Chitosan, gelatin and pectin based bionanocomposite films with rosemary essential oil as an active ingredient for future foods.

Bionanocomposite films of three biopolymers including chitosan, gelatin, and pectin incorporated with rosemary essential oil (REO) were developed and characterized in terms of their physical, structural, mechanical, morphological, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Incorporation of REO showed an increased hydrophobic nature thus, improved water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), tensile strength (TS), elongation-at-break (EAB), and thermal stability significantly (P ≤ 0.05) as compared to the control films. The addition of REO leads to more opaque films with relatively increased microstructural heterogeneity, resulting in an increase in film opacity. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and particle size revealed that REO incorporation exhibits high physicochemical stability in chitosan, gelatin, and pectin bionanocomposite films. Incorporation of REO exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against the tested pathogenic strains (Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli). Furthermore, the addition of REO increased the inhibitory activity of films against ABTS and DPPH free radicals. Therefore, chitosan, gelatin, and pectin-based bionanocomposite films containing REO as food packaging could act as a potential barrier to extending food shelf life.

Advances in apple packaging: a review.

Apple (Malus domestica) belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is one of the most commonly cultivated fruit in all temperate zones of the world and holds an equally important place in the global economy. Apple is a climacteric fruit and undergoes metabolic changes even after the harvest and thus prone to post-harvest losses. The packaging of apples plays an important role in extending the shelf life of the apples and also maintains the quality during distribution and transport. The prime role of packaging is to contain the food commodity and protect the enclosed product from external damage. But other functions such as traceability, convenience and temper evidence are of secondary importance. Different packaging techniques are employed for the packaging of apples which include both conventional (wooden boxes, corrugated fiber boxes, crates) and non-conventional packaging like modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), active packaging, edible coatings, etc.

Green extraction of bioactive compounds from apple pomace by ultrasound assisted natural deep eutectic solvent extraction: Optimisation, comparison and bioactivity.

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) coupled with ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) was evaluated as extraction techniques for bioactive compounds from apple pomace. Seven natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) with different molar ratios were explored as green extraction solvents to evaluate extraction efficiency in terms of total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), lipid peroxidation inhibition (LBI) and antioxidant potential. The solvents which performed better than conventional solvent were DES1 (Choline chloride: glycerol (1:2)), DES2 (Choline chloride: lactic acid (1:3)) and DES5 ((Choline chloride: citric acid (1:1)). These solvents were further evaluated for optimisation of processing parameters in UAE-DES. The maximum TPC value was achieved using sonication time 40 min, water 30 %, solid/liquid ratio 1:30, temperature 40 °C, acoustic intensity 83.2 W/cm2 and duty cycle 75 %. HPLC of optimised extract was utilised for quantification of polyphenol compounds showing quercetin as main compound followed by chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, phloretin, phloridizin and rutin.

Changes in concentration of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables during household processing.

Monitoring of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables and their processed products like jams, pickles, juices, ketchup, dried products and canned products was undertaken. The study was conducted to assess the effect of washing, peeling, heating and cooking on concentration of various pesticides. The stability of various pesticides in samples and their products was assessed. Pesticide residues were extracted using QuEChERS method and analysed by GC-MS. It was observed that pesticides like mancozeb and carbofuron were found to be stable for tomato and potato while chloropyriphos, captan and mancozeb (in other samples) were found to be unstable. It was also observed that peels and pomace showed highest levels of pesticide residues. In this study, washing, peeling and heat processing (boiling and blanching) have been found to be the most effective ways of pesticide residue dissipation.

Effect of cold storage on Carbofuran dissipation in Cabbages (Brassica Oleracea).

Cabbage being a highly imported product is often subjected to long term cold storage to maintain product quality and in order to retain its freshness it is kept in cold chambers for a long time. Being highly infested by pests during storage, cabbages are often treated with insecticides having active ingredients such as carbofuran in them. Also, large number of malpractices have come into the notice of the regulatory bodies where the growers use last minute Carbofuran dips on the cabbage heads to improve the shine and lustre of the foliage for better marketability .Therefore, the study was conducted to monitor the effect of cold storage on degradation pattern of Carbofuran on Cabbage during storage in Kashmir valley. The level of carbofuran residue decreased with an increase in storage period Dissipation pattern was studied for three application rates of Carbofuran by dipping the samples in T1 (First dose) 3g/1000mL, T2 (Second dose) 2g/1000mL, T3 (Third dose) 1g/1000mL. The initial control deposit was found to be 0.05mg/kg for T1, 0.03mg/kg for T2, 0.01mg/kg for T3 on Cabbage. The residues were dissipated to about 0.02mg/kg in T1, 0.01mg/kg in T2 and ND in T3 after 60 days of application. The waiting period after proper risk assessment was calculated and was found to be 30 days for almost all application rates.

Effect of different pretreatments on antioxidant activity of oats grown in the Himalayan region.

In this work the different varieties of oats were subjected to three pre-treatments such as germination, sand roasting and γ-irradiation. The pretreated oat grains were evaluated for phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. RP-HPLC displayed that the amount of ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, ellagic acid and epicatechin in native, roasted and γ-irradiated oats varied in the range of 2.51-3.23, 0.97-1.89, 4.35-5.33, 1.56-2.197 and 3.387-10.8 µg/100 g, respectively. Total phenolic content (TPC) expressed as µg GAE/g and µg FAE/g and total flavonoid content (TFC) expressed as µg rutin equivalent/g was found highest in germinated samples. Study reported increase in antioxidant activity in the following order; γ-irradiation > germination > roasting > native. It was concluded that the different pretreatments enhanced antioxidant properties of the oat grains therefore can be efficiently utilized as food or functional ingredient in various food systems.

Structuring functional mayonnaise incorporated with Himalayan walnut oil Pickering emulsions by ultrasound assisted emulsification.

Nowadays Pickering emulsions have attracted immense attention due to their enhanced stability and numerous food applications. In this context, the present study was aimed to introduce Pickering emulsions stabilized by soy protein isolate (SPI)-maltodextrin (MD)-pectin complex incorporated with Himalayan walnut oil (HWO) for development of novel mayonnaise by ultrasound assisted emulsification. The functional mayonnaise was characterised for its stability, structural, textural, rheological and morphological properties. The rheological and microstructure measurements indicated that use of SPI-pectin HWO emulsions had a viscoelastic solid behaviour (G' > G″) with highly interconnected gel-like network structure leading to diffused oil droplet distribution. An increase in particle size diameter (1.86-5.09 µm) and hardness values (43.16-69.08 N) was seen with increase in the SPI-pectin wall material concentration. A significant reduction in whiteness (L* value) from 91.12 to 53.52 was noted during storage for encapsulated samples. Mayonnaise formulations containing encapsulated HWO depicted significantly lower peroxide value (2.65 meqO2/kg) after extended storage period in comparison to free oil (8.33 meqO2/kg). FTIR analysis of mayonnaise formulations depicted successful complexation of HWO with SPI-MD-pectin matrix. These findings would be of immense importance in designing of Pickering emulsions stabilized by protein-polysaccharide particles with aim of delivering nutraceuticals associated with myriad health benefits.

Nanoencapsulation of green tea extract using maltodextrin and its characterisation.

Nano-particles of green tea extract were prepared by ultrasonication, encapsulated in maltodextrin and were subjected to freeze drying to produce nanoencapsulated powders. Different proportions of 30 % solution of maltodextrin and dry tea extract (1:5; 1:10, 1:15) were combined with a small molecule surfactant (Tween 40). Average particle size of 1:5, 1:10, 1:15 based nano-particles were 380.34, 390.26 and 520.45 nm with encapsulation efficiency of 41.27, 45.92 and 57.51% and with negative surface charge of -22.04, -16.40 and -14.91, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed irregular shapes of nanoencapsulated freeze dried powders with variation in appearance. X-ray diffraction patterns showed very low degree of crystanillity after encapsulation. The nanoencapsulated powders showed characteristic bands in infra-red spectra at âˆ¼ 3200, ∼1600 and âˆ¼ 1140 cm1. Nanocapsules displayed controlled release when compared to free green tea extract under simulated intestinal conditions and all the data showed good correlation with zero order kinetics.

Ultrasound assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from pomegranate peel, their nanoencapsulation and application for improvement in shelf life extension of edible oils.

