Rheological behaviour of acorn starch dispersions: effects of concentration and temperature

Rheological properties of acorn starch dispersions at different concentrations (4%, 5%, 6% and 7%) were evaluated under steady and dynamic shear conditions. The flow behaviours of the acorn starch dispersions at different temperatures (25, 40, 55 and 70 °C) were determined from the rheological parameters provided by the power law model. The acorn starch dispersions at 25 °C exhibited high shear-thinning fluid characteristics ( n  = 0.23–0.36). Consistency index (K) and apparent viscosity (η_a,100) increased with an increase in starch concentration, and were also reduced with increasing temperature. Within the temperature range of 25–70 °C, the η_a,100 obeyed the Arrhenius temperature relationship with a high determination coefficient ( R ² = 0.97–0.99), with activation energies (E_a) ranging between 16.5 and 19.0 kJ mol⁻¹. Both the power law and exponential type models were employed in order to establish the relationship between concentration and apparent viscosity (η_a,100) in the temperature range of 25–70 °C. Magnitudes of storage ( G' ) and loss ( G ") moduli increased with an increase in the starch concentration and frequency (ω). The magnitudes of G ' were higher than those of G " over most of the frequency range (0.63–62.8 rad s⁻¹). The dynamic (η*) and steady shear (η_a) viscosities of acorn starch dispersion at 7% concentration follow the Cox–Merz superposition rule.     

RHEOLOGICAL INDICES OF FRUIT CONTENT IN JAMS: EFFECT OF FORMULATION ON FLOW PLASTICITY OF SHEARED STRAWBERRY AND PEACH JAMS

The effect of formulation factors on Casson yield values measured at low shear rates (0.08 ≤γ≤ 1.01s^-1) (σ₀₁) and at medium shear rates (2.58 ≤γ≤ 387.30s^-1) (σ₀₂) was analyzed in previously sheared strawberry and peach jams. Twenty three samples of each fruit jam were prepared according to a second order composite rotatable design. Composition ranges were: fruit content, 25–55%; soluble solids content, 60–70° Brix; added pectin in strawberry jams, 0.3–0.7% and in peach jams, 0.1–0.5%. Variation of σ₀₁ values in strawberry jams depended mainly on the interactions between fruit and soluble solids and between fruit and pectin, while in peach jams, it depended on fruit-soluble solids and soluble solids-pectin interactions. Patterns of change of σ₀₂ values with composition were similar to those observed for σ₀₁ in both strawberry and peach jams. Predictive power of σ₀₁ and σ₀₂ values for estimation of fruit content was low, but taken in conjunction with soluble solids content and total pectin values, 79.5% of the variability of fruit content in strawberry jams and 91.1% of same in peach jams could be explained.     

Changes in viscosity and pectolytic enzymes of tomato and strawberry juices processed by high-intensity pulsed electric fields

The effects pulse frequency (50–250 Hz), pulse width (1.0–7.0 μs) and polarity (monopolar or bipolar) of high-intensity pulsed electric field treatments (35 kV cm⁻¹ and 1000 μs) on viscosity and the pectin methylesterase (PME) and polygalacturonase (PG) activities were evaluated using a response surface methodology. Second-order expressions were accurate enough to fit experimental results. Tomato juice apparent viscosity increased within the range of the assayed conditions, achieving the highest values at 250 Hz and 7.0 μs in bipolar mode. At the same conditions the lowest residual PME (RA_PME = 10%) and PG (RA_PG = 45%) activities were observed in the juice. Apparent viscosity of strawberry juices slightly rose when frequencies higher than 100 Hz and 1-μs monopolar pulses were applied to the juice. Treatments causing the greatest increase in strawberry juice apparent viscosity also led to the lowest RA_PME (10%) and RA_PG (75%) values. In contrast, viscosity loss was promoted under the rest of assayed HIPEF conditions despite the low RA_PME values (<20%) achieved. Moreover, RA_PG did not decrease below 75% throughout the range of studied conditions.     

