Antimicrobial nanocomposite films made of poly(lactic acid)-cellulose nanocrystals (PLA-CNC) in food applications: part A—effect of nisin release on the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in ham

New bioactive nanocomposite films were prepared by compression molding method for food applications. Film matrix was composed of poly(lactic acid) containing cellulose nanocrystals (PLA-CNC). Nanocomposite films were converted to bioactive films using nisin as an antimicrobial agent by an adsorption coating method. Resulting antimicrobial films were then introduced in packages containing sliced cooked ham as a food model and stored for 14 days at 4 °C to determine their inhibiting capacity against Listeria monocytogenes and their physicochemical and structural properties. The study also focused on the nisin release from the films by using an agar diffusion bioassay. It was observed that mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break and water vapor permeability values of the bioactive films were stable after 14 days of storage. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis allowed characterizing the adsorption of nisin onto PLA-CNC surface. Microbiological analysis of sliced cooked ham inoculated with L. monocytogenes (3 log CFU/g) allowed determining the potentiality of nisin as a strong antimicrobial agent in PLA-CNC-based films. Bioactive PLA-CNC-nisin films showed a significant reduction of L. monocytogenes in ham from day 1 and a total inhibition from day 3. The percentage of nisin release increased continuously from day 0 to day 14, up to 21 % at day 14. These results demonstrated the potential application of PLA-CNC-nisin films on controlling the growth of food pathogens in meat products.     

Elimination of Listeria monocytogenes in sausage meat by combination treatment: Radiation and radiation-resistant bacteriocins

Two new bacteria were isolated from human feces and were designated MT 104 and MT 162. They were able to produce bacteriocins that are active against five strains of Listeria monocytogenes. Bacteriocins produced by these isolated strains had 100% and 82.35% residual activity when they were treated by gamma radiation at doses of 4 and 40 kGy, respectively. A reduction of 1.0, 1.5 and 3 log CFU/g of L. monocytogenes was observed in sausage meat when treated with bacteriocins from MT 104, MT 162, and nisin, respectively. For synergic effect, the D₁₀ value in presence of the bacteriocins produced by MT 104 showed a 1.08 fold increased relative sensitivity of L. monocytogenes as compared to control after 5 days. The highest synergic effect was observed in presence of nisin which led to 1.61 fold increased relative sensitivity. Combined treatments with nisin and γ-irradiation showed a synergic antimicrobial effect in meat after 24 h and 5 days of storage. A synergic effect was observed only after 5 days at 4 °C for the bacteriocin from MT 104, as compared to the bacteriocin produced by MT 162 that had only an additive antimicrobial effect in all conditions.     

Design and Properties of an Immobilization Enzyme System for Inulin Conversion

A commercial inulinase could convert inulin into fructose, which was optimized to be entrapped in the calcium alginate-gelatin beads with the immobilization yield of 86% for free inulinase activities. The optimum pH values and temperatures were 4.5 and 40 °C for the free enzyme and 5.0–5.5 and 45–50 °C for the immobilized enzyme. The kinetic parameters of V _max and K _m were 5.24 μmol/min and 57.6 mg/mL for the free inulinase and 4.32 μmol/min and 65.8 mg/mL for the immobilized inulinase, respectively. The immobilized enzyme retained 80% of its initial activities at 45 °C for 4 days, which could exhibit better thermal stability. The reuse of immobilized inulinase throughout the continuous batch operations was explored, which had better reusability of the immobilized biocatalyst. At the same time, the stability of immobilized enzyme in the continuous packed-bed bioreactor was estimated, which showed the better results and had its potential scale-up fructose production for inulin conversion.     

Appraisal of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Production by Probiotic Potential of Pediococcus spp. GS4

Probiotics with ability to produce conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is considered as an additive health benefit property for its known role in colon cancer mitigation. The conversion involves the biohydrogenation of the unsaturated fatty acid into conjugated form. Probiotic strain Pediococcus spp. GS4 was efficiently able to biohydrogenate linoleic acid (LA) into its conjugated form within 48 h of incubation. Quantum of CLA produced with a concentration of 121 μg/ml and sustained cell viability of 8.94 log cfu/ml maximally. Moreover, antibacterial effect of LA on the strain ability for biohydrogenation was examined at different concentrations and concluded to have a direct relationship between LA and amount of CLA produced. The efficiency of the strain for CLA production at different pH was also estimated and found maximum at pH?6.0 with 149 μg/ml while this ability was reduced at pH?9.0 to 63 μg/ml. Sesame oil, which is rich in the triacylglycerol form of LA, was also found to act as a substrate for CLA production by Pediococcus spp. GS4 with the aid of lipase-catalyzed triacylglycerol hydrolysis and amount of CLA produced was 31 μg/ml at 0.2 % while 150 μg/ml at 1.0 % of lipolysed oil in skim milk medium. Conjugated form was analyzed using UV scanning, RP-HPLC, and GC-MS. This study also focused on the alternative use of lipolysed sesame oil instead of costly LA for biohydrogenation and could be a potential source for the industrial production of CLA.     

Biotransformation of <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-tyrosine to Dopamine by a Calcium Alginate Immobilized Mutant Strain of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus oryzae</Emphasis>

The present research work is concerned with the biotransformation of l-tyrosine to dopamine (DA) by calcium alginate entrapped conidiospores of a mutant strain of Aspergillus oryzae. Different strains of A. oryzae were isolated from soil. Out of 13 isolated strains, isolate-2 (I-2) was found to be a better DA producer. The wild-type I-2 was chemically improved by treating it with different concentrations of ethyl methyl sulfonate (EMS). Among seven mutant variants, EMS-6 exhibiting maximal DA activity of 43 μg/ml was selected. The strain was further exposed with l-cysteine HCl to make it resistant against diversion and environmental stress. The conidiospores of selected mutant variant A. oryzae EMS-6 strain were entrapped in calcium alginate beads. Different parameters for immobilization were investigated. The activity was further improved from 44 to 62 μg/ml under optimized conditions (1.5 % sodium alginate, 2 ml inoculum, and 2 mm bead size). The best resistant mutant variable exhibited over threefold increase in DA activity (62 μg/ml) than did wild-type I-2 (21 μg/ml) in the reaction mixture. From the results presented in the study, it was observed that high titers of DA activity in vitro could effectively be achieved by the EMS-induced mutagenesis of filamentous fungus culture used.     

Isolation of a Bacteriocin-Producing Lactococcus lactis and Application of Its Bacteriocin to Manage Spoilage Bacteria in High-Value Marine Fish Under Different Storage Temperatures

The bacteriocins of lactic acid bacteria have considerable potential for biopreservation. The Lactococcus lactis strain PSY2 (GenBank account no. JF703669) isolated from the surface of marine perch Perca flavescens produced antibacterial activity against pathogenic and spoilage-causing Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria viz. Arthrobacter sp., Acinetobacter sp., Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and possessed broad inhibitory spectrum. The biopreservative efficacy of the bacteriocin PSY2 was evaluated using fillets of reef cod, Epinephelus diacanthus. The fillets (10?g) were sprayed with 2.0?ml of 1,600?AU/ml bacteriocin, wrapped and kept under different storage temperatures viz., 4, 0 and ?18?°C. The biopreservative extended the shelf-life of fillets stored at 4?°C to >21?days as against <14?days observed in the untreated samples. The total count of spoilage bacteria was reduced by 2.5 logarithmic units in the treated sample during the 14th day of storage as against the control. Chemical analysis revealed a significant change (P?<?0.05) in the pH value, free fatty acid (as % oleic acid), total volatile base nitrogen and total methyl amine content in the treated samples. The overall acceptability in terms of sensory attributes was significantly higher in the bacteriocin-treated samples stored for 21?days at 4?°C while the untreated samples became unacceptable by the 14th day. The biopreservative gave no significant effect at ?18?°C. Thus, the bacteriocin derived from L. lactis PSY2 gave increased protection against spoilage bacteria and offers an alternative for the preservation of high-value sea foods.     

