Aging Effects on Sorbitol‐ and Non‐Crystallizing Sorbitol‐Plasticized Tapioca Starch Films

The effect of aging on the properties of tapioca starch films plasticized with either sorbitol (S) or non‐crystallizing sorbitol (NCS) was investigated in this study. Tapioca starch, plasticizer and deionized water were mixed, heated, cast on high‐density polyethylene plates and dried at ambient conditions. The results showed that S was more effective in plasticizing fresh starch film than NCS. However, sorbitol crystallization was observed in S‐plasticized starch film after one month of storage, while there was no crystallization observed in NCS‐plasticized starch film after two months of storage. Mechanical properties of both S‐ and NCS‐plasticized starch films changed significantly with time, but with less change in the NCS‐plasticized films. Tensile strength, elastic modulus and toughness increased over time; conversely, elongation decreased. Additionally, the water vapor transmission rate decreased as storage time increased. The fact that mechanical properties of both S‐ and NCS‐plasticized films changed is likely due to an increase in crystallinity of the starch in the films with time.     

Production and Properties of Spin‐Coated Cassava‐Starch‐Glycerol‐Beeswax Films

Cassava‐starch based polymer films containing glycerol as a plasticizer (1.0‐2.5‐5.0%, w/w) and different lipids as additives (paraffin, stearyl alcohol, and beeswax – 0.25‐0.5‐1.0%, w/w) were produced. Control films were produced by heating a mixture of glycerol, starch, and water, while treated films were produced by the addition of lipids/ ethanol solutions. The solutions were kept at around 70ºC during amalgamation, and once congealed, were placed in a vacuum oven for 1 h at 90ºC. The solutions were then spun on 7‐inch diameter non‐stick disks, allowed to dry, and conditioned at 23ºC and 50% RH before testing. Cassava starch‐glycerol‐beeswax films were successfully produced with a stable film structure at glycerol concentration equal or below 5% (w/w). Addition of glycerol and beeswax did not visually change the color of the films. Increasing glycerol content improved elongation while decreasing tensile strength. Increasing the glycerol concentration from 1.0 to 5.0% increased the water vapor permeability by 150% and addition of beeswax further increased these values by 250%.     

Determination of the molecular weight distribution of non‐enzymatic browning products formed by roasting of glucose and glycine and studies on their effects on NADPH‐cytochrome c‐reductase and glutathione‐S‐transferase in Caco‐2 cells

After thermal treatment of a mixture of glucose and glycine for 2 h at 125°C, about 60% of the starting material was converted into non‐soluble, black pigments, whereas 40% of the mixture was still water‐soluble. Dialysis of the latter fraction revealed 30.4% of low molecular weight compounds (LMWs; MW < 10 000 Da) and 10.0% high‐molecular weight products (HMWs; MW ⪈ 10 000 Da). The water‐soluble Maillard reaction products (MRPs) were separated by gel permeation chromatography and ultrafiltration, revealing that 60% of the water‐soluble products of the total carbohydrate/amino acid mixture had MWs < 1 000 Da and consisted mainly of non‐coloured reaction products. MRPs with MWs between 1 000 and 30 000 Da were found in comparatively low yields (about 1.3%). In contrast, about 31.1% of the MRPs exhibited MWs > 30 000 Da, amongst which 14.5% showed MWs > 100 000 Da, thus indicating an oligomerisation of LMWs to melanoidins under roasting conditions. To investigate the physiological effects of these MRPs, xenobiotic enzyme activities were analysed in intestinal Caco‐2 cells. For Phase‐I NADPH‐cytochrome c‐reductase, the activity in the presence of the LMW and HMW fraction was decreased by 13% and 22%, respectively. Phase‐II glutathione‐S‐transferase activity decreased by 15% and 18%, respectively, after incubation with the LMW and the HMW fractions. Considering the different yields, 30% and 10%, respectively, of the LMW and the HMW fractions, the total amount of the LMW fraction present in the glucose‐glycine mixture is more active in modulating these enzyme activities than that of the HMW fraction.     

Degradation of N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐xylulos‐1‐yl)glycine and N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐xylulos‐1‐yl)proline using thermal treatment

The formation and degradation of N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d ‐xylulos‐1‐yl)glycine and N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d ‐xylulos‐1‐yl)proline, derived from the secondary amine Maillard reaction in xylose‐amino acid model solutions, were detailed in this study. The identification and quantitative analysis of N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐ xylulos‐1‐yl)glycine and N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐ xylulos‐1‐yl)proline were carried out using high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography. The formation of intermediate and advanced products derived from N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐ xylulos‐1‐yl)glycine and N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐ xylulos‐1‐yl)proline was also tested using an UV‐Vis spectrophotometer to gain a better comparing of the degradation process of the two important Maillard reaction products using thermal treatment. Results showed that the degradation of N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐ xylulos‐1‐yl)glycine was more significant than N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐ xylulos‐1‐yl)proline. Moreover, xylose was tested in the degradation products of both N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐ xylulos‐1‐yl)glycine and N‐(1‐Deoxy‐d‐ xylulos‐1‐yl)proline, which indicated that the degradation of N‐substituted 1‐amino‐1‐deoxyketoses was a reversible reaction to form reducing sugar.     

Effect of fat content on sensory and physico‐chemical properties of laboratory‐pasteurised calcium‐ and vitamin D‐fortified mixture of cow and buffalo milk

The influence of milk fat on physico‐chemical properties of calcium and vitamin D‐fortified milk was investigated. Sensory scores, curd tension, viscosity, rennet coagulation time and TBA value increased with the increase in fat content. Calcium and vitamin D fortification had no effect on sensory scores, whereas a significant increase was observed in curd tension and viscosity. The TBA value of fortified milk was significantly lower than that of the unfortified milk. The rennet coagulation time of milk increased significantly with addition of calcium phosphate, whereas calcium citrate fortification had no significant effect. All milk samples were stable to alcohol.     

Inhibitory effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L extract on low‐density lipoprotein oxidation and anti‐hyperlipidemia in fructose‐fed and cholesterol‐fed rats

Hibiscus sabdariffa L extract (HSE) is an aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L flowers that is used as a local soft drink and medical herb in Taiwan. Oxidation of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) has been shown to increase the incidence of atherosclerosis. In this study, we determined the antioxidative activity of HSE on LDL oxidation by examining relative electrophoretic mobilities (REM) and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS). The data revealed an inhibitory effect of HSE on Cu²⁺‐mediated REM and TBARS. HSE exhibited a remarkable ability to reduce cholesterol degradation and ApoB fragmentation. Overall, HSE showed a high potency to inhibit the production of oxidized LDL induced by copper and, specifically, to reduce serum triglycerides in high‐fructose diet (HFD) fed rats and serum cholesterol in high‐cholesterol diet (HCD) fed animals. The levels of LDL and the ratio of LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) to HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) were reduced by HSE in both hyperlipidaemia models. Based on these findings, we suggest that HSE may be used to inhibit LDL oxidation and to prevent various types of hyperlipidaemia in HFD‐ or HCD‐fed rats. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Microwave Pasteurization of Cooked Pasta: Effect of Process Parameters on Texture and Quality for Heat‐and‐Eat and Ready‐to‐Eat Meals

Pasta presents a challenge to microwave processing due to its unique cooking requirements. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of microwave processing on pasta physicochemical and mechanical properties. Fettuccine pasta was parboiled for selected times, then pasteurized using a Microwave Assisted Pasteurization System and stored under refrigeration for 1 wk. Samples were analyzed using microscopy, mechanical testing, and chemical analyses after storage. While no significant differences were observed for free amylose among fresh samples, samples parboiled for ≤6 min had significantly higher free amylose, suggesting reduced starch retrogradation. Increased heat treatment increased degree of protein polymerization, observed in microstructures as increased gluten strand thickness and network density. Firmness and extensibility increased with increased parboil time; however, extension data indicated an overall weakening of microwave‐treated pasta regardless of total cooking time. Overall, microwave pasteurization was shown to be a viable cooking method for pasta.     

Effect of Hops Beta Acids on the Survival of Unstressed‐ or Acid‐Stress‐Adapted‐Listeria Monocytogenes and on the Quality and Sensory Attributes of Commercially Cured Ham Slices

This study evaluated the antilisterial activity of hops beta acids (HBA) and their impact on the quality and sensory attributes of ham. Commercially cured ham slices were inoculated with unstressed‐ and acid‐stress‐adapted (ASA)‐L. monocytogenes (2.2 to 2.5 log CFU/cm²), followed by no dipping (control), dipping in deionized (DI) water, or dipping in a 0.11% HBA solution. This was followed by vacuum or aerobic packaging and storage (7.2 °C, 35 or 20 d). Samples were taken periodically during storage to check for pH changes and analyze the microbial populations. Color measurements were obtained by dipping noninoculated ham slices in a 0.11% HBA solution, followed by vacuum packaging and storage (4.0 °C, 42 d). Sensory evaluations were performed on ham slices treated with 0.05% to 0.23% HBA solutions, followed by vacuum packaging and storage (4.0 °C, 30 d). HBA caused immediate reductions of 1.2 to 1.5 log CFU/cm² (P < 0.05) in unstressed‐ and ASA‐L. monocytogenes populations on ham slices. During storage, the unstressed‐L. monocytogenes populations on HBA‐treated samples were 0.5 to 2.0 log CFU/cm² lower (P < 0.05) than control samples and those dipped in DI water. The lag‐phase of the unstressed‐L. monocytogenes population was extended from 3.396 to 7.125 d (control) to 7.194 to 10.920 d in the HBA‐treated samples. However, the ASA‐L. monocytogenes population showed resistance to HBA because they had a higher growth rate than control samples and had similar growth variables to DI water‐treated samples during storage. Dipping in HBA solution did not adversely affect the color or sensory attributes of the ham slices stored in vacuum packages. These results are useful for helping ready‐to‐eat meat processors develop operational procedures for applying HBA on ham slices.