Bee Pollens Research Articles

The volatile and sensory profiles of Tuscan bee pollens stored at different temperatures

The healthy properties of bee pollen mainly depend on the botanical, geographical origin and storage conditions. This study aimed to characterise the composition of volatile compounds and describe the sensory profile of Tuscan bee pollens collected in two different areas in the same period and stored for six months under different conditions. The headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) analyses of volatile compounds showed that non-terpene derivatives represented the predominant chemical class in all examined samples, among which aldehydes were the main compounds. Apocaroteonids and oxygenated monoterpenes were also present in lower percentages, with strong separation of the chemical profiles between room temperature samples and those of other storage conditions. The sensory profile was analysed by panel test, the bee pollen produced in the suburban area seemed to show less attractiveness, taste and olfactory. Both samples stored at room temperature showed the worst sensory profile, compared to the other storage conditions.

Quality control of pollen products in the market by quantitative analysis of total amino acids with liquid chromatography

A rapid high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) protocol for the determination of amino acids with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC) derivatization was successfully developed for assessing amino acid levels in six species of representative commercial bee pollen. Based on a poroshell column, a favorable chromatographic separation of seventeen amino acids was achieved in approximately 10 min with satisfactory resolution. The LOD and LOQ of this method were less than 0.034 μg/mL and 0.232 μg/mL, and the intra- and inter-day RSDs ranged between 0.86–5.28 % and 3.21–6.50 %, respectively. The matrix effect (ME) ranged from −8 to 3, implying that the matrix effect was not significant. Under the optimum conditions, the established method was adopted to determine amino acids in six types of bee pollens. The results showed that the total amino acid content ranged from 151.94 mg/g (Rosa rugosa) to 214.52 mg/g (Leonurus artemisia) in the six bee pollen species. Notably, proline (Pro), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), and phenylalanine (Phe) were abundant in the majority of samples. To identify the suspicious samples, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed, and each type of bee pollen was differentiated. Results showed that, in the market, the qualification rate of RR was 100 %, but that of NN was merely 62.5 %, revealing that a few of them were counterfeit. This method offers advantages such as high speed, low cost, and outstanding performance.

Simultaneous analysis of pesticides and mycotoxins in primary processed foods: The case of bee pollen

Primary Processed Foods are a class of food items that are ready for consumption after minimal processing in the supply chain. These products are ubiquitous in our daily diet, but so far a limited number of studies dealt with the optimization of quality control methods to check their content of contaminants. Among primary processed foods, bee pollen is a nutritionally acclaimed food supplement, whose contamination with pesticides and mycotoxins has been largely proven. For this reason, the present study aimed at optimizing for the first time a comprehensive LC-MS/MS method capable of analyzing 282 pesticides and 8 mycotoxins in bee pollen. To obtain a suitable method, two extraction procedures (QuEChERS and Accelerated Solvent Extraction), as well as different chromatographic gradients and columns, were tested. The optimized methodology, comprehending an extraction based on semi-automated QuEChERS, and an analytical method including inert LC column technology, was validated and applied to a sample set of 34 bee pollens. The analyzed samples collectively showed the presence of 41 pesticides and 1 mycotoxin.

Pollination and pollen plant diversity by Apis cerana cerana during olive flowering based on DNA metabarcoding

AbstractTo understand the role of Apis cerana cerana in olive tree (Olea europaea L.) pollination, pollinators and pollen carried by bees were collected from 11 experimental plots during the flowering period. The abundance and diversity of pollen plant species were investigated using DNA metabarcoding. A total of 583 pollinators were collected and A. cerana cerana accounts for 46.83%. Further analysis revealed a total of 56 families, 136 genera and 195 plant species in bee pollens. O. europaea is the dominant species accounting for 42.02 ± 34.89% and then followed by Sedum japonicum (8.70 ± 16.42%). Diversity index showed that the abundance and diversity of pollen plant species were the highest in Wanzhou (WZ) and lowest in Hechuan (HC). This suggests that Wanzhou sample plot has a greater abundance of plant species to supplement the bee diet. Excessive presence of miscellaneous flowering plants in olive plantations can distract bees from collecting olive tree pollens. Therefore, their abundances can be reduced appropriately while ensuring food diversity for the bees. Based on the abundance of plants in pollens, we recommend that appropriately planting of S. japonicum, Youngia japonica and Vicia villosa in olive plantations with fewer flowering plants could be an effective supplement of bee food. Our results not only contribute to future studies on olive tree pollination but also provide new ideas for enriching flowering plants in or around olive plantations.