In this study pomegranate peel extract was evaluated as source of antioxidant encapsulated by nano-emulsions in soybean oil. Encapsulating agents maltodextrin (MD), whey proteins isolate (WPI) and complex of maltodextrin and whey protein isolate (MD/WPI) (1:1) were used as wall material. Average droplet size of primary W/O and double W/O/W nanoemulsions stabilised by MD, WPI and MD/WPI were 108 nm, 157.82,189.94 nm and 191.12 nm respectively. Lyophilised nanoemulsion powders were added at 100, 200 and 300 ppm concentration to soyabean and mustard oil and observed for change in various oxidative stability indices during storage and were compared to non-encapsulated extract and synthetic antioxidant BHT. From the results, it can be suggested that nanoencapsulated extract at 300 ppm concentration performed better in controlling oxidative changes in both oils than unencapsulated and synthetic one, however, extract encapsulated by MD/WPI exhibited higher antioxidant effects due to controlled release of bioactive compounds.

Nanoencapsulation of hydroxytyrosol in chitosan crosslinked with sodium bisulfate tandem ultrasonication: Techno-characterization, release and antiproliferative properties.

This research includes production of chitosan nanocapsules through ionic gelation with sodium bisulfate for nanoencapsulation of hydroxytyrosol (HT) using ultrasonication in tandem. The resulting nanocapsules encapsulating HT were analyzed for particle size, ζ-potential, packaging characteristics, FESEM, ATR-FTIR, XRD, DSC, in vitro release, antioxidant potential and antiproliferative properties. The nanocapsules (size 119.50-365.21 nm) were spherical to irregular shaped with positive ζ-potential (17.50-18.09 mV). The encapsulation efficiency of 5 mg/g HT (HTS1) and 20 mg/g HT (HTS2) was 77.13% and 56.30%, respectively. The nanocapsules were amorphous in nature with 12.34% to 15.48% crystallinity and crystallite size between 20 nm and 27 nm. Formation of nanocapsules resulted in increasing the glass transition temperature. HTS2 delivered 67.12% HT (HTS1 58.89%) at the end of the simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The nanoencapsulated HT showed higher antioxidant and antiproliferative (against A549 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines) properties than the free HT.

Effect of oxalic acid and salicylic acid treatments on the post-harvest life of temperate grown apricot varieties (Prunus armeniaca) during controlled atmosphere storage.

This study aimed at investigating the influence of different postharvest treatments with oxalic acid (OA) and salicylic acid (SA) on quality attributes and postharvest shelf life of temperate grown apricot varieties stored under controlled atmosphere (CA) storage conditions. After each treatment was given, the samples were stored in CA store maintained at a temperature of 0 °C, 90 ± 5% relative humidity, 5% oxygen and 15% carbon dioxide for 30 days. Results indicated that both OA and SA treatments significantly (p ≤ 0.05) retained total soluble solids, titratable acidity, color profile, ascorbic acid content and total phenolic content of apricot varieties and had a positive effect on antioxidant activity and texture of samples compared to control. However, carotenoid content was found to be higher in control. Both the treatments reduced chilling injury index, weight loss and decay percentage of samples. Moreover, it was found that SA treatment was the most effective treatment in maintaining visual color of apricots while OA maintained fruit firmness and effectively decreased the decay percentage and chilling injury index of apricot varieties. In conclusion, it was found that both OA and SA have the potential to extend storage life of apricots and maintain quality attributes of the crop during CA storage.

ß-Glucan from mushrooms and dates as a wall material for targeted delivery of model bioactive compound: Nutraceutical profiling and bioavailability.

Rutin was nano-encapsulated in date [En-Ru(D)] and mushroom [En-Ru(M)] ß-glucan matrix to protect it from the harsh gastrointestinal environment and to enhance its bioavailability and biological activity upon digestion. The encapsulation was carried using green technology i.e., ultra-sonication. The En-Ru(D) and En-Ru (M) showed the hydrodynamic diameter of 314.04 and 482.21 nm with polydispersity index of 0.21 and 0.33. The in vitro release behaviour followed the Higuchi model. The antimicrobial activity of En-Ru(D) and En-Ru(M) were evaluated against gram negative E. coli (ATCC 25922) and gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Furthermore, En-Ru(D) and En-Ru(M) exhibited increased bioavailability of rutin in intestinal fluid with retention of anti-obesity and antioxidant activities after digestion (p < 0.05). Therefore, ß-glucan matrix can efficiently encapsulate flavonoids and regulate the release of functional bioactive ingredients in the simulated human digestive conditions.

Physicochemical, antioxidant and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy evaluation of Kashmiri honeys as food quality traceability and Himalayan brand.

