Comprehensive chemical profiling of wild Coffea racemosa, C. Zanguebariae, C. arabica, and C. canephora: A Metabolomic approach using LC-MS and multivariate analysis
Besides the need to adapt coffee cultivation to climate change, the growing demand for high-quality and exotic coffee has increased interest in species such as Coffea racemosa and C. zanguebariae. These species offer drought and pest resistance, fast maturation, and distinct sensory profiles. However, there is a lack of information regarding their chemical profile. Therefore, this study employed a metabolomic approach using LC-MS, ESI(±)MS, and multivariate analysis to assess the chemical profiles of these species and compare them with C. arabica and C. canephora cv. Conilon. Sixty-four compounds were identified, including chlorogenic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids, and glycosylated diterpenes. The results indicate that C. racemosa shares chemical similarities with C. arabica, particularly in their trigonelline and amino acid abundance, while C. zanguebariae is characterized by a high phospholipid content, which may influence mouthfeel. Additionally, LC-MS allows isomer separation, whereas ESI(±)MS emerged as a fast alternative for chemometric modeling.
Functionalized cellulose paper with tetra carboxylic acid azo-calix[4]arene for thin film microextraction of propiconazole and tebuconazole from fruit samples analyzed by HPLC-UV
In this study, a chemically modified cellulose paper was developed as a thin film microextraction (TFME) device to extract the fungicides tebuconazole and propiconazole from fruit samples (orange, kiwi, apple and lemon). The modification was achieved with tetracarboxylic acid azo-calix[4]arene using toluene diisocyanate as a linker and characterized by FT-IR, TGA, FE-SEM and XRD. The modified cellulose paper showed high affinity for the target compounds, with a linear response from 1 to 200 μg L. It achieved low limits of detection (0.29 μg L for tebuconazole and 0.26 μg L for propiconazole) and quantification, with intra-day and inter-day precision (%RSDs below 4.58 %). The findings revealed that cellulose paper with azo-calix[4]arene tetracarboxylic acid exhibited several advantages over alternative techniques, including enhanced sensitivity, high selectivity for propiconazole and tebuconazole, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. The extraction process is also more stable and allows the detection of lower concentrations of these compounds in fruit samples.
Simultaneous detection of citrus internal quality attributes using near-infrared spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging with multi-task deep learning and instrumental transfer learning
Simultaneous determination of multiple quality attributes of citrus fruits using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and successfully transferring the models among different instruments are two main challenges. In this study, a HSI system and a portable NIR spectrometer were employed to determine the soluble solid content (SSC) and pH value of two varieties of citrus (Quzhou Ponkan and Xiangxi Changye). The single-task and multi-task convolutional neural network (CNN) models for citrus quality inspection were developed. The feasibility of transferring the single-task and multi-task models from HSI to NIR was explored. For the two citrus varieties, the correlation coefficients of optimal models for SSC and pH were over 0.8 and 0.9, respectively. This study demonstrated the potential application of multi-task learning and instrumental transfer learning in citrus quality inspection, which could facilitate the real-world applications of HSI and NIR for accessing the quality citrus and other fruits.
Unlocking the potential of edible mushroom proteins: A sustainable future in food and health
Drawing protein from animals, plants, and microorganisms to build a diversified food supply system meets people's needs for food variety, nutrition, and health. It also reflects the comprehensiveness, diversity, and sustainability of agricultural development. With the growing interest in the development and utilisation of new protein resources, edible mushroom proteins have attracted widespread attention. Edible mushroom proteins are nutritionally rich, possess various bioactivities and functionalities, and are produced with higher efficiency and are healthier compared to animal and plant proteins. At present, edible mushroom proteins hold great potential for application in various fields, including food, medicine and biological control. This article discusses the research progress in the development and utilisation of edible mushroom proteins, covering their composition, nutritional value, extraction and detection methods, functionalities, applications, and provides prospects for future development directions. The aim is to provide a reference for further exploration and utilisation of edible mushroom proteins.
Antibacterial properties of folic acid-based hydrogel loaded with CeCDs and its potential application in food preservation
The development of novel preservation techniques capable of food safety and nutrition retention has received extensive attention. Herein, a biocompatible and biodegradable composite folate/zinc supramolecular hydrogel loaded with Ce-doped carbon dots (named FZCC hydrogel) has been fabricated. This hydrogel was synthesized through hydrogen bonds or metal-ligand coordination and held the advantages of superior antibacterial properties, self-healing properties, and washability. Particularly, CeCDs in the hydrogel possessed photodynamic capabilities under white light irradiation, endowing broad antibacterial ability against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The growth inhibition rate reached up to 83.98 % and 80.30 % for S. aureus and E. coli. Moreover, the hydrogels can release high concentrations of Zn over 15 days, resulting in a sustained antimicrobial effect. The application of FZCC hydrogel to pakchoi cabbages, apples, and cooked meat can effectively prolong the shelf life and ensure food quality by controlling microbial contaminations, providing great potential for designing sustainable active food packaging materials.
Investigating the effects of polar and non-polar polyphenols on the physicochemical properties and functional characteristics of camellia oil body emulsions
This study aimed to investigate the effects of polar catechol and non-polar α-tocopherol, either individually or in combination, on the stability and functional properties of camellia oil body emulsions. Catechol showed strong interactions with the polar surface proteins of OBs, while α-tocopherol associated with the non-polar lipid regions, collectively enhancing emulsion stability. Combined use of catechol and α-tocopherol significantly reduced droplet size (2810 to 1360 nm), increased zeta potential (5 to -42 mV), and decreased peroxide values from 45 to 12 meq/kg and TBARS values from 260 to 130 meq/kg after 14 days. Combined effect of polyphenols improved the stability of OB emulsions under stress conditions, maintaining structural integrity at elevated NaCl concentrations, high temperatures (90 °C), and after three freeze-thaw cycles. These findings demonstrate the synergistic effects of combining polar and non-polar polyphenols, offering a promising strategy for enhancing oxidative stability and functionality in food systems.
Influence of Preharvest sorbitol and calcium-sorbitol applications on the ripening process and anthocyanin biosynthesis in blood Orange (Citrus sinensis cv. Sanguinelli)
Blood oranges are valued for their color and nutritional properties, thriving in Mediterranean climates where temperature variations enhance anthocyanin (ACN) synthesis. Climate change threatens this process. This study evaluated six foliar applications of sorbitol (2 %, 5 %) and sorbitol-Ca (2 % + 0.7 %) from early fruit development to harvest. All treatments enhanced peel and pulp redness, particularly sorbitol-Ca, as confirmed by lower hue angle and higher color index. Treated fruits had higher total soluble solids (TSS), with 11.07 % in 2 % sorbitol-treated fruits versus 9.63 % in controls. Sorbitol-Ca reduced respiration rates (15.63 vs. 21.57 mg CO₂ kg h) and increased firmness (9.72 vs. 8.89 Nmm). Phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and bound calcium levels improved fruit quality. ACN content increased over 20 % and 40 % in sorbitol- and sorbitol-Ca-treated fruits, mainly due to Cyanidin derivatives. Sorbitol-based treatments offer a strategy to enhance blood orange resilience to climate change, improving functional and commercial value.
