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Giuseppe MONTEVECCHI

Ricercatore t.d. art. 24 c. 3 lett. B
Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita sede ex-Agraria

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Pubblicazioni

2024 - Determination of cholesterol oxidation products in cheese under photo-oxidative stress using QuEChERS and LC–MS [Articolo su rivista]
De Paola, Eleonora Laura; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Marega, Milena; Masino, Francesca; Garbini, Davide; Scaramagli, Sonia; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

The QuEChERS approach was optimized for extracting cholesterol oxidation products in cheese, followed by LC-APCI-MS/MS analysis. Optimization of the method, including evaluations of saponification step, sample weight, and d-SPE purification resulted in good recoveries for each analyte, ensuring a reliable determination of these contaminants in cheese samples. In addition, the method was successfully validated by testing linearity of response, analytical limits (LOD and LLOQ), and precision. Sliced cheese samples wrapped in various packaging materials underwent a challenging test to simulate refrigerated storage conditions under fluorescent light, inducing photo-oxidative stress. The validated QuEChERS method revealed that only seasoned hard cow’s cheese showed an increase in the concentration of 7-ketocholesterol and its chemical precursors, 7β-hydroxycholesterol, and 7α-hydroxycholesterol, reaching levels of 0.45, 0.35, and 0.35 µg g−1, respectively. Conversely, opaque packaging and the use of a double film were found to be effective in preventing the formation of COPs in cheese samples subjected to photo-oxidative stress, such as smoked cheese and melted cheese slices (sottilette). A trade-off must be found between ensuring cheese protection and meeting the consumer’s desire to see the product.

2024 - Evaluation of Distillery Fractions in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells and Screening of Reaction Products [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Cannio, Maria; Cancelli, Umberto; Antonelli, Andrea; Romagnoli, Marcello
abstract

Fuel cells represent an appealing avenue for harnessing eco-friendly energy. While their fuel supply traditionally stems from water electrolysis, an environmentally conscious approach also involves utilizing low-weight alcohols like methanol and ethanol. These alcohols, concentrated from sustainable sources within the enological by-product distillation process, offer a noteworthy contribution to the circular economy. This study delved into evaluating the efficacy of distillery fractions in powering methanol fuel cells. Beyond their energy-generation potential, the performed GC-MS analysis unveiled appreciable quantities of acetic acid resulting from the partial oxidation of ethanol. This revelation opens the door to intriguing possibilities, including the recovery and repurposing of novel compounds such as short-chain fatty acids (predominantly acetic acid), ketones, and aldehydes—establishing a link between sustainable energy production and the emergence of valuable by-product applications.

2024 - Identificazione di metaboliti secondari coinvolti nella risposta a radiazione UV-B in cellule in coltura di Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Santunione, Giulia; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Carli, Andrea; Sgarbi, Elisabetta
abstract

Il callo ottenuto da espianti fogliari di vite Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera (cv Lambrusco Marani e Sangiovese) è stato esposto in condizioni controllate a radiazione UV-B per valutare la capacità di produzione di composti fenolici in risposta allo stress. L’esposizione short-term ai raggi UV-B ha indotto cambiamenti nel metabolismo fenolico: solo nel callo della cv L. Marani è stata osservata una maggiore produzione di polifenoli totali. Nel callo di entrambe le cultivar è stata identificata una decina di molecole, la maggior parte delle quali è presente solo dopo esposizione alla radiazione UV-B. Il sistema utilizzato offre interessanti prospettive per ottenere in vitro metaboliti secondari ad azione antiossidante.

