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The preparation of high-efficiency electrocatalysts for the oxygen and hydrogen evolution process (OER and HER) using an easy, green, and facile preparation method is crucial for the effective and economical use of clean energy sources. We report here an eco-friendly phytic acid (PA)-assisted phosphidation strategy to synthesize a novel Cu 3 P decorated on N-doped carbon (Cu 3 P-NC). Its synthesis involves precipitation of rode-like microstructured Cu-based aspartic acid frameworks (Asp-Cu MOF), chemical etching of Asp-Cu MOF to form PA cross-linked Cu complexes, and a final pyrolysis step to get Cu 3 P-NC with abundant Cu 3 P nanoparticles loaded on N-doped carbon matrix. The Cu 3 P-NC catalyst demonstrates catalytic performances with low overpotentials of 116 and 310 mV at 10 mA cm−2, small Tafel slopes of 61.2 and 69.2 mV dec−1, for HER and OER respectively, and high catalytic durability in 1 M KOH. The as-prepared Cu 3 P-NC electrocatalyst offers a new viewpoint on developing multi-functional electrocatalysts in the water-splitting process using environment-friendly substances such as amino acids. [Display omitted] • The Cu 3 P-NC is fabricated as promising electrocatalyst in OER and HER. • The synergistic effect among Cu 3 P NPs and NC improves electrical conductivity. • The Cu 3 P-NC exhibits a favorable prospect for development of electrocatalysts based on amino acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets are seen as highly promising nanofillers for enhancing polymer properties, yet there is a need for methods that are low‐cost, simple, and environmentally friendly to facilitate the large‐scale production of MoS2 nanosheets. Furthermore, it is necessary to functionalize the MoS2 surface to ensure good interfacial compatibility with the polymer matrix. In this study, MoS2@Ag@PA hybrids were created by generating silver nanoparticles directly on the surface of MoS2 via radiation, followed by encapsulation on the surface of MoS2@Ag through the chelating properties of phytic acid. It is significant to note that, due to the excellent lubrication and physical cross‐linking effects of the MoS2@Ag@PA hybrids, adding one part of MoS2@Ag@PA hybrids can enhance the melt flow rate and elongation at break of the ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/MH composites by 140% and 17.3%, respectively. The simultaneous addition of one part of MoS2@Ag@PA hybrids decreased the peak heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke release of the EVA composites by 48.7%, 42.7%, and 41.2%, respectively. Moreover, the toxic gasses (e.g., CO) generated by burning EVA composites were significantly reduced compared to pure EVA, indicating improved fire safety. This research not only provides significant opportunities for the green mass production of MoS2 nanosheets but also expands their potential applications in high‐performance nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) depends on the precious metal Pt‐based catalysts, limiting the large commercialization of promising energy conversion technologies such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and metal‐air batteries. Therefore, the rational design of low‐cost and highly efficient electrocatalysts for ORR is strongly desired. Herein, we report a porous carbon doped with nitrogen, fluorine, and phosphorus (N, F, P tri‐doped carbon) prepared via only a heating process using low‐cost glycine, ammonium fluoride, and phytic acid as precursors. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed the existence of pyridinic‐N and the co‐existence of graphitic‐N and oxidized graphitic‐P, which can be active sites, with semi‐ionic C−F bonds highly boosting ORR activity. Remarkably, the resultant N, F, P tri‐doped carbon exhibited outstanding activity for the ORR with an onset potential comparable to that of commercial 20 wt % Pt/C catalyst, the half‐wave potential superior to that of the Pt/C catalyst, and the electron transfer number close to 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a growing focus on sustainable building thermal regulation for buildings, cellulose foams have emerged as promising materials due to their low thermal conductivity and biodegradable properties. However, their flammability and hygroscopic nature limit practical applications. This is attributed to the abundant hydroxy groups of cellulose. In this study, a sustainable, simple, and cost-effective method was proposed for the synthesis of multifunctional thermal insulation materials based on cellulose nanofiber composite foam with hydrophobic, flame retardant, and thermally insulating performance. As a result, the cellulose nanofiber composite foam showed a high mechanical modulus (6.3 ± 0.3 MPa), high compression strength (0.78 ± 0.10 MPa), and specific modulus (246.2 ± 34.4 MPa·cm3·g⁻1). The homogeneous three-dimensional (3D) porous network structure of cellulose nanofiber composite foam resulted in outstanding thermal insulation capabilities (LOI values of 60.7 ± 3.2, UL-94 V-0 rating) and low thermal conductivity (36.3 ± 0.8 mW·m⁻1 K⁻1). Furthermore, the incorporation of phytic acid (PA) imparted high flame retardancy, while cellulose nanofiber composite foam modified with 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (POTS) maintained outstanding hydrophobicity (static water contact angle of 145.5° ± 0.2°) even under harsh environmental conditions. In this way, it is believed that cellulose nanofiber composite foam with light weight, high mechanical strength, thermal insulation, high flame retardancy, and hydrophobicity has great potential in thermal insulation materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water splitting is an energy conversion process of vital importance. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER), as the half-reaction of water splitting, has very slow kinetics due to the complex quaternary electron transfer process involved, which greatly impedes the efficiency of energy conversion. The rational construction and modification of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offer a novel alternative for developing efficient OER electrocatalysts. In this study, MOF-74-PA15 with abundant surface defects and high hydrophilicity was successfully in situ constructed by etching MOFs for different reaction times using phytic acid (PA). The etching of PA increases the active area, and improves the hydrophilicity, allowing tighter contact between the material and the electrolyte. As a result, MOF-74-PA15 exhibits the most optimal OER catalytic performance in all the samples. The overpotential is 250 mV in 1 M KOH at 100 mA cm−2, with the lowest Tafel slope (35.59 mV dec−1). Furthermore, MOF-74-PA15 exhibits excellent stability. It maintains stability for 72 hours at a current density of 50 mA cm−2. This study presents a novel and feasible solution for modifying MOFs as electrocatalytic water splitting catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photothermal elastomers are recognized as smart flexible materials that can rapidly and effectively convert light energy into heat energy. However, there has been a lack of adequate focus on tackling the sustainability challenges of photothermal elastomers, particularly in terms of material selection, the integration of complex functionalities, and final disposal. A fully bio‐derived photothermal elastomer (BPTE) produced through a simple and chemical‐free approach is introduced, utilizing alkali lignin, lipoic acid, and phytic acid as bio‐derived feedstocks. The BPTE exhibits an adaptive polymeric network crosslinked by dynamic covalent disulfide bonds and multiple hydrogen bonds, endowing it with dual‐mode photothermal conversion capability, robustness, stretchability, rapidly self‐healing property, hydrophobicity, swelling resistance, self‐adhesion, full recyclability, and degradability. The BPTE is further demonstrated as a next‐generation solution for photothermal generators, light‐driven actuators, photothermal antibacterial dressings, and photothermal fibers. The versatility of BPTE opens avenues for innovative smart devices and systems with significant potential in energy conversion, soft robotics, medical treatment, and smart clothing. With outstanding photothermal performances, full recyclability, and biodegradability, these fully bio‐based elastomers present an attractive prospect for the development of the advanced smart photothermal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extensive examination of the medical uses of soybean bioactive components is provided by this thorough review. It explores the possible health advantages of isoflavones with phytoestrogenic qualities, like genistein, which may lower the risk of cancer. The review highlights the different roles and possible anticancer activities of phenolic compounds, phytic acid, protease inhibitors, lignans, and saponins, among other bioactive components. It also addresses the benefits of dietary fiber and oligosaccharides derived from soybeans for intestinal health, as well as the impact of soy protein on diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular health. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has anticancer and cholesterol-lowering properties; its involvement in promoting metabolic processes is also examined. Pinitol is highlighted in the study as a blood sugar regulator with promise for controlling insulin signaling. In this review, we aim to affirm soybeans' potential as a high-functional, well-being food by examining their recently discovered therapeutic and pharmacological capabilities, rather than to improve upon the previous studies on the reported nutritional advantages of soybeans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand phosphorus (P) mobility in agricultural soils and its potential environmental risk, it is essential to directly measure solid phase P speciation. Often, bulk P K‐edge X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy followed by linear combination fitting (LCF) is utilized to determine the solid P phases in soil. However, this method may limit results to only a few major phases. Additionally, XANES spectra for different P species may have very similar features, leading to an over‐ or underestimate of their contribution to LCF. Here, an improved P speciation by pairing multimodal microbeam‐X‐ray fluorescence (µ‐XRF) mapping coupled with µ‐XANES (microbeam‐X‐ray absorption near edge structure) analysis to directly speciate major and minor P phases on the micron scale is provided. We combined maps of both tender (P, sulfur, aluminum, and silicon) and hard energy (calcium, iron [Fe], and manganese) elements to evaluate the elemental co‐locations with P. To better account for uncertainty assigning XANES peaks to individual compounds, a more quantitative fingerprinting by "spectral feature analysis" was completed. With this analysis, an R‐factor is reported for the fit. These results were compared to traditional LCF. Pre‐edge fitting results revealed the presence of a two‐component pre‐edge feature for phosphate adsorbed to ferrihydrite. Additionally, phytate co‐precipitated with ferrihydrite (Phytate‐Fe‐Cop) had a pre‐edge feature, indicating direct association with Fe. Lastly, a unique P species associated with manganese oxide was identified in the soil via multimodal mapping and µ‐XANES. These results allow for better prediction of P dissolution and mobility. Core Ideas: Coupling multimodal microbeam‐X‐ray fluorescence maps with µ‐XANES (microbeam‐X‐ray absorption near edge structure) spectra aids in phosphorus species identification in soils.Fingerprinting by spectral feature analysis overcomes common problems of self‐absorption in LCF of P µ‐XANES.Phosphate adsorbed to ferrihydrite has a two‐component pre‐edge feature determined via spectral feature analysis.Phytate co‐precipitated with ferrihydrite has a pre‐edge feature and a peak shift to higher energy.A unique species of phosphorus associated with manganese oxide was identified via multimodal mapping and µ‐XANES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Phytase plays a crucial role in the nutrition of piglets. Incorporating phytase into weaner pigs' diet may alleviate the anti-nutritional effect by catalyzing the hydrolysis of phytic acid. As a result, bounded phosphorus and other minerals become more available for absorption, thereby enhancing nutrient utilization growth performance. Aims. This study evaluated the efficacy of dietary phytase supplementation on the performance of weaned piglets. Methods. Two hundred and forty cross-bred piglets (Yorkshire × Landrace × Duroc), of initial average bodyweight (BW) of 5.57 ± 1 kg at weaning, were assigned to five dietary treatments in a complete randomized block design. The study was conducted in the following three phases: Phase 1 (Days 1-7), Phase 2 (Days 8-21), and Phase 3 (Days 22-35). The treatments included basal diet containing 0.15% lower concentration of both total calcium and total phosphorus (NC), a standard basal diet (PC), NC + 500 phytase units per kilogram of feed (NC500), NC + 1000 phytase units per kilogram of feed (NC1000), and NC + 1500 phytase units per kilogram of feed (NC1500). Key results. In Phase 1, the final BW was higher (P < 0.01) in PC and the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatment. In Phase 2, Phase 3, and the overall days the average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) were greater (P < 0.05) in the PC and the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatments. The ADG and G:F were also higher (P < 0.01) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatment. The digestibility of calcium, phosphorus, and blood myo-inositol was higher (P < 0.05) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatment in Phase 2. In Phase 3, the level of blood myo-inositol was higher (P < 0.01) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in NC. Fecal inositol hexakisphosphate was lower (P < 0.01) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in NC in both Phases 1 and 2. Conclusion. Dietary supplementation of phytase increased the digestibility of phytate by releasing phosphorus, calcium, and myo-inositol concentration, leading to improved growth performance. Implications. Inclusion of phytase in pig diets can help farmers save money on feed additives such as phosphorus, improve environmental sustainability, and promote better growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, bran is considered a functional compound in the food industry. The aim study was to investigate different processing methods of rice bran to improve its physicochemical characteristics. Treatments were prepared in 12 groups, control (C0), 4 samples hydrothermal treated H1 and H2 (1 and 2 h at 30 °C, respectively), H3 and H4 (1 and 2 h at 80 °C, respectively), 4 samples microwave treated M1 and M2 (4 and 7 min at a 600 w, respectively), M3 and M4 ((4 and 7 min at a 600 w, respectively), 4 samples hydrothermal -microwave treated HM1 and HM2 (First, 1 and 2 h at 50 °C, respectively, then 4 min at 750 w), HM3 and HM4 (First, 1 and 2 h at 50 °C, respectively, then 7 min at 750 w). The results showed that the hydrothermal - microwave method was more effective in reducing phytic acid than the other two methods (p<0.05) so the HM4 treatment had the lowest amount of phytic acid (p<0.05). The color value test showed the lowest ΔE change was related to rice bran hydrothermal treated (H1 with ΔE equal to 6.36) (p<0.05). The hydrothermal -microwave process showed the highest retention of iron, zinc, and calcium (p<0.05). Most minerals were shown in HM1 (6.68, 1.56, and 106.43 ppm, respectively). The heavy metals test indicated that in all treatments, the number of heavy metals significantly decreased compared to the control (p<0.05). However, the microwave method was more effective than others (p<0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that using the hydrothermal -microwave method provides better quality rice bran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioactive compounds in herbal extracts may provide effective hair loss treatments with fewer side effects compared to synthetic medicines. This study evaluated the effects of Buebang 3 CMU and Sanpatong rice bran extracts, macerated with dichloromethane or 95% ethanol, on hair growth promotion and hair loss prevention. Overall, Buebang 3 CMU extracts contained significantly higher levels of bioactive compounds, including γ-oryzanol, tocopherols, and various polyphenols such as phytic acid, ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid, compared to Sanpatong extracts. Additionally, ethanolic extracts demonstrated greater bioactive content and antioxidant activities than those extracted with dichloromethane. These compounds enhanced the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) by 124.28 ± 1.08% (p < 0.05) and modulated anti-inflammatory pathways by reducing nitrite production to 3.20 ± 0.36 µM (p < 0.05). Key hair growth signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin (CTNNB1), Sonic Hedgehog (SHH, SMO, GLI1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were activated by approximately 1.5-fold to 2.5-fold compared to minoxidil. Also, in both human prostate cancer (DU-145) and HFDPC cells, the ethanolic Buebang 3 CMU extract (Et-BB3-CMU) suppressed SRD5A1, SRD5A2, and SRD5A3 expression—key pathways in hair loss—by 2-fold and 1.5-fold more than minoxidil and finasteride, respectively. These findings suggest that Et-BB3-CMU holds promise for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of heat treatment, pH and phytic acid (PA) concentration on the aggregation behavior and digestibility of whey protein isolate (WPI) was investigated. The experimental results indicated that below the isoelectric point of WPI, heat treatment and elevated PA levels significantly increased turbidity and particle size, leading to the aggregation of WPI molecules. No new chemical bonds were formed and the thermodynamic parameters ΔH < 0, ΔS > 0 and ΔG < 0 suggested that the interaction between PA and WPI was primarily a spontaneous electrostatic interaction driven by enthalpy. After the small intestine stage, increasing phytic acid levels resulted in a significant decrease in hydrolysis degree from 16.2 ± 1.5% (PA0) to 10.9 ± 1.4% (0.5% PA). Conversely, above isoelectric point of WPI, there was no significant correlation between the presence of PA and the aggregation behavior or digestion characteristics of WPI. These results were attributed to steric hindrance caused by PA-WPI condensates, which prevented protease binding to hydrolysis sites on WPI. In summary, the effect of PA on protein aggregation behavior and digestive characteristics was not simply dependent on its presence but largely on the aggregation degree of PA-WPI induced by heat treatment, pH and PA concentration. The findings obtained here suggested that phytic acid may be utilized as an agent to modulate the digestion characteristics of proteins according to production requirements. Additionally, the agglomerates formed by heating phytic acid and protein below the isoelectric point could also be utilized for nutrient delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic wounds, as a complication of diabetes, are slow to heal and seriously affect the quality of life of patients. Functional hydrogel dressing is an effective approach to improve diabetic wound healing. Electrical stimulation (ES) therapy is conducive to promoting cell migration and wound healing. In this work, a multifunctional PPTZ hydrogel wound dressing was developed by freeze-thaw method with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), phytic acid (PA), tannic acid (TA), and Zinc chloride. The obtained PPTZ hydrogel has good mechanical properties (stress and strain of 700.03 kPa and 575.08%), light transmittance (close to 100%) and antibacterial rate (over 75%). With good biocompatibility, antioxidant abilities and conductivity, the PPTZ hydrogel could effectively promote the healing of diabetic wounds with two weeks under the action of electric field, which provides an auxiliary treatment strategy for diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of lithium‐ion battery (LIB) anodes fabricated from nanoscale silicon Si and polyaniline (PANI) as a binder are reported. PANI is prepared by in situ polymerization of aniline in the presence of phytic acid, which serves both as dopant and as a gel‐forming agent. PANI pellets obtained by dry compression are used to investigate the morphology and to measure the resistivity of PANI and Si/PANI composites. The anodes are fabricated using the slurry technique. Their properties as a function of precursor ratio are studied in the half‐cell cells by charge–discharge characteristics, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic lifetime. It is shown that stable cycling (>350 cycles at a current of 300 mA g−1) is inherent only to thin Si/PANI layers with composite loading <0.7 mg cm−2. The discharge capacity in this case is as high as 500–800 mAh g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food packaging that impedes microbial growth and can be safely used is critical to attenuate food spoilage. Herein, a green berberine/phytate salt (BPA) is successfully synthesized and aggregated in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film to impart fluorescent and photodynamic antimicrobial properties. Compared to berberine hydrochloride (BHL), BPA exhibited stronger fluorescence because intramolecular motions and intermolecular π–π accumulation of BHL are restricted by phytic acid (PA). Molecular dynamics simulation indicate that aggregation of BHL and PA formed through electrostatic interactions in the PVA matrix due to the change of the binding energy during the drying process. With increasing BPA content, the films exhibited increased ultraviolet, water vapor, and oxygen barriers and fluorescent properties, but reduced tensile strength and elongation at break. After radiated, PVA‐BPA9 film showed the highest antimicrobial rates against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, P. citrinum, and Aspergillus niger reached 100%, 100%, 86.14%, and 66.24%, respectively, due to the increased reactive oxygen species production. The total number of microbial colonies in cooked chicken and oranges packaged by PVA‐BPA9 film with irradiation ARE 87.54% and 29.21% of those by PVA film. The findings indicate a new and feasible strategy to obtain a green photodynamic‐mediated film for safe and effective food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable strain transducers are poised to transform the field of healthcare owing to the promise of personalized devices capable of real‐time collection of human physiological health indicators. For instance, monitoring patients' progress following injury and/or surgery during physiotherapy is crucial but rarely performed outside clinics. Herein, multifunctional liquid‐free ionic elastomers are designed through the volume effect and the formation of dynamic hydrogen bond networks between polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and weak acids (phosphoric acid, phytic acid, formic acid, citric acid). An ultra‐stretchable (4600% strain), highly conducting (10 mS cm−1), self‐repairable (77% of initial strain), and adhesive ionic elastomer is obtained at high loadings of phytic acid (4:1 weight to PVA). Moreover, the elastomer displayed durable performances, with intact mechanical properties after a year of storage. The elastomer is used as a transducer to monitor human motions in a device comprising an ESP32‐based development board. The device detected walking and/or running biomechanics and communicated motion‐sensing data (i.e., amplitude, frequency) wirelessly. The reported technology can also be applied to other body parts to monitor recovery after injury and/or surgery and inform practitioners of motion biomechanics remotely and in real time to increase convalescence effectiveness, reduce clinic appointments, and prevent injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its widespread availability and spontaneity, moisture electricity generation (MEG) holds unique advantages in self‐powered systems. However, it faces challenges, including the limitations of relying on a single kind of power generation and insufficient output performance. Inspired by the mechanisms of water absorption of plants, this paper explores a light‐moisture coordinated electricity generating hydrogel (L‐MEGH) device with flexible, scalable, and highly efficient energy conversion performance, which is obtained through the UV polymerization of hydrophilic acrylamide (AAM) and phytic acid (PA) in the presence of photosensitizers. The obtained hydrogel demonstrates superior moisture absorption and remarkable electricity generation stability across a range of humidity conditions. Notably, the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of the L‐MEGH increased from 0.675 to 0.838 V after the addition of photosensitizers (Erythrosin B, E) (the significant enhancement, up to 24%), and the short‐circuit current (Isc) reaching 635.543 µA. This L‐MEGH can realize stable electrical output even under extreme temperatures, producing 0.5 V at −20 °C for 45 h. The scalable L‐MEGHs (connected on‐demand in series/parallel) can power various commercial electronics, including nighttime illumination, mobile phones, and health monitoring sensors. This work pioneers a sustainable power generation pathway capable of enhancing performance through the hybrid collection of multiple natural energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common heterogeneous disorder linked with endocrine and metabolic disturbances. The underlying mechanism of PCOS, especially its effect on oocyte competence, remains unclear. The study aimed to identify abnormal follicular metabolic changes using a multi-omics approach in follicular fluid from PCOS patients and to determine their effects on oocyte competence. Methods: A total of 36 women with PCOS and 35 women without PCOS who underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer were included in the study. Cumulus cells and follicular fluid samples were collected. Follicular fluid samples underwent metabolomic analysis, while cumulus cell clusters from the same patients were assessed using transcriptomic analysis. Clinical information of patients and assisted reproductive technology (ART) results were recorded. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were integrated to identify disrupted pathways, and receiver operation characteristics (ROC) analysis was conducted to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers for PCOS. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between metabolites in follicular fluid and oocyte competence (fertilization and early embryo development potential). Results: Through multi-omics analysis, we identified aberrantly expressed pathways at both transcriptional and metabolic levels, such as the citrate cycle (TCA cycle), oxidative phosphorylation, the cAMP signaling pathway, the mTOR signaling pathway, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Ten candidate metabolites were identified based on metabolic profiling data from these altered pathways. Phytic acid, succinic acid, 2'-deoxyinosine triphosphate, and 4- trimethylammoniobutanoic acid in the follicular fluid exhibited high specificity and sensitivity in distinguishing PCOS. Among these metabolites, L-arginine showed a negative correlation with the 2PN fertilization rate and cleavage rate, while estrone sulfate showed a negative correlation with the high-quality embryo rate in the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. Conclusions: We have conducted a preliminary study of a novel metabolic signature in women with PCOS using a multi-omics approach. The alterations in key metabolic pathways may enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the rapid development of animal husbandry, the demand for protein feed resources is increasing. Cottonseed meal (CSM) and soybean meal (SBM) are rich sources of protein. However, their application is limited due to the existence of anti-nutrients, which can be harmful to the digestion and absorption. A strain of Bacillus subtilis (Mafic-Y7) was isolated from digesta of intestines of Tibetan pigs. The strain showed high protease activity, which helps in degrading proteinic anti-nutritional factors in grain meal and in vitro degradation of free gossypol. In order to better understand this isolated strain, whole genome of Mafic-Y7 strain was sequenced and analyzed. Different effects on various grain meals were identified. Result: The GC-depth Poisson distributions showed no bias suggesting high-quality genome assembly of Mafic-Y7. The whole genome sequencing showed that one chromosome with 4,248,845 base pairs(bp)and the genes total length with 3,736,524 bp was predicted in Mafic-Y7. Additionally, Mafic-Y7 possessed 4,254 protein-coding genes, and several protease genes were annotated by aligning them with databases. There are 55 protease genes, one phytase gene and one laccase gene were annotated in the gene sequence of Mafic-Y7. The average nucleotide identity between Mafic-Y7 and the GCA-000009045.1 homologous genome was 0.9938, suggesting a close genetic relationship between them at the species level. Compared with the closest four whole genomes, Mafic-Y7 was annotated the most abundant of protease genes (55 genes). The fermentation supernatant of Mafic-Y7 could increase the content of small peptides, water-soluble proteins, and acid-soluble proteins in vitro by 411%, 281% and 317% in SBM and 420%, 257% and 338% in CSM. After fermentation in grain meal by Mafic-Y7, the degradation rate of anti-nutritional factors in SBM, such as trypsin inhibitor, glycinin, and β-conglycinin was greater than 70%, and lectin was greater than 30%. The degradation rates of anti-nutritional factors in CSM, such as gossypol and phytic acid, were 82% and 26%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practical Application The remarkable nutritional attributes and potential health advantages of quinoa make it an important candidate for developing innovative ready‐to‐eat food products. This work aimed to develop a functional ready‐to‐eat snack based on quinoa sourdough fermented by Lactiplantibacillus (L.) plantarum CRL 1964. Phytate, phosphates, and soluble mineral content (Fe, Mn, Zn, Mg, Ca, and P) were determined in snacks formulated with sourdough and control doughs. An in vitro digestion model was performed on quinoa snacks to assess their mineral bioaccessibility and dialyzability. Phytate content was significantly lower (ca. 42.3%) while phosphates were higher (ca. eightfold) in quinoa‐based sourdough and sourdough‐based snacks (S1964) than in controls. Soluble minerals were higher (10.2%–32.0%) in S1964 than in controls. Mineral bioaccessibility and mineral dialyzability were also higher (ca. 24.5%) among S1964 and control snacks. The developed quinoa snack made from sourdough fermented by L. plantarum CRL 1964 had less phytate concentration and high bioaccessibility of minerals. These findings underscore the relevance of this innovative technology in creating food products that are not only highly nutritious but also represent a valuable contribution to the market of healthy foods.In this study, a novel snack based on quinoa sourdough with improved nutritional properties was developed. The addition of quinoa sourdough fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRL 1964 to the preparation of quinoa snacks resulted in a product with a lower concentration of phytate and a higher content of phosphates and minerals (soluble, bioaccessible, and dialyzable). These results underline the efficacy of the new snack as a promising alternative to conventional mineral fortification methods. This innovative approach holds promise for addressing nutritional deficiencies and the demand for healthy snack options in today's market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study aimed at evaluating the effects of non‐fermented and fermented pseudocereal flours, quinoa and canihua, on iron and zinc bioavailability in Wistar rats. Two diets prepared with 92% fermented quinoa or 79.5% fermented canihua were compared with diets prepared with the same amount of non‐fermented pseudocereals. Other two quinoa diets were prepared with 60% non‐fermented or fermented quinoa and compared with a refence diet which was free of phytates. Body weight, feed efficiency ratio, and the absorption, retention and bioavailability of iron and zinc were evaluated. While body weight and feed efficiency ratio were higher (p < 0.05) in animals after non‐fermented diets, the results of mineral absorption and bioavailability were consistently higher in the diets containing fermented pseudocereals. Iron concentration in the livers of animals after the fermented quinoa (92%) and canihua diet (79.5%), were 34% and 30% higher than after the diets with non‐fermented pseudocereals. Zinc bioavailability, indicated by zinc in femur of animals fed the 60% fermented quinoa diet was 53.2 μg g−1 ZnInt g−1 BW, comparable to that in animals fed a reference diet with no phytates (58.2 μg g−1 ZnInt g−1 BW), and significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in animals fed the non‐fermented quinoa diet (34.5 μg g−1 ZnInt g−1 BW). Zinc bioavailability was mainly influenced by phytate content in the diet (R2 = 0.665 and p = 0.000). The retention of iron in the liver (2220 μg g−1 FeInt g−1 BW) was higher in the diet containing 60% of fermented quinoa than in the non‐fermented diet (1429 μg g−1 ZnInt g−1 BW). Differences in iron absorption were mainly impacted by iron content in the diets (R2 = 0.828 and p = 0.000). In conclusion, the addition of fermented pseudocereals to diets increased the bioavailability of iron and zinc in Wistar rats. These findings will encourage further research into fermented pseudocereals and their potential health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Enhancing the flame retardancy of epoxy (EP) resins typically entailed a trade-off with other physical properties. Herein, hyperbranched poly(amidoamine) (HPAA) and phytic acid (PA) were used to functionalize graphene oxide (GO) via electrostatic self-assembly in water to prepare a phosphorus-nitrogen functionalized graphene oxide nanosheet (PN-GOs), which could be utilized as high efficient flame-retardant additive of epoxy resin without sacrificing other properties. The PN-GOs demonstrated improved dispersion and compatibility within the EP matrix, which resulted in significant concurrent enhancements in both the mechanical performance and flame-retardant properties of the PN-GOs/EP nanocomposites over virgin EP. Notably, the incorporation of just 1.0 wt% PN-GOs yielded a 20.4, 6.4 and 42.7 % increases in flexural strength, flexural modulus and impact strength for the PN-GOs/EP nanocomposites, respectively. Furthermore, simultaneous reductions were achieved in the peak heat release rate (pHRR) by 60.0 %, total smoke production (TSP) by 43.0 %, peak CO production rate (pCOP) by 57.9 %, and peak CO 2 production rate (pCO 2 P) by 63.9 %. This study presented a facile method for the design of GO-based nano flame retardants, expanding their application potential in polymer-matrix composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Phosphorus-containing flame retardants have attracted attention due to their outstanding flame retardancy, enhanced thermal stability, and limited toxic smoke emission. Bio-based phosphorus-containing flame retardants could be excellent options to impart environmental benefits, renewability, and sustainability to these materials. Lignin is an underutilized but abundant and sustainable material that can be used to serve this purpose. In the present work, a lignin-derived flame retardant was produced following the facile solvent-free polycondensation reaction of kraft lignin (KL) and phytic acid (PHA) at a low temperature in an aqueous system. The optimized conditions for this reaction were 1/0.4 mol/mol KL/PHA, pH 11, 20 °C, and 20 min. By utilizing advanced NMR (H, P, and HSQC), XPS, and FTIR techniques, the covalent bonding of the phosphorus of PHA with the oxygen of aliphatic and aromatic hydroxyl groups of KL was confirmed. C–P–O and P–O–P bonds provided high decomposition temperature (Tmax), high glass transition temperature (Tg), and char formation in the product. The presence of phosphorus atoms was observed on the combusted material by EDS mapping and EDX, illustrating the increase in the intensity of this element after combustion at 800 °C. The results of this work provided a new approach for preparing a fully bio-based flame-retardant with limited smoke density (i.e., a decrease from 34% for KL to 17.7% for modified KL) and a higher limiting oxygen index (i.e., an increase from 21.8% for KL to 26% for modified KL) following a green chemistry concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a flame retardant and antibacterial coating was constructed on the surface of polyester (PET) fabric by a simple layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly method based on chitosan (CS) and ammonium phytate (APA). The introduction of the coating significantly improved the flame retardant, anti‐dripping, and antibacterial properties of PET fabrics. The PET fabric that has been treated exhibits a limiting oxygen index of 34.6%. During the vertical flame test, it forms an expanded char layer, reduces the damage length to 3.4 cm, and produces no molten drops. The cone calorimeter test results revealed that the peak heat release rate of the treated PET fabric decreased by 62.0%. Additionally, the finished PET fabric has significant antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli, a slight increase in tensile breaking strength, and a slight decrease in whiteness index. This study presents a fully bio‐based, simple, and effective method for flame retardant, anti‐dripping, and antibacterial finishing of PET fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generation of crops with low phytic acid (myo‐inositol‐1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexakisphosphate (InsP6)) is an important breeding direction, but such plants often display less desirable agronomic traits. In this study, through ethyl methanesulfonate‐mediated mutagenesis, we found that inositol 1,3,4‐trisphosphate 5/6‐kinase 4 (ITPK4), which is essential for producing InsP6, is a critical regulator of salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. Loss of function of ITPK4 gene leads to reduced root elongation under salt stress, which is primarily because of decreased root meristem length and reduced meristematic cell number. The itpk4 mutation also results in increased root hair density and increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species during salt exposure. RNA sequencing assay reveals that several auxin‐responsive genes are down‐regulated in the itpk4‐1 mutant compared to the wild‐type. Consistently, the itpk4‐1 mutant exhibits a reduced auxin level in the root tip and displays compromised gravity response, indicating that ITPK4 is involved in the regulation of the auxin signaling pathway. Through suppressor screening, it was found that mutation of Multidrug Resistance Protein 5 (MRP5)5 gene, which encodes an ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter required for transporting InsP6 from the cytoplasm into the vacuole, fully rescues the salt hypersensitivity of the itpk4‐1 mutant, but in the itpk4‐1 mrp5 double mutant, InsP6 remains at a very low level. These results imply that InsP6 homeostasis rather than its overall amount is beneficial for stress tolerance in plants. Collectively, this study uncovers a pair of gene mutations that confer low InsP6 content without impacting stress tolerance, which offers a new strategy for creating "low‐phytate" crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, sodium alginate (SA) aerogel cross-linked with Ca2+ was selected as the basic skeleton to construct a lightweight, flame retardant, and thermal insulating composite aerogel via modification with melamine and phytic acid. The resulting aerogel, SA-1.0 MP, achieved a thermal conductivity as low as 0.0379 W/(m·K). Compared to pristine SA aerogel, SA-1.0 MP demonstrated improved fire resistance, evidenced by a substantial increase in the limiting oxygen index (LOI) from 21.5% to 48.8% and a V-0 rating in the UL-94 test. Furthermore, a synergistic mechanism was proposed to explain its remarkable flame-retardant capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. This study assessed the effect of limestone particle size and microbial phytase incorporation on the fate of phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) along the gastrointestinal tract in 72 laying hens. 2. Four experimental diets were formulated according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to evaluate the effect of two coarse limestone (CL) inclusion. This included a mix (MIX) of 75% CL (2 − 4 mm) and 25% fine particles (FL, <0.5 mm) or 100% FL, in two different basal diets formulated without (MIX0 and FL0) or with 300 FTU of microbial phytase/kg (MIX300 and FL300). 3. Contents of the crop, gizzard, duodenum, jejunum and ileum were collected to determine the mean retention time (MRT) of dry matter (DM), the recovery rate of Ca and P in each segment of the gastrointestinal tract and the apparent fractional digestibility coefficient (AD) of Ca and P in each intestinal segment. 4. In hens fed FL, microbial phytase decreased the MRT of DM along the intestine (p < 0.05). In the crop and the gizzard, Ca recovery increased with MIX incorporation to a greater extent in hens fed without microbial phytase (p < 0.05). The mixed particle size incorporation decreased absorption kinetics of Ca in hens fed microbial phytase. The AD of P and the absorption kinetics of P were significantly decreased in hens receiving FL300, probably due to complex formation between Ca and phytic acid. 5. This study showed that coarse limestone particles incorporation improved mineral utilisation along the digestive tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 10 polyol phosphates. Some of the possible functions in cosmetics that are reported for this ingredient group are chelating agents, oral care agents, and skin conditioning agents. The Panel reviewed relevant data relating to the safety of these ingredients under the intended conditions of use in cosmetic formulations, and concluded that Sodium Phytate, Phytic Acid, Phytin, and Trisodium Inositol Triphosphate are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment. The Panel also concluded that the data are insufficient to determine the safety of the following 6 ingredients as used in cosmetics: Disodium Glucose Phosphate, Manganese Fructose Diphosphate, Sodium Mannose Phosphate, Trisodium Fructose Diphosphate, Xylityl Phosphate, and Zinc Fructose Diphosphate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentils (Lens culinaris Medik.), the earliest legumes grown by humans, are essential food sources in many countries. This review summarizes the nutrient profile, phytochemical profile, sensory properties, bioaccessibility, along with health benefits of lentils. Lentils are not only rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fats but various bioactive substances, especially flavonoids and phenolic acids. However, their bioavailability is poor due to the presence of certain antinutritional factors, containing tannins, phytic acid, protease inhibitors as well as lectins. Specific information for the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of phenolics and minerals in lentils is listed. Besides, several conventional along with novel techniques that used to improve bioaccessibility and bioavailability of lentils, such as soaking, dehulling, thermal processing, isoelectric precipitation, pulsed electric field, and high-pressure processing are introduced as well. In addition, various potential health benefits are reviewed, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity properties. Thereby, increased consumption and utilization of lentils as functional foods are considered the key to combating certain chronic diseases in the human body. Lastly, some suggestions are put forward for the future direction of lentils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Moist-electric generators (MEGs), which are capable of spontaneously generating energy from ubiquitous moisture, are considered as a potential power supply candidate for wearable electronics. However, the application of the MEGs in the wearable field is still challenging due to the low electric output and the lack of wearable attributes such as breathability and flame retardancy. Herein, we demonstrated a wearable MEG with high power-output, breathability and flame retardancy, which was fabricated by designing an asymmetrical nanofiber assembly using hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol/phytic acid (PVA/PA) and hydrophobic polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) nanofiber membranes. Owing to the synergistic effects of strong water absorption, enhanced ion release and numerous micro-nano transport channels, a single MEG of 1 cm2 could constantly generate high direct-current (DC) power, i.e., a voltage of 1.0 V, a current of 15.5 μA, and a power density of 3.0 μW cm−2, outperforming other reported nanofiber-based MEGs. More importantly, the asymmetric nanofiber structure ensured the moisture circulation inside MEG and thus produced a sustained voltage output for 7 days without any deterioration. The MEG also showed good flexibility, air/moisture permeability and flame retardancy, which give it necessary wearable attributes. Furthermore, large-scale integration of MEG units could be readily realized to fabricate a power source device for driving different portable electronics, while the moisture sensitivity made the MEG well used for sensing applications (e.g., respiration monitoring, fire warning). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: The review article summarizes the approaches and potential targets to address the challenges of anti-nutrient like phytic acid in millet grains for nutritional improvement. Millets are a diverse group of minor cereal grains that are agriculturally important, nutritionally rich, and the oldest cereals in the human diet. The grains are important for protein, vitamins, macro and micronutrients, fibre, and energy sources. Despite a high amount of nutrients, millet grains also contain anti-nutrients that limit the proper utilization of nutrients and finally affect their dietary quality. Our study aims to outline the genomic information to identify the target areas of research for the exploration of candidate genes for nutritional importance and show the possibilities to address the presence of anti-nutrient (phytic acid) in millets. So, the physicochemical accessibility of micronutrients increases and the agronomic traits can do better. Several strategies have been adopted to minimize the phytic acid, a predominant anti-nutrient in cereal grains. In the present review, we highlight the potential of biotechnological tools and genome editing approaches to address phytic acid in millets. It also highlights the biosynthetic pathway of phytic acid and potential targets for knockout or silencing to achieve low phytic acid content in millets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers in the Guanxi honey pomelo production area has led to severe soil acidification and magnesium (Mg) deficiency, adversely affecting pomelo fruit quality. To address this issue, an integrated nutrient optimization model crucial for ensuring the sustainable and environmentally friendly development of the Guanxi honey pomelo industry has been explored. In a three-year experiment, two fertilizer treatments were implemented: a farmer fertilizer practice (FP) and an NPK reduction plus foliar Mg fertilizer (OPT + fMg). We investigated the impact of this integrated optimized fertilization measure on pomelo fruit quality from three aspects: flavor (sugars and organic acids), nutrition (vitamin C and mineral elements), and antioxidant properties (phenolics, flavonoids, and phytic acid). The results revealed that the OPT + fMg treatment improved fruit flavor by reducing acidity (titratable acid, citric acid, and quinine), while having a minimal impact on sugar components (sucrose, fructose, and glucose). Additionally, the OPT + fMg treatment increased the total phenolics, total flavonoids, and phytic acid in the fruit peel, enhancing its potential antioxidant quality. However, the OPT + fMg treatment reduced the mineral nutrient quality (excluding calcium) in the fruit. As for the fruit developmental period, the OPT + fMg treatment significantly increased the total flavonoid concentration in the peel from the mid-expansion fruit stage, followed by notable increases in phytic acid in the peel during the mid-to-late expansion fruit stage. The total phenolic concentration in the peel significantly rose only during the late fruit development stage. The most pronounced effect was observed on phytic acid in both peel and pulp. The influence of the OPT + fMg treatment on the mineral nutrients (excluding calcium) primarily occurred during the mid-to-late expansion fruit stage. Overall, the OPT + fMg treatment significantly improved the comprehensive nutritional quality of pomelo fruit, providing valuable insights for scientifically reducing fertilizer application while enhancing fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytic acid as an efficient, green and renewable bio-based flame retardant. However, in view of the large number of toxic fumes generated during combustion and the easy loss of flame retardants, to tackle these issues, the current study employed a straightforward two-step process to generate phytate metal salt wood composites (PAN-M, M = Mg, Cu, Fe, Ai and Ni) in cell walls. Compared with natural wood (Control), PAN-M has good leaching resistance of 15~50%, lower hygroscopicity of 15~30% and improved mechanical strength. The total heat release and smoke emission of PAN-Cu are reduced by 34.54% and 83.05% respectively, the LOI of PAN-Cu is increased by 117%, the smoke density SDR is only 8.38 and the weight gain is 16.9%. This is mainly due to the apparent surface coke protection of metal phytates and catalytic graphitisation of solid residues by metal ions. The improved carbon layer plays an effective insulating role, limiting flue gas emissions, flame retardant loss and water contact. In addition, results show that PAN-Cu can significantly enhance the dehydration effect of carbon compared to other metal ions. Therefore, PAN-M is an efficient, green and sustainable flame retardant for wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This study on aluminum phosphate nanoparticles (AlPO4NPs) synthesized through green methods has significant implications for advancing nanomaterial synthesis with sustainable practices. By utilizing phytates extracted from Quercus suber somatic embryos, the green synthesis approach not only provides a natural precursor for nanoparticle formation but also emphasizes the environmental benefits of using plant-derived materials. The synthesized aluminum phosphate nanoplates, characterized by their unique optical and structural properties, show promising potential applications. This research paves the way for further innovations in nanotechnology and environmental biotechnology, highlighting the role of sustainable methods in the production of high-value nanomaterials. This study presents a novel green synthesis method for aluminum phosphate (AlPO4) nanoplates using extracts from Quercus suber somatic embryos. Traditionally, metallic nanoparticles are synthesized using harmful chemical reagents and solvents, but our approach leverages bioactive compounds, such as phytic acid (IP6) from plant extracts, offering a more sustainable alternative. We observed a high phosphate content of 23.6 μMol PO43−/mg dry weight (DW) in the extracts, which is significantly higher than in other Quercus species. Characterization through UV–VIS spectroscopy and XRD confirmed the formation of complex crystal nanoplates, where anisotropic aluminum phosphate with a triclinic crystal structure coexists with monoclinic structures, both forms of aluminum phosphate tridymite. Electron microscopy (TEM and SEM) revealed the hierarchical organization of these nanoplates, distinguishing them from the more commonly observed spherical nanoparticles. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy further validated the incorporation of phytic acid into the nanoplate structure. This innovative method not only advances sustainable nanomaterial synthesis but also demonstrates the potential for unique optical and structural properties in aluminum phosphate nanoplates, paving the way for future applications in specialized fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the variation in grain yield and Zn concentration in rice after foliar application of Zn and the impact on its phytate : Zn molar ratio among 21 rice varieties. Rice varieties were grown under field conditions using a randomized complete block design with four replications over two cropping years in 2020 and 2021 during the rainy season. Foliar Zn application varied grain yield from −26.0 to 13.6% in 2020 and −14.7 to 30.4% in 2021 compared with non-foliar Zn. Grain Zn was varied from 0.5 to 31.1% in 2020 and from −5.9 to 47.8% in 2021 in unpolished rice and from 9.4 to 47.0% in 2020 and from 8.2 to 163.0% in 2021 in polished rice. The phytate : Zn molar ratio was decreased when foliar Zn was applied to the unpolished and polished rice, with a lower ratio in the polished rice. The phytate : Zn molar ratio decreased exponentially with increasing grain Zn concentration in the unpolished rice, while decreasing linearly with increasing grain Zn concentration in the polished rice. The results of this study suggest that foliar Zn application is a promising way to improve the grain Zn concentration and decrease the phytate : Zn molar ratio, thus being beneficial for human diets, but the effects of rice variety, cropping season, and the polishing process should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global cultivation of the faba bean (Vicia faba L.), a nutritious member of the fabaceae family, is a popular coldtolerant crop. Leading faba bean-producing countries encompass China, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, Australia, and France. Recently, the exploration of different foods enriched with bioactive components that offer enhanced functionality, nutritional value, and health benefits has sparked a growing interest in the health advantages of faba beans. Vicia faba is rich in derivatives of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins abundant in lysine and numerous bioactive compounds. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent source of L-DOPA, a dopamine precursor with potential implications in Parkinson's disease treatment. The edible forms of faba bean seeds include dried, roasted, boiled, soaked, frozen and canned edibles. Yet, a number of antinutritional factors, such as phytic acid, trypsin inhibitors, saponins, vicine and convicine (substances associated with favism), lectins and condensed tannins, impede the best possible utilization of faba beans, thereby undermining their biological value. This comprehensive review encompasses global production, dietary characteristics and an array of antinutritional conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research aims to predict and optimize process conditions to produce germinated VD20 with a high rate of germination and antioxidant properties. Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to build models with three factors [soaking time (ST: 4–6 h), germination time (GT: 18–22 h), and germination temperature (33–37 °C)] and three replications. The data set from the BBD experiment was used to create an artificial neural network (ANN) model that estimated the change in responses by variable factors. The ANN model was extremely accurate, with an overall correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9997 and showed the best fit with actual and predicted data. The germination conditions were further optimized using multi-objective RSM, which revealed that the optimal conditions were ST of 5.34 h, GT of 20.78 h, and germination temperature of 35.6 °C. The experimental validation revealed a high level of agreement between the results of the BBD models forecasted and the actual experimental values. The ANN-coupled BBD methodology is a promising hybrid method for modeling, forecasting, and optimizing the impact of process conditions on the quality of germinated grain. In addition, the raw and germinated VD20 rice were analyzed for their techno-functional properties, estimated glycemic index (eGI), and FTIR. Lower peak viscosity, values of breakdown and setback, and phytic acid were found after rice was germinated. The result revealed that high antioxidant content and activity, which were confirmed by the FTIR pattern, and low digestion behaviors (eGI = 64.23) were the attributes of the germinated product. Furthermore, the results of pasting, thermal, swelling power, and solubility showed the wide range of further application of this material, which should receive more consideration in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buckwheat, a pseudo cereal, is a potent super-food crop known as a life support system in higher Himalayas. During field survey, it was reported by local people that long time consumption of buckwheat leaves and grains leads to digestive problems and numbness. Twelve buckwheat genotypes were collected from different regions of Himalayas and changes in phytoconstituents due to roasting of grains at 80 ℃ for 5 min., were analysed spectrophotometrically, to make it suitable for human consumption on daily basis. Roasting slightly decreased protein (2.98–18.52%), lysine (3.82–7.76%), arginine (1.61–6.03%), tryptophan (2.40–7.73%), phenols (6.18–14.17%), flavonoids (6.01–18.27%), antioxidants(3.38–9.23%), rutin (1.69–7.51%), whereas, anti-nutrients viz. phytic acid, tannin and oxalate were decreased significantly (p < 0.05) i.e. (17.50–44.15%), (2.27–6.25%) and (9.52–25.00%) respectively. Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of raw grain samples of buckwheat cultivars revealed distinct protein bands with molecular wt. ranging from 115.77 to 19.06 kDa. Allergenic protein of 100 kDa, 50 kDa and 24 kDa were found in the buckwheat grains of Indian Himalayan region. Sharp decrease of protein solubility and content of allergenic proteins was noticed in the buckwheat grains by raising the temperature beyond 60 °C. It may be concluded from the study that roasting make buckwheat grains more suitable from nutritional point of view and may be used for daily consumption, but reduction of nutrient loss by roasting and removal/reduction of 24-kDa allergenic protein is the thrust area for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate 2-kinase (IPK1) catalyzes the final step in phytic acid (InsP6) synthesis. In this study, the effects of OsIPK1 mutations on InsP6 synthesis, grain filling and their underlying mechanisms were investigated. Seven gRNAs were designed to disrupt the OsIPK1 gene via CRISPR/CAS9 system. Only 4 of them generated 29 individual insertion or deletion T0 plants, in which nine biallelic or heterozygous genotypes were identified. Segregation analysis revealed that OsIPK1 frameshift mutants are homozygous lethality. The biallelic and heterozygous frameshift mutants exhibited significant reduction in yield-related traits, particularly in the seed-setting rate and yield per plant. Despite a notable decline in pollen viability, the male and female gametes had comparable transmission rates to their progenies in the mutants. A significant number of the filling-aborted (FA) grains was observed in mature grains of these heterozygous frameshift mutants. These grains exhibited a nearly complete blockage of InsP6 synthesis, resulting in a pronounced increase in Pi content. In contrast, a slight decline in InsP6 content was observed in the plump grains. During the filling stage, owing to the excessive accumulation of Pi, starch synthesis was significantly impaired, and the endosperm development-specific gene expression was nearly abolished. Consistently, the activity of whereas AGPase, a key enzyme in starch synthesis, was significantly decreased and Pi transporter gene expression was upregulated in the FA grains. Taken together, these results demonstrate that OsIPK1 frameshift mutations result in excessive Pi accumulation, decreased starch synthesis, and ultimately leading to lower yields in rice.Key message: OsIPK1 frameshift mutation results in excessive Pi accumulation in the filling-aborted grain and reduced grain yield in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advance of printed electronics is significantly bolstered by the development of liquid‐state electronics that overcome the inherent limitations in flexibility and reconfigurability of solid‐state electronics. By integrating the biocompatibility and conductivity of sulfonated polyaniline (S‐PANI) and phytic acid (PA) with the reconfigurability of structured liquids, highly conductive all‐liquid threads are developed. The dense packing and overlap of PA/S‐PANI complexes at an oil/water interface promotes in‐plane electron transport, and standard four‐point probe measurements of PA/S‐PANI interfacial assemblies demonstrate enhanced electrical properties. Notably, the rapid jetting of the ink phase into the matrix phase allows for liquid threads to be printed, enabling the fabrication of large‐scale, conductive pathways between two electrodes and liquid circuits. Upon mechanical cleavage of the liquid wires, circuits can be broken, but will easily self‐repair using an electric field, making this motif useful in the design of switches as well as restoring conductive pathways in series or in parallel. The demonstrated flexibility and reconfigurability these PA/S‐PANI wires possess hold significant promise for their practical use in the design of flexible and adaptive bioelectronics that can be repaired on demand, signifying a transformative step in the evolution of liquid electronic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultraviolet/flame retardant protection cotton fabric is successfully prepared using a spray baking process with tannic acid (TA) and phytic acid (PA) as key ingredients to address the issues of cotton fabric such as high flammability and lack of ultraviolet (UV) resistance. With respect to the treated fabric by 4 wt% PA solution and 3 wt% TA solution, it presented 29.5% limited oxygen index (LOI) value, 8.0 cm damaged length and 26.4 ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), while they were 28.3%, 7.5 cm and 30.6 for treated fabric by 3 wt% PA solution and 4 wt% TA solution, which indicated that in the mixed system, although TA primarily acted as an anti‐UV agent, it also exhibited flame retardant properties, and PA primarily functioned as a flame retardant and could provide a certain degree of UV protection. The prepared cotton fabric through this facile method presented excellent UV/flame retardant protection capabilities, and improved the functional efficiency of TA and PA materials. Moreover, as‐prepared fabric showed great application potential, especially in outdoor‐applied fields such as sportswear, sunshade tents, sunshade hats, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multimolecular detection using a single electrode matrix as well as utilization of inexpensive non‐metal doped carbon from biomass is an attractive approach to developing low‐cost sensors. Herein, we report the synthesis of phosphorous‐doped carbon (PDC) from almond seed skin by a simple self‐polymerization method and utilized as a sensing matrix for Dopamine (DA) and Acetaminophen (APAP) whose redox potential is nearer. The phytic acid in the almond seed skin provides phosphorus to the carbon during high‐temperature treatment. The elemental analysis results confirm the existence of phosphorous in PDC. The sensing results illustrate that the PDC modified glassy carbon electrode (PDC/GCE) exhibits excellent performance against DA and APAP with a wide linear range (0.5 μM–10 μM). The detection limit (LOD) and sensitivity have been calculated and the value is found to be 0.130 μM, 0.047 μA μM−1 for DA and 0.335 μM, 0.021 μA μM−1 for APAP, respectively. The sensitivity of PDC/GCE in real sample conditions was measured using DA and APAP spiked human serum and plasma samples, the results indicate excellent recoveries ranging from 96.00 % to 103.10 %. These encouraging findings reveal that the PDC is an appropriate material for determining the DA and APAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting charge storage and fast charging capability simultaneously is a long–standing challenge for supercapacitors. A facile flowing seed polymerization is adopted to prepare polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers, in which phytic acid (PA) doped oligomers are first produced as the seeds for promoting the highly oriented growth of PANI nanofibers accompanying with the copolymerization of m−aminobenzene sulfonic acid (ASA) and aniline occurred on the surface of PANI nanofibers, as a result, unique core−shell structured PANI nanofibers are continuously fabricated. Benefitting from compact nanofiber structure, excellent dispersion, and self–doping effect, as–prepared PANI nanofibers exhibit a specific capacitance of 671.2 F g−1 at 2 A g−1 and ultrahigh rate capability of 93.1% from 2 to 100 A g−1. Then assembled all–solid–state supercapacitor can deliver the highest energy density of 28.3 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 320.2 W kg−1 with remarkable rate capability (81.2% from 1 to 20 A g−1), cycle stability (77.5% after 5000 cycles) as well as light weight and flexibility. It is highly desirable that the present green and scalable approach can be further applied to fabricate other unique core–shell structured PANI nanofibers with appealing potentials in energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocoa pod husk (CPH) is a by‐product of cocoa. Whilst this by‐product is converted into animal feed in some countries, it is largely left to decompose and cause environmental issues in most South Pacific countries, including Vanuatu. The husk represent 70%–80% of the whole fruit. Its use as animal feed is limited by the presence of antinutritional factors, of which, theobromine is the most prominent. Other antinutritional factors include tannin and phytate. Feeding value of the CPH is improved by reducing these antinutritional factors through broiling, alkaline, and microbial treatment. Exogenous feed enzymes are used to hydrolyze crude fiber. Up to 10% of this by‐product is included in broiler feed and 15% with supplementation of exogenous feed enzymes in layer feed. In pigs, up to 20% can be included into diets of both the sow and growing pig. In ruminants, up to 35% can be used in cattle diet if treated with urea, molasses and/or fermented. The by‐product is widely used as an ingredient and/or energy/protein sources in Africa and Asia. There is scanty literature on its use in the South Pacific countries. In this review, I compiled existing literature on its chemical composition, use in livestock and poultry diets, and existing strategies to improve feeding value. The aim of this review is to project cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) as a potential feed ingredient as well as energy/protein sources for livestock and poultry in the South Pacific countries, including Vanuatu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of different processing methods on the antinutritional factors of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) of the Pusa Baisakhi variety. The values obtained were as follows: tannin 477 mg/100 g, oxalate 227 mg/100 g, phytate 627 mg/100 g, total phenolic content 772 mg/100 g, and saponin 2618 mg/100 g in raw mungbean, on a dry basis. The maximum reduction in tannin (63%) was observed when the mungbean was processed by the soaking and dehulling processes. The reduction achieved by soaking for 12 h and germination for 36 h was the most effective method in reducing the phytate content of mungbean (39%). The maximum reduction in saponin (22%) and oxalate (71%) was observed by autoclaving the soaked seeds. In comparison to other methods, roasting was the least effective method to reduce tannin, phytate, and oxalate. Autoclaving of the soaked seeds was the most effective method for reducing the antinutrients of mungbean among the cooking treatments. The processing methods such as soaking, dehulling, germination, roasting, raw open cooking, raw autoclaving, soaked open cooking, and autoclaving of soaked seeds significantly reduced the antinutrient contents of mungbean (p < 0.05). However, the effects of the treatments combined were more effective than those of the single process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary phytic acid/phytate/myo-inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), a phosphate reservoir in plants, was viewed as antinutrient, caused by an influence on the bioavailability of minerals through its chelating activity. However, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that IP6 has beneficial (e.g., antiinflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer) effects on multiple biological processes. Also, IP6 and its metabolites are known to exist in mammalian cells, including human cells, and the role of IP6 as a functional molecule is attracting attention. IP6 can bind to the growth sites of hydroxy-apatite (HA) and calcium oxalate crystals to prevent their growth and hence inhibit pathological calcification. SNF472, hexasodium IP6, is currently being evaluated in clinical studies as a treatment for vascular calcification and calciphylaxis. However, since HA crystal growth within bone matrix is an essential process in bone formation, it is possible that IP6 intake may inhibit physiological mineralization and bone formation, although currently more published studies suggest that IP6 may contribute to bone health rather than inhibit bone formation. Given that IP6 and its metabolites are thought to have diverse activities and many health benefits, it remains important to consider the range of effects of IP6 on bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural evolution of microorganisms, as well as the inappropriate use of medicines, have accelerated the problem of drug resistance to many of the antibiotics employed today. Colistin, a lipopeptide antibiotic used as a last resort against multi-resistant strains, has also begun to present these challenges. Therefore, this study was focused on establishing whether colistin associated with chitosan nanoparticles could improve its antibiotic activity on an extremely resistant clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a clinically relevant Gram-negative bacterium. For this aim, nanoparticulate systems based on phytic acid cross-linked chitosan and loaded with colistin were prepared by the ionic gelation method. The characterization included particle size, polydispersity index-PDI, and zeta potential measurements, as well as thermal (DSC) and spectrophotometric (FTIR) analysis. Encapsulation efficiency was assessed by the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) method, while the antimicrobial evaluation was made following the CLSI guidelines. The results showed that colistin-loaded nanoparticles were monodispersed (PDI = 0.196) with a particle size of around 266 nm and a positive zeta potential (+33.5 mV), and were able to associate with around 65.8% of colistin and decrease the minimum inhibitory concentration from 16 μg/mL to 4 μg/mL. These results suggest that the association of antibiotics with nanostructured systems could be an interesting alternative to recover the antimicrobial activity on resistant strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adults who have incomplete distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) may present with recurrent urolithiasis due to metabolic acidosis, leading to bone resorption, which in turn causes hypercalciuria and urine alkalinization (pH > 6.0). Oral potassium citrate is the most commonly used treatment for dRTA, but some patients cannot tolerate this treatment. The objective of this single-arm study was to evaluate the effect of phytate, an inhibitor of bone resorption, on calciuria of patients with incomplete dRTA. Methods: The calciuria levels of 16 patients who had incomplete dRTA with urolithiasis and could not tolerate potassium citrate treatment were recorded before (baseline) and after 6 months of treatment with oral calcium magnesium phytate (380 mg every 12 h). There were no dietary modifications or other treatments. Results: The baseline calciuria was 317 ± 81 mg/24 h and the level after 6 months was 221 ± 38 mg/24 h (p < 0.005). Conclusions: Our results suggest that calcium magnesium phytate should be considered as an alternative or adjunctive treatment for hypercalciuria in patients with incomplete dRTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Plant-based ingredients are the major constituents of poultry diets and supply a significant portion of dietary phosphorus (P). However, approximately two-thirds of the P of plant origin is bound to phytic acid, which is poorly available to monogastric animals. Broiler diets have been formulated based on non-phytate P (NPP), which might lead to the excessive use of inorganic P sources and reduced P availability for birds. Recent research has suggested using digestible P to assess availability, and due to nutritional interactions, there is also increasing interest in determining calcium (Ca) digestibility. The objectives of this study were to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of Ca and P in the feed ingredients for broilers. On day 18 post-hatch, 512 male and female broilers were individually weighed and randomly allocated to eight treatments with four replicates for each sex (eight birds/cage) in a randomized complete block design based on body weight and sex. No significant interaction between experimental diets and sex regarding the SID of Ca or P was found, and no effect of sex on the SID was observed. There were significant differences in the SID of the feed ingredients. This study aimed to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in various feed ingredients using the direct method. This study comprised eight experimental diets: a Ca–P-free diet and seven experimental diets, each containing monocalcium phosphate (MCP), dicalcium phosphate (DCP), monosodium phosphate (MSP) + limestone, corn, and soybean meal (SBM) as the sole sources of Ca and/or P. These diets provided 4.21 g/kg of non-phytate P from MCP, DCP, or MSP, and the MSP + limestone diet included 7.50 g/kg of Ca. The corn and SBM diets formulated to determine P digestibility maintained a dietary Ca/total P ratio of 1.4 through the addition of limestone. Chromic oxide was added to the diets as an indigestible index. On day 18, 256 male and 256 female broilers were individually weighed and randomly assigned to eight treatments, each with four replicates for each sex (eight birds per cage). This allocation followed a randomized complete block design based on body weight. On day 21, the birds were euthanized using carbon dioxide, and ileal digesta samples were collected from the distal two-thirds section of the ileum. No significant interactions between the experimental diets and sex regarding the SID of Ca or P were detected, and no effect of sex on the SID was observed. The standardized ileal Ca digestibility of MCP, DCP, limestone, corn, and SBM was found to be 84.7%, 70.1%, 52.6%, 88.6%, and 81.6%, respectively. The standardized ileal P digestibility of MCP, DCP, MSP, corn, and SBM was determined to be 91.8%, 76.8%, 94.4%, 73.1, and 88.4%, respectively. Given the variable digestibility of Ca and P across different feed ingredients, the consideration of the specific type of ingredients used in diet formulation is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]