Bacterial cellulose-lactoferrin as an antimicrobial edible packaging

Bacterial cellulose (BC) films from two distinct sources (obtained by static culture with Gluconacetobacter xylinus ATCC 53582 (BC1) and from a commercial source (BC2)) were modified by bovine lactoferrin (bLF) adsorption. The functionalized films (BC+bLF) were assessed as edible antimicrobial packaging, for use in direct contact with highly perishable foods, specifically fresh sausage as a model of meat products. BC+bLF films and sausage casings were characterized regarding their water vapour permeability (WVP), mechanical properties, and bactericidal efficiency against two food pathogens, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Considering their edibility, an in vitro gastrointestinal tract model was used to study the changes occurring in the BC films during passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the BC films against 3T3 mouse embryo fibroblasts was evaluated. BC1 and BC2 showed equivalent density, WVP and maximum tensile strength. The percentage of bactericidal efficiency of BC1 and BC2 with adsorbed bLF (BC1+bLF and BC2+bLF, respectively) in the standalone films and in inoculated fresh sausages, was similar against E. coli (mean reduction 69 % in the films per se versus 94 % in the sausages) and S. aureus (mean reduction 97 % in the films per se versus 36 % in the case sausages). Moreover, the BC1+bLF and BC2+bLF films significantly hindered the specific growth rate of both bacteria. Finally, no relevant cytotoxicity against 3T3 fibroblasts was found for the films before and after the simulated digestion. BC films with adsorbed bLF may constitute an approach in the development of bio-based edible antimicrobial packaging systems.The authors would like to acknowledge Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) for the research grants: Jorge Padrão SFRH/BD/64901/2009, Sara Gonçalves SFRH/BD/63578/2009, João Pedro Silva SFRH/BPD/ 64958/2009, Ana Cristina Pinheiro SFRH/BPD/101181/2014. V. Sencadas thanks support from the COST Action MP1206: “Electrospun nano-fibres for bio inspired composite materials and innovative industrial applications” and MP1301: “New Generation Biomimetic and Customized Implants for Bone Engineering”. The authors would also like to thank the co-funded by the Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2 e O Novo Norte), QREN, FEDER Projects “BioHealth e Biotechnology and Bioengineering approaches to improve health quality”, Ref. NORTE-07-0124- FEDER-000027; “BioInd e Biotechnology and Bioengineering for improved Industrial and Agro-Food processes”, REF. NORTE-07- 0124-FEDER-000028; Strategic Project PEST-C/FIS/UI607/2014; Matepro eOptimizing Materials and Processes”, ref. NORTE-07- 0124-FEDER-000037; Strategic Project PEst-OE/EQB/LA0023/2013 and project ref. RECI/BBB-EBI/0179/2012 (project number FCOMP- 01-0124-FEDER-027462). Finally, the authors thank the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia for the strategic funding from the UID/ BIO/04469/2013 unit

Correlation between water activity and moisture content of Turkish flower and pine honeys

Abstract Water activity (aw) and moisture content (MC) of Turkish liquid flower and pine honeys were determined. Samples (706 flower and 257 pine) were collected during the honey harvesting seasons of 2010-2014 from 137 apiaries in locations with different climatic conditions all over the land. Up to date, this work is the first one seeking for a correlation between aw and MC for Turkish honeys, and also it is the largest and longest one among similar works to the best of the researchers’ knowledge. The ranges of aw and MC values of the Turkish honeys were in agreement with the literature. aw was determined between 0.470 and 0.563 for the flower honeys, and between 0.492 and 0.589 for the pine honeys. MC was measured between 15.0 and 20.4% (m/m) for the flower honeys and between 15.1 and 20.4% (m/m) for the pine honeys. Statistically different linear regression equations (aw versus MC) fitted data of the flower and pine honeys with significantly high coefficients of determinations (R2> 0.848), small mean absolute errors (< 1.39%) and no biases. The linear equations were analogous to equations giving the correlation between aw and MC for other honeys in the literature

A Review of Neuromarketing Applications in Gastronomy

This review explores the burgeoning field of neuromarketing within the context of gastronomy, examining how neuroscience-based insights are revolutionizing the way food is perceived, marketed, and consumed. By analyzing key sensory elements such as flavor, aroma, texture, and visual presentation, neuromarketing provides a deeper understanding of how these factors influence consumer preferences and emotional responses. Techniques such as EEG, eye-tracking, and facial expression analysis offer valuable data on how sensory inputs interact with the brain's processing mechanisms, optimizing culinary experiences and restaurant environments. The review highlights the multifaceted applications of neuromarketing in gastronomy, from enhancing the aesthetic appeal of dishes to improving the overall ambiance of dining spaces. It also discusses the potential of neuromarketing to guide healthier eating habits and more sustainable food choices by aligning culinary offerings with consumers' subconscious preferences. Ultimately, the integration of neuromarketing into gastronomy not only enriches the sensory experience of dining but also offers innovative strategies for food design, presentation, and marketing, paving the way for a more consumer-centered approach in the food industry

Neuromarketing Concepts in Food Studies

2023 Medical Technologies Congress, TIPTEKNO 2023 -- 10 November 2023 through 12 November 2023 -- 195703Food marketing is an application field with extensive repercussions. Consumer neuroscience is an emerging sub-field that is gaining popularity, providing better insights about the consumer's brain and behavior. To have a better understanding about consumer's physiological and emotional response to food products, methods such as EEG, fMRI, eye tracking and GSR help to measure the customers' brain activities against food product design and food service. The EEG technique records brainwave patterns during stimulation which could be pictures, odour, sound and taste. The aim of this study is to review the principles and application of EEG in food research and identify future research areas to optimize food marketing strategies. © 2023 IEEE

Characterization of antimicrobial polylactic acid based films

Olive leaf extract (OLE) (Olea europaea L.), which has antimicrobial effect on many food pathogens, was incorporated as antimicrobial agent into polylactic acid (PLA) films. Antimicrobial activities of films were tested against Staphylococcus aureus. Increasing amount of the OLE in the film discs from 0.9 mg to 5.4 mg caused a significant increase in inhibitory zones from 9.10 mm to 16.20 mm, respectively. Moreover, incorporation of OLE and/or increasing the amount in the film formulation significantly enhanced the water vapor permeability (WVP). The water solubility and the degradation rates of films increased up to 19.3% and 22.4%, respectively. Thus, OLE incorporated PLA films have a prospectively potential in antimicrobial food packaging to reduce post-process growth of S. aureus with improved properties. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) [157O234]Authors are grateful for financial support from the The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) (Project No. 157O234)