Mercury in scarletina bolete mushroom (Neoboletus luridiformis): Intake, spatial distribution in the fruiting body, accumulation ability and health risk assessment

In the present work, we focused on two aspects of mercury (Hg) bioconcentration in the above-ground parts of Neoboletus luridiformis. In the first part, we monitored the bioconcentration potential of individual anatomical parts of a particular fruiting body and evaluated the obtained data by the spline interpolation method. In the second part, we focused on assessing the mercury content in 378 samples of N. luridiformis and associated samples of substrates from 38 localities with different levels of Hg content in Slovakia. From the obtained data of Hg content in samples of substrate and fungi, we evaluated ecological indicators (geoaccumulation index - Igeo, contamination factor - Cf a potential ecological risk - PER), bioconcentration indicators (bioconcentration factor - BCF; cap/stipe quotient - Qc/s) and health indicators (percentage of provisional tolerable weekly intake - %PTWI a target hazard quotient - THQ). Based on the Hg distribution results, the highest Hg content was found in the tubes & pores (3.86 mg/kg DW), followed by the flesh of cap (1.82 mg/kg DW). The lowest Hg content was in the stipe (1.23 mg/kg DW). The results of the BCF values indicate that the studied species can be included in the category of mercury accumulators. The results of the ecological indices representing the state of soil pollution pointed out that two localities (Malachov and Nižná Slaná) stood apart from all monitored localities and showed a state of an extremely disturbed environment. This fact was also reflected in the values of Hg content in the fruiting bodies of the studied mushroom species. In the case of the consumption of mushrooms from these localities, it can be stated that long-term and regular consumption could have a negative non-carcinogenic effect on the health of consumers. It was confirmed by the %PTWI (Malachov: 57.8%; Nižná Slaná: 53.2%) and THQ (Malachov: 1.11 Nižná Slaná: 1.02). The locality Čačín-Jelšovec is interesting from the bioconcentration characteristics point of view, where the level of environmental pollution was the lowest (Hg content in the soil was below the background value) compared to other localities, however, the THQ value was the highest (1.29).

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, In Vitro and In Situ Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and Anti-Insect Activity of Cedar atlantica Essential Oil

The present study was designed to evaluate commercial cedar essential oil (CEO), obtained by hydrodistillation from cedar wood, in relationship to its chemical composition and antioxidant, in vitro and in situ antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-insect activity. For these purposes, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, DPPH radical-scavenging assay, agar and disc diffusion, and vapor phase methods were used. The results from the volatile profile determination showed that δ-cadinene (36.3%), (Z)-β-farnesene (13.8%), viridiflorol (7.3%), and himachala-2,4-diene (5.4%) were the major components of the EO chemical constitution. Based on the obtained results, a strong antioxidant effect (81.1%) of the CEO was found. CEO is characterized by diversified antimicrobial activity, and the zones of inhibition ranged from 7.33 to 21.36 mm in gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and from 5.44 to 13.67 mm in yeasts and fungi. The lowest values of minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) were noted against gram-positive Micrococcus luteus (7.46 µL/mL) and against yeast Candida krusei (9.46 µL/mL). It seems that the vapor phase of CEO can inhibit the growth of the microscopic filamentous fungi of the genus Penicillium according to in situ antifungal analysis on bread, carrots, and celery. This finding confirms the impact of CEO on the change in the protein structure of older biofilms of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica. Insecticidal activity of a vapor phase has also been demonstrated against Pyrrhocoris apterus. CEO showed various advantages on antimicrobial activity, and it is an ideal substitute for food safety.

The Citrus reticulata essential oil: evaluation of antifungal activity against penicillium species related to bakery products spoilage

Fungal food spoilage plays a key role in the deterioration of food products, and finding a suitable natural preservative can solve this problem. Therefore, antifungal activity of green mandarin (Citrus reticulata) essential oil (GMEO) in the vapor phase against the growth of Penicillium (P.) expansum and P. chrysogenum inoculated on wheat bread (in situ experiment) was investigated in the current research. The volatile compounds of the GMEO were analyzed by a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC–MS), and its antioxidant activity was determined by testing free radical-scavenging capacity (DPPH assay). Moreover, the disc diffusion method was used to analyze the antifungal activity of GMEO in in vitro conditions. The results demonstrate that the Citrus reticulata EO consisted of α-limonene as the most abundant component (71.5%), followed by γ-terpinene (13.9%), and β-pinene (3.5%), and it displayed the weak antioxidant activity with the value of inhibition 5.6 ±0.7%, which corresponds to 103.0 ±6.4 µg TEAC.mL-1. The findings from the GMEO antifungal activity determination revealed that values for the inhibition zone with disc diffusion method ranged from 0.00 ±0.00 (no antifungal effectiveness) to 5.67 ±0.58 mm (moderate antifungal activity). Finally, exposure of Penicillium strains growing on bread to GMEO in vapor phase led to the finding that 250 μL.L-1 of GMEO exhibited the lowest value for mycelial growth inhibition (MGI) of P. expansum (-51.37 ±3.01%) whose negative value reflects even supportive effect of the EO on the microscopic fungus growth. On the other hand, GMEO at this concentration (250 μL.L-1) resulted in the strongest inhibitory action (MGI: 54.15 ±1.15%) against growth of P. chrysogenum. Based on the findings it can be concluded that GMEO in the vapor phase is not an effective antifungal agent against the growth of P. expansum inoculated on bread; however, its antifungal potential manifested against P. chrysogenum suggests GMEO to be an appropriate alternative to the use of chemical inhibitors for bread preservation.

ARSENIC, CADMIUM AND MERCURY IN THE MACROLEPIOTA PROCERA (SCOP.) SINGER FRUITING BODIES

In this study, the content of As, Cd and Hg in fruiting bodies was determined. These three elements were determined in 94 Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer samples (separately for caps and stems) and their corresponding soils/substrates collected from 8 different localities in Slovakia. Arsenic and cadmium were analyzed by Optical Emission Spectrometry with Inductively Coupled Plasma (OES-ICP), and mercury by Advanced Mercury Analyzer (AMA-254). In the soil/substrate As content varied from ND (not detected) to 11.9, Cd from 0.66 to 22.9 and Hg from 0.02 to 0.28 mg kg-1 DW (dry weight), respectively. In fruiting body stems arsenic content varied from ND to 4.77, cadmium from ND to 5.96 and mercury from 0.03 to 2.83 mg kg-1 DW. In the caps, As content varied from ND to 13.0, Cd from ND to 19.8 and Hg from 0.04 to 4.00 mg kg-1 DW. After comparing obtained results with the EU limits, for As in mushrooms 6.6% (cap) of analyzed samples exceeded the limit value, while for Cd, 4.7% (cap), 2.0% (stem) of analyzed samples exceeded the limit value. Regarding the background values in the soils/substrates of selected elements in Slovakia only Cd exceeded the limits (though almost 82% of samples). Regarding Hg content, all analyzed samples (fruiting bodies and soils/substrates) did not exceed the limit value. The selected monitored localities in Slovakia have been contaminated with trace elements. Some of the analyzed mushroom samples exceeded EU limits, and as such, they can pose a risk to human health.

Aroma profile and lactic acid bacteria characteristic of traditional Slovak cheese "May bryndza"

This paper describes the results of the characterization of a traditional Slovak cheese called "May bryndza" with regard to the profiles of volatile organic compounds and lactic acid bacteria. Samples of "May bryndza" cheese produced solely from unpasteurized ewe's milk were collected from 4 different Slovak farms, and samples of the cheese produced from a mixture of 2 types of milk (raw ewe's and pasteurized cow's milk) were collected from 3 different Slovak industrial dairies. There were 15 compounds detected and identified by the electronic nose. The impact of the kind of milk and the kind of dairy on the aroma profile of the product was not confirmed by PCA. The compounds with the highest relative contents in samples were acetoin (2.59%-24.55%), acetic acid (6.69%-13.39%), methoxy-phenyl-oxime (4.49%-8.52%), butanoic acid (1.89%-5.67%), and 2,3-butanediol (0.98%-4.08%), which were determined with gas chromatography. A total of 1533 isolates of LAB were obtained from the "May bryndza" cheese samples. Four families, five genera, and 19 species were identified with mass spectrometry, and isolated bacteria, both from the farm and industry dairies were the most frequently found to belong to Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis.

The Effect of Amanita rubescens Pers Developmental Stages on Aroma Profile

The dichloromethane extraction was applied to extracted volatile compounds of the six developmental stages of caps and stipes of an Amanita rubescens mushroom and the relative contents were measured with the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The number of identified compounds ranged between 53 and 52, respectively, with a high ratio of alkane volatiles. The significant differences between the aroma compounds were determined in caps to identify their stages of development. The fully mature stage caps were characterized by 4,6-dimethyl-dodecane (7.69 ± 1.15%), 2-hexyl-1-decanol (11.8 ± 1.61%), 1,3-di-tert-butylbenzene (11.4 ± 1.25%), heptadecyl pentadecafluorooctanoate (2.16 ± 0.31%), and 2-hexyl-1-dodecanol (13.5 ± 1.33%). Niacinamide (3.90 ± 0.07%) and glycerol (3.62 ± 1.27%) was present in the caps in the early-stage of the rotting mushroom, which represented the 10th-12th day of fructification. The caps and stipes from the 12th-15th day of fructification were characterized by 2,3-butanediol (11.7 ± 0.13% and 8.00 ± 0.10%, respectively). Moreover, the caps from this developmental stage were characterized by 2-methyl- and 3-methyl butanoic acids (0.18 ± 0.03% and 0.33 ± 0.02%, respectively) which are typical for the rotting stage. In this study, we confirmed the effect of A. rubescens developmental stages on the aroma profile.

Thymus serpyllum Essential Oil and Its Biological Activity as a Modern Food Preserver

The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and biological and antibiofilm activity of the essential oil (EO) of Thymus serpyllum with the use of a MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper. The main compounds of the EO were thymol, 18.8%; carvacrol, 17.4%; o-cymene, 15.4%; and geraniol, 10.7%. It was found that free-radical scavenging activity was high. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis, and biofilm-forming bacteria. The changes in the biofilm structure after T. serpyllum EO application confirmed the inhibitory action and the most pronounced effect was observed on Bacillus subtilis biofilm. The antifungal activity of the vapor phase was the most effective against Penicillium crustosum. T. serpyllum should be a suitable alternative to synthetic antioxidants as well as antimicrobials. The EO of T. serpyllum can be used in the vapor phase in the storage of root vegetables as well as a growth inhibitor of Penicillium on bread.

Evaluation of nutritional composition and sensory properties of cheese, cheese spreads and traditional butter from Slovak production

Cheese production is associated with the analysis of its nutritional composition as well as with the sensory evaluation of the acceptance of the products. The paper is aimed at the determination of basic chemical parameters such as the content of proteins, fat, dry matter, salt and, pH and also on the evaluation of sensory properties of hard cheeses by the sensory panel. The GC-MS analysis of cheeses, cheese spreads, and traditional butter was performed to evaluate the aroma profile of the dairy products analyzed. The dry matter in the analyzed cheeses varied between 56.75 and 71.83%, the fat content varied from 18.73 to 30.83%, and the salt from 1.21 to 2.61%. The presence of proteins was found between 27.76 and 32.61% and the pH of the cheeses ranged from 5.21 to 6.01. The results of the sensory analysis were processed using a PCA map. The results showed that sample no. 5 was rated within all attributes as the best. Sample 3, 2, and 1 followed. Sample 4 received the lowest score. The volatile aromatic compounds that contribute to a taste perception were analyzed by GC-MS in dairy products. The aroma profile was built by the volatile compounds that belonged to chemical families of alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, amides, amines, imines, and terpenes. In particular, cheeses contained mostly alcohols (3-methyl-1-butanol), aldehydes (3-methylbutanal and benzaldehyde), and ketones (acetoin, 2,3,3-trimethylcyclobutanone, 2-heptanone, 2,3-butanedione, acetone, 2-butanone, 2-nonanone, 2- pentanone).  The spreads most often contained alcohols (represented by 2-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol and cyclopropane-1,2,3-d3-methanol), aldehydes (2-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanal, benzaldehyde) and ketones (acetoin, 2-heptanone, 2-pentanone, 2-butanone and 2,3-butanedione).

Diversity of microbiota in Slovak summer ewes' cheese "Bryndza"

"Bryndza" cheese is an important Slovak traditional regional product. New knowledge on the role of microorganisms involved the "Bryndza" ripening process may provide valuable data on its quality and safety. In our study, the "Bryndza" made from pasteurized ewes milk was studied towards total count of bacteria, coliforms bacteria, enterococci, lactic acid bacteria, and microscopic filamentous fungi. All those groups of microbiota were detected using classical microbiological methods and identified using mass spectrometry. A total of 3,758 isolates were identified with score higher than 2.00. Altogether, 13 families, 24 genus, and 44 species of microbiota were identified in Slovak cheese "Bryndza." The most often isolated species were yeasts Yarrowia lipolitica and Dipodascus geotrichum and the lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil and its application in food preservation

This study was designed to investigate chemical and antioxidant properties, as well as the antimicrobial and antibiofilm behaviour of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (CCEO). MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper mass spectrometry was applied to evaluate the biofilms of Stenotrophonomonas maltophilia and Bacillus subtilis, while the antibiofilm ability of CCEO was assessed on wooden and glass surfaces. The antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method, microdilution method, and vapour phase for two biofilm-producing bacteria and three Penicillium spp. were used. Antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties were assessed using the agar microdilution protocol. The vapour phase of Penicillium citrinum, P. crustosum, P. expansum, S. maltophilia, and B. subtilis on bread, carrot, potato, sweet potato, and apple in situ was studied. Specific molecular variations related to the biofilm formation and genetic analogies were evaluated with MSP spectra dendrograms of S. maltophilia and B. subtilis profiles were grown on different days. The results of disc diffusion and broth diffusion methods showed that CCEO was strongly effective against all tested microorganisms and the vapour phase method was effective and active against all Penicillium spp., but not strongly effective against bacteria in food preservation of food matrices.

Preference mapping of Slovak cheese

The production of steamed cheese has a long tradition in Slovakia. Some of these cheeses have even received the PGI designation, which is a designation granted to products with specific geographical characteristics (Slovenská parenica, Zázrivské vojky, Zázrivský korbáčik, and Oravský korbáčik). In our study, eight samples of various unsmoked steamed cheese from small dairy farms (samples D, F, G, and H) and medium-sized farms (A, B, C, and E) were evaluated. Our work aimed to determine whether there are significant differences in sensory characteristics between samples from small and medium-sized dairy farms and whether there are differences in the preferences between these samples for consumers. Samples were evaluated by sensory analysis, where the assessors evaluated the characteristics of color, odor, texture, flavor, and overall appearance on a nine-point hedonic scale. Differences at a statistically significant level in the attributes of odor, texture, flavor, and overall appearance were confirmed (p <0.05) between samples from small and medium dairy farms, no statistically significant difference was proved in the attribute color (p >0.05). The results were processed using PCA, whereas can be seen from the graphic representation the carriers of all evaluated attributes were samples from medium-sized farms (except for sample D, which belonged to the first group of samples together with samples from medium-sized farms). We constructed a preferential map by combining internal and external mapping, while the internal data were formed by data obtained from assessors using sensory analysis and the external data came from an online questionnaire. Using the preferential mapping technique, we found out that samples from medium-sized dairy farms were classified as the most preferred samples which correspond with the results of sensory analysis.

Essential oils and their application in a food model

The aim of the study was to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of essential oils (Canarium luzonicum CLEO, Melaleuca leucadenron MLEO, Amyris balsamifera ABEO). There was Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis used for the characteristic of the semiquantitative composition of the essential oils. The DPPH method was used to determine the antioxidant activity. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of essential oils against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were analyzed in a 96-well plate. The broth microdilution method was used for the minimal inhibitory concentration. A gas-phase antimicrobial assay was used to determine inhibitory concentrations in a food model. CLEO proved to be the best with the lowest MIC 50 and 90 of 6.67 μL.mL-1 respectively 6.81 μL.mL-1 and antioxidant activity of 33.43% among the tested essential oils. The main volatile compounds CLEO were limonene 36.38%, elemol 16.65%, α-fellandren 12.18% and elemicin 9.59%. It showed inhibition of S. maltophilia growth in the food model at the lowest concentrations among the essential oils.

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Essential Oils against Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from Human Semen

Staphylococcus spp. is not only a commensal bacteria but also a major human pathogen that causes a wide range of clinical infections. Recent evidence suggests that Staphylococcus has the ability to colonize the reproductive system and to affect its structure and functions. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical properties and antibacterial effects of select essential oils (EOs): Amyris balsamifera L., Boswellia carterii Birdw., Canarium luzonicum (Blume) A. Gray, Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl., Cinnamomum camphora var. linaloolifera Y. Fuita, Citrus x aurantium L., Gaultheria procumbens L., Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers., Melaleuca ericifolia Smith., Melaleuca leucadendra L., Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth., Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, Santalum album L., and Vetiveria zizanoides (L.) Roberty against 50 Staphylococcus spp. cultures isolated from human semen, specifically Staphylococcus aureus, S. capiti, S. epidermidis, S. haemoliticus, and S. hominis. The disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods were used to assess the antimicrobial potential and to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the selected EOs. The best anti-Staphylococcus activities were found with both methods for the essential oils of C. luzonicum (Blume) A. Gray, A. balsamifera, C. camphora, and P. cabli.

Determination of volatile organic compounds in Slovak bryndza cheese by the electronic nose and the headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

The aim of the present study was to describe volatile organic compounds of the traditional Slovak bryndza cheese determined by using an electronic nose (e-nose) and a gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) with head-space solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME). For the first time, e-nose based on the gas chromatography principle with a flame ionization detector was described to identify and quantify aroma active compounds of bryndza cheese from Slovakia. The e-nose detects aroma compounds of very small concentrations in real-time of a few minutes and identifies them by comparing Kovats´ retention indices with the NIST library. Bryndza cheese produced from unpasteurized ewe´s milk and from a mixture of raw ewe´s and pasteurized cow´s types of milk were collected from 2 different Slovak farms beginning in May through to September 2019. The flavour and aroma of bryndza cheese are apparently composed of compounds contained in milk and the products of fermentation of the substrate by bacteria and fungi. Regarding volatile organic compounds, 25 compounds were detected and identified by an electronic nose with a discriminant >0.900 with ethyl acetate, isopentyl acetate, 2-butanone, acetic acid, butanoic acid, and butane-2,3-dione confirmed by gas chromatography. We confirm the suitability of the electronic nose to be used for monitoring of bryndza cheese quality.

Biological Activity and Antibiofilm Molecular Profile of Citrus aurantium Essential Oil and Its Application in a Food Model

The main aim of the study was to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm activity of Citrus aurantium essential oil (CAEO). The biofilm profile of Stenotrophonomonas maltophilia and Bacillus subtilis were assessed using the mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper and the antibiofilm activity of Citrus aurantium (CAEO) was studied on wood and glass surfaces. A semi-quantitative composition using a modified version was applied for the CAEO characterization. The antioxidant activity of CAEO was determined using the DPPH method. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed by disc diffusion for two biofilm producing bacteria, while the vapor phase was used for three penicillia. The antibiofilm activity was observed with the agar microdilution method. The molecular differences of biofilm formation on different days were analyzed, and the genetic similarity was studied with dendrograms constructed from MSP spectra to illustrate the grouping profiles of S. maltophilia and B. subtilis. A differentiated branch was obtained for early growth variants of S. maltophilia for planktonic cells and all experimental groups. The time span can be reported for the grouping pattern of B. subtilis preferentially when comparing to the media matrix, but without clear differences among variants. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory doses of the CAEO were investigated against microscopic fungi. The results showed that CAEO was most active against Penicillium crustosum, in the vapor phase, on bread and carrot in situ.

The Impact of Different Factors on the Quality and Volatile Organic Compounds Profile in "Bryndza" Cheese

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different factors on the basic physicochemical and microbiological parameters, as well as volatile organic compounds of traditionally (farm) and industrially produced "bryndza" cheese. The samples were obtained from eight producers in different areas of Slovakia during the ewe's milk production season, from May to September. The physicochemical parameters set by the legislation were monitored by reference methods. The "bryndza" cheese microbiota was determined by using the plate cultivation method. There was analysis of volatile organic compounds carried out by electronic nose, as well as gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Seasonality and production technology (traditional and industrial ones) are the main factors that affect the standard quality of "bryndza" cheese. Lactic acid bacteria were dominated from bacterial microbiota, mostly presumptive lactococci, followed presumptive lactobacilli and enterococci. The numbers of coliform bacteria were higher in traditionally produced "bryndza" cheese than in industrially produced "bryndza" cheese. The presence of Dipodascus geotrichum was detected in all samples. There were key volatile organic compounds such as ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, 2-butanone, hexanoic acid, D-limonene, and 2,3-butanedione. The statistically significant differences were found among "bryndza" cheese samples and these differences were connected with the type of milk and dairies.

Bryndza cheese of Slovak origin as potential resources of probiotic bacteria

Bryndza cheese includes several predominant lactic acid bacteria. The aim of our study was the antagonistic effect of lactic acid bacteria supernatant isolated from ewes´ cheese bryndza against ten Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Isolated strains of bacteria were obtained from bryndza which were produced in five different regions of Slovakia. Isolated strains of lactic acid bacteria were identified with mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper. A total of one hundred and thirty lactic bacteria include Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus hirae, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus harbinensis, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei, Lactobacillus paraplantarum, Lactobacillus suebicus, Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis, Lactococcus lactis, and Pediococcus acidilactici were tested in this study against Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli CCM 3988, Klebsiella pneumoniae CCM 2318, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica CCM 3807, Shigella sonnei CCM 1373, Yersinia enterocolitica CCM 5671 and Gram-positive bacteria: Bacillus thuringiensis CCM 19, Enterococcus faecalis CCM 4224, Listeria monocytogenes CCM 4699, Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus CCM 2461, Streptococcus pneumonia CCM 4501 with agar diffusion method. Lactic acid bacteria showed activity 92% against Yersinia enterocolitica, 91% against Klebsiella pneumoniae, 88% against Escherichia coli, 84% against Listeria monocytogenes. The most effective bacteria against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested was Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Essential Oil for Its Application in Foods

The aim of this study was to assess the chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of the Coriandrum sativum essential oil. Changes in the biofilm profile of Stenotropomonas maltophilia and Bacillus subtilis were studied using MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper on glass and wooden surfaces. The molecular differences of biofilms in different days were observed as well. The major volatile compounds of the coriander essential oil in the present study were β-linalool 66.07%. Coriander essential oil radical scavenging activity was 51.05% of inhibition. Coriander essential oil expressed the strongest antibacterial activity against B. subtilis followed by S. maltophilia and Penicillium expansum. The strongest antibiofilm activity of the coriander essential oil was found against S. maltophilia. A clearly differentiated branch was obtained for early growth variants of S. maltophilia in case of planktonic cells and all experimental groups and time span can be reported for the grouping pattern of B. subtilis preferentially when comparing to the media matrix, but without clear differences among variants. The results indicate that coriander was effective against the tested Penicillium expansum in the vapor phase after 14 days with MID₅₀ 367.19 and MID₉₀ 445.92 µL/L of air.

The characteristic of sheep cheese “Bryndza” from different regions of Slovakia based on microbiological quality

The aim of our study was to describe microorganisms which occur in the traditional Slovak cheese „Bryndza“. There were a total of 60 cheese samples collected from ten different farms during May 2019. The microbiota studies included the total bacterial count, coliforms, enterococci, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and microscopic fungi. The total bacterial counts were cultivated on plate count agar at 30 °C in aerobic conditions, lactic acid bacteria on MRS at 37 °C in anaerobic conditions, coliform on VRBL and VRBG at 37 °C in aerobic condition, yeasts and microscopic fungi on MEA at 25 °C under aerobic condition. Gram-positive, Gram-negative and yeasts isolates were identified with MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper. Totally, a number of 1175 isolates of G-, G+ and yeast were identified with score higher than 2 and moulds. Escherichia coli and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were the most frequently identified species of Gram-negative and Leuconostoc mesenteroides ssp. mesenteroides and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis from Gram-positive bacteria. Yarrowia lipolitica and Kluyveromyces lactis were the most distributed yeasts. Lactic acid bacteria group was represented by Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc and Pediococcus. The most abundant genera of lactic acid bacteria were Lactobacillus with 11 species. This study describes the indigenous microbiota of the traditional ewe's milk cheeses from Slovakia.

Effect of essential oils of Myrtaceae plants on the Penicillium commune

The aim of this research was to determine the inhibitory effect of vapor phase of five essential oils (EOs) on the growth of seven strains of Penicillium commune isolated from moldy milk products. Another objective was to determine the minimum inhibitory doses (in vitro and probit analyses) of EOs, which at concentration 625 μL.L-1 of air completely inhibited the growth of all strains. The antifungal activity was evaluated by the micro-atmosphere method. The essential oils used in this study were extract of plants from family Myrtaceae. Only one essential oil – clove (from Syzygium aromaticum L.; leaves) completely inhibited the growth of all strains during cultivation at 25 °C and 5 °C. Eucalyptus essential oil (from Eucaliptus globulus; leaves), tea tree essential oil (from Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel; leaves), cajeput essential oil (from Melaleuca leucadendra L.; leaves and twigs), niaouli essential oil (from Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.T.Blake; leaves) have different effects on the growth of P. commune strains. The order of tested essential oils according to the inhibition effect on the growth of the strains of P. commune (from the strongest to the weakest effect) was: clove > tea tree > cajeput > niaouli > eucalyptus. Clove EO that completely inhibited the growth of all strains was used to determine minimum inhibitory doses (MIDs). The MIDs were 125 µL.L-1 of air for two strains of P. commune and 250 µL.L-1 of air for five strains of P. commune on the 7th and 14th day of cultivation, also. Using probit analysis, predicted MIDs90 and MIDs50 were calculated. The MIDs90 were determined from 104.93 to 301.37 µL.L-1 of air.

Concentration of Micro- and Macro-Elements in Green and Roasted Coffee: Influence of Roasting Degree and Risk Assessment for the Consumers

The aim of the present study was to determine concentrations of 15 macro- and micro-elements in 10 commercially available plantation Arabica coffee brands. The elemental concentration was studied in 50 samples of green and roasted coffee beans of various roasting degrees and their infusions. There were four different roasting degrees: City + (C+), Full city (FC), Full city ++ (FC++), and Dark (D). The attention was given to the impact of the roasting process on the elemental composition. Statistically significant differences were found between the green coffee beans and the different roasting degrees in both macro- and micro-elements. The results showed that roasting degrees affected the concentration of elements in resulting infusions. Dietary intakes for macro- and micro-elements based on RDA and PTWI (in the case of Al) were calculated. Based on the RDA values for macro- and micro-elements, it can be concluded that coffee infusions are not an important source of elements in nutrition. In the case of Al, consumption of coffee was considered non-hazardous based on the PTWI value.

Application of electronic nose for determination of Slovak cheese authentication based on aroma profile

Electronic nose with sensors is used in many industries and for various applications such as quality control, process monitoring, shelf life evaluation, origin or authenticity assessment. The aim of this work was to investigate the electronic nose with FID detectors applicability for characterization of steamed cheese and for the assessment of steamed cheese quality decay during storage. Samples of smoked and unsmoked steamed cheese varieties from 5 Slovak enterprises concerning different regions of Slovakia were analysed. Data from aroma profiles were processed by statistical technique PCA. Compounds like acetaldehyde, 1-propanal, propanoic acid, ethyl hexanoate, furfural, butan-2-one, isovaleric acid, 1-hexanol or α-pinene were determined as significant flavours in fresh steamed cheese samples. In the current study, no significant differences in aroma profiles between fresh and stored cheese samples were confirmed. Thus, differences in main odour substances composition of steamed cheese varieties, obtained from various producers in several geographic regions of Slovakia, were minor.

DETERMINATION OF ELEMENTS IN WILD EDIBLE MUSHROOMS: LEVELS AND RISK ASSESSMENT

The paper is focused on monitoring of the content of selected elements (Al, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Se and Zn) in three species of edible mushrooms: Cantharellus cibarius Fr., Suillus luteus (L.) Roussel and Imleria badia (Fr.) Vizzini from three areas in Slovakia (Prašice, Bobrov and Dobroč). Qualitative and quantitative determination of the observed elements was performed by ICP-OES and/or CV-AAS. All results were statistically evaluated at both descriptive and differential analysis level. Due to the fact that picking and subsequent consumption of edible wild mushrooms is popular in Slovakia, the data obtained were evaluated and compared to tolerable weekly intakes defined by WHO. Based on the content of the monitored elements, PTWI values were not exceeded in any of the species from the studied sites. In some cases, however, specific content values, especially Al, but also Cd and Hg were exceeded compared to the average concentrations of elements in mushrooms from uncontaminated areas. In general, it can be stated that regular and long-term consumption of the mushrooms does not pose any health risk to the consumers.

Effect of essential oils of Lamiaceae plants on the Rhizopus spp

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fungicidal effect of eleven essential oils against six isolates of the genus Rhizopus. Isolates were obtained from various moldy foods (chestnut, bread, strawberry, nectarine, blackberry and cherry tomatoes).  The essential oils used in this study were extracts of basil (Oscimum basilicum L.), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia MILLER.), marjoram (Origanum majorana L.), mint (Mentha piperita L.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.). Semi-quantitative composition of the essential oil samples was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The GC-MS analyses of the essential oils led to identification of 139 compounds, of which 49 were presented in ≥1% amount in at least one essential oil. The antifungal activity of essential oils against the Rhizopus spp. was determined, using micro-atmosphere method (0.625 μL.ml-1 of air), during 7 days. Seven essential oils: thyme, mint, summer savory, lavender, marjoram, oregano and wild thyme completely inhibited the growth of all isolates. Other essential oils have different effects on the growth of isolates. Basil essential oil stimulated growth of two isolates on the second day of cultivation. The growth of other isolates was, by contrast, inhibited by this essential oil in the same time of cultivation. Hyssop essential oil completely inhibited growth of two isolates, other 4 isolates were inhibited to fourth day of cultivation. In conclusion, certain essential oils are highly effective in vapour phase and can be used in another test of their antifungal activity and could be used in control of Rhizopus spp. or other fungal pathogens.