Antimicrobial peptides derived from food byproducts: Sources, production, purification, applications, and challenges

Food wastes can be a valuable reservoir of bioactive substances that can serve as natural preservatives in foods or as functional ingredients with potential health benefits. The antimicrobial properties of protein hydrolysates, especially antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from food byproducts (FBs), have been extensively explored. These protein fragments are defined by their short length, low molecular weight, substantial content of hydrophobic and basic amino acids, and positive net charge. The intricate mechanisms by which these peptides exert their antimicrobial effects on microorganisms and pathogens have been elaborately described. This review also focuses on techniques for producing and purifying AMPs from diverse FBs, including seafood, livestock, poultry, plants, and dairy wastes. According to investigations, incorporating AMPs as additives and alternatives to chemical preservatives in food formulations and packaging materials has been pursued to enhance both consumer health and the shelf life of foods and their products. However, challenges associated with the utilization of AMPs derived from food waste depend on their interaction with the food matrix, acceptability, and commercial viability. Overall, AMPs can serve as alternative safe additives, thereby ensuring the safety and prolonging the storage duration of food products based on specific regulatory approvals as recommended by the respective safety authorities.

Exploring the Nutritional Potential and Functionality of Hemp and Rapeseed Proteins: A Review on Unveiling Anti-Nutritional Factors, Bioactive Compounds, and Functional Attributes

Plant-based proteins, like those derived from hemp and rapeseed can contribute significantly to a balanced diet and meet human daily nutritional requirements by providing essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to numerous recent research papers, the consumption of plant-based proteins has been associated with numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Plant-based diets are often lower in saturated fat and cholesterol and higher in fiber and phytonutrients, which can support overall health and well-being. Present research investigates the nutritional attributes, functional properties, and potential food applications of hemp and rapeseed protein for a potential use in new food-product development, with a certain focus on identifying anti-nutritional factors and bioactive compounds. Through comprehensive analysis, anti-nutritional factors and bioactive compounds were elucidated, shedding light on their impact on protein quality and digestibility. The study also delves into the functional properties of hemp and rapeseed protein, unveiling their versatility in various food applications. Insights from this research contribute to a deeper understanding of the nutritional value and functional potential of hemp and rapeseed protein, paving the way for their further utilization in innovative food products with enhanced nutritional value and notable health benefits.

Fractionation and physicochemical characterization of dietary fiber of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed

BACKGROUND

Kenaf seeds are underutilized kenaf plant by-products, containing essential nutrients including dietary fiber (DF), which can be potentially utilized as food ingredients. The present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of kenaf seed fiber fractions extracted from kenaf seed.

RESULTS

Defatted kenaf seed powder yielded four DF fractions: alkali-soluble hemicellulose (146.4 g kg-1 ), calcium-bound pectin (10.3 g kg-1 ) and acid-soluble pectin (25.4 g kg-1 ) made up the soluble fibre fraction, whereas cellulose (202.2 g kg-1 ) comprised the insoluble fraction. All fractions were evaluated for their physicochemical properties. The DF fractions contained glucose, mannose, xylose and arabinose, and a small amount of uronic acid (1.2-2.7 g kg-1 ). The isolated pectin fractions had a low degree of esterification (14-30%). All the isolated DF fractions had high average molecular weights ranging from 0.3 to 4.3 × 106 g mol-1 . X-ray diffractogram analysis revealed that the fractions consisted mainly of an amorphous structure with a relative crystallinity ranging from 31.6% to 44.1%. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum of kenaf seed and its DF fractions showed typical absorption of polysaccharides, with the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, acetyl and methyl groups. Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that the raw material with the rigid structure resulted in soluble and insoluble DF fractions with more fragile and fibrous appearances, respectively. The soluble DF demonstrated greater flowability and compressibility than the insoluble fractions.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide novel information on the DF fractions of kenaf seeds, which could be used as a potential new DF for the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Are oilseeds a new alternative protein source for human nutrition?

