Rapid, simple and accessible phytonutritional assessment methods in agricultural research.
Background: Agricultural research with respect to studying the effects of genetic background and environmental conditions on plant and commercial parameters is ample. Nevertheless, data on the effects on nutritional value and phytonutritional composition are scarce, despite its significance to the consumer, as well as its importance in providing nutritional security. The present study aimed to simplify, unify and make accessible a set of spectrophotometric nutritional assessment assays, comprising a valuable tool in agricultural research. Efforts were made to provide simple, rapid, small-scale and cost-effective protocols, aiming to minimize resources and time, learning-curve and erring.
Results: We included assays alongside literature-compliant values for antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP), polyphenols and flavonoids (free, conjugated, bound, total), lignans, anthocyanins, tocopherols, phytosterols, glucosinolates, carotenoids, betalains, saponins, phlorotannin, phycobilin, vitamin C, total oil and soluble protein content, in addition to antinutrients- oxalic acid and phytic acid. Calibration curves of recommended standards are included and workflows are demonstrated. Guidelines are also provided for protocol adjustments.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture publishes peer-reviewed original research, reviews, mini-reviews, perspectives and spotlights in these areas, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary studies at the agriculture/ food interface.
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