2024 - Yield and biochemical fruit quality of irrigated peach cultivars subjected to conventional farmer’s fertilization practices in warm production area [Articolo su rivista]
Maatallah, Samira; Guizani, Monia; Elloumi, Olfa; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Antonelli, Andrea; Ghrab, Mohamed; Dabbou, Samia
abstract

Water and fertilization management are the main concerns of farmers in order to achieve an economic yield and high fruit quality. This study evaluates conventional farmer’s fertilization practices in commercial peach orchards (Regueb region) and sets suitable nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) supplies to improve yield and fruit quality. Different farmers’ N-P-K supply practices (called FarmNPK) were applied during the different developmental stages of the growing season (S1 budburst and swelling; S2 flowering and fruit set; S3 fruit development; and S4 fruit ripening). Seven cultivars (Flordastar, Plagold5, Plagold10, Plagold15, Plawhite5, Plawhite10, and UFO3) were considered. Depending on cultivars and growth stage, the ranges of total N-P-K supplies were 95–208, 44–84, and 67–103 kg ha−1, respectively. Total fresh yield was quantified, and fruit quality (pomology, phenolic composition, main sugars, and organic acids) was determined in the mesocarp and exocarp. The results revealed that NPK supplies from 95–65–76 to 165–84–103 kg ha−1 induced the highest yield that varied between 50 and 68 kg tree−1, especially with high N supplies during S2. In all cultivars, high N and K supplies in S3 and S4 induced the best weight and fruit size, with the highest total soluble solid content in the fruit, while P supply appeared to be negatively correlated with total sugar content. Analysis of phenolic composition showed that flavan-3-ols varied between 209 and 7114 mg kg−1 DW. In conclusion, the optimum supply of N, P, and K at the appropriate stages, mainly S2 for N supply, and S3 and S4 improved color and ensured appreciable quality.

2023 - Assessment of toxic trace elements (Cd, Pb, As, and Co) in small, medium, and large individuals of Mytilus galloprovincialis and Perna perna mussel species along the Algerian coast [Articolo su rivista]
Abderrahmani, K.; Dahdouh, M.; Boudjema, K.; Guenachi, B.; Montevecchi, G.
abstract

This research paper focused on the monitoring of marine sites using mussels, which are highly valuable organisms in assessing environmental health. However, a significant challenge arises when determining the appropriate size of mussels for monitoring purposes. The objective of this study was to examine the levels of Cd, Pb, As, and Co in three different size classes of two mussel species, Mytilus galloprovincialis and Perna perna, collected from three sites along the Algerian coast, each exhibiting varying degrees of pollution.At each of the study sites, a total of thirty individuals from small, medium, and large size classes of mussels were collected during four different time periods. The mussels were then dissected, and the concentrations of Cd, Pb, As, and Co were measured in the entire flesh of the mussels using ICP-MS.Across the various study sites, the concentrations of cadmium, lead, arsenic, and cobalt ranged from 0.06 to 1.32 mg/kg, 0.09 to 12.56 mg/kg, 4.23 to 18.31 mg/kg, and 0.11 to 1.85 mg/kg, respectively. Interestingly, the distribution of these metals in the three different size classes of mussels followed a consistent pattern at all the study sites. Large mussels exhibited higher concentrations, while small and medium-sized mussels displayed lower levels. These findings highlight substantial spatial and temporal variations in metal concentrations within the studied sites.

2023 - Effect of black soldier fly larvae protein on the texture of meat analogues [Articolo su rivista]
Miron, L.; Montevecchi, G.; Macavei, L. I.; Maistrello, L.; Antonelli, A.; Thomas, M.
abstract

Black soldier fly larvae are considered an alternative source of protein due to their high protein content and low environmental impact of farming. The effect of incorporation of black soldier fly larvae protein (87.6 ± 2.4 g/100 g content) on meat analogues textural characteristics was determined and compared with those of meat analogues prepared with other alternative sources of protein such as soy protein isolate and vital wheat gluten, while beef round, chicken breast, and a commercial plant-based meat analogue were used as reference matrices. Textural characteristics of the experimental meat analogues were used as response variables in robust regression models (R2 > 0.96) built to determine the main effects and interactions of proteins. Black soldier fly larvae protein decreased the textural characteristics of meat analogues as its amount in the formulation increased. The interaction of black soldier fly larvae protein with soy protein affected the hardness and chewiness of meat analogues, whereas the interaction with wheat gluten only affected their cohesiveness. Black soldier fly larvae protein can partially replace traditional proteins in meat analogues. The optimal incorporations of black soldier fly larvae protein in meat analogues which mimics textural characteristics of chicken breast and plant-based meat analogues were 6.7 g/100 g and 21.5 g/100 g, respectively.

