Scope and challenges of seaweed utilization in food and nutraceutical industry in India: a review.

Seaweeds are an excellent source of unique antioxidant phytochemicals, dietary fibres, essential amino acids, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and minerals. The presence of such structurally diverse and high value bioactive compounds has led to popularization of seaweed as functional food ingredient in global health supplement market. India, with a long coastline of 8100 km and exclusive economic zone of 2.17 million km2, is rich in diverse seaweed resources belonging to almost 700 species. However, food and nutraceutical application of Indian seaweed is highly constrained. Apart from Kappaphycus alvarezii, there is no systematic commercial cultivation of seaweed in India. The regulatory framework for use of seaweed as food is still developing and consumer acceptance is still low. However, there is a timely and renewed interest from different government agencies and research organisations to develop a thriving food and nutraceutical industry using India's vast seaweed resources. The review briefly describes the nutritional and functional food potential of the seaweed and goes on to discuss the scope of seaweed utilization in food and nutraceutical industry in India. Further, the review has identified the regulatory challenges and quality control requirements for use of seaweeds in food and nutraceuticals.

Sardine oil loaded vanillic acid grafted chitosan microparticles improves the in vivo antioxidant, haematological and lipid profile.

Oxidative stability of fish oil supplements poses a considerable health risk which can be prevented by novel delivery systems. A newly developed formulation of microencapsulated sardine oil showed excellent oxidative stability in vitro. The present study's objective is to evaluate the new formulation in vivo as a potential new supplement which may improve antioxidant, haematological, and lipid profile. The optimisation of the sardine oil loaded microparticles (SO-M) and the characterisation have been presented briefly. The SO-M formulation was fed to male albino rats for two months. Following the feeding experiment, haemoglobin content, platelet and RBC count were assessed in the control and treated group. Similarly, levels of serum cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and metabolic enzyme biomarkers, namely catalase, SOD, GST, AST, ALT, ACP and ALP, were compared. The blood analysis showed a significant increase in haemoglobin, platelets and RBC count in the treated group. Lipid profiling showed that both triglycerides and LDL levels were decreased in the sample treated group. This study also showed significant modulation of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, SOD and GST. The new formulation of PUFA rich sardine oil significantly improved the in vivo antioxidant, haematological and lipid profile, suggesting potential use as a dietary supplement. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05329-5.

In vivo anti-lipidemic and antioxidant potential of collagen peptides obtained from great hammerhead shark skin waste.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of fish collagen peptides (FCP) derived from the skin of great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran) in attenuating the high fat diet-alcohol induced hyperlipidemia. The oral supplementation of FCP in high fat diet-alcohol fed experimental rats confirmed the regulation of body weight to normal level. The FCP treated group revealed the efficient lipid lowering ability by enhancing the cholesterol metabolism. Western blot analysis of the lipid metabolic enzymes revealed that the oral-intake of FCP has down-regulated the expression levels of fatty acid synthase and 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR). Simultaneously, the expression levels of Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) in liver was up-regulated. Histopathology analysis of liver tissues demonstrated that the FCP treated group maintained normal liver parenchyma with moderate inflammatory infiltration, whereas the statin treated group developed centrilobular fibrosis, atrophy of hepatocytes and moderate inflammatory infiltration. Oral dietary supplementation of FCP enhanced the activity levels of both superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes and, lowered the levels of lipid peroxidation in liver tissues. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05118-0.

Nanoencapsulation in low-molecular-weight chitosan improves in vivo antioxidant potential of black carrot anthocyanin.

