| Popis: |
Chitosan is a nitrogen containing polysaccharides that forms a semitransparent horny substance and is a principal constituent of the exoskeleton or outer covering of insects, crustaceans and arachnids. In recent years application of natural antimicrobials instead of conventional ones, due to their hazardous effects on health, has got serious attentions. On the basis of the results of different studies, chitosan, a natural bio-degradable and non-toxic biopolysaccharide derived from chitin, has potential to be used as a natural antimicrobial. Chitosan has exhibited high antimicrobial activity against a wide variety of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, including fungi, and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In the present study the author prepared chitosan sample and used it as food preservative. Chitosan was prepared in two processes. Where one sample was prepared applying high temperature and pressure and other was without the application of high temperature and pressure. Chitosan applied as food preservative in orange juice and ginger paste. Microbial count was taken at 3, 8 and 16 days by MPN (Minimal Probable Number) method. Sub culture in selective media was done to distinguish coliform presence. The study work found that preservative used as chitosan sample-2 was found comparatively acceptable. By the study the shelf life of ginger and juice was observed for organoleptic properties which were acceptable. The experiment was done in room temperature. The ginger paste was found to be acceptable on day 8 as bacterial count was found 1.4×106 and fungal count 7.5× 105 . The orange juice was found to be acceptable on day 8 as bacterial count was found 5.5× l04. Where at same day fungal count 2.6×105. Further investigation of health affect of chitosan preserved food is required in future. Chitosan has a great impact to eliminate chemical preservative as it works efficiently as preservative. |
