Showing papers in "Lwt - Food Science and Technology in 2008"

In vitro antioxidant properties of rutin

Abstract: Much work has been carried out in recent years on the beneficial effect of phenolic compounds which act as natural antioxidants and help to neutralize free radicals. We analysed the antioxidant activity of the rutin (quercetin-3-rhamnosyl glucoside) using different assays including: total antioxidant activity and reducing power, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, superoxide radical scavenging assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and lipid peroxidation assay which uses egg yolk as the lipid-rich source. Total antioxidant capacity was determined by the assay based on the decrease in absorbance of β-carotene by the sample. Rutin exhibited strong DPPH radical scavenging activity. At the concentration of 0.05 mg/ml, ascorbic acid (Vc), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and rutin showed 92.8%, 58.8%, and 90.4% inhibition, respectively. In addition, rutin had effective inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Those various antioxidant activities were compared to standard antioxidants such as BHT and Vc.

Preparation and properties of rice starch–chitosan blend biodegradable film

Abstract: Biodegradable blend films from rice starch–chitosan were developed by casting film-solution on leveled trays. The influence of the ratio of starch and chitosan (2:1, 1.5:1, 1:1, and 0.5:1) on the mechanical properties, water barrier properties, and miscibility of biodegradable blend films was investigated. The biodegradable blend film from rice starch–chitosan showed an increase in tensile strength (TS), water vapor permeability (WVP), lighter color and yellowness and a decreasing elongation at the break (E), and film solubility (FS) after incorporation of chitosan. The introduction of chitosan increased the crystalline peak structure of starch film; however, too high chitosan concentration yielded phase separation between starch and chitosan. The amino group band of the chitosan molecule in the FTIR spectrum shifted from 1541.15 cm−1 in the chitosan film to 1621.96 cm−1 in the biodegradable blend films. These results pointed out that there was a molecular miscibility between these two components. The properties of rice starch–chitosan biodegradable blend film and selected biopolymer and synthetic polymer films were compared; the results demonstrated that rice starch–chitosan biodegradable blend film had mechanical properties similar to the other chitosan films. However, the water vapor permeability of rice starch–chitosan biodegradable blend film was characterized by relatively lower water vapor permeability than chitosan films but higher than polyolefin.

Antioxidant properties in vitro and total phenolic contents in methanol extracts from medicinal plants

Abstract: In order to find out new sources of safe and inexpensive antioxidants, the antioxidant capacities of 45 selected medicinal plants were evaluated using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays, respectively, and the total phenolic contents of these plants were measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Most of these plants were analyzed for the first time for their antioxidant activities. It was found that the plants Sargentodoxa cuneata Rehd. Et Wils, Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance, Paeonia lactiflora Pall, Paeonia suffruticosa Andr and Scutellaria baicalensis Ceorgi possessed the highest antioxidant capacities and thus could be potential rich sources of natural antioxidants. A strong correlation between TEAC values and those obtained from FRAP assay implied that antioxidants in these plants were capable of scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidants. A high correlation between antioxidant capacities and their total phenolic contents indicated that phenolic compounds were a major contributor of antioxidant activity of these plants.

Antioxidant activity of three edible seaweeds from two areas in South East Asia

Abstract: Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AOA) of 50% aqueous methanol extracts of the marine algae, Padina antillarum, Caulerpa racemosa and Kappaphycus alvarezzi were studied. TPC was measured using Folin–Ciocalteu method while 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ferrous ion chelating (FIC) assay and beta carotene bleaching (BCB) assay were used to study their AOA. P. antillarum was found to have the highest TPC, 2430±208 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per 100 g dried sample and ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity (AEAC), 1140±85 mg AA/100 g. C. racemosa and K. alvarezzi displayed lower TPC and AEAC. C. racemosa had 144±22 mg GAE/100 g dried sample of TPC and 14.3±2.0 mg AA/100 g of AEAC, while K. alvarezzi had 115±35 mg/100 g dried sample of TPC and 37.8±16.8 mg AA/100 g of AEAC. In addition, P. antillarum displayed the highest reducing power, 15.7±2.6 mg GAE/g and highest chelating ability. C. racemosa and K. alvarezzi exhibited lower reducing power, 0.737±0.423 mg GAE/g and 0.561±0.269 mg GAE/g, and lower chelating ability. However, the AOA of these three seaweeds as assessed by BCB assay were equally high.

