Characterization of Maillard reaction products micro/nano-particles present in fermented soybean sauce and vinegar.

The endogenous micro/nano-particles in daily food have drawn much attention due to specific properties potential biological impact. The aim of this study was to investigate the nanoparticles in traditional fermented soybean sauces and vinegars in order to study the safety problems of nanoparticles in daily food. The transmission electron microscope results showed that all samples exhibited diverse nanostructures with diameters ranging from 10 to 400 nm. The concentration of nanoparticles in these foods was determined to be around 1.15 × 10-3.43 × 10 particles/mL. Furthermore, the absorbance at 420 nm was found in all the fermented foods, which was ascribed to Maillard reaction products. The 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) results showed that nanoparticles in traditional fermented foods did not decrease cell viability in the concentration range tested (<200 μg/mL), which were equivalent to 20 L~200 L of selected soybean sauces and vinegars. However, further studies need to be performed to find out the interaction of nanoparticle with cell (food with body) after ingestion.