Food Engineering Reviews 

About: Food Engineering Reviews is an academic journal published by Springer Science+Business Media. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Chemistry & Computer science. It has an ISSN identifier of 1866-7910. Over the lifetime, 337 publications have been published receiving 15318 citations.

Nonthermal Plasma Inactivation of Food-Borne Pathogens

Abstract: Nonthermal plasma (NTP) is electrically energized matter and is composed of highly reactive species including gas molecules, charged particles in the form of positive ions, negative ions, free radicals, electrons and quanta of electromagnetic radiation (photons) at near-room temperature. NTP technology is an emerging nonthermal technology with potential applications for sterilization in the food industries. An upsurge in the research activities for plasma-based inactivation of food-borne pathogens is evident in recent years. These studies have shown that NTP can be used for the surface decontamination of raw produce including; dried nuts and packaging materials. This paper reviews the action of plasma agents on the microbial classes and describes proven and potential applications in food processing. Novel developments in the technology and a future outlook for the application to foods are discussed.

Use of Essential Oils in Bioactive Edible Coatings: A Review

Abstract: Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of essential oils have previously been extensively reviewed. The mechanisms of action of essential oils have not been clearly identified but they seem to be related with their hydrophobic nature. Applying these natural compounds in the food industry could be a potential alternative, but its application costs and other problems, such as their intense aroma and potential toxicity, limit their use in the area of food preservation. An interesting strategy to reduce doses of essential oils while maintaining their effectiveness could be the incorporation of these natural compounds into edible/biodegradable films. This review discusses the use of essential oils as natural antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds to obtain bioactive films or coatings. The advantages and limitations are also reviewed.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Natural Products

Abstract: Ultrasound-assisted extraction (USAE) is an interesting process to obtain high valuable compounds and could contribute to the increase in the value of some food by-products when used as sources of natural compounds. The main benefits will be a more effective extraction, thus saving energy, and also the use of moderate temperatures, which is beneficial for heat-sensitive compounds. For a successful application of the USAE, it is necessary to consider the influence of several process variables, the main ones being the applied ultrasonic power, the frequency, the extraction temperature, the reactor characteristics, and the solvent–sample interaction. The highest extraction rate is usually achieved in the first few minutes, which is the most profitable period. To optimize the process, rate equations and unambiguous process characterization are needed, aspects that have often been lacking.

Trends in Encapsulation Technologies for Delivery of Food Bioactive Compounds

Abstract: The food industry expects increasingly complex properties (such as delayed release, stability, thermal protection, and suitable sensorial profile) from food ingredients, which often would not be able to be achieved without microencapsulation. This paper presents the state of the art in encapsulation technology for delivery of bioactive compounds to food. It reviews common encapsulation technologies (emphasizing their advantages and limitations) versus novel, interesting approaches in emerging technologies. This review includes a presentation of benefits resulting from the use of microencapsulated ingredients in the food industry; these benefits are going to be illustrated via few case studies bringing innovative processing. Spray drying has been used for more than 60 years to protect flavor oils against degradation/oxidation/evaporation, but melt dispersion technique has been used lately to effectively stabilize an aroma compound. Microgels produced by extrusion and emulsification techniques are considered for delivering synergistic antioxidant effects of plant extract polyphenols, their off-taste masking, and improved handling. Apart from microgels, microemulsions (produced by microfluidization or micelle formation techniques) are taken into account for entrapment of extracts containing polyphenols and essential oils. Innovative and interesting coacervation processes are depicted here as they facilitate the commercialization of coacervated food ingredients. Liposomes are gaining increasing attention in the food sector as they can provide good stability even in a water surrounding and also targeted delivery. The new scalable manufacturing protocols for the production of liposomes evolved in recent years (e.g., proliposome method) are presented here. Fluidized bed technology has been offering a versatile possibility to produce encapsulates which should release ingredients at the right place and the right time. Complex systems such as lipids in hydrogels are newly developed structures for controlled release of bioactive compounds. Finally, the effect encapsulates have when incorporated into real food products will be discussed, in particular with regard to the production of innovative functional food products. As an example, textural, sensorial, and physical quality assessment of chocolates enriched with encapsulated polyphenolic antioxidants from yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) will be reviewed.

Lactic Acid Bacteria Antimicrobial Compounds: Characteristics and Applications

Abstract: The interest on novel biological preservation methods has been increasing during recent years, supported by research indicating that antagonistic microorganisms and their antimicrobial metabolites may have some potential use as natural preservatives as a way not only to control the growth but also to inactivate undesired microorganisms in food. Biopreservation using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and/or their antimicrobial metabolites represents an alternative for improving food safety. These antimicrobial properties of LAB were derived from competition for nutrients and the production of one or more antimicrobial active metabolites such as organic acids (mainly lactic and acetic acid), hydrogen peroxide and also other compounds, such as bacteriocins and antifungal peptides. The important contribution of probiotic LAB in food preservation has been attracting much attention because of the nutritional qualities of the raw material through an extended shelf life of food and their ability to inhibit spoilage and foodborne pathogens, which is interesting for the food industry. In this review, we compiled the available data on the commonly used preservative and present the current knowledge regarding the antimicrobial compounds, especially bacteriocins, the mechanisms of the action and recent applications of antimicrobial compounds in food. The use of competitive microbiota as a biotechnological tool for food preservation may lead to improve the optimization and quality assurance of food products while at the same time retaining the sensory qualities of the product such as color, flavor, texture and nutritional value.