Three types of honeys viz. Robinia pseudoacacia (RSA), Plectranthus rugosus (PR) and multifloral honey (MF) from Kashmir Himalayas of India were characterized on the basis of physicochemical, antioxidant and FTIR-ATR spectroscopic features. The physicochemical parameters indicated that ash content, electrical conductivity, redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) were higher in MF honey, moisture content, Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and lightness (L*) in PR honey and Water activity (aw) and proline content in RSA honey (P ≤ 0.05). Significantly higher values of total sugar, total reducing sugar and sucrose content was observed in MF honey (P ≤ 0.05). The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids, ferric reducing antioxidant power and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy-IC50 (DPPH- IC50) free radical scavenging activity showed that MF honey had significantly higher antioxidant activity (P ≤ 0.05). ATR-FTIR analysis demonstrated that the absence of peaks at broad band around 1653.454-1637.656 cm-1 in MF honey, 1185.989-1153.072 cm-1 and 918.570-916.544 cm-1 wavenumbers in PR honey thus clearly discriminating different types of honeys. The results revealed that physico-chemical, antioxidant and spectroscopic characteristics of honey types vary with geographic origin and their floral sources and MF honey have a high therapeutic potential.

Effects of xanthan gum, canning and storage period on fatty acid profile and cholesterol oxidation of restructured low-fat meat product of India.

This study evaluated the impact of xanthan gum (XG), canning and storage on fatty acids (FAs) contents and formation of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in low-fat meat product (goshtaba) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India. The FAs composition i.e. saturated FAs, monounsaturated FAs, polyunsaturated FAs and trans FAs during processing and storage showed non-significant difference in all goshtaba products (P > 0.05). The cholesterol content decreased significantly after canning in all products (P < 0.05) while, maximum reduction was observed in high-fat goshtaba (HFC). During storage all products exhibited significant decrease in cholesterol upto 6th month, thereafter showed non-significant variation. The COPs determined were 7-ß-OH-ch, 5-ch-3ß-ol-7-one and 25-OH-ch. After canning two COPs (7-ß-OH-ch, 5-ch-3ß-ol-7-one) were produced in all products. But during storage there was formation of 25-OH-ch, increase in 7-ß-OH-ch and decrease in 5-ch-3ß-ol-7-one and lower COPs were observed in low-fat goshtaba containing 1.5% XG. The results concluded that fat replacer (XG), processing and storage had no significant effect on the FAs compositions of all goshtaba products including HFC. However, cholesterol content exhibited significant variation and minimum reduction in cholesterol and formation of lower COPs were observed in low-fat goshtaba formulated with 1.5% XG.

Nanoreduction as a technology to exploit ß-Glucan from cereal and fungal sources for enhancing its nutraceutical potential.

ß-Glucan nanoparticles were produced from cereal and fungal sources viz: oats, barley, and yeast using ball milling which is considered as a green technology. The ß-glucan nanoparticles were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Fourier transform infra-spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, antioxidant, anticancerous, antimicrobial and antihypertensive potential of ß-glucan nanoparticles from different sources were also studied. The experimental results revealed that the average particle size for BN (Barley ß-glucan nanoparticle), ON (Oats ß-glucan nanoparticle), and YN (Yeast ß-glucan nanoparticle) were 90.35, 83.55 and 77.44 nm and zeta potential were in the range of -27 to -6.3 mV. . There was an increase in antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive activity of BN, YN, and ON in comparison to native. Study reported increase in anticancerous activity upon size reduction. Also, antibacterial activity of BNT, ONT, YNT, BN, ON and YN against Gram-negative and Gram-positive (E.coli & Bacillus Subtilis) were studied. It was concluded that the ß-glucan nanoparticles showed enhanced nutraceutical properties that might be due to the nanoreduction using green technology.

Techno-functional characterization of chitosan nanoparticles prepared through planetary ball milling.

Planetary ball milling of chitosan microparticles (CMP) for 8 h produced chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) having hydrodynamic diameter of 615.18 nm. The ζ-potential decreased from 56.48 mV (CMP) to 31.52 mV (CNP). High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed nanosize, irregular shape and surface roughening of CNP. CNP was whiter than CMP having higher water absorption capacity and decreased flow ability. Both CMP and CNP showed negligible swelling and no water solubility. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) revealed no chemical changes and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed decreased crystallinity in CNP. In CNP, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed increased thermal degradation; differential thermogravimetric (DTG) revealed increased rate of thermal degradation; and high temperature differential scanning calorimetry (HDSC) revealed broadening of endothermic and exothermic phases and reduction in glass transition temperature as compared to CMP. In conclusion, planetary ball milling for 8 h produces bright, amorphous and rough CNP with improved functional and comparable thermal properties.

Influence of ball milling on the production of starch nanoparticles and its effect on structural, thermal and functional properties.

The starch nanoparticles from water chestnut (WS), lotus stem (LS) and horse chestnut (HS) starch were synthesized using planetary ball milling. The starch nanoparticles were investigated by using various techniques like particle size analyser, differential scanning colorimeter (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), rheometer, and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The particle size of horse chestnut starch nanoparticles (HNS), water chestnut starch nanoparticles (WNS) and lotus stem starch nanoparticles (LNS) was found to be 343,271 & 855 nm with zeta potential of -18.75, -20.45 & -12.2 mV, respectively. SEM revealed small and damaged starch granules. The relative crystallinity was decreased from 13.13 to 6.22, 22.27 to 7.96 and 26.16 to 7.98% in HS, LS and WS starch after ball milling and average crystallite size of starch nanoparticles was found to be 9-12 nm. The starch nanoparticles also showed increase in transition temperature and viscosity as analysed by DSC and rheometer, respectively. These properties could be useful in particular food and drug formulations.

Functional characterization of biopolymer based composite film: Incorporation of natural essential oils and antimicrobial agents.

Rosemary (REO), mint essential oil (MEO), nisin and lactic acid were incorporated at 0.5% to develop a novel functional packaging film including chitosan pectin and starch polymers (0.75:1.5:0.75 w/w). Inclusion of REO and nisin significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved water barrier properties (0.014 g.mm/m224h), tensile strength (25.95 MPa) and thermal stability as compared to control. ATR-FTIR spectra and XRD pattern elucidated structural interaction between EO's and biocomposite films. Addition of REO of and nisin increased microsctructural heterogeneity and opacity (2.78). Incorporation of REO and nisin exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against all tested pathogenic strains (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes). The antioxidant properties of biocomposite films were analyzed using reducing power, metal chelation, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, which enhanced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with the addition of MEO and REO. This study validated that incorporation of natural additives in active biocomposite films offers promising functional ingredients for packaging materials for various food applications.

Water extractable pentosans - Quantification of ferulic acid using RP-HPLC, techno-rheological and antioxidant properties.

Water extractable pentosans extracted from three varieties of oats were studied for structural analysis using ATR- FTIR, ferulic acid content using RP-HPLC, antioxidant activity by DPPH, reducing power, and metal chelating assays, and functional properties. The appearance of absorption band at 1720 cm-1 in water extractable pentosans is assigned to the presence of aromatic esters as displayed from ATR-FTIR spectrum. All the samples exhibited non-newtonian behavior with viscosities following the order; SWEP > 20WEP > 90WEP. Bile acid binding capacity of water soluble pentosans varied significantly from 46.69 to 49.40%. RP-HPLC displayed that water extractable pentosans from SKO20 contained about 2 times higher FA (423.00 µg/100 g) compared to SWEP (250.00 µg/100 g) and 90 WEP (253.00 µg/100 g). Water soluble pentosans had DPPH scavenging activity, reducing power, and metal chelation activity in the range of 13.57-17.45 (µg α-tocopherol/g), 8.91-10.24 (µg BHT/g), and 0.55-0.76 (µg citric acid/g), respectively.

Nano-encapsulation of catechin in starch nanoparticles: Characterization, release behavior and bioactivity retention during simulated in-vitro digestion.

Novel starch-based nanoparticles from three sources: horse chestnut (HSC), water chestnut (WSC) and lotus stem (LSC) were prepared for nano-encapsulation of catechin. Average particle size of HSC, WSC and LSC based nano-particles were 322.7, 559.2 and 615.6 nm with encapsulation efficiency of 59.09, 48.30, and 55.00% and negative zeta potential of -18.05, -21.5 and -18.05 mv, respectively. Structural, physical and thermal properties were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). SEM revealed capsule formation with entrapped catechin, while broad characteristic peaks at 3475, 1650, 1383, 1148, 1083 and 790 cm-1 depicts encapsulation of catechin in starch nanoparticles without any evident interaction. XRD showed loss of crystallinity after encapsulation. Higher content of catechin in intestinal juice ensured controlled release in intestine. Bioactive properties were retained at higher level in encapsulated catechin compared to free catechin upon in-vitro digestion.