Antimicrobial properties of blueberry extracts are well-established against a variety of harmful microorganisms. Concerning the interaction of these extracts with beneficial bacteria (probiotics), its significance, especially in food contexts, stems not only from its role in the regular gut microbiota, but also from its role as an essential component in both regular and specialized foods. This research, accordingly, first attempted to show the inhibitory action of a blueberry extract on four prospective foodborne pathogens. After determining the active concentrations, the study evaluated the impact on the growth and metabolic activities (organic acid production and sugar consumption) of five possible probiotic microorganisms. Despite the extract's ability to inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes, B. cereus, E. coli, and S. enteritidis at 1000 grams per milliliter, it had no impact on the growth of the potential probiotic strains tested. Remarkably, the results indicated, for the first time, a significant effect of the extract on the metabolic activity of all probiotic strains, increasing the production of organic acids (acetic, citric, and lactic) and accelerating the production of propionic acid.
High-stability bi-layer films designed for non-destructive shrimp freshness monitoring were created by integrating anthocyanin-loaded liposomes into a carrageenan and agar (A-CBAL) system. As the lecithin content increased, the encapsulation efficiency of the anthocyanin-containing liposomes significantly improved, transitioning from 3606% to 4699%. A-CBAL films demonstrated a water vapor transmission rate (WVP) significantly lower than the A-CBA film, measuring 232 x 10⁻⁷ g m⁻¹ h⁻¹ Pa⁻¹ . The A-CBA film demonstrated a 100% exudation rate at pH 7 and pH 9 after 50 minutes, in stark contrast to the A-CBAL films, whose exudation rate fell below 45%. Anthocyanin encapsulation led to a modest reduction in ammonia's effect. Ultimately, liposome-infused bi-layer films effectively tracked shrimp freshness, manifesting visible color shifts discernible by the human eye. Anthocyanin-loaded liposome films show promise, according to these results, for deployment in environments with high humidity.
Within the context of this study, the encapsulation of Cymbopogon khasiana and Cymbopogon pendulus essential oil (CKP-25-EO) in a chitosan nanoemulsion is examined, and its efficacy in suppressing fungal infestation and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination of Syzygium cumini seeds is assessed, with specific emphasis on the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Employing DLS, AFM, SEM, FTIR, and XRD analysis, the controlled release of encapsulated CKP-25-EO within chitosan was observed. SPR immunosensor The antifungal (008 L/mL), antiaflatoxigenic (007 L/mL), and antioxidant activities (IC50 DPPH = 694 L/mL, IC50 ABTS = 540 L/mL) of the CKP-25-Ne were considerably stronger than those of the free EO. Cellular ergosterol impediments, coupled with disruptions to methylglyoxal biosynthesis, and in silico molecular modeling studies of CKP-25-Ne, together demonstrated the cellular and molecular mechanism of antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activity. Stored S. cumini seeds treated with CKP-25-Ne showed in situ inhibition of lipid peroxidation and AFB1 secretion while retaining the sensory profile. Subsequently, the favorable safety record among higher mammals provides compelling support for employing CKP-25-Ne as a safe and environmentally conscious nano-preservative, protecting against fungal contamination and dangerous AFB1 presence within the food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries.
The objective of this study was to characterize the physicochemical attributes of honey imported by the UAE via Dubai ports from 2017 to 2021. 1330 samples underwent a comprehensive examination of sugar constituents, moisture, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) concentration, free acidity, and diastase number. From the tested honey samples, 1054 conformed to the Emirates honey standard, yet 276 samples (208 percent) did not; this non-compliance was a result of not adhering to one or more quality parameters. This suggests the possibility of adulteration, poor storage practices, or inappropriate heat treatment. In non-compliant samples, average sucrose values were found to range from 51% to 334%; the sum of glucose and fructose levels spanned 196% to 881%; moisture content displayed a range between 172% and 246%; HMF levels fluctuated from 832 to 6630 mg/kg; and acidity ranged between 52 and 85 meq/kg. Samples of honey found to be non-compliant were classified according to their nation of origin. Immune Tolerance A significant 325% of Indian samples were found to be non-compliant, contrasting sharply with Germany's low figure of 45%. This study advocated for the inclusion of physicochemical analysis techniques in the inspection of honey samples destined for international markets. A meticulous inspection of honey at Dubai ports will hopefully decrease the amount of adulterated products being imported.
Considering the possibility of heavy metal contamination in baby milk formulas, the creation of precise detection strategies is vital. For the electrochemical determination of Pb(II) and Cd(II) in infant milk powder, a screen-printed electrode (SPE) was modified with nanoporous carbon (NPC). NPC, acting as a functional nanolayer, improved the electrochemical detection of Pb(II) and Cd(II) due to its considerable adsorption capacity and enhanced mass transport. Linear relationships were found for lead (II) in the 1 to 60 grams per liter concentration range and for cadmium (II) in the 5 to 70 grams per liter range. The detection threshold for Pb(II) stood at 0.01 grams per liter, and for Cd(II), it was 0.167 grams per liter. Rigorous tests were conducted to determine the prepared sensor's reproducibility, stability, and resistance to any outside influences. Evaluation of the developed SPE/NPC method in extracted infant milk powder samples reveals its capability to detect Pb(II) and Cd(II) heavy metal ions.
Daucus carota L., widely used as a food source, is noted for its considerable content of bioactive compounds. Carrot processing often results in residues, which are frequently discarded or underutilized. These residues hold potential for the development of new ingredients and products, facilitating healthier and more sustainable dietary options. Different milling and drying protocols and in vitro digestion were employed to assess the effect on the functional characteristics of carrot waste powders in the current study. Through a process combining disruption (grinding or chopping), drying (freeze-drying or air-drying at 60 or 70 degrees Celsius), and final milling, carrot waste was transformed into powdered form. Oseltamivir Characterizing the physicochemical properties of powders involved determining water activity, moisture content, total soluble solids, and particle size, while also analyzing the nutraceutical aspects, such as total phenol content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity using DPPH and ABTS methods, and carotenoid content (?-carotene, ?-carotene, lutein, lycopene). Antioxidants and carotenoid levels were also measured during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion; carotenoids were tested in different matrices, including pure, aqueous, oily, and oil-in-water emulsions. To achieve powders rich in antioxidant compounds and carotenoids, the water activity of the samples was reduced through processing. Changes in powder properties were substantial, following both disruption and drying procedures; freeze-drying produced finer powders with a higher carotenoid content, but a lower antioxidant value, conversely, air-drying, especially in chopped powders, demonstrated enhanced antioxidant activity and higher phenol content. Digestion, as simulated in vitro, demonstrated the release of bioactive compounds previously held within the powder's structure. While carotenoid solubilization in oil was modest, concurrent fat intake significantly boosted their recovery. The research results indicate that carrot waste powders, with their bioactive compounds, have the potential to function as ingredients that elevate the nutritional value of foods, thereby fostering more sustainable and healthy dietary systems.
The repurposing of kimchi production's waste brine is a pressing environmental and industrial issue. We sought to reduce food-borne pathogens in the waste brine through the application of an underwater plasma. For the treatment of 100 liters of waste brine, capillary electrodes operating with alternating current (AC) bi-polar pulsed power were used. Using four types of agar—Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA), Marine Agar (MA), de Man Rogosa Sharpe agar (MRS), and Yeast Extract-Peptone-Dextrose (YPD)—the inactivation efficacy was investigated. Independent of the culturing medium, the microbial population decreased in a straight line with treatment time. Inactivation was characterized by a log-linear model exhibiting an R-squared value of 0.96 to 0.99. Reusability of plasma-treated waste brine (PTWB) from salted Kimchi cabbage was determined via five key parameters: salinity, pH, acidity, reducing sugar concentration, and microbial load, compared to new brine (NMB) and typical waste brine (WB). PTWB's and NMB's salted Kimchi cabbage samples showed no statistically substantial variation in quality, endorsing the suitability of underwater plasma treatment in recycling waste brine during kimchi preparation.
Preserving food through fermentation is a technique as old as civilization itself, significantly boosting safety and extending the usable lifespan of products. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the principal constituents of starter cultures, exhibiting bioprotective actions to regulate fermentation, maintain the native microbiota, and restrict pathogen development. To ascertain suitable LAB strains for use as starter cultures and bioprotective agents in fermented salami, this study examined spontaneously fermented sausages from diverse Italian regions.