Physicochemical characterization and stability of inulin gels

The ability of three commercial inulins (Raftilose ^®P95, Frutafit IQ^®, and Frutafit TEX^®) with different chemical composition (oligo-polysaccharides profile) to form gels (at 25 and 50 °C) was evaluated. Raftilose^®P95 (rich in mono-disaccharides) did not form gels, Frutafit IQ^® (mainly oligosaccharides) gelatinized in the 30–60% w/w concentration range and Frutafit TEX^® (mainly long-chain saccharides) in the 20–40% w/w range. Textural and thermal properties of the gels were studied and their stability was evaluated during storage at 4 °C. Frutafit TEX^® gels (both fresh and during storage) were harder, more adhesive, and less cohesive than Frutafit IQ^® gels (40% w/w). At 40% w/w, Frutafit TEX^® gels had a significantly higher amount of freezable water than Frutafit IQ^®, and the DSC thermogram line shapes indicated that ice melting was more uniform and occurred at higher temperatures in Frutafit TEX^® than in the Frutafit IQ^® gels. Ice melting profile was not significantly affected by both gelification temperature and storage time. Frutafit IQ^® gels were more stable than Frutafit TEX^® gels during storage.     

Water vapour permeability,thermal and wetting properties of whey protein isolate based edible films

This study deals with the effect of whey protein isolate (WPI) and glycerol (GLY) used as a plasticizer on some physical properties of cast whey protein isolate (WPI) films. Films were prepared from heated (80 °C for 30 min) aqueous solutions of WPI at 7, 8, 9 and 10% (w/w), GLY (40%, w/w, of WPI) and WPI at 8% (w/w), GLY (30, 40, and 60%, w/w, of WPI). For all types of films, water vapour permeability for four relative humidity differentials (30–100%, 30–84%, 30–75%, and 30–53%), surface and thermal properties were measured. Varying the proportion of WPI and GLY in edible films had some effect on water vapour permeability, wetting and thermal properties of WPI films. A cumulative effect of both glycerol and protein content was observed on the water vapour permeability increase. Indeed film barrier properties are much better for the lowest WPI (7%) and GLY (40%) contents. GLY increases the degradation temperature and favours film surface wettability whereas protein content did not affects thermal properties of films.     

Combined Effects of Drying Methods,Extract Concentration,and Film Thickness on Efficacy of Antimicrobial Chitosan Films

An idea of using a suitable drying method to minimize the loss of added antimicrobial agent and, at the same time, to modify the structure, and hence the release characteristics of chitosan films was proposed. Chitosan film‐forming solution was incorporated with galangal extract (0% and 1.5% w/w) and formed into films with the thickness of 15 and 30 μm via hot air drying (HD) (40 °C) and low‐pressure superheated steam drying (LPSSD) (70 °C, 10 kPa). The extract retention, release characteristics, and antimicrobial efficacy of the films were then assessed; fresh‐cut cantaloupe was used as the test food material, while Staphylococcus aureus was the test pathogenic microorganism. The retention and release of 1,8‐cineole, a major bioactive compound in the galangal extract, was monitored during 5‐d storage at 25 °C. The film swelling was also evaluated and their results used to interpret the release characteristics of 1,8‐cineole from the films to the cantaloupe. At the same thickness, the films prepared by HD had lower extract retention and higher degree of swelling, thus exhibiting faster extract release and lower antimicrobial efficacy than the films prepared by LPSSD. Within the same drying method, the increased film thickness led to higher extract retention and antimicrobial efficacy. The concentration of the extract in the cantaloupe matched well with the extract retention and release characteristics as well as the antimicrobial efficacy of the films.     

Production and Size Distribution of Rice Maitodextrins Hydrolyzed from Milled Rice Flour using Heat-Stable Alpha-Amylase

Maltodextrins were produced from milled rice flour in a single-step process using a heat-stable α-amylase preparation. The starting solids content was 30% (w/w), and processing temperatures and times were varied between 70–97°C and 15–75 min, respectively. Optimum liquefied starch yields, which accounted for virtually all of the starch present, were obtained at temperatures of 80°C and above, but reducing sugars and DE values were highest at 70°C. Low molecular weight saccharide concentrations (DP 1–10) were greatest at 80°C. Because processing at temperatures of 90–97°C resulted in decreased levels of reducing sugars and DP 1–10 concentrations without providing a substantial increase in solubilized starch yields, it was concluded that rice maltodextrins could be most effectively produced at a processing temperature of 80°C.     

Pectin extraction from citron peel: optimization by Box–Behnken response surface design

In this study, the effect of acidic extraction conditions (time of 30–90 min, temperature of 75–95 °C and pH of 1.5–3) on the yield and degree of esterification (DE) of citron peel pectin was investigated applying Box–Behnken design. The highest production yield of pectin (28.31?±?0.11%) was achieved at extraction time of 90 min, temperature of 95 °C and pH of 1.5, as optimal extraction conditions, which was close to the predicted value (29.87%). Under optimum extraction conditions, the DE and the emulsifying activity were 51.33 and 46.2%, respectively. In addition, the emulsions were 93.9 and 93.5 stable at 4 °C, 93.7 and 93.1 at 23 °C after 1 and 30 days, respectively. The determination of flow behavior showed that the pectin solutions had a Newtonian behavior at low concentrations (<?1.0% w/v), while this behavior was changed to pseudoplastic with increasing concentration.     

Effects of temperature and relative humidity on growth and enzyme production by Actinomucor elegans and Rhizopus oligosporus during sufu pehtze preparation

Sufu is a Chinese soybean cheese obtained after maturation of solid-state mould-fermented tofu. Ambient temperatures of 30–35 °C during the summer season prohibit the use of the usual starter Actinomucor elegans. We compared the properties of the latter with a potential alternative starter Rhizopus oligosporus that could be used at higher temperatures. The effects of temperature and relative humidity on growth rate of Actinomucor elegans and Rhizopus oligosporus were optimum at 25 °C at RH 95–97%, and 35 °C at RH 95–97%, respectively. Yields of protease (108 U/g pehtze), lipase (172 U/g) and glutaminase (176 U/g) by A. elegans were maximum after 48 h at 25 °C and RH 95–97%, and for α-amylase (279 U/g pehtze) and α-galactosidase (227 U/g) at 30 °C and RH 95–97% after 48 and 60 h of incubation. Highest protease (104 U/g pehtze), and lipase (187 U/g) activities of R. oligosporus were observed after 48 h at 35 °C and RH 95–97%, while maximum α-amylase (288 U/g pehtze) and glutaminase (187 U/g) activities were obtained after 36 h at 35 °C and RH 95–97%. Maximum α-galactosidase activity (226 U/g) by R. oligosporus was found after 36 h at 30 °C and RH 95–97%. It is concluded that R. oligosporus is a potential alternative to A. elegans as sufu pehtze starter during hot seasons.     

Rigidity and Viscosity Changes of Croaker Actomyosin During Thermal Gelation

Two types of thermal scanning rigidity monitors (TSRM) were developed which are nondestructive and capable of monitoring rigidity or viscosity changes during heating of proteins over a wide range of concentrations. Thermal transitions which occur during gelation of croaker actomyosin were studied by these TSRM devices and the Brookfield viscometer during constant rate heating (1°C/min). Gelation of actomyosin occurred only at protein concentrations above 5.5% under these conditions. In plots of rigidity versus temperature, three transitions were observed during gelation, occurring near 38°C 46°C and 60°C. At lower concentrations, only one peak was observed, occurring near 36°C. A relationship between the 36–38°C transition in rheological properties and the high temperature “setting” phenomenon of fish proteins is postulated.     

Protein and glycerol contents affect physico-chemical properties of soy protein isolate-based edible films

This study was conducted to determine the effect of both soy protein and glycerol contents on physico-chemical properties of soy protein isolate-based edible (SPI) films. The aim of this study was to better understand the influence of SPI and GLY contents on the behavior of the physico-chemical properties of soy protein isolate-based films. Films were casted from heated (70 °C for 20 min) alkaline (pH 10) aqueous solutions of SPI at 6, 7, 8, and 9 (w/w %), glycerol (50%, w/w, of SPI) and SPI at 7 (w/w %), glycerol (40, 60, 70 %, w/w of SPI). Water vapor permeability (WVP), was measured at 25 °C and for four different relative humidities (30–100%, 30–84%, 30–75%, 30–53%). Surface properties and differential scanning calorimetry were also measured. Varying the proportion of SPI and GLY had an effect on water vapor permeability, wetting and thermal properties of SPI films. A synergistic effect of glycerol and protein was observed on the water vapor permeability. Glycerol and RH gradient strongly enhance the moisture absorption rates and permeability of SPI based films. SPI content weakly increases the WVP and does not modify the surface properties. The temperature of denaturation of soy protein decreases glycerol content except for the higher concentration whereas it increases with protein ratio.Industrial relevanceThis topic of research aims to control mass transfers within composite foods or betweenfoods and surrounding media (for instance the headspace in packagings). The targeted applications from this work deals with the food product coating or the coating of paper-based packaging for limiting both the loss of water and flavors by cheese based products. This will allow to maintain the weight of the cheese during “ripening” and commercialization, and also to prevent (off-) flavour dissemination from very odorant cheese as produced in France and Poland.     

Combined Effect of Water Activity, pH and Sub-optimal Temperature on Growth and Enterotoxin Production of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus growth and enterotoxin production in relation to a, (0.99–0.87), pH (4.0–7.0) and temperature (8–30°C) was determined in Brain-heart-infusion broth with respectively NaCl and sucrose as humectants. Growth of S. aureus was not observed at a_w 0.85, at pH 4.3 or at 8°C. At 12°C no growth occurred at a, 0.90 or at a, 0.93 in combination with pH < 5.5. At a_w 0.96 no growth occurred at pH ≤ 4.9. Production of staphylococcal enterotoxin type A (SEA) occurred under nearly all conditions allowing growth. Production of SEB appears to be determined by a_w; at a_w 0.96 SEB was produced at all temperatures allowing growth, while at a, 0.93 SEB was hardly produced. Production of SEC and SEF was affected both by a_w and temperaure. Production of these toxins was rarely observed at a, 0.93. No SEC and SEF were produced at 12°C. Extrapolation of these findings to food is discussed.     

Flow Properties of Solutions of Oat β-Glucans

The flow properties of aqueous solutions of oat β-glucans were studied using a Bohlin rheometer (concentric cylinder geometry) over the shear rate range 0.734–1500 1/sec at temperatures between 15 and 75 °C. The β-glucan powder concentrations employed were 0.20–1.56% (w/w). The power law model was satisfactory for describing the flow behavior of β-glucans over the shear rate range 18.6–232 1/sec. The magnitudes of activation energy were in the range 2.41–4.61 (kcal/ mol). Sucrose decreased the flow behavior index and increased the consistency index of β-glucans and decreased the activation energy at lower β-glucan concentrations, these effects being most pronounced at a sucrose concentration of 25%. The D-value for solutions of β-glucans (0.65%) at 100 °C was 145 hr.     

STABILITY OF RESINS IN PELLETISED HOPS

The α-acids content and Lead Conductance Value of hop pellets, manufactured from seedless Pride of Ringwood hops grown in Australia and stored at 5°C, 20°C or 30°C, were monitored over a twelve month storage period. No decrease in α-acids content occurred during storage at 5°C, whereas at 20°C the decrease (ca. 7%) was approximately one-third that experienced for baled hops of the same variety. At both 5°C and 20°C the Lead Conductance Value decreased at approximately one-third the rate of that in baled hops. During twelve months storage at 30°C the α-acids content of the hop pellets decreased by approximately 40% and the Lead Conductance Value by 30%. The hop pellets stored at 20°C and 30°C developed rancid odours during the twelve months storage period.     

Physicochemical and sensory quality of wines from red sorrel/roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyces: effects of pretreatments of pectolase and temperature/time

The effects of pretreating red sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyces on the physicochemical and sensory quality of wines were investigated. Sorrel calyces were processed at 60 °C for 3.5 h or 90 °C for 30 min at 0%, 0.5% and 1.0% w/w pectolase addition in fermentation of wines. Significant changes (P < 0.01) in all physicochemical parameters of sorrel wines were found during fermentation, but not (P > 0.05) because of temperature/time effects. Colour (P < 0.01) became redder with pectolase and on storage at 23 °C for 2 months. Significant differences (P < 0.01) were noted in sensory quality for taste and flavour, balance, duration and overall quality. Higher (P < 0.01) overall sensory quality scores were obtained for wines by pretreatment at 90 °C for 30 min (10.44–11.06/20) when compared with wines at 60 °C for 3.5 h (6.88–9.06/20). Colour of wines from 90 °C/30 min was most saturated and red than all wines and had pH 2.57 ± 0.01, 0.43 ± 0.07% citric acid, 10.53 ± 0.53 °Bx and 15.29 ± 0.71% alcohol.     

