Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Food packaging, preservation and processing'

The major objective of this project was to evaluate the feasibility of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and genetic algorithms (GAs) for modeling and optimization of food thermal processing. The specific objectives were: (1) to develop a comprehensive computer simulation program for thermal processing, (2) to apply ANNs and GAs for modeling and optimization of constant retort temperature (CRT) thermal processing and variable retort temperature (VRT) thermal processing, (3) to develop dynamic models for thermal processing using ANNs, and (4) to explore ANN-model-based analysis of critical control points for deviant thermal processes.
As a preliminary research, neural network models were successfully developed for modeling of residence time distribution (RTD) under aseptic processing conditions. The main configuration parameters of neural networks such as the number of hidden layers and their neurons, learning runs, choice of transfer functions and learning rules were optimized.
In order to provide experimental data needed for developing and testing of ANN models and GA optimization, a comprehensive finite difference computer simulation program for thermal processing was first developed in MS Visual Basic language, which could be used for simulating different thermal processes such as constant retort temperature (CRT) and variable retort temperature (VRT) thermal processing.
The second objective was focused on developing modeling and optimization methods for CRT thermal processing using ANNs and GAs. The ANN models were developed for predicting process time, average quality retention, surface cook value, final temperature difference, lethality ratio, and equivalent energy consumption. Using this optimization program, the effects of process variables on the optimal retort temperature and the maximum average quality retention were investigated.
The final part of the thesis research was focused on applying ANN methods for the analysis of critical control points (CCPs) for deviant thermal processes, one of the important steps required for developing hazard analysis of critical control points (HACCP) program. The results indicated that ANN models could be efficiently used for the analysis of CCPs of thermal processing. Such a concept can be expanded for developing an ANN based HACCP expert system for thermal processing. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

The object of this research was to develop a retort for research and development of thermal processes which use common commercial thermal processing techniques. An FMC 500W laboratory sterilizer, designed to operate with an FMC weir product racking system, was modified for conventional steam, positive flow steam/air and water immersion/air overpressure thermal processing of foods in thin profile retortable packages. The research included the modification of the retort plumbing and the fabrication of a set of product trays and a racking system. The completed system was tested for temperature distribution and stability, and heat transfer distribution for each processing mode. The latter was achieved by comparing the heat penetration parameters calculated from the centerpoint temperature histories of conduction heating teflon transducers.
Applied Science, Faculty of
Graduate

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2001.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Kepi is a refreshing, fermented dairy beverage that has been consumed for centuries and is traditionally made by incubating Kepi grains in milk. The Kepi grain is a complex starter culture consisting of a variety of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. The successful marketing of the grains requires the effective preservation of the microbes present in the grains as well as an appropriate packaging that will retain the acidification activity of the preserved grains over an extended period of time. The aim of this study was to evaluate different preservation techniques and packaging materials in terms of their respective abilities to retain grain viability and activity over an extended storage period. Four different preservation techniques (freezing at -18°C, refrigeration at 4°C, air-drying and Iyophilisation) and three packaging materials including a low density polyethylene film (LOPE), an oriented polyester film (OPET) and a metallised oriented polyester film (MOPET), were evaluated. Activity tests were used to evaluate the impact of the preservation techniques in terms of the retainment of the acidification activity of the preserved grains, and the storage potential of the preserved and packaged grains. The activity tests included changes in pH, %TA, lactic acid production and lactose and volatile compound content over an 18 h fermentation period. In addition, the microbial viability of the packaged Iyophilised grains after two months of storage, was also investigated. Frozen and refrigerated grains showed the best retainment of the acidification activity over a 10-month storage period. Air-drying and Iyophilisation showed a good retention of the activity up to three months of storage, but the application of these techniques both resulted in a retarded initial acidification activity. After 10 months of storage, the air-dried and Iyophilised grains showed only a low acidification activity. No volatile compounds could be detected during the course of the fermentation period, due to the relative short fermentation period of 18 h. Overall, the best retainment of the fermentation activity was given by the LOPE and the OPET packaging films. However, the storage period had a considerable influence on the retention of the activity of the packaged Iyophilised grains. The viability study of the Iyophilised packaged Kepi grains after two months of storage showed leuconostocs and lactobacilli to be the prevalent microbes in the grains. Low microbial counts were obtained from the lactococciselecting medium for all three of the differently packaged Kepi grains, whereas no growth was observed on the media that selected for the propionibacteria and yeasts. The OPET packaging film provided the best preservation of the microbial composition. It was, therefore, concluded that all four preservation techniques would be suitable for the preservation of Kepi grains and the subsequent storage at room temperature for three months. However, for storage periods of 10 months or longer the use of freezing and refrigeration are recommended as most suitable preservation techniques. All three of the packaging materials proved to be suitable for the packaging and storage of the Iyophilised Kepi grains for periods of up to one month. However, for storage periods of two months or longer, the use of the OPET film for the packaging and retainment of the acidification activity of the Iyophilised grains, can be recommended.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Kepi is 'n eeu-oue verfrissende, gefermenteerde suiweldrankie wat tradisioneel vervaardig word deur Kepikorrels in melk te inkubeer. Hierdie Kepikorrels bestaan uit 'n komplekse samestelling van hoofsaaklik melksuurbakteriee en giste. Die effektiewe preservering en verpakking van die korrels is belangrike voorvereistes vir die suksesvolle bemarking daarvan. Dis belangrik dat die preserverinq en die verpakking van die korrels 'n positiewe bydrae sal lewer tot die behoud van die fermentasie-aktiwiteit van die mikrobes in die korrels oar 'n verlengde opbergingsperiode. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die opbergingspotensiaal van verskillend gepreserveerde en -verpakte Kepikorrels te evalueer in terme van die behoud van die lewensvatbaarheid en fermentasie-aktiwiteit van die samestellende mikrobes. Vier verskillende preserveringstegnieke (bevriesing by -18°C, verkoeling by 4°C, lugdroging en vriesdroging) en drie verskillende tipes verpakkingsmateriale, nl. 'n "low density polyethylene film" (LOPE), 'n "oriented polyester film" (OPET) en 'n "metallised oriented polyester film" (MOPET) was qeevalueer. Aktiwiteitstoetsing was gebruik om die impak van die verskillende preserveringstegnieke en die verpakkingsmateriale op die behoud van die fermentasie-aktiwiteit van die Kepikorrels te ondersoek. Die verskillende aktiwitieitstoetse wat gedoen is, het die meting van die verandering in pH, %TA, melksuur- en laktosekonsentrasie oor 'n fermentasieperiode van 18 h ingesluit. Tesame met die aktiwitietstoetsing IS die lewensvatbaarheid van die gevriesdroogde, verpakte Kepikorrels na twee maande van opberging ook ondersoek. Die bevrore en verkoelde Kepikorrels het die beste behoud van aktiwitiet na 'n 10-maande opbergingsperiode getoon. Die gelugdroogde en gevriesdroogde korrels het 'n goeie behoud van aktiwiteit getoon vir 'n opbergingstydperk van tot drie maande, maar beide die lugdroging- en vriesdrogingstegnieke het 'n aanvanklik vertraagde fermentasie-aktiwitieit getoon. Na 'n : opbergingsperiode van 10 maande het beide die gelugdroogde en gevriesdroogde korrels egter 'n lae fermentasie-aktiwiteit getoon. As gevolg van 'n relatiewe kort fermentasieperiode van 18 h kon geen vlugtige komponente in die Kepimonsters gevind word nie. Die LDPE- en OPET-verpakkingsmateriale het die beste behoud van die fermentasie-aktiwiteit van die gevriesdroogde korrels getoon. Die opbergingsperiode het egter 'n aansienlike impak op die aktiwitietsbehoud van die korrels gehad. Die lewensvatbaarheidstudie het aangetoon dat Leuconostoc- en Lactobacillus-spesies die oorheersende mikrobes in die verpakte, gevriesdroogde Kepikorrels na 'n opbergingsperiode van twee maande was. Lae mikrobiese tellings vir al drie van die verpakkingsmateriale was gevind op die Lactococcusselekterende medium, en geen mikrobegroei kon op die giste- en propionibakteriee-selekteringsmedium waargeneem word nie. Die beste behoud van die mikrobiese samestelling in die verpakte, gevriesdroogde Kepikorrels was gevind vir die OPET-verpakkingsmateriaal. Die gevolgtrekking kan gemaak word dat al vier die preserveringstegnieke geskik is vir die preservering van die Kepikorrels en die daaropvolgende opberging van drie maande by kamertemperatuur. Vir opbergingsperiodes van 10 maande en langer word die gebruik van bevriesing en verkoeling aanbeveel as die mees geskikte preserveringstegnieke. AI drie verpakkingsmateriale kan gebruik word vir die verpakking en opberging van gevriesdroogde Kepikorrels vir 'n tydperk van een maand. Indien 'n opbergingsperiode van twee maande of langer verlang word, word die OPET-verpakkingsmateriaal aanbeveel vir die suksesvolle behoud van die fermentasie-aktiwiteit van die Kepikorrels.

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Dissertacao (Mestrado)
IPEN/D
Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN/CNEN-SP

Thesis (MScFoodSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Fresh ready-to-cook fish fillets are prone to rapid loss of freshness and other quality attributes, as well as accelerated growth of spoilage micro-organisms under sub-optimal storage conditions. Cape hake (Merluccius capensis) is an important seafood in South Africa; however, rapid loss of quality and eventual spoilage is a problem limiting the economic potential. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of active (40% CO2 + 30% O2 + 30% N2) and passive (0.039% CO2 + 20.95% O2 + 78% N2) modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) under different storage temperatures (0°C, 4°C, and 8°C) on the quality attributes of Cape hake (Merluccius capensis) fish fillets. This was achieved by investigating the effects of MAP (with or without absorbent pads) and storage temperature on quality attributes (microbial, physicochemical and sensory), changes in composition and concentration of volatile compounds (VOCs) and shelf life of Cape hake fillets. Modified atmosphere packaging, storage temperature and the use of absorbent pads had a significant (p < 0.05) impacts on physicochemical properties of Cape hake fillets during refrigerated storage. Highest storage temperature (8°C) led to accelerated deterioration of packaged Cape hake fillets. Generally, active MAP better maintained the quality attributes of Cape hake than passive MAP at 0°C and 4°C. Headspace gas composition of O2 and CO2 were significantly influenced by the storage time, temperature, MAP conditions and their interactions (p < 0.05). Irrespective of storage temperature, active-MA packaged fillets had lower pH values in comparison to fillets stored under passive-MAP. Drip loss was higher in active-MA fillets packaged without absorbent pad. Passive-MAP fillets did not show any drip loss. Absorbent pad was used to add value to MAP storage as MAP resulted in drip. The use of absorbent pad combined with low storage temperature maintained the firmness of hake fillets, across all temperatures. The interaction of MAP, absorbent pad and storage temperature had a significant effect on the aerobic mesophillic bacteria counts. Based on the aerobic mesophillic bacteria count fillets stored under active-MAP at 0°C (5.2 log cfu/g) was limited to day 12, while the fillet stored under passive-MAP at 0°C (log cfu/g) was limited to greater than day 3. Overall sensory acceptability of fillets decreased with increase in storage temperature across all treatments. Additionally, MAP had a significant (p < 0.05) impact on sensory attributes such as appearance and odour acceptability, with active-MA packaged fillets stored at 0°C having highest overall acceptability. A total of 16 volatiles were identified in Cape hake fillets, including 4 primary VOCs and 12 secondary VOCs. The VOCs associated with spoilage include tri-methylamine (TMA) (ammonia like), esters (sickeningly sweet) and sulphur group (putrid). MAP had a significant (p< 0.05) influence on volatile composition and concentration. Active-MA packaged fillets performed better during storage and had lower TMA value of 0.85% on day 12 in comparison with 7.22% under passive-MAP on day 6 at 0°C. The results obtained demonstrated that changes in volatile compounds were significantly (p< 0.05) influenced by storage duration, temperature and MAP. The development of high levels of VOCs and off-odour corresponded with high aerobic mesophillic bacteria count (≥ 5.5 log cfu/g). Based on these developments the storage life of Cape hake fillets packaged under active-MAP with absorbent pad and stored at 0°C was limited to 12 d, while the passive-MAP (control) fillets stored at 0°C was limited to 3 d. The use of active-MAP, in combination with absorbent pads and 0°C storage in addition to good hygienic practices, was effective in maintaining the postharvest quality of Cape hake fish fillets and led to higher shelf life.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vars, gereed-vir-kook vis filette is geneig om gou hulle varsheid en ander gehalte kenmerke te verloor en die vervoegde groei van mikro-organismes wat bederf tydens stoor veroorsaak, vind plaas. Kaapse stokvis (Merluccius capensis) is in Suid-Afrika ‘n gewilde seekos maar die ekonomiese potensiaal daarvan word deur die feit dat dit so gou in gehalte afneem en bederf, beperk. Dus word daar met hierdie studie gepoog om die effek van aktiewe (40% CO2 + 30% O2 + 30% N2) en passiewe (0.039% CO2 + 20.95% O2 + 78% N2) aangepasde verpakking (MAP) onder verskillende stoortemperature (0°C, 4°C, en 8°C) op die gehalte kenmerke van Kaapse stokvis (Merluccius capensis) filette te ondersoek. Dit is gedoen deur om die effek van MAP (met of sonder kussinkies) en stoortemperatuur op die gehalte kenmerke (mikrobies, fisiochemies en sensories) asook veranderinge in komposisie en konsentrasie van vlugtige samestellings (VOCs) en die raklewe van Kaapse stokvis filette te ondersoek. Aangepasde atmosfeer verpakking, stoortemperatuur en die gebruik van absorberende kussinkies het ‘n groot impak (p < 0.05) op die fisiochemiese kenmerke van Kaapse stokvis tydens stoor in yskaste gehad. Hoë stoortemperature (8°C) het aanleiding gegee tot die vinnige bederf van verpakte Kaapse stokvis filette. Oor die algemeen het aktiewe MAP die gehalte van die Kaapse stokvis filette teen 0°C and 4°C beter bewaar. Die komposisie van O2 en CO2 is heelwat deur stoortyd, temperatuur, MA toestande en die interaksies tussen bogenoemde, beïnvloed (p< 0.05). By alle temperature het aktiewe MA verpakte filette laer pH waardes getoon in vergeleke met filette wat in onder passiewe MA verpak is. Die drupverlies was hoër in aktiewe MA filette verpak sonder absorberende kussinkies. Passiewe MAP filette het nie enige drupverlies getoon nie. Absorberende kussinkies is gebruik om waarde by te voeg tot MAP stoor aaangesien MAP gelei het tot drup. By alle temperature het die gebruik van absorberende kussinkies tesame met lae stoortemperature bygedra tot die behoud van fermheid. Die interaksie van MAP, absorberende kussinkies, en stoortemperatuur het ‘n groot effek gehad op die aerobiese mesofiliese bakterië telling. Weens die aerobiese mesofiliese bakterië telling is stoor van filette onder aktiewe MAP teen 0°C (5.2 log cfu/g) beperk tot dag 12, terwyl filette gestoor onder passiewe MAP teen 0°C ( log cfu/g) beperk is tot dag 3. Oor die algemeen het die sensoriese aanneemlikheid van filette sonder inasgneming van die behandeling, verklein met ‘n toename in stoortemperature. MAP het ook ‘n groot impak op die sensoriese kenmerke soos voorkoms, reuk, en aktiewe MA verpakte fillets gestoor teen 0°C is oor die algemeen die aanneemlikste. ‘n Totaal van 16 vlugtige substanse is in Kaapse stokvis identifiseer. Dit het vier primêre VOCs en 12 sekondêre VOCs ingesluit. Die VOCs wat met bederf assosieer word, sluit tri-metilamien (TMA) (soos ammoniak), esters (soet) en die swael groep (smetterig) in. MAP het ‘n groot (p < 0.05) invloed op die vlugtige komposisie en konsentrasie. Aktiewe MA verpakte filette het beter tydens stoor presteer en het ‘n laer TMA waarde van 0.85% op dag 12 gehad, in vergelyking met 7.22 % onder passiewe MAP op dag 6 teen 0°C. Die resultate toon dat veranderinge in vlugtige samestellings grootliks beïnvloed word (p < 0.05) deur stoortyd, temperature en MAP. Die ontwikkeling van hoë vlakke van VOCs, slegte reuke en verlies aan varsheid gaan tesame met hoë aerobiese mesofiliese bakterië telling (≥ 5.5 log cfu/g). Gegrond op hierdie tellings is die stoorleeftyd van Kaapse stokvis filette beperk tot dag 12, terwyl passiewe MAP (die kontrole) filette gestoor teen 0°C, beperk is tot dag 3. Om op te som, die gebruik van aktiewe MAP tesame met absorberende kussinkies en 0°C stoor asook goeie higiëniese praktyk, kon die na-oes gehalte van Kaapse stokvis filette behou en het gelei tot ‘n langer rakleeftyd.

The fish processing industry is actively seeking for alternative methods of shelf life preservation and marketability of fresh fish, while at the same time economizing on energy costs. Two methods which fulfill both objectives are modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and glucose oxidase (GOX)/Glucose dipping solutions. MAP is the packaging of perishable products in an atmosphere other than that of air and is used for the shelf life extension of beef, pork, fruits, vegetables and bakery products. GOX, either alone or in conjunction with MAP has the potential for shelf life extension of fresh fish.
The objectives of this study were to determine the combined effect of glucose oxidase/glucose or gluconic acid dipping solutions and modified atmosphere packaging in conjunction with refrigeration on the shelf life extension of mackerel and cod.
This study has shown that the shelf life of fresh fish can be extended through the combined use of MAP/dipping solutions and refrigeration. This novel process of "dipping" in GOX solution in conjunction with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) will have a significant effect in the area of fish hygiene and will minimize fish losses incurred through spoilage.

Value-added trout burgers and trout wontons were prepared from minced trout trimmings, oats, dried onion flakes, white pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, soy sauce, spice mix and eggs. The trout burgers were coated with crushed cornflakes and then partially cooked (2 min at 140ºC) or frilly cooked (5 min at 140ºC) in hot oil. Similar fillings were used to prepare trout wontons by wrapping the mixture with Chinese wonton dough and 2 products were made: raw wonton (uncooked) and fried wonton (fried for 8 min at 140ºC).
Storage trials were performed on raw and fried trout wontons (a w 0.98--0.95, pH 6.5), and partially and fully cooked trout burgers (aw 0.97--0.96, pH 6.4). Products were packaged in air and under various modified atmospheres (MAP), and stored at 4 and 12ºC. A microbiological shelf-life of >28 days was possible for the cooked trout burgers and fried wontons stored at 4ºC. In general, the microbiological shelf-life preceded the sensory shelf-life.
Subsequent challenge studies were done to address the safety concerns associated with MAP food. All products were inoculated with 102 CFU/g of Listeria monocytogenes and 102 spores/g of Clostridium botulinum type E spores. Gas packaging with 80% CO2 (balance N2) inhibited the growth of L. monocytogenes in products stored at 4ºC. However, counts of L. monocytogenes increased in all other packaging conditions. In challenge studies with C. botulinum type E, toxin was not detected in any products after 28--60 days.

Shelf life of meat and meat products depends on the quality of meat and packaging stability. Meat color change, lipid oxidation, pH, and microbial contamination are the main causes that affect the nutritional, sensory, and physical characteristics by forming toxic compounds, off flavors, off odors, and undesirable color. The first objective of this study was to examine the effect of newly developed CO2 generating absorbent pads on beef, tuna and chicken meats. The second objective was to compare the effect of Type I (radical quenching) antioxidants eugenol and rosmarinic acid (RA) to that of Type II (metal chelating) antioxidants milk mineral (MM), phytate, and sodium tri-polyphosphate (STPP) in raw ground chicken patties. In the first study samples of beef semitendinosus muscle, boneless and skinless chicken breast, and yellowfin tuna loins were chosen and packaged with four different pad types. Red meats and chicken exhibited trends as would normally be expected during storage. Specifically, color became less appealing (beef and tuna color changed from red to brown, and chicken changed from yellow–pink to grey); pH increased, microbial counts increased, and lipid oxidation (rancidity) increased. Lightness (L*) values for chicken were within 46 – 54, for tuna L* value range was 21-26. Redness/greenness (a*) is an indicator of freshness in red meats, and for beef steaks an average value of 12.32 was noted on day 8, indicative of fresh red color. Recorded average lipid oxidation (TBA values in mg/kg of meat) for chicken (< 0.19 mg/kg) and tuna were low (< 0.16 mg/kg) and for beef (1.06 mg/kg). Even though there was a significant effect of storage time (P < 0.05) as expected, no significant (P >0.05) differences were observed between the four tested pad types over the 8-day testing period. In study 2, (Chapter 4) a significant antioxidant effect (P < 0.05) was observed in L* values of ground chicken color between treatments. Milk mineral effectively preserved fresh color and slowed lipid oxidation in chicken patties by day 10. Inverse correlations (P < 0.001) were observed between pH (increasing), and lightness, redness values (decreasing) from day 1 through 10. Increased pH levels from slightly acidic to basic or physiological pH resulted in high numbers for total aerobic plate-counts. There was a significant antioxidant effect on lipid oxidation values by day 10; eugenol and MM were more effective (P < 0.05) than STPP in controlling lipid oxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (0.198 mg/kg, 0.198 mg/kg, and 0.268 mg/kg, respectively). In conclusion, CO2 generating absorbent pads did not have a positive effect on meat quality, while the antioxidant milk mineral efficiently maintained color, and pH, and controlled lipid oxidation and limited the growth of aerobic bacteria when compared to other antioxidants.

Thesis (PhD (Food Sc))--Stellenbosch University, 2011.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Ostrich meat has become increasingly popular in South Africa and abroad, driven by the health conscious trend and ostrich meat’s natural low intramuscular fat, high polyunsaturated fatty acid and low cholesterol content. This increased demand led to the investigation of novel packaging regimes to improve its attractiveness and shelf-life. Different modified atmospheric packaging regimes were studied for fresh and frozenthawed ostrich M.iIliofibularis steaks stored at ±4°C for 10 days. Oxygen MAP (30 CO2:70 O2) was applied with great success to fresh steaks, and resulted in significantly improved colour stability, decreased drip loss and a 10-day shelf-life. Oxygen MAP of frozen-thawed ostrich steaks was not successful as the colour deteriorated within 3 days, coupled with high lipid and protein oxidation. The microbial shelf-life was not influenced by freezing and thawing. The use of nitrogen MAP (30 CO2:70 N2) as an alternative to vacuum packaging for fresh and frozen-thawed ostrich meat was inconclusive due to trace amounts of residual oxygen in the headspace accelerating myoglobin oxidation by depleting the metmyoglobin reducing activity. The differences in oxidative stability of the fresh and frozen-thawed ostrich meat led to the investigation of the source of these differences and a system that would allow control over the freezing and thawing practice. This was supported by the industry that is under increasing pressure to reduce the excessive (15-20%) thaw weight loss that is continually reported. Subsequently, a mathematical prediction model based on the control volume approach was developed that predicted the rate of freezing and thawing of intact whole vacuum-packed ostrich muscle. The model predicted with greater accuracy than existing models, and can be used successfully by the industry to optimally design, control and operate their systems. Furthermore research was conducted to investigate the effect of different freezing and thawing rates on the ice crystal formation and the quality of ostrich M. femorotibialis stored at ±4°C post freeze/thaw. Five characteristic freezing rates (FR (time from 0°C to -7°C): 1, 2, 4, 8, 24h) were paired with five characteristic thawing rates (TR (time form -7°C to 0°C): 1.5, 3, 6.5, 14, 21h) in a completely randomised block design. Results showed that thawing had no impact on any of the tested quality parameters, including thaw loss. Freezing rate however did influence the ice crystal formation and at a characteristic freezing rate of one hour (FR_1h) only intracellular ice crystals were observed throughout the M. femorotibialis leading to the lowest thaw loss (2.57%) and highest shear force. Freezing rate of 2h, 4h and 8h (FR_2h, FR_4h and FR_8h) were dominated by extracellular ice crystals. FR_2h and FR_8h showed major dehydration of the muscle fibres and excessive distortion of the muscle fibre matrix that led to significantly lower oxidative stability. FR_24h (approximately commercial rates) formed columns of ice from the surface to the centre of the meat resulting in the highest thaw loss (6.24%). FR_4h was judged to deliver the best quality product with moderate thaw (3.93%) and drip loss, low cooking loss, good colour stability and extremely low TBARS. FR_4h is an achievable rate of freezing for the industry and if implemented should decrease the thaw loss problem as well as increase revenue and throughput in the processing facility.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: ‘n Hedendaagse strewe na ‘n gesonde lewenstyl tesame met die natuurlike lae vetinhoud (d.i. hoë poli-onversadigde vetsure en lae cholesterolvlak) van volstruisvleis het gelei tot ‘n toename in die nasionale en internasionale aanvraag. Hierdie het ook die behoefte laat ontstaan om nuwe verpakkingstegnieke te ondersoek om sodoende die aanvaarbaarheid en rakleeftyd van die produk te verleng. Die invloed van verskeie gewysigde atmosferiese verpakkingsmetodes (GAV) op die kleurstabiliteit, drupverlies en rakleeftyd van vars en bevrore/ontdooide volstruisvleis (spesifiek M. Iliofibularis), gestoor by ±4°C vir 10 dae, is ondersoek. Die suurstof GAV (30 CO2:70 O2) van vars volstruisvleis het ‘n verbetering in kleurstabiliteit, verlaagde drupverlies en 'n verlengde mikrobiese rakleeftyd (10 dae) tot gevolg gehad. Die suurstof GAV van bevrore-ontdooide volstruisvleis het geen voordelige effek op kleurstabiliteit en rakleeftyd getoon nie. Die bevrore/ontdooide monsters het totaal verkleur na 3 dae en ‘n hoë vlak van lipied- en proteïenoksidasie is waargeneem. Die bevriesing en ontdooiing het geen invloed op rakleeftyd gehad nie. Die moontlikheid om stikstof GAV (30 CO2:70 N2) as 'n alternatief tot vakuumverpakking vir vars en bevrore/ontdooide volstruisvleis te gebruik, is beïnvloed deur die teenwoordigheid van oorblywende suurstof in die lugruimte van die GAV, met ‘n gevolglike toename in die tempo van mioglobien oksidasie as gevolg van ‘n afname in die metmioglobien reduksie aktiwiteit. Die verskil in die oksidatiewe stabiliteit van vars en bevrore/ontdooide volstruisvleis het gelei tot ‘n verdere ondersoek na die oorsaak van die verskille en die ontwikkeling van ‘n moontlike protokol om die oksidatiewe stabiliteit en dus rakleeftyd van volstruisvleis, te verbeter en bestuur. Die behoefte aan so ‘n protokol is beklemtoon deur die bedryf wat onder toenemende druk verkeer om buitensporige ontdooiingsverliese (15-20%) te verminder. ‘n Wiskundige voorspellingsmodel, gebaseer op die beheer-volume benadering, is ontwikkel om die tempo van bevriesing en ontdooiing van vakuumverpakte heel volstruisspiere te voorspel. Die model het tempo van bevriesing en ontdooiing met groter akkuraatheid as die bestaande modelle voorspel en kan suksesvol gebruik word in die bestuur van slagpale. Verder navorsing is onderneem om ondersoek in te stel na die effek van die tempo van bevriesing en ontdooiing op die kwaliteit van die bevrore-ontdooide volstruisvleis tydens berging by ±4°C. Die invloed van die kombinasie van vyf bevriesingstempo’s (FR (tydsverloop 0°C tot -7°C): 1, 2, 4, 8, 24 h) met vyf ontdooiingstempo’s (OT (tydsverloop -7°C to 0°C): 1.5, 3, 6.5, 14, 21 h) is ondersoek. Die resultate het getoon dat ontdooiingstempo geen beduidende invloed op enige van die kwaliteit kriteria, insluitend ontdooiingsverlies, gehad het nie. Bevriesingtempo het egter ‘n groot rol ten opsigte van yskristalvorming gespeel. Teen ‘n kenmerkende bevriesingstempo van een uur (FR_1h) was slegs intrasellulêre yskristalle waargeneem dwarsdeur die M. femorotibialis wat gelei het tot die laagste ontdooiingsverlies (2.57 %). Die ander bevriesingstempo’s, d.i. FR_2h, FR_4h en FR_8h, het gelei tot die vorming van meestal ekstrasellulêre yskristalle. Bevriesingstempo’s van FR_2h en FR_8h het beduidende dehidrasie van die spiervesels en vervorming van die spiervesel matriks tot gevolg gehad, wat tot verhoogde oksidasie gelei het. ‘n Bevriesingstempo van FR_24h (d.i. kommersieële tempo), het gelei tot die vorming van yskolomme van die oppervlak na die middelpunt van die spier, wat gevolglik die grootste ontdooiingsverlies (6.24%) tot gevolg gehad het. ‘n Bevriesingstempo van vier ure (FR_4h) is bestempel as die mees geskikte bevriesings tempo as gevolg van ‘n matige ontdooiingsverlies (3.93%), drupverlies, lae kookverlies, goeie kleur stabiliteit en uiters lae lipiedoksidasie te verseker. Die FR_4h bevriesingstempo is haalbare in die bedryf. Indien dit geïmplementeer word, sal dit waarskynlik die deurset van die slagpalesiklus asook die kostedoeltreffendheid van die volstruisbedryf vebeter, deur die vermindering van ontdooiingsverlies en verbetering van die algehele kwalitiet van die vleis.

Master of Science
Food Science Institute
James L. Marsden
Consumers demand for high quality, natural and fresh tasting food, free from preservatives and additives, with a clean label and an extended shelf life has increased. High pressure processing (HPP), also known as high hydrostatic pressure, is a non-thermal food preservation technique that has the potential to meet these demands. It is an opportunity to preserve food, by applying intensive pressure in the range of 300-900 MPa, without adversely affecting organoleptic, textural and nutritional qualities as thermal processing like pasteurization and sterilization may do. In a typical high pressure batch cycle, the food prepackaged in a high-barrier flexible pouch or a plastic container is loaded into a perforated basket that goes into the pressure vessel; the pressure is then increased to the processing target pressure (come-up time); the product is held at the desired pressure for 3 to 10 minutes (pressure holding time); after which the pressure is released in usually few seconds (decompression time) and the product can be unloaded at this point. The pressure is applied uniformly in all directions simultaneously and this is known as isostatic pressure. Pressurization is usually accompanied by a moderate and uniform temperature increase called adiabatic heating. However, the food product usually rapidly returns to its initial temperature at decompression. With the recent shift in consumer lifestyle toward healthy living and healthier food, the consumption of raw fruits and vegetables has increased in popularity. However, as per the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, fruits and vegetables have recently been associated with multiple foodborne disease outbreaks; the effect of high pressure processing on microbial safety, quality and sensory characteristics of fruits and vegetables has therefore been widely investigated as an alternative to traditional food processing and preservation methods. HPP inactivates microorganisms and quality-deteriorating enzymes and has limited effects on covalent bonds resulting in minimal modifications of food-quality attributes such as color, flavor and nutritional values. However, depending on the fruit or vegetable, high pressure could induce chemical or biochemical reactions that can affect their quality attributes.

[EN] The use of latent heat storage materials containing phase change materials (PCM's) is an effective way of buffering thermal fluctuations and has the advantages of high-energy storage density and the isothermal nature of the storage process. The aim of this work was to develop novel heat management materials based on the encapsulation of PCM's for different applications of interest in refrigerated foods. To this end, the electro-hydrodynamic processing was used to encapsulate commercial PCM's with transition temperatures of interest in refrigeration and superchilling within different polymer and biopolymer matrices. Initially, materials with heat management capacity to be used in refrigeration equipment and packaging applications were designed. To this end, thick slabs, multilayer heat storage structures and polystyrene foam trays containing ultrathin fiber-structured polystyrene/PCM coatings were fabricated through the encapsulation of commercial phase change materials (specifically paraffin's) within different polymeric matrices. The morphology, thermal properties, encapsulation efficiency and temperature profile of the just prepared structures and after three months of storage at 4 and 25ºC were evaluated. However, the developed electrospun heat management materials showed a multiple crystallization profile, increased supercooling degree (difference between the melting and crystallization temperatures), low encapsulation efficiency and partial diffusion out of the PCM from the electrospun structures during ageing. Therefore, different strategies were been carried out to counteract these drawbacks. One the one hand, thermal energy storage systems including a PCM which crystallize at -1.5ºC were optimized by adjusting the solvent composition in order to obtain hybrid electrospun fibers with thermal properties similar to those of the neat PCM. On the other hand, a hydrophilic shell material based on polyvinylalcohol (PVOH) was used to encapsulate the PCM by using the emulsion electrospinning technique in order to improve the encapsulation efficiency. However, the hybrid structures thus prepared were highly soluble in water at high relative humidity conditions and an extra layer of a more hydrophobic material (polycaprolactone) through coaxial electrospinning was used to protect them from swelling. The use of the coaxial configuration was a good strategy to preserve the morphology of the electrospun structures when exposed to high relative humidity.
[ES] El uso de materiales de almacenamiento de calor latente que contienen materiales de cambio de fase (PCM's) es una manera eficiente de amortiguar las fluctuaciones de temperatura y presenta las ventajas de proveer alta densidad de almacenamiento de energía y la naturaleza isotérmica del proceso de almacenamiento. El objetivo de este trabajo fue desarrollar nuevos materiales con capacidad de gestión de calor mediante la encapsulación de PCM's para diferentes aplicaciones de interés en alimentos refrigerados. Para ello, se utilizó el procesado electrohidrodinámico para encapsular PCM's comerciales con temperaturas de transición de fase de interés en refrigeración y superenfriamiento dentro de matrices poliméricas y biopoliméricas. Inicialmente, se diseñaron materiales con capacidad de gestión de calor para ser utilizados en equipos de refrigeración y aplicaciones de envasado. Con este propósito, se fabricaron bloques, estructuras multicapa y bandejas de poliestireno que contenían un recubrimiento de fibras nanoestructuradas ultrafinas mediante la encapsulación de materiales de cambio de fase (especialmente parafinas) dentro de diferentes matrices poliméricas. Se evaluó la morfología, propiedades térmicas, eficiencia de encapsulación y perfil de temperatura de las estructuras recién preparadas y después de tres meses de almacenamiento a 4 y 25ºC. No obstante, se observó que los materiales electroestirados con capacidad de gestión de calor presentaron un perfil de cristalización múltiple, un incremento en el grado de subenfriamiento (diferencia entre las temperaturas de fusión y de cristalización), baja eficiencia de encapsulación y una difusión parcial del PCM de las estructuras electroestiradas durante el periodo de almacenamiento. Para contrarrestar estos efectos, se llevaron a cabo dos estrategias diferentes. Por un lado, se optimizaron los sistemas de almacenamiento de energía térmica incluyendo un PCM que cristaliza a -1.5ºC mediante el ajuste de la composición de los disolventes con el fin de obtener fibras hibridas electroestiradas con propiedades térmicas similares al PCM puro. Por otro lado, para mejorar la eficiencia de encapsulación se utilizó un material hidrófilo basado en polivinilalcohol (PVOH) como material de recubrimiento para encapsular el PCM usando la técnica de electroestirado a partir de una emulsión. Sin embargo, se observó que las estructuras hibridas preparadas fueron altamente solubles en agua y en condiciones de alta humedad relativa. Por tanto, para protegerlos se incorporó una capa adicional de un material más hidrofóbico (policaprolactona) mediante la técnica de electroestirado coaxial. El uso de la configuración coaxial fue la mejor estrategia para preservar la morfología de las estructuras electroestiradas cuando éstas fueron expuestas a condiciones de alta humedad relativa.
[CAT] L'ús de materials d'emmagatzematge de calor latent que contenen materials de canvi de fase (PCM) és una manera eficaç d'esmorteir les fluctuacions tèrmiques. A més a més presenta els avantatges de posseir una alta densitat d'emmagatzematge energia així com la naturalesa isotèrmica del procés d'emmagatzematge. L'objectiu d'aquest treball va ser desenvolupar productes amb capacitat de gestió de calor mitjançat l' encapsulació de PCM per a diferents aplicacions d'interès en la conservació d'aliments refrigerats. Amb aquesta finalitat, es va utilitzar el processament electro-hidrodinàmic per encapsular PCM comercials dins de diferents matrius polimériques i biopolimériques, amb temperatures de transició d'interès en el procés de conservació d'aliments refrigerats. Inicialment, es van dissenyar materials amb capacitat de gestió de calor per ser utilitzats en equips de refrigeració i en el envasat d'aliments refrigerats. Per a tal fi, es van dissenyar blocs, materials multicapa i safates de poliestirè que contenien un recobriment nanoestructurat i ultrafí amb encapsulats de materials de canvi de fase comercials (específicament parafines) dins de diverses matrius polimèriques. Es va caracteritzar la morfologia, les propietats tèrmiques, l'eficiència de encapsulació i la capacitat d'emmagatzematge d'energia just en el moment en el que es van preparar i després de tres mesos d'emmagatzematge a 4 y 25ºC. No obstant això, els materials desenvolupats van mostrar un perfil de cristal·lització múltiple, un augment del grau de subrefredament (diferència entre les temperatures de fusió i de cristal·lització), una baixa eficiència d'encapsulació i una difusió parcial del PCM de les estructures electroestirades durant el període d'emmagatzematge. Per tant, diferents estratègies han estat portades a terme per contrarestar aquests inconvenients. D'una banda, amb la finalitat d'obtenir fibres híbrides electroestirades amb propietats tèrmiques similars a les de la PCM pur, es van optimitzar els sistemes d'emmagatzematge d'energia tèrmica que incloïen un PCM que fon a -1,5 ºC variant la composició dels dissolvents. D'altra banda, es va utilitzar un material de la closca hidròfil basat en polivinílic alcohol (PVOH) per encapsular el PCM mitjançant l'ús de la tècnica d'electroestirat d'una emulsió per tal de millorar l'eficiència d'encapsulació. No obstant això, les estructures híbrides així preparades van ser altament soluble en aigua a altes condicions d'humitat relativa i va ser necessari utilitzar una capa addicional d'un material més hidròfob (policaprolactona) a través de la configuració coaxial de l'equip d'electroestirat. L'ús de la configuració coaxial va ser una bona estratègia per preservar la morfologia de les estructures electroestirades quan s'exposen a altes humitats relatives.
Chalco Sandoval, W. (2015). Development of Temperature Buffering Material Concepts Based on Electro-Hydrodynamic Processing of Interest in the Food Cold Chain [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/53349
TESIS

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Dissertação (Mestrado)
IPEN/D
Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN/CNEN-SP

Machine vision systems and artificial intelligence techniques are two active research areas in the context of Industry 4.0. Their combination allows the reproduction of human procedures while improving the performance of the processes. However, to achieve the desired full automation, there is a need for new applications able to cover as many industrial scenarios and processes as possible. One of the areas that needs further research and development is the quality control of food packaging, and more specifically in the closure and sealing control of thermoforming packages. The shortcomings in this area were detected by TAVIL who, in collaboration with GILAB, proposed an Industrial Doctorate to investigate, develop and integrate in real scenarios new methods to improve the packaging stage of the food industry by using machine vision systems and artificial intelligence techniques. In the context of this Industrial Doctorate, two focuses of research were defined that differ at the level at which the problem is studied. The first focused on the quality control of food packages, and the second on the efficient management of machine vision systems in industrial scenarios
Els sistemes de visió per computador i les tècniques d’intel·ligència artificial són dues àrees de recerca actives en el context de la Indústria 4.0. La seva combinació permet la reproducció de procediments humans millorant al mateix temps el rendiment dels processos. Malgrat això, per aconseguir l’automatització completa desitjada, hi ha la necessitat de noves aplicacions capaces de cobrir el màxim d’escenaris i processos industrials possibles. Una de les àrees que necessita més investigació i desenvolupament és el control de qualitat dels envasos d’aliments, i més concretament, el control del tancament i del segellat d’envasos termoformats. Les necessitats en aquesta àrea van ser identificades per TAVIL que, amb col·laboració amb GILAB, van proposar un Doctorat Industrial per investigar, desenvolupar i integrar en escenaris reals nous mètodes per millorar l’etapa d’envasat de la indústria alimentària mitjançant sistemes de visió per computador i tècniques d’intel·ligència artificial. En el context d’aquest Doctorat Industrial, s’han seguit dues línies d’investigació que es diferencien en el nivell en el qual estudien el problema. La primera línia es basa en el control de qualitat d’envasos d’aliments, mentre que la segona es basa en el control eficient de sistemes de visió per computador en escenaris industrials
Programa de Doctorat en Tecnologia

The grocery retailing has evolved over the past 60 years from small, local retailers to out-of-town hypermarkets and now the rise of e-commerce of groceries is reshaping the landscape.   This report seeks to understand how the growing field of e-commerce of groceries is affecting a processing & packaging solution provider like Tetra Pak and further identify business opportunities for Tetra Pak. The company has a unique role within the food industry in which they sell around 185 billion packages every year and they have been reshaping the food industry to where it has gotten today with the iconic package for milk and the subsequent introduction of aseptic technology that made it possible to sustain a longer shelf life for its products.   Further, to achieve the research objective, three goals were set up:   Identify the value chain for e-grocery and compare with traditional grocery Identify implication e-grocery has on the packaging system Present business opportunities based on the findings   The first goal was achieved by mapping out e-grocers value chain from a holistic point of view and with further analysis the two following goals could be answered.   The value chain for e-grocery is evidentially different from the traditional value chain in that they offer a service of picking and packing and then deliver safely to the consumer. Within that service e-grocers are facing a lot of challenges and inefficiencies including the high operational cost for their delivery model, conveying the trustworthiness of their service, providing flexibility in line with the consumers’ lifestyle and preference in regards of time-slots and delivery option. Further, technological trends and ventures indicate that e-grocery will advance in the future. Considering technologies such as Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning and Augmented Reality, will lead to new opportunities both for e-grocers but also food producers.   The packaging system for e-grocery indicated that new requirements such as Portion/recipe sized package, isolating grocery bags/ primary packages that can handle the last-mile distribution are needed. Further, Tetra Pak’s package Tetra Brick Aseptic is found to be suitable for e-grocery however it should be tested in order to know exactly how good it is. The stakeholder involved have optimized towards the traditional value chain and seeing that the online grocery shopping is gaining a rapid growth there are both opportunities and challenges to take upon.

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Tese (Doutorado em Tecnologia Nuclear)
IPEN/T
Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

Contamination of packaged foods due to micro-organisms entering through air leaks can cause serious public health issues and cost companies large amounts of money due to product recalls, consumer impact and subsequent loss of market share. The main source of contamination is leaks in packaging which allow air, moisture and microorganisms to enter the package. In the food processing and packaging industry worldwide, there is an increasing demand for cost effective state of the art inspection technologies that are capable of reliably detecting leaky seals and delivering products at six-sigma. The new technology will develop non-destructive testing technology using digital imaging and sensing combined with a differential vacuum technique to assess seal integrity of food packages on a high-speed production line. The cost of leaky packages in Australian food industries is estimated close to AUD $35 Million per year. Contamination of packaged foods due to micro-organisms entering through air leaks can cause serious public health issues and cost companies large sums of money due to product recalls, compensation claims and loss of market share. The main source of contamination is leaks in packaging which allow air, moisture and micro-organisms to enter the package. Flexible plastic packages are widely used, and are the least expensive form of retaining the quality of the product. These packets can be used to seal, and therefore maximise, the shelf life of both dry and moist products. The seals of food packages need to be airtight so that the food content is not contaminated due to contact with microorganisms that enter as a result of air leakage. Airtight seals also extend the shelf life of packaged foods, and manufacturers attempt to prevent food products with leaky seals being sold to consumers. There are many current NDT (non-destructive testing) methods of testing the seal of flexible packages best suited to random sampling, and for laboratory purposes. The three most commonly used methods are vacuum/pressure decay, bubble test, and helium leak detection. Although these methods can detect very fine leaks, they are limited by their high processing time and are not viable in a production line. Two nondestructive in-line packaging inspection machines are currently available and are discussed in the literature review. The detailed design and development of the High-Speed Sensing and Detection System (HSDS) is the fundamental requirement of this project and the future prototype and production unit. Successful laboratory testing was completed and a methodical design procedure was needed for a successful concept. The Mechanical tests confirmed the vacuum hypothesis and seal integrity with good consistent results. Electrically, the testing also provided solid results to enable the researcher to move the project forward with a certain amount of confidence. The laboratory design testing allowed the researcher to confirm theoretical assumptions before moving into the detailed design phase. Discussion on the development of the alternative concepts in both mechanical and electrical disciplines enables the researcher to make an informed decision. Each major mechanical and electrical component is detailed through the research and design process. The design procedure methodically works through the various major functions both from a mechanical and electrical perspective. It opens up alternative ideas for the major components that although are sometimes not practical in this application, show that the researcher has exhausted all engineering and functionality thoughts. Further concepts were then designed and developed for the entire HSDS unit based on previous practice and theory. In the future, it would be envisaged that both the Prototype and Production version of the HSDS would utilise standard industry available components, manufactured and distributed locally. Future research and testing of the prototype unit could result in a successful trial unit being incorporated in a working food processing production environment. Recommendations and future works are discussed, along with options in other food processing and packaging disciplines, and other areas in the non-food processing industry.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2002
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Prototypes of a new polymer S02 gas-generating sheet for the control of Botrytis cinerea during the post-harvest storage of table grapes, were developed and manufactured for evaluation using a pilot scale production plant. Attention was paid to the appearance of the sheet, in order to make it technologically efficient as well as aesthetically acceptable to both industry and consumers. The storage quality of semi-commercial export consignments of various cultivars table grapes packed with the monolithic thin-film polymer S02 slow release sheet, was evaluated and compared to results obtained using the locally manufactured Uvasys S02 sheet. The following were investigated: the efficacy of the new polymer sheets in controlling storage decay, the stage at which S02 damage is manifested on table grapes, the level of S02 damage associated with different S02 concentrations, whether S02 damage is manifested more readily at a particular position on the bunch, and the possible effect of an increase in storage temperature, from an initial storage at -O.5°C to 10°C, on the levels of S02 bleaching. Results showed that the new polymer S02 sheet compared favourably with the existing, commercially available Uvasys S02 sheets. The exact S02 concentration required for effective decay control varied for different cultivars, as well as for the different types of grape packages. The S02 concentration incorporated within the sheet was shown to be lower for grapes packed in non-perforated bags, and slightly higher for those in perforated bags. Differences between cultivars occurred with regard to the level of control and the levels of S02 damage. Levels of S02 damage were also significantly affected by the storage period and temperature fluctuations. No significant differences in the levels of decay development and S02 damage were observed in relation to the orientation of the bunches in the carton. The extent of damage incurred to grape tissue by the absorption of S02 gas was determined by low-temperature scanning (LTSEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. LTSEM and TEM micrographs of areas damaged by S02 gas revealed that exposure to S02 gas may lead to plasmolysis and the loss of cellular fluids. Although damage to the cell walls, cell wall structures and cell membranes, caused by S02 gas, was more prominent in the tissue layers nearer to the fruit surface, damage also occurred to a lesser extent in deeper tissue layers. S02 gas release-rate studies of polymer S02 sheets containing various concentrations Na2S205 revealed that levels of S02 gas emitted depended largely on the levels of Na2S205 incorporated into the sheets. Higher levels of S02 gas were released with the polymer sheets of higher concentrations Na2S205. The release curve for the commercial Uvasys S02 sheet was very different to that of the polymer sheets, with much higher levels of S02 gas emitted initially by the Uvasys S02 sheet compared to the polymer sheets, while the polymer sheets emitted low levels of S02 gas for longer periods compared to the Uvasys S02 sheet. The manufacturing process and the pilot scale production plant that was developed and constructed was successfully used to manufacture polymer S02 generating sheets that are technically sound and efficient, and aesthetically acceptable to industry. The efficacy of such sheets, regarding levels of decay control and S02 damage, was similar to that obtained with the presently available, commercially used Uvasys S02 sheet.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: 'n Nuwe polimeriese S02-gasvrystellingsvel vir die beheer van Botritis cinerea gedurende die na-oes opberging van tafeldruiwe is ontwikkel en vervaardig. 'n Nuwe loodsaanleg is spesiaal vir hierdie doel ontwerp en gebou. Aandag is geskenk aan die voorkoms van die velle aangesien dit belangrik is dat die nuwe velle beide tegnologies effektief en esteties aanvaarbaar moet wees vir die sagtevrugtebedryf en verbruikers. Die opbergingskwaliteit van semi-kommersiële uitvoerbesendings van verskeie kultivars tafeldruiwe, verpak met die nuwe monolitiese S02- gasvrystellingsvelle, is bepaal. Die volgende is ook bepaal: die effektiwiteit van die nuwe polimeriese velle, die stadium waarby S02-skade op die druiwe duidelik word, die vlak van S02-skade wat met verskillende konsentasies S02-gas geassosieer is, die moontlike invloed wat 'n toename in temperatuur (vanaf -0.5° tot 1DOC) op die verbleiking deur S02 sal hê, en of die S02-skade by voorkeur in 'n sekere posisie op die druiwe sal plaasvind. Die nuwe S02-vel het baie goed vergelyk met die kommersieël beskikbare Uvasys S02-vel. Die S02-konsentrasie benodig vir die effektiewe beheer van Botritis cinerea beskadiging het egter van kultivar tot kultivar verskil. Die keuse van die tipe verpakking, geperforeerd of ongeperforeerd, het ook 'n rol gespeel. Die konsentrasie S02-gas benodig vir effektiewe beheer was laer wanneer die druiwe in die nie-geperforeerde sakke verpak was. Vlakke van S02-skade is ook noemenswaardig beïnvloed deur die opbergingsperiode en variasies in temperatuur. Daar was geen duidelike verskil in die ontwikkeling van bederf en S02-skade ten opsigte van die posisie van die trosse in die karton nie. Die mate van S02-skade aan vrugweefsel is deur middel van laetemperatuurskandeerelektronmikroskopie (LTSEM) en transmissieelektronmikroskopie (TEM) bepaal. Daar is bevind dat die blootstelling aan S02 moontlik tot plasmolise en die uitlek van sellulêre vloeistof kon lei. Alhoewel S02-skade aan die selwande en membrane meer prominent in die weefsel naby die oppervlak van die vrug was, het skade ook in die onderliggende lae plaasgevind. Die vlakke van vrygestelde S02-gas het grootendeels afgehang van die konsentrasie natriummetabisulfiet in die velle. Die S02-vrystellingskurwe van die nuut ontwikkelde polimeriese S02-velle het baie verskil van dié van die Uvasys vel. Laasgenoemde lewer aanvanklik 'n hoë konsentrasie vrygestelde S02-gas vir 'n kort periode, gevolg deur baie lae S02 vlakke daarna, terwyl eersgenoemde 'n laer aanvanklike S02 vrystelling het, gevolg deur vergelykederwys hoër S02 konsentrasies daarna. Die ontwikkelde vervaardigingsproses en die loodsaanleg wat daaruit voortgevloei het is dus suksesvol aangewend om goeie polimeriese S02- vrystellingsvelle te vervaardig. Hierdie velle is tegnies effektief vir die beheer van Bofrifis cinerea gedurende die na-oes verpakking van tafeldruiwe en is esteties aanvaarbaar vir die Suid Afrikaanse sagtevrugtebedryf.

High pressure (HP) kinetics of the microbial destruction and changes in the physicochemical characteristics of milk and pork were studied. Raw milk samples containing indigenous microflora of approximately 106 CFU/mL were heat sealed in dual peel sterilization pouches and subjected to HP treatment from 150--400 MPa with holding times ranging 5--120 min. The kinetic parameters (rate constant, k and decimal reduction time, D) for the microorganisms, alkaline phosphatase, color and viscosity were evaluated, based on first order kinetics and the pressure dependence of kinetic parameters was evaluated using pressure destruction time (PDT) and Arrhenius models. Kinetic data was well described by the first order model (R 2 > 0.90).
The application of pressure pulse was explored for pressure destruction of microorganisms as well as changes in physical-chemical characteristics of pork chops. Pork chops (2 days post-rigor) were subjected to HP treatment from 200--350 MPa for 0--120 min. Results showed that pressure changes of pork variables followed a dual effect consisting of an instantaneous pressure kill (IPK) with the application of pressure pulse (no holding) and a subsequent first order rate of destruction during the pressure hold time. The IPK values were pressure dependent and increased with pressure level. Parameters k and D indicated a higher rate of pressure destruction of microorganisms compared to quality attributes.
Kinetics of pressure destruction of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A were studied in relation to those of indigenous microorganism of milk and pork. The IPK was more pronounced with L. monocytogenes than with indigenous microflora. However, the kinetic parameters (k and D values) indicated a larger pressure resistance for L. monoctyogenes. HP processes were developed based on the standard plate count (SPC) kinetic data for indigenous microflora of milk as well as L. monocytogenes in milk and pork. The results showed that SPC kinetics permitted good estimation of microbial destruction in low pressure-lethality processes of milk and pork but its application at higher pressure-lethality levels were inaccurate. On the other hand, processes established based an destruction of L. monocytogenes were more predictable. Pressure pulse application to microbial lethality was also well predicted.
The shelf-life of milk and pork increased with the level of applied pressure lethality, but Q10 values suggested that low storage temperature was nevertheless required to control microbial growth and maintain quality. Storage of HP treated park offered some improvement in the texture but resulted in large color changes and drip losses. L. monocytogenes were not detected in any of the stored milk samples HP treated to achieve a lethality ≥10D.

Пакувальні матеріали відіграють важливу роль у формуванні асортименту товарів, їх іміджу, забезпеченні, зберігаємості в процесі товаропросування. Ринок України диктує поступовий розвиток промисловості й сільського господарства в напрямку створення якісних товарів у надійній упаковці. Сучасна ефективна та приваблива упаковка трансформувалась в активний ринковий інструмент.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo estabelecer a tecnologia de processamento mínimo de laranja \'Pêra\', visando obtenção de um produto conveniente com qualidade microbiológica e sensorial que atendam às necessidades do consumidor. Primeiramente, visando facilitar o descascamento das laranjas foi estudado o efeito do tratamento hidrotérmico no tempo de descascamento e na qualidade dos frutos minimamente processados armazenados a 6°C. Frutos resfriados a 6°C e imersos em água a 50°C por 8 minutos, foram descascados num tempo 3,2 vezes menor que as laranjas controle. O rendimento em laranjas comercializáveis foi de 95% para laranjas tratadas hidrotermicamente contra 60% para laranjas controle. As laranjas tratadas hidrotermicamente foram preferidas quanto à aparência e não tiveram sua qualidade físicoquímica e sensorial afetada. Em uma segunda etapa, foi determinada a eficácia da sanificação no processamento mínimo das laranjas. Os níveis de contaminação tanto por fungos quanto por bactérias foram baixos, atingindo no máximo 4 x 102 UFC.g-1. Não foram detectados coliformes nem Salmonella. Embora todas as contagens microbianas tenham sido baixas em todos os tratamentos, naqueles nos quais se utilizou sanificação foram encontradas as menores contaminações, mostrando a eficácia da sanificação. Na terceira etapa estudou-se o efeito de níveis de processamento mínimo e de temperaturas de armazenamento na atividade respiratória e na produção etileno das laranjas. O processamento interferiu na atividade respiratória, sendo maior essa influência imediatamente após o descascamento e separação dos segmentos. O processamento mínimo de laranjas nas formas inteiras com ou sem albedo afetou a atividade respiratória somente na primeiras horas após o processamento. Durante todo período de armazenamento a atividade respiratória das laranjas a 1° e 11°C não diferiram entre si, sendo inferior à das laranjas a 21° e 31°C. O etileno foi detectado apenas nos frutos mantidos a 21° e 31°C. O quociente de temperatura foi maior na faixa de 11-21°C. Na quarta etapa foram estudadas tecnologias de embalagem, quanto à eficácia na manutenção da qualidade microbiológica, sensorial e físico-química da laranja \'Pêra\' minimamente processada. A embalagem de PVC foi tão eficiente quanto a embalagem de polipropileno sob atmosfera modificada passiva ou ativa, dentro do período avaliado, permitindo a conservação das laranjas por até 9 dias a 12°C e até 12 dias a 6°C.
The purpose of this work was to establish a minimal processing technology for \'Pera\' orange in order to obtain a suitable product with microbiological and sensory qualities meeting customers' needs. Firstly, in order to make orange peeling easier, it was studied the effect of the hydrothermal treatment on peeling time and quality of minimally processed fruits stored at 6°C. Fruits cooled at 6°C and immersed in water at 50°C for 8 minutes were peeled 3.2 times faster than control oranges. Commercial yield of hydrothermally treated oranges was 95%, while in control oranges it was 60%. Hydrothermally treated oranges showed better appearance with no alterations in their physicochemical and sensory qualities. Secondly, the sanification effectiveness in the minimal processing of oranges was determined. Contamination levels by fungi or bacteria were low, reaching a maximum of 4 x 102 CFU.g-1. No coliforms or Salmonella were detected. Although all microbial counts were low for all treatments, those undergoing sanification showed lower contamination rates, evidencing the sanification effectiveness. A third stage involved the study of the effect of minimal processing and storage temperatures on the respiratory activity and ethylene production in oranges. Processing influenced the respiratory activity especially immediately after peeling and separation of segments. Minimal processing of whole oranges, with or without albedo, affected the respiratory activity only during the first hours after processing. The respiratory activity of oranges at 1° and 11°C did not differ during all storage period and were lower than the respiratory activity of oranges stored at 21° and 31°C. Ethylene was detected only in fruits kept at 21° e 31°C. The temperature quotient was higher for 11-21°C A fourth stage involved the study of packaging technologies in relation to their effectiveness at maintaining microbial, sensory and physicochemical qualities in minimally processed \'Pera\' oranges. PVC film was as effective as the polypropylene one under passive or active modified atmosphere within the period evaluated, with oranges stored at 6° and 12°C showing shelf life of 12 and 9 days, respectively.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de revestimentos comestíveis na qualidade de mamão \'Formosa\' minimamente processado durante armazenamento a 5°C por 15 dias. Os tratamentos foram: o controle, e os seguintes revestimentos: amido de arroz 3%, alginato de sódio 0,5% e carboximetilcelulose 0,25%. O uso de revestimentos causou alterações nos parâmetros físicos, físico-químicos e microbiológicos do mamão minimamente processado, quando comparado ao controle. As alterações mais importantes foram: menor contagem de coliformes totais; menor respiração dos mamões tratados com amido de arroz e maior dos tratados com carboximetilcelulose, ao longo do tempo; menor descoloração da polpa dos frutos ao longo do armazenamento; maior manutenção da firmeza das amostras tratadas com carboximetilcelulose; e redução do teor de sólidos solúveis e aumento da acidez titulável. Os revestimentos não afetaram os atributos sensoriais. Como a maioria dos efeitos positivos das coberturas ocorreu no 12° e 15° dias e, considerando o custo da tecnologia relacionado ao preço dos revestimentos, a melhor opção, até 9 dias de armazenamento, consiste em fazer apenas uma boa sanitização dos frutos, como feito no controle. No entanto, se o interesse for preservar a vida útil dos mamões por um período maior, até 15 dias, os revestimentos testados podem ser utilizados com resultados satisfatórios.
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of edible coatings on the quality of minimally processed \'Formosa\' papaya during storage at 5°C for 15 days. The treatments were: the control, and the following coatings: rice starch 3%, sodium alginate 0.5% and carboxymethylcellulose 0.25%. The use of coatings caused changes in the physical, physicochemical and microbiological parameters of minimally processed papaya, when compared to control. The most important changes were: lower counts of total coliforms; lower respiration of papayas treated with rice starch and higher of those treated with carboxymethylcellulose over time; less fruit pulp discoloration during storage, increased firmness maintenance of samples treated with carboxymethylcellulose; and reduction of soluble solids and increased acidity. The coatings did not affect the sensory attributes. Since most of the positive effects of the coatings occurred at the 12th and 15th days, and considering the technology cost related to the price of coatings, the best option, until 9 days of storage, is just to do a good sanitization of fruits such as that of control samples. However, if the interest is to preserve the shelf life of papayas for a longer period, up to 15 days, the coatings tested could be used with satisfactory results.

Effiziente und zuverlässige Prozesse sind für die Produktion und das Verpacken von Verbrauchsgütern wie Lebensmittel aufgrund enorm hoher Produktionsmengen von großer Bedeutung. Auch im Getränkebereich steigt der Kostendruck und rückt die Bedeutung effizienter Prozesse in den Vordergrund. Mit systematischer Analyse des Betriebsverhaltens der Anlagen gelingt es, die technischen und organisatorischen Potenziale besser zu nutzen und die Gesamteffektivität der Produktion zu erhöhen.
Efficient and reliable processes for production and packaging are of great importance for high production quantity of consumer goods like food. Especially in the beverage industry the cost pressure is increasing, that’s why the significance of efficient processes gets more and more important. The systematic analysis of the operating behavior of machine equipment helps to find technical and organizational potential to increase the overall effectiveness of the production.

La presente investigación tiene como objeto de estudio analizar la implementación de los Meal Kits como acción en el cambio del modelo de negocio en el sector gastronómico afectado por las restricciones del COVID-19. El documento se centrará en las necesidades del emisor, en este caso el restaurante temático El Mexicano, las cuales representan un factor relevante cultural. Asimismo se evaluará el uso del meal kit con el usuario con el fin de abordar las problemáticas existentes por parte del usuario y proponer una solución que cumpla el mensaje y funciones de este nuevo producto implementado. en las necesidades del usuario y el emisor. Esta investigación es de carácter cualitativo ya que se evaluará la percepción sobre un objeto en específico, en este caso el Meal Kit. Contemplaremos su funcionalidad a través de las cualidades y valor diferencial que tiene la caja, así como la percepción ante el producto actual, la marca y la propuesta desarrollada. Entre los principales hallazgos se evidenció que la problemática abarcaba más que la pieza instructiva con la que contaba el Meal Kit. Por lo contrario, parte del problema principal era el almacenamiento de los insumos internos y su transporte. Por lo que la propuesta gráfica no consistió en una única pieza visual, en cambio propone una nueva forma de distribuir los alimentos para generar orden y sencillez de uso. Así la investigación propone una nueva perspectiva de transmitir la temática del restaurante sin obviar la usabilidad del Meal Kit.
The purpose of this research is to analyze the implementation of Meal Kits as an action in the change of the business model in the gastronomic sector affected by the restrictions of COVID-19. The document will focus on the issuer’s needs, in this case the thematic restaurant El Mexicano, which represent a relevant cultural factor. Likewise, the use of the meal kit with the user will be evaluated in order to address the existing problems on the part of the user and propose a solution that fulfills the message and functions of this new implemented product. in the needs of the user and the issuer. This research is qualitative since it will evaluate the perception of a specific object, in this case the Meal Kit. We will contemplate its functionality through the qualities and differential value that the box has, as well as the perception of the current product and the developed proposal. Among the main findings, it was evidenced that the problem covered more than the instructive piece that the Meal Kit had. On the contrary, part of the main problem was the storage of internal supplies and their transportation. Therefore, the graphic proposal did not consist of a single visual piece, instead it proposes a new way of distributing food to generate order and simplicity of use. Thus, the research proposes a new perspective of transmitting the theme of the restaurant without forgetting the usability of the Meal Kit
Trabajo de Suficiencia Profesional

Le règne végétal est une ressource renouvelable d'une large gamme de métabolites secondaires biologiquement actifs. Ces travaux de thèse proposent une stratégie multidisciplinaire d'évaluation du potentiel de composés phénoliques antimicrobiens d'origine végétale pour la conservation des aliments. Un criblage de l'activité antimicrobienne in vitro vis-à-vis de 8 souches de la flore pathogène et d'altération des aliments d'une centaine de molécules pures et une soixantaine d'extraits végétaux a d'abord permis de sélectionner les plus actifs. Différents mécanismes d'action vis-à-vis de S. aureus ont pu être mis en évidence par cytométrie de flux couplée à l'utilisation de marqueurs de l'état physiologique des bactéries pour quelques uns des composés actifs sélectionnés. En vue d'une application à de la viande bovine, l'activité antibactérienne des composés phénoliques ou extraits végétaux les plus actifs a été réévaluée dans des milieux de culture plus complexes mimant leur teneur en protéines et en matières grasses. Les résultats de ce criblage et un suivi microbiologique de viande hachée de bœuf avec 1% (m/m) d'extrait ajouté ont permis d'observer que les pertes d'activité antibactérienne observées étaient notamment corrélées aux interactions des composés phénoliques avec les protéines ou les matières grasses. L'incorporation des composés phénoliques ou extraits végétaux dans des matériaux d'emballage en contact alimentaire a constitué la seconde voie de mise en œuvre envisagée. Des films plastiques conservant une activité antibactérienne ont ainsi pu être élaborés par voie fondue
The plant kingdom is a renewable resource of a wide range of biologically active secondary metabolites. This thesis proposes a multidisciplinary strategy for evaluating the potential of plant-derived antimicrobial phenolic compounds for food preservation. A screening of the antimicrobial activity in vitro against 8 strains of foodborne pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms of a hundred pure molecules and about sixty plant extracts allowed to select the most active. Different mechanisms of action with respect to S. aureus could be demonstrated by flow cytometry coupled with the use of probes of the physiological state of the bacteria for some of the selected active compounds. For application to beef, the antibacterial activity of the most active phenolic compounds or plant extracts has been re-evaluated in more complex culture media mimicking their protein and fat content. The results of this screening and a microbiological monitoring of minced beef with 1% (m / m) of added extract made it possible to observe that the observed losses of antibacterial activity were in particular correlated with the interactions of the phenolic compounds with the proteins or fat. Incorporation of phenolic compounds or plant extracts into packaging materials in contact with food constituted was the second proposed route of implementation. Plastic films that retain antibacterial activity have thus been able to be prepared by melting

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a potencialidade dos revestimentos comestíveis à base de Fécula de mandioca e pectina com e sem adição de óleo de buriti para aplicação em melancia e melão minimamente processados, visando a extensão da vida de prateleira destes produtos. A qualidade do óleo de buriti adicionado aos revestimentos comestíveis foi comprovada através do parâmetros físico-químicos; densidade: 1021 kgm-3; índice de acidez: 1,59 % em ácido oleico; índice de peróxido: 6,20 meqKg-1 e viscosidade cinemática: 41,3 mm²s-1. A caracterização dos principais ácidos graxos presentes no óleo de buriti foi realizada por métodos espectroscópicos de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear de Prótons (1H-RMN) e Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier (FTIR). O ácido oleico (78%) foi o componente majoritário na composição do óleo de buriti. Os revestimentos comestíveis foram elaborados com 3% de fécula de mandioca ou 3% de pectina, 1% de glicerol ou 1% óleo de buriti, 2,5% de gelatina, 0,5% de ácido cítrico e 0,5% ácido ascórbico, os frutos minimamente processados foram revestidos utilizando a técnica de imersão. Os frutos revestidos foram analisados em relação ao pH, sólidos solúveis totais, acidez titulável e contagem microbiana ao longo de 10 dias de armazenamento. Os pH dos frutos revestidos variaram entre 5,35-5,76 para o melão e (4,52-5,49) para a melancia ao longo do tempo de armazenamento. Os teores de sólidos solúveis totais da melancia (7,6-9,6 °Brix) e do melão (7,2-8,6 °Brix) minimamente processados se mantiveram constantes para todos os revestimentos testados. A acidez titulável da melancia e do melão variou de 0,11 à 0,20 % e de 0,06 a 0,14 % em ácido cítrico, respectivamente. Os revestimentos comestíveis apresentaram eficiente barreira para permeabilidade de vapor, sendo que película à base de fécula proporcionou menor média de perda de massa da melancia (2,32%) e o revestimento fécula/óleo para o melão (3,39%). A população microbiana aeróbica e mesófila foi crescente ao longo do período de armazenamento em todos os revestimentos e no controle em ambos os frutos. Ao final dos 10 dias de armazenamento, a melancia apresentou crescimento de bactérias cerca de 9,0 log UFCmL-1, sendo o mesmo valor na população de bolores e leveduras. Os revestimentos fécula e pectina/óleo proporcionaram menor população de bactérias, aproximadamente 7,8 log UFCmL-1. O melão apresentou maiores valores de população de bactérias em comparação com a melancia no revestimento fécula e controle; 10,1 e 9,7 log UFCmL-1, v respectivamente. A contagem de bolores e leveduras também foi maior nos revestimentos fécula e fécula/óleo, aproximadamente 9,0 log UFCmL-1. Conclui-se que o óleo de buriti neste trabalho não apresentou atividade antimicrobiana nos revestimentos comestíveis presentes nos frutos. Os revestimentos comestíveis fécula e pectina proporcionaram à melancia condições adequadas para o consumo até o oitavo dia após o processamento. Entretanto no melão, apenas o revestimento pectina e pectina/óleo garantiram estabilidade microbiológica ao consumo até o quarto dia de armazenamento.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of cassava starch and pectin-based edible coatings with and without addition of buriti oil for application in minimally processed watermelon and melon, aiming to extend the shelf life of these products. The quality of the buriti oil added to the edible coatings was confirmed by physicochemical parameters; Density: 1021 kgm-3; Acidity index in oleic acid: 1.59%; Peroxide index: 6.20 meqKg-1 and kinematic viscosity: 41.3 mm²s-1. The characterization of the main fatty acids present in the buriti oil was performed by spectroscopic methods of Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Oleic acid (78%) had the major percent composition in the buriti oil. The edible coatings were prepared with the concentration of 3% cassava starch or 3% pectin, 1% glycerol or 1% buriti oil, 2.5% gelatin, 0.5% citric acid and 0.5% ascorbic acid, the minimally processed fruits were coated using the immersion technique. The coated fruits were analyzed for pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and microbial counts over 10 days of storage. The pH of the coated fruits varied between 5.35 and 5.76 for melon and 4.52 and 5.49 for watermelon over the storage time, respectively. The total soluble solids contents of minimally processed watermelon (7.6-9.6 ° Brix) and melon (7.2-8.63 ° Brix) remained constant for all evaluated coatings. The titratable acidity of watermelon and melon ranged from 0.11 to 0.20% and from 0.06 to 0.14% in citric acid. The edible coatings presented an efficient barrier for vapor permeability, being the starch-based film provided a lower average loss of watermelon mass (2.32%) and starch/oil coating for melon (3.39%). The aerobic and mesophilic microbial population was increasing over the storage period in all coatings and control in both fruits. At the end of the 10 days of storage, the watermelon had a bacterial growth of about 9 log UFCmL-1, the same value for mold and yeast population. The starch and pectin/oil coatings provided a lower bacterial population of approximately 7.8 log UFCmL-1. The melon presented higher values of bacterial population in comparison with the watermelon in the starch and control coating; 10.15 and 9.7 log UFCmL-1, respectively. The mold and yeast counts were also higher in the starch and oil coatings, approximately 9 log UFCmL-1. It is concluded that the buriti oil in this work didn’t present antimicrobial activity in the edible coatings present in the fruits. The edible coatings starch and pectin provided the watermelon suitable conditions for consumption until the eighth day after processing. However, for the melon, only pectin and pectin/oil coating ensured microbiological stability for consumption up to the fourth day of storage.

Os óxidos de colesterol estão presentes em diversas preparações alimentares, especialmente aquelas que contêm altos níveis de colesterol (exemplo: ovo, leite, carne e produtos marinhos). A formação de óxidos de colesterol é influenciada pelo calor (especialmente por um período muito longo), oxigênio, luz e UV, atividade de água, presença de ácidos graxos insaturados. Dentre os diferentes produtos cárneos existentes, temos os embutidos, ou carnes preparadas embutidas. A procura por produtos cárneos com menores taxas de oxidação e mais saudáveis é uma preocupação mundial. O efeito do processamento térmico dos alimentos sobre a formação dos óxidos de colesterol vem sendo investigado. Evidências sugerem que o tempo e a temperatura são fatores determinantes neste processo, influenciando diretamente na taxa de oxidação de colesterol. A presente pesquisa teve por objetivo: avaliar o valor nutritivo, qualidade lipídica e formação de óxidos de colesterol em Lingüiças Calabresas à vácuo e granel. Os valores médios de umidade, proteínas e minerais (cinzas) foram determinados, quantitativamente, conforme metodologia do ADOLFO LUTZ (1985) e AOAC (1995). Os valores de carboidratos foram determinados por diferença utilizando coeficientes para KCal e KJ (WATT&MERRILL, 1963, SLIMANI et al., 2000). Para a determinação dos lipídios totais utilizou-se a metodologia de MARMER & MAXWELL (1981). Para quantificar o TBA seguiu-se o método de TARLADGS et al. (1964), modificado por CRACKEL et al. (1988), adaptado por TORRES & OKANI (1997). Os ácidos graxos foram determinados seguindo MARMER & MAXWELL (1981) e MORRISON & SMITH (1974). O colesterol e óxidos de colesterol foram determinados seguindo os passos de MARMER & MAXWELL (1981), CSALLANY et al. (1989) e CHEN & CHEN (1994). Para a validação da metodologia para o HPLC foram realizados ensaios de recuperação, precisão, linearidade, limite de detecção e quantificação. Para a análise estatística foi realizado média, desvio padrão, análise de variância e complementada com comparações múltiplas de Bonferroni utilizando o Software SPSS. Os resultados obtidos das análises realizadas foram que o tipo de preparo influenciou no teor de umidade das lingüiças (crua - 65,47g; frita - 53,65, grelhada 58,31g). As amostras da embalagem a vácuo (22,91 g) apresentaram maior quantidade de proteína que as amostras da embalagem a granel (20,25g). Os valores de carboidratos não variaram em função da amostra ser da embalagem a vácuo ou granel. As amostras mais calóricas foram as fritas (242,89 KCal ou 1195,22 KJ) seguida pelas amostras grelhadas (212,41 KCal ou 1083,55 KJ). Não se observou variação da atividade de água nas amostras entre as embalagens estudadas. O tipo de preparo provocou alterações nos valores de TBA, mas não promoveu sabor rancificado nas amostras (crua - 0,06 mgMA/Kg, frito - 0,08mgMA/Kg e grelhado - 0,143mgMA/Kg). O teor de lipídios e colesterol não sofreram alterações em função do tipo de preparo. Os óxidos de colesterol 7-ceto,7α-OH, 7β-OH somente apresentaram traços em todas as variáveis analisadas (preparo, lote, embalagem e procedência). O óxido 25-OH apareceu em todas as preparações, crua (3,05µg/g), frito (3,76µg/g) e grelhado (2,14µg/g). Os resultados mostraram que a as amostras da embalagem vácuo apresentavam quantidade média de 25-OH menor que as da embalagem a granel. As amostras da embalagem a vácuo apresentaram o seguinte perfil de ácidos graxos: 51,04% de saturados e 48,96% de insaturados, enquanto que as amostras da embalagem granel apresentaram 38,18% de saturados e 61,82% de insaturados. Os resultados permitiram concluir que: a) o teor de umidade, proteína, cinzas, carboidratos, calorias, Aw (AA) e pH sofreram alterações quando submetidos aos 3 tipos de preparo e tipo de embalagem; b) os valores obtidos para TBA indicam que as amostras não apresentavam rancidez quando crua e após os vários preparos; c) as lingüiças apresentaram somente traços de 7-ceto, 7α-OH e7β-OH; d) as amostras de lingüiças calabresas quando submetidas a diversos métodos de cocção apresentaram diferentes concentrações de 25-OH; e) a quantidade de 25-OH variava de acordo com o tipo de processamento e este se tornava mais oxidado quando submetido ao processo de fritar; f) as amostras provenientes da embalagem a granel apresentaram maiores valores de 25-OH; g) o perfil de ácidos graxos não apresentou variação quando as amostras eram submetidas a diferentes preparos; h) as amostras da embalagem a vácuo apresentavam mais ácidos graxos saturados e as amostras da embalagem a granel apresentavam mais ácidos graxos insaturados.
The cholesterol oxides are present in several alimentary preparations, especially those that contain high cholesterol levels (example: egg, milk, meat and marine products). The formation of cholesterol oxides is influenced by the heat (especially for a very long period), oxygen, shines and UV, activity of water, presence of unsaturated fatty acids. Among the different meat products, we have the sausages, or built-in prepared meats. The search for meat products with smaller oxidation rates and healthier it is a world concern. The effect of the thermal processing of the victuals about the formation of the cholesterol oxides comes being investigated. Evidences suggest that the time and the temperature are decisive factors in this process, influencing direct1y in the rate of cholesterol oxidation. The present research had for objective: to evaluate the nutritive values, lipid quality and formation of cholesterol oxides in \'Lingüiças Calabresas\' to vacuum and bulk packaging. The medium values of moisture, proteins and minerals (ash) were determinated, quantitativity, according to methodology of ADOLFO LUTZ (1985) and AOAC (1995). The carbohydrates values were certain for difference using coefficients for KCal and KJ (WATT &MERRILL, 1963, SLIMANI et al., 2000). For the determination of the lipids the methodology of MARMER & MAXWELL (1981) was used. To quantify TBA the method of TARLADGS et al. was proceeded (1964), modified by CRACKEL et al. (1988), adapted by TOWERS & OKANI (1997). The fatty acids was certain following MARMER & MAXWELL (1981) and MORRISON & SMITH (1974). The cholesterol and cholesterol oxides were certain following the steps of MARMER & MAXWELL (1981), CSALLANY et al. (1989) and CHEN & CHEN (1994). For the validation of the methodology for HPLC recovery, precision, linearity, detection limit and quantification were accomplished. For the statistical analysis average, standard deviation, was accomplished variance analysis and complemented with multiple comparisons of Bonferroni using the Software SPSS. The obtained results of the accomplished analyses were that the type of prepare influenced in the moisture of the lingüiças (raw - 65,47g; fried - 53,65, grilled - 58,31g). The samples of the vaccum packaging (22,91g) presented larger amount of protein than the samples of the bulk packaging (20,25g). The carbohydrates values didn\'t vary in function of the sample to be of the vacuum or bulk packaging. The most calorific samples were the fried ones (242,89 KCal or 1195,22 KJ) followed by the grilled samples (212,41 KCal or 1083,55 KJ). The variation of the activity of water was not observed in the samples among the studied packagings. The type of prepare promoved alterations in the TBA values, but it didn\'t promote rancidity flavor in · the samples (raw - 0,06 mgMA/Kg, fried -0,08mgMA/Kg and grilled - 0,143mgMA/Kg). The lipidis and cholesterol didn\'t suffer alterations in function of the type of prepare. The cholesterol oxides 7-ceto, 7α-OH, 7β-OH only presented lines in whole the analyzed variables (prepare, lot, packaging and origin). The oxide 25-OH appeared in all the preparations, raw (3,05µg/g), fried (3,763µg/g) and grilled (3,11µg/g). The results showed that to the samples of the bulk packaging presented larger medium amount of 25-OH than the one of the vaccum packaging. The samples of the vaccum packaging presented the following profile of fatty acids: 51,04% saturated and 48,96% of unsaturated, while the samples of the bulk packaging presented 38,18% saturated and 61,82% unsaturated. The results allowed that: a) moisture, protein, ash, carbohydrates, energy value, Aw (AA) and pH suffered alterations when submitted to the 3 types of prepare and packaging type; b) the values obtained for TBA indicate that the samples didn\'t present rancidity flavor when raw and after the several prepares; c) the lingüiças presented only lines of 7-ceto, 7α-OH, 7β-OH; d) the samples of Linguiça Calabresa when submitted to several cooking methods they presented different concentrations of 25-OH and the amount of 25-OH varied in agreement with the processing type and this became oxidized when submitted to the frying process; f) the samples of the bulk packaging presented larger values of 25-OH; g) the profile of fatty acids didn\'t present variation when the samples were submitted the different prepares; h) the samples of the vaccum packaging presented more saturated fatty acids and the samples of the bulk packaging presented more unsaturated fatty acids.

Les matières plastiques ont désormais envahi notre quotidien. Elles sont le symbole de la société de consommation, car elles sont considérées comme un matériau non noble : les consommateurs l'assimilent à un produit jetable après usage. N'étant pas dégradables, les plastiques représentent donc un réel danger pour l'environnement, la faune et la flore.L’objectif de ce travail de thèse a été de développer en collaboration avec l’Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux (Université de Pau) de nouvelles formulations avec des additifs naturels pour obtenir des plastiques résistants et recyclables. Deux types de résines ont été utilisées : le polypropylène isotactique (i-PP) et le polyéthylène à basse densité (LDPE). Des antioxydants naturels tels que l’acide ascorbique, l’alpha-tocophérol et l’huile de lin ont été testés et leur encapsulation a permis d’améliorer leur résistance à la dégradation. Les caractérisations thermique et rhéologique des résines ont montré des qualités supérieures aux résines commerciales actuelles. Nous avons pu démontrer que les plastiques obtenus pouvaient être recyclés 9 fois sans perte de leurs caractéristiques. Des essais avec des barquettes fabriquées avec les produits élaborés sont en cours pour valider les modèles développés
Plastics have now invaded our daily lives. They are the symbol of the consumer society, because they are considered a non-noble material: consumers equate it with a disposable product after use. Since plastics are not degradable, they represent a real danger to the environment, fauna and flora.The objective of this thesis work was to develop in collaboration with the Institute of Analytical Sciences and Physico-Chemistry for Environment and Materials (Pau University) new formulations with natural additives to produce resistant and recyclable plastics. Two types of resins were used: isotactic polypropylene (i-PP) and low density polyethylene (LDPE). Natural antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol and flaxseed oil were tested and encapsulated to improve their resistance to degradation. Thermal and rheological characterizations of resins have shown superior qualities to current commercial resins. We were able to demonstrate that the plastics obtained could be recycled 9 times without losing their characteristics. Tests with trays made with the developed products are underway to validate the developed models

Le retour à la naturalité a favorisé le développement des compléments alimentaires à base de ressources végétales qui apparaissent comme un réservoir quasi-infini de nutriments et de substances naturelles bioactives. Ceci fait de l’extraction solide/liquide une étape incontournable au sein des industries intéressées par ce type de molécules. Avec les préoccupations environnementale set sociétales, il est devenu nécessaire d’inventer et développer de nouveaux procédés qui répondent aux six principes de l’éco-extraction. Cette démarche a totalement inspiré cette thèse qui a pour principal objectif le développement d’une technique d’éco-extraction assistée par ultrasons en substitution de la technique conventionnelle. Ce travail a permis de montrer qu’il était possible d’intensifier l’extraction de composés d’intérêt en utilisant les ultrasons avec une meilleure sélectivité et de meilleurs rendements d’extraction. Une attention particulière a été accordée à la compréhension des mécanismes d’action des ultrasons via une étude macroscopique et microscopique approfondie des structures végétales. Cette investigation a prouvé que les ultrasons agissent différemment en fonction des structures végétales et de leurs propriétés morphologiques et chimiques qui leur confèrent un degré de résistance plus ou moins important face à l’action des ultrasons. Partant de ces résultats, l’étude macroscopique et microscopique a été définie comme un outil de décision pour une extraction ciblée. Cette variabilité a été aussi constatée à l’échelle industrielle prouvant davantage l’importance de l’analyse microscopique. Enfin, le procédé d’extraction par ultrasons a été adopté à l’échelle industrielle pour ses performances d’extraction et pour son empreinte environnementale significativement réduite par rapport au procédé CV. Ce travail a également conduit à des travaux complémentaires sur l’étude du potentiel de solubilisation des produits naturels en vue d’une utilisation pour l’extraction de composés végétaux difficiles à solubiliser dans l’eau. Des résultats prometteurs ont été obtenus en termes de pouvoirs de solubilisation et d’extraction notamment à partir de la matière végétale broyée. Les résultats de cette dernière partie soulèvent cependant des questions qui pourraient faire l’objet de futures recherches et de perspectives pour ce travail qui sont principalement liés à l’étude des problèmes liés au changement du solvant et au prétraitement de la matière première et de la faisabilité industrielle de ce nouveau procédé
With recent trends in the increasing interest to environmental, economic and safety considerations,extraction techniques have largely focused on finding solutions with sustainable and green values toimplement in food processing, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. In this context, new “green”extraction techniques were developed such as Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE). The mainobjective of this thesis is industrial implementation of this new process in substitution to theconventional (CV) process. It has been shown in this work that the extraction of compounds ofinterest from rosemary and other plant matrices could be intensified using ultrasound, and thatdifferent performance gain could be achieved according to the plant matrix structural properties.Indeed, macroscopic and microscopic investigation of untreated and treated raw materials provedthat US act through different mechanisms and its resulting impacts can be extremely limited by plantstructural morphological and chemical properties, especially those of the specialized structures.Significant variability in performance gain was also observed at the industrial scale. Overall, USappears as a promising technique with a significant performance gain in terms of extraction yield andselectivity. Moreover, this process presents low environmental footprint compared to the CV one.Finally, it has been shown that natural products, such as honey and fruit juices, can be used toimprove solubilization and extraction of molecules that are poorly soluble in water. Encouragingresults were obtained in terms of solubilization and extraction abilities, especially from ground rawmaterials. However, these results raise questions related to the feasibility of industrialimplementation of this new process

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A irradiação de alimentos é um meio de preservação de alimentos onde se utiliza uma técnica de processamento que expõe os alimentos a uma radiação ionizante controlada de alta energia. O tratamento realizado com o uso das radiações ionizantes em alimentos tem muitas aplicações tecnologicamente e tecnicamente viáveis incluindo a capacidade de melhorar a segurança microbiológica, reduzir os níveis de bactérias patogénicas, inibir a germinação de tubérculos, aplicação fitossanitária, conservar alimentos armazenados ou a estabilidade de armazenamento e também é utilizada para aumentar a vida de prateleira de determinados produtos devido à redução da contaminação por microrganismos. Em função do aumento do comércio internacional de alimentos e das crescentes exigências regulatórias dos mercados consumidores, cada vez mais países importadores e exportadores têm demonstrando interesse na irradiação de alimentos e desenvolvido pesquisas na aplicação prática desta tecnologia e de métodos de detecção do tratamento. Inúmeras pesquisas foram realizadas mundialmente, resultando em eficientes protocolos para identificar quais alimentos foram ou não irradiados. Até então, o \"mito\" que alimentos irradiados não poderiam ser detectados e que não eram formados quaisquer produtos únicos da radiação foi substituído pelo conhecimento que muitas mudanças podem ocorrer nos alimentos irradiados e essas mudanças poderiam ser utilizadas como ferramentas para identificar essa tecnologia. O processamento por radiação resulta em formações de padrões característicos de hidrocarbonetos saturados, aldeídos, metil e etil ésteres e 2-alcilciclobutanonas, dependendo da composição do ácido graxo do lipídio que compõe o alimento. Com isso a proposta do trabalho foi levantar dados para comparar os efeitos das diferentes doses de radiação gama e de elétrons em alimentos que possuem gordura para verificar as possíveis alterações decorrentes do uso da irradiação, como a presença de 2-Alcilciclobutanonas e também, mostrar os principais equipamentos utilizados para a irradiação de alimentos e suas categorias, com o objetivo de informar o publico em geral.
Dissertação (Mestrado em Tecnologia Nuclear)
IPEN/D
Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

La demanda creixent de productes mínimament processats i llestos per al consum planteja un important repte per a la seguretat alimentaria i ha conduit al desenvolupament de tractaments suaus que permetin inhibir el creixement microbià conservant la qualitat dels aliments. Els treballs recollits a la present tesi van plantejar diverses estratègies consistents en la combinació d'obstacles al creixement microbià per a millorar la seguretat de productes carnis llestos per al consum. Amb l'objectiu de millorar la seguretat dels embotits poc àcids, es va valorar l'aplicació del tractament per alta pressió hidrostàtica (APH) i l'addició de cultius iniciadors en embotits poc àcids. Per altra banda, per a reduir el risc de L. monocytogenes durant la conservació del pernil cuit llescat, es va avaluar l'efecte combinat de l'addició d'antimicrobians naturals (lactatat-diacetat i enterocines), afegits directament o a través de l'envasament antimicrobià, i el tractament per alta pressió hidrostàtica.
The growing demand of minimally processed ready to eat food products raises a challenge for the food safety and has derived in the development of mild treatments effective to inhibit microbial growth without damaging food quality. The articles collected in this work studied the application of some strategies consisting of a combination of hurdles to inhibit microbial growth in order to improve the safety of ready to eat meat products. On one hand, the combined effect of high pressure processing and addition of starter cultures to improve the safety of low acid fermented sausages (fuet and chorizo) was assessed. On the other hand, the combination of high pressure processing and addition of natural antimicrobials (lactate-diacetate and enterocins), added directly or included in antimicrobial packaging, in order to reduce the risk of L. monocytogenes during storage of sliced cooked ham was evaluated.

Modeling microbial inactivation has a great influence on the optimization, control and design of food processes. In the area of food safety, modeling is a valuable tool for characterizing survival curves and for supporting food safety decisions. The modeling of microbial behavior is based on the premise that the response of the microbial population to the environment factors is reproducible. And that from the past, it is possible to predict how these microorganisms would respond in other similar environments. Thus, the use of mathematical models has become an attractive and relevant tool in the food industry.

This research provides tools to relate the inactivation of microorganisms of public health importance with processing conditions used in nonisothermal and non-thermal food processing technologies. Current models employ simple approaches that do not capture the realistic behavior of microbial inactivation. This oversight brings a number of fundamental and practical issues, such as excessive or insufficient processing, which can result in quality problems (when foods are over-processed) or safety problems (when foods are under-processed). Given these issues, there is an urgent need to develop reliable models that accurately describe the inactivation of dangerous microbial cells under more realistic processing conditions and that take into account the variability on microbial population, for instance their resistance to lethal agents. To address this urgency, this dissertation focused on mathematical models, combined mathematical tools with microbiological science to develop models that, by resembling realistic and practical processing conditions, can provide a better estimation of the efficacy of food processes. The objective of the approach is to relate the processing conditions to microbial inactivation. The development of the modeling approach went through all the phases of a modeling cycle from planning, data collection, formulation of the model approach according to the data analysis, and validation of the model under different conditions than those that the approach was developed.

A non-linear ordinary differential equation was used to describe the inactivation curves with the hypothesis that the momentary inactivation rate is not constant and depends on the instantaneous processing conditions. The inactivation rate was related to key process parameters to describe the inactivation kinetics under more realistic processing conditions. From the solution of the non-linear ordinary differential equation and the optimization algorithm, safety inferences in the microbial response can be retrieved, such as the critical lethal variable that increases microbial inactivation. For example, for nonisothermal processes such as microwave heating, time-temperature profiles were modeled and incorporated into the inactivation rate equation. The critical temperature required to increase the microbial inactivation was obtained from the optimization analysis. For non-thermal processes, such as cold plasma, the time-varying concentration of reactive gas species was incorporated into the inactivation rate equation. The approach allowed the estimation of the critical gas concentration above which microbial inactivation becomes effective. For Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF), the energy density is the integral parameter that groups the wide range of parameters of the PEF process, such as the electric field strength, the treatment time and the electrical conductivity of the sample. The literature has shown that all of these parameters impact microbial inactivation. It has been hyphothesized that the inactivation rate is a function of the energy density and that above a threshold value significant microbial inactivation begins.

The differential equation was solved numerically using the Runge-Kutta method (ode45 in MATLAB ®). The lsqcurvefit function in MATLAB ® estimated the kinetic parameters. The approach to model microbial inactivation, whether when samples were subjected to nonisothermal or to non-thermal food processes, was validated using data published in the literature and/or in other samples and treatment conditions. The modeling approaches developed by this dissertation are expected to assist the food industry in the development and validation process to achieve the level of microbial reduction required by regulatory agencies. In addition, it is expected to assist the food industry in managing food safety systems through support food safety decision-making, such as the designation of the minimal critical parameter that may increase microbial inactivation. Finally, this dissertation will contribute in depth to the field of food safety and engineering, with the ultimate outcome of having a broad and highly positive impact on human health by ensuring the consumption of safe food products.

Multiple studies have demonstrated atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) as an effective non-thermal technology for microbial decontamination, surface modification, and functionality alteration in food processing and packaging. ACP constitutes charged particles, such as positive and negative ions, electrons, quanta of electromagnetic radiation, and excited and non-excited molecules, which corresponds to its predominant reactive properties. However, in many of these applications, the interactions between plasma and the components in food matrix are not well-understood. The overall goals of this dissertation were to 1) evaluate the interactions between high voltage atmospheric cold plasma (HVACP) and microbes in liquid and semi-solid food; 2) investigate plasma transfer into semi-solid foods and determine the relationship between microbial inactivation and plasma transfer; 3) explore the interactions between plasma and proteins.

The first study explored the microbial (Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, S. enterica) inactivation efficacy of HVACP. The physicochemical interactions between HVACP and biomolecules, including an enzyme (pectin methylesterase, PME), vitamin C and other components in orange juice (OJ) under different conditions was also evaluated. Both direct and indirect HVACP treatment of 25 mL OJ induced greater than a 5 log reduction in S. enterica following 30 s of treatment with air and MA65 gas with no storage. For 50 mL OJ, 120 s of direct HVACP treatment followed by 24 h storage achieved S. enterica reductions of 2.9 log in air and 4.7 log in MA65 gas. An indirect HVACP treatment of 120 s followed by 24 hours storage resulted in a 2.2 log reduction in air and a 3.8 log reduction in MA65. No significant (P < 0.05) Brix or pH change occurred following 120 s HVACP treatment. HVACP direct treatment reduced vitamin C content by 56% in air and PME activity by 74% in air and 82% in MA65. These results demonstrated that HVACP can significantly reduce Salmonella in OJ with minimal quality degradation.

The second study in this dissertation examined the penetration process of plasma into semi-solid food and the resulting microbial inactivation efficacy. Agar gels of various densities (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2%) with a pH indicator were inoculated with S. enterica (10⁷>CFU) and exposed directly (between the electrode) or indirectly (adjacent to the plasma field created between the two electrodes) to 90 kV at 60 Hz for up to 1.5 h. A long treatment time (1.5 h) caused sample temperature to increase 5~10 °C. The microbial analysis indicated a greater than 6 log₁₀ (CFU) reduction (both with air and MA65) in the zone with a pH change. Inactivation of bioluminescence cells in the plasma penetrated zone confirmed that the plasma, and its generated reactive species, inactivate microbial as it penetrates into the gel. A two-minute HVACP direct treatment with air at 90 kV induced greater than 5 log₁₀ (CFU) S. enterica reduction in applesauce.

The third study investigated the interactions between HVACP and protein, using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein. The physicochemical and structural alteration of BSA and its reaction mechanism, when subjected to HVACP, were investigated. After treating 10 mL of BSA solution (50 mg/mL) at 90 kV for 20, 40, or 60 min, we characterized structural alteration and side-group modification. FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and circular dichroism analysis indicated protein unfolding and decreased secondary structure (25 % loss of α-helix, 12% loss of β-sheet) in HVACP treated BSA. Average particle size in the protein solutions increased from 10 nm to 113 µm, with a broader distribution after 60 min HVACP treatment indicating protein aggregation. SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometer analysis observed a formation of new peptides of 1 to 10 kDa, indicating that the plasma triggered peptide bond cleavage. Chemical analysis and mass spectrometer results confirmed the plasma modifications on the side chains of amino acids. This study reveals that HVACP treatment may effectively introduce structural alteration, protein aggregation, peptide cleavage, and side-group modification to proteins in aqueous conditions, through several physicochemical interactions between plasma reactive species (reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species) and the proteins. This finding can be readily applied to other plasma-protein studies or applications in the food system, such as enzyme inactivation or protein-based film modifications.

Equipment and procedures for the rapid measurement of the water vapor permeability of polymer films and food coatings has been evaluated. The method uses an electronic sensor to measure the concentration increase in water vapor diffusing through a film into a chamber of known volume. Air of known humidity is passed over each side of the film to establish a desired equilibrium relative humidity differential prior to each test. Experimental results showed that moisture vapor transmission rates of polymer packaging films and edible coatings could be determined in a range from 0.25 to 12 hours instead of the usual 24 hour period required by existing tests. Permeance values for Teflon, high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephtalate (PET) and three coating materials were measured at relative humidity differentials between 0 - 100% and temperatures between 5 and 30°C. Results were found to be similar to values reported in the literature using standard measurement methods. This method allows the measurement of film and coating permeance values at temperature and relative humidity values close to actual food storage conditions.
Graduation date: 1994

This study was undertaken to determine the sensory differences in high pressure vs. heat processed food systems after storage at ambient and refrigerated temperatures as determined by a trained sensory panel. Spanish rice and spaghetti with meat sauce were prepared and treated with heat and with high pressure processing (HHP). A citrus fruit mix consisting of pieces of orange, grapefruit, and pineapple was processed by mild heat and HHP, and heat alone. One day after processing, treated products were tested along with untreated controls. Products were stored at either 22°C or 3°C, and tested at 10, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. Sensory testing was done by a panel trained in a QDA-type method, and data was analyzed by univariate and multivariate methods. For spaghetti with meat sauce, significant differences (p>0.05) were found between processing methods stored at the same temperature in appearance and texture attributes, with the high pressure processed samples closer to unstored product than those treated by heat. Differences in treatments first appeared in 'dry appearance' at 10 days, and by 120 days there were differences in 'tomato integrity', 'pasta integrity', 'brightness of color', and 'firmness of pasta' as well. Most of these differences were due to the stickiness caused by the extra amylose leaking out of the heat treated pasta over time. For Spanish rice, there were no statistically significant differences between samples processed by the two methods and stored at the same temperature. The Spanish rice was formulated with parboiled rice, which allows very little amylose leakage, so it did not show amylose-related effects as the spaghetti with meat sauce did. The fruit mix processed with HPP and mild heat had significantly higher ratings in appearance attributes 'brightness of color' and piece integrity', and lower ratings in 'cooked' descriptors than product treated with heat alone stored at the same temperature.
Graduation date: 2000

Rapid detection of live pathogens is of paramount importance to ensure food safety. At present, nucleic acid-based polymerase chain reaction and antibody-based lateral flow assays are the primary methods of choice for rapid detection, but these are prone to interference from inhibitors, and resident microbes. Moreover, the positive results may neither assure virulence potential nor viability of the analyte. In contrast, the mammalian cell-based assay detects pathogen interaction with the host cells and is responsive to only live pathogens, but the short shelf-life of the mammalian cells is the major impediment for its widespread application. An innovative approach to prolong the shelf-life of mammalian cells by using formalin was undertaken. Formalin (4% formaldehyde)-fixed human ileocecal adenocarcinoma cell line, HCT-8 on 24-well tissue culture plates was used for the capture of viable pathogens while an antibody was used for specific detection. The specificity of the Mammalian Cell-based ImmunoAssay (MaCIA) was validated with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis and Typhimurium as model pathogens and further confirmed against a panel of 15 S. Enteritidis strains, 8 S. Typhimurium,11 other Salmonella serovars, and 14 non-Salmonella spp. The total detection time (sample-to-result) of MaCIA with artificially inoculated ground chicken, eggs, milk, and cake mix at 1-10 CFU/25 g was 16-21 h using a traditional enrichment set up but the detection time was shortened to 10-12 h using direct on-cell (MaCIA) enrichment. Formalin-fixed stable cell monolayers in MaCIA provide longer shelf-life (at least 14 weeks) for possible point-of-need deployment and multi-sample testing on a single plate.

This body of work investigates various techniques for the surface modification of food contact materials for use in food packaging and processing applications. Nanoscale changes to the surface of polymeric food packaging materials enables changes in adhesion, wettability, printability, chemical functionality, and bioactivity, while maintaining desirable bulk properties. Polymer surface modification is used in applications such as antimicrobial or non-fouling materials, biosensors, and active packaging. Non-migratory active packagings, in which bioactive components are tethered to the package, offer the potential to reduce the need for additives in food products while maintaining safety and quality. A challenge in developing non-migratory active packaging materials is the loss of biomolecular activity that can occur when biomolecules are immobilized. Polyethylene glycol (PEG), a biocompatible polymer, is grafted from the surface of ozone treated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resulting in a surface functionalized polyethylene to which a range of amine-terminated bioactive molecules can be immobilized. The grafting of PEG onto the surface of polymer packaging films is accomplished by free radical graft polymerization, and to covalently link an amine-terminated molecule to the PEG tether, demonstrating that amine-terminated bioactive compounds (such as peptides, enzymes, and some antimicrobials) can be immobilized onto PEG-grafted LDPE in the development of non-migratory active packaging. Fouling on food contact surfaces during food processing has a significant impact on operating efficiency and can promote biofilm development. Processing raw milk on plate heat exchangers results in significant fouling of proteins as well as minerals, and is exacerbated by the wall heating effect. An electroless nickel coating is co-deposited with polytetrafluoroethylene onto stainless steel to test its ability to resist fouling on a pilot plant scale plate heat exchanger. Further work was performed to test the stability of non-fouling material after extended exposure to an alkali detergent or acid sanitizer formulated for clean-in-place procedures in dairy processing facilities. Additionally, the anti-corrosive property of the surface coating was tested on carbon steel against chlorine ions, a common corrosive agent found in the food industry. Accelerated corrosion and long-term chemical exposure studies were conducted to measure the coating stability against the harsh corrosive agents.

This body of work investigates various techniques for the surface modification of food contact materials for use in food packaging and processing applications. Nanoscale changes to the surface of polymeric food packaging materials enables changes in adhesion, wettability, printability, chemical functionality, and bioactivity, while maintaining desirable bulk properties. Polymer surface modification is used in applications such as antimicrobial or non-fouling materials, biosensors, and active packaging. Non-migratory active packagings, in which bioactive components are tethered to the package, offer the potential to reduce the need for additives in food products while maintaining safety and quality. A challenge in developing non-migratory active packaging materials is the loss of biomolecular activity that can occur when biomolecules are immobilized. Polyethylene glycol (PEG), a biocompatible polymer, is grafted from the surface of ozone treated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resulting in a surface functionalized polyethylene to which a range of amine-terminated bioactive molecules can be immobilized. The grafting of PEG onto the surface of polymer packaging films is accomplished by free radical graft polymerization, and to covalently link an amine-terminated molecule to the PEG tether, demonstrating that amine-terminated bioactive compounds (such as peptides, enzymes, and some antimicrobials) can be immobilized onto PEG-grafted LDPE in the development of non-migratory active packaging. Fouling on food contact surfaces during food processing has a significant impact on operating efficiency and can promote biofilm development. Processing raw milk on plate heat exchangers results in significant fouling of proteins as well as minerals, and is exacerbated by the wall heating effect. An electroless nickel coating is co-deposited with polytetrafluoroethylene onto stainless steel to test its ability to resist fouling on a pilot plant scale plate heat exchanger. Further work was performed to test the stability of non-fouling material after extended exposure to an alkali detergent or acid sanitizer formulated for clean-in-place procedures in dairy processing facilities. Additionally, the anti-corrosive property of the surface coating was tested on carbon steel against chlorine ions, a common corrosive agent found in the food industry. Accelerated corrosion and long-term chemical exposure studies were conducted to measure the coating stability against the harsh corrosive agents.

碩士
國立高雄科技大學
水產食品科學系
107
High pressure processing (HPP) is an emerging non-thermal technology that can inactivate pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in food, and extend the shelf life of foods. Histamine is primarily produced in fish via decarboxylation of free histidine by the activity of various species of histamine-forming bacteria (HFB). Scombroid fish included tuna, mackerel, and bonito, are the type of fish commonly involved in scombroid poisoning due to the high levels of free histidine in their muscle tissue. This study was to determine the effects of HPP treatments on inhibitory effects of histamine-forming bacteria (HFB) such as G(+) Staphylococcus capitis, and G(-) Enterobacter aerogenes. The result showed that bacterial counts of HFB subjected to HPP decreased with increasing pressure level and holding time. HFB had a higher D value in marlin meat slurry compared with that in phosphate buffer, indicating that the HFB were more resistant to pressure in marlin meat slurry. In phosphate buffer, S. capitis was more resistant than E. aerogenes at lower pressure (< 380 MPa), whereas E. aerogenes was more resistant than S. capitis at higher pressure (> 380 MPa). In marlin meat slurry, S. capitis had a higher D-value than E. aerogenes at the same pressure, indicating it was more resistant at HPP treatment. In addition, the changes of aerobic plate count (APC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), pH value and histamine contents in marlin meat after HPP treatment during storage at different temperatures (4 ℃, 15 ℃ and 25 ℃) were evaluated. The APC of marlin meat after HPP treatment (200-500 MPa for 5 min) decreased with increased pressure from 4.94 ± 0.12 log CFU/g (control) to 2.36 ± 0.08 log CFU/g (500 MPa). In color of marlin meat, L* value (lightness) increased significantly with increased pressure, whereas a* value (redness) was significantly reduced with increased pressure. In general, the HPP treatment combined with storage at 4 ℃ and 15 ℃ significantly retarded the increase of APC, TVBN and histamine contents in marlin meat. The reactivity with monoclonal antibody against fish allergen and protein content of mackerel meat extract by HPP treatment (200 MPa and 600 MPa for 1-15 min) were studied. The HPP of 200 MPa treatment did not change the reactivity with monoclonal antibody against fish allergen and protein content of fish extract, whereas the reactivity and protein content significantly decreased after 600 MPa treatment. In summary, this result suggested the marlin meat treated with HPP and stored at below 15 ℃ could prevent deterioration of product quality, extend shelf life, and reduce histamine fish poisoning risk. Meanwhile, it reduces reactivity with monoclonal antibody against fish allergen in mackerel meat after 600 MPa treatment.

The quality and safety of foods may deteriorate due to the surface growth of microorganisms. The integration of antimicrobial (AM) agents in polymeric packaging films to enhance microbial stability of foods may have a crucial effect on extending the shelf life of packaged food products or on maintaining food safety. Linalool and methylchavicol are the principal constituents of basil and exhibit an AM effect against a wide spectrum of bacteria, yeasts and mould. These compounds are generally recognized as safe (i.e. possess GRAS status) and are stable at the high temperatures that prevail during the extrusion film blowing process. Therefore, films containing these substances might have a potential use as AM packages. The present study generally aimed at investigating AM polymeric packaging films containing the principal constituents of basil.

Retail environments are critical transmission points for Listeria monocytogenes to humans. Past studies have shown L. monocytogenes contamination varies widely across retail environments. L. monocytogenes can transmit among environmental surfaces and subsequently from environment to food via cross-contamination. Modified SSOPs (sanitation standard operating procedures) have been shown to have limited impact on reducing L. monocytogenes prevalence in retail deli environments. Food safety culture and climate, such as beliefs, values, and hygiene behaviors, have been identified as factors impacting food safety performance and microbial outputs. Handwashing and its compliance are among the most prominent personal hygiene aspects subjected to investigation in the past decade, illustrating hygiene behavior as a risk factor and an important consideration to ensure food safety. Additionally, effective management and well-designed infrastructure, such as vertical and lateral communication, employees’ training, accountability, and equipment designed to prevent cross-contamination, have also been described as critical contributors to a sustainable food safety program. However, given such a deadly foodborne pathogen as L. monocytogenes, the correlation between food safety culture and its prevalence remains unknown. We hypothesized that there was a relationship among food safety culture management, infrastructure, and L. monocytogenes prevalence at retail. Our goal is to identify additional risk factors on L. monocytogenes control, develop feasible recommendations, and direct resources to enhance food safety.

In the present dissertation, we developed and implemented a predictive risk model, along with employee- and management-implemented SSOPs, in 50 deli establishments across six U.S. states to evaluate and control L. monocytogenes contamination risk and prevalence (Chapter 2). The predictive risk model, based on logistic regression, uses five environmental sites to predict L. monocytogenes prevalence in the entire deli environment. It identified 13 high-risk stores, seven of which were confirmed during subsequent monthly sampling. We found that deep clean intervention reduced L. monocytogenes prevalence on non-food contact surfaces both immediately after the intervention and during follow-up, with marginal significance (α_adj=0.0125). The employee- and management-implemented deep clean can control L. monocytogenes prevalence in retail delis; the predictive risk model, though conservative, will require further validations and can be useful for surveillance purposes.

Complementary to the above study, we tackled the L. monocytogenes challenge via food safety culture and climate approach (Chapter 3). Concurrently to the monthly environmental sampling, we distributed food safety culture and climate survey to the 50 stores, with one manager and up to five associates from each establishment, over a 12-month period and overlapped with before, after, and follow-up deep clean. We found that stores with lower L. monocytogenes contamination risk had better food safety culture, including greater sense of commitment to food safety program (p_adj=0.0317) and more complete training (p_adj=0.0117). Deep clean improved managers’ (p_adj=0.0243) and associates’ (p_adj=0.0057) commitment to food safety. This study indicates that food safety culture and climate are crucial component in building a viable, sustainable food safety program.

Another survey tool was used to evaluate infrastructure designs, management strategies, and sanitation practices in relation to L. monocytogenes control in retail produce environments (Chapter 4). We distributed the survey to 30 retail produce departments across seven U.S. states. Hand hygiene, minimizing cross-contamination, and maximizing equipment cleanability were the most prominent factors in L. monocytogenes control.