Chemistry and Materials Science

Abstract: This study looked at the distribution of major and minor volatile components in distillates created by combining two plum types, Stanley and Požegača. Two methods of blending were used: (i) during fermentation and (ii) by macerating fresh Požegača in raw Stanley distillate and then redistilling the mixture. Plums were combined in three different ratios: 90:10, 70:30, and 50:50. The blending was done to enhance the plum aroma of the drinks. Major volatile components were measured by GCxFID analysis, while minor components were measured using GCxGCxMS. All produced distillates had the usual values of the main volatile components. Compared to the blending procedure, the distribution of minor volatile components in the samples varied more according to the plum variety and its ratio in the blend. Nevertheless, samples made by fermentation mixing had higher concentrations of α-terpineol, heptanal, benzaldehyde, and γ-dodecalactone. Fresh plum maceration yielded significantly higher concentrations of benzyl alcohol, 2-phenylethanol, octanoic acid, and (E)-β-damascenone. The sensory perception of spirits is significantly influenced by terpenes. Stanley spirits are distinguished for myrcene, which gives them a pleasing mouthfeel. Geraniol α-terpeneol and γ-dodecalactone, which are more typical for Požegača spirit, have a positive impact on the plum like odour of spirits. Isopentyl acetate, ethyl octanoate, 2-phenylethyl acetate, ethyl dodecanoate, heptanol, and octanoic acid were other positive aromatic compounds. Blending different plum varieties is a successful way to improve the flavour profile of spirits.

Abstract: Octopus maya is a fast-growing species from the Yucatán Peninsula with high economic relevance, accounting for a major share of regional fishery production. However, a sig-nificant fraction of the organism, rich in type I collagen, is discarded as by-products, representing a promising and underutilized source for sustainable biomaterials. This study evaluated, through a 3² factorial design, the effect of two factors: (1) the type of food-grade polysaccharide, chitosan (Ch), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (H), or starch (S), and (2) its proportion in blendings with Octopus maya insoluble collagen (CIPM), obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction, using polysaccharide:collagen ratios of 30:70, 50:50, and 70:30 (w/w), and using rheological and dynamic mechanical properties of film-forming solutions (FFS) as response variables. This approach aims to valorize oc-topus by-products through the recovery and functional utilization of collagen. Rheo-logical properties were determined by rotational and oscillatory rheometry at 25 °C, with flow curves fitted to the Carreau-Yasuda model. All formulations exhibited pseu-doplastic behavior (n < 1), with viscosity decreasing as shear rate increased. Pure CIPM showed high viscosity (190.36 Pa·s at 1 s⁻¹), which decreased (0.3-10.44 Pa·s) in HPMC and chitosan systems, favoring applications requiring fluidity, such as spray coatings or film-forming solutions. In contrast, starch-based systems exhibited higher viscosities (33.54-197.53 Pa·s) and a more structured viscoelastic profile (G′ > G″), forming networks suitable for thick coatings or gels requiring structural stability. These results demonstrate that CIPM-polysaccharide systems enable tunable rheological properties, supporting the use of Octopus maya collagen as a sustainable functional material for advanced food and biomaterial design.

Abstract: The genetic diversity of Coffea arabica L. plays a strategic role in the development of cultivars with differentiated agronomic and sensory attributes. However, the chemical discrimination of genealogical groups still represents a challenge due to the strong en-vironmental influence on bean metabolism. In this study, ¹H NMR-based metabolomics associated with supervised chemometric models was applied to discriminate three ge-nealogical groups of C. arabica (Bourbon, Mundo Novo, and Timor Hybrid) using 38 green coffee samples harvested during the 2020 and 2021 crop seasons. Spectra were processed by bucketing and analyzed using PCA, PLS-DA, Elastic Net, Random Forest, and SVM-RBF. PCA explained 52.91% of the total variability in the first two compo-nents but did not promote clear separation among groups. Among the supervised clas-sifiers, PLS-DA showed the best balance between predictive performance, statistical stability, and chemical interpretability, achieving a balanced accuracy of 89.4% under repeated cross-validation. The five-component model presented an overall error rate of 12.1% after repeated 5-fold cross-validation with 100 simulations. VIP scores and loadings identified discriminant metabolites for each group: lipids, amino acids, and organic acids for Bourbon; amino acids and organic acids for Mundo Novo; and chlorogenic acids for Timor Hybrid. These results highlight the potential of ¹H NMR metabolomics as a complementary tool for varietal discrimination and support for breeding programs.

Abstract: Processing crabs for meat generates large quantities of waste (secondary raw materials). Internal organs are typically discarded, which causes environmental problems and highlights the needs for the integrated use of marine bioresources. The red king crab hepatopancreas is an excellent source of various proteins, including enzymes with different substrate specificities. In this study, an improved method for producing a complex enzyme preparation from the hepatopancreas of red king crab harvested in the Barents Sea was developed. Physicochemical analysis revealed high protein (16%) and lipid (10%) contents in the hepatopancreas. The developed method involves centrifugation to rapidly separate the fat fraction from the aqueous protein fraction and acetone washing to remove residual lipids. The use of low temperatures (0 to 5 °C) for autolysis is justified to prevent a decrease in enzymatic activity of the final preparation. Obtained enzyme preparations were analyzed for protease, collagenase, endo- and exochitinase activity. They exhibited high proteolytic (Aprot = 252 μmol Tyrg1min1), exochitinolytic (Aexo = 0.94 μmol GlcNAcg1min1), and collagenolytic (Acol = 210 mIU·mg1) activities. It has been shown that enzymatic activities depend on seasonality (winter, summer) of crab catch, which is due to differences in the physiological processes of crabs during seasonal cyclical temperature changes in their natural habitat. The developed process flowsheet for producing an enzyme preparation from the red king crab hepatopancreas can be used as the basis for industrial technology by enterprises engaged in the comprehensive processing of marine bioresources.

Abstract: High-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) has emerged as a promising green technology for modifying the structural and functional properties of plant-based matrices. In this study, Aloe vera gel was subjected to HIUS at different acoustic intensities (11, 28, and 43 W/cm²) and processing times (2.5, 5, and 7.5 min) to evaluate its impact on techno-functional properties, rheological behavior, phenolic profile, and antioxidant activity. HIUS significantly reduced swelling capacity (up to ~60%) while enhancing water retention capacity (up to ~2-fold), depending on processing conditions. Rheological analysis revealed a decrease in viscosity associated with cavitation-induced depolymerization, followed by partial structural reorganization at moderate intensities. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were maximized at intermediate conditions (28 W/cm², 2.5 min), indicating enhanced release of bioactive compounds. However, excessive ultrasound intensity and prolonged processing led to a reduction in phenolic content, suggesting degradation effects. These findings demonstrate the presence of an optimal ultrasound treatment that balances structural modification and bioactive compound preservation, highlighting HIUS as an effective tool for tailoring the functional and antioxidant properties of Aloe vera-based ingredients.

Abstract: Introduction: Artisanal pineapple juice is widely consumed in Guinea, yet data on its physicochemical quality and compliance with international standards remain limited. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 60 artisanal pineapple juice samples collected in Maferinyah (n = 30) and Friguiagbé (n = 30). Organoleptic characteristics (taste, color, stability) were assessed, and physicochemical parameters (pH, density, total soluble solids (°Brix), titratable acidity, dry matter, and sulfur dioxide (SO₂)) were determined using standard methods. Results: All samples showed acceptable sensory quality, with 100% presenting pleasant taste and stability at rest. pH values were within the acceptable Codex range in 83% of Maferinyah samples and 100% of Friguiagbé samples. Density was the main deviation, with only 20% compliance in Maferinyah and none in Friguiagbé. Total soluble solids exhibited moderate variability between sites, while titratable acidity and SO₂ levels were within recommended limits for all samples. Discussion: Overall, artisanal pineapple juices from the two areas displayed satisfactory organoleptic quality and generally acceptable chemical stability. However, consistent deviations in density and partial variability in °Brix suggest heterogeneity in artisanal processing practices, underscoring the need for improved standardization to enhance consistency and align with Codex expectations.

Abstract: In recent years, increasing consumer demand for healthier and more natural foods has driven the food industry to replace artificial additives. Among these, colorants play a crucial role, as they influence the sensory perception and acceptance of food products. However, the widespread use of synthetic colorants has raised growing concerns due to their potential association with adverse health effects. In addition, several regula-tory agencies have restricted or banned the use of certain synthetic colorants, requiring their replacement with natural alternatives. In this context, anthocyanins have emerged as a promising substitute for artificial colorants, owing to their similar color properties. Despite their potential, their use as food colorant still faces several challenges, particularly regarding stability, incorporation into food matrices, and regula-tory constraints. Therefore, this review examines the challenges and current trends in natural colorants, highlighting the potential of anthocyanins as substitutes for syn-thetic red colorants in food products.

Abstract: The global seafood industry faces persistent challenges related to product quality, safety, and authenticity, driven by complex supply chains, increasing demand, and the perishable nature of aquatic products. Traditional analytical methods often fall short in providing rapid, comprehensive, and non-destructive insights into the intricate biochemical changes occurring in seafood. 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful and versatile tool for metabolomics, offering a holistic view of the low-molecular-mass compounds (metabolites) present in biological samples. The present study applied 1H NMR for chemical fingerprint identification in mullets (Mugil liza) from Brazil. Dorsal muscle samples were taken from samples during summer, autumn, and winter. The procedure involved freeze-drying the muscle tissue, thereafter extracting polar metabolites using designated solvents (methanol, water, and chloroform), and analyzing them using a 600 MHz spectrometer. As results, 23 metabolites related to degradation biomarkers, essential metabolites, energy expenditure, and muscle structure were identified. The statistical analysis demonstrated a distinct separation between the geographical origins (RJ vs. SC), mostly influenced by variations in the concentrations of lactate, histidine, threonine, phenylalanine, and ornithine. Factors like fish size and seasonal variations did not markedly affect the overall metabolic profile, so underscoring the reliability of these chemicals as stable origin indicators. The Principal Components Analysis identified two distinct groups of metabolites, establishing a profile for each geographical origin. The developed protocol can be applied in the processes for geographical identification. Thus, the 1H NMR tool was efficient in determining metabolites that can be considered biomarkers in analyses for seafood traceability.

Abstract: Tea tree essential oil (TTO), extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia leaves, is increasingly recognized as a powerful natural antimicrobial for modern food safety applications due to its terpene-rich composition and broad biological activity. Dominant constituents such as terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene, and α-terpinene contribute to strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiofilm effects, positioning TTO as a clean-label alternative to synthetic preservatives. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the physicochemical properties of TTO, including chemotype variability, hydrophobicity and solubility constraints, oxidative instability, and interactions with food components that influence its functionality. The antimicrobial mechanisms of TTO against major foodborne pathogens and spoilage fungi are examined, emphasizing membrane disruption, disturbance of cellular homeostasis, oxidative stress induction, and quorum-sensing interference. Recent advances such as nanoemulsions, encapsulation, and polymer-based delivery systems have improved TTO stability, reduced volatility, and enabled controlled release, supporting its incorporation into edible coatings, active packaging, and sanitation formulations. These innovations enhance microbial reduction in fresh produce, meat, dairy, and minimally processed foods. Remaining challenges include sensory impacts, volatility losses, regulatory limitations, and concentration-dependent toxicity. Overall, current evidence underscores TTO’s potential as a versatile, sustainable antimicrobial for next-generation food protection strategies.

Abstract: Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae are gaining attention for their high feed conversion efficien-cy, transforming organic matter into nutrients. As interest in insects as food ingredients grows, quality control becomes essential. This study evaluates the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) using benchtop and portable equipment to simultane-ously determine crude proteins and lipids in BSF larvae flour. Larvae were reared on agro-industrial waste, processed into flour, and analyzed using reference methods. NIRS data were examined with PCA for sample grouping and PLS regression for quantification. The benchtop method NIRS showed superior accuracy, with RMSECV of 1.24% and R²CV of 0.946 for lipids, and 0.59% and 0.989 for proteins. The portable device, though less pre-cise, effectively identified nutritional patterns. This green analytical approach eliminates toxic reagents, reduces environmental impact, and ensures rapid, precise analysis. It supports sustainable insect production, fostering food security, and eco-friendly agro-industrial practices.

Abstract: Due to the seasonality of its production and to its polluting characteristics, the management and disposal of large amounts of grape pomace (GP) produced worldwide every year can pose a significant economic and environmental challenge. The research on the possible exploitation of GP for various purposes has been constantly growing during the last years, due to the increased general sensibility on issues like sustainability of agro-industrial production and to the growing consumer demand for the use of natural versus synthetic compounds. The work concerned the determination of the polyphenolic profile and the dietary fiber content of skins and seeds from unfermented and fermented white and red grape pomace of different cultivars, sampled from local wineries in the Piedmont area (Italy) after winemaking. A double extraction was performed to maximize the extraction of polyphenols from grape pomace flours. The extractable polyphenols content (EPP) was determined in the extracts, while the non-extractable condensed tannins (NEPP) linked to the fiber were quantified in the residue after extraction. The total dietary fiber (TDF) was determined for skins and seeds; limited to skins, the analysis was extended to the distinction between soluble and insoluble dietary fiber (SDF and IDF). The polyphenolic and dietary fiber content was significantly higher in seeds than in skins. However, from a nutritional point of view, skins dietary fiber may be more interesting due to the higher NEPP content than seeds; moreover, the winemaking technique influenced the quantity and characteristics of skins fiber, which contained SDF, almost absent in seeds.

Abstract: Pomegranate peel, accounting for 35-50% of the fruit's weight, is an underutilized by-product rich in ellagitannins and pectin. Although pomegranate juice has already been subjected to fermentation, this study aimed to demonstrate for the first time, that a simple fermentation process of pomegranate peel using Saccharomyces cerevisiae can yield tannin-rich extracts and enhance the potential prebiotic properties of pomegranate polysaccharides. Peels of ‘Wonderful’ and ‘G1’ cultivars, significantly differing in peel thickness, were used for fermentation applying three processes at room temperature monitored at 48 and 72 h. HPLC-DAD analysis showed that yeast-driven fermentation increased total tannin (up to 70% in dry extracts) compared with spontaneous fermentation (40-43%). A potential enhancement of prebiotic activity was associated with the reduction in the molecular weight of native polysaccharides (from a maximum of 705 kDa down to 26 kDa), as evaluated by DLS and DOSY-1H-NMR. Polysaccharides after fermentation were more effectively utilized by Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus plantarum than those from control samples, as demonstrated by in vitro assays. These findings highlight a promising strategy for the valorization of pomegranate peel through the production of functional ingredients highly enriched in tannins and containing potentially prebiotic polysaccharides.

Abstract: Inter-row mulching with reflective film (RF) has been increasingly adopted in cool-climate vineyards to improve light availability and promote grape ripening. This study investigated the effects of ground-reflected light on the flavoromic profiles of wine grape berries (Vitis vinifera L.) over two consecutive vintages (2020–2021) in the Beijing Fangshan region of Eastern China, an area characterized by high precipitation and limited sunlight during ripening. Physicochemical analyses showed that RF treatment significantly increased total soluble solids (TSS) and decreased titratable acidity (TA) at harvest. Targeted metabolomic analyses using HPLC–MS and GC–MS identified 21 flavonoids and 35 volatile compounds responsive to altered light conditions. RF treatment markedly enhanced the accumulation of anthocyanins and flavonols, especially malvidin-based derivatives, and increased terpene and norisoprenoid concentrations, while C6/C9 compounds were more abundant in control berries. Multivariate analysis revealed that PC1 was mainly associated with anthocyanin accumulation, clearly separating RF-treated samples, whereas PC2 reflected differences in flavonols and flavan-3-ols, with higher flavonols under RF and higher skin- and seed-derived flavan-3-ols in controls. Overall, these findings demonstrate that ground-reflected light plays a critical role in modulating grape flavor composition and provides practical guidance for improving fruit quality in suboptimal climatic regions.

Abstract:

Dendrobium officinale (DO) is a traditional medicinal and edible plant whose polysaccharides help modulate gastrointestinal and metabolic functions. Fresh DO is commonly processed into “Fengdou” to prolong shelf life, but the effects of this processing on polysaccharide structure and bioactivity remain unclear. In this study, polysaccharides from fresh DO (FDOP) and Fengdou (DDOP) were isolated, purified, and comparatively characterized. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis indicated similar functional groups and O-acetylated pyranosyl structures in both polysaccharides. Based on monosaccharide composition, methylation, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analyses, both samples were identified as mannose-glucose heteropolysaccharides. However, FDOP was characterized by a higher mannose-to-glucose ratio (79.77:19.57) and molecular weight (187.1 kDa), as well as a more structurally diversified →4-linked backbone, whereas DDOP contained more glucose (68.74:30.94) and exhibited a lower molecular weight (125.1 kDa) and simplified backbone. In zebrafish models, both polysaccharides were found to alleviate loperamide-induced constipation and reduce lipid accumulation. DDOP showed stronger constipation-relieving activity, whereas FDOP exerted more pronounced hypolipidaemic effects, which may be attributed to its higher molecular weight, mannose enrichment, and more complex backbone structure. These findings provide a structural basis and theoretical support for developing DO-derived polysaccharides as functional food ingredients targeting constipation and dyslipidaemia.

Abstract: In this study, ferulated arabinoxylans (FAXs) were extracted from maize bran by optimizing al-kaline extraction method and explored their purification, identification and antioxidant potential. The current results showed that FAXs yield ranged from 14.7 to 18.9 % from maize bran. It was found that the FAXs were mainly composed neutral sugars including xylose (21–44%), arabinose (12–30%), galactose (2.7-7.4%) and glucose (4.6–9.4%), with an A/X ratio of 0.68–0.74. In addition, FAXs extracts showed significantly (p < 0.05) high content of ferulic acid in bound form as com-pared to free form. Furthermore, biopolymers FAXs possess powerful radical scavenging prop-erties due to their polyphenolic content and structural characteristics. FTIR spectra of maize bran extracted FAXs exhibited the presence of polysaccharide compounds. The corresponding bands were related to glycosidic linkage, which is assigned to the C-OH bend vibration in FAX. In functional characteristics, FAXs showed high water holding capacity, emulsion properties and emulsion stability in all treatments. In current research, FAXs have been comprehensively char-acterized, and several promising applications across the food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries can be explored based on these findings.

Abstract:

The valorization of wine by-products aligns with circular bioeconomy principles. This study investigates the ultrasound-assisted aqueous extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds and cell wall polysaccharides from Syrah grape stems (Vitis vinifera L.) to produce cellulose-rich gels with enhanced antioxidant properties. Extractions were performed at three temperatures (10, 20, and 50 °C) and three ultrasonic power densities (120, 206, and 337 W/L), and compared to conventional extraction (CE, 200 rpm). The results demonstrated that UAE significantly accelerated the extraction kinetics for total phenolics (TP), flavonols, and antioxidant capacity (ABTS, FRAP), achieving up to a 3.1-fold increase in TP yield at 20°C. Notably, UAE at 337 W/L and 20 °C produced antioxidant levels equivalent to those obtained by CE at 50 °C, enabling high efficiency at lower, compound-preserving temperatures. Carbohydrate analysis revealed that the extracts were inherently "cellulose-rich" (glucose ~49–52 mol%), with co-extracted pectins and hemicelluloses forming a composite hydrogel matrix. While total polysaccharide yield was maximized at 10 °C, UAE's primary role was the structural modification of polymers rather than increasing bulk yield. The process reduced extraction times by 3- to over 6-fold to achieve equivalent bioactive yields compared to CE. This work establishes UAE with water as a green, efficient strategy for the integrated, one-step recovery of antioxidant phenolics and gel-forming polysaccharides from grape stems, transforming this underutilized residue into a multifunctional, value-added ingredient for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: There is an increasing need to establish reliable safety controls in the food industry and protect public health. Consequently, there are numerous efforts to develop sensitive, robust and selective analytical strategies. As regulatory requirements for food and the concentration or target bi-omarkers in clinical analysis evolve, the food and health sectors are showing a growing interest in developing non-destructive, rapid, on-site and environmentally safe methodologies. One alternative that meets the conditions is non-destructive spectroscopic sensors, such as those based on vibrational spectroscopy (Raman, surface-enhanced Raman — SERS, mid- and near-infrared spectroscopy, and hyperspectral imaging built on those techniques). The use of vibrational spectroscopy in food safety and health applications is expanding rapidly, moving beyond the laboratory bench to include on-the-go and in-line deployment. The dominant trends are: (1) the min-iaturization and portability of instruments; (2) surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and nanostructured substrates for the detection of trace contaminants; (3) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and deep learning for the spatially screening of quality and contamination; (4) the stronger in-tegration of chemometrics and machine learning for robust classification and quantification; (5) growing attention to calibration transfer, validation, and regulatory readiness. These advances will bring together a variety of tools to create a real-time decision-making system that will address the issue in question. This article review aims to highlight trends in vibrational spectroscopy tools for health and food safety control, with a particular focus on handheld and miniaturised instruments.

Abstract: Phytolacca americana L. (pokeweed) is a widespread invasive species whose berries remain poorly characterized in terms of nutritional value and bioactive potential, although being associated to some traditional uses. This study provides the first integrated characterization of the nutritional profile, mineral composition (ICP-MS), fatty acid profile (GC-FID), vitamin E content (HPLC-DAD-FLD), bioactive compounds and phenolic profile (HPLC-DAD). The studied berries showed high levels of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, along with potassium as the dominant mineral and a lipid fraction enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic and α-linolenic acids. In turn, α- and γ-tocopherol were the only detected vitamers of vitamin E. Hydroalcoholic extracts exhibited high total phenolic, flavonoid, and saponin contents, consistent with the phenolic profile dominated by quercetin, ellagic acid, and rutin. Antioxidant capacity assessed through DPPH• and FRAP assays displayed a strong dose-dependent response, with rapid activity increases at low extract concentrations and saturation at higher doses. Thus, P. americana hydroalcoholic extracts protected erythrocytes from oxidative AAPH- and H2O2-induced hemolysis. These findings highlight P. americana berries as a source of compounds with nutritional and functional relevance, although denoting the need for adequate processing to reduce its potential toxicity. Overall, these results support P. americana as a source of bioactive molecules with prospective applications in food and nutraceutical sectors.

Abstract: Arsenic occurs in food in both inorganic (iAs) and organic (oAs) forms. Inorganic arsenic is highly toxic and classified as carcinogenic to humans, whereas oAs species, such as arsenobetaine (AB), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), generally exhibit lower toxicity. Rice and rice-based products represent major contributors to dietary iAs exposure. Within this context, the present study provides an updated assessment of the occurrence iAs and oAs in rice-based beverages available on the Italian market. A method for the simultaneous determination of iAs, AB, DMA, and MMA was developed and validated, and it exhibits adequate sensitivity to ensure robust occurrence data, eliminating left-censoring for iAs. Analysis of 25 representative rice-based drinks revealed generally homogeneous contamination profiles, with iAs as the predominant species. All samples complied with the European maximum level for iAs in non-alcoholic rice-based beverages. When combined with recent Italian consumption data, these results enabled age-specific dietary exposure assessment. Although rice drinks contribute marginally to overall population exposure, estimated intakes for regular consumers in early childhood are associated with limited margins of exposure, raising potential concern for vulnerable subgroups. The increasing diversification of dietary habits and the rising popularity of plant-based beverages point out the need for continuous monitoring of iAs. Ongoing efforts in monitoring studies, consumption database improvement, and effective risk communication are essential to refine exposure assessment and enhance public health protection.

Abstract:

Since coffee is the second most important commodity, finding ways to utilize it is crucial. In this review, we briefly discuss the use of spent coffee grounds (SCG) in other sectors of the food industry, as sorbents for preconcentration different chemical compounds, in the beauty industry, in the pharmaceutical industry and future health-related prospects.