Effectiveness of chitosan‐based coating in improving shelf‐life of eggs

Despite eggs having a natural packaging—shell—they are perishable and can lose their quality during storage. Chitosan‐based coatings were applied to shell eggs to examine potential effects on egg quality properties (weight loss, Haugh unit, yolk index) during 4 weeks of storage. Mineral amounts in yolks were also evaluated after 4 weeks of storage. Three chitosan‐based coatings produced with organic acids (acetic‐(C‐AA), lactic‐(C‐LA), and propionic (C‐PA)) were evaluated on shelf‐life enhancements of fresh egg quality. All chitosan‐coated eggs showed greater interior quality than the non‐coated eggs. The coatings significantly maintained weight loss compared to the control specimen (4.96%). Lower weight loss (3.45% for C‐PA, 3.53% for C‐LA) was observed in the coated eggs. Eggshell chitosan coat containing lactic and propionic acids maintained higher Haugh unit and yolk index than eggs coated with acetic acid. Uncoated (UC) eggs changed from grade ‘A’ to ‘B’ after 1 week of storage. Chitosan‐based coating containing lactic and propionic acids maintained eggs in grade ‘A’ for 4 weeks. Haugh unit showed that C‐LA and C‐PA effectively maintained eggs at grade ‘A’ quality for at least 3 weeks more than control and 1 week more than C‐AA. Results also indicated that the chitosan coating maintained mineral amounts at nutritional values (especially calcium, iron and magnesium concentration) in yolks after 4 weeks storage. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

The effect of edible eggshell coatings on egg quality and consumer perception

Effects of the various coatings (whey protein isolate, chitosan and shellac) on fresh eggs quality were evaluated based on the interior quality and sensory evaluation during 4 weeks of storage. During storage, all egg weights and albumen heights decreased and albumen pH increased. The lowest weight loss (0.75%) was observed in shellac‐coated eggs. Eggs coated with chitosan and whey protein also had significantly lower weight loss than uncoated (UC) eggs (p < 0.05). The albumen pH of the UC eggs was significantly higher than that of coated eggs and increased during storage time. The Haugh unit and yolk‐index values of all coated eggs were significantly higher than those of UC. Among the coated eggs, the shellac eggs had the highest value of Haugh unit and yolk index. Chitosan and shellac effectively maintained grade ‘A’ eggs for at least 2 weeks more than control and 1 week more than whey protein isolate. On the basis of sensory evaluation, shellac has highest glossiness, but lowest general acceptability. Eggs coated with whey protein had significantly higher general acceptability. Yolk lightness (L*)(a*) and (b*) of coated eggs were not different from UC after 4 weeks. The values of color differences were similar to controls. The study demonstrated that various coatings improved the shelf life of eggs. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Efficacy of cellulose-based coating on enhancing the shelf life of fresh eggs

Methylcellulose (2.00% w/v) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (1.00% w/v) -based coating was formulated to study the effects of polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG-400) and a stearic and palmitic acid blend (SPB) on water vapour permeability (WVP) and tensile properties. The efficacy of cellulose-based coating on fresh egg quality during 28-day storage at ambient temperature was investigated in terms of weight loss, pH, and albumen quality. The selected formulation obtained by a response surface analysis was 1.00% w/v PEG-400 and 4.00% w/v SPB. An edible cellulose-based solution was prepared for eggshell coating. A batch of fresh, grade AA 1-day eggs was coated with cellulose-based coating solution. The other batch consisted of uncoated eggs, which served as the control. Lower weight loss (4.28%) was observed in the cellulose-based coated eggs, compared to 8.83% for the uncoated eggs. The pH in albumen of coated and uncoated eggs increased from 8.71 and 8.72 to 9.44 and 9.76, respectively, after 4 weeks of storage. For albumen quality, Haugh units indicated that after 7 days, cellulose-based coated eggs changed from grade AA to grade A, and remained in grade A throughout the storage period; whereas after 5 days, uncoated eggs started to change from grade AA to grade A, and continually degraded to grade B during the 4 weeks of storage. This study highlights the promising use of cellulose-based coating to enhance the shelf life of fresh eggs.     

