Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy in Food Science: A Comprehensive Review

1H NMR spectroscopy as a tool to probe potential biomarkers of the drying-salting process: A proof-of-concept study with the Amazon fish pirarucu

Dry-salted pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) plays an important cultural role in the Amazon region - South America. In this study, we explored the changes in the chemical composition of pirarucu meat following the drying-salting process via 1H NMR spectroscopy. Combining multivariate and univariate statistical analyses yielded a robust differentiation of metabolites involved in the process. VIP score (>1), p-value (<0.05), and AUC (>0.7) were considered to selecting compounds that had significant fluctuations in their contents along the process. Our results pointed out acetate, lactate, succinate, and creatinine as metabolites undergoing significant changes during the drying-salting process. Creatinine was not detected in fresh samples. The investigation of multiple components delves deeper into the molecular nuances of the salting-drying process's impact on fish meat, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the possible chemical transformations and how the matrix's quality control and nutritional aspects should be addressed.

Genetics, Nutrition, and Health: A New Frontier in Disease Prevention

The field of nutrition research has traditionally focused on the effects of macronutrients and micronutrients on the body. However, it has become evident that individuals have unique genetic makeups that influence their response to food. Nutritional genomics, which includes nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics, explores the interaction between an individual's genetic makeup, diet, and health outcomes. Nutrigenetics studies the impact of genetic variation on an individual's response to dietary nutrients, while nutrigenomics investigates how dietary components affect gene regulation and expression. These disciplines seek to understand the impact of diet on the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome. It provides insights into the mechanisms underlying the effect of diet on gene expression. Nutrients can cause the modification of genetic expression through epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. The aim of nutrigenomics is to create personalized diets based on the unique metabolic profile of an individual, gut microbiome, and genetic makeup to prevent diseases and promote health. Nutrigenomics has the potential to revolutionize the field of nutrition by combining the practicality of personalized nutrition with knowledge of genetic factors underlying health and disease. Thus, nutrigenomics offers a promising approach to improving health outcomes (in terms of disease prevention) through personalized nutrition strategies based on an individual's genetic and metabolic characteristics.

Evolution of a Combined UV/Vis and NMR Setup with Fixed Pathlengths for Mass-limited Samples

The investigation of reaction mechanisms is a complex task that usually requires the use of several techniques. To obtain as much information as possible on the reaction and any intermediates - possibly invisible to one technique - the combination of techniques is a solution. In this work we present a new setup for combined UV/Vis and NMR spectroscopy and compare it to an established alternative. The presented approach allows a versatile usage of different commercially-available components like mirrors and fiber bundles as well as different fixed pathlengths according to double transmission or single transmission measurements. While a previous approach is based on a dip-probe setup for conventional NMR probes, the new one is based on a micro-Helmholtz coil array (LiquidVoxel™). This makes the use of rectangular cuvettes possible, which ensure well-defined pathlengths allowing for quantification of species. Additionally, very low quantities of compound can be analyzed due to the microfabrication and small cuvette size used. As proof-of-principle this new setup for combined UV/Vis and NMR spectroscopy is used to examine a well-studied photochromic system of the dithienylethene compound class. A thorough comparison of the pros and cons of the two setups for combined UV/Vis and NMR measurements is performed.

HBCalculator: A Tool for Hydrogen Bond Distribution Calculations in Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Hydrogen bonds, crucial noncovalent interactions in molecular systems, significantly impact biological, chemical, and energy-related processes; therefore, characterizing hydrogen bond information is of importance to fundamental studies. This work introduces the HBCalculator, a Tcl-based tool integrated with VMD for calculating 1D and 2D distributions of hydrogen bond density and strength. The tool facilitates spatial analysis, overcoming limitations in existing packages that lack direct spatial distribution output. By employing HBCalculator in MD simulations, three systems of cellulose/water and graphene/water interfaces, were tested to showcase its functionality. The 1D and 2D hydrogen bond distributions reveal insights into interfacial properties, reflecting the impact of material hydrophobicity. The simplicity of usage, along with its potential for diverse molecular systems, positions HBCalculator as a valuable tool for researchers exploring hydrogen bond networks.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Fingerprints and Mini DNA Markers for the Authentication of Cinnamon Species Ingredients Used in Food and Natural Health Products

Cinnamomum verum (syn C. zeylanicum) is considered 'true' cinnamon. However, it is reported that less expensive sources of cinnamon from C. cassia (syn C. aromaticum), C. loureiroi, and C. burmannii (toxic coumarin) may be used in the place of C. verum. We lack the quality assurance tools that are required to differentiate C. verum from other cinnamon species when verifying that the correct species is sourced from ingredient suppliers. The current research on cinnamon species authentication using DNA tools is limited to a few species and the use of high-quality DNA extracted from raw leaf materials. The cinnamon bark traded in the supply chain contains much less DNA and poorer-quality DNA than leaves. Our research advances DNA methods to authenticate cinnamon, as we utilized full-length chloroplast genomes via a genome skimming approach for C. burmannii and C. cassia to facilitate the design of optimal mini DNA markers. Furthermore, we developed and validated the use of NMR fingerprints for several commercial cinnamon species, including the quantification of 16 molecules. NMR fingerprints provided additional data that were useful for quality assessment in cinnamon extract powders and product consistency. Both the new mini DNA markers and NMR fingerprints were tested on commercial cinnamon products.

