Global population growth poses a threat to sustainable development. Meanwhile, the use of plant proteins as healthy and sustainable alternatives to animal proteins needs further research. Therefore, this investigation was designed to study the nutritive, structural, and thermal properties of isolated protein fractions from different legumes, i.e., faba bean (FPI), soybean (SPI), and lupine (LPI). As a prospective plant-based protein powder, an equal mixture (MPI) of the three prior legume samples was formulated to study its properties compared to each sole sample. The alkaline extraction and isoelectric precipitation (AE-IP) technique was used for protein isolation. Results showed that all protein isolates had reasonable levels of protein with maximum protein content in SPI (96.15%). The MPI sample, however, came out on top in terms of amino acid profile followed by FBI. Compared to SPI and LPI, it had the highest isoleucine content and higher methionine, valine, leucine, phenylalanine, and lysine. Moreover, MPI showed a median particle charge (−37.1 mV) compared to FPI, SPI, and LPI samples. MPI sample peak showed resistance to heat denaturation at a temperature greater than 200 °C when the DSC test was conducted. With respect to its rheological characteristics, it outperformed the other three protein isolates and exhibited the highest values of storage modulus G’ and loss modulus G”. Consequently, our study suggests that pulse-derived protein isolate mixture can be used as a unique type of nutritious dietary protein supplement. It could be a good nutritional alternative to proteins derived from animals.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds, renowned for their nutritional richness and balanced amino acid profile, offer promising potential as food ingredients. This study focused on extracting and characterizing the protein isolates from red and white quinoa varieties to evaluate their physicochemical and functional properties. Protein isolation involved alkaline solubilization and isoelectric precipitation, followed by characterization through amino acid analysis, phenolic profiling, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential measurement, particle size distribution analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and rheological studies. The results showed that both the red and white quinoa protein isolates exhibited high protein content and essential amino acids, with notable differences in their amino acid compositions. The phenolic and flavonoid content varied between the red and white quinoa seeds, highlighting their potential antioxidant properties. SEM revealed distinct microstructural differences between the red and white quinoa protein isolates. Zeta potential measurements indicated the negative surface charges, influencing the stability in the solution. A particle size distribution analysis showed the monomodal distributions with minor variations in the mean particle size. The DSC profiles demonstrated multiple denaturation peaks, reflecting the complex protein compositions. Rheological studies indicated diverse gelation behaviors and mechanical properties. Overall, this comprehensive characterization underscores the potential of quinoa protein isolates as functional food ingredients with diverse applications in the food industry.

Sugar beet factories employ long-term storage of sugar beet roots to extend the processing campaign in Egypt. Changes in the chemical composition of sugar beet roots during storage, driven by invertase enzyme activity, impact the crystallization process in sugar production. This study aimed to monitor invertase activity in sugar beet roots harvested at 180, 195 and, 210 days of cultivation, applying different storage conditions for 1, 10, 20, and 30 days. Additionally, the study explored the influence of invertase activity on reducing sugars content in sugar beet roots. Results indicated that covered storage conditions exhibited the lowest invertase activity compared to open air and room storage conditions. Moreover, reducing sugars content was affected by invertase enzyme activity. Storage conditions displayed the lowest inverted sugars content across all tested sugar beet root varieties. Thus, the study suggests that long-term storage with covered conditions is suitable for extending the processing campaign, emphasizing the importance of considering inverted sugars concentration.

The diversity and fisheries status of cartilaginous species along the Egyptian Mediterranean coast were investigated up to 2025. A total of 69 species were recorded, comprising 2 chimaeras, 41 sharks, and 26 rays and skates, including new records such as Cetorhinus maximus, Odontaspis ferox, and Dalatias licha. The coastline was divided into five zones (A–E), with the highest species diversity observed in Zone D (western Alexandria to Matrouh), followed by Zone C (off Alexandrian coast). The total landed catches and bycatch from various fishing gear were estimated from 2023 to 2025. In 2025, total annual catch reached 665,820 kg. Damietta recorded the highest landings in 2025 (274,350 kg; 41.20%), whereas Port Said had the lowest. Among elasmobranchs, Glaucostegus cemiculus accounted for the highest catch (109,100 kg; 16.39%), followed by Carcharhinus plumbeus (95,500 kg; 14.34%). Spring season showed the highest catchability percentage over the three-year period. Alexandria serves as the prime market for elasmobranchs, receiving additional quantities from the Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea, along with Damietta. Port Said occasionally shares this role. The findings highlight the need for conservation, particularly in Zone D, as it is a hotspot for diversity, nursery, and reproductive activity. Strengthened control of fishing and trade is recommended from April to October, with emphasis on the period of April–May. Additionally, raising awareness among fishers is essential to reduce the capture of juveniles and pregnant individuals, especially during the periods of March–May and October–December.