Pea Protein Isolates: Novel Wall Materials for Microencapsulating Flaxseed Oil

Isolation of Bioactive Compounds (Carotenoids, Tocopherols, and Tocotrienols) from Calendula Officinalis L., and Their Interaction with Proteins and Oils in Nanoemulsion Formulation

Calendula officinalis L. has numerous health-promoting properties due to the presence of a large number of lipophilic compounds. Their effective delivery to the body requires the use of an appropriate technique such as emulsification. So, the main purpose of this study was to understand how the profile of lipophilic compounds from pot marigold and the pro-health potential are shaped by different types of protein, oil, and drying techniques in o/w nanoemulsion. To obtain this, the profiles of carotenoid compounds and tocols were measured. Additionally, antioxidant potential and the ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase were measured. Pea protein emulsion exhibited a higher final content of carotenoid compounds (23.72-39.74 mg/100 g), whereas those with whey protein had stronger α-amylase inhibition (487.70 mg/mL). The predominant compounds in the studied nanoemulsions were β-carotene (between 19% and 40%), followed by α-tocopherol/γ-tocopherol. The type of proteins shaped the health-promoting properties and determined the content of health-promoting compounds.

Effect of the Structural Modification of Plant Proteins as Microencapsulating Agents of Bioactive Compounds from Annatto Seeds (Bixa orellana L.)

This project studied the use of lentil protein (LP) and quinoa protein (QP) in their native and modified states as carrier material in the encapsulation process by the ionic gelation technique of annatto seed extract. Soy protein (SP) was used as a model of carrier material and encapsulated bioactive compounds, respectively. The plant proteins were modified by enzymatic hydrolysis, N acylation, and N-cationization to improve their encapsulating properties. Additionally, the secondary structure, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), solubility as a function of pH, isoelectric point (pI), molecular weight (MW), the content of free thiol groups (SH), the absorption capacity of water (WHC) and fat (FAC), emulsifier activity (EAI), emulsifier stability (ESI), and gelation temperature (Tg) were assessed on proteins in native and modified states. The results obtained demonstrated that in a native state, LP (80.52% and 63.82%) showed higher encapsulation efficiency than QP (73.63% and 45.77%), both for the hydrophilic dye and for the annatto extract. Structural modifications on proteins improve some functional properties, such as solubility, WHC, FAC, EAI, and ESI. However, enzymatic hydrolysis on the proteins decreased the gels' formation, the annatto extract's encapsulated efficiency, and the hydrophilic dye by the ionic gelation method. On the other hand, the modifications of N-acylation and N-cationization increased but did not generate statistically significant differences (p-value > 0.05) in the encapsulation efficiency of both the annatto extract and the hydrophilic dye compared to those obtained with native proteins. This research contributes to understanding how plant proteins (LP and QP) can be modified to enhance their encapsulating and solubility properties. The better encapsulation of bioactive compounds (like annatto extract) can improve product self-life, potentially benefiting the development of functional ingredients for the food industry.

Effect of ultrasound on the glycosylation reaction of pea protein isolate-arabinose: Structure and emulsifying properties

This study investigated the effects of different ultrasonic power and ultrasonic time on the structure and emulsifying properties of pea protein isolate (PPI)-arabinose conjugates. An examination of the absorbance and color development of PPI-d-arabinose (Ara) conjugates found that compared with traditional heating, the degree of glycosylation of protein reached the maximum when the ultrasonic treatment power was 150 and the treatment time was 30 min. Structural analysis revealed that the content of disordered structures (β-turn and random coil) of the protein conjugates increased, the maximum emission wavelength of the fluorescence spectrum was red-shifted, and the UV second-order derivative values decreased. The protein structure unfolded, exposing more hydrophobic groups on the molecular surface. Ultrasonic treatment improved the emulsification of protein conjugates. The emulsifying activity index (EAI) increased to 19.7 and 19.3 m²/g, and the emulsifying stability index (ESI) also increased. The contact angle and zeta potential also demonstrate that ultrasonic power has a positive effect on emulsion stability. Based on examining the thermal stability of the emulsion, the ultrasonic treatment increased the thermal denaturation resistance of the protein. This result confirms that mild sonication can increase the degree of glycosylation reaction and improve the emulsification properties of protein-Ara conjugates, providing a theoretical basis for developing foods with excellent emulsification properties.

