The high protein level of various microalgal species is one of the main reasons to consider them an unconventional source of this compound. Spirulina platensis stands out for being one of the richest protein sources of microbial origin (460-630 g kg , dry matter basis), having similar protein levels when compared to meat and soybeans. The use of S. platensis in food can bring benefits to human health owing to its chemical composition, since it has high levels of vitamins, minerals, phenolics, essential fatty acids, amino acids and pigments. Furthermore, the development of new protein sources to supply the shortage of this nutrient is an urgent need, and protein from S. platensis plays an important role in this scenario. In this sense, extraction processes that allow maximum protein yield and total utilization of biomass is an urgent need, and ultrasonic waves have proven to be an effective extraction technique. The number of scientific papers related to protein fraction from S. platensis is still limited; thus further studies on its functional and technological properties are needed. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Lovage is a source of nutrients, volatiles and bioactive compounds, and its extracts exhibit interesting antioxidant potential and bacteriostatic activity against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Phytic acid (PA), extracted from oilseeds, legumes, cereals, nuts, and pollen by acid solutions under heating and/or stirring and then purified, has shown beneficial health and physiological effects due to its pronounced antioxidant activity and ability to chelate Fe 3+ ions. Publications on PA have increased, especially the ones reporting its effect on disease prevention and treatment. Moreover, recent studies have suggested the PA efficacy as a foodborne pathogens inhibitor. Therefore, due to its countless proven properties, phytic acid has gained greater attention than its common classification as just an antinutrient. Past and current studies have been reviewed to provide an overview on PA structure, sources, biosynthesis, extraction, purification, and applications.

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