Application of microwave-assisted extraction to the fast extraction of plant phenolic compounds

Abstract: The analysis of phenolic compounds in plants attracts considerable attention. Conventional (reflux) extraction as well as microwave-assisted extraction of phenolic substances from aromatic plants using different solvents has been studied. RP-HPLC with UV detection was employed for the analysis of phenolic compounds. Total phenolic compounds were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu assay. The amount of extractable phenolic substances for this method decreased with decreasing polarity of the solvent in the order water, 60% methanol, 60% acetone, and ethyl acetate/water (60:30, v/v) by using the conventional method. When microwave-assisted extraction was performed, the previous order was changed to 60% acetone, 60% methanol, water and ethyl acetate/water. The HPLC results have shown similar solvent effect for the two extraction methods. It was also proved that microwave-assisted extraction is a more effective technique compared to the conventional method. The extraction time was reduced, less solvent was used and the amount of extracted phenolic compounds was increased.

Production of antioxidant high dietary fiber powder from carrot peels

Abstract: The feasibility study of using carrot peels, by-products from food industry, as a starting raw material to produce antioxidant dietary fiber powder was investigated in this work. The effects of blanching and hot air drying (60–80 °C) on the drying kinetics and physicochemical properties of dietary fiber powder were first evaluated. The results showed that blanching had a significant effect on the fiber contents and compositions, water retention and swelling capacities of the fiber powder. In contrast, drying temperature in the selected range did not affect the hydration properties. In terms of the antioxidant activity, thermal degradation during both blanching and drying caused a decrease in the contents of β-carotene and phenolic compounds, hence leading to the loss of antioxidant activity of the final product.

Effect of osmotic dehydration and ultrasound pre-treatment on cell structure: melon dehydration

Abstract: The effect of osmotic dehydration and of ultrasound pre-treatment applied at atmospheric pressure for different lengths of time on melon tissue structure was evaluated. Osmotic dehydration-induced gradual loss of shape of cell wall, disconnection between the cells and breakdown of the tissue. Ultrasound induced the formation of microscopic channels in the fruit structure but did not induce breakdown of the tissue. The changes observed on the structure of the fruit explain the effects of these two pre-treatments on the water diffusivity of the subsequent air-drying step. Osmotic dehydration when carried out for less than 30 min decreases the water diffusivity due to the incorporation of sugar, but increases water diffusivity when carried out for more than 1 h due to the breakdown of cells lowering the resistance to water diffusion. Ultrasound treatment increases water diffusivity due to the formation of microscopic channels which also offers lower resistance to water diffusion.

Physical, chemical and microbiological changes in stored green asparagus spears as affected by coating of silver nanoparticles-PVP

Abstract: Silver nanoparticles have recently gained increasing interests due to their antimicrobial activities in food processing applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of silver nanoparticles-PVP coating on weight loss, ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll, crude fiber, color, firmness and microbial qualities of asparagus spears stored at 2 and 10 °C. Asparagus samples were first sanitized with 100 mg l−1 sodium hypochloride solution for 15 min. They were then immersed in coating solution containing silver nanoparticles for 3 min at room temperature. During 25-day storage at 2 or 10 °C, the coated asparagus demonstrated lower weight loss, greener color and tender texture compared with the control samples. The growth of microorganism was significantly hindered by the coating. Based on comprehensive comparison and evaluation, asparagus spears coated by silver nanoparticles could be kept in good quality for 25 days at 2 °C and for 20 days at 10 °C.

