Search

Calcium fortification is usually achieved by employing wheat flour as the most frequently used vehicle. In this study, potential of calcium extraction from chicken eggshell and its utilization as a bread fortificant in straight grade flour (SGF) is investigated. In addition, the fortified and unfortified (control) flour samples were evaluated for nutrient composition and rheological properties. Results showed that addition of fortificant at different concentrations significantly (p

The hyperglycaemia defines features of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), which is a real time problem and poses a significant economic burden on the globe and is spreading like an epidemic. Currently it affects 384 million people on the globe and this number is expected to reach 592 million in 2035 as reiterated by International Diabetes Federation (IDF). By improving the quality of diet and decreasing the intake of sugary foods T2DM can be treated. Fenugreek seeds powder in sachet form of 20 g/day used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus as a natural supplement. Anthropometric parameters of height, weight, age and BMI of T2DM patient was also calculated. In this study patients from Rawalpindi and Islamabad region were selected for study purpose. Blood sugar levels such as fasting blood glucose (FBG), random blood glucose (RBG), and HbA1c of both the groups (treated and control) were taken at baseline, after one month and at the end of study. When fenugreek seeds were given to T2DM patients significant decrease in their glucose levels were seen after 30 and then 60 days of treatment.

Onion residue, obtained from onion processing, is valuable source of health-promoting compounds including polyphenols, mainly quercetin. In this study, biscuits were prepared by enrichment with onion residue (OS). Moreover, the influence of OS supplementation on physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities, mineral profiles, microstructural and sensory characteristics of biscuits were evaluated. Overall, the addition of OS up to 3% level significantly (p

The current study was planned to investigate the potential of polysaccharides-based nanoemulsion coatings to improve postharvest storage life of apple fruit. As per experimental plan of response surface methodology (RSM), 13 coating formulations were prepared; coatings were applied to fruit and stored at 20 °C for 14 days. The effects of coating on physicochemical, antioxidant capacity (%), total phenolic content and microbial counts in apple fruit and its juice were assed. The developed model showed non-significant (p > 0.05) lack of fit for all evaluated target response variables. Coefficients of determination (R2) ranging from 92.69 to 99.65% were obtained for these responses. The experimental results investigated in this study suggested that the nanoemulsion based on fenugreek and flax polysaccharide preserved overall quality attributes of apple fruit during storage as well as extended shelf life. Based on RSM, a formulation with a blend of 1.5 g fenugreek and 1.0 g flax polysaccharides was predicted to produce the most desirable effects for target responses, and no significant (p > 0.05) difference between experimental and predicted values. Hence, such an ecofriendly natural approach towards enhancing postharvest quality of fruits was explored to promote trade of organic produce and further investigation is needed regarding scaling and pilot-scale validation trials.

The physicochemical properties of puffed rice snack base (PRSB) prepared via extrusion cooking under various feed moisture contents and screw speeds were investigated. The moisture content, screw speed, and soy flour type significantly (p p

Pear juice concentrate (PJC) can be used as a natural sweetener in various processed foods. In this study, sesame bars were manufactured by adding PJC and rice syrup at mixing ratios of 0:30 (G-0), 1:29 (G-1), 3:27 (G-3), and 5:25 (G-5), and the bars were investigated for their physiochemical properties, antioxidants, morphology, and sensory attributes. Addition of PJC at more than 3% increased a* and b* values of bars, decreased cohesiveness, hardness, and compactness, and made the bars malleable. Antioxidants, sugars, and organic acids in the sesame bars increased significantly with a corresponding increase in PJC level from 1 to 5%. Prominent changes in functional groups and corresponding spectral characteristics were observed in sesame bars with 5% PJC. Lower PJC levels produced a compacted morphology, bars with more than 5% PJC exhibited a dented structure. Based on the sensory properties, sesame bars with PJC (3%) showed excellent overall acceptability. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s13197-020-04494-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Sanchi flowers were traditionally used as functional medicinal ingredient in materials. The study was aimed at evaluating superfine powder product of Sanchi flower, hence in this study, five fractions of dried Sanchi flower powders (SFP) were prepared at variable particle sizes by superfine grinding and evaluated for changes in various properties. Superfine powder with median particle diameter of 25.57 μm was produced through grinding. It was evident from the environmental scanning electron microscopy analysis that during superfine grinding, mechanical shear stress played its crucial role in breakdown of the SFP and causes increases in surface area owing to reduction of particle sizes. Superfine grinding could improve solubility, oil holding capacity, and brightness, but decrease the fluidity of SFP. SFP with smallest particle size exhibited highest saponin, minerals, total phenolic, and flavonoid contents accompanied with the best antioxidant activities. Size reduction beyond M200 and M400 led to increasing tendency in IR signature band patterns and marked differences in peak intensities while the powdered samples showed resemblance with respect to peak shapes. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated the lowest melting temperature for SFP fraction with smallest particle size. Conclusively, superfine SFP due to inherent improvement in properties may render several potential applications in manufacturing of food and pharmaceutical additives to impart improved functionalities of finally finished products with uniformity.

This study investigated the effect of different doses (0, 3, and 7 kGy) of e‐beam on the microbiological and physicochemical qualities and the profile of fatty acids of the frozen duck meat (FDM). Electron beam at the dose of 3 kGy showed more than 2 log and 1 log cycles of reduction in the total bacterial (TAB) and coliform counts (TCC), respectively. The results indicated an increase in the TBARS values (1.50 ± 0.02 mg MDA/kg), peroxide value (0.83 ± 0.04 meq peroxide/kg), and total volatile base nitrogen (1.31 ± 0.16 mg/100 ml), but no effect on the sensory parameters. Irradiation lowered the lightness (L*) (31.87 ± 0.98) and redness (a*) (11.04 ± 0.20) values but elevated the metmyoglobin content in FDM. In addition, irradiation had no effect on the benzopyrene content; however, a reduction was observed in the vitamin A (0.239 ± 0.015 µg/g) and vitamin E (1.847 ± 0.075 µg/g) contents of the FDM samples. There were no trans‐fatty acids present in the treated (irradiated) as well as the untreated (nonirradiated) meat samples (FDM), whereas the fatty acid content decreased in irradiated samples, in contrast with the nonirradiated control. Electronic nose clearly discriminated between the nonirradiated and irradiated FDM based on principal component analysis. It is concluded that the e‐beam successfully improved the microbial quality of FDM with slight changes in physicochemical properties, but without altering its sensory properties., This study investigated the effect of several doses (0–7 kGy) of e‐beam on the microbiological and physicochemical qualities and fatty acid profile of frozen duck meat (FDM). E‐beam at 3 kGy showed more than 2 log and 1 log cycles of reduction in the total bacterial and coliform counts, respectively. The results indicated an increase in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, peroxide value, and total volatile base nitrogen, but no effect on the sensory parameters.

To isolate and characterize anti-tumor compounds through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of ethyl acetate extract of R. japonicus Houtt root and their cytotoxic effects were evaluated in terms of measuring inhibition of growth of three cancer cell lines: human hepatoma cells (HepG2), cerebral glioma cells (U251) and ovarian carcinoma cells (SK-OV-3/DDP). The roots of R. japonicus Houtt were extracted with ethanol, and partitioned with petroleum ether, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate, respectively. The ethyl acetate extract was separated chromatographically using macroporous resin, positive and negative phase silica gel and high performance liquid chromatography. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral data. Ten compounds were isolated form the ethyl acetate extract of R. japonicus roots. Their structures were determined as emodin (1), chrysophanol (2), aloe emodin (3), physcion (4), quercetin (5), resveratrol (6), β-sitosterol (7), 3β-acetoxy-28-hydroxyurs-12-ene (8), sucrose (9) and dibutyl phthalate (10). Among of them, compounds 1, 3, 4, 6 and 8 exhibited highly significant (p

The bioaccessibility, antioxidant activity, and bioactive and volatile compounds of freeze-dried Asian pear powder (FDAPP) and hot air-dried Asian pear powder (HDAPP) were investigated. Compared to FDAPP, HDAPP exhibited significantly (p

For improving the stability of Asian pear powder (APP), rice bran dietary fiber (RD) (used for the first time) and maltodextrin (MD) were employed as carrier agents; the physicochemical and microstructural characteristics of APP during room storage at various relative humidity (RH) levels for 25 days were then evaluated. The RD-containing APP had a higher glass transition temperature, increased flowability, smaller particle size, and lower water adsorption capacity compared to the MD-containing APP. The comparison of the RD- and MD-containing APP samples revealed that the former had a higher total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, and showed fewer changes in color and agglomeration at the various RH levels. It was evident that the cracked appearance of APP samples was related to the higher degradation rate of the total phenols and higher antioxidant activity, especially at RH levels above 54%, during storage. FT-IR spectroscopy showed the chemical changes in APP caused by the carrier agents and RH. The results of the present study indicate that RD improved the functionality and storage stability of APP compared to MD; RD could be used as a potential carrier agent.

This study investigated the physicochemical characteristics and flavor attributes of navel oranges to determine the effect of low-dose phytosanitary irradiation and subsequent storage at 4 °C. Electronic sensing techniques such as E-tongue and E-nose successfully detected irradiated oranges based on their taste attributes and volatile patterns, respectively, even after prolonged storage. Organic acids and sensory properties were not significantly influenced by gamma irradiation. However, the fructose and vitamin C content of irradiated samples significantly decreased compared with that of non-irradiated samples, thereby affecting E-tongue taste attributes. The relationship between irradiation dose and principal component analysis showed significant increases for E-tongue scores over different storage periods (0, 3, and 6 weeks). Irradiated samples had higher concentrations of propionaldehyde and limonene, the most prominent compounds detected by E-nose. Along with fruit quality parameter characterization during extended storage, E-sensing techniques successfully differentiated taste and aromatic profiles of irradiated navel oranges.

In this study, wheat biscuits were prepared by supplementing with papaya seed (PS) and papaya peel (PP) in range of 2 to 10%. As compared to control (un-supplemented) samples, PS and PP-supplemented biscuits were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities, in vitro absorption capacities, starch digestibility and sensory attributes. As compared to PS, PP had lower energy value, higher bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity along with better in vitro adsorption capacities. Overall, PS and PP addition from 2 to 10% significantly improved nutritional components, polyphenol compounds, antioxidant activities, and caused marked rises in NO(2)(−) ion, cholesterol and bile acid absorption capacities of supplemented biscuits. Moreover, PS and PP-addition showed significant concentration-dependent decreases in glucose release response during various in vitro starch digestion intervals. Based on sensory characteristics, biscuits supplemented up to 4% PS and PP showed excellent overall acceptability, however, in comparison with PS, 4% PP-supplemented biscuits exhibited the better sensory properties. Therefore, PP-supplemented biscuits up to 4% could be utilized as a convenience food. Moreover, PS and PP-supplementation of wheat biscuits led to improvement of functional properties as a valuable source of bioactive compounds and high radical-scavenging activities.

Dietary fibers (DFs) and associated phytochemicals in ginseng species are known to provide various functional and health benefits. The incorporation of ginseng insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) in food products often result in undesirable physicochemical properties. Thus, to overcome such demerits, micronization of IDF has been considered. This study investigated the effect of particle size on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities, structure and thermal analysis of ginseng IDF. Micronized IDF powder with median particle diameter of 15.83 μm was produced through fine grinding. Reduction of ginseng IDF resulted in increased brightness, water holding capacity and solubility. Decreasing particle sizes also lowered bulk, tapped density, Carr index and Hausner ratio. Reduction of particle size caused greater extractability of mineral and phenolic content and thereby increasing the DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Increased polyphenol extraction with smaller particle size also lowered the mice erythrocytes hemolysis percentage while the hemolysis inhibition rate was increased. Particle size also influenced the thermal stability of ginseng IDF powders. FTIR spectra revealed lack of impact on the major phenolic structures due to superfine grinding. Hence,micronized ginseng IDF powders with improved physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities possess the potential to be used in food and pharmaceutical industries.

The consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly discernible everywhere, and initiatives have been taken worldwide to mitigate climate change. In agriculture, particularly meat production from the livestock sector is known to contribute to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) that drive climate change. Thus, to mitigate climate impact, strategies that include a shift in consumption patterns, technological advancements and reduction in food wastes/losses have been discussed. In this review, strategies that focus on meat consumption patterns are evaluated from the technological feasibility, environmental impact and consumer acceptance viewpoints. While plant-based substitutes have efficient nutrient conversion and lower GHG emissions, consumer perception, cost, and other trade-offs exist. Although cultured meat precludes the need of any animals and large land areas, its environmental impact is not clear and is contingent upon production systems and the achievement of decarbonization. Reducing wastes and the re-use of meat processing by-products have the potential to lower the environmental impact. Valuable proteins, heat, electricity and biofuels extracted from wastes and by-products not only reduce the disposal of wastes but also offset some GHG emissions. Perception related challenges that exist for all substitution strategies require specific consumer target marketing strategies. Policy measures such as taxation of meat products and subsidies for alternatives are also met with challenges, thereby requiring reforms or new policies.

Korean citrus fruits (Jinjihyang and Chunggyun) were treated with electron beam (e-beam) at phytosanitary irradiation doses of 0, 0.4, and 1 kGy, and their irradiation status was screened after storage for 0, 10, and 20 days. Because of the inherent limitations of photo-stimulated luminescence (PSL), the first PSL measurement (PSL1) was not sufficient to distinguish the irradiated samples from the non-irradiated controls. The calibrated PSL approach clearly distinguished the e-beam-irradiated samples from the control based on PSL ratio (PSL2/PSL1): > 10, non-irradiated

Postharvest phytosanitary treatment of fruits with ionizing radiation has immense potential to promote international fruit trade. The effects of different forms of ionizing radiation on Valencia oranges stored for various durations were examined using a DNA comet assay, and radiation-induced radicals were quantified by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. In non-irradiated seeds, the DNA appeared mostly undamaged, while irradiated samples had significantly longer DNA comet tail lengths. In contrast, DNA obtained from the flesh of the fruit was indistinguishable between the irradiated and non-irradiated samples. An extension in DNA comet tail length was observed as a function of storage time and applied irradiation dose. The ESR spectra of irradiated oranges displayed a characteristic triplet at g = 2.006 with a distance between extreme peaks of 6 mT. Irradiated samples could be distinguished from non-irradiated samples even after prolonged storage for 6 weeks. Finally, the results of these two assays were not affected by using different sources of ionizing radiation. Detection methods such as ESR and the DNA comet assay can be used to control the trade of oranges exposed to gamma rays, electron beam, and X-rays for quarantine applications.

The effects of multi-frequencies (mono: 20 kHz, 40 kHz, 60 kHz; dual: 20/40 kHz, 40/60 kHz, 20/60 kHz, and tri: 20/40/60 kHz) on physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of arrowhead starch-linoleic acid (AS-LA) complexes were evaluated. The complexing index and FTIR analyses showed that sonication treatment might be helpful in the formation of AS-LA complexes in an ultrasound frequency-dependent manner. The SEM micrographs revealed that the various ultrasonication frequencies caused dense network structure in AS-LA complexes. The XRD showed a V-type crystalline structure with increased crystallinity. Compared with arrowhead starch, a decrease in rapidly digestible starch , and an increase in resistant starch contents of AS-LA under various ultrasound frequencies was due to arrowhead starch and linoleic acid molecular interactions, which inhibited the further binding abilities. As a non-thermal technology, ultrasound could be effectively employed to prepare starch-lipid complexes with significant potential in functional foods and drug delivery systems.

In general, fresh ginseng is largely produced globally by four countries (South Korea, China, Canada, and the USA) accounting for 99% of total world ginseng root production (79,769 tons). This study was aimed at preparation of wheat bread supplemented with ginseng insoluble dietary fiber (GSI) and effects of GSI supplementation on physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities, absorption capacities, starch digestibility and sensory attributes were evaluated. Overall, GSI addition up to 4% significantly (p

The laver (Porphyra spp.) is normally processed in three kinds of products: dried laver (DL), roasted laver (RL), and seasoned roasted laver (SL). This work evaluated the effects of electron beam (E-beam) irradiation at different doses (0, 1, 4, 7, and 10 kGy) on microbiological and physicochemical qualities and detection characteristics of irradiated samples by luminescence analysis. E-beam irradiation resulted in dose-dependent microbial reductions, showing that 1 kGy destroyed initial coliforms (

Stevia leaves include natural, non-caloric sweetening compounds known as steviol glycosides (SGs)–mainly stevioside (ST) and rebaudioside-A (Reb-A). Along with sweetness, stevia generates interest because of its dietetic and therapeutic significance related to the presence of other bioactive compounds in its leaves, such as phenolics, which in association with SGs may contribute to human health by exerting anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, anticarries, chemopreventive, insulinotropic and diuretic properties. In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) modeling were compared in terms of their estimation capabilities for building effective models with maximum response values. A supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process was optimized by employing a 5-level-3-factor central composite design to achieve maximum target response values for total extract yield, ST yield, Reb-A yield and total phenolic content of 15.85%, 95.76 mg/g, 62.95 mg/g and 25.76 mg GAE/g, respectively. The optimized SFE parameters included a modifier concentration of 40%, an extraction temperature of 45 °C, and a pressure of 225 bar. The ANN model proved an attractive alternative to RSM owing to its improved estimation and predictive capabilities. SFE yielded higher target response values than conventional maceration extraction (24 h) and was a faster, lower energy, and greener extraction method with reduced CO 2 emissions and lower solvent consumption.

Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) leaves consist of stevioside and rebaudioside-A (Reb-A). This research sought to improve extraction of target steviol glycosides from stevia leaf powder using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networking (ANN) under these independent variables: ethanol concentration, X1 (0–100%), extraction temperature, X2 (55–75°C), and extraction time, X3 (45–75 min). ANN outperformed as potential alternative to RSM in predicting optimum conditions. Maximum responses were obtained at 100% X1, 55°C X2, and 60 min X3. Heat reflux extraction proved superior to maceration extraction in terms of higher extraction yields with reduced energy consumption and CO2 emission.

Polyphenols as phytochemicals have gained significant importance owing to several associated health benefits with regard to lifestyle diseases and oxidative stress. To date, the development of a single standard method for efficient and rapid extraction of polyphenols from plant matrices has remained a challenge due to the inherent limitations of various conventional extraction methods. The exploitation of polyphenols as bioactive compounds at various commercial levels has motivated scientists to explore more eco-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective extraction techniques, based on a green extraction approach. The current review aims to provide updated technical information about extraction mechanisms, their advantages and disadvantages, and factors affecting efficiencies, and also presents a comparative overview of applications of the following modern green extraction techniques-supercritical fluid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, and pressurized hot water extraction-as alternatives to conventional extraction methods for polyphenol extraction. These techniques are proving to be promising for the extraction of thermolabile phenolic compounds due to their advantages over conventional, time-consuming, and laborious extraction techniques, such as reduced solvent use and time and energy consumption and higher recovery rates with lower operational costs. The growing interest in plant-derived polyphenols prompts continual search for green and economically feasible modern extraction techniques. Modern green extraction techniques represent promising approaches by virtue of overcoming current limitations to the exploitation of polyphenols as bioactive compounds to explore their wide-reaching applications on an industrial scale and in emerging global markets. Future research is needed in order to remove the technical barriers to scale-up the processes for industrial needs by increasing our understanding and improving the design of modern extraction operations.

Medicinal herbs comprise of heavy microbial contaminations. This study aimed to assess microbial hazards including foodborne pathogens in 20 commercial medicinal herbs, Cnidii Rhizoma (C1–C10) and Alismatis Rhizoma (T1–T10) as well as to evaluate irradiation effects of E-beam on microbial load and detection chracteristics. Four samples (C5, C10, T1, T8) from both herbs with higher microbial load were selected for evaluating the irradiation effect of E-beam (up to 10 kGy) on microbial load and radiation-induced changes in detection markers by standard methods (Codex, Korean Food Code), such as direct epifluorescent filter technique/aerobic plate count (DEFT/APC), photostimulated luminescence (PSL), thermoluminescence (TL), and electron spin resonance (ESR). DEFT/APC revealed non-evidence of pre-sterilization of all samples. PSL differentiated irradiated samples (1, 5, and 10 kGy) of both herbs from non-irradiated (control: 0 kGy). Both TL and ESR methods validated PSL screening results by detecting radiation-induced markers from E-beam irradiated medicinal herbs.

To obtain the predominant drying speed period of sliced persimmon during hot air drying, the aim of this study was to evaluate drying kinetics, effective diffusivity and its activation energy under different drying temperatures (50, 60 and 70 °C). Besides, the bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and microstructure after drying were also compared with those of freeze-dried persimmon. Results showed that water loss of persimmon slices during hot air drying followed the second-order kinetic model. The effective diffusivities of sliced persimmon at 50, 60 and 70 °C were 6.45 × 10−7, 7.48 × 10−7, and 9.08 × 10−7 m2 s−1, respectively. No significant (p > 0.05) differences in the drying rate at different drying temperatures (50, 60 and 70 °C) after 180 min of drying were observed. Contrarily, increase of hot air drying temperature resulted in a significant decreases in majority of bioactive compounds. While, considering the high price and time consumption of freeze-drying technique, as well as the fact that higher drying temperatures did not further affect the drying rate after a certain drying time, controlling the temperature gradient during hot air drying processing might be useful in minimizing energy input and improving the retention of bioactive compounds during the processing of dried persimmon in food industry.

Asian pear powder (APP) encapsulated using rice bran dietary fiber (RD) and maltodextrin (MD) was investigated for its physical stability, phenolic bioaccessibility, antioxidant activities and major phenolic compounds (arbutin, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid). Results showed that moisture content, angle of repose, solubility, and color values of APP were all significantly (p

This study evaluated the effects of X-ray irradiation (0-1 kGy) on quality parameters of Korean strawberries during storage at 15 °C for 9 d. As compared to control, all irradiated samples exhibited dose-dependent decreases in microbial counts regardless of storage period. Irradiation significantly (p 0.05) reduced weight loss and decay incidence of fruits during storage. Fruit firmness decreased immediately after irradiation, but no significant changes occurred after 3 d. Neither irradiation nor storage period significantly affected total soluble solids, pH, or titratable acidity. All treatments delayed color changes and pelargonidin accumulation during storage. The radical scavenging activities and total phenolic, ellagic acid, and catechin contents increased gradually during storage. Furthermore, irradiated fruits showed improved sensory characteristics throughout storage. Thus, X-ray irradiation (≤1 kGy) was confirmed as a effective phytosanitary treatment for strawberries to delay decay and negative physicochemical changes and extend shelf life with acceptable sensory attributes.

Rapid analytical methods for screening irradiated foods are required to comply with the approved standards for international trade. Dried shrimps irradiated at 1–7 kGy with gamma rays, electron beam (E-beam), and X-rays were screened with an electronic nose (E-nose) and electronic tongue (E-tongue). The data were compared with those from European standard methods (photostimulated luminescence, PSL) and direct epifluorescent filter technique/aerobic plate count, DEFT/APC). All irradiated shrimp samples were clearly discriminated from the non-irradiated control based on PSL photon count measurements and DEFT/APC microbial enumeration. The volatile patterns and taste attributes of the irradiated (>1 kGy from three sources) and control samples could be distinguished by the E-nose and E-tongue analyses through principal component analysis. Verification through electron spin resonance and thermoluminescence analyses validated screening results. The results indicate that E-sensing techniques showed potential for the rapid screening of irradiated foods like dried shrimps.

Most commercial dried laver products show higher microbial contamination. This work evaluated effects of approved dose (7 kGy)—recommended in the Korean Food Code for algal food—of electron beam (E-beam) irradiation on microbiological, physicochemical and luminescence properties of dried laver products. E-beam irradiation caused dose-dependent microbial reductions. For example, a 4 kGy irradiation dose reduced coliform ( 0.05) affected before and after 7 kGy irradiation, but carotenoid content was significantly (p 4 kGy) could be detected from non-irradiated ones by luminescence techniques. Overall, results indicated that

Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) consists of stevioside and rebaudioside-A (Reb-A). We compared response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) modelling for their estimation and predictive capabilities in building effective models with maximum responses. A 5-level 3-factor central composite design was used to optimize microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to obtain maximum yield of target responses as a function of extraction time (X1: 1-5min), ethanol concentration, (X2: 0-100%) and microwave power (X3: 40-200W). Maximum values of the three output parameters: 7.67% total extract yield, 19.58mg/g stevioside yield, and 15.3mg/g Reb-A yield, were obtained under optimum extraction conditions of 4min X1, 75% X2, and 160W X3. The ANN model demonstrated higher efficiency than did the RSM model. Hence, RSM can demonstrate interaction effects of inherent MAE parameters on target responses, whereas ANN can reliably model the MAE process with better predictive and estimation capabilities.

Response surface methodology was applied to optimize microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity from fruiting bodies of Coriolus versicolor mushroom, and to compare its efficiency with conventional reflux extraction. A central composite design was employed for the optimization of three MAE parameters including extraction time (X1, min), ethanol concentration (X2, %) and microwave power (X3, W) for the highest yield of TPC and antioxidant activity measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays in C. versicolor extracts. The optimum conditions were predicted as 3.8 min extraction time, 40% ethanol concentration and 125 W microwave power to obtain maximum values of TPC (470 mg GAE/100 g dm) and antioxidant activity measured by DPPH (773 µM TE/g dm), ABTS (2,930 µM TE/g dm) and FRAP (1,710 µM TE/g dm) assays, which were statistically verified by comparing with the experimentally observed values. Practical Applications In this study, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) showed significant potential as a green extraction method for obtaining Coriolus versicolor mushroom extract rich in polyphenols with higher antioxidant activity as compared to the extracts obtained by reflux extraction. Furthermore, MAE resulted in reduced consumption of energy, time and solvent with higher extraction yield and efficiency. This work demonstrated further feasibility studies on MAE of phytochemicals including polyphenols-rich extracts at industrial scale. Moreover, successful application of response surface methodology has opened future research avenues for optimization of bioactive components from other mushrooms of medicinal importance.