Alessia Umberta Mattioli

Rapid analysis of ascorbic and isoascorbic acids in fruit juice by capillary electrophoresis

Abstract The application of capillary zone electrophoresis with UV–VIS and diode array detection for simultaneous analysis of l -ascorbic and d -isoascorbic acids was investigated. The method of analysis was simple, fast and its performance was tested in terms of linearity, sensitivity and detection limit. Twenty-six samples representative of three types of apricot commercial juices (organic, integrated and conventional) were analysed for their ascorbic acid content and data were reported (range n.d.–486 mg/l).

Characterisation of Colour Components and Polymeric Pigments of Commercial Red Wines by Using Selected UV-Vis Spectrophotometric Methods

The composition of the colour components of commercial red wines from Italy was analysed in terms of total colour, co-pigmentation, SO2-resistant pigments, small and large polymeric pigments, and tannins. A total of 128 wines, including Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nero d’Avola, Merlot, Marzemino, Negroamaro, Aglianico, Cannonau and Rossese di dolceacqua from five vintages (1999 to 2003) were analysed. The composition of the wines showed significant differences in terms of total colour and co-pigmentation. Total colour at 520 nm was highest in Marzemino (7.50±1.5 AU, absorbance units), and then in Aglianico (7.10±2.8 AU) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5.01±2.50 AU). The level of large and small polymeric pigments in Sangiovese wines showed a range from 0.05 to 0.40 and 0.10 to 0.27 AU 520 nm respectively. The variation in the level of polymeric pigments is affected by a number of factors, including vintage, grape composition, fermentation and storage conditions.

Antioxidant activity of commercial food grade tannins exemplified in a wine model

ABSTRACT Although commercial tannins are widely used in foods and beverages, an improved understanding of the structure and composition of vegetable tannins is needed to promote the exploitation of agri-food by-products and waste and their valorisation in more sustainable industrial applications. This study aims to characterise the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of 13 food grade tannins using multiple analytical approaches, including spectrophotometry and HPLC-ECD to determine the amount of targeted polyphenolic compounds. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of tannins was assessed in terms of radical scavenging activity (DPPH• assay), reducing power (FRAP assay), and redox properties (cyclic voltammetry, CV). A statistical univariate and multivariate correlation analysis was performed on 17 parameters including tannin content (range: 0.71–1.62 mM), gallic acid, (+)-catechin, syringic acid and (‒)-epicatechin. The compositional profile of tannins was related to their chemical moiety, antioxidant activity and the botanical origin of the extracts. In particular, the CV signal at 500 mV was highly correlated with DPPH• value due to the catechol ring of flavonoids and trigalloyl moieties of gallic acid–based compounds. Practical examples of tannins application in winemaking are discussed. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT