Search Results (116)

This study aimed to systematically compare the functional properties of the four major components (albumin, globulin, prolamin, and glutelin) of protein from Yunnan deep-veined walnuts to screen for protein-based carrier materials with good processing adaptability and the ability to efficiently encapsulate the active ingredient rutin. In addition, the binding and molecular interactions between the preferred protein and rutin were analyzed. The results indicated that albumin exhibited superior performance compared to the other three components in solubility, emulsifying properties, foaming properties, and gel properties, and demonstrated the strongest processing applicability. Further analysis revealed that albumin possessed an excellent amino acid composition (essential amino acid content accounting for 42.30%) and antioxidant activity (with the highest ABTS scavenging rate reaching 85.71 ± 0.26%), which indicated its considerable potential as a functional carrier. Loading rutin onto albumin yielded a walnut albumin–rutin complex (WA@Rut), which significantly enhanced the thermal stability of albumin (with the thermal denaturation temperature elevated to 108.72 °C) and the storage stability of rutin (66.16 ± 5.05% retention after 22 days of storage). Combined analyses of FT-IR spectroscopy, intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that rutin primarily bound to albumin via hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions, and formed a stable complex structure. SEM images revealed that the composite surface was smooth and exhibited a flake-like morphology. In conclusion, walnut albumin is a protein resource with significant functional potential in Yunnan deep-veined walnuts, and it exhibits strong processing applicability and enables efficient encapsulation and protection of active ingredients. This study provides novel strategies and theoretical foundations for the high-value utilization of walnut protein. Full article

Optimizing nitrogen (N) management is crucial for high-quality rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. However, how N affects grain quality at different positions within a panicle remains unclear. This study evaluated the effects of different N application regimes on the milling, appearance, eating, and nutritional quality of grains at varying panicle positions. We used a japonica cultivar Wuyunjing 31 in a controlled pot experiment with three N treatments: N32:0 (early heavy N), N16:16 (split application with late N topdressing), and N16:0 (low-N control). Results showed that late N topdressing (N16:16) significantly improved head rice yield across all grain positions, which was linked to higher storage protein accumulation (especially glutelin) and larger length-to-width ratio. Conversely, late N application deteriorated appearance quality by increasing the chalky grain rate and chalkiness. This negative effect was most pronounced in superior grains on upper and middle branches. Furthermore, the N16:16 treatment consistently decreased amylose content while increasing albumin, prolamin, and glutelin levels, demonstrating a clear trade-off between carbon (C) and N sinks. We speculated that these intra-panicle differences result from increased competition for carbon resources between starch and protein synthesis pathways. Overall, precision N management should account for spatial differences in grain development to effectively balance rice yield and quality. Full article

Previous studies on kafirins in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Moench) have focused mainly on grain and sprouts grown under tropical and subtropical climate conditions, while data on the content and fractional composition of kafirins in sorghum sprouts cultivated in temperate climates are scarce. In particular, the influence of the northern growing conditions, characteristic of Central Europe, on sorghum storage proteins has not yet been described, despite the fact that sorghum is currently cultivated in Poland. This study aimed to determine the total kafirin content and the distribution of α-, β-, and γ-kafirin fractions in sprouts of white and red sorghum grown under temperate climate conditions in Poland. Six-day-old sprouts were freeze-dried and extracted using a Tris-HCl/SDS/β-mercaptoethanol buffer. Kafirin content was quantified using the Bradford assay, SDS-PAGE, and HPLC, with method validation performed for accuracy, precision, and linearity. Total kafirin content ranged from 5.5 to 7.0 g/100 g dry matter (DM), with α-kafirin as the predominant fraction (4.2–5.0 g/100 g DM), followed by β-kafirin (0.5–1.0 g/100 g DM) and γ-kafirin (0.2–0.6 g/100 g DM). Sprouts of red sorghum varieties showed significantly higher total kafirin levels and a greater proportion of the γ-fraction, which may be associated with differences in protein structural properties and could suggest potential bioactivity, as indicated by previous literature. However, no direct functional or bioactivity assays were performed in this study. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among selected sorghum varieties in total kafirin content and the proportion of the γ fraction (p < 0.05), with α being the dominant fraction in all tested samples. These results provide, for the first time, detailed data on the kafirin composition of sorghum sprouts grown in a temperate climate and address a key gap in the literature concerning the effect of environmental conditions on sorghum storage proteins. The findings support further research on the use of sorghum sprouts as a raw material for functional foods, protein-enriched products, and animal feed under European growing conditions. Full article

Potassium plays a critical role in improving rice yield and quality; however, the effects of delayed K application on grain protein metabolism and eating quality remain unclear. This study evaluated four potassium fertilizer management modes designed with basal fertilizer: panicle fertilizer, with ratios of 10:0 (K1, control), 8:2 (K2), 6:4 (K3), and 4:6 (K4). Grain protein and protein fractions, free amino acids (FAA), key protein synthesis enzyme activities, starch RVA profile, taste value, processing and appearance quality, and yield were measured. With the delayed application of potassium fertilizer, grain GS, and GOGAT activities decreased by 3.15–7.67% and 6.92–13.06%, while GOT and GPT activities declined by 3.72–13.99% and 2.94–3.32% compared with K1. Consequently, FAA, albumin, globulin, prolamin, and glutelin contents all decreased, and grain protein content was significantly reduced, by 0.18–0.44 percentage points. In contrast, peak viscosity and breakdown increased, setback decreased, and taste value improved by 4.35–10.14%. Meanwhile, head rice rate increased, chalky grain rate and chalkiness decreased, and yield under K4 treatment increased significantly by 3.48%. Delayed potassium fertilizer application (K4 treatment) helps to reduce the activity of key enzymes involved in protein synthesis, decrease protein and its component contents, while simultaneously improving yield and eating quality. Full article

The technological properties of durum wheat grain are determined by prolamins (gliadins and glutenins). Information on the allelic composition of key loci remains incomplete despite existing global studies examining prolamin variability. This highlighted the need to study these traits in durum wheat in Kazakhstan. The effects of specific gliadin components with high- and low-molecular-weight glutenin fractions on gluten quality are also not fully clarified. This study aimed to characterise allelic diversity at prolamin-coding loci and evaluate associated grain quality traits. Using native and denaturing SDS-electrophoresis, 181 tetraploid wheat accessions from Kazakhstan, an International germplasm collection, and 26 breeding lines were analysed for allelic variation and associations with protein content, gluten content, gluten index, and SDS-sedimentation. The γ45 gliadin component and Glu-A3a allele were positively associated with SDS-sedimentation and gluten index, while Glu-B3b had a negative effect. Distinct prolamin profiles were observed among accessions from different ecological and geographical locations. These results support the selection of superior durum wheat genotypes and enable the identification of favourable allele combinations at the Gli-1, Gli-2, Glu-1, and Glu-3 loci in cultivars from Kazakhstan. Comparison with global tetraploid wheat germplasm collections demonstrates unique genetic diversity in genotypes, providing a valuable basis for breeding programs aimed at improving grain and gluten quality in durum wheat in Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries. Full article

Background/Objectives: Docetaxel is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for several malignancies and is an established treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, its poor aqueous solubility, systemic toxicity, and the emergence of drug resistance limit its clinical benefit. Zein, a prolamin, forms micelles that enhance the solubility and delivery of hydrophobic drugs. As PEG length and ligand presentation govern micelle behavior, we investigated transferrin-functionalized PEGylated zein micelles as docetaxel nanocarriers and examined how PEG chain length (5 K vs. 10 K) and transferrin-mediated targeting affect delivery to prostate cancer cells. Methods: Docetaxel-loaded zein micelles bearing 5 K or 10 K PEG chains were prepared and conjugated to transferrin. Formulations were characterized for size, charge, morphology, critical micelle concentration, colloidal stability, drug loading and transferrin density. Cellular uptake and mechanisms were assessed in PC-3-Luc, DU145 and LNCaP cells by confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and pharmacological inhibition. Anti-proliferative activity was determined by MTT assays. Results: Both PEG5K and PEG10K micelles formed micellar dispersions with low polydispersity and high encapsulation efficiency. PEG5K micelles achieved higher transferrin conjugation and drug loading. Transferrin-functionalized PEG5K micelles showed enhanced uptake in DU145 and LNCaP cells but lower internalization in PC-3-Luc cells. Inhibitor studies indicated receptor-dependent uptake via clathrin- and caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Free docetaxel remained the most potent. However, among nanocarriers, transferrin-targeted PEG5K micelles showed the greatest anti-proliferative efficacy relative to their non-targeted counterparts, whereas transferrin-targeted PEG10K micelles were less potent than the non-targeted PEG10K micelles across all three cell lines. Conclusions: PEG chain length and ligand presentation are key determinants of uptake and cytotoxicity of docetaxel-loaded zein micelles. Shorter PEG chains favor effective transferrin display and receptor engagement, whereas longer PEG likely induces steric hindrance and reduces targeting, supporting transferrin-conjugated PEG5K zein micelles (the lead formulation in this study) as a targeted delivery platform that improves performance relative to matched non-targeted micelles in vitro, while free docetaxel remains more potent in 2D monolayer assays. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural, functional and morphological characterizations of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of crude prolamin from amaranth grain (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.). A Box–Behnken design of response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the extraction parameters. The optimal extraction parameters included a solid/solvent ratio of 1:9 (g:mL), with 50% ethanol solution at 75 °C. Regarding the physicochemical characteristics, amaranth crude prolamin (ACP) possessed more orderly secondary structures (the proportions of α-helix and β-sheet were 43.65% and 25.52%, respectively), which is favorable for improving the object-holding capacity, such as higher oil- and water-holding capacity. The higher surface hydrophobicity of ACP was beneficial for self-assembly into microspheres at high ethanol concentrations. In general, ACP had a wider molecular weight distribution, higher zeta-potential and better emulsifying capacity (3.91 g VE/g prolamin). Thus, these results provide useful insight into the applications of amaranth prolamin. Full article

Prolamin and glutelin are the major constituents of rice protein. The rapid and non-destructive detection of prolamin and glutelin content is conducive to the accurate assessment of rice quality. In this study, hyperspectral imaging combined with regression models and feature wavelength selection was employed to detect the rice prolamin and glutelin content. Feature wavelength selection was achieved using the successive projections algorithm (SPA), competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), and convolutional neural network (CNN)-based Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping++ (GradCAM++). Partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector regression (SVR), back-propagation neural network (BPNN), and CNN models were established using the full spectra and the feature wavelengths. The BPNN models showed the best prediction performance for prolamin and glutelin. The optimal BPNN models achieved a correlation coefficient (r) greater than 0.8 for both proteins. Performance differences were observed between models using feature wavelengths and those using the full spectra. The GradCAM++ method was used to select feature wavelengths with different threshold values, and the performance of different threshold values were compared. The results demonstrated that hyperspectral imaging with multivariate data analysis was feasible for predicting the rice prolamin and glutelin content. This study provided a methodological reference for detecting prolamin and glutelin in rice, as well as the other protein types. Full article

Seed storage proteins (SSPs) play a pivotal role in determining the development, quality, and nutritional value of rice seeds. In this study, we conducted a transcriptome-based correlation analysis to identify novel transcription factors (TFs) potentially involved in the biosynthesis and accumulation of SSPs. Our analysis revealed nine TFs—OsGATA8, OsMIF1, OsMIF2, OsGZF1, OsbZIP58, OsS1Fa1, OsS1Fa2, OsICE2, and OsMYB24—that exhibit strong co-expression with key SSP genes, including those encoding glutelin and prolamin. Gene expression profiling using quantitative RT-PCR and GUS reporter assays revealed that these TFs are predominantly expressed during seed development, with peak expression observed at 10 days after flowering (DAF). Promoter analysis further demonstrated an enrichment of seed-specific and hormone-responsive cis-regulatory elements, reinforcing the seed-preferential expression patterns of these TFs. Collectively, our findings identify a set of candidate TFs likely involved in SSP regulation and seed maturation, providing a foundation for the genetic enhancement of rice seed quality and nutritional content through targeted breeding and biotechnological approaches. Full article

Whole-plant corn silage is a critical feedstuff in global ruminant production, and its nutrient composition is closely tied to harvest timing. As starch acts as the primary energy source in silage-based diets, investigating changes in starch degradation rate provides a theoretical basis for optimizing the efficient utilization of whole-plant corn and its silage in ruminant production. In this study, whole-plant corn (harvested from the milk stage to full ripening stage) and its corresponding silage were used as experimental materials. An in vitro simulated rumen fermentation system was employed to determine the contents of starch, prolamin, amylose, and amylopectin in the samples. The results showed that with delayed harvest time, starch content in both whole-plant corn and its silage increased significantly; prolamin and amylose contents first decreased, then increased; amylopectin content first rose significantly before decreasing; and both starch disappearance rate and speed exhibited a trend of first increasing, then decreasing. After silage fermentation, the silage had significant increases in starch, amylose, and amylopectin contents, and starch disappearance rate; prolamin content decreased; and starch disappearance speed increased extremely significantly. This study indicates that whole-plant corn harvest time and silage fermentation regulate the ruminal starch degradation pattern by altering starch structure, prolamin content, and the proportion of rapidly degradable starch. Full article

Sesame oil extraction byproduct (SOEB) contains a high percentage of protein (49.81 g/100 g), making it a suitable plant-based source for producing protein hydrolysates with nutraceutical potential. In this study, albumins, globulins, glutelins, and prolamins fractions were extracted and characterized from SOEB. These fractions were then enzymatically hydrolyzed with alcalase, yielding high soluble protein content (>90%) and hydrolysis degrees ranging from 34.66 to 45.10%. The hydrolysates were fractionated by molecular weight (<5 kDa, 3–5 kDa, 1–3 kDa, and <1 kDa). These fractions demonstrated potential for inhibiting the DPPH radical (25.19–95.79%) and the α-glucosidase enzyme (40.14–55.63%), particularly the fractions with molecular weight <1 kDa. We identified 28 peptides, with molecular weights between 332.20 and 1096.63 Da, which showed potent antioxidant activities (IC₅₀ = 90.18 µg/mL), as well as inhibitory effects on key enzymes such as α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 61.48 µg/mL), dipeptidyl peptidase IV (IC₅₀ = 12.12 µg/mL), and pancreatic lipase (IC₅₀ = 6.14 mg/mL). These results demonstrate the antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity potential of SOEB peptides, highlighting their use in the formulation of new functional foods or nutraceuticals. Full article

Rice seed storage proteins (SSPs) play a critical role in determining the nutritional quality, cooking properties, and digestibility of rice. To enhance seed quality, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing was applied to modify SSP composition by targeting genes encoding 13 kDa prolamins and type A glutelins. Three CRISPR/Cas9 constructs were designed: one specific to the 13 kDa prolamin subfamily and two targeting conserved GluA glutelin regions. Edited T₀ and T₁ lines were generated and analyzed using InDel analysis, SDS-PAGE, Bradford assay, and RP-HPLC. Insertions were more frequent than deletions, accounting for 56% and 74% of mutations in prolamin and glutelin genes, respectively. Editing efficiency varied between sgRNAs. All lines with altered protein profiles contained InDels in target genes. SDS-PAGE confirmed the absence or reduction in bands corresponding to 13 kDa prolamins or GluA subunits, showing consistent profiles among lines carrying the same construct. Quantification revealed significant shifts in SSP composition, including increased albumin and globulin content. Prolamin-deficient lines showed reduced prolamins, while GluA-deficient lines exhibited increased prolamins. Total protein content was significantly elevated in all edited lines, suggesting enrichment in lysine-rich fractions. These findings demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of SSP genes can effectively reconfigure the rice protein profile and enhance its nutritional value. Full article

Ozone pollution decreases rice yield and quality in general, but how ozone stress changes grain-filling capacity is unclear. A chamber experiment was conducted to compare the effects of ozone exposure during the rice growth season on the grain-filling capacity and quality of spikelets located on the upper primary rachis (superior spikelets, SS) and the lower secondary rachis (inferior spikelets, IS). Ozone stress significantly decreased filled grain percentage by 41.4% and grain mass by 10.2% in IS, but had little effect on grain-filling capacity in SS. Consistent with the reduction in grain mass, ozone stress decreased grain volume, mainly due to reduced grain thickness, and IS was reduced more than SS. After removing the hull, brown rice obtained from ozone treatment exhibited higher proportions of immature and abnormal kernels, resulting in a substantially lower proportion of perfect kernels. Under ozone stress, the proportion of perfect kernels was only one-third in IS, compared with two-thirds in SS. Ozone stress affected the pasting properties of brown rice for both SS and IS, as shown by the decreased amylose content, and the increased maximum viscosity, minimum viscosity, final viscosity, setback, and peak time of the rapid visco analyzer profile. Out of fourteen traits related to nutritional quality of brown rice, only five showed significant increases under ozone stress, and they were the concentrations of albumin, prolamin, sulfur, copper, and manganese. The differential ozone responses between SS and IS were rather small for rice pasting properties and chemical compositions as shown by very few significant interactions between ozone and grain position. It is concluded that ozone stress during plant growth imposed more adverse effects on IS than SS in terms of grain-filling capacity and appearance quality, suggesting an enlarged asynchronous grain-filling pattern in rice panicles under ozone pollution. Strategies to improve the grain-filling capacity of IS are needed to mitigate ozone-induced damage to rice production. Full article

Oral administration remains the preferred drug delivery route but faces formidable gastrointestinal barriers, including enzymatic degradation, solubility limitations, and poor epithelial absorption. Zein-based nanocarriers (ZBNs), derived from maize prolamin, provide a transformative platform to address these challenges. This review synthesizes recent advances in ZBNs’ design, highlighting their intrinsic advantages: structural stability across pH gradients, self-assembly versatility, and a surface functionalization capacity. Critically, we detail how engineered ZBNs overcome key barriers, such as enzymatic/chemical protection via hydrophobic encapsulation, the enhanced mucus penetration or adhesion through surface engineering, and improved epithelial transport via ligand conjugation. Applications demonstrate their efficacy in stabilizing labile therapeutics, enhancing the solubility of BCS Class II/IV drugs, enabling pH-responsive release, and significantly boosting oral bioavailability. Remaining challenges in scalability and translational predictability warrant future efforts toward multifunctional systems, bio-interfacial modeling, and continuous manufacturing. This work positions ZBNs as a potential platform for the oral delivery of BCS Class II–IV drugs’ in the biopharmaceutics classification system. Full article

This review is dedicated to exploring recent advancements in the study of amaranth grain and presents research primarily on Amaranthus species such as Amaranthus cruentus, Amaranthus hypochondriacus, and Amaranthus caudatus, and to a lesser extent Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus mantegazzianus, Amaranthus muricatus, Amaranthus tuberculatus, Amaranthus viridis, Amaranthus spinosus, and Amaranthus tenuifoliu. Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is a promising, high-yield pseudocereal crop with significant commercial potential for developing functional food products. It contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, including squalene, tocopherols, phenolic compounds, phytates, and vitamins, which possess important physiological properties. Amaranth grain is characterized by high levels of starch, proteins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Moreover, amaranth proteins are distinguished by a balanced amino acid composition and exhibit greater resistance to external factors compared to animal-derived proteins. Grains of amaranth are free of gliadin, making it a valuable nutritional source for individuals with celiac disease, an immune-mediated disorder. Unlike traditional cereals, where prolamins and glutelins dominate the protein composition, the proteins of pseudocereals like amaranth primarily consist of albumins and globulins. The processing methods of amaranth grain influence their quantitative and qualitative composition, often significantly improving their physicochemical, antioxidant, functional, and rheological properties. This work provides a detailed analysis of amaranth’s chemical composition and bioactive components, along with its evaluation of therapeutic and preventive properties. Amaranth protein fractions (albumin, globulin, and glutelin) and squalene exhibit increased antioxidant activity, contributing to notable resistance to radiation and X-ray exposure. Bioactive compounds such as phytol, α-tocopherol, and a lunasin-like peptide (AhLun) with potential anticancer properties have also been identified in amaranth. Furthermore, six bioactive peptides were isolated and identified from amaranth, which, according to predictive models, demonstrate a high capacity to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, suggesting potential hypotensive effects. Certain amaranth peptides are considered promising functional food ingredients for the prevention and comprehensive treatment of conditions such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Amaranthus spp. and its processed products hold significant interest for the development of innovative food products, contributing to the expansion of their range and enhancement of nutritional value. Full article