Food packaging and endocrine disruptors

OBJECTIVES

Narrative review evaluating food contamination by endocrine disruptors present in food packaging.

DATA SOURCE

The terms "endocrine disruptors" and "food packaging" were used in combination in the PubMed, MEDLINE and SciELO databases, evaluating studies, in humans, published in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish between 1990 and 2023.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Packaging, especially those made from plastic or recycled material, is an important source of food contamination by endocrine disruptors. Bisphenols and phthalates are the endocrine disruptors most frequently associated with food contamination from packaging. However, many unknown substances and even those legally authorized can cause harm to health when exposure is prolonged or when substances with additive effects are mixed. Furthermore, the discarding of packaging can cause contamination to continue into the environment.

CONCLUSION

Although packaging materials are essential for the transport and storage of food, many of them are associated with chemical contamination. As it is not possible to exclude them from our routine, it is important to develop research aimed at identifying the endocrine disruptors present in them, including the effects of chronic exposure; and that regulatory agencies and industry come together to reduce or prevent this risk. Additionally, consumers must be instructed on how to purchase products, handle them and prepare them to reduce the migration of chemical substances into food.

In Situ Hyperpolarization Enables 15N and 13C Benchtop NMR at Natural Isotopic Abundance

Without employing isotopic labeling, we demonstrate the generation of 15N and 13C NMR signals for molecules containing -NH2 motifs using benchtop NMR spectrometers (1-1.4 T). Specifically, high-SNR (>50) detection of ammonia, 4-aminopyridine, benzylamine, and phenethylamine dissolved in methanol or dichloromethane is demonstrated after only 10 s of parahydrogen bubbling using signal amplification by reversible exchange and applying a pulse sequence based on spin-lock-induced crossing. Optimization of the sequence parameters allows us to achieve up to 12% 15N and 0.4% 13C polarization in situ without the need for the sample transfer typically employed in other hyperpolarization methods. Moreover, hyperpolarization is generated continuously without having to stop the parahydrogen bubbling to reset magnetization, paving the way toward fast 2D spectroscopic methods and relaxometry. The provided methodology may find application for the identification of diluted chemicals relevant to industry and research with the aid of affordable benchtop NMR spectrometers.

Unlocking Therapeutic Potential: Comprehensive Extraction, Profiling, and Pharmacological Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. for Dermatological Applications

Herbal medicine has been studied as an alternate approach to modern medicine as it is more cost-effective and accessible via natural sources. Eclipta alba (E. alba, L.) Hassk. is a weed plant abundantly distributed throughout different regions of the world and contains abundant bioactive compounds used for various skin conditions. In this review, we aimed to gather information from the literature about the extraction, separation, and identification of these bioactive compounds and their potential in skin diseases. Relevant studies published before August 2023 were identified and selected from electronic databases, including Scopus, SciFinder, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Wiley Library, using the following keywords: Eclipta alba, Eclipta prostrata, phytochemicals, extraction, separation, isolation, identification, characterization, pharmacological activity, and skin conditions. Up-to-date extraction, separation, and identification methods of bioactive compounds from E. alba and their skin-related pharmacological activities are discussed in this review. As there are limitations regarding extraction, separation, and identification methods, and in-depth mechanistic and human studies of the skin-related pharmacological activities of bioactive compounds, these gaps are areas for future research to expand our understanding and broaden the potential applications of this medicinal weed plant, including the development of cosmeceutical and skincare products, anti-inflammatory agents, and formulations for dermatological treatments.

Astaxanthin Isomers: A Comprehensive Review of Isomerization Methods and Analytic Techniques

The presence of multiple conjugated double bonds and chiral carbon atoms endows astaxanthin with geometric and optical isomers, and these isomers widely exist in biological sources, food processing, and in vivo absorption. However, there remains no systematic summary of astaxanthin isomers regarding isomerization methods and analytic techniques. To address this need, this Review focuses on a comprehensive analysis of Z-isomerization methods of astaxanthin, including solvent system, catalyst, and heat treatment. Comparatively, high-efficiency and health-friendly methods are more conducive to put into practical use, such as food-grade solvents and food-component catalysts. In addition, we outline the recent advances in analysis techniques of astaxanthin isomers, as well as the structural characteristics reflected by various methods (e.g., HPLC, NMR, FTIR, and RS). Furthermore, we summarized the related research on the safety evaluation of astaxanthin isomers. Finally, future trends and barriers in Z-transformation and analysis of astaxanthin isomers are also discussed.

Improved Detection and Quantification of Cyclopropane Fatty Acids via Homonuclear Decoupling Double Irradiation NMR Methods

Over the years, NMR spectroscopy has become a powerful analytical tool for the identification and quantification of a variety of natural compounds in a broad range of food matrices. Furthermore, NMR can be useful for characterizing food matrices in terms of quality and authenticity, also allowing for the identification of counterfeits. Although NMR requires minimal sample preparation, this technique suffers from low intrinsic sensitivity relative to complementary techniques; thus, the detection of adulterants or markers for authenticity at low concentrations remains challenging. Here, we present a strategy to overcome this limitation by the introduction of a simple band-selective homonuclear decoupling sequence that consists of double irradiation on 1H during NMR signal acquisition. The utility of the proposed method is tested on dihydrosterculic acid (DHSA), one of the cyclopropane fatty acids (CPFAs) shown to be a powerful molecular marker for authentication of milk products. A quantitative description of how the proposed NMR scheme allows sensitivity enhancement yet accurate quantification of DHSA is provided.

Application of state diagrams to understand the nature and kinetics of (bio)chemical reactions in dry common bean seeds: A scientific guide to establish suitable postharvest storage conditions

Storage is a fundamental part of the common bean postharvest chain that ensures a steady supply of safe and nutritious beans of acceptable cooking quality to the consumers. Although it is known that extrinsic factors of temperature and relative humidity (influencing the bean moisture content) control the cooking quality deterioration of beans during storage, the precise interactions among these extrinsic factors and the physical state of the bean matrix in influencing the rate of quality deteriorative reactions is poorly understood. Understanding the types and kinetics of (bio)chemical reactions that influence the cooking quality of beans during storage is important in establishing suitable storage conditions to ensure quality stability. In this review, we integrate the current insights on glass transition phenomena and its significance in describing the kinetics of (bio)chemical reactions that influence the cooking quality changes during storage of common beans. Furthermore, a storage stability map based on the glass transition temperature of beans as well as kinetics of the main (bio)chemical reactions linked to cooking quality deterioration during storage was designed as a guide for determining appropriate storage conditions to ensure cooking quality stability.

Observation and Measurement of Ice Morphology in Foods: A Review

Freezing is an effective technology with which to maintain food quality. However, the formation of ice crystals during this process can cause damage to the cellular structure, leading to food deterioration. A good understanding of the relationship between food microstructure and ice morphology, as well as the ability to effectively measure and control ice crystals, is very useful to achieve high-quality frozen foods. Hence, a brief discussion is presented on the fundamentals/principles of optical microscopic techniques (light microscopy), electronic microscopic techniques (transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)), as well as other non-invasive techniques (X-rays, spectroscopy, and magnetic resonance) and their application to measuring ice formation rates and characterizing ice crystals, providing insight into the freezing mechanisms as well as direct monitoring of the entire process. And, in addition, this review compares (the negative and positive aspects of) the use of simple and cheap but destructive technologies (optical microscopy) with detailed microscopic technologies at the micro/nanometer scale but with pretreatments that alter the original sample (SEM and TEM), and non-destructive technologies that do not require sample preparation but which have high acquisition and operational costs. Also included are images and examples which demonstrate how useful an analysis using these techniques can be.

Editorial for the Special Issue "NMR- and MS-Based Metabolomics Approaches for Local and Traditional Foods' Characterization"

Metabolomics is a powerful tool in food sciences, widely used in food analysis for authenticity and traceability assessment and regulatory compliance, processing, quality, and safety [...].

A comparative evaluation of low-field and high-field NMR untargeted analysis: Authentication of virgin coconut oil adulterated with refined coconut oil as a case study

Despite the advances in low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), there are limited spectroscopic applications for untargeted analysis and metabolomics. To evaluate its potential, we combined high-field and low-field NMR with chemometrics for the differentiation between virgin and refined coconut oil and for the detection of adulteration in blended samples. Although low-field NMR has less spectral resolution and sensitivity compared to high-field NMR, it was still able to achieve a differentiation between virgin and refined coconut oils, as well as between virgin coconut oil and blends, using principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and random forest techniques. These techniques were not able to distinguish between blends with different levels of adulteration; however, partial least squares regression (PLSR) enabled the quantification of adulteration levels for both NMR approaches. Given the significant benefits of low-field NMR, including economic and user-friendly analysis and fitting in an industrial environment, this study establishes the proof of concept for its utilization in the challenging scenario of coconut oil authentication. Also, this method has the potential to be used for other similar applications that involve untargeted analysis.

Applications of Solution NMR Spectroscopy in Quality Assessment and Authentication of Bovine Milk

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is emerging as a promising technique for the analysis of bovine milk, primarily due to its non-destructive nature, minimal sample preparation requirements, and comprehensive approach to untargeted milk analysis. These inherent strengths of NMR make it a formidable complementary tool to mass spectrometry-based techniques in milk metabolomic studies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the applications of NMR techniques in the quality assessment and authentication of bovine milk. It will focus on the experimental setup and data processing techniques that contribute to achieving accurate and highly reproducible results. The review will also highlight key studies that have utilized commonly used NMR methodologies in milk analysis, covering a wide range of application fields. These applications include determining milk animal species and feeding regimes, as well as assessing milk nutritional quality and authenticity. By providing an overview of the diverse applications of NMR in milk analysis, this review aims to demonstrate the versatility and significance of NMR spectroscopy as an invaluable tool for milk and dairy metabolomics research and hence, for assessing the quality and authenticity of bovine milk.

A numerical study on microfluidic devices to maintain the concentration and purity of dielectrophoresis-induced separated fractions of analyte

Determining the physical and chemical properties of biologically important particles such as cells, organelles, viruses, exosomes, complexes, nucleotides, and proteins is needed to understand their function. These properties are determined with common analytical tools (mass spectrometry, cryo-EM, NMR, various spectroscopies, nucleotide sequencing, etc.) whose function can be improved when samples are pure and concentrated. Separations science plays a central role in conditioning samples, ranging from low-resolution benchtop operations like precipitations or extractions to higher-resolution chromatography and electrophoresis. In the last two decades, gradient insulator-based dielectrophoresis (g-iDEP) has emerged as a high-resolution separation technique capable of highly selective enrichment of cells, viruses, exosomes, and proteins. Specific evidence has been shown that pure homogeneous and concentrated fractions of cells and exosomes can be generated from complex mixtures. However, recovering those fractions for analysis has not been developed, limiting the technique to an analytical rather than a preparative one. Here, a finite element analysis was undertaken to identify geometries and operational parameters to efficiently remove the enriched fraction while retaining maximum concentration and providing total mass transfer. Geometric factors (e.g., side channel width and distance from the gradient-inducing gap) were studied, along with the addition of a second inlet side channel. Two flow-generating mechanisms-electroosmosis and hydrostatic pressure-were evaluated for semi-optimized device designs, including a comparison of the one- and two-inlet designs. Simulations indicate effectively one hundred percent mass transfer and a concentration increase by an order of magnitude for several device configurations and operational parameters.

The benefits of edible mushroom polysaccharides for health and their influence on gut microbiota: a review

The gut microbiome is a complex biological community that deeply affects various aspects of human health, including dietary intake, disease progression, drug metabolism, and immune system regulation. Edible mushroom polysaccharides (EMPs) are bioactive fibers derived from mushrooms that possess a range of beneficial properties, including anti-tumor, antioxidant, antiviral, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory effects. Studies have demonstrated that EMPs are resistant to human digestive enzymes and serve as a crucial source of energy for the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. EMPs also positively impact human health by modulating the composition of the gut microbiome. This review discusses the extraction and purification processes of EMPs, their potential to improve health conditions by regulating the composition of the gut microbiome, and their application prospects. Furthermore, this paper provides valuable guidance and recommendations for future studies on EMPs consumption in disease management.

Effectiveness of mid-infrared spectroscopy for the prediction of cow milk metabolites

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy is acknowledged as one of the most powerful analytical methods with cross-cutting applications in dairy foods. To date, the use of ¹H NMR spectroscopy for the collection of milk metabolic profile is hindered by costly and time-consuming sample preparation and analysis. The present study aimed at evaluating the accuracy of mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) as a rapid method for the prediction of cow milk metabolites determined through ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Bulk milk (n = 72) and individual milk samples (n = 482) were analyzed through one-dimensional ¹H NMR spectroscopy and MIRS. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy identified 35 milk metabolites, which were quantified in terms of relative abundance, and MIRS prediction models were developed on the same 35 milk metabolites, using partial least squares regression analysis. The best MIRS prediction models were developed for galactose-1-phosphate, glycerophosphocholine, orotate, choline, galactose, lecithin, glutamate, and lactose, with coefficient of determination in external validation from 0.58 to 0.85, and ratio of performance to deviation in external validation from 1.50 to 2.64. The remaining 27 metabolites were poorly predicted. This study represents a first attempt to predict milk metabolome. Further research is needed to specifically address whether developed prediction models may find practical application in the dairy sector, with particular regard to the screening of dairy cows' metabolic status, the quality control of dairy foods, and the identification of processed milk or incorrectly stored milk.

Mathematical and Machine Learning Approaches for Classification of Protein Secondary Structure Elements from Cα Coordinates

Determining Secondary Structure Elements (SSEs) for any protein is crucial as an intermediate step for experimental tertiary structure determination. SSEs are identified using popular tools such as DSSP and STRIDE. These tools use atomic information to locate hydrogen bonds to identify SSEs. When some spatial atomic details are missing, locating SSEs becomes a hinder. To address the problem, when some atomic information is missing, three approaches for classifying SSE types using Cα atoms in protein chains were developed: (1) a mathematical approach, (2) a deep learning approach, and (3) an ensemble of five machine learning models. The proposed methods were compared against each other and with a state-of-the-art approach, PCASSO.

Effect of Sprouting on Biomolecular and Antioxidant Features of Common Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)

Buckwheat is a pseudo-cereal widely grown and consumed throughout the world. Buckwheat is recognized as a good source of nutrients and, in combination with other health-promoting components, is receiving increasing attention as a potential functional food. Despite the high nutritional value of buckwheat, a variety of anti-nutritional features makes it difficult to exploit its full potential. In this framework, sprouting (or germination) may represent a process capable of improving the macromolecular profile, including reducing anti-nutritional factors and/or synthesizing or releasing bioactives. This study addressed changes in the biomolecular profile and composition of buckwheat that was sprouted for 48 and 72 h. Sprouting increased the content of peptides and free-phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity, caused a marked decline in the concentration of several anti-nutritional components, and affected the metabolomic profile with an overall improvement in the nutritional characteristics. These results further confirm sprouting as a process suitable for improving the compositional traits of cereals and pseudo-cereals, and are further steps towards the exploitation of sprouted buckwheat as a high-quality ingredient in innovative products of industrial interest.

1H NMR-Based Metabolic Profiling to Follow Changes in Pomelo Cultivars during Postharvest Senescence

This study investigated metabolite changes in three pomelo cultivars during postharvest senescence using ¹H NMR-based metabolic profiling. Three pomelo cultivars, 'Hongroumiyou', 'Bairoumiyou' and 'Huangroumiyou', abbreviated as "R", "W" and "Y" according to the color of their juice sacs, were stored at 25 °C for 90 days, and NMR was applied to determine the metabolite changes in juice sacs during storage. Fifteen metabolites were identified, including organic acids, sugars, amino acids, fatty acids, phenols and naringin. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to screen the significant metabolites according to the variable importance for the projection (VIP) scores in three pomelo cultivars during 90 days of storage. Additionally, eight metabolites, naringin, alanine, asparagine, choline, citric acid, malic acid, phosphocholine and β-D-glucose, were screened to be the crucial biomarkers with VIP > 1. The undesirable flavor of "bitter and sour" during the 60 days of storage was mainly attributed to the naringin, citric acid and sugars. According to the correlation analysis, the citric acid content determined by NMR showed a significantly positive relationship with that analyzed by HPLC. These findings suggested that NMR technology was accurate and efficient for metabolomic analysis of pomelo fruit, and the ¹H NMR-based metabolic profiling can be efficient during quality evaluation and useful for improving the fruit flavor quality during postharvest storage.

Mass spectrometry-based techniques for identification of compounds in milk and meat matrix

Food including milk and meat is often viewed as the mixture of different components such as fat, protein, carbohydrates, moisture and ash, which are estimated using well-established protocols and techniques. However, with the advent of metabolomics, low-molecular weight substances, also known as metabolites, have been recognized as one of the major factors influencing the production, quality and processing. Therefore, different separation and detection techniques have been developed for the rapid, robust and reproducible separation and identification of compounds for efficient control in milk and meat production and supply chain. Mass-spectrometry based techniques such as GC-MS and LC-MS and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques have been proven successful in the detailed food component analysis owing to their associated benefits. Different metabolites extraction protocols, derivatization, spectra generated, data processing followed by data interpretation are the major sequential steps for these analytical techniques. This chapter deals with not only the detailed discussion of these analytical techniques but also sheds light on various applications of these analytical techniques in milk and meat products.

Egg yolk phospholipids as an ideal precursor of fatty note odorants for chicken meat and fried foods: A review

Egg yolk phospholipids (PLs) have been demonstrated to generate large quantities of lipid-derived odorants, especially the fatty note odorants. Recently, egg yolk PLs have been successfully used in chicken meat and fried foods to improve aroma. This review comprehensively summarizes the properties of egg yolk PLs as precursors of fatty note odorants, including their classes, extraction, identification, oxidation, decomposition and odorant formation, applications, considerations and future prospects in the food industry. Most likely, phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the most abundant class in egg yolk PLs, and PC is more efficient than phosphatidylethanolamine in generating fatty note odorants; moreover, the predominant polyunsaturated fatty acid is linoleic acid, and its corresponding predominant hydroperoxide is 9-hydroperoxy-10,12-octadecadienoic acid during autoxidation, which is the precursor of 2,4-decadienals and 2,4-nonadienals, the key fatty note odorants. Therefore, egg yolk PLs could be an ideal precursor of fatty note odorants for chicken meat and fried foods.

Lutein fortification of wheat bread with marigold powder: impact on rheology, water dynamics, and structure

BACKGROUND

Demands for foods conducive to eye health have been on the increase in the global healthcare sector. Marigold powder as a major source of lutein was utilized to produce lutein-fortified breads for ocular health. The physicochemical characteristics of the doughs and breads were investigated in terms of rheology, water mobility, and protein secondary structures.

RESULTS

The incorporation of marigold powder decreased the water absorption of doughs without significantly altering thermomechanical properties. With a range of fortification levels (1-3%), marigold powder led to decreased storage and loss modulus of doughs by weakening their gluten network, which was supported by their T₂ relaxation times. The resistance of the doughs weakened with increasing levels of marigold powder, while their extensibilities significantly incremented. Fourier transform infrared spectral deconvolution revealed the changes in wheat protein structures upon marigold powder incorporation, in which the proportion of β-turn increased at the expense of β-sheet ratio. The breads with marigold powder displayed increased specific volume from 4.034 to 4.368 mL g^-1 , accompanied by softer textures. The baking process led to heat-induced losses in lutein concentration of less than 10% within the crumb and approximately 30% in the crust.

