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Publications

Publications by Helena Soares Vasconcelos

2021

Biosensors for Biogenic Amines: A Review

Authors
Vasconcelos, H; Coelho, LCC; Matias, A; Saraiva, C; Jorge, PAS; de Almeida, JMMM;

Publication
BIOSENSORS-BASEL

Abstract
Biogenic amines (BAs) are well-known biomolecules, mostly for their toxic and carcinogenic effects. Commonly, they are used as an indicator of quality preservation in food and beverages since their presence in higher concentrations is associated with poor quality. With respect to BA's metabolic pathways, time plays a crucial factor in their formation. They are mainly formed by microbial decarboxylation of amino acids, which is closely related to food deterioration, therefore, making them unfit for human consumption. Pathogenic microorganisms grow in food without any noticeable change in odor, appearance, or taste, thus, they can reach toxic concentrations. The present review provides an overview of the most recent literature on BAs with special emphasis on food matrixes, including a description of the typical BA assay formats, along with its general structure, according to the biorecognition elements used (enzymes, nucleic acids, whole cells, and antibodies). The extensive and significant amount of research that has been done to the investigation of biorecognition elements, transducers, and their integration in biosensors, over the years has been reviewed.

2021

Detection of biogenic amines in several foods with different sample treatments: An overview

Authors
Vasconcelos, H; de Almeida, JMMM; Matias, A; Saraiva, C; Jorge, PAS; Coelho, LCC;

Publication
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Abstract
Background: Biogenic amines (BAs) are compounds considered to be contaminants of foodstuff and are cause of poisoning. The main BAs found in foods are cadaverine, putrescine, tyramine, histamine, spermine and spermidine. The number of food poisoning cases associated with BAs in food has increased in the recent years reinforcing the need for early detection to ensure high levels of food quality and safety. Scope and approach: This review aims to provide a general approach to the different BAs detected in foods their concentrations and sample treatments. These compounds are found in varying concentrations in a wide variety of foods such as fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, cheese, wine, and beer. It also refers the different analytical techniques currently used for the detection of BAs, as well as the different treatments of the samples and innovations of the techniques currently used that allow greater sensitivity and speed of the analyzes and with obtaining detection limits lower and lower. Key findings and conclusions: BAs are present in a wide variety of foods and their concentration is highly influenced by the storage conditions of food products. BAs can be precursors of nitrosamines, which have been linked to carcinogenic and mutagenic activity. Several analytical techniques and sample treatments have been improved in the last few years for better and faster detection of BAs.

2021

Turn Around Point Long Period Fiber Gratings With Coupling to Asymmetric Cladding Modes Fabricated by a Femtosecond Laser and Coated With Titanium Dioxide

Authors
Viveiros, D; de Almeida, JMMM; Coelho, L; Vasconcelos, H; Maia, JM; Amorim, VA; Jorge, PAS; Marques, PVS;

Publication
JOURNAL OF LIGHTWAVE TECHNOLOGY

Abstract
A detailed study of turn around point (TAP) long period fiber gratings (LPFGs) with coupling to the asymmetric cladding modes of a standard single-mode fiber (SMF-28e), fabricated by femtosecond (fs) laser direct writing was realized. The entire fabrication process, including the coating with different titanium dioxide (TiO2) film thicknesses of LPFGs and the corrections needed to achieve coated devices operating precisely in the TAP condition with coupling to the asymmetric cladding modes, was addressed. The significant fabrication details are also given, such as inscription periods, shape and localization of the refractive index modifications across the core. The fabrication process described allows the optimization of the LPFGs sensitivity in regards to the surrounding refractive index (SRI). Optimization of the writing parameters to obtain gratings working at the TAP for two different media surrounding the fiber (water and air) was achieved. It was demonstrated that for a grating period of 191.8 mu m, the LP1,12 mode exhibits a TAP at 1442.7 nm in air, and for a period of 192.5 mu m, the same mode exhibits a TAP at 1448.6 nm in water. The LPFGs operating at the TAP in air and water were coated with 10, 20, and 30 nm thin TiO2 film thicknesses and the spectral behavior characterized. The wavelength sensitivity to the surrounding refractive index (SRI) was assessed in the range between 1.3700 to 1.4120, and a maximum sensitivity of similar to 8051.4 nm/RIU was measured for the 192.5 mu m LPFG coated with a 30 nm thick TiO2 film.

2021

Optical Biosensor for the Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide in Milk

Authors
Vasconcelos, H; Matias, A; Jorge, P; Saraiva, C; Mendes, J; Araújo, J; Dias, B; Santos, P; Almeida, JMMM; Coelho, LCC;

Publication
Chemistry Proceedings

Abstract
Over the years, the food industry’s concern to provide safe food that does not cause harm or illness to consumers has increased. The growing demand for the detection of compounds that can contaminate food is increasingly important. Hydrogen peroxide is frequently used as a substance to control the growth of microorganisms in milk, thus increasing its shelf life. Here, a strategy is presented for the detection of hydrogen peroxide as a milk adulterant, using a single shot membrane sensor. The lowest concentration measured with this technique was 0.002% w/w of H2O2 in semi-fat milk.

2020

Femtosecond Laser Direct Writing of Turn Around Point Long Period Fiber Gratings Coated with Titanium Dioxide for Improved Sensitivity

Authors
Viveiros, D; De Almeida, JMMM; Coelho, L; Vasconcelos, H; Maia, JM; Amorim, VA; Jorge, PAS; Marques, PVS;

Publication
Optics InfoBase Conference Papers

Abstract
The fabrication of Turn Around Point Long Period Fiber Grating in standard SMF-28e fibers through femtosecond laser direct writing is demonstrated and its sensing sensitivity is improved by coating the fiber with titanium dioxide through physical vapor deposition. © 2021 The Author(s).

2020

Characterization of Femtosecond Laser Direct Written Mach-Zehnder Interferometers Based on Titanium Dioxide Coated Long Period Fiber Gratings

Authors
Viveiros, D; Vasconcelos, H; De Almeida, JMMM; Coelho, L; Amorim, VA; Maia, JM; Jorge, PAS; Marques, PVS;

Publication
Optics InfoBase Conference Papers

Abstract
Optical fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometers were fabricated by combining two TiO2 coated LPFGs fabricated through femtosecond laser direct writing. Results of its refractometric characterization are presented and compared with the single LPFGs sensors. Wavelength sensitivity of 1175 nm/RIU at 1.38 and spectral resolution of 2.2×10-5 were achieved. © 2021 The Author(s).

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