Room Temperature Storage Research Articles

Alginate encapsulation improves probiotics survival in carbonated sodas and beers.

Probiotic functionalization of non-dairy beverages has been garnering interest to provide dairy-sensitive populations with greater probiotic product varieties. The addition of probiotics into popularly consumed beverages-carbonated sodas and beers, presents an interesting challenge as the presence of acidic pH, hops-derived compounds, and ethanol have highly deleterious effects. Herein, alginate encapsulation was proposed to improve probiotics viability within sodas and beers. Three probiotics, namely Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, and Bifidobacterium longum were encapsulated in alginate spheres and exposed to Coca-Cola, 7-Up, Tiger Beer, and Guinness under refrigerated, room temperature and simulated gastric fluid conditions. Results demonstrate that alginate encapsulation significantly improved the viabilities of all three probiotics in various beverages and conditions. Refrigerated storage better preserved probiotic viabilities and reduced the formation of the probiotic metabolic by-product, L-lactate, than at room temperature storage. Findings here could provide beverage manufacturers with a novel way to develop probiotic-sodas and probiotic-beers through encapsulation.

Metabolic profiling and gene expression analysis reveal the quality deterioration of postharvest toon buds between two different storage temperatures.

Toon buds, a popular woody vegetable, contain large amounts of nutrients. However, toon buds have strong respiratory metabolism after harvest and are highly prone to decay, resulting in quality deterioration. Low temperature can effectively inhibit postharvest senescence of toon buds. GC-TOF-MS combined with quantitative real-time PCR was used to elucidate the toon bud deterioration mechanism after harvest by analyzing the difference in the relative contents of primary metabolites and their derivatives, and the expression of key genes associated with metabolic pathways in toon buds between low temperature and room temperature storages for 72h. Results showed that the ethylene synthesis in toon buds accelerated under room temperature storage, along with significant changes in the primary metabolic pathway. The catabolism of amino acids, fatty acids, and cell membrane phospholipids was accelerated, and the gluconeogenesis synthesis was strengthened. Moreover, the sucrose synthesis was increased, the glycolysis and TCA cycle were broken down, and the pentose phosphate pathway was vigorous. As metabolic intermediates, organic acids were considerably accumulated. Moreover, varieties of toxic compounds were produced in parallel with the activation of aromatic compounds. This work provided a comprehensive understanding of the metabolic regulation, thereby revealing how low and room temperatures differentially influenced the quality deterioration of postharvest toon buds.

‘CoviSwiftTM’: A point-of-care RT-PCR device for SARS-CoV-2 and its variant detection

We present the point-of-care (POC) molecular diagnostic solution, evaluated during COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Dec 2021). The POC comprised of a complete platform from self-sampling to RT-PCR testing of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants on portable Compact Q Real time polymerase chain reaction system. The multiplex assay was designed to target S, ORF1, and N genes of SARS-CoV-2 genome in a single tube with RNaseP as endogenous internal control. The present POC enables high accuracy (>95%) and high-throughput testing with a turnaround time of 45 min. It provides a unique platform from self-sample collection to report generation with rapid protocol, pipette and expert-free operation, long shelf-life stability and room temperature storage which enable to increase the efficiency of molecular testing. This novel test named “CoviSwift™ COVID-19 S PLUS RAPID PCR KIT” has been approved by CDSCO, Indian National Regulatory Authority, India, and is in use for clinical settings in India.

Clustering and Precipitation during Early-Stage Artificial Aging of Al–Si–Mg(–Cu) Foundry Alloys

High-Si aluminum foundry alloys are an important material class for products with complex 3D geometries where casting is the most suitable production method. With Mg and/or Cu additions, these alloys gain strength upon heat treatment due to the formation of nanoprecipitates. These precipitated phases are of the same kind as in the wrought Al–Mg–Si(–Cu) alloys having much lower Si contents, which have been the subject of a high number of studies. Some of these studies indicate that atomic clusters formed during storage at room temperature have a strong effect on the phases that evolve during artificial aging. In this work, foundry alloys containing Si, Mg, and Cu are investigated. Room-temperature storage is found to have a great influence on kinetics during early aging. Cu additions accelerate the formation of hardening precipitates during early aging, but 1 month of room-temperature storage negates the positive effect of Cu. The maximum achievable strength is found to be limited mainly by the solubility limits of Si and Mg at the solution heat treatment temperature. With insights derived from transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography results, this study contributes to the understanding of the solute balance and early aging kinetics and how wrought and foundry alloys differ in these respects.

Biolistic delivery of liposomes protected in metal-organic frameworks

Needle-and-syringe-based delivery has been the commercial standard for vaccine administration to date. With worsening medical personnel availability, increasing biohazard waste production, and the possibility of cross-contamination, we explore the possibility of biolistic delivery as an alternate skin-based delivery route. Delicate formulations like liposomes are inherently unsuitable for this delivery model as they are fragile biomaterials incapable of withstanding shear stress and are exceedingly difficult to formulate as a lyophilized powder for room temperature storage. Here we have developed a approach to deliver liposomes into the skin biolistically-by encapsulating them in a nano-sized shell made of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8). When encapsulated within a crystalline and rigid coating, the liposomes are not only protected from thermal stress, but also shear stress. This protection from stressors is crucial, especially for formulations with cargo encapsulated inside the lumen of the liposomes. Moreover, the coating provides the liposomes with a solid exterior that allows the particles to penetrate the skin effectively. In this work, we explored the mechanical protection ZIF-8 provides to liposomes as a preliminary investigation for using biolistic delivery as an alternative to syringe-and-needle-based delivery of vaccines. We demonstrated that liposomes with a variety of surface charges could be coated with ZIF-8 using the right conditions, and this coating can be just as easily removed-without causing any damage to the protected material. The protective coating prevented the liposomes from leaking cargo and helped in their effective penetration when delivered into the agarose tissue model and porcine skin tissue.

Development and validation of a multiplexed assay for the measurement of long-acting hormonal contraceptives in plasma via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

BackgroundExogenous progestins are an effective tool for hormonal contraception and family planning. Progestins may be delivered as oral pills, intramuscular or subcutaneous injections, vaginal rings, or intrauterine devices. Drug concentrations may vary based on the route and duration of delivery. Measurement of synthetic steroids in blood plasma can aid in determination of product adherence, evaluation of drug-drug interactions, and investigation of unintended pregnancies. MethodsDrug-free K2EDTA plasma was spiked with the synthetic steroids etonogestrel (ETO), levonorgestrel (LNG), medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), and norethisterone (NET). Plasma was combined with isotopically labeled internal standards, and drugs were extracted via liquid-liquid extraction. Samples were then subjected to liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) analysis. The method was validated in accordance with regulatory recommendations. The assay was evaluated in a cohort of remnant plasma samples in individuals using one of the aforementioned progestins. ResultsThe analytical measuring range for ETO, MPA, and NET was 20–10,000 pg/mL; the primary linearity for LNG was 20–20,000 pg/mL. The method showed acceptable precision and accuracy for all progestins. Stability was established for 72 h with room temperature storage and through 3 freeze-thaw cycles. All analytes were stable in whole blood incubated at room temperature for 25 h, and at 40°C and 100% humidity for 2 h. Ion suppression was observed for all analytes spiked in plasma; average ion suppression was 31.6%, 66.6%, 32.1% and 41.2% for ETO, LNG, MPA, and NET, respectively. However, internal standards showed comparable ion suppression, and relative matrix effects were minimal. ETO, LNG, MPA, and NET could also be quantified accurately in K3EDTA plasma and serum. Progestins were successfully measured in remnant samples from individuals using hormonal contraceptives. ConclusionsA multiplexed LC-MS/MS assay for the quantification of ETO, LNG, MPA, and NET has been developed and validated. The assay met acceptable performance characteristics and may be used in downstream studies to evaluate progestin pharmacology.

Evaluation of two temperature storage conditions for full blood count samples from Lifeblood's donors.

Lifeblood completes full blood count samples for selected donors to assess their suitability for future donations. Removing the current practice for refrigerated (2-8°C) storage and aligning with room temperature (20-24°C) storage of other donor blood samples would produce significant efficiencies in blood donor centres. This study aimed to compare full blood count results under two temperature conditions. Paired full blood count samples were collected from 250 whole blood or plasma donors. These were stored either refrigerated or room temperature for testing on arrival at the processing centre and the following day. The primary outcomes of interest included differences between mean cell volume, haematocrit, platelet count, white cell and differential counts, and the need to produce blood films, based on existing Lifeblood criteria. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference for most full blood count parameters results was found between the two temperature conditions. The number of blood films required was similar under each temperature condition. The clinical significance of the small numerical differences in results is considered minimal. Furthermore, the number of blood films required remained similar under either temperature condition. Given the significant reductions in time, processing and costs associated with room temperature over refrigerated processing, we recommend a further pilot study to monitor the broader impacts, with the intent to implement national storage of full blood count samples at room temperature within Lifeblood.

300 MPa grade biodegradable high-strength ductile low-alloy (BHSDLA) Zn-Mn-Mg alloys: An in vitro study

• Developed ductile Zn-Mn-Mg alloys with yield strengths > 300 MPa. • The alloys exhibit corrosion rates from 38 to 78 μm year–1 in SBF. • The alloys show good cytocompatibility for MC3T3-E1 cells. • They naturally soften at most 0.74 MPa week–1 within 72 weeks. 300 MPa grade biodegradable Zn-(0.6, 0.8)Mn-(< 0.1)Mg alloys with yield strengths > 300 MPa and elongations > 15% have been developed, which are designated as Zn06Mn006Mg (HE) and Zn08Mn005Mg (HE) in as-extruded state. They are the newest members of a small group of biodegradable Zn alloys with mechanical properties beyond the generally accepted benchmark for orthopedic implants. Immersed in simulated body fluid for 30 days, Zn06Mn006Mg (HE) and Zn08Mn005Mg (HE) exhibit corrosion rates of 38 and 53 µm y –1 , respectively. They show high antibacterial rates of 93%–97% against E. coli . In 25%–75% extracts of both the alloys, MC3T3-E1 cell viabilities for 1 day and 3 days are all over 100%, indicating complete cytocompatibility. In 100% extracts for 3 days, both alloys show non-toxicity. After a longtime room temperature storage of 72 weeks, natural embrittling alike Zn-Mg alloys does not happen. The Zn-Mn-Mg alloys still have mechanical properties exceeding the benchmark by a large margin. The in vitro study shows the newly developed BHSDLA Zn-Mn-Mg alloys are promising candidates for orthopedic implants.

Kinetics Degradation and Shelf Life of Curcumin from Turmeric (Curcuma domestica Val) with Ethanol Extract Coated by Maltodextrin at Room Temperature Storage

Curcumin extract from the turmeric plant is unstable to light, temperature and changes in pH, therefore it is necessary to be coated with biopolymers to have a longer shelf life. This study aims to determine the type of degradation kinetics of maltodextrin-coated curcumin and its shelf life at room temperature storage. Encapsulation was performed using an emulsion technique combined with freeze drying with the ratio of turmeric ethanol extract to maltodextrin of 7: 5 (w/w). The results showed that the efficiency of coating ethanol extract of turmeric with maltodextrin was 31.26%. Kinetics degradation of curcumin coated with maltodextrin follows zero-order reaction kinetics. Microcapsule of turmeric ethanol extract coated with maltodextrin has a shelf life at room temperature for 8.35 weeks.

A H2 O2 -Supplied Supramolecular Material for Post-irradiated Infected Wound Treatment.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light triggered therapy by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), but traditional PDT may suffer from the real-time illumination that reduces the compliance of treatment and cause phototoxicity. A supramolecular photoactive G-quartet based material is reported, which is self-assembled from guanosine (G) and 4-formylphenylboronic acid/1,8-diaminooctane, with incorporation of riboflavin as a photocatalyst to the G4 nanowire, for post-irradiation photodynamic antibacterial therapy. The G4-materials, which exhibit hydrogel-like properties, provide a scaffold for loading riboflavin, and the reductant guanosine for the riboflavin for phototriggered production of the therapeutic H2 O2 . The photocatalytic activity shows great tolerance against room temperature storage and heating/cooling treatments. The riboflavin-loaded G4 hydrogels, after photo-irradiation, are capable of killing gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus), gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli), and multidrug resistant bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) with sterilization ratio over 99.999%. The post-irradiated hydrogels also exhibit great antibacterial activity in the infected wound of the rats, revealing the potential of this novel concept in the light therapy.

Fruit maturity, storage time and pre-sowing water treatment effect on emergence and seedling vigour parameters of bitter wild mango (Irvingia wombolu Vermoesen) seeds in the nursery

Poor germination and seedling establishment as well as unavailability of seeds are major problems in sustainable production of Irvingia wombolu. Hence the need to find the right colour fruit maturity, storage time and pre-sowing water treatment on emergence and seedling vigour parameters of bitter wild mango seeds with the aim of improving this multipurpose fruit tree species. Five maturity colour which include green, yellow, yellowish green, greenish brown and dark brown were subjected to 4 water soaking regimes (0, 12, 24 and 36 h) and 4 room temperature storage duration (0, 2, 4 and 6 weeks). Completely randomized design factorial with three replications was used. Data on seed emergence capacity, seedling length, seed vigour index (SVI), stem diameter and number of leaves were subjected to analysis of variance. Results shows that significant differences (P&lt;0.05-P&lt;0.01) were observed in the five quality traits observed due to differences in fruit colour, soaking time and storage time. The three- way interaction between fruit colour, soaking time and storage time were significant ((P&lt;0.05-P&lt;0.01) for all the characters. Dark brown fruit recorded the best in terms of emergence, seedling vigour index, stem diameter and leaf while yellow colour fruit had the best in terms of plant height. Zero-hour soaking had the highest in seedling emergence, seedling vigour index and leaf number while 12 h soaking gave the best effect in terms of plant height and stem diameter. Dark brown and yellow colour fruit of I. wombolu are recommended and short duration of soaking for 0-12 h will enhance the plant height and stem diameter.

Rootstock–scion interaction mediated impact on fruit quality attributes of thick-skinned melon during storage under different temperature regimes

Grafting is a technique widely utilized to enhance the tolerance of melon against various abiotic and biotic stresses and improve fruit quality and crop production. Melon is a popular Cucurbitaceae crop around the world due to its unique taste and aroma. Improved postharvest fruit quality with prolonged shelf-life is important to ensure the supply of melon in the market. In this study, we evaluated the postharvest fruit quality of melons grafted on ten pumpkin rootstocks during storage at room temperature (25°C ± 2°C) and cold conditions (10°C ± 1°C). We investigated several physiological, biochemical, and anti-oxidative parameters related to postharvest fruit quality. These quality parameters were evidently affected by the use of different rootstocks, storage temperature, and storage duration. The melon fruits obtained from Tianzhen No. 2 rootstock had no weight loss and relatively lower titratable acidity (0.21%), malic acid (0.84 mg/g), and total phenolic (15.96 mg/g) contents compared with other grafting combinations after 7 days of room storage. Moreover, Yinguang rootstock-grafted melon fruits showed relatively higher total soluble solids (15.40°) and sucrose (169.30 mg/g) but lower malic acid (0.97 mg/g) and total phenolic (15.31 mg/g) contents after 28 days of cold storage. The melon fruits grafted on Tianzhen No. 2 with membership function value (0.67) and Yinguang rootstock (0.66) ranked 1st regarding overall fruit quality attributes after short-term room-temperature and long-term cold storage, respectively. Considering the results of our study, the use of rootstock helped maintain the post-harvest fruit quality during storage and extended the shelf life of melons. Thus, the use of rootstocks along with other post-harvest storage techniques can be a potential research area to improve the storage life of melon fruits.

Formulation and Evaluation of a Turmeric Kombucha Facial Toner with Potential as an Anti-Acne Agent

Propionibacterium acnes is one of the gram-positive bacteria that causes acne. Many acne treatments use synthetic drugs that have side effects. One alternative for treatment is using fermented products such as kombucha. The potential of kombucha as an anti-acne can be increased by adding turmeric during the fermentation process. The product is Turmeric Kombucha, which will be applied to the skin. The cosmetic dosage form developed is Facial Toner. The research to be carried out aims to formulate and test the activity of turmeric kombucha facial toner preparations against P.acnes bacteria. The novelties of this research include increasing the anti-acne activity of Turmeric Kombucha and the addition of Turmeric Kombucha as an active ingredient in facial toner preparations that meet the evaluation requirements, activity tests, and stability tests. The stages of the method started with Turmeric Kombucha fermentation with variations in turmeric concentration and fermentation time. The fermentation results will be tested for antibacterial activity using the paper disc diffusion method. Turmeric Kombucha, which has the highest activity, is then used as an active substance in facial toner preparations, which will be evaluated and tested for stability. The results of the evaluation of facial toner preparations, all formulas meet the requirements for organoleptic, pH, and viscosity tests. The stability test results for facial toner preparations show that F3 is a stable formula at room temperature storage and extreme temperatures. Based on the results of the irritation test, kombucha turmeric facial toner did not irritate. The antibacterial test results showed that all formulas could inhibit P.acnes bacteria with F3 as the formula with the most effective inhibition diameter of 7.33 ± 0.57 mm, then F1 and F4 6.33 ± 0.57 mm, and F2 6 ± 0 mm. This study concludes that fermented turmeric kombucha can be formulated as an anti-acne facial toner.&#x0D; Keywords: paper disc diffusion, Propionibacterium acnes, facial toner, Turmeric Kombucha

Moringa Leaf Extract as a Natural Preservative against the Deterioration of Tilapia Fillet during Room Temperature Storage

This research was conducted to determine the percentage of moringa leaf extract to inhibit the deterioration of the quality of the tilapia fillet as a natural preservative against organoleptic characteristics during room temperature storage. This research was carried out at the Processing of Fishery Products Laboratory, the Aquaculture Laboratory of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, and the Central Laboratory of Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor. The research method used is experimental. Namely, a tilapia fillet soaked using different concentrations during room temperature storage. The organoleptic test (scoring test) was analyzed by Friedman's non-parametric statistical method consisting of 4 treatments and 20 semi-trained panelists as the number tests. In contrast, the pH testing of the tilapia fillet was analyzed by a descriptive method. Tilapia fillet with Moringa leaf extract soaking treatment consists of 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% (v/v) for 30 minutes of soaking, then stored at room temperature (25°C-28°C). Observations occur once every 2 hours, namely at the 0, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, and 16th hours. The parameters observed included organoleptic characteristics with 20 semi-trained panelists and a value of the tilapia fillet's degree of acidity (pH). The best use of moringa leaf extract at 8% appearance with an organoleptic value of 7.5, aroma of 7.7, and texture of 7.0 with a pH value of 6.8 to 16 hours storage.

Maintenance of postharvest storability and overall quality of 'Jinshayou' pummelo fruit by salicylic acid treatment.

The loss of postharvest storability of pummelo fruit reduces its commodity value for long run. To maintain its storability, the effects of postharvest dipping treatment by salicylic acid (SA) with different concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3%) were investigated on pummelo fruit (Citrus maxima Merr. cv. Jinshayou) during the room temperature storage at 20 ± 2°C for 90d. Among all treatments, pre-storage SA treatment at 0.3% demonstrated the most significant ability to reduce fruit decay incidence, decrease weight loss, delay peel color-turned process, and inhibit the declines in total soluble solids (TSS) as well as titratable acid (TA) content. The increases in electrolyte leakage, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the 0.3% SA-treated pummelo fruit were reduced compared to the control (dipped in distilled water). Pummelo fruit treated with 0.3% SA exhibited the most outstanding ability to excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, as evidenced by promoted the increases in glutathione (GSH), total phenolics and flavonoids contents, delayed the AsA decline, and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes and their encoding genes expression. Pre-storage treatment dipped with SA, particularly at 0.3%, can be used as a useful and safe preservation method to maintain higher postharvest storability and better overall quality of 'Jinshayou' pummelo fruit, and thus delaying postharvest senescence and extend the storage life up to 90d at room temperature.

Chitosan-based layer-by-layer edible coatings application for the preservation of mandarin fruit bioactive compounds and organic acids

The layer-by-layer application of biopolymeric coatings to mandarin fruits as a postharvest treatment to improve fruit coating efficacy has been reported. A single 1 % (w/v) chitosan application was evaluated, and polyelectrolyte complexes such as 1.5 % (w/v) alginate/chitosan, 1 % (w/v) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/chitosan, and 0.2 % (w/v) locust bean gum/chitosan were applied to mandarin fruits. The quality of coated mandarin fruits was observed at temperatures: 20 ± 2 °C (up to 10 days) and 5 °C (up to 28 days). Changes in the fruit metabolism were observed by evaluating bioactive compounds (polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids), antioxidant activity, and organic acids during the preservation of mandarin fruits. All of the tested combinations of layer-by-layer coatings significantly impacted the quality of mandarin fruits throughout storage, both at room temperature and cold storage, respectively. The overall best performance was observed for a layer-by-layer hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/chitosan coating in terms of visual aspects, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and organic acids content.

Technical note: Temporal and thermal stability of optical response for silicone-based 3D radiochromic dosimeters.

Radiochromic silicone-based dosimeters are flexible 3D dosimeters, which at appropriate concentration of leucomalachite green (LMG) and curing agent are dose-rate independent for clinical photon beams. However, their dose response is based on chemical processes that can be influenced by temporal and thermal conditions, impacting measurement stability. The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal stability of the dose response of radiochromic dosimeters for different curing times and post-irradiation storage temperatures. Six cylindrical dosimeters (5cm diameter, 5cm length) were produced in a single batch and separated into two groups that were irradiated 72 and 118h after production. The same photon plan, consisting of two 10 × 1.6 cm2 opposing fields, was delivered to all dosimeters. After irradiation, the dosimeters were separated into three groups, stored at 5°C, 15°C, and 20°C, and read out for five consecutive days. Storage temperature influenced the measurement stability, and changes in the optical response with time differed between irradiated and non-irradiated parts of the dosimeters. The relative change between signal and background was greater than 10% for all measurements performed 24h or more after irradiation, except for dosimeters stored at 5°C, which changed by 2%-5% after 24h. The dosimeter temporal stability was not influenced by curing time. For room temperature storage (15°C and 20°C), readout should take place as soon as possible after irradiation since the background color increased rapidly for both curing times (72 and 118h), whereas the dosimeters are stored at 5°C, readout can be performed up to 24h after.

Superfunctional Materials by Ultra-Severe Plastic Deformation.

Superfunctional materials are defined as materials with specific properties being superior to the functions of engineering materials. Numerous studies introduced severe plastic deformation (SPD) as an effective process to improve the functional and mechanical properties of various metallic and non-metallic materials. Moreover, the concept of ultra-SPD-introducing shear strains over 1000 to reduce the thickness of sheared phases to levels comparable to atomic distances-was recently utilized to synthesize novel superfunctional materials. In this article, the application of ultra-SPD for controlling atomic diffusion and phase transformation and synthesizing new materials with superfunctional properties is discussed. The main properties achieved by ultra-SPD include: (i) high-temperature thermal stability in new immiscible age-hardenable aluminum alloys; (ii) room-temperature superplasticity for the first time in magnesium and aluminum alloys; (iii) high strength and high plasticity in nanograined intermetallics; (iv) low elastic modulus and high hardness in biocompatible binary and high-entropy alloys; (v) superconductivity and high strength in the Nb-Ti alloys; (vi) room-temperature hydrogen storage for the first time in magnesium alloys; and (vii) superior photocatalytic hydrogen production, oxygen production, and carbon dioxide conversion on high-entropy oxides and oxynitrides as a new family of photocatalysts.

Preserving Celery Quality: Organic Cultivation and Room Temperature Storage with LDPE Wrapping Yields Optimal Results

Periodic use of chemical pesticides in conventional farming systems can lead to environmental degradation. Organic product are believed to be potential for human health. This research was conducted for 144 hours to determine the effect of cultivation and storage methods on the chemical-physical, and organoleptic characteristics of celery during the post-harvest period. This study used a Factorial Randomized Block Design which was repeated three times with the first factor is the cultivation method which consisted of two levels, namely, organic and conventional. The second factor was the storage method which consisted of four levels, namely, stored in the refrigerator with wrapped in LDPE Bag, stored in the refrigerator without wrapping in LDPE Bag, stored in a room temperature wrapping in LDPE bag, and stored in a room temperature without wrapping in LDPE bag. Data obtained were analysed by analysis of variance and then continued with the 5% HSD Test. The results of weight loss showed that the best treatment was obtained in organic cultivation with the scores 48.03% and stored in the room temperature with LDPE bags with the scores 18,31%, and the organoleptic scores were colour 4.13, and freshness value 4.17.

Continuous molecular monitoring of human dermal interstitial fluid with microneedle-enabled electrochemical aptamer sensors.

The ability to continually collect diagnostic information from the body during daily activity has revolutionized the monitoring of health and disease. Much of this monitoring, however, has been of physical "vital signs", with the monitoring of molecular markers having been limited to glucose, primarily due to the lack of other medically relevant molecules for which continuous measurements are possible in bodily fluids. Electrochemical aptamer sensors, however, have a recent history of successful in vivo demonstrations in rat animal models. Herein, we present the first report of real-time human molecular data collected using such sensors, successfully demonstrating their ability to measure the concentration of phenylalanine in dermal interstitial fluid after an oral bolus. To achieve this, we used a device that employs three hollow microneedles to couple the interstitial fluid to an ex vivo, phenylalanine-detecting sensor. The resulting architecture achieves good precision over the physiological concentration range and clinically relevant, 20 min lag times. By also demonstrating 90 days dry room-temperature shelf storage, the reported work also reaches another important milestone in moving such sensors to the clinic. While the devices demonstrated are not without remaining challenges, the results at minimum provide a simple method by which aptamer sensors can be quickly moved into human subjects for testing.