Freshness indicator selection and monitoring of red paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) based on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) analysis using an electronic nose
Seo-Young Jeon, Jong-Hoon Kim, Jae-Hwan Ahn, Seung-Eel Oh, Ji-Young Kim
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Red paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) quality maintenance during storage and distribution is crucial, with storage temperature significantly impacting physiological changes and freshness. This study evaluated the effects of two storage temperatures (10 °C and 20 °C) on red paprika quality attributes and aimed to identify freshness indicators through volatile organic compounds (VOCs) analysis using a non-destructive electronic nose (E-nose) system.
Results
Among the quality changes, color (a* value), firmness, and microbial growth progressed more rapidly at 20 °C. During ripening, total polyphenol and carotenoid content increased, while vitamin C decreased with storage. E-nose analysis identified 14 major VOCs, including alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, and sulfur-containing compounds, showing distinct volatile profile changes. Freshness-related VOCs (e.g., pent-1-en-3-ol, 1-hexen-3-one, L-carvone) were predominant in the early storage stage. As ripening progressed, related indicators emerged sequentially for ripening (e.g., 1-hexanol, hexanal), overripeness (e.g., 2-methylbutane, 5-methylfurfural), and spoilage (e.g., methanethiol). Multivariate and correlation analyses revealed that as storage duration increased, quality attributes such as a* value, total polyphenols, and carotenoids, as well as spoilage-related VOCs (methanethiol, 2-methylbutane), showed positive correlations. Conversely, b* value, firmness, vitamin C, and freshness-related VOCs (pent-1-en-3-ol, 1-hexen-3-one, L-carvone) exhibited negative correlations.
Conclusions
These findings demonstrate that specific VOCs detected by E-nose technology can serve as effective indicators for assessing red paprika freshness and storage condition. This can be utilized for real-time quality control of paprikas during storage and distribution.
Graphical Abstract
The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.
期刊介绍：
Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture is an international, interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed forum for the advancement and application to all fields of agriculture of modern chemical, biochemical and molecular technologies. The scope of this journal includes chemical and biochemical processes aimed to increase sustainable agricultural and food production, the evaluation of quality and origin of raw primary products and their transformation into foods and chemicals, as well as environmental monitoring and remediation. Of special interest are the effects of chemical and biochemical technologies, also at the nano and supramolecular scale, on the relationships between soil, plants, microorganisms and their environment, with the help of modern bioinformatics. Another special focus is the use of modern bioorganic and biological chemistry to develop new technologies for plant nutrition and bio-stimulation, advancement of biorefineries from biomasses, safe and traceable food products, carbon storage in soil and plants and restoration of contaminated soils to agriculture.
This journal presents the first opportunity to bring together researchers from a wide number of disciplines within the agricultural chemical and biological sciences, from both industry and academia. The principle aim of Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture is to allow the exchange of the most advanced chemical and biochemical knowledge to develop technologies which address one of the most pressing challenges of our times - sustaining a growing world population.
Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture publishes original research articles, short letters and invited reviews. Articles from scientists in industry, academia as well as private research institutes, non-governmental and environmental organizations are encouraged.
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