Using maltodextrin and state diagrams to improve thermal transitions in tilapia fillet (Oreochromis spp.).

BACKGROUND: Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) in the form of frozen fillets is one of the fishes with the highest commercial production levels worldwide. However, protein denaturation, membrane rupture, and lipid oxidation are commonly observed in fillets when stored at standard commercial freezing temperatures for long periods. This study proposes, for the first time, the use of maltodextrin and state diagrams to define processing strategies and suitable storage temperatures for fresh and dehydrated tilapia fillets. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the effect of maltodextrin weight fractions ( W MD ) of 0, 0.4, and 0.8 on the thermal transitions of tilapia fillets as a function of solid mass fractions ( W s ). RESULTS: The glass transition temperature curve ( T g vs . W s ) and characteristic parameters of maximal freeze concentration ( T g ' , T m ' , W s ' ) of tilapia increased significantly with the addition of maltodextrin. Using developed state diagrams, freezing and storage temperatures of -22 °C, -15 °C, and -10 °C (P < 0.05) for long-term preservation were defined for tilapia fillets produced with W MD of 0, 0.4, and 0.8. CONCLUSION: Maltodextrin is an excellent alternative as a cryoprotectant and drying aid to increase the thermal parameters of tilapia fillets by achieving frozen storage temperatures above the standard commercial freezing temperature of -18 °C. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of linear and branched fructans on growth and probiotic characteristics of seven Lactobacillus spp. isolated from an autochthonous beverage from Chiapas, Mexico.

The effect that the fructans of Cichorium intybus and Agave salmiana have on health, as well as on the growth of some Lactobacillus species, has been demonstrated. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of linear and branched fructans on the growth of seven strains and some probiotic characteristics. The molecular identification of seven strains was performed. Moreover, the growth, resistance to antibiotics and simulated gastrointestinal conditions were also evaluated when these microorganisms were grown in a culture medium containing agave and chicory fructans. The strains were identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, Lactiplantibacillus fabifermentans and Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum. The results suggest that the seven Lactobacillus strains were able to grow using agave (branched) and chicory (linear) fructans. The linear and branched fructans statistically influenced the kinetic parameters. The specific growth rate varied between 0.270 and 0.573 h-1 and the generation time between 1.21 and 2.45 h for all strains and culture media. All strains showed a growth of 9 Log CFU/mL in all the culture media. Production of lactic, acetic, propionic, butyric, formic and succinic acid was influenced by linear and branched fructans (p < 0.05). All the strains survived simulated gastrointestinal conditions greater than 83%. The resistance of Lactobacillus against ciprofloxacin and rifaximin was significantly affected by linear and branched fructans, but survival to gastrointestinal conditions was not affected by the type of substrate. These results highlight the use of the seven strains, which have probiotic potential; therefore, these could be applied in several biotechnological products.

Volatile Compounds in Tofu Obtained by Soy Milk Fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum BAL-03-ITTG and Lactobacillus fermentum BAL-21-ITTG.

Tofu is one of the main foods made with soybeans. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of L. plantarum and L. fermentum on the volatile compounds and sensorial profile of fermented tofu during ripening. The soy milk was fermented separately with two native strains (L. plantarum or L. fermentum) until reaching a pH of 5.5, and the fermented tofu was obtained. The tofu obtained by acidification with lactic acid was used as a control and was characterized by microbial survival (L. plantarum, L. fermentum, and P. freudenreichii) for 0, 20, and 40 days of storage at 15 °C. Moreover, the lactic and acetic acid content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the volatile compounds were evaluated by gas. Chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results were analyzed by an ANOVA test (P < 0.05). After storage, the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) survived in the fermented tofu at a concentration higher than 8.0 log CFU/g after 40 days of storage. The shelf life of fermented tofu obtained by acidification was fewer than 20 days because of the presence of fungi and yeasts. The hexanal content was reduced by approximately 96% (P < 0.05) in the tofu obtained by fermentation compared with the control. This process for fermented tofu production employing two native strains could be used for industrial purposes.

Evaluation of temperature, pH and nutrient conditions in bacterial growth and extracellular hydrolytic activities of two Alicyclobacillus spp. strains.

Extremophile bacteria have developed the metabolic machinery for living in extreme temperatures, pH, and high-salt content. Two novel bacterium strains Alicyclobacillus sp. PA1 and Alicyclobacillus sp. PA2, were isolated from crater lake El Chichon in Chiapas, Mexico. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on the 16SrRNA gene sequence revealed that the strain Alicyclobacillus sp. PA1 and Alicyclobacillus sp. PA2 were closely related to Alicyclobacillus species (98% identity and 94.73% identity, respectively). Both strains were Gram variable, and colonies were circular, smooth and creamy. Electron microscopy showed than Alicyclobacillus sp. PA1 has a daisy-like form and Alicyclobacillus sp. PA2 is a regular rod. Both strains can use diverse carbohydrates and triglycerides as carbon source and they also can use organic and inorganic nitrogen source. But, the two strains can grow without any carbon or nitrogen sources in the culture medium. Temperature, pH and nutrition condition affect bacterial growth. Maximum growth was produced at 65 °C for Alicyclobacillus sp. PA1 (0.732 DO600) at pH 3 and Alicyclobacillus sp. PA2 (0.725 DO600) at pH 5. Inducible extracellular extremozyme activities were determined for ß-galactosidase (Alicyclobacillus sp. PA1: 88.07 ± 0.252 U/mg, Alicyclobacillus sp. PA2: 51.57 ± 0.308 U/mg), cellulose (Alicyclobacillus sp. PA1: 141.20 ± 0.585 U/mg, Alicyclobacillus sp. PA2: 51.57 ± 0.308 U/mg), lipase (Alicyclobacillus sp. PA1: 138.25 ± 0.600 U/mg, Alicyclobacillus sp. PA2: 175.75 ± 1.387 U/mg), xylanase (Alicyclobacillus sp. PA1: 174.72 ± 1.746 U/mg, Alicyclobacillus sp. PA2: 172.69 ± 0.855U/mg), and protease (Alicyclobacillus sp. PA1: 15.12 ± 0.121 U/mg, Alicyclobacillus sp. PA2: 15.33 ± 0.284 U/mg). These results provide new insights on extreme enzymatic production on Alicyclobacillus species.

Spray drying encapsulation of a native plant extract rich in phenolic compounds with combinations of maltodextrin and non-conventional wall materials.

Crotalaria longirostrata (chipilin) leaves contain phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. These phenolic compounds, however, could easily degrade after extraction. Microencapsulation is a possible solution for avoiding this degradation. Frequently, microencapsulation is carried out using conventional encapsulating agents. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of several non-conventional encapsulating agents on microencapsulation by spray drying of phenolic compounds from chipilin, stability and release of phenolic compounds were also studied. Maltodextrin (MD), gum Arabic (GA), soy protein (SP), cocoa shell pectin (CSP), and protein (PC), as well as the gum (GC) of Cajanus cajan seeds were used. Different blends of these matrixes containing phenolic compounds from chipilin leaves were spray dried at 120 °C. After drying, the yield and microencapsulation efficiency were determined. All results were analyzed by an ANOVA test (p < 0.05). The release kinetics of phenolic compounds were modeled using zero, first-order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. The R2 was calculated for each model. The blends of encapsulating agents allowed the formation of an efficient polymer matrix with yields between 46 and 64% and microencapsulation efficiency between 65 and 92%. Results show that maltodextrin with soy protein allowed the highest (92%) microencapsulation efficiency, although maltodextrin and cocoa shell pectin were more effective protective agents, showing greater stability. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model was the best in predicting the phenolic compounds release with R2 values higher than 98%. The stability time for microcapsules with MD-CSP was 8.88 years and 1.43 years at 4 °C and 30 °C, respectively.

Totipotency of Daucus carota L. Somatic Cells Microencapsulated Using Spray Drying Technology.

The carrot is considered a model system in plant cell culture. Spray drying represents a widely used technology to preserve microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeasts. In germplasm conservation, the most used methods are freeze drying and cryopreservation. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of spray drying on the viability and totipotency of somatic carrot cells. Leaf, root and stem explants were evaluated to induce callus with 2 mg/L of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Calli obtained from the stem were cultivated in a liquid medium with 1 mg/L of 2,4-D. Cell suspensions were spray dried with maltodextrin-gum Arabic and maltodextrin-xanthan gum mixtures, two outlet air temperatures (50 and 60 °C) and 120 °C inlet air temperature. Results showed that carrot cells were viable after spray drying, and this viability remained for six months at 8 °C. The totipotency of the microencapsulated cells was proven. Cells that were not spray dried regenerated 24.6 plantlets, while the spray dried cells regenerated 19 plantlets for each gram of rehydrated powder. Thus, spray drying allowed researchers to obtain viable and totipotent cells. This work is the first manuscript that reported the spray drying of plant somatic cells.

Experimental data and predictive equation of the specific heat capacity of fruit juice model systems measured with differential scanning calorimetry.

Specific heat capacity ( C P ) is regarded as a fundamental parameter for the design, operation, and optimization of the heat transfer equipment widely used in the food industry. Using the calorimetric ASTM E1269-11 standard procedure, the C P -temperature ( C P ( T ) ) curves of fruit juice model systems prepared at different mass fractions of fructose/glucose/sucrose/citric acid/pectin and water were measured. Thus, experimental data of C P for solid samples in crystalline and amorphous states from -80 °C up to the melting temperature range and for aqueous samples from -80 to 110 °C were generated. In the tested temperature interval, the C P of crystalline, amorphous, and aqueous samples were found to be in the ranges of 0.037 ± 0.020 to 5.61 ± 0.04; 0.061 ± 0.004 to 3.12 ± 0.19, and 0.363 ± 0.05 to 3.24 ± 0.14 kJ/kg °C, respectively. Also, a generalized empirical equation based on the type and concentration of components was developed to predict the C P ( T ) curves of the studied samples. The proposed equation exhibited a low error sum of squares (SSE <  57.3) and a high coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.927). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed with a confidence level of 95% (p < 0.05). The C P ( T ) curves were influenced by temperature, thermal transitions, water, solid types, and compound interactions. Glucose was one of the solids that most significantly influenced the C P values of samples. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The experimental specific heat capacity data and empirical equation proposed in this study are relevant to the design, evaluation, and optimization of heat transfer equipment involved in many foods and biochemical industrial processes such as cryopreservation, frozen storage, freezing, chilling, drying, and the cooking of hard candies.

The Influence of Maltodextrin on the Thermal Transitions and State Diagrams of Fruit Juice Model Systems.

The state diagram, which is defined as a stability map of different states and phases of a food as a function of the solid content and temperature, is regarded as fundamental approach in the design and optimization of processes or storage procedures of food in the low-, intermediate-, and high-moisture domains. Therefore, in this study, the effects of maltodextrin addition on the freezing points (Tm', Tm) and glass transition temperatures (Tg', Tg) required for the construction of state diagrams of fruit juice model systems by using differential scanning calorimetry methods was investigated. A D-optimal experimental design was used to prepare a total of 25 anhydrous model food systems at various dry mass fractions of fructose, glucose, sucrose, pectin, citric acid, and maltodextrin, in which this last component varied between 0 and 0.8. It was found that maltodextrin mass fractions higher than 0.4 are required to induce significant increases of Tg', Tm', Tg, and Tm curves. From this perspective, maltodextrin is a good alternative as a cryoprotectant and as a carrier agent in the food industry. Furthermore, solute-composition-based mathematical models were developed to evaluate the influence of the chemical composition on the thermal transitions and to predict the state diagrams of fruit juices at different maltodextrin mass fractions.

Changes in Intestinal Microbiota and Predicted Metabolic Pathways During Colonic Fermentation of Mango (Mangifera indica L.)-Based Bar Indigestible Fraction.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) peel and pulp are a source of dietary fiber (DF) and phenolic compounds (PCs) that constituent part of the indigestible fraction (IF). This fraction reaches the colon and acts as a carbon and energy source for intestinal microbiota. The effect of mango IF on intestinal microbiota during colonic fermentation is unknown. In this study, the isolated IF of a novel 'Ataulfo' mango-based bar (snack) UV-C irradiated and non-irradiated (UVMangoB and MangoB) were fermented. Colonic fermentation occurred in vitro under chemical-enzymatic, semi-anaerobic, batch culture and controlled pH colonic conditions. Changes in the structure of fecal microbiota were analyzed by 16s rRNA gene Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The community´s functional capabilities were determined in silico. The MangoB and UVMangoB increased the presence of Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Eubacterium, Fusicatenibacter, Holdemanella, Catenibacterium, Phascolarctobacterium, Buttiauxella, Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, Prevotella and Bacteroides genera. The alpha indexes showed a decrease in microbial diversity after 6 h of colonic fermentation. The coordinates analysis indicated any differences between irradiated and non-irradiated bar. The metabolic prediction demonstrated that MangoB and UVMangoB increase the microbiota carbohydrate metabolism pathway. This study suggests that IF of mango-based bar induced beneficial changes on microbial ecology and metabolic pathway that could be promissory to prevention or treatment of metabolic dysbiosis. However, in vivo interventions are necessary to confirm the interactions between microbiota modulating and intestinal beneficial effects.

Formulation of a liquid fertilizer for sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) using vermicompost leachate.

Leachate from vermicomposting contains large amounts of plant nutrients and can be used as liquid fertilizer, but normally diluted to avoid plant damage. The amount of nutrients applied is thus reduced so that an additional fertilizer is required. We investigated how dilution of vermicompost leachate combined with different concentrations of NPK triple 17 fertilizer, and polyoxyethylene tridecyl alcohol as dispersant and polyethylene nonylphenol as adherent to increase efficiency of fertilizer uptake, affected sorghum plant development. The vermicomposting leachate with pH 7.8 and electrolytic conductivity 2.6 dS m(-1), contained 834 mg K(+) l(-1), 247 mg NO(3)(-)l(-1) and 168 mg PO(4)(3-) l(-1), was free of pathogens and resulted in a 65 % germination index. Vermicompost leachate can be used as liquid fertilizer for the cultivation of sorghum without dilution and mixed with 140-170 g l(-1) of NPK triple 17 fertilizer and 2-3 ml(-1) of dispersant and 0-1 ml l(-1) adherent. It was found that vermicompost leachate stimulated plant development, but fertilization with NPK was required for maximum growth.

Fatty Acid Profile, Phenolics and Flavonoids Contents in Olea europaea L. Callus Culture cv. cornicabra.

Olive trees are one of the most important oil crops in the world due to the sensorial and nutritional characteristics of olive oil, such as lipid composition and antioxidant content, and the medicinal properties of its leaves. In this paper, callus formation was induced using nodal segments of olive tree (Olea europaea cv. cornicabra) as explants. Fatty acid profile, total phenolic compounds and total flavonoid compounds were determined in callus culture after 15 weeks and compared with leaf and nodal segments tissues. There was no statistical difference in phenolic compounds among leaf, nodal segments and callus culture, whereas flavonoid compounds were higher in leaf. Fatty acid profile was similar in leaf, nodal segments and callus culture and was constituted by hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, cis-9-octadecenoic acid, cis-9,12-octadecadienoic acid, cis-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid. Hexadecanoic acid was the main fatty acid in callus, leaf and nodal segments with 35.0, 39.0 and 40.0% (w/w), of the lipid composition, respectively. With this paper, it is being reported for the first time the capacity of callus culture to accumulate fatty acids. Our results could serve to continue studying the production of fatty acids in callus cultivation as a biotechnological tool to improve different olive cultivars.

Vermicompost as a soil supplement to improve growth, yield and fruit quality of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum).

The effects of earthworm-processed sheep-manure (vermicompost) on the growth, productivity and chemical characteristics of tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum) (c.v. Rio Grande) were investigated in a greenhouse experiment. Five treatments were applied combining vermicompost and soil in proportions of 0:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5 (v/v). Growth and yield parameters were measured 85 days and 100 days after transplanting. Addition of vermicompost increased plant heights significantly, but had no significant effect on the numbers of leaves or yields 85 days after transplanting. Yields of tomatoes were significantly greater when the relationship vermicompost:soil was 1:1, 1:2 or 1:3, 100 days after transplanting. Addition of sheep-manure vermicompost decreased soil pH, titratable acidity and increased soluble and insoluble solids, in tomato fruits compared to those harvested from plants cultivated in unamended soil. Sheep-manure vermicompost as a soil supplement increased tomato yields and soluble, insoluble solids and carbohydrate concentrations.

Fatty Acids Profile, Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Elicited Callus of Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum.

The aim of this study was analyze the effect of jasmonic acid (JA) and abscisic acid (ABA) as elicitors on fatty acids profile (FAP), phenolic compounds (PC) and antioxidant capacity (AC) in callus of Thevetia peruviana. Schenk & Hildebrandt (SH) medium, supplemented with 2 mg/L 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic (2, 4-D) and 0.5 mg/L kinetin (KIN) was used for callus induction. The effect of JA (50, 75 and 100 µM) and ABA (10, 55 and 100 µM) on FAP, PC and AC were analyzed using a response surface design. A maximum of 2.8 mg/g of TPC was obtained with 100 plus 10 µM JA and ABA, respectively, whereas AC maximum (2.17 µg/mL) was obtained with 75 plus 100 µM JA and ABA, respectively. The FAP was affected for JA but not for ABA. JA increased cis-9, cis-12-octadecadienoic acid and decreased dodecanoic acid. Eight fatty acids were identified by GC-MS analysis and cis-9-octadecenoic acid (18:1) was the principal fatty acid reaching 76 % in treatment with 50 µM JA plus 55 µM ABA. In conclusion, JA may be used in T. peruviana callus culture for obtain oil with different fatty acids profile.

Effect of vermicompost, worm-bed leachate and arbuscular mycorrizal fungi on lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. ) growth and composition of its essential oil

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of vermicompost, worm-bed leachate (WBL) and Glomus mosseae, an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), on growth of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf). A response surface methodology, i.e. a three-level Box Benhen design with three repetitions and three blocks, was applied to optimize biomass production, essential oil yield and its composition. Application rates of Glomus mosseae were 0, 1 or 2 g plant-1, vermicompost 0, 5 or 10 g plant-1 and WBL 0, 10 and 20 percent. The AMF had no significant effect on the variables tested, but vermicompost had a significant effect on essential oil yield and WBL on essential oil yield, myercene concentration and shoot dry weigh (p < 0.05). It was found that lemongrass fertilized with 2.0 g G. mosseae, 5.0 g vermicompost and 20 percent worm-bed leachate would yield 0.797 percent essential oil of which 62.6 percent was citral.

Spray-drying of passion fruit juice using lactose-maltodextrin blends as the support material

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the blends with different levels of lactose-maltodextrin (8:5, 10:5, and 12:5 percent w/v) during the spray-drying of the passion fruit juice. The drying was carried out in a laboratory spray dryer (Pulvis GB 22 model) at two inlet air temperatures (180 and 190 ºC), and two air pressures (0.10 and 0.20 MPa). The moisture content, hygroscopicity and vitamin C retention were evaluated in the powder obtained. Response surface plots (p<0.05) showed that the lowest values of the moisture content and hygroscopicity were reached in the temperature range of 188-190 ºC and at 12:5 percent (w/v) concentration of lactose-maltodextrin; the best vitamin C retention level occurred at 180 ºC and 0.2 MPa.

O objectivo deste estudo foi a avaliação da efectividade das misturas en diferentes níveis de lactose-maltodextrina (8:5, 10:5, 12:5 por cento w/v) durante a pulverização do sumo de maracujá. A secagem foi feita em um atomizador de laboratório de pulverização (modelo Pulvis GB 22) com 2 entradas de temperatura de ar (180 e 190 ºC), e 2 compressores de pressão de ar (0.10 e 0.20 MPa). O índice da mistura, higroscopicidade e retenção de vitamina C foram avaliados no pó obtido. As curvas de superfície de resposta (p<0.05) mostram que os valores mais baixos do índice da mistura e higroscopicidade foram alcançados no intervalo de temperatura de 188-190 ºC e com uma concentração de 12:5 por cento w/v de lactosemaltodextrina; o melhor nível de retenção de vitamina C ocorreu a 180 ºC e 0.2 MPa.