Anthocyanins, non-anthocyanin phenolics, tocopherols and antioxidant capacity of açaí juice (Euterpe oleracea) as affected by high pressure processing and thermal pasteurization

Exploring the impact of high pressure processing on the characteristics of processed fruit and vegetable products: a comprehensive review

Consumers are increasingly interested in additive-free products with a fresh taste, leading to a growing trend in high pressure processing (HPP) as an alternative to thermal processing. This review explores the impact of HPP on the properties of juices, smoothies, and purees, as well as its practical applications in the food industry. Research findings have explained that HPP is a most promising technology in comparison to thermal processing, in two ways i.e., for ensuring microbial safety and maximum retention of micro and macro nutrients and functional components. HPP preserves natural color and eliminates the need for artificial coloring. The review also emphasizes its potential for enhancing flavor in the beverage industry. The review also discusses how HPP indirectly affects plant enzymes that cause off-flavors and suggests potential hurdle approaches for enzyme inactivation based on research investigations. Scientific studies regarding the improved quality insights on commercially operated high pressure mechanisms concerning nutrient retention have paved the way for upscaling and boosted the market demand for HPP equipment. In future research, the clear focus should be on scientific parameters and sensory attributes related to consumer acceptability and perception for better clarity of the HPP effect on juice and smoothies/purees.

Comprehensive Characterization of Oils and Fats of Six Species from the Colombian Amazon Region with Industrial Potential

The Colombian Amazon is a megadiverse region with high potential for commercial use in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries, constantly expanding and looking for new alternatives from natural resources; unfortunately, few characterization reports of its profitable non-timber species in Colombia have been conducted. This work aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of traditionally used species: Carapa guianensis (Andiroba), Euterpe precatoria (Asai), Mauritia flexuosa (Miriti), Astrocaryum murumuru (Murumuru), Plukenetia volubilis (Sacha Inchi), and Caryodendron orinocense H.Karst (Cacay). For this purpose, oil and fat quality indices, phytosterol, carotenoid, tocopherol, and tocotrienol content, as well as density and refractive index, were measured to establish their quality level. Multivariate analysis showed four groups of samples; such differences were mainly due to the composition rather than quality indices and physical properties, especially the content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. All species reported a precise composition, which makes them noninterchangeable, and Miriti oil arose as the most versatile ingredient for the industry. The Colombian Amazon region is a promising source of quality raw material, especially for oils/fats and unsaturated fatty acids; this resulted in the most interest for pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic purposes.

Preparation, characterization, identification, and antioxidant properties of fermented acaí (Euterpe oleracea)

Fermentation technology was used to prepare the acaí (Euterpe oleracea) fermentation liquid. The optimal fermentation parameters included a strain ratio of Lactobacillus paracasei: Leuconostoc mesenteroides: Lactobacillus plantarum = 0.5:1:1.5, a fermentation time of 6 days, and a nitrogen source supplemental level of 2.5%. In optimal conditions, the ORAC value of the fermentation liquid reached the highest value of 273.28 ± 6.55 μmol/L Trolox, which was 55.85% higher than the raw liquid. In addition, the FRAP value of the acaí, as well as its scavenging ability of DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS free radicals, increased after fermentation. Furthermore, after fermentation treatment, the microstructure, basic physicochemical composition, amino acid composition, γ-aminobutyric acid, a variety of volatile components, and so on have changed. Therefore, fermentation treatment can significantly improve the nutritional value and flavor of the acaí. This provides a theoretical basis for the comprehensive utilization of acaí.

Effects and impacts of technical processing units on the nutrients and functional components of fruit and vegetable juice

Fruit and vegetable juice (FVJ) has become a favorite beverage for all age groups because of its excellent sensory and nutritional qualities. FVJ has a series of health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer. Except for raw materials selection, processing technology and packaging and storage also play a vital role in the nutrition and functional components of FVJ. This review systematically reviews the important research results on the relationship between FVJ processing and its nutrition and function in the past 10 years. Based on the brief elucidation of the nutrition and health benefits of FVJ and the unit operation involved in the production process, the influence of a series of key technology units, including pretreatment, clarification, homogenization, concentration, sterilization, drying, fermentation and packaging and storage, on the nutritional function of FVJ was systematically expounded. This contribution provides an update on the impacts of technical processing units on the nutrients and functional components of FVJ and new perspectives for future studies.

Pectin-based color indicator films incorporated with spray-dried Hibiscus extract microparticles

Colorimetric films incorporated with anthocyanins as an indicator for freshness monitoring have aroused growing interest recently. The pH-sensing colorimetric film were developed based on pectin (HM), containing aqueous hibiscus extract microparticles (HAE). HAE microparticles were obtained by spray drying with different wall materials (Inulin -IN, maltodextrin- MD and their combination). The films were obtained on large scale by continuous casting. These films were characterized for physicochemical analysis, morphological structure, thermal and barrier properties, antioxidant activity, and color change at different pH. The addition of HAE microparticles caused relevant changes to HM-based films, such as in mechanical behavior and improved barrier property (11-22% WVTR reduction) depending on the type of wall material used and the concentration added. It was verified with the thermal stability of films, with a slight increase being observed. The color variation of smart films was entirely pH-dependent. Overall, the proposed color indicator films showed unique features and functionalities and could be used as an alternative natural pH indicator in smart packaging systems.

How to comprehensively improve juice quality: a review of the impacts of sterilization technology on the overall quality of fruit and vegetable juices in 2010-2021, an updated overview and current issues

Fruit and vegetable juices (FVJ) are rich in nutrients, so they easily breed bacteria, which cause microbial pollution and rapid deterioration of their quality and safety. Sterilization is an important operation in FVJ processing. However, regardless of whether thermal sterilization or non-thermal sterilization is used, the effect and its impact on the overall quality of FVJ are strongly dependent on the processing parameters, microbial species, and FVJ matrix. Therefore, for different types of FVJ, an understanding of the impacts that different sterilization technologies have on the overall quality of the juice is important in designing and optimizing technical parameters to produce value-added products. This article provides an overview of the application of thermal and non-thermal technique in the field of FVJ processing over the past 10 years. The operating principle and effects of various technologies on the inactivation of microorganisms and enzymes, nutritional and functional characteristics, physicochemical properties, and sensory quality of a wide range of FVJ are comprehensively discussed. The application of different combinations of hurdle technology in the field of FVJ sterilization processing are also discussed in detail. Additionally, the advantages, limitations, and current application prospects of different sterilization technologies are summarized.

Effect of food processing on antioxidants, their bioavailability and potential relevance to human health

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Processing alters the amount, matrix interaction, and structure of antioxidants.

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It is not easy to dissociate processing effects from food matrix effects.

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It is still difficult to make general statements on the effects of processing on bioavailability.

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Facilitated release by heat, pressure, etc. contributes to increased bioaccessibility.

It has long been recognized that the antioxidants present in fresh plant materials may be very different to those we ingest via our foods. This is often due to the use of food processing strategies involving thermal/non-thermal treatments. Current research mostly focuses on determining what is present in vegetative starting materials; how this is altered during processing; how this influences activity in the gut and following uptake into bloodstream; and which in vivo physiological effects this may have on human body. Having a better understanding of these different steps and their importance in a health-and-nutrition-context will place us in a better position to breed for improved crop varieties and to advise the food industry on how to optimize processing strategies to enhance biochemical composition of processed foods. This review provides an overview of what is currently known about the influence which food processing treatments can have on antioxidants and gives some pointers as to their potential relevance.

Strategy for anthocyanins production: From efficient green extraction to novel microbial biosynthesis

Anthocyanins are widely distributed in nature and exhibit brilliant colors and multiple health-promoting effects; therefore, they are extensively incorporated into foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic industries. Anthocyanins have been traditionally produced by plant extraction, which is characterized by high expenditure, low production rates, and rather complex processes, and hence cannot meet the increasing market demand. In addition, the emerging environmental issues resulting from traditional solvent extraction technologies necessitate a more efficient and eco-friendly alternative strategy for producing anthocyanins. This review summarizes the efficient approach for green extraction and introduces a novel strategy for microbial biosynthesis of anthocyanins, emphasizing the technological changes in production.

Ifs and buts of non-thermal processing technologies for plant-based drinks' bioactive compounds

Vegetables and fruits contain a variety of bioactive nutrients and non-nutrients that are associated with health promotion. Consumers currently demand foods with high contents of healthy compounds, as well as preserved natural taste and flavour, minimally processed without using artificial additives. Processing alternatives to be applied on plant-based foodstuffs to obtain beverages are mainly referred to as classical thermal treatments that although are effective treatments to ensure safety and extended shelf-life, also cause undesirable changes in the sensory profiles and phytochemical properties of beverages, thus affecting the overall quality and acceptance by consumers. As a result of these limitations, new non-thermal technologies have been developed for plant-based foods/beverages to enhance the overall quality of these products regarding microbiological safety, sensory traits, and content of bioactive nutrients and non-nutrients during the shelf-life of the product, thus allowing to obtain enhanced health-promoting beverages. Accordingly, the present article attempts to review critically the principal benefits and downsides of the main non-thermal processing alternatives (High hydrostatic pressure, pulsed electric fields, ultraviolet light, and ultrasound) to set up sound comparisons with conventional thermal treatments, providing a vision about their practical application that allows identifying the best choice for the sectoral industry in non-alcoholic fruit and vegetable-based beverages.

Updated insights into anthocyanin stability behavior from bases to cases: Why and why not anthocyanins lose during food processing

Anthocyanins have received considerable attention for the development of food products with attractive colors and potential health benefits. However, anthocyanin applications have been hindered by stability issues, especially in the context of complex food matrices and diverse processing methods. From the natural microenvironment of plants to complex processed food matrices and formulations, there may happen comprehensive changes to anthocyanins, leading to unpredictable stability behavior under various processing conditions. In particular, anthocyanin hydration, degradation, and oxidation during thermal operations in the presence of oxygen represent major challenges. First, this review aims to summarize our current understanding of key anthocyanin stability issues focusing on the chemical properties and their consequences in complex food systems. The subsequent efforts to examine plenty of cases attempt to unravel a universal pattern and provide thorough guidance for future food practice regarding anthocyanins. Additionally, we put forward a model with highlights on the role of the balance between anthocyanin release and degradation in stability evaluations. Our goal is to engender updated insights into anthocyanin stability behavior under food processing conditions and provide a robust foundation for the development of anthocyanin stabilization strategies, expecting to promote more and deeper progress in this field.

Effect of High-Pressure Processing (HPP) on Phenolics of North Atlantic Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa)

Sea cucumber contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, including phenolics. This study investigated the free, esterified, and insoluble-bound phenolics of sea cucumber body wall as affected by high-pressure processing (HPP) pretreatment. Sea cucumber body wall was subjected to HPP (200, 400, and 600 MPa for 5, 10, and 15 min), followed by the extraction of phenolics. The contents of total phenolics and antioxidant activity were monitored. Compared to untreated samples, those treated with HPP exhibited significantly higher total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities. Treatment of 600 MPa for 10 min offered the optimal results. The highest amount of phenolics was observed in the free phenolic fraction, followed by esterified and insoluble-bound phenolic fractions. Moreover, phenolic extracts showed inhibitory effects against cupric ion-induced low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol oxidation, peroxyl and hydroxyl radical-induced DNA scission, α-glucosidase activity, and formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a quadrupole time of fight and mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) identified 20 phenolic compounds, mainly phenolic acids and flavonoids, from the body wall of this species for the first time. Thus, sea cucumber may lead to the production of a multitude of value-added products.

Vitamin E in foodstuff: Nutritional, analytical, and food technology aspects

Vitamin E is a group of isoprenoid chromanols with different biological activities. It comprises eight oil-soluble compounds: four tocopherols, namely, α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherols; and four tocotrienols, namely, α-, β-, γ, and δ-tocotrienols. Vitamin E isomers are well-known for their antioxidant activity, gene-regulation effects, and anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective properties. Considering that vitamin E is exclusively synthesized by photosynthetic organisms, animals can only acquire it through their diet. Plant-based food is the primary source of vitamin E; hence, oils, nuts, fruits, and vegetables with high contents of vitamin E are mostly consumed after processing, including industrial processes and home-cooking, which involve vitamin E profile and content alteration during their preparation. Accordingly, it is essential to identify the vitamin E content and profile in foodstuff to match daily intake requirements. This review summarizes recent advances in vitamin E chemistry, metabolism and metabolites, current knowledge on their contents and profiles in raw and processed plant foods, and finally, their modern developments in analytical methods.

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) Processing Discards as Affected by High-Pressure Processing (HPP)

Sea cucumber processing discards, which include mainly internal organs, represent up to 50% of the sea cucumber biomass, and are a rich source of bioactive compounds, including phenolics. This work aimed to extract free, esterified, and insoluble-bound phenolics from the internal organs of the Atlantic sea cucumber (C. frondosa) using high-pressure processing (HPP) pre-treatment. The sea cucumber internal organs were subjected to HPP (6000 bar for 10 min), followed by the extraction and characterization of phenolics. Samples were evaluated for their total contents of phenolics and flavonoids, as well as several in vitro methods of antioxidant activities, namely, free radical scavenging and metal chelation activities. Moreover, anti-tyrosinase and antiglycation properties, as well as inhibitory activities against LDL cholesterol oxidation and DNA damage, were examined. The results demonstrated that HPP pre-treatment had a significant effect on the extraction of phenolics, antioxidant properties, and other bioactivities. The phenolics in sea cucumber internal organs existed mainly in the free form, followed by the insoluble-bound and esterified fractions. Additionally, UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis identified and quantified 23 phenolic compounds from HPP-treated samples, mostly phenolic acids and flavonoids. Hence, this investigation provides fundamental information that helps to design the full utilization of the Atlantic sea cucumber species and the production of a multitude of value-added products.

Alteration of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidative Properties in Thermal, Ultra-High Pressure and Ultrasound Treated Maoberry (Antidesma Bunius L.) Juice during Refrigerated Storage

Maoberry (Antidesma bunius L.) is a tropical fruit locally referred to as “Mao-Luang” in Thailand. The fruit contains high amounts of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds with antioxidative potential, which has demonstrated medicinal value in terms of anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effects. In this term, this research purposed to determine the changes of predominant bioactive phytochemicals, antioxidant capacity and microbiological quality of pasteurized (85ºC/1 min), pressurized (500 and 600 MPa/30ºC/30 min), and ultra-sonicated (20 kHz/60% and 80% amplitude/30 min) maoberry juices during storage at 4°C for 30 days. The results displayed that ascorbic acid, phenolic acids (gallic and vanillic acids), anthocyanins (cyanidin 3-o-glucoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside), flavonoids [(+)-catechin and (˗)-epicatechin), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) radical inhibition and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value in pressurized and ultra-sonicated juices displayed higher reduction rate during storage than those in pasteurized juice. Nevertheless, at the final stage of storage, both juices still contained higher levels of antioxidant compounds and properties than in thermally treated juice. All the treated samples were shown to reduce initial microbial load of fresh maoberry juice to a non-detectable amount, while maintaining their quality during prolonged refrigerated storage.

High-Pressure Processing for Sustainable Food Supply

Sustainable food supply has gained considerable consumer concern due to the high percentage of spoilage microorganisms. Food industries need to expand advanced technologies that can maintain the nutritive content of foods, enhance the bio-availability of bioactive compounds, provide environmental and economic sustainability, and fulfill consumers’ requirements of sensory characteristics. Heat treatment negatively affects food samples’ nutritional and sensory properties as bioactives are sensitive to high-temperature processing. The need arises for non-thermal processes to reduce food losses, and sustainable developments in preservation, nutritional security, and food safety are crucial parameters for the upcoming era. Non-thermal processes have been successfully approved because they increase food quality, reduce water utilization, decrease emissions, improve energy efficiency, assure clean labeling, and utilize by-products from waste food. These processes include pulsed electric field (PEF), sonication, high-pressure processing (HPP), cold plasma, and pulsed light. This review describes the use of HPP in various processes for sustainable food processing. The influence of this technique on microbial, physicochemical, and nutritional properties of foods for sustainable food supply is discussed. This approach also emphasizes the limitations of this emerging technique. HPP has been successfully analyzed to meet the global requirements. A limited global food source must have a balanced approach to the raw content, water, energy, and nutrient content. HPP showed positive results in reducing microbial spoilage and, at the same time, retains the nutritional value. HPP technology meets the essential requirements for sustainable and clean labeled food production. It requires limited resources to produce nutritionally suitable foods for consumers’ health.

High-Pressure Processing of Kale: Effects on the Extractability, In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Carotenoids & Vitamin E and the Lipophilic Antioxidant Capacity

High pressure processing (HPP) represents a non-thermal preservation technique for the gentle treatment of food products. Information about the impact of HPP on lipophilic food ingredients (e.g., carotenoids, vitamin E) is still limited in more complex matrices such as kale. Both the variation of pressure levels (200–600 MPa) and different holding times (5–40 min) served as HPP parameters. Whereas a slightly decreasing solvent extractability mostly correlated with increasing pressure regimes; the extension of holding times resulted in elevated extract concentrations, particularly at high-pressures up to 600 MPa. Surprisingly, slightly increasing bioaccessibility correlated with both elevated pressures and extended holding times, indicating matrix-dependent processes during in vitro digestion, compared to results of extractability. Moreover, the verification of syringe filters for digest filtration resulted in the highest relative recoveries using cellulose acetate and polyvinylidene difluoride membranes. The α-tocopherol equivalent antioxidant capacity (αTEAC) and oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) assays of treated kale samples, chopped larger in size, showed increased antioxidant capacities, regarding elevated pressures and extended holding times. Consequently, one may conclude that HPP was confirmed as a gentle treatment technique for lipophilic micronutrients in kale. Nevertheless, it was indicated that sample pre-treatments could affect HP-related processes in food matrices prior to and possibly after HPP.

High-Pressure Processing on Whole and Peeled Potatoes: Influence on Polyphenol Oxidase, Antioxidants, and Glycaemic Indices

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) inactivation in five whole and peeled Irish potato cultivars was investigated using high-pressure processing (HPP) at 400 MPa and 600 MPa for 3 min. PPO activity was significantly lower in most of the HPP-treated samples, while the highest PPO inactivation was observed after HPP at 600 MPa. No significant (p > 0.05) changes were observed on the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of all the HPP-treated potatoes. Regarding individual phenolic acids, chlorogenic acid was decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in all studied varieties with a concomitant increase (p < 0.05) in caffeic and quinic acid. Similarly, ferulic acid was also increased (p < 0.05) in all studied varieties after the HPP treatment, while there was a variation in rutin and 4-coumaric acid levels depending on the cultivar and the sample type. Anthocyanins in the coloured whole potato varieties (i.e., Kerr’s Pink and Rooster), tentatively identified as pelargonidin-O-ferulorylrutinoside-O-hexoside and pelargonidin-O-rutinoside-O-hexoside, also exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels in the HPP-treated samples as opposed to those untreated. Glycaemic indices of the potatoes treated with HPP did not differ with the corresponding untreated cultivars.

High Hydrostatic Pressure vs. Thermal Pasteurization: The Effect on the Bioactive Compound Profile of a Citrus Maqui Beverage

The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) compared to thermal pasteurization (TP) were studied in healthy citrus-maqui beverages. The impact of the processing technologies on the microbiological and phytochemical profile was assessed by applying two HHP treatments at 450 and 600 MPa for 180 s and TP at 85 °C for 15 s. The shelf life under refrigeration (4 °C) and room temperature (20 °C) was monitored for 90 days. All treatments ensured microbiological stability at both storage temperatures. Aside from that, the physicochemical parameters were not significantly different after processing or throughout the storage period. Regarding color parameters, an increase in the reddish coloration was observed during storage for those beverages treated by HHP. In general, phenolic compounds were little affected by the processing technique, even when treatment under HHP was more stable than by TP during storage. On the other hand, vitamin C showed great degradation after processing under any condition. It can be concluded that HHP is an effective alternative to thermal treatments, achieving effective microbial inactivation and extending the shelf life of the juices by contributing to a better preservation of color and bioactive compounds.

Impact of high-intensity thermosonication treatment on spinach juice: Bioactive compounds, rheological, microbial, and enzymatic activities

To study the impacts of thermosonication (TS), the spinach juice treated with TS (200 W, 400 W, and 600 W, 30 kHz, at 60 ± 1 °C for 20 mint) were investigated for bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities, color properties, particle size, rheological behavior, suspension stability, enzymatic and microbial loads. As a result, TS processing significantly improved the bioactive compounds (total flavonols, total flavonoids, total phenolic, carotenoids, chlorophyll, and anthocyanins), antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP assay) in spinach juice. Also, TS treatments had higher b*,L*, hue angle (h0), and chroma (C) values, while minimuma* value as compared to untreated and pasteurized samples. TS processing significantly reduced the particle size, improved the suspension stability and rheological properties (shear stress, apparent viscosity, and shear rate) of spinach juice as compared to the untreated and pasteurized sample. TS plays a synergistic part in microbial reduction and gained maximum microbial safety. Moreover, TS treatments inactivated the polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase from 0.97 and 0.034 Abs min-1 (untreated) to 0.31 and 0.018 Abs min-1, respectively. The spinach juice sample treated at a high intensity (600 W, 30 kHz, at 60 ± 1 °C for 20 mint, TS3) exhibited complete inactivation of microbial loads (<1 log CFU/ml), the highest reduction in enzymatic activities, better suspension stability, color properties, and highest bioactive compounds. Collectively, the verdicts proposed that TS processing could be a worthwhile option to pasteurize the spinach juice to enhance the overall quality.

Impact of High-Pressure Processing on Antioxidant Activity during Storage of Fruits and Fruit Products: A Review

Fruits and fruit products are an essential part of the human diet. Their health benefits are directly related to their content of valuable bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, anthocyanins, or vitamins. Heat treatments allow the production of stable and safe products; however, their sensory quality and chemical composition are subject to significant negative changes. The use of emerging non-thermal technologies, such as HPP (High Pressure Processing), has the potential to inactivate the microbial load while exerting minimal effects on the nutritional and organoleptic properties of food products. HPP is an adequate alternative to heat treatments and simultaneously achieves the purposes of preservation and maintenance of freshness characteristics and health benefits of the final products. However, compounds responsible for antioxidant activity can be significantly affected during treatment and storage of HPP-processed products. Therefore, this article reviews the effect of HPP treatment and subsequent storage on the antioxidant activity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging capacity assay or Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay), and on the total phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoid, anthocyanin and vitamin contents of fruits and different processed fruit-based products.

High-Pressure Processing and Ultrasonication of Minimally Processed Potatoes: Effect on the Colour, Microbial Counts, and Bioactive Compounds

HPP at 600 MPa alone, and in combination with US at 20 kHz (200 W), was applied to minimally processed potatoes of two commonly grown cultivars in Ireland. Changes in colour and microbial load (Enterobacteriaceae, total aerobic count, Salmonella, yeasts, and moulds) were monitored in vacuum-packaged potatoes during 14 days of storage at 4 °C. HPP and HPP/US significantly (p < 0.05) affected the colour parameters a*, b*, L*, and ΔE of minimally processed potatoes compared to the controls. Microbial growth was delayed in most of the treated samples with respect to those untreated (controls), while HPP completely inactivated Enterobacteriaceae in both cultivars. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activities were not altered in the treated samples of both varieties when compared to the controls. The levels of chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid were decreased after both treatments, with a significant (p < 0.05) increase in quinic acid in the treated samples as opposed to those untreated. A significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the levels of glycoalkaloids, namely α-chaconine and α-solanine, in HPP- and HPP/US-treated potatoes was also observed. These findings suggest that HPP and US can extend the shelf-life of minimally processed potatoes with a negligible impact on their antioxidant activity and phenolic content.

Antiangiogenic and Antioxidant In Vitro Properties of Hydroethanolic Extract from açaí (Euterpe oleracea) Dietary Powder Supplement

The Euterpe oleracea fruit (açaí) is a promising source of polyphenols with health-promoting properties. To our knowledge, few studies have focused on the influence of açaí phytochemicals on angiogenesis, with a significant impact on cancer. This study aimed at investigating the phytochemical profile of a purple açaí hydroethanolic extract (AHE) obtained from a commercial dietary powder supplement by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and evaluate its in vitro effects on distinct angiogenic steps during vessel growth and on oxidative markers in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). The phenolic profile of AHE revealed the presence of significant levels of anthocyanins, mainly cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, and other flavonoids with promising health effects. The in vitro studies demonstrated that AHE exerts antiangiogenic activity with no cytotoxic effect. The AHE was able to decrease HMEC-1 migration and invasion potential, as well as to inhibit the formation of capillary-like structures. Additionally, AHE increased antioxidant defenses by upregulating superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymatic activities, accompanied by a reduction in the production of reactive oxygen species. These data bring new insights into the potential application of angiogenic inhibitors present in AHE on the development of novel therapeutic approaches for angiogenesis-dependent diseases.

Matrix- and Technology-Dependent Stability and Bioaccessibility of Strawberry Anthocyanins during Storage

Anthocyanins are often associated with health benefits. They readily degrade during processing and storage but are also dependent on the matrix conditions. This study investigated how strawberry anthocyanins are affected by preservation technologies and a relatively protein-rich kale juice addition during storage. A strawberry–kale mix was compared to a strawberry–water mix (1:2 wt; pH 4), untreated, thermally, pulsed electric fields (PEF) and high-pressure processing (HPP) treated, and evaluated for anthocyanin stability and bioaccessibility during refrigerated storage. The degradation of strawberry anthocyanins during storage followed first-order kinetics and was dependent on the juice system, preservation technology and anthocyanin structure. Generally, the degradation rate was higher for the strawberry–kale mix compared to the strawberry–water mix. The untreated sample showed the highest degradation rate, followed by HPP, PEF and, then thermal. The relative anthocyanin bioaccessibility after gastric digestion was 10% higher for the thermally and PEF treated samples. Anthocyanin bioaccessibility after intestinal digestion was low due to instability at a neutral pH, especially for the strawberry–kale mix, and after thermal treatment. The storage period did not influence the relative bioaccessibility; yet, the absolute content of bioaccessible anthocyanins was decreased after storage. This research further presents that processing and formulation strongly affect the stability and bioaccessibility of anthocyanins during storage.

Optimization of a Novel Method Based on Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction for the Quantification of Anthocyanins and Total Phenolic Compounds in Blueberry Samples (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

In recent years, consumers' preference for fruits such as blueberry has increased noticeably. This fact is probably related to their bioactive components such as anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, vitamins, minerals, and tannins that have been found in blueberries by the latest research studies. Both total anthocyanins (TA) and total phenolic compounds (TPC) are known for their multiple beneficial effects on our health, due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties. This is the reason why the development of new methodologies for the quality control analysis of raw materials or derived products from blueberry has a great relevance. Two ultrasound-assisted extraction methods (UAE) have been optimized for the quantification of TA and TPC in blueberry samples. The six variables to be optimized were: solvent composition, temperature, amplitude, cycle, extraction solvent pH, and sample/solvent ratio using response surface methodology. The optimized methods have proven to be suitable for the extraction of the TPC and TA with good precision (repeatability and intermediate precision) (coefficient of variation (CV) < 5%) and potentially for application in commercial samples. This fact, together with the multiple advantages of UAE, makes these methods a good alternative to be used in quality control analysis by both industries and laboratories.

Innovative Hurdle Technologies for the Preservation of Functional Fruit Juices

Functional nutrition, which includes the consumption of fruit juices, has become the field of interest for those seeking a healthy lifestyle. Functional nutrition is also of great interest to the food industry, with the aims of improving human health and providing economic prosperity in a sustainable manner. The functional food sector is the most profitable part of the food industry, with a fast-growing market resulting from new sociodemographic trends (e.g., longer life expectancy, higher standard of living, better health care), which often includes sustainable concepts of food production. Therefore, the demand for hurdle technology in the food industry is growing, along with the consumption of minimally processed foods, not only because this approach inactivates microorganisms in food, but because it can also prolong the shelf life of food products. To preserve food products such as fruit juices, the hurdle technology approach often uses non-thermal methods as alternatives to pasteurization, which can cause a decrease in the nutritional value and quality of the food. Non-thermal technologies are often combined with different hurdles, such as antimicrobial additives, thermal treatment, and ultraviolet or pulsed light, to achieve synergistic effects and overall quality improvements in (functional) juices. Hence, hurdle technology could be a promising approach for the preservation of fruit juices due to its efficiency and low impact on juice quality and characteristics, although all processing parameters still require optimization.

Healthy expectations of high hydrostatic pressure treatment in food processing industry

High hydrostatic pressure processing (HPP) is a non-thermal pasteurization technology which has already been applied in the food industries. Besides maintaining the food safety and quality, HPP also has potential applications in the enhancement of the health benefits of food products. This study examines the current progress of research on the use of HPP in the development of health foods. Through HPP, the nutritional value of food products can be enhanced or retained, including promotes the biosynthesis of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the food materials, retains immunoglobulin components in dairy products, increases resistant starch content in cereals, and reduces the glycemic index of fruit and vegetable products, which facilitates better control of blood glucose levels and decreases calorie intake. HPP can also be utilized as a hurdle technology in combination with existing processing technologies for the development of low-sodium food products and the maintenance of microbial safety, thereby lowering the risk of triggering cardiovascular disease. Additionally, HPP can be used to enhance the diversity of probiotic food products. Appropriate sporogenous probiotics can be screened and added to various high-pressure processed food products as a certain bacterial count is still retained in the products after HPP. As HPP causes physical damage to the structures of food products, it can also be used as a synergistic extraction technology to enhance the extraction efficiency of functional components, thereby reducing extraction time. By applying HPP in the extraction of functional components from food waste, the production costs of such components can be effectively reduced. This study provides a summary of the mechanisms by which HPP enhances the health benefits of food products and the current progress of relevant research. HPP possesses huge potential in the development of novel health foods and may provide an abundance of benefits to human health in the future.