High methoxyl pectin–methyl cellulose films with antioxidant activity at a functional food interface

The effect of using increasing proportions of methylcellulose (MC) for the development of glycerol plasticized films based on high methoxyl pectin (HMP) (30:70, 50:50 and 70:30 w/w HMP:MC) and carrying l-(+)-ascorbic acid (AA) was studied with the purpose of achieving higher stability of AA and localized antioxidant activity at food interfaces. MC and 30:70 HMP:MC systems could not be casted. The shelf-life of the other AA-active films was assessed by storage at 25 °C, constant relative humidity (RH: 33.3%, 57.7% and 75.2%) and vacuum conditions. The rate constant for AA hydrolysis increased with the RH and, hence, with water mobility. Browning and AA degradation rates were directly related. When stored at 75.2% RH, both decreased as MC proportion increased. Compared to HMP film, the highest proportion of MC (50:50 HMP:MC) showed the highest AA stabilization under vacuum and greater performance under air atmosphere. They also developed localized antioxidant activity preserving the tocopherol content of walnut oil.     

Gellan gum films as carriers of l-(+)-ascorbic acid

Edible gellan films were evaluated as carriers for stabilizing l-(+)-ascorbic acid (AA) for nutritional purposes and antioxidant effect on foods. AA retention during film casting (initial value), as well as stability and non-enzymic browning (NEB) development along film storage (25 °C) at 33.3%, 54.7% or 75.2%-relative humidity (RH) were assessed. Initial AA retention was around 100%, and half-lives were 36, 26 and 11 days, respectively. AA destruction followed a pseudo-first order kinetics in gellan matrices. A water activity map was built for AA losses and NEB. AA and NEB kinetics were attributed to the restricted mobility of water molecules.     

Thermal analysis of β-lactoglobulin complexes with pectins or carrageenan for production of stable biopolymer particles

Biopolymer nanoparticles can be formed by thermal treatment of electrostatic complexes of globular proteins and anionic polysaccharides. The purpose of this study was to provide insights into the physicochemical origin of biopolymer particle formation using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and temperature-scanning turbidity measurements. DSC measurements indicated that high methoxyl pectin (HMP), low methoxyl pectin (LMP) and carrageenan (C) had little impact on the thermal denaturation temperature of β-lactoglobulin (T_m ～ 78 °C) at pH 4.75, where electrostatic complexes are formed. Temperature scanning turbidity measurements indicated that extensive biopolymer aggregation occurred above T_m for β-lactoglobulin-pectin systems, but not for β-lactoglobulin-carrageenan systems. This difference was attributed to the greater strength of the attractive electrostatic interactions between the protein and carrageenan molecules, compared to the protein and pectin molecules. The biopolymer particles formed by heating β-lactoglobulin-pectin complexes were relatively stable to association/dissociation from pH 3 to 7 for HMP and from pH 4 to 7 for LMP, whereas the β-lactoglobulin-C complexes were highly unstable to pH changes. The β-lactoglobulin-pectin nanoparticles (d = 200–300 nm) may therefore be useful as natural delivery systems or fat replacers in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and other industries.     

Pectins as Breadmaking Additives: Effect on Dough Rheology and Bread Quality

The effect of two types of pectins with different degrees of esterification on dough and bread characteristics was analysed. A high methoxyl pectin (HMP) and a low methoxyl pectin (LMP) were assayed in dough without or with salt (2%) at levels ranging from 0.25% to 2.0%. Farinographic water absorption increased when pectins were incorporated in dough with salt, whereas this effect was not observed in dough without salt. Pectin addition diminished the stability of dough in all cases. Texture profile analysis showed that pectins softened the dough, particularly when salt was added. Cohesiveness was also higher in doughs with salt at the maximum level of hydrocolloid addition. In dough with salt, HMP decreased the elastic and viscous moduli, while the values for tan (δ) were increased with respect to control. SEM micrographs showed that dough with pectin has a filamentous structure. In the breadmaking process, dough with HMP showed a better performance, leading to higher specific volumes and softer crumbs both in fresh and stored bread.     

Physical alterations of soybean during accelerated and natural aging

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of accelerated aging (AA) and natural aging (NA) on the physical characteristics of soybeans (Glycine max). Soybeans from two cultivars (Coodetec 214 and BRS 267) were stored under AA (30 °C and 84% RH up to nine months), NA (ambient temperature and RH, fluctuation in the period = 17.3 at 24.5 °C and 59 at 93% RH, up to 18 months), and control conditions (− 20 °C and 47% RH). Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of the hull and cotyledons, the water sorption rate (S) during hydration and equilibrium moisture content (X_eq), the color of the grains and ground soybeans, and the hardness of cooked soybeans were analyzed. After storage of AA and NA, the surface of the palisade cells of the cotyledons became wrinkled and wilted; the browning of the hull, the ground soybeans, and the hardness of the cooked soybeans increased for both cultivars. It was observed that the increase of S and decrease of X_eq were more pronounced in Coodetec 214 than BRS 267.     

Development and Characterization of Edible Films from Cranberry Pomace Extracts

The feasibility of using cranberry pomace extract as a new film‐forming material was studied. Cranberry pomaces were extracted using hot water. Low methoxyl pectin (LMP) or high methoxyl pectin (HMP) at a concentration of 0.50% or 0.75% (w/w) and 0.25% (w/w) sorbitol or glycerol was incorporated into film‐forming solutions (FFSs) for improving film functionality. Proximate compositions of cranberry pomace and its extract were determined. The pH and total soluble solid content (SSC) of FFSs, physical and mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, and microstructure of dried films were analyzed. About 1.4% (w/w) of solids was obtained from cranberry pomace water extracts, of which about 93% was carbohydrate. Dried films had bright red color and strong cranberry flavor. Films plasticized with sorbitol were denser in matrix structure and had higher color intensity than those of glycerol plasticized films. In general, LMP and sorbitol incorporated films had higher tensile strength and lower elongation at break and lower water vapor permeability than other films. The higher (0.75%) pectin concentration resulted in increased tensile strength, but decreased elongation at break. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that sorbitol added films had more regular and compact cross‐section structure than those of glycerol added films. This study demonstrated that it is feasible to create natural colorful and fruit flavor edible films from fruit pomace water extracts. Depending on specific applications of the films, targeted film functionality can be achieved by incorporating proper pectin type and concentration and plasticizer into pomace extracts.     

Properties of low methoxyl pectin‐carboxymethyl cellulose based on montmorillonite nanocomposite films

In this study, the low methoxyl pectin‐carboxymethyl cellulose‐based montmorillonite (LMP‐CMC‐MMT, LCM) nanocomposite films with nine ratios of LMP:CMC (from 10:0 to 0:10) and different MMT contents (1–8 wt%) were prepared. The mechanical properties, colour, opacity and water vapour permeability (WVP) of composite films were investigated. The maximum of tensile strength (TS) of composite films was 39.85 ± 2.51 MPa at LMP:CMC ratio of 4:6 and 4 wt% MMT (LCM47), which indicated the formation of hydrogen bonds between MMT and LMP‐CMC. The reduction of WVP of the LCM47 composite film was 333% of that of the CMC film due to the tortuous path caused by MMT incorporation. LCM composite films had the higher b*‐ and ΔE*‐values and lower L*‐values in comparison with LMP‐CMC (LC) composite films. The LCM composite films showed a decrease in transparency as MMT content increased.     

Interfacial rheology of soy proteins – High methoxyl pectin films

Surface aggregating soy protein-pectin solutions are used in the production of biodegradable films intended for food packaging applications. Structural properties of the surface biopolymer network influence the engineering properties of the films, such as permeability and mechanical strength. Soy protein isolates (SPI) – high methoxyl pectin (HMP) films that develop at the air–water interface were therefore investigated by a combined interface rheological and ellipsometric approach. The behavior of pure SPI interfacial layer is that of a light cross-linked polymer network with a small regime of linear viscoelasticity response. Since SPI progressively accumulate at the air–water interface, higher protein concentration in the solution does not lead automatically to higher surface coverage but due to restricted unfolding of the proteins to weaker and fluid-like films. The rheological behavior of composite SPI–HMP solutions at the air–water interface shows that the HMP addition increases the elastic interfacial modulus. The stabilizing effect in presence of the polysaccharide is attributed to a protein–polysaccharide complex formation at the interface.     

Investigation of the composite system of β-lactoglobulin and pectin in aqueous solutions

The compatibility in aqueous systems of β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) with low and high esterified-sodium polypectates (LMP and HMP) was investigated. The mixture did not separate into two co-existing liquid phases in any case studied. At pH above the isoelectric point (IP) of β-lg, the behavior of LMP and HMP was similar when mixing with β-lg. Pectins and β-lg were co-soluble was around a particular ionic strength (μ) (0.07 M for HMP and 0.3 M for LMP). In these circumstances, the flow behavior of pectin was hardly affected by the addition of β-1g . At all other μ, the mixture formed a liquid phase containing both β-lg and pectin and a small amount of β-lg precipitates. Here, the viscosity of the liquid phase was slightly higher than the viscosity of a solution containing the same concentration of pectin. At pH 3.5, i.e. pH⩽IP of β-lg, the behavior of LMP and HMP was different when mixing with β-lg. LMP formed insoluble complexes with β-lg at low μ (⩽0.25 M), but precipitation was suppressed at high μ (0.5 M). The composite system of β-lg/HMP formed a white, homogeneous and stable dispersion at low μ (0.07 M). The viscosity of this dispersion was much higher than the additive viscosity of individual solutions would be. Probably, the oppositely charged β-lg and HMP formed soluble complexes, which further associated into large aggregates. This complexation was also suppressed at high μ (0.5 M).     

