Search Results (1,234)

Polysaccharides and phenols are commonly co-localized in various plant-derived foods, including highland barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum Hook. f.). The interactions between these compounds can influence multiple characteristics of food products, including their physicochemical properties and functional performance, such as bioavailability, stability, and digestibility, which may support promising application of the phenol and polysaccharide complex in health food industry. In this study, two complexes with potential existence in highland barley, such as β-glucan-ferulic acid (GF) and β-glucan-quercetin (GQ), were prepared using the equilibrium dialysis method in vitro. FTIR and SEM results showed that ferulic acid and quercetin formed complexes with β-glucan separately, with covalent and non-covalent bonds and a dense morphological structure. The pH value, reaction temperature, and concentration of phosphate buffer solution (PBS) were confirmed to have an impact on the formation and yield of the complex. Through the test of the response surface, it was found that the optimum conditions for GF and (GQ) preparations were a pH of 6.5 (6), a PBS buffer concentration of 0.08 mol/L (0.3 mol/L), and a temperature of 8 °C (20 °C). Through in vitro assays, GF and GQ were found to possess good antioxidant activity, with a greater scavenging effect of DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical than the individual phenolic acids and glucans, as well as their physical mixtures. Taking GF as an example, the DPPH radical scavenging capacity ranked as GF (71.74%) > ferulic acid (49.50%) > PGF (44.43%) > β-glucan (43.84%). Similar trends were observed for ABTS radical scavenging (GF: 54.56%; ferulic acid: 44.37%; PGF: 44.95%; β-glucan: 36.42%) and hydroxyl radical elimination (GF: 39.16%; ferulic acid: 33.06%; PGF: 35.51%; β-glucan: 35.47%). In conclusion, the convenient preparation method and excellent antioxidant effect of the phenol–polysaccharide complexes from highland barley provide new opportunities for industrial-scale production, development, and design of healthy food based on these complexes. Full article

Cinnamaldehyde (CA) is a potential substitute for antibiotic growth promoters in animal breeding. In this study, we investigated its effects as a dietary supplement on growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, intestinal digestive enzyme activities, intestinal morphology, and caecal microbiota in meat rabbits. Weaned meat rabbits (n = 450) were randomly assigned to five groups, Groups A, B, C, D, and E, and fed 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg CA diets, respectively, for 47 days. Biological samples including serum (antioxidants), duodenal/caecal content (enzymes), intestinal tissue (morphology), and caecal digesta (microbiota) were collected at day 47 postweaning for analysis. Groups C and D showed significantly higher final body weights than Group A, with Group D (150 mg/kg CA) demonstrating superior growth performance including 11.73% longer duodenal villi (p < 0.05), 28.6% higher microbial diversity (p < 0.01), and 62% lower diarrhoea rate versus controls. Digestive enzyme activity as well as serum antioxidant capacity increased with increasing CA dose, Microbiota analysis revealed CA increased fibre-fermenting Oscillospiraceae (+38%, p < 0.01) while reducing Ruminococcaceae (−27%, p < 0.05). Thus, dietary CA supplementation at 150 mg/kg was identified as the optimal CA dose for improving meat rabbit production. These findings highlight CA as a functional feed additive for promoting sustainable rabbit production. Full article

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) seeds account for up to 95% of the fruit’s weight and are commonly discarded during pulp processing. Roasted açaí seed extract (RASE) has recently emerged as a caffeine-free coffee substitute, although its composition and functionality remain underexplored. This study characterized commercial açaí seed powder and evaluated the effect of temperature on the recovery of total phenolic content (TPC) in the aqueous extract using a Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD). An intermediate extraction condition (6.0 ± 0.5 g 100 mL⁻¹ at 100 °C) was selected, resulting in 21.78 mg GAE/g TPC, 36.23 mg QE/g total flavonoids, and notable antioxidant capacity (FRAP: 183.33 µmol TE/g; DPPH: 23.06 mg TE/g; ABTS: 51.63 mg TE/g; ORAC: 31.46 µmol TE/g). Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H NMR) analysis suggested the presence of amino acids, carbohydrates, and organic acids. During in vitro digestion, TPC decreased from 54.31 to 17.48 mg GAE 100 mL⁻¹ when RASE was combined with goat milk. However, higher bioaccessibility was observed with skimmed (33%) and semi-skimmed (35%) cow milk. These findings highlight RASE as a phenolic-rich, antioxidant beverage with functional stability when prepared with boiling water. This is the first study to report the phytochemical profile of RASE and its interactions with different milk types, supporting its potential as a coffee alternative. Full article

Glycerol fatty acid esters (GFAEs) are recognized for their potential to improve lipid metabolism, energy utilization, and gut health due to their excellent emulsifying and antimicrobial properties. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of dietary GFAE supplementation on production performance, serum biochemical profiles, and rumen fermentation in beef cattle. Thirty crossbred Simmental bulls, averaging 507.42 ± 9.59 kg in body weight, were assigned to three distinct cohorts, with 10 animals in each cohort. The CON cohort was fed a basal diet devoid of GFAE, whereas the treatment cohorts (GFAE1 and GFAE2) received GFAE supplements at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.2% of the dietary dry matter, respectively. Compared with the control group, supplementation with 0.1% GFAE significantly increased the ADG of beef cattle by 12.14% (p < 0.05); compared with the GFAE2 group, ADG was 7.86% higher (p > 0.05). The digestibility of NDF and ADF was significantly enhanced in the GFAE1 group relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Dietary GFAE supplementation significantly elevated rumen acetate, propionate, and total volatile fatty acid concentrations in both the GFAE1 and GFAE2 groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast to the control group, there was a notable rise in serum levels of T-AOC, UREA, and TG in both GFAE1 and GFAE2 groups (p < 0.05). Conversely, the concentration of HDL-C was significantly decreased in the GFAE2 group. Additionally, at the phylum level, the abundance of Fibrobacterota was significantly higher in the GFAE1 group than in the control group (p < 0.01). At the genus level, the proportions of Bacteroides and Fibrobacter were significantly higher in the GFAE1 group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the addition of 0.1% GFAE to beef cattle diets significantly enhances the digestibility of ADF and NDF nutrients, increases serum total antioxidant capacity, urea, and triglycerides, optimizes rumen fermentation parameters and microbial community structure, and ultimately improves production performance. As a result of the findings from this research, it is suggested that 0.1% GFAE be incorporated into the diet for beef cattle. Full article

Consumer requirements for confectionery products have changed significantly over the past decade. These changes are evident in the growing demand for products that are high in protein but lower in energy content and, as a result, the market for these types of products is expanding. This study compared the chemical composition and functional properties of pork meat protein (MP) and blood plasma protein (BP) and evaluated their incorporation into cocoa cream formulations. Functional properties, such as water-holding capacity (WHC) and oil-holding capacity (OHC), were determined. Essential amino acid profiles were determined using HPLC analysis, and protein digestibility was evaluated both in the native form and after incorporation into the cocoa cream matrix via in vitro enzymatic digestion assays. Additionally, antioxidant activity of the enriched cocoa creams was assessed using the established ABTS assay. Results showed that BP contained a higher proportion of essential amino acids (26.44% of total amino acids), meeting the FAO/WHO recommendations, and exhibited superior digestibility compared to MP. Both proteins demonstrated high WHC and OHC values. The antioxidant potential of BP-enriched cocoa cream further supported its functional benefits. These findings indicate that blood plasma protein is a promising ingredient for enhancing the nutritional and functional quality of cocoa cream products. Full article

Devices that meet the needs of agricultural biogas plants represent a significant share of the energy balance of the source. The digester mixer is a crucial component installed in the fermentation chamber. Energy consumption during mixing depends on the regime and intensity, as well as the rheological properties of the carrier liquid, the dry matter content, and the dimensions of the fibers. Bioreactor operators often oversize mixers and extend mixing duration to avoid disruptions in biogas production. This paper analyzed the influence of digester mixer operations on selected electrical power quality parameters. For this purpose, two agricultural biogas plants with a capacity of 40 kW, connected to the low-voltage grid, were studied (one located approximately 120 m from the transformer station and the second 430 m away). As shown by the correlations presented in the article, the connection point of the biogas plant significantly impacted the magnitude of the influence of mixer operations on the analyzed voltage parameters. In the second biogas plant, switching on the mixers (in the absence of generation) caused the grid voltage to drop to the lower value permitted by regulations. (Switching on the mixers caused a change in voltage by about 30 V.) The most disturbances were introduced into the grid when the power generated by the biogas plant was equal to the power consumed by its internal equipment. (THD_I then reached as high as 63.2%, while in other cases, it did not exceed 17%.) Furthermore, the operation of the mixers alone resulted in a reduction of approximately 1 MWh of energy exported to the power grid per month. Full article

Despite the known impacts of weaning on animal health, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear, particularly how psychological and nutritional stress differentially affect gut health and immune function over time. This study hypothesized that early weaning exerts distinct short- and long-term effects on lamb stress physiology, immunity, and gut health, mediated by specific molecular pathways. Twelve pairs of full-sibling male Hu sheep lambs were assigned to control (CON) or early-weaned (EW) groups. Plasma stress/immune markers were dynamically monitored, and intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, apoptosis, and transcriptomic profiles were analyzed at 5 and 28 days post-weaning. Early weaning triggered transient psychological stress, elevating hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis hormones (cortisol, catecholamines) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) within 1 day (p < 0.05); however, stress responses were transient and recovered by 7 days post-weaning. Sustained intestinal remodeling was observed in EW lambs, featuring reduced ileal villus height, increased crypt depth (p < 0.05), and oxidative damage (MDA levels doubled vs. CON; p < 0.01). Compensatory epithelial adaptation included increased crypt depth but paradoxically reduced villus tip apoptosis. The transcriptome analysis revealed significant changes in gene expression related to immune function, fat digestion, and metabolism. Key DEGs included APOA4, linked to lipid transport adaptation; NOS2, associated with nitric oxide-mediated immune–metabolic crosstalk; and mitochondrial gene COX1, reflecting energy metabolism dysregulation. Protein–protein interaction analysis revealed NOS2 as a hub gene interacting with IDO1 and CXCL11, connecting oxidative stress to immune cell recruitment. Early weaning exerts minimal lasting psychological stress but drives persistent gut dysfunction through transcriptome-mediated changes in metabolic and immune pathways, highlighting key genes such as APOA4, NOS2, and COX1 as potential regulators of these effects. Full article

Tussah immunoreactive pupa powder (IPP) is composed of various active substances. We speculated that it has the potential to improve key economic traits of sea urchins. Therefore, we conducted a 60-day experiment to examine the effects of IPP on growth, antioxidant capacity, gonad quality, and gut microbiota of sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus intermedius). The experiment involved the preparation of a kelp group and four types of feed containing 0% (the control group), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% IPP. The results indicated that IPP had no significant impact on the survival of sea urchins (p > 0.05). Firstly, adding IPP promoted the growth of sea urchins. The 1.0% IPP group showed the highest weight gain rate among the feed group, significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Secondly, compared with the kelp group, the addition of IPP significantly improved the growth and quality of sea urchin gonads (p < 0.05), which demonstrated certain industrial value. Thirdly, following the addition of IPP, the activities of SOD, CAT, and POD significantly increased in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). Lastly, added IPP increased the abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Rhodobacteraceae, while reducing the abundance of Ralstonia and Vibrio. This indicates that added IPP may improve the digestive function and gut health of sea urchins. Overall, added IPP can improve certain economic traits and antioxidant capacity of sea urchins. This manuscript provides a theoretical reference for the healthful aquaculture of S. intermedius. Full article

Sewage sludge, characterized by its high organic matter and nutrient content, as well as the presence of microbial pathogens and other contaminants, requires proper management due to its significant generation rate. The table olive sector, which is highly significant in Spain as a global leader in production and export, generates various waste streams such the Organic Solid By-Products from Table Olive Processing (OSBTOP), which are mainly derived from the olive pit after the pitting process. The main aim of this study was to enhance the methane production performance of sewage sludge through co-digestion with OSBTOP as a co-substrate. Batch assays demonstrated that employing OSBTOP as a co-substrate increased methane content by 35–41% across all tested mixtures. While the highest methane yield was produced at a 40:60 (sludge:OSBTOP) ratio, a 60:40 mixture proved to be a more advantageous option for scale-up and practical application. This is attributed to factors such as the higher availability of sludge and its inherent buffering capacity, which counteracts the accumulation of volatile fatty acids and promotes process stability, thereby contributing to the study’s objective of significantly enhancing methane production from sewage sludge through co-digestion. In semi-continuous operation, methane yields in the co-digestion scenario exceeded those of mixed sludge digestion, showing a yield of 180 versus 120 LCH₄⁻¹ · kgVS_added⁻¹, representing a 50% improvement. This study highlights the potential of anaerobic digestion as a strategy for valorizing OSBTOP, a by-product with no prior studies, while demonstrating that its co-digestion with sewage sludge enhances methane generation, offering a sustainable approach to organic waste treatment. Full article

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) has been widely recognized for its antioxidant properties, primarily attributed to its phenolic compounds such as gingerols and shogaols. However, limited data exist regarding how different pharmaceutical forms influence the bioaccessibility and antioxidant efficacy of these compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and bioaccessibility of ginger in different pharmaceutical forms—capsules (20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg), a pure powdered extract, and a liquid formulation—standardized to ≥6% gingerols. The phenolic profile of each formulation was characterized using HPLC-DAD (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detection), followed by the evaluation of antioxidant capacity through DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assays, and the assessment of bioaccessibility via an in vitro digestion model. The results demonstrated that antioxidant activity was positively correlated with extract concentration and was highest in the liquid formulation (426.0 ± 0.05 µmol Trolox equivalents (TE) and 11,336.7 ± 0.20 µmol TE in the DPPH and ORAC assays, respectively). The bioaccessibility of 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol significantly increased in the liquid form, reaching 23.44% and 11.31%, respectively, compared to ≤4% in the pure extract. These findings highlight the influence of the formulation matrix on compound release and support the use of liquid preparations to enhance the functional efficacy of ginger-derived nutraceuticals. This standardized comparative approach, using formulations derived from the same extract, offers new insights into how the delivery matrix influences the functional performance of ginger compounds, providing guidance for the development of more effective nutraceutical strategies. Full article

Background: Nowadays, to improve animal production sustainably, the zootechnical sector is exploring novel, functional ingredients, such as seaweed. This study investigated the functional properties of Fucus vesiculosus and their persistence after simulated digestion. Methods: F. vesiculosus was nutritionally characterized (AOAC methods) and digested in vitro through the INFOGEST protocol. The polyphenol, flavonoid, and phlorotannin contents of the samples were analyzed through colorimetric assays. The antioxidant properties were evaluated using ABTS assay and the growth inhibition capacity against Escherichia coli using the microdilution method. The cytotoxic activity and anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated on mouse peritoneal macrophages using crystal violet assay and the gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS. Results: F. vesiculosus demonstrated high levels of dietary fiber (47.36%) and protein (13.99%). Significant levels of polyphenols (6428.98 µg TAE/g), flavonoids (5171.31 µg CE/g), and phlorotannins (2.10 mg PGE/g) were detected. These bioactive compounds allowed for strong antioxidant activity (85.96% ABTS+ scavenging) and E. coli growth inhibition (17%). Simulated digestion minimally impacted the content of bioactive compounds and their associated functional properties. F. vesiculosus exhibited a protective effect against oxidative stress in macrophages, downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). Conclusions: These findings support the potential of F. vesiculosus as a functional feed ingredient for livestock, maintaining its beneficial properties even after digestion. Full article

This study investigated the functional potential of Campomanesia xanthocarpa leaf and fruit infusions through phytochemical profiling, simulated gastrointestinal digestion, enzyme inhibition assays, and in vivo evaluation of glycemic markers. Leaf infusions exhibited a more diverse phenolic profile, higher total phenolic content, and greater antioxidant capacity compared to fruit infusions. Simulated digestion confirmed the bioaccessibility of key phenolic compounds, particularly glycosylated flavonoids such as quercetin-3-glucoside and kaempferol derivatives, with leaf extracts showing superior gastrointestinal stability. In vitro assays revealed a strong inhibitory activity of leaf infusions against α-amylase and β-glucosidase. In a 32-day trial with healthy dogs, the consumption of biscuits enriched with leaf infusion did not alter fasting glucose or amylase levels but resulted in a significant treatment × time interaction for serum fructosamine, indicating a delayed modulation of glycemic control, potentially associated with antioxidant or anti-glycation activity. These findings highlight the potential of C. xanthocarpa leaves as a functional ingredient in foods aimed at supporting glycemic regulation and metabolic health. Full article

Vibrios are widespread in marine environments, and their persistence is often linked to natural reservoirs such as filter-feeding bivalves. This study investigated the capacity of the Mediterranean mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, to act as a reservoir of Vibrio harveyi using a GFP-tagged strain in controlled experiments. Mussels (shell length 4–6 cm) were exposed to V. harveyi gfp in estuarine and seawater at 12 °C and 20 °C over six days. Bacterial accumulation in gills, digestive gland, and gonads, as well as in feces and pseudofeces, was quantified, and the immune response following microbial challenge was assessed by histopathological analysis. Mussels actively removed V. harveyi from the water, but not completely. Vibrios were rapidly accumulated in organs, with the highest densities in the digestive gland (up to 10⁷–10⁸ CFU g⁻¹), and substantial bacterial loads detected in biodeposits (1.55–3.77 × 10⁷ CFU g⁻¹). Salinity had a greater effect than temperature on bacterial accumulation, with consistently higher counts in seawater assays. Concurrently with bacterial accumulation, mussels activated their immune system, as evidenced by the detection of granulocytomas and hemocytic infiltrations. Overall, these results demonstrate that M. galloprovincialis accumulates V. harveyi in tissues and biodeposits, serving as a natural reservoir for this bacterium. Full article

In this study, the effects of enzymolysis on physicochemical properties, digestive characteristics, and flora regulation of the meal replacement powder (MRP) were investigated on the basis of the previously obtained compound MRP. The results showed that the color, water absorption index, and water solubility index of the MRP were obviously improved after enzymatic hydrolysis. The swelling power (1.43 ± 0.11 g/g, 25 °C) and water-holding capacity (4.66 ± 0.09 g/g) of the MRP (CE_1) were decreased, while the oil holding capacity (2.14 ± 0.13 g/g) was increased. In the microcosmic aspect, the samples treated by enzymolysis had different degree of degradation, the particle size decreased (D50 = 57.71 μm), and the specific surface area (679.2 cm²/g) increased. The MRP samples treated by enzymolysis had better antioxidant capacity and cholate adsorption capacity. All MRP samples belong to low glycemic index (GI) foods, and can improve gut microbiota (Megamonas, Bacteroides, Rocheella, Parasatre, Koalabacterium, and Prasus) and promote the production of short chain fatty acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid. Therefore, this study not only further expands the comprehensive utilization of Aronia melanocarpa, but also provides a reference for the diversification of low GI related products. Full article

This study evaluated the efficacy of acclimated cow manure as a seed microbiome to enhance food waste hydrolysis. Anaerobic hydrolysis was performed on simulated food waste in a hydrolytic–acidogenic leach bed reactor (LBR) operated in batch mode under mesophilic conditions (35 °C) for 16 days. The acclimation process involved three sequential runs: Run-1 utilized 20% (w/w) cow manure as seed, Run-2 employed the digestate from Run-1 (day 5), and Run-3 used the digestate from Run-1 (day 10). Run-3 achieved 70.4% removal of volatile solids (VSs), surpassing Run-1 (47.1%) and Run-2 (57.1%). Compared with the first run, the production of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total soluble products (TSPs) increased by 48.7% and 75.9%, respectively, in Run-3. The hydrolysis rate of proteins was 48.4% in Run-1, while an increase of 16.9% was achieved in Run-3 with the acclimatized consortium. A molecular analysis of the microbial community existing in the reactors of Run-2 and Run-3 indicated that the improvement in process performance was closely related to the selection and enrichment of specific hydrolytic–acidogenic bacteria in the reactor. A functional analysis showed that the gene copy numbers for pyruvate synthesis and fatty acid synthesis and metabolism pathways were higher in all bacterial species in Run-3 compared to in those of the other two runs, indicating improved capacity through acclimation in Run-3. The experimental results demonstrate that the hydrolysis of food waste can be enhanced through the acclimation of seed microbes from cow manure. Full article