Physicochemical and Functional Characterization of <i>Mucuna pruries</i>Depigmented Starch for Potential Industrial Applications

Starch is a very important biopolymer in the food industry. The velvet bean (M. pruriens) is an excellent potential starch source containing approximately 520 g starch per kg. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and functional properties of velvet bean depigmented starch. The starch granules appear oval and spherical shaped. The colour registered L*, a*, b* values of 44.9, 0.324 and 0.341 respectively. The chemical composition registered values of moisture, ash, fat, protein, fibre and NFE of 110.5, 5.8, 5.7, 0.0, 34 and 954.5 g/kg respectively, as well as amylose levels of 215.3 g/kg. Gelatinization onset (To), peak (Tp) and final (Tf) temperatures were of 74.23°C, 80.57°C and 86.39°C. The solubility (3.1% - 16.2%), swelling power (SP) (2.86% - 16.17%) and water absorption capacity (WAC) (2.67 - 15.95 g water/g starch) were directly correlated to temperature (60°C - 90°C). The enthalpy values (4.10 - 13.47 j/g) were directly correlated to the time (1 - 21 days). The retrogradation increased as time increased. The viscosity of M. pruriens depigmented starch decreased slightly during the heating stages and then increased during cooling and the refrigeration and freezing stability registered syneresis ranges from 17.65 to 23.18 mL/50mL and from 16.4 to 22.6 mL/50mL respectively, indicating that the depigmented starch was unstable in heating-cooling processes.

Physicochemical characterization of chia (<i>Salvia hispanica</i>) seed oil from Yucatán, México

A physicochemical characterization of oil from chia seeds was carried out. Proximate composition analysis showed that fat and fiber were the principal components in the raw chia flour. Physical characterization showed that chia oil has a relative density from 0.9241, a refraction index of 1.4761 and a color with more yellow than red units. Chemical characterization showed that chia oil registered an acidity index of 2.053 mg KOH/g oil, a saponification index of 222.66 mg KOH/g oil, a content of unsaponifiable matter of 0.087%, an Iodine index of 193.45 g I/100 g oil and a peroxide index of 17.5 meq O2/kg oil. Chia oil showed a higher content of α and β linolenic and palmitic acids. Chia oil is the vegetable source with the highest content of essential fatty acids.

Comparison of Chemical and Functional Properties of Stevia rebaudiana(Bertoni)Varieties Cultivated in Mexican Southeast

The leaf powders from two varieties of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) cultivated in Yucatan, Mexico were analyzed for their proximate composition, dietary fiber composition and functional properties. The leaf powders were a good source of carbohydrates (64.06%-67.98%), protein (12.11%-15.05%), and crudefiber (5.92%-9.52%). Total dietary fiber content in the S. rebaudiana leaf powders were 28.61 (Morita II) and 29.12 (Criolla) g/100g sample, with most of this content represented by insoluble dietary fiber 87.79% (Morita II) and 70.02% (Criolla). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were higher in Criolla (19.29%, 17.77%, 8.98%) than Morita II variety (18.11%, 14.16%, 2.28%). Hemicellulose and cellulose were higher in Morita II (3.96%, 11.78%) than criolla variety (1.51%, 8.79%). Functional properties of leaf powder from Morita II and Criolla were, water-holding capacity (2.87-4.07 g/g sample), oil-holding capacity (6.49-6.79 g/g sample), water-absorption capacity (3.41-3.44 g/g sample), water-adsorption capacity (0.25-0.28 g/g sample), and organic molecule absorption capacity (1.13-1.81 g/g sample). These suggest that S. rebaudiana (Bertoni) leaf powders may be used as dietary supplement or as food additive.

