Antifungal activity of five different essential oils in vapour phase for the control of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Lasiodiplodia theobromae in vitro and on mango

Mango fruit has high commercial value; however, major postharvest losses are encountered throughout the supply chain due to postharvest diseases. These results lead to the search for natural fungicide for postharvest diseases control. The antifungal effects of five essential oils (thyme, clove, cinnamon, anise and vitex) were assessed by disc volatilisation method. Thyme oil vapours at 5 μL per Petriplate, and clove and cinnamon oil at 8 μL per Petriplate showed 100% growth inhibition of mango pathogens in vitro. GC/MS analysis of essential oil showed thymol (23.88), o‐cymol (23.88) and terpinolene (23.88) as the major constituents of thyme oil. Clove and cinnamon oils contain 3‐allyl‐2‐methoxyphenol (37.42%) and benzofuran 3‐methyl (17.97%), respectively. Thyme oil as a fumigant at 66.7 μL L^?1 showed a significant (P < 0.05) inhibition on postharvest pathogens of mango fruits stored at 25 °C for 6 days. Results of our study suggest the possibility of using thyme oil as an alternate natural fungicide to manage postharvest diseases in mango.     

Antibacterial activities of a cinnamon essential oil with cetylpyridinium chloride emulsion against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> O157:H7 and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salmonella</Emphasis> Typhimurium in basil leaves

This study examined the antibacterial activities of two different cinnamon essential oil emulsions against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium on basil leaves. Cinnamon oil (0.25%) treatments containing CPC (0.05%) exhibited greater effects on the pathogenic bacteria than cinnamon oil treatment without this emulsifier (p < 0.05). Treatment with cinnamon bark and leaf oil emulsions (CBE and CLE, respectively) reduced the populations of E. coli O157:H7 by 4.10 and 5.10 log CFU/g, and S. Typhimurium by 2.71 and 2.82 log CFU/g, respectively. Scanning electron micrographs showed morphological changes in the two pathogenic bacteria following emulsion treatment. In addition, there was no difference in the color or ascorbic acid content of the basil leaves by the emulsion treatment. These results suggest that CBE or CLE treatment can be an effective way to ensure the microbial safety of minimally processed vegetables and a good alternative to chlorination treatment in the fresh produce industry.     

Determination of Seven <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-nitrosamines in Agricultural Food Matrices Using GC-PCI-MS/MS

The quantitative analytical methods for seven N-nitrosamines including N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosomethylethylamine (NMEA), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N-nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA), N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP), N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR), and N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR) were established for agricultural food matrices. Four food matrices were used for the method development: rice soup as a fatless solid matrix, apple juice as a fatless liquid matrix, corn oil as a fat-rich liquid matrix, and 20 % alcohol as an alcohol matrix. A combination of solid-supported liquid-liquid extraction (SLLE) using Extrelut NT and a solid phase extraction (SPE) using Florisil was employed for fatless matrices. For an alcohol matrix, only SLLE was used without SPE, and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) was established for a fat-rich matrix. The extract was analyzed by gas chromatography-positive chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-PCI-MS/MS) using ammonia gas as an ion source. Linearity, recovery, repeatability, inter-day precision, reproducibility, and uncertainty were evaluated for method validation using four matrices. Method detection limits for all of the investigated N-nitrosamines were ranged from 0.10 to 0.18 μg/kg for the rice soup, from 0.10 to 0.19 μg/kg for the apple juice, 0.10 μg/kg for the corn oil, and from 0.10 to 0.25 μg/kg for 20 % alcohol, depending on N-nitrosamines. Established methods were applied to determine seven N-nitrosamines in some agricultural food products.     

