Rheological,gelling and emulsifying properties of a glycosylated and cross‐linked caseinate generated by transglutaminase

The impacts of oligochitosan glycosylation and cross‐linking on some properties of a commercial caseinate were investigated in this study. The glycosylated and cross‐linked caseinate with glucosamine content of 4.74 g kg^?1 protein was generated by transglutaminase (TGase) and oligochitosan at pH 7.5 and 37 °C, with fixed substrate molar ratio of 1:3 (acyl donor to glucosamine acceptor), caseinate content of 50 g L^?1, TGase of 10 kU kg^?1 protein and reaction time of 3 h, respectively. In comparison with the caseinate, the glycosylated and cross‐linked caseinate had decreased reactable amino groups (0.58 vs. 0.51 mol kg^?1 protein), higher apparent viscosity, decreased emulsifying activity index (about 14.5%) and statistically unchanged emulsion stability index (92.6 vs. 90.5%). Based on the mechanical spectra of the acid‐induced gels, the glycosylated and cross‐linked caseinate showed shorter gelation time (95 vs. 200 or 220 min) than the caseinate or cross‐linked caseinate. The gels prepared from the glycosylated and cross‐linked caseinate also had enhanced hardness, springiness and cohesiveness. The results indicated that TGase‐mediated oligochitosan glycosylation and cross‐linking has the potential to obtain new protein ingredients.     

Validation of analytical method for α‐dicarbonyl compounds using gas chromatography–nitrogen phosphorous detector and their levels in alcoholic beverages

This study aimed to establish an analytical method for α‐dicarbonyl compounds (α‐DCs) including glyoxal, methylglyoxal and diacetyl, to determine the content of α‐DCs in 101 various alcoholic beverages using gas chromatography–nitrogen phosphorous detector (GC‐NPD) and to perform exposure assessment. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for α‐DCs were 0.05–0.22 and 0.15–0.70 μg g^?1, respectively. The accuracy and precision were validated in five matrices. The raspberry fruit wine had the highest value at 139.74 μg g^?1 total α‐DCs. The lowest α‐DC concentration among the beverages was detected in rice wine (Makgeolli) at 1.59 μg g^?1. The levels of α‐DCs in various samples were detected as follows: 1.59–56.68 μg g^?1 in rice wine (Makgeolli), 2.73–16.77 μg g^?1 in beer, 8.22–139.74 μg g^?1 in fruit wine and 8.17–91.56 μg g^?1 in rice wine (Cheongju). The estimated daily intake of α‐DCs in the intake‐only group and population group was calculated as 4.22–97.94 μg kg^?1 bw day^?1 and 0.28–7.13 μg kg^?1 bw day^?1, respectively.     

In vitro inhibitory effects of cranberry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) extracts on aldose reductase, α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase

The in vitro inhibitory activities of different seed extracts prepared from cranberry bean mutant SA‐05 and its wild‐type variety Hwachia against aldose reductase, α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase were examined. The results indicated that the polyphenolics‐rich extracts obtained using 800 g kg^?1 methanol and 500 g kg^?1 ethanol demonstrated inhibitory activities against aldose reductase (IC₅₀ of 0.36–0.46 mg mL^?1) and α‐glucosidase (IC₅₀ of 1.32–1.94 mg mL^?1). The 500 g kg^?1 ethanol extracts also showed α‐amylase inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ of 70.11–80.22 μg mL^?1). Subsequent extracts, prepared further with NaCl and H₂O from precipitates of 800 g kg^?1 methanol or 500 g kg^?1 ethanol extracts, exhibited potent α‐amylase inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ of 17.68–38.68 μg mL^?1). A combination of 500 g kg^?1 ethanol extraction plus a subsequent H₂O extraction produced highest polyphenolics and α‐amylase inhibitors. The SA‐05 α‐amylase inhibitor extracts showed greater inhibitory activities than that of Hwachia. Thus, cranberry bean mutant SA‐05 is an advantageous choice for producing anti‐hyperglycaemic compounds.     

Effect of autochthonous starter cultures on the volatile flavour compounds of Chinese traditional fermented fish (Suan yu)

Effect of autochthonous starter cultures on the volatile flavour compounds of Chinese traditional fermented fish was studied. Lactobacillus plantarum 120, Staphylococcus xylosus 135 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 31, isolated from Suan yu, were selected as starter cultures. Volatiles were extracted by headspace solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry technology (GC‐MS). Esters and alcohols were the main components of volatiles, accounting for over 50 percentage points in all samples. The highest content of esters (3034.54 μg kg^?1) was observed in S1 inoculated with L. plantarum 120, while the highest content of alcohols (2164.53 μg kg^?1) and ketones (379.98 μg kg^?1) was detected in S3 inoculated with S. cerevisiae 31. The content of acids and aldehydes was lower in inoculated samples. Principal component analysis revealed that the volatile composition was primarily influenced by the nature of the starter cultures. L. plantarum 120 and S. xylosus 135 could accelerate fermentation.     

A comparative study of the analytical methods for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in seafood by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

This study was performed to establish a rapid analytical method to determine the presence of fourteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in seafoods by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC/FLD). The samples were prepared using two methods: the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe (QuEChERS) method and the alkali digestion method. The QuEChERS method involved a convenient and effective solid–liquid extraction and a simple purification. The alkali digestion method was comprised of a liquid–liquid extraction after saponification with potassium hydroxide followed by purification. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) of the QuEChERS method ranged from 0.05 to 1.60 μg kg^?1, and those of the alkali digestion method ranged from 0.28 to 5.18 μg kg^?1. The repeatability for all target analytes was similar for the two methods, that is, 0.66–4.24% and 0.26–5.75% for the QuEChERS and alkali digestion methods, respectively. At analyte concentrations of 2.5–50 μg kg^?1, the recovery of the QuEChERS method ranged from 86.87% to 115.67% and that of the alkali digestion method ranged from 69.22% to 100.21%.     

Determination of menaquinone production by Lactococcus spp. and propionibacteria in cheese

Two genera of lactic acid bacteria are principally known to produce menaquinones in cheese: Lactococcus spp. in semi-hard cheese such as Vacherin Fribourgeois and Raclette, and propionibacteria in Swiss-type cheese such as Emmental. Menaquinone (MK) content of several cheese loaves was analysed to determine the impact of sampling site, ripening time and cultures used during cheese making. With Lactococcus spp., in Vacherin and in Raclette, the principal menaquinone was MK-9 (median = 149 μg kg⁻¹ and median = 167 μg kg⁻¹) followed by MK-8 (median = 70 μg kg⁻¹ and median = 66 μg kg⁻¹). In Emmental cheese, the principal menaquinone was MK-4 (median = 48 μg kg⁻¹) in young cheese and MK-9(4H) (median = 468 μg kg⁻¹) in cheese older than 90 days. The only difference in sampling site was found in Raclette for MK-9. In Vacherin, MK-8, MK-9 and total contents of menaquinones were significantly different according to the strain of Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris used.     

Rheological,thermal and sensory properties of whey protein concentrate/pectin‐fortified mashed potatoes made from dehydrated flakes

The effect of different amounts of whey protein concentrate (50–150 g kg^?1), low and high methoxyl pectin (5–15 g kg^?1) on the rheological, thermal, structural properties and sensory quality of mashed potatoes prepared from dried mashed potatoes flakes was investigated. The response surface technique was used to analyse the effects of whey protein concentrate and pectin simultaneously on the consistency index, flow behaviour index, apparent viscosity and Casson plastic viscosity. Both whey protein concentrate and pectin decreased the consistency of the mashed potatoes weakening its structure in all concentrations assayed. Results suggest that whey protein concentrate interacts with high methoxyl pectin through non‐covalent interactions. Based on the sensory evaluation results, up to 100 g kg^?1 whey protein concentrate with 15 g kg^?1 of low methoxyl pectin and 15 g kg^?1 of high methxyl pectin could be incorporated to dried mashed potatoes flakes without losing significantly the sensory quality of the product.     

Comparison of the antioxidant activities of roasted and explosive puffed coffees

We investigated the explosive process effect on antioxidant activities of coffee bean. The total polyphenol contents of powdered extract of explosive puffing coffee bean at 0.75 MPa (PEP 7.5) and powdered extract of explosive puffing coffee bean at 0.9 MPa (PEP 9.0) were at a significantly higher than that of the powdered extract of roasting coffee bean (PER) (P < 0.05). PEP 7.5 showed the highest levels of 3‐CQA (86.23 μg mg^?1), 4‐CQA (43.71 μg mg^?1), and 5‐CQA (31.66 μg mg^?1), and PEP 9.0 had also similar levels of chlorogenic acids, with 3‐CQA (77.99 μg mg^?1), 4‐CQA (43.71 μg mg^?1), and 5‐CQA (30.32 μg mg^?1). PEP 7.5 and PEP 9.0 showed relatively higher antioxidant capacities in DPPH, ABTS, taurine, FRAP, and β‐carotene/linoleic acid assays. PEPs partly recovered the HepG2 cell damage induced by t‐BOOH. These results suggest that puffed coffee has beneficial health effects, and could be used for the development of novel processed coffee products.     

Exploitation of lettuce waste flour to increase bread functionality: effect on physical,nutritional, sensory properties and on consumer response

Phenol and fibre‐rich flour obtained by air‐drying and grinding of lettuce waste was partially substituted (26, 53, 170 and 575 g kg^?1) to wheat flour to produce functional bread. The addition of flour progressively decreased dough leavening capacity while increased bread moisture and firmness. Lettuce waste flour significantly increased the polyphenolic content (up to 3.4 g GAE kg^?1) of bread samples and enhanced their antioxidant activity by 200%. Bread containing 170 and 575 g kg^?1 of lettuce waste flour presented sensory properties and consumer acceptability comparable to those of commercial wholemeal bread with similar rye bran content. Bread containing at least 170 g kg^?1 of lettuce waste flour could be associated to nutritional claims related to its enhanced fibre content (>30 g kg^?1). Data obtained by conjoint analysis demonstrate the possibility of increasing consumer preference for lettuce waste flour bread by proper nutritional (fibre content) and sustainability (lettuce waste valorisation) claims.     

Physicochemical and microbiological description of Caxiri – a cassava and corn alcoholic beverage

Caxiri is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from cassava, corn and sweet potatoes by indigenous people in Brazil. Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Lactobacillus fermentum, Bacillus subtilis and L. helveticus were the main microbial species detected. Maltose was the main carbohydrate found (19.12 g L^?1), and lactic acid (15.09 g L^?1) and ethanol (92.16 g L^?1) were also found in high concentrations. Gas chromatography‐flame ionisation detector was used to identify thirteen volatile compounds. Among these volatiles, the higher concentrations were decanoic acid (123.04 μg L^?1) for the acids, diethyl malate (88.32 μg L^?1) for the esters, furfural (109.31 μg L^?1) for the aldehydes, 2‐phenylethanol (1022.76 μg L^?1) for the alcohols and 1,1‐diethoxyethane (226.24 μg L^?1) for the others. This study contributes to increasing knowledge of the microbiota present in the alcoholic fermentation produced from cassava, corn and sweet potatoes.     

Influence of calcium on tensile, optical and water vapour permeability properties of sodium caseinate edible films

The influence of calcium on sodium caseinate edible films with and without lipid addition (oleic acid (OA)–beeswax (BW) mixtures) was investigated through the analysis of tensile, optical and water vapour barrier properties. Calcium was added by substitution of sodium caseinate by calcium caseinate. Calcium caseinate films have less transparency and more rigidity but they have lower water vapour permeability values than sodium caseinate films. The effect of substitution was different for films with and without lipids. Calcium caseinate increased tensile strength and decreased elongation of films, depending on the level of substitution and lipid presence. Among control films (without lipid), water vapour permeability was reduced when calcium caseinate was present, reaching values of 3.9 (±0.2) g mm kPa⁻¹ h⁻¹ m⁻². Nevertheless, in the films containing lipids, this reduction was inhibited when the level of sodium caseinate substitution exceeded 50%. Film transparency and gloss was reduced by calcium caseinate and lipid presence, although pure calcium caseinate films were glossier. When taking all the studied variables into account, the films prepared with 2:1 NaCas:CaCas ratio and 70:30 OA:BW ratio showed the most adequate properties.     

Quality changes of farmed cobia steaks held in cold stores (−18 °C)

Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) steaks held in cold store (?18 °C) were analysed aseptically in triplicates for the sensory, total aerobic bacterial count, proximate composition, pH, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance (TBA‐RS), formaldehyde, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB‐N), trimethyl amine‐nitrogen (TMA‐N), salt soluble nitrogen (SSN), nonprotein nitrogen (NPN), sodium dodecyl sulphate‐poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) pattern. Steaks were sensorially acceptable up to 5 months of storage and the total bacterial counts did not exceed 6 log CFU counts. There were no significant changes in the pH values. TBA‐RS values increased significantly (P < 0.05) and reached 7.34 mg of malonaldehyde kg^?1 fat at the end. Formaldehyde content remained constant upto 4th month and later increased to 2.06 μg g^?1 (P < 0.05). TVB‐N and TMA‐N values did not exceed the acceptable limits. NPN contents showed no change, while SSN contents increased to 1.24% after 5 months. SDS‐PAGE pattern indicated no protein denaturation in the fish tissue. Results indicated that TBA‐RS value can only be considered as the valuable indicator in determining the quality of fish steaks held in cold stores.     

Comparison between microwave hydrodiffusion and pressing for plum juice extraction

Microwave (MW) hydrodiffusion and gravity, a process initially developed for extraction of phytonutrients, can be adapted for production of an organoleptically pleasant juice, which is compared here with classically extracted juice.Clear and cloudy juices were produced from plums cv. ‘Najbolia’ by enzymatic treatment and pressing. Juice yield were 550 g kg^?1 for clear juice, from 670 to 684 g kg^?1 for cloudy juice with or without ascorbic acid (AA), and from 344 to 461 g kg^?1 for MW juice.MW juice was richest in procyanidins (334 mg kg^?1) while the cloudy juice and clear juice with AA were richest in anthocyans (80 and 90 mg kg^?1 respectively), and phenolic acids (from 450 to 510 mg kg^?1 respectively).The MW process was clearly more rapid and simpler, though yields were lower. This process could be an alternative to produce fruit juice where professionals of juice are confronted to extraction problem.     

Waste from peach (Prunus persica) processing used for optimisation of carotenoids ethanolic extraction

The processing of peaches to produce fruit pulp generates solid and liquid wastes rich in phytochemicals, such as carotenoids; thus, the objective of this work was to study the use of this waste for carotenoid extraction based on a complete experimental design and using response surface methodology. The parameters studied were the amount of solvent (20–50 mL), the number of extractions (1–5) and the extraction time (10–30 min). The extracts were analysed by spectrophotometry and the optimised conditions by HPLC. The optimised results were four extractions of 10 min using 38.5 mL of ethanol, which presented a yield of 168.59 μg g^?1 DW of total carotenoids of which 67.55 μg g^?1 corresponds to β‐carotene, 86.75 μg g^?1 to cryptoxanthin, 12.08 μg g^?1 to zeaxanthin and 2.2 μg g^?1 to lutein, which representing 66% of extraction pigments relative to the total content of carotenoids present in the peach waste.     

Nutrients,technological properties and genetic relationships among twenty cowpea landraces cultivated in West Africa

The genetic relationships among twenty phenotypically different cowpea landraces were unravelled regarding their suitability for preparing West African dishes. Amplified fragment length polymorphism classified unpigmented landraces (UPs) as highly similar (65%, one cluster), contrary to pigmented landraces (PLs, three clusters). UPs contained, in g kg^?1 d.w., less fibre (24) and phenolics (3) than PLs (56 and 8, respectively) but had bigger seeds (200 g d.w. for 1000 seeds) and lower water absorption capacity at 30 °C (1049 g kg^?1) than PLs (139 and 1184, respectively). In g kg^?1 d.w., protein (255), ash (39), calcium (0.95), phytate (9.3), iron (0.07) and zinc (0.04) contents were similar. UPs genetic similarities corroborated with their chemical composition and functionality clustered by principal component analysis. Therefore, UPs are well interchangeable regarding chemical composition and suitability for boiled and fried cowpea dishes in contrast to PLs. PLs have potential for innovative product design owing to their functional properties.     

Development of an ELISA Reverse-Based Assay to Assess the Presence of Mycotoxins in Cereal Flour

The first successful application of the ELISA reverse method and device (ER m&d), in the context of food safety and traceability, was developed in our laboratories to detect and quantify CP4EPSPS and Cry1AB genetically modified related proteins in soy and maize samples, respectively. To prove the versatility and the transferability of the technology, the ER was here applied to assess the presence of mycotoxins in cereals. Appropriate protocols were developed to assess the presence of deoxynivalenol and ochratoxin A and the ER was tested on contaminated wheat samples. In particular, deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA) were detected in a range of values from 430 to 5,000 μg kg⁻¹ and from 1.7 to 10 μg kg⁻¹, respectively. The assays were optimized to reach a limit of quantification equal to 550 and 1.8 μg kg⁻¹ for DON and OTA, respectively.     

Potential ACE-inhibitory activity and nanoLC-MS/MS sequencing of peptides derived from aflatoxin contaminated peanut meal

Our lab has developed a process for sequestering aflatoxin from contaminated peanut meal (PM) using commercial bentonite clays while protein is simultaneously extracted and hydrolyzed by a commercial protease. The objectives of this study were to sequence generated peptides and evaluate their potential ACE-inhibitory properties. Aflatoxin in the unprocessed PM was 610 μg kg⁻¹ compared to 9.7 μg kg⁻¹ on a dry weight basis in the 120 min hydrolysate. This hydrolysate displayed significant ACE-inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ of 295.1 μg mL⁻¹. Ultrafiltration and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) improved the ACE-inhibitory properties, with the SEC fraction containing the smallest peptides having an IC₅₀ = 44.4 μg mL⁻¹. Additionally, 271 unique peptides were identified by nanoLC-MS/MS, of which 147 belonged to major seed storage proteins. This advanced characterization data will ultimately allow for more efficient production of hydrolysates with ACE-inhibitory activity or other bioactivities of interest from PM.     

Phytochemicals and quality characteristics of candied paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) during storage

In this study, we prepared candied paprika from various coloured fresh paprika and compared the changes in phytochemicals and quality for 42 days by analysing carotenoids, ascorbic acids and total phenolic content, and by assessing sensory and instrumental qualities. We identified five types of carotenoids from candied red paprika (CRP) and three from candied orange paprika (COP) and candied yellow paprika (CYP). At 0‐day storage, capsanthin and β‐carotene in CRP were quantitatively analysed to 26.96 μg g^?1 fw and 3.81 μg g^?1 fw, zeaxanthin and β‐carotene in COP were 9.35 μg g^?1 fw and 4.16 μg g^?1 fw, and lutein and β‐carotene in CYP were 0.27 μg 100 g^?1 fw and 0.70 μg 100 g^?1 fw, respectively. After 42‐days storage, CRP retained approximately 68.6% carotenoids, COP retained 40%, and CYP retained 33%. Ascorbic acid and total phenolic content decreased during storage as carotenoids did. However, rates of decrease were different in different coloured paprika, especially, ascorbic acid in COP and phenolic acid in CRP were considerably conserved for 42 days. Hardness, springiness and chewiness in all samples were significantly increased by 14‐days storage and maintained until 42‐days storage, and all the sensory parameters, including colour, appearance, odour, texture, paprika flavour and overall consumer preference showed no differences until 28 days.     

Hydration of casein micelles and caseinates: Implications for casein micelle structure

By studying the hydration of casein micelles using a variety of techniques, a distinction could be made between water that appeared bound by the protein (∼0.5 g g⁻¹ protein), water associated with the κ-casein brush (∼1.0 g g⁻¹ protein) and water entrapped in the casein micelles (∼1.8 g g⁻¹ protein), yielding a total micellar hydration of ∼3.3 g g⁻¹ protein, in line with casein micelle voluminosity derived from intrinsic viscosity measurements. For caseinate particles, however, the main contributor to intrinsic viscosity was not protein hydration but the non-spherical particle shape. These non-spherical particles in caseinate are likely to be naturally present as primary casein particles (PCP) in casein micelles. PCP could be used to build casein micelles by controlled introduction of micellar salts. Based on the findings of this study, casein micelles could be described as a porous network of non-spherical PCP linked by calcium phosphate nanoclusters.     

Evaluation of antibacterial protein with antioxidant activity from Rahnella aquatilis L103 and its effect on beef during refrigerated storage

A strain, Rahnella aquatilis L103, which was isolated from the soil around the roots of mushrooms, produced antibacterial protein though fermentation. This protein has broad antibacterial spectrum towards gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The protein has a significant antioxidant capacity on scavenging ABTS^+· (82.5%, 120 μg mL⁻¹), DPPH^· (64.1%, 600 μg mL⁻¹) and OH^· (60.1%, 750 μg mL⁻¹) as well. The protein was considered to be safe within concentration of 150 μg mL⁻¹ as shown by MTT results and was applied to beef refrigerated preservation. The treatment group presented lower total viable counts (TVC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA), meanwhile, higher sensory score and longer shelf life (2 days) compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The results indicated that the protein under safe concentration was beneficial to beef preservation.