Monitoring the Shelf-Life of Minimally Processed Fresh-Cut Apple Slices By Physical–Chemical Analysis and Electronic Nose

Fresh-cut apples, in slices or in cubes, are minimally processed products, which are currently collecting a great interest by fruit marketers for their promising diffusion. Their shelf life, from a microbiological point of view, has been fixed about 2 or 3 weeks under refrigeration. However in a few days they undergo biochemical degradations with production of off-flavors and texture breakdown. In this work, the change of aromatic fingerprint of apple slices packaged in air and in a modified atmosphere (with 100% N2) and stored at 4°C was measured, by using a commercial electronic nose. The obtained data were also compared with sensory evaluation of judge’s panel. Moreover, quality paramete…

FRUIT QUALITY EVALUATION OF FOUR LOQUAT CULTIVARS GROWN IN SICILY

Chemical (soluble solids content, titratable acidity, pH), morphological (weight, longitudinal and transversal diameter, thickness of the flesh, number of seeds, peel colour), and sensorial characteristics of four loquat cultivars (‘Algerie’, ‘Claudia’, ‘Nespolone di Trabia’ and ‘Sanfilippara’) from mature, organically-grown trees in Sicily, were analysed. The determinations were carried out by traditional instrumental techniques, by a panel test and by an electronic olfactory system. A panel of 10 trained judges was used to determine intensity of some attributes in the sensory profile of the different cultivars, while the electronic olfactory system was used to identify possible difference…

Bryophytes: a powerful source of biologically active compounds

Bryophytes are generally considered the first plants appeared on the Earth. Taxonomically, they are placed between Algae and Pteridophytes. The medicinal traditional use of bryophytes has been documented for a long time in many countries. Bryophytes contain numerous potentially useful compounds and strong antioxidative enzymatic machinery, which help them to cope up with extreme climates and stresses, and, in several cases, the total antioxidant amount was found higher than in other antioxidant common sources even if not yet fully known. Thus, a positive correlation between the folklore use and the scientific evaluation could generate an alternative source of novel medicinal compounds, whic…

Xyloglucan-based hydrogel film for wound dressing: Structure and biological properties relationships

Crosslinked xyloglucan-poly(vinyl alcohol) based hydrogel films have been synthetized and characterized for wound healing applications. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and glycerol (Gro) were added to have an optimal combination of softness, conformability and resilience. Physical hydrogel have been transformed into permanent covalent hydrogels by reaction with glutaraldehyde (GA). Chemical and physical properties of the films have been analyzed by different technique. Moreover, biocompatibility of a selected formulation was assessed in vitro by investigating different aspects, such as cell viability, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and specific stress biomarkers. Partial adhesiveness w…

Agarose/k-Carrageenan-based hydrogel films enriched with natural extracts for wound healing applications

Hydrogels are 3D hydrophilic networks that can hold significant amounts of water within their structure, without dissolving in water.

Agarose/k-Carrageenan-based hydrogel films enriched with natural extracts for wound healing applications

Hydrogels are 3D hydrophilic networks that can hold significant amounts of water within their structure, without dissolving in water. They can offer a combination of favorable properties, including high absorbency of biological fluids, biocompatibility, biodegradability, stimuli-responsiveness, high storage capacity and release ability of small and large therapeutic molecules. The hydrogel films designed for wound dressing may accomplish several functions, playing an important role in the healing processes. They can absorb and retain the wound exudates, stimulating fibroblast proliferation and keratinocyte migration and promoting re-epithelialization. Furthermore, they can incorporate and r…

Exploring nose-to-brain insulin delivery as a new strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

A growing body of evidence shows that Insulin, Insulin Receptor (IR) and IR signaling are involved in brain cognitive functions and their dysfunction is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) degeneration. Thus, administration of insulin could be a strategy for AD treatment. For this aim we designed, synthesized and characterized a nanogel system (NG) to deliver insulin to the brain, as a tool for the development of a new therapy for AD. A carboxyl-functionalized poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) nanogel system produced by high energy ionizing radiation was chosen as substrate for the covalent attachment of insulin or fluorescent molecules, relevant for its tracing

Contributory presentations/posters

Development and characterization of xyloglucan-poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel membrane for wireless smart wound dressings

Research which addresses advanced wound management can contribute to the needs of modern healthcare, especially in situations that require continuous monitoring, analysis, responsive therapeutic treatments and data recording. The development of “smart” bandages and dressings that can remotely monitor relevant parameters for the wound healing process without a hospital intervention can be very useful tools for patients and physicians and for advancing the understanding of the healing process. In the present work, biocompatible xyloglucan/poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels are being developed as smart wound dressings that, in addition to the traditional favorable properties of hydrogels as skin ca…