This review focuses on the potential use, nutritional value and beneficial health effects of oilseeds as a source of food protein. The process of extracting oil from oilseeds produces a by-product that is rich in proteins and other valuable nutritional and bioactive components. This product is primarily used for animal feed. However, as the demand for proteins continues to rise, plant-based proteins have a real success in food applications. Among the different plant protein sources, oilseeds could be used as an alternative protein source for human diet. The data we have so far show that oilseeds present a protein content of up to 40% and a relatively well-balanced profile of amino acids with sulphur-containing amino acids. Nevertheless, they tend to be deficient in lysine and rich in anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), which therefore means they have lower anabolic potential than animal proteins. To enhance their nutritional value, oilseed proteins can be combined with other protein sources and subjected to processes such as dehulling, heating, soaking, germination or fermentation to reduce their ANFs and improve protein digestibility. Furthermore, due to their bioactive peptides, oilseeds can also bring health benefits, particularly in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. However, additional nutritional data are needed before oilseeds can be endorsed as a protein source for humans.

Trends and advances in pre- and post-harvest processing of linseed oil for quality food and health products

Linseed is an ancient crop used for diverse purposes since the beginning of civilization. In recent times, linseed has emerged as a superfood due to its high content of health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids and other bioactive compounds. Among primary health effects, it has potential to manage hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, cancer, arthritis, neurological, cardiovascular diseases including blood cholesterol levels, constipation, diarrhea, and autoimmune disorders etc. due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acid, lignans, high dietary fibers, and proteins, whereas, secondary health effects comprise of relieving from various skin disorders. Due to these health-beneficial properties, interest in linseed oil necessitates the intensification of research efforts on various aspects. These include cultivation technology, varietal and genetic improvement, post-harvest processing, profiling of nutrients and bioactive compounds, pre-clinical and clinical studies, etc. The present review discussed the advances in linseed research including pre- and post-harvest processing. However, focus on the bioactive compounds present in linseed oil and their health effects are also presented. Linseed cultivation, pre- and post-harvest processing aspects are covered including climatic, edaphic, agronomic factors, type of cultivar and storage conditions etc, which impact the overall oil yield and its nutritional quality. Various emerging applications of linseed oil in functional food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical preparations were also presented in detail. Further, recommendations were made on linseed oil research in the field of genetics, breeding germplasm resources and genome editing for exploring its full applications as a nutrition and health product.

Partial characterization of canola (Brassica napus L.) protein isolates as affected by extraction and purification methods

Canola (Brassica napus L.) meal represents a prominent alternative plant-based source for protein isolation. This work aimed to investigate the combined effect of extraction and purification methods for the production of canola protein isolates (CPIs). CPIs were characterized in terms of process yield, protein recovery, basic composition, amino acid profile, in vitro protein digestibility, techno-functional properties, structural properties, and molecular features. The results showed that the Alk-Uf method enhanced yield (16.23 %) and protein recovery (34.88 %). Meanwhile, the Et-Alk-Uf method exhibited the highest crude protein (89.71 %) and free amino nitrogen (4.34 mg g protein-1) contents. Furthermore, protein digestibility (95.5 %) and protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (1.0) were improved using the Et-Alk-Ac method. Conversely, the amino acid composition, secondary structure, and electrophoretic profiles were generally similar for all CPIs. The Alk-Uf and Et-Alk-Uf methods produced isolates with the highest water solubility (∼39.18 %), water absorption capacity (∼3.86 g water g protein-1), oil absorption capacity (∼2.77 g oil g protein-1), and foaming capacity (∼505.26 %). Finally, the foaming stability (93.75 %) and foaming density (34.38 %) were increased when employing the Alk-Ac method. These findings suggest that, in general, the Alk-Uf and Et-Alk-Uf methods can be used to obtain CPIs with high added value for use in food formulations.

Recent Trends in the Application of Oilseed-Derived Protein Hydrolysates as Functional Foods

Oilseed-derived proteins have emerged as an excellent alternative to animal sources for the production of bioactive peptides. The bioactivities exhibited by peptides derived from plant proteins encompass a wide range of health-promoting and disease-preventing effects. Peptides demonstrate potential capabilities in managing diseases associated with free radicals and regulating blood pressure. They can also exhibit properties that lower blood sugar levels and modify immune responses. In addition to their bioactivities, plant-derived bioactive peptides also possess various functional properties that contribute to their versatility. An illustration of this potential can be the ability of peptides to significantly improve food preservation and reduce lipid content. Consequently, plant-derived bioactive peptides hold great promise as ingredients to develop functional products. This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the research progress made in the elucidation of the biological activities and functional properties of oilseed-derived proteins. The ultimate objective is to enhance the understanding of plant-derived bioactive peptides and provide valuable insights for further research and use in the food and medicine industries.

Composition, functional properties, health benefits and applications of oilseed proteins: A systematic review

Common oilseeds, such as soybean, peanut, rapeseed, sunflower seed, sesame seed and chia seed, are key sources of edible vegetable oils. Their defatted meals are excellent natural sources of plant proteins that can meet consumers' demand for health and sustainable substitutes for animal proteins. Oilseed proteins and their derived peptides are also associated with many health benefits, including weight loss and reduced risks of diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular events. This review summarizes the current status of knowledge on the protein and amino acid composition of common oilseeds as well as the functional properties, nutrition, health benefits and food applications of oilseed protein. Currently, oilseeds are widely applied in the food industry regarding for their health benefits and good functional properties. However, most oilseed proteins are incomplete proteins and their functional properties are not promising compared to animal proteins. They are also limited in the food industry due to their off-flavor, allergenic and antinutritional factors. These properties can be improved by protein modification. Therefore, in order to make better use of oilseed proteins, methods for improving their nutrition value, bioactive activity, functional and sensory characteristics, as well as the strategies for reducing their allergenicity were also discussed in this paper. Finally, examples for the application of oilseed proteins in the food industry are presented. Limitations and future perspectives for developing oilseed proteins as food ingredients are also pointed out. This review aims to foster thinking and generate novel ideas for future research. It will also provide novel ideas and broad prospects for the application of oilseeds in the food industry.

Factors Affecting the Quality of Canola Grains and Their Implications for Grain-Based Foods

Canola, Brassica napus L., is a major oilseed crop that has various uses in the food, feed, and industrial sectors. It is one of the most widely produced and consumed oilseeds in the world because of its high oil content and favorable fatty acid composition. Canola grains and their derived products, such as canola oil, meal, flour, and bakery products, have a high potential for food applications as they offer various nutritional and functional benefits. However, they are affected by various factors during the production cycle, post-harvest processing, and storage. These factors may compromise their quality and quantity by affecting their chemical composition, physical properties, functional characteristics, and sensory attributes. Therefore, it is important to optimize the production and processing methods of canola grains and their derived products to ensure their safety, stability, and suitability for different food applications. This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of how these factors affect the quality of canola grains and their derived products. The review also suggests future research needs and challenges for enhancing canola quality and its utilization in food.

Influence of Alkali Treatment of Jatropha Curcas L. Filler on the Service Life of Hybrid Adhesive Bonds under Low Cycle Loading

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of untreated and 5% aqueous NaOH solution-treated filler of the plant Jatropha Curcas L. on the mechanical properties of adhesive bonds, especially in terms of their service life at different amplitudes of cyclic loading. As a result of the presence of phorbol ester, which is toxic, Jatropha oilseed cake cannot be used as livestock feed. The secondary aim was to find other possibilities for the utilization of natural waste materials. Another use is as a filler in polymer composites, that is, in composite adhesive layers. The cyclic loading of the adhesive bonds was carried out for 1000 cycles in two amplitudes, that is, 5-30% of the maximum force and 5-50% of the maximum force, which was obtained by the static tensile testing of the adhesive bonds with unmodified filler. The static tensile test showed an increase in the shear strength of the adhesive bonds with alkali-treated filler compared to the untreated filler by 3-41%. The cyclic test results did not show a statistically significant effect of the alkaline treatment of the filler surface on the service life of the adhesive bonds. Positive changes in the strain value between adhesive bonds with treated and untreated filler were demonstrated at cyclic stress amplitudes of 5-50%. SEM analysis showed the presence of interlayer defects in the layers of the tested materials, which are related to the oil-based filler used.

Valorization of by-products from vegetable oil industries: Enzymes production by Yarrowia lipolytica through solid state fermentation

Vegetable oil extraction generates high amounts of by-products, which are designated as oil cakes. Since the current strategies employed for oil cakes' reuse are linked with some drawbacks, identification of alternative approaches to decrease the environmental impact and promote a circular economy is of vital importance. In general, these materials are characterized by high fiber content, making them suitable to be employed in solid state fermentation (SSF). Filamentous fungi have been the microorganisms mostly applied in SSF and yeasts were applied in less extent. In the present work, three by-products from the extraction of olive, sunflower, and rapeseed oils were used as solid substrates in SSF for lipase and protease production by Yarrowia lipolytica W29. Oil cakes mixtures composition was optimized for the production of each enzyme using a simplex-centroid design of experiments. A 50% (w/w) mixture of olive cake (OC) and sunflower cake (SC) led to the highest lipase production, while a combination of the three oil cakes was most suitable for maximum protease production. Both enzymes were produced at maximum levels in a short period of 48 h. This work demonstrated that enzyme production by Y. lipolytica W29 in SSF can be modulated by the different combinations of oil cakes in the substrate mixture. Additionally, the potential of using by-products from vegetable oil industries in SSF processes was also demonstrated, showing alternative strategies for their valorization.

Sustainable plant-based ingredients as wheat flour substitutes in bread making

Bread as a staple food has been predominantly prepared from refined wheat flour. The world's demand for food is rising with increased bread consumption in developing countries where climate conditions are unsuitable for wheat cultivation. This reliance on wheat increases the vulnerability to wheat supply shocks caused by force majeure or man-made events, in addition to negative environmental and health consequences. In this review, we discuss the contribution to the sustainability of food systems by partially replacing wheat flour with various types of plant ingredients in bread making, also known as composite bread. The sustainable sources of non-wheat flours, their example use in bread making and potential health and nutritional benefits are summarized. Non-wheat flours pose techno-functional challenges due to significantly different properties of their proteins compared to wheat gluten, and they often contain off-favor compounds that altogether limit the consumer acceptability of final bread products. Therefore, we detail recent advances in processing strategies to improve the sensory and nutritional profiles of composite bread. A special focus is laid on fermentation, for its accessibility and versatility to apply to different ingredients and scenarios. Finally, we outline research needs that require the synergism between sustainability science, human nutrition, microbiomics and food science.

Sunflower Oilcake as a Potential Source for the Development of Edible Membranes

Sunflower oilcake flour (SFOC) resulting from the cold extraction of oil is a rich source of valuable bio-components that stimulated the development of novel, biodegradable and edible films. The films were prepared by incorporating different concentration of sunflower oilcakes (0.1-0.5 g). The obtained films were characterized in terms of physical, water-affinity, antimicrobial and morphological properties. The edible-film properties were affected significantly by the presence and the level of SFOC added. The water vapor permeability and water vapor transmission rate improved with the amount of SFOC added. However, the solubility, oxygen and grease barrier were slightly lower than control film. SEM analysis revealed a rougher but continuous structure with the increases in sunflower oilcake. Moreover, the films with different SFOC levels were opaque, thus presenting good protection against UV radiation. Overall, the SFOC can be use as raw material to produce edible films with suitable properties and microbiological stability for food-packaging applications.