Investigating relationship between water production and interfacial activity of γ-oryzanol, ethyl ferulate, and ferulic acid during peroxidation of bulk oil

In this study, lecithin (as a surfactant) was added to promote the inhibitory-mechanism of γ-oryzanol, ethyl-ferulate and ferulic acid (based on the interfacial phenomena) so as to inhibit the oxidation of stripped sunflower oil. Monitoring the amount of water production as a byproduct of oxidation showed that the water content of the lipid system increased remarkably through the oxidation progress. Lecithin enhanced the critical concentration of hydroperoxides in reverse micelles, compared to the basic state (14.8 vs. 9.2 mM), thereby improving the hydrogen-donating mechanism of antioxidants. The size of reverse micelles increased progressively during the oxidation, while two breakpoints were pointed out in the micelles growth, i.e. at the end of the initiation and the propagation phases. Based on the kinetic data, ferulic acid showed the highest antioxidant activity (23.4), compared to ethyl-ferulate (15.5) and γ-oryzanol (13.7). Generally, lecithin enhanced antioxidant activity (~ 65%) by improving the interfacial performance of antioxidants.

Tailoring the Structure of Lipids, Oleogels and Fat Replacers by Different Approaches for Solving the Trans-Fat Issue—A Review

The issue of the adverse effects of trans-fatty acids has become more transparent in recent years due to researched evidence of their link with coronary diseases, obesity or type 2 diabetes. Apart from conventional techniques for lipid structuring, novel nonconventional approaches for the same matter, such as enzymatic interesterification, genetic modification, oleogelation or using components from nonlipid origins such as fat replacers have been proposed, leading to a product with a healthier nutritional profile (low in saturated fats, zero trans fats and high in polyunsaturated fats). However, replacing conventional fat with a structured lipid or with a fat mimetic can alternate some of the technological operations or the food quality impeding consumers’ acceptance. In this review, we summarize the research of the different existing methods (including conventional and nonconventional) for tailoring lipids in order to give a concise and critical overview in the field. Specifically, raw materials, methods for their production and the potential of food application, together with the properties of new product formulations, have been discussed. Future perspectives, such as the possibility of bioengineering approaches and the valorization of industrial side streams in the framework of Green Production and Circular Economy in the production of tailored lipids, have been highlighted. Additionally, a schematic diagram classifying conventional and nonconventional techniques is proposed based on the processing steps included in tailored lipid production as a convenient and straightforward tool for research and industry searching for healthy, sustainable and zero trans edible lipid system alternatives.

Diosgenin and galactomannans, natural products in the pharmaceutical sciences

Background Diosgenin is an isospirostane derivative, which is a steroidal sapogenin and the product of acids or enzymes hydrolysis process of dioscin and protodioscin. Galactomannans are heteropolysaccharides composed of D-mannose and D-galactose, which are major sources of locust bean, guar, tara and fenugreek. Methods Literature survey was accomplished using multiple databases including PubMed, Science Direct, ISI web of knowledge and Google Scholar. Results Four major sources of seed galactomannans are locust bean (Ceratonia siliqua), guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), tara (Caesalpinia spinosa Kuntze), and fenugreek (T.foenum-graecum). Diosgenin has effect on immune system, lipid system, inflammatory and reproductive systems, caner, metabolic process, blood system, blood glucose and calcium regulation. The most important pharmacological benefits of galactomannan are antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, anticholinesterase, antiviral activities, and appropriate for dengue virus and gastric diseases. Conclusions Considering the importance of diosgenin and galactomannans, the obtained findings suggest potential of diosgenin and galactomannans as natural products in pharmaceutical industries.

Investigating the Relationship Between Water Production and Interfacial Activity of Γ-oryzanol, Ethyl Ferulate, and Ferulic Acid During the Peroxidation of Bulk Oil

In this study, lecithin (as a surfactant) was added to promote the inhibitory-mechanism of γ-oryzanol, ethyl-ferulate and ferulic acid (based on the interfacial phenomena) so as to inhibit the oxidation of stripped sunflower oil. Monitoring the amount of water production as a byproduct of oxidation showed that the water content of the lipid system increased remarkably through the oxidation progress. Lecithin enhanced the critical concentration of hydroperoxides in reverse micelles, compared to the basic state (14.8 vs. 9.2 mM), thereby improving the hydrogen-donating mechanism of antioxidants. The size of reverse micelles increased progressively during the oxidation, while two breakpoints were pointed out in the micelles growth, i.e. at the end of the initiation and the propagation phases. Based on the kinetic data, ferulic acid showed the highest antioxidant activity (23.4), compared to ethyl-ferulate (15.5) and γ-oryzanol (13.7). Generally, lecithin enhanced antioxidant activity (~65%) by improving the interfacial performance of antioxidants.

Self-consistent field modeling of mesomorphic phase changes of monoolein and phospholipids in response to additives.

Mapping the topological phase behaviour of lipids in aqueous solution is time consuming and finding the ideal lipid system for a desired application is often a matter of trial and...

Dengue and Zika Viruses: Epidemiological History, Potential Therapies, and Promising Vaccines

Dengue virus (DENV), which can lead to fatal hemorrhagic fever, affects 390 million people worldwide. The closely related Zika virus (ZIKV) causes microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Both viruses are mostly transmitted by Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which, due to globalization of trade and travel alongside climate change, are spreading worldwide, paving the way to DENV and ZIKV transmission and the occurrence of new epidemics. Local outbreaks have already occurred in temperate climates, even in Europe. As there are no specific treatments, these viruses are an international public health concern. Here, we analyze and discuss DENV and ZIKV outbreaks history, clinical and pathogenesis features, and modes of transmission, supplementing with information on advances on potential therapies and restraining measures. Taking advantage of the knowledge of the structure and biological function of the capsid (C) protein, a relatively conserved protein among flaviviruses, within a genus that includes DENV and ZIKV, we designed and patented a new drug lead, pep14-23 (WO2008/028939A1). It was demonstrated that it inhibits the interaction of DENV C protein with the host lipid system, a process essential for viral replication. Such an approach can be used to develop new therapies for related viruses, such as ZIKV.

Self-Assembly in Ganglioside‒Phospholipid Systems: The Co-Existence of Vesicles, Micelles, and Discs

Ganglioside lipids have been associated with several physiological processes, including cell signaling. They have also been associated with amyloid aggregation in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. In biological systems, gangliosides are present in a mix with other lipid species, and the structure and properties of these mixtures strongly depend on the proportions of the different components. Here, we study self-assembly in model mixtures composed of ganglioside GM1 and a zwitterionic phospholipid, 1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC). We characterize the structure and molecular dynamics using a range of complementary techniques, including cryo-TEM, polarization transfer solid state NMR, diffusion NMR, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and calorimetry. The main findings are: (1) The lipid acyl chains are more rigid in mixtures containing both lipid species compared to systems that only contain one of the lipids. (2) The system containing DOPC with 10 mol % GM1 contains both vesicles and micelles. (3) At higher GM1 concentrations, the sample is more heterogenous and also contains small disc-like or rod-like structures. Such a co-existence of structures can have a strong impact on the overall properties of the lipid system, including transport, solubilization, and partitioning, which can be crucial to the understanding of the role of gangliosides in biological systems.