The potential of the pecan nut cake as an ingredient for the food industry

Pecan nut [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] cake (PNC) is a co-product from the oil extraction industry and its potential as an ingredient for the food industry are not well known. In this work, the nutritional composition and the functional properties of PNC were studied. Additionally, the influence of different solvents (ethanol, water, and acetic acid) on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity (reducing potential of the hydrophilic compounds - RPHC, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl - DPPH, and total reducing capacity - TRC) of PNC extracts were established using a simplex-centroid design. PNC is a source of carbohydrates, protein, and dietary fiber (40.5; 21.87 and 13.01 g 100 g^-1, respectively). The PNC exhibited a low energy value when compared to the raw nut (398.8 kcal 100 g^-1 and 645.54 kcal 100 g^-1, respectively). Mg, Mn and Co (416.74; 23.21 mg 100 g^-1 and 59.00 μg 100 g^-1, respectively) were the main minerals identified in PNC. The PNC also presented functional properties such as emulsifying and oil absorption capacities and a great ability to absorb water. Using the proposed solvent mixture system, the content of total phenolic compounds and condensed tannins recovered from PNC ranged between 172.43 and 2744.24 mg GAE 100 g^-1, and 253.42 to 1376.44 mg CE 100 g^-1, respectively. The antioxidant capacity of the PNC extract was showed through its ability to reduce hydrophilic (172.06-1714.96 mg GAE 100 g^-1) to transfer hydrogen atoms (12.55-74.11% scavenging activity) and lipophilic compounds (509.87-2070.80 mg QE 100 g^-1) using RPHC, DPPH, and TRC methods, respectively. Combining ethanol, water, and acetic acid at 30 °C for 15 min, positively affects the extraction of bioactive compounds from PNC, as well as the antioxidant activity of the extracts. The physicochemical, functional, phytochemical, and antioxidant properties demonstrate that pecan nut cake may represent a potential ingredient or additive for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Cost-Effective and High-Reliability Analytical Approach for Multitoxin Screening in Bivalve Mollusks by Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A fast, less expensive, analytical approach with high metrologic reliability was developed to assist an official program for 21 marine biotoxins, monitoring in bivalve mollusks. The simultaneous analysis of lipophilic and hydrophilic marine biotoxins was achieved using a sample preparation protocol based on solid-liquid extraction and low-temperature cleanup, followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Samples were extracted with acidified methanol/water (90:10), followed by low-temperature cleanup. Chromatographic separation was obtained using a cyano-bonded silica phase. The mobile phase was composed of water and acetonitrile, with both 0.1% formic acid and 2.5 mmol L^-1 ammonium formate. Electrospray ionization was used in both negative and positive modes. The single-laboratory validation approach enabled method performance assessment, and the necessary data to design a model for result expression were yielded. With this purpose, a systematic study of errors and uncertainties was performed. This new analytical approach aimed to minimize the use of highly expensive analytical standards, promoting economic viability to be applied by high-throughput routine laboratories. After its implementation on the Brazilian official monitoring program, positive results near the regulatory limits were obtained, demonstrating the fit for purpose of the method as a surveillance tool.