Use of fenugreek seed gum in edible film formation: major drawbacks and applicable methods to overcome

Researching on potential biopolymer sources with the aim of developing edible films with better mechanical and barrier properties has become innovative as it would be a key factor to minimize the use of synthetic polymers in food packaging. Therefore, different biopolymers such as galactomannan have been gaining attention recently. Fenugreek seed gum is a rich source of galactomannan which is minimally researched on its applicability in edible film making. The degree of galactose substitution and polymerization are the main factors that determine the functional properties of galactomannan. A strong and cohesive film matrix cannot be produced from fenugreek seed gum as its molecular interaction is weakened due to the high galactose substitution with a high galactose/mannose ratio, 1:1. Structural modifications of galactomannan in fenugreek seed gum will lead to films with the required mechanical properties. Hence, this review summarizes recent scientific studies on the limitations of fenugreek seed gum as a film forming agent and the specific modification techniques that can be applied in order to increase its film forming capability and performance.

Effect of Process Variables on Rice Flour Functional Properties, and Porous Structure Properties of Rice and Wheat-Based Leavened Food Products

Research background

Various processing techniques significantly affect physicochemical and functional properties of rice flour and the quality of the final products. This study aims to modify rice flour with different treatments and to select the best one to develop rice and wheat-based leavened food products.

Experimental approach

Eight treatment combinations were applied on rice flour according to 2³ factorial design considering three variables at two levels, namely, pretreatment of rice grain (heat-moisture treatment, dual modification treatment: soaking of rice grains in NaHCO₃ solution followed by heat treatment), grinding method (dry or wet grinding), and flour particle size (75−180 and <75 µm). Eight dough samples were prepared by mixing 50 g rice flour from each treatment with 50 g wheat flour. Then, the dough samples were subjected to fermentation and gelatinization under pressure (externally applied 1.0 kg/cm² initial air pressure) in a pressure adjustable chamber.

Results and conclusions

Rice flour sample with particle size of 75-180 µm that underwent heat-moisture treatment followed by wet grinding improved the gas retention capacity of the leavened dough. With the externally applied initial air pressure of 1.0 kg/cm², we obtained highly porous and better textured rice and wheat-based leavened food products.

Novelty and scientific contribution

Rice flour can be modified using the described method to improve its functional properties, and the textural and structural properties of rice and wheat-based leavened food products. Also, conducting fermentation and gelatinization under pressure is a novel food processing technique, which contributes to restricting the escape of gas from leavened rice/wheat composite dough mass.

Improving porous crumb structure of rice-related leavened food products by fermentation and gelatinization at slightly higher air pressure conditions

Porous crumb structure of rice-related leavened food products developed under air pressure conditions during fermentation and gelatinization in a fabricated fermentation chamber were characterized. Therein, four samples were prepared under three pressurized conditions (sample pressurized by the leavened gas itself, 1 kg/cm² initial pressure, 1.5 kg/cm² initial pressure) along with a control (unpressurized). Crumb volume, specific volume, bulk density, pH as well as crumb texture profile and cellular structure were analyzed. Results revealed that fermentation and gelatinization under air pressure (slightly higher than the atmospheric air pressure) conditions in the fabricated fermentation chamber help to arrest leavening gas within the dough mass to improve the properties of porous crumb structure. Sample fermented and gelatinized at 1 kg/cm² initial pressure presented better crumb mechanical and cellular structural properties compared to the other two pressurized samples and the control.

Testicular Microlithiasis: Is Sonographic Surveillance Necessary? Single Centre 14 Year Experience in 442 Patients with Testicular Microlithiasis

PURPOSE

Increased prevalence of germ cell tumour (GCT) is seen with testicular microlithiasis (TM) suggesting TM is a premalignant condition with US surveillance advocated. We present a cohort of patients with TM followed up in a single centre and deliberate on the value of US surveillance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of subjects with underlying US diagnosis of TM between 1998 and 2012. One-yearly US follow-up was offered to all patients with TM and a database maintained. Any co-existing tumour at presentation with TM was recorded. TM was divided into limited (< 5 microliths/field), classical (≥ 5 microliths/field) and florid ('snowstorm' appearance). Patient demographics, follow-up details and the development of any scrotal abnormalities were recorded. The radiological and histological findings were documented when a testicular lesion occurred during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

20 224 patients were examined: 867/20 224 (4.3 %) had TM. 21/867 (2.4 %) patients had histology proven malignant tumours at presentation. All TM patients consented to follow-up with 442/867 (51.0 %) achieving this and entering into a follow-up program (mean duration 28 months, range 8 - 165 months). Two patients developed primary GCT during the follow up period. One patient (limited TM) had undergone a previous orchiectomy for contralateral GCT and developed a palpable mass at follow up month 21. The other (limited TM) had an atrophic testis; a tumour was found on US at follow up month 62.

CONCLUSION

Two patients of 442 (0.5 %) followed up for all forms of TM in a single centre developed a GCT over a mean duration of 28 months, both had independent risk factors for the development of GCT. These findings suggest that US surveillance is not required when TM is the only abnormality in the absence of any clinical risk factors for the development of GCT.