Coffee is a critical agricultural commodity to be used to produce a premium beverage to serve people worldwide. Coffee microbiome turned to be an essential tool to improve the bean quality through the natural fermentation. Therefore, understanding the microbial diversities could create the final product's better quality. This study investigated the natural microbial consortium during the wet process fermentation of coffee onsite in Thailand to characterize the microorganisms involved in correlation toward the biochemical characteristics and metabolic attributes. Roasting is another important step in developing the complex flavor/ aroma that make coffee to be enjoyable. During the roasting process, the beans undergo many complex and alternatively change in the physicochemical properties from the gained substances in the fermentation process. The changing in the formation of the substances responsible for the sensory qualities, physicochemical/ aroma attributes as well as the health benefits of the final product. Using the starter culture could also develop the distinguished characteristics of coffee (Research collaboration with Van Hart company)
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คณะอุตสาหกรรมอาหาร
The consumption of plant-based products has been gaining popularity as consumers become more health-conscious and aware of environmental impacts. The food industry has been developing meat analogs with properties similar to conventional meat. This study investigates the chemical and physical properties of chickpea-based meat analog burgers and hybrid burgers containing both chickpeas and pork, using the sous-vide cooking method. This technique helps maintain food quality in terms of texture, moisture retention, and nutritional value. The experiment examined various properties of both types of burgers, including cooking loss, water holding capacity, shear force, pH value, and color analysis. Additionally, sensory evaluation was conducted to assess taste, texture, and overall consumer preference. The findings will provide insights into the optimal sous-vide conditions for producing plant-based and hybrid burgers with desirable quality characteristics that meet the needs of health-conscious consumers. This study serves as a valuable guideline for the food industry in developing high-nutritional-value alternative protein products while reducing meat consumption. By incorporating plant-based ingredients, it helps minimize environmental impact and promotes sustainability in food production. The research is significant in both food science and the development of healthier, competitive food products for the future market.
คณะเทคโนโลยีการเกษตร
This project involves the development of a plant care system for dormitories using IoT (Internet of Things). The system is implemented through programming on an ESP-32 board and controlled via sensors for automated watering. The commands are operated through smartphones, supporting both iOS and Android. It is expected that this project will make plant care in dormitories easier and more convenient.
คณะวิศวกรรมศาสตร์
This study was conducted to develop a prototype cooling cover for transporting raw milk, aiming to provide a solution for maintaining the quality of raw milk during transportation to milk collection centers. The cooling cover is made using Phase Change Material (PCM), produced from water mixed with a gelling agent, in an amount of 5.6 kg, attached around an aluminum milk tank (with a capacity of 25 L). The cover is then covered with a UV-reflective fabric in two types: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The temperature reduction performance of both types of covers was evaluated by measuring water temperatures at various points along the radial and vertical directions of the milk tank at six points, using type-T thermocouples, under three environmental conditions: a constant temperature of 25 °C, 35 °C, and outdoor ambient temperature (average temperature 35.5 °C) for a minimum duration of 180 min. The experimental results revealed that at 120 min., the water in the tank covered with PCM-PVC and PCM-HDPE covers had temperatures lower than the ambient temperature by 12.6 °C and 12.9 °C, respectively, under a constant ambient temperature of 25 °C, and under a constant ambient temperature of 35 °C lower by 16.7 °C and 16.4 °C, respectively, and outdoor conditions. Since the temperature reduction performance of PCM-PVC and PCM-HDPE covers showed no significant difference, the performance of microbial quality preservation of raw milk was assessed only with PCM-PVC cover in comparison to a non-covered case (control), by measuring coliform and Escherichia coli counts using compact dry plates. Results indicated that after 120 min., milk in the tank covered with PCM-PVC had an average coliform count of 1.6 × 10^4 CFU/ml and E. coli count of 2 × 10^3 CFU/ml, which was lower than the non-covered control with an average coliform count of 1.5 × 10^4 CFU/ml and E. coli count of 1.1 × 10^4 CFU/ml. This study concludes that the temperature reduction achieved by the cooling cover can help inhibit coliform growth to levels below raw milk quality standards, demonstrating the potential of the cooling cover in maintaining the quality and safety of raw milk during transport, ultimately contributing to an improved quality of life for Thai dairy farmers.