BACKGROUND: Anthocyanins are flavonoids that are potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and anti-carcinogenic nutraceutical ingredients. However, low chemical stability and low bioavailability limit the use of anthocyanins in food. Nanoencapsulation using biopolymers is a recent successful strategy for stabilization of anthocyanins. This study reports the development, characterization, and antioxidant activity of black carrot anthocyanin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ACNPs). RESULTS: The ionic gelation technique yielded the ACNPs. The mean hydrodynamic diameter d and polydispersity index PDI of chitosan nanoparticles and ACNPs were found to be d = 455 nm and PDI = 0.542 respectively for chitosan nanoparticles and d = 274 nm and PDI = 0.376 respectively for ACNPs. The size distribution was bimodal. The surface topography revealed that the ACNPs are spherical and display a coacervate structure. Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed physicochemical interactions of anthocyanins with chitosan. The loading process could achieve an encapsulation efficiency of 70%. The flow behavior index η of encapsulated ACNPs samples revealed Newtonian and shear thickening characteristics. There was a marginal reduction in the in vitro antioxidant potential of anthocyanins after nanoencapsulation, as evidenced from 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. Interestingly, the in vivo antioxidant potential of anthocyanins improved following nanoencapsulation, as observed in the serum antioxidant assays. CONCLUSION: The optimized nanoencapsulation process resulted in spherical nanoparticles with appreciable encapsulation efficiency. The nanoencapsulation process improved the in vivo antioxidant activity of anthocyanins, indicating enhanced stability and bioavailability. The promising antioxidant activity of the ACNPs suggests a potential for utilization as a nutraceutical supplement. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Exploring the physical and quality attributes of muffins incorporated with microencapsulated squalene as a functional food additive.

Squalene, a triterpenoid compound is proven to possess immense bioactivities by virtue of its high antioxidant activity. The present study was designed to investigate the quality attributes of muffins as influenced by addition of encapsulated squalene. Nutritional analysis showed that calorific value of prepared muffins has ranged from 480.78 ± 0.10 to 501.61 ± 0.38 kcal. Baking loss was lowest in case of muffins prepared with encapsulated squalene with its crumb region recorded higher moisture content. Color kinetics study indicated that browning index (BI) was higher in crust portion of encapsulated squalene enriched muffins. Scanning electron micrographs showing that muffins with encapsulated squalene had stronger structural organization. This was further supported by the textural studies showed that the muffins with encapsulated squalene was cohesive, springier and chewy with less gumminess and stiffness indicating their efficacy in improving the textural quality. Oxidative stability and microbiological quality were also high in squalene enriched foods suggesting that squalene might have some antimicrobial effects. Outcome of the study indicated that encapsulated squalene can be very well utilised as a functional food ingredient in ready -to-eat functional foods. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at (10.1007/s13197-020-04955-9).

Optimization of process parameters for the production of collagen peptides from fish skin (Epinephelus malabaricus) using response surface methodology and its characterization.

The study optimized the hydrolysis conditions for the production of fish collagen peptides from skin of Malabar grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus) using response surface methodology. The hydrolysis was done with enzymes pepsin, papain and protease from bovine pancreas. Effects of process parameters viz: pH, temperature, enzyme substrate ratio and hydrolysis time of the three different enzymes on degree of hydrolysis were investigated. The optimum response of degree of hydrolysis was estimated to be 10, 20 and 28% respectively for pepsin, papain and protease. The functional properties of the product developed were analysed which showed changes in the properties from proteins to peptides. SDS-PAGE combined with MALDI TOF method was successfully applied to determine the molecular weight distribution of the hydrolysate. The electrophoretic pattern indicated that the molecular weights of peptides formed due to hydrolysis were nearly 2 kDa. MALDI TOF spectral analysis showed the developed hydrolysate contains peptides having molecular weight in the range below 2 kDa.

Assessment of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and pesticide residues in domestic and imported pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fish in India.

BACKGROUND: The pangasius catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is a ubiquitous item of seafood in global markets. However, pesticide residues in aquaculture fish, arising from agricultural run-off and/or direct application during pond preparation, pest control and harvest, are a potential food safety concern. This study assessed the level of chemical hazard in domestic and imported pangasius fish in India. RESULTS: A total of 119 contaminants, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorines (OCs) and other groups of pesticides, were screened in 148 samples during 2014-2015 as the first endeavour of its kind in an Indian context, employing a validated gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) method. Apart from the low-level incidence of OCs, pesticides such as quinalphos, malathion, parathion-methyl, etc. were detected in 38% of the samples. In comparison with Indian pangasius, fewer contaminants at low residue level were detected in pangasius fillets imported from Vietnam. CONCLUSION: The human dietary exposures of the residue concentrations detected were less than the maximum permissible intakes and hence appeared safe. However, detection of commonly used pesticides indicated their direct application in aquaculture and contamination from agricultural run-off. This emphasizes the need for continual residue monitoring in aquaculture fish. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterisation of hydrolysates prepared from engraved catfish (Nemapteryx caelata) roe by serial hydrolysis.

