Yogesh Khetra

Discordance between in silico & in vitro analyses of ACE inhibitory & antioxidative peptides from mixed milk tryptic whey protein hydrolysate

ACE inhibitory and antioxidative peptides identified by LCMS/MS, from mixed milk (Bubalus bubalis and Bos taurus) tryptic whey protein hydrolysate, were compared with the in silico predictions. α la and ß lg sequences, both from Bubalus bubalis and Bos taurus, were used for in silico study. SWISS-PROT and BIOPEP protein libraries were accessed for prediction of peptide generation. Study observed gaps in the prediction versus actual results, which remain unaddressed in the literature. Many peptides obtained in vitro, were not reflected in in silico predictions. Differences in identified peptides in separate libraries were observed too. In in silico prediction, peptides with known biological activities were also not reflected. Predictions, towards generation of bioactive peptides, based upon in silico release of proteins and amino acid sequences from different sources and thereupon validation in relation to actual results has often been reported in research literature. Given that computer aided simulation for prediction purposes is an effective research direction, regular updating of protein libraries and an effectual integration, for more precise results, is critical. The gaps addressed between these two techniques of research, have not found any address in literature. Inclusion of more flexibility with the variables, within the tools being used for prediction, and a hierarchy based database with search options for various peptides, will further enhance the scope and strength of research.

Effect of Acacia Gum, NaCl, and Sucrose on Physical Properties of Lotus Stem Starch

Consumer preferences in east Asian part of the world pave the way for consumption of lotus stem starch (LSS) in preparations such as breakfast meals, fast foods, and traditional confectioneries. The present study envisaged the investigation and optimization of additives, that is, acacia gum, sodium chloride (NaCl), and sucrose, on water absorption (WA), water absorption index (WAI), and water solubility index (WSI) of LSS employing response surface methodology (RSM). Acacia gum resulted in increased water uptake and swelling of starch; however, NaCl reduced the swelling power of starch by making water unavailable to starch and also due to starch-ion electrostatic interaction. Sucrose restricted the water absorption by binding free water and decreased amylose leaching by building bridges with starch chains and thus forming rigid structure.

Buffalo Milk Cheese

Buffalo milk holds a considerable proportion of the world’s total milk production. This directs the manufacturing of conventional cow milk products from buffalo milk. Majority of the popular varieties of cheeses (Cheddar, Gouda, Emmental etc.) are preferably manufactured from cow milk, while cheese traditionally made from buffalo milk includes Mozzarella, Paneer, Domiati, Queso Blanco and so on. Owing to the differences in chemical composition of cow and buffalo milk, cheese manufacturing from buffalo milk results in high buffering capacity, faster renneting time and lower casein hydration and leads to hard, rubbery, and dry body in several varieties of cheese, which restricts its use as raw material. However, certain technological interventions, such as severe heat treatment, addition of sodium chloride or whey protein concentrates to cheese milk, high pressure processing and accelerated ripening can be employed to manufacture good quality cheese from buffalo milk.

Sensory Preference Modeling of Probiotic Shrikhand Employing Soft Computing

Shrikhand is a traditional fermented milk product of Indian origin that is made from fresh dahi (curd). Present investigation was carried out (1) to manufacture probiotic Shrikhand using mixed culture (1:1:1 ratio, mesophilic dahi culture NCDC-167: Bifidobacterium bifidum NCDC-255: Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC-14), and (2) to compare its sensory quality with available market samples employing a soft computing tool, fuzzy logic to avoid market failure. Trained panel of 16 judges performed sensory evaluation. Importance of quality attributes for Shrikhand samples in general was determined as (in decreasing order): flavor, color & appearance, body & texture and mouthfeel. Observed sensory quality of the developed probiotic and control (without probiotic) samples was better than market probiotic and control samples. Strong as well as weak attributes of each sample were also determined. For developed probiotic Shrikhand, the most vital quality attribute was flavor, body & texture, followed by color & appearance, and mouthfeel. Ranking of Shrikhand samples by fuzzy logic and 9-point hedonic scale was similar.