Oat and lipolysis: Food matrix effect

Metabolic engineering-induced transcriptome reprogramming of lipid biosynthesis enhances oil composition in oat

The endeavour to elevate the nutritional value of oat (Avena sativa) by altering the oil composition and content positions it as an optimal crop for fostering human health and animal feed. However, optimization of oil traits on oat through conventional breeding is challenging due to its quantitative nature and complexity of the oat genome. We introduced two constructs containing three key genes integral to lipid biosynthesis and/or regulatory pathways from Arabidopsis (AtWRI1 and AtDGAT1) and Sesame (SiOLEOSIN) into the oat cultivar 'Park' to modify the fatty acid composition. Four homozygous transgenic lines were generated with a transformation frequency of 7%. The expression of these introduced genes initiated a comprehensive transcriptional reprogramming in oat grains and leaves. Notably, endogenous DGAT, WRI1 and OLEOSIN genes experienced upregulation, while genes associated with fatty acid biosynthesis, such as KASII, SACPD and FAD2, displayed antagonistic expression patterns between oat grains and leaves. Transcriptomic analyses highlighted significant differential gene expression, particularly enriched in lipid metabolism. Comparing the transgenic oat plants with the wild type, we observed a remarkable increase of up to 34% in oleic acid content in oat grains. Furthermore, there were marked improvements in the total oil content in oat leaves, as well as primary metabolites changes in both oat grains and leaves, while maintaining homeostasis in the transgenic oat plants. These findings underscore the effectiveness of genetic engineering in manipulating oat oil composition and content, offering promising implications for human consumption and animal feeding through oat crop improvement programmes.

Bile conjugation and its effect on in vitro lipolysis of emulsions

Bile Salts (BS) are responsible for stimulating lipid digestion in our organism. Gut microbiota are responsible for the deconjugation process of primary conjugated to secondary unconjugated BS. We use two structurally distinct BS and characterize the rate of lipolysis as a compound parameter. A static in-vitro digestion model as well as meta-analysis of literature data has been performed to determine the most influential factors affecting the lipid digestion process. The results demonstrate that lipolysis of emulsions using conjugated BS (NaTC, FFA = 60.0 %, CMC in SIF = 5.58 mM, MSR of linoleic acid = 0.21, rate of adsorption = -0.057 mN/m.s) enhances the release of FFA compared to deconjugated BS (NaDC, FFA = 49.5 %, CMC in SIF = 2.49 mM, MSR of linoleic acid = 0.16 rate of adsorption = -0.064 mN/m.s). These results indicate that conjugation plays an important role in controlling the rate of lipolysis in our organism which can be in turn, tuned by the microflora composition of our gut, ultimately controlling the rate of deconjugation of the BS.

Perovskite Nanocrystals: Superior Luminogens for Food Quality Detection Analysis

With the global limited food resources receiving grievous damage from frequent climate changes and ascending global food demand resulting from increasing population growth, perovskite nanocrystals with distinctive photoelectric properties have emerged as attractive and prospective luminogens for the exploitation of rapid, easy operation, low cost, highly accurate, excellently sensitive, and good selective biosensors to detect foodborne hazards in food practices. Perovskite nanocrystals have demonstrated supreme advantages in luminescent biosensing for food products due to their high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield, narrow full width at half-maximum PL, tunable PL in the entire visible spectrum, easy preparation, and various modification strategies compared with conventional semiconductors. Herein, we have carried out a comprehensive discussion concerning perovskite nanocrystals as luminogens in the application of high-performance biosensing of foodborne hazards for food products, including a brief introduction of perovskite nanocrystals, perovskite nanocrystal-based biosensors, and their application in different categories of food products. Finally, the challenges and opportunities faced by perovskite nanocrystals as superior luminogens were proposed to promote their practicality in the future food supply.

Effect of wheat aleurone on lard emulsions during in vitro digestion

Dietary wheat aleurone has been shown to affect lipid metabolism and reduce the incidence of obesity. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This work aimed to investigate how whole wheat aleurone affects lipolysis during the whole digestion process in vitro. The physicochemical and microstructural changes and the lipolysis kinetics of different lard emulsion mixtures were determined. The results showed that the lipolysis rate and degree are inversely proportional to the amount of wheat aleurone. Wheat aleurone and flour promoted the aggregation and flocculation of lipid droplets by increasing the viscosity. More importantly, the dietary fibers released from aleurone digestion can reduced the binding of lipase to lipid droplets by adsorbing lipid droplets to increase the steric hindrance effect. These results provide a better understanding of how whole grains affect lipid digestibility and will further contribute to the development of functional foods and the improvement of individual health.

From gut to skin: exploring the potential of natural products targeting microorganisms for atopic dermatitis treatment

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Recent studies have revealed that interactions between pathogenic microorganisms, which have a tendency to parasitize the skin of AD patients, play a significant role in the progression of the disease. Furthermore, specific species of commensal bacteria in the human intestinal tract can have a profound impact on the immune system by promoting inflammation and pruritogenesis in AD, while also regulating adaptive immunity. Natural products (NPs) have emerged as promising agents for the treatment of various diseases. Consequently, there is growing interest in utilizing natural products as a novel therapeutic approach for managing AD, with a focus on modulating both skin and gut microbiota. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and interplay between the skin and gut microbiota in relation to AD. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent clinical and fundamental research on NPs targeting the skin and gut microbiota for AD treatment. We anticipate that our work will contribute to the future development of NPs and facilitate research on microbial mechanisms, based on the efficacy of NPs in treating AD.

Dominant hydrophobic interactions with β-glucan in nanoarchitectonics with mixed Langmuir monolayers of cholesterol/dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline

The polysaccharide β-glucan, found in the cell wall of cereals such as wheat, oats, and barley, is believed to lower the concentration of bad cholesterol in humans, but the molecular-level mechanisms responsible for such an action are unknown. In this study, we use Langmuir monolayers of cholesterol and dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC) as cell membrane models that are made to interact with β-glucan. Neat cholesterol and mixed cholesterol/DPPC monolayers were expanded upon incorporating β-glucan from the aqueous subphase. This incorporation was found to induce ordering in mixed monolayers and dehydration of the carbonyl group at higher cholesterol concentrations. These effects are attributed to hydrophobic interactions as identified with polarization-modulated infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy. They correlate well with the hypothesis that cholesterol levels can be lowered by the formation of soluble fibers with β-glucan through hydrophobic interactions, blocking cholesterol absorption by the organism.

Importance of Conjugation of the Bile Salt on the Mechanism of Lipolysis

We aim to advance the discussion on the significance of the conjugation of bile salts (BS) in our organism. We hypothesize that conjugation influences the rate of lipolysis. Since the rate of lipolysis is a compound parameter, we compare the effect of conjugation on four surface parameters, which contribute to the rate. Since deconjugation is due to gut microbiota, we hypothesize that microbiota may affect the rate of lipolysis. A meta-analysis of literature data of critical micelle concentration, β, aggregation number, and molar solubilization ratio has been performed for the first time. In addition, critical micelle concentration (CMC), interfacial tension, and lipolysis rate measurements were performed. It was found that the unconjugated BS in mixed micelles increases the antagonism between the BS, therefore, increasing the CMC. This correlated with the effect of unconjugated BS on the solubilization capacity of mixed micelles. The collected literature information indicates that the role of the BS and its conjugation in our organism is a key factor influencing the functioning of our organism, where too high levels of unconjugated BS may lead to malabsorption of fat-soluble nutrients. The experimental lipolysis results irrevocably showed that conjugation is a significant factor influencing the rate.

Current Knowledge of Content and Composition of Oat Oil—Future Perspectives of Oat as Oil Source

The oat oil composition is unique among cereals; however, the industrial exploitation of oat oil still needs more attention. The health claims authorized by the FDA and the EFSA have led to a significant increase in the industry’s interest in oats as an industrial crop. The current focus is put on the extraction of fibre/beta-glucan or oat proteins. In contrast, the fat present in oats and especially its functional components do not attract sufficient industrial attention. The paper presents a concise analysis of the current state of knowledge about the content and composition of oat oil (perceived as oil as product, not fat content) regarding oil extraction methods and analysis. The profound study suggests that oil separation should be obviously taken into account during oat fractionation for industrial products. Such an approach will be in agreement with sustainable management of natural resources and should be taken into account when planning full utilization of each plant crop.

Enhanced oral bioavailability and bioefficacy of phloretin using mixed polymeric modified self-nanoemulsions

Phloretin (Ph) is a natural active ingredient with wide biological properties. However, its poor water-solubility and low oral bioavailability limit the application significantly in functional food and drug. This study was to explore the mixed polymer Pluronic® F127 and P123 modified the different triglycerides (LCT, MCT, SCT) in self-nanoemulsions (SNEs) for enhancing the oral bioavailability and bioefficacy of Ph. The SNEs were characterized in terms of physical property study, lipolysis study, pharmacokinetic study, and anti-inflammatory effect. The water-solubility of LCT-Ph-SNE increased 3000-fold compared with Ph solution. Pharmacokinetic study of SNEs and other carriers (HP-β-CD, PVP) results indicated that LCT-Ph-SNE was 7.9-fold more bioavailable compared with unformulated Ph. The anti-inflammatory activity of LCT-Ph-SNE in vivo represented a 6.8-fold enhancement compared with unformulated Ph. This novel SNE formulation may also be used for other poorly soluble ingredients with high loading capacity, which made a significant impact on functional food and drug.

Bile salts in digestion and transport of lipids

Because of their unusual chemical structure, bile salts (BS) play a fundamental role in intestinal lipid digestion and transport. BS have a planar arrangement of hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties, which enables the BS molecules to form peculiar self-assembled structures in aqueous solutions. This molecular arrangement also has an influence on specific interactions of BS with lipid molecules and other compounds of ingested food and digestive media. Those comprise the complex scenario in which lipolysis occurs. In this review, we discuss the BS synthesis, composition, bulk interactions and mode of action during lipid digestion and transport. We look specifically into surfactant-related functions of BS that affect lipolysis, such as interactions with dietary fibre and emulsifiers, the interfacial activity in facilitating lipase and colipase anchoring to the lipid substrate interface, and finally the role of BS in the intestinal transport of lipids. Unravelling the roles of BS in the processing of lipids in the gastrointestinal tract requires a detailed analysis of their interactions with different compounds. We provide an update on the most recent findings concerning two areas of BS involvement: lipolysis and intestinal transport. We first explore the interactions of BS with various dietary fibres and food emulsifiers in bulk and at interfaces, as these appear to be key aspects for understanding interactions with digestive media. Next, we explore the interactions of BS with components of the intestinal digestion environment, and the role of BS in displacing material from the oil-water interface and facilitating adsorption of lipase. We look into the process of desorption, solubilisation of lipolysis, products and formation of mixed micelles. Finally, the BS-driven interactions of colloidal particles with the small intestinal mucus layer are considered, providing new findings for the overall assessment of the role of BS in lipid digestion and intestinal transport. This review offers a unique compilation of well-established and most recent studies dealing with the interactions of BS with food emulsifiers, nanoparticles and dietary fibre, as well as with the luminal compounds of the gut, such as lipase-colipase, triglycerides and intestinal mucus. The combined analysis of these complex interactions may provide crucial information on the pattern and extent of lipid digestion. Such knowledge is important for controlling the uptake of dietary lipids or lipophilic pharmaceuticals in the gastrointestinal tract through the engineering of novel food structures or colloidal drug-delivery systems.

Plant-based Milks: A Review of the Science Underpinning Their Design, Fabrication, and Performance

Many consumers are interested in decreasing their consumption of animal products, such as bovine milk, because of health, environmental, and ethical reasons. The food industry is therefore developing a range of plant-based milk alternatives. These milk substitutes should be affordable, convenient, desirable, nutritional, and sustainable. This article reviews our current understanding of the development of plant-based milks. Initially, an overview of the composition, structure, properties, and nutritional profile of conventional bovine milk is given, because the development of successful alternatives depends on understanding the characteristics of real milk. The two main production routes for fabricating plant-based milks are then highlighted: (i) disruption of plant materials (such as nuts, seeds, or legumes) to form aqueous suspensions of oil bodies; (ii) formation of oil-in-water emulsions by homogenization of oil, water, and emulsifiers. The roles of the different functional ingredients in plant-based milks are highlighted, including oils, emulsifiers, thickeners, antioxidants, minerals, and other additives. The physicochemical basis of the appearance, texture, and stability of plant-based milks is covered. The importance of the sensory attributes and gastrointestinal fate of bovine milk and plant-based alternatives is also highlighted. Finally, potential areas for future work are discussed.

Impact of Food Emulsions on the Bioaccessibility of Hydrophobic Pesticide Residues in Co-Ingested Natural Products: Influence of Emulsifier and Dietary Fiber Type

In the typical Western diet, fruits and vegetables are often consumed with food products that exist as oil-in-water emulsions, such as creams, dressings, and sauces. Studies have shown that coingestion of fruits and vegetables with emulsions can increase the bioavailability of beneficial lipophilic bioactive agents, such as nutraceuticals or vitamins. Agricultural produce, however, may also be contaminated with low levels of detrimental lipophilic agents, such as hydrophobic pesticides. We therefore examined the impact of coingesting a common agricultural product (tomatoes) with model food emulsions on the bioaccessibility of a hydrophobic pesticide (chlorpyrifos). The impact of emulsifier types (phospholipids, whey protein, Tween 80) and dietary fiber types (xanthan, chitosan, β-glucan) on the bioaccessibility of the pesticide was measured using a simulated gastrointestinal model. Chlorpyrifos bioaccessibility depended on the type of emulsifier used to formulate the emulsions: phospholipids > Tween 80 > whey protein. Dietary fiber type also influenced pesticide bioaccessibility by an amount that depended on the nature of the emulsifier used. Overall, our results suggest that the bioaccessibility of undesirable pesticides on fruits and vegetables will depend on the nature of the emulsions they are consumed with.