WO2018106234A1 - Indicateurs de traitement de pression ainsi que procédés, conditionnement et kits associés - Google Patents

Indicateurs de traitement de pression ainsi que procédés, conditionnement et kits associés Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018106234A1
WO2018106234A1 PCT/US2016/065443 US2016065443W WO2018106234A1 WO 2018106234 A1 WO2018106234 A1 WO 2018106234A1 US 2016065443 W US2016065443 W US 2016065443W WO 2018106234 A1 WO2018106234 A1 WO 2018106234A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
reagent
indicator
hollow microspheres
visual
pressure
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2016/065443
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ezekiel Kruglick
Kevin S. Fine
Original Assignee
Empire Technology Development Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Empire Technology Development Llc filed Critical Empire Technology Development Llc
Priority to PCT/US2016/065443 priority Critical patent/WO2018106234A1/fr
Publication of WO2018106234A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018106234A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
    • A23L3/015—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with pressure variation, shock, acceleration or shear stress or cavitation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L11/00—Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by means not provided for in group G01L7/00 or G01L9/00
    • G01L11/02—Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by means not provided for in group G01L7/00 or G01L9/00 by optical means

Definitions

  • Pasteurization or pressure treatment is necessary for long term storage of certain liquid containing foodstuffs, such as dairy products, canned foods, water, egg containing foods, beverages, etc.
  • Pasteurization or high pressure processing (HPP) limits or eliminates one or more micro-organism populations in a foodstuff effective to prevent growth of the micro-organism pollution to unsafe levels during storage.
  • Standard pasteurization practices include heating, and in some instances pressurizing, foodstuffs to a temperature (and/or pressure) effective to kill at least a large portion of a population of one or more micro-organisms.
  • pasteurization is carried out using elevated pressure and temperature for a time sufficient to kill one or more selected micro- organisms (e.g. , limit a population of micro-organism to levels safe for storage and later consumption by humans).
  • High pressure processing is an alternative to traditional pasteurization (heating) methods of treating foodstuffs.
  • HPP is an effective replacement of pasteurization during which relatively high pressures and no heating component are used to "pascalize" the foodstuff, in a relatively heatless pseudo-pasteurization process. Relatively high pressures are used to more quickly kill the micro-organisms.
  • the anatomical structure of a specific micro-organism may require relatively higher or lower pressures to effectively treat a foodstuff containing the specific micro-organism than a foodstuff containing a different micro-organism.
  • a listeria population may require about 600 MPa while a salmonella population may only require 300 MPa to effectively kill (e.g. , limit population to amount safe for storage and later consumption by humans) the population of micro-organisms, respectively.
  • a visual indicator for indicating a food pressure treatment pressure (e.g. , an HPP treatment or pasteurization pressure, either individually or collectively) has been reached; and methods, kits, and packaging for use with the same.
  • a visual indicator that indicates a pressure treatment pressure has been reached is disclosed.
  • the visual indicator includes a first reagent, a second reagent, an indicator body configured to contain the first reagent, and a plurality of hollow microspheres.
  • Each of the plurality of hollow microspheres is configured to encapsulate the second reagent and at least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres have a substantially identical crush strength.
  • the first and second reagents are composed to provide a visual indication of a reaction therebetween.
  • a packaging for ingestible foodstuffs includes a container configured to hold a foodstuff and one or more visual indicators secured to the container.
  • the one or more visual indicators are configured to indicate that a pressure treatment pressure has been reached.
  • Each of the one or more visual indicators includes a first reagent, a second reagent, an indicator body configured to contain the first reagent therein, and a plurality of hollow microspheres.
  • Each of the plurality of hollow microspheres is configured to encapsulate a portion of the second reagent therein and at least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres have a substantially identical crush strength.
  • the first and second reagents are composed to provide a visual indication of a reaction therebetween.
  • a method of confirming that a foodstuff has undergone pressure treatment includes associating one or more visual indicators with an untreated foodstuff.
  • the one or more visual indicators of the method include a first reagent, a second reagent, an indicator body configured to contain the first reagent therein, and a plurality of hollow microspheres.
  • Each of the plurality of hollow microspheres is configured to encapsulate a portion of the second reagent therein and at least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres have a substantially identical crush strength.
  • the first and second reagents of the method are composed to provide a visual indication of a reaction therebetween.
  • the method includes pressure treating the untreated foodstuff in a high-pressure process at a pressure at least equal to the crush strength of the plurality of hollow microspheres effective to crush at least some of the hollow microspheres and release at least a portion of the second reagent therefrom.
  • the method includes reacting the first reagent with the second reagent to provide a visual indication that the pressure has been reached.
  • a visual indicator that indicates a pressure treatment pressure has been reached.
  • the visual indicator includes an indicator body including a backing layer and a deformable containment layer collectively defining an interior region therebetween, the interior region configured to hold one or more fluids and receive a plurality of hollow microspheres.
  • the visual indicator includes a porous body disposed in a first region of the indicator body, and the porous body configured to retain some of the one or more fluids therein.
  • the visual indicator includes a fluid disposed in the second region of the indicator body, and the fluid includes a first reagent therein.
  • the visual indicator includes an attachment medium affixed to the indicator body which is configured to secure the indicator body to an object.
  • a kit for indicating that pressure treatment has been performed on a foodstuff includes a visual indicator.
  • the visual indicator of the kit includes a sealable indicator body including a backing layer and a deformable containment layer that collectively define an interior region therebetween, and the interior region is configured to hold one or more fluids and receive a plurality of hollow microspheres therein.
  • the kit includes a porous body disposed in a first region of the indicator body.
  • the kit includes an attachment medium configured to secure the indicator body to an object.
  • the kit includes a fluid comprising a first reagent therein.
  • the kit includes one or more groups of hollow microspheres each of which contains a second reagent therein and each hollow microsphere of a respective one of the one or more groups of hollow microspheres has a substantially identical crush strength corresponding to a selected pressure treatment pressure.
  • Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a visual indicator
  • Figs. 2A-2C are cross-sectional views of the visual indicator of Fig. 1 taken along the plane A-A, at different points during use;
  • Fig. 3A is an isometric view of a microsphere
  • Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the microsphere of Fig. 3A taken along the plane B-B;
  • Fig. 4A is an isometric view of a visual indicator
  • Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the visual indicator of Fig. 4A taken along the plane C-C;
  • Fig. 5 is an isometric view of a visual indicator
  • Figs. 6A-6C are isometric views of foodstuff containers having visual indicators associated therewith;
  • Fig. 7 is an isometric view of a kit for indicating that pressure treatment has taken place
  • Fig. 8 is an isometric view of a visual indicator
  • Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method of confirming that a foodstuff has undergone pressure treatment
  • Fig. 10 is a flow chart of a method of confirming that pressure treatment has taken place
  • This disclosure is drawn, inter alia, to methods, systems, products, devices, and/or apparatus generally related to a visual indicator for indicating a food pressure treatment pressure (e.g. , an HPP treatment or pasteurization pressure, either individually or collectively) has been reached; and methods, kits, and packaging for use with the same.
  • the visual indicators disclosed herein include a first reagent (e.g. , first reactant) and at least a second reagent (e.g. , second reactant) collectively composed to provide a visual indication of a reaction therebetween.
  • the visual indicators include an indicator body containing the first reagent and a plurality of hollow microspheres.
  • Each of the plurality of hollow microspheres is configured to encapsulate the second reagent, and at least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres have a substantially identical crush strength.
  • the crush strength of the hollow microspheres is a pressure at which the walls of the hollow microspheres are configured to rupture (e.g. , break), which can correspond to the pressure expected to kill a specific population(s) of microorganisms (e.g. , e-coli, listeria, salmonella, trichinosis, etc.).
  • the plurality of hollow microspheres rupture (e.g. , crush and/or break open) to release the second reagent encapsulated therein.
  • the first and second reagents e.g. , reactants
  • the reaction product e.g. , chemical compound
  • Such visual indicators can be associated with (e.g. , affixed to) foodstuffs during pressure treatment (e.g. , HPP treatment or pressured pasteurization) to provide a visual indication that the foodstuff has been properly treated.
  • Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a visual indicator 100, arranged according to various examples described herein.
  • the visual indicator 100 includes an indicator body 110, a fluid 118, and plurality of microspheres 120, therein.
  • the indicator body 110 can include a backing layer 112 and a deformable containment layer 114 attached to the backing layer 112.
  • An interior surface of the backing layer 112 and an interior surface of the deformable containment layer 114 can define an interior region 116 of the visual indicator 100.
  • the interior region 116 can contain the fluid 118 and the plurality of hollow microspheres 120.
  • the visual indicator 100 can include at least one porous body 130.
  • the porous body 130 can be disposed on the backing layer 112 and in the interior region 116.
  • the indicator body 110 can encapsulate one or more components of the visual indicator 100 in the interior region 116. Each of the aspects of the indicator body 110 is discussed in more detail below.
  • the indicator body 110 can enclose or encapsulate (e.g. , be sealed to contain) a number of components including the fluid 118, the first reagent, the second reagent (either inside of the hollow microspheres 120 or released therefrom), the porous body 130, and the plurality of hollow microspheres 120.
  • the indicator body 110 includes the backing layer 112 having the deformable containment layer 114 bound thereto (e.g. , integrally formed, adhered, welded, fastened, or otherwise forming a fluid tight seal therewith).
  • the backing layer 112 can include a material configured to support the deformable containment layer 114, the fluid 118, the plurality of microspheres 120, and the porous body 130.
  • the backing layer 112 can include a paper product, such as cardstock or cardboard; a plastic (e.g. , polypropylene, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polystyrene, polyester, polyvinylchloride (PVC, etc.); a foam (e.g. , a PVC foam board), or combinations of any of the foregoing (e.g. , plastic coated cardstock, cardboard, or foam board).
  • a paper product such as cardstock or cardboard
  • a plastic e.g. , polypropylene, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polystyrene, polyester, polyvinylchloride (PVC, etc.
  • PVC polyvinylchloride
  • foam e.g. , a PVC foam board
  • the deformable containment layer 114 can be made of a deformable material, such as a resilient (e.g. , elastomeric) plastic.
  • the deformable containment layer 114 can include one or more of polyethylene, PTFE, polypropylene, PDMS, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polydimethylsiloxane, or composites of one or more thereof.
  • the deformable containment layer 114 can be formed from a resiliently deformable material.
  • substantially the entire deformable containment layer 114 can be substantially transparent. In some examples, only a portion of the deformable containment layer 114 is substantially transparent, such as a window or region thereof.
  • At least a portion of the deformable containment layer 114 can be at least partially transparent to allow visual verification of a color indicator in the visual indicator 100.
  • the deformable containment layer 114 can be operably coupled to the backing layer 112 such that an inner surface of the deformable containment layer 114 and the backing layer 112 form an interior region 116.
  • the interior region 116 is fluid tight and configured to contain the fluid
  • the fluid 118, first reagent, second reagent, porous body 130, and plurality of hollow microspheres 120 can be enclosed in the interior region 116.
  • the interior region 116 can include a first portion therein, such as a lower region of the interior region 116. In a resting state (unpressurized state), the first portion of the interior region 116 can include the fluid 118 and the hollow microspheres 120 therein.
  • the first portion may correspond to a lower portion of the interior region 116 wherein the fluid 118 and the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 are disposed in a resting state.
  • the interior region 116 can include at least a second portion distinct from the first portion.
  • the second portion may correspond to, for example, an upper portion of the interior region 116.
  • the second portion can include an upper extent of the interior region 116 having substantially no hollow microspheres 120 therein, while in the resting state.
  • the porous body 130 can be constructed of a porous material configured to retain a fluid therein upon contact with the fluid.
  • the porous body 130 can be constructed of fibers, strands, foam, or combinations thereof.
  • the material of the porous body 130 can include a plastic, such as any of the plastics disclosed herein (e.g. , polyester); a natural fiber, such as a paper, pulp, cotton, wool, etc.; a sponge; or any other material suitable to wick or retain a fluid therein.
  • the porous body 130 can include a porous sheet, a porous strip, or a porous rod.
  • the porous body 130 is configured to be chemically stable in the presence of the first reagent, the second reagent, and reaction products thereof. That is, the porous body 130 may be configured to be non-reactive in the visual indicator 100.
  • the porous body 130 may be a uniform color such that any fluids having color therein are readily visible upon retention in the porous body 130.
  • the porous body 130 may be substantially white prior to exposure to the first reagent, the second reagent, or reaction products thereof.
  • the porous body 130 may be configured to react with one or more of the first reagent, the second reagent, or the reaction product of the first and second reagents in the visual indicator 100.
  • the porous sheet may be configured to react with the reaction product of the first and second reagents to provide a visual indication of the presence of the reaction product.
  • the porous sheet may include litmus paper, goldenrod paper, or other indicator papers or materials.
  • the porous body 130 can be disposed in the second portion of the interior region 116.
  • the porous body 130 can be disposed in the upper extent of the interior region 116 while the visual indicator is in a resting state.
  • the porous body 130 (sheet) can be substantially remote from the fluid 118 and the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 in the first (e.g. , lower) portion of the interior region 116.
  • the visual indicator 100 includes a first reagent and a second reagent collectively configured to provide a visual indication of a reaction therebetween, such as a color indicator (e.g. , a colored reaction product of the first and second reagents).
  • the first reagent may be provided in the form of one or more fluids 118.
  • the second reagent can be encapsulated or otherwise enclosed in the plurality of hollow microspheres 120.
  • the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 can be disposed in the one or more fluids 118.
  • the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 and the one or more fluids 118 are enclosed in the interior region 116 of the indicator body 110.
  • At least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 can be ruptured (e.g. , fractured, crushed, cracked, or otherwise at least partially broken) to release at least some of the second reagent encapsulated therein.
  • the reaction product provides a visual indication of its presence such as a change in color, color intensity, state of the reagents (e.g. , fluid-to-solid, or fluid to semi-solid change), or combinations of any of the foregoing.
  • At least some of the hollow microspheres 120 can be configured to exhibit a substantially identical crush strength.
  • At least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 can be configured to substantially simultaneously rupture when subjected to a predetermined pressure.
  • a predetermined pressure can correspond to a safe HPP or pasteurization treatment pressure for the treatment of a foodstuff.
  • the reaction product of the first and second reagents can provide a visual indication that the safe HPP or pasteurization treatment pressure has been reached for the treatment of the foodstuff.
  • Suitable first reagents and second reagents can be configured to provide a reaction that turns a substantially clear fluid 118 to colored solution, turns a substantially colored fluid 118 from colored to clear, cause the fluid 118 having a first color to exhibit a change from the first color to a second color, increase or decrease a color intensity of the fluid 118, or change a viscosity of the fluid 118.
  • Many reagents can be used as first and second reagents to provide the above-noted reaction results.
  • Suitable first reagents can include a liquid (e.g. , a solution which can be acidic or basic), a gas (e.g. , oxygen gas, an organic solution (e.g.
  • Suitable second reagents can include a second fluid (e.g. , a solution), a solid, a gas, or combinations thereof.
  • the second reagent can include indigo white, phenolphthalein, potassium permanganate, or any other reagent which can change color upon reaction with another chemical.
  • the first reagent can be an indigo white solution and the second reagent can include oxygen gas sealed in the hollow microspheres 120.
  • the interior region 116 can be substantially free of oxygen gas (e.g. , having substantially no oxygen therein except for residual amounts, such as less than about 10 ppm) and having an inert gas (e.g. , nitrogen, argon, etc.) therein.
  • an inert gas e.g. , nitrogen, argon, etc.
  • liquid can be forced toward the porous body 130 where at least a portion of the first reagent is retained.
  • the visual indicator 100 and contents thereof can be placed in a compression state by the exertion of pressure thereon.
  • the volume of the interior region 116 may be reduced and the pressure may be transmitted to the hollow microspheres 120.
  • the at least some of the hollow microspheres 120 may rupture.
  • the oxygen can react with the indigo white to turn the indigo white a blue hue.
  • the deformable containment layer can return to its resting state, exposing the porous body 130 to the released oxygen, thereby causing the indigo white solution therein to turn blue, providing a visual color indication of the rupture of the microspheres which indicates that the HPP pressure was reached.
  • first and second reagents While described above as first and second reagents, the titles "first" and “second” are used for clarity and are not meant to limit the examples given to being only a first or second reagent.
  • the examples given for each of the first and second reagents can be used as the other of the first and second reagent.
  • the first reagent can include oxygen
  • the second reagent can include indigo white.
  • the first reagent can include phenolphthalein in a basic solution having a pH below about 7.5
  • the second reagent can a base or basic solution composed to raise the pH in the phenolphthalein solution more than about 8.2.
  • the first reagent can include potassium permanganate in the second reagent can include hydrochloric acid. In such examples, the potassium permanganate can be in a solution.
  • the first reagent can include a diluent configured to dilute a second reagent.
  • the second reagent can include a dye, such as methylene blue or any other suitable dye or stain. In such examples, upon rupturing the hollow microspheres 120, the dye can be diluted in the first reagent. It is understood that while dilution does not include a reaction between the first and second reagents, in certain examples, such dilution is considered a reaction for the purposes of this disclosure.
  • FIGs. 2A-2C are cross-sectional views of the visual indicator 100 of Fig. 1 taken along the plane A-A, at different points during use, all arranged according to various examples described herein.
  • the visual indicator 100 is shown in a resting state.
  • the fluid 118 can be disposed in the first portion (e.g., lower portion) of the interior region 116 and the porous body 130 (e.g. , a porous sheet) can be disposed in the second portion (upper portion) of the interior region 116.
  • the porous body 130 can be remote from the fluid 118 such as not contacting the fluid 118.
  • the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 can be disposed in the fluid 118 in the first portion of the interior region 116. As shown in Fig. 2A, the porous body 130 and fluid 118 are not in contact with each other while the visual indicator 100 is the resting state. In the compression state (Fig. 2B), the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 can be ruptured and the porous body 130 and fluid 118 can contact one another.
  • the visual indicator 100 can include an attachment medium 132.
  • the attachment medium 132 can be configured to attach the visual indicator 100 to a foodstuff or a container holding a foodstuff.
  • the attachment medium 132 can include an adhesive 134 positioned and configured to adhere the visual indicator 100, or a portion thereof (e.g. , the backing layer 112) to a foodstuff or container holding the same (to ensure the visual indicator remains with the foodstuff during HPP treatment).
  • the adhesive 134 can be configured as a separate body, such as a double-sided strip, configured to be disposed on a portion of the backing layer 112.
  • the adhesive can be integral to the backing layer 112, such as a layer of glue or other adhesive disposed thereon.
  • the adhesive 134 can include any suitable glue, epoxy, or other contact adhesive.
  • the adhesive 134 can be disposed over at least a portion of the outer surface of the indicator body 110.
  • the adhesive 134 can be disposed over substantially portions of the outer surface of the backing layer 112 (e.g. , a surface generally opposite the surface of the backing layer 112 in the interior region 116).
  • the adhesive 134 can be disposed on the backing layer 112 which can be applied to a container of foodstuff to secure the visual indicator 100 thereto.
  • a pressure P is exerted inwardly upon the foodstuff and visual indicator 100 to produce a compression state of the visual indicator 100.
  • the compression state may include a reduced volume (e.g. , a minimum possible volume based on the contents thereof) of one or more of the interior region 116 or the hollow microspheres 120, due to pressure P being applied to the visual indicator 100.
  • the deformable containment layer 114 can deform inwardly responsive to the pressure P.
  • the interior region 116 and any compressive materials therein e.g.
  • gases progressively reduces in volume until the fluid 118 substantially fills the reduced volume of interior region 116' .
  • the pressure P builds on the visual indicator 100
  • at least some of the hollow microspheres 120 can rupture (e.g. , collapse, crack, break, etc.) responsive to the pressure applied thereto.
  • the compression state at least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 can rupture.
  • the fluid 118 may be present in one portion (e.g. , the upper portion having the porous body 130) of the interior region 116 that it is not present in during the resting state.
  • each of the hollow microspheres 120 can be sized and configured to exhibit a substantially identical crush strength. That is, each hollow microsphere 120 may be configured to rupture at a selected pressure.
  • the second reagent may be released from the broken microspheres 120' .
  • the released second reagent can mix with the first reagent to form a reaction product in the fluid 118' , wherein the reaction product provides a visual indication of the reaction.
  • the fluid 118 exhibits larger amounts of the reaction product and becomes fluid 118' . Due to the deformation of the deformable containment layer 114 and compression of compressible gases in the interior region 116 during application of pressure thereto, the fluid 118 or 118' (having a reaction product of the first and second reagents) can be urged or forced inward toward the backing layer 112.
  • the fluid 118 or 118' can flow inward from the first portion (e.g. , lower portion) of the interior region 116 (Fig. 2 A) and be forced toward the second portion of the interior region 116 (upper portion having the porous body 130).
  • the deformable containment layer 114 compresses inward the volume of the interior region 116 decreases in volume to a reduced (e.g. , minimum) volume state interior region 116' .
  • the reduced volume state interior region 116' may be exhibited while the visual indicator 100 is in the compression state.
  • At least some of the hollow microspheres 120 are configured to rupture in the reduced volume state interior region 116' (both being responsive to pressure applied thereto) to form broken microspheres 120' .
  • the fluid 118 or 118' can come into contact with the porous body 130 which may retain some of the fluid 118 or 118' .
  • the pressure P can be released from the visual indicator 100.
  • the visual indicator 100 can transition from the compression state back to the resting state.
  • the gases in the interior region can expand and the deformable containment layer 114 can at least partially return to its original state to thereby increase the volume of the interior region 116 to an interior volume greater than in the reduced volume state interior region 116' exhibited while in the compression state.
  • at least some of the fluid 118' having the first reagent, the second reagent, and the reaction product thereof (color indicator); and broken microspheres 120' can return to the first portion (lower portion) of the interior region 116.
  • at least some of the fluid 118' can remain in the porous body 130 to provide visual indication of a reaction between the first and second reagents and thereby provide indication that a selected pressure has been applied to the visual indicator 100.
  • the first reagent can include a substance (e.g. , indigo white) configured to react with a gas (e.g. , oxygen).
  • a gas e.g. , oxygen
  • the first reagent can be in solution in the fluid 118 and the second reagent can be oxygen gas encapsulated in the hollow microspheres 120.
  • the application of pressure P to the visual indicator 100 can reduce the volume of the interior region 116 such that the fluid 118 contacts the porous body 130 while the oxygen is released from the hollow microspheres 120.
  • the oxygen released from the hollow microspheres 120 can expand and contact the indigo white in solution (e.g. , in fluid in first portion and in fluid 118 in porous body) and cause the indigo white to turn blue upon reaction therebetween.
  • the first reagent can include a fluid 118 solution having phenolphthalein and a pH of about 7.5 or lower and the second reagent can include a base configured to raise the pH of the fluid 118 having the phenolphthalein therein to about 8.2 or higher.
  • the application of P to the visual indicator 100 can reduce the volume of the interior region 116 such that the fluid 118 contacts the porous body 130 while the base is released from the hollow microspheres 120.
  • the pH of the fluid 118 can be raised to over 8.2 which can cause the phenolphthalein in the fluid 118 to turn pink.
  • the pink color indicator of the fluid 118 can be visible in the porous body 130 after release of the pressure P.
  • the plurality of microspheres 120 can encapsulate the first reagent and at least a second reagent.
  • the fluid 118 can be a solvent composed to dissolve, disperse, or suspend the first reagent and/or at least the second reagent (e.g. , to facilitate reaction therebetween).
  • the first reagent can be encapsulated in a first subgroup of the plurality of hollow microspheres and the at least a second reagent can be encapsulated in at least a second subgroup of the plurality of hollow microspheres.
  • the first and second subgroups of the plurality of hollow microspheres can have the same or a different crush strength.
  • the hollow microspheres of the plurality of hollow microspheres can have a substantially identical crush strength.
  • the rupture of the hollow microspheres is analogous to bacteria death, wherein the cell wall or shell of a bacteria is ruptured or otherwise disrupted at a specific pressure.
  • the crush strength of a hollow microsphere 120 is dependent on one or more of the material or one or more dimensions of the hollow microsphere 120.
  • a radius (or diameter) or wall thickness of each of the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 can influence or dictate the crush strength thereof.
  • a first plurality of hollow microspheres can have first crush strength and at least second plurality of hollow microspheres can have at least a second crush strength. Such examples may allow for indication of reaching more than one crush strength and/or treatment of more than one species of micro-organism.
  • Fig. 3A is an isometric view of a hollow microsphere 120 arranged according to various examples described herein, and Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the hollow microsphere 120 of Fig. 3A taken along the plane B-B.
  • each of the hollow microspheres 120 can be defined by at least one wall 122.
  • the at least one wall can be substantially fluid tight.
  • Each of the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 can be configured to encapsulate a portion of a reagent (e.g. , first or second reagent) therein, such as within the at least one wall 122.
  • the hollow microspheres 120 can be substantially spherical in shape.
  • a spherical geometric shape for each of the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 can ensure that each of the hollow microspheres 120 undergo substantially uniform stresses during deformation (e.g. , compressive stress) and thereby have a substantially identical crush strength (e.g. , when the wall thickness and material make-up of the hollow microspheres 120 are substantially identical). While the hollow microspheres 120 are depicted and described as substantially spherical in shape, it is intended that the term "substantially” used in conjunction with "spherical” indicates that some imperfections in a spherical geometry (e.g. , less than about a 10% variance from a spherical geometric shape) may exist in at least some of the hollow microspheres 120.
  • hollow bodies can be used in place of the hollow microspheres 120, such as hollow cuboids (e.g. , cubes, etc.), hollow pyramids, hollow prismatic shapes, ellipsoid, non-regularly shaped (e.g. , an amorphous blob or non-symmetric shape), or combinations of any of the foregoing.
  • hollow cuboids e.g. , cubes, etc.
  • hollow pyramids e.g., hollow pyramids, hollow prismatic shapes, ellipsoid, non-regularly shaped (e.g. , an amorphous blob or non-symmetric shape), or combinations of any of the foregoing.
  • non-regularly shaped e.g. , an amorphous blob or non-symmetric shape
  • the hollow microsphere 120 can be substantially hollow.
  • the at least one wall 122 can at least partially define an inner surface 123 and an outer surface 124 of the hollow microsphere 120.
  • the inner surface 123 can define an inner volume 126 or region within the hollow microsphere 120.
  • the inner volume 126 can include the second reagent therein.
  • the at least one wall 122 can substantially encapsulate (e.g. , seal) the second reagent therein, such as seal the second reagent from an environment external to the inner volume 126.
  • the second reagent can occupy at least a portion of the inner volume 126.
  • the hollow microspheres 120 can include a fluid reagent sealed therein, such as any of the solutions disclosed herein (e.g. , a basic solution or a concentrated dye).
  • the hollow microspheres 120 can include a gas reagent sealed therein, such as oxygen gas, hydrogen gas, a chlorine containing gas, or any other gas disclosed herein.
  • the hollow microspheres 120 can include a solid reagent sealed therein, such as a powdered reagent or dye, a salt, a metal, or any other solid reagent disclosed herein.
  • the second reagent can occupy at least 1 % of the inner volume 126, such as in a range from about 1% to about 100%, about 10% to about 90%, about 25% to about 75%, about 1% to about 33%, about 33% to about 67%, or about 67% to about 100%, or less than 100% of the inner volume 126 of the hollow microsphere 120.
  • the remainder of the inner volume 126 if not entirely filled by the second reagent, can include one or more of a third reagent (configured to aid or taken part in the reaction between the first and second reagents), an inert material (e.g., an inert gas or non-reactive liquid), or air.
  • a solid e.g.
  • powdered or crystal second reagent can occupy about half of the inner volume 126, while a gas (e.g. , oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, etc.) can occupy at least a portion of the remainder of the inner volume 126.
  • a gas e.g. , oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, etc.
  • substantially the entire inner volume 126 can be occupied by a liquid second reagent.
  • the liquid can displace as the hollow microsphere 120 ruptures.
  • at least some (e.g. , all or a discrete group) of the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 can exhibit a substantially identical crush strength.
