In the current study, radiation treatment (gamma as well as electron beam of 2 kGy) was used to h... more In the current study, radiation treatment (gamma as well as electron beam of 2 kGy) was used to hygienize leafy greens spinach (cv. Semi-Savoy), mint (cv. menthol mint) and coriander (cv. Co-2), which were rich in microbial load including presumptive Salmonella and coliforms. Effect of radiation treatment on major phenolics such as kaempferol (spinach), quercetin (coriander) and rosmarinic acid (mint) contents was studied as phenolics are known to possess functional properties through TLC and HPLC analyses. Kaempferol, quercetin and rosmarinic acid (Gallic Acid Equivalent) content in fresh spinach, coriander and mint leaves was found to be 538 μg/100g, 14 mg/100g, and 59 mg/100g (fresh weight) respectively. There was significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in their contents after irradiation which further enhanced during storage at 4-6 0C for 15 days. Among the radiation sources, electron beam was found to be more effective than gamma rays presumably due to higher dose rate. Thus, radiation...
Raw leafy greens are commonly associated with global foodborne outbreaks due to pathogenic contam... more Raw leafy greens are commonly associated with global foodborne outbreaks due to pathogenic contaminants. In the current study, greens, such as spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and mint (Mentha spicata L.) showed presence of coliforms (including E. coli) along with other aerobic microbes, yeast and molds. These vegetables mostly consumed in raw or culinary purpose, and hence increase the chances of food borne illnesses. Moreover, the leafy greens are perishable. In this context, we optimized a combination process including radiation treatment to achieve hygienization and shelf life extension of these leafy green vegetables. The combination treatment comprising potable water wash, chlorination (NaOCl-200 ppm) followed by irradiation (2 kGy using electron beam or gamma) was developed, and the processed samples showed keeping quality up to 15 days at 4-6C, whereas control samples spoiled within two days. The treatment resulted in coliform count below de...
Abstract Purpose: Current study was aimed to enhance the confidence of consumers as well as entre... more Abstract Purpose: Current study was aimed to enhance the confidence of consumers as well as entrepreneurs towards food irradiation program. Materials and methods: In this work, safety of high dose (25 kGy) irradiated meat samples (HDIMS) was ascertained by scoring mutation frequency through a long-term sub-culturing study in Escherichia coli MG1655 cells (ATCC 700926) up to 1500 generations (at 1%), 250 generations (at 5% and 10%) and human lymphoblast thymidine kinase heterozygote (TK6) cell line (ATCC CRL-8015) [at two gene loci, tk−/+ (thymidine kinase) and hprt+ (Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase)] up to 156 generations using goat meat sample. Also these samples were assayed at further radiation doses of 10, 45 and 70 kGy at 2% concentration (in cell line), and 1% (in E. coli). Study was also performed with other meat samples such as chicken, fishes (pomfret and rohu) and shrimps by carrying out limited long-term sub-culturing trials in human lymphoblast cell line. Mutation analysis was also carried out using a novel DPAR (Differential loss of Plasmid Antibiotic Resistance) assay followed by sequencing of tcR (tetracycline resistance) gene of pBR322 plasmid isolated from E. coli cells grown for 1500 generations on HDIMS medium and RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) analysis of the genome. Results and conclusion: None of the assays exhibited any induced mutation when analyzed at regular time intervals. RAPD analysis also did not indicate any change in its nucleotide sequence, ruling out the occurrence of any silent mutation. Thus, the present findings report absence of mutagenic effect of high dose irradiated meat samples.
Aconitum species have been traditionally used as ethnomedicine to cure various ailments. The pres... more Aconitum species have been traditionally used as ethnomedicine to cure various ailments. The present study reveals the morpho-phenology and antibacterial property of alkaloid extracts of the two Aconitum species. The morpho-phenological characteristics will be helpful for determining the resource availability. Aconitum nagarum is erect type, whereas, Aconitum elwesii is a climber. Aconitum elwesii grows in advance of A. nagarum in terms of growth, flowering and senescence. Towards the end of the year, when the fruits have ripened, the parent tuber dies off. As a result, the daughter tuber becomes independent and in the following spring, takes over the function of the parent tuber. Aconitum nagarum and A. elwesii were found to contain 4-5 aconitine equivalent (AE) mg/g of alkaloid. These alkaloids showed antibacterial activity against different bacterial species including human pathogens, namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Escherichia co...