Postmortem Changes of Cultivated Atlantic Salmon and Their Effects on Salt Uptake

Rigor mortis of cultivated Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) began to set in 8h after death and was fully resolved 60–70h after death during storage at 0°C. Maximum muscle contraction was observed 24–30h after death. ATP content decreased from 7.25 to 0.14 to 0.09 μmol/g fish from pre-rigor mortis to in-rigor mortis to post-rigor mortis state. The inosine and hypoxanthine contents increased from 0 to 1.20 to 4.06 μmol/ g fish and from 0.08 to 0.33 to 0.84 μmol/g fish during 60h storage, respectively, during 60h of storage at 0°C. Postmortem changes affected salt uptake. The equilibrium salt concentrations of pre-rigor, in-rigor and post-rigor mortis salmon were 0.53, 0.66 and 0.75 g/g salt-free solids, respectively, in a 20% (w/v) sodium chloride solution at 10°C.     

Immobilization of amyloglucosidase on polystyrene anion exchange resin I. preparation and properties

Amyloglucosidase (exo‐1,4‐ α‐D‐glucosidase, E C 3.2. 1.3) was coupled to glutaraldehyde activated Indion 48‐R (a cross‐linked macroporous anion exchanger) by Schiff base reaction. The bound enzyme exhibited 60–70% activity of the free enzyme. Substrate concentrations as high as 32% (w/w) liquefied tapioca starch could be quantitatively converted into 96–98% (w/w) dextrose in 24 h at 50°C and pH 4.5. Though immobilization lowered the temperature optimum to 50–60°C from 65°C for the free enzyme, it increased the temperature stability. However, there was no change either in the pH optimum or pH stability after immobilization. In batch operations, the immobilized preparation showed a half life of 32 and 12 days at 50°C and 60°C respectively.     

Enzymatic Production of Ribonucleotides from Autolysates of Kluyveromyces marxianus Grown on Whey

After 20h fermentation of medium containing 5% (w/v) dehydrated whey, at 30°C, pH 4.5, yeast cells were harvested, diluted in 0.1M KH₂PO₄, and autolyzed at different pHs (6.5–7.5) and temperatures (45–55°C). Phosphodiesterase (0.2–1.0% w/v, 65°C, pH 6.5, 6h) and adenyl deaminase (0.5-1.0% w/v, 60°C, pH 5.5, 4h) were added to the autolysates. After heat treatment (100°C, 15 min), samples were analyzed by RP-HPLC and LC/MS. Production of 5′-ribonucleotides was maximized at 50°C, pH 6.5. Yields of 5′-AMP (800 μg/g of biomass) and 5′-GMP (2000 μg/g) increased considerably after addition of 1.0% phosphodiesterase. 5′-IMP increased only after addition of 1.0% adenyl deaminase.     

HIGH TEMPERATURE DRYING CHARACTERISTICS AND MOISTURE ADSORPTION ISOTHERMS OF BLACK PLUM (VITEX DONIANA) SYRUP AND SYRUP-STARCH

Modified sweeteners were formulated from mixtures of Black plum syrup and phosphorylated corn starch concentrations of 20, 30, and 40% (w/w). Each mixture was coated on an aluminium plate at 1 mm thickness, dehydrated at 60°, 70°, 80° and 90°C, and evaluated for drying and moisture sorption characteristics. Results showed that the mixtures exhibited falling rate drying characteristics. The rate of dehydration increased in the order 20% > 30% > 40% starch at constant temperature. The incremental choice of 10% starch and drying temperature except at 70° and 80°C had significant effect (p < 0.05) on drying rate. The moisture isotherm curves of the pre-dried mixtures were sigmoid in shape. Their monolayer values or upper critical moisture contents necessary for shelf-stability were significantly different from each other for the samples pre-dried at 60°C. The effect of drying temperatures on equilibrium moisture content was only significant at 90°C (p < 0.05).     

