A simple extraction method with no lipid removal for the determination of aflatoxins in almonds by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

The present study describes a simple and rapid method for the determination of aflatoxins in almonds using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Aflatoxins were extracted using a modified QuEChERS method with little sample preparation, excluding the use of laborious purification procedures. Extracts were frozen overnight to separate the majority of lipids. The method was successfully […]

Anti-obesity potential of almond (Prunus dulcis) in experimental animals under cafeteria and atherogenic diets.

Background & objectives: Natural dietary supplements are progressively getting famous to supplant synthetic substances particularly in chronic morbidities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-obesity potential of almond on the normal, Cafeteria, and Atherogenic diets. Materials and methods: Parameters such as change in body weight, body temperature, lipid profile, organ weights, and fat pad […]

Genotypic and Environmental Variations in Kernel Color Indices in the Main Almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) DA Webb) Cultivars Grown in North-Eastern Morocco.

Color indices are important quality traits that define the consumer visual acceptance and agroindustrial preferences. Little is known regarding these properties in the commercial almond cultivars grown in Morocco. This work aimed at investigating kernel color indices in five cultivars, namely, "Fournat de Brézenaud," "Tuono," "Ferragnès," "Ferraduel," and "Marcona." Color indices consisted in the following: […]

Sensitive Metal Oxide-Clay Nanocomposite Colorimetric Sensor Development for Aflatoxin Detection in Foods: Corn and Almond.

The work reports on zinc oxide bentonite nanocomposite (ZnOBt) chemical route synthesis, characterization, and investigation of curcumin (Cur) functionalization for a label-free colorimetric detection of total aflatoxins (AFs) in foods. XRD of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) confirmed the wurtzite structure (2θ = 36.2°) and that of ZnOBt showed the intercalated interlayer composite phase. The Debye-Scherrer relation […]

Chemometric Approach Based on Accuracy Profile and Data Chronological Distribution as a Tool to Detect Performance Degradation and Improve the Analytical Quality Control for Aflatoxins’ Analysis in Almonds Using UPLC–MS/MS.

One of the main objectives of routine laboratories is the development of simple and reliable methods as well as meeting fit-for-purpose criteria for regulatory surveillance. In this study, the accuracy profiles and the evaluation of the distribution of results in the case of aflatoxins in almonds have been performed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry […]

Almond oil: A comprehensive review of chemical composition, extraction methods, preservation conditions, potential health benefits, and safety.

Almond oil, a rich source of macronutrients and micronutrients, is extracted for food flavorings and the cosmetics industry. In recent years, the need for high-quality and high-quantity production of almond oil for human consumption has been increased. The present review examines the chemical composition of almond oil, storage conditions, and clinical evidence supporting the health […]

Post-harvest industrial processes of almond (Prunus dulcis L. Mill) in Sicily influence the nutraceutical properties of by-products at harvest and during storage.

Almond cultivation in Sicily is experiencing a phase of great interest which is mainly concentrated in the development of specialized orchards, with irrigation and by adopting cultivars with high qualitative and quantitative performances. These are mostly Mediterranean genotypes with high fat content and hard or semi-hard shell, extremely different from the varieties of Californian diffusion. […]