Whey protein peptides as components of nanoemulsions: A review of emulsifying and biological functionalities

Interfacial properties of whey protein hydrolysates monitored by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation

Whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) can be used to develop hypoallergenic foods. However, the stabilization mechanism of WPH-stabilized emulsion is not fully understood. Here, a real-time quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) was used in conjunction with a rheometer to investigate the interfacial properties of WPH. Initially, the properties of WPH with different (6 %, 8 %, 10 %, 12 % and 14 %) degree of hydrolysis (DH) were investigated. 8 %-WPH demonstrated superior emulsifying (11.49 m2/g, 81.34 min) and foaming properties (14.00 %, 7.78 %). Subsequently, the stability of different WPH-stabilized emulsions were examined. 8 %-WPH emulsion exhibited the lowest centrifugal precipitation rate (4.50 %) and Turbiscan stability index (2.24). Additionally, the 8 %-WPH promoted the adsorption and retention of molecules at the interface, which effectively reduced the interfacial tension. QCM-D measurement further proved that the 8 %-WPH possessed excellent adsorption mass and viscoelasticity. Finally, we characterized the interface-adsorbed WPH. The 8 %-WPH exhibited the highest surface hydrophobicity (1072.60) and flexibility (0.22). Notably, the 8 %-WPH showed the highest β-sheet (41.11 %). This led to stronger interactions between neighboring interfacial WPH molecules, which protected the emulsion droplets from destabilizing factors. Nevertheless, excessive hydrolysis (10 %-14 %) caused WPH molecules aggregation, which consequently diminished the viscoelasticity of the interfacial film and the emulsion stability.

Carboxymethyl chitosan-gelatin based films filled with whey protein-stabilized nanoscale essential oil for skin wound healing: In vivo and in vitro studies

Wound healing and antibiotic resistance present significant clinical challenges, underscoring the need for innovative bioactive wound dressings. This study prepared green-sustainable bioactive films by incorporating Litsea cubeba essential oil nanoemulsion (LCEO-NE) into a carboxymethyl chitosan-gelatin composite matrix, with essential oil in the films stabilized by whey protein for the first time. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the interaction between the nanoemulsion and the matrix, resulting in altered absorption peaks. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the addition of LCEO-NE increased the surface roughness, crystallinity, and thermal stability of the films. Furthermore, incorporating LCEO-NE significantly enhanced the physical properties and bioactivity of the films, with CGL-3 exhibiting optimal performance: tensile strength of 2.31 MPa, elongation at break of 72.31 %, strong antibacterial and antioxidant effects, excellent water absorption, biocompatibility, prolonged essential oil release (66 h), a water vapor permeability of 40.73 g/m2/h, and a contact angle of 82.23°. In vivo testing in a mouse model showed a 99 % wound healing rate by day 15 following treatment with the CGL-3 film, along with enhanced collagen deposition, accelerated epithelialization, and reduced inflammation. Overall, the CGL-3 film holds great promise for advanced wound care applications.

Oral barriers to food-derived active peptides and nano-delivery strategies

Food-derived bioactive peptides are a class of peptides from natural protein. It may have biological effects on the human body and play a significant role in protecting human physiological health and regulating physiological metabolism, such as lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, antioxidant, antibacterial, regulating immune activity, and so on. However, most of the natural food-derived functional peptides need to overcome a variety of barriers in the body to enter the blood circulation system and target to specific tissues to generate physiological activity. During this process, the bioavailability of the functional peptides will be reduced. The nano-delivery system can offer the feasibility to overcome these obstacles and improve the stability and bioavailability of food-derived active peptides by nanoencapsulation. This work summarizes the application of food-derived bioactive peptides and the obstacles during the delivery pathway in vivo. Moreover, the different nano-delivery systems used for bioactive peptides and their application were summarized, which could provide ideas for oral delivery of food-derived bioactive peptides.

Flammulina velutipes protein-Flammulina velutipes soluble polysaccharide-tea polyphenols particles stabilized Pickering emulsions for the delivery of β-carotene

