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Nature Reviews. Gastroenterology &... Apr 2024Although fermentation probably originally developed as a means of preserving food substrates, many fermented foods (FFs), and components therein, are thought to have a... (Review)
Review
Although fermentation probably originally developed as a means of preserving food substrates, many fermented foods (FFs), and components therein, are thought to have a beneficial effect on various aspects of human health, and gastrointestinal health in particular. It is important that any such perceived benefits are underpinned by rigorous scientific research to understand the associated mechanisms of action. Here, we review in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies that have provided insights into the ways in which the specific food components, including FF microorganisms and a variety of bioactives, can contribute to health-promoting activities. More specifically, we draw on representative examples of FFs to discuss the mechanisms through which functional components are produced or enriched during fermentation (such as bioactive peptides and exopolysaccharides), potentially toxic or harmful compounds (such as phytic acid, mycotoxins and lactose) are removed from the food substrate, and how the introduction of fermentation-associated live or dead microorganisms, or components thereof, to the gut can convey health benefits. These studies, combined with a deeper understanding of the microbial composition of a wider variety of modern and traditional FFs, can facilitate the future optimization of FFs, and associated microorganisms, to retain and maximize beneficial effects in the gut.
Topics: Humans; Fermented Foods; Gastrointestinal Tract; Fermentation
PubMed: 38081933
DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00869-x -
Chemistry, An Asian Journal Sep 2023Flexible sensors show great application potential in wearable electronics, human-computer interaction, medical health, bionic electronic skin and other fields. Compared... (Review)
Review
Flexible sensors show great application potential in wearable electronics, human-computer interaction, medical health, bionic electronic skin and other fields. Compared with rigid sensors, hydrogel-based devices are more flexible and biocompatible and can easily fit the skin or be implanted into the body, making them more advantageous in the field of flexible electronics. In all designs, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) series hydrogels exhibit high mechanical strength, excellent sensitivity and fatigue resistance, which make them promising candidates for flexible electronic sensing devices. This paper has reviewed the latest progress of PVA/plant-based biomass hydrogels in the construction of flexible sensor applications. We first briefly introduced representative plant biomass materials, including sodium alginate, phytic acid, starch, cellulose and lignin, and summarized their unique physical and chemical properties. After that, the design principles and performance indicators of hydrogel sensors are highlighted, and representative examples of PVA/plant-based biomass hydrogel applications in wearable electronics are illustrated. Finally, the future research is briefly prospected. We hope it can promote the research of novel green flexible sensors based on PVA/biomass hydrogel.
PubMed: 37553785
DOI: 10.1002/asia.202300483 -
Food Science and Biotechnology Aug 2023Phytic acid (PA), an endogenous antinutrient in cereals and legumes, hinders mineral absorption by forming less bioavailable, stable PA-mineral complexes. For individual...
Phytic acid (PA), an endogenous antinutrient in cereals and legumes, hinders mineral absorption by forming less bioavailable, stable PA-mineral complexes. For individual micronutrients, the PA-to-mineral molar ratio below the critical level ensures better bioavailability and is achieved by adding minerals or removing PA from cereals and pulses. Although several PA reduction and fortification strategies are available, the inability to completely eradicate or degrade PA using available techniques always subdues fortification's impact by hindering fortified micronutrient absorption. The bioavailability of micronutrients could be increased through simultaneous PA degradation and fortification. Following primary PA reduction of the raw material, the fortification step should also incorporate additional essential control stages to further PA inactivation, improving micronutrient absorption. In this review, the chemistry of PA interaction with metal ions, associated controlling parameters, and its impact on PA reduction during fortification is also evaluated, and further suggestions were made for the fortification's success.
PubMed: 37362807
DOI: 10.1007/s10068-023-01255-8 -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024Here, a novel multifunctional coating containing bio-based phytic acid (PA), L-glutamic acid (L-Glu), and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) is constructed by a simple soaking...
Here, a novel multifunctional coating containing bio-based phytic acid (PA), L-glutamic acid (L-Glu), and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) is constructed by a simple soaking strategy, giving cotton fabrics excellent flame retardancy, washability, and antibacterial properties. The coating layer on the cotton surface was prepared via the electrostatic and hydrogen bonding between PA and L-Glu, accompanied by the interface polymerization between PA, L-Glu, and TMC. Among them, the limiting oxygen index value of the treated cotton fabrics (C and C-TMC) was as high as 40 %. During the vertical flammability test, both C and C-TMC cotton showed self-extinguished behavior with a short damaged length (≤50 mm). Remarkably, the LOI of C-TMC sustained a high value (30 %) even after 300 laundering cycles, maintaining its self-extinguishing behavior in the vertical combustion test. Additionally, in the cone calorimetry test, peak heat release rate and total heat release of treated cotton were lower than control cotton. Surprisingly, after 30 or 60 laundering cycles, the C-TMC cotton exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans due to the continuous exposure of PA and L-Glu. Moreover, the coating layer on the cotton surface had little impact on the mechanical properties and feel of the fabric.
Topics: Phytic Acid; Cotton Fiber; Flame Retardants; Amino Acids; Candida albicans; Escherichia coli; Staphylococcus aureus; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Textiles; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 38719000
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132135 -
Current Microbiology Oct 2023Microbial phytases are enzymes that break down phytic acid, an anti-nutritional compound found in plant-based foods. These enzymes which are derived from bacteria and... (Review)
Review
Microbial phytases are enzymes that break down phytic acid, an anti-nutritional compound found in plant-based foods. These enzymes which are derived from bacteria and fungi have diverse properties and can function under different pH and temperature conditions. Their ability to convert phytic acid into inositol and inorganic phosphate makes them valuable in food processing. The application of microbial phytases in the food industry has several advantages. Firstly, adding them to animal feedstuff improves phosphorus availability, leading to improved nutrient utilization and growth in animals. This also reduces environmental pollution by phosphorus from animal waste. Secondly, microbial phytases enhance mineral bioavailability and nutrient assimilation in plant-based food products, counteracting the negative effects of phytic acid on human health. They can also improve the taste and functional properties of food and release bioactive compounds that have beneficial health effects. To effectively use microbial phytases in the food industry, factors like enzyme production, purification, and immobilization techniques are important. Genetic engineering and protein engineering have enabled the development of phytases with improved properties such as enhanced stability, substrate specificity, and resistance to degradation. This review provides an overview of the properties and function of phytases, the microbial strains that produce them, and their industrial applications, focusing on new approaches.
Topics: Animals; Humans; 6-Phytase; Phytic Acid; Fungi; Food Industry; Phosphorus
PubMed: 37847302
DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03471-1 -
Heliyon Oct 2023The relationship between malnutrition and climate change is still poorly understood but a comprehensive knowledge of their interactions is needed to address the global... (Review)
Review
The relationship between malnutrition and climate change is still poorly understood but a comprehensive knowledge of their interactions is needed to address the global public health agenda. Limited studies have been conducted to propose robust and economic-friendly strategies to augment the food basket with underutilized species and biofortify the staples for nutritional security. Sea-buckthorn is a known "superfood" rich in vitamin C and iron content. It is found naturally in northern hemispherical temperate Eurasia and can be utilized as a model species for genetic biofortification in cash crops like wheat. This review focuses on the impacts of climate change on inorganic (iron, zinc) and organic (vitamin C) micronutrient malnutrition employing wheat as highly domesticated crop and processed food commodity. As iron and zinc are particularly stored in the outer aleurone and endosperm layers, they are prone to processing losses. Moreover, only 5% Fe and 25% Zn are bioavailable once consumed calling to enhance the bioavailability of these micronutrients. Vitamin C converts non-available iron (Fe) to available form (Fe) and helps in the synthesis of ferritin while protecting it from degradation at the same time. Similarly, reduced phytic acid content also enhances its bioavailability. This relation urges scientists to look for a common mechanism and genes underlying biosynthesis of vitamin C and uptake of Fe/Zn to biofortify these micronutrients concurrently. The study proposes to scale up the biofortification breeding strategies by focusing on all dimensions i.e., increasing micronutrient content and boosters (vitamin C) and simultaneously reducing anti-nutritional compounds (phytic acid). Mutually, this review identified that genes from the Aldo-keto reductase family are involved both in Fe/Zn uptake and vitamin C biosynthesis and can potentially be targeted for genetic biofortification in crop plants.
PubMed: 37818015
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20208 -
Drug Delivery Dec 2023Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor in the skeletal system with high mortality. Phytic acid (PA) is a natural compound extracted from plant seeds, which...
Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor in the skeletal system with high mortality. Phytic acid (PA) is a natural compound extracted from plant seeds, which shows certain antitumor activity and good bone targeting ability. To develop a novel theranostics for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and targeting therapy of osteosarcoma, we employed PA to modify manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MnO@PA NPs) for osteosarcoma treatment. The MnO NPs oligomer was formed by PA modification with uniformed size distribution and negative zeta potential. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that PA has been successfully modified on MnO NPs, and the structure of MnO@PA NPs is amorphous. experiments demonstrated that MnO@PA NPs oligomer can be efficiently internalized by tumor cell, and the internalized NPs can react with HO under acid microenvironment to produce Mn and O. experiments demonstrated that MnO@PA NPs oligomer can passively accumulate in tumor tissue, and the accumulated NPs can produce Mn and O for MRI and targeting therapy of osteosarcoma. In conclusion, we prepared a novel bone-targeting nano theranostics for MRI and therapy of osteosarcoma.
Topics: Humans; Manganese Compounds; Oxides; Phytic Acid; Hydrogen Peroxide; Osteosarcoma; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Nanoparticles; Bone Neoplasms; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 36855959
DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2023.2181743 -
Gels (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023Composite collagen gels with hyaluronic acid are developed tissue-engineered structures for filling and regeneration of defects in various organs and tissues. For the...
Composite collagen gels with hyaluronic acid are developed tissue-engineered structures for filling and regeneration of defects in various organs and tissues. For the first time, phytic acid was used to increase the stability and improve the mechanical properties of collagen gels with hyaluronic acid. Phytic acid is a promising cross-linker for collagen hydrogels and is a plant-derived antioxidant found in rich sources of beans, grains, and oilseeds. Phytic acid has several benefits due to its antioxidant, anticancer, and antitumor properties. In this work, studies were carried out on the kinetics of the self-assembly of collagen molecules in the presence of phytic and hyaluronic acids. It was shown that both of these acids do not lead to collagen self-assembly. Scanning electron microscopy showed that in the presence of phytic and hyaluronic acids, the collagen fibrils had a native structure, and the FTIR method confirmed the chemical cross-links between the collagen fibrils. DSC and rheological studies demonstrated that adding the phytic acid improved the stability and modulus of elasticity of the collagen gel. The presence of hyaluronic acid in the collagen gel slightly reduced the effect of phytic acid. The presence of phytic acid in the collagen gel improved the stability of the scaffold, but, after 1 week of cultivation, slightly reduced the viability of mesenchymal stromal cells cultured in the gel. The collagen type I gel with hyaluronic and phytic acids can be used to replace tissue defects, especially after the removal of cancerous tumors.
PubMed: 38131949
DOI: 10.3390/gels9120963 -
Nutrients Aug 2023During aging, several tissues and biological systems undergo a progressive decline in function, leading to age-associated diseases such as neurodegenerative,... (Review)
Review
During aging, several tissues and biological systems undergo a progressive decline in function, leading to age-associated diseases such as neurodegenerative, inflammatory, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In this review, we focus on the molecular underpinning of senescence and neurodegeneration related to age-associated brain diseases, in particular, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, along with introducing nutrients or phytochemicals that modulate age-associated molecular dysfunctions, potentially offering preventive or therapeutic benefits. Based on current knowledge, the dysregulation of microglia genes and neuroinflammation, telomere attrition, neuronal stem cell degradation, vascular system dysfunction, reactive oxygen species, loss of chromosome X inactivation in females, and gut microbiome dysbiosis have been seen to play pivotal roles in neurodegeneration in an interactive manner. There are several phytochemicals (e.g., curcumin, EGCG, fucoidan, galangin, astin C, apigenin, resveratrol, phytic acid, acacetin, daucosterol, silibinin, sulforaphane, withaferin A, and betulinic acid) that modulate the dysfunction of one or several key genes (e.g., TREM2, C3, C3aR1, TNFA, NF-kb, TGFB1&2, SIRT1&6, HMGB1, and STING) affected in the aged brain. Although phytochemicals have shown promise in slowing down the progression of age-related brain diseases, more studies to identify their efficacy, alone or in combinations, in preclinical systems can help to design novel nutritional strategies for the management of neurodegenerative diseases in humans.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Brain; Aging; Brain Diseases; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 37571393
DOI: 10.3390/nu15153456