Influence of vitamin E supplementation on spontaneous oxidized flavour of milk in dairy buffaloes

Twenty-four Murrah buffaloes (60 days pre-partum) were divided into four equal groups (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ and T ₄ ) and were supplemented with 0, 1000, 1500 and 2000 IU α-tocopheryl acetate per day up to 30 days of lactation, and half of these doses from 30 to 60 days of lactation. Milk samples collected fortnightly were analysed for vitamin E, fat, and development of oxidized flavour, with and without copper addition by a panel of judges, and chemically by the thiobarbituric acid test. Scores for oxidized flavour ranged from 0 to 10 with 0–4 as definite, 5–7 as light and 8–10 having no defect. The α-tocopherol content in milk fat (µg/g) averaged 20.55, 25.56, 29.98 and 31.38 in T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ and T ₄ groups, respectively. The addition of Cu in the milk significantly increased milk fat oxidation. Better stability of milk in T ₃ and T ₄ groups was observed, which might be due to a higher level of milk α-tocopherol. Addition of 1500 IU α-tocopheryl acetate in the diet of buffaloes helped in improving the oxidative stability of milk.     

Mathematical modelling of O2 consumption and CO2 production rates of whole mushrooms accounting for the effect of temperature and gas composition

Investigation of respiration rate of fresh produce, under different gas composition and temperatures, and respective mathematical modelling is central for the modified atmosphere packaging design. This work investigates the effect of temperature (4, 8, 12, 16, 20 °C) and gas composition (O₂ between 3 to 21% and CO₂ between 0 to 15%) on respiration rate of whole mushrooms. Oxygen and carbon dioxide respiration rates increased significantly (3–4 fold) as the temperature elevated from 4 to 20 °C and were in the range of 13.23 ± 3.12 to 102.41 ± 2.132 mL kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) and 14.33 ± 1.56 to 97.02 ± 2.51 mL kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) respectively. Low O₂ and high CO₂ levels reduced O₂ consumption and CO₂ production rates of whole mushrooms on average by a circa 47–60% at all temperatures as compared to the respiration rate at ambient air. Mathematical models were developed for RO₂ and RCO₂, by combining the Arrhenius and Michaelis–Menten uncompetitive equations. These models predicted well, O₂ consumption and CO₂ production rates of whole mushrooms as a function of both temperature and gas composition.     

EFFECT OF UNIMODAL PARTICLE SIZE AND PULP CONTENT ON RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF TOMATO PUREE

The vane method in controlled shear stress mode was used to determine the yield stress and the shear rate—shear stress data of tomato purees containing 10–35% pulp of two different average particle sizes: 0.34 and 0.71 mm. Consistency index and apparent viscosity increased significantly with pulp content and decreased with average particle size. The effect of pulp weight fraction (P) on relative viscosity (η_r) could be described by the single parameter equation: η_r= [1 – (P/A)]⁻², while the effect of particle diameter on η_r could be described using Peclet number. Magnitudes of yield stress determined directly by the vane method were higher than those obtained by using the Casson model, and were proportional to the square of pulp content. Reduced Casson yield stress—P data on purees of both particle sizes followd a single curve. Effects of pulp content and particle size on vane yield stress and apparent viscosity were evident from the correlation forms with high values of R².     

COMPARISON OF STEADY SHEAR RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND SMALL AMPLITUDE DYNAMIC VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES OF FLUID FOOD MATERIALS

Small amplitude dynamic viscoelastic properties of apple butter, mustard, tub margarine, and mayonnaise are compared with their respective properties in steady shear flow in the range of shear rates and frequencies of 0.1-100 sec⁻¹ using a Rheometrics Mechanical Spectrometer. Comparison of dynamic and steady viscosities shows that dynamic viscosities (η*) are much larger than steady viscosities (η). Consequently the Cox-Merz rule is not obeyed. Moreover the obvious nonlinearity suggests that shift-factor type relationships are not obeyed either. The in-phase (η') component of the dynamic viscosity shows similar behavior when compared to the steady viscosity (η).
Comparison of G'/ω² and Ψ₁ also suggests that any of the results predicted by classical theories of viscoelasticity are not obeyed. G'/ω² is always much larger than Ψ₁ and the relationship between these two material functions is nonlinear.     

INFLUENCE OF GRANULE SIZE ON VISCOSITY OF CORNSTARCH SUSPENSION

The influence of granule size and size distribution in gelatinized suspensions of 2.6% cornstarch heated at fixed temperatures between 70–90C on the power law viscosity was measured by laser diffraction. In the early stages of gelatinization, where the granule size standard deviation was less than 12 μm, dilatant behavior was observed over the shear rate range 200–1100 _S ⁻¹. At constant starch concentration and without granule rupture, suspension consistency, K, increased exponentially with granule mean diameter while the flow behavior index, n, decreased linearly with increase in the extent of gelatinization and the standard deviation of the granule size. The variation of K with granule size and that of n with standard deviation were found to be independent of temperature over 70–90C. In the later stages of gelatinization, where the granules lose their integrity, suspension viscosity progressively decreased as granule rupture continued.     

Apparent shear viscosity of native egg white

Temperature and shear dependency of the apparent viscosity of the thick and thin portions of egg white from fresh hen eggs, in their native state was investigated. The viscosity of the egg white was determined in the temperature range of 5–30°C and the shear rate range 34–600 sec^-1. The viscosity of both the thick and thin portions of the egg white decreased with increase in temperature. The thin portion showed no decrease in viscosity with shearing time at constant shear rates while the viscosity of the thick portion decreased within the first 6 min of shearing and then remained constant. The rate of decrease in viscosity with shearing time was more at higher temperatures. At 20°C and a shear rate of 34.2 sec^-1, the equilibrium-apparent viscosity of the thick portion was 160 cp, approximately forty times greater than that of the thin portion (4cp). This difference in viscometric properties may be due to the presence, in the thick portion, of high molecular weight complexes which are disrupted under shearing.     

THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON SOME RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF WHEAT FLOUR DOUGHS

Abstract. Doughs from three flours were sheared between a cone and plate at constant rates in the range 6 times 10^-4-2 times 10^-2 s^-1.
At temperatures between 25 and 40C, the apparent viscosity decreased with increasing temperature and with increasing rate of shear. The effects of the temperature and of the rate of shear were independent one of another, and can be described by an Arrhenius type equation and a power equation, respectively. At temperatures between 45 and 60C, the apparent viscosity increased rapidly with increasing temperature; this is ascribed to starch gelatinization. In this temperature range, the apparent viscosity decreased more rapidly with increasing rate of shear than at lower temperatures.
At temperatures between 25 and 45C, the shear modulus decreased with increasing temperature and slightly increased with increasing rate of shear. From the former fact it is concluded that the elasticity of dough has an origin different from rubber elasticity. In this temperature range, the shear modulus can be described by an equation similar to that for the apparent viscosity. At temperatures between 45 and 65C, the modulus increased with increasing temperature, though to a lesser extent than the apparent viscosity.
Changes in the rate of stress relaxation are in accordance with the effects of temperature and rate of shear on the apparent viscosity and the modulus.     

Aflatoxin levels in dried figs, nuts and paprika for export from Turkey

Three hundred and thirteen of 2643 dried fig, two of eighty hazelnut, sixteen of twenty-eight pistachio, five of ten peanut and nineteen of twenty-three paprika samples for export from Turkey were contaminated with total aflatoxins in the range of 0.2–162.76, 5.46–6.55, 2.31–63.11, 0.75–26.36 and 1.79–6.55 μg kg⁻¹, respectively. Samples were collected from January to August 2007 and tested for aflatoxins (B₁, B₂, G₁ and G₂) by immunoaffinity column extraction using RP-HPLC. Fifty-six of the 313 dried fig, all of the contaminated hazelnut and pistachio, two of the sixteen peanut and three of the nineteen paprika samples exceeded the regulatory limits of the European Union. The ratio of the different types of aflatoxin present in each sample exhibited great variability. For example, of 313 contaminated fig samples, 159 contained only aflatoxin B₁, eighty-five contained B₁ (49.7%) + G₁ (50.3%), twenty-two contained only G₁, twenty contained B₁ (89.4%) + B₂ (10.6%), thirteen contained B₁ (73.7%) + B₂ (10.8%) + G₁ (15.5%) and fourteen contained all four types, B₁ (26%) + B₂ (2.5%) + G₁ (66.5%) + G₂ (5%).     

RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIORS OF GINSENG EXTRACTS IN STEADY AND DYNAMIC SHEAR

The steady and dynamic rheological properties of ginseng extracts were evaluated at 60.6–69.8% total solid contents. Ginseng extracts at 20C showed a very low shear-thinning flow behavior (n = 0.94 - 0.98) with low consistency index (K = 0.39 - 5.02 Pa.sⁿ). Over the temperature range of 5 - 50C, the magnitudes of K and apparent viscosity (η_a,100) decreased with increase in temperature. The apparent viscosity obeyed the Arrhenius temperature relationship; the activation energies for flow of ginseng extracts were in the range of 56.9 - 85.9 kJ/mol. The exponential type relationship between total solids and apparent viscosity was found to be more suitable than a power type relationship. Viscosity data at various temperatures could be reduced to a composite viscosity curve using a reduced apparent viscosity (η_aR). Magnitudes of storage (G') and loss (G") moduli increased with increase in total solids. Magnitudes of G" were much higher than those of G' over the entire range of frequencies (ω) with the high dependence on ω.     

ORAL PERCEPTION OF VISCOSITY IN FLUID FOODS AND MODEL SYSTEMS

The perceived in-mouth thickness ( T ) of a range of fluid foods and model systems was assessed by a trained sensory panel, using a ratio scaling technique, and correlated with objective measurements of viscosity (η_N). For Newtonian samples a simple linear correlation (r²= 0.98) is observed between log T and log η with exponent η= 0.22. The linear relationship between log T and log η for Newtonian materials was used to calculate the equivalent Newtonian viscosity (η_N) from subjective panel scores for the non-Newtonian samples studied. The shear rate at which observed viscosity is equal to η_N decreases with η_N, as reported previously by Shama and Sherman, but also decreases with increasing shear-rate dependence of viscosity. This implies oral perception of viscosity over a range of shear rates. Comparison of flow curves for samples assigned similar thickness scores, but showing very different shear thinning behaviour, suggests that the perceived thickness of extremely shear-thinning materials is dominated by their high viscosity at low rates of shear. As a simple practical index, viscosity at 10 s⁻¹ shows a better correlation (r²= 0.95) with the perceived thickness of the samples studied than values calculated by the methods suggested by Wood, or by Shama and Sherman (r²= 0.90 in both cases). The close agreement between panel scores for perceived thickness and perceived stickiness previously observed for concentrated solutions of random coil polysaccharides does not apply for several of the food systems studied, or for very concentrated solutions of xanthan.     

PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SESAME PASTES (TAHIN) PROCESSED FROM HULLED AND UNHULLED ROASTED SESAME SEEDS AND THEIR BLENDS AT VARIOUS LEVELS

In this study, proximate composition, certain quality and rheological properties of sesame pastes (tahin) produced from hulled roasted sesame seeds (without hull), called simply tahin, from unhulled roasted sesame seeds (with hull), so-called Bozkir tahin, and their blends (25–75%) were determined at temperatures ranging from 15 to 65C and shear rates from 0.5 to 100 1/s. Tahin, Bozkir tahin and their blends were found to exhibit non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic behavior at all temperatures. Apparent viscosity versus shear rate data were successfully fitted to the power law model. The flow behavior index, n, varied in the range of 0.4587–0.6830. The consistency coefficient, K, was in the range of 3.97–28.08 Pa·s ⁿ. Both parameters were significantly affected by temperature. The increase in levels of unhulled sesame seeds in tahin resulted in higher viscosity ( K ) for all temperatures. Temperature sensitivity of the consistency coefficient was assessed by applying an Arrhenius-type equation, and E _a value appeared in the range of 17.87–24.92 kJ/mol.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Roasting of sesame seeds is the most significant step in tahin processing that causes important physical, chemical, structural and sensorial changes. The sesame roasting is carried out to promote more flavor, desired color and texture changes that ultimately increases the overall palatability. A major concern facing the tahin industry is the production of a product with proper consistency, emulsion stability, color and textural properties. Reliable and accurate rheological data are necessary for the design of flow process and to evaluate heating and cooling rate during different engineering operations. So, this work is very important in terms of the estimation of physicochemical and rheological properties of sesame paste containing hulls.     

