Approaches for Extracting Nanofibrillated Cellulose from Oat Bran and Its Emulsion Capacity and Stability

The pretreatment process is an essential step for nanofibrillated cellulose production as it enhances size reduction efficiency, reduces production cost, and decreases energy consumption. In this study, nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) was prepared using various pretreatment processes, either chemical (i.e., acid, basic, and bleach) or hydrothermal (i.e., microwave and autoclave), followed by disintegration using high pressure homogenization from oat bran fibers. The obtained NFC were used as an emulsifier to prepare 10% oil-in-water emulsions. The emulsion containing chemically pretreated NFC exhibited the smallest oil droplet diameter (d32) at 3.76 μm, while those containing NFC using other pretreatments exhibited d32 values > 5 μm. The colors of the emulsions were mainly influenced by oil droplet size rather than the color of the fiber itself. Both NFC suspensions and NFC emulsions showed a storage modulus (G′) higher than the loss modulus (G″) without crossing over, indicating gel-like behavior. For emulsion stability, microwave pretreatment effectively minimized gravitational separation, and the creaming indices of all NFC-emulsions were lower than 6% for the entire storage period. In conclusion, chemical pretreatment was an effective method for nanofiber extraction with good emulsion capacity. However, the microwave with bleaching pretreatment was an alternative method for extracting nanofibers and needs further study to improve the efficiency.

Proximate Composition, Antioxidant Capacity and Functional Properties of Breadnut Seed Flour (Artocarpus camansi)

Breadnut is an indigenous fruit commonly found in Southeast Asia. The authors recognized the potential of breadnut as a food source; thus, the study was set out to determine the proximate composition and antioxidant activity of breadnut seed flour. The sample was found to contain 75% carbohydrates, 9.07% fat, and 6.16% protein. Moreover, the flour made from breadnut yielded a DPPH scavenging activity of 97.33%, an indication of high antioxidant capacity. The flour was blended with wheat flour to investigate its functional properties. It was observed that the 50:50 breadnut seed flour and wheat flour showed potential in terms of water absorption capacity, fat absorption capacity, emulsion capacity, and foaming ability. With the rising population and threat to food and nutrition security, alternative sources must be explored. This study illustrated the potential of breadnut as a source of energy and other nutrients. More so, its functional behavior as an alternative or at least composite to wheat flour.

Quality Assessment of Powdered Maize Ogi Fortified with African Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) Flour

Protein deficiency of fermented cereal gruel popularly known as ogi (akamu) is a justification to fortify it with African walnut. In this study, powdered maize ogi and walnut flour in the ratio 100:0; 90:10; 80:20 and 70:30 labelled AZ, BY, CX and DW, respectively were formulated. Sample ‘AZ’ served as the control. Microbiological analysis, proximate composition, and functional properties of the composite flour samples were determined using Standard methods. Sensory evaluation of ogi porridge prepared using the flour samples were carried out using 9-point Hedonic scale. Total heterotrophic bacterial and fungal count of the flour samples were within the range of 7.01-7.41 and 4.23-4.45 log10CFU/g, respectively. The frequency of occurrence of bacterial isolates from the flour samples include Corynebacterium spp. (27%), Micrococcus spp. (14%), Lactobacillus spp. (13%), Citrobacter spp. (13%), Pseudomonas spp. (13%), Bacillus spp. (13%) and Streptococcus spp. (7%) while the fungal isolates were Aspergillus spp. (45%), Rhizopus spp. (22%), Geotrichum spp. (22%) and Mucor spp. (11%). All the proximate parameters and functional properties of the flour samples showed significant differences (p<0.05) with the exception of protein content and bulk density, respectively. Sample ‘AZ’, ‘BY’, ‘CX’ and ‘DW’s protein content is 0.88±0.08%, 1.14±0.20%, 1.23±0.27% and 1.31±0.38%, respectively. The lipid content (2.00±0.75 - 15.20±0.61%), ash content (0.40±0.06 - 0.90±0.04%), emulsion capacity (2.98±0.14 - 5.62±0.17%), bulk density (0.56±0.06 - 0.61±0.06 g/ml), and swelling index (1.99±0.10 - 18.89±0.21%) of the flour samples increased as the level of walnut flour substitution increased with few exceptions. In contrast, other proximate parameters, gelatinization temperature (75.6±0.48 - 82.4±0.58 oC), water absorption (2.60±0.11 - 3.35±0.35 g/g) and oil absorption (1.56±0.06 - 1.80±0.08 g/g) capacity of the flour samples decreased with few exceptions. Although ogi porridge made from ‘BY’ is more desirable than using other fortified flour formulations, ogi porridge made from ‘AZ’ was assigned the highest score for all the sensory attributes except appearance. Interestingly, ogi porridge prepared using maize ogi flour fortified with walnut flour and 100% maize ogi flour were generally acceptable.

Lipozyme 435-Mediated Synthesis of Xylose Oleate in Methyl Ethyl Ketone

In this paper, we have performed the Lipozyme 435-catalyzed synthesis of xylose oleate in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) from xylose and oleic acid. The effects of substrates’ molar ratios, reaction temperature, reaction time on esterification rates, and Lipozyme 435 reuse were studied. Results showed that an excess of oleic acid (xylose: oleic acid molar ratio of 1:5) significantly favored the reaction, yielding 98% of xylose conversion and 31% oleic acid conversion after 24 h-reaction (mainly to xylose mono- and dioleate, as confirmed by mass spectrometry). The highest Lipozyme 435 activities occurred between 55 and 70 °C. The predicted Ping Pong Bi Bi kinetic model fitted very well to the experimental data and there was no evidence of inhibitions in the range assessed. The reaction product was purified and presented an emulsion capacity close to that of a commercial sugar ester detergent. Finally, the repeated use of Lipozyme 435 showed a reduction in the reaction yields (by 48 and 19% in the xylose and oleic acid conversions, respectively), after ten 12 h-cycles.

Effect of conjugated protein composed of porcine myofibril and Protaetia brevitarsis protein on protein functionality

The replacement of conventional protein supply has been studied in the context of continuous population growth and the consequent environmental problems. Among protein substitutes, edible insects have gained relevance due to their high breeding efficiency. This study was conducted to estimate the effect of the partial replacement of porcine myofibril protein (pork protein; PP) with protein extracted from Protaetia brevitarsis (insect protein; IP) in protein-containing solutions and gels. The protein concentration was regulated at 30 and 1 mg/ml for gels and solutions, respectively, and the replacement percentages were increased by 20%. Gels containing IP showed a lower viscosity and thermal stability; the texture and surface of the gels were negatively impacted as the replacement percentage increased. Therefore, heating is not an appropriate method to induce the gelation of IP containing solutions. However, the replacement of PP with IP increased the foam capacity and emulsion capacity in solutions. In conclusion, we show that the partial replacement of PP with IP positively impacts on protein solutions but impairs their gelation.

The Effect of Processing of Hempseed on Protein Recovery and Emulsification Properties

The effect of carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzyme blend with or without supercritical CO2 (SFE) defatting on pretreat hempseed meal, hempseeds, peeled hempseeds, hempseed protein powder, and germinated hempseeds was determined. The raw materials and recovered fractions from the treatments were subjected to gel electrophoresis, and their emulsion capacity, activity, and stability as well as colour (CIE L ∗ a ∗ b ∗ values) were determined. The highest protein contents, 65% ( w / w dm), were detected in soluble fractions prepared from germinated, defatted hempseeds followed by soluble fractions of peeled, defatted hempseed, 55% ( w / w dm). The gel electrophoresis showed quite similar protein profiles for all samples; however, the edestin content was lower in the germinated samples than in the others. Enzyme treatment and SFE did not have a significant effect on the emulsion properties. Germinated samples demonstrated a higher ability to stabilise emulsions (15-20%) than other pretreated samples. On the other hand, hempseed meal samples had lower emulsification activity and stability values compared to the other samples. The colour of the sample solutions varied from light to dark with a brown to yellowish colour, and PHS samples showed overall higher L ∗ values. In conclusion, germination and peeling in combination with defatting are promising methods to produce functional protein concentrates with efficient emulsion stability and activity as well as a mild colour for food applications.

EFFECTS OF VARIETIES AND BLANCHING TEMPERATURES ON THE FUNCTIONAL AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITIES OF PLANTAIN FLOUR

A study was carried out on effects of varieties and blanching temperatures on the functional and nutritional qualities of plantain flour. Seven (7) bunches of plantain labelled O35, O48.2, O61.6, O75, P35, P55 and P75 were collected within Minna metropolis. After washing, peeling, slicing, Blanching, Drying and Milling, for nutritional qualities, O75 has the highest moisture content of 16.3, followed by O35 that has 10.6 while P75 has the least of 3.1. For ash content O61.6 has the highest of 3.2, followed by O48.2 and O75 that has 2.0 and P55 has the least of 0.5. For crude fat O35 has the highest of 47.0 followed by O75 that has 37.5 while O61.6 and P75 has the least of 34.5. For crude protein, P55 has the highest of 10.68, followed by O48.2 and O75 with 8.58 respectively while P75 has the least of 5.08. For crude fibre O48.2 has the highest of 28.5, followed by O75 that has 14.5 while O61.6 has the least of 3.0. For carbohydrate, P75 has the highest of 48.32, followed by O61.6 that has 43.05 while O48.2 has the least of 17.62. For functional qualities, P75 has the highest bulk density of 0.8 g/ml followed by P35 that has 0.77 g/ml while O75 has the least of 0.51g/ml. For WAC P75 has the highest of 28%, followed by P55 that has 22% while O35 has the least of 10%. For OAC, P75 has the highest of 24%, followed by P35 with P35 with 20% while O35 and O61.6 with the lowest of 16% each. For foam capacity, O35 has the highest of 16.6%, followed by O75 with 12% while P55 has the least of 1.8%. For Emulsion capacity, O75 has the highest of 38.6% followed by P35 with 31.6% while O48.2 has the least of 25.73%. The ogeda flour had higher moisture content, ash content, fat, fiber. While the panbolabola flour had a higher protein, carbohydrate for the nutritional properties.

Comparative nutritional and functional properties of selected underutilized legumes

Underutilized and neglected legumes have numerous nutritional potentials with great contributions to food security but they are usually excluded from research and development agenda. This study evaluates the nutritional and functional properties of six different underutilized and neglected legumes; Lima bean (LB) (Phaseolus lunatus) (2006-009), Bambara groundnut (BG) (Vigna subterranea) (TVSU- 1482), winged bean (WB) (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) (Tpt-48), jack bean (JB) (Canavalia ensiformis) (Tce-4), sword bean (SB) (Canavalia gladiata) (Tcg-4) and African yam bean (AYB) (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) (TSS-95) from the Genetic Resources Unit (GRU), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Nutritional and functional properties were evaluated using proximate composition, mineral analyses and functional properties like bulk density, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, emulsion capacity and dispersibility. All the procedures were carried out using standard protocols. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Results of proximate analysis showed that crude protein ranged from18.88 0.15%(WB) to 26.60±0.14%(AYB), crude fat ranged from 1.84 0.02% (JB) to 6.39 0.03% (BG), crude fibre ranged from 3.70 ±0.00% (AYB) to 5.04 0.03% (SB), ash ranged from 3.10 ± 0.14% (AYB) to 4.66 0.02% (LB), nitrogen free extract ranged from 55.60 0.04% (SB) to 62.97 0.12% (WB), moisture content ranged from 5.75 0.48% (AYB) to 10.77 0.03% (JB), dry matter ranged from 89.23 0.03% (JB) to 94.25 ± 0.488% (AYB) and gross energy ranged from 4.39 0.003 kcal/g (SB) to 4.66 0.00 (BG). Mineral content results revealed that calcium varied from 0.14 0.000% (LB) to 0.23 0.0003% (AYB), phosphorus varied from 0.20 0.0001% (AYB) to 0.38 0.00% (BG), sodium varied from 0.12 0.00% (LB and WB) to 0.35 0.0006% (AYB), potassium varied from 0.69 0.00% (LB) to 1.12 0.00% (BG), magnesium varied from 0.15 0.0002% (AYB) to 0.27 0.000% (BG) and iron varied from 44.84 0.03 (mg/g) (WB) to 80.98 0.0007(mg/g) (AYB). Results of functional properties showed that bulk density ranged from 0.45±0.04 g/mL (WB) to 0.77±0.08 g/mL (SB), water absorption capacity ranged from 168.33±0.03 g/100g (LB) to 183.62±0.01 g/100g (SB), oil absorption capacity ranged from 146.54 ±0.02 g/100g (LB) to 161.55±0.02 g/100g (JB), emulsion capacity ranged from 79.67 ±0.02 g/100g (LB) to 89.46±0.02 g/100g (SB) and dispersibility ranged from81.0±1.41%(SB) to 86.5±0.71% (BG). The study concluded that all the underutilized legumes have varying nutritional and functional properties, which should be exploited for nutritional benefits and industrial applications, as a solution to the problem of food shortage, especially in the developing countries.

Potentials of Defatted Mucuna sloanei (UKPO) Seed Flour as Boon for Human Nutrition and Healthy Food Alternative

Functional, antinutritional, antioxidant and elemental compositions of full-fat sample (FFS) and defatted sample (DFS) Mucuna sloanei (Ukpo) seed were investigated using standard analytical techniques. The results of functional properties (%) in full fat and defatted seed flours were as follows; foaming capacity (6.00 ± 0.04 and 30.30 ± 0.15), foaming stability (1.10 ± 0.00 and 24.00 ± 0.20), water absorption capacity (50.00 ± 0.05 and 70.00 ± 0.05), oil absorption capacity (19.50 ± 0.50 and 21.75 ± 0.15), emulsion capacity (41.58 ± 0.14 and 44.12 ± 0.08), emulsion stability (39.61 ± 0.23 and 34.31 ± 0.11), least gelation concentration (0.03 ± 0.00 and 0.10 ± 0.00) g/cm3 and bulk density (0.77 ± 0.01 and 0.91 ± 0.00) g/cm3 respectively. The antinutrient analysis of full fat and defatted seed flours in mg/g showed glycoside with the highest value to be (23.60 ± 0.13 and 41.18 ± 0.05), phytic acid (20.15 ± 0.07 and 13.15 ± 0.07), oxalate (7.11 ± 0.02 and 0.47 ± 0.12), phytin P (5.68 ± 0.38 and 3.70 ± 0.14) and tannins (0.37 ± 0.01 and 0.47 ± 0.02). Potassium was found to give higher values in the two samples with defatted sample having the highest value. The antioxidant analysis of the full fat and defatted seed flours showed DPPH to be (33.08 ± 0.06 and 35.13 ± 0.03) %, FRAP (48.93 ± 0.11 and 49.03 ± 0.08) mg/g, phenol (4.16 ± 0.07 and 5.28 ± 0.06) % and flavonoid (8.28 ± 0.00 and 3.68 ± 0.10) % respectively. From this nutritional assessment, defatted seed flour of M. sloanei could be described as a good food that can be used to supplement the existing food table in the fight against protein - malnutrition syndrome among the developing countries of the world.