The effect of extrusion cooking on bioactive compounds in third-generation snacks (TGSE) and microwave-expanded snacks (MWSE) prepared using black bean, blue maize, and chard (FBCS) was evaluated. FBCS was extruded at different moisture contents (MC; 22.2–35.7%), extrusion temperatures (ET; 102–142 °C), and screw speeds (SP; 96–171 rpm). Total anthocyanin content (TAC), contents of individual anthocyanins, viz., cyanidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-5-diglucoside, and delphinidin-3-glucoside chloride, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), and color parameters were determined. TAC and individual anthocyanin levels increased with the reduction in ET. ET and MC affected the chemical and color properties; increase in ET caused a significant reduction in TPC and AA. Microwave expansion reduced anthocyanin content and AA, and increased TPC. Extrusion under optimal conditions (29% MC, 111 rpm, and 120 °C) generated products with a high retention of functional compounds, with high TAC (41.81%) and TPC (28.23%). Experimental validation of optimized process parameters yielded an average error of 13.73% from the predicted contents of individual anthocyanins. Results suggest that the TGSE of FBCS obtained by combining extrusion and microwave expansion achieved significant retention of bioactive compounds having potential physiological benefits for humans.

The effects of black bean addition (11, 22, and 33%) to a base mixture of blue corn and powdered spinach were evaluated during the combined process of extrusion cooking and microwaves to obtain a third-generation snack. The expansion index (EI), hardness, water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), bulk density (BD), functional properties (total anthocyanin content [TAC], total polyphenol content [TPC], and antioxidant activity [AA]), and nutritional properties (in vitro protein digestibility [IVPD] and protein bioaccessibility [IVPB]) were evaluated. Additionally, X-ray, FT-IR, and microstructural analyzes were conducted to evaluate the structural changes in the extruded and expanded products. A 33 % of black bean addition led to significant (p < 0.05) increases in protein and fiber content, generating increases in hardness, WSI, TAC, BD, IVPV, and IVPB and decreases in EI, TPC, AA, and WAI of final extrudates. Microstructural changes occurred after processing, showing structural damage to the native starch and presenting changes in the type V diffraction pattern and protein denaturation. The extrusion process was adequate to increase the IVPD and IVPB to above 90% and generate high levels of amino acids such as histidine, glutamic acid, glycine, phenylalanine-tyrosine, and leucine, which could generate bioactive peptides.

The effects of different carrier agents—pea protein (PP), rice protein (RP), bean protein (BP), whey protein (WP), and maltodextrin (MT, as a control)—on pitaya juice encapsulation via spray drying were evaluated. Juice and carrier mixtures (30% w/v) were dried at 150 °C, and the resulting powders were analyzed for water activity (aw), hygroscopicity (Hg), water solubility (WSI), bulk density (BD), glass transition temperature (Tg), water absorption (WAI), antioxidant activity (AA), total polyphenol content (TPC), total betalain (TB) content, and TB stability. Vegetable proteins showed promising results, significantly impacting the protein content, Hg content, WAI, WSI, AA, TPC, and TB content and resulting in high Tg values. PP showed the best results, with high betalain retention (>30%), high TPC and AA, high protein levels, and low Hg, similarly to MT. WP had the highest TB, AA, and TPC but the lowest Tg (47.21 °C), thus reducing stability. Encapsulates obtained with plant protein-based wall materials presented high Tg (>58 °C); low aw, WSI, and Hg; high protein contents >40%; and adequate retention of bioactive compounds, with low degradation rate constants and long half-lives. Overall, plant proteins are promising alternatives to traditional carriers, offering improved stability and functionality in encapsulated products.

Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites produced by plants, and their study has been increased in recent years due to their ability to improve human health. The aim of this work was the determination of phenolic compounds presents in blue corn flour before and after a fermentation process, where different proportions were used of blue corn (Zea mays L.) flour and Czapek Dox culture medium (90 mL of culture medium with 10 g of blue corn flour, 80 mL of culture medium with 20 g of blue corn flour and 70 mL of culture medium with 30 g of blue corn flour) and were fermented at 3 different times (20, 25 and 30 days) with the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides fungus. A determination of the phenolic compounds was carried out with five standard solutions, which were cyanidin 3-glucoside (CYA), pelargonidin 3-glucoside (PEL), chlorogenic acid (CLA), quercetin (QRC) and cinnamic acid (CA). The obtained results showed the presence of CA and PEL. The most abundant phenolic compound in the fermented samples was CLA over the naturally occurring compounds in blue corn, which are CYA and PEL. QRC was the phenolic compound with the lowest concentration in blue corn flour samples fermented with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

Introduction. The scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.), also known as the runner or ayocote bean, is one of five Phaseolus species domesticated in Mesoamerica. It holds considerable economic importance, ranking third after P. vulgaris and P. lunatus. Despite its relevance, research on its bioactive compounds and potential health benefits still needs to be conducted. Objective: This review explores the nutritional composition, anti-nutritional factors, and bioactive compound levels of P. coccineus, emphasizing their implications for consumer health. Methodology: A comprehensive literature review, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, was conducted across electronic databases, identifying 163 relevant studies. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 studies were selected for analysis. Results: These studies highlighted P. coccineus as a potential source of nutraceutical properties and innovative food products aimed at enhancing nutritional quality. The bioactive compounds, including antioxidants and peptides, suggest benefits in preventing chronic diseases and promoting food security. Conclusions: However, further research is required to fully understand the composition of phenolic compounds, bioactive peptides, and anti-nutritional factors in P. coccineus, promoting its consumption as a functional food and novel dietary ingredient. Expanding its use in novel food formulations could enhance its dietary value and positively impact public health.