R-SPECT - Novel Raman chemometrics-based approach in food quality assessment: carotenoids as model nutrients for application to functional products
Project team:
University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture
Prof dr Zora Dajić Stevanović – PI
Prof dr Marina Mačukanović Jocić
Stefan Kolašinac, Master of Agricultural Engineering
Sofija Kilibarda, Master of Agricultural Engineering
University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy
Abstract
The increasing demand for food safety and quality triggered the interest in vibrational spectroscopic techniques, including Raman spectroscopy (RS), as non-destructive, enforceable and environmentally friendly analytical tools. There are still some limitations due to specificity, accuracy and repeatability of the method. Our Project focuses on application of RS in studying the range of carotenoid-rich samples, including agricultural by-products. The carotenoids were chosen as model nutrients, exhibiting high response to RS, in addition to recently proven health benefits, mainly antioxidant, anticancer and anti-ageing effects. The key objective of our Project is to develop novel RS chemometrics-based quantification and transfer model with corresponding original software program for fast, repeatable and accurate determination of carotenoids in different samples. To rich such ambitious goal, the standard analytics will be used as control (HPLC and spectrophotometry) in addition to application of RS (laser of 532 nm), and performance of already tested (e.g. PCR, PLSR) and some advanced models for carotenoid quantification (ANNs, AVM, SIMCA). Finally, the transfer models for sorting out the repeatability and RS application on different sample matrixes will be applied for the first time. Novelty of our research proposal also refers to development of carotenoid-rich commercial product, the microcapsules, by spray drying and use of food grade natural carriers, for application in functional foods and natural cosmetics. Carotenoid extracts will be obtained using d-limonene as innovative biosolvent of strong bioactivity. Main expected results of our Project are related to issuing the first National carotenoid database, acknowledgement of two novel technical procedures applied at the national level (M82, for microcapsules and transfer chemometric model) and publishing of e-book on carotenoids and application of RS. The know-how concept promoted at thematic workshop will enable strengthening the collaboration with national food industry. Based on our original approach, application of RS in assessment of major food nutrients (carbohydrates, fatty acids and proteins) and related food quality may bring new opportunities and benefits for the food industry.
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PUBLICATION
Kolašinac, M.S., Pećinar, I., Danojević, D., Dajić-Stevanović, Z. (2022): Raman spectroscopy coupled with chemometric modeling approaches for authentication of different paprika varieties at physiological maturity. 162 (1), 113402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2022.113402
Milivojević, M., Popović, A., Pajić-Lijaković, I., Šoštarić, I., Kolašinac, S., Dajić-Stevanović, Z. (2023): Alginate Gel-Based Carriers for Encapsulation of Carotenoids: On Challenges and Applications. Gells. 9(8), 620. ttps://doi.org/10.3390/gels9080620
Dajić Stevanović, Z., Aligiannis, N., Graikou, K., Rita Bilia, A., Kolašinac, S., Kilibarda, S. (2022): Bioactivity of carotenoids and their role in skin disorders: from tradition to application. 11th Conference on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Southeast European Countries (CMAPSEEC). Ohrid, Republic of North Macedonia. Macedonian pharmaceutical bulletin, 68 (Suppl 2) 149 – 150. DOI: 10.33320/maced.pharm.bull.2022.68.04.067
Pećinar, I., Kolašinac, S., Rančić, D., Šoštarić, I., Dajić-Stevanović, Z. (2022): Raman spectroscopy analysis of rosehip herbal teas. 11th Conference on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Southeast European Countries (CMAPSEEC). Ohrid, Republic of North Macedonia.. Macedonian pharmaceutical bulletin, 68 (Suppl 2) 91 – 92. DOI: 10.33320/maced.pharm.bull.2022.68.04.040
Pećinar, I., Rančić, D., Kolašinac, S., Pekić Quarrie, S., Stikić, R., Rosch, P., Dajić Stevanović, Z. (2022). Application of raman spectroscopy in order to determine impact of water deficit irrigation techniques in carotenoids biosynthesis of flacca mutant tomato. 3rd International Plant Spectroscopy Conference, Nantes, France, pp. 80-81.
Mačukanović-Jocić M., Rančić D., Pećinar I., Kolašinac S., Aćić S., Kilibarda S., Radošević R., Terzić M., Šoštarić I., Stefanović B., Veljović M., Pajić Lijaković I., Dajić Stevanović Z. (2022). Handheld raman spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics as a tool for classification of different honey types from the same geographical area. 3rd International Plant Spectroscopy Conference, Nantes, France, pp. 78-79.
