Changes in carotenoid content of organic tomato powders depending in drying parameters

There are known that the functionalities of powdered natural ingredients from food products are strongly dependent on the chemical composition. The pre-treatment and type of drying can cause changes in amounts of nutritional compounds (vitamins, carotenoids, polyphenols) of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of different drying treatments (hot air at 40 and 70 °C) on the carotenoid content of powders obtained from juice and blanched fresh organic tomatoes

DRYING TREATMENT EFFECTS ON ANTHOCYANINS OF ORGANIC RASPBERRY (CV. HERITAGE) FRUIT

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of some drying processes (hot-air drying and freeze drying) on total anthocyanin content (TAC) for organic raspberry (cv. Heritage) fruits as measured by spectrophotometric method and UPLC technique. The total anthocyanin content was determined in powders obtained from fruits and juice of organic raspberry dried in a hot-air dehydrator at 70 ºC and a freeze dryer at –55 ºC for 45 h. Qualitative analysis revealed the similar anthocyanin profiles in all raspberry powders and showed a clear anthocyanin pattern with the presence of two major compounds. In both fruit and juice of organic raspberry, freeze drying produced a better extraction of the total anthocyanin content either by spectrophotometric method or UPLC and this could be attributed to the thermal degradation and/or oxidation of these compounds during hot-air drying. As matter of fact, the highest total anthocyanin contents were found in milled to juice organic raspberries compared to fresh dried fruits. The results presented in this work indicate that the most appropriate drying method in terms of the anthocyanin content is freeze drying. However, the detailed qualitative analysis of the raspberry powders should help understanding the effects of different drying treatments

NUTRITIONAL QUALITY PARAMETERS OF THE FRESH RED TOMATO VARIETIES CULTIVATED IN ORGANIC SYSTEM

Production of tomatoes in the organic system is very important because these are not only the most vegetables widely consume (the second after potato) but also are classified as a functional food. Due to the high content in bioactive compounds, especially lycopene, tomatoes provide nutritional properties and also contribute to maintaining health. In this context, the aim of this study is to compare the nutritional quality parameters of two organic red tomato varieties, Coeur de Boeuf’ and ‘Cher Ami’ grew under controlled conditions in a hi-tech glass greenhouse. The quality parameters analyzed were the titratable acidity, total soluble solids, dry matter, carotenoid and lycopene content. The highest total soluble solid content, lycopene and carotenoid content were obtained from ‘Cher Ami’ variety

An overview of methods used for quantification of heavy metal contents in vegetal samples

Continuous monitoring of heavy metals content in vegetal products is a priority for food control and a risk assessment strategy for human health. Having in view the importance of heavy metals surveillance, the aim of this paper is to identify, on the basis of literature data, the most suitable procedures and techniques used for accurate determination of them in vegetal samples. In most cases, quantification of heavy metals in vegetal matrix is preceded by digestion performed through different protocols chosen carefully because this is a critical step for obtaining accurate results. Among most used techniques for heavy metals’ assessment from vegetal products reported by literature it worth to be mentioned: atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), neutron activation analysis (NAA), anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV)

Qualitative features of organic tomatoes

In recent years, the organic sector has put significant efforts in the development of clear definitions for gentle and quality oriented processing of plant based foodstuffs to supplement existing regulations. Concrete quality standards for different types of processing are under development in several CoreOrganic Plus projects. However, there is still a significant need for development of a Code of Practice. Quality of a product and sustainability of production depend on the cumulative impacts of each processing step in the food chain, as well as the quality of the raw material. With increasing demands by the consumers who expect high quality foods produced sustainably and preferably regionally (SusOrganic consumer survey), pressure on the producers is growing as this requires skilled and qualified agri-food practitioners, professionals and manufacturers to be able to deliver the best quality at affordable prices and the lowest environmental impact possible

Effects of Marine Residue-Derived Fertilizers on Strawberry Growth, Nutrient Content, Fruit Yield and Quality

An outdoor experiment was performed for six months to evaluate the effects of organic fertilizers obtained from marine residual materials on strawberry plants. Three types of organic fertilizers were used, i.e., cod (Gadus morhua) bone powder, common ling (Molva molva) bone powder, and pellets obtained by mixing small cod bone powder and rockweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) residues. A tabletop system for strawberry cultivation was designed, in which two bare-root strawberry plants of cultivar ‘Albion’ were planted in a peat substrate in each pot. Five treatments were applied, i.e., cod bone powder (F1), common ling bone powder (F2), small cod bone powder and rockweed residue pellets (FA), chemical fertilizer (E), and a control (C). The number of leaves and their nutrient content, fruit yield and quality characteristics of the strawberries grown using the organic fertilizers were similar or better than those corresponding to treatments E and C. Organic fertilizers derived from the residues of fish and macroalgae could be a promising alternative to chemical fertilizers in strawberry production

Effects Of Processing Treatments In Carotenoids And Vitamin C ContentsFor Different Organic Tomato Varieties

This study investigates the effects of different processing treatments (hot air at 40 and 70 °C with and without blanching or milling) on the carotenoids and vitamin C contents of diverse organic tomato varieties: Citrina, Golden Jubileé, Tigrella, Red Cherry, Red Peach, and Roman Specled. Lycopene was identified in the highest amount, followed by β-carotene. Lutein showed a lower content, which was almost similar in all tomato powders. The high lycopene and β-carotene contents were determined in tomato powders obtained by milling before drying at 70 °C. In powders obtained from tomato dried at 70 °C after blanching and dried, both lycopene and β-carotene appear in lower concentrations than those blanched and dried at 40 °C. This study shows that there were variations in the content of carotenoids that depend on the drying method as well as the processed varieties

Development and Preliminary Characterization of Polyester-Urethane Microparticles Used in Curcumin Drug Delivery System for Oropharyngeal Cancer

Background and Objectives: Curcumin (Cc) as an active substance is known for its anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic effects, together with its role in cholesterol regulation, and its use in different gastrointestinal derangements. On the other hand, curcumin can be used for its properties as an inactive substance, with Cc particles being more often tested in pharmaceutical formulations for drug delivery, with promising safety records and kinetics. The aim of this research was to obtain and characterize polyurethane microparticles that can be used as a carrier with a controlled Cc release. Materials and Methods: The in vitro samples were characterized by the Zetasizer procedure, and UV–Vis spectroscopy, while the in-vivo measurements on human subjects were performed by non-invasive skin assays (trans-epidermal water loss, erythema, and skin hydration). A total of 16 patients with oropharyngeal cancer stages II and III in equal proportions were recruited for participation. Results: The experimental values of sample characteristics using the Zetasizer identified a mean structural size of 215 nm in the polyester-urethane preparate (PU), compared to 271 nm in the curcumin-based PU. Although the size was statistically significantly different, the IPDI and Zeta potential did not differ significantly (22.91 mV vs. 23.74 mV). The average age during the study period was 57.6 years for patients in the PU group, respectively, and 55.1 years in those who received the curcumin preparations. The majority of oropharyngeal cancers were of HPV-related etiology. There were no significant side effects; 75.0% of patients in the PU group reporting no side effects, compared to 87.5% in the Cc group. The 48 h TEWL measurement at the end of the experiment found a statistically significant difference between the PU and the Cc group (2.2 g/h/m2 vs. 2.6 g/h/m2). The erythema assessment showed a starting measurement point for both research groups with a 5.1-unit difference. After 48 h, the difference between PU and PU_Cc was just 1.7 units (p-value = 0.576). The overall difference compared to the reference group with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) was statistically significant at a 95% significance level. Conclusions: Our findings indicate the obtaining of almost homogeneous particles with a medium tendency to form agglomerations, with a good capacity of encapsulation (around 60%), a medium release rate, and a non-irritative potential. Therefore, this polyester-urethane with Cc microparticles can be tested in other clinical evaluations

COVID-19 Inflammatory Markers and Vitamin D Relationship in Pediatric Patients

Background: Biomarkers play an important role in COVID-19, and more research in this regard is needed, especially in the case of children. This study aimed to look for a link between the C reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), vitamin D and COVID-19 in pediatric patients. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study, performed on children diagnosed positively with COVID-19 at a children’s hospital in western Romania. Available CRP, LDH, CK vitamin D and clinical severity were recorded. For each biomarker, groups were formed by patients’ age. Mean/median group differences were assessed using Student’s t test or Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis with Dunn’s post hoc tests. Association was assessed using the chi2 test, while correlation was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation. Results: 181 positive children were studied between 1 August 2021 and 1 February 2022. Average age was 8.76 years (SD = 3.93). There were 94 (51.93%) males and 87 (48.07%) females. The cases were: 62 asymptomatic (34.25%), 107 mild (59.12%), 9 moderate (4.97%), 3 severe (1.66%). Regarding CRP, a significant difference between older and younger patients was observed (p = 0.0034). Clinical severity was associated with CRP (p = 0.0281), LDH (p = 0.0410) and vitamin D (p = 0.0444). Regarding CK, no differences or associations proved significant. Correlation testing was conducted for CRP, LDH, vitamin D and clinical signs. With the exception of LDH-CRP and LDH-vitamin D, all relationships proved statistically significant. Conclusions: CRP, LDH and vitamin D levels are important biomarkers for COVID-19-positive pediatric patients, while CK was mostly within normal ranges