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The interactions of whey protein isolate (WPI) with chlorogenic acid (CQA) using two techniques, alkaline (pH 9) and enzymatic (tyrosinase) were investigated. Complexes, formed between WPI and CQA by alkaline technique (AWPI-CQA) and enzymatic technique (EWPI-CQA), compared to control WPI (CWPI), were characterized in terms of their chemical, structural, emulsifying, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Compared to CWPI, both complexation methods significantly reduced free amino groups (CWPI: 588.00 nmol/mg; AWPI-CQA: 409.85 nmol/mg; EWPI-CQA: 412.50 nmol/mg), sulfhydryl groups (CWPI: 68.01 nmol/mg; AWPI-CQA: 18.43 nmol/mg; EWPI-CQA: 48.91 nmol/mg), and tryptophan content (CWPI: 61.21 nmol/mg; AWPI-CQA: 30.12 nmol/mg; EWPI-CQA: 37.64 nmol/mg). Changes in protein structure were examined using internal fluorescence spectra, ultraviolet-visible spectra (UV-Vis) scan, and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS). WPI fluorescence spectra showed that CQA leads to quenching of protein fluorescence. ESI-MS data show that one or more CQA molecules are covalently bound to WPI under both conditions. In addition, AWPI-CQA showed high antioxidative capacity compared to EWPI-CQA and CWPI. On the other hand, EWPI-CQA exhibited notable antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus LMG 10,147 and MU50 in comparison to AWPI-CQA and CWPI. The development of nutraceutical foods meets the modern consumer needs. Therefore, WPI-CQA complexes can be used as functional components in many food products. Moreover, consumers may benefit from the health-enhancing effects of phenolic compounds.

An experiment was conducted to compare values for digestible indispensable amino acid scores (DIAAS) for four animal proteins and four plant proteins with values calculated as recommended for protein digestibility-corrected amino acid scores (PDCAAS), but determined in pigs instead of in rats. Values for standardised total tract digestibility (STTD) of crude protein (CP) and standardised ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) were calculated for whey protein isolate (WPI), whey protein concentrate (WPC), milk protein concentrate (MPC), skimmed milk powder (SMP), pea protein concentrate (PPC), soya protein isolate (SPI), soya flour and whole-grain wheat. The PDCAAS-like values were calculated using the STTD of CP to estimate AA digestibility and values for DIAAS were calculated from values for SID of AA. Results indicated that values for SID of most indispensable AA in WPI, WPC and MPC were greater (P<0·05) than for SMP, PPC, SPI, soya flour and wheat. With the exception of arginine and tryptophan, the SID of all indispensable AA in SPI was greater (P<0·05) than in soya flour, and with the exception of threonine, the SID of all indispensable AA in wheat was less (P<0·05) than in all other ingredients. If the same scoring pattern for children between 6 and 36 months was used to calculate PDCAAS-like values and DIAAS, PDCAAS-like values were greater (P<0·05) than DIAAS values for SMP, PPC, SPI, soya flour and wheat indicating that PDCAAS-like values estimated in pigs may overestimate the quality of these proteins.

Whey proteins tend to interact with metal ions, which have implications in different fields related to human life quality. There are two impacts of such interactions: they can provide opportunities for applications in food and nutraceuticals, but may lead to analytical challenges related to their study and outcomes for food processing, storage, and food interactions. Moreover, interactions of whey proteins with metal ions are complicated, requiring deep understanding, leading to consequences, such as metalloproteins, metallocomplexes, nanoparticles, or aggregates, creating a biologically active system. To understand the phenomena of metal–protein interactions, it is important to develop analytical approaches combined with studies of changes in the biological activity and to analyze the impact of such interactions on different fields. The aim of this review was to discuss chemistry of β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, and lactotransferrin, their interactions with different metal ions, analytical techniques used to study them and the implications for food and nutraceuticals.

