We set out to explore how zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) could help control the bacteria responsible for food poisoning in raw chicken meat. Our approach involved integrating these nanoparticles into packaging materials to see if they could effectively inactivate Campylobacter jejuni, a common and concerning pathogen in poultry.
Through our experiments, we discovered that immobilizing ZnO NPs in functional pads placed under raw chicken could dramatically reduce bacterial counts. In fact, we saw a reduction from about 4 log CFU to an undetectable level within just three days when storing chicken at 4°C. Notably, we monitored zinc levels in the chicken meat, confirming a safe release of zinc without any migration of nanoparticles onto the food. This means that we can help keep raw chicken safe and fresh without compromising its integrity or quality.
Not only did we find that these functional pads inactivated the harmful bacteria, but we also noted a related increase in lactic acid production, which plays a role in further protecting the meat. Our findings open up new avenues for using zinc in food packaging, offering a way to enhance food safety without directly adding chemicals to the food itself. Overall, this study highlights the potential for nanotechnology to play a significant role in managing foodborne pathogens like Campylobacter in poultry products.
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Vitamin C mitigates quinalphos toxicityThe effectiveness of vitamin C on quinalphos ileal toxicity: a study of histological, ultrastructural, and oxidative stress markers.
Relevant but not food poisoning
We explored how vitamin C might protect against the toxic effects of quinalphos, a common organophosphate that poses risks to health. To understand this relationship, we set up an experiment with three groups of rats. One group received pure water, while another group was subjected to doses of quinalphos. The final group was given vitamin C alongside quinalphos for ten days.
Our observations highlighted the damage caused by quinalphos in the rats' ileum, particularly in the cellular structure. We noticed disorganized microvilli, vacuoles, and abnormal cell structures, showcasing the impact of the toxin. However, when we introduced vitamin C, the results were promising for the third group, with their ileal architecture appearing more similar to healthy controls.
The findings suggest that vitamin C could help alleviate some of the damage induced by quinalphos, protecting the intestinal cells from dysfunction. While this study specifically looked at quinalphos rather than traditional food poisoning, it opens up interesting discussions about how antioxidants like vitamin C might be beneficial in broader contexts of organ toxicity.
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To explore the effects of vitamin C on food poisoning caused by Campylobacter jejuni, we conducted a study using mice specifically bred to develop a condition similar to human campylobacteriosis. Mice were treated with synthetic vitamin C in their drinking water starting four days before they were infected with the bacteria. Our goal was to see if this treatment could lessen the severity of their symptoms.
Over the course of our research, we found that the mice receiving vitamin C had lower levels of the bacteria in their intestines. They also experienced less severe inflammation and other symptoms associated with infections. Interestingly, the benefits of vitamin C extended beyond just the intestines; we noticed reduced inflammatory responses in other organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
This suggests that vitamin C could be a promising option for both preventing and treating acute campylobacteriosis. Our findings highlight the potential health benefits of this vitamin and its role in managing foodborne illnesses like those triggered by Campylobacter jejuni.
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Zinc composites combat foodborne pathogensGreen synthesis of cellulose nanocrystal/ZnO bio-nanocomposites exerting antibacterial activity and downregulating virulence toxigenic genes of food-poisoning bacteria.
Relevance score indicates limited focus
We explored how green-synthesized cellulose nanocrystal and zinc oxide (ZnO) bio-nanocomposites could help in battling food poisoning caused by harmful bacteria. By using natural resources like palm sheath fibers, we created these nanocomposites without harsh chemicals, making the process sustainable.
Our team tested the effectiveness of these bio-nanocomposites against major foodborne pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. We observed that the CN-ZnO nanocomposites were effective at inhibiting bacterial growth, showcasing their potential as natural preservatives in food systems.
Moreover, we found that these composites not only killed bacteria but also significantly reduced the expression of virulence toxin genes in the bacteria we studied. This decrease in toxin production means that not only do we reduce the bacteria, but we also lower the risk of food poisoning, making these nanocomposites a promising tool for food safety.
In conclusion, our results suggest that cellulose nanocrystal-based ZnO nanocomposites could provide a dual action by preventing microbial growth and curtailing the harmful effects of bacterial toxins, which is a crucial step in protecting public health against foodborne illnesses.
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Zinc nanoparticle toxicity effectsProtective effects of Allium hirtifolium extract against foodborne toxicity of Zinc oxide nanoparticles in Common carp (Cyprinus carpio).
Study reveals mixed results
In our research, we investigated how zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) affect food poisoning, particularly focusing on their toxicity in Common carp. We carried out a thorough study involving 540 fish, which were divided into 18 groups and fed different diets over 30 days. Among these diets were options containing varying concentrations of ZnO-NPs, alongside a beneficial plant extract called Allium hirtifolium, known to enhance health and antioxidant levels.
The results were telling. Diets with ZnO-NPs generally raised stress levels and disturbed the balance of essential blood and biochemical markers in the fish. However, when we supplemented the diets with Allium hirtifolium extract, we observed significant improvements in antioxidant parameters. Specifically, the fish receiving this extract demonstrated enhanced antioxidant activity, evidenced by lower levels of harmful substances and higher activity of protective enzymes.
Importantly, the extract appeared to mitigate the negative impacts of ZnO-NPs, suggesting potential protective effects. Yet, we noted no significant differences in some antioxidant markers when we compared AHE-supplemented diets against those solely containing ZnO-NPs. This indicates that while zinc does have harmful effects, the role of AHE in combating these effects is noteworthy, though not universally significant across all measures.
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