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a natural carcinogen commonly present in food and feed which has deleterio... more Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a natural carcinogen commonly present in food and feed which has deleterious effects on human and animal health. Combination treatment of microwave heating and gamma irradiation has been investigated. Artificially spiked peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) were used with a concentration of 300 μg/kg of AFB1 to evaluate the treatment efficacy. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of AFB1 was carried out by one dimensional thin layer chromatography and enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Gamma irradiation (5, 7 and 9 kGy) alone reduced 20 to 43% of AFB1, while, only low power microwave heating (360, 480 and 600 W) reduced it by 59 to 67%. The synergistic effect of a combination treatment at 7 and 9 kGy of irradiation at any of the chosen microwave power levels and sequence of treatment was able to reduce >95% in artificially spiked peanuts. Knowing the limitation of ELISA, an Ames test was employed to determine the mutagenicity of AFB1 in com...
The effect of radiation processing on the germination of the sprout seeds mung (Phaseolus aureus)... more The effect of radiation processing on the germination of the sprout seeds mung (Phaseolus aureus), matki (Phaseolus aconitifolius), chana (Cicer arietinum), and vatana (Pisum sativum) in terms of percent germination, germination yield, sprout length, vitamin C content, and texture was investigated. Gradual decreases in the percent germination, germination yield, and sprout length with increases in radiation dose (0.5 to 2.0 kGy) were observed. Vitamin C content and texture remained unaffected for the seeds treated with doses of up to 2 kGy. To determine the efficacy of radiation treatment in elimination of foodborne pathogens, seeds inoculated with 4 log CFU/g of Salmonellla Typhimurium were treated with radiation doses of 1 and 2 kGy. A reduction in counts of Salmonella Typhimurium in inoculated seeds after radiation treatment was observed. A radiation dose of 2 kGy resulted in the complete elimination of 4 log CFU/g of Salmonella Typhimurium from the inoculated seeds. However, on ...
One isolate among the various bacterial soil isolates screened in our study showed broad spectrum... more One isolate among the various bacterial soil isolates screened in our study showed broad spectrum and profound antifungal activity and was characterized by biochemical and molecular approaches. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene indicated more than 98 % sequence similarity with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ATCC 23350T and its variant Bacillus velezensis BCRC 17467T. However, the biochemical characteristics of the isolated strain, such as cellular fatty acid composition, differed significantly from those of these two Bacillus strains, with the isolated strain containing anteiso-C15:0 (terminally branched saturated fatty acids) as a predominant fatty acid. The band pattern of the pulsed field gel electrophoresis profile of AvrII-digested genomic DNA of the isolate also showed significant variation from those of the two closely related Bacillus type strains. Based on these differences, the isolate was considered to be a new strain of B. amyloliquefaciens and deposited as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain fiply 3A in the Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH (DSMZ) culture collection (DSM 22646) and in MTCC, IMTECH, Chandigarh (DSM 22646). Purification of the extracellular antifungal compound produced by the isolate by HPLC and its analysis by LC-ESI-MS revealed it to be a bacillomycin D-like cyclic lipopeptide. The antifungal activity of the compound was found to be due to its inhibitory effect on β-1,3-glucan biosynthesis, a major fungal cell-wall component. Thus, we describe here the identification and characterization of a novel strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (fiply 3A) which produces antifungal lipopeptide and the deciphering of its mechanism of action.
In our earlier study, alkaloid extract from Aconitum nagarum root was reported for antibacterial ... more In our earlier study, alkaloid extract from Aconitum nagarum root was reported for antibacterial activity, where aconitine was identified as bioactive compound. The aim of the current study was to analyze the antibacterial activity of the root alkaloid extract of another important Aconitum species, namely Aconitum heterophyllum. This alkaloid extract showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus, B. bronchiseptica, B. subtilis, P. putida and X. campestris, while this activity was negligible against S. typhimurium, E. coli and P. fluorescence. The extract resolved to 9 bands and none of the band corresponded to aconitine in thin layer chromatography (TLC). These bands were eluted and analyzed for antibacterial activity. Most of the eluted bands displayed antibacterial activity, which was comparatively high with the fifth (Rf : 0.47) and ninth (Rf : 0.91) band. Mode of action of these eluted bands was cidal for S. aureus, B. bronchiseptica and B. subtilis, while the effect was stati...
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi in agricultural commodities.... more Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi in agricultural commodities. Mycotoxins can induce both acute and chronic effects on human and animal health, and hence it is important to control mycotoxin contamination in foods and feeds. Among all the analytical techniques available for mycotoxin detection, immunoassays offer higher sensitivity and specificity. These antigen–antibody–based assays include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, immunoradiometric assay, and radioimmunoassay. Recently, newer techniques are introduced that include enzyme-linked immuno-magnetic electrochemical array, lateral flow devices, and surface plasmon resonance immunobiosensors. Optical-based immunological techniques involve fiber-optic immunosensors and fluorescent polarization immunoassays. Most of these assays are rapid and can perform real-time analysis of mycotoxins.
Nasogastric liquid feed formulation (NGLF) was developed for immunocompromised patients who are v... more Nasogastric liquid feed formulation (NGLF) was developed for immunocompromised patients who are vulnerable targets of pathogenic assault. NGLF consisted of cereals, pulses, vegetables, and milk powder to provide balanced nutrients; however, the shelf life was only a few hours because this product was highly prone to microbial contamination and proliferation due to its high water content and rich nutrients. Postpreparation storage and distribution was very difficult, even at chilled temperatures. To overcome this problem, the NGLF was irradiated at various doses (2.5 to 10 kGy). Gamma irradiation at 10 kGy reduced the microbial load to nondetectable levels, and the product could be stored up to 1 month without any detectable increase in microbial load. The sensory evaluation did not indicate differences between the nonirradiated fresh, irradiated fresh, and stored samples. Nutritional quality in terms of total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, proteins, calories, vitamins A and C, and th...
International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 2011
... quality Vandan Nagar,1 Sachin N. Hajare,1 Sunil D. Saroj2 & Jayant R. Bandekar1* ... Ackn... more ... quality Vandan Nagar,1 Sachin N. Hajare,1 Sunil D. Saroj2 & Jayant R. Bandekar1* ... Acknowledgment We thank Kalpana Bagade for her able laboratory assistance during this project. References AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) (1990). ...
Minimally processed vegetables are in demand, because they offer convenience to consumers. Howeve... more Minimally processed vegetables are in demand, because they offer convenience to consumers. However, these products are often unsafe because of possible contamination with pathogens, such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Shigella species. Therefore, this study was carried out to optimize the radiation dose necessary to ensure the safety of precut carrot and cucumber. Decimal reduction doses (D-values) of Salmonella Typhimurium MTCC 98 were ca. 0.164 kGy in carrot samples and 0.178 kGy in cucumber samples. D-values of Listeria monocytogenes were determined to be 0.312 and 0.345 kGy in carrot and cucumber samples, respectively. Studies of inoculated, packaged, minimally processed carrot and cucumber samples showed that treatment with a 1-kGy dose of gamma radiation eliminated up to 4 log CFU/g of Salmonella Typhimurium and 3 log CFU/g of L. monocytogenes. However, treatment with a 2-kGy dose was necessary to eliminate these pathogens by 5 log CFU/g. Storage studies showed t...
A b s t r a c t Corn (Zea mays L.), one of the major cereal crops, is also a suitable substrate f... more A b s t r a c t Corn (Zea mays L.), one of the major cereal crops, is also a suitable substrate for growth, development and activity of aflatoxigenic fungi causing major yield and economic losses. Among the different preharvest preventive measures applied for control, the use of inherent resistance mechanisms of the host plant represents a promising strategy. With this aim, twenty-one Indian corn varieties were examined. The results of a laboratory Kernel Screening Assay revealed 4 varieties with strong fungal resistance. All the varieties were further subjected to a detailed analysis for an antifungal protein, namely 14 kDa trypsin inhibitor (TI). A PCR based detection method revealed the presence of trypsin inhibitor (TI) gene in all the varieties. Its concentration in different varieties was determined by estimating the K I, which was found to be 7.0 µg/ml. Two of the resistant varieties showed high levels of TI, which was relatively low in susceptible varieties. Hence, this prot...
In the current study, radiation treatment (gamma as well as electron beam of 2 kGy) was used to h... more In the current study, radiation treatment (gamma as well as electron beam of 2 kGy) was used to hygienize leafy greens spinach (cv. Semi-Savoy), mint (cv. menthol mint) and coriander (cv. Co-2), which were rich in microbial load including presumptive Salmonella and coliforms. Effect of radiation treatment on major phenolics such as kaempferol (spinach), quercetin (coriander) and rosmarinic acid (mint) contents was studied as phenolics are known to possess functional properties through TLC and HPLC analyses. Kaempferol, quercetin and rosmarinic acid (Gallic Acid Equivalent) content in fresh spinach, coriander and mint leaves was found to be 538 μg/100g, 14 mg/100g, and 59 mg/100g (fresh weight) respectively. There was significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in their contents after irradiation which further enhanced during storage at 4-6 0C for 15 days. Among the radiation sources, electron beam was found to be more effective than gamma rays presumably due to higher dose rate. Thus, radiation...
Raw leafy greens are commonly associated with global foodborne outbreaks due to pathogenic contam... more Raw leafy greens are commonly associated with global foodborne outbreaks due to pathogenic contaminants. In the current study, greens, such as spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and mint (Mentha spicata L.) showed presence of coliforms (including E. coli) along with other aerobic microbes, yeast and molds. These vegetables mostly consumed in raw or culinary purpose, and hence increase the chances of food borne illnesses. Moreover, the leafy greens are perishable. In this context, we optimized a combination process including radiation treatment to achieve hygienization and shelf life extension of these leafy green vegetables. The combination treatment comprising potable water wash, chlorination (NaOCl-200 ppm) followed by irradiation (2 kGy using electron beam or gamma) was developed, and the processed samples showed keeping quality up to 15 days at 4-6C, whereas control samples spoiled within two days. The treatment resulted in coliform count below de...
Abstract Purpose: Current study was aimed to enhance the confidence of consumers as well as entre... more Abstract Purpose: Current study was aimed to enhance the confidence of consumers as well as entrepreneurs towards food irradiation program. Materials and methods: In this work, safety of high dose (25 kGy) irradiated meat samples (HDIMS) was ascertained by scoring mutation frequency through a long-term sub-culturing study in Escherichia coli MG1655 cells (ATCC 700926) up to 1500 generations (at 1%), 250 generations (at 5% and 10%) and human lymphoblast thymidine kinase heterozygote (TK6) cell line (ATCC CRL-8015) [at two gene loci, tk−/+ (thymidine kinase) and hprt+ (Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase)] up to 156 generations using goat meat sample. Also these samples were assayed at further radiation doses of 10, 45 and 70 kGy at 2% concentration (in cell line), and 1% (in E. coli). Study was also performed with other meat samples such as chicken, fishes (pomfret and rohu) and shrimps by carrying out limited long-term sub-culturing trials in human lymphoblast cell line. Mutation analysis was also carried out using a novel DPAR (Differential loss of Plasmid Antibiotic Resistance) assay followed by sequencing of tcR (tetracycline resistance) gene of pBR322 plasmid isolated from E. coli cells grown for 1500 generations on HDIMS medium and RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) analysis of the genome. Results and conclusion: None of the assays exhibited any induced mutation when analyzed at regular time intervals. RAPD analysis also did not indicate any change in its nucleotide sequence, ruling out the occurrence of any silent mutation. Thus, the present findings report absence of mutagenic effect of high dose irradiated meat samples.
Aconitum species have been traditionally used as ethnomedicine to cure various ailments. The pres... more Aconitum species have been traditionally used as ethnomedicine to cure various ailments. The present study reveals the morpho-phenology and antibacterial property of alkaloid extracts of the two Aconitum species. The morpho-phenological characteristics will be helpful for determining the resource availability. Aconitum nagarum is erect type, whereas, Aconitum elwesii is a climber. Aconitum elwesii grows in advance of A. nagarum in terms of growth, flowering and senescence. Towards the end of the year, when the fruits have ripened, the parent tuber dies off. As a result, the daughter tuber becomes independent and in the following spring, takes over the function of the parent tuber. Aconitum nagarum and A. elwesii were found to contain 4-5 aconitine equivalent (AE) mg/g of alkaloid. These alkaloids showed antibacterial activity against different bacterial species including human pathogens, namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Escherichia co...
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a natural carcinogen commonly present in food and feed which has deleterio... more Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a natural carcinogen commonly present in food and feed which has deleterious effects on human and animal health. Combination treatment of microwave heating and gamma irradiation has been investigated. Artificially spiked peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) were used with a concentration of 300 μg/kg of AFB1 to evaluate the treatment efficacy. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of AFB1 was carried out by one dimensional thin layer chromatography and enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Gamma irradiation (5, 7 and 9 kGy) alone reduced 20 to 43% of AFB1, while, only low power microwave heating (360, 480 and 600 W) reduced it by 59 to 67%. The synergistic effect of a combination treatment at 7 and 9 kGy of irradiation at any of the chosen microwave power levels and sequence of treatment was able to reduce >95% in artificially spiked peanuts. Knowing the limitation of ELISA, an Ames test was employed to determine the mutagenicity of AFB1 in com...
The effect of radiation processing on the germination of the sprout seeds mung (Phaseolus aureus)... more The effect of radiation processing on the germination of the sprout seeds mung (Phaseolus aureus), matki (Phaseolus aconitifolius), chana (Cicer arietinum), and vatana (Pisum sativum) in terms of percent germination, germination yield, sprout length, vitamin C content, and texture was investigated. Gradual decreases in the percent germination, germination yield, and sprout length with increases in radiation dose (0.5 to 2.0 kGy) were observed. Vitamin C content and texture remained unaffected for the seeds treated with doses of up to 2 kGy. To determine the efficacy of radiation treatment in elimination of foodborne pathogens, seeds inoculated with 4 log CFU/g of Salmonellla Typhimurium were treated with radiation doses of 1 and 2 kGy. A reduction in counts of Salmonella Typhimurium in inoculated seeds after radiation treatment was observed. A radiation dose of 2 kGy resulted in the complete elimination of 4 log CFU/g of Salmonella Typhimurium from the inoculated seeds. However, on ...
One isolate among the various bacterial soil isolates screened in our study showed broad spectrum... more One isolate among the various bacterial soil isolates screened in our study showed broad spectrum and profound antifungal activity and was characterized by biochemical and molecular approaches. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene indicated more than 98 % sequence similarity with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ATCC 23350T and its variant Bacillus velezensis BCRC 17467T. However, the biochemical characteristics of the isolated strain, such as cellular fatty acid composition, differed significantly from those of these two Bacillus strains, with the isolated strain containing anteiso-C15:0 (terminally branched saturated fatty acids) as a predominant fatty acid. The band pattern of the pulsed field gel electrophoresis profile of AvrII-digested genomic DNA of the isolate also showed significant variation from those of the two closely related Bacillus type strains. Based on these differences, the isolate was considered to be a new strain of B. amyloliquefaciens and deposited as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain fiply 3A in the Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH (DSMZ) culture collection (DSM 22646) and in MTCC, IMTECH, Chandigarh (DSM 22646). Purification of the extracellular antifungal compound produced by the isolate by HPLC and its analysis by LC-ESI-MS revealed it to be a bacillomycin D-like cyclic lipopeptide. The antifungal activity of the compound was found to be due to its inhibitory effect on β-1,3-glucan biosynthesis, a major fungal cell-wall component. Thus, we describe here the identification and characterization of a novel strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (fiply 3A) which produces antifungal lipopeptide and the deciphering of its mechanism of action.
In our earlier study, alkaloid extract from Aconitum nagarum root was reported for antibacterial ... more In our earlier study, alkaloid extract from Aconitum nagarum root was reported for antibacterial activity, where aconitine was identified as bioactive compound. The aim of the current study was to analyze the antibacterial activity of the root alkaloid extract of another important Aconitum species, namely Aconitum heterophyllum. This alkaloid extract showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus, B. bronchiseptica, B. subtilis, P. putida and X. campestris, while this activity was negligible against S. typhimurium, E. coli and P. fluorescence. The extract resolved to 9 bands and none of the band corresponded to aconitine in thin layer chromatography (TLC). These bands were eluted and analyzed for antibacterial activity. Most of the eluted bands displayed antibacterial activity, which was comparatively high with the fifth (Rf : 0.47) and ninth (Rf : 0.91) band. Mode of action of these eluted bands was cidal for S. aureus, B. bronchiseptica and B. subtilis, while the effect was stati...
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi in agricultural commodities.... more Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi in agricultural commodities. Mycotoxins can induce both acute and chronic effects on human and animal health, and hence it is important to control mycotoxin contamination in foods and feeds. Among all the analytical techniques available for mycotoxin detection, immunoassays offer higher sensitivity and specificity. These antigen–antibody–based assays include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, immunoradiometric assay, and radioimmunoassay. Recently, newer techniques are introduced that include enzyme-linked immuno-magnetic electrochemical array, lateral flow devices, and surface plasmon resonance immunobiosensors. Optical-based immunological techniques involve fiber-optic immunosensors and fluorescent polarization immunoassays. Most of these assays are rapid and can perform real-time analysis of mycotoxins.
Nasogastric liquid feed formulation (NGLF) was developed for immunocompromised patients who are v... more Nasogastric liquid feed formulation (NGLF) was developed for immunocompromised patients who are vulnerable targets of pathogenic assault. NGLF consisted of cereals, pulses, vegetables, and milk powder to provide balanced nutrients; however, the shelf life was only a few hours because this product was highly prone to microbial contamination and proliferation due to its high water content and rich nutrients. Postpreparation storage and distribution was very difficult, even at chilled temperatures. To overcome this problem, the NGLF was irradiated at various doses (2.5 to 10 kGy). Gamma irradiation at 10 kGy reduced the microbial load to nondetectable levels, and the product could be stored up to 1 month without any detectable increase in microbial load. The sensory evaluation did not indicate differences between the nonirradiated fresh, irradiated fresh, and stored samples. Nutritional quality in terms of total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, proteins, calories, vitamins A and C, and th...
International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 2011
... quality Vandan Nagar,1 Sachin N. Hajare,1 Sunil D. Saroj2 & Jayant R. Bandekar1* ... Ackn... more ... quality Vandan Nagar,1 Sachin N. Hajare,1 Sunil D. Saroj2 & Jayant R. Bandekar1* ... Acknowledgment We thank Kalpana Bagade for her able laboratory assistance during this project. References AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) (1990). ...
Minimally processed vegetables are in demand, because they offer convenience to consumers. Howeve... more Minimally processed vegetables are in demand, because they offer convenience to consumers. However, these products are often unsafe because of possible contamination with pathogens, such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Shigella species. Therefore, this study was carried out to optimize the radiation dose necessary to ensure the safety of precut carrot and cucumber. Decimal reduction doses (D-values) of Salmonella Typhimurium MTCC 98 were ca. 0.164 kGy in carrot samples and 0.178 kGy in cucumber samples. D-values of Listeria monocytogenes were determined to be 0.312 and 0.345 kGy in carrot and cucumber samples, respectively. Studies of inoculated, packaged, minimally processed carrot and cucumber samples showed that treatment with a 1-kGy dose of gamma radiation eliminated up to 4 log CFU/g of Salmonella Typhimurium and 3 log CFU/g of L. monocytogenes. However, treatment with a 2-kGy dose was necessary to eliminate these pathogens by 5 log CFU/g. Storage studies showed t...
A b s t r a c t Corn (Zea mays L.), one of the major cereal crops, is also a suitable substrate f... more A b s t r a c t Corn (Zea mays L.), one of the major cereal crops, is also a suitable substrate for growth, development and activity of aflatoxigenic fungi causing major yield and economic losses. Among the different preharvest preventive measures applied for control, the use of inherent resistance mechanisms of the host plant represents a promising strategy. With this aim, twenty-one Indian corn varieties were examined. The results of a laboratory Kernel Screening Assay revealed 4 varieties with strong fungal resistance. All the varieties were further subjected to a detailed analysis for an antifungal protein, namely 14 kDa trypsin inhibitor (TI). A PCR based detection method revealed the presence of trypsin inhibitor (TI) gene in all the varieties. Its concentration in different varieties was determined by estimating the K I, which was found to be 7.0 µg/ml. Two of the resistant varieties showed high levels of TI, which was relatively low in susceptible varieties. Hence, this prot...
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