The Current Situation of Pea Protein and Its Application in the Food Industry

Pea (Pisum sativum) is an important source of nutritional components and is rich in protein, starch, and fiber. Pea protein is considered a high-quality protein and a functional ingredient in the global industry due to its low allergenicity, high protein content, availability, affordability, and deriving from a sustainable crop. Moreover, pea protein has excellent functional properties such as solubility, water, and oil holding capacity, emulsion ability, gelation, and viscosity. Therefore, these functional properties make pea protein a promising ingredient in the food industry. Furthermore, several extraction techniques are used to obtain pea protein isolate and concentrate, including dry fractionation, wet fractionation, salt extraction, and mild fractionation methods. Dry fractionation is chemical-free, has no loss of native functionality, no water use, and is cost-effective, but the protein purity is comparatively low compared to wet extraction. Pea protein can be used as a food emulsifier, encapsulating material, a biodegradable natural polymer, and also in cereals, bakery, dairy, and meat products. Therefore, in this review, we detail the key properties related to extraction techniques, chemistry, and structure, functional properties, and modification techniques, along with their suitable application and health attributes.

Encapsulation of bioactive compounds extracted from Cucurbita moschata pumpkin waste: The multi-objective optimization study

AIM

Artificial neural network (ANN) development to find optimal carriers (pea protein-P, maltodextrin-M, and inulin-I) mixture for encapsulation of pumpkin waste bioactives (β-carotene and phenolics).

METHODS

Freeze-drying encapsulation and encapsulates characterisation in terms of bioactives contents and encapsulation efficiencies, water activity, hygroscopicity, densities, flowability, cohesiveness, particle size (laser diffraction), solubility, color (CIELab), morphological (SEM), stability and release properties.

RESULTS

Optimal encapsulates, OE-T (with highest total bioactives contents; P, M, and I of 53.9, 46.1, and 0%w/w) and OE-EE (with highest bioactives encapsulation efficiencies; P, M, and I of 45.5, 32.0, and 22.5%w/w) had particle diameters of 94.561 ± 1.341µm and 90.206 ± 0.571µm, span of 1.777 ± 0.094 and 1.588 ± 0.089, highest release at pH 7.4 of phenolics of 71.03%w/w after 72h and 66.22%w/w after 48h, and β-carotene of 43.67%w/w after 8h and 48.62%w/w after 6h, respectively.

CONCLUSION

ANN model for prediction of encapsulates' preparation, showed good anticipation properties (with gained determination coefficients of 1.000).

Legume proteins are smart carriers to encapsulate hydrophilic and hydrophobic bioactive compounds and probiotic bacteria: A review

Encapsulation is a promising technological process enabling the protection of bioactive compounds against harsh storage, processing, and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions. Legume proteins (LPs) are unique carriers that can efficiently encapsulate these unstable and highly reactive ingredients. Stable LPs-based microcapsules loaded with active ingredients can thus develop to be embedded into processed functional foods. The recent advances in micro- and nanoencapsulation process of an extensive span of bioactive health-promoting probiotics and chemical compounds such as marine and plant fatty acid-rich oils, carotenoid pigments, vitamins, flavors, essential oils, phenolic and anthocyanin-rich extracts, iron, and phytase by LPs as single wall materials were highlighted. A technical summary of the use of single LP-based carriers in designing innovative delivery systems for natural bioactive molecules and probiotics was made. The encapsulation mechanisms, encapsulation efficiency, physicochemical and thermal stability, as well as the release and absorption behavior of bioactives were comprehensively discussed. Protein isolates and concentrates of soy and pea were the most common LPs to encapsulate nutraceuticals and probiotics. The microencapsulation of probiotics using LPs improved bacteria survivability, storage stability, and tolerance in the in vitro GIT conditions. Moreover, homogenization and high-pressure pretreatments as well as enzymatic cross-linking of LPs significantly modify their structure and functionality to better encapsulate the bioactive core materials. LPs can be attractive delivery devices for the controlled release and increased bioaccessibility of the main food-grade bioactives.

Plant-Based (Hemp, Pea and Rice) Protein-Maltodextrin Combinations as Wall Material for Spray-Drying Microencapsulation of Hempseed (Cannabis sativa) Oil

Conscious consumers have created a need for constant development of technologies and food ingredients. This study aimed to examine the properties of emulsions and spray-dried microcapsules prepared from hempseed oil by employing a combination of maltodextrin with hemp, pea, and rice protein as carrier materials. Oil content in the microcapsules was varied at two levels: 10 and 20%. Increasing oil load caused a decrease in viscosity of all samples. Consistency index of prepared emulsions was calculated according to Power Law model, with the lowest (9.2 ± 1.3 mPa·s) and highest values (68.3 ± 1.1 mPa·s) for hemp and rice protein, respectively, both at 10% oil loading. The emulsion stability ranged from 68.2 ± 0.7% to 88.1 ± 0.9%. Color characteristics of the microcapsules were defined by high L* values (from 74.65 ± 0.03 to 83.06 ± 0.03) and low a* values (-1.02 ± 0.015 to 0.12 ± 0.005), suggesting that the materials were able to coat the greenish color of the hemp seed oil acceptably. The highest encapsulation efficiency was observed in samples with rice protein, while the lowest was with hemp protein. Combination of maltodextrin and proteins had a preventive effect on the oxidative stability of hempseed oil. Oil release profile fitted well with the Higuchi model, with hempseed oil microencapsulated with pea protein-maltodextrin combination at 10% oil loading depicting lowest oil release rates and best oxidative stability.

The health benefits, functional properties, modifications, and applications of pea (Pisum sativum L.) protein: Current status, challenges, and perspectives

In recent years, the development and application of plant proteins have drawn increasing scientific and industrial interests. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important source of high-quality vegetable protein in the human diet. Its protein components are generally considered hypoallergenic, and many studies have highlighted the health benefits associated with the consumption of pea protein. Pea protein and its hydrolysates (pea protein hydrolysates [PPH]) possess health benefits such as antioxidant, antihypertensive, and modulating intestinal bacteria activities, as well as various functional properties, including solubility, water- and oil-holding capacities, and emulsifying, foaming, and gelling properties. However, the application of pea protein in the food system is limited due to its poor functional performances. Several frequently applied modification methods, including physical, chemical, enzymatic, and combined treatments, have been used for pea protein to improve its functional properties and expand its food applications. To date, different applications of pea protein in the food system have been extensively studied, for example, encapsulation for bioactive ingredients, edible films, extruded products and substitution for cereal flours, fats, and animal proteins. This article reviews the current status of the knowledge regarding pea protein, focusing on its health benefits, functional properties, and structural modifications, and comprehensively summarizes its potential applications in the food industry.

Addition of Selected Plant-Derived Proteins as Modifiers of Inulin Hydrogels Properties

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of pea and soy protein addition (1, 3, 6 g/100 g) on inulin hydrogels properties. Inulin hydrogels (20 g/100 g) were obtained by thermal induction. It was stated that tested plant protein might be used as a modifier of inulin hydrogels properties. The addition of pea and soy protein to inulin hydrogels resulted in networks with more a compact and homogeneous structure. The increase of the protein concentration caused the structure of the hydrogels to get smoother, more cohesive, and less granular. Pea and soy protein addition (3-6 g/100 g) to hydrogels allowed to obtain higher values of yield stress, texture (firmness, adhesiveness) and spreadability parameters. At a protein concentration of 6 g/100 g, the firmness of inulin hydrogels was seven times higher for those with pea protein (1.87 N) and ten times higher for those with soy protein (2.60 N) compering to the control hydrogel (0.24 N). The transmission profiles of hydrogels with incorporated 6 g/100 g of soy proteins showed the slowest motion of the particles, which indicates the highest stability of gel. As the concentration of protein addition increased, a reduction in the lightness was observed.

Lyophilized and microencapsulated extracts of grape pomace from winemaking industry to prevent lipid oxidation in chicken pâté

Abstract The aim of this study was to characterize spray-dried and lyophilized powders made from winery by-products and to evaluate their effect on the oxidative stability of chicken pâté. Phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and microencapsulation efficiency were evaluated in the extracts. Two pâté formulations containing grape pomace lyophilized (GPWL) and grape pomace microencapsulated (GPWM) were produced. In addition, a sodium erythorbate and a control batch were used to compare the effects. The pâtés were evaluated by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay during refrigerated storage (4 °C/42 days). Although the microencapsulation efficiency was 90.03%, the GPWL was statistically more effective in the lipid oxidation inhibition in chicken pâté than GPWM. However, the addition of both natural antioxidants in chicken pâté resulted in lower TBARS values than pâté treated with synthetic antioxidant due to the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, coumaric acid and trans-resveratrol with high antioxidant activity. Thus, the bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity detected in the GPWL and GPWM opened possibilities for use as a potential ingredient in chicken pâté and other meat products.

Encapsulation of black pepper seed oil using maltodextrin and pea protein

The goal of this research was to determine the physicochemical and emulsifying properties of pea protein, gum arabic, and maltodextrin and to investigate their potential for stabilizing black pepper seed oil emulsions and acting as carrier materials for spray dried microcapsules. The moisture content and water activity of pea protein and maltodextrin (∼5.5 g/100 g and ∼0.22) were found to be significantly lower than that of gum arabic (11.5 g/100 g and 0.46) whereas the glass transition temperatures of pea protein and maltodextrin (∼99.4 ℃) was significantly higher than that of gum arabic (72 ℃). Pea protein showed the highest viscosity (53.8 mPa s), the lowest surface tension (42.5 mN/m), and interfacial tension (10.5 mN/m) among the biopolymer materials studied. A mixture design was employed to investigate the effect of biopolymer formulation on droplet size and creaming stability of black pepper seed oil emulsions. Stable emulsions with relatively smaller droplet size were spray dried to produce microcapsules. Spray dried black pepper seed oil microcapsules produced with 1% pea protein and 39% maltodextrin had low surface oil (∼0.8%) and high encapsulation efficiency (95%). The results of this study suggest that pea protein in combination with maltodextrin can be used as carrier materials in encapsulation of black pepper seed oil.

Composition, physicochemical properties of pea protein and its application in functional foods

Field pea is one of the most important leguminous crops over the world. Pea protein is a relatively new type of plant proteins and has been used as a functional ingredient in global food industry. Pea protein includes four major classes (globulin, albumin, prolamin, and glutelin), in which globulin and albumin are major storage proteins in pea seeds. Globulin is soluble in salt solutions and can be further classified into legumin and vicilin. Albumin is soluble in water and regarded as metabolic and enzymatic proteins with cytosolic functions. Pea protein has a well-balanced amino acid profile with high level of lysine. The composition and structure of pea protein, as well as the processing conditions, significantly affect its physical and chemical properties, such as hydration, rheological characteristics, and surface characteristics. With its availability, low cost, nutritional values and health benefits, pea protein can be used as a novel and effective alternative to substitute for soybean or animal proteins in functional food applications.

A Fluorescence-based Method for Estimation of Oxygen Barrier Properties of Microspheres

In this study, we developed a fluorescence method to quantify oxygen barrier properties for wall materials used in microencapsulation of oxygen-sensitive compounds. We used a reversible, oxygen quenching dye, tris (4,7-diphenyl-1, 10-phenanthroline) ruthenium(II) dichloride complex, as a marker to monitor oxygen transport across spray-dried and freeze-dried Hi-cap100 and maltodextrin microspheres. We fit the rate of oxygen transport to Fick's second law and extrapolated an effective oxygen diffusion coefficient Deff. Results show that the Deff for spray-dried maltodextrin and Hi-cap100 formulations were in the range of 6.46 × 10^-15 to 7.45 × 10^-15  m² /s and 16.0 × 10^-15 to 22.4 × 10^-15 m² /s, respectively. Results also show an increasing trend in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances reaction rate constants, with an increasing D_eff for each formulation. Additionally, freeze-dried maltodextrin formulations had significantly higher D_eff (31.1 × 10^-15 to 36.0 × 10^-15 m² /s) compared to spray-dried matrices due to a more porous morphology. This new method provides a framework for the in situ estimation of D_eff for wall materials in microspheres. Potential applications include the design and selection of wall materials for maximum oxidative stability of encapsulated ingredients. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Currently, the selection of wall materials used in microencapsulation of lipids takes a trial-and-error approach, which can be time consuming and prone to error. In this study, we developed a new methodology to directly assess the oxygen barrier properties of wall materials in microspheres. This method can be used by food scientists to screen wall materials in order to optimize the oxidative stability of encapsulated lipids.

Improving functional properties of pea protein isolate for microencapsulation of flaxseed oil

Unhydrolysed pea protein (UN) forms very viscous emulsions when used at higher concentrations. To overcome this, UN was hydrolysed using enzymes alcalase, flavourzyme, neutrase, alcalase-flavourzyme, and neutrase-flavourzyme at 50 °C for 0 min, 30 min, 60 min, and 120 min to form hydrolysed proteins A, F, N, AF, and NF, respectively. All hydrolysed proteins had lower apparent viscosity and higher solubility than UN. Foaming capacity of A was the highest, followed by NF, N, and AF. Hydrolysed proteins N60, A60, NF60, and AF60 were prepared by hydrolysing UN for 60 min and used further for microencapsulation. At 20% oil loading (on a total solid basis), the encapsulated powder N60 had the highest microencapsulation efficiency (ME = 56.2). A decrease in ME occurred as oil loading increased to 40%. To improve the ME of N60, >90%, UN and maltodextrin were added. Flowability and particle size distribution of microencapsulated powders with >90% microencapsulation efficiency and morphology of all powders were investigated. This study identified a new way to improve pea protein functionality in emulsions, as well as a new application of hydrolysed pea protein as wall material for microencapsulation.