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Guar is a legume of industrial importance due to the presence of gum (galactomannan) in its seed endosperm. The mannose (M)/galactose (G) ratio in the galactomannan molecule is critical in deciding the physico-chemical properties of guar gum. We report down regulation of galactomannan galactosyltransferase (GMGT) which links G residues to the M backbone in the galactomannan molecule. The RNAi cassette containing the sense-antisense sequence for gmgt was delivered into guar variety RGC-936 using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated gene transfer. Maximum number of putative transformed shoots regenerated from the cotyledonary node explants cultured in vitro on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1.5 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 4.0 mg/L butyric acid (BA) and 1.0 mg/L gibberellic acid (GA3). In vitro regenerated shoots were rooted on half-strength MS medium containing 4% sucrose and 2 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis showed reduced levels of GMGT expression in the seed endosperm of 35 days after flowering (DAF) stage pods. The present findings are expected to be beneficial in taking up gene characterization and agronomic traits improvement studies in guar.

Biopolymers are gaining increased attention in the industry due to their unique characteristics, including being cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and biodegradable. It is also worth noting that natural polymers can be obtained in significant quantities from various renewable sources, whereas synthetic polymers are derived from non-renewable petroleum resources. Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) using biopolymers such as galactomannan, xanthan, welan gum, acacia gum, carboxy methyl cellulose, and corn starch is a developing trend and is projected to replace synthetic polymers (hydrophobically associated polyacrylamides) in the nearby future. The choice of polymers to be utilized in EOR technologies should be based on their cost and availability in addition to their functional properties. Biopolymers in enhanced oil recovery serve to enhance the mobility ratio by increasing the viscosity of displacing fluid and reducing permeability. Even though biopolymers have a tough structure and long polysaccharide chains that make them suitable for enduring severe reservoir conditions, they are highly susceptible to bacterial destruction. In this comprehensive review, we have illustrated the different techniques used to enhance the performance of biopolymers (xanthan gum, guar gum, and starch) in enhanced oil recovery and create new composites that can overcome the challenges faced by these biopolymers under reservoir conditions. We have found that the most famous and favorable techniques used in this approach are, grafting copolymerization, nanocomposites functionalization, amphiphilic style, and hydrogel formation. The review also discussed some other biopolymers (carboxy methyl cellulose, welan gum, and acacia gum) that can be utilized to improve oil recovery and evaluated how widely they have been applied in this field. In this review, we have addressed several important issues (knowledge gaps) that have not been covered in recent studies. We have also provided recommendations and prospects for the successful future implementation of these composites in the EOR field. In conclusion, we hope that this review will help in better understanding the use of these modified biopolymers for enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

Locust bean gum (LBG), a vegetable galactomannan extracted from carob tree seeds, is extensively used in the food industry as a thickening agent (E410). Its molecular conformation in aqueous solutions determines its solubility and rheological performance. LBG is an interesting polysaccharide also because of its synergistic behavior with other biopolymers (xanthan gum, carrageenan, etc.). In addition, this hydrocolloid is easily modified by derivatization or crosslinking. These LBG-related products, besides their applications in the food industry, can be used as encapsulation and drug delivery devices, packaging materials, batteries, and catalyst supports, among other biopharmaceutical and industrial uses. As the new derivatized or crosslinked polymers based on LBG are mainly biodegradable and non-toxic, the use of this polysaccharide (by itself or combined with other biopolymers) will contribute to generating greener products, considering the origin of raw materials used, the modification procedures selected and the final destination of the products.

Fisetin, a polyphenol found in several fruits and vegetables, has shown potential health benefits in many pre-clinical studies for neuroprotection, cardioprotection, chemoprevention, diabetes, inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the clinical effectiveness of fisetin may be limited by its poor bioavailability when ingested. Using a novel green technology of Hybrid-FENUMAT™, a food-grade fisetin formulation (FF-20) was developed through encapsulation of fisetin micelles into fenugreek galactomannan (FG) hydrogel scaffold to improve its physical characteristics and bioavailability. This is the first human pharmacokinetic study of fisetin following a single-dose, comparative, double-blinded, cross-over protocol, supplementing with FF-20 and unformulated fisetin (UF). Fifteen healthy volunteers were given a single dose of 1000 mg UF or 1000 mg FF-20 (delivering 192 mg fisetin) with a 10-d washout period between each dose. Blood samples were taken at 0⋅5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 12 h after both days of supplementation to quantify fisetin and geraldol, an active metabolite. The plasma concentration of fisetin when individuals consumed FF-20 was 26⋅9-fold greater than UF as determined by the area under the curve over 12 h [AUC0–12 h (FF-20) = 341⋅4 v. AUC0–12 h (UF) = 12⋅67]. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was also more than twenty-three times higher when supplemented with FF-20 (238⋅2 ng/ml) compared to UF (9⋅97 ng/ml). The encapsulation also reduced the amount of conversion of fisetin to geraldol. No adverse events were reported during the study. Therefore, the encapsulation of fisetin into FG dietary fibre hydrogel scaffold could improve its delivery and bioavailability in human subjects.

Nowadays, hydrocolloids, especially galactomannans, are applied as thickening agents in food and pharmaceutical products. Gleditsia caspica, known as Persian honey locust, which is available in large quantities in the northern regions of Iran, is found to be rich in galactomannan. To better investigate the thickening properties, a complete research on the rheological features of galactomannan with different concentrations in aqueous solutions is of particular importance. The obtained results of steady shear flow experiments indicated that the stress–shear rate, apparent viscosity–shear rate, and stress-time data were well fitted with power law, Cross and Figuni–Shoemaker models according to their R2 and RMSE values. Strain and frequency sweep experiment consequences demonstrated that the solutions containing 0.5 and 1% w/v galactomannan exhibited viscous-like behavior that is mainly associated with lack of strong interactions in the conformation and solutions containing 1.5% w/v galactomannan indicated gel-like behavior that is affiliated with more stable interactions between chains in the conformation. Intrinsic viscosity of obtained galactomannan was in the range of 6.7282–7.1722 dl/g.

The effect of subsequent use of ultrasound and microwave on the physicochemical and rheological properties of galactomannan extracted from fenugreek seed (locally called as Shanbalileh) was investigated. Maximum yield of 18.54% was gained at optimized conditions: ultrasound power of 150 W, microwave power of 500 W, seed to water ratio of 1:30, and extraction time of 150 min. Chemical composition of the galactomannan was 7.03% (wb) moisture, 5.35% (db) ash, 0.85% (db) protein, 0.59% (db) lipid, and 85.89% (db) carbohydrate, respectively. FT-IR analysis admitted representative peaks of polysaccharide at 3400, 2920, 1620, 1400, and 1050/cm. Thermal analysis results revealed a melting range of 60–135 °C and degradation temperature of 280.54 °C. XRD pattern illustrated a large degree of crystallinity in the galactomannan structure. The results of SEM imaging indicated that the obtained galactomannan had a smooth surface. The steady shear flow experiments showed that the shear stress–shear rate, apparent viscosity–shear rate, and shear stress–time well fitted in Herschel–Bulkley, Carraeu, and Figuni–Shoemaker models. The samples with 0.5 and 1% w/v concentration demonstrated viscous-like and sample with 1.5% w/v indicated gel-like behavior upon strain and frequency sweep tests. Other parameters including bulk and tapped density, powder cohesiveness, powder compressibility index, DPPH-free radical scavenging activity, powder solubility, water holding capacity (WHC), and oil holding capacity (OHC) were also evaluated.

Medicinal or herbal spices are grown in tropical moist evergreen forestland, surrounding most of the tropical and subtropical regions of Eastern Himalayas in India (Sikkim, Darjeeling regions), Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, a few Central Asian countries, Middle East, USA, Europe, South East Asia, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. According to the cultivation region surrounded, economic value, and vogue, these spices can be classified into major, minor, and colored tropical spices. In total, 24 tropical spices and herbs (cardamom, black jeera, fennel, poppy, coriander, fenugreek, bay leaves, clove, chili, cassia bark, black pepper, nutmeg, black mustard, turmeric, saffron, star anise, onion, dill, asafoetida, celery, allspice, kokum, greater galangal, and sweet flag) are described in this review. These spices show many pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and antioxidant activities. Numerous bioactive compounds are present in these selected spices, such as 1,8-cineole, monoterpene hydrocarbons, γ-terpinene, cuminaldehyde, trans-anethole, fenchone, estragole, benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, piperine, linalool, malabaricone C, safrole, myristicin, elemicin, sinigrin, curcumin, bidemethoxycurcumin, dimethoxycurcumin, crocin, picrocrocin, quercetin, quercetin 4’-O-β-glucoside, apiol, carvone, limonene, α-phellandrene, galactomannan, rosmarinic acid, limonene, capsaicinoids, eugenol, garcinol, and α-asarone. Other than that, various spices are used to synthesize different types of metal-based and polymer-based nanoparticles like zinc oxide, gold, silver, selenium, silica, and chitosan nanoparticles which provide beneficial health effects such as antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, enzyme retardation effect, and antimicrobial activity. The nanoparticles can also be used in environmental pollution management like dye decolorization and in chemical industries to enhance the rate of reaction by the use of catalytic activity of the nanoparticles. The nutritional value, phytochemical properties, health advantages, and both traditional and modern applications of these spices, along with their functions in food fortification, have been thoroughly discussed in this review

