Search Results (80)

Jackfruit seeds, a by-product of the jackfruit processing industry, comprise a substantial proportion of starch. As a result, jackfruit seeds are emerging as a viable source of fermentable sugars for fermentation processes. In this study, α-amylase from Bacillus licheniformis TKU004 was employed to hydrolyze gelatinized jackfruit seed starch slurry, and the hydrolysis conditions were systematically optimized using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) coupled with response surface methodology (RSM). Three independent variables, including incubation temperature (40–60 °C), enzyme-to-substrate ([E]/[S]) ratio (5–10 U/g), and reaction time (2–6 h), were evaluated, with dextrose equivalent (DE, %) as the response. The optimal hydrolysis parameters were determined to be 47 °C, an [E]/[S] ratio of 10 U/g, and a reaction time of 5.1 h, yielding a predicted DE of 31.72%. Experimental validation confirmed a DE of 32.85 ± 1.12%, in close agreement with the model prediction. HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) analysis of the hydrolysate revealed a composition of 14.20% glucose, 56.51% maltose, and 29.29% maltooligosaccharides, indicating that this process is well-suited for producing high-maltose syrup. In short, this study demonstrates the feasibility of valorizing jackfruit seed waste into value-added carbohydrate products through enzymatic hydrolysis with B. licheniformis α-amylase. Full article

Gelatin capsule waste (GCW), a protein-rich by-product, represents a promising substrate for the generation of potential bioactive substances, including free amino acids and other soluble substances generated during enzymatic hydrolysis. In this study, gelatin hydrolysates with degrees of hydrolysis (DH) ranging from 10% to 40% were produced using the commercial enzymes NS AC0106 (endopeptidase) and NS AC0107 (aminopeptidase) to enhance their functional properties. Increasing DH significantly improved antioxidant activity, surface hydrophobicity, and emulsifying capacity (p < 0.05), while sterilization further enhanced antioxidant capacity. Structural analyses confirmed extensive protein degradation and conformational modifications, as evidenced by SDS–PAGE (formation of low-molecular-weight substances), FTIR (shifts in the amide I region), and NMR (release of free amino acids). Electronic tongue analysis indicated that enzymatic hydrolysis enhanced umami and salty taste attributes. Notably, hydrolysis using NS AC0107 at 40% DH resulted in the highest antioxidant activity, together with pronounced umami taste and low bitterness. Overall, GCW-derived hydrolysates show considerable potential as functional ingredients and provide a sustainable strategy for the valorization of protein-rich industrial by-products. Full article

Large volumes of waste by-products are generated by the continuing growth of the fish production industry. To address this issue, this study valorized the protein hydrolysate extracted from fish waste for use as an active compound in a packaging system. An edible film was developed based on a chitosan/gelatin (CG) matrix, incorporated with fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) extracted from snakeskin gourami processing waste, at concentrations of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%. Introducing FPH into the film’s matrix enhanced the UV protection properties but decreased transparency. The incorporation of 4% FPH significantly increased the film tensile strength and antioxidant capacity by 47.67% and 65.04%, respectively, compared to the control, while concentrations of FPH exceeding 4% had a detrimental effect on film mechanical and antioxidant capacities. 4P-CG was identified as the optimal formulation and applied as an edible coating for sun-dried snakeskin gourami at 4 °C for 14 days. The 4P-CG coating preserved the quality of sun-dried fish by reducing weight loss and inhibiting microbial growth, which extended the shelf life by four days compared to the control (non-coated) and other CG-coated fish. These findings suggest that 4P-CG is a promising, sustainable active packaging solution for enhancing the stability and safety of fatty aquatic related products while contributing to the circular economy through waste reduction. Full article