Chitosan-soybean oil emulsion coating affects physico-functional and sensory quality of eggs during storage

Effects of soybean oil (SO) and chitosan-soybean oil (CH:SO = 40:60) emulsion as coating materials for preserving internal quality of eggs were evaluated during 7 and 15 weeks storage at 25 °C and 4 °C, respectively. Consumers (n = 150) assessed surface properties and purchase intent of freshly coated eggs. Noncoated eggs deteriorated from AA to B grade after 1 week while coated eggs retained A grade up to 5 weeks at 25 °C. Amongst coatings, CH:SO emulsion maintained a lower albumen pH while SO was better at reducing weight loss. Effect of refrigeration on albumen pH was minimal. Weight loss of coated eggs was <3% after 7 weeks at 25 °C. Emulsion capacity and emulsion viscosity were minimally affected by coating and refrigeration, and their trends were more correlated to the yolk index at 25 °C than at 4 °C. Only SO-coated eggs were not sensorially smoother than noncoated eggs; however, CH:SO emulsion-coated eggs had the least shell colour changes (ΔE^∗, values at day 0 as a reference) during storage at 25 °C. All coated eggs had 85% positive purchase intent. SO and CH:SO emulsion coatings significantly extended egg shelf-life compared to that of noncoated eggs at room and refrigerated storage.     

Oil Coating Affects Internal Quality and Sensory Acceptance of Selected Attributes of Raw Eggs during Storage

Four (coconut, palm, rice bran, and soybean) edible oils and glycerol were applied on eggshell. All noncoated and coated eggs were stored for 5 wk at 25 ± 2 °C and drawn weekly for quality evaluation. All oil coatings were more effective in preserving internal quality of eggs than was glycerol coating. As storage time increased, the preservative effects of edible oil coating on weight loss, and albumen and yolk quality were significantly noticed. Oil‐coated eggs had significantly lower weight loss (<0.43%) than did noncoated (3.87%) and glycerol‐coated (3.73%) eggs after 5 wk of storage. Based on the Haugh unit, oil‐coated eggs maintained AA grade up to 3 wk. After 5 wk of storage, noncoated, glycerol‐coated, and oil‐coated eggs changed from AA grade to below B, below B and A grade, respectively. The albumen pH of noncoated and glycerol‐coated eggs considerably increased from 8.23 to 9.51 and 9.42, respectively, while those of oil‐coated eggs either maintained or slightly increased to 8.32. The albumen viscosity of all eggs decreased with increased storage time. Consumers (N = 120) could differentiate surface glossiness of oil‐coated eggs from uncoated eggs (R‐index of 81.42% to 86.99%). All oil‐coated eggs were acceptable for surface glossiness (liking scores of 6.22 to 6.77) and surface odor (liking scores of 6.20 to 6.55) with overall liking scores of 6.34 to 7.03. Overall, this study demonstrated that edible oil (coconut, palm, rice bran, and soybean) coating could preserve internal quality of eggs (maintaining grade A) at least 4 wk longer than noncoated eggs. Practical Application: Freshness is a major contribution to the egg quality. The internal quality of eggs begins to deteriorate after they have been laid due to loss of moisture and carbon dioxide via the eggshell pores. Refrigeration is very effective in preserving egg quality. Surface coating is an alternative method to preserve egg quality, although it is much less effective than refrigeration. This study demonstrated that coconut, rice bran, soybean, and palm oils, which are abundant and commonly consumed in many parts of the world, could preserve the internal quality and reduce weight loss of oil‐coated eggs during room temperature storage.     

Hazards with cracked eggs and their relationship to egg shell strength

BACKGROUND: This study examined the relationship between egg shell strength and the prevalence of cracked shells, plus the relationship between egg shell cracks and the presence of bacteria in the albumen of retail eggs. A total of 500 eggs was sampled from five supermarket stores. Each egg was assessed for shell cracks using a candling method. The strength of the shells was assessed using a penetrometer. Bacteria from the egg albumen were recovered on blood agar. RESULTS: The proportion of eggs that were cracked was on average 9%, and at one of the stores it was 17%. Albumen from eggs with gross cracks produced more abundant bacterial growth on blood agar compared to non‐cracked eggs, and contained a higher incidence of Gram negative bacteria. Campylobacter spp. were not recovered from any eggs. The shells in cracked eggs had lower Shore D durometer values indicating that they were physically weaker than non‐cracked eggs. CONCLUSIONS: Weaker shells were more prone to developing cracks, and cracked eggs were more likely to contain bacteria. There were substantial differences between supermarkets in the prevalence of eggs with cracked shells. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Selected Quality Characteristics of Fresh‐Cut Sweet Potatoes Coated with Chitosan during 17‐Day Refrigerated Storage

