Micro-Encapsulation of Phytochemicals in Passion Fruit Peel Waste Generated on an Organic Farm: Effect of Carriers on the Quality of Encapsulated Powders and Potential for Value-Addition

Optimizing the ultrasonic extraction of polyphenols from mango peel and investigating the characteristics, antioxidant activity and storage stability of extract nanocapsules in maltodextrin/whey protein isolate

In this study, the extraction and nanoencapsulation of mango peel extract (MPE) were investigated to enhance its stability and preserve its antioxidant properties. Initially, using the central composite design (CCD)-response surface methodology (RSM), optimal conditions for the extraction of MPE via an ultrasonic system were determined to be a temperature of 10.53 °C, a time of 34.35 min, and an ethanol concentration of 26.62 %. Subsequently, the extracted extract was spray-dried and nanoencapsulated using three types of coatings: maltodextrin, whey protein isolate (WPI), and their combination. The results showed that nanoencapsulation led to a significant improvement in the stability of phenolic compounds in the extract during storage compared to free extract. Furthermore, capsules prepared with the combined coating exhibited the highest levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Therefore, it can be concluded that nanoencapsulation can serve as an effective method for preserving the bioactive properties of MPE.

Biotechnology of Passiflora edulis: role of Agrobacterium and endophytic microbes

Two forms of the genus Passiflora, belonging to the Passifloraceae family, are commonly called yellow and purple passion. These perennial woody climbers are found in the cooler regions at higher altitudes and in lowlands of tropical areas. The presence of alkaloids, terpenes, stilbenes, flavonoids, glycosides, carotenoids, etc. in different parts of the plant provides several pharmacological properties. Because of the various uses in foods and pharmaceuticals, in vitro propagation of this genus has been performed hugely and is of great interest to researchers. From different explants via direct organogenesis under controlled aseptic conditions, callus, root, shoot, and somatic embryos are induced successfully. Different PGRs are augmented in the media for the rapid multiplication or organogenesis, especially, the high ratio of cytokinin and auxin in the basal media efficiently regenerates the shoot and root respectively. The in vitro regenerated plantlets are then acclimatized and hardened properly before transferring to the field conditions. Thus, the present first of its kind review on P. edulis exclusively encompasses the wide applications of biotechnology for this species alongside its organogenesis, embryogenesis, cytology, and endophytic microbes with special emphasis on the role of genetic transformation studies mediated by Agrobacterium sp. KEY POINTS: • Critical assessment on in vitro biotechnology in P. edulis. • Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in P. edulis. • Role of endophytic microbes in P. edulis.

Encapsulation of betalain-rich extract from beetroot postharvest waste using a binary blend of gum Arabic and maltodextrin to promote a food circular bioeconomy

Introduction

The present study evaluated the potential of maltodextrin (MT), gum Arabic (GA), and their blends to produce functional beetroot waste extract powder (BWEP).

Methods

The beetroot waste extracts were produced using 50% ethanol and encapsulated using 10% (1:10, w/v) of the GA and MT carriers at different blending ratios, namely, GA:MT 1:0, GA:MT 0:1, GA:MT 1:1, GA:MT 2:1, and GA:MT 1:2, respectively. The BWEP were analyzed for physicochemical, technofunctional, morphological, crystallinity, and antioxidant properties.

Results

BWEP produced using either GA or MT exhibited better color, solubility, encapsulation efficiency, and betalain content. Powders from the blends of GA and MT showed better oil holding capacity and total phenolic content. On the other hand, powder yield, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, bulk density, and DPPH radical scavenging activity did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) among the powders. BWEP produced using GA and MT separately was relatively smaller and more regular compared to the powders from the blended biopolymers. All powders showed signs of agglomeration, which was more pronounced in the powders from the blended biopolymers. A total of 16 metabolites, including betalains (9), phenolic acids (2), and flavonoids (5), were tentatively identified. The majority of the metabolites were entrapped in the BWEP produced using GA and MT separately. The quantified metabolites included gallic acid (33.62-44.83 μg/g DM), (+)-catechin (32.82-35.84 μg/g DM), (-)-epicatechin (37.78-45.89 μg/g DM), and myricetin (30.07-35.84 μg/g DM), which were significantly higher in the BWEP produced from GA or MT separately.

Discussion

The study showed that although blending GA and MT has the potential to improve the quality of BWEP, using these biopolymers separately showed a promise to promote a food circular bioeconomy.

Encapsulation of Pineapple Peel Extracts by Ionotropic Gelation Using Corn Starch, Weissella confusa Exopolysaccharide, and Sodium Alginate as Wall Materials

Phenolic compounds that are present in pineapple by-products offer many health benefits to the consumer; however, they are unstable to many environmental factors. For this reason, encapsulation is ideal for preserving their beneficial effects. In this work, extracts were obtained by the combined method of solid-state fermentation with Rhizopus oryzae and ultrasound. After this process, the encapsulation process was performed by ionotropic gelation using corn starch, sodium alginate, and Weissella confusa exopolysaccharide as wall material. The encapsulates produced presented a moisture content between 7.10 and 10.45% (w.b), a solubility of 53.06 ± 0.54%, and a wettability of 31.46 ± 2.02 s. The total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity of DPPH, and ABTS of the encapsulates were also determined, finding 232.55 ± 2.07 mg GAE/g d.m for TPC, 45.64 ± 0.9 µm Trolox/mg GAE for DPPH, and 51.69 ± 1.08 µm Trolox/mg GAE for ABTS. Additionally, ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analysis allowed us to identify and quantify six bioactive compounds: rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, and quercetin. According to the above, using ionotropic gelation, it was possible to obtain microencapsulates containing bioactive compounds from pineapple peel extracts, which may have applications in the development of functional foods.

Phytochemistry, nutritional composition, health benefits and future prospects of Passiflora: A review

Passiflora, also known as "passion fruit", is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It is not only eaten raw but is also widely used in processed foods. Various extracts, juices and isolated compounds show a wide range of health effects and biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and neuroprotective effects. In this review, we not only review the phytochemical properties of Passiflora but also highlight the potential of Passiflora for food applications and the use of all parts as a source of ingredients for medicines and cosmetics that promote health and well-being. This will provide theoretical support for the integrated use of such natural products.

3D Printing Approach to Valorization of Agri-Food Processing Waste Streams

With increasing evidence of their relevance to resource recovery, waste utilization, zero waste, a circular economy, and sustainability, food-processing waste streams are being viewed as an aspect of both research and commercial interest. Accordingly, different approaches have evolved for their management and utilization. With excellent levels of customization, three-dimensional (3D) printing has found numerous applications in various sectors. The focus of this review article is to explain the state of the art, innovative interventions, and promising features of 3D printing technology for the valorization of agri-food processing waste streams. Based on recent works, this article covers two aspects: the conversion of processing waste streams into edible novel foods or inedible biodegradable materials for food packing and allied applications. However, this application domain cannot be limited to only what is already established, as there are ample prospects for several other application fields intertwining 3D food printing and waste processing. In addition, this article presents the key merits of the technology and emphasizes research needs and directions for future work on this disruptive technology, specific to food-printing applications.