Combined Application of Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Chemometrics Analysis in Oxidative Deterioration of Edible Oils

Combined methods of fluorescence spectrometry with chemometrics were used to monitor oxidation deterioration of edible oil. Synchronous and three dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy techniques were proposed for monitoring palm oil, camellia oil, sunflower oil and perilla oil during oven accelerated oxidation. Principal component analysis plot of fluorescence intensity (λex = 320–700 nm) clearly showed oxidative evolution of oils over heating time. High saturated or monounsaturated oils exhibited high regression coefficients between peroxide values and fluorescence intensity (R ²  = 0.973 for 400 nm in palm oil; R ²  = 0.956 for 370 nm in camellia oil). High diunsaturated oil exhibited high regression coefficient between nonpolar carbonyl compounds and fluorescence intensity (R ²  = 0.970 for 370 nm in sunflower oil). High triunsaturated oil exhibited high regression coefficient between p-anisidine value and fluorescence intensity (R ²  = 0.938 for 665 nm in perilla oil). In conclusion, Fluorescence spectroscopy is a rapid and green nondestructive method for oxidation monitoring. Differences of fatty acid compositions played key rules in formation of oxidation products and evolution of fluorescence spectra.     

Characterization of Biodegradable Films Based on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvia hispanica</Emphasis> L. Protein and Mucilage

Biodegradable films of chia by-products (mucilage and protein-rich fraction (PF)) incorporated with clove essential oil (CEO) were obtained and characterized. The effects of polymer concentration (PC; 1.0–3.0 %, w/v) and CEO concentration (0.1–1.0 %, v/v) were evaluated as well as the pH (7–10), using a 2³ factorial design with four central points. The films exhibited moisture values between 11.6 and 52.1 % (d.b.), which decreased (p?<?0.05) with increasing PC and CEO. The thickness of the films increased (p?<?0.05) with increasing PC. PC and pH influenced (p?<?0.05) the lightness (L) and variation in color between red and green (a). The orientation of the color to yellow-blue hues (b) decreased significantly (p?<?0.05) with increasing PC. Transparency was significantly lower and higher (p?<?0.05) than PC and CEO, respectively. The film surface morphology was evaluated using atomic force miscrocope images, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed to study the thermal stability of the films. The displacement and tensile strength were significantly lower (p?<?0.05) at higher concentrations of CEO, this variable being the only one with a significant effect. The chemical composition of the films was confirmed utilizing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The proportion of CEO added to the films had a significant influence on antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.     

Development and characterization of reconstituted hydrogel from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aloe vera</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Aloe barbadensis</Emphasis> Miller) powder

Structural and rheological characterization of reconstituted hydrogels developed from A. vera non-fibrous alcohol insoluble residue (NFAIR) powder using different methods [viz., shaking (S), heating-shaking (HS), and heating (H)] and concentrations (viz., 0.2–1.6 %, w/v) was carried out. Functional group distribution by FTIR spectroscopy and Congo red (CR) method revealed the presence of acetylated acemannan in A. vera powder. Dynamic oscillation studies of A. vera (NFAIR) fluids at all concentrations of 0.2–1.6 %, w/v, showed gel strength in the order of H > HS > S method. However, in H method, increase in concentration from 0.2 to 1.6 %, w/v showed the conformational transition from semi-diluted solution to weak gel nature. Rheological models described the effect of heating temperatures (HT); 30–90 °C, and times (Ht); 15–60 min on viscoelastic behavior in reconstituted A. vera fluids. The reconstituted A. vera hydrogel prepared with a concentration of 1.6 %, w/v using 50 °C (HT) and 30 min (Ht) condition showed a good agreement with the Power law (storage modulus, G′) and Weak gel model (complex modulus, G*) fitted data (R² > 0.94) resulting higher viscoelastic moduli intercepts; G′₀ (71.5 Pa s ^n′), G″₀ (33.5 Pa s ^n″), lower slopes; n′ (0.22), n″ (0.06), higher network strength (A _F , 121.3 Pa s^1/z ) and number of network (z, 5.3) values. The obtained results suggested that heating at 50 °C/30 min can develop aqueous weak gel networks of A. vera with enhanced gel strength which may be utilized as a novel gelling agent for wide variety of targeted applications in food and pharmaceutical sectors.     

Saltatory Rolling Circle Amplification (SRCA): a Novel Nucleic Acid Isothermal Amplification Technique Applied for Rapid Detection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Shigella</Emphasis> Spp. in Vegetable Salad

Shigella spp. are enteric pathogens that pose a serious threat to public health worldwide. A novel saltatory rolling circle amplification (SRCA) assay was developed to detect Shigella spp. in food targeting the ipaH gene. SRCA as an isothermal amplification method requires no expensive thermocycle instrument and could avoid electrophoresis as visualization results was successfully applied for SRCA. In order to confirm the specificity of this assay, 34 strains including 11 strains belonging to different Shigella species and 23 non-Shigella bacteria were detected with pure cultures. The sensitivity of Shigella flexneri by SRCA was evaluated using agarose gel electrophoresis, which was 7.3 × 10¹ fg/μL. In addition, the amplification results were also determined by adding the fluorochrome, SYBR Green I (1 μL of 1000×), allowing naked eye visualization of results, and the sensitivity was 7.3 × 10⁰ fg/μL. Moreover, the sensitivity of PCR was 7.3 × 10² fg/μL, showing that the sensitivity of SRCA by electrophoresis and SYBR Green I fluorescence were 10- and 100-fold higher than that of PCR, respectively. The detection limit of SRCA was also evaluated with artificially inoculated vegetable salad without enrichment, and it was 4.7 × 10² and 4.7 × 10¹ CFU/g by electrophoresis and fluorescence, respectively. The detection limit by PCR was 4.7 × 10³ CFU/g, which was 10- and 100-fold higher than that of SRCA. Therefore, SRCA is a potentially reliable tool for rapid and specific detection of Shigella in food and could be useful in underdeveloped countries with limited resources.     

Antioxidant Activity and Determination of Phenolic Compounds from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eugenia involucrata</Emphasis> DC. Fruits by UHPLC-MS/MS

Fruits have been the focus of several studies aimed at finding new antioxidant sources for protection against the damage caused by reactive species. In this study, the antioxidant activity and the presence of phenolic compounds in all parts (peel, pulp, and seeds) of Eugenia involucrata DC. fruits were evaluated. DPPH^·, ABTS^·+, and ORAC methods were used to determine the antioxidant activity, and an UHPLC-MS/MS method was developed for determining the phenolic compounds (gallic, chlorogenic, ferulic, p-coumaric and ellagic acids, quercetin, and myricetin). In the determination of both antioxidant activity and phenolic composition, the efficiency of solvents with different polarities—methanol/H₂O (80:20, v/v), ethanol/H₂O (80:20, v/v), methanol/acidified water with phosphoric acid pH 3.00 (80:20, v/v), and ethyl acetate—for the extraction of the phenolic compounds, was also evaluated. All parts of E. involucrata fruits showed antioxidant activity, in the range of 36.68 ± 1.44 to 873.87 ± 18.24 μmol TE g^?1, being the highest values found in the seeds and peel when more polar extraction solvents were used. Six, five, and three phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in the pulp, peel, and seeds, respectively, with the highest abundance as p-coumaric acid (14 ± 2 mg kg^?1) in the pulp, quercetin (47 ± 5 mg kg^?1) in the peel, and gallic acid (74 ± 4 mg kg^?1) in the seeds, also when more polar solvents were used. Although antioxidant activity methods suggested that the peel and seeds have more antioxidant potential, a wider variety of compounds were determined in the pulp.     

A mathematical model for moisture movement during continous and intermittent drying of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus saligna</Emphasis>

A modified diffusion-based mathematical model is proposed to describe the moisture movement during continuous and intermittent drying of Eucalyptus saligna. This model includes the temperature change, the surface drying coefficient (β _n ) and 2 diffusion coefficients [from green to FSP (D _f ) and from FSP to dry condition (D _o )] as important parameters. The final model expression obtained was M?=?exp (??25 β _n ² D _t /l²) with the β _n used was 1.5807 kg m^?2 s^?1, the D _f was 2.26?×?10^?11 m² s^?1, and the D _o was 5.85?×?10^?12 m² s^?1. The range of temperature change between heating and non-heating phases in the intermittent drying regimes was from 24.9 to 31.8 °C. The R² values obtained when the model was fitted into the drying data of different intermittent regimes ranged from 71.5 to 85.9%. The R² value was 87.4% when the model was fitted into continuous trial data. The high values of R² indicate that the model can be used to understand the moisture reduction both in intermittent and continuous regimes.     

Steady- and Unsteady-State Determination of the Water Vapor Permeance (<Emphasis Type="Italic">WVP</Emphasis>) of Polyethylene Film to Estimate the Moisture Gain of Packed Dry Mango

The water vapor permeance (WVP; g m^?2 d^?1 Pa^?1) of packaging films quantifying the water vapor transfer rate between foods and its surroundings is usually determined in units operating under steady-state conditions that do not necessarily reflect food handling scenarios. This study evaluated the determination of the WVP of a polyethylene (PE) film by steady-state method ASTM F1249-06 using a permeability cell and unsteady-state method ASTM E96/E96M in which 102 vacuum-sealed PE bags containing silica gel were stored (37.8 °C, 75% relative humidity) and weighed over 25 days. Average steady-state WVP (2.935 ± 0.365 × 10^?3, n = 4) fell within the 95% quantiles of unsteady-state WVP values (1.818–3.183 × 10^?3, n = 2142). Moisture uptake of dehydrated mango stored at 37.8 °C and 75% relative humidity was predicted with WVP values obtained by both methods. Predictions were validated by monitoring over 25 days the weight gain of 100 PE bags with dry mango. Experimental moisture averages during storage fell within one standard deviation of predictions using the unsteady-state WVP (R ² = 0.974). The same was observed only until day 15 for predictions obtained with the steady-state WVP. Calculations for days 20–25 overestimated the moisture uptake by 6.0–7.2%, resulting in registered R ² = 0.924. The unsteady-state WVP determination is low-cost, uses large numbers of film samples, and allowed more accurate predictions of dry mango moisture uptake. Knowledge of the moisture uptake controlled by the film WVP is essential when predicting the safety and quality changes limiting the shelf-life of foods.     

Optimization of Extraction Parameters of Total Phenolics from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Annona crassiflora</Emphasis> Mart. (Araticum) Fruits Using Response Surface Methodology

In this study, response surface methodology was used to optimize the extraction temperature (25–75 °C) and ethanol concentration (0–70 %, ethanol/water, v/v) to maximize the extraction of total phenolic compounds (TPC) from araticum pulp. The efficiency of the extraction process was monitored over time, and equilibrium conditions were reached between 60–90 min. A second-order polynomial model was adequately fit to the experimental data with an adjusted R ² of 0.9793 (p < 0.0001) showing that the model could efficiently predict the TPC content. Optimum extraction conditions were ethanol concentration of 46 % (v/v), extraction temperature of 75 °C and extraction time of 90 min. Under the optimum conditions, the araticum pulp showed high TPC content (4.67 g GAE/100 g dw) and also high antioxidant activity in the different assays used (46.56 μg/mL, 683.65 μmol TE/g and 1593.72 μmol TE/g for DPPH IC₅₀, TEAC and T-ORAC_FL, respectively). From our extraction procedure, we successfully recovered a significantly higher amount of TPC compared to other studies in the literature to date (1.5–22-fold higher). Furthermore, TPC and antioxidant activity were present in the fruit in levels that are difficult to find in other common fruits. These results expose a potential approach for improving human health through consumption of araticum fruit.     

Automated Sequential Injection Method for Determination of Caffeine in Coffee Drinks

An automated sequential injection analysis spectrophotometric assay for the determination of purine alkaloids in coffee drinks was developed. The sample was treated with a carrez reagent for matrix suppression followed by filtration; subsequently, alkaloids were separated from organic acids using a short C18 monolithic column (10 × 4.6 mm). The flow rate of the separation step was 10 μL s^?1 with 10% v/v of methanol as the mobile phase. The sum of alkaloids evaluated as caffeine was detected at 274 nm. The influence of the main parameters affecting the quantification of purine alkaloids was optimized. One sample analysis lasted 15 min when aspirated in triplicate. The linear range was 1–15 mg L^?1, and the determination coefficient (r ²) was 0.9969. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 0.128 and 0.425 mg L^?1, respectively. The repeatability evaluated as the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.58% (n = 12, 10 mg L^?1). Under optimal conditions, the method was successfully applied to determine purine alkaloids in different real samples including soluble coffee, coffee from an espresso machine, and brewed coffee drinks.     

Modeling the Inactivation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Listeria innocua</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> in Fresh-Cut Tomato Treated with Pulsed Light

The effectiveness of pulsed light (PL) treatments to inhibit microorganisms on fresh-cut tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cv. Daniela) was investigated. Tomato slices inoculated with Escherichia coli or Listeria innocua were exposed to PL treatments (4, 6, or 8 J cm^?2 fluence) and kept cold at 4 °C for 20 days. L. innocua and E. coli counts, gases in the headspace of the containers (O₂ and CO₂), pH, titratable acidity, and soluble solid content were monitored throughout the cold storage. The PL treatments reduced significantly (p < 0.05) initial loads of both microbes. The effect of the PL fluence on the survival number of microoganisms was described by a log-linear model (R ² = 0.849–0.999). At any fixed time within the cold storing, the microbial counts for untreated samples were always higher than those cut tomatoes that had been previously PL-treated. The behavior of L. innocua and E. coli during the storage were well adjusted (R ² > 0.930) by Gompertzian models; the studied microorganisms exhibited different patterns during the storage period. On the other hand, O₂ and CO₂ partial pressures in containers with fresh-cut tomatoes were also significantly affected by PL treatments (p < 0.05). The highest PL fluence caused the greatest changes of O₂ and CO₂ contents. In addition, the application of PL triggered an acceleration of the O₂ consumption during the cold stage. PL treatments might be used to effectively extend the safety of fresh-cut tomatoes over 12 days of storage against E. coli and L. innocua growth.     

Thermal transition and thermo-physical properties of potato (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum tuberosum L</Emphasis>.) var. Russet brown

Potatoes are an important food in many regions of the world and are commonly used in a variety of food products. Thermal transition and thermo-physical properties of potatoes are important in order to design efficient food processes and select appropriate storage conditions. In this study, we determined the thermal transitions and thermophysical properties of raw and blanched/par-fried potato for a temperature range of ??32 to 21.1 °C. Using differential scanning calorimetry, we found an initial freezing point (T_f) at ??1.8?±?0.1 °C, an onset of melting (T_m^′) at ??9.9?±?0.2 °C and an unfreezable water content (X^′_w) for maximally freeze-concentrated raw potato at 0.21 kg water/kg potato. Corresponding values for blanched/par-fried potatoes were ??0.9?±?0.1 °C, ??11.0?±?0.2 °C and 0.18 kg water/kg potato. Results show that an increase in solids content decreased T_f of both raw and blanched potatoes. We modelled the relationship between them using the Chen model. The apparent specific heat (C_app) increased around T_f to 31.7?±?1.13 kJ/kg K for raw potato and 26.7?±?0.62 kJ/kg K for blanched/par-fried potato. For frozen raw potato at ??32 °C, thermal diffusivity (α) was 0.89?±?0.01?×?10?^?6 m²/s and thermal conductivity (k), 1.82?±?0.14 W/m K, respectively. These values were higher for frozen raw potato than for the unfrozen raw potato (0.15?±?0.01?×?10?^?6 m²/s and 0.56?±?0.08 W/m K, respectively at 21.1 °C). The apparent density (ρ) of frozen raw potato (992?±?4.00 kg/m³ at ??32 °C) was less than that for unfrozen raw potato (1053?±?4.00 kg/m³ at 21.1 °C), and a similar trend was obtained for blanched/par-fried potato (993?±?2.00 kg/m³ at ??32 °C and 1188?±?7.00 kg/m³ at 21.1 °C, respectively). This study established a correlation between thermo-physical properties and temperature. Findings may be used to inform the design and optimization of freezing processes and frozen storage for potato products.     