The present study investigates the mechanism of cold plasma modification (CP) of guar seed galactomannan on the structural, chemical, dietary fiber profile and the possibility to stabilize the orange juice. The cold plasma treatments were done at 170 and 230 V for 30 and 60 min and investigated for the modifications. The polar oxidative functionalities COOH- (283.36% rise) and OH- (16% rise) increased sequentially as a result of plasma-induced depolymerization with an increase in plasma voltage and time which was also supported by FTIR findings. The inclusion of COOH- reduced the pH from 7.09 ± 0.01 to a minimum of 4.96 ± 0.01. The cleavage of galactose side chains increased the free galactose content and reduced the M/G ratio from 2.38 ± 0.73 to 1.67 ± 0.19. The plasma etching phenomena reduced the average particle size to a minimum of 14.36 nm and is also seen in SEM. An increase in surface negative charges was shown with a decrease in zeta potential. The phenomenon of depolymerization, glycosidic cleavages at the side chains, and surface etching of cold plasma was exhibited with substantial evidence. Total dietary fiber was unaffected with an elevated soluble fiber content. Plasma treated guar gum has improved the stability of orange juice (rise in serum cloudiness with reduction in sedimentation and viscosity) without significant modifications in the quality (total soluble solids, pH, color). The obtained results demonstrate the CP interaction with guar gum and prove the potential of this green technology for the production of partially depolymerized guar gum.

The price of traditional sources of nutrients used in animal feed rations is increasing steeply in developed countries due to their scarcity, high demand from humans for the same food items, and expensive costs of raw materials. Thus, one of the alternative sources is coconut parts or coconut as a whole fruit. Coconut is known as the ‘tree of abundance’, ‘tree of heaven’, and ‘tree of life’ owing to its numerous uses, becoming a very important tree in tropical areas for its provision of food, employment, and business opportunities to millions of people. Coconut contains a rich profile of macro and micronutrients that vary depending on the parts and how they are used. It is frequently chosen as an alternative source of protein and fiber. Its uses as an antibacterial agent, immunomodulant, and antioxidant further increase its importance. Using coconut oil in ruminant feed helps to minimize methane gas emissions by 18–30%, and to reduce dry matter intake up to 4.2 kg/d. The aquaculture sectors also use coconut palm as an alternative source because it significantly improves the digestion, growth, lipid metabolism, health, and antioxidative responses. However, coconut is not widely used in poultry diets although it has adequate amount of protein and carbohydrate due to anti-nutritional factors such cellulose (13%), galactomannan (61%), and mannan (26%). This review considered the importance and potential of coconut usage as an alternative ingredient in feed and supplements in various livestock sectors as it has plentiful nutrients and functional qualities, simultaneously leading to reduced feed cost and enhanced production.

An integrated process to increase the yield of incomplete degradation products of galactomannan (GalM) especially for galactomanno-oligosaccharides (GalMOS) was suggested. Trichoderma reesei employed Avicel or GalMOS as a carbon source to produce β-mannanase or α-galactosidase independently, with a result of 3.78 ± 0.12 U/mL of β-mannanase activity and 2.45 ± 0.06 U/mL of α-galactosidase activity which were obtained, respectively. GalM in Sesbania seed was hydrolyzed simultaneously by a mixture of crude enzyme with β-mannanase and α-galactosidase at a dosage of 20 U/g GalM and 15 U/g GalM, respectively; the yields of incomplete degradation products of GalM (IDP-GalM) and GalMOS were 78.84% ± 3.14% and 30.94% ± 0.38%, respectively, which was beneficial to improve the biological activity of the incomplete degradation products. The role of α-galactosidase addition in mixture enzymes is to remove the galactose substituents from mannan backbone of GalM and alleviate the steric hindrance of β-mannanase hydrolysis.