Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Evaluation of Models for Spinach Respiratory Metabolism Under Low Oxygen Atmospheres

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Food and Bioprocess Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Anaerobic respiration is a major problem that causes the deterioration of fresh produce packaged under low O2 atmospheres. The problem becomes more severe and causes high losses in the packages handling at ambient conditions, especially in developing countries. In designing modified atmosphere packaging, the risk of anaerobic development greatly depends upon the accuracy of respiration rate prediction; therefore, the respiration rate model for a particular produce has to be identified. In this study, different atmospheric storage conditions in a closed system were realized to examine the adaptability of respiration rate models for spinach storage under low O2 at an expected ambient temperature of 25 °C. Six models were applied and it was found that, for aerobic conditions, the respiration rate could be described with a constant respiratory quotient by three models, viz., (a) Michaelis–Menten model without inhibition, (b) Michaelis–Menten model with uncompetitive inhibition, and (c) Langmuir adsorption model, whereas three other models, viz. (d) Michaelis–Menten model with competitive inhibition, (e) Michaelis–Menten model with noncompetitive inhibition, and (f) Michaelis–Menten with mixed inhibition could not be fitted. Among the three successful models, the Michaelis–Menten with uncompetitive inhibition was found to be the most suitable model for practical applications in developing countries where cold-chain systems are lacking. This model can be applied for the prediction of gas composition and optimize the packages, particularly to ensure the aerobic respiration.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abdel-Nour, N., Ngadi, M., Prasher, S., & Karimi, Y. (2009). Prediction of egg freshness and albumin quality using visible/near infrared spectroscopy. Food and Bioprocess Technology. doi:10.1007/s11947-009-0265-0.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akimoto, K., Maezawa, S., & Kato, Y. (1996). Effect of dynamic accumulation of carbon dioxide on respiration rate and freshness of spinach. Research Bulletin of Faculty of Agriculture, Gifu University, 61, 75–80 (in Japanese).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Allende, A., Luo, Y., McEvoy, J. L., Artes, F., & Wang, C. Y. (2004). Microbial and quality changes in minimally processed baby spinach leaves stored under super atmospheric oxygen and modified atmosphere conditions. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 33, 51–59.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Andrich, G., Fiorentini, R., Tuci, A., Zinnai, A., & Sommovigo, G. (1991). A tentative model to describe respiration of stored apples. Journal of American Society for Horticulture Science, 116, 478–481.

    Google Scholar 

  • Banks, N. H., Dadzie, B. K., & Cleland, D. J. (1993). Reducing gas exchange of fruits with surface coatings. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 3(3), 269–284.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beaudry, R. M., & Gran, C. D. (1993). Using a modified-atmosphere packaging approach to answer some postharvest questions: Factors influencing the lower O2 limit. Acta Horticulturae, 362, 203–212.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhande, S. D., Ravindra, M. R., & Goswami, T. K. (2008). Respiration rate of banana fruit under aerobic conditions at different storage temperatures. Journal of Food Engineering, 87(1), 116–123.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cameron, A. C., Boylan-Pett, W., & Lee, J. (1989). Design of modified atmosphere packaging systems: Modeling oxygen concentrations within sealed packages of tomato fruits. Journal of Food Science, 54(6), 1413–1421.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Conte, A., Conversa, G., Scrocco, C., Brescia, I., Laverse, J., Elia, A., et al. (2008). Influence of growing periods on quality of baby spinach leaves at harvest and during storage as minimally processed produce. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 50(2–3), 190–196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dadzie, B. K., Banks, N. H., Cleland, D. J., & Hewitt, E. W. (1996). Changes in respiration and ethylene production of apples in response to internal and external oxygen partial pressures. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 9(3), 297–309.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Emond, J. P., Chau, K. V., & Brecht, J. K. (1993). Modeling respiration rates of blueberry in a perforation-generated modified atmosphere package. In: Proceedings of the 6th international controlled atmosphere research conference (pp. 134–144). Ithaca, New York, USA.

  • FAO. (2009). Post-harvest losses aggravate hunger; improved technology and training show success in reducing losses. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Available at: www.fao.org. Accessed 26 Mar 2010.

  • Fishman, S., Rodov, V., & Ben-Yehoshua, S. (1996). Mathematical model for perforation effect on oxygen and water vapor dynamics in modified atmosphere packages. Journal of Food Science, 61(5), 956–961.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fonseca, S. C., Oliveira, F. A. R., & Brecheht, J. K. (2002). Modelling respiration rate of fruits and vegetables for modified atmosphere packages: A review. Journal of Food Engineering, 52(2), 99–119.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gran, C. D., & Beaudry, R. M. (1993). Determination of low O2 limit for several commercial apple cultivars by respiratory quotient breakpoint. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 3(3), 259–267.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hertog, M. L. A. T. M. (2001) Improving modified atmosphere packaging through conceptual models. In: Food process modelling. Modelling (p. 229). Cambridge: Woodhead.

  • Kader, A. A. & Ke, D. (1994) Controlled atmospheres. In: Treatments and responses (pp 223–226). Wallingford: CAB International.

  • Kader, A. A. & Saltveit, M. E. (2003) Respiration and gases exchange. In: Postharvest physiology and pathology of vegetables (p. 11). New York: Marcel Dekker.

  • Ko, N. P., Watada, A. E., Schlimme, D. V., & Bouwkamp, J. C. (1996). Storage of spinach under low oxygen atmosphere above the extinction point. Journal of Food Science, 61(2), 398–401.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lakakul, R., Beaudry, R. M., & Hernandez, R. J. (1999). Modeling respiration of apple slices in modified atmosphere packages. Journal of Food Science, 64(1), 105–110.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, D. S., Haggar, P. E., Lee, J., & Yam, K. L. (1991). Model for fresh produce respiration in modified atmospheres based on principles of enzyme kinetics. Journal of Food Science, 56(6), 1580–1585.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lencki, R. W., Zhu, M., & Chu, C. (2004). Comparison of unsteady- and steady-state methods for produce respiration rate determination 1: Model development and validation. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 31(3), 229–238.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Makino, Y., Iwasaki, K., & Hirata, T. (1996). A theoretical model for oxygen consumption in fresh produce under an atmosphere with carbon dioxide. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 65(3), 193–203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neethirajan, S., Jayas, D. S., & Sadistap, S. (2009). Carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors for the agri-food industry—a review. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 2, 115–121.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nunes, M. C. D. N. & Emond, J. P. (2003) Storage temperature. In: Postharvest physiology and pathology of vegetables (pp. 209–228). New York: Marcel Dekker.

  • O’ Hare, T. J., Wong, L. S., Prasad, A., Able, A. J., & King, G. J. (2000). Atmosphere modification extends the postharvest shelf life of fresh-cut leafy Asian brassicas. Acta Horticulturae, 539, 104–107.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pandrangi, S., & LaBorde, L. F. (2004). Retention of folate, carotenoids, and other quality characteristics in commercially packaged fresh spinach. Journal of Food Science, 69(9), 702–707.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peppelenbos, H. W., & Leven, J. V. (1996). Evaluation of four types of inhibition for modeling the influence of carbon dioxide on oxygen consumption of fruits and vegetables. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 7(1), 27–40.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Peppolenbos, H. W., & Oosterhaven, J. (1996). A theoretical approach on the role of fermentation in harvested plant products. Acta Horticulturae, 464, 381–386.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ravindra, M. R., & Goswami, T. K. (2008). Modelling the respiration rate of green mature mango under aerobic conditions. Biosystem Engineering, 99(2), 239–248.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Talasila, P. C., Chau, K. V., & Brecht, J. K. (1992). Effects of gas concentrations and temperature on O2 consumption of strawberries. Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 35(1), 221–224.

    Google Scholar 

  • Uchino, T., Nei, D., Hu, W., & Sorour, H. (2004). Development of mathematical model for dependence of respiration rate of fresh produce on temperature and time. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 34(3), 285–293.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang, C. C., & Chinnan, M. S. (1988). Modeling the effect of O2 and CO2 on respiration and quality of stored tomatoes. Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 31(2), 920–925.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan

    Soraya Saenmuang, Muhammad Imran Al-Haq, Himani Chamila Samarakoon, Yoshio Makino, Yoshinori Kawagoe & Seiichi Oshita

Authors
  1. Soraya Saenmuang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Muhammad Imran Al-Haq
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Himani Chamila Samarakoon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Yoshio Makino
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yoshinori Kawagoe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Seiichi Oshita
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Seiichi Oshita.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Saenmuang, S., Al-Haq, M.I., Samarakoon, H.C. et al. Evaluation of Models for Spinach Respiratory Metabolism Under Low Oxygen Atmospheres. Food Bioprocess Technol 5, 1950–1962 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-010-0503-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-010-0503-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation