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Volatile Compounds in Food Chemistry

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 21895

Special Issue Editors

Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Interests: food chemistry; volatile compounds; plant proteins; carbohydrates; bioactive peptides; food processing; food structure

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Guest Editor
School of Perfume and Aroma Technology, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China
Interests: food flavor; carbohydrates; encapsulation; food sensory; mushrooms; GC-MS
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
Interests: metabolites; phenolics; analytical chemistry; food chemistry; MS

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aroma and flavor are considered to be decisive factors that affect consumers’ acceptance and preference of food products. The sensation originates from the stimulation of human organs by volatile compounds. The compounds consist mainly of a class of small organic molecules (e.g., aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, esters, terpenes, acids) derived from an array of nutrients through plant metabolism, fermentation, and processing. Their compositions change with the geographical origin of food ingredients, food formulation, processing strategy, and storage conditions and serve as defining elements of distinct aroma/flavor of individual foods. The most common approach to identify volatile compounds is the combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry after headspace solid-phase microextraction. Filtering the key aroma/flavor compounds is a pre-requisite to building the composition–flavor/aroma correlation, which can be further used to develop food products with targeted sensory properties.

This Special Issue aims to collect papers dealing with the characterization of volatile compounds in different types of foods and how they contribute to sensory/nutritional properties. Strategies centered on the improvement of food flavor/aroma and (or) their release patterns, such as advanced processing techniques, optimized processing conditions, encapsulation, and biomolecule interactions, will also be welcome. Changes to volatile compounds during fruit and vegetable development, growth, and post-harvest are also of interest. We invite colleagues to submit original research and review articles on exploring “Volatile Compounds in Food Chemistry”.

Dr. Da Chen
Prof. Dr. Tao Feng
Dr. Jeffry Tang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • volatile compound identification
  • flavor and off-flavor
  • food processing
  • gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
  • solid-phase microextraction

