Study on the in vitro digestion process of green wheat protein: Structure characterization and product analysis

Effect of ficin-hydrolyzed wheat gluten on bread quality and in vitro antioxidant activity before and after simulated gastrointestinal digestion

This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding ficin-hydrolyzed wheat gluten at different levels (0%, 1%, 2%, 4%) on bread quality, and in vitro antioxidant activity before and after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Our findings revealed that the incorporation of the generated wheat gluten hydrolysates (WGH) up to 4 g per 100 g flour positively affected the technological and physical-chemical characterizations of breads, including dough rheological properties, color, specific volume, and moisture. The texture profile analysis indicated reductions in hardness, springiness, and chewiness of the breads, and confirmed anti-staling properties during storage. The enriched breads received satisfactory scores from the sensory panel and were perceived as less stale after a 4-day period of storage. The aroma score of the 4% WGH bread was significantly higher than other treatments. Regarding taste, the 4% WGH bread scored the lowest, but the obtained value was not statistically significant. The enriched breads exhibited DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging, and Fe2+ chelation abilities that increased in response to higher levels of hydrolysate incorporation, and these antioxidant activities were enhanced after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Our findings confirm that it is possible to apply ficin-generated WGH to enhance physicochemical, nutritional, and biological quality of bread.

The Role of Ancient Grains in Alleviating Hunger and Malnutrition

Meeting the United Nation's sustainable development goals for zero hunger becomes increasingly challenging with respect to climate change and political and economic challenges. An effective strategy to alleviate hunger and its severe implications is to produce affordable, nutrient-dense, and sustainable food products. Ancient grains were long-forgotten due to the dominance of modern grains, but recently, they have been rediscovered as highly nutritious, healthy and resilient grains for solving the nutrition demand and food supply chain problems. This review article aims to critically examine the progress in this emerging field and discusses the potential roles of ancient grains in the fight against hunger. We provide a comparative analysis of different ancient grains with their modern varieties in terms of their physicochemical properties, nutritional profiles, health benefits and sustainability. A future perspective is then introduced to highlight the existing challenges of using ancient grains to help eradicate world hunger. This review is expected to guide decision-makers across different disciplines, such as food, nutrition and agronomy, and policymakers in taking sustainable actions against malnutrition and hunger.

Effect of carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan coating on the stability and colon-targeted delivery performance of fucoxanthin-loaded gliadin nanoparticles

Fucoxanthin (FUC) is a hydrophobic carotenoid that has a protective effect on the colon. To exert the beneficial effects of FUC in the colon and expand its application in functional food, FUC was encapsulated in carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan (CMKGM)-coated gliadin nanoparticles (Gli-CMKGM NPs) in this paper. Gli-CMKGM NPs were prepared at pH 5.0 with Gli/CMKGM mass ratio of 1:1. The formation of Gli-CMKGM NPs was associated with hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions and electrostatic attractions. Additionally, Gli-CMKGM NPs exhibited good stability to pH, salt, heating and storage. The results showed that FUC had been successfully encapsulated in Gli-CMKGM NPs, and the encapsulation efficiency of FUC-Gli-CMKGM NPs was significantly higher than that of uncoated FUC-Gli NPs. FUC-Gli-CMKGM NPs had a nano-spherical structure, and embedded FUC in Gli-CMKGM NPs improved their stabilities to photodegradation and thermal degradation. Furthermore, in vitro release and in vivo organ distribution studies showed that FUC-Gli-CMKGM NPs had an excellent colon targeting function. Overall, our findings illustrated the promise of CMKGM-coated Gli NPs for constructing targeted delivery systems for FUC.