Foods

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20 pages, 7856 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibition Mechanism of Cinnamomum burmannii Leaf Essential Oil Against Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxins

by Huanyan Liang, Feifei Lv, Mengting Xian, Chenghua Luo, Lei Zhang, Meihua Yang, Qian Li and Xiangsheng Zhao

Foods 2025, 14(4), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14040682 - 17 Feb 2025

Viewed by 698

Abstract

This investigation evaluates the comparative efficacy of Cinnamomum burmannii leaf essential oil (YXYO) and its main active ingredients as a novel preservative to protect stored food commodities from fungal infestations, aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) contamination caused by Aspergillus flavus. Morphological [...] Read more.

This investigation evaluates the comparative efficacy of Cinnamomum burmannii leaf essential oil (YXYO) and its main active ingredients as a novel preservative to protect stored food commodities from fungal infestations, aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) contamination caused by Aspergillus flavus. Morphological observations utilizing SEM and TEM revealed significant alterations in treated samples, alongside a decrease in ergosterol content and a dose-dependent disruption of the antioxidant system and energy system. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that differentially expressed genes were predominantly associated with spore growth, the cell wall, the cell membrane, oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and aflatoxin biosynthesis. Solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) identified ten active ingredients in YXYO, including borneol, α-terpineol, terpinen-4-ol, etc. Moreover, an effective inhibition of A. flavus infection in peanuts was observed with the application of 30 μL/disc of YXYO and a blend of its active compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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13 pages, 5210 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Detection of Pest Contaminants in Chocolate Using Visible-Near-Infrared Single-Pixel Imaging Technology

by Hidemasa Taketoshi, Tetsuya Inagaki, Satoru Tsuchikawa and Te Ma

Foods 2025, 14(2), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14020206 - 10 Jan 2025

Viewed by 812

Abstract

Food safety is gaining increasing attention worldwide. Currently, low-density organic foreign objects such as insects are extremely challenging to detect using conventional metal detectors and X-ray inspection systems. This study aimed to develop a visible-near-infrared single-pixel imaging (Vis-NIR-SPI) method to detect small insects [...] Read more.

Food safety is gaining increasing attention worldwide. Currently, low-density organic foreign objects such as insects are extremely challenging to detect using conventional metal detectors and X-ray inspection systems. This study aimed to develop a visible-near-infrared single-pixel imaging (Vis-NIR-SPI) method to detect small insects inside food. The advantages of Vis-NIR light include its ability to analyze samples non-destructively and measure multiple components simultaneously and quickly, while SPI is robust against dark noise, high scattering, and high equipment costs. The experimental results demonstrated that (1) the newly designed system effectively reduces scattering effects from the highly scattering sample (intralipid 20%), allowing for the capture of information beyond the capabilities of a charge-coupled-device camera; (2) insects positioned behind ham and bread were readily detectable using the imaging reconstruction algorithm; and (3) even for chocolate samples with very high light absorption, only 1 uncontaminated sample out of 100 was mistakenly classified as contaminated, yielding an overall accuracy of 99%. This high level of accuracy underscores the potential of the Vis-NIR-SPI method to provide reliable detection while maintaining sample integrity. Furthermore, this method is cost-effective, offering a practical and efficient solution to improve quality control processes and consumer trust in the food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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20 pages, 2839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vis/NIR Spectroscopy and Vis/NIR Hyperspectral Imaging for Non-Destructive Monitoring of Apricot Fruit Internal Quality with Machine Learning

by Tiziana Amoriello, Roberto Ciorba, Gaia Ruggiero, Francesca Masciola, Daniela Scutaru and Roberto Ciccoritti

Foods 2025, 14(2), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14020196 - 10 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1541

Abstract

The fruit supply chain requires simple, non-destructive, and fast tools for quality evaluation both in the field and during the post-harvest phase. In this study, a portable visible and near-infrared (Vis/NIR) spectrophotometer and a portable Vis/NIR hyperspectral imaging (HSI) device were tested to [...] Read more.

