Lipidomic characteristics of three edible cold-pressed oils by LC/Q-TOF for simple quality and authenticity assurance

Securing food authenticity by translating triacylglycerol profiles of edible oils into a versatile identification method for pumpkin seed oil adulteration

Edible plant oils provide a crucial source of lipids for human nutrition. Owing to the complex processing of some high-quality variants, including Styrian pumpkin seed oil, edible plant oils have become susceptible to food fraud by adulteration with cheaper vegetable oils, compromising both authenticity and quality. To address this issue, a workflow was developed utilizing QTOF-MS/MS to search for triacylglycerol markers indicative of adulteration and subsequently adapted them for routine analysis using triple quadrupole MS/MS. By developing a transparent classification system utilizing a multi-feature triacylglycerol panel, reliable detection of adulteration down to 3 % (w/w) is possible. Calculating ratios of selected markers and establishing intervals derived from pure oils further enables easy scalability to adjust marker ratios and ensure robustness against permanent or seasonal changes. Our work aims to make advances towards a rapid and accurate detection of oil adulteration in food industry, crucial for maintaining customer trust and safety.

Molecular networking and Paterno-Büchi reaction guided glycerides characterization and antioxidant activity assessment of Ganoderma lucidum spore oil

Ganoderma lucidum spore oil (GLSO) is a dietary supplement, with glycerides (GLs) recognized as its important active component. However, comprehensive profiling and accurate structural characterization of GLs in GLSO remain underexplored. In this study, 59 GLs from GLSO were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF MS) and molecular networking (MN). The double bond isomers of these compounds were further resolved by the Paterno-Büchi (PB) reaction coupled with UPLC-Q-TOF MS, resulting in the identification of 36 unsaturated GLs, including 5 pairs of positional isomers. In summary, 64 GLs were characterized, consisting of 9 diacylglycerols (DGs) and 55 triacylglycerols (TGs). Additionally, the compositional variations, antioxidant activities, and relative isomer ratios of CC positional isomers of GLSO from eight different manufacturers were revealed, with 11 GLs correlating with antioxidant activity. This study enhances the understanding of the nutritional value of GLSO and lays a foundation for future quality standard formulation.

Unraveling the formation mechanism of aroma compounds in pork during air frying using UHPLC-HRMS and Orbitrap Exploris GC-MS

Lipids are the key matrix for the presence of odorants in meat products. The formation mechanism of odorants of air-fried (AF) pork at 230 °C was elucidated from the perspectives of lipids and heat transfer using physicochemical analyses and multidimensional statistics. Twenty-nine key aroma compounds were identified, with pyrazines predominantly contributing to the roasty aroma of air-fried roasted pork. Untargeted lipidomics revealed 1184 lipids in pork during roasting, with phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and triglyceride (TG) being the major lipids accounting for about 60 % of the total lipids. TG with C18 acyl groups, such as TG 16:1_18:1_18:2 and TG 18:0_18:0_20:3, were particularly significant in forming the aroma of AF pork. The OPLS-DA model identified seven potential biomarkers that differentiate five roasting times, including PC 16:0_18:3 and 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine. Notably, a lower specific heat capacity and water activity accelerated heat transfer, promoting the formation and retention of odorants in AF pork.

Convergent technologies to tackle challenges of modern food authentication

The authentication process involves all the supply chain stakeholders, and it is also adopted to verify food quality and safety. Food authentication tools are an essential part of traceability systems as they provide information on the credibility of origin, species/variety identity, geographical provenance, production entity. Moreover, these systems are useful to evaluate the effect of transformation processes, conservation strategies and the reliability of packaging and distribution flows on food quality and safety. In this manuscript, we identified the innovative characteristics of food authentication systems to respond to market challenges, such as the simplification, the high sensitivity, and the non-destructive ability during authentication procedures. We also discussed the potential of the current identification systems based on molecular markers (chemical, biochemical, genetic) and the effectiveness of new technologies with reference to the miniaturized systems offered by nanotechnologies, and computer vision systems linked to artificial intelligence processes. This overview emphasizes the importance of convergent technologies in food authentication, to support molecular markers with the technological innovation offered by emerging technologies derived from biotechnologies and informatics. The potential of these strategies was evaluated on real examples of high-value food products. Technological innovation can therefore strengthen the system of molecular markers to meet the current market needs; however, food production processes are in profound evolution. The food 3D-printing and the introduction of new raw materials open new challenges for food authentication and this will require both an update of the current regulatory framework, as well as the development and adoption of new analytical systems.

One-phase extraction coupled with photochemical reaction allows the in-depth lipid characterization of hempseeds by untargeted lipidomics

Due to their valuable nutritional content, several hemp-derived products from hempseeds have recently been placed in the market as food and food ingredients. In particular, the lipid composition of hempseeds has raised interest for their rich content in biologically active polyunsaturated fatty acids with an optimum ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 compounds. At present, however, the overall polar lipidome composition of hempseeds remains largely unknown. In the present work, an analytical platform was developed for the extraction, untargeted HRMS-based analysis, and detailed annotation of the lipid species. First, five one- and two-phase solid-liquid extraction protocols were tested and compared on a hempseed pool sample to select the method that allowed the overall highest efficiency as well as easy coupling with lipid derivatization by photochemical [2 + 2] cycloaddition with 6-azauracil. Underivatized lipids were annotated employing a data processing workflow on Compound Discoverer software that was specifically designed for polar lipidomics, whereas inspection of the MS/MS spectra of the derivatized lipids following the aza-Paternò-Büchi reaction allowed pinpointing the regiochemistry of carbon-carbon double bonds. A total of 184 lipids were annotated, i.e., 26 fatty acids and 158 phospholipids, including minor subclasses such as N-acylphosphatidylethanolamines. Once the platform was set up, the lipid extracts from nine hempseed samples from different hemp strains were characterized, with information on the regiochemistry of free and conjugated fatty acids. The overall analytical approach helped to fill a gap in the knowledge of the nutritional composition of hempseeds.

Vegetable oils: Classification, quality analysis, nutritional value and lipidomics applications

Lipids are widespread in nature and play a pivotal role as a source of energy and nutrition for the human body. Vegetable oils (VOs) constitute a significant category in the food industry, containing various lipid components that have garnered attention for being natural, environmentally friendly and health-promoting. The review presented the classification of raw materials (RMs) from oil crops and quality analysis techniques of VOs, with the aim of improving comprehension and facilitating in-depth research of VOs. Brief descriptions were provided for four categories of VOs, and quality analysis techniques for both RMs and VOs were generalized. Furthermore, this study discussed the applications of lipidomics technology in component analysis, processing and utilization, quality determination, as well as nutritional function assessment of VOs. Through reviewing RMs and quality analysis techniques of VOs, this study aims to encourage further refinement and development in the processing and utilization of VOs, offering valuable references for theoretical and applied research in food chemistry and food science.

Volatile aroma compounds of passion fruit seed Oils: HS-GC-IMS analysis and interpretation

The physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition and volatile aroma compounds of cold-pressed passion fruit seed oils were analyzed. The oils were rich in linoleic acid, oleic acid and volatile compounds. A total of 108 volatile compounds including 17 aldehydes, 23 alcohols, 21 esters, 19 ketones, 6 acids, 9 alkenes, 5 pyrazines and 8 others were identified using HS-GC-IMS. The significant differences of volatile compounds in the purple and yellow passion fruit seed oils were observed via the GalleryPlot graph and distinguished by principal component analysis. The results showed that acids, alcohols, esters and ketones were major aromatic compounds in purple passion fruit seed oils, which contribute to flavors such as flowery, fruity, creamy, yogurt. Whereas the contents of aldehydes, pyrazines, alkenes were higher in yellow passion fruit seed oils, which contributes to fatty and nutty odors. The findings filled in our understanding of volatilization characteristics in passion fruit seed oils.

DSC Phase Transition Profiles Analyzed by Control Charts to Determine Markers for the Authenticity and Deterioration of Flaxseed Oil during Storage

An approach of implementing X-bar and R control charts as a statistical control tool to monitor the changes in the melting profile of fresh and stored flaxseed oils by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used. Phase transition melting profiles were collected after 0, 2, 4, and 6 months of storing flaxseed oils, originating from five different cultivars. Four peaks at around -36, -30, -25, and -12 °C were identified using the deconvolution analysis procedure, which enabled the data to be collected at peak temperature (T), peak height (h), the peak area (A), and the percentages of the area (P A), as well as the ratio calculated from these parameters. Control charts obtained for the second peak of the melting profile showed a significant decrease of peak height (h2) from 0.50 to 0.39 W/g and the percentage of the area (P A2) from 50 to 38%, within the storage time (p ≤ 0.05); thus, they were considered to be indicators of oil deterioration. Strong negative correlations of the unstable parameters of DSC with chemical indicators of the oils' oxidative stability (PV, p-AV, TOTOX) were found. For DSC parameters, related to the first peak (h1, A1) and the third peak (h3, A3), changes were statistically not significant within storage (p > 0.05); thus, they can be used as markers of flaxseed oil authenticity. The study demonstrated that X-bar and R control charts could effectively monitor changes in the specific peaks and calculated ratios from the DSC melting profile of fresh and stored flaxseed oils, serving as reliable indicators of oil deterioration.