Assessment of effectiveness of oral supplementation of isolated fiber of carrot on metabolic parameters in mature rats

This present study was conducted to evaluate the metabolic effects of isolated fi ber of carrot supplementation in rats.Physicochemical properties of fi ber were determined.The groups were as follows:animals fed a standard diet,control group;high fi ber supplementation(70 mg);low fi ber supplementation(35 mg);for 12 weeks.Blood samples were collected at the time of sacrifi ce.The weights of heart,liver,kidneys and spleen of the experimental rats with respect to body weight were recorded.Commercial kits were used to determine serum glucose concentration,lipid profi le(cholesterol,HDL-cholesterol,triglycerides),and the two main aminotransferases glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase(GOT)/glutamate-pyruvate transaminase(GPT).A histopathological assay was performed on the heart,liver,and spleen tissues of animals.Supplementation with fi ber favors weight loss in female((242.03±23.73)-(197.81±10.45)g);and male rats((262.50±32.21)-(213.96±12.56)g and induces a decrease in glucose levels in the supplemented animals.With the exception of total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,the other lipid fractions decrease signifi cantly in rats supplemented.Fiber supplementation did not induce changes in the dissected organs of the supplemented animals.In conclusion supplementation of fiber,improves glucose control,lower plasma lipid concentrations and reduced body weight in normal rats.

以金属氧化物为原料改进燃烧法合成γ-LiAlO_2（英文）

提出一种合成γ-LiAlO_2的替代解决方案—改进燃烧法直接合成γ-LiAlO_2,并将其用于相对简单的反应体系中,原料为非氧化性化合物如Al_2O_3和LiOH,燃料为尿素。采用1:1、1.5:1和2:1的非化学计量Li/Al摩尔比,在900和1000°C下反应5 min,制备LiAlO_2,并对其组织和结构进行表征。考察Li/Al摩尔比对材料形貌和高γ射线辐照下材料稳定性的影响。结果表明,所得粉体的晶体结构为?-LiAlO_2和?-LiAlO_2,其取决于Li/Al摩尔比。因此,用该方法可以成功合成微砖状、多面体状和层状?-LiAlO_2,而无需任何后续处理。γ辐照结果表明,所得到的?-LiAlO_2不分解,只形成少量的Li_2CO_3;由此可以确定,辐照会导致固结,不利于氚的有效提取;结果证明,用燃烧法生产高纯度?-LiAlO_2不需要硝酸盐前驱体。

Safe Foods for Celiac People

Celiac Disease is a chronic entheropathy produced by gluten intolerance, more precisely to certain proteins called prolamines, which causes atrophy of intestinal villi, malabsorption and clinical symptoms that can appear in both childhood and adulthood. This pathogeny, results from the interaction of genetic, immunologic and environmental factors, which produce the lesions on the mucosa of the proximal small intestine. It is important to estimate the maximum gluten content that could be present in supposedly “gluten-free” foods, a limit of 20 mg/Kg is admitted. Rice flour, sorghum flour, starches, hydrocolloids, soy flour and dairy products are analyzed for carrying out the manufacture of gluten-free products, such as bread, noodles and others.

ACE-I inhibitory peptide fractions from enzymatic hydrolysates of velvet bean (<i>Mucuna pruriens</i>)

The hydrolysis of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) protein in the presence of Alcalase?-Flavourzyme? and Pepsin-Pancreatin was investigated. The results showed that Alcalase?-Flavourzyme? (29.08%) sequential system catalyzed the hydrolysis most efficiently that Pepsin-Pancreatin (24.78%). In addition, the higher ACE-I inhibitory activity was achieved with the sequential system Alcalase?-Flavourzyme? (33.13%). Furthermore, the concentration of peptides employing an ultrafiltration (UF) system or their purification by gel filtration chromatography showed that the oligomeric peptides with lower molecular weight registered the highest ACE-I inhibitory activity. It has been demonstrated that Mucuna pruriens protein hydrolysates could serve as a source of peptides with ACE inhibitory activity and this activity can be attributed mainly to the mixture of short peptides in the hydrolysate.