ABSTRACT: Selected quality characteristics of fresh‐cut sweet potatoes (FCSP) coated with chitosan were evaluated during 17‐d refrigerated storage. The FCSP cubes were coated with a solution (1%, w/v) of chitosan having 470 or 1110 kDa. Color (L*, a*, b*) values of uncoated and chitosan‐coated FCSP during storage were generally affected by storage time as well as coating treatments (P < 0.05). No significant changes in color lightness (L*) of 470 kDa‐coated FCSP were observed during the 17‐d storage. During days 3 to 17, 470 kDa‐coated FCSP had significantly higher redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values than did uncoated and 1110 kDa‐coated FCSP. Texture firmness of uncoated and chitosan‐coated FCSP exhibited minimal changes during the 17‐d storage. Although actual weight loss values (%) of uncoated and chitosan‐coated FCSP were not significantly different at day 17, the weight loss difference (%) between day 3 and day 17 for uncoated FCSP (3.02%) was slightly higher compared to those (2.24% to 2.26%) of chitosan‐coated FCSP. The initial total aerobic count was 4.7 log₁₀ CFU/g which then gradually increased to 8.54 and 9.67 log₁₀ CFU/g after 17 d of storage for 470 kDa‐coated and uncoated FCSP, respectively. After day 6, the total aerobic counts of uncoated FCSP were higher than those of 470 kDa‐coated FCSP. The yeast and mold count of chitosan‐coated FCSP was about 2.5 log₁₀ CFU/g at day 17. Overall, consumers could not differentiate between 470 kDa‐coated FCSP at day 17 and uncoated FCSP at day 0.     

Edible coating affects physico‐functional properties and shelf life of chicken eggs during refrigerated and room temperature storage

Effects of chitosan, whey protein concentrate (WPC), mineral oil (MO) and/or soybean oil (SO) coating on egg quality were compared at 25 and 4 °C, respectively, during 5 and 20 weeks of storage. Storage time and temperature, and type of coating significantly affected Haugh unit, yolk index, weight loss, albumen pH and emulsifying capacity. Shelf life was extended 4 weeks by MO and SO and 2 weeks by chitosan and WPC longer than that observed for noncoated eggs at 25 °C. MO‐ and SO‐coated eggs maintained AA grade for 20 weeks at 4 °C. Weight loss of SO‐coated eggs was <1% after 5 weeks at 25 °C and after 20 weeks at 4 °C. Yolk index and emulsifying capacity were more correlated at 25 °C than at 4 °C. MO and SO were more effective coating materials, with SO providing a more cost‐effective coating for extending egg shelf life.     

The effects of ozone,ultrasound and coating with shellac and lysozyme–chitosan on fresh egg during storage at ambient temperature – part 1: interior quality changes

The objective of this research was to investigate and compare the effect of different treatments including gaseous ozone (6-ppm/4-min), ultrasound (450 W/4 min) and coating of shellac, lysozyme–chitosan (L-C) on fresh eggs internal quality during storage for six weeks at ambient temperature. The internal quality attributes such as weight loss (WL), albumen viscosity, Haugh unit (HU), yolk index, total soluble solids, albumen and yolk's pH were monitored. Control groups had the worst HU (50.04), WL (8.35%), albumen pH (9.27) and viscosity (7.72 mPa·s) values after storage. The best interior qualities were obtained by shellac coating [HU (72.37), WL (1.37) and viscosity (30.10 mPa·s)] and sonication (albumen pH: 8.22). Thus, the shellac-coated eggs maintained all the internal quality parameters at the highest values, while the ozone and ultrasound only helped to keep the internal quality and enhance the shelf life of eggs.     

Whey protein isolate coating and concentration effects on egg shelf life

The influences of three different concentrations (6, 12 and 18%) of whey protein isolate (WPI) coatings on shelf‐life enhancements of the fresh egg quality (weight loss, pH, Haugh unit, yolk index and colors) and the shelf life were evaluated at room temperature. All coated eggs showed lower weight loss than uncoated eggs. Less weight loss (2.46 for 12% WPI and 2.38 for 18% WPI) was observed in WPI‐coated eggs. Haugh units (HU) indicated that coated eggs remained in grade ‘A’ during 3 weeks storage period, whereas uncoated (UC) changed from grade ‘A’ to ‘B’ after 1 week of storage. The HU and yolk‐index (YI) values of all WPI‐coated eggs were significantly higher than those of UC. Among the coated eggs, there were no significant differences in HU, but 12 and 18% WPI coated had higher YI than WPI 6% coated and UC. The albumen pH of the UC eggs was significantly higher than that of coated eggs. Yolk lightness (L*) and (b*); shell (a*) and (b*) of coated eggs were not different from UC after 4 weeks. Performance of WPI coatings depended on the concentration up to 12% but not between 12 and 18%. Results also indicated that WPI coatings served as protective barrier for shelf life of the eggs. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

壳聚糖涂膜对鸡蛋品质的影响

通过对新鲜鸡蛋涂擦不同质量浓度的壳聚糖溶液,旨在研究壳聚糖对鸡蛋品质的影响。试验将300 枚新鲜鸡蛋随机分成6 组,分别涂上0、0.5、1.0、1.5、2.0g/100mL 和2.5g/100mL 壳聚糖溶液,25℃条件下贮存5周。每周从每个处理中取10 枚鸡蛋测定鸡蛋失重率、哈夫单位、蛋黄指数和蛋清pH 值。结果表明,第5 周与第1 周相比,不涂壳聚糖的鸡蛋失重率和蛋清pH 值显著升高(P ＜ 0.05)、哈夫单位和蛋黄指数显著低(P ＜ 0.05) 。5 周时,与不涂壳聚糖的鸡蛋相比,所有涂壳聚糖的鸡蛋失重率显著降低(P ＜ 0.05),蛋黄指数显著升高(P ＜ 0.05);涂1.0、1.5、2.0g/100mL 和2.5g/100mL 壳聚糖的鸡蛋哈夫单位显著升高(P ＜ 0.05),蛋清pH 值显著降低(P ＜ 0.05);涂1.5、2.0g/100mL 和2.5g/100mL 壳聚糖的鸡蛋间比较,蛋质量损失率、哈夫单位、蛋黄指数和蛋清pH 值差异均不显著(P ＞ 0.05)。用0.5g/100mL 壳聚糖涂擦的鸡蛋5 周时降到C 级,相当于不涂壳聚糖的鸡蛋3 周时的级别;用1.0、1.5、2.0g/100mL 和2.5g/100mL 壳聚糖处理的鸡蛋5 周时降到B 级,相当于不用壳聚糖处理的鸡蛋2 周时的级别。该实验证明壳聚糖能够延长鸡蛋货架期。     

Chitosan Coating Improves Shelf Life of Eggs

ABSTRACT: Internal and sensory quality of eggs coated with chitosan was evaluated during a 5-wk storage at 25 °C. Three chitosans with high (HMw, 1100 KDa), medium (MMw, 746 KDa), and low (LMw, 470 KDa) molecular weight were used to prepare coating solutions. Coating with LMw chitosan was more effective in preventing weight loss than with MMw and HMw chitosans. The Haugh unit and yolk index values indicated that the albumen and yolk quality of coated eggs can be preserved up to 5 wk at 25 °C, which is at least 3 wk longer than observed for the control noncoated eggs. Based on external quality, consumers could not differentiate the coated eggs from the control noncoated eggs. Overall acceptability of all coated eggs was not different from the control and commercial eggs.     

不同涂膜剂对鸡蛋涂膜保鲜效果的比较研究

分别采用壳聚糖、可溶性淀粉、聚乙烯醇及脂肪醇聚氧乙烯醚(AEO)为涂膜基质,对鸡蛋进行涂膜保鲜实验。在28℃、80% 相对温度的条件下贮藏28d,测定失重率WL 值、相对密度RD 值、蛋黄指数YI 值、哈夫单位HU 值以及蛋白pH 值的变化。结果表明：28d 时AEO 组鸡蛋失重率为4.22%(空白组6.52%),相对密度由最初的1.095 降低到1.064(空白组1.01),蛋黄指数由0.43 降低到0.37,哈夫单位由88.7 降低到56.32,pH 值控制在9.01 以下,总体维持在B 级蛋水平;AEO 组的各项参数显著优于空白组,略好于聚乙烯醇组和壳聚糖,淀粉组的保鲜效果相比较而言最不明显。通过AEO 涂膜保鲜,可以延长鸡蛋的货架期,并且涂膜后的性能良好,易被消费者接受,是一种很具应用前景的鸡蛋涂膜基质。     

Internal quality of coated eggs with soy protein isolate and montmorillonite: Effects of storage conditions

The development of the bio-nanocomposite coating materials for eggshells has received more attention because of the decline in interior egg quality. This work evaluated the effects of weight loss, Haugh unit, yolk index, air space and albumen pH, eggshell strength, number of microorganisms on eggshells, contact angle and water vapor permeability of uncoated eggs and eggs coated with soy protein isolate/montmorillonite emulsions (5/0, 5/0.20, 5/0.50, 5/0.80; w/w) during 6 weeks at 25°C. A scanning electron microscope was used to visualize morphologies of soy protein isolate and the soy protein isolate/montmorillonite composite coatings, and the scanning probe microscope was determined. Compared with uncoated and soy protein isolate-coated eggs, the interior egg quality was improved by the increase of Haugh unit, yolk index, air space or eggshell strength, and decrease in weight loss, albumen pH, or the number of microorganisms on eggshells. The higher contact angle indicated the hydrophobicity of coatings. The values of water vapor permeability with 0.2% montmorillonite, 0.5% montmorillonite, and 0.8% montmorillonite were reduced by 21.14, 57.78, and 69.13%, respectively, as compared to those of soy protein isolate coatings. The images by a scanning electron microscope indicated that coatings could cover the cracks of eggshells to preserve the interior egg quality. The experimental values of the scanning probe microscope showed that montmorillonite would not penetrate through the eggshell pores, and it was safe to coat with montmorillonite. This study highlights the use of soy protein isolate/montmorillonite coating to maintain the internal quality and enhance the shelf life of eggs stored at 25°C.     

Evaluation of ionically cross‐linked chitosan coating aimed at eggs' protection

Chitosan films were prepared in combination with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) cross‐linking and were investigated on the prevention for trans‐contamination and preservation of egg quality. The study demonstrated that chitosan films significantly decrease Salmonella enteritidis settlement (from 7% to 0.5%) and penetration of eggshells (from 93 to 58% of penetrated eggs). Due to neither bactericidal action nor bacteriostatic effect of films was observed by the enumeration method, films seem to act as a physical barrier. Moreover, results showed potential applications of coating with properties to preserve the internal quality of eggs: the weight loss is not significantly affected (weight loss remains 4% average after 23 days) and the Haugh unit is significantly higher (26 and 37 were evaluated for eggs uncoated and coated, respectively) in the presence of chitosan film.     

Effectiveness of gelatine and chitosan spray coating for extending shelf life of vacuum-packaged beef

The effects of applying gelatine (10%) and chitosan (1%) as spray coatings to extend the shelf life of vacuum-packaged beef was studied and compared against uncoated vacuum-packaged beef for up to 21 days. The impact of edible coatings on the water-holding properties of vacuum-packaged beef was investigated by LF-NMR together with physicochemical, microbiological and sensorial assessments. Chitosan coating significantly reduced lipid oxidation by ~30% to 36% and inhibited the growth of lactic acid bacteriaby ~ 1–2 log cfu compared to purge collected from uncoated and gelatine coated samples. It did not negatively affect the meat pH, tenderness and colour, and exhibited significantly higher sensorial acceptance compared to beef coated with gelatine. Both coatings were not effective in reducing purge loss in vacuum-packaged meat as the storage time increased. This study suggests that chitosan spray coating could be easily adapted to industrial plant settings as an antioxidant and antimicrobial application before carrying out meat vacuum packaging operation.     

