Characterization of Key Aroma Compounds and Main Contributing Amino Acids in Hot-Pressed Oil Prepared from Various Peanut Varieties.

The production of peanut oil in the industrial sector necessitates the utilization of diverse raw materials to generate consistent batches with stable flavor profiles, thereby leading to an increased focus on understanding the correlation between raw materials and flavor characteristics. In this study, sensory evaluations, headspace solid-phase micro-extraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), odor activity value (OAV) calculations, and correlation analysis were employed to investigate the flavors and main contributing amino acids of hot-pressed oils derived from different peanut varieties. The results confirmed that the levels of alcohols, aldehydes, and heterocyclic compounds in peanut oil varied among nine different peanut varieties under identical processing conditions. The OAVs of 25 key aroma compounds, such as methylthiol, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, and 2,3-glutarone, exceeded a value of 1. The sensory evaluations and flavor content analysis demonstrated that pyrazines significantly influenced the flavor profile of the peanut oil. The concentrations of 11 amino acids showed a strong correlation with the levels of pyrazines. Notably, phenylalanine, lysine, glutamic acid, arginine, and isoleucine demonstrated significant associations with both pyrazine and nut flavors. These findings will provide valuable insights for enhancing the sensory attributes of peanut oil and selecting optimal raw peanuts for its production.

Unravelling caramelization and Maillard reactions in glucose and glucose + leucine model cakes: Formation and degradation kinetics of volatile markers extracted during baking.

A large number of volatile compounds are formed during the baking of foods by reactions such as caramelization and Maillard reactions. Elucidating the reaction mechanisms may be useful to predict and control food quality. Ten reaction volatile markers were extracted during baking of solid model cakes implemented with known amounts of precursors (glucose with or without leucine) and then quantified by Thermal desorption-Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry. The kinetic data showed that the level of air convection in the oven had no significant influence on the reaction rates. In contrast, increasing baking temperatures had a nonlinear accelerating impact on the generation of newly formed volatile compounds with a bell-shaped kinetic curve found for most of the markers at 200 °C. The presence of leucine triggered the activation of the Maillard and Strecker routes with a specific and very rapid formation of 3-Methylbutanal and pyrazines. A dynamic model was developed, combining evaporation flow rate and kinetic formation and consumption of reaction markers. It can be used to describe, for two furanic compounds of different volatilities, the vapor concentrations in the oven from the concentrations measured in the model cakes.

The formation and conversion of characteristic aroma profiles and key harmful substances in different high-temperature processing of hairtail (Trichiurus Haumela).

The balance regulation between characteristic aroma and hazards in high-temperature processed fish is a hot spot. This study was aimed to explore the interactive relationship between the nutritional value, microstructures, aroma, and harmful substances of hairtail under different frying methods including traditional frying (TF), air frying (AF), and vacuum frying (VF) via chemical pattern recognition. The results indicated that VF-prepared hairtail could form a crunchy mouthfeel and retain the highest content of protein (645.53 mg/g) and the lowest content of fat (242.03 mg/g). Vacuum frying reduced lipid oxidation in hairtail, resulting in the POV reaching 0.02 mg/g, significantly lower than that of TF (0.05 mg/g) and AF (0.21 mg/g), and TBARS reached 0.83 mg/g, significantly lower than that of AF (1.96 mg/g) (P < 0.05), respectively. Notable variations were observedin the aroma profileof hairtail preparedfrom different frying methods. Vacuum frying of hairtail resulted in higher levels of pyrazines and alcohols, whereas traditional frying and air frying were associated with the formation of aldehydes and ketones, respectively. Air frying was not a healthy way to cook hairtail which produced the highest concentration of harmful substances (up to 190.63 ng/g), significantly higher than VF (5.72 ng/g) and TF (52.78 ng/g) (P < 0.05), especially norharman (122.57 ng/g), significantly higher than VF (4.50 ng/g) and TF (32.63 ng/g) (P < 0.05). Norharman and acrylamide were the key harmful substances in hairtail treated with traditional frying. The vacuum frying method was an excellent alternative for deep-fried hairtail as a snack food with fewer harmful substances and a fine aroma, providing a theoretic guidance for preparing healthy hairtail food with high nutrition and superior sensory attraction.

Effect of Dehulling Pretreatment on the Flavor of Sesame Paste.

Gas chromatography-olfactory-mass spectrometry (GC-O-MS) combined with Aroma Extract Dilution Analysis (AEDA) were employed to characterize the key odor-active compounds in sesame paste (SP) and dehulled sesame paste (DSP). The AEDA results revealed the presence of 32 and 22 odor-active compounds in SP and DSP, respectively. Furthermore, 13 aroma compounds with FD ≥ 2, OAV ≥ 1, and VIP ≥ 1 were identified as key differential aroma compounds between SP and DSP. Specifically, compounds such as 3-methylbutyraldehyde (OAV = 100.70-442.57; fruity), 2-methylbutyraldehyde (OAV = 106.89-170.31; almond), m-xylene (FD = 16; salty pastry), and 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (FD = 8-16; roasted, salty pastry) played an important role in this differentiation. Additionally, the dehulling process led to increased fermented, sweet, green, and nutty aroma notes in DSP compared to the more pronounced burnt and roasted sesame aroma notes in SP. Our findings offer a theoretical foundation for the regulation of sesame paste aroma profiles.

A novel LC-MS/MS method for the determination of favipiravir ribofuranosyl-5'-triphosphate (T-705-RTP) in human peripheral mononuclear cells.

Favipiravir is a broad-spectrum antiviral that is metabolised intracellularly into the active form, favipiravir ribofuranosyl-5'-triphosphate (F-RTP). Measurement of the intracellular concentration of F-RTP in mononuclear cells is a crucial step to characterising the pharmacokinetics of F-RTP and to enable more appropriate dose selection for the treatment of COVID-19 and emerging infectious diseases. The described method was validated over the range 24 - 2280 pmol/sample. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from whole blood and lysed using methanol-water (70:30, v/v) before cellular components were precipitated with acetonitrile and the supernatant further cleaned by weak anion exchange solid phase extraction. The method was found to be both precise and accurate and was successfully utilised to analyse F-RTP concentrations in patient samples collected as part of the AGILE CST-6 clinical trial.

QbD-Based Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC Method Development and Validation for the Estimation of Favipiravir-An Eco-Friendly Approach.

BACKGROUND: Analytical quality by design (AQbD) affords a systematic scaffolding to triumph a continuously validated, robust assay as well as life cycle management. The resuscitative repurposed drug favipiravir, an oral drug approved for reemerging pandemic influenza in Japan in 2014, is used for the treatment of life-threatening pathogens such as Ebola, Lassa virus, and currently COVID-19. Favipiravir is gaining a great deal of medical importance due to its pharmaceutical applications. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a risk-based stability-indicating RP-HPLC method employing an AQbD approach using Central Composite Design (Design Expert Software 13.0) for the estimation of favipiravir. METHOD: The Quality Target Product Profile optimized were flow rate and mobile phase composition, thus assessing the critical analytical attributes (retention time, tailing factor, and number of theoretical plates) as the constraints of method robustness. The proposed technique was optimized with a C18 (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column and 0.1% orthophosphoric acid buffer-acetonitrile (50:50, v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL/min using diode-array detector (230 nm) eluted favipiravir at 2.3 min. RESULTS: The optimized method validated as per ICH guideline Q2 (R1) was found to be eco-friendly, simple, precise (RSD 0.0051-1.2%), accurate (99.86-100.22%), linear (25-150 µg/mL), rugged (RSD 0.70%), and robust (RSD 0.6-1.6%) with a limit of detection and limit of quantitation of 1.140 µg/mL and 4.424 µg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: Forced degradation studies (acidic, alkaline, thermal, photolytic, and oxidative conditions) revealed the suitability of the AQbD method for the analysis of favipiravir in tablet formulation.The developed and validated AQbD method is less time consuming and can be used in the industry for routine quality control/analysis of bulk drug and marketed Favipiravir products. HIGHLIGHTS: A robust Design of Experiment enhanced stability-indicating analytical method was developed and validated for the estimation of favipiravir. Furthermore, the contemporary method would aid in extending the analysis of favipiravir in other formulations.

An Eco-Friendly RP-HPLC Method Development and Validation for Quantification of Favipiravir in Bulk and Tablet Dosage Form Followed by Forced Degradation Study.

In this work, an eco-friendly simple, precise reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has been developed and validated for Favipiravir in bulk and tablet dosage form followed by its force degradation study. The proposed method was validated to obtain official requirements including stability, accuracy, precision, linearity, robustness and selectivity as per International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Guidelines. The estimation was developed on C (18) column reversed-phase using the mobile phase composition as methanol:water (10:90 v/v). The flow rate was set as 1 ml/min, and the maximum absorption was observed at 323 nm using Shimadzu Photo Diode Array detector. The Favipiravir, drug showed a precise and good linearity at the concentration ranges of 10-50 µg/mL. The Revearse Phase High Perforance Liquid Chromatography assay showed the highest purity ranging from 99.90 to 100.02% for Favipiravir, tablet dosage form, and 100.15% was the mean percentage purity. The percent recovery was found within the acceptance limit of (98.6-100.0%). Intra- and inter-day precision studies of the method were less than the maximum allowable limit percentage of relative standard deviation ≤ 2.0. The Favipiravir retention time was found to be 5.00 min. To examine the stability of the drug, various forced degradation studies were conducted on Favipiravir Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient. The developed method was validated according to the ICH guidelines. A very quick, cost-effective, precise and accurate HPLC method for the determination of Favipiravir has been developed and validated in compliance with ICH guidance Q2.

Effects of different over-fired drying methods on the aroma of Lu'an Guapian tea.

Over-fired drying, a crucial process in the production of Lu'an Guapian (LAGP) tea, greatly enriches the tea's aroma. In this study, the aroma compounds of LAGP tea processed through pulley charcoal drying (PCD), roller drying (RD), roller-conveyor drying (RCD), and hot air drying (HD) were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A subsequent analysis of aroma extraction dilution analysis and odor activity values revealed that (E)-ß-ionone, dimethyl sulfide, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, geraniol, linalool, benzeneacetaldehyde, coumarin, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethyl-pyrazine, indole, hexanal, (Z)-jasmone, and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol were the key contributors to the samples' aroma variation. Moreover, a quantitative descriptive analysis and aroma recombination and omission experiments analysis revealed that (E)-ß-ionone is the most critical contributor to the formation of floral aroma in tea processed using PCD, whereas (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal is responsible for the more pronounced fresh aroma in tea processed using HD. In addition, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethyl-pyrazine contributes to the formation of a roasted aroma in tea processed using RD and RCD. The study results provide a theoretical basis for choosing the processing method, especially for drying, to obtain high-quality LAGP tea.

Isolation and Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Their Effects on the Off-odor of Burdocks.

Burdocks have diverse nutritional and pharmacological functions, but their unique odor is unwelcome. Here, the effect and mechanism of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on the off-odor of burdocks were investigated. The sensory evaluation showed that burdocks had earthy, musty, grassy, and pepper odors. 2-Isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine (IBMP) and 2-secbutyl-3-methoxypyrazine (IPMP) mainly contributed to burdock's unique off-odor and were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and relative odor activity value (ROAV) analysis. Weissella cibaria ZJ-5 from screened strains performed with the strongest ability to remove the off-odor and generate a fragrant odor, as determined by sensory evaluation. When incubated aerobically together with IBMP during fermentation, ZJ-5 degraded IBMP directly from 149.56 ± 0.72 to 71.55 ± 1.81 ng/mL. Additionally, linoleic acid content in fermented burdocks was significantly decreased compared with unfermented burdocks. (E,Z)-2,6-Nonadienal, which mainly contributed to fermented burdock's odor, may have been generated from linoleic acid during ZJ-5 fermentation, through the acid catalysis pathway. It indicated that LAB fermentation could improve burdock odor by degrading off-odor compounds and precursors and by generating new aldehydes.

Contribution of theanine to the temperature-induced changes in aroma profile of Wuyi rock tea.

Theanine is a distinctive amino acid in tea that plays a vital role in tea flavor during the roasting process. Model thermal reactions of total amino acids and sugars with different roasting conditions (low-fire, middle-fire, and high-fire) showed theanine competitively inhibited the formation of indole, skatole, 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone, and Strecker aldehydes, while greatly stimulated the production of roasty pyrazines. In addition, highest amounts of pyrazines were obtained under high-fire degree. Quantification of these reaction products in Wuyi rock tea (WRT) was realized in different roasted Dahongpao teas by means of sensomics approach. The quantitative data revealed the biggest influence of roasting temperatures on the formation of reaction products among indole, lipid oxidation products, and pyrazines, while other reaction products were only slightly affected. The findings of this study provide a fresh perspective on the impact of theanine on aroma formation during the roasting process, which will help to explore the formation of key odorants during tea production.

Monitoring alkyl pyrazines in roasted hazelnuts by SHS-GC-IMS: IMS response assessment and standardization.

Gas chromatography coupled with ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is an analytical tool which is rapidly becoming widespread in the analysis of food volatiles. Despite this increasing popularity, an assessment of the IMS response for several flavor compound classes is not yet available. This study focuses on alkyl pyrazines and their determination in roasted hazelnut pastes. These Maillard reaction products are crucial to determine the aromatic profile of roasted foods and are suitable markers for industrial roasting monitoring. The instrumental response of 8 alkyl pyrazines was studied using a model matrix and a matrix matching approach. The results showed a relevant effect of the pyrazine ring substitution pattern on the concentration-response curve trends, highlighting that an external standardization of the IMS response is required to make possible relative abundance comparisons between analytes. A response standardization was therefore developed and applied to determine alkyl pyrazines in samples with different roasting intensity and geographical and botanical origin.

Insights into the Uptake, Distribution, and Metabolism of 3-Isobutyl-2-hydroxypyrazine in Grapevine Using a Stable Isotope Tracer.

Methoxypyrazines (MPs) are potent aroma compounds that have been predominately studied in grape berries but can also be detected in other vine tissues. The synthesis of MPs in berries from hydroxypyrazines by VvOMT3 is well established, but the origin of MPs in vine tissues that have negligible VvOMT3 gene expression is unknown. This research gap was addressed through the application of stable isotope tracer 3-isobutyl-2-hydroxy-[2H2]-pyrazine (d2-IBHP) to the roots of Pinot Meunier L1 microvines and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) quantification of HPs from grapevine tissues following a novel solid-phase extraction method. Four weeks post-application, d2-IBHP and its O-methylated product 3-isobutyl-2-methoxy-[2H2]-pyrazine (d2-IBMP) were present in excised cane, berry, leaf, root, and rachis material. Translocation of d2-IBHP and d2-IBMP was investigated, but results were inconclusive. Nonetheless, knowledge that d2-IBHP, and potentially d2-IBMP, are translocated from roots to other vine organs, including the berries, could provide opportunities for controlling MP accumulation in grapevine tissues pertinent to winemaking.

Microbial characteristics and metabolite profiles of high-temperature Daqu in different maturation stages.

The maturation period of high-temperature Daqu (HTD) is usually 3-6 months, and the characteristics of HTD at different maturation stages were different. In this study, the microbial characteristics and metabolite profiles of HTD at different maturation stages were revealed with the combination of physicochemical detection, the third generation Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) single-molecule, real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). Results showed that HTD matured for 6 months (Mix_m6) had higher saccharification power but less culturable thermotolerant bacteria and fungi than HTD matured for 3 months (Mix_m3). The average relative abundances of Thermoactinomyces, Paenibacillus, and Rasamsonia in Mix_m3 were higher than that in Mix_m6, while the average relative abundances of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Thermoascus increased obviously with the prolongation of the maturation period. Streptomyces and Thermoactinomyces were biomarkers in Mix_m3, while Burkholderia and Pseudomonas were regarded as biomarkers in Mix_m6. Differences in microbiota structure led to different enrichment of metabolic pathways in HTD at different maturation stages, resulting in different flavor profiles, especially in ethyl acetate, 1-octen-3-one, (E)-3-Hexen-1, 2,3,5-trimethy-6-ethylpyrazine, pyrazine, tetramethyl content. The microbiota and metabolite characteristics of HTD comprehensively reflected the HTD quality in different maturation stages, which provided a reference for determining the optimal maturation time.

Optimized Solid-Phase Mesh-Enhanced Sorption from Headspace (SPMESH) for Rapid Sub-ng/kg Measurements of 3-Isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP) in Grapes.

Parallel extraction of headspace volatiles from multiwell plates using sorbent sheets (HS-SPMESH) followed by direct analysis in real-time high-resolution mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS) can be used as a rapid alternative to solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) for trace level volatile analyses. However, an earlier validation study of SPMESH-DART-MS using 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP) in grape juice showed poor correlation between SPMESH-DART-MS and a gold standard SPME-GC-MS around the compound's odor detection threshold (<10 ng/kg) in grape juice, and lacked sufficient sensitivity to detect IBMP at this concentration in grape homogenate. In this work, we report on the development and validation of an improved SPMESH extraction approach that lowers the limit of detection (LOD < 0.5 ng/kg), and regulates crosstalk between wells (<0.5%) over a calibration range of 0.5−100 ng/kg. The optimized SPMESH-DART-MS method was validated using Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape samples harvested from commercial vineyards in the central valley of California (n = 302) and achieved good correlation and agreement with SPME-GC-MS (R2 = 0.84) over the native range of IBMP (<0.5−20 ng/kg). Coupling of SPMESH to a lower resolution triple quadrupole (QqQ)-MS via a new JumpShot-HTS DART source also achieved low ng/kg detection limits, and throughput was improved through positioning stage optimizations which reduced time spent on intra-well SPMESH areas.

Optimization of Jinhua Ham Classification Method Based on Volatile Flavor Substances and Determination of Key Odor Biomarkers.

Jinhua ham is a traditional cured meat food in China. For a long time, its grade has mainly been evaluated by the human nose through the three-sticks method, which is highly subjective and is not conducive to establishing evaluation standards through odor markers. In this paper, we analyzed the well-graded Grade I-III hams provided by Jinzi Ham Co., Ltd. (Jinhua, China). Firstly, we used different extraction fibers, extraction temperatures, and extraction time to determine the optimal conditions for headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME). Then, the aroma components of Jinhua ham were analyzed by headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and OAV was calculated to screen the key aroma volatiles of three kinds of Jinhua ham. It was found that a total of 56 components were detected in the three types of ham. Among them, there are 21 kinds of key aroma volatiles. Aldehydes, alcohols, and acids are the three main components of Jinhua ham, and the content of aldehydes gradually decreases from Grade I to Grade III ham. The content of acids gradually increased, and we speculated that the increase in acid content was caused by the proliferation of microorganisms in Grade III ham. The key flavor volatiles in Grade I hams was hexanal and 2-methylbutanal. Grade I hams had a strong meat aroma, pleasant fatty, and roasted aroma without any off-flavors. In Grade II ham, the characteristic volatiles (E,E)-2,4-decadienal and ethyl isovalerate were detected. These two volatiles contribute greatly to the flavor of Grade II ham, which makes the flavor of Grade II ham have a special fruity aroma. They also may be prone to sourness and affect the flavor of the ham. Volatiles with low threshold values, such as pyrazines, furans, and sulfur-containing compounds, were relatively high in Grade III hams. This may also contribute to the poorer flavor quality of Grade III hams. This experiment provided a reliable test method and evaluation basis for the rating of Jinhua ham. These results have positive implications for the establishment of odor markers-based grading criteria.

Drivers of coffee liking: Effect of physicochemical characteristics and aromatic profile on consumers' acceptability of mono-origin and mono-variety coffees.

Few studies have investigated at the same time how physicochemical, volatile, and sensory characteristics affect coffee liking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of geographical origin and variety on physicochemical parameters and volatile compounds composition of mono-origin and mono-variety coffees. Check-all-that-apply (CATA) method was used with the aim of identifying the drivers of coffee liking. Moisture content, bulk density, solubility index, color parameters, and phenols and caffeine content were useful parameters for discriminating Robusta from Arabica variety, but not samples from different origins. The hierarchical cluster and principal component analyses performed on the headspace compositions showed a quite sharp ability to group the samples based on their variety. Based on CATA results, roasted attribute, related to the presence of pyrazines, was considered a positive driver of coffee liking unlike grassy and acidic attributes (associated to the presence of acids and aldehydes, respectively). Findings from this study can be a useful tool for coffee manufacturers for a winning market strategy, helping them in the choice of the most suitable raw materials and process conditions in order to produce a well-balanced beverage by enhancing all the possible positive drivers of acceptability and reducing the negative ones.

Chocolates with Brazilian cocoa: Tracking volatile compounds according to consumers' preference.

This study aimed to evaluate the volatile compounds of chocolates made of Brazilian cocoas and statistically track them according to the products' sensorial profile in order to relate them to consumers' acceptance by preference map methodology. The intensity of the chocolate, acidity, woody, smoked, green, floral, burned, musty, and cocoa notes from chocolates produced with cocoa from different Brazilian states were analyzed by a trained panel and by 128 consumers. Samples from Côte d'Ivoire, which is known for its high-quality chocolate, were evaluated for comparison. Solid-phase microextraction headspace sampling/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to evaluate the samples' volatile compounds. One hundred volatile compounds were identified within the samples. The results from the preference maps showed that the maximum preference was found for chocolate made of cocoa from Rondônia, Bahia, and Espírito Santo and Côte d'Ivoire and organic samples from Pará. The ideal sample point was characterized by intense chocolate, floral, and woody notes and mild green and burned notes. The presence of furfural, 3-methyl butanal, phenethyl acetate, 2-phenyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal, methyl pyrazine, phenethyl acetate, 2-phenyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal, and tetramethyl pyrazine were shown to be important for consumer acceptance in the ideal product, whereas the presence of (Z)-2-heptenal and 2-pentyl furan may increase consumer rejection. 2,3-Methyl pyrazine, methyl pyrazine, and 2,3-butanediol, which are important volatile compounds previously reported in the literature, were statistically tracked to both positive and negative sample attributes and must be better explored concerning consumers' acceptance of chocolates.

Formation of Volatile Heterocyclic Compounds and Open-Chain Amides of Theanine in Model Systems with Glucose, Tea Leaves, and Tea Extract under Tea-Roasting Conditions.

Theanine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid found in the tea plant Camellia sinensis. At an elevated temperature (>90 °C), it released two major volatile compounds 1-ethyl-1,5-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-2-one and N-ethylsuccinimide. Other products were identified, including 10 pyrroles and 12 amides/imides. The formation of the two major compounds was proposed to be initiated by the deamination of theanine and through the intermediate α-keto acid. In the presence of glucose, the two major products and many other volatiles from theanine thermal degradation were accelerated and further Maillard reactions occurred. A total of 56 compounds were identified in the model system of theanine and glucose, including 12 amides/imides, 16 pyrazines, 16 pyrroles and other N-heterocycles, and 12 furans and other O-heterocycles. Although most of the reaction products were detected in tea leaves and in their aqueous extract with or without the addition of theanine under the same experiment conditions, imides and amides were considerably suppressed, left only minute amounts, or were even no longer detectable. Pyrazines and pyrroles were also shown at reduced concentrations as a result of the interaction with tea components but to a lesser extent. A total of 16 and 12 pyrazines were identified in the theanine/glucose reaction system and tea leaves/aqueous extract after roasting, respectively. The results indicated that pyrazines and other main volatiles in roasted tea leaves were formed from the Maillard reactions of the aqueous fraction of tea leaves. Theanine participated in the formation of pyrazines in tea leaves under roasting conditions.

Core-shell nanocomposite of flower-like molybdenum disulfide nanospheres and molecularly imprinted polymers for electrochemical detection of anti COVID-19 drug favipiravir in biological samples.

A novel electrochemical sensor is reported for the detection of the antiviral drug favipiravir based on the core-shell nanocomposite of flower-like molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanospheres and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). The MoS2@MIP core-shell nanocomposite was prepared via the electrodeposition of a MIP layer on the MoS2 modified electrode, using o-phenylenediamine as the monomer and favipiravir as the template. The selective binding of target favipiravir at the MoS2@MIP core-shell nanocomposite produced a redox signal in a concentration dependent manner, which was used for the quantitative analysis. The preparation process of the MoS2@MIP core-shell nanocomposite was optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the sensor exhibited a wide linear response range of 0.01 ~ 100 nM (1.57*10-6 ~ 1.57*10-2 µg mL-1) and a low detection limit of 0.002 nM (3.14*10-7 µg mL-1). Application of the sensor was demonstrated by detecting favipiravir in a minimum amount of 10 µL biological samples (urine and plasma). Satisfied results in the recovery tests indicated a high potential of favipiravir monitoring in infectious COVID-19 samples.

Screening Wild Yeast Isolated from Cocoa Bean Fermentation Using Volatile Compounds Profile.

Yeasts are one of the main ingredients responsible for flavor precursors production associated with sensorial characteristics in chocolate. Using wild yeast isolated from cocoa beans fermentation is emerging as a strategy for developing starter cultures. However, the volatile compounds (VCs) produced by yeasts are not yet known. This study aimed to select wild yeasts with the potential to produce volatile compounds associated with desirable flavor attributes. A total of 150 wild yeasts strains were isolated from the spontaneous cocoa beans fermentation, of which 40 were identified by morphology and physiological features. VCs produced were identified and quantified using SPME-GC-MS and GC-FID and profiles were evaluated statistically by PCA and cluster analysis for the compounds that had a high odor threshold value. Thirty-six VCs produced by these yeasts were identified into six main families, namely esters, alcohols, acids, aldehydes, ketones, and pyrazines. PCA showed the separation of the yeasts into two main clusters. Strains, Y195 and Y246, belong to the first cluster and are the highest producers of alcohols related to floral perceptions. In the second cluster, thirty-three yeasts were grouped by their ability to produce esters. Of all of them, Y110MRS stood out for producing 2-phenyl ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate associated with fruity perceptions. This screening allowed us to identify yeasts that produced VCs of technological interest and which could be used to develop a starter culture.