Application of Analytical Chemistry to Foods and Human Nutrition (NutrÅmica)

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Analytical Methods".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 November 2022) | Viewed by 25016

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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 4, 80126 Naples, Italy
Interests: gas chromatography; HPLC; lipids; butter; oils; solid-liquid extraction; food and beverages; saffron; food; supplements
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Guest Editor
Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: analytical techniques (HPLC; GC-MS; LC-MS; NMR); antioxidants; beneficial effects; bioactive compounds; extraction techniques; food and health; food and nutrition
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Two centuries ago, the application of Analytical Chemistry to the study of food composition gave life to a new science named “Bromatology” (from the Greek βρῶμα, brṑma, "food"). This science can be considered a branch of chemistry that deals with the study of foods, emphasizing the aspects related to the qualitative and quantitative characterization of its components (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, etc.) and is now referred to as food chemistry. This new science studies the chemical composition of foods and the properties of their constituents, which contribute to defining their nutritional and product value.

In recent decades, studies dealing with human nutrition have increased because many processes of transformation of the main components of foods (carbohydrates, lipids and proteins) are not completely known, and so, more experiments and research are needed to clarify, for example, the conversion of nutrients into calories and energy. Moreover, the effect of unbalance of some important minerals such as sodium and potassium is not completely clear, and initial research has indicated that these minerals may be linked to diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The philosopher Ludwig Feuerbach in 1862 expressed his thoughts in the famous maxim: “Man is what he eats”. He anticipated many scientific concepts linked to the importance of food in human nutrition: “Food theory is of great ethical and political importance. Food turns into blood, blood into heart and brain; in matters of thoughts and feelings. Human food is the foundation of culture and sentiment. If you want to make the people better, instead of declamations against sin, give them better nutrition.” These concepts are very topical today, and as consequence of research in human nutrition, we are approaching the concept of personalized nutrition; this means that science needs tools to establish the percentage of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and minerals that a single person needs, and so, analytical chemistry can offer the right approach to solving these problems. With these concepts in mind, we invite all scientists and researchers working in this field named NutrÅmica (nutrition and chemistry linked by Å for Angstrom) to submit scientific articles in which analytical chemistry is applied to the analysis of foods and/or to the study of foods in human nutrition.

Prof. Dr. Daniele Naviglio
Prof. Dr. Monica Gallo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • carbohydrates
  • lipids
  • proteins
  • human nutrition
  • analytical chemistry
  • metabolism
  • calories
  • food quality
  • minerals
  • personalized nutrition
  • omics sciences
  • extractive techniques
  • therapeutic properties

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 2473 KiB  
Article
Honeycomb, a New Food Resource with Health Care Functions: The Difference of Volatile Compounds found in Apis cerana and A. mellifera Honeycombs
by Xiali Guo, Yanlang Liang, Shengxiang Yi, Shengrong Qiu, Mingyan Liu, Fangjian Ning and Liping Luo
Foods 2022, 11(20), 3204; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11203204 - 14 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2256
Abstract
The honeycomb composition is very complex, containing honey, royal jelly, pollen, and propolis, and thus contains a large number of bioactive ingredients, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. In recent years, honeycomb as a new functional food resource has been favored by many bee [...] Read more.
The honeycomb composition is very complex, containing honey, royal jelly, pollen, and propolis, and thus contains a large number of bioactive ingredients, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. In recent years, honeycomb as a new functional food resource has been favored by many bee product companies, but the basic research on honeycomb is lacking. The aim of this study is to reveal the chemical differences between A. cerana honeycombs (ACC) and A. mellifera honeycombs (AMC). In this paper, we studied the volatile organic components (VOCs) of ACC and AMC by solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). A total of 114 VOCs were identified in 10 honeycombs. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the chemical composition of ACC and AMC were different. Additionally, orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) revealed that benzaldehyde, octanal, limonene, ocimene, linalool, α-terpineol, and decanal are the significant VOCs in AMC extracts, which are mainly derived from propolis. OPLS-DA model also identified 2-phenylethanol, phenethyl acetate, isophorone, 4-oxoisophorone, betula, ethyl phenylacetate, ethyl palmitate, and dihydrooxophorone as potential discriminatory markers of ACC, which likely contribute to protecting the hive against microorganisms and keep it clean. Full article
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12 pages, 3610 KiB  
Article
A Comparison of Lipid Contents in Different Types of Peanut Cultivars Using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS-Based Lipidomic Study
by Yuting Huang, Rui Ma, Yongju Xu, Kai Zhong, Qian Bu and Hong Gao
Foods 2022, 11(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11010004 - 21 Dec 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3609
Abstract
Peanuts are a rich dietary source of lipids, which are essential for human health. In this study, the lipid contents of 13 peanut cultivars were analyzed using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and GC–MS. The OXITEST reactor was used to test their lipid oxidation stabilities. A total [...] Read more.
Peanuts are a rich dietary source of lipids, which are essential for human health. In this study, the lipid contents of 13 peanut cultivars were analyzed using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and GC–MS. The OXITEST reactor was used to test their lipid oxidation stabilities. A total of 27 subclasses, 229 individual lipids were detected. The combined analysis of lipid and oxidation stability showed that lipid unsaturation was inversely correlated with oxidation stability. Moreover, lipid profiles differed significantly among the different peanut cultivars. A total of 11 lipid molecules (TG 18:2/18:2/18:2, TG 24:0/18:2/18:3, TG 20:5/14:1/18:2, TG 18:2/14:1/18:2, PE 17:0/18:2, BisMePA 18:2/18:2, PG 38:5, PMe 18:1/18:1, PC 18:1/18:1, MGDG 18:1/18:1, TG 10:0/10:1/18:1) might be employed as possible indicators to identify high oleic acid (OA) and non-high OA peanut cultivars, based on the PLS-DA result of lipid molecules with a VIP value greater than 2. This comprehensive analysis will help in the rational selection and application of peanut cultivars. Full article
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18 pages, 1216 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant Activity of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart. Stem Bark Fraction in an Iron Overload Model
by Gerson Javier Torres Salazar, Francisco Junio Dias, Paulo Riceli Vasconcelos Ribeiro, Edy Sousa de Brito, Kirley Marques Canuto, Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho, Jaime Ribeiro-Filho, Monica Gallo, Domenico Montesano, Daniele Naviglio, Gokhan Zengin and José Galberto Martins da Costa
Foods 2021, 10(11), 2683; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112683 - 3 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2346
Abstract
Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart., popularly known as “barbatimão”, is a plant species traditionally used by topical and oral routes for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Considering the well-described antioxidant properties of this species, this study investigated the protective effects of its keto-aqueous [...] Read more.
Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart., popularly known as “barbatimão”, is a plant species traditionally used by topical and oral routes for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Considering the well-described antioxidant properties of this species, this study investigated the protective effects of its keto-aqueous extract using an in vitro model of iron overload. Phenolic compounds were quantified and identified by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with quadrupole Time-Of-Flight Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (UPLC–ESI-qTOF-MS/MS) in positive and negative ions mode analysis. Antioxidant activity was analyzed following the iron-chelating–reducing capacity and deoxyribose degradation (2-DR) protection methods. The analysis identified condensed tannins (54.8 mg catechin/g dry fraction (DF), polyphenols (25 mg gallic acid/g DF), and hydrolyzable tannins (28.8 mg tannic acid/g DF). Among the constituents, prodelphinidin, procyanidin, and prorobinetinidine were isolated and identified. The extract significantly protected 2-DR degradation induced by Fe2+ (72% protection) or OH (43% protection). The ortho-phenanthroline test revealed Fe2+-chelating and Fe3+-reducing activities of 93% and 84%, respectively. A preliminary toxicological analysis using Artemia salina revealed mortality below 10%, at a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL, indicating low toxicity under the present experimental conditions. In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicate that Stryphnodendron rotundifolium is a source of antioxidant compounds with the potential to be used in drug development in the context of iron overload disorders, which remains to be further investigated in vivo. Full article
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Review

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13 pages, 1443 KiB  
Review
Bioactive Compounds from Cocoa Husk: Extraction, Analysis and Applications in Food Production Chain
by Tarun Belwal, Christian Cravotto, Sudipta Ramola, Monika Thakur, Farid Chemat and Giancarlo Cravotto
Foods 2022, 11(6), 798; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11060798 - 10 Mar 2022
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 14696
Abstract
Cocoa husk is considered a waste product after cocoa processing and creates environmental issues. These waste products are rich in polyphenols, methylxanthine, dietary fibers, and phytosterols, which can be extracted and utilized in various food and health products. Cocoa beans represent only 32–34% [...] Read more.
Cocoa husk is considered a waste product after cocoa processing and creates environmental issues. These waste products are rich in polyphenols, methylxanthine, dietary fibers, and phytosterols, which can be extracted and utilized in various food and health products. Cocoa beans represent only 32–34% of fruit weight. Various extraction methods were implemented for the preparation of extracts and/or the recovery of bioactive compounds. Besides conventional extraction methods, various studies have been conducted using advanced extraction methods, including microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), subcritical water extraction (SWE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). To include cocoa husk waste products or extracts in different food products, various functional foods such as bakery products, jam, chocolate, beverage, and sausage were prepared. This review mainly focused on the composition and functional characteristics of cocoa husk waste products and their utilization in different food products. Moreover, recommendations were made for the complete utilization of these waste products and their involvement in the circular economy. Full article
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