Characterization of fermented black soybean natto inoculated with Bacillus natto during fermentation

BACKGROUND: To make nutrients more accessible and further increase biological activity, cooked black soybeans were inoculatedwith Bacillus natto and fermented at 37 °C for 48 h. The changes in physiochemical properties of fermented black soybean natto were investigated. RESULTS: The inoculation procedure significantly increased moisture, viscosity, color, polyphenol compounds and anthocyanin, and significantly decreased hardness after 48 h fermentation. Fibrinolytic and caseinolytic protease, β‐glucosidase activities, TCA‐soluble nitrogen, and ammonia nitrogen contents in the inoculated samples significantly increased as fermentation time increased. Genistin and daidzin concentrations gradually decreased with increased fermentation time. However, genistein and daidzein increased with fermentation time, which reached 316.8 and 305.2 µg g^?1 during 48 h fermentation, respectively. DPPH radical scavenging activities of the fermented black soybeans increased linearly with fermentation time and concentration. Compared with the soaked black soybeans and cooked black soybeans, the fermented black soybeans with B. natto resulted in higher scavenging activity towards DPPH radicals, which correlated well with the content of total phenols (r = 0.9254, P < 0.05) and aglycone isoflavone (r = 0.9861, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Black soybean natto fermented by B. natto has the potential to become a functional food because of its high antioxidant activity. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Volatile compounds produced by Bacillus species alkaline fermentation of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean (L.) Verdc) into a dawadawa-type African food condiment using headspace solid-phase microextraction and GC × GC–TOFMS

The reports on the volatile compounds of a dawadawa-type African food condiment produced from the alkaline fermentation of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) using Bacillus starter cultures are limited. Volatile compounds were isolated from dawadawa-type condiments using headspace solid phase microextraction and analysed by comprehensive gas chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry. Acids, aldehydes and alcohols accounted for over 70% of the volatile compounds produced in the Bacillus fermented samples. B. subtilis subsp. subtilis SFBA3 produced the highest content of acids (4969.60 µg kg^?1), while the highest content of aldehydes (2811.90 µg kg^?1) and alcohols (1247.60 µg kg^?1) was detected with Bacillus cereus PALB7 and Bacillus licheniformis OALB2, respectively. Sulphur-containing compounds concentration (85.80 µg kg^?1) was highest for Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SFBA2. Maximum 2-methyl butanoic acid and 3-methyl butanoic acid concentrations, indicative of typical dawadawa aroma, were produced by B. subtilis subsp. subtilis SFBA3.     

Use of Bacillus subtilis to enrich isoflavone aglycones in fermented natto

BACKGROUND: Natto is a food made by fermenting cooked soybeans with Bacillus subtilis. Soybean isoflavones are reported to provide many health benefits, including oestrogenic effects. However, isoflavone aglycones may be absorbed faster and in higher amounts in the human intestine than their glucosides. This study aimed to investigate the content of isoflavone components in commercial natto products as well as the use of B. subtilis strains to ferment cooked soybeans to produce a high level of isoflavone aglycones in natto. RESULTS: The content and composition of isoflavones in commercial natto products were predominantly (>76%) isoflavone glucosides. Fermentation of cooked soybeans with B. subtilis BCRC 14718 at 37 °C for 48 h was more effective in converting glucosides to aglycones than with other strains of B. subtilis, increasing the proportion of isoflavone aglycones from 12 to 68% of the total isoflavones in the fermented natto. The proportions of the isoflavone aglycones daidzein and genistein in cooked soybeans fermented with B. subtilis BCRC 14718 for 48 h increased from 6 to 54% and from 5 to 13% respectively. CONCLUSION: Bacillus subtilis BCRC 14718 incubated with cooked soybeans produces higher levels of isoflavone aglycones, which may enhance health benefits over traditional fermented natto. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Volatile profiles of thua nao, a Thai fermented soy product

Thua nao, a Thai traditional fermented soybean has a unique odour due to the presence of several volatile components. In this investigation, the cooked non-fermented soybeans and soybean (thua nao) fermented by pure Bacillus subtilis TN51 (TNB51) and naturally fermented soybean (TNMX) were analysed for odour components by GC–MS, using the PDMS-SPME head space technique. The quantities of total volatiles in both TNB51 and TNMX were analogous, but the major volatile classes present in TNB51 and TNMX were pyrazines and ketones, respectively. The predominant volatiles in pure Bacillus-fermented thua nao included 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 2-methylpropanoic acid and acetic acid, whereas the major volatiles in the naturally fermented soybean included 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, benzaldehyde, 5-methyl-3-hexanone, 2-butanone and 3-methyl-2-pentanone. In total, 85 volatile compounds were detected.     

Survival of E. coli O157:H7 during manufacture of dry‐cured Westphalian ham surface‐treated with allyl isothiocyanate or hot mustard powder

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli O157:H7 can survive commercial manufacture of some uncooked fermented meats. External application of microencapsulated allyl isothiocyanate (AIT) or hot (non‐deheated) yellow mustard powder was used to inactivate the pathogen during dry‐cured Westphalian ham manufacture. RESULTS: Within 45/80 days, E. coli O157:H7 numbers were reduced 5 log₁₀ CFU g^?1 by 400 µg kg^?1 AIT or 60 g kg^?1 mustard powder, but 80 days were required in the untreated control. Mustard powder but not AIT reduced numbers of lactic acid bacteria and staphylococci. Mustard powder or ≥ 300 µg kg^?1 AIT inhibited yeasts and moulds but did not affect ham pH or water activity. CONCLUSION: The commercial Westphalian ham process without AIT or mustard powder treatment was validated capable of reducing E. coli O157:H7 5 log₁₀ CFU g^?1. Surface treatments with ≥ 300 µg kg^?1 microencapsulated AIT or 60 g kg^?1 yellow mustard powder reduced the time required for this reduction by 40–50%. AIT volatility from microcapsules or hot mustard powder during application of these compounds may restrict their use in production facilities. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Levels of benzo[a]pyrene and benzo[a]anthracene in smoked “Provola” cheese from Calabria (Italy)

Levels of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and benzo[a]anthracene (BaA) in “Provola” cheese samples from Calabria, smoked naturally and using commercial smoke-flavouring, have been determined. A comparative study of BaP and BaA concentrations was carried out on rind, exterior zone, core and slice of these samples. Quantitative determination of BaP and BaA was ascertained by HPLC using fluorescence detection. Levels of BaP and BaA were found in all smoked “Provola” cheese samples, but higher in cheese smoked with natural methods (0.46–1.13 µg kg^?1 for BaP and 1.38–9.29 µg kg^?1 for BaA) compared to samples smoked using commercial flavouring (0.085–0.32 µg kg^?1 for BaP and 1.20–2.98 µg kg^?1 for BaA). The smoking process contributes to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contamination; however, for improved food safety, the use of commercial buffered smoke is preferable to traditional smoking procedures.     

Determination of acrylamide content of food products in Korea

Acrylamide (AA) contents of commercial market‐purchased foods and of traditional home‐cooked Korean foods were investigated. The effect of cooking method on AA amount in potatoes was also studied. AA contents of roasted barley and corn ranged from 116 to 449 µg kg^?1 and of chips ranged from 12 to 3241 µg kg^?1, representing a very high variation in AA contents among tested samples. Lower levels of AA were found in wheat flour chips compared to potato chips. AA contents of ramen noodles were below 37 µg kg^?1, whether they contained potato starch or not. The AA contents of Korean home‐cooked oil fried foods increased in the following order: yakwa < whole deep‐fried sea tangle < ground and deep‐fried lotus root < ground and pan‐fried lotus root < French fries < ground and pan‐fried potato. Lotus root and garlic also had the potential to produce AA during cooking. Pre‐treatment such as grinding, boiling, freezing and thawing increased the AA formation in oil‐fried potato. Temperature was more influential than time on AA formation during deep‐oil frying. Removing water‐soluble fractions reduced AA content of cooked potatoes. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Analysis of characteristic aroma of fungal fermented Fuzhuan brick‐tea by gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry

Fuzhuan brick‐tea is a popular fermented Chinese dark tea because of its typical fungal aroma. Fungal growth during the production process is the key step in achieving the unique colour, aroma and taste of Fuzhuan brick‐tea. To further understand the generation of the characteristic aroma, changes in the main volatile compounds of Fuzhuan brick‐tea during the fungal growth stage were studied by gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry. The results showed that the content of volatile compounds, especially aldehyde compounds with stale aroma such as (E)‐2‐pentenal, (E)‐2‐hexenal, 1‐penten‐3‐ol, (E, E)‐2,4‐heptadienal and (E, Z)‐2,4‐heptadienal, increased significantly in fermented tea samples. The concentration of terpene alcohols with flower aroma also increased notably during the fermentation process. The compounds with stale and flower aromas in combination with some volatile components of the raw material contributed to the characteristic ‘fungal/flower’ aroma of Fuzhuan brick‐tea. Microbial metabolism during the fermentation process probably played the key role in the generation of characteristic aromatic compounds of Fuzhuan brick‐tea. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Mass spectrometric analysis of muscle samples to detect potential antibiotic growth promoter misuse in broiler chickens

Mass spectrometric methods were developed and validated for the analysis in chicken muscle of a range of antibiotic growth promoters: spiramycin, tylosin, virginiamycin and bacitracin, and separately for two marker metabolites of carbadox (quinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid and 1,4-bisdesoxycarbadox), and a marker metabolite of olaquindox (3-methyl-quinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid). The use of these compounds as antibiotic growth promoters has been banned by the European Commission. This study aimed to develop methods to detect their residues in muscle samples as a means of checking for the use of these drugs during the rearing of broiler chickens. When fed growth-promoting doses for 6 days, spiramycin (31.4?µg?kg^?1), tylosin (1.0?µg?kg^?1), QCA (6.5?µg?kg^?1), DCBX (71.2?µg?kg^?1) and MQCA (0.2?µg?kg^?1) could be detected in the muscle 0 days after the withdrawal of fortified feed. Only spiramycin could consistently be detected beyond a withdrawal period of 1?day. All analytes showed stability to a commercial cooking process, therefore raw or cooked muscle could be used for monitoring purposes.     

Fumonisins and fungi in dry soybeans (Glycine Max L.) for human consumption

This survey reports the occurrence of fumonisins (FBs) and fungi in dry soybeans sold for human consumption. The variation levels were 138–1495 µg kg^?1 and 178–552 µg kg^?1 for FB₁ and FB₂, respectively. In addition, potentially toxigenic fungi as Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium genera were isolated in the samples. These can be considered as indicator-toxin and can produce considerable amounts of mycotoxins. Despite FB presence in the soybeans for human consumption, there is no legal regulation. Therefore, it is important to emphasise the need for frequent monitoring of these contaminants in soybeans.     

Free-amino acid profiles of thua nao, a Thai fermented soybean

Thua nao, a rich source of free-amino acids, is a fermented soybean, usually used as seasoning or flavouring enhancer in northern Thailand. Free-amino acids (FAA) of unfermented/cooked soybeans, thua nao, fermented by pure Bacillus subtilis TN51 (TNB51), and a naturally fermented product (TNMX), were investigated by pre-column derivatisation with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate, followed by reversed-phase HPLC. Total FAA and essential amino acids were found at significantly higher concentrations in TNB51 thua nao than in TNMX thua nao (naturally fermented). Both fermented thua nao had much higher concentrations of FAA than had their unfermented counterparts. With respect to taste-enhancing FAA, typical bitter attributes of thua nao came mainly from hydrophobic and basic FAA, whereas an umami attribute came predominantly from acidic FAA.     

Ethyl carbamate in fermented foods and beverages: dietary exposure of the Hong Kong population in 2007–2008

To evaluate the potential public health risk of ethyl carbamate (EC), EC exposure from fermented foods and beverages for Hong Kong population was estimated. In 276 samples analysed, EC was detected (limit of detection (LOD) at 0.4?µg?kg^?1) in 202 samples (73%), with higher levels in fermented red bean curd (150–650?µg?kg^?1) and yellow wine (140–390?µg?kg^?1), while low or non-detected (ND) in preserved vegetables (ND–10?µg?kg^?1) and fermented tea (ND–15?µg?kg^?1). The estimated dietary exposure from all fermented foods and beverages was 8.27?ng?kg^?1?bw?day^?1, while exposure excluding alcoholic beverages was 5.42?ng?kg^?1?bw?day^?1, with calculated margins of exposure (MOEs) at 3.6?×?10⁴ and 5.5?×?10⁴ respectively. The risk of adverse health effects was low for the average population but higher (MOE?of?10³) for high consumers of alcoholic beverages especially habitual drinkers of alcoholic types with high EC contents.     

