Food Science Commons^™

The Plastic Footprint Of Sugar: Microplastic Contamination In Bangladesh’S Commercial Sugar, Sadia Afrin, Nayon Hossain, Mostafizur Rahman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The presence of microplastics (MPs) in food has emerged as an environmental and public health concern, yet evidence regarding their occurrence in refined dietary commodities remains limited. This study assesses microplastic contamination in commercially available sugar and estimates the daily intake of MPs. Seven branded and non-branded sugar products were analysed using stereomicroscopy for particle characterization and FTIR spectroscopy for polymer identification. Microplastics were detected in 95% of samples, with concentrations ranging from 210 to 508 particles/kg. Branded sugar contained 322 ± 109.53 particles/kg, while non-branded sugar exhibited 403 ± 148.5 particles/kg, indicating comparatively higher contamination in freely available market …

Bridging The Gap In Science Research: Preparing Students For College- Level Research In The Sciences, Victoria Helwig, Yaoguang Li

UConn Library Presentations

Many first-year students enter college unprepared to fully engage with scientific literature and academic library resources. Drawing on experiences from academic librarians working with STEM students, this session explores common gaps in science research skills, including navigating databases, identifying scholarly sources, and understanding the structure of scientific literature. Participants will be introduced to practical strategies and classroom-ready activities to better prepare students for college-level research. Discussion questions: What science research skills do students struggle with most when entering college? How can high school instruction better support these skills? Where can librarians and educators collaborate to support student success?

Comparison Of Methods For Defatted Human Milk And Nutrient Composition: An Experimental Study, Kristin Cheng, Gina O'Toole, Stephanie Chang, Richard Chang, John Miklavcic

Food Science Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Human milk is considered the gold standard for infant nutrition; however, it is often discontinued in chylothorax and severe very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency. As an alternative to complete human milk restriction, defatted human milk may be fed, though it may not fully support optimal infant growth and development. This study aimed to assess the micronutrient profile of defatted human milk.

Methods

Human milk was obtained from UCSD Human Milk Research Biorepository (San Diego, CA). Thirty samples representing 10 independent expressions in the morning, afternoon, and evening were pooled for analysis. Fat removal was performed by centrifugation at …

Data For Post-Retail Application Of Chitosan Coating And Uv-C Irradiation: Effects On Strawberry Shelf Life, Microbial Quality, And Consumer Acceptance, Jonathan Kershaw

ScholarsArchive Data

Food waste is a global issue with significant environmental, economic, and human health impacts. The largest share of household and retail food waste comes from fresh produce, much of which is still edible at the time of disposal. While previous work has investigated shelf-life extension technologies applied on freshly harvested produce, almost no studies have investigated the efficacy of these treatments when applied to post-retail produce. This study investigated the effect of UV-C exposure and chitosan coating on the quality, microbial load, and visual acceptance of post-retail strawberries. Strawberries were assigned to low dose UV-C, chitosan dip, or one of …

Evaluating Variety- And Market-Class-Specific Effects Of Dietary Pulses On Human Health, Jiayu Tang

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

While pulses are globally recognized for their high levels of dietary fibers, protein, and polyphenols, research often focuses on characterizing the physiological effects of a single variety. This approach overlooks the substantial genetic and compositional diversity that exists across pulse varieties and individual market classes, which can differ extensively in nutrient content and structure. These compositional differences have the potential to produce distinct physiological and microbial responses in humans, yet variety- and market-class-specific effects remain poorly characterized.

This thesis uses two complementary research methodologies to investigate the health-relevant effects of different pulse varieties and market classes, providing foundational knowledge to …

Valorisation Potential Of Microalgae As A Sustainable Source Of Lipids And Health Promoting Compounds, Bozena Mccarthy

Theses

The transition toward a circular bioeconomy requires sustainable strategies for managing and valorising food industry effluents while reducing reliance on environmentally damaging raw materials such as palm oil, which is associated with deforestation, biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions. Microalgae represent a promising platform for converting nutrient rich industrial by-products into biomass and high-value compounds for food, nutraceutical and bio-based applications. Dairy processing generates large quantities of whey, creating environmental challenges due to its high organic load. Improved whey treatment and valorisation strategies are therefore essential for enhancing sustainability in food production systems. In this study, the biomass productivity …

