Black Edible Films from Protein-Containing Defatted Cake of Nigella sativa Seeds

Black biodegradable/edible protein-based films were prepared from defatted cake waste obtained from Nigella sativa (black cumin) seeds as by-product of oil extraction process. The effects of pH, glycerol concentrations, and transglutaminase-catalyzed protein cross-linking activity on the stability of film-forming solutions were studied to determine the best experimental conditions to produce handleable films. Proteins contained in the analyzed defatted cake were shown to be able to act as transglutaminase acyl donor and acceptor substrates being polymerized when incubated in vitro in the presence of the enzyme. Film-forming solutions containing 20% glycerol and casted at pH 8.0 after treatment with the enzyme gave rise to morphologically more homogeneous films possessing mechanical and barrier properties, as well as antimicrobial activity, compatible with their possible applications as food packaging materials and mulching sheets. These findings confirm the validity of the strategy to consider the seed oil processed cakes as protein-based renewable sources to produce not only fertilizers, animal feed, or culinary food but also further valuable products such as bioplastics.

Evaluation of Nutritional and Technological Attributes of Whole Wheat Based Bread Fortified with Chia Flour

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effect of wheat bread fortification with varied levels (2%, 4%, and 6%) of chia seed powder (full fat) and cakes (defatted, residue after oil extraction). Chia flour was added to whole wheat bread rich in vital wheat gluten for the first time. The breadcrumbs were assessed for their antioxidant activity, nutritional content, textural properties, color, and sensory profiles. The addition of chia seed powder, particularly in high levels, was more effective in improving antioxidant activity compared to bread fortified with chia cakes. Bread supplementation with chia flour improves its nutritional value, especially in the case of chia cakes. A higher moisture content and lower hardness were observed after bread fortification, the influence was more evident with the defatted cake than with seed powder. Fortification with chia flour led to darker breads without significantly affecting their global acceptability. However, the fortified bread showed better values than control in terms of sensory profile. These results suggest that the addition of chia seed powder and defatted cake can enhance the overall whole wheat bread quality. Our results also highlight that bread making could be an unconventional alternative for the exploitation of defatted chia seed.

Hazelnut oil production using pressing and supercritical CO2 extraction

In the hazelnut oil production it is very important to find an appropriate method to recover the oil from kernels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the oil extraction process from hazelnuts by screw pressing followed by extraction with supercritical CO2. The effects of temperature head presses, frequency and nozzle size in pressing experiments on oil temperature and recovery were monitored. The optimal pressing condition using response surface methodology was determined. In obtained hazelnut oil the following quality parameters were determined: peroxide value 0 mmol O2/kg, free fatty acids 0.23%, insoluble impurities 0.42%, moisture content 0.045%, iodine value 91.55 g I2/100 g, saponification value 191.46 mg KOH/g and p-anisidine value 0.19. Rosemary extract was the most effective in protecting the oil from oxidative deterioration. The residual oil that remained in the cake after pressing was extracted totally with supercritical CO2 and such defatted cake, free of toxic solvents, can be used further in other processes.