The Effects of Liposomal Encapsulated Thyme Extract on the Quality of Fish Mince and Escherichia coli O157:H7 Inhibition During Refrigerated Storage

The effects of liposomal encapsulated and unencapsulated (0.3 and 0.5% w/w) thyme extract (TE) on the quality of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys moltrix) mince during chilled storage (4 ± 1°C) were examined over a period of 15 days. The samples were analyzed by microbiological (total viable count, psychrotrophic count) and chemical (peroxide value and total volatile nitrogen) experiments. Also, the efficacy of the encapsulated extract in control in the population of Eschershia coli O157:H7 inoculated in silver carp mince was investigated. Results showed that the samples containing 0.5% of encapsulated thyme had fewer changes in peroxide value and total volatile nitrogen in comparison to other treatments (p < 0.05). Encapsulated thyme also could inhibit the growth of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria in the samples compared to the control and the samples containing unencapsulated extract during the storage period. Moreover, 0.5% encapsulated TE reduced the population of E. coli O157:H7 below the acceptable level (< 2) from Day 9 until the end of the storage period. In conclusion, the results obtained from this study suggest that liposomal encapsulation may help to obtain higher antimicrobial activity in lower TE concentrations in minced fish.     

The influence of corona discharge treatment on the properties of cotton and polyester-cotton knitted fabrics

In this study, the effect of corona discharge treatment on the physical and mechanical properties of bleached cotton and polyester-cotton fabrics were investigated. For this purpose, the samples were treated by corona discharge at two levels of voltage 5 and 10 kV, and at various duration times of plasma, ca. 1.4, 2.1 and 3.5 min. The corona discharge treatment was applied on the fabric samples before and after bleaching treatment. The results show that the corona influences on the surface morphology, breaking strength, air permeability, abrasion resistance, and pilling of cotton and polyester-cotton fabrics. Moreover, the levels of voltage and duration of plasma have a different effect on the properties of fabrics.     

Laser treatment of the wool fabric for felting shrinkage control

Laser treatment is one of the technologies which are able to eliminate all the adverse effects on the environment caused by chemical treatment commonly used in textile finishing. In this research, we investigated the use of laser treatment for the purpose of wool felting shrinkage control, and compared its effectiveness with that of the traditional chlorination treatment method. The wool fabric was exposed to an industrial laser at two different power levels and two sweep speeds. We found that upon selecting the appropriate treatment parameters, the laser treatment is effective in reducing felting shrinkage of wool fiber by its etching effects on the scales of the wool fiber as shown by the scanning electron micrographs. Too high energy exposure of the wool fiber by laser radiation causes excessive fabric strength loss. We also found that the laser-treated wool has felting shrinkage reduction similar to that treated using the traditional chlorination procedure. The laser technology presents an alternative wool processing method to replace the tradition chlorine treatment method. If this technology can be applied to wool felting-proof finishing on a commercial scale, it will significantly benefit the environment by completely elaminating the harzardous chlorine compounds currently by the industry.