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The overall goal of proposed research is to enhance knowledge about multifunctional and bioactive natural polysaccharides and to optimize procedures for their extraction, characterization, and application in the food industry. <P>
Specific objectives are: <OL> <LI> Develop novel technologies to improve chemical and microbiological safety of food and water: <BR> 1.1. Evaluation of antiviral properties of chitosan<BR> 1.2.Designing and characterizing chitosan-based films and particles for advanced water purification <LI>Develop extraction methodology and characterize soluble and insoluble beta-glucans from fungal sources:<BR> 2.1. Extraction and characterization of beta-glucans from edible mushrooms and yeast <BR> 2.2. Extraction and characterization of beta-glucans from various wastes in the food industry.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Two focus areas of this research are (1) optimization of extraction and characterization of bioactive polysaccharides, and (2) utilization of these polysaccharides for enhancing food microbiological and chemical safety, and improving the quality of food products.
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APPROACH: For evaluation of antiviral properties of chitosan we will examine the effect of chitosan's molecular weight, degree of acetylation, and concentration on its activity against murine norovirus, feline calicivirus, and MS2(ssRNA) bacteriophage. The mechanism of antiviral activity will be assessed by observing viruses susceptible to chitosan by transmission electron microscopy. Chitosan-based films for advanced water purification will be produced by spin-coating and micro and nano-particles will be prepared with high intensity ultrasound atomizer. Films and particles will be produced from pure chitosan solutions and with various additives including plasticizers, cross-linkers, and synthetic polymers. Films and particles will be characterized for mechanical properties, chromium binding capacity, and antimicrobial efficiency. Soluble and insoluble â-glucans will b extracted from white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes), freeze dried bakery yeast and fungal biomass collected as waste from the food industry and biofuel production. Characterization of the glucans will include: yield, purity, and molecular weight.