Effect of wall-disruption on nutrient composition and in vitro digestion of camellia and lotus bee pollens

The nutrient digestion, absorption and biological activity of bee pollen may be limited due to the complex pollen wall. Here, the effect of superfine grinding technology on the release of nutrients from bee pollen were investigated, and their antioxidant activities and in vitro digestion were explored in this study. Results showed that the content of nutrients in bee pollen increased after wall disruption. Among them, fat content increased by 22.55 %–8.31 %, protein content increased by 0.54 %–4.91 %, starch content increased by 36.31 %–48.64 %, soluble sugar content increased by 20.57 %–29.67 %, total phenolic acid content increased by 11.73 %–86.98 % and total flavonoids content increased by 14.29 %–24.79 %. At the same time, the antioxidant activity increased by 14.84 %–46.00 %. Furthermore, the active components such as phenolic compounds in the wall-disruption bee pollen were more readily to be released during the in vitro digestion, and easier to be absorbed because of their higher bioaccessibility. Antioxidant activities during in vitro digestion were also improved in wall-disruption bee pollen. These findings provide evidence that bee pollen wall disruption was suggested, thus, it is more conducive to exerting the value of bee pollen in functional foods.

Assessing monofloral bee pollens from Türkiye: Palynological verification, phenolic profile, and antioxidant activity.

Honey bee pollen (HBP) is a hive product produced by worker bees from floral pollen grains agglutination. It is characterized by its excellent nutritional and bioactive composition, making it a superior source of human nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the monofloral bee pollen samples, including Cistus, Crataegus monogyna, Cyanus, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Papaver somniferum, Quercus, Salix, Sinapis, and Silybum from Türkiye according to palynological analysis, antioxidant activity, phenolic profiles, and color. The phenolic profiles were detected using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Bee pollens were categorized into monofloral, bifloral, and multifloral, underscoring the significance of confirming the botanical source of them depending on palynological analyses. Total phenolic content (TPC) of bee pollens ranged from 4.5 to 14.4mg gallic acid/g HBP. The samples exhibited antioxidant activity for 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+ ) ranging from 94.9 to 233.5µmol trolox/g HBP, whereas lower values were seen for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) ranging from 25.86 to 70.81µmol trolox/g HBP. A yellowish-red tint color was also displayed for whole samples, whereas only E. angustifolia bee pollen indicated a darker color (L*=31.6). Among the phenolic compounds, luteolin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, rutin, and genistein were the most abundant, and their profiles varied across the samples. It was also observed that TPC, antioxidant activities, and polyphenol composition were higher in samples containing pollen grains of P. somniferum, Quercus, Plantago, and E. angustifolia species. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The increasing number of new findings on honey bee pollen is crucial to food science and technology. In this sense, this study offers a robust method for verifying the authenticity and quality of 11 monofloral bee pollens, which is crucial for the food industry. It also identifies potential sources of high-quality pollen, benefiting producers, and consumers seeking superior bee pollen products.

Differentiating between Monofloral Portuguese Bee Pollens Using Phenolic and Volatile Profiles and Their Impact on Bioactive Properties.

Nowadays, bee products are commended by consumers for their medicinal and dietary properties. This study aimed to differentiate between monofloral bee pollens originating from Portugal using phenolic and volatile profiles and investigate their antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. Total phenolic and flavonoid compounds were recorded between 2.9-35.8 mg GAE/g and 0.7-4.8 mg QE/g, respectively. The LC/DAD/ESI-MSn analytical results allowed us to identify and quantify a total of 72 compounds, including phenolic and phenylamide compounds, whereas GC-MS results revealed the presence of 49 different compounds, mostly ketones, aldehydes, esters, hydrocarbons, and terpenes. The highest DPPH• radical scavenging activity, EC50: 0.07 mg/mL, was recorded in the sample dominated by Castanae sp. pollen, whereas the Rubus sp. (1.59 mM Trolox/mg) and Cistaceae sp. (0.09 mg GAE/g) pollen species exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in ABTS•+ and reducing power assays, respectively. Regarding the anti-carcinogenic activity, only Carduus sp. showed remarkable cytotoxic potential against MCF-7.