Characterization of the aroma compounds in crystal malt

Crystal malt, the most popular type of specialty malt used in beer brewing, plays a vital role in forming complex flavor and color. Nevertheless, crystal malt is only defined based on the malting process, and there is not any standard to evaluate its quality. In the current study, the volatile aroma constituents of commercial crystal malt samples were analyzed with headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, in order to explore the characteristic aroma compounds of crystal malt. The average concentration of volatile aroma compounds in 10 crystal malt samples is 587 µg L⁻¹, ranging from 347 to 1265 µg L⁻¹. A total of 38 aroma compounds were identified, 47% of which were existed in all the 10 samples. Based on principal component analysis and odor activity value, isobutyraldehyde, 2-methylbutanal, furfural, 2-acetyl-1H-pyrrole, oct-1-en-3-ol, 4-methyl-2-phenyl-2-pentenal, and (2E)-2-isopropyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal could be considered the characteristic aroma compounds of crystal malt. The results of this present study would help to establish a standard to assess the quality traits of crystal malt sample.     

Simultaneous determination of type A,B and D trichothecenes and their occurrence in cereals and cereal products

A sensitive LC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of type A, B and D trichothecenes in cereals is presented. The limits of detection ranged between 0.1 and 0.7 µg kg^?1 for all analytes. The method was applied to 289 representatively drawn samples of wheat, rye and oat products. Ninety-four percent of the wheat samples (n = 130), 95% of the rye samples (n = 61) and 100% of the oat samples (n = 98) were contaminated with the type A trichothecenes T-2 and HT-2 toxin. Median levels of T-2/HT-2 (sum of the toxins) were 0.91, 0.53 and 8.2 µg kg^?1, respectively. Highest levels were found in wheat bran (24 µg kg^?1), rye kernels (3.1 µg kg^?1) and oat flakes (85 µg kg^?1). All wheat and rye samples and 75% of the oat samples were contaminated with the type B trichothecene deoxynivalenol. Median levels of this toxin were 23, 15 and 0.53 µg kg^?1, respectively. Highest levels were found in wheat bran (1160 µg kg^?1), rye kernels (288 µg kg^?1) and oat flakes (55 µg kg^?1). The type B trichothecene nivalenol was detected in 67% of the wheat samples, in 3% of the rye samples and in 24% of the oat samples with highest levels in wheat bran (96 µg kg^?1), rye kernels (1.8 µg kg^?1) and in oat flakes (17 µg kg^?1), respectively. Levels of other type A and B trichothecenes played a minor role, although the rates of contamination were often high. Neither macrocyclic type D trichothecenes (satratoxin G and H, verrucarin A, roridin A) nor diacetylverrucarol and verrucarol (type A trichothecenes), were detected in any of the samples.     

Evolution of aroma compounds of murtilla fruits (Ugni molinae Turcz) during storage

BACKGROUND: ‘Murtilla’, ‘mutilla’ or ‘murta’ (Ugni molinae Turcz) is a native Chilean species that produces a small berry fruit with a special aroma, whose volatile compounds have not yet been identified. The fruit may be consumed raw and also as jams, juice, canned products, confections and liquor. RESULTS: At the beginning and end of the storage, 24 volatile compounds were identified in murtilla fruit aroma and the concentration of these compounds in murtilla fruit ranged from 1.2 to 250.5 µg kg^?1 fresh weight. Methyl 2‐methyl butanoate, ethyl butanoate, ethyl 2‐methyl butanoate, methyl hexanoate, ethyl hexanoate, methyl benzoate and ethyl benzoate were the major components, all of which have been reported as potent odors in other aromatic fruits. Based on estimated odor activity value, the most potent compound in the murtilla fruit aroma were ethyl hexanoate and 4‐methoxy‐2,5‐dimethyl‐furan‐3‐one. The statistical analysis showed that the storage produced a distinct effect on the same volatile compounds released from the murtilla ecotypes. CONCLUSION: The volatile compounds identified in murtilla fruit aroma, which may be described as fruity, sweet and floral, have been found in other aromatic fruits. Concerning the aroma, the murtilla fruit from ecotype 19‐1 was shown to be the best in cooled storage. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Inhibition of oxidative rancidity in frozen cooked fish flakes by tert-butylhydroquinone and rosemary extract

The antioxidant properties of tert-butylhydroquinone (0·5 g kg^?1 + 20 g kg^?1 ascorbic acid—TBHQ-AS) and an extract of rosemary (2·5 g kg^?1) alone and in combination were determined by their addition as solutions to cooked fish flakes stored at - 20°C. Oxidation was measured by following changes in free fatty acids, thiobarbituric acid number, fatty acid composition and sensory evaluation. The order of effectiveness in inhibiting oxidation was TBHQ-AS > combination > rosemary > untreated control ?70°C > untreated control -20°C. Sensory evaluation indicated that green aroma and flavor notes were associated with the rosemary extract, while fish oil notes were associated with untreated samples.     

Determination of lead and cadmium content in sausages from Iran

The contents of lead and cadmium in five major brands of six types of cooked beef sausages consumed in Iran were determined by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (GFAAS) after hydrogen peroxide/nitric acid digestion. The metal content in the samples, expressed in µg?kg^?1 wet weight, varied from 24.0 to 158.7 with an average of 53.5 for lead and from 2.2 to 13.5 with an average of 5.7 for cadmium. The highest lead and cadmium concentrations were obtained from a German sausage (158.7?µg?kg^?1; brand B) and hot dog (13.5?µg?kg^?1; brand D), respectively. The results indicate that the sausages from Iran have concentrations below the permitted levels for these heavy metals. The daily dietary intakes and the percentage contribution of the two considered metals to the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) were calculated for sausages.     

Aflatoxins in animal feed in Iran

One hundred and forty-six samples of animal feed (barley, n = 60; wheat bran, n = 22; wheat dry pulp, n = 29; and canola meal, n = 35) were collected in 2011 from Mashhad (Khorasan, Iran). Aflatoxins (AFs) were determined in these samples after immunoaffinity column clean-up by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) contamination was found in 28 samples: in five of the barley samples (8.3%) at a mean level of 0.48 µg·kg^?1, in two wheat bran samples (9.0%) at a mean level of 0.88 µg·kg^?1, in 10 wheat dry pulp samples (34.5%) at a mean level of 0.30 µg·kg^?1 and in 11 canola meal samples (31.4%) at a mean level of 0.92 µg·kg^?1. AFB₁ levels were below the maximum levels of Iran regulations (5 µg·kg^?1) and the EU maximum limit (5 µg·kg^?1).     

PRODUCTION OF SHOCHU ON A COMMERCIAL SCALE FROM POST-DISTILLATION SLURRY BY A NEWLY DEVELOPED RECYCLING PROCESS

During commercial scale fermentation for the production of rice shochu using post-distillation slurry in place of the first-stage mash, it was difficult to stir the mash from the first to the third day because of the high viscosity of the mash. Shochu was therefore fermented with a two-step addition of cooked rice, adding rice on the first and third days, to reduce the viscosity of mash during the first few days. Even though the ethanol concentration of the mash after 9 d was 17.2 v/v% and was a little lower than that obtained in laboratory scale tests, the yield of pure ethanol was 473 ml kg^?1 of rice and this value was higher than the average value (450 ml kg^?1) when shochu is made in the standard manner on a commercial scale. The shochu produced on a commercial scale by the newly developed recycling process was very mild and smooth, and received high scores in sensory tests.     

Supercritical CO2 extraction of Chilean hop (Humulus lupulus) ecotypes

Hops (Humulus lupulus L) have very stringent requirements of diurnal light hours during flowering. Thus, the beer industry is permanently assessing new agricultural land to grow hops, southern Chile being an excellent candidate for their introduction. Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction procedures were implemented to assess Chilean hop ecotypes. Based on results of a preliminary study with commercial samples (cv Nugget), 200 bar and 40 °C were selected as extraction conditions. Very limited increases in extraction rate were observed when applying pressures >200 bar; such pressures did not speed up the extraction of α‐acids (bitter flavor principles), but rather increased the co‐extraction of undesirable compounds (hard resins and chlorophyll pigments). On the other hand, the effects of retrograde condensation phenomena were just starting to subside at 200 bar, and thermal damage of samples could increase at >40 °C. Ground cone samples of five local hop ecotypes, originating from Osorno, La Junta, Coyhaique and Elizalde Lake, were subsequently tested. Osorno exhibited a higher yield (65 g kg^?1 oleoresin/substrate) than other Chilean ecotypes. Moreover, Osorno extract had a light yellowish color, as well as a higher content of bitter flavors (157 g kg^?1 α‐acid/extract) and 1.5–7.1 times more representative aroma compounds than extracts of the other ecotypes. However, all these indicators were very low compared with the commercial Nugget sample (134 g kg^?1 oleoresin/substrate, 383 g kg^?1 α‐acid/extract, 14 times more aroma compounds than Osorno ecotype). Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry