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As widely generated by-products with significant bioactive compound content, sugarcane molasses exhibits high potential for valorization. For the purpose of bioactive compound extraction from sugarcane molasses, ultrasound-assisted extraction with various hydroethanolic solvents (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% ethanol) at different pH values (4.11, 5.11, 6.11, and 7.11) was examined. In the obtained sugarcane molasses extracts, the content of total phenolics, monomeric anthocyanins, total flavonoids, total tannins, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH) was estimated alongside the determination of molasses' major components through GC-MS analysis Based on the GC-MS analysis of molasses, sugars and nitrogenous compounds emerged as the most abundant compounds classes. Hydroethanolic solvent of 2.5% at pH 6.11 exhibited the most prominent extraction power regarding total phenolics (22074.98 µg GAE mL−1) and total flavonoids (245.42 µg QE mL−1). Furthermore, extraction with 2.5% hydroethanolic solvent at pH 5.11 displayed the highest total tannins (1177.85 µg CE mL−1). The behavior of monomeric anthocyanins in ultrasound-assisted extraction with hydroethanolic solvent was slightly different, where 2.5% hydroethanolic solvent extracted the highest amount at pH 4.11 (11.1 µg CGE mL−1) and 7.11 (10.68 µg CGE mL−1). The results of the DPPH assay indicated that extracts obtained using 2.5% hydroethanolic solvent at pH 4.11 (68.35%) and pH 5.11 (68.10%) evinced the highest neutralization power against DPPH free radicals. In conclusion, 2.5% ultrasound-assisted hydroethanolic solvent and pH 4.11-6.11 were the most suitable for extracting bioactive compounds from sugarcane molasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By assessing the polarization, colour, dextran, starch, phenols, proteins, melassigenic cations (Na+, K+) and Ca2+, reducing sugars and pH, presented study evaluates the main factors influencing non-sugars content and juice filterability in 17 raw cane sugar samples of different geographical origin. α-amylase and dextranase were applied for combined enzymatic degradation of starch and dextran as main undesirable compounds in raw cane sugar juices (15 °Brix and pH 5.5) at four different concentrations (10:12.5, 20:25, 30:37.5 and 40:50 ppm) and 55 °C during 30 min. Decrease of starch and dextran concentrations in juices remarkably increased filterability in range of 20-75% for different raw cane sugar juices. Combined enzymatic effect of α-amylase and dextranase mixture in concentration 30:37.5 ppm showed best result for improving filterability of raw cane sugar juices through reduction in starch and dextran content as main non-sugar impurities. Selecting the raw cane sugar with appropriate quality parameters facilitates the refining process. Simultaneous addition of α-amylase and dextranase mixture (30:37.5 ppm/juice) can improve filterability of low polarization raw cane sugar juice up to 41% and contribute to the refining process enhancement and thus obtention of high-quality refined cane sugar.

BACKGROUND: Pistachio fruits suffer from postharvest decay, caused by Aspergillus flavus. This results in aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) accumulation in kernels, which is hazardous for human health due to its carcinogenic activity. In this study, the mechanism used by exogenous β‐aminobutyric acid (BABA) treatment for attenuating Aspergillus decay, minimizing aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) accumulation, and maintaining nutritional quality in fresh‐in‐hull pistachio kernels, infected by A. flavus during storage at 25 °C for 18 days, was investigated. RESULT: Results of an in vivo assay showed that the spore germination and germ tube elongation of A. flavus was repressed by BABA treatment at 7.5 mM. Aspergillus decay accompanied by AFB1 accumulation was also minimized in fresh‐in‐hull pistachio kernels treated with BABA at 7.5 mM and infected by A. flavus. Fresh‐in‐hull pistachio kernels, infected by A. flavus, treated with BABA at 7.5 mM, also exhibited higher phenol and flavonoid accumulation and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity accompanied by higher phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzyme activity. CONCLUSION: Promoting phenylpropanoid pathway activity with higher PAL enzyme activity in fresh‐in‐hull pistachio kernels treated with BABA may not only reduce Aspergillus decay in kernels by cell wall fortification but also may be favorable for maintaining the kernels' nutritional quality through its effects on ROS scavenging capacity. As oxidative stress, represented by ROS accumulation, is responsible for A. flavus growth and AFB1 accumulation, higher phenol and flavonoid accumulation in fresh‐in‐hull pistachio kernels treated with BABA may be beneficial for attenuating Aspergillus decay and minimizing AFB1 accumulation. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]