Absence Of Mold Research Articles

LAMTORO FERMENTASI (LaFer): PAKAN PENYANGGA MUSIM KEMARAU

The availability of feed throughout the season is a problem in livestock development in West Nusa Tenggara Province. The abundance of feed sources in the rainy season is inversely proportional to the shortage of forage and other feed sources in the dry season. As a result, the condition of livestock in the dry season is very thin and malnourished, leading to miscarriage and death. To overcome these problems, processing technology and storage of abundant feed sources in the rainy season so that they can be used in the dry season are very necessary. Lamtoro Fermentation (LaFer) is a feed from lamtoro (Leuchaena sp.) that is fermented with other ingredients so that it can be stored for a long time for use in the dry season. The LaFer was made at the Agropreneur Center of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, University of Mataram in Sambik Elen Village, Bayan District, North Lombok Regency, which is a research center for lamtoro as animal feed. The results of the activity showed that fresh lamtoro that was wilted for 24 hours, chopped and mixed with chopped corn straw, then sprayed with lactic acid bacteria mixture and fermented for at least 1 month in silo with the addition of rice bran can produce silage with good quality characterized by the absence of mold, tape-like smell, greenish color, and has high palatability for goats. The lamtoro silage is a bit dark in color because it loses Mg in chlorophyll when it reacts with organic acids to become brown phaeophytin and as an indicator that lamtoro silage contains a high pigment. Fermentation technology can be used to extend the shelf life of lamtoro so that it becomes a source of feed source protein throughout the season for livestock.

3D Printable Materials Based on Renewable Polymers from Terpene Alcohols and Calcium Carbide

AbstractThe transition to a sustainable future requires the use of waste‐free technologies for production. Potentially, additive technologies can be a promising approach for accessing circular economy due to the precise amount of feeding materials and the absence of molds. However, the initial feeding materials for additive approaches are often based on non–renewable hydrocarbon sources. This work focused on the use of polymers derived from terpene alcohols to develop a filament suitable for 3D printing. Initially, the vinylation of menthol using calcium carbide was optimized and scaled up, then a series of terpenyl–based vinyl ethers were obtained under optimal conditions. The cationic polymerization of vinyl ethers was also scaled up and resulted in 99 % yield of the polymers, which was subsequently subjected to hot extrusion. The initial terpenol was used as an additive to increase polymer flexibility. The addition of menthol (30 wt %) to polyvinyl menthol led to the suitable filament. Using the filament, a series of objects were 3D printed at 125 °C. The material demonstrated good sinterability and adhesion to glass and shrinkage comparable to that of commercial 3D printing filaments. Furthermore, the polymers obtained were used as additives to enhance the adhesion of commercially available filaments.

Characterizing hay buying and feeding practices and attitudes among Pennsylvania horse owners

Existing data on the equine hay market and buying preferences in Pennsylvania (PA) is outdated and more recent data is needed. The objective of this project was to characterize the practices and attitudes of PA horse hay buyers. An online survey was created and distributed. It received 435 total responses (of these, 346 were complete responses) from PA horse hay buyers from October 2021 to February 2022. Data presented (descriptive statistics) represents the percentage of respondents answering that question. Most (76%) respondents were in the recreational sector of the horse industry and the majority (62%) purchased hay for 2-5 horses. Small square bales (2-string) were most commonly purchased (93%), and most respondents bought their hay exclusively by the bale (75%). The most common reasons for not purchasing large bales were not being able to transport or handle them (70%), followed by not having adequate storage (60%). Horse owners were most likely to buy hay directly from local farmers (90%) than any other source. The top three most important factors when purchasing hay were absence of mold, absence of weeds, and smell (rated “very important” by 98, 53, and 52% of respondents, respectively). Most respondents did not use hay feeders in stalls or outside (38 and 50%, respectively). Most hay buyers (63%) never have their hay analyzed for nutrient content. The data collected from this survey can help hay producers understand buying practices of horse owners and help equine nutritionists identify areas of need for horse owner education about hay.

Kualitas Fisik Silase Jerami Padi Dengan Penambahan Dosis EM4 Yang Berbeda Sebagai Pakan Ternak Ruminansia

This study aims to determine the physical quality of rice straw silage with the addition of different doses of EM4. The research was conducted at the Feed Engineering Technology Laboratory, Animal Husbandry Department, Pattimura University for 21 days. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and 4 replications, namely P0= rice straw + 0% EM4 P1= rice straw + 0.5% EM4 P2= rice straw + 1% EM4 P3= rice straw + 1.5% EM4. The variables observed were texture, color, aroma, pH, and presence or absence of mold. The results of the research showed that each treatment with additional doses of EM4 obtained good results regarding texture, color, aroma, pH, and the presence or absence of mold. The higher the dose of EM4 given, the lower the acidity (pH) value. The addition of EM4 as much as 1.5%, in this study aims to determine the physical quality of rice straw silage with the addition of EM4 giving the best results on the physical quality of rice straw silage, namely soft texture, good color (yellowish green), sour aroma, pH 4.2 and there is no fungus at all.

Quality Of Pakchong Grass Silage (Crimson Pennywort Cv. Thailand) with The Addition Of Different Of Molasses As Ruminant Feed

Quality Of Pakchong Grass Silage (Crimson Pennywort Cv. Thailand) with The Addition Of Different Of Molasses As Ruminant Feed

114 Hay buying and feeding practices among Pennsylvania horse owners

Existing data on the equine hay market and buying preferences in Pennsylvania (PA) is outdated and not statewide. More recent data is needed to inform those who advise horse owners on hay and nutrition. The objective of this project was to characterize the practices and attitudes of PA horse hay buyers. An online survey was advertised via e-mail lists, social media, and print advertisements. It received 435 total responses (of these, 346 were complete responses) from PA horse hay buyers from October 2021 to February 2022. Data presented (descriptive statistics) represents the percentage of respondents answering that question. Most (76%) respondents were in the recreational sector of the horse industry and the majority (62%) purchased hay for 2–5 horses. Small square bales (2-string) were the most commonly purchased (93%), and most respondents bought their hay exclusively by the bale (75%) rather than exclusively by the ton (4%) or either (21%). For those who did not purchase large bales (round or square), the most common reason was not being able to transport or handle them (70%), followed by not having adequate storage (60%). Horse owners were most likely to buy hay directly from local farmers (90%) than any other source. They were more likely to exclusively pick up their hay than to require delivery, while some would consider either (40, 33, and 26%, respectively). The 3 most popular hay species were mixed grasses (64%),orchardgrass (38%), and timothy (35%). Buyers slightly preferred second or later cuttings to first cutting or did not care about cutting (53, 43, and 30%, respectively). Most (47%) believed that second or later cuttings were higher quality than first cutting, but 38% believed that all cuttings can be high-quality. The top 3 most important factors when purchasing hay were absence of mold, absence of weeds, and smell (rated “very important” by 98, 53, and 52% of respondents, respectively). Most respondents did not use hay feeders in stalls or outside (38 and 50%, respectively). Those who did use hay feeders used them primarily to reduce hay waste (56%). Most hay buyers (63%) never have their hay analyzed for nutrient content, but those that are interested in testing hay report wanting to balance the horse's diet around the forage quality and to check certain nutrients for specific health concerns (37 and 34%, respectively). To get answers to hay-related questions, most respondents ask hay producers or veterinarians (25 and 22%, respectively). The data collected from this survey can help hay producers understand buying practices of horse owners and help equine nutritionists identify areas of need for horse owner education about hay.

Influence of taste components on the safety of butter

Fatty foods can be considered healthy food formulas if they meet the following conditions: have a reduced calorie content; balanced fatty acid composition; vitamins and biologically active compounds; They do not contain cholesterol or trans fats. To give a functional orientation to butter, additional flavoring components can be introduced. The authors conducted research to study the storage capacity of butter with flavoring components. As fillers, a mixture of seeds and herbs was added to it. The resulting oil samples had a pronounced creamy taste with a taste of the added filler, without foreign tastes and odors, a dense, plastic texture, a shiny surface on the cut, dry in appearance, with the inclusion of filler particles. The mass fraction of product fat was 62%. The filler has antioxidant activity, reduces the spoilage of the fat fraction during storage. Determination of the resistance of fat at 102 ºС was carried out to test its ability to oxidative processes. The test sample was stored without signs of spoilage for 10 hours, the control one for 8 hours. Studies of the oil acidity index during storage have been carried out. It was found that at the end of the shelf life, the acidity index of the oil was 0.5 ± 0.1 °K less than that of the control sample. Tested for mold susceptibility. The absence of mold after 14 days of storage indicated the relative resistance of the oil to mold. Thus, the use of non-traditional plant components in the production of oil and fat products contributes to the expansion of their range and quality.

PENGARUH AMONIASI DENGAN LEVEL UREA YANG BERBEDA PADA LIMBAH KULIT SINGKONG TERHADAP KUALITAS FISIK DAN ORGANOLEPTIK

This study aimed to determine the effect and optimal levels of urea in ammoniated cassava peel waste on color, aroma, texture, presence or absence of mold, pH, and temperature. This research was conducted on April 6—28th 2021 at the Nutrition and Animal Feed Laboratory, Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments were cassava peel waste (P0), cassava peel waste with the addition of 1.5% urea (P1), cassava peel waste with the addition of 3% urea (P2), and cassava peel waste with the addition of 4.5% urea (P3 ). The data obtained were analysed using analysis of variance and continued with the Orthogonal Polynomial test. The result of the analysis of variance showed that the urea levels were significantly different in terms of color, scent, fungus, and pH, while texture and temperature were not significantly different. The results of the study on ammoniation of cassava peel waste with the optimal level of urea for color was 3.6%/kg dry matter of cassava peel waste, the optimal urea level for scent variable was 3.44%/kg dry matter cassava peel waste, the optimal urea level for fungus variable was 7.51%/kg dry matter cassava peel waste, and the optimal urea level for pH variable was 4.67%/kg dry matter of cassava peel waste.
 
 Keywords: ammoniation, cassava peel, color, aroma, texture, presence or absence of fungus, pH, and temperature

Assessment of silage quality of phytogenic fortified feed samples in mini-silos for ruminants