This work introduces a circular biopolymer-based strategy for valorizing keratin-rich industrial residues through the fabrication of biodegradable cotton agrotextiles functionalized with latex–hydrogel coatings. Keratin hydrolysates and gelatin-derived biofertilizer capsules were incorporated into polymer–hydrogel matrices and applied onto cotton substrates to enhance soil moisture regulation and controlled nutrient release. The composite coatings were characterized in terms of water absorption capacity, mechanical performance, biodegradation profiles, and their impact on plant growth using Phaseolus vulgaris as a model species. Hydrogel-rich formulations (LH20 and LH40Z) provided the most favorable balance of tensile strength and controlled degradation while significantly increasing soil moisture availability and overall plant biomass compared with uncoated controls. The gelatin–keratin microcapsules enabled sustained nutrient release and induced a slight increase in soil pH, further supporting plant development. These findings demonstrate the dual functionality of the developed latex–hydrogel coatings as water-management and nutrient-delivery systems and highlight the potential of keratin biowaste upcycling toward high-value, biodegradable agricultural materials aligned with circular economy principles. Full article

Gelatin hydrolysate (GH), a bioactive compound derived from collagen, has demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits in various medical conditions. However, its effects on chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced vascular dementia remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the anti-oxidative stress effects of GH in alleviating brain damage and cognitive impairment in CCH-induced rats. Male Wistar rats underwent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion to induce CCH and were randomly divided into five groups: (1) sham, (2) 2-vessel occlusion (2VO), (3) 2VO + 250 mg/kg GH, (4) 2VO + 500 mg/kg GH, and (5) 2VO + piracetam. Treatments were administered for 35 days of post-operation. GH treatment significantly mitigated oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and the expression of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4). Furthermore, GH exhibited antioxidant activity by upregulating superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels via nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) activation. This, in turn, reduced neuronal apoptosis by decreasing Bax and cleaved-caspase 3 levels and increasing Bcl-2 expression. Additionally, GH treatment ameliorated Tau protein hyperphosphorylation and improved synaptic function. Overall, GH exerted neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress-related neuronal damage and enhanced neuroplasticity, learning, and memory in rats with CCH-induced cognitive impairment. Full article

African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, AC) is one of the most widely farmed freshwater fish species in Central Europe. Processing operations generate up to 55% by-products (BPs), predominantly carcasses rich in proteins, lipids, and minerals. This study develops a comprehensive valorization process for ACBPs to recover gelatin, protein hydrolysate, fish oil, and pigments. The processing protocol consisted of sequential washing, oil extraction, demineralization, and biotechnological treatment to disrupt the collagen quaternary structure. A two-factor experimental design was employed to optimize the processing conditions. The factors included the extraction temperatures of the first (35–45 °C) and second fraction (50–60 °C). We hypothesized that enzymatic conditioning, combined with sequential hot-water extraction, would yield gelatin with properties comparable to those of mammalian- and fish-derived gelatins, while enabling a near-zero-waste process. The integrated process yielded 18.2 ± 1.2% fish oil, 9.8 ± 2.1% protein hydrolysate, 1.7 ± 0.7% pigment extract, and 25.3–37.8% gelatin. Optimal conditions (35 °C/60 °C) produced gelatin with gel strength of 168.8 ± 3.6 Bloom, dynamic viscosity of 2.48 ± 0.02 mPa·s, and yield of 34.76 ± 1.95%. Life cycle assessment (LCA) identified two primary environmental hotspots: water consumption and energy demand. This near-zero-waste biorefinery demonstrates the potential for comprehensive valorization of aquaculture BPs into multiple value-added bioproducts. Full article

As an emerging natural source of DPP-IV inhibition strategy, we report for the first time the use of Lithobates catesbeianus skin gelatin (LSG) as a novel source for DPP-IV inhibitory peptides in this study. Through enzymatic hydrolysis with multiple proteases, the papain-treated hydrolysate exhibited superior performance in hydrolysis degree, protein recovery, and DPP-IV inhibition, with 93.47% of peptides under 1 kDa. Subsequent separation and peptidomics analysis identified 13 previously unreported peptides. Molecular docking and in silico screening pinpointed four candidate peptides, i.e., LGPQR, RGFDQ, RGPVGP, and RLDDVT, which were then synthesized and functionally validated. Enzyme kinetic studies revealed that these peptides acted via competitive or mixed-type inhibition mechanisms. Notably, this study uncovered the bio-functional potential of amphibian-derived gelatin and provided a new strategy for natural DPP-IV inhibitor discovery through integrated enzymatic, computational, and biochemical approaches. This work pioneered the use of amphibian skin gelatin in antidiabetic peptide discovery and laid the foundation for its application in functional foods. Full article