Proteomic Evidence Indicates Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Enhances Recovery Of Membrane-Associated Proteins In Hericium Erinaceus, Tanvir Ahmed, Angéla Juhász, Utpal Bose, Netsanet Shiferaw Terefe, Michelle L. Colgrave

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Membrane-associated fungal proteins mediate essential functions and contain bioactive proteins with therapeutic potential but are underrepresented in aqueous extracts due to hydrophobicity and lipid associations. Ultrasound-assisted aqueous extraction was applied to Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), and the proteins were fractionated by molecular weight (≥30 kDa, 10–30 kDa, 3–10 kDa). Proteomic profiling using data-dependent (DDA) and data-independent (DIA) mass spectrometry identified 1500 and 1702 proteins, respectively (1% global FDR). Ultrasonication induced surface irregularity and a less compact, heterogeneous microstructure. Topology predictions showed higher proportions of transmembrane and secretory proteins in ultrasonicated fractions. Extraction preserved protein integrity (82% molecular-weight retention, 97% tryptic …

Soil Health Analysis (Lesson 2), Mara Johnson, Madhav P. Nepal, Jiyul Chang

iLEARN Teaching Resources

In this lesson, students will build on the previous lesson (reading and analyzing the Three Sisters chapter from Braiding Sweetgrass) by experimenting on soil in their schoolyard. Students will collect soil samples from multiple locations around their school grounds and evaluate soil texture, structure, infiltration, color, organic matter, and pH. Students Through field observations and laboratory analysis, students examine how soil characteristics influence plant growth and ecosystem health. Students connect modern soil science with Indigenous agricultural knowledge, particularly the Three Sisters planting system described in Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. By exploring how healthy soil supports sustainable agriculture, …

Limitations And Alternative Applications Of Carbohydrate Fatty Acid Esters As Food Antimicrobials: A Review, Valeria Rodríguez Monge, Namhyeon Park

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science Student Research

Carbohydrate fatty acid esters (CFAs) are nontoxic food additives with reported antimicrobial activity and growing interest as a potential safer alternative to conventional preservatives. However, their translation into real food systems remains limited. This review examined the main factors that restrict the antimicrobial performance of CFAs in foods and evaluated emerging alternative applications, particularly edible coatings, antibiofilm strategies, and synergistic combinations with other cleaning agents or processing techniques. Overall, the available evidence indicates that the antimicrobial efficacy of CFAs is often reduced in real food matrices compared with in vitro conditions. This loss of activity has been mainly associated with …

Roots And Greens: Discovering The Power Of Indigenous Produce, Abiodun T. Atoloye, Sherif O. Olasoji, Ebunoluwa G. Ibidapo

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Courseware

The curriculum was designed in alignment with the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML), Empowerment Theory (ET), and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) frameworks. These frameworks were used to determine the selection and sequencing of learning activities. As reflected in CTML principles, the use of texts, images, infographics, and videos enhances knowledge retention and information comprehension and helps prevent cognitive overload. Through activities, homework, and family engagement, the principles of ET were incorporated into the curriculum to facilitate participants’ perceived control over food-related decisions. Additionally, by applying the principles of SCT, the curriculum incorporates scenario-based questions, opportunities to engage with peers, …

Preserving The Harvest: How To Preserve Chokecherries, Callahan K. Adams, Andrea Schmutz

All Current Publications

A treasured wild fruit in Utah and across the Intermountain West, chokecherries offer both cultural heritage and culinary versatility. With proper handling and research-tested preservation methods, you can safely transform them into delicious jellies, syrups, and more. Whether using a steam juicer or stovetop method, following tested recipes and adjusting for elevation ensures both safety and quality. This fact sheet provides information and recipes to safely preserve chokecherries.

Proteomics And Alkaloid Signature Of Narrow Leaf Lupin Leaves Reveal Key Enzymes In Quinolizidine Alkaloid Biosynthesis And Transportation, Tawfeek Khedr, Ling Ling Gao, Lars G. Kamphuis, Utpal Bose, Mitchell G. Nye-Wood, Angéla Juhász, Michelle L. Colgrave

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs) are toxic secondary metabolites in narrow-leafed lupin that defend against herbivores but constrain food and feed use. We developed a single-sample multiomics workflow for simultaneous extraction and quantitative analysis of QAs and proteins from individual leaves using urea/thiourea/CHAPS extraction with acetone precipitation, validated for QA quantification by LC–MS/MS. Data-independent acquisition proteomics of eight lupin accessions (four bitter, four sweet) identified 4437 proteins, with 183 differing significantly between bitter and sweet groups. Bitter accessions were enriched in lysine biosynthesis and stress-response pathways, whereas sweet accessions showed enrichment in phenylpropanoid and other defense-related processes. Coexpression network analysis linked protein …

Solvent-Dependent Proteome Profiling In Edible Mushrooms (Hypsizygus Marmoreus And Agaricus Bisporus), Tanvir Ahmed, O'Lone, Angéla Juhász, Utpal Bose, Kenneth U. Agbo, Netsanet Shiferaw Terefe, Michelle L. Colgrave

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study compared five solvents - urea, carbonate-bicarbonate, citrate, phosphate, and water - for their ability to extract proteins from beech (BM) (Hypsizygus marmoreus) and Swiss brown (SB) (Agaricus bisporus) mushrooms. Using mass spectrometry-based proteomics and bioinformatics, we found that urea produced the highest total protein identifications by data-dependent acquisition at 1% false discovery rate (FDR): BM: 1739, SB: 1907; and by data-independent acquisition: BM: 1969, SB: 2172 proteins, especially enriching cytosolic and ribosomal proteins. Carbonate-bicarbonate favoured the extraction of metabolic and translational proteins, while citrate targeted extracellular and membrane-associated proteins related to cell wall dynamics. Phosphate-enriched catalytically active proteins, …

Lipid Deposition In Beef Cattle, Kyra L. Elliott

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Both the amount and types of lipid deposition in beef cattle are key determinants of carcass value and meat quality. Amounts of intramuscular, subcutaneous, and visceral fat influence carcass grading outcomes, palatability, and composition traits that are important to beef producers as well as consumers. The objectives of this thesis were to: 1) compare beef grading camera estimates of intramuscular fat to amounts of chemically extractable lipid, 2) characterize the lipidomes of beef intramuscular fat, subcutaneous fat, and lean muscle using shotgun lipidomics, and 3) identify and characterize a novel genetic variant in cattle that may have important implications for …

Application Of High-Pressure Processing To Improve The Color Of Dark Beef, Kara Ann Reynolds

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Deviation of beef from the bright cherry-red color preferred by consumers is often discounted or discarded at retail, resulting in substantial annual economic loss to the beef industry. One such deviation is dark cutting beef, which is characterized by a darker lean appearance that is undesirable to consumers and often rejected. Similarly, beef from mature cattle tends to exhibit a darker surface color, which can also reduce consumer acceptability. High-Pressure processing (HPP) has been investigated as a strategy to improve the color of dark cutting beef. Previous studies have focused on identifying pressure levels and holding times that optimize color …

Advancing Targeted Food Allergen Detection: Extraction Optimization And Sample Preparation Method Comparison Using Lc-Ms/Ms, Zhenhao Wang

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

Accurate quantification of food allergens in processed foods by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) requires effective protein extraction and sample cleanup. However, no single sample preparation workflow has shown consistent performance across diverse food matrices. This study evaluated extraction buffer formulations and post-extraction cleanup strategies for quantification of milk, soy, and peanut allergens in multiple processed food matrices.

Six extraction buffers with varying combinations of SDS, urea, and thiourea alongside a common Tris-HCl/DTT/PVPP base were evaluated across five food matrices. No significant differences in extraction efficiency were observed among buffer formulations for nonfat dry milk (NFDM), non-roasted soy flour, peanut …

Arkansas Soybean Research Studies 2024, Jeremy Ross

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

The 2024 Arkansas Soybean Research Studies includes research reports on topics pertaining to soybean across several disciplines from breeding to post-harvest processing. Research reports contained in this publication may represent preliminary or only data from a single year or limited results; therefore, these results should not be used as a basis for long-term recommendations. Several research reports in this publication will appear in other University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station publications. This duplication is the result of the overlap in research coverage between disciplines and our effort to inform Arkansas soybean producers of the research being …

Food Insecurity On College Campus, Erika Islao, Izzy Green, Rachel Stone, Ariana Messer

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Food Insecurity can affect certain groups more than others. At the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University we've observed it in international students, student-athletes, and those without transportation. Although CSBSJU offers several dining options, it can still be difficult for students to access meals due to limited availability during breaks, limited dining hours for student-athletes, and transportation barriers. This paper examines how food insecurity and nutrition insecurity impact students’ overall well-being while also exploring how these challenges appear within the CSBSJU community. Research shows that students experiencing food insecurity often report higher stress levels, and lower academic engagement. …

