Applications In Food Analysis Research Articles

An innovative fluorescent probe based on 1,8-naphthalene dicarboxylic anhydride for Zn2+ detection, its application in food analysis and bioimaging

Zinc is one of the essential trace elements in the human body and plays an extremely important role in physiological processes. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a detection method that can be used for real-time, highly sensitive response of Zn2+ in organisms and has low toxicity. In this work, a novel fluorescent probe NA for Zn2+ detection based on 1,8-naphthalene dicarboxylic anhydride and dimethylpyridine amine was synthesized. Probe NA has specific recognition and real-time monitoring functions for Zn2+. Based on Job's plotting curve, it is inferred that the coordination ratio between probe NA and Zn2+ is 3:1, forming a complex of [Zn(NA)3]2+. The [Zn(NA)3]2+ exhibits obvious yellow fluorescence at 550 nm. Probe NA can achieve quantitative detection of Zn2+ with a detection limit of 7.52 × 10−9 M, with high selectivity and anti-interference ability. Probe NA can stably exist in a wide pH range (2–10). This indicates that it can detect Zn2+ in complex environments. In addition, based on the low cytotoxicity, high sensitivity, and real-time monitoring characteristics of probe NA, we have expanded it to real-time monitoring of Zn2+ in organisms (HUVEC cells and live mice), as well as qualitative and quantitative detection of Zn2+ concentration in food and drugs.

A lysosome-targeted fluorescent probe for pH sensing and it's applications in food analysis and bioimaging

Abnormal fluctuations in intracellular pH may trigger dysfunction of cells and corresponding tissues, including inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and so on. Thus, dynamic monitoring of intracellular pH values and the range of their fluctuations are of great physiological value. In this article, we have synthesized a lysosome-targeting fluorescent probe that exhibits intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) as the dominant mechanism. The probe has the advantages of excellent optical response, membrane permeability, and high resolution. In addition, the probe has good linearity over a wide pH range from 2.0 to 10.0, which can detect the pH values in real complex food samples (apple juice, peach juice, black tea, tea π, and lemon tea). Furthermore, the probe has been successfully applied in targeted imaging of lysosomes for pH changes. To sum up, the probe has capacity to be used for detecting various pH fluctuations in vitro and vivo.

Rational design of a rapidly responsive and highly selective fluorescent probe for SO2 derivatives detection and imaging

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is emerging as a double-edged molecule, while plays vital roles in food and biological system. However, the fast, highly sensitive, and versatile fluorescent probe still remains a tough challenge among current reports. Herein, we developed a novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent probe TPE-PN for specifically sensing SO2 derivatives with high sensitivity (150 nmol/L) and rapid response time (10 s) based on intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism. And the fluorescence at 575 nm decreased tremendously with 31-fold after the probe was treated with HSO3−. Employing the probe, the accurate analysis of HSO3− was successfully realized in food samples, cells, plant tissues, and zebrafishes. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate the eruption of SO2 derivatives within plant during drought and salt stress processes. Therefore, probe TPE-PN illustrates significant potential for applications in food analysis and monitoring of SO2 derivatives levels in biological systems under stress conditions.

Gold nanoparticles as colorimetric probes in food analysis: Progress and challenges.

The rapid, sensitive and reliable food safety control is urgently needed due to the harmful effects of the food contaminants on human health. Colorimetric approach has exhibited promising potential for the detection of food contaminants due to their easy preparation, rapid detection, high sensitivity, and naked-eye sensing. In recent years, AuNPs-based colorimetric probes have been extensively explored for food analysis. The present article reviews the development of AuNPs-based colorimetric probes for colorimetric sensing and their applications in food analysis. It generally summarizes the properties of AuNPs and introduces the preparation and functionalization methods of AuNPs. An overview of the colorimetric sensing mechanisms of AuNPs-based probes and their applications in analysis of food contaminants are also provided. Although AuNPs-based colorimetric probes show many advantages in detection of food contaminants, challenges remain in terms of complexity of food matrices, multiple analytes detection in a single go, and testing conditions interference.

A rationally designed fluorescent probe for sulfur dioxide and its derivatives: applications in food analysis and bioimaging.

