Effects of Sonication and Edible Coating Containing Rosemary and Tea Extracts on Reduction of Peanut Lipid Oxidative Rancidity

Rancidity due to the lipid oxidation process is a critical factor influencing the quality of roasted peanuts. Sonication in combination with edible coatings added with plant extracts may extend the oxidative stability of peanuts. Peanuts were roasted at 178°C for 15 min, subjected to sonication in hexane for 10 min, and then coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution mixed with rosemary, tea extracts, and α-tocopherol and stored at 35°C for 12 weeks. The oxidative stability of the samples was investigated by measuring the oxidative stability index. Reduction in oxidation of 66.1% and 10.4% was observed for samples roasted and coated with extracts of rosemary and tea, respectively, as compared to uncoated sample. However, the oxidative stability of samples roasted–sonicated and coated with extracts of rosemary and tea was improved by 100.7% and 28.1%, respectively, in relation to the control. Sonication beyond coating improved the oxidative stability of the samples mixed with rosemary, tea extracts, and α-tocopherol by 10.3%, 12.1%, 34.6%, and 17.7%, respectively. The L ^* , a ^* , and b ^* values indicated that the peanut coated with CMC mixed with rosemary, tea extracts, and tocopherol at different concentration levels did not have significant (P < 0.05) color change during the 12-week storage at 35°C.     

Ultrasonication and Edible Coating Effects on Lipid Oxidation of Roasted Peanuts

Lipid oxidation is an important factor affecting the quality of roasted peanuts. Coatings applied to the peanuts can enhance oxygen barriers to reduce rancidity. Ultrasonication was used to remove lipids from the peanuts prior to applying the coating to improve attachment of the coating on the peanut surface. Peanuts were roasted at 178°C for 15 min and then sonicated in hexane for 10 min. Whey protein isolate (WPI) 11%, corn protein (Zein) 15%, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) 0.5% were used as coating materials. Sample treatments were: (1) roasted–coated with CMC (RCMC), WPI (RWPI), and Zein (RZEIN); (2) roasted–sonicated–coated with CMC (SCMC), WPI (SWPI), and Zein (SZEIN); (3) roasted–uncoated (R) as a control. Oxidative stability was investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to detect formation of volatile compounds. The GC–MS indicated an eightfold, fivefold, and fourfold increase in hexanal formation in R, RZEIN, and SZEIN samples, respectively. But there was 80%, 91%, 18%, and 66% decrease in hexanal formation in RCMC, SCMC, RWPI, and SWPI samples, respectively, as compared to R. Sonication increased capability of coatings to delay hexanal formation by 11% and 48% for CMC and WPI, respectively, as compared to nonsonicated samples. Thus, the coating in combination with ultrasonication treatment was an effective method in delaying formation of oxidative volatile compounds and hence inhibiting rancidity of roasted peanuts.     

IMPROVEMENT OF OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF ROASTED PEANUTS BY EDIBLE COATINGS AND ULTRASONICATION

In this study, an innovative method was developed to improve the shelf life of roasted peanuts. Sonication was combined with edible coating for enhancing the oxidative stability of roasted peanuts. Georgia green runner peanuts were roasted, subjected to sonication and then coated with whey protein isolate (WPI), ZEIN and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Relative to the control, the oxidative stability of roasted-coated samples was improved by 80, 38 and 5% for CMC, WPI and ZEIN coating, respectively, while roasted-sonicated-coated samples were improved by 91, 52 and 27% for CMC, WPI and ZEIN coating, respectively. Sonication prior to coating resulted in 11, 14 and 22% improvement beyond the CMC, WPI and ZEIN coatings, respectively. Texture analysis showed there were no significant differences ( P <  0.05) in peanut texture between the treated and the control. Color results showed the HunterLab color parameters L, a, and b for most of the treatments did not have significant differences ( P <  0.05) compared with the control.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Edible coatings used in this study (carboxymethyl cellulose, whey protein isolate and ZEIN) were capable of acting as oxygen barriers to reduce peanut lipid rancidity. This research demonstrated the potential of power ultrasound to remove lipids from the peanut surfaces and improve coating adhesion. The texture and the color of coated peanuts did not change over the storage period. This study indicated that edible coatings in combination with sonication provided an alternative way for improving the oxidative stability and eventually the shelf life and quality of roasted peanuts.     

Inactivation kinetics of pectin methylesterase and cloud retention in sonicated orange juice

The effect of sonication on pectin methylesterase (PME) activity and cloud stability of orange juice was studied. Ultrasonic acoustic energy density (AED) levels of 0.42, 0.47, 0.61, 0.79 and 1.05 W/mL and treatment times of 0 (Control), 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 min were investigated. The highest PME inactivation level observed was 62% for sonication at the highest AED level and treatment time. A fraction conversion model adequately described the PME inactivation compared to first order or polynomial models. A significant change in particle size distribution was observed in sonicated samples due to cavitational effects. These results indicate that the cloud stability of sonicated orange juice depends not only on PME inactivation but also on particle size reduction.Industrial relevancePower ultrasound is a non thermal pasteurisation method that has been identified to meet the US FDA requirement for a 5 log reduction in E. coli pertinent to fruit juices. Apart from microbial inactivation, cloud stability is a critical orange juice quality parameter influencing product shelf life and consumer acceptance. This work demonstrates that sonication at low AED levels and temperatures can be employed to achieve the desired cloud stability.     

Quality of carrot juice as influenced by blanching and sonication treatments

A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of blanching and sonication on important quality parameters of carrot juice. Blanching of carrots was done in normal water and acidified water (45 g/L citric acid, pH 1.3) at 100 °C for 4 min and juice was extracted. Sonication of juice was done (frequency 20 KHz and amplitude level 70%) at 15 °C for 2 min. Significant increase (P < 0.05) was observed in total carotenoids, lycopene and lutein in blanched samples, however, this increase was more in simultaneously blanched and sonicated samples. Additionally, highest increase was observed in all these pigments as a result of combined treatment of acid blanching and sonication. Sucrose, glucose, fructose, chlorogenic acid and mineral elements (Na and K) were decreased significantly in all blanched samples while increased significantly (P < 0.05) in all sonicated samples. Significant decrease was observed in some minerals (P and Mg), total plate count, yeast and mold in all samples treated with blanching and sonication but this decrease was more in samples treated with acid blanching and sonication. The results suggest that combined treatment of blanching and sonication may successfully be employed for processing of carrot juice to improve quality.     

Stability of oil–water primary emulsions stabilised with varying levels of casein and whey proteins affected by high-intensity ultrasound

This study evaluates physical and chemical stability of ultrasound-assisted grape seed oil primary emulsions stabilised by varying compositions of caseins to whey proteins (80:20, 60:40, 50:50 and 40:60) at different sono-operating conditions (81.9 and 117.0 J mL⁻¹). Physical and chemical stabilities were influenced by both sonication energy densities and milk protein compositions. Emulsions prepared at 81.9 J mL⁻¹ energy density with ≥40% whey protein fraction (60:40, 50:50, 40:60 and WPI) showed greater physical stability than the emulsions sonicated at 117.0 J mL⁻¹ which exhibited physical instability due to the depletion flocculation mechanism at the critical casein concentration (≥40%). The emulsion oxidative stability was found to be affected by sonication conditions as 117.0 J mL⁻¹ induced the oxidation reactions once the whey concentration exceeds 40%. Therefore, ultrasound prepared emulsions with casein to whey ratios of 60:40, 50:50, 40:60 and WPI at 81.9 J mL⁻¹ energy density was found to be stable for 10 days at 4 °C.     

Stability of anthocyanins and ascorbic acid in sonicated strawberry juice during storage

The stability of anthocyanins and ascorbic acid in sonicated strawberry juice during storage was investigated. Strawberry juice was sonicated at varying acoustic energy densities (AEDs) ranging from 0.33 to 0.81 W/mL and treatment times of 0–10 min. The degradation kinetics of sonicated samples followed first-order kinetics. Degradation rate constants were linearly correlated with AED (R ² > 0.91). Selected samples were stored for 10 days at 4 and 20 °C. A second-order polynomial model was employed to investigate the effects of storage time and processing variables. During storage higher loses were observed at a storage temperature of 20 °C compared to 4 °C. Predictive models developed for anthocyanins and ascorbic acid content were highly significant (P < 0.0001) and closely correlated to the experimental data (R ² > 0.91). Degradation mechanisms for anthocyanins and ascorbic acid due to sonication and storage are proposed.     

Molecular mass distribution and degradation rate of xylan sonicated in acid and alkaline media

The molecular mass distribution of birch wood xylan sonicated in H₂SO₄ or KOH solution was investigated for elucidating the effect of medium on the change of molecular distribution. A recycling-style ultrasonic spray system, mainly composed of a 20 kHz frequency generator and a spraying nozzle, was used. Xylan was repeatedly sonicated for 0–15 cycles, and the molecular mass of xylan was determined by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC). Results indicated that the molecular mass of sonicated xylan decreased with increasing sonication cycle in alkaline solution, whereas no significant reduced in acid solution was observed. Moreover, the change of molecular mass of xylan treated with sonication in 2% KOH was higher than in 1% KOH solution. The degradation of xylan sonicated in alkaline solution was manifested by a decrease in weight ratio of higher molecular mass component. The changes on degradation rate constant (k) and average-number of chain splitting ratio (ANCS) of sonicated xylan indicate that the molecule is rapidly degraded within the first 5 cycles of sonication in 2% KOH solution. However, occurrence of aggregation was observed in H₂SO₄ solution (k<0). Results indicate that alkaline solution is a better medium than acid solution for xylan sonication.     

A potential of ultrasound on minerals,micro‐organisms,phenolic compounds and colouring pigments of grapefruit juice

The grapefruit juice was sonicated in an ultrasonic bath at 28 kHz frequency (amplitude 70%), for 0, 30, 60 and 90 min at 20 °C. This research was focused on the effects of ultrasound treatment on phenolic compounds, minerals, viscosity, lycopene, total anthocyanins, total carotenoids, micro‐organism analysis and sugars. A statistically significant increase was observed in total carotenoids, lycopene, sugar contents (sucrose, glucose and fructose) and phenolic compounds, whereas a decrease in viscosity and micro‐organisms were found in all the grapefruit juice samples sonicated for 30, 60 and 90 min as compared to control. However, maximum improvement was observed in the sonication treatment for 90 min. The results of this study suggest that ultrasound treatment may improve the quality of grapefruit juice.     

FLUIDIZED-BED SYSTEM FOR WHEY PROTEIN FILM COATING OF PEANUTS

Complete peanut‐surface coverage and strong adhesion are necessary for whey protein‐based oxygen barrier coatings to be totally effective in reducing the oxidative rancidity of peanuts. Peanuts coated with a fluidized‐bed coating system attained practically complete coverage, and coating efficiency results were consistent and reproducible. Addition of surfactant to the coating solution improved whey protein coating efficiency on blanched/roasted peanuts coated with a bench‐scale fluidized‐bed coating system. A lower level of surfactant addition to the coating solution was required to attain complete coverage, compared with previous studies on dip coating and pan coating of peanuts. Addition of surfactant to the coating solution and peanut preroughening both imparted good coating adhesion for fluidized‐bed‐coated peanuts. Compared with pan coating, fluidized‐bed coating required application of a greater amount of coating solution because of the loss of coating solution to the fluidized‐bed column wall during spraying. Overall, fluidized‐bed coating required a shorter processing time and provided the peanuts with better coating efficiency and adhesion. These results suggest that a fluidized‐bed coating system is a viable alternative coating process for whey protein coating of peanuts.     

Degree of oxidation of sonicated soybean oil using various sonication process parameters

This research aimed to examine the effect of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) on the oxidation of soybean oil (SBO). Samples (5, 100, and 250 g) were sonicated at 25 °C using various sonication conditions: power level (settings 1, 5, and 9), tip size (12.7, 3.2, and 2 mm), and duration (5, 10, and 60 s). After sonication, the degree of oxidation of samples (sonicated and non-sonicated SBO) were analysed using peroxide value (PV), oil stability index (OSI), and volatile compounds. Sonication was applied to obtain a range of absolute power (0–123.5 W), power density (0–14.2 W cm⁻³), and power intensity (0–1,120 W cm⁻²) values. The highest power density and power intensity were obtained with the highest HIU setting with the 3.2 mm tip. The highest power was obtained when HIU was applied using a 12.7 mm tip and setting 9 in 250 g of sample. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in PV (0.20 ± 0.01 mEq kg⁻¹) nor OSI (10.05 ± 0.04 h), among the various sonication conditions tested. In addition, no differences were observed in the volatile compounds obtained. These results show that HIU can be used under mild sonication conditions such as the ones needed to change the physical properties of lipids without causing oxidative deterioration.     

The application of novel rotary plasma jets to inhibit the aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus flavus and the spoilage fungus,Aspergillus niger on peanuts

The major safety risk of peanuts is contamination with aflatoxin. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been demonstrated to inactivate fungi effectively. In this study, a novel CAP device with a rotary jet system was used to inactivate the existing A. flavus and A. niger on peanuts. The initial inoculation levels were 6.39 and 5.83 log CFU/g of A. flavus and A. niger, respectively. After treatments at 180 W for 7.5 min and 200 W for 5 min, A. flavus was not detected. For A. niger, the treatments at 180 W for 10 min and 200 W for 5 min resulted in undetected population. Observation under scanning electron microscope revealed the fungal spores were evidently damaged. The growth of A. flavus and aflatoxin concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.05) on the group treated with 200 W for 5 min than other treatment groups stored for 29 d. Oil quality indexes of the CAP-treated peanuts were maintained in the range of excellent grades. This study demonstrated CAP effectively inhibited fungal growth and toxin production without adversely affected oil quality.     

Allergenicity of roasted peanuts treated with a non-human digestive protease

Peanut allergy is a severe and lifelong type of food allergy triggered by allergenic proteins and peptides in peanuts. This study investigated the effects of ultrasound-assisted alcalase treatment on the concentrations of major allergenic proteins (Ara h 1 and Ara h 2) in roasted peanut kernels and the allergenicity of treated peanut extracts. Peanut kernels were sonicated for 1 h in buffer solution, incubated with different amount of alcalase for various time, then vacuum dried. The variations of Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 contents in soluble and insoluble portions of peanuts treatments were evaluated by sandwich ELISA and SDS-PAGE, respectively. The in vitro IgE-binding capacity of treated peanut extracts was determined by a competitive inhibition ELISA using pooled plasma of 10 peanut allergic patients. Samples with lower in vitro IgE-binding were used for human skin prick tests (SPTs) in peanut allergic individuals. Results indicate that alcalase digestion of sonicated peanuts significantly increased protein solubility while decreasing Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 concentrations in both soluble and insoluble portions of peanuts relative to untreated peanuts. The maximum reductions of Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 levels were obtained following 3 hour digestion with alcalase at concentrations of 4.54 and 6.05 U/100 g. Samples obtained under these conditions showed the lowest in vitro IgE-binding and caused the least allergic response in human SPTs. The current study suggests that the allergenic potential of peanuts could be reduced by postharvest processing such as ultrasound-assisted enzymatic treatment of peanuts kernels.     

The influence of sonication time on the biogenic amines formation as a critical point in uncured dry-fermented beef manufacturing

In this study, the influence of sonication time on the biogenic amines formation as a critical point in uncured dry-fermented beef manufacturing was studied. Samples of musculus semimembranosus were sonicated at different times (5 and 10 min) using ultrasound cold bath (4 °C) in acid whey (US 40 kHz and acoustic power 480 W). The effect of sonication on biogenic amine (BA) formation was investigated during 93 days of ripening period. Other parameters (pH value, water activity, microbial counts) that might provide further information on the product under study were also determined. The use of ultrasound during beef marinating in acid whey has a positive effect on retarding histamine (HIS), cadaverine (CAD), tyramine (TYR) and putrescine (PUT) formation. Moreover, the sonication treatment did not inhibit the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in dry-fermented beef during the whole ripening period. The pathogen bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium sp., Listeria monocytogenes) were not detected in all samples neither after 31 nor after 93 days of ripening period.     

Modeling of particle size distribution of sonicated coconut milk emulsion: Effect of emulsifiers and sonication time

Coconut milk was extracted from grated coconut meat with addition of water by a hydraulic press. This milk was mixed with emulsifiers (Gum Acacia and maltodextrin) at different ratios of emulsifier to fat (4, 2.75, and 1.5) and different maltodextrin (MD) to Gum Acacia (GA) ratio (0.67, 1.085, and 1.5). The emulsion was sonicated for different time durations (0.5–3.0 min). Particle size analysis of the sonicated coconut milk emulsion revealed that the number fraction of fat globules below 2 × 10⁻⁶ m increased as the emulsifier to fat ratio increased. However, at the highest ratio of emulsifier to fat this trend reversed even at higher sonication times. Similar slump in the increasing trend of globules below 2 × 10⁻⁶ m were observed at the highest value of ratio of MD to GA (1.5) studied. Modeling of particle size distribution by Rosin–Rambler–Sperling–Bennet relation was found to be a good tool for prediction of uniformity of distribution n and statistical average globule diameter M. The n values varied between 0.981 and 1.318 where as M values lied between 2.11 × 10⁻⁶ and 4.12 × 10⁻⁶ m. Linear regression fitting of n and M values as function of ratio of emulsifier to fat, ratio of MD to GA and the sonication time resulted in a good fit with relative deviation of 3.96% and 10.77%, respectively. These linear regression equations provided a suitable model to predict the sonication time required to achieve certain degree of size reduction with a relative deviation of 2.33%.     

INHIBITION OF LISTERIA INNOCUA AND L. MONOCYTOGENES IN A LABORATORY MEDIUM AND COLD-SMOKED SALMON CONTAINING LIQUID SMOKE

Five commercial liquid smokes were tested in vitro and the most inhibitory to Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115 and L. innocua ATCC 33090 was Charsol Supreme. Chum salmon samples (100-g each) were brined, dipped for 15 s at varying concentrations of liquid smoke, inoculated with L. innocua, cold-processed and analyzed. Liquid smoke concentrations of 60–100% reduced L. innocua by 3-log₁₀/g in the final product. Dwell times of 15 s to 5 min using 60% liquid smoke gradually decreased Listeria survival with an optimum 5-min dip. Isoeugenol was antilisterial in vitro but lacked synergism with liquid smoke in cold-smoked salmon. An immunoassay kit detected low inoculum levels (< 100 CFU/g) of L. innocua in one of three samples that were treated with liquid smoke for two and four minutes. Charsol Supreme was antilisterial but could not be relied on to totally eliminate Listeria in cold-smoked salmon. Panelists found the 0 to 2-min dipped sockeye salmon slightly desirable with no significant (p < 0.05) differences. The 5-min treatment was significantly (p < 0.05) darker, scored lower in desirability and flavor and contained 93 ppm of phenolic compounds.     

Glycation compounds in peanuts

In the present study, the extent of the Maillard reaction in peanuts was investigated, using N-ε-fructosyllysine (ε-Fru-Lys, determined via furosine) as an indicator for the early stage, and pyrraline and N-ε-carboxymethyllysine (CML) as representatives for advanced glycation. In commercial samples, ε-Fru-Lys ranged between 1.5 and 13.3 mmol/mol lysine. Pyrraline was found in amounts between not detectable (below 0.3 mmol/mol lysine) and 9.0 mmol/mol lysine, and CML between 0.8 and 2.7 mmol/mol lysine. Lysine modification by glycation products was very low in cooked and fried peanuts (below 1%). In laboratory-scale roasting experiments, the amount of ε-Fru-Lys reached maximum values of 12.0 mmol/mol lysine after 20 min at 160 °C, whereas pyrraline increased up to 38.5 mmol/mol lysine after 25 min at 170 °C. Amount of CML was up to 1.8 mmol/mol lysine in peanuts roasted for 25 min at 170 °C. Such high amounts of pyrraline have not yet been described for any other food item. Only about one tenth of the totally observed lysine modification of up to 50% can be explained by the three glycation compounds, indicating that currently unknown reactions occur during peanut roasting. Reactions between proteins and carbonyl compounds, most likely originating from oxidative degradation of lipids, may play an important role for lysine derivatization in peanuts and should be analyzed more in detail.     

The effect of ultrasound on casein micelle integrity

Samples of fresh skim milk, reconstituted micellar casein, and casein powder were sonicated at 20 kHz to investigate the effect of ultrasonication. For fresh skim milk, the average size of the remaining fat globules was reduced by approximately 10 nm after 60 min of sonication; however, the size of the casein micelles was determined to be unchanged. A small increase in soluble whey protein and a corresponding decrease in viscosity also occurred within the first few minutes of sonication, which could be attributed to the breakup of casein-whey protein aggregates. No measurable changes in free casein content could be detected in ultracentrifuged skim milk samples sonicated for up to 60 min. A small, temporary decrease in pH resulted from sonication; however, no measurable change in soluble calcium concentration was observed. Therefore, casein micelles in fresh skim milk were stable during the exposure to ultrasonication. Similar results were obtained for reconstituted micellar casein, whereas larger viscosity changes were observed as whey protein content was increased. Controlled application of ultrasound can be usefully applied to reverse process-induced protein aggregation without affecting the native state of casein micelles.     

Influence of ultrasound treatment in combination with modified atmosphere on microorganisms and quality attributes of fresh-cut lettuce

The influence of ultrasound (US) treatment in combination with modified atmosphere packaging on microbial loads and quality attributes of fresh-cut lettuce was investigated during storage at 4 °C for up to 15 days. Fresh-cut lettuces were sonicated for different durations (0, 5, 10 and 15 min) by US (20 kHz, 226 W cm⁻²) and then packed in active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Results showed that US treatment combined with modified atmosphere effectively inhibited growth of bacteria, mold and yeast during storage. The US treatment for 10 min combined with MAP reduces mass losses and colour change, inhibits POD and PPO activities, conserves ascorbic acid and chlorophyll contents and maintains water distribution in fresh-cut lettuce. These results illustrated that US treatment combined with modified atmosphere was an effective preservation method to improve storage quality of fresh-cut lettuce.