The delivery vehicles based on protein-polysaccharide-polyphenol are promising methods to encapsulate bioactive components with the aim of improving their solubility and bioavailability. In this study, we used Flammulina velutipes protein (FVP) and Flammulina velutipes soluble polysaccharides (FVSP) as raw materials and prepared FVP-FVSP and FVP-FVSP-TP composite particles loaded with tea polyphenols (TP), the high internal phase Pickering emulsions stabilized by FVP-FVSP and FVP-FVSP-TP for the delivery of β-carotene (BC) were created. FVP-FVSP-TP has more promise as Pickering emulsion stabilizer than FVP-FVSP because of the smaller particle size, proper contact angle, and lower surface tension. The optimal preparation conditions of the emulsion were 4 % particle concentration and 80 % oil phase volume fraction. The emulsions stabilized by FVP-FVSP and FVP-FVSP-TP were o/w emulsions. Compared to the emulsion stabilized by FVP-FVSP, the FVP-FVSP-TP stabilized emulsion had higher G', G″ values and viscosity and showed better thermal, centrifugal, storage and oil oxidation stability. Moreover, FVP-FVSP-TP stabilized emulsions could further enhance the retention rate and bioaccessibility of TP and β-carotene. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of FVP and FVSP in Pickering emulsions, and a reference for the fabrication of delivery vehicles to improve the stability and bioaccessibility of bioactive substances.

Preparation of protein-stabilized Litsea cubeba essential oil nano-emulsion by ultrasonication: Bioactivity, stability, in vitro digestion, and safety evaluation

Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) has garnered widespread attention due to its robust biological activity. However, challenges such as high volatility, limited water solubility, and low bioavailability impede its application. Nano-emulsion encapsulation technology offers an effective solution to these issues. In this study, we prepared litsea cubeba essential oil nano-emulsion (LCEO-NE) for the first time using whey protein (WP) as the emulsifier through an ultrasonic-assisted method, achieving high efficiency with minimal energy consumption. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analyses revealed that the nanoparticles were uniformly spherical, with a particle size of 183.5 ± 1.19 nm and a zeta potential of -35.5 ± 0.95 mV. Stability studies revealed that LCEO-NE exhibited excellent thermal and salt stability, maintaining its integrity for up to four weeks when stored at 4 °C and 25 °C. In vitro digestion assays confirmed the digestibility of LCEO-NE. Furthermore, evaluation of the DPPH, ABTS, and antimicrobial activities revealed that LCEO-NE displayed superior bacteriostatic and antioxidant properties compared to LCEO. Scanning electron microscopy elucidated that its bacteriostatic effect involved the disruption of bacterial microstructure. Hemocompatibility and cytotoxicity assays demonstrated the safety of LCEO-NE within the effective concentration range. This research supports the utilization of nanoparticles for encapsulating LCEO, thereby enhancing its stability and bioactivity, and consequently expanding its applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Further Improvement Based on Traditional Nanocapsule Preparation Methods: A Review

Nanocapsule preparation technology, as an emerging technology with great development prospects, has uniqueness and superiority in various industries. In this paper, the preparation technology of nanocapsules was systematically divided into three categories: physical methods, chemical methods, and physicochemical methods. The technological innovation of different methods in recent years was reviewed, and the mechanisms of nanocapsules prepared via emulsion polymerization, interface polymerization, layer-by-layer self-assembly technology, nanoprecipitation, supercritical fluid, and nano spray drying was summarized in detail. Different from previous reviews, the renewal iteration of core-shell structural materials was highlighted, and relevant illustrations of their representative and latest research results were reviewed. With the continuous progress of nanocapsule technology, especially the continuous development of new wall materials and catalysts, new preparation technology, and new production equipment, nanocapsule technology will be used more widely in medicine, food, cosmetics, pesticides, petroleum products, and many other fields.

Microfluidics potential for developing food-grade microstructures through emulsification processes and their application

The food sector continues to face challenges in developing techniques to increase the bioavailability of bioactive chemicals. Utilising microstructures capable of encapsulating diverse compounds has been proposed as a technological solution for their transport both in food and into the gastrointestinal tract. The present review discusses the primary elements that influence the emulsification process in microfluidic systems to form different microstructures for food applications. In microfluidic systems, reactions occur within small reaction channels (1-1000 μm), using small amounts of samples and reactants, ca. 102-103 times less than conventional assays. This geometry provides several advantages for emulsion and encapsulating structure production, like less waste generation, lower cost and gentle assays. Also, from a food application perspective, it allows the decrease in particle dispersion, resulting in a highly repeatable and efficient synthesis method that also improves the palatability of the food products into which the encapsulates are incorporated. However, it also entails some particular requirements. It is important to obtain a low Reynolds number (Re < approx. 250) for greater precision in droplet formation. Also, microfluidics requires fluid viscosity typically between 0.3 and 1400 mPa s at 20 °C. So, it is a challenge to find food-grade fluids that can operate at the micro-scale of these systems. Microfluidic systems can be used to synthesise different food-grade microstructures: microemulsions, solid lipid microparticles, microgels, or self-assembled structures like liposomes, niosomes, or polymersomes. Besides, microfluidics is particularly useful for accurately encapsulating bacterial cells to control their delivery and release on the action site. However, despite the significant advancement in these systems' development over the past several years, developing and implementing these systems on an industrial scale remains challenging for the food industry.

