Mathematical modeling and experimental study of VOC adsorption by Pistachio shell–based activated carbon.
The adsorption of benzene vapor, as a volatile organic component, from inert gas (N2) by activated carbon was studied experimentally in the isothermal fixed bed reactor at various operating conditions. The activated carbon used in this study had pistachio shell base with high surface area. To improve the adsorption capacity of VOC vapor, the activated carbon was chemically treated with H2SO4, HNO3, NaOH, and NH3 solutions. The saturated adsorption capacities of benzene on initial activated carbon and treated samples were measured and compared. The results showed that the activated carbon treated with nitric acid had higher adsorption capacity than others samples, 640 mg/g. In addition, a mathematical model for adsorption in a fixed bed reactor was proposed in this study. The model results had good agreement with experimental data. In order to demonstrate the effects of operating conditions on adsorption and breakthrough curve, the experimental tests and simulation runs were carried out at various gas flow rate, temperature, and benzene concentration. The results showed that with increase VOC concentration from 700 to 1000 ppm, the total time of adsorption was decreased from 25 to 21 h and breakthrough point appeared earlier.
Evaluating the Suitability of Hazelnut Skin as a Feed Ingredient in the Diet of Dairy Cows.
Hazelnut skin (HS) was evaluated as a source of nutrients for dairy cows. In total, 26 Aosta Red Pied cows were divided into two balanced groups. All cows were fed hay ad libitum. The control group was also given 6 kg of concentrate, while the hazelnut skin group (HAZ) was given 1 kg of the same concentrate that was substituted by 1 kg of HS. The dry matter intake of the cows was reduced by the dietary inclusion of HS (p ≤ 0.001). The milk yield and main constituents were unaffected by treatment. Milk from HAZ cows showed decreased concentrations of de novo saturated fatty acids (FAs), odd- and branched-chain FA, α-linolenic acid, and long-chain n-3 FAs, as well as increased concentrations of stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, total monounsaturated FAs, trans biohydrogenation intermediates, and α-tocopherol. Replacing the concentrate with HS increased the human-inedible feed quota in the diet and improved the sustainability of milk production in terms of the food-feed competition. Our results suggest that it is possible to add economic value to organic waste from the hazelnut industry using HS as a feed ingredient for dairy cows, enhancing the feed efficiency and milk antioxidant activity and having expected impacts on the nutraceutical quality of milk fat.
Study of the Influence of the Almond Shell Variety on the Mechanical Properties of Starch-Based Polymer Biocomposites.
This article is focused on the development of a series of biodegradable and eco-friendly biocomposites based on starch polymer (Mater-Bi DI01A) filled with 30 wt% almond shell (AS) of different varieties (Desmayo Rojo, Largueta, Marcona, Mollar, and a commercial mixture of varieties) to study the influence of almond variety in the properties of injected biodegradable parts. The different AS varieties are analysed by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The biocomposites are prepared in a twin-screw extruder and characterized in terms of their mechanical (tensile, flexural, Charpy impact, and hardness tests) and thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and TGA). Despite observing differences in the chemical composition of the individual varieties with respect to the commercial mixture, the results obtained from the mechanical characterisation of the biocomposites do not present significant differences between the diverse varieties used. From these results, it was concluded that the most recommended option is to work with the commercial mixture of almond shell varieties, as it is easier and cheaper to acquire.
Recycling of Almond By-Products for Intestinal Inflammation: Improvement of Physical-Chemical, Technological and Biological Characteristics of a Dried Almond Skins Extract.
Background: Almond skins are rich in bioactive compounds that undergo oxidation/degradation phenomena and are poorly soluble in water, reducing in vivo absorption and bioavailability, factors that influence the pharmacological activity of an active product. We developed a dried acetonic almond skins extract/cyclodextrin complex to improve extract solubility, dissolution rate and biological activity. Methods: A lyophilized acetonic almond skin extract was produced. To optimize complex formulation, phase solubility studies and complex characterization (absorption studies, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), morphology, solubility studies) were performed. To evaluate a possible use in healthy products, tumor necrosis factor-α levels and reactive oxygen species release, as well as cicloxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in intestinal epithelial cells, were also evaluated. Results: Phase solubility studies showed a Bs-type profile. A 1:1 dried acetonic almond skins extract/cyclodextrin ratio was able to improve extract water solubility and dissolution rate (100% in 45 min). The UV-Vis spectra of complex revealed a hypsochromic and hyperchromic effect, probably due to a partial inclusion of extract in cyclodextrin cavity through weak bonds, confirmed by DSC and morphology studies. The technological improvement in the extract characteristics also led to better biological activity. In fact, the complex effectively reduces tumor necrosis factor-α levels with respect to the pure extract and significantly inhibits the reactive oxygen species release, even if only at the lower concentration of 5 μg/mL.
Conclusion: The complex was able to overcome solubility problems and could be used in inflammatory disease.
Genetic Diversity, Ochratoxin A and Fumonisin Profiles of Strains of Aspergillus Section Nigri Isolated from Dried Vine Fruits.
We investigated ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in raisin samples purchased from Slovak markets and determined the diversity of black-spored aspergilli as potential OTA and fumonisin (FB1 and FB2) producers. The taxonomic identification was performed using sequences of the nuclear ITS1-5.8s-ITS2 region, the calmodulin and beta-tubulin genes. We obtained 239 isolates from eight fungal genera, of which 197 belonged to Aspergillus (82%) and 42 strains (18%) to other fungal genera. OTA contamination was evidenced in 75% of the samples and its level ranged from 0.8 to 10.6 µg/kg. The combination of all three markers used enabled unambiguous identification of A. carbonarius, A. luchuensis, A. niger, A. tubingensis and A. welwitschiae. The dominant coloniser, simultaneously having the highest within-species diversity isolated from our raisin samples, was A. tubingensis. Out of all analysed strains, only A. carbonarius was found to produce OTA, but in relatively high quantity (2477-4382 µg/kg). The production of FB1 and FB2 was evidenced in A. niger strains only.
Ingenious Electrochemiluminescence Bio-aptasensor based on Synergistic Effects and Enzyme-Drive Programmable 3D DNA Nanoflowers for Ultrasensitive Detection of Aflatoxin B1.
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), one of the most toxic mycotoxins, has undergone a wide range of studies over the years. The development of rapid, simple, and sensitive analytical methods remains a major challenge for the accurate detection of AFB1 in foodstuffs. In this study, we designed an enhanced and stable Ingenious Electrochemiluminescence Bio-aptasensor (IEC-BA) for ultrasensitive detection of AFB1 based on universal synergistic effects and enzyme-drive programmable assembled 3D DNA Nanoflowers (EPDNs). This synergistic effect encountered comprised of the competitive impact on Auxiliary Probes (AP) and the cutting effect of the Hae III. Compared to the traditional aptamer direct-competition method, the synergistic effects ensured that the aptamer was more efficiently and adequately competed away by the target, Also, the redundant double-stranded probes were removed, which greatly facilitates simple, quick, and sensitive detection of AFB1. Besides, a large chunk of positively charged Ru (II) complexes were aggregated by the utilization of EPDNs, which resulted in tremendous improvement of the sensitivity of the designed method. Thus, even in the presence of trace amounts of AFB1, a sharply visual electroluminescent signal was generated. The proposed method can realize the quantification of AFB1 with a good linear range from 1 ppt to 10 ppb with detection limit of 0.248 ppt. In addition, it can also be successfully applied for the analysis of AFB1 in peanut and wheat, with total recoveries ranging from 93.7 % to 106.6 %. Furthermore, the IEC-BA also exhibited good selectivity, reproducibility, and stability, revealing prospective applications of food safety monitoring and environmental analysis.
Impact of Almond Variety on “Amaretti” Cookies as Assessed through Image Features Modeling, Physical Chemical Measures and Sensory Analyses.
In the present study, the influence of almond variety on color, chemical, physical and sensory characteristics of "amaretti" cookies during the shelf life, was assessed. Four varieties were chosen for the study, two of which were local (Cossu, Arrubia) and two widely cultivated (Tuono, Texas). Almonds have been characterized in the content of proteins, crude fat, amygdalin and fatty acids profile. The evolution of the characteristics during the shelf life hasbeen measured through image data modeling, texture, physical chemical and sensory analyses. Data were then treated with a multivariate approach performing a PCA. Image analysis and fitting on log normal and powerlaw functions highlighted the influence of the variety on the total area affected by surface breakages, and on the distribution of the cracking surfaces dimension classes. Texture parameters (crust hardness, thickness and work of deformation) were negatively correlated to moisture content. Sensory profile confirmed the differences in tactile features measured through instrumental texture, while slight to no differences were found in odor profile. Consumer test showed an higher acceptability for Arrubia, Texas and Tuono samples throughout the shelf life, while Cossu samples were less accepted. Overall, the choice of almond variety influences product features and liking of almond products, therefore it represents an important phase to direct the choice of both farmers and confectionery manufacturers.
Gaseous antimicrobial treatments to control foodborne pathogens on almond kernels and whole black peppercorns.
Gaseous treatments with ClO2 and O3 on low-moisture foods (LMFs) have been reported for their efficient bacterial reduction without affecting the external quality of food. However, these studies were conducted on a small scale, which limits their application to LMF industries. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of gaseous antimicrobial intervention with ClO2 or O3 to reduce foodborne pathogens (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, serovars of Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes) inoculated on almonds and peppercorns maintained under various conditions. Almonds were treated for over 4 or 6 h. Peppercorns were treated for over 2.5 or 4 h. Gaseous O3 treatment was used for 6 h on almonds and 2 or 4 h on peppercorns. Additionally, the effects of relative humidity (RH) during the treatment of peppercorns and post-treatment heating on almonds were evaluated. Heating at 65 °C post-ClO2 treatment yielded the highest bacterial log reduction of 4.6 CFU/g on almonds, while 80% RH resulted in 3.7-log bacterial reduction on peppercorns. Gaseous O3 resulted in maximum log reductions of 1.3 and 2.5 CFU/g on almonds and peppercorns, respectively. No visual damage was observed. In conclusion, ClO2 was more efficient than O3 and the treatment can be incorporated into industrial practices.
Investigation of Decontamination Effect of Argon Cold Plasma on Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Almond Slices.
Cold plasma is a novel technology for surface decontamination. Almond slices can be contaminated with different microorganisms during their production. In the current research, the atmospheric argon plasma treatment (5, 10, 15, and 20 min) was used to decontamination of almond slices surface. Microbial load, Color, peroxide value, hardness, and sensory properties of slices was comprised with untreated samples (control). Descriptive sensory evaluation about color, flavor, crispiness, crunchiness, and hardness of almond slices were performed. According to the results of the microbial tests, Total count, molds and yeasts, and Staphylococcus aureus of almond surface decreased about 2.95 log cfu/g, 1.81 log cfu/g, and 2.72 log cfu/g after 20 min of plasma treatment, respectively, provided that microbial reduction increased more by increasing the treatment time. Coupled with the color evaluation, peroxide value and sensory attributes didn't change during plasma treatment. Having said that, the hardness of slices was changed by increasing treatment time. Furthermore, Principal Component Analysis and cluster analysis were performed for sensory evaluation. In light of the consumer's point of view, firstly 10 min and secondly 15 min plasma treatment can be more desirable.
Development of Anti-Idiotypic Nanobody-Phage Based Immuno-Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Aflatoxins in Peanuts.
Aflatoxin contamination in agricultural products has posed serious health hazards and brought huge economic loss in the food and feed industries. Monitoring aflatoxins in various foods and feeds has become a crucial means to protect public health. This study aimed to report an immuno-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (iLAMP) assay by using an anti-idiotypic nanobody-phage for on-site and rapid detection of aflatoxin in real samples. The iLAMP method was developed on the basis of a competitive immunoassay and LAMP reaction performed in a simple water bath. This method can provide visualized test results: violet color represents positive samples while sky blue represents negative. The visual detection limits of iLAMP for aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 in peanut samples were 1.6, 1.6, 3.2, and 16 μg/kg, respectively. The developed assay was verified with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the analysis of aflatoxins in peanuts, which demonstrated that the iLAMP method can be applied to the detection of aflatoxin in real samples. The novel iLAMP assay eliminates the need for aflatoxin conjugates, the antibody labeling process, and special equipment, and offers an alternative to existing methods with advantages of time-saving, cost-effectiveness, and ease-of-use.