Non-thermal inactivation of Lactobacillus plantarum as influenced by pressure and temperature of pressurized carbon dioxide

Summary Non-thermal inactivation of Lactobacillus plantarum cells as influenced by pressure and temperature of pressurized carbon dioxide was investigated to evaluate its potential use for preservation of foods and biological substances. Microbial inactivation by the pressurized CO₂ was dependent principally on the transfer rate of CO₂ into cells and effectiveness could be improved by increasing pressure and temperature. Microbial reduction of more than 6 logs occurred within 30 min under CO₂ pressure of 2000 psi at 30 °C. The results showed that the pressurized CO₂ treatment could be used as a potential non-thermal preservation technology for foods.     

SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE SELECTIVITY TO FRACTIONATE PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM THE DRY ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PROPOLIS

The global yield and composition of extracts obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) extraction from a dry ethanolic extract of propolis were measured in order to determine the possibility of using SC-CO₂ to fractionate components of interest present in these extracts. The global yield extraction was measured, and also the concentrations of the following phenolic compounds in the resulting supercritical fluid extracts (SFEs): 3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (known as artepillin C), 3-prenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid ( p- coumaric acid) and 4-methoxy-3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone (kaempferide), of which artepillin C was the target component of greatest interest. The results showed extraction yields between 3.82 (at 150 bar) and 13.07% (at 350 bar), which could be highly correlated with the density of the SC-CO₂ at a constant temperature of 60C. The resulting concentrations in the SFE indicated that the selectivity of the carbon dioxide could be manipulated, and it was more selective at lower pressures, although with lower extraction yields.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Supercritical fluid extraction is an interesting process for the production of natural extracts because it is a clean process, and extractions using carbon dioxide (CO₂) as the solvent have been gaining attention in recent years. This study presented important aspects with respect to the fractionation of a dry ethanolic extract of propolis using supercritical carbon dioxide, and it is important to explore the potential applications of propolis extracts and the biological properties of its fractions in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, such as in dental hygiene products, wound healing creams and antibacterial soaps.     

Extraction of Poppy Seed Oil Using Supercritical CO2

ABSTRACT: Extraction of poppy seed oil with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) was performed and the effect of extraction conditions on oil solubility and yield as well as oil composition was evaluated. Within the temperature (50 to 70 °C) and pressure (21 to 55 MPa) ranges studied, 55 MPa/70 °C gave the highest oil solubility (24.1 mg oil/g CO₂) and oil yield (38.7 g oil/100g seed). Fatty acid composition of the oil obtained with SC-CO₂ at 55 MPa/70 °C was similar to that of petroleum ether-extracted oil ( p > 0.05) with linoleic acid making up 69.0 to 73.7% of fatty acids. Tocol content of the SC-CO₂-extracted oils varied from 22.37 to 33.35 mg/100 g oil, which was higher than that of petroleum ether-extracted oil (15.28 mg/100 g oil). Poppy seed oil may have potential in the rapidly growing specialty oil market.     

Acidified Sodium Chlorite as an Alternative to Chlorine for Elimination of Salmonella on Alfalfa Seeds

ABSTRACT:  The health and environmental hazard associated with the use of chlorine for food processing has been documented previously. This study was conducted to determine if acidified sodium chlorite (ASC) could be used to replace calcium hypochlorite (Ca[OCl]₂) for disinfection of alfalfa seeds. Contaminated seeds containing approximately 1.5 × 10⁷ CFU/g of Salmonella were treated with ASC or Ca(OCl)₂ at different concentrations and for different periods of time. Results showed that the efficacy of ASC and Ca(OCl)₂ for elimination of Salmonella on contaminated seeds could be improved greatly by extending the treatment time from the traditional 15 to 45 min. Treatment of seeds with 800 ppm of ASC for 45 min reduced the number of Salmonella by 3.9 log units, approximately 1.2 log units higher than that treated with 20000 ppm of Ca(OCl)₂. Treatment of seeds with a lower concentration (100 to 400 ppm) of ASC for 45 min reduced the number of Salmonella by 1.3 to 2.2 log units. Soaking alfalfa seeds in 800 ppm of ASC for 45 min did not affect seed germination. However, soaking seeds in 20000 ppm of Ca(OCl)₂ for 45 min reduced seed germination by 20%. Unlike Ca(OCl)₂, antimicrobial efficiency of ASC was not affected by pre-exposure to alfalfa seeds. Data presented also showed that Salmonella on newly inoculated seeds that had been stored at 4 °C for less than 7 d were more sensitive to sanitizer treatment than those on seeds that had been stored for 4 wk or longer.     

A Continuous High Pressure Carbon Dioxide System for Microbial Reduction in Orange Juice

ABSTRACT: A continuous high-pressure carbon dioxide system, run at ambient conditions, was tested on its performance in reducing both natural and inoculated microbial loads. The prototype system continuously processes orange juice with carbon dioxide (CO₂) at high pressures. A central composite design was originally used to examine the variables of pressure, residence time, and CO₂/juice ratio. For microbial reduction, residence time was the major factor followed by pressure. The CO₂/juice ratio showed no influence on microbial load, and in this equipment, was difficult to control. The unit was able to cause a 5-log reduction of the natural flora in spoiled juice, and could attain a 5-log decrease in numbers of pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium , and Listeriamonocytogenes . No viable cells of E . coli O157:H7 orS. typhimurium were cultured after the treated juices were stored at room temperature (22 °C) for 14 d. Thus, non-thermal pathogen reduction is possible with this system.     

Efficacy of Sulfuric Acid Scarification and Disinfectant Treatments in Eliminating Escherichia coli O157: H7 from Alfalfa Seeds Prior to Sprouting

ABSTRACT: E. coli O157:H7 reduction on inoculated alfalfa seeds was investigated using acid scarification treatments with or without subsequent application of sanitizers. Scarification with 0.1 to 2N H₂SO₄ for 2.5 to 45 min did not affect (p ≤ 0.05) seed viability. E. coli O157:H7 was reduced by 2.1 to 5.0 logs after treating with 0.1 to 2N H₂SO₄ for 5 to 20 min. Combined scarification (0.5N H₂SO₄) and H₂O₂ or CH₃COOH treatments enhanced microbial destruction by less than 1 log compared to sanitizer alone. Chlorine, Na₂CO₃, or Na₃PO₄ treatments preceded by scarification did not significantly increase microbial destruction compared to sanitizer alone. Appreciable reductions in seed germination were only observed with chlorine treatments.     

Inactivation Efficiency of Enzymes in Buffered System by Continuous Method with Microbubbles of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

ABSTRACT: Continuous method with microbubbles of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) was applied to enzyme inactivation in a buffer system, which has a buffer capacity similar to commercial liquid foods (natural juices, fruit drinks, Japanese sake). By continuous treatment with microbubbles of SC-CO₂, α-amylase and acid protease were effectively inactivated rather than by heat treatments. Compared with the inactivation efficiencies of these enzymes in deionized water by continuous treatment with microbubbles of SC-CO₂, that of α-amylase was slightly lower, but that of acid protease was not in the buffer system. These results suggest that this method enables the effective inactivation of enzymes, although inactivation efficiency by this method was affected by initial pH and the buffer action of samples.     

The Effects of Residual Oxygen on the Storage Life of Retail-Ready Fresh Beef Steaks Masterpackaged Under a CO2 Atmosphere

ABSTRACT:  Retail-packed rump ( Gluteus medius , GM) and striploins ( Longissiumus dorsi, LD) steaks were masterpackaged under carbon dioxide (CO₂) and stored at 1 °C ± 1 °C for 14, 28, 35, and 42 d. A commercial oxygen (O₂) scavenger (ATCO HV1000®, Standa Industrie, Caen, France) was used in the masterpacks to achieve an O₂-free atmosphere. Similar packages without the O₂ scavengers were also prepared. At each storage time, 2 masterpacks of each treatment were opened and the retail trays were placed in a display case at 4 °C ± 2 °C for 1 and 48 h for microbiological and sensorial evaluations. The low growth rate of aerobic psychrotrophic flora on the stored beefsteaks demonstrated the bacteriostatic effect of CO₂ during storage. The maximum level of psychrotrophic aerobic bacteria reached during storage was approximately 10⁶ CFU/g. The steaks stored in masterpacks with scavengers bloomed to the desirable red color associated with freshly cut meat in the display case for all of the storage periods, except in the case of GM steaks, which showed a cycle of transient discoloration. GM and LD steaks were well accepted (65% and 82%, respectively) after 42 d under CO₂ at 1 °C ± 1 °C. The GM and LD steaks stored without the O₂ scavenger showed variable fractions of discoloration that significantly detracted from the appearance of the samples.     

Carbon Dioxide Evolution and Moisture Evaporation During Roasting of Coffee Beans

ABSTRACT: Evolution of carbon dioxide and water vapor during roasting of coffee was followed in an isothermal high-temperature short-time and a low-temperature long-time roasting process. In addition, CO₂ release during storage of roasted beans was followed. CO₂ and water vapor concentration were assayed in the exhaust air by nondispersive infrared gas analysis. Although CO₂ evolution rates differed in the 2 processes, the final total amount of CO₂ released after 63 d of storage remained equal. CO₂ evolution and differentiation between evaporation of initial water and chemically formed water showed that chemical reactions leading to relevant amounts of CO₂ and water start at ap -proximately 180°C. A mass balance established on the present measurements was able to account fairly well for the gravimetrically measured roast loss.     

INCIDENCE AND GERMICIDE SENSITIVITY OF SALMONELLA TYPHI AND VIBRIO CHOLERAE O1 IN ALFALFA SPROUTS

The prevalence of some enteric bacteria in alfalfa sprouts obtained from public markets and supermarkets in Queretaro City was determined. In addition, the antimicrobial effect of several commercial germicides was tested on alfalfa sprouts for reduction of native coliforms and inoculated Vibrio cholerae Ol or Salmonella typhi. Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. were detected in 74% and 1.1% of 90 of samples, respectively, and no sample tested positive to V. cholerae Ol. Coliforms ranged from 7.3 to 8.5 log₁₀ CFU/g. Treatment of alfalfa sprouts with 200 mg/L of hypochlorite, of a commercial iodophor, or of chlorine dioxide, or with 100 mg/L of Citricidal® for 5 min, reduced native coliforms only by 1–2 log₁₀ CFU/g. Reductions of S. typhi and V. cholerae O1 with 200 mg/L of sodium hypochlorite and 100 mg/L Citricidal® were also no more than J.5 log₁₀ CFU/g. Sprouts from seeds contaminated with V. cholerae O1 that were irrigated daily with water containing 100 mg/L chlorine dioxide, showed significantly lower V. cholerae Ol counts than seeds irrigated with tap water (p<0.05). However , V. cholerae O1 persisted after 8 days of sprouting, when the sprouts are ready for marketing. Treatment of seeds and sprouts with antimicrobials does not appear to be effective for reducing pathogens to safe levels.     

Combined Carbon Dioxide and High Pressure Inactivation of Pectin Methylesterase, Polyphenol Oxidase, Lactobacillus plantarum and Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT: High pressure processing (HPP) and CO₂have both been shown to increase food product shelf-life. CO₂ was added at approximately 0.2 molar % to solutions processed at 500 to 800 MPa in order to further inactivate pectin methylesterase (PME), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), L. plantarum ATCC 8014, and E. coli K12. An interaction was found between CO₂ and pressure at 25 °C and 50 °C for PME and PPO, respectively. Activity of PPO was decreased by CO₂ at all pressure treatments. The interaction between CO₂ and pressure was significant for L. plantarum with a significant decrease in survivors due to the addition of CO₂ at all pressures studied. No significant effect on E. coli survivors was seen with CO₂ addition.     

THE USE OF CO2 IN PACKAGING OF FRESH RED MEATS AND ITS EFFECT ON CHEMICAL QUALITY CHANGES IN THE MEAT: A REVIEW

The antimicrobial effect of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is well documented but comparison of the large number of often contradictory studies investigating the effect of CO₂ on chemical quality changes is lacking. The amount of absorbed CO₂ varies from 0 - 1.79 L CO₂/kg meat depending on the applied packaging and storage conditions, which clearly demonstrates the necessity of optimizing these conditions with respect to the required amount of CO₂. Absorption of large amounts of CO₂ in meat tissue can cause a minor decrease in pH due to the dissociation of the produced carbonic acid to bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. A decrease in pH might affect other chemical quality parameters but this is not observed to be the case in the reviewed studies and general detrimental effects of CO₂ cannot be found for color, weight loss or lipid oxidation. However, elevated CO₂ levels can cause pore formation in cooked meat.     

Effect of ripeness at processing on fresh-cut 'Flor de Invierno' pears packaged under modified atmosphere conditions

The effects of ripeness at processing and packaging conditions on respiration, microbiological stability as well as colour and firmness of fresh-cut 'Flor de Invierno' pears were evaluated throughout storage. Although a 2.5-kPa O₂ + 7-kPa CO₂ atmosphere led to an inhibition of ethylene synthesis and carbon dioxide production compared with non-modified atmosphere packaging, the more advanced the ripeness stage at processing, the higher the physiological activity and thus, the higher production of carbon dioxide, ethylene and ethanol. A 2.5-kPa O₂ + 7-kPa CO₂ atmosphere inhibited bacterial growth, yeast and mould proliferation in mature-green pears but fast microbial growth was observed especially on ripe pears, under both packaging conditions. In conclusion, the shelf-life of ripe pears was reduced by increased respiration response to processing and accelerated microbial spoilage. Instead, pears processed in a partially ripe stage were suitable for conservation while gathering desired sensory attributes. Therefore, for commercial purposes, a shelf-life of 10 days was suggested for partially ripe fresh-cut pears packaged under a 2.5-kPa O₂ + 7-kPa CO₂ atmosphere.     

Extraction of ginger rhizome: kinetic studies with supercritical carbon dioxide

The rates of extraction of [6]-gingerol from ground dried Jamaican ginger rhizomes were determined in supercritical carbon dioxide over the pressure range 128–197 bar (1850–2850 psi) and the temperature range 50–65°C. The CO₂ densities varied from 0.415 to 0.775 g cm⁻³. First-order plots showed two approximately linear sections with an initial intercept. The first linear section corresponded to a relatively fast initial extraction stage while the last 20% or so of the gingerol was extracted in the much slower subsequent stage. Reducing the ginger particle size by a factor of 3 increased the rate constant of the fast stage nine-fold. Despite the low viscosity of the supercritical fluid, the rate constants of the fast stage were much smaller than in extractions with organic solvents. Only when the CO₂ density was increased to 0.775 g cm⁻³ did the rate constant of the fast stage rise to a value comparable with, but still smaller than, those in organic solvents of similar density. The rate constants of the later slow extraction stage were also somewhat smaller than the corresponding values in organic solvents at 30°C.     

INFLUENCE OF MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING ON SHELF-LIFE OF CHICKEN CARCASSES UNDER REFRIGERATED STORAGE CONDITIONS

The effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (70% CO₂/30% N₂; 30% CO₂/70% N₂) on the shelf-life of fresh chicken carcasses stored at 2, 4, 7 and 9C was investigated. The shelf-lives of MAP carcasses (70% CO₂/30%N₂) stored at 2, 4, 7 and 9C were 25, 21, 12 and 8 days, respectively compared with 7 days for air-packaged ones stored at 4C; the shelf-life of MAP carcasses (30% CO₂/70%N₂) stored at the same temperatures were 20, 15, 8 and 8 days, respectively. The inhibitory effect of MAP on the growth of Enterobacteriaceae and on the production of spoilage metabolites, such as free fatty acids and extract release volume, was negligible at higher temperatures (7 and 9C) and more pronounced at lower temperatures (2 and 4C), especially at higher concentrations of CO₂ (70% CO₂/30% N₂). The occurrence and growth of organisms such as Escherichia coli, coliforms , Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella and Campylobacter in carcasses stored at different temperatures were also documented .     

Mathematical modelling of O2 consumption and CO2 production rates of whole mushrooms accounting for the effect of temperature and gas composition

Investigation of respiration rate of fresh produce, under different gas composition and temperatures, and respective mathematical modelling is central for the modified atmosphere packaging design. This work investigates the effect of temperature (4, 8, 12, 16, 20 °C) and gas composition (O₂ between 3 to 21% and CO₂ between 0 to 15%) on respiration rate of whole mushrooms. Oxygen and carbon dioxide respiration rates increased significantly (3–4 fold) as the temperature elevated from 4 to 20 °C and were in the range of 13.23 ± 3.12 to 102.41 ± 2.132 mL kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) and 14.33 ± 1.56 to 97.02 ± 2.51 mL kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) respectively. Low O₂ and high CO₂ levels reduced O₂ consumption and CO₂ production rates of whole mushrooms on average by a circa 47–60% at all temperatures as compared to the respiration rate at ambient air. Mathematical models were developed for RO₂ and RCO₂, by combining the Arrhenius and Michaelis–Menten uncompetitive equations. These models predicted well, O₂ consumption and CO₂ production rates of whole mushrooms as a function of both temperature and gas composition.     

Optimization of the Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Natural Vitamin E from Wheat Germ Using Response Surface Methodology

ABSTRACT: Natural vitamin E was extracted by supercritical fluid extraction of carbon dioxide (SFE-CO₂) from wheat germ. Several SFE-CO₂ parameters, such as extracting pressure, extracting temperature, and flow rate of carbon dioxide were examined as the independent variables of central composite rotate design (CCRD). Through the response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal processing conditions were determined and the quadratic response surfaces were drawn from the mathematical models. The results demonstrated that the extracting pressure, temperature, pressure × temperature interaction, and flow rate of CO₂ significantly affected the yield of the natural Vitamin E's extraction, while two interactions containing the flow rate of CO₂ had no significant effect on the yield of natural vitamin E. The optimal processing conditions of the extraction of natural vitamin E in wheat germ by SFE-CO₂ were: extracting pressure 5000 PSI, extracting temperature 316 K, and flow rate of carbon dioxide 1.7 ml/min. Optimum value predicted by RSM for the concentration of natural vitamin E was 2307 mg/100g. Close agreement between experimental and predicted values was obtained.     

THERMAL DEATH PARAMETERS of ORANGE JUICE and EFFECT of MINIMAL HEAT TREATMENT and CARBON DIOXIDE ON SHELF-LIFE

Freshly squeezed, refrigerated orange juice has a relatively short shelf-life, which could be extended by minimal processing. D and z values of orange juice microflora were obtained using the capillary method, as well as a plate heat exchanger. the effect of low levels of CO₂ on the shelf-life of the juice was also evaluated. the D₆₀ value of typical orange juice flora was about 5 s and the z was 4–5C. A combination of minimal heat treatment (15 s at 60C) and 6 mM CO₂ extended the storage life of orange juice to 35 days at 4C.
Carbon dioxide flushed into a 10% headspace of 350 ml jars resulted in 6 mM dissolved CO₂ in the juice at 4C. This level of CO₂ extended the shelf-life of unpasteurized juice to 25 days at 4C and 10 days at 10C, as compared to 17 and 5 days without CO₂, respectively. No significant difference in organoleptic evaluations was found between minimally heat treated juices with or without CO₂ and fresh untreated juices without CO₂ during the first week of storage.     

Effects of Ultrasound, Irradiation, and Acidic Electrolyzed Water on Germination of Alfalfa and Broccoli Seeds and Escherichia coli O157:H7

ABSTRACT:  The ability of power ultrasound, acidic electrolyzed water (AEW), and gamma irradiation to inactivate Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated onto alfalfa and broccoli seeds was examined. The treatment conditions under which the alfalfa and broccoli seeds treated with sterile deionized water (SW), AEW, ultrasound cleaning tank (UST), ultrasound probe (USP), and irradiation (IR) would retain a germination percentage of >85% were first determined for each disinfection hurdle. E. coli O157:H7 inactivation tests were then conducted with the experimental conditions determined in the germination tests to find out the maximum inactivation ability of each disinfection hurdle. AEW treatment at 55 ^oC for 10 min reduced E. coli O157:H7 population by 3.4 and 3.3 log CFU/g for the alfalfa and broccoli seeds, respectively. IR at 8 kGy resulted in a 5-log reduction with seed germination of >85% for both seed types, but a reduction in the length and thickness of the sprouts was observed. None of the ultrasound treatments achieved over a 2-log reduction in E. coli O157:H7 population without lowering the germination to below 85%. The results of this study demonstrated that AEW and ultrasound, when applied individually or in combination with thermal treatment at 55 ^oC, were not able to deliver a satisfactory inactivation of E. coli O157:H7. A combination of several hurdles must be used to achieve a complete elimination of E. coli O157:H7 cells on alfalfa and broccoli seeds.