Protein hydrolysates were prepared from defatted engraved catfish roe using alcalase enzyme by a two-stage serial hydrolysis process. The soluble hydrolysate formed after first stage of hydrolysis was removed (RH-1) and fresh enzyme was added at the same concentration to achieve further hydrolysis (RH-2). Further, compositional, surface-active and antioxidant properties of both hydrolysates were compared. The SDS-PAGE profile showed two distinct bands for RH-1, whereas no bands were visible for RH-2. On the other hand, gel filtration chromatography of the hydrolysates indicated 3-4 distinct fractions. Both the hydrolysates showed similar foam forming abilities, however, RH-1 exhibited poor foam stability. Emulsion properties of RH-1 were superior to that of RH-2. The major fractions eluted through gel filtration column were screened for antioxidant properties. Higher DPPH radical scavenging and metal chelating properties were observed for RH-1 second fragment, whereas FRAP and Fe(2+) reducing power was highest for second fragment of RH-2.

Development of thiamine and pyridoxine loaded ferulic acid-grafted chitosan microspheres for dietary supplementation.

Therapeutic potential of water soluble vitamins has been known for long and in recent times they are being widely supplemented in processed food. Phenolic acid-grafted chitosan derivatives can serve as excellent biofunctional encapsulating materials for these vitamins. As a proof of concept, thiamine and pyridoxine loaded ferulic acid-grafted chitosan microspheres were developed. Ferulic acid was successfully grafted on chitosan by a free radical mediated reaction and the structure was confirmed by FTIR and NMR analysis. When compared to FTIR spectra of chitosan, intensity of amide I (at around 1644 cm(-1)) and amide II (at around 1549 cm(-1)) bands in spectra of ferulic acid-grafted chitosan were found increased, indicating formation of new amide linkage. Strong signals at δ = 6.3-7.9 ppm corresponding to methine protons of ferulic acid were observed in NMR spectra of ferulic acid-grafted chitosan, suggesting the successful grafting of ferulic acid onto chitosan. Grafting ratio of the derivative was 263 mg ferulic acid equivalent/g polymer. Positively charged particles (zeta potential 31 mv) of mean diameter 4.5 and 4.8 µ, corresponding to number distribution and area distribution respectively were observed. Compact microspheres with smooth surfaces and no apparent cracks or pores were observed under scanning electron microscope. Efficient microencapsulation was further proved by X-ray diffraction patterns and thermal analysis. Preliminary anti-inflammatory activity of the vitamin-loaded microspheres was demonstrated.

Developmental prospects of carrageenan-based wound dressing films: Unveiling techno-functional properties and freeze-drying technology for the development of absorbent films - A review.

This review explores the intricate wound healing process, emphasizing the critical role of dressing material selection, particularly for chronic wounds with high exudate levels. The aim is to tailor biodegradable dressings for comprehensive healing, focusing on maximizing moisture retention, a vital element for adequate recovery. Researchers are designing advanced wound dressings that enhance techno-functional and bioactive properties, minimizing healing time and ensuring cost-effective care. The study delves into wound dressing materials, highlighting carrageenan biocomposites superior attributes and potential in advancing wound care. Carrageenan's versatility in various biomedical applications demonstrates its potential for tissue repair, bone regeneration, and drug delivery. Ongoing research explores synergistic effects by combining carrageenan with other novel materials, aiming for complete biocompatibility. As innovative solutions emerge, carrageenan-based wound-healing medical devices are poised for global accessibility, addressing challenges associated with the complex wound-healing process. The exceptional physico-mechanical properties of carrageenan make it well-suited for highly exudating wounds, offering a promising avenue to revolutionize wound care through freeze-drying techniques. This thorough approach to evaluating the wound healing effectiveness of carrageenan-based films, particularly emphasizing the development potential of lyophilized films, has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for patients receiving wound healing treatments.

