Fabrication and characterization of gelatin-based nanocomposite edible film prepared from eggshell with anthocyanin as pH indicator to assure quality of food

Intelligent packaging with a pH indicator is a protective measure that can assure the food quality at the point of delivery or usage. This research targets to develop eggshell membrane gelatin-based hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanocomposite edible film incorporated with anthocyanin extracted from Jambolão (Syzygium cumini). The HAP nanoparticles were synthesized from eggshells, the size (< 100 nm) and morphology were confirmed by Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Eggshell gelatin film, eggshell gelatin film reinforced with HAP (Gel-HAP), and anthocyanin incorporated eggshell gelatin film reinforced with HAP (Gel-HAP-ACN) were prepared. The physicochemical, optical, and surface properties of the nanocomposite films were evaluated. Gel-HAP-ACN film had excellent light barrier characteristics than Gel-HAP and Gel films. The Gel-HAP-ACN film had enhanced antioxidant (57.71%) property than the gelatin film and also had antibacterial action against Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Hence, this report suggests Gel-HAP-ACN film for food packaging to assure the safety of the food.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05685-4.

Synbiotic microencapsulation of Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis using oats/oats brans as prebiotic for enhanced storage stability

Potential probiotic strains, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis and Lactobacillus brevis were microencapsulated with their appropriate prebiotics, oat bran, and oats, respectively, selected by in vitro fermentation. The microencapsulation of these probiotics were done in an alginate matrix, with and without their appropriate prebiotics. Results showed that cells microencapsulated with the prebiotics had significantly more storage stability (p < 0.05) than free cells and cells microencapsulated without the prebiotics. The probiotic cells encapsulated with their appropriate prebiotic had improved survival rates when exposed to bile as compared to free cells. The survival of microencapsulated and free cells in the simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid was also evaluated in this study. Microencapsulated probiotics, along with an appropriate prebiotic, were found to be more stable in bile, simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid. Interestingly, this is the first work to use prebiotic such as oats and the oat bran to prepare the synbiotic microsphere.

Chitosan coated skim milk-alginate microspheres for better survival of probiotics during gastrointestinal transit

Microencapsulation of probiotic cells is now under special attention because it is considered as the best method for improving the survivability of probiotics. In the present study, alginate, alginate-skim milk and chitosan coated alginate-skim milk coated microspheres of probiotics such as L.rhamnosus and L.plantarum were prepared. The encapsulating efficiency was found to be above 96% for L.plantarum and above 98% for L.rhamnosus. The skim milk was found to be a better matrix for encapsulation and chitosan coating, making the microspheres stronger compared to uncoated microspheres. The stability study of encapsulated and non-encapsulated probiotic was done for a month. The tolerance of encapsulated probiotics in artificial gastric fluid and release profile of probiotic in simulated intestinal fluid was also studied. This is the first study where chitosan coated alginate-skim milk was used for probiotic encapsulation and suggests promising encapsulating/enfolding material for improving the probiotics survivability.

Enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Nano chitosan and pectin based biodegradable active packaging films incorporated with fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) essential oil and potato (Solanum tuberosum) peel extracts

Active packaging materials are generally prepared by incorporating antimicrobial agents. The main objective of the present research is the development and characterization of active packaging with Nano chitosan and pectin. Active packaging film was prepared by incorporating essential oil of Fennel (EOF) along with potato peel extract (PPE) to improve the antioxidant and antimicrobial property of the film. Incorporation of EOF into Nano chitosan and pectin-based films increased antimicrobial activity, whereas; PPE increased the antioxidant property of the films. In the present study, thickness, optical property, mechanical property, antioxidant and antimicrobial property, total soluble matter, morphological study, FTIR analysis, and microbial degradation study of the prepared active packaging material was done. The addition of the PPE and EOF together improved the surface, optical, mechanical, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the packaging film. Enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant property of the Nano chitosan-PPE-PVA-EOF and pectin-PPE-PVA-EOF-based packaging films can extend the shelf life of the packed food; hence it is suggested for the active packaging for perishable food commodity. In short, the prepared active packaging film with biodegradable property is suggested as an effective packaging material to replace synthetic plastic packages for food and hence reduce plastic pollution.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05333-9.

Development of multigrain ready-to-eat extruded snack and process parameter optimization using response surface methodology

This study aimed to develop Ready to Eat (RTE) extruded snack using a composite blend of cereal, millet, and pulses. The formulation of the blend was rice, corn, pearl millet, green gram, and cowpea bean in the ratio of 25:30:30:8:7. Process parameters selected for optimization are feed moisture content (8%-12%), extruder rpm (300-350), and barrel temperature (117 °C-121°C). Data were analyzed using Response Surface Methodology, and optimized parameters are found to be 120°C (barrel temperature), 350 rpm (screw speed), and 10% (moisture content) with desirability. The effect of particle size on the feed formulation was also studied. The particle size of 0.5 mm is found to be the best. Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the effect of independent variables and particle size on the texture of extrudates and functional groups present in them.

Effect of different drying techniques on the nutrient and physiochemical properties of Musa paradisiaca (ripe Nendran banana) powder

Musa paradisiaca (ripe Nendran) is the staple food of south India, especially Kerala. The present study analyzed the effect of different drying techniques, namely, freeze, spray and tray drying on the retention of nutrients especially micronutrients. Mineral content was determined by using Atomic absorption spectroscopy and Vitamin content was determined through High-performance liquid chromatography. This study aimed to analyze the availability of minerals and water-soluble vitamins in dried ripe banana powder. The micronutrient content of freeze-dried banana powder was observed to be with 486.92 ± 0.12 mg/100 g of potassium, 0.60 ± 0.005 mg/100 g of calcium, 3.10 ± 0.10 mg/100 g of sodium, 3.82 ± 0.02 mg/100 g of iron, 6.28 ± 0.04 mg/100 g of vitamin C and 0.606 ± 0.005 mg/100 g of vitamin B6. Along with micronutrient analysis, proximate, and various important physiochemical properties were also analyzed. The results showed that freeze-drying was the best technique to preserve nutrients present in ripe banana. Structure analysis of dried banana was done using scanning electron microscopy indicated that remarkable changes has occurred in both tray and spray dried banana when comparing to freeze dried banana. Data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA, found significantly differ at p < 0.05 with respect to drying methods.

Graphical abstract

Probiotic with gluten reduction property and its encapsulation in synbiotic aloe vera gel-alginate capsules with banana powder as prebiotic

This study aims to hydrolyze the immunogenic gluten peptides by probiotic bacteria, Lactococcus lactis G01. It was isolated from curd and isolation was done based on ability to hydrolyze gluten. It was also tested for probiotic properties such as survival in gastric juice, bile salts, acid resistance, antibiotic sensitivity, antioxidant potential, sodium chloride tolerance, and antimicrobial activity. Lactococcus lactis G01 exhibited potential probiotic properties also, hence it was selected for microencapsulation. Probiotic was encapsulated in sodium alginate beads using banana powder as prebiotic and aloe vera as the adsorbent. The bead morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The chemical composition of the bead was confirmed by FTIR. It was observed that 99% of the encapsulated probiotic cells were released into the simulated intestinal fluid in 90 min. Storage study was conducted for encapsulated probiotic and after four weeks of storage, the probiotic count in microcapsules was 7.82 log10 CFU/g. The formulated synbiotic capsules are suggested to incorporate in porridge for celiac patients since the probiotic has gluten reduction property.

Graphical abstract

Freeze dried probiotic carrot juice powder for better storage stability of probiotic

Probiotic strains isolated from Gundruk- a traditional Indian fermented food-and fermented carrot juice, were evaluated for their probiotic properties and analyzed probiotic properties such as lactic acid production, NaCl tolerance, and acid tolerance for all the isolated strains. Most isolated strains were susceptible to antibiotics, and cell-free extracts showed potential antioxidant activity and observed antagonistic properties against foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella typhi ATCC 6539, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Shigella ATCC 12022, and Staphylococcus ATCC 29213. The isolate Enterococcus faecalis(K13), was incorporated in carrot juice and microencapsulated by freeze-drying and spray drying. Gum Arabic and maltodextrin were used as coating materials. The physicochemical properties, such as bulk density, moisture content, water activity and color of the powders, and the survivability of probiotic bacteria, were studied on storage. The freeze-dried probiotic formulation is suggested over spray-dried formulation for further use, since it had good storage stability up to one month (6-7 Log CFU/g).

Lactobacillus plantarum J9, a potential probiotic isolated from cereal/pulses based fermented batter for traditional Indian food and its microencapsulation

This work analyzed the probiotic properties of isolates from cereal-based Indian fermented food. The isolates were tested for lactic acid production, cell hydrophobicity, antibiotic sensitivity, sensitivity to acidic conditions, and increased salt concentration. This study also evaluated the ability of the probiotic isolates to ferment sugars and their antioxidant activity. The potential probiotic L. plantarum J9 isolated from jangri batter was encapsulated using 2.5% sodium alginate and CaCl2 by extrusion method with an encapsulation efficiency greater than 99%. After 2 h of incubation, in simulated gastric juice the encapsulated J9 cells reduced from 11.8 to 6.8 log10 CFU/ml however, free J9 cells reduced from 11.8 to 1.89 log10 CFU/ml. Similarly, encapsulated J9 cells reduced from 11.8 to 8.0 log10 CFU/ml but free J9 cells reduced from 11.6 to 0.890 log10 CFU/ml in simulated intestinal juice after 2 h incubation. The microencapsulation of L. plantarum J9 with alginate proves effective in delivering viable bacterial cells at required levels. Probiotic with antioxidant activity and antagonistic properties against food-borne pathogens is reported for the first time from jangri batter. The sodium alginate microencapsulation allows viable cells to reach a beneficial level, and hence this study aids in developing new probiotic products.

Location of Early Stage Tumor Detection using Microwave Imaging in the Breast Phantom

BACKGROUND

Universally, the most predominant cause of female mortality is mainly due to breast cancer. Owing to numerous constraints in the existing imaging technique, researchers are trying out an alternative tool to detect the tumor before going to the miserable stage.

METHODS

This article presents a novel method to detect the mean value system for detecting the location of the tumor in different depths by shifting the antenna anywhere in the breast tissue. In addition, an algorithm to reconstruct the breast image, namely Delay-Multiply-and-Sum (DMAS) is followed to identify the tumor implanted in the breast tissue.

RESULTS

The analysis shows that the maximum mean value occurs while the antenna moves very near to the tumor while the mean value reduces while the antenna shifts apart from the tumor location. The mean value in different locations is converted into a microwave image. The high intensity in the image exhibits the precise position of the tumor. This technique can identify the location of early-stage tumor of size 3mm. Multiple tumors of sizes 6mm and 7mm can identify at a depth of 12mm and 18mm in the homogeneous breast phantom. DMAS can provide better imaging results in the early stage tumor of size 3mm embedded in the breast phantom.

CONCLUSION

Microwave imaging is an efficient technique to differentiate healthy and malignant tissue in the breast. Antenna plays a major role in identifying tumors in the breast in the early stage. Hence a high-performance Ultra Wideband Dielectric Resonator Antenna (DRA-UWB) is used to identify the tumor in the breast. An antenna is sketched in different locations of the breast phantom. On account of the hemispherical structure, the mean value of the reflected signal is high at the center than at the edge. Hence, the difference in mean value is calculated with and without breast phantom for identifying the tumor location. The overall efficiency of this technique can be improved by using a high-performance UWB antenna. The image of the breast is reformed by the DMAS beamforming algorithm.

Synbiotic microencapsulation of Enterococcus faecium Rp1: a potential probiotic isolated from ragi porridge with antiproliferative property against colon carcinoma cell line

Ragi porridge, commonly consumed in South India is made from finger millet and noiyee (broken rice), and it is one of the excellent sources for probiotic bacteria. In vitro assays provided the proof that the probiotic strains isolated from ragi porridge can survive during the intestinal passage. Also, it showed antioxidant activity and antagonistic activity against foodborne pathogens including Shigella flexineri, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhii and Escherichia coli. Enterococcus faecium Rp1 isolated from ragi porridge was susceptible to vancomycin and showed to cease the progression of HCT116 (colon carcinoma) cell line. Further, Enterococcus faecium was microencapsulated using sodium alginate and aloe vera gel as binding agents and onion extract as a source of prebiotic to perform symbiotic encapsulation. In short, this study concludes that the fermented Ragi porridge is a rich source of probiotics with anti-microbial, antioxidant and antiproliferative property hence can be suggested for improving gut microbiota.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05415-2.

Biodegradable nano composite reinforced with cellulose nano fiber from coconut industry waste for replacing synthetic plastic food packaging

Environmental pollution due to the usage of non-biodegradable synthetic plastic and agro-waste disposal/burning are major issues nowadays. Hence, in the present study, agro-waste (coconut shells) was selected as raw material to synthesize cellulose nanofibers, and it was incorporated into a biodegradable packaging film to enhance its properties. Coconut shell cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were synthesized by a combination of mechanical (ball milling), chemical (acid hydrolysis), and physical (ultra-sonication) methods with an excellent yield of 41.67 ± 1.07%. After each treatment, the crystallinity index was improved, it was 74.38% for the untreated coconut shell powder, and 98.62% for the CNF obtained after ultra-sonication. After chemical treatments, FTIR analysis was done to confirm the removal of non-cellulosic material. The structure and morphology of the nanofiber were concluded from SEM, AFM, TEM, and the size obtained was up to 29 nm. The cellulose nanofibers were then incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer matrix with the linseed oil and lemon oil. The essential oil improved the antioxidant properties of PVA-CNF film, and free radicle scavenging activity was 31.52 ± 0.08% upon the addition of oils. Moreover, PVA-CNF-oil-based composite film showed good antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogens. Hence, it can be used in the preparation of active packaging in the food industry. Similarly, the mechanical and thermal properties of bio nanocomposite film inferred superior quality than neat PVA film. The optical properties of the developed film were on par with polyethylene film. The film also exhibited excellent biodegradability; 87.34 ± 0.91% degradation was obtained on the 45th day. Another major objective of the study was to provide a hydrophobic nature to PVA-based film. It was improved by incorporating essential oil and coconut shell nanofibers; the contact angle measured was 91.3° ± 0.79°. Hence, the prepared bio nanocomposite film is suggested as an alternative material for non-biodegradable food packaging, thereby reducing plastic pollution.

Non-Clinical Investigation of Tuberculosis Drugs: Conjugated Norbornene- Based Nanocarriers Toxic Impacts on Zebrafish

INTRODUCTION:

Rifampicin conjugated (R-CP), and rifampicin -isoniazid dual conjugated (RI-CP) norbornene-derived nanocarriers are newly designed for pH stimuli-responsive delivery of tuberculosis (TB) drugs. Its biosafety level is yet to be well established.

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the impacts of the nanocarriers on liver cells using zebrafish animal model and human liver cell line model (HepG2).

METHODS:

Initially, lethal dose concentration for the norbornene-derived nanocarrier systems in zebrafish was determined. The toxic effects were analysed at the sub-lethal drug concentration by histopathological study, total GSH level, gene expression and DNA damage in zebrafish liver cells. Fish erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities were also evaluated. Cell viability and oxidative stress level (ROS generation) after exposure to the nanoconjugates was determined using HepG2 cell in the in vitro study.

RESULTS:

In vivo studies of both R-CP and RI-CP showed 100% mortality at 96 hours for exposure concentration >100mg/l and showed toxic changes in zebrafish liver histology, GSH, and DNA damage levels. A noticeable upregulated PXR, CYP3A and cyp2p6 genes was observed in RI-CP exposure than in RIF or R-CP molecules. The in vitro study revealed a dose-dependent effect on cell viability and ROS generation for RIF, R-CP and RI-CP exposures in HepG2 cells.

CONCLUSION:

The current study reports that the rifampicin conjugated (R-CP) and rifampicin-isoniazid conjugated (RI-CP) norbornene derived nanocarriers exhibit enhanced toxic responses in both adult zebrafish and HepG2 cells. The pH-sensitive norbornene derived nanocarriers on conjugation with different drugs exhibited varied impacts on hepatic cells. Hence the present investigation recommends a complete metabolomics analysis and norbornene carrier-drug interaction study to be performed for each drug conjugated norbornene nanocarrier to ensure its biosafety.

Norbornene derived nanocarrier reduces isoniazid mediated liver toxicity: assessment in HepG2 cell line and zebrafish model

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of the stimuli-responsive norbornene-based nanocarrier complex of isoniazid, compared to pure isoniazid, on liver cells, byin vivoandin vitromethods.

Optimization of carbon and nitrogen sources and growth factors for the production of an aquaculture probiotic (Pseudomonas MCCB 103) using response surface methodology

AIM

To develop a new medium for enhanced production of biomass of an aquaculture probiotic Pseudomonas MCCB 103 and its antagonistic phenazine compound, pyocyanin.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Carbon and nitrogen sources and growth factors, such as amino acids and vitamins, were screened initially in a mineral medium for the biomass and antagonistic compound of Pseudomonas MCCB 103. The selected ingredients were further optimized using a full-factorial central composite design of the response surface methodology. The medium optimized as per the model for biomass contained mannitol (20 g l(-1)), glycerol (20 g l(-1)), sodium chloride (5 g l(-1)), urea (3.3 g l(-1)) and mineral salts solution (20 ml l(-1)), and the one optimized for the antagonistic compound contained mannitol (2 g l(-1)), glycerol (20 g l(-1)), sodium chloride (5.1 g l(-1)), urea (3.6 g l(-1)) and mineral salts solution (20 ml l(-1)). Subsequently, the model was validated experimentally with a biomass increase by 19% and fivefold increase of the antagonistic compound.

CONCLUSION

Significant increase in the biomass and antagonistic compound production could be obtained in the new media.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Media formulation and optimization are the primary steps involved in bioprocess technology, an attempt not made so far in the production of aquaculture probiotics.

Synechocystis MCCB 114 and 115 as putative probionts for Penaeus monodon post-larvae

Synechocystis MCCB 114 and 115 were segregated as putative probionts for shrimp larvae from a collection of 54 cyanobacterial cultures enriched from seawater. On feeding Penaeus monodon post-larvae with the cyanobacteria, the generic diversity of the intestinal bacterial flora could be enhanced with substantial reduction or total absence of Vibrio spp. A significant difference (p < 0.001) in the percent survival of batches of post-larvae fed on the cyanobacterial cultures was observed and, on repeated challenge with V. harveyi, the relative percent survival of those batches of larvae fed on Synechocystis MCCB 114 and 115 was significantly higher. The Synechocystis MCCB 114 and 115 cultures were found to contain high levels of protein (34 to 43%), in addition to carotenoids.

A marine bacterium, Micrococcus MCCB 104, antagonistic to vibrios in prawn larval rearing systems

A marine bacterium, Micrococcus MCCB 104, isolated from hatchery water, demonstrated extracellular antagonistic properties against Vibrio alginolyticus, V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, V. fluviallis, V. nereis, V. proteolyticus, V. mediterranei, V cholerae and Aeromonas sp., bacteria associated with Macrobrachium rosenbergii larval rearing systems. The isolate inhibited the growth of V. alginolyticus during co-culture. The antagonistic component of the extracellular product was heat-stable and insensitive to proteases, lipase, catalase and alpha-amylase. Micrococcus MCCB 104 was demonstrated to be non-pathogenic to M. rosenbergii larvae.