Combined effects of chitosan and MAP to improve the microbial quality of amaranth homemade fresh pasta

Recent advances in extending the shelf life of fresh wet noodles: Influencing factors and preservation technologies

Fresh wet noodles (FWNs) are popular among people and have attracted increasing attention because of their characteristics of freshness, chewiness, good taste, and better maintenance of noodle flavor. However, due to the high moisture content and abundance of nutrients in FWN, they are prone to spoilage, which shortens their shelf life and reduces their quality, greatly restricting their large-scale production. Therefore, seeking effective preservation methods to prolong the shelf life is a major breakthrough for the industrialization of FWN. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the main factors that contribute to the spoilage and degradation of FWN. These factors encompass microorganisms, moisture content, nutritional composition, enzymes, and storage temperature. Moreover, the recent developments in novel shelf-life extension technology applied to FWN, such as chemical preservatives, natural preservatives, physical treatment technologies, and composite preservation technology, are presented and discussed. From the literature reviewed, the application of technologies, such as adding preservatives, modified atmosphere packaging, microwave, cold plasma, ozone, and other technologies, has a certain effect on improving the shelf life of FWN, but the single preservation technology still has some deficiencies. In order to further improve the preservation efficiency, using two or more preservation methods is an important direction for future research on the preservation technology of FWN.

Extension of the shelf-life of fresh pasta using modified atmosphere packaging and bioprotective cultures

Microbial stability of fresh pasta depends on heat treatment, storage temperature, proper preservatives, and atmosphere packaging. This study aimed at improving the microbial quality, safety, and shelf life of fresh pasta using modified atmosphere composition and packaging with or without the addition of bioprotective cultures (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium spp., and Bacillus coagulans) into semolina. Three fresh pasta variants were made using (i) the traditional protocol (control), MAP (20:80 CO₂:N₂), and barrier packaging, (ii) the experimental MAP (40:60 CO₂:N₂) and barrier packaging, and (iii) the experimental MAP, barrier packaging, and bioprotective cultures. Their effects on physicochemical properties (i.e., content on macro elements, water activity, headspace O₂, CO₂ concentrations, and mycotoxins), microbiological patterns, protein, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) were investigated at the beginning and the end of the actual or extended shelf-life through traditional and multi-omics approaches. We showed that the gas composition and properties of the packaging material tested in the experimental MAP system, with or without bioprotective cultures, positively affect features of fresh pasta avoiding changes in their main chemical properties, allowing for a storage longer than 120 days under refrigerated conditions. These results support that, although bioprotective cultures were not all able to grow in tested conditions, they can control the spoilage and the associated food-borne microbiota in fresh pasta during storage by their antimicrobials and/or fermentation products synergically. The VOC profiling, based on gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS), highlighted significant differences affected by the different manufacturing and packaging of samples. Therefore, the use of the proposed MAP system and the addition of bioprotective cultures can be considered an industrial helpful strategy to reduce the quality loss during refrigerated storage and to increase the shelf life of fresh pasta for additional 30 days by allowing the economic and environmental benefits spurring innovation in existing production models.

Extension of the Shelf-Life of Fresh Pasta Using Chickpea Flour Fermented with Selected Lactic Acid Bacteria

Fresh pasta is subjected to rapid spoilage, mainly due to the metabolic activity of bacteria, yeasts, and especially molds, which negatively affect the sensorial characteristics and the safety of the product. In this work, chickpea flour was fermented with selected lactic acid bacteria, characterized in terms of the antifungal activity, and used to fortify fresh semolina pasta. Pasta was characterized and subjected to a long period of storage after being artificially inoculated with Penicillium roqueforti. Conventional fresh semolina pasta, produced with or without calcium propionate addition, was used as a reference. The water/salt-soluble extract from chickpea sourdough exhibited antifungal activity towards a large spectrum of molds. Its purification led to the identification of ten potentially active peptides. Besides the high content of dietary fibers (4.37%) and proteins (11.20%), nutritional improvements, such as the decrease of the antinutritional factors concentration and the starch hydrolysis index (25% lower than the control) and the increase of the protein digestibility (36% higher than the control), were achieved in fresh pasta fortified with the chickpea sourdough. Inhibition of the indicator mold growth during a 40-day storage period was more effective than in pasta added to calcium propionate.

