Wet Grinder-Treated Okara Improved Both Mechanical Properties and Intermolecular Forces of Soybean Protein Isolate Gels

Wet-type grinder-treated okara modulates gut microbiota composition and attenuates obesity in high-fat-fed mice

Wet-type grinder (WG) is a nanofiber technology used to atomize dietary fiber-rich materials. WG-treated okara (WGO) exhibits high dispersion and viscosity similar to those of viscous soluble dietary fibers. Here, we studied the effect of WGO supplementation on obesity and gut microbiota composition in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. WGO intake suppressed body weight gain and fat accumulation, improved glucose tolerance, lowered cholesterol levels, and prevented HFD-induced decrease in muscle mass. WGO supplementation also led to cecum enlargement, lower pH, and higher butyrate production. The bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA genes (16S rDNA) were sequenced to determine the gut microbiota composition of the fecal samples. Sequencing of bacterial 16S rDNA revealed that WGO treatment increased the abundance of butyrate producer Ruminococcus and reduced the abundances of Rikenellaceae, Streptococcaceae, and Prevotellaceae, which are related to metabolic diseases. Metabolomics analysis of the plasma of WGO- and cellulose-treated mice were conducted using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed that the primary bile acid biosynthesis pathway was significantly positively regulated by WGO intake instead of cellulose. These results demonstrate that WG is useful for improving functional properties of okara to prevent metabolic syndromes, including obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

Development of patty meat analogue using anchovy protein isolate (Stolephorus insularis) as a binding agent

The development of meat analogues focuses on sustainable production and requires attention to their nutritional, physicochemical, and sensory values. Anchovy protein isolate (API) is a novel and potential binding agent in the development of meat analogues. This study aimed to produce API and evaluate the physical, proximate, and sensory qualities of patty meat analogue (PMA) with the addition of API. The preparation method for API uses pH-shifting. The ratios of API added to the meat analogues were 0 % (F0), 4 % (F1), 8 % (F2), and 12 % (F3) per textured vegetable protein (TVP) weight. Furthermore, PMA was analysed for physical, proximate, and sensory properties. API had 87.23 % dry basis (db) protein content. The amino acid composition of API generally complied with the nutritional requirements of adults and children. The addition of API significantly affected the physical properties, proximate composition, and sensory (taste) qualities of PMA (p < 0.05). The protein content of PMA met Indonesian national standards (SNI) and was similar to both McDonald's and ground beef patty based on United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards. F3 was found to be the best based on its physical, proximate, and sensory properties.

Nitrogen regulates the synthesis of hydrophobic amino acids to improve protein structural and gel properties in common buckwheat

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer impacts the grain quality of common buckwheat, but the effects and regulatory mechanisms of N on various protein parameters of buckwheat are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the particle morphology, structural and gel properties, and regulation mechanism of buckwheat protein under four N levels. The bulk density, surface hydrophobicity, particle size, and thermal properties of the buckwheat protein were maximized through the optimal N application (180 kg N/ha), further enhancing the thermal stability of the protein. N application increased the β-sheet content and reduced the random coil content. Appropriate N fertilizer input enhanced the tertiary structure stability and gel elasticity of buckwheat protein by promoting hydrophobic interactions, disulfide bonds, ionic bonds, storage modulus and loss modulus. The differentially expressed proteins induced by N are primarily enriched in small ribosomal subunit and ribosome, improving protein quality mainly by promoting the synthesis of hydrophobic amino acids. Future agriculture should pay attention to the hydrophobic amino acid content of buckwheat to effectively improve protein quality. This study further advances the application of buckwheat protein in the field of food processing and provides a theoretical basis for the extensive development and utilization of buckwheat protein.