Utilization of synchrotron-based and globar-sourced mid-infrared spectroscopy for faba nutritional research about molecular structural and nutritional interaction

Applications of synchrotron light in seed research: an array of x-ray and infrared imaging methodologies

Synchrotron radiation (SR) provides a wide spectrum of bright light that can be tailored to test myriad research questions. SR provides avenues to illuminate structure and composition across scales, making it ideally suited to the study of plants and seeds. Here, we present an array of methodologies and the data outputs available at a light source facility. Datasets feature seed and grain from a range of crop species including Citrullus sp. (watermelon), Brassica sp. (canola), Pisum sativum (pea), and Triticum durum (wheat), to demonstrate the power of SR for advancing plant science. The application of SR micro-computed tomography (SR-µCT) imaging revealed internal seed microstructures and their three-dimensional morphologies in exquisite detail, without the need for destructive sectioning. Spectroscopy in the infrared spectrum probed sample biochemistry, detailing the spatial distribution of seed macronutrients such as lipid, protein and carbohydrate in the embryo, endosperm and seed coat. Methods using synchrotron X-rays, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) imaging revealed elemental distributions, to spatially map micronutrients in seed subcompartments and to determine their speciation. Synchrotron spectromicroscopy (SM) allowed chemical composition to be resolved at the nano-scale level. Diverse crop seed datasets showcase the range of structural and chemical insights provided by five beamlines at the Canadian Light Source, and the potential for synchrotron imaging for informing plant and agricultural research.

Mid-infrared Photothermal Imaging: Instrument and Life Science Applications

Recently developed mid-infrared photothermal (MIP) microscopy has attracted great attention from the research community in terms of video-rate imaging speed, sub-micron resolution, sensitivity in the range of several micro-molars, and suitability for live-cell analysis. In this review, we recount the developmental history of MIP microscopy. Subsequently, we describe the operational principles. Next, we delve into the wide-ranging applications of MIP microscopy to life sciences, spanning various samples from viruses to tissues. We explore the potential of MIP imaging in comprehension of cellular metabolism, cellular responses to chemical stimuli, and the mechanism of diseases. Finally, we discuss the future perspectives of MIP microscopy.

Pulse Protein Isolates as Competitive Food Ingredients: Origin, Composition, Functionalities, and the State-of-the-Art Manufacturing

The ever-increasing world population and environmental stress are leading to surging demand for nutrient-rich food products with cleaner labeling and improved sustainability. Plant proteins, accordingly, are gaining enormous popularity compared with counterpart animal proteins in the food industry. While conventional plant protein sources, such as wheat and soy, cause concerns about their allergenicity, peas, beans, chickpeas, lentils, and other pulses are becoming important staples owing to their agronomic and nutritional benefits. However, the utilization of pulse proteins is still limited due to unclear pulse protein characteristics and the challenges of characterizing them from extensively diverse varieties within pulse crops. To address these challenges, the origins and compositions of pulse crops were first introduced, while an overarching description of pulse protein physiochemical properties, e.g., interfacial properties, aggregation behavior, solubility, etc., are presented. For further enhanced functionalities, appropriate modifications (including chemical, physical, and enzymatic treatment) are necessary. Among them, non-covalent complexation and enzymatic strategies are especially preferable during the value-added processing of clean-label pulse proteins for specific focus. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships between the composition, structure, functional characteristics, and advanced modification strategies of pulse proteins, which is a pillar of high-performance pulse protein in future food manufacturing.

Effect of Anaerobic Calcium Oxide Alkalization on the Carbohydrate Molecular Structures, Chemical Profiles, and Ruminal Degradability of Rape Straw

To improve the utilization efficiency of rape straw, anaerobic calcium oxide (CaO) alkalization was conducted, and advanced molecular spectroscopy was applied, to detect the internal molecular structural changes. Rape straw was treated with different combinations of CaO (3%, 5%, and 7%) and moisture levels (50% and 60%) and stored under anaerobic conditions. We investigated the carbohydrate chemical constituents, the ruminal neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) degradation kinetics, and the carbohydrate molecular structural features. CaO-treated groups were higher (p < 0.05) for ash, Ca, non-fiber carbohydrate, soluble fiber, and the ruminal degradability of aNDF and ADF. In contrast, they were lower (p < 0.05) for the contents of aNDF, ADF, and indigestible fiber. With CaO levels rising from 3% to 7%, the content of aNDF and ADF linearly decreased (p < 0.05). CaO treatment and anaerobic storage changed the molecular characteristics, including structural parameters related to total carbohydrates (TC), cellulosic compounds (CEC), and structural carbohydrates (STC). Alterations in cellulosic compounds' spectral regions were highly correlated with the differences in carbohydrate chemical constituents and the ruminal digestibility of rape straw. In summary, CaO treatment and anaerobic storage altered the molecular structural parameters of carbohydrates, leading to an enhancement in the effective degradability (ED) of aNDF and ADF in rape straw. From the perspective of processing cost and effectiveness, 5% CaO + 60% moisture could be suggested as a recommended treatment combination.

Research progress on faba bean and faba forage in food and feed types, physiochemical, nutritional, and molecular structural characteristics with molecular spectroscopy

This article aims to review recent research progress and update on faba bean seeds and plant in food and feed type, physiochemical, nutritional, and molecular structural characteristics with molecular spectroscopy with chemometrics (both univariate and multivariate techniques). The review focused on chemical and nutritional characterization of faba bean and faba forage and feeding strategies to improve its utilization. The molecular spectroscopic techniques for faba research and the association between molecular structure and nutrient availability and utilization in ruminant system were reviewed. The future research direction in faba research was also provided. The study provides an insight and a potential approach using molecular spectroscopy to study molecular chemistry and molecular structure and molecular nutrition interaction in faba bean seeds and plant.