Phenolic compounds determination in stingless bee by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with capillary electrophoresis - diode array detection
A dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) coupled to capillary electrophoresis with diode array detection (CE-DAD) for determination of sixteen phenolic compounds (PCs) is described. DLLME conditions that affect extraction performance were investigated using single-factor variable experiments. The PCs were extracted using ethyl acetate as extraction solvent and acetonitrile as dispersive solvent. The separation was achieved using fused-silica capillary with buffer constituted of 40 mmol L borax (pH 9.3) and 10 % (v/v) ethanol. Voltage of 20 kV, cassette temperature of 25 °C, hydrodynamic injection (30 mbar for 6 s) and variable UV detection wavelengths were applied. The PCs were separated in < 32 min. Calibration curves were linear (r > 0.998) within 1-20 mg L for naringin and catechin hydrate, and 0.3-20 mg L for other PCs. Detection limits were 0.01-0.52 mg L, relative standard deviations of ≤ 2.39 % (migration times) and ≤ 5.66 % (peak areas) were obtained. The method exhibited good recoveries (85.2-110.7 %), with enrichment factors of 1.79-13.94 and greenness score of 0.35 (AGREEprep) and 0.54 (AGREE). The validated method was applied for determination of PCs in Tualang and stingless bee honey. These results demonstrated the potential of DLLME-CE-DAD as a simple, and environmentally friendly method to quantify PCs in SBH.
Advancements in small molecule fluorescent probes for the detection of formaldehyde in environmental and food samples: A comprehensive review
Formaldehyde (FA), a hazardous substance with carcinogenicity and mutagenicity, necessitates sensitive and accurate detection methods for protecting public health and the environment. While numerous reviews have explored FA fluorescent probes, the current literature predominantly emphasizes biological systems, leaving a gap in addressing FA's roles in environmental monitoring and food safety. This review discusses recognition mechanisms for FA detection, including 2-aza-Cope rearrangement, methylenehydrazine reaction, formimine formation, and other mechanisms. Furthermore, this review underscores the practical applications of these probes in real-world contexts, namely their incorporation into test strips, hydrogels, and membranes for environmental monitoring and food safety. Moreover, this review highlights future directions for developing intelligent detection systems that combine fluorescent probes with data processing algorithms and artificial intelligence technologies. By synthesizing the current knowledge in this area, this review aims to stimulate future research and advancements in FA detection technology, ultimately contributing to improved environmental management and public health protection.
Multispectral analysis and molecular simulation of quinoa protein-tannic acid interactions: Conformational changes and functional properties
This study used multispectral analysis and molecular simulation to investigate the mechanisms of non-covalent interactions between quinoa protein isolate (QPI) and tannic acid (TA), and its effects on protein conformation. The formation of the QPI-TA complex was confirmed by increased turbidity, polyphenol binding capacity, and UV-visible absorbance. The addition of TA decreased α-helices while increasing β-sheets and random coils, resulting in a looser, more disordered protein structure of QPI. Thermodynamic analysis and molecular docking results indicated that the predominant interactions between QPI and TA are hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that the binding sites of TA and QPI were tightly associated, thereby maintaining conformational stability. Additionally, the non-covalent modification by TA significantly enhanced the emulsifying and foaming capacities of QPI. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the application of QPI-polyphenol complexes in the production of emulsified foods.
A smartphone-assisted 2D Cd-MOF-based mixed-matrix membrane exhibiting visual and on-site quantitative sensing of antibiotics and pesticides for food safety
Food contamination is a current global concern, thus rapid and accurate quantitative detection of contaminants is essential for ensuring food safety. Herein, a MOF-based mixed-matrix membrane (1@PMMA) was fabricated by incorporating a stable 2D luminescent Cd-MOF, {[Cd(L)(DMSO)]·2DMSO} (1) (HL = 5-(4-(pyridin-4-yl)benzamido)benzene-1,3-dioic acid), into a flexible poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. The resulting 1@PMMA exhibited sensitive, strong anti-interference, recyclable, and visual detection of nitrofurazone (NFZ) and 2,6-dichloro-4-nitroaniline (DCN). Furthermore, a portable smartphone-assisted sensing platform was developed by coupling the luminescent 1@PMMA with a smartphone, to realize visual and on-site quantitative detection of NFZ and DCN in real food samples. This work provides a portable and intelligent sensing platform for the visual and on-site quantitative detection of antibiotic and pesticide residues in food samples, demonstrating significant potential for food safety monitoring and quality control.
Application of L-leucine-based natural deep eutectic solvent and ferroferric oxide magnetic nanoparticles modified with silica and zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (FeO@SiO@ZIF-8) for extracting organophosphorus pesticides from cucumber
An amino acid-based natural deep eutectic solvent (AABNADES) consisting of L-leucine, thymol, and lactic acid developed as a media for removing interfering agents, along with a magnetic adsorbent called ferroferric oxide modified with silica and zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (FeO@SiO@ZIF-8) to determine the residue of four organophosphorus (OPs) pesticides in cucumber samples. The AABNADES was characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Magnetic adsorbents were characterized via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and FTIR. Extraction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken design (BBD). The method was linear, accurate, and in the range of 10-50 μg/l. The detection and quantification limits ranged from 2.88-5.95 and 8.73-18.05 μg/l, respectively. The recovery for pesticide residues ranged from 97.1-143.2 % with a relative standard deviation of 3.97-12.24 %. The method is cost-effective, suitable for analyzing OPs in cucumber, and minimizes the use of harmful solvents.
Highly sensitive, anti-freezing and stretchable hydrogels with modified MXene for multifunctional applications
Hydrogels have emerged as ideal materials for sensor fabrication due to their tunable mechanical properties, flexibility, and biocompatibility. However, their high-water content makes them prone to freezing at low temperatures, which compromises their conductivity and mechanical integrity, limiting their use in cold environments. To address this issue, we present a novel hydrogel system consisting of a polyacrylamide (PAM) backbone, a binary solvent system of water and ethylene glycol (EG), and functional materials including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and modified MXene. The addition of modified MXene as a conductive filler significantly enhances the hydrogel's conductivity, enabling it to maintain its performance even at low temperatures. Furthermore, the introduction of EG effectively lowers the freezing point of the hydrogel to -36.9 °C, ensuring robust frost resistance. The resulting hydrogel not only shows exceptional low-temperature stability but also exhibits high sensitivity. Moreover, the hydrogel demonstrates rapid responsiveness and high accuracy when being integrated as sensors to detect human motion and ammonia concentrations. These results highlight the potential of MXene-enhanced hydrogels for applications in freshness detection of raw meat and human motion tracking, particularly in cold environments.
The transepithelial transport of peptides derived from insects (Galleria mellonella and Alphitobius diaperinus) through static in vitro digestion (INFOGEST) and their ability to mitigating oxidative stress
Insect protein-derived peptides are gaining attention for their potential bioactivities. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant ability of peptides derived from gastrointestinal digestion and assess their absorption through transepithelial transport. Results indicate an increase of antioxidant properties from G. mellonella (W) and A. diaperinus (B) proteins, including reducing power (Fe, Cu) and radical scavenging (ABTS, DPPH) with enhanced antioxidant activities in gastrointestinal digestates compared to gastric digestates. The inhibition of intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) confirmed these findings, the inhibition rates of 40.2 % (W) and 58.5 % (B), respectively. Transepithelial transport analysis demonstrated that peptide absorption primarily occurred between 6 h and 24 h, with W exhibiting a higher apparent permeability coefficient (6.10 × 10 cm/s) compared to B (5.91 × 10 cm/s). The results highlight the antioxidant potential and absorption capability of insect-derived peptides, with W demonstrating superior antioxidant activity in most assays, whereas B proved more effective in inhibiting intracellular ROS. These findings support the potential of both W and B as bioactive ingredients with functional applications.
Quantitative analysis and visualization of chemical compositions during shrimp flesh deterioration using hyperspectral imaging: A comparative study of machine learning and deep learning models
The current work explores hyperspectral imaging (HSI) to quantitatively identify changes in TVB-N and K value during shrimp flesh deterioration. The work developed low-level data fusion (LLF) and predictive models using both machine learning methods (PLS) and deep learning methods (CNN, LSTM, CNN-LSTM). Results indicate that deep learning methods show comparable performance due to their superior feature extraction and fitting capabilities, but traditional chemometric methods outperform deep learning models, achieving R = 0.9431 (TVB-N), and R = 0.9815 (K value). Subsequently, spatial distribution maps were generated based on the optimal predictive models to visualize the chemical composition changes in shrimp flesh. This approach allows for rapid, non-destructive prediction of spoilage-related changes. This technology can monitor shrimp quality in cold chain logistics, improve inventory management, and ensure seafood quality. Future research should optimize models for varied conditions and explore combining HSI method with other sensor technologies to enhance shrimp quality evaluation comprehensively and accurately.
Simultaneous quantitative determination of triterpenic acids in apple pomace by heteronuclear two-dimensional qNMR. Pomolic acid re-visited
An alternative procedure for the analysis of the content of triterpenic acids in apple pomace is presented. The use of a quantitative two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy based on a HSQC experiment proved to be a competitive alternative to HPLC analysis, ensuring sample preparation simplicity, unambiguous compound identification and reliable quantification. Simultaneous determination of oleanolic, ursolic and pomolic acids is presented. The quantitative determination of pomolic acid in apple pomace is demonstrated for the first time. Identification of high pomolic acid content in pomace-derived extracts opens new exploitation perspectives for this compound of high nutraceutical and industrial value.
Lanthanum doped copper ferrite as efficient Electrocatalyst for simultaneous detection of Bentazone and Diuron in vegetable samples
Bentazon (BTZ) and diuron (DU) are the most widely used herbicides in farming to control broadleaf weeds and sedges. The current work adopted an eco-friendly approach to synthesize lanthanum-substituted copper ferrite (CuLaFeO) by sol-gel auto-combustion method. Analytical characterization of synthesized CuLaFeO revealed spinel lattice with average surface charge of -26.83 mV. The average pore volume of CuLaFeO was calculated 0.0928 cc/g and particle size less than 50 nm. An efficient electrochemical sensor was fabricated by modifying gold electrode (AuE) with CuLaFeO as (CuLaFeO/AuE) for simultaneous detection of BTZ and DU in real water and vegetable samples. The fabricated CuLaFeO/AuE was characterized by cyclic voltammetry which confirm its diffusion controlled kinetics. The developed electrochemical approach showed a linear response in 0.1 M phosphate buffer of pH 7.0 within dynamic range of 0.005-50 μM and 0.01-820 μM with 0.97 and 0.17 nM detection limits for BTZ and DU, respectively.
Comparison of annealing and heat-moisture modification on effects of Tartary buckwheat starch under plasma-activated water condition
This study investigated the effects of plasma-activated water (PAW) assisted annealing and heat-moisture treatment (HMT) on the physicochemical, structural properties, and in vitro digestibility of Tartary buckwheat starch (TBS). The results showed that there were much aggregates on the surface of starch granules under annealing and HMT conditions, it was more pronounced when subjected in PAW. The modified starches showed higher R and pasting temperature, which led to reducing digestibility of TBS. Notably, the highest resistant starch content (71.08 %) was observed with PAW-HMT under the moisture content of 30 %. In addition, all the modified starches remained A type pattern except HMT and PAW-HMT samples, which displayed an A + V type pattern. Therefore, TBS was more sensitive to the combined HMT and PAW treatment. These findings offered valuable insights into the application of PAW combined with thermal treatments to enhance the quality of TBS in the utilization of functional foods.
Formation and sensory properties of novel Pyrazinones in the Glycylalanine and Alanylglycine dipeptide Maillard reaction systems
In this study, eight pyrazinones were identified in glycylalanine (Gly-Ala) and alanylglycine (Ala-Gly) Maillard reaction systems using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance for the first time, including 1-ethyl-, 5-methyl-1-ethyl-, 6-methyl-1-ethyl-, 5,6-dimethyl-1-ethyl-, 1,3-dimethyl-, 1,3,5-trimethyl-, 1,3,6-trimethyl-, and 1,3,5,6-tetramethyl-2(1H)-pyrazinones. Proposed formation pathways involve the reaction between dipeptides and α-dicarbonyls. For the first time, sensory analysis revealed distinct flavors of four pyrazinones: 1-ethyl-2(1H)-pyrazinone with a cereal, cookie-like flavor, 5,6-dimethyl-1-ethyl-2(1H)-pyrazinone with a bakery sweet flavor, 1,3-dimethyl-2(1H)-pyrazinone with a green, herbal flavor, and 1,3,5,6-tetramethyl-2(1H)-pyrazinone with a sweet pyrazine flavor. Activation energies of the eight pyrazinones (170-200 °C) were 236.11, 116.39, 111.07, 300.96, 345.45, 199.29, 196.50, and 310.32 kJ/mol, respectively. Pyrazinones formed from methylglyoxal (MGO) had lower activation energies, indicating higher ease of pyrazinone formation and higher contents than from other α-dicarbonyls, especially at lower temperatures. Differences in pyrazinone formation were observed between glycylalanine and alanylglycine systems, suggesting a need for further investigations.
Ultrasound-driven chemical and biochemical changes in jabuticaba juice: Phenolic compounds, volatile profile and inactivation of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and pectin methylesterase
Fruit juices are widely recognized as excellent vehicles for bioactive compounds, offering both nutritional and health-promoting benefits. Among these, jabuticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba) stands out as a fruit exceptionally rich in phenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins. This study evaluated the effects of thermal (90 °C/1 min and 120 °C/1 min) and high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) treatments (6.3, 15.9, 25.5, and 36 W/cm) on the physicochemical properties, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), and pectin methylesterase (PME) inactivation, phenolic and volatile compound profiles, antimicrobial potential, and kinetic stability of jabuticaba juice. Compared to thermal processing, HIUS demonstrated superior anthocyanin retention and phenolic stability while effectively inactivating enzymes. HIUS at 25.5 and 36 W/cm increased cyanidin-3-O-glucoside content (up to a 40 % increase), whereas the 120 °C/1 min thermal treatment reduced it by 58 %, highlighting the susceptibility of anthocyanins to intense heat. Regarding phenolic acids, HIUS maintained ellagic acid levels and increased gallic acid content at higher intensities (up to a 55 % increase), whereas 120 °C/1 min significantly increased gallic acid and ellagic acid, likely due to thermal degradation and release of bound phenolics. The antimicrobial properties of jabuticaba juice were assessed through microbial growth analysis and challenge testing with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, revealing its potential to contribute to microbial stability in juice formulations. HIUS at 25.5 W/cm was identified as the optimal processing condition, balancing enzymatic inactivation, bioactive compound retention, and physical stability, while avoiding the anthocyanin degradation observed in intense thermal treatments. These findings underscore the potential of HIUS as a nonthermal alternative for producing high-quality, functional jabuticaba juice and provide valuable insights into optimizing processing parameters to maximize bioactive compound retention and kinetic stability in fruit-based beverages.
Development of temperature-regulating CR/PVA bionanocomposite films with phase change materials and antibacterial properties for ice cream packaging
This study focuses on the development of active packaging for anti-heating food packaging using film materials based on Carrageenan (CR) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The aim is to effectively manage the temperature of food products during storage and transportation to preserve their quality and freshness. Temperature-controlled bionanocomposite films were synthesized by incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) into the CR/PVA blend matrix. Specifically, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was grafted onto cellulose nanocrystals supported by copper nanoparticles to create a solid-solid PCM-Cu with exceptional thermal storage efficiency. The resulting nanocomposite films exhibited buffering properties at cold chain temperatures compared to pure CR/PVA films. The presence of copper nanoparticles also contributed antibacterial activity, further ensuring food safety. These nanocomposite films demonstrate significant potential for application in food packaging, as they effectively address temperature-related challenges within the food industry. The findings highlight the effectiveness of these innovative films in preserving the freshness of ice cream even when exposed to periods outside the freezer.