Positive effects of thermosonication in Jamun fruit dairy dessert processing.

The effects of thermosonication processing (TS, 90 °C, ultrasound powers of 200, 400, and 600 W) on the quality parameters of Jamun fruit dairy dessert compared to conventional heating processing (high-temperature short time, (HTST), 90 °C/20 s) were evaluated. Microbiological inactivation and stability, rheological parameters, physical properties, volatile and fatty acid profiles, and bioactive compounds were assessed. TS provided more significant microbial inactivation (1 log CFU mL-1) and higher microbial stability during storage (21 days) than HTST, with 3, 2, and 2.8 log CFU mL-1 lower counts for yeasts and molds, aerobic mesophilic bacteria, and lactic acid bacteria, respectively. In addition, TS-treated samples showed higher anti-hypertensive (>39%), antioxidant (>33%), and anti-diabetic (>27%) activities, a higher concentration of phenolic compounds (>22%), preservation of anthocyanins, and better digestibility due to the smaller fat droplet size (observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy). Furthermore, lower TS powers (200 W) improved the fatty acid (higher monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid contents, 52.78 and 132.24%) and volatile (higher number of terpenes, n = 5) profiles and decreased the atherogenic index. On the other hand, higher TS powers (600 W) maintained the rheological parameters of the control product and contributed more significantly to the functional properties of the products (antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, and anti-diabetic). In conclusion, TS proved to be efficient in treating Jamun fruit dairy dessert, opening space for new studies to define process parameters and expand TS application in other food matrices.

In vitro characterization of a biocompatible composite based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/hydroxyapatite nanoparticles as a potential scaffold for tissue engineering.

The use of regeneration scaffolds has been a promising strategy in the bone tissue engineering area. Among the materials available for this purpose the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) - PHB stands out for its adequate biocompatibility and osteoinduction capacity. Hydroxyapatite, in turn, has as its main characteristics its ability to increase bioactivity and cell proliferation. Thus, the objective of the present study was to obtain PHB composites with nanohydroxyapatite (Hap) (0.05%, 0.20%, and 0.50%) and evaluate the microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties and molecular dynamics. Besides that, in vitro biological properties such as wettability, cell viability and adhesion of L929 fibroblasts cells, enzymatic degradation and radiographic contrast were evaluated. The results indicate a weak interaction between Hap and PHB, however, the dispersion states of the nanoparticles can influence crystallization and thermal stability. Through the evaluation of the mechanical behavior was verified a harder behavior with the Hap addition. The wettability of the systems showed a tendency to increase with the addition of nanoparticles. All systems presented high values of viability and cell adhesion, the latter being more pronounced for systems containing Hap. The nanoparticles acted as a barrier slowing the rate of enzymatic degradation and contributed to the increase in radiographic contrast. The results obtained indicate that the systems are promising for application in tissue engineering.

In vivo functional and health benefits of a prebiotic soursop whey beverage processed by high-intensity ultrasound: Study with healthy Wistar rats.

New technologies for food processing have been used to enhance the beneficial effects of foods. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a prebiotic soursop whey beverage processed by high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) on healthy rats. Whey beverages were processed by HIUS (20KHz, 520 W of nominal power, <53 °C, 20.3 W of acoustic power, energy density of 2.9 kJ.cm-3 and 9.5 min to process 100 mL) and high-temperature short-time (HTST, 75 °C for 15 s) before being supplemented to Wistar rats by gavage for 15 days. Antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-hypertensive, and anticancer activities, lipid peroxidation, bioactive peptides, and microstructure of the beverages were analyzed. In addition, the body mass, food, and water intake, systolic blood pressure, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters were measured. The sonicated beverage induced satiety, decreased glutathione peroxidase activity, total triglycerides, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and alanine aminotransferase. These findings suggest that ultrasound technology can provide in vivo health and functional benefits.

Resin infiltration in white spot lesions caused by orthodontic hypomineralisation: a minimally invasive therapy.

Objective White spot lesions are characterised by the presence of clinically detectable opaque lesions due to enamel demineralisation. These frequently present in patients following fixed orthodontic treatment, mostly due to the prolonged accumulation of bacterial plaque on the dental surface. When remineralisation is not achieved through good oral hygiene and prophylaxis with fluoride products, the infiltration of lesions with low-viscosity photopolymerised resin has proved to be a valid micro-invasive alternative compared to traditional conservative therapy.Clinical considerations A case series will be presented, where the chosen approach was resin infiltration, a micro-invasive and aesthetic technique.Clinical significance Infiltrative resin therapies are single-session procedures that reduce the need for more invasive therapies such as the use of rotary instruments for greater patient comfort. The need for periodic fluoride applications is also avoided. This approach increases the durability of the infiltrated lesion without compromising its mechanical properties and impedes the development of recurrent or secondary caries.Conclusions Resin infiltration might be considered as a routine procedure in the treatment of post-eruptive hypomineralised lesions. This follows the line of thought of minimally invasive dentistry, is an excellent treatment option and prevents the lesion's progression.

Impact of cold plasma on the techno-functional and sensory properties of whey dairy beverage added with xylooligosaccharide.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of cold plasma (0, 5, 10, or 15 min) on the techno-functional and sensory properties of whey dairy beverages added with xylooligosaccharide (XOS, 1.5% p/v). Untreated and pasteurized whey beverages were also evaluated. The products were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds, XOS stability, rheological properties, and sensory characteristics. Cold plasma and pasteurized products presented lower color intensity (L*=87.4-87.9, a*=-0.24- -0.60, b*=2.41-5.19), reduced consistency (K = 4.31-42.21 mPa.sn and N = 0.57-0.95), and similar apparent viscosity, XOS chemical stability, and sensory characteristics compared with the untreated product. However, the cold plasma-treated beverages presented lower heat load indicators (hydroxymethylfurfural [HMF] values of 1.91-2.10 µmol/L and whey protein nitrogen index [WPNI] of 6.09-6.66 µmol/L) and a higher concentration of bioactive compounds (antioxidant activity [5.31-9.30%], and inhibition of ACE [14.17-22.53%], α-amylase [18.52-25.67%] and α-glucosidase [22.50-27.50%] activities) than the pasteurized product, being the effects more pronounced for the higher exposure times. Overall, cold plasma has important advantages for the processing of whey beverages added with XOS.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Montmorillonite/Zinc Oxide Bionanosystems Prepared by Spray Drying.

In this study, microparticles of bionanomaterials were obtained by polyvinylpyrrolidone, montmoril-lonite, and zinc oxide bionanosystems produced through solution intercalation technique combined with a spray-drying process, aiming for possible application as drug delivery systems. The final microparticles obtained were evaluated in terms of their production yield, which varies between 39.2% and 56.9%. Thermal analysis showed no major changes in Tg of the nanocomposites, compared to the pure PVP polymer. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed a pseudo-spherical shape and confirmed the micrometric size of the microparticles. Transmission electron microscopy analysis corroborated the embedding of montmorillonite and ZnO within the polymer phase. Nuclear magnetic resonance and X-rays diffraction were used to study the nanoparticles dispersion, indicating a predominant intercalated morphology. This study suggests that the applied methodology is suitable for the high yields synthesis of nanocomposites PVP based microparticles with uniform size and shape, which can be promising for the production of a new drug delivery system.

Impact of nanoconfinement on acetylacetone Equilibria in Ordered Mesoporous Silicates.

Nanoconfinement is one of the most intriguing nanoscale effects and affects several physical and chemical properties of molecules and materials, including viscosity, reaction kinetics, and glass transition temperature. In this work, liquid nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to analyze the behavior of 2,4-pentadienone in ordered mesoporous materials with a pore diameter of between 3 and 10 nm. The liquid NMR results showed meaningful changes in the hydrogen chemical shift and the keto-enol chemical equilibrium, which were associated with the pore diameter, allowing the authors to observe the effects of nanoconfinement. An interesting phenomenon was observed where the chemical equilibria of 2,4-pentadienone confined in a mesoporous material with a pore diameter of 3.5 nm was similar to that obtained with free (bulk) 2,4-pentadienone in larger pore materials. Another interesting result was observed for the enthalpy and entropy of the tautomeric equilibria of 2,4-pentadienone confined in mesoporous materials with a 5.5 nm pore diameter being -7.9 kJ mol-1 and -15.9 J mol-1.K. These values are similar to those obtained by dimethyl sulfoxide. This phenomenon indicates the possible use of ordered mesoporous materials as a reaction substitute in organic solvents. It was further observed that while the values of enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) had been modified by confinement, the Gibbs free energy (ΔG) value remained closer to that observed in free (bulk) 2,4-pentadienone. It is expected that this study will help in understanding the effects of nanoconfinement and provide a simple method to employ NMR techniques to analyze these phenomena.

Possibilities for using ohmic heating in Minas Frescal cheese production.

The use of ohmic heating (OH, 4, 8, or 12 V/cm, 72-75 °C/15 s) for pasteurization of milk intended for the manufacture of Minas Frescal cheese was investigated. The cheeses were characterized for the gross composition, bioactive compounds (antioxidant, antihypertensive and antidiabetic activities), fatty acid profile, rheological parameters, volatiles profile, and sensory acceptance. OH decreased the elasticity, hardness, and firmness while improved the sensory acceptance of Minas Frescal cheese. In addition, higher antioxidant, antihypertensive and antidiabetic activities values as well as higher concentrations of short, medium and long-chain fatty acids were observed. Overall, OH can be considered a suitable technology to be used in milk for the Minas Frescal cheese processing.

Processing raspberry-flavored whey drink using ohmic heating: Physical, thermal and microstructural considerations.

The effect of ohmic heating processing (10, 100, 1000 Hz - 25 V;45, 60, 80 V - 60 Hz until 65 °C-30 min) on physical (color, rheology, particle size diameter), thermal (differential scanning calorimetry, DSC), physicochemical (time domain nuclear magnetic resonance, TD-NMR) and microstructural (optical microscopy) properties of raspberry-flavored whey drink was investigated. The samples were submitted to an ohmic system and conventional pasteurization (65 °C-30 min). Both processing led to increases in the color parameters (C*, h* and ∆E*) in the first 30 min. For the treatments, 10 Hz-25 V and 1000 Hz-25 V, more viscous, and consequently increased D[4,3] and D[3,2] values were observed, and similar results were obtained for the DSC behavior. The microstructure confirmed aggregation of cell structure in those configurations (10 Hz and 1000 Hz-25 V). OH, parameters for both ohmic configurations have an impact in all the evaluated parameters for raspberry-flavored whey drink, which can be interesting for the dairy industry.

Ohmic heating for processing of whey-raspberry flavored beverage.

Different Ohmic heating conditions (OH, 10, 100, and 1000 Hz at 25 V; 45, 60, and 80 V at 60 Hz) were assessed to manufacture whey-raspberry flavored beverages. The inhibition of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and angiotensin-converting I enzymes, antioxidant capacity, fatty acid profile, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were determined. OH treated samples presented lower anthocyanins content than the conventional treatment (2.91 ±â€¯0.23 mg/g), while the mild-intermediate conditions (10,100-Hz at 25 V and 45,60-V at 60 Hz) presented the highest chemical antioxidant activity when compared to the extreme processing conditions (1000 Hz-25 V and 80 V-60 Hz). OH led to an increase of 10% in both α-glucosidase (>99%) and α-amylase (≥70%). Among the VOCs, furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, a major intermediate Maillard reaction product was found in all treatments. Overall, OH can be used in the processing of whey-flavored raspberry beverages.

Guava flavored whey-beverage processed by cold plasma: Physical characteristics, thermal behavior and microstructure.

The present study aimed to compare the physicochemical (pH), physical (rheology parameters and particle size), microstructure (optical microscopy) and thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry) of guava flavored whey-beverages submitted to cold plama technology in different processing time (5, 10, and 15 min) and gas flow (10, 20, and 30 mL min-1) conditions with a conventional pasteurized product. Whey beverages treated by cold plasma presented higher pH values, lower consistency and lower viscosity, and a flow behavior index similar to Newtonian fluids. Milder cold plasma conditions resulted in whey beverages with higher pH, lower viscosity and consistency, and similar particle distribution and microstructure compared to the pasteurized product. In contrast, more severe processing conditions resulted in a higher particle surface area ([D 3,2]) and smaller particles (~10 µM), due to the decrease in the number of larger particles (1000 µM), cell rupture, the formation of cell fragments, and higher viscosity and consistency. The treatments did not affect the thermal properties (enthalpy and bound water) of any sample.

Single-shot measurement of solids and liquids T1 values by a small-angle flip-flop pulse sequence.

We propose the small-angle flip-flop (SAFF) pulse sequence as an alternative procedure for the rapid measurement of the 1 H spin-lattice relaxation time in the laboratory frame (T1 ) of solid and liquid substances, in a time-domain NMR experiment. Based on the original flip-flop pulse sequence, this technique allows the fast estimation of T1 values of samples that require minutes to hours of acquisition time if traditional pulse sequences are employed. We have applied SAFF to different substances, with T1 ranging from microseconds up to seconds, including natural clays, polymers, and organic and inorganic solvents. We also demonstrate the potential of the pulse sequence in the real-time monitoring of dynamic processes, such as the conformational changes of polymeric materials during heating. The results we obtained with SAFF are comparable with those acquired with the inversion-recovery pulse sequence, with the addition of several benefits. This pulse sequence obeys steady-state and magnetization-conserving principles, making it possible to dismiss the need for relaxation delay times of the order of 5T1 . SAFF has shown high sensitivity in the resolution of individual components of T1 in multiexponential systems and can be easily integrated to well-established pulse sequences, such as Magic Sandwich Echo and Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill, for the single-shot determination of T1 and T2 or T2* .

Guava-flavored whey beverage processed by cold plasma technology: Bioactive compounds, fatty acid profile and volatile compounds.

The effect of cold plasma processing time and gas flow on bioactive compounds such as vitamin C, carotenoids and phenolic compounds, DPPH, angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, fatty acids profile, and volatile compounds of guava-flavored whey beverage was investigated. For comparative purposes, a pasteurized beverage was also manufactured. Cold plasma increased the concentration of bioactive and volatile compounds, and proportionated changes in the fatty acids profile. The milder conditions like lower flow rate and processing time, resulted in higher vitamin C and volatile compounds levels, and higher antioxidant activity, but with a lower carotenoids content and a less favorable fatty acids profile. More drastic conditions like higher flow rate and processing time resulted in products with lower vitamin C and volatile compounds levels, but with higher carotenoids content and ACE inhibitory activity. It can be concluded that the cold plasma processing can improve the properties of the guava-flavored whey beverages (increased concentration of bioactive and volatile compounds), while the effect on the fatty acid profile and ACE inhibitory activity is dependent on the process parameters (processing time and flow rate).

Processing chocolate milk drink by low-pressure cold plasma technology.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the process time (5, 10, and 15 min) and flow rate (10, 20, and 30 mL/min) of cold plasma technology on physio-chemical characteristics (pH), bioactive compounds (DPPD, Total Phenolic Compounds, ACE-inhibitory activity values), fatty acid composition, and volatile compounds profile of chocolate milk drink. The mild (lower flow rate and process time) and more severe (higher flow rate and process time) conditions led to a reduction of the bioactive compounds (total phenolic compounds and ACE-inhibitory activity), changes in fatty acid composition (increased saturated fatty acid and decreased monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid), less favorable health indices (higher atherogenic, thrombogenic and hypercholesterolemic saturated fatty acids and lower desired fatty acids), and lower number of volatile compounds. In contrast, in intermediate cold plasma conditions, an adequate concentration of bioactive compounds, fatty acid composition, and health indices, and increased number of volatile compounds (ketones, esters, and lactones) were observed. Overall, cold plasma technology has proven to be an interesting alternative to chocolate milk drinks, being of paramount importance the study of the cold plasma process parameters.

Whey acerola-flavoured drink submitted Ohmic Heating: Bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, thermal behavior, water mobility, fatty acid profile and volatile compounds.

Whey acerola-flavoured drink was subjected to Ohmic Heating (OH) under different operational conditions (45, 60, 80 V at 60 Hz and 10, 100, 1000 Hz with 25 V, 65 °C/30 min) and conventional pasteurization (65 °C/30 min). Bioactive compounds (total phenolics, DPPH, FRAP, ACE levels), fatty acid profile, volatile compounds (CG-MS), thermal behaviors (DSC) and water mobility (TD-NMR) were performed. Reduction of frequency (1000-10 Hz) resulted in a lower bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of the samples, except for the DPPH values. Concerning the thermal behaviors, fatty acids profile and volatile compounds, different findings were observed as a function of the parameters used (voltage and frequency). In respect of TD-NMR parameters, OH led to a slightly reduction of the relaxation time when compared to the conventional treatment, suggesting more viscous beverages. Overall, OH may be interesting option to whey acerola-flavoured drink processing.

Ohmic Heating: A potential technology for sweet whey processing.

The use of Ohmic Heating (OH) for sweet whey processing was investigated in this study. Whey samples were subjected to both different OH parameters (2, 4, 5, 7 and 9 V·cm-1 at 60 Hz, up to 72-75 °C/15 s) and conventional processing (72-75 °C/15 s). Physicochemical analyses (pH), color measurements (L*, a*, b*), rheological properties (flow curves and particle size distribution), microstructure (optical microscopy), bioactive compounds (ACE and antioxidant capacity), microbiological characterization (mesophilic bacteria, total coliforms, and thermotolerant coliforms), water mobility (TD-magnetic resonance domain), and sensory evaluation (descriptive analysis) were carried out. The OH effects on sweet whey characteristics depended on the applied electric field intensity. Higher saturation, higher color variation (ΔE*), and higher luminosity (L*) were observed in low electric fields. For bioactive compounds, the increase of the electric field negatively affected the preservation of the antioxidant capacity and the ACE Inhibitory Activity of bioactive peptides. OH and conventional samples exhibited a pseudo-plastic behavior (n < 1). OH performed at 4 and 5 V·cm-1 was able to provide similar levels of sensory profile and higher volatile compounds levels. The results suggested the OH technology as an interesting alternative to whey processing.

The xylooligosaccharide addition and sodium reduction in requeijão cremoso processed cheese.

The addition of xylooligosaccharide (XOS), sodium reduction and flavor enhancers (arginine and yeast extract) on the manufacture of requeijão cremoso processed cheese was investigated. The addition of XOS resulted in a denser and compact structure, with increased apparent viscosity, elasticity (G') and firmness (G*). The addition of XOS and yeast extract improved the rheological and physicochemical properties (decrease in viscosity and particle size and increase in melting rate) and sensory characteristics (improvement in salty and acid taste, greater homogeneity, and lower bitter taste). In addition, a positive effect of arginine was observed in the sensory characteristics of the requeijão cremoso processed cheese, but without improvements in the physicochemical and rheological characteristics. Overall, the XOS addition and sodium reduction proportionated the development of a healthier processed cheese formulation.

Preparation of Poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles Through Solvent Displacement and Structural Evaluation Using Time-Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance.

The present study obtained coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles using the solvent displacement method aiming to evaluate the effect of the polymer concentration in the pharmaceutical formulations' and polymer properties. Nanosuspensions were evaluated by fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential (ZP), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR). Uniform nanoparticles could be obtained using this method and higher polymer concentrations led to an increase in particle size and negatively charged surfaces were observed. However typical PLGA halo was observed in XRD, diffractograms revealed the Pluronic chains behavior when PLGA concentration changed. Additionally, samples' spin-lattice relaxation times, dipolar interaction and correlation times were evaluated using time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR), which revealed the interference of PLGA chain packing when Pluronic was incorporated as well as Pluronic chains organization and its behavior around the particle.

Partial substitution of NaCl by KCl and addition of flavor enhancers on probiotic Prato cheese: A study covering manufacturing, ripening and storage time.

Cheese is a suitable matrix to deliver probiotic strains but it contains a high amount of sodium. The effect of partial substitution of NaCl by KCl and the addition of flavor enhancers (l-arginine, yeast and oregano extract) on probiotic Prato cheese was investigated after 1, 30, and 60 d of refrigerated storage (immediately after manufacturing, and during ripening and storage). Microbiological (lactic acid bacteria and probiotic Lactobacillus casei 01 counts and survival under gastrointestinal conditions), physicochemical (pH, proteolysis, fatty acids), bioactivity (antioxidant effect and angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity), rheological, and water mobility by means of time domain low-field nuclear magnetic resonance were investigated. Significant changes in probiotic survival were observed; however, the sodium reduction and the addition of flavor enhancers did not constitute an obstacle to L. casei 01 (>108 CFU/g) during storage. Slight changes were observed in proteolysis, bioactivity, water mobility, texture profile, and fatty acids of the cheeses as a function of the flavor enhancer added. The sodium reduction and the supplementation of Prato cheese with probiotic cultures may be an effective alternative to the production of a potentially functional cheese.

Proton NMR relaxometry as probe of gelatinization, plasticization and montmorillonite-loading effects on starch-based materials.

The effects of granule disruption, the addition of glycerol and montmorillonite on the granule structure of corn starch were investigated by proton NMR relaxation, through the T2*, T1 and T1ρ relaxation times. Films containing 0%, 1%, 5% and 7%(w/w) of clay were prepared by solution casting and the relaxometry data were compared with those gleaned from WAXD, TGA and SEM techniques. Starch gelatinization without glycerol or clay results in an amorphous and rigid film having a dipole coupling higher than that observed for the granule. The plasticization reduces the chains rigid fraction by more than 20% and increases the adsorption of moisture in the region of greater molecular mobility. The addition of 1% of clay reduces the adsorption of moisture and, in concentrations of 5% and 7%, the agglomerates reduce the plasticization effect. These features studied were observed by the Tube-Reptation and Renormalized Rouse models applied at low frequencies.