Improvement of the Detection Sensitivity for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Staphylococcus aureus</Emphasis> in Spices and Herbs

Various variants of ISO 6888-1:1999 and ISO 6888-3:2003 methods for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated and improved for their application to conduct analysis in spices and herbs. Improvement substantiated in washing of the sample to remove compounds interfering with the analysis and in the use of PCR for final detection, instead of plating on Baird-Parker agar, to improve sensitivity at high backgrounds and to save time. The evaluation of the method variants was based on determination of the detection limit (LOD) using series of artificially contaminated spices (allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, vanilla) and herbs (basil, oregano, parsley, thyme). The method without enrichment, ISO 6888-1:1999, produced LODs of 10³–10⁵ CFU/g with no positive effect of washing the sample or use of PCR for final detection. The method with enrichment, ISO 6888-3:2003, had LOD of 10⁰ CFU/g for basil, black pepper, paprika and parsley. If the washing step was added and PCR was used for final detection, LOD of 10⁰ CFU/g was determined also for cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla, and LOD of 10¹ CFU/g was determined for allspice. For oregano and thyme, which strongly inhibit the growth of S. aureus, an alternative enrichment-independent method based on direct DNA extraction coupled to real-time PCR may be advantageous.     

Comparative Study on the Inactivation and Photoreactivation Response of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Listeria monocytogenes</Emphasis> Seafood Isolates and a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Listeria innocua</Emphasis> Surrogate after Pulsed Light Treatment

The inactivation and photoreactivation response of six seafood-isolated Listeria monocytogenes and one Listeria innocua strain after pulsed light (PL) treatment was evaluated. The lower inactivation levels found after exposure of treated samples to daylight during the first 90 min of storage confirmed that both L. innocua and L. monocytogenes have the capability to photorepair PL-induced DNA damage upon appropriate conditions. Photoreactivation levels from 0.2 to 2.1 log CFU cm^?2 were observed depending on treatment intensity (fluence) and Listeria strain. Complete photorepair of PL-caused damage was not found even after treatments inducing low inactivation levels. Photoreactivation increased up to 2.1 log with the applied fluence up to a threshold able to cause between 2.4 and 5.4 log reductions under dark storage. Photorepair was not avoided but lower photoreactivation was observed after higher fluence inducing more than 6 log reductions under dark storage. Both L. innocua and L. monocytogenes serotype 1/2b exhibited the highest photoreactivation levels whereas serotypes 1/2a showed the lowest ones. The overall inactivation and photoreactivation responses of tested Listeria strains were comparable indicating that L. innocua may be a good surrogate for the safe evaluation, optimization and validation of PL technology to control L. monocytogenes in food products and food processing facilities.     

Smart NMR Method of Measurement of Moisture Content of Vegetables During Microwave Vacuum Drying

Microwave drying is usually combined with vacuum environment in conjunction with hot air flow to draw the moisture rapidly. The moisture content of the vegetables undergoing drying is hard to measure online. This research designed a microwave vacuum drying (MVD)-low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) smart device and investigated the feasibility of NMR method for online measurement of state of moisture during MVD. The relation between the signal amplitude (A ₂) and the true moisture content (M ₁) of six kinds of vegetables (mushroom, carrot, potato, lotus, edamame, vegetable corn) was fitted to estimate if NMR can measure the M ₁ of vegetables directly. Results showed that A ₂ and M ₁ of different fresh vegetables had no single empirical mathematical model to fit. However, for each kind of these vegetables, the A ₂ and corresponding M ₁ in different MVD stages showed a significant linear relationship. The predicted moisture content (M ₂) of mushroom: M ₂ = 5.25351 × 10^?4 A ₂ ? 0.34042, R = 0.996; carrot: M ₂ = 5.78756 × 10^?4 A ₂ ? 0.14108, R = 0.998; potato: M ₂ = 3.10019 × 10^?4 A ₂ ? 0.10612, R = 0.991; lotus: M ₂ = 2.32415 × 10^?4 A ₂ ? 0.01573, R = 0.998; edamame: M ₂ = 3.13310 × 10^?4 A ₂ ? 0.4198, R = 0.996; vegetable corn: M ₂ = 1.69461 × 10^?4 A ₂ ? 0.09063, R = 0.995. The linear models between M ₂ and A ₂ were able to estimate the end point (M ₁ < 8%) of MVD with a high accuracy (P > 0.950).     

Application of Bismuth(III)-Entrapped XO Biosensing System for Xanthine Determination in Beverages

A xanthine biosensor was prepared by electrochemical immobilization of xanthine oxidize enzyme onto carbon paste electrode via entrapment of Bi³⁺. After the optimization of experimental parameters, analytical characteristics were investigated. Two linear ranges between 0.02 and 0.06 and 1–7.5 μM with the equation y?=?93.00x?+?0.12 and y?=?1.07x?+?18.03 with the correlation coefficients of R ²?=?0.9951 and R ²?=?0.9931, respectively, were obtained for this biosensing system. RSD value was calculated for 0.04 μM xanthine (n?=?5) and found as 3.84%. LOD and LOQ values were also calculated and revealed as 1.30?×?10^?8 and 4.3?×?10^?8 M, respectively. Then, this biosensor was applied for xanthine detection in real samples. As a sample treatment, only necessary dilutions were made. Four types of beverages including wine, energy drink, peach, and sour cherry juice were used for this purpose. Obtained recovery values demonstrate that this system is applicable for xanthine detection in real samples without needing any laborious sample pretreatment procedures.     

Effect of Tannin Extracts on Biofilms and Attachment of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> on Lettuce Leaves

Lettuce is often involved in foodborne outbreaks caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli. Current control strategies have often proved ineffective to ensure safe food production. For that reason, the present study compared the efficacy of tannin extracts and chlorine treatments on the reduction of E. coli ATCC 25922 adhered to lettuce leaves. E. coli was inoculated artificially on leaf surfaces of fresh crisp lettuce. Effectiveness of water, chlorine (200 mg/L), and three commercial available tannin extracts from Acacia mearnsii De Wild. (tannin AQ (2 %, w/v), tannin SG (1 %, v/v) and tannin SM (1 %, v/v)) treatments was evaluated using the viable plate count method and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM results revealed that bacterial cells are attached as individual cells and in clusters to the leaf surface after 2 h of incubation. Biofilm formation was observed after 24 h of incubation. The tannin SM treatment was able to reduce counts in approximately 2 log CFU/cm² on leaf segments. However, treatment was less effective in the reduction of E. coli counts after 24 h of incubation when compared to 2 h incubation of the same extract. The results suggest that the tannin SM extract diminishes E. coli counts adhered to and under biofilm formation on lettuce leaves and its effect is similar to the use of chlorine solutions.     

Preparation of Acryloyl <Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-Cyclodextrin Organic Polymer Monolithic Column and Its Application in Solid-Phase Microextraction and HPLC Analysis for Carbofuran and Carbaryl in Rice

An acryloyl β-cyclodextrin (A-β-CD) monolithic column for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and determination of carbofuran and carbaryl by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have been prepared through a “one-step” polymerization method. The synthesis conditions, including the volume of cross-linker, the ratio and volume of mixed porogenic solvent consisted of methanol and N,N-dimethylformamide were optimized. The prepared monolithic column was characterized by thermogravimeteric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Brunner-Emmet-Teller (BET) measurement. The eluent type, volume and flow rate, sample volume, flow rate, acidity, and ionic strength were optimized in detail. Under the optimized conditions, a simple, rapid, and sensitive SPME-HPLC method was developed for determination of carbofuran and carbaryl in rice samples. The method yielded a linear calibration curve in the concentration ranges of 1.5–200 μg/kg for carbofuran and 0.3–200 μg/kg for carbaryl with correlation coefficients (R ²) of above 0.9955. Limits of detection (S/N = 3) were 0.5 μg/kg for carbofuran and 0.1 μg/kg for carbaryl, respectively. The recoveries of this method ranged from 88.1 to 105.8%. The relative standard deviations were less than 8.1%.