The aim of the studies reported in the Research Communication was to develop a rapid spectroscopic technique as an alternative method for the classification and discrimination of milk sources by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Cow, sheep and water buffalo milk samples were collected from various local milk producers in Istanbul, Turkey. In addition, various brands of packaged milk were purchased locally. Spectrums were obtained according to milk species origin and binary mixtures prepared in increments of 10% (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90%) for each sample analysed in FTIR spectroscopy. A successful milk species (cow, sheep, and water buffalo) discrimination and classification were achieved utilising Hierarchical cluster and principle component analyses (PCA) on the basis of Euclidean distance and Ward's algorithm. Amide-I (1700–1600/cm) and Amide-II (1565–1520/cm) spectral bands were used in the chemometric method. The results of the study indicated that adulteration of milk samples can be quantitatively detected by the FTIR technique in a short time with high accuracy. In conclusion, this method could be used as a new alternative technique for routine analysis in authenticity control of milk species origin.

The objective of this study was to determine the combined usage possibilities of ultraviolet (UV) and ultrasonic (US) processes in the pasteurization of pomegranate juice. For this purpose, UV, US, and combined UV+US pasteurization of pomegranate juice were optimized using experimental designs, such as the Central Composite Design (CCD) and Factorial Design (FD), and compared with the conventional pasteurization process. Total phenolic content (TPC), color a*, water-soluble dry matter (°Brix), turbidity, anthocyanin, DPPH, HPLC TPC, and yeast and mold count were used as quality parameters during all of the processes. The results showed that the application of 50 °C, 3.5 L/min flow rate and 5.1 mW/cm2 UV dose, and 10 min US (200 Watt) together reduced the microbial population below the detection limits. The integration of UV+US processes into the pasteurization process could limit microbial activity at lower temperatures and times than the conventional pasteurization process, thus preserving the existing bioactive compounds.

Bread has an important place among bakery products. Also, the mold is the biggest reason that requires consumed in a short period of time. The use of lactic acid bacteria to inhibit mold growth in breads are among the studies performed. Sourdough bread is a traditional product formed by the synergistic interaction of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts. Lactic acid, acetic acid and various volatile compounds such as ester, alcohol, aldehydes, furan derivates which occur in the sourdough fermentation, are produced by yeast and bacteria in the dough. It is known that the application of sourdoughs provides more flavor, better rheology , and storage properties than products obtained using commercial yeast. In this study, antifungal activities of 12 different LAB strains and the results of this activity on sourdough and breads were investigated. At the same time, some technological features were identified. Our results showed that sour dough lactic acid bacteria isolates had positive effects on quality criteria of bread.