CONCLUSION

The use of marigold powder induced changes in protein secondary structure and extensional features of doughs, contributing to increased loaf volume and softer texture. Overall, this study provides fundamental information on the rheological and structural effects of marigold powder in a wheat bread system, consequently encouraging the food industry to utilize marigold power as a functional food ingredient. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Metabolomic Approach to Study the 'Purple Queen' Pomegranate Cultivar Response to Alternative Culture Media and Phenological Stages

The increasingly evident threat of depletion of world peat bogs is encouraging the search for and study of alternative agricultural substrates that can fully or partially replace peat, guaranteeing food supply (quality and quantity). On the other hand, the identification of the potential for the reuse of waste from relevant economic activities has increased in recent years, mainly motivated by the change to a sustainable circular economy, as is the case of port sediments. Taking into account that significant volumes of dredged port sediments are generated annually so that ports can maintain their economic activity, it is necessary to find objective, sustainable and safe reuse alternatives. In this sense, the objective of this study was to study the response of the "Purple Queen" pomegranate when grown with dredged port sediment. For this, the fruit production (kg), number of fruits (fruits tree-1), fruit weight (g), and seed yield (%) aiming to verify the correct tree development were evaluated. In addition, a 1H-NMR foliar metabolomic study for the three most relevant phenological phases was performed (flowering, fruit development, and post-harvest) to identify metabolic changes in trees. In total, 29 metabolites were identified; among them, 11 were amino acids, 6 organic acids, 5 sugars, and 7 secondary metabolites. The good agronomical development of the trees and fruits indicated the potential for using the dredged sediment as an agricultural substrate. On the other hand, the results revealed that the greatest variability in the metabolomic study occurred between the phenological phases and a lower variability is explained by the substrates used.

New research development on trans fatty acids in food: Biological effects, analytical methods, formation mechanism, and mitigating measures

The trans fatty acids (TFAs) in food are mainly generated from the ruminant animals (meat and milk) and processed oil or oil products. Excessive intake of TFAs (>1% of total energy intake) caused more than 500,000 deaths from coronary heart disease and increased heart disease risk by 21% and mortality by 28% around the world annually, which will be eliminated in industrially-produced trans fat from the global food supply by 2023. Herein, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the biological effects, analytical methods, formation and mitigation measures of TFAs in food. Especially, the research progress on the rapid, easy-to-use, and newly validated analytical methods, new formation mechanism, kinetics, possible mitigation mechanism, and new or improved mitigation measures are highlighted. We also offer perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and new directions for future development, which will contribute to the advances in TFAs research.

An overview of nutritional profiling in foods: Bioanalytical techniques and useful protocols

Maintaining a nutritious diet is essential for humans if they want to live a healthier life. Several food businesses and food safety organizations play a significant role and offer useful ways for improving nutritional quality that assists consumers in making informed selections. Making poor food choices and consuming unhealthy meals are the main causes of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Nutritional profiling (NP) models are developed to evaluate the nutritional value, calorie content, and the amount of micronutrients and macronutrients contained in a given food accompanied by additional details on the nutritional anomaly provided by published standard nutrients and nutritional databases. To construct an ideal nutritional model that can facilitate food consumption, bioanalytical methods such as chromatography, microscopic techniques, molecular assays, and metabolomics can be applied. With the use of these technologies, one can learn more about the health advantages of nutrition and how to prevent disease. A wider element of NP is also provided by the developing technologies in the area of nutrition research, such as nanotechnology, proteomics, and microarray technology. In this review, we are focusing on the different bioanalytical techniques and the various protocols of NP and their application and refinement of the models. We have evaluated various NP techniques currently used in the food industry for the detection of different components present in food items.

Adoption of analytical technologies for verification of authenticity of halal foods - a review

Halal authentication has become essential in the food industry to ensure food is free from any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic law. Diversification of food origin and adulteration issues have raised concerns among Muslim consumers. Therefore, verification of food constituents and their quality is paramount. From conventional methods based on physical and chemical properties, various diagnostic methods have emerged relying on protein or DNA measurements. Protein-based methods that have been used in halal detection including electrophoresis, chromatographic-based methods, molecular spectroscopy and immunoassays. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) are DNA-based techniques that possess better accuracy and sensitivity. Biosensors are miniatured devices that operate by converting biochemical signals into a measurable quantity. CRISPR-Cas is one of the latest novel emerging nucleic acid detection tools in halal food analysis as well as quantification of stable isotopes method for identification of animal species. Within this context, this review provides an overview of the various techniques in halal detection along with their advantages and limitations. The future trend and growth of detection technologies are also discussed in this review.

Non-Targeted Analytical Technology in Herbal Medicines: Applications, Challenges, and Perspectives

Herbal medicines (HMs) have been utilized to prevent and treat human ailments for thousands of years. Especially, HMs have recently played a crucial role in the treatment of COVID-19 in China. However, HMs are susceptible to various factors during harvesting, processing, and marketing, affecting their clinical efficacy. Therefore, it is necessary to conclude a rapid and effective method to study HMs so that they can be used in the clinical setting with maximum medicinal value. Non-targeted analytical technology is a reliable analytical method for studying HMs because of its unique advantages in analyzing unknown components. Based on the extensive literature, the paper summarizes the benefits, limitations, and applicability of non-targeted analytical technology. Moreover, the article describes the application of non-targeted analytical technology in HMs from four aspects: structure analysis, authentication, real-time monitoring, and quality assessment. Finally, the review has prospected the development trend and challenges of non-targeted analytical technology. It can assist HMs industry researchers and engineers select non-targeted analytical technology to analyze HMs' quality and authenticity.

NMR-Based Approaches in the Study of Foods

In this review, the three different NMR-based approaches usually used to study foodstuffs are described, reporting specific examples. The first approach starts with the food of interest that can be investigated using different complementary NMR methodologies to obtain a comprehensive picture of food composition and structure; another approach starts with the specific problem related to a given food (frauds, safety, traceability, geographical and botanical origin, farming methods, food processing, maturation and ageing, etc.) that can be addressed by choosing the most suitable NMR methodology; finally, it is possible to start from a single NMR methodology, developing a broad range of applications to tackle common food-related challenges and different aspects related to foods.

Effect of glycinebetaine on metabolite profiles of cold-stored strawberry revealed by 1H NMR-based metabolomics

Glycinebetaine (GB) has long been used as a preservative for refrigerated fruits, but the effect of GB on the global metabolites of cold-stored strawberries is still unclear. In this study, the effects of exogenous application of GB on quality-related metabolites of cold-stored strawberries were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic analysis. The results showed that the application of GB (especially at the concentration of 10 mM) on cold-stored strawberries effectively stabilized the sugars (d-xylose and d-glucose) and amino acids (tyrosine, leucine, and tryptophan) content, and lowered the acid (acetic acid) content as well. Additionally, the GB content in strawberries also increased. This implies that the appropriate concentration of GB is a natural and safe treatment, which could maintain the quality of cold-stored strawberries by regulating levels of quality-related metabolites, and the ingestion of GB-preserved strawberries may serve as a source of methyl-donor supplementation in our daily diet.

The use of time domain 1 H NMR to study proton dynamics in starch-rich foods: A review

Starch is a major contributor to the carbohydrate portion of our diet. When it is present with water, it undergoes several transformations during heating and/or cooling making it an essential structure-forming component in starch-rich food systems (e.g., bread and cake). Time domain proton nuclear magnetic resonance (TD ¹ H NMR) is a useful technique to study starch-water interactions by evaluation of molecular mobility and water distribution. The data obtained correspond to changes in starch structure and the state of water during or resulting from processing. When this technique was first applied to starch(-rich) foods, significant challenges were encountered during data interpretation of complex food systems (e.g., cake or biscuit) due to the presence of multiple constituents (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, etc.). This article discusses the principles of TD ¹ H NMR and the tools applied that improved characterization and interpretation of TD NMR data. More in particular, the major differences in proton distribution of various dough and cooked/baked food systems are examined. The application of variable-temperature TD ¹ H NMR is also discussed as it demonstrates exceptional ability to elucidate the molecular dynamics of starch transitions (e.g., gelatinization, gelation) in dough/batter systems during heating/cooling. In conclusion, TD NMR is considered a valuable tool to understand the behavior of starch and water that relate to the characteristics and/or quality of starchy food products. Such insights are crucial for food product optimization and development in response to the needs of the food industry.

Chitosan Film as a Replacement for Conventional Sulphur Dioxide Treatment of White Wines: A 1H NMR Metabolomic Study

Chitosan–genipin (Ch-Ge) films have been proposed for the replacement of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in white wines preservation to circumvent the adverse health consequences caused by SO₂ intake. To assess the effects of different-sized Ch-Ge films (25 and 100 cm²) on wine composition compared to SO₂-treated and untreated wines, nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics was applied. Relative to SO₂, 100 cm² films induced significant changes in the levels of organic acids, sugars, amino acids, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, among other compounds, while 25 cm² films appeared to induce only small variations. The observed metabolite variations were proposed to arise from the mitigation of fermentative processes, electrostatic interactions between acids and the positively charged films and the promotion of Maillard and Strecker reactions. Qualitative sensory analysis showed that wines maintained overall appropriate sensory characteristics, with 100 cm² film treated wines showing slightly higher attributes. Based on these results, the possibility of using Ch-Ge films as a replacement for SO₂ treatment is discussed.

Application progress of intelligent flavor sensing system in the production process of fermented foods based on the flavor properties

Fermented foods are sensitive to the production conditions because of microbial and enzymatic activities, which requires intelligent flavor sensing system (IFSS) to monitor and optimize the production process based on the flavor properties. As the simulation system of human olfaction and gustation, IFSS has been widely used in the field of food with the characteristics of nondestructive, pollution-free, and real-time detection. This paper reviews the application of IFSS in the control of fermentation, ripening, and shelf life, and the potential in the identification of quality differences and flavor-producing microbes in fermented foods. The survey found that electronic nose (tongue) is suitable to monitor fermentation process and identify food authenticity in real time based on the changes of flavor profile. Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance technology can be used to analyze the flavor metabolism of fermented foods at various production stages and explore the correlation between flavor substances and microorganisms.

In-cell NMR: Why and how?

NMR spectroscopy has been applied to cells and tissues analysis since its beginnings, as early as 1950. We have attempted to gather here in a didactic fashion the broad diversity of data and ideas that emerged from NMR investigations on living cells. Covering a large proportion of the periodic table, NMR spectroscopy permits scrutiny of a great variety of atomic nuclei in all living organisms non-invasively. It has thus provided quantitative information on cellular atoms and their chemical environment, dynamics, or interactions. We will show that NMR studies have generated valuable knowledge on a vast array of cellular molecules and events, from water, salts, metabolites, cell walls, proteins, nucleic acids, drugs and drug targets, to pH, redox equilibria and chemical reactions. The characterization of such a multitude of objects at the atomic scale has thus shaped our mental representation of cellular life at multiple levels, together with major techniques like mass-spectrometry or microscopies. NMR studies on cells has accompanied the developments of MRI and metabolomics, and various subfields have flourished, coined with appealing names: fluxomics, foodomics, MRI and MRS (i.e. imaging and localized spectroscopy of living tissues, respectively), whole-cell NMR, on-cell ligand-based NMR, systems NMR, cellular structural biology, in-cell NMR… All these have not grown separately, but rather by reinforcing each other like a braided trunk. Hence, we try here to provide an analytical account of a large ensemble of intricately linked approaches, whose integration has been and will be key to their success. We present extensive overviews, firstly on the various types of information provided by NMR in a cellular environment (the "why", oriented towards a broad readership), and secondly on the employed NMR techniques and setups (the "how", where we discuss the past, current and future methods). Each subsection is constructed as a historical anthology, showing how the intrinsic properties of NMR spectroscopy and its developments structured the accessible knowledge on cellular phenomena. Using this systematic approach, we sought i) to make this review accessible to the broadest audience and ii) to highlight some early techniques that may find renewed interest. Finally, we present a brief discussion on what may be potential and desirable developments in the context of integrative studies in biology.

Toward in-process technology-aided automation for enhanced microbial food safety and quality assurance in milk and beverages processing

Ensuring the safety of food products is critical to food production and processing. In food processing and production, several standard guidelines are implemented to achieve acceptable food quality and safety. This notwithstanding, due to human limitations, processed foods are often contaminated either with microorganisms, microbial byproducts, or chemical agents, resulting in the compromise of product quality with far-reaching consequences including foodborne diseases, food intoxication, and food recall. Transitioning from manual food processing to automation-aided food processing (smart food processing) which is guided by artificial intelligence will guarantee the safety and quality of food. However, this will require huge investments in terms of resources, technologies, and expertise. This study reviews the potential of artificial intelligence in food processing. In addition, it presents the technologies and methods with potential applications in implementing automated technology-aided processing. A conceptual design for an automated food processing line comprised of various operational layers and processes targeted at enhancing the microbial safety and quality assurance of liquid foods such as milk and beverages is elaborated.

Development, Validation, and Use of 1H-NMR Spectroscopy for Evaluating the Quality of Acerola-Based Food Supplements and Quantifying Ascorbic Acid

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata D.C.) is an exotic fruit with high agro-industrial potential due to its high content of ascorbic acid (AA), phenolic compounds, and carotenoid pigments. Acerola fruit is processed into concentrated juice or powder to be incorporated into food supplements. The ascorbic acid content of concentrated juice or powders must be controlled and well assessed. Therefore, the development of optimal methods and procedures for the rapid and accurate determination of the ascorbic acid content in juice concentrate and juice powder remains of considerable commercial interest. NMR spectroscopy is currently a powerful spectroscopic tool for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of molecules of all types and sizes. Firstly, this article presents the NMR-based metabolomic profiling of acerola juice and concentrate powder to describe and compare their composition. Thirty-six metabolites were identified. The AA over choline ratio and the NMR metabolomic profiles could be used for authentication in the future. Secondly, a rapid (8 min), reliable, and non-destructive method for the quantification of ascorbic acid by 1D ¹H-NMR spectroscopy was developed and validated. The LOD and LOQ were 0.05 and 0.15 mg/mL, respectively. These two approaches could be combined to better characterize ingredients derived from acerola and incorporated into food supplements.

Predicting Mandarin Fruit Acceptability: From High-Field to Benchtop NMR Spectroscopy

Recent advances in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) have led to the development of low-field benchtop NMR systems with improved sensitivity and resolution suitable for use in research and quality-control laboratories. Compared to their high-resolution counterparts, their lower purchase and running costs make them a good alternative for routine use. In this article, we show the adaptation of a method for predicting the consumer acceptability of mandarins, originally reported using a high-field 400 MHz NMR spectrometer, to benchtop 60 MHz NMR systems. Our findings reveal that both instruments yield comparable results regarding sugar and citric acid levels, leading to the development of virtually identical predictive linear models. However, the lower cost of benchtop NMR systems would allow cultivators to implement this chemometric-based method as an additional tool for the selection of new cultivars.