freshness of food in real time is also beneficial to consumers’ judgement of food safety. This paper summarises the main raw materials for the preparation of bio-based smart active packaging, including proteins, polysaccharides and composite materials. The current status of the preparation method of bio-based smart active packaging and its application in food preservation is summarised. The future development trend in the field of food packaging is foreseen, so as to provide a reference for the improvement of bio-based smart active packaging materials.

Effect of ultrasonic power on the emulsion stability of rice bran protein-chlorogenic acid emulsion

In this study, rice bran protein-chlorogenic acid (RBP-CA) emulsion was subjected to an ultrasonic-assisted treatment technique. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of chlorogenic acid (CA), and the morphology, particle size, zeta (ζ)-potential, atomic force microscopy image, viscosity, turbidity, and interfacial protein content of the emulsion under different ultrasonic power were investigated. The results revealed that the emulsion exhibited an encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of 86.26 ± 0.11% and 17.25 ± 0.06 g/100 g, respectively, at an ultrasonic power of 400 W. In addition, the size of the emulsion droplets decreased and became more evenly distributed. Furthermore, the viscosity of the emulsion decreased significantly, and it exhibited a turbidity and interfacial protein content of 24,758 and9.34 mg/m², respectively. Next, the storage, oxidation, thermal, and salt ion stabilities of the emulsion were evaluated. The results revealed that the ultrasonic-assisted treatment considerably improved the stability of the emulsion.

Structural interplay between curcumin and soy protein to improve the water-solubility and stability of curcumin

Curcumin has a wide range of pharmacological activities, but its poor water solubility, chemical instability, and low bioavailability extensively limit the further application in food and pharmaceutical systems. In this study, the potential of using soy protein (SP) to interact with, encapsulate and protect hydrophobic curcumin (Cur) by pH-shift method was evaluated. Results indicated that SP structure experienced a typical pathway from unfolding to refolding during the pH-shifting process (pH 7-12-7), which clearly expressed the encapsulation process of Cur by pH-shift method into SP. Then the physicochemical and morphological properties of soy protein-encapsulated curcumin nanoparticles (SP-Cur) were investigated. Fluorescence measurements and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry showed that the combination of Cur and SP was a spontaneous reaction with a decrease in Gibbs free energy, which was mainly driven by hydrophobic interaction. Fourier Transform Infra-Red and Ultraviolet Spectroscopy further showed that the Cur had successfully embedded into SP. SP-Cur had a spherical shape-like structure and relatively small size (d < 100 nm). The encapsulation efficiency of Cur showed a concentration-dependent manner, which could be as high as 97.43%. In addition, the SP-Cur exhibited enhanced thermal stability and photostability.

Effect of ultrasound on the properties of rice bran protein and its chlorogenic acid complex

Ultrasound technology was used to treat rice bran protein (RBP), and the structural and functional properties of ultrasonically treated RBP (URBP) and its chlorogenic acid (CA) complex were studied. When ultrasonic power of 200 W was applied for 10 min, the maximum emission peak λ_max of the URBP-CA complex in the fluorescence spectrum was red-shifted by 3.6 nm compared to that of the untreated complex. The atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis indicated that the surface roughness of the complex was minimized (3.89 nm) at the ultrasonic power of 200 W and treatment time of 10 min. Under these conditions, the surface hydrophobicity (H₀) was 1730, the contents of the α-helix and β-sheet in the complex were 2.97% and 6.17% lower than those in the untreated sample, respectively, the particle size decreased from 106 nm to 18.2 nm, and the absolute value of the zeta-potential increased by 11.0 mV. Therefore, ultrasonic treatment and the addition of CA changed the structural and functional properties of RBP. Moreover, when ultrasonic power of 200 W was applied for 10 min, the solubility, emulsifying activity index (EAI), and emulsion stability index (ESI) were 68%, 126 m²/g, and 37 min, respectively.

