This study explored the potential of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from agrowastes, okara (soybean solid waste), oil palm trunk (OPT), and oil palm frond (OPF) obtained via alkali treatment, in the nanoencapsulation of Lactobacillus acidophilus . SDF solutions were amended with 8% poly(vinyl alcohol) to produce nanofibers using electrospinning technology. The spinning solution made from okara had a higher pH value at 5.39 ± 0.01 and a higher viscosity at 578.00 ± 11.02 mPa·s (P < 0.05), which resulted in finer fibers. FTIR spectra of nanofibers showed the presence of hemicellulose material in the SDF. Thermal behavior of nanofibers suggested possible thermal protection of probiotics in heat-processed foods. L. acidophilus was incorporated into the spinning solution to produce nanofiber-encapsulated probiotic, measuring 229-703 nm, visible under fluorescence microscopy. Viability studies showed good bacterial survivability of 78.6-90% under electrospinning conditions and retained viability at refrigeration temperature during the 21 day storage study.

The gastrointestinal transit of multiple units (e.g., pellets), as determined by gamma scintigraphy, has been characterized by the application of statistical moments. Stomach emptying profiles can be described comprehensively by Mean Gastric Residence Time (MGRT) and Variance of Gastric Residence Time (VGRT) and caecum arrival data by Mean Caecum Arrival Time (MCAT) and Variance of Caecal Arrival Time (VCAT). This maximizes the data available, which is not the case when only described as 50% values. The statistical moments provide different information about the data observed compared to the classical descriptors, as there was only limited correlation between these two sets of parameters. Statistical moments therefore provide an important quantification of the process studied, and they can be used in any statistical test, where it is required to compare different experimental conditions.

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the physical, chemical and physicochemical characteristics of rice husk on alkaline treatment.Design/methodology/approachRice husk (RM) was alkaline treated to produce soluble (SR) and insoluble residues (IR). Each fraction was characterized and soluble fraction was used to produce nanofibres using electrospinning method.FindingsAlkaline treatment was effective in isolating insoluble dietary fibre rich IR from the other interfering substances such as soluble dietary fibre, protein and lipids that originally present in RM and leached into SR. The problem of silica induced toxicity and indigestibility of rice husk was overcome by alkaline treatment. Alkaline treatment altered the inherent mineral content (calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, phosphorus, zinc) of rice husk, and increased physicochemical properties such as emulsification ability and stability, water holding ability, mineral binding capacity (calcium, copper, iron, zinc), and antioxidant activity. SR had been successfully electrospun into nanofibres with the addition of polyvinyl alcohol.Originality/valueThe paper investigated the characteristic of rice husk (RM and IR) for the development of functional foods, pharmaceutical products and new bioactives delivery system at the expense of reducing environmental liability.