Exogenous sulfur dioxide (SO2) and its derivatives (SO32-/HSO3-) have been extensively utilized in food preservation and endogenous SO2 is recognized as a significant gaseous signaling molecule that can mediate various physiological processes. Overproduction and/or extensive intake of these species can trigger allergic reactions and even tissue damage. Therefore, it is highly desirable to monitor SO2 and its derivatives effectively and quantitatively both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, a new mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe (PIB) had been constructed, which could ratiometrically recognize SO2 and its derivatives with excellent sensitivity (DL = 15.9nM) and a fast response time (200s). The obtained high selectivity and good adaptability of this SO2-specific probe in a wide pH range (6.5-10.0) allowed for quantitatively tracking of SO2 and its derivatives in real food samples (granulated sugar, crystal sugar, and white wine). In addition, PIB could locate at mitochondrion and was capable of imaging exogenous/endogenous SO2 in the cells and zebrafish. In particular, our findings represented one of the rare examples that have demonstrated endogenous SO2 is closely related with the apoptosis of cells. Importantly, probe PIB was successfully employed for in situ metabolic localization in mouse organs, implying the potential applications of our probe in further exploration on SO2-releated pathological and physiological processes.

A single-site porphyrin (Cu)-based COF electrocatalyst for the electrochemical detection of gallic acid sensitively

Sensitive and convenient determination of gallic acid (GA) is vital for food safety. Here, a novel porphyrin (Cu)-based covalent organic framework named as COF(Cu) was successfully synthesized by condensing pre-metalated 5,10,15,20-tetrakis (para-aminophenyl) porphyrin copper (II) and 2,3,6,7-tetra (4-formylphenyl) tetrathiafulvalene ligands. By combining the advantages of porphyrin with tetrathiafulvalene, it may be possible to create a COF with an intrinsically effective charge-transfer channel. In addition, the Cu-N4 type in the COF(Cu) can be regarded as the single-site electrocatalyst. Benefiting from these advantages, the COF(Cu) based electrochemical sensor demonstrated outstanding response to gallic acid (GA). Under the optimal conditions by square wave voltammetry technique, the COF(Cu) modified electrode showed a wide linear range (0.01–1000 μM), a low detection limit (2.81 nM), good reproducibility, acceptable selectivity as well as high stability. Moreover, the established approach was adopted to detect GA in real tea samples with good recoveries, indicating that the COF(Cu) based electrochemical sensor may pave the way for the application in food analysis.

Sheathless CESI-MS versus LC-MS: Results of qualitative and quantitative analyses of the primary and secondary metabolites of Pleioblastus amarus bamboo shoots.

The bamboo shoot of Pleioblastus amarus (Keng) Keng f. is a medicinal and edible resource in China. In this study, three separation techniques were applied to identify the primary and secondary metabolites component of P. amarus bamboo shoots, including sheathless capillary electrophoresis electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (CESI-MS), reverse-phase liquid chromatography-MS (RPLC-MS), and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-MS (HILIC-MS). A total of 201 metabolites were identified by the three methods. Among those metabolites, 146 were identified by RPLC-MS, 85 were identified by HILIC-MS, and 46 were identified by sheathless CESI-MS. These methods were complementary and had a linear coefficient. CESI-MS presented advantages in the identification of isomers, high sensitivity, very low sample usage, and good detection of polar and nonpolar metabolites, showing its unique applications in food analysis and prospects in metabolic research.

Selective enrichment strategy induces ultra-broadband NIR emission in Cr3+-doped multi-phase glass-ceramics for NIR spectroscopy applications

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has gained widespread application in food analysis, disease diagnosis, fingerprint analysis, and security monitoring. However, the lack of efficient, broadband NIR luminescent materials hinders the full potential of this technology. Here, an ultra-broadband and high-efficiency Cr3+-doped multi-phase glass-ceramics containing MgAl2O4, Al2SiO5, and SiO2 nanocrystals was discovered, which exhibited an ultra-broadband NIR emission (λem ∼ 900 nm) with a full width at half maximum more than 300 nm and a high internal quantum yield of 50.9% under the excitation of 465 nm blue light. Moreover, the integrated emission intensity at 100 °C and 150 °C can keep 88% and 77% of that at room temperature. The ultra-broadband, high efficiency, and thermally robust luminescence of this Cr3+-doped multi-phase glass-ceramics can be attributed to the selective enrichment of Cr3+ ions into different nanocrystals with octahedral sites, and medium electron-photon coupling effect. The NIR glass-ceramics-converted light-emitting diode constructed by the glass-ceramics combined with 465 blue LED chip produced an excellent NIR output and photoelectric conversion efficiency of 274 mW/1007 mW and 3.43%/2.79% at 100 mA/320 mA drive current, which demonstrated superior overall performance to the NIR device built by using the well-known NIR phosphors. Additionally, the NIR camera can capture the image of license plate and nectarine, as well as identify the residual drug content in the bottle under the irradiation of the NIR device constructed by the glass-ceramics. This work not only presented an ultra-broadband and high-efficiency NIR material but also highlights a design strategy to effectively enhance the efficiency and broadband characteristics of NIR glass-ceramics.

A Portable Infrared Attenuated Total Reflection Spectrometer for Food Analysis.

The analytical performance of a compact infrared attenuated total reflection spectrometer using a pyroelectric detector array has been evaluated and compared to a conventional laboratory Fourier transform infrared system for applications in food analysis. Analytical characteristics including sensitivity, repeatability, linearity of the calibration functions, signal-to-noise ratio, and spectral resolution have been derived for both approaches. Representative analytes of relevance in food industries (i.e., organic solvents, fatty acids, and mycotoxins) have been used for the assessment of the performance of the device and to discuss the potential of this technology in food and feed analysis.

BODIPY-based fluorescent probe for cysteine detection and its applications in food analysis, test strips and biological imaging.

Cysteine, as one of semi-essential amino acids, which is absorbed from protein-rich foods and acts considerable role in various physiological processes. Here, we designed and synthesized a BODIPY-based turn-on fluorescent probe BDP-S for detecting Cys. The probe displayed short reaction time (10min), distinct color response (from blue to pink), large signal noise ratio (3150-fold), high selectivity and sensitivity (LOD=11.2nM) toward Cys. Moreover, BDP-S could not only be used for quantitative determination of Cys in food samples, but also be conveniently deposited on the test strips for qualitative detection of Cys. Notably, BDP-S was successfully used for imaging Cys in living cells and in vivo. Consequently, this work provided a hopefully powerful tool for detecting Cys in food samples and complex biological systems.

Novel vinylene-based covalent organic framework as a promising adsorbent for the rapid extraction of beta-agonists in meat samples

Beta-agonists are potent bronchodilators approved for the treatment of asthma and tocolysis. However, they have been extensively misused as feed additives in the veterinary field to improve feed efficiency. The concern over their potential hazard to health has come to the fore again. In this study, a novel vinylene-based covalent organic framework (V-COF-1) with a two-dimensional structure was developed. The structure shows good tolerance in a variety of mediums, which can be attributed to the low polarity linkage. The high specific surface area and variable interaction with analytes accelerate the extraction time. Furthermore, the swelling resulting from the formation of hydrogen bonds by the protic solvent intercalation with the triazine group also improves the adsorption efficiency. Finally, due to its great reusability, it is economical material in sample preparation application. The V-COF-1 based μ-dSPE approach was coupled with UHPLC–MS/MS to develop a highly sensitive and selective method. The linearity of the method ranged from 0.05 to 20 ng g−1 with a correlation coefficient (R2) higher than 0.9958, and the limits of detection and quantification fell in the ranges of 0.01–0.10 ng g−1 and 0.04–0.32 ng g−1. The proposed method has been successfully applied to determine beta-agonists in meat samples, and the results indicated good recovery of 82.2–116%. The intra-day and inter-day precision were less than 6.61%, indicating the potential for sustainable application in food analysis.

Resorcinol monophosphate ester as a new substrate for fluorometric detection of alkaline phosphatase activity in milk products

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an indicator of sterilization efficacy of milk products and its activity monitoring is essential for ensuring food safety and controlling product quality. Here, a novel fluorometric method for the determination of ALP activity based on resorcinol monophosphate ester (RME) as a new substrate was proposed to verify pasteurization of milk products. RME was cheap and was simply and novelly synthesized by a two-step method using resorcinol (RC) as the raw material. The mechanism is, after dephosphorylation, RME was transformed to RC, which subsequently react with dopamine (DA) to form a strong fluorescent product, azamonardine. It has a fluorescence emission wavelength at 461 nm under the optimal excitation at 418 nm. The results show that under the optimum conditions, there is a good linear relationship between ΔF (the variation of fluorescence intensity) and ALP activity over 0–5000 mU/L. High sensitivity was achieved (detection limit of 17.34 mU/L) because of high quantum yield of the products and catalytic activity of ALP and the recovery rate is 96.8–106.1%. Compared with national and international standard methods, the detection procedures are simple, just adding RME and DA solution to milk with buffer solution. Our method was successfully applied for ALP activity detection in milk products. Moreover, the catalyst of ALP and the reaction of RME and dopamine are pH dependent, and thus the reaction time could be kept identical by terminating the reaction through adding acids. With high sensitivity, high selectivity, simple operation, and wide linear range, our assay will find more practical applications in food analysis.