Efficient Production of Prebiotic Gluco-oligosaccharides in Orange Juice Using Immobilized and Co-immobilized Dextransucrase

Dextransucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-512F was subjected to immobilization and co-immobilization with dextranase from Chaetomium erraticum. Immobilization has enhanced the operational and storage stability of dextransucrase. Two hundred milligrammes (2.4 IU/mg) of alginate beads (immobilized and co-immobilized) were found to be optimum for the production of gluco-oligosaccharides (GOS) in orange juice with a high degree of polymerization. The pulp of the orange juice did not interfere in the reaction. In the batch process, co-immobilized dextransucrase (41 g/L) produced a significantly higher amount of GOS than immobilized dextransucrase (37 g/L). Alginate entrapment enhanced the thermal stability of dextransucrase for up to 3 days in orange juice at 30 °C. The production of GOS in semi-continuous process was 39 g/L in co-immobilized dextransucrase and 33 g/L in immobilized dextransucrase. Thus, immobilization technology offers a great scope in terms of reusability and efficient production of a value added functional health drink.     

α-Glucosidase Inhibition and Antioxidant Properties of Streptomyces sp.: In Vitro

Streptomyces strain isolated from the soil sediment was studied for its in vitro α-glucosidase and antioxidant properties. Morphological characterization and 16S rRNA partial gene sequencing were carried out to confirm that the strain Loyola AR1 belongs to genus Streptomyces sp. Modified nutrient glucose broth was used as the basal medium for growth and metabolites production. Ethyl acetate extract of Loyola AR1 (EA-Loyola AR1) showed 50 % α-glucosidase inhibition at the concentration of 860.50?±?2.68 μg/ml. Antioxidant properties such as total phenolic content of EA-Loyola AR1 was 176.83?±?1.17 mg of catechol equivalents/g extracts. EA-Loyola AR1 showed significant scavenging activity on 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (50 % inhibition (IC₅₀), 750.50?±?1.61 μg/ml), hydroxyl (IC₅₀, 690.20?±?2.38 μg/ml), nitric oxide (IC₅₀, 850.50?±?1.77 μg/ml), and superoxide (IC₅₀, 880.08?±?1.80 μg/ml) radicals, as well as reducing power. EA-Loyola AR1 showed strong suppressive effect on lipid peroxidation (IC₅₀, 670.50?±?2.52 μg/ml). Antioxidants of β-carotene linoleate model system reveals significantly lower than butylated hydroxyanisole.     

Novel 1,5,7-Trihydroxy-3-Hydroxy Methyl Anthraquinone Isolated from Terrestrial Streptomyces sp. (eri-26) with Antimicrobial and Molecular Docking Studies

Streptomyces sp. isolate ERI-26 was obtained from the Nilgiris forest soil of Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India. Novel anthraquinone compound was isolated from the active fraction 5; it was identified by spectroscopical data using UV, IR, NMR and MASS. The isolated compound 1,5,7-trihydroxy-3-hydroxy methyl anthraquinone was tested against bacteria and fungi at minimum inhibitory concentration level. The compound showed significant antimicrobial activity against bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus at 125 μg/ml, Staphylococcus epidermidis at 62.5 μg/m, Bacillus subtilis at 31.25 μg/ml, fungi; Epidermophyton floccosum at 62.5 μg/ml, Aspergillus niger at 31.25 μg/ml, Aspergiller flavus at 31.25 μg/ml, Trichophyton rubrum at 62.5 μg/ml and Botrytis cinerea at 62.5 μg/ml. The isolated compound was subjected to molecular docking studies for the inhibition of TtgR, topoisomerase IV and AmpC β-lactamase enzymes which are targets for antimicrobials. Docking studies of the compound showed low docking energy indicating its usefulness as antimicrobial agent. 1,5,7-Trihydroxy-3-hydroxy methyl anthraquinone is new, and its antimicrobial and molecular docking properties are reported for the first time. Graphical Abstract

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Physicochemical Properties and Storage Stability of Microencapsulated DHA-Rich Oil with Different Wall Materials

This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties and storage stability of microencapsulated DHA-rich oil spray dried with different wall materials: model 1 (modified starch, gum arabic, and maltodextrin), model 2 (soy protein isolate, gum arabic, and maltodextrin), and model 3 (casein, glucose, and lactose). The results indicated that model 3 exhibited the highest microencapsulation efficiency (98.66 %) and emulsion stability (>99 %), with a moisture content and mean particle size of 1.663 % and 14.173 μm, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that the Tm of DHA-rich oil microcapsules was high, suggesting that the entire structure of the microcapsules remained stable during thermal processing. A thermogravimetric analysis curve showed that the product lost 5 % of its weight at 172 °C and the wall material started to degrade at 236 °C. The peroxide value of microencapsulated DHA-rich oil remained at one ninth after accelerated oxidation at 45 °C for 8 weeks to that of the unencapsulated DHA-rich oil, thus revealing the promising oxidation stability of DHA-rich oil in microcapsules.     

Biosorption of uranium(VI) by free and entrapped Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: kinetic,equilibrium and thermodynamic studies

Biosorption of uranium from aqueous solution onto the free and entrapped algae, “Chlamydomonas reinhardtii” in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) beads was investigated in a batch system using bare CMC beads as a control system. CMC can be a potential natural biosorbent for radionuclide removal as it contains carboxyl groups. However, limited information is available with the biosorption of uranium by CMC, when adsorption isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamics parameters are concerned. The biosorbent preparations were characterized by swelling tests, FTIR, and surface area studies. The effects of pH, temperature, ionic strength, biosorbent dosage, and initial uranium concentrations on uranium biosorption were investigated. Freely suspended algae exhibited the highest uranium uptake capacity with an initial uranium ion concentration of 1,000 mg/L at pH of 4.5 and at 25 °C. The removal of U(VI) ion from the aqueous solution with all the tested biosorbents increased as the initial concentration of U(VI) ion increased in the medium. Maximum biosorption capacities for free algal cells, entrapped algal cells, and bare CMC beads were found to be 337.2, 196.8, and 153.4 mg U(VI)/g, respectively. The kinetic studies indicated that the biosorption of U(VI) ion was well described by the pseudo-second order kinetic model. The variations in enthalpy and entropy for the tested biosorbent were calculated from the experimental data. The algal cells entrapped beads were regenerated using 10 mM HNO₃, with up to 94 % recovery. Algal cells entrapped CMC beads is a low cost and a potential composite biosorbent with high biosorption capacity for the removal of U(VI) from waters.     

Paraplantaricin L-ZB1, a Novel Bacteriocin and Its Application as a Biopreservative Agent on Quality and Shelf Life of Rainbow Trout Fillets Stored at 4 °C

Paraplantaricin L-ZB1 was produced by Lactobacillus paraplantarum L-ZB1, which was isolated from the traditional China fermented sausage. In this work, paraplantaricin L-ZB1 was used to maintain quality of rainbow trout fillets at 4 °C. Rainbow trout fillets were left untreated (CK) or treated with 200 activity units (AU)/ml paraplantaricin L-ZB1 (P1), 400 AU/ml paraplantaricin L-ZB1 (P2) or 200 AU/ml Nisin (N). The treated samples were stored at 4 °C for up to 10 days, and the quality changes were determined by microbiological (total viable count [TVC], Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, spore-forming bacteria), sensory, chemical (pH, total volatile basic nitrogen [TVB-N]) and biochemical (biogenic amines, K value) methods. Results show that paraplantaricin L-ZB1 could inhibit the growth of microflora, especially Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas and spore-forming bacteria during sample storage. Meanwhile, the increases of pH, TVB-N, K value and biogenic amine levels were significantly delayed in paraplantaricin L-ZB1-treated samples compared to the control group. Paraplantaricin L-ZB1 of 400 AU/ml extended the rainbow trout fillets’ shelf life to 4–6 days, and the sample showed good sensory characteristics. Therefore, paraplantaricin L-ZB1 could be used as a suitable biological preservative for chilled rainbow trout fillets.     

Preparation,characterization and antimicrobial application of hybrid cellulose-lignin beads

In the present study, cellulose-lignin beads were prepared using pretreated dissolving grade-pulp and extracted from birch wood hydrotropic lignin as starting materials. The preparation involved dissolution of both polymers in environmentally friendly 7% NaOH/12% urea aqueous solution, shaping the solution into beads and subsequent regeneration. Lignin content in the beads varied from 0 to 40%. The beads were characterized using FTIR, scanning electron and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Porosity, swelling behavior and leaching of lignin from the beads in water were studied as well. The antibacterial properties of the beads and original hydrotropic lignin were tested using Escherichia coli (XL-1 Blue) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). The obtained beads in a never-dried state were highly porous spherical particles with evenly distributed lignin in them. Their shape, structure and properties were influenced by the lignin content. The beads did not show antibacterial activity against gram-negative E. coli. On the other hand, never-dried cellulose-lignin beads inhibited growth of gram-positive S. aureus, and the inhibition efficiency increased with the lignin content. The half inhibitory concentration for never-dried beads with 40% of lignin was 1.06 mg (dry weight) per 1 mL of broth determined after incubation for 24 h at 37 °C and at initial concentration of S. aureus of 6.48 log(CFU/mL). In contrast to cellulose-lignin beads, pure cellulose beads did not inhibit growth of S aureus. The results demonstrated that hydrotropic birch lignin can be used for the preparation of composite cellulose-lignin beads. Such beads show a great potential for antibacterial applications against S. aureus.     

Phenolic,flavonoid contents,anticholinesterase and antioxidant evaluation of Iris germanica var; florentina

This study was designed to investigate antioxidant and anticholinesterase potential of Iris germanica var; florentina. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory potential of plant samples were investigated by Ellman’s assay. Antioxidant activity was performed using DPPH, H₂O₂ and ABTS free radical scavenging assays. Total phenolics and flavonoids contents were expressed in mg GAE/g dry weight and mg RTE/g, respectively. In AChE inhibition assay, Ig.Fl, Ig.Sp and Ig.Cf fractions exhibited highest activity with IC₅₀ values of < 0.1, 5.64 and 19 μg/mL, respectively. In BChE inhibitory assay, Ig.Fl, Ig.Sp, Ig.Cf and Ig.Cr were most active with IC₅₀ of < 0.1, < 0.1, 31 and 78 μg/mL, respectively. In DPPH assay, Ig.Fl and Ig.Cf exhibited highest inhibition of free radicals, 80.52% (IC₅₀ = 9 μg/mL) and 78.30% (IC₅₀ = 8 μg/mL), respectively. In ABTS assay Ig.Cr, Ig.Cf, Ig.Fl and Ig.Sp exhibited IC₅₀ values of < 0.1, 2, 2 and 3 μg/mL, respectively.     

High-throughput simultaneous analysis of buprenorphine, methadone, cocaine, opiates, nicotine, and metabolites in oral fluid by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

A method for simultaneous determination of buprenorphine (BUP), norbuprenorphine (NBUP), methadone, 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP), cocaine, benzoylecgonine (BE), ecgonine methyl ester (EME), anhydroecgonine methyl ester (AEME), morphine, codeine, 6-acetylmorphine (6AM), heroin, 6-acetylcodeine (6AC), nicotine, cotinine, and trans-3′-hydroxycotinine (OH-cotinine) by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in oral fluid (OF) was developed and extensively validated. Acetonitrile (800 μL) and OF (250 μL) were added to a 96-well Isolute-PPT+protein precipitation plate. Reverse-phase separation was achieved in 16 min and quantification was performed by multiple reaction monitoring. The assay was linear from 0.5 or 1 to 500 μg/L. Intraday, interday, and total imprecision were less than 13% (n?=?20), analytical recovery was 92–114% (n?=?20), extraction efficiencies were more than 77% (n?=?5), and process efficiencies were more than 45% (n?=?5). Although ion suppression was detected for EME, cocaine, morphine, 6AC, and heroin (less than 56%) and enhancement was detected for BE and nicotine (less than 316%), deuterated internal standards compensated for these effects. The method was sensitive (limit of detection 0.2–0.8 μg/L) and specific (no interferences) except that 3-hydroxy-4-methoxyamphetamine interfered with AEME. No carryover was detected, and all analytes were stable for 24 h at 22 °C, for 72 h at 4 °C, and after three freeze–thaw cycles, except cocaine, 6AC, and heroin (22–97% loss). The method was applied to 41 OF specimens collected throughout pregnancy with a Salivette® OF collection device from an opioid-dependent BUP-maintained pregnant woman. BUP ranged from 0 to 7,400 μg/L, NBUP from 0 to 71 μg/L, methadone from 0 to 3 μg/L, nicotine from 32 to 5,020 μg/L, cotinine from 125 to 508 μg/L, OH-cotinine from 11 to 51 μg/L, cocaine from 0 to 419 μg/L, BE from 0 to 351 μg/L, EME from 0 to 286 μg/L, AEME from 0 to 7 μg/L, morphine from 0 to 22 μg/L, codeine from 0 to 1 μg/L, 6AM from 0 to 4 μg/L, and heroin from 0 to 2 μg/L. All specimens tested negative for EDDP and 6AC. This method permits a fast and simultaneous quantification of 16 drugs and metabolites in OF, with good selectivity and sensitivity.     

Thermoresponsive N-vinyl caprolactam grafted sodium alginate hydrogel beads for the controlled release of an anticancer drug

A series of thermoresponsive sodium alginate-g-poly(vinyl caprolactam) (NaAlg-g-PNVCL) beads were prepared as drug delivery matrices of 5-flurouracil (5-FU) crosslinked by glutaraldehyde (GA) in the hydrochloric acid catalyst. Graft copolymers of sodium alginate with vinyl caprolactam were synthesized using azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator, and characterized by Fourier infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calrimetry and X-ray diffraction for analysis of the amorphous nature drug in the beads, and by scanning electron microscopy for the spherical nature of the beads. Preparation condition of the beads was optimized by considering the percentage of encapsulation efficiency, swelling behavior of beads and their release data. Effects of variables such as GA concentration, drug/polymer ratio and catalyst concentration on the release of 5-FU were carried out at two different temperatures (25 and 37 °C) in simulated intestinal fluid for 12 h. It was observed that, drug release from the beads decreased with increasing drug/polymer (d/p) ratio, extent of crosslinking agent and catalyst concentration. The swelling degree of graft copolymer beads was found to be increased with decreasing of environmental temperature. In vitro release studies were performed at 25 and 37 °C for 12 h, and showed that thermoresponsive graft copolymer beads had higher drug release behavior at 25 °C than that at 37 °C, following Fickian diffusion transport mechanism with slight deviation.     

Antimicrobial nanocomposite films made of poly(lactic acid)–cellulose nanocrystals (PLA–CNC) in food applications—part B: effect of oregano essential oil release on the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in mixed vegetables

Antimicrobial nanocomposite films containing oregano essential oil (EO) were prepared by solvent casting. Film matrix was composed of supramolecular poly(lactic acid)–cellulose nanocrystals (PLA–CNC) nanocomposite. Bioactive PLA–CNC–oregano films were prepared by incorporating oregano EO as an antimicrobial agent. Resulting films were then converted into packaging applied on mixed vegetables as a food model and stored for 14 days at 4 °C to determine their antimicrobial capacity against Listeria monocytogenes, their physico-chemical/structural properties and their total phenols (TP) release during storage, in order to evaluate the effect of oregano EO. It was observed the addition of oregano EO did not affect the water vapor permeability (WVP) of films, but increased their elongation at break (Eb) and reduced their tensile strength (TS) and tensile modulus (TM) at day 0. However, TS, TM, Eb and WVP values of control and bioactive films were increased slightly after 14 days of storage. FTIR analysis allowed characterizing the molecular interactions of oregano EO with PLA–CNC matrix via the identification and interpretation of their respective vibration bands. Microbiological analysis of mixed vegetables inoculated with L. monocytogenes (3 log CFU g^?1) indicated that PLA–CNC–oregano films induced a quasi-total inhibition of bacteria in vegetables at day 14 and therefore demonstrated a strong antimicrobial capacity in situ. The percentage of TP release from bioactive films was determined by Folin–Ciocalteu’s method and results showed that TP release increased continuously from day 0 to day 14, up to 16.6 % at day 14. These results allowed demonstrating the strong antimicrobial capacity of PLA–CNC–oregano films for food packaging applications in vegetable produce.     

Highly Potential Antifungal Activity of Quantum-Sized Silver Nanoparticles Against Candida albicans

The antifungal activity of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilized quantum-sized silver nanoparticles (SNPs) against the growth of Candida albicans has been demonstrated in the present study. C. albicans is a known opportunistic human pathogen causing superficial and systemic infections. Research data carried out on C. albicans so far have shown unequivocally that it develops resistance against conventional antifungal drugs and that the infections it causes are difficult to cure with conventional antifungal agents. Hence, it is urgent to find newer materials for the treatment of infections caused by C. albicans that must be safe for the host. PVP-capped SNPs were synthesized, and its surface plasmon band was observed at 410 nm. The growth of C. albicans was markedly inhibited when the cells were incubated with SNP. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of SNP was determined as 70 ng/ml, and this value is relatively lower when compared with the conventionally used antifungal drugs such as amphotericin B (0.5 μg/ml), fluconazole (0.5 μg/ml), and ketoconazole (8 μg/ml). The viability of SNP-treated cells was checked by measuring the metabolic activity using XTT assay. Field emission scanning electron microscopic (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analyses of the cells treated with SNP have lost the structural integrity to a greater extent.     

Ionic liquid-based headspace single-drop microextraction coupled to gas chromatography for the determination of chlorobenzene derivatives

A novel method, based on the coupling of ionic liquid-based headspace single-drop microextraction (SDME) with gas chromatography (GC), is developed for the determination of chlorobenzene derivatives. For the SDME of five chlorobenzene derivatives, a 1.0 μL 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate microdrop is exposed for 20 min to the headspace of a 15 ml aqueous sample containing 20% (w/v) NaCl placed in 25 ml vial at 40 °C. Then, the extractant is directly injected into the injector block of the GC instrument. To avoid ionic liquid leaking into the chromatographic column, a small glass tube is placed in the injection block. Under optimized operation conditions, linear relation between peak areas and analyte concentrations up to 1.5 mg L^?1 has been obtained The detection limits range from 0.1 to 0.5 μg L^?1 for the various analytes. The relative standard deviations at 1.0 μg L^?1 range from 7.7 to 12.4%, and the enrichment factors from 41 to 127. The method is simple and sensitive, and does not suffer from the influence of a solvent peak. Its applicability is demonstrated by the determination of chlorobenzenes in wastewater samples.