Characteristic Odor Research Articles

An Exploratory Study on the Rapid Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds in Gardenia Fruit Using the Heracles NEO Ultra-Fast Gas Phase Electronic Nose.

Gardenia fruit is a popular functional food and raw material for natural pigments. It comes from a wide range of sources, and different products sharing the same name are very common. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are important factors that affect the flavor and quality of gardenia fruit. This study used the Heracles NEO ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose with advanced odor analysis performance and high sensitivity to analyze six batches of gardenia fruit from different sources. This study analyzed the VOCs to find a way to quickly identify gardenia fruit. The results show that this method can accurately distinguish the odor characteristics of various gardenia fruit samples. The VOCs in gardenia fruit are mainly organic acid esters, ketones, and aldehyde compounds. By combining principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant factor analysis (DFA), this study found that the hexanal content varied the most in different gardenia fruit samples. The VOCs allowed for the fruit samples to be grouped into two main categories. One fruit sample was quite different from the fruits of other origins. The results provide theoretical support for feasibility of rapid identification and quality control of gardenia fruit and related products in the future.

Biological Properties of Sandalwood Oil and Microbial Synthesis of Its Major Sesquiterpenoids.

Sandalwood essential oil is extracted from the heartwood part of mature sandalwood and is known for its pleasant fragrance and exceptional medicinal activities, including antimicrobial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. The (Z)-α-santalol and (Z)-β-santalol are the most vital ingredients contributing to sandalwood oil's bioactivities and unique woody odor characteristics. Metabolic engineering strategies have shown promise in transforming microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria into effective cell factories for enhancing the production of vital sesquiterpenes (santalene and santalol) found in sandalwood oil. This review aims to summarize sources of sandalwood oil, its components/ingredients, and its applications. It also highlights the biosynthesis of santalene and santalol and the various metabolic engineering strategies employed to reconstruct and enhance santalene and santalol biosynthesis pathways in heterologous hosts.

Human perception of Parkinson's disease body odor in comparison to the volatile organic compounds of Parkinson's disease

IntroductionPatients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) have a distinctive body odor, which was first described by a patient's wife as musky and strong. Later analysis of sebum of patients with PD revealed four volatile organic compounds (VOC) (perillic aldehyde, hippuric acid, eicosane, octadecanal), that differed from healthy subjects, and the patient's wife confirmed that three of them smelled like patients with PD. However, it is unclear whether other people can also perceive this PD body odor and whether it can be artificially recreated. Hence, we aimed to systematically assess whether young women can perceive the PD body odor and whether they can discriminate between the PD body odor and the “artificial PD odor” composed of the four VOCs mentioned above. MethodsT-shirts were collected from 19 people with idiopathic PD and 15 age- and gender-matched healthy participants to represent the PD body odor and the healthy body odor, respectively. The four VOCs were diluted in 1,2-propanediol to prepare the artificial PD body odor. Body odors were rated by 26 young women. ResultsPD body odor was perceived as more musty, strong, smelly, and unpleasant compared to healthy and artificial PD body odor. Furthermore, around 80 % of women were able to discriminate PD body odor from artificial PD body odor. ConclusionOverall, this study confirmed a distinctive body odor quality of patients with PD, which can be perceived by young women. However, the four VOCs, composing the artificial PD body odor, were insufficient to reproduce the body odor from PD patients.

Accuracy of odor-based microorganism identification by microbiological technologists with different years of experience: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionElucidating the characteristic odors of microbes can facilitate microorganism identification. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of microbial identification based on odor and its association with years of experience among microbiological technologists. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on February 19, 2023, in Osaka, Japan, in a laboratory capable of handling microorganisms that were rated at or below biosafety level 2. This study included 70 microbiological technologists (including 45 women) with a mean experience of 7.1 years (standard deviation, 5.7). Ten bacterial strains with distinct odors were selected. Participants were blindfolded and asked to identify the bacterial strains based on odor of cultured microbes alone. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used for data analysis. The primary outcome was the number of accurately identified bacterial strains per year of experience. ResultsThe number of years of experience was not significantly associated with the accuracy of odor identification (regression coefficient = 0.037 [95 % confidence interval: 0.038 to 0.113]). Additionally, generally low accuracy was noted in the identification of individual microbial species. ConclusionsOur findings indicate that microorganism identification based solely on odor is challenging. Incorporating additional information, such as visual cues, may enhance the identification accuracy.

Ion chromatography-pulsed amperometry method for determination of trace hydrogen sulfide in air

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a pervasive gaseous pollutant that emits the characteristic odor of rotten gas, even at low concentrations. It is generated during various industrial processes, including petroleum and natural gas refining, mining operations, wastewater treatment activities, and refuse disposal practices. According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), over 70 occupations are exposed to H2S, rendering it a key monitoring factor in occupational disease detection. Although H2S has legitimate uses in the chemical, medical, and other fields, prolonged exposure to this gas can cause severe damage to the respiratory and central nervous systems, as well as other organs in the human body. Moreover, the substantial release of H2S into the environment can lead to significant pollution. This noxious substance has the potential to impair soil, water, and air quality, while disrupting the equilibrium of the surrounding ecosystems. Therefore, sulfide has become one of the most commonly measured substances for environmental monitoring worldwide. Achieving the stable enrichment and accurate detection of low-level H2S is of great significance. Common methods for detecting this gas include spectrophotometry, chemical analysis, gas chromatography, rapid field detection, and ion chromatography. Although these methods provide relatively reliable results, they suffer from limitations such as high detection cost, low recovery, lack of environmental friendliness, and imprecise quantification of low-concentration H2S. Furthermore, the sampling processes involved in these methods are complex and require specialized equipment and electrical devices. Additionally, approximately 20% of the sulfides in a sample are lost after 2 h in a conventional alkaline sodium hydroxide solution, causing difficulties in preservation and detection. In this study, an accurate, efficient, and cost-saving method based on ion chromatography-pulse amperometry was developed for H2S determination. A conventional IonPac AS7 (250 mm×4 mm) anion-exchange column was employed, and a new eluent based on sodium hydroxide and sodium oxalate was used to replace the original sodium hydroxide-sodium acetate eluent. The main factors influencing the separation and detection performance of the proposed method, including the pulse amperage detection potential parameters and integration time, as well as the type and content of additives in the stabilizing solution, were optimized. The results showed that the proposed method had a good linear relationship between 10 and 3000 μg/L, with correlation coefficients (r2) of up to 0.999. The limits of detection (S/N=3) and quantification (S/N=10) were 1.53 and 5.10 μg/L, respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the peak area and retention time of sulfides were less than 0.2% (n=6). The new method exhibited excellent stability, with up to 90% reduction in reagent costs. Compared with conventional ion chromatography-pulse amperometry, this method is more suitable for detecting low concentrations of sulfides in actual samples. Sulfides in a 250 mmol/L sodium hydroxide-0.8% (mass fraction) ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt solution were effectively maintained for over 10 h. The new stabilizer significantly improved the reliability of both large-scale and long-term detection. The recovery of the proposed method was investigated by combining the system with a badge-type passive sampler. This sampling method requires no power devices; it is inexpensive, simple to operate, and can realize long-term sampling without the need for skilled personnel. Moreover, it can overcome the influence of short-term changes in pollutant concentration. The sampling results have high reference value for large-scale intervention-less pollutant monitoring in ultraclean rooms, museum counters, and other places. The results demonstrated that the recovery of the proposed method was greater than 95% for the blank sample and 80% for the sample plus standard solution. Finally, the newly established method was applied to determine H2S levels in air samples collected via passive sampling at school garbage stations. The measured results did not exceed the national limit.

Effectiveness of Malodor-Reducing Ostomy Pouch Additives: An Assessment of Odor Intensity, Hedonic Tone, and Odor Character.

Background Ostomy pouch odor can have a negative impact on the quality of life of people living with a stoma. This study assessed the effectiveness of malodor-reducing ostomy pouch additives under simulated conditions. Methodology The following six commercially available products with different odor control technologies plus a control were assessed: soyethyl morpholinium ethosulphate, zinc ricinoleate (ZnR), ZnR with orange terpenes (ZnR-Orange), a proprietary copper-based deodorant, a proprietary ion mix deodorant, and a terpene blend (TB). Each was added to an ostomy pouch with skatole (a substitute for human fecal odor). Professional olfactometrists rated odors according to intensity, hedonic tone (pleasantness), and character. Results The TB and ZnR-Orange had very weak (<1.0) malodor intensity, with mean (standard deviation [SD]) ratings of 0.6 (1.1) and 0.9 (0.9), respectively. All other products (2.7-3.0) and control (3.7) were statistically higher (stronger intensity) compared with the TB(p < 0.001). The mean (SD) hedonic tone for the TB was 0.8 (1.7) (considered slightly pleasant); all other products (-0.8 to 0.1) and control (-0.9) were statistically lower (p < 0.001). Odor character profiles were broadly comparable, but products with scent additives (TB and ZnR-Orange) were predominantly associated with fragrances. Conclusions This information may help nurses and other healthcare providers when educating ostomates about their options. Other factors such as application mode and recommended dosage may also influence the choice of product. Future research on real-world populations (i.e., ostomates), as well as assessment of lubrication properties, is warranted.

Olfactory-chemical establishment using odour wheels and fingerprints to manage odor pollution for the petrochemical industry

The odor nuisance may cause major environmental issues, so identifying the odor characteristics is important for odor management and traceability in the petrochemical industry. In this study, odour wheels and fingerprints were applied to manage odor pollution in the petrochemical industry. First, the odor profile method and portable electronic nose evaluation were applied to analyze the flavour sensory profiles of five upstream and downstream petrochemical plants, in order to grasp the odor natures of plants. Second, 375 organized and unorganized samples of 5 plants were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) technology, and a total of 583 odorants were obtained, including sulfur compounds, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, acids, alkanes, alkenes, halogenated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen compounds, and other compounds. Third, the key odorants were identified by gas chromatography-olfactory (GC-O) and odor activity value (OAV) analysis. Fourth, the fingerprint spectras were developed by the identification of key odorants and process sources through principal component analysis. For plant A, 21 odorants were confirmed, including naphthalene, 1-methylnaphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, 1-methylindene, and 2-methylindene. Methyl methacrylate, acetophenone, isobutene, 4-vinyl-1-cyclohexene, acrylonitrile, and styrene were key element for plant B. The fingerprint factor of plant C had 20 odorants, including methanol, butanol, 2-ethylhexanol, acetic acid, and ammonia. And there were 21 odorants for plant D and 14 odorants for plant E, respectively, with similar substance types, including 2-ethyl-2-hexenal, 3-methyl-4-heptanone, isobutyl butyrate, and 1,2,3,5-tetraethylbenzene. Finally, the odor wheels were established by the correlation analysis between odorants and malodor, and compounds in fingerprint spectra weaker related to malodor of plants were removed. Hence, the characteristic odorants of each plant were further clarified, and the odors were associated with compounds, achieving rapid diagnosis and traceability of odor pollution in the petrochemical park. This provided new ideas and technical methods for odor pollution monitoring and identification.

Characterization of aroma and aroma-active compounds of black carrot (Daucus carota L. ssp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.) pomace by aroma extract dilution analysis

The aim of this study was to characterize the aroma and aroma-active compounds of black carrot pomace, a valuable by-product of black carrot juice industry. Aroma compounds were analyzed using GC-MS-O and extracted via the SAFE technique. The extract samples were determined to represent the odor of black carrot pomace quite well according to the results of the representative test. Accordingly, the aromatic extract scored 77.7 mm for intensity and 87 mm for similarity on a 100 mm unstructured scale. A total of 47 volatile constituents were identified and quantified including terpenes (20), alcohols (11), acids (7), esters (4), ketones (4), and lactone (1). It was observed that terpenes were the major aroma group. The use of aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) revealed only 29 of these compounds as aroma-active constituents. Phenylethyl alcohol (FD:512, OAV: 2488, rose) and phenylethyl acetate (FD:256, OAV:280, rose) were the aroma substances providing the strongest rose odor. Following these compounds, acetic acid (vinegar), dimethyl-propanedioic acid (pungent), (E)-β-caryophyllene (salty cheese) and elemicin (spicy) were identified as other strong aroma-actives with FD values of 128 contributing to the characteristic odor of the black carrot pomace samples. The odor activity values (OAVs) ranged from 1 to 2488. The highest OAVs represent the high aromatic active compounds (FD ≥ 128). The distinctive aroma and rich color of black carrot pomace make it a recommended choice for enhancing flavor and adding natural coloring to food products.

Design and characterization of a Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe SCN for selective detection of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) in living systems and food samples

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a colorless compound with a characteristic rotten egg odor that serves as a significant indicator of pathological processes and food spoilage. In this study, we developed a novel probe SCN for H2S detection. When exposed to H2S, the Probe SCN selectively cleaves the oxygen-nitrile bond, resulting in a strong red fluorescence emission at 662 nm, which can be attributed to recovery from the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effect. This probe demonstrated outstanding features, including a substantial Stokes shift (236 nm) and a low detection limit of 0.41 μM. We successfully used the Probe SCN to detect H2S changes in common food samples such as eggs, fish, pork, and shrimp. Furthermore, the Probe SCN can also be used to detect H2S in living cells and mice. These findings confirmed the effectiveness of the SCN probe as a real-time tool for H2S detection and related imaging applications.

Molecular decoding a meat-like aroma generated from Laetiporus sulphureus-mediated fermentation of onion (Allium cepa L.)

The organoleptic properties of plant-based meat alternatives do not meet consumer expectations due to the lack of characteristic flavors resembling meat. To address this challenge, a fermentation system utilizing Laetiporussulphureus was developed to generate a meat-like and fatty flavor from a vegetable source, onion. By means of multiple stir bar sorptive extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry, an unsaturated aldehyde, (E,Z)-2,4-decadienal, which imparts a tallow-like and fatty odor, and a sulfurous compound benzothiazole, with a broth-like odor were identified, which well contributed to the characteristic odor of the supernatant. (E,Z)-2,4-Decadienal as the most important odorant (odor activity value = 206) was biosynthesized by transformation of linoleic acid with L.sulphureus, as revealed by isotopic tracing experiments. For the first time in Basidiomycota, the biogenetic pathway of (E,Z)-2,4-decadienal from linoleic acid was proposed.

Exploring the Mechanism of H2S Synthesis in Male Bactrian Camel Poll Glands Based on Data Independent Acquisition Proteomics and Non-Targeted Metabolomics.

During estrus, the poll glands of male Bactrian Camels (Camelus Bactrianus) become slightly raised, exuding a large amount of pale yellow watery secretion with a characteristic odor that may contain hydrogen sulfide (H2S). However, whether H2S can be synthesized in the poll glands of male Bactrian Camels and its role in inducing camel estrus remains unclear. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and signaling pathways in the poll gland tissues of male Bactrian Camels using data independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics. Additionally, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to identify differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in the neck hair containing secretions during estrus in male Bactrian Camels, to explore the specific expression patterns and mechanisms in the poll glands of camels during estrus. The results showed that cystathionine-γ-lyase (CTH) and cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), which are closely related to H2S synthesis in camel poll glands during estrus, were mainly enriched in glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and metabolic pathways. In addition, both enzymes were widely distributed and highly expressed in the acinar cells of poll gland tissues in camels during estrus. Meanwhile, the neck hair secretion contains high levels of amino acids, especially glycine, serine, threonine, and cystathionine, which are precursors for H2S biosynthesis. These results demonstrate that the poll glands of male Bactrian Camels can synthesize and secrete H2S during estrus. This study provides a basis for exploring the function and mechanism of H2S in the estrus of Bactrian Camels.

Evaluation of three granular activated carbon filters for the treatment of collections foul air entering a water resource recovery facility.

The treatment of raw foul air that could escape to the atmosphere from the head space of the incoming wastewater sewer lines into a Southern California Water Resource Recovery Facility was evaluated by using a 1/20th scale pilot unit consisting of three different granular activated carbon filter technologies, operating side by side, under similar operating conditions, each having an average 3.8-s contact time. The three activated carbon filters contained each 0.07 m3 of coconut, coal, and coconut mixed with permanganate media. The foul air entering the granular activated carbon filters contained 82% to 83% relative humidity. No moisture removal mechanism was used prior to treatment. The removal of six different odor characters from eight chemical odorants present in the foul air were assessed. These were rotten egg (hydrogen sulfide), rotten vegetables (methyl mercaptan), canned corn (dimethyl sulfide), rotten garlic (dimethyl disulfide), earthy/musty (2-methyl isoborneol and 2-isopropyl 3-methoxy pyrazine), and fecal (skatole and indole). This is the first time a study evaluates the removal of specific odors by simultaneously employing sensory analyses using the odor profile method, which defines the different odor characters and intensities, together with chemical analyses of the odorants causing these odors. The results show that the three granular activated carbon filters, before hydrogen sulfide breakthrough, provided significant improvement in odor intensity and odorant removal. Breakthrough was reached after 57 days for the coconut mixed with permanganate, 107 days for the coconut, and 129 days for the coal granular activated carbon filter. Breakthrough (the critical saturation point of the activated carbon media) was considered reached when the hydrogen sulfide percentage removal diminished to 90% and continued downward. The coconut mixed with permanganate granular activated carbon filter provided the best treatment among the media tested, achieving very good reduction of odorants, as measured by chemical analyses, and reasonable removal of odor intensities, as measured by the odor profile method. The coconut mixed with permanganate granular activated carbon is recommended for short-term odor control systems at sewer networks or emergency plant maintenance situations given its shorter time to breakthrough compared with the other granular activated carbons. The coal and coconut granular activated carbon filters are generally used as the last stage of an odor treatment system. Because of the observed poor to average performance in removing odorants other than hydrogen sulfide, the treatment stage(s) prior to the use of these granulated activated carbons should provide a good methyl mercaptan removal of at least 90% in order to avoid the formation of dimethyl disulfide, which, in the presence of moisture in the carbon filter, emit the characteristic rotten garlic odor. The differences observed between the performances based on odorant removal by chemical analysis compared with those based on sensorial analyses by the odor profile method indicate that both analyses are required to understand more fully the odor dynamics. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Three virgin granulated activated carbon media were evaluated in a field pilot unit using raw collections foul air. Coal, coconut, and coconut mixed with permanganate were tested until breakthrough. Samples were analyzed both chemically (odorants) and sensorially (odors). Coconut mixed with permanganate proved to be the media that better reduced odorants and odors.

Exploring potentials to enhance fish sauce industry in Sri Lanka: A review

Fish sauce, an amber-colored liquid derived from the fermentation of fish with sea salt, is a vital condiment in Southeast Asian and East Asian cuisines. Despite its culinary importance, fish sauce remains underutilized in Sri Lanka, where it is predominantly imported, resulting in high costs and substantial foreign exchange outflows. The technology for fish sauce production is relatively simple, presenting an opportunity for local production using abundant fish resources. Various types of fish, including marine, freshwater, and shellfish, are used globally in fish sauce production, and it could harness the nutritional benefits of fish, transforming underutilized species into a valuable condiment. The production process of fish sauce involves salting, fermenting, maturing, filtering, and blending, resulting in a product rich in hydrolyzed proteins and essential minerals. Quality standards are regulated to ensure safety and purity, with a focus on maintaining the distinctive fishy odor and taste characteristic of pure fish sauce. Establishing a local fish sauce industry in Sri Lanka promises economic growth and culinary enrichment. By leveraging local fish resources and employing cost-effective production methods, Sri Lanka can reduce imports of fish sauce, and can utilize fish in a sustainable manner.

The aroma profiles of dried gonggans: Characterization of volatile compounds in oven-dried and freeze-dried gonggan

Dehydration is an effective method for the long-term storage and aroma retention of gonggan (Citrus sinensis Osb. ‘Deqing Gonggan’), which is a Chinese variety of citrus, with unique and characteristic floral, fruity, and citrus flavors. However, the aroma profiles of gonggans prepared using oven- and freeze-drying, the most widely-used drying methods, remain unclear. In this study, a total of 911 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in dried gonggan. These were primarily composed of alcohols (7.69%), aldehydes (7.03%), esters (15.38%), ketones (7.58%), and terpenoids (23.19%). A total of 67 odorants contributed significantly to the overall aroma of dried gonggans, with the major odor qualities being detected as green, citrus, fruity, floral, and sweet. These were mainly attributed to the presence of aldehydes, esters, and terpenoids. Freeze-drying was more effective in maintaining the unique citrus and mandarin-like aromas attributed to compounds such as limonene, citrial, β-myrcene, β-pinene, and γ-terpinene. Moreover, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal had the highest relative odor activity value (rOAV) in freeze-dried gonggans, followed by (E)-2-nonenal, furaneol, (E, E)-2, 4-nonadienal, and E-2-undecenal. Oven-drying promoted the accumulation of terpenes such as octatriene, trans-β-ocimene, cyclohexanone, copaene, and ɑ-irone, imparting a soft aroma of flowers, fruits, and sweet. Increasing the temperature led to an increase in existing VOCs or the generation of new VOCs through phenylpropanoid, terpenoid, and fatty acid metabolism. The findings of this study offer insights into an optimized procedure for producing high-quality dried gonggans. These insights can be valuable for the fruit-drying industry, particularly for enhancing the quality of dried fruits.

Odor-Cued Grab Air Sampling for Improved Investigative Odorant Prioritization Assessment of Transient Downwind Environmental Odor Events.

A critical prelude to any community odor assessment should be the prioritization of specific chemical odorants that are most responsible for targeted downwind odors. Unfortunately, and historically, this is a step that has often been bypassed or overlooked. However, correct understanding of the specific impactful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can inform the follow-on sampling, analytical, and remediation strategies that are most appropriate and efficient, based upon the chemistry behind the issue. With this understanding, the techniques and sampling strategies presented herein should be viewed as a qualitative prelude rather than an addendum to a follow-up routine, automated downwind odor monitoring. Downwind odor characteristics can vary depending upon the size of the upwind source, interim topography, and wind conditions. At one extreme, the downwind odor plume from a relatively large source located on a flat open plain and under stable, near-straight line wind conditions can be rather broad, sustained, and predictable. In contrast, the plume from a small point source (e.g., a roof vent stack) located on irregular topography and under rapidly shifting wind conditions can be intermittent and fleeting ("spikes" or "bursts"). These transient odor events can be surprisingly intense and offensive, despite their fleeting occurrence and perception. This work reports on improving and optimizing an environmental sampling strategy for odorant prioritization from such transient downwind odor conditions. This optimization addresses the challenges of (1) sampling of transient odor "spikes" and (2) prioritizing odors/odorants from multiple, closely colocated point sources under transient event conditions. Prioritizing is defined as identifying the key impactful odorants downwind. Grab air sampling protocol refinement has emerged from actual community environmental odor assessment projects. The challenge of assessing transient odor events has been mitigated by utilizing (a) rapid, odor-cued whole-air grab sampling (i.e., activated by and synchronous with the perceived sensory spikes) into metalized fluorinated ethylene polymer (m-FEP) gas sampling bags; (b) immediate transfer from bags onto solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers or sorbent tubes; and (c) maintaining refrigerated storage and shipment conditions between field collection and in-laboratory analysis. Results demonstrated approximately 11-fold increases in target odorant yields for 900 mL air sample capture on sorbent tube transfers from 2 to 3 s "burst" odor event bag captures compared to equivalent direct collections (with sorbent tubes) at the same downwind receptor location but during perceived (stable) odor "lull" periods. An application targeting general odor sampling and point-source differentiation utilizing tracer gases is also presented.

Formulation and Characterization of Nanoparticle-Protein Sirtuin 1 (NPS1) by Nanoprecipitation Technique

Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease caused by endothelial dysfunction. This situation will trigger the bone marrow to immediately replace it with new endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) cells. However, some studies suggest that EPC can experience premature senescence. Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) is a cellular post-translational protein that has the task of repairing dysfunctional EPC cells. Studies have tried to develop SIRT1 activation, but currently, there are no studies that have attempted to increase SIRT1 levels in cells. Nanoparticles (NPS) are one of the methods in nanomedicine, which has the advantage of being a drug carrier. So, further research is needed on adding exogenous SIRT1 levels, NPS, which can improve the quality of EPC cells and prevent premature senescence. This study aims to report the formulation and characterization stages of nanoparticles carrying SIRT1 (NPS1) with different solvents, such as ethanol and aquadest. The method used in this formulation uses nanoprecipitation. The characterization of nanoparticles at this stage included organoleptic tests, pH tests, and quantifying using Nanodrops in determining the presence of adsorbed proteins. The pH and organoleptic test showed that the NPS1 formulation was acidic (K1 = 5.412 ± 0.73; K2 = 3.624 ± 0.45; F1 = 5.418 ± 0.55; F2 = 4.182 ± 0.07), yellow in color, and had a characteristic odor. Thus, the formulation and characteristics of NPS1 can be used as a method in drug development for anti-senescence therapy in EPC cells in further research, both in vitro, in vivo, and evaluation of preparations that are still very possible to be developed.

Characterization of the volatile flavor profiles of black garlic using nanomaterial-based colorimetric sensor array, HS-SPME-GC/MS coupled with chemometrics strategies

This work investigated the feasibility of applying headspace solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS) combining olfactory visualization for flavor characterization of black garlic. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) analysis was performed to select important differential VOCs during black garlic processing. A multi-channels nanocomposite CSA assembled with two porous metal-organic frameworks was then developed to characterize flavor profiles changes during black garlic processing, and garlic samples during processing could be divided into five clusters, consistent with VOCs analysis. Artificial neural network (ANN) model outperformed other pattern recognition methods in discriminating processing stages. Furthermore, SVR model for odor sensory scores with the correlation coefficient for prediction set of 0.8919 exhibited a better performance than PLS model, indicating a preferable prediction ability for odor quality. This work demonstrated that the nanocomposite CSA combining appropriate chemometrics can offer an effective tool for objectively and rapidly characterizing flavor quality of black garlic or other food matrixes.

Odour and indoor air quality hazards in railway cars: an Australian mixed methods case study

PurposeThis case study aimed to diagnose the cause(s) of a seasonal, and objectionable odour reported by travellers and drivers in the railway cars of Australian passenger trains. The research questions were to: (1) identify whether significant microbial colonisation was present within the air handling system of trains and causing the odours; to (2) identify other potential sources and; (3) remedial options for addressing the issue.MethodsA mixed-methods, action research design was used adopted. Sections of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems from odour-affected trains were swabbed for bacteria and fungi and examined for evidence of wear, fatigue and damage on-site and off-site. Insulation foam material extracted from the walls of affected trains was also subjected to a chemical assessment following exposure to varying humidity and temperature conditions in a climate simulator. This was accompanied by a qualitative sensory characterisation.ResultsUpon exposure to a variety of simulated temperature and humidity combinations to recreate the odour, volatile chemical compounds released from the insulation foam by water were identified as its likely cause. In addition, a range of potentially serious pathogenic and odour-causing microbes were cultured from the HVAC systems, although it is considered unlikely that bacterial colonies were the odour source.ConclusionThe research has implications for the sanitising and maintenance policies for HVAC systems on public transport, especially when operating in humid environments. The sanitary imposition, especially in the wake of COVID-19 may be required to ensure the safety of the travelling public and drivers.

Odor Characteristics of Volatile Fractions Prepared from Pork Meat Assessed by a Trained Panel using Check-All-That-Apply Questions

Odor Characteristics of Volatile Fractions Prepared from Pork Meat Assessed by a Trained Panel using Check-All-That-Apply Questions

Characterization of the key odorants in Amomum tsao-ko cobs by sensory directed flavor analysis

To decode the key odorants in Amomum tsao-ko cobs (ATC) and to examine the impact of extraction methods on key odorants, volatiles of ATC were isolated by both hydrodistillation (HD) and solvent extraction combined with solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SE-SAFE). In total, 49 aroma-active compounds with flavor dilution (FD) factors between 1 and 8192 were detected by gas chromatography–olfactometry-mass spectrometry, of which 39 and 42 odorants were identified in the HD and SAFE extracts, respectively. The 34 odorants (FD ≥ 16) were further quantitated; odor activity value calculations, aroma reconstitution and omission experiments were conducted to evaluate their contributions to the characteristic odor of ATC, and 11 compounds were confirmed as key odorants of ATC. Furthermore, the majority of the potent odor-active compounds in the two extracts were identical, but their concentrations were significantly different. The outcomes will give a theoretical foundation for developing and utilizing ATC.