Long-term storage of Pink Lady apples modifies volatile-involved enzyme activities: consequences on production of volatile esters

Pink Lady apples were harvested at commercial maturity and stored at 1 degrees C and 92% relative humidity under either air or controlled atmosphere conditions (2 kPa O 2:2 kPa CO 2 and 1 kPa O 2:1 kPa CO 2) for 27 weeks. Data on the emission of volatile compounds and on the activity of some related enzymes in both skin and flesh tissues were obtained during subsequent shelf life at 20 degrees C. Major effects of storage atmosphere and poststorage period were observed on the emission of volatile esters and their precursors. Changes in the production of volatile esters were partly due to alterations in the activity of alcohol o-acyltransferase, but the specific esters emitted by fruit after storage also resulted largely from modifications in the supply of the corresponding substrates. Samples stored under air were characterized by higher availability of acetaldehyde, whereas those stored under CA showed enhanced emission of the alcohol precursors ethanol and 1-hexanol (2 kPa O 2) and 1-butanol (1 kPa O 2), with accordingly higher production of ethyl, hexyl, and butyl esters. Multivariate analysis revealed that a large part of the observed differences in precursor availability arose from modifications in the activity of the enzymes considered. Higher pyruvate decarboxylase activity in air-stored fruit possibly accounted for higher acetaldehyde levels in these samples, while storage under 1 kPa O 2 led to significantly decreased lipoxygenase activity and thus to lessened production of 1-hexanol and hexyl esters. Low acetaldehyde availability together with enhanced hydroperoxide lyase and alcohol dehydrogenase levels in these fruits are suggested to have led to higher emission of 1-butanol and butyl esters.     

Rotenone residues on olives and in olive oil

The disappearance of rotenone on olives under field conditions was studied. The field data showed that rotenone residues on olives decreased with a half-life (t(1/2)) of 4.0 days. After pre-harvest time (10 days) the residues were higher than the maximum residue level fixed in Italy (0.04 mg/kg). Experiments with model systems showed that the mechanism of disappearance of rotenone is not related to evaporation, thermodegradation, or co-distillation, but only to photodegradation. When the olives were processed for oil, the residues in the oil were higher than the residues on the olives by a factor of 2.4-4.8.     

封存CO_2泄漏量对三叶草生长的影响

随着碳捕集与封存技术在中国的逐步发展,封存CO2泄漏对农田生态系统的潜在威胁日益引起关注,而目前对CO2泄漏时作物的适应能力认识仍不足。选择分布广、耐酸性强的三叶草作为研究对象,设对照(不通CO2)和采用栽培箱底部通入500、1 000、1 500和2 000 g/(m2·d)CO2 5个处理,系统评估三叶草对封存CO2泄露的响应。结果发现:在500 g/(m2·d)的CO2泄露情景下,三叶草的生物量、根系活力、营养成分等主要生理指标略有增加或保持稳定,表现出较好的适应能力。随着CO2泄漏量增加到1000 g/(m2·d)以上,三叶草的生物量、根系活力下降,逐步表现出受环境胁迫的特征。在CO2通量处理下土壤pH值在6.80~7.04之间,高于三叶草适宜生长的pH值下限。研究表明,三叶草对封存CO2泄露具有较好的适应能力,为封存CO2泄露应对技术研究提供参考。     

地质封存CO2泄漏对农田生态系统的影响评估及耐受阈值

碳捕获与封存(carbon capture and storage,CCS)是全球碳减排的重要战略性技术,但封存CO2泄漏对地表生态系统的严重威胁是CCS活动的重要障碍之一。该研究选择受封存CO2泄漏威胁的农田生态系统作为研究对象,通过运用人工控制手段模拟地质封存CO2泄漏到达地表的系列情景,监测农田生态系统主要指标变化,评估和确定封存CO2泄漏对农田生态系统的影响和耐受阈值。研究结果表明,不同泄漏情景下玉米均受到不同程度的不利影响,并且泄漏通量越大,影响程度越深:CO2泄漏情景下的玉米出苗受到严重阻碍,株高和叶片数随泄漏通量增大而呈逐渐减小的趋势,地上部和地下部生物量较对照情景明显减少,光合作用受到干扰,土壤pH值降低。500～2000g/(m2·d)范围内的泄漏情景为玉米对地质封存CO2泄漏的耐受阈值。     

