Influence of grain activation conditions on functional characteristics of brown rice flour

Traditional weaning foods and processing methods with fortification for sustainable development of infants to combat zero hunger: a review

Weaning foods are soft digestible baby foods introduced along with breast milk for infants of 6 to 24 months. Early nutrition is a crucial one for proper growth and wellbeing. Researchers have developed weaning food from locally available ingredients with appropriate processing methods without losing actual nutrients value. Despite this, micronutrient malnutrition irrespective of the country status is a potential threat. This is overcome by fortifying micronutrients in the formulated weaning foods. Typically, formulated weaning foods are prepared from fruits and cereal grains that are abundant in micronutrients. Different processing methods are adopted to maintain the original natural characteristics of the ingredients. Traditional homemade weaning foods always have an upper hand over industrialized ones. Additionally, fortification enhances the micronutrients in weaning food and helps in uprooting the hidden hunger thereby helping in the sustainable development goals. This review focuses and delivers insights on the various processing methods and cereal-fruit weaning foods as traditional homemade ready-to-serve food supplement. It also highlights the impact of fortification of weaning foods against micronutrient malnutrition. On the whole this work emphasizes on the importance of sustainable weaning foods and how babies can be brought up into healthy grown-ups achieving zero hunger.

Transformative effects of lactic acid fermentation on maize and quality protein maize: Phytochemical characterization, functional properties, and structural features

Background and Objective

Fermentation has a huge potential to improve the nutritional and functional properties by using the biological activity of the grain itself. The current study was performed to optimize the conditions for the fermentation of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) and maize further; the impact of fermentation treatment on the bio‐techno‐functional properties of QPM and maize flour was assessed.

Findings

The technological properties, including oil absorption capacity, water solubility index, emulsion activity and stability, foaming capacity and stability, protein solubility, gel consistency, and least gelation concentration, were found to be increased with the fermentation treatment, while water absorption capacity, paste clarity, and swelling power observed a decline. The findings suggested elevated levels of all the bioactive constituents with the fermentation process. The modulations at the molecular level were confirmed by the scanning electron micrographs of fermented flour. Further, changes in the peaks of Fourier transform infrared spectra and the emergence of new peaks were also reported.

Conclusions

The fermentation treatment altered the techno‐functional properties, bioactive constituents, macromolecular structure, and molecular interactions of QPM and maize flour.

Significance and Novelty

Limited literature is available dedicated to the assessment of the nutritional, techno‐functional, and phytochemical components in QPM and maize as influenced by the fermentation process. Further, changes in the structural and molecular interactions in the flour components due to fermentation treatment have not been studied comprehensively.

Molecular morphology & interactions, functional properties, rheology and in vitro digestibility of ultrasonically modified pearl millet and sorghum starches

The present research investigated to study the effect of ultrasound treatment on isolated pearl millet starch (PMS) and sorghum starch (SS). Ultrasonication was applied to PMS and SS for 10, 15, and 20 min. Ultrasonically modified pearl millet and sorghum starches evaluated for their techno-functionality, pasting profile, morphology, in vitro starch digestibility, XRD, and molecular interactions. Ultrasound treatment increased water and oil absorption capacity, swelling power, and solubility with treatment time. For ultrasonicated PMS and SS, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in paste clarity (PC) (70.05 % and 67.23 %), freeze-thawing stability (FTS), gel consistency (GC) (25.05 mm and 32.95 mm), and in vitro starch digestibility were observed (57.70 g/100 g and 50.29 g/100 g), whereas no significant changes were recorded for the color values after the ultrasound treatment. Variations in pasting property were also observed in ultrasonicated starches with treatment duration. SEM images confirmed ultrasonication mainly forms pores and indentations on starch granule surface. FTIR spectra and X-ray diffractogram for ultrasonicated starches revealed a slight decrease in the peak intensity and A-type X-ray pattern with lower relative crystallinity (RC) than the native starches. G' > G″ value, indicating the elastic behavior and lower tan δ value, depicting viscous behavior and high gel strength.

Modification of Physiochemical and Techno-Functional Properties of Stink Bean (Parkia speciosa) by Germination and Hydrothermal Cooking Treatment

Stink bean, Parkia speciosa, is recognized as a significantly underutilized legume with versatile utility and diverse benefits. However, information on the impact of different processing methods, such as germination and hydrothermal cooking, is scarce on stink beans (SBs). Therefore, the current research aimed to explore the efficacy of germination (G) and hydrothermal cooking (HTC) on the physiochemical properties, proximate composition, techno-functional properties, and antioxidant potential of SB flour. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were employed to assess structural and morphological changes. The results revealed that the physiochemical properties of SB were significantly enhanced through processing, with more pronounced improvements observed during germination. Additionally, SBG exhibited a significantly higher protein content and lower fat content compared to SBHTC and stink bean raw (SBR). Moreover, techno-functional properties such as color intensity, least gelation concentration, and pasting properties were significantly improved in SBG compared to SBHTC and SBR. FTIR analysis of SBG and SBHTC indicated structural modifications in the lipid, protein, and carbohydrate molecules. FESEM examination revealed morphological changes in SBG and SBHTC when compared to SBR. Importantly, SBG exhibited higher antioxidant activity and total phenolic content in comparison to SBHTC and SBR. Therefore, processed SB flour can be incorporated and utilized in product development, highlighting its potential as a plant-based protein source for protein-rich breakfast bars and cookies.

Characterization of bioprocessed white and red sorghum flours: Anti-nutritional and bioactive compounds, functional properties, molecular, and morphological features

In the current investigation, white and red sorghum grains were exposed to bioprocessing techniques, such as soaking, germination, fermentation, and dual processing (both germination and fermentation). Germination and fermentation resulted in improved bioactive profile attributing to better antioxidant activity, whereas a reduction in antinutrient components was observed. On the other hand, soaking had decreased phenolic components and anti-nutritional factors attributing to their leaching in the soaking water. A significant change in the functional properties and color profile was also observed on bioprocessing. It also caused alterations in the morphological structure of the starch-protein matrix and molecular interactions of certain functional groups that reveal the synthesis of certain new bioactive compounds in the flour. The alterations in the bioprocessed flours occurred due to the structural breakdown attributing to the activity of hydrolytic enzymes that were activated during the processing treatments. Bioprocessing was also responsible for the degradation of the starch granules and unfolding of the protein matrix, thus altering the in vitro nutrient digestibility of the flours. Principal component analysis was used to authenticate the differences between different treatments and observations recorded. These bioprocessed flours could be potential ingredients for several valorized cereal products.

Effect of microwave drying of paddy on milling characteristics, cooking quality, and microstructure of rice

Effect of microwave drying on milling, cooking, and microstructure characteristic of paddy rice in comparison to hot air drying was assessed in the present study. Results revealed that modified microwave drying significantly (P < 0.05) affected the milling quality of paddy. Raw paddy had head rice recovery of 49.63%, while after microwave drying, the head rice recovery increased by 6.73% in comparison to hot air drying. Microwave drying brought significant changes in the colour characteristic of rice as it had total colour change of 13.50 in comparison to 10.93 by hot air drying. Cooking time and water uptake ratio after microwave drying increased to 31.46 min and 3.16%, in comparison to 27.05 min and 2.65% for hot air dried samples, respectively. Scanning Electron Microscope images revealed that both hot air and microwave dried rice had a coarse surface and large starch particles, while starch structure was more damaged in hot air drying, however, agglomeration of protein-starch matrix was more uniform in microwave dried samples due to modification of the microwave applicator that prevented thermal decomposition. It was recommended that paddy may be dried using a modified microwave applicator with a shorter duration and a better quality.

Modulation in Techno-Functional, Textural Properties, In Vitro Starch Digestibility and Macromolecular-Structural Interactions of Pasta with Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The replacement of semolina with potato flour (PF) and potato mash (PM) at different levels was assessed for its effects on pasta quality. The results showed that the addition of PF and PM increased the pasting viscosity of the blends; in addition, PF enhanced the functional properties, while PM reduced them. The minimum cooking time decreased with PF and PM, while the PF pasta exhibited a higher cooking loss (5.02 to 10.44%) than the PM pasta, which exhibited a lower cooking loss. The pasta with PF and PM showed an increase in the total phenolic and flavonoid content, with reduced in vitro digestibility as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The PF pasta exhibited lower lightness and higher yellowness than the PM pasta, and its firmness and toughness also modulated owing to the complex interaction between potato starches and the gluten protein matrix, as evident from scanning electron microscopy. Sensory data revealed that pasta containing 30% PF and 16% PM was highly acceptable.

Assessment of physicochemical, rheological, and thermal properties of Indian rice cultivars: Implications on the extrusion characteristics

The implications of physicochemical, rheological, and thermal properties of seven eminent Indian rice cultivars (PR 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 126, and 127) on the extrusion behavior and physico-functionalities of the extrudates were investigated. The amylose and amylopectin content of the cultivars ranged between 12.72 to 28.86% and 71.14 to 87.28% in addition with protein and crude fat content that varied from 7.05 to 9.15% and 0.49 to 1.17%, respectively. The onset (r = 0.98), peak (r = 0.95), and conclusion (r = 0.98) temperatures of the cultivars were in positive correlation with amylose. Likewise, pasting temperature (r = 0.979), final viscosity (r = 0.91), set back viscosity (r = 0.89), and stability ratio (r = 0.90) of the cultivars demonstrated a significant positive correlation with the amylose content. However, peak (r = - 0.879) and hold viscosity (r = - 0.89) were negatively correlated. The cultivars were extruded at feed moisture of 15%, screw speed of 500 rpm and barrel temperature of 150°C. The extrudates characteristics viz., expansion ratio-1.82 (PR 123); bulk density-184 g/cc (PR 123); specific mechanical energy-262.35 Wh/kg; water absorption index (WAI)-6.26 (PR 122); water solubility index-48.52% (PR 123); hardness-148.63 N (PR 122); and hydration power-284% (PR 122) were viably hyphenated with the physicochemical and rheological behavior of cultivars. The physico-functional characterization of the extrudates in terms of their starch and protein structural indexes, α-amylase susceptibility; water soluble carbohydrates and proteins revealed the possibility of exploring these cultivars as a functionally viable and diverse ingredient for the production of ready-to-eat extrudates.

Wheatgrass powder enriched functional pasta: Techno-functional, phytochemical, textural, sensory and structural characterization

Influence of semolina replacement with wheatgrass powder (WGP) (3-15%) was evaluated with reference to nutritional, techno-functional, phytochemical, textural and structural characteristics of functional pasta. Results showed that incorporation of WGP significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the pasting viscosity of flour blends, while it increases the water and oil absorption capacity and water solubility index. Increased levels of WGP significantly decreased the optimum cooking time from 6.00-4.22 min but increased the cooking loss (2.83-4.36%). Enrichment of pasta with WGP significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the protein (12.16-17.33 g/100 g), fiber (1.21-4.60 g/100 g), antioxidant activities in terms of DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS. The total phenolic and flavonoid content increased from 56.20-253.90 mg GAE/100 g and 47.41-202.90 mg QE/100 g in the functional pasta. Addition of WGP significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the lightness (L*) while greenness (-a*) of the pasta increased progressively owing to the total chlorophyll pigment. The firmness and toughness of the pasta increased up to 9% WGP level and decreased further, owing to the interaction between WGP protein and fiber with gluten protein matrix as evident from Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, cooking of pasta results in significant reduction in all the components in comparison to uncooked pasta. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy further confirmed the presence of phenols, flavonoids and chlorophyll in WGP incorporated pasta. Overall acceptability scores of pastas with 9% WGP found to have highest (7.57), and with increase in further level of WGP, sensory scores decreased (6.55). Moreover, principal component analysis also compliments the sensory results for 9% WGP incorporated pasta.

Anti-nutrient & bioactive profile, in vitro nutrient digestibility, techno-functionality, molecular and structural interactions of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) as influenced by biological processing techniques

The present investigation aimed at assessing the impact of biological processing techniques on bio-and techno-functional characteristics of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.). Grains were exposed to soaking, germination, fermentation and combination of aforesaid treatments and significant variation (p < 0.05) in anti-nutritional factors, in vitro starch and protein digestibility, bioactive constituents and associated antioxidant potential was noted. Bioprocessed flours were characterized by altered functional properties due to hydrolytic action of activated enzymes. ATR-FTIR spectra and X-ray diffraction patterns revealed structural variation in macromolecular arrangement, synthesis of bioactive compounds in bioprocessed flours and slight reduction in the crystallinity of starch molecules. Bioprocessed flours exhibited degraded protein matrix; however, only fermentation and combination treatments caused hydrolysis of granular starch. Principal component analysis was employed to validate the differences in processing treatments and observations. The results are suggestive that bioprocessed flours could serve as potential ingredients with improved techno-and bio-functionality in valorized cereal products.

Antiviral, Cytotoxic, and Antioxidant Activities of Three Edible Agaricomycetes Mushrooms: Pleurotus columbinus, Pleurotus sajor-caju, and Agaricus bisporus

In this study, we investigated aqueous extracts of three edible mushrooms: Agaricus bisporus (white button mushroom), Pleurotus columbinus (oyster mushroom), and Pleurotus sajor-caju (grey oyster mushroom). The extracts were biochemically characterized for total carbohydrate, phenolic, flavonoid, vitamin, and protein contents besides amino acid analysis. Triple TOF proteome analysis showed 30.1% similarity between proteomes of the two Pleurotus spp. All three extracts showed promising antiviral activities. While Pleurotus columbinus extract showed potent activity against adenovirus (Ad7, selectivity index (SI) = 4.2), Agaricus bisporus showed strong activity against herpes simplex II (HSV-2; SI = 3.7). The extracts showed low cytotoxicity against normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and moderate cytotoxicity against prostate (PC3, DU-145); colorectal (Colo-205); cecum carcinoma (LS-513); liver carcinoma (HepG2); cervical cancer (HeLa); breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) as well as leukemia (CCRF-CEM); acute monocytic leukemia (THP1); acute promyelocytic leukemia (NB4); and lymphoma (U937) cell lines. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging, 2,2′-Azinobis-(3-Ethylbenzthiazolin-6-Sulfonic Acid) ABTS radical cation scavenging, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. The three extracts showed potential antioxidant activities with the maximum activity recorded for Pleurotus columbinus (IC₅₀ µg/mL) = 35.13 ± 3.27 for DPPH, 13.97 ± 4.91 for ABTS, and 29.42 ± 3.21 for ORAC assays.

Proteome Analysis and In Vitro Antiviral, Anticancer and Antioxidant Capacities of the Aqueous Extracts of Lentinula edodes and Pleurotus ostreatus Edible Mushrooms

In this study, we examined aqueous extracts of the edible mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) and Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom). Proteome analysis was conducted using LC-Triple TOF-MS and showed the expression of 753 proteins by Pleurotus ostreatus, and 432 proteins by Lentinula edodes. Bioactive peptides: Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor, superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin reductase, serine proteinase and lectin, were identified in both mushrooms. The extracts also included promising bioactive compounds including phenolics, flavonoids, vitamins and amino acids. The extracts showed promising antiviral activities, with a selectivity index (SI) of 4.5 for Pleurotus ostreatus against adenovirus (Ad7), and a slight activity for Lentinula edodes against herpes simplex-II (HSV-2). The extracts were not cytotoxic to normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). On the contrary, they showed moderate cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines. Additionally, antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS radical cation scavenging and ORAC assays. The two extracts showed potential antioxidant activities, with the maximum activity seen for Pleurotus ostreatus (IC50 µg/mL) = 39.46 ± 1.27 for DPPH; 11.22 ± 1.81 for ABTS; and 21.40 ± 2.20 for ORAC assays. This study encourages the use of these mushrooms in medicine in the light of their low cytotoxicity on normal PBMCs vis à vis their antiviral, antitumor and antioxidant capabilities.

Effect of Thermal and Non-Thermal Processing on the Nutritional Composition, Pasting Profile and Protein Secondary Structure of Alfalfa

Alfalfa is an unconventional alternative legume and its potentiality for utilization can be improved by processing. In this study, alfalfa seeds were processed by different thermal and non-thermal techniques and evaluated for their physical properties, colour characteristics, nutritional composition, pasting profile and protein secondary structure. The results were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis to elucidate the effect of processing. Colour of the flour was more affected by thermal processing in comparison to non-thermal processing. Nutritional composition of alfalfa flour was significantly affected by germination as compared to other methods and germinated flour showed an increase in the protein content. All the processing treatments resulted in improving the pasting properties except for germination. Particularly, marked improvement in the pasting properties was observed by wet heat processing and soaking. ATR-FTIR exhibited change in the secondary structure of the protein as a result of processing and showed the dominance of intermolecular β-sheets in extrusion, germination and microwave treated flour and formation of anti-parallel β-sheets after dry heat processing. Wet heat processing and soaking treatment can be employed for alfalfa for enhancing its techno-functionality.

Dynamics of Germination Behaviour, Protein Secondary Structure, Technofunctional Properties, Antinutrients, Antioxidant Capacity and Mineral Elements in Germinated Dhaincha

Research background

Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) is a forage legume primarily used for green manuring and animal feed. Good nutritional profile of dhaincha makes it a potential alternative legume in human nutrition. However, the presence of high amount of antinutrients poses a problem in its utilisation for food applications. The present investigation intends to germinate dhaincha seeds at different time-temperature regimes and to evaluate the process of germination to ascertain optimal conditions and improve its potential for utilisation.

Experimental approach

Dhaincha seeds were germinated at 24, 28 and 32 °C for 24, 48 and 72 h. Germination characteristics and germination loss, spectral characteristics, technofunctionality, antinutrients, bioactive constituents, antioxidant capacity and mineral element content of germinated dhaincha were evaluated. Optimal balance of technobiofunctionality of germinated dhaincha seeds was validated by principal component analysis.

Results and conclusions

Sprout length and germination loss increased with the higher germination temperature and prolonged germination time. Seeds showed similar germination rate at 28 and 32 °C and it was markedly higher than at 24 °C. Germination for 24 h resulted in mild conformational changes in the secondary structure of proteins, whereas germination for 48 and 72 h exhibited major conformational changes in the β-sheets, resulting in the improvement in the hydration and foaming properties. Progression of germination (72 h) caused the decrease of tannin (24.47%), phytic acid (16.38%) and saponin (24.58%) mass fractions, and of trypsin inhibitor (40.33%) and lectin activity (62.50%). Slight decrease of DPPH˙ (3.7%) and ABTS˙⁺ (18.5%) values was also observed, whereas total flavonoid content (36.14%) and metal chelating activity (26.76%) increased. Total phenolics, FRAP, and reducing power decreased after 24 h, followed by a gradual increase. Zinc extractability increased drastically with germination. Germination at 28 °C for 72 h resulted in higher reduction of antinutrients with optimal retention of antioxidant activity and better functional characteristics, as validated by principal component analysis.

Novelty and scientific contribution

Dhaincha is an unknown crop in Europe, and even in Asia it is predominantly used as green manure and animal feed. This research demonstrated that the intervention in germination can transform dhaincha into a promising crop for food industry. Germinated dhaincha exhibited enhanced technobiofunctionality for utilisation in various food formulations.

Impact of different processing treatments on techno and biofunctional characteristics of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeate)

Impact of different processing techniques (wet heating, microwave processing, dry heating, soaking, and extrusion) on the techno-biofunctional characteristics of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeate) was investigated to ascertain the most effective method for processing dhaincha to improve its potentiality for utilization. All the processing techniques improved the cooking quality of dhaincha seeds. Thermal processing techniques were effective in reducing antinutrients and enhancing the antioxidant activity in comparison to soaking. Microwave and extrusion processing completely inactivated lectin and trypsin inhibitor activity and reduced 13.48% and 23.68% saponins, respectively. Extrusion treatment resulted in the maximum increase in total phenols (21.94 to 28.48 GAE mg/g) and flavonoids (0.94 to 1.41 QE mg/g) with consequent highest increase in ABTS· + RSA (161.21 to 261.27 TEAC μmol/100g), FRAP (34.97 to 39.04 TEAC μmol/g), reducing power (12.18 to 17.05 AAE mg/g), and metal chelating activity (2.65 to 3.76 mmol EDTAE/100g). Furthermore, extrusion treatment improved techno-functional characteristics and exhibited improvement in the freeze and refrigeration thaw stability in comparison to other methods of processing. Extrusion processing was the most effective method to process dhaincha for improving its techno-biofunctionality.

Influence of processing and pH on amino acid profile, morphology, electrophoretic pattern, bioactive potential and functional characteristics of alfalfa protein isolates

Protein isolates were prepared from wet heat processed (APIp) and unprocessed alfalfa seeds (APIc) and characterized for composition and functionality at different pH. APIc and APIp exhibited high content of all the essential amino acids. Antinutrient content of APIp was lower in comparison to APIc and marked reduction in the trypsin inhibitor (85.97%) and lectin activity (100%) was observed. Processing did not cause much reduction of bioactive constituents and antioxidant activity of APIp. Alfalfa protein isolates exhibited complex polypeptide banding ranging from molecular weight of 11-75 kDa. APIp exhibited change in the conformation of protein discerned as alteration in interrelated nuances of ATR-FTIR spectra, XRD-pattern, morphology, charge on proteins and reduced solubility in comparison to APIc due to processing. APIp exhibited marked improvement in the functional properties in comparison to APIc discerned as improved hydration, surface active and gelation properties. Highest hydration and surface active properties were exhibited at pH 9.0, even though APIp at pH 7.0 showed fairly similar functional properties as APIc and APIp at pH 9.0. APIp exhibited reduced least gelation concentration in comparison to APIc at pH 7.0 and also engendered gelation at pH 4.0 and 9.0 contrary to APIc.