Application of antimicrobial chitosan-Furcellaran-hydrolysate gelatin edible coatings enriched with bioactive peptides in shelf-life extension of pork loin stored at 4 and -20 °C.

In this study, the authors investigate the preservative capabilities of edible coatings comprising a blend of chitosan, furcellaran and gelatin hydrolysate enhanced with the bioactive peptides RW4 and LL37. The preservative effects on pork samples stored for 21 days at 4 °C and 6 months at -20 °C were studied, while examining changes in microbiological contamination, pH levels, water activity and sensory attributes. Microbiological analyses reveal the coatings' antimicrobial efficacy against aerobic bacteria, microscopic fungi and yeasts, particularly during the initial storage period, when coated samples exhibit microbial reductions of 0.5-2 log CFU/g compared to the controls. The coatings have no discernible impact on water activity during storage in refrigerated or freezer conditions. Notably, differences in pH development can be observed between the coated and control samples, potentially attributable to the antimicrobial action of the coatings. Sensory analysis allows to highlight the inhibition of deterioration related to sensory attributes through the use of edible coatings. In conclusion, employing bioactive peptide-enriched edible coatings holds promise for extending the shelf-life of perishable foods.

Improving the quality of multi-layer films based on furcellaran by immobilising active ingredients and impact assessment of the use of a new packaging material.

To improve the quality of multi-layer film, four-layer films based on furcellaran and active ingredients: gelatin hydrolysate, curcumin, capsaicin, montmorillonite and AgNPs, were produced in an innovative manner. The films were characterised by SEM and AFM analysis. Along with an increase in the concentration of active ingredients, the structure of the film becomes less homogeneous, which may affect the functional properties. The objective of the study was to analyse changes in the functional properties of the newly-obtained films and to verify their potential as packaging materials for fish products. With the increase in active ingredient concentration, water properties also improved, but there were no noticeable significant effects on mechanical properties. For antioxidant properties, the obtained values were within 1.04-2.74 mM Trolox/mg (FRAP) and 7.67-40.49% (DPPH). The obtained multi-layer films were examined with regard to the shelf-life of salmon. For this purpose, salmon fillets were packed in films having good antioxidant and functional properties. The films were effective in microorganism growth inhibition responsible for fillet spoilage during storage. The microorganism number in the active film-stored samples was lower by 0.13 log CFU/g on day 12 versus the control. However, film application did not retard lipid oxidation in the salmon fillets. Nonetheless, the films show great potential as active packaging materials, extending the shelf-life of the packed foods.

The influence of aqueous butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) flower extract on active and intelligent properties of furcellaran Double-Layered films - in vitro and in vivo research.

Innovative, intelligent and active double-layer films, based on furcellaran and with the addition of gelatin hydrolysates, have been obtained for the first time. An aqueous extract of clitoria flower in 3 concentrations was included in the 1st FUR layer. The films demonstrated strong antimicrobial effects, but did not exhibit fungicidal properties. The antioxidant properties of the films were within the range of 2.27-3.92 mM Trolox/mg (FRAP method) and 36.67-61.24 % (DPPH method). The films were used as active packaging materials in salmon fillets, which were stored for a period of 12 days in 4 °C. Analysis concerning microbiological properties of the stored fillets showed the possibility of extending their shelf-life by 6 days. Lipid oxidation, determined by TBARS has delayed. The obtained films are a promising material for the packaging industry. This is an important aspect within the context of global food waste and also the need to reduce synthetic materials.

Antioxidant edible double-layered film based on waste from soybean production as a vegan active packaging for perishable food products.

Edible vegan films were obtained on the basis of furcellaran and protein hydrolysates from soybean bran. The aim of the study was to investigate the possibility of using innovative single- and double-layer films with antioxidant properties as packaging materials for vegetarian products. A further objective of the study was to evaluate the degree of biodegradation and potential toxicity with regard to the developed films. The tofu was analysed for changes in physicochemical parameters (weight loss, dry weight texture and colour), microbiological quality (total microbial count, yeast and moulds, psychotropic bacteria), and lipid oxidation (peroxidase and acid values, TBARS, fatty acid profile). It was found that films undergo almost complete biodegradation within 10 days and do not demonstrate any toxicity for cress seeds during their growth. Films are not effective in inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in tofu samples. Furthermore, they are not efficient in inhibiting the oxidation of tofu lipids. Compared to the control, the tofu samples covered with the innovative biopolymer films showed significantly lower moisture content and higher weight loss as well as hardness during the whole storage period.

Attempt to Extend the Shelf-Life of Fish Products by Means of Innovative Double-Layer Active Biodegradable Films.

In this study, we aimed to produce, innovative and, at the same time, environmentally-friendly, biopolymer double-layer films with fish processing waste and active lingonberry extract as additives. These double-layered films were based on furcellaran (FUR) (1st layer) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with a gelatin hydrolysate (HGEL) (2nd layer). The aim of the study was to assess their impact on the durability of perishable salmon fillets during storage, and to evaluate their degree of biodegradation. The fillets were analyzed for changes in microbiological quality (total microbial count, yeast and molds, and psychrotrophic bacteria), biogenic amine content (HPLC), and lipid oxidation (peroxidase and acid values, TBARS). The degree of biodegradation includes analysis of film and compost chemical composition solubility, respiratory activity, and ecotoxicity testing. The obtained results allow to suggest that active films are not only bacteriostatic, but even bactericidal when they used to coat fish fillets. Concerning the group of samples covered with the double-layer films, a 19.42% lower total bacteria count was noted compared to the control samples. Furthermore, it can be observed that the applied double-layer films have a potentially strong inhibitory effect on the accumulation of biogenic amines in fish, which is correlated with its antimicrobial effect (the total biogenic amine content for control samples totaled 263.51 mg/kg, while for the double-layer samples, their value equaled: 164.90 mg/kg). The achieved results indicate a high biodegradation potential, however, a too low pH of the film results in limiting seed germination and growth. Despite that, of these, double-layer films are a technology that has applicative potential.

Consumer Attitudes towards Food Preservation Methods.

The development and scope of using various food preservation methods depends on the level of consumers' acceptance. Despite their advantages, in the case of negative attitudes, producers may limit their use if it determines the level of sales. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of seven different food processing methods and to identify influencing factors, such as education as well as living area and, at the same time, to consider whether consumers verify this type of information on the labels. Additionally, the study included the possibility of influencing consumer attitudes by using alternative names for preservation methods, on the example of microwave treatment. The results showed that conventional heat treatments were the most preferred preservation methods, whereas preservatives, irradiation, radio waves and microwaves were the least favored, suggesting that consumers dislike methods connected with "waves" to a similar extent as their dislike for preservatives. The control factors proved to significantly modify the evaluation of the methods. The analysis of alternative names for microwave treatment showed that "dielectric heating" was significantly better perceived. These research findings are important as the basis for understanding consumer attitudes. Implications for business and directions of future research are also indicated.

Utilisation of soybean post-production waste in single- and double-layered films based on furcellaran to obtain packaging materials for food products prone to oxidation.

Single-layered films, based on furcellaran and protein hydrolysates from soybean bran (1st layer), were obtained. Moreover, a procedure for the preparation of double-layered films was developed, in which an ethanol extract from soybean bran was deposited onto the 1st layer. It was checked how the addition of the 2nd layer affects the functional properties of the film. The addition of the 2nd layer increased the thermal properties, modulus of elasticity and antioxidant activity, while decreases were noted for tensile strength and elongation at break parameters. The films were used as packaging materials for storing butter and the active films did not extend the quality of butter during storage, however, they behaved in the same way as synthetic films. Therefore they have the potential to be used as packaging material instead of a synthetic film.

Microwave applications in the food industry: an overview of recent developments.

Microwave radiation has the ability to heat a material with dielectric properties. Material absorbs microwave energy and then converts it into heat, which gives the possibility of a wide use of microwaves in many industry sectors or agricultural sciences. Microwaves are especially widely used in food industry. The main objective of this paper is to present an overview of recent development regarding microwave applications in food industry. Many techniques in food processing (pasteurization, sterilization, drying, thawing, blanching and stunning) are assisted by microwave energy. It should be mentioned also the use of microwaves in nutrients and nutraceuticals production. Waste generation is an integral part of food production. Microwaves have also application in wastes management. The results of experiments, factors affecting heating and their practical application have been discussed. Many cases have been compared with conventional process methods. The use of microwaves shows many advantages. The most important aspect is shortening the time of the thermal process (even by 50%) and reducing the costs of the operation. In addition, it allows to increase the efficiency of processes while maintaining high quality. The examples of microwave applications given in the article are environmentally- friendly because the conditions of thermal processing allow for reducing the use of solvents and the amount of sewage by decreasing the demand for water. It is anticipated that microwaves will become increasingly popular, with the development of new microwave technologies solving many problems in the future.

Protocol for Designing New Functional Food with the Addition of Food Industry By-Products, Using Design Thinking Techniques-A Case Study of a Snack with Antioxidant Properties for Physically Active People.

The aim of the work was to develop an easy-to-follow protocol for designing novel functional products with the addition of food industry by-products using design thinking techniques. As a result, a 12-step protocol has been designed and presented. The protocol consists of steps from the initial formation of the design team, through all the stages of the production and prototyping, until establishing the final storage conditions and creating final documentation. The protocol has been validated and explained using a case study in which a fish industry by-product hydrolysate with bioactive properties was used to develop a novel functional food product for physically active people: a date bar with carp meat and carp skin gelatin hydrolysate. Following the 12 steps presented in the protocol resulted in developing a food product with high nutritional value and antioxidant power which remains stable during storage at reduced temperatures. Moreover, the product is characterized by good sensory qualities and can be easily implemented into full-scale production. The newly designed protocol is an easy-to-follow method that could be used in almost any kind of food industry sector to sucesfully develop user-focused functional food products with by-product addition.

One- and double-layered furcellaran/carp skin gelatin hydrolysate film system with antioxidant peptide as an innovative packaging for perishable foods products.

In this study, two active packaging types were produced: single-layer biopolymer films with a polysaccharide - furcellaran and carp skin gelatin hydrolysate; two-layer films with identical composition, but synthetic peptide Alanina-Tyrosine addition. The procedure objective was multiplying antioxidant effects of the hydrolysate complexed with furcellaran. Films were used on Atlantic mackerel (storage 4 °C, 15 days); samples were analysed for changes in microbiological quality, TVB-N, biogenic amine content, fatty acid composition, TBARS. Consumer analysis was performed characterising mackerel carcass perception depending on implemented active coatings. The developed innovative single- and double-layer coatings effectively slow down lipid oxidation processes, especially at the initial period of Atlantic mackerel storage in refrigerated conditions. The coatings effectively inhibited microorganism growth, extending shelf-life by 2 days, single-layer coatings showing greater efficiency. According to consumers, coating application did not adversely affect product attractiveness parameters. The developed innovative coatings show great applicative potential as a new active packaging for perishable foods.

Active biopolymer films based on furcellaran, whey protein isolate and Borago officinalis extract: characterization and application in smoked pork ham production.

BACKGROUND: The meat industry is determined to find biodegradable packaging with properties similar to plastic. Furcellaran (FUR) and whey protein isolate (WPI) were used as a film matrix in which Borago officinalis extract (BOE) was incorporated as an antioxidant compound. The film's mechanical properties, water behavior, surface color, and antioxidant power were analyzed.Smoked hams were manufactured using two different types of film application: cured meat covered with film, smoked and cooked or hamsafter smoking, cooking and cooling. Smoked, vacuum packed ham was used as a control sample. The products were stored at 4 °C for 21 days and analyzed every 7 days. RESULTS: The elongation at break (EAB) and tensile strength (TS) of FUR/WPI films without the extract were 6.30% and 20.59 MPa, respectively, and after incorporating BOE, the EAB and TS were 24.30% and 15.33 MPa, respectively. The films with BOE were darker and had greater antioxidant capacity. The water content and activity in the products with films decreased along with storage time while the control remained stable. The results of microbiological, oxidation product accumulation, and sensory analysis were comparable in all the products. CONCLUSIONS: The smoking time can be reduced due to the dark color of the hams covered with BOE film. The barrier properties of those films should be increased. Other parameters were comparable to plastic packaging. The films therefore have the potential to be used instead of plastic packaging in the meat industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effects of active double-layered furcellaran/gelatin hydrolysate film system with Ala-Tyr peptide on fresh Atlantic mackerel stored at -18 °C.

This is the first time that active double-layered furcellaran/gelatin hydrolysate films containing Ala-Tyr peptide were developed and characterised for their properties. Afterwards, films were used on Atlantic mackerel stored at -18 °C for 4 months and samples were analysed for changes in their microbiological quality, TVB-N, biogenic amine content, fatty acid composition and TBARS. Active films had higher TS (13.4 MPa) and lower WS (62.8%). The films showed no DPPH radical scavenging properties but high FRAP (6.6 mMol Trolox/mg). No significant effects on the oxidation of fish samples were observed with TBARS increasing from 12.04 to 22.50 mg/kg. Freezing successfully inhibited the growth of microorganisms and no differences in microbiological growth or biogenic amine formation were observed. However, the application of films inhibited the formation of TVB-N. Antimicrobiological properties of the film should be further investigated during storage of perishable food products at temperatures above 0 °C.