Enrichment of Chicken Nuggets with Microencapsulated Omega-3 Fish Oil: Effect of Frozen Storage Time on Oxidative Stability and Sensory Quality

A Comparative Study of Freshwater Fish Burgers Made from Three Amazonian Species: Omega 3 Fortification and Sodium Reduction

This study aimed to formulate burgers made from three Amazonian fish species: pacu (Pyaractus brachypomus), boquichico (Prochilodus nigricans), and bujurqui (Chaetobranchus flavescens), focusing on sodium reduction and fortification with fish oil microparticles (FOM) rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The proximal composition, sodium and calcium content, instrumental texture profile, fatty acid profile, sensory profile, and overall liking were evaluated. Differences in proximal composition and fatty acid profiles between the fillets were reflected in the burgers. Fortification with FOM increased EPA and DHA in the burgers; thus, they can be considered "high in omega-3 fatty acids" and reduced the n-6/n-3 ratio below 4. There were sensory attributes that could be related to lipid oxidation but reduced overall liking for less than 10% of consumers. Nevertheless, certain sensory attributes (grilled, characteristic, aromatic, tasty, tender, and juicy) had a positive impact on the overall liking of more than 20% of consumers, yielding adequate scores (between 5.60 and 5.71) on the 9-point hedonic scale. The production process must be optimized by knowing the fish fillet quality in depth, improving the FOM and burgers' oxidative stability, and achieving an adequate sensory and hedonic profile by employing consumers' vocabulary to characterize new products.

The Effect of Packaging Methods, Storage Time and the Fortification of Poultry Sausages with Fish Oil and Microencapsulated Fish Oil on Their Rheological and Water-Binding Properties

The aim of the study was to investigate how liquid fish oil and microencapsulated oil additives influenced the rheological characteristics and the dynamics of water binding in vacuum-packed (VP) and modified-atmosphere-packed (MAP) poultry sausages during 21-day storage. In contrast to the control sample, the sausages enriched with microencapsulated fish oil (MC) were characterised by the greatest ability to accumulate deformation energy. The elastic properties of all sausage variants increased significantly in the subsequent storage periods, whereas the dynamic viscosity of the samples tended to decrease. This phenomenon was confirmed by the gradual reduction of water activity (Aw) in all sausages in the subsequent storage periods. The packaging method influenced the dynamics of water binding in an oil-additive-form-dependent manner. During the storage of the VP and MAP sausages, in samples with the fish oil additive the T1 value tended to increase while the Aw decreased. The T1 value in the MAP MC sample was similar. The FO additive resulted in greater mobility of both proton fractions in the MAP samples than in the VP samples. There were inverse relationships observed in the MC samples. The NMR tests showed that the VP samples with the MC additive were slightly better quality than the other samples.

Cod Liver Oil’s Encapsulation into Sodium Alginate/Lupin Protein Beads and Its Application in Functional Meatballs’ Preparation

Cod liver oil (CLO) is an essential source of healthy ω-3 fatty acids to be employed in functional meals. However, its autoxidation sensitivity, solubility, and odour present it as challenging to handle. Its encapsulation might mitigate these problems. This research studied using alginate/lupine protein as a wall material for CLO encapsulation as well as to characterise CLO microcapsules for their size, sphericity factor, encapsulation efficiency, morphology (scanning electron microscopy), in vitro release, and thermal stability. In this study, the oxidative stability, quality parameters, and sensory attributes of meatballs enriched with free CLOs and encapsulated CLOs throughout storage at 4 ± 1 °C for 16 days were assessed. The CLO microspheres had a homogeneous round shape, a diameter of 0.82 ± 0.06 mm, a sphericity factor of 0.092 ± 0.01, an encapsulation efficiency of 95.62% ± 1.13%, and an accumulative release rate of 87.10% after 270 min in the stimulated gastrointestinal conditions. Additionally, it was discovered that encapsulated oil was more stable than free CLOs to heat treatments (70–100 °C, 24 h). pH, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, peroxide value, conjugated dienes value, and carbonyl content of meatballs enriched with microencapsulated CLOs were significantly lower when compared to free CLOs and/or control samples. CLO microcapsules improved the sensory characteristics of meatballs throughout storage; however, meatballs directly containing CLOs were rejected. Thus, the viability of alginate/LPI complex microcapsules containing CLOs to enrich meat products subjected to storage with refrigeration could be indicated without any change in the characteristics.

The Role of Microencapsulation in Food Application

Modern microencapsulation techniques are employed to protect active molecules or substances such as vitamins, pigments, antimicrobials, and flavorings, among others, from the environment. Microencapsulation offers advantages such as facilitating handling and control of the release and solubilization of active substances, thus offering a great area for food science and processing development. For instance, the development of functional food products, fat reduction, sensory improvement, preservation, and other areas may involve the use of microcapsules in various food matrices such as meat products, dairy products, cereals, and fruits, as well as in their derivatives, with good results. The versatility of applications arises from the diversity of techniques and materials used in the process of microencapsulation. The objective of this review is to report the state of the art in the application and evaluation of microcapsules in various food matrices, as a one-microcapsule-core system may offer different results according to the medium in which it is used. The inclusion of microcapsules produces functional products that include probiotics and prebiotics, as well as antioxidants, fatty acids, and minerals. Our main finding was that the microencapsulation of polyphenolic extracts, bacteriocins, and other natural antimicrobials from various sources that inhibit microbial growth could be used for food preservation. Finally, in terms of sensory aspects, microcapsules that mimic fat can function as fat replacers, reducing the textural changes in the product as well as ensuring flavor stability.

Encapsulated EVOO Improves Food Safety and Shelf Life of Refrigerated Pre-Cooked Chicken Nuggets

(1) Background: New clean technologies are needed to reduce the high frying oil waste in the food industry of fried breaded products, together with the obtention of healthier (less fat content) and safer (less microbial growth and acrylamide formation) breaded products; (2) Methods: This study proposes the new technology consisting of incorporation of encapsulated extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) (α-cyclodextrin: EVOO ratio, 1:2.6) in the breadcrumbs (corn breadcrumbs:encapsulated oil ratio, 2:1) for breading chicken nuggets combined with oil-free pre-cooking (baking 150 °C/5 min) and cooking (baking 180 °C/13 min). As controls, a conventional deep-fat frying (180 °C/30 s) and new technology but without encapsulated EVOO were used; (3) Results: Fat content of baked chicken nuggets with the new technology was reduced by 88%, while no sensory differences were scored compared with conventional deep-fat frying. Furthermore, acrylamide formation was reduced by >55% with the new technology. During storage (4 °C) of pre-cooked chicken nuggets of new technology, microbial growth was reduced by 1.4 log units lower compared with deep-fat frying method; (4) Conclusions: the proposed new technology, based on encapsulated EVOO+oil-free pre-cooking/cooking, allows to obtain chicken nuggets that are healthier, safer, and have a longer shelf-life, while frying oil waste is avoided.

Aquaculture and agriculture-by products as sustainable sources of omega-3 fatty acids in the food industry

The valorization of by-products is currently a matter of great concern to improve the sustainability of the food industry. High quality by-products derived from the food chain are omega-3 fatty acids, being fish the main source of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. The search for economic and sustainable sources following the standards of circular economy had led to search for strategies that put in value new resources to obtain different omega-3 fatty acids, which could be further employed in the development of new industrial products without producing more wastes and economic losses. In this sense, seeds and vegetables, fruits and crustaceans by products can be an alternative. This review encompasses all these aspects on omega-3 fatty acids profile from marine and agri-food by-products together with their extraction and purification technologies are reported. These comprise conventional techniques like extraction with solvents, cold press, and wet pressing and, more recently proposed ones like, supercritical fluids fractionation and purification by chromatographic methods. The information collected indicates a trend to combine different conventional and emerging technologies to improve product yields and purity. This paper also addresses encapsulation strategies for their integration in novel foods to achieve maximum consumer acceptance and to ensure their effectiveness.

Prospective Study on Microencapsulation of Oils and Its Application in Foodstuffs

BACKGROUND

Edible oils have gained the interest of several industrial sectors for the different health benefits they offer, such as the supply of bioactive compounds and essential fatty acids. Microencapsulation is one of the techniques that has been adopted by industries to minimize the degradation of oils, facilitating their processing.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the intellectual property related to patent documents referring to microencapsulated oils used in foods.

METHODS

This prospective study investigated the dynamics of patents filed in the Espacenet and National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) databases, and it mapped technological developments in microencapsulation in comparison with scientific literature.

RESULTS

The years 2015 and 2018 showed the greatest growth in the number of patents filed in the Espacenet and INPI databases, respectively, with China leading the domains of origin, inventors, and owners of microencapsulation technology. The largest number of applications of microcapsules were observed in the food industry, and the foods containing microencapsulated oils were powdered seasonings, dairy products, rice flour, nutritional formulae, pasta, nutritional supplements, and bread. The increase in oxidative stabilities of oils was the most cited objective to microencapsulate oils. Spray drying was the most widely used microencapsulation technique, and maltodextrin, gum arabic, and modified starch were the most widely used wall materials.

CONCLUSION

Microencapsulation of oils has been expanding over the years and increasing the possibilities of the use of microcapsules, but further investments and development of policies and incentive programs to boost this technology need to be made in less developed countries. For future perspectives, the microencapsulation technique is already a worldwide trend in the food industry, enabling the development of new products to facilitate their insertion in the consumer market.

An Analysis of Oxidative Changes and the Fatty Acid Profile in Stored Poultry Sausages with Liquid and Microencapsulated Fish Oil Additives

This study deals with the fatty acid profile and oxidative changes (TBARS) in vacuum-packed (VP) or modified-atmosphere-packed (MAP) finely-comminuted poultry sausages with liquid fish oil and microencapsulated fish oil (MC) additives. An analysis of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) showed that their content in the samples with the fish oil additive decreased from the initial value of 0.22 g∙100 g⁻¹ of the product to 0.18 g∙100 g⁻¹ (MAP) and 0.17 g∙100 g⁻¹ (VP), respectively. After in vitro digestion, the total EPA and DHA content in the sample with microencapsulated oil amounted to 0.17 g∙100 g⁻¹ of the product. The TBARS values showed the VP samples with both forms of the fish oil additive had the lowest values on the first day of storage. Storage of the samples for 21 days caused a slight increase in the degree of lipid oxidation. The research indicated that the forms of the oil additive did not have a negative influence on the sensory features or the physicochemical properties of the sausages. The EPA and DHA levels in samples with liquid fish oil and those with oil microcapsules were sufficient for the sausage producer to declare high content of these fatty acids in accordance with the current EC regulation.

Encapsulated Food Products as a Strategy to Strengthen Immunity Against COVID-19

In December 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-a novel coronavirus was identified which was quickly distributed to more than 100 countries around the world. There are currently no approved treatments available but only a few preventive measures are available. Among them, maintaining strong immunity through the intake of functional foods is a sustainable solution to resist the virus attack. For this, bioactive compounds (BACs) are delivered safely inside the body through encapsulated food items. Encapsulated food products have benefits such as high stability and bioavailability, sustained release of functional compounds; inhibit the undesired interaction, and high antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Several BACs such as ω-3 fatty acid, curcumin, vitamins, essential oils, antimicrobials, and probiotic bacteria can be encapsulated which exhibit immunological activity through different mechanisms. These encapsulated compounds can be recommended for use by various researchers, scientists, and industrial peoples to develop functional foods that can improve immunity to withstand the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the future. Encapsulated BACs, upon incorporation into food, offer increased functionality and facilitate their potential use as an immunity booster. This review paper aims to target various encapsulated food products and their role in improving the immunity system. The bioactive components like antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, polyphenols, omega (ω)-3 fatty acids, lycopene, probiotics, etc. which boost the immunity and may be a potential measure to prevent COVID-19 outbreak were comprehensively discussed. This article also highlights the potential mechanisms; a BAC undergoes, to improve the immune system.

Omega-3-Rich Oils from Marine Side Streams and Their Potential Application in Food

Rapid population growth and increasing food demand have impacts on the environment due to the generation of residues, which could be managed using sustainable solutions such as the circular economy strategy (waste generated during food processing must be kept within the food chain). Reusing discarded fish remains is part of this management strategy, since they contain high-value ingredients and bioactive compounds that can be used for the development of nutraceuticals and functional foods. Fish side streams such as the head, liver, or skin or the cephalothorax, carapace, and tail from shellfish are important sources of oils rich in omega-3. In order to resolve the disadvantages associated with conventional methods, novel extraction techniques are being optimized to improve the quality and the oxidative stability of these high-value oils. Positive effects on cardiovascular and vision health, diabetes, cancer, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, and immune system improvement are among their recognized properties. Their incorporation into different model systems could contribute to the development of functional foods, with market benefits for consumers. These products improve the nutritional needs of specific population groups in a scenario where noncommunicable diseases and pandemic crises are responsible for several deaths worldwide.

The Influence of Packing Methods and Storage Time of Poultry Sausages with Liquid and Microencapsulated Fish Oil Additives on Their Physicochemical, Microbial and Sensory Properties

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of refined fish oil additives in liquid and microencapsulated forms, packing method (VP—vacuum packing, MAP—modified atmosphere packing) and storage time (1, 7, 14, 21 days) on selected physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of minced poultry sausage. Principle component analysis (PCA) showed that the fish oil additive, packing method and storage time significantly influenced some of the physicochemical characteristics of the sausages. The pH value was negatively correlated with the type of sample and packing method. The water activity decreased along with the storage time. The sausages with microcapsules had distinguishable hardness, gumminess and chewiness than the other samples. This tendency increased in the subsequent storage periods. The packing method and storage time of the samples had a statistically significant influence on the growth of the total colony count and count of lactic acid bacteria (p < 0.05). The most aerobic bacteria were found in the control sample, and the least in the sample with microcapsules, regardless of the packing method. The use of MAP and the addition of microcapsules resulted in the lowest microbiological contamination of the sausages. The sensory analysis made by a trained panel did not show any significant differences between the samples. After 21-day storage of the sausages there was a slight decrease in some of the sensory parameters, e.g., color, smell, taste. The liquid oil and microencapsulated oil additives in the meat filling did not negatively affect the taste or any physicochemical characteristics of the meat products. From the microbiological perspective, there were better effects from the MAP method.

Fish Oil Microcapsules as Omega-3 Enrichment Strategy: Changes in Volatile Compounds of Meat Products during Storage and Cooking

This work aims to analyze the effects of processing and storage on the volatile compound profile of different meat products enriched in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Monolayered (Mo) and multilayered (Mu) microcapsules of fish oil were tested. The profiles of volatile compounds were analyzed by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The enrichment with Mo significantly increases the abundance of volatile compounds from lipid oxidation and markers of ω-3 PUFA oxidation, which may be related to the multilayer structure of chitosan–maltodextrin in Mu that achieves greater fish oil protection than the simple coating of maltodextrin in Mo. Besides, the changes in volatile compounds during storage depends on the type of fish oil microcapsules and the meat products, having an increased abundance of ω-3 PUFA oxidation markers in dry-cured sausages added with Mo. However, the enrichment of these meat products with Mo and Mu does not modify the usual variations in the volatile compound profile during culinary cooking. Thus, the addition of multilayer fish oil microcapsules may be a suitable option for enrichment of meat products in ω-3 PUFA without modifying the abundance of volatile compounds, including oxidation markers.

Effect of Omega-3 Microcapsules Addition on the Profile of Volatile Compounds in Enriched Dry-Cured and Cooked Sausages

The main goal of the present study was evaluating the effect of enriching meat products (cooked (C-SAU) and dry-cured sausages (D-SAU)) with monolayered (Mo) and multilayered (Mu) fish oil microcapsules on the profile of volatile compounds, with special interest in lipid oxidation markers. For that, Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were used. Significant differences were found in the volatile compound profile between Mo and Mu, which was been reflected in the meat samples. Thus, in general, volatile compounds from lipid oxidation have shown higher abundance in Mo and C-SAU and D-SAU enriched with this type of microcapsule, indicating that the wall of Mu (chitosan-maltodextrine) might protect the encapsulated bioactive compounds more effectively than that of Mo (maltodextrine). However, this finding is not reflected in the results of previous studies evaluating the sensory perception and oxidation stability of C-SAU and D-SAU, but it should be considered since unhealthy oxidation products can be formed in the enriched meat products with Mo. Thus, the addition of Mu as an omega-3 vehicle for enriching meat products may be indicated.

Variability in Phytochemical Contents and Biological Potential of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peel Extracts: Toward a New Opportunity for Minced Beef Meat Preservation

Extraction of Tunisian pomegranate peels was employed with different solvents such as ethyl acetate, acetonitrile, and water. Total phenolic and flavonoids contents, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial capacity against five foodborne pathogenic bacteria were evaluated. The highest values of polyphenols (351 mg gallic acid equivalent/g), flavonoids (104 mg quercetin/g), and DPPH and ABTS inhibition were recorded in the ethyl acetate extract followed by the aqueous extract. The latter present the maximum antibacterial potential against S. enterica, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. The potential use of the lyophilized aqueous extract (AE), used for safety reason and being rich in phenolic, as biopreservative in minced beef meat was described. AE was incorporated at 0.1, 0.5, and 1% and compared with 0.1% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). During 21 days at 4°C, AE at 1% could appreciably retard the microflora proliferation (p<0.05), the accumulation of MetMb and the carbonyl group (p<0.05), slowing down the loss of sulphydryl proteins (p<0.05), and led to a decrease (p<0.05) in primary (peroxide value and conjugated dienes) and secondary lipid oxidation (TBARS) in treated meat. By the 14th day, AE-treated minced meat obtained higher sensory scores than untreated and BHT samples. Based on these results, lipid and protein oxidation changes and sensorial attributes were useful in discriminating meat samples by overall acceptability prediction. Generally, AE at 1% presented the potent preservative effect that could be utilized as an application on meat-substituting synthetic antioxidant.

Characteristic and shelf life of fish sausage: fortification with fish oil through emulsion and gelled emulsion incorporated with green tea extract

BACKGROUND

Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys moltrix) fish sausages incorporated with three forms of refined cod liver oil (as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids: fish oil, oil-in-water emulsion (E), gelled oil-in-water emulsion (G)) and lyophilized aqueous extract of green tea (Camellia sinensis; 700 and 900 mg kg^-1 ) were developed. The composition, technological properties (cooking loss, pH, texture, and color), sensory analysis, and microbial and oxidative stability of fish sausages during storage (4 °C) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Lower value of cooking loss and thiobarbituric acid value were observed by addition of fish oil in emulsions forms. The incorporation of green tea showed no significant differences in preventing oxidation in related samples. Gelled-emulsified fish oil had better textural properties, including hardness and decreased springiness of the sausages. The G and E sausages showed higher values of lightness (L^* ) than the control did. Emulsification had no significant effect on total viable count. Panelists could not distinguish between samples incorporated with fish oil whether in emulsified, gelled-emulsified, or control. Gelled-emulsified treatments were awarded higher scores by panelists for all of the sensory attributes (P < 0.05). Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid quantities significantly increased from control (0.48 mg g^-1 and 0.46 mg g^-1 sample respectively) to the enriched batches (>1.50 mg g^-1 sample). The lowest ratio of ω6 to ω3 in batches was observed for gelled-emulsified samples.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the addition of free fish oil affected the properties of the sausages. The gelled-emulsified treatment was a suitable fish oil delivery system in fish sausages, which maintained sensory properties during refrigerated storage.

Lipid digestion and oxidative stability in ω-3-enriched meat model systems: Effect of fish oil microcapsules and processing or culinary cooking

This study evaluates the addition of monolayered (MO) and multilayered (MU) fish oil microcapsules to meat model systems and determines the effects of processing and culinary cooking. Adding MO and MU increased the content of EPA and DHA and the level of secondary oxidation products but being far away from the oxidation values that generate anomalous flavours. However, it did not lead to oxidative damage of the enriched batches or affect the moisture and lipid content during processing and/or culinary cooking. The type of fish oil microcapsules, the processing and/or culinary cooking and the type of meat matrix influenced the fatty acid digestion. The highest bioaccessibility of EPA and DHA occurred in cooked samples enriched with MO after processing and before culinary cooking. To optimize EPA and DHA enrichment and bioaccessibility, the type of fish oil microcapsules may be selected as a function of the type of added meat products.

Shelf-life and quality of chicken nuggets fortified with encapsulated fish oil and garlic essential oil during refrigerated storage

Fish oil (FO) is a rich source of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 LCPUFA) which are important for human health. This research investigated the fortification of chicken nuggets with encapsulated FO-Garlic essential oil (GEO) as a possible way for delivery of ω-3 LCPUFA. Five different chicken nugget samples were prepared according to different treatments: Control sample (without fish oil and encapsulated FO-GEO), bulk fish oil samples (0.4% and 0.8%, w/w), and encapsulated FO-GEO samples (4% and 8%, w/w). The quality of the chicken nugget samples were monitored during a 20-day refrigerated storage. Results showed that the addition of encapsulated FO-GEO could significantly delay lipid oxidation and microbiological spoilage of the samples during refrigerated storage. This is reflected by the pH, PV, TBARS and TVBN data (P < 0.05). Samples fortified with encapsulated FO-GEO also showed significantly higher sensory quality and overall acceptability (P < 0.05). The use of 8% encapsulated FO-GEO gave the best antioxidative and antimicrobial properties during storage. However, the best sensory scores were observed in the 4% encapsulated FO-GEO up to 20 days of storage. This study demonstrated that the encapsulated FO-GEO could be used for fortifying and extending shelf-life of food products.

Impact of fat crystallization on the resistance of W/O/W emulsions to osmotic stress: Potential for temperature-triggered release

Water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions can be designed to encapsulate, protect, and release both hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional compounds. In this study, we examined the impact of crystallizing the fat phase on the resistance of W/O/W emulsions to osmotic stress, with the aim of developing osmotic-responsive systems. Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) was used as a hydrophobic surfactant to stabilize the inner water droplets, while Quillaja saponin and whey protein isolate (WPI) were used as hydrophilic surfactants to coat the oil droplets. The impact of fat crystallization was examined by using either a liquid (soybean oil, SO) or semi-solid (hydrogenated soybean oil, HSO) fat as the oil phase. An osmotic stress was generated by establishing a sucrose concentration gradient between the internal and external water phases. Alterations in the droplet size, morphology, and stability of the W/O/W emulsions was measured when the sucrose concentration gradient was changed. The W/O droplets in the SO-emulsions swelled/shrank when the external sucrose concentration was below/above the internal sucrose concentration, which is indicative of water diffusing into/out of the droplets. Conversely, there was no change in the size of the W/O droplets in the HSO-emulsions under the same conditions, which was attributed to the mechanical strength of the fat crystal network resisting swelling or shrinking. HSO-emulsions did exhibit swelling when they were heated above a critical temperature, due to melting of the fat crystals and disruption of the crystal network. Our results demonstrate that crystallization of the oil phase of W/O/W emulsions can prevent water transport due to osmotic stress, which may be useful for developing temperature-triggered delivery systems for application in foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or personal care products.

Fish oil/lycopene microcapsules as a source of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids: a case study on spreads

BACKGROUND

The consumption of omega-3 fatty acids has many beneficial effects for human health, but the intake of foods rich in these fatty acids is not enough to achieve the recommended quantity per person and per day, and their direct addition in foods cause oxidation and unacceptable rancidity and off-flavor. Taking account of all these aspects, this study was aimed to develop stable microcapsules of fish oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) and lycopene (antioxidant) and to investigate their effect on different spreads.

RESULTS

The inclusion of different proportions of lycopene in fish oil did not show great benefits in the quality characteristics of emulsions and microcapsules. After the addition of fish oil and fish oil + lycopene microcapsules to dry-cured ham and cheese spreads, no significant differences were found in the proximal composition and oxidative stability, whereas fatty acids composition and sensory analysis were influenced. The eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids content increased with the fish oil content in both products, but it decreased significantly after storage in the cheese spreads. Addition of microcapsules did not significantly influence on quantitative-descriptive and acceptability sensory analyses in dry-cured spreads, but it negatively affected the flavor of cheese spreading creams.

CONCLUSION

There is no need to add antioxidants to improve the stability of the fish oil microcapsules in the present study, which are appropriate as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid vehicles to enrich meat-derived spreading creams. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of microencapsulated fish oil powder on selected quality characteristics of chicken sausages

BACKGROUND

Encapsulation of fish oil for use as oil powder for the human food industry offers new product design possibilities. The fat content of fish is unique in the amount of of long chain n-3 fatty acid that it contains. It can be expected that developing innovative food products with significantly improved nutritional value can simultaneously affect their rheological and sensory qualities in different ways. The present study aimed to compared the influence of the addition of fish oil and microencapsulated fish oil on the mechanical, structural, and sensory properties of poultry sausages during 21-day storage.

RESULTS

In comparison with other systems, sausages enriched with microencapsulated fish oil were characterized by a greater capacity to accumulate potential strain energy (G') and by statistically significantly greater hardness measured in all the storage periods that were tested. The sausages enriched with microencapsulated fish oil were characterized by higher water activity than the other sausage variants. The analysis of cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) images indicated the presence of a large evenly dispersed oil phase and microcapsules in the structure of the sausages. The sample with the addition of microcapsules was characterized by higher values on the smell and consistency parameters.

CONCLUSION

The better results in the sensory evaluation of the structural parameters of the sample with microcapsules were consistent with the results of instrumental assessments. The use of microencapsulated fish oil powder as an ingredient of chicken sausages therefore seems to be a promising concept. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Functional Foods: Product Development, Technological Trends, Efficacy Testing, and Safety

Functional foods is a very popular term in the social and scientific media; consequently, food producers have invested resources in the development of processed foods that may provide added functional benefits to consumers' well-being. Because of intrinsic regulation and end-of-use purposes in different countries, worldwide meanings and definitions of this term are still unclear. Hence, here we standardize this definition and propose a guideline to attest that some ingredients or foods truly deserve this special designation. Furthermore, focus is directed at the most recent studies and practical guidelines that can be used to develop and test the efficacy of potentially functional foods and ingredients. The most widespread functional ingredients, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), probiotics/prebiotics/synbiotics, and antioxidants, and their technological means of delivery in food products are described. The review discusses the steps that food companies should take to ensure that their developed food product is truly functional.

Evaluation of Dosidicus gigas Skin Extract as An Antioxidant and Preservative in Tuna Pâté

A strategy for food preservation, based on a methanol–HCl squid skin extract (Dosidicus gigas) (JSSE), was evaluated at two concentrations in yellowfin tuna fish pâtés, which were stored at 4 and 8 °C for 20 day. The JSSE was characterized by determining its antioxidant and mutagenic activities. A yellowfin tuna pâté was elaborated, with and without the addition of the JSSE. An affective sensory analysis was performed to establish consumers’ preferences. During a 20-day storage period, the water activity (a_w), pH, color difference (ΔE*_ab), microbiological analysis, lipid oxidation and sensory quality attributes were evaluated, and the results were compared with the results of the butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and control treatments. The JSSE showed antioxidant activity against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^●+) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS^●) radicals and did not induce mutation, according to the Ames’ Salmonella test, nor chromosomal abnormalities, according to the onion root-tip cell assay. The consumer analysis demonstrated a higher preference for the pâté with the added JSSE in seven out of the eight evaluated attributes. During storage, the JSSE neither had an impact on a_w nor pH, maintained lower ΔE*_ab values, inhibited the microbial activity and lipid oxidation (unlike the control pâté), and preserved the sensory quality attributes, unlike the BHA and control treatments. This study showed that the JSSE has biologically active pigments that can act as antioxidants and antimicrobials in yellowfin tuna fish pâtés.

Evaluating the use of fish oil microcapsules as omega-3 vehicle in cooked and dry-cured sausages as affected by their processing, storage and cooking

This work evaluated the use of monolayered (Mo) and multilayered (Mu) fish oil microcapsules as vehicles of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in cooked and dry-cured meat products as affected by the storage and culinary heating or dry-cured processing. Proximate composition, oxidation, EPA and DHA quantity, acceptability and morphology were evaluated. Mo and Mu microcapsules increased the quantity of EPA and DHA, leading to cooked and dry-cured products susceptible to be labeled as "source of omega-3 fatty acids", without influencing physico-chemical characteristics, oxidative stability, acceptability or usual changes that take place during the culinary heating or dry-cured processing. The storage at refrigeration influenced on usual modifications on lipid oxidation and hedonic scores, but overall quality of the meat products enriched seems not to be impaired after storing. Thus, it could be indicated the viability of Mo and Mu as vehicles to enrich meat products subjected to low and high temperature for manufacturing, storage at refrigeration and culinary heating.

Improving the lipid profile of ready-to-cook meat products by addition of omega-3 microcapsules: effect on oxidation and sensory analysis

BACKGROUND

The omega-3 enrichment of ready-to-cook meat products by microencapsulated fish oil (MFO) addition was analyzed. Accordingly, three batches of chicken nuggets were prepared: (i) control (C); (ii) enriched in bulk fish oil (BFO); and (iii) with added MFO. Sensory features, acceptability, oxidative stability and volatile compounds were analyzed.

RESULTS

MFO nuggets did not differ from C ones with respect to any sensory trait. BFO showed increased juiciness and saltiness but decreased meat flavor. Acceptability was not affected by enrichment. Consumers were not able to differentiate between C and MFO in a triangle test, although they could clearly identify BFO nuggets. Higher levels of lipid and protein oxidation indicators and of volatile compounds from fatty acid oxidation were found in BFO nuggets compared to C and MFO nuggets.

CONCLUSION

Enrichment of ready-to-cook meat products in omega-3 fatty acids with MFO provides both lipid and protein oxidative protection without changes in sensory quality. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of the partial replacement of pork backfat by microencapsulated fish oil or mixed fish and olive oil on the quality of frankfurter type sausage

Frankfurter sausages were reformulated to produce better lipid compositions by replacing the pork backfat by healthy oils. Sausages in, three different batches were manufactured: control (CO) with 100% of pork backfat, and modified sausages where the pork backfat was replaced with 50% by microencapsulated fish oil (ME) and by unencapsulated olive and fish oil mixture (OM). The ME treatments showed the lowest pH, fat and energy values and the highest protein and carbohydrates levels. The fat replacement by oils significantly (P < 0.05) affected to color parameters, since the ME batches presented the highest L* and b* values, whereas the OM treatments showed the highest values of a* values. As expected, the replacement of backfat by oils also greatly modified the fatty acids profile, since the OM group had the highest MUFA and n-3 PUFA contents. The microencapsulation process significantly (P < 0.001) increased the lipid oxidation. The ME batch presented the highest TBARS values and volatile compounds derivate from lipid oxidation, while the OM treatment showed the same lipid oxidation rate as CO group.