Food Analytical Methods最新文献

{"title":"Fluorescein-Enhanced Starch-Iodine Assay for Highly Sensitive Detection","authors":"Esam M. Bakir,&nbsp;Rawabi S. Alhumaid,&nbsp;Nasreen Al Otaibi","doi":"10.1007/s12161-026-03298-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12161-026-03298-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The ultra-trace quantification of starch in food matrices poses a significant challenge for classical colorimetric assays due to their low sensitivity limiting their utility in nutritional analysis and contaminant screening. To overcome this, molecular iodine <span>({I}_{2})</span> and triiodide <span>({I}_{3}^{-})</span> were evaluated as chemical mediators to develop an ultra-sensitive fluorometric platform. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided a rigorous theoretical foundation, evaluating frontier molecular orbitals and global chemical descriptors. The intense fluorescence of fluorescein was effectively quenched via complexation with the iodine mediators. DFT results revealed that (<i>I</i>₂ exhibits a highly negative chemical potential (<i>µ</i> = −4.60 eV) and a high electrophilicity index (<i>ω</i> = 1.1 eV), establishing it as a powerful electron acceptor driving photoinduced electron transfer (PET). Conversely, the moderate electronic profile of <span>({I}_{3}^{-})</span> (<i>µ</i> = −1.55 eV, <i>ω</i> = 0.4 eV) facilitated a highly dynamic, reversible interaction. Molecular docking confirms, the polysaccharide outcompeted the fluorophore, trapping the mediator within its helical cavities. This competitive displacement liberated the fluorophore, achieving a remarkable 90% fluorescence recovery. The assay was optimized in a phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) with a fixed 8-min incubation time, where the <span>({I}_{3}^{-})</span> system demonstrated superior analytical efficiency. The validated <i>I</i>₃⁻ and <i>I</i>₂ methods delivered exceptional performance with an <i>R</i>² &gt; 0.99 of a detection limit (DL) were 180 and 2.7 ppb of detection starch in corn. The optimized ultra-trace sensing matrix surpasses conventional colorimetry. Low %RSD values &lt; 2.0; <i>n</i> = 5) confirm absolute reliability for corn samples.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":561,"journal":{"name":"Food Analytical Methods","volume":"19 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149132415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of Cereulide HPLC-ELSD Method Based on MT-PDMS Bonded Silica Hydrophobic Stationary Phase","authors":"Zhaozhou Li,&nbsp;Shuting Zhang,&nbsp;Xuan Liu,&nbsp;Huawei Niu,&nbsp;Jian Tao,&nbsp;Ningbo Wan,&nbsp;Jiewen Zuo,&nbsp;Yunxia Yuan,&nbsp;Huichun Yu,&nbsp;Hongli Gao,&nbsp;Xiujin Chen,&nbsp;Fang Li,&nbsp;Yao Wang","doi":"10.1007/s12161-026-03286-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12161-026-03286-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Cereulide, an emetic toxin produced by <i>Bacillus cereus</i>, exhibits high crypticity, remarkable stability, and rapid toxic effects, posing a serious threat to food safety and public health. Existing detection methods for cereulide are limited by poor selectivity, narrow applicability, and insufficient robustness. To address these challenges, a high-performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD) method based on a novel methoxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane-bonded silica (MT-PDMS-Sil) hydrophobic stationary phase was developed. The MT-PDMS-Sil stationary phase, featuring a high bonding density of 2.26 mmol/g, was systematically characterized and demonstrated exceptional thermal stability and robust mechanical properties. Compared to the conventional ODS column, the proposed stationary phase facilitated a more rapid analysis of cereulide with significantly improved separation efficiency and sensitivity. Under the optimized conditions, the established HPLC-ELSD method presented good linearity in the range of 0.1–20 μg/mL (<i>r</i> = 0.99964), with detection and quantification limits of 5 ng/mL and 16.3 ng/mL, respectively. The average recoveries in rice and milk samples ranged from 82.5% to 102.6%, with relative standard deviations all below 3.5%. Overall, the HPLC-ELSD method developed in this study demonstrates high sensitivity and matrix interference removal efficiency, providing a reliable analytical platform for the specific, rapid, and accurate detection of cereulide in foods. Additionally, it provides a technical foundation for routine monitoring of cereulide contamination in foods.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":561,"journal":{"name":"Food Analytical Methods","volume":"19 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149132019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of multiplex RAA coupled with lateral flow detection (mRAA-LFD) for rapid identification of three swimming crab species of Portunidae family","authors":"Gururaj Moorthy,&nbsp;Maturada Saengthong,&nbsp;Soottawat Benjakul,&nbsp;Jirakrit Saetang","doi":"10.1007/s12161-026-03288-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12161-026-03288-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Commercially valuable portunid crab meat products are vulnerable to economically motivated adulteration and species substitution, as the removal of exoskeletal features and subsequent processing preclude reliable morphological discrimination. This study developed a rapid multiplex recombinase-aided amplification coupled with lateral flow detection (mRAA-LFD) assay for the simultaneous authentication of <i>Portunus pelagicus</i> (PP), <i>P. sanguinolentus</i> (PS), and <i>Charybdis feriata</i> (CF). Species-specific primer sets were designed from polymorphic regions of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, producing characteristic amplicons of 147 bp (PP), 117 bp (PS), and 176 bp (CF), with integrated biotin-, TAMRA-, and Cy5-labeled primers enabling multiplex lateral flow detection. Optimal multiplex amplification was achieved at 37 °C for 30 min, followed by LFD visual detection within 5–10 min. The developed assay exhibited analytical specificity, producing positive signals only for the targeted crab species and no cross-reactivity was observed with non-target shellfish species. The detection limits were 0.4 ng/reaction by RAA and 0.2 ng/reaction by LFD for PP, 0.4 ng/reaction for PS, and 0.1 ng/reaction for CF by both RAA and LFD techniques. All thermally processed crab samples were successfully authenticated regardless of various cooking treatments. Analysis of commercial products revealed that 13 of 15 samples (86.7%) were correctly labeled as <i>P. pelagicus</i>, demonstrating its suitability for species authentication in complex food matrices and practical seafood traceability applications. Overall, the developed mRAA-LFD assay provides a rapid, sensitive, and equipment-light platform for on-site authentication of portunid crab species and offers a practical tool for seafood traceability, labeling verification, and food fraud prevention.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":561,"journal":{"name":"Food Analytical Methods","volume":"19 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149132012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Response Surface Methodology in Modifying Lane–Eynon Method for Colorimetric Analyze of Precipitate for Determination of Sugars in Honey","authors":"Faezeh Dabirian,&nbsp;Masoud Shariati-Rad","doi":"10.1007/s12161-026-03290-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12161-026-03290-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this study, Lane–Eynon titrimetric method was modified to a calibration-based method. Moreover, a colorimetric acquisition of data of the precipitate which resulted in RGB color indices was employed. By applying response surface methodology (RSM), the reaction and its condition were explored. The results showed that the optimal volumes for Fehling’s A and B solutions were 250 µL and 1500 µL, respectively. The experiments were performed and RGB values from samples were measured. The calibration curve was plotted in the concentration range of 3 × 10⁻⁴ to 1 × 10⁻³ mol L⁻¹ for glucose as a model for reducing sugars. For real honey samples, the maximum percent relative error was less than 1.4%, indicating the high accuracy of the method. Also, the maximum relative standard deviation was 7.8%. The obtained values were compared with standard results, and then sucrose amounts in the samples were determined through hydrolysis.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":561,"journal":{"name":"Food Analytical Methods","volume":"19 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149133242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of Eco-Friendly Agarose-Based Sensor for Enhanced Cadmium Determination in Diverse Food, Biological, and Environmental Matrices","authors":"Yasmeen G. Abou El-Reash,&nbsp;Sana Alahmadi,&nbsp;Alaa S. Amin,&nbsp;Hesham H. El-Feky","doi":"10.1007/s12161-026-03238-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12161-026-03238-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A highly sensitive and selective optical sensing membrane for Cd²⁺ detection was fabricated via covalent attachment of 2-(2-amino-3-hydroxy-pyridine-4-ylazo)benzoic acid (AHPAB) onto an agarose matrix. Key parameters, including solution pH, AHPAB loading, and immobilization time, were systematically optimized. Upon exposure to Cd²⁺ ions at pH 3.75, a pronounced shift in the peak absorbance of AHPAB was observed. The developed sensor exhibited rapid response, good durability, and no noticeable leaching of the immobilized reagent. It also demonstrated excellent reproducibility, high stability, and an extended operational lifespan. Moreover, strong selectivity and sensitivity toward Cd²⁺ were maintained even in the presence of various alkali, alkaline earth, transition, lanthanide, and other heavy metal ions. The membrane displayed a linear response across the concentration interval of 15–190 ng/mL, with limits of quantification and detection of 15 and 4.5 ng/mL, correspondingly. Regeneration of Cd²⁺ from the membrane was achieved using 0.05 M EDTA, yielding reversible and reproducible signals with a relative standard deviation of 1.95%. The sensor was successfully utilized for Cd²⁺ detection in food, biological, and environmental water samples.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":561,"journal":{"name":"Food Analytical Methods","volume":"19 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149133243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CIE-L*a*b* Coupled with AI/ML for Rapid Detection of Rhodamine-b in Food Matrix","authors":"Amrita Shaw,&nbsp;Abhirami S. J.,&nbsp;Khusboo Chhetri,&nbsp;Chandrasekar S. N.,&nbsp;Deepak L. N. Kallepalli,&nbsp;Jhinuk Gupta","doi":"10.1007/s12161-026-03291-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12161-026-03291-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Rh-b, a synthetic dye banned by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), continues to be illegally used in processed, ready-to-eat foods to enhance visual appeal. Conventional detection methods such as HPLC and UV–visible spectroscopy require expensive instrumentation and elaborate sample processing. This proof-of-concept study presents a non-invasive AI/ML tool for rapid, qualitative detection of Rh-b in processed foods without isolating the dye from the food. Six structurally and compositionally diverse food matrices (chilli powder, chilli sauce, cotton candy, hard candy, gummy, and gobi Manchurian) were spiked with Rh-b across a known range of concentrations; colorimetric data (CIE-L*a*b*) was recorded using color reader and validated statistically through analysis of variance (with effect size) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Four machine learning algorithms (Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM-(RBF)), K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), and Logistic Regression) were benchmarked for model development. RF and SVM (RBF) provided the most consistent performance (Accuracy = 97.2%), with RF showing marginal superiority in selective performance metrics. Feature importance and effect-size analyses revealed the matrix-specific nature of the discriminative color parameters. The tool reliably detected Rhodamine-b (Rh-b) at concentrations as low as 25 ppm in five out of six matrices. Independent method comparison with UV–visible spectroscopy confirmed superior performance of the developed tool at lower concentrations. </p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":561,"journal":{"name":"Food Analytical Methods","volume":"19 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149133200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Elution-free Ultrasonic Slurry Introduction after Zirconium Dioxide Nanoparticle-Based Solid Phase Extraction for the Determination of Cobalt and Nickel in Black Tea Infusion by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry","authors":"Nicolas Milan Michalides,&nbsp;Katarína Chovancová,&nbsp;Simona Procházková,&nbsp;Massoud Kaykhaii,&nbsp;Radoslav Halko","doi":"10.1007/s12161-026-03285-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12161-026-03285-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A simple and elution-free analytical method was developed for the extraction, preconcentration, and determination of Co^(II) and Ni^(II) in aqueous tea-related samples using zirconium dioxide nanoparticles as a solid phase extraction adsorbent prior to graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The proposed procedure avoids the conventional elution step by directly resuspending the analyte-loaded adsorbent in dilute nitric acid and introducing the resulting slurry into the graphite furnace after ultrasonic homogenisation. The main experimental variables affecting extraction efficiency and slurry introduction were systematically optimised. Quantitative recoveries of Co^(II) and Ni^(II) were obtained at pH 8.5 using 25 mg of zirconium dioxide nanoparticles, a final extraction volume of 25 mL, an extraction time of 10 min, centrifugation at 3400 rpm for 10 min, and a final slurry volume of 5 mL in 0.20% nitric acid. The slurry was homogenised in the autosampler cup using an ultrasonic probe at 20 mA for 10 s before injection. The optimum pyrolysis and atomisation temperatures were 1300 °C and 2100 °C for Co^(II) and 1200 °C and 2200 °C for Ni^(II), respectively, without the use of chemical modifiers. Under the optimised conditions, the method provided limits of detection of 1.11 and 1.44 µg L⁻¹ and limits of quantification of 3.70 and 4.80 µg L⁻¹ for Co^(II) and Ni^(II), respectively, with relative standard deviations below 6.19%. The method was applied to commercial black tea infusion, while its accuracy for total metal determination was verified using an acid-digested certified tea-leaf reference material. The results demonstrated that the method provides a simple, elution-free workflow with reduced reagent use and fewer sample-transfer steps for cobalt and nickel determination in aqueous tea infusions and digested tea matrices.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":561,"journal":{"name":"Food Analytical Methods","volume":"19 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149132936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Establishment of a Detection Methodology for Enramycin Residues in Livestock and Poultry Meat Utilizing Colloidal Gold Immunochromatography","authors":"Yun Zhi,&nbsp;Guixing Wen,&nbsp;Yi Fang,&nbsp;YuYang Tong,&nbsp;Li Wei,&nbsp;Min Chen","doi":"10.1007/s12161-026-03287-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12161-026-03287-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>For the rapid detection of enramycin in livestock and poultry muscles, a colloidal gold immunochromatographic (GICA) test strip using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to enramycin A was developed. Colloidal gold was conjugated with high-purity anti-enramycin A mAbs to prepare the detection probe. Key components of the test strip, including the nitrocellulose (NC) membrane, sample pad material, and the spray volume of the gold conjugate, were systematically compared and optimized. The treatment solution for the polyester conjugate pad was formulated through single-factor and orthogonal experiments. The results indicated the optimal configuration was identified as follows: a CN95 NC membrane, a fiberglass 8950 sample pad, and a gold conjugate spray volume of 4 µL. The conjugate pad was treated with an optimized composite solution (0.5 mol/L Na₂HPO₄ containing 1.0% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), 2.0% bovine serum albumin (BSA), and 0.1% Tween-20). This optimized strip showed high sensitivity, robust specificity, and excellent reproducibility. According to the colloidal gold test strip detection system, the detection limit for enramycin A was 1.56 ng/mL, with a linear range of 3.12–100 ng/mL. In spiked pork and chicken samples, the practical detection limit was 30 µg/kg. The strip’s performance was comparable to that of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC-MS), confirming its reliability for rapid, large-scale screening of enramycin in meat samples.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":561,"journal":{"name":"Food Analytical Methods","volume":"19 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149035342","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Vortex-Assisted Floating Organic Drop Microextraction Coupled with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for Sensitive Determination of Trace Nickel in Food Samples","authors":"Naruesorn Samanpong,&nbsp;Kuanjira Rattakham,&nbsp;Sakunna Wongsaipun,&nbsp;Mrigendra Dubey,&nbsp;Wipharat Chuachuad Chaiyasith","doi":"10.1007/s12161-026-03282-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12161-026-03282-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A vortex-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of a floating organic drop (VA-DLLME-SFOD) coupled with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was developed for the preconcentration and determination of trace Ni(II) in water and canned-food samples. Ni(II) was complexed with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN), and the resulting hydrophobic complex was extracted into 1-undecanol. Seven experimental factors were initially screened using a Plackett–Burman design, identifying sample volume, PAN concentration, and dispersive-solvent type as significant variables. Because dispersive-solvent type is categorical, separate circumscribed central composite designs were evaluated for methanol and tetrahydrofuran (THF), with THF providing the more suitable extraction system. The optimized procedure employed a 12.0 mL sample at pH 9.0, 100 μL of 1-undecanol containing 2.273 mM PAN, 0.50 mL THF, and 3 min vortex-assisted extraction. Under these conditions, the method showed a linear range of 0.038–0.125 mg L⁻¹ with <i>R</i>² = 0.9991. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.011 and 0.038 mg L⁻¹, respectively. An enrichment factor of 9.08, a preconcentration factor of 12.0, and an extraction efficiency of 75.68% were obtained. The relative standard deviation was 3.5% at 0.125 mg L⁻¹ Ni(II). The proposed VA-DLLME-SFOD–FAAS method was successfully applied to the determination of nickel in surface water, tap water, drinking water, and canned food samples. Recovery values ranging from 85 to 113% demonstrated the accuracy and suitable of the method for the analysis of real samples. The proposed procedure combines low organic-solvent consumption, vortex-enhanced mass transfer, convenient solidification-assisted phase collection, and multivariate optimization in a simple sample-preparation platform.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":561,"journal":{"name":"Food Analytical Methods","volume":"19 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149035304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Untargeted LC-HRMS/MS and Feature-Based Molecular Networking Reveal Distinct Metabolic Signatures in Edible Dahlia Types","authors":"Paula Aparecida Costa,&nbsp;Fabiana Alves Silva,&nbsp;Marcelo Henrique Avelar Mendes,&nbsp;Thamirys Silva da Fonseca,&nbsp;Vytória Piscitelli Cavalcanti,&nbsp;Suzana Guimarães Leitão,&nbsp;Simony Carvalho Mendonça,&nbsp;Betsy Carolina Muñoz de Páez,&nbsp;Maria Ligia de Souza Silva,&nbsp;Cleyton Lourenço de Oliveira,&nbsp;Luciane Vilela Resende","doi":"10.1007/s12161-026-03280-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12161-026-03280-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Edible flowers represent chemically diverse food matrices whose characterization increasingly relies on advanced metabolomic approaches. This study employed untargeted liquid chromatography–high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) combined with feature-based molecular networking (FBMN) to characterize and differentiate the metabolic profiles of flowers and roots from five edible dahlia types cultivated under organic conditions. Biochemical composition, antioxidant properties, and enzymatic activities were evaluated and integrated with metabolomic data to investigate chemical diversity among plant organs and genotypes. Flowers exhibited high concentrations of anthocyanins, carotenoids, vitamin C, and phenolic compounds, with red pompom and yellow pompom showing particularly distinctive bioactive profiles. In contrast, red decorative roots were distinguished by their high inulin content and relatively high carotenoid concentrations. FBMN enabled the annotation and visualization of metabolite distributions, revealing clear differences among dahlia types and plant organs. Glycosylated flavonoids and anthocyanins predominated in red pompom and purple decorative flowers, whereas flavonoid aglycones were more abundant in yellow flower types. Aromatic amino acids were primarily associated with root tissues. Correlation analyses revealed associations between bioactive compounds and antioxidant responses, providing additional evidence for the functional differences observed among <i>Dahlia</i> types. The integrated LC-HRMS/MS and FBMN workflow successfully differentiated edible dahlia types by chemical composition and revealed distinct metabolic signatures associated with specific plant organs and genotypes. These findings highlight the applicability of metabolomic profiling and molecular networking for food characterization and provide a framework for identifying bioactive-rich edible plant materials.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":561,"journal":{"name":"Food Analytical Methods","volume":"19 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s12161-026-03280-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149035393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}