Mechanism, indexes, methods, challenges, and perspectives of edible oil oxidation analysis.

Edible oils are indispensable food components, because they are used for cooking or frying. However, during processing, transport, storage, and consumption, edible oils are susceptible to oxidation, during which various primary and secondary oxidative products are generated. These products may reduce the nutritional value and safety of edible oils and even harm human health. Therefore, analyzing the oxidation of edible oil is essential to ensure the quality and safety of oil. Oxidation is a complex process with various oxidative products, and the content of these products can be evaluated by corresponding indexes. According to the structure and properties of the oxidative products, analytical methods have been employed to quantify these products to analyze the oxidation of oil. Combined with proper chemometric analytical methods, qualitative identification has been performed to discriminate oxidized and nonoxidized oils. Oxidative products are complex and diverse. Thus, proper indexes and analytical methods should be selected depending on specific research objectives. Expanding the mechanism of the correspondence between oxidative products and analytical methods is crucial. The underlying mechanism, conventional indexes, and applications of analytical methods are summarized in this review. The challenges and perspectives for future applications of several methods in determining oxidation are also discussed. This review may serve as a reference in the selection, establishment, and improvement of methods for analyzing the oxidation of edible oil.HighlightsThe mechanism of edible oil oxidation analysis was elaborated.Conventional oxidation indexes and their limited values were discussed.Analytical methods for the determination of oxidative products and qualitative identification of oxidized and non-oxidized oils were reviewed.

Methods, principles, challenges, and perspectives of determining chloropropanols and their esters.

Chloropropanols and their esters are a group of food contaminants that have various toxicities to the human body. Research and control to chloropropanols and their esters is important to food safety. Therefore, the sensitive, accurate, precise, and effective determination of chloropropanols and their esters is highly essential to study their concentration, formation, and mitigation. The indirect method, commonly applied in the determination of chloropropanols and their esters, is based on the cleavage of ester bond, extraction, and derivatization. The conventional indirect method will still be the mostly used method in the near future due to its good sensitivity and feasibility, although its parameters need to be chosen and optimized according to sample stuffs and chloropropanol concentrations. Meanwhile, direct method and other quantitative methods should also be developed for special applications, such as studying the profile of chloropropanol esters and rapid screening protocol. The challenges and future perspectives of these methods are discussed in this review. This review can provide a reference on the selection, designation, and modification of methods for determining chloropropanols and their esters.

Impact of linolenic acid on oxidative stability of rapeseed oils.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of linolenic acid (LA) on oxidation stability of rapeseed oils. Four kinds of rapeseed were harvested by unified cultivation and management in the same geographical conditions, and then four rapeseed oils with different contents of LA were obtained. The effects of linolenic acid and antioxidants (tocopherols and phytosterols) on oxidation stability of rapeseed oils were evaluated. Results showed that rapeseed oil with 5.9% LA was the most stable among four rapeseed oils, followed by commercial rapeseed oil, rapeseed oil with 8.4% LA and rapeseed oil with 10.8% LA. The oxidation stability was negatively correlated with the contents of LA (r = - 0.931, p < 0.01), the polyunsaturated fatty acids (r = - 0.932, p < 0.01), and unsaturated fatty acids (r = - 0.766, p < 0.05). It had no correlation with tocopherols and phytosterols (p > 0.05). In addition, according to the European Union Standards, shelf-life of four rapeseed oils was longer than 30 days in the shelf-life test. Therefore, increasing the LA content in rapeseed oils can be considered as an efficient approach to solve the problem of insufficient LA intake globally.

Application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for the quality and safety analysis of fats and oils: A review.

Fats and oils are essential food components. Their quality and safety pose major concerns for consumers and food producers because of factors such as oxidation and rancidity, excessive levels of trans fatty acid (TFA), and widespread adulteration. Thus, a rapid and easy-to-use technique must be exploited for quality parameter evaluation and monitoring to ensure the edibility, safety, and quality of fats and oils. In the last decades, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has shown great potential in analyzing fats and oils given its speed and simplicity. FTIR-based analytical techniques for common intrinsic quality parameters, including peroxide value, free fatty acid, moisture, TFA, iodine value, as well as oxidation stability, adulteration, and classification of various fats and oils, are summarized in this review. The advantages and disadvantages of selected infrared spectral accessories and sample preparation and spectral processing methods are highlighted. The prospects and reformative aspects for future application of the FTIR technique in the field of fats and oils are also discussed. This review may serve as a basis for applying FTIR not only in future research but also in the fat and oil industries.

Efficient salt-aided aqueous extraction of bitter almond oil.

BACKGROUND: Salt-aided aqueous extraction (SAAE) is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly method of oil extraction that is influenced by many factors. In the present study, we investigated the effect of SAAE on bitter almond oil yield. RESULTS: This study used sodium bicarbonate solution as extraction solvent and the optimal extraction parameters predicted by Box-Behnken design (i.e., concentration of sodium bicarbonate, 0.4 mol L-1 ; solvent-to-sample ratio, 5:1; extraction temperature, 84 °C; extraction time, 60 min), for oil recovery of 90.9%. The physiochemical characteristics of the extracted oil suggest that the quality was similar to that of the aqueous enzymatic extracted oil. Moreover, the content of hydrocyanic acid (HCN) in bitter almond oil was found to be less than 5 mg kg-1 , which was lower compared to that obtained by other reported methods. Results of microanalysis indicated that SAAE led to significant improvement in oil yield by allowing the release of oil and decreasing the emulsion fraction. Therefore, extraction of bitter almond oil by SAAE is feasible. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that extraction of bitter almond oil by SAAE based on the salt effect is feasible on a laboratory scale. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of 3D printing and traditional molding on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in steamed bread.

The production process of fermented black wheat steamed bread is closely related to the overall quality and nutritional content. In this study, we investigated the accuracy, product texture profile and antioxidant activity of fermented black wheat steamed bread samples produced by piston and spiral three-dimensional (3D) printers. The steaming process generally increased the total phenolic content and flavonoid content of the samples. The spiral 3D printer obtained samples with higher accuracy, total phenolic content up to 1960.43 Mg GAE/kg, and higher cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) content. The samples printed by the piston 3D printer showed higher total flavonoid content (575.75 Mg QE/kg), 2, 2'-azobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) values and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) values. This study shows that antioxidant-rich health foods can be prepared using 3D printed black wheat flour. The choice of 3D printing method affects the overall quality and nutritional content of the final product.

Microwave pretreatment effects on the aroma precursors, sensory characteristics and flavor profiles of fragrant rapeseed oil.

Microwave technology offers a rapid and uniform heating method. This study investigated how microwave pretreatment affects the aroma precursors and flavor of fragrant rapeseed oils (FROs). Microwave pretreatment led to decreased levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, sugars, protein-bound amino acids, and glucosinolates. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we identified 66 volatile compounds in the oil samples. Among these, based on odor activity values (OAV ≥ 1), we found 9 aldehydes, 1 ketone, 6 pyrazines, 1 isothiocyanate, and 7 nitriles as the key aroma-active compounds, contributing fatty-like, nutty-like, and pungent-like odors, respectively. The electronic nose results highlighted W5S and W1W as primary sensors for determining the flavor profiles of FROs. Notably, aroma-active pyrazines exhibited strong negative correlations with sucrose, cysteine, lysine, and isoleucine. This research provides essential insights for enhancing the aroma of FROs.

Pickering emulsions stabilized by starch nanocrystals prepared from various crystalline starches by ultrasonic assisted acetic acid: Stability and delivery of curcumin.

Ultrasonic assisted acetic acid hydrolysis was applied to prepare starch nanocrystals (SNCs) from native starches with different crystalline structures (A, B, and C types). The structure properties, morphology, Pickering emulsion stability and curcumin deliver capacity of both SNCs and native starches were investigated and compared. Compared with native starches, SNCs showed smaller size and higher crystallinity. The size of SNCs varied with different crystalline types, with C-type starch exhibiting the smallest SNCs (107.4 nm), followed by A-type (113.8 nm), and B-type displaying the largest particle size (149.0 nm). SNCs-Pickering emulsion showed enhanced stability with smaller emulsion droplets, higher static stability, and denser oil/water interface. SNCs-Pickering emulsions displayed higher curcumin loading efficiency (53.53 %-61.41 %) compared with native starch-Pickering emulsions (13.93 %-19.73 %). During in vitro digestion, SNCs-Pickering emulsions proved to be more proficient in protecting and prolonging the biological activity of curcumin due to their smaller size and better interfacial properties. These findings demonstrated the potential of SNCs for application in Pickering emulsion and delivery of bioactive components.

Effect of pre-treatments and frying conditions on the formation of starch-lipid complex in potato starch chips during deep-frying process.

This study examined the influence of various pretreatment methods, frying durations, and temperatures, as well as the type of frying oil, on the formation and structure of starch-lipid complexes in fried potato chips. Potato starch was processed into dough, sliced, and subjected to deep frying following various pretreatments. Structural analysis showed that steaming as a pretreatment facilitated the generation of V-type starch-lipid complexes, whereas resistant starch type III (RS3) materialized in the desiccated samples instead of the anticipated complexes. The rate of starch-lipid complex formation initially surged but subsequently declined as treatment time increased. A reduction in treatment temperature from 190 °C to 170 °C was conducive to complex formation. Moreover, the maximum relative crystallinity (19.74 %) and ΔH value (7.76 J/g) were recorded for potato starch slices pretreated by steaming and frying in palm oil. Rapeseed oil, which is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (89.98 %), inhibits complex formation. The study concludes that pretreatment methods exert a substantial effect on the formation of starch-lipid complexes and that extended frying duration and elevated temperature may reduce this formation. Oils with longer-chain fatty acids and a lower degree of unsaturation were favorable for complex formation.

Influence of triacylglycerol structure on the formation of lipid oxidation products in different vegetable oils during frying process.

The deterioration of frying oil significantly affects the quality of fried foods, leading to the formation of harmful oxidation products. This study examined how triacylglycerol (TAG) degradation influences both non-volatile and volatile oxidation products in frying oils. The sn-1/3 position of unsaturated fatty acyl chains was key to TAG degradation during frying. After 32 h, soybean oil showed higher levels of polymerized TAG products, 2,4-decadienal, (E)-2-heptenal, (E,E)-conjugated dienes, 4-oxo-alkanals, and epoxides compared to other oils. Rapeseed oil, however, had higher levels of glycerol core aldehydes, (E,E)-2,4-alkadienals, and n-alkanals. Correlation analysis suggested that thermal oxidation was more pronounced in the unsaturated TAGs of soybean and rapeseed oils, likely due to their abundant free radicals and low short-chain fatty acid content. The polar compound composition of TAG heating systems further supported the above conclusions. These results provide a better understanding of oxidative degradation in frying oils, focusing on TAG profiles.

Comparative analysis of millet bran nanocelluloses with various morphologies: Revealing differences in the formation mechanism and structure characteristics.

To investigate the differences of nanocelluloses with various morphologies, ammonium persulphate (APS) oxidation, H3PO4 dissolution and regeneration, and ball milling combined with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl) as a medium were applied to isolate cellulose nanocrystals (MCNCs), cellulose nanospheres (MCNSs) and cellulose fibrils (MCNFs) from millet bran. The structure, properties, and formation mechanism of three nanocelluloses were comparatively investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, atomic force microscope, scanning electronic microscope, and emulsifying ability evaluation. MCNCs had needle-like structures due to the removal of amorphous regions, MCNFs appeared fibrous structures due to swelling and mechanical force, and MCNSs displayed spherical structures through self-assembly. MCNCs and MCNFs were confirmed to exhibit cellulose I structures with crystallinities of 61.24 % and 50.09 %, respectively. MCNSs showed the highest crystallinity of 68.41 % with a cellulose II structure. MCNFs and MCNSs exhibited higher initial decomposition temperatures, while MCNCs showed the highest residual mass. MCNFs suspension showed the highest apparent viscosity, while MCNSs suspension demonstrated superior dispersion. MCNSs-emulsion displayed the smallest droplet size, and MCNFs-emulsion exhibited the highest viscosity. This study reveals the formation mechanisms and relationship between morphologies and properties of three millet bran nanocelluloses, providing a theoretical basis for their application.

Differential metabolic networks in three energy substances of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) during germination.

Germinated flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an essential potential food ingredient, but the major energy substances (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) metabolites and metabolic pathways are unknown. Comprehensive metabolomic analyses were performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry on flaxseed from 0 to 7 d. Additionally, the critical metabolites pathways networks of three energy substances metabolites during flaxseed germination were exhibited. The results showed that arginine was the most active metabolite during germination, strongly associated with the arginine biosynthesis and arginine and proline metabolism pathways. Carbohydrates predominantly comprised sucrose on 0-3 d, which participated in galactose metabolism and starch and sucrose metabolism. The main flaxseed phospholipid molecules were phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylethanolamine, lysophosphatidic acid, and lysophosphatidylcholine during germination. This study underscores the paramount metabolic pathways in proteins, lipids and carbohydrates were arginine and proline metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism during germination.

High-efficiency preparation of starch nanocrystals with small size and high crystallinity by ethanol-acid penetration and dry-heating pretreatment.

Ethanol-acid penetration and drying-heating treatment was developed to shorten the preparation time and improve the quality of starch nanocrystals (SNCs). After treatment by optimized parameters, including 40 % ethanol solution, 10.6 mM chloric acid, and heating time of 1.5 h or 2.0 h, the starches exhibited weakened internal structure and relatively complete crystalline structure. Compared with the regular preparation of only acid hydrolysis, the regular final yield (8.5 % after 5 days) was reached in 48 h and 12 h of the starch heated at 1.5 h and 2.0 h, respectively. The micromorphology, molecular weight, and crystalline structure evaluation demonstrated that the collected nanoparticles were indeed SNCs with smaller size and higher relative crystallinity than regular SNCs. Further analysis found that the SNCs had better crystalline lamellae, higher thermal stability, and lower proportion of phosphorus and sulfur atoms than regular SNCs. This provided a potential method for the high-efficiency preparation of SNCs.

Dynamics of composition, structure, and metabolism of three energy substances in flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) during germination.

The composition and structure changes of three energy substances (protein, lipid, and sugar) and minerals during flaxseed germination were investigated. Na, Ca, Fe, and total free amino acids fluctuating increased and peaked at 7 d. Oil and ɑ-linolenic acid contents increased initially and reached the maximal increment by 14.8 % and 1.4 % (p < 0.05) at 2 d, after which it declined. Soluble sugar mainly consisted of sucrose (50.47 %-72.77 %), glucose, and fructose during germination. Semi-cylindrical depression was enhanced on flaxseed granule surface, and oil bodies distribution from relatively uniform toward cell wall during 0-2 d. Protein order and stability were varied firstly, then grew steadily at 4-7 d and peaked at 7 d. Metabolic sequence (sugar, protein, and lipid) and related tricarboxylic acid pathway were proposed. Conclusively, germinated flaxseed at 2 and 4 d had higher physicochemical and structural properties, which could serve as high-quality resources for lipid and protein processing respectively.

Physicochemical, Structural Structural and Functional Properties of Non-Waxy and Waxy Proso Millet Protein.

The physicochemical, structural and functional properties of proso millet protein from waxy and non-waxy proso millet were investigated. The secondary structures of proso millet proteins consisted mainly of a ß-sheet and ɑ-helix. The two diffraction peaks of proso millet protein appeared at around 9° and 20°. The solubility of non-waxy proso millet protein was higher than that of waxy proso millet protein at different pH values. Non-waxy proso millet protein had a relatively better emulsion stability index (ESI), whereas waxy proso millet protein had a better emulsification activity index (EAI). Non-waxy proso millet protein showed a higher maximum denaturation temperature (Td) and enthalpy change (ΔH) than its waxy counterpart, indicating a more ordered conformation. Waxy proso millet exhibited higher surface hydrophobicity and oil absorption capacity (OAC) than non-waxy proso millet, suggesting that the former may have potential applications as a functional ingredient in the food industry. There was no significant difference in the intrinsic fluorescence spectra of different waxy and non-waxy proso millet proteins at pH 7.0.

Synthesized alkyl ferulates with different chain lengths inhibited the formation of lipid oxidation products in soybean oil during deep frying.

The hydrophilic nature of ferulic acid limits its applications under lipophilic conditions. This study set out to evaluate the antioxidant efficacy of alkyl ferulates with different chain lengths in soybean oil under frying conditions. Ferulic acid was esterified with four unbranched fatty alcohols (C4:0-C16:0), and tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) served as a standard for comparison. The antioxidant effect of alkyl ferulates increased with the alkyl chain length. The addition of antioxidants could inhibit increases in the levels of p-anisidine, total polar compounds, conjugated dienes, conjugated trienes, oxidized triglyceride monomers, triglyceride dimers, triglyceride oligomers, and glycerol core aldehydes efficiently, and the inhibitory effects of hexadecyl ferulate was the strongest. Moreover, hexadecyl ferulate and TBHQ exhibited better inhibitory effects on the generation of n-alkanals, (E)-2-alkenals, and 4-oxo-alkanals determined by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance than others. Hence, the long-chain alkyl ferulates meet the industrial demands for ideal antioxidants with strong antioxidant capacity at high temperatures.

Formation mechanism of starch nanocrystals from waxy rice starch and their separation by differential centrifugation.

Starch nanocrystals (SNCs) were prepared from waxy rice starch via sulfuric acid hydrolysis. The objective focused on the following: i) the hydrolysis kinetics and structural properties of SNCs; ii) the effects of differential centrifugation on the yield and size distribution of SNCs. The hydrolysis was divided into a rapid hydrolysis stage in the initial two days and a slow hydrolysis stage after two days. During the two-day hydrolysis, the average diameter of SNCs reached 244 nm. After two days of hydrolysis, the degree of crystallinity, crystallite size, and melting temperature and enthalpy increased. The proportion of A-branched chains decreased, whereas the proportion of B1-branched chains and molecular weight did not change considerably. Thus, the reaction in the slow hydrolysis stage could be considered as the surface modification and gradual release of SNCs. Furthermore, SNCs with a small size and high charge density could be used for differential centrifugation.

Effect of germination pretreatment on the physicochemical properties and lipid concomitants of flaxseed oil.

This study investigated the effects of germination pretreatment on the physicochemical properties, lipid concomitants, and antioxidant activity of flaxseed oil in three varieties. The results indicated that the oil content of flaxseed decreased by 2.29-7.40% during the 5 days germination period. Germinated flaxseed oil showed a significantly higher acid value and lower peroxide value. The unsaturated fatty acid content was slightly increased by germination. Germination pretreatment resulted in significant increases in the α-tocopherol, stigmasterol, pigments, total phenols, and antioxidant activity. As germination time progressed to 5 days, α-tocopherol which was traditionally recognized as having the highest antioxidant activity form of vitamin E in humans increased from 3.07-6.82 mg kg-1 to 258.11-389.78 mg kg-1. Germinated oil had 1.63 to 2.05 times higher stigmasterol content than non-germinated oil. The chlorophyll and carotenoid also increased exponentially. The total phenol content of flaxseed oil increased from 64.29-75.85 mg kg-1 to 236.30-297.78 mg kg-1. Germinated flaxseed oil showed important antioxidant activity. Compared with other varieties during germination, the oil from Gansu showed a higher level of α-linolenic acid, tocopherols, and carotenoid, and a maximum increase level of tocopherols and phytosterols. The comprehensive evaluation of germination time by correlation and principal component analysis showed that when germination time exceeded 2 days, the lipid concomitants and antioxidant capacity of flaxseed oil were significantly improved.

Comparison of properties and application of starch nanoparticles optimized prepared from different crystalline starches.

Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) were produced by nanoprecipitation combined with ultrasonication with the use of different starches (corn, potato and sago starch) and used to stabilize Pickering emulsions. The orthogonal experiment was used to optimize preparation conditions of gelatinization pretreatment duration of 30 min, ultrasonic power of 600 W, and ultrasonic time of 40 min. Compared with native starch, the SNPs were spherical in shape and displayed a V-type crystalline structure with low relative crystallinity and higher degree of double-helix. Compared with native starch-Pickering emulsion, the SNP-Pickering emulsion had a smaller droplet size, more uniform distribution, clearer oil/water interface, and higher static stability of droplets. The sago SNP-Pickering emulsion had the great gelatinous structure and emulsion stability. In addition, the SNP-Pickering emulsion had the better loading efficiency and controlled release performance of curcumin. Meanwhile, the bioavailability of curcumin in sago SNP-Pickering emulsion was highest.

A new sight separation for collecting starch nanocrystals with small size and high crystallinity based on the hydrolysis mechanism.

To prevent starch nanocrystals (SNCs) that are generated at an early stage from being hydrolyzed excessively, this study proposed a new separation method, named "neutral dispersion and acidic precipitation." SNCs were prepared from waxy potato starch by sulfuric acid hydrolysis. Based on the results of kinetics and molecular weight, the hydrolysis was divided into three stages, e.g., rapid (initial 1 day), medium (subsequent 1 day) and slow stage (2-5 days). The rapid and medium stages were related to the degradation of amorphous region in starch, and the slow stage mainly referred to SNC release. Therefore, the method was developed to separate SNCs at the slow stage. After centrifugation at 6000 rpm, large particles were removed from the SNC suspension under pH 7. The SNCs with small average size and crystallite size, high relative crystallinity (RC), and high dispersion stability in the supernatant were retained and were then precipitated entirely under pH 5, because pH 5 led to the reduction of dispersion stability of SNCs. Meanwhile, the hydrothermal and dry-thermal stability of separated SNCs were significantly promoted. The separation method has the potential in SNC preparation for increasing the yield and collecting products with small size and high RC.