Comparison of different methods for extraction and estimation of aflatoxin B1 in groundnut

Aflatoxin extraction methods namely Best Food (BF), Contaminant Branch (CB), Pous’ and Romer’s and analytical methods namely thin-layer chromatography, spectrophotometric and minicolumn techniques, in different combinations, were compared for their efficiency for determining aflatoxin B1 occurring naturally in groundnuts and also for estimating aflatoxin B1 levels in groundnut meal samples spiked with known quantity of the toxin. The BF and Pons’ methods gave better efficiency than the other two methods. Spectrophotometric method was more effective than TLC and minicolumn techniques. BF method was found relatively less expensive and less time consuming as compared to other extraction methods. The Pons’ method was found convenient while handling large numbers of samples especially in the absence of centrifuge facilities required for the BF method

Chemical analysis of turmeric from Minas Gerais, Brazil and comparison of methods for flavour free oleoresin

Chemical analysis of turmeric (Curcuma longa L) cultivated in eight different cities in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil was carried out. The levels of curcuminoid pigments varied from 1.4 to 6.14 g/100 g and of volatile oil from 0.97 to 7.55 mL/100 g (dry basis). Samples from Patrocínio, Arinos and Brasilândia contained higher pigment levels compared to the others. The sample from Patrocínio contained the highest volatile oil content. The mean levels of ethyl ether extract, protein, fiber, ash and starch were 8.51, 7.01, 7.22, 7.81 and 39.87 g/100 g dry basis, respectively. Laboratory extraction of flavour free oleoresin was performed in triplicate. A higher yield of pigment in the oleoresin was obtained when the volatile oil was extracted with water vapor and the oleoresin with ethanol. The oleoresin obtained was free of flavour and could be used in a wider range of food applications.<br>Análise química de cúrcuma (Curcuma longa L) provenientes de oito municípios do Estado de Minas Gerais - Brasil foi efetuada. Os teores (base seca) de pigmentos curcuminóides variaram de 1,4 a 6,14 g/100 g e os de óleo volátil, de 0,97 a 7,55 mL/100 g. Amostras de Patrocínio, Arinos e Brasilândia continham os maiores teores de pigmentos e as de Patrocínio os maiores teores de óleos voláteis. Os teores médios (base seca) de extrato etéreo, proteínas, fibras, cinzas e amido encontrados foram 8,51; 7,01; 7,22; 7,81 e 39,87 g/100 g, respectivamente. Com o objetivo de obter corante amarelo isento de flavor, métodos de extração em laboratório foram comparados em triplicata. Um maior rendimento de pigmento na oleoresina foi obtido extraindo-se o óleo volátil com vapor d'água e a oleoresina com etanol. A oleoresina obtida é isenta de flavor e pode ser utilizada em um número maior de aplicações na indústria alimentíci

Induction of acrosome reaction of spermatozoa in Eriocheir sinensis by low temperature

The effects of temperatures, durations of treatment, and derivations from spermatophores or spermaries on in vitro acrosome reaction of the spermatozoa in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis were investigated. The results showed that the different temperatures resulted in extremely significant differences (p < 0.01) in the time of beginning acrosome reaction, the time of the maximum percentage of acrosome reaction, and the maximum percentage of acrosome reaction of the spermatozoa from spermatophores; and the low temperature (−20, −80 °C and liquid nitrogen) induced acrosome reaction of more than 90% spermatozoa while 15 and 4 °C didn’t. Similar results occur in the spermatozoa, treated with −80 °C for 15 min, from spermaries but the time of beginning acrosome reaction and the time of the maximum percentage of acrosome reaction were obviously longer than those from spermatophores. In conclusion, low temperature can induce acrosome reaction, which is a novel and efficient operating method of inducing acrosome reaction; the spermatozoa might be affected physiologically to capacitate with chilling. The study may be beneficial to new understandings of mechanism of acrosome reaction and provide the foundational material for artificial fertilization and breeding of this crab and other commercial aquatic crustaceans