Physicochemical Properties and Microbial Stability of Reduced-Fat Chinese-Style Sausage Stored under Modified Atmosphere Systems

ABSTRACT: Physicochemical properties and microbial stability of reduced-fat Chinese-style sausages packaged with various modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems were evaluated. With the exception of VAC (vacuum) treatment, the TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) values increased with increasing storage time. Treatments of C100 (100% CO₂), C80 (80% CO₂/20% N₂), and C20 (20% CO₂/80% N₂) were higher in TBARS values than VAC and N2 (100% N₂) after 2 wk of storage. The numbers of total plate counts, psychrotrophs, total anaerobes, or lactic acid bacteria increased slightly, though statistically insignificant, during storage, while N2 was numerically the lowest and VAC was intermediate. Vacuum packaging was more effective than other MAP in maintaining lipid and microbial stability of reduced-fat Chinese-style sausage. Keywords: reduced-fat, Chinese-style sausage, MAP, storage stability, vacuum packaging     

Effects of sodium lactate and trisodium phosphate on the physicochemical properties and shelf life of low-fat Chinese-style sausage

The efficacy of using additives to improve the shelf life of low-fat (approximately 18%) Chinese-style sausages was demonstrated. Sausages containing 3% sodium lactate (SL), 0.2% trisodium phosphate (TSP) or 0.2% potassium sorbate (KS) compared with the control (CONT) were manufactured and stored at 4°C for 12 weeks. Treatment TSP was the highest in pH during any storage intervals. Generally speaking, all microbial counts were lower for SL but higher for TSP; nonetheless, all treatments had bacterial counts less than 10(7) CFU/g. Low-fat Chinese-style sausage containing 3% sodium lactate resulted in better quality regarding physicochemical and microbiological characteristics. Results also suggested a potential utilization of sodium lactate as an antimicrobial agent.     

A Functional Chitosan-Enriched Fish Sausage Treated by High Pressure

ABSTRACT: Cod sausages with added chitosan (1.5%), a chitin-derived polysaccharide from shrimpshells, were obtained by high-pressure treatment (350 MPa/7°C/15 min). Color, rheological properties, biochemical indices (pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid index), and microbiological counts (total bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, enterobacteria, pseudomonads, staphylococci) were determined during chilled storage at 2 ± 1°C. The addition of chitosan in dry formled to a noticeable increase in elasticity and yellowness. When chitosan was added in soluble form, total volatile basic nitrogen remained stable during 25 d of storage. Regarding microbial counts, soluble chitosan showed no appreciable effect in high-pressure sausages. However, when chitosan was added in dry form, higher counts were recorded.     

Effects of fructooligosaccharide and whey protein concentrate on the viability of starter culture in reduced-fat probiotic yogurt during storage

ABSTRACT:  Viability of yogurt starter cultures and Bifidobacterium animalis was assessed during 28 d storage in reduced-fat yogurts containing 1.5% milk fat supplemented with 1.5% fructooligosaccharide or whey protein concentrate. These properties were examined in comparison with control yogurts containing 1.5% and 3% milk fat and no supplement. Although fructooligosaccharide improved the viability of Streptococcus thermophilus , Lactobacillus delbrueckii subs. bulgaricus, and Bifidobacterium animalis , the highest growth was obtained when milk was supplemented with whey protein concentrate in reduced-fat yogurt ( P < 0.05). Supplementation with 1.5% whey protein concentrate in reduced-fat yogurt increased the viable counts of S. thermophilus , L. delbrueckii subs. bulgaricus, and B. animalis by 1 log cycle in the 1st week of storage when compared to control sample. Similar improvement in the growth of both yogurt bacteria and B. animalis was also obtained in the full-fat yogurt containing 3% milk fat and no supplement. Addition of whey protein concentrate also resulted in the highest content of lactic and acetic acids ( P < 0.05). A gradual increase was obtained in organic acid contents during the storage.     

Quality characteristics of Chinese sausages made from PSE pork

Chinese sausages made from normal and different levels of PSE pork (100% Normal, 50%Normal+50% PSE and 100% PSE) were vacuum-packaged and stored at 4 °C for 45 days. The composition, processing yield, pH value, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value, water activity, lactic acid bacteria counts and sensory properties of the meat products were evaluated. PSE pork loins had lower pH value, water holding capacity, moisture, fat and myofibrillar proteins content, but higher L^* value, drip loss and protein content than normal pork. Sausages made from 100% PSE pork had lower pH value, processing yield, moisture and fat content, but higher protein content than those of the 100% Normal and the 50% Normal+50% PSE treatments. Water activity was higher in the 100% PSE treatment than in other treatments. No differences in lactic acid bacterial counts among these treatments were observed. The pH values and water activity of the meat samples decreased, while lactic acid bacterial counts increased with storage time. TBA values among these treatments were not significantly different; however, the increase% of TBA values was higher for the 100% PSE treatment. TBA values of all treatments remained relatively low during storage. Chinese sausages made with 50–100% PSE pork had lower sensory texture, flavor and overall acceptability scores than the control samples, but were of acceptable quality.     

Preparation of tofu using chitosan as a coagulant for improved shelf-life

The potential of chitosan as a coagulant in commercial tofu preparation was investigated with six chitosans of different molecular weights using various treatments. The following optimum processing conditions for tofu preparation were proposed: chitosan with a molecular weight of 28 kDa; chitosan solution type, 1% chitosan/1% acetic acid; chitosan solution to soymilk ratio, 1 : 8; coagulation temperature, 80 °C; coagulation time, 15 min. However, the sensory quality of tofu was notably improved using a 1 : 1 mixture of 1% acetic acid and 1% lactic acid instead of 1% acetic acid alone as a chitosan solvent. Tofu prepared with chitosan had lower ash and higher protein content than those of commercial products tested. In storage tests, the chitosan‐tofu had a longer shelf‐life, about 3 days, than tofu made with CaCl₂. This added shelf‐life is significant in view of the magnitude (366 000 tonnes year^?1) of tofu produced from commercial tofu plants (1407 plants as of 1998) in Korea.     

Physicochemical and textural properties of ultrasound-degraded konjac flour and their influences on the quality of low-fat Chinese-style sausage

Physical and textural properties of varying molecular-weight konjac gels made by ultrasonic degradation were compared and gels were processed into low-fat Chinese-style sausages for the evaluation of textural and sensory characteristics. Results showed that as molecular weights decreased, storage modulus and loss modulus of konjac gels of varying molecular weights declined, indicating more elastic and viscous konjac gels. Shear values and textural springiness and cohesiveness of Chinese sausage were similar among all treatments. All treatments were found to have similar juiciness and overall acceptability scores. Results indicated that konjac gels with varying molecular weights could be used to partially replace pork fat to achieve similar textural properties. Incorporation of konjac gels with varying molecular weights at the current levels showed similar textural and sensory quality characteristics to the high-fat control, and contained less fat than traditional Chinese sausage.     

Selected Quality Characteristics of Fresh‐Cut Sweet Potatoes Coated with Chitosan during 17‐Day Refrigerated Storage

ABSTRACT: Selected quality characteristics of fresh‐cut sweet potatoes (FCSP) coated with chitosan were evaluated during 17‐d refrigerated storage. The FCSP cubes were coated with a solution (1%, w/v) of chitosan having 470 or 1110 kDa. Color (L*, a*, b*) values of uncoated and chitosan‐coated FCSP during storage were generally affected by storage time as well as coating treatments (P < 0.05). No significant changes in color lightness (L*) of 470 kDa‐coated FCSP were observed during the 17‐d storage. During days 3 to 17, 470 kDa‐coated FCSP had significantly higher redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values than did uncoated and 1110 kDa‐coated FCSP. Texture firmness of uncoated and chitosan‐coated FCSP exhibited minimal changes during the 17‐d storage. Although actual weight loss values (%) of uncoated and chitosan‐coated FCSP were not significantly different at day 17, the weight loss difference (%) between day 3 and day 17 for uncoated FCSP (3.02%) was slightly higher compared to those (2.24% to 2.26%) of chitosan‐coated FCSP. The initial total aerobic count was 4.7 log₁₀ CFU/g which then gradually increased to 8.54 and 9.67 log₁₀ CFU/g after 17 d of storage for 470 kDa‐coated and uncoated FCSP, respectively. After day 6, the total aerobic counts of uncoated FCSP were higher than those of 470 kDa‐coated FCSP. The yeast and mold count of chitosan‐coated FCSP was about 2.5 log₁₀ CFU/g at day 17. Overall, consumers could not differentiate between 470 kDa‐coated FCSP at day 17 and uncoated FCSP at day 0.     

Antifungal activity of chitosan and its application to control post‐harvest quality and fungal rotting of Tankan citrus fruit (Citrus tankan Hayata)

In this study, the antifungal activity of chitosan A (MW = 92.1 kDa) and B (MW = 357.3 kDa), with 94.2% N‐deacetylation were examined at various concentrations against fungi including Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum, Botrydiplodia lecanidion and Botrytis cinerea. The effectiveness of these chitosans to control the post‐harvest quality of Tankan fruit, a popular sub‐tropical citrus fruit, was investigated. It was found that chitosan, depending on type and concentration, caused 25.0–90.5% growth inhibition on test organisms after 5 days of cultivation at 24 °C. Chitosan treatment significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the percentage decay of Tankan fruit during storage at 24 °C. After 42 days of storage at 13 °C, chitosan‐coated Tankan fruits were firmer, exhibited less decay and weight loss, and showed higher titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, and total soluble solids than the control fruit. Weight loss of Tankan fruits decreased as the concentration of chitosan was increased. On the other hand, chitosan A, regardless of concentration tested, was found to be more effective in retaining the firmness, titratable acidity and water content, total solid content and ascorbic acid content of Tankan fruits than chitosan B. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of the molecular weight and concentration of chitosan in pork model burgers

Chitosan of high and low molecular weights was added at 0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 1% concentrations to a burger model system. Burgers were evaluated by physicochemical analysis, cooking characteristic and storage stability. The antioxidant activity of chitosan was studied in vitro. The addition of chitosan influenced pH and color properties, in molecular weight and concentration dependent ways. Cooking properties were significantly affected by the chitosan. High molecular weight chitosan improved all cooking characteristics compared with control samples. Low molecular weight chitosan increased the shelf life of burgers, enhanced the red color and reduced total viable counts, compared with control and high molecular weight chitosan samples. The antioxidant activity of chitosan was dependent on molecular weight and concentration. The results indicate that high molecular weight chitosan (HMWC) improves all cooking characteristics and antioxidant activity while low molecular weight chitosan extends the red color and reduces total viable counts.     

Effect of Molecular Weight,Acid, and Plasticizer on the Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of β‐Chitosan Based Films

Abstract: Effects of chitosan molecular weight (1815 and 366 kDa), type of acid (1% acetic, formic, and propionic acid, or 0.5% lactic acid) and plasticizer (0, 25% glycerol or sorbital w/w chitosan) on the mechanical, water barrier, and antibacterial properties of β‐chitosan films were investigated. Tensile strength (TS) of high molecular weight (Hw) films was 53% higher than that of low molecular weight (Lw) ones, acetate, and propionate films had the highest TS (43 and 40 MPa) among tested acids, and plasticizer‐reduced film TS 34%. Film elongation at break (EL) was higher in Hw films than in Lw ones, in which formate and acetate films were the highest (9% and 8%, respectively), and plasticizer increased the film EL 128%. Molecular weight of chitosan did not influence water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films. Acetate and propionate films had lower WVP than other acid types of films, and plasticizer increased film WVP about 35%. No difference was found between glycerol and sorbitol films in terms of film mechanical and water barrier properties. Lw β‐chitosan films showed significant antibacterial activity against E. coli and L. innocua. This study demonstrated that β‐chitosan films are compatible to α‐chitosan films in physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity, yet with simple sample preparation. Practical Application: β‐chitosan based edible films at molecular weight of about 300 kDa showed great antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The films have similar mechanical and water barrier properties to α‐chitosan based films at the similar molecular weight, but simple sample preparation procedures and more attractive color. The release of active chitosan fragment from the film matrix acts as an antibacterial agent, making β‐chitosan films suitable as intelligent food wraps or coatings for a wide range of food products to control moisture loss and prevent surface bacterial growth.     

Effect of hot-boned pork on the quality of hurdle treated pork sausages during ambient temperature (37 ± 1 °C) storage

The study was aimed at evaluating the suitability of hot-boned pork and pork fat for processing shelf-stable pork sausages using hurdle technology and the different hurdles incorporated were low pH, low water activity, dipping in potassium sorbate solution, vacuum-packaging and post-package reheating. Emulsion stability and cooking yield did not Izatnagardiffer significantly among hot- and cold-processed sausages. Despite the same emulsion pH, the sausages from hot-boned pork had significantly higher fat content. Colour and texture profiles of pork sausages were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by hot processing. During storage at ambient temperature (37 ± 1 °C), various physico-chemical characteristics, namely pH, TBARS and tyrosine values, of hot- and cold-processed sausages, did not differ. Hot-processing markedly increased the total plate counts of the sausages, but a significant difference was absent for anaerobic counts between treatments at any particular storage interval. Cold-processed sausages had the higher lactobacillus counts throughout the storage period. Sensory evaluation revealed that hurdle-treated pork sausages from hot-boned pork were equally suitable as those from cold-boned pork up to day 6 at ambient temperature.     

Application of chitosan-sunflower oil edible films to pork meat hamburgers

Edible films were prepared by combining high molecular weight chitosan with sunflower oil. Films were obtained by casting and were applied to the surface of pork meat hamburgers. Chitosan-based films increased the metmyoglobin (MtMb) content of coated hamburgers during cold storage, especially when using lactic acid as a solvent. The incorporation of sunflower oil to the chitosan matrix led to a reduction in MtMb content of hamburgers as compared to samples coated with pure chitosan films. Chitosan films led to a reduction in the microbial counts of samples during storage. However, it is important to modulate the oxygen permeability of films in order to avoid undesirable effects (MtMb formation).     

Chitosan Treatment Affects Yield, Ascorbic Acid Content, and Hardness of Soybean Sprouts

ABSTRACT: The effects of molecular weights, concentrations and solvents of chitosan, soaking times, and soybeans/chitosan solution ratios on growth and quality of soybean sprouts were investigated. Among 5 chitosans, treatment with 493 kDa chitosan was the most effective in increasing total weight, vitamin C content, and hardness. Use of acetic acid rather than lactic acid as a chitosan solvent increased hypocotyl weight and vitamin C content. Soaking of soybeans in chitosan solution for 8 h increased total weight by 13% and vitamin C content by about 10%. Optimal cultivation conditions involve soaking in 0.05% chitosan with 493 kDa in 0.05% acetic acid for 8 h and a soybean/chitosan solution ratio of 1:4.     

Rapid differentiation of lactic acid bacteria from autochthonous fermentation of Iberian dry-fermented sausages

The populations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in different types of Iberian dry-fermented sausages from central-west Spain were identified. A simple and rapid electrophoretic method of whole-cell protein profiles was evaluated, correlating it with 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and biochemical identification by API 50 CHL. A total of 96 isolates were identified by SDS-PAGE showing stable profiles corresponding to 30-45 polypeptides in the range 95-8kDa that were clearly different for the different species and were grouped with those of the 9 reference strains used in this study. The SDS-PAGE method showed that the predominant species were Pediococcus acidilactici (48%) followed by Lactobacillus plantarum (23%) and Lactobacillus brevis (18%). The identifications obtained by this approach were confirmed by sequencing the V2-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene and by a BLAST search of the GenBank database. However, biochemical identifications by API 50 CHL showed different errors at the genus and species level. In sum, the SDS-PAGE analysis showed itself to be a rapid and accurate differentiation method for the most commonly encountered LAB isolates in dry-fermented sausages.     

Effectiveness of chitosan‐based coating in improving shelf‐life of eggs

Despite eggs having a natural packaging—shell—they are perishable and can lose their quality during storage. Chitosan‐based coatings were applied to shell eggs to examine potential effects on egg quality properties (weight loss, Haugh unit, yolk index) during 4 weeks of storage. Mineral amounts in yolks were also evaluated after 4 weeks of storage. Three chitosan‐based coatings produced with organic acids (acetic‐(C‐AA), lactic‐(C‐LA), and propionic (C‐PA)) were evaluated on shelf‐life enhancements of fresh egg quality. All chitosan‐coated eggs showed greater interior quality than the non‐coated eggs. The coatings significantly maintained weight loss compared to the control specimen (4.96%). Lower weight loss (3.45% for C‐PA, 3.53% for C‐LA) was observed in the coated eggs. Eggshell chitosan coat containing lactic and propionic acids maintained higher Haugh unit and yolk index than eggs coated with acetic acid. Uncoated (UC) eggs changed from grade ‘A’ to ‘B’ after 1 week of storage. Chitosan‐based coating containing lactic and propionic acids maintained eggs in grade ‘A’ for 4 weeks. Haugh unit showed that C‐LA and C‐PA effectively maintained eggs at grade ‘A’ quality for at least 3 weeks more than control and 1 week more than C‐AA. Results also indicated that the chitosan coating maintained mineral amounts at nutritional values (especially calcium, iron and magnesium concentration) in yolks after 4 weeks storage. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Protein Hydrolysate of Salted Duck Egg White as a Substitute of Phosphate and Its Effect on Quality of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus Vannamei)

ABSTRACT:  Protein hydrolysate from salted egg white (PHSEW) with different degrees of hydrolysis (DH) (3%, 6%, and 9%) was produced using pepsin. Disappearance of proteins with molecular weight (MW) of 108 and 85 kDa with the concomitant formation of proteins with MW of 23, 20, 13, and 5 kDa was observed in PHSEW. The use of PHSEW for quality improvement of Pacific white shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ) was investigated. Shrimp soaked in 4% NaCl containing 7% PHSEW and 2.5% mixed phosphates (0.625% sodium acid pyrophosphate [SAPP] and 1.875% tetrasodium pyrophosphate [TSPP]) had the highest cooking yield with the lowest cooking loss ( P  < 0.05), compared with shrimps with other treatments. Nevertheless, no difference in weight gain was obtained in comparison with those treated with 4% NaCl containing 3.5% mixed phosphate ( P  > 0.05). Cooked shrimp treated with 4% NaCl containing 7% PHSEW and 2.5% mixed phosphate or those treated with 4% NaCl containing 3.5% mixed phosphate had the higher score of appearance, texture, and overall likeness but less shear force, in comparison with the control (no treatment) ( P  < 0.05). Microstructure study revealed that muscle fibers of cooked shrimp from both treatments had the swollen fibrils and gaps, while the control had the swollen compact structure. Therefore, use of PHSEW could reduce phosphate residue in shrimps without an adverse effect on sensory properties.     

Effect of storage time and temperature on structure,mechanical and barrier properties of chitosan-based films

The mechanical (tensile strength, elongation at break, mechanical work of deformation) and barrier (water vapor permeability and water vapor uptake) properties of chitosan films produced with acetic and lactic acids have been studied as a function of storage time, molecular weight of chitosans, concentration of plasticiser and the storage temperature. It was demonstrated that mechanical properties of chitosan-based films can be improved to a great extent during storage at low temperatures in freezer and refrigerator. Transition of chitosan molecules during storage in the solid state to more extended conformations and free volume changes are considered as mechanisms for the improvement of mechanical and barrier properties of chitosan films. The best mechanical properties are achieved for chitosan films produced with acetic acid and plasticized by the addition of 20% of glycerol. Sharp decrease in water vapor permeability has been demonstrated for thinner chitosan films and related to more dense packing and orientation of linear chitosan macromolecules.