Research Projects for 2009
ME00357-07 B. Calder
Improving the post-harvest quality of fresh-cut and processed Maine potatoes
Enzymatic browning is a well-documented issue that negatively affects the fruit and vegetable industry.
An estimated 50% of fruit is ruined from enzymatic browning losses, and is one of the most damaging enzymes
to fresh produce quality. The purpose of this study will be to develop a new dip application to benefit the
potato industry by increasing the post-harvest quality of fresh-cut and processed Maine potatoes.
ME08103-08H D. Donahue
Near-infrared spectroscopic evaluation of woody biomass process streams
Rapid near real-time capabilities using in-process-line sensors are needed to replace slower off-line
wet chemistry methods. Near-infrared spectroscopy offers one option for consideration. Preliminary data
by PI Donahue shows the ability to detect treatment differences in dry wood chips of similar wood species
with 96-97 % accuracy using NIRS in the 900 - 1600 nm range. These data, combined with previously cited
research, prove that the NIRS technique will work off-line on dry samples. However, the challenge will be
to determine that the NIRS technique will work in an aqueous environment (extractives pulping materials)
because of the overburdening water signal presence. Once the use of NIRS methods is established on both dry
and aqueous process streams, a further challenge will be to develop in-process-line, real-time sensor components
that incorporate NIRS information for process control and decision-making in woody biomass process streams.
PI Donahue is part of the key scientific personnel of a current EPSCoR project focusing on forest bio-products.
He has expertise that fits within the overall objectives of the EPSCoR. The investigation of NIRS techniques
outlined here will complement the research conducted in the EPSCoR grant.
ME08550-07 A. White
Promoting healthful eating to prevent excessive weight gain in young
Risks of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes are exacerbated by excessive weight gain.
Development of specific strategies is needed to promote healthful eating among young adults, an age group with
high risk of weight gain and unique interests in diet/health issues. To date, few interventions have been
designed for obesity prevention among young adults. The aim of this project is to develop an obesity prevention
intervention using community-based participatory research that integrates research, extension, and communities
of young adults.
ME08552-08H M. Camire, B. Calder
Foods for health
Obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases are major health problems in Maine and the rest of the nation.
The purpose of this project is to better understand the role of certain foods in human health and to convey that
information to consumers.
ME08553-09 D. Klimis-Zacas
Wild blueberries and their effects on arterial functional properties and metabolism in normotensive and hypertensive
animal models
Epidemiological, observational, and experimental studies have produced substantial evidence linking the consumption
of antioxidant containing fruits and vegetables to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and improved cardiovascular
health. To date, there are no studies that have evaluated the in vivo or ex vivo role of whole, wild lowbush blueberry
consumption (Vaccinium angustifolium) on preserving arterial function and maintaining a functional endothelium other
than those published by our research group. Understanding the mechanisms by which dietary components may be involved
in maintaining the homeostatic balance of vasoactive molecules and the possible involvement in modulating vascular
tone with implications for preventing or arresting cardiovascular disease is of crucial importance to public health.
The effect of blueberries in preventing CVD by reducing some of its risk factors is of critical importance to public
health and in accordance with the goals stated by the USDA to characterize the mode of action of dietary components
and describe their effects on the cardiovascular system. If the effect and mechanism of action of wild blueberries
can be demonstrated in animal model, it may be possible in the future to incorporate these foods and bioactive
compounds into preventive strategies that reduce degenerative diseases. Additionally, results from this project may
have great economic impact on the blueberry industry by increasing marketability and blueberry consumption in the
United States. Since the blueberry industry is one of the main sources of revenue for the State of Maine and it helps
support the smaller blueberry family farm, the proposed research will aid in documenting the role of wild blueberries
on health promotion and disease prevention, assisting through health claims in increasing sales of product and
contributing to the economy of the state.
ME08555-07 R. Bushway, L. Perkins, A. Bushway
Development and modification of analytical methods for monitoring organic chemicals in food, water and
environmental matrices
There remains a need for more efficient, more sensitive and less expensive methods for the analysis of both
beneficial and toxic chemicals in our food and water. The purpose of this project is to improve existing methods
as well as develop new techniques for food, water and environmental analysis.
ME08556-09 D. Skonberg
Sustainable seafood technologies in Maine
One of Maine's greatest natural resources, and a major contributor to the state's economy, is the sea.
The survival of the seafood and aquaculture industries, in Maine and throughout the U.S., is tied to their
long-term economic and environmental sustainability. This proposal will focus on research and development to
support the economic and environmental sustainability of the crustacean (crab and lobster) processing and
aquaculture industries in Maine. Specifically, we will: 1) evaluate the use of crustacean processing by-products
in the development of new, value-added food products; 2) study the properties of crustacean proteins and how
they function; and 3) investigate the use of new protein ingredients in aquaculture feeds, and how they effect
the quality (flavor, texture, and nutrition) of farmed fish. Utilizing crab and lobster processing by-product and
green crab by-catch to develop new value-added products will benefit the Maine seafood industry and fisheries dependent
communities in several ways. It will enhance the utilization of the crustacean fishery resource, increase employment in
the seafood processing sector, and provide processors with an income-generating method of handling post-processing waste.
Finding a commercial use for green crab will help the fishing community since it will open new markets for
fishermen and help alleviate the negative affects of this nuisance species on other fisheries. Insuring the
sustainability of cod culture will help promote the development of commercial Atlantic cod culture as a viable
alternative to Atlantic salmon in Maine. Similar to the seafood processing sector, the development of environmentally
and economically sustainable aquaculture operations will increase employment opportunities for individuals living in
the most economically disadvantaged counties in the state. Successful outcomes will be evaluated in terms of the adoption
of any practices based on these research results, whether by the seafood processing and/or aquaculture industry or by
other seafood researchers. The successful commercialization of any products developed from this research program,
or the establishment of a commercial cod production facility in Maine would be the most positive outcomes. Other
positive outcomes of this research program may include increased commercial value ($/lb) of crustacean mince; increased
sales of crustacean mince; decreased amounts of crustacean waste deposited in landfills or converted to low-value
fertilizer; and increased knowledge in seafood processors about value-added product development.
ME08559-05 R. Cook
Improving plant food (fruit, vegetable and whole grain) availability and intake in older adults
Fruit, vegetables and whole grains contain numerous bioactive compounds that are involved in reducing oxidative
damage in tissues, improving gastrointestinal function, and other physiological processes, but are consumed at low
levels among older adults. Considerable integrated research needs to be conducted in order to improve fruit, vegetable
and whole grain intake to reduce diet-related disability, obesity and chronic disease rates among rapidly growing numbers
of older Americans.
ME08562-05 C. Wu
Rapid Methods and Applications of Natural Ingredients for Food Safety and Security
Food safety and pathogen control have become a central concern in modern food science due to outbreaks of foodborne
infections/ intoxications and potential of bioterrorism attacks. Foodborne illnesses account for billions of dollars
of economic losses annually. Since safety of the public food supply is a major concern, this research will focus on
destruction, detection and control of foodborne pathogens in foods to monitor food safety and security from farm to fork.
