Marion Pereira da Costa

Dulce de Leche, a typical product of Latin America: characterisation by physicochemical, optical and instrumental methods.

The physicochemical profile of Dulce de Leche (DL) was determined by both routine analysis and others techniques (HPLC, GC-MS and ICP-OES). Seven Brazilian commercial brands were characterised for moisture content, protein, fat, ash, pH and titratable acidity, mineral content (sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus), colour parameters and instrumental analysis (carbohydrates content and volatile compounds). Overall, extensive variability among all the parameters evaluated were observed, suggesting different operational procedures in the dairy factories along the DL processing. In this sense, an increase of intrinsic quality of DL is related closely the standardization of operational parameters using during the manufacture.

Physicochemical evaluation of sheep milk yogurts containing different levels of inulin.

The present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of sheep milk yogurt smoothies (SMY) containing inulin at different levels (0, 2, 4, and 6%). Titratable acidity and pH, yogurt bacteria counts, fatty acids profile, and healthy lipid indices were evaluated during 28 d of refrigerated storage. As expected for yogurts, Streptococcus thermophilus counts decreased 1 to 3 log cycles and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus counts decreased 1 to 2 cycles from d 1 to 28. The protective effect of inulin on bacteria survival and viability in the food matrix was not verified in the prebiotic SMY during storage, regardless of inulin level. Although lower post-acidification was observed in prebiotic SMY due to inulin addition, no changes were verified in short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) or polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In contrast, an increase in medium- and long-chain fatty acids (MCFA and LCFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was observed during storage in all SMY. The most significant levels of fatty acids in SMY were oleic acid, followed by palmitic and myristic acids. A high positive correlation between conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and oleic acid (r=0.978) was observed. The cis-9,trans-11 CLA isomer represented approximately 78% of total PUFA and 2% of total fatty acids, whereas α-linoleic acid comprised about 22% PUFA and 1% of total fatty acids in SMY. The fatty acid changes during storage were associated with the metabolic activity of the starter bacteria, especially for oleic acid and cis-9,trans-11 CLA isomer. Thus, the SMY represented a great source of these compounds. We observed that inulin levels did not affect fatty acids. A nonsignificant decrease in atherogenic index was observed during storage in all SMY, and a positive correlation (r=0.973) was found between atherogenic index and thrombogenic index of SMY. High correlations were observed between lauric and myristic acids and saturated fatty acids (r=0.907 and r=0.894, respectively), providing evidence of their atherogenic and thrombogenic potential. A negative correlation was observed between stearic acid and atherogenic index (r=-0.612) and between oleic acid and atherogenic index. Sheep milk yogurt could be characterized as a food with low atherogenic and thrombogenic risk because of its healthy lipid composition. Therefore, addition of inulin to SMY could be a good option to improve functionality of this food matrix for dairy companies wishing to enter the functional food market.

Chromatographic Methods for the Determination of Carbohydrates and Organic Acids in Foods of Animal Origin

Carbohydrates are ubiquitous and range from simple monosaccharides to large complex polysaccharides. Organic acids are compounds with acidic properties. Both occur naturally in many foods and in fermented products. Organic acids are usually derived from the hydrolysis of carbohydrates by microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria. These bacteria convert carbohydrates into energy required for growth, since they are not equipped with the enzymes necessary for respiration and are unable to perform oxidative phosphorylation. Determination of carbohydrates and organic acids in foods of animal origin is important, since they contribute to flavor and texture. Their presence and proportions can affect the chemical and sensory characteristics of a food matrix and they can provide information on nutritional properties of food and the means to optimize selected technological processes. Furthermore, the levels of carbohydrate and organic acid are important to monitor bacterial growth and activity. Actually, these compounds can be quantified by several methods including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC). High-performance liquid chromatography has been widely used to analyze carbohydrates and nonvolatile organic acids, while gas chromatography has been used to determine the volatile organic acids in complex matrices. This contribution provides an overview of chromatographic methods (HPLC and GC) used to analyze carbohydrates and organic acids in foods of animal origin.

