Food Scienceshttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/922024-03-28T15:46:35Z2024-03-28T15:46:35ZProfiling free amino acid pool in the muscles of triplefin-fish after being fed with chitosan and zein-based films containing heavy metals to identify the potential changes in amino acid metabolismZhao, Chunhttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/166492024-03-28T15:32:42Z2024-03-15T02:43:46ZProfiling free amino acid pool in the muscles of triplefin-fish after being fed with chitosan and zein-based films containing heavy metals to identify the potential changes in amino acid metabolism
2024
Zhao, Chun
Previous studies have demonstrated that plastic particles (PLA), degraded from food packaging waste, have high affinity with heavy metals (HM) that result in a worse combined marine plastic pollution than plastic pollution alone. Chitosan and zein-based edible food film (CZF) is biodegradable and environmentally friendly which could be considered as an alternative material to reduce the plastic pollution. On the other hand, the heavy metals bound to PLA could induce oxidative stress disrupting the amino acid metabolism of fish, hence there is a need to evaluate whether CZF can reduce the heavy metal complex formation as well as the resulting oxidative stress that affects the amino acid metabolism of fish. The heavy metals came from the contaminants originally present in the ingredients used in the film making.
For this study, Triplefin-fish (Forsterygion capito, TPN-fish), a local species found in New Zealand waters was selected as our model organism due to its integral role within marine ecosystems, particularly in contributing to the lower levels of marine food chains. We exposed them to PLA and CZF at similar dosage and frequency for the same predefined feeding time (39 days). The profile of amino acid pool was measured only in the muscle portion of the fish. Based on the literature review, analysis of the free amino acid (FAA) pool was selected as a key biomarker to evaluate the effects of CZF and PLA exposure on TPN-fish muscle. The FAA pool profiling was conducted using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC- FID) as an analytical approach. Multivariate and univariate statistical approaches, namely principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares–discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and Mann–Whitney U test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), were used to identify FAA discriminators associated with exposure to CZF and PLA. The identified discriminators were further evaluated by pathway analysis to identify potentially affected areas of amino acid metabolism.
The FAA pool in the white muscle of TPN-fish exposed to CZF was found to be altered, including a decreased level of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), serine, methionine, phenylalanine, histidine, tyrosine, tryptophan, ornithine, and an increased level of alanine and glutamine. In addition, specific impacted pathways were identified in relation to the change in the FAA pool, namely phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis; alanine, aspartate, glutamic acid and glutamine metabolism; valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis. Overall, the altered amino acid metabolism was attributed to abnormal energy metabolism, reduction of weight gain and a disturbed immune system in TPN-fish. Moreover, the decreased levels of phenylalanine, tryptophan and histidine were found to be associated with changes in fish behaviour and swimming performance. The present study has demonstrated that FAA pool profiling can be a robust and effective approach in monitoring the biophysical effects of exposing TPN-fish to CZF.
This study was the first to use GC-FID based FAA pool profiling to investigate the effect of an alternative food packaging material (CZF) in a New Zealand aquatic ecosystem. Evaluation of the FAA data indicated that this approach could specifically contribute to the evaluation of the safety of CZF in the environment. The results of the present study also provide a preliminary framework in relation to the application of FAA profiling to evaluate metabolic changes in a model organism, on exposure to an alternative food packaging material, and its potential effect on the environment.
2024-03-15T02:43:46ZA study of the nutritive value of the protein and vitamin efficiency of New Zealand cheesesFrengley, Maureen Gertrudehttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/166012024-03-18T14:40:36Z2024-02-25T21:51:55ZA study of the nutritive value of the protein and vitamin efficiency of New Zealand cheeses
1931
Frengley, Maureen Gertrude
2024-02-25T21:51:55ZI. Some observations on the rate of growth of rats on milk mixtures II. A partial analysis of rat's milkDavies, Francis Dorothyhttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/165982024-03-28T15:33:25Z2024-02-25T21:51:55ZI. Some observations on the rate of growth of rats on milk mixtures II. A partial analysis of rat's milk
1935
Davies, Francis Dorothy
2024-02-25T21:51:55ZInvestigating systemic and social dynamics of food loss and waste: An application of waste regime theory to food production in Aotearoa New ZealandCroad, TrixieCampbell, HughMirosa, Mirandahttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/165242024-03-28T15:33:20Z2024-01-22T20:48:34ZInvestigating systemic and social dynamics of food loss and waste: An application of waste regime theory to food production in Aotearoa New Zealand
2024-04
Croad, Trixie; Campbell, Hugh; Mirosa, Miranda
This research investigates the relationships of social and discursive effects on food loss and waste (FLW) in primary food production through a case study of the kiwifruit industry in Aotearoa New Zealand by using ‘waste regime theory’, which was first developed by Science and Technology Studies scholar Zsuzsa Gille as an organising concept. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and analysis of industry and policy documents are interpreted through thematic analysis to explore the production, politics and representation of FLW, and to demonstrate the ways in which these factors interact to enact a ‘food waste regime’. The findings identify two distinct discourses of FLW: either as consequence of supply chain dynamics, or as a consequence of market driven quality assurance (QA) requirements. The former is seen as opening possibilities for technical interventions. The other is seen to be a baked-in structural reality of the industry that doesn’t allow for any strategic intervention. Either discourse arguably has the effect of invisibilising different aspects of FLW in the sector and potentially reducing the perceived need interventions by managers at a systemic level in the sector.
2024-01-22T20:48:34ZOvercoming barriers to reducing food loss and waste [Panel Discussion]Mirosa, Mirandahttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/164642024-01-31T01:14:14Z2023-12-11T02:34:58ZOvercoming barriers to reducing food loss and waste [Panel Discussion]
2023-09-19
Mirosa, Miranda
Director of Food Waste Innovation, Miranda Mirosa, recently participated in a panel discussion at the International Standards Organisation #ISOAnnualMeeting in Brisbane. The panel session, ‘Overcoming barriers to food loss and waste’, chaired by Raj Rajasekar, the Vice-Chair of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, covered ISO’s new standard, ISO/WD 20001, Food loss and waste management system. This standard is being designed to help organisations throughout the food chain reduce food loss and waste. Committees are already working globally on developing this standard which will provide a common framework for measurement and reporting and allow organisations to track their progress over time and identify areas where they can make improvements.
2023-12-11T02:34:58ZShared Horizon 23 - University of Otagohttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/164632024-01-31T01:13:28Z2023-12-11T02:21:39ZShared Horizon 23 - University of Otago
2023
This is a short video highlighting the University of Otago's Food Science Department's work in food waste. Presented by the NZ Food and Grocery Council in partnership with ASN Media.
2023-12-11T02:21:39ZOnion Loss and Waste Streams in Aotearoa [Infographic]Petersen, GraceCroad, Trixiehttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/164612023-12-11T13:02:08Z2023-12-10T23:23:00ZOnion Loss and Waste Streams in Aotearoa [Infographic]
2022
Petersen, Grace; Croad, Trixie
This infographic summarises the findings of a summer research project commissioned by Onions New Zealand. The project was conducted by summer student Grace Petersen and investigated food waste in the onion-growing industry as well as an appetite for the development of value-added streams for this waste.
2023-12-10T23:23:00ZFood Waste in Aged Care [Infographic]Croad, Trixiehttp://hdl.handle.net/10523/164602023-12-11T13:02:07Z2023-12-10T23:16:08ZFood Waste in Aged Care [Infographic]
2023-03
Croad, Trixie
This resource summarises findings from a research project commissioned by Arvida to understand how much and what food is wasted in their aged care villages and to identify the key drivers of food waste. Case studies were conducted at two aged care facilities. Two types of data were collected at each site: 3-day quantitative food waste audits and qualitative data from focus groups with staff and residents.
2023-12-10T23:16:08Z