Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:This is multidisciplinary project with the ultimate goal to improve food safety using nanotechnology enabled novel food grade materials and devices. Developed technical solutions and concepts will benefit thre category of stakeholders: Food scienctists and researchers by providing new information on the properties of the nanomaterials and their practical use to improve food safety; Students at different levels that were trained and educated by participating in the reserach (graduate thesis, undergraduate research, summer undergraduate students projects); General public that will bemnefit from safer food and novel methods of the food protection. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Project provided a broad spectrum of educational opportunities for different level of the students via their research projects both graduate and undergraduate levles. Also during summer months our lab hosted undergraduate student from minority institution (Univeristy of Puerto Rico). Additionally results of this project were used as illustrative examples and case study materials in graduate (Colloid and Interface Science) and undergraduate (Food Technology, Food Product Development) classes taught by Dr. Takhistov How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results of the project were disseminated via publications, presentations at national and international meetings, and set of seminars and invited talks presented by Dr. Takhistov and his group members. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Using developed in Dr. Takhistov lab new technology for fabrication of food grade nanoparticles we were able to achieve high level of inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes using generally recognized as safe (GRAS) type materials i.e. curcumin. Curcumin, a hydrophobic phenolic compound isolated from tumeric (Curcuma longa), has gained a great attention due to its health benefits and antimicrobial effects. In this study, curcumin nanoparticles (CNPs) were formulated via acusto-plastic deformation technique, with three differently surface-charged surfactants-sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS), Tween 20 and cetrimonium bromide (CTAB). The fabricated CNPs were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, one of the most severe foodborne pathogens. Our results demonstrated that the CNPs formulated with positively charged surfactant (CTAB) exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes, indicating that there is a strong relationship between surface charge and antimicrobial activity of curcumin. The enhanced antimicrobial action of CNPs-CTAB was concluded to be due to the increased cell-antimicrobial interaction, which resulted from the opposing electrical charges between CNPs-CTAB and L. monocytogenes cells, as well as increased antimicrobial penetration endowed by the small size.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Kit Yam, Paul Takhistov Sustainable packaging technology to improve food safety, IBM J. RES. & DEV. VOL. 60 NO. 5/6 pg. 9
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: No DS, Algburi A, Huynh P, et al. Antimicrobial efficacy of curcumin nanoparticles against Listeria monocytogenes is mediated by surface charge. J Food Saf. 2017;00:e12353.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: Yuechao Du, Paul Takhistov. Effect of Plasticizer and Lipid Composition on Phase Separation and Structure Formation In Curcumin Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles, IUPAC International conference on Chemical Thermodynamics, Guilin, China
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Danlei Chaen, Paul Takhistov How to Design an Effective Delivery System: Mobility of Curcumin Nanoparticles within Polysaccharide Network, IFT annual meeting, Chicago

Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Results of this project directly impacts food science professionals in the areas of food packaging and food engineering (material science) Changes/Problems:Our major challenges (which we also consider as opportunities) are based on the current public demand for the "clean labels." As a result, we are not using any chemical modification of our materials. All nanoscale delivery systems that we are working on, are developed using methods of solvent-free supramolecular self assembly and controlled colloidal assembly. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training of the graduate and undergraduate students is the critical part of the project activities. This training is performed via several education pathways: guided independent research project for the students; mentoring and supervision for graduate students; encouragment of their professional development through seminars and training courses inclusion of the case studies, examples and experiments developed within the course of the project into course materials for both graduate and undergraduate courses How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information regarding novel development in the nano- and macroscale dispersion materials was distributed via journal publications, presentations, and seminars. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Our group will continue to work on the development of the novel nanoscale materials for food functionalization and protection. Specifically, in the next period we will concentrate our efforts on the formulation, characterization and fabrication of edible coatings with antimicrobial and antioxydant properties. We will continue study of the thermophysical (phase transition) and transport properties of nano-particulates for food processing relevant applications We will develop novel methods to enchance properties of the traditional food products through the nano- and microstructures formed via molecular gelation mechanism

