Food Biophysics最新文献

In this study, carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized from Pleurotus ostreatus liquid culture and incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (Chi) nanofibers, fabricated via the electroblowing technique to create an active packaging material. TEM analysis confirmed that the synthesized CDs possessed uniform size and morphology, while UV-Vis spectroscopy validated their optical properties. SEM imaging revealed that the electroblown nanofibers had a smooth surface morphology and uniform distribution of CDs within the PVA-Chi matrix. The nanofibers also exhibited enhanced thermal stability, as determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The developed CD-PVA-Chi nanofiber packaging was applied to oyster mushrooms, where it significantly reduced weight loss by over 50%, inhibited microbial growth by approximately 60%, and preserved 80% of the mushrooms’ firmness over a 6-day storage period compared to control packaging. The cytotoxicity tests confirmed that the packaging material was non-toxic, making it safe for food contact applications. This study demonstrates that the CD-PVA-Chi nanofiber packaging is a promising, eco-friendly alternative to conventional packaging materials, with potential for extending the shelf life of perishable foods through its bioactive properties and scalability for industrial production.

Cassava ranks as the 2nd most important staple food in Uganda. Several climate-smart cassava varieties have been developed but remain nutrient deficient. This study evaluated the impact of adding house cricket powder on cassava’s sensory, functional, and nutritional quality behaviour. Using design expert software (version 13) and sensory analysis techniques, the study screened and selected four cassava–cricket composites based on two cassava varieties (Narocass 1 and Magana) containing between 8.36% and 10.52% house cricket powder. These composites exhibited significantly lower scores (P < 0.05) for colour, aroma, aftertaste, and overall acceptability, although they remained within sensory acceptable limits, i.e., 5–7 on a 9-point hedonic scale. Cricket powder incorporation significantly increased the protein content from 1.05-1.11% to 6.46–6.81% (P < 0.001), fat content from 0.71-0.74% to 2.30–2.77% (P < 0.001), and protein digestibility from 83-84% to 88–94% (P < 0.001). The functional properties were statistically significantly (P < 0.05) influenced, however, there were not any significant changes in the sensory properties (taste, texture, flavour, mouth-feel, etc.) such as taste and mouthfeel that the significant changes in functional properties would influence. The pasting properties were not generally affected. Hence,  nutritionally richer cassava–cricket powder composites can substitute the food functions of plain cassava flour. The sensory quality of house cricket powder should be improved through refining techniques known to positively influence the sensory properties of cereal and tuber flours to which it is normally added as an ingredient.

This research work characterized and screened local rice varieties in order to select the most suitable variety for production of ready-to-eat breakfast meals through extrusion cooking. Eight improved FARO 61-67 paddy rice varieties were milled, characterised and screened for extrusion properties. The milling characteristics, axial dimensional, physical, physicochemical, functional and cooking properties of the varieties were studied. The yield for brown rice ranged from 78.16-79.91% while head brown rice yield ranged from 23.82-75.61%. The bran yield after milling for 60 s ranged from 1.98-7.22%, while degree of milling ranged from 2.52-9.04. Length, width, and thickness for all varieties ranged from 6.21- 6.91 mm, 2.02-2.46 mm, and 1.55-1.82 mm, respectively. Length-breadth ratio, aspect ratio and kernel volume of milled rice ranged between 2.59-3.33, 0.30-0.39 and 10.72-15.97 mm³, respectively. The thousand kernel weight has range of 16.55-20.66 g, while bulk density ranged from 0.567-0.652 kgm³. Gelatinization temperature has three categories of high alkaline digestion value 6-7 (55-69 ℃), intermediate 4-5 (70-74 ℃) and low 2-3 (75-79 ℃). Cooking time was from 12.67-30.67 min while the gel consistency ranged from 33.22-37.99 mm. Total starch and amylose concentration ranged from 66.83-82.43%, and 22.21-25.96, respectively. Water absorption capacity ranged from 5.61-6.71, and length-wise expansion ratio, breadth-wise expansion ratio, and cooked length-breadth ratio ranged from 1.23-1.47, 1.38-1.50 and 2.43-2.66. Results of physical, physicochemical l, functional, cooking, and expansion characteristics of milled rice show FARO 64 variety has optimum extrusion properties. It is therefore considered the most suitable for use in rice extrusion process.

This study aimed to investigate and compare the viscoelastic synergism of xanthan gum (XG) and guar gum (GG) mixtures at different XG/GG mixing ratios (25/75, 50/50, and 75/25) in both aqueous and gum arabic-based emulsion systems. A total concentration of XG and GG was fixed at 1.0 wt.%. All mixtures exhibited pseudoplastic flow behavior. In the aqueous system, XG-GG mixtures exhibited higher consistency index (K) and apparent viscosity at 50 s⁻¹ (η_a,50) values compared to individual gums. Their relative K and η_a,50 values were higher than 1, indicating a synergistic interaction between the polymers. Conversely, in the emulsion system, the relative K and η_a,50 values were lower than 1. The XG50/GG50 mixture exhibited the lowest value, indicating no synergism. Both individual gums in the systems displayed nearly time-independent flow behavior, whereas all mixtures exhibited thixotropic behavior. Notably, a larger thixotropic area was observed in the XG50/GG50 and XG75/GG25 mixtures in the aqueous system compared to their counterparts in the emulsion system. In the aqueous system, the elastic modulus (G') of mixtures was higher than that of individual gums. The XG25/GG75 mixture exhibited higher relative G' and lower tan δ values than other mixtures. A similar trend was observed in the emulsion system, but the tan δ value of the mixtures in the aqueous system was lower than that in the emulsion system. These findings demonstrate that XG and GG exhibit different rheological synergies in aqueous and emulsion systems.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolour L. Moench), as the world’s fifth-largest cereal, possesses characteristics such as reducing cholesterol, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, sorghum-based food products suffer from drawbacks such as hardness, cooking challenges, and suboptimal texture. Lactobacillus plantarum, a beneficial bacterium, has the capacity to ferment sorghum, enhancing its palatability and flavor. This study aimed to evaluate alterations in dietary fiber, protein, and starch resulting from L. plantarum fermentation of sorghum, alongside analyzing the flavor profile of the fermented sorghum grains using HS-GC-MS technology. The findings indicated that upon reaching saturation water absorption capacity, sorghum fermented by L. plantarum (3 × 10⁶ CFU/mL, 36 h and 30 °C) enhanced the structural integrity of dietary fiber, protein, and starch, while the elevation of compounds such as ketones, alcohols, and free amino acids contributed to the improved aroma profile of sorghum grains. This research provides a theoretical foundation for enhancing the physicochemical structure and flavor of sorghum.

Attaining an appropriate color is a pivotal factor in achieving a desirable appearance for pea-based products. Although the color of lutein is vibrant, its stability during thermal processing remains a significant challenge that has yet to be overcome. A comprehensive understanding of the interactions between pea protein isolate (PPI) and lutein, as well as their influence on lutein retention and the solution behavior of PPI itself, is crucial for the development of pea protein-based products with optimized color. Currently, PPI provided a pronounced protective effect against the thermal degradation of lutein, primarily by influencing the retention rate, overall color variation, and total antioxidant capacity of lutein. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed static quenching with strong affinity between PPI and lutein. The surface hydrophobicity of PPI after binding lutein decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while the secondary structure of PPI remained stable without notable relaxation or unfolding. Notably, lutein exists in both dispersed and aggregated forms, while the resulting lutein–PPI complex manifested as stable spherical nanoparticles. Polydispersity index and Z-average diameter measurements reveal that the lutein–PPI complex is more homogeneous and stable than PPI alone. In summary, compared to previous references, the present study fundamentally enhanced understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in the interaction of PPI with lutein, thereby providing valuable insights for the development of novel plant-derived protein products with improved color stability.