To evaluate the effect of administering a high-protein diet (HP) based on whey protein isolate (WPI) associated with ST in rats. Twenty-two Wistar rats were fed a diet containing either 14% WPI (normoproteic) or 35% WPI (high protein) and were subjected to stair training or kept sedentary for 12 weeks. SN = sedentary normoproteic; SH = sedentary high protein; TN = trained normoproteic; TH = trained high protein. HP decreases food intake (P < 0.0001). The SH group showed a significant reduction in plasma triglycerides (P = 0.03). Quadriceps weight was greatest in TH, followed by SH and TN (P < 0.0001). Kidney weight was greater in TH, followed by SH and TN, and was greater than in SN (P < 0.0001). Urea levels were lowest in the SN group (P < 0.001). The urinary space was larger in the TH and SH groups. HP and ST increased the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the gastrocnemius (P < 0.0001) and quadriceps (P < 0.0001) muscles. Hepatic glycogen deposits were highest in the SH group (P < 0.0001). HP with 35% whey promoted satiety and increased hepatic glycogen content without affecting glycemia. Its combination with ST was more efficient in increasing muscle hypertrophy, altering plasma urea levels, and enlarging the urinary space. These findings may be related to the adaptive process of renal physiology stimulated by HP. •The combination of a high-protein diet with consistent resistance training markedly amplifies muscle hypertrophy, resulting in substantial gains in muscle mass and overall physical strength.•The inclusion of whey protein in a high-protein dietary regimen has been demonstrated to significantly reduce plasma triglyceride levels, indicating potential benefits for cardiovascular health.•High-protein diets, whether accompanied by strength training or followed independently, promote specific physiological adaptations in renal function, reflecting the kidneys’ ability to efficiently manage and process the increased protein load.

Low-grade inflammation is a mediator of muscle proteostasis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of isolated whey and soy proteins on inflammatory markers. We conducted a systematic literature search of randomised controlled trials (RCT) through MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases from inception until September 2021. To determine the effectiveness of isolated proteins on circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6 and TNF-α, a meta-analysis using a random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effects (CRD42021252603). Thirty-one RCT met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. A significant reduction of circulating IL-6 levels following whey protein [Mean Difference (MD): -0·79, 95 % CI: -1·15, -0·42, I = 96 %] and TNF-α levels following soy protein supplementation (MD: -0·16, 95 % CI: -0·26, -0·05, I = 68 %) was observed. The addition of soy isoflavones exerted a further decline in circulating TNF-α levels (MD: -0·20, 95 % CI: -0·31, -0·08, I = 34 %). According to subgroup analysis, whey protein led to a statistically significant decrease in circulating IL-6 levels in individuals with sarcopenia and pre-frailty (MD: -0·98, 95 % CI: -1·56, -0·39, I = 0 %). These findings may be dependent on participant characteristics and treatment duration. These data support that whey and soy protein supplementation elicit anti-inflammatory effects by reducing circulating IL-6 and TNF-α levels, respectively. This effect may be enhanced by soy isoflavones and may be more prominent in individuals with sarcopenia.

The present study aimed to improve the survivability of L. acidophilus encapsulated in alginate-whey protein isolate (AL-WPI) biocomposite under simulated gastric juice (SGJ) and simulated intestinal juice (SIJ). Microcapsules were prepared based on emulsification/internal gelation technique. Optimal compositions of AL and WPI and their ratio in the aqueous phase were evaluated based on minimizing mean diameter (MD) of the microcapsules and maximizing encapsulation efficiency (EE), survivability of cells under SGJ (Viability), and release of viable cells under SIJ (Release) using Box-Behnken experimental design. Optimal composition comprising 4.54% (w/v) AL, 10% (w/v) WPI, and 10% (v/v) AL-WPI gum in the aqueous phase was determined statistically. Physicochemical characteristics of the optimized matrix were investigated by SEM, FTIR, and XRD analysis to determine surface morphology, molecular bonds, and crystalline nature of such hydrocolloid. It could be concluded that the proposed biocomposite is a good promise for nutrients encapsulation in the food industry.

Beginning in December 2019, the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused a pneumonia epidemic that began in Wuhan, China, and is rapidly spreading throughout the whole world. Italy is the hardest hit country after China. Considering the deleterious consequences of malnutrition, which certainly can affect patients with COVID-19, the aim of this article is to present a pragmatic protocol for early nutritional supplementation of non-critically ill patients hospitalized for COVID-19 disease. It is based on the observation that most patients present at admission with severe inflammation and anorexia leading to a drastic reduction of food intake, and that a substantial percentage develops respiratory failure requiring non-invasive ventilation or even continuous positive airway pressure. High-calorie dense diets in a variety of different consistencies with highly digestible foods and snacks are available for all patients. Oral supplementation of whey proteins as well as intravenous infusion of multivitamin, multimineral trace elements solutions are implemented at admission. In the presence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficit, cholecalciferol is promptly supplied. If nutritional risk is detected, two to three bottles of protein-calorie oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are provided. If <2 bottles/d of ONS are consumed for 2 consecutive days and/or respiratory conditions are worsening, supplemental/total parenteral nutrition is prescribed. We are aware that our straight approach may be debatable. However, to cope with the current emergency crisis, its aim is to promptly and pragmatically implement nutritional care in patients with COVID-19, which might be overlooked despite being potentially beneficial to clinical outcomes and effective in preventing the consequences of malnutrition in this patient population. •Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is spreading throughout the world and if nutritional care is not promptly implemented, malnutrition will affect also patients with the disease.•Most infected patients present with severe inflammation and anorexia leading to a drastic reduction of food intake; a large percentage develop respiratory failure.•A pragmatic protocol for early nutritional supplementation of patients with COVID-19 not in the intensive care unit was implemented.•Every effort should be made to avoid or limit underfeeding in patients with COVID-19, even if it means struggling against insurmountable difficulties due to the emergency scenario.

Cheese whey is the main by-product of dairy industries. It is used as a raw material for other value-added products, like whey protein concentrate. By using enzymes, this product can be further treated to obtain new higher value products, like whey protein hydrolysates. Proteases (EC: 3.4) represent a large segment of industrial enzymes, since they are used in several industries, including food. In this work, we describe three novel enzymes identified using a metagenomic approach. Metagenomic DNA from dairy industry stabilization ponds were sequenced, and the predicted genes were compared against the MEROPS database, focusing on families commercially used to produce whey protein hydrolysates. From a total of 849 candidates, 10 were selected for cloning and expression and three showed activities with both the chromogenic substrate, azocasein, and whey proteins. Particularly, Pr05, an enzyme from the yet uncultured phylum Patescibacteria, showed activity that is comparable to a commercial protease. All these novel enzymes could represent an alternative for dairy industries to produce value-added products from industrial by-products.Key points• Over 19,000 proteases were predicted in a sequence-based metagenomic analysis.• Three proteases were successfully expressed and showed activity with whey proteins.• The enzyme Pr05 showed hydrolysis profiles of interest for food industry.

The effects of citric acid-mediated cross-linking under non-acidic conditions on the surface hydrophobicity, solubility, emulsifying, and foaming properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) were investigated. In this research, citric acid-mediated cross-linking could not only increase the surface hydrophobicity of whey proteins at pH 7.0 and 8.0, but it also improved its emulsifying and foaming properties. The emulsifying activity and foaming ability of WPI reached a maximum under the condition of 1% citric acid and pH 7.0. However, the solubility of WPI-CA gradually decreased with pH and the content of citric acid increased. Therefore, the cross-linking mediated by citric acid under non-acidic aqueous conditions, markedly altered the surface hydrophobicity and enhanced emulsifying and foaming properties of WPI.

The dairy industry produces large amounts of whey as a by- or co-product, which has led to considerable environmental problems due to its high organic matter content. Over the past decades, possibilities of more environmentally and economically efficient whey utilisation have been studied, primarily to convert unwanted end products into a valuable raw material. Sustainable whey management is mostly oriented to biotechnological and food applications for the development of value-added products such as whey powders, whey proteins, functional food and beverages, edible films and coatings, lactic acid and other biochemicals, bioplastic, biofuels and similar valuable bioproducts. This paper provides an overview of the sustainable utilisation of whey and its constituents, considering new refining approaches and integrated processes to covert whey, or lactose and whey proteins to high value-added whey-based products.