Phenolic compounds detection and quantification in whole grains: A comprehensive review of recent advancements in analytical methods

Phenolic compounds are the most abundant antioxidants in the daily diet and are extensively distributed in plants and plant-derived food sources, including whole grains. Over the past decades, there has been a growing scientific focus on their diverse contributions to human health, given their array of bioactivities encompassing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, neuroprotective properties, among others. Hence, the quantification and examination of these compounds stand as fundamental basis of natural product exploration. Many efforts have been undertaken to provide highly sensitive and selective analytical approaches for their identification and characterization. To furnish novel perspectives for future advancement, the present review describes and discusses recent advancements in analytical methodologies for phenolic compound analysis in whole grains, spanning from traditional solvent-based to more robust modern and green extraction methodologies, spectrophotometry, and chromatography, non-destructive spectroscopic methods, and emergent technologies such as biosensors, while exploring into their current challenges and future prospects.