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The increasing industrial demand and the search for novel ingredients in food and non-food sectors have driven research efforts toward alternatives to traditional commercial starches, emphasizing sustainability and the valorization of native crops, thereby promoting income generation for small-scale farmers. The extraction of these starches through aqueous methods, employing reductive and/or alkaline agents, can impact their structure and technological properties. These starches exhibit distinct physicochemical, morphological, crystalline, thermal, and nutritional characteristics, influenced by factors such as botanical origin. Although certain limitations may exist in their technological applications, physical, chemical, and/or enzymatic modification methods, or a combination thereof, are employed to enhance these properties for specific uses. These alternative starch sources present potential applications across the food, pharmaceutical, paper, medicinal, and cosmetic industries, underscoring their versatility and unique advantages. Nonetheless, ongoing research is essential to fully explore their composition and potential applications. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and professionals interested in sustainable and innovative alternatives to conventional starches.

Abiotic factors, such as drought, can significantly impact the vegetative growth and productivity of maize. To investigate the effects of the combined foliar application of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) nanoparticles with the recommended nitrogen dose (RND) on maize production and grain chemical composition under different water regimes, two field experiments were conducted in El-Ayyat city, Giza, Egypt, during the summer seasons of 2022 and 2023. This study utilized a split-split-plot experimental design with three replications. The main plots were designated to different water regimes (100, 80, 60, and 40% of estimated evapotranspiration), while the sub-plots were randomly distributed with Zn and Fe nanoparticle concentrations (0, 100, and 200 mg/L). The sub-sub-plots were randomly allocated to three maize cultivars (SC-P3062, SC-32D99, and SC-P3433). The results revealed that exposure to drought conditions resulted in a significant decline in the yield and yield-related attributes across all maize cultivars examined. Grain yield decreased by 10–50% under drought conditions. However, the foliar application of Zn and Fe nanoparticles was found to significantly improve grain yield, protein content, oil content, starch content, crude fiber, ash, and macro- and micronutrient concentrations in the maize cultivars under control and drought stress conditions. The foliar application of Zn and Fe nanoparticles at a concentration of 200 mg/L to the SC-P3433 maize cultivar led to the greatest grain yield per hectare, reaching 11,749 and 11,657 kg under the irrigation regimes with 100 and 80% total evapotranspiration, respectively. According to the assessment using the relative drought index, the SC-P3062 maize cultivar demonstrated tolerance (T) to water stress conditions. In conclusion, the foliar application of Zn and Fe nanoparticles (100–200 mg/L) effectively mitigated the negative effects of drought stress on maize plants. This approach can be recommended for farmers in arid and semi-arid regions to maintain and improve maize yield and grain quality under water-deficit conditions.

The main objective was to evaluate the use of common bean flour (CBF), corn flour, and semolina to obtain instant noodles by means of a hot dry and frying process. The hot drying process was conducted at 60 °C for 4 h, and frying was conducted at 140 °C and 160 °C for 1 and 3 min. Proximate analysis, total phenolic content (TPC), the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, phenolic acids and flavonoids profile by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS, the optimal cooking time (OCT), and color and texture analysis (TPA) were conducted. The general linear model and regression analysis were used. The incorporation of CBF resulted in an elevated protein content and TPC of the noodles. The noodles (hot dry) with CBF exhibited an enhanced antioxidant capacity. The adhesiveness has a direct correlation with the cinnamic, chlorogenic, and caffeic acid content (r2 = 0.95 or higher), as well as an inverse relationship with the vanillic, ferulic, and sinapic acids (r2 = −0.80 to −0.85). The dry hot noodles exhibited the lowest value of hardness (31.0 ± 1.5 N). The incorporation of common bean flour and corn flour enhances the nutritional profile of noodles. However, hot dry process affects their mechanical characteristics in comparison to the frying process.

Grafting is a traditional research and crop production technique used to study the long-distance movement of molecules, reduce disease susceptibility, and improve yield, quality, and nutrient content. Tomato/potato grafts are rare examples of successful interspecies grafting, even resulting in commercially available products. Nevertheless, information on the effect of tomato on the quality parameters of potato tubers is scarce. In this study, the tomato cultivar ‘Mobil’ was grafted with the potato cultivars ‘White Lady’, ‘Hópehely’, and ‘Désirée’, and the phenotype, metabolite composition, and starch and protein contents of the tubers were analysed. Anthocyanins were isolated from the tuber skins, and the expression level of the transcription factor ANTHOCYANIN1 (StAN1) was evaluated. Out of the 112 identified metabolites, the concentrations of twelve compounds were altered in the same direction in all three cultivars. Compared to the self-grafted control, the starch content of tubers was increased in each cultivar, while the protein level remained unaltered in ‘White Lady’ and ‘Hópehely’. The oval tubers became roundish. The tomato scion increased the anthocyanin content of ‘Hópehely’ and ‘Désirée’ tuber skins, which was correlated with the upregulation of StAN1 expression. These results indicate that tomato scion has a significant impact on the quality parameters of potato tubers.

Domesticated highland barley is an important starch reserve and has differently colored grains, owing to different genotype backgrounds and cultivation environments. In this study, black, purple, blue, and yellow highland barley varieties were planted under the same cultivation conditions, and their starch distribution, structural characteristics, and physicochemical properties were analyzed. The apparent amylose content was highest in the purple variety (20.26%) and lowest in the yellow variety (18.58%). The different varieties had three subgroups and A-type crystalline structures, but the particle size and relative crystallinity (25.67–27.59%) were significantly different. In addition, the weight average molecular weight (6.72 × 107 g/mol), area ratio of APs to APL (2.88), relative crystallinity (27.59%), and 1045/1022 (0.730 cm−1) of starch were higher in yellow highland barley (YHB), forming a stable particle structure and increasing the Tp and PV of its starch. A cluster heat map showed that starches from differently colored highland barley vary in fine structure, water solubility, swelling power, and thermal and pasting properties. This study provides a reference for the high-quality breeding of colored highland barley and its utilization in food and non-food industries.

This study investigated the contribution of pulse starches (PSs) to the slowly digestible starch (SDS) properties observed in pulses. Purified pulse starches from 17 commonly consumed pulses were examined, focusing on their digestion kinetics using a pancreatic alpha-amylase (PAA) and rat intestinal acetone powder (RIAP) mixture. Chickpea starch, exhibiting a slow digestibility profile, was incorporated as an ingredient to confer slow digestibility to refined wheat flour bread. Our findings reveal that some PSs exhibited low digestibility when gelatinized (100 °C, 30 min) and retrograded (7 days, 4 °C). Rapid retrogradation was observed in starch from chickpeas, lentils, field peas, adzuki beans, navy beans, large lima beans, and great northern beans. The incorporation of chickpea starch into fortified bread significantly improved its slow digestibility properties. This study reveals the potential of pulse starch as a promising functional ingredient for baked products, related to the faster retrogradation of many pulse-sourced starches. These findings contribute valuable insights into the slow digestibility attributes of pulse starches for developing food products with enhanced nutritional profiles.

Polysaccharide hydrocolloids have garnered increasing attention from consumers, experts, and food processing industries due to their advantages of abundant resources, favorable thickening properties, emulsification stability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and high acceptance as food additives. This review focuses on the application of polysaccharide hydrocolloids and their beneficial roles in meat products by focusing on several commonly used polysaccharides (i.e., cellulose, chitosan, starch, sodium alginate, pectin, and carrageenan). Firstly, the recent advancements of polysaccharide hydrocolloids used in meat products are briefly introduced, along with their structure and potential application prospects. Then, the beneficial roles of polysaccharide hydrocolloids in meat products are comprehensively summarized and highlighted, including retarding lipid and protein oxidation, enhancing nutritional properties, improving texture and color quality, providing antibacterial activity, monitoring freshness, acting as a cryoprotectant, improving printability, and ensuring security. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of polysaccharide hydrocolloids in meat products are also introduced.

