Microfluidic based impedance biosensor for pathogens detection in food products

A MEMS‐based impedance biosensor was designed, fabricated, and tested to effectively detect the presence of bacterial cells including E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella typhimurium in raw chicken products using detection region made of multiple interdigitated electrode arrays. A positive dielectrophoresis based focusing electrode was used in order to focus and concentrate the bacterial cells at the centerline of the fluidic microchannel and direct them toward the detection microchannel. The biosensor was fabricated using surface micromachining technology on a glass substrate. The results demonstrate that the device can detect Salmonella with concentrations as low as 10 cells/mL in less than 1 h. The device sensitivity was improved by the addition of the focusing electrodes, which increased the signal response by a factor between 6 and 18 times higher than without the use of the focusing electrodes. The biosensor is selective and can detect other types of pathogen by changing the type of the antibody immobilized on the detection electrodes. The device was able to differentiate live from dead bacteria.     

Solid phase microextraction associated with microwave assisted extraction of food products

Veltol® (2-methyl 3-hydroxy 4-pyrone) and Veltol-Plus® (2-ethyl 3-hydroxy 4-pyrone) are patented flavor ingredients in food products. Only Veltol® can occur naturally, but both Veltol® and Veltol-Plus® are often added to food products. In order to monitor the use of these compounds in food products, lower detection limits were needed. The Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) technique for beverages and SPME coupled with Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) for solid food samples were studied. The influence of the pH, salt content, SPME adsorption time, GC inlet conditions, and the conditioning of the SPME fiber were investigated. Different food products were tested including coffee, beverages, chewing gums and potato chips. The coupled MAE and SPME shows good results for solid food samples. The reproducibility of the technique was less than 13%RSD and the detection limit was 10 ppb for Veltol® and 2 ppb for Veltol-Plus® using the SIM mode in GC/MS. The technique also shows good selectivity for the target compounds investigated in different food samples.     

Evaluation of plastic packaging materials used in radiation sterilized medical products and food

This paper studied the results of evaluation on resistance to radiation, moisture permeability, bacteria permeability, tensile strength, elongation at break and sealing ability for several plastic films available on the market. The result shows that nylon, sarin, and polyethylene complex films, high and low density polyethylene films are applicable for packing of radiation sterilized products.     

A portable microreactor with minimal accessories for polymerase chain reaction: application to the determination of foodborne pathogens

The authors describe a microreactor for performing a multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which is operated with minimal accessories such as a single heater for gene amplification and a hand-held syringe for sample actuation. It was fabricated by wrapping a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube around a rectangular poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) block having a predetermined thickness. The resulting portable microreactor was applied to PCR using a single heater because the rectangular PDMS block spatially segregated the upper and lower arrays of the PTFE tube. This warrants the adjustment of distinct temperatures inside the upper and lower tubes. A hand-held plastic syringe was connected to the inlet of the PTFE tube and used as a portable pump to achieve a homogeneous transport of a sample liquid inside the microreactor. The use of gas-impermeable PTFE prevents the formation of bubbles during thermal cycling. The microreactor was successfully applied to the amplification of typical DNA fragments of three foodborne pathogens in less than 30 min. In our perception, this method paves the way to the construction of a truly portable PCR chip that is applicable to rapid clinical diagnosis and the detection of foodborne pathogens.

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Variations in the mechanical properties of end products from mixed plastics

From well selected polymers, using an experimental plan methodology, we show the different influences (nature, processing conditions, composition) on the properties of end products from mixed plastics such as strain and stress at rupture, flexural modulus, impact strength and extrusion flow rate. From models, it is possible to adjust necessary formulations to obtain a good quality level and, eventually, an improvement of poor properties. Mixed plastics can be considered as a polyethylene matrix containing other polymers such as polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) or poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is neglected in this study. Properties such as strain at rupture or impact strength are drasticly affected by the level of polypropylene, polystyrene or poly(vinyl chloride): 5 or 10% nullify these properties. Other properties such as stress at rupture, flexural modulus or extrusion flow rate highly depend on the relative ratio of polymers. To improve the poor properties or to obtain a good level in a property, it is necessary to add well adapted compatibilizers or to dope the mixed plastics material by one of the polymers.     

Chromatographic methods for the determination of mycotoxins in food products

Chromatographic methods for the determination of mycotoxins from different classes in food products of plant and animal origins are surveyed. The procedures of sample preparation and extract purification and the use of various chromatographic analysis techniques are considered.     

Capillary liquid chromatography with diode array and mass spectrometry detection for heterocyclic aromatic amine determination in ready-to-eat food treated with electron-beam irradiation

In the present paper, we have developed a capillary liquid chromatography with MS detection for the determination at ng g⁻¹ levels of four heterocyclic aromatic amines (MeIQx, norharman, harman and harmine), a group of mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds that can potentially be produced in protein-rich food during processing operations. They have been determined in commercial ready-to-eat (RTE) smoked salmon and soft cheese treated with E-beam irradiation. On the basis of experimental design studies and operating conditions of MS detector, best chromatographic conditions were obtained using a Luna^® C₁₈ capillary column (150 mm × 0.3 mm I.D.) with a mixture of acetonitrile–ammonium formate 5 mM pH 3.6 buffer (13:87, v/v) as mobile phase. To improve sensitivity, large injection volumes (20 μL) and injection solutions of low elution strength were employed. Sample preparation procedure included a previous treatment with 1 M NaOH, followed by two solid-phase extraction steps; firstly on diatomaceous earth and then on mixed-mode cartridges. Heterocyclic amines were detected neither in irradiated and in non-irradiated samples, indicating that they were not formed by the radiation effect even at doses higher than those indicated in the Food Safety Objective established by regulatory agencies. RTE food samples were spiked at concentration levels in the range 10–30 ng g⁻¹. Recoveries higher than 85% (n = 3 for each spiked level) were obtained, showing the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.     

Dearomatization strategies in the synthesis of complex natural products

Evolution in the field of the total synthesis of natural products has led to exciting developments over the last decade. Numerous chemoselective and enantioselective methodologies have emerged from total syntheses, resulting in efficient access to many important natural product targets. This Review highlights recent developments concerning dearomatization, a powerful strategy for the total synthesis of architecturally complex natural products wherein planar, aromatic scaffolds are converted to three-dimensional molecular architectures.     

Determination of methylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose food gums in food and food products: collaborative study

A collaborative study was performed to determine the reproducibility of a method for the determination of methylcellulose (MC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in food. These widely used food gums possess unusual solubility characteristics and cannot accurately be determined by existing dietary fiber methods. The new method uses the enzyme-digestion procedure of AOAC Official Method 991.43. Digestate solutions must be refrigerated to fully hydrate MC or HPMC. The chilled solutions are filtered and analyzed by size-exclusion liquid chromatography. Collaborating laboratories received 28 samples containing MC or HPMC in the range of 0-100%. The sample set included blind duplicates of 5 food matrixes (bread, milk, fish, potato, and powdered juice drink). Cochran and Grubbs tests were used to eliminate outliers. For food samples containing MC, values for within-laboratory precision, repeatability relative standard deviation (RSDr), ranged from 4.2 to 16%, and values for among-laboratories precision, reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSDR), ranged from 11 to 20%. For HPMC samples, RSDr values ranged from 6.4 to 27%, and RSDR values ranged from 17 to 39%. Recoveries of MC and HPMC from the food matrixes ranged from 78 to 101%. These results show acceptable precision and reproducibility for the determination of MC and HPMC, for which no Official AOAC Methods exist. It is recommended that this method be adopted as AOAC Official First Action.     

Some problems associated with the chromatographic analysis of thiophene hydrodesulphurization products

Summary Adsorption of thiophene on the walls of stainless steel sample loops, even at relatively high temperatures (up to 180°C), is shown to result in significant errors in the chromatographic analysis of thiophene. A chromatographic system is described which allows a good separation of thiophene and C₄ hydrocarbons resulting from the catalytic hydrogenolysis of thiophene.     

Estimation of the committed radiation dose resulting from gamma radionuclides ingested with food

The objective of the study was to estimate the value of the radiation dose absorbed in consequence of consumption of popular food products for individual age groups. Potatoes, corn and sugar beet were selected for the study. Edible parts of these plants were collected in experimental fields of the KWS Lochów Polska Sp. z o.o. seeding company in Kondratowice (Poland). On the basis of the obtained study results, it can be stated that in consequence of consumption of the selected food products, people may receive increased doses from both natural and artificial radioactive isotopes. The doses calculated for several age groups do not show any health hazards in consequence of consumption of the tested food. One of the determined radionuclides was ¹³⁷Cs; however, its presence in the absorbed dose is lower than the doses from natural radioactive isotopes, in particular ⁴⁰K.     

Evaluating radiation risks and resource opportunities associated with phosphogypsum in the Philippines

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - Phosphogypsum (PG) accumulates during wet-phosphoric acid production for fertilizers. In the Philippines, PG is partly (40%) utilized to produce...     

食品中反式脂肪酸分析方法的研究进展

食品中反式脂肪酸(TFAs)对人体健康有重要影响,因此日益受到人们的关注。针对TFAs的分析方法较多,包括光谱分析、色谱分析、质谱分析和电泳分析等。本文就目前报道的TFAs检测方法进行了综述,并详细介绍了各种方法的优缺点及其在相关食品分析中的应用。     

Chemometric methods in NMR spectroscopic analysis of food products

The main achievements of high-resolution NMR spectroscopy in combination with different chemometric methods in the analysis of food products in the last 40 years are reviewed. The essence of chemometric methods used for the analysis and interpretation of NMR spectra is briefly described. Sample preparation for NMR-spectroscopic analysis is characterized. Methods for the mathematical treatment of NMR spectra (smoothing, Fourier transformation, bucketing, normalization, and selection of spectral ranges) are considered. Currently available methods for the suppression of the signals of macrocomponents, including those for the simultaneous suppression of several signals, are described. The results are illustrated based on examples of analysis of different classes of foodstuffs and beverages with the use of NMR spectroscopy and chemometric methods for classification and discrimination (geographical and botanical origin as well as validating checking the brand authenticity).     

Determination of aflatoxins in food products by chromatography.

Several chromatographic methods for the determination of aflatoxins in agricultural and food products are reviewed. During the past two decades, identification and determination of aflatoxins were done by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) because it was easy, fast and inexpensive. However, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using fluorescence detection is now the method of choice for determining aflatoxins and is also growing in popularity for their identification. The reasons for selecting HPLC over TLC can be summarized as the ability to analyze for a wide variety of compounds, including compounds that are easily degraded by heat, light or air, the ease of adaptation to confirmatory procedures, the potential for automation and the dramatic improvement in instrumentation, including the development of increasingly sensitive fluorescence and electrochemical detectors and short, high-resolution, reversed-phase columns.     

De-contamination of pesticide residues in food by ionizing radiation

The role of gamma irradiation on removal of pesticides in aqueous solutions or in vegetables and fruits was investigated. Radiation - induced decontamination of pesticides is generally greater in aqueous solutions than in selected vegetables and fruits. Residues of malathion (0.5 ppm in potatoes, 8 ppm in onions and dates), pirimiphos-methyl (1 ppm in onions and grapes) and cypermethrin (0.05 ppm in potatoes and 0.1 ppm in onions) were not reduced to below maximum residue limits (MRLs) for irradiation doses up to 1 kGy. The same trend was observed when irradiation was performed for grapes fortified with malathion (8 ppm) and cypermethrin (2 ppm) for absorbed doses up to 2 kGy. Ionizing radiation reduced the residues of pirimiphos-methyl (0.05 ppm in potatoes at1 kGy, 1 ppm in grapes at 2 kGy and 0.1 ppm in dates at1 kGy), malathion (8 ppm in grapes at 7 kGy) and cypermethrin (2 ppm in grapes at 7 kGy) to below maximum residue limits (MRLs).     

A review on the determination of veterinary drug residues in food products

In this paper, we discuss veterinary medicine and its applications in the food industry as well as the risk to the health of humans and animals caused by these residues. We review how the veterinary residues enter and cause some detrimental effects. We also mention two techniques to determine the residue of veterinary medications that exist in food originating from animals, including classic and advanced techniques. Finally, we discuss the potential of various developed methods and compare them with some traditional techniques.     

Determination of glucose and lactose in food products with the use of biosensors based on Berlin blue

The immobilization of enzymes into polyelectrolyte membranes with the use of organic solvents was applied to the development of the biosensing elements of biosensors. The following domestically produced preparations were used: the enzymes glucose oxidase and β-galactosidase and a perfluorosulfonated polymer. The compositions of mono-and bienzymic polyelectrolyte membranes were optimized. The glucose and lactose biosensors based on Berlin blue (as a signal transducer) and polyelectrolyte membranes exhibited high sensitivity, low detection limits, and fast response. The results of the analysis of milk whey in a flow-injection system that included biosensors completely correlated with measurement data obtained by a standard chromatographic technique.     

Determination of aromatic amines in food products and composite food packaging bags by capillary electrophoresis coupled with transient isotachophoretic stacking

A capillary electrophoretic method was explored to assay aromatic amines in food samples. With an inline-coupled transient isotachophoretic stacking approach, the method has yielded about 200-fold improvement of sensitivity in UV detection of three primary aromatic amines and melamine. By using K⁺ as a leading ion and Tris⁺ as a terminating ion, a plug of 10 cm (equivalent to 0.44 μL) sample solution was allowed to introduce into a 60 cm (50 cm effective) capillary for separation, giving limits of detection down to 2.0 × 10⁻⁸ M. Baseline separation was achieved within 10 min, with relative standard deviation of 0.41–0.75% (intra-day) or 1.2–1.5% (inter-day) for migration time and 3.8–4.3% (intra-day) or 5.2–6.7% (inter-day) for peak area. The method was directly applicable to assaying the melamine in powder milk samples, with recovery in between 92.0% and 107.1%. The method could also be applied to the analysis of trace primary aromatic amines migrating from composite food packaging bags after combination of a 10-fold off-line concentration step, with limit of detection down to less than 1 μg/L. By this method, 4,4′-diaminophenylmethane and 2,4-diaminotoluene were thus found in three types of composite food packaging bags.