Preservative Agent Research Articles

INNOVATIVE PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES SECTORS

Fish and fishery products are important food commodities that benefit human health, offer high commercial value and contain high protein, vitamins, minerals and unsaturated fatty acids. High demand and mass commercialisation of fish and fishery product regulate the international seafood business. Subsequently harvesting, the fish and fishery product face multiple supply chains and time in marketing and distribution to reach consumers. Therefore, these may lead to biodeterioration and thus require proper and innovative processing technologies for fish and fishery products preservation and shelf life extension. These include chilling, freezing, drying, freeze drying, smoking, vacuum packaging, modified atmosphere packaging, canning, irradiation, high-pressure processing and using natural products as preservative agents. Innovative processing technologies are important and contribute to sustainable fisheries management, supply chain and local and international trade.

Exploring the potential of 1,8-cineole from cardamom oil against food-borne pathogens: Antibacterial mechanisms and its application in meat preservation

Food-borne pathogenic bacteria are a major public health concern globally. Traditional control methods using antibiotics have limitations, leading to the exploration of alternative strategies. Essential oils such as cardamom possess antimicrobial properties and have shown efficacy against food-borne pathogenic bacteria. The utilization of essential oils and their bioactive constituents in food preservation is a viable strategy to prolong the shelf-life of food products while ensuring their quality and safety. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies that have utilized 1,8-cineole (the main active constituent of cardamom essential oil) as a preservative in meat, so this study might be the first to utilize 1,8-cineole as an antibacterial agent in meat preservation. The application of 1,8-cineole had a significant suppressive impact on the growth rate of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Typhimurium in meat samples stored for 7 days at 4 °C. Additionally, the surface color of the meat samples was not negatively impacted by the application of 1,8-cineole. The minimum inhibitory concentration was 12.5–25 mg/ml, and the minimum bactericidal concentration was 25–50.0 mg/ml. The bacterial cell membrane may be the target of cardamom, causing leakage of intracellular proteins, ATP, and DNA. The obtained data in this study may pave a new avenue for using 1,8-cineole as a new perspective for dealing with this problem of food-borne pathogens and food preservation, such as meat.

Protective Effects of Boric Acid Taken in Different Ways on Experimental Ovarian İschemia and Reperfusion.

Ovarian ischemia is a gynecological emergency that occurs as a result of ovarian torsion, affects women of reproductive age, and reduces ovarian reserve. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of boric acid taken in different ways on histopathological changes, autophagy, oxidative stress, and DNA damage caused by ischemia and reperfusion in the ovary of adult female rats. We established seven groups of 70 adult female rats: untreated control, intraperitoneal boric acid group (IpBA), oral boric acid group (OBA), ischemia/reperfusion group (ischemia/2h reperfusion; OIR), ischemia/reperfusion and local boric acid group (OIR + LBA), ischemia/reperfusion and intraperitoneal boric acid group (OIR + IpBA), and ischemia/reperfusion and oral boric acid group (OIR + OBA). On the 31st day of the experimental procedure, both ovaries were harvested for histologic (hematoxylen and eosin and Masson trichrom), biochemical (ELISA and AMH, MDA, SOD, and CAT analyses), and comet evaluation. In the OIR group, hemorrhage, edema, inflammation, and diminished follicle reserve were seen in the ovary. Boric acid treatment reduced the ovarian ischemia/reperfusion damage, and the follicles exhibited similar morphological features to the control group. Moreover, boric acid treatment decreased the levels of Hsp70, NF-KB, COX-2, and CD31, which increased as a result of OIR. On the other hand, SCF and AMH levels, which decreased as a result of OIR, increased with boric acid treatment. The levels of autophagy markers (Beclin-1, LC3, and p62) reached values close to those of the control group. According to the biochemical findings, it was concluded that boric acid is also effective on oxidative stress, and the AMH level was particularly high in the OIR + OBA group, consistent with the immunohistochemical staining result. In addition, it was observed that the DNA damage caused by OIR reached values close to those of the control group, especially in the OBA after OIR. This study showed the therapeutic effects of boric acid on OIR injuries; thus, boric acid may be a potential therapeutic agent for ovarian protection and fertility preservation in cases that may cause ovarian torsion.

Zebrafish as a high throughput model for organ preservation and transplantation research.

Despite decades of effort, the preservation of complex organs for transplantation remains a significant barrier that exacerbates the organ shortage crisis. Progress in organ preservation research is significantly hindered by suboptimal research tools that force investigators to sacrifice translatability over throughput. For instance, simple model systems, such as single cell monolayers or co-cultures, lack native tissue structure and functional assessment, while mammalian whole organs are complex systems with confounding variables not compatible with high-throughput experimentation. In response, diverse fields and industries have bridged this experimental gap through the development of rich and robust resources for the use of zebrafish as a model organism. Through this study, we aim to demonstrate the value zebrafish pose for the fields of solid organ preservation and transplantation, especially with respect to experimental transplantation efforts. A wide array of methods were customized and validated for preservation-specific experimentation utilizing zebrafish, including the development of assays at multiple developmental stages (larvae and adult), methods for loading and unloading preservation agents, and the development of viability scores to quantify functional outcomes. Using this platform, the largest and most comprehensive screen of cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) was performed to determine their toxicity and efficiency at preserving complex organ systems using a high subzero approach called partial freezing (i.e., storage in the frozen state at -10°C). As a result, adult zebrafish cardiac function was successfully preserved after 5 days of partial freezing storage. In combination, the methods and techniques developed have the potential to drive and accelerate research in the fields of solid organ preservation and transplantation.

The Determination of Ethanol Levels in Facial Freshener Using the NIR Spectroscopy and Chemometric Method

A facial freshener, also known as toner, is a cosmetic product that is commonly used to invigorate the face after a busy day. Ethanol serves as a key component in toner, serving multiple purposes such as being a solvent, preservative, and antimicrobial agent. However, it's important to note that toner formulated for normal skin types typically contain ethanol in small concentrations, adhering to a limit of not more than 10%. Therefore, this study aims to determine ethanol levels in toner using the NIR spectroscopy and chemometric techniques. The NIR spectra of the simulated samples were correlated with ethanol concentration using chemometric calibration model. The calibration models used were partial least square (PLS), principal component regression (PCR), and support vector regression (SVR). The calibration model was validated by leave one out cross validation (LOOCV) as well as the external validation, and the precision and accuracy of the method was evaluated. Among the calibration models, the PLS model exhibited the best performance, yielding an impressive R2 0.9976; with an RMSEC value of 0.4364 and RMSECV value of 0.4704. The internal validation yield R2 value more than 0.99 and RMSE of less than 0,4198. Furthermore, external validation showed the R2 and RMSEP value of 0.989 and 0.920 respectively. The %recovery and RSD value were 101.2% and 0.129%. Comparing ethanol measurements obtained through the NIR chemometric method with those obtained using gas chromatography as the reference method, no significant difference was observed at a 95% confidence levels, as indicated by a significance value of 0.231.

Microencapsulation of organic pomegranate peel extract for a food circular economy: Effects of wall materials on powder functional attributes, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial property against foodborne pathogens

In the present study, the potential of maltodextrin (MT), gum Arabic (GA), and waxy starch (WS) as wall materials for producing functional pomegranate peel extract powder (PPEP) was explored. Utilizing in vitro methodologies, this study aims to investigate the impact of different wall materials on the quality and properties of encapsulated PPEP. The organic pomegranate peel extracts, produced using 70% ethanol, were encapsulated using 10% (1:10, w/v) of the different wall materials before freeze-drying. The resulting PPEPs were characterized based on their technofunctional, physicochemical, morphological, crystallinity, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The GA-encapsulated PPEP demonstrated a FRAP activity of 9 mM TE/100 g DM, which is 1.4-fold higher than the 6.40 mM TE/100 g DM observed in WS-encapsulated PPEP. Similarly, GA-encapsulated PPEP showed a DPPH radical scavenging activity of 11.21 mM TE/100 g DM, 10.7–12.6% higher than WS-encapsulated PPEP. Metabolites, including ellagic acid, punicalin α, punicalin β, and punicalagin α, were significantly higher in MT-encapsulated powder. These results establish the potential of PPEP as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agent for food preservation, with GA and MT as favorable wall materials. Future work will explore the synergistic effects of blending GA and MT as wall materials and assess controlled release mechanisms.

Preparation of gallic acid functionalized polyvinyl alcohol/β‐cyclodextrin‐silver nanoparticles cast film as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent

AbstractIn recent studies, researchers have been dedicated to the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) that can be adjusted in size, owing to their unique physical and chemical properties. In this study, AgNPs with well‐defined and stable characteristics are successfully functionalized with Gallic acid (GA) within a polymer matrix consisting of polyvinyl alcohol/β‐cyclodextrin polymeric biofilms (BFs) using a casting approach. To evaluate the particle size, functional groups, and crystallinity of the AgNPs, various techniques including UV, FT‐IR, TEM, and XRD are employed. The prepared BF films (BFs) are comprehensively analyzed for mechanical strength, color ratio, swelling ratio, surface morphology, elemental ratio, thermal behavior, and water wettability using stress–strain analysis, spectrophotometer color lab, SEM, EDAX, TGA, and contact angle techniques. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of the BFs are also investigated, along with their antioxidant activity assessed through the DPPH radical assay. The multifunctional BFs exhibited promising potential as antimicrobial agents for food preservation.

Ultra-Orthodox Women's Reaction to the "Society of Learners" Model as a Motive among Israel's Ultra-Orthodox Feminists

ABSTRACT: The "Society of Learners" is an accepted research model that explains communal, religious, and sociological features among Lithuanian and Mizrahi communities in Israel. This model has become increasingly challenging for many ultra-Orthodox men and women. In this article we discuss reactions to the society of learners model as a motive for the establishment of the ultra-Orthodox feminist movement that was created in anticipation of the 2013 Knesset elections, and examine its role in the establishment of the movement. Through semi-structured, in-depth interviews we asked fifteen ultra-Orthodox women whether the model was a factor in the formation of ultra-Orthodox feminism and found three central motifs in their responses: a woman's place in the life of the individual and the repercussions of this model on the life of ultra-Orthodox women; the value of Torah study and resistance to the society of learners as an exclusive model; and lastly, the economic consequences of the model. This study adds a new facet to the theory of the society of learners and supports other studies of women from minority groups as agents of preservation and change. Hence, it contributes a better understanding of the ultra-Orthodox feminist movement in Israel which developed less than a decade ago.

Anti-browning and antibacterial dual functions of novel hydroxypyranone-thiosemicarbazone derivatives as shrimp preservative agents: Synthesis, bio-evaluation, mechanism, and application.

To develop new shrimp preservative agents with dual functions of anti-browning and antibacterial, thirteen hydroxypyranone-thiosemicarbazone derivatives were prepared according to molecular hybridization. Thereinto, compound 7j (IC50=1.99±0.19μM) shown the strongest anti-tyrosinase activity and was about twenty-three folds stronger than kojic acid (45.73±4.03μM). The anti-tyrosinase mechanism of 7j was illustrated through enzyme kinetic, copper ion chelating ability, fluorescence quenching, ultraviolet spectrum, AFM analysis, and molecular docking study. On the other hand, antibacterial assay and time-kill kinetics analysis confirmed that 7j also had good antibacterial activity against V. parahaemolyticus (MIC=0.13mM). PI uptake test, SDS-PAGE, and fluorescence spectrometry analysis proved that 7j can affect the bacterial cell membrane. Finally, the shrimp preservation and safety study indicated that 7j has dual effects of inhibiting bacterial growth and preventing enzyme browning, and can be applied to the preservation of fresh shrimp.

Utilization of Algae Extracts as Natural Antibacterial and Antioxidants for Controlling Foodborne Bacteria in Meat Products.

Padina pavonica, Hormophysa cuneiformis, and Corallina officinalis are three types of algae that are assumed to be used as antibacterial agents. Our study's goal was to look into algal extracts' potential to be used as food preservative agents and to evaluate their ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria in several meat products (pastirma, beef burger, luncheon, minced meat, and kofta) from the local markets in Alexandria, Egypt. By testing their antibacterial activity, results demonstrated that Padina pavonica showed the highest antibacterial activity towards Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella spp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Padina pavonica extract also possesses most phenolic and flavonoid content overall. It has 24 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and 7.04 mg catechol equivalent/g, respectively. Moreover, the algae extracts were tested for their antioxidant activity, and the findings were measured using ascorbic acid as a benchmark. The IC50 of ascorbic acid was found to be 25.09 μg/mL, while Padina pavonica exhibited an IC50 value of 267.49 μg/mL, Corallina officinalis 305.01 μg/mL, and Hormophysa cuneiformis 325.23 μg/mL. In this study, Padina pavonica extract was utilized in three different concentrations (Treatment 1 g/100 g, Treatment 2 g/100 g, and Treatment 3 g/100 g) on beef burger as a model. The results showed that as the concentration of the extract increased, the bacterial inhibition increased over time. Bacillus cereus was found to be the most susceptible to the extract, while Streptococcus pyogenes was the least. In addition, Padina pavonica was confirmed to be a safe compound through cytotoxicity testing. After conducting a sensory evaluation test, it was confirmed that Padina pavonica in meat products proved to be a satisfactory product.

Phytochemical profile, assessment of antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of essential oils of Artemisia herba-alba Asso., and Artemisia dracunculus L.: Experimental and computational approaches

Artemisia herba alba and Artemisia dracunculus are widely used in folk medicine by many ethnic groups to relieve and treat various ailments, including diabetes, cancer, and infectious diseases. The current investigation aims to determine the phytochemical profile, antibacterial, anticandidal and antioxidant activities of Moroccan A. herba alba and A. dracunculus essential oils (EOs). Antioxidant activity was carried out using four complementary assays, namely ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging techniques, ferric-reducing power (FRAP) and lipid peroxidation tests. The antimicrobial potential of A. herba-alba and A. dracunculus EOs was examined against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and yeasts, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. The results demonstrated that the A. herba-alba and A. dracunculus EOs exhibited remarkable inhibitory effects against all tested microorganisms using disk-diffusion method and were competitor to the examined antibiotics, demonstrating a maximum inhibition diameter of the Gram-positive bacteria. The most susceptible was B. cereus (31.33 ± 4.04 mm), and the most susceptible Gram-negative bacteria was K. aerogenes (19.79 ± 1.53 mm), and C. tropicalis was the most susceptible Candida spp. to A. herba alba EOs (27.00 ± 0.66 mm). The MIC, MBC, and MFC values indicate that these EOs were highly effective at minimal concentrations. However, toxicological assessment, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic investigations are necessary to confirm the safety and the beneficial effects of these oils in human healthcare and industrial applications as potential sources of natural antioxidants and preservative agents.

Analysis of the Chemical Composition and Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anticoagulant, and Antidiabetic Properties of Pistacia lentiscus from Boulemane as a Natural Nutraceutical Preservative.

Pistacia lentiscus L. has traditionally been employed as a diuretic and stimulant in the treatment of hypertension. Our interest centered on analyzing the chemical profile of the plant's leaves and its in vitro, in vivo, and in silico antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and antidiabetic effects in order to valorize this species and prepare new high-value products that can be used in the agro-food and pharmaceutical industries. When this species' essential oil was hydrodistilled and subjected to GC-MS analysis, the results showed that the principal components were germacrene D (17.54%), spathulenol (17.38%), bicyclogermacrene (12.52%), and terpinen-4-ol (9.95%). The extraction of phenolic compounds was carried out by decoction and Soxhlet. The determination of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins of aqueous and organic extracts by spectrophotometric methods demonstrated the richness of this species in phenolic compounds. Chromatographic analysis by HPLC/UV-ESI-MS of the aqueous extract of P. lentiscus revealed the presence of 3,5-di-O-galloyl quinic acid, gallic acid, and 3,4,5-tri-O-galloyl quinic acid specific to this species. The study of antioxidant activity by three methods (DPPH, FRAP, and Total Antioxidant Capacity) revealed that P. lentiscus is a very promising source of natural antioxidants. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and aqueous extract (E0) was studied by microdilution on the microplate. The results revealed the effectiveness of the aqueous extract compared to the essential oil against Gram-negative bacteria (K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, E. aerogenes, E. cloacae, P. fluorescence, Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., and Y. enterolitica) and candidoses (C. krusei and C. albicans). The measurements of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of the aqueous extract (E0) can significantly prolong these tests from concentrations of 2.875 and 5.750 mg/mL, respectively. The antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous extract (E0) showed a strong in vitro inhibitory activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase compared to acarbose. Thus, it significantly inhibited postprandial hyperglycemia in Wistar albino rats. The in-silico study of the major compounds of the essential oil and extract (E0) carried out using PASS, SwissADME, pkCSM, and molecular docking tools confirmed our in vitro and in vivo results. The studied compounds showed a strong ability to be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and to passively diffuse through the blood-brain barrier, a similarity to drugs, and water solubility. Molecular docking experiments deduced the probable mode of action of the identified compounds on their respective target proteins, such as NADPH oxidase, thrombin, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. Furthermore, given the demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and antidiabetic effects, we can affirm the richness of P. lentiscus in bioactive molecules and its use in traditional medicine as a source of preservative agent.

Initial host invasion of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is dampened by 1-methylcyclopropene due to blocking ethylene sensitivity of the fungus

Ethylene (ET) is not only a fruit ripening hormone, but also plays important roles in plant-pathogen interactions, as it is involved in both plant defense and fungal virulence. 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is a competitive inhibitor for ET being applied as a postharvest preservation agent to delay fruit ripening. Plant pathogenic fungi can also sense ET to promote fungal conidial germination, appressorium development, and pathogenicity. However, it is unclear whether 1-MCP could regulate postharvest disease development by interfering with the ET-sensing in pathogenic fungi. In this study, we identified the effects of ET and 1-MCP on the growth and development of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, a fungal pathogen that causes anthracnose disease in various crops, and explored the regulatory effects of 1-MCP on the pathogenic fungus during its host invasions. The results showed that 1-MCP can inhibit the ET responses of C. gloeosporioides, including the ET-induced conidial germination, appressorium formation, and expression of the ethylene-responsive marker gene. Further analysis revealed that 1-MCP treatment dampened the host invasion of the fungus, and thus decreased disease severity on lime and strawberry fruit. Collectively, this study reveals the action mode of 1-MCP in inhibiting the fungal ET sensitivity and highlights the unexplored potential of using 1-MCP as a postharvest treatment to control postharvest diseases caused by fungal pathogens.

Development of the Production of Curcumin Powder for Application in the Food Industry

Curcumin has been identified as the most abundant bioactive constituent in turmeric (Curcuma longa) extract (2 - 8% w/w). Curcumin is used as a preservative, flavoring, and yellowish colorant agent in the food industry. Modern scientific studies have confirmed its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and antimicrobial properties. Curcumin is easily oxidized and light-damaged, and it is insoluble in water. This product's shelf life should be increased. Curcumin microencapsulation into powder solves these issues. This process has been used because of its low cost, equipment availability, continuous production, and ease of industry. Curcumin powder in food could be crude turmeric powder (0.58 - 3.14%w/w), curry powder (0.11 - 0.58%w/w), or spray dried turmeric oleoresin curcumin powder (40 - 50%w/w). Spray drying coats the curcumin core material into the matrix powder, improving stability. The wall material (gum arabic, maltodextrin, or chitosan) and emulsifying agent were dispersed in continuous phase with the curcumin core material to prepare the microencapsulated flowing powders. Several formulation modifications in spray drying methods, such as co-dried and binary blend materials, have been investigated to improve the stability of curcumin. Curcumin powder is becoming more popular as a treatment for a variety of ailments, as well as a compound that is generally regarded as safe. As a result, its application as a nutraceutical or functional food has the potential to be expanded further.

Laurus nobilis essential oil nanoemulsion-infused chitosan: A safe and effective antifungal agent for masticatory preservation

The present study reports the first time investigation on encapsulation of Laurus nobilis essential oil into chitosan nanoemulsion (CS-Ne-LNEO) and assessment of its efficacy to inhibit fungal infestation and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in stored masticatories food system. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed m-Eugenol (46.23%) and D-Limonene (8.89%) as the most abundant components of LNEO. The CS-Ne-LNEO was physico-chemically characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and x-ray diffractometry (XRD) analyses. The CS-Ne-LNEO exhibited broad range of antifungal activity against food contaminating fungi including inhibition of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus (AF-LHP-PE-4) and AFB1 production at lower concentrations as compared to unencapsulated LNEO. The CS-Ne-LNEO caused impairment in ergosterol biosynthesis and enhancement in leakage of Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ ions and 260, 280 nm absorbing materials along with inhibition of methylglyoxal production suggesting the antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic mechanism of action. The DPPH antioxidant activity of CS-Ne-LNEO was noted with IC50 value of 0.004 µL/mL. In addition, the CS-Ne-LNEO caused complete protection of stored Phyllanthus emblica (model masticatories) fruit samples against fungal and AFB1 contamination without altering their sensory characteristics and exhibited high LD50 value (13,504 µL/Kg body weight) mammalian system. Overall, these results indicated that LNEO loaded chitosan nanoemulsion could be promoted as an eco-friendly preservative for complete protection of stored plant masticatories against fungal and AFB1 contamination.

Effectiveness of liquid smoke as a preservative agent of barracuda fish cake during cold storage

Barracuda is one species of white fleshed fish that has a soft texture and a savoury taste, therefore it can be processed into fish cakes. Fish cake is a perishable food caused by bacterial activity that can be prevented using preservative namely liquid smoke. The addition of liquid smoke can provide an extended shelf life and a unique taste sensation in fish cakes because it functions as an antibacterial. The purpose of the study was to determine the role of liquid smoke in increasing the shelf life of fish cake and its effect on the value of consumer preferences. The research method was carried out by experimental laboratories using a Split Plot in Time experimental design. Fish cake was made by adding 5% liquid smoke to the water used to steam barracuda fish cakes, then stored at 4-5°C for 12 days (0, 4, 8, and 12). Barracuda fish cakes were analyzed for phenol content, water content, TPC, TVB-N, amino acid lysine and hedonic test. The results showed value of a phenol content 27.38 ± 1.54 mg/100g, a moisture content of 67.75 ± 0.11 %, the value of TPC was 1.8x104 ± 0.21 cfu/g, the TVBN value was 14.53 ± 2.73 mgN/100 g, the amino acid content of lysine was 3.5 ± 0.04 mg/g, and the hedonic value was 5.67. The use of 5% liquid smoke could increase the shelf life of barracuda fish cake. Fish cake with the addition of 5% liquid smoke after 12 days were preferred by consumers because of their little mucus, unique taste typical of smoked fish, and chewy texture. The use of liquid smoke was able to maintain better quality than control after the storage of barracuda fish cake for 12 days.

Development and Characterization of N/S-Carbon Quantum Dots by Valorizing Greek Crayfish Food Waste

The valorization of food industry byproducts has become a significant issue worldwide because of the drive towards a circular economy. The “zero waste target” in human activities seems to be a dominant objective in the design of future products by enterprises. In this work, food waste from the crayfish processing industry was converted into useful products (quantum dots), as nowadays, biowaste-derived materials tend to be more attractive than conventionally produced materials with a similar structure due to their lower production costs and environmentally friendly development processes. More specifically, shell waste from the crayfish industry was treated hydrothermally and, after a freeze-drying process, was transformed to useful quantum dots. Instrumental and chemical techniques, such as XRD, SEM-EDS, AFM, XPS, elemental analysis, fluorescence spectroscopy, TG, Microtox bioassay, and DPPH antioxidant activity, were employed to characterize the final product. The results indicated the existence of thermally stable spherical particles, with a diameter of 5–8 nm, which were mainly composed of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, calcium, and sulfur. Their external surface was rough and rich with various functional groups that further contributed to their overall optical properties. The final product presented low ecotoxicity, as studied by the Microtox assay. The superior antioxidant activity of this product compared to other similar materials reported elsewhere renders it a potential material for, e.g., food packaging applications. In addition, for the first time, N/S-Carbon QDs were applied as an antioxidant/antibacterial agent for strawberry preservation, showing promising results as the coated strawberries maintained their color and weight for three consecutive days with no mold growth observed on their surface.

Sodium alginate coating of Ginkgo biloba leaves extract containing phenylpropanoids as an ecofriendly preserving agent to maintain the quality of peach fruit.

Plant constituents are of great interest in the food processing industry as potential natural preservative agents for controlling foodborne pathogens. In this study, the 95% EtOH/H2 O extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves was separated using polarity extraction solvents with petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), n-butanol (nB), and water (W) by the principle of similarity and compatibility. Through TLC and NMR analysis of these extracts, it can be concluded that the main component of PE extract were organic acids, for EA extract were flavonoids, for nB extract were phenylpropanoids, and water extract were oligosaccharides. Twelve monomer compounds were separated from the extracts to verify the composition of each extraction stage. Results of morphological and molecular identification revealed that Monilinia fructicola and Rhizopus stolonifer were the main fungi causing peach rot. After evaluating the antifungal activity and peach quality of the four extract/sodium alginate coatings, it was found that the n-butanol extract/sodium alginate coating containing phenylpropanoids had the lowest decay index and the best preservation effect, providing a sustainable alternative to reduce the harm to the environment of synthetic preservatives. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The abuse of synthetic preservatives poses a threat to the ecological environment and physical health. Therefore, this study developed sodium alginate coating of Ginkgo biloba leaves extract containing phenylpropanoids, which has good effects on the preservation of peaches. The agent is a promising environmentally friendly alternative for synthetic preservatives.

Progress in release‐activated food packaging films

AbstractTo solve the problems caused by direct incorporation of preservation agents (PAs) such as antimicrobials and antioxidants into food, development and application of active packaging (AP) are being strongly promoted. According to the way of PAs applied, AP can be divided into immobilisation type and release type. In release AP, a long‐lasting and stable preservation effect can be achieved by adjusting the release rate of PAs. In this review, we focused on the effects of adjusting the multilayers, polymers, and nanocapsule and microcapsule structures of AP on the release mechanisms and applications of PAs. Release mathematical models based on food simulants have limitations in real food applications. Controlled release modifications often affect the properties of AP such as permeability and light transmission; by regulating the interaction between various factors, there is the potential to achieve a synergistic effect between controlled release and other packaging characteristics to maintain food quality.

Potential Application of Chitosan Nanoparticles as Preservative Agent for Fishery Products

Potential Application of Chitosan Nanoparticles as Preservative Agent for Fishery Products