Combined densification and pulsed electric field treatment for selective polyphenols recovery from fermented grape pomace

The aim of this study is to assess a new process for the valorization of fermented grape pomace using pulsed electric fields (PEF). The combination of densification and PEF treatment was applied on grape pomace of low relative humidity, without any addition of conductive liquid. The kinetics of extraction and the composition of polyphenols were evaluated throughout the subsequent hydro-alcoholic extraction at different temperatures.Optimal parameters of PEF treatment (field strength E = 1.2 kV·cm^− 1; energy input W = 18 kJ·kg^− 1; density ρ = 1.0 g·cm^− 3) increased the content of total polyphenols regardless of the temperature of extraction. The ratio of total anthocyanins to total flavan-3-ols at 20 °C was equal to 7.1 and 9.0 for control and PEF treated modalities, respectively. These results demonstrate the selective nature of PEF treatment in anthocyanin extraction, and thus reveal new possibilities to produce extracts with different biochemical compositions.Industrial relevanceThis study examines the feasibility of densification combined with PEF pre-treatment of relatively low humidity grape pomace for the enhancement of bioactive compounds extraction. The concentration of total phenolic compounds obtained after PEF treatment showed that the use of this technique is relevant for an industrial use, since solvent amount and extraction time can be reduced. Moreover, the selective nature of PEF opens the opportunity to produce extracts of different biochemical compositions. This process is an alternative to conventional pre-treatments of raw material (e.g. dehydration and grinding), which have impacts on product quality and are more energy consuming.     

A comparative study of physical pretreatments for the extraction of polyphenols and proteins from vine shoots

This work examined the potential of valorization of vine shoots through their polyphenol and protein contents. However the choice of the experimental conditions targeted polyphenol extraction at the expense of proteins for further simplification of the purification process. The intensification of polyphenol and protein extraction by physical treatments (pulsed electric fields (PEF), high-voltage electrical discharges (HVED) and ultrasound (US)) was studied. A significant enhancement of polyphenol extraction was noticed with HVED, PEF and US. However, and for each treatment, the improvement of the extraction process started beyond a specific energetic threshold (HVED (10 kJ/kg), PEF (50 kJ/kg) and US (1010 kJ/kg)). HVED had the highest polyphenol and protein extraction yields with the lowest energetic prerequisite. Extracts of high polyphenol yield (34.5 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per g of dry matter (DM)) and high purity (89%) were obtained with HVED. Polyphenol and protein diffusion coefficients (m²/s) demonstrated HVED to better enhance the extraction process of those biomolecules. Similarly, the calculation of the electrical conductivity disintegration index, Z, showed the highest tissue damage for HVED and a rising cellular damage with the increased energetic requirement of each treatment.     

Inactivation of spoilage yeasts in apple juice by UV–C light and in combination with mild heat

The UV–C resistance of yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces bayanus, Zygosaccharomyces bailii, Dekkera anomala and Dekkera bruxellensis) commonly involved in juice spoilage was investigated. Saccharomyces spp. showed the greatest UV resistance and yeast inactivation decreased with absorptivity of the medium. To improve the UV lethal effect on yeasts in juice, UV treatment was combined with heat (UV–H) (45–60 °C). The inactivation of S. cerevisiae by UV–H treatments between 52.5 and 57.5 °C was greater than use of both technologies individually, suggesting a synergistic effect. Modeling of inactivation data found that a combination of UV–C light with mild temperatures (50–60 °C) produced a 5-log₁₀ reduction of S. cerevisiae in clarified apple juice with lower UV doses (up to a 89.3% of reduction at 57.5 °C) and treatment times (up to 63% of reduction at 52.5 °C) than those needed for UV treatments or heat alone.Industrial relevanceThis investigation demonstrated the lethal efficacy of the combination of UV–C radiation and heat to improve the inactivation of spoilage yeasts in juice. Combined UV–H treatments synergistically increased yeast inactivation, with this approach being less effective than for bacteria. In any case, UV–H at mild temperatures would be an alternative to heat pasteurization treatments, enabling the inactivation of pathogenic bacteria and reducing the concentration of spoilage microorganisms like yeasts, obtaining a safe and stable product at lower temperatures.     