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 3380 KiB  
Article
Profiles of Volatile Compounds from Seven New Hybrid Families Obtained by Crossings on Noir de Bourgogne Cultivar and Other Blackcurrant Varieties
by Sandy Pagès-Hélary, Marine Nars-Chasseray, Laurence Dujourdy and Nathalie Cayot
Molecules 2023, 28(4), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041916 - 17 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1355
Abstract
Berries of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) are popular for their strong and complex aroma and their benefits for health. In Burgundy (France), the most famous blackcurrant cultivar is the “Noir de Bourgogne”. A blackcurrant breeding program was conducted to obtain new varieties, [...] Read more.
Berries of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) are popular for their strong and complex aroma and their benefits for health. In Burgundy (France), the most famous blackcurrant cultivar is the “Noir de Bourgogne”. A blackcurrant breeding program was conducted to obtain new varieties, more resistant to infections and climate changes. The cultivar “Noir de Bourgogne” was crossed with seven other varieties in order to create a hybrid with good agronomic properties and organoleptic properties close to the ones of “Noir de Bourgogne”. Several hybrids were created, and their aromatic profiles studied. Berries of eight cultivars, among which Noir de Bourgogne and hybrids resulting from crossings, were harvested during the summer of 2020. Volatile compounds of berries were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used as the most useful chemometric technique. The profiles in volatile compounds of hybrids were either different from those of the two parental varieties or close to that of varieties other than Bourgogne black. In all cases, the overall aroma strength of the hybrid did not equal that of the Noir de Bourgogne cultivar. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volatile Compounds in Food Chemistry)
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9 pages, 1343 KiB  
Article
The Aroma Composition of Koryciński Cheese Ripened in Different Temperatures
by Jarosław Kliks, Zuzanna Białobrzycka, Martyna Krzyszkowska, Justyna Korycka-Korwek, Mateusz Ciepliński and Mariusz Kasprzak
Molecules 2022, 27(24), 8745; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27248745 - 9 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1449
Abstract
As a regional product, Koryciński cheese is one of the most important cheeses in the Podlasie region of Poland. In this study, the influence of technological processes, such as ripening, on shaping the organoleptic characteristics of cheese was determined. Korycin-type cheeses are produced [...] Read more.
As a regional product, Koryciński cheese is one of the most important cheeses in the Podlasie region of Poland. In this study, the influence of technological processes, such as ripening, on shaping the organoleptic characteristics of cheese was determined. Korycin-type cheeses are produced from cow’s milk according to traditional technology. The ripening process lasted 466 h at 5 °C, 10 °C, and 15 °C. The aging temperature had a decisive influence on the number of esters and organic acids formed, which were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The organoleptic properties of the cheeses were also related to the ripening temperature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volatile Compounds in Food Chemistry)
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16 pages, 769 KiB  
Article
Volatile Composition and Sensory Profile of Lactose-Free Kefir, and Its Acceptability by Elderly Consumers
by Jaroslawa Rutkowska, Agata Antoniewska-Krzeska, Anna Żbikowska, Patricia Cazón and Manuel Vázquez
Molecules 2022, 27(17), 5386; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175386 - 24 Aug 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4132
Abstract
Lactose-free products are crucial in the diet of lactose-intolerant elderly consumers, one of them being kefir due to its unique chemical composition and diversity of valuable microflora. The study aimed at determining the volatile compound profile and the corresponding sensory attributes of lactose-free [...] Read more.
Lactose-free products are crucial in the diet of lactose-intolerant elderly consumers, one of them being kefir due to its unique chemical composition and diversity of valuable microflora. The study aimed at determining the volatile compound profile and the corresponding sensory attributes of lactose-free kefir (LFK) as compared with the traditional one (TK). The perception of main sensory attributes and hedonic acceptability of LFK by elderly were also studied. The LFK contained two times more ketones, especially 3-hydroxy-2-butanone and 2,3-butanedione, that probably contributed to the high intensity of creamy aroma. A substantial share of acetic acid in LFK was not associated with high intensity of sour aroma, probably being masked by the creamy aroma, perceived as dominating. LFK was sensed as sweeter and more milky than the traditional one. The intense sweet taste of LFK was due to higher amounts of glucose and galactose than in TK, and was perceived as “just about right” by 63% of elderly subjects in the just-about-right (JAR) scale. The lower acidity of LFK than that of TK, assayed both instrumentally and by sensory assessment, was highly appreciated by 73% of elderly subjects as “just about right” in JAR scale. These two taste attributes dominated in liking the lactose-free kefir by elderly subjects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volatile Compounds in Food Chemistry)
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15 pages, 2361 KiB  
Article
Exploring Core Microbiota Based on Characteristic Flavor Compounds in Different Fermentation Phases of Sufu
by Wei Wu, Zhuochen Wang, Boyang Xu, Jing Cai, Jianghua Cheng, Dongdong Mu, Xuefeng Wu and Xingjiang Li
Molecules 2022, 27(15), 4933; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154933 - 3 Aug 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2267
Abstract
Sufu, a Chinese traditional fermented soybean product, has a characteristic foul smell but a pleasant taste. We determined the core functional microbiota and their metabolic mechanisms during sufu fermentation by examining relationships among bacteria, characteristic flavor compounds, and physicochemical factors. Flavor compounds in [...] Read more.
Sufu, a Chinese traditional fermented soybean product, has a characteristic foul smell but a pleasant taste. We determined the core functional microbiota and their metabolic mechanisms during sufu fermentation by examining relationships among bacteria, characteristic flavor compounds, and physicochemical factors. Flavor compounds in sufu were detected through headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and the microbial community structure was determined through high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that the fermentation process of sufu could be divided into early and late stages. The early stage was critical for flavor development. Seven microbiota were screened based on their abundance, microbial relevance, and flavor production capacity. Five microbes were screened in the early stage: Pseudomonas, Tetragenococcus, Lysinibacillus, Pantoea, and Burkholderia–Caballeronia–Paraburkholderia. Three microbes were screened in the late stage: Exiguobacterium, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas. Their metabolic profiles were predicted. The results provided a reference for the selection of enriched bacterial genera in the fermentation process and controlling applicable process conditions to improve the flavor of sufu. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volatile Compounds in Food Chemistry)
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15 pages, 3000 KiB  
Article
Interfacial Composition of Surfactant Aggregates in the Presence of Fragrance: A Chemical Trapping Study
by Jiani Gong, Kaixin Yao, Qihan Sun, Yujia Sun, Lijie Sun, Changyao Liu, Bo Xu, Jiajing Tan, Li Zhao and Baocai Xu
Molecules 2022, 27(14), 4333; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27144333 - 6 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2219
Abstract
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in daily-use chemical products providing a pleasant scent. The added fragrance molecules may induce microstructural transitions of surfactant aggregates, which further affect the physical and chemical properties of the products. Here, the effects of four [...] Read more.
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in daily-use chemical products providing a pleasant scent. The added fragrance molecules may induce microstructural transitions of surfactant aggregates, which further affect the physical and chemical properties of the products. Here, the effects of four types of aromatic alcohols (cinnamyl alcohol, phenyl ethanol, phenyl methanol and anisyl alcohol) on cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)/KBr aggregates were studied. The combined results from rheology, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy measurements showed that cinnamyl alcohol induced significant micellar growth, while increases in micellar growth were less obvious for the other aromatic alcohols. The changes in the interfacial molarities of water, aromatic alcohol, and bromide ions during such transitions were studied using the chemical trapping method. Transitions resulting from added cinnamyl alcohol were accompanied by significant declines in interfacial water and bromide ion molarities, and a rise in interfacial alcohol molarity. The marked decrease in interfacial water molarity was not observed in previous studies of the octanol induced formation of wormlike micelles and vesicles, indicating that a different mechanism was presented in the current system. Nuclear magnetic resonance investigation showed that π–π stacking between cinnamyl alcohols, but not cation–π interactions between alcohols and CTAB headgroups, facilitated the tight packing of alcohol molecules in CTAB aggregates and the repulsion of water from the interfacial region. The current study may provide a theoretical basis for the morphological regulation of surfactant aggregates in the presence of additives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volatile Compounds in Food Chemistry)
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21 pages, 2245 KiB  
Article
Food Fortification Using Spray-Dried Emulsions of Fish Oil Produced with Maltodextrin, Plant and Whey Proteins—Effect on Sensory Perception, Volatiles and Storage Stability
by Annelie Damerau, Sari A. Mustonen, Dorota Ogrodowska, Laura Varjotie, Waldemar Brandt, Oskar Laaksonen, Małgorzata Tańska and Kaisa M. Linderborg
Molecules 2022, 27(11), 3553; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27113553 - 31 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2541
Abstract
Fortification of foods with fish oil rich in n–3 fatty acids improves the nutritional value, but creates challenges with flavor and oxidative stability, especially during storage. Pea, soy, and sunflower proteins were used in combination with whey protein or maltodextrin to encapsulate [...] Read more.
Fortification of foods with fish oil rich in n–3 fatty acids improves the nutritional value, but creates challenges with flavor and oxidative stability, especially during storage. Pea, soy, and sunflower proteins were used in combination with whey protein or maltodextrin to encapsulate fish oil by spray-drying. The use of whey protein compared with maltodextrin as wall material improved oxidative stability of spray-dried emulsions, although the use of whey protein increased the number of observed cracks in outer shell of the particles. Non- and encapsulated oil were used in cookies and chocolates to examine flavor characteristics by generic descriptive analysis and volatile products by solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A long-term storage test at room temperature was conducted to evaluate the oxidative stability of the food models. Fortification changed the texture, odor, and flavor of the food models with fishy flavor being the most impactful attribute. For both food models, use of pea protein with maltodextrin resembled attributes of control the best. Fortification and encapsulation material also affected volatile profiles of food models. Both non-encapsulated oil and whey protein formulations performed well in regard to oxidative stability for both food models. Generally, the cookie model showed more potential for fortification than the chocolate one. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volatile Compounds in Food Chemistry)
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23 pages, 2357 KiB  
Article
Volatile Variation of Theobroma cacao Malvaceae L. Beans Cultivated in Taiwan Affected by Processing via Fermentation and Roasting
by Li-Yun Lin, Kwei-Fan Chen, Lin-Ling Changchien, Kuan-Chou Chen and Robert Y. Peng
Molecules 2022, 27(10), 3058; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27103058 - 10 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3270
Abstract
After being harvested, cacao beans are usually subjected to very complex processes in order to improve their chemical and physical characteristics, like tastefulness with chocolate characteristic flavors. The traditional process consists of three major processing stages: fermentation, drying, and roasting, while most of [...] Read more.
After being harvested, cacao beans are usually subjected to very complex processes in order to improve their chemical and physical characteristics, like tastefulness with chocolate characteristic flavors. The traditional process consists of three major processing stages: fermentation, drying, and roasting, while most of the fermentation is carried out by an on-farm in-box process. In Taiwan, we have two major cocoa beans, the red and the yellow. We proposed that the major factor affecting the variation in tastes and colors in the finished cocoa might be the difference between cultivars. To uncover this, we examined the effect of the three major processes including fermentation, drying and roasting on these two cocoa beans. Results indicated that the two cultivars really behaved differently (despite before or after processing with fermentation, drying, and roasting) with respect to the patterns of fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, oleic, and arachidonic); triacylglycerols:1,2,3-trioleoyl-glycerol (OOO); 1-stearoyl-2,3-oleoyl-glycerol (SOO); 1-stearoyl-sn-2-oleoyl-3-arachidoyl- glycerol (SOA); 1,3-distearyol-sn-2-oleoyl-glycerol (SOS); organic acids (citric, tartaric, acetic, and malic); soluble sugars (glucose and fructose); amino acids; total phenolics; total flavonoids; and volatiles. Our findings suggest that to choose specific processing conditions for each specific cocoa genotype is the crucial point of processing cocoa with consistent taste and color. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volatile Compounds in Food Chemistry)
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30 pages, 6931 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography as a Powerful Strategy for the Exploration of Broas Volatile Composition
by Andreia Bento-Silva, Noélia Duarte, Magda Santos, Carina Pedrosa Costa, Maria Carlota Vaz Patto, Sílvia M. Rocha and Maria Rosário Bronze
Molecules 2022, 27(9), 2728; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27092728 - 23 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2829
Abstract
Broa is a Portuguese maize bread with characteristic sensory attributes that can only be achieved using traditional maize varieties. This study intends to disclose the volatile compounds that are mainly associated with the baking process of broas, which can be important contributors to [...] Read more.
Broa is a Portuguese maize bread with characteristic sensory attributes that can only be achieved using traditional maize varieties. This study intends to disclose the volatile compounds that are mainly associated with the baking process of broas, which can be important contributors to their aroma. Twelve broas were prepared from twelve maize flours (eleven traditional maize varieties and one commercial hybrid). Their volatile compounds were analyzed by GC×GC–ToFMS (two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry) for an untargeted screening of the chemical compounds mainly formed during baking. It was possible to identify 128 volatiles that belonged to the main chemical families formed during this stage. Among these, only 16 had been previously detected in broas. The most abundant were furans, furanones, and pyranones, but the most relevant for the aroma of broas were ascribed to sulfur-containing compounds, in particular dimethyl trisulfide and methanethiol. Pyrazines might contribute negatively to the aroma of broas since they were present in higher amounts in the commercial broa. This work constitutes the most detailed study of the characterization of broas volatile compounds, particularly those formed during the Maillard reaction. These findings may contribute to the characterization of other maize-based foodstuffs, ultimately improving the production of foods with better sensory features. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Volatile Compounds in Food Chemistry)
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