Influence of quinoa roasting on sensory and physicochemical properties of allergen‐free,gluten‐free cakes

The objectives of this study were to determine pasting properties of non‐roasted (NR) and roasted quinoa (RQ) and to investigate the effect of RQ on consumer acceptance and physicochemical properties of an allergen‐free, gluten‐free cake formulation. Quinoa seeds were roasted at 177 °C for 15 (R15), 30 (R30) and 45 min (R45), and flours were analysed for pasting properties. Five cakes including a commercial chocolate cake (CCC) and cakes made with NR and RQ flours were evaluated for preference by fifty panelists. Quality parameters included colour, water activity, moisture content, firmness, weight and height. Peak and final viscosity increased with roasting time. The NR cake had the highest sensory scores for appearance, colour and texture. On flavour and overall acceptability, CCC was the highest. Regarding quality data, CCC, NR and R15 cakes had similar L* values, while CCC had the lowest a*, b*, a_w, moisture content and firmness values.     

The significance of critical processing steps in the production of dried egg albumen powder on gel textural and foaming properties

The purpose of the present work was to study the variation in egg albumen functional properties as a function of seven selected processing steps from the initially raw liquid albumen to the final dried egg albumen powder. Albumen samples in six replicates were analysed for dry matter, pH, glucose, triglycerides, albumen gel properties (ie textural stress and Hencky strain, water‐ and protein‐binding capacity and gel colour L*, a*, b*), foaming properties (ie overrun, stability against drainage and bubble breakdown) and surface tension. The gel texture and water‐holding capacity significantly decreased during the processing steps from raw albumen through storage, centrifugation and ion exchange, whereas the final dry‐pasteurisation resulted in increased gel properties. Covalently linked protein polymers formed during the dry‐pasteurisation, as revealed by SDS‐PAGE, may explain this improvement. The foam overrun increased twofold during the three final steps of ultrafiltration, spray‐drying and dry‐pasteurisation compared with the raw albumen; however, the foam stability decreased, ie drainage and foam volume breakdown rates increased. The surface pressure increase was positively correlated with the foam overrun. This paper reveals at which processing steps the control of functional properties of egg albumen powder can take place. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of various refrigeration temperatures on quality of shell eggs

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of low storage temperatures on shell egg quality. RESULTS: Approximately 2100 shell eggs were collected and stored at ? 1.1, 0.6, 2.2, 3.9, 5.6 and 7.2 °C for up to 4 weeks. Eighteen eggs at each storage temperature were evaluated after 0, 2, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of storage. Haugh units (HU), yolk index (YI), albumen pH (pHA), yolk pH (pHY) and angel food cake density (CD) were measured. Shell egg quality tended to be preserved better at below 2.2 °C, as high HU and YI values relative to eggs stored at 7.2 °C were determined on day 28. However, storage at ? 1.1 °C tended to cause the opposite effect, especially highly declined HU values over time. Significantly different HU values of shell eggs were measured after 14 days of storage, with eggs stored at 0.6 and 2.2 °C having the highest HU values, 80.42 and 77.97 respectively. CONCLUSION: A lower temperature limit for shell egg storage could be established between 0.6 and 2.2 °C, as both temperatures showed the highest HU values, 77.88 and 77.60 respectively, after 28 days of storage. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Comparison of physicochemical,binding, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of chitosans prepared from ground and entire crab leg shells

Physicochemical, binding, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of chitosans prepared from ground and entire crab leg shells were compared. Chitosan prepared from ground shell (designated as g‐chitosan) had significantly higher nitrogen content, degree of deacetylation, solubility and viscosity, but lower ash content, bulk density and colour redness (a*) value than chitosan prepared from entire shell (designated as e‐chitosan). Compared with e‐chitosan, g‐chitosan had comparable water‐binding capacity, but higher fat‐binding and dye‐binding capacity, DPPH radical scavenging activity and antibacterial activity against two Gram‐negative (Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli) and two Gram‐positive (Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. This study demonstrated that chitosans prepared from ground and entire crab leg shell exhibited drastic differences in their physicochemical and functional characteristics. These differences were contributed by the particle size of the crab shell.