Mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties of apple puree edible films containing plant essential oils

Edible films, as carriers of antimicrobial compounds, constitute an approach for incorporating plant essential oils (EOs) onto fresh-cut fruit surfaces. The effect against Escherichia coli O157:H7 of oregano, cinnamon, and lemongrass oils in apple puree film-forming solution (APFFS) and in an edible film made from the apple puree solution (APEF) was investigated along with the mechanical and physical properties of the films. Bactericidal activities of APFFS, expressed as BA50 values (BA50 values are defined as the percentage of antimicrobial that killed 50% of the bacteria under the test conditions) ranged from 0.019% for oregano oil to 0.094% for cinnamon oil. Oregano oil in the apple puree and in the film was highly effective against E. coli O157:H7. The data show that (a) the order of antimicrobial activities was oregano oil > lemongrass oil > cinnamon oil and (b) addition of the essential oils into film-forming solution decreased water vapor permeability and increased oxygen permeability, but did not significantly alter the tensile properties of the films. These results show that plant-derived essential oils can be used to prepare apple-based antimicrobial edible films for various food applications.     

Storage stability and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli O157:H7 of carvacrol in edible apple films made by two different casting methods

The antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli O157:H7 as well as the stability of carvacrol, the main constituent of oregano oil, were evaluated during the preparation and storage of apple-based edible films made by two different casting methods, continuous casting and batch casting. Antimicrobial assays of films and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of film extracts following storage up to 49 days at 5 and 25 degrees C revealed that (a) optimum antimicrobial effects were apparent with carvacrol levels of approximately 1.0% added to the purees prior to film preparation, (b) carvacrol in the films and film weights remained unchanged over the storage period of up to 7 weeks, and (c) casting methods affected carvacrol concentration, bactericidal activity, physicochemical properties, and colors of the apple films. Carvacrol addition to the purees used to prepare the films reduced water vapor and oxygen permeability of apple films. The results indicate that carvacrol has a dual benefit. It can be used to both impart antimicrobial activities and enhance barrier properties of edible films. The cited observations facilitate relating compositional and physicochemical properties of apple puree films containing volatile plant antimicrobials to their use in foods.     

Plant extracts, spices, and essential oils inactivate Escherichia coli O157:H7 and reduce formation of potentially carcinogenic heterocyclic amines in cooked beef patties

Meats need to be heated to inactivate foodborne pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157:H7. High-temperature treatment used to prepare well-done meats increases the formation of carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCAs). We evaluated the ability of plant extracts, spices, and essential oils to simultaneously inactivate E. coli O157:H7 and suppress HCA formation in heated hamburger patties. Ground beef with added antimicrobials was inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 (10(7) CFU/g). Patties were cooked to reach 45 °C at the geometric center, flipped, and cooked for 5 min. Samples were then taken for microbiological and mass spectrometry analysis of HCAs. Some compounds were inhibitory only against E. coli or HCA formation, while some others inhibited both. Addition of 5% olive or apple skin extracts reduced E. coli O157:H7 populations to below the detection limit and by 1.6 log CFU/g, respectively. Similarly, 1% lemongrass oil reduced E. coli O157:H7 to below detection limits, while clove bud oil reduced the pathogen by 1.6 log CFU/g. The major heterocyclic amines 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) were concurrently reduced with the addition of olive extract by 79.5% and 84.3% and with apple extract by 76.1% and 82.1%, respectively. Similar results were observed with clove bud oil: MeIQx and PhIP were reduced by 35% and 52.1%, respectively. Addition of onion powder decreased formation of PhIP by 94.3%. These results suggest that edible natural plant compounds have the potential to prevent foodborne infections as well as carcinogenesis in humans consuming heat-processed meat products.     

Antibacterial activities of plant essential oils and their components against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica in apple juice

We evaluated 17 plant essential oils and nine oil compounds for antibacterial activity against the foodborne pathogens Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica in apple juices in a bactericidal assay in terms of % of the sample that resulted in a 50% decrease in the number of bacteria (BA(50)). The 10 compounds most active against E. coli (60 min BA(50) range in clear juice, 0.018-0.093%) were carvacrol, oregano oil, geraniol, eugenol, cinnamon leaf oil, citral, clove bud oil, lemongrass oil, cinnamon bark oil, and lemon oil. The corresponding compounds against S. enterica (BA(50) range, 0.0044-0.011%) were Melissa oil, carvacrol, oregano oil, terpeineol, geraniol, lemon oil, citral, lemongrass oil, cinnamon leaf oil, and linalool. The activity (i) was greater for S. enterica than for E. coli, (ii) increased with incubation temperature and storage time, and (iii) was not affected by the acidity of the juices. The antibacterial agents could be divided into two classes: fast-acting and slow-acting. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that the bactericidal results are related to the composition of the oils. These studies provide information about new ways to protect apple juice and other foods against human pathogens.     

Chemical compositions and antibacterial effects of essential oils of Turkish oregano (Origanum minutiflorum), bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas L.), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on common foodborne pathogens

Chemical compositions and inhibitory effects of essential oils of Turkish oregano (Origanum minutiflorum O. Schwarz & P. H. Davis), bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.), Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas subsp. stoechas L.), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) on Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus were determined. After the essential oils were applied on the foodborne pathogens at doses of 0 (control), 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 80 microL/mL, the resultant numbers of cells surviving were counted. Results revealed that all essential oils exhibited a very strong antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria (P < 0.05). Gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry analyses revealed that carvacrol (68.23%), 1,8-cineole (60.72%), fenchone (55.79%), and trans-anethole (85.63%) were the predominant constituents in Turkish oregano, bay laurel, Spanish lavender, and fennel essential oils, respectively.     

Antioxidant activity of dietary oregano essential oil and alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation in long-term frozen stored turkey meat

The effects of dietary oregano essential oil and alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation on the oxidative stability of long-term frozen stored turkey meat were investigated. Thirty 12-week-old turkeys, randomly divided into five groups, were given a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 200 mg of alpha-tocopheryl acetate kg(-1), or 100 or 200 mg of oregano oil kg(-1), or 100 mg of oregano oil plus 100 mg of alpha-tocopheryl acetate kg(-1) for 4 weeks prior to slaughter. Lipid oxidation in breast and thigh meat was assessed after 1, 3, 6, and 9 months of frozen storage at -20 degrees C prior to or following 7 days of refrigerated storage at 4 degrees C. Results showed that oregano oil increased the oxidative stability of breast and thigh meat during the frozen storage. Dietary oregano oil at the inclusion level of 200 mg kg(-1) feed was significantly (p < 0.05) more effective in delaying lipid oxidation compared to the level of 100 mg kg(-1), but equivalent to dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation at 200 mg kg(-1), which in turn was inferior to dietary supplementation of 100 mg kg(-1) oregano essential oil plus 100 mg kg(-1) alpha-tocopheryl acetate that was significantly (p < 0.05) superior to all other treatments. Thigh meat was more susceptible to oxidation than breast meat, although the former contained alpha-tocopherol at markedly higher levels. Mean alpha-tocopherol levels in breast and thigh meat from all treatments decreased during the frozen storage, the decrease being sharper between 1 and 3 months of frozen storage for breast and between 3 and 6 months for thigh meat. Oregano oil supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the retention of alpha-tocopherol in meat, the increase being positively correlated with the supplementation level. However, the retention of alpha-tocopherol in meat could only partly elucidate the antioxidant activity exhibited by dietary oregano oil supplementation.     

中性电解水对鸡蛋表面的清洗灭菌效果

为寻求一种高效、安全、无污染的禽蛋清洗消毒剂,采用无隔膜电解装置电解稀盐酸溶液制备中性电解水（pH值6.0～7.5）考查不同有效氯浓度、处理时间和温度条件下中性电解水对鸡蛋人工接种鸡白痢沙门氏菌（Salmonella pullorum,鸡蛋表面的初始菌落数对数为6.19～6.26 log10 (cfu/g)）和大肠杆菌O157:H7（鸡蛋表面的初始菌落数对数为6.12～6.19 log10 (cfu/g)）的杀灭效果。结果表明,中性电解水对2种病菌均具有较强的杀灭效果,其杀菌效果随着有效氯浓度和处理时间的增加而增强,但温度对中性电解水的杀菌效果影响不显著。对菌悬液的杀菌试验表明：当中性电解水有效氯质量浓度为1.5 mg/L时,可以在20℃下3 min内完全杀灭鸡白痢沙门氏菌（初始含菌数的对数为 8.12 log10 (cfu/mL)）;质量浓度为2 mg/L时,可以100%杀灭大肠杆菌O157:H7（初始含菌数的对数为7.78 log10 (cfu/mL)）。当中性电解水清洗消毒被人工污染的鸡蛋表面时,有效氯质量浓度为12 mg/L、处理3 min可将鸡蛋表面的鸡白痢沙门氏菌全部杀灭,大肠杆菌O157:H7菌落数对数降低到1.0 log10 (cfu/g) 以下,且处理废液中没有残存菌,无二次污染问题。因此,中性电解水可以代替化学杀菌剂应用于鸡蛋清洗消毒。     

Development of flexible antimicrobial films using essential oils as active agents

The antimicrobial activity in the vapor-phase of laboratory-made flexible films of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (PE/EVOH) incorporating essential oil of cinnamon ( Cinnamomum zeylanicum), oregano ( Origanum vulgare), clove ( Syzygium aromaticum), or cinnamon fortified with cinnamaldehyde was evaluated against a wide range of microorganisms: the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Yersinia enterocolitica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella choleraesuis; the Gram-positive bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Enterococcus faecalis; the molds Penicillium islandicum, Penicillium roqueforti, Penicillium nalgiovense, Eurotium repens, and A spergillus flavus and the yeasts Candida albicans, Debaryomyces hansenii, and Zigosaccharomyces rouxii. Films with a nominal concentration of 4% (w/w) of fortified cinnamon or oregano essential oil completely inhibited the growth of the fungi; higher concentrations were required to inhibit the Gram-positive bacteria (8 and 10%, respectively), and higher concentrations still were necessary to inhibit the Gram-negative bacteria. PP films were more effective than PE/EVOH films. The atmospheres generated by the antimicrobial films inside Petri dishes were quantitatively analyzed using headspace-single drop microextraction (HS-SDME) in combination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analyses showed that the oregano-fortified PP films released higher levels of carvacrol and thymol, and the cinnamon-fortified PP films released higher levels of cinnamaldehyde, during the first 3-6 h of incubation, than the corresponding PE/EVOH films. Shelf-life tests were also performed, demonstrating that the antifungal activities of the films persisted for more than two months after their manufacture. In addition, migration tests (overall and specific) were performed, using both aqueous and fatty simulants, to ensure that the films meet EU regulations regarding food contact materials. Following contact with the tested films, the substances that had migrated into the aqueous simulants were recovered by direct immersion-single drop extraction (DI-SDME) and then analyzed by GC-MS. The fatty stimulant (isooctane) was directly injected into the chromatographic system.     

Stabilization of beef meat by a new active packaging containing natural antioxidants

A new antioxidant active packaging material for food has been designed and developed, consisting of a polypropylene film in which some natural antioxidants have been immobilized. The antioxidant properties of the new material have been tested by using both pure myoglobin and fresh beef steaks. Two different cell configurations (glass vial and Petri dish) and four different myoglobin concentrations-according to the common content of this compound in fresh meat and meat derivatives (1080, 1995, 3332, and 4414 microg g(-1), respectively)-have been evaluated in oxidation studies. Furthermore, three different concentrations of natural antioxidants in the film (designated as PR1, PR2, and PR3) were evaluated. Once myoglobin samples and the active films were introduced in the cell, they were exposed to cool white fluorescent light to accelerate oxidation for a period of time ranging from 5 to 30 days. Remaining myoglobin concentration was measured by molecular absorption UV-vis spectrophotometry at 409 nm. Organoleptic properties and color, texture, and physical characteristics of fresh meat packaged with the new active film have also been measured to evaluate the shelf life of the packaged meat. Results showed that, compared to normal polypropylene, the active film containing natural antioxidants efficiently enhanced the stability of both myoglobin and fresh meat against oxidation processes, thus being a promising way to extend the shelf life of fresh meat.     

Antimicrobial activity of olive solutions from stored Alpeorujo against plant pathogenic microorganisms

The aim of this work was to assess the in vitro antimicrobial effects that wastewaters from alpeorujo oil extraction have against phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi. Alpeorujo was stored for 6 months and then processed to extract its oil, pomace, and a new liquid waste (OWSA), which was characterized by its content in phenolic compounds. OWSA at 20% decreased bu >4 log the population of Erwinia spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Clavibacter spp. viable cells in test tubes, whereas OWSA at 50% in agar medium was necessary to inhibit mycelial growth of most fungi. It was found that the bactericidal effect was due to the joint action of low molecular mass phenolic compounds, although neither hydroxytyrosol, its glucosides, hydroxytyrosol glycol, nor a glutaraldehyde-like compound individually explained this bioactivity. Hence, OWSA constitutes a promising natural solution to fight plant phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi.     

基于鱼鳞明胶的可食性保鲜膜对金枪鱼肉的保鲜作用研究

为分析不同复合保鲜膜处理对金枪鱼的保鲜效果,以鱼鳞明胶为主料,添加桔子/柠檬精油和薄荷制备可食性保鲜膜,用于金枪鱼肉的冷藏保鲜,检测冷藏过程中金枪鱼肉的TVB-N值、pH值、菌落总数、肌红蛋白与高铁肌红蛋白含量、a^*值、TBA值的变化,并对金枪鱼的品质进行感官评价分析。结果表明,鱼鳞明胶膜中添加薄荷、桔子精油和柠檬精油均能不同程度地抑制金枪鱼肉中的微生物繁殖,减缓TVB-N值、TBA值和高铁肌红蛋白含量的升高,抑制鱼肉色泽的衰变,且薄荷与桔子/柠檬精油的复合有协同增效保鲜金枪鱼肉的作用。明胶膜中复合2%浓度的桔子/柠檬精油对金枪鱼肉风味略有覆盖,低浓度桔子/柠檬精油(1%)有优化金枪鱼鱼肉气味的作用,且以柠檬精油的效果更优,1%薄荷-1%桔子精油-鱼鳞明胶复合膜和1%薄荷-1%柠檬精油-鱼鳞明胶复合膜保鲜处理的金枪鱼肉的货架期可分别延长至 7 d 和8 d。本研究结果为制备高品质水产品可食性保鲜膜材料提供了理论依据和技术支持。     

Characterization of the volatile composition of essential oils of some lamiaceae spices and the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the entire oils

The essential oils of Ocimum basilicum L., Origanum vulgare L., and Thymus vulgaris L. were analyzed by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and assayed for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The antioxidant activity was evaluated as a free radical scavenging capacity (RSC), together with effects on lipid peroxidation (LP). RSC was assessed measuring the scavenging activity of the essential oils on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH(*)) and OH(*) radicals. Effects on LP were evaluated following the activities of essential oils in Fe(2+)/ascorbate and Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2) systems of induction. Essential oils exhibited very strong RSCs, reducing the DPPH radical formation (IC(50)) in the range from 0.17 (oregano) to 0.39 microg/mL (basil). The essential oil of T. vulgaris exhibited the highest OH radical scavenging activity, although none of the examined essential oils reached 50% of neutralization (IC(50)). All of the tested essential oils strongly inhibited LP, induced either by Fe(2+)/ascorbate or by Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2). The antimicrobial activity was tested against 13 bacterial strains and six fungi. The most effective antibacterial activity was expressed by the essential oil of oregano, even on multiresistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. A significant rate of antifungal activity of all of the examined essential oils was also exhibited.     

Effect of freezing and microbial growth on myoglobin derivatives of beef.

The effect of freezing and bacterial growth on the discoloration of beef was assessed by measuring myoglobin derivatives myoglobin (MB), oxymyoglobin (MBO(2)), and metmyoglobin (METMB) on the surfaces of fresh and frozen-thawed packaged beef cuts stored at 2 degrees C and analyzed after 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days of storage. MB, MBO(2), and METMB concentrations were measured spectrophotometrically. Frozen-thawed beef samples experienced less "blooming" (conversion of MB to MBO(2)) and more rapid discoloration than fresh cuts during storage. By day 3, >20% METMB was formed in the frozen-thawed samples, whereas the fresh samples reached this value after day 6 of storage. The rates of MB oxidation were similar (P > 0.05) for sterile and frozen-thawed inoculated (Pseudomonas fluorescens at a rate of 1.5 colony forming units/cm(2).cm(2) area) samples from day 0 through day 6 of storage. For storage periods of less than a week, bacterial growth is not a major cause of meat discoloration. After day 6, the high bacterial growth rate resulted in a rapid increase in METMB formation. Possible mechanisms for MB oxidation in frozen-thawed beef are suggested.     

Sensory evaluation of baked chicken wrapped with antimicrobial apple and tomato edible films formulated with cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol

The addition of plant essential oils to edible films and coatings has been shown to protect against bacterial pathogens and spoilage while also enhancing sensory properties of foods. This study evaluated the effect of adding 0.5 and 0.75% carvacrol (active ingredient of oregano oil) to apple- and tomato-based film-forming solutions and 0.5 and 0.75% cinnamaldehyde (active ingredient of cinnamon oil) to apple-based film-forming solutions on sensory properties of cooked chicken wrapped with these films. Paired preference tests indicated no difference between baked chicken wrapped with tomato and apple films containing 0.5% carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde compared to chicken wrapped with tomato or apple films without the plant antimicrobials. The taste panel indicated a higher preference for carvacrol-containing tomato-coated chicken over the corresponding apple coating. There was also a higher preference for cinnamaldehyde-containing apple films over corresponding carvacrol-containing wrapping. Films containing antibacterial active compounds derived from essential oils can be used to protect raw chicken pieces against bacterial contamination without adversely affecting preferences of wrapped chicken pieces after baking.     

Antioxidative activity and antidiscoloration efficacy of ergothioneine in mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) extract added to beef and fish meats

The antioxidative property of a hydrophilic extract prepared from the fruiting body of edible mushroom ( Flammulina velutipes) was evaluated. The mushroom extract contained ergothioneine (ERT) at a level of 3.03 +/- 0.07 mg/mL, showed higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and suppressed lipid oxidation of bigeye tuna meat more effectively than authentic L-ERT added at the same concentration. The authentic L-ERT had stronger total reducing power than the mushroom extract and inhibited the formation of metmyoglobin (metMb) more significantly in bigeye tuna meat. Lipid oxidation in beef and fish meats to which the mushroom extract had been added was "virtually" controlled during storage on ice. Ground beef and bigeye tuna meat with the extract added kept their natural colors unchanged for longer than 12 and 7 days of ice storage, respectively. Contrary to this, browning in meat color was observed in the control samples without the extract after 6 and 2 days of storage, respectively, when stored under similar conditions. There was significant correlation between meat color and chemical parameters, including total lipid hydroperoxides, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and metMb. However, there was no significant correlation between pH value and meat discoloration. These results suggest that ERT in the hydrophilic extract of F. velutipes plays an important role as a color stabilizer of meats.     

Antioxidant activity of oregano, parsley, and olive mill wastewaters in bulk oils and oil-in-water emulsions enriched in fish oil

The antioxidant activity of oregano, parsley, olive mill wastewaters (OMWW), Trolox, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was evaluated in bulk oils and oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions enriched with 5% tuna oil by monitoring the formation of hydroperoxides, hexanal, and t-t-2,4-heptadienal in samples stored at 37 degrees C for 14 days. In bulk oil, the order of antioxidant activity was, in decreasing order (p < 0.05), OMWW > oregano > parsley > EDTA > Trolox. The antioxidant activity in o/w emulsion followed the same order except that EDTA was as efficient an antioxidant as OMWW. In addition, the total phenolic content, the radical scavenging properties, the reducing capacity, and the iron chelating activity of OMWW, parsley, and oregano extracts were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and iron(II) chelating activity assays, respectively. The antioxidant activity of OMWW, parsley, and oregano in food systems was related to their total phenolic content and radical scavenging capacity but not to their ability to chelate iron in vitro. OMWW was identified as a promising source of antioxidants to retard lipid oxidation in fish oil-enriched food products.     

辐照控制菲律宾蛤仔中治病菌及其在贮藏期的生长情况

研究了菲律宾蛤仔经60Coγ射线辐照后,其中的菌落总数、大肠肝菌和副溶血性的D₁₀值及辐照后在贮藏期的变化。结果表明,经60Coγ射线辐照后菲律宾蛤仔中的菌落总数、大肠肝菌、副溶血性的D₁₀值分别为：0.70、0.56和0.20kGy;真空包装的菲律宾蛤仔在0°C~4°C贮藏条件下,3kGy剂量辐照贮藏28d后菌落总数为4.46log(CFU/g),符合水产品卫生要求;而0.4kGy剂量辐照贮藏7d后大厂肝菌、副溶血性弧菌后检测未检出。由此可见,3kGy以上剂量辐照处理菲律宾蛤仔,能有效杀灭其中的微生物,且其贮藏期可达28d,用辐照方法保鲜菲律宾蛤仔具有一定实际意义。     

4-methylcatechol inhibits protein oxidation in meat but not disulfide formation

The interaction between phenolic compounds and protein thiols was investigated in minced beef with or without 500 ppm 4-methylcatechol (4-MC) that had been stored under oxygen or argon for 7 days (4 °C). Myofibrillar protein isolates were extracted, and the oxidative stability evaluated by the protein radical intensity measured by ESR spectroscopy was found to be improved by 4-MC as well as by storage without oxygen. Significant loss of thiols was found in samples stored under oxygen compared to argon, whereas an additional loss was found in samples with added 4-MC stored under oxygen. In beef with added 4-MC, LC-MS analysis showed formation of thiol-quinone adducts, which may explain the observed additional loss of thiols. Although storage without oxygen inhibited protein cross-link formation as evaluated by SDS-PAGE, both in presence and in the absence of 4-MC, no inhibitory effect of 4-MC was found on the formation of protein disulfide cross-links in beef stored under oxygen.     

Evaluation of 2-dodecylcyclobutanone as an irradiation dose indicator in fresh irradiated ground beef

Alkylcyclobutanones (2-ACBs) are radiolytic products formed when fatty acids are irradiated. These cyclobutanones are unique irradiation byproducts and therefore may serve as indicators of irradiation exposure. As only limited information exists about 2-ACB formation in retail meat products, reliable methods that can quantify 2-ACBs and thus estimate irradiation dose in commercial meat products are desired. The cyclobutanone studied in this experiment was 2-dodecylcyclobutanone (2-DCB), which is formed from palmitic acid. The formation of 2-DCB was evaluated in fresh irradiated ground beef patties at two fat levels. Patties containing 15% and 25% fat were irradiated by electron beam at 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.5 kGy. Commercially available 1-lb irradiated ground beef chubs with different fat levels were analyzed in order to estimate dose absorbed by these samples. The 2-DCB was extracted using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and was detected in all the irradiated samples. The concentration of 2-DCB increased linearly with dose with R2 = 0.9646 for 25% fat samples and R2 = 0.9444 for 15% fat samples. Further, there was no significant difference in 2-DCB concentrations between the two fat levels. The estimated doses applied to the commercial samples ranged between 1.38 and 1.55 kGy, values consistent with doses normally used in the industry (1.0-2.0 kGy). Our results show that 2-DCB can be used to monitor fresh irradiated beef and approximate the absorbed dose.     

Vapor-phase activities of cinnamon, thyme, and oregano essential oils and key constituents against foodborne microorganisms

The aim of the study presented here was to gain knowledge about the vapor-phase antimicrobial activity of selected essential oils and their major putatively active constituents against a range of foodborne bacterial and fungal strains. In a first step, the vapor-phase antimicrobial activities of three commercially available essential oils (EOs)-cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and oregano (Origanum vulgare)-were evaluated against a wide range of microorganisms, including Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Yersinia enterocolitica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella choleraesuis), Gram-positive bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Enterococcus faecalis), molds (Penicillium islandicum and Aspergillus flavus), and a yeast (Candida albicans). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were generally lower for oregano EO than for the thyme and cinnamon EOs, especially against the relatively resistant Gram-negative. The persistence of the EOs' antimicrobial activities over time was assessed, and changes in the composition of the atmosphere they generated over time were determined using single-drop microextraction (SDME) in combination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and subsequent analysis of the data by principal component analysis (PCA). More relevant chemicals were selected. In addition, the vapor-phase activities of putatively key constituents of the oils were screened against representative Gram-positive (L. monocytogenes) and Gram-negative (S. choleraesuis) bacteria, a mold (A. flavus), and a yeast (C. albicans). Of the tested compounds, cinnamaldehyde, thymol, and carvacrol showed the strongest antimicrobial effectiveness, so their MICs, defined as the minimum vapor concentrations that completely inhibited detectable growth of the microorganisms, were calculated. To check for possible interactions between components present in the EOs, cinnamon EO was fortified with cinnamaldehyde and thyme EO with thymol, and then the antimicrobial activities of the fortified oils were compared to those of the respective unfortified EOs using fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) indices and by plotting inhibition curves as functions of the vapor-phase concentrations. Synergistic effects were detected for cinnamaldehyde on A. flavus and for thymol on L. monocytogenes, S. choleraesuis, and A. flavus. In all other cases the fortification had additive effects, except for cinnamaldehyde's activity against S. choleraesuis, for which the effect was antagonistic. Finally, various microorganisms were found to cause slight changes over time to the atmospheres generated by all of the EOs (fortified and unfortified) except the fortified cinnamon EO.