Changes in the quality of abalone (Haliotis asinina Linnaeus) packaged under atmospheric air,vacuum and modified atmosphere

Changes in the quality of abalone (Haliotis asinina Linnaeus) meat packaged under modified atmosphere (MA) of 40% CO2/30% O2/30% N2, vacuum and atmospheric air in polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC)/nylon/oriented polypropylene (OPP) pouches, and stored at 2 ± 1°C were investigated. Biochemical indices, such as pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), and trimethylamine (TMA) and sensory evaluation, as well as total plate counts of packaged abalone meat were determined periodically. TMA was not affected by the packaging conditions, and remained low during storage periods. A decrease in pH of the MA packaged abalones during the storage reflected the apparent absorption of CO2. The content of TVB‐N slowly increased in the MA packaged abalone, whereas those stored in atmospheric air markedly increased during the storage. The sensory quality of MA packaged abalones was shown to be acceptable up to 15 days, while atmospheric and vacuum‐packaged abalones were not acceptable after 3 days of storage. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Functionalized nanoporous silica for the removal of heavy metals from biological systems: adsorption and application

Surface-functionalized nanoporous silica, often referred to as self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports (SAMMS), has previously demonstrated the ability to serve as very effective heavy metal sorbents in a range of aquatic and environmental systems, suggesting that they may be advantageously utilized for biomedical applications such as chelation therapy. Herein we evaluate surface chemistries for heavy metal capture from biological fluids, various facets of the materials' biocompatibility, and the suitability of these materials as potential therapeutics. Of the materials tested, thiol-functionalized SAMMS proved most capable of removing selected heavy metals from biological solutions (i.e., blood, urine, etc.) Consequentially, thiol-functionalized SAMMS was further analyzed to assess the material's performance under a number of different biologically relevant conditions (i.e., variable pH and ionic strength) to gauge any potentially negative effects resulting from interaction with the sorbent, such as cellular toxicity or the removal of essential minerals. Additionally, cellular uptake studies demonstrated no cell membrane permeation by the silica-based materials generally highlighting their ability to remain cellularly inert and thus nontoxic. The results show that organic ligand functionalized nanoporous silica could be a valuable material for a range of detoxification therapies and potentially other biomedical applications.     

An alternative freshness index method for modified atmosphere packaged abalone using an artificial neural network

An alternative freshness index method for abalone (Haliotis asinina) muscle packaged under atmospheric air (Air) and modified atmosphere (MA) of 40% CO₂: 30% O₂: 30% N₂ packaging conditions and stored at 2 ± 1 °C was developed. Biochemical indices covering pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine (TMA) and nucleotide degradation products, as well as instrumental texture and color of the packaged abalones, were determined. Sensory characteristics including odor, color and appearance were evaluated and then summarized into overall freshness scores (freshness index). The biochemical and instrumental analyses were then calibrated with the freshness index, using an artificial neural network algorithm. The neural network was shown to be capable of correlating biochemical and instrumental analyses with the freshness index. A useful prediction was possible, as measured by a low mean square error (MSE = 0.092) and a regression coefficient (R² = 0.98) between true and predicted data.