A Review on Fish Skin-Derived Gelatin: Elucidating the Gelatin Peptides-Preparation, Bioactivity, Mechanistic Insights, and Strategies for Stability Improvement.

Fish skin-derived gelatin has garnered significant attention recently due to its abundant availability and promising bioactive properties. This comprehensive review elucidates various intricacies concerning fish skin-derived gelatin peptides, including their preparation techniques, bioactive profiles, underlying mechanisms, and methods for stability enhancement. The review investigates diverse extraction methods and processing approaches for acquiring gelatin peptides from fish skin, emphasizing their impact on the peptide composition and functional characteristics. Furthermore, the review examines the manifold bioactivities demonstrated by fish skin-derived gelatin peptides, encompassing antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, elucidating their potential roles in functional food products, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. Further, mechanistic insights into the functioning of gelatin peptides are explored, shedding light on their interactions with biological targets and pathways. Additionally, strategies aimed at improving the stability of gelatin peptides, such as encapsulation, modification, and integration into delivery systems, are discussed to extend the shelf life and preserve the bioactivity. Overall, this comprehensive review offers valuable insights into using fish skin-derived gelatin peptides as functional ingredients, providing perspectives for future research endeavors and industrial applications within food science, health, and biotechnology.

Maxillofacial Soft-tissue Healing Efficacy between Nano-chitosan and Collagen-Chitosan Membrane - A Comparative Study.

Introduction: Routine wound management in maxillofacial trauma with soft-tissue injury needs to be addressed in a systematic way to prevent untoward complications. In this study, we examined the effects of a novel surgical dressing material on pain, wound healing and scar and its feasibility to common people. Our aim is to compare the efficacy and potency of the nano-chitosan membrane and collagen-chitosan membrane as surgical dressing materials for soft-tissue wounds in the maxillofacial region. Materials and Methods: Thirty participants who sustained soft-tissue injury in the maxillofacial region were included in the study. Post-suturing, Group A participants were treated with nano-chitosan membrane impregnated with chlorhexidine, Group B participants were treated with collagen-chitosan membrane impregnated with chlorhexidine and Group C participants had received chlorhexidine powder as conventional wound care management and recalled and evaluated for wound healing, pain and scar at seventh day, one month and three months postoperatively. Results: The wound healing efficacy of both Group A and B participants was nearly comparable and Group A had better wound healing (P = 0.043) when compared to conventional chlorhexidine dressing material. In relation to pain intensity, Group A was reported with a low intensity of pain and also with better results in scar assessment at the third-month follow-up. Discussion: This study had proven that even though the wound healing efficacy of both nano-chitosan and collagen-chitosan membranes is nearly comparable, nano-chitosan shows better results on the evaluation of parameters such as wound healing, pain and scar. Nano-chitosan membrane has better wound healing when compared to conventional chlorhexidine dressing material.

Proteoglycans in breast cancer, identification and characterization by LC-MS/MS assisted proteomics approach: A review.

PURPOSE: Proteoglycans (PGs) are negatively charged macromolecules containing a core protein and single or several glycosaminoglycan chains attached by covalent bond. They are distributed in all tissues, including extracellular matrix (ECM), cell surface, and basement membrane. They are involved in major pathways and cell signalling cascades which modulate several vital physiological functions of the body. They have also emerged as a target molecule for cancer treatment and as possible biomarkers for early cancer detection. Among cancers, breast cancer is a highly invasive and heterogenous type and has become the major cause of mortality especially among women. So, this review revisits the studies on PGs characterization in breast cancer using LC-MS/MS-based proteomics approach, which will be further helpful for identification of potential PGs-based biomarkers or therapeutic targets. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: There is a lack of comprehensive knowledge on the use of LC-MS/MS-based proteomics approaches to identify and characterize PGs in breast cancer. RESULTS: LC-MS/MS assisted PGs characterization in breast cancer revealed the vital PGs in breast cancer invasion and progression. In addition, comprehensive profiling and characterization of PGs in breast cancer are efficiently carried out by this approach. CONCLUSIONS: Proteomics techniques including LC-MS/MS-based identification of proteoglycans is effectively carried out in breast cancer research. Identification of expression at different stages of breast cancer is a major challenge, and LC-MS/MS-based profiling of PGs can boost novel strategies to treat breast cancer, which involve targeting PGs, and also aid early diagnosis using PGs as biomarkers.

Iron-Enriched Fish Powder Improved Haemoglobin Levels in Adolescent Girls of West Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya, India.

This study was carried out to assess the efficacy of sodium iron EDTA (NaFeEDTA) salt-enriched fish powder in addressing iron deficiency in adolescent anaemic girls. This was a 60-day randomised double-blinded, controlled intervention trial involving 123 girls age ranging from 10 to 19 years in three villages of West Jaintia Hills District of State of Meghalaya in India using soup made out of sodium iron EDTA (NaFeEDTA)-enriched fish powder (250 mg/100 g). The influence of the iron-enriched powder on blood haemoglobin levels and serum iron was determined. The research also analysed the food consumed by the study subjects during the study period and it was found that there were no significant differences between the iron-enriched and control groups. The results indicated that the girls predominantly consumed cereals with little fruits, vegetables and meat. On an average, 100 ml of soup prepared out of 10 g of fish powder per day was consumed that theoretically provided about 25 mg of iron each day. Following intervention, all the participants in the group that consumed soup made out of NaFeEDTA-enriched fish powder had significantly higher haemoglobin levels and serum iron and a lower prevalence of anaemia than the control group. The effects of NaFeEDTA salt-enriched fish powder were statistically significant and it can be inferred that NaFeEDTA-enriched fish powder was highly effective in controlling iron deficiency and reducing the prevalence of iron-deficiency anaemia among the adolescent girls.

Anti-ulcerogenic potential of anthocyanin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles against alcohol-HCl induced gastric ulcer in rats.

Chitosan is more prominent in food applications due to its versatile properties. Anthocyanins have gained much research attention due to their multifaceted role in preventing various lifestyle ailments. Encapsulated anthocyanin- loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ACNPs) were prepared by conventional ionotropic gelation method. In the present study, the gastro-protective effect of encapsulated ACNPs was evaluated against absolute ethanol-hydrochloric acid (HCl-Ethanol mixture) induced gastric ulcer in male Wistar rats. The histopathology and microscopic scoring of ulcer data of stomach tissue sections revealed that oral administration of encapsulated ACNPs group can alleviate inflammation of induced-gastric ulcer. Further, the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (Interleukin 4, IL-4) and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Interferon gamma, IFN-γ) confirm the cytoprotective effect of encapsulated ACNPs against HCl-Ethanol induced necrotic damage to mucosal membrane. The results of the present study indicate that the gastro protective action of encapsulated ACNPs ascribable to at least in parts to its anti-inflammatory property.[Formula: see text].

Antioxidant defense of fish collagen peptides attenuates oxidative stress in gastric mucosa of experimentally ulcer-induced rats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of fish collagen peptides (FCP) from the skin of great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran) to avert the occurrence of gastric ulcer in experimental rats. FCP treatment prevented the formation of ulcerative lesions on gastric tissues with 86% of inhibition. The histopathology analysis of gastric tissue revealed that the FCP intake prevented the occurrence of hemorrhage and erosion in gastric tissue with formation of mild edema and necrosis, as well as normalized the pH and volume of gastric juice. It also downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory marker interferon-ɤ (IFN-ɤ) and upregulated the anti-inflammatory marker interleukin-4 (IL-4) in gastric tissue. FCP is capable to modulate the oxidative stress by enhancing the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase and by lowering the levels of membrane lipid peroxidation.

Phlorotannins-bioactivity and extraction perspectives.

Phlorotannins, a seaweed based class of polyphenolic compounds, have proven to possess potential bioactivities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, neuroprotection etc. These bioactivities have further increased demand globally and sustainable techniques such as supercritical fluid extraction, microwave assisted extraction, enzyme assisted extraction, extraction using deep eutectic solvents etc. are being explored currently for production of phlorotannin-rich extracts. In spite of such well documented bioactivities, very few phlorotannin-based nutraceuticals are available commercially which highlights the significance of generating consumer awareness about their physiological benefits. However, for industry level commercialization accurate quantification of phlorotannins with respect to the different classes is vital requiring sophisticated analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry, 1H-NMR spectroscopy etc. owing to the wide structural diversity. This review summarizes the extraction and bioactivities of phlorotannins based on the findings of in vivo and in vitro studies.

Macromineral and heavy metal profiles of selected deep-sea fish from the Kochi coast of the Arabian Sea, India.

Deep-sea fish from the Arabian Sea in the south western coast of India have been gaining attention as a new edible fish source. Mineral profile of ten selected deep-sea fish from the south west coast of India were assessed for heavy metal and macro mineral content for safety and nutritional quality assessment, respectively. Heavy metal levels were below permissible limits for most of the species studied. But in some species, the levels slightly exceeded the permissible limit of 0.3 mg/kg for Pb, a major heavy metal contaminant in fish, according to the European Union and FSSAI regulations for heavy metals in food. Interestingly, significant content of macro minerals was observed in all the species studied. In conclusion, deep-sea fish were observed to be good source of minerals and were found to be safe for human consumption; except for a couple of species which possess slightly higher Pb content, which may be because of its presence in their habitat.

Encapsulation and Protection of Omega-3-Rich Fish Oils Using Food-Grade Delivery Systems.

Regular consumption of adequate quantities of lipids rich in omega-3 fatty acids is claimed to provide a broad spectrum of health benefits, such as inhibiting inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Lipids isolated from many marine sources are a rich source of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the omega-3 form which are claimed to have particularly high biological activities. Functional food products designed to enhance human health and wellbeing are increasingly being fortified with these omega-3 PUFAs because of their potential nutritional and health benefits. However, food fortification with PUFAs is challenging because of their low water-solubility, their tendency to rapidly oxidize, and their variable bioavailability. These challenges can be addressed using advanced encapsulation technologies, which typically involve incorporating the omega-3 oils into well-designed colloidal particles fabricated from food-grade ingredients, such as liposomes, emulsion droplets, nanostructured lipid carriers, or microgels. These omega-3-enriched colloidal dispersions can be used in a fluid form or they can be converted into a powdered form using spray-drying, which facilitates their handling and storage, as well as prolonging their shelf life. In this review, we provide an overview of marine-based omega-3 fatty acid sources, discuss their health benefits, highlight the challenges involved with their utilization in functional foods, and present the different encapsulation technologies that can be used to improve their performance.

Authentication of Two Bio-Active Fish Oils by Qualitative Lipid Profiling Using Semi-Targeted Approach: An Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: Fish oils, which are rich in health-promoting polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), have emerged as promising functional foods in the global health and wellness food market. Their source regarding the fish type, season, and location of harvesting might influence the nutritional value of such bioactive oils and determine their market price. The differences in price among such oils often lead to economically motivated mislabeling and adulteration. OBJECTIVE: In this study, our objective was to demonstrate how a qualitative targeted shotgun lipid profile workflow using an electrospray ionization-quadrupole-linear ion trap MS (QTrap) could differentiate fish oils originating from two different species. METHODS: Five samples each of sardine (Sardinella longiceps) oil and shark (Echinorhinus brucus) liver oil were diluted to a concentration of 80 µg/mL in chloroform-methanol (1 + 2, v/v) with 5 mM ammonium acetate. These samples were directly infused into a QTrap MS. The data were acquired for 23 precursor ion and 4 neutral loss scan experiments in the positive ionization mode and compared. RESULTS: We identified the following major lipid classes: cholesteryl ester, diacyl glycerol, triacylglycerol, monoalkyldiacylglycerol, and phophatydyl choline. The relative peak areas of the identified lipid species, when subjected to supervised multivariate analysis, could effectively distinguish the sardine oil and shark liver oil. CONCLUSIONS: The approach will be useful in establishing authenticity of fish oil and to support the regulatory agencies in dispute resolution. It can also be extended to establish authenticity in other agricultural and food commodities. HIGHLIGHTS: This paper reports a proof of concept for authenticating PUFA-rich fish supplements. A shotgun targeted lipidomics profile and chemometrics modeling successfully discriminated sardine oil and shark liver oil.