Peptides as carriers of active ingredients: A review

Bioactive compounds are highly valuable in the fields of food and medicine, but their application is limited due to easy deterioration after oral or skin administration. In recent years, the use of peptides as delivery systems for bioactive compounds has been intensively researched because of their special physicochemical characteristics. Peptides can be assembled using various preparation methods and can form several composite materials such as hydrogels, micelles, emulsions and particles. The composite material properties are determined by peptides, bioactive compounds and the construction methods employed. Herein, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the peptides used for active ingredients delivery, fabrication methods for creating delivery systems, structures, targeting characteristics, functional activities and mechanism of delivery systems, as well as their absorption and metabolism, which provided theoretical basis and reference for further research and development of functional composites.

Strategies for modulating the lipid digestion of emulsions in the gastrointestinal tract

The structural changes in emulsion products can be used to control the bioavailability of fatty acids and lipophilic compounds. After ingestion, lipid droplets undergo breakdown and structural changes as they pass through the gastrointestinal tract. The oil-water interface plays a critical role in modulating the digestive behavior of lipid droplets because changes in the interfacial layer control the adsorption of lipase and bile salts and determine the overall rate and extent of lipid digestion. Therefore, lipid digestibility can be tuned by selecting the appropriate types and levels of stabilizers. The stabilizer can change the lipase accessibility and exposure of lipid substrates, resulting in variable digestion rates. However, emulsified lipids are not only added to food matrixes but are also co-ingested from other dietary components. Therefore, overall consumption behaviors can affect the digestion rate and digestibility of emulsified lipids. Although designing an emulsion structure is challenging, controlling lipid digestion can improve the health benefits of products. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the process of emulsified lipid digestion is required to develop food products that enable specific physiological responses. The targeted or delayed release of lipophilic molecules and fatty acids through emulsion systems has significant applications in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

Antioxidative properties of fish roe peptides combined with polyphenol on the fish oil oleogel

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the effects of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) roe protein hydrolysate (LYCPH)-polyphenol (catechin (CA), gallic acid (GA), and tannic acid (TA)) conjugates on the oxidative stability of fish oil in an oleogel system.

RESULTS

Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that the LYCPH-polyphenol conjugates were nearly spherical and non-covalent and that covalent effects could coexist between LYCPH and polyphenols. LYCPH-TA exhibited the highest ABTS scavenging, reducing capacities, and emulsifying stability. Raman spectra and chemometrics revealed that LYCPH-TA loaded with oleogels had the best oxidative stability. Additionally, 32 volatile compounds were identified in fish oil by headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this study demonstrated that fish oil oleogels loaded with LYCPH-polyphenol conjugates could inhibit fish oil oxidation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nanoencapsulation of Thyme Essential Oils: Formulation, Characterization, Storage Stability, and Biological Activity

This study aimed to improve the effectiveness of Thymus capitatus and Thymus algeriensis essential oils (EOs), as food preservatives, through their encapsulation in different delivery systems (DSs), namely nanoemulsions and biopolymeric nanoparticles. DSs’ preparation is tailored to enhance not only physical stability but also resulting Eos’ antioxidant and antibacterial activities through different fabrication methods (high-pressure homogenization emulsification or antisolvent precipitation) and using different emulsifiers and stabilizers. DSs are characterized in terms of droplet size distribution, ζ-potential, and stability over time, as well as antioxidant and antibacterial activities of encapsulated EOs. The antioxidant activity was studied by the FRAP assay; the antibacterial activity was evaluated by the well diffusion method. EOs of different compositions were tested, namely two EOs extracted from Thymus capitatus, harvested from Tunisia during different periods of the year (TC1 and TC2), and one EO extracted from Thymus algeriensis (TA). The composition of TC1 was significantly richer in carvacrol than TC2 and TA. The most stable formulation was the zein-based nanoparticles prepared with TC1 and stabilized with maltodextrins, which exhibit droplet size, polydispersity index, ζ-potential, and encapsulation efficiency of 74.7 nm, 0.14, 38.7 mV, and 99.66%, respectively. This formulation led also to an improvement in the resulting antioxidant (60.69 µg/mg vs. 57.67 µg/mg for non-encapsulated TC1) and antibacterial (inhibition diameters varying between 12 and 33 mm vs. a range between 12 and 28 mm for non-encapsulated TC1) activities of EO. This formulation offers a promising option for the effective use of natural antibacterial bioactive molecules in the food industry against pathogenic and spoilage bacteria.

