This study investigates the impact of three precipitation methods—ammonium sulfate (40%), acetone, and acetone with trichloroacetic acid (TCA)—on the yield and activity of protease extracted from Averrhoa carambola (starfruit) at different maturity stages (unripe, semi-ripe, and ripe). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize hydrolysis conditions, focusing on temperature and pH. Proteases were incubated in buffers ranging from pH 3.5 to 8.5 and at temperatures between 40°C and 90°C, and their proteolytic activity was assessed. Storage stability was monitored over 7 days at <4°C. Ammonium sulfate (40%) yielded the highest proteolytic activity (PA), especially at the unr... More >

To investigate the changes of bioactive compounds during natto fermentation, this study focused on the variations in the levels of phenolic compounds, isoflavones, and antioxidant capabilities at various stages of the natto fermentation. Additionally, the impact of simulated in vitro digestion process of natto on phenolic compounds, isoflavones, and antioxidant capabilities was evaluated. The results indicated that fermentation process increased the phenolic content of 60.56%, while the isoflavone content decreased in 63.30%. Following in vitro digestion, the total phenolics content exhibited a release rate of 70.64%, while the isoflavones content had a residual rate of 21.79%. Antioxidant a... More >

Presents the inaugural editorial for the journal of Agricultural Science and Food Processing. More >