Formula Powder Research Articles

TGF – beta 2 enriched formula as oral nutritional supplement in patients hospitalized for COVID-19: A preliminary observational study

BACKGROUND: SARS-COV 2 turned in a global epidemic since January 2020. It is able to directly stimulate the release of proinflammatory cytokines (cytokine storm) and, affecting enterocytis, dysregulates intestinal permeability likewise Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. According to Guidelines, nutritional support in COVID-19 patients is relevant in a perspective of a fast recovery. Aim of this study is to propose in SARS-COV2 patients an early nutritional support using a polymeric - TGF-beta2 containing formula, with immunoregulatory properties specific for bowel disease, evaluating its effects on systemic inflammation and protein energy malnutrition. METHODS: COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Santa Maria Hospital of Terni and in Madonna delle Grazie Hospital of Matera (March - December 2020) were enrolled. The protocol consists in supplying 150 gr of nutritional formula powder (750 kcal/day). Values of serum prealbumin, transferrin, C-reactive protein and Lymphocyte count were collected at baseline and every week. Data were compared to a untreated sample of inpatients. RESULTS: TGF-beta2 containing formula use seems to be associated to a lower needing and longer time free from steroid therapy, increasing of prealbumin and transferrin values and overall with a better outcome in exposed patients; higher values of serum prealbumin seemed to be associated with lower CRP. It does not induce gastrointestinal discomfort or worsen gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta2 containing formula represents a valid nutritional support in COVID-19, preventing sarcopenia associated to hypercatabolic status and modulating inflammatory response probably thanks to specific properties of its nutritional components. This is only a preliminary observation: further investigations are on-going, involving several Italian Centers.

Risk assessment of Cronobacter sakazakii in infant formula powder

Objective: To assess the risk of foodborne diseases caused by Cronobacter sakazakii in infant formula powder from retail to feeding and provide formulate suggestions for safe feeding of infants at home. Methods: This study used the special monitoring and risk monitoring data of infant formula powder in Heilongjiang Province and combined data at home and abroad. The @RISK software was used to evaluate the disease risk caused by Cronobacter sakazakii in the process of infant formula powder from retail to feeding. Results: According to the results of this quantitative risk assessment, the risk of foodborne diseases caused by Cronobacter sakazakii at the current consumption pattern in Heilongjiang Province was 5.158×10-5 persons/million (40.0 ℃ and 50.0 ℃), 1.072×10-7 persons/million (60.0 ℃), 5.544×10-14 persons/million (70.0 ℃). When the feeding time of infant formula powder was adjusted to 0-2 h and 2-3 h respectively, the above prediction results did not change. When it was adjusted to 3-4 h, the risk increased. If it was adjusted to 4-24 h, the number of Cronobacter sakazakii increased by 14-24 orders of magnitude at room temperature. If the initial pollution concentration (after flushing) was adjusted to 1 MPN/ml, the average disease risk per meal was 805.7 persons/million (40.0 ℃ and 50.0 ℃), 1.7 persons/million (60.0 ℃) and 9.1 × 10-7 persons/million (70.0 ℃). The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the water temperature (70.0 ℃), initial pollution concentration, room storage time and temperature were important factors of risk. Conclusion: Controlling the contamination level of Cronobacter sakazakii in infant formula powder, controlling the feeding time within 3 h, storing in refrigerator and mixing with water with temperature not lower than 70.0 ℃ are effective measures to prevent infants from eating infant formula powder infected by Cronobacter sakazakii.

Spray-Dried Infant Formula Emulsion Stability as Affected by Pre-Heat Treatment and Total Solids Content of the Feed.

Pre-spray-drying processing may affect stability after reconstitution of emulsion-based powders, such as infant formulas. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pasteurization temperature and total solids (TS) of the feed on the stability of the emulsions obtained from the reconstituted powders. Four infant formula powders (50%-75 °C, 50%-100 °C, 60%-75 °C, and 60%-100 °C) were produced at pilot scale, from emulsions with 50 or 60% TS pasteurized at 75 or 100 °C for 18 s. Both the emulsion feeds and the emulsions from the reconstituted powders (12.5% TS) were analyzed. The results showed that feeds with 60% TS were flocculated, as indicated by the large particle size and viscosity and the pseudoplastic behavior. Light microscopy revealed that, during spray drying, the flocs were disrupted in 60%-100 °C, while the 60%-75 °C emulsion remained flocculated, reducing its stability post-reconstitution. Although all four emulsions were mainly stabilized by caseins, the presence of β-lactoglobulin was also detected at the oil-water interface, in native state in the formulas preheated at 75 °C and aggregated in the formulas preheated at 100 °C. In conclusion, both the degree of whey protein denaturation (resulting from pasteurization) and the TS of the concentrates during infant formula production affected the emulsion stability of the reconstituted powders.

Protein and carbohydrate content of infant formula purchased in the United States.

The protein and carbohydrate composition of formula fed infants' diets in the United States (US) has not been described. The aims of this study were to characterize these dietary exposures in infant formula purchased in the US and to estimate the proportion of formula purchased which is hypoallergenic or lactose-reduced formula. Powdered infant formula purchase data from all major physical stores in the US prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, between 2017 and 2019, were obtained from Information Resources, Inc. Protein and carbohydrate composition and scoop sizes for each formula were obtained from manufacturers. Ready to feed liquid products, products for premature infants and products for over 1year old were not included. Total volumes of term formula purchased were 216million kg of formula powder (equivalent to 1.65 billion litres) over 3 years. Intact protein formula was 67.9% of formula purchased, 26.6% was partially hydrolysed and 5.5% was hypoallergenic (5.2% extensively hydrolysed protein; 0.3% amino acid based). Soy protein formula represented 5.1% of formula purchased. Carbohydrate content overall was 52.7% lactose, 42.3% glucose polymers and 5.0% sucrose. 23.7% of formula purchased included sucrose as a carbohydrate. Of all formula purchased, 59.0% was lactose reduced, containing a non-lactose carbohydrate. Of 'standard' formula, defined as intact protein, non-thickened, cow's milk formula, 32.3% was lactose reduced. The proportion of hypoallergenic formula purchased significantly exceeded the prevalence of cow's milk protein allergy and increased over the 3-year study period from 4.9% to 7.6% of all formula sold. US infants are exposed to unnecessarily high levels of non-lactose carbohydrates and hypoallergenic formula, and this may represent a significant nutritional health risk.

A Survey of Near-Miss Dispensing Errors in Hospital Pharmacies in Japan: DEPP-J Study-Multi-Center Prospective Observational Study-

The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of near-miss dispensing errors in hospital pharmacies in Japan. A prospective multi-center observational study was conducted between December 2018 and March 2019. The primary objective was to determine the proportion of near-miss dispensing errors in hospital pharmacy departments. The secondary objective was to determine the predictive factors for near-miss dispensing errors using multiple logistic regression analysis. The study was approved by the ethical committee at The Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Japan. A multi-center prospective observational study was conducted in 20 hospitals comprising 8862 beds. Across the 20 hospitals, we assessed data from 553 pharmacists and 53039 prescriptions. A near-miss dispensing error proportion of 0.87% (n = 461) was observed in the study. We found predictive factors for dispensing errors in day-time shifts: a higher number of drugs in a prescription, higher number of quantified drugs, such as liquid or powder formula, in a prescription, and higher number of topical agents in a prescription; but we did not observe for career experience level for clinical pharmacists. For night-time and weekend shifts, we observed a negative correlation of near-miss dispensing errors with clinical pharmacist experience level. We found an overall incidence of near-miss dispensing errors of 0.87%. Predictive factors for errors in night-time and weekend shifts was inexperienced pharmacists. We recommended that pharmacy managers should consider education or improved work flow to avoid near-miss dispensing errors by younger pharmacists, especially those working night or weekend shifts.

Determining Childhood Learning from Various Kind Formulas of Soft-Prepared Chalk

This research aimed to find out a baby powder formula made of soft-prepared chalk and to investigate satisfaction with the selected formula baby powder. The research sample was 300 people consisting of parents, students, and general people who were likely to use baby powder. Research instruments were a colorimeter, water activity meter, moisture analyzer, and a questionnaire on consumer satisfaction with six baby powder formulas. Descriptive statistics were mean, percentage, and standard deviation for data analysis. Findings showed that a formula made of 25% soft-prepared chalk mixed with 75% rice flour was the most suitable formula to make baby powder due to its good water absorbability and ease of application. The consumer’s satisfaction with the selected baby powder formula was contact surface, color, ease of application, and overall preference.

A comparison of benchtop and micro NIR spectrometers for infant milk formula powder storage time discrimination and particle size prediction using chemometrics and denoising methods

This study compared benchtop and micro NIR spectrometers in diffuse reflection mode (1158–2169 nm) to (i) discriminate infant milk formula (IMF) powder samples (n = 500) by storage time (0–12 months) and to (ii) predict IMF powder particle size parameters. Reference particle size parameters were determined using laser-light-scattering. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and wavelet transform (WT) denoising methods were employed on micro NIR spectra to remove noise and enhance spectral features. Partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) modelling approaches were used to discriminate IMF by storage time and predict powder particle size, respectively. The models developed using the micro NIR denoised spectra had correct identifications (CI p ) of 89–100% for IMF storage time discrimination and RPDPs of 2.29–2.98 for particle size prediction, which were comparable to the model performances achieved using the benchtop NIR spectra (CI p values of 81.3–100% for IMF storage time discrimination and RPDPs of 2.08–3.07 for particle size prediction). This study demonstrated that the potential of micro NIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics and denoising methods as a suitable process analytical technology (PAT) tool for IMF powder storage time discrimination and particle size prediction along the IMF distribution chain from production to consumer. • Benchtop and micro NIR models can assess IMF powder storage time and particle size. • IMF powder storage time was discriminated using PLS-DA modelling. • IMF powder particle size was predicted using PLSR modelling. • FFT and WT denoising methods are suitable to remove micro NIR spectral noise. • Micro NIR models had overall better performance than benchtop NIR models.

Optimasi bubuk bunga telang, enzim transglutaminase, dan bread improver untuk meningkatkan fungsionalitas dan kualitas roti manis [Optimizing the butterfly pea powder, transglutaminase enzyme, and bread improver to improve the functionality and quality of sweet bread

Sweet bread with moderate functional properties can be enhanced with tertiary function by adding telang flower, a natural ingredient rich in antioxidants, natural blue in color derived from anthocyanins. In addition, bread volume enhancers, such as transglutaminase enzymes and bread improvers are also needed to improve the quality of bread. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimum formulation of telang flower sweet bread using Response Surface Method (RSM)-Central Composite Design (CCD) with telang flower powder (2-6%), transglutaminase enzyme (0.027-0.083 U/g protein), and breading agent (3-9 U/g flour) as an independent variable, and produces a response in the form of specific volume and antioxidant activity. The optimum formula was obtained with a combination of 4.71% telang flower powder formula, transglutaminase enzyme 0.055 U/g flour protein, and 5.23 U/g flour bread improver which resulted in a specific volume of 3.15 ± 0.05 cm3/g and activity antioxidant amounted to 388.372 ± 13.11%. The characteristics of the optimum bread had firmness values of 629.77±39.23 g.f, springiness 42.14±0.87%, sweet bread crumbs were dark blue, but the butterfly pea flower sweet bread's quality was not as well accepted as the control sweet bread with the exception of how the bread feels when bitten.

Optimization of Layered Rice Bran Meal Replacement Powder Formula of High Dietary Fiber Based on Linear Programming Method

Optimization of Layered Rice Bran Meal Replacement Powder Formula of High Dietary Fiber Based on Linear Programming Method

Effects of Oat Complex High-Fiber Formula Powder on the Composition of Intestinal Microbiota and Enzyme Activities in Mice Induced by a High-Fat Diet.

Using oat-corn-konjac extruded mixed powder, oat bran micro powder, skim milk powder, Pueraria whole powder, and pumpkin powder as raw materials, a formula powder with high dietary fiber was prepared, and its effect on obesity in mice with a high-fat diet was investigated. After 7 days of adaptive feeding, the mice were divided into blank group, high-fat diet group, formula powder + high-fat diet group, and weight-loss drug + high-fat diet group. After 8 weeks of treatment, the body weight of mice were observed and measured to determine the composition of tract flora, liver leptin content, insulin content, and activities of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid synthetase (FAS), sterol-regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs), and acetyl CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1). The results indicated that treatment with the formula powder could reduce the body weight of mice and increase the abundance of Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, and Romboutsia compared to the group given a high-fat diet. Moreover, the leptin and insulin contents of the experimental group decreased from 5.67 μg/L to 0.12 μg/L and from 12.71 μg/L to 7.13 μg/L, respectively, compared to the control group, which was not significantly different from the blank group (P > 0.05). Also, the activities of AMPK and LPL increased, and the activities of FAS, SREBPs, and ACC1 were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Some pathogenic bacteria were significantly positively correlated with leptin and FAS and significantly negatively correlated with LPL. Some beneficial bacteria were positively correlated with LPL. Therefore, the formula powder used in this study could reduce the body weight of mice, increase the abundance of some beneficial bacteria in the colonic intestinal microbiota, and improve the activities of enzymes related to lipid metabolism in the liver. This study provides a theoretical reference for the pathway by which high-fiber diet improves liver and intestinal metabolic abnormalities.

Impact of bovine lactoferrin fortification on pathogenic organisms to attenuate the risk of infection for infants

Cronobacter and Pseudomonas spp. are pathogenic organisms that are associated with neonatal morbidities such as bacteremia, sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and infant meningitis. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a known bactericidal component of fresh human milk. Infants receiving formula or pasteurized donor milk however may not be receiving lactoferrin at same concentration as mother's own milk, so it is beneficial to understand an exogenous role for dairy bovine lactoferrin (bLf). Our aim was to investigate the potential for bLf to provide a novel way to inhibit the growth of these harmful organisms in infant feeding. Subinhibitory doses, Disc-diffusion assay, Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC), and challenge experiments in powder formula were used to investigate the effects of bLf on sepsis-causing bacteria such as C. muytjensii (ATCC-51329), C. sakazakii (ATCC-12868), C. sakazakii (ATCC-9027), P. aeruginosa (ATCC-19429), and P. aeruginosa (ATCC-9027). MIC and MBC of bLf in the range of 12.5–31.25 μM were sufficient to achieve a 3 log reduction of Cronobacter in nutrient broth (P < 0.0001). Similarly, minimum concentrations of 43.75–118.75 μM bLf against Pseudomonas (P < 0.0001) were demonstrated. After bactericidal concentrations were determined, higher resistant strains such as C. sakazakii (ATCC-12868) and P. aeruginosa (ATCC-19429) were chosen as ideal candidates for the bLf supplementation challenge studies. The bLf reduced the C. sakazakii (ATCC-12868) by 3.3 log at 35 °C, 2.8 log at 23 °C, and 1.9 log at 4 °C (P < 0.0001), whereas P. aeruginosa (ATCC-19429) showed 2.4 log reduction at 35 °C, 2.8 log at 23 °C (P < 0.0001), and 1.8 log at 4 °C (P < 0.01). Results indicated that bLf could effectively inactivate the sepsis-causing organisms in reconstituted infant formula and in bacterial growth media. Fortification of infant formula with bLf may address the problems of spoilage/contamination issues and provide a safety measure for feeding infants without mother's own milk.

Untargeted Metabolomic Assay of Prefrail Older Adults after Nutritional Intervention.

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome causing a reduction in the body’s functional reserves. Proper nutrition may be helpful in delaying transitioning older adults from pre-frail to frailty syndrome. The present study evaluates the nutritional status of pre-frail patients who underwent nutritional intervention and metabolomic changes resulting from this intervention. Sixteen pre-frail patients (68.4 ± 5.5 years old; 81.3% women) were enrolled for nutritional intervention, and twenty-nine robust elderly people (69.3 ± 5.3 years old; 82.8% women) were the control group. Pre-frail patients consumed 1.0 g protein/kg BW/day for eight weeks through diet modification and an additional daily intake of a protein powder formula. Taken measurements included: Nutritional anthropometry, assessment of food intake, and blood serum analysis with an untargeted metabolomic assessment. Protein consumption increased by 25.8%; moreover, significant increases in body weight (+1.2 kg; p = 0.023) and muscle mass index (+0.1 kg/m2; p = 0.042) were also observed. The untargeted metabolomic assay showed a significant increase in arachidonic acid (p = 0.038), and valine (p = 0.008) among pre-frail patients. Increased protein consumption is reflected in improved anthropometric and biochemical parameters of pre-frail patients. Moreover, metabolomic assay can be a useful tool in determining compliance with dietary recommendations.

Chronic wounds healing by innovative herbal medicine and Buddhist ways to prevent disability in diabetic patients

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the properties of both scientific and traditional medicinal herbs to produce innovative herbal medicine for chronic wounds healing in diabetic patients, and 2) to analyze chronic wounds healing by innovative herbal medicine and Buddhist ways to prevent disability in 30 diabetic patients in Mahasarakham, Thailand. The results revealed that 19 medicinal herbs have properties in managing the blood, vascular, lymphatic system, the main cause of chronic wounds, reducing blood viscosity, purifying blood vessels, flushing out waste water, and healing wounds. 5 medicinal herbs were used to produce innovative herbal medicine, and Buddhist principles were used in research and for informants. Chronic wounds in diabetic patients have three characteristics: peripheral neuropathy, ischemic wounds, and infectious wounds. Herbal Oil Formula 1 and Herbal Infusion Formula 2 were used as basic medicines for healing, Herbal Capsule Formula 3 for inflamed wounds, Herbal Infusion for wounds with dark secretions and rotten blood. Wounds with a lot of secretions, foul odors, and full wounds were healed by Mangosteen Peel Powder Formula 5. Accordingly, 100% of all 3 types of chronic wounds were healed. This saved all patients from disability.

Fucose-containing bacterial exopolysaccharides: Sources, biological activities, and food applications

Bacterial exopolysaccharides are high molecular weight polysaccharides that are secreted by a wide range of bacteria, with diverse structures and easy preparation. Fucose, fucose-containing oligosaccharides (FCOs), and fucose-containing polysaccharides (FCPs) have important applications in the food and medicine fields, including applications in products for removing Helicobacter pylori and infant formula powder. Fucose-containing bacterial exopolysaccharide (FcEPS) is a prospective source of fucose, FCOs, and FCPs. This review systematically summarizes the common sources and applications of FCPs and FCOs and the bacterial strains capable of producing FcEPS reported in recent years. The repeated-unit structures, synthesis pathways, and factors affecting the production of FcEPS are reviewed, as well as the degradation methods of FcEPS for preparing FCOs. Finally, the bioactivities of FcEPS, including anti-oxidant, prebiotic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-microbial activities, are discussed and may serve as a reference strategy for further applications of FcEPS in the functional food and medicine industries.

Formulation of Instan Powder from the Combination of Single-bulb Black Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and Rosella Flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) with Foam Mat Drying Method

Single-bulb garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a plant with various properties, such as anticancer, antibacterial, antihypertensive, and antioxidant. The processed product of garlic is black garlic which is made by fermenting garlic by heating at a temperature of 60-90°C within a few days. Formulated products in instant powder drinks can increase public consumption interest. This study aimed to formulate an instant powder functional beverage from single-bulb black garlic combined with rosella flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) using the foam mat drying method. Egg white is used as a foaming agent and methylcellulose as a foam stabilizer. The formula consisted of single-bulb black garlic powder, rosella flower powder, powder combination of single-bulb black garlic, and rosella flower (30:70) and (50:50). The color, smell, taste, and water content of the four formulas have met the quality standard of SNI 01-4320-1996. DPPH free radical scavenging test with parameter IC50 showed that the combination powder of single-bulb black garlic and rosella flower (30:70) had higher antioxidant activity than the other combination (50:50). The consumer acceptance test on the combined instant powder formula showed that consumers preferred the combination powder of single-bulb black garlic and rosella flower (30:70).

Characterizing the bioburden of ESBL-producing organisms in a neonatal unit using chromogenic culture media: a feasible and efficient environmental sampling method

IntroductionInfections due to extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing organisms (ESBL) have emerged as the leading cause of sepsis among hospitalized neonates in Botswana and much of sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Yet, ESBL reservoirs and transmission dynamics within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment are not well-understood. This study aimed to assess the efficiency and feasibility of a chromogenic-culture-media-based environmental sampling approach to characterize the ESBL bioburden within a NICU.MethodsA series of four point-prevalence surveys were conducted at a 36-bed NICU at a public tertiary referral hospital in Botswana from January-June 2021. Samples were collected on 4 occasions under semi-sterile technique using 1) flocked swabs & templates (flat surfaces); 2) sterile syringe & tubing (water aspiration); and 3) structured swabbing techniques (hands & equipment). Swabs were transported in physiological saline-containing tubes, vortexed, and 10 µL was inoculated onto chromogenic-agar that was selective and differential for ESBL (CHROMagar™ ESBL, Paris, France), and streaking plates to isolate individual colonies. Bacterial colonies were quantified and phenotypically characterized using biochemical identification tests.ResultsIn total, 567 samples were collected, 248 (44%) of which grew ESBL. Dense and consistent ESBL contamination was detected in and around sinks and certain high-touch surfaces, while transient contamination was demonstrated on medical equipment, caregivers/healthcare worker hands, insects, and feeding stations (including formula powder). Results were available within 24–72 h of collection. To collect, plate, and analyse 50 samples, we estimated a total expenditure of $269.40 USD for materials and 13.5 cumulative work hours among all personnel.ConclusionsUsing basic environmental sampling and laboratory techniques aided by chromogenic culture media, we identified ESBL reservoirs (sinks) and plausible transmission vehicles (medical equipment, infant formula, hands of caregivers/healthcare workers, & insects) in this NICU environment. This strategy was a simple and cost-efficient method to assess ESBL bioburden and may be feasible for use in other settings to support ongoing infection control assessments and outbreak investigations.

Association of Consuming Tap Water or Purified Water during Infancy with Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children.

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of consuming formula powder prepared with tap water or purified water during the first 4 to 6 months of life on the subsequent development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Study design and setting: A total of 917,707 children who were born in Korea between 2007 and 2008 were analyzed. All children were followed up until they lost eligibility for health care services or until 2017. Data on the water used to prepare formula powder were from questionnaires answered by the parents when the child was 4 to 6 months old. IBS was defined as two or more diagnoses of IBS after the age of 4 years. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) using the propensity score was used to balance the two groups. The risk of IBS was evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: After weighting, there were 73,355 children in the tap water group and 73,351 in the purified water group. The purified water group had a higher risk of IBS (HR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.09). This relationship was also present after the subgroup analyses of males and females and the sensitivity analysis that used different definitions of IBS. Conclusions: Drinking formula powder prepared with purified water rather than tap water during the first 4 to 6 months of age was found to be associated with IBS.

Rapid hardening process for starch-based powder bed 3D printing

In this study, a microwave-assisted crosslinking process was developed to rapidly harden printed objects from binder jet 3D printers. A starch-based powder formula was first developed to pave smooth layers in the powder bed. An aqueous crosslinking agent (glutaraldehyde) was printed over the paved layers to form three-dimensional objects with a layer-by-layer strategy. After the 3D printing process, the printed three-dimensional samples were heated with a microwave oven and can be hardened within 70 s to trigger the endothermic crosslinking reaction between the starch powder and glutaraldehyde. The high mechanical strength of crosslinked starch after microwave heating provided 3D printed objects with a high flexural strength up to 32 MPa. Several examples were also demonstrated to show the versatility of this method in producing rigid structures with high mechanical strength for fast prototyping applications.

Determination of LC-PUFAs and Protein Content in Premature infant formula powders by ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics

Premature infant formula powder (PIFP) contains essential nutrients, such as protein and LC-PUFAs in which inadequate quantities of them may restrict the development of premature infants. The aim of this study was to propose a quantitative analysis for evaluating these nutrients in PIFP. To achieve this purpose, an integrated methodology was developed by combining attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) with the chemometrics. ATR-FTIR was utilized to obtain the PIFP spectra in the wavenumber range of 4000-400 cm-1. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to perform exploratory analysis of the spectra. Partial least square regression (PLSR) and principal component regression (PCR) models were established for normal spectra, first, and second derivatives to quantitatively determine the protein and LC-PUFAs. The results showed that the PLSR model provided a better prediction than the PCR model with the coefficient of determinations (R2) of 0.992 and 0.983 for training and validation, respectively. It also offers the best prediction for the PLSR model of protein considering the parameters such as R2 (normal spectra) (Cal: 0.995, Val: 0.981). The results revealed that a combination of the ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and the chemometrics models creates a rapid, inexpensive, and non-destructive method for the quantitative analysis of PIFP.

Elucidating the physicochemical properties and surface composition of goat milk-based infant formula powders

This study investigated the characteristics of cow milk-based, goat milk-based, and mixed-based (using goat milk and cow whey powder)infant formulas (IF) with different sources of casein and whey protein, aiming to construct the properties of powders prepared using goat milk. Goat milk-based IF have different water activity, color, and glass transition temperature than other IF, whereas the crystallinity and solubility were similar. SDS-PAGE pattern showed that goat milk-based and mixed-based IF contained higher β-casein, while cow milk-based IF contained higher αs1-casein. The differentials of casein affected the powder surface composition and free fat levels. Goat milk-based IF reduces the surface fat content and free fat levels of the particles. Further analysis showed that the surface of the particles was predominantly filled with saturated fatty acids. Our findings revealed that due to the different casein, goat milk-based IF have favorable characteristics and surface composition, thus promoting its particle stability.