Simultaneous analysis of carbohydrates and organic acids by HPLC-DAD-RI for monitoring goat's milk yogurts fermentation

During yogurt manufacture, the lactose fermentation and organic acid production can be used to monitor the fermentation process by starter cultures and probiotic bacteria. In the present work, a simple, sensitive and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatography with dual detectors, diode array detector and refractive index was validated by simultaneous analysis of carbohydrates and organic acids in goat milk yogurts. In addition, pH and bacterial analysis were performed. Separation of all the compounds was performed on an Aminex HPX-87H column (300×7.8 mm, 9 µm) utilizing a 3 mmol L(-1) sulfuric acid aqueous mobile phase under isocratic conditions. Lactose, glucose, galactose, citric, lactic and formic acids were used to evaluate the following performance parameters: selectivity, linearity, precision, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), decision limits (CCα), detection capabilities (CCβ), recovery and robustness. For the method application a six goat milk yogurts were elaborated: natural, probiotic, prebiotic, symbiotic, cupuassu fruit pulp, and probiotic with cupuassu fruit pulp. The validated method presented an excellent selectivity with no significant matrix effect, and a broad linear study range with coefficients of determination higher than 0.995. The relative standard deviation was lower than 10% under repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility conditions for the studied analytes. The LOD of the method was defined from 0.001 to 0.003 µg g(-1), and the LOQ from 0.003 to 0.013 µg g(-1). The CCα was ranged from 0.032 to 0.943 µg g(-1), and the CCβ from 0.053 to 1.604 µg g(-1). The obtained recovery values were from 78% to 119%. In addition, the method exhibited an appropriate robustness for all parameter evaluated. Base in our data, it was concluded that the performance parameters demonstrated total method adequacy for the detection and quantification of carbohydrates and organic acids in goat milk yogurts. The application of the method was successfully applied to monitoring different goat milk yogurts during fermentation.

Cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum) pulp, probiotic, and prebiotic: Influence on color, apparent viscosity, and texture of goat milk yogurts

Cupuassu is an acidic fruit that has a characteristic aroma, flavor, and texture; its fiber-rich pulp can provide a different consistency than other fruit pulps. Goat milk is an excellent source of amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals, and is widely used for processing fermented milks, such as yogurt. However, compared with cow milk yogurts, it is difficult to make goat milk yogurts with a good consistency. Therefore, it is necessary to use certain technological strategies. This study was carried out to investigate the possibility of adding cupuassu pulp, probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5), and prebiotic (inulin) to improve the texture of goat milk yogurt. A total of 6 treatments were performed: natural (N), probiotic (Pro), prebiotic (Pre), synbiotic (S), cupuassu (C), and probiotic with cupuassu (PC). The viability of probiotic in yogurts (Pro, S, and PC) was evaluated. In addition, instrumental analyses (pH, color, apparent viscosity, and texture) were performed to evaluate the influence of these different ingredients on goat milk yogurts. The probiotic bacteria remained viable (≥7 log cfu·mL(-1)) throughout the 28d of refrigerated storage, which exceeded the minimum count required to confer probiotic physiological benefits. The pH levels of the yogurts inoculated with L. acidophilus (Pro, S, and PC) were lower than others yogurts (N, Pre, and C). However, all yogurt samples underwent gradual decreases in pH until 7 to 14d of storage. The lightness (L*) was affected initially by addition of all ingredients (cupuassu pulp, probiotic, and prebiotic). The addition of cupuassu pulp (C and PC) increased the L* during the period of storage. Apparent viscosity and firmness decreased in the PC yogurt. The consistency was highest in the yogurts with added prebiotic (Pre and S) than the other yogurts (N, Pro, C, and PC) at the end of the storage period (d 28). The cohesiveness remained constant in all yogurts (N, Pro, Pre, S, C, and PC). Based on the results obtained from the current study, it was concluded that cupuassu pulp addition improves the texture of goat milk yogurts. Therefore, this pulp could be an important technological strategy for the dairy goat industry.

Determination of biogenic amines by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) in probiotic cow's and goat's fermented milks and acceptance

This study evaluated the presence of biogenic amines in fermented cows and goats milks containing probiotic bacteria, during the first 10 days of chilled storage (4 ± 2°C), when the probiotic strains are most viable. The overall acceptance of both fermented milks, produced using the same starter culture and probiotics, was tested. In both products, the initially high levels of tyramine (560 mg kg−1 means for both fermented milks), the predominant biogenic amine, increased during the storage period, which may be considered this amine as a quality index for fermented milks. The other principal biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, and spermidine) were produced on days 1–5 of storage, and thereafter decreased. At the end of the 10th day, these amines, respectively, showed values of fermented cows milk 20.26, 29.09, 17.97, and 82.07 mg kg−1; and values of fermented goats milk 22.92, 29.09, 34.85, and 53.85 mg kg−1, in fermented cows and goats milk. Fermented cows milk was well accepted compared to fermented goats milk. The results suggested that the content of biogenic amines may be a criterion for selecting lactic acid bacteria used to produce fermented milks.

Fatty acid profiles of five farmed Brazilian freshwater fish species from different families

The proximate composition and fatty acid (FA) profiles of five Brazilian freshwater fish species, namely Brycon cephalus (BC), Cichla ocellaris (CO), Prochilodus lineatus (PL), Leporinus friderici (LF) and Pseudoplatystoma corruscans (PCO), were investigated. CO and LF exhibited the highest (p < 0.05) moisture content, as well as one of the lowest (p < 0.05) lipid values, whereas BC presented the lowest (p < 0.05) moisture and, alongside PL, the highest (p < 0.05) lipid content. The predominant FAs in the evaluated fish species were palmitic, oleic, linoleic and docosahexaenoic acids. BC and CO presented high n-3 PUFA content, especially DHA, and demonstrated superior nutritional quality indices compared to the other evaluated fish species. Furthermore, a significant relationship was observed among these species, suggesting they possess similar nutritional lipid values. Thus, BC and CO were proven to be an excellent matrix with relevant lipid quality, desirable for human health.

Development of HPLC-Fluorescence Method for the Determination ofIvermectin Residues in Commercial Milk

Objective: A study aimed at the validation of a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for detection and quantification of ivermectin (IVM) in commercial milk. Method: After a liquid-liquid extraction with acetonitrile and hexane, a derivatization with a mixture of trifluoroacetic acid and trifluoroacetic anhydride was performed. Chromatography conditions were a C8 column, a fluorescent detector (Ex. 360; Em. 470 nm), a run time of 25 minutes and an isocratic elution at 30°C. The methodology was validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, precision, recovery, limit of quantification (LoQ), limit of detection (LoD), and robustness. Results: The method showed an adequate linearity and selectivity (r2=0.999) with an elution time of 13.909 minutes. However, the repeatability and intermediate precision showed RSD values above of 20% and recovery between 37 to 79%. The calculated LoD and LoQ were 2.50 and 5.00 ng/ml respectively. Robustness showed a significant variation on the analytical method with small changes in heating time during the derivatization and flow rate of chromatography system. Conclusion: The HPLC-fluorescence method showed results partially satisfactory and could be the used for IVM detection in commercial milk samples.

Protein and Amino Acid Profiles of Different Whey Protein Supplements.

ABSTRACT Whey protein (WP) supplements have received increasing attention by consumers due to the high nutritional value of the proteins and amino acids they provide. However, some WP supplements may not contain the disclosed amounts of the ingredients listed on the label, compromising the nutritional quality and the effectiveness of these supplements. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the contents of total protein (TP), α-lactalbumin (α-LA), β-lactoglobulin (β-LG), free essential amino acids (free EAA), and free branched-chain amino acids (free BCAA), amongst different WP supplements produced by U.S. and Brazilian companies. Twenty commercial brands of WP supplements were selected, ten manufactured in U.S. (WP-USA) and ten in Brazil (WP-BRA). The TP was analyzed using the Kjeldahl method, while α-LA, β-LG, free EAA, and free BCAA were analyzed using HPLC system. There were higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of TP, α-LA, β-LG, and free BCAA in WP-USA supplements, as compared to the WP-BRA supplements; however, there was no difference (p > 0.05) in the content of free EAA between WP-USA and WP-BRA. Amongst the 20 brands evaluated, four WP-USA and seven WP-BRA had lower (p < 0.05) values of TP than those specified on the label. In conclusion, the WP-USA supplements exhibited better nutritional quality, evaluated by TP, α-LA, β-LG, and free BCAA when compared to WP-BRA.

Effect of different fat replacers on the physicochemical and instrumental analysis of low-fat cupuassu goat milk yogurts

The aim of this Research Communication was to investigate the changes in physicochemical, colour, apparent viscosity and texture properties in low-fat goat milk yogurts prepared with cupuassu pulp by the addition of inulin (SI), maltodextrin (SM), whey protein (SW) and skim milk powder (SP). Three batches of each cupuassu goat milk yogurt were prepared and analysed on the 1st day of storage by pH, proximate composition, colour, apparent viscosity, and texture. In comparison to yogurts from whole (W) or skimmed milk (S), all of the fat replacers improved the physicochemical properties (P < 0·05). The addition of the carbohydrates (inulin and maltodextrin) and proteins (whey protein and skim milk powder) also influenced the colour of the low-fat cupuassu goat milk yogurt (P < 0·05). All fat replacer treatments (SI, SM, SW and SP) presented a higher (P < 0·05) apparent viscosity than W and S yogurts. However, only the addition of skim milk powder increased the texture parameters (firmness and consistency) (P < 0·05). These results suggest that skim milk powder can be used to improve the texture properties of low-fat cupuassu goat milk. Furthermore, inulin, maltodextrin, and whey protein can potentially be applied in the goat dairy industry to increase the viscosity of yogurts.