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Reducing Foodborne Bacteria Public Health Burden By Novel Compounds And Pressure-Based Technologies, Junice Alannah Sibley

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

Food safety strategies are being developed in the hopes of combating foodborne pathogens and their risks. Previous techniques and technologies are struggling to meet the needs of the public, leading to the demand for new, innovative methods. Mild high-pressure processing (HPP) of 350 MPa was used in a synergetic combination with mild heat of 60°C and the antimicrobial carvacrol for the decontamination of non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars that resulted in a >5 log CFU/mL reduction. Additionally, a secondary study was conducted comparing a single Salmonella Tennessee strain with a 4-strain Salmonella cocktail to examine sensitivity to pressure-based treatments resulting in a …

Acid And Sequential Acid–Alkali Extraction To Mitigate Enzyme Activity And Off-Flavors In Chickpea Protein: Implications On Structural, Functional, And Bioactive Properties, Kavitha Lakshmipathy, Sukanya Poddar, Nikitha Modupalli, Scott Lafontaine, Md Mahfuzur Rahman

Food Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Chickpea proteins offer significant nutritional and functional benefits in food products; however, their utilization is often restricted by off-flavors, primarily for lipoxygenase (LOX) and lipase activity. This study aims to develop a novel extraction method by combining acid (pH 2.0) extraction with the conventional alkali (pH 9.0) method to inactivate enzymes and enhance protein quality. Acid-extracted proteins exhibit the highest purity (83.4%), albumin content, and structural flexibility (46.65% random coil). Both acid and sequential acid-alkali-extracted proteins significantly reduced LOX (0.75 and 0.88 U/g) and lipase (0.10 and 0.08 U/g) activity. Acid extraction significantly lowers volatile compounds such as hexanal (0.0409 …

Exploring The Autofermented Cyanobacterial Crude Extract As Antimicrobial Animal Feed Additives., Mohana Krishnan Neelakrishnan

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

Overexploitation of antibiotics in the animal industry has driven the need for reduced usage, but this reduction has intensified the challenge posed by Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter jejuni to livestock systems and public health. This situation underlines the need for sustainable antimicrobial alternatives. Although cyanobacteria are promising in this respect, since they may produce a variety of bioactive metabolites, the amounts of these metabolites in their natural state are insufficient to elicit potent antibacterial action. In this study, autofermentation was investigated as a means of enhancing antibacterial efficacy in Fischerella ambigua and Nostoc muscorum by promoting the synthesis of organic …

Development And Evaluation Of Rhizoqol, A Quality-Of-Life Caregiver-Reported Survey For Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata, A Rare Peroxisomal Disorder, Mousumi Bose, Tahra C. Anglade, Chelsea I. Donlon, Adrian L. Kerrihard, Hila F. Berger, Ariel S. Berkowitz, Shawn A. Ritchie, Tara M. Smith

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Scholarship and Creative Works

Background: Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by symptoms such as respiratory dysfunction, seizures, orthopedic issues, and neurodevelopmental delay. Potential therapeutics for RCDP warrant the development of clinical outcome assessments to assess the efficacy of treatment and the well-being of patients. Our study aimed to develop a valid quality-of-life (QOL) caregiver-reported survey instrument, RhizoQOL, to be used as a supportive endpoint in RCDP clinical trials. Methods: Development of the RhizoQOL survey tool included three RCDP caregiver focus groups to elicit concepts to serve as potential domains in a QOL survey instrument for RCDP, pilot survey development …

Characterization Of Free Oxylipins In Extracellular Vesicles From Bovine Milk, Kai Filio

Food Science (MS) Theses

Background. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound nanostructures released by human and bovine mammary epithelial cells that carry bioactive lipids and oxidized lipid metabolites. Found in bovine milk, EVs contribute to immune modulation, gut health, and cellular signaling. However, gaps remain in understanding the full composition of milk-derived EVs and how processing alters EV content. This research aimed to characterize the free oxylipin content of EVs from bovine milk treated by pasteurization and homogenization. The hypothesis was that EVs from raw bovine milk would retain higher oxylipin levels than processed milk. Methods. Raw milk was treated by high-temperature short time (HTST), …

From Fruit To Nut: Revisiting Pili Nut (Canarium Ovatum Engl.) Production Capacities And Value-Adding Activities In Sorsogon, Philippines, Joey Richard V. Dio, Ryan V. Dio, Dulce Corazon F. Lacson

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The value chain of agricultural products significantly influences their profitability and socio-economic contribution. This study developed a descriptive model of the pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) nut value chain in Sorsogon, the primary producer in the Philippines, and the only province with large-scale commercial operations. Using a descriptive research approach, data were collected through purposive interviews with 15 key informants—farmers, processors, and traders—guided by Porter’s value-chain framework. Results indicate that Sorsogon produces about 3 times the quantity required daily (< 2,233 kg) by Bicol-based processors, leading to underutilization and post-harvest losses attributed to limited storage facilities and market linkages. The processing stage, which converts pili fruits into nuts and kernels, demonstrates the highest operational efficiency, while the trading stage remains constrained by limited market access. Stakeholders often perform overlapping functions, and traditional sun-drying methods remain common. Furthermore, an aging farming population, limited succession planning, and inconsistent implementation of food safety standards continue to pose challenges to industry growth. These inefficiencies result in reduced profitability and restrict expansion. Strengthening the value chain through improved processing systems, broader market integration, and streamlined production activities is necessary to enhance economic returns and support the sustainable growth of Sorsogon’s pili nut industry.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects In Apio Tuber, Jeehye Seo, Oluwatobi Amusat, Yu-Yun Wang, Annegret Jannasch, Sun-Ok Lee

Food Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Inflammation is a crucial component of the body’s defense system but can lead to chronic diseases when uncontrolled. Diets rich in anti-inflammatory compounds are recognized as an effective strategy for mitigating chronic inflammation. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of Apio (Arracacia xanthorrhiza), an underutilized Andean tuber. The goal of this study was to explore the health-promoting properties of Apio tuber, which could expand its commercial value to support local farmers and contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Phenolic compounds were extracted from white (WAT) and yellow Apio tuber (YAT), and Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity …

Using Color And Fluorescent Spectrometry As A New Rapid Cleaning Verification Method In Poultry Processing Plants, Clark Griscom

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The poultry industry is expected to be growing at 3% in the total global market with the U.S. being the largest producer of poultry meat. Poultry processing plants are expected to produce 140 birds per minute with the potential of up to 175 birds per minute to meet the market demand. With the growing market and need for faster production, maintaining food safety needs to be a priority to ensure the safety of consumers. Over 9.9 million foodborne illness cases are reported each year in the United States. A change in food safety is needed, and one area lacking is …

Micro-Greens, Not Micro-Yellows: Evaluating Dehydration-Based Preservation Techniques For Reducing Foodborne Pathogens And Quality Preservation On Microgreens, Travis S. Sananikone

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Microgreens are increasingly popular among consumers due to their high nutritional value. However, their limited shelf-life remains a significant challenge. To extend their usability, small-scale growers increasingly apply home preservation methods like warm air drying or freeze-drying. However, the effects of these methods on common foodborne pathogens are not well understood. Radish and alfalfa microgreens were inoculated with cocktails of Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes 4b (ca. 8.0 log CFU/g). Treatments included dehydration in a commercial dehydrator, freeze-drying (-20°C, 24 h), and convective drying in an oven (60°C for 4 h), and convective drying in an oven …

Defining The Causal Contribution Of The Gut Microbiota To Cardiomyopathy Pathogenesis As A Basis For Developing Microbiome-Targeted Therapies, Xu Shi

Department of Food Science and Technology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, placing substantial clinical and economic burdens on society. Although advances in therapy have improved patient outcomes, the biological mechanisms that drive HF onset and progression remain incompletely understood. Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota, the trillions of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a key role in some forms of heart disease, especially cardiovascular disease. Moreover, gut microbial dysbiosis has been associated with systemic inflammation, metabolic imbalance, and immune dysregulation, all of which contribute to the pathophysiology of HF. Cardiomyopathy, a primary disorder of the heart …

Development Of Databases For Glycan Utilization And Anti-Prokaryotic Defense In Microbiomes, Yuchen Yan

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Microbiomes in humans, animals, plants, and other environments are necessary components of the biosphere for global nutrient cycling and maintaining ecosystem balance. In particular, the gut microbiome plays an essential role in modulating human health through glycan utilization. Carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), CAZyme gene clusters (CGCs), and polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs) are key genomic features that determine microbial capacities for carbohydrate metabolism. Meanwhile, the arms race between phages and prokaryotes has led to the evolution of various anti-prokaryotic immune systems (APIS) in phages to counteract prokaryotic immune systems (PIS).

As bioinformatics methods used to analyze microbiome information advance rapidly, there is …

Assessing The Human Health Impacts Of Nutrient-Dense Diets: Clinical Trials On Regenerative Agriculture And Protein Source, Jennifer Jensen-Cloward

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Increasing consumer demand for sustainable, animal-friendly food options has sparked discussion about farming production practices. As more people prioritize their food choices, questions have circulated about how farming practices might impact not just the environment, but also human health. Regenerative agriculture is a farming method that has gained popularity for its potential to improve both food quality and environmental outcomes. It focuses on restoring ecosystem function, ultimately impacting the resulting nutrients in food products, and includes foods like grass-fed meat and organic produce. However, it is still unclear whether these practices make a difference in human health. This dissertation informs …

Understanding Impact Of Starter Culture Blends On The Ph Variation In Cheddar Cheese During Early Aging, Samuel J. Clarke

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Consumer expectations govern what is acceptable when it comes to the flavor, texture, and color of the cheese. These quality attributes of cheese are all influenced by the pH of the cheese which is in turn controlled by the acid production of the starter lactic acid bacteria (SLAB) used to make cheese. Whatever the final pH of the cheese is, is what determines the quality of the cheese. Unfortunately, there are some Cheddar cheese manufacturers that have observed pH variation during the early aging of their cheeses. We hypothesize that the addition of thermophilic, fast-acid producing bacteria, like Streptococcus thermophilus …

Dual-Stage Ultrasound Application For Rice Bran Protein Extraction: A Novel Method To Improve Yield, Functional Properties, And Nutritional Profile, Saydul Md Safwa, Nikitha Modupalli, Md Mahfuzur Rahman

Food Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

While ultrasound-assisted protein extraction is well-studied, the application of ultrasound in both the extraction and precipitation stages has not been explored. This study explored the ultrasound (U)-assisted alkaline extraction (AE) at pH 9.5 and ultrasound-assisted isoelectric precipitation (UIP) at pH 3.5 on the rice bran protein yield, functionality, and nutritional quality. The UAE and conventional precipitation (UAE-IP) yielded the highest protein yield of 65.7 %, while conventional extraction yielded 38.9 %. FTIR showed that UAE-IP increased beta-sheets by 96.8 % while AE-UIP decreased the alpha-helices by 42.4 %. Although UAE-IP showed no significant change in surface hydrophobicity, UAE-UIP decreased it …

A Novel Drying Technology Based On Supercritical Carbon Dioxide To Enhance The Functional Properties Of Red Lentil Proteins, Niveditha Asaithambi, Arda Tuhanioglu, Ali Ubeyito

Food Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Red lentils are protein-rich sources that are highly regarded in the plant-based food industry for their color. Appropriate drying methods are essential for maintaining the physicochemical and nutritional properties of the proteins. This study investigates the impact of three drying methods, namely oven drying, freeze-drying, and supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) drying, on the physicochemical and functional properties of red lentil proteins (RLP). SC-CO₂ drying was optimized at varying temperatures (35–55 °C), pressures (10–20 MPa), and CO₂ flow rates (2–3 L/min), with optimal drying observed at 55 °C, 20 MPa, and 3 L/min, resulting in significantly reduced moisture content (5.7 %). …

Effect Of Peracetic Acid Dip Frequency On The Quality And Functional Properties Of Non-Marinated And Marinated Broiler Tenderloins, Joaquin Jose Esquivel Vergara

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The poultry industry continues to balance the need for effective antimicrobial interventions with the preservation of meat quality. Among the most widely used antimicrobial agents, peracetic acid (PAA) has proven effective for reducing foodborne pathogens in poultry products. However, excessive or repeated exposure to PAA can influence meat functionality by altering protein structure, color, and water-holding capacity. Therefore, the broad objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of PAA dip frequency and post-treatment marination timing on the physicochemical and functional quality of broiler tenderloins (Pectoralis minor), in order to provide processing insights that optimize both microbial safety and …

Preserve The Harvest: Canning Goat Meat At Home, Callie Adams, Andrea Schmutz

All Current Publications

Due to its lean composition and nutritional profile similar to those of other tested meats, goat is well-suited for pressure canning. Follow USDA and Utah State University (USU) Extension altitude guidelines. This fact sheet provides guidelines for selecting high-quality meat, using proper equipment, and adhering to tested methods. Home canners can safely preserve goat meat and enjoy its benefits year-round.

Valorization Of Rice Bran For Functional Bioplastic Fabrication Using Plasma-Activated Water, Saydul Md Safwa, Muhammad Nazrul Islam, Keisha B. Walters, Md Mahfuzur Rahman

Food Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

While plasma has been used for decades for the surface modification of packaging films, in this study, rice bran (RB) and rice bran protein (RBP) films were developed using plasma-activated water (PAW), and the chemical composition, surface structure modifications, surface properties, and thermal properties of these films were characterized. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of the bran and protein films showed that the reactive species in PAW improved hydrogen bonding, as evidenced by the increase in the O-H stretching band at 3300 cm-1 and reduced peak intensity at 2940-2925 cm-1 (C-H stretching), suggesting oxidation of the aliphatic side chains. For the …

The Role Of Nutrition-Sensitive Interventions In Improving Nutritional Outcomes: Findings From A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Thomas De Hoop, Adria Molotsky, Rebecca Walcott, Pablo Gaitán-Rossi, Sonia Hernández-Cordero, Amos Laar, Torben Behmer, Hoa Thi Mai Nguyen, Averi Chakrabarti, Garima Siwach, Varsha Ranjit, Vania Lara-Mejía, Bianca Franco-Lares, Mireya Vilar-Compte

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Scholarship and Creative Works

Background

Maternal and child undernutrition remains a major global health concern despite modest progress. Accelerating reductions in stunting and wasting will require increased investments in nutrition-sensitive interventions, which target nutrition impacts outside of the healthcare setting. This review examines the effects of four types of nutrition-sensitive interventions —cash/food transfers, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, water/sanitation/hygiene, and school nutrition— on maternal and child nutrition outcomes and dietary diversity.

Methods

We synthesized the evidence using an initial broad search and synthesis for nutrition-sensitive interventions, followed by targeted searches and syntheses for specific interventions and nutrition outcomes. Meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the impacts of cash …

Advances In The Discovery Of Active Natural Products By Large Fragment Cloning, Dandan Zeng, Jiayu Chen, Tianlu Mo

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

Active natural products have diverse structures and activities and can be a major source of small molecule drugs.Given the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria and superbacteria,there is an urgent need to develop new active natural products.Large fragment cloning has been an important tool for the discovery of active natural products in recent years,and it has demonstrated obvious advantages in obtaining the biosynthetic gene clusters of active natural products.This approach,combined with efficient cluster-targeted screening methods,has significantly accelerated the discovery of active natural products.This review summarizes a wide variety of active natural products.Furthermore,this paper elaborates on the principles and applications of several …

Bacterial Diversity In Milk And Traditionally Fermented Dairy Products In Balin Right Banner, Lijuan Liu, Gaowa Bai, Jinghe Yu, Fang Wang, Youyi Zhang, Li Zhu, Dalai Wuyun

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study explored the bacterial diversity in milk and traditional fermented dairy products in Balin Right Banner,aiming to lay a foundation for the development and utilization of bacterial resources in the milk and traditional fermented dairy products in this region.[Method ] A total of 32 samples of cow milk,milk tofu,and sour fermentation supernatant of milk tofu were collected from Balin Right Banner,and their bacterial diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing.[Result ] The diversity and abundance of bacterial communities varied among the milk and traditional fermented dairy products in Balin Right Banner.The dominant bacterial phyla were Firmicutes …

Establishment Of A Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Sensor Nh 2-Mwcnts@ 4-Fpba For The Detection Of Epidermal Growth Factor In Dairy Products, Ruyue Zhang, Yiwei Wang, Hongxiu Zeng, Bini Wang, Fuxin Zhang, Zhenquan Huo, Yufang Liu

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to develop a rapid and accurate method for detecting epidermal growth factor (EGF ).[Method ] 4-Formylphenylboronic acid (4-FPBA ) was covalently anchored to the surface of aminocarbon nanotubes (NH 2-MWCNTs ) to synthesize nanocomposites (NH 2-MWCNTs@ 4-FPBA ),and NH 2-MWCNTs@ 4-FPBA was modified on a glassy carbon electrode.When EGF was present,4-FPBA captured the EGF template through benzaldehyde,and then the electrode was immersed in pyrrole solution to electropolymerize to form a pyrrole molecularly imprinted layer.Finally,after dissociation and removal of the EGF template in an acidic solution,a three-dimensional cavity complementary to the EGF template was formed.[Result ] …

Effects Of Α-Amylase Addition On The Characteristics Of Infant Rice Flour, Huihui Liu, Zhiyong Dai, Mengyi Li, Jiao Peng, Xing Meng, Luyan Liao, Rongbin Zhang

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to investigate the effects of α-amylase addition on the characteristics of infant rice flour.[Method ] Infant rice flour samples with different α-amylase addition were prepared.The basic composition,relative molecular mass of starch,gelatinization properties,hydration properties,texture properties,in vitro digestion characteristics,and microstructure of infant rice flour were determined.Furthermore,the correlations between the physicochemical characteristics and quality characteristics of infant rice flour were analyzed.[Result ] The weight-averaged molecular weight and the number-averaged molecular weight of starch in infant rice flour decreased with the increase in α-amylase addition.The gelatinization curve of infant rice flour with α-amylase addition was relatively gentle,and the gelatinization …

Effects Of Shaping And Baking Processes On The Antioxidant Activity Of Round Roasted Green Tea, Jun Liu, Gong Feng, Rong Tan, Weihong Huang

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study investigated the effects of shaping and baking processes on the antioxidant activity of round roasted green tea,aiming to provide theoretical support and practical reference for improving the quality and optimizing the processing techniques of green tea.[Method ] The influences of different processing stages and key procedures such as shaping and baking on the antioxidant activity of round roasted green tea were studied.A zebrafish model (in vivo ) and multiple indexes including DPPH radical scavenging rate,ABTS ⁺ radical scavenging rate,and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP ) were employed for comprehensive evaluation of the antioxidant activity.[Result ] …

Effects And Mechanisms Of Phytosterol-Oil Bodies Emulsion On Lipid Metabolism Of Caenorhabditis Elegans, Jie Sun, Mengyuan Yuan, Yifei Liu, Fuyao Zhang, Zhuofan Yang, Guoyou Yin

Journal of Food Science and Biotechnology

[Objective ] This study aims to explore the lipid-lowering effects of the phytosterol-oil bodies emulsion (POE ).[Method ] Caenorhabditis elegans was taken as a model to evaluate the effects of POE on lipid metabolism,physiological indexes,and expression of genes associated with oxidative stress and fat metabolism.[Result ] Compared with the control group,different mass concentrations of POE reduced the mass fraction of fat (P<0.01) and the relative content of triglycerides (P<0.05),without toxicity to the growth and development of C.elegans (P<0.01).At the same time,it significantly reduced the level of reactive oxygen species and increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes.In addition,POE affected the expression levels of genes related to fat metabolism.qPCR results showed that POE up-regulated the mRNA level of sbp-1,while down-regulating the mRNA levels of fat-2,nhr-80,and fat-5 (P<0.05).[Conclusion ] POE may improve lipid metabolism by slowing fat deposition,regulating the fat peroxidation pathway,and alleviating oxidative stress in C.elegans.

Nanofiber-Enabled Rapid And Non-Destructive Sensors For Meat Quality And Shelf-Life Monitoring: A Review, Karna Ramachandraiah, Elizabeth M. Martin, Alya Limayem

Food Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The meat industry faces significant economic losses and environmental impacts due to spoilage and waste, much of which results from inadequate, delayed, or inefficient quality assessment. Traditional methods used for assessing meat quality are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and lack the ability to provide real-time information, making them insufficient for modern supply chains that demand safety, freshness, and minimal waste. Recent advances in nanotechnology position nanofibers (NFs) as promising materials for addressing these challenges through smart sensing and active packaging. NFs, characterized by their high surface-to-volume ratio, tunable porosity, and small diameter, enable superior encapsulation and immobilization of sensing agents. These …

Losing Focus In The Age Of Tik Tok: Clinical Evidence For Policy Action On Social Media Use, Megan Conefrey, Robert Griffin

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Tracking Livestock Heart Rate & Location Using Long-Range Radio Networks. An Immediate Solution For Farms Without Reliable Wi-Fi, Dermott Harkin, Martin Bradley

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Voices Matter: Tackling Accentism In Ireland. A Study Addressing Accent-Based Discrimination Awareness In Education, Sadhbh Reddington, Victoria Graham, Holly Jordan, Mairead Moriarty

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Income Inequality And Attitudes Towards Immigrants – How Increased Inequality Drives Division, Niamh Anderson, Vincent O'Sullivan

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.