Bioactivity and Kinetic Study of <i>Jatropha curcas</i>Essential Oil Extraction Using Supercritical CO₂

This study reports the extraction of Jatropha curcas leaves using supercritical CO2. Experiments were performed varying the pressure (13 and 20 MPa) and the temperature (50°C and 60°C). The model of Sovová for supercritical fluid extraction was fitted to the experimental kinetic extraction curves. Two cell sizes were used and scale up equations compared. GC analysis showed phytol, carvacrol, and hexahydrofarnesyl acetone as major compounds in all the experiments. A maximum yield of 0.95% dry-weight basis was obtained. It was observed a maximum yield (0.95% dry-weight basis) extract obtained at 20 MPa and 50°C. The results indicated that the mass yield increased with the increase of pressure. The bioassays showed that the extract of J. curcas possessed toxicity against Hyalomma lusitanicum.

Lima Bean(Phaseolus lunatus)Protein Hydrolysates with ACE-I Inhibitory Activity

Several protein sources can be used to produce bioactive peptides with angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibittory activity. Protein concentrates from ungerminated and germinated lima bean Phaseolus lunatus seed flours were hydrolyzed with Alcalase 2.4 L or pepsin-pancreatin sequential hydrolysis, and ACE inhibitory activity measured in the different hydrolysis treatments. Protein hydrolysate production was analyzed with a 23 factorial design with four replicates of the central treatment. Evaluated factors were protein concentrate source (ungerminated seeds, PC1;germinated seeds, PC2), enzyme/substrate ratio E/S (1/50 or 1/10) and hydrolysis time (0.5 or 2.0 h for Alcalase;1 or 3 h for pepsin-pancreatin). Degree of hydrolysis (DH) was high for the Alcalase hydrolysates (24.12% 58.94%), but the pepsin-pancreatin hydrolysates exhibited the highest ACE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 0.250 0.692 mg/mL). Under the tested conditions, the hydrolysates with the highest ACE inhibitory activity were produced with sequential pepsin-pancreatin using either PC1 at 1 h hydrolysis time and a 1/10 E/S ratio or PC2 at 1 h hydrolysis time and a 1/50 E/S ratio. Lima bean protein hydrolysates prepared with Alcalase or pepsin-pancreatin are a potential ingredient in the production of physiologically functional foods with antihypertensive activity.

Rapid HPLC Method for Determination of Rebaudioside D in Leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni Grown in the Southeast of Mexico

Stevia leaves contain glycosides on which biological activity and sweetening capacity has been reported. Besides the main glycosides—stevioside and rebaudioside A—there are minor glycosides that may contribute to the activity and thus it is important to quantify them. Rebaudioside D is one of the minor glycoside present in S. rebaudiana leaves and there are no reports of a validated method to quantify it. Therefore a simple and sensitive high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was validated for the determination of rebaudioside D in leaves of Stevia rebaudiana B. grown in the southeast of México. HPLC method was performed using a C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) and UV detector set at 210 nm. The mobile phase consisted of 32:68 (v/v) mixture of acetonitrile and sodium phosphate buffer (10 mmol/L, pH 2.6), set to a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The calculated parameters were: sensitivity, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy and precision. The retention time of rebaudioside D was found to be 3.47 min ± 0.04 (S.D.). The calibration curves were linear over the working range (25 - 150 μg/ml), with correlation coefficient ≥0.99 and determination coefficient ≥0.98. The calculated limit of detection (LOD) was 8.53 μg/ml, while the limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 25.85 μg/ml. The percent recoveries of fortified samples were 100% ± 10% and precision relative standard deviation was ≤2.79%. The criteria of validation showed accuracy, linearity, and precision;therefore the method is suitable for quantitative analysis of rebaudioside D in Stevia rebaudiana leaves. Rebaudioside D content (g/100g) in Morita II and Criolla varieties grown in the southeast of Mexico were 0.43 and 0.46, respectively with no significant differences (p > 0.05) between them.

Use of Oat Bran in Bread: Fiber and Oil Enrichment and Technological Performance

The effect of different amounts of oat bran on breadmaking was studied using also additives in the formulation. The aim of this experimental work was to evaluate the technological performance of oat bran in bread and the nutritional improvement resulting from the increased content of fiber and oil. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and the results were compared by Duncan’s test at a significance level of 0.05. With the addition of oat bran, the specific volume varied in such a way that the greater the amount of bran in the mixture, the lower the specific volume of bread. The addition of the proposed additives, however, helped significantly increase the volume. Besides, a change in the fatty acid profile, with a higher content in unsaturated fatty acids, as well as larger amounts of dietary fiber, was observed.