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? We developed and presented a new concept of the "sustainable packaging technology" as the new integrated concept for the packaging that combines smart packaging materials (including nanoscale structures), sensor-based intelligent packaging and information technologies of sensor-enabled supply chain management. This unique concept allows significantly improvements in food safety, optimizes product delivery and minimizes product losses in supply chain

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: M Metzger, S Koynov, K Anderson, P Takhistov, F. Muzzio. Effect of liquid addition on the bulk and flow properties of fine and coarse glass beads, AIChE Journal, DOI: 10.1002/aic.15004 , 2015

Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Our research addresses key issues of high national priority: Homeland Defense, the Biosecurity of the agricultural and food sectors. The major stakeholders of this project are the consumers who will benefit from improved bio-security of agro- and food products, the food producers gaining better ability to deliver safer foods to consumers and to minimize the chances of food-borne illnesses, and the researchers who can participate in this promising area. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training and teaching are integral parts of the research program at Rutgers University. Undergraduate students perform a significant proportion of the research in this project. Undergraduate students involved in the research through laboratory exposure class for credit or independent research. During summer months research activities related to the project were used as a training exercise for REU (research experience for undergraduates) program at Rutgers University. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results was disseminated through presentations and scientific publications What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We plan to continue our work to minimize effect of the food matrix on the sensor's output and extend shelf life of the sensing element.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The goal of our project is to develop novel biosensing devices for rapid, sensitive and reliable detection of biological toxins in liquid food products, especially juices. The fabricated device can be integrated into the existing system of the biological safety and biosecurity of food chain supply. Proposed immunosensor combines molecular recognition elements, whichsense the specific antigen-antibody binding reaction, with signal transduction systems. Biological toxin/pathogen is quantified through conversion of physico-chemical changes, driven by antibody-antigen (Ab/Ag) reaction to analytical signals by signal transduction systems. In the development of an impedimetric immunosensor for detection of food pathogens, the impedance behavior of the immunosensor according to the electrochemical properties of the substrate has to be characterized in order to distinguish toxin- or pathogen-specific impedimetric signal outputs. This study investigated the impedimetric characteristics of an immunosensor developed using aluminum that was insulated with an electrically resistive aluminum oxide layer. An immunosensor for detection of Listeria monocytogenes was prepared by immobilizing anti-L. monocytogenes on the aluminum substrate, on which a naturally enhanced aluminum oxide layer was deposited. Impedimetric signal outputs from the immunosensor were monitored while L. monocytogenes formed Ab-Ag complexes on the immunosensor surface. L. monocytogenes-specific impedimetric signal outputs were identified and characterized based on monitoring results. In addition, the impedimetric immunosensor was assessed as a rapid method for detection of L. monocytogenes, a Gram-positive virulent food-borne pathogen that causes listeriosis

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Impedimetric Characterization of Adsorption of Listeria monocytogenes on the Surface of an Aluminum-Based Immunosensor Changhoon Chai, Jooyoung Lee, Se-Wook Oh, and Paul Takhistov* Journal of Food Science, Vol. 79, Nr. 11, 2014 doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.12663

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Food industry professionals Ingredients/materials developers for the food applications Changes/Problems: Current method doesn't allow non-destructively monitor mobility of the nanoparticles in food matrices with the presense of solid phase inclusions. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results of the project were publically presented at the major national conferences and published in the peer review journals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Expand list of the materials used. Move from the model materials to the food matrices.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? New information regarding interaction of organic and inorganic nanoparticles in food grade polymeriv matrices was obtained. These results provide unique opportunities to understand mechanism of controlled release of the nutraceuticals into food matrices and predict efficacy of the delivery systems.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Acevedo, A., Takhistov, P., Pinz�n de la Rosa, C., & Florian, V. (2013). Thermal Gelation of Aqueous Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose Solutions with SDS and Hydrophobic Drug Particles. Carbohydrate Polymers, 01/2014; 102:7479
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: C.M. Vidyalakshmi, Sang Yun Lee, Phong Hyunh, Meenakhsi Dutt and Paul Takhistov, Phase Transition in HPMC Hydrogel, American Institute of Chemical Engineers 2013 annual meeting, San Francisco
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Molecular Dynamics Simulation of HPMC Film Drying Meenakshi Dutt, Phong Hyunh, Paul Takhistov American Institute of Chemical Engineers 2013 annual meeting, San Francisco
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Effect of the Plasticizer on Phase Separation, Mechanical and Release Properties in API Laden Therapeutic Films Paul Takhistov, Phong Hyunh, American Institute of Chemical Engineers 2013 annual meeting, San Francisco
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Role of Surfactant-Polymer Association on Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Film Forming Properties Paul Takhistov, Phong Hyunh, American Institute of Chemical Engineers 2013 annual meeting, San Francisco

Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: In order to develop robust and sensitive biosensors for the food safety applications, we need to immobilize biological molecules (e.g. proteins) onto the sensor's substrate. Protein immobilization on a solid surface is a consequence of complex physical processes at liquid-solid interfaces. Lateral interactions include these physical processes and affect the behavior of proteins at the interfaces. Protein immobilization on planar surfaces frequently produces randomly distributed and irregularly sized protein clusters having large lateral interactions that impair the biochemical functionalities of immobilized proteins. This study discusses control of lateral interactions via nanoporous-patterning of the solid surface. The size of protein clusters and lateral interactions can be controlled via nanoporous-patterning as protein immobilization on a nanoporous surface is confined to the surface that is not occupied by nanopores. Protein clusters on a nanoporous surface are more biochemically functional than clusters on a planar surface. Highlights PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Professionals working in the area of biosensors development; Food Safety professionals PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Lateral interactions affect the behavior of proteins during protein immobilization. Protein immobilization on planar surface produces heterogeneous protein clusters. Lateral interactions can be controlled using surface nanoporous-patterning. Protein array on a nanoporous surface are more biochemically functional than array on a planar surface.

Publications

• Changhoon Chai, Paul Takhistov Control of the lateral interactions of immobilized proteins using surface nanoporous-patterning, Applied Surface Science, Volume 263, 15 December 2012, Pages 104-110
• Changhoon Chai, Jooyoung Lee, Jiyong Park, Paul Takhistov Antibody immobilization on a nanoporous aluminum surface for immunosensor development Original Research Article Applied Surface Science, Volume 263, 15 December 2012, Pages 195-201

Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Recent developments in poorly water-soluble nutraceutical compounds posed challenges for the food industry due to their low solubility. Among several techniques explored to improve the solubility, utilization of nanoparticles for food fortification has been a promising way. Nanoparticles have increased the total surface area of the nutraceuticals, making them more bioavailable. During current period, emulsion - base method was used to prepare nanosuspensions a β-carotene. Kolmogorov dissipation theory was applied to estimate the size of emulsion droplets due to drop break-up in high shear environment. We have developed a mass balance model to estimate the size and kinetics of the obtained nanosuspensions. The effects of emulsification time, water content of the suspension, type of surfactant used, and photospectrometer were investigated. The mechanism of β-carotene/triacetin nanosuspension maturation was determined by monitoring the particle size and distribution over time. PARTICIPANTS: Paul Takhistov (PI) Phong Tyunh (Graduate assistant) TARGET AUDIENCES: Food industry professionals working on functional food formulations and product development will benefit from this work getting more flexibility in food formulations with natural, GRAS-type delivery system for health promoting compounds; Food Science research community that will benefit from the new knowledge of the transport and thermodynamical properties of food grade materials at nanoscale. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The major advantage of the developd technology is the use of materials with GRAS status, which create a way for safe and biocompatible food grade delivery systems for food fortification and functionalization. Proposed technological process can be applied for many poorly soluble antioxidants, vitamins and polyphenols, making our food more healthy.

Publications

• R. Tiwari and P. Takhistov. (2012) Nanotechnology-enabled delivery systems for food functionalization and fortification. In G/ Padus (ed.), ethods in Food and Bioproducts Nanotechnology Research. Wiley-Blackwell. In press.

Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: This year we focus our efforts on the direct detection of the biological toxin in acidic environment without pH adjustment by hydrophobically modified electrochemical impedance immunosensor (EII). The nano-porous aluminum substrate for EII was hydrophobically modified by the deposition of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of APTES. EII for the detection of the biological toxin (ricin) was prepared by the covalent cross-linking of antibody (Ab) with APTES-SAMs. The immunoreactions between the immobilized Ab on EII and the biological toxin in several diagnostic solutions were monitored by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) under the polarization of EII versus reference electrode. EII could detect the presence of the biological toxin in acidic foods in 20 mins without pH adjustment. The negatively charged ions including hydroxides would be adsorbed on the hydrophobic body of APTES-SAMs by the polarization during EIS analysis, and offset the effect of acids on the immunological activity of the immobilized Ab. It suggested that the adsorption of negatively charged ions helped to keep the immunological activities of the immobilized Ab on EII in acidic environment. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Developed sensor for toxin detection in low pH environment expands our capabilities to effectively detect intentional food contamination by biological toxins. Due to unique design, developed sensor has much broader range of applicable pH and can be used for direct detection in acidic environment.

Publications

• Chai, Changhoon; Lee, Jooyoung; Takhistov, Paul. 2010. "Direct Detection of the Biological Toxin in Acidic Environment by Electrochemical Impedimetric Immunosensor." Sensors 10, no. 12: 11414-11427.

Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Resent research shows Curcumin (1,7-Bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione), possesses remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for human health. However, its bioavailability is greatly limited by its hydrophobic nature and rapid degradation in GI tract. Furthermore, it easily decomposes in the presence of light, limiting its use in foodstuff. Therefore, a protective carrier is needed to improve its stability, which would result in improved bioavailability and products shelf life. Lipids have traditionally been used as building blocks of such carriers due to their compatibility with polyphenols and ability to provide protective barrier for hydrophobic compounds. We report successful encapsulation of Curcumin into lipid nanoparticles. Our experimental data shows a great improvement in the stability of Curcumin in the aqueous phase. Solid lipid nanoparticles were made from methyl stearate and monostearin mixture. Additionally, oleic acid and Polyethylene glycol were used as plasticizers and crystallization inhibitors. Obtained particles were characterized with various analytical and imaging techniques - Dynamic Light Scattering and Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Raman Spectroscopy, to analyze particles size distribution and the morphology of lipid nanoparticles, and reveal the structure and possible interactions between Curcumin and the carrier matrix. Differential Scanning Calorimetry provided insight into thermal and crystallization properties of Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles. The Curcumin encapsulation mechanism into lipid nanonparticles is revealed. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Increases in dietary-intake-related illnesses such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and cancer have led to highly development of health and wellness promoting foods encapsulate bioactive compounds a priority in food industry. In the food industry, current difficulty associated with encapsulation of lipophilic compounds in food matrices is one of the major problems that manufacturers struggle with when developing health and wellness promoting foods. We are adressing this problem by developing novell delivery systems that allowed for better control of release rate and targeting of the encapsulated compounds, improved the physicochemical stability by decreasing the reactivity of the encapsulated material in relation to the outside environment.

Publications

• P. Takhistov, Biosensor technology for food packaging applications in The Wiley Encyclopedia Of Packaging Technology, Ed. Kit Yam, Wiley, 2009;
• Changhoon Chai and Paul Takhistov Label-Free Toxin Detection by Means of Time-Resolved Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Sensors 2010, 10, 655-669;
• Moraru, C.; Huang, Q. R.; Takhistov, P.; Dogan, H.; Kokini, J. (2009) "Food Nanotechnology: Current Developments and Future Prospects", edited by Barbosa-Canovas, G. V.; Mortimer, A.; Colonna, P.; Lineback, D.; Spiess, W.; and Buckle, K., IUFoST World Congress Book: Global Issues in Food Science and Technology, Academic Press, 369-399.

Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: To achieve the project objectives we have experimentally investigated drying kinetics and substrate interaction of protein-solvent droplets on solid substrates. The process of the drop impact can be classified according to Weber and Ohnesorge numbers. In the current set of experiments we have used solutions of various concentrations of zein loaded with tocopherol and curcumin in alcohol. Droplets have been deposited onto the model substrate via custom designed electro-dispensing DoD system. Mass of the deposits and evaporation kinetics of the printed drugs have been investigated as a function of the pressure, printhead/substrate distance and drug concentration. When We and Re are low, the kinetic energy of the droplet is comparable to the surface energy, and the viscous force cannot be neglected. Therefore, during the droplet spreading, kinetic and surface energies compete with each other under the influence of the viscous force. Removal of the solvent via evaporation causes self-assembly of the protein into nanoparticles. PARTICIPANTS: Paul Takhistov, Associate professor Abhishek Sahai, Graduate student Hyunh Phong, Graduate student Marlena Brown, Graduate student TARGET AUDIENCES: The basic concept of our research is to use a novel liquid jet dosage system where nutraceuticals and micronutrients are formulated as nano-suspensions or nano-emulsions and are deposited "on-demand" onto edible films forming a functional food nano-composite materials. Results of this research provides new enabling technology for the development of nutrient dense food formulations. Such products are on high demand especially for geriatric population and groups with special needs. Scientific community will also benefit from the new knowledge on the nano-particle formation mechanism and their interaction with bio-polymeric materials. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Obtained results allow understanding the low Weber and Reynolds number deposition regime of liquid drops on surfaces with controlled contact angle. We have explored the impact of protein/solvent droplets when the surface energy is larger than or comparable to the kinetic energy. We have examined the role of the work of adhesion and have found that the magnitude of maximum spreading is a function of the Weber number. This information allows full control of the nano-particles' formation process and their control-release properties

Publications

• Huynhh Phong, Paul Takhistov Pattern formation from evaporating non-Newtonian Liquid Droplets, AICHE, 2008
• M.Brown, P. Takhistov Adhesive properties and thermodynamic stability of HPC:PEG films , AICHE, 2008
• P. Takhistov, Application of sensors in the packaging, Encyclopedia of packaging, 2009 (in print)

Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The real-time detection of trace concentrations of biological toxins requires significant improvement of the detection methods from those reported in the literature. To develop a highly sensitive and selective detection device it is necessary to determine the optimal measuring conditions for the electrochemical sensor in three domains: time, frequency and polarization potential. In this project we utilized a time-resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for the detection of trace concentrations of Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB). An anti-SEB antibody has been attached to the nano-porous aluminum surface using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane/gluteraldehide coupling system. PARTICIPANTS: Chang-Hoon Chai - graduate student TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audience is the food science and food industry research community working on the food biosecurity issue. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No major modifications for the project.

Impacts
Developed immobilization method allows fabrication of a highly reproducible and stable sensing device. Using developed immobilization procedure and optimized detection regime, it is possible to determine the presence of SEB at the levels as low as 10 pg/ml in 15 minutes.

Publications

• Paper "Label-free toxin detection by means of time-resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy" Changhoon Chai, Paul Takhistov* is accepted for publication in "Sensors" journal. paper will be published in 2008

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
It is too early in the life of the project to report now.

Impacts
This will allow a rational choice and manipulation of materials at micro and nano scale for the development of new processes and devices improving food safety, biosecurity and quality

Publications

• No publications reported this period