Advanced Analytical Methods for Plant Phytochemistry and Food Matrices

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2026 | Viewed by 922

Editors


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Chemistry Departament, Federal University of Viçosa, Avenida Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil
Interests: separation science; high-resolution analytical methodologies (GC/LC-MS); mass spectrometry; analytical problems concerning natural products; phytochemistry; food chemistry; coffee chemistry; essential oils; volatile compounds; aroma chemistry; metabolomics & lipidomics; outdoor–indoor environment; indoor air quality; environmental quality control of processes; raw materials and products; characterization and remediation of industrial and urban emissions; residues and effluents
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Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, RJ, Brazil
Interests: analytical chemistry; food science; natural products; metabolomics & lipidomics; coffee chemistry; aroma chemistry; essential oils; volatile compounds

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aims and Scope

The characterization of complex plant secondary metabolites and food matrices remains a significant challenge in modern analytical chemistry. As demand for functional foods, nutraceuticals, and sustainable plant-based products grows, robust, sensitive, and high-resolution analytical workflows are indispensable.

This Special Issue aims to gather cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews focusing on the advancement of analytical methodologies applied to plant phytochemistry and food science. We seek to highlight innovative strategies that improve the extraction, separation, identification, and quantification of bioactive compounds, ensuring both chemical accuracy and process sustainability.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

Innovative Extraction Techniques: Development and optimization of green and emerging methods (e.g., SPME, MAE, UAE, and SFE) to enhance yield and reduce environmental impact.

High-Resolution Separation: Advancements in Gas Chromatography (GC), Liquid Chromatography (LC), and multidimensional techniques (GC×GC, LC×LC) for complex matrix profiling.

Hyphenated Techniques: Applications of MS, HRMS, and NMR for the structural elucidation of novel phytochemicals.

Food Matrix Analysis: Novel protocols for assessing food quality, authenticity, and the stability of bioactive components during processing.

Metabolomics and Chemometrics: Use of advanced data processing to understand plant–environment interactions and food composition.

We invite researchers to contribute original papers that push the boundaries of current analytical practices, providing the scientific community with more efficient tools to explore the vast molecular diversity of plants and food systems.

Prof. Dr. Fábio Junior Moreira Novaes
Prof. Dr. Cláudia Moraes de Rezende
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • food composition and authenticity
  • plant secondary metabolites
  • bioactive compounds
  • green extraction techniques
  • multidimensional chromatography
  • high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)
  • metabolomics
  • chemometrics

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 1194 KB  
Article
Medicinal Amazonian Oleoresins: An Eco-Friendly Chemical Fingerprinting Method
by Rayssa Ribeiro, Gabriel Reis Alves Carneiro, Henrique Marcelo Gualberto Pereira, Monica Costa Padilha and Valdir F. Veiga-Junior
Plants 2026, 15(11), 1651; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111651 - 28 May 2026
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Abstract
Oleoresins are complex natural lipophilic matrices traditionally analyzed using chromatographic techniques that require extensive sample preparation, derivatization, and authentic standards. Amazonian oleoresins from Copaifera and Eperua species (Fabaceae) represent valuable bioresources with recognized pharmacological potential, largely attributed to diterpenoids such as copalic and [...] Read more.
Oleoresins are complex natural lipophilic matrices traditionally analyzed using chromatographic techniques that require extensive sample preparation, derivatization, and authentic standards. Amazonian oleoresins from Copaifera and Eperua species (Fabaceae) represent valuable bioresources with recognized pharmacological potential, largely attributed to diterpenoids such as copalic and hardwickiic acids, as well as bioactive sesquiterpenes, including the cannabinoid β-caryophyllene. In this study, we present a proof-of-concept application of Direct Analysis in Real Time coupled with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (DART-HRMS) as a rapid, direct, and environmentally friendly approach for chemical fingerprinting and semi-targeted screening of the two most important amazonian oleoresins from these two genera: Eperua oleifera and Copaifera multijuga. Analyses were performed using a Q Exactive Orbitrap coupled to a DART ion source under optimized conditions. Hardwickiic acid was used as a model compound for method optimization, with optimal performance achieved at 200 °C and 100 V, yielding stable signal intensities (CV < 10%) and high mass accuracy (<1 ppm). The method enabled reproducible detection of diterpenic acids in both oleoresins, allowing differentiation of their chemical profiles and assessment of short-term stability under ambient conditions. In addition to diterpenes, free fatty acids were also detected, expanding the compositional characterization of these matrices. Compound annotation was performed based on accurate mass measurements and literature comparison, corresponding to Level 5 confidence according to established metabolomics criteria. Although the absence of chromatographic separation limits isomer discrimination and absolute quantification, DART-HRMS provides a rapid and solvent-free strategy for chemical fingerprinting and preliminary characterization of oleoresins. This approach aligns with Green Chemistry principles and shows strong potential as a screening and triage tool for quality control, chemotaxonomic studies, and sustainable valorization of Amazonian natural products. Full article
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