The optimization of powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) for the study of cheese crystals was the focus of this study. A survey was conducted of various manifestations of calcium lactate crystals on the rindless surface and within mechanical openings of Cheddar cheese using PXRD. The diffraction reference card database contained a card that was entitled calcium lactate pentahydrate and corresponded to some of the crystalline material found on the cheeses. Diffractions patterns generated from other samples of crystalline material revealed the existence of an unknown crystal that resembled and behaved similarly to calcium lactate pentahydrate, but did not match the reference card. The existence of two enantiomeric variants of calcium lactate pentahydrate had been firmly established; an experiment was thus designed to determine if the unknown diffraction pattern represented one enantiomeric form, and if the ambiguously named reference card represented the other. This experiment demonstrated that the existing reference card corresponded to calcium DL-lactate pentahydrate and that the unknown diffraction pattern was generated from calcium L-lactate pentahydrate. This study resulted in the proposal of a new reference card for calcium L-lactate pentahydrate and the proposed renaming of the existing card to calcium DL-lactate pentahydrate. This discovery allows the rapid identification of both forms of calcium lactate that form in and on cheese. In order to conduct the survey and experiment that are described above, the PXRD method needed to be adjusted for use with cheese crystals. Samples of cheese crystals pose a particular challenge because they are often composed of high proportions of moisture, fat, protein, and other amorphous material; these all disrupt the efficient diffraction of crystals and thus needed to be removed or minimized. The removal of water from samples is a particular challenge because some cheese crystals contain water of hydration that may be driven off in the process, thereby destroying the crystals. A protocol for the preparation of cheese samples for PXRD was consequently developed.

No description available.

Master of Science / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Michael E. Dikeman / Objectives were to determine the effects of needle-free (NF) versus needle (N) injection methods and/or solutions for enhancement of beef longissimus lumborum muscle (LM) on color, instrumental tenderness, sensory attributes, pump yields, and cooking losses. In experiment 1, LM (n=15) at 9 d postmortem were halved before random assignment to N or NF injection enhancement with a solution containing 2.2% salt, 4.4% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), and 1.5% K lactate. Different steaks from each loin half were either placed on a 5 d color display, frozen for later sensory analysis, or aged until d 13 postmortem for LM slice shear force measurements. Pump yields tended (P=0.08) to be higher for NF injection. Needle injected steaks were darker (P<0.05) on day 1, but not after that. Discoloration was not different (P>0.05) between treatments. The NF treatment had greater (P<0.05) instrumental tenderness and intensity of off-flavors but less (P<0.05) cooking loss and beef flavor. In Experiment 2, LM (n=28) at 5 d postmortem were halved before random assignment to one of four treatments: 1) N, or 2) NF injection with a solution containing 2.2% salt, 4.4% STPP, 15% K lactate, and 0.58% rosemary; 3) N, or 4) NF injection with a solution containing 2.4% Ca lactate and 0.58% rosemary. Steaks from each loin half were either frozen for later sensory analysis or aged until d 14 postmortem for LM slice shear force measurements. Loins phosphate enhanced with the NF injector had the highest (P<0.05) pumped yields with no differences (P>0.05) among other treatment combinations. Instrumental tenderness was not different (P>0.05) between N and NF treatments but was higher with the phosphate solution than the Ca lactate solution. The NF treatment had lower (P<0.05) cooking losses when the phosphate solution was used, which resulted in less (P<0.05) cooking loss than the Ca lactate solution. More (P<0.05) off-flavors and abnormal texture resulted from NF injection. The phosphate solution resulted in greater (P<0.05) myofibrillar and overall tenderness, juiciness, off-flavors and abnormal texture with less (P<0.05) connective tissue than the Ca lactate solution. Enhancing beef LM with a phosphate solution and NF injection might improve yields, tenderness, and juiciness while harming texture and flavor.

Orientadores: Miriam Dupas Hubinger, Leila Mendes Pereira Rodrigues / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-15T20:14:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Vieira_GlauciaSantos_M.pdf: 2415037 bytes, checksum: 2ff07772ea460364c559b11c6dfa3920 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / Resumo: O presente trabalho teve por objetivo estudar o processo de desidratação osmótica sob pressão atmosférica e com aplicação de pulso de vácuo em fatias de goiabas (Pisidium guajava, L.) e avaliar o efeito do uso de lactato de cálcio na preservação estrutural das frutas osmoticamente desidratadas. Na primeira etapa deste trabalho, o estudo foi realizado de acordo com um Delineamento Composto Central Rotacional 23 composto por 17 ensaios, tendo como variáveis independentes a concentração de sacarose (40 a 60°Brix), a temperatura de processo (20 a 40°C) e o tempo de aplicação de pulso de vácuo (0 a 20 minutos), a fim de avaliar a perda de peso, perda de água, ganho de sólidos, umidade, atividade de água, propriedades de textura e cor das goiabas. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados estatisticamente empregando a metodologia de superfície de resposta em conjunto com a função desejabilidade, o que permitiu obter as seguintes condições ótimas do processo: solução osmótica na concentração de 60°Brix, temperatura de processo de 32°C e aplicação de 20 minutos de pulso de vácuo. Nestas condições foram obtidas as maiores perdas de peso (25,91%) e de água (29,01%) e o menor valor de atividade de água (0,967) das fatias de goiaba desidratadas. Na segunda parte deste estudo, a condição otimizada foi aplicada a novos tratamentos, com a finalidade de avaliar a influência da aplicação do pulso de vácuo (20 minutos) e da adição de lactato de cálcio (0,6 e 1,2%) nas características estruturais e nos parâmetros de qualidade das fatias de goiaba. O emprego do pulso de vácuo provocou as maiores perdas de água e de peso das amostras e mostrou ser eficaz para preservar a qualidade das fatias de goiaba, uma vez que favoreceu a manutenção da cor das frutas e do teor de carotenóides inicialmente presente. As características de textura das frutas foram afetadas pelo tipo do processo (a pressão atmosférica ou a pulso de vácuo) e pela adição dos sais de cálcio nas soluções osmóticas. No entanto, as características sensoriais das frutas osmoticamente desidratadas sobre as diferentes condições de processo apresentaram variações pouco perceptíveis aos consumidores, sendo igualmente aceitas. A avaliação microestrutural das fatias de goiaba, através das imagens de microscopia ótica, mostrou os severos danos à estrutura celular das frutas, causados pelo processo osmótico realizado a pressão atmosférica, e o efeito benéfico do vácuo na manutenção das características estruturais das frutas. A adição de lactato de cálcio proporcionou a manutenção da estrutura celular das frutas desidratadas osmoticamente a pressão atmosférica e a pulso de vácuo. Os resultados obtidos através da microscopia ótica permitiram avaliar quantitativamente as modificações celulares, refletindo as alterações qualitativas observadas visualmente / Abstract: The aim of this work was studying the osmotic dehydration process under atmospheric pressure and vacuum pulse application of guavas slices (Pisidium guajava, L.), evaluating the calcium lactate effect on the structural preservation of osmotically dehydrated fruits. In the first stage of this work, a osmotic dehydration study was performed according to a Central Composite Rotatable Design 23 composed of 17 trials and the independent variables were: osmotic solution concentration (40 to 60°Brix), process temperature (20 to 40°C) and vacuum pulse application time (0 to 20 minutes), in order to evaluate weight reduction, water loss, solid gain, moisture content, water activity, texture characteristics and color of guavas. The results were statistically analysed using the response surface methodology and the desirability function allowed to obtain the optimum process conditions: osmotic solution concentration of 60°Brix, process temperature of 32°C and vacuum pulse application time of 20 minutes. Under these conditions, the largest weight reduction (25.91%), water loss (29.01%) and the minimum water activity (0.967) of guavas slices were obtained. In the second part of this work, the optimized condition was applied to new trials, with the purpose of evaluating the influence of vacuum pulse application (20 minutes) and the addition of calcium lactate (0.6 and 1.2%) on structural characteristics and quality of guavas slices. The use of pulsed vacuum caused the greatest water loss and weight reduction of the samples, and proved to be effective to preserve the quality of guava slices, as it favored maintenance of the fruits color and carotenoids. The texture characteristics of fruits were influenced by the type of process (atmospheric pressure or vacuum pulse) and the addition of calcium salts in the osmotic solutions. However, the sensory characteristics of osmotically dehydrated fruits on the different process conditions showed variations not perceptible to consumers, being equally accepted. The microstructural evaluation of the guavas slices analysed through light microscopy images showed the severe damage to the cellular structure of fruits caused by the osmotic process performed at atmospheric pressure, and the effect of vacuum on the maintenance of its structural characteristics. Calcium lactate addition provided the maintenance of cellular structure of fruits osmotically dehydrated at atmospheric pressure and vacuum pulse. The results obtained by light microscopy allowed to quantitatively assessing cellular changes, reflecting the alterations observed visually / Mestrado / Mestre em Engenharia de Alimentos

Orientador: Miriam Dupas Hubinger / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-13T00:00:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ferrari_CristhianeCaroline_D.pdf: 5801215 bytes, checksum: 59ae58e012d5d8696cb677380a77a255 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Resumo: O melão é uma fruta tropical muito popular no Brasil com elevado valor comercial e apreciado pelas suas características sensoriais. A produção de frutas minimamente processadas representa uma alternativa para a redução das perdas pós-colheita e uma maneira de agregar valor ao produto, atendendo a atual demanda do mercado por alimentos prontos para o consumo com qualidade, frescor e conveniência. Apesar da grande praticidade, estes produtos são mais susceptíveis à deterioração, devido às injúrias provocadas nos tecidos vegetais durante as etapas de descascamento e corte, tornando viável a utilização de tecnologias brandas para a sua maior conservação. Neste contexto, a proposta deste trabalho foi estudar a desidratação osmótica, com soluções de sacarose e adição de lactato de cálcio, combinada ao emprego de coberturas comestíveis de pectina, visando a manutenção da qualidade e o aumento da vida útil do melão minimamente processado. Soluções de sacarose (40 ou 60°Brix) contendo lactato de cálcio (0 a 2,0% foram utilizadas no processo osmótico realizado por duas horas a 30°C. Em uma primeira etapa do trabalho, avaliou-se o efeito do lactato de cálcio na manutenção da estrutura celular das frutas através de ensaios de microscopia óptica e propriedades mecânicas, além da aceitação sensorial do produto. Na segunda parte, ensaios com menores tempos de processo (30 e 60 minutos) também foram conduzidos, com o intuito de se obter uma maior preservação das características de qualidade do produto. Com base nos resultados obtidos, foram escolhidas as melhores condições de processo. Na etapa subseqüente, estas condições selecionadas foram empregadas como pré-tratamento à aplicação das coberturas de pectina nas frutas. As frutas que não sofreram o processo osmótico foram submetidas a um tratamento com banhos de lactato de cálcio a 0,5% por 15 minutos. Todas as amostras foram imersas nas soluções de pectina em concentrações de 1 ou 2% por 2 minutos para a escolha das melhores formulações de cobertura. Finalmente, para o estudo da vida útil, amostras revestidas com cobertura de pectina, pré-tratadas osmoticamente ou com banhos de lactato de cálcio foram acondicionadas a 5°C por 14 dias, utilizando a fruta fresca como controle. O emprego de lactato de cálcio em concentrações de até 1,0% proporcionou uma preservação da estrutura das amostras e uma boa aceitação sensorial. As melhores condições de processo obtidas foram as realizadas com sacarose a 40 ou 60°Brix e adição de 0,5% de lactato de cálcio. O uso de 30 minutos de desidratação osmótica ou de banhos de lactato de cálcio previamente à imersão das amostras nas soluções de pectina foi efetivo na redução na perda de peso e na manutenção da textura das frutas, além de assegurarem maior estabilidade microbiológica do produto ao longo do tempo, em comparação à fruta fresca. Entretanto, o processo osmótico combinado ao uso das coberturas comestíveis de pectina se mostrou mais eficiente na redução da taxa respiratória das amostras, bem como na preservação das suas características sensoriais e estruturais e dos seus principais atributos de qualidade durante os 14 dias de estocagem a 5°C / Abstract: Melon is a very popular tropical fruit in Brazil with a high commercial value and appreciated due to its sensory characteristics. The production of minimally processed fruits represents an alternative to the reduction of postharvest losses and a way to add value to the product, considering the current market demand for ready-to-eat food with quality, freshness and convenience. Despite the practicity, these products are more susceptible to the deterioration, due to the tissue damages during the peeling and slicing steps, becoming viable the use of mild process and technologies to guarantee their higher conservation. In this context, the purpose of this work was to evaluate the osmotic dehydration using sucrose and calcium lactate as dehydrating agents, combined with the application of pectin edible coatings, in order to preserve the quality and extend the shelf life of minimally processed melon. The fruits were subjected to the osmotic process for two hours at 30°C with sucrose solutions (40 to 60°Brix) and calcium lactate (0 to 2,0%). In the first work step, the effect of calcium lactate on the mechanical properties, cellular structure and sensory characteristics of melon cubes was evaluated. Subsequently, treatments with lower process times (30 or 60 minutes) were also used, aiming at a higher maintenance of product quality characteristics. According to the results obtained, the best osmotic conditions were chosen. In the following procedure, these conditions previously selected were employed as pre-treatments to the pectin edible coating applications. Samples without osmotic treatment were subjected to a calcium dip treatment at 0,5% for 15 minutes. All the fruit pieces were immersed in a 1% or 2% pectin solution for 2 minutes to the selection of the best coating formulations. In the last step, the shelf life study was carried out with osmodehydrated or calcium dipped samples coated with pectin solutions and the fresh fruit was employed as a reference treatment. The three samples were packaged and stored at 5°C for 14 days. The calcium lactate when used at concentrations of up to 1,0% provided a fruit structure preservation and a good sensory acceptance. The best osmotic dehydration conditions obtained were the treatments performed using sucrose solutions at 40 or 60°Brix with the calcium salt addition. Furthermore, the use of 30 minutes of osmotic process or calcium lactate dips were effective in weight loss reduction and samples texture preservation, promoting also a higher microbiological stability throughout the shelf life study, in comparison to fresh fruit. However, the osmotic process in association to the pectin edible coatings showed a great influence in fruits respiration rates decrease, as well as in the maintenance of sensory and structural characteristics and main quality attributes along the 14 days of storage at 5°C / Doutorado / Doutor em Engenharia de Alimentos

Orientador: Miriam Dupas Hubinger / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-16T06:04:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Bierhals_VaniadaSilva_M.pdf: 6398084 bytes, checksum: 029e237ca3d107d4de42a993f603c6dd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / Resumo: A produção de frutas minimamente processadas representa uma alternativa para a redução das perdas pós-colheita e uma maneira de agregar valor ao produto, atendendo a atual demanda do mercado por alimentos prontos para o consumo com qualidade, frescor e conveniência. O abacaxi destaca-se, em função de sua excelente qualidade sensorial e de certa dificuldade para consumo imediato. Entretanto, sua vida útil é limitada pelas mudanças indesejáveis de cor, textura, sabor, aroma e crescimento microbiológico. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar o efeito da aplicação das coberturas comestíveis a base de fécula de mandioca ou alginato de sódio na vida útil de abacaxis minimamente processados em rodelas, pré-tratadas com ácido ascórbico (1%) e cítrico (0,5%), adicionadas ou não de lactato de cálcio (2%), e armazenados a 5 °C. Amostras tratadas somente com os agentes inibidores de escurecimento foram usadas como controle. Concentrações de 1% a 3% de fécula de mandioca e 1% e 2% de alginato de sódio foram testadas previamente. A aplicação das coberturas não alterou significativamente as propriedades mecânicas (força máxima de penetração e tensão e deformação na ruptura) e a cor (L*, C* e H*) das rodelas de abacaxi. Todos os tratamentos foram bem avaliados sensorialmente, apresentando notas acima de 6,5. Os tratamentos com 2% de fécula de mandioca e 2% de alginato de sódio reduziram significativamente a perda de peso e a taxa respiratória e aumentaram a resistência à difusão de água quando comparadas à amostra controle. Com base nestes resultados, foram selecionadas para o estudo da vida útil coberturas com 2% de fécula ou alginato, utilizando ou não lactato de cálcio. Neste estudo verificou-se que ao longo de 12 dias de armazenamento a 5° C, as coberturas foram eficientes em reduzir a perda de peso, o suco drenado na embalagem e mantiveram as propriedades mecânicas das frutas. Entretanto, as amostras apresentaram maior escurecimento da fruta e redução mais acentuada no teor de ácido ascórbico durante o estudo da vida útil. Todos os tratamentos foram bem avaliados sensorialmente, apresentando notas acima de 6, com exceção das amostras com cobertura de alginato e pré-tratadas com cálcio, que apresentaram notas próximas ao limite de aceitabilidade (4,5). O fator determinante da vida útil das rodelas de abacaxi foi a contaminação fúngica em todos os tratamentos, sendo que ela foi maior nas amostras revestidas com as coberturas de fécula de mandioca ou alginato de sódio, que apresentaram vida útil de 7 e 8 dias, respectivamente. Já as rodelas de abacaxi tratadas somente com agentes inibidores de escurecimento obtiveram, em média, vida útil de 10 dias, indicando que apenas o pré-tratamento com sanitizante e solução de ácido ascórbico e cítrico permitiu um prolongamento da vida útil de abacaxis minimamente processados / Abstract: The production of minimally processed fruits represents an alternative to the reduction of postharvest losses and a way to add value to the product, considering the current market demand for ready-to-eat food with quality, freshness and convenience. The pineapple is appreciated due to its sensorial characteristics and some difficulty for immediate consumption. However, its shelf life is limited by changes in color, texture, taste, off-flavors and microbial growth. The aim of this work was to study the effect of application of edible coatings of cassava starch or sodium alginate in the shelf life of minimally processed pineapple in slices, pretreated with ascorbic (1%) and citric acid (0.5%), with or without added calcium lactate (2%), and stored at 5 °C. The samples treated on ly with anti-browning agents were used as control. Coatings with cassava starch concentrations between 1% to 3% and sodium alginate from 1% and 2% were previously tested. The coating application did not affect mechanical properties (maximum mechanical penetration, stress and strain at failure) and color (L*, C* and H*) of pineapple slices and all treatments received good scores on the sensory analyses (all scores above 6.5). The treatments with 2% cassava starch and 2% sodium alginate significantly reduced the weight loss and respiration rate and increased water vapor resistance, when compared to control samples. Considering these results the conditions selected for shelf life studies were: coating concentrations with 2% of starch or alginate, using or not calcium lactate. Edible coatings were efficient in reducing weight loss, juice leakage and mechanical properties maintenance. However, the coated samples showed more browning and ascorbic acid content was reduced throughout the shelf life study. All treatments presented good sensory acceptance (scores above 6), except for alginate coating pre-treated with calcium, which presented scores close to the limit of acceptability (4.5). The determining factor of shelf life of pineapple slices was the microbial spoilage. The samples coated with cassava starch and sodium alginate coatings showed a reduced shelf life of 7 and 8 days, respectively and higher yeast and mould growth. A shelf life of 10 days was obtained for pineapple slices treated only with anti-browning agents, indicating that the treatment with sanitizing agent and ascorbic and citric acid solution was efficient in increasing the shelf life of minimally processed pineapple / Mestrado / Mestre em Engenharia de Alimentos

Thesis (M.Sc. Agriculture (Horticulture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / The most common postharvest limitation of litchi fruit is pericarp browning, which leads to consumer rejection of the solid fruit in the market even when the edible portion is not affected. Previously, sulphur dioxide (SO2) fumigation was used to control the browning and extend shelf life of litchi fruit. However, SO2 fumigation leaves undesirable residues, alters the fruit taste and may results in health hazards for consumers. An alternative method, namely, minimal processing was used to control pericarp browning and curb postharvest losses in litchi. Litchi fruit were harvested at two maturity stages (early harvest; 120 days after full bloom (DAFB), late harvest; 130 DAFB), peeled and immersed for two (2) minutes in three (3) solutions that represented treatments, namely 1) 1% citric acid 2) 1% calcium lactate and 3) a combination of citric acid and calcium lactate both at 1% measure. The untreated arils were dipped in sodium hypochloride (NaOCl) solution for 1 minute and represented the control samples. The treated arils were packed in sterilized clamshell containers and stored at 1±0.5°C and 95% relative humidity for 12 days, then held at 10±0.5°C for 2 days for shelf life study. As a result of the interaction effect of harvest stages and postharvest pre-treatments, least mass loss percentage (1.32%), juice leakage (1.8 ml per 120 g of fruit) and pH (4.18) was observed in litchi arils harvested late and treated with 1% citric acid only under cold storage. Under shelf life study, H2 control samples presented lower mass loss (2.8%) and juice leakage (4.2 ml per 120 g of fruit). At the end of cold storage, litchi arils harvested early and treated with 1% citric acid combined with 1% calcium lactate presented better tissue strength (56.0 N) and radical scavenging activity (36.6 mmol AAE/mL), while those harvested late presented higher ascorbic acid content (72.9 µg/mL), least microbial population and total colour change (3.5). However, at the end of shelf life storage, litchi arils harvested early and treated with 1% citric acid combined with 1% calcium lactate presented lower (3.1) total change in colour. Overall, harvesting the fruit late and treating with citric acid alone or combined with calcium lactate showed the potential of maintaining better aril quality with least microbial population for up to 12 days under 1±0.5°C storage, whereas harvesteing the fruit early and treating with citric acid alone or combined with calcium lactate showed the potential of maintaining better aril quality under shelf life storage. Keywords: Litchi chinesis sonn; calcium lactate; citric acid; maturity; fresh-cut. / Agricultural Research Council (ARC), National Research Foundation (NRF) and Agri-Seta

Une caractéristique nutritionnelle peu connue des fromages est leur potentiel acidifiant, qui se révèle au cours du métabolisme et, à long terme, est susceptible d’induire des effets délétères sur la santé du consommateur. Malgré des conséquences physiopathologiques bien connues, très peu d’études se sont intéressées au potentiel acidifiant/alcalinisant des aliments et aucune à celui des fromages. L’objectif principal était d’évaluer d’une part le potentiel acidifiant des fromages et identifier ses déterminants au cours de la fabrication et d’autre part d’explorer des stratégies d’optimisation technologique permettant de réduire le potentiel acidifiant des fromages, tout en assurant leurs qualités gustatives. Le potentiel acidifiant a été évalué sur la base de l’indice PRAL (Potential Renal Acid Load, en tenant compte des teneurs en protéine, P, Cl, Na, K, Mg et Ca) et de la teneur en anions organiques (lactate et citrate). Dans un premier temps, l’étude du potentiel acidifiant de cinq types de fromages du commerce a permis d’établir un lien fort entre le type du fromage et son potentiel acidifiant. L’indice PRAL le plus faible est celui du fromage frais avec - 0,8 mEq/100 g, les indices les plus élevés atteignant 25,3 mEq/100 g pour le fromage à pâte pressée non-cuite (Cantal) et 28,0 mEq/100 g pour le fromage à pâte persillée (Fourme d’Ambert). Ce positionnement a ainsi permis de sélectionner un modèle fromage pour la suite des travaux : la Fourme d’Ambert. Dans une seconde phase, l’égouttage et le salage ont été identifiés comme les deux étapes technologiques déterminantes dans la génération du potentiel acidifiant du modèle fromage choisi, au cours de la transformation fromagère, suivie en milieu industriel. Ces études démontrent un déséquilibre important entre les éléments acidifiants (Cl, P, protéines) et les éléments alcalinisants majeurs (Na et Ca) du PRAL. En particulier, les Cl suivis par le P, ont exercé un très fort impact expliquant les indices élevés obtenus. Enfin, une substitution du NaCl par des sels organiques de calcium (lactate et citrate de Ca) a été testée en conditions industrielles pendant le salage à sec de la Fourme d’Ambert. Les deux sels ont montré un réel intérêt pour substituer partiellement le sel des fromages, sans affecter les propriétés sensorielles des produits finis et notamment les saveurs salée et amère. La substitution au lactate de Ca permettrait d’optimiser le potentiel acidifiant des fromages, en diminuant le PRAL et la teneur en Na et en augmentant la teneur en lactate. La substitution au citrate de Ca serait plutôt indiquée dans le cadre d’un enrichissement en Ca. En conclusion, ces études ont permis d’identifier les leviers à maîtriser pour réduire le potentiel acidifiant des fromages. L’approche adoptée a proposé la mise en application d’un concept connu principalement des nutritionnistes jusqu’ici dans les domaines de la biochimie et de la technologie alimentaires. Les perspectives d’innovation envisagées sont pertinentes avec les enjeux de santé publique actuels, en visant la réduction en Na dans les fromages et en participant à la limitation de l’acidose métabolique latente induite par les régimes occidentaux. Enfin, les retombées économiques de ces recherches sont prometteuses pour les filières fromagères. / A disregarded nutritional feature of cheeses is their acid-forming potential when ingested, associated with deleterious effects for consumers’ health. Despite the well-known pathophysiological consequences, very few studies investigated the acidifying/alkalizing potential of foods and especially, none targeted cheeses. The research project aimed on the one hand to evaluate the acid-forming potential of cheeses and identify the main key steps of the manufacture involved in this phenomenon and on the other hand to explore technological optimization strategies to reduce the acid-forming potential of cheeses, without altering their sensory properties. The acid-forming potential was evaluated on the basis of their Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) index (considering protein, P, Cl, Na, K, Mg and Ca contents) and organic anions contents (lactate and citrate). Firstly, the study of the acid-forming potential of five commercial cheeses from different cheese-making technologies established a strong link between the type of cheese and their acid-forming potential. PRAL index ranged from - 0.8 mEq/100 g for fresh cheese to 25.3 mEq/100 g for hard cheese (Cantal) and 28.0 mEq/100 g for the blue-veined cheese Fourme d’Ambert. This positioning allowed to select Fourme d'Ambert as model cheese for next steps. Secondly, draining and salting were identified as the main key steps responsible for the generation of the acid-forming potential of the model cheese, by following an industrial cheese-making process. These studies emphasized a great imbalance between acidifying elements of PRAL calculation (Cl, P and proteins elements) and alkalinizing ones (Na and Ca). Particularly, Cl followed by P elements had a strong impact on the PRAL value. Finally, the salt substitution with organic calcium salts (calcium lactate and calcium citrate) was tested under industrial conditions during the dry salting of Fourme d'Ambert cheese. Both salts showed a real nutritional interest to partially replace salt in cheese, without affecting their sensory properties and especially the salty and the bitter flavors. The salt substitution by calcium lactate could reduce the acid-forming potential of cheeses, by decreasing the PRAL and the sodium content and by increasing the lactate content. The calcium citrate substitution would rather be recommended for Ca enrichment of cheeses. As a conclusion, these studies allowed to identify technological solutions to reduce the acid-forming potential of cheeses. The adopted approach proposed the implementation of a concept, known mainly by nutritionists so far, to the biochemistry and the food technology fields. The considered prospects for innovation are relevant with the current public health issues, targeting the reduction of Na in cheeses and participating in the limitation of the Western diets induced metabolic acidosis. Finally, the economic benefits of this research are promising for cheese-making producers.

The diploma thesis deals with self-healing of concrete composite. In the theoretical part, it represents the effect of polymer microfibers on reducing the development of cracks and on improving self-healing properties. It also describes the most commonly used types of bacteria used to enhance the self-healing process and their effect both alone and in interaction with fibers, calcium sources and absorbent additives. It also represents auxiliary additives in the form of superabsorbent polymers. In the practical part, it verifies the influence of the above elements and describes how much the self-healing of concrete has been enhanced by the use of combinations of fibers, absorbent polymers and a source of calcium in the form of calcium lactate. It also indicates whether the self-healing properties used were not improved at the expense of deteriorating the mechanical properties of the composite.