Mechanistic Insights Into Enterolactone-Mediated Glut4-Dependent Glucose Uptake, Merritt Smith

Senior Honors Theses

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with approximately 25% of healthcare expenditures directed toward its management and associated metabolic complications. In response to the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies, recent research has focused on bioactive compounds derived from dietary sources. In light of that, we identified the plant lignan matairesinol (MA) and its gut-derived metabolite, enterolactone (ENL), as agents capable of enhancing glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes. These results suggest that enterolactone may represent a promising dietary supplement for improving glycemic control in patients with …

Detection And Quantification Of Allergen Cross-Contact In Shared Frying Oil Using Targeted Mass Spectrometry, Francisca Asigri

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

Cow’s milk and egg allergies are prevalent IgE-mediated food allergies that pose significant public health concerns worldwide. Although strict avoidance remains the primary management strategy, unintended exposure can still occur through allergen cross-contact, particularly in commercial and industrial food operations that utilize shared frying oils. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify allergen transfer in shared frying oil and assess the robustness of existing targeted mass spectrometry methods (LC-MS/MS) for detecting milk and egg proteins in heated oil matrices.

Heated oil spikes were developed by incorporating non-fat dry milk (NFDM) and whole egg powder (WEP) into oil …

Utah Altitude Adjustments For Home Canning, Margie Memmott, Ariel Petersen, Callahan Adams, Andrea Schmutz

All Current Publications

Knowing your altitude is critical for canning. Safe home food preservation depends on adjusting processing times and pressures for altitude. This fact sheet provides a county-by-county and town-by-town listing of elevations across Utah, paired with the boiling-water and pressure canner adjustments recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Center for Home Food Preservation. By referencing this resource, Extension educators, food preservation instructors, and home canners can quickly identify the correct processing adjustment for their location.

Exploring The Influence Of Environmental Motivations On Consumer Attitudes And Purchase Intentions Toward Upcycled Foods, Peng Lu, Jennifer Waldeck, Keith Weber, Hualu Zhou

Communication Faculty Articles and Research

Food loss and waste (FLW) present pressing environmental and economic challenges. Upcycling technologies provide a sustainable pathway by transforming food by-products into value-added products; however, consumer acceptance remains a critical barrier. Guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this study investigates how environmental motivations influence consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions toward milk enriched with upcycled peanut skins. Data were collected from a nationally representative sample of 1488 U.S. adults. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test hypothesized relationships among motivational constructs, and cluster analysis was used to identify consumer segments based on motivational profiles. The results show that intrinsic motivation and …

Alternative Tree Species For Utah Syrup Production, Abigail Porter, Steven Price, Youping Sun, Darren Mcavoy

All Current Publications

When thinking about producing syrup from trees, most people's minds go straight to maple trees. However, a variety of other species in the Intermountain West can be tapped for sap, including other maple species, birch, sycamore, aspen, and walnut. This fact sheet reviews alternative tree species for syrup production in Utah.

Evaluating The Printability And Digestibility Of 3d-Printed Pea-Sorghum Protein Gels, Sorour Barekat, Ali Ubeyitogullari

Food Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study explored the 3D printability and digestibility of pea and sorghum protein gels as novel plant-based bioinks. First, 25 % sorghum protein gel (SPG25) and 15–25 % pea protein gels were prepared, and the effect of extruders’ nozzle size on printability was evaluated. Samples produced at the optimized conditions were then used for analyzing particle size, microstructure, secondary structure, and in vitro digestibility. Pea protein gel at 20 % (w/w) (PPG20) and SPG25 showed ideal rheological properties, including shear-thinning behavior and rapid recovery. Dual-nozzle 3D printing was optimized at a nozzle diameter of 0.52 mm and a speed of …

Development Of Antimicrobial Food Packaging Films Based On Electrospun Polycaprolactone Nanofibers Encapsulating Thyme Oil Nanoemulsions, Mahfuzur Rahman, Abdus Sobhan, Hari Kotturi, Sarder Sadique, Morshed Khandaker

Publications

This study developed and characterized a novel antimicrobial food packaging film fabricated from electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers incorporated with thyme oil nanoemulsions (TONEs). The concentration of TONEs in the film ranged from 2.5 to 15 % (v/v). The physicochemical properties, including pH, viscosity, and water absorption of the film were evaluated, with results showing favorable values (TONEs pH ≈ 5.46, viscosity ≈ 0.26 cP, contact angle ≈ 109-127⁰ and water absorption ≈ 21.47 %). The microstructure of the film was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed the uniform dispersion of TONEs within the PCL nanofibrous matrix, with …

Utah Farmers Markets Impact Report: Strengthening Local Food Systems, Economic Resilience, And Community Well-Being, Jaclyn Pace, Steven Price, Roslynn Brain-Mccann, Joshua Cafferty, Blue Cook

All Current Publications

Utah's farmers markets are more than places to shop — they are essential community infrastructure. With more than 60 markets in operation across the state, people rely on their local market for food, leisure, and community connection. From 2023–2025, the Utah Farmers Market Network (UFMN) and Utah State University (USU) Extension led a three-year, mixed-methods evaluation to document the economic and social contributions of farmers markets across the state. Over three market seasons, more than 230,000 customer responses were collected at markets in St. George, Cedar City, Hurricane, Ogden, Murray, Wheeler Farm, Millcreek, Downtown Salt Lake City, and Price — …

Alkaline And Acid Extraction Of An L-Tryptophan–Sunflower Flour Red Colorant: Production, Characterization, And Utilization, Spencer Nguyen, Marissa Wong, Lilian Were Senger

Food Science Faculty Articles and Research

The objective was to produce and characterize a red colorant resulting from interaction of sunflower-derived chlorogenic acid with L-tryptophan/Trp and to evaluate its applications. Yield, intensity, solubility, stability, protein, and metal content of colorants from pH 9 and pH 11 lyophilized sunflower flour- Trp colorants were measured. Red color formation took < 3 h with alkalization and subsequent acidification. The sunflower flour: Trp mixture ratio that produced the greatest redness was 10:2. The highest red pigment was in supernatants and not the precipitates. The red colorant intensity and solubility were highest at neutral pH when compared to acidic pH solutions. The color stability of the new red colorant in icing and refrigerated whole milk matrices, when assessed weekly for a month, showed no color change in refrigerated milk. After 30 min of incubation at 63 °C, pinkness in milk remained unchanged or increased. The pink color, however, faded in icing over time due to exposure to light. The present study established a new natural red colorant developed from sunflower protein-Trp mixtures at alkaline pH, as well as its application in icings and whole milk for commercial strawberry milk products. This colorant could serve as a replacement for the synthetic petroleum-based Red 3.

Electric Pressure Cookers: What You Need To Know, Callahan Adams, Emily Smith

All Current Publications

Electric pressure cookers (EPCs) offer convenience, versatility, and efficiency in everyday cooking. EPCs offer multiple cooking functions beyond pressure cooking, including sautéing, slow cooking, steaming, cooking rice, and preparing yogurt. They are not suitable for pressure canning, as confirmed by multiple Extension research studies and national guidelines. When used properly, EPCs provide a safe and effective way to prepare meals quickly while saving counter and storage space.

From Waste To Sustainability: Exploring Consumer Purchase Intentions Of Milk Enriched With Upcycled Peanut Skins, Peng Lu, Fan Xu, Jennifer Waldeck, Keith Weber, Hualu Zhou

Communication Faculty Articles and Research

Highlights

• National survey investigated consumer acceptance of milk enriched with upcycled peanut skins.
• Developed a conceptual model based on Technology Acceptance Model.
• Identified that consumer attitudes and emotions are essential in the purchase intentions of upcycled foods.
• Identified social influence as a determinator of consumers' attitudes and purchase intentions.
• Inform and advance research, practice, and policy that promotes upcycled food products.

Humanity Is Evolving Its Consciousness: The Role Of Archetypal Energies As Guides During An Unfolding Weeding Out And Alignment Process, Carroy U. Ferguson

Psychology Faculty Publication Series

Humanity is evolving its consciousness at individual and collective levels.  Given these seemingly tumultuous times, as of this writing (January 2026), to make such a statement may sound like a strange thing to say.  However, I suggest that if you are alive today and if you are reading these words, these are the very times for which you were born—to assist Humanity as it evolves its consciousness with your unique gifts, whatever they may be.  That is, this period of our individual and collective human being-ness may be characterized as an unfolding period of weeding out and alignment with the …