Biophysical characterization of Australian bee honey quality parameters

Abstract

Australia, due to its extraordinary variety of climatic conditions, supports diverse crops and farming systems and acts as a home for a variety of honeybees. The Physical and chemical properties of honey depend on its geographical floral origin, season, environmental factors, and treatment of beekeepers. In addition to being used as food, honey has been used as an alternative medicine for thousands of years. The Low pH of honey causes an osmotic effect that prevents the growth of some micro-organisms. Honey comprises 80% sugars and 17% water. Bioactive components in honey possess strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity, and immune boosting property. They promote faster healing of wounds by clearing infections through promotion of tissue growth and regeneration. The aim of this research was to determine biophysical, and chemical properties of 96 (raw, heat-treated, and commercial) honey samples. The commercial Indian, Turkish, Australian, and New Zealand honey samples were purchased from local supermarkets. The raw honey samples were derived from New South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and Northern Territory. The samples were heat treated in a water bath at 40, 60 and 80°C for 5, 15 and 30 minutes. The pH, electrical conductivity, moisture, ash, minerals, heavy metals, viscosity, water activity, brix, sugars, HMF antioxidants, and colour were determined. The antibacterial activities (MIC of honey samples against the bacterial culture E. coli, S. aureus and S. pyogenes) were determined using serial dilution technique. MHB (Muller Hinton) and BHI (Brain Heat Infusion) broths were used depending on the microorganism. The MBC of honey samples were performed on Muller Hinton and Sheep Blood agar plates particular to the bacterial strain. The moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, brix, sugars, viscosity, ash, minerals and TPC of raw Stingless Bee honey in 2022 and 2023 were significantly different. The result of this biophysical analysis can be served as criteria used for choosing appropriate processing and packaging techniques and technological applications of natural honey which influences the consumers’ preferences and important in the international trade.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Western Sydney University
Supervisor	Vijay Jayasena (Supervisor)