Abstract: A chromogenic assay includes a substrate comprising an array of 5 or more dyes which react with volatile organic compounds, wherein the dyes are chromogenic when reacted with volatile organic chemical biomarkers, wherein the volatile organic chemical biomarkers comprise acids, alcohols, aldehydes, alkenes, amines, antioxidants, aromatic compounds, esters, ethylene, lactones, ketones, organosulfur compounds, sulfides, reactive oxygen species, terpenes, or a combination thereof. A method of detecting volatile organic chemical biomarkers includes contacting the chromogenic assay with a sample or sample headspace, wherein the sample or sample headspace is suspected of containing volatile organic chemical biomarkers, and identifying, based on a colorimetric pattern on the chromogenic assay after contacting, the source of the volatile organic chemical biomarkers. Also included are articles and systems including the chromogenic assay.

Abstract: A sample of produce wash water containing an antimicrobial sanitizer fluid, and a reference pathogen fluid are both injected into a pathogen inactivation region of a micro-fluidic mixer. The produce wash water (i.e. sanitizer fluid/pathogen fluid mix) is directed through mixer elements in the pathogen inactivation region of the micro-fluidic mixer. In the sanitizer deactivation region, a sanitizer deactivation solution is added to the sanitizer fluid/pathogen fluid mix to produce a deactivated solution. The deactivated solution is evaluated for the presence of the pathogen and the characteristics of the sanitizer. In the preferred embodiment, the sanitizer comprises chlorine and the pathogen comprises E. coli bacteria.

Abstract: Methods for treating plants or fruits, involving contacting the plants or fruits with a solvothermal prepared metal-organic framework which releases at least one gas (e.g., ethylene) to treat the plants or fruits.

Abstract: A sample of produce wash water containing an antimicrobial sanitizer fluid, and a reference pathogen fluid are both injected into a pathogen inactivation region of a micro-fluidic mixer. The produce wash water (i.e. sanitizer fluid/pathogen fluid mix) is directed through mixer elements in the pathogen inactivation region of the micro-fluidic mixer. In the sanitizer deactivation region, a sanitizer deactivation solution is added to the sanitizer fluid/pathogen fluid mix to produce a deactivated solution. The deactivated solution is evaluated for the presence of the pathogen and the characteristics of the sanitizer. In the preferred embodiment, the sanitizer comprises chlorine and the pathogen comprises E. coli bacteria.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for preparing sulfated psyllium derivatives for use to reduce the risk of chronic human diseases. The sulfation of psyllium was carried out with sulfur, trioxide, pyridine, dimethylformamide and chlorosulfonic acid in pyridine. Six total sulfated psyllium derivatives named SP1, SP2, SP3, SPR1, SPR2, and SPR3 were prepared and evaluated for their morphological and rheological properties, and bile acid-binding abilities. The invention offers a novel approach to obtaining sulfated psyllium derivatives for use in functional foods or supplemental and pharmaceutical products to increase health benefits.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for preparing sulfated psyllium derivatives for use to reduce the risk of chronic human diseases. The sulfation of psyllium was carried out with sulfur, trioxide, pyridine, dimethylformamide and chlorosulfonic acid in pyridine. Six total sulfated psyllium derivatives named SP1, SP2, SP3, SPR1, SPR2, and SPR3 were prepared and evaluated for their morphological and rheological properties, and bile acid-binding abilities. The invention offers a novel approach to obtaining sulfated psyllium derivatives for use in functional foods or supplemental and pharmaceutical products to increase health benefits.