Analysis of Fluorescent Carbon Nanodot Formation during Pretzel Production
Dávid Semsey,
Duyen H. H. Nguyen,
Gréta Törős,
Arjun Muthu,
Safa Labidi,
Hassan El-Ramady,
Áron Béni,
Mahendra Rai,
Prokisch József
Affiliations
Dávid Semsey
Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Duyen H. H. Nguyen
Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Gréta Törős
Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Arjun Muthu
Doctoral School of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Safa Labidi
Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Hassan El-Ramady
Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Áron Béni
Institute of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Mahendra Rai
Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Prokisch József
Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi Street 138, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Baked pretzels are a popular choice for a quick snack, easily identifiable by their classic twisted shape, glossy exterior, and small salt crystals sprinkled on top, making them a standout snack. However, it is not commonly known that compounds with fluorescent properties can be formed during their production. Carbon nanodots (CNDs) with an average size of 3.5 nm were isolated and identified in bakery products. This study delved into the formation of CNDs in pretzel production using a fractional factorial experimental design. The research revealed that the baking temperature had the most significant impact on the concentration of CNDs, followed by the concentration of NaOH in the immersion solution, and then the baking time. This study highlights the unique role of the NaOH immersion step, which is not typically present in bread-making processes, in facilitating the formation of CNDs. This discovery highlights the strong correlation between the formation of CNDs and the heat treatment process. Monitoring and controlling these factors is crucial for regulating the concentration of CNDs in pretzel production and understanding nanoparticle formation in processed foods for food safety.
