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11 pages, 1263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Lactation Period and Technological Treatments on Mineral Composition and IR-Profiles of Donkey Milk by Chemometrics

by Francesca Di Donato, Arianna Sabatini, Alessandra Biancolillo, Martina Foschi, Daniela Maria Spera, Paolo Polidori and Angelo Antonio D’Archivio

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(15), 9019; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13159019 - 7 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1067

Abstract

Donkey milk represents an efficient substitute for human milk in infants’ diets being unlikely to cause allergic reactions. In this study, different donkey milks were collected at two lactation times (T₀ and T₁), subjected to freezing–thawing and freeze-drying, and analyzed [...] Read more.

Donkey milk represents an efficient substitute for human milk in infants’ diets being unlikely to cause allergic reactions. In this study, different donkey milks were collected at two lactation times (T₀ and T₁), subjected to freezing–thawing and freeze-drying, and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and ATR-FT-IR. The data collected on freeze–thaw (FT-) and reconstituted (R-)milks were investigated by ANOVA–Simultaneous Component Analysis (ASCA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The following concentrations (µg/mL) for FT and R-milks, respectively, at T₀, were found: Ca: 712 ± 71, 600 ± 72; Fe: 0.7 ± 0.3, 0.1 ± 0.1; K: 595 ± 49, 551 ± 59; Mg: 75 ± 5, 67 ± 4; Na: 117 ± 16, 114 ± 16; P: 403 ± 30, 404 ± 38; Zn: 1.6 ± 0.2, 1.6 ± 0.3. At T₁, the concentrations (µg/mL for FT and R-milks, respectively) were: Ca: 692 ± 60, 583 ± 43; Fe: 0.13 ± 0.02, 0.13 ± 0.03; K: 641 ± 71, 574 ± 61; Mg: 72 ± 4, 63 ± 1; Na: 116 ± 9, 109 ± 8; P: 412 ± 30, 405 ± 24; Zn: 1.6 ± 0.3, 1.6 ± 0.3. ASCA demonstrated the treatment has a substantial effect, and PCA revealed that the largest quantities of metals, specifically Fe, Mg, and Ca for T₀ and K, P, and Na for T₁, are present in the FT-milk samples. The IR spectra of FT- and R-milks revealed no macroscopic changes among them or between lactation periods, indicating this technique may not suitably capture variability in lactation or conservation processes in donkey milk. Despite the relatively small sample size, this study offers insight on the mineral composition changes in donkey milk and emphasizes the significance of milk preprocessing and the lactation period on it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies in Food Detection)

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12 pages, 2632 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Development of a Non-Destructive Tool Based on E-Eye and Agro-Morphological Descriptors for the Characterization and Classification of Different Brassicaceae Landraces

by Alessandra Biancolillo, Rossella Ferretti, Claudia Scappaticci, Martina Foschi, Angelo Antonio D’Archivio, Marco Di Santo and Luciano Di Martino

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6591; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13116591 - 29 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 979

Abstract

In recent years, Brassicaceae have piqued the interest of researchers due to their extremely rich chemical composition, particularly the abundance of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as because of their antimutagenic and potential anticarcinogenic activity. Vegetables in this family can be found [...] Read more.

In recent years, Brassicaceae have piqued the interest of researchers due to their extremely rich chemical composition, particularly the abundance of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as because of their antimutagenic and potential anticarcinogenic activity. Vegetables in this family can be found practically everywhere on the planet. In Italy, numerous varieties of Brassicaceae, as well as a diverse pool of local variants, are regularly cultivated. These landraces, which have a variety of peculiar features, have recently sparked increased interest, and the need to safeguard them to preserve genetic biodiversity has become a relevant topic. In the present study, eight distinct Brassicaceae folk varieties were studied using non-destructive tools (Multivariate Image analysis and agro-morphological descriptors). Eventually, the data were handled using explorative analysis (EA) and Soft Independent Modeling by Class Analogy (SIMCA). EA pointed out similarities/dissimilarities among the diverse investigated populations. SIMCA led to high sensitivity (>70%) in prediction (on the external test set) for seven (over eight) investigated classes. Although the investigated plants belong to different landraces, they bear strong similarities. This is mainly linked to the ability of Brassicaceae to hybridize. Despite this, the combination of colorgrams and SIMCA allowed for classifying samples with excellent accuracy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies in Food Detection)

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10 pages, 967 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Lipid Profile of ‘Maraština’ Grape Skins from Dalmatia

by Ana Boban, Domenico Masuero, Urska Vrhovsek and Irena Budić-Leto

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6446; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13116446 - 25 May 2023

Viewed by 1067

Abstract

Lipids are a diverse group of organic compounds that serve essential roles due to their biological functions for all prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Despite the fundamental role of lipid class in plants, there is still a relatively low level of knowledge regarding the [...] Read more.

Lipids are a diverse group of organic compounds that serve essential roles due to their biological functions for all prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Despite the fundamental role of lipid class in plants, there is still a relatively low level of knowledge regarding the composition of grape lipids. This research represents the first investigation into the lipids of the Croatian grape variety ‘Maraština’ (Vitis vinifera L.), employing a targeted approach and the UHPLC-MS/MS method to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the lipid profile of grape skins. The study investigated the profile of free fatty acids, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, triterpenoids, sphingolipids, and free fatty acid esters in eleven vineyards located along the cultivation area of ‘Maraština’ variety (Dalmatia, Croatia). Grape skins from vineyards that were exposed to more sunlight and higher daily temperature during the vegetation period mainly resulted in a richer profile of free fatty acids. Among lipids, ‘Maraština’ grape skins were characterized mainly by a triterpenoid compound; oleanolic acid (249.49 µg/g of FW), and free fatty acids, especially palmitic acid C16:0 (26.09 µg/g of FW), and lignoceric acid C24:0 (12.40 µg/g of FW). Hierarchical clustering analysis represented valuable insights into the diversity of lipids in ‘Maraština’ grape skin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies in Food Detection)

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21 pages, 5162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality Assessment of Banana Ripening Stages by Combining Analytical Methods and Image Analysis

by Vassilia J. Sinanoglou, Thalia Tsiaka, Konstantinos Aouant, Elizabeth Mouka, Georgia Ladika, Eftichia Kritsi, Spyros J. Konteles, Alexandros-George Ioannou, Panagiotis Zoumpoulakis, Irini F. Strati and Dionisis Cavouras

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 3533; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13063533 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6449

Abstract

Currently, the evaluation of fruit ripening progress in relation to physicochemical and texture-quality parameters has become an increasingly important issue, particularly when considering consumer acceptance. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was the application of rapid, nondestructive, and conventional methods to assess [...] Read more.

Currently, the evaluation of fruit ripening progress in relation to physicochemical and texture-quality parameters has become an increasingly important issue, particularly when considering consumer acceptance. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was the application of rapid, nondestructive, and conventional methods to assess the quality of banana peels and flesh in terms of ripening and during storage in controlled temperatures and humidity. For this purpose, we implemented various analytical techniques, such as attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy for texture, colorimetrics, and physicochemical features, along with image-analysis methods and discriminant as well as statistical analysis. Image-analysis outcomes showed that storage provoked significant degradation of banana peels based on the increased image-texture dissimilarity and the loss of the structural order of the texture. In addition, the computed features were sufficient to discriminate four ripening stages with high accuracy. Moreover, the results revealed that storage led to significant changes in the color parameters and dramatic decreases in the texture attributes of banana flesh. The combination of image and chemical analyses pinpointed that storage caused water migration to the flesh and significant starch decomposition, which was then converted into soluble sugars. The redness and yellowness of the peel; the flesh moisture content; the texture attributes; Brix; and the storage time were all strongly interrelated. The combination of these techniques, coupled with statistical tools, to monitor the physicochemical and organoleptic quality of bananas during storage could be further applied for assessing the quality of other fruits and vegetables under similar conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies in Food Detection)

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10 pages, 892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of the Falling Number Method in the Evaluation of the α-Amylase Activity of Malt Flour

by Marko Jukić, Franjo Šumanovac, Gjore Nakov, Gordana Šimić, Daliborka Koceva Komlenić, Nastia Ivanova and Jasmina Lukinac

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(5), 3218; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13053218 - 2 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2016

Abstract

The Falling Number (FN) test is not suitable for the determination of α-amylase activity in malt flour because the amylolytic activity is too high to be determined by the FN instrument. The aim of this study was to modify the FN method to [...] Read more.

The Falling Number (FN) test is not suitable for the determination of α-amylase activity in malt flour because the amylolytic activity is too high to be determined by the FN instrument. The aim of this study was to modify the FN method to allow quantification of high α-amylase activity in malt flour. The modifications were performed in two ways: using different amounts of malt flour (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 g) or by using malt extracts (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mL). In both cases, 6 g of standard wheat starch was used as substrate. The results of the modified methods were compared with the α-amylase activity determined by the standard Ceralpha method. Linear and nonlinear exponential regression was used to calculate the predicted amylase activity, and Bland-Altman analysis was used to measure the agreement between standard and modified methods. The modifications of the FN method using 0.1 g of malt flour showed that the modified method was able to accurately measure high levels of α-amylase activity in malt flour, and the results obtained by the modified method were in agreement with the results obtained by the standard Ceralpha method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies in Food Detection)

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10 pages, 2723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Laser Scatterometric Device for Inline Measurement of Fat Percentage and the Concentration Level of Large-Scale Impurities in Milk

by Alexey V. Shkirin, Maxim E. Astashev, Dmitry N. Ignatenko, Nikolai V. Suyazov, Maria V. Vedunova and Sergey V. Gudkov

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(24), 12517; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app122412517 - 7 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1341

Abstract

A compact laser scatterometric device for determining the fat percentage of milk filling a cylindrical tube has been designed. The device operates by detecting the angular distribution of the scattered radiation of a semiconductor laser using an axial array of photodiodes. We have [...] Read more.

A compact laser scatterometric device for determining the fat percentage of milk filling a cylindrical tube has been designed. The device operates by detecting the angular distribution of the scattered radiation of a semiconductor laser using an axial array of photodiodes. We have experimentally found that the light-scattering indicatrix in cow milk has a monotonous dependence on milk fat content. The intensity at side- or forward-scattering angles normalized to the backscattering intensity proves to be a reliable, informative parameter. A polynomial approximation for the calibration curve of fat percentage versus normalized scattering intensity is constructed to enable fat content measurements in the fairly wide range of ~0.01–10%. Furthermore, the intensity at forward scattering angles responds to the presence of large-scale particles in milk. The device was tested in a laminar flow regime at milk flow rates up to 100 mL/s. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies in Food Detection)

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Review

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21 pages, 1879 KiB

Open AccessReview

Application of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Monitoring and/or Control of Composting Processes

by Tea Sokač Cvetnić, Korina Krog, Maja Benković, Tamara Jurina, Davor Valinger, Ivana Radojčić Redovniković, Jasenka Gajdoš Kljusurić and Ana Jurinjak Tušek

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6419; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13116419 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1804

Abstract

The implementation of a suitable and ecologically friendly solid waste management plan is accepted as an essential need. Given that organic matter constitutes the majority of solid waste, composting has gained popularity as an alternative way of organic refuse recycling. Compost quality is [...] Read more.

The implementation of a suitable and ecologically friendly solid waste management plan is accepted as an essential need. Given that organic matter constitutes the majority of solid waste, composting has gained popularity as an alternative way of organic refuse recycling. Compost quality is defined by its stability and maturity, both of which must be assessed by measuring a large number of physical–chemical parameters, microbiological variables, and enzymatic activities. These procedures are complex and time-consuming, making it difficult to assess compost quality correctly. Spectroscopy methods could be used as an efficient alternative. In this work, general information about composting processes and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is given. A discussion and comparison of the different approaches of coupling NIRS and chemometric tools for the monitoring and/or control of composting processes are presented in this work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies in Food Detection)

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14 pages, 1938 KiB

Open AccessReview

NMR-Based Metabolomics for a More Holistic and Sustainable Research in Food Quality Assessment: A Narrative Review

by Alessandra Ciampa, Francesca Danesi and Gianfranco Picone

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 372; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13010372 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2405

Abstract

The ability of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) to extract chemical information from a complex mixture is invaluable and widely described in literature. Many applications of this technique in the foodomics field have highlighted how NMR could characterize food matrices, and it can [...] Read more.

The ability of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) to extract chemical information from a complex mixture is invaluable and widely described in literature. Many applications of this technique in the foodomics field have highlighted how NMR could characterize food matrices, and it can be used all along its “life chain”: from farm to fork and from fork to the digestion process. The aim of this review is an attempt to show, firstly, the potential of NMR as a method based on green chemistry in sample preparation, and then in characterizing the nutritional qualities of agri-food products (with particular attention to their by-products) from a sustainable point of view. For instance, the NMR-based metabolomics approach has been used to enhance the nutritional properties of bio-products waste naturally rich in antioxidants and prebiotics. The reintroduction of these products in the food supply chain as functional foods or ingredients answers and satisfies the consumer demand for more food with high nutritional quality and more respect for the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies in Food Detection)

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