Health Benefits of Cereal Grain- and Pulse-Derived Proteins

Unexplored Opportunities of Utilizing Food Waste in Food Product Development for Cardiovascular Health

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Global food production leads to substantial amounts of agricultural and food waste that contribute to climate change and hinder international efforts to end food insecurity and poverty. Food waste is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fibers, phenolic compounds, lipids, and bioactive peptides. These compounds can be used to create food products that help reduce heart disease risk and promote sustainability. This review examines the potential cardiovascular benefits of nutrients found in different food waste categories (such as fruits and vegetables, cereal, dairy, meat and poultry, and seafood), focusing on animal and clinical evidence, and giving examples of functional food products in each category.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current evidence suggests that consuming fruit and vegetable pomace, cereal bran, and whey protein may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in individuals who are at risk. This is due to improved lipid profile, reduced blood pressure and increased flow-mediated dilation, enhanced glucose and insulin regulation, decreased inflammation, as well as reduced platelet aggregation and improved endothelial function. However, the intervention studies are limited, including a low number of participants and of short duration. Food waste has great potential to be utilized as cardioprotective products. Longer-term intervention studies are necessary to substantiate the health claims of food by-products. Technological advances are needed to improve the stability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds. Implementing safety assessments and regulatory frameworks for functional food derived from food waste is crucial. This is essential for maximizing the potential of food waste, reducing carbon footprint, and improving human health.

Recent progress in plant-based proteins: From extraction and modification methods to applications in the food industry

Plant proteins can meet consumers' demand for healthy and sustainable alternatives to animal proteins. It has been reported to possess numerous health benefits and is widely used in the food industry. However, conventional extraction methods are time-consuming, energy-intensive, as well as environmentally unfriendly. Plant proteins are also limited in application due to off-flavors, allergies, and anti-nutritional factors. Therefore, this paper discusses the challenges and limitations of conventional extraction processes. The current advances in green extraction technologies are also summarized. In addition, methods to improve the nutritional value, bioactivity, functional and organoleptic properties of plant proteins, and strategies to reduce their allergenicity are mentioned. Finally, examples of applications of plant proteins in the food industry are presented. This review aims to stimulate thinking and generate new ideas for future research. It will also provide new ideas and broad perspectives for the application of plant proteins in the food industry.

Exploring Protein-Based Carriers in Drug Delivery: A Review

Drug delivery systems (DDSs) represent an emerging focus for many researchers and they are becoming progressively crucial in the development of new treatments. Great attention is given to all the challenges that a drug has to overcome during its journey across barriers and tissues and all the pharmacokinetics modulations that are needed in order to reach the targeting sites. The goal of these pathways is the delivery of drugs in a controlled way, optimizing their bioavailability and minimizing side effects. Recent innovations in DDSs include various nanotechnology-based approaches, such as nanoparticles, nanofibers and micelles, which provide effective targeted delivery and sustained release of therapeutics. In this context, protein-based drug delivery systems are gaining significant attention in the pharmaceutical field due to their potential to revolutionize targeted and efficient drug delivery. As natural biomolecules, proteins offer distinct advantages, including safety, biocompatibility and biodegradability, making them a fascinating alternative to synthetic polymers. Moreover, protein-based carriers, including those derived from gelatin, albumin, collagen, gliadin and silk proteins, demonstrate exceptional stability under physiological conditions, and they allow for controlled and sustained drug release, enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current trends, challenges, and future perspectives in protein-based drug delivery, focusing on the types of proteins adopted and the techniques that are being developed to enhance their functionality in terms of drug affinity and targeting capabilities, underscoring their potential to significantly impact modern therapeutics.

Amaranth and buckwheat grains: Nutritional profile, development of functional foods, their pre-clinical cum clinical aspects and enrichment in feed

The resurgence of interest in amaranth and buckwheat as nutrient-rich and versatile grains has incited extensive research aimed at exploring their potential benefits for sustainable agriculture and human nutrition. Amaranth is renowned for its gluten-free nature and exceptional nutritional profile, offering high-quality proteins, fiber, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Similarly, buckwheat is recognized for its functional and nutraceutical properties, offering a plethora of health benefits attributed to its diverse array of biologically active constituents; flavonoids, phytosterols, and antioxidants. This comprehensive review comprehends the existing understanding of the composition, anti-nutritional factors, biological activity, and potential application of these grains, emphasizing their pivotal role in addressing global food insecurity. Developed functional foods using these grains are having enhanced physicochemical properties, mineral content, phenolic content and overall sensory acceptability. In addition, the consumption of developed functional food products proved their health benefits against various type of anomalies. Moreover, enrichment of both grains in the animal feeds also showing positive health benefits.

Effect of high plant protein/peptide nutrition supplementation on knee osteoarthritis in older adults with sarcopenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Skeletal muscle is an important contributor to joint health. Previous studies have shown that age-related muscle mass and strength loss are closely associated with the development of knee osteoarthritis. The objective of this study is to investigate whether a high plant protein/peptide nutrition supplementation can alleviate knee osteoarthritis by improving muscle mass and strength.

METHODS

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that included participants aged 50-70 years diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and sarcopenia was conducted in China from February 2022 to September 2022 (ChiCTR2200056415). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a 12-week high plant protein/peptide nutrition supplementation or a placebo twice daily, with one serving each after breakfast and dinner, respectively. The primary outcome analyzed using intention-to-treat analysis was difference in Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) from baseline to week 12 between the two groups. The secondary outcomes included changes in muscle mass, strength, symptom and imaging of knee osteoarthritis, body composition, biochemical parameters, and health quality scores.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks, a total of 124 participants (38.7% male) completed the trial and were included in the final analysis. Over the 12-week follow-up, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the SPPB total score (1.03, 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.38, P < 0.0001) compared with the placebo group. Grip strength (2.83 kg, 95% CI, 2.13 to 3.53, P < 0.0001) and skeletal muscle mass index (0.66 kg/m2, 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.86, P < 0.0001) were also significantly increased in the experimental group relative to the placebo group. The mean change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index total score was -3.95 points (95% CI, -5.02 to -2.89, P < 0.0001) in the experimental group and 0.23 points (95% CI, -0.17 to 0.63, P = 0.253) in the placebo group. Additionally, within the experimental group, nine participants experienced an improvement in osteophyte magnetic resonance imaging results, while no improvement was observed in the placebo group. The experimental group also exhibited significant improvements in health quality compared with the placebo group as assessed by Short Form 36, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Scale, and the Chalder Fatigue Scale. No serious adverse events were reported during the trial.

CONCLUSION

Oral supplementation with high levels of plant protein/peptides can alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis in elderly individuals with minor or mild knee osteoarthritis and sarcopenia. This improvement may be attributed to the enhancements of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance.

Healthy Eating beyond Whole Grains-Insight on Associations between Diet Quality and Arterial Stiffness in the Brisighella Heart Study Cohort

Although whole grains have well-recognized protective effects against the development of cardiometabolic diseases, whole grain foods are poorly consumed by the general population. The aim of our study was to establish, at a population level, the vascular impact of a low intake of whole grain foods. From the initial cohort of the Brisighella Heart Study, we identified a population sample of 1503 individuals-including 720 men (47.9%) and 783 women (52.1%)-who overall largely consumed refined grain products. Diet quality was estimated by the Short Healthy Eating Index (sHEI), and women were found to have an eating pattern that was overall healthier than men (44.1 ± 8.5 vs. 36.3 ± 8.1, p < 0.001). The development of an age- and blood pressure (BP)-adjusted multiple linear regression model found that carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was significantly predicted by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, B = -0.148, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) -0.259--0.038, p < 0.001), serum uric acid (SUA, B = 0.220, 95%CI 0.095-0.320, p = 0.001) and sHEI (B = -0.231, 95%CI -327--0.089, p < 0.001) in men, and by eGFR (B = -0.152, 95%CI -0.266--0.052, p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI, B = 0.174, 95%CI 0.111-0.331, p = 0.002), SUA (B = 0.278, 95%CI 0.158-0.354, p < 0.001) and sHEI (B = -0.218, 95%CI -308--0.115, p < 0.001) in women. Ultimately, a low sHEI score was a significant predictor of arterial stiffness also in a population cohort with a high consumption of refined grain products.

Evaluation of Sourdough Bread and Its Potential Use in Support of the Treatment of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases

Gastrointestinal disorders dysregulate the biochemical environment of the gastrointestinal tract by altering pH conditions during the gastric phase of digestion or by reducing the secretion of pancreatin during the intestinal part of the process. Ingested functional food could therefore lose some of its health-promoting potential apart from its nutritional value. In this work, we aimed to manufacture bread marked by decreased gluten content, using a commercial or laboratory sourdough, that could be appropriate for patients afflicted with wheat allergy, hypertension and pancreatic malfunctions. A reference sample (no sourdough) was prepared alongside wheat and wheat-rye bread samples-produced with either commercial or laboratory sourdough (L. plantarum BS, L. brevis 1269, L. sanfranciscensis 20663). We measured the QQQPP allergen content (ELISA) in bread extracts digested in vitro and determined how these extracted components affect the level of active angiotensin and alpha amylase (spectrophotometry). We then elucidated how these properties changed when physiological digestion conditions (pH and pancreatin activity) were disturbed to mimic gastric hyperacidity, hypochlorhydria or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The key finding was that every tested type of bread produced with laboratory sourdough exhibited pronounced angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition. The effect was preserved even in dysregulated digestive conditions. The use of laboratory sourdough prevented an increase in allergenicity when pancreatin was restricted as opposed to the commercial sourdough, which surpassed the reference sample reading at 50% pancreatin. No statistically consistent link was reported when the inhibition of alpha amylase was assayed. In conclusion, functional bread manufactured with sourdough composed of L. plantarum BS, L. brevis 1269, and L. sanfranciscensis 20663 was shown to be potentially capable of contributing to the treatment against hypertension as evidenced by in vitro research. It was also moderately safer with regard to its allergenicity.

Effect of Rice Bran Protein on the Foaming Properties and Foaming Characteristics of Rice Bran Protein-Sodium Caseinate and Rice Bran Protein Nanoparticles-Sodium Caseinate

Rice bran, a byproduct of rice milling, comprises 12-14% protein. The foaming properties and associated mechanisms of the composite rice bran protein system were not well studied. In this study, a composite protein system composed of rice bran protein (RBP)-sodium caseinate (NaCas) and rice bran protein nanoparticles (RBPNs)-sodium caseinate (NaCas) was investigated. The results showed that the synergistic effect of RBP and NaCas increased the foaming stability of the composite solution up to 83.77 ± 2.75%. Moreover, the foaming capacity and foaming stability of the RBPNs-NaCas composite solution were up to 177.50 ± 3.53% and 80.28 ± 0.39%, respectively. The physicochemical properties results revealed that the particle size volume peaks of RBP-NaCas and RBPNs-NaCas were mainly concentrated at 55.7 nm and 197.1 nm, and RBPNs-NaCas showed a wider single peak particle size distribution. The ζ-potential values of RBP-NaCas and RBPNs-NaCas were changed to -35.5 ± 0.07 mV and -27.2 ± 0.28 mV after complexation. The apparent viscosity and consistency factor of RBP-NaCas decreased by 31.1% compared to RBP, while RBPNs-NaCas displayed similar parameters to the single proteins. The interfacial rheological test showed that RBP and RBPNs can significantly improve the interfacial properties of NaCas by enhancing the interfacial interaction and the interfacial viscoelastic modulus of composite proteins, which is conducive to the stability of the foam system. The outcome of the study provided a theoretical basis for RBP and RBPNs to partially replace NaCas in the processing of foamed food.

Proteins from Legumes, Cereals, and Pseudo-Cereals: Composition, Modification, Bioactivities, and Applications

This review presents a comprehensive analysis of plant-based proteins from soybeans, pulses, cereals, and pseudo-cereals by examining their structural properties, modification techniques, bioactivities, and applicability in food systems. It addresses the critical need for a proper utilization strategy of proteins from various plant sources amidst the rising environmental footprint of animal protein production. The inherent composition diversity among plant proteins, their nutritional profiles, digestibility, environmental impacts, and consumer acceptance are compared. The innovative modification techniques to enhance the functional properties of plant proteins are also discussed. The review also investigates the bioactive properties of plant proteins, including their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumoral activities, and their role in developing meat analogs, dairy alternatives, baked goods, and 3D-printed foods. It underscores the consideration parameters of using plant proteins as sustainable, nutritious, and functional ingredients and advocates for research to overcome sensory and functional challenges for improved consumer acceptance and marketability.

Pulse Proteins and Their Hydrolysates: A Comprehensive Review of Their Beneficial Effects on Metabolic Syndrome and the Gut Microbiome

Pulses, as an important part of the human diet, can act as a source of high-quality plant proteins. Pulse proteins and their hydrolysates have shown promising results in alleviating metabolic syndrome and modulating the gut microbiome. Their bioactivities have become a focus of research, with many new findings added in recent studies. This paper comprehensively reviews the anti-hypertension, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-dyslipidemia and anti-obesity bioactivities of pulse proteins and their hydrolysates in recent in vitro and in vivo studies, which show great potential for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. In addition, pulse proteins and their hydrolysates can regulate the gut microbiome, which in turn can have a positive impact on the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of some pulse proteins and their hydrolysates on metabolic syndrome have been supported by clinical studies. This review might provide a reference for the application of pulse proteins and their hydrolysates in functional foods or nutritional supplements for people with metabolic syndrome.

Oat protein modulates cholesterol metabolism and improves cardiac systolic function in high fat, high sucrose fed rats

Oats are recognized to provide many health benefits that are mainly associated with its dietary fibre, β-glucan. However, the protein derived from oats is largely understudied with respect to its ability to maintain health and attenuate risk factors of chronic diseases. The goal of the current study was to investigate the metabolic effects of oat protein consumption in lieu of casein as the protein source in high fat, high sucrose (HF/HS) fed Wistar rats. Four-week-old rats were divided into three groups and were fed three different experimental diets: a control diet with casein as the protein source, an HF/HS diet with casein, or an HF/HS diet with oat protein for 16 weeks. Heart structure and function were determined by echocardiography. Blood pressure measurements, an oral glucose tolerance test, and markers of cholesterol metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver and kidney damage were also performed. Our study results show that incorporation of oat protein in the diet was effective in preserving systolic heart function in HF/HS fed rats. Oat protein significantly reduced serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Furthermore, oat protein normalized liver HMG-CoAR activity, which, to our knowledge, is the first time this has been reported in the literature. Therefore, our research suggests that oat protein can provide hypocholesterolemic and cardioprotective benefits in a diet-induced model of metabolic syndrome.

Is CRISPR/Cas9-based multi-trait enhancement of wheat forthcoming?

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) technologies have been implemented in recent years in the genome editing of eukaryotes, including plants. The original system of knocking out a single gene by causing a double-strand break (DSB), followed by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or Homology-directed repair (HDR) has undergone many adaptations. These adaptations include employing CRISPR/Cas9 to upregulate gene expression or to cause specific small changes to the DNA sequence of the gene-of-interest. In plants, multiplexing, i.e., inducing multiple changes by CRISPR/Cas9, is extremely relevant due to the redundancy of many plant genes, and the time- and labor-consuming generation of stable transgenic plant lines via crossing. Here we discuss relevant examples of various traits, such as yield, biofortification, gluten content, abiotic stress tolerance, and biotic stress resistance, which have been successfully manipulated using CRISPR/Cas9 in plants. While existing studies have primarily focused on proving the impact of CRISPR/Cas9 on a single trait, there is a growing interest among researchers in creating a multi-stress tolerant wheat cultivar 'super wheat', to commercially and sustainably enhance wheat yields under climate change. Due to the complexity of the technical difficulties in generating multi-target CRISPR/Cas9 lines and of the interactions between stress responses, we propose enhancing already commercial local landraces with higher yield traits along with stress tolerances specific to the respective localities, instead of generating a general 'super wheat'. We hope this will serve as the sustainable solution to commercially enhancing crop yields under both stable and challenging environmental conditions.

Fungal and Toxin Contaminants in Cereal Grains and Flours: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cereal grains serve as the cornerstone of global nutrition, providing a significant portion of humanity's caloric requirements. However, the presence of fungal genera, such Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria, known for their mycotoxin-producing abilities, presents a significant threat to human health due to the adverse effects of these toxins. The primary objective of this study was to identify the predominant fungal contaminants in cereal grains utilized in breadmaking, as well as in flour and bread. Moreover, a systematic review, including meta-analysis, was conducted on the occurrence and levels of mycotoxins in wheat flour from the years 2013 to 2023. The genera most frequently reported were Fusarium, followed by Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. Among the published reports, the majority focused on the analysis of Deoxynivalenol (DON), which garnered twice as many reports compared to those focusing on Aflatoxins, Zearalenone, and Ochratoxin A. The concentration of these toxins, in most cases determined by HPLC-MS/MS or HPLC coupled with a fluorescence detector (FLD), was occasionally observed to exceed the maximum limits established by national and/or international authorities. The prevalence of mycotoxins in flour samples from the European Union (EU) and China, as well as in foods intended for infants, exhibited a significant reduction compared to other commercial flours assessed by a meta-analysis investigation.

Unlocking the Potential of Sprouted Cereals, Pseudocereals, and Pulses in Combating Malnutrition

Due to the global rise in food insecurity, micronutrient deficiency, and diet-related health issues, the United Nations (UN) has called for action to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. Grains are the staple food worldwide; hence, improving their nutritional quality can certainly be an appropriate approach to mitigate malnutrition. This review article aims to collect recent information on developing nutrient-dense grains using a sustainable and natural process known as "sprouting or germination" and to discuss novel applications of sprouted grains to tackle malnutrition (specifically undernutrition). This article discusses applicable interventions and strategies to encourage biochemical changes in sprouting grains further to boost their nutritional value and health benefits. It also explains opportunities to use spouted grains at home and in industrial food applications, especially focusing on domestic grains in regions with prevalent malnutrition. The common challenges for producing sprouted grains, their future trends, and research opportunities have been covered. This review article will benefit scientists and researchers in food, nutrition, and agriculture, as well as agrifood businesses and policymakers who aim to develop nutrient-enriched foods to enhance public health.

Enhancing household soybean processing and utilization in the Eastern Province of Zambia, a concurrent triangulation study design

The purpose of this study was to establish best ways of improving household soybean processing and utilization in selected districts in the Eastern Province of Zambia. This was a concurrent triangulation study design, nested with a cross sectional survey and barrier analysis. Up to 1,237 households and 42 key informants participated in the quantitative and qualitative studies respectively. Quantitative data was analysed using Stata MP 15 software (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA). NVIVO QSR10 software (QSRInt, Melbourne Australia) was used to organize qualitative data which was later analysed thematically. In this study whole soybean processing and utilization in eastern province was at 48%. However, accessibility to soybean for household consumption throughout the year was negligible (0.29%). Based on the food systems an interplay of factors influenced soybean processing and utilization. In the food environment, a ready-made Textured Soya Protein mainly imported [1,030/1237(83%)] and a milled whole soybean-maize blend AOR 816.37; 95%CI 110.83 to 6013.31 were preferred. Reports of labour intensity, hard to cook properties, coarse milling and beany flavour with associated anti-nutrients negatively influenced whole soybean utilization. In the enabling environment, soybean production AOR 4.47; 95%CI 2.82 to 7.08 increased the chances of utilization. Lack of inputs, poor access to affordable credit and lack of ingredients were deleterious to utilization. Low coverage of existing projects and poor access to technologies were other adverse factors. Among the Socioeconomic factors, a higher social hierarchy shown by owning a bed AOR 1.75; 95%CI 1.22 to 2.49, belonging to the Chewa community AOR 1.16; 95%CI 1.08 to 0 1.25, gender of household head particularly male AOR 1.94; 95%CI 1.21 to 3.13, off farm income and livestock ownership were supportive to soybean utilization. Unfavourable factors were; belonging to any of the districts under study AOR 0.76; 95%CI 0.58 to 0.98, lack of knowledge (55.65%), low involvement of the male folks AOR 0.47; 95%CI 0.30 to 0.73 and belonging to a female headed household AOR 1.94; 95%CI 1.21 to 3.13. Age, time and household size constraints as well as unreliable soybean output markets, lack of land, poor soils in some wards and poor soybean value chain governance were other negative factors. Immediately in the food environment there is need to boost milling of whole soybean while strengthening cooking demonstrations, correct processing, incorporation of soybean in the local dishes and conducting acceptability tests. In the enabling environment, there should be access to inputs, affordable credit facilities and subsidized mineral fertilisers. Post-harvest storage, collective action with full scale community involvement and ownership should be heightened. Socioeconomic approaches should target promotion of soybean processing and utilization among all ethnic groups, participation of male folks and female headed households as well as advocating for increased nutrition sensitive social protection. In the medium or long term, capacity building, market development, import substitution agreements, creation of new products, development of cottage industries, information exchange and inter district trade as well as more public-private partnerships and more local private sector players should be bolstered. Lastly farm diversification should be supported.

Novel Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is one of the most fatal diseases in the world. The associated thickening of the arterial wall and its background and consequences make it a very composite disease entity with many mechanisms that lead to its creation. It is an active process, and scientists from various branches are engaged in research, including molecular biologists, cardiologists, and immunologists. This review summarizes the available information on the pathophysiological implications of atherosclerosis, focusing on endothelium dysfunction, inflammatory factors, aging, and uric acid, vitamin D, and miRNA expression as recent evidence of interactions of the molecular and cellular elements. Analyzing new discoveries for the underlying causes of this condition assists the general research to improve understanding of the mechanism of pathophysiology and thus prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Cereal bran proteins: recent advances in extraction, properties, and applications

The projected global population is expected to reach around 9.7 billion by 2050, indicating a greater demand for proteins in the human diet. Cereal bran proteins (CBPs) have been identified as high-quality proteins, with potential applications in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. In 2020, global cereal grain production was 2.1 billion metric tonnes, including wheat, rice, corn, millet, barley, and oats. Cereal bran, obtained through milling, made up 10-20% of total cereal grain production, varying by grain type and milling degree. In this article, the molecular composition and nutritional value of CBPs are summarized, and recent advances in their extraction and purification are discussed. The functional properties of CBPs are then reviewed, including their solubility, binding, emulsifying, foaming, gelling, and thermal properties. Finally, current challenges to the application of CBPs in foods are highlighted, such as the presence of antinutritional factors, low digestibility, and allergenicity, as well as potential strategies to improve the nutritional and functional properties by overcoming these challenges. CBPs exhibit nutritional and functional attributes that are similar to those of other widely used plant-based protein sources. Thus, CBPs have considerable potential for use as ingredients in food, pharmaceutical, and other products.

Screening and Selection of Drought-Tolerant High-Yielding Chickpea Genotypes Based on Physio-Biochemical Selection Indices and Yield Trials

Chickpea production is seriously hampered by drought stress, which could be a great threat in the future for food security in developing countries. The present investigation aimed to screen the drought-tolerant response of forty desi chickpea genotypes against drought stress through various physio-biochemical selection indices and yield-attributing traits. Principle component-based biplot analysis recognized PG205, JG2016-44, JG63, and JG24 as tolerant genotypes based on physiological selection indices. These genotypes retained higher relative water content, stomatal conductance, internal CO₂ concentration, and photosynthetic rate. ICC4958, JG11, JAKI9218, JG16, JG63, and PG205 were selected as tolerant genotypes based on biochemical selection indices. These genotypes sustained higher chlorophyll, sugar and proline content with enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. With respect to yield trials, JAKI9218, JG11, JG16, and ICC4958 had higher seed yield per plant, numbers of pods, and biological yield per plant. Finally, JG11, JAKI9218, ICC4958, JG16, JG63, and PG205 were selected as tolerant genotypes based on cumulative physio-biochemical selection indices and yield response. These identified drought-tolerant genotypes may be further employed in climate-smart chickpea breeding programs for sustainable production under a changing climate scenario.

Changes in Bio-Functional Compounds, ACE Inhibition, and Antioxidant Capacity after Mixed Fermentation of Eight Whole Grains

Whole grains are rich in nutrients and antioxidants and can be fermented to increase their biological functions. This study used two fermentation steps to ferment eight whole grains. The bio-functional compounds, ACE inhibition, and antioxidant capacity were measured during the second fermentation step. The results indicate that the total phenols content increased by 2605%, total flavonoid content increased by 1707%, ABTS radical scavenging capacity increased by 239%, DPPH radical scavenging capacity increased by 325%, GABA increased by 4810%, glucuronic acid increased by 4278%, ACE inhibition increased by 69.28%, and total amino acids increased by 2197.72% after 13 weeks of fermentation. These results showed that a fermentation beverage with eight whole grains could be considered a drink with health benefits.

Unexpected Effects of Sulfate and Sodium Chloride Application on Yield Qualitative Characteristics and Symmetry Indicators of Hard and Soft Wheat Kernels

The heterogeneity of grain quality can lead to limited predictability of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the wheat yield, especially with an increase in the importance of drought and salinity caused by climate change. This study was undertaken with the aim of creating basic tools for phenotyping and assessing the sensitivity of genotypes to salt effects at the level of some wheat kernel attributes. The study considers 36 variants of the experiment, including four wheat cultivars-Zolotaya, Ulyanovskaya 105, Orenburgskaya 10, Orenburgskaya 23; three treatment variants-control (without salt) and two salts exposure (NaCl at a concentration of 1.1 g L^-1 and Na₂SO₄ at a concentration of 0.4 g L^-1); as well as three options for the arrangement of kernels in a simple spikelet-left, middle, and right. It has been established that the salt exposure had a positive effect on the percentage of kernel fulfilling in the cultivars Zolotaya, Ulyanovskaya 105, and Orenburgskaya 23 compared to control. The kernels of the Orenburgskaya 10 variety matured better in the experiment with Na₂SO₄ exposure, while the control variant and NaCl gave the same effect. When exposed to NaCl, significantly greater values of weight, transverse section area, and transverse section perimeter of the kernel were noted in the cv Zolotaya and Ulyanovskaya 105. Cv Orenburgskaya 10 responded positively to the use of Na₂SO₄. This salt caused an increase in the area, length, and width of the kernel. The fluctuating asymmetry of the left, middle, and right kernels in the spikelet was calculated. In the cv Orenburgskaya 23 the salts affected only the kernel perimeter among parameters examined. The indicators of the general (fluctuating) asymmetry were lower in the experiments with the use of salts, i.e., kernels were more symmetrical than in the control variant, both for the cultivar as a whole and when compared taking into account the kernel location in spikelet. However, this result was unexpected, since salt stress inhibited a number of morphological parameters: the number and average length of embryonic, adventitious, and nodal roots, flag leaf area, plant height, dry biomass accumulation, and plant productivity indicators. The study showed that low concentrations of salts can positively affect the fulfilling of kernels (the absence of a cavity inside the kernel) and the symmetry of the left and right sides of the kernel.

Bionanotechnology in Agriculture: A One Health Approach

Healthy eating habits are one of the requirements for the health of society. In particular, in natura foods are increasingly encouraged, since they have a high concentration of nutrients. However, these foods are often grown in the presence of agrochemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides. To increase crop productivity and achieve high vigor standards in less time, farmers make excessive use of agrochemicals that generate various economic, environmental, and clinical problems. In this way, bionanotechnology appears as an ally in developing technologies to improve planting conditions, ranging from the health of farmers and consumers to the production of new foods and functional foods. All these improvements are based on the better use of land use in synergy with the lowest generation of environmental impacts and the health of living beings, with a view to the study and production of technologies that take into account the concept of One Health in its processes and products. In this review article, we will address how caring for agriculture can directly influence the quality of the most desired foods in contemporary society, and how new alternatives based on nanotechnology can point to efficient and safe solutions for living beings on our planet.

Exploration of the Nutritional and Functional Properties of Underutilized Grains as an Alternative Source for the Research of Food-Derived Bioactive Peptides

The estimated increase in world population will lead to a deterioration in global food security, aggravated in developing countries by hidden hunger resulting from protein deficiency. To reduce or avoid this crisis, a dietary shift towards the consumption of sustainable, nutrient-rich, and calorically efficient food products has been recommended by the FAO and WHO. Plant proteins derived from grains and seeds provide nutritionally balanced diets, improve health status, reduce poverty, enhance food security, and contain several functional compounds. In this review, the current evidence on the nutritional and functional properties of underutilized grains is summarized, focusing on their incorporation into functional foods and the role of their proteins as novel source of bioactive peptides with health benefits.

Deciphering Microbial Diversity and Functional Codes of Traditional Fermented Whole Grain Tianpei from Typical Regions of China

Whole grains are a crucial part of healthy and sustainable diets, attracting great attention. Tianpei is a popular traditional fermented whole grain food and beverage from China. It is suitable for all ages with lots of health benefits. However, its microflora and their functions, relations between microbial taxa and functions with Tianpei properties, were still little informed, limiting the fermentation optimization and quality improvement. In this study, the characteristics and distribution of the microbial flora taxa and their functions of the fermented whole grain Tianpei from typical regions of China were mainly deciphered through metagenomic methods. Phyla Mucoromycota, Firmicutes, Ascomycota, and Proteobacteria were the most abundant. Rhizopus, Limosilactobacillus, and Lactobacillus were the most abundant genera. Microbial COG functions carbohydrate transport and metabolism (mainly including fructose, galactose, glucose, L-arabinose, and mannose) and amino acid transport and metabolism (mainly including arginine, asparagine, glutamine, and glycine) kept a high abundance. PCA (Principal Component Analysis) illustrated that the microbial community and their functions of every Tianpei sample clustered individually based on the analysis, NR, related with the factors of raw material and sources. The microbial taxa, microbial functions, and the Tianpei properties were significantly correlated. Rhizopus, Limosilactobacillus, and Lactobacillus contributed most COG functions in Tianpei samples. Analysis of quorum sensing, pfam, secretion protein, probio, and cytochromes P450 were also annotated and found among Tianpei microbial communities. A sum of 105 probiotics were classified, mainly belonging to Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Acetobacter, Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, Pediococcus, etc. Tianpei samples made in the library with the most abundant and functional microbial key taxa strains—Rhizophus oryzae, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Limosilactobacillus fermentum—showed rich nutrient chemicals. The results indicate that microbial taxa and their functions could determine Tianpei properties. Thus, the quality /nutrients, flavor, and industrial production of Tianpei could be further investigated, promoted, and improved in the future based on the characteristics of these microbial taxa and their functions, such as the regulations of the main carbohydrate and AA. The study will also lay a foundation for the fermentative characteristics and condition technology of fermented whole grain food.