Non-animal proteins as cutting-edge ingredients to reformulate animal-free foodstuffs: Present status and future perspectives

Consumer interest in protein rich diets is increasing, with more attention being paid to the protein source. Despite the occurrence of animal proteins in the human diet, non-animal proteins are gaining popularity around the world due to their health benefits, environmental sustainability, and ethical merit. These sources of protein qualify for vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian diets. Non-animal proteins are versatile, derived mainly from cereals, vegetables, pulses, algae (seaweed and microalgae), fungi, and bacteria. This review's intent is to analyze the current and future direction of research and innovation in non-animal proteins, and to elucidate the extent (limitations and opportunities) of their applications in food and beverage industries. Prior knowledge provided relevant information on protein features (processing, structure, and techno-functionality) with particular focus on those derived from soy and wheat. In the current food landscape, beyond conventionally used plant sources, other plant proteins are gaining traction as alternative ingredients to formulate animal-free foodstuffs (e.g., meat alternatives, beverages, baked products, snack foods, and others). Microbial proteins derived from fungi and algae are also food ingredients of interest due to their high protein quantity and quality, however there is no commercial food application for bacterial protein yet. In the future, key points to consider are the importance of strain/variety selection, advances in extraction technologies, toxicity assessment, and how this source can be used to create food products for personalized nutrition.

Preparation and characterization of soybean protein isolate/pectin-based phytosterol nanodispersions and their stability in simulated digestion

In this study, stigmasterol was nanoencapsulated in soy protein isolate -pectin-based nanodispersions. Based on the particle size and zeta-potential, the optimal pectin/SPI ratio of stigmasterol nanodispersion was determined to be 1:10. At this ratio, nanodispersions was manufactured with an average particle size of 477 ± 33 nm, an encapsulation efficiency of 89.37%, and a loading amount of 17.87%. The physical properties and morphology of the nanodispersion were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed that stigmasterol was loaded in nanodispersions successfully. The pectin, which was used to stable nanodispersion, could restrict the release of stigmasterol in the simulated gastric fluid. This experiment indicated that the presence of pectin can improve the stability of the nanodispersion and can be used to achieve controlled release of bioactive compounds.

Fabrication of soy protein isolate/cellulose nanocrystal composite nanoparticles for curcumin delivery

In this study, we developed novel complex nanoparticles as carriers for curcumin (Cur) delivery by using soy protein isolate (SPI) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as polymer matrices. We found that the SPI-to-CNC mass ratio influenced the stability and physical properties of the SPI-CNC complex nanoparticles. Moreover, SPI-CNC complex nanoparticles had a relatively small size (197.7 ± 0.2 nm) and low polydispersity index (0.14) at a 6:1 mass ratio. The nanosystem was relatively stable at different pH values (3-9), temperatures (30-90 °C), and salt concentrations (0-40 mmol/L). Furthermore, the complex nanoparticles exhibited a high encapsulation efficiency (88.3%) and sustained release during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Therefore, SPI-CNC complex nanoparticles are a promising delivery system for hydrophobic bioactive compounds.

The soy protein isolate-Octacosanol-polysaccharides nanocomplex for enhanced physical stability in neutral conditions: Fabrication, characterization, thermal stability

This study investigated the effects of adding different polysaccharides (Arabic Gum (GA), Sodium Alginate (SA) and Soy-soluble polysaccharides (SSPS)) on the embedding properties and physical stability of soybean protein isolate (SPI). 1-Octacosanol (1-Octa) was encapsulated in SPI nanoparticles. The addition of GA, SA, SSPS not only increased the encapsulation efficiency of 1-Octa from 90.38% to 96.65%, 95.49%, 94.74%, respectively, but also increased the ζ-potential of nanoparticles from -29.05 mV to -38.77 mV, -41.50 mV, -38.00 mV, respectively. Through the changes of ζ-potential and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), it can be known that anionic polysaccharides can also combine with positive charges of SPI by the electrostatic interaction under neutral conditions. The thermal stability of nanoparticles has been greatly improved, and SA has the best effect on denaturation temperature of nanoparticles in aqueous phase. Overall, The nanoparticles of SPI, 1-Octa and polysaccharides have the potential to be used in drinks.