The increasing global interest in fish consumption leads to a greater generation of fish waste. Fish waste, rich in nutrients such as protein, bioactive compounds, and vitamins, is attracting growing attention for its potential applications in food. In this study, gelatin hydrolysate obtained from fish skin waste was utilized as a stabilizer and/or emulsifier in ice cream production. It was found that gelatin hydrolysate significantly increased the protein content of the ice cream samples. The K and n values in different ice cream compositions varied between 0.009 and 1.012 Pa.sⁿ and 0.356 and 0.863, respectively. The consistency coefficients of samples D1 (sahlep and mono-diglyceride) and D3 (sahlep and gelatin hydrolysate) were almost the same, indicating that the mono-diglyceride was replaced by an equivalent amount of gelatin hydrolysate. All the ice cream mixtures tested showed non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic flow, as indicated by their n values being less than 1. All mixtures demonstrated greater elasticity than viscosity, as their storage modulus (G′) was higher than their loss modulus (G″). In the third interval of 3-ITT, all ice cream mixtures displayed thixotropic behavior, indicating that their viscoelastic properties could be restored after a sudden deformation. The overrun levels of the samples ranged from 9.55% to 21.74%; the use of gelatin hydrolysate resulted in a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05). The highest hardness and stickiness values in the samples were determined in the specific sample containing equal amounts of emulsifier, stabilizer, and gelatin hydrolysate. Furthermore, gelatin hydrolysate prolonged the first dripping time and melting rate of the samples. Full article

Background/Objectives: Equine rhinopneumonia, caused by equine herpesvirus types 1 and 4 (EHV-1 and EHV-4), continues to be a significant health and economic concern in the global equine industry, particularly in Kazakhstan. While vaccines targeting EHV-1 are available, there is currently no licensed monovalent vaccine for EHV-4, and existing formulations offer limited protection against this serotype. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a freeze-dried, live-attenuated EHV-4 vaccine with improved safety, stability, and immunogenicity. Methods: A field isolate of EHV-4 was attenuated through serial passaging in primary lamb testicle (LT-KK49) cell cultures. Viral biomass was concentrated and formulated with various stabilizers before freeze-drying. The most effective stabilizer composition—sucrose, gelatin, and lactalbumin hydrolysate—was selected based on viral titer retention. Safety and immunogenicity were assessed in mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, donkeys, and horses. A guinea pig reproductive challenge model was used to evaluate protective efficacy. Results: The optimized lyophilized vaccine retained infectivity (>6.0 log₁₀ TCID_50/cm³) for at least six months at 4 °C. No adverse clinical signs were observed in any test species. Immunization induced robust neutralizing antibody responses in both small animals and equines. In the guinea pig model, vaccinated females demonstrated 100% pregnancy retention and fetal viability following challenge with a virulent EHV-4 strain. Conclusions: This freeze-dried, live-attenuated EHV-4 vaccine candidate is safe, immunogenic, and thermostable. It offers a promising platform for the targeted prevention of EHV-4 infection, particularly in young horses and in regions with limited cold-chain infrastructure. Full article

Curcumin-loaded alkali-induced fish scale gelatin (AFSG) was fabricated to evaluate its efficacy as a potential carrier for hydrophobic nutrients. In this study, the effect of the alkali hydrolysis period on the AFSG hydrolysate structure and corresponding curcumin loading efficiency have been elucidated. Results showed that alkali-induced degradation of gelatin yields different polymers with molecular weights (M_w) from 19319 to 3881 Da. Moderate alkali hydrolysis of fish scale gelatin exposes hydrophobic amino acids, enhancing hydrophobic interactions and increasing the proportion of these amino acids. This process also promotes a structural shift, favoring β-sheet formation while reducing α-helix content. Moreover, the curcumin loading efficiency of AFSG (2 h) (10.06 ± 0.27 μg/mL) was significantly higher than that of untreated gelatin (2.16 ± 0.39 μg/mL), while its excessive hydrolysis weakens hydrophobic interactions among hydrophobic amino acids, limiting their binding sites for curcumin. Fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that curcumin-induced fluorescence quenching in AFSG follows a static mechanism. Thus, the above results demonstrated AFSG’s potential as an effective carrier for lipophilic nutrients with high encapsulation efficiency. Full article

The antifreeze and antioxidant capacities of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) gelatin hydrolysates were investigated, after glycosylation with saccharides of varying molecular weights, to enhance their functional properties to widen its commercial application in frozen aquatic products. Glycosylation was conducted by mixing gelatin hydrolysates with ribose, glucose, maltose, and dextran (20 kDa) at a 1:1 mass ratio; the glycosylation products had a pH of 10 and were incubated at 80 °C for 1 h. The results showed that the glycosylation degree ranked as: ribose > glucose > maltose > dextran. The mass spectrometry analysis showed that 17, 32, and 5 glycosylation sites were identified for ribose, glucose, and maltose, respectively, suggesting a molecular weight-dependent effect. Spectroscopic analyses, including ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy, revealed that the gelatin hydrolysate structure was expanded, with chromophores in hydrophilic environments; a blue shift in the amide A and II bands confirmed that the amino group was involved. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed conformational changes with a red shift at 303.4 nm and a reduction in intensity. Antifreeze activity, such as catalase freezing protection and shrimp surimi protein stability, and antioxidant activity, including radical scavenging and metal ion chelation, were significantly improved. Ribose exhibited the strongest effects, followed by maltose and glucose. These results demonstrate the potential of glycosylation to improve gelatin hydrolysates for functional applications. Full article

The study explores innovative crosslinking processes for biopolymer gel materials using amino acids and ion-redox initiators to significantly enhance their structural and functional properties. Advanced analytical techniques, including FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, TGA, DSC, ToF-SIMS, SEM/EDS, GPC/SEC, and elemental analysis, were employed for comprehensive material characterization. The synthesized materials show potential applications in packaging and medicine, particularly for single-use products with short life cycles. Two crosslinking strategies were developed. The first combines gelatin with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA); keratin hydrolysate; and amino acids such as cysteine, hydroxyproline, proline, and histidine. The second employs endogenous cysteine, activated by ion-redox initiators, leveraging its trans-sulfuration ability to form highly stable polymer networks with optimized mechanical and thermal properties. Notably, the synergy between cysteine and potassium persulfate redox initiators proved particularly effective, making this approach attractive for industrial applications. This study introduces novel crosslinking methods and highlights the potential of amino acid-based strategies for designing advanced biopolymer gels with enhanced properties. Full article

Spirulina platensis is a promising microalga, but biomass harvesting remains a challenge. Fungal bioflocculation offers a potential solution, facilitating the production of valuable bioproducts like bioethanol. Effective cell disruption methods, including physical-chemical and enzymatic treatments, can enhance biomass utilization. However, commercial enzymes are not optimized for microalgae, necessitating research on ideal operational conditions. This study evaluated physical and enzymatic processes to hydrolyze bioflocculated microalgae for bioethanol production. The microalga was harvested using a fungal bioflocculant produced via submerged fermentation. Biomass hydrolysis involved physical methods (autoclaving, ultrasound + autoclaving, ultrasound + gelatinization, and gelatinization) combined with enzymes (amylase, amyloglucosidase, cellulase, and xylanase), optimized for pH, temperature, and enzyme load. Hydrolysates were then used for bioethanol production. Results showed a microalgae harvest efficiency of 99.7% with a 1:8 fungus-to-microalgae ratio. Enzyme optimization identified ideal conditions (e.g., pH 4.5; 60 °C for amylase/amyloglucosidase, 70 °C for cellulase, and 50 °C for xylanase). Combined enzymatic treatments achieved approximately 70% hydrolysis efficiency, yielding 19.06 g/L glucose and 7.29 g/L ethanol (~79% conversion). Ethanol productivity was ~0.6 g per 1 g bioflocculated biomass L⁻¹·hr. These findings highlight the potential of enzymatic hydrolysis for complex biomasses, although further studies are needed to refine enzyme applications for better biomass utilization. Full article

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) disease is widely distributed in Africa. Live attenuated PPR vaccines are produced using approved Nigeria 75/1 and Sungri/96 strains by the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) to control the disease. These PPR vaccines are very efficacious; however, the main challenge is the maintaining of the cold chain during vaccine distribution and delivery. This study evaluated the thermotolerance of freeze-dried and reconstituted PPR Nigeria 75/1 vaccines from vaccine manufacturers using eight stabilizer formulations (lactalbumin hydrolysate and sucrose, sucrose and peptone, Weybridge medium, trehalose, Lactose and N-Z Amine, lactalbumin hydrolysate, sucrose and L glutamine, skimmed milk, and lactalbumin hydrolysate, maltose and gelatine). Aliquots of the reconstituted PPR vaccine batches were titrated after 2, 4, and 6 h of storage at 4 °C and 40 °C. The PPR vaccines were also titrated after storage at 40 °C and 45 °C for 3 and 5 days. The results showed that reconstituted PPR vaccine stabilized with lactalbumin hydrolysate–sucrose promoted tolerance at 40 °C for 6 h. It was also noted that all reconstituted PPR vaccine formulations except the formulation stabilized with lactalbumin hydrolysate–maltose–gelatine maintained the titre above a 10^2.5 TCID₅₀/dose after 4 h of storage at 4 °C. Furthermore, the results showed that the PPR vaccine formulation containing lactalbumin hydrolysate sucrose was as the only one that maintained the titres above 10^2.5 TCID₅₀/dose after storage at 45 °C for 5 days, with a titre loss of 10^0.95 TCID₅₀/dose. Therefore, vaccine manufacturers producing PPR vaccines for use in tropical field regions could preferably use lactalbumin hydrolysate–sucrose stabilizer in vaccine formulation. Full article

Defatted rice bran (DRB) is the by-product of rice bran oil extraction and presents approximately 66% carbohydrates and 15% proteins, a composition with the potential to integrate biorefinery systems. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of residual fractions from ultrasound-assisted protein extraction from DRB as sources of carbohydrates in bioprocesses. First, DRB was exposed to protein extraction in an alkaline medium assisted by ultrasound. The residual fractions, including the precipitate from the extraction process (P1) and the supernatant from protein precipitation (S2), were combined and autoclaved to gelatinize the starch. Enzyme activity tests showed that a temperature of 70 °C was optimal for the simultaneous application of α-amylase and amyloglucosidase (AMG). To study enzymatic hydrolysis, a Full Factorial Design (FFD) 2² was employed, with α-amylase and AMG concentrations ranging from 0.12 to 0.18 mL∙L⁻¹ and a substrate concentration (P1/S2 ratio) between 30 and 70 g∙L⁻¹, resulting in a maximum of 18 g∙L⁻¹ of reducing sugars (RS). Fermentation assays with Saccharomyces cerevisiae demonstrated that the hydrolysate of the residual fractions was effective for ethanol production (8.84 g∙L⁻¹ of ethanol; Y_P/S: 0.614 g_ethanol∙g_RS⁻¹; η: 120.24%), achieving results comparable to control media (with sucrose as the substrate), indicating its potential for application in bioprocesses. These outcomes highlight a promising technological approach for utilizing DRB in integrated biorefineries. Full article