Non-enzymatic browning kinetics in sucrose-glycine aqueous and dehydrated model systems in presence of MgCl2.

The development of non-enzymatic browning in the presence of MgCl2 was evaluated in liquid and dehydrated sucrose-glycine model systems, in relation to interactions of the salt with water and/or with sucrose. In both systems, browning was accelerated by the presence of MgCl2 because of the increased sugar hydrolysis (ten times faster) and the reduction of water mobility (1H NMR T2 relaxation times) caused by this salt (between 6 and 14% lower), counteracting the inhibitory effect of water on the Maillard reaction. MgCl2 also provoked a 40% reduction on the fluorophores quantum yield, responsible also of the fluctuations observed in the fluorescence development as a function of time after 50 h at 70 °C. Molecular and supramolecular effects of the presence of MgCl2 have been observed on the Maillard reaction kinetics. These results are of high technological interest when strategies to control the Maillard reaction rate are required for a particular application.

Alginate edible films containing microencapsulated lemongrass oil or citral: effect of encapsulating agent and storage time on physical and antimicrobial properties.

Active edible films have been proposed as an alternative to extend shelf life of fresh foods. Most essential oils have antimicrobial properties; however, storage conditions could reduce their activity. To avoid this effect the essential oil (EO) can be microencapsulated prior to film casting. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the type of encapsulating agent (EA), type of EO and storage time on physical properties and antimicrobial activity of alginate-based films against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Trehalose (TH), Capsul® (CAP) and Tween 20 (Tw20) were used as EA. Lemongrass essential oil (LMO) and citral were used as active agents. The results showed that the type of EA affected the stability of the film forming-emulsions as well as the changes in opacity and colour of the films during storage but not the antimicrobial activity of them. Both microencapsulated EOs showed a prolonged release from the alginate films during the 28 days of storage. Trehalose was selected to encapsulate both active compounds because the films made with this microencapsulated EA showed the greatest physical stability and the lowest color variation among all the films studied.

Edible antimicrobial films based on microencapsulated lemongrass oil.

Edible films and coatings have been proposed as viable alternatives for the preservation of fresh food such as fruit, meat, fish and cheese. They can be designed to contain natural antioxidants, vitamins and antimicrobials in order to extend shelf life of the product keeping the natural sensorial properties. Essential oils have been targeted as potential active principles for edible films and coatings given their well-recognized antioxidant, antimicrobial and sensory properties. In the present work, lemongrass oil (LMO) microcapsules were prepared by the emulsification-separation method using sodium caseinate as wall material. Microcapsules had an average size of 22 µm and contained over 51 % oil in their nucleus. The release kinetics of the LMO components was studied for both, microcapsules and microcapsule containing films. Experimental data for the controlled release of LMO components showed good correlation with Peppas and Weibull models. The effect of the alginate matrix on the release parameters of the mathematical models could be detected by the modification of the b constant of the Weibull equation which changed from 0.167 for the microcapsules to 0.351 for the films. Films containing LMO at concentrations of 1250, 2500 and 5000 ppm were able to inhibit growth of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Listeria monocytogenes ISP 65-08 in liquid cultures. A possible future application of these films for shelf life extension of fresh food is discussed.

Multi-level approach for the analysis of water effects in corn flakes.

The purpose of this work was to analyze the effect of water on thermal transitions, mechanical properties, and molecular mobility in corn flakes (CF), and their relationships. Commercial common (CCF) and sugar-frosted (SCF) corn flakes were studied in a water content (wc) range from 5 to 20 (% dry basis). The slope of (1)H NMR spin-spin relaxation time T 2* (determined by FID) versus temperature plot changed close to T g. Compression force showed a maximum at wc of ca. 12 and 16% (db) for SCF and CCF, respectively. (1)H NMR complemented DSC data in determining the temperature dependence of water and solid mobility, in order to assess quality of laminated corn products. The results of the present work indicate that while the compression force showed a maximum value as a function of water content, T g values determined by DSC or by spin-spin relaxation decreased progressively with increasing water content.

Fluorescence from the maillard reaction and its potential applications in food science.

The chemistry of the Maillard reaction involves a complex set of steps, and its interpretation represents a challenge in basic and applied aspects of Food Science. Fluorescent compounds have been recognized as important early markers of the reaction in food products since 1942. However, the recent advances in the characterization of fluorophores' development were observed in biological and biomedical areas. The in vivo non-enzymatic glycosylation of proteins produces biological effects, promoting health deterioration. The characteristic fluorescence of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) is similar to that of Maillard food products and represents an indicator of the level of AGE-modified proteins, but the structure of the fluorescent groups is, typically, unknown. Application of fluorescence measurement is considered a potential tool for addressing key problems of food deterioration as an early marker or index of the damage of biomolecules. Fluorophores may be precursors of the brown pigments and/or end products. A general scheme of the Maillard reaction is proposed in this article, incorporating the pool concept. A correct interpretation of the effect of environmental and compositional conditions and their influences on the reaction kinetics may help to define the meaning of fluorescence development for each particular system.