Publications by authors named "Siew Young Quek"

This study aimed to investigate the effects of solid-state fermentation (SSF) on the protein profile and digestibility of red seaweed (Pyropia spp.). The results indicated that compound lactic acid bacteria (LAB) performed better than a single strain in terms of growth and metabolism on the red seaweed substrate.

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Hempseed protein isolate (HPI), a novel plant protein, possesses advantages as an alternative food protein from a nutritional and sustainable perspective. This study investigated HPI modification by examining the effects of high-pressure homogenization combined with high-intensity ultrasound (HPH + HIU) on the physicochemical and functionality of HPI. Firstly, the optimal homogenization pressure (180 MPa) was selected based on the solubility and particle size of HPI.

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This study aimed to explore the flavor formation mechanism of Diqing Tibetan pig hams by investigating changes of their physicochemical and volatile flavor compounds during fermentation (0, 30, 90, 180, 360, and 540d) using amino acid analyzer , texture profile analysis, and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectroscopy (GC-IMS). During fermentation, the hams significantly decreased in moisture and centrifugal loss, while increased in chewiness, hardness, and proteolysis index, with their free amino acids content reaching the maximum at 360d and significantly decreasing at 540d. GC-IMS identified 78 volatile organic compounds, with the highest total content of alcohols and aldehydes at 180d, ketones and heterocycles at 360d, and esters at 540d.

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The efficacy of ultra-high-pressure homogenisation (UHPH) in inactivating ATCC 27142 and ATCC 6633 spores suspended in sheep and cow milk was investigated. The UHPH treatment was conducted at 200 and 250 MPa with an inlet temperature of 85 °C, resulting in homogenising valve temperatures of 117 °C and 127 °C, respectively. To isolate the role of temperature and pressure in the inactivation of bacterial spores, the UHPH treatment was repeated at 250 MPa with a lower inlet temperature of 70 °C that resulted in a valve temperature of 117 °C.

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This study demonstrated a comprehensive workflow combining in silico screening and prediction with in vitro validation to investigate the bioactivity of hempseed protein isolate (HPI) extracted and dehydrated using different methods. By adopting an in silico approach, 13 major proteins of HPI were hydrolysed by 20 selected enzymes, leading to the prediction of 20 potential bioactivities. With papain hydrolysis, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP4) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities emerged as having the highest potential.

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This study investigated the physicochemical properties, functionalities, and antioxidant capacities of protein extracts from wild sea cucumber collected from four distinct locations in New Zealand. Protein was extracted from sea cucumber body walls using trypsin enzymatic extraction, followed by cold acetone precipitation. The amino acid analysis revealed high glycine (189.

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This study evaluates the effects of alkaline and micellisation extraction methods, alongside freeze-drying and spray-drying, on the protein subunits, amino acid profiles, and proteome data of hempseed protein isolate (HPI). Findings revealed that the extraction methods affect protein profiles more than the drying methods. Micellisation-extracted HPI showed higher albumin, oleosin, and sulphur-containing protein levels than alkaline-extracted HPI.

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In pursuit of sustainable agricultural production, the development of environmentally friendly and effective biopesticides is essential to improve food security and environmental sustainability. Bacteriophages, as emerging biocontrol agents, offer an alternative to conventional antibiotics and synthetic chemical pesticides. The primary challenges in applying phage-based biopesticides in agricultural settings are their inherent fragility and low biocidal efficacy, particularly the susceptibility to sunlight exposure.

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This study investigated the incorporation of nervonic acid into the chemical structure of phosphatidylcholine via a lipase-catalyzed acidolysis reaction to obtain a functional phospholipid. Lipase immobilization was conducted, and Amberlite XAD7-HP was selected as a carrier to immobilize phospholipase A (PLA) for subsequent experiments. The main acidolysis reaction parameters, including enzyme load, substrate ratio, temperature, and water content, were studied against the reaction time.

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Maintaining precise temperature control is vital for cold chain food transport, as temperature fluctuations can cause significant food safety and quality issues. During transport, ice that melts can promote the growth of microbes and their spread, resulting in microbial cross-contamination. This study developed sustainable, non-melting, self-sanitizing "ice cubes" using food grade compositions including microporous cellulose sponges (MCS) and photosensitizers, aimed at enhancing temperature regulation and minimizing microbial contamination in the cold chain.

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Essential oils (EOs) and plant extracts have demonstrated inhibitory activity against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria. In this study, the chemical composition of manuka, kanuka, peppermint, thyme, lavender, and feijoa leaf and peel EOs and feijoa peel and leaf extracts were analyzed, and their antimicrobial activity against , Typhimurium, , , and were determined. The results showed that the major compounds varied among different EOs and extracts, with menthol in peppermint EO, thymol and carvacrol in thyme EO, linalool in lavender EO, β-caryophyllene in feijoa EO, and flavones in feijoa extract being the most prevalent.

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Bacteriophages (phages), highly prevalent in aquatic and terrestrial environments, have emerged as novel antimicrobial agents in food and agricultural systems. Owing to their efficient and unique infection mechanism, phages offer an alternative to antibiotic therapy as they specifically target their host bacteria without causing antibiotic resistance. However, the real-world applications of phages as antimicrobials are still limited due to their low survivability under harsh conditions and reduced antimicrobial efficacy.

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Hempseed protein has gained increasing attention for its sustainability and nourishment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of spray drying and freeze drying on the physicochemical properties, functionality, and digestibility of hempseed protein isolate (HPI). Compared to undried-HPI, both drying techniques altered physicochemical and structural properties.

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Octenyl succinic anhydride modified porous starch (OSA-PS) with degrees of substitution (DS) from 0.0123 to 0.0427 were prepared by aqueous phase method.

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Aim: The aim of this project is to use pectin- and chitosan-modified solid lipid nanoparticles for bovine lactoferrin to enhance its cellular uptake and transport.

Methods: Solid lipid particles containing bovine lactoferrin (bLf) were formulated through the solvent evaporation technique, incorporating stearic acid along with either chitosan or pectin modification. bLf cellular uptake and transport were evaluated in vitro using the human adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2 cell model.

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Article Synopsis
  • * There is a need for improved targeted delivery systems that use spray drying to protect probiotics and ensure they function well at the intended sites in the body.
  • * Recent studies focus on strategies for enhancing the stability and effectiveness of spray-dried probiotics, but more research is needed to optimize these microcapsules for industrial use and to understand how drying affects probiotics in the host.
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With consumers gaining prominent awareness of health and well-being, a diverse range of fortified or reformulated novel food is developed to achieve personalized or tailored nutrition using protein, carbohydrates, or fat as building blocks. Flavor property is a critical factor in the acceptability and marketability of fortified or reformulated food. Major food ingredients are able to interact with flavor compounds, leading to a significant change in flavor release from the food matrix and, ultimately, altering flavor perception.

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Article Synopsis
  • Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (N3PUFA), like EPA and DHA, integrate into cell membranes and enhance cardiovascular health by improving endothelial function, reducing clotting issues, and lowering inflammation and oxidative stress.* -
  • These fatty acids serve as precursors for bioactive lipid mediators that contribute to their positive cardiovascular effects, with studies indicating a clear relationship between higher intake and lower risk of blood clotting problems.* -
  • Due to their strong safety profile, N3PUFAs are considered a potential supplement for individuals at increased risk of heart issues, particularly in the context of COVID-19, and the review discusses the ideal forms and dosages for consumption.*
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The susceptibility of polyunsaturated fatty acids to oxidation severely limits their application in functional emulsified foods. In this study, the effect of sesamol concentration on the physicochemical properties of WPI-stabilized fish oil emulsions was investigated, focusing on the relationship between sesamol-WPI interactions and interfacial behavior. The results relating to particle size, zeta-potential, microstructure, and appearance showed that 0.

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Native starches have low water solubility at room temperature and poor stability, which demand modifications to overcome. Porous starch as a modified one shows enhanced adsorptive efficiency and solubility compared with its native starch. In contrast, some inherent disadvantages exist, such as weak mechanical strength and low thermal resistance.

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Selenium (Se) is an essential element for maintaining human health. The biological effects and toxicity of Se compounds in humans are related to their chemical forms and consumption doses. In general, organic Se species, including selenoamino acids such as selenomethionine (SeMet), selenocystine (SeCys), and Se-methylselenocysteine (MSC), could provide greater bioactivities with less toxicity compared to those inorganics including selenite (Se IV) and selenate (Se VI).

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The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic urges researching possibilities for prevention and management of the effects of the virus. Carotenoids are natural phytochemicals of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and may exert potential in aiding in combatting the pandemic. This review presents the direct and indirect evidence of the health benefits of carotenoids and derivatives based on in vitro and in vivo studies, human clinical trials and epidemiological studies and proposes possible mechanisms of action via which carotenoids may have the capacity to protect against COVID-19 effects.

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Fruit aroma makes an initial flavor impression and largely determines the consumer preference and acceptance of fruit products. Free volatile organic compounds (FVOCs) directly make up the characteristic aromas of fruits. While glycosidically bound volatile compounds (GBVs) can be hydrolyzed during fruit ripening, postharvest storage, and processing, releasing the attached aglycones as free volatiles that could alter the overall aroma attributes of fruits.

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Camembert cheese undergoes various biochemical changes during ripening, which lead to its unique aroma and typical flavor characteristics. This study aimed to systemically evaluate the primary biochemical events (lipolysis and proteolysis) and secondary metabolites (flavor compounds) of commercial Camembert during 56 days of ripening under packaging conditions. The changes of free fatty acid, free amino acids, soluble nitrogen, proteins/peptides distribution, odorant contribution, and volatile profiles were studied.

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