2023 - Erratum: Correction to: Assessment of toxic trace elements (Cd, Pb, As, and Co) in small, medium, and large individuals of Mytilus galloprovincialis and Perna perna mussel species along the Algerian coast (Environmental science and pollution research international (2023) 30 59 (123274-123285)) [Articolo su rivista]
Abderrahmani, K.; Dahdouh, M.; Boudjema, K.; Guenachi, B.; Montevecchi, G.
abstract

2023 - Ethylene production and antioxidant potential of five peach cultivars during maturation [Articolo su rivista]
Guizani, Monia; Maatallah, Samira; Dabbou, Samia; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Antonelli, Andrea; Serrano, Maria; Hajlaoui, Hichem; Kilani-Jaziri, Soumaya
abstract

Numerous biochemical processes are involved in fruit maturation, such as ethylene production, phenolic compounds accumulation, and antioxidant enzymes production. Therefore, the aim of the present work was the evaluation of ethylene production, and the bioactive compounds change in the exocarp and mesocarp of five peach [Prunus persica (L.)] cultivars during three ripening stages, (1) early ripening (ER), (2) commercial maturation, and (3) full ripening (FR) in order to establish the best stage to harvest each peach variety. The experiment was applied to five peach cultivars growing within an arid bioclimatic environment covering the whole peach production season: two early cultivars, Flordastar and Early Maycrest; one variety of mid-season Rubirich; and two late cultivars, Sweet Cap and O'Henry. Ethylene production, phenolic compounds, and oxidative stress through antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, peroxidases [PODs] Class III, and ascorbate-POD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production were determined in the exocarp and mesocarp of peach fruits. The results showed a significant increase in ethylene production during fruit ripening. However, a parallel decrease in the level of phenolic compounds as well as in antioxidant enzyme activities was observed. The FR stage was also characterized by an important accumulation of MDA and H2O2. In conclusion, important changes in fruit quality associated with the production level of ethylene were observed. Fruits harvested during the ER stage would be more suitable for delivering to distant markets and more appreciated by the peach industries due to their highest phenolic acid content, best antioxidant enzyme activities, and lowest oxidative stress indicator.

2023 - Functional properties and essential amino acid composition of proteins extracted from black soldier fly larvae reared on canteen leftovers [Articolo su rivista]
Miron, Lucian; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Bruggeman, Geert; Macavei, LAURA IOANA; Maistrello, Lara; Antonelli, Andrea; Thomas, Menno
abstract

This study investigated the functional properties and essential amino acid composition of proteins extracted from black soldier fly larvae which represent a good source of proteins (30.12% dry matter). The proteins extracted in alkaline conditions (pH 11) were then isolated using two different recovery methods, (i) ultrafiltration, and (ii) isoelectric precipitation. Ultrafiltration provided higher purity of proteins (96.42%) but a lower extraction yield (24.30%) compared to isoelectric precipitation which provided a protein purity of 76.02% and higher extraction yield (37.22%). All essential amino acids were present in adequate quantities for human requirements. The fraction of proteins obtained by ultrafiltration had significantly higher oil holding capacity and foaming capacity than isoelectrically precipitated proteins. The protein fractions obtained by ultrafiltration and isoelectric precipitation had oil holding capacity of 125.8% and 81.6%, while the foaming capacity was 141.9% and 114.3%, respectively. These technological functionalities can be used to improve human food characteristics, thus resulting in enhanced consumer acceptance.

2023 - Larve di mosca soldato come strategia di gestione di residui di cibo. [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, G.; Maistrello, L.; Antonelli, A.
abstract

2023 - Pomological and Olive Oil Quality Characteristics Evaluation under Short Time Irrigation of Olive Trees cv. Chemlali with Untreated Industrial Poultry Wastewater [Articolo su rivista]
Oueslati, A; Dabbou, S; Methneni, N; Montevecchi, G; Nava, V; Rando, R; Bartolomeo, G; Antonelli, A; Di Bella, G; Ben Mansour, H
abstract

The aim of this work was the investigation of the effect of wastewater generated from the poultry meat industry on the irrigation of olive trees, during a short time period, in order to evaluate its impact on pomological criteria and olive oil quality. Olive trees were subjected to irrigation with different water qualities: (i) poultry wastewater (PWW), (ii) poultry wastewater diluted with tap water 50:50 (v/v) (PWTWW), (iii) rain-fed cultivation system (control). The results showed that PWTWW contains the optimal mineral proportions, leading to improved pomological criteria. However, the highest significant pulp oil content was obtained using poultry wastewater irrigation (69.51%), while this was 66.71% using diluted poultry wastewater, and 58.03 % for the control. Poultry wastewater irrigation yielded the best results in oil standard quality indices. In addition, an enrichment in oil total polyphenols content was achieved. The oil fatty acid profile was not affected following irrigation with poultry wastewater. Nevertheless, there was a significant increase in the contents of oleic acid and alcohols, accompanied by a decrease in total sterols. However, heavy metals accumulation was observed in both fruits and olive oil. In conclusion, our results suggest that among the three water qualities, poultry wastewater is the best alternative to improve olive oil quality.

2023 - Seasonal variability of the HO.RE.CA. food leftovers employed as a feeding substrate for black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae and effects on the rearing performance [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, G.; Macavei, L. I.; Zanelli, E.; Benassi, G.; Pinotti, G.; D'Arco, S.; Buffagni, S.; Masino, F.; Maistrello, L.; Antonelli, A.
abstract

The SCALIBUR project (Horizon, 2020) aimed to explore innovative solutions, including the use of black soldier fly larvae, for the bio-urban waste management. This research work describes the evaluation of the variability in water, proteins, fat, ashes, and carbohydrates present in the HO.RE.CA. food leftovers which were withdrawn from a local canteen over a 12-month period and the relationship with (i) the growth parameters of the larvae, (ii) the percentage of substrate reduction and the percentage of frass separated through the mechanical sieve at the end of the rearing process. HO.RE.CA. food leftovers are overall a suitable feeding substrate for larval rearing. Water contained in the HO.RE.CA. food leftovers was sufficient for larval rearing without resorting to further addition. As for water content, a seasonal trend was not observed, on the contrary, it was proved to be totally random. However, high amount of water (>80%) was correlated with higher larval mortality rate. The larval weight was significantly correlated to the amount of protein (r = 0.80; p ≤ 0.001) present in the substrate, and to a lesser extent to the amount of fat (r = 0.43; p ≤ 0.05). The feed conversion rate and bioconversion rate were both in agreement with literature data. The statistical test did not show any significant correlation between the amount of water contained in the initial fresh HO.RE.CA. food leftovers and the percentage of substrate reduction and the percentage of frass separated through the mechanical sieve at the end of the rearing process.

2023 - Spirulina, A Sustainable Microorganism to Enrich Baked Goods with Precious Nutrients [Altro]
Montevecchi, G.; Santunione, G.; Masino, F.; Riggio, A.; Salani, L.; Panciroli, P.; Köker, Ö.; Faro, Lo; Licciardello, F.; Sgarbi, E.; Fava, P.; Antonelli, A.
abstract

2022 - Enrichment of wheat flour with Spirulina. Evaluation of thermal damage to essential amino acids during bread preparation [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Santunione, Giulia; Licciardello, Fabio; Köker, Ömer; Masino, Francesca; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Microalgae and cyanobacteria represent a sustainable and valuable source of essential amino acids and bio-active molecules (e.g. poly-unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants) which, if added to staple food, could enrich its nutritional profile and the human diet. In this study, two different composite mixtures were obtained by adding different percentages (1% and 2%) of Spirulina powder to “Italian type 1” semi-whole wheat flour (W = 300) after which the chemical, physical, alveographic, and rheological parameters were subsequently analyzed. Spirulina powder did not cause drastic changes at the rheological level when added up to 2%. Furthermore, the concentration of proteins significantly increased in the samples enriched with 1% Spirulina (3.17%) and 2% Spirulina (5.12%), while at the same time the gluten content decreased by 5.62% and 7.41%, respectively. The total amount of essential amino acids in the samples enriched with 1% and 2% Spirulina (48,209 and 55,286 mgaa/kgDW, respectively), was higher in comparison with 45,433 mgaa/kgDW of the control, and those concentrations were maintained after the baking process. Spirulina powder confirmed the hypothesis of being able to improve the supply of essential amino acids that is lacking in wheat flour. The next steps include an investigation into the sensory and liking characteristics of the product.

2022 - Evaluation of Two Water Deficit Models on Phenolic Profiles and Antioxidant Activities of Different Peach Fruits Parts [Articolo su rivista]
Guizani, Monia; Dabbou, Samia; Maatallah, Samira; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Antonelli, Andrea; Serrano, Maria; Hajlaoui, Hichem; Rezig, Mourad; Kilani-Jaziri, Soumaya
abstract

The present work was designed to evaluate the effects of two water shortage strategies on the phenolic profile and antioxidants activities of four Prunus persica L. cultivars (Flordastar, Early May crest, Rubirich and O'Henry). Over the course of two successive seasons (2016 and 2017), three different irrigation strategies were tested: full irrigation (FI: 100 % crop evapotranspiration (Etc)), sustained deficit irrigation (SDI: 50 % ETc), and cyclic deficit irrigation (CDI: irrigation at 100 % field capacity with a soil moisture of 50 % field capacity). HPLC-UV/VIS profile of phenolic compounds, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities were assessed in exocarp and mesocarp. The results showed that deficit irrigation improved the content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activities. In O'Henry, ascorbate peroxidase activity increased significantly under CDI in exocarp (249 %). In conclusion, most cultivars showed an improvement of the fruit quality under SDI, whereas O'Henry fruits gathered the highest phenolic amounts and displayed the best antioxidant activity under CDI.

2022 - Mitigation of Acrylamide Content in Biscuits through Combined Physical and Chemical Strategies [Articolo su rivista]
Lo Faro, Emanuela; Salerno, Tommaso; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Fava, Patrizia
abstract

Acrylamide in biscuits represents a major concern. This research work was aimed at modifying the current formulation of biscuits to reduce the acrylamide content while maintaining the chemical, physical, and sensory characteristics of the original product. A strategy based on the FoodDrinkEurope Acrylamide Toolbox was adopted. The content of the leavening agent ammonium bicarbonate, the baking temperature program, and the time duration of steam released during the baking process were the three factors evaluated through a factorial design of experiment. The partial replacement of ammonium bicarbonate (from 9.0 g to 1.5 g per 500 g of flour) with sodium bicarbonate (from 4.5 g to 12.48 g), lowering of the temperature in the central phase of the baking process (from 170 degrees C to 150 degrees C), and the release of steam for 3 min resulted in an 87.2% reduction in acrylamide concentration compared to biscuits of reference. CIELab color indices and a(w) were the parameters that showed the most significant correlation with acrylamide concentration in biscuits and could, therefore, become markers to predict the acrylamide content along production lines for an instant evaluation.

2022 - Sensory evaluation and mixture design assessment of coffee-flavored liquor obtained from spent coffee grounds [Articolo su rivista]
Masino, Francesca; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Calvini, Rosalba; Foca, Giorgia; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Spent coffee grounds are a source of bioactive compounds, including caffeine and other valuable substances, such as volatiles, fats, and alkaloids, which are currently not exploited. In this research, the water content was separated through absolute ethanol extraction yielding a hydroalcoholic solution of volatiles that could be an optimal base for a coffee-flavored liquor. This work was aimed at assessing the potential of coffee-flavored liquor formulations with the use of sensory techniques and mixture design. Based on a mixture experimental design, a total of 17 coffee-flavored liquors, including replicates, were obtained at lab-scale by adding variable amounts of water, glucose syrup, and caramel to a fixed amount of hydroalcoholic extract flavored with vanillin. First, a total of 328 consumers were asked to answer a questionnaire about the attributes of an ideal coffeeflavored liquor and their intensity in order to draw an ideal profile from a consumer point of view. Then, judges trained on the attributes of industrially-produced coffee liquors were involved in two descriptive sensory evaluation sessions of the 17 samples. Data analysis pointed to the coffee-flavored liquors with a sensory profile close to the ideal one. They showed an intense black color (mean score 7) related to a higher caramel concentration in comparison with the other samples. In addition, they scored higher in flavor and body (mean score 7) due to the relative amount of syrup and water. It is noteworthy to mention that the judges regarded these samples as more balanced than the others in terms of alcohol strength, bitterness, and sweetness.

2022 - Strategies for acrylamide mitigation in biscuits [Poster]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; LO FARO, Emanuela; Salerno, Tommaso; Nitti, Pasquale; Anceschi, Giulia; Turri, Nicolò; Antonelli, Andrea; Fava, Patrizia
abstract

Food safety deals with handling, preparation (processing), and storage of food to prevent food-borne illness. During all these phases, food might be subject to microbial, physical, and chemical contamination. Acrylamide is a process contaminant that is formed during heat treatment of food rich in proteins and sugars, while it is absent in raw foodstuffs. Most acrylamide is formed primarily through the Maillard reaction, which specifically involves the amino group of asparagine, the carbonyl group of reducing sugars, and intermediate molecules of the Maillard reaction. Acrylamide in biscuits represents a major concern. To date, there are no technological strategies to completely prevent acrylamide formation, although there are some ways to mitigate its concentration in food. This research work was aimed at modifying the current formulation of biscuits to reduce the acrylamide content while maintaining the chemical, physical, and sensory characteristics of the original product. A strategy based on the FoodDrinkEurope Acrylamide Toolbox was adopted. The content of the leavening agent ammonium bicarbonate, the baking temperature program, and the time duration of steam released during the baking process were the three factors evaluated through a factorial design of experiment. The partial replacement of ammonium bicarbonate (from 9.0 g to 1.5 g per 500 g of flour) with sodium bicarbonate (from 4.5 g to 12.48 g), lowering of the temperature in the central phase of the baking process (from 170 °C to 150 °C), and the release of steam for 3 min resulted in an 87.2% reduction in acrylamide concentration compared with control biscuits. Different analyses were performed on the sample set, CIELab color indices and aw were the parameters that showed the most significant correlation with acrylamide concentration in biscuits and could, therefore, become markers to predict the acrylamide content along production lines for an instant evaluation.

2022 - Tunisian Opuntia ficus-indica fruit peels: biochemical and microbiological characterization and possible applications [Articolo su rivista]
Bouazizi, Souhir; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Antonelli, Andrea; Hamdi, Moktar
abstract

In Tunisia, the number of prickly pear seed oil companies is currently increasing. However, a large amount of prickly pear fruit by-products is discarded. A proper utilization of these by-products, in particular of fruit peels, could lead to the obtaining of a new important source of nutraceutical compounds. This investigation was aimed at conducting a phytochemical screening and assessing the antibacterial properties of prickly pear peels cultivar ‘orange’. These samples were analyzed fresh and oven-dried at 45 °C to develop concepts for applications in the food industry as potential sources of fibers and antimicrobial “green” additives. The proximate compositions of both prickly pear peels were determined along with total phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity. Free phenolic compounds were determined using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the antibacterial effectiveness of the prickly pear peel extracts was tested against selected foodborne pathogens. The highest concentrations of dietary fiber (22.7 g/100 g d.m.) and carotenoids 10.90 mg/100 g d.m. were observed in oven-dried prickly pear peels, which also showed the highest inhibition of the DPPH radicals. The antibacterial activities showed a relevant growth inhibition against Bacillus cereus and a partial inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. Prickly pear peel is a neglected nutritional and antibacterial source which should be widely valued as food additives.

2021 - Biodiesel properties of Neochloris oleoabundans grown in sludge waste [Articolo su rivista]
Altunoz, M.; Montevecchi, G.; Masino, F.; Zanasi, L.; Antonelli, A.
abstract

Within the bioremediation framework, this study was aimed at finding out the optimal amount of sludge waste consumption and microalgal growth conditions of Neochloris oleoabundans in order to reach a significant fat production and chemical transformation of microalgal lipids into biodiesel. The effects of the lipid extraction methods – using ionic liquids and chloroform – on the total amount of fat, the individual fatty acid concentrations, and the biodiesel properties were assessed and compared to the EN 14214 and ASTM D6751−02 biodiesel standards. The microalgae strains grown in the optimized sludge waste medium with a dilution of 0.65 g/L wet sludge, and extracted by ionic liquid:chloroform mixed solvent, resulted being the most significant strains to obtain the highest quality of biodiesel with a density of 0.887 g cm−3, kinematic viscosity of 4.7 mm2 s−1, higher heating value of 40.21 MJ kg−1, iodine value of 107.3 g I2 100 g−1 fat, and cetane number of 50.

2021 - Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae processing as a strategy for solid waste reduction [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Macavei, LAURA IOANA; Masino, Francesca; D'Arco, Sara; Cancelli, Umberto; Gammaitoni, Marco; Marchesini, Tommaso; Maistrello, Lara; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

2021 - Composition and applications of fractions discharged from a distillation plant for neutral ethanol production [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, G.; Cancelli, U.; Masino, F.; Antonelli, A.
abstract

The composition of the different fractions constituting a distillation plant for neutral ethanol production was analysed. Not only the fractions that are usually discarded from the plant (heads and fusel oils) were studied but also the ones that usually circulate within the plant, passing from one column to another, which are normally impossible to reach. It was thus possible to follow the path of each component inside the plant in order to observe where it accumulates and where is disposed of. The potential exploitation of these by-products and of the chemicals involved in the processing of neutral ethanol were taken into consideration and new approaches for their use, such as in fuel cell technology, were proposed.

2021 - Effect of Kaolin/Defoliation Combined with Dry Ice on Lambrusco Red Wine Production to Constrain the Effects of Climate Change [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, G.; Masino, F.; Versari, A.; Ricci, A.; Nigro, G.; Antonelli, A.
abstract

Since viticulture is considerably affected by climate change, there is an imperative need to foster research to new strategies in order to constrain these critical effects on the composition of berries and the quality of wines. A multi-strategy approach composed of (i) kaolin application on foliage, (ii) late tree defoliation, and (iii) cryomaceration of grapes with dry ice, was evaluated in the production of Lambrusco Salamino wines. Physical, chemical, and sensory analyses were carried out on the sample set, including control wines. In general, cryomaceration with dry ice proved to be a winning choice to lower alcoholic strength (roughly 5%). In addition, the wines showed an increase of anthocyanins’ content by approximately 17%, while catechins, flavanols, and hydroxycinnamic acids’ contents decreased. Consistently with the increase in the anthocyanins’ content, an increase in colour indices and the sensory colour intensity scores were observed. As for the aromatic profile, 2-phenylethanol showed an increase by approximately 18% in treated wines, while in parallel a lower content of C6-alcohols and volatile fatty acids was highlighted. The multiple adaptation strategies put in place in the present study showed an alternative way to mitigate the severe effects of climate change on wine production, and face changing consumer demands.

2021 - Electrostatic separation of grape stalk powder obtained from grape-wine chain waste [Poster]
Cancelli, Umberto; Rouau, Xavier; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Mayer, Claire; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

2021 - Fortification of wheat flour with black soldier fly prepupae. Evaluation of technological and nutritional parameters of the intermediate doughs and final baked products [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Licciardello, Fabio; Masino, Francesca; Miron, Lucian T.; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Bread wheat flour presents specific nutrient deficiencies, such as some essential amino acids and this drawback could be tackled by adding ingredients that contain them in high amounts. Therefore, this study aims at developing new types of flours as well as at analysing enriched flours and baked derived products, which combine the compositional and sensory characteristics of wheat bread with some peculiar nutritional properties of black soldier fly prepupae (Hermetia illucens). These composite flours were obtained by mixing “Italian type 1” semi-whole wheat flour (W = 300) with flour obtained from prepupae of black soldier fly (20 g and 40 g/1 kg composite flour). Chemical, physical, and rheological analyses were carried out for each of the flour mixtures. Moisture, ash, gluten, total protein content, falling number, strength, tenacity, extensibility, amino acid profile of doughs and breads were analysed as well. An increase in the content of essential amino acids in doughs and baked products was obtained and also led to an improvement in bread texture.

2021 - Functionalization and use of grape stalks as poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) reinforcing fillers [Articolo su rivista]
Nanni, Alessandro; Cancelli, Umberto; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Messori, Massimo; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Grape stalks are a lignocellulosic biomass, which is a very complex material, whose easy and profitable fractionation to obtain its basic components is still not available. Therefore, alternative ways to try and make use of grape stalks are currently being explored. In the present study, the possible use of dried and milled grape stalks as filler in bio-composites was assessed using polybutylene succinate as a basic polymer. The tensile specimens produced using 10% grape stalk powder as it is and functionalized through pre-extrusion acetylation and silylation, and silylation in situ were characterized for their structural, mechanical, thermal, morphological, and color properties. The bio-composites showed to be stiffer than the control polymer, with an increase of Young’s modulus from 616 MPa to 732 MPa in the specimens obtained with acetylated grape stalk powder. This led to a potentially new method to valorize by-products of the wine industry such as grape stalks in order to recover raw materials which could prove useful in the biomaterials and bio-composites sector.

2021 - Grape-wine chain biowaste tested as filler for biodegradable composites [Poster]
Cancelli, Umberto; Nanni, Alessandro; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Messori, Massimo; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

2021 - Partitioning of trace elements in the tissues of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) sampled from industrial sites along the Algerian coast [Articolo su rivista]
Abderrahmani, K.; Boulahdid, M.; Bendou, N.; Guenachi, B.; Hacene, O. R.; Masino, F.; Montevecchi, G.
abstract

This research was aimed at evaluating the seasonal partitioning of Zn, Se, As, Cu, and Co in the tissues of Mytilus galloprovincialis sampled at two industrial sites along the Algerian coast. Adult mussels were seasonally collected from two sites over the course of a whole year. The gills, digestive glands, gonads, and remaining soft tissues were analyzed through ICP-MS. The observations led to identifying metals ranges (μg g−1Dry Weight) of 67.17–395.51 (Zn), 2.18–12.74 (Se), 7.81–28.61 (As), 3.32–155.91 (Cu), and 0.10–3.59 (Co) in the various tissues. The highest concentrations were found in the digestive glands and gills as compared to the gonads and remaining soft tissues. Distinct patterns of metals partitioning were found: indeed, As and Co concentrations were higher in the digestive glands, while Se and Zn concentrations were higher in the gills. Many of the mussels samples resulted contaminated, therefore potentially posing a considerable health risk to consumers.

2021 - Peel of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit as an innovative ingredient for processed food [Poster]
Bouazizi, Souhir; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Antonelli, Andrea; Hamdi, Moktar
abstract

2021 - Physico-chemical and sensory characterization of a fruit beer obtained with the addition of cv. Lambrusco grapes must [Articolo su rivista]
Castro Marin, A.; Baris, F.; Romanini, E.; Lambri, M.; