Suitable Storage Conditions Research Articles

Analysis of Ranitidine-Associated N-Nitrosodimethylamine Production Under Simulated Physiologic Conditions

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen, was recently detected in ranitidine products,1 prompting widespread regulatory recalls.2 Ranitidine is a histamine2-receptor antagonist that inhibits gastric acid secretion and bears a molecular structure that putatively supports NDMA production under suitable reactive and storage conditions.3 We sought to further characterize conditions of NDMA production under simulated physiologic gastric states.

Determination of suitable storage conditions for fresh salicornia

Determination of suitable storage conditions for fresh salicornia

Study on Post Harvest Losses in Potato in Different Storage Conditions

The study aimed to conduct a comparative study of three most common potato storage conditions (in-house store, in-basket store and cold store) and to find the most suitable storage condition for farmers. The experimental work involved post-harvest loss assessment and study of pattern of respiratory and reducing sugar level for sixty days storage period. Total loss was lowest (4.38%) for cold stored potatoes and highest (13.04%) for in-house stored potatoes. Reducing sugar accumulation was least (0.65%) and remained almost constant throughout study period for in-house stored potatoes. Reducing sugar accumulation gradually increased and was maximum (1.04%) for cold stored potatoes. Respiratory rate was least in cold stored potatoes which gradually decreased and reached 3.17mg CO2/kg/hr at the end of sixty days storage. Respiratory rate was maximum for in-basket stored potatoes which reached up to 6.55 mg CO2/kg/hr at the end of storage. Storage loss and respiratory rate are minimum for cold stored potatoes but showed high sugar accumulation. In-house storage do not suffer from excessive sugar accumulation but storage loss is maximum of all. In case of in-basket storage, besides being cheap and feasible, there is no problem of sugar accumulation and storage losses was also significantly lower than in-house storage.

Household storage of pharmaceutical products in Saudi Arabia; A call for utilising smart packaging solutions

BackgroundLimited information is known about the storage conditions of medicinal products post-dispensing in Saudi Arabia (SA). The particularly hot and humid climate in the region may lead to the loss of essential performance specifications. ObjectiveTo investigate the conditions in which medications are held after being dispensed, and up until administration by households in SA. In addition, storage practices adopted by households in the region, as well as their knowledge and awareness are explored. This study also discusses the opportunity of utilising Time-Temperature Indicators (TTIs) in the pharmaceutical industry in SA as a quality-assurance enhancement solution. MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire targeted at households in SA was designed to explore storage practices, background knowledge and awareness of factors that can influence drug stability. Additionally, temperature and relative humidity mapping of 35 different rooms in various homes and cities in SA, as well as car interiors, was performed. ResultsMore than 1000 households have participated in this study from all regions of SA. Approximately, 95% have claimed to take part in storing medications at home. First-aid and supplemental purposes were two of the reasons 80.9% have claimed, while 43.2% claimed treatment for chronic conditions. Just over 35% claimed that not knowing how to dispose of medications, is the reason behind their storage. More than 35% of participants could not identify most suitable storage conditions, and >10% were unaware of the effect storage conditions may have on shelf-life. Many were found to store medication in inappropriate areas, liquid dosage forms for example were stored in freezers by more than 3%. Upon monitoring temperatures of all room types, 25ºC was exceeded throughout a 24-hour duration in bathrooms, kitchens and limited use rooms. Temperatures in parked car interiors exceeded 70ºC. ConclusionsA significant percentage of households in SA lacked knowledge and awareness of good storage practices. However, due to high temperatures observed in the region, increasing knowledge and awareness is not enough, as medicinal cabinets with basic temperature control (e.g. designated secure fridge) are needed. Additionally, the use of TTIs to provide consumers with accumulated thermal history may enhance quality-assurance of thermally sensitive products.

Sorption properties, glass transition and state diagrams for pumpkin powders containing maltodextrins

The state diagrams of freeze-dried pumpkin powders with different maltodextrin additions were developed using glass transition line, freezing curve and maximal-freeze-concentrations conditions. The freezing curve was plotted employing Clausius – Clapeyron equation and glass transition lines were developed using Gordon – Taylor model. The ultimate maximum-freeze-concentration conditions of the powders were observed in range from 0.685 to 0.745 g solids/g sample. Characteristic glass transition temperature of maximum-freeze-concentration (Tg’) of the pumpkin was equal to - 83.7 °C and was increase with increasing maltodextrin addition. Adsorption isotherms of pumpkin – maltodextrin powders were determined at 25 °C by static - gravimetric method and the experimental data was modelled with BET and GAB equations. Monolayer moisture content of the pumpkin powder decreased with increasing maltodextrin additions. The state diagram and water adsorption isotherms of the pumpkin – maltodextrin powders are useful for predicting suitable storage and processing conditions.

Functional analysis of the ocnE gene involved in nicotine-degradation pathways in Ochrobactrum intermedium SCUEC4 and its enzymatic properties

The SCUEC4 strain of Ochrobactrum intermedium is a newly isolated bacterium that degrades nicotine can use nicotine as the sole carbon source via a series of enzymatic catalytic processes. The mechanisms underlying nicotine degradation in this bacterium and the corresponding functional genes remain unclear. Here, we analyzed the function and biological properties of the ocnE gene involved in the nicotine-degradation pathways in strain SCUEC4. The ocnE gene was cloned by PCR with total DNA of strain SCUEC4 and used to construct the recombinant plasmid pET28a-ocnE. The overexpression of the OcnE protein was detected by SDS-PAGE analysis, and study of the function of this protein was spectrophotometrically carried out by monitoring the changes of 2,5-dihydroxypyridine. Moreover, the effects of temperature, pH, and metal ions on the biological activities of the OcnE protein were analyzed. The optimal conditions for the biological activities of OcnE, a protein of approximately 37.6 kDa, were determined to be 25 °C, pH 7.0, and 25 μmol/L Fe2+, and the suitable storage conditions for the OcnE protein were 0 °C and pH 7.0. In conclusion, the ocnE gene is responsible for the ability of 2,5-dihydroxypyridine dioxygenase. These findings will be beneficial in clarifying the mechanisms of nicotine degradation in O. intermedium SCUEC4.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF IVABRADINE HYDROCHLORIDE LOADED TRANSFERSOMAL GEL FOR TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY

Objective: Aim of this study was to develop the topical delivery containing ivabradine hydrochloride (IVH) loaded transpersonal gel for symptomatic treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris in coronary artery disease.
 Methods: Different hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values of surfactants-tween-80, span-80 and sodium deoxycholate (SDC) were investigated to prepare transfersomes (TFs)respectively, with different concentration of soya phosphatidylcholine and 10% v/v ethanol in phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.8) by conventional rotary evaporation sonication method. The prepared formulations were evaluated for percentage entrapment efficiency (%EE), deformability index (DI), turbidity, vesicle shape and size, in vitro drug release study and stability. SEM was done on selected formulation F8 and liposome formulation (LF). Gel was prepared by using carbopol-940 as a gelling agent with propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol solution as permeation enhancer by 32 factorial design optimization methods. The developed gel was evaluated for pH, viscosity, drug content, ex-vivo permeation studies and stability studies of TFs-gel. This was compared with LF-gel prepared by same procedure.
 Results: Maximum % EE (78.4±0.94), suitable vesicular size (128.6 nm) and maximum DI (34.9±1.9) was found in TFs-TW-80 and selected for gel development. In vitro drug release data from TFs-TW-80, plain drug solution and liposomal formulation (LF) revealed that % cumulative drug released in TFs-TW-80 was found maximum (89.5±0.12 %) in 20 min than others. It was 2.1 times higher than LF and 3.3 times higher than the plain drug. SEM study showed spherical shape of vesicles. The drug contents in the TFs and LF gels were found to be 92 to 95%w/w. Partition coefficient for TFs-loaded gel was 1.04±0.03. Ex vivo permeation study from hairless rat skin showed that permeation of drug is described by firstly first-order kinetics than zero-order kinetics. The drug released from TFs-gel was found to be 1.7 times higher than LF-gel and about 1.9 times higher than plain drug. Flux from TFs-gel was 2.04 times greater than LF-gel and 3.28 times more than plan drug. Stability studies indicated that suitable storage condition for developed gel was temperature 25 °C or less, where the pH, potency and therapeutic efficacy of formulations remain constant.
 Conclusion: Thus, transdermal route has become one of the most successful and innovative focus for research in drug delivery of IVH loaded TFs-TW-80 to increase stability and bioavailability.

Effect of post-harvest conditions on antioxidant enzyme activity in Dunaliella tertiolecta biomass

Microalgae biomass is considered a sustainable feedstock to produce high-value compounds including enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, which are widely used for food, pharmaceuticals, textile, leather , and in the chemical industries. Suitable post-harvest storage conditions to minimise deterioration of enzyme activity is therefore crucial. In this study, the effect of storage temperature over time on antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) in four D. tertiolecta samples (whole wet cells, freeze-dried whole cells, crude extract and freeze-dried crude extract) were evaluated. Antioxidant enzyme activities in freshly harvested whole cells or in the crude extract stored at -20 °C were retained only for up to one month but when stored at -80 °C, both CAT and SOD activities remained unchanged for four months. Moreover, in the freeze dried whole cell samples, CAT and SOD activities were retained for 8 months at -20 °C, however, when a crude extract was prepared and freeze dried, enzyme activities decreased. Therefore, careful control of storage temperature could prevent unfavourable changes to antioxidant activity in harvested cells thereby increasing shelf-life and the value of this type of biomass. This study recommends a suitable post-harvest storage temperature for preservation of Dunaliella biomass for both short-term and long-term stability of antioxidant enzyme activities. Our results strongly indicate that fresh whole cell extracts should be used in antioxidant enzyme assays , but if storage is necessary, whole fresh cells should be freeze dried and stored at -80 °C. Crude extracts prepared should be used in antioxidant enzyme assays within 24 h of preparation. • Evaluating the effect of storage temperature and time on antioxidant enzyme activity in Dunaliella biomass . • Assessing temperature-induced oxidative stress during storage of Dunaliella cells. • Post-harvest storage recommendations to minimise deterioration of antioxidant enzyme activity in Dunaliella biomass.

A study on the time-dependent change of totox values in feeds of marine fish

One of the most important criteria in aquaculture is to obtain the maximum utilization of feed and also minimization of the costs. Among the important factors on the utilization of feed is the production of feed and storage conditions. For example, to keep the feed in the most suitable storage conditions will provide to prevent possible oxidation status of the feed. The totox value is one of the values which express the calculated amount of oxidation in the feed. It could be obtained by substituting the measured peroxide amount and p-anisidine values in a formula. The aim of this study, to obtain the totox values in the feed of European sea bass and sea bream species. The feeds were stored under two different storage temperatures (at +4⁰C and + 24⁰C) for 45 days. At the beginning, the values of peroxides at 24 ⁰C and + 4⁰C was obtained as 5.94 ± 0.40 and 6.83 ± 1.23, respectively; p-anisidine values were 6.21 ± 0.22 and 6.42 ± 0.47; totox values were 18.09 ± 0.82 and 20.08 ± 2.98. At the end of the storage days (45th day), the values of peroxides at 24 ⁰C and + 4⁰C was calculated as 8.86 ± 0.95 and 4.91 ± 0.17; p-anisidine values were 7.23 ± 1.22 and 8.08 ± 1.23; totox values were found to be 24.94 ± 1.30 and 17.89 ± 0.33. As a result, there was no statistically significant difference in totox values of feeds stored at different temperatures during the first 30 days. However, feeds stored at + 4 °C showed less totox values (p

Influence of Blood Collection Methods and Long-Term Plasma Storage on Quorum-Sensing Peptide Stability.

Finding adequate biomarkers for rapid and accurate disease detection, prognosis, and therapy is increasingly important. Quorum-sensing peptides are herein a new emerging group, produced by bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses, with blood being the most straightforward sample type to detect/quantitate them. However, detailed information about suitable blood sample collection methods and storage conditions for measuring these quorum-sensing peptides hampers further clinical research and development. Here, we first tested the time-dependent stability of a set of chemically diverse quorum-sensing peptides, spiked in blood at different temperatures (4, 21, and 37 °C) in four different ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)-containing plasma tubes (with different protein-stabilizing additives) over a period of up to 7.5 h. Next, we determined the storage stability of these quorum-sensing peptides in plasma at different temperatures (4, −35, and −80 °C). UPLC/MS–MS was used to selectively detect and quantify the spiked quorum-sensing peptides. The results of this study indicate that a cost-effective tube, designed for traditional proteomics and stored at 4 °C, is the preferred collection condition when quorum-sensing peptides need to be detected/quantified in human plasma. When the tubes are handled at room temperature (21 °C), a more specialized tube is required. Long-term storage of plasma samples, even under low-temperature conditions (−80 °C), indicates rapid degradation of certain quorum-sensing peptides.

From the bottom of the sea to the display case: A study into the long-term preservation of archaeological maritime silk textiles in controlled atmosphere

An exceptional group of silk fragments was unearthed in 2014 from a shipwreck, which sank in the mid-17th century, in the Wadden Sea, The Netherlands. A unique example of 17th-century fashion, it comprises about 300 textile fragments from garments, parts of garments and furnishing fabrics, almost entirely made of silk and embroidered or woven with metal thread. These are in remarkably good condition, which may be related to the archaeological environment, the quality of the silk yarns in the fragments, and the presence of metal threads and other metallic objects from the shipwreck. Surviving archaeological maritime silk textiles are extremely rare, which makes this a distinctive find posing challenges for selecting the most suitable conditions for exhibition and storage. Scientific research was carried out with the aim to evaluate the response of modern and archaeological silks to temperature, relative humidity, light and oxygen, in order to define the most suitable parameters for the long-term storage and exhibition of the collection. Artificially aged samples taken from one of the archaeological fragments were analysed at the visual, structural and molecular level by means of colour measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a fluorescence detector (UHPLC-FLD). The results showed that light exposure, in combination with high temperatures, oxygen and moisture strongly affected the silk's structure and molecular composition. Limiting exposure to light and removing oxygen reduced this effect and increased life expectancy significantly. Therefore, the analytical results obtained were essential to defining a preliminary preservation strategy for the collection: while on display, anoxic conditions slow down degradation of the silk by a factor of 4–5, whereas in a in dark storage, a low RH is the most important factor, with anoxic conditions providing additional reduction of decay.

Evaluation of Microbial Load, Formation of Odorous Metabolites and Lipid Stability during Wet Preservation of Nannochloropsis gaditana Concentrates

Wet preservation of algae allows us to bridge the time period between algae harvest and processing while avoiding the costs and nutritional losses associated with algae drying. This study aimed to identify suitable storage conditions for the wet preservation of Nannochloropsis gaditana concentrates. The impact of storage temperature, time and the way of closing the storage recipient was evaluated using a full factorial design. The effect of acetic acid addition was tested for one storage condition. Storage temperature was the main factor determining the microbial count and had a vast impact on the formation of odorous metabolites. Storage at 20 °C in closed recipients led to rapid O2 consumption, accumulation of malodorous short-chain fatty acids above their odor thresholds, and the production of H2S and methanethiol. These odorous metabolites were not formed or to a much lower extent during 4 °C and 8 °C storage in closed recipients. Acetic acid supplementation (50 mM) suppressed the formation of short-chain fatty acids during 8 °C storage in unsealed recipients and reduced the aerobic microbial count and the number of yeasts and molds by approximately one log unit after 14 days. Yet, acetic acid addition also induced lipid hydrolysis and decreased chlorophyll levels when algae were stored for more than one week. This study demonstrated that temperature control is needed and that acetic acid addition is a promising approach when N. gaditana concentrates are stored for less than one week.

Exploration of the safe water content and activity control points for medicinal and edible lotus seeds from mildew

Affected by the inner properties and the external environmental conditions, medicinal and edible lotus seeds are susceptible to mildew with fungal infection under suitable temperature and humidity conditions, leading to the production and contamination of various mycotoxins, along with threats to its quality and safety. In this study, the changes of water content (Cw) and water activity (Aw) of lotus seeds stored at 25 °C and different relative humidity conditions, as well as the correlation between them and mildew of this edible and medicinal material were studied, aiming to explore the safe Cw and Aw control points for screening out the suitable storage conditions from mildew. Blank (without fungal conidia) and experimental (artificially added with Aspergillus flavus conidia) groups of lotus seeds were stored at 25 °C and relative humidity of 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% for about 30 days, respectively. The mildew was observed and the changes of Cw, Aw, together with the production of aflatoxins were measured. Results showed that no mildew was found and aflatoxins were not detected in lotus seeds when they were stored for 30 days at 25 °C and relative humidity of 40%, 50% and 60% with Cw < 12% and Aw < 0.6. While, when the relative humidity was up to 70%, the Cw and Aw values rose quickly, and the Cw exceeded the officially-permitted level (14%). Although no mildew was observed, AFB1 was still detected, increasing the potential risk of lotus seeds regarding aflatoxins. For warranting the quality with economic and safe storage, lotus seeds are suggested to be stored at 25 °C and relative humidity lower than 60% with 12% and 0.6 as the safe Cw and Aw control points, respectively, to prevent medicinal and edible products from mildew and the contamination of aflatoxins.

The effect of CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; concentration on sweet cherry preservation in modified atmosphere packaging

The effect of CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; concentrations on the preservation of sweet cherries in modified atmosphere packaging was greatly different. In the present paper, an accurate gas-regulating storage device was used to set the concentrations of CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%, respectively (O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; was set at 5% and the remaining parts were filled with N2) to store sweet cherries. Then the quality change of sweet cherries was determined aproximately from –1 to +1 °C and from 80 to 85% relative humidity. The results showed that all six air treatments had a certain inhibitory effect on deterioration of sweet cherries. In particular, the 10% CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; group could reduce rotting rate, maintain firmness, delay the change of soluble solids and vitamin C, reduce the activity of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase. This group always had good firmness, nutrition and taste after 120 days of storage. So the 10% CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; concentration provides suitable gas storage conditions of sweet cherries in modified atmosphere packaging.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;

Quality of soybean cultivars in the drying and storage processes in real scale and experimental

AbstractThe aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of RR and RR2 soybean cultivars submitted to different drying temperatures and storage conditions in real scale and experimental. In the real scale, the soybean lots evaluated were divided into: dry soybeans (RR and RR2), dry soybeans in the cooperative's drying unit (80, 100, and 120°C), and moist soybean grains, without distinction of the cultivars. The batches of dried grains were subjected to storage for a period of 2 months. In laboratory experiment, after drying (35, 45, and 45°C), the soybean samples were stored in cold rooms under controlled temperature conditions (10 and 20°C) and evaluated in storage periods of 0, 30 and 60 days. It was concluded that the anticipated harvest of soybean lots submitted to artificial drying obtained better quality results. The conditions applied in drying and storage infers the physicochemical quality of the grains according to the type of soybean cultivar. The drying of soybean lots at 35°C and stored at 10°C temperature conditions obtained better physicochemical quality. The soybean lots of RR cultivar maintained higher levels of protein and lipids after drying and storage processes.Practical applicationsAdopting more suitable drying and storage conditions for soybean cultivars processed in storage units facilitates the management of grain mass throughout the processes, reducing quanti‐qualitative grain losses and postharvest grain flow logistic problems.

Thermal‐ and Photo‐Induced Isomerization of All‐E‐ and Z‐Isomer‐Rich Xanthophylls: Astaxanthin and Its Structurally‐Related Xanthophylls, Adonirubin, and Adonixanthin

AbstractThe effects of heating and photo‐irradiation on the stability of all‐E‐isomer‐rich and Z‐isomer‐rich xanthophylls, astaxanthin and its structurally related xanthophylls, adonirubin, and adonixanthin, are investigated. The xanthophylls with high Z‐isomer content are prepared from their high‐purity all‐E‐isomers by thermal isomerization and filtering techniques, that is, total Z‐isomer ratios of adonirubin, astaxanthin, and adonixanthin are 80.9%, 89.5%, and 72.5%, respectively. The all‐E‐ and Z‐isomer‐rich xanthophylls dissolved in ethanol are stored at 4, 30, and 50 °C in the dark and at 30 °C under photo‐irradiation using a fluorescent light for 21 days. In the all‐E‐isomer‐rich xanthophylls, as the storage temperature increases, the total Z‐isomer ratio becomes higher, whereas in the Z‐isomer‐rich xanthophylls, the all‐E‐isomer ratio becomes higher. Photo‐irradiation slightly promotes Z‐isomerization in (all‐E)‐xanthophylls, but highly promotes all‐E‐isomerization in Z‐isomer‐rich xanthophylls. In addition, photo‐irradiation prevents thermal Z‐isomerization of (all‐E)‐xanthophylls. Moreover, it is found that some xanthophyll Z‐isomers such as (9Z)‐astaxanthin are more stable than that of the other Z‐isomers against heating and photo‐irradiation. These findings can contribute not only to establishing suitable storage conditions for Z‐isomer‐rich xanthophylls, but also to developing control techniques for the E/Z‐isomer ratio of the xanthophylls.Practical Applications: The fundamental data on the stability of xanthophyll isomers against heating and photo‐irradiation and finding stable xanthophyll Z‐isomers are very important to develop xanthophyll materials rich in the Z‐isomers. Moreover, this study clearly shows that the heat treatment enhances the Z‐isomerization of xanthophylls, whereas the photo‐irradiation enhances the all‐E‐isomerization and prevents thermal Z‐isomerization of them. This information can be utilized in technology for arbitrarily controlling E/Z‐isomerization of xanthophylls.

Effect of water activity on the stability of freeze-dried oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) powder

The water spreading pressure was evaluated as a criterion of food stability in the relationship with the monolayer and minimum integral entropy of the water adsorbed on the surface of the freeze-dried Pleurotus ostreatus powder. The monolayer and the thermodynamic functions were calculated from the water adsorption isotherms obtained by a static method at 25, 35 and 45 °C, over a range of water activities from 0.11 to 0.79, and the surface of the powder was investigated using low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. The color parameters (L*, a*, b*), laccase activity and antioxidant capacity of the product were evaluated during storage at different water activities at 25 °C. The maximum color stability occurred in the range of water activity from 0.23 to 0.32, which coincided with the low tendency to contraction or spreading of the water adsorbed on the surface. These values correspond to the water activities of the monolayer and minimum integral entropy due to that the water film was in a condensed phase. The results also showed that the water activity affects the enzyme stability significantly, but slightly the antioxidant capacity of the mushroom during the storage. The study concludes that the analysis of the spreading pressure contributes to determining the more suitable conditions for storage of the dehydrated foods; in addition to that, it has the advantage of being calculated from an isotherm of water adsorption.

Laser-light backscattering imaging approach in monitoring and classifying the quality changes of sweet potatoes under different storage conditions

Abstract Optical imaging techniques have gained wide attention for quality detection of agricultural and food products. In this work, the non-destructive ability of the laser-light backscattering imaging technique (LLBI) for monitoring and classifying the quality changes of sweet potatoes under different storage conditions was investigated. Freshly-harvested sweet potato root samples were stored at 5 °C, 15 °C and 30 °C for a period of 21 d with 120 samples in each storage group. Laser diode emitting light at 658 nm wavelength along with the camera system was employed to capture the backscattered light from the subjected samples. The acquired backscattering images were then pre-processed and segmented, and the intended backscattering parameters (BP) were extracted. Quality parameters (QP) such as moisture content (MC), soluble solids content (SSC), texture and color properties (L*, a*, b*) were measured using the conventional methods as standard reference data. Multivariate analysis in terms of partial least squares regression (PLSR), principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was carried out to correlate and classify the sweet potatoes based on the BP. Results showed that storage had a significant effect both in the BP and QP of sweet potatoes as well as in the interaction between the BP and the treatments (day and temperature) applied. Among all the QP, SSC gave the most promising results (R = 0.56-0.66; RMSE = 0.76–1.10) across all the storage conditions. The analysis also revealed that 15 °C was the most suitable storage condition with the favourable PLSR results (R > 0.50) in all the examined parameters. Moreover, variations on the BP of the samples with respect to the different storage conditions were correctly classified with over 90 % and 80 % accuracies using the PCA and LDA, respectively. Thus, the study indicates that the LLBI technique is feasible and can be a useful tool for a non-destructive quality measurement and classification of sweet potatoes under different storage conditions.

Furosemide in water matrix: HPLC-UV method development and degradation studies

This study developed a method for furosemide quantification through high performance liquid chromatographic technique. Special attention was given to solute loss and storage stability due to furosemide’s low solubility and photosensitivity, respectively. The performance of Nylon and PVDF filters was tested in a 2 mg.L-1 furosemide solution. PVDF filters showed better recovery capacity and therefore are more suitable for furosemide filtration. Over eight days, three different storage conditions were studied to access furosemide degradation susceptibility: (i) exposure to light at room temperature, (ii) storage at room temperature without exposure to light, and (iii) storage at 4ºC without exposure to light. The study demonstrated that after 48 h under natural light exposure furosemide was completely degraded. Furosemide solution stored in the dark was stable. Storage temperature did not seem to affect furosemide concentration. The study shows that the selection of more suitable filter and storage conditions for furosemide determination is crucial to avoid underestimation errors.

Moisture sorption properties and glass transition temperature of a non-conventional exudate gum (Prosopis alba) from northeast Argentine

Water-solid interactions were explored in purified and freeze-dried Prosopis alba exudate gum as approach to get a deeper insight of structural and functional aspects of this novel biomaterial. Particularly, the study of water-binding properties combined with glass transition temperatures allowed obtaining interesting theoretical data for practical applications. The Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) and Generalized D’Arcy and Watt (GDW) models were applied to describe the sorption behavior and thermodynamic properties of the studied gum. The study of the relationship between relative humidity, water content and thermal transitions allowed to characterize the material in terms of water plasticizing susceptibility as well as define the suitable storage conditions that guarantee the quality, safety and physical stability of P. alba gum. Obtained results contribute to the characterization of a non-conventional exudate gum with great potential for its use in different food industry applications.