Lactic Acid/Melanosis Inhibitors to Improve Shelf Life of Brown Shrimp (Penaeus aztecus)

l-Lactic acid, sodium bisulfite, and 4-hexylresorcinol were evaluated, alone and in combination, as melanosis and microbial spoilage inhibitors on brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus). No effect on the microbiological shelf life of treated shrimp was observed. 4-Hexylresorcinol functioned exceptionally well as a melanosis inhibitor, alone and in combination with. l-lactic acid. However, extensive bacterial growth was demonstrated in the 4-hexylresorcinol dip solution during normal storage on deck, creating the potential for a heavy bacterial inoculation of shrimp during a typical dipping process. Addition of l-lactic acid to the 4-hexylresorcinol dip solution prevented bacterial growth in the dip solution and did not diminish melanosis inhibition.     

Shelf Life and Microbial Quality of Fresh-cut Mango Cubes Stored in High CO2 Atmospheres

ABSTRACT: Fresh-cut'Carabao'and'Nam Dokmai'mango cubes were stored in air or in high CO₂ atmospheres (3%, 5%, and 10%) at 5 °C and 13 °C. Freshly sliced'Carabao'mango cubes had a lower respiration rate and total bacterial count and higher L-ascorbic acid content and firmness than'Nam Dokmai'mango cubes. The shelf life of fresh-cut mango, based on browning discoloration and water-soaked appearance, was 6 d at 5 °C and 4 d at 13 °C for'Carabao'and 2 d at 5 °C and less than 1 d at 13 °C for'Nam Dokmai'. High CO₂ atmospheres retarded the development of water-soaked'Carabao'cubes at 5 °C and 13 °C and'Nam Dokmai'cubes at 5 °C. Texture of'Carabao'cubes was enhanced by high CO₂, but ethanol and L-ascorbic acid contents were not affected at 5 °C and 13 °C. Total bacterial count was lower in'Carabao'cubes than in'Nam Dokmai'cubes during storage at both temperatures, and a 10% CO₂ only reduced the bacterial count on'Carabao'and'Nam Dokmai'cubes stored at 13 °C. Bacterial flora in'Nam Dokmai'mango cubes consisted mostly of Gram-negative rods assigned primarily to phytopathogenic bacteria such as Pantoea agglomerans and Burkholderia cepacia . The genera of bacteria isolated from cubes stored in 10% CO₂ were similar to those from cubes on the initial day.     

Static, Controlled (CO2) Atmosphere Packaging of Retail Ready Pork

Wrapped boneless pork loin roasts and slices were stored at 4°in bulk under constant CO₂ concentrations of 50% and 100% for 1 and 2 wks. Samples stored under 50% CO₂ for 2 wks could subsequently be displayed (aerobic) for 3 days without becoming unacceptable or for 6 days if previously held under 100% CO₂ for 14 days. Aerobic shelf-life at 4°of the latter samples equalled that of fresh pork chops under simulated retail display. Physicochemical characteristics during storage did not limit acceptability. Reusable master packs have application for distribution of retail ready cuts under controlled atmosphere packaging.     

Fruit Quality, Antioxidant Contents and Activity, and Antiproliferative Activity of Strawberry Fruit Stored in Elevated CO2 Atmospheres

ABSTRACT:  The effects of CO₂ in the storage atmosphere on color, firmness, ascorbic acid (AA), anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolics, total antioxidant activity, and antiproliferative activity of strawberry fruit have been investigated. "Northeaster" and "Earliglow" strawberries were stored in air or in 20% CO₂ (in air) at 3 °C for 20 d. Color changes in Northeaster were delayed more by CO₂ treatment than in Earliglow. Firmness of CO₂-stored fruit increased slightly compared with those stored in air. The increases in total and reduced AA concentrations during air storage were usually prevented by CO₂ storage in both cultivars. Dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) concentrations increased during CO₂ storage. Anthocyanins and flavonoids, and total antioxidant activity of both cultivars were higher in air-stored fruit than in CO₂-stored fruit. The total phenolic concentration was lower in CO₂-stored Earliglow fruit than in air, but storage treatment did not affect that of Northeaster. A 40 mg/mL concentration of Northeaster strawberry extract inhibited about 80% of HepG₂ human liver cancer cell proliferation. CO₂ treatment did not affect the antiproliferative activity of strawberry fruits, but antiproliferative activity was greater at harvest than after storage.     

Effects of Elevated CO2 Atmosphere on Storage of Freshwater Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)

The effects of elevated CO₂ levels on the keeping quality of cooked, freshwater crayfish was investigated. Experiments were conducted using an enriched atmosphere of 80% CO₂:20% air compared to air storage at 4°C. Chemical and microbial changes were correlated with sensory panel evaluations of flavor, odor and texture. After 28 days of storage, the concentrations of ammonia and trimethylamine and total plate counts were lower in crayfish stored under carbon dioxide as compared to samples stored in air. The sensory panel found no significant difference between the odors of the samples stored in CO₂ atmosphere for 21 days and fresh cooked crayfish, whereas samples stored in air were found to have significantly more fishy flavor and odor after 14 days of storage.     

Histamine Formation in Abusively Stored Pacific Mackerel: Effect of CO2-Modified Atmosphere

Whole Pacific mackerel (Scomber japonicus) were abusively stored at 20°C in air or 80% CO₂, balance air. Samples were analyzed for amines using a modified amino acid analyzer. Following 24 hr storage, levels of histamine, tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine increased only slightly above the low levels observed initially. During the next 24 hr, the amine content increased dramatically. Levels in the air control samples were about twice those in the modified atmosphere samples. In a separate trial, amine levels in fish stored 3 days were higher still and similar in the two atmospheres. Thus, in neither trial did CO₂-modified atmosphere storage lead to increased production of potentially toxic amines.     

Effects of Short-term Exposure to Low O2 and High CO2 Atmospheres on Quality Attributes of Strawberries

Strawberries (Fragaria ananassa Duch., cv. ‘Selva') were stored 10 days in 1.0%, 0.5%, or 0.25% 0₂ or air + 20% CO₂; or 6 days in air + 50% or 80% CO₂ at 0 or 5°C without detrimental effects on quality. Decay and softening were reduced by treatments. An untrained taste panel, under ordinary eating conditions, did not consistently differentiate ‘Pajaro’ strawberries kept in 0.25% 0₂ from those stored in air. A trained taste panel, under controlled conditions, perceived slight off-flavor in ‘G3’ strawberries kept in 0.25% or 0% 0₂. This correlated with ethanol, ethyl acetate, and acetaldehyde in juice. The 50% or 80% CO₂ treatments caused injury after 8 to 10 days, while 20% CO₂ treatments did not. All high CO₂ treatments caused increase in pH of juice.     

Shelf Life of Shrimp (Penaeus merguiensis) Stored at Different Temperatures

The sensory, microbiological and biochemical changes were determined in shrimp (Penaeus merguiensis) stored at 0° to 35°C. Mean aerobic plate count of fresh shrimp, initially 5.0 × 10⁵ CFU/g, increased with time and temperature to 6.4 × 10⁹ CFU/g at 35°C after 24 hr. A total of 560 different bacteria were isolated and identified. In addition, the dominant organisms were tested for ability to reduce TMAO, produce indole and hydrolyze protein. The initial bacteria were 30% Gram + organisms but changed to predominantly Grampsychrotrophs at lower temperatures and to mesophiles at higher temperatures. Odor, texture and color qualities decreased; TMA, TVB, pH and Indole increased with time and temperature. Shelf life of shrimp ranged from 7 hr at 35°C to 13 days at 0°C.     

Quality Changes of Highbush Blueberries Fruit Stored in CA with Different CO2 Levels

ABSTRACT:  Quality changes of blueberries ( Vacccinium corymbosum L. cv Brigitta) were evaluated during CA storage (0 °C) with different concentrations of CO₂ (5%, 10%, and 15%) combined with 5% O₂, respectively. Atmospheric air (20.9% O₂+ 0.03% CO₂) was used as control. From samples taken at 0, 24, and 48 d of storage, unmarketable fruits and weight loss were recorded as well as color ( h ), firmness ( g ), soluble solid content (%), titratable acidity (% citric acid), ratio, and the monomeric anthocyanin content (ppm). At each sampling time, additional units were kept for 3 d at 10 °C to simulate retail holding conditions. Irrespective of gas concentration, 0.9% of the initial fresh weight was lost after 48 d at 0 °C. CA fruit had better quality than control at the 24 d sampling but due to the high number of unmarketable fruits, this advantage was not observed at 48 d at 0 °C. After 24 d of storage, fruits for CA treatments were more firm and had better color, with higher anthocyanin and acidity levels. Soluble solid content showed no significant differences throughout the cold storage period. Residual effect of CA storage was observed at the retail holding condition yielding better firmness, acidity, and ratio. However, the CO₂ level tested increased the number of unmarketable fruit in long-term storage (48 d). Response of "Brigitta" blueberries to the different CO₂ levels studied was moderate and could be related to the high storage potential of this cultivar.     