Article Details: Received: 2019-12-04 | Accepted: 2020-02-18 | Available online: 2020-03-31 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2020.23.01.24-28 This study was conducted to assess the silage quality of Zingiber officinale fortified samples in a completely randomized design. The samples consisted of four treatments as samples: Cassava peel (65%) + Moringa leaf (15%) + PKC (20%)+ Ginger (0 g), Cassava peel (65%) + Moringa leaf (15%) + PKC (20%) + ginger (200 g), Cassava peel (65%) + Moringa leaf (15%) + PKC (20%) + ginger (300 g), Cassava peel (65%) + Moringa leaf (15%) + PKC (20%) + ginger (400 g). The physical characteristics; colour, smell, texture, pH, temperature and mould status were observed. All samples retained their original colour, had pleasant alcoholic smell with a firm texture, the pH ranged from 4.2–4.4, temperature range of 25–26 °C with sample D having the highest temperature range of 26 °C while samples A and B had the same temperature of 25.5 °C. The mould status showed absence of mould. The chemical composition revealed that dry matter ranged from 40.86% (sample B) to 54.68% (sample D). Crude protein content ranged from 13.30% to 14.88%, crude fibre content of the samples was significantly (p <0.05) different and it ranged from 14.67% to 22.14%. The mineral concentrations of the samples were higher in Zingiber officinale samples except in sample A where potassium was higher (100.40 mg 100 g-1) than in other samples. Volatile fatty acid composition showed that lactic acid (3.24–4.86%) had higher concentration than other acids. It can therefore be concluded that Zingiber officinale fortified sample showed better nutritional potential as ruminant feed. Keywords: volatile fatty acid, silage, Zingiber officinale , ruminants References Adediran , O. A, Uwalaka , E. C. and Kolapo, T.U. (2014). Antihelminthic and Anticoccidial Effects of Vernonia amygdalina in Goats. Journal of Veterinary Advances, 4(7), 610–615. Ademola, S. G., Farinu, G. O. and Babatunde , G. M. (2009). Serum lipid growth and hematological parameters of broilers fed garlic, ginger and their mixtures. World Journal of Agricultural Science, 5(1), 9–104. Aluwong , T., Kobo, P. I and Abdullahi, A. (2010). Volatile fatty acids production in ruminants and the role of monocarboxylate transporters. African Journal of Biotechnology, 9(38), 6229–6232. Ashbell, G. Z.G. et al. (2002). The effects of temperature on the aerobic stability of wheat and corn silages. J. Ind. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 28, 261–263. Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC) (1990). Official Methods of Analysis. 15th edn. Association Official Analytical Chemists, 805–845. Bilal, M.Q (2009). Effect of molasses and corn as silage additives on the characteristics of mott dwarf elephant grass silage at different fermentation periods. Pakistan Veterinary Journal, 29, 19–23. Castrillo C. (2001). The effect of crude fibre on apparent digestibility and digestible energy content of extruded dog foods. Journal of Animal physiology and Animal nutrition, 231–236. Daniel, O. A. (2015). Urban extreme weather: a challenge for a healthy Living environment in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Climate, 3(4), 775–791. Ibhaze, G.A and Fajemisin , A.N. (2015). Feed intake and nitrogen metabolism by West African Dwarf does fed naturally fermented maizecob based diets. World Journal of Animal Science Research, 3(2), 1 – 8. Jenkins, T.C. and McGuire, M.A. (2006). Major Advances in Nutrition: Impact on milk composition. Journal of Dairy Science, 89(10),1302–1310. Kung, L. and Shaver, R. (2001). Interpretation and use of silage fermentation analyses reports. Focus on Forage, 3(13). Manni, G. and Caron , F. (1995). Calibration and determination of volatile fatty acids in waste leachates by gas chromatography. J. Chromatogr. A, 690, 237. Mohammed , A. A and Yusuf, M. (2011). Evaluation of ginger (Zingiber officinale) as a feed additive in broiler diets. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 23(9). Moran , J. (2005). Making quality silage. Tropical dairy farming. Feeding management for small holder dairy farmers inthe tropics. Landlinks Press. N.R.C (1984) Nutrient Requirements of sheep. National Research Council- National Academy of Sciences, Washington DC. Nhan, N.T.H., Hon, N.V., and Preston , T.R. (2009). Ensiling with or without additives to preserve pineapple residue and reduce pollution of the environment. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 21, Article #96. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd21/7/nhan21096.htm Norton , B.W (2003). Studies of the nutritive of Austrialian goat : thesis (D.Agric; Sc). University of Melbourne. Pauzenga , U. (1985). Feeding Parent Stock. Zootecnica International., 22–24. SAS (2012). Statistical Analysis System. SAS Version 9.2 user’s guide. Cary, NY: SAS institute. Schroeder , J.W. (2004). Corn Silage management. Pub. AS-1253. NDSU Coop. Ext.Ser.pub. 1254. Van Soest, P.J. and Robertson , J.B. (1985). Analysis of forages and fibrous foods. Lab Manual for Animal Science no. 613. Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, 105–106. Weinberg , Z.G. et al. (2001). The effect of temperature on the ensiling process of corn and wheat. J Appl. Microbial., 90, 561–566.

In English

One of the main problems today is the storage of funds, provision of storage conditions, the absence of mold, microbiological dispersions in the air, processing of documents, detoxification of previously processed materials. In this work, samples of papers (condenser, writing, carton for lamination) and usage of biocidal materials (Polydez, Gembar and Metatin) were investigated. The technology of processing samples is not very simple. Biocidal effects were carried out on test cultures of microscopic fungi taken from damaged documents. In addition, samples of papers processed with composite mixtures containing basalt and cellulose fibers, montmorillonite clay and sodium resin salts (SSRA) or sodium humate (SH) were studied in parallel. Aging of samples was monitored by indicators such as the material's whiteness and breakthrough strength (n.d.f.) - the properties that are sensitive to the aging process. It has been proved that samples containing basalt and cellulose fibers, montmorillonite and sodium salts of resin acids (or sodium humate) are more likely to suppress the spread of fungi and microorganisms than official state biocidal materials. Therefore, in this work it is proposed the material and composition mixture, which guarantees certain physical and mechanical properties of the finished product and has a much simpler and cheaper technology to obtain the disinfecting material.

Microbiological evaluation of locally produced ice cream in Baquba city. Iraq

This study aimed to evaluate the bacteriological quality of ice cream made locally and seller’s hands in different sites of Baquba city. The samples include 70 randomly collected ice cream and 25 sample taken from seller’s hands. All samples were free from salmonella and shigella also the absence of mold and yeast was concluded. The distribution of isolated bacteria from ice cream samples was as follow: %47, %34, %28, %26, %9 for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Streptococcus faecalis and Bacillus cereus while in seller’s hands were as %44, %24, %24, %24, %20, %8, %8 for the respectively Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus spp., Streptococcus faecalis, Citrobacter spp. and Enertobacter aerogenes. Generally the pathogenic bacteria as Escherichia coli isolated in highest number in both ice cream and seller’s hands The range of bacterial total count for ice cream samples was between 3.3 × 105 and 5.2 × 105 cfu/g. The present study showed that the microbiological quality of the ice cream samples not fit the standard value. The results of this study encourage the necessity of providing hygienic conditions in the process, preparing, package and marketing to minimize the contamination of such a most consumed dairy product like ice cream.

Phytochemical, elemental, antioxidant, antimicrobial and hypoglycemic studies of a mixed herbal product used for the management of diabetics

Medicinal plants are important sources of disease-preventing compounds, which are important for the treatment of various health challenges such as diabetes. On an aqueous extract of a herbal product (HP) used for the management of diabetes, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and AlCl3 method respectively. Microbiological evaluation was done by determining the total viable, yeast, mould and coliform bacteria count. The elemental analysis was carried out using atomic absorption spectrometer. The acute toxicity was done using Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline while the hypoglycemic activity was evaluated using alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Flavonoids, saponins, alkaloid, cardiac glycoside, steroids and terpenoids were detected in the HP. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents obtained was 1.58±0.001mg/g quercetin equivalent and 10.84±0.003 mg/g gallic acid equivalent respectively. Heavy metals Fe and Zn were present while Cu, Cd, Cr and Pb were absent. Na and K were also present at concentrations of 3.90 and 2.20mg·kg−1 respectively. The total viable and coliform counts were found to be 1.34 x 105 and 9.0 x 104 cfu/g respectively while there was absence of mould and yeast in the HP. The LD50 of the HP was found to be above 5000 mg/kg. At dose of 125 mg/kg, the HP significantly (P&lt;005) reduced glucose level to 143 mg/dL after 4 hours and to 123 mg/dL after 8 hours. The phytochemicals present, safety and the anti-diabetic activity justify the use of this HP in the management of diabetes.Keywords: Phytochemical screening; Elemental analysis; Herbal product; Diabetes

Mold/aflatoxin contamination of honey bee collected pollen from different Serbian regions

Assessment of microbiological quality of bee collected pollen is very important, because of its use as a supplement in the human diet. In this study, 26 samples collected from different location in Serbia were tested for the presence of mold through mycologial analysis. The presence of aflatoxin B1, one of the most dangerous and the most widespread mycotoxin was also determined. It was established that 10 of the investigated samples were contaminated with some genera or species of mold, but all of the investigated samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B1. Considering that there is no unique and official procedure for mycological analysis of bee collected pollen, these findings suggest the need for their establishment. Mycological analysis should be followed by mycotoxicological analysis since the absence of mold does not confirm the absence of aflatoxin B1 in bee pollen.

Health and living conditions in social housing: comparison between rehabilitated and non-rehabilitated neighbourhoods

Our aim is to compare how residents from two social housing neighbourhoods of Porto City, one rehabilitated and one non-rehabilitated, perceived their living conditions, health and quality of life. A cross-sectional study was conducted, selecting residents from two social housing neighbourhoods of Porto City, one rehabilitated and another one non-rehabilitated. The information was collected through quantitative (a structured questionnaire; n = 82) and qualitative face-to-face interviews administered by trained interviewers (n = 16). No significant differences were found between populations from both neighbourhoods regarding social, behavioural and health characteristics. The major differences among neighbourhoods were found on variables such as satisfaction with house, the need of rehabilitation work, and the absence of mould and dampness in the house (p < 0.001) as well as pollution (p < 0.05). Qualitative data showed that residents from the rehabilitated houses were pleased not to have been moved to another location and were very satisfied with the rehabilitation work, which in their perception contributed to the residents’ wellbeing. Nominal and ordinal variables were described using proportions and compared using the chi-square test. Quantitative continuous variables were presented as a median (percentile 25 to percentile 75) and they were compared via the Mann-Whitney test. Public economic and financing resources should be redirected to social housing rehabilitation that, although in the short term does not have a direct impact on health savings for the occupants, is an important dimension of the residents’ sense of wellbeing and satisfaction.

Courts Uphold Denials of Coverage Even in the Absence of Mold, Lead, and Asbestos Exclusions

ABSTRACTCourts have upheld insurers’ disclaimers on mold, lead, and asbestos claims under comprehensive general liability (CGL) policies, evidencing the importance of maintaining affirmative cover in the emerging environmental insurance marketplace. Removing a CGL mold, lead, or asbestos exclusion is helpful, but insurers may assert a coverage defense and not pay a claim for reasons that have included: failure to meet the burden of proof, failure to trigger coverage, an absolute pollution exclusion, a preexisting condition exclusion, a defective design exclusion, a faulty workmanship exclusion, a business risk exclusion, a known loss or loss in progress, a custody and control exclusion, an owned property exclusion, and late notice. Accordingly, affirmative coverage grants contained in environmental insurance policies are necessary to protect against such losses and maximize recoveries.

Improving the nutritive value, in vitro digestibility and aerobic stability of Hedychium gardnerianum silage through application of additives at ensiling time

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of applying lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculant, molasses and urea (106cfu/g, 50ml/kg and 5g/kg on fresh basis, respectively) on ensiling characteristics of Hedychium gardnerianum. Eight treatments of Hedychium were investigated; untreated, with molasses, with urea and with molasses plus urea. Each of these was ensiled alone or after the addition of a bacterial inoculant (containing fibrolytic enzymes). The experimental design was a randomized complete block, with a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Forages were ensiled in laboratory silos for 60 days at room temperature. Chemical composition, microbial populations and in vitro digestibility of forages were determined before and after ensiling. Fermentation products and aerobic stability were measured after silos opening. Addition of molasses or molasses plus urea with or without inoculation had the better (P<0.05) fermentation results. These silages showed lower enterobacteria, clostridial and yeast counts, the absence of molds and the higher numbers of LAB. Also in these silages, the observed pH and ammonia nitrogen were below 4 and 40g/kg TN, respectively. The inoculated silages presented the higher lactic acid (P<0.05) and the lower acetic, butyric and propionic acid values. The inoculated silages had shorter periods of aerobic stability than the un-inoculated. Silages treated only with urea either inoculated or not showed the worst fermentation properties, the highest numbers of undesired microbes, the lowest digestibility values and the early aerobic instability. While, silage received molasses plus urea with inoculant, revealed the best fermentation characteristics (pH 3.70; lactic acid, 72.4g/kg DM; ammonia N, 29.4g/kg TN and absence of butyric acid), the highest crude protein value (183.6g/kg DM) and the maximum digestibility (56.31% over control). So, for the better utilization of H. gardnerianum as an alternative feed for ruminants, the later treatment is recommended.

Usefulness of pan-fungal NASBA test for surveillance of environmental fungal contamination in a protected hematology unit

A pan-fungal nucleic acid sequence based applification (NASBA) test was adapted and used for the first time to detect and quantify the level of filamentous fungi in environmental samples. Surface samples (n = 356) collected in a controlled air flow hematology ward were tested by mycological culture and the pan-fungal NASBA test. The overall percentage of agreement between culture and NASBA was 88%, the Kappa coefficient was equal to 0.61 (95%CI = [0.51; 0.72]). This pan-fungal NASBA test could be a promising tool to rapidly monitor the absence of molds in controlled environments.

Nanoreinforcement of Pectin Film to Enhance its Functional Packaging Properties by Incorporating ZnO Nanoparticles

The main objective of this study was to enhance functional packaging properties of pectin film by using zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as nanoreinforcing agent. Pectin/ZnO bio-nanocomposite films were fabricated at 4 levels of ZnO-NPs, i.e., 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0% (w/w). The effects of ZnO-NPs incorporation on improving the mechanical properties and water resistance of the films were investigated. ZnO-NPs were successfully incorporated into pectin films by nanodispersion technique followed by casting method. The presence of ZnO-NPs inside pectin films was observed clearly by SEM. The improvement in tensile strength could be achieved with ZnO-NPs incorporation without obvious loss in elasticity. Potential antimicrobial activity of pectin-ZnO nanocomposite films was proved in the absence of mold after exposing them at 97% RH and room temperature for 14 days, whereas the growth of mold had been observed in pure pectin film after 3 days of exposure. In terms of film transparency, the significant change in film opacity was only found in the film prepared with 5% of ZnO. Results suggested that it would be favorable to prepare pectin/ZnO nanocomposite film by using ZnO-NPs at the amount of 2% (w/w) in the future work.

Innovative Technologies: Sweet Deal for Cocoa Production?

Innovative Technologies: Sweet Deal for Cocoa Production?

Effect of packaging conditions on the growth of micro-organisms and the quality characteristics of fresh mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) stored at inadequate temperatures.

Mushrooms were packed in two polymeric films (perforated and non-perforated PVC) and stored at 17 degrees C and 25 degrees C. The carbon dioxide and oxygen content inside the packages, aerobic mesophiles, Pseudomonas spp., faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, anaerobic spores and major sensory factors (colour, texture, development stage and presence of moulds) were determined. The non-perforated packages had the highest contents of CO2 (6-7%), the lowest contents of O2 (0.013-0.17%) and the most desirable quality parameters (texture, development stage and absence of moulds). Pseudomonas spp. counts were around 1 logarithmic unit lower in mushrooms packaged in non-perforated film as the O2 concentrations were lower than in perforated film. The mushrooms themselves were inoculated with an enterotoxin A-producing strain of Staphylococcus aureus, packaged in overwrapped trays and stored at 17 and 25 degrees C. Staphylococcus aureus did not grow in the samples stored at 17 degrees C. Only slight growth was observed in mushrooms packaged with non-perforated film after 1 day at 25 degrees C. No enterotoxin was detected in any package. Faecal coliform counts were <2 log cfu g(-1). Escherichia coli was not isolated in any of the samples. At 25 degrees C, counts of anaerobic spores of around 2 log cfu g(-1) were detected in those mushrooms packaged in non-perforated film.