酰胺化果胶最佳胶凝条件的探讨

以商品高酯果胶为原料,制备酰胺化果胶,以胶凝破碎强度为检测指标,得到酰胺化果胶的最佳胶凝条件.以pH值、酰胺化果胶浓度、蔗糖浓度、Ca2+浓度4因素为因素,以去离子水配制溶液,保存温度5℃、保存时间48h进行正交试验得到的最佳胶凝条件为:pH值3.6、酰胺化果胶浓度1.4%、蔗糖浓度30%、Ca2+浓度50 mgCa2+/g酰胺化果胶.     

Mammary gland metabolite utilization in response to exogenous glucose or long-chain fatty acids at low and high metabolizable protein levels

We investigated mammary gland metabolism in lactating dairy cattle in response to energy from glucogenic (glucose; GG) or lipogenic (palm olein; LG) substrates at low (LMP) and high (HMP) metabolizable protein levels. According to a 6 × 6 Latin square design, 6 rumen-fistulated second-lactation Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (97 ± 13 d in milk) were abomasally infused with saline (LMP-C); isoenergetic infusions (digestible energy basis) of 1,319 g/d glucose (LMP-GG), 676 g/d palm olein (LMP-LG), or 844 g/d essential AA (EAA; HMP-C); or isoenergetic infusions of 1,319 g/d glucose + 844 g/d EAA (HMP-GG) or 676 g/d palm olein + 844 g/d EAA (HMP-LG). Each experimental period consisted of 5 d of continuous infusion followed by 2 d of rest. A total mixed ration (42% corn silage, 31% grass silage, and 27% concentrate on a dry matter basis) formulated to meet 100 and 83% of net energy and metabolizable protein requirements, respectively, was fed at 90% of ad libitum intake by individual cow. Arterial and venous blood samples were collected on d 5 of each period. Infusing GG or LG at the HMP level did not affect milk yield or composition differently than at the LMP level. Neither GG nor LG infusion stimulated milk protein or lactose yield, but fat yield tended to decrease with GG and tended to increase with LG. Infusion of GG increased arterial plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin and decreased concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), nonesterified fatty acids, long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), total AA, EAA, and group 2 AA. Infusion of LG increased arterial triacylglycerides (TAG) and LCFA but did not affect EAA concentrations. Compared with the LMP level, the HMP level increased arterial concentrations of BHB, urea, and all EAA groups and decreased the concentration of total non-EAA. Mammary plasma flow increased with GG and was not affected by LG or protein level. Uptake and clearance of total EAA and group 2 AA were affected or tended to be affected by GG × AA interactions, with their uptakes being lower and their clearances higher with GG, but only at the LMP level. Infusion of LG did not affect uptake or clearance of any AA group. The HMP level increased uptake and decreased clearance of all EAA groups and decreased non-EAA uptake. Infusion of GG tended to increase mammary glucose uptake, and tended to decrease BHB uptake only at the LMP level. Infusion of LG increased mammary uptake of TAG and LCFA and increased or tended to increase clearance of TAG and LCFA. We suspect GG increased mammary plasma flow to maintain intramammary energy and AA balance and stimulated lipogenesis in adipose, accounting for depressed arterial BHB and group 2 AA concentrations. Mammary glucose uptake did not cover estimated requirements for lactose and fat synthesis at the HMP level, except during HMP-GG infusion. Results of this study illustrate flexibility in mammary metabolite utilization when absorptive supply of glucogenic, lipogenic, and aminogenic substrate is increased.     

OSMOTIC DEHYDRATION OF MUSKMELON (CUCUMIS MELO): INFLUENCE OF BLANCHING AND SYRUP CONCENTRATION

The influence of blanching and syrup concentration on the quality parameters of osmo‐air‐dried muskmelon product was investigated. Fruit samples were dehydrated with sucrose solutions at 40, 50 and 60°Brix and the resulting products were analyzed for browning degree, ascorbic acid (AA) concentration and water activity. The values for all three parameters decreased as the syrup concentration increased. Blanching treatment before the osmotic processing had no effect on browning but caused a decrease in AA concentration. Osmotically dehydrated fruits showed no browning increase for at least 4 weeks at 2C. A decrease of about 60% in AA concentration was observed within the first 2 weeks at 10C. In contrast, AA loss was only observed after 2 weeks at 2C. The influence of storage time and temperature on AA retention was investigated by 2² factorial design. Statistical analysis of results showed that the two factors have a significant effect on AA retention. Osmotic dehydration may be an interesting alternative for processing of muskmelon as a pretreatment followed by cold storage or drying.     

Physico-Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Apple Disks Subjected to Osmotic Dehydration and Different Drying Methods

The effect of sucrose infusion (SI) pretreatment and dehydration methods (freeze and air drying) on physical and textural properties of apple disks were analyzed. Dried samples were humidified between 11% and 43% relative humidity (RH) at 20 °C. Control samples (air- and freeze-dried) behaved similarly regarding water sorption and glass transition temperature. SI process caused important changes in the water sorption behavior of air-dried samples. Nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation times values (T ₂) for freeze-dried apples were higher than those for air-dried samples. Samples subjected to previous SI always presented lower T ₂ values because they had lower water contents. The dehydration method also affected the mechanic behavior. Air-dried samples exhibited higher F _max values during puncture assay than those obtained for freeze-dried samples. SI samples showed higher F _max values for both drying methods. The crust formed during air drying generated crispier materials along the whole RH range, while freeze-dried matrices were more deformable with the increase in RH. SI pretreatment also allowed diminishing browning development. The results obtained are useful in the choice of processing technologies of organoleptically acceptable dehydrated fruits for direct consumption or for their incorporation into compound foods.     

Integrated approach for interpreting browning rate dependence with relative humidity in dehydrated fruits

Maillard reaction is relevant to define dehydrated food stability. The objective of this work was to evaluate the browning development in freeze-dried fruits as a function of relative humidity (RH) in relation to the physical properties of fruit materials. Intact tissue discs of melon and pear were freeze-dried and equilibrated in a broad RH range. The changes in reflectance were analyzed using a computer vision system, which was appropriate to determine the appearance changes during storage of dehydrated fruits. Time resolved ¹H NMR, thermal transitions, structural collapse and water sorption isotherms were evaluated. The browning rate versus RH curve presented a bell shape which could be related to the information provided by the determinations of the physical properties. The results allowed the integration of water sorption information, ¹H NMR relaxation times, T-T_g, and structural collapse to interpret the browning rate versus RH behavior of fruit systems.     

Physicochemical, nutritional, and antimicrobial properties of wine grape (cv. Merlot) pomace extract-based films

Abstract: Wine grape pomace (WGP) (cv. Merlot) extract‐based films were studied in terms of their physicochemical, mechanical, water barrier, nutritional, and antibacterial properties. Pomace extract (PE) was obtained by hot water extraction and had a total soluble solid of 3.6% and pH 3.65. Plant‐based polysaccharides, low methoxyl pectin (LMP, 0.75% w/w), sodium alginate (SA, 0.3% w/w), or Ticafilm^® (TF, 2% w/w), was added into PE for film formation, respectively. Elongation at break and tensile strength were 23% and 4.04 MPa for TF‐PE film, 25% and 1.12 MPa for SA‐PE film, and 9.89% and 1.56 MPa for LMP‐PE film. Water vapor permeability of LMP‐PE and SA‐PE films was 63 and 60 g mm m^?2 d^?1 kPa, respectively, lower than that of TF‐PE film (70 g mm m^?2 d^?1 kPa) (P < 0.05). LMP‐PE film had higher water solubility, indicated by the haze percentage of water after 24 h of film immersion (52.8%) than that of TF‐PE (25.7%) and SA‐PE (15.9%) films, and also had higher amount of released phenolics (96.6%) than that of TF‐PE (93.8%) and SA‐PE (80.5%) films. PE films showed antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua, in which approximate 5‐log reductions in E. coli and 1.7‐ to 3.0‐log reductions in L. innocua were observed at the end of 24 h incubation test compared with control. This study demonstrated the possibility of utilizing WGP extracts as natural, antimicrobial, and antioxidant promoting film‐forming material for various food applications. Practical Application: WGP extract‐based edible films with the addition of a small amount of commercial polysaccharides showed attractive color and comparable mechanical and water barrier properties to other edible films. The films also demonstrated their potential antioxidant and antimicrobial functions. Hence, they may be used as colorful wraps or coatings for food, pharmaceutical, or other similar applications.     

Influence of relative humidity on carbon dioxide sorption in wheat gluten films

The influence of relative humidity (RH) on carbon dioxide sorption at 10⁵ Pa in wheat gluten films (WGF) was investigated in the range of 0–96% RH at 25 °C. The amount of water sorbed by these protein based films reached up to 60% of the dry weight at 96% RH. Carbon dioxide sorption increased with water content, ranging from 2.8 × 10⁻⁴ to 1.9 × 10⁻² mol Pa⁻¹ m⁻³ respectively at 0% and 96% RH. This behavior was tentatively explained on the grounds that sorbed water enhanced carbon dioxide accessibility to protein active sorption sites. The dependence of both the solubility and the diffusivity coefficients of CO₂ and O₂ on WGF water content explains the very good permselectivity of these films observed at high RH values (22 at 93% RH and 25 °C).     

Synergistic effects of whey protein–polysaccharide complexes on the controlled release of lipid‐soluble and water‐soluble vitamins in W1/O/W2 double emulsion systems

Lipid‐soluble vitamin E (V_E) and water‐soluble vitamin B₂ (V_B2) can be encapsulated together in the same water–oil–water emulsion system. The ability of whey protein isolate (WPI)–polysaccharide complexes to synergistically control the release rates in such a system was investigated. The complexes studied were WPI–low methoxyl pectin (LMP) and WPI–κ‐carrageenan (KCG). The encapsulation efficiency of V_E and V_B2 of the WPI system is 66% and 64% and increases by about 1.4‐ and 1.2‐fold in the WPI–LMP and WPI–KCG complexes, respectively, which serve as selective non‐pH‐dependent barriers against enzyme attack. These complexes also greatly ameliorate the controlled release rates of both vitamins. The low‐charge LMP, with its multiple protein‐ and oil‐binding abilities, exhibits greater synergistic effects than the high‐charge KCG.     

Effects of Anti-browning Combinations of Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide on the Quality of Banana Smoothies

The effects of 0.2 % ascorbic acid?+?0.2 % citric acid (AA?+?CA), 0.2 % ascorbic acid?+?0.2 % citric acid?+?N₂ (AA?+?CA?+?N₂) and 0.2 % ascorbic acid?+?0.2 % citric acid?+?CO₂ (AA?+?CA?+?CO₂) on the quality of banana smoothies were investigated. An obvious anti-browning effect was observed after each treatment, which resulted from a significant decrease in the polyphenol oxidase activity (p?<?0.05) and the exclusion of oxygen by infusion with inert N₂ or CO₂. The AA?+?CA?+?N₂ treatment exhibited the lowest change of browning index (ΔBI) indicating the best anti-browning effect on the banana smoothies. Compared with the Herschel–Bulkley model, the Power Law was less complex and more suitable for describing the rheological properties of the banana smoothies. AA?+?CA, AA?+?CA?+?N₂ and AA?+?CA?+?CO₂ treatments all significantly increased the pectin methylesterase activity of the banana smoothies (p?<?0.05). The AA?+?CA treatment increased the cumulative volume of the larger particles in the banana smoothies. The viscosity of the banana smoothies decreased after the three different treatments. In terms of the comprehensive results, the inclusion of AA?+?CA?+?N₂ in the production of banana smoothies was the best processing method applied.     

酰胺化果胶的特性、应用及研究现状

本文将酰胺化果胶与普通低酯果胶以及高酯果胶进行了多方面的比较，重点介绍酰胺化果胶的特性。结合国内外对酰胺化果胶生产和研究的状况，及其在食品工业和医疗方面的应用现状，对酰胺化果胶生产的开发前景进行了分析。     

Influence of Homogenization Conditions on Physical Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Fully Biodegradable Pea Protein–Alpha-Tocopherol Films

In this study, antioxidant biodegradable films based on pea protein and alpha-tocopherol were successfully developed by solution casting. The effect of both the homogenization conditions (rotor–stator and microfluidizer) and the relative humidity (RH) on the microstructure and physical properties (transparency, tensile, oxygen and water vapour barrier properties) of pea protein/alpha-tocopherol-based films was evaluated. The addition of alpha-tocopherol produced minimal changes in the films’ transparency, while providing them with antioxidant properties and improved water vapour and oxygen barrier properties (up to 30 % in both water vapour and oxygen permeability) when films were at low and intermediate RH. The addition of alpha-tocopherol in microfluidized films gave rise to an increase in their resistance to break and extensibility (up to 27 % in E values) at intermediate and high RH. These results add a new insight into the potential of employing pea protein and alpha-tocopherol in the development of fully biodegradable antioxidant films which are of interest in food packaging.