Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture - Volume 11, Issue 1, 2020

The demand for alternative protein sources by the livestock industry has increased substantially. Therefore, insects are being promoted as a novel nutrient source in animal feed. As detailed in this review, eleven patents related to feeding insects to terrestrial animals including livestock and companion animals have been commercially applied. Six and eight of the patents have been used to produce poultry and fish, and crustacean feed, respectively. The most promising species for industrial feed production was the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), and the two-spotted cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus). Regarding research areas of the patents reviewed here, studies on the composition and optimal mixing ratio of feeds and on insect rearing, harvesting, and post-harvest technologies were mainly performed for the industrial mass production of safe and functional animal feeds containing insects. Continuous scientific innovations and improved processing technologies will aid further advancements in this field. Therefore, this review offers insights to identify directions of future research and provides information on different insect-based feedstuffs for animals including terrestrial livestock, fish and shellfish, and companion animals, as also discussed in various patents.

Background: The clay Montmorillonite (MMT) is among the nanofillers more frequently used in food packaging. The uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in polymers confers considerable improvement of mechanical, thermal, optical, and/or barrier properties in polymer/clay nanocomposites. Objective: The aim is to ascertain the state of the art of the use of MMT for packaging purposes, with special emphasis on food applications. Methods: A literature review was carried out through recent papers and patents that focused on the incorporation of MMT in polymers. Results: This review emphasizes the interaction of MMT with polymers and their levels of incorporation in the nanocomposites. This work also highlights the analytical methodologies used for the characterization of the polymer/clay nanocomposites and the main consequences of the fillers in the properties of nanocomposites. Challenges remain about increasing the compatibility between clays and biopolymers to promote their utilization in food packaging. New strategies for immobilization of oxides, enzymes, essential oils, and other bioactive compounds are needed. Conclusion: MMT-based composite materials are promising to be used in intelligent and active packaging.

For 15 years, non-Saccharomyces starter cultures represent a new interesting segment in the dynamic field of multinationals and national companies that develop and sell microbial-based biotechnological solutions for the wine sector. Although the diversity and the properties of non- Saccharomyces species/strains have been recently fully reviewed, less attention has been deserved to the commercial starter cultures in term of scientific findings, patents, and their innovative applications. Considering the potential reservoir of biotechnological innovation, these issues represent an underestimated possible driver of coordination and harmonization of research and development activities in the field of wine microbiology. After a wide survey, we encompassed 26 different commercial yeasts starter cultures formulated in combination with at least one non-Saccharomyces strain. The most recent scientific advances have been explored delving into the oenological significance of these commercial starter cultures. Finally, we propose an examination of patent literature for the main yeasts species commercialised in non-Saccharomyces based products. We highlight the presence of asymmetries among scientific findings and the number of patents concerning non-Saccharomyces-based commercial products for oenological purposes. Further investigations on these microbial resources might open new perspectives and stimulate attractive innovations in the field of wine-making biotechnologies.

Aims and Background: Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis (SP) microalgae were cultured in Zarrouk Medium (ZM), containing three nitrogen concentrations (N-limited, N-optimal and Nrich medium) in ten liter-photo-bioreactor (10 L PBR) for 15-days, in order to study changes in lipid compounds (total carotenoids and total lipids and their effect on fatty acid profile). Based on US patent, the yield of bioactive compounds (such as gamma-linolenic acid GLA, C18:3) extracted from microalgae biomass, mainly depends on the extraction processes (1). GLA has much attention with respect to its therapeutic properties such as its ability to decrease blood cholesterol levels. Methods: The impact of the addition of N in cultures of S. platensis in terms of growth, biomasses and induced lipid compounds (total carotenoids and total lipid contents and its fatty acid profile), as well as the Sonication (SON) and Microwave (MIC) process as aiding techniques for lipid extraction compared with a Cold Condition (COL), was examined. GC/MS method was used to determine the fatty acid profile of lipid extract of SP cultures. Results: In all S. platensis tested culture, the SP was growing successfully, with varying degrees. In N-rich media, the highest cell growth rate and biomass yield were obtained compared with that recorded in other cultures. Under an N-limited condition, SP had higher Total Carotenoids (TCAR, 45.54 mg/g dw) and total lipid contents (TL, 29.51%± 1.92 g/100g dw) compared with that recorded either in N-rich (11.2 mg/g dw) or in N-optimal (6.23 mg/g dw) cultures. Thus, SP copes with the N -stress by altering the metabolic pathways towards inducing lipid biosynthesis. To maximize the TL and TCAR extraction yields, from N-limited cultures, a set of operating process was applied including the Sonication (SON) and Microwave (MIC), which were used as aiding techniques for lipid extraction compared with the Cold Condition (COL) techniques. The results showed that the extraction efficiency of the S. platensis TL increased in the following order: MIC (29.51%± 1.92) > SON (25.46% ± 1.65> COL (20.43% ±1.43). In a comparative study for its fatty acid profiles (FAPs) among all SP cultures, lipids were analyzed by GC/MS. The predominant fatty acids (>10%, of total FA) were found to be myristic acid (C14:0, MA), palmitic acid (C16:0, PA) and oleic acid (C18:1). Conclusion: The study concluded that the N-limited condition was found to have a strong influence on biomass dry weight and lipid contents and total carotenoids in SP cells compared to either Nrich or N-optimal conditions. The use of sonication and the microwave techniques lead to a great increase in the extraction of lipid contents and in high amount Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) in N-limited cultures, in particular, the omega-6 (ω 6) and omega-3 (ω 3) of the essential C18 fatty acids. It seems that the SP rich in lipid content with a high amount of GLC produced under nitrogen limitation in PBR conditions can be used as a food additive or as a nutritional supplement.

Background: DNA-based technologies are reliable authentication methods for food products, enabling the detection of fraud, non-intentional substitution and control of mislabeling. The Chilean blue mussel (Mytilus chilensis) is a seafood commercialized in Chile under different formats, including packages of frozen specimens. In this format, the valves of mussels are removed during processing, thus impeding identification of the product by the consumer due to the lack of external characters. Objective: To assess the authenticity of frozen Chilean blue mussels commercialized in southern Chile, particularly in the town of Osorno. Methods: Six commercial brands of frozen Chilean blue mussel were authenticated by the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method, based on the analysis of an 18S rDNA fragment. Results: Restriction patterns obtained indicate that three brands (50%) proved to be 100% authentic, given that all specimens contained in the package were Chilean blue mussels. The other three brands (50%) contained specimens of other commercial mytilids, particularly the cholga mussel (Aulacomya ater), in a variable percentage (12.5-50%). Conclusion: This study based on the PCR-RFLP method provides evidence that Chilean blue mussels commercialized in a town located in southern Chile lack authenticity. This finding highlights the necessity for national producers to improve the production and/or packaging processes of this seafood. The authentication of commercial mussels is a matter of consumer interest and has been described in a recent patent on this issue that proposes an alternative methodology.

Background & Aims: It is well-known that the coronary artery stenosis is related to lipid profile. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study to investigate the relationship between the serum fat-soluble vitamins (A, E and D), circulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and lipid profile in the study population. Methods: A total of 120 overweight subjects were participated in this study. The circulating PCSK9 and vitamin D were measured by ELISA technique. The serum vitamin A and vitamin E amounts were simultaneously measured by the HPLC method. The Serum Small Dense LDLCholesterol (sdLDL-C) values were evaluated using heparin-Mg2+ precipitation technique. The lipid profile was measured by routine laboratory techniques. Results: The serum vitamin E values correlated significantly to vitamin A (r= 0.47, P= 0.0001), VLDL-C (r= 0.30, P= 0.002), total cholesterol (r= 0.309, P= 0.001), PCSK9 (r= 0.233, P= 0.01) and total triglyceride (r= 0.61, P= 0.0001) values. The circulating PCSK9 values correlated significantly to LDL-C (r= 0.17, P= 0.05) and total cholesterol (r= 0.23, P= 0.009) values. However, there were not correlations between the levels of serum D and A vitamins, the serum LDL-C, sdLDL-C and total cholesterol values. Conclusion: The data showed the correlations between serum vitamin E and PCSK9-related LDLC values lower than the normal range. Furthermore, the results suggested a nutritional need on the patents considering supplementation or fortification of vitamin E for the overweight subjects with higher LDL-C levels.

Background: Sugarcane silage has been increasing as a feed in the tropics by dairy farmers. However, sugarcane normally had high yeast population that leads to intense alcoholic fermentation and excessive Dry-Matter (DM) loss during ensilage and after air exposure, as well. There are several patents that have recently shown the benefits of applying Lactobacillus buchneri in forage preservation. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the changes in pH, DM, Water-Soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) and fermentation end product concentrations that occur in sugarcane silage with or without inoculation with L. buchneri after 45 days of ensiling. Methods: Sugarcane plants were harvested with approximately 16 months of growth and chopped at 2 cm. Four strains of wild L. buchneri (56.1, 56.4, 56.9 and 56.26) and the commercial inoculant “Lalsil Cana” were evaluated. For all treatments, the theoretical application rate was 1.0 × 106 colony- forming units (cfu) per g of fresh weight. Data from the silo openings were analysed as a completely randomized design, with four replicates per treatment (inoculants). Results: The treatment with L. buchneri affected the DM content, pH, Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) population, DM recovery, and concentrations of WSC, lactic acid, acetic acid and ethanol of sugarcane silage after 45 days of ensiling. Yeasts and molds populations and the concentrations of propionic and butyric acids were not affected by the treatments. Conclusion: Lactobacillus buchneri 56.1 and 56.4 are considered the most suitable strains for improving the fermentation of sugarcane silage and thus are potential inoculants for silage production. At present, we are preparing the patent application.

Background: Sphenostylis stenocarpa is an underexploited African indigenous food crop that is enriched in nutritional quality. Objective: Exploring the robust genetic base of this landrace can help to maximize the benefit of the agricultural sector on the economy through production that is enhanced by packaging and patent. This as well will increase the quality of food production and promote African campaign on food sustainability. Methods: Upon this, this research made use of multiple statistics to identify S. stenocarpa yield and nutritional trait relatedness that supported selection for maximum yield and nutritional trait output. Yield and related traits including protein and oil contents of twenty-three Sphenostylis stenocarpa landraces were studied under a four year planting seasons in Teaching and Research farm of Landmark University, Nigeria. Results: Trait variances from Landrace x Year (L x Y) interaction, Principal Component and Cluster analyses were evaluated and the variation patterns were identified. Some vegetative (maturity phase, height and branching) and yield traits (Pod traits, seed yield and oil content) correlated significantly (P < 0.05) in the L x Y interactions. This suggests the usefulness of these traits in improving S. stenocarpa grain and oil quality yield. Tuber and nodule yield including protein content did not differ significantly in the variance table. Conclusion: The result indicates that one location trial is insufficient to determine such trait performance. The first four PCs that accounted for 51 percent of the total variations were traceable to branching, maturity date, pod numbers, seed and oil content as main contributors to yield.

Background: For screening probiotic strains with viability and stability in non-dairy foods for health benefits, we revised all patents relating to probiotics in food. Objective: Screening of potential probiotics from Brazilian Minas artisanal cheese and verify their survival in frozen Brazilian cocoa pulp. Methods: Isolation and identification of the strains. The potential probiotic characterization involved gastric juice and bile resistance, antibiotic and antimicrobial activity, hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, coaggregation and adhesion assay in HT-29 cells. Organoleptic, viability and stability of probiotic strain in frozen cocoa pulp were evaluated. Results: Fourteen strains of Lactobacillus plantarum (9), Weissella paramesenteroides (3), Lactobacillus fermentum (1), and Leuconostoc mesenteroides (1) were obtained. Most of the strains were resistant to simulated gastric acidity and bile salts. Almost all strains were sensitive to the antibiotics tested, except to ciprofloxacin and vancomycin. About 47% of the strains are potential producers of bacteriocins. High hydrophobicity was observed for four strains. Autoaggregation ranged from 8.3-72.6% and the coaggregation capacity from 5.2-60.2%. All of the assessed strains presented more than 90% of adhesion to HT-29 intestinal cells. The percentage of Salmonella inhibition in HT-29 cells ranged from 4.7-31.1%. No changes in color, aroma, and pH were observed in cocoa pulps after storage at -20 °C for 90 days. Conclusion: Wild strains of acid lactic bacteria from cheese proved to be viable and stable in frozen Brazilian cocoa pulp. This work showed a promising application of L. plantarum isolated strains to be used with frozen cocoa pulp matrix in probiotics food industry.