Whey Protein Peptides Have Dual Functions: Bioactivity and Emulsifiers in Oil-In-Water Nanoemulsion

Whey protein isolate (WPI)-derived bioactive peptide fractions (1−3, 3−5, 5−10, 1−10, and >10 kDa) were for the first time used as emulsifiers in nanoemulsions. The formation and storage stability of WPI bioactive peptide-stabilized nanoemulsions depended on the peptide size, enzyme type, peptide concentration, and storage temperature. The highly bioactive <10 kDa fractions were either poorly surface-active or weak stabilizers in nanoemulsions. The moderately bioactive >10 kDa fractions formed stable nanoemulsions (diameter = 174−196 nm); however, their performance was dependent on the peptide concentration (1−4%) and enzyme type. Overall, nanoemulsions exhibited better storage stability (less droplet growth and creaming) when stored at lower (4 °C) than at higher (25 °C) temperatures. This study has shown that by optimizing peptide size using ultrafiltration, enzyme type and emulsification conditions (emulsifier concentration and storage conditions), stable nanoemulsions can be produced using WPI-derived bioactive peptides, demonstrating the dual-functionality of WPI peptides.

Characterization of a Commercial Whey Protein Hydrolysate and Its Use as a Binding Agent in the Whey Protein Isolate Agglomeration Process

The first objective of this study was to characterize the chemical properties of three lots of whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) obtained from a commercial manufacturer. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) of WPH was between 13.82 and 15.35%, and was not significantly (p > 0.05) different between the batches. From MALDI-TOF, 10 to 13 different peptides were observed in the range of 2.5−5 kDa and 5−8 kDa, respectively. The second objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of WPH as a binder in whey protein isolate (WPI) wet agglomeration. For this purpose, a 3 × 3 × 2 factorial design was conducted with pre-wet mass (60, 100, and 140 g), WPH concentration (15, 20, and 25%), and flow rate (4.0 and 5.6 mL·min−1) as independent variables. WPI agglomeration was carried out in a top-spray fluid bed granulator (Midi-Glatt, Binzen, Germany). Agglomerated WPI samples were stored at 25 °C and analyzed for moisture content (MC), water activity, relative dissolution index (RDI), and emulsifying capacity. Pre-wet mass, flow rate, and the WPH concentration had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the MC. Moreover, all interactions among the main effects had also a significant (p < 0.05) effect on MC. High MC and water activity were observed for the treatments with a higher pre-wet volume and higher flow rate, which also resulted in clumping of the powders. The treatment with the 60 g pre-wet mass, 20% WPH concentration, and 5.6 mL·min−1 flow rate combination had the highest RDI among all the samples. In conclusion, WPH can be used as a potential alternative to soy lecithin in WPI wet agglomeration.

Recent application of protein hydrolysates in food texture modification

The demand for clean labels has increased the importance of natural texture modifying ingredients. Proteins are unique compounds that can impart unique textural and structural changes in food. However, lack of solubility and extensive aggregability of proteins have increased the demand for enzymatically hydrolyzed proteins, to impart functional and structural modifications to food products. The review elaborates the recent application of various proteins, protein hydrolysates, and their role in texture modification. The impact of protein hydrolysates interaction with other food macromolecules, the effect of pretreatments, and dependence of various protein functionalities on textural and structural modification of food products with controlled enzymatic hydrolysis are explained in detail. Many researchers have acknowledged the positive effect of enzymatically hydrolyzed proteins on texture modification over natural protein. With enzymatic hydrolysis, various textural properties including foaming, gelling, emulsifying, water holding capacity have been effectively improved. It is evident that each protein is unique and imparts exceptional structural changes to different food products. Thus, selection of protein requires a fundamental understanding of its structure-substrate property relation. For wider applicability in the industrial sector, more studies on interactions at the molecular level, dosage, functionality changes, and sensorial attributes of protein hydrolysates in food systems are required.

Advances in Protein-Based Nanocarriers of Bioactive Compounds: From Microscopic Molecular Principles to Macroscopical Structural and Functional Attributes

Many proteins can be used to fabricate nanocarriers for encapsulation, protection, and controlled release of nutraceuticals. This review examined the protein-based nanocarriers from microscopic molecular characteristics to the macroscopical structural and functional attributes. Structural, physical, and chemical properties of protein-based nanocarriers were introduced in detail. The spatial size, shape, water dispersibility, colloidal stability, etc. of protein-based nanocarriers were largely determined by the molecular physicochemical principles of protein. Different preparative techniques, including antisolvent precipitation, pH-driven, electrospray, and gelation methods, among others, can be used to fabricate different protein-based nanocarriers. Various modifications based on physical, chemical, and enzymatic approaches can be used to improve the functional performance of these nanocarriers. Protein is a natural resource with a wide range of sources, including plant, animal, and microbial, which are usually used to fabricate the nanocarriers. Protein-based nanocarriers have many advantages in aid of the application of bioactive ingredients to the medical, food, and cosmetic industries.

Self-assembled nano-micelles of lactoferrin peptides: Structure, physicochemical properties, and application for encapsulating and delivering curcumin

Food-derived protein hydrolysate exhibits good bioactivity, compatibility, and low toxicity, etc. However, the information on protein hydrolysate-based micelles and their application as carriers for hydrophobic bioactive compounds is limited. In this study, an enzymatic partially hydrolyzed lactoferrin hydrolysate nano-micelle with the size within 50 nm was constructed, and its formation mechanism and delivery characteristics for curcumin (Cur) were studied. The results demonstrated that Cur was loaded into the micelles through hydrophobic interaction, and the encapsulation rate of Cur by nano-micelles was (93.44 ± 0.01)%. In addition, the nano-micelle system demonstrated excellent thermal stability, dilution stability, and storage stability. The in vitro simulated digestion proved that self-assembled nano-micelles could improve the transformation rate and bioaccessibility of Cur. This study revealed that lactoferrin hydrolysate self-assembled nano-micelle is a promising delivery system for hydrophobic bioactive compounds.

Antimicrobial Activity Enhancers: Towards Smart Delivery of Antimicrobial Agents

The development of effective treatments against infectious diseases is an extensive and ongoing process due to the rapid adaptation of bacteria to antibiotic-based therapies. However, appropriately designed activity enhancers, including antibiotic delivery systems, can increase the effectiveness of current antibiotics, overcoming antimicrobial resistance and decreasing the chance of contributing to further bacterial resistance. The activity/delivery enhancers improve drug absorption, allow targeted antibiotic delivery, improve their tissue and biofilm penetration and reduce side effects. This review provides insights into various antibiotic activity enhancers, including polymer, lipid, and silver-based systems, designed to reduce the adverse effects of antibiotics and improve formulation stability and efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Impact of Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Heat Inactivation on the Physicochemical Properties of Milk Protein Hydrolysates

This study determined the physicochemical properties (apparent viscosity (ηapp), turbidity (A550nm), particle size and molecular mass distribution) of hydrolysates generated from whey protein concentrate (WPC), milk protein concentrate (MPC) and sodium caseinate (NaCN), following incubation with Debitrase HYW20™ and Prolyve™ at 50 °C, pH 7.0 for 1 and 4 h, before and after heat inactivation (80 °C for 10 min). The degree of hydrolysis (DH) increased with incubation time, giving values of 6.56%, 8.17% and 9.48%, following 1 h hydrolysis of WPC, MPC and NaCN with Debitrase HYW20™, and 12.04%, 15.74% and 17.78%, respectively, following 4 h incubation. These DHs were significantly higher compared to those obtained following 4 h incubation with Prolyve™. Hydrolysis with Debitrase HYW20™ gave >40% of peptides with molecular masses < 1 kDa for all substrates, which was higher than the value obtained following hydrolysis with Prolyve™. The effect of hydrolysis on the physicochemical properties was substrate dependent, since ηapp decreased in WPC and NaCN hydrolysates, particle size decreased for all the substrates, with aggregate formation for MPC, and turbidity decreased in WPC and MPC hydrolysates, while it increased in NaCN hydrolysates. The physical properties of the hydrolysates were influenced by the enzyme thermal inactivation step in a DH-dependent manner, with no significant effect on turbidity and viscosity for hydrolysates at higher DHs.

Whey Proteins as a Potential Co-Surfactant with Aesculus hippocastanum L. as a Stabilizer in Nanoemulsions Derived from Hempseed Oil

The use of natural surfactants including plant extracts, plant hydrocolloids and proteins in nanoemulsion systems has received commercial interest due to demonstrated safety of use and potential health benefits of plant products. In this study, a whey protein isolate (WPI) from a byproduct of cheese production was used to stabilize a nanoemulsion formulation that contained hempseed oil and the Aesculus hippocastanum L. extract (AHE). A Box-Behnken experimental design was used to set the formulation criteria and the optimal nanoemulsion conditions, used subsequently in follow-up experiments that measured specifically emulsion droplet size distribution, stability tests and visual quality. Regression analysis showed that the concentration of HSO and the interaction between HSO and the WPI were the most significant factors affecting the emulsion polydispersity index and droplet size (nm) (p < 0.05). Rheological tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and L*a*b* color parameters were also taken to characterize the physicochemical properties of the emulsions. Emulsion systems with a higher concentration of the AHE had a potential metabolic activity up to 84% in a microbiological assay. It can be concluded from our results that the nanoemulsion system described herein is a safe and stable formulation with potential biological activity and health benefits that complement its use in the food industry.

Utilization of diverse protein sources for the development of protein-based nanostructures as bioactive carrier systems: A review of recent research findings (2010-2021)

Consumer awareness of the relationship between health and nutrition has caused a substantial increase in the demand for nutraceuticals and functional foods containing bioactive compounds (BACs) with potential health benefits. However, the direct incorporation of many BACs into commercial food and beverage products is challenging because of their poor matrix compatibility, chemical instability, low bioavailability, or adverse impact on food quality. Advanced encapsulation technologies are therefore being employed to overcome these problems. In this article, we focus on the utilization of plant and animal derived proteins to fabricate micro and nano-particles that can be used for the oral delivery of BACs such as omega-3 oils, vitamins and nutraceuticals. This review comprehensively discusses different methods being implemented for fabrications of protein-based delivery vehicles, types of proteins used, and their compatibility for the purpose. Finally, some of the challenges and limitations of different protein matrices for encapsulation of BACs are deliberated upon. Various approaches have been developed for the fabrication of protein-based microparticles and nanoparticles, including injection-gelation, controlled denaturation, and antisolvent precipitation methods. These methods can be used to construct particle-based delivery systems with different compositions, sizes, surface hydrophobicity, and electrical characteristics, thereby enabling them to be used in a wide range of applications.

Anti-aging properties of phytoconstituents and phyto-nanoemulsions and their application in managing aging-related diseases

Aging is spontaneous and inevitable process in all living beings. It is a complex natural phenomenon that manifests as a gradual decline of physiological functions and homeostasis. Aging inevitably leads to age-associated injuries, diseases, and eventually death. The research on aging-associated diseases aimed at delaying, preventing or even reversing the aging process are of great significance for healthy aging and also for scientific progress. Numerous plant-derived compounds have anti-aging effects, but their therapeutic potential is limited due to their short shelf-life and low bioavailability. As the novel delivery system, nanoemulsion can effectively improve this defect. Nanoemulsions enhance the delivery of drugs to the target site, maintain the plasma concentration for a longer period, and minimize adverse reaction and side effects. This review describes the importance of nanoemulsions for the delivery of phyto-derived compounds and highlights the importance of nanoemulsions in the treatment of aging-related diseases. It also covers the methods of preparation, fate and safety of nanoemulsions, which will provide valuable information for the development of new strategies in treatment of aging-related diseases.

The effect of composition, microfluidization and process parameters on formation of oleogels for ice cream applications

The use of oleogels is an innovative and economical option for the technological development of some food products, among them ice creams. The aim of this study was to establish the best processing conditions to obtain an emulsion which form oleogels with the lowest ζ-potential and average droplet size (ADS) for use as ice cream base. Using surface response methodology (SRM), the effects of three numerical factors (microfluidization pressure, oil and whey protein concentration, WP) and four categorical factors (oil type, temperature, surfactant, and type of WP) on formation of emulsions were assessed. The response variables were ζ, ADS, polydispersity index (PDI), viscosity (η), hardness, cohesiveness and springiness. Additionally, a numerical optimization was performed. Two ice creams containing milk cream and oleogel, respectively were compared under the optimization conditions. Results suggest oleogels obtained from the microfluidization of whey and high oleic palm oil are viable for the replacement of cream in the production of ice cream.

