Latest ArticlesCurrently, widespread concerns have been raised regarding food contamination caused by the migration of photoinitiators in food packaging materials. This article presented a review of the research on different volatile photoinitiators and their applications as standard substances both domestically and internationally. Based on the research focus, several compounds were selected as representatives of highly volatile and less volatile photoinitiators, including benzophenone (BP), 4-methylbenzophenone (4-MBP), ethyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (EDB), 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone (PI-184), methyl-o-benzoylbenzoate (OMBB), 2,2-dimethoxy-2- phenylacetophenone (PI-651), 2-ethylhexyl-4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (EHA) and 2-isopropylthioxanthone (2-ITX). This paper summarized the mechanisms of photoinitiators migration and contamination, discussed analytical detection methods, compared the types of sample matrices used in the contamination and migration studies of different volatile photoinitiators both domestically and internationally, also analyzed the proportion of standard substances used in domestic and international research, their sources, and the demand for new standard substances. It was found that the current national standard substance resource sharing platform provides the most extensive collection of BP and ITX standard substances for photoinitiators research; however, it was recommended that other widely discussed photoinitiators, such as EDB, PI-651, PI-184 and OMBB, be included in new planning. Suggestions for the development of standard substances for photoinitiators in China were provided in this article, offering broader technical support for the study of photoinitiators contamination in the country.
The microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals exhibite diverse characteristics, with microbial communities residing in different ecological niches displaying distinct spatial differences, often characterize by high host specificity. In addition to the compositional differences observe along the longitudinal axis of the gastrointestinal tract, microbes also form discrete characteristic communities within specific microenvironments. This review explored how the physical environment of the gastrointestinal tract affaceded the spatial formation and maintenance of microbial communities, the role of diet in shaping the spatial distribution of gut microbiota, and the importance of this spatial heterogeneity in maintaining organismal health. Focusing on the spatial heterogeneity of gastrointestinal microbiota enables a more comprehensive understanding of the adaptive strategies and biological functions of microbes in different locations and local environments in the gastrointestinal tract. This approach contributed to a better understanding of the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease, providing new theoretical foundations for maintaining gut health, preventing and treating diseases, and developing personalized medical strategies.
Objective To conducte compression tests and finite element mechanical simulations on Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl., and investigate its compression characteristics. Methods The compression deformation process of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. was repeatedly tested by universal electronic material testing machine, and the relationship curve between compression force and deformation was obtained. The feature points and feature chains of fruits pictures were extracted by image processing, and the 3D digital model of fruits was constructed. The stress and strain distribution of its fruits under compression was analyzed based on ANSYS Workbench 2024 R1 finite element simulation software. Results The yield load of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. fruit was 38.25 N. The average relative error between the finite element simulation model and compression test was 5.93%, which proved that the compression test of its fruit was reasonable and effective. The stress-strain cloud map of fruit compression test was obtained. It was found that the maximum stress position of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. was at the edge of the contact between the fruit and the upper pressure plate, the maximum stress value was 0.14057 MPa and the maximum strain value was 0.52233 mm. Conclusion In the process of picking and circulation of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl., it shall be noted that the extrusion pressure generated by mechanical picking and fruit stacking shall not exceed 38.25 N to avoid mechanical compression damage. At the same time, it is necessary to do a good job of packaging buffering to protect the maximum stress part of its fruits.
Objective To evaluate the quality differences among the main Vitis vinifera L. varieties in Shanghai, identify key quality indicators. Methods A total of 34 batches of Vitis vinifera L. samples were collected from 10 major cultivars cultivated by 7 enterprises in Shanghai. Twelve quality parameters, including cluster weight, berry weight, fructose, glucose, total acid, vitamin C, amino acids, and anthocyanins, were analyzed to assess Vitis vinifera L. quality from 3 perspectives: Physical appearance, intrinsic nutritional quality and overall quality. Results There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the physical appearance, intrinsic nutritional quality and overall quality of Vitis vinifera L. varieties. Shine Muscat performed exceptionally well in sugar-acid balance, Zuijinxiang showed high levels of vitamin C and overall nutritional quality, Jumeigui had a notable advantage in fructose and glucose content, and Shenyuan exhibited the highest total amino acids, though the amino acid composition needs optimization. Principal component analysis revealed that the main factors contributing to quality differences were the sugar-acid ratio, amino acid composition and fruit weight. Conclusion The major Vitis vinifera L. cultivars in Shanghai exhibit distinct quality advantages. Shine Muscat, Zuijinxiang and Jumeigui are particularly suitable for promotion as premium table Vitis vinifera L. varieties. These findings provide a scientific basis for Vitis vinifera L. varieties breeding, cultivation management, and market positioning, while also serving as a reference for consumer health and the development of functional foods.
Objective To construct and compare the fingerprint profiles of Astragalus samples from different origins based on ultra performance liquid chromatography-charged aerosol detector (UPLC-CAD) technology, achieve quality evaluation and origin identification of Astragalus. Methods Using UPLC-CAD technology, this study focused on flavonoid and saponin components to construct the fingerprint of wild-simulated Astragalus membranaceus from the Hengshan Mountains, based on 29 batches of samples collected from multiple geographical origins. Statistical analysis methods such as cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used for analysis and evaluation. Results The fingerprint successfully marked 26 common peaks, and 8 key characteristic peaks were identified, including complanatoside A, ononin, astragaloside I to IV, etc. Cluster analysis clearly divided the samples into two major categories, revealing the influence of regional differences on the quality of Astragalus membranaceus. PCA further extracted 7 principal components. OPLS-DA analysis accurately predicted 8 kinds of key compounds influencing the quality differences, which were closely related to origin, cultivation methods, and growth duration. Conclusion This study successfully constructed a fingerprint capable of distinguishing Astragalus based on its origin, cultivation methods, and growth conditions by integrating UPLC-CAD technology with multivariate chemometric analysis. This method can be used to evaluate the fingerprint similarity of Astragalus membranaceus (Hengshan Mountain wild-simulated), with high specificity and sensitivity, which provids a scientific basis for the quality assessment of wild-simulated Astragalus from the Hengshan Mountains.
Objective To investigate the effects of 3 kinds of different thermal processing methods on the quality of Triticum aestivum L. germ. Methods Fresh Triticum aestivum L. germ was used as the test material, and dry heat, microwave and moist heat methods were used to treat Triticum aestivum L. germ to analyze the effects of different thermal processing methods on the nutritional quality and oil quality of Triticum aestivum L. germ. Results There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in fatty acid composition among 3 kinds of thermal processing methods, and ash, fat, protein and mineral contents on a dry basis were essentially unchanged. Compared with fresh Triticum aestivum L. germ, dry heat and microwave methods decreased water content, vitamin E content (dry basis) and amino acid content (dry basis); moist heat method increased in water content, decreased in vitamin E content (dry basis) and no significant difference (P>0.05) in amino acid content (dry basis) content. Acid value and free fatty acid content increased and peroxide content decreased in the dry heat method; the acid value and free fatty acid content of microwave method and moist heat method were significantly reduced (P<0.05), the content of peroxide value significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusion Moist heat method helps to protect the quality of Triticum aestivum L., can better improve the storage stability of Triticum aestivum L. germ, and provides a basis for further high-value processing and utilization of Triticum aestivum L. germ and the development of functional components.
Objective To study the accuracy and feasibility of colloidal gold immunochromatography for the detection of animal-derived components in meat products. Methods The rapid detection kit was used to detect the animal-derived components in meat products. The sensitivity, specificity, adulteration simulation, false positive rate and false negative rate of 8 kinds of animal-derived components were tested, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) was used as a reference. Results The limits of detection of the rapid detection kit could reach 0.1% for cattle, chicken, duck and goose, and 0.01% for pig, sheep, horse and donkey. The limits of detection of pig, cattle, sheep, chicken, duck, goose, horse and donkey in the adulterated simulation could reach 0.5%, and there was no cross-reaction with other non-species channel detection, and the specificity was good. Conclusion The colloidal gold immunochromatography method established in this study is suitable for the rapid screening and detection of animal origin in meat products.
Objective To explore the quality characteristics and differences among the fruits of 6 kinds of different Prunus salicina L. varieties: Fengtang plum, Candy red plum, Red plum, Jiangan plum, Green red crisp plum and Crisp plum, Qinghong Cuili, and Suli. Methods The nutritional components of Prunus salicina L. fruits were analyzed using liquid chromatography, amino acid analyzer, spectrophotometry, and titration methods, and a quality analysis of different Prunus salicina L. varieties was conducted. Results The study found that the soluble sugar content in Prunus salicina L. fruits was primarily composed of fructose, glucose, and sucrose, with glucose being the highest, followed by fructose or sucrose. The total soluble sugar content, total sugar content, soluble solids, sweetness value, and sugar-acid ratio of Fengtang plum were significantly higher than those of other varieties, which might be the main reason for its sweeter taste. In terms of organic acids, malic acid was the predominant organic acid, accounting for more than 88% of the total, with Candy red plum having the highest malic acid content and Green red crisp plum having the highest total acid content. Amino acid analysis revealed that aspartic acid and proline levels were relatively high, and Candy red plum had the highest total free amino acid content. Green red crisp plum had the highest levels of total flavonoids and vitamin C, while Red plum had the highest vitamin E content. Conclusion The fruit qualities of the 6 plum varieties showes significant differences. This study provides a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the utilization of quality resources of different plum varieties and the premium strategy for Prunus salicina L. fruits.
Objective To investigate the content of tea polyphenols, catechins, and caffeine in novel-tea beverages available on the market. Methods This study collected and analyzed total of 46 samples from 17 different brands in the market. These products were categorized and compared into 3 types: Novel-milk tea beverages, novel-blended tea beverages and novel-pure tea beverages. Results The findings revealed that the average volume of these was 566 mL per cup. Comparison of average prices of 3 different kinds of new tea drinks was as follows: Novel-milk tea beverages>novel-blended tea beverages>novel-pure tea beverages. In terms of chemical composition, the content of tea polyphenols, catechins, and caffeine in novel-milk tea beverages were significantly lower compared to those in novel-blended tea beverages and novel-pure tea beverages. Notably, the content of tea polyphenols and catechins were influenced by the type of tea base used in the novel-tea beverages. In this study, green tea bases were characterized by tea polyphenols content exceeding 1000 mg/kg and catechins content exceeding 400 mg/kg. Conclusion This research can enable consumers to understand the specifications, prices and tea component content of novel-tea beverages on the market, and also provide assistance for product research and development of novel-tea beverages.
Objective To establish a detection method for rapid determination of chlorate and perchlorate in Capsicum annuum L. powder by automatic QuEChERS-ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Methods After the sample was centrally weighed, the sample was extracted with a mix-ture of 1% avetic acid-acetonitrile-water (1:1, V:V), and automatic pre-treatment with automatic QuEChERS instrument, the gradient elution was performed by 0.5% formic acid methanol-0.5% formic acid solution, Thermo HYPERCARB as a separation column, gradient elution, series mass spectra electrospray ionization negative mode ionization, multiresponse monitoring pattern detection, qualitative research by the ratio of retention time and ion, the internal standard method was used to qualitative experiment. Results Automatic QuEChERS instrument was used to determine the chlorate and perchlorate of Capsicum annuum L. powder and the pretreatment efficiency was 6 times that of manual. The limits of quantification (S/N=10) were 10 μg/kg, when the spiked level was 10-50 μg/kg (n=6), the sample recoveries for chlorate and perchlorate were 94.0%-96.4%, the relative standard deviations were less than 5%. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 1-100 μg/L with the correlation coefficients above 0.999. Conclusion The method has high automation degree, good accuracy and stability, and the limit of quantitation also meets the requirements of European Union export, can be applied for the determination of chlorate and perchlorate in Capsicum annuum L. powder.