Deterioration mechanisms of high-moisture wheat-based food - A review from physicochemical, structural, and molecular perspectives

Wheat-based products are staple foods for over a third of the world's population. However, most wheat-based staple foods are provided with a high water content to maintain naturally chewable mouthfeel, which leads to a short shelf life and limits their distribution and marketing. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms and dynamics that drive the quality deterioration is therefore essential for obtaining alternative technologies for optimal quality and extended shelf life. Here, we provide the basis for the physicochemical, structural, and molecular changes occurring in various wheat products during storage, intending to elucidate the underlying deterioration causes. Generally, more desirable qualities are obtained for fresh wheat products, both in appearance and mouthfeel. During storage, changes in the physicochemical properties, structure, main constituents, and water status contribute to the quality deterioration. Based on these changes, deterioration mechanisms are summarized to provide both theoretical and practical references for the quality regulation of high-moisture wheat-based food.

Study on the shelf life and quality characteristics of highland barley fresh noodles as affected by microwave treatment and food preservatives

In this work, the effect of microwave (MW), ε-poly-L-lysine (ε-PL), calcium propionate (CP), and their combinations on the shelf life and quality characteristics of highland barley fresh noodle (HBFN) was studied. Firstly, the mixed flour was treated by MW (800 W) for different time. Subsequently, HBFN was prepared by mixing flour and sterilized water with addition of 0.04% ε-PL combined with different concentrations of CP (0.025%, 0.020%, 0.015%) and stored at 25 ± 1°C. Changes of total plate count (TPC), moisture content, water state, textural properties, color, and pH in HBFN were monitored during storage. The results indicated that microwave treatment (40 s) provided 30% reduction of initial TPC of the flour without decline of noodle quality. Shelf life of HBFN treated with MW + ε-PL (0.04%) + CP (0.02%/0.025%) reached 80 and 88 hr, respectively, and had good edible qualities during storage.

Effects of Chitosan and Natamycin on Vacuum-Packaged Phyllo: A Pastry Product

The effects of vacuum packaging, chitosan (1.5%, w/v), and natamycin (10 mg/L, w/v) on phyllo pastry quality were studied by monitoring microbiological, chemical, and sensory changes. Five lots were prepared with or without vacuum packaging, chitosan, and natamycin: A, air packaged (control); V, vacuum packaged; VC, vacuum packaged with chitosan; VN, vacuum packaged with natamycin; and VCN, vacuum packaged with both chitosan and natamycin. Based on the sensory acceptability data, a shelf life of 6 (A), 12 (V), 14 (VN), 16 (VC), and 17 (VCN) days was obtained at 4°C. VCN treatment resulted in a shelf life extension of 11 days compared with the shelf life of the control. Microbiological data revealed that the combination of chitosan and natamycin resulted in significant reductions of microbial species (mesophilic total viable counts, yeasts and molds, psychrotrophic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and enterococci) of 1 to 3 log CFU/g on the final day (day 18) of storage. Results suggest that the combination of chitosan and natamycin, which is an effective antifungal agent, can delay the spoilage of phyllo pastry while maintaining acceptable sensorial characteristics and the original freshness and appearance of the product.

Effect of chemical clarification of oral fluids on the detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus IgG

Routine collection and testing of oral fluid (OF) samples facilitates porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) surveillance in commercial swine herds in a cost-effective, welfare-friendly fashion. However, OFs often contain environmental contaminants that may affect liquid handling and test performance. Traditional processing methods (e.g., filtration or centrifugation) are not compatible with high-throughput testing because of the burden of additional processing costs and time. OF "clarification" using chemical flocculants is an alternative approach not widely explored. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of chitosan-based clarification treatment on a commercial PRRSV OF ELISA. Serum and individual OFs were collected from vaccinated pigs ( n = 17) at -7 to 42 d post-vaccination and subdivided into 4 aliquots. Each aliquot was clarified (treatment A, B, C), with the 4th aliquot serving as untreated control. All samples were tested by PRRSV OF ELISA immediately after treatment and then were held at 4°C to be re-tested at 2, 4, 6, and 14 d post-treatment. Quantitative and qualitative treatment effects were evaluated. A Kruskal-Wallis test found no significant difference in ELISA S/P responses among treatments by days post-treatment. No difference was detected in the proportion of positive PRRSV antibody samples among treatments (Cochran Q, p > 0.05). Treatment of swine OFs using chitosan-based formulations did not affect the performance of a commercial PRRSV OF ELISA. Chitosan (or other flocculants) could improve OF characteristics and could be adapted for use in the field or in high-throughput laboratories.

