Physicochemical characterization, microbial decontamination and shelf life analysis of walnut ( Juglans regia L) oil extracted from gamma radiation treated seeds

An overview of effects of gamma radiation on the biological, physicochemical and nutritional parameters of oilseeds and oils

PURPOSE

Gamma irradiation is a non-thermal method for prolonging the shelf-life of foods and it is a possible alternative technology for oilseeds. After harvest, the development of pests and microorganisms, as well as the reactions caused by enzymes reason numerous problems in the oilseeds. Gamma radiation is one of the methods that could inhibit undesired microorganisms, but it can also change the physicochemical and nutritive characteristics of oils.

CONCLUSION

This paper is a brief review of recent publications on the effects of gamma radiation on the biological, physicochemical and nutritional parameters of oils. Overall, gamma radiation is a safe and environmentally friendly method that improves the quality, stability and safety characteristics of oilseeds and oils. In the future, there may also be many health reasons to produce oils using gamma radiation. Investigation of other radiation techniques such as x-rays and electron beams have a good potential once the specific doses that would free them from pests and contaminants have been identified while conserving the benefits without altering their sensory properties.

Postharvest processing of tree nuts: Current status and future prospects-A comprehensive review

Tree nuts are important economic crops and are consumed as healthy snacks worldwide. In recent years, the increasing needs for more efficient and effective postharvest processing technologies have been driven by the growing production, higher quality standards, stricter food safety requirements, development of new harvesting methods, and demand to achieve energy saving and carbon neutralization. Among all, the technologies related to drying, disinfection, and disinfestation and downstream processes, such as blanching, kernel peeling, and roasting, are the most important processes influencing the quality and safety of the products. These processes make up the largest contribution to the energy consumptions and environmental impacts stemming from tree nut production. Although many studies have been conducted to improve the processing efficiency and sustainability, and preserve the product quality and safety, information from these studies is fragmented and a centralized review highlighting the important technology advancements of postharvest processing of tree nuts would benefit the industry. In this comprehensive review, almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are selected as the representative crops of tree nuts. Current statuses, recent advances, and ongoing challenges in the scientific research as well as in the industrial processing practices of these tree nuts are summarized. Some new perspectives and applications of tree nut processing waste and by-products (such as the hulls and shells) are also discussed. In addition, future trends and research needs are highlighted. The material presented here will help both stakeholders and scientists to better understand postharvest tree nut processing and provide technological recommendations to improve the efficiency and sustainability, product quality and safety, and competitiveness of the industry.

Controlling fungal growth in sesame (

This study investigated the free fatty acids, fatty acid profile, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity of sesame seed oil extracted from γ-irradiated seeds and the decontamination effects of the treatment on fungal incidence in the seeds. Gamma irradiation reduced (P ≤ 0.05) fungal growth and colony forming units of sesame seeds in a dose-dependent manner. The free fatty acid content of sesame oil decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in irradiated samples compared to non-radiated controls, but there was no difference (P ≥ 0.05) between samples treated at doses ≥ 1.0 kGy. A concomitant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in total phenolic and scavenging activity was observed in the oil extracted from γ-irradiated sesame seeds in comparison with non-radiated samples, while free fatty acid (FFA) content decreased. The results obtained in the present study demonstrate that γ-irradiation at low doses can be used as an effective post-harvest preservation method for sesame seeds without a major effect on the quality of sesame oil.

Native, acidic pre-treated and composite clay efficiency for the adsorption of dicationic dye in aqueous medium

Environmental applications of composites have attracted the interests of researchers due to their excellent adsorption efficiency for pollutants. Native, HCl pre-treated clay and MnFe₂O₄/clay composite were investigated as an adsorbent for removal of methyl green from aqueous solution. The adsorption behaviors of dye onto native, HCl pre-treated and composite clays were studied as a function of contact time, adsorbent dose, pH, initial dye concentration and temperature. Maximum dye adsorption of 44 mg/g was achieved at pH of 8, contact time 40 min, adsorbent dose 0.20 g/L and initial dye concentration of 125 mg/L using clay composite. The Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model best explained the methyl green dye adsorption onto clay adsorbents. Thermodynamic parameters revealed the endothermic and spontaneous adsorption nature of dye. From results, it is concluded that clay has potential for adsorbing methyl green and can be used for the removal of dyes from industrial effluents.

Variation in biochemical and antioxidant attributes of Raphanus sativus in response to foliar application of plant leaf extracts as plant growth regulator

The present study was aimed to appraise the variations in biochemical, antioxidant and nutritional attributes of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) under foliar application of plant leaf aqueous extracts i.e., mulberry leaf extract (MLE), brassica leaf extract (BLE), sorghum leaf extract (SLE) and moringa leaf extract (MoLE) as natural growth regulators. Samples were collected after three sprays of extracts and analyzed. Total phenolic constituents were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method, whereas antioxidant potential was evaluated by 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical radical scavenging and reducing power assays. Results revealed that application of MLE, BLE, SLE, and MoLE not only improved growth, but also enhanced biochemical and antioxidant activities. Foliar spray of MoLE furnished relatively three folds higher amounts of extractable bioactive compounds (37.65 ± 0.94%), phenolic constituents (54.51-182.71 mg GAE/g f.w). The radical scavenging capacity (RSC) and reducing potential were also enhanced considerably. Furthermore, the moisture, dietary fiber, crude protein, and carotenoids were also enhanced in response of foliar spray of plant extracts. From results, it is concluded that plant extracts are effective sources of natural growth regulars and might be useful for the production of vegetables with improved nutritional value and antioxidant activity.