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The study was conducted exploit the proteins of the pods of some types of plants, such as Prosopis juliflora pods, that are considered by -products in many countries and considered a good source of protein in the preparation of protein hydrolysers and evaluating their effect on inhibiting brown discoloration of apple slices and compared with anti -browning agents (ascorbic acid, acetic acid, and sodium chloride) when stored in the refrigerator for 0, 5 and 8 days. The chemical composition of the moisture, protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate of the P. juliflora pods was estimated, then the hydrolysis process was carried out using the enzymes trypsin and papain for 300 minutes. Amino acids and FTIR analysis of protein hydrolysates were determined. Significant changes (p≤0.05) in pH, total soluble solids, and non - significant changes in titration acidity of apple slices treated with protein hydrolysis and anti -browning agents were studied and significantly decreased (p≤0.05) in the activity of polyphenol oxidase until the end of the storage. The brown coloration decreased when treated with protein hydrolysates compared to other treatments, but non -significant changes. As a result, apple slices can be preserved with protein hydrolysers for several days in the refrigerator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nHIGHLIGHTSThe second brain of humans has been known as the microbiome. The microbiome is a dynamic network composed of commensal bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi colonized in the human gastrointestinal tract. They play a vital role in human health by metabolizing components, maturation of the immune system, and taking part in the treatment of various diseases. Two important factors that can affect the gut microbiome’s composition and/or function are the food matrix and methods of food processing. Based on scientific research, the consumption of whole grains can make positive changes in the gut microbiota. Seeds contain different microbiota-accessible substrates that can resist digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Seed germination is one of the simplest and newest food processing approaches to improve seeds’ bioavailability and overall nutritional value. During germination, the dormant hydrolytic seed’s enzymes have been activated and then metabolize the macromolecules. The quality and quantity of bioactive compounds like prebiotics, fiber, phenolic compounds (PC), total free amino acids, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can increase even up to 4–10 folds in some cases. These components stimulate the survival and growth of healthful bacteria like probiotics and boost their activity. This effect depends on several parameters, e.g., germination environmental conditions. This review aims to provide up-to-date and latest research about promoting bioactive components during seed germination and investigating their impacts on gut microbiota to understand the possible direct and indirect effects of seed germination on the microbiome and human health.Gut microbiome plays a vital role in human health.Promoting gut beneficial bacteria can treat some human diseases.Beneficial gut bacteria can improve by seed’s bioactive compoundsSeed’s bioactive compounds can increase during germination.Germination is a low-in-cost process that can make an indirect positive effect on the gut.Gut microbiome plays a vital role in human health.Promoting gut beneficial bacteria can treat some human diseases.Beneficial gut bacteria can improve by seed’s bioactive compoundsSeed’s bioactive compounds can increase during germination.Germination is a low-in-cost process that can make an indirect positive effect on the gut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of antimicrobial nanofibers by the electrospinning process is one of the most emerging trends in food bio-packaging systems. In this study, the blend of chitosan (CS) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) was employed to fabricate electrospun nanofibrous mats. Thyme essential oil (TEO) was embedded into the electrospun CS/PEO mats at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% to create nanofibers with antibacterial properties. Adding functional groups to the surface of the CS/PEO/TEO electrospun mat was achieved by dip-coating the mat into a poly (MMAco-MAA) solution with two different compositions to enhance bacteria immobilization. The morphology and diameter of CS/PEO/TEO nanofibers before and after coating were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and water contact angle (WCA) measurements demonstrated the physical properties of coated and uncoated electrospun mats. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was further utilized to reveal the chemical structure of nanofibrous mats. The inhibition zone diameter was employed as an indicator of antibacterial activity through the disk diffusion test. The study results showed that the TEO-loaded nanofibrous mats, fabricated by an electrospinning system and coated by poly (MMAco-MAA) at a 7:3 ratio of MMA: MAA can effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria. This novel biopolymer-based electrospun mat proved to be a promising candidate for antimicrobial packaging material due to the remarkable properties of biocompatibility, biodegradability, and excellent antibacterial performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex and heterogeneous chronic metabolic disorder disease that is associated with high blood sugar. Because of the side effects of synthetic drugs on T2D patients and their economic burden, interest in plant-derived functional foods like grains with biological activities has developed. Based on scientific reports, whole grains are rich sources of energy, nutrients, and bioactive compounds and are assumed to have beneficial health effects on glucose enzymes regulation or hyperglycemia. Nowadays, different methods have been applied to enhance whole seed healthful properties and anti-diabetic compounds, and germination is one of them. Germination (sprouting) is a cost-effective method for boosting the activity of endogenous seed enzymes and modifying the structure of macromolecules. Some of these macromolecules like bioactive peptides, polyphenols, dietary fiber, and vitamins are related to diabetes management. Determining the best germination condition can help to promote these anti-diabetics properties of compounds. This study presents relevant information about diabetes, the effect of seed germination on releasing bioactive compounds, and optimizing environmental germination conditions to improve the anti-diabetic compounds in seeds for reaching functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]