New Kinetic Approach to the Evolution of Polygalacturonase (EC 3.2.1.15) Activity in a Commercial Enzyme Preparation Under Pulsed Electric Fields

ABSTRACT:  The effect of pulsed electric fields (PEF) on polygalacturonase (PG) activity in an aqueous solution of a commercial enzyme preparation was studied. Monopolar square wave pulses of 4 μs were delivered to the solution, which circulated through tubular chambers with 2 stainless steel electrodes in continuous operation. The electric field intensities ( E ) and treatment time ( t ) ranged within 15 to 38 kV cm⁻¹ and 300 to 1100 μs, respectively. Although important reduction of the PG activity could be achieved (up to 76.5% at E = 38 kV cm⁻¹ and t = 1100 μs), the experimental data showed certain enhancement of PG activity under soft conditions (up to 110.9% at E = 15 kV cm⁻¹ and t = 300 μs). A kinetic mechanism involving 2 consecutive irreversible first-order steps was developed to describe and explain the experimental data. The tested model exhibited high accuracy in respect of the experimental data and the error of the model was lower than 4.4%. The kinetic rate constant of the first ( k ₁) and second step ( k ₂), ratio between the activities of intermediate and native forms of the enzyme (Λ), and other quantities related to the model, were obtained within a Bayesian framework. k ₁ resulted independent of the E applied and considerably greater in magnitude order ( k ₁ mean = 6 μs⁻¹) with respect to k ₂, which was dependent on the applied E (mean values ranged from 489E-6 μs⁻¹ at E = 38 kV cm⁻¹ to 1215E-6 μs⁻¹ at 38 kV cm⁻¹). The dependency of k ₂ toward E was described using an exponential relationship.     

Optimisation of the medium composition for production of protease and soybean peptides by Bacillus subtilis SHZ using response surface methodology

Responses surface methodology was employed to enhance the production of protease and soybean peptides by Bacillus subtilis SHZ. For screening of medium composition significantly influencing protease and soybean peptides yield, the two-level Plackett–Burman design was used. Among thirteen variables tested; KH₂PO₄, glucose and defatted soybean flour (DSF) were selected based on their high significant effect on both protease activity and soybean peptides yield. Then, a three-level Box–Behnken design was employed to optimise the medium composition for the production of the protease and soybean peptides in submerged fermentation. Mathematical models were then developed to show the effect of each medium composition and their interactions on the production of protease and soybean peptides. The model estimated that, the maximal protease activity (320 ± 1 U mL⁻¹) could be obtained when the concentrations of glucose, KH₂PO₄, DSF were set at 8–9 g L⁻¹, 2–3 g L⁻¹, 55–65 g L⁻¹, respectively; while a maximal yield of soybean peptides (8.5 ± 0.1 g L⁻¹) could be achieved when the concentrations of glucose, KH₂PO₄, DSF were set at 7–9 g L⁻¹, 3–4 g L⁻¹ and 55–58 g L⁻¹, respectively. These predicted values were also verified by validation experiments.     

Rheological Characterization of Rice Flour-Based Batters

ABSTRACT: The flow behavior and the applicability of rheological models to predict the viscosity of rice flour-based batter (RFBB) for deep-fat frying at 5,15, and 25 °C were investigated. The Herschel-Bulkley model was found to be the best fit for all RFBBs formulated with different ratios of rice to corn flour, oxidized corn starch, and methylcellulose (R²= 0.85–0.99). Rheological parameters depended on RFBB compositions, temperature, and shear rate. The relationship between temperature and RFBB apparent viscosity can be predicted within shear rate range between 30 to 132 s⁻¹. Correlation coefficient (r) of model validation decreased as temperature increased.     

RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR OF SHEARED JAMS. RELATION WITH FRUIT CONTENT

Eight samples of jam were sheared to destroy gel structure and their flow behaviour was analysed in a concentric cylinder viscometer. Jams were prepared from 4 different fruits—strawberry, peach, plum, and apricot—at 50% and 30% fruit content approximately. Flow of sheared jam showed time dependence, which could be quantified by the Weltmann model and which was eliminated by shearing samples for 8 min at 300 rpm. Casson's yield stress values were obtained at two ranges of shear rates: 0.08–1.01 s⁻¹ (O₀₁) and 2.58–387.30 s⁻¹ (o₀₂). o₀₂ values were about double the o₀₁ values. Flow was adequately described by the Herschel and Bulkley model, introducing either of the yield stress values (o₀₁ or o₀₂). Significant differences were found for some of the rheological parameters studied (Weltmann A and B constants, o₀₁, o₀₂, K₁, and n₁) between samples containing 50% and 30% fruit. These results demonstrate the role played by fruit particles in the rheological behaviour of this type of product and suggest the possibility of using rheological parameters as indices of fruit content in jams.     

Relationship between In-line Viscosity and Bostwick Measurement during Ketchup Production

ABSTRACT:  The Bostwick consistometer remains an integral part of assessing the consistency of tomato products in the factory. This work addresses the blending of tomato pastes, packed at different Bostwick readings, for use in tomato ketchup production. The objective of this study was to correlate in-line viscosity measurements of 12 °Bx tomato concentrates to final product quality. Five blends of tomato concentrate were prepared by blending 2 pastes and diluting the mixture to a soluble solids level of 12 °Bx. In-line viscometry measurements at process temperature were made using magnetic resonance viscometry. The resulting Herschel–Bulkley parameters were used to evaluate an apparent viscosity at a characteristic shear rate. The apparent viscosity and Bostwick measurement for the blends were correlated based on a gravity current flow analysis, yielding a coefficient of determination of over 0.99. Ketchup was made from the tomato concentrate blends at 3 levels of natural tomato soluble solids (NTSS). The ketchup Bostwick measurement was then correlated to the ratio of (η/ρ)^−1/5 of the 12 °Bx tomato concentrate yielding coefficients of determination of 0.97, 0.97, and 0.91 for NTSS levels of 6%, 7%, and 7.8%, respectively. This study demonstrates that final product quality can be predicted from in-line viscosity measurements of an intermediate product.     

HEAT TRANSFER RATES IN A CANNED FOOD MODEL AS INFLUENCED BY PROCESSING IN an END-OVER-END ROTARY STEAM/AIR RETORT

The effect of various factors on the heat transfer rates of a canned food model (gelatinized starch) were evaluated during thermal processing in an agitating retort. Process variables were retort temperature (110–130C), rotation speed (10–20 rpm), can headspace (6.4–12.8 mm) and starch concentration (3–4%). Thermal process parameters (heating rate index, f_h, and heating lag factor, j_ch) and the resulting process lethality, F_o and cook value, C_o were obtained from time-temperature data obtained during processing for three consecutive runs. Rheological properties and color were experimentally evaluated both before and after each run. Overall heat transfer coefficient (U_o) was calculated from the heating rate index using a lumped capacity approach. the study indicated that f_h, j_ch, F_o and C_o were influenced (P<0.05) by all process variables except can headspace. U_o was related to retort temperature, rotation speed and initial apparent viscosity. the best dimensionless correlation for U_o was Nusselt number (logarithmic scale) versus specific apparent viscosity and Froude number (R²= 0.65).