Shelf life extension of minimally processed ready-to-cook (RTC) cabbage by gamma irradiation

MassArray Genotyping as a Selection Tool for Extending the Shelf-Life of Fresh Gilthead Sea Bream and European Seabass

In modern aquaculture, genomics-driven breeding programs have emerged as powerful tools for optimizing fish quality. This study focused on two emblematic Mediterranean fish species, the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), with a primary aim of exploring the genetic basis of white muscle/fillet degradation in fresh fish following harvest. We identified 57 and 44 missense SNPs in gilthead sea bream and European seabass, respectively, located within genes encoding for endogenous proteases responsible for fillet quality. These SNPs were cherry-picked based on their strategic location within the catalytic/regulatory domains of endogenous proteases that are expressed in the white muscle. Using MassArray technology, we successfully associated differentiated enzymatic activity of those endogenous proteases post-harvest as a phenotypic trait with genetic polymorphism of six SNPs in gilthead sea bream and nine in European seabass. These findings can be valuable attributes in selective breeding programs toward the extension of freshness and shelf life of these species. The integration of MassArray technology into breeding programs offers a cost-effective strategy for harnessing the potential of these genetic variants to enhance the overall quality of the final product. Recognizing that fresh fish perishability is a challenge, extending shelf-life is pivotal in reducing losses and production costs.

Application of coliphage as biocontrol agent in combination with gamma irradiation to eliminate multi-drug-resistant E. coli in minimally processed vegetables

Biofilm formation is a rising concern in the food industry. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most important food-borne pathogens that can survive in food and food-related environments and eventually produce biofilms. This study suggested that both coliphages used were successful in preventing the creation of new biofilms as well as removing existing ones. Confocal laser scanning microscopy verified these findings. According to the findings, neither coliphage survived at 37 °C, but both remained stable at 4 °C and - 20 °C for extended periods of time. The study revealed that both coliphages demonstrated a greater degree of gamma irradiation resistance when compared to E. coli. The study's results indicate that the implementation of a dual method, which incorporates gamma irradiation (1.5 kGy) and coliphage treatment, on various kinds of vegetables that were infected with E. coli, resulted in a significant reduction in bacterial count (surpassing 99.99%) following a 24-h incubation period. Combining gamma irradiation and the coliphage approach was significantly effective at lowering polysaccharide concentrations and proteins in the biofilm matrix. The results revealed that the pairing of gamma irradiation and coliphages acted in conjunction to cause disruptions in the matrix of biofilm, thereby promoting cell removal compared with either of the individual treatments. Ca+ ions strengthen the weak virion interaction with the relevant bacterial host cell receptors during the adsorption process. In conclusion, use of coliphage in combination with gamma irradiation treatment can be applied to improve fresh produce's microbial safety and enhance its storability in supermarkets.

Evaluation of packaging systems with O2-absorbers on quality of minimally processed soybean sprouts

This study evaluated the influence of O2-absorbing sachets into different packages polyethylene terephthalate (PET - E1), low density polyethylene (LDPE - E2), and PET/LDPE (E3) on the quality of minimally processed soybean sprouts (MP-sprouts). The MP-sprouts were stored up to 12 days and characterized for physicochemical, microbiological and sensory attributes. The O2-absorbing sachet showed changes during exposure to the environment by the formation of amorphous iron hydroxide, which was observed by the analysis of functional groups and XRD. The packaging used in the study showed high transmittance and clarity, and low Haze, being a good feature for storing the MP product. All packaging systems showed an increase in the volume of absorbed oxygen (cm3) up to 9 days of storage. The physic-chemical characteristics of the MP-sprouts stored for 12 days were preserved in the different packages, showing no difference regarding the use of the O2-absorbing sachet. The O2-absorbing sachet not influenced the quality of MP-sprouts during the stored (12 days). The best visual aspect was observed in PET package (with and without O2-absorbing sachet) being classified as excellent, without color change. The MP-sprouts also fulfilled the microbiological quality standards and presented 75.11% acceptability and 72.40% purchase intention.

Guanine quadruplexes and their roles in molecular processes

The role of guanine quadruplexes (G4) in fundamental biological processes like DNA replication, transcription, translation and telomere maintenance is recognized. G4 structure dynamics is regulated by G4 structure binding proteins and is thought to be crucial for the maintenance of genome integrity in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Growing research over the last decade has expanded the existing knowledge of the functional diversity of G4 (DNA and RNA) structures across the working models. The control of G4 structure dynamics using G4 binding drugs has been suggested as the putative targets in the control of cancer and bacterial pathogenesis. This review has brought forth the collections of recent information that indicate G4 (mostly G4 DNA) roles in microbial pathogenesis, DNA damaging stress response in bacteria and mammalian cells. Studies in mitochondrial gene function regulation by G4s have also been underscored. Finally, the interdependence of G4s and epigenetic modifications and their speculated medical implications through G4 interacting proteins has been discussed.

Effects of different packaging materials and methods on the physical, biochemical and sensory qualities of lettuce

In order to maintain the qualities at postharvest stages, Korean red leaf lettuces (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Tojong-mats) were packaged with different films or perforations such as perforated polypropylene with 1320 small-sized holes (PPP-1320-hole), perforated polypropylene with 4 large-sized holes (PPP-4-hole), non-perforated polypropylene (Non-PPP), non-perforated polypropylene with anti-fogging properties (Anti-Fog-PP) or without packaging (control) and stored at 10 °C up to 16 days. Minimum water loss was observed in both non-perforated films (< 3%) compared to 35% in control at the end of storage. Significant increase in CO₂ and simultaneous decline in O₂ concentration were recorded in both non-perforated films. A gradual decline in hue angle (h°) and SPAD (Soil-Plant Analyses Development) chlorophyll meter values was found in all samples during storage while the color difference (ΔE*) values showed opposite trend. However, Anti-Fog-PP treatment exhibited the least ΔE* values throughout the storage. The contents of chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b) and total chlorophyll (total Chl), decreased gradually in all cases with a comparatively higher declines in Non-PPP treatment on 6 days, in PPP-4-hole treatment both on 12 and 16 days. Anti-Fog-PP treatment exhibited the lowest chlorophyll degradation and least changes in anthocyanin content until the end of storage. Lettuces received scores for maintaining marketable limits up to 2, 4, 6, 12 and 16 days under control, PPP-1320-hole, PPP-4-hole, Non-PPP and Anti-Fog-PP packaging treatments, respectively. Results indicated that Anti-Fog-PP treatment could provide better postharvest qualities along with extended marketable life for about 2 weeks during storage at market display temperature.

Integrated effect of radiation processing and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on shelf life of fresh fig

Fresh figs have less shelf life due to the growth of yeasts and molds. The study aimed at extending the shelf life of fresh fig with the help of irradiation and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Effects of irradiation and MAP on the quality and shelf life of fresh fig were evaluated. Combined effect of irradiation and MAP on the quality of fresh fig was also studied. To optimize irradiation dose, 1, 2, 3 and 4 kGy doses were given to fresh fig. Firmness and overall acceptability of fresh fig were minimally affected by 1 kGy irradiation dose. Whereas, 2, 3 and 4 kGy had negative effects on firmness and overall acceptability score. Thus, 0.5 and 1 kGy were selected to evaluate the combined effect of irradiation and MAP. Fresh figs were packed in an atmosphere of 5% O₂, 10% CO₂, 85% N₂ and irradiated at 0.5 and 1 kGy doses. These atmospheric packed irradiated samples were stored at 5 °C for 15 days. Physico-chemical parameters, microbial quality and overall acceptability were monitored throughout the storage period at the interval of 5 days. Irradiation treatment did not prevent the firmness of fresh fig. Significant dissimilarities were observed between the irradiated and control fresh fig for all the parameters considered. The results indicated that MAP followed by irradiation doses of 0.5 and 1 kGy showed the best results for improving the quality and shelf-life of fresh fig.