A multi-methodological approach in the study of Italian PDO "Cornetto di Pontecorvo" red sweet pepper.

A multi-methodological approach was applied to study red sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) ecotype "Cornetto di Pontecorvo" grown in a greenhouse or in open field. This approach includes morphological analysis, chemical composition determination, and biological activity evaluation of different extracts from pepper fruits. Untargeted analyses, namely NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, allowed the comprehensive pepper metabolite profile of pepper pulp, peel and seeds hydroalcoholic and organic extracts to be determined, showing the presence of sugars, organic acids, amino acids and other secondary metabolites. Targeted analyses, such as HPLC-PDA, HPLC-TLC and spectrophotometric analyses allowed polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids and pigments content to be determined. Samples quality and freshness were verified by the low content of biogenic amines and mycotoxins, as determined using HPLC-FLD and HPLC-MS, respectively. Preliminary biological results demonstrated the ability of the organic extracts to inhibit α-amylase, a key enzyme in the control of glucose metabolism.

Core-Shell Columns in High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: Food Analysis Applications.

The increased separation efficiency provided by the new technology of column packed with core-shell particles in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has resulted in their widespread diffusion in several analytical fields: from pharmaceutical, biological, environmental, and toxicological. The present paper presents their most recent applications in food analysis. Their use has proved to be particularly advantageous for the determination of compounds at trace levels or when a large amount of samples must be analyzed fast using reliable and solvent-saving apparatus. The literature hereby described shows how the outstanding performances provided by core-shell particles column on a traditional HPLC instruments are comparable to those obtained with a costly UHPLC instrumentation, making this novel column a promising key tool in food analysis.

Fast determination of biogenic amines in beverages by a core-shell particle column.

A fast and reliable HPLC method for the determination of 11 biogenic amines in beverages has been performed. After pre-column derivatization with dansyl-chloride a Kinetex C18 core-shell particle column (100 mm × 4.6 mm, 2.6 µm particle size) has been employed and the biogenic amines were identified and quantified in a total run time of 13 min with ultraviolet (UV) or fluorescence detection (FLD). Chromatographic conditions such as column temperature (kept at 50 °C), gradient elution and flow rate have been optimized and the method has been tested on red wine and fruit nectar. The proposed method is enhanced in terms of reduced analysis time and eluent consumption with respect of classical HPLC method as to be comparable to UHPLC methods. Green and cost-effective, this method can be used as a quality-control tool for routine quantitative analysis of biogenic amines in beverages for the average laboratory.

Rapid determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rainwater by liquid-liquid microextraction and LC with core-shell particles column and fluorescence detection.

Liquid-liquid microextraction coupled to LC with fluorescence detection for the determination of Environmental Protection Agency's 16 priority pollutant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rainwater has been developed. The optimization of the extraction method has involved several parameters, including the comparison between an ultrasonic bath and a magnetic stirrer as extractant apparatus, the choice of the extractant solvent, and the optimization of the extraction time. Liquid-liquid microextraction gave good results in terms of recoveries (from 73.6 to 102.8% in rainwater) and repeatability, with a very simple procedure and low solvent consumption. The reported chromatographic method uses a Core-Shell technology column, with particle size <3 µm instead of classical 5-µm particles column. The resulting backpressure was below 300 bar, allowing the use of a conventional HPLC system rather than the more expensive ultrahigh performance LC (UHPLC). An average decrease of 59% in run time and 75% in eluent consumption has been obtained, compared to classical HPLC methods, keeping good separation, sensitivity, and repeatability. The proposed conditions were successfully applied to the determinations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in genuine rainwater samples.

Authenticity and quality of animal origin food investigated by stable-isotope ratio analysis.

Authentication of a food product is the procedure by which it is verified that the product matches the statements on the label, and that it conforms to what is established by regulations. This testing process includes analysis of the ingredients, determination of the geographical origin, and examination of the production methods. In particular, the use of rapid, effective and reliable analytical methods, when correctly applied to verify the authenticity and the traceability of the product, represents a valuable and irreplaceable tool for the authorities to carry out control functions. Tools and methodologies from scientific innovation and technological evolution can help to quickly locate particularly sophisticated frauds and adulterations. The feeding regime of livestock is a fundamental issue for the properties and safety of animal origin food, but this regime is often hidden from the consumer, making the zootechnical sector more prone to fraudulent practices. This review reports the results recently obtained in authentication of animal origin food by the application of stable-isotope ratio analysis, the most promising analytical technique in this field.