Content Of Honey Research Articles

Rainy and Dry Seasons Are Relevant Factors Affecting Chemical and Antioxidant Properties of Meliponini Honey.

Brazilian stingless bee species produce honey with distinct physicochemical and bioactive properties shaped by environmental factors. This study investigated the effects of the rainy and dry seasons on the physicochemical characteristics, chemical fingerprinting, mineral content, and antioxidant capacity of honey from Melipona mondury and Melipona bicolor. The honey samples were analyzed for their phytochemical properties (official methods), total phenolics (Folin-Ciocalteu method), flavonoid content (aluminum complex formation method), antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ABTS assays), and antioxidant activity (erythrocyte model). The mineral content was assessed via TXRF spectroscopy, and chemical fingerprinting was conducted using mass spectrometry. Chemometric tools were used for the samples' discriminating analyses, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). Seasonal variations significantly affected the moisture, total soluble solids, and acidity. In turn, the antioxidant capacity was influenced mainly by the bee species. The mineral composition, particularly potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, remained stable. Multivariate analysis identified m/z ions (VIP scores > 2.5), rather than physicochemical or antioxidant capacity parameters, as critical for seasonal discrimination. The antioxidant activity, assessed by oxidative hemolysis prevention, was robust across the seasons, with M. mondury honey (2 mg·mL-1) from the rainy season outperforming ascorbic acid. These findings underscore the impact of the rainy and dry seasons and the potential of secondary metabolite fingerprinting to identify collection periods.

Local Honeybee Post-harvest and Marketing Challenges in Bongkasa Pertiwi Village, Bali, Indonesia

Sarining Trigona Pertiwi, a beekeeping group established on June 6, 2020, in Bongkasa Pertiwi Village, Badung Regency, Bali, emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide supplementary income amidst economic turmoil. Starting with 470 colonies of stingless bees, including Tetragonula Laevicheps and Heterotrigona Itama, the organization has expanded to 620 colonies and now consists of 22 members. With financial backing from The Aqua, a private company, the group produces honey in 250 ml and 100 ml sizes and has embraced eco-tourism to educate visitors about honey harvesting and environmental conservation. Despite employing best practices such as regular hive inspections and sustainable harvesting methods, Sarining Trigona Pertiwi faces substantial postharvest and marketing challenges. These include a lack of standardized postharvest protocols, inadequate hygiene and storage practices, high moisture content in honey, and the absence of commercial licenses. Marketing obstacles encompass an undefined market, poor packaging and labeling, limited social media presence, and ambiguous brand identity. Addressing these issues is critical for enhancing Sarining Trigona Pertiwi's operations' productivity and sustainability, ensuring this community initiative's long-term success and economic stability. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)SDG 1: No PovertySDG 2: Zero HungerSDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Vacuum evaporation optimization of Bali local honey for quality enhancement

The quality of honey is of great importance to both local and international markets, as it ensures competitive pricing and promotes human health. One crucial factor that affects honey's quality is its moisture content. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of temperature and rotation speed of evaporated vacuum on the physicochemical quality of local honey and to determine the most effective vacuum evaporated to improve honey quality. It employed a randomized complete block design comprising of two factors, such as evaporated temperatures of 60℃, 70℃, and 80℃, as well as the rotation speed of the evaporator vacuum at 80 rpm, 100 rpm, and 120 rpm. The results showed that reducing the moisture content of local honey can improve its quality significantly. Furthermore, the quality can be improved by a rotary vacuum evaporator using a temperature of 70℃ and a rotary speed of 100 rpm. The physicochemical quality showed a moisture content, ash content, reducing sugar, pH value, L*, a*, and b* of 20.978±0.335%, 0.310±0.006%, 65.460±0.135%, 3.741±0.006, 16.473±0.206, 2.447±0.105, and 1.280±0.040, respectively.

Mineral and heavy metal variations and contaminations in raw honey of stingless bees, Heterotrigona itama, from selected geographical areas of origin in Malaysia

Introduction: Honey contains a complex matrix of different substances consisting of essential minerals, non-nutritive substances, and toxins, often due to environmental sources. The objectives of this study were i) to investigate the variation of mineral and heavy metal content in honey samples of Heterotrigona itama from different geographical origins, and ii) to evaluate the nutritional quality and safety of honey from different floral sources for human consumption. Methods: A total of 75 samples of raw H. itama honey were collected from 11 sites in Sabah, two sites in Sarawak, and two sites in Peninsular Malaysia. The mineral and heavy metal contents of honey were determined in triplicate using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: There were significant differences in the composition of essential minerals and heavy metals in the honey samples according to geographical origins (p<0.001). All honey samples tested were below the permitted maximum proportion (ML) for cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) specified in the Malaysian Food Act 1983 for honey. However, all honey samples exceeded the ML for Pb set by Codex, with samples from bamboo sites having the highest levels for Pb. Conclusion: The composition of minerals and heavy metals in stingless bee honey was influenced by geographical origin. All measured Pb concentrations were above the ML value set by Codex, which raises concerns about possible toxicological risks to human health. Given the toxic nature of Pb in the environment, the measured concentrations emphasise the importance of monitoring Pb in honey from stingless bees.

Evaluation of Polyphenols, Antioxidant Activity, and Mineral Content in Honey Produced by <i>Apis mellifera</i> L. According to Floral Origin

Background/Objectives: Honey is in high demand because of its nutritional value, therapeutic properties, and sensory characteristics. Honey varieties were evaluated according to their floral origin and physicochemical composition, and total polyphenols, antioxidants, and minerals were analyzed for conformity and preference. Methods: Seven honey samples were analyzed for physicochemical composition using the Official Methods of Analysis method, total polyphenols using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, flavonoids using the ferric trichloride method, antioxidant activity and inhibitory concentration using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, and ferric reducing capacity using the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy was used to determine the mineral composition of the honey varieties. Results: The physicochemical compositions of the honey samples did not show significant differences and complied with national regulations. Total phenolic compound content was 336.9–1064.9 μg EAG/g, whereas flavonoids were between 0–151.9 μg EQ/g, with eucalyptus honey having the highest concentration. The antioxidant capacity measured using DPPH and FRAP was 0.095–0.186 and 0.168–0.654 mM TEAC/g, respectively. Variability was observed in the calcium (161.55 mg/kg in eucalyptus), magnesium (35.20 mg/kg in eucalyptus), potassium (901.17 mg/kg in eucalyptus), and sodium (172.18 mg/kg in pecan aroma) levels. Heavy metals did not exhibit significant values. The correlation between total flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity was weak; a strong correlation was observed between total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Conclusions: The antioxidant activity, bioactive compounds, and minerals in honey vary according to its floral origin, which could be helpful in the pharmaceutical industry and gastronomy.

An Analysis of Longan Honey from Taiwan and Thailand Using Flow Cytometry and Physicochemical Analysis.

The increase in honey fraud in the global market has highlighted the importance of pollen analysis in determining or confirming the botanical and geographical origins of honey. Numerous studies are currently underway to develop efficient and rapid methods for the determination of the quality, botanical, and geographical origin of honey. Typically, the physicochemical analysis of honey is used to evaluate its quality and geographical source. In this study, flow cytometry, a technique extensively employed in immunology and hematology, was first applied to analyze and characterize pollen from longan honeys from Taiwan and Thailand. The flow cytometry was employed for forward scatter (FSC), side scatter (SSC), Y610-A, and NUV450 to analyze longan honey samples from Taiwan and Thailand. Taiwan's longan honeys were rich in pollens; however, based upon the FSC and SSC analyses, the pollens from Thai longan honeys were larger and more granular. The Y610/20 emission area was greatest in Thai pollens. The NUV450 measured in the near UV laser was also greater in Thai pollen. Additionally, honey samples were also analysed for physiochemical properties including moisture content, pH, ash content, viscosity, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) for physiochemical properties of longan honey samples from both countries. The moisture content of honey from Taiwan varied between 20.90% and 23.40%, whereas honey from Thailand ranged from 19.50% to 23.50%. A total of 60% of Taiwan's longan honey was found to have a dark amber color, and only 20% of Thai longan honey exhibited a dark amber color. Furthermore, the pH range of honey from Taiwan was found to be between 4.00 and 4.16, and the pH of Thai honey ranged from 4.01 to 4.12. The ash content of honey samples from Taiwan ranged from 0.05% to 0.23%, and Thai honey had a range of 0.01% to 0.9%. All samples were negative for the Fiehe's test, indicating the absence of HMF. This analysis lays the groundwork for rapid identification the origins of the honey, applying flow cytometry in conjunction with physicochemical analysis to assess its quality.

A Critical Exploration of the Total Flavonoid Content Assay for Honey.

This study critically investigates the aluminium chloride-based colorimetric determination of the total flavonoid content (TFC) of honey. Following a comprehensive review of the recent literature reporting the use of the assay in the determination of TFC in honey, 10 honeys of different botanical origins were investigated using the colorimetric method alongside an artificial honey that was used as a control. Using spiking experiments, this study demonstrates that the flavonoid concentrations commonly found in honey are too low for a direct measurement and thus some of the TFC data reported in the literature might more likely be a reflection of the honey's inherent colour rather than a product of the coordination complex formed specifically between flavonoids and Al3+ ions. This paper highlights the importance of correct blanking and suggests alternative approaches to the traditional TFC assay for honey to ensure analysis results that are truly reflective of honey's TFC.

Effect of dual-frequency ultrasonic vacuum drying on drying characteristics and quality of honey

The effect of dual-frequency ultrasonic vacuum drying technology on viscous materials has not been studied. Therefore, in this research, the effects of two (28 + 28 kHz, 40 + 40 kHz) dual-frequency ultrasonic vacuum drying methods on the drying characteristics and quality of honey were investigated using ultrasonic power, vacuum and temperature as one-factor experiment. Results showed that ultrasonic power was the main drying factor, followed by vacuum degree, and temperature. Among the six models, the Logarithmic model was the most accurate one to describe the change rule of honey moisture during the ultrasonic vacuum drying process. Drying temperature and ultrasonic power were the main factors that affected the change of sugar composition and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content in honey. Meanwhile, the color of honey after drying was darkened, the hardness was increased, while the viscosity was reduced. In summary, the optimal ultrasonic drying combination was 28 + 28 kHz ultrasonic frequency, 80 W ultrasonic power, −90 kPa vacuum degree and 30 °C temperature. This research provides essential information for equipment improvements for ultrasound in food processing and for future research on viscous materials.

Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Croatian and German honey.

Since honey has a therapeutic role in the treatment of many diseases, we investigated the content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity in acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) and lime-tree (Tilia spp.) honey originating from Croatia and Germany. Total phenols, flavonols, and flavanols contents were observed at higher levels in Croatian Castanea honey compared to German Castanea honey. Significant higher values of total flavanols and hydroxycinnamic acids were measured in Croatian Tilia honey compared to German Tilia honey. For Robinia honey, significantly higher values of total phenols and flavonols were observed in almost all Croatian honey samples compared to German honey. Croatian honey samples had higher antioxidant activity compared to German honey samples with most tested methods. The highest total phenols, total flavanols, ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP values were measured in Castanea honey, then in Robinia honey, and the lowest values in Tilia honey samples. With new developed HPLC method, pinobanksin, pinocembrin, and chrysin were identified in the majority of honey samples. Our results imply that both botanical and geographical origin influence the final quality of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in honey. A high positive correlation between the results of antioxidant activity and polyphenols was detected.

Development of Dietetic Misti Dahi (Indian Yoghurt) Using Natural and Artificial Sweeteners

Dairy based sweetmeats usually contain high sugar with a high calorific value which in turn is linked to various non-communicable diseases. To reduce this high calorie content, sugar can be replaced in part or wholly by non-nutritive artificial sweeteners, as well as natural sweetener like honey. In the present study natural and artificial sweetener sources (honey and sucralose, respectively) were used to replace sucrose in part or completely to develop low calorie fat reduced misti dahi, an Indian yoghurt. Effect of sweeteners on setting time, proximate composition, microbiological quality and calorific value of mistidahi, and sensory quality were analysed as per the standard methods. Protein and total solids (TS) content decreased from 4.22 to 3.96% or 4.39 to 4.23% in honey or sucralose and from 24.20 to 21.99% in honey or 21.57 to 16.70% in sucralose, respectively with increase in honey or sucralose used to replace sucrose in mistidahi, while fat content was variable. Microbiological analysis revealed that with an increase in the content of honey, the total aerobic plate count (TAPC) of mistidahi tended to show an increase, while for sucralose containing samples a decreasing trend in TAPC in mistidahi was noted.

Authentication of Ziziphus lotus Honey from the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco: Physicochemical Properties, Mineral Content, Sugar, Polyphenol Profiles, and Antioxidant Capacity.

The jujube honey from the Moroccan Middle Atlas area is thoroughly described in this study, which takes into account melissopalynological, physicochemical, antioxidant, mineral, and phytochemical characteristics. Twelve samples of jujube honey underwent in-depth analyses between 2019 and 2021. The honey's unifloral origin was confirmed by pollen analysis, which revealed that Ziziphus lotus pollen predominated along with pollen from 21 other species. The honeys meet Codex Alimentarius criteria and displayed a variety of characteristics, including moisture content (13.7% to 18.6%), pH (3.9 to 6.4), electrical conductivity (406 to 713 μs/cm), ash content (0.31 to 1.21%), and the Invertase Index (7.1 to 26.4 U/kg). Hydroxymethylfurfural levels spanned from 1.1 to 40 mg/kg, indicating freshness. No significant differences were observed between honey groups for fructose and glucose profiles determined via GC-MS analysis. The honey samples, which varied in total phenolic content (TPC) from 48.3 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g to 91.8 mg of GAE/100 g, showed strong antioxidant capacity, indicating possible health advantages. This study also revealed principal phenolic substances including gallic acid (1.18 to 6.36 mg/100 g), caffeic acid (0.07 to 3.25 mg/100 g), and p-coumaric acid (0.49 to 5.04 mg/100 g). Next, the bactericidal concentrations and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MBC and MIC) of each jujube honey were additionally examined and compared with two representative bacterial strains species Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium using broth microdilution, with MIC values ranging between 0.03 and 0.3 mg/mL for Listeria monocytogenes and 0.003 to 0.03 mg/mL for Salmonella typhimurium. There is a correlation between various parameters and the monofloral pollen content in honey, as determined by PCA analysis.

Physicochemical profile and antioxidant activity of mint honey from Ha Giang Province, Viet Nam

Monofloral honey samples (Mentha longifolia L.) from Ha Giang, Viet Nam, were chosen for this study. The samples were analyzed by their physicochemical properties, including total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total carotenoid content (TCC). The levels of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) (33.40-37.51) mg/kg and free acid (13.67-24.17) meq/kg in mint honey were measured. Moreover, the high levels of TPC (45.15-70.44) mg GAE/100 g, TFC (3.04-5.04) mg GE/100 g, and TCC (12.54-17.01) mg β-carotene/kg content in mint honey contributed to its antioxidant activity, as indicated by IC50 of 37.99-50.89 mg/mL. The findings of this study emphasize the significance of mint honey as a health-promoting substance.

Examining the Use of Polyphenols and Sugars for Authenticating Honey on the U.S. Market: A Comprehensive Review

The rise in honey production and imports into the United States necessitates the need for robust methods to authenticate honey origin and ensure consumer safety. This review addresses the scope of honey authentication, with a specific focus on the exploration of polyphenols and sugar markers to evaluate honeys in the U.S. In the absence of comprehensive federal standards for honey in the United States, challenges related to authenticity and adulteration persist. Examining the global landscape of honey authentication research, we observed a significant gap in the literature pertaining to U.S. honeys. While honeys from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia have been extensively studied, the decentralized nature of the U.S. honey market and the lack of comprehensive standards have limited the number of investigations conducted. This review consolidates the findings of global honey studies and emphasizes the need for further research studies on honey authenticity markers within the United States. We also explore previous studies on the U.S. that focused on identifying potential markers for honey authenticity. However, the inherent variability in polyphenol profiles and the lack of extensive studies of the sugar contents of honey on a global scale pose challenges to establishing universal markers. We conclude that by addressing these challenges, the field of research on polyphenols and sugars in honey can move toward more reliable and standardized methods. This advancement will enhance the use of polyphenols and other constituents like sugars as authenticity markers, ultimately benefiting both researchers and the honey industry in ensuring honey quality.

Fabrication of MnSnO2 intercalated TA-rGO modified sensor for selective electrochemical detection of chloramphenicol in real samples

Chloramphenicol (CAP), a potent antibiotic capable of inhibiting protein synthesis, presents significant challenges related to long-term dosing and its persistent leaching into the environment, raising concerns about environmental contamination and resistance development. To address this issue, we developed a reliable, low-cost, and biocompatible nanocomposite material comprising tannic acid (TA)-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) intercalated into manganese-doped tin oxide nanoparticles (MnSnO₂ NPs). The structural formation and catalytic activity of the MnSnO₂ NPs/TA-rGO nanocomposite were characterized using field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical techniques. This material exhibits robust interfacial interactions and synergistic effects, resulting in an admirable electrocatalytic reduction response for CAP sensing. The presence of co-interference molecules improved the selectivity performance of the MnSnO2 NPs/TA-rGO-modified glassy carbon electrode. The fabricated exhibited a two linear determination range (0.011–103.43 μmol L−1 and 103.43–1924.16 μmol L−1), with a detection limit (LOD) is 6.7 nmol L−1 and limit of quantification (LOQ) is 12.3 nmol L−1. Furthermore, this sensor demonstrated good sensitivity, admirable reproducibility, repeatability, and storage stability. Finally, the practicability of the fabricated MnSnO2 NPs/TA-rGO glassy carbon electrode sensor was evaluated by analyzing the CAP content in milk, honey, eye drops, biofluids (human serum and urine), and river water, and satisfactory recovery rates of 95.4 %–100.3 % were noted.

Exploration of natural microflora from stingless bee honey harvested from Limau Manis area, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Nurmiati N, Herwina H, Periadnadi P, Janra MN, Hidayat R, Edelwis TW. 2024. Exploration of natural microflora from stingless bee honey harvested from Limau Manis area, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2908-2916. The natural microflora in stingless bee honey has been explored in three stingless bee species: Tetragonula laeviceps Smith, 1857; Heterotrigona itama Cockerell, 1918; and Geniotrigona thoracica Smith, 1857. This study aimed to identify and analyze the proportions of natural microflora in stingless bee honey. The study used a survey method, with data being descriptively analyzed and presented. The focus was on identifying microflora groups of bacteria and yeast in the honey from these three stingless bee species. Proteolytic bacteria Microflora types were identified based on the medium used: GPA+CaCO3 for acidic microbes, SMA for proteolytic bacteria, and ethanol+CaCO3 for acetic acid microbes. The pour plate method was used to count the microbes. T. laeviceps honey (pH 3.3, sugar level 45% Brix) contained a total of 163.6×104 CFU/mL microflora (161.6×104 CFU/mL bacteria and 2×104 CFU/mL yeast). In contrast, honey from H. itama (pH 3.4, sugar level 57% Brix) harbored a total of 156.7 x 104 CFU/mL microflora (155.7×104 CFU/mL bacteria and 1×104 CFU/mL yeast) and G. thoracica honey (pH 3.7, sugar level 70% Brix) contained 129.6×104 CFU/mL bacteria only. Acidic (A) and proteolytic (P) bacteria were observed in honey samples from T. laeviceps (A= 69.3×104 CFU/mL; P= 36×104 CFU/mL), G. thoracica (A= 53.6×104 CFU/mL; P= 40×104 CFU/mL), and H. itama (A= 67.0×104 CFU/mL; P= 38.6×104 CFU/mL). Acidic and proteolytic bacteria were present in all three honey samples. In conclusion, the microflora composition in stingless bee honey varies across species, with bacteria being the dominant group in all samples. The pH and sugar content of honey may influence the microbial load, indicating a possible link between honey properties and microbial diversity.

Multimodal Interference-Based Fiber Optic Sensors for Glucose and Moisture Content Detection in Honey

Fiber optic sensors (FOSs) have transformed industrial applications with their high sensitivity and precision, especially in real-time monitoring. This study presents a fiber optic sensor based on multimodal interference (MMI) applied to detect honey adulteration. The sensor is built using a non-core multimode fiber (NC-MMF) segment spliced between two standard single-mode fibers (SMFs). We focus on reporting the detection of two main adulterants in honey that modify its refractive index (RI): the presence of glucose and moisture content. Detailed testing was performed with two commercially approved honey brands, named A and B. The sensor successfully detected glucose concentrations from 1% to 5% and moisture content from 0% to 20% for both brands. For glucose detection, we obtained sensitivity values −0.55457 nm/% for brand A and −2.61257 nm/% for brand B. In terms of moisture content in honey, we observed a sensitivity around −0.3154 nm/% and −0.3394 nm/% for brands A and B, respectively. Additionally, temperature tests were performed, showing that the sensor works optimally up to 30 °C. The results were validated using a conventional refractometer, showing a close agreement with the data obtained and confirming the reliability and accuracy of the proposed sensor. Compared to other refractometers, the MMI sensor offers advantages such as real-time monitoring, ease of assembly, cost-effectiveness, and minimal maintenance. Furthermore, the sensor represents an alternative tool to guarantee the quality and authenticity of honey, overcoming the limitations of conventional measurement techniques.

Physicochemical analysis of trigona honey produced by Tetragonula biroi in Soppeng Regency, Indonesia

Indonesia is a country with a tropical climate that is rich in biodiversity. Various types of bees are discovered in the country, including the trigona bees, whose honey offers numerous health benefits. This study aimed to analyze the nutritional and phytochemical content of trigona honey produced by Tetragonula biroi in Soppeng Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The honey samples are extracted directly from the hives, filtered and examined through laboratory tests. The results of this study showed that trigona honey from Soppeng has a low pH (4.5) and a high vitamin C content compared to other vitamins. The calcium content is higher than magnesium and zinc, while its high polyphenols contain flavonoids and antioxidants. The water content of 26.67% is indicated in trigona honey, which is within the acceptable range of the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). The sugar content of trigone honey indicates 6.99% w/w glucose, 12.96% w/w fructose and a fructose/glucose ratio of 1.85.

Study of Water Content Reduction Using Condensation Method In The Framework of Increasing Production Pure Honey

The high water content in honey will trigger yeast activity to grow and develop. At ambient temperature, air humidity increases, so honey will absorb water more easily. High water content will cause the fermentation process to occur. Efforts to reduce the water content in honey are one way to prevent the fermentation process from occurring. Several water content reduction methods commonly used in Indonesia are considered to still need to be updated as innovations. The aim of the research is to increase the efficiency of the honey water content reduction time in the production process, compare the results of the water content reduction process using the dehumification method with the condensation process method and examine the parameters of temperature, time, water content, humidity and honey quality. Research was conducted qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative test results show that the color, aroma and taste of samples using the dehumification and condensation methods have the characteristics of honey. Meanwhile, quantitative testing shows that using the condensation method has a better level of productivity and quality than using the dehumification method, this can be seen from the parameters of temperature, water content, humidity, diestase enzyme and hydroxymethylfurfural analysis. Condensation methods produce honey that meets Indonesian national standards 2018. Therefore, this honey water content reduction tool that uses the condensation method is effective in reducing the water content of honey and maintaining its quality.

Optimization of Hardness as a Textural Property of a Fruit Enriched Honey Sweetened Snack Bar for Children Aged 5 to 13 Years

Optimization for hardness of the snack bar formulated from selected fruits and grain amaranths bound with honey was conducted using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). To achieve a desired degree of hardness, honey content and compression force were varied. The effects of this variation was investigated to determine the best Honey: Compression force combination that results into the desired hardness. Thirteen combinations were considered. The force-honey combination varied between 9.82 to 41.87 kN and 30 to 80 g respectively. Results revealed that both honey and compression force had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on hardness of the snack bar. The optimal hardness of the snack bar was found at honey: compression force of 41.18 g (22.7%), 41.87 kN. At this optimal point, hardness was found to be 48.2 N/mm which is acceptable for children aged 5 to 13 years.

Production and performance evaluation of chitosan/collagen/honey nanofibrous membranes for wound dressing applications

Persistent bacterial infections are the leading risk factor that complicates the healing of chronic wounds. In this work, we formulate mixtures of polyvinyl alcohol (P), chitosan (CH), collagen (C), and honey (H) to produce nanofibrous membranes with healing properties. The honey effect at concentrations of 0 % (PCH and PCHC), 5 % (PCHC-5H), 10 % (PCHC-10H), and 15 % (PCHC-15H) on the physicochemical, antibacterial, and biological properties of the developed nanofibers was investigated. Morphological analysis by SEM demonstrated that PCH and PCHC nanofibers had a uniform and homogeneous distribution on their surfaces. However, the increase in honey content increased the fiber diameter (118.11–420.10) and drastically reduced the porosity of the membranes (15.79–92.62 nm). The addition of honey reduces the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and the adsorption properties of the membranes. Mechanical tests revealed that nanofibers were more flexible and elastic when honey was added, specifically the PCHC-15H nanofibers with the lowest modulus of elasticity (15 MPa) and the highest elongation at break (220 %). Also, honey significantly improved the antibacterial efficiency of the nanofibers, mainly PCHC-15H nanofibers, which presented the best bacterial reduction rates against Staphylococcus aureus (59.84 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (47.27 %), Escherichia coli (65.07 %), and Listeria monocytogenes (49.58 %). In vitro tests with cell cultures suggest that nanofibers were not cytotoxic and exhibited excellent biocompatibility with human fibroblasts (HFb) and keratinocytes (HaCaT), since all treatments showed higher or similar cell viability as opposed to the cell control. Based on the findings, PVA-chitosan-collagen-honey nanofibrous membranes have promise as an antibacterial dressing substitute.