Studies on cake quality made of wheat–chickpea flour blends

Abstract: Legume flours, due to their amino acid composition and fibre content are ideal ingredients for improving the nutritional value of bread and bakery products. In this study, the influence of the total or partial replacement of wheat flour by chickpea flour on the quality characteristics of two kinds of cake was analyzed. The effects of the chickpea variety and the kind of flour used (white or whole) were also considered. Volume, symmetry, chroma, and crust and crumb L* diminished when increasing the amount of chickpea flour. The replacement of wheat flour by chickpea flour also induced an increase in the initial firmness but cohesiveness and resilience diminished, increasing the tendency to hardening. Among the studied varieties, Pedrosillano and Sinaloa produced cakes with the highest volume. Those varieties also gave layer cakes with the lowest firmness, gumminess and chewiness. White flours produced sponge cakes with higher volume and symmetry than whole flours. No significant differences, however, were observed in layer cakes between white and whole flours. In both layer and sponge cakes, white flour produced cakes with lower firmness, gumminess and chewiness than whole flours.

Using polysaccharide-based edible coatings to maintain quality of fresh-cut Fuji apples

Abstract: The effect of alginate and gellan-based edible coatings on the shelf-life of fresh-cut Fuji apples packed in trays with a plastic film of a known permeability to oxygen (110 cm 3 O 2 m −2 bar −1 day −1 ) was investigated by measuring changes in headspace atmosphere, color, firmness and microbial growth during 23 days of storage at 4 °C. Concentration of O 2 and CO 2 in the package was measured and no significant differences between coated and uncoated fresh-cut apples were observed. Ethylene concentration in coated apples seemed to be delayed since it remained below 50 μl l −1 throughout the whole refrigerated storage period, while production of this gas was detected in uncoated apples from the very initial days of storage. Coated apple wedges exhibited ethanol and acetaldehyde formation from the second week of storage indicating fermentative metabolism. Polymers were crosslinked with a calcium chloride solution, to which the antibrowning agent N -acetylcysteine was added, being incorporated into the coatings formulation and helping to maintain firmness and color of apple wedges during the entire storage time. The application of the edible coatings also retarded the microbiological deterioration of fresh-cut apples. Alginate and gellan edible coatings effectively prolonged the shelf-life of Fuji apple wedges by 2 weeks of storage compared with the control apple slices which showed a considerable cut surface browning and tissue softening from the very early days of storage, limiting their shelf-life to less than 4 days.

Alginate–calcium films: Water vapor permeability and mechanical properties as affected by plasticizer and relative humidity

Abstract: Alginate films containing dissimilar amounts of guluronate (G) and mannuronate (M): M/G∼0.45 and M/G∼1.5, soaked in a calcium chloride solution up to 20 min were evaluated for water vapor permeability (WVP). M/G∼0.45 films proved to be better moisture barriers at all calcium immersion times compared to M/G∼1.5. WVP of M/G∼0.45 and M/G∼1.5 films decreased as time of immersion in calcium increased; after 3 min, a decrease in WVP was observed. M/G∼0.45 films soaked for 1 min in calcium were further analyzed to determine the effect of plasticizer and relative humidity (RH) on their mechanical properties and WVP, using fructose, glycerol, sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol (PEG-8000). Films without plasticizer showed a lower capacity to adsorb water compared to those with plasticizer. As RH increased, tensile strength (TS) decreased and elongation (E) increased for all films. This effect was more pronounced on films containing plasticizer, which had lower TS at all RHs. Plasticizer did not increase E at 58% RH. At 78% and 98% RH, glycerol, sorbitol and fructose showed a significant increase in E compared to PEG-8000 and no-plasticizer. PEG-8000 provided lower TS and E, while glycerol showed the highest among all plasticizers. There was no difference on WVP between no-plasticizer and glycerol. Fructose and sorbitol showed the lowest WVP while PEG-8000 showed the highest.

Chemical composition and in vitro antioxidative activity of a lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) extract

Abstract: The leaf material of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) was extracted with 450 ml/l aqueous ethanol by medium pressure liquid–solid extraction. The total phenolic content of the extract was estimated as gallic acid equivalents by Folin–Ciocalteu reagent method and a qualitative–quantitative compositional analysis was carried out using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection. The lemon balm extract contained hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids with caffeic acid, m-coumaric acid, eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside, naringin, hesperidin, rosmarinic acid, naringenin, hesperetin being identified based on their chromatographic behaviour and spectral characteristics. The extract was also investigated for potential in vitro antioxidant properties in iron(III) reduction, iron(II) chelation, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate), superoxide anion and nitric oxide free-radical scavenging, and inhibition of β-carotene–linoleic acid bleaching assays. The extract demonstrated antioxidant activity in all the assays. However, it was not as potent as the positive controls except in the β-carotene–linoleic acid bleaching assay, where its activity was superior to that of gallic and caffeic acids and statistically indistinguishable from quercetin and BHA. The exceptionally high antioxidant activity and the fact that this assay is of biological relevance warrants further investigation of lemon balm extract in ex vivo and in vivo models of oxidative stress.

Fish oil encapsulation with chitosan using ultrasonic atomizer

Abstract: An encapsulation technique was developed using an ultrasonic atomizer and three processing steps: emulsification, ultrasonic atomization, and freeze drying. Emulsion preparation variables such as concentration of wall materials [chitosan (CS), maltodextrin (MD) and whey protein isolate (WPI)] and tuna oil were optimized. The size and stability of the emulsion droplet and the properties of the encapsulated powders after freeze drying were characterized. At 20 g/100 g tuna oil, the optimum ratios of CS to MD and of CS to WPI were 1:10 and 1:1, respectively. There was a significant difference (P

Drying kinetics and quality changes during drying of red pepper

Abstract: Fil: Di Scala, Karina Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Bahia Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingenieria Quimica. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Planta Piloto de Ingenieria Quimica; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingenieria. Departamento de Ingenieria Quimica. Grupo de Investigacion en Ingenieria en Alimentos; Argentina

The scavenging capacity and synergistic effects of lycopene, vitamin E, vitamin C, and β-carotene mixtures on the DPPH free radical

Abstract: The biological activity of lycopene can be enhanced by the presence of these other active antioxidants such as β-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Since many of these natural antioxidants are consumed together in foods, the potential for synergistic interactions is high in the human diet. The aim of this study was to determine what concentrations and combinations of antioxidants among lycopene, vitamin E, vitamin C, and β-carotene are capable of producing synergistic antioxidant effects, based on tomato-based food products. Solutions of the scavenging capacities of lycopene, vitamin E, vitamin C, and β-carotene, alone and in different combinations were measured using the stable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Three different levels of each antioxidant were used. A comparison of the scavenging capacity (antioxidant activity) of the combinations of antioxidants to the arithmetic sum of the scavenging capacities of the individual antioxidants was used to calculate the synergistic effects (SEs) between the antioxidants. The results showed that the mixture that had the highest SEs (P<0.01) was the solution combining lycopene (15 μmol/L), vitamin E (5.0 μmol/L), vitamin C (0.16 μmol/L), and β-carotene (10.83 μmol/L). The results suggest that the antioxidant property of this combination was substantially superior to the sum of the individual antioxidant effects, and these interactions can enhance the antioxidant effectiveness of natural antioxidants. The results could guide in the formulation and development of functional food products that have high antioxidant potential.

Early detection of apple bruises on different background colors using hyperspectral imaging

Abstract: The potentials of a hyperspectral imaging system were investigated for early detection of bruises on ‘McIntosh’ apples. A hyperspectral imaging system was developed based on a spectral region between 400 and 1000 nm. Partial least squares method and stepwise discrimination analysis were used for data dimensionality reduction and selecting the effective wavelengths. Three effective wavelengths in the near infrared region (750, 820, 960 nm) were selected to realize multispectral imaging tests. The classification results indicated that the bruised apples were successfully distinguished from the sound apples. The accuracy of the system is superior to detect bruise after 1 h of bruising.

Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of wild bitter melon (Momordica charantia Linn. var. abbreviata Ser.) in Taiwan

Abstract: Momordica charantia Linn. var. abbreviata Ser. (Cucurbitaceae), also known as “Shan Ku Gua”, is a wild variety of bitter melon (BM) in Taiwan. The size of its fruits is only about one-fifth of the commonly seen BM. It is commonly consumed as vegetable and also used as a popular folk medicine. In this study, the antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of BM aqueous (BM-H2O) and ethanol (BM-EtOH) extracts were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), metal chelation, cytochrome c and xanthine oxidase inhibition (XOI) assays, as well as FeCl2-ascorbic acid induced lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) assay in rat liver homogenates in vitro. Total flavonoid and phenol contents of BM extracts were also analyzed. Results showed that both BM-H2O (IC50=129.94 μg/ml) and BM-EtOH (IC50=156.78 μg/ml) possess potent DPPH radical scavenging activity, which was better than vitamin E (IC50=172.21 μg/ml). These extracts also showed better iron chelating activity than vitamin E. However, they were weaker than vitamin E in free radical scavenging, xanthine oxidase inhibitory and anti-lipid peroxidation activities. With the exception of XOI activity [IC50=7.90 μg/ml (BM-H2O) vs. 7.69 μg/ml (BM-EtOH)], BM-H2O showed a lower IC50 value in free radical scavenging [IC50=6.15 μg/ml (BM-H2O) vs. 7.08 μg/ml (BM-EtOH)] and anti-lipid peroxidation [IC50=53.72 μg/ml (BM-H2O) vs. 88.51 μg/ml (BM-EtOH) for liver; 82.53 μg/ml (BM-H2O) vs. 91.83 μg/ml (BM-EtOH) for brain] activities than BM-EtOH. Both BM extracts showed a weak anti-lipid peroxidation activity in plasma. BM-H2O (62.0 mg/g) possessed a significant higher concentration of total flavonoids than BM-EtOH (44.0 mg/g), but was lower in the total phenol content (BM-H2O: 51.6 mg/g vs. BM-EtOH: 68.8 mg/g). In conclusion, BM extracts possess potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. These antioxidant activities could have contributed, at least partly, to the therapeutic benefits of the certain traditional claims of wild BM.

Survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis in stirred fruit yogurts

Abstract: The effect of commercial fruit preparations (mango, mixed berry, passion fruit and strawberry) on the viability of probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus LAFTI ® L10 and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis LAFTI ® B94 in stirred yogurts during storage (35 days) at refrigerated temperature (4 °C) was evaluated. The results showed that addition of either 5 or 10 g/100 g fruit preparations had no significant ( p >0.05) effect on the viability of the two probiotic strains except on L. acidophilus LAFTI L10 yogurt with 10 g/100 g passion fruit or mixed berry. After the addition of fruit preparation, 96% of the yogurts incorporated with fruit preparation did not exhibit a greater loss in the viability of probiotic bacteria compared to plain yogurt during the storage period. A correlation between the post-storage pH in yogurts and the survival of probiotic bacteria was observed. All the yogurts, however, contained the recommended levels of (10 6 –10 7 cfu/g) probiotic bacteria at the end of 35-day shelf life.

Effect of the presence of glycerol and Tween 20 on the chemical and physical properties of films based on chitosan with different degree of deacetylation

Abstract: Chitosans with two different deacetylation degree (DD) (60.9% and 96%) were used to elaborate edible films. The influence of the degree of deacetylation and the presence of glycerol and Tween 20 in the formulation on the surface tension of the film forming solutions as well as on the chemical structure, optical and mechanical properties and water vapor permeability (WVP) of the resulting films were studied. IR spectra showed no significant differences on the chemical structures of chitosan of the different films. However, X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the use of chitosan with higher DD and the use of glycerol as additive resulted in higher crystallinity. Films made of chitosan with the lower DD (60.9%) were found to have higher tensile strength (TS) and elongation (E) in a tensile test. Degree of deacetylation did not have any effect on WVP. The presence of glycerol resulted in less resistant, more elastic and more permeable films. The presence of Tween 20 improved the wettability of film solutions and affected significatively mechanical, optical and barrier properties of the films. A positive interaction between glycerol and Tween 20 was observed for WVP.

In vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the extract of Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae of a new Citrus cultivar and its main flavonoids

Abstract: To provide the base for the application of a new cultivar of Citrus reticulata Blanco, whose family is Rutaceae, a flavonoid extract of Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (FEPCR), the dried rind of the ripe citrus, was obtained with 80% aq. ethanol. Total flavonoid content of FEPCR was determined by a colorimetric method. Total phenol content was estimated as gallic acid equivalents. The major constituents of FEPCR, including Hesperidin, Nobiletin and Tangeretin, were determined by HPLC analysis. The antioxidant activities of FEPCR, Hesperidin, Nobiletin and Tangeretin were evaluated by various antioxidant assays, including DPPH scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and reducing power. All samples showed antioxidant activities to some degree in all the tested methods. In addition to the antioxidant activity, the antimicrobial assay was measured as well. Six strains of microorganisms including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella typhi and Enterobacter cloacae were used in the tests. FEPCR and Hesperidin displayed a broad antimicrobial spectrum and exerted antimicrobial effects in antimicrobial tests. But Tangeretin and Nobiletin exhibited low antimicrobial activities.

Effect of microencapsulation on viability and other characteristics in Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 43121

Abstract: Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 43121 were microencapsulated with sodium alginate by dropping method. The effects of microencapsulation on the changes in survival rate of the L. acidophilus ATCC 43121 during exposure to artificial gastrointestinal and on the change in heat susceptibility of L. acidophilus ATCC 43121 during the heat treatment were studied. In addition, cholesterol assimilation and intestinal adhesion of non-encapsulated and encapsulated L. acidophilus ATCC 43121 were also investigated to explore the effect of microencapsulation on health beneficial effect of lactic acid bacteria. Non-encapsulated cells were completely destroyed when exposed to artificial gastric juice (AGJ) of pH 1.2 and 1.5, while the treatment declined the viable count of encapsulated samples only by 3 log. Encapsulated cells exhibited a significantly higher resistance to artificial intestinal juice (AIJ) and heat treatment than non-encapsulated samples. The assimilative reductions of cholesterol by non-encapsulated and encapsulated L. acidophilus ATCC 43121 were 35.98% and 32.84%, respectively. However, encapsulation did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the adherence of L. acidophilus ATCC 43121 onto the human intestinal epithelial cell lines HT-29. The microencapsulation effectively protected the microorganisms from heat and acid treatment in delivering the viable cells to intestine without any significant adverse effect on their functionalities.

Vacuum frying of high-quality fruit and vegetable-based snacks

Abstract: Sweet potato, green beans, Tommy Atkins mango, and blue potato were fried in a vacuum frying process at a temperature of 120e130 � 1 � C. Before frying, green beans and mango slices were soaked in a 50% maltodextrine 0.15% citric acid solution. The products were also fried in a traditional (atmospheric pressure) fryer at 160e165 � 1 � C for 4 min. A 30-member consumer panel rated the sensory quality of both types of fried snacks using a 1e9 hedonic scale. Compared with traditional frying, oil content of vacuum-fried sweet-potato chips and green beans was 24% and 16% lower, respectively. Blue potato and mango chips had 6% and 5% more oil, respectively, than the traditional-fried samples. Anthocyanin (mg/100 g d.b.) of vacuum-fried blue potato chips was 60% higher. Final total carotenoids (mg/g d.b.) were higher by 18% for green beans, 19% for mango chips, and by 51% for sweet-potato chips. Sensory panelists overwhelmingly preferred (p < 0.05) the vacuum-fried products for color, texture, taste, and overall quality. Most of the products retained or accentuated their original colors when fried under vacuum. The traditional-fried products showed excessive darkening and scorching. These results support the applicability of vacuum frying technology to provide high-quality fruit and vegetable snacks.

Drying and quality characteristics of fresh and sugar-infused blueberries dried with infrared radiation heating

Abstract: We evaluated the finished product quality and infrared (IR) drying characteristics of fresh and sugar-infused blueberries dried with a catalytic infrared (CIR) dryer. IR drying tests were conducted at four product temperatures (60, 70, 80, and 90 °C) to evaluate the drying rate and the color and texture of the finished product. Fresh blueberries dried with convective hot air drying at 60 °C were used as control for comparison. The experimental data of moisture changes during IR drying were modeled with eight different models, including Page, modified Page, Thompson, Newton, Wang and Singh, and Henderson and Pabis, and two models developed in this study. The Thompson model showed the best fit to all experimental data. The CIR drying produced firmer-texture products with much reduced drying time compared with hot air drying. For fresh blueberries, CIR drying conserved drying time by 44% at 60 °C. The effective moisture diffusivity ranged from 2.24 × 10 −10 to 16.4 × 10 −10 m 2 /s and from 0.61 × 10 −10 to 3.84 × 10 −10 m 2 /s for fresh and sugar-infused blueberries, respectively.

Antimicrobial activity of some plant extracts and essential oils against foodborne pathogens in vitro and on the fate of inoculated pathogens in chocolate

Abstract: The efficacy of commercially available plant extracts and essential oils used extensively as flavour ingredients in confectionery products were used as antimicrobials in laboratory media against the following microorganisms: Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus , Listeria monocytogenes , and Bacillus cereus. Using the disc diffusion method, inhibition zones in diameter >20 mm were observed by adding 10 μl of each antimicrobial substance on the following microorganisms: lemon flavour applied on E. coli O157:H7, lemongrass essences against S. aureus , plum using a B. cereus strain and strawberry flavour using a L. monocytogenes strain. E. coli O157:H7 strains were the most susceptible microorganisms inhibited by 18 extracts, followed by S. Typhimurium and S. aureus which were inhibited by 17 extracts. Lemon flavour, lemongrass essences, pineapple and strawberry flavour inhibited the foodborne pathogens at the lowest concentration (5 ml/100 ml). Plant extracts and essential oils with potent antimicrobial activities were tested in chocolate held at different temperatures (7 and 20 °C) in dry or humidified environment, which resulted in different a w values of the product (i.e. 0.340, 0.450, and 0.822), in order to determine their efficacy on the fate of the inoculated pathogens. The most inhibitory action was observed by lemon flavour applied on chocolate inoculated with E. coli cocktail culture after storage at 20 °C for 9 days. Plant extracts tested on chocolate show an enhanced inhibitory effect during storage at 20 °C indicating that their application may provide protection in case of storage at the above temperature or even higher.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Nephelium lappaceum L. extracts

Abstract: Ether, methanolic and aqueous extracts of lyophilized rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) peels and seeds were evaluated for phenolic contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. High amounts of phenolic compounds were found in the peel extracts and the highest content was in the methanolic fraction (542.2 mg/g dry extract). Several potential antioxidant activities, including reducing power, β-carotene bleaching, linoleic peroxidation and free radical scavenging activity, were evaluated. The peel extracts exhibited higher antioxidant activity than the seed extracts in all methods determined (P inhibition concentration, 4.94 μg/mL. The results indicated this fraction exhibited greater DPPH radical scavenging activity than BHT and ascorbic acid (0.32 g dry extract/g BHT or ascorbic acid). Antibacterial activity against eight bacterial strains was assessed by disc diffusion and broth macrodilution methods. All peel extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against five pathogenic bacteria. The most sensitive strain, Staphylococcus epidermidis, was inhibited by the methanolic extract (MIC 2.0 mg/mL).

Effect of processing on antioxidant contents in selected dry beans (Phaseolus spp. L.)

Abstract: Dry beans are rich sources of dietary fiber and phytochemicals such as flavonoids and phenolics. In the current study, we determined the effects of two processing methods (soaking and toasting) on total phenolics, flavonoids, proanthocyanidin and antioxidant potential by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) in selected dry beans (red kidney beans (K), black-eyed peas (B), pinto beans (P) and soy beans (S)). Total phenolics (mg/g dwb) expressed as gallic acid equivalents (GAE), total flavonoids (mg/g dwb) as catechin equivalents (CE) and proanthocyanidin expressed as leucocyanidin equivalent (mg LE/g) ranged from 3.42 to 7.21, 0.61 to 0.84 and 0.51 to 3.13 in raw beans; 3.58 to 6.94, 0.19 to 0.99 and 0.43 to 3.13 in soaked beans and 4.55 to 9.52, 0.23 to1.00 and 0.20 to 3.25 in toasted beans, respectively. FRAP (μg/g) in raw, soaked and toasted dry beans ranged from 0.00097 to 0.00424 while DPPH (T30) (%) ranged from 43.9 to 62.61. Our results indicate that processing methods (soaking and roasting) influenced total phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant contents (DPPH, FRAP) in selected dry beans.

Effect of the addition of different quantities of amino acids to nitrogen-deficient must on the formation of esters, alcohols, and acids during wine alcoholic fermentation

Abstract: In this work the effect of the addition of different quantities of amino acids to a nitrogen-deficient must on the formation of volatile compounds during the wine alcoholic fermentation was studied. To do so, fermentations of Mazuelo must were carried out, to which were added ammonium and 45, 120, and 250 mg/l of amino acids. The results showed that the formation of total esters, isoamyl acetate, and 2-phenylethyl acetate was directly proportional to the quantity of amino acids added to the must while the synthesis of diethyl succinate, and ethyl 3-hydroxybutyrate was inversely proportional to this addition. The alcohols, with the exception of tyrosol and 2-phenylethanol, did not show any direct correlation between their formation and the addition of amino acids. The quantity of amino acids added to the must favoured the formation of total acids but it had scant influence on the individual synthesis of the acids. So, it may be stated that, in general, the addition of amino acids in the concentrations under study to a nitrogen-deficient must, favoured the formation of volatile compounds in the wine.

Using polysaccharide-based edible coatings to enhance quality and antioxidant properties of fresh-cut melon

Abstract: The effect of alginate, pectin and gellan-based edible coatings on the shelf-life of fresh-cut ‘Piel de Sapo’ melon was investigated. Gas exchange, antioxidant properties, color, firmness, sensory quality and microbial growth of fresh-cut melon were studied during 15 days at 4 °C. Gellan, pectin and alginate coatings increased the water vapor resistance of fresh-cut melon, thus preventing dehydration. They also had an inhibitory effect on ethylene production although O2 and CO2 diffusion through coated melon tissue was not avoided. Calcium chloride used as a crosslinking agent helped to maintain fruit firmness. Edible coatings themselves did not improve microbiological stability of fresh-cut ‘Piel de Sapo’ melon packaged under passive modified atmosphere. Pectin or alginate could reduce the wounding stress induced in fresh-cut melon, which triggered an accumulation of total phenolic compounds and other compounds with antioxidant properties. In addition, pectin-based coating seemed to best maintain sensory attributes.

Effect of pulsed vacuum and ultrasound osmopretreatments on glass transition temperature, texture, microstructure and calcium penetration of dried apples (Fuji)

Abstract: The effect of pulsed vacuum and ultrasound pretreatments on glass transition, texture, rehydration, microstructure and other selected properties of air- and freeze-dried apples (Fuji) were investigated. Apple cylinders (15 mm height × 15 mm diameter) were first osmoconcentrated in a 60 g/100 g high-fructose corn syrup solution containing 7.5 g/100 g Gluconal Cal® combined with agitation, pulsed vacuum (PV), or ultrasound for 3 h, then hot-air or freeze dried. Changes in glass transition temperature, hardness, crispness, and rehydration rate were measured, microstructure was observed using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and calcium ions distributions were analyzed by a laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Under the same drying method, ultrasound led to a higher glass transition temperature, lower water activity, moisture content and rehydration rate, severer structure collapse, less cavities and calcium uptake than PV did. Different osmoconcentration pretreatment had no significant (P

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Indian gooseberry and galangal extracts

Abstract: The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica Linn.) and galangal (Alpinia galanga) extracts were investigated. Two different methods (disc diffusion and agar dilution methods) were employed to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of plant extracts against Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of Indian gooseberry and galangal extracts were found to be 13.97 and 0.78 mg/ml and the minimum biocidal concentration (MBC) values were 13.97 and 2.34 mg/ml, respectively. The antioxidant activities of Indian gooseberry and galangal extracts, which were evaluated by the β-carotene bleaching method, were 86.4% and 70.3%, respectively. The total phenolic contents of Indian gooseberry and galangal extracts, as determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, were 290.4±0.7 and 40.9±0.2 mg/g plant extract (in GAE), respectively. The GC–MS analysis showed that the main compounds of galangal extract are 1,8-cineole (20.95%), β-bisabolene (13.16%), β-caryophyllene (17.95%) and β-selinene (10.56%). On the other hand, the use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection indicated many compounds within the Indian gooseberry extract.