A Review of Quantitative and Topical Analysis of Anthocyanins in Food

Abstract

Anthocyanins, a subclass of flavonoids known for their vibrant colors and health-promoting properties, are pivotal in the nutritional science and food industry. This review article delves into the analytical methodologies for anthocyanin detection and quantification in food matrices, comparing quantitative and topical techniques. Quantitative methods, including High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS), offer precise quantification and profiling of individual anthocyanins but require sample destruction, limiting their use in continuous quality control. Topical approaches, such as Near-infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) and hyperspectral imaging, provide rapid, in situ analysis without compromising sample integrity, ideal for on-site food quality assessment. The review highlights the advancements in chromatographic techniques, particularly Ultra-high-performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with modern detectors, enhancing resolution and speed in anthocyanin analysis. It also emphasizes the growing importance of topical techniques in the food industry for their efficiency and minimal sample preparation. By examining the strengths and limitations of both analytical realms, this article aims to shed light on current challenges and prospective advancements, providing insights into future research directions for improving anthocyanin analysis in foods.

Phenotyping the Anthocyanin Content of Various Organs in Purple Corn Using a Digital Camera

“…Though this can be resolved by measuring the reflectance at multiple points, the time required for analysis will undoubtedly add up. Overall, it is undeniable that our proposed method for quantifying the content of anthocyanins in purple corn based on digital image representation has been proven to offer new opportunities to accurately quantify the concentration of anthocyanins in different organs of purple corn [1,84,85]. The main advantages of this method are its high efficiency and that it is completely non-invasive and applicable to plant samples of any size and shape.…”

“…Anthocyanins are natural pigments with a wide range of colors and represent a major subclass of polyphenols/flavonoids [1]. Such pigments are widely found in natural plants, playing a critical role in alleviating the effect of biotic and abiotic stresses [2][3][4][5][6].…”