Biotechnological Approach To Preserve Fresh Pasta Quality

Fresh pasta is highly susceptible to microbial contamination because of its high water activity and nutrient content. In this study, a new biopreservation system was examined that consists of an active sodium alginate solution containing Lactobacillus reuteri and glycerol, which was added during the production process of pasta. Our aim was to extend the fresh pasta shelf life by the in situ production of reuterin, thereby avoiding the use of thermal treatments that generally compromise food sensory characteristics. Two experimental studies were carried out with the product packaged under either ordinary or modified atmospheric conditions. Microbiological and sensory quality indices were monitored to determine the effectiveness of biopreservation on product quality during storage. The use of the active solution with L. reuteri and glycerol during the production process of pasta improved both microbial and sensory quality, particularly when combined with modified atmosphere.

Food applications of natural antimicrobial compounds

In agreement with the current trend of giving value to natural and renewable resources, the use of natural antimicrobial compounds, particularly in food and biomedical applications, becomes very frequent. The direct addition of natural compounds to food is the most common method of application, even if numerous efforts have been made to find alternative solutions to the aim of avoiding undesirable inactivation. Dipping, spraying, and coating treatment of food with active solutions are currently applied to product prior to packaging as valid options. The aim of the current work is to give an overview on the use of natural compounds in food sector. In particular, the review will gather numerous case-studies of meat, fish, dairy products, minimally processed fruit and vegetables, and cereal-based products where these compounds found application.

Food applications of natural antimicrobial compounds

In agreement with the current trend of giving value to natural and renewable resources, the use of natural antimicrobial compounds, particularly in food and biomedical applications, becomes very frequent. The direct addition of natural compounds to food is the most common method of application, even if numerous efforts have been made to find alternative solutions to the aim of avoiding undesirable inactivation. Dipping, spraying, and coating treatment of food with active solutions are currently applied to product prior to packaging as valid options. The aim of the current work is to give an overview on the use of natural compounds in food sector. In particular, the review will gather numerous case-studies of meat, fish, dairy products, minimally processed fruit and vegetables, and cereal-based products where these compounds found application.

Review of antimicrobial and antioxidative activities of chitosans in food

Interest in chitosan, a biodegradable, nontoxic, non-antigenic, and biocompatible biopolymer isolated from shellfish, arises from the fact that chitosans are reported to exhibit numerous health-related beneficial effects, including strong antimicrobial and antioxidative activities in foods. The extraordinary interest in the chemistry and application in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, industry, microbiology, and medicine is attested by about 17,000 citations on this subject in the Scopus database. A special need exists to develop a better understanding of the role of chitosans in ameliorating foodborne illness. To contribute to this effort, this overview surveys and interprets our present knowledge of the chemistry and antimicrobial activities of chitosan in solution, as powders, and in edible films and coating against foodborne pathogens, spoilage bacteria, and pathogenic viruses and fungi in several food categories. These include produce, fruit juices, eggs and dairy, cereal, meat, and seafood products. Also covered are antimicrobial activities of chemically modified and nanochitosans, therapeutic properties, and possible mechanisms of the antimicrobial, antioxidative, and metal chelating effects. Further research is suggested in each of these categories. The widely scattered data on the multifaceted aspects of chitosan microbiology, summarized in the text and in 10 tables and 8 representative figures, suggest that low-molecular-weight chitosans at a pH below 6.0 presents optimal conditions for achieving desirable antimicrobial and antioxidative-preservative effects in liquid and solid foods. We are very hopeful that the described findings will be a valuable record and resource for further progress to improve microbial food safety and food quality.