Browsing by Author "Vieira, M. M. C."
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- Effect of antioxidant and optimal antimicrobial mixtures of carvacrol, grape seed extract and chitosan on different spoilage microorganisms and their application as coatings on different food matricesPublication . Rubilar, Javiera F.; Cruz, R. M. S.; Khmelinskii, Igor; Vieira, M. M. C.There is growing interest in the use of natural agents with antimicrobial (AM) and antioxidant (AOX) properties. Optimization of the AM capacity for mixtures containing carvacrol, grape seed extract (GSE) and chitosan, against gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua and Enterococcus faecalis) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at 106 cfu mL−1 was studied. To observe the synergistic or antagonistic effect and find optimal combinations between the three agents, a simplex centroid mixture design was run for each microorganism, combining carvacrol (0-300 ppm, X1)X, GSE (0-2000 ppm, X2) and chitosan (0-2% w/v, X3). Results of the response surface analysis showed several synergistic effects for all microorganisms. Combinations of 60 ppm-400 ppm-1.2% w/v (carvacrol-GSE-chitosan; optimal AM combination 1, OAMC-1); 9.6 ppm-684 ppm-1.25% w/v (OAMC-2); 90 ppm-160 ppm-1.24% w/v (OAMC-3) were found to be the optimal mixtures for all microorganisms. Radical scavenging activity (RSA) of the same agents was then compared with a standard AOX (butylated hydroxytoluene; BHT) at different concentrations (25, 50 and 100 ppm; as well as the optimal AM concentrations) by the 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. RSA increased in the following order: chitosan< carvacrol< BHT< GSE and for the OAMC: OAMC-2< OAMC-1< OAMC-3. The best RSA (OAMC-3) was applied as a coating in two different food matrices (strawberries and salmon). For strawberries, P. aeruginosa was more sensitive to the action of OAMC-3 than S. cerevisiae. For salmon, S. aureus was more resistant to the action of OAMC-3 than E. faecalis and L. innocua.
- Effect of cold chain temperature abuses on the quality of frozen watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.)Publication . Cruz, R. M. S.; Vieira, M. M. C.; Silva, C. L. M.The objective of this work was to study the effect of temperature abuses on the colour and vitamin C content of a new frozen vegetable, watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.). The vitamin C content, expressed as ascorbic (AA) and dehydroascorbic (DHAA) acids, and colour, expressed in the Hunter Lab parameters, were evaluated along a plan of temperature abuses, based on a real situation for a four month frozen storage period. A comparison between the hue angle and AA experimental data and prediction models, using kinetic parameters determined under isothermal conditions, was also run. The colour showed some variation, namely on the parameters L, a, TCD (Total Colour Difference) and hue angle. Although, during the temperature abuses, some fluctuation was observed, no vitamin C degradation or major colour changes occurred. A zero-order and a first-order prediction models fitted well the experimental data for the hue angle and AA behaviour with temperature abuses, respectively. In general, the frozen watercress colour and vitamin C content were not impaired by the imposed temperature abuses. This work will help to predict and understand the sensory and nutritional quality changes of frozen watercress that might occur during frozen storage and distribution in the cold chain under the used conditions.
- Effect of heat and thermosonication treatments on peroxidase inactivation kinetics in watercress (Nasturtium officinale)Publication . Cruz, R. M. S.; Vieira, M. M. C.; Silva, C. L. M.The effect of heat and the combined heat/ultrasound (thermosonication) treatment on the inactivation kinetics of peroxidase in watercress (Nasturtium officinale) was studied in the temperature range of 40-92.5 degrees C. In the heat blanching processes, the enzyme kinetics showed a first-order biphasic inactivation model. The activation energies and the rates of the reaction at a reference temperature for both the heat-labile and heat-resistant fractions were, respectively, E(a1) = 421 +/- 115 kJmol(-1) and E(a2) = 352 +/- 81 kJmol(-1), k(184.6 degrees C) = 18 +/- 14min(-1) and k(284.6 degrees C) = 0.24 +/- 0.14min(-1). The initial relative specific activity for both isoenzyme fractions were also estimated, being C(01) = 0.5 +/- 0.08 mu mol min(-1)mg protein(-1) and C(02) = 0.5 +/- 0.06 mu mol min(-1)mg protein(-1), respectively. The application of thermosonication was studied to enable less severe thermal treatments and, therefore, improving the quality of the blanched product. In this treatment the enzyme kinetics showed a first-order model. The activation energy, the rate of reaction at a reference temperature and the initial relative specific activity were, respectively, E(a3) = 496 +/- 65 kJmol(-1), k(387.5 degrees C) = 10 +/- 2min(-1) and C(03) = 1 +/- 0.05 mu mol min(-1)mg protein(-1), proving that the enzyme became more heat labile. The present findings will help to design the blanching conditions for the production of a new and healthy frozen product, watercress (Nasturtium officinale), with minimized colour or flavour changes along its shelf life. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Effect of heat and thermosonication treatments on watercress (Nasturtium officinale) vitamin C degradation kineticsPublication . Cruz, R. M. S.; Vieira, M. M. C.; Silva, C. L. M.The use of ultrasound in food processing creates novel and interesting methodologies, which are often complementary to classical techniques. In this work, the effect of heat and the combined treatment heat/ultrasound (thermosonication) on the thermal degradation kinetics of vitamin C in watercress (Nasturtium officinale) was studied in the temperature range of 82.5 to 92.5 °C. First order reaction kinetics adequately described the vitamin C losses during both blanching processes. The activation energies and the reaction rates at 87.5 °C for heat (H) and thermosonication (Ts) treatments were, respectively, EavitCH = 150.47 ± 42.81 kJ mol− 1 and EavitCTs = 136.20 ± 60.97 kJ mol− 1, and k87.5 °CvitCH = 0.75 ± 0.10 min− 1 and k87.5 °CvitCTs = 0.58 ± 0.11 min− 1. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were detected between both treatments. The thermosonication treatment was found to be a better blanching process, since it inactivates watercress peroxidase at less severe blanching conditions and consequently retains vitamin C content at higher levels. The present findings will help to optimise the blanching conditions for the production of a new and healthy frozen product, watercress, with heat and a new blanching process methodology.
- Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa behaviour in frozen watercress (Nasturtium officinale) submitted to temperature abusesPublication . Oliveira, S. R.; Cruz, R. M. S.; Vieira, M. M. C.; Silva, C. L. M.; Gaspar, M. N.Watercress is an herb traditionally consumed fresh. If frozen, would be readily available to consumers. However, pathogenics resistant to frozen storage are a safety concern in this new product. in this study watercress was artificially contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212. Their survival was evaluated after blanching, frozen storage and temperature fluctuations of the frozen product. The blanching caused a reduction of about 2 log cfu per gram of product of total viable count (TVC) and about 1.7 and 1.3 log cfu per gram of product of P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis, respectively. P. aeruginosa seemed to be more sensitive to temperature abuses than E. faecalis. After 3 months, TVC was still observed with a reduction of about 3 log cfu per gram of product. At the end of the study, exposure to freeze-thaw cycles resulted in death or injury of the microorganisms. These findings on the behaviour of two microorganisms of concern in frozen watercress will help improving the safety and cold chain settings for this product. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.
- Food science and technology students self-evaluate soft and technical skillsPublication . Flynn, Katherine M.; Ho, Peter; Vieira, M. M. C.; Rosa, Marco DallaFood Scientists and Technologists (FS&T) need diverse skills in the globalized food and drink sector: Food-specific or scientific / technical skills and generic or intuitive soft skills. This study determined how satisfied FS&T students were with overall improvement, and in key technical and soft skills, based on their university work; and if satisfaction was linked to geography, degree in progress, anticipated degree, anticipated work place or anticipated job responsibility. An on-line survey was completed by 267 students in over 20 countries using a 5-point Likert scale to evaluate satisfaction. Responses were analyzed by the Friedman or Kruskal Wallis tests for more than two groups, otherwise by the Wilcoxon Signed Rank or Mann-Whitney tests. There were no differences in Overall Satisfaction with technical and soft skills training. Among soft skills, training in Working with Others and Being Responsible were more often rated “Excellent” and students were more satisfied with their training than with Solving Problems, Communication and Positive Attitude. Students anticipating a job with high responsibility were more satisfied with overall soft skill training and with 3 of the 5 specific soft skills. Among technical skills, students were more satisfied with improvement in basic sciences (Microbiology, Chemistry, Processing, Safety), and those in Northern Europe were more satisfied with overall technical training. These data show variations in perception and/or efficacy of technical and soft skill training in Food Science programmes and underline the need for separate attention to the incorporation of soft skill training into the design of FS&T courses
- Garum: recovering of the production process of an ancestral condimentPublication . Vieira, M. M. C.The objective of the present work was to study the shelf life of a recipe of a fish sauce Garum originated in the roman empire.