  • the crush strength of the hollow microspheres 120 can be at least about 1.5 MPa, such as in a range from about 1.5 MPa to about 4 GPa, about 100 MPa to about 3 GPa, about 200 MPa to about 2 GPa, about 50 MPa to about 900 MPa, about 100 MPa to about 700 MPa, about 200 MPa to about 500 MPa, about 500 MPa to about 1 GPa, about 750 MPa to about 1 GPa, about 250 GPa to about 800 GPa, about 1 GPa to about 4 GPa, about 500 GPa to about 2 GPa, about 2 GPa to about 4 GPa, greater than about 500 MPa, or less than about 1.5 GPa.
  • one or more groups of hollow microspheres can exhibit different crush strengths.
  • a first group of hollow microspheres can exhibit a first crush strength corresponding to a pressure known to kill a first microorganism
  • at least one addition group of hollow microspheres can exhibit at least one additional crush strength different from the first crush strength and corresponding to a pressure known to kill at least one additional micro-organism or introduce at least one additional reagent to the interior region (e.g. , an additional reagent composed to provide visual indication upon reaction with the first reagent).
  • the crush strength of the hollow microsphere 120 can depend on one or more of the material makeup and one or more dimensions of the hollow microsphere 120.
  • the hollow microsphere(s) 120 can be formed of a glass, a polymer (e.g. , a polycarbonate, a polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, a polyamide such as Nylon, etc.), a ceramic (e.g. , a carbide), a metal or oxide thereof such as aluminum or steel, or combinations of any of the foregoing.
  • the hollow microspheres 120 can include a coating thereon.
  • the hollow microspheres 120 can have a glass wall 122 with a silver, nickel, titanium oxide, or other metal coating (not shown) thereon.
  • the hollow microspheres 120 can include a plastic coating thereon. In some examples (not shown), the hollow microspheres 120 can include a plurality of concentric walls (each made of any material disclosed herein, either the same or each with different materials) defining an inner region therein.
  • the one or more dimensions can include a radius R (and diameter D) of the hollow microsphere 120 and a wall thickness T of the at least one wall 122.
  • the radius R is measured from the centroid of the hollow microsphere to the outer surface of the wall 122.
  • the radius R of the one or more microspheres can be about 10 ⁇ or larger, such as in a range from about 10 ⁇ to about 2 mm, about 25 ⁇ to about 1.5 mm, about 50 ⁇ to about 1 mm, about 100 ⁇ to about 700 ⁇ , about 5 ⁇ to about 500 ⁇ , about 50 ⁇ to about 400, or less than about 1 mm.
  • the wall thickness T of the at least one wall 122 is measured from the inner surface of the wall 122 to the outer surface of the wall 122.
  • the wall thickness T can be 200 nm or more, such as in a range from about 200 nm to about 600 ⁇ , about 500 nm to about 500 ⁇ , about 1 ⁇ to about 400 ⁇ , about 2 ⁇ to about 300 ⁇ , about 200 nm to about 5 ⁇ , about 1 ⁇ to about 10 ⁇ , about 2 ⁇ to about 20 ⁇ , about 5 ⁇ to about 50 ⁇ , about 50 ⁇ to about 200 ⁇ , or less than about 100 ⁇ .
  • the wall thickness T can be in a range from about 5% to about 30 % of the radius R, such as about 5% to about 10%, about 10% to about 20%, about 20% to about 30%, about 5% to about 15%, about 15% to about 20%, about 20% to about 25%, about 23%, or less than about 25% of the radius R.
  • the crush strength of the hollow microspheres 120 depends at least partially on the uniformity of the structure of the hollow microspheres 120.
  • imperfections in sphericity (e.g. , average radius) or wall thickness cause most commercially produced microspheres to have a crush strength below an ideal or calculated crush strength (as calculated for perfectly uniform spheres having perfectly uniform wall thicknesses below in equation 1).
  • the hollow microsphere 120 herein can have a substantially uniform radius and substantially uniform wall thickness to minimize variation in crush strengths thereof.
  • the above noted radii R and wall thicknesses T can be considered to cover average radii and average wall thicknesses of the hollow microspheres 120.
  • the crush strength of a microsphere 120 can be selectively tuned by varying one or more of the material, radius R, and wall thickness T.
  • the upper limit of the crush strength or elastic buckling pressure PGR for a hollow spherical body is given by equation 1 below.
  • E the elastic modulus of the material of the hollow microsphere 120
  • v Poisson's ratio
  • m the radius/thickness ratio (R/T) of the hollow microsphere.
  • the actual elastic buckling pressure PCA of a microsphere is less than the PGR derived from equation 1.
  • the actual elastic buckling pressure PCA can be as little as 20% of PGR.
  • the crush strength of a particular hollow microsphere can be any value between, and including, the PGR and the PCA depending on the uniformity of one or more aspects (e.g., sphericity and uniformity of wall thickness), but typically is expiated to mirror the P C A value.
  • Table 1 lists the elastic modulus of various materials, various Poisson' s ratios, various radius over thickness R/T values, and the corresponding crush strengths as PGR and PCA (PCR/4) values.
  • the PGR can vary in a range from about 775 MPa to about 4 GPa
  • the P C A can vary from about 190 MPa to about 1 GPa, depending on the respective R/T value of the hollow microsphere 120. Smaller crush strengths are expected for materials having smaller elastic moduli, even at greater Poisson's ratios.
  • nylon having a Poisson's ratio of about 0.4 and R/T value of about 10 exhibited a buckling pressure PGR of about 35 MPa and an actual buckling pressure PCA of about 8.7 MPa.
  • Much higher PGR and PCA values can be expected for microspheres having larger elastic moduli, such as metal microspheres.
  • metal microspheres For example, aluminum microspheres having a Poisson's ratio of about 0.33 and an R/T value of about 10 are expected to exhibit a PGR of about 840 MPa and a P CA of about 210 MPa.
  • the crush strength can be customized by varying the
  • the R/T values or ratio of radius R to wall thickness T can be about 20 (e.g. , 20: 1) or less, such as about 4 to about 20, about 5 to about 15, about 4.3 to about 10, about 4.4 to about 10, about 6 to about 12, about 5 to about 8, about 7 to about 10, or less than about 10.
  • materials with a greater elastic modulus can be used with a thinner wall thickness T— corresponding to a greater R/T— value to achieve a similar crush strength as materials having a smaller elastic modulus and a greater wall thickness T.
  • steel or tungsten microspheres can conceivably be used to provide crush strengths of about 1 GPa or less, which pressure can be used in HPP treatment of foodstuffs.
  • Each of the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 can have substantially uniform material makeup and dimension(s).
  • each of a plurality of hollow microspheres 120 can have a substantially uniform radius and a substantially uniform wall thickness. Accordingly, each of the hollow microspheres 120 can be expected to rupture responsive at approximately or exactly the same pressure applied thereto. Such a configuration can ensure that substantially all of a particular plurality of microspheres rupture at substantially the same pressure/time.
  • each of the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 can be configured to rupture at substantially the same pressure, while having one or more different radii R and/or wall thicknesses T.
  • a first group of hollow microspheres 120 can include a first wall thickness T and radius R
  • a second group of hollow microspheres 120 can include a second wall thickness T and radius R being different than the first wall thickness T and radius R.
  • groups of hollow microspheres 120 can be configured to rupture at substantially the same pressure (e.g. , the groups having different radii R and thicknesses T, but having a substantially identical R/T value).
  • the first group of hollow microspheres 120 can include a first material, wall thickness T, and radius R; and a second group of hollow microspheres 120 can include a second material, wall thickness T, and radius R being different than the first material, wall thickness T, and radius R.
  • both groups of hollow microspheres 120 can be configured to rupture at substantially the same pressure due to differing moduli of elasticity of different materials in the different groups of hollow microspheres.
  • one or more groups of hollow microspheres 120 can be configured to crush at differing pressures.
  • a first group of hollow microspheres 120 can be configured to rupture at a first pressure corresponding to a lethal pressure for a first species of micro-organism (e.g. , salmonella) and a second group of hollow microspheres 120 can be configured to rupture at a second pressure corresponding to lethal pressure a second species of micro-organisms (e.g. , listeria).
  • a first species of micro-organism e.g. , salmonella
  • a second group of hollow microspheres 120 can be configured to rupture at a second pressure corresponding to lethal pressure a second species of micro-organisms (e.g. , listeria).
  • a diffusion limiting barrier can be disposed between the hollow microspheres and the first reagent or the porous body.
  • Fig. 4A is an isometric view of a visual indicator 400 arranged according to examples described herein.
  • Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the visual indicator 400 of Fig. 4A taken along the plane C-C.
  • the visual indicator 400 includes the indicator body 410 having the backing layer 112 and the deformable containment layer 114, as previously disclosed above.
  • the visual indicator 400 includes the fluid 118, the plurality of microspheres 120, and the porous body 130 as disclosed above.
  • the visual indicator 400 can include one or more diffusion limiting perforated members 140.
  • the perforated member 140 can be configured to control diffusion of a fluid from one portion of the interior region to another portion of the interior region.
  • the perforated member(s) 140 can at least partially separate and control diffusion of the second reagent or reaction product of the first and second reagents into the porous body 130.
  • the perforated member 140 can control diffusion of the second reagent from the broken microspheres into the fluid 118.
  • the perforated members 140 can include one or more of a perforated plastic material or fabric in the form of a sheet, a membrane, or a bag.
  • the amount of perforations or porosity of the fabric can be configured to limit diffusion rate of one or more of the first reagent, the second reagent, or the reaction product thereof (e.g. , color indicator) into one or more portions of the visual indicator 400.
  • the perforated member 140 can be constructed of a polymer or plastic having a thickness, modulus of elasticity, or other characteristics configured to allow the perforated member 140 to be used with broken microspheres in the vicinity thereof and not puncture, tear, or occlude.
  • the perforated member 140 can be constructed of a polymer or plastic having a material make-up that is substantially chemically inert in the presence of the foodstuff, the first reagent, the second reagent, and the reaction product thereof.
  • the perforated member 140 can include a perforated sheet
  • the perforated sheet 142 can control diffusion of the fluid 118 and first and second reagents, or reaction products thereof, into the porous body 130. Accordingly, beyond indicating that the microspheres 120 have been subjected to enough pressure to rupture and release the second reagent, the amount of color saturation in the porous body 130 can also indicate a duration of the pressure. That is, as the fluid 118 is pressed inward and displaced upward in the interior region 116, the color indicator (e.g.
  • visual indication of the reaction product of the first and second reagents) therein can diffuse into the porous body 130 at a known diffusion rate (according to the pressure of the HPP process and the diffusion rate limitation imparted by the perforated member).
  • a small amount of saturation of the color indicator in the porous body 130 can indicate that the microspheres 120 were broken and that the pressure was not maintained long enough to provide a deeper more fully saturated color in the porous body 130.
  • the perforated member 140 can include a perforated bag 144, such as a perforated polymer (e.g. , polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.) or fabric bag.
  • a perforated polymer e.g. , polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.
  • the perforated bag 144 e.g. , polymer or fabric bag
  • the perforated bag 144 can be configured with the same materials as the perforated sheet 142 disclosed above.
  • the perforated bag 144 can have at least some of the plurality of microspheres 120 therein, whereby upon application of pressure thereto and rupture of the microspheres 120, the perforated bag 144 limits diffusion of one or more of the fluid 118 into or out of the perforated bag 144, the first reagent into the perforated bag 144, the second reagent out of the perforated bag 144, or the reaction product of the first and second reagents out of the perforated bag 144.
  • the perforated bag 144 can include at least some fluid 118 therein, sufficient to aid in diffusion of the second reagent therefrom, as pressure is applied thereto.
  • the perforated bag 144 can also limit diffusion of one or more of the fluid 118, the first reagent, the second reagent, the reaction product of the first and second reagents, or combinations thereof to different parts of the interior region 116 of the visual indicator 400 in a time dependent manner as disclosed herein above.
  • the visual indicator 400 can include an attachment medium 132.
  • the attachment medium 132 can be configured as disclosed above.
  • the attachment medium 132 can be a tether 136.
  • the tether 136 can be affixed to the visual indicator 400, such as being adhered to, tied onto a portion thereof, or integrally formed with a portion of the visual indicator 400.
  • the backing layer 112 can include a portion thereof that extends outward to provide a location where the tether 136 can be affixed to the backing layer 112.
  • the tether 136 can be tied through an eyelet formed in a protrusion of the backing layer 112.
  • a distal end of the tether 136 can be affixed to a foodstuff or container holding a foodstuff.
  • the tether 136 can include a strand, strap, string, rope, or other body configured to be tied.
  • the tether 136 can be made of a polymer or natural fibers.
  • attachment medium(s) 132 can be affixed to one or more of the visual indicator(s), foodstuff, or container for holding foodstuff during HPP processing, prior to or contemporaneously with HPP processing the foodstuff.
  • FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a visual indicator 500 arranged according to various examples described herein.
  • the visual indicator 500 can include an indicator body 510 having only a deformable containment layer 514.
  • the deformable containment layer 514 can be similar or identical to the deformable containment layer 114 in one or more aspects.
  • the deformable containment layer 514 can be configured as a substantially sealed body having an outer surface and an inner surface, with the inner surface defining the interior region 516 therein.
  • the interior region 516 can be sealed from the environment external to the visual indicator 500.
  • the interior region 516 can have one or more of the fluid 118, the plurality of microspheres 120, or porous body 130 enclosed therein.
  • the visual indicator 500 can function similarly or identical to the visual indicator 100 disclosed herein, in one or more aspects, despite the lack of a backing layer.
  • the porous body 130 can be disposed on the deformable containment layer 514 similarly or identically to how the porous body 130 is disposed on the backing layer 112.
  • the deformable containment layer 514 can be configured as a substantially cylindrical shaped body. In some examples, the deformable containment layer 514 can be configured as a substantially polygonal or prismatic shaped body. In some examples, the deformable containment layer 514 can include an attachment medium 132. The attachment medium 132 can be integrally formed in the deformable containment layer 514. In some examples, the deformable containment layer 514 can include a protrusion 515. The protrusion 515 can extend away from the main body of the deformable containment layer 514 to define a tab. In such examples, the visual indicator 500 can include the attachment medium 132 configured as a tether 136. The tether 136 can be affixed (e.g. , tied or adhered) to the protrusion 515, such as through an eyelet or notch therein.
  • the dimensions, configuration, materials, and location of the visual indicators herein can be customized to suit the needs of different industries, foodstuffs, treatment processes, etc.
  • the configuration and location of one of the visual indicators can vary based on the particular foodstuff or container holding the same being treated.
  • Figs. 6A-6C are isometric views of foodstuff containers 650 having visual indicators associated therewith, all arranged according to various examples described herein. Different foodstuffs may require to be stored in different containers configured to hold the foodstuff, either prior to, contemporaneous with, or after pressure treatment.
  • Foodstuff containers e.g. , packaging
  • the foodstuff container can be configured as a fluid container such as a can, a bottle, a cup, a carafe, a pouch, a bladder, a keg, or a drum.
  • One or more visual indicators 100 can be secured or affixed to the container 650.
  • the container 650 can be used to hold the foodstuff during pressure treatment.
  • the container 650 can be packaging in which the foodstuff is disposed after pressure treatment, such as a gas, bottle, can, pallet, box, point of sale packaging, etc.
  • the food stuff container 650 is configured as a box 652.
  • the box 652 has an inner surface configured to hold and retain the foodstuff 660 therein, and an outer surface generally facing outward away from the foodstuff 660.
  • the foodstuff containers herein can include a visual indicator secured to an outer surface thereof.
  • the box 652 can have a substantially cuboid configuration having a plurality of outer surfaces and include at least one visual indicator 100 on one or more of the outer surfaces.
  • the visual indicator 100 can be positioned on the container 650 to provide readily available visibility to a user (e.g. , on an upper portion of a side surface as shown or an upper surface (not shown)).
  • the visual indicator 100 can be secured to the container 650 prior to or contemporaneously with HPP treatment such that the visual indicator undergoes the same HPP treatment as the foodstuff 660 in the container 650.
  • the visual indicator 100 can be enclosed in an interior region of the foodstuff container 650 (e.g., placed in region where the foodstuff is stored).
  • the foodstuff container 650 can include an at least partially transparent region therein to provide readily viewable region wherein the visual indicator can be seen by a user.
  • the food stuff container 650 is configured as a bag 654.
  • the bag 654 has an inner surface configured to hold and retain the foodstuff 660 therein, and an outer surface generally facing outward away from the foodstuff 660.
  • the foodstuff container 650 can include at least a first portion thereof that is substantially transparent and, in some cases, at least a second portion of the bag 654 that is substantially non- transparent (e.g.
  • the bag 654 can have a transparent section 655 (e.g. , a window) and a substantially non-transparent section 656.
  • the visual indicator 100 can be secured to the transparent section 655, such as via an adhesive or tether, such that the visual indicator is readily visible in the transparent section 655.
  • the visual indicator 100 can be packaged with the foodstuff to provide a visual indication to a distributor or consumer that the foodstuff has been properly pressure treated.
  • the food stuff container 650 is configured as a can 658.
  • the can 658 has an inner surface configured to hold and retain the foodstuff 660 therein, and an outer surface generally facing outward away from the foodstuff 660.
  • the can 658 can include a visual indicator secured thereto, such as visual indicator 500.
  • the visual indicator 500 can be secured to the can 658 via a tether or other attachment medium as disclosed therein.
  • the visual indicator 500 can be secured to the can 658 prior to or contemporaneously with treatment of the foodstuffs in the can 658 as disclosed herein.
  • one or more visual indicators can be integrally formed in a container.
  • more than one visual indicator can be secured to a container and each of the visual indicators can be configured to indicate that a different pressure treatment pressure (e.g. , different from the pressure corresponding to the other visual indicators) has been reached.
  • a different pressure treatment pressure e.g. , different from the pressure corresponding to the other visual indicators
  • Fig. 7 is an isometric view of a kit 702 for indicating that pressure treatment has taken place, arranged according to various examples described herein.
  • the kit 702 can include the components of any of the visual indicators disclosed herein.
  • the kit 702 can include an indicator body, as disclosed herein, having the backing layer 112 and the deformable containment layer 114 substantially.
  • the kit can 702 can include at least one porous body 130, one or more attachment mediums (Figs. 1-2C, 4A, and 4B), the fluid 118, the first reagent (either in the fluid 118 or separate therefrom), one or more pluralities of hollow microspheres 120, and instructions 176.
  • the kit 702 can include packaging (not shown) including one or more of at least one box, a tray (with separate indentations for each component of the kit 702), one or more bags, etc.
  • the indicator body (defined by the backing layer 112 and deformable containment layer 114) can collectively define an interior region 116 therebetween.
  • the interior region 116 can hold and enclose one or more of at least one fluid 118, one or more pluralities of hollow microspheres 120, one or more porous bodies 130, or one or more perforated members 140.
  • one or more portions of the backing layer 112 and deformable containment layer 114 are (or are configured to be) attached to one another.
  • three sides of the backing layer 112 and deformable containment layer 114 can be bound to one another (e.g.
  • the contents of the visual indicator can be positioned in the interior region 116 through the opening and the opening can be sealed, such as by an adhesive, welding (e.g., melting plastics together), or any other suitable sealing technique.
  • all four sides of the backing layer 112 and deformable containment layer 114 can be sealed together and one or more of the backing layer 112 and deformable containment layer 114 can have a sealable opening formed therein, whereby the contents of the visual indicator can be positioned in the interior region 116 via the opening.
  • the indicator body can be configured to receive one or more of the fluid 118, plurality of microspheres 120, porous body 130, or other components of the system through the opening therein.
  • the indicator body having an opening therein can be similar or identical to any of the indicator bodies described herein and further have an opening as described herein.
  • the porous body 130 can be disposed in a first region of the indicator body (e.g. , upper portion of the backing layer 112 in the interior region 116) and fluid 118 can be disposed in a second portion of the indicator body (e.g. , a lower portion of the interior region 116.
  • the porous body 130 of the kit 702 can either be affixed to the backing layer 112 or separate therefrom.
  • the kit 702 can include one or more containers 170 (e.g. , a vial, capsule, or other fluid container) having one or more fluid(s) 118 and/or first reagent(s) therein.
  • the container(s) 170 can be a single used container having a breakable structure configured to be irreversibly opened (e.g. , having substantially only one dose of the fluid 118 and/or first reagent therein), or can be configured as a resealable container (e.g. , having more than one dose of the fluid 118 and/or first reagent therein).
  • the first reagent can be in the fluid 118 or separately stored to be mixed with the fluid 118 prior to use. More than one first reagent can be included in the kit 702. Some of the first reagents can be different from one another, that is, each of the more than one first reagents can be configured to react with a different corresponding second reagent encapsulated in the hollow microspheres 120 (described in more detail below).
  • the kit 702 can include one or more pluralities of hollow microspheres
  • the one or more pluralities of hollow microspheres 120 can include only a single plurality of hollow microspheres 120, with each of the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 having a substantially identical crush strength.
  • the one or more pluralities of hollow microspheres 120 can include multiple pluralities of hollow microspheres 120.
  • each group (e.g. , single plurality) of the multiple pluralities of hollow microspheres 120 can differ from the other pluralities of hollow microspheres 120 by one or more of crush strength, material, radius R, wall thickness T, or second reagent encapsulated therein.
  • the one or more pluralities of hollow microspheres 120 can include a first plurality of hollow microspheres 120a, a second plurality of hollow microspheres 120b, and a third plurality of hollow microspheres 120c (collectively, the plurality of hollow microspheres 120).
  • the first plurality of hollow microspheres 120a can have one or more of a first crush strength, a first material, a first radius R, a first wall thickness T, or a first reagent therein;
  • the second plurality of hollow microspheres 120b can have one or more of a second crush strength, a second material, a second radius R, a second wall thickness T, or a second reagent therein;
  • the third plurality of hollow microspheres 120c can have one or more of a third crush strength, a third material, a third radius R, a third wall thickness T, or a third reagent therein.
  • the plurality of hollow microspheres 120 can include at least one group of the one or more groups of hollow microspheres that have a crush strength corresponding to a pressure known to kill one or more of listeria, salmonella, or e-coli.
  • the first crush strength can correspond to a pressure known to kill a first micro-organism (e.g. , listeria)
  • the second crush strength can correspond to a pressure known to kill a second micro-organism (e.g. , salmonella)
  • the third crush strength can correspond to a pressure known to kill a third micro-organism (e.g. , e-coli).
  • the crush strength(s) can be selected to provide a visual indication that a safe treatment pressure has been reached, irrespective of a specific micro-organism.
  • the crush strength(s) can be selected to provide visual indication that an FDA mandated or industry best practice food treatment pressure has been applied to the food stuff.
  • each microsphere 120 of the plurality of microspheres 120a- 120c can have a substantially identical crush strength.
  • each of the different pluralities of hollow microspheres 120a- 120c can include substantially the same second reagent encapsulated therein.
  • the first plurality of hollow microspheres 120a can include a second reagent different from the second reagent in the second plurality of hollow microspheres 120b and third plurality of hollow microspheres 120c; and the second plurality of hollow microspheres 120b can include a different second reagent from the second reagent in the third plurality of hollow microspheres 120c.
  • the different second reagents can be configured to provide different visual indications (e.g. , different color indicators) of the reaction product of the first reagent the respective second reagent(s).
  • the pluralities of hollow microspheres 120 can be stored in individual containers, such as vials, bags, boxes, etc.
  • each plurality of hollow microspheres 120a-120c can be stored in an individual container in the kit 702.
  • at least some of the hollow microspheres can be packaged in a diffusion limiting member such as a perforated bag 144 as disclosed herein.
  • the kit 702 can include one or more perforated members 140 as disclosed herein.
  • the kit 702 can include instructions 176 for the visual indicators herein.
  • the kit 702 can include instructions 176 for assembling the visual indicators disclosed herein.
  • the kit 702 can include instructions for securing the visual indicator to a container or foodstuff as disclosed herein.
  • the kit 702 can include instructions for reading the visual indicators (e.g. , indications of which colors (hues and/or intensities) correspond to a positive result that a treatment pressure has been reached for a particular micro-organism).
  • the kit 702 can include instructions for which visual indicators should be used to indicate which micro-organism species will be killed at a specific pressure corresponding to the visual indicator.
  • a kit can include one or more preassembled visual indicators, such as any visual indicator described herein, and can include one or more attachment mediums configured to attach the visual indicators to a foodstuff or container.
  • the kit 702 can include an adhesive (e.g. , strip, double sided tape, layer of glue on an outer surface of the backing layer 112, etc.) or tether configured to secure or affix the indicator body to a container or foodstuff.
  • Fig. 8 is an isometric view of a visual indicator 800, arranged according to various examples described herein.
  • the visual indicator 800 can be configured to indicate that more than one pressure threshold has been reached or surpassed (e.g. , imposed on the visual indicator 800 and foodstuff associated therewith).
  • the visual indicator 800 can include different pluralities of microspheres and associated first reagents in separate portions of a visual indicator, with each plurality of the hollow microspheres is configured to crush at a different pressure than the other pluralities.
  • the visual indicator 800 can include the backing layer 812 and one or more deformable containment layers (such as deformable containment layers 114a-114c).
  • the backing layer 812 can be similar or identical to any backing layer disclosed herein, in one or more aspects.
  • the one or more deformable containment layers 114a-114c can be similar or identical to any of the containment layers disclosed herein, in one or more aspects.
  • the backing layer 812 can have a plurality of deformable containment layers 114a- 114c thereon.
  • Each deformable containment layer 114a- 114c can be secured to the backing layer 812 such that an inner surface of the backing layer 812 and inner surface of the respective deformable containment layer 114a-114c can each collectively form an interior region 116a- 116c. Accordingly, each deformable containment layer 114a- 114c and one or more components associated therewith can form a separate visual indicator on the single backing layer 812.
  • the single backing layer 812 includes the deformable containment layers 114a-114c thereon.
  • the interior regions 116a- 116c can include a respective fluid 118a, 118b, or 118c; plurality of microspheres 120a, 120b, or 120c; porous bodies 130a, 130b, or 130c; first reagent, second reagent in the plurality of microspheres 120a, 120b, or 120c; or perforated member(s) 140 enclosed therein.
  • each individual plurality of hollow microspheres 120a, 120b, or 120c of the pluralities of hollow microspheres 120 can differ from the other pluralities of hollow microspheres 120 by one or more of crush strength, material, radius R, wall thickness T, or second reagent encapsulated therein.
  • the first plurality of hollow microspheres 120a can have a first crush strength (differing from the second and third crush strengths), the second plurality of hollow microspheres 120b can have a second crush strength (differing from the first and third crush strengths), and the third plurality of hollow microspheres 120c can have a third crush strength (differing from the first and second crush strengths).
  • the first crush strength can correspond to a pressure known to kill a first micro-organism (e.g. , listeria)
  • the second crush strength can correspond to a pressure known to kill a second micro-organism (e.g. , salmonella)
  • the third crush strength can correspond to a pressure known to kill a third micro-organism (e.g.
  • each microsphere 120 of the pluralities of microspheres 120a- 120c can have a substantially identical crush strength.
  • each of the different pluralities of hollow microspheres 120a- 120c can include substantially the same second reagent or different second reagents encapsulated therein.
  • the 120c can be configured to crush at a different pressure, but may have the same second reagent therein.
  • the wall thickness T may progressively increase in each plurality of hollow microspheres from 120a (having the lowest wall thickness T) to 120b and to 120c (having the highest wall thickness T) and/or the radius may decrease in each plurality of hollow microspheres from 120a (having the largest radius R) to 120b to 120c (having the smallest radius R).
  • the crush strength of the hollow microspheres 120a will be less than the crush strength of the hollow microspheres 120b which will be less than the crush strength of the hollow microspheres 120c.
  • the first reagent can be identical in each of the interior regions 116a-116c. Accordingly, the color indicator in each interior region 116a- 116c can indicate that each pressure was reached during treatment.
  • the interior region 116b can include a perforated bag 144.
  • the perforated bag 144 can enclose the plurality of hollow microspheres 120b, such that upon rupture of the hollow microspheres 120b, the second reagent diffuses into the fluid having the first reagent at a controlled rate, which is controlled by an amount or a size of the perforations in the perforated bag 144.
  • a color intensity in the fluid 118b (a portion of which may be retained in the porous body 130b) can indicate how long the visual indicator 800 was subjected to pressure treatment (e.g. , pressurized pasteurization and/or HPP treatment).
  • the backing layer 812 can be separable along perforations 813 between the deformable containment layers 114a-114c, such that each individual deformable containment layer 114a- 114c and associated portion of the backing layer 812, fluid 118a- 118c, hollow microspheres 120a-120c, porous body 130a-130c, can be used as a completely separate visual indicator.
  • each portion of the visual indicator backing layer 812 can have a respective attachment medium associated therewith. Accordingly, a single visual indicator 800 assembly can be provided that allows for confirmation of different pressures, either separately or in unison.
  • Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method 900 of confirming that a foodstuff has undergone pressure treatment, arranged according to various examples described herein.
  • the method 900 may include one or more operations, functions or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 910, 920, and/or 930.
  • the operations described in the blocks 910 through 930 may be performed in response to initiation and/or execution by an analog controller; initiation and/or execution by one or more persons; or initiation and and/or execution (such as by one or more processors described herein) of computer- executable instructions stored in a computer-readable medium, such as a computer- readable medium of a computing device or some other controller similarly configured.
  • An example process may begin with block 910, which recites "associating one or more visual indicators with an untreated foodstuff, the one or more visual indicators comprising a first reagent, a second reagent, an indicator body configured to contain the first reagent therein, and a plurality of hollow microspheres each configured to encapsulate the second reagent therein, at least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres have a substantially identical crush strength, and wherein the first and second reagents are composed to provide a visual indication of a reaction therebetween.”
  • Block 910 may be followed by block 920, which recites "pressure treating the untreated foodstuff in a high-pressure process at a pressure at least equal to the crush strength of the plurality of hollow microspheres effective to crush at least some of the hollow microspheres and release at least a portion of the second reagent therefrom.”
  • Block 920 may be followed by block 930, which recites "reacting the first reagent with the second reagent to provide a visual
  • block 920 and block 930 can be performed substantially contemporaneously. In some examples, block 920 can be performed prior to block 930 such as hours, days, or weeks before block 930 is performed.
  • Block 910 recites, "associating one or more visual indicators with an untreated foodstuff, the one or more visual indicators comprising a first reagent, a second reagent, an indicator body configured to contain the first reagent therein, and a plurality of hollow microspheres each configured to encapsulate a portion of the second reagent therein, at least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres have a substantially identical crush strength, and wherein the first and second reagents are composed to provide a visual indication of a reaction therebetween.”
  • the block 910 associating the one or more visual indicators with an untreated foodstuff can include associating one or more of any of the visual indicators disclosed herein with an untreated foodstuff or packaging thereof.
  • each is used to describe some properties or characteristics of the hollow microspheres or other components herein, it is understood that the term “each” does not require all of the named components to exhibit the property or characteristic. Rather, some variations in a population of components may occur and some of the named components may not possess the described property or characteristic. Accordingly, “each” as used herein is intended to allow for some small variations (e.g., less than 10% or less than 1%) in a population while substantially the rest of population exhibit the property or characteristic.
  • Associating the one or more visual indicators with an untreated foodstuff can include securing the one or more visual indicators, or a portion thereof (e.g., the indicator body, or tether), on the untreated foodstuff or packaging thereof (e.g. , container in which the untreated foodstuff is disposed during pressure treatment).
  • Securing the one or more visual indicators, or a portion thereof, on the untreated foodstuff or packaging thereof can include adhering, tethering (e.g., tying a tether attached to the indicator body), inserting (e.g. , placing the one or more visual indicators in close proximity with the foodstuff of packaging thereof), or integrally forming the one or more visual indicators on the untreated foodstuff or packaging thereof.
  • associating the one or more visual indicators includes associating multiple visual indicators with the untreated foodstuff.
  • associating the multiple visual indicators includes associating a first visual indicator including a first plurality of hollow microspheres with a first crush strength corresponding to an effective pressure treatment pressure of a first contaminant, and associating at least a second visual indicator including a second plurality of hollow microspheres with a second crush strength corresponding to an effective pressure treatment pressure of a second contaminant.
  • associating the multiple visual indicators includes affixing the multiple visual indicators disposed on a common backing layer with the untreated foodstuff, wherein the common backing layer includes a plurality of separate deformable containment layers disposed thereon, and each of the multiple visual indicators is at least partially defined by one of the plurality of the separate deformable containment layers. In some examples, associating the multiple visual indicators includes affixing the multiple visual indicators that are separated from one another, on a foodstuff of packaging thereof.
  • associating the multiple visual indicators with the untreated foodstuff comprises associating a first visual indicator, a second visual indicator, and a third visual indicator with the untreated foodstuff, and each visual indicator includes (one or more of) a respective fluid, first reagent, second reagent, porous body, indicator body, plurality of hollow microspheres, or perforated member.
  • a first crush strength of the first plurality of hollow microspheres can correspond to an effective pressure treatment pressure for a first micro-organism (e.g., listeria)
  • a second crush strength of the second plurality of hollow microspheres can correspond to an effective pressure treatment pressure for a second micro-organism (e.g., salmonella)
  • a third crush strength of the third plurality of hollow microspheres can correspond to an effective pressure treatment pressure for a third micro-organism (e.g., e- coli).
  • even more visual indicators having pluralities of hollow microspheres with crush strengths corresponding to even more micro-organisms can be used.
  • Block 920 recites, "pressure treating the untreated foodstuff in a high- pressure process at a pressure at least equal to the crush strength of the plurality of hollow microspheres effective to crush at least some of the hollow microspheres and release at least a portion of the second reagent therefrom.”
  • the block 920 pressure treating the untreated foodstuff in a high-pressure pressure treatment process at a pressure at least equal to the crush strength of the plurality of hollow microspheres can include pressure treating the untreated foodstuff at a pressure sufficient to kill (e.g.
  • Pressure treating the untreated foodstuff can include subjecting the foodstuff to HPP treatment or pressurized pasteurization (e.g. , heating and pressuring the foodstuff to a pressure and temperature effective to kill the micro-organism(s)).
  • the block 920 of pressure treating the untreated foodstuff in a high-pressure treatment process at a pressure at least equal to the crush strength of the plurality of hollow microspheres can include pressure treating the untreated foodstuff at a pressure of at least about 1.5 MPa, such as in a range from about 1.5 MPa to about 4 GPa, about 100 MPa to about 3 GPa, about 200 MPa to about 2 GPa, about 50 MPa to about 900 MPa, about 100 MPa to about 700 MPa, about 200 MPa to about 500 MPa, about 500 MPa to about 1 GPa, about 750 MPa to about 1 GPa, about 250 GPa to about 800 GPa, about 1 GPa to about 4 GPa, about 500 GPa to about 2 GPa, about 2 GPa to about 4 GPa, greater than about 500 MPa, or less than about 1.5 GPa.
  • Such pressure can be applied by one or more pumps (e.g. , hydraulic pressure pump) applying pressure to a pressure transmitting medium (e.g., water or other hydraulic fluid) in which the foodstuff is disposed.
  • a pressure transmitting medium e.g., water or other hydraulic fluid
  • the pressure is transferred through the pressure transmitting medium and onto the indicator body and hollow microspheres therein.
  • the pressure is also transferred through the pressure transmitting medium and into the foodstuff and micro-organisms therein, at least some of which are killed thereby.
  • pressure treating the untreated foodstuff in an HPP treatment process can include subjecting the foodstuff to an HPP pressure for a duration effective to kill one or more micro-organisms.
  • the duration can be 20 seconds or more, such as in a range from about 20 seconds to about 10 hours, about 30 seconds to about 2 hours, about 1 minute to about 1 hour, about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, about 20 seconds to about 2 minutes, about 2 minutes to about 5 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 10 minutes, about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes, about 30 minutes to about 2 hours, about 2 hours to about 10 hours, less than about 10 hours, less than about 5 hours, less than about 2 hours, less than about 1 hour, less than about 30 minutes, less than about 15 minutes, less than about 10 minutes, less than about 5 minutes, less than about 2 minutes, or less than about 1 minute.
  • pressure treating the untreated foodstuff can include applying pressures effective to crush one or more groups of hollow micro- spheres, wherein each group of hollow microspheres has a different crush strength that corresponds to a pressure configured to kill a different micro-organism.
  • pressure treating the untreated foodstuff can include pressure treating the foodstuff to a first pressure treatment pressure an effective for listeria, to a second pressure treatment pressure an effective for salmonella, and to a third pressure treatment pressure an effective for e-coli.
  • Block 930 recites, "reacting the first reagent with the second reagent to provide a visual indication that the pressure has been reached.”
  • reacting the first reagent with the second reagent to provide a visual indication includes reacting the first reagent with the second reagent effective to form a reaction product of the first reagent and the second reagent.
  • the reaction product may include a color different from a color present when the first reagent and the second reagent are separated.
  • reacting the first reagent with the second reagent to provide a visual indication e.g.
  • color indicator includes reacting the first reagent with the second reagent effective to change a color of one or more of the first reagent, the second reagent, or the fluid in the visual indicator.
  • reacting the first reagent with the second reagent includes using any of the first and second reagents disclosed herein.
  • reacting the first reagent with the second reagent includes reacting the first reagent and second reagent with the pressure is applied in the pressure treatment.
  • reacting the first reagent with the second reagent includes reacting the first reagent and second reagent after the pressure from the pressure treatment is relieved.
  • reacting the first reagent with the second reagent includes reacting or contacting the first reagent with the second reagent in the fluid disposed in the interior region of the indicator body.
  • reacting the first reagent with the second reagent includes reacting the first reagent with the second reagent wherein at least one of the first reagent and the second reagent is a gas.
  • reacting the first reagent with the second reagent includes exposing first reagent to the second reagent after at least some of the second reagent is released from the plurality of hollow microspheres. Reacting the first reagent with the second reagent to provide a visual indication that the pressure has been reached can include reacting a plurality of first reagents with a plurality of second reagents in a plurality of visual indicators.
  • reacting the first reagent to the second reagent includes controlling a diffusion rate of the second reagent into the first reagent (or vice versa), such as by using a perforated material therebetween.
  • the perforated material can include any of the perforated materials disclosed herein.
  • Fig. 10 is a flow chart of a method 1000 of confirming that pressure treatment has taken place, arranged according to various examples described herein.
  • the method 1000 may include one or more operations, functions or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, and/or 1050.
  • the operations described in the blocks 1010 through 1050 may be performed in response to initiation and/or execution by an analog controller; initiation and/or execution by one or more persons; or initiation and and/or execution (such as by one or more processors described herein) of computer-executable instructions stored in a computer-readable medium, such as a computer-readable medium of a computing device or some other controller similarly configured.
  • Block 1010 may be followed by block 1020, which recites “reducing the volume of an interior region in the indicator body in which the plurality of hollow microspheres are disposed.”
  • Block 1020 may be followed by block 1030, which recites “subjecting the plurality of hollow microspheres to a pressure effective to crush at least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres.”
  • Block 1040 may be followed by block 1040, which recites "reacting the first reagent with the second reagent to provide
  • block 1030 and block 1040 can be performed substantially simultaneously. In some examples, block 1030 can be performed prior to block 1040.
  • Block 1010 recites, "associating one or more visual indicators with an untreated foodstuff prior to or contemporaneously with pressure treatment, of the one or more visual indicators including first reagent, a second reagent, an indicator body configured to enclose the first reagent therein, and a plurality of hollow microspheres each configured to encapsulate a portion of the second reagent therein, at least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres have a substantially identical crush strength, and wherein the first and reagents are composed to provide a visual indication of a reaction therebetween.”
  • the block 1010 of associating one or more visual indicators with an untreated foodstuff prior to or contemporaneously with pressure treatment can include associating (e.g.
  • associating can be substantially as described above with respect to method 900 in one or more aspects.
  • associating one or more visual indicators can include any visual indicator(s) disclosed herein with the foodstuff.
  • Such associating can be carried out prior to pressure treatment or at the time of pressure treatment (e.g. , when the foodstuff is placed in the pressure treatment apparatus).
  • Associating one or more visual indicators with an untreated foodstuff can include associating multiple visual indicators with a foodstuff substantially as disclosed above with respect to the method 900.
  • Block 1020 recites, "reducing the volume of an interior region in the indicator body in which the plurality of hollow microspheres are disposed.”
  • the block 1020 of reducing the volume of an interior region in the indicator body in which the plurality of microspheres are disposed can include applying a pressure to the visual indicator, wherein the pressure is less than the crush strength of the hollow microspheres (e.g., less than effective treatment pressure for micro-organisms).
  • Reducing the volume of the interior region of the indicator body can include causing the deformable containment layer to deform toward the backing layer, thereby reducing the volume of the interior region defined therebetween.
  • Such reduction of the interior region can include applying an external pressure to the outer surface of the indicator body (e.g., the deformable containment layer).
  • Such pressure can be applied as described above with respect to the method 900.
  • Such reduction of the volume of the interior region can include ramping up the pressure of the pressure treatment at a set rate, wherein the pressure is below the crush strength of the hollow microspheres
  • Block 1030 recites, "subjecting the plurality of hollow microspheres to a pressure effective to crush at least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres.”
  • the block 1030 of subjecting the plurality of microspheres to a pressure effective to crush at least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres can include subjecting the one or more pluralities of hollow microspheres to a pressure treatment process at a pressure at or above the crush strength of at least some of the pluralities of hollow microspheres.
  • Subjecting the plurality of microspheres to a pressure effective to crush at least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres can include any of those aspects of subjecting the foodstuff to pressure treatment disclosed above with respect to the method 900.
  • subjecting the plurality of microspheres to a pressure effective to crush at least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres can include subjecting the one or more pluralities of hollow microspheres to a pressure effective to kill one or more microorganisms, such as listeria, salmonella, e-coli, etc.
  • subjecting the plurality of microspheres to a pressure effective to crush at least some of the plurality of hollow microspheres can include subjecting the one or more pluralities of hollow microspheres to pressure(s) effective to crush each of the pluralities of hollow microspheres.
  • each of the pluralities of hollow microspheres can include a respective crush strength corresponding to a respective effective treatment pressure of a micro-organism.
  • the respective crush strengths can differ from one another and correspond to effective treatment pressures for different micro-organisms.
  • at least some of the respective crush strengths can be the same to provide a redundant system.
  • subjecting the plurality of hollow microspheres to a pressure effective to crush at least some of the plurality of microspheres can include subjecting the one or more pluralities of hollow microspheres to a pressure treatment process for a pressure and/or duration effective to kill one or more micro-organisms.
  • the pressure and/or duration can be similar or identical to any of those pressures or durations disclosed above for HPP treatment of foodstuffs in the method 900.
  • Block 1040 recites, "reacting the first reagent with the second reagent to provide a visual indication that the pressure has been reached.”
  • the block 1040 of reacting the first reagent with the second reagent to provide a visual indication that the pressure has been reached can include mixing or contacting the first reagent with the second reagent.
  • Reacting the first reagent with the second reagent to provide a visual indication that the pressure has been reached can be similar or identical to any of the reacting techniques disclosed above with respect to the method 900.
  • reacting the first reagent with the second reagent to provide a visual indication that the pressure has been reached can include causing the first reagent and the second reagent to contact one another sufficient to provide reaction product or a color indicator of the reaction therebetween.
  • reacting the first reagent with the second reagent can change a color of one or more of the first reagent, the second reagent, or the fluid in the visual indicator.
  • reacting the first reagent with the second reagent includes using any of the first and second reagents disclosed herein. [0099]
  • reacting the first reagent with the second reagent includes reacting the first reagent and second reagent with the pressure is applied in the pressure treatment.
  • reacting the first reagent with the second reagent includes reacting the first reagent and second reagent after the pressure from the pressure treatment is relieved. In some examples, reacting the first reagent with the second reagent includes reacting the first reagent with the second reagent in the fluid disposed in the interior region of the indicator body. In some examples, reacting the first reagent with the second reagent includes reacting the first reagent with the second reagent wherein at least one of the first reagent and the second reagent is a gas. In some examples, reacting the first reagent with the second reagent includes exposing first reagent to the second reagent after at least some of the second reagent is released from the plurality of hollow microspheres. Reacting the first reagent with the second reagent to provide a visual indication that the pressure has been reached can include reacting a plurality of first reagents with a plurality of second reagents in a plurality of visual indicators.
  • reacting the first reagent to the second reagent includes controlling a diffusion rate of the second reagent into the first reagent (or vice versa), such as by using a perforated material therebetween.
  • the perforated material can include any of the perforated materials disclosed herein.
  • Block 1050 recites, "visually confirming that the visual indicator exhibits an indication of the reaction between the first and second reagents.”
  • Block 1050 of visually confirming that the visual indicator exhibits an indication of the reaction between the first and second indicators can include visually indicating that a specific color is present in the visual indicator.
  • Visually confirming that the visual indicator exhibits an indication of the reaction between the first and second indicators can include visually indicating an absence of a color.
  • Visually confirming that the visual indicator exhibits an indication of the reaction between the first and second indicators can include visually indicating that a specific color hue or intensity is present (e.g. , indicative of that a treatment duration was long enough to kill one or more micro-organisms, such as in some examples having perforated members therein).
  • Visually confirming that the visual indicator exhibits an indication of the reaction between the first and second indicators can include comparing a color present with instructions or a chart (e.g. , color chart present on indicator body) indicating what color(s), hue(s), or intensity thereof corresponds to an effective application of pressure to the visual indicator.
  • a color present with instructions or a chart e.g. , color chart present on indicator body
  • the visual indicator(s) can be removed from the foodstuff or packaging used in pressure treatment can be further associated (e.g., as disclosed herein) with a final packaging (e.g., commercial container, such as a case or pallet, or point of sale packaging) to provide proof that the foodstuff associated therewith has been effectively treated.
  • the visual indicators disclosed herein can be used to indicate successful pressure treatment of non-foodstuffs, such as for wood and wood products, using any of the techniques or components disclosed herein.
  • the user may opt for a mainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle; if flexibility is paramount, the user may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet again alternatively, the user may opt for some combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware.
  • Examples of a signal bearing medium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link, etc.).
  • a typical data processing system generally includes one or more of a system unit housing, a video display device, a memory such as volatile and non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors and digital signal processors, computational entities such as operating systems, drivers, graphical user interfaces, and applications programs, one or more interaction devices, such as a touch pad or screen, and/or control systems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for sensing position and/or velocity; control motors for moving and/or adjusting components and/or quantities).
  • a typical data processing system may be implemented utilizing any suitable commercially available components, such as those typically found in data computing/communication and/or network computing/communication systems.
  • any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality.
  • operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Nutrition Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By The Use Of Chemical Reactions (AREA)

Abstract

Selon certains modes de réalisation, l'invention concerne des procédés, des systèmes, des produits, des dispositifs et/ou des appareils globalement associés à un indicateur visuel servant à indiquer l'atteinte d'une pression de traitement de pression d'aliment ; et des procédés, des kits et un conditionnement destinés à être utilisés avec ce dernier.
PCT/US2016/065443 2016-12-07 2016-12-07 Indicateurs de traitement de pression ainsi que procédés, conditionnement et kits associés WO2018106234A1 (fr)

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