Top articles published this week include a review article on the latest research in agriculture analysis, a peer-reviewed article on near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and an interview about using fluorescence spectroscopy in cheese ripening.
This week, Spectroscopy published various articles that covered many topics in analytical spectroscopy. This week’s articles feature techniques including mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and visible-NIR (vis-NIR) spectroscopy. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers and subscribers. Happy reading!
AI-Powered Spectroscopy Faces Hurdles in Rapid Food Analysis
In this article, we recap a recent study that describes the challenges and limitations of AI-driven spectroscopy methods for rapid food analysis (1). The article also goes over the guidelines recommended by the authors of the study to help improve the accuracy and reliability of AI-driven spectroscopy methods in food analysis (1).
A Review of the Latest Spectroscopic Research in Agriculture Analysis
The agriculture industry uses spectroscopic techniques to analyze the health of their crops and soil. In this review article, the latest advancements in several key spectroscopic methods, including atomic, vibrational, molecular, electronic, and X-ray techniques, are described, along with a description as to how these techniques are advancing the agriculture industry (2).
This peer-reviewed article focuses on developing a rapid, accurate method for evaluating the quality of Meconopsis integrifolia, a traditional Tibetan medicine, using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and chemometrics. The study used 372 samples from 14 populations in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and measured total flavonoid content, which ranged from 1.63% to 10.17%, using both NIR and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis) (3). A quantitative model based on partial least squares was developed, yielding good calibration, validation, and cross-validation results, with a residual predictive deviation (RPD) of 3.59, indicating high predictive accuracy (3). The analysis also showed that altitude was a significant factor influencing compound accumulation, with low altitudes being more favorable (3). This model can be used for fast quality assessments of M. integrifolia, aiding its selection and use in medicine.
Non-Linear Memory-Based Learning Advances Soil Property Prediction Using vis-NIR Spectral Data
This article examines a recent study that was conducted by researchers from Zhejiang University. In their study, the researchers developed a new non-linear memory-based learning (N-MBL) model that can improve the prediction accuracy of soil properties using visible near-infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy (4). By comparing N-MBL with traditional machine learning and local modeling methods, the study reveals that N-MBL performs better than other traditional methods in predicting soil organic matter and total nitrogen (4).
Examining the Cheese Ripening Process with Mid-Infrared and Synchronous Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Biochemical reactions are a key part of the cheese ripening process. These reactions help give cheese its sensory attributes to help make this product more desirable for consumers.
A joint French-Canadian study examined the ripening process of Comté and cheddar cheeses, utilizing mid-infrared (mid-IR) and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) in their analysis (5). Christophe Cordella, a professor in the Department of Food Sciences at Laval University, Quebec, Canada, is the lead author on a paper that resulted from this work, and he spoke to Spectroscopy about his group’s efforts and the findings of their research (5).
(1) Workman, Jr., J. AI-Powered Spectroscopy Faces Hurdles in Rapid Food Analysis. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/ai-powered-spectroscopy-faces-hurdles-in-rapid-food-analysis (accessed 2024-09-05).
(2) Workman, Jr., J. A Review of the Latest Spectroscopic Research in Agriculture Analysis. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/a-review-of-the-latest-spectroscopic-research-in-agriculture-analysis (accessed 2024-09-05).
(3) Li, D.; Li, P.-P.; Long, R.; et al. Rapid Quantitative Method in the Determination of Total Flavonoids in Tibetan Medicine Meconopsis integrifolia (Maxim.) Franch. from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau by Near Infrared Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy Suppl. 2024, 39 (s8), 6–14. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/rapid-quantitative-method-in-the-determination-of-total-flavonoids-in-tibetan-medicine-meconopsis-integrifolia-maxim-franch-from-qinghai-tibet-plateau-by-near-infrared-spectroscopy
(4) Workman, Jr., J. Non-Linear Memory-Based Learning Advances Soil Property Prediction Using vis-NIR Spectral Data. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/non-linear-memory-based-learning-advances-soil-property-prediction-using-vis-nir-spectral-data (accessed 2024-09-05).
(5) Chasse, J. Examining the Cheese Ripening Process with Mid-Infrared and Synchronous Fluorescence Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy Suppl. 2024, 39 (s8), 16–18. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/examining-the-cheese-ripening-process-with-mid-infrared-and-synchronous-fluorescence-spectroscopy
New Spectroscopy Method Shows Promise for Detecting Olive Oil Fraud
November 12th 2024Researchers from the University of Cordoba have validated a novel spectroscopy technique to help distinguish between extra virgin and virgin olive oils. This approach could support existing panel-based tests, which are often slow, costly, and subjective, by providing a faster, non-destructive screening option.
New Magnetic Flow Device Speeds Up Detection of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeast in Fermentation
November 11th 2024Researchers at Henan Agricultural University have developed a multi-channel magnetic flow device combined with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for the rapid and precise isolation, identification, and quantification of lactic acid bacteria and yeast, revolutionizing quality control in fermented food production.
New Study Highlights Abnormal Connectivity in Prefrontal Cortex of MCI Patients
November 6th 2024A recent study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience by Wenyu Jiang and colleagues in China found that patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) exhibit abnormal functional connectivity in the right prefrontal cortex as revealed by fNIRS, highlighting potential cognitive implications and the protective role of education.
Breaking Spectral Boundaries: New Ultrafast Spectrometer Expands Detection Range for NIR Studies
October 29th 2024A team from Auburn University has developed an innovative ultrabroadband near-infrared (NIR) transient absorption (TA) spectrometer capable of detecting across a wide spectral range of 900–2350 nm in a single experiment. This advancement improves the study of ultrafast processes in low-bandgap materials and opens doors to new insights in photochemistry and charge dynamics.
FT-NIR and Raman Spectroscopic Methods Enhance Food Quality Control
October 28th 2024A recent study showcases the potential of Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy and spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) in detecting raw material defects in hazelnuts caused by improper storage conditions. FT-NIR spectroscopy proved especially effective, while SORS offered complementary insights in certain scenarios. These spectroscopic methods could modernize the speed and accuracy of hazelnut inspections in the food industry.