This study investigated the effectiveness of ozonised mist and protective film (low-density polyethylene - LDPE) in preserving red peppers during storage. Ozonised mist was applied at 20.10 mg L-¹ and 2.0 L min-¹ for 5, 10 and 15 min, with and without protective film, and compared with untreated controls and chlorine treatment. Stored for 21 days at 25 °C and 60% relative humidity, peppers treated with ozonised mist showed significant reductions in total molds and yeasts counts, with the 15-minute treatment achieving reductions of 4.00 logs for molds and 4.34 logs for yeast, surpassing the chlorine treatment. The protective film effectively minimised weight loss and maintained the commercial appearance of the bell peppers. Importantly, the combination of ozonised mist and protective film did not significantly affect the physico-chemical quality of the bell peppers. These results suggest that ozonised mist and protective film are effective in reducing post-harvest losses of bell peppers, with practical benefits for the storage sector.

A recent global study revealed that approximately 80–90% of the population are deficient in vitamin D, a crucial nutrient for maintaining normal physiological functions. This widespread deficiency is quite alarming, as it can lead to significant health risks and increase susceptibility to various diseases, thereby compromising overall well-being. Vitamin D in its native form has a limited shelf life (approximately a year at ambient temperature), low stability, and poor bioavailability; however, encapsulation can improve these characteristics without compromising its biological effectiveness and controlled release. The encapsulation technique and wall material type used have a significant role in the process. The present article provides a comprehensive overview of the prevailing advanced encapsulation techniques, such as emulsification, coacervation, nanoliposomes, solid lipid particles, solvent evaporation, electrospinning, spray drying and lyophilization, along with various wall materials used, to improve the shelf life, stability, and bioavailability of vitamin D. These techniques represent promising strategies for enhancing vitamin D delivery and efficacy in different applications.

Gelatin is a multifunctional protein with numerous applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The increased global demand for gelatin and issues regarding mammalian collagen have prompted an imperative urge for alternative sources. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the impact of ultrasound-assisted extraction on the physicochemical, functional, and bioactive attributes of gelatin obtained from Tenualosa ilisha scales. Ultrasound-assisted gelatin (UAG) extraction substantially increased the yield (34.49%), reducing fat and moisture content compared to water bath gelatin (WBG) extraction (20.06%). Sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) revealed α1, α2, and β chains, corroborating a triple helical conformation with UAG displaying shorter peptide composition. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) showcased distinct peaks for amide- I, II, III, and A with decreased molecular order owing to ultrasound treatment. The WBG exhibited a lower UV-transmittance and a higher gel melting temperature, whereby, UAG displayed an excellent foaming capacity and stability with improved performance at higher concentrations. The WBG demonstrated superior emulsion activity and stability index, however, the emulsion activity of both gelatins declined with increasing concentrations. The gelatins showed a similar water-holding capacity, although WBG possessed a greater fat-binding capacity compared to UAG. However, UAG demonstrated enhanced antioxidant effects, revealing an IC₅₀ of 121.17 ± 2.38 for scavenging free radicals and an EC₅₀ of 184.48 ± 3.16 for reducing Fe³⁺, thus, minimizing oxidative stress. The findings will offer novel insights into the influence of ultrasound treatment on the properties of fish scale gelatin and developing methods for tailoring scale gelatin for food and pharmaceutical interventions.

This study aimed to develop an active pectin film, using honey and/or propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) as sources of active compounds (polyphenols and antimicrobials) and to analyze their influence on the physicochemical, optical, and mechanical properties of these films. During experimental tests, it was found that the formulation that presented the best characteristics was the film with 60 g of honey/100 g of pectin and 5 g of PEE/100 g of pectin. This specific film formulation provides an effective alternative to obtain an active material with good barrier and mechanical properties. It showed less permeability to water vapor, minor transparency and difference in color, although more rigid. The film had a higher total phenols content, and antiradical and antimicrobial properties against Listeria innocua and Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, the findings suggest that these films would be effective carriers of bioactive compounds. These compounds could be consumed by coating fresh or dried fruits with active coatings.