The fruit supply chain requires simple, non-destructive, and fast tools for quality evaluation both in the field and during the post-harvest phase. In this study, a portable visible and near-infrared (Vis/NIR) spectrophotometer and a portable Vis/NIR hyperspectral imaging (HSI) device were tested to highlight genetic differences among apricot cultivars, and to develop multi-cultivar and multi-year models for the most important marketable attributes (total soluble solids, TSS; titratable acidity, TA; dry matter, DM). To do this, the fruits of seventeen cultivars from a single experimental orchard harvested at the commercial maturity stage were considered. Spectral data emphasized genetic similarities and differences among the cultivars, capturing changes in the pigment content and macro components of the apricot samples. In recent years, machine learning techniques, such as artificial neural networks (ANNs), have been successfully applied to more efficiently extract valuable information from spectral data and to accurately predict quality traits. In this study, prediction models were developed based on a multilayer perceptron artificial neural network (ANN-MLP) combined with the Levenberg–Marquardt learning algorithm. Regarding the Vis/NIR spectrophotometer dataset, good predictive performances were achieved for TSS (R² = 0.855) and DM (R² = 0.857), while the performance for TA was unsatisfactory (R² = 0.681). In contrast, the optimal predictive ability was found for models of the HSI dataset (TSS: R² = 0.904; DM: R² = 0.918, TA: R² = 0.811), as confirmed by external validation. Moreover, the ANN allowed us to identify the most predictive input spectral regions for each model. The results showed the potential of Vis/NIR spectroscopy as an alternative to traditional destructive methods to monitor the qualitative traits of apricot fruits, reducing the time and costs of analyses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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12 pages, 3847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation of Bacterial Inactivation of Beef Using Indirect Cold Plasma in Cold Chain and at Room Temperature

by Peiru Li, Hainan Zhang, Changqing Tian and Huiming Zou

Foods 2024, 13(17), 2846; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13172846 - 7 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1419

Abstract

Pathogen contamination is a severe problem in maintaining food safety in the cold chain. Cold plasma (CP) is a novel non-thermal disinfection method that can be applied for the bacterial inactivation of food in appropriate contexts. Currently, research on CP used on food [...] Read more.

Pathogen contamination is a severe problem in maintaining food safety in the cold chain. Cold plasma (CP) is a novel non-thermal disinfection method that can be applied for the bacterial inactivation of food in appropriate contexts. Currently, research on CP used on food at cold chain temperatures is rare. This work investigated the bacterial inactivation effect of CP on beef at typical cold storage temperatures of 4 and −18 °C and room temperature (25 °C). The reactive species in CP were indirectly tested by evaluating O₃, NO₃⁻ and NO₂⁻ in cold plasma-activated water (PAW), which indicated the highest concentrations of reactive species in CP at 25 °C and the lowest at −18 °C. The bactericidal efficacy of CP treatment against beef inoculated with Escherichia coli at −18 °C, 4 °C, and 25 °C was 30.5%, 60.1%, and 59.5%, respectively. The 4 °C environment was the most appropriate treatment for CP against beef, with the highest bactericidal efficacy and a minor influence on beef quality. The indirect CP treatment had no significant effect on the texture, color, pH, or cooking loss of beef at −18 °C. CP shows significant potential for the efficient decontamination of food at cold chain temperatures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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16 pages, 958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Organic Acids and Ultrasound as Pretreatment in Convective Drying Kinetics and Quality Parameters of Pumpkin

by José R. R. de O. Moura, Blenda R. S. de Morais, João H. F. da Silva, Amanda S. S. Alves, Shirley C. R. Brandão and Patricia M. Azoubel

Foods 2024, 13(16), 2502; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13162502 - 9 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1309

Abstract

There is a growing interest in the food industry in new drying technologies that reduce the time required for dehydration, combined with low energy consumption, low environmental impact, and maintenance of the overall quality of the product. This work investigated convective drying of [...] Read more.

There is a growing interest in the food industry in new drying technologies that reduce the time required for dehydration, combined with low energy consumption, low environmental impact, and maintenance of the overall quality of the product. This work investigated convective drying of pumpkin with and without ultrasound-organic (citric or acetic) acid pretreatment for different durations (10, 20, and 30 min). Drying was carried out at 60 °C, and the Wang and Singh model had the best fit for the experimental data. Samples pretreated for 30 min had the shortest drying times. Water diffusivities ranged from 6.68 × 10⁻⁸ m²/s to 7.31 × 10⁻⁸ m²/s, with the pretreated samples presenting the highest values. The dried pumpkin water activity values were below 0.60. Regarding color parameters, there was a slight increase in luminosity, a slight reduction in a*, and a significant increase in b*. Drying resulted in the loss of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds, but the samples pretreated with citric acid showed better retention. There was also a reduction in the total carotenoid content, but samples pretreated with acetic acid for 10 and 20 min showed the best retention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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16 pages, 2809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Detection of Food Safety and Spoilage Incidents Based on Live Microbiome Profiling and PMA-qPCR Monitoring of Indicators

by May Cohen Hakmon, Keren Buhnik-Rosenblau, Hila Hanani, Hila Korach-Rechtman, Dagan Mor, Erez Etkin and Yechezkel Kashi

Foods 2024, 13(15), 2459; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13152459 - 3 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2034

Abstract

The early detection of spoilage microorganisms and food pathogens is of paramount importance in food production systems. We propose a novel strategy for the early detection of food production defects, harnessing the product microbiome. We hypothesize that by establishing microbiome datasets of proper [...] Read more.

The early detection of spoilage microorganisms and food pathogens is of paramount importance in food production systems. We propose a novel strategy for the early detection of food production defects, harnessing the product microbiome. We hypothesize that by establishing microbiome datasets of proper and defective batches, indicator bacteria signaling production errors can be identified and targeted for rapid quantification as part of routine practice. Using the production process of pastrami as a model, we characterized its live microbiome profiles throughout the production stages and in the final product, using propidium monoazide treatment followed by 16S rDNA sequencing. Pastrami demonstrated product-specific and consistent microbiome profiles predominated by Serratia and Vibrionimonas, with distinct microbial signatures across the production stages. Based on the established microbiome dataset, we were able to detect shifts in the microbiome profile of a defective batch produced under lactate deficiency. The most substantial changes were observed as increased relative abundances of Vibrio and Lactobacillus, which were subsequently defined as potential lactate-deficiency indicators. PMA-qPCR efficiently detected increased levels of these species, thus proving useful in rapidly pinpointing the production defect. This approach offers the possibility of the in-house detection of defective production events with same-day results, promoting safer food production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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9 pages, 2040 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Use of Ultraviolet Irradiation to Improve the Efficacy of Acids That Are Generally Recognized as Safe for Disinfecting Fresh Produce in the Ready-to-Eat Stage

by Ruxianguli Maimaitiyiming, Yuting Yang, Ailikemu Mulati, Aihemaitijiang Aihaiti and Jiayi Wang

Foods 2024, 13(11), 1723; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111723 - 31 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 887

Abstract

Fresh-cut produce is usually produced under standardized disinfection processes, which are unavailable at the ready-to-eat stage. Currently, chemical sanitizers are used for washing, but their disinfection efficacy is limited. In this study, UV-C (1.03 kJ/m²) was combined with organic acids that [...] Read more.

Fresh-cut produce is usually produced under standardized disinfection processes, which are unavailable at the ready-to-eat stage. Currently, chemical sanitizers are used for washing, but their disinfection efficacy is limited. In this study, UV-C (1.03 kJ/m²) was combined with organic acids that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS), including citric, malic, acetic, and lactic acids (LAs), to wash lettuce and cherry tomatoes that are contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium. The results showed that LA was the most effective treatment among the single treatments, with a pathogen reduction and cross-contamination incidence of 2.0–2.3 log CFU/g and 28–35%, respectively. After combining with UV-C, the disinfection efficacy and cross-contamination prevention capacity of the four GRAS acids significantly improved. Among the combination treatments, the highest pathogen reduction (2.5–2.7 log CFU/g) and the lowest cross-contamination incidence (11–15%) were achieved by LA-UV. The analyses of ascorbic acid, chlorophyll, lycopene, antioxidant capacity, and ΔE indicated that neither the single nor combination treatments negatively affected the quality properties. These results provide a potential hurdle technology for fresh produce safety improvement at the ready-to-eat stage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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14 pages, 2331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Effects of Cold Atmospheric Plasma on the Natural Microbiota and Quality of Pork during Storage

by Yelyzaveta K. Oliinychenko, Sotirios I. Ekonomou, Brijesh K. Tiwari and Alexandros Ch. Stratakos

Foods 2024, 13(7), 1015; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13071015 - 26 Mar 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1778

Abstract

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a novel non-thermal technology with significant potential for use in meat processing to prolong shelf life. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of CAP treatment on the natural microbiota and quality traits of pork [...] Read more.

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a novel non-thermal technology with significant potential for use in meat processing to prolong shelf life. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of CAP treatment on the natural microbiota and quality traits of pork stored for 8 days at 4 °C. CAP treatment was applied by employing piezoelectric direct discharge technology to treat pork samples for 0, 3, 6, and 9 min. Reductions of approximately 0.8–1.7 log CFU/g were observed in total viable counts (TVC) and Pseudomonas spp. levels for CAP treatments longer than 3 min, immediately after treatment. A storage study revealed that CAP-treated pork (>6 min) had significantly lower levels of TVC, Pseudomonas spp., and Enterobacteriaceae throughout storage. Regarding quality traits, CAP application for longer than 3 min significantly increased water retention and yellowness and decreased meat redness compared to untreated pork. However, other parameters such as pH, tenderness, and lightness exhibited no statistically significant differences between untreated and CAP-treated pork. Lipid oxidation levels were higher only for the 9-min treatment compared to untreated pork. Our results revealed that CAP is a promising technology that can extend the microbiological shelf life of pork during refrigeration storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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26 pages, 4627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photodynamic Inactivation of Foodborne Bacteria: Screening of 32 Potential Photosensitizers

by Amritha Prasad, Erin Wynands, Steven M. Roche, Cristina Romo-Bernal, Nicholas Allan, Merle Olson, Sheeny Levengood, Roger Andersen, Nicolas Loebel, Caetano P. Sabino and Joseph A. Ross

Foods 2024, 13(3), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13030453 - 31 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3090

Abstract

The development of novel antimicrobial technologies for the food industry represents an important strategy to improve food safety. Antimicrobial photodynamic disinfection (aPDD) is a method that can inactivate microbes without the use of harsh chemicals. aPDD involves the administration of a non-toxic, light-sensitive [...] Read more.

The development of novel antimicrobial technologies for the food industry represents an important strategy to improve food safety. Antimicrobial photodynamic disinfection (aPDD) is a method that can inactivate microbes without the use of harsh chemicals. aPDD involves the administration of a non-toxic, light-sensitive substance, known as a photosensitizer, followed by exposure to visible light at a specific wavelength. The objective of this study was to screen the antimicrobial photodynamic efficacy of 32 food-safe pigments tested as candidate photosensitizers (PSs) against pathogenic and food-spoilage bacterial suspensions as well as biofilms grown on relevant food contact surfaces. This screening evaluated the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC), and colony forming unit (CFU) reduction against Salmonella enterica, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas fragi, and Brochothrix thermosphacta. Based on multiple characteristics, including solubility and the ability to reduce the biofilms by at least 3 log₁₀ CFU/sample, 4 out of the 32 PSs were selected for further optimization against S. enterica and MRSA, including sunset yellow, curcumin, riboflavin-5′-phosphate (R-5-P), and erythrosin B. Optimized factors included the PS concentration, irradiance, and time of light exposure. Finally, 0.1% w/v R-5-P, irradiated with a 445 nm LED at 55.5 J/cm², yielded a “max kill” (upwards of 3 to 7 log₁₀ CFU/sample) against S. enterica and MRSA biofilms grown on metallic food contact surfaces, proving its potential for industrial applications. Overall, the aPDD method shows substantial promise as an alternative to existing disinfection technologies used in the food processing industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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18 pages, 2122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of ATR-FTIR Incorporated with Multivariate Data Analysis for Discrimination and Quantification of Urea as an Adulterant in UHT Milk

by Emeline Tan, Norliza Binti Julmohammad, Wee Yin Koh, Muhamad Shirwan Abdullah Sani and Babak Rasti

Foods 2023, 12(15), 2855; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12152855 - 27 Jul 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2783

Abstract

Urea is naturally present in milk, yet urea is added intentionally to increase milk’s nitrogen content and shelf life. In this study, a total of 50 Ultra heat treatment (UHT) milk samples were spiked with known urea concentrations (0–5 w/v%). [...] Read more.

Urea is naturally present in milk, yet urea is added intentionally to increase milk’s nitrogen content and shelf life. In this study, a total of 50 Ultra heat treatment (UHT) milk samples were spiked with known urea concentrations (0–5 w/v%). Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy with principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis (DA), and multiple linear regression (MLR) were used for the discrimination and quantification of urea. The PCA was built using 387 variables with higher FL > 0.75 from the first PCA with cumulative variability (90.036%). Subsequently, the DA model was built using the same variables from PCA and demonstrated the good distinction between unadulterated and adulterated milk, with a correct classification rate of 98% for cross-validation. The MLR model used 48 variables with p-value < 0.05 from the DA model and gave R² values greater than 0.90, with RMSE and MSE below 1 for cross-validation and prediction. The DA and MLR models were then validated externally using a test dataset, which shows 100% correct classification, and the t-test result (p > 0.05) indicated that the MLR could determine the percentage of urea in UHT milk within the permission limit (70 mg/mL). In short, the wavenumbers 1626.63, 1601.98, and 1585.5534 cm⁻¹ are suitable as fingerprint regions for detecting urea in UHT milk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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13 pages, 2028 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Power Ultrasound-Based Hurdle Technology on the Reduction of Bacterial Pathogens on Fresh Produce

by Xinyi Zhou, Joelle K. Salazar, Megan L. Fay and Wei Zhang

Foods 2023, 12(14), 2653; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12142653 - 10 Jul 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2796

Abstract

Minimally processed produce is frequently contaminated with foodborne bacterial pathogens. Power ultrasound is a non-thermal and cost-effective technology that can be combined with other chemical sanitization methods. This study investigated the reduction of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Newport on grape tomato, romaine lettuce, [...] Read more.

Minimally processed produce is frequently contaminated with foodborne bacterial pathogens. Power ultrasound is a non-thermal and cost-effective technology that can be combined with other chemical sanitization methods. This study investigated the reduction of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Newport on grape tomato, romaine lettuce, and spinach washed with water, chlorine, or peroxyacetic acid alone or in combination with 25 or 40 kHz power ultrasound for 1, 2, or 5 min. Produce items were inoculated with either pathogen at 10 log CFU/g, dried for 2 h, and treated. Combined treatment of ultrasound and sanitizers resulted in 1.44–3.99 log CFU/g reduction of L. monocytogenes and 1.35–3.62 log CFU/g reduction of S. Newport, with significantly higher reductions observed on grape tomato. Synergistic effects were achieved with the hurdle treatment of power ultrasound coupled with the chemical sanitizers when compared to the single treatments; an additional 0.48–1.40 log CFU/g reduction of S. Newport was obtained with the addition of power ultrasound on grape tomato. In general, no significant differences were observed in pathogen reductions between the ultrasound frequencies, the sanitizers, or the treatment lengths. Results from this study suggest that incorporation of power ultrasound into the current washing procedure may be beneficial for the reduction, but not elimination, of bacterial pathogens on certain produce items, including tomatoes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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31 pages, 3339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical and Bioactive Screening of Green Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Chestnut By-Products: An Approach to Guide the Sustainable Production of High-Added Value Ingredients

by Daniele Bobrowski Rodrigues, Lavínia Veríssimo, Tiane Finimundy, Joana Rodrigues, Izamara Oliveira, João Gonçalves, Isabel P. Fernandes, Lillian Barros, Sandrina A. Heleno and Ricardo C. Calhelha

Foods 2023, 12(13), 2596; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12132596 - 4 Jul 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2822

Abstract

Opportunities for the valorisation of agro-industrial residues of the chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) production chain have been fostered with the production of multifunctional polyphenol-rich extracts with the potential to be introduced as natural additives or active components in several products. Nonetheless, it [...] Read more.

Opportunities for the valorisation of agro-industrial residues of the chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) production chain have been fostered with the production of multifunctional polyphenol-rich extracts with the potential to be introduced as natural additives or active components in several products. Nonetheless, it is crucial to explore the feasibility of different extracts from the various by-products for these applications through the exhaustive study of their composition and bioactivities without losing sight of the sustainable character of the process. This work aimed at the screening of the phenolic compound composition and bioactivities of different green extracts of chestnut burs, shells and leaves, as the first step to establish their potential application as natural ingredients, primarily as food preservatives. To this end, maceration (MAC) as a conventional extraction method besides ultrasound and microwave-assisted extractions (UAE and MAE) was employed to obtain the extracts from chestnut by-products using water (W) and hydroethanolic solution (HE) as solvents. Phenolic compounds were analysed by HPLC-DAD-(ESI-)MS/MS; the antioxidant capacity was assessed by colourimetric assays, and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against several strains of food-borne bacteria and fungi. The leaf extracts obtained by MAC-HE and UAE-HE presented the highest concentration of phenolic compounds (70.92 ± 2.72 and 53.97 ± 2.41 mg.g⁻¹ extract dw, respectively), whereas, for burs and shells, the highest recovery of total phenolic compounds was achieved by using UAE-HE and UAE-W (36.87 ± 1.09 and 23.03 ± 0.26 mg.g⁻¹ extract dw, respectively). Bis-HHDP-glucose isomers, chestanin and gallic acid were among the most abundant compounds. Bur extracts (MAC-HE and UAE-HE) generally presented the highest antioxidant capacity as measured by TBARS, while the best results in DPPH and reducing power assays were found for shell extracts (MAE-W and MAC-HE). Promising antibacterial activity was noticed for the aqueous extracts of burs, leaves and hydroethanolic extracts of shells, with emphasis on the MAE-W extract of burs that showed bactericidal activity against E. cloacae, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus (MBC 5 mg.mL⁻¹). Overall, it can be concluded that chestnut by-products, including burs, shells and leaves, are sources of polyphenolic compounds with significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The choice of extraction method and solvent greatly influenced the composition and bioactivity of the extracts. These findings highlight the potential of chestnut by-products for the development of natural additives, particularly for food preservation, while also emphasizing the importance of sustainable utilization of agricultural waste materials. Further research is warranted to optimize extraction techniques and explore additional applications for these valuable bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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17 pages, 1929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Shear Stress Waves on Meat Tenderness: Ultrasonoporation

by Raúl Alberto Reyes-Villagrana, Jesús Madrigal-Melchor, América Chávez-Martínez, Juliana Juárez-Moya and Ana Luis Rentería-Monterrubio

Foods 2023, 12(12), 2390; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12122390 - 16 Jun 2023

Viewed by 2088

Abstract

Meat is an important part of the food pyramid in Mexico, to such an extent that it is included in the basic food basket. In recent years, there has been great interest in the application of so-called emerging technologies, such as high-intensity ultrasound [...] Read more.

Meat is an important part of the food pyramid in Mexico, to such an extent that it is included in the basic food basket. In recent years, there has been great interest in the application of so-called emerging technologies, such as high-intensity ultrasound (HIU), to modify the characteristics of meat and meat products. The advantages of the HIU in meat such as pH, increased water-holding capacity, and antimicrobial activity are well documented and conclusive. However, in terms of meat tenderization, the results are confusing and contradictory, mainly when they focus on three HIU parameters: acoustic intensity, frequency, and application time. This study explores via a texturometer the effect of HIU-generated acoustic cavitation and ultrasonoporation in beef (m. Longissimus dorsi). Loin-steak was ultrasonicated with the following parameters: time t_HIU = 30 min/each side; frequency f_HIU = 37 kHz; acoustic intensity I_HIU = ~6, 7, 16, 28, and 90 W/cm². The results showed that acoustic cavitation has a chaotic effect on the loin-steak surface and thickness of the rib-eye due to Bjerknes force, generating shear stress waves, and acoustic radiation transmittance via the internal structure of the meat and the modification of the myofibrils, in addition to the collateral effect in which the collagen and pH generated ultrasonoporation. This means that HIU can be beneficial for the tenderization of meat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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15 pages, 8056 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Microwave Vacuum Freeze-Drying Power on Emulsifying and Structure Properties of Egg White Protein

by Kenan Su, Lili Liu, Xingyu Pan, Shuxing Chen, Xiaodan Zhang, Weiwei Cheng and Baocheng Xu

Foods 2023, 12(9), 1792; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091792 - 26 Apr 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2373

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of different microwave vacuum freeze-drying powers (100–500 W) on the emulsifying properties and structural characteristics of egg white protein, which is of great significance in enhancing the added value of EWP and promoting its application. Emulsification analysis revealed [...] Read more.

The study investigated the effects of different microwave vacuum freeze-drying powers (100–500 W) on the emulsifying properties and structural characteristics of egg white protein, which is of great significance in enhancing the added value of EWP and promoting its application. Emulsification analysis revealed that the emulsification performance was significantly influenced by microwave power and reached its maximum at 300 W. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analyses showed that microwave vacuum freeze-drying treatment altered the secondary structure of EWP without changing its peptide structure. Fluorescence measurements indicated that the maximum fluorescence emission intensity decreased, and the maximum emission wavelength shifted towards blue as the power increased. Particle size, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses showed that the average particle size of EWP reached the minimum value of 1203.66 nm, the absolute value of zeta potential reached the maximum value of 41.35 mV, and the thermal stability was strongest, with a more uniform and loose structure observed at 300 W. Texture profile analysis (TPA) showed that appropriate power treatment significantly enhanced the chewiness and viscoelasticity of egg white protein. Therefore, appropriate power treatment could effectively improve the emulsifying properties and stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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14 pages, 2241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of the Black Garlic Processing Method and Development of Black Garlic Jam Using High-Pressure Processing

by Wen-Chang Chang, Wen-Chun Lin and She-Ching Wu

Foods 2023, 12(8), 1584; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12081584 - 8 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3104

Abstract

Black garlic has many beneficial effects, and it has a less spicy flavor. However, its aging conditions and related products still need to be further investigated. The present study aims to analyze the beneficial effects under different processing conditions and utilize high-pressure processing [...] Read more.

Black garlic has many beneficial effects, and it has a less spicy flavor. However, its aging conditions and related products still need to be further investigated. The present study aims to analyze the beneficial effects under different processing conditions and utilize high-pressure processing (HPP) in the production of black garlic jam. The highest antioxidant activities, including the DPPH scavenging, total antioxidant capacity, and reducing power (86.23%, 88.44%, and A₇₀₀ = 2.48, respectively), were observed in black garlic that had been aged for 30 days. Similarly, the highest total phenols and flavonoids were observed in black garlic that had been aged for 30 days (76.86 GAE/g dw and 13.28 mg RE/g dw, respectively). The reducing sugar in black garlic was significantly increased to about 380 (mg GE/g dw) after 20 days of aging. The free amino acids in black garlic were decreased time-dependently to about 0.2 mg leucine/g dw after 30 days of aging. For the browning indexes of black garlic, the uncolored intermediate and browning products were increased in a time-dependent manner and reached a plateau at day 30. Another intermediate product in the Maillard reaction, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), was observed in concentrations that increased to 1.81 and 3.04 (mg/g dw) at day 30 and 40, respectively. Furthermore, the black garlic jam made by HPP was analyzed for its texture and sensory acceptance, showing that a 1:1.5:2 ratio of black garlic/water/sugar was the most preferred and was classified as “still acceptable”. Our study suggests suitable processing conditions for black garlic and outlines the prominent beneficial effects after 30 days of aging. These results could be further applied in HPP jam production and increase the diversity of black garlic products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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21 pages, 7692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Drying Characteristics and Physicochemical Quality of Angelica sinensis by Novel Tray Rotation Microwave Vacuum Drying

by Zepeng Zang, Xiaopeng Huang, Cuncai He, Qian Zhang, Chunhui Jiang and Fangxin Wan

Foods 2023, 12(6), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12061202 - 12 Mar 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2871

Abstract

In order to improve the shortcomings of uneven heating of traditional microwave drying and to maximally maintain food quality after harvest, a rotary microwave vacuum drying equipment was fabricated and used for drying experiments on Angelica sinensis to explore the effects of drying [...] Read more.

In order to improve the shortcomings of uneven heating of traditional microwave drying and to maximally maintain food quality after harvest, a rotary microwave vacuum drying equipment was fabricated and used for drying experiments on Angelica sinensis to explore the effects of drying temperature, slice thickness, and vacuum degree on drying characteristics, physicochemical quality, and microstructure of dried Angelica sinensis products. The results showed that microwave vacuum drying can significantly shorten the drying time and improved the drying efficiency. Six different mathematical models were investigated and the Midilli model was the best-fitted model for all samples (R² = 0.99903, Pearson’s r = 0.99952), and drying methods had various effects on different indexes and were confirmed by Pearson’s correlation analysis and principal component analysis. The optimal process parameters for microwave vacuum drying of Angelica sinensis were determined by entropy weight-coefficient of variation method as 45 °C, 4 mm, −0.70 kPa. Under this condition, well preserved of ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide H, ligustilide, total phenols and antioxidant activity, bright color (L* = 77.97 ± 1.89, ΔE = 6.77 ± 2.01), complete internal organizational structure and more regular cell arrangement were obtained in the samples. This study will provide a theoretical reference for the excavation of the potential value and the development of industrial processing of Angelica sinensis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Innovative Technologies for Improving Food Quality and Safety)

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