<p dir="ltr">Pea protein is one of the most used plant proteins in food products, acting as an alternative to conventional animal protein sources due to its abundant, nutritious, and ease in supply chain characteristics. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of homogenization and UHT processing parameters on the properties of protein emulsion. Protein emulsions (8% w/w pea protein isolate and 1% w/w sunflower oil) were freshly prepared prior to processing, and the untreated sample was considered as the control (NT). The pilot-scale aseptic processing system (APS) used in this study consisted of two coil-in-shell heaters and two coolers. Samples flowed through each section of the APS system following this order: balance tank, pre-heater, final heater, hold tube, pre-cooler, and final cooler. The homogenizer was located either after the pre-cooler (AC) or the pre-heater (AH) with a controlled temperature of 165F. A third setup was utilized by bypassing the homogenizer in the UHT system. An additional 8-hour continuous run was conducted to mimic a commercial manufacturing operation by recirculating the protein emulsion in the UHT system, and fouling detections were made using a non-intrusive sensor (NICS). 5% w/w soy protein, 1% w/w sunflower oil oil-in-water emulsion was also used for fouling tests. Protein concentration, pH and zeta potential, Cryo-SEM microscopic image, particle size distribution, flocculation index (FI), coalescence index (CI), viscosity and color data were collected and analyzed. The protein concentration had a 23.20 ± 4.00 %, 28.35 ± 5.02 %, 27.98 ± 5.05% and 21.38 ± 5.75% reduction for AC, AH, UHT and NT samples, respectively, when compared with the initial concentration in the formula. AC, AH, UHT and NT samples had pH values of 7.24 ± 0.01, 7.27 ± 0.01, 7.28 ± 0.02, 7.41 ± 0.01, and zeta potential values of -42.91 ± 0.89, -47.30 ± 0.91, -46.91 ± 1.40 and -50.11 ± 1.47 mV. AC sample had a smaller and NT sample had a bigger, respectively, mean weighted size D 4,3 value than AH and UHT samples, which could also be seen in Cryo-SEM images where only AC images contained more visually observable smaller particles. FI and CI for AC, AH and UHT indicated the formation of flocs but no irreversible aggregations were found. Shear-thinning AC, AH, UHT and NT samples had viscosity decreases from 4.00 to 3.56, 3.88 to 3.75, 4.02 to 3.79 and 10.42 to 9.56 mPa*s in 1 1/s to 100 1/s shear rate range. NT sample had a very noticeable color difference from the other three treated samples. Overall, AC samples had similar or better emulsion stability in all aspects than AH and UHT samples, suggesting that AC processing could potentially be used in the protein beverage industry for manufacturing products with improved shelf stability. Severe foulants buildups were neither observed nor detected by a non-intrusive continuous sensor (NICS) in the UHT system within 8 hours of process for both pea protein and soy protein emulsion, indicating that this UHT-homogenization processing can potentially be adapted to current industrial practices for higher-quality protein beverages.</p>

Introdução: Dentre os distúrbios relacionados à alimentação, o aumento do colesterol e, conseqüentemente, a incidência de doenças cardiovasculares, representa um importante problema de Saúde Pública. A proteína do amaranto reduz o colesterol plasmático, possivelmente pela presença de peptídeos bioativos, liberados durante sua digestão parcial. Objetivo: Verificar a ocorrência de peptídeos hipocolesterolemizantes após digestão in vitro do isolado protéico de amaranto. Métodos: Proteína isolada do amaranto foi submetida à digestão enzimática in vitro por duas metodologias distintas. Os peptídeos menores que 3000 Da foram injetados em espectrômetro de massa para sua identificação. Resultados: Foi obtido isolado protéico com grau de pureza acima de 90%. O isolado protéico e a farinha integral apresentaram a mesma quantidade de aminoácidos essenciais e de aminoácidos presentes nas seqüências dos peptídeos de interesse. O isolamento protéico também não promoveu alterações nas principais frações moleculares. As estruturas terciária e quaternária provavelmente foram alteradas, pois houve redução da solubilidade protéica. O grupo dissulfeto é um dos responsáveis pela ocorrência de agregados, entretanto outras ligações também podem estar envolvidas. Essas forças podem interferir no acesso aos sítios de clivagem das ligações peptídicas e dificultar a ação enzimática. Devido ao aumento da força iônica do meio obteve-se alto grau de hidrólise em ambos os métodos enzimáticos. A digestão protéica resultou em fragmentos que, em sua maioria, apresentaram pesos moleculares inferiores a 30 kDa. O perfil peptídico, para a maior parte das amostras, mostrou-se complexo, com difícil separação de picos. A amostra hidrolisada que apresentou menor grau de hidrólise e menor quantidade de picos no cromatograma continha um dos peptídeos hipocolesterolemizantes procurados, o fragmento IAEK. Conclusões: O isolado protéico de amaranto apresenta pelo menos um peptídeo hipocolesterolemizante quando submetido às digestões enzimáticas in vitro estudadas, similares à digestão in vivo. / Introduction: Among the problems associated to food habits, the increase of cholesterol levels, and thus the incidence of cardiovascular diseases represents an important problem for Public Health. The amaranth protein reduces the blood cholesterol levels, possibly due to the presence of peptides released during its incomplete digestion. Objective: To verify the occurrence of hypocholesterolemic peptides after in vitro digestion of amaranth protein isolate. Methods: Amaranth protein isolate was submitted to in vitro enzymatic digestion by two distinct methodologies. Peptides smaller than 3000 Da were injected in mass spectrometer for identification. results: Protein isolate presented a high purity degree, above 90%. The fat extraction and the protein isolation were efficient and did not modify significantly amaranth chemical composition, preserving the quantities of essential amino acids present in the sequence of the investigated peptides. Protein isolation did not promote changes in the main molecular fractions. The tertiary and quaternary structures were probably altered, given that protein solubility decreased. Disulfide bonds are responsible for aggregate arrangement; however, other bonds probably occurred and were also responsible for the decrease in solubility. These bonds may interfere in enzymatic hydrolysis, impeding the enzymes to cleave the peptide bonds. It was obtained a great hydrolysis degree in both enzymatic methods because ionic strength of the solution was high. Most of the protein digestion fragments presented molecular weight lower than 30kDa, demonstrating the efficiently of both digestion methods. Peptide mixture, for most samples, presented a complex profile and difficulties in peaks separation. The hydrolyzed sample that presented the lowest hydrolysis degree and the lowest quantity of peaks in chromatogram presented one of the hypocholesterolemic peptides, the sequence IAEK. Conclusions: The amaranth protein isolate presents at least one hypocholesterolemic peptide when submitted to the studied in vitro enzymatic digestion that is similar to in vivo digestion

Introdução: Doenças cardiovasculares constituem importante causa de morte em todo mundo e a hipercolesterolemia está diretamente relacionada a elas. A dieta desempenha papel importante neste processo e alguns alimentos como o feijão caupi (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp), especialmente sua proteína, tem sido apontado com potencial capacidade de redução do colesterol plasmático. Os efeitos hipocolesterolêmicos já observados indicaram o uso da proteína do feijão caupi, ou dos seus peptídeos, como ingrediente funcional de alimentos para a promoção da saúde e a redução do risco de doenças. Entretanto, as consequências da digestão gastrointestinal na absorção destes peptídeos são claramente complexas tornando essenciais estudos in vitro e in vivo para avaliar a sua bioacessibilidade e sua resistência à degradação gastrointestinal, além da disponibilidade e real eficácia destes peptídeos. Objetivo: Analisar a biodisponibilidade de peptídeos e avaliar parâmetros ligados ao metabolismo do colesterol em modelos animais após ingestão de isolado proteico de feijão caupi. Métodos: A farinha de feijão caupi foi desengordurada e sua proteína isolada. O isolado proteico foi submetido a métodos de hidrólise in vitro, para verificação das frações peptídicas formadas e inferência sobre a capacidade de ligação à albumina. Dois experimentos in vivo foram conduzidos. No primeiro, o isolado proteico do feijão caupi foi administrado a ratos e a concentração dos peptídeos monitorada no sangue, por 2 horas. O experimento in vivo 2 consistiu na alimentação de hamsters com dietas normo (N) - e hipercolesterolêmicas por 21 dias, contendo a proteína do feijão caupi como única proteína da ração (I), comparada ao controle de caseína (H). Neste experimento foram analisados no plasma: colesterol total (CT) e frações (LDLc, VLDLc e HDLc), triglicerídeos (TG) e peptídeos; nas fezes: colesterol total (CF) e ácidos biliares (AB); no fígado: colesterol (CH) e lipídeos totais (LH), HMGCR (atividade enzimática e expressão) e expressão de SREBP2, LDLR, ABCA1, ABCG1, ABCG5, ABCG8, LXRa e AMPK. Resultados: Os peptídeos identificados a partir da hidrólise proteica do feijão caupi, ou a partir do plasma dos animais estudados não evidenciaram similaridades entre os experimentos ou corresponderam a sequências previamente identificadas para o feijão caupi a partir de banco de dados. CT, VLDLc, HDLc, TG, CH dos hamsters foram maiores nos grupos H e I quando comparado ao N; LDLc foi maior para I comparado aos demais; LH foi maior em H comparado a N, sendo que I não diferiu dos demais; CF foi maior para I comparado a N, sendo que H não diferiu dos demais. A expressão de ABCA1 foi maior para I em relação aos demais; LXRa foi maior para I em relação a H, mas N não diferiu dos demais; SREBP2 foi menor em H em comparação aos demais; HMGCR foi mais expressa em N em comparação aos demais, ao passo que a atividade desta enzima foi maior em I quando comparado a N, sendo que H não diferiu dos demais. Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto a AB ou expressão de ABCG8 ou AMPK. Não foram obtidos resultados de expressão para LDLR, ABCG1 e ABCG5. Conclusão: Apesar de pesquisas anteriores a este trabalho terem evidenciado a capacidade do isolado proteico do feijão caupi em inibir a atividade da HMGCR, inibir a solubilização micelar ou melhorar o perfil de lipídeos plasmáticos, no trabalho atual esta matéria prima não mostrou atuação positiva quanto ao metabolismo do colesterol de hamsters nas condições experimentais utilizadas. Os fragmentos indicados como peptídeos obtidos a partir da hidrólise proteica do feijão caupi, ou do plasma dos animais estudados não corresponderam a peptídeos com comprovada, ou até mesmo, com indicação de bioatividade / Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are important cause of death worldwide and hypercholesterolemia is directly related to them. Diet plays an important role in this process and some foods such as cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp), especially its protein, have been shown to have a potential for reducing plasma cholesterol. The hypocholesterolemic effects already observed indicated the use of cowpea protein, or its peptides, as a functional food ingredient for health promotion and reduction of disease risk. However, the consequences of gastrointestinal digestion on the absorption of these peptides are clearly complex, making in vitro and in vivo studies essential to assess their bioaccessibility and resistance to gastrointestinal degradation, as well as the availability and actual efficacy of these peptides. Objectives: To analyze the bioavailability of peptides and evaluate parameters related to cholesterol metabolism in animal models after ingestion of protein isolate of cowpea. Methods: Cowpea flour was defatted and its protein isolated. The protein isolate was subjected to in vitro hydrolysis methods to verify the formed peptide fractions and inference about albumin binding ability. Two in vivo experiments were conducted. In the first, the cowpea protein isolate was administered to rats and the concentration of the peptides monitored in the blood for 2 hours. The in vivo experiment 2 consisted of feeding hamsters with normal (N) - and hypercholesterolemic diets for 21 days, containing the cowpea protein as the sole dietary protein (I), compared to casein control (H). In this experiment were analyzed in the plasma: total cholesterol (TC) and fractions (LDLc, VLDLc and HDLc), triglycerides (TG) and peptides; In feces: total cholesterol (CF) and bile acids (AB); In the liver: cholesterol (CH) and total lipids (LH), HMGCR (enzymatic activity and expression) and expression of SREBP2, LDLR, ABCA1, ABCG1, ABCG5, ABCG8, LXRa and AMPK. XX. Results: The peptides identified from the protein hydrolysis of cowpea or from the plasma of the animals studied did not show similarities among the experiments or correspond to sequences previously identified for the cowpea from the database. CT, VLDLc, HDLc, TG, CH of hamsters were higher in groups H and I when compared to N; LDLc was higher for I compared to the others; LH was higher in H compared to N, and I did not differ from the others; CF was higher for I compared to N, and H did not differ from the others. The expression of ABCA1 was higher for I than the others; LXRa was higher for I than H, but N did not differ from the others; SREBP2 was lower in H compared to the others; HMGCR was more expressed in N compared to the others, whereas the activity of this enzyme was higher in I when compared to N, and H did not differ from the others. There was no difference between groups regarding AB or expression of ABCG8 or AMPK. No expression results were obtained for LDLR, ABCG1 and ABCG5. Conclusion: Although previous research to this work evidenced the ability of the cowpea protein isolate to inhibit HMGCR activity, inhibit micellar solubilization or improve the plasma lipid profile, in the current work this raw material did not show a positive cholesterol metabolism of hamsters under the experimental conditions used. The fragments indicated as peptides obtained from the protein hydrolysis of cowpea beans, or from the plasma of the animals studied did not correspond to peptides with proven, or even, with indication of bioactivity

Orientador: José Paschoal Batistuti / Banca: Maria Helena Martini / Banca: Valdir Augusto Neves / Banca: José Alfredo Gomes Arêas / Banca: João Bosco Faria / Resumo: A partir da farinha da semente de goiaba (Psidium guajava), cuja composição centesimal é de aproximadamente 6,17 l 0,04% de umidade, 8,43 l 0,12% de proteína e alto teor de fibras, 60,88 l 0,9%, obteve-se isolado protéico (IP) através da precipitação isoelétrica (pI 4,5), cuja fração majoritária pertence à classe das glutelinas. As condições para o preparo do IP foram definidas a partir da curva de solubilidade em água x pH e temperatura de 25 l 3 ºC. Tais condições permitiram obter isolados protéicos com rendimento de extração de 45,2 l 0,5% (pH10,0) e 66,2 l 0,5% (pH11,5) e elevado conteúdo protéico 96,4 l 0,5% e 93,5 l 0,4% respectivamente. A capacidade de absorção de água e óleo foram baixas, apresentando 1,05 l 0,07 e 2,3 l 0,01 mL/g proteína respectivamente para IP 10,0 e 1,65 l 0,07 e 1,70 l 0,07 mL/g pr oteína respectivamente para IP 11,5. A maior capacidade de emulsificação, foi observado para o IP 11,5, 140 l 8 g óleo/g prot., comparado com o IP 10,0, 37 l 2 g óleo/g prot. A formação de gel foi observada em pH neutro e ausência de sal, apresentando as concentrações de 8% para IP 10,0 e 10% para IP 11,5. A cromatografia revelou a presença de dois picos para ambos isolados com sete frações de proteínas de diferentes pesos moleculares. As curvas TG-DTG / DSC revelaram maior quantidade de água para o IP 10,0 e elevada temperatura de estabilidade térmica 200 oC para ambos isolados. / Abstract: From the guava seed flour (Psidium guajava), whose centesimal composition belongs to about 6,17 ??0,04% of moisture, 8,43 ??0,12% of protein and high content of fibers, 60,88 ??0,9%, the protein isolate (PI) was obtained through the isoelectric precipitation (Ip 4,5) whose majority belongs to glutelins class proteins. The conditions for the preparation of the PI was defined from the solubility curve in water x pH and temperature of 25 ??3ºC. Such conditions allowed to obtain protein isolated with extraction yield of 45,2 ??0,5% (pH10,0) and 66,2 ??0,5% (pH11,5) and high protein content of 96,4 ??0,5% and 93,5 ??0,4% respectively. The absorption capacity for water and oil were low, showing 1,05 l 0,07 and 2,3 l 0,01 mL/g protein, respectively, for PI 10,0 and 1,65 l 0,07 and 1,70 l 0,07 mL/g protein, respectively, for PI 11,5. The most emulsification capacity was observed for PI 11,5 (140 l 8 g oil/g prot.), compared to PI 10,0 (37 l 2 g oil/g prot.). The gel formation was observed in neutral pH and salt absence, showing the concentrations of 8% to PI 10,0 and 10% to PI 11,5. The chromatography shows the presence of two peaks for both protein isolated with seven fractions of proteins with different molecular weights. The curves of TG-DTG / DSC revealed high water quantity for PI 10,0 and high temperature for thermal stability 200 °C for both isolates. / Mestre

Introdução: Dentre os distúrbios relacionados à alimentação, o aumento do colesterol e, conseqüentemente, a incidência de doenças cardiovasculares, representa um importante problema de Saúde Pública. A proteína do amaranto reduz o colesterol plasmático, possivelmente pela presença de peptídeos bioativos, liberados durante sua digestão parcial. Objetivo: Verificar a ocorrência de peptídeos hipocolesterolemizantes após digestão in vitro do isolado protéico de amaranto. Métodos: Proteína isolada do amaranto foi submetida à digestão enzimática in vitro por duas metodologias distintas. Os peptídeos menores que 3000 Da foram injetados em espectrômetro de massa para sua identificação. Resultados: Foi obtido isolado protéico com grau de pureza acima de 90%. O isolado protéico e a farinha integral apresentaram a mesma quantidade de aminoácidos essenciais e de aminoácidos presentes nas seqüências dos peptídeos de interesse. O isolamento protéico também não promoveu alterações nas principais frações moleculares. As estruturas terciária e quaternária provavelmente foram alteradas, pois houve redução da solubilidade protéica. O grupo dissulfeto é um dos responsáveis pela ocorrência de agregados, entretanto outras ligações também podem estar envolvidas. Essas forças podem interferir no acesso aos sítios de clivagem das ligações peptídicas e dificultar a ação enzimática. Devido ao aumento da força iônica do meio obteve-se alto grau de hidrólise em ambos os métodos enzimáticos. A digestão protéica resultou em fragmentos que, em sua maioria, apresentaram pesos moleculares inferiores a 30 kDa. O perfil peptídico, para a maior parte das amostras, mostrou-se complexo, com difícil separação de picos. A amostra hidrolisada que apresentou menor grau de hidrólise e menor quantidade de picos no cromatograma continha um dos peptídeos hipocolesterolemizantes procurados, o fragmento IAEK. Conclusões: O isolado protéico de amaranto apresenta pelo menos um peptídeo hipocolesterolemizante quando submetido às digestões enzimáticas in vitro estudadas, similares à digestão in vivo. / Introduction: Among the problems associated to food habits, the increase of cholesterol levels, and thus the incidence of cardiovascular diseases represents an important problem for Public Health. The amaranth protein reduces the blood cholesterol levels, possibly due to the presence of peptides released during its incomplete digestion. Objective: To verify the occurrence of hypocholesterolemic peptides after in vitro digestion of amaranth protein isolate. Methods: Amaranth protein isolate was submitted to in vitro enzymatic digestion by two distinct methodologies. Peptides smaller than 3000 Da were injected in mass spectrometer for identification. results: Protein isolate presented a high purity degree, above 90%. The fat extraction and the protein isolation were efficient and did not modify significantly amaranth chemical composition, preserving the quantities of essential amino acids present in the sequence of the investigated peptides. Protein isolation did not promote changes in the main molecular fractions. The tertiary and quaternary structures were probably altered, given that protein solubility decreased. Disulfide bonds are responsible for aggregate arrangement; however, other bonds probably occurred and were also responsible for the decrease in solubility. These bonds may interfere in enzymatic hydrolysis, impeding the enzymes to cleave the peptide bonds. It was obtained a great hydrolysis degree in both enzymatic methods because ionic strength of the solution was high. Most of the protein digestion fragments presented molecular weight lower than 30kDa, demonstrating the efficiently of both digestion methods. Peptide mixture, for most samples, presented a complex profile and difficulties in peaks separation. The hydrolyzed sample that presented the lowest hydrolysis degree and the lowest quantity of peaks in chromatogram presented one of the hypocholesterolemic peptides, the sequence IAEK. Conclusions: The amaranth protein isolate presents at least one hypocholesterolemic peptide when submitted to the studied in vitro enzymatic digestion that is similar to in vivo digestion

Introdução: Doenças cardiovasculares constituem importante causa de morte em todo mundo e a hipercolesterolemia está diretamente relacionada a este problema de saúde pública. A dieta desempenha papel importante neste processo e alguns alimentos, como o amaranto (Amaranthus cruentus L. BRSAlegria), têm mostrado capacidade de redução do colesterol plasmático. Estudos sugerem que este efeito está relacionado a peptídeos liberados durante a digestão das proteínas, os quais atuam na modulação do metabolismo lipídico. Considerando-se que os efeitos da digestão gastrointestinal e da absorção destes peptídeos são claramente complexos torna-se importante a realização de estudos visando avaliar bioacessibilidade e mecanismos de ação destes peptídeos nos locais alvo do organismo. Objetivo: Analisar a biodisponibilidade de peptídeos em modelos animais após ingestão de isolado proteico de amaranto e relacioná-la com parâmetros ligados ao metabolismo do colesterol. Métodos: O amaranto teve sua proteína isolada. Os peptídeos da proteína do amaranto foram analisados após digestão in vitro. Dois experimentos in vivo foram conduzidos: um de fase aguda e outro de média duração. No primeiro, o isolado proteico de amaranto foi administrado a ratos e os peptídeos no sangue foram monitorados por 2 horas para verificação de fragmentos que resistissem à digestão gastrointestinal. O experimento in vivo 2 consistiu na alimentação de 3 grupos de hamster, um com dieta recomendada pela AIN93 (grupo N) e dois com dietas hipercolesterolêmicas por 21 dias, contendo a proteína de amaranto como única proteína da ração (grupo I), comparada ao controle de caseína (grupo H). Neste experimento foram analisados no plasma: peptídeos, colesterol total e frações; nas fezes: colesterol total e ácidos biliares; no fígado: colesterol, lipídeos totais, ácidos graxos, atividade enzimática da Hmgcr, expressão de Hmgcr, Srebf2, Lxr, Abca1, Abcg8 e Ampk. Resultados e discussão: Foram identificados fragmentos peptídicos provenientes da digestão in vitro do isolado proteico de amaranto, e outras dezenas de sequencias peptídicas em ratos após administração aguda de amaranto foram analisadas. Destaca-se a identificação do peptídeo ALGV, presente em proteína do amaranto de acordo com banco de dados, e similar a fragmentos com ação hipocolesterolemizante. No sangue de hamsters foram encontrados seis peptídeos com 100 por cento de cobertura e similaridade a base de dados de proteínas de amaranto, merecendo investigação sobre seus efeitos. Verificou-se que o isolado proteico de amaranto foi capaz de suprimir a hipercolesterolemia quando a dieta hipercolesterolemizante foi introduzida em paralelo a este ingrediente, com valores inferiores em 72 por cento (triglicerídeos), 64 por cento (colesterol total), 80 por cento (LDL-c) do grupo I em relação ao grupo H. Foi observada ainda menor concentração de colesterol e lipídeos totais no fígado dos animais do grupo I em relação ao grupo H (177 x 464 mg de colesterol/100 g de tecido; 2,06 x 2,86 g de lipídeos/100 g de tecido, respectivamente). Parâmetros lipídicos do sangue, das fezes e do fígado foram similares aos do grupo N, cuja dieta seguiu a preconização para roedores. Foi observada maior excreção de colesterol total no grupo I em relação ao grupo H, mas não houve maior excreção de ácidos biliares nas fezes. Não houve mudança na expressão dos genes analisados neste estudo, mas o amaranto reduziu a atividade da enzima Hmgcr. Postulase que parâmetros como expressão de Ldlr e atividade da Acat sejam alterados pela ingestão de amaranto. O perfil de ácidos graxos também foi modificado de forma a se assimilar ao grupo N, porém deve-se verificar parâmetros inflamatórios devido à maior proporção de ácido araquidônico em relação aos demais grupos estudados. Conclusão: Verifica-se biodisponibilidade dos peptídeos do amaranto e ação hipocolesterolemizante e hipolipemiante em diversas vias metabólicas, promovendo proteção cardiovascular. / Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are important causes of death worldwide, and hypercholesterolemia is directly related to this public health problem. Diet plays an important role in this process and some foods such as amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L. BRS-Alegria) have been shown to reduce plasma cholesterol. Studies suggest that this effect is related to peptides released during the digestion of proteins, which would play an important role in the modulation of lipid metabolism. Considering that the effects of gastrointestinal digestion and the absorption of these peptides are clearly complex, it is important to carry out studies aiming to evaluate their bioaccessibility and evaluation of the mechanisms of action of these peptides in the target sites of the organism. Objective: To analyze the bioavailability of peptides in animal models after ingestion of amaranth protein isolate and to relate it to parameters associated to cholesterol metabolism. Methods: The amaranth was crushed, the flour was defatted and its protein isolated. Amaranth peptides were analysed after in vitro digestion. Two in vivo experiments were conducted: one of acute phase and one of medium duration. In the first, the amaranth protein isolate was administered to rats and the peptides in the blood were monitored for 2 hours to check for fragments that resisted gastrointestinal digestion. The in vivo experiment 2 consisted of feeding three groups of hamsters, one with a diet recommended by AIN93 (group N) and two with hypercholesterolemic diets for 21 days, containing amaranth protein as the only dietary protein (group I), compared to casein control (group H). In this experiment were analyzed in the plasma: peptides, total cholesterol and fractions; In feces: total cholesterol and bile acids; In the liver: cholesterol, total lipids, fatty acids, Hmgcr enzymatic activity, Hmgcr expression, Srebf-2, Lxr, Abca1, Abcg8 and Ampk. Results and discussion: Peptide fragments from the in vitro digestion of amaranth protein isolate were identified and other dozens of peptide sequences were found in rats after acute amaranth administration. A higher number of peptides were found in the serum in relation to the plasma of the animals. Remarkably, ALGV peptide was found in serum of rats. This peptide is present in amaranth protein, according to databases, and is similar to fragments that present hypocholesterolemic action. In the blood of hamsters it could be found six peptides with 100 per cent coverage and similarity to the database of amaranth proteins, deserving investigation about their effects. Amaranth protein was able to suppress hypercholesterolemia when the hypercholesterolemic diet was introduced in parallel with this ingredient, with values lower for group I in 72 per cent (triglycerides), 64 per cent (total cholesterol), 80 per cent (LDL-c) in relation to the H group. A lower concentration of cholesterol and total lipids were observed in the liver of the group I compared to the H group (177 x 464 mg cholesterol / 100 g of tissue, 2.06 x 2,86 g lipids / 100 g of tissue, respectively). Lipid parameters of blood, faeces and liver were similar to those of group N, whose diet followed the recommendation for rodents. There was greater excretion of total cholesterol in group I in relation to group H, but there was no greater excretion of bile acids in feces, indicating that the effect of amaranth protein may be due to increased transintestinal cholesterol excretion, decreased micellar solubilization of cholesterol and / or modification in the expression of cholesterol transport related proteins in the intestine. There was no change in the expression of the genes analyzed in this study, but amaranth reduced the activity of the Hmgcr enzyme. It is postulated that parameters such as Ldlr expression and Acat activity are altered by amaranth intake. The fatty acid profile was also modified in order to assimilate to the N group, but inflammatory parameters related to amaranth intake should be verified due to the higher proportion of arachidonic acid in relation to the higher proportion of arachidonic acid in relation to the other groups studied. Conclusion: The bioavailability of amaranth peptides and hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic activity in several metabolic pathways is verified, therefore promoting cardiovascular protection.