Grain chalkiness adversely affects rice quality, and the positional variation of grain chalkiness within a rice panicle presents a substantial obstacle to quality improvement in China. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this variation is unclear. This study conducted a genetic and physiological analysis of grains situated at distinct positions (upper, middle, and bottom primary branches of the rice panicle, denoted as Y1, Y2, and Y3) within a rice panicle using the Yangdao 6 variety. The results indicated that the percentage of chalky grains (PCG) in Y1 was the highest, i.e., 17.12% and 52.18% higher than that of Y2 and Y3, respectively. Y2 exhibited the highest degree of grain chalkiness (DGC), attributable to its greater area of endosperm chalkiness (AEC) than the others. Y3 demonstrated the lowest PCG and DGC. Additionally, Y1 and Y2 were characterized by lower amylose and protein contents, as well as looser starch granule morphology, in comparison to Y3. Compared with Y3, both the average and maximum filling rates of Y1 and Y2 increased markedly; however, the active filling duration was notably reduced by 7.10 d and 5.56 d, respectively. The analysis of genomic expression levels indicated an enrichment of starch and sucrose metabolism in Y1-vs.-Y2, Y2-vs.-Y3, and Y1-vs.-Y3, with 7 genes (5 up-regulated and 2 down-regulated), 53 genes (12 up-regulated and 41 down-regulated), and 12 genes (2 up-regulated and 10 down-regulated) in the Y1-vs.-Y2, Y2-vs.-Y3, and Y1-vs.-Y3. The majority of these genes were down-regulated, linking metabolic activity to grain filling and contributing to the occurrence of grain chalkiness in rice panicles. In conclusion, the metabolic processes associated with sucrose and starch play a crucial role in regulating grain filling and the formation of chalkiness in rice.

Polysaccharides represent the most abundant biopolymers in agri-food wastes and thus are the most studied polymers to produce biodegradable films for use in packaging. Starch is among the major polysaccharides extracted from food and agricultural waste that have been used as precursor material for film production. Therefore, the present study aimed at producing an active film with antimicrobial properties using starch extracted from cassava waste and oil extracted from cloves. The antimicrobial activity of the produced films was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes. Cassava periderm and cortex were bleached with either NaClO or H2O2 before starch aqueous extraction. The active films’ antimicrobial effectiveness was assessed by the formation of inhibitory halos around film disc samples in an agar diffusion method. The inhibition zone diameters were statistically similar for all microorganisms, with an average diameter of 11.87 ± 1.62 mm. The films presented an average water vapor permeability of 0.14 g mm/m2 h kPa, an average tensile strength of 0.17 MPa and an elongation at break of 32.90%. Based on the determined properties, the produced films were deemed adequate for use in food packaging, in which antimicrobial activity is paramount.

Controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers are gaining popularity in rice (Oryza stavia L.) cultivation for their ability to increase yields while reducing environmental impact. Grain filling is essential for both the yield and quality of rice. However, the impact of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer on grain-filling characteristics, as well as the relationship between these characteristics and rice quality, remains unclear. This study aimed to identify key grain-filling characteristics influencing rice milling quality, appearance, cooking and eating qualities, and physicochemical properties of starch. In this study, a two-year field experiment was conducted that included four nitrogen management practices: zero nitrogen input (CK), a local high-yield practice with split urea applications (100% urea, CU), a single basal application of 100% controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer (CRNF), and a basal application blend of 70% controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer with 30% urea (CRNF-CU). The results showed that a sufficient amount of carbohydrates for the rice grain-filling process, as indicated by a higher sugar–spikelet ratio, is essential for improving grain quality. An increased sugar–spikelet ratio enhances the grain-filling process, resulting in an elevated average grain-filling rate (Gmean) and the peak grain-filling rate (Gmax), while also reducing the overall time required for grain filling (D). Compared to CU, CRNF and CRNF-CU treatments did not significantly change milling qualities, but reduced the chalky kernel rate and chalkiness, thereby enhancing the appearance quality. These treatments increased the amylose and amylopectin contents while reducing protein content, though the proportion of protein constituents remained unchanged. These treatments led to larger starch granules with notably smoother surfaces. Additionally, CRNF and CRNF-CU reduced relative crystallinity and structural order, while increasing the amorphous structure in the outer region of starch granules, which lowered rice starch crystal stability. The treatments also increased viscosity and improved the thermodynamic properties of starch, resulting in enhanced eating and cooking quality of the rice. In conclusion, the CRNF-CU is the most effective strategy in this study to enhance both grain yield and quality. This practice ensures an adequate carbohydrate supply for grain filling, which is essential for efficient grain filling and improved overall quality.

Starch films have attracted increasing attention due to their biodegradability, edibility, and potential use as animal feed from post-products. Applications of starch-based films include food packaging, coating, and medicine capsules. However, a major drawback of starch-based films is their brittleness, particularly under dry conditions, caused by starch retrogradation and the instability of plasticizers. To address this challenge, various strategies and methodologies have been developed, including plasticization, chemical modification, and physical reinforcement. This review covers fundamental aspects, such as the microstructures, phase transitions, and compatibility of starch, as well as application-oriented techniques, including processing methods, plasticizer selection, and chemical modifications. Plasticizers play a crucial role in developing starch-based materials, as they mitigate brittleness and improve processability. Given the abundance of hydroxyl groups in starch, the plasticizers used must also contain hydroxyl or polar groups for compatibility. Chemical modification, such as esterification and etherification, effectively prevents starch recrystallization. Reinforcements, particularly with nanocellulose, significantly improved the mechanical properties of starch film. Drawing upon both the literature and our expertise, this review not only summarizes the advancements in this field but also identifies the limitations of current technologies and outlines promising research directions for future development.

Cactus pear (Opuntia-ficus indica (L.) Mill.) is an important agricultural crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) species used as a source of food, forage, fodder, and secondary products and as a biofuel feedstock. However, the preferred source of nitrogen for this species, whether it be nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), or a combination of both, is not well understood. To investigate the nitrate and ammonium preference of cactus pear, we grew cladodes in sand culture with deionized water as a control or with a cross-factorial set of nutrient solutions of 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mmol of nitrate and/or ammonium for one month. We then assessed a set of physiological parameters including cladode growth, relative water content, chlorophyll, tissue acidity, soluble sugars, starch, nitrate, ammonium, glyoxylic acid, nitrate reductase activity, and nitrogen and carbon content. We found significant differences in all measured parameters except for cladode length, relative water content, and carbon content. Cladodes provided with only deionized water produced no new cladodes and showed decreased soluble sugar content, increased starch content, and increased tissue acidity. We also determined the relative steady-state transcript abundance of genes that encode enzymes involved in N metabolism and CAM. Compared with control cladodes, nutrient-supplied cladodes generally showed increased or variable steady-state mRNA expression of selected CAM-related genes and nitrogen-metabolism-related genes. Our results suggest that O. ficus-indica prefers fertilizers containing either equal concentrations nitrate and ammonium or more nitrate than ammonium.

In this study, dual-root soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) plants, with one side nodulated and the other nonnodulated, were used as experimental materials. The nonnodulated lateral roots were treated with excessive nitrate (200 mg·L−1 nitrogen) for three days, followed by a three-day nitrate withdrawal, and then subjected to excessive nitrate again for another three days. Meanwhile, the nodulated side was continuously supplied with nitrogen-free nutrient solution. We measured the nitrogenase activity, nodule quantity, and concentrations of sucrose, starch, and soluble sugars, along with the microstructure of the nodules. By analyzing these data, we aim to provide theoretical insights into how indirect nitrate supply affects the nitrogen fixation capacity of nodules. The results demonstrated that indirect supply of nitrate to the soybean nodules reduced the nodule nitrogen fixation ability, which was manifested in the decrease in nodule dry weight, nodule number, and nitrogenase activity. The reason was found to be related to the decrease in carbon sources (sucrose, starch, and soluble sugar) allocated to the nodules. Further observation of the internal structure of the nodules found that the number of infected cells in the nodules decreased with the addition of nitrate, and increased with its withdrawal. However, the addition and withdrawal of nitrate did not change the effect of nitrate on the structure of infected cells around the nodules after the first addition of nitrate. These may be one of the important reasons why nitrate indirectly affects the activity of nitrogenase in nodules.

The morphology of wheat starch granules with different damaged starch (DS) content was analyzed using a particle size analyzer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); the granular structure was studied using FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD); and the granule–water interaction was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic vapor sorption (DVS). The increase in the level of DS shifted the population of B-type granules towards larger particle diameters and shifted the population of A-type granules towards smaller particle diameters. The appearance of the surface of the starch-damaged granules was rough and flaky (SEM images). Crystallinity reductions were related to higher mechanical damage levels of the granular structure (FT-IR and XRD). Higher DS increased the liquid-water absorption capacity of the granules. Higher DS was associated with increments in less-bound water proportions and reductions in more strongly bound water proportions and related to reductions in the evaporation temperature of these water populations (TGA analyses). Concerning DVS data, the results suggested that the driving force for water–monolayer attachment to the starch granules decreased as DS increased. Therefore, it was suggested that the changes in granule structure led to a weaker water–starch polymer chain interactions due to the increase in DS. The results contribute to a better understanding of the influence of mechanical damage on the starch granular structure, which could be related to the rheological and thermal behavior of starch-based systems with different DS.

Nine sweet potato varieties with different flesh colors were cultivated under uniform environmental conditions with potassium (K) fertilizer treatments at levels of 0, 22.5, and 45 kg/ha. The structural and functional properties of the starches were subsequently analyzed. The soluble sugar content in the dry root tuber increased, with higher K levels in most varieties. Amylose content decreased in Sushu16 but increased in Ningzishu1, with no significant differences observed in other varieties across different K levels. Elevated K levels had no effect on starch protein content, crystalline type, or gelatinization enthalpy. The impact of K fertilizer on starch thermal and pasting properties varied among the varieties. PLSR and PLS-DA analyses revealed that genotype background was the primary factor influencing starch properties. This research will provide a reference for the improvement of sweet potato production quality and efficiency and a scientific basis for the cultivation and utilization of sweet potato root tubers.

Here, we describe and assess a method for reusing specific food waste to make hydrogels, which can be employed to improve the efficacy of agrochemicals and water. It represents an approach for tackling current challenges, such as food waste, water management, and pesticide optimization. Depending on the formulation, the hydrogels were created by crosslinking pectin and starch with CaCl2 or sodium trimetaphosphate. FTIR and SEM were employed to investigate the methylation degree of the extracted pectin, as well as the surface morphology and interior structure of the hydrogels. The swelling behavior and water retention in sandy soil have been investigated. In addition to the hydrogels’ potential to control and reduce pesticide loss, the herbicide Picloram is a model compound. The results show that the hydrogels have important swelling, up to 300%, and a capacity to retain water, preserve, and increase the water content in sandy soil up to 12 days. Picloram experiments show that hydrogels can limit herbicide mobility for up to 30 days under controlled conditions. The conversion of food wastes to highly valuable materials is a promising approach to optimize the water consumption and the loss of agrochemicals regarding sustainable agriculture.

In this study, a detailed phytochemical investigation of compounds in the twigs of the mistletoe Loranthus europaeus Jacq., which belongs to the Loranthaceae family, is presented. Specimens were collected from the mistletoe L. europaeus growing on oak trees in the mainland of Greece. The alliance of oaks and mistletoes became a symbol of knowledge and strength for many centuries. Although numerous compounds of aerial tissues of other mistletoes, e.g., Viscum album, have been published, few studies have been conducted to investigate the metabolic and physiological traits of the hemiparasitic, deciduous Loranthus europaeus. LC-HRMS-based analysis led to a detailed characterization of ethyl acetate and dichloromethane extracts of the twigs of L. europaeus, which, to the best of our knowledge, exhibit enhanced antioxidant potential. Hence, twenty-four and twenty-six compounds were tentatively identified from the ethyl acetate and dichloromethane twigs’ extracts, respectively; these compounds belong to fatty acids, flavonoids, and flavonoid glycosides. Also, chlorophyll, soluble sugar, starch, and lipid contents in the twigs of L. europaeus, which have not hitherto been published, were investigated.

This paper investigates the application of high-capacity supercapacitors in railway systems, with a particular focus on their role in energy recovery during braking processes. The study highlights the potential for significant energy savings by capturing and storing energy generated through electrodynamic braking. Experimental measurements conducted on a diesel–electric multiple unit revealed that approximately 28.3% to 30.5% of the energy could be recovered from the traction network, regardless of the type of drive used—whether electric or diesel. This research also explores the integration of starch-based carbon as an electrode material in supercapacitors, offering an innovative, sustainable alternative to traditional graphite or graphene electrodes. The carbon material was obtained through a simple carbonization process, with experimental results demonstrating a material capacity of approximately 130 F/g. To quantify the energy recovery, calculations were made regarding the mass and power requirements of the supercapacitors. For the tested vehicle, it was estimated that around 28.7% of the energy could be recovered during the braking process. To store 15 kWh of energy, the total mass of the capacitors required is approximately 245.1 kg. The study emphasizes the importance of increasing voltage levels in railway systems, which can enhance energy transmission and utilization efficiency. Additionally, the paper discusses the necessity of controlled energy discharge, allowing for the flexible management of energy release to meet the varying power demands of trains. By integrating high-voltage supercapacitors and advanced materials like starch-based carbon, this research paves the way for more sustainable and efficient railway systems, contributing to the industry’s goals of reducing emissions and improving operational performance. The findings underscore the crucial role of these capacitors in modernizing railway infrastructure and promoting environmentally responsible transportation solutions.

Abscisic acid (ABA) plays an important regulatory role in the grain filling process, which in turn will affect the final yield and quality of rice. The ABA biosynthesis genes of OsNCED3 and degradation gene OsABA8ox3 affect the ABA content, and then further regulate the ABA signaling. During the development of rice panicle, compared with primary grains (superior grains) growing on primary branches, secondary grains (inferior grains) growing on secondary branches exhibit characteristics. However, little is reported on the physicochemical characteristics of starch between superior and inferior grains in ABA related transgenic lines. In this study, OsNCED3 and OsABA8ox3 transgenic plants were used as materials. The results showed that compared with the WT, the OsNCED3-RNAi lines on grain weight was consistent with the trend of superior and inferior grains, while the OsABA8ox3-RNAi lines affected superior or inferior grains. The total starch and soluble sugar content of grains decreased in both OsNCED3-RNAi and OsABA8ox3-RNAi lines, and the total starch content of superior and inferior grains in OsABA8ox3-RNAi lines decreased. The starch granule size distribution of all samples showed a bimodal and increased proportion of starch grains with large granule size, in which the influence on inferior grains was greater than that of superior grains, which eventually led to a significant increase in their average granule size. The apparent amylose content of inferior grains increased significantly in most lines. The swelling power of the superior grains decreased significantly, while that of the inferior grains increased significantly. Fourier analysis showed that the order degree of starch granule surface decreased in the superior grains of the RNAi line, while it increased in the inferior grains of the OsABA8ox3-RNAi line but decreased in the OsNCED3-RNAi lines. In the superior grains, the relative crystallinity of starch decreased in the OsNCED3-RNAi lines, but remained unchanged or increased in the OsABA8ox3-RNAi line. In inferior grains, the relative crystallinity of starch decreased in the ABA synthesis RNAi line, but increased in the OsABA8ox3-RNAi line. In summary, the influence of ABA on the physicochemical properties of inferior grains is greater than that of superior grains.

The evaluation of the aerobic stability of silages primarily involves monitoring temperature, while changes in composition are often neglected. In the present study, the effect of aeration on high-moisture corn ensiled with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was investigated and compared with that of the control without inoculant. The corn used in this study was grown in five plots in a split-plot experimental design, and each plot represented the repetition of silage preparation, both with and without inoculant. In the silages, the temperature changes and the content of acids and alcohols were monitored during the 6 days of aeration, while the content of the main nutrients was compared before and after 6 days of aeration. The temperature difference between the silages and the environment was below 3 °C during the entire aeration period, regardless of the ensiling method. The content of lactic acid was higher in L. plantarum silages, while the contents of acetic and propionic acid, methanol and ethanol were higher in the control (p < 0.001). The content of all compounds changed during the aeration period (p < 0.05), regardless of the ensiling method and the stable silage temperature. Aeration affected the content of soluble crude protein and starch (p < 0.05), suggesting starch degradation in high-moisture corn during aeration. Therefore, in addition to monitoring silage temperature, monitoring lactic and acetic acid and the main nutrients should be considered, as the nutritional value of high-moisture corn could decrease during aeration.

Extrusion is a crucial food processing technique that involves mixing, heating, shearing, molding, and other operations to modify the structures and properties of food components. As the primary energy source material, the extrusion process induces significant physical and chemical changes in starch that impact the quality of final products. This review paper discusses novel technologies for starch extrusion and their influence on the physical and chemical properties of starch-based foods, such as gelatinization and retrogradation properties, structural characteristics, and digestion properties. Additionally, it examines the application of extrusion in starch processing and the interactions between starch and other food components during extrusion. This information sheds light on the structural and property alterations that occur during the extrusion process to create high-quality starch-based foods.

Starch extracted from ten lotus root varieties (Yeyong, MRHZ, Zhonghua, Suiningbaiou, Zaohua, Meirenhong, E9:11, Huchengyeou, Peixianyeou, Xin No. 5) from Jiangsu Province, China, were studied. The structural characteristics of lotus root starch were analyzed based on its physical and chemical properties, particle structure, crystal structure, layered structure, thermal properties and gel properties. The lotus root starches were generally milky white, with a starch content ranging from 81.72 to 99.54%, amylose content ranging from 15.44 to 23.54%, light transmittance between 15.30 and 26.90%, and swelling power and solubility at 22.15–29.72% and 2.00–6.00%, respectively. Among the varieties, “Suiningbaiou” had the whitest starch, while “Meirenhong” and “Suiningbaiou” had higher starch contents. “Huchengyeou” had the lowest amylose content, and “Zhonghua” showed the highest light transmittance. “Yeyong” and “Zaohua” had higher solubility, whereas “Zhonghua” had the highest swelling power. An optical, polarizing and scanning electron microscope revealed that most of the lotus starch was oval. However, starch from “Zhonghua”, “E9:11”, “Peixianyeou” and “Zaohua” was longer, whereas starch from “Meirenhong”, “MRHZ”, “Huchengyeou”, “Yeyong”, “Suiningbaiou” and “Xin No.5” was shorter. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns and 13C NMR spectroscopy indicated that “Zaohua” starch exhibited type A crystallization, while starch from the other varieties displayed type CA crystallization, with a relative crystallinity between 18.27 and 22.10%; “Huchengyeou” and “Yeyong” had higher crystallinity. Infrared spectroscopy and small-angle X diffraction analysis showed similar results for short-range order and lamella spacing. The thermal and gel properties of starch from the ten lotus root varieties also varied. The enthalpy change values of “Xin No.5” and “Yeyong” were higher, and starch from “Yeyong” and “Huchengyeou” showed a greater gel strength. Finally, factor score analysis ranked the starch quality of the top four lotus root varieties in Jiangsu as “Suiningbaiou”, “Yeyong”, “Huchengyeou”, and “Zaohua”.

Hydrogels are interesting materials as delivery systems of various therapeutic agents, mainly due to the water-swollen network and the localized and sustained drug release. Herein, single-component starch-based hydrogels with enhanced degradation rates were produced by applying a facile synthesis and proposed for a novel delivery system of therapeutic molecules. Starch was oxidized with sodium periodate in water and mild conditions to generate aldehyde derivatives that, after a freeze-thaw procedure, were allowed to compact and stable hydrogels. Oxidized starch was also cross-linked with asparagine through a Schiff base reaction to link the active molecule directly to the polysaccharide structure. The materials were structurally and morphologically characterized, and the ability to adsorb and release over time an active molecule was proven by qNMR spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity was evaluated on CAL-27 cell line (oral squamous cell carcinoma). Results indicated that synthesized hydrogels lead to a “frozen proliferative” state on cells due to the swelling capability in the cell medium. This behavior was confirmed by flow cytometry data indicating the hydrogels induced less “early apoptosis” and more “late apoptosis” in the cells, compared to the untreated control. Since the proposed materials are able to control the cell proliferation, they could open a new scenario within the field of precise therapeutic applications.

Purple-fleshed sweetpotatoes (PFSPs) are rich in anthocyanins and are one of the health foods of interest. In this study, the effects of steaming on the anthocyanin, starch, soluble sugar, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and pasting properties of nine PFSPs from China were investigated. The anthocyanin content of raw PFSP ranged from 9 to 185 mg/100 g. The total starch content decreased and soluble sugar content increased in all purple potatoes after steaming. Among the nine PFSPs varieties, Guangshu20 showed the greatest decrease in starch content (30.61%) and the greatest increase in soluble sugar content (31.12%). The pasting properties affected the taste of the PFSPs, with Shuangpihuang having the lowest peak viscosity (720.33 cP) and Guangzishu12 having the highest peak viscosity (2501.67 cP). Correlation studies showed that the anthocyanin content and pasting properties were negatively correlated with most of the sensory indicators, whereas the soluble sugar content of steamed PFSPs was significantly positively correlated with sweetness. A total of 54 VOCs were identified in this study, and aldehydes and terpenoids were the major VOCs in PFSPs. This study provides a theoretical basis for the processing of different PFSP varieties.

The issue of managing waste bread is a global concern, with significant environmental and the economic implications. The utilisation of waste bread for bioethanol production, employing energy-saving technology, could prevent these consequences and reduce the consumption of traditionally used fossil fuels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the type of waste bread (wheat and wheat–rye sourdough) and the mash preparation method on the results of alcoholic fermentation and the concentration of selected congeners in the distillates. The highest fermentation efficiency (96% of theoretical) was achieved for both types of bread through the utilisation of the pressureless starch liberation method combined with simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. The separate saccharification of starch resulted in lower process efficiencies (from 85.75 to 88.60% of theoretical). The application of the native starch hydrolysis method (without starch activation) for the fermentation of wheat bread-based mashes exhibited a higher efficiency (87.85% of the theoretical) than that observed for the wheat–rye bread-based mash sample (83.74% of theoretical). All of the obtained spirit distillates exhibited a low concentration of methanol (≤300 mg/L alcohol 100% v/v) and comply with the requirements of the EU regulation for ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin (rectified spirit).

Nine varieties of lotus root (Suining, Xinhe, Zaohua, Zhonghua, L0014, L0013, Cuiyu, L0011, and Zhenzhu) were selected as the research materials to compare their differences in physical, chemical, and starch characteristics before and after boiling, frying, and microwaving. The results showed that Zhenzhu, Xinhe, L0013, Cuiyu, and Zhonghua belong to the crispy lotus root type, while L0011, L0014, Zaohua, and Suining belong to the powdery lotus root type. Furthermore, the nine varieties were characterized for their starch by optical micrograph (OM), polarized micrograph (PM), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), carbon-13 cross-polarization/magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13C CP/MAS NMR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The starch granule of powdery lotus root appeared to be larger than that of crispy lotus, and ATR-FTIR studies revealed that the outer layer of starch granules from nine different varieties of lotus root had a highly organized structure. Moreover, XRD and 13C CP/MAS NMR analyses revealed that starch from eight lotus varieties (Suining, Xinhe, Zaohua, Zhonghua, L0014, L0013, Cuiyu, L0011) belong to the A-crystal type, while starch from Zhenzhu belongs to the CA-crystal type. The starch from powdery lotus root exhibited higher crystallinity, as well as increased gelatinization temperature and enthalpy, indicating that its crystal structure was relatively superior compared to that of crispy lotus starch. The short-range order degree, crystallinity, gelatinization temperature, and heat enthalpy of lotus starch decreased after boiling and frying but increased to varying extents after microwaving. Additionally, the heat resistance and stability of starch particles from crispy lotus root were improved after microwave treatment.

Over the past two decades, the development and commercialization of slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) have significantly advanced, with the primary aim of mitigating environmental issues associated with excessive fertilizer use. A range of methodologies, including chemical and physical reactions, incorporation into carriers with porous and layered structures, and coating techniques, have been explored and refined. On the other hand, global challenges such as drought and desertification further underscore the need for SRFs that not only control nutrient release but also improve soil moisture retention. This paper reviews the development and application of eco-friendly starch hydrogels as fertilizer carriers and water retention for SRFs, particularly starch-based superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) produced through grafting copolymerization with acrylamide. This review explores both scientific issues, such as the microstructures and releasing mechanisms of SAPs, and technical development, involving copolymerization technologies, multi-initialization processes, methods of loading fertilizer into hydrogel, etc. Starch, as both a biodegradable and renewable carbohydrate polymer, offers distinct advantages due to its excellent chemical stability and high reactivity. The fabrication techniques of SAPs have been developed from traditional batch polymerization in aqueous solutions to more efficient, solvent-free reactive extrusion. The benefits of SRFs based on SAPs encompass enhanced soil aeration, the prevention of soil deterioration, the minimization of water evaporation, environmental pollution control, reduction in plant mortality, and prolonged nutrient retention within soil. In this review, we summarize the current progress, identify limitations in existing technologies, and propose future research directions to further enhance the performance of starch-based SRFs.

This research concerned the assessment of the utility value of new pea breeding materials intended for registration in the European Union. The research material consisted of sixteen breeding lines and four reference pea varieties. The evaluation was carried out based on the chemical composition of seeds and its variability within the studied genotypes. The contents of protein, starch, lipids, ash and dietary fiber (DF) were determined. The nutritional value of the protein was assessed in vitro using the value of the limiting amino acid index chemical score (CS) and the integrated essential amino acid index (EAAI). The analyzed pea genotypes were characterized by significant diversity in terms of the content of the tested components. The obtained results combined with the PCA analysis were used to select pea genotypes of the highest quality, having the potential as a raw material for the production of food with health-promoting properties. The effect of the conducted research was the identification of three pea genotypes with the greatest potential in terms of protein content and dietary fiber complex.

A novel cyclic amylopectin (CA) was synthesized from waxy corn starch (WCS) using Bacillus stearothermophilus branching enzyme (BstBE), providing insights into its biosynthesis mechanism and solution properties. During the first 4 h, BstBE partially cyclized WCS, producing 68.20% CA with a significantly reduced molecular weight (MW), from 8.98 × 10⁶ to 3.19 × 10⁴ g/mol and a lower polymer dispersity index (PDI), decreasing from 1.97 to 1.12. This resulted in a uniform CA structure with shorter chain lengths, particularly increasing DP 3–13, especially DP 7–9. Over the subsequent 4–12 h, the PDI slightly increased to 1.18 as the CA content decreased to 50.48%, with an increase in small ring structures (DP 6–12) of CA, suggesting both ring-opening and ring-downsizing due to continued enzyme catalysis. These results propose a two-stage reaction model: initial cyclization followed bybranching and secondary cyclization. CA exhibited excellent solution properties, with BE-4 and BE-12 samples demonstrating high solubility (≥65 g/100 mL), low viscosity (

This research proposes an efficient alternative for dehydrating cassava bagasse to address the inherent challenges in the handling, transportation, storage, and preservation of this agro–industrial residue generated in cassava starch production plants. This residue is characterized by high moisture retention, considerable volume, and hydrophilic nature, complicating conventional drying methods. This study evaluates the impact of emerging ultrasound (US) and pulsed electric field (PEF) technologies prior to convective drying to enhance the dehydration efficiency of cassava bagasse, aiming at its valorization and contributing to the sustainability of the cassava starch industry. The findings reveal that pretreatment with ultrasound (US) and pulsed electric fields (PEF) significantly reduces the drying time of cassava bagasse compared to convective drying alone. With probe ultrasound at 26 kHz for 30 min, the drying time is reduced by 72% (3.83 h vs. 14.0 h); with bath ultrasound at 37 kHz for 30 min, it is reduced by 56.0% (6.16 h vs. 14.0 h); and with PEF at 7.5 kV/cm for 30 min, it is reduced by 52.4% (6.66 h vs. 14.0 h). These emerging technologies increased the effective diffusivity and modified the molecular structure of the bagasse, thereby improving mass transfer and drying process efficiency. These results are particularly useful for developing more efficient and sustainable strategies for drying agricultural by-products, with direct implications for the post-industrial treatment of agro–industrial residues with high water content.

This article explores the advancements in biodegradable food packaging materials derived from wheat. Wheat, a predominant global cereal crop, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional single-use plastics through its starch, gluten, and fiber components. This study highlights the fabrication processes of wheat-based materials, including solvent casting and extrusion, and their applications in enhancing the shelf life and quality of packaged foods. Recent innovations demonstrate effectiveness in maintaining food quality, controlling moisture content, and providing microbiological protection. Despite the promising potential, challenges such as moisture content and interfacial adhesion in composites remain. This review concludes with an emphasis on the environmental benefits and future trends in wheat-based packaging materials.

Rational nitrogen (N) application can enhance yield and improve grain eating quality in rice. However, excessive N input can deteriorate grain eating quality and aggravate environmental pollution, while reduced N application (RN) decreases rice yield. Reduced N application with dense planting (RNDP) is recommended for maintaining rice yield and improving N use efficiency. However, the effects of RNDP on the rice grain eating quality and starch structure and properties remain unclear. A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of RNDP on the rice yield, grain eating quality, and starch structure and properties. Compared to conventional N treatment, RN decreased significantly the rice yield, while RNDP achieved a comparable grain yield. Both the RN and RNDP treatments improved significantly the rice eating quality. The high eating quality of RNDP was attributed to increased gel consistency, pasting viscosity, and stickiness after cooking as well as decreased protein content. A further analysis of starch structure and properties revealed that RNDP decreased the relative crystallinity, lamellar intensity, gelatinization enthalpy, and retrogradation enthalpy of starch. Therefore, RNDP achieved a stable rice yield and enhanced rice eating quality. These findings provide valuable insights into obtaining optimal quality and consistent yield in rice production under reduced N conditions.