- Impact of thermal blanching and thermosonication treatments on watercress (Nasturtium officinale) quality: thermosonication process optimisation and microstructure evaluationPublication . Cruz, R. M. S.; Vieira, M. M. C.; Fonseca, Susana C.; Silva, C. L. M.The objectives of the present work were to optimise watercress heat and thermosonication blanching conditions, in order to obtain a product with better quality for further freezing, and to evaluate the effects of thermosonication on the microstructure of watercress leaves. In a chart of optimal time–temperature conditions for a 90% peroxidase inactivation (imposed constraint), vitamin C (objective function) and a-value (improvement toward green) were mathematically predicted for both heat and thermosonication blanching treatments. Two optimal thermosonication combinations were selected: 92°C and 2 s, retaining 95% of vitamin C content and 5% a-value improvement, and a better condition in terms of practical feasibility, 86°C and 30 s, allowing a 75% vitamin C retention and 8% a-value improvement. The experimental values, for each thermosonication optimal time–temperature zone, were in good agreement with the models' predicted responses. In terms of microstructure, thermosonicated watercress at 86 and 92°C showed similar loss of turgor and release of chloroplasts. The proposed optimal thermosonication blanching conditions allow the improvement of the blanched watercress quality and consequently contribute for the development of a high-quality new frozen product. However, a suitable scale-up is mandatory for industrial implementation.
- Inactivation kinetics of peroxidase in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) by heat and UV-C radiationPublication . Neves, Filipa I. G.; Vieira, M. M. C.; Silva, C. L. M.The effect of traditional thermal water blanching, or its combination with a UV-C radiation pre-treatment (11 J/m2), on the inactivation kinetics of peroxidase in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) was carried out in the temperature range of 80 to 98 °C, and up to 3 min of processing time. Peroxidase inactivation started being noticed only at temperatures around 85 °C. For both treatments, the inactivation kinetics followed a first order reaction with the Arrhenius model describing the temperature dependence of the reaction rate. The obtained kinetic parameters (kHeat 89.6 °C = 7.37 × 10− 7 ± 3.47 × 10− 7 min− 1 and Ea Heat = 925 ± 69 kJ mol− 1; kHeat 89.6 °C + UV-C = 2.42 × 10− 5 ± 6.58 × 10− 6 min− 1 and Ea Heat + UV-C = 596 ± 48.8 kJ mol− 1) showed that UV-C radiation had a significant contribution to increase the peroxidase degradation rate. These results will help to design new pre-processing conditions for the production of frozen zucchini, using less severe thermal treatments and attempt to minimize quality losses.
- Kinetic parameters estimation for ascorbic acid degradation in fruit nectar using the partial equivalent isothermal exposures (PEIE) method under non-isothermal continuous heating conditionsPublication . Vieira, M. M. C.; Teixeira, A. A.; Silva, C. L. M.With the purpose of testing the Paired Equivalent Isothermal Exposures (PEIE) method to determine reaction kinetic parameters under non-isothermal conditions, continuous pasteurizations were carried out with a tropical fruit nectar [25% cupuacu (Theobroma grandiflorum) pulp and 15% sugar] to estimate the ascorbic acid thermal degradation kinetic parameters. Fifteen continuous thermal exposures were studied, with seven being cycled. The experimental ascorbic acid thermal degradation kinetic parameters were estimated by the PEIE method (E-a = 73 +/- 9 kJ/mol, k(80 degreesC) = 0.017 +/- 0.001 min(-1)). These values compared very well to the previously determined values for the same product under isothermal conditions (E-a = 73 +/- 7 kJ/mol, k(80 degreesC) = 0.020 +/- 0.001 min(-1)). The predicted extents of reaction presented a good fit to the experimental data, although the cycled thermal treatments presented some deviation. In addition to being easier and faster than the Isothermal method, the PEIE method can be a more reliable method to estimate first-order reaction kinetic parameters when continuous heating is considered.
- Mathematical modeling of gallic acid release from chitosan films with grape seed extract and carvacrolPublication . Rubilar, Javiera F.; Cruz, Rui; Zuñiga, Rommy N.; Khmelinskii, Igor; Vieira, M. M. C.Controlled release of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds from packaging films is of utmost importance for extending the shelf-life of perishable foods. This study focused on the mathematical modeling of gallic acid release into an aqueous medium from three chitosan films, formulated with grape seed extract (GSE) and carvacrol. We quantified the release by HPLC technique during 30days at three temperatures (5, 25 and 45°C). The diffusion coefficients, varying with temperature according to an Arrhenius-type relationship, and the respective activation energies for Film-1 and Film-2 were, respectively [Formula: see text] m2s-1 and [Formula: see text] m2s-1, Ea1=58kJmol-1 and Ea2=60kJmol-1 as obtained from the Fickian fit. The low concentrations of gallic acid released by Film-3 could not be detected by HPLC, therefore the respective diffusion coefficient was not estimated. This study will help with the development and optimization of active packaging (AP) films aiming at improved food preservation and shelf-life extension.
- Mathematical-modeling of the thermal-degradation kinetics of vitamin-c In cupuaçu (theobroma-grandiflorum) nectarPublication . Vieira, M. M. C.; Teixeira, A. A.; Silva, C. L. M.The thermal degradation kinetics of both components of vitamin C, ascorbic acid (AA) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA), were determined in a nectar of Cupuacßu (Theobroma grandi¯orum) with 25% of pulp and 15% of sugar in water. AA was assayed by HPLC and the results showed that AA degraded into DHAA. A reversible ®rst order model described well the AA degradation data, with an activation energy of 74 5 kJ/mol and k80 C 0:032 0:003min ÿ1. DHAA kinetic behavior suggested a consecutive ®rst order reaction where DHAA was the intermediate product of AA degradation. A mechanistic model was derived to predict DHAA concentration. Rate constants were replaced by the Arrhenius equation in the model to evaluate the temperature dependence and the kinetic parameters for AA degradation, previously determined, were used. An activation energy of 65 9 kJ/mol and a k80 C of 0:013 0:003 min ÿ1 were estimated. The present ®ndings will help to predict the best Cupuacßu nectar processing conditions that minimize degradation of an important quality factor such as vitamin C.
- Modeling the kinetics of peroxidase inactivation, colour and texture changes of Portuguese cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. costata DC) during UV-C light and heat blanchingPublication . Cruz, R. M. S.; Godinho, Ana; Aslan, Dilek; Koçab, Necip; Vieira, M. M. C.The e ects of heat blanching and UV-C light followed by heat on Portuguese cabbage peroxidase (POD), colour and texture were studied in the temperature range of 80-95 °C. POD inactivation, lightness (L) and yellowness (b) colour changes were described by a rst-order reaction model. The greenness (a) colour and texture ( rmness) changes followed a two fraction kinetic model behaviour. The temperature e ect was well described by the Arrhenius law. At lower temperatures the combined treatment showed higher POD inactivation. Colour and texture parameters did not show signi cant di erences between treatments. Long processing times turned the leaves slightly darker, decreased greenness, yellowness and rmness. Short processing times increased the rmness and greenness of the leaves. The treatment at 80 °C for 90 seconds reduced 90% of POD, retaining 98% of lightness and 92% of yellowness and improved the green colour (130%) and rmness (125%). At 80 °C the heat blanching required 7.4 min to inactivate 90% of the enzyme activity, reducing lightness, greenness, yellowness and rmness to 92%, 68%, 62% and 61%, respectively. The present ndings will help to optimize the Portuguese cabbage blanching conditions.
- Modelling kinetics of watercress (Nasturtium officinale) colour changes due to heat and thermosonication treatmentsPublication . Cruz, R. M. S.; Vieira, M. M. C.; Silva, C. L. M.Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) colour changes due to blanching by heat and a combined treatment of heat/ultrasound (thermosonication) were studied in thetemperature range of 82.5 to 92.5 °C. The application of thermosonication was intended to enable less severe blanching treatments and, therefore, improve the quality of the blanched product. The thermosonication blanching processes promoted changes of the green colour (an parameter) at a higher rate (P < 0.05), when compared with the heat blanching processes. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were detected between heat and thermosonication blanching processes in terms of the colour parameters Ln, bn and TCD changes.In both treatments, a fractional first order model fitted well the experimental data for Ln, an and bn (RH2 = 0.99; RTs2 = 0.99) and TCD (RH2 = 0.92; RTs2 = 0.96) colour parameters. The chlorophylls content showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) between thermally treated and thermosonicated watercress samples. The present findings will help to evaluate the effectiveness of thermosonication as a novel process to replace the classical heat treatment.
- Optimization of a cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) nectar formulationPublication . Vieira, M. M. C.; Silva, C. L. M.A Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) nectar formulation was optimized, for European consumers, using an augmented simplex centroid mixture design. the working ranges, x1 (Sugar, 10–25%), x2 (Cupuaçu, 15–30%) and x3 (Water, 60–75%), were based on a common Brazilian recipe. As responses, a sensory panel evaluated taste, acidity, sweetness, viscosity, mouthfeel and overall opinion. For each response, the best mathematical predictive model was chosen, based on Response Surface statistical analysis. an optimization was then performed, and the optimum was Cupuaçu (18.5%), Sugar (11%) and Water (70.5%). Tolerance tests were carried out and, although differences were detected (= 5%), the level of acceptance remained above average.
- Physico-mechanical properties of chitosan films with carvacrol and grape seed extractPublication . Rubilar, Javiera F.; Cruz, R. M. S.; Silva, Hélder D.; Vicente, António A.; Khmelinskii, Igor; Vieira, M. M. C.The physico-mechanical properties of 3 films composed by carvacrol, grape seed extract (GSE) and chitosan in different proportions were studied. The films, prepared by solvent casting technique with the following compositions of the casting solutions in carvacrol, GSE and chitosan: film-1: 9.6 ppm–684 ppm–1.25% w/v, film-2: 60 ppm–400 ppm–1.2% w/v and film-3: 90 ppm–160 ppm–1.24% w/v and were compared to a control (1.25% w/v chitosan) film. Mechanical, structural, barrier and colour properties of the films were evaluated. Film-3 presented the lowest water vapour and carbon dioxide permeabilities (WVP and CO2P) and tensile strength (TS) values and the highest oxygen permeability (O2P), whereas film-1 presented the highest water content and the lowest crystallinity, CO2P, TS and luminosity. These results suggest that in the range studied, carvacrol and GSE affect the film structure and its mechanical properties due to hydrophilic (GSE) and hydrophobic (carvacrol) compounds. This work will help the development of edible films, based on physico-mechanical properties, contributing to food preservation and shelf-life extension.
- Role of ODL on sharing pilot plant resources among European Food Engineering UniversitiesPublication . Vieira, M. M. C.The new means of communication in the last decade opened new learning opportunities that include the so called distance learning or opened distance learning. These are being more and more used by educational institutions at all levels. The EU Thematic Network ISEKI_Food (Integrating Safety and Environmental Knowledge Into Food Studies towards European Sustainable Development), through working group 5, in charge of Practical/Laboratorial teaching at Pilot Plant scale, developed some work in order to assess the current situation in the institutions that teach food engineering and food science in Europe. A questionnaire was developed and sent to several institutions to know if e-learning was being already used to teach topics such as unit operations and food processing and if virtual experiments were being developed thinking of those to whom the real presence in the pilot plant laboratory to attend practical classes is too difficult. The results showed that European universities are far from being familiar with ODL/DL. At least in what concerns food studies, it seems that the first steps are being taken just now with the objective of reaching other possible markets or to follow the new technologies, being only 27%, the ones who already feel the demand.
- Stability of cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) nectar during storagePublication . Vieira, M. M. C.; Silva, Cristina L. M.A shelf-life study on cupua¸cu nectar (Theobroma grandiflorum) was carried out in two parts. Part I studied the microbial stability of the regular nectar (batch R) and the same nectar fortified with synthetic ascorbic acid (AA) (batch F), pasteurized at 90 ◦C for 3 min and hot filled in glass bottles. Total Plate Count (TPC), yeast and molds as well as pH, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity and hidroxymethylfurfural (HMF) were followed along 43 storage days at 4, 25 and 35 ◦C. At the end of the storage period neither TPC nor molds or yeast had recovered the initial loads observed before pasteurization, for both R and F batches. Right after pasteurization, acidity increased slightly, pH decreased from 3.52 to 3.3, and TSS increased from 18.7 to 19.0 ◦Brix, with all stabilizing afterwards. Part II evaluated ascorbic (AA) and dehydroascorbic (DHAA) acids’ stabilization in the two batches, R and F, and dissolved oxygen (DO) was monitored. Both batches were stored at the same temperatures as in Part I for two months. For batch R, the AA degradation results followed a reversible first order reaction (EaAA(R) =-34±6 kJ/mol, k AA(R)25◦C =0.006±0.003 days−1 , C0AA(R)=0.92±0.01 and C ∞AA(R)= 0.43±0.19). For the (F) nectar, the experimental data fitted a first order model well (EaAA(F )=30±17 kJ/mol, k AA(F )25◦C =0.0016±0.0004 days−1 ). DO was modeled as a fractional conversion model (EaDO= 67±17 kJ/mol, kDO25◦C = 1.94±0.94 days−1 , C0DO=0.97±0.03 and C ∞DO= 0.55±0.01). For both nectars, storage at environmental temperatures was preferred (AA retention above 80%) to refrigeration, due to the slower rate of diffusion of DO at lower temperatures.
- The effect of ultrasound in food processingPublication . Cruz, R. M. S.; Vieira, M. M. C.; Silva, C. L. M.The development of innovative and more efficient processing operations aiming at less severe heat treatment and higher quality food products are common in food preservation research. These emerging technologies may have an extraordinary significance on the product's final quality, and consequently may bring out new opportunities that fulfill the market requirements. Ultrasound is considered to be an emerging and promising non-thermal food processing technology. In this chapter a review of its applications and effects in food processing will be presented. Despite its original function, in degassing or homogenization of solutions, its use is widely reported in hurdle technologies and combined processing treatments in different areas, such as freezing, drying and heat treatment. Food enzymes' inactivation, microorganisms' reduction and enhancements of quality parameters are some of the outcomes due to its pressure effect and heat treatment extent decrease. The use of ultrasound has a great potential in food processing and further research on different applications and foodstuffs should be assessed in order to implement this technology at industrial scale. © 2009 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.
- The importance of food processing on Vitamin C: present and future trendsPublication . Cruz, R. M. S.; Vieira, M. M. C.; Silva, C. L. M.Consumer demand for safer and nutritious food products has led to development and research of new processing technologies. Throughout the centuries, vitamin C has played an important role in human nutrition due to its antioxidant effect and stimulation of the immunological system. Nevertheless, since the human organism does not produce its own vitamin C, it must be sourced from a regular diet or taken as a vitamin supplement. Besides its natural availability it is possible to find vitamin C in many different forms. The development of new food products formulations including vitamin C and new processing operations in order to retain vitamin content, are crucial for reaching out consumers around the Globe, fulfilling dairy requirements and health benefits and thus, in a near future, contributing for the reduction of nutritional deficiencies. © 2009 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.