Magnetic relaxation switching immunoassay based on “limited-magnitude” particles for sensitive quantification of aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic chemical substance that endangers food safety and human health. Magnetic relaxation switching (MRS) immunosensors are utilized in a variety of applications in food analysis due to its resistance to matrix interferences, but they often suffer from magnetic separation-based multi-washing steps and low sensitivity. Herein, we propose novel MRS strategy for the sensitive detection of AFB1 using “Limited-Magnitude” size particles: a single millimeter sized polystyrene spheres (PSmm) and 150 nm superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNP150). Only a single PSmm is used as the microreactor to enhance all of the magnetic signal on its surface in high concentration by an immune competitive response, successfully preventing signal dilution, which can be transferred by pipette, simplifying the process of separation and washing. The established single polystyrene sphere magnetic relaxation switch biosensor (SMRS) was able to quantify AFB1 from 0.02 to 200 ng/mL with a detection limit of 14.3 pg/mL. SMRS biosensor has been successfully used for the detection of AFB1 in wheat and maize samples, and the results in agreement with high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Benefiting from high sensitivity and convenient operation, the simple and enzyme-free method is promising in trace small molecules applications.

Comprehensive and heart-cutting multidimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and its applications in food analysis.

In food analysis, conventional one-dimensional liquid chromatography methods sometimes lack sufficient separation power due to the complexity and heterogeneity of the analyzed matrices. Therefore, the use of two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) turns out to be a powerful tool to consider, especially when coupled to mass spectrometry (MS). This review presents the most remarkable 2D-LC-MS food applications reported in the last 10 years, including a critical discussion of the multiple approaches, modulation strategies as well as the importance of the optimization of the different analytical aspects that will condition the 2D-LC-MS performance. The presence of contaminants in food (food safety), the food quality, and authenticity or the relationship between the beneficial effects of food and human health are some of the fields in which most of the 2D-LC-MS applications are mainly focused. Both heart-cutting and comprehensive applications are described and discussed in this review, highlighting the potential of 2D-LC-MS for the analysis of such complex samples.

Comprehensive and heart-cutting multidimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and its applications in food analysis.

In food analysis, conventional one-dimensional liquid chromatography methods sometimes lack sufficient separation power due to the complexity and heterogeneity of the analysed matrices. Therefore, the use of two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) turns out to be a powerful tool to consider, especially when coupled to mass spectrometry (MS). This review presents the most remarkable 2D-LC-MS food applications reported in the last 10 years, including a critical discussion of the multiple approaches, modulation strategies as well as the importance of the optimisation of the different analytical aspects that will condition the 2D-LC-MS performance. The presence of contaminants in food (food safety), the food quality and authenticity or the relationship between the beneficial effects of food and human health are some of the fields in which most of the 2D-LC-MS applications are mainly focused. Both heart-cutting and comprehensive applications are described and discussed in this review, highlighting the potential of 2D-LC-MS for the analysis of such complex samples.

A novel Aptamer-induced CHA amplification strategy for ultrasensitive detection of Staphylococcus aureus and NIR-triggered photothermal bactericidal Activity based on aptamer-modified magnetic Fe3O4@AuNRs

The development of multifunctional biosensors integrating recognition and therapeutic functions is critical for ensuring food safety and preventing foodborne diseases. Herein, an integrated design strategy was demonstrated to establish an innovative Fe3O4 @AuNRs-aptasensor for efficient detecting Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which could enrich and photothermally eliminate bacteria under the radiation of near-infrared light irradiation (NIR). The detection assay relies on the binding of aptamer to Fe3O4 @AuNRs (Fe3O4 @ AuNRs-aptasensor) to induce the release of c-aptamer (c-Apt) in the presence of S. aureus, thereby triggering catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) reaction and restoring the fluorescence of the reporter. The developed biosensor achieved direct, ultrasensitive, and specificity detection of S. aureus with a linear response ranging from 102 to 106 CFU/mL and a detection limit of 101 CFU/mL under optimal conditions. Furthermore, the aptasensor can be applied for the detection of S. aureus in milk with recoveries of 90.3–95.6% at the concentration between 1.0 × 102 and 1.0 × 104 CFU/mL. Additionally, Fe3O4 @AuNRs-aptasensor shows high photothermal sterilization performance under NIR irradiation. The study emphasizes the combination of high sensitivity base on molecular detection and photothermal antibacterial activity of novel nanomaterials activated by NIR light to design multifunctional probe, which show great potential for application in food analysis and early foodborne disease diagnosis.

