A mathematical model for moisture movement during continous and intermittent drying of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus saligna</Emphasis>

A modified diffusion-based mathematical model is proposed to describe the moisture movement during continuous and intermittent drying of Eucalyptus saligna. This model includes the temperature change, the surface drying coefficient (β _n ) and 2 diffusion coefficients [from green to FSP (D _f ) and from FSP to dry condition (D _o )] as important parameters. The final model expression obtained was M?=?exp (??25 β _n ² D _t /l²) with the β _n used was 1.5807 kg m^?2 s^?1, the D _f was 2.26?×?10^?11 m² s^?1, and the D _o was 5.85?×?10^?12 m² s^?1. The range of temperature change between heating and non-heating phases in the intermittent drying regimes was from 24.9 to 31.8 °C. The R² values obtained when the model was fitted into the drying data of different intermittent regimes ranged from 71.5 to 85.9%. The R² value was 87.4% when the model was fitted into continuous trial data. The high values of R² indicate that the model can be used to understand the moisture reduction both in intermittent and continuous regimes.     

Effect of Thermosonic Pretreatment and Microwave Vacuum Drying on the Water State and Glass Transition Temperature in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agaricus bisporus</Emphasis> Slices

This study aimed to understand the micromechanism of thermosonic pretreatment and microwave vacuum drying on Agaricus bisporus. The water state and glass transition temperature (T _g ) of fresh and thermosonically treated Agaricus bisporus slices during microwave vacuum drying were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results showed that four population groups were contained in the initial distribution of transverse relaxation time (T ₂) data of fresh A. bisporus slices: T ₂₁ (0.38–7.05 ms), T ₂₂ (9.33–32.75 ms), T ₂₃₁ (37.65–265.61 ms), and T ₂₃₂ (305.39–811.13 ms). Thermosonic pretreatment significantly decreased the initial free water content of A. bisporus sample but was accompanied by a sharp increase in its immobilized water. “Semi-bound water transfer” appeared during microwave vacuum drying (MVD) at moisture contents (X _w ) of 0.70 and 0.60 g/g (wet basis (w.b.)) for untreated and thermosonically treated samples, respectively. MVD caused dramatic changes in the water state and enhanced the T _g by decreasing the content and mobility of immobilized water in A. bisporus tissues. The mobility of semi-bound water for thermosonically and MVD-treated samples was higher than for MVD-untreated samples, resulting in T _g values decreasing by approximately 2–11.5 °C, but the uniformity of water distribution in thermosonic-treated and MVD-treated samples was better at X _w  ≤ 0.52 g/g (w.b.).     

Drying kinetics,colour, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity properties of kiwi dried by different methods

This study analysed the convective (60, 70 and 80° C), microwave (120 and 350 W) and freeze drying methods in terms of their effects on the drying characteristics, colour, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity of kiwi slices. Nine different mathematical models were applied to experimental data to achieve the most accurate calculation for drying curves. The Midilli et al. and Wang and Singh models proved to be the most suitable at explaining the drying kinetics of kiwi samples as compared to other models according to the statistical tests. Each drying method was significantly affected by colour parameters (L*, a*, b*, C, α and ΔE). The dried samples exhibited respectively 5–49 % and 10–47 % less TPC and antioxidant capacity compared to the fresh sample. According to the correlation analysis conducted between TPC and antioxidant capacity for kiwi slices, there is a positive correlation (R ²  = 0.7796). Microwave dried samples at 120 W particularly had the lowest TPC and antioxidant capacity. Freeze drying method yielded the closest values with respect to colour values, total phenol content and antioxidant capacity to those of fresh samples when compared to the other methods.     

Development and characterization of reconstituted hydrogel from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aloe vera</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Aloe barbadensis</Emphasis> Miller) powder

Structural and rheological characterization of reconstituted hydrogels developed from A. vera non-fibrous alcohol insoluble residue (NFAIR) powder using different methods [viz., shaking (S), heating-shaking (HS), and heating (H)] and concentrations (viz., 0.2–1.6 %, w/v) was carried out. Functional group distribution by FTIR spectroscopy and Congo red (CR) method revealed the presence of acetylated acemannan in A. vera powder. Dynamic oscillation studies of A. vera (NFAIR) fluids at all concentrations of 0.2–1.6 %, w/v, showed gel strength in the order of H > HS > S method. However, in H method, increase in concentration from 0.2 to 1.6 %, w/v showed the conformational transition from semi-diluted solution to weak gel nature. Rheological models described the effect of heating temperatures (HT); 30–90 °C, and times (Ht); 15–60 min on viscoelastic behavior in reconstituted A. vera fluids. The reconstituted A. vera hydrogel prepared with a concentration of 1.6 %, w/v using 50 °C (HT) and 30 min (Ht) condition showed a good agreement with the Power law (storage modulus, G′) and Weak gel model (complex modulus, G*) fitted data (R² > 0.94) resulting higher viscoelastic moduli intercepts; G′₀ (71.5 Pa s ^n′), G″₀ (33.5 Pa s ^n″), lower slopes; n′ (0.22), n″ (0.06), higher network strength (A _F , 121.3 Pa s^1/z ) and number of network (z, 5.3) values. The obtained results suggested that heating at 50 °C/30 min can develop aqueous weak gel networks of A. vera with enhanced gel strength which may be utilized as a novel gelling agent for wide variety of targeted applications in food and pharmaceutical sectors.     

Evaluation of Drying Methods with Respect to Drying Kinetics,Mineral Content,and Color Characteristics of Savory Leaves

Sun, oven (50 °C), and microwave oven (700 W) drying of savory leaves (Satureja thymbra L.) were carried out to monitor the drying kinetics, changes in mineral content, and color degradation of the product. Oven and microwave oven drying shortened the drying time over than approximately 70% and 99% when compared to the sun and oven drying methods, respectively. Fresh and dried savory leaves had high amounts of K (8875.2–28468.0 mg/kg), Ca (3681.6–9852.03 mg/kg), Mg (1388.0–3102.0 mg/kg), and P (2313.2–5045.8 mg/kg) minerals. K, Ca, P, and Mg were the most abundant elements in savory samples. Mineral content of oven-dried savory were higher than the sun and microwave dried samples. Midilli and Küçük model was shown to give a good fit to the sun and oven drying. The Midilli and Küçük, modified page and page models exhibited high coefficient of determination (R ² ) values ranging between 0.9995 and 0.9997, to the experimental microwave oven drying data of savory. Microwave oven drying revealed optimum color values. Oven drying resulted in a considerable decrease in color quality of savory.     

Characterization of Biodegradable Films Based on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvia hispanica</Emphasis> L. Protein and Mucilage

Biodegradable films of chia by-products (mucilage and protein-rich fraction (PF)) incorporated with clove essential oil (CEO) were obtained and characterized. The effects of polymer concentration (PC; 1.0–3.0 %, w/v) and CEO concentration (0.1–1.0 %, v/v) were evaluated as well as the pH (7–10), using a 2³ factorial design with four central points. The films exhibited moisture values between 11.6 and 52.1 % (d.b.), which decreased (p?<?0.05) with increasing PC and CEO. The thickness of the films increased (p?<?0.05) with increasing PC. PC and pH influenced (p?<?0.05) the lightness (L) and variation in color between red and green (a). The orientation of the color to yellow-blue hues (b) decreased significantly (p?<?0.05) with increasing PC. Transparency was significantly lower and higher (p?<?0.05) than PC and CEO, respectively. The film surface morphology was evaluated using atomic force miscrocope images, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed to study the thermal stability of the films. The displacement and tensile strength were significantly lower (p?<?0.05) at higher concentrations of CEO, this variable being the only one with a significant effect. The chemical composition of the films was confirmed utilizing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The proportion of CEO added to the films had a significant influence on antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.     

Production and characterization of particleboards from cork-rich <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus cerris</Emphasis> bark

Single-layered particleboards were produced from granulated Quercus cerris bark containing cork and phloem granules using standard hot-press equipment and phenol–formaldehyde resin. The experimental boards were tested for thickness swelling, mechanical strength and thermal properties. Scanning electron microscopy observations were carried out to analyze the panel structure. The results showed that Q. cerris bark particleboards had low thickness swelling in water, high resistance to thermal degradation and high calorific values but their mechanical strength was below that of commercial wood particleboards. The produced Q. cerris bark particleboards were adequate for exterior applications where mechanical strength is not the key factor. Potential for process and feedstock optimization was acknowledged.     

Smart NMR Method of Measurement of Moisture Content of Vegetables During Microwave Vacuum Drying

Microwave drying is usually combined with vacuum environment in conjunction with hot air flow to draw the moisture rapidly. The moisture content of the vegetables undergoing drying is hard to measure online. This research designed a microwave vacuum drying (MVD)-low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) smart device and investigated the feasibility of NMR method for online measurement of state of moisture during MVD. The relation between the signal amplitude (A ₂) and the true moisture content (M ₁) of six kinds of vegetables (mushroom, carrot, potato, lotus, edamame, vegetable corn) was fitted to estimate if NMR can measure the M ₁ of vegetables directly. Results showed that A ₂ and M ₁ of different fresh vegetables had no single empirical mathematical model to fit. However, for each kind of these vegetables, the A ₂ and corresponding M ₁ in different MVD stages showed a significant linear relationship. The predicted moisture content (M ₂) of mushroom: M ₂ = 5.25351 × 10^?4 A ₂ ? 0.34042, R = 0.996; carrot: M ₂ = 5.78756 × 10^?4 A ₂ ? 0.14108, R = 0.998; potato: M ₂ = 3.10019 × 10^?4 A ₂ ? 0.10612, R = 0.991; lotus: M ₂ = 2.32415 × 10^?4 A ₂ ? 0.01573, R = 0.998; edamame: M ₂ = 3.13310 × 10^?4 A ₂ ? 0.4198, R = 0.996; vegetable corn: M ₂ = 1.69461 × 10^?4 A ₂ ? 0.09063, R = 0.995. The linear models between M ₂ and A ₂ were able to estimate the end point (M ₁ < 8%) of MVD with a high accuracy (P > 0.950).     

Antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity of essential oils and ethanol extracts of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thymus algeriensis</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Teucrium polium</Emphasis> from Algeria

This study aimed to investigate the cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory and antioxidant activities of essential oil (EO) and ethanolic extract (EE) of two Lamiaceae medicinal plants from Algeria: Thymus algeriensis Boiss. & Reut. and Teucrieum polium subsp capitatum. The chemical composition of EOs analyzed by GC and GC–MS revealed the presence of carvacrol (43.2%), p-cymene (18.7%) and γ-terpinene (14.8%) as major compounds in T. algeriensis, while germacrene D (25.0%), bicyclogermacrene (10.4%), β-pinene (11.3%) and spathulenol (5.8%) were the most important components in T. polium oil. The best inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was exhibited by the EO of T. algeriensis. On the other hand, T. polium oil was more efficient against butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) than against AChE, whereas EEs showed weak or no inhibitory effect, particularly against AChE. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by β-carotene bleaching, ferric and cupric reducing powers and inhibition of ABTS^?+, DPPH^? and superoxide radicals. EOs showed different antioxidant trends depending on the assay used while ethanol extracts had high activity with all tests.     

Novel Intact Bitter Cassava: Sustainable Development and Desirability Optimisation of Packaging Films

Novel biomaterials and optimal processing conditions are fundamental in low-cost packaging material production. Recently, a novel biobased intact bitter cassava derivative was developed using an intrinsic, high-throughput downstream processing methodology (simultaneous release recovery cyanogenesis). Processing of intact bitter cassava can minimise waste and produce low-cost added value biopolymer packaging films. The objective of this study was to (i) develop and characterise intact bitter cassava biobased films and (ii) determine the optimal processing conditions, which define the most desirable film properties. Films were developed following a Box-Behnken design considering cassava (2, 3, 4 % w/v), glycerol (20, 30, 40 % w/w) and drying temperature (30, 40, 50 °C) and optimised using multi-response desirability. Processing conditions produced films with highly significant (p?<?0.05) differences. Developed models predicted impact of processing conditions on film properties. Desirable film properties for food packaging were produced using the optimised processing conditions, 2 % w/v cassava, 40.0 % w/w glycerol and 50 °C drying temperature. These processing conditions produced films with 0.3 %; transparency, 3.4 %; solubility, 21.8 %; water-vapour-permeability, 4.2 gmm/m²/day/kPa; glass transition, 56 °C; melting temperature, 212.6 °C; tensile strength, 16.3 MPa; elongation, 133.3 %; elastic modulus, 5.1 MPa and puncture resistance, 57.9 J, which are adequate for packaging applications. Therefore, intact bitter cassava is a viable material to produce packaging films that can be tailored for specific sustainable, low-cost applications.     

Influence of processing parameters and wood properties on the edge gluing of green <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus grandis</Emphasis> with a one-component PUR adhesive

The predominant plantation hardwood species in South Africa Eucalyptus grandis is, despite relatively good strength and stiffness properties, seldom used for lumber production due to low dimensional stability, splitting, and cracking of the wood. As critical defects often develop or aggravate during the drying process, the edge gluing of Eucalyptus grandis lumber in its wet state, before kiln-drying, was considered a potential inhibiting factor for this behaviour. The objective of this study was to determine how certain material and processing variables influence the bond quality of unseasoned, edge-glued, Eucalyptus grandis, using a moisture-curing one-component polyurethane adhesive. The study considered the effect of four parameters, namely wood density, moisture content, adhesive spread rate and pressure, on the shear strength of bondlines. Micro computed tomography scanning was used to observe adhesive penetration behaviour. Overall, the bonding quality was satisfactory proving the feasibility of edge gluing of this wood in the wet state. Multiple ANOVA showed that generally better results were obtained for samples with a higher moisture content of roughly 60% compared to specimens with lower moisture content around fibre saturation point. Results indicated that the lower spread rate tested (150 g m^?2) should be preferred to the higher one (250 g m^?2), since it will likely give more stable shear strength results and it would be preferable from an economic point of view. Increasing pressure did not increase the shear strength significantly.     

Non-destructive Assessment of Guava (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Psidium guajava</Emphasis> L.) Maturity and Firmness Based on Mechanical Vibration Response

Storage potential and eating quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruit depend on its maturity. Segregation of guava according to maturity and firmness measured using non-destructive technologies would help the industry to designate ripe fruit to immediate market and less ripe fruit for distant market (e.g., exportation). This research was conducted to evaluate the potential of experimental resonant frequency (f _e) and elasticity index (EI) to estimate fruit firmness, which has been reported to be inversely correlated to its maturity. A maturity index (I _m) was calculated as the ratio of total soluble solids/titratable acidity (TSS/TA). It was proved that TSS, TA, and I _m were significantly correlated (P?<?0.05) to skin firmness (F _s), flesh firmness (F _f), stiffness (S), and analytical resonant frequency (ω _n ), being S the attribute best fitted to I _m (R ²?=?0.77). Since it was observed that f _e and EI were sensitive to changes in fruit firmness, both of them were explored as alternatives to predict F _s, F _f, S, and ω _n of guava fruit. In some cases, EI improved the models to predict guava firmness traits (e.g., F _s vs f _e had a coefficient of determination of R ²?=?0.58, whereas for F _s vs EI, it was R ²?=?0.62). The best model occurred when plotting ω _n vs f _e (R ²?=?0.86), followed by S vs EI (R ²?=?0.84), making these promising features for the development of a new practical application using frequency response measurement as a non-destructive method to assess guava maturity.     

Effect of drying methods on physico-chemical properties and antioxidant activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dendrobium officinale</Emphasis>

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of different drying methods, i.e., sun drying (SD), hot air drying (AD), vacuum drying (VD), infrared radiation drying (IR), and freeze drying (FD) on the physico-chemical properties of Dendrobium officinale. The results revealed that different drying methods showed significant differences in the color retention, water soluble polysaccharide content, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, fatty acids, and antioxidant activities. FD, VD, IR and AD led to higher retention of bioactive compounds and better antioxidant activities, and FD showed the best. However, with respect to the water-soluble polysaccharides content, the characteristic components in D. officinale, AD was better than FD. The results showed that the quality of D. officinale depends on the drying method applied. Considering the retention of polysaccharide content and drying processing duration, AD is a promising treatment for D. officinale.     

Hyperspectral Imaging Sensing of Changes in Moisture Content and Color of Beef During Microwave Heating Process

Moisture content (MC) and color are two important quality parameters of beef during microwave heating process. This study examined the effects of microwave heating time (0–75 s) on MC, color, and myoglobins of beef samples. The results showed that heating time significantly influenced the MC, color (L*, a*), and percentage of related myoglobins. The suitability of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) (400–1000 nm) was investigated to correlate the mean spectra of beef samples and the color and MC values during microwave treatment. After the use of pre-processing methods and optimum wavelengths selection, the SG-SPA-LS-SVM prediction model for MC (R²_P?=?0.869, RMSEP?=?1.304, and RPD?=?2.724) and the SG-RC-MLR model for a* (R²_P?=?0.890, RMSEP?=?0.735, and RPD?=?2.733) were established. The models were then used to develop the distribution maps of MC and a* values, respectively, showing that both MC and a* at the center of the meat slices were higher than those at the edge, corresponding to the temperature distribution during microwave heating. The results demonstrated the ability of HSI system for monitoring the changes of some quality parameters during microwave heating.     

The Comparison of Cinnamomi Cortex and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cinnamomum burmannii</Emphasis> Blume Using <Superscript>1</Superscript>H NMR and GC-MS Combined with Multivariate Data Analysis

Cinnamomi Cortex (CC, rougui) is the stripped trunk bark of Cinnamomum cassia Presl (CCP) and commonly is used to treat dyspepsia, gastritis, blood circulation disturbances, and inflammatory diseases. However, Cinnamomum burmannii Blume (CBB), an edible ingredient in food from a different Cinnamomum, sometimes replaces CC due to their similar functions and appearance. To identify and distinguish CC from CBB, we investigated the metabolite differences in polar and non-polar extracts of these species by high-resolution ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) combined with multivariate statistical analyses. The results showed a significantly higher separation in GC-MS analysis (non-polar extracts) than ¹H NMR analysis (polar extracts). One-way ANOVA revealed that polar extracts (acetate, α-glucose, sucrose, glycerol, fructose) and non-polar extracts (trans-cinnamaldehyde, α-copaene, δ-cadinene, 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde, (?)-calamenene, α-muurolene, γ-muurolene, α-calacorene, cubenol and α-muurolol) contributed greatly to the comparison of CC and CBB. These results indicate that the ¹H NMR- and GC-MS-based metabolomic approach can effectively differentiate the phytochemical compositions among different species in plants, which in turn could identify important metabolites with known pharmacological activity.     

Steady- and Unsteady-State Determination of the Water Vapor Permeance (<Emphasis Type="Italic">WVP</Emphasis>) of Polyethylene Film to Estimate the Moisture Gain of Packed Dry Mango

The water vapor permeance (WVP; g m^?2 d^?1 Pa^?1) of packaging films quantifying the water vapor transfer rate between foods and its surroundings is usually determined in units operating under steady-state conditions that do not necessarily reflect food handling scenarios. This study evaluated the determination of the WVP of a polyethylene (PE) film by steady-state method ASTM F1249-06 using a permeability cell and unsteady-state method ASTM E96/E96M in which 102 vacuum-sealed PE bags containing silica gel were stored (37.8 °C, 75% relative humidity) and weighed over 25 days. Average steady-state WVP (2.935 ± 0.365 × 10^?3, n = 4) fell within the 95% quantiles of unsteady-state WVP values (1.818–3.183 × 10^?3, n = 2142). Moisture uptake of dehydrated mango stored at 37.8 °C and 75% relative humidity was predicted with WVP values obtained by both methods. Predictions were validated by monitoring over 25 days the weight gain of 100 PE bags with dry mango. Experimental moisture averages during storage fell within one standard deviation of predictions using the unsteady-state WVP (R ² = 0.974). The same was observed only until day 15 for predictions obtained with the steady-state WVP. Calculations for days 20–25 overestimated the moisture uptake by 6.0–7.2%, resulting in registered R ² = 0.924. The unsteady-state WVP determination is low-cost, uses large numbers of film samples, and allowed more accurate predictions of dry mango moisture uptake. Knowledge of the moisture uptake controlled by the film WVP is essential when predicting the safety and quality changes limiting the shelf-life of foods.     

Improvement of Mass Transfer by Freezing Pre-treatment and Ultrasound Application on the Convective Drying of Beetroot (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Beta vulgaris</Emphasis> L.)

The effects of freezing pre-treatment and ultrasound application during drying on microstructure, drying curves, and bioactive compounds of beetroot have been evaluated. Raw and previously frozen (at ? 20 °C) beetroots were convectively dried (40 °C and 1 m/s) with and without ultrasound application using two acoustic densities (16.4 and 26.7 kW/m³), and a diffusional model was proposed to simulate the drying curves. Freezing pre-treatment and ultrasound application caused significant disruptions in the beetroot microstructure and reduced the drying time, enhancing the mass transfer. The external mass transfer coefficient significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 28–49% when ultrasound was applied; moreover, the effective diffusion coefficient significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 60–73% and 204–211%, respectively, due to the ultrasound application on the drying of raw and pre-frozen samples. Freezing caused significant (p < 0.05) increases in betalain and total polyphenol contents and antioxidant activity compared with the raw sample (16–57%), probably due to the release of free forms from the food matrix; meanwhile, drying had the opposite effect (8–54% decrease). Significantly (p < 0.05) higher decreases (32–81%) in bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity were observed when drying was assisted by ultrasound compared with dying without ultrasound. Therefore, freezing pre-treatment and ultrasound application enhanced mass transfer during drying. However, significant changes in quality parameters of the final product were observed.     

Effect of different drying methods on the essential oil yield,composition and antioxidant activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Origanum vulgare</Emphasis> L. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Origanum onites</Emphasis> L.

Origanum onites and Origanum vulgare are important medicinal plants because of their flavoring, therapeutic, and preservative properties. Drying methods are important for obtaining high quality essential oil from spices. In this study, the effects of different drying processes on the essential oil yield, composition, and antiradical activity were evaluated. Plants were dried under sun light, in a ventilated shady place and in laboratory-type oven, and the oils were extracted with Clevenger type apparatus. Carvacrol and thymol were the major compounds in the essential oils of O. vulgare and O. onites, respectively. The highest oil yield and the highest antioxidant activity values were obtained from shade dried Origanum species followed by oven dried plants. The lowest essential oil yield and the lowest antioxidant activity for O. vulgare were found in fresh plants. The lowest essential oil yield, and the lowest antioxidant activity for O. onites belonged to sun dried plants. It could be concluded that essential oil yield, oil composition and antioxidant activity of both plants were greatly affected by the drying method.     

Effect of Tannin Extracts on Biofilms and Attachment of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> on Lettuce Leaves

Lettuce is often involved in foodborne outbreaks caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli. Current control strategies have often proved ineffective to ensure safe food production. For that reason, the present study compared the efficacy of tannin extracts and chlorine treatments on the reduction of E. coli ATCC 25922 adhered to lettuce leaves. E. coli was inoculated artificially on leaf surfaces of fresh crisp lettuce. Effectiveness of water, chlorine (200 mg/L), and three commercial available tannin extracts from Acacia mearnsii De Wild. (tannin AQ (2 %, w/v), tannin SG (1 %, v/v) and tannin SM (1 %, v/v)) treatments was evaluated using the viable plate count method and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM results revealed that bacterial cells are attached as individual cells and in clusters to the leaf surface after 2 h of incubation. Biofilm formation was observed after 24 h of incubation. The tannin SM treatment was able to reduce counts in approximately 2 log CFU/cm² on leaf segments. However, treatment was less effective in the reduction of E. coli counts after 24 h of incubation when compared to 2 h incubation of the same extract. The results suggest that the tannin SM extract diminishes E. coli counts adhered to and under biofilm formation on lettuce leaves and its effect is similar to the use of chlorine solutions.     

Comparative Study on the Inactivation and Photoreactivation Response of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Listeria monocytogenes</Emphasis> Seafood Isolates and a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Listeria innocua</Emphasis> Surrogate after Pulsed Light Treatment

The inactivation and photoreactivation response of six seafood-isolated Listeria monocytogenes and one Listeria innocua strain after pulsed light (PL) treatment was evaluated. The lower inactivation levels found after exposure of treated samples to daylight during the first 90 min of storage confirmed that both L. innocua and L. monocytogenes have the capability to photorepair PL-induced DNA damage upon appropriate conditions. Photoreactivation levels from 0.2 to 2.1 log CFU cm^?2 were observed depending on treatment intensity (fluence) and Listeria strain. Complete photorepair of PL-caused damage was not found even after treatments inducing low inactivation levels. Photoreactivation increased up to 2.1 log with the applied fluence up to a threshold able to cause between 2.4 and 5.4 log reductions under dark storage. Photorepair was not avoided but lower photoreactivation was observed after higher fluence inducing more than 6 log reductions under dark storage. Both L. innocua and L. monocytogenes serotype 1/2b exhibited the highest photoreactivation levels whereas serotypes 1/2a showed the lowest ones. The overall inactivation and photoreactivation responses of tested Listeria strains were comparable indicating that L. innocua may be a good surrogate for the safe evaluation, optimization and validation of PL technology to control L. monocytogenes in food products and food processing facilities.