Use of polyphenolic fingerprints established by comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography for the classification of honeys according to their floral origin.

In this work, the polyphenolic composition of honeys from three different floral origins (chestnut, heather, and thyme), coming from different geographical areas of Spain was investigated. First, samples were characterized in terms of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity, which was established by three different assays. The results revealed that the studied honeys presented similar TPCs and antioxidant capacities, with a wide variability within each floral origin.

Galactose-functionalized methacrylate polymers as affinity sorbents for extraction of food allergen lectins.

In this study, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)-based materials functionalized with different galactose derivatives were prepared to be used as affinity sorbents for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of several food allergen lectins (such as phytohemagglutinin (PHA)). First, GMA-based polymers were synthesized and then galactose derivatives were immobilized onto the GMA surface using two different synthetic routes. In the first approach, the bare polymer was modified with ethylenediamine and glutaraldehyde, and subsequently two galactose derivatives were immobilized.

Skin absorption of inorganic nanoparticles and their toxicity: A review.

The role of inorganic nanoparticles in our society is increasing every day, from its use in sunscreens to their introduction in analytical laboratories, pharmacy, medicine, agricultural and other uses. Therefore, in order to establish precautions as well as correct handling of this type of material by operators, it is important to determine the ability of these compounds to travel through the different layers of the skin and to study their possible toxicological effects. In this sense, several authors have studied the ability of inorganic nanoparticles to penetrate the skin barrier by diverse methodologies in in vivo and in vitro modes.

Automatic and non-targeted analysis of the volatile profile of natural and alkalized cocoa powders using SBSE-GC-MS and chemometrics.

A total of 56 key volatile compounds present in natural and alkalized cocoa powders have been rapidly evaluated using a non-target approach using stir bar sorptive extraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SBSE-GC-MS) coupled to Parallel Factor Analysis 2 (PARAFAC2) automated in PARADISe. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained 80% of the variability of the concentration, in four PCs, which revealed specific groups of volatile characteristics. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) helped to identify volatile compounds that were correlated to the different degrees of alkalization.

Reticular framework materials in miniaturized and emerging formats in analytical chemistry.

In recent years, important efforts have been put into miniaturization, coming on the scene formats such as chips, 3D-printed objects and paper-based devices. These systems have been applied to biological and chemical processes taking profit of their advantages such as waste reduction, low cost, portability, etc. Despite their benefits, there is a need to continue developing easier-to-use devices with enhanced performance addressed to face the current analytical challenges.

Selection and characterization of DNA aptamers for highly selective recognition of the major allergen of olive pollen Ole e 1.

In this study, single-stranded DNA aptamers with binding affinity to Ole e 1, the major allergen of olive pollen, were selected using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) method. Binding of the aptamers was firstly established by enzyme-linked oligonucleotide assay (ELONA) and aptaprecipitation assays. Additionally, aptamer-modified monolithic capillary chromatography was used in order to evaluate the recognition of this allergenic protein against other non-target proteins.

Determination of antibiotics in meat samples using analytical methodologies: A review.

Antibiotics are widely used to prevent or treat some diseases in human and veterinary medicine and also as animal growth promoters. The presence of these compounds in foods derived from food-producing animals can be a risk for human health. Consequently, regulatory agencies have set maximum residue limits for antibiotics in food samples.

Current trends in affinity-based monoliths in microextraction approaches: A review.

This article reviews the research contributions along the past five years concerning to monolithic materials for the development of affinity-based sorbents in the field of microextraction techniques. The first part of this paper includes an introduction regarding monolithic affinity media and information of different binding agents (such as immunoglobulin-binding proteins, enzymes, lectins, antibodies, aptamers, dyes and immobilized metal ions and nanoparticles, among others) that can act as affinity ligands. Then, the preparation of monoliths and ligand immobilization strategies as well as the different available formats (syringes, pipette tips, spin columns, capillaries, disks and microfluidic devices) for their use in micro-solid phase extraction are mentioned.

Proteomic fingerprinting of apple fruit, juice, and cider via combinatorial peptide ligand libraries and MS analysis.

Combinatorial peptide ligand libraries coupled to MS was applied to extensively map the proteome of apple fruit, and to detect its presence in commercial apple juice and cider to evaluate their authenticity and genuineness. Using the Uniprot_Malus database, 96 proteins were detected in apples, among which 30 proteins were specifically captured via combinatorial peptide ligand libraries. Next, three proteins, previously recognized in fruits, were found in apple juice, which were involved in cellular metabolism of fruit maturation and in allergenic reactions.

Olive leaf extracts for shelf life extension of salmon burgers.

In this work, the effect of the addition of olive leaf extracts on the quality of vacuum-packed salmon burgers stored at 4 ℃ during 16 days has been studied. Olive leaf extract and its hydrolysate were initially characterized and then incorporated to salmon burgers. A shelf life study was conducted in three different batches (control, olive leaf extract, and hydrolyzed olive leaf extract burgers).

Characterization of Spanish powdered seaweeds: Composition, antioxidant capacity and technological properties.

This work aimed to characterise four seaweed species: nori (Phorphyra), kombu (Laminaria), wakame (Undaria) and sea spaghetti (Himanthalia elongata). Their nutritional composition, total phenolic compounds (TPC), antioxidant capacity, oil and water holding capacity (OHC and WHC), and swelling capacity (SC) were determined. Wakame and nori exhibited the highest proteins contents, rich in essential amino acids and in those related to umami flavour.

Proteomic fingerprinting of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) via combinatorial peptide ligand libraries and mass spectrometry analysis.

Unlabelled: Combinatorial peptide ligand libraries (CPLLs), coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, have been used to investigate in depth the proteome of Viscum album L. (VA), commonly named European mistletoe, in order to provide a first proteomic fingerprinting. For this purpose, the proteins were captured via CPLLs at two different pH values (acidic and neutral).

Solid-phase extraction based on ground methacrylate monolith modified with gold nanoparticles for isolation of proteins.

In this study, a novel polymeric material functionalized with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was prepared as solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbent for isolation of proteins. The sorbent was synthesized from a powdered poly(glycidyl-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith, and modified with ammonia, followed by immobilization of AuNPs on the pore surface of the material. To evaluate the performance of this SPE support, proteins were selected as test solutes, being the extraction conditions and other parameters (loading capacity and regenerative ability of sorbent) established.

Orange proteomic fingerprinting: From fruit to commercial juices.

Combinatorial peptide ligand library technology, coupled to mass spectrometry, has been applied to extensively map the proteome of orange pulp and peel and, via this fingerprinting, to detect its presence in commercial orange juices and drinks. The native and denaturing extraction protocols have captured 1109 orange proteins, as identified by LC-MS/MS. This proteomic map has been searched in an orange concentrate, from a Spanish juice manufacturer, as well as in commercial orange juices and soft drinks.

Quality control of fruit juices by using organic acids determined by capillary zone electrophoresis with poly(vinyl alcohol)-coated bubble cell capillaries.

An enhanced method for the determination of organic acids in several fruit juices by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with direct UV-Vis detection has been developed in this work. First, a study with simulated real juice samples was done to find the best separation conditions. Next, several commercial fruit juices were analyzed, and the organic acid contents were quantified in less than 12 min using a poly(vinyl alcohol)-coated fused-silica 'bubble cell' capillary.

Rapid differentiation of commercial juices and blends by using sugar profiles obtained by capillary zone electrophoresis with indirect UV detection.

A method for the determination of sugars in several fruit juices and nectars by capillary zone electrophoresis with indirect UV-vis detection has been developed. Under optimal conditions, commercial fruit juices and nectars from several fruits were analyzed, and the sugar and cyclamate contents were quantified in less than 6 min. A study for the detection of blends of high-value juices (orange and pineapple) with cheaper alternatives was also developed.

Efficient extraction of olive pulp and stone proteins by using an enzyme-assisted method.

An efficient protein extraction protocol for proteins from olive pulp and stone by using enzymes was developed. For this purpose, different parameters that affect the extraction process, such as enzyme type and content, pH, and extraction temperature and time, were tested. The influence of these factors on protein recovery was examined using the standard Bradford assay, while the extracted proteins were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).

According to the CPLL proteome sheriffs, not all aperitifs are created equal!

Combinatorial peptide ligand libraries (CPLLs) have been adopted for investigating the proteome of a popular aperitif in Northern Italy, called "Amaro Branzi", stated to be an infusion of a secret herbal mixture, of which some ingredients are declared on the label, namely Angelica officinalis, Gentiana lutea and orange peel, sweetened by a final addition of honey. In order to assess the genuineness of this commercial liqueur, we have prepared extracts of the three vegetable ingredients, assessed their proteomes, and compared them to the one found in the aperitif. The amaro's proteome was identified via prior capture with CPLLs at two different pH values (2.

Tannin analysis of chestnut bark samples (Castanea sativa Mill.) by HPLC-DAD-MS.

In the present investigation, an HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS method for the complete analysis of tannins and other phenolic compounds of different commercial chestnut bark samples was developed. A total of seven compounds (vescalin, castalin, gallic acid, vescalagin, 1-O-galloyl castalagin, castalagin and ellagic acid) were separated and quantified, being 1-O-galloyl castalagin tentatively identified and found for the first time in chestnut bark samples. Thus, this method provided information regarding the composition and quality of chestnut bark samples, which is required since these samples are commercialised due to their biochemical properties as ingredients of food supplements.

Classification of olive leaves and pulps according to their cultivar by using protein profiles established by capillary gel electrophoresis.

A method to classify olive leaves and pulps according to their cultivar using protein profiles obtained by capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) has been developed. For this purpose, proteins were extracted using an enzyme-assisted method, which provided higher protein recoveries than other previously described methods. Ten and nine common peaks, for leaf and pulp samples, respectively, were identified in the 12 cultivars studied in this work.

Chemical analysis and antioxidant activity of the essential oils of three Piperaceae species growing in the central region of Cuba.

The present study describes the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of the essential oils of three Piperaceae species collected in the central region of Cuba. The essential oils of Piper aduncum, P. auritum and P.

Use of gold nanoparticle-coated sorbent materials for the selective preconcentration of sulfonylurea herbicides in water samples and determination by capillary liquid chromatography.

Two new gold nanoparticle (NP) coated materials (silica supported on gold NP with and without ionic liquid) were synthesized for solid phase extraction of sulfonylurea herbicides (SUHs), such as bensulfuron-methyl (BSM), metsulfuron-methyl (MSM), pyrazosulfuron-methyl (PSM), thifensulfuron-methyl (TFM) and triasulfuron (TS), from water samples, followed by capillary liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection (CLC-DAD). Several factors influencing the preconcentration efficiency of SUHs and its subsequent determination, such as pH of the sample, eluent and reusability of sorbents, have been investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the developed method allowed the determination of BSM, MSM, PSM, TFM and TS in a linear range between 0.

Chemical composition, antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Murraya paniculata leaves from the mountains of Central Cuba.

The essential oil of Murraya paniculata L leaves from the mountains of the Central Region of Cuba, obtained by hydrodistillation, was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Eighteen compounds, accounting for 95.1% of the oil were identified.

Capillary electrophoresis of free fatty acids by indirect ultraviolet detection: application to the classification of vegetable oils according to their botanical origin.

A method for the determination of fatty acids in vegetable oils by capillary electrophoresis with indirect UV-vis detection has been developed. The separation of fatty acids was optimized in terms of Brij surfactant nature and concentration and organic modifier (2-propanol) percentage. The optimal background electrolyte consisted of 10 mM p-hydroxybenzoate, 5 mM Tris at pH 8.