INFORM May 2026

EXTRACTS & DISTILLATES INFORM 35

advanced analytical methods used to evaluate antioxidant capacity, as well as modern instrumental techniques like chromatography, spectroscopy, and biosensors. In addition, some studies explore sustainable applications in the food industry, such as the use of natural extracts obtained from olive oil byproducts to develop active food packaging capable of delaying lipid oxidation and extending the shelf life of meat products. These articles were selected because they provide complementary and up to-date perspectives on antioxidant research and food preservation strategies. They combine theoretical reviews of analytical methodologies with practical applications aimed at improving food stability, safety, and sustainability. Together, they represent current trends in the development of reliable analytical techniques and environmentally friendly solutions for maintaining food quality. RECENT ADVANCES IN ANALYTICAL METHODS AND INSTRUMENTATION FOR NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS ANALYSIS Yenduri, S., et al. , Talanta Open , 13, 100602, 2026. Natural antioxidants, primarily produced from plants, have significant roles in avoiding oxidative stress related issues, enhancing shelf life of food, and improving human health. Because of the existence of wide range of antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, carotenoids, vitamins, it is difficult for characterization and evaluation of antioxidants. Conventional antioxidant assays are commonly employed till today; however they provide limited structural and biological insights. These constraints can be overcome by the application of advanced analytical techniques like chromatography, spectroscopy etc. which provide greater sensitivity and more accurate structural characterization. Recent research has highlighted the use of these approaches for qualitative and quantitative analysis, also for evaluating antioxidant activity in various matrices such as plant materials, food, nutraceuticals etc.

markets. In this study, a method based on Headspace-Gas Chromatography Ion Mobility Spectrometry was optimized for the analysis of volatile organic compounds in olive oil samples from four different origins (Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Italy). Experimental conditions were optimized using a Box-Behnken design with Response Surface Methodology, obtaining the following optimal conditions: 0.33 g of sample incubated at 35 °C with agitation at 500 rpm, a headspace formation time of 9 min, and an injection volume of 0.11 mL. The precision of the method was assessed by evaluating repeatability and intermediate precision with coefficients of variation below 5 %. Subsequently, the developed method was applied to 24 commercial olive oil samples from the four origins. Using the IMSS approach, advanced machine learning analysis was performed, yielding predictive models that enabled accurate discrimination of samples from different regions using Random Forest algorithms. Finally, a Shiny web application was developed using the Random Forest algorithm. Four new commercial samples were analyzed according to the optimal conditions and entered into the algorithm, obtaining a 100 % classification according to their origin. At the same time, these samples were analyzed by a panel of experts in aroma tasting, achieving an average discrimination accuracy of 68 % across the triangular test. Montevideo, Uruguay. He studies green extraction processes to isolate bioactive compounds and determines their potential benefits as food ingredients. The selected articles focus on recent advances in food science, particularly in the study and analysis of antioxidants and their role in food quality and preservation. They describe different conventional and Ignacio Vieitez is a research professor at the Universdad de la República in

The present study summarizes recent developments, comparison of various analytical methods and also highlighted the advantages and limitations of those methods. Emerging analytical techniques that combine green extraction methods for sample preparation, hyphenated analytical technique for analysis and chemometrics for data interpretation hold promise for reliable, rapid and sustainable natural antioxidant analysis. CONVENTIONAL METHODS AND NEW TRENDS FOR ANTIOXIDANT ANALYSES de Oliveira, A., et al. , Talanta Open , 13, 100636, 2026. Antioxidants are compounds capable of neutralizing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), preventing damage to the body’s cells and tissues. These compounds can be found in plant-based foods, especially fruits, vegetables, and grains. Consumption of these compounds is essential, as they aid in preventing chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the determination of antioxidant capacity has become crucial for the characterization of several products. Given the above, this work aims to comprehensively review the primary methods used to determine the antioxidant capacity in different matrices, focusing on conventional approaches and emerging analytical trends. Classic methods covered include hydrogen transfer (HAT)-based assays, such as ORAC, HORAC, TRAP, and TOSC, as well as electron transfer (ET)-based methods, such as CUPRAC, Folin Ciocalteu, mixed methods (such as DPPH and ABTS), and enzyme assays are also discussed, which are essential to evaluate antioxidant activity under physiological conditions. The work also highlights the advancement of instrumental techniques such as voltammetry, mass spectrometry, chromatography, chemiluminescent methods, and the use of sensors and biosensors, which increase the sensitivity, selectivity, and applicability of antioxidant