Storage Life Research Articles

Understanding interactions of plasticisers with a phospholipid monolayer.

The use of DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate) is now banned for most applications in Europe; the exception is for blood bags, where its toxicity is overshadowed by its ability to extend the storage life of red blood cells. Another plasticiser, BTHC (butanoyl trihexyl citrate), is used in paediatric blood bags but does not stabilise blood cells as effectively. Interactions between plasticisers and lipids are investigated with a phospholipid, DMPC, to understand the increased stability of blood cells in the presence of DEHP as well as bioaccumulation and identify differences with BTHC. Mixed monolayers of DMPC and DEHP or BTHC were studied on Langmuir troughs where surface pressure/area isotherms can be measured. Neutron reflection measurements were made to determine the composition and structure of these mixed layers. A large amount of plasticiser can be incorporated into a DMPC monolayer but once an upper limit is reached, plasticiser is selectively removed from the interface at high surface pressures. The upper limit is found to occur between 40-60 mol% for DEHP and 20-40 mol% for BTHC. The areas per molecule are also different with DEHP being in the range of 50-100 Å2 and BTHC being 65-120 Å2. Results indicate that BTHC does not fit as well as DEHP in DMPC monolayers which could help explain the differences observed with regards to the stability of blood cells.

‘Nam Dok Mai Sri Tong’ mango storage life is extended using controlled atmospheres

‘Nam Dok Mai Sri Tong’ mango storage life is extended using controlled atmospheres

First principles and molecular dynamics simulations of effect of dopants on properties of high strength steel for hydrogen storage vessels

High-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage is an important way of hydrogen energy storage and transport at present, while high-strength steel material is one of the main materials used for hydrogen storage vessels. However, their internal doping elements and inherent defects often lead their mechanical properties to decrease, thus reducing the pressure-bearing capability and storage life of the vessel. At present, the mechanism of doping elements influencing the mechanical properties of high-strength steels is still unclear. In this work, a first-principles approach is used to study the influence of elemental doping (Cr, Mn, Mo, As, Sb, Bi, Sn, Pb) on the mechanical properties of Fe single crystals and Fe-C systems. The results show that among the above elements, Mn doping can increase the elastic modulus, bulk modulus, and shear modulus compared with those of pure Fe, while the doping by remaining elements will reduce the three moduli above, with the non-transition metal elements having a greater effect on the three moduli than the transition metal elements. Electronic structure analysis shows that the transition metal elements have better compatibility with the Fe lattice. Molecular dynamics results further show that the injection of H atoms significantly disrupts the lattice ordering of the Fe polycrystalline doped by C, Cr, and Mn elements, while the doping of Cr elements can significantly enhance the dislocation density of the system. The effects of doping elements on the mechanical properties of single-crystal and polycrystalline Fe, which are studied in this work, are of great significance in guiding the mechanistic study of the effects of doping and defects on the strength of Fe-based materials.

Optimization of microwave treatment for storage life enhancement of pearl millet flour

Optimization of microwave treatment for storage life enhancement of pearl millet flour

Eco-safe composite edible coating of hydrocolloids with papaya leaf extract improves postharvest quality and shelf life of papaya fruit under ambient storage.

Papaya postharvest management using low-temperature storage is discouraged as it is a tropical fruit. Extensive research is going on to preserve papaya quality at ambient storage using edible coatings and its composites. The present investigation examined the effects of an eco-safe composite edible coating consisting of hydrocolloid carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (1%), guar gum (1.5%), xanthan gum (0.3%), and Gum Arabic (10%) combined with papaya leaf extract (PLE) (1:1 ratio by volume) applied as dip treatment on "Red Lady" papaya fruit at ambient storage condition. Among all the attempted treatments, "PLE incorporated with CMC (1%)" was found to be the best, as the treated fruit exhibited the highest levels of biochemicals, whereas the lowest levels of physiological and enzymatic activity, which positively affected the shelf life. The "CMC+PLE" treatment enhanced the fruit gloss score by 70.1%, phenolics by 6.1%, ascorbic acid by 22.3%, total carotenoid content by 7.4%, and fruit predilection score by 22.0% over the control fruit. However, it lowered (controlling) the physiological loss in weight by 51.0%, decay incidence by 66.6%, and polygalacturonase and pectin methylesterase activity by 24.92% and 35.29%, respectively, over control. Moreover, this treatment exhibited the highest fruit purchase predilection score and prolonged the storage life for >3 days on the physiological loss standard basis (≤10%). This study indicates that "CMC (1%) with PLE (1:1)" composite coating application on papaya under ambient conditions might be an effective, environmentally friendly, and health-friendly way to retain the quality and extend the storage life.

ORANGE FRUIT IMAGE QUALITY ASSESSMENT USING HYBRID MODEL

Since ripeness is regarded by consumers as the most important quality indication in the crops industry, maintaining and monitoring its ripeness has become a major issue in the business of growing crops. Additionally, as it significantly affects the product's quality and consumer preferences, the product's appearance is one of the makers' most pressing worries. However, the forecasting of storage life and the selection of the best harvest dates are still largely based on individual interpretation and practical experience. Threshold segmentation and certain morphological techniques are used in the early stage of the extraction of an area of interest. The segmented orange images are then divided into training and testing data sets, and the second stage entails extracting color-based traits from them. Choosing the classifier training settings is the focus of the third phase. The final phase, which makes use of the previously trained ANN, categorizes the data. One of the most crucial conclusions of this study is that creating a neural network is an empirical process that requires a lot of trials in order to identify the ideal variables that will give the neural classification algorithm the best performance. initialization of weights, the quantity of hidden neurons. Based on the proposed model the accuracy and efficiency is 1.3% which is more accurate result.

Effect of postharvest treatments on quality and shelf life of mango fruit cv. ‘Cat Chu’ at suboptimal temperature

This research aimed to determine an appropriate postharvest treatment that inhibited decay, maintainedquality, and prolonged the storage life of the ‘Cat Chu’ mango. The mangoes were subjected to hot water diptreatment at 53°C for 5 mins combined with natamycin (1000 ppm), fludioxonil (200 ppm), sodium benzoate(2%), natamycin alone and untreated control. Mangoes were stored at 8°C for 35 days and ripened at 20°C for5 days during the storage period. The results revealed that hot water treatment did not develop white-corkypulp in mango during storage at 8°C for 28 days. Hot water treatment in combination with dipping natamycinenhanced chilling tolerance and reduced decay of mango storage at 8°C for up to 28 days and ripening at 20°C.This combination treatment inhibited the rot of mango and was lower than fludioxonil fungicide during storage.Hence, hot water treatment in combination with natamycin stored at 8°C showed great potential to prolong thestorage life of Cat Chu mango by up to 28 days as a safe altern ative to chemical fungicides.

Heat efficiency improvement and color evaluation of red chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) drying with air dehumidification using silica gel

Fresh red chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) can be dried to a moisture content below 15% for prolonged storage life for a wider range of applications such as in the medicinal, food, and chemical industries. Currently, red chili pepper drying is conducted with direct solar heat that is very dependent on weather conditions. Meanwhile, common convective drying with fossil fuel is inefficient in heat usage and operated at high-temperature air which could potentially lower the product quality. Convective drying with air dehumidification works at low-medium temperatures that are conducive for red chili pepper drying. This research aimed to determine the effect of dehumidification with silica gel on heat efficiency and its impact on the red chili pepper’s quality of color. Drying was conducted at temperatures in the range of 40-70℃ with silica gel as an air dehumidifier. The moisture content and colour of red chili pepper were observed. Results showed that red chili drying with silica gel at a temperature below 60°C can improve the heat efficiency as well as the red chili color retention.

Pendugaan Umur Simpan Fruit Leather Mangga dan Nanas menggunakan Metode ASLT Model Arrhenius

The purpose of this study was to determine the shelf life of pineapple mango fruit leather during storage in three temperature conditions namely 25oC, 35oC and 45oC. The method of assessing storage life with ASLT is carried out under the influence of temperature to accelerate the development of reactions that result in decomposition. fruit leather was stored in three incubators at 25oC, 35oC and 45oC for 20 days. Observations were made on the pineapple mango fruit leather in each incubator every 5 days. The data obtained was processed using simple linear regression method. The results of calculations with the Arrhenius equation obtained a correlation coefficient (R2) for water content of 0.8333; Aw of 0.9116; texture of 0.9006; taste of 0.9739 and color of 0.8597. Flavor has the highest colleration coefficient selected as a determinant of the shelf life of pineapple mango fruit leather. Based on the results of calculations with the Accelerated Shelf Life Test (ASLT) method, it can be concluded that the shelf life of pineapple mango fruit leather at 25°C is 72 days (2 months 4 days); at 35°C is 43 days (1 month 13 days); and at 45°C is 32 days (1 month 2 days).

Preharvest Applications of Alginate, Salicylic Acid and Oxalic Acid Have a Synergistic Effect on Quality and Storability of Red Globe Grape Variety (Vitis vinifera L.)

This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effect of preharvest spraying with alginate and in combination with salicylic acid (SA) and oxalic acid (OA), on the quality parameters and storage life of ‘Red Globe’ grape variety at 0-1°C with 85-90% relative humidity for 60 days. Data of physical and chemical quality parameters were taken at 15-day intervals. The results have shown that alginate coatings delayed changes in weight loss, firmness and berry color compared to control. Grapes coated alginate enriched with oxalic acid and salicylic acid proved to the most effective applications in restricting stem browning and decay incidence. Moreover, these formulations improved the content of phenolic compounds, contributing to the high antioxidant potential of coated grapes. These findings reveal that preharvest sprayed clusters with alginate combined with SA and OA applications may have high potential for improving storage quality of commercial grape.

LcVHA2 and LcVHA3 positively modulate energy metabolism and reduce pericarp browning in litchi fruit after application of Bacillus siamensis

Pericarp browning, postharvest disease, and a short storage life are the leading causes of economic losses in the litchi industry globally. Energy metabolism plays an integral role in regulating browning, disease resistance, and the shelf-life of litchi fruit. The ability of Bacillus siamensis (N-1) to control postharvest diseases and maintain the quality of a variety of tropical fruits has previously been reported, however its effect on litchi fruit has not been explored. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Bacillus siamensis (N-1) on the postharvest energy metabolism of litchi fruit and its relation to pericarp browning, as well as the expression of energy-related genes. Results indicated that litchi fruit treated with Bacillus siamensis (N-1) exhibited a significant improvement in storability as evidenced by a decrease in the rate of the browning index (BI), color change, rate of weight loss, and laccase (LAC) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. There was also an increase in the energy status of litchi fruit due to the enhanced activity of Ca2+-ATPase, H+-ATPase, oxidase (CCO), cytochrome C, and succinic dehydrogenase (SDH), as well as the expression of their corresponding genes. LcVHA2 and LcVHA3, two major vacuolar-type H+-ATPase genes, were cloned and characterized. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes are members of the V-ATPase subunit D and E gene family, respectively. Both heterologous (in tomato) and homologous (in litchi) transient overexpression (OE) assays indicated that both LcVHA2 and LcVHA3 have the potential to delay changes in fruit coloration and pericarp browning, but also increase ADP, ATP, and V-H+-ATPase activity, as well as the energy charge (EC) of fruit. Collectively, results indicated that the LcVHA2 and LcVHA3 play a critical role in preventing the browning and senescence of litchi fruit. This study provides new information on the ability of Bacillus siamensis (N-1), which has been previously demonstrated to be an effective postharvest biocontrol agent, to also improve the storage life of litchi fruit.

Effect of fenugreek and flaxseed polysaccharide-based edible coatings on the quality attributes and shelf life of apple fruit during storage.

The present study was designed to explore the potential of fenugreek and flaxseed polysaccharide-based edible coatings to enhance the postharvest storage life of apple fruit. The experimental plan involved the preparation of five different coating formulations, which were subsequently applied to the fruit. The coated fruit was then stored at a temperature of 25 ± 2°C for a duration of 35 days. The effects of these coatings on physicochemical and biochemical attributes (weight loss, firmness, acidity, pH, sugar content, antioxidant activity, microbial growth, and sensory properties) of coated and uncoated samples were evaluated at regular intervals: 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days of storage. The experimental results revealed a significant difference (p ≤ .05) in the physicochemical parameters of uncoated and coated apple at different storage times. The coated apple fruits showed significantly (p ≤ .05) lower weight loss, pH, total sugars, total soluble solids, and maximum retention of ascorbic acid, firmness, acidity, and antioxidant contents, leading to enhanced organoleptic properties. The application of edible coatings extended the shelf-life of the apples by inhibiting microbiological spoilage without substantial impact on sensory and nutritional properties. Based on these results, it is concluded that the edible coating formulation labeled T 1 (containing 2.5 g fenugreek polysaccharide and 1.5 g flax polysaccharide) effectively preserved the valuable physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics of the apple fruit throughout the storage period.

A Flexible Aptasensor Based on Silver–Modified PVC Membrane Electrode Detection of Chikungunya Virus in Human Serum

Electronic devices have advanced from their heavy, bulky origins to become smart appliances. Nevertheless, they remain rigid, which precludes their intimate integration into everyday life. Flexible, textile and stretchable electronics are emerging research areas and may yield mainstream technologies. The design and development of a screen-printed carbon electrode on a polyvinyl chloride substrate as a disposable sensor is described. The SPCEs were printed with two inks: carbon ink as the working and counter electrodes, silver/silver chloride ink as the reference electrode. Selection of the best configuration was done by comparing slopes from the calibration plots generated by the cyclic voltammograms for each configuration. Modifying the configuration for use as a biosensor, aptamer was selected as a biomaterial bound with silver nanoparticles (AgNP). Biosensors of Aptamer/AgNP/PCE, were used in the voltammetric detection of chikungunya virus antigen (CHIKV-Ag) in a solution of 0.5 mM ferro/ferri cyanide as a redox couple by applying a potential of 50mV/s at the working electrode yielded the highest performance. The voltammetric response of Aptamer/AgNP/PCE retained over 95% of the initial current of the 1st day up to 30 days of storage at 4 ◦C. The biosensor showed a linear range of 0.1ng/ml-1µg/ml, with a detection limit of 0.1ng/ml of CHIKV-Ag (S/N = 5). The low detection limit, long storage life and wide linear range of this biosensor make it advantageous in variety of quick diagnostic procedures for the detection of Chikungunya virus infection.

Hurdle approach for enhancing storage life of minimally processed apple slices using active modified atmosphere packaging

Hurdle approach for enhancing storage life of minimally processed apple slices using active modified atmosphere packaging

Microfluidization improved hempseed yogurt's physicochemical and storage properties.

Plant-based yogurts are suffering from the common problems, such as an unattractive color, stratified texture state and rough taste. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a novel processing method to improve the quality and extend the storage life of hempseed yogurt. In the present study, hempseed yogurt was microfluidized prior to fermentation. The effects of microfluidization on microstructure, particle size, mechanical properties, sensory acceptability, variations in pH and titratable acidity, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts, and stability of hempseed yogurt during 20 days of storage were investigated. Microfluidization contributed to the production of hempseed yogurt as a result of the better physicochemical properties compared to normal homogenization. Specifically, microfluidization reduced the particle size of hempseed yogurt with a uniform particle distribution, increased water holding capacity, and improved texture and rheological properties. These advancements resulted in higher sensory scores for the yogurt. Furthermore, during storage, microfluidization effectively inhibited the post-acidification process of hempseed yogurt, and increased LAB counts and storage stability. Microfluidization improved the physicochemical properties and storage stability of hempseed yogurt. Our findings support the application of microfluidization in hempseed yogurt and provide a new approach for enhancing the quality of plant-based alternatives that meet consumers' demands for high-quality food products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antimicrobial Blue Light (aBL) as a potential tool to reduce bacterial spoilage in the fishery chain

Along the fishery chain, a high amount of fish is lost for the activity of spoilage microorganisms originating from the environment, human handling and fish themselves. Different techniques are conventionally used to reduce the growth of bacteria: from cold temperature and icing to high concentration of salts, from drying to natural antimicrobial compounds. In this study, the antimicrobial Blue Light (aBL) was considered as an innovative tool. In particular, the irradiation with light at 410 nm inhibited the growth of most bacteria isolated from skin samples of anchovies and sardines chosen for their worldwide commercial importance. Bacterial strains showed a different sensitivity to light treatment: the ones isolated from anchovy were more sensitive than those from sardine. Investigations were performed on Aeromonas bestiarum, an emerging foodborne pathogen. Upon irradiation with light at 410 nm (200 J/cm2), a statistically significant decrease of 3 log units was observed. The same fluence rate successfully inhibited the biofilm formation of A. bestiarum, and disrupted 50 % of the adherent biomass of a 24-h old biofilm. The irradiation of Staphyococcus vitulinus compromised its viability and the associated proteolytic activity known to contribute to meat spoilage. In vivo experiments showed that aBL caused a remarkable decrease (at least 50 %) of viable counts of bacteria from anchovy and sardine skin samples conserved at 4 °C for one day. In conclusion, these results support the potential use of blue light in reducing the growth of skin microorganisms potentially responsible for loss of food safety, quality and decrease of storage life.

Development of a based-chitin-chitinase nanostructured biosensor for the detection of fungal complex on papaya fruit during storage

Postharvest fungi significantly reduce the storage life of papaya fruit. Among the fungal cell wall components, chitin is an important biomolecule that could serve as a biomarker. This research aimed to develop a biosensor with immobilized chitinases on zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) to recognize the chitin of phytopathogenic fungi of papaya fruit. The ZnO-NPs were less than 20 nm in size, as observed by TEM, and less than 1000 nm using DLS. In addition, flower-shaped structures were visualized with the use of SEM. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the main chitin and chitinase enzyme (NH and OH) functional groups and ZnO. The portable biosensor showed differences among papaya in terms of those with evident fungal growth (478 kHz), those without evident fungal growth (462 kHz), and papaya boughtfrom asupermarket (464–481 kHz). Additionally, the presence of fungi in all treatments was confirmed, but the lowest incidence was in papaya without evident fungal growth. Thus, the biosensor could recognize fungi in papaya, an ability that could be implemented in the postharvest handling of this horticultural product in the future.

DINAMICA INDICATORILOR BIOCHIMICI AI AFINELOR ÎN TIMPUL DEPOZITĂRII POSTRECOLTĂ

Blueberries, considered non-climacteric fruits, must be harvested at optimal ripeness for consumption. Due to the high water content, the storage life of the fruit is very short. The loss of water accelerates the senescence of the fruits, simultaneously with the deterioration of the biochemical quality of the fruits. This study provides a systematic evaluation of the observed changes in water content, total dry matter, sugars, organic acids and vitamin C in blueberries, under refrigerated conditions at 4°C, starting at the time of fruit harvesting and continuing in the interval 7, 14, 30, 45 days after harvesting. The study was conducted on two blueberry varieties Delicia and Bluecrop. The loss of water content observed and through the weight loss of the fruit caused the increase in the level of sugars and total dry matter per mass unit. The degradation of organic acids and vitamin C in fruits was influenced by the duration of storage. The obtained results were also significantly influenced by the genetic characteristics of the variety or the year of the study.

Shear creep analysis of solid rocket motor bonding interface and rapid prediction model**

AbstractDuring vertical storage of solid rocket motors, shear creep behavior occurred at the sidewall bonding interface due to self‐weight load, threatening the structural safety and storage life of the motor. To study the shear creep characteristics of the bonding interface, shear creep tests were conducted on a shear interface test piece of a motor under various temperatures and stresses. An engineering criterion for the onset of nonlinear viscoelastic stage of the bonding interface was proposed, and a rapid prediction model for shear creep of motor bonding interface in linear viscoelastic stage was devised. Furthermore, the stress‐time master curve of shear creep compliance at the bonding interface was established, revealing the variation trend of shear creep compliance during long‐term creep process. The results showed that this rapid prediction model had simple construction, high accuracy and wide applicability, and could well predict short‐term creep behaviour of bonding interface in linear viscoelastic stage. A method for structural integrity assessment of vertically stored solid rocket motors could be provided by using these research methods and results.

Efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles and wax coatings on maintaining post-harvest quality of “Murcott” mandarins

Because of its high degree of biodegradability, chitosan is widely used as a component in food packaging. However, its poor physical properties, such as permeability, limit its applicability. Consequently, applying nano chitosan is regarded as the most effective solution to this issue. In the current study, we studied the effect of using different materials in the coating process on the quality of “Murcott” mandarin during cold storage. We used different concentrations of nano chitosan (50 and 100 ppm) without wax and 100 ppm nano chitosan with wax. We investigated the impact of these compounds on the chemical composition and quality of fruits. The most successful treatment for preventing weight loss from discarded fresh fruit was a combination of wax and 100 ppm nano chitosan. This combination also prevented the deterioration of vitamin C, maintained the fruit pulp, and preserved the fruit's superior taste during cold storage and shelf life. It also maintains a better total soluble solids and total acidity level than other treatments. In addition, the total antioxidants and enzymes levels indicates no degradation of plant tissues compared to those not coated with nano chitosan. It also reduces the microbial load on the coated fruits. Consequently, this coating combination could suggest prolonging post-harvest life and increasing the marketing period of mandarin fruits.