Browsing by Author "Ulloa, P. A."
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- Determination of the botanical origin of honey by sensor fusion of impedance e-tongue and optical spectroscopyPublication . Ulloa, P. A.; Guerra, Rui Manuel Farinha das Neves; Cavaco, A. M.; Costa, Ana M. Rosa da; Figueira, A.C.; Fernandes, A.The aim of this study was to discriminate four commercial brands of Portuguese honeys according to their botanical origin by sensor fusion of impedance electronic tongue (e-tongue) and optical spectroscopy (UV–Vis–NIR) assisted by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA). We have also introduced a new technique for variable selection through one-dimensional clustering which proved very useful for data fusion. The results were referenced against standard sample identification by classical melissopalynology analysis. Individual analysis of each technique showed that the e-tongue clearly outperformed the optical techniques. The electronic and optical spectra were fitted to analytical models and the model coefficients were used as new variables for PCA and CA. This approach has improved honey classification by the e-tongue but not by the optical methods. Data from the three techniques was then considered simultaneously. Simple concatenation of all matrices did not improve the classification results. Multi-way PCA (MPCA) proved to be a good option for data fusion yielding 100% classification success. Finally, a variable selection method based on one-dimensional clustering was used to define two new approaches to sensor fusion, and both yielded sample clusters even better defined than using MPCA. In this work we demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of sensor fusion of electronic and optical spectroscopy data and propose a new variable selection method that improved significantly the classification of the samples through multivariate statistical analysis.
- Development of poly(lactic acid) films with propolis as a source of active compounds: biodegradability, physical, and functional propertiesPublication . Ulloa, P. A.; Vidal, J.; Lopez de Dicastillo, C.; Rodriguez, F.; Guarda, A.; Cruz, Rui; Galotto, M. J.Active films (AFs) using poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a polymeric matrix containing various propolis concentrations (5, 8.5, and 13%) as the active agent (AA) were developed using a casting method. The purpose was to determine the effects of the incorporation of AA on the physical properties of the films and to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Tensile strength and elastic modulus of the AFs decreased relative to the control (PLA without AA). Introducing the active substances from propolis into the PLA also affected its thermal properties (glass transition). Adding AAs to the polymer generated more opacity with a green-yellowish color compared to the control. In addition, AFs exhibited reduced water vapor permeability as the AA concentration increased. Biodegradation assay showed that the AFs degraded faster than the control. AFs exhibited antioxidant activity, which was measured as the ability to scavenge free radicals (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)), due to the presence of bioactive compounds (phenolics). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli and showed a reduction over 4-log cycles. Therefore, incorporation of propolis is a useful strategy for the development of active packaging with antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, which increase the shelf life of food products. (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47090.