不同CO2浓度下鸡蛋呼吸仿真分析及验证

贮存环境中CO_2浓度对鸡蛋呼吸作用及新鲜度变化具有重要影响,为了进一步考察在不同CO_2浓度下鸡蛋呼吸释放CO_2的扩散及新鲜度变化情况,该研究测定贮存在温度为25℃、相对湿度为65%、CO_2体积分数分别为1.5%、3.0%、4.5%及空气(对照组)环境下鸡蛋呼吸和新鲜度,利用FLUENT软件完成不同CO_2浓度下鸡蛋第1天呼吸释放CO_2的扩散过程仿真。结果表明,利用Fluent软件计算所得气体速度值和试验值基本一致,模拟值与实测值相对误差在4%～9%。不同CO_2浓度下鸡蛋释放CO_2的扩散过程符合重气扩散的特点,其扩散方向受到CO_2浓度的影响,且随着贮存环境中CO_2浓度的增加,鸡蛋呼吸释放CO_2的扩散量和扩散速度逐渐变小,呼吸得到抑制。再通过分析贮存过程中不同CO_2体积分数下鸡蛋呼吸强度和新鲜度变化得出,对照组1.5%CO_2与3.0%CO_2下的鸡蛋呼吸强度和新鲜度具有显著差异(P0.05),当贮存环境中CO_2体积分数达到3.0%时,对鸡蛋呼吸强度的抑制效果不再明显,且新鲜度变化保持不变。3.0%CO_2和4.5%CO_2体积分数下贮存鸡蛋20 d,其新鲜度等级仍在AA级以上,综合经济因素,3.0%CO_2保鲜鸡蛋效果较优。该研究可为鸡蛋呼吸和气调保鲜技术提供理论及数据基础。     

Biophenols in table olives

Unprocessed olives are well-known sources of phenolic antioxidants with important biological properties. Processing methods to prepare table olives may cause a reduction of valuable phenols and may deprive the food of precious biological functions. The present work was undertaken to evaluate table olives produced in Greece as sources of biophenols. Commercially available olives were analyzed for their total phenol content by using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and for individual phenols by RP-HPLC. Samples were Spanish-style green olives in brine, Greek-style naturally black olives in brine, and Kalamata olives in brine. Most of the types of olives analyzed were found to be good sources of phenols. Hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and luteolin were the prevailing phenols in almost all of the samples examined. High levels of hydroxytyrosol were determined mainly in Kalamata olives and Spanish-style green olives, cultivar Chalkidiki (250-760 mg/kg).     

Accumulation mechanism of γ-aminobutyric acid in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under low O2 with and without CO2

The storage of ripe tomatoes in low-O(2) conditions with and without CO(2) promotes γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulation. The activities of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and α-ketoglutarate-dependent GABA transaminase (GABA-TK) were higher and lower, respectively, following storage under hypoxic (2.4 or 3.5% O(2)) or adjusted aerobic (11% O(2)) conditions compared to the activities in air for 7 days at 25 °C. GAD activity was consistent with the expression level of mRNA for GAD. The GABA concentration in tomatoes stored under hypoxic conditions and adjusted aerobic conditions was 60-90% higher than that when they are stored in air on the same day. These results demonstrate that upregulation of GAD activity and downregulation of GABA-TK activity cause GABA accumulation in tomatoes stored under low-O(2) conditions. Meanwhile, the effect of CO(2) on GABA accumulation is probably minimal.     

Identification and quantification of metallo-chlorophyll complexes in bright green table olives by high-performance liquid chromatrography-mass spectrometry quadrupole/time-of-flight

Five different samples of table olives, two regular Spanish table olives and three "bright green table olives", have been analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS to determine their pigment profile. Typical pigment profiles of almost all table olives show primarily chlorophyll derivatives lacking metals (e.g., pheophytin a/b and 15(2)-Me-phytol-chlorin e(6)). Bright green table olives have a unique profile including metallo-chlorophyll complexes (Cu-15(2)-Me-phytol-chlorin e(6) with 26-48% and Cu-pheophytin a with 3-18%) as their major pigments. New tentative structures have been identified by MS such as 15(2)-Me-phytol-rhodin g(7), 15(2)-Me-phytol-chlorin e(6), 15(2)-Me-phytol-isochlorin e(4), Cu-15(2)-Me-phytol-rhodin g(7), Cu-15(2)-Me-phytol-chlorin e(6), and Cu-15(2)-Me-phytol-isochlorin e(4), and new MS/MS fragmentation patterns are reported for Cu-15(2)-Me-phytol-rhodin g(7), Cu-15(2)-Me-phytol-chlorin e(6), Cu-pheophytin b, Cu-pheophytin a, Cu-pyropheophytin b, and Cu-pyropheophytin a. The presence of metallo-chlorophyll derivatives is responsible for the intense color of bright green table olives, but these metallo-chlorophyll complexes may be regarded as a "green staining" defect that is unacceptable to consumers.     

Effect of high-oxygen and high-carbon-dioxide atmospheres on strawberry flavor and other quality traits

The effect of high-oxygen atmospheres on strawberry flavor was studied. Strawberry fruits (Fragariax ananassa Duch. cv. Camarosa) were stored at 8 degrees C in four different atmospheres: air, 5% O(2)/20% CO(2), 80% O(2)/20% CO(2), and 90% O(2)/10% CO(2). Changes in several quality parameters were evaluated. Atmospheres combining high O(2) and high CO(2) were the most effective in preventing fungal growth and enhancing strawberry firmness. Other quality parameters such as color, titrable acidity, sugars and organic acids distribution, off-flavor development, and aroma were only mildly affected by superatmospheric O(2) levels. After one week of storage, unexpected high contents of off-flavor related compounds were found in the 80% O(2)/20% CO(2) and 90% O(2)/10% CO(2) atmospheres. Evidence of an altered ester biosynthesis was also found in fruits stored under these high-O(2) atmospheres. Data obtained suggest that stress induced by high CO(2) and stress induced by high O(2) have an additive effect on strawberry flavor alteration.     

Reduction of virgin olive oil bitterness by fruit cold storage

Green mature olives (Olea europaea L. cv. 'Manzanilla', 'Picual', and 'Verdial') were stored at 5 degrees C, and the oil extracted from them showed a middle intensity level of sensory-evaluated bitterness. The storage times necessary for this reduction were different for the three varieties tested, requiring 4, 6, and 8 weeks, respectively, for 'Manzanilla', 'Picual', and 'Verdial' olives. The level of commercial quality of the extracted oil did not deteriorate as a consequence of previous fruit storage. Olives matured during refrigeration at 5 degrees C, as the increase of maturation index and the decrease of color index and fruit firmness indicated. Similarly, as the fruit storage period progressed, the total phenolic compound content of the extracted oils decreased. Although the use of green mature olives may require a more prolonged storage time, it allows for a better postharvest handling of the fruits, which are more resistant to physical damage or fungal infections than the riper ones.     

Stimulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid production in vine-ripe tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruits under modified atmospheres

Stimulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production under low O2 and high CO2 conditions (adjusted aerobic atmosphere) under which ethanol fermentation could be avoided was studied. Vine-ripe tomato fruits were stored under hypoxia conditions and adjusted aerobic atmospheres as well as in the air at 15 degrees C for 13 days and at 30 degrees C for 6 days. At 30 degrees C tomato fruit GABA concentration under the adjusted aerobic atmosphere (O2 11%, CO2 9%) was significantly higher by 48% than that in air after 6 days from the start of storage. Increased accumulation of alanine under the adjusted aerobic atmosphere supports the observation that this atmosphere stimulates GABA production. The results demonstrate that the concentration of GABA as a beneficial substance for antihypertensive effects and so on can be increased by storing tomato fruits under adjusted aerobic atmospheres for the first time.     

Separation of olive proteins combining a simple extraction method and a selective capillary electrophoresis (CE) approach: application to raw and table olive samples

A simple extraction method was developed to extract proteins from olive samples based on chloroform/methanol extraction followed by a protein precipitation with cold acetone. Then, a capillary electrophoresis (CE) method was carried out using an acid buffer (1 M formic acid at pH 2) to ensure a positive net charge for proteins and a neutral charge for potential interferents as polyphenols. The method developed was applied to raw and table olive samples. Interestingly, raw olive samples showed differences in protein profiles depending upon the botanical variety of olives and their geographical region. Protein profiles obtained for table olives also showed differences according to the sample treatment. Thus, a signal reduction in the electropherograms obtained for black olives was observed in comparison to those achieved for treated green olives. In this work, the use of protein profiles was demonstrated to be a powerful tool for studying variations among olive samples.     

Volatile emission after controlled atmosphere storage of Mondial Gala apples (Malus domestica): relationship to some involved enzyme activities

Mondial Gala apples were harvested at commercial maturity and stored at 1 degrees C under either air or controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions (2 kPa O2/2 kPa CO2 and 1 kPa O2/1 kPa CO2), where they remained for 3 or 6 months. Data on emission of selected volatile esters, alcohol precursors, and activity of some aroma-related enzymes in both peel and pulp tissues were obtained during subsequent shelf life of fruit and submitted to multivariate analysis procedures. CA storage caused a decrease in the emission of volatile esters in comparison to storage in air. Results suggest that lessened ester production was the consequence of modifications in activities of alcohol o-acyltransferase (AAT) and lipoxygenase (LOX) activities. For short-term storage, inhibition of lipoxygenase activity in CA stored fruit possibly led to a shortage of lipid-derived substrates, resulting in decreased production of volatile esters in spite of substantial ester-forming capacity that allowed for some recovery of fruit capacity for ester emission during the shelf life. For long-term storage, strong inhibition of AAT activity in CA stored fruit in combination with low LOX activities resulted in unrecoverable diminution of biosynthesis of volatile esters.     

Multivariate analysis for the evaluation of fiber, sugars, and organic acids in commercial presentations of table olives

Table olives constitute an important part of the Mediterranean diet and the diet of many non-olive-producing countries. The aim of this work was to determine the fiber, sugar, and organic acid contents in Spanish commercial presentations of table olives and characterize them by means of a multivariate analysis. The selection of variables was carried out on the basis of a canonical analysis and their classification, according to processing styles and cultivars, through a linear discriminant analysis. Values of dietary fiber in table olives ranged from 2 to 5 g/100 g edible portion (e.p.). Some stuffing materials (almond, hot red pepper, and hazelnut) or the addition of capers produced a significant increase in the total dietary fiber in green olives. Glucose, fructose, and mannitol were usually found in the ranges of 0-55, 0-70, and 0-107 mg/100 g e.p., respectively. Succinic acid was detected only in green and directly brined olives (0-40 mg/100 g e.p.), while lactic and acetic acids were used within the ranges of 0-681 and 5-492.8 mg/100 g e.p., respectively. A multivariate analysis showed that fiber, mannitol, and succinic, lactic, and acetic acids can be used to discriminate between processing styles (95.5% correct assignations) and cultivars (61.20%). Current data can also be used in the evaluation of the dietary value of table olives.     

大刍草作为地质封存CO2泄漏指示植物的评估

随着神华集团鄂尔多斯全球第一个全流程CO2盐水层封存项目进入长期监测与预警业务流程,选择适宜的CO2泄漏指示植物方法和试验十分紧迫,但相关的认识还存在不足.采用新发展的植物对CO2泄漏耐受指数方法,通过盆栽模拟CO2泄漏的试验,以广泛种植的人工牧草大刍草为例,系统评估大刍草对封存CO2泄漏的耐受能力.结果发现:随着封存CO2泄漏量的增加,大刍草株高呈下降趋势,生物量下降在70％以上.大刍草的耐受指数为0.26,属于较不耐受,没有达到CO2泄漏指示性植物的标准,需要进一步扩大筛选范围.该文初步验证了耐受指数方法在筛选地质封存CO2泄漏指标植物的适用性.同时,为增强地质封存CO2泄漏指示植物筛选的稳健性,建议未来加强对植物栽培管理措施、全生长周期等的综合评估.     

Effect of storage process on the sugars, polyphenols, color and microbiological changes in cracked Manzanilla-Aloreña table olives

The green cracked "seasoned" Manzanilla-Alore?a table olive is a specialty with a high demand when prepared from fresh fruits; however, when stored fruits are used, the product loses its green color, presents a brownish tone, and loses demand. Different alternative storage systems for preventing such changes and preserving the freshness of the fruits were studied, and their effects on sugar, polyphenol, color, and microbiological changes were analyzed. The application of two washing waters in the presence of different compounds before brining markedly decreased the sugar and polyphenol contents in the flesh, without negatively influencing the color; it also caused the inhibition of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (except in treatments using sodium metabisulfite and saturated carbon dioxide (CO(2)) in the storage olive brines. Salicylic acid inhibited microbial growth during washings and storage. The best long-term color was achieved in the presence of sodium metabisulfite. A combination of two washing waters (containing 5% sodium chloride (NaCl) and 0.1% sodium metabisulfite or saturated CO(2)), followed by immersion of the fruits in 15% NaCl brine with 0.1% sodium metabisulfite or brine under saturated CO(2) added, led to the best storage conditions.     

The use of Lactobacillus pentosus 1MO to shorten the debittering process time of black table olives (Cv. Itrana and Leccino): a pilot-scale application

Fifty lactobacilli isolated from black table olive brines were evaluated for their salt tolerance, resistance to oleuropein and verbascoside, and ability to grow in modified filter-sterilized brines. A strain of Lactobacillus pentosus was selected and used as a starter to ferment, in pilot plant, black olives (Itrana and Leccino cv.) in brines modified for pH, carbohydrate, and growth factor concentrations, at 28 degrees C. The temperature-controlled fermentation of Leccino cv. olives resulted in obtaining ready-to-eat, high-quality table olives in a reduced-time process. HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds from fermented olives showed a decrease of oleuropein, a glucoside secoiridoid responsible for the bitter taste of olive drupes, and an increase of the hydroxytyrosol concentration. The selected strain of L. pentosus (1MO) allowed the reduction of the debittering phase period to 8 days.     

Effect of cultivar and processing method on the contents of polyphenols in table olives

Polyphenols were determined by HPLC in the juice and oil of packed table olives. The phenolic compositions of the two phases were very different, hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol being the main polyphenols in olive juice and tyrosol acetate, hydroxtyrosol acetate, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and lignans (1-acetoxypinoresinol and pinoresinol) in oil. The type of processing had a marked influence on the concentration of polyphenols in olive juice and little on the content in oil. The analyses carried out on 48 samples showed that turning color olives in brine had the highest concentration in polyphenols ( approximately 1200 mg/kg), whereas oxidized olives had the lowest ( approximately 200 mg/kg). Among olive cultivars, Manzanilla had a higher concentration than Hojiblanca and Gordal. The type of olive presentation also influenced the concentration of polyphenols in olives, decreasing in the order plain > pitted > stuffed. The results obtained in this work indicate that table olives can be considered a good source of phenolic antioxidants, although their concentration depends on olive cultivar and processing method.     

表面活性剂对超临界CO_2萃取人参中皂苷的影响

为了改善超临界CO2萃取在极性物质方面存在的局限性,在其体系中引入特定表面活性剂和助表面活性剂,考察了它们对超临界CO2萃取人参中皂苷的影响。试验结果发现,表面活性剂和助表面活性剂的加入均可显著提高超临界CO2萃取人参中皂苷的萃取率,其改善效果与它们的种类和加入量有关。在司盘80、吐温80、聚乙二醇辛基苯基醚和琥珀酸二(2-乙基己基)酯磺酸钠4种表面活性剂中,以琥珀酸二(2-乙基己基)酯磺酸钠的改善效果最好,其次是聚乙二醇辛基苯基醚和吐温80,而司盘80最差。在3种助表面活性剂对琥珀酸二(2-乙基己基)酯磺酸钠/超临界CO2反相微乳萃取人参皂苷的改善效果方面,以乙醇效果最好,其次是正戊醇,正丁醇效果最差。在萃取压力32MPa、萃取温度45℃、萃取时间4h和CO2流量2.5L/h的条件下,AOT和乙醇的加入量以0.036g/mL较好,此时人参皂苷的萃取率达15.9%,是没加表面活性剂和助表面活性剂下的13.3倍。     

Main antimicrobial compounds in table olives

The inhibitors involved in the lactic acid fermentation of table olives were investigated in aseptic olive brines of the Manzanilla and Gordal varieties. Phenolic and oleosidic compounds in these brines were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detection, and several substances were also characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance. Among these compounds, the dialdehydic form of decarboxymethyl elenolic acid linked to hydroxytyrosol showed the strongest antilactic acid bacteria activity, and its presence in brines could explain the growth inhibition of these microorganisms during olive fermentation. However, it was found that the dialdehydic form of decarboxymethyl elenolic acid, identified for the first time in table olives, and an isomer of oleoside 11-methyl ester were also effective against Lactobacillus pentosus and can, therefore, contribute to the antimicrobial activity of olive brines. It must also be stressed that the three new inhibitors discovered in table olive brines exerted a more potent antibacterial activity than the well-studied oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol.