Cold Storage Research Articles

Development of an internet of things based smart cold storage with inventory monitoring system

Consuming fresh drupes, vegetables can help lower a chance of developing several chronic diseases. Unfortunately, the post-harvest life cycle's storage stage is where fruits and vegetables (FVs) lose the most of all the food that is produced annually. A failure to recognize important ambient environmental conditions when using cold storage seems to be the main causes of this elevated loss rate. The current monitoring systems for cold storage are only able to measure warmth and moistness and ignoring further crucial acceptable surrounding factors of radiance and gas quantity. Serious matter gets handled in order to lower the system’s harm degree. The real time intelligent monitoring and notification system (RT-IMNS) for icy container is described briefly in the paper. It employs a device management platform (IoT)-enabled technique to continuously monitor hotness, comparative moisture, brightness, fume quantity and alert staff when dangerous thresholds are reached.

Achieving sustainability in ultra-low temperature (ULT) cold storage using low-GWP refrigerants: A case for the tuna industry in Japan

Achieving sustainability in ultra-low temperature (ULT) cold storage using low-GWP refrigerants: A case for the tuna industry in Japan

Inhibitory effects of κ-carrageenan oligosaccharides on histamine formation in Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) during cold storage

Inhibitory effects of κ-carrageenan oligosaccharides on histamine formation in Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) during cold storage

Experimental study and synergistic performance analysis of phase change material assisted cold thermal storage system for energy efficient air cooling

Experimental study and synergistic performance analysis of phase change material assisted cold thermal storage system for energy efficient air cooling

Effect of temperature fluctuations on large yellow croaker fillets (Larimichthys crocea) in cold chain logistics: A microbiological and metabolomic analysis

Currently, aquatic products are mainly transported through cold chain logistics, which has been proven to significantly reduce the deterioration of quality and freshness. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of quality deterioration in large yellow croaker fillets under different cold chain conditions, specifically focusing on temperature fluctuations. Quality changes in the fillets were assessed through microbiological indicators and physicochemical properties. High-throughput sequencing was used to identify the microbial community structure, and LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics identified the distinctive metabolites in the fillets under cold chain conditions. Notably, the group experiencing the greatest temperature fluctuations exhibited the highest pH value (7.15), trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-soluble peptides content (10.57 μmol tyrosine/g), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content (34.91 mg N/100 g), and hypoxanthine (Hx) content (4.70 μmol/g), along with the lowest hypoxanthine ribonucleoside (HxR) content (1.67 μmol/g) and water holding capacity (WHC) value (79.22%). High-throughput sequencing results showed that the relative abundance of Aeromonas reached 54.01-56.95% in the temperature fluctuation groups on day 7.5. Additionally, the sharpest decrease in the relative abundance of Shewanella in temperature fluctuations groups was 70.16% lower than in the constant temperature group. Bioinformatics analyses further confirmed that amino acid metabolism was the most affected metabolic pathway due to temperature fluctuations in cold chain logistics. This study provides new insights that can improve the practical implementation of cold chain storage and preservation of fish.

Experimental and numerical study on cold storage properties of organic/inorganic composites in thermal energy storage

Experimental and numerical study on cold storage properties of organic/inorganic composites in thermal energy storage

Exploration of the changes in volatile flavor compounds of low salt dry-curing grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) blocks during cold storage detected by E-nose, HS-SAFE-GC-MS and HS-GC-IMS

Exploration of the changes in volatile flavor compounds of low salt dry-curing grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) blocks during cold storage detected by E-nose, HS-SAFE-GC-MS and HS-GC-IMS

Development and performance analysis of cold storage systems utilising aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials integrated with photovoltaic solar energy

Development and performance analysis of cold storage systems utilising aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials integrated with photovoltaic solar energy

Production of non-embryogenic synthetic seeds for short-term cold storage and ISSR marker-assisted genetic fidelity analysis of Coleus forskohlii (Willd) Briq. plants

Production of non-embryogenic synthetic seeds for short-term cold storage and ISSR marker-assisted genetic fidelity analysis of Coleus forskohlii (Willd) Briq. plants

Normothermic Machine Perfusion vs. Static Cold Storage in Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) represents an alternative to prolong liver preservation and reduce organ discard rates. We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to compare NMP with static cold storage (SCS) in liver transplantation. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or observational studies. Risk ratios (RR) and mean differences were calculated. p < 0.05 was considered significant. A random-effects model was applied for all outcomes. CRD42023486184. We included 1295 patients from 5 RCTs and 6 observational studies from 2016 to 2023. 592 (45.7%) underwent NMP. A subgroup RCT analysis favored NMP for non-anastomotic strictures (RR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2, 0.9), postreperfusion syndrome (RR 0.4; 95% CI 0.27, 0.56), and early allograft dysfunction (RR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4, 0.9). NMP favored higher organ utilization rates (RR 1.1; 95% CI 1.02, 1.18). No significant differences between NMP and SCS were observed in graft survival or patient survival at 12 months, primary non-function, serious adverse events, overall biliary complications, AST, or bilirubin levels peak within the first 7 days, ICU or hospital length of stay. Our findings suggest that NMP is associated with lower non-anastomotic biliary stricture rates, postreperfusion syndrome, early allograft dysfunction, and higher organ utilization in the RCT subgroup analysis, without increasing adverse events.

An Analysis of Farmer Awareness for Banana Production from a Technological and Geographic Perspective in Indapur Tahsil of Pune District, India

The Indapur tehsil an arid climate region is gaining recognition as a prime location for banana cultivation. The identification of water sources, fertile soil, favourable climate, and income resulted in a shift towards cultivating bananas. This research identified a gap between the practices of farmers and modern agricultural techniques. The study is the first to survey farmers' understanding of geography, farming techniques, challenges faced, and factors for successful production in the region. Data was gathered from 270 banana farmers in various villages using qualitative and quantitative research methods, official documents, and on-site observations. The findings indicated that the farmers displayed a good understanding of drip irrigation and the use of liquid fertilizer through this method. Farmers showed a moderate understanding of soil quality, organic farming, tissue culture plantlets, banana variety selection, year-round farming, and crop protection. Factors such as land ownership, gender of the family head, family size, age, education, farming experience, subsidies, crop insurance, and access to information influence modern agricultural practices which is evident in the perception index. The perception index also highlights the necessity for focused attention on aspects such as application of agrochemicals to leaves, bunch feeding, the use of humidity sensors in irrigation, mulching, crop rotation, diseases caused by fungus, intercropping, cold storage, and ISO certification. Dry environments and the adoption of plantlets grown through tissue culture can reduce the risk of pest and disease issues. Rise in fertilizer and raw material cost, price fluctuations, commissions, middlemen’s dishonesty, domestic and export market support and labour costs are major issues. It is recommended to offer awareness programs and training on modern farming techniques and banana export, along with strengthening of farmers organizations and communication channels. The findings will provide important information to support sustainable banana farming for researchers, farmers, policymakers, and agricultural services.

P-2360. Wastewater-Based Surveillance of Hepatitis A Virus Across Communities in Alberta, Canada

Abstract Background Hepatitis A virus (HAV) incident infection in Canada is rarely diagnosed (i.e. incidence of 3.6-10 cases/100,000 persons) (PMID: 18159360). Infections generally relate to imported contaminated food-products, or travelers returning from endemic countries. Due to its fecal-oral spread, possible underdiagnosis, and often-cryptic presentation, HAV is an ideal candidate for wastewater (WW)-based surveillance, a tool increasingly utilized to monitor infectious diseases globally.Figure 1.Longitudinal monitoring of HAV RNA wastewater abundance across eight Alberta municipalities over a 4-month period. Methods 24-hour composite WW was collected weekly from eight geographically disparate, and socioeconomically diverse municipal WW treatment plants in Alberta from August to December 2023. After short-term cold storage, WW was centrifuged, and RNA from the raw pellet was extracted using Qiagen’s RNeasy PowerFecal pro. HAV levels were quantified by RT-qPCR of the vp1 gene. 2021 Canadian census data was used to define population demographics for each participating site. Results HAV was detected in 18/117 (15.4%) WW samples and 5/8 (62.5%) municipalities over the 4-month period (Figure 1). RNA abundance in HAV positive WW samples was a median of 3.4 copies/mL (IQR 0.44 - 6.97). Larger population size (p=0.007), and greater density (p=0.001) were associated with increased likelihood of HAV WW detection, whereas social and economic demographics of populations within sewershed catchments did not associate with likelihood of HAV detection (Table 1). Conclusion HAV RNA is rarely detected in the wastewater of Alberta. Detection was more frequently observed in larger municipalities, which is consistent with non-endemic, imported disease. WW surveillance can potentially be adapted to monitor HAV in the context of outbreaks to reduce secondary transmission, and safeguard public health. Disclosures Mark Swain, MD MSc, Abbott: Advisor/Consultant|Advanz: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead, BMS, CymaBay, Intercept, Genfit, Pfizer, Novartis, Astra Zeneca, GSK, Celgene, Novo Nordisk, Axcella Health Inc., Merck, Galectin Therapeutics: Grant/Research Support|GSK: Advisor/Consultant|Ipsen: Advisor/Consultant|Novo Nordisk: Advisor/Consultant Carla Coffin, MD MSc, Altimmune: Grant/Research Support|Gilead: Grant/Research Support|GSK: Grant/Research Support|Janssen: Grant/Research Support Steven J. Drews, PhD FCCM D(ABMM), Abbott: Grant/Research Support|Danaher: Honoraria|Roche: Advisor/Consultant|Roche: Grant/Research Support

Exploring the Morpho-Physiological Dormancy and Germination Potential of Paeonia peregrina Mill. Seeds In Vitro

Herbaceous peonies, specifically the Balkan–Anatolian Paeonia peregrina Miller, are species with various uses such as ornamental and garden purposes, or they can be cut as flowers or potted, or they can be eaten or used for medicinal purposes due to the rich nutritional content of their seeds. However, conventional propagation methods, including rhizome division, grafting, and layering, are slow, while seed propagation is challenging due to double morpho-physiological dormancy. This study therefore evaluated the in vitro germination potential of P. peregrina seeds in darkness under different culture conditions, including different temperature regimes (constant at 15 °C or alternating from 22 °C to 15 °C); incubation periods [120 days: 22 °C (14 d) to 15 °C (0–105 d); 120 days: 22 °C (33 d) to 15 °C (0–87 d); 90 or 140 days at 15 °C]; seed cold storage period (none; 30 days; 3 months; or 2, 5, and 8 years); and gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations (0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg L−1), as dormancy release methods. The results indicated that 60-day-stored seeds (30 d at 15 °C and 30 d cold-storaged at 4–5 °C) exhibited 100% germination within an 80-day culture under 250 mg L−1 GA3 at 15 °C. A lower and constant temperature of 15 °C, a shorter 30-day seed cold storage period, and the lowest GA3 concentration of 250 mg L−1 comprised the most effective combination treatment for dormancy release and germination acceleration. An understanding of the underlying mechanisms of seed dormancy removal is imperative for successful germination, growth rate and seedling establishment, shortened breeding cycles, and germplasm conservation, leading to the field cultivation and economic production of these peony plants.

Does Normothermic Machine Perfusion Still Provide an Advantage for Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation? A Systematic Review and Preliminary Meta-Analysis.

Patients with end-stage renal disease often face prolonged waiting times for kidney transplants. Historically, the use of marginal kidneys was limited due to suboptimal preservation methods. Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) preserves physiological activity during the preservation process, potentially improving graft function and viability, expanding the use of marginal kidneys. While preliminary results are promising, NMP has not yet undergone sufficient clinical trials to determine whether it offers advantages over more widely used techniques. The aim of this systematic review is to assess several outcomes between kidneys that underwent NMP compared to traditional preservation methods after kidney transplant. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials, case series, and studies comparing NMP with hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) or static cold storage (SCS) were included. The primary outcome assessed was delayed graft function (DGF). Secondary outcomes included primary non-function (PNF), acute rejection, and 1-year graft survival. Eight NMP studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed significant differences in DGF between NMP and control (HMP or SCS) groups (OR: 0.47 [0.22, 0.99], p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between NMP and controls for PNF, acute rejection, or 1-year graft survival. These findings suggest that NMP yields similar adverse outcome rates compared to traditional methods. Notably, NMP could be associated with reduced rates of DGF. While NMP is a promising technique for renal allograft preservation, further randomized controlled trials are necessary to definitively establish its benefits over conventional preservation methods.

Improved Outcomes and Resource Use With Normothermic Machine Perfusion in Liver Transplantation

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) has been shown to reduce peritransplant complications. Despite increasing NMP use in liver transplant (LT), there is a scarcity of real-world clinical experience data. To compare LT outcomes between donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD) allografts preserved with NMP or static cold storage (SCS). This single-center, retrospective observational cohort study included all consecutive adult LTs performed between January 2019 and December 2023 at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Data analysis was performed between February 2024 and June 2024. Outcomes of DBD-SCS, DBD-NMP, DCD-SCS, and DCD-NMP transplants were compared. DBD and DCD livers preserved on NMP or SCS. The primary outcomes were early allograft dysfunction (EAD), intraoperative transfusion, and post-LT hospital resource use, including length of stay (LOS) and readmissions. Secondary outcomes included acute kidney injury (AKI) and 1-year graft and patient survival. A total of 1086 LTs were included in the following 4 groups: DBD-SCS (n = 480), DBD-NMP (n = 63), DCD-SCS (n = 264), and DCD-NMP (n = 279). Among LT recipients, median (IQR) age was 60.0 years (52.0-66.0); 399 LT recipients (36.7%) were female. DCD-NMP had the lowest EAD rate (17.5%), followed by DCD-SCS (50.0%), DBD-NMP (36.8%), and DBD-SCS (27.3%) (P < .001). DCD-NMP had the lowest intraoperative transfusion requirement compared to all other groups. Hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) LOS were shortest in DCD-NMP (median [IQR] hospital LOS, 5.0 days [4.0-7.0]; P = .01; median [IQR] ICU LOS, 1.5 days [1.2-3.1]; P = .01). One-year cumulative readmission probability was 86% lower for DCD-NMP vs DCD-SCS (95% CI, 0.09-0.22; P < .001) and 53% lower for DBD-NMP vs DBD-SCS (95% CI, 0.26-0.87; P < .001). AKI events were lower in DCD-NMP (31.1%) vs DCD-SCS (47.4%) (P = .001). Compared to SCS, the NMP group had a 78% overall reduction in graft failure (hazard ratio [HR], 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10-0.49; P < .001). For those receiving DCD allografts, the risk reduction was even more pronounced, with an 87% decrease in graft failure (HR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.05-0.33; P < .001). NMP was significantly protective from patient mortality vs SCS (HR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.12-0.80; P = .02). In this observational high-volume cohort study, NMP significantly improved LT clinical outcomes and reduced hospital resource use, especially in DCD allografts. NMP may enhance access to LT by addressing the challenges historically linked with DCD liver use.

Machine perfusion strategies in Liver Transplantation: A systematic review, pairwise, and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Machine perfusion (MP), including hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE), dual HOPE, normothermic machine perfusion (NMP), NMP ischemia-free liver transplantation (NMP-ILT), and controlled oxygenated rewarming (COR), is increasingly being investigated to improve liver graft quality from extended criteria donors and donors after circulatory death and expand the donor pool. This network meta-analysis investigates the comparative efficacy and safety of various liver MP strategies versus traditional static cold storage (SCS). We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing liver transplantation (LT) outcomes between SCS and MP techniques. The primary outcome was the incidence of early allograft dysfunction (EAD). Secondary endpoints included 1-year graft survival, the incidence of graft failure/loss, post-reperfusion syndrome, biliary complications, the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), graft-related patient mortality, and the length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay. R-software was used to conduct a network meta-analysis using a frequentist framework. CRD42024549254. We included 12 RCTs involving 1,628 patients undergoing LT (801 in the liver MP groups and 832 in the SCS group). Compared to SCS, HOPE/dHOPE, but not other MP strategies, was associated with a significantly lower risk of EAD (RR: 0.53, 95% CI [0.37, 0.74], p=0.0002), improved 1-year graft survival rate (RR: 1.07, 95% CI [1.01, 1.14], p=0.02), decreased graft failure/loss (RR: 0.38, 95% CI [0.16, 0.90], p=0.03), and reduced the risk of biliary complications (RR: 0.52, 95% CI [0.43, 0.75], p < 0.0001). Compared to SCS, NMP (RR: 0.49, 95% CI [0.24, 0.96] and NMP-ILT (RR: 0.15, 95% CI [0.04, 0.57], both significantly reduced the risk of post-perfusion syndrome. There is no difference between SCS and MP groups in the risk of RRT, graft-related patient mortality, and ICU and hospital stay length. Our meta-analysis showed that HOPE/dual-HOPE is a promising alternative to SCS for donor liver preservation. These new techniques can help expand the donor pool with similar or even better post-LT outcomes.

Cold vs. Room Temperature: A Comparative Analysis of Platelet Functionality in Cold Storage

Background: The platelet functionality of cold-stored platelets remains a subject of debate. Our aim was to investigate the effect of temperature on the hemostatic properties of stored platelets. Methods: Ten split pooled platelets stored at cold and at room temperature were evaluated in vitro on storage days 1, 5, 10, and 15 for metabolic, physiological, and vesiculation parameters, as well as their hemostatic profile using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®). Results: The integrity profile was better preserved in the cold-stored platelets, as lower lactate dehydrogenase levels were documented (e.g., day 10: 261 ± 46 vs. 572 ± 220 U/L, 4 vs. 22 °C, p = 0.004). A time-dependent decrease in hemostatic capacity was evident regardless of the temperature, but the cold-stored units were linked to shorter clot initiation times and increased elasticity, strength, and firmness parameters, especially during extended storage (e.g., maximum clot firmness, INTEM day 15: 81 ± 2 vs. 19 ± 4 mm, 4 vs. 22 °C, p = 0.0008). Additionally, the aggregation of cold-stored platelets was superior after the addition of any agonist tested. Regarding vesiculation parameters, the extracellular vesicles of the units at 4 °C were characterized by a larger size from day 10 onwards, when they also presented higher procoagulant activity (e.g., phospholipid-dependent clotting time of day 15: 21.4 ± 2.3 vs. 25.0 ± 3.0 s, 4 vs. 22 °C, p = 0.016). Conclusion: Our results indicate that cold-stored platelets perform better than those stored at room temperature, demonstrating superior clot formation and stability. This suggests that cold storage may more effectively preserve platelet function, potentially offering advantages for transfusion therapy and the extension of shelf-life. However, the clinical relevance of these findings requires further investigation.

A study of the correlation between flat peach quality and volatile compounds during cold storage

A study of the correlation between flat peach quality and volatile compounds during cold storage

Effect of Pulsed Electric Fields and Osmotic Dehydration on the Quality of Modified-Atmosphere-Packaged Fresh-Cut and Fried Potatoes

The aim of this research was to study the effect of osmotic dehydration (OD) and/or pulsed electric field (PEF) on the quality of MAP-packed potatoes, both as raw materials and after deep frying. Fresh-cut potato strips (from Naxos island) were osmotically dehydrated using a solution of 20% glycerol, 5% sodium chloride, and 1% ascorbic acid (wt) at a 5:1 liquid-to-food ratio at 35 °C for 120 min. OD-treated and untreated samples were packaged at MAP (0.2% O2 + 12% CO2) and stored at 4, 8, and 12 °C. Color (Browning Index, BI), texture (hardness, Fmax), sensory characteristics (including total sensory quality), and microbial stability (total aerobic and anaerobic counts, Pseudomonas, Entrobacteriaceae, and yeasts/molds) were monitored during storage. After package opening, samples were deep-fried at 180 °C for up to 8 min, and the oil content of fried samples was quantified. Sensory evaluation of raw and fried samples was conducted. Untreated fresh-cut potatoes were characterized by detrimental color degradation starting from the third day of storage at 4 °C and presented microbial growth (total viable counts: 6 log (CFU)/g) on the sixth day, whereas pre-treated potato samples retained their color and microbiological stability after 15 and 18 days of cold storage, respectively. OD pre-treatment reduced the oil uptake during frying (up to 30%).

Hypothermic machine perfusion in uterus transplantation in a porcine model: A proof of concept and the first results in graft preservation.

Graft optimization is a necessity in order to develop uterus transplantation from brain-dead donors, as a complement to living donors, as these grafts are rare and the last organs retrieved in multiple organ donation. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and interest of hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) in uterus transplantation using a porcine model; secondary outcomes were the evaluation of the graft's tolerance to a prolonged cold ischaemia time and to find new biomarkers of uterus viability. Fifteen uterus allotransplantations were performed in a porcine model, after 18 h of cold ischaemia, divided in three groups: Static cold storage in a HTK solution, HMP (with the VitaSmart (™) machine Bridge to Life Ltd.) with a UW-MP solution, and static cold storage in a UW solution. The main outcome was macroscopic: uterine arteries pulsatility, recoloration, and bleeding at the cut. Secondary outcomes were histological analyses (Zitkute and inflammation scores), caspase3 immunohistochemistry and plasmatic dosage of biomarkers. 14/15 allotransplantations were performed according to the protocol and met the criteria of macroscopic vitality. Grafts treated with HMP (MP did not show significantly more tissue) damage than the recipient's uterus, contrary to grafts in static cold storage, independently of the solution used. This difference disappeared one and 3 h after uterus transplantation. Plasma dosages before and after uterus transplantation did not allow to identify a new biomarker of uterus viability. HMP is feasible in a porcine model, without inflicting damage on the grafts during cold ischaemia time. Grafts exposed to HMP seemed to better endure reperfusion phenomena, but this advantage did not last over time.