Balanced fertilizer application is crucial for achieving high-yield, high-quality, and efficient maize cultivation. Sulfur (S), considered a secondary nutrient, ranks as the fourth most essential plant nutrient after nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). S deficiency could significantly influence maize growth and development. Field experiments were conducted in Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China, from April 1 to July 20 in 2023. Jingkenuo2000 (JKN2000) and Suyunuo5 (SYN5) were used as experiment materials, and four treatments were set: no fertilizer application (F0), S fertilizer application (F1), conventional fertilization method (F2), and conventional fertilization method with additional S application (F3). The objective was to investigate the impact of S application on grain weight and the quality of fresh waxy maize flour and starch. The results indicated that all fertilization treatments significantly increased grain weight and the starch and protein contents in grains compared to no fertilization. Among these, F3 exhibited the most significant increases. Specifically, in JKN2000, the grain weight, starch content (SC), and protein content (PC) increased by 27.7%, 4.8%, and 14.8%, respectively, while in SYN5, these parameters increased by 26.3%, 6.2%, and 7.4%, respectively, followed by F2 and F1. Compared to F0, F3 increased starch and protein contents by 4.8% and 14.8% in JKN2000, and by 6.2% and 7.4% in SYN5. Compared to F0, F2 and F3 significantly increased the iodine binding capacity (IBC) of SYN5, with F3 being more effective than F2, while they had no significant effect on the IBC of JKN2000. The peak viscosity (PV) and breakdown viscosity (BD) of waxy maize flour and starch for both varieties showed a consistent response (increasing trend) to S application, and F3 had the largest increase. Regarding the thermal properties of waxy maize flour, F3 significantly enhanced the retrogradation enthalpy (ΔHgel) of both varieties compared to F0, while achieving the lowest retrogradation percentage (%R). In starch, the highest ΔHgel and the lowest %R were observed under the F2 treatment. In summary, under the conditions of this experiment, adding S fertilizer to conventional fertilization not only increased the grain weight of waxy maize but also effectively optimized the pasting and thermal properties of waxy maize flour and starch.

ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), which is a key enzyme in the starch biosynthesis pathway, plays a critical role in barley grain development. Despite its importance, the regulatory mechanisms governing AGPase expression, particularly the influence of plant hormones, remain poorly understood in barley. To address this, we identified and characterized the HvAGPS2b gene, which encodes the AGPase small subunit. The full-length HvAGPS2b gene was cloned from the barley database and expressed as a recombinant protein using the pET-30a system. Polyclonal antibodies were prepared against HvAGPS2b to facilitate detailed analysis. Our findings revealed that HvAGPS2b, as a small subunit of the rate-limiting enzyme AGPase, is integral to the later stages of grain development. Furthermore, RT-qPCR and Western blotting analyses showed that the phytohormones ABA, GA, ETH, and BR significantly upregulated the expression of AGPase small subunits. These results underscore the vital role of plant hormones in modulating AGPS2b expression, thereby influencing grain development. This study provides significant insights into the hormonal regulation of starch biosynthesis and establishes a foundation for further investigation into the functional dynamics of AGPase in barley.

Fully biodegradable foils were prepared from potato starch, egg albumin, and either stearic or oleic acid. Foils prepared with oleic acid have higher tensile strength, relative elongation, thermal stability, and a more uniform macrostructure. Foils produced with stearic acid were characterized by a higher index of crystallinity than foils made with oleic acid. Functional properties of the foils can be modulated involving a sequence of blending of their components. The simultaneous blending of starch (10 weight parts of 5% aq. gel), albumin (1 weight part of liquid composed of 1 g of albumin in 7 mL of water), and stearic acid (5 weight parts of powder) provided the foil with the highest tensile strength (64.91 MPa/mm). Independently of the method of preparation, foils were white with a greenish-yellow shade. Analysis of the ATR-FTIR spectra showed that the macrostructure of the foils is built involving interactions between all three components.

Mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties of films based on blends of corn starch and chitosan plasticized with ethylene glycol, glycerol, and sorbitol were investigated. Starch amylopectin variation was explored, and contents of 100% and 73% were employed to blend with chitosan and polyols. The findings showed that high amylopectin content has a significant effect (p < 0.05), resulting in films with lower tensile strength (TS) and reduced water vapor permeability (WVP). On the other hand, the incorporation of polyols showed a significantly high (p < 0.05) elongation at break (EB) for films plasticized with glycerol and sorbitol at high amylopectin content. For chitosan/73% amylopectin film, the addition of plasticizers exhibited no significant difference (p < 0.05) among the samples for TS and WVP results. The amylopectin content played no influence in the degradation stability of the films measured by thermogravimetry (TGA). However, amylopectin content influences the endothermic peak temperature observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. A reduction of about 15 °C was noticed for the film prepared with high amylopectin content, a behavior correlated to its amorphous structure, capable of retaining more water than a crystalline region.

Rising atmospheric CO2 levels, a significant consequence of anthropogenic activities, profoundly impact global agriculture and food security by altering plant physiological processes. Despite extensive research, a comprehensive understanding of the specific effects of elevated CO2 on maize (Zea mays L.)’s primary and secondary metabolism remains elusive. This study investigated the responses of maize seedlings cultivated in open-top chambers (OTCs) under three CO2 concentrations: ambient (380 ppm), elevated (600 ppm), and high (1800 ppm). Key growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area, and aboveground biomass (leaf and stem), were assessed alongside metabolic profiles encompassing nonstructural and structural carbohydrates, syringyl (S) and guaiacyl lignin, the syringyl-to-guaiacyl (S/G)-lignin ratio, photosynthetic pigments, total soluble protein, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The results demonstrated that exposure to 600 ppm CO2 significantly enhanced plant height, leaf area, and aboveground biomass compared to ambient conditions. Concurrently, there were notable increases in the concentrations of primary metabolites. In contrast, exposure to 1800 ppm CO2 severely inhibited these growth parameters and induced reductions in secondary metabolites, such as chlorophyll and soluble proteins, throughout the growth stages. The findings underscore the intricate responses of maize metabolism to varying CO2 levels, highlighting adaptive strategies in primary and secondary metabolism under changing atmospheric conditions. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of maize’s physiological adaptations to future climate scenarios characterized by elevated CO2, with implications for sustainable agriculture and food security.

A scalable and cost-effective solution for removing pollutants from water is to use biodegradable and eco-friendly sorbents that are readily available such as starch. The current research explored the removal of crystal violet (CV) dye from water using chemically modified potato starch. The adsorbent was prepared by cross-linking potato starch with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). The impact of various operating factors including pH, temperature, contact time, initial CV concentration, and adsorbent dosage on the removal of CV were investigated using batch experiments. The adsorption data were analyzed using a fuzzy regression approach, which provided a range-based representation of the model’s output. The cross-linked starch adsorbent was mesoporous, with a mean pore diameter of 9.8 nm and a specific surface area of 2.7 m2/g. The adsorption of CV by the STMP cross-linked potato starch was primarily influenced by the adsorbent dosage, followed by the solution pH, temperature, initial CV concentration, and contact time. The fuzzy regression model accurately predicted the independent experimental data of CV removal with an R2 of 0.985, demonstrating its value as a tool for the continuous monitoring of CV removal as well as optimizing water treatment conditions.