Alkaline phosphatase and microbial inactivation by pulsed electric field in bovine milk

The effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatments at field intensities of 25–37 kV cm^− 1 and final PEF treatment temperatures of 15 °C and 60 °C on the inactivation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Total Plate Count (TPC), Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae counts were determined in raw skim milk. At 15 °C, PEF treatments of 28 to 37 kV cm^− 1 resulted in 24–42% inactivation in ALP activity and < 1 log reduction in TPC and Pseudomonas count, while the Enterobacteriaceae count was reduced by at least 2.1 log units to below the detection limit of 1 CFU mL^− 1. PEF treatments of 25 to 35 kV cm^− 1 at 60 °C resulted in 29–67% inactivation in ALP activity and up to 2.4 log reduction in TPC, while the Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae counts were reduced by at least 5.9 and 2.1 logs, respectively, to below the detection limit of 1 CFU mL^− 1. Kinetic studies suggested that the effect of field intensity on ALP inactivation at the final PEF treatment temperature of 60 °C was more than twice that at 15 °C. A combined effect was observed between the field intensity and temperature in the inactivation of both ALP enzyme and the natural microbial flora in raw skim milk.Industrial relevanceMilk has been pasteurised to ensure its safety and extend its shelf life. However, the need for retaining heat-sensitive nutrient and sensory properties of milk has resulted in interest in the application of alternative technologies. The results of the current study suggest that PEF as a non-thermal process can be employed for the treatment of raw milk in mild temperature to achieve adequate safety and shelf life while preserving the heat-sensitive enzymes, nutrients and bioactive compounds.     

Evaluation of pulsed electric field and minimal heat treatments for inactivation of pseudomonads and enhancement of milk shelf-life

Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) treatment of milk provides the opportunity to increase the shelf-life of fresh milk for distribution to distant markets. PEF treatments were evaluated in sterile (UHT) milk to determine the inactivation of added spoilage Pseudomonas isolates and the subsequent gains in microbial shelf-life (time taken to reach 10⁷ CFU mL^− 1). Little inactivation of Pseudomonas was achieved at 15 or 40 °C compared with 50 or 55 °C. The greatest inactivation (> 5 logs) was achieved by processing at 55 °C with 31 kV cm^− 1 (139.4 kJ L^− 1). Heat treatment at the application temperature without PEF treatment caused minimal inactivation of Pseudomonas (only 0.2 logs), demonstrating that the inactivation of the Pseudomonas was due to the PEF treatment rather than the heat applied to the milk. At added Pseudomonas levels of 10³ and 10⁵ CFU mL^− 1, the microbial shelf-life of PEF-treated milk was extended by at least 8 days at 4 °C compared with untreated milk. The total microbial shelf-life of the PEF-treated milk was 13 and 11 days for inoculation levels of 10³ and 10⁵ CFU mL^− 1 respectively. The results indicate that PEF treatment is useful for the reduction of pseudomonads, the major spoilage bacteria of milk.Industrial relevancePseudomonads are the major psychrotrophic spoilage microflora of refrigerated, stored HTST pasteurised milk. Long-life (UHT) products are an important component of milk sales in South-East Asia, but in recent years there has been an increasing demand for less processed milk products with extended shelf-life. The recent practice of shipping fresh bulk milk from Australia to South-East Asian countries has necessitated additional heat treatment prior to export and on arrival, to achieve the required shelf-life. Pulsed electric field treatment of HTST milk, applied alone or in combination with mild heat under optimised conditions, offers the opportunity of shelf-life extension, while limiting the reduction in quality attributes of milk associated with more severe additional heat treatments.     

Effect of thermosonication,pulsed electric field and their combination on inactivation of Listeria innocua in milk

The impact of thermosonication (TS) and pulsed electric field (PEF), individually and combined, on the survival of Listeria innocua 11288 (NCTC) in milk was investigated. TS (400 W, 160 s) without pre-heating reduced L. innocua by 1.2 log₁₀ cfu mL^?1, while shorter treatment times produced negligible inactivation, suggesting TS to be a hurdle rather than an effective standalone treatment. PEF (30 and 40 kV cm^?1, 50 μs) at 10 °C caused a reduction of L. innocua of 1.1 and 3.3 log cycles, respectively. The highest field strength (40 kV cm^?1) combined with TS (80 s) led to 6.8 log₁₀ cfu mL^?1 inactivation. Milk pre-heated to 55 °C (over 60 s) prior to TS followed by PEF (30 and 40 kV cm^?1) showed inactivation between 4.5 and 6.9 log₁₀ cfu mL^?1, the latter being comparable (P > 0.05) with thermal pasteurisation. The data indicate that TS followed by PEF represents a valid alternative for L. innocua inactivation in milk.     

Numerical and experimental studies on a novel Steinmetz treatment chamber for inactivation of Escherichia coli by radio frequency electric fields

Radio frequency electric field (RFEF) is an emerging non-thermal food processing technology that is alternative to pulsed electric fields (PEF). A novel Steinmetz treatment chamber design, that increases homogeneity of the electric field distribution, has been proposed and constructed. The design was performed and evaluated via Multiphysics modelling. The model was validated by comparison with experimental measurements of outlet temperature, power consumption and current. Inactivation studies showed the influence of electric field intensity, temperature, and treatment time on the inactivation of Escherichia coli in saline water with electrical conductivities between 0.02 and 0.1 S m^− 1. A maximum inactivation of 3.6 log CFU mL^− 1 was obtained at 26.5 kV cm^− 1, 45 °C and 900 μs treatment time. An energy demand of 63 kJ kg^− 1 is required for 1 log reduction, when processing at 25 °C, for foods having 0.1 S m^− 1 conductivity at 20 °C, but energy consumption increases with the electrical conductivity.     

Effect of ractopamine hydrochloride (Optaflexx) dose on live animal performance,carcass characteristics and tenderness in early weaned beef steers

Study objectives were to evaluate ractopamine hydrochloride's (RAC) effect on performance, carcass characteristics, and tenderness of early weaned beef steers. Steers were assigned to a control diet (0 mg RAC·steer^− 1·d^− 1), 200 mg RAC mg·steer^− 1·d^− 1, or 300 mg RAC·steer^− 1·d^− 1. Steers fed 200 and 300 mg RAC·steer^− 1·d^− 1 gained 14.84 kg and 14.57 kg more live weight and produced 13.22 and 14.90 kg more hot carcass weight, respectively, than controls. Feed conversions for steers fed 200 or 300 mg RAC·steer^− 1·d^− 1 of RAC increased 45.2% and 47.3% and average daily gain increased 55.5% and 54.5% compared to controls, respectively. Feeding either dose of RAC increased (P < 0.05) loin muscle area and increased (P < 0.05) Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values compared to controls, however the magnitude of WBSF difference diminished (P > 0.05) over 14 days of postmortem aging. Results of this study confirm that RAC increases weight gain and feed efficiency, minimally impacts carcass quality and has manageable impacts on tenderness when fed at either 200 or 300 mg steer^− 1·d^− 1.     

Modeling sulfur dioxide uptake in dent corn during steeping

A mathematical model is employed to describe sulfur dioxide (SO₂) diffusion and reaction during steeping of dent corn. Experiments are performed to measure change of SO₂ content of grain during process. A computer-aided nonlinear optimization technique is used to estimate the effective diffusion coefficients and rate constants in the temperature range 25–55 °C. The effective diffusion coefficient for SO₂ varied between 2.27×10⁻¹¹ and 6.24×10⁻¹¹ m²/s and had an Arrhenius activation energy of 24.3 kJ/mol. The reaction rate of SO₂ in dent corn followed first-order kinetics, with rate constants in the range of 0.80×10⁻⁶–5.38×10⁻⁶ s⁻¹ and activation energy of 49.16 kJ/mol.     