Factors influencing aerobic deterioration of silages and changes in chemical composition after opening silos

In five separate experiments, silages made from Italian ryegrass by eight treatments were transferred into expanded polystyrene containers and the occurrence of deterioration was observed at 25–30 °C and 10–15 °C or 5–10 °C by measuring changes in temperature during 7 days. The treatments were: heavily wilted, slightly wilted, unwilted, and 2% glucose added to unwilted grass—all carried out with and without addition of 0.5% sodium propionate (in one experiment a mixture of 0.08% sodium nitrite and 0.04% hexamethylenetetramine was used instead). Silages tended to be less stable at 25–30 °C than at 10–15 °C ambient temperature, although some were stable even at the higher temperature. At 5–10 °C, no deterioration occurred. No definite relationship was found between occurrence of deterioration and the contents of dry matter or WSC in silage or density in the container. Although deterioration took place more often at pH lower than 4.0, no relationship between pH and deterioration was recognised in the range 4.0–7.0. Silages tended to be more stable when contents of total or lactic acid in fresh matter were high. Silages with no added propionic acid were more susceptible to deterioration but some were unstable even at high propionic acid levels. No aerobic deterioration took place with silages containing more than 0.5% butyric acid. With the deteriorated silages, rises in pH value (except for those with originally high pH), marked decreases in lactic acid and/or WSC were observed. Propionic acid content tended to remain constant in the stable silages but there were a few exceptions. Losses of WSC plus organic acids during deterioration were found to be higher with the silages of high WSC contents. Although changes with the stable silages were generally small, a few of them showed some decrease in WSC and/or organic acids.     

The effect of pH,sodium chloride,sodium nitrite and storage temperature on the growth of Clostridium perfringens and faecal streptococci in laboratory media

The effects of salt concentration (1–12% w/v) in combination with unheated sodium nitrite (0–400 μg/ml) on growth of mixed strains of Clostridium perfringens and of faecal streptococci at three pH values (5.6, 6.2, 6.8) and storage temperatures ranging from 10°C to 35°C is reported. At pH 6.2, following storage at 15°C, 1% salt and 50 μg/ml nitrite inhibited growth of C. perfringens. At 20°C and pH 6.2, 200 μg/ml nitrite plus 3% salt, or 50 μg/ml plus 4% salt were required to inhibit growth. Growth of C. perfringens was prevented by levels of curing salts used commercially providing the pH was 6.2 or below. At pH 6.8 or above at least 4% salt and 50 μg/ml nitrite was required to prevent growth at 20°C. The faecal streptococci grew in medium containing 6% salt and 400 μg/ml nitrite irrespective of pH or storage temperature. In 8% salt growth was prevented by storing at or below 17.5°C or, if pH was 6.2 or lower, by adding 200 μg/ml nitrite irrespective of storage temperature. Growth of faecal streptococci was not controlled by concentrations of curing salts which would be acceptable in meat products.     

Assessment of coating tomato fruit with shrimp shell chitosan and N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan on postharvest preservation

The effect of coating tomato fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum) with shrimp shell chitosan, a deacetylated form of chitin, and a chitosan derivative, i.e. N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (NOCC) on postharvest preservation was studied. The effects of various chitosan and NOCC concentrations on fruit ripening behavior, as well as fruit physical and chemical characteristics were evaluated during storage at room temperature (25–30 °C). Coating the fruit with 2 % (w/v) chitosan or NOCC solutions was found to be more effective in extended its storage life than coating with 0.5 % (w/v) solutions. Covered tomatoes were firmer, higher in titratable acidity, and exhibited less red pigmentation than the control uncoated fruits at the end of storage. These results suggest the suitability of chitosan and its derivative NOCC as an alternative means of preserving fresh fruits.     

Pulsed electric field treatment of carrots before drying and rehydration

BACKGROUND: In this study the effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) pretreatment were evaluated during drying and rehydration of carrots. Carrots pretreated with an electric field intensity of 1 kV cm^?1 (capacitance 0.5 µF, 20 pulses) or 1.5 kV cm^?1 (capacitance 1 µF, 20 pulses) as well as blanched (100 °C, 3 min) carrots were used for the study. Following pretreatment, samples were oven dried at 70 °C and then rehydrated in distilled water (1:30 w/v) at room temperature (24 ± 1 °C). RESULTS: PEF pretreatment increased the drying rate of carrots. However, the rehydration rate of PEF‐pretreated carrots was lower than that of blanched carrots. There were no colour differences between PEF‐pretreated and blanched carrots before drying and after rehydration. In terms of texture, PEF‐pretreated carrots were firmer than blanched carrots. PEF pretreatment reduced the activity of peroxidase by 30–50%, while blanching completely inactivated the enzyme (>95%). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results suggest that PEF could be an effective pretreatment during drying and rehydration of carrots. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry