Aneela Hameed

Determination of Aflatoxin M1 and Heavy Metals in Infant Formula Milk Brands Available in Pakistani Markets

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) after its bioconversion from aflatoxin B1 in animal liver becomes the part of milk while heavy metals get entry into milk and milk products during handling in the supply chain. Aflatoxin M1 and heavy metals being toxic compounds are needed to be monitored continuously to avoid any ailments among consumers of foods contaminated with such toxicants. Thirteen commercially available infant formula milk (IFM) brands available in Pakistani markets were analyzed for the quantitative determination of AFM1 and heavy metals through ELISA and atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively. AFM1 was found positive in 53.84% samples while 30.76% samples were found exceeding the maximum EU limit i.e. 0.025 μg/kg for AFM1 in IFM. Heavy metals lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were found below the detection limits in any of the sample, whereas the concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) ranged between 45.40-97.10, 29.72-113.50 and <0.001-50.90 μg/kg, respectively. The concentration of Fe in all the tested brands was found in normal ranges while the concentrations of Zn and Ni were found exceeding the standard norms. Elevated levels of AFM1, Zn and Ni in some of the tested IFM brands indicated that a diet completely based on these IFM brands might pose sever health implications in the most vulnerable community i.e., infants.

Lactation Responses toward Milk Indigenous Enzymes

Milk being a highly nutritious food in its natural form provides energy. There are various factors influencing the composition of milk: breed, stage of lactation, nutritional status, health, and milking intervals. A number of indigenous enzymes present in milk are being affected by stages of lactation period. Their concentration varies during early, mid and late lactation periods. This varied behavior ultimately affects the quality of dairy products. In this chapter, the level of milk enzymes: lipases and esterases, plasmin (PL), plasminogen (PLG) phosphatases (alkaline phosphatase ALP; acid phosphatase (ACP), lysozyme (LZ), lactoperoxidase (LP), xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), and catalase (CAT) will be reviewed with respect to the stages of lactation periods.

Magnetite (Fe3O4) - Synthesis, Functionalization and its Application

Nanoparticles are smaller than 100nm. Size of particle depends upon the method that is used for synthesis of nanoparticles. Magnetic nanoparticles consist of iron, cobalt and nickel and their chemical compounds. Their safety or toxicity is major concern for use in food. Magnetite, hematite and meghemite are types of magnetic nanoparticles. Magnetite (Fe3O4) common among the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle that is used in food industry. Magnetite is getting popular due to its super paramagnetic properties and lack of toxicity to humans. Different methods are used to synthesize magnetic nanoparticles. Upon contact with air these particles loses magnetism and mono-dispersibility. To overcome this problem these nanoparticles are coated with natural or synthetic polymers, metals, organic and inorganic substances to create stable and hydrophilic nanostructures. Due to easy separation with magnet these magnetic nanoparticles are used as an affinity probe to remove bacteria from different food samples and have food related applications e.g, protein purification, enzyme immobilization and food analysis. These magnetic nanoparticles also used for removal of heavy metals and used in medical field.