Cold plasma treatment for the microbiological safety of cabbage, lettuce, and dried figs.
Microwave-powered cold plasma treatment (CPT) was evaluated as a means to improve the microbiological safety of fresh vegetables and dried fruits. The CPT at 900 W, conducted for 10 min using nitrogen as a plasma-forming gas, inactivated Salmonella Typhimurium inoculated on cabbage and lettuce by approximately 1.5 log CFU/g. The CPT at 400-900 W and […]
Mycobiota, aflatoxins and cyclopiazonic acid in stored peanut cultivars
This study evaluated the presence of fungi and mycotoxins [aflatoxins (AFs), cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), and aspergillic acid] in stored samples of peanut of cultivars Runner IAC Caiapó and cultivar Runner IAC 886 during 6 months. A total of 70 pod and 70 kernel samples were directly seeding onto Aspergillus flavus and parasiticus agar for fungi […]
Water activity in dry foods containing live probiotic bacteria should be carefully considered: A case study with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in flaxseed
This study evaluated the effect of water activity on the long-term storage stability of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in a dry food matrix. Viability of LGG was further studied in a crushed flaxseed matrix – a new possible product matrix to deliver probiotics – as well as in reference matrices as maltodextrin. Three […]
Evaluation of a phosphite fungicide to control pecan scab in the southeastern USA
Resveratrol Inhibits Periodontal Pathogens In Vitro
The gram-negative anaerobic bacteria A. actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and P. gingivalis (Pg) are key components in the aetiology of periodontal disease; and associated hard-tissue destruction. Resveratrol is a phytoalexin; produced naturally by several plants when under attack by bacterial or fungal pathogens. It is found in many foods including mulberries; peanuts and the skin of labrusca […]
Gamma irradiation of Sun-dried apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) for quality maintenance and quarantine purposes
The study is aimed at the optimization of gamma irradiation treatment of sun-dried apricots for quality maintenance and quarantine purposes. Sun-dried apricots pre-treated with potassium meta-bisulphite (KMS) at 2.5% w/v were procured from progressive apricot grower of district Kargil; Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir state. The sun-dried apricots were packed in 250 gauge polyethylene […]
Date syrup: effect of hydrolytic enzymes (pectinase/cellulase) on physico-chemical characteristics; sensory and functional properties.
Abstract: This work is a contribution to give value addition to second grade dates (with hard texture) by the production of enzymatically treated syrup with high commercial value. It was observed that the pulp: water at ratio 1:3 treated with 50 U of pectinase and 5 U of cellulase during 120 min at 50°C gave […]
Production of fungicidal oil and activated carbon from pistachio shell.
ABSTRACT: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of pistachio shell as a biomass feedstock for the production of fungicidal oil and a precursor for production of activated carbon by physical activation. For this purpose; pistachio shell was pyrolyzed in a fixed bed reactor at the different temperatures (300-600 °C). The […]
In vitro cytotoxic and antiviral activities of Ficus carica latex extracts.
Abstract: The latex of fig fruit (Ficus carica) is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of skin infections such as warts and also diseases of possible viral origin. Five extracts (methanolic; hexanic; ethyl acetate; hexane-ethyl acetate (v/v) and chloroformic) of this species were investigated in vitro for their antiviral potential activity against herpes simplex […]
Immunotoxicity activity of natural furocoumarins from milky sap of Ficus carica L. against Aedes aegypti L
Abstract: Ficus carica L.; its fruits are delicious and can be eaten by human. Its leaves are commonly used to cure hemorrhoid and clear away heart ache. The milky sap of F. carica have a significant toxic effect against early fourth-stage larvae of Aedes aegypti L with an lethal concentration (LC(50)) value of 10.2 µg/ml […]