Acrylamide Reduction in Potato Chips by Selection of Potato Variety Grown in Iran and Processing Conditions

Background Acrylamide as a possible carcinogen is known to form in heated carbohydrate-rich food such as potato chips. In this study, the effect of three potato varieties (Agria, Sante and Savalan) and two blanching conditions ((75˚C for 9 min and 83˚C for 2.5 min) on the concentration of precursors and acrylamide reduction in potato chips was investigated. Results Results revealed that potato variety and blanching time-temperature ere important parameters for acrylamide formation in potato chips. Acrylamide content in Sante variety potatoes, which contained the highest amount of reducing sugars, was found to be the highest (8825μg/kg). However, Savalan, containing the highest asparagine concentration showed the lowest amount of acrylamide due to its lower reducing sugar content. Blanching reduced acrylamide formation. It was more efficient at 75˚C for 9 min, with an average reduction of 74%. The effect of three frying temperatures (170, 180 and 190˚C) on acrylamide formation was also studied just for the Agria potato variety. Increasing frying temperature led to a significant increase in acrylamide formation. Conclusion Potato variety and processing conditions were important parameters for acrylamide formation in potato chips. The combination of a suitable variety and appropriate processing conditions could considerably reduce acrylamide content

Disposition kinetics and urinary excretion of ciprofloxacin in goats following single intravenous administration

We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in serum (n = 6) and urine (n = 4) in goats following a single intravenous administration of 4 mg/kg body weight. The serum concentration-time curves of ciprofloxacin were best fitted by a two-compartment open model. The drug was detected in goat serum up to 12 h. The elimination rate constant (β) and elimination half-life (t1/2β) were 0.446 ± 0.04 h-1 and 1.630 ± 0.17 h, respectively. The apparent volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) was 2.012 ± 0.37 l/kg and the total body clearance (ClB) was 16.27 ± 1.87 ml/min/kg. Urinary recovery of ciprofloxacin was 29.70% ± 10.34% of the administered dose within 36 h post administration. In vitro serum protein binding was 41% ± 13.10%. Thus, a single daily intravenous dose of 4 mg/kg is sufficient to maintain effective levels in serum and for 36 h in urine, allowing treatment of systemic, Gram-negative bacterial infections and urinary tract infections by most pathogens

Molecular dynamics of carrageenan composites reinforced with Cloisite Na+ montmorillonite nanoclay

[EN] Nanocomposites comprising biodegradable carrageenan and glycerol(KCg) as the host polymer, with different contents of natural montmorillonite (MMT) as filler, were prepared by a solution casting process. Different techniques have been used to determine the interaction/behavior among the different components of the samples such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and, mainly, Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS). FTIR indicates hydrogen interaction between carrageenan matrix and silicate that is confirmed by the XRD data indicating some kind of carrageenan intercalation between the MMT layers. A rather homogenous distribution of MMT into KCg matrix were observed using transmission electron microscopy. The MMT effect on the molecular mobility at the glass transition was studied by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. The MMT addition resulted in a slower relaxation and a wider distribution ofthe relaxation times. The fragility index, m, increased upon MMT incorporation, which may be attributed to a reduction in mobility chains, due to the MMT confinement of the KCg network. In addition, the apparent activation energy associated with the relaxation dynamics of the chains at Tg increased with the MMT content. The modified films developed in this paper could be used to prepare biodegradable and edible packaging films and films for biomedical applications with improved mechanical and good dielectric response.This work was supported by the Direccion General de Ciencia y Tecnologia (DGCYT) [MAT2015-63955-R]; the Vice-Rectorate for Research of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru and the National Council of Science, Technology and Technological Innovation of Peru (CONCYTEC/FONDECYT).Sanchis Sánchez, MJ.; Carsí Rosique, M.; Culebras, M.; Gomez- Clari, CM.; Rodríguez, S.; García-Torres. F. (2017). Molecular dynamics of carrageenan composites reinforced with Cloisite Na+ montmorillonite nanoclay. Carbohydrate Polymers. 176:117-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.08.012S11712617

Phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils and organic extracts from <it>pelargonium graveolens</it> growing in Tunisia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Pelargonium graveolens</it> (<it>P. graveolens</it>) L. is an aromatic and medicinal plant belonging to the <it>geraniacea</it> family.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The chemical compositions of the essential oil as well as the <it>in vitro</it> antimicrobial activities were investigated. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oil revealed 42 compounds. Linallol L, Citronellol, Geraniol, 6-Octen-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl, formate and Selinene were identified as the major components. The tested oil and organic extracts exhibited a promising antimicrobial effect against a panel of microorganisms with diameter inhibition zones ranging from 12 to 34 mm and MIC_s values from 0.039 to10 mg/ml. The investigation of the phenolic content showed that EtOAc, MeOH and water extracts had the highest phenolic contents.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Overall, results presented here suggest that the essential oil and organic extracts of <it>P. graveolens</it> possesses antimicrobial and properties, and is therefore a potential source of active ingredients for food and pharmaceutical industry.</p