Search

Coffee cherry pulp (CCP) is a by-product of coffee bean production. CCP contains amounts of phenolic compounds that are beneficial for animals. This study evaluated the impact of coffee cherry pulp extract (CCPE) supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, carcass characteristics, serum biochemistry, cecum microbial population, intestinal morphology, and immune and antioxidant responses of broilers. Five hundred 1-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to five groups: a basal diet control, a basal diet with antibiotic growth promoters at 0.25 g/kg, and groups supplemented with CCPE at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg diet over 35 days. The results showed that throughout the experimental period, the groups supplemented with CCPE improved their final weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio ( p < 0.05). CCPE at 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg diet reduced the average daily feed intake ( p < 0.05). In addition, CCPE at 0.5 g/kg reduced levels of serum alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase ( p < 0.05). Triglyceride levels were the lowest in CCPE 2.0 ( p < 0.05). In the group supplemented with CCPE at all levels, the high-density lipoprotein levels significantly increased ( p < 0.05). Drip loss in the breast at 24 and 48 h decreased ( p < 0.05). Additionally, live weight, defeathered weight, and carcass weight significantly increased ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, CCPE improved intestinal morphology, especially villus height and the villus height per crypt depth ratio ( p < 0.05). CCPE supplementation also reduced pathogenic bacteria, increased Lactobacillus spp. ( p < 0.05), and increased the expression of immune-related genes and antioxidant activity in the liver and intestines ( p < 0.05). Therefore, the use of CCPE as an alternative to antibiotics in broiler feed improved growth performance and health parameters in broilers. It provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for supplementary feed, contributing to more efficient poultry nutrition management.

This study investigates the dual role of copper ions in catalysis and complexation during the oxidation of lignosulfonates with hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) under alkaline conditions. The presence of copper ions reduces partial oxidation by 86 % compared to H 2 O 2 treatment alone, enhancing overall conversion efficiency to 63 % under increased oxidative conditions. Analyses reveal that copper-lignosulfonate complexes facilitate redox cycling and hydroxyl radical generation through interactions with H 2 O 2 , confirming copper's dual functions. This mechanism mitigates the hindrance of sulfonic groups on hydroperoxide anions, leading to lignosulfonate degradation into dicarboxylic acids. These findings provide novel insights into the copper-lignosulfonate/H 2 O 2 system, expanding the understanding of oxidative degradation mechanisms beyond traditional Fenton-like reactions. Furthermore, this system offers a simplified and efficient alternative for industrial applications, particularly in integration with the sulfite pretreatment process of woody biomass for producing valuable co-products., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Phisit Seesuriyachan reports financial support was provided by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation, Thailand Research Fund (TRF), and National Research Council of Thailand. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Supplementation with spent mushroom substrate (SMS) as an exogenous enzyme in broiler diets represents a promising nutritional strategy to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs. To assess the effects of SMS enzyme products on various parameters, including growth performance, blood chemistry, carcass and meat quality, and gut health, a study was conducted with one-day-old broilers ( n = 500). The broilers were separated into five groups: a control diet (CON) and an antibiotic group (AGP) which were added to the diet at 0.25 g kg -1 , and SMS from Flammulina velutipes supplementation groups which were added to the diet at 0.5 g kg -1 (SMS0.5), 1.0 g kg -1 (SMS1.0), and 2.0 g kg -1 (SMS2.0). Final body weight and average daily gain in broilers which were fed the AGP diet were higher than in broilers which were fed the CON, SMS0.5, and SMS1.0 diets. Broilers in the CON group had a decreased average daily feed intake compared to other groups. The addition of AGP and SMS2.0 diets improved the feed conversion ratio and reduced the feed cost per gain in broilers. Broilers that were fed the CON diet had the highest serum cholesterol, while the AGP diet increased triglyceride. Dietary supplementation of SMS improved some carcass characteristics and ceacum microbial content in broilers, especially with the SMS2.0 diet. Broiler fed CON and SMS0.5 worsened the villus height/crypt depth ratio of duodenum histology. In conclusion, SMS supplementation at 1.0 and 2.0 g kg -1 can improve productive performance and health in broiler diets; however, SMS2.0 had the best efficiency.

In this study, epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) was mixed using a two-roller mixer. Water hyacinth fiber (WHF) acted as a reinforcing agent in the preparation of the rubber composite at 10 phr (ENRC/WHF). Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) was added at different concentrations (1, 5, 10, and 20 phr) as an antimicrobial and coupling agent. The tensile strength increased with a CHG content of 1 phr (4.59 MPa). The ENRC/WHF/CHG20 blend offered high hardness (38) and good morphology owing to the reduction in cavities and fiber pull-out from the rubber matrix. The swelling of the sample blends in oil and toluene decreased as the CHG content increased. Reactions of -NH 2 /epoxy groups and -NH 2 /-OH groups occurred during the preparation of the ENRC/WHF/CHG blend. The FTIR spectroscopy peak at 1730 cm -1 confirmed the reaction between the -NH 2 groups of CHG and epoxy groups of ENR. The ENRC/WHF/CHG blend at 10 phr and 20 phr exhibited zones of inhibition against three bacterial species ( Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , and Bacillus cereus ). CHG simultaneously acted as a crosslinking agent between ENR and WHF and as an antimicrobial additive for the blends. CHG also improved the tensile strength, hardness, swelling, and antimicrobial properties of ENR composites.

Coffee silverskin (CS), a by-product of the coffee roasting process, has high protein content (16.2-19.0%, w / w ), making it a potential source for plant protein and bioactive peptide production. This study aims to develop innovative extraction methods for phenolic compounds and proteins from CS. The conditions for hydrothermal (HT) extraction of phenolic compounds from CS were optimized by varying CS loading (2.5-10%, w / v ), temperature (110-130 °C), and time (5-30 min) using a one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) approach. The highest TPC of 55.59 ± 0.12 µmole GAE/g CS was achieved at 5.0% ( w / v ) CS loading and autoclaving at 125 °C for 25 min. Following hydrothermal extraction, CS protein was extracted from HT-extracted solid fraction by microwave-assisted alkaline extraction (MAE) using 0.2 M NaOH at 90 W for 2 min, resulting in a protein recovery of 12.19 ± 0.39 mg/g CS . The CS protein was then subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using protease from Bacillus halodurans SE5 (protease&#95;SE5). Protease&#95;SE5-derived CS protein hydrolysate had a peptide concentration of 0.73 ± 0.09 mg/mL, with ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP values of 15.71 ± 0.10, 16.63 ± 0.061, and 6.48 ± 0.01 µmole TE/mL, respectively. Peptide identification by LC-MS/MS revealed several promising biological activities without toxicity or allergenicity concerns. This study's integrated approach offers a sustainable and efficient method for extracting valuable compounds from CS, with potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of red yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus) produced from crude glycerol, as a by-product of the biodiesel production process, on the growth, innate immunity, expression of immune-related gene, and resistance of Nile tilapia against challenge with Streptococcus agalactiae. Fish were fed diets supplied with different concentrations of S. pararoseus dried cells at 0.0 (control; T1), 5.0 (T2), 10.0 (T3), and 20.0 (T4) g kg -1 diets for 90 days. The results showed that final body weight, weight gain, and average daily gain were significantly higher in fish fed T3 and T4 compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Likewise, significant (p < 0.05) increases in total carotenoid content, liver superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), and serum lysozyme and albumin were observed in Nile tilapia fed S. pararoseus, with the highest (p < 0.05) values displayed in fish fed the T4 diet. Moreover, up-regulation of IL-1β transcription in Nile tilapia spleen and liver was observed in fish feeding group T4. In a challenge test against S. agalactiae, the fish survival rate was significantly higher in fish fed red yeast compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The highest bactericidal activity found in the T4 group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in hematology, blood chemical, malondialdehyde (MDA), body chemical composition, organosomatic indices, and myeloperoxidase (p > 0.05) in all treatments. The present results suggested that red yeast S. pararoseus (20.0 g kg -1 ) can be used as a potential supplementation on growth, immune response, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

An epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) blend with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) was prepared using a two-roll mill at 130 °C. CHG was added at concentrations of 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10% (w/w) as an antimicrobial additive. The ENR blend with 10% (w/w) CHG showed the best tensile strength, elastic recovery, and Shore A hardness. The ENR/CHG blend exhibited a smooth fracture surface. The appearance of a new peak in the Fourier transform infrared spectrum confirmed that the amino groups of CHG reacted with the epoxy groups of ENR. The ENR with 10% CHG exhibited an inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus. The proposed blending improved the mechanical properties, elasticity, morphology, and antimicrobial properties of the ENR., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: This study aimed to isolate a novel thermotolerant bacterium that is capable of synthesizing polyhydroxyalkanoate from glycerol under high temperature conditions., Results: A newly thermotolerant polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) producing bacterium, Cupriavidus sp. strain CB15, was isolated from corncob compost. The potential ability to synthesize PHA was confirmed by detection of PHA synthase (phaC) gene in the genome. This strain could produce poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] with 0.95 g/L (PHA content 75.3 wt% of dry cell weight 1.24 g/L) using glycerol as a carbon source. The concentration of PHA was enhanced and optimized based on one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) experiments and response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum conditions for growth and PHA biosynthesis were 10 g/L glycerol, 0.78 g/L NH 4 Cl, shaking speed at 175 rpm, temperature at 45 °C, and cultivation time at 72 h. Under the optimized conditions, PHA production was enhanced to 2.09 g/L (PHA content of 74.4 wt% and dry cell weight of 2.81 g/L), which is 2.12-fold compared with non-optimized conditions. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis confirmed that the extracted PHA was a homopolyester of 3-hydyoxybutyrate., Conclusion: Cupriavidus sp. strain CB15 exhibited potential for cost-effective production of PHA from glycerol., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

An antimicrobial thermoplastic starch (TPS) was developed by melt-mixing TPS with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and epoxy resin (Er). The tensile strength and hardness of the TPSCh blend increased with the addition of Er (TPSCh/Er), especially at 5 wt% Er (TPSCh/Er5) (19.5 MPa and 95 %, respectively). The water contact angle of TPSCh/Er was higher than those of TPS and TPSCh because of the improved interfacial tension. Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses confirmed the reaction between the epoxy groups of Er, hydroxyl groups of starch, and amino groups of CHG. TPSCh/Er5 exhibited a significantly lower CHG release than TPSCh owing to the rearrangement of TPSCh chains via Er crosslinking. TPSCh/Er0.5 and TPSCh/Er1 showed inhibition zones against both tested bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus), whereas TPSCh/Er2.5, TPSCh/Er5, and TPSCh/Er10 showed inhibition zones only against S. aureus. Moreover, TPSCh and TPSCh/Er0.5-2.5 exhibited inhibition zones with Saccharomyces cerevisiae., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Mycotoxin-contaminated feeds may negatively affect broiler chickens’ health; hence, a sustainable approach to achieve mycotoxin elimination is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of red yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus; RY) as a novel mycotoxin binder in broilers. A total of 1440 one-week-old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 12 treatments in a 3 × 4 factorial design. The dietary treatments included three levels of mycotoxin-contaminated diets (0 µg kg−1 (0% of mycotoxin; MT), 50 µg kg−1 (50% MT), and 100 µg kg−1 (100% MT)) and four levels of mycotoxin binders (0.0 and 0.5 g kg−1 commercial binder, and 0.5 and 1.0 g kg−1 RY). Experimental diets were contaminated with aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, T-2 toxin, and deoxynivalenol in the basal diet. Furthermore, the parameters including feed intake, body weight, and mortality rate were recorded on a weekly basis. After feeding for 28 days, blood and organ samples were collected randomly to determine the blood biochemistry, relative organ weights, and gut health. The results indicated that mycotoxin-contaminated diets reduced the average daily weight gain (ADG), villus height (VH), and villus height per the crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) of the intestine, as well as the population of Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp. in the cecal (p < 0.05), whereas they increased the mycotoxins concentration in the blood samples and the apoptosis cells (TUNEL positive) in the liver tissue (p < 0.01) of broiler chicken. In contrast, RY-supplemented diets had better ADG values and lower chicken mortality rates (p < 0.05). Moreover, these combinations positively impacted the relative organ weights, blood parameters, bacteria population, intestinal morphology, and pathological changes in the hepatocytes (p < 0.05). In conclusion, RY supplementation effectively alleviated the toxicity that is induced by AFB1 and OTA, mainly, and could potentially be applied as a novel feed additive in the broiler industry.

The nano-metal-treated PET films with anti-virus and anti-fogging ability were developed using sparking nano-metal particles of Ag, Zn, and Ti wires on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films. Ag nanoparticles were detected on the PET surface, while a continuous aggregate morphology was observed with Zn and Ti sparking. The color of the Ag-PET films changed to brown with increasing repeat sparking times, but not with the Zn-PET and Ti-PET films. The water contact angle of the nano-metal-treated PET films decreased with increasing repeat sparking times. The RT-PCR anti-virus test confirmed the high anti-virus efficiency of the nano-metal-treated PET films due to the fine particle distribution, high polarity, and binding of the nano-metal ions to the coronavirus, which was destroyed by heat after UV irradiation. A highly transparent, anti-fogging, and anti-virus face shield was prepared using the Zn-PET film. Sparking was an effective technique to prepare the alternative anti-virus and anti-fogging films for medical biomaterial applications because of their low cost, convenience, and fast processing.

Red yeast Sporidiobolus pararoseus KM281507 has been recognized as a potential feed additive. Beyond their nutritional value (carotenoids and lipids), red yeast cells (RYCs) containing high levels of β-glucan can bind mycotoxins. This study investigated the industrial feasibility of the large-scale production of RYCs, along with their ability to act as a mycotoxin binder. Under a semi-controlled pH condition in a 300 L bioreactor, 28.70-g/L biomass, 8.67-g/L lipids, and 96.10-mg/L total carotenoids were obtained, and the RYCs were found to contain 5.73% ( w / w ) β-glucan. The encapsulated RYC was in vitro tested for its mycotoxin adsorption capacity, including for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEA), ochratoxin A (OTA), T-2 toxin (T-2) and deoxynivalenol (DON). The RYCs had the highest binding capacity for OTA and T-2 at concentrations of 0.31-1.25 and 0.31-2.5 µg/mL, respectively. The mycotoxin adsorption capacity was further tested using a gastrointestinal poultry model. The adsorption capacities of the RYCs and a commercial mycotoxin binder (CMB) were comparable. The RYCs not only are rich in lipids and carotenoids but also play an important role in mycotoxin binding. Since the industrial-scale production and downstream processing of RYCs were successfully demonstrated, RYCs could be applied as possible feed additives.

Prebiotics are functional food ingredients that assist probiotic growth and render many other health benefits. Mango peel is the biomass of the processing industry and has recently been value-added as a dietary fiber pectin. Besides its general use as a food additive, mango peel pectin (MPP) is partially hydrolyzed by pectinase to obtain pectic oligosaccharides (POSs) that have recently gained attention as novel prebiotic products and in medical research. This review describes probiotic candidates responsible for the digestion of pectin derivatives and the advantages of POSs as functional additives and their current best retrieval options. Mango pectic oligosaccharide (MPOS) recovery from low methoxyl MPP from mango with prebiotic performance both in vivo and in vitro environments is discussed. Current research gaps and potential developments in the field are also explored. The overall worthiness of this article is the potential use of the cheap-green food processing bioresource for high-value components., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Wongkaew, Tangjaidee, Leksawasdi, Jantanasakulwong, Rachtanapun, Seesuriyachan, Phimolsiripol, Chaiyaso, Ruksiriwanich, Jantrawut and Sommano.)

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) was prepared from cassava starch blended with glycerol (70:30 w/w). Gelatin (Gel) was incorporated into the TPS in water. The TPS/Gel was melt-blended with polyethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride (PEMAH). Maximum tensile strength of the TPS/PEMAH/Gel10 (29.3 MPa) increased significantly compared to the TPS/PEMAH blend (6.3 MPa), while elongation at break was 70%. The morphology of the TPS/PEMAH showed co-continuous morphology, while phase inversion occurred with the addition of Gel. The Gel was dispersed in the TPS matrix and covered the PEMAH. The TPS/PEMAH/Gel was nanoparticles (200 nm) in the TPS matrix. It showed two melting temperatures for PEMAH due to two structures with different crystal sizes. Melt viscosity of the TPS/PEMAH was enhanced with increasing Gel as the reaction induced chain extension. FTIR and rheology measurements confirmed the reaction between -NH groups of Gel and MAH groups of PEMAH. This reaction improved interfacial adhesion, morphology, and the mechanical properties of the blends., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Nowadays, industrial poultry producers are more focused on the safety of their products, especially contaminants from feedstuffs such as mycotoxin and pesticides. The residue from animal production using antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) may cause some problems with antimicrobial resistance in human and animals. Red yeast ( Sporidiobolus pararoseus ) has a cell wall consisting of β-glucan and mannan-oligosaccharides and pigments from carotenoids that may be suitable for use as a substitute for AGPs. The objective was to evaluate the effects of red yeast in laying hen diets on productive performance, egg quality, and duodenal health. A total of 22-week-old laying hens ( n = 480) were divided into five groups: control diet (CON), AGP at 4.5 g/kg and red yeast supplementation at 1.0 (RY1.0), 2.0 (RY2.0) and 4.0 g/kg (RY4.0) of diet. The results show that the AGP, RY2.0, and RY4.0 groups had significantly higher final body weight compared with the other groups ( p < 0.001). The red yeast supplementation improved the egg shape index ( p = 0.025), Haugh unit ( p < 0.001), and yolk color ( p = 0.037), and decreased yolk cholesterol ( p < 0.001). Diet with red yeast supplementation improved villus height to crypt depth ratio and crypt cell proliferations. In conclusion, red yeast supplementation at 2.0 g/kg of diet can substitute AGP in layer diet.

Carboxymethyl rice starch films were prepared from carboxymethyl rice starch (CMSr) treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 10-50% w / v . The objective of this research was to determine the effect of NaOH concentrations on morphology, mechanical properties, and water barrier properties of the CMSr films. The degree of substitution (DS) and morphology of native rice starch and CMSr powders were examined. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to investigate the chemical structure, crystallinity, and thermal properties of the CMSr films. As the NaOH concentrations increased, the DS of CMSr powders increased, which affected the morphology of CMSr powders; a polyhedral shape of the native rice starch was deformed. In addition, the increase in NaOH concentrations of the synthesis of CMSr resulted in an increase in water solubility, elongation at break, and water vapor permeability (WVP) of CMSr films. On the other hand, the water contact angle, melting temperature, and the tensile strength of the CMSr films decreased with increasing NaOH concentrations. However, the tensile strength of the CMSr films was relatively low. Therefore, such a property needs to be improved and the application of the developed films should be investigated in the future work.

A blend of cassava starch (CS), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and paraffin was prepared as a coating material to maintain the quality of eggs during 4 wk of storage at different temperatures. The efficacy of the CS/CMC/paraffin (6/1/0.5% w/v) coating was investigated in terms of the Haugh unit (HU), weight loss, pH, and microbial load at the end of storage. The best egg storage temperature was 4°C, which maintained an HU of grade AA in coated and uncoated eggs for 4 wk. Lower weight loss (2.14%) was observed in coated eggs at 4°C storage than at 30°C storage (3.26%). The pH in the albumen of coated and uncoated eggs at 4°C increased from 6.84 to 6.88 and 7.01 to 7.03, respectively, after 4 wk of storage. No microbes were detected in the coated and uncoated eggs at 4°C. The maximum microbial count was 728 ± 35 cfu/mL in uncoated eggs at 30°C storage. Egg coating prevented microbial contamination of eggs stored at 30°C for 4 wk. The freshness of the eggs did not affect the nutrient content. The egg-coating material effectively maintained egg quality, prevented microbial contamination of eggs, and increased the shelf life of eggs at storage temperatures of 25 and 30°C., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Different proteases can be applied to produce certain bioactive peptides. This study focused on the effects of some commercial proteases and drying processes on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of chicken breast hydrolysates (CBH). Chicken breast hydrolyzed with Alcalase ® presented a higher degree of hydrolysis (DH) than papain. Moreover, the treatment with Alcalase ® , followed by papain (A-P), was more proficient in producing antioxidant activities than a single enzyme treatment. Conditions comprising 0.63% Alcalase ® ( w / w ) at pH 8.0 and 52.5 °C for 3 h, followed by 0.13% papain ( w / w ) at pH 6.0 and 37 °C for 3 h, resulted in the highest yields of DH and peptide contents. The spray-dried microencapsulated powder improved the physicochemical properties including moisture content, color measurement, solubility, and particle morphology. In summary, the dual enzyme application involving the hydrolysis of Alcalase ® and papain, coupled with the spray-drying process, could be used to produced antioxidant CBH.

Concerns regarding the overconsumption of natural resources has provoked the recovery of biopolymers from food processing biomass. Furthermore, the current market opportunity for pectin in other areas has increased, necessitating the search for alternative pectin resources. This is also a step towards the sustainable and circular green economy. Mango peel is the byproduct of agro-processing and has been used for high value-added components such as polysaccharide biopolymers. Pectin derived from the peel is yet to be exploited to its greatest extent, particularly in terms of its separation and physiochemical properties, which limit its applicability to dietary fiber in culinary applications. The functionality of the mango peel pectin (MPP) strongly depends on the molecular size and degree of esterification which highlight the importance of isolation and characterisation of pectin from this novel resource. This article therefore provides a useful overview of mango peel as a potential biomaterial for the recovery of MPP. Different extraction techniques and the integrated recovery were also discussed. The utilisation of MPP in different industrial schemes are also detailed out from different perspectives such as the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. This review convincingly expresses the significance of MPP, providing a sustainable opportunity for food and pharmaceutical development.

Viral infections may cause serious human diseases. For instance, the recent appearance of the novel virus, SARS-CoV-2, causing COVID-19, has spread globally and is a serious public health concern. The consumption of healthy, proper, functional, and nutrient-rich foods has an important role in enhancing an individual's immune system and preventing viral infections. Several polysaccharides from natural sources such as algae, bacteria, and fungi have been considered as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration. They are safe, low-toxicity, biodegradable, and have biological activities. In this review, the bioactive polysaccharides derived from various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and algae were evaluated. Antiviral mechanisms of these polysaccharides were discussed. Finally, the potential use of microbial and algal polysaccharides as an antiviral and immune boosting strategy was addressed. The microbial polysaccharides exhibited several bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities. Some microbes are able to produce sulfated polysaccharides, which are well-known to exert a board spectrum of biological activities, especially antiviral properties. Microbial polysaccharide can inhibit various viruses using different mechanisms. Furthermore, these microbial polysaccharides are also able to modulate immune responses to prevent and/or inhibit virus infections. There are many molecular factors influencing their bioactivities, e.g., functional groups, conformations, compositions, and molecular weight. At this stage of development, microbial polysaccharides will be used as adjuvants, nutrient supplements, and for drug delivery to prevent several virus infections, especially SARS-CoV-2 infection., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Chaisuwan, Phimolsiripol, Chaiyaso, Techapun, Leksawasdi, Jantanasakulwong, Rachtanapun, Wangtueai, Sommano, You, Regenstein, Barba and Seesuriyachan.)

An egg-coating material was developed to extend the shelf-life and freshness of eggs by blending cassava starch (CS) with gelling agents and waxes. The effects of the properties of this egg coating on egg quality were investigated. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), beeswax, and paraffin wax were used. CS blended with low-molecular-weight paraffin (Paraffin(L)) and CMC coating material displayed a tensile strength of 4 MPa, 34% elongation at break, 0.0039 g day -1 m -2 water vapor permeability, and a water contact angle of 89° at 3 min. Eggs coated with CS/CMC/Paraffin(L) solutions had a Haugh unit value of 72 (AA grade) and exhibited a weight loss of 2.4% in 4 weeks. CMC improved the compatibility of CS and Paraffin(L). This improvement and the hydrophobicity of Paraffin(L) provided suitable mechanical and water-resistance properties to the coating material that helped to maintain the quality of the coated AA-grade eggs with low weight loss for 4 weeks.

Cassava starch was blended with glycerol to prepare thermoplastic starch (TPS). Thermoplastic starch was premixed with sericin (TPSS) by solution mixing and then melt-blended with polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride (PEMAH). The effect of sericin on the mechanical properties, morphology, thermal properties, rheology, and reaction mechanism was investigated. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the TPSS10/PEMAH blend were improved to 12.2 MPa and 100.4%, respectively. The TPS/PEMAH morphology presented polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride particles (2 μm) dispersed in the thermoplastic starch matrix, which decreased in size to approximately 200 nm when 5% sericin was used. The melting temperature of polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride (121 °C) decreased to 111 °C because of the small crystal size of the polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride phase. The viscosity of TPS/PEMAH increased with increasing sericin content because of the chain extension. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the reaction between the amino groups of sericin and the maleic anhydride groups of polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride. This reaction reduced the interfacial tension between thermoplastic starch and polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride, which improved the compatibility, mechanical properties, and morphology of the blend., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

This study investigated the effect of chitosan particle sizes on the properties of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) powders and films. Chitosan powders with different particle sizes (75, 125, 250, 450 and 850 µm) were used to synthesize the CMCh powders. The yield, degree of substitution (DS), and water solubility of the CMCh powders were then determined. The CMCh films prepared with CMCh based on chitosan with different particle sizes were fabricated by a solution casting technique. The water solubility, mechanical properties, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the CMCh films were measured. As the chitosan particle size decreased, the yield, DS, and water solubility of the synthesized CMCh powders increased. The increase in water solubility was due to an increase in the polarity of the CMCh powder, from a higher conversion of chitosan into CMCh. In addition, the higher conversion of chitosan was also related to a higher surface area in the substitution reaction provided by chitosan powder with a smaller particle size. As the particle size of chitosan decreased, the tensile strength, elongation at break, and WVTR of the CMCh films increased. This study demonstrated that a greater improvement in water solubility of the CMCh powders and films can be achieved by using chitosan powder with a smaller size.

Oil resistant thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) were prepared using mung bean thermoplastic starch (MTPS) blending with rubbers and sericin. Sericin was incorporated into MTPS as a compatibilizer. MTPS with sericin (MTPSS) was blended with natural rubber (NR) and epoxidized NR (ENR). Sericin at 5% improved the tensile strength (10 MPa), elastic recovery (52%) and morphology of the MTPSS/ENR blend. The mechanical properties, elastic recovery and morphology of the MTPSS5/NR blend were improved by the addition of ENR. The MTPSS/ENR showed palm (28%) and motor oils (8%) swelling resistance because of the hydrophilicity of MTPS and high polarity of ENR. The MTPSS/ENR/NR showed gasoline swelling resistance (104%) because of the hydrophilicity of MTPS and low polarity of NR. FTIR confirmed a reaction between the -NH groups of sericin and the epoxy groups of ENR. This reaction improved the compatibility, mechanical properties, elastic recovery, morphology and oils swelling resistance of the blends., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A mixture of corn starch and glycerol plasticizer (CSG) was blended with latex natural rubber (LNR) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The addition of 10 phr of CMC improved the Young's modulus (6.7 MPa), tensile strength (8 MPa), and elongation at break (80%) of the CSG/LNR blend. The morphology of the CSG/LNR/CMC blends showed a uniform distribution of LNR particles (1-3 µm) in the CSG matrix. The addition of CMC enhanced the swelling ability and water droplet contact angle of the blends owing to the swelling properties, interfacial crosslinking, and amphiphilic structure of CMC. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the reaction between the C=C bond of LNR and the carboxyl groups (-COO - ) of CMC, in which the Na + ions in CMC acted as a catalyst. Notably, the mechanical properties of the CSG/LNR/CMC blend were improved owing to the miscibility of CSG/CMC and the CMC/LNR interfacial reaction. The CSG/LNR/CMC biodegradable polymer with high mechanical properties and interfacial tension can be used for packaging, agriculture, and medical applications., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

This study aimed to select thermotolerant yeast for bioethanol production from cellulose-rich corncob (CRC) residue. An effective yeast strain was identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae TC-5. Bioethanol production from CRC residue via separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF), simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), and prehydrolysis-SSF (pre-SSF) using this strain were examined at 35-42 °C compared with the use of commercial S. cerevisiae . Temperatures up to 40 °C did not affect ethanol production by TC-5. The ethanol concentration obtained via the commercial S. cerevisiae decreased with increasing temperatures. The highest bioethanol concentrations obtained via SHF, SSF, and pre-SSF at 35-40 °C of strain TC-5 were not significantly different (20.13-21.64 g/L). The SSF process, with the highest ethanol productivity (0.291 g/L/h), was chosen to study the effect of solid loading at 40 °C. A CRC level of 12.5% ( w / v ) via fed-batch SSF resulted in the highest ethanol concentrations of 38.23 g/L. Thereafter, bioethanol production via fed-batch SSF with 12.5% ( w / v ) CRC was performed in 5-L bioreactor. The maximum ethanol concentration and ethanol productivity values were 31.96 g/L and 0.222 g/L/h, respectively. The thermotolerant S. cerevisiae TC-5 is promising yeast for bioethanol production under elevated temperatures via SSF and the use of second-generation substrates.

The (R)-phenylacetylcarbinol (PAC) batch biotransformation kinetics for partially purified Candida tropicalis TISTR 5350 pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) were determined to validate a comprehensive mathematical model in 250 mL scale with 250 mM phosphate buffer/pH 7.0. PDC could convert initial 100/120 mM benzaldehyde/pyruvate substrates to the statistical significantly highest (p ≤ 0.05) maximum PAC concentration (95.8 ± 0.1 mM) and production rate (0.639 ± 0.001 mM min -1 ). A parameter search strategy aimed at minimizing overall residual sum of square (RSS T ) based on a system of six ordinary differential equations was applied to PAC biotransformation profiles with initial benzaldehyde/pyruvate concentration of 100/120 and 30/36 mM. Ten important biotransformation kinetic parameters were then elucidated including the zeroth order activation rate constant due to phosphate buffer species (k a ) of (9.38 ±  < 0.01) ×  10 -6 % relative PDC activity min -1  mM -1 . The validation of this model to independent biotransformation kinetics with initial benzaldehyde/pyruvate concentration of 50/60 mM resulted in relatively good fitting with RSS T , mean sum of square error (MSE), and coefficient of determination (R 2 ) values of 662, 17.4, and 0.9863, respectively.

The effect of ultrasonication on the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Ceylon spinach ( Basella alba ) extracts (CE) and the shelf life of chilled pork with CE were studied. The CE were ultrasonicated at different power levels (60-100%) for 10-40 min in an ultrasonic bath with the rise of antioxidant activities ( p ≤ 0.05) proportional to the ultrasonication time. The additional investigation of antibacterial activities showed that the ultrasonicated extracts (100 mg/mL) could inhibit and inactivate Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with the optimal condition of 80% power for 40 min. For shelf-life testing, fresh pork treated with the ultrasonicated extracts at 100 and 120 mg/mL had lower values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) than the control (without dipping). For food safety as measured by the total microbial count, the fresh pork dipped with 100-120 mg/mL CE extract could be kept at 0 °C for 7 days, 2 to 3 days longer than control meat at 0 and 4 °C, respectively. A sensory evaluation using a nine-point hedonic scale showed that fresh pork dipped with 100-mg/mL CE extracts was accepted by consumers. It is suggested that CE extracts can be applied in the food industry to enhance the quality and extend the shelf life of meat products.

Red yeast ( Sporidiobolus pararoseus ), obtained from glycerol waste in the biodiesel process, has been used as a mycotoxin sorbent in some agricultural products. This study focused on the antigenotoxic effects of red yeast on aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 )-induced mutagenesis, using a Salmonella mutation assay and a rat liver micronucleus test. Red yeast was sequentially extracted to obtain hexane, acetone, hot water, and residue fractions. Carbohydrates were mainly found in hot water extract (HWE), while proteins were observed in the residue fraction. The amount of lycopene in hexane extract (HE) was higher than the amount of β -carotene in HE. All red yeast extracts were not mutagenic in the Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 under the presence and absence of metabolic activation. Among the extracts obtained from red yeast, HE presented the strongest antimutagenicity against AFB 1 -induced mutagenesis in both strains, but HWE did not show any antimutagenicity. The oral administration of red yeast, HE, and HWE for 28 days was further investigated in rats. These extracts did not induce micronucleated hepatocytes. Furthermore, they modulated the activities of some detoxifying enzymes but did not alter the activities of various cytochrome P450 isozymes. Notably, they significantly decreased hepatic micronucleus formation in AFB 1 -initiated rats. HE altered the activity of hepatic glutathione- S -transferase but did not affect its protein expression. Taken together, the antigenotoxicity of red yeast against AFB 1 -induced mutagenesis might be partly due to the modulation of some detoxifying enzymes in AFB 1 metabolism. β -Carotene and lycopene might be promising antigenotoxic compounds in red yeast.

Curcumin is a phenolic compound derived from turmeric roots ( Curcuma longa L.). This research studied the effects of curcumin extract on the properties of chitosan films. The film characteristics measured included mechanical properties, visual aspects, color parameters, light transmission, moisture content, water solubility, water vapor permeability, infrared spectroscopy, and antioxidant activity. The results suggest that adding curcumin to chitosan-based films increases yellowness and light barriers. Infrared spectroscopy analysis showed interactions between the phenolic compounds of the extract and the chitosan, which may have improved the mechanical properties and reduced the moisture content, water solubility, and water vapor permeability of the films. The antioxidant activity of the films increased with increasing concentrations of the curcumin extract. This study shows the potential benefits of incorporating curcumin extract into chitosan films used as active packaging.

Nata de coco has been used as a raw material for food preparation. In this study, the production of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) film from nata de coco and the effect of monochloroacetic acid on carboxymethyl bacterial cellulose (CMC n ) and its film were investigated. Bacterial cellulose from nata de coco was modified into CMC form via carboxymethylation using various concentrations of monochloroacetic acid (MCA) at 6, 12, 18, and 24 g per 15 g of cellulose. The results showed that different concentrations of MCA affected the degree of substitution (DS), chemical structure, viscosity, color, crystallinity, and morphology of CMC n . The optimum treatment for carboxymethylation was found using 24 g of MCA per 15 g of cellulose, which provided the highest DS at 0.83. The morphology of CMC n was related to DS value; a higher DS value showed denser and smoother surface than nata de coco cellulose. The various MCA concentrations increased the mechanical properties (tensile strength and percentage of elongation at break) and water vapor permeability of CMC n , which were related to the DS value.

Bacterial cellulose from nata de coco was prepared from the fermentation of coconut juice with Acetobacter xylinum for 10 days at room temperature under sterile conditions. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was transformed from the bacterial cellulose from the nata de coco by carboxymethylation using different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and monochloroacetic acid (MCA) in an isopropyl (IPA) medium. The effects of various NaOH concentrations on the degree of substitution (DS), chemical structure, viscosity, color, crystallinity, morphology and the thermal properties of carboxymethyl bacterial cellulose powder from nata de coco (CMCn) were evaluated. In the carboxymethylation process, the optimal condition resulted from NaOH amount of 30 g/100 mL, as this provided the highest DS value (0.92). The crystallinity of CMCn declined after synthesis but seemed to be the same in each condition. The mechanical properties (tensile strength and percentage of elongation at break), water vapor permeability (WVP) and morphology of CMCn films obtained from CMCn synthesis using different NaOH concentrations were investigated. The tensile strength of CMCn film synthesized with a NaOH concentration of 30 g/100 mL increased, however it declined when the amount of NaOH concentration was too high. This result correlated with the DS value. The highest percent elongation at break was obtained from CMCn films synthesized with 50 g/100 mL NaOH, whereas the elongation at break decreased when NaOH concentration increased to 60 g/100 mL.

Cellulose from Asparagus officinalis stalk end was extracted and synthesized to carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC as ) using monochloroacetic acid (MCA) via carboxymethylation reaction with various sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations starting from 20% to 60%. The cellulose and CMC as were characterized by the physical properties, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, mechanical properties of CMC as films were also investigated. The optimum condition for producing CMC as was found to be 30% of NaOH concentration for the carboxymethylation reaction, which provided the highest percent yield of CMC as at 44.04% with the highest degree of substitution (DS) at 0.98. The melting point of CMC as decreased with increasing NaOH concentrations. Crystallinity of CMC as was significantly deformed ( p < 0.05) after synthesis at a high concentration. The L* value of the CMC as was significantly lower at a high NaOH concentration compared to the cellulose. The highest tensile strength (44.59 MPa) was found in CMC as film synthesized with 40% of NaOH concentration and the highest percent elongation at break (24.99%) was obtained in CMC as film treated with 30% of NaOH concentration. The applications of asparagus stalk end are as biomaterials in drug delivery system, tissue engineering, coating, and food packaging.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are considered prebiotics and have been widely used in various food industries as additives. Ultrasonication has been widely used to enhance food processes; however, there are few reports on ultrasound-assisted FOS synthesis. In the present study, FOS were produced from brown sugar using ultrasonication combined with microbubbles, and the production was optimised using a Box-Behnken experimental design. Here we showed that a combination of ultrasonication and microbubbles could boost the enzyme activity by 366%, and the reaction time was shortened by 60%. The reaction time was a significant variable affecting the FOS production. The optimum conditions were 5 min 45 s of ultrasonication and 7 min 19 s of microbubbles with a reaction time of 5 h 40 min. The maximum enzyme activity and total FOS yield were 102.51 ± 4.69 U·mL -1 and 494.89 ± 19.98 mg·g -1 substrate, respectively. In an enlarged production scale up to 5 L, FOS yields were slightly decreased, but the reaction time was decreased to 4 h. Hence, this technique offers a simple and useful tool for enhancing enzyme activity and reducing reaction time. We have developed a pilot technique as a convenient starting point for enhancing enzyme activity of oligosaccharide production from brown sugar.

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) was developed by blending thermoplastic starch (TPS) with rubber. Thermoplastic starch-chitosan (TPSC) was prepared by the solution mixing of cassava starch, chitosan (CTS) and glycerol in acidified water (lactic acid 1 wt%) at 80 °C follow by melt mixing at 130 °C. Sodium benzoate (BEN) and chlorhexidine gluconate (Cl) were added during the solution mixing as additives for antimicrobial properties. TPSC was melt-mixed with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) (70/30 wt/wt). The tensile strength and elongation at break of the TPSC/ENR increased with the additive content. Elastic recovery was improved by the addition of Cl. A new peak in the FTIR data confirmed the reaction between the reactive functional groups of the CTS and the additives with the epoxy groups of ENR. These reactions and miscibility of the TPSC/ENR/additives blends improved the mechanical properties, elasticity, morphology, and antimicrobial properties of the blends., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this work was to synthesize carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and produce CMC films from the cellulose of palm bunch and bagasse agricultural waste. The effect of various amounts of H 2 O 2 (0-40% v / v ) during delignification on the properties of cellulose, CMC, and CMC films was studied. As the H 2 O 2 content increased, yield and the lignin content of the cellulose from palm bunch and bagasse decreased, whereas lightness ( L* ) and whiteness index (WI) increased. FTIR confirmed the substitution of a carboxymethyl group on the cellulose structure. A higher degree of substitution of CMC from both sources was found when 20%-30% H 2 O 2 was employed. The trend in the L* and WI values of each CMC and CMC film was related to those values in their respective cellulose. Bleaching each cellulose with 20% H 2 O 2 provided the cellulose with the highest viscosity and the CMC films with the greatest mechanical (higher tensile strength and elongation at break) and soluble attributes, but the lowest water vapor barrier. This evidence indicates that cellulose delignification with H 2 O 2 has a strong effect on the appearance and physical properties of both CMCs.

Purple glutinous rice bran (Kum Doi Saket rice (KUM)) contains high content of edible polysaccharides and anthocyanins and has an excellent antioxidant activity. This research aimed to optimize the extraction of crude polysaccharides from defatted purple glutinous rice bran using an ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) and compared with a hot water extraction (HWE). Results showed that optimal extraction condition was as follows: a defatted rice bran to water ratio of 1:20 w/v, extraction temperature and time of 70 °C for 20 min. Under the optimal extraction condition, the yield of polysaccharide of UAE (4%) was significantly higher than that obtained from the HWE (0.8%). Additionally, antioxidant activities of extracted polysaccharide including IC 50 value DPPH, IC 50 value ABTS, and FRAP value were 1.09 mg/mL, 2.80 mg/mL and 197 µM Fe 2+ /g, respectively. It is suggested that the UAE process is promising method to decrease the processing time and to enhance extracted polysaccharide yields by 4 times.

The modified medium composed of the alkaline-pretreated oil palm empty fruit bunch (APEFB) and tuna condensate powder was used for cellulase and xylanase productions by Streptomyces thermocoprophilus strain TC13W. The APEFB contained 74.46% (w/w) cellulose, 15.72% (w/w) hemicellulose, and 6.40% (w/w) lignin. The tuna condensate powder contained 55.49% (w/w) protein and 11.05% (w/w) salt. In the modified medium with only 6.75 g/l tuna condensate powder, 10 g/l APEFB, and 0.5 g/l Tween 80, S. thermocoprophilus strain TC13W produced cellulase 4.9 U/ml and xylanase 9.0 U/ml. The enzyme productions in the modified medium were lower than cellulase (6.0 U/ml) and xylanase (12.0 U/ml) productions in the complex medium (CaCl 2 0.1, MgSO 4 ·7H 2 O 0.1, KH 2 PO 4 0.5, K 2 HPO 4 1.0, NaCl 0.2, yeast extract 5.0, NH 4 NO 3 1.0, Tween 80 0.5). When tuna condensate powder in the modified medium was reduced to 5.0 g/l and Tween 80 was increased to 1.5 g/l, S. thermocoprophilus strain TC13W produced cellulase and xylanase activities of 9.1 and 12.1 U/ml, respectively. This study shows that the cost of enzyme production could be reduced by using pretreated EFB and tuna condensate as a carbon and a nitrogen source, respectively.

This study aims to valorize of enzymatic corncob hydrolysate (ECH) for biomass and lipid productions via microbial bioconversion by the efficient oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium paludigenum KM281510. Biomass (5.63 g/L), lipids (3.29 g/L), and lipid content (58% (g/g)) were observed by batch cultivation in shaking flask. The effect of total sugar concentration in ECH, agitation rate, temperature, and initial pH were investigated in both batch and fed-batch cultivations by shaking flask and 3.0 L airlift bioreactor. Biomass, lipids, and lipid content of 27.77 g/L, 20.27 g/L, and 70% (g/g) were obtained with 100 g/L total sugar (68 g/L glucose, 29 g/L xylose, and 3 g/L arabinose), pH 6.5, 25 °C, 6.0 vvm, for 7 days by batch cultivation in bioreactor. Surprisingly, production parameters were improved by fed-batch, wherein these promising high biomass (36.06 g/L), lipid production (25.12 g/L), and lipid productivity (2.52 g/L/d) values were achieved. Moreover, fed-batch cultivation promoted the utilization of xylose (2.5-times) and arabinose (3.4-times) higher than batch cultivation, achieving lipid content (70% (g/g)) with oleic acid (53%). These results would be helpful for understanding the comprehensive utilization of ECH, especially the pentose sugars, for growth and lipogenesis of oleaginous yeast as well as being a qualified biodiesel feedstock.

Corn starch was melt-blended with glycerol (70/30) to prepare thermoplastic starch (TPS) at 140 °C for 10 min. The TPS was melt-blended with polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PE-MAH) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) to improve the properties of the TPS. Phase determination analysis and SEM images demonstrated that the morphology of the TPS/PE-MAH/CMC blend consisted of PE-MAH particles dispersed in the TPS matrix. The tensile strength and elongation were found to have improved with the addition of CMC 5 wt%. Adhesion between the polymers was observed by the asymmetric double-cantilever beam (ADCB) method. The PE-MAH/(TPS + CMC) sample showed high fracture toughness (Gc), which is related to the adhesion energy between the two polymers. This is suggestive of interactions between the MAH groups of PE-MAH and CMC. FT-IR results indicated that the neutralization and aggregation were formed by Na + ions of CMC and the MAH of PE-MAH, which increased the interfacial adhesion between TPS and PE-MAH blend. The improvement in the mechanical properties of the TPS/PE-MAH/CMC blend is concluded to be because of the increase in the interfacial adhesion between TPS and PE-MAH by these neutralization and aggregation processes., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)