Physicochemical Characteristics Research Articles

Mixed alkali effect on the mechanical, thermal and biological properties of 58S bioactive glass

Bioactive glasses (BG) containing silicon, phosphorous, and boron have emerged as promising materials for bone tissue engineering. Modifying ions play a multifaceted role in BGs, influencing their structure, properties, and biological activity that depends on their size, charge, and coordination chemistry. This study investigates the addition of sodium borate (Na2B4O7) to the 58S BG and the mixed alkali effect (MAE) resulting from incorporating Na and B ions into the CaO-SiO2-P2O5 system. In specific concentrations, Na+ and Ca2+ ions function as network modifiers, introducing structural disruptions and generating defects that impact the glass transition temperature (Tg), crystallization temperature (Tc), hardness, and sintering characteristics. The physicochemical characterization of BGs confirms the incorporation of Na and B structures. Furthermore, the Na and B doped glass sample with a [Na/Si] ratio of 0.045 exhibits favorable properties for promoting cell attachment, including forming a hydroxyapatite (HAp) layer over the surface, thereby accelerating human placental mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) proliferation. The findings demonstrate the potential of Na2B4O7 incorporation in BG for bone tissue engineering applications.

Physicochemical and functional characteristics of a gourd (Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber) seed protein isolate subjected to high-intensity ultrasound

The impact of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU, 20 kHz) on the physicochemical and functional characteristics of gourd seed protein isolate (GoSPI) was studied. GoSPI was prepared from oil-free gourd seed flour through alkaline extraction (pH 11) and subsequent isoelectric precipitation (pH 4). The crude protein concentration of GoSPI ranged from 91.56 ± 0.17 % to 95.43 ± 0.18 %. Aqueous suspensions of GoSPI (1:3.5 w/v) were ultrasonicated at powers of 200, 400, and 600 W for 15 and 30 min. Glutelins (76.18 ± 0.15 %) were the major protein fraction in GoSPI. HIU decreased the moisture, ash, ether extract, and nitrogen-free extract contents and the hue angle, available water and a* and b* color parameters of the GoSPI in some treatments. The L* color parameter increased (7.70 %) after ultrasonication. HIU reduced the bulk density (52.63 %) and particle diameter (39.45 %), as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, indicating that ultrasonication dissociated macromolecular aggregates in GoSPI. These structural changes enhanced the oil retention capacity and foam stability by up to 62.60 and 6.84 %, respectively, while the increases in the solvability, water retention capacity, and emulsifying activity index of GoSPI were 90.10, 19.80, and 43.34 %, respectively. The gelation, foaming capacity, and stability index of the emulsion showed no improvement due to HIU. HIU altered the secondary structure of GoSPI by decreasing the content of α-helices (49.66 %) and increasing the content of β-sheets (52.00 %) and β-turns (65.00 %). The electrophoretic profile of the GoSPI was not changed by HIU. The ultrasonicated GoSPI had greater functional attributes than those of the control GoSPI and could therefore be used as a functional food component.

Soybean oil emulsion stabilized by phosphatidylcholine and whey protein isolate: impact on interfacial properties, physicochemical characteristics, and digestive properties

Abstract Liquid formula is a research hotspot of infant formula milk, but how to increase the physicochemical stability while maintaining the activity of nutritional components is a key bottleneck in product development. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and whey protein isolate (WPI) are important components of infant formula, the effect of PC on the properties of WPI stable emulsion remains to be clarified. When the concentration of PC is 0.3 %, a solid intermolecular network is established, which enhances the elasticity and viscosity of the emulsion and has the best oxidation stability and storage stability. 0.3 % PC reduced the flocculation during digestion, and increased the digestibility of protein and fat (27.64 % and 82.45 %). In this study, compound emulsifier (WPI-PC) was used to establish a stable emulsion system, which provided reference for the development and utilization of functional dairy products.

Physico-chemical, technological and radiological characteristics of kaolinized granite from northwestern Serbia

In the ceramic industry, the quality of the final ceramic tile as well as the possibility of its use depends on the quality and characteristics of the starting raw materials. One of the potential raw materials that can be used in the production of ceramic tiles is kaolinized granite, and it is necessary to examine its characteristics. In this research, the kaolinized granite of the Jadar block, northwestern Serbia, from the Beli Majdan surface mine, Jadranska Lešnica, was examined. Chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were carried out. Ignition tests of the prepared composites were also conducted at three selected temperatures (1000, 1100, and 1250 °C), where total linear shrinkage and water absorption were determined. The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides and the artificial radionuclide 137Cs were determined using the gamma spectrometry method, and then the radiation risk for the external exposure of workers when working with this raw material was assessed. For the samples with the highest content of 226Ra, radon exhalation measurements were performed with the RAD7 device, and the values of the radon emanation coefficient were determined, as well as the values of alpha dose equivalents, which quantified the potential internal exposure of workers. The results of the chemical analysis showed that the content of Al2O3 in the examined composites ranged from 19.11 to 21.00%, and the content of Fe2O3 from 1.53 to 1.72%. Additionally, the K2O content in the tested composites ranges from 4.01 to 5.46%, which indicates the presence of K-feldspar and muscovite, and the Na2O content from 1.82 to 2.61%. Based on XRD analysis, it was established that the mineral composition of kaolinized granite includes quartz, feldspar, mica, calcite/dolomite, and kaolinite minerals. DTA analysis indicates the occurrence of minor endothermic processes at 488.05 °C and 558.12 °C, as well as an exothermic process at 980.8 °C. The color of the ignition is brick red to dark brown red. A trend of increasing linear shrinkage and decreasing water absorption with increasing ignition temperature was observed with the normal appearance of the samples. The average activity concentration of natural radionuclides are around and below the average values for building materials, expect for 40K. The values for 137Cs are below the values measured in soil. Annual effective doses estimated for external exposure are below 1 mSv y−1, which indicates that there is no increased radiation risk when working with this raw material. The values of the radon mass exhalation rate are in the range of 61–113 mBq kg−1 h−1, and the values of the radon emanation coefficient are 6.3–8.4%. The average value of the alpha dose equivalent is 1mSvy−1, which indicates a potential exposure to radon below 100 Bq m−3. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that kaolinized granite is a high-quality and radiologically safe raw material for making ceramic composites in the production of ceramic tiles. It has all the necessary characteristics to partially or completely replace feldspar in ceramic composites.

Renewable fuel and value-added chemicals potential of reed straw waste (RSW) by pyrolysis: Kinetics, thermodynamics, products characterization, and biochar application for malachite green removal

This study comprehensively investigates the potential of reed straw waste (RSW) for thermochemical conversion into bioenergy and value-added chemicals. The physicochemical property characterization confirmed the potential of RSW as both a renewable fuel and a source of chemical compounds. The high heating value (17.16 ± 0.20 MJ/kg), average activation energy (253.10–297.04 kJ mol−1), Gibbs free energy (153.45–158.39 kJ mol−1), and enthalpy change (248.10–292.04 kJ mol−1), underscored the significant potential of RSW for bioenergy production through pyrolysis and its compatibility for co-pyrolysis with other waste materials. Pyrolysis product analysis revealed that syngas constituted 42.25–66.48 % of the total three-phase products, with combustible components like H2, CO, and CH4 comprising 84.14–89.77 % of syngas. Bio-oil represented 18.94–35.23 % of the total three-phase products, primarily composed of phenols (30.88–46.04 %), acids (1.12–16.05 %), furans (8.84–14.46 %), ketones (9.34–16.33 %), alcohols (4.59–13.68 %), and aldehydes (5.54–11.10 %). BET and FTIR analysis of the biochar indicated that RSW biochar possessed a well-defined porous structure and abundant surface functional groups, making it capable of achieving a maximum adsorption capacity of 185.35 mg g−1 for the malachite green (MG) dye in the aquatic environment. In summary, this study holds significant implications for mitigating environmental pollution resulting from improper disposal of RSW and promoting its high-value utilization.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Particulate Matter Emitted from Aluminum Casting Process

Physicochemical Characteristics of Particulate Matter Emitted from Aluminum Casting Process

Potential of artificial soil preparation for vegetation restoration using red mud and phosphogypsum

Red mud and phosphogypsum have long been a focus and challenge in global industrial waste management, and their low-cost and large-scale utilization technology has always been an urgent need. This study is based on the strong acid-base neutralization reaction between red mud and phosphogypsum, which contain an elemental composition similar to that of natural soil, red mud itself has characteristic of clay minerals, and other auxiliary materials (i.e. rice husk powder, bentonite, fly ash, polyacrylamide flocculant and microbial suspension) were added, so as to explore the potential of synergistically prepared artificial soil for vegetation restoration. The results showed that the artificial soils exhibited physicochemical characteristics (e.g., pH, moisture content, cation exchange capacity) similar to those of natural soil, along with abundant organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents, meeting the growth requirements of plants. The artificial soils were able to support favorable growth of suitable plants (e.g., sunflower, wheat, rye grass), accumulating high levels of diverse enzymatic activities, comparable to those in natural soils (e.g., catalase, urease, phosphatase), or even surpassing natural soils (e.g., sucrase), and rich microorganism communities, such as Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria in the bacteria domain, and Ascomycota in the fungi domain, were initially developed. It's suggested that preparing 1 ton of artificial soil entails synergistic consumption of 613.7 kg of red mud and 244.6 kg of phosphogypsum, accounting for mass proportions of 61.4 % and 24.5 %, respectively. In future, more evaluations on the leaching loss of nutrients and alkalinity and the environmental risks of heavy metals should be conducted to more references for the artificial soil application. In summary, the preparation of artificial soil is a very simple, efficient, scalable and low-cost collaborative resource utilization scheme of red mud and phosphogypsum, which has great potential for vegetation restoration in some places such as tailings field and soil-deficient depression.

Probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Probio-M8 improves the fermentation and probiotic properties of fermented milk

Probiotics are increasingly used as starter cultures to produce fermented dairy products; however, few studies have investigated the role of probiotics in milk fermentation metabolism. The current study aimed to investigate whether adding Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Probio-M8 (Probio-M8) as a starter culture strain could improve milk fermentation by comparing the physico-chemical characteristics and metabolomes of fermented milks produced by a commercial starter culture with and without Probio-M8. Our results showed that adding Probio-M8 shortened the milk fermentation time and improved the fermented milk texture and stability. Metabolomics analyses revealed that adding Probio-M8 affected mostly organic acid, amino acid, and fatty acid metabolism in milk fermentation. Targeted quantitative analyses revealed significant increases in various metabolites related to the sensory quality, nutritive value, and health benefits of the probiotic fermented milk, including 5 organic acids (acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, and tartaric acid), 5 essential amino acids (valine, arginine, leucine, isoleucine, and lysine), glutamic acid, and 2 essential fatty acids (α-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid). Thus, applying probiotics in milk fermentation is desirable. This study has generated useful information for developing novel functional dairy products.

Nanosupplements based on protein-polysaccharide coacervates loaded with essential oils: Evaluation of antioxidant and antidiabetic properties

Essential oils (EOs) have demonstrated potential in food products to prevent complications related to diabetes. Nevertheless, the physicochemical characteristics of pure EOs, including high volatility and low chemical stability, face significant challenges when considering their utilization as functional ingredients. Thus, this study aimed to develop nanosupplements based on protein-polysaccharide coacervates loaded with EOs, thyme (THY) and oregano (ORE), and to evaluate their colloidal, antioxidant, and α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory properties following an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process. First, heat-induced egg white protein nanoparticles (EWPn) were used to encapsulate both EOs as nanocomplexes. Second, the process to obtain nanosupplements involved the electrostatic deposition of high methoxyl pectin (HMP) onto the surface of pre-formed nanocomplexes, resulting in the production of EWPn-THY-HMP and EWPn-ORE-HMP powders through a freeze-drying process. The effects of in vitro digestion on particle size, zeta potential, stability, and bioaccessibility of systems were analyzed. HMP exhibited a slight ability to protect EWPn from gastric digestion, while encapsulation within the EWPn-HMP system prevented the chemical degradation of EOs during gastrointestinal digestion. Subsequently, the antioxidant properties and the inhibitory effects of digested systems on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities were examined. After in vitro digestion, EWPn-THY-HMP and EWPn-ORE-HMP systems showed higher ABTS+ radical scavenging than pure EOs (around 70% vs. 30%, respectively). Additionally, reducing power activities (expressed as mg of ascorbic acid equivalents-AAE mL−1) of EWPn-THY-HMP and EWPn-ORE-HMP systems were higher (1.6 ± 0.0 mg and 1.8 ± 0.1 mg of AAE mL−1, respectively) compared to pure THY and ORE (approximately 1.5 mg of AAE mL−1 for both) after in vitro digestion. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of EOs decreased upon encapsulation within EWPn-HMP system from an IC50 value of 0.3–1.0 μg mL−1, approximately. However, the effect of encapsulation on α-amylase inhibitory activity was EOs-dependent, and it was higher for the EWPn-ORE-HMP system, with an IC50 value of 8.6 ± 0.2 μg mL−1. The results highlight the potential of EOs encapsulation within EWPn-HMP coacervate nanosupplements as a promising strategy to facilitate their incorporation into food matrices while preserving their antioxidant and α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory properties.

Green Ca-source of cockle shells converted to calcium acetate for environmental sustainability

This work aimed to synthesize and characterize the calcium acetate monohydrate (Ca(CH3COO)2·H2O) from the exothermic reaction between CaCO3 powder derived from cockle shells with three different acetic acids (8, 10, and 12 mol L−1) concentrations by the rapid and easy process without pH and temperature control to lead to cheap chemical production. The physicochemical characteristics of all synthesized Ca(CH3COO)2·H2O samples are investigated based on the chemical compositions, crystal structures, vibrational characteristics, morphologies, and thermal behavior to confirm the target compound. A suitable concentration of 10 mol L−1 CH3COOH was chosen to produce Ca(CH3COO)2·H2O with the highest yield (96.30 %), maximum calcium content (96.2 % CaO) with lower impurities, and time consumption of 17 h. The calcium acetate product obtained from cockle shells in this work shows differences in thermal stability, morphological structure purity, %yield, and metal contamination with those reported obtained from other sources and another shell type in the previous work. This research investigates the transformation of cockle shell waste into CaCO3 for the production of calcium acetate, aiming to address environmental sustainability concerns by reducing the use of calcium ore resources and greenhouse gas emissions.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Characteristics of Aqueous Bis(3-Aminopropyl)Amine and its Mixture with 2-Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol across Varied Temperatures and Concentrations toward Exploring New Solvents for CO2 Capture

Evaluation of Physicochemical Characteristics of Aqueous Bis(3-Aminopropyl)Amine and its Mixture with 2-Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol across Varied Temperatures and Concentrations toward Exploring New Solvents for CO₂ Capture

Physicochemical Properties and Microstructure of Mixed-species Surimi Made from Decapterus sp. and Priacanthus sp.

The surimi industry plays a substantial role in bolstering Indonesia’s fishing sector. The collapse of the majority of surimi companies can be attributed to the government limitation on trawling, which served as the primary source of demersal fish utilized in surimi processing. This restriction resulted in a significant shortage of raw material for industry. Therefore, it is imperative to explore alternate fish species that can serve as viable raw materials for the production of surimi. Alternative fish species are needed as raw materials for surimi. The objective of this work was to investigate the physicochemical characteristics and microstructure of surimi produced from two distinct Indonesian fish species: Decapterus sp., a pelagic species, and Priacanthus sp., a demersal species. Five ratios of Decapterus sp and Priacanthus sp; 1:0 (F1: control 1), 3:1 (F2), 1:1 (F3), 1:3 (F4), and 0:1 (F5: control 2) were tested. The proximate composition showed that the addition of Decapterus sp. to the formula increased the protein and fat content of mixed surimi. The formula F4 showed the highest value for almost all textural profile parameters; there were springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, and resilience. The same result also presented in the gel strength, F4 also has the highest value. The Water Holding Capacity value was low, and it showed no difference between all formulas. The whiteness value was in the range of 66-68, and it showed no difference between all formulas. Protein patterns showed no myosin heavy chain in all formulas. Microstructure analysis showed that only F5 (control 2) was compact and denser, but the other formulas (F1, F2, F3, and F4) showed a large number of loose and porous structures. In the microbial analysis, all formulas showed the Total Plate Count value ( 6 x 105 cfu/g) was under the maximum acceptable value (107 cfu/g). The findings of the study indicated that the mixed-surimi, consisting of Decapterus sp and Priacanthus sp at a ratio of 1:3, exhibited the highest level of gel strength. In conclusion, Decapterus sp has the potential to serve as a viable raw material when combined with Priacanthus sp.

Bacterial diversity of mineral well water from ten sources belonging to the Guarani aquifer system: Assessment by cultivation-dependent and cultivation-independent methods and their correlation with water physicochemical properties

Mineral water must be safe for consumption. The study aimed to assess the bacterial diversity of mineral water samples collected directly from extraction wells through both cultivation-dependent and cultivation-independent analysis and their correlation with physicochemical properties. The physicochemical characterization included the analysis of 40 different minerals and parameters such as pH, conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity (PSU), and temperature (T). For the cultivation-dependent analysis, the counts included heterotrophic bacteria at 22 and 36 °C, total coliforms (TC), Escherichia coli (EC), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA). The cultivation-independent analysis comprised 16 S rRNA metataxonomic data analysis. The pH of the mineral water samples at wells ranged from 5.02 to 6.73 (non-dimensional), conductivity ranged from 20 to 174 μS/cm, ORP varied between 3.1 and 289 mV, TDS ranged from 10 to 87 mg/L, PSU ranged from 0.01 to 0.08 (non-dimensional), and the temperature range was between 19 and 22 °C. The results revealed counts of PSA in the mineral water samples from wells P-01 and P-02, with an average of 0.18 log CFU/250 mL. The samples from well P-09 exhibited average counts of EC at 0.40 log CFU/250 mL (0.5 SD) and TC at 1.00 log CFU/250 mL (0.0 SD). At 36 °C, the heterotrophic bacterial counts in mineral water samples from all wells were <1.0 log CFU/mL. However, at 22 °C, the samples from wells P-01, P-03, and P-04 showed average heterotrophic bacterial counts of 1.11 log (0.03 SD), 1.61 log (0.09 SD), and 1.30 log (0.02 SD) CFU/mL, respectively. The microbiota varied among the analyzed wells, indicating different microbial community profiles likely influenced by the soil microbiota rather than the physicochemical parameters of the well water samples.

Statistical optimization of bioprocess parameters for enhanced production of bacterial cellulose from K. saccharivorans BC-G1.

Bacterial Cellulose (BC) offers a wide range of applications across various industries, including food, biomedical, and textiles, owing to its distinctive properties. Its unique 3D reticulated network of cellulose nanofibers, imparts excellent mechanical qualities, a high water-holding capacity, and thermal stability. Additionally, it possesses remarkable biocompatibility, biodegradability, high crystallinity, and purity. These attributes have offered significant interest in BC within both academic and industrial sectors. However, BC production is associated with high costs due to the use of expensive growth media and low yields. The study reports the potential of our indigenous isolate, Komagataeibacter saccharivorans BC-G1, as BC producer. Statistical optimization of BC production was carried out using Placket-Burman design and Central composite design, by selecting different parameters. Eight significant factors such as temperature, pH, glucose, yeast, peptone, acetic acid, incubation time and % inoculum were studies using ANOVA-based response surface methodology. Results showed that BC yield (8.5g/L) with 1.8-fold after optimization of parameters. Maximum cellulose production (8.5 ± 1.8g/L) was obtained using 2% glucose, 0.3% yeast extract, 0.3% peptone, 0.75% (v/v) acetic acid at pH 7.0 for 10 days of incubation with 4% inoculum at 25°C under static culture. Main effect graph showed incubation time and acetic acid concentration as the most significant parameters affecting BC production in our study. The physicochemical characterization of produced BC was done using FTIR, XRD and SEM techniques.

Synthesis of dual functional Zn(II) MOF for colorimetric detection of norfloxacin and photocatalytic degradation of ornidzole drugs in aqueous medium

Pharmaceuticals widespread use of antibiotics endangers humans and animals. Antibiotic residues in groundwater, rivers, lakes, and other surfaces pose serious health risks. Therefore, the synthesis of high-performance sensors and catalyst materials for the selective and ultra-sensitive detection and removal of antibiotics from water is crucial for community health and environmental quality. This study created [Zn(Cei)] (1) flower-like colourless crystals using bis(2-carboxyethyl) isocyanurate (H2Cei) a simple room-temperature process and tested their photoluminescence sensing and photocatalytic destruction of antibiotics. Physicochemical characterisation of produced (1) was done using analytical and spectroscopic methods. The photoluminescent characteristics of (1) demonstrated that it is very sensitive and selectively detects NFX and NFT in aqueous solution at 0.323 and 0.590 ppm, respectively. However, [Zn(Cei)] (1) showed excellent photocatalytic activity against ODZ and CMP with degradation efficiency of 90.15% and 86.09% within 120 min under UV irradiation, respectively, and good stability by monitoring photocatalyst reusability.

Study of freshwater zooplanktons in Nira River around Akluj

Study of freshwater zooplanktons in Nira River around Akluj

Development of carminative syrup to improve gastrointestinal prophylaxis

The carminative qualities of spices like asafoetida, clove, cumin, cardamom, fennel, honey, cinnamon and black pepper are highlighted in particular. Medicinal plants are widely recognized as a crucial and valuable resource for the development of pharmaceutical products. These herbal products possess carminative properties and offer additional health benefits in a wide range of therapeutic uses of carminative like as Anti-microbial, Diuretic, Irritable bowel syndrome, etc. To enhance their effects, formulations were made utilizing a geometrical approach and different weights of these powders were combined and evaluated. To confirm the quality and safety of the carminative syrup, organoleptic evaluation, physicochemical characteristics, rheological evaluation, and carminative potential were evaluated.

Teasing out the Effects of Natural Stressors at Chemically Contaminated Sites.

Aquatic ecosystems are often impacted by a multitude of stressors, many of which are introduced by a combination of anthropogenic activities such as agricultural development, urbanization, damming, and industrial discharge. Determining the primary stressors responsible for ecological impairments at a site can be complex and challenging; however, it is crucial for making informed management decisions. Improper diagnosis of an impaired system can lead to misguided attempts at remediation, which can be both time consuming and costly. We focused on the development, implementation, and evaluation of methodologies that, in combination, allowed us to identify the primary stressors. These included a four-phase, weight-of-evidence (WOE) assessment including in situ Toxicity Identification and Evaluation (iTIE) testing, physicochemical and macrobenthos characterization, reciprocal sediment transplants, and laboratory and in situ toxicity testing. The contaminants of concern (COCs) at the site were elevated levels of ammonia, chloride, pH, and total dissolved solids in groundwater upwellings into a high-quality waterway. Reciprocal transplants of site sediments and nearby reference sediments and traditional benthic sampling showed impaired benthic indices and multiple stations around a contaminated industrial settling basin. Impaired stations had elevated COCs in groundwaters but exhibited a steep vertical concentration gradient, with concentrations decreasing near the sediment-surface water interface. We describe Phase 4 of the study, which focused on teasing out the role of dissolved oxygen sags in benthic macroinvertebrate responses. Extensive submerged and emergent macrophytes, algae, and cyanobacteria co-occurred at the impaired sites and increased throughout the summer. Laboratory testing suggested that ammonia and pH were possibly toxic at the sites, based on groundwater concentrations. The in situ toxicity testing, however, showed toxicity occurring even at stations with low levels of COCs concurrently with large diurnal fluxes in dissolved oxygen (DO). A final phase using a type of iTIE approach utilized limnocorrals with and without aeration and with in situ toxicity measures using Hyalella azteca. The Phase 4 assessment revealed that low DO levels were primarily responsible for impaired benthic communities, and COC upwellings were diluted at the sediment-water interface to nontoxic levels. These findings will allow for improved management decisions for more efficient and effective restoration activities. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1524-1536. © 2024 SETAC.

Physicochemical and microbiological characterisation of a typical Italian raw ewe's milk cheese: Pecorino bagnolese

Pecorino Bagnolese is a typical Italian cheese made from raw ewe's milk in province of Avellino (southern Italy). The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological parameters during cheese-making and ripening (30, 90 and 180 d). Results showed that the cheese-making and ripening influenced the pH, water activity, moisture, fat content and levels of Enterobacteriaceae. Changes in the fatty acids profile of ripened cheeses compared to milk were observed, suggesting the influence of ripening on the fatty acids profile. Nutritional indices demonstrated positive health attributes. The concentration of malondialdehyde remained consistently low, while free fatty acids showed an increasing trend during ripening. Coagulase-positive staphylococci complied with the legislative threshold value, but colonies of Staphylococcus aureus were found. Pathogens were not detected. In conclusion, the data collected provided a better characterisation of this traditional cheese and can be used for broadening knowledge of raw ewe's milk cheeses.

Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Dates Palm Sheet Jam (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) with Variations of Jackfruit Dami Pectin Extracts and CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose)

Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Dates Palm Sheet Jam (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) with Variations of Jackfruit Dami Pectin Extracts and CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose)