Sensory descriptive analysis is one of the most powerful, sophisticated and most extensively used tools in sensory science, which provides a complete description of the sensory characteristics of ...food products. Considering the economic and time consuming aspects of training assessor panels for descriptive analysis, several novel methodologies for sensory characterization have been developed in the last ten years. These methodologies are less time consuming, more flexible and can be used with semi trained assessors and even consumers, providing sensory maps very close to a classic descriptive analysis with highly trained panels. Novel techniques are based on different approaches: methods based on the evaluation of individual attributes (intensity scales, check-all-that-apply questions or CATA, flash profiling, paired comparisons); methods based on the evaluation of global differences (sorting, projective mapping or Napping®); methods based on the comparison with product references (polarized sensory positioning), and based on a free, global evaluation of the individual products (Open-ended questions). This review aims at reviewing theory, implementation, advantages and disadvantages of the novel product profiling techniques developed in the last ten years, discussing recommendations for their application.
► Reviews theory, implementation and application of novel product profiling techniques. ► Novel rapid, flexible methods of product characterization are discussed. ► Napping®, sorting, flash profiling, CATA and other less used consumer profiling techniques. ► Comparison with conventional tools like QDA®, or some newer like free choice profiling.
Abstract Plexcitonic nanoparticles exhibit strong light‐matter interactions, mediated by localized surface plasmon resonances, and thereby promise potential applications in fields such as photonics, ...solar cells, and sensing, among others. Herein, these light‐matter interactions are investigated by UV‐visible and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopies, supported by finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) calculations. Our results reveal the importance of combining plasmonic nanomaterials and J‐aggregates with near‐zero‐refractive index. As plexcitonic nanostructures nanorattles are employed, based on J‐aggregates of the cyanine dye 5,5,6,6‐tetrachloro‐1,1‐diethyl‐3,3‐bis(4‐sulfobutyl)benzimidazolocarbocyanine (TDBC) and plasmonic silver‐coated gold nanorods, confined within mesoporous silica shells, which facilitate the adsorption of the J‐aggregates onto the metallic nanorod surface, while providing high colloidal stability. Electromagnetic simulations show that the electromagnetic field is strongly confined inside the J‐aggregate layer, at wavelengths near the upper plexcitonic mode, but it is damped toward the J‐aggregate/water interface at the lower plexcitonic mode. This behavior is ascribed to the sharp variation of dielectric properties of the J‐aggregate shell close to the plasmon resonance, which leads to a high opposite refractive index contrast between water and the TDBC shell, at the upper and the lower plexcitonic modes. This behavior is responsible for the high SERS efficiency of the plexcitonic nanorattles under both 633 nm and 532 nm laser illumination. SERS analysis showed a detection sensitivity down to the single‐nanoparticle level and, therefore, an exceptionally high average SERS intensity per particle. These findings may open new opportunities for ultrasensitive biosensing and bioimaging, as superbright and highly stable optical labels based on the strong coupling effect.
In-mouth texture largely determines the acceptability of ice cream, making it a key quality factor. Its perception involves movements of the tongue and other oral structures while the product melts ...and becomes a smooth, creamy viscous liquid as its temperature increases. Time is therefore an important issue in the sensory perception of ice cream, but has barely been considered in ice cream evaluation. In the present work, six ice cream samples with very different textures, formulated with milk, cream, egg, and hydrocolloids, were analysed by the Temporal Dominance of Sensations (TDS) method. Iciness, coldness, creaminess, roughness, gumminess, and mouth coating were assessed. Hydrocolloids (and cream or egg to a lesser extent) modulated the temporal perception of ice cream attributes, reducing the first impact of sensations such as iciness and coldness. They also favoured an early perception of creaminess. Dynamic perception techniques combined with consumer sensory description by CATA (Check-all-that-apply) and liking scoring techniques gave a better understanding of which attributes drive consumer liking in relation to ice cream consumption.
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•Each component contributes to the ice cream (IC) texture via complex interactions within the mouth.•The impact of sensations over the IC consumption time was investigated.•Hydrocolloids (Hs) modulate the perception of iciness and coldness.•Hs make it possible to formulate ice creams with an early perception of creaminess.•Creaminess drives consumer liking for IC, while ice crystals provide a negative sensation.
•Consumers scored their liking and used a CATA question to describe the products.•Consumers also indicated the same CATA question on their ideal product.•A new form of penalty analysis for CATA ...questions was applied.•Drivers of liking and directions for product reformulation were identified.•PLS modeling indicated the potential for improvement for each product.
One of the most important steps of new product development process is product optimization, which aims at identifying consumers’ ideal products and directions for product reformulation. The present work proposes the application of a penalty analysis based on consumer responses to CATA questions to identify drivers of liking and directions for product reformulation. Two studies were conducted in which 74 and 119 consumers evaluated a set of samples (5 apples and 8 yogurts) using a check-all-that-apply question related to sensory characteristics and were also asked to check all the terms they considered appropriate to describe their ideal product. Data were analyzed by counting the number of consumers who did not check an attribute as they did for their ideal product, and its associated mean drop. A dummy variable transformation approach was proposed to make linear regression models between CATA terms and overall liking scores using Partial Least Squares (PLS). Juiciness, sweetness, apple flavor, firmness and crispiness were the most relevant attributes for consumers in the apple study. Meanwhile, in the yogurt study smoothness, homogeneity and creaminess were the main drivers of liking and were responsible for the highest penalization on overall liking (more than 1 in the 9-point hedonic scale). PLS regression enabled the identification of the attributes which deviation from the ideal caused a significant decrease in overall liking. Penalty analysis on CATA questions proved to be a simple and useful approach to identify drivers of liking and directions for improving the products in both studies. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach are discussed, as well as directions for further research.
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•Q. brasiliensis QB-80 saponins revealed chemical similarities to the commercial Q. saponaria barks-extracted saponin.•The QB-80 saponins were able to self-assembly with lipids in ...ISCOM-like nanoparticle named IMXQB-80.•Subcutaneous administration of QB-80 and IMXQB-80 induced high titres of anti-Zika virus with neutralizing antibodies.
Vaccine adjuvants are compounds that enhance/prolong the immune response to a co-administered antigen. Saponins have been widely used as adjuvants for many years in several vaccines – especially for intracellular pathogens – including the recent and somewhat revolutionary malaria and shingles vaccines. In view of the immunoadjuvant potential of Q. brasiliensis saponins, the present study aimed to characterize the QB-80 saponin-rich fraction and a nanoadjuvant prepared with QB-80 and lipids (IMXQB-80). In addition, the performance of such adjuvants was examined in experimental inactivated vaccines against Zika virus (ZIKV). Analysis of QB-80 by DI-ESI-ToF by negative ion electrospray revealed over 29 saponins that could be assigned to known structures existing in their congener Q. saponaria, including the well-studied QS-21 and QS-7. The QB-80 saponins were a micrOTOF able to self-assembly with lipids in ISCOM-like nanoparticles with diameters of approximately 43 nm, here named IMXQB-80. Toxicity assays revealed that QB-80 saponins did present some haemolytical and cytotoxic potentials; however, these were abrogated in IMXQB-80 nanoparticles. Regarding the adjuvant activity, QB-80 and IMXQB-80 significantly enhanced serum levels of anti-Zika virus IgG and subtypes (IgG1, IgG2b, IgG2c) as well as neutralized antibodies when compared to an unadjuvanted vaccine. Furthermore, the nanoadjuvant IMXQB-80 was as effective as QB-80 in stimulating immune responses, yet requiring fourfold less saponins to induce the equivalent stimuli, and with less toxicity. These findings reveal that the saponin fraction QB-80, and particularly the IMXQB-80 nanoadjuvant, are safe and capable of potentializing immune responses when used as adjuvants in experimental ZIKV vaccines.
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy was associated with microcephaly in neonates, but clinical and experimental evidence indicate that ZIKV also causes neurological complications in adults. ...However, the changes in neuron-glial communication, which is essential for brain homeostasis, are still unknown. Here, we report that hippocampal slices from adult rats exposed acutely to ZIKV showed significant cellular alterations regarding to redox homeostasis, inflammatory process, neurotrophic functions and molecular signalling pathways associated with neurons and glial cells. Our findings support the hypothesis that ZIKV is highly neurotropic and its infection readily induces an inflammatory response, characterized by an increased expression and/or release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We also observed changes in neural parameters, such as adenosine receptor A2a expression, as well as in the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neuron-specific enolase, indicating plasticity synaptic impairment/neuronal damage. In addition, ZIKV induced a glial commitment, with alterations in specific and functional parameters such as aquaporin 4 expression, S100B secretion and glutathione synthesis. ZIKV also induced p21 senescence-associated gene expression, indicating that ZIKV may induce early senescence. Taken together, our results indicate that ZIKV-induced neuroinflammation, involving nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) pathways, affects important aspects of neuron-glia communication. Therefore, although ZIKV infection is transient, long-term consequences might be associated with neurological and/or neurodegenerative diseases.
•The need of remote testing in COVID times or “thinking outside the sensory booth”•Comments on proposed sensory and consumer methods, at home, office and drive-in.•Remote testing methods should be ...developed, compared and optimized.•Findings should be validated with other products and sensory tests.•It would be desirable to have remote testing international standards.
This commentary addresses the issue of remote testing with sensory and consumer panels, within the VSI Covid-19 and Sensory Science in Food Quality and preference. In particular, two papers on the topic will be discussed: Dinnella et al. “Remote testing: Sensory test during Covid-19 pandemic and beyond” and Han Seok et al. “Stay safe in your vehicle: Drive-in booths can be an alternative to indoor booths for laboratory sensory testing”. At the time of writing this piece, the pandemic has been among us for two years, highlighting the fact that remote testing strategies are more needed than ever. Testing methods should be developed, compared, validated and optimized, so sensory practitioners are prepared and can have an informed methodological choice when their projects are pushed “outside the sensory booth”.
Aims
To investigate the potential of novel Bacillus velezensis P45 as an eco‐friendly alternative for bioprocessing poultry by‐products into valuable antimicrobial products.
Methods and Results
The ...complete genome of B. velezensis P45 was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform, showing 4455 protein and 98 RNA coding sequences according to the annotation on the RAST server. Moreover, the genome contains eight gene clusters for the production of antimicrobial secondary metabolites and 25 putative protease‐related genes, which can be related to feather‐degrading activity. Then, in vitro tests were performed to determine the production of antimicrobial compounds using feather, feather meal and brain–heart infusion (BHI) cultures. Antimicrobial activity was observed in feather meal and BHI media, reaching 800 and 3200 AU ml−1 against Listeria monocytogenes respectively. Mass spectrometry analysis indicates the production of antimicrobial lipopeptides surfactin, fengycin and iturin.
Conclusions
The biotechnological potential of B. velezensis P45 was deciphered through genome analysis and in vitro studies. This strain produced antimicrobial lipopeptides growing on feather meal, a low‐cost substrate.
Significance and Impact of Study
The production of antimicrobial peptides by this keratinolytic strain may represent a sustainable alternative for recycling by‐products from poultry industry. Furthermore, whole B. velezensis P45 genome sequence was obtained and deposited.
Michael Burawoy’s Manufacturing Consent is a must-have book for all those, who, like me, study the so-called “Labour World,” particularly what happens within factories. However, Michael Burawoy is ...much more than the author of that enlightening book. Born in Manchester in a Jewish family of Russian origin, he has been trying to understand how consent is organized among the dominated for the last 40 years. That was the issue he dealt with in Zambia in 1968, during the post-colonial process, when he got a job in the copper industry and discovered the articulations between the factory regime and racial segregation. From that experience emerged The Color of Class on the Copper Mines: From African Advancement to Zambianization (1972). In 1974, it prevailed again as a concern when, already having become a sociologist, he was employed as a metalworker worker on the outskirts of Chicago and conducted the ethnography that is the basis of Manufacturing Consent: Changes in the Labor Process in the Monopolist Capitalism (1982). This work allowed him to consolidate the idea that it is impossible to understand what happens in the work place without establishing the relationship between that space and the political-economic context in which it is placed, giving rise to the concept of “Political Regime of Production” that would be deepened in the books The Politics of Production: Factory Regimes Under Capitalism and Socialism (1985) and The Radiant Past. Ideology and Reality in Hungary’s Road to Capitalism (1994), based on a comparison between his experience as a worker in Chicago and his experience in Hungary in the 1980s, while this country was under the Soviet orbit. And it was to explore that idea that he decided to do field work in a factory in Russia in the early 1990’s, when the capitalist restoration began. But that same concern was what led him to adopt Marxism as his theoretical point of view and ethnography as his research method, developing a series of theoretical- methodological discussions that can be found in books such as The Extended Case Method: Four Countries, Four Decades, Four Great Transformations, and One Theoretical Tradition (1997), or Sociological Marxism (2000), written with Eric Olin Wright. In short, Michael Burawoy is a rara avis of the American academy: a teacher who walks through classrooms openly calling for a rebuilding of Marxism, a researcher who holds a methodological battle to the death against inductivism and a sociologist who proposes to rethink the idea of the organic intellectual relating the sociology with anti-capitalist movements. In March 2018, Burawoy was invited by Indiana University, Bloomington campus, to give a lecture entitled “Marxism engages Bourdieu.” I was there carrying out a research stay at the History Department. Chance caused that, for the first time, I had the possibility of personally listening to someone who had been inspiring for my own ethnographic work. From that first meeting, other subsequent meetings emerged, the result of which is this interview I conducted in his office at the Berkeley University.
•Compare internal preference mapping through hedonic scaling and preference ranking.•Preference ranking linked to open comments proved as very good alternative.•The alternative approach gave similar ...preference maps than traditional ones.•Elicit drivers of liking and disliking directly from consumers with their own words.
In classic consumer science, liking has generally been measured with the 9-point hedonic scale. In recent years, signal detection procedures where consumers rank products in terms of preference have been used, together with an R-index that measures the distance in preference. Ranking has been found to be friendlier for consumers, being a more “natural” exercise than scaling. However, scaling has the advantage of quantifying liking, resulting in data sets that can be treated further, for example through preference mapping, together with sensory data from a trained panel or from consumers. Preference mapping is very useful for product development and as a communication tool.
This study compared two preference mapping approaches, one using a data set from hedonic scaling plus intensity questions and the other using preference ranking data coupled with open comments.
Preference ranking tests plus open comments by consumers proved a very promising method as it produced very similar internal preference map results to “traditional” preference mapping from liking scales. This quicker and easier method in terms of practical implementation has the added advantage of eliciting drivers of liking and disliking directly from consumers, as these cannot be obtained through attribute intensity assessment or by using a trained panel.
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