Comparison of hyperspectral imaging and spectrometers for prediction of cheeses composition.

Artisanal cheeses are part of the heritage and identity of different countries or regions. In this work, we investigated the spectral variability of a wide range of traditional Brazilian cheeses and compared the performance of different spectrometers to discriminate cheese types and predict compositional parameters. Spectra in the visible (vis) and near infrared (NIR) region were collected, using imaging (vis/NIR-HSI and NIR-HSI) and conventional (NIRS) spectrometers, and it was determined the chemical composition of seven types of cheeses produced in Brazil. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that spectral variability in the vis/NIR spectrum is related to differences in color (yellowness index) and fat content, while in NIR there is a greater influence of productive steps and fat content. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) models based on spectral information showed greater accuracy than the model based on chemical composition to discriminate types of traditional Brazilian cheeses. Partial least squares (PLS) regression models based on vis/NIR-HSI, NIRS, NIR-HSI data and HSI spectroscopic data fusion (vis/NIR + NIR) demonstrated excellent performance to predict moisture content (RPD > 2.5), good ability to predict fat content (2.0 < RPD < 2.5) and can be used to discriminate between high and low protein values (∼1.5 < RPD < 2.0). The results obtained for imaging and conventional equipment are comparable and sufficiently accurate, so that both can be adapted to predict the chemical composition of the Brazilian traditional cheeses used in this study according to the needs of the industry.

Semisynthesis of Betaxanthins from Purified Betacyanin of Opuntia dillenii sp.: Color Stability and Antiradical Capacity.

The availability of pure individual betalains in sufficient quantities which permit deeper understanding is still a challenge. This study investigates the high-yielding semisynthesis of betaxanthins using betalamic acid from a natural source (Opuntia dillenii), followed by condensation with ʟ-amino acids and further purification. Moreover, the color stability of the four synthesized individual betaxanthins, namely proline (ʟ-ProBX), alanine (ʟ-AlaBX), leucine (ʟ-LeuBX), and phenylalanine (ʟ-PheBX) betaxanthins, was investigated at different pHs. Their relative contribution to free radical scavenging was also scrutinized by TEAC and DPPH. ʟ-AlaBX and ʟ-LeuBx showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher antioxidant activity, whereas ʟ-ProBX was the most resistant to the hydrolysis of betaxanthin and hence the least susceptible to color change. The color stability was strongly influenced by pH, with the color of ʟ-ProBX, ʟ-LeuBX, and ʟ-AlaBX at pH 6 being more stable, probably due to the easier hydrolysis under acid conditions. The semisynthesis and purification allowed us to have available remarkable quantities of pure individual betaxanthins of Opuntia dillenii for the first time, and to establish their color properties and antioxidant capacity. This study could be a step forward in the development of the best natural food colorant formulation, based on the betalain structure, which is of special interest in food technology.

Effectiveness of Cyclic Voltammetry in Evaluation of the Synergistic Effect of Phenolic and Amino Acids Compounds on Antioxidant Activity: Optimization of Electrochemical Parameters.

Antioxidant activity can be evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The aim of this work is to verify the efficacy of CV in evaluating the synergistic effect of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic and amino acid compounds, on antioxidant activity. Therefore, three types of model solutions were prepared: individual model solution (phenol and amino acid), (b) binary model solutions (phenol-phenol and amino acid-amino acid) and (c) mixed phenol-amino acid solutions. Electrochemical measurement conditions were optimized for phenolic compounds (pH 3.0, 1.0 g/L and 100 mV/s) and for amino acids (pH 7.0, 2.0 g/L for amino acids and 100 mV/s), and, for each solution, the functional groups responsible of the anodic and cathodic peaks were established. The peak anodic potential (Epa) and the onset potential (Eon) were two parameters of great importance. The first one was used to classify the solutions according to their antioxidant potential. In general, all the binary and mixed solutions had lower values of Epa than the corresponding individual model solution, which indicates an improvement in the antioxidant potential. The second one was used to evaluate the synergistic effects of phenolic compounds and amino acids.

Characterization and bioaccessibility assessment of bioactive compounds from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) powders and their food applications.

Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a tropical fruit known for its content of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to evaluate physicochemically, morphologically, andsensorialpowders from camu-camu obtained by spray-drying at two inlet temperatures (150 °C and 180 °C) with three encapsulating agents (maltodextrin, whey protein and a 50:50 mixture of both) and by freeze-drying of whole fruit. The use of maltodextrin protected bet anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) and delphinidin-3-glucoside (D3G)), but whey protein showed a better protective effect on ascorbic and malic acids. These facts were confirmed during the storage stability test, finding that relative humidity is a critical variable in preserving the bioactive compounds of camu-camu powders. The powders with the highest content of bioactive compounds were added to a yogurt and a white grape juice, and then sensory evaluated. The bioaccessibility studies in gastric and intestinal phases showed better recovery percentages of bioactive compounds in camu-camu powders (up to 60.8 %) and beverages (up to 90 %) for C3G, D3G, ascorbic acid, and malic acid than in the fruit juice. Dehydration of camu-camu (M. dubia) is a strategy to increase the bioactive compounds stability, modulate the fruit sensory properties, and improve their bioavailability after incorporation in food matrices.

Revalorization of Colombian purple corn Zea mays L. by-products using two-step column chromatography.

Colombian purple corn Zea mays L. by-products have been chemically characterized. To achieve this, after Amberlite XAD-7 purification and Sephadex LH-20 fractionation, the accurate anthocyanin and flavonol profile using UHPL-DAD-ESI-MS, total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA), polyphenols using Folin-Ciocalteau reduction capacity (FCRC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH and TEAC) of each fraction were performed. Cob and leaves illustrated a more complete flavonoid profile and a higher content of anthocyanins and flavonols, strongly related to the highest reducing power and radical scavenging activity compared to grains. Furthermore, the most antioxidant fractions corresponded to the higher molecular weight compounds. The cob and leaves were enriched in cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-malonyl-hexoside, and peonidin-3-O-glucoside, peonidin-3-O-(6''-malonyl-glucoside). The purification and fractionation allowed us to establish the chemical and antioxidant characterization, and the resulting revalorization, of purple corn by-products for the first time, and to have available pure fractions of Zea mays L. for a wide diversity of industries.

First insights into the binding mechanism and colour effect of the interaction of grape seed 11S globulin with malvidin 3-O-glucoside by fluorescence spectroscopy, differential colorimetry and molecular modelling.

Recently, the search for alternative proteins endogenous to grapes to be used as wine colour protecting agents became an important research trend. In this study, the molecular interaction between the grape seed 11S globulin from winemaking by-product and malvidin-3-O-glucoside was investigated by fluorescence, differential colorimetry and molecular modelling. Fluorescence studies revealed the formation of grape seed protein- pigment complex whose KS was 8.5 × 104 M-1 and binding sites, n = 1.3. Malvidin-3-O-glucoside showed darker and more vivid bluish colour of in the presence of 11S globulin, suggesting the flavylium cation protection in a hydrophobic region of the protein. Docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulation indicated that malvidin-3-O-glucoside interacts mainly with the acidic subunit (40 kDa) of the 11S globulin monomer (60 kDa). An average of two hydrogen bonds and Van der Wall forces were the main interaction forces found for the protein-pigment complex, whose stability was confirmed by root-means-square deviation.

Proteomic and computational characterisation of 11S globulins from grape seed flour by-product and its interaction with malvidin 3-glucoside by molecular docking.

Grape seed flour by-product (GSBP) is an economic and renewable source of proteins, increasingly being explored due to interesting technological application such as colour protection in rich-anthocyanins beverages. Globulin-like proteins from GSBP were characterised by proteomic and computational studies. MALDI TOF/TOF analysis revealed the presence of two 11S globulins (acid and basic), whose 3D structures have been elucidated for the first time in Vitis vinifera L. grape seeds by using homology models and molecular dynamics. The secondary structure showed 11 α-helices and 25 ß-sheets for acid and 12 α-helices and 24 ß-sheets for basic 11S globulins. Molecular docking results indicate that both grape seed 11S globulins could establish different types of non-covalent interactions (π-π) with malvidin 3-O-glucoside (wine anthocyanin), which suggest a possible colour protection similar to that occurring in copigmentation phenomenon. These findings provide valuable information of globulin family proteins that could be relevant in food industry applications.

Research Progress in Imaging Technology for Assessing Quality in Wine Grapes and Seeds.

The chemical composition of wine grapes changes qualitatively and quantitatively during the ripening process. In addition to the sugar content, which determines the alcohol content of the wine, it is necessary to consider the phenolic composition of the grape skins and seeds to obtain quality red wines. In this work, some imaging techniques have been used for the comprehensive characterisation of the chemical composition of red grapes (cv. Tempranillo and cv. Syrah) grown in a warm-climate region during two seasons. In addition, and for the first time, mathematical models trained with laboratory images have been extrapolated for using in field images, obtaining interesting results. Determination coefficients of 0.90 for sugars, 0.73 for total phenols, and 0.73 for individual anthocyanins in grape skins have been achieved with a portable hyperspectral camera between 400 and 1000 nm, and 0.83 for total and individual phenols in grape seeds with a desktop hyperspectral camera between 900 and 1700 nm.

Optimisation of the methodology for obtaining enzymatic protein hydrolysates from an industrial grape seed meal residue.

The grape pomace industry produces large quantities of protein-rich seeds, which can be a sustainable non-animal protein source; their techno-functional properties could be exploited to improve the colour stabilisation and modulating the astringency of red wines in warm climates. This study aims to optimise the methodology of obtaining protein hydrolysates from defatted grape seed meal residue. Five assays using different quantities of enzyme and raw materials were considered. Based on the protein purity, hydrolysates yield, colour and molecular weight distribution achieved, optimal conditions were the hydrolysis of the alkaline protein concentrate with the highest amount of enzyme. The products obtained showed the lowest colour parameters, with the lightness contributing the most to the colour differences, which were visually perceptible (ΔE*ab > 3). The hydrophobic amino acids remained within the peptide sequence, leaving polar and charged amino acids in terminal positions, which could affect the wine equilibrium related to colour stabilisation.

Assessment of Sensory and Texture Profiles of Grape Seeds at Real Maturity Stages Using Image Analysis.

The usefulness of digital image analysis in estimating sensory attributes of grape seeds in relation to maturation level was evaluated for the first time. Seeds from Syrah grapes harvested throughout the ripening period were grouped according to maturity using the DigiEye® system. The discriminant ability, homogeneity, repeatability, and uniformity of a sensory panel were assessed after training on grape seeds. The aim was to evaluate the use of digital image techniques in order to accurately establish the maturity level of grape seeds, based on sensory and textural features. All sensory attributes (color, hardness, cracking, vegetal, bitterness and astringency) showed significant (p < 0.05) correlations with the chemical maturity stage. Color and vegetal (sensory attributes), together with deformation energy (instrumental texture parameter) (De), allowed for the classification of the seeds into four real maturity stages, hence their usefulness as grape seed ripening indicators. Significant (p < 0.05) and high-correlation factors were also found between instrumental and sensory attributes. Therefore, digital analysis can be a useful tool to better define the maturity stage in the vineyard, and to dispose of grape seeds with well-defined sensory profiles for specific oenological applications. This could help to determine the optimal harvest date to manage winemaking, in order to produce high quality wines in warm climates.

A Study of Overripe Seed Byproducts from Sun-Dried Grapes by Dispersive Raman Spectroscopy.

Overripe seeds from sun-dried grapes submitted to postharvest dehydration constitute a scarcely investigated class of vinification byproduct with limited reports on their phenolic composition and industrial applications. In this study, Raman spectroscopy was applied to characterize a selection of overripe seed byproducts from different white grapes (cv. Moscatel, cv. Pedro Ximénez and cv. Zalema) submitted to postharvest sun drying. The Raman measurements were taken using a 1064 nm excitation laser in order to mitigate the fluorescent effect and the dispersive detection scheme allowed a compactness of the optical system. Spectroscopic data were processed by a principal component analysis to reduce the dimensionality and partner recognition. The evolution of the Raman spectrum during the overripening process was compared with the phenolic composition of grape seeds, which was determined by rapid resolution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (RRLC/MS). A multivariate processing of the spectroscopic data allowed the classification of overripe seeds according to the grape variety and the monitoring of stages of the postharvest sun drying process.

Impact of alternative protein fining agents on the phenolic composition and color of Syrah red wines from warm climate.

Currently, the wine industry has an increasing interest in developing alternative solutions to traditional animal proteins fining agents. In this study, the impact of different protein fining agents on the turbidity, phenolic composition and color of 2-month and 12-month Syrah red wines was assessed. Wines fined with egg albumin and plant-based proteins from potato, pea, and grape seed as recent alternative, were compared to unfined control wines. Changes on turbidity, phenolic composition and color (by Differential Colorimetry) showed that animal and plant proteins differed in their clarifying efficiency and ability to interact with colorless phenolics and anthocyanins, depending on the age of wine, with important consequences on color quality and stability. Plant proteins showed lower effectiveness to reduce wine turbidity than egg albumin but modified in different way the phenolic composition, inducing lower color differences with respect to control wine and similar stability, especially potato and grape seed proteins.

Impact of a double post-fermentative maceration with ripe and overripe seeds on the phenolic composition and color stability of Syrah red wines from warm climate.

The post-fermentative double addition of Pedro Ximénez cv seeds obtained from natural matured grapes (ripe seeds, RS) and postharvest sun-dried grapes (overripe seeds, OS) were studied as sustainable enological alternatives to conventional vinification (CW) to improve the stability of Syrah wines produced in a warm climate. The phenolic composition was assessed by rapid resolution liquid chromatography, copigmentation/polymerization processes by spectrophotometry, and color quality and stability by Differential Colorimetry. OSW and RSW wines enriched their total phenolic content, being the effect more pronounced with overripe seeds (by 23% versus 10%). OSW differences were found for gallic acid, monomeric flavan-3-ols, and procyanidins compared to CW, and for (+)-catechin, procyanidin B2-3-O-gallate and the tetramer to RSW. Phenolic changes were related to higher color intensity in seed-added wines. OSW having higher percentage of polymeric pigments maintained for longer time the chromatic improvement, being visually darker and more intense than final CW and RSW.

Elucidation of the 3D structure of grape seed 7S globulin and its interaction with malvidin 3-glucoside: A molecular modeling approach.

Plant proteins are biopolymers with interesting technological applications for the food industry due to their ability to interact with phenolic compounds such as anthocyanins. The 3D structure of the 7S globulin from grape seed was elucidated for the first time using a homology model. The constructed 3D model showed that grape seed 7S globulin is rich in α-helices and ß-sheets stabilized by six disulfide bridges. The interaction with the major grape anthocyanin malvidin-3-glucoside was also assessed by Docking and Molecular Dynamic simulation. Theoretical results demonstrated that 7S globulin interacts with Mv3glc through hydrogen, alkyl and π-alkyl bonds and the flavylium cation is oriented towards a hydrophobic region of the protein, being protected from hydration. Results provide valuable insights for understanding the mechanisms involved in the molecular interaction of grape anthocyanins with grape seed proteins that could be relevant to use them as potential color protecting agents in food industry applications.

Chemical characteristics and colorimetric properties of non-centrifugal cane sugar ("panela") obtained via different processing technologies.

Non-centrifugal cane sugar (NCS) samples obtained by traditional moulding and granulation, and also via a novel spray-drying powdering process without additives, were assessed to characterise their sugar and phenolic profiles, flavonoid content, as well as colour parameters. As expected, sucrose was the predominant sugar (91.9-95.5%), followed by glucose (2.9-4.6%), and fructose (1.6-3.7%). Total phenolic content was between 0.4 and 0.6% and total flavonoid content into the range of 0.2-0.4%. Six phenolic acids were found in all NCS samples: protocatechuic acid (0.36-0.94 µg/100 g), vanillic acid (0.70-1.45 µg/100 g), chlorogenic acid (2.08-3.82 µg/100 g), syringic acid (1.08-2.80 µg/100 g), p-coumaric acid (0.69-1.35 µg/100 g), and ferulic acid (0.50-0.95 µg/100 g). The thermal treatment under high temperatures required in the production of granulated products was related with darker colours and changes in phenol and flavonoid contents. In contrast, spray drying generates clearer products, but with slightly less phenol and flavonoid contents.

Extraction of Antioxidants from Winemaking Byproducts: Effect of the Solvent on Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant and Anti-Cholinesterase Activities, and Electrochemical Behaviour.

Extraction solvent is a very important factor in the recovery of antioxidants from natural matrices. In this study, the effect of three solvents (ethanol, ethanol/water and water) on the phenolic composition, antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activities and electrochemical behaviour of four winemaking byproducts (seeds, skins, stems, and pomace) was evaluated. Phenolic composition was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), antioxidant activity by the capacity to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radicals, anti-cholinesterase activity by the Ellman's method, and electrochemical behaviour by cyclic voltammetry. Eight phenolic compounds were quantified with higher content in water/ethanol extracts (e.g., epicatechin in pomace: 17 mg/100 g vs. 7 and 6 mg/100 g in ethanol and water extracts, respectively), although there were some exceptions (e.g., gallic acid in seeds was most abundant in water extracts). Moreover, the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were found in ethanol/water extracts (between 2 and 30-fold the values of the other extracts). Overall, the most active extracts in inhibiting both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes were ethanol/water and ethanol extracts from seeds (between 31.11 and 53.90%). The electrochemical behaviour allowed for differentiating the extracts depending on the solvent and the byproduct. Our findings indicate that winemaking byproducts represent a source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activities and suggest that cyclic voltammetry is a promising technique to evaluate the phenolic extraction process from these byproducts.

Identification of New Betalains in Separated Betacyanin and Betaxanthin Fractions from Ulluco (Ullucus tuberosus Caldas) by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS.

An improved methodology of achieving an accurate separation of pure fractions of betacyanins and betaxanthins from Ullucus tuberosus Caldas has been carried out. For that purpose, an in-depth chemical identification of each betalain fraction using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS was developed. This procedure allowed to evaluate the fractionation efficiency and also identify a large number of betalains, most of which have not been described so far in this raw material: betanidin- and isobetanidin-5-O-(4'-O-malonyl-ß-glucoside), 2-decarboxy-phyllocactin, betanidin- and isobetanidin-6-O-(6'-O-feruloyl)-ß-glucoside (gomphrenin and isogomphrenin III), dehydro-phyllocactin and isophyllocactin, and arginine and glycine-betaxanthins (portulacaxanthin III). Moreover, the availability of pure betalain fractions by the proposed methodology permitted to establish the total betalain content and the antioxidant activity of both separated betacyanin and betaxanthin fractions of ulluco for the first time. The results suggest Ullucus tuberosus as an underutilized food bioactive source with a high concentration of total betaxanthins (21.8 µg indicaxanthin/g fresh ulluco) and betacyanins (44.5 µg betanin/g fresh ulluco), strongly correlated to the Folin-Ciocalteau reduction capacity.

Applications of Visible Spectroscopy and Color Measurements in the Assessments of Carotenoid Levels in Foods.

The color of the food can be evaluated visually or instrumentally. The instrumental measurement allows to measure the color objectively and can be carried out by different techniques, most of them fast, cheap, and simple. Carotenoids are responsible for the color of many plants and foods. The measurement of color can be an effective tool to determine indirectly the concentration of carotenoids in plants and foods. In this chapter, we describe both traditional and recent methodologies for color measurement.

Monitoring the effects and side-effects on wine colour and flavonoid composition of the combined post-fermentative additions of seeds and mannoproteins.

One of the main consequences of the advancement of harvest date associated to global climate change is that the phenolic maturity of grapes can be delayed in relation to their technological maturity. As a consequence, wines made from these grapes can be poor in phenolic compounds or possess an unbalanced phenolic composition, affecting their global quality. The combined post-fermentative addition of seeds and an astringency-modulator mannoprotein (MP) might be a potential strategy to solve this problem, since seeds might supply flavanols and improve wine chemical stability and the mannoprotein might modulate the changes induced in astringency by the addition of seeds and improve wine colloidal stability. The present study aimed at monitoring at different moments of winemaking and ageing the effects and side-effects of this combined strategy on the detailed flavanol, flavonol and anthocyanin compositions and on colour of wines made from Syrah grapes. Seeds were obtained from Pedro Ximénez overripe grapes. Flavanol composition and flavonol and anthocyanin compositions were determined by HPLC-MSn-MRM and HPLC-DAD-MSn analyses, respectively. Colour changes caused by these additions were studied from CIELAB parameters as well as the ability of these techniques to protect colour from bleaching agents, such as SO2. In general, the addition of seeds initially increased the levels of flavanols and anthocyanins. However, during bottle ageing a reduction in the levels of flavanols, flavonols and anthocyanins could be observed in seed treated wines, which might be related to the greater formation of flavanol aggregates associated with greater levels of flavanols. This effect was partially solved for most of the flavonoids studied with the additional MP treatment. Treated and control wines showed colour differences that were visible to human eye, although they were reduced over time. At the end of the study, treated wines showed colour parameters corresponding to younger wines than those observed in control wines. A greater resistance against SO2 bleaching was also observed in treated wines, which can be mainly associated to the greater percentages of polymeric pigments caused by seed treatment and to the improvement of the colloidal stability of SO2-resistant pigments caused by the addition of the MP.

Impact of closure type and storage temperature on chemical and sensory composition of Malbec wines (Mendoza, Argentina) during aging in bottle.

Malbec is the flagship variety of Argentina mainly due to its high oenological value and plasticity to obtain different wine styles. During bottled aging, the chemical and organoleptic composition of wines is subject to changes depending on the aging conditions (closure, oxygen level, temperature, time). However, the combined effect of these factors on chemical composition and organoleptic characteristics of Malbec wines has not been studied yet. Wines were bottled with screw cap and natural cork and were kept in chambers at 15 °C and 25 °C for 2 years. Sampling was performed at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 months. Concentrations of free sulfur dioxide, dissolved oxygen, anthocyanins, tannins, esters, volatile phenols, organic acids, and color saturation decreased during the storage process. While, the formation of polymeric pigments, the color attributes (lightness and hue) and the levels of alcohols, norisoprenoids, furanoids and terpenoids increased. At 24 months, Malbec wines were organoleptically different. Wines kept at 15 °C were associated with high sensory perceptions in color intensity and violet tint, those presented a positive correlation with free sulfur dioxide, tannins, and anthocyanins levels. On the contrary, wines aged at 25 °C were linked with high sensory perceptions of dried vegetative and dried fruit aromas. These descriptors were positively correlated with norisoprenoids, furanoids, and terpenoids. In general, the chemical composition and organoleptic attributes of bottled Malbec wines (Mendoza, Argentina) were stable respect closure type employed, but highly sensitive to the combined effect of time and storage temperature. This finding is key to making decisions about the wine style searched, and costs (e.g. refrigeration) involved in the conservation period until consumption.