Stability of protein‐stabilised β‐carotene nanodispersions against heating,salts and pH

BACKGROUND: Milk proteins are used in a wide range of formulated food emulsions. The stability of food emulsions depends on their ingredients and processing conditions. In this work, β‐carotene nanodispersions were prepared with selected milk‐protein products using solvent‐displacement method. The objective of this work was to evaluate the stability of these nanodispersions against heating, salts and pH. RESULTS: Sodium caseinate (SC)‐stabilised nanodispersions possessed the smallest mean particle size of 17 nm, while those prepared with whey‐protein products resulted in larger mean particle sizes (45–127 nm). Formation of large particles (mean particle size of 300 nm) started after 1 h of heating at 60 °C in nanodispersions prepared with SC. More drastic particle size changes were observed in nanodispersions prepared with whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. The SC‐stabilised nanodispersions were fairly stable against Na⁺ ions at concentrations below 100 mmol L^?1, but drastic aggregation occurred in ≥ 50 mmol L^?1 CaCl₂ solutions. Aggregation was also observed in whey protein‐stabilised nanodispersions after the addition of NaCl and CaCl₂ solutions. All sample exhibited the smallest mean particle size at neutral pH, but large aggregates were formed at both ends of extreme pH and at pH around the isoelectric point of the proteins. CONCLUSION: The nanodispersions prepared with SC were generally more stable against thermal processing, ionic strength and pH, compared to those prepared with whey proteins. The stable β‐carotene nanodispersions showed a good potential for industrial applications. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Presence and Stability of Patulin in Pasteurized Apple Cider

Pasteurized apple cider produced in Georgia was surveyed for patulin. Levels from 244-3993 μg patulin/L cider were found. Eight high temperature-short time (HTST) treatments (60°, 70°. 80°, and 90°C for 10 set; 90°C for 20, 40, 80, and 160 set) and one batch treatment (90°C for 10 min) were used to determine the stability of patulin in pasteurized cider. The 60°, 80°, and 90°C HTST treatments and the batch pasteurization significantly reduced the patulin level, but did not completely destroy the toxin. Storage of the cider had no effect on the patulin level.     

Effect of polyglycerol esters of fatty acids on physicochemical properties and stability of β‐carotene nanodispersions prepared by emulsification/evaporation method

The effects of six different polyglycerol esters of fatty acids (PGEs) as nonionic emulsifiers on the physicochemical properties and stability of β‐carotene nanoparticles in oil‐in‐water dispersions produced by an emulsification/evaporation technique were examined. The β‐carotene particle size was measured by a laser diffraction technique, and the stability and retention of β‐carotene during various preparation steps and storage were determined by HPLC. In the prepared nanodispersions the β‐carotene particle size decreased with increasing degree of glycerol polymerisation and decreasing carbon number of the fatty acid group in the PGE. The particle size of β‐carotene in nanodispersions containing polyglycerol monooleate was generally larger than that in the presence of polyglycerol monolaurate. During storage at 4 °C, although the β‐carotene content in the nanodispersions showed a significant ( P < 0.05) decrease with increasing storage period, the size distribution of β‐carotene was almost unchanged in all prepared nanodispersions. In general, the mean diameter of β‐carotene nanoparticles ranged from 85 to 132 nm. In the light of their ability to physically stabilise β‐carotene particle formation, it is suggested that PGEs with a high degree of glycerol polymerisation may be useful in the preparation of β‐carotene nanodispersions. The best stabilisation was obtained using 10 g kg^?1 decaglycerol monolaurate. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Stability Modeling of Red Pigments Produced by Monascus purpureus in Submerged Cultivations with Sugarcane Bagasse

Monascus purpureus red pigments were produced in submerged cultivations employing sugarcane bagasse (SB) as carbon source in combination with various nitrogen sources. Peptone and soy protein isolate (SPI) as nitrogen sources generated the best pigment yields. NH₄Cl has not supported high pigment production. Red pigments produced using SB and SPI as growth substrates were submitted to temperature and pH stability analysis. Data from thermal pigment degradation were fitted to five mathematical models, and a first-order equation was accepted as the best one to describe color decay. Red pigments showed high stability at low temperatures (30–60 °C) and at near-neutrality pH values (6.0–8.0) when compared to that at high temperatures (above 60 °C) and at acidic pH values (4.0–5.0). Monascus pigments produced using a low-cost agroindustrial waste (SB) as carbon source could be utilized as colorants in foods and foodstuffs manufactured under mild process conditions.     

β-Carotene nanodispersions: preparation,characterization and stability evaluation

The aim of the present study was to investigate the preparation of β-carotene nanodispersions as potential active ingredients for food formulations. Nanodispersions containing β-carotene were obtained by a process based on an emulsification–evaporation technique. The preparation method consisted of emulsifying an organic solution of β-carotene in an aqueous solution containing emulsifier using two different homogenizers (a conventional homogenizer and a microfluidizer), followed by direct solvent evaporation under reduced pressure. The influence of different homogenizing conditions (pressure and cycle) and two organic/aqueous phase ratios on particle size parameters and content of β-carotene was investigated. In addition, the stability of β-carotene nanodispersions was carried out at a storage temperature of 4 °C. The particle size distribution of β-carotene in nanodispersions was demonstrated with a laser diffraction particle size analyzer and the retention of β-carotene in the prepared nanodispersions was studied by high-pressure liquid chromatography. In general, homogenization pressure and cycle had significant (P < 0.05) effects on various particle size parameters. A volume-weighted mean diameter (D_4,3) of β-carotene nanoparticles, ranging from 60 to 140 nm, was observed in this study.     

Functional, Sensory, and Microbiological Properties of Restructured Beef and Emu Steaks

Beef and emu steaks were restructured with 5% fibrinogen/0.25% thrombin (F), 0.5% algin/0.5% calcium lactate (A), or 0.5% phosphate/1.5% salt (P). P and A treatments had higher cooked binding strengths and cook yields than the F treatments (P < 0.05). The pH and cook yields of restructured emu were higher than beef (P < 0.05). Binding strength of emu was lower than beef in all binding systems (P < 0.05). F solution had an aerobic plate count (APC) of 39,000/g and increased the microbial count in restructured emu steaks from 940 to 7500/g (P < 0.05). Cooking to 60°C reduced APC to < 250/g (P < 0.05) with progressively greater bacterial kill after cooking to 66°C or 75°C.     

The effect of ultrasonic treatments on turbidity,microbial load,and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity of plum nectar

This study examined the effects of ultrasound on several quality parameters of plum nectars, such as turbidity, microbial load, PPO activity, phenolic content, and physicochemical quality. The ultrasonic treatment was applied to the plum nectars at different treatment temperatures (40, 50, 60, and 70?°C) and durations (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 min). Ultrasound processing caused a significant increase in the turbidity level and stability of the plum nectars, which were correlated with increases in treatment temperature and duration. Similar effects were also observed in reduction of microbial load. Ultrasonic treatments at 7.5 min at 60?°C and 5 min at 70?°C reduced the total yeast and mold counts (<?1 log cfu/mL). The total mesophilic-aerobic microorganism (TMAB) count was also reduced by up to 2 log. The maximum inactivation of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was ~46?% at 70?°C. No dramatic trends were observed for the pH, brix, and the total phenolic compound content of the plum nectar, while the flavonoid content dramatically increased. The ultrasonic treatment caused a slight positive color change by increasing the L* value of the plum nectars. In conclusion, the ultrasonic treatment was important process for increasing the turbidity quality and for inactivation of yeasts and molds, but it was not effective at inactivating the PPO enzyme.     

Further characterization of bacteriocins Plantaricin BN,bavaricin MN and pediocin A

We report here several characteristics of bacteriocins which are inhibitory to Clostridium botulinum and Listeria monocytogenes. Plantaricin BN produced by Lactobacillus plantarum BN, bavaricin MN produced by Lactobacillus bavaricus MN, and pediocin A produced by Pediococcus pentosaceus 43200 all demonstrated a bactericidal mode of action and retained some activity after heating at 60°C for ten minutes or 100°C for 5 minutes. pH and temperature optima for production on solid media were pH 7.9 and 15°C for plantaricin BN, pH 6.5 and 30°C for bavaricin MN, and pH 6.15–7.9 and 30°C for pediocin A. The molecular weight of plantaricin BN appeared greater than 10,000, that of bavaricin MN 22,600, and that of pediocin A 11,000. All of these bacteriocins were produced during the growth phase of the bacterial cultures.     

Effect of Gradual Heating and Fat/Oil Type on Fat Stability,Texture, Color,and Microstructure of Meat Batters

The effects of endpoint cooking temperature (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 °C) on emulsion stability, texture, color, and microstructure of meat batters prepared with different fats/oils were studied. Canola oil treatments showed the highest cooking loss whereas hydrogenated palm oil provided the most stable meat batters. Rendered beef fat was less stable than regular beef fat. Increasing endpoint cooking temperatures resulted in a progressive reduction of water holding capacity in all treatments. As temperature was raised, meat batters showed higher hardness and cohesiveness values, but no appreciable changes in cohesiveness above 60 °C. Canola and hydrogenated palm oil treatments showed the highest hardness and chewiness values. Lightness (L^*) values of all meat batters increased significantly with increasing temperature from 40 to 60 or 70 °C; no major changes observed above 70 °C. Light microscopy revealed no substantial changes in the microstructure of all the stable meat batters cooked to between 50 and 70 °C. Heating to 90 °C changed the microstructure in all meat batters except the hydrogenated palm oil treatments, which still showed nonround fat particles and a less aggregated protein matrix.     

Thermal Stability of Cathepsin D

The effect of pH and temperature on Cathepsin D stability was examined using a hemoglobin assay following preincubation of the enzyme at various pH and temperature combinations. The results of the study showed that the enzyme retained 87% of its activity at 45°C (pH 3.5) when compared to a control at 37°C (pH 3.5). Further increases in temperature and pH resulted in decreased enzyme activity and approximately 43% remained at 55°C (pH 5.5). The amount of activity remaining at higher temperatures decreased but suggests that the enzyme could contribute to textural changes in meat at temperatures up to 60°C.     

Influence of ultra-high pressure homogenisation on physicochemical and sensorial properties of orange juice in comparison with conventional thermal processing

The effect of different ultra-high pressure homogenisation (UHPH) treatments on physicochemical and sensorial properties of orange juice was studied in comparison with thermal pasteurisation (90 °C, 1 min). UHPH treatments consisted on combinations of two inlet temperatures (10 or 20 °C) and three pressures (100, 200 and 300 MPa). Effect of treatments was assessed on general quality parameters (colour, pH, °Brix, titratable acidity, reducing sugars and non-enzymatic browning index), particle size distribution and cloud stability. None of the UHPH treatments caused significant differences in the °Brix, reducing sugars, pH and non-enzymatic browning index with respect of fresh or pasteurised juice. Only titratable acidity was significantly lower when inlet temperature of UHPH treatments was 20 °C. UHPH treatments significantly reduced the particle size and in consequence the cloudiness and the total colour value (∆E*) increased. The overall consumer acceptability of UHPH and pasteurised juices was similar.     

Comparing the Effects of Ultra‐High‐Pressure Homogenization and Conventional Thermal Treatments on the Microbiological,Physical, and Chemical Quality of Almond Beverages

The effects of ultra‐high‐pressure homogenization (UHPH) at 200 and 300 MPa, in combination with different inlet temperatures (55, 65, and 75 °C) on almond beverages with lecithin (AML) and without lecithin (AM), were studied. UHPH‐treated samples were compared with the base product (untreated), pasteurized (90 °C, 90 s), and ultra‐high‐temperature (UHT, 142 °C, 6 s) samples. Microbiological analysis, physical (dispersion stability, particle size distribution, and hydrophobicity), and chemical (hydroperoxide index) parameters of special relevance in almond beverages were studied. Microbiological results showed that pressure and inlet temperature combination had a significant impact on the lethal effect of UHPH treatment. While most UHPH treatments applied produced a higher quality of almond beverage than the pasteurized samples, the combination of 300 MPa and 65 and/or 75 °C corresponded to a maximum temperature after high pressure valve of 127.7 ± 9.7 and 129.3 ± 12.6 °C, respectively. This temperature acted during less than 0.7 s and produced no bacterial growth in almond beverages after incubation at 30 °C for 20 d. UHPH treatments of AML samples caused a significant decrease in particle size, resulting in a high physical stability of products compared to conventional heat treatments. UHPH treatment produced higher values of hydroperoxide index at day 1 of production than heat‐treated almond beverage. Hydrophobicity increased in AML‐UHPH‐treated samples compared to AM and conventional treatments. Practical Application: Ultra‐high‐pressure‐homogenization (UHPH) is an emerging technology, a potential alternative to conventional heat treatments. It is a simple process consisting of single step. When liquid food (almond beverage in this study) passes through the high‐pressure valve, a very good stability and reduction of microorganisms is achieved, both effects due to the particle breakdown. Specific UHPH conditions could produce commercial sterilization of almond beverage.     

Retort Stability of Freeze-Texturized, Alkali-Extracted Chicken Protein

Chicken protein was extracted by alkali from bone residues of mechanical separation (“deboning”). Acid precipitated‘coagula were freeze-texturized, heat-set and tested for structural stability upon retorting in 2% NaCl brine at 121°C for 10–60 min. Although Instron peak force from a Lee-Kramer shear cell decreased with longer retort times, the textural integrity of the products was not affected. Products frozen at - 10°C showed similar or greater reduction in the peak force than materials texturized at - 25°C. Coagula precipitated from the alkali extracts at pH 5.5 showed higher total solids, higher peak force, and less pronounced effect of freezing rates than those precipitated at either pH 6.5 or pH 4.8.     

Pressure-Accelerated Changes in the Proteins of Muscle and Their Influence on Warner-Bratzler Shear Values

The effect on cold-shortened post-rigor beef semitendinosus muscle of pressure treatment at 150 MPa for 6 or 16 hr at 30°C or for 1 hr at 60°C, on the presumed proteolytic breakdown of myofibrillar proteins (as revealed using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gel electrophoresis) and on Warner-Bratzler shear values, was studied. Production of a 145,000 dalton molecular weight component was much greater in the 30°C (for 6 hr or 16 hr) pressure treatments than in that at 60°C (for 1 hr). The pressure treatments at 30°C significantly decreased Warner-Bratzler shear values but to a lesser extent than did pressure treatment at 60°C. Therefore, although the mechanism by which the 145,000 dalton molecular weight component is produced may be associated with a degree of tenderization of cold-shortened muscle, it appears that another mechanism is primarily responsible for the tenderization achieved by pressure treatment at 60°C.     

Biochemical characterisation and application of lipases produced by Aspergillus sp. on solid‐state fermentation using three substrates

Lipase from Aspergillus sp. obtained by solid‐state fermentation (SSF) on wheat bran (LWB), soybean bran (LSB) and soybean bran combined with sugarcane bagasse (LSBBC) were 67.5, 58 and 57.3 U of crude lipase per gram substrate, respectively. The optimum pH of activity and stability of the LWB was between 8 and 9, and the optimum temperature of activity and stability was 50 °C and up to 60 °C, respectively. The LSB and LSBBC showed two peaks of optimum pH (4 and 6) and optimal values of temperature and stability at 50 °C. The LSB was stable in the pH range of 6–7, while LSBBC in the range of pH 4–7. All the enzymes show activities on p‐nitrophenyl esters (butyrate, laurate and palmitate). LWB stood out either on the hydrolysis of sunflower oil, presenting 66.1% of the activity over commercial lipase and on the esterification of oleic acid and ethanol, surpassing the activities of the commercial lipases studied. The thin layer chromatography showed that LWB and LSB have produced ethyl esters from corn oil, while LWB produced it from sunflower oil.     

Multi-frequency power thermosonication treatments of clear strawberry juice: Impact on color,bioactive compounds,flavor volatiles,microbial and polyphenol oxidase inactivation

Strawberry juice is popular among consumers for its bright color, unique flavor and rich nutrition. The aim of this study was to explore the suitable multi-frequency power thermosonication (TS) treatments to meet the requirements of microbiological safety for strawberry juice while maximizing the preservation of its quality properties. The TS treatments included 60 °C /5 min and 55 °C /15 min under dual-frequency concentrated ultrasound (DCU) and 60 °C /15 min and 55 °C /20 min under sweep-frequency divergent ultrasound (SDU). The results showed that all treatments could meet the requirements of commercial sterility (at 90 °C for 1 min). Compared with thermal processing (TP) at 90 °C for 1 min, TS treatment significantly improved the color properties of strawberry juice. SDU-60 °C and SDU-55 °C greatly retained the active ingredients in the strawberry juice. TS treatments had a stronger ability to maintain the aroma compared to TP. Especially, SDU-60 °C was the best treatment at retaining quality properties of strawberry juice with the highest comprehensive sensory evaluation score (7.68). Therefore, the results can provide scientific basis for industrial production of strawberry juice.Industrial relevanceIn the current study, results showed that TS maximized the overall quality of strawberry juice while achieving the effect of sterilization and enzyme inactivation. Among them, SDU-60 °C was the best treatment method to maintain the quality characteristics of strawberry juice, which can effectively reduce the loss of approximately 70% of total phenolic content. Thus, it provides the theoretical basis and technical support for the industrial production of strawberry juice.     

Immobilization of amyloglucosidase on polystyrene anion exchange resin I. preparation and properties

Amyloglucosidase (exo‐1,4‐ α‐D‐glucosidase, E C 3.2. 1.3) was coupled to glutaraldehyde activated Indion 48‐R (a cross‐linked macroporous anion exchanger) by Schiff base reaction. The bound enzyme exhibited 60–70% activity of the free enzyme. Substrate concentrations as high as 32% (w/w) liquefied tapioca starch could be quantitatively converted into 96–98% (w/w) dextrose in 24 h at 50°C and pH 4.5. Though immobilization lowered the temperature optimum to 50–60°C from 65°C for the free enzyme, it increased the temperature stability. However, there was no change either in the pH optimum or pH stability after immobilization. In batch operations, the immobilized preparation showed a half life of 32 and 12 days at 50°C and 60°C respectively.     

Heat Denaturation and Emulsifying Properties of Egg Yolk Phosvitin

Phosvitin in water at pH 7 had a denaturation temperature (T_d) of 79.7 ± 1.4°C when heated at 10°C/min. When dissolved in 0.1M and 1.0M NaCl, the T_d decreased to 77.7 ± 1.2°C and 77.2 ± 1.3°C, resoectivelv. and in 10 and 20% sucrose there was no change in T_d. Heat treatment of phosvitin solutions at ≥65°C led to decreased emulsifying activity (EA). The emulsion stability (ES) decreased when phosvitim solutioni were heated at 70, 80 or 96°C for up to 60 min. The ES was not affected (p < 0.05) for phosvitin solutions after heating at ≤67.5°C for up to 60 min.     

Preliminary Characterization of Novel Extra-cellular Lipase from Penicillium crustosum Under Solid-State Fermentation and its Potential Application for Triglycerides Hydrolysis

Current studies about lipase production involve the use of agro-industrial residues and newly isolated microorganisms aimed at increasing economic attractiveness of the process. Based on these aspects, the main objective of this work is to perform the partial characterization of enzymatic extracts produced by a newly isolated Penicillium crustosum in solid-state fermentation. Lipase extract presented optimal temperature and pH of 37?°C and 9?C10, respectively. The concentrated enzymatic extract showed more stability at 25?°C and pH?7. The enzymes kept 100% of their enzymatic activity until 60?days of storage at 4 and ?10?°C. The stability under calcium salts indicated that the hydrolytic activity presented decay with the increase of calcium concentration. The specificity under several substrates indicated good enzyme activities in triglycerides from C4 to C18.     

Potentially bioaccessible phenolics,antioxidant capacities and the colour of carrot,pumpkin and apple powders – effect of drying temperature and sample structure

The study aimed to examine carrot, pumpkin and apple powders produced by hot-air-drying (50, 60, 70 °C) of samples with different levels of fragmentation (cut, grated, blended). The drying temperatures and sample structure were shown to be important determinants of the quality of the powders. The best colour stability of carrot, pumpkin and apple was found for the grated sample dried at 70 °C, the blended sample dried at 70 °C and the blended sample dried at 70 °C, respectively. The highest antiradical capacity and reducing power were found for powders obtained after drying the cut samples at 70 °C. Total phenolics and free radical quenchers were well bioaccessible in vitro. In turn, the reducing power was markedly reduced after drying at 50 °C. The analysed powders are a valuable source of concentrated bioactive ingredients, which predisposes them to serve as functional food components.