Research Progress in the Synthesis of Carbon Dots and Their Application in Food Analysis.

Food safety is connected to public health, making it crucial to protecting people's health. Food analysis and detection can assure food quality and effectively reduce the entry of harmful foods into the market. Carbon dots (CDs) are an excellent choice for food analysis and detection attributable to their advantages of good optical properties, water solubility, high chemical stability, easy functionalization, excellent bleaching resistance, low toxicity, and good biocompatibility. This paper focuses on the optical properties, synthesis methods, and applications of CDs in food analysis and detection, including the recent advances in food nutritional composition analysis and food quality detection, such as food additives, heavy metal ions, foodborne pathogens, harmful organic pollutants, and pH value. Moreover, this review also discusses the potentially toxic effects, current challenges, and prospects of CDs in basic research and applications. We hope that this review can provide valuable information to lay a foundation for subsequent research on CDs and promote the exploration of CDs-based sensing for future food detection.

Broadband NIR Phosphor Ca2LuScAl2Si2O12:Cr3+ for NIR LED Applications

AbstractNear‐infrared phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes (NIR pc‐LEDs) have promising applications in food analysis, night vision imaging, and biological probes. Developing NIR phosphors with broadband emission and high efficiency has attracted immense interest. Herein, a novel NIR phosphor Ca2LuScAl2Si2O12:Cr3+ (CLSAS:Cr3+) is reported for the first time. Under the excitation of 442 nm light, CLSAS:Cr3+ shows broadband emission from 600 to 900 nm with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 142 nm, benefiting from the emissions of two Cr3+ centers in CLSAS, which is proved by the spectra and the decay curves. The internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 73.7% is achieved and, at 423 K, the emission intensity maintains 76% of the value at room temperature. Combining the CLSAS:Cr3+ phosphor and the 450 nm blue chip, the NIR pc‐LED is fabricated and demonstrated for fast imaging of veins in human palm and fist, as well as night vision for objects.

Low-cost and portable colorimetric platform for simultaneous detection of Fe, methanol, and total phenols in wine

A multi-channel colorimetric device was developed for the low-cost and simultaneous determination of three important parameters in wine safety and quality— total iron (Fe), methanol (MeOH), and total phenols. The detection was performed by assembling light-dependent resistors and light-emitting diodes in a 3D printed chamber, which measured colorimetric signals horizontally transmitting through the microwells of an 8-well strip. This device demonstrated linear relationships (R2 greater than 0.99) for all analytes with detection limits of 0.04 mg/L, 2.26 mg/L, and 3.40 mg/L for Fe, MeOH, and total phenols, respectively. Wine sample measurements showed that the multi-channel device was as accurate as the professional spectrophotometer and could simultaneously provide the three target concentrations to facilitate the analysis. With the merits of low fabrication cost and ease of use, this device could be used as a general platform for multiple-target detection, demonstrating great potential for application in food analysis.

Recent Developments in Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Its Application in Food Analysis: Alcoholic Beverages as an Example.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an emerging technology that combines Raman spectroscopy and nanotechnology with great potential. This technology can accurately characterize molecular adsorption behavior and molecular structure. Moreover, it can provide rapid and sensitive detection of molecules and trace substances. In practical application, SERS has the advantages of portability, no need for sample pretreatment, rapid analysis, high sensitivity, and ‘fingerprint’ recognition. Thus, it has great potential in food safety detection. Alcoholic beverages have a long history of production in the world. Currently, a variety of popular products have been developed. With the continuous development of the alcoholic beverage industry, simple, on-site, and sensitive detection methods are necessary. In this paper, the basic principle, development history, and research progress of SERS are summarized. In view of the chemical composition, the beneficial and toxic components of alcoholic beverages and the practical application of SERS in alcoholic beverage analysis are reviewed. The feasibility and future development of SERS are also summarized and prospected. This review provides data and reference for the future development of SERS technology and its application in food analysis.