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This study was designed to investigate chemical and antioxidant properties, as well as the antimicrobial and antibiofilm behaviour of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (CCEO). MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper mass spectrometry was applied to evaluate the biofilms of Stenotrophonomonas maltophilia and Bacillus subtilis, while the antibiofilm ability of CCEO was assessed on wooden and glass surfaces. The antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method, microdilution method, and vapour phase for two biofilm-producing bacteria and three Penicillium spp. were used. Antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties were assessed using the agar microdilution protocol. The vapour phase of Penicillium citrinum, P. crustosum, P. expansum, S. maltophilia, and B. subtilis on bread, carrot, potato, sweet potato, and apple in situ was studied. Specific molecular variations related to the biofilm formation and genetic analogies were evaluated with MSP spectra dendrograms of S. maltophilia and B. subtilis profiles were grown on different days. The results of disc diffusion and broth diffusion methods showed that CCEO was strongly effective against all tested microorganisms and the vapour phase method was effective and active against all Penicillium spp., but not strongly effective against bacteria in food preservation of food matrices.

The current study was designed to enhance the functionality of white bread by replacement of wheat flour with different levels (1%, 2%, 5%, and 8%) of grape seeds micropowder (GSMP) with nanosized particles (10 µm). Chemical composition of GSMP, volume and sensory attributes, evaluated with the panel of evaluators and an electronic nose (e-nose) and an electronic eye (e-eye) were investigated in the tested breads. It has been found out that GSMP contained appreciable amounts of flavonoids including catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid and minerals especially, Ca, K and Mg. The data from rheological analysis showed that the addition of GSMP (mainly at 5% and 8% levels) to the wheat flour had a positive effect on dough manifesting with rheology by increased dough stability. The volume of the experimental breads (above 1% concentration) was demonstrably declined (P < 0.0001) in comparison with the control bread. Sensory rating revealed that the bread fortified with 1% GSMP was judged by the consumer panelists as the most acceptable with the highest scores for all quality attributes which was also confirmed by the data of e-nose and e-eye. Our results suggest for the first time that 1% GSMP addition appears to be a promising functional ingredient to improve bread with required qualitative and sensory properties.

Pasta is a good carrier for plant enrichment substances due to its popularity among consumers. The purpose of the study was to investigate the functional potential and optimize the recipe of pasta made from durum semolina with the addition of black cumin cake at the level of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%. The use of black cumin cake resulted in a statistically significant ( p ≤ 0.05) increase in the content of protein, fat, ash, and fiber, including both the insoluble and soluble fractions. A reduction in the digestible carbohydrate content, in vitro starch hydrolysis index (HI), was observed. Pasta with a reduced glycemic index (GI) compared to the semolina control was obtained. The content of polyphenols, including flavonoids, in the cake-enriched pasta increased significantly ( p ≤ 0.05), which resulted in higher antioxidant activity against DPPH. The increase in the iron content was over 2.5 times higher in the sample with the 25% addition of black cumin cake than in the control sample. The functional addition significantly ( p ≤ 0.05) increased the loss of dry matter and influenced the cooking time of pasta.

The study compares the impact of freeze- and spray-drying (FD, SD) microencapsulation methods on the content of β-glucan, total polyphenols (TP), total flavonoids (TF), phenolic acids (PA), and antioxidant activity (AA) in commercially β-glucan powder (Pleurotus ostreatus) using maltodextrin as a carrier. Morphology (scanning electron microscopy- SEM), yield, moisture content (MC), and water activity (aw) were also evaluated in the samples. Our examinations revealed significant structural differences between powders microencapsulated by the drying methods. As compared to non-encapsulated powder, the SD powder with yield of 44.38 ± 0.55% exhibited more reduced (p < 0.05) values for aw (0.456 ± 0.001) and MC (8.90 ± 0.44%) than the FD one (yield: 27.97 ± 0.33%; aw: 0.506 ± 0.002; MC: 11.30 ± 0.28%). In addition, the highest values for β-glucan content (72.39 ± 0.38%), TPC (3.40 ± 0.17 mg GAE/g), and TFC (3.07 ± 0.29 mg QE/g) have been detected in the SD powder. Our results allow for the conclusion that the SD microencapsulation method using maltodextrin seems to be more powerful in terms of the β-glucan powder yield and its contents of β-glucan, TP, and TF as compared to the FD technique.

The possibilities of the practical utilization of essential oils (EOs) from various plant species in the food industry have attracted the attention of the scientific community. Following our previous studies, the antifungal activities of three further commercial EOs, Melaleuca armillaris subsp. armillaris (rosalina; REO), Melaleuca quinquenervia (niaouli; NEO), and Abies alba (fir; FEO), were evaluated in the present research in respect to their chemical profiles, over four different concentrations, 62.5 μL/L, 125 μL/L, 250 μL/L, and 500 μL/L. The findings revealed that the major compounds of REO, NEO, and FEO were linalool (47.5%), 1,8-cineole (40.8%), and α-pinene (25.2%), respectively. In vitro antifungal determinations showed that the inhibition zones of a Penicillium spp. mycelial growth ranged from no inhibitory effectiveness (00.00 ± 00.00 mm) to 16.00 ± 1.00 mm, indicating a very strong antifungal activity which was detected against P. citrinum after the highest REO concentration exposure. Furthermore, the in situ antifungal efficacy of all EOs investigated was shown to be dose-dependent. In this sense, we have found that the highest concentration (500 µL/L) of REO, NEO, and FEO significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the growth of all Penicillium strains inoculated on the bread, carrot, and potato models. These results indicate that the investigated EOs may be promising innovative agents in order to extend the shelf life of different types of food products, such as bread, carrot and potato.

The present article aimed to study the effects of four selected concentrations (1%, 2%, 5%, and 10%) of apple pomace powder (APP), obtained from juice production, on the nutritional value and selected physico-chemical, antioxidant, and sensory properties of wheat bread. We have found that the ash and total carbohydrate contents, total polyphenols content, and antioxidant activity of the supplemented bread loaves were markedly higher (p < 0.05) as compared to the control ones. On the other hand, values for protein and fat contents and loaf volume in APP-containing bread samples were statistically lower (p < 0.05). Finally, sensory evaluation revealed no significant differences in all tested attributes between the investigated groups of bread samples. The current results suggest that 10% APP addition appears to be an attractive ingredient applied to bread formulation to obtain a bakery product with high nutritional value and required qualitative and sensory properties. In such a manner, apple pomace as by-products from apple juice processing can be efficiently utilized in an eco-friendly way by the food industry to decrease unnecessary waste and environmental pollution.

The present study was designed to evaluate commercial cedar essential oil (CEO), obtained by hydrodistillation from cedar wood, in relationship to its chemical composition and antioxidant, in vitro and in situ antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-insect activity. For these purposes, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, DPPH radical-scavenging assay, agar and disc diffusion, and vapor phase methods were used. The results from the volatile profile determination showed that δ-cadinene (36.3%), ( Z )-β-farnesene (13.8%), viridiflorol (7.3%), and himachala-2,4-diene (5.4%) were the major components of the EO chemical constitution. Based on the obtained results, a strong antioxidant effect (81.1%) of the CEO was found. CEO is characterized by diversified antimicrobial activity, and the zones of inhibition ranged from 7.33 to 21.36 mm in gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and from 5.44 to 13.67 mm in yeasts and fungi. The lowest values of minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) were noted against gram-positive Micrococcus luteus (7.46 µL/mL) and against yeast Candida krusei (9.46 µL/mL). It seems that the vapor phase of CEO can inhibit the growth of the microscopic filamentous fungi of the genus Penicillium according to in situ antifungal analysis on bread, carrots, and celery. This finding confirms the impact of CEO on the change in the protein structure of older biofilms of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica . Insecticidal activity of a vapor phase has also been demonstrated against Pyrrhocoris apterus . CEO showed various advantages on antimicrobial activity, and it is an ideal substitute for food safety.

The essential oil of Syzygium ( S. ) aromaticum (CEO) is known for its good biological activity. The aim of the research was to evaluate in vitro and in situ antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of the essential oil produced in Slovakia. The main components of CEO were eugenol 82.4% and (E)-caryophyllene 14.0%. The antimicrobial activity was either weak or very strong with inhibition zones ranging from 4.67 to 15.78 mm in gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and from 8.22 to 18.56 mm in yeasts and fungi. Among the tested bacteria and fungi, the lowest values of MIC were determined for Staphylococcus ( S. ) aureus and Penicillium ( P. ) expansum , respectively. The vapor phase of CEO inhibited the growth of the microscopic filamentous fungi of the genus Penicillium when tested in situ on bread. The strongest effect of mycelia inhibition in a bread model was observed against P. expansum at concentrations of 250 and 500 μL/mL. The best antimicrobial activity of CEO in the carrot model was found against P. chrysosenum . Differences between the mass spectra of Bacillus ( B. ) subtilis biofilms on the tested surfaces (wood, glass) and the control sample were noted from the seventh day of culture. There were some changes in mass spectra of Stenotrophomonas ( S. ) maltophilia , which were observed in both experimental groups from the fifth day of culture. These findings confirmed the impact of CEO on the protein structure of older biofilms. The findings indicate that, besides being safe and sensorially attractive, S. aromaticum has antimicrobial activity, which makes it a potential substitute for chemical food preservatives.

Background: The aim of the current study was to assess the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of ethanol extracts obtained from the fruit of five species of fresh chili pepper, Capsicum (C.) baccatum L. (Aji Amarillo), C. chinense (Fidalgo Roxa), C. annuum (Cherry Chocolate), C. pubescens (Rocoto Orange) and C. frutescens (Peruvian Purple)., Methods: To obtain the ethanol extracts, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) was applied. DPPH assay was used to determine the antioxidant activity of the extract samples. The disc diffusion method was used to measure antimicrobial activity against nine investigated microorganism species., Results: The tested extract samples exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activities ranging from 0.24 &plusmn;0.01 (Peruvian Purple) to 0.72 &plusmn;0.02 (Aji Amarillo) mg TEAC∙g&ndash;1 dw. The differences between all the varieties were statistically significant (P < 0.05; except for the Cherry Chocolate and Rocoto Orange), and the potential of antioxidant capacity increased in the following manner: Peruvian Purple < Fidalgo Roxa < Rocoto Orange < Cherry Chocolate < Aji Amarillo. The results from the antimicrobial evaluation showed that the Capsicum extracts had no uniform inhibition activity against tested gram-negative, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. Specifically, Aji Amarillo fruit extract revealed the strongest antimicrobial activity against S. pneumoniae (6.33 &plusmn;0.58 mm), followed by Cherry Chocolate against S. pneumoniae (5.33 &plusmn;0.58 mm), Rocoto Orange against S. enterica (5.27 &plusmn;0.58 mm), Fidalgo Roxa against C. albicans (4.67 &plusmn;0.58 mm), and Peruvian Purple against S. pneumoniae (4.57 &plusmn;0.58 mm)., Conclusions: Considering these results, Capsicum spp. can be used as a source of novel antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds.

Thymus vulgaris essential oil has potential good biological activity. The aim of the research was to evaluate the biological activity of the T. vulgaris essential oil from the Slovak company. The main components of T. vulgaris essential oil were thymol (48.1%), p -cymene (11.7%), 1,8-cineole (6.7), γ-terpinene (6.1%), and carvacrol (5.5%). The antioxidant activity was 85.2 ± 0.2%, which corresponds to 479.34 ± 1.1 TEAC. The antimicrobial activity was moderate or very strong with inhibition zones from 9.89 to 22.44 mm. The lowest values of MIC were determined against B. subtilis , E. faecalis, and S. aureus . In situ antifungal analysis on bread shows that the vapor phase of T. vulgaris essential oil can inhibit the growth of the microscopic filamentous fungi of the genus Penicillium . The antimicrobial activity against S. marcescens showed 46.78-87.80% inhibition at concentrations 62.5-500 µL/mL. The MALDI TOF MS analyses suggest changes in the protein profile of biofilm forming bacteria P. fluorescens and S. enteritidis after the fifth and the ninth day, respectively. Due to the properties of the T. vulgaris essential oil, it can be used in the food industry as a natural supplement to extend the shelf life of the foods.

The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and biological and antibiofilm activity of the essential oil (EO) of Thymus serpyllum with the use of a MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper. The main compounds of the EO were thymol, 18.8%; carvacrol, 17.4%; o-cymene, 15.4%; and geraniol, 10.7%. It was found that free-radical scavenging activity was high. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Salmonella enteritidis, and biofilm-forming bacteria. The changes in the biofilm structure after T. serpyllum EO application confirmed the inhibitory action and the most pronounced effect was observed on Bacillus subtilis biofilm. The antifungal activity of the vapor phase was the most effective against Penicillium crustosum. T. serpyllum should be a suitable alternative to synthetic antioxidants as well as antimicrobials. The EO of T. serpyllum can be used in the vapor phase in the storage of root vegetables as well as a growth inhibitor of Penicillium on bread.

The chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties of three commercially available essential oils: rosemary (REO), lavender (LEO), and mint (MEO), were determined in the current study. Our data revealed that the major components of REO, MEO, and LEO were 1,8-cineole (40.4%), menthol (40.1%), and linalool acetate (35.0%), respectively. The highest DPPH radical-scavenging activity was identified in MEO (36.85 ± 0.49%) among the investigated EOs. Regarding antimicrobial activities, we found that LEO had the strongest inhibitory efficiencies against the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida ( C. ) tropicalis , MEO against Salmonella ( S. ) enterica , and REO against Staphylococcus ( S. ) aureus . The strongest antifungal activity was displayed by mint EO, which totally inhibited the growth of Penicillium ( P. ) expansum and P. crustosum in all concentrations; the growth of P. citrinum was completely suppressed only by the lowest MEO concentration. The lowest minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against S. enterica , S. aureus , and C. krusei were assessed for MEO. In situ analysis on the bread model showed that 125 µL/L of REO exhibited the lowest mycelial growth inhibition (MGI) of P. citrinum , and 500 µL/L of MEO caused the highest MGI of P. crustosum . Our results allow us to make conclusion that the analysed EOs have promising potential for use as innovative agents in the storage of bakery products in order to extend their shelf-life.

The main aim of the study was to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm activity of Citrus aurantium essential oil (CAEO). The biofilm profile of Stenotrophonomonas maltophilia and Bacillus subtilis were assessed using the mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper and the antibiofilm activity of Citrus aurantium (CAEO) was studied on wood and glass surfaces. A semi-quantitative composition using a modified version was applied for the CAEO characterization. The antioxidant activity of CAEO was determined using the DPPH method. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed by disc diffusion for two biofilm producing bacteria, while the vapor phase was used for three penicillia. The antibiofilm activity was observed with the agar microdilution method. The molecular differences of biofilm formation on different days were analyzed, and the genetic similarity was studied with dendrograms constructed from MSP spectra to illustrate the grouping profiles of S. maltophilia and B. subtilis . A differentiated branch was obtained for early growth variants of S. maltophilia for planktonic cells and all experimental groups. The time span can be reported for the grouping pattern of B. subtilis preferentially when comparing to the media matrix, but without clear differences among variants. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory doses of the CAEO were investigated against microscopic fungi. The results showed that CAEO was most active against Penicillium crustosum , in the vapor phase, on bread and carrot in situ.

The aim of this study was to assess the chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of the Coriandrum sativum essential oil. Changes in the biofilm profile of Stenotropomonas maltophilia and Bacillus subtilis were studied using MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper on glass and wooden surfaces. The molecular differences of biofilms in different days were observed as well. The major volatile compounds of the coriander essential oil in the present study were β -linalool 66.07%. Coriander essential oil radical scavenging activity was 51.05% of inhibition. Coriander essential oil expressed the strongest antibacterial activity against B. subtilis followed by S. maltophilia and Penicillium expansum. The strongest antibiofilm activity of the coriander essential oil was found against S. maltophilia. A clearly differentiated branch was obtained for early growth variants of S. maltophilia in case of planktonic cells and all experimental groups and time span can be reported for the grouping pattern of B. subtilis preferentially when comparing to the media matrix, but without clear differences among variants. The results indicate that coriander was effective against the tested Penicillium expansum in the vapor phase after 14 days with MID 50 367.19 and MID 90 445.92 µL/L of air.