Italian Journal of Food Science

ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY CAPACITIES OF PEPPER TISSUES

2020-05-14T14:55:43+00:00

The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of five pepper varieties tissues. Green Bell peppers had the highest total antioxidant contents; while Red Chilli variety had the lowest antioxidant activities (ABTS was 3.89 μmol TE/g fw, DPPH was 2.82 μmol TE/g fw and FRAP was 16.95 μmol TE/g fw). The methanolic extracts of different peppers showed strong but different anti-inflammatory activity values (8.22 μg/ml - 9.52 μg). Yellow Bell, Red and Green Chilli had the highest anti-inflammatory activity followed by Green and Red Bell extracts, respectively. The results suggest that these varieties of pepper could contribute as sources of important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory related to the oxidative stress and inflammation prevention.

ISOLATION OF BABY LIMA BEAN (PHASEOLUS LUNATUS L.) PROTEINS FRACTIONS AND EVALUATION OF THEIR ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

2020-05-22T14:49:58+00:00

The aim of this work was to obtain fractions of lima bean protein concentrate (LBPC) and evaluation of their antioxidant activity. LBPC, was prepared by alkaline extraction at pH 9.5 and isoelectric precipitation at pH 4.5. LBPC was subject to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. LBPC was fractionated using the ion exchange chromatography with a DEAE Affi-Gel Blue Gel column. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the ORAC, FRAP and DPPH methods. LBPC fractionation produce anionic and cationic fractions with antioxidant capacity using the ORAC, FRAP and DPPH methods. LBPC cationic fractions present high antioxidant activity with three methods assayed.

CHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HOMOGENISED RICOTTA CHEESE PRODUCED FROM BUFFALO WHEY

2020-05-14T15:09:23+00:00

To extend the shelf life of buffalo Ricotta cheese, a process was assessed that included a second heat treatment followed by homogenisation and hot packaging. The microbiological and chemical characteristics as well as the oxidation degree of the product were determined over storage for 21 days using total antioxidant activity, redox potential, malondialdehyde content, and protein-bound carbonyl content. Homogenised buffalo Ricotta cheese has a longer shelf life than traditional Ricotta cheese, although the process could be optimised to reduce the total bacterial load during storage. No significant oxidative damage occurred during storage. This innovative process could promote the market expansion of Ricotta cheese.

GRAPEVINE CANES WASTE FROM VENETO REGION AS A NEW SOURCE OF STILBENOIDS CONTENT

2020-05-17T14:23:33+00:00

In the present paper we analyzed the stilbene accumulation in grape canes of seven autochthonous grape varieties from Veneto region, Italy. In addition, we investigated the effect of pruning time on the stilbenes accumulation rate during the storage. Taking into account the effect of both pruning time (October, November and December) and storage time (from zero to twelve weeks at room temperature), cultivar Verdiso and Incrocio Manzoni 13.0.25 showed the highest accumulation of trans-resveratrol, trans-piceatannol, and trans-ɛ-viniferin, in particular when the canes were harvested in October, highlighting the importance of the cultivar but also the effect of the pruning time on the accumulation of stilbenes in grape canes.

EFFECT OF MIXED STARTER CULTURES ON BIOGENIC AMINE FORMATION DURING THE RIPENING OF TUNISIAN DRY FERMENTED CAMEL MEAT SAUSAGE

2020-05-12T14:51:28+00:00

The effect of mixed starter cultures on biogenic amine production was examined during the ripening process of dry camel meat sausage. Changes in pH, moisture content, proteolysis, microbial counts and lipid oxidation were also studied. The combination of three amine-negative bacteria, resulted in a drastic reduction of biogenic amine production. The highest total free amino acid concentration was observed in batches manufactured with mixed starter cultures. The bactericidal properties of L. sakei improved the hygienic quality of sausages by decreasing the number of Enterobacteriaceae. Inoculation of sausages with a mixture of strains, significantly delayed lipid oxidation and enhanced sensory characteristics.

CYCLIC PROANTHOCYANIDINS IN PINOT NOIR WINE

2020-05-14T15:52:53+00:00

The identification of cyclic (or crown) B-type proanthocyanidins in wine was recently reported; this identification has unlocked new possibilities for their application to wine quality evaluation. Here, cyclic and non-cyclic B-type proanthocyanidins, along with other phenolic compounds as well as sensory and oenological parameters, were characterized in eleven Pinot Noir wines. The wines were produced from grapes harvested in different vineyards and under different winemaking conditions. With Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based on the cyclic proanthocyanidins or their relative proportions, it was possible to differentiate the wines according to specific winemaking conditions. Moreover, cyclic proanthocyanidins were related to the overall sensory quality of Pinot Noir wines.

DIPPING SOLUTIONS OF NISIN AND BUFFERED SODIUM CITRATE SUPPLEMENTED WITH SODIUM DIACETATE FAIL TO PREVENT GROWTH OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES ON VACUUM PACKAGED BEEF FRANKFURTERS STORED AT 4 AND 10°C UNDER MODEL CONDITIONS

2020-05-14T16:22:30+00:00

This study evaluated commercially available dip solutions of nisin alone, buffered sodium citrate combined with sodium diacetate (BSCSD), and combined solution of the three antimicrobials for potential to control growth of surface-inoculated Listeria monocytogenes during vacuum packaged refrigerated storage of model beef frankfurters. None of the treatments prevented growth of L. monocytogenes during Frankfurter storage. The combined treatments slowed growth of L. monocytogenes better than individual treatments. Failure to completely eliminate L. monocytogenes on frankfurters or inhibit outgrowth during storage might be attributed to high initial L. monocytogenes inoculum levels, insufficient quantities of antimicrobials to interact with all the target cells, low nisin activity at high pH, or presence of resistant subpopulations, such as nisin-resistant strains. The model conditions used in the experimental setup, such as elimination of natural microbiota from frankfurters and nutrient-rich diluent used for Listeria introduction on the surface, could also contributed to enhanced survival and growth of the pathogen.

VALORIZATION OF RED GRAPE (VITIS VINIFERA CV. SANGIOVESE) POMACE AS FUNCTIONAL FOOD INGREDIENT

2020-05-14T17:07:18+00:00

The winemaking process generates large amounts of by-products that are still a potential source of bioactive compounds to be used as functional food ingredients. This study is aimed to develop a cow milk kefir fortified with Sangiovese red grape pomace. The phenolic extracts of skins and seeds, which were obtained after infusion and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), were rich in (+)-catechin (105.0±147.0 mg/L) and (-)-epicatechin (76.0±364.0 mg/L) based on HPLC-DAD analysis. The UAE-derived skin extracts were selected for their best antioxidant effectiveness and incorporated into kefir, whose functional properties have been investigated through spectrophotometric assays. The addition of UAE-derived skin extract to kefir was significantly effective in enhancing the total phenolic content (43.2 %) thus increasing the total antioxidant capacity (+47.7 %) and lowering IC₅₀ ABTS (-36.0%) and DPPH (-31.45%). An increased inhibitory activity towards α-amylase, α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase was also achieved by decreasing the corresponding IC50 values (69.39 and 73.01 "g/mL, respectively).

EFFECT OF EXTRUSION ON THE TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AND FREE PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS OF WHEAT BRAN BY RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY

2020-05-14T17:25:24+00:00

There are some antioxidants in wheat bran provides health benefits. But the influence of extrusion pre-treatment on the antioxidant capacity and free phenolic compounds of wheat bran is not clear. Herein, it was investigated by response surface methodology (RSM). Within the experimental range, free phenolic compounds (FPC) increased gradually with feed moisture and extrusion temperature. And the total antioxidant capacity of extruded wheat bran increased gradually with rising feed moisture and screw speed. The optimized extrusion parameters were extrusion temperature at 86°C, feed moisture at 22 % and screw speed at 160 rpm. The total FPA reached 3136.9 μg GAE g⁻¹ and the ferulic acid content was 93.4 μg.g⁻¹ . Extrusion treatment for wheat bran significantly improved the antioxidant properties and increased the concentration of gallic acid and ferulic acid. The effect of extrusion temperature on total free phenol content is extremely significant.

MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY AND ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF COMBINED OREGANO ESSENTIAL OIL AND ACETIC ACID ON FRESH LETTUCE

2020-05-14T17:29:16+00:00

This study determined the microbiological quality of lettuce purchased at Durban markets, and evaluated the antimicrobial effects of oregano essential oil (OEO), acetic acid (AA) and combination (OEO+AA)] on the survival of Escherichia coli and L. monocytogenes on lettuce for 6 days. Aerobic and anaerobic spore formers, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and L. monocytogenes were microscopically and phenotypically identified from the lettuce. Decontamination was higher and significantly different (p>0.05) at 5ºC with combined 0.3% AA+0.1% EOE, and complete inhibition of pathogens was observed on day 2. This formulation can increase antimicrobial efficacy and balance sensory attributes of treated lettuce.

PREVALENCE AND CHARACTERIZATION OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA) ISOLATES FROM RETAIL MEAT IN SOUTH ITALY

2020-05-12T14:58:04+00:00

This study was to estimate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from 500 retail meat products in South Italy from June 2016 to June 2018, including 150 raw bovine, 120 pork, 150 chicken and 80 horse meat.

After bacteriological analysis, 12 (2.4%) samples were positive for MRSA. Isolates were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility, spa typing and MLST. MRSA were also investigated by PCR for the presence of enterotoxins, lukF-PV-lukS-PV and icaA-icaD genes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that MRSA isolates were multidrug resistant. One strain harboured PVL-encoding genes (8.3%). Seven MRSA isolates of 12 (58.3%) carried seh enterotoxin encoding gene. The icaA and icaD genes were both present in 10 isolates (83.3%).

MRSA isolates in retail meat may represent a potential source of exposure to MRSA for humans and monitoring of food-producing animals and strictly hygiene standards should be carefully considered throughout the entire meat chain to ensure food safety.

EFFECTS OF PECTIN-BASED EDIBLE COATINGS CONTAINING A BACTERIOCIN OF BACILLUS METHYLOTROPHICUS BM47 ON THE QUALITY AND STORAGE LIFE OF FRESH BLACKBERRIES

2020-05-14T17:53:01+00:00

The aim of the current research is to investigate the effects of edible coatings based on celery pectin singly and in combination with a bacteriocin of Bacillus methylotrophicus BM47 on the quality and storage life of fresh blackberries under refrigeration conditions. In this study three experimental groups were prepared: uncoated blackberries as a control, blackberries with 1% pectin coatings and blackberries with 1% pectin coatings+bacteriocin of B. methylotrophicus BM47. During the storage at 4° C and 75% RH for 16 days, the weight loss, decay percentage, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, organic acids, sugars, total phenolic content, total anthocyanins and antioxidant activity were analyzed.

The results showed that the application of pectin and pectin+bacteriocin coatings led to a reduction in weight loss with 6.3% and 6.7% compared to the control fruit on the 16-th day of storage. A decrease in decay percentage was also noticed, which was most pronounced in the pectin+bacteriocin coated fruit compared to the pectin coatings and control. The pectin and pectin+bacteriocin coatings reduced TSS levels with 0.4% and 0.6%, respectively compared to the control on the 16-th day of the storage, but did not affect TA and pH values. The pectin and pectin+bacteriocin coatings had no effect on decreasing total phenolic and anthocyanin contents or the concentration of sugars (glucose and fructose) in both treatments and the control fruit. The pectin and pectin+bacteriocin edible coatings exhibited a protective effect on the ascorbic acid content, maintaining concentrations of 57.5 mg/100 g of fw and 58.8 mg/100 g of fw (day 16), which were close to the initial values. The pectin and pectin+bacteriocin treatments had also a positive impact on antioxidant activity in the coated blackberries. Both edible coatings effectively inhibited its decrease with the prolongation of the storage time and kept antioxidant levels of 231.8 TE/100 g of fw and 232.4 TE/100 g of few (day 16) that were close to the initial values.

IMPACT OF HYDROCOLLOIDS ON THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF GLUTEN-FREE INSTANT NOODLES FROM RICE FLOUR AND MUNG BEAN STARCH

2020-05-12T14:59:52+00:00

The physico-chemical properties of gluten free (GF) instant noodles containing hydrocolloids that were carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), guar gum (GG) and xanthan gum (XG) had been investigated. The results were found that the sample that contained CMC had the least fat uptake and cooking time. Microstructural images explained the reduction of fat uptake. Different hydrocolloids had little effect on the gelatinization parameters of the noodles. The addition of GG improved the textural properties and cooking yields of the GF instant noodles. The samples that were enriched with HPMC showed a significantly lower cooking loss than the others did. An inferior characteristic was found in the GF noodles that incorporated XG. The addition of either GG or HPMC improved the sensory properties of the GF instant noodles.

COLD AND HOT SMOKED NILE TILAPIA FILLETS: QUALITY AND YIELD OF PIGMENTED AND UNPIGMENTED FILLETS

2020-05-14T18:14:46+00:00

Aiming evaluate the effects of smoking techniques on the quality of tilapia fillets, a 2x2 factorial scheme experiment was conducted comprising two smoking techniques (hot and cold) and two pigmentation (with and without). Cold smoked fillets and fillets with pigmentation demonstrated a greater yield. Hot smoked fillets were tenderer and presented lower moisture and greater ash and protein contents. The pigmentation did not influence the smoked fillet composition, but ash content was greater in fillets without pigmentation. The sensory acceptance of hot smoked fillets was better. The pigmentation influenced the color and appearance; however, fillets without pigmentation gave better flavor.

FOOD SERVICE OPERATORS BEHAVIOR AND KNOWLEDGE ON GLUTEN-FREE MEALS AND REQUIREMENTS OF PUBLIC CANTEENS

2020-05-14T18:22:48+00:00

This study provides a summary of celiac disease (CD) epidemiology in Italy, canteens distribution and training courses for food service operators (FSOs) analyzing 2007-2017 data. Furthermore, behavior and knowledge of FSOs and organizational requirements for gluten-free (GF) meals in school and hospital canteens in central Italy were investigated. In parallel to an increased CD occurrence at national level, GF foods demand is significantly growing. Our survey in 20 inspected canteens revealed important knowledge and awareness gaps among FSOs, as well as lack of procedures and structural requirements for safely providing GF meals, underlining the need to improve education on topic.

CHARACTERIZATION OF VOLATILE COMPOUNDS IN FIVE BLUEBERRY VARIETIES USING PURGE AND TRAP COUPLED TO GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY

2020-05-14T18:31:14+00:00

The volatile composition of five blueberry varieties from two different regions was analysed by dynamic headspace (purge and trap, P&T) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Under the optimized conditions, the P&T method was successfully validated, showing good linearity, high accuracy, good reproducibility and a low limit of detection. A total of 80 volatiles were identified, including 19 esters, 30 alcohols, 18 aldehydes, 7 ketones and 6 other compounds. Furthermore, a spider web diagram was constructed to compare the flavour profiles of these blueberries, and the obtained results demonstrated that blueberries from different locations have different flavour profiles.