Research Publications (Food Safety)

Modified atmosphere package (MAP), as a practical, economic, and easy to operate food package technique, has experienced a rapid development in both scientific and industrial communities. In recent years, given the superiority of super-atmospheric O2 (SO) MAP in preserving fruits and vegetables relative to low O2 and/or high CO2 MAP, SO MAP is back on the radar of researchers.

A novel film was developed from barberry (BA) anthocyanins immobilized on cobalt-based metal–organic framework (Co-MOF) nanoparticles utilizing biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan nanofiber (ChNF) as intelligent and active packaging for red meat freshness.

Traditional polysaccharide-based films, though environmentally friendly, face challenges like poor heat resistance and susceptibility to bacterial contamination, limiting their application in bio-based and smart food packaging. This study presents a novel composite film by incorporating zinc ions (Zn2+) into hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and sodium alginate (SA). This HPMC/zinc-alginate (ZA) film aims to address these limitations.

This study aimed to investigate the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) degradation as a result of using cold plasma by dielectric barrier discharge method at atmospheric pressure with gases (air, nitrogen, argon, and nitrogen + argon) at different times (0, 5, 15, 25, and 35 min) and also to model AFB1 inactivation, cytotoxicity against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Hep-G2), and AFB1 bioaccessibility in simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

Clostridium perfringens spores, which are extremely resistant and difficult to kill, can easily cause food spoilage and foodborne diseases. In this study, the effect of simultaneous ultrasound and heat (thermosonication, TS) treatment for C. perfringens spore inactivation was investigated. The TS treatment at 26.67 W/mL and 80 °C or 90 °C for 30 min resulted in 5.77 and 5.89 log inactivation of C. perfringens spores, respectively.

Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) is a second-generation smart delivery system with a solid matrix at room temperature. This carrier system consists of biocompatible surfactants and lipid materials and is accepted by regulatory authorities for use in various delivery systems. This study is a comparative study between the function of thymol-loaded NLC and thymol-nanoemulsion (NE) in Na-alginate coating to extend the shelf life of fresh chicken meat.

This study used a combination of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and ultraviolet (UV) 222 nm with plasma-activated hydrogen peroxide (PAHP) pre-treatment to optimise the pasteurisation of fresh eggs and to investigate their freshness quality.

Ripening is an irreversible phenomenon involving several physiological, biochemical and organoleptic changes that affect the nutritional value, colour, texture and taste of fruit. Amongst the physical non-destructive technologies, Delayed Luminescence (DL) has been reported able to provide valid information on the functional status of living biological systems, reflecting changes in quality parameters following the occurrence of certain metabolic processes.

Penetration ability is one of the biggest concerns of light-emitting diode (LED) technology in the food industry, as most food matrices are usually in packaged conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal effects of LEDs on both pure culture and litchi fruit, which are packaged by nine commonly used commercial packaging films. Results showed that LEDs could penetrate these films with more than 88% energy transmittance.

Cyclodextrin enhances the activity of bioactive compounds through the formation of inclusion complexes (ICs), but its effect on diverse compound structures and processing methods is poorly understood.

Superabsorbent bio-aerogels were developed from TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (isolated from vegetable lignocellulosic residues) and two different commercial chitosan reactants (low and high molecular weight) by polyelectrolyte complex formation at room temperature.

In this study, the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs L21, AgNPs L22) produced using aqueous extracts of the Laser trilobum harvested in 2021 and 2022 was optimized. The experimental design and optimization of antimicrobial activity were performed using the response surface method (RSM).

Ensuring food safety measures are essential to minimize the risk of foodborne diseases linked to raw food products. Here, we investigated the efficacy of an innovative approach for the control of Salmonella Typhimurium found in fresh produces. Plasma activated water (PAW) and bacteriophages are emerging effective and valuable alternative methods for microbiological decontamination.

Biofilms in food processing environments pose a potential risk of contamination by pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, and Yersinia enterocolitica, known for its wide temperature adaptation, is the third most common zoonotic pathogen in the European Union. This study investigates the inhibitory effects of protocatechuic acid (PCA) at sub-inhibitory concentrations on various stages of Y. enterocolitica biofilm formation.

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles offers a non-toxic, eco-friendly, economical, and efficient solution against various microorganisms. The study aimed to investigate the utilization of cocoa bean shells for the production of silver nanoparticles through green synthesis, besides its characterization and evaluation against foodborne pathogens.

Green and blue molds and sour rot, caused by Penicillium digitatum, P. italicum, and Geotrichum citri-aurantii, are postharvest diseases which represent an important economic issue in lemon production. Conventionally, their control involves the intensive use of synthetic fungicides, leading to the emergence of resistant strains and harmful residue accumulation on fruits.

Momordica charantia (M. charantia) seeds are usually discarded; however, the oil extracted from seeds contains polyunsaturated fatty acids with potent antibacterial activity. Unfortunately, low extraction rate and instability of M. charantia seed oil (MCSO) limits its potential food applications. Therefore, it is crucial to explore industrial methods to increase the extraction yield and enhance stability of MCSO.

This study evaluated the capability of a thymol nanoemulsion (nTHY) to reduce cross-contamination with Salmonella Enteritidis in ground chicken meat. First, an nTHY (~ 54 nm) was prepared in a high-shear speed system (rotor–stator) and proved stable, remaining below 100 nm for 30 days in storage at 4 °C. Then, a minimum inhibitory concentration assay was performed by combining S. Enteritidis with viable native bacteria from chicken meat.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a fungal toxin produced by Fusarium that widely occurs in various types of grains and feed. It has strong reproductive toxicity and a wide range of distribution, which will impact food and feed safety. In this study, Bacillus subtilis ZENL09, which is capable of transforming ZEN was investigated.

The high Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes risk in poultry products reinforces the urgent need for new technologies with high antimicrobial effects. In that sense, a combined technology consisting of encapsulated extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) during chicken nugget breading combined with infrared processing was hereby studied at three levels (experiments). The high in vitro EVOO antimicrobial activity (up to 74%), which was 1.2-fold higher against L.

Antimicrobial treatment procedures are often applied during produce post-harvest processing and storage as a complementary measure to reduce the potential risk of foodborne illness. Herein, we investigate the feasibility and efficacy of utilizing essential oil vapor–assisted plasma treatments to sanitize lettuce, spinach, and tomatoes. These fresh produce items are often associated with foodborne illnesses. Additionally, potatoes were chosen to introduce topography diversity into the study.

The green synthesis method was used to prepare SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) from Laurus nobilis L. aqueous extract. Gelatin-based films are a promising substitute for traditional plastics due to their eco-friendliness, low cost, and pliability. However, they have some drawbacks such as high water solubility, poor opacity, and permeability to vapor. The use of synthesized SnO2 NPs can help address these concerns.

An ammonia-sensitive, easy-to-use, pH-responsive food packaging indicator was developed using drop-coated filter paper combined with hydrothermally generated glucose-derived carbon dots (G-CQDs). The stability and efficacy of the prepared G-CQD were confirmed by TEM, zeta potential, and optical and luminescent investigations. The multifunctional G-CQD exhibited potent antibacterial activity against S. enterica, E. coli, L. monocytogenes, and S.

Abstract This study aimed to formulate and characterize the bioactive pectin-nanocellulose-based films carrying a synergistic mixture of shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oils (EOs). Four bioactive nanocomposite films including two different synergistic EO combinations in high (HC) and low concentrations (LC) were developed.

With the rising requirement for natural and biodegradable packaging materials, we focused in this study on the elaboration of a bioactive food packaging with desirable properties using high molecular weight chitosan (CHT) combined with ketones and ether-rich essential oils (EOs) such as menthone, α-thujone, and 1,8-cineole. The analysis of the physical parameters revealed that the CHT films containing EOs were thicker, more opaque, and less moisturized.