High-Power Ultrasound (HPU) and Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) in the Hurdle Concept for the Preservation of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds in Strawberry Juice-A Chemometric Evaluation-Part II.

In this work, the influence of high-power ultrasound (HPU) followed by pulsed electric field (PEF) in the hurdle concept (HPU + PEF) on the content of biologically active compounds (BACs) and antioxidant activity in strawberry juices stored at 4 °C/7 days was investigated. The HPU was performed with an amplitude of 25% and pulse of 50% during 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 min, while the PEF was performed with an electric field strength of 30 kV cm-1 and frequency of 100 Hz during 1.5, 3 and 4.5 min. The results obtained indicate that the synergy of the mechanisms of action for technologies in the hurdle concept plays a critical role in the stability of BACs and antioxidant activity. Juices treated with HPU + PEF hurdle technology and kept at 4 °C for 7 days showed a statistically significant decrease in all BACs, antioxidant capacity and pH. Shorter HPU + PEF treatment times favored the preservation of BACs in juices. Regarding total phenolic compounds, flavonols, condensed tannins and antioxidant capacity, optimization of hurdle parameters showed that a shorter HPU treatment time of 2.5 min provided the best yield of these compounds. In summary, by optimizing and adjusting the parameters of the HPU/PEF technology, it is possible to produce functional strawberry juice.

Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) and High-Power Ultrasound (HPU) in the Hurdle Concept for the Preservation of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds of Strawberry Juice-A Chemometric Evaluation-Part I.

This work investigated the influence of pulsed electric field (PEF) and high-power ultrasound (HPU) combined with hurdle technology to preserve the bioactive compounds (BACs) content and antioxidant activity in stored strawberry juices. PEF was performed at 30 kV cm-1, 100 Hz during 1.5, 3, and 4.5 min, while HPU was performed at 25% amplitude and 50% pulse during 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 min. Total phenols and hydroxycinnamic acids were the most stable BACs during the hurdle treatment without influence of the duration of both treatments, while flavonols and condensed tannins showed a significant stability dependence with respect to the duration of both treatments. Total phenols were also stable during storage, in contrast to the individual groups of BACs studied. A chemometric approach was used to optimize the parameters of the hurdle treatments with respect to the highest level of BACs and the antioxidant activity of the treated juices. In general, shorter treatment times in the hurdle approach resulted in better stability of BACs and antioxidant activity. The hurdle technology investigated in this study has the strong potential to be an excellent concept for optimizing the operating parameters of PEF and HPU technologies in the preservation of functional foods.

The Application and Optimization of HIPEF Technology in the Processing of Juice from Strawberries Harvested at Two Stages of Ripeness.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of high intensity pulsed electric field (HIPEF) technology on the stability of total phenols, anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, and condensed tannins in strawberry juices (Fragaria x ananassa Duch. cv. 'Albion') with different ripening stages (75% and 100%) and stored at +4 °C for 7 days. The HIPEF parameters studied were: (i) electric field strength (40 and 50 kV cm-1), (ii) frequency (100 and 200 Hz), and (iii) treatment duration (3 and 6 min). Of the HIPEF parameters studied, electric field strength and frequency had a statistically significant effect on the content of all phenolic compounds. Treatment duration showed no statistically significant effects on phenolic compounds except for flavonols and condensed tannins. Storage had a positive effect on the stability of most of the phenolic compounds, with the exception of flavonols. Optimization of HIPEF processing showed that strawberry samples at both ripeness levels were suitable for HIPEF treatment to obtain functional fruit juices with a high content of polyphenols.

Properties of Milk Treated with High-Power Ultrasound and Bactofugation.

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: Two methods of milk treatment were used, ultrasound (innovative method) and bactofugation, after which the physicochemical and sensory properties of the milk were examined, with the primary aim of achieving the quality and consistency of the pasteurized milk. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Ultrasound power of 200 and 400 W and frequency of 24 kHz with constant wave cycle were used. Milk was treated for 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 min with sonification at 20 °C (room temperature) and thermosonification (ultrasound at temperature higher than room temperature) at 55 °C. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of high-power ultrasound combined with a slightly increased temperature on whole, skimmed and skimmed cow's milk pretreated with bactofugation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The best sensory quality was achieved when milk was treated with ultrasound power of 200 W at 20 °C for max. 7.5 min. This research shows the potential of the applications of high-power ultrasound in dairy industry combined with bactofugation as a pre-treatment of milk at a slightly increased temperature (up to 55 °C). NOVELTY AND SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTION: The application of these two treatments requires milder processing conditions than pasteurization, it is economical and more environmentally friendly technological process that preserves better nutritional values of milk, which is preferred by consumers.

Influence of Flour and Fat Type on Dough Rheology and Technological Characteristics of 3D-Printed Cookies.

In this study, we designed high fiber cookie recipe without using additives by means of extrusion-based 3D printing. We aimed to relate printing quality and cookie physical properties with dough rheology and dietary fiber content depending on the flour (oat, rye, rice, and carob flour) and fat type (olive oil or butter). The flour choice influenced all cookie quality parameters: baking loss, color, line height and width, and dietary fiber content. Results indicated that lower baking loss and better printing quality were obtained for cookie dough containing olive oil, which had higher viscosity and consistency coefficient compared with dough containing butter. Cookies with olive oil in which part of the oat flour was replaced with rye and carob flour were printed with high accuracy (≥98%), close to the ideal 3D shape. Overall, this study demonstrates the importance of selecting fat and particularly flour, as well as the extrusion rate on the quality and repeatability of 3D-printed cookies.

The Influence of High-Power Ultrasound and Bactofugation on Microbiological Quality of Milk.

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: The application of high power ultrasound combined with a slightly increased temperature on raw cow's milk, skimmed cow's milk and skimmed cow's milk that passed the bactofugation process was analysed. We combined ultrasound with bactofugation of milk to achieve the microbiological accuracy that is equivalent to pasteurization. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The milk samples (200 mL) were treated for 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 min with high-power ultrasound (200 and 400 W) with a frequency of 24 kHz. The treatments were conducted with a constant duty cycle of 100%. Temperatures during the treatments were 20 and 55 °C. The somatic cell count of the aerobic mesophilic bacteria, as well the number of Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus cells were analysed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: From the perspective of the reduction of the total count of bacteria, the best result was achieved by high-power ultrasound at 400 W treated for 10 min. High reduction of Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli and S. aureus cells was achieved with ultrasound treatment of raw, skimmed and skimmed cow's milk that passed the bactofugation with a power of 200 and 400 W regardless of the treatment time. NOVELTY AND SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTION: This work combines bactofugation and high-power ultrasound for the inactivation of microoganisms. This combination was used at a slightly increased temperature (up to 55 °C), which is much more economical than pasteurization, while it preserves the sensory and physicochemical properties of milk.

Efficacy of low pressure DBD plasma in the reduction of T-2 and HT-2 toxin in oat flour.

T-2 and its major metabolite HT-2 toxin are naturally occurring contaminants in cereals, with the highest concentrations determined in oats. Because of their toxicity and resistance to conventional methods used in mycotoxin degradation, development of new effective procedures for reduction of T-2/HT-2 toxin levels is needed. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different gas types within various timeframes on the efficiency of T-2 and HT-2 toxin degradation by low pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma in oat flour. Although humidity of the sample influences the intensity of the plasma, oxygen atoms efficiently oxidize the sample and produce CO and N2. Before and after treatment, T-2 and HT-2 toxin concentrations were analysed by the confirmatory liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. The highest reduction of T-2 and HT-2 toxin of 43.25% and 38.54%, respectively, was achieved using nitrogen plasma and this proved to be time-dependent.

Proteomic analysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae response to plasma treatment.

Food safety is one of the main issues for the food industry. Regarding the increased reports of food-associated infections new non-thermal technologies are rapidly developing and improving. The aim of this research was to define the inactivation, recovery and stress response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 204508 cells after the treatment by high voltage gas phase plasma and liquid phase plasma discharges in bubbles. Variations of the plasma frequency (60, 90 and 120 Hz), input gas (air or argon) and processing time (5 and 10 min) have been used to define plasma effects on S. cerevisiae cells. Complete inactivation's by liquid plasma in bubbles were determined as well as recovery of treated samples. Transmission electron microscopy figures showed cells with the normal cell shape and intact inner and outer membrane after the plasma treatments. Proteomic analyses indicated overexpressed proteins which contributed in cell defense mechanisms to overcome stress conditions. S. cerevisiae ATCC 204508 cells were under the stress, but with the proven ability to recover its metabolic activity.

Pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) for the green recovery of bioactive compounds and steviol glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves.

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves are a natural source of diterpenic glycosides, and various bioactive compounds. The objectives were to characterize antioxidants and steviol glycosides in the extracts obtained from Stevia after "green" pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE). PHWE extracts were obtained at different temperatures (100, 130, 160 °C); static extraction times (5 and 10 min), and cycle numbers (1, 2, 3) using a constant pressure of 10.34 MPa. Temperature was the most important parameter for extraction, where the highest recoveries of all bioactive compounds (except for carotenoids) were at 160 °C. Extracts obtained at longer static times had more steviol glycosides, condensed tannins, and chlorophyll A. Higher amounts of total phenols, condensed tannins, and steviol glycosides were obtained under higher cycle numbers. This study indicated that PHWE is useful for recovering polar and nonpolar antioxidants and steviol glycosides. PHWE may be a suitable technique for scale-up to industrial applications.

Aromatic profile and sensory characterisation of ultrasound treated cranberry juice and nectar.

Ultrasonication is a nonthermal food processing technology that is used in several applications (extraction, pretreatment before drying, freezing, inactivation of microorganisms etc.). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of high power ultrasound and pasteurisation on the aroma profile and sensory properties of cranberry juice and nectar. Samples were treated according to the experimental design, with high power sonicator at ultrasound frequency of 20kHz under various conditions (treatment time 3, 6 and 9min, sample temperature: 20, 40 and 60°C and amplitude 60, 90 and 120µm). The aromatic profiles of juices showed that, compared to the untreated samples of juices and nectars, the ultrasonic treatment led to the formation of new compounds or to the disappearance of compounds that were found in the untreated samples. Samples treated at the highest amplitude (120µm) were used for evaluation and comparison with untreated and pasteurised samples using electronic tongue study. Principle component analysis (PCA) confirmed the results of electronic tongue study, which showed that the ultrasound-treated and pasteurised juices had different scores compared to the untreated samples. Sensory evaluation showed that ultrasonically treated and pasteurised juices received lower scores in comparison with the untreated samples.

Stability of polyphenols in chokeberry juice treated with gas phase plasma.

Chokeberry juice was subjected to cold atmospheric gas phase plasma and changes in hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins were monitored. Plasma treatments were carried out under different treatment times and juice volumes under constant gas flow (0.75dm(3)min(-1)). The results were compared against control (untreated) and pasteurized chokeberry juice (80°C/2min). During pasteurization, the most unstable were hydroxycinnamic acids with losses of up to 59%, while flavonols and anthocyanins increased by 5% and 9%, respectively. On the contrary, plasma treated chokeberry juice showed higher concentrations of hydroxycinnamic acids and 23% loss of anthocyanins in comparison to untreated juice. In order to obtain the optimal cold plasma treatment parameters principal component and sensitivity analysis were used. Such parameters can be potentially used for pasteurization in terms of phenolic stability of chokeberry juice. Optimal treatment was at 4.1min and sample volume of 3cm(3).

Effects of cold atmospheric gas phase plasma on anthocyanins and color in pomegranate juice.

The aim of the study was to evaluate effects of cold atmospheric gas phase plasma on anthocyanins and color in pomegranate juice. Outcomes of plasma treatment were observed at different operating conditions: (i) treatment time (3, 5, 7 min), (ii) treated juice volume (3, 4, 5 cm(3)), and (iii) gas flow (0.75, 1, 1.25 dm(3)/min). The greatest anthocyanin stability was found at: 3 min treatment time, 5 cm(3) sample volume, and 0.75 dm(3)/min gas flow. Plasma treatment yielded higher anthocyanin content from 21% to 35%. Multivariate analysis showed that total color change was not associated with sample volume and treatment time, however it declined with increased gas flow. The change of color increased in comparison treated vs. untreated pomegranate juice. Constructed mathematical equation confirmed that increase of anthocyanin content increased with gas flow, sample volume and change in color. In summary, this study showed that plasma treatment had positive influences on anthocyanins stability and color change in cloudy pomegranate juice.

Gas phase plasma impact on phenolic compounds in pomegranate juice.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of gas phase plasma on phenolic compounds in pomegranate juice. The potential of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy combined with partial least squares for monitoring the stability of phenolic compounds during plasma treatment was explored, too. Experiments are designed to investigate the effect of plasma operating conditions (treatment time 3, 5, 7 min; sample volume 3, 4, 5 cm(3); gas flow 0.75, 1, 1.25 dm(3) min(-1)) on phenolic compounds and compared to pasteurized and untreated pomegranate juice. Pasteurization and plasma treatment resulted in total phenolic content increasing by 29.55% and 33.03%, respectively. Principal component analysis and sensitivity analysis outputted the optimal treatment design with plasma that could match the pasteurized sample concerning the phenolic stability (5 min/4 cm(3)/0.75 dm(3) min(-1)). Obtained results demonstrate the potential of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy that can be successfully used to evaluate the quality of pomegranate juice upon plasma treatment considering the phenolic compounds.

Rheological properties of ultrasound treated apple, cranberry and blueberry juice and nectar.

Ultrasound is non-thermal food processing technique that has been used in food processing very extensively for the last 10 years. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of high power ultrasound and pasteurization on rheological properties (n and k) of apple, cranberry and blueberry juice and nectar. Samples were treated according the experimental design, with high power sonicator at ultrasound frequency of 20 kHz under various conditions (treatment time, temperature of sample and amplitude). Thermosonication and sonicaton of juice and nectar samples have been performed. It was found that all samples of untreated, pasteurized and ultrasonically treated apple, cranberry and blueberry juices and nectars shows non-Newtonian dilatant fluid characteristics (n > 1). The interaction of treatment time and temperature of sample (BC) and temperature (C) of sample of apple juice had statistically significant effect on flow behavior index (n) for ultrasound treated apple juice. Interaction of treatment time and temperature of sample (BC) has statistically significant effect on the flow behavior index (n) for blueberry nectar. Also, there is statistically significant effect of temperature (C) of sample on consistency coefficient (k) for ultrasound treated apple juice.