Active packaging technology to retain storage quality of pear cv. “Bartlett” during shelf-life periods under ambient holding after periodic cold storage

Response of “Bartlett” pears harvested at commercial maturity (104.29-N firmness and 3.15 starch iodine rating) to various active packaging conditions using O₂ (Fe powder) and ethylene (KMnO₄) scavenger sachets in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film bags (25.4 and 50.8 μm), cold storage (2 ± 1°C with 95 ± 2%), and shelf-life holding periods under ambient conditions (24 ± 3°C; 68 ± 5% relative humidity [RH]) was recorded as changes in physic chemical parameters. The fruits were packed in 25.4- and 50.8-μm LDPE film bags containing 5%, 10%, and 15% Fe and KMnO₄ powder incorporated on silica as inert carrier in form of sachets. After packaging the fruits airtight in film bags, they were placed in corrugated fiber board (CFB) boxes (29 × 23 × 14 cm; L × B × H). Fruits packed in 50.8-μm LDPE film bags with sachets containing 15% Fe powder recorded maximum fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid with minimum spoilage, weight loss (physiological loss of weight [PLW]), pectin methylesterase (PME), polygalacturonase (PG) activity, and respiration rate and increase in fruit calcium content and highest level of overall acceptability (color, taste, aroma, and texture) after periodic cold storage and ambient shelf-life periods. The effect of different treatments was compared by post hoc analysis using Tukey's test, which also revealed significant differences among different treatments. Our findings also revealed that pear fruit retains edible quality until fruit firmness > 30.89 N, TSS > 10.0%, and weight loss < 9.00%.     

Effect of oxygen concentration on the shelf‐life of fresh pork packed in a modified atmosphere

Freshly slaughtered meat was packed in modified atmosphere packs (MAP) containing 5%, 15%, 25%, 35%, 45% and 55% O₂ along with 20% CO₂ in each package and stored for 8 days at 4°C. The samples were evaluated on the 8th day in terms of TVBN total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN) value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) value, colour acceptability score, overall acceptability score and total microbial count. The result indicated better effects for 45% and 55% O₂‐containing MAP; however, the TBARs value of 45% O₂ atmosphere was significantly lower, without having significant differences in other evaluation criteria, than in the 55% O₂ package; hence 45% O₂ and 20% CO₂ gas mixture were selected as the most appropriate gas composition for fresh pork packaging. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of Packaging Liners on Cooling Rate and Quality Attributes of Table Grape (cv. Regal Seedless)

Table grapes are commonly packed in multi‐layered packages consisting of cardboard carton, plastic liners and carry bag/pouch to maintain product quality along the cold chain. Each liner is characterized by the number and the size of perforations, which influence the environmental conditions around the produce inside the package. This study investigated the effects of different carton liners on the cooling rate and quality attributes of ‘Regal Seedless’ table grapes. Fruit quality attributes measured include weight loss, stem dehydration and browning, SO₂ injury, decay, berry firmness and colour. Non‐perforated liners maintained relative humidity (RH) close to 100% during cold storage and during a 7 day shelf life period, which resulted in delaying the loss of stem quality but significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increasing the incidence of SO₂ injury and berry drop during storage, as compared with perforated liners. Perforated liners improved fruit cooling rates but significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced RH. Low RH in perforated liners resulted in significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in stem dehydration and browning as compared with non‐perforated liners. Berry firmness decreased by 78% after 42 days of storage at ?0.5°C. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in berry firmness between the different packages were observed only during the first 7 days of storage. Berry colour changed from greenish‐yellow to yellowish‐green in all types of plastic liner during the storage period. Fruit decay occurred in all packages after a 7 day shelf life, with the highest incidence of decay occurring in liners with less perforation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Incorporation of new technique for processing of Al/SiCp composites based on evaporative pattern casting (EPC) method

Abstract

A336 Al matrix composites containing different volume fraction and mean mass particle size of SiC particles as the reinforcing phase were synthesised by evaporative pattern casting (EPC) route. The process consisted of fabricating of EPS/SiC_p composite pattern followed by EPC of A336 Al alloy. The EPS/SiC_p pattern was made by blending SiC particles with expandable polystyrene (EPS) beads and placing them in expanding mould heating with steam until EPS beads expand completely. Uniform distributed SiC particles around the EPS beads and locally movement of them during pouring and degradation leads to homogenous distribution of particles in final Al/SiC_p composite. Higher modulus, strength and hardness were observed in the composites than the unreinforced Al alloy part. The fracture surfaces of the composite samples exhibited dimple surfaces and fracture in SiC particles.     

Nouveaux diffuseurs plastiques du SO2 pour la conservation frigorifique du raisin de tableNew plastic diffusers of SO2 for refrigerated storage of table grapes

Following a study of the production and emission of SO₂ from metabisulphite contained in plastic sachets or bags, new diffusers of SO₂ have been made, using polyethylene bags. These have been used in experiments on the storage of table grapes. Each diffuser held 50 g of potassium metabisulphite, 5 g of ‘celite’ and 5 g of water.Experiments showed that most of the SO₂ given off by the bisulphite was oxidized to potassium sulphate, by oxygen contained in, or diffusing into, the bags. Only that part of the SO₂ which diffused out of the bags was useful in storage of grapes. Subsequent experiments on refrigerated storage of ‘Razaki’ and ‘Sultanina’ grapes have shown that these plastic diffusers (one to each tray of grapes) in a pack or over-wrap of polyethylene or even of paper, enable storage of grapes for two to three months, with no development of mould, and retention of the freshness of the produce. The stalks remain green and the absorption of SO₂ by the grapes is minimal.     

A Strategy to Produce High Efficiency,High Stability Perovskite Solar Cells Using Functionalized Ionic Liquid‐Dopants

Functionalized imidazolium iodide salts (ionic liquids) modified with ? CH₂? CH?CH₂, ? CH₂C?CH, or ? CH₂C?N groups are applied as dopants in the synthesis of CH₃NH₃PbI₃‐type perovskites together with a fumigation step. Notably, a solar cell device prepared from the perovskite film doped with the salt containing the ? CH₂? CH?CH₂ side‐chain has a power conversion efficiency of 19.21%, which is the highest efficiency reported for perovskite solar cells involving a fumigation step. However, doping with the imidazolium salts with the ? CH₂C?CH and ? CH₂C?N groups result in perovskite layers that lead to solar cell devices with similar or lower power conversion efficiencies than the dopant‐free cell.     

Optimization of gliclazide loaded alginate-gelatin beads employing central composite design

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to optimize the formulation of alginate-gelatin (AL-GL) beads containing gliclazide (GLZ) employing design of experiments (DOE).

Significance: DOE enabled identification of the interaction between the studied factors, deep understanding of GLZ release pattern and acceleration of the optimization process.

Methods: A three-factor, three-level face centered design was employed. The effects of GLZ content (GLZ%, X₁), polymer ratio (AL:GL ratio, X₂), crosslinker concentration (glutaraldehyde, GA%, X₃), and their interaction on incorporation efficiency (IE) and release rate were studied. The optimized formulation was prepared using numerical optimization and evaluated by DSC, FT-IR, SEM and release rate studies.

Results: Increasing GA% (X₃) decreased IE (Y₁) with the highest magnitude of effect among the studied factors. On the other hand, increasing alginate content in AL:GL ratio (X₂) increased IE (Y₁). The amount of GLZ released Q_0.5h, Q_2h(pH 1.2) and Q_4h(pH 7.4) decreased by increasing GLZ% (X₁) and AL:GL ratio (X₂). Both drug content and AL:GL ratio appeared to affect water penetration into the gel matrix and drug release. Generally, there was a direct relationship between GA% (X₃) and GLZ release in pH 1.2 (Q_0.5h and Q_2h). However, in pH 7.4 (Q_4h), increasing GA% decreased GLZ release. In addition, increasing GA% caused deviation from zero-order release model. The actual responses of the optimized formulation were in close agreement with the predicted ones.

Conclusion: The selected factors and their levels studied in the optimization design were useful for tailoring the anticipated formulation characteristics and GLZ release pattern.     

Formulation and Characterization of a Compacted Multiparticulate System for Modified Release of Water-Soluble Drugs—Part II Theophylline and Cimetidine

The purpose was to investigate the effectiveness of an ethylcellulose (EC) bead matrix and different film-coating polymers in delaying drug release from compacted multiparticulate systems. Formulations containing theophylline or cimetidine granulated with Eudragit^® RS 30D were developed and beads were produced by extrusion–spheronization. Drug beads were coated using 15% wt/wt Surelease^® or Eudragit^® NE 30D and were evaluated for true density, particle size, and sphericity. Lipid-based placebo beads and drug beads were blended together and compacted on an instrumented Stokes B2 rotary tablet press. Although placebo beads were significantly less spherical, their true density of 1.21 g/cm³ and size of 855 μm were quite close to Surelease^®-coated drug beads. Curing improved the crushing strength and friability values for theophylline tablets containing Surelease^®-coated beads; 5.7 ± 1.0 kP and 0.26 ± 0.07%, respectively. Dissolution profiles showed that the EC matrix only provided 3 h of drug release. Although tablets containing Surelease^®-coated theophylline beads released drug fastest overall (t_44.2% = 8 h), profiles showed that coating damage was still minimal. Size and density differences indicated a minimal segregation potential during tableting for blends containing Surelease^®-coated drug beads. Although modified release profiles >8 h were achievable in tablets for both drugs using either coating polymer, Surelease^®-coated theophylline beads released drug fastest overall. This is likely because of the increased solubility of theophylline and the intrinsic properties of the Surelease^® films. Furthermore, the lipid-based placebos served as effective cushioning agents by protecting coating integrity of drug beads under a number of different conditions while tableting.     

Preparation and characterization of chitosan/cashew gum beads loaded with Lippia sidoides essential oil

Beads based on chitosan (CH) and cashew gum (CG), were prepared and loaded with an essential oil with larvicide activity (Lippia sidoides – Ls). CH and CH–CG beads were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared and UV–VIS spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), as well as, regarding their larvicide loading, swelling, in vitro and in vivo release kinetics. The oil encapsulation was evidenced by FTIR analysis and LS loading ranges from 2.4% to 4.4%. CH beads duly showed swelling degree (Q) values from 4.0 to 6.7, reaching equilibrium after 30 min, whereas crosslinked CH–CG beads showed lower swelling values, from 0.4 to 3.8, exhibiting a longer equilibrium time. Liquid transport parameters have revealed diffusion coefficient for CH–CG beads, as low as 2 × 10^? 15 m²/s. TGA and DSC revealed that CH:CG crosslinked beads are more thermally stable than CH beads. In vitro release follows a non-Fickian diffusion profile for both bead types, however, and a prolonged release being achieved only after beads crosslinking. In vivo release showed that both CH and CH–CG presented a prolonged larvicide effect. These aforesaid results, indicate that CH–CG beads loaded with LS are efficient for A. aegypti larval control.     

Evaluation of plastic packages for guava refrigerated preservation

Guavas cv. ‘Kumagai’ were packed in several plastic materials and stored at 10°C and 85–90% relative humidity (RH) for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days (+3 days at 25°C). The plastic materials studied were: multilayer co‐extruded polyolephine film with selective permeability (PSP), low‐density polyethylene film (LDPE), LDPE film with mineral incorporation (LDPEm) and heat‐shrinkable polyolephine film (SHR). Guavas not packed were taken as control samples. The physicochemical characteristics of the fruits, O₂ and CO₂ transmission rates of the packaging materials and gas composition at the package headspace were evaluated. The LDPE film, 69 µm in thickness, with the lowest permeability to both O₂ and CO₂, led to anaerobiosis and high CO₂ concentration inside the packages and promoted physiological disturbances and changes in fruit flavour. The SHR film, 15 µm in thickness, was the most permeable to CO₂ and had quite high O₂ transmission, which modified the inner atmosphere of the packages slightly. The fruits packed in this film showed a poorer quality than the controls, possibly due to the heat produced during the shrinking of the film. The LDPEm film, 24 µm in thickness, was almost as permeable to CO₂ but had reduced O₂ transmission, promoting an atmosphere of equilibrium of 3% O₂ and 4.5% CO₂. Fruits packed in this film kept their skin colour and pulp firmness, suitable for consumption up to 14 days. The PSP film, 35 µm in thickness, had the greatest O₂ transmission but just over half of the CO₂ transmission of LDPEm, promoting an atmosphere of equilibrium of 0.5% O₂ and 4.5% CO₂ inside the packages. Fruits packed in such packages kept their physicochemical characteristics up to 21 days. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Permeable,robust and magnetic hydrogel beads: water droplet templating synthesis and utilization for heavy metal ions removal

By comprehensively utilizing interfacial tension and ultrafast radical polymerization as driving forces, we reported here a water droplet templating polymerization strategy to synthesize dithiocarbamate-decorated poly(vinyl amine) hydrogel beads (DTC-Fe₃O₄@PVAM) adsorbent material for heavy metal ions removal. The polymerization-induced rapid gelation behavior, being monitored by optical tracer microrheology, was achieved by using reactive monomers and low activation energy initiator. With this method, the monodisperse and size-controlled millimeter-scale DTC-Fe₃O₄@PVAM beads could be produced in mass. Different from traditional interfacially cross-linked hydrogel beads, the homogeneous polymeric network skeleton containing stable C–N cross-linkages was generated, which could withstand harsh chemical conditions and showed good fatigue resistance. Furthermore, the formed highly permeable macroporous structure is beneficial for mass transfer process and contributes to rapid adsorption equilibriums. Owing to the introduction of chelating DTC groups and Fe₃O₄ nanofillers, the reported adsorbent material also exhibits considerable adsorption capacities, good foreign ions resistance, convenient magnetic separation and efficient reusability. This work might contribute to the improved design and novel preparation strategy of millimeter-scale hydrogel beads adsorbent materials for water environment remediation.     

Efficiency of electrooptic spin-to-orbital angular momentum conversion in crystals

We introduce a figure of merit for the photon spin-to-orbital angular momentum conversion via electrooptic (EO) Pockels effect in single crystals. Relations for the effective EO coefficients are derived for different symmetry groups. We show that Bi₁₂TiO₂₀ crystals reveal the highest figure of merit among well studied crystalline EO materials. The efficiency of the spin-to-orbital angular momentum conversion is measured experimentally for a number of single crystals.     

Effect of temperature on the decomposition of trifluoromethane in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor

This study investigated the decomposition of trifluoromethane (HFC-23) by using nonthermal plasma (NTP) generated in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor. The main problem of the NTP process may be its low decomposition efficiency for fluorinated carbons, which can be resolved by introducing a catalyst and operating the process at elevated temperatures. The effect of temperature on the HFC-23 decomposition was examined with alumina or glass beads as the packing material in the NTP reactor. With other conditions kept constant, higher temperature resulted in higher HFC-23 decomposition efficiency, and it was shown that the NTP reactor packed with alumina beads acting as a catalyst decomposed HFC-23 more effectively than that with glass beads. When the reactor temperatures were 300 °C and 250 °C (flow rate: 60 L h^− 1; HFC-23 concentration: 2000 ppm), the decomposition efficiency in the presence of the alumina catalyst approached 100% at input powers of 60 W and 100 W, respectively. The main products from HFC-23 were CO and CO₂, which nearly accounted for the amount of HFC-23 decomposed. With respect to the decomposition efficiency, the combination of the NTP and the catalyst was more advantageous than using them separately.     

Shelf Life of Fresh Beef Stored in Master Packages with Carbon Monoxide and High Levels of Carbon Dioxide

Beef steaks from Gluteus medius, Longissimus dorsi, Psoas major and ground beef from Triceps brachii were packed in master packages containing expanded polystyrene trays overwrapped with polyvinyl chloride film under an anoxic atmosphere containing 0.2% CO, 60.0% CO₂ and 39.8% N₂ (T₁) or 0.2% CO/99.8% CO₂ plus oxygen scavengers. After 28 days of storage at 1 and 4°C, the meat quality was evaluated. The visual and instrumental colour of the beef steaks and ground beef were similar to that of fresh meat. Pathogenic bacteria were not detected, and psychrotrophic bacterial counts were lower than 7.5 log CFU/g. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Drug Release Behavior of pH‐Responsive O‐carboxymethyl Chitosan‐graft‐poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) Hydrogel Beads

In this work, the carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCTS) grafted poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) copolymers were synthesized. The hydrogel beads containing VB₂ were prepared from the copolymers by an ionic crosslinked. The experimental results shown that VB₂ drug release rate from those beads decreased with the increasing grafting percentage, crosslinker concentration and pH value of the medium. Besides, the beads have the better control ability for releasing of model drug than CMCTS does.     

Production of A356–SiCP composite by an innovative casting process

In the present study, a novel procedure was introduced for casting of metal matrix composites by adding a mortar consisting expandable polystyrene beads, carboxy methyl cellulose paste, SiC particles and water as a mould pattern. This process was applied for A356 Aluminium alloy/SiC_P composite. Technology of this method is based on a balance between the solidification rate and the buoyancy of the reinforcement particles. The experimental results show that effective parameters in fabrication of a sound part are density and size of pre-puff polystyrene beads, percentage of the reinforcement particles, mould material, thickness of mould cavity, casting temperature and cooling rate. However, the innovative method will only be successful for the thin-wall parts, which their solidification times become shorter than the floatation time of the reinforcement particles.     

Formulation and Characterization of a Compacted Multiparticulate System for Modified Release of Water-Soluble Drugs – Part 1 Acetaminophen

The aim of this study was to characterize and evaluate a modified release, multiparticulate tablet formulation consisting of placebo beads and drug-loaded beads. Acetaminophen (APAP) bead formulations containing ethylcellulose (EC) from 40–60% and placebo beads containing 30% calcium silicate and prepared using 0–20% alcohol were developed using extrusion–spheronization and studied using a central composite experimental design. Particle size and true density of beads were measured. Segregation testing was performed using the novel ASTM D6940-04 method on a 50:50 blend of uncoated APAP beads (60%EC) : calcium silicate placebo beads (10% alcohol). Tablets were prepared using an instrumented Stokes-B2 rotary tablet press and evaluated for crushing strength and dissolution rate. Compared with drug beads (60%EC), placebo beads (10% alcohol) were smaller but had higher true densities: 864.8 μm and 1.27 g/cm³, and 787.1 μm and 1.73 g/cm³, respectively. Segregation testing revealed that there was approximately a 20% difference in drug content (as measured by the coefficient of variation) between initial and final blend samples. Although calcium silicate-based placebo beads were shown to be ineffective cushioning agents in blends with Surelease^®-coated APAP beads, they were found to be very compactibile when used alone and gave tablet crushing strength values between 14 and 17 kP. The EC in the APAP bead matrix minimally suppressed the drug release from uncoated beads (t_100%?=?2 h). However, while tablets containing placebo beads reformulated with glycerol monostearate (GMS) showed a slower release rate (t_60%= 5 h) compared with calcium silicate-based placebos, some coating damage (～30%) still occurred on compression as release was faster than coated APAP beads alone. While tablets containing coated drug beads can be produced with practical crushing strengths (>8 kP) and low compression pressures (10–35 MPa), dissolution studies revealed that calcium silicate-based placebos are ineffective as cushioning agents. Blend segregation was likely observed due to the particle size and the density differences between APAP beads and calcium silicate-based placebo beads; placebo bead percolation can perhaps be minimized by increasing their size during the extrusion–spheronization process. The GMS- based placebos offer greater promise as cushioning agents for compacted, coated drug beads; however, this requires an optimized compression pressure range and drug bead : placebo bead ratio (i.e., 50:50).     

Modeling of chromium (VI) biosorption by immobilized Spirulina platensis in packed column

This study describes biosorption of chromium (VI) by immobilized Spirulina platensis, in calcium alginate beads. Three aspects viz. optimization of bead parameters, equilibrium conditions and packed column operation were studied and subsequently modeled. Under optimized bead diameter (2.6 mm), calcium alginate concentration (2%, w/v) and biomass loading (2.6%, w/v) maximum biosorption was achieved. 140 g l⁻¹ loading of optimized beads resulted in 99% adsorption of chromium (VI) ions from an aqueous solution containing 100 mg l⁻¹ of chromium (VI). The quantitative chromium (VI) uptake was effectively described by Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The immobilized S. platensis beads were further used in a packed bed column wherein the effects of bed height, feed flow rate, inlet chromium (VI) ion concentration were studied by assessing breakthrough time. The performance data were tested for various models fitting in order to predict scale up-design parameters such as breakthrough time and column height. Results were encouraging.     

SO2 和1-MCP 保鲜剂对巨峰葡萄保鲜效果的影响

为了延长葡萄的保存期,文中研究了室温条件下((23 ±1) ℃),1-MCP 释放垫和SO2 杀菌袋对存储期内葡萄品质的影响。将裸放葡萄(对照组)和SO2 杀菌袋包装葡萄(K 组)作为比较组,含有1-MCP 释放垫的杀菌包装袋包装葡萄作为研究组(K+MCP 组),主要测定了葡萄的失重、褐变、硬度、可溶性固形物、顶空气体浓度和感官评价等参数。由于葡萄在存储期内出现失水和茎褐变,对照组和K 组的保质期分别为2 d 和4 d,而K+MCP 组能把葡萄保质期延长到8 d。结果表明,SO2 杀菌袋和1-MCP 释放垫的结合使用可以延长葡萄在室温下的贮存质量及保质期。     

采前喷施复合保鲜液对蓝莓贮藏品质的影响

目的 研究采前喷施丁香提取液结合壳聚糖对蓝莓贮藏品质的影响.方法 以蓝莓为材料,采用3种处理方法(丁香提取液、壳聚糖、丁香提取液结合壳聚糖)对采后蓝莓进行低温((1±0.5)℃)贮藏,并设置对照组,研究不同处理方式对蓝莓贮藏品质变化的影响.结果 与对照组比较,处理组均能够延缓蓝莓的生理代谢,其中采前喷施丁香提取液结合壳聚糖的复合保鲜液对蓝莓的保鲜效果优于单独处理,能够更好地降低采后蓝莓的腐烂率、呼吸强度和乙烯生成速率,抑制果实的硬度、可溶性固形物含量、花色苷含量的下降,保持蓝莓的多聚半乳糖醛酸酶、过氧化氢酶和脂氧合酶活性,并且显著降低采后蓝莓果实表面的霉菌和酵母菌的菌落总数(P<0.05).结论 采前喷施丁香提取液结合壳聚糖对采后蓝莓果实的贮藏效果最好,能够明显降低蓝莓果实的生理代谢,保持更好的贮藏品质.