Fagao is one of China’s traditional gluten-free staple foods made with rice or corn flour. Corn Fagao prepared by co-fermentation with sourdough and yeast exhibits better quality and less staling compared to traditional yeast-fermented Fagao. The physicochemical properties of corn Fagao batter during sourdough–yeast co-fermentation were investigated. The results showed that compared with yeast fermentation, the gas production and viscosity of the batter increased with co-fermentation. The co-fermented batter showed a higher hydrolysis of starch and less amylose content. The integrity of starch granules in the co-fermented batter was damaged more seriously, and the crystallinity and short-range ordered structure were less than in the yeast-fermented batter, even though the crystal structure type of starch did not obviously change. The peak viscosity, minimum viscosity, final viscosity, decay value, and recovery value of the corn batter were reduced by co-fermentation, which improved the thermal stability of the batter and slowed down the aging. Co-fermentation also resulted in a more pronounced reduction in protein subunit content than yeast fermentation. The changes in the physicochemical properties of the corn Fagao batter help explain the improvement in quality of corn Fagao made from the co-fermentation method and may provide theoretical references for co-fermentation with sourdough and yeast to other gluten-free foods.

The purpose of this study was to identify the most effective method for enhancing the quality of beef gel during refrigeration. To achieve this objective, the effects of various types of starch on the physicochemical properties and microstructure of beef gel during refrigeration were investigated. In this study, ground beef gel was chosen as the research subject, and six different types of starch were added: 6% tapioca starch, cassava-modified starch (acetylated distarch phosphate, ADSP), potato starch (PSP), modified potato starch (acetate starch, SA), corn starch (CSP), and modified corn starch (hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate, HPDSP). The quality indicators of ground beef were measured and analyzed throughout the cold storage at 4 °C on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. The results demonstrated that the water capacity of beef mince supplemented with PSP and HPDSP was significantly greater (p < 0.05). Additionally, the gel strength was found to be the highest, while the mesh structure formed in the ADSP group was the greatest. Furthermore, HPDSP, PSP, and SA effectively inhibited the oxidation of meat fat, with SA showing a relatively good effect on delaying the oxidation of meat mince protein. The addition of starch can, to a certain extent, inhibit lipid and protein oxidation in meat mince. In conclusion, starch significantly enhances the quality of beef mince by improving water retention, gel strength, and microstructure during refrigeration.

Recently, the use of plant-origin materials has become especially important due to the aggravation of environmental problems and the shortage and high cost of synthetic materials. One of the potential candidates among natural organic compounds is polysaccharides, characterized by a number of advantages over synthetic polymers. In recent years, natural polysaccharides have been used to design composite catalysts for various organic syntheses. This review is devoted to the current state of application of polysaccharides (chitosan, starch, pectin, cellulose, and hydroxyethylcellulose) and composites based on their catalysis. The article is divided into four main sections based on the type of polysaccharide: (1) chitosan-based nanocomposites; (2) pectin-based nanocomposites; (3) cellulose (hydroxyethylcellulose)-based nanocomposites; and (4) starch-based nanocomposites. Each section describes and summarizes recent studies on the preparation and application of polysaccharide-containing composites in various chemical transformations. It is shown that by modifying polysaccharides, polymers with special properties can be obtained, thus expanding the range of biocomposites for catalytic applications.

Aquafeed’s contamination by microplastics can pose a risk to fish health and quality since they can be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and translocate to different tissues. The liver acts as a retaining organ with the consequent triggering of oxidative stress response. The present study aimed to combine the use of natural astaxanthin with natural-based microcapsules to counteract these negative side effects. European seabass juveniles were fed diets containing commercially available fluorescent microplastic microbeads (1–5 μm; 50 mg/kg feed) alone or combined with microencapsulated astaxanthin (AX) (7 g/kg feed; tested for half or whole feeding trial—30 or 60 days, respectively). Fish from the different dietary treatments did not evidence variations in survival and growth performance and did not show pathological alterations at the intestinal level. However, the microplastics were absorbed at the intestinal level with a consequent translocation to the liver, leading, when provided solely, to sod1, sod2, and cat upregulation. Interestingly, the dietary implementation of microencapsulated AX led to a mitigation of oxidative stress. In addition, the microcapsules, due to their composition, promoted microplastic coagulation in the fish gut, limiting their absorption and accumulation in all the tissues analyzed. These results were supported by in vitro tests, which demonstrated that the microcapsules promoted microplastic coagula formation too large to be absorbed at the intestinal level and by the fact that the coagulated microplastics were released through the fish feces.

Non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) are energetic compounds that can be accumulated in tissues and mobilized during periods of unfavorable conditions to maintain the biological functions of plants. The balance of these biochemical compounds is controlled by environmental factors such as temperature and irradiance. Zostera noltei and Zostera marina find one of their southern distribution limits in southern Spain, where relatively high seawater temperatures are reached during summer (23–24 °C). To better understand the effects of elevated temperatures on the concentration of NSCs, we conducted a seasonal study at Cadiz Bay, representing warm-adapted populations of these species. Our results showed a bimodal pattern in both species, with the highest NSC content observed in December and June, followed by a depletion in March and August. In addition, the NSC content observed in the leaves of Z. noltei (71.26 ± 30.77 mg g−1 dry weight) was higher than in the rhizomes and roots (52.14 ± 38.86 mg g−1 DW). The observed patterns suggest that these species accumulated NSCs to cope with periods of unfavorable environmental conditions. We also suggest that the limited concentration of NSCs in Z. noltei rhizomes and roots indicates that this population may be suffering physiological stress.

Wettability measurements were performed for aqueous dispersions of native and modified corn, potato, and pea starch granules deposited on glass plates by the thin layer method using test liquids of a different chemical nature (polar water and formamide or non-polar diiodomethane). High values of the determination coefficient R2 confirm that the linear regression model describes the relationship between the wetting time and the square of the penetration distance very well, indicating the linear nature of the Washburn relationship. A change in free energy (enthalpy) during the movement of the liquid in the porous layer was determined for all starches before and after modification in contact with test liquids. Wetting times for polar liquids increased significantly (from 3 to 4 fold), especially for corn starch. The lower the value of the adhesive tension, the easier the wetting process takes place, and consequently, the adsorption process is facilitated. Adhesive tension for polar substances applies to the adsorption of hydrophilic substances, while in the case of apolar substances, adhesive tension applies to the adsorption of hydrophobic substances. For the adsorption of gallic acid on starch, the relationships obtained for polar substances are crucial. The adsorption of gallic acid by forming hydrogen bonds or, more generally, donor–acceptor (acid–base) bonds is definitely higher for corn starch than other starches. Therefore, this starch has the most significant potential for use as a carrier of gallic acid or, more broadly, compounds from the polyphenol group.

The replacement of common urea with controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer can improve rice yield and quality, but the effect of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer on rice yield and quality at different release stages is still unclear. In this experiment, two nitrogen application rates (240 kg/ha and 300 kg/ha) and five different nutrient release characteristics (urea and coated urea with controlled release periods of 30, 50, 70 and 90 days, respectively) were set up to explore the effects of nitrogen application rate, release characteristics and their interactions on rice yield, quality, starch structure, and physicochemical properties. The results showed that, compared with other controlled-release nitrogenous fertilizers, application of controlled-release nitrogenous fertilizers for 30 days and 90 days could increase rice yield (14.17% to 20.83%), and application of controlled-release nitrogenous fertilizers for 70 days and 90 days had the highest comprehensive evaluation of rice quality. The decrease of amylose content and the increase of protein content significantly improved the eating and nutritional quality of rice by changing the structure and physicochemical properties of starch particles. The results showed that in the comprehensive evaluation system based on rice yield and quality, under the condition of 300 kg/ha, controlled-release nitrogen treatment with a controlled release period of 90 days had the highest comprehensive score, which could increase rice yield and improve grain quality.

Starch is a common source of carbohydrates in aqua feed. High-starch diet can cause hepatic injury and lipid accumulation in fish. Mangiferin (MGF) can regulate lipid metabolism and protect the liver, but there is limited research on its effects in fish. In the present study, we investigated whether MGF could ameliorate high-starch-induced hepatic damage and lipid accumulation in channel catfish. The channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were fed one of four experimental diets for eight weeks: a control diet (NCD), a high-starch diet (HCD), an HCD supplemented with 100 mg/kg MGF (100 MGF), and an HCD supplemented with 500 mg/kg MGF (500 MGF). The results demonstrated that the weight gain rate (WGR) (p = 0.031), specific growth rate (SGR) (p = 0.039), and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) (p = 0.040) of the 500 MGF group were significantly higher than those of the NCD group. MGF supplementation alleviated liver damage and improved antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) compared to those of the HCD group (p = 0.000). In addition, dietary MGF significantly reduced plasma glucose (GLU) (p = 0.000), triglyceride (TG) (p= 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) (p = 0.000) levels. It is noteworthy that MGF significantly reduced the plasma total cholesterol (TC) levels (p = 0.000) and liver TC levels (p = 0.005) of channel catfish. Dietary MGF improves cholesterol homeostasis by decreasing the expression of genes that are involved in cholesterol synthesis and transport (hmgcr, sqle, srebf2, sp1, and ldlr) and increasing the expression of genes that are involved in cholesterol catabolism (cyp7a1). Among them, the largest fold decrease in squalene epoxidase (sqle) expression levels was observed in the 100 MGF or 500 MGF groups compared with the HCD group, with a significant decrease of 3.64-fold or 2.20-fold (p = 0.008). And the 100 MGF or 500 MGF group had significantly decreased (by 1.67-fold or 1.94-fold) Sqle protein levels compared to those of the HCD group (p = 0.000). In primary channel catfish hepatocytes, MGF significantly down-regulated the expression of sqle (p = 0.030) and reduced cholesterol levels (p = 0.000). In NCTC 1469 cells, MGF significantly down-regulated the expression of sqle (p = 0.000) and reduced cholesterol levels (p = 0.024). In conclusion, MGF effectively inhibits sqle expression and reduces cholesterol accumulation. The current study shows how MGF supplementation regulates the metabolism and accumulation of cholesterol in channel catfish, providing a theoretical basis for the use of MGF as a dietary supplement in aquaculture.

Binary and ternary blends of amylose (AM), polylactic acid (PLA), and glycerol were prepared using a Pickering emulsion approach. Various formulations of AM/PLA with low PLA contents ranging from 3% to 12% were mixed with AM matrix and reinforced with 25% cellulose nanofibers (CNF), and PLA-grafted cellulose nanofibers (g-CNF), the latter to enhance miscibility. Polymeric films were fabricated through solvent casting and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS), and the evaluations of physical, mechanical properties, and wettability were performed using contact angle measurements. The binary blends of AM and PLA produced films suitable for packaging, pharmaceutical, or biomedical applications with excellent water barrier properties. The ternary blends of AM/CNF/PLA and AM/g-CNF/PLA nanocomposite films demonstrated enhanced tensile strength and reduced water permeability compared to AM/PLA films. Adding g-CNF resulted in better homogeneity and increased relative crystallinity from 33% to 35% compared to unmodified CNF. The application of Pickering emulsion in creating AM-based CNF/ PLA composites resulted in a notable enhancement in tensile strength by 47%. This study presents an effective approach for producing biodegradable and reinforced PLA-based nanocomposite films, which show promise as bio-nanocomposite materials for food packaging applications.

Carbohydrates are the main components of lentils, accounting for more than 60% of their composition. Their content is influenced by genetic factors, with different contents depending on the variety. These compounds have not only been linked to interesting health benefits, but they also have a significant influence on the techno-functional properties of lentil-derived products. In this study, the use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict the concentration of total carbohydrate, fibre, starch, total sugars, fructose, sucrose and raffinose was investigated. For this purpose, six different cultivars of macrosperm (n = 37) and microsperm (n = 43) lentils have been analysed, the samples were recorded whole and ground and the suitability of both recording methods were compared. Different spectral and mathematical pre-treatments were evaluated before developing the calibration models using the Modified Partial Least Squares regression method, with a cross-validation and an external validation. The predictive models developed show excellent coefficients of determination (RSQ > 0.9) for the total sugars and fructose, sucrose, and raffinose. The recording of ground samples allowed for obtaining better models for the calibration of starch content (R > 0.8), total sugars and sucrose (R > 0.93), and raffinose (R > 0.91). The results obtained confirm that there is sufficient information in the NIRS spectral region for the development of predictive models for the quantification of the carbohydrate content in lentils.

The amyE gene encoding α-amylase from Bacillus subtilis 168 was fused to several genes, the products of which are membrane proteins to express AmyE extracellularly. Genes of CapA, a subunit of the capsular poly-γ-glutamate synthetase of Bacillus subtilis subsp. natto; YiaTR232, the first 232 residues of YiaT, an outer membrane protein of Escherichia coli K-12; and PgsA, cytidine 5′-diphosphate-diacylglycerol-glycerol-3-phosphate 3-phosphatidyltransferase of B. subtilis subsp. natto, were used. The Escherichia coli strain harboring the plasmid carrying the pgsA-amyE fusion expressed a very high level of amylase not only on the extracellular surface of the cells but also in the medium and the intracellular space and solubilized steamed rice in two days. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the amylase purified from the culture medium (Ser-Ala-Glu-Thr-Ala) indicated that it was cleaved at the signal peptide cleavage site of AmyE. The strain SH2204, transformed with pKN11 carrying speA (arginine decarboxylase gene), speB (agmatinase gene) and argAATG Y19C (N-acetylglutamate synthase gene) and pMAN63 carrying pgsA-amyE produced 1.2 mM putrescine from 5 mM arginine by adding 0.5 mM IPTG in eight days. Discarding steamed rice is not only a food loss, but also a waste of renewable, biogenerated resources due to the burning of it with petroleum, increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The E. coli strain developed in this study can help solve this problem because it can produce an important chemical using steamed rice as the sole carbon and energy source.

Starch, as a primary component of wheat, plays a crucial role in determining the quality of noodles and pasta. A deep understanding of the impact of starch on the quality of noodles and pasta is fundamentally important for the industrial progression of these products. The starch structure exerts an influence on the quality of noodles and pasta by affecting its functional attributes and the interaction of starch–gluten proteins. The effects of starch structure (amylopectin structure, amylose content, granules size, damaged starch content) on the quality of noodles and pasta is discussed. The relationship between the functional properties of starch, particularly its swelling power and pasting properties, and the texture of noodles and pasta is discussed. It is important to note that the functional properties of starch can be modified during the processing of noodles and pasta, potentially impacting the quality of the end product, However, this aspect is often overlooked. Additionally, the interaction between starch and gluten is addressed in relation to its impact on the quality of noodles and pasta. Finally, the application of exogenous starch in improving the quality of noodles and pasta is highlighted.