Characterization of chemical composition of ethanolic extract of bee pollen in India

Aim: Bee pollen is a mixture of pollen/male gametophyte of flowers, nectar/sweet liquid substance from flowers and salivary secretions of bees. It comprises a huge diversity of compounds which are thought to work together for medicinal purpose. The present study was undertaken to assess the bioactive components of bee pollens responsible for therapeutic properties. Methodology: The volatile chemicals compounds found in ethanolic extracts of Apis mellifera pollen were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: The observations revealed the presence of hydrocarbons, sugars and their derivatives, fatty acids, glycosides, alcohol, esters, aldehyde and carbamate. Interpretation: Present findings authenticate huge chemical diversity and hence, further study on pollens is required due to its broad spectrum of potential medicinal and nutritional activities. Key words: G-C mass spectrometry, Bee pollen, Bioactive compounds

PHYTOCHEMICAL, ANTIOXIDANT, AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF SEVERAL STINGLESS BEE POLLEN PROCESSED BY DIFFERENT DRYING METHODS

Antioxidants play a crucial function in fighting free radicals that can harm biomolecules in the human body and damage cells, which can lead to degenerative disorders including inflammation. In this research, we evaluated bee pollen extracts from six stingless bees (Heterotrigona itama, Tetragonula reepeni, Tetragonula testaceitarsis, Tetragonula fuscobalteata, Tetragonula iridipennis, and Tetragonula pagdeni) for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory proccessed by different drying methods. The bee pollens were dried by oven drying at 40°C and chilled at 4°C, then extracted by ethanol. The extracts of T. fuscobalteata had the highest antioxidant by the oven with IC50 values of 36.47 µg/mL and T. reepeni by chiller was 41.30 mg/mL. The highest anti-inflammatory was T. fuscobalteata by the oven with IC50 of 39.70 mg/mL and T. reepeni by chiller was 34.30 µg/mL. These findings suggested different drying techniques have affected the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory of bee pollens and have potent material for food, medicine, and cosmetics.

Investigating the Antioxidant and Color Properties of Bee Pollens of Various Plant Sources.

In our study, Central and Eastern European bee pollens of different botanical origins were compared, based on their antioxidant and color properties. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and in vitro antioxidant capacity (by FRAP, CUPRAC, ABTS⋅+ and DPPH⋅ assays) were determined spectrophotometrically. Besides, Relative Antioxidant Capacity Indexes (RACI) were calculated. CIELAB color parameters (L*, a*, b*, chroma) were determined by using a tristimulus-based instrument. Potential correlations between the investigated parameters were also identified. Based on the results of the preliminary study, ethanol:distilled water (60 : 40) was chosen as an extraction solvent. The total phenolic content of our samples ranged between 9.41 and 27.49 mg GAE/g dw. Pollens showed TFC:TPC ratios between 9 and 44 %. RACI values indicate that rapeseed (Brassica napus), traveller's joy (Clematis vitalba) and phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) pollens have relatively high, while pollens of certain plants of the Asteraceae family possess low antioxidant potential. Antioxidant properties correlated significantly in most cases. RACI values showed strong positive correlation with each of the other antioxidant capacity parameters, suggesting that this approach is well applicable for comparing the antioxidant potential of bee pollens. No clear correlation was found between the antioxidant and color parameters.

Stingless bee pollen product from Mount Merapi Slope, Turi Yogyakarta Indonesia

Stingless beekeeping practice (meliponiculture) in Indonesia is known to have an important role in flowering plant pollination outcomes as the stingless bee species is widely distributed across most regions of the country. As a social insect, lebah klaceng (the local name of stingless bee) consists of many species which produces honey, bee pollen, and propolis. It has been found that higher diversity of the collected pollens indicates a higher success of pollination outcomes for different kinds of flowering plants. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify the diversity of collected stingless bee pollens in the meliponiculture practice at the Mount Merapi Slope, Turi, Yogyakarta, Indonesia by observing the pollen characteristics. Acetolysis method was used in the preparation of the collected pollens for identification. The pollens were then observed under a light microscope. The result showed that the stingless bee pollens collected from Mount Merapi Slope were successfully obtained from various flowering plants belonging to 31 families dominated by Arecaceae (46.60%), followed by Asteraceae (6.90%), and Malvaceae (5.70%). It can be concluded that the stingless bee, Tetragonula laeviceps, is a good pollinator insect which supports the successful pollination of up to 31 families of flowering plants found at the Mount Merapi Slope, Turi, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Pólen apícola de diferentes fontes florais da caatinga: determinação de parâmetros nutricionais

The objective of this work was to characterize nutritional parameters of bee pollens from plant species occurring in a semiarid region, in Picos, state of Piaui, Brazil. Bee pollen samples were collected from the experimental apiary of the Study Group on Bees from the Semiarid Region of Piaui (GEASPI/UFPI) and subjected to melissopalynological analysis to determine their botanical origins, and bromatological analysis (crude protein, lipids, fibers, and ash) in the Laboratory of Animal Nutrition of the Department of Zootechnics of the Federal University of Piaui (UFPI), in Teresina, Piaui (DZO/UFPI/Teresina). Six plant species (Aspilia sp., Senna obtusifolia,Mimosa pudica L., Cupheaericoides, Croton sp., and Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) were predominant for bee pollen production in the study area. Therefore, the nutritional compositions of the pollen produced in the Caatinga area varied according to their botanical origin, as shown by the crude protein (20.75% to 38.18%), fiber (0.53% to 1.37%), lipid (0.49% to 4.7%), and total mineral (2.56 to 4.17%) contents. Bromatological parameters also varied according to the botanical origin of the pollens evaluated. The study region has considerable diversity of pollinator plant species that provide bee pollens with a wide spectrum of nutritional characteristics.

Botanical origin and chemical composition of bee pollens collected from Apis cerana hives domesticated in the Pauri Garhwal, Western Himalaya, India

The present investigation aims to determine the botanical origin and chemical composition of bee pollen samples (n =22) harvested from Apis cerana hives domesticated in Pauri Garhwal (Uttarakhand, India). The majority (95%) of the samples were unifloral in their botanical origin. All the identified pollens belonged to eighteen plant families, among which Rutaceae, Asteraceae and Brassicaceae were found dominant. The chemical parameters soluble sugars, starch, crude protein, amino acids and phenolic contents were analyzed calorimetrically and were found in the range from 0.2 to 26.09 mg/g, 0.22 to 11.04 mg/g, 13.40 to 191.41 mg/g, 2.01 to 6.48 mg/g, and 5.10 to 35.50 mg GAE/g, respectively. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the chemical contents of the analyzed samples and a moderate correlation (r= 0.40; n=22) was observed between total soluble sugars and crude protein. Bee pollens as a good source of nutrition, medicine and dietary supplement for both humans and bees, demonstrate the important need to define bee pollen from different regions of India in order to develop bee pollen quality standards.

Impact of particle size on the nutrition release and antioxidant activity of rape, buckwheat and rose bee pollens.

In this study, the effects of particle size on the microstructure, nutrient components and antioxidant activities of bee pollen were evaluated. Moreover, the in vitro simulated digestion model was used to explore whether there was a size effect on the release behavior of phenolic compounds from the bee pollen matrix. Results showed that the greater the damage degree of the bee pollen wall, the smaller the bee pollen particle became. The decrease in the bee pollen particle size promoted the release and extractability of sugar, protein, phenolics and flavonoids, and improved their antioxidant activities. In addition, during simulated digestion, the dissolution of total phenolics and flavonoids, as well as the antioxidant activities of bee pollen, increased with the decrease in the particle size. Results showed that minimizing the particle size of bee pollen was not always beneficial for bioaccessible phenolic compounds because their content and bioavailability decreased when the particle size became smaller than 200 μm.

Hemolymph Metabolism Analysis of Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Response to Different Bee Pollens.

Pollen is essential to the development of honey bees. The nutrients in bee pollen vary greatly among plant species. Here, we analyzed the differences in the amino acid compositions of pear (Pyrus bretschneideri), rape (Brassica napus), and apricot (Armeniaca sibirica) pollens and investigated the variation in hemolymph metabolites and metabolic pathways through untargeted metabolomics in caged adult bees at days 7 and 14. The results showed that the levels of five essential amino acids (isoleucine, phenylalanine, lysine, methionine, and histidine) were the highest in pear pollen, and the levels of four amino acids (isoleucine: 50.75 ± 1.93 mg/kg, phenylalanine: 87.25 ± 2.66 mg/kg, methionine: 16.00 ± 0.71 mg/kg and histidine: 647.50 ± 24.80 mg/kg) were significantly higher in pear pollen than in the other two kinds of bee pollen (p < 0.05). The number of metabolites in bee hemolymph on day 14 (615) was significantly lower than that on day 7 (1466). The key metabolic pathways of bees, namely, “sphingolipid metabolism (p = 0.0091)”, “tryptophan metabolism (p = 0.0245)”, and “cysteine and methionine metabolism (p = 0.0277)”, were significantly affected on day 7. There was no meaningful pathway enrichment on day 14. In conclusion, pear pollen had higher nutritional value among the three bee pollens in terms of amino acid level, followed by rape and apricot pollen, and the difference in amino acid composition among bee pollens was reflected in the lipid and amino acid metabolism pathways of early adult honey bee hemolymph. This study provides new insights into the physiological and metabolic functions of different bee pollens in bees.

Biscuits Enriched with Monofloral Bee Pollens: Nutritional Properties, Techno-Functional Parameters, Sensory Profile, and Consumer Preference.

Bee pollens are potential functional food ingredients as they contain essential nutrients and a wide range of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of enrichment with monofloral bee pollens on the nutritional properties, techno-functional parameters, sensory profile, and consumer preference of biscuits. Biscuits were prepared according to the AACC-approved method by substituting wheat flour with pollens of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) at 2%, 5% and 10% levels. The macronutrient composition of the biscuits was determined: crude protein content (Kjeldahl method), crude fat content (Soxhlet extraction), ash content (carbonization), moisture content (drying), carbohydrate content (formula). Their total phenolic content (TPC) and in vitro antioxidant capacity (FRAP, TEAC, DPPH) were determined spectrophotometrically. The colour of the biscuits was measured using a tristimulus-based instrument, and their texture was characterized by using a texture analyser. Sensory profile of biscuits was determined by qualitative descriptive analysis (QDA). The consumer acceptance and purchase intention of the biscuits were also evaluated, based on the responses of 100 consumers. Additionally, an external preference map was created to illustrate the relationship between consumer preference and the sensory profile of the biscuits, and penalty analysis was conducted to identify directions for product development. Phacelia pollen appeared to be the most effective for improving the nutritional quality of biscuits. The addition of phacelia pollen at the 10% substitution level increased the protein content and TPC of the control biscuit by 21% and 145%, respectively. Significant changes (p < 0.05) were also observed regarding the colour and texture of biscuits. The results of the QDA revealed that biscuits containing pollens of different botanical sources have heterogeneous sensory attributes. The biscuit containing sunflower pollen at the 2% substitution level was preferred the most (overall liking = 6.9 ± 1.6), and purchase intentions were also the highest for this product. Based on the results of the present study, it is recommended to use sunflower pollen for developing pollen-enriched foods in the future.

Unveiling the techno-functional and bioactive properties of bee pollen as an added-value food ingredient

Bee pollen is an imperative product for human use. Seven bee pollens were harvested from Morocco, and their chemical, biological and techno-functional properties were studied. All samples showed acceptable physicochemical and nutritional quality with a mean energy value of 239 kcal/100 g. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of major constituents like carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and polyphenols. Moreover, pollens exhibited good techno-functional properties, like carbohydrate solubility (34.47–59.27 g/100 g), protein solubility (7.28–23.31 g/100 g), emulsifying stability (16.52–45.38 min), emulsifying activity (9.83–25.05 g/m3) water absorption capacity (1.06–2.19 g/g), oil absorption capacity (1.15–3.50 g/g) and water–oil absorption index (0.62–1.25). Bee pollen extracts revealed potent antioxidant capacity and digestive enzyme inhibitory activity associated with the presence of fifteen phenolic compounds belonging to flavons, flavonols, flavanones, flavan-3-ols, hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, and stilbenes families. Present data indicate the possible application of bee pollen as a useful nutritional, bioactive and anti-foaming ingredient, replacing synthetic products in food industries.

Concentration of essential and non-essential elements and carcinogenic / non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of commercial bee pollens from Turkey

BackgroundBee pollen, known as a natural super-food with valuable nutritional ingredients, is regarded as a good indicator of ecotoxic substances, such as potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Therefore, this study aims to examine the concentrations of selected PTEs (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, Sr, V, Zn) in bee pollen purchased from online markets in Turkey and perform a health risk assessment to identify the potential risk to consumers. MethodsThe quantitative analyses were conducted by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). ResultsThe mean values of essential PTEs in decreasing content order were Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni > Se > Cr > Mo >Co = V. Regarding the results of the study, daily consumption (40 g for adult or 20 g for children) of commercial bee pollen can recompense 20–35 % of daily Cu, Mn, Se requirements for children, adults, pregnant, and breastfeeding women. The decreasing content order of non-essential elements was Al > Sn > Sr > Ba > Pb > As. Cadmium and Hg concentrations were below the detection limits in all the samples. In terms of food and public health; detection of the PTEs concentrations is necessary to assess the quality and safety of bee pollen before consumption. According to the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessments; commercial pollen consumption does not pose a health risk to either children or adults for the PTEs monitored in this study. ConclusionWe conclude that bee pollen is an ideal indicator for the monitoring of environmental pollution of PTEs and also a valuable source of essential elements. This study highlights the need to develop standards that regulate acceptable concentrations of PTEs.

Evaluation of bee pollen from different botanical sources with elemental analysis

Bee pollen contains many nutrients, including minerals. Elements are minor substances of bee pollen, they play a crucial role in identifying its quality. As a food supplement, concentrations of essential macro and microelements, and harmful trace elements have to be verified to determine its quality and safety. This study aimed to identify the element contents of bee pollens from different botanic sources. Firstly, we applied melissopalynological analysis to find the botanical origins of bee pollen samples. Then, it was determined the concentrations of 13 elements in the samples. Element concentration was measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Potassium (K) occurred at the highest concentrations in samples (8666.67-9623.33), followed by magnesium (Mg) (808.08-672.08), sodium (Na) (263.00-349.67), calcium (Ca) (261.33-294), iron (Fe) (96.00-110), Zn (33.77-57.00), Manganese (Mn) (20.15-33.85), Copper (Cu) (5.27-9.60), Nickel (Ni) (1.13-2.48), Chromium (Cr) (1.95-2.20), Selenium (Se) (0.72-1.03) and Cobalt (Co) (0-008) respectively as mg kg-1. Target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI), and recommended daily allowance (RDA) values were calculated with these results. Considering the THQ values, it was determined that the consumption of bee pollen was safe for adults, but not suitable for consumption by children. At the same time it was concluded from this study that bee pollen can be a good mineral source in terms of essential elements, K, Mg, Se, Mn, Na, Ca, Fe, Cu., and Cr

Preparation of mesoporous carbon containing Polyurethane/Clay nanocomposite membrane based sensors for sensitive and selective determination of vitamin D2 in urine samples

Mesoporous carbon containing polyurethane/clay membrane based sensors were produced for the rapid and sensitive electroanalytical determination of fat-soluble vitamin D2. Mesoporous carbon structures were prepared by the carbonization of bee pollens which were easily available in nature. These structures were combined with clay and polyurethane structures. The determination of vitamin D2 with modified electrodes was carried out by using square wave voltammetry in acetonitrile containing 0.1 M LiClO4. According to the response of modified electrode, a linear relationship was obtained between the anodic oxidation peak currents and concentrations of vitamin D2 in the linear concentration range (23 µM − 844 µM) with a low detection limit (0.73 µM) was obtained. The sensitivity (4.65 μA cm−2 μM−1) and reproducibility (RSD%, 1.87 %) of the prepared novel sensor were found to be quite satisfactory. The proposed method and applicability of the electrode were tested in urine samples, achieving dramatic recovery values (99.99 %).