Modeling and optimization of red currants vacuum drying process by response surface methodology (RSM)

Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science, and nanotechnological concepts have been intensively studied for potential applications in the food industry. Nanoparticles (with dimensions ranging from one to several hundred nanometers) have specific characteristics and better functionality, thanks to their size and other physicochemical properties. Polyphenols are recognized as active compounds that have several putative beneficial properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity. However, the use of polyphenols as functional food ingredients faces numerous challenges, such as their poor stability, solubility, and bioavailability. These difficulties could be solved relatively easily by the application of encapsulation. The objective of this review is to present the most recent accomplishments in the usage of polyphenol-loaded nanoparticles in food science. Nanoparticles loaded with polyphenols and their applications as active ingredients for improving physicochemical and functional properties of food, or as components of active packaging materials, were critically reviewed. Potential adverse effects of polyphenol-loaded nanomaterials are also discussed.

Application of Polyphenol-Loaded Nanoparticles in Food Industry.

Morphological characterization of ‘Oblačinska’ sour cherry by multivariate analysis

This study gave empirical evidence on sixteen agro-morphological data that were collected from one hundred and twenty three rice germplasm comprising of Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima lines including checks. The data was collected from thirteen villages in two States in Nigeria and were characterized using ANOVA model. Among the studied traits, high coefficients of variation were observed for number of unfilled grain per head (45.8%), grain weight (29.1%), 1000 grain weight (23.0%), tiller number at three weeks after planting (22.5%), and tiller number at maturity (20.9%). Seven out of the sixteen phenotypic traits measured were statistically significant at (P = 0.001 and P = 0.05), and 7 phenotypic variables also showed significant differences when subjected to univariate statistics at (P = 0.001 and P = 0.05). The association of all morphological traits was estimated by phenotypic correlation coefficient and showed that eight dependent variables were positively related. Cluster analysis using Ward's method classified the 123 populations into seven distinct groupings. A large number of genotypes was placed in cluster 5 (65 genotypes) followed by cluster 1 (20), cluster 4 (14) and cluster 3 (9), cluster 2 (8) and cluster 6 (7). Cluster 6 includes five checks with few sativa lines, cluster 5 with large grouping of sativa lines with only FARO 56 in that group. Cluster 1 consists of only the O. glaberrima. Clusters 2, 3 and 4 consisted of only O. sativa groups indicating no association between clustering pattern and eco-geographical distribution of genotypes. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters indicating the possibility of high heterosis if individuals from these clusters are cross-bred. Principal component analysis resulted in the first two components with Eigen value greater than 1 accounting for 78% of the total variation. The results of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were closely in line with those of the cluster analysis. These results can now be used by breeders to develop high yielding rice varieties and new breeding protocols for rice improvement.

	 

	Key words: Principal component analysis, germplasm characterization, correlation coefficient, correlation matrix, cluster analysis, genetic variability.

Application of principal component analysis for rice germplasm characterization and evaluation

Pre-harvest factors influencing the quality of berries

Thirty vineyard peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.] genotypes were studied to determine the overall degree of polymorphism and to detect similarities among genotypes. The variation was observed for traits related to phenology, morphology, yield and fruit quality. Many fruit characteristics that are important to breeders are present in this collection. The majority of important correlations were determined between the characteristics representing fruit size (fruit width, fruit height, fruit weight and stone weight) and between those ones representing fruit quality (fruit attractiveness, taste, flavour and soluble solids content). Cluster and principal component analysis showed a considerable phenotypical diversity in the vineyard peach germplasm. Clustering of genotypes was in accordance with its purpose (fresh consumption or rootstocks production). Parameters with high discriminating values were those related to fruit size and fruit quality.

Multivariate analysis of vineyard peach [ Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.] germplasm collection

In order to determine the overall degree of polymorphism and detect similarities among genotypes, 19 almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb) genotypes were studied. Variation in traits related to phenology, morphology, and fruit quality was observed, and the results indicated a high morphological diversity of almond genotypes. Th e majority of important correlations were determined among the traits representing nut size (nut width, nut length, nut thickness, and nut weight) and leaf size (leaf length, leaf width, and leaf area). Th e lack of correlation between kernel size and chemical compounds enables the creation of a new almond cultivar with large kernels and improved quality. Principal component analysis showed considerable phenotypic diversity among the almond genotypes. Parameters with high discriminating values were those related to nut, kernel, and leaf size; ripening time; and tree habit. Genotypes B/04, 1/03, and 28/03 were singled out as the most promising for breeding and commercial growing.

/pdf/morphological-and-biochemical-evaluation-of-selected-almond-28b5rydxj0.pdf

Morphological and biochemical evaluation of selected almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb) genotypes in northern Serbia

Pomological and biochemical characterization of European currant berry (Ribes sp.) cultivars

The objective of this work was to evaluate the biochemical composition of six berry types belonging to Fragaria, Rubus, Vaccinium and Ribes genus. Fruit samples were collected in triplicate (50 fruit each) from 18 different species or cultivars of the mentioned genera, during three years (2008 to 2010). Content of individual sugars, organic acids, flavonols, and phenolic acids were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, while total phenolics (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), by using spectrophotometry. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (CA) were performed to evaluate the differences in fruit biochemical profile. The highest contents of bioactive components were found in Ribes nigrum and in Fragaria vesca, Rubus plicatus, and Vaccinium myrtillus. PCA and CA were able to partially discriminate between berries on the basis of their biochemical composition. Individual and total sugars, myricetin, ellagic acid, TPC and TAC showed the highest impact on biochemical composition of the berry fruits. CA separated blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry as isolate groups, while classification of strawberry, black and red currant in a specific group has not occurred. There is a large variability both between and within the different types of berries. Metabolite fingerprinting of the evaluated berries showed unique biochemical profiles and specific combination of bioactive compound contents.

/pdf/classification-and-fingerprinting-of-different-berries-based-4umwpnuu67.pdf

Vera Rakonjac

Papers

Morphological characterization of ‘Oblačinska’ sour cherry by multivariate analysis

Multivariate analysis of vineyard peach [ Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.] germplasm collection

Morphological and biochemical evaluation of selected almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb) genotypes in northern Serbia

Pomological and biochemical characterization of European currant berry (Ribes sp.) cultivars

Classification and fingerprinting of different berries based on biochemical profiling and antioxidant capacity