Low O2 Atmospheres Affect Storage Quality of Zucchini Squash Slices Treated with Calcium

Calcium chloride treated or nontreated zucchini squash slices were stored in air or low O₂ (0.25, 0.5 and 1%) at 10°C. Respiration rate, ethylene production, and development of browning/decay were reduced under low O₂. Slices stored under 0.25% O₂ had less weight loss and browning/decay, and greater shear force and L-ascorbic acid content than those stored in air. Microbial count, pH, and color at the end of storage were improved by low O₂. Calcium treatment had no additive effect on maintaining quality of zucchini squash slices stored in 0.25% O₂ atmosphere.     

Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Annatto (Bixa orellana) Pigments and Some Characteristics of the Color Extracts

Supercritical CO₂ (SC-CO₂) was used to extract natural food colors from Annatto (Bixa orellana) seeds with different pressures and temperatures. Results from the reverse thin-layer chromatographic separation and GC/MS revealed that SC-CO₂ extracts were composed mainly of bixin, geranylgeraniol and norbixin. Differences in absolute values of solubility parameters (SPD) between these main compounds and SC-CO₂ indicated bixin was more easily extracted than norbixin under conditions used. A higher yield of total pigments was obtained at extraction pressure above 310 bar than at 210 bar and 50°C.     

Analysis of radiation-induced hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones from dried shrimps (Penaeus aztecus)

We investigated the usefulness of hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones as markers for irradiated, dried shrimps. A method was developed to detect the irradiation of dried shrimps (Penaeus aztecus) by identifying radiation-induced hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones extracted from dried shrimps, which were separated by Florisil column chromatography and identified by a method using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Radiation-induced hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones are formed from the fatty acids of the irradiated fats. The quantity of the hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones formed from some fatty acids is related to the composition of fatty acids in a sample. The concentrations of hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones increased with radiation dose. The major hydrocarbons in the irradiated, dried shrimps were 1-tetradecene and pentadecane from palmitic acid; small amounts of heptadecane and 1-hexadecene from stearic acid; and 8-heptadecene and 1,7-hexadecadiene from oleic acid. 2-(5'-Tetradecenyl)cyclobutanone, one of the 2-alkylcyclobutanones, was present at the highest concentration. The radiation-induced hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones were detected at radiation doses of 0.5 kGy and greater. These compounds were not detected in nonirradiated, dried shrimps.     

Dynamic Changes of Headspace Gases in CO2 and N2 Packaged Fresh Beef

Two independent experiments were conducted to examine the effects of initial packaging/product conditions and storage conditions on in-package headspace pressure changes for modified atmosphere packaged beef during 12 hr storage. Headspace-to-meat volume ratio 1.8 to 5.9, surface area 200--800 cm², sample volume 0.22–0.75L, storage at 3–13°C and initial gas composition 20–100% CO₂ balanced with N₂ were studied. Headspace-to-meat volume ratio was the most important packaging parameter, but surface area and meat volume also affected headspace CO₂ changes. Decreased storage temperature reduced CO₂ concentration remaining in headspace. Higher initial CO₂ concentration resulted in greater concentration changes.     

Gamma Irradiation and Enriched CO2 Atmosphere Storage Effects on the Light-induced Greening of Potatoes

SUMMARY – Michigan-grown Kennebec and Sebago potato tubers were exposed to gamma irradiation in the dose range of 0 to 400 Krad and subsequently stored in atmospheres containing 0.03% to 15% CO₂. Upon illumination with 3,000 lux for periods up to 20 days while maintaining the atmosphere, all tubers developed some greening. The tubers exposed to 200 and 400 Krad were inhibited from greening to the highest degree but suffered general quality loss. The levels of 10 to 20 Krad, which are suitable for the sprout inhibition of potatoes, did not cause significant inhibition of greening under any of the conditions of this experiment. Storage in enriched CO₂ atmospheres inhibited the greening to the extent of 50% at 15% CO₂, only upon prolonged illumination (12 days), while irradiation (40 Krad) was only effective after a short period (4 days) of illumination. Irradiation in the O–40 Krad range did not increase the inhibition caused by CO₂. The inhibition of potato greening by irradiation was effective through a period of 5 weeks storage in the dark prior to illumination.     

Supercritical CO2 extraction of grappa volatile compounds

A first study on the recovery of aromatic extracts from grappa by means of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) on a laboratory plant has been performed, to obtain aroma extracts at low ethanol content. The influence of extraction parameters like pressure, temperature and flow rate have been studied. Extraction yields have been evaluated for ethanol, higher alcohols and esters of short and medium chain acids. A higher aroma volatile compounds extraction has been obtained when the strongest extraction condition has been considered (200 bar, 60 °C, 0.3 kg h⁻¹). Sensory evaluation has indicated as preferred the extract obtained under mild condition (80 bar, 40 °C, 0.3 kg h⁻¹).     

Modeling of O2and CO2 Exchange Dynamics in Modified Atmosphere Packaging of Burlat Cherries

ABSTRACT: A simple mathematical model has been applied to estimate the optimal conditions for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of Burlat cherries. The model describes gas exchange in flexible packages, taking into account the respiration rate of the fruit and the transmission rate of gases through the film. The model predicts the evolution of the gas composition inside the package at different conditions. To verify experimentally the model estimations, Burlat cherries were packaged in air and in 3 mixtures of gases at 2 temperatures using 3 different films. Experimental results agree satisfactorily with the predicted values if the O₂ concentration is higher than 2 %.     

Extraction of Poppy Seed Oil Using Supercritical CO2

ABSTRACT: Extraction of poppy seed oil with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) was performed and the effect of extraction conditions on oil solubility and yield as well as oil composition was evaluated. Within the temperature (50 to 70 °C) and pressure (21 to 55 MPa) ranges studied, 55 MPa/70 °C gave the highest oil solubility (24.1 mg oil/g CO₂) and oil yield (38.7 g oil/100g seed). Fatty acid composition of the oil obtained with SC-CO₂ at 55 MPa/70 °C was similar to that of petroleum ether-extracted oil ( p > 0.05) with linoleic acid making up 69.0 to 73.7% of fatty acids. Tocol content of the SC-CO₂-extracted oils varied from 22.37 to 33.35 mg/100 g oil, which was higher than that of petroleum ether-extracted oil (15.28 mg/100 g oil). Poppy seed oil may have potential in the rapidly growing specialty oil market.     

Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Oil from Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and Protein Functionality

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) extraction temperature and pressure for oil removal from freeze-dried, fall Atlantic mackerel muscle were optimized. The effect of extraction conditions on pH and water-binding potential (WBP) of the protein residue was evaluated. For the temperature range (35–55°C) and pressure interval (20.7–34.5 MPa), 34.5 MPa/35°C gave highest oil yield and concentration of ω-3 fatty acids. SC-CO₂ extraction at higher pressure levels caused slight decreases in protein residue pH. WBP of residual proteins was maximal at 1.49g H₂O/g protein for 34.5 MPa/45°C. The high lipid removal and retention of protein functionality in the residue after oil extraction may make such processes useful for future food applications.     

SUPERCRITICAL CO2/ETHANOL EXTRACTION OF ASTAXANTHIN FROM BLUE CRAB (CALLINECTES SAPIDUS) SHELL WASTE

Astaxanthin (AX) is the major naturally occurring carotenoid pigment in marine crustaceans and the flesh of salmonids. These organisms are unable to synthesize AX de novo and when farmed commercially, require it in their feed. The high cost of synthetic AX has promoted research into new natural sources of ihe pigment, such as crustacean wastes. In this work, AX from demineralized crab (Callinectes sapidusj shell waste was extracted with a mixture of supercritical C₂ and ethanol as a cosolvent. The effect of total solids load, pressure and temperature was assessed by response surface methodology (RSM). Extracted AX was determined by HPLC. The experimental data were fined to a second order model whereby the conditions for maximum extraction yield were defined (≥ 34 MPa, 45C and solids load of 25 g). Pressure and solids load were the most important factors affecting AX extraction yields.