Optimization of Zeaxanthin Production by Immobilized <i>Flavobacterium</i>sp. Cells in Fluidized Bed Bioreactor

From time immemorial, human beings have used pigments made from vegetables, fruits, superior plants, animal tissues and cereals. One of the greatest sources of pigments is the bacterium that, with the use of the modern technology, has increased the production of metabolites of interest. The microbiological production of carotenoids has not been optimized to obtain pigment production quantities of pigments and carotenoids recovery that lower production costs. The aim of this work was to design a Zeaxanthin production process with Flavobacterium sp. immobilized cells in a fluidized bed bioreactor. An optimum culture medium for Zeaxanthin production in stirred flasks (2.46 g·L–1) was obtained. Furthermore, optimum process conditions for a maximum yield of Zeaxanthin production, by fluidized bed bioreactor, were established. A statistical analysis showed that the most significant factors were air flow, pH and NaCl concentration (4.5 g·L–1). In this study a maximum Zeaxanthin production of 3.8 g·L–1 was reached. The highest reported yield to date was 0.329 g·L–1.

Health Risk Assessment in Children by Arsenic and Mercury Pollution of Groundwater in a Mining Area in Sonora, Mexico

A highly acidic spill from one of the most important copper mines in the Americas (Buenavista del Cobre) occurred in Sonora, Mexico in August, 2014. 40,000 m3 of metals-enriched sulphate solution escaped into the Sonora River representing the worst ecological disaster in Mexican history. The spill affected the economy, water accessibility and the health of residents near the river. Despite the economic importance of mining in this area, no environmental assessment was undertaken. There is no information about the health impact of this event on the local population. The study assesses the health risk among children exposed to arsenic and mercury via groundwater in five communities located in a mining area into the Sonora River Basin, Mexico. Local drinking water from the localities was sampled one year after the spill and it was analyzed for arsenic and mercury by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry coupled with Hydride Generation (AAS/HG). Further, some of the traditional local foods were sampled and analyzed for the same elements. Results indicate that levels of arsenic in drinking water did not exceed the Mexican Norm (25 μg As/L) or the EPA Guideline (10 μg As/L). The concentrations of mercury exceeded the WHO and Mexican Legislation value (1.0 μg Hg/L). The Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for arsenic were >1 in 42% of children exposed and for mercury in 67% of the children. Foods concentrations contained in the ranges of 9.2 to 62.0 μg As/Kg and 0.28 to 42 μg Hg/Kg for arsenic and mercury respectively. These values are below the Codex Alimentarius limits. Children affected by mining activities are at risk of developing chronic diseases associated with low arsenic and mercury exposure via groundwater consumption, without consideration of the contribution from these metals by other important exposures routes.

Quasi-Optimal Convergence Rate of an AFEM for Quasi-Linear Problems of Monotone Type

We prove the quasi-optimal convergence of a standard adaptive finite element method(AFEM)for a class of nonlinear elliptic second-order equations of monotone type.The adaptive algorithm is based on residual-type a posteriori error estimators and Dörfler’s strategy is assumed for marking.We first prove a contraction property for a suitable definition of total error,analogous to the one used by Diening and Kreuzer(2008)and equivalent to the total error defined by Cascón et.al.(2008).This contraction implies linear convergence of the discrete solutions to the exact solution in the usual H1 Sobolev norm.Secondly,we use this contraction to derive the optimal complexity of the AFEM.The results are based on ideas from Diening and Kreuzer and extend the theory from Cascón et.al.to a class of nonlinear problems which stem from strongly monotone and Lipschitz operators.

Haarlet analysis of Lipschitz regularity in metric measure spaces

In this note we shall give a characterization of Lipschitz spaces on spaces of homogeneous type via Haar coefficients.