Journal of Food Process Engineering最新文献

This study emphasized the need for postharvest technology in Nigeria's vegetable production to reduce postharvest losses ranging from 5% to 50%, focusing on enhancing processes of automated packaging unit of vegetable processing plant through the use of artificial neural networks (ANN). The experiment was conducted on a vegetable leaf processing plant with the objective of improving the reliability and performance of the automated packaging unit. Operating parameters such as moisture contents, leave particle size, time taken, throughput capacity, and specific mechanical energy consumption were varied to determine the optimum condition for each parameter. Statistical analysis was performed using R software. The appropriate model was chosen based on selection of the highest coefficient of prediction where the additional terms are significant and the model was not aliased, insignificant lack of fit and the maximization of the “Adjusted R² value” and the “Predicted R² value.” An optimum packaging condition was obtained at 15% moisture content, and 104.4 particle sizes which gave an optimum packaging time of 0.02 h, optimum packaging capacity of 57.31 kg/h, optimum SMEC value of 0.008 kw/h/kg, optimum repeatability value of 0.128 kg, optimum linearity value of 4.713 cm, optimum accuracy value of 5.2 cm (±0.45). The performance of the ANN model was evaluated using various measures such as mean squared error (MSE), the coefficient of determination (R²), mean absolute error (MAE), and the adjusted R-squared (Adj. R²) for packaging machine. The results of this study suggest that ANN can be used to effectively optimize packaging units of the vegetable leaf processing plant.

The use of synthetic polymers in the food industry poses significant risk of contamination, global plastic waste, and pollution. In contrast, biopolymers offer a potential solution for a sustainable future. Derived from natural resources, biopolymers are biodegradable and compostable and do not leach hazardous chemicals into food, which make them ideal for various applications in the food industry, owing to the non-leaching of hazardous chemicals into the food. Here, an overview of the potential of biopolymers to replace synthetic plastic in food is discussed. The degradation of biopolymers and their environmental impact, the formation of biopolymer films, the utilization of different biopolymers for sustainable solutions to synthetic polymers, and their advantages are thoroughly presented. This review is expected to guide food industry stakeholders in seeking biopolymers as sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic polymers.

Iron deficiency is a global nutritional concern, and food fortification is a strategy to address it. However, direct iron fortification can negatively impact sensory attributes. Spray chilling microencapsulation offers a solution while enhancing iron bioavailability. This study aimed to produce iron-containing microparticles using spray chilling with varying ratios of beeswax and cocoa butter. The ratios had minimal impact on overall yield (73%–75%). The microparticles exhibited β and β′ polymorphic forms, and the inclusion of cocoa butter led to a more amorphous and heterogeneous matrix, resulting in more complex thermal behavior. Higher cocoa butter content improved iron retention (79%–81%) compared with higher beeswax concentrations (69%–70%). LPMs with greater cocoa butter content exhibited reduced iron release, with release kinetics following diffusion and relaxation mechanisms. Iron release across different temperatures ranged from 0.11 to 0.42 mg L⁻¹, influenced by the lipid matrix, particle distribution, and size. The highest release was attributed to smaller, more homogeneous particles containing only one lipid in the matrix. LMPs effectively protected iron release under simulated gastric conditions, allowing significant release in simulated intestinal conditions (36.1%–56.3%). These iron microparticles show potential for use in the food industry, particularly for fortifying various food products, including infant formulas and supplements.

Octacosanol (OCT) is a natural aliphatic alcohol with multiple activities, but the poor solubility limited its wide applications. In this study, OCT nanoemulsions were prepared by a low-energy emulsification method. The particle size, polydispersity index, and Zeta potential of OCT nanoemulsions were 12.59 nm, 0.131, and −10.54 mV, respectively. OCT nanoemulsions could keep stable up to 180 days at 4°C with particle size ranging from 12.61 to 16.57 nm. In addition, OCT nanoemulsions could remain stable upon exposure to autoclaving, acid–base (pH 2–8), freeze–thaw, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and low concentrations of ions. The grid test time and exhaustive swimming time of the OCT nanoemulsions group increased by 70% and 40% compared with the exercise control group, indicating that OCT nanoemulsions could enhance the muscle strength and endurance performance of mice. Compared with the exercise control group, the muscle glycogen, liver glycogen, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels of the OCT nanoemulsions group increased by 97%, 45%, 62%, and 20%, while the blood lactic acid and lactate dehydrogenase levels of the OCT nanoemulsions group decreased by 33% and 22%, respectively, suggesting that OCT nanoemulsions had the anti-fatigue effect. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that OCT nanoemulsions could repair muscle damages induced by excessive exercise. These findings could pave the way for the development of OCT nanoemulsions with high stability and anti-fatigue potential.

The effect of vacuum pressure mode has not been studied depth yet. Effect of vacuum pressure on the quality of vacuum-fried banana slices was studies in this work. Three vacuum frying processes were conducted and tested. Classically, two constant vacuum pressures 80 (CVF-80) and 180 mmHg (CVF-180) were applied in the frying process at 90°C. One novel frying method with gradient vacuum pressure (GVF) changed from 760 to 80 mmHg was conducted and adapted. The frying temperature was kept at 90°C. The frying processes were monitoring by moisture contents and 4% was generally accepted as moisture content of final product. Meanwhile, the frying times of CVF-80, CVF-180 and GVF were 50, 80 and 60 min, whereas the brightness values (L*) were corresponded to 71.07, 71.36, 67.25, respectively. The GVF samples were brightest with lowest hardness value (30.8 N) and the CVF-180 was darkest with highest hardness value (36.87 N). The microstructure analysis showed that the GVF increase in both size and number of pores in comparison with CVF. Additionally, based on the paired comparison sensorial test the GVF fried banana slices were crisper than CVF samples. Our results revealed that the GVF method improves the quality of vacuum-fried banana slices, thus it can be good alternative method for production of banana snack.

The influence of thermal (95°C, 5 min), pulsed light (PL, 1.64 kJ/cm² available fluence) and microwave (MW, 2 kW, and 16 min ≈ 90°C final temperature) treatment on various quality attributes and shelf-life of bael (Aegle marmelos) beverage was investigated. The quality parameters under consideration included microbial growth, enzyme activity, bioactive components, sensory quality, and physicochemical properties. Effects of different packaging materials (ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and multilayered (ML) pouches) and storage temperatures (25°C and 4°C) were also explored. The rate of sample deterioration, loss of bioactive components, and sensory qualities increased with higher storage temperature. MW and thermal processing showed better storage stability based on the minimum microbial counts, enzyme activities, and minimal changes in soluble solids. Least sedimentation was seen in thermally treated samples. MW treatment was better in preventing alterations in pH and titratable acidity (at 25°C), reducing sugars, browning, and sensory acceptance. On 50th day at 4°C, higher total phenolic content (59%–64%), antioxidant capacity (69%–72%), and total carotenoid content (136%–139%) were obtained with the PL treatment. For both packaging materials, a shelf-life of 40–50 days (as per aerobic mesophile count ≤ 4.0 log CFU/mL) and 30 days (as per overall sensory acceptability > 5) at 4°C was obtained for thermal and microwave. As per AM count, shelf-life of PL irradiated beverages was 40 days, and according to sensory acceptability, it was 30 days. Overall, MW processed beverages stored in ML-pouches and at 4°C exhibited better shelf life and storage quality.

This study provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the application of diverse hydrocolloids in the formulation of fruit-based leathers. It highlights the significant impact of hydrocolloids in improving the techno-functional properties of these fruit leathers to align with consumer preferences. The review extends beyond traditional attributes, exploring the specific effects of hydrocolloids on fruit leather formulations. Key factors such as fruit selection, processing methods, the type and concentration of hydrocolloids, and their synergistic interactions are thoroughly evaluated. The review also highlights the importance of controlling parameters like pH, sugar content, total soluble solids (TSS), drying temperature, and drying time which are crucial for maintaining the quality attributes of fruit leathers. By addressing these aspects, the study offers a comprehensive understanding of the role hydrocolloids play in developing superior fruit leather products. Moreover, the textural, and sensory properties and retention of anti-oxidant activity of fruit leathers are significantly improved with the use of hydrocolloids. This enhancement not only provides consumer demands for better texture and taste but also promotes the creation of healthier food products. Overall, this review underscores the potential of hydrocolloids in transforming fruit leather formulations, leading to more appealing and health-conscious food options.

This study investigates the effects of headspace conditions (absence of headspace, full air, and full steam) and product viscosity (Brix values of 18 and 28) on the thermal processing of canned tomato paste. The results show that the presence of an air layer within the can's headspace significantly influences the temperature profile and the location of the slowest heating zone (SHZ), without markedly affecting the overall temperature magnitude. The Brix values, which indicate the paste's viscosity, are found to be crucial factors in heat transfer, with lower Brix values promoting convection and higher values favoring conduction. The average velocity for Brix 18 was approximately 10 times higher than that for Brix 28. Among the three main color parameters, the a* index experienced the most significant changes (maximum drop of 67%), while the b* index showed the least variation (maximum drop of 22%) during processing. The time required to reduce the number of bacteria to 10⁻⁶ CFU/g at the cold point of tomato paste cans was 28% higher in the product with Brix 18 compared with Brix 28. These findings underscore the importance of considering headspace conditions and product viscosity to optimize thermal processing methods, thereby enhancing the safety and quality of canned tomato products.