Many insects are important agricultural pests, and active control is necessary to keep them at abeyance. The naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium is a promising tool to control pest insects, and its use avoids the well-known harmful side effects of chemical pesticides. Thousands of unique isolates of Metarhizium exist throughout the world. These isolates vary widely in their ability to cause infection and to tolerate stressful habitats. The research reported here tests the THESIS: A laboratory-based system can be devised that identifies, from among many Metarhizium isolates, those isolates with the greatest potential for successful biological control of pest insects in the field. The study was built on the testing of four hypotheses: (1) Laboratory bioassays using target pest insects will distinguish highly virulent strains of Metarhizium from less virulent strains, (2) Quantity and quality of mass-produced pathogenic fungi will vary among species and strains of Metarhizium, (3) The tolerance to ultraviolet radiation will vary among species and strains of Metarhizium, (4) The effect of temperature on growth rates and survival of both Metarhizium spores and hyphae will vary among isolates and species. These hypotheses test four field-relevant traits using a panel of ten isolates of Metarhizium isolates. Seven sets of laboratory experiments were devised to define the range of responses within the traits covered by the hypotheses. This series of general laboratory tests was developed to assist in identifying fungal isolates with high potential for field use. These tests included evaluation of each isolate's (a) insect pathogenicity, (b) mass–production capabilities, (c) tolerance to high temperatures, (d) tolerance to UV-B radiation, (e) rate of vegetative growth, (f) rate of spore germination, and (g) an evaluation of presence or absence of a post–stress growth inhibition. The application of this protocol to the isolates used in this study indicates that four isolates have high field potential, i.e., DWR 203, DWR 346, DWR 356 and ARSEF 324, and three of these were tested in a field trial. By following the procedures outlined in this thesis, selection of “good” isolates can be accomplished in the laboratory, and a successful isolate can be identified from the abundance of isolates present in nature.

White shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were cultured in isolated environment using zero-water exchange to investigate optimum cultivation method. Except density experiment, culture density was 100 shrimps/m2 in all other experiments. The results indicated that simple quarantine facility could prevent virus infection of pond shrimps. After 83 days of cultivation, survival rate, final weight, yield and growth rate (90.7%, 16.8 g, 1.52 kg/m2, 1.36 g/week) of zero-water exchange group was not significantly different from those of water exchange group, but FCR was lower (p<0.05) instead. Addition of brown sugar increased final weight and growth rate of shrimp and lowered FCR (18.6 g, 1.60 kg/m2, 1.64 ¡Ó 0.04) (p<0.05), but nitrification was inhibited. Application of two mats per tank gave highest increases in final weight and yield and lowest FCR (p<0.05). Bottom sand increased final weight and yield and lowered FCR (p<0.05), stabilized pH and increased de-nitrification efficiency. Salinity of 25 ppt had highest final weight and yield and lowest FCR (p<0.05). Density of 200 shrimps/m2 had highest final weight and lowest FCR (p<0.05) and yield twice as that of density of 100 shrimps/m2. At the end of cultivation, water quality condition between 37% and 32% protein feed were not significantly different. But, the shrimps of 37% protein feed had higher final weight, lower FCR (p<0.05) and 26% more yield. The above results indicated that the risk of shrimps infected by virus could be prevented using zero-water exchange culture method. As long as solid was held suspending by sufficient agitating, good water quality could be maintained. Hence, zero-water exchange culture could not only decrease electricity of water pump and quantity of water use, but also increase the value of product and incorporation efficiency of feeds.

Biodegradable edible films are both economically and environmentally important to the food industry as packaging and coating materials, as the industry seeks to find a replacement to traditional petroleum-derived synthetic polymers. The overall goal of this thesis was to design a canola protein isolate (CPI)-based biodegradable and edible film that provides excellent mechanical, optical and water vapor barrier properties. A better understanding of the potential of CPI for use as a film-forming ingredient could lead to enhanced utilization and value of the protein for food and non-food applications. In study one, the mechanical, optical and water vapor barrier properties of CPI-based films were investigated as a function of protein (5.0% and 7.5% w/w) and glycerol (30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% w/w of CPI) concentrations. Overall, as the glycerol concentration increased for the 5.0% and 7.5% CPI-based films, mechanical strength and flexibility decreased and increased, respectively. Film strength was also found to increase at the higher protein concentration; however corresponding changes to film flexibility differed depending on the testing method used. For instance, puncture deformation testing indicated that film flexibility was reduced as the CPI concentration was raised, whereas tensile elongation testing indicated no change in extensibility between the two CPI concentrations. Film transparency was found to increase with increasing levels of glycerol and decreasing levels of CPI, whereas water vapor permeability was found to increase with increasing levels of both glycerol and protein. In study two, mechanical, optical and vapor barrier properties of CPI-based films were evaluated as a function of plasticizer-type (50% (w/w of CPI), glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG-400)) and fixative condition (0% and 1% (w/w of CPI), genipin). CPI films prepared with sorbitol were significantly stronger than films with PEG-400, followed by films with glycerol, whereas the flexibility of CPI-based films with glycerol was higher than films with PEG-400, followed by films with sorbitol. In all cases, films prepared with genipin were stronger and less malleable than un-cross linked films. CPI films with glycerol were more transparent than films with sorbitol, followed by films with PEG-400, and the addition of genipin significantly increased the opacity of CPI films. CPI films prepared with glycerol also showed poorer water vapor barrier property than films with PEG-400, followed by films with sorbitol, however, no differences were observed in the presence and absence of genipin. In summary, as the plasticizer concentration increased or protein concentration decreased, CPI films became weaker, more flexible and clearer; however their water vapor barrier properties became poorer as both plasticizer and protein concentration increased. Moreover, CPI films with sorbitol and genipin were found to be stronger, less malleable and permeable to moisture than CPI films with or without genipin, and in the presence of glycerol or PEG-400. Overall, CPI could be considered as a potential material for the development of biodegradable edible packaging in the future.

Pea seeds were tempered at moisture contents of 12.0&amp / #61617 / 0.1, 13.0&amp / #61617 / 0.1, 14.0&amp / #61617 / 0.1 and 15.0&amp / #61617 / 0.3%. The seeds with different moisture contents were then milled and fractioned according to the particle size of 53, 106, 212, 425 and 850 &amp / #956 / m. Tempering the pea seeds (12.0&amp / #61617 / 0.1, 13.0&amp / #61617 / 0.1, 14.0&amp / #61617 / 0.1 and 15.0&amp / #61617 / 0.3%) did not significantly affect the mass and protein fraction in comparison with the pea seeds that are not tempered (11.45&amp / #61617 / 0.05%). For the production of pea protein isolate, aqueous-solvent extraction method was used. The protein was extracted with an alkali solution from the ground pea-seeds and precipitated from the extract by bringing the pH down to isoelectric point (pH=4.5). The precipitated protein was separated from the supernatant by centrifugation. The effects of extraction parameters on the yield of extraction such as pH, particle size, temperature, solvent to solid ratio, and salt were studied. The maximum yields were obtained at these conditions / pH: 12.0 for the alkalinity of the extraction medium, 53 &amp / #956 / m for the particle size, 40&amp / #61616 / C for the extraction temperature, 5.0 for the solvent to solid ratio and 0.0 M for the saline concentration. At these extraction conditions, the maximum protein recovery was 72.75% resulting in a product containing 93.29% protein on a dry basis.