Synergistic impact of natural gums and crosslinkers on the properties of oilseed meals based biopolymeric films

The waste material utilization from available agricultural resources can be beneficial in the field of economic, social, and environmental well-being. One of the main industrial crops used to manufacture oil from oilseeds worldwide is agricultural waste, such as the cake made from oilseeds. In this study, de-oiled cakes are used to create biopolymeric films. Three widely accessible oilseed meals viz. flaxseed, soybean, and mustard were gathered, ground, and sieved. A film forming suspension of defatted meals along with natural gums (acacia and xanthan gum) and crosslinkers (citric acid and glutaraldehyde) were formed. The suspension was cast into petri dishes and dried to produce smooth and even films. The physical, functional, color, thermal and morphological properties of the oilseed meals-gums crosslinked biopolymeric film were evaluated and statistical analysis was performed. The solubility was found to be decreased and tensile strength was increased with the addition of citric acid and increase in tensile strength. There was significant difference observed in the values of elongation at break after addition of citric acid as crosslinker. The research shows how oilseed meals enriched with natural gum and crosslinkers may be converted into biopolymeric films, which can then be used in food packaging to lessen reliance on petroleum-based, non-biodegradable plastics.

Development of chewing gum model system from phytocompounds of black jamun (Syzygium cumini) pulp and study of its dissolution kinetics

Black jamun is a rich source of polyphenol and anthocyanin that provides major potential as a natural pigment. The different concentrations of encapsulated jamun pulp phytocompounds (0, 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 g 100 g-1) were incorporated with chewing gum for the development of functional food production. The study showed among variants, 5 g 100 g-1 encapsulates of black jamun pulp extract-based chewing gum (BJE-CG) showed better color stability and texture properties caused by the availability of alginate and guar gum in the encapsulates. The results revealed the dissolution behaviour of 5 g 100 g-1 based BJE-CG has a greater (P < 0.05) dissolution of total anthocyanin (TAC) and phenolic content (TPC). The dissolution kinetics model including the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, Higuchi model and Gunes model were statistically tested the dissolution rate of TAC and TPC. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model for TAC and Gunes model for TPC were found the best suitable through R2 (0.995 and 0.991) and the lowest χ2 (0.0098 and 0.0361). The dissolution kinetics study indicated the 5 g 100 g-1 based BJE-CG has the most suitable fitting in dissolution kinetics via simulated salivary fluid at 10 min. The application of the encapsulated phytocompounds shows a better solution for food and pharma industries to deliver decent plant-based pigment and phytocompounds in the food product.

Graphical abstract

Effect of gelatin and acacia gum on anthocyanin coacervated microcapsules using double emulsion and its characterization

The present study was aimed to develop a stable microencapsulated anthocyanin from black rice bran using double emulsion complex coacervation technique. Nine microcapsule formulations were prepared using gelatin, acacia gum and anthocyanin at ratios of 1:1:0.5, 1:1:0.75 and 1:1:1 respectively. The concentration of gelatin and acacia gum used were 2.5, 5 and 7.5 % w/v. Subsequently, the coacervated microcapsules were obtained at different pH (3, 3.5 and 4), freeze-dried and evaluated for their physicochemical properties, morphology, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), thermal behaviour and stability of anthocyanin. The results obtained for encapsulation efficiency of anthocyanin with high values (72.70 to 83.65 %) indicated that the encapsulation process was effective. The morphology of the microcapsule powder was analysed and exhibited round, hard, agglomerated structures and relatively smooth surface. The thermal degradation behaviour of microcapsules displayed endothermic reaction confirming the thermostability of the microcapsules where the peak ranged from 83.7 to 97.6 °C. The stability studies in terms of retention of total anthocyanin content were observed at different storage conditions; both under refrigerated condition (7 °C) and at room temperature (37 °C). The results indicated that the microcapsules obtained through coacervation can be an alternative source to develop stable nutraceuticals.

SERS determination and multivariate classification of antibiotics in chicken meat using gold nanoparticle-decorated electrospun PVA nanofibers

The fabrication of SERS substrate by gold nanoparticle-decorated polyvinyl alcohol electrospun nanofibers which has been used to detect trace sensing of two widely used poultry antibiotics doxycycline hydrochloride and enrofloxacin is demonstrated. The performance of the backscattered Raman signals from the proposed SERS substrate has been initially evaluated with two standard Raman active compounds namely malachite green and rhodamine-6G. The limit of detection of the proposed substrate is estimated to be 7.32 nM. Following this, the usability of the proposed SERS substrate has been demonstrated through the detection of the aforementioned antibiotics in chicken meat samples. The presence of antibiotics in chicken meat sample has been validated with the standard analytical tool of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and the results were compared with the proposed sensing technique. Further, principal component analysis has been performed to classify the antibiotics that are present in the field-collected meat samples.

Recent advancement in improvement of properties of polysaccharides and proteins based packaging film with added nanoparticles: A review

Innovations and research on packaging materials are in a fast-growing stage to make them suitable for advanced packaging innovations and sustainability efforts. Biological macromolecules like algal polysaccharides, chitosan, gelatin and others like starch are explored for developing eco-friendly packaging alternatives. Compared to conventional synthetic polymers they have performance limitations that are tried to be overcome with added fillers. The unique properties of fillers in the nano range are explored for this. They can improve the overall property of polymer matrixes by improving barrier properties to oxygen and water vapour, increasing stability and mechanical strength. Exploring the possibilities of new nanoparticle-polymer combinations can bring novel properties in the packaging industry that can be used in smart and intelligent packaging areas. Thus studies on nanocomposite films from polysaccharides, protein compounds and nanoparticles can help to overcome the limitations of bio-polymers for novel packaging applications. This review covers the effect of nanoparticles on the optical, morphological, barrier, thermal and mechanical properties of polysaccharides and proteins based packaging film, along with the types of nanoparticles used in the composite films.

Extraction of protein and pectin from pumpkin industry by-products and their utilization for developing edible film

The study was planned to optimise the extraction process of protein and pectin from pumpkin seeds and peels respectively. The extraction of protein and pectin was performed with three independent variables such as extraction temperature, extraction time and pH. The optimized process variables for protein extraction were 32.7 °C, 16.06 min, pH of 9.51 and yield at these optimized conditions was 70.31 ± 2.32%. However, for pectin extraction optimized conditions were 89.98 °C, 13 min, pH of 2.85 and yield was reported as 69.89 ± 2.90%. Further, protein and pectin were isolated at optimized condition. Isolated protein and pectin were utilized for developing the edible film. The protein and pectin were mixed in varying proportions i.e. 1:0, 1:1, 0:1 and film were casted by standard methods. Further, films mechanical and barrier properties were assessed and it was found in acceptable range (Tensile strength: 2.04-5.28 MPa; elongation: 13.13-14.37%; water vapour permeability: 3.24 × 10^-6-6.24 × 10^-6 g/Pa m h).

Ultrasound treated potato peel and sweet lime pomace based biopolymer film development

Treatment and management of food processing waste is a major challenge for food industry. Potato processing industry generates tremendous amount of peel and consider it as zero valued waste. Again, pomace generated after juice extraction from sweet lime pulp is considered as waste and not properly utilized. Whereas these waste could be utilized for the development of biodegradable packaging film to overcome environmental issues. Composite films were prepared with varying proportion of potato peel powder (PP) and sweet lime pomace (SLP) in the ratio of 0:1(A), 0.5:1(B), 1:1(C), 1:0.5(D), 1:0(E) with an ultrasound treatment of 45min, and 0:1(F), 0.5:1(G), 1:1(H), 1:0.5(I), 1:0(J) with an ultrasound treatment of 60min. Ultrasound was applied for 45 and 60min to film forming solutions to break down biopolymer particles small enough to form a film. All the films were analyzed for their barrier and mechanical properties. It was observed that increasing ultrasound treatment times gives better result in film properties and less PP content also gives better film properties, from these observations film G prepared with 0.5:1 (PP:SLP) showed better characteristics among all other films. Water vapor permeability, moisture absorption, water solubility, breakage strength and elongation capacity of G film were reported as 7.25×10^-9g/Pahm, 12.88±0.348%, 38.92±0.702%, 242.01±3.074g and 7.61±0.824mm respectively. However, thermal decomposition for film G took place above 200°C. The film forming solution of selected G film, added with clove essential oil (1.5%) as an antimicrobial agent was wrapped on bread and stored it for 5days. The film was successful in lowering the weight loss, reducing the hardness and inhibition of surface microbial load from bread sample.

Effect of ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration pretreatment on the convective drying of strawberry

The work was planned to produce dietetic dehydrated strawberries with application of ultrasound osmotic dehydration (UOD) as pretreatment. A Box-Behnken design (BBD) were employed to characterize the UOD strawberry process, optimize and investigate the effect of independent variables like ultrasound time (10, 20 and 30min), concentration of osmotic solution (distilled water, 32.5 and 65 °Brix) and temperature (20, 30 and 40°C) on the water loss (WL), solid gain (SG) and weight reduction (WR). The same BBD were used to estimate the main effects of OD without ultrasound treatment. A multi-criteria optimization based on maximal possible values of WL and WR and minimal value of SG was achieved. This was 20.5min of ultrasound time, 47.5 °Brix osmotic solution concentration and 31°C medium temperature. The effects of UOD carried out under the optimized operating conditions on kinetics of convective air drying of strawberry at 40, 50 and 60°C, and velocity of 1m/s, using the phenomenological model of Coupled Washing/Diffusion (CWD). Starting accessibility, moisture effective diffusivity D_eff value and activation energy (Ea) were calculated from similar-Fick's law and analogous Arrhenius equation, respectively with and without shrinkage correction. Color difference, Chroma and hue angle of fresh and UOD-air dried strawberries were evaluated. Quality attributes were estimated through the assessment of the phenolic content, antioxidant activity, rehydration capacity, and X-ray powder diffraction characteristics.

Effect of ultrasound and centrifugal force on carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) slices during osmotic dehydration

Osmotic dehydration (OD) of carambola slices were carried out using glucose, sucrose, fructose and glycerol as osmotic agents with 70°Bx solute concentration, 50°C of temperature and for time of 180min. Glycerol and sucrose were selected on the basis of their higher water loss, weight reduction and lowers solid gain. Further the optimization of OD of carambola slices (5mm thick) were carried out under different process conditions of temperature (40-60°C), concentration of sucrose and glycerol (50-70°Bx), time (180min) and fruit to solution ratio (1:10) against various responses viz. water loss, solid gain, texture, rehydration ratio and sensory score according to a composite design. The optimized value for temperature, concentration of sucrose and glycerol has been found to be 50°C, 66°Bx and 66°Bx respectively. Under optimized conditions the effect of ultrasound for 10, 20, 30min and centrifugal force (2800rpm) for 15, 30, 45 and 60min on OD of carambola slices were checked. The controlled samples showed 68.14% water loss and 13.05% solid gain in carambola slices. While, the sample having 30min ultrasonic treatment showed 73.76% water loss and 9.79% solid gain; and the sample treated with centrifugal force for 60min showed 75.65% water loss and 6.76% solid gain. The results showed that with increasing in treatment time the water loss, rehydration ratio were increased and solid gain, texture were decreased.

Influence of bamboo shoot powder fortification on physico-chemical, textural and organoleptic characteristics of biscuits

Bamboo shoot has attracted significant research and a commercial interest due to its many health-promoting bioactive compounds as well as its effectiveness in decreasing blood pressure, cholesterol and increasing appetite. As availability of fresh shoot is limited due to its seasonality there is need of incorporation of nutrients of shoot to any common food product which is easily available throughout year. Shoots of Bambusa balcooa variety were taken and edible parts were separated. Slices of shoot were boiled, dried, powdered, sieved, analysed for nutritional status and used for biscuit making. Bamboo shoot powder (BSP) was added in 0 % (control), 5, 10, and 15 % level in dry ingredients by replacing wheat flour and other ingredients were kept constant. Dough prepared are firstly analysed for basic characteristics. Then biscuits were prepared and analyzed for moisture, water activity, protein, fiber, fat, ash, phenolics, antioxidant activity, dimension, hardness, color and sensory acceptability. Variations were observed for fiber, antioxidant activity and phenolics from 1.08 to 1.97 %, 3.50 to 17.85 % and 0.45 to 4.19 mg/100 g respectively. Results showed that up to 10 % fortification level the biscuits were acceptable with improved functional and neutraceutical properties compared to the control.

Effect of feed composition, moisture content and extrusion temperature on extrudate characteristics of yam-corn-rice based snack food

Blends of yam, rice and corn flour were processed in a twin-screw extruder. Effects of yam flour (10-40 %), feed moisture content (12-24 %) and extruder barrel temperature (100-140 °C) on the characteristics of the dried extrudates was investigated using a statistical technique response surface methodology (RSM). Radial expansion ratio differed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with change in all the independent variables. Highest expansion (3.97) was found at lowest moisture content (12 %) and highest barrel temperature (140 °C). Increased yam flour level decreased the expansion ratio significantly. Water absorption index (WAI) increased significantly with increase of all variables. However, water solubility index (WSI) did not change with change in yam flour percent. Hardness of extrudates that varied from 3.86 to 6.94 N was positively correlated with yam flour level and feed moisture content, however it decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.001) with increase of barrel temperature. Yam percent of 15.75 with feed moisture and barrel temperature at 12.00 % and 140 °C respectively gave an optimized product of high desirability (> 0.90) with optimum responses of 3.29 expansion ratio, 5.64 g/g dry solid water absorption index, 30.39 % water solubility index and 3.86 N hardness. The predicted values registered non-significant (p < 0.10) differences from the experimental results. Further study would include the sensory properties enhancement of extruded snacks and little emphasis on the chemistry of interaction between different components.

Optimization of ingredient levels for the development of peanut based fiber rich pasta

Defatted peanut flour is rich source of protein and popularly use for fortification of different food products. Pasta was prepared using semolina, whereas defatted peanut flour and carrot powder were added for fortification. Response surface methodology was used to analyze the effect of peanut flour, semolina and carrot fiber on overall acceptability, percent expansion, hardness, solid loss and bulk density of pasta product. A rotatable central composite design was used to develop models for the responses. It was found out that an increase in semolina to peanut flour and carrot powder ratio increased the percent solid loss and decreased the hardness of uncooked pasta. Individual contour plots of the different responses were superimposed and regions meeting the maximum overall acceptability (7.81) and hardness (26.984 kg) as well as minimum solid loss (11.47 %) and bulk density below 260 kg/m(3) however percent expansion was found below 190 %. The product was acceptable at ingredient composition of 205.59 g semolina, 16.70 g peanut flour and 10 g carrot powder.