Quality Attributes of Ultra-High Temperature-Treated Model Beverages Prepared with Faba Bean Protein Concentrates

The objective of this research was to develop a model faba bean drink with a high concentration of protein (>4% w/w). The protein molecular weights and frequency for both faba and soy were assessed using SDS-PAGE. Results showed similarities in the protein molecular weight of both faba and soy (mainly 11S globulin ~Glycinin and 7S globulin ~β-conglycinin). Thus, faba can be considered as a potential soy replica in plant-based milk beverages. Oil-in-water emulsions (5–8% w/w available protein) were prepared using faba bean protein concentrate (FPC), 1% sunflower oil, and 0.2% sunflower lecithin. These emulsions were used as model beverages and were further investigated for UHT processibility, stability, and physicochemical properties. The physicochemical properties of emulsions at various processing stages viz., coarse emulsification, homogenisation, and UHT, were measured. An increase in the protein concentration and thermal treatment resulted in an increased oil droplet size, coalescence and flocculation, and protein aggregation. Lower protein concentrations viz., 5–6%, showed greater negative ζ-potential, and thereby, high dispersibility through enhanced electrostatic repulsions than those of higher concentrations (7–8%). Furthermore, an increase in protein concentration and UHT treatment resulted in an increased creaming index. In total, 21 different volatile compounds were detected and quantified, representing different chemical classes, namely alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, furan, and acids. These volatiles have major consequences for the overall flavour chemistry of the model beverage product. Overall, this study showed the potential for application of faba bean as a protein source in UHT-treated legume-based beverages and identified areas for further development.

IgE-Binding Epitopes of Pis v 1, Pis v 2 and Pis v 3, the Pistachio (Pistacia vera) Seed Allergens

Sequential IgE-binding epitopes were identified on the molecular surface of the Pis v 1 (2S albumin), Pis v 2 (11S globulin/legumin) and Pis v 3 (7S globulin/vicilin)—major allergens from pistachio (Pistacia vera) seeds—using the Spot technique. They essentially consist of hydrophilic and electropositively charged residues well exposed on the surface of the allergens. Most of the epitopic regions identified on Pis v 1 and Pis v 3 do not coincide with the putative N-glycosylation sites and thus are not considered as glycotopes. Surface analysis of these epitopic regions indicates a high degree of conformational similarity with the previously identified epitopic regions of the corresponding allergens Ana o 1 (vicilin), Ana o 2 (legumin) and Ana o 3 (2S albumin) from the cashew (Anacardium occidentale) nut. These results offer a molecular basis for the IgE-binding cross-reactivity often observed between pistachio and cashew nut. They support the recommendation for prescribing pistachio avoidance in cashew allergic patients. Other conformational similarities were identified with the corresponding allergens Ses i 1 (2S albumin), Ses i 3 (vicilin) and Ses i 6 (legumin) from sesame (Sesamum indicum), and Jug r 1 (2S albumin), Jug r 2 (vicilin) and Jug r 4 (legumin) from walnut (Juglans regia). Conversely, conformation of most of the epitopic regions of the pistachio allergens often differs from that of epitopes occurring on the molecular surface of the corresponding Ara h 1 (vicilin), Ara h 2 (2S albumin) and Ara h 3 (legumin) allergens from peanut (Arachis hypogaea).

Quantitative Trait Locus (QTLs) Mapping for Quality Traits of Wheat Based on High Density Genetic Map Combined With Bulked Segregant Analysis RNA-seq (BSR-Seq) Indicates That the Basic 7S Globulin Gene Is Related to Falling Number

Numerous quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been identified for wheat quality; however, most are confined to low-density genetic maps. In this study, based on specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq), a high-density genetic map was constructed with 193 recombinant inbred lines derived from Chuanmai 42 and Chuanmai 39. In total, 30 QTLs with phenotypic variance explained (PVE) up to 47.99% were identified for falling number (FN), grain protein content (GPC), grain hardness (GH), and starch pasting properties across three environments. Five NAM genes closely adjacent to QGPC.cib-4A probably have effects on GPC. QGH.cib-5D was the only one detected for GH with high PVE of 33.31–47.99% across the three environments and was assumed to be related to the nearest pina-D1 and pinb-D1genes. Three QTLs were identified for FN in at least two environments, of which QFN.cib-3D had relatively higher PVE of 16.58–25.74%. The positive effect of QFN.cib-3D for high FN was verified in a double-haploid population derived from Chuanmai 42 × Kechengmai 4. The combination of these QTLs has a considerable effect on increasing FN. The transcript levels of Basic 7S globulin and Basic 7S globulin 2 in QFN.cib-3D were significantly different between low FN and high FN bulks, as observed through bulk segregant RNA-seq (BSR). These QTLs and candidate genes based on the high-density genetic map would be beneficial for further understanding of the genetic mechanism of quality traits and molecular breeding of wheat.

Synthesis of Glycosides of α-Tocopherol, Daidzein, Resveratrol, Hesperetin, Naringenin, and Chrysin as Antiallergic Functional Foods and Cosmetics

Glucosyltransferase from Phytolacca americana (Phytolaccaceae), glucosylated α-tocopherol, daidzein, resveratrol, hesperetin, naringenin, and chrysin to α-tocopherol 6-β-d-glucoside, daidzein 7-β-d-glucoside, resveratrol 3-β-d-glucoside, hesperetin 7-β-d-glucoside, naringenin 7-β-d-glucoside, and chrysin 7-β-d-glucoside, respectively. The antiallergic activity of the glycosides and their aglycons was examined by an in vivo immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody formation-suppression bioassay using rat. It was found that α-tocopherol 6-β-d-glucoside showed much higher antiallergic activity against glutenin than the positive control, hydrocortisone. On the other hand, daidzein 7-β-d-glucoside had much higher antiallergic activity toward 7S-globulin than hydrocortisone. These glycosides inhibited O2 − generation from rat neutrophils, which leads to the suppression of histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells, resulting in the decrease of IgE antibody formation in rat. Chrysin 7-β-d-glucoside had stronger antityrosinase activity than chrysin. Cultured P. americana cells regioselectively introduced methoxyl and glucosyl residues on exogenously administrated chrysin to give 8-methoxychrysin and chrysin 7-β-d-glucoside. This is the first report on methoxylation of flavone compound at its eighth position by cultured plant cells.