Equilibrium moisture contents of a medicinal herb (Melissa officinalis) and a medicinal mushroom (Lentinula edodes) determined by dynamic vapour sorption

The measurement of moisture sorption isotherms is of great importance in the fields of food and agricultural engineering. Although the static gravimetric method is still commonly used, automated instruments for the determination of sorption isotherms have been designed to overcome some of the drawbacks associated with the standard method. The dynamic vapour sorption (DVS) is a modern technique which can produce sorption data with high accuracy under controlled conditions in a short period of time. The method was examined and validated by measuring the equilibrium moisture contents of lemon balm herb (Melissa officinalis L.) and Shiitake mushroom [Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegl.] at a temperature of 25 °C in the range of 0-95% relative humidity. The experiments were performed in triplicate for a total of fifteen target values of relative humidity. A parallel exponential kinetics model (PEK-model) was used to evaluate the change in mass during the adsorption process of each relative humidity step. Additionally, the GAB model was tested for its effectiveness to describe the equilibrium MC/RH data of both products. The PEK-model fitted adequately to the experimental sorption kinetic data over the entire range of relative humidity. Sigmoid characteristic curves, type II pattern were obtained, as indicated by the C and K values of the GAB model. Differences in the hygroscopic characteristics of the two products tested were ascribed to differences in nature of the material.     

Sorption equilibrium moisture and isosteric heat of adsorption of Chinese dried wheat noodles

Equilibrium moisture content (EMC) data for dried wheat noodles of ten Chinese varieties were collected by a gravimetric method at 11–96% equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) and 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C. Five models were fitted to the sorption data, namely the modified Chung Pfost equation (MCPE), modified Henderson equation (MHE), modified Guggenheim Anderson deBoer equation (MGAB), modified Oswin equation (MOE), and a polynomial equation. The best fitting equations were MGAB and the polynomial equation. At a constant ERH, the EMC decreased with increasing temperature, despite the minor effect of temperature on the sorption isotherms of dried noodles. Initially, the isosteric heats of adsorption for dried wheat noodles decrease rapidly with increasing sample moisture content (m.c.); however, after the moisture content is more than 15% of the dry basis (d.b.), they decrease slowly with increasing m.c. The heat of vaporization of Chinese dried wheat noodles approaches the latent heat of pure water at a moisture content of ∼20% d.b., which is ∼2500 kJ/kg. The isosteric heats of sorption of Chinese dried noodles predicted by MCPE and MHE models at lower temperatures were higher than those at higher temperatures. When the equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) is 60%, the safe-storage moisture content of Chinese dried wheat noodles are 11.74% and 11.57% d.b. at 25 °C and 35 °C, respectively. Among ten varieties of dried wheat noodles, the egg-flavoured noodle had the highest onset temperature (T_o), peak temperature (T_p), and conclusion temperature (T_c) of gelatinization, but the golden-silk egg noodles had the highest peak enthalpy of gelatinization. The gelatinization T_o, T_p, and T_c of golden-silk egg noodles were the lowest. Most of the ten varieties of dried wheat noodles demonstrated similar thermal properties and hygroscopic behaviour.     

Effect of drying method on the moisture sorption isotherms for Inonotus obliquus mushroom

Moisture sorption isotherms of Inonotus obliquus mushroom were studied over a selected temperature range (20-50 °C). Sigmoid sorption isotherms were observed for these samples. The sorption data were analyzed using various conventional models. The Oswin model was found to be the best model for predicting the equilibrium moisture content of mushroom in the range of water activity 0.08-0.96. The monolayer moisture content decreased as temperature increased and was affected by the drying method used. The net isosteric heat of sorption was determined using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation and the value decreased with increase in moisture content of mushroom.     

Moisture adsorption isotherms of guar (Cyamposis tetragonoloba) grain and guar gum splits

Moisture adsorption isotherms of guar grain and guar gum splits were determined at 10, 20, 30 and 40 °C and 23-96% relative humidities using gravimetric method. The sorption data were fitted to six well-known sorption isotherm models (modified Chung-Pfost, modified Halsey, modified Henderson, modified Oswin, Chen-Clayton, and GAB models) using non-linear least square method. The GAB model was found the most satisfactory for representation of the equilibrium moisture content data for guar grain and guar gum splits. The equilibrium moisture content of guar gum splits was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of guar grain. The isosteric heat of sorption was determined from the equilibrium moisture adsorption data using Clausius-Clapeyron type equation. Exponential relationship described well the dependence of isosteric heat of sorption on the equilibrium moisture content. The enthalpy-entropy compensation theory applied to sorption isotherms indicated enthalpy controlled sorption process.     

Moisture sorption isotherms and isosteric heat for pistachio

The equilibrium moisture contents (EMC) of pistachio were determined using the standard static-gravimetric method at 15, 25, 35 and 40 °C for pistachio powder at 15, 35 °C for pistachio kernel and pistachio nut for water activity (a _w) ranging from 0.11 to 0.9. At a given water activity, the results show that the moisture content decreases with increasing temperature. The experimental sorption curves are then described by the BET, GAB, Henderson, Oswin, Smith and Halsey models. A nonlinear regression analysis method was used to evaluate the constants of the sorption equations. The Smith model was found to be suitable for describing the sorption curves. The isosteric heat of adsorption of water was determined as a function of moisture content from the equilibrium data at different temperatures using the Clasius–Clapeyron equation.     

Moisture sorption and thermodynamic properties of cassava starch and soy protein concentrate based edible films

Moisture sorption isotherms and thermodynamic properties of cassava starch and soy protein concentrate–based edible films were investigated. Equilibrium moisture content was determined at various temperatures (10, 20, 30 and 40 °C) and relative humidities (17–83%) using gravimetric method, and the results were analysed using four sorption isotherm models. The equilibrium moisture of edible films (both adsorption and desorption modes) decreased with soy protein concentrate addition and temperature at constant water activity. The monolayer moisture content values of cassava starch–soy protein concentrate edible films decreased with increase in temperature and soy protein level. GAB and Oswin models (%RMS ≤10) best described the isotherms of the biofilms with the monolayer moisture contents, isosteric enthalpy and entropy higher for adsorption with significant kinetic compensations. The moisture sorption and thermodynamic properties of cassava starch–soy protein concentrate edible films showed that they are suitable for packaging applications.     

Moisture sorption isotherms and thermodynamic properties of walnut kernels

The moisture sorption isotherm data of walnut kernels stored in a chamber, the relative humidity (r.h.) of which is regulated by atomizing humidifier, were determined at three different temperatures (25, 35 and 45 °C) and r.h. ranging from 10% to 90%. Eight models, namely the GAB, BET, Henderson, Iglesias and Chirife, Oswin, Peleg, Smith and Caurie equations, were fitted to the sorption data. Several statistical tests were adopted as the criteria to evaluate the fitting performance of the models. Of the models tested, the Peleg model gave the best fit to experimental data. The surface area of a monolayer was calculated. The BET equation was applied to the monolayer moisture content and the corresponding a_w values at which a monolayer forms are presented. The experimental data were also used to determine the thermodynamic functions such as isosteric heat of sorption, sorption entropy, spreading pressure, net integral enthalpy and entropy. The sorption isosteric heats for walnut kernels were determined by the application of the Clausius-Clapeyron equation to sorption isotherms obtained from the best-fitting equation. Isosteric heats decreased with increase in moisture content and approached the latent heat of pure water. Adsorption entropy increased with increasing moisture content, and then it decreased sharply with increase in moisture content. The spreading pressures (adsorption and desorption) increased with increasing water activity. Net integral enthalpy of adsorption increased slightly with moisture content to a maximum value. Thereafter, it remained constant. Net integral entropy of adsorption was negative in value and it decreased with increase in moisture content to a minimum value, and then increased slightly with increase in moisture content.     

Moisture sorption isotherms of sorghum malt at 40 and 50 °C

The desorption and adsorption equilibrium moisture isotherms of sorghum malt at the temperatures of 40 and 50 °C, over the water activity range of 0.1-0.9, were determined using the static gravimetric method. A non-linear regression programme was used to fit five moisture sorption isotherm models [Modified Henderson, Modified Chung-Pfost, Modified Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB), Modified Halsey and Modified Oswin] to the experimental data. The models were compared using the standard error of estimate, mean relative percentage deviation, fraction explained variation and residual plots.The Modified Chung-Pfost model was found to be the best for predicting the desorption equilibrium moisture content, while the adsorption equilibrium moisture content was best predicted by the Modified Oswin model. The desorption and adsorption water activities were found to be best fitted by the Modified Oswin model.The moisture sorption isotherms were sigmoidal in shape and showed a marked effect of temperature. The span of the moisture sorption hysteresis loop formed, decreased with increase in temperature, while the size increased with increase in temperature.     

Water sorption isotherms for lemon peel at different temperatures and isosteric heats

Lemon peel constitutes a potential source of dietary fiber to formulate new and healthier products, as well as a source of essential oils. The relationship between moisture content and water activity provides useful information for lemon peel processing, especially for drying and storage. Water sorption isotherms of lemon peel were obtained using a standardized conductivity hygrometer at four different temperatures (20, 30, 40 and 50 °C) and wide ranges of moisture content (5.381-0.002 kg water/kg dry solid) and water activity (0.984-0.106). One theoretical (GAB) and four empirical equations (Oswin, Henderson, Halsey and Ratti) were used for modelling sorption isotherms. After evaluating the models according to several criteria, the GAB model appeared as the best option. Isosteric heats of sorption were assessed from experimental sorption isotherm data using different methods.     

Mathematical modelling of moisture sorption isotherms and determination of isosteric heat of blueberry variety O'Neil

The sorption isotherms of blueberry variety O'Neil were determined at 20, 40 and 60 °C, for a range of water activity of 0.10–0.95. The isotherms showed that the equilibrium moisture content increased when temperature decreased at constant water activity. The BET, GAB, Halsey, Henderson, Caurie, Smith, Oswin and Iglesias-Chirife equations were tested for modelling the sorption isotherms. The results showed that GAB, BET and Halsey models gave the best fit quality for the experimental desorption data, and BET, Oswin and Henderson for adsorption data as suggested by the statistical tests employed. The net sorption heat was calculated using the Clausius–Clapeyron equation giving 38.62 kJ mol⁻¹ (desorption) and 30.88 kJ mol⁻¹ (adsorption) at a moisture content of 0.01 g water (g d.m.⁻¹). Tsami equation was applied to estimate the net isosteric heat of sorption as function of equilibrium moisture content with satisfactory results.     

Adsorption isotherms for red chilli (Capsicum annum L.)

The adsorption equilibrium moisture contents for red chilli were determined experimentally in relative humidity range of 11–97% at the temperatures of 20, 30, 40, and 50°C. Six equilibrium moisture content models were fitted to the experimental data. The modified Oswin model was the best fitted equation for relative humidity range of 11–97% for the adsorption data of red chilli.     

Moisture sorption characteristics of mango–soy-fortified yogurt powder

Moisture adsorption isotherms of plain yogurt, mango–soy-fortified yogurt (MSFY) and MSFY containing 0.4% gelatin stabilizer (MSFYG) powder were determined at 20, 30, 40 and 50°C. A gravimetric static method was used under 0.11–0.81 water activity ranges for the determination of sorption isotherms that were found to be typical type II sigmoid. Experimental data were fitted to five mathematical models viz. modified Henderson, modified Chung–Pfost, Oswin, Smith and Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB). It was found that both Oswin and GAB models were acceptable in describing equilibrium moisture content–equilibrium relative humidity (EMC–ERH) relationships for yogurt powder samples over the entire range of temperatures.     

Moisture sorption characteristics of rice flour

Moisture equilibrium data (adsorption and desorption) of rice flour were determined using the static gravimetric method of saturated salt solutions at three storage temperatures: 10, 20 and 30 degrees C. The range of water activities for each temperature was from 0.11 to 0.85. Equilibrium moisture content decreased with increase in storage temperature at any given water activity. The experimental data were fitted to four mathematical models (modified Oswin, modified Halsey, modified Chung-Pfost and modified Henderson). The monolayer moisture content was estimated from sorption data using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) equation. The isosteric heats of sorption were evaluated using Clausius-Clapeyron equation.     

豆粕平衡水分及吸着等热研究

采用静态称重法测定了国产6个豆粕样品的平衡水分吸附/解吸等温线,并采用修正MCPE、MHAE、MHE、MGAB、MOE及STYE 6个方程进行拟合,得出MGAB、MHAE、MOE均适合描述豆粕平衡水分-平衡相对湿度之间的关系,并可用于分析豆粕水分吸附/解吸等热。当水分小于15%时,豆粕吸附/解吸等热均随水分增大而快速减小,同温度下的解吸吸着等热显著高于吸附吸着等热。当水分大于15%时,豆粕吸附/解吸等热均随水分增大而变化平缓,同温度下的解吸吸着等热趋同于吸附吸着等热。当水分小于15%时,较低温度下的豆粕吸附吸着等热与解吸吸着等热均高于较高温度下的。在水分17.5%的游离水临界点,豆粕的吸着等热(汽化热)接近纯水的潜热,约为2 500 kJ/kg。由等温线分析的25℃豆粕绝对安全水分为12.48%,相对安全水分为13.90%。     

Moisture sorption properties of chitosan

The moisture equilibrium isotherms of chitosan were determined at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 °C, using the gravimetric static method. Experimental data were analyzed by the GAB, Oswin, Halsey and Smith equations. Isosteric heat and differential entropy of sorption were determined from the GAB model using the Clausius-Clapeyron and Gibbs-Helmholtz equations, and pore size distribution was calculated by the Kelvin and Halsey equations. The GAB and Oswin equations showed best fit to the experimental data with R² ≈ 99% and low mean relative deviation values (E% < 10%). Monolayer moisture content values (from 0.12 to 0.20 kg kg⁻¹) and water surface area values (from 450 to 700 m² g⁻¹) decrease with increasing temperature. Isosteric heat and differential entropy of sorption were estimated as a function of moisture content. The Kelvin and Halsey equations were adequate for calculation of pore size distribution, which varied from 0.5 to 30 nm.     

Effect of temperature and initial moisture content on sorption isotherms of banana dried by tunnel drier

Sorption isotherms of intermediate moisture content (IMC) products are essential to predict shelf-life of packaged moisture-sensitive product by modelling moisture uptake during storage and distribution. The effect of temperature and initial moisture content (MC) of IMC banana on the relationship between MC and water activity were investigated. Raw bananas were dried in a tunnel dryer at 2% relative humidity (RH), 70 °C, and a 3.2 ± 0.2 m s^–1 air velocity. Drying procedure was carried out a number of times until various IMC levels were obtained (5%, 14%, 22% and 33% db for banana). Sorption isotherms of bananas were determined at 10, 20, 30 and 40 °C. The initial MC of IMC banana had no significant effect on the relationship between MC and water activity according to statistical analysis. All the sorption curves were found to be Type II. BET, GAB, modified GAB, Oswin, Halsey and modified Freundlich models were fitted to the data and it was found that the best results were obtained with a modified Freundlich equation. A secondary modified Freundlich model was built accounting for the effect of a _w and temperature on the sample MC.     

Equilibrium moisture content and heat of desorption of saffron

The equilibrium moisture contents of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) stigmas were determined experimentally using the standard gravimetric method at temperatures 30, 45 and 60 °C and water activity ranging from 11% to 83%. The sorption isotherm curves of saffron were sigmoidal in shape and decreased with increased temperature at constant relative humidity. Five selected isotherm models GAB, modified Henderson, modified Chung‐Pfost, modified Halsaey and modified Oswin were tested to fit the experimental isotherm data. Modified Oswin and modified Henderson models were found acceptable for predicting desorption moisture isotherms and fitting to the experimental data, respectively. The isosteric heats of desorption, determined from equilibrium data using the Clausius‐Clapeyron equation, were found to be a function of moisture content. The net isosteric heat of desorption of saffron varied between 1.38 and 5.38 kJ mol^?1 at moisture content varying between 2% and 20% (d.b).     

Moisture sorption properties of smoked chicken sausages from spent hen meat

Moisture sorption characteristics of smoked chicken sausages from spent hen meat were investigated at 5, 25 and 50°C over a water activity (a_w) range of 0.11–0.87. Sigmoidal (type-II) desorption isotherms were observed for these samples. The sorption data were analysed using mathematical equations of Caurie, Halsey, GAB and Oswin. The Halsey equation gave the best fit over the entire temperature range. GAB model also described the isotherms fairly well. The GAB and BET monolayer moisture values were not significantly different (P>0.01) and decreased with increasing temperature. The number of adsorbed monolayers, density and amount of bound water and surface area of adsorption also decreased as the sorption temperature increased. The pores, in general, enlarged with rising temperature.     

Moisture sorption study on Nigerian foods: Kuka

Kuka is an important vegetable in the Nigerian food chain. The moisture sorption characteristics of the vegetable studied at 34, 37 and 45°C between a_w 0.10–0.96, revealed a BET type II behaviour. The Kuka exhibited hysteresis and an increase in EMC with increase in a_w and decrease in temperature. Four sorption models (Oswin, Halsey, Kuhn, and GAB) were studied and the Oswin model was the most suitable. The constants in the Oswin model and GAB monolayer moisture contents were obtained and found to be temperature-dependent. Heats of sorption were greater for desorption than adsorption and in either mode, they reduced with an increase in moisture content. An exponential equation was obtained to relate heat of sorption with moisture content.     

The fitting of various models to water sorption isotherms of tea stored in a chamber under controlled temperature and humidity

The moisture sorption characteristics of tea stored in a chamber regulated by an atomizing humidification system were investigated at 25, 35 and 45 °C for water activity ranging from 0.1 to 0.9. The sorption isotherms of tea were typical type II sigmoidal curves according to BET classification. In both adsorption and desorption, an increase in temperature resulted in lower equilibrium moisture contents at corresponding values of water activity. The sorption isotherms exhibited hysteresis over the whole water activity range. GAB, BET, Henderson, Iglesias and Chirife, Oswin, Peleg, Smith and Caurie models were applied for analysing the experimental data. Nonlinear regression analysis was used for the determination of the parameters in the equations. Estimated parameters and fitting ability for sorption models were evaluated. The Peleg model was found to be the most suitable for describing the relationship between equilibrium moisture content and water activity for the whole range of temperatures and relative humidities studied. The surface area of monolayer was calculated. The BET equation was solved for the monolayer moisture content and the corresponding a_w values at which monolayer forms were presented. Sorption isotherm data were used to determine the thermodynamic functions such as isosteric heat of sorption, sorption entropy, spreading pressure, net integral enthalpy and entropy. The Clausius-Clapeyron equation was used to evaluate the isosteric heats of sorption. The isosteric heats of sorption and sorption entropy decreased with increasing moisture content. The heat of desorption was little higher than that of adsorption at low moisture content. The enthalpy-entropy compensation theory could be successfully applied to water sorption by tea. This theory showed that the moisture sorption of tea was governed by enthalpy-controlled mechanisms. The spreading pressure increased with increase in water activity and decreased with increasing temperature. The net integral enthalpy decreased with moisture content while the net integral entropy increased.