Ethanol tolerance of five non-Saccharomyces wine yeasts in comparison with a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae—influence of different culture conditions

The kinetics of cell inactivation at high concentrations of ethanol (22.5% and 25% v v⁻¹) was studied with particular reference to the influence of different cultivation conditions (aerobiosis, semi-aerobiosis, anaerobiosis, addition of survival factors) prior to ethanol challenge. The levels of fatty acids and sterols in cells grown under these different conditions were analysed in order to derive a potential relationship between the ethanol tolerance and the lipid composition of the different strains studied. Under the conditions tested, Hanseniaspora guilliermondii showed an ethanol tolerance very similar to that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and very different to that of the other apiculate yeast, H. uvarum. The survival of S. cerevisiae and H. guilliermondii at 25% (v v⁻¹) ethanol was strongly influenced by the conditions of cultivation prior to the ethanol challenge. A small increase in survival was observed for H. uvarum and Torulaspora delbrueckii in the cultures grown in aerobiosis. Growth of these yeasts in anaerobiosis in the presence of added ergosterol and Tween 80 (as a source of oleic acid) did not induce a considerable tolerance to the ethanol challenge, in spite of the incorporation of these compounds by the cells. In these growth conditions Debaryomyces hansenii was not capable of incorporating the survival factors and did not increase the ethanol tolerance. It is shown in this work that, besides S. cerevisiae, the presence of oxygen and the addition of survival factors to the culture conditions and the subsequent increase in the proportion of cell sterols and unsaturated fatty acids may play an important role in the ethanol tolerance of some non-Saccharomyces yeasts. This effect was not, however, observed in all of the yeasts studied.     

Reducing SO2 in fresh pork burgers by adding chitosan

The use of 0.02 or 0.05% chitosan is proposed to reduce from 450 to 150 mg kg^− 1 the SO₂ required to preserve pork burgers aerobically packed and stored at 2 °C for up to 21 days under retail display conditions. The effects of chitosan and/or sulfite addition and the storage time were determined in fresh (color deterioration, lipid oxidation, pH, total viable counts, Escherichia coli and coliforms, Salmonella, appearance and odor) and cooked (appearance, odor, flavor and texture) burgers. The addition of either 0.02 or 0.05% chitosan was not detected by sensory analysis, and extended the shelf life of low-SO₂ burgers from 7 to 14 days. Chitosan enhanced the preservative effects of sulfite at a low dose, acting on the main causes of meat deterioration (bacterial spoilage, color stability and lipid oxidation), and provided good sensory properties to fresh and cooked pork burgers.     

Determination of major metal cations in milk by capillary zone electrophoresis

A reliable and rapid capillary zone electrophoresis method for the determination of the major of cations in milk samples was developed. Sample preparation consisted of dilution, acidification to pH 4.0 with 1 mol L⁻¹ acetic acid and filtration. The complete separation of K⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺ and Mg²⁺ could be achieved in 4 min with a simple electrolyte composed of 10 mmol L⁻¹ imidazole and 1 mol L⁻¹ acetic acid (pH 3.6). The running voltage was 25 kV at 25 °C. Indirect UV detection was achieved at 185 nm. Detection limits ranged from 0.06 to 0.57 mg L⁻¹ and quantification limits ranged from 0.16 to 0.62 mg L⁻¹. Precision data showed relative standard deviations (RSD%) lower than 4.1% for relative migration time and 2.4% for milk concentrations, respectively. Recoveries of cations in samples analysed ranged from 97.7% to 101.1%. Thirty samples of milk were analysed, obtaining mean values of 1.46, 1.19, 0.505 and 0.126 g L⁻¹ for K⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺ and Mg²⁺, respectively.     

Screening and determination of aliphatic organic acids in commercial Brazilian sugarcane spirits employing a new method involving capillary electrophoresis and a semi-permanent adsorbed polymer coating

A simple method for the screening and determination of short chain aliphatic carboxylic acids in Brazilian sugarcane spirits by indirect capillary zone electrophoresis was developed and validated according to Eurachem guidelines. The separations were performed in a coated capillary (L_tot 73 cm × L_det 64.5 cm) with 2-hydroxy-propyltrimethyl-ammonium chloride chitosan. The background electrolyte was optimized using Peakmaster® software and was composed of 21 mmol L^− 1 β-alanine and 10 mmol L^− 1 3,5 dinitrobenzoic acid, at pH 3.6, with an applied voltage of − 30 kV. The method was validated for formic, lactic and acetic acids. Linearity was demonstrated and significant matrix effects were not observed at between 2.8 and 144 mg L^− 1. The recovery (means of 89.6–117.9%) was evaluated, and ANOVA was carried out to determine the RSD values for the repeatability (2.63–8.35%) and reproducibility (1.92–6.62%). The LOD and LOQ ranged from 0.69 to 2.70 and 2.76 to 8.11 mg L^− 1, respectively. The concentrations detected in the samples were 0.19–106.43 mg per 100 g.     

Incorporation of microbial transglutaminase into non-fat yogurt production

This study investigated the physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of non-fat yogurts treated with microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) at varying concentrations from 0 to 0.5 g L⁻¹. Also, the effect of enzyme inactivation prior to fermentation on the selected properties of the yogurts was studied. Acid development rate was reduced with increasing MTGase doses. Cross-linking of milk proteins by MTGase had a growth-slowing effect on yogurt starter bacteria, which was more pronounced at higher concentrations. Physical properties of the yogurts were improved by MTGase throughout 21-day storage; on the contrary, the production of acetaldehyde was slowed down by increasing MTGase concentrations during the same period. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchial cluster analysis (HCA) clearly differentiated the samples with added MTGase at lower (⩽0.3 g L⁻¹) and higher (0.4–0.5 g L⁻¹) concentrations regarding the physical and sensory properties. The physical and sensory properties of non-fat set yogurt could be improved by incorporating MTGase up to a level of 0.3 g L⁻¹.     

High voltage electric discharges assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from grape stems: Effect of processing parameters on flavan-3-ols,flavonols and stilbenes recovery

This work aimed at providing some novel aspects pertaining to flavan-3-ols, flavonols and stilbenes extraction from grape stems using high voltage electrical discharges (HVED). Treatment time, pH and ethanol concentration affecting the extractability of these compounds were optimized through response surface methodology. The results from the optimized extraction technique (pH = 2.5; Time = 4.0 ms: Ethanol = 50%) were compared to a conventional hydro-alcoholic extraction.HVED improved significantly the extraction of flavan-3-ols and flavonols but was less efficient on stilbenes. The efficiency of HVED is directly correlated with the other processing conditions (pH, ethanol concentration). Prolonged HVED treatment at low pH value was a positive combination for flavan-3-ols. The proposed procedure (pH = 2.5; Time = 4.0 ms; Ethanol = 50%) allowed the release of almost 35% of additional phenolic compounds, which can be attributed to a better extractability of flavan-3-ols (+ 21%) and of flavonols (+ 12%), compared to conventional hydro-alcoholic extraction.     

Probiotic-loaded microcapsule system for human in situ folate production: Encapsulation and system validation

This study focused on the use of a new system, an alginate | Ɛ-poly-l-lysine | alginate | chitosan microcapsule (APACM), able to immobilize a folate-producing probiotic, Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris (LLC), which provides a new approach to the utilization of capsules and probiotics for in situ production of vitamins. LLC is able to produce 95.25 ± 26 μg·L^− 1 of folate, during 10 h, and was encapsulated in the APACM. APACM proved its capacity to protect LLC against the harsh conditions of a simulated digestion maintaining a viable concentration of 6 log CFU·mL^− 1of LLC. A nutrients exchange capacity test, was performed using Lactobacillus plantarum UM7, a high lactic acid producer was used here to avoid false negative results. The production and release of 2 g·L^− 1 of lactic acid was achieved through encapsulation of L. plantarum, after 20 h. The adhesion of APACM to epithelial cells was also quantified, yielding 38% and 33% of capsules adhered to HT-29 cells and Caco-2 cells, respectively.     

Change regime of aroma active compounds in response to pulsed electric field treatment time,sour cherry juice apricot and peach nectars,and physical and sensory properties

Regime (direction, amount, rate, and pattern) of change in aroma active compounds was quantified as a function of four pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment times, three fruits, and 10 physical and eight sensory properties using the best-fit multiple linear regression (MLR) models. The PEF treatment times did not deteriorate 94% of the sensory properties and 70% of the physical properties and significantly change 57% of a total of 73 aroma active compounds detected for sour cherry juice, and apricot and peach nectars. The best performing MLR models belonged to 1-methyl-4-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohexene as a function of fruit type, treatment time, and titratable acidity (= 49 mg/L; R_adj² = 95.7%; R_cv² = 94.9%) and to 2-[(2S,5S)-5-ethenyl-5-methyloxolan-2-yl]propan-2-ol as a function of fruit type, and treatment time (SE = 157 mg/L; R_adj² = 98.2%; R_cv² = 98.0%), respectively (n = 48; p < 0.001).Industrial relevancePulsed electric field (PEF) is one of the leading nonthermal food technologies especiallyfor processing of high acid low viscosity foods with satisfactory quality and microbial inactivation. It was shown in this study that PEF with different treatment times can successfully be applied in the pasteurization of sour cherry juice, and apricot and peach nectars with minimum loss of aroma active compounds and sensory and physical properties. Both PEF processing conditions and results can be used as a guide to determine PEF processing parameters for industrial scale processing of juices/nectars.     

Resistance of Enterobacter sakazakii to pulsed electric fields

The influence of various environmental factors on Enterobacter sakazakii inactivation by pulsed electric fields was studied and the mechanisms underlying the changes in resistance were also explored. E. sakazakii PEF resistance was higher upon entering the stationary growth phase, but it did not significantly change with growth temperature. E. sakazakii cells were also more resistant to PEF in both acidified and low water activity media. Thus, for stationary-phase cells grown at 30 °C a treatment of 50 pulses at 31 kV/cm led to 5.1 log₁₀ cycles of inactivation in media of pH 7.0 (a_w > 0.99), 1.4 log₁₀ cycles in media of pH 4.0 (a_w > 0.99) and 0.3 log₁₀ cycles in media of a_w = 0.98 (pH 7.0). However, whereas the higher PEF tolerance in acid media was coincident with an increased number of cells capable of repairing their sublethally-injured cytoplasmic membranes, the higher resistance in media of lower water activity was not. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that sublethal injuries in outer membrane after PEF treatments have been found.Industrial relevanceThis work provides data about PEF inactivation kinetics and PEF resistance of E. sakazakii under several conditions that might be useful for designing food pasteurization processes by PEF technology. The occurrence of sublethal injuries in cytoplasmic and outer membranes under the most protective treatment conditions, gives the chance to develop combined processes that might increase the effectiveness of the PEF process.     

Dead end ultra-filtration of sugar beet juice expressed from cold electrically pre-treated slices: Effect of membrane polymer on fouling mechanism and permeate quality

Purification of raw sugar beet juice expressed at ambient temperature (20 °C) from pretreated sugar beet slices by pulsed electric field (E = 600 V·cm^− 1, t_PEF = 10 ms, T = 20 °C) was studied on the laboratory scale by dead-end ultrafiltration tests. Polyethersulfone (PES) and Regenerated Cellulose (RC) membranes with the same nominal molecular weight cut-off of 30 kDa were used. Experiments were carried out in unstirred and stirred (at rotation speed of 500 rpm) mode at constant trans-membrane pressure of 2 bar. The effects of the membrane polymer (Polyethersulfone and Regenerate Cellulose) on the filtration flux and the permeate quality were studied. In order to identify the fouling mechanism, the filtration kinetics was modeled using combined fouling models. Results showed that the filtration productivity (filtration flux) and selectivity (rejection ratio of impurities) depended on the membrane polymer. The juice filterability was better with Regenerated Cellulose (RC) membrane while the polyethersulfone (PES) membrane ensured a better retention of impurities (colorants, proteins and colloids), leading to a higher juice purity. Experimental and models data adjustment showed that combined models were preferable to investigate the fouling mechanism for both unstirred and stirred filtration. The desirable sugar purity (95–96%) of filtrate implies the potential application of a novel process (PEF treatment-cold pressing-ultrafiltration) for sugar industrial production.Industrial relevancePre-treatment by pulsed electric field PEF allowed cold or mild extraction of sucrose from sugar beet roots. The combination of PEF and ultra-filtration allowed high yield sucrose extraction and purification with less energy consumption. Membrane fouling analysis led to better filtration producibility. The obtained data can be useful for optimization of the sucrose production with high yield in industrial extraction processes.