NMR-Based Approaches in the Study of Foods

Abstract

In this review, the three different NMR-based approaches usually used to study foodstuffs are described, reporting specific examples. The first approach starts with the food of interest that can be investigated using different complementary NMR methodologies to obtain a comprehensive picture of food composition and structure; another approach starts with the specific problem related to a given food (frauds, safety, traceability, geographical and botanical origin, farming methods, food processing, maturation and ageing, etc.) that can be addressed by choosing the most suitable NMR methodology; finally, it is possible to start from a single NMR methodology, developing a broad range of applications to tackle common food-related challenges and different aspects related to foods.

From Nontargeted to Targeted Analysis: Feature Selection in the Differentiation of Truffle Species (Tuber spp.) Using 1H NMR Spectroscopy and Support Vector Machine

“…For instance, it is possible to determine the geographical origin of several different foodstuffs, like roasted coffee, 9 wine, 10,11 or olive oil, 12,13 relatively accurately using NMR. 14 Truffles are edible fungi in the genus Tuber, of the class Ascomycetes (Division Mycota), which grow in ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with several tree and shrub species below the ground. 15,16 Many volatile compounds are produced in the fruiting bodies to serve as attractants for insects and mammals.…”

“…NMR is therefore a powerful tool to determine the metabolism of different species or of the same species from different origins on the basis of concentration differences in the molecules analyzed. For instance, it is possible to determine the geographical origin of several different foodstuffs, like roasted coffee, wine, , or olive oil, , relatively accurately using NMR …”

Multivariate Statistical Models for the Authentication of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena on 1H-NMR Data: Comparison of Targeted and Untargeted Approaches

“…Over recent years, the use of NMR and quantitative NMR (qNMR) spectroscopy for the analysis and characterization of complex matrices has flourished, demonstrating many advantages with respect to separative techniques [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Indeed, NMR spectroscopy does not require any complex sample preparation and the acquisition of a protonic spectrum takes just a few minutes.…”

“…The targeted approach is based on the quantification of target molecules, which are well recognized as important metabolites for the authentication of a product. The untargeted strategy is based on the determination of a high number of chemical parameters without any preliminary selection of the most important ones [ 18 ]. For this strategy, NMR spectroscopy is one of the most important analytical tools providing a fingerprinting profile of foods.…”

Polarising Agents and Spin Tags for Dynamic Nuclear Polarisation (DNP)-Enhanced Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (ssNMR) Analysis of Biological Samples

“…Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a widely used and powerful analytical technique that can produce qualitative and quantitative chemical, structural and dynamic information from a wide range of samples including organic and inorganic compounds, pharmaceuticals, biomolecules and biological samples, food, industrial and environmental samples [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. It is also the basis for the clinical technique of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).…”