Production of biologically active peptides by hydrolysis of whey protein isolates using hydrodynamic cavitation

Whey protein isolate (WPI) hydrolysates have higher solubility in aqueous phase and enhanced biological properties. Hydrolysis of WPI was optimized using operating pressure (ΔP, bar), number of passes (N), and WPI concentration (C, %) as deciding parameters in hydrodynamic cavitation treatment. The optimum conditions for generation of WPI hydrolysate with full factorial design were 8 bar, 28 passes, and 4.5% WPI concentration yielding 32.69 ± 1.22 mg/mL soluble proteins. WPI hydrolysate showed alterations in binding capacity over WPI. SDS-PAGE and particle size analysis confirmed the hydrolysis of WPI. Spectroscopic, thermal and crystallinity analyses showed typical properties of proteins with slight variations after hydrodynamic cavitation treatment. ABTS, DPPH and FRAP assays of WPI hydrolysate showed 7-66, 9-149, and 0.038-0.272 µmol/mL GAE at 1-10, 0.25-4, and 3-30 mg/mL concentration, respectively. Further, a considerable enhancement in fresh weight, chlorophyll, carotenoids, reducing sugars, total soluble sugars, soluble proteins content and total phenolics content was noticed during in vitro growth of sugarcane in WPI hydrolysate supplemented medium at 50-200 mg/L concentration over the control. The process cost (INR/kg) to hydrolyze WPI was also calculated.

Proteolysis of whey protein isolates in nanoemulsion systems: Impact of nanoemulsification and additional synthetic emulsifiers

Nanoemulsions are currently of interest in the functional food sector because their small droplet size (100-500 nm) provides a number of potential advantages over conventional emulsions. This study concerned the behavior of nanoemulsions stabilized with whey proteins and two synthetic emulsifiers (Tween 80 and Croduret), and exposed to conditions simulating the human upper gastrointestinal tract. In particular, the effect of synthetic emulsifiers (food additives) on the interfacial composition and digestion rate of milk proteins at the interface of nanoemulsions was determined. The results indicate that the protein was partially co-absorbed with only one synthetic emulsifier (Croduret) at the interface, which made protein more resistant to digestion in the nanoemulsion system. This suggests that the degree of protein digestion can be controlled by appropriate selection of synthetic emulsifiers and presenting the protein in nanoemulsion system.

Nanoemulsions for health, food, and cosmetics: a review

Nanoemulsions are gaining importance in healthcare and cosmetics sectors as a result of the unique properties of nanosized droplets, such as high surface area. Here we review nanotechnology and nanoemulsions with focus on emulsifiers and nanoemulsifiers, and applications for drugs and vaccines delivery, cancer therapy, inflammation treatment, cosmetics, perfumes, polymers, and food. We discuss nanoemulsion safety and properties, e.g., stability, emulsification, solubility, molecular number and arrangements, ionic strength, pH and temperature.

Lime Juice Enhances Calcium Bioaccessibility from Yogurt Snacks Formulated with Whey Minerals and Proteins

Yogurt-based snacks originally with a calcium content between 0.10 and 0.17 mmol/g dry matter were enriched with a whey mineral concentrate and whey protein isolate or hydrolysate. Whey mineral concentrate was added to increase the total amount of calcium by 0.030 mmol/g dry matter. Calcium bioaccessibility was determined following an in vitro protocol including oral, gastric, and intestinal digestion, with special focus on the effect of lime juice quantifying calcium concentration and activity. Calcium bioaccessibility, defined as soluble calcium divided by total calcium after intestinal digestion amounted to between 17 and 25% for snacks without lime juice. For snacks with lime juice, the bioaccessibility increased to between 24 and 40%, an effect attributed to the presence of citric acid. Citric acid increased the calcium solubility both from whey mineral concentrate and yogurt, and the citrate anion kept supersaturated calcium soluble in the chyme. The binding of calcium in the chyme from snacks with or without lime juice was compared electrochemically, showing that citrate increased the amount of bound calcium but with lower affinity. The results indicated that whey minerals, a waste from cheese production, may be utilized in snacks enhancing calcium bioaccessibility when combined with lime juice.

Technological and antioxidant properties of proteins obtained from waste potato juice

The article presents the technological and antioxidant properties of potato juice (PJ) protein concentrate obtained by the novel ultrafiltration method. Commercial products, obtained from waste PJ by the traditional method of acid coagulation of proteins, were studied for comparison. Functional properties such as water or oil absorption, foaming capacity, and foam stability (FS) as well as solubility at various pH were assessed. Moreover, the total phenolic compound content, antioxidant activity, and mineral composition were determined. The results showed that PJ protein concentrate obtained by ultrafiltration has good oil absorption properties (6.30 mL/g), which is more than two times higher than the commercial proteins used in the comparison (P2 = 2.33 mL/g and P3 = 2.67 mL/g). Moreover, the ability to create and stabilize foam was also higher (FS ranging from 20.0% at pH = 10 to 11.3% at pH = 2 after 60 min of testing). It had higher content of macro- and microelements and antioxidant activity compared to other samples. Therefore, it is possible to obtain interesting potato protein concentrate from the waste product of the starch production process, which may be an interesting raw material for enriching food.

Characterization of nanoemulsion of Nigella sativa oil and its application in ice cream

The aim of this study was to develop ice-cream product fortified with a Nigella sativa oil (NSO) nanoemulsion at four ratios (0% control, 3%, 5% and 10%). The NSO nanoemulsion stabilized by combinations of gum arabic, sodium caseinate, and Tween-20 at three ratios (5%, 10%, and 15%) of emulsifiers. The results showed that 10% nanoemulsion has the highest stability and zeta potential (-31.92), and lowest change of PDI (0.182). The 5% nanoemulsion showed the lowest particle size (175.83 µm). The result demonstrated that NSO nanoemulsion improved the ice-cream physical properties and consumer acceptability. Among the different samples, sensory evaluation revealed that ice-cream sample of 5% nanoemulsion received more acceptability from the panelist. This results demonstrated ice cream can be fortified with NSO nanoemulsion. This means it could be used as a functional ice cream with manifold NSO health benefits.

Optimization of the Emulsifying Properties of Food Protein Hydrolysates for the Production of Fish Oil-in-Water Emulsions

The incorporation of lipid ingredients into food matrices presents a main drawback-their susceptibility to oxidation-which is associated with the loss of nutritional properties and the generation of undesirable flavors and odors. Oil-in-water emulsions are able to stabilize and protect lipid compounds from oxidation. Driven by consumers' demand, the search for natural emulsifiers, such as proteins, is gaining much interest in food industries. This paper evaluates the in vitro emulsifying properties of protein hydrolysates from animal (whey protein concentrate) and vegetal origin (a soy protein isolate). By means of statistical modelling and bi-objective optimization, the experimental variables, namely, the protein source, enzyme (i.e., subtilisin, trypsin), degree of hydrolysis (2-14%) and emulsion pH (2-8), were optimized to obtain their maximal in vitro emulsifying properties. This procedure concluded that the emulsion prepared from the soy protein hydrolysate (degree of hydrolysis (DH) 6.5%, trypsin) at pH 8 presented an optimal combination of emulsifying properties (i.e., the emulsifying activity index and emulsifying stability index). For validation purposes, a fish oil-in-water emulsion was prepared under optimal conditions, evaluating its physical and oxidative stability for ten days of storage. This study confirmed that the use of soy protein hydrolysate as an emulsifier stabilized the droplet size distribution and retarded lipid oxidation within the storage period, compared to the use of a non-hydrolyzed soy protein isolate.

Identification of emulsifier potato peptides by bioinformatics: application to omega-3 delivery emulsions and release from potato industry side streams

In this work, we developed a novel approach combining bioinformatics, testing of functionality and bottom-up proteomics to obtain peptide emulsifiers from potato side-streams. This is a significant advancement in the process to obtain emulsifier peptides and it is applicable to any type of protein. Our results indicated that structure at the interface is the major determining factor of the emulsifying activity of peptide emulsifiers. Fish oil-in-water emulsions with high physical stability were stabilized with peptides to be predicted to have facial amphiphilicity: (i) peptides with predominantly α-helix conformation at the interface and having 18-29 amino acids, and (ii) peptides with predominantly β-strand conformation at the interface and having 13-15 amino acids. In addition, high physically stable emulsions were obtained with peptides that were predicted to have axial hydrophobic/hydrophilic regions. Peptides containing the sequence FCLKVGV showed high in vitro antioxidant activity and led to emulsions with high oxidative stability. Peptide-level proteomics data and sequence analysis revealed the feasibility to obtain the potent emulsifier peptides found in this study (e.g. γ-1) by trypsin-based hydrolysis of different side streams in the potato industry.

Physical and oxidative stability of chicken oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by chicken protein hydrolysates

The emulsifying and antioxidant properties of chicken protein hydrolysates for the physical and oxidative stabilization of chicken oil-in-water emulsion were investigated. The chicken protein pepsin hydrolysates obtained at reaction temperature of 33℃, 1.8% enzyme addition, liquid-solid ratio of 5:1, and reaction time of 4h, showed the DPPH radical scavenging rate of 92.12% and emulsion stability index of 0.07. The hydrolysate exerted significantly improved antioxidant activity and emulsion ability compared to the native chicken protein. The amino acid composition analysis indicated that the contents of hydrophobic amino acids including tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan were increased after hydrolysis, which contributed to the higher hydrophobicity and antioxidant activity of chicken hydrolysates. The results suggested that the chicken protein hydrolysates could be used as an alternative protein emulsifier for the production of oxidatively stable chicken oil-in-water emulsion.