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Espresso coffee beverages prepared from pure origin roasted ground coffees from the major world growing regions (Brazil, Ethiopia, Colombia, India, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Cuba, Timor, Mussulo and China) were characterized and compared in terms of their mineral content. Regular consumption of one cup of espresso contributes to a daily mineral intake varying from 0.002% (sodium; Central America) to 8.73% (potassium; Asia). The mineral profiles of the espresso beverages revealed significant inter- and intra-continental differences. South American pure origin coffees are on average richer in the analyzed elements except for calcium, while samples from Central America have generally lower mineral amounts (except for manganese). Manganese displayed significant differences ( p < 0.05) among the countries of each characterized continent. Intercontinental and inter-country discrimination between the major world coffee producers were achieved by applying canonical discriminant analysis. Manganese and calcium were found to be the best chemical descriptors for origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An immunosensor was developed for the analysis of a fish allergen (β-parvalbumin). • The nanostructuration of the transducer enhanced the analytical signal. • A limit of detection of 0.40 ng was achieved in an assay time of ∼75 min. • The device was able to track traces of β-PV in a variety of commercial products. • Food processing affects the allergen content. Seafood product labels with accurate allergen contents can avoid and/or minimize allergic reactions. Therefore, an electrochemical immunosensor for the analysis of β-parvalbumin (β-PV, a major fish allergen) was developed. Screen-printed carbon electrodes were nanostructured with reduced graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles. The platform was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis. In a sandwich-type assay (∼75 min), the antigen–antibody interaction was detected by chronoamperometry using horseradish peroxidase and TMB-H 2 O 2. A linear range of 25–3000 ng/mL, a sensitivity of 2.99 µA.mL/ng, and a limit of detection of 9.9 ng/mL (corresponding to 0.40 ng in the analysed aliquot) were obtained. The selectivity and possible interferences were assessed by analysing several other food allergens and a marine toxin. The sensor was applied to the analysis of 17 commercial foods and the effect of culinary processing (e.g., grilled, canned, smoked) on the β-PV concentration was assessed. Traces of β-PV were successfully quantified and ELISA was used to assess the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chestnut shells extract valorized as a promising nutraceutical ingredient. • Total phenolics improved during in-vitro digestion. • Hydroxybenzoic, phenylpropanoic, and phenylacetic acids identified upon digestion. • Proven bioactivity on α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, and antioxidant enzymes. • Multivariate analysis predicted the role of phenolics in extract bioactivity. Chestnut (Castanea sativa) shells (CS) are an undervalued antioxidant-rich by-product. This study explores the impact of in-vitro digestion on the bioaccessibility, bioactivity, and metabolic profile of CS extract prepared by Supercritical Fluid Extraction, aiming its valorization for nutraceutical applications. The results demonstrated significantly (p < 0.05) lower phenolic concentrations retained after digestion (38.57 µg gallic acid equivalents/mg dry weight (DW)), reaching 30% of bioaccessibility. The CS extract showed antioxidant/antiradical, hypoglycemic, and neuroprotective properties after in-vitro digestion, along with upmodulating effects on antioxidant enzymes activities and protection against lipid peroxidation. The metabolic profile screened by LC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS proved the biotransformation of complex phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins present in the undigested extract (45.78 µg/mg DW of total phenolic concentration) into hydroxybenzoic, phenylpropanoic, and phenylacetic acids upon digestion (35.54 µg/mg DW). These findings sustain the valorization of CS extract as a promising nutraceutical ingredient, delivering polyphenols with proven bioactivity even after in-vitro digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Chayote possess several bioactive compounds known for their health-benefits. • Chayote possess several polyphenols compounds, vitamins and carotenoids. • The extraction of bioactive compounds from chayote is an important challenge. • In vitro and in vivo studies are vital in addressing chayote bioactivities. • Potential uses of chayote in food and non-food product development are suggested. Abstract Chayote (Sechium edule) has gained widespread consuming acceptance and recognized by its nutritional and bio-functional properties. The present review surveys and describes the current findings about the nutritional, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of chayote and identifies opportunities for further research. It also discusses chayote's versatile utility in nutrition, as a functional ingredient in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in nanotechnology and biotechnological processes. It was concluded that although the pharmacological properties of chayote are currently well-established, only a few reports have been conducted on the isolation and identification of individual chemical constituents, and similarly, only a few in vivo studies have been conducted to assess their biological efficacy. In addition, the valorisation of the underutilized chayote by-products can be an important aspect in waste management from both economic and environmental standpoints. Thus, the recovery and utilization of valuable compounds from chayote is an important challenge for scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Extraction of chamomile by subcritical water. • Influence of temperature on chemical composition of obtained extracts. • Biosensor DNA assays for antioxidant potential of extracts. • Influence of temperature on biological activity of the extracts. Abstract The main goal of this research was to determine the relationship among chemical structure, bioactivity and temperature of chamomile during subcritical water extraction in isobaric conditions (45 bar) at seven different temperatures (65–210 °C). The influence of temperature on phenolic profiles was defined by UHPLC-HESI-MS/MS. The overall results indicate that the presence of conjugated double bonds, side chains, glucose moiety or ether moiety in molecules influence the efficiency of polyphenols’ extraction in subcritical water. In terms of antioxidant activity, the extracts were the most active towards ABTS radicals (IC 50 = 7.3–16.8 µg/mL), whereby temperature of 150 °C was optimal. On the other hand, the extracts obtained at 115 °C showed highest cytotoxicity. Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase was the highest at 65 and 85 °C, i.e. 0.51 and 4.13 mmolAE/g, respectively. Activity against tyrosinase was the highest at 210 °C (17.92 mgKAE/g). The data showed that different non-phenolic compounds may also participate in bio-activities of the extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total protein content and the (total and free) amino acid composition of nine edible species of red, brown and green seaweeds collected in the Portuguese North-Central coast were quantified to assess their potential contribution to the recommended dietary intake. Whenever possible, the protein and amino acid composition was compared with that of commercial European seaweeds. The protein content was the highest ( P  < 0.05) in red species (19.1–28.2 g/100 g dw), followed by the green seaweed Ulva spp. (20.5–23.3 g/100 g dw), with the lowest content found in brown seaweeds (6.90–19.5 g/100 g dw). Brown seaweeds presented the lowest mean contents of essential amino acids (EAAs) (41.0% protein) but significantly ( P  < 0.05) higher concentrations of non-essential amino acids (36.1% protein) and free amino acids (6.47–24.0% protein). Tryptophan, methionine and leucine were the limiting EAAs in all species. In contrast, lysine was found in high concentrations, especially in red (2.71–3.85% protein) and green (2.84–4.24% protein) seaweeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Chestnut shells extract induced in-vivo antioxidant effects in rats. • Metabolic profiling by LC-ESI-TQ-Orbitrap-MS was done for chestnut shell. • 52 phenolic compounds and metabolites were identified in blood serum. • Potential mild hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects were determined. • Histological analysis revealed no structural changes or toxicity signs. Chestnut (Castanea sativa) shells (CSS) are a source of bioactive compounds with well demonstrated in-vitro antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, no in-vivo studies have already evaluated this effect. This study evaluated the effects of the oral daily administration of an eco-friendly CSS extract (50 and 100 mg/kg per body weight (b.w.)) to rats regarding in-vivo antioxidant activity, glucose and lipids levels, and metabolomic profiling of polyphenols by LC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS. The results demonstrated the in-vivo antioxidant properties in the animals liver, kidney and blood serum, as well as protective effects against hemolysis and rising of blood glucose and lipids levels. New insights on metabolomic profiling of polyphenols proved their absorption and further biotransformation by phase I (hydrogenation and hydroxylation) and II reactions (glucuronidation, methylation and sulfation). This is the first study that attempted to validate a novel nutraceutical ingredient extracted from CSS by in-vivo assays, corroborating the outcomes screened by in-vitro assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction of Ara h 6 (a peanut allergen) from a complex chocolate-based food matrix was optimized by testing different temperatures, extraction times, and the influence of additives (NaCl and skimmed milk powder) in a total of 36 different conditions. Analyses were carried out using an electrochemical immunosensor. Three conditions were selected since they allowed the extraction of the highest levels of Ara h 6. These extractions were performed using 2 g of sample and 20 ml of Tris-HNO 3 (pH = 8) containing: a) 0.1 M NaCl and 2 g of skimmed milk powder at 21 °C for 60 min; b) 1 M NaCl and 1 g of skimmed milk powder at 21 °C for 60 min; and c) 2 g of skimmed milk powder at 60 °C for 60 min. Recoveries were similar or higher than 94.7%. This work highlights the importance to adjust extraction procedures regarding the target analyte and food matrix components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Tracking crustacean-containing food can prevent severe allergic reactions. • A simple and selective electrochemical immunoassay was developed for tropomyosin. • A low linear range between 2.5 and 20 ng mL−1 was achieved. • The results of tropomyosin analysis in food products were validated. Regulations of the EU obliges the indication of the presence of allergens on food labels. This work reports the development of an electrochemical immunosensor to determine tropomyosin (TPM) – a major shellfish allergen – prevailing in the muscles of crustacean species. Two linear ranges between the signal and TPM concentration were obtained: between 2.5 and 20 ng mL−1 and between 30 and 200 ng mL−1, with a lowest limit of detection of 0.47 ng mL−1. The selectivity of the optimized immunoassay, tested with other food allergens (e.g., Cyp c 1, a fish allergen), assures the effective detection of TPM, enabling successful control of foodstuff labelling. Several (12) foods, containing high and low TPM concentrations and TPM-free samples, were analysed using the sensor. A conventional ELISA kit and recovery assays were used to evaluate the accuracy of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A reinforced starch film with chestnut shells polysaccharides was developed. • Elongation, tensile strength, and elasticity modulus were optimized by RSM. • The optimum composition was 10% w/w r.s. fibers and 50% w/w r.s. glycerol. • Lignin was not a good reinforcement component of starch film. • The reinforced film had improved mechanical, optical and physical properties. Chestnut (Castanea sativa) shells, generated from the peeling process of the fruit, contains appreciable amounts of lignin and cellulose. In this work, a starch-based film reinforced with these polysaccharides was developed. Response Surface Methodology was employed to optimize the composition of the film with improved elongation, tensile strength, and elasticity modulus properties. The optimal film was characterized regarding structural, optical barrier and thermal properties. The optimum composition was obtained with 10% (w/w) fibers and 50% (w/w) glycerol; the elongation responses, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity reached values of 34.19%, 7.31 N and 4.15 N, respectively. The values of tension strength and modulus of elasticity were approximately 3.5 times higher than those obtained for the control film. The reinforced film was opaque and exhibited improved water solubility, UV-barrier capacity, and thermal stability compared to control. The optimized starch film based on chestnut shells fibers' has the potential to produce biodegradable food packaging with improved properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight tropical fruit pulps from Brazil were simultaneously characterised in terms of their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Antioxidant activity was screened by DPPH radical scavenging activity (126–3987 mg TE/100 g DW) and ferric reduction activity power (368–20819 mg AAE/100 g DW), and complemented with total phenolic content (329–12466 mg GAE/100 g DW) and total flavonoid content measurements (46–672 mg EE /100 g DW), whereas antimicrobial activity was tested against the most frequently found food pathogens. Acerola and açaí presented the highest values for the antioxidant-related measurements. Direct correlations between these measurements could be observed for some of the fruits. Tamarind exhibited the broadest antimicrobial potential, having revealed growth inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Escherichia coli , Listeria monocytogenes , Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus aureus . Açaí and tamarind extracts presented an inverse relationship between antibacterial and antioxidant activities, and therefore, the antibacterial activity cannot be attributed (only) to phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Molecularly imprinted polymer sensor for bisphenol-A was developed. • Molecular interactions of Bisphenol-A on polymer was computationally analysed. • Bisphenol-A imprinted polypyrrole electrochemically synthesised on the reduced graphene oxide film. • Bisphenol-A detected in bovine milk and water samples stored from polycarbonate bottles. Bisphenol A (BPA) contamination from food packaging material has been a major concern in recent years, due to its potential endocrine-disrupting effects on humans, especially infants and children. This paper reports the detection of BPA using an electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). Electrochemically reduced graphene oxide coated glassy carbon electrode used for this study. Density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6–31 + G (d,p) level was used to calculate the molecular-level interaction between BPA and MIP. The pyrrole electrochemically polymerized in the presence of template molecule BPA on the electrode surface. BPA imprinted cavities were formed by removing entrapped BPA molecules from the polypyrrole film. MIP electrode was used for the determination of BPA in standard and real samples by differential pulse voltammetry. The peak current shows the linear relationship to the logarithmic concentration of BPA between 750 and 0.5 nmolL−1 with a correlation coefficient, R2 = 0.992. The limit of detection was found to be 0.2 nmolL−1 (S/N = 3). The reproducibility and repeatability of the sensor were also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A QuEChERS method for the extraction of ochratoxin A (OTA) from bread samples was evaluated. A factorial design (23) was used to find the optimal QuEChERS parameters (extraction time, extraction solvent volume and sample mass). Extracts were analysed by LC with fluorescence detection. The optimal extraction conditions were: 5g of sample, 15mL of acetonitrile and 3min of agitation. The extraction procedure was validated by systematic recovery experiments at three levels. The recoveries obtained ranged from 94.8% (at 1.0μgkg−1) to 96.6% (at 3.0μgkg−1). The limit of quantification of the method was 0.05μgkg−1. The optimised procedure was applied to 20 samples of different bread types (“Carcaça”, “Broa de Milho”, and “Broa de Avintes”) highly consumed in Portugal. None of the samples exceeded the established European legal limit of 3μgkg−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An accurate and sensitive method for determination of 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (16 PAHs considered by USEPA as priority pollutants, dibenzo[a,l]pyrene and benzo[j]fluoranthene) in fish samples was validated. Analysis was performed by microwave-assisted extraction and liquid chromatography with photodiode array and fluorescence detection. Response surface methodology was used to find the optimal extraction parameters. Validation of the overall methodology was performed by spiking assays at four levels and using SRM 2977. Quantification limits ranging from 0.15–27.16ng/g wet weight were obtained. The established method was applied in edible tissues of three commonly consumed and commercially valuable fish species (sardine, chub mackerel and horse mackerel) originated from Atlantic Ocean. Variable levels of naphthalene (1.03–2.95ng/g wet weight), fluorene (0.34–1.09ng/g wet weight) and phenanthrene (0.34–3.54ng/g wet weight) were detected in the analysed samples. None of the samples contained detectable amounts of benzo[a]pyrene, the marker used for evaluating the occurrence and carcinogenic effects of PAHs in food. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Consumer awareness, pesticide and fertilizer contaminations and environmental concerns have resulted in significant demand for organically grown farm produce. Consumption of berries has become popular among health-conscious consumers due to the high levels of valuable antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds. The present study evaluated the influence that organic farming (OF) and integrated pest management (IPM) practise exert on the total phenolic content in 22 strawberry samples from four varieties. Postharvest performance of OF and IPM strawberries grown in the same area in the centre of Portugal and harvested at the same maturity stage were compared. Chemical profiles (phenolic compounds) were determined with the aid of HPLC-DAD/MS. Total phenolic content was higher for OF strawberry extracts. This study showed that the main differences in bioactive phytochemicals between organically and IPM grown strawberries concerned their anthocyanin levels. Organically grown strawberries were significantly higher in antioxidant activity than were the IPM strawberries, as measured by DPPH and FRAP assays. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A multiresidue gas chromatographic method for the determination of six fungicides (captan, chlorthalonil, folpet, iprodione, procymidone and vinclozolin) and one acaricide (dicofol) in still and fortified wines was developed. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was chosen for the extraction of the compounds from the studied matrices and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) detection was used. The extraction consists in a solvent free and automated procedure and the detection is highly sensitive and selective. Good linearity was obtained with correlation coefficients of regression (R 2)>0.99 for all the compounds. Satisfactory results of repeatability and intermediate precision were obtained for most of the analytes (RSD⩽20%). Recoveries from spiked wine ranged from 80.1% to 112.0%. Limits of quantification (LOQs) were considerably below the proposed maximum residue limits (MRLs) for these compounds in grapes and below the suggested limits for wine (MRLs/10), with the exception of captan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, a microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) methodology was compared with several conventional extraction methods (Soxhlet, Bligh & Dyer, modified Bligh & Dyer, Folch, modified Folch, Hara & Radin, Roese-Gottlieb) for quantification of total lipid content of three fish species: horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus), and sardine (Sardina pilchardus). The influence of species, extraction method and frozen storage time (varying from fresh to 9months of freezing) on total lipid content was analysed in detail. The efficiencies of methods MAE, Bligh & Dyer, Folch, modified Folch and Hara & Radin were the highest and although they were not statistically different, differences existed in terms of variability, with MAE showing the highest repeatability (CV=0.034). Roese-Gottlieb, Soxhlet, and modified Bligh & Dyer methods were very poor in terms of efficiency as well as repeatability (CV between 0.13 and 0.18). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present paper reports the amount and estimated daily mineral intake of nine elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na, P, Fe, Mn, Cr and Ni) in commercial instant coffees and coffee substitutes (n =49). Elements were quantified by high-resolution continuum source flame (HR-CS-FAAS) and graphite furnace (HR-CS-GFAAS) atomic absorption spectrometry, while phosphorous was evaluated by a standard vanadomolybdophosphoric acid colorimetric method. Instant coffees and coffee substitutes are rich in K, Mg and P (>100mg/100g dw), contain Na, Ca and Fe in moderate amounts (>1mg/100g), and trace levels of Cr and Ni. Among the samples analysed, plain instant coffees are richer in minerals (p <0.001), except for Na and Cr. Blends of coffee substitutes (barley, malt, chicory and rye) with coffee (20–66%) present intermediate amounts, while lower quantities are found in substitutes without coffee, particularly in barley. From a nutritional point of view the results indicate that the mean ingestion of two instant beverages per day (total of 4g instant powder), either with or without coffee, cannot be regarded as important sources of minerals to the human diet, although providing a supplementation of some minerals, particularly Mg and Mn in instant coffees. Additionally, and for authentication purposes, the correlations observed between some elements and the coffee percentage in the blends, with particular significance for Mg amounts, provides a potential tool for the estimation of coffee in substitute blends. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study reports the levels of nitrate and nitrite of 34 vegetable samples, including different varieties of cabbage, lettuce, spinaches, parsley and turnips, collected in several locations of an intensive agricultural area (Modivas, Vila do Conde, northern Portugal). Nitrate levels ranged between 54 and 2440mg kg−1, while nitrite levels ranged between 1.1 and 57mg kg−1. The maximum residue levels established for nitrate in spinach and lettuce samples were not exceeded. Nitrate and nitrite levels reported in the literature for the same type of samples are reviewed, as well as the contribution of vegetables to nitrate and nitrite dietary exposure of populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Macro (Ca, Mg, K, Na) and micromineral (Fe, Zn, Cu) composition of 39 waters was analysed. Determinations were made by atomic flame spectrophotometry for macrominerals and electrothermic atomisation in graphite furnace for microminerals. Mineral contents of still or sparkling natural waters (without flavours) changed from brand to brand. Mann–Whitney test was used to search for significant differences between flavoured and natural waters. For that, the concentration of each mineral was compared to the presence of flavours, preservatives, acidifying agents, fruit juice and/or sweeteners, according to the labelled composition. The statistical study demonstrated that flavoured waters generally have increased contents of K, Na, Fe and Cu. The added preservatives also led to significant differences in the mineral composition. Acidifying agents and fruit juice can also be correlated to the increase of Mg, K, Na, Fe and Cu. Sweeteners do not provide any significant difference in Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn contents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Optimization of chestnut shells extraction using response surface methodology. • Subcritical water extraction is a clean method for antioxidants extraction. • Optimum extraction conditions: temperature 220 °C and extraction time 30 min. • Caffeoylquinic acid isomers were the main phenolic compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the optimal Subcritical Water Extraction (SWE) conditions of antioxidants and polyphenols from chestnut shells using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A central composite design (CCD) was conducted to analyse the time (6–30 min) and temperature (51–249 °C) effects in antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP) and Total Phenolic Compounds (TPC). TPC ranged from 315.21 to 496.80 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g DW; the DPPH from 549.23 to 1125.68 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/g DW; ABTS varied between 631.16 and 965.45 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g DW and FRAP from 2793.95 to 11393.97 mg ferrous sulphate equivalents (FSE)/g DW. The optimal extraction conditions were 30 min/220 °C, revealing excelling scavenging efficiencies against HOCl (IC 50 = 0.79 µg/mL) and O 2 − (IC 50 = 12.92 µg/mL) without toxicity on intestinal cells (0.1 µg/mL). The phenolic composition revealed high amounts of pyrogallol and protocatechuic acid. SWE can be a useful extraction technique for the recovery of polyphenolics from chestnut shells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Optimization of a QuEChERS extraction combined with MµdSPE for BFRs analysis. • Analytical evaluation of GC/MS as a screening tool for BFRs detection in red fruits. • MNPs were used as sorbents in the MµdSPE purification step. • Application the new sample preparation methodology in the analysis of BFRs. A sample preparation method, QuEChERS extraction combined with a magnetic micro dispersive solid phase extraction (MµdSPE), was optimized and evaluated for the trace analysis of 9 brominated flame retardants in red fruit samples (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Magnetic nanomaterials were used as sorbents providing an extraction of the target compounds. Linearity was established for all the analytes (from 10 to 200 µg kg−1). Seven concentration levels were analyzed with three measurements at each concentration. Linear responses (R2 > 0.99) were obtained, recoveries of all target analytes were within the range of 65–141%, relative standard deviations were <20% at all three spiking levels, while intraday and interday precisions were below 20%. This study demonstrated that the new sample preparation with magnetic nanoparticles could potentially be expanded to extract and pre-concentrate the BFRs in different red fruit samples. The method has been successfully applied to study BFRs in 12 samples from conventional and organic farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]