Rapid method for the discrimination of red wine cultivars based on mid-infrared spectroscopy of phenolic wine extracts

Quantitative analysis of alcohol, sugar, and tartaric Acid in alcoholic beverages using attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy

Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode was used for quantifying ethanol, sucrose, and tartaric acid in alcoholic beverages. One hundred synthetic samples were prepared with different ethanol, sucrose, and tartaric acid concentrations. Experiments were carried out on Bio-Rad 175 C FTS using an ATR accessory. Spectra were recorded in the wavelength region 600-4000 cm-1. Calibration was performed using partial least squares (PLS) algorithm. Commercially available alcoholic beverages (gin, rum, vodka, etc.) were experimented and concentration of ethanol in these samples was predicted using the developed calibration model. Chemical analysis of these commercial samples was carried out in order to compare the results. The agreement between ATR results with those of chemical analysis revealed good reliability and repeatability of the technique used.

Quantitative determination and structural characterization of isoflavones in nutrition supplements by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

In this paper, an accurate and route method was developed to quantitative determine daidzein, genistein, glycitein, daidzin, glycitin, 6"-O-acetyldaidzin, 6"-O-acetylglycitin and 6"-O-acetylgenistin contents in selected high and low isoflavones in nutrition supplements by on line liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MS). Improved extraction and hydrolysis methods of the isoflavones from three nutrition supplements were also studied and a rapid extraction method was developed. Comparison of different MS2 and MS3 spectra of isoflavones and some unknown compounds were also explored and proposed pathway fragments of nine isoflavones were first systematically suggested.

On-Line Determination of the Intracellular Poly(β-hydroxybutyric acid) Content in Transformed Escherichia coli and Glucose during PHB Production Using Stopped-Flow Attenuated Total Reflection FT-IR Spectrometry

An automated approach for rapid on-line monitoring of the solid and liquid phases present in bioprocesses based on mid-IR Fourier transform spectrometry is introduced. The principles of this new approach are presented using the example of the quantitative and qualitative analysis of poly(beta-hydroxybutyric acid) (PHB) accumulated in living bacterial cells as well as dissolved glucose during two 27-h fermentation processes. FT-IR spectra were recorded on-line using a diamond-attenuated total reflection (ATR) cell connected to the fermentation broth by means of a computer-controlled flow system. For calibration of the FT-IR method, standard reference analysis procedures for PHB (gas chromatography) and glucose (HPLC) were used. While pumping the fermentation broth through the flow cell, the recorded spectra corresponded to the fermentation solution, which allowed the determination of glucose in a range from 3.8 to -10.3 g/L. Upon stopping the flow, the cells settled on the ATR surface, and the thus recorded spectra enabled the determination of the intracellular PHB content of Escherichia coli in a range from 0.005 to 0.766 g/L. Errors of cross-validation of 0.264 g/L for glucose and 0.037 g/L for PHB were obtained. Application of one PLS calibration model to another fermentation was possible with prediction errors of 0.493 g/L for glucose and 0.105 g/L for PHB. Furthermore, from the position and shape of the PHB carbonyl band, it could be concluded that the PHB granules inside the E. coli are predominantly amorphous.

Multivariate analysis of NMR and FTIR data as a potential tool for the quality control of beer

In this work, principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to the FTIR-ATR and the (1)H NMR spectra of 50 beers differing in label and type (ale, lager, alcohol-free), to identify the spectral parameters that may provide rapid information about factors affecting beer production. PCA of FTIR data resulted in the separation of beers mainly according to their alcoholic content, providing little information on components other than ethanol contributing to the variability within the samples. PCA of (1)H NMR spectra, performed on the region where major beer components resonate (3.0-6.0 ppm), resulted in the separation of samples into four groups: two groups characterized by the predominance of dextrins, one group of alcohol-free beers characterized by the predominance of maltose, and one group where glucose was found to predominate. By performing PCA on aliphatic and aromatic regions, the contribution of minor components was highlighted. In particular, most ales, lagers, and alcohol-free samples could be distinguished based on their aromatic composition, thus reflecting the high sensitivity of the low-field NMR region toward different types of beer fermentation.

Initial study of honey adulteration by sugar solutions using midinfrared (MIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection (ATR) sampling have been used to detect adulteration of honey samples. The sample set comprised 320 spectra of authentic (n = 99) and adulterated (n = 221) honeys. Adulterants used were solutions containing both d-fructose and d-glucose prepared in the following respective weight ratios: 0.7:1.0, 1.2:1.0 (typical of honey composition), and 2.3:1.0. Each adulterant solution was added to individual honeys at levels of 7, 14, and 21% w/w. Spectral data were compressed and analyzed using k-nearest neighbors (kNN) and partial least squares (PLS) regression techniques. A number of data pretreatments were explored. Best classification models were achieved with PLS regression on first derivative spectra giving an overall correct classification rate of 93%, with 99% of samples adulterated at levels of 14% w/w or greater correctly identified. This method shows promise as a rapid screening technique for detection of this type of honey adulteration.

Feasibility study on the use of visible and near-infrared spectroscopy together with chemometrics to discriminate between commercial white wines of different varietal origins

The use of visible (vis) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) was explored as a tool to discriminate between samples of Australian commercial white wines of different varietal origins (Chardonnay and Riesling). Discriminant models were developed using principal component analysis (PCA), principal component regression (PCR), and discriminant partial least-squares (DPLS) regression. The samples were randomly split into two sets, one used as a calibration set (n = 136) and the remaining samples as a validation set (n = 133). When used to predict the variety of the validation set samples, the DPLS models correctly classified 100% of Riesling and up to 96% of Chardonnay wines. These results showed that vis-NIR might be a suitable and alternative technology that can be easily implemented by the wine industry to discriminate Riesling and Chardonnay commercial wine varieties. However, the relatively limited number of samples and varieties involved in the present work suggests caution in extending the potential of such a technique to other wine varieties.

Strategies for the determination of bioactive phenols in plants, fruit and vegetables

Analytical strategies dealing with bioactive phenols in plants and foods are reviewed. These depend on the purpose of the analysis which may be classified as studies where the principal purpose is biological screening, phytochemical and/or chemical screening. Nevertheless, extraction of the phenol from the sample matrix is common and methods of achieving a suitable extract are assessed. Advances in the separation sciences and spectrometry are exploited for identification and quantification of isolated phenols. The various procedures are summarized and some typical "case studies" are presented. Two important areas are introduced briefly. Thus, plant phenols are reactive species and their ultimate fate has been relatively neglected. Studies of bioactive compounds generate a considerable volume of data making data handling and informatics important topics that warrant a separate review.

Rapid measurement of phytate in raw soymilk by mid-infrared spectroscopy

The phytate content in soymilk is known to affect tofu curdling. A rapid measurement of phytate from a water extract of soybean (raw soymilk) in an early stage of tofu processing was investigated using mid-infrared spectroscopy (IR) with an ATR accessory. IR absorption of phytate was observed from 1200 cm-1 to 900 cm-1, and saccharide and protein in the extract also had IR absorption in the same region. In order to separate phytate from other components, the phytate was precipitated completely by the addition of calcium under alkaline condition (pH 11.5). The precipitate was dissolved in citrate buffer (pH 6.0) and then used for IR measurement. The absorbance at 1070 cm-1 correlated well with the phytate content of the soymilk. The measurement of phytate in raw soymilk can be done rapidly by FT-IR measurement with an ATR accessory and gives reproducible values, which can be used for the measurement of phytate content in various soybeans for tofu making.

Toward the optical tongue: flow-through sensing of tannin-protein interactions based on FTIR spectroscopy

The interaction of polyphenols (tannins) with proline-rich proteins (gelatin) has been studied using an automated flow injection system with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic detection to gain insight into chemical aspects related to astringency. In the perception of astringency, a major taste property in red wines and other beverages such as beer, tea, or fruit juices, an interaction between proline-rich salivary proteins and tannins present in the sample takes place. To study this interaction, agarose beads carrying gelatin (a proline-rich protein) were placed in the IR flow cell in such a way that the beads were probed by the IR beam. Using an automated flow system, we injected samples in a carrier stream and flushed over the proteins in a highly reproducible manner. Simultaneously, any retardation due to tannin-protein interactions taking place inside the flow cell was monitored by infrared spectroscopy. Tannins of different sources (grapes, wooden barrels, formulations used in wine making) were investigated, and their flow-through behavior was characterized. Significant differences in their affinity toward gelatin could be observed. Furthermore, because of small but characteristic differences in the IR spectrum, it is possible to distinguish condensed from hydrolyzable tannins. Nonastringent substances such as alcohols, sugars, and acids did not show retention on gelatin. The selectivity of the flow-through sensor was also demonstrated on the example of red and white wine. In contrast to white wine, where no interaction could be observed, in red wine a major interaction of the red wine tannins was found.

Review of the methods used in the determination of phytoestrogens

Interest in analytical methods for plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) has risen sharply in the past 10 years. In this review, we examine the existing analytical methods based on separations by gas-liquid chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis in addition to methods of detection by ultraviolet absorption, fluorescence, electrochemical oxidation/reduction and mass spectrometry. These methods are compared with other methods of phytoestrogen analysis utilizing immunoassay approaches. The advantages and disadvantages of each of these methods are highlighted and potential areas for further development identified.

Sample handling strategies for the determination of biophenols in food and plants

The analysis of phenols in samples of plant and food origin attracts considerable attention. However, sample handling is often an ignored feature of the analysis. This review highlights the importance of sample extraction in an analysis and the problems that can arise during this step. Many questions remain unanswered and there is a need to more carefully validate extraction efficiencies. Although many new procedures have been developed the use of traditional techniques still dominates.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and chemometric analysis of white wine polysaccharide extracts

Monovarietal white wines from Maria Gomes and Bical Portuguese Bairrada varieties were prepared according to different maceration and pectic enzyme clarification procedures. The polysaccharide-rich extracts, obtained by wine concentration, dialysis, and lyophilization, were fractionated by graded ethanol precipitation. A wide range of fractions rich in polysaccharides were obtained. Using the spectral region between 1200 and 800 cm(-)(1) of the FTIR spectra of the wine polysaccharide dry extracts, using PCA and CCA chemometric methods, it was possible to discriminate the extracts on the basis of their polysaccharide composition. Moreover, it was possible to identify the wine-making processes involved and their influence on the wine polysaccharides. Furthermore, a calibration model using a PLS1 was proposed for the quantification of mannose in the samples obtained by precipitation with 60% ethanol aqueous solutions. This information will allow an expeditious assessment and monitoring of the polysaccharide composition and modifications that occur during the wine-making processing and evolution.

Electrospray ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometric analysis of wine

Positive- and negative-ion electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry has been used for direct analysis of five wines (California Red, Corbiere, Zinfandel, Beaujolais, and Sauvignon Blanc), without any prior separation or purification steps. The high mass resolving power (typically m/Delta m(50%) > or = 80,000, in which Delta m(50%) is mass spectral peak full width at half-maximum peak height) and mass accuracy (< or =1 ppm) of FT-ICR mass spectrometry make it ideal for the study of complex mixtures such as wine, because the components are simultaneously resolved and identified as to elemental composition. Moreover, the high dynamic range of the instrument is advantageous for identifying trace components. The positive-ion mass spectra obtained from the wines were somewhat similar and were dominated by sucrose and (for red wines) anthocyanins. More than 30 compounds (phenolics and carbohydrates) were identified. The negative-ion mass spectra exhibited much greater variation among different wines, with several compounds peculiar to each wine. Elemental compositions could be assigned with high confidence to 76-94% of negative ions of >10% relative abundance. The present results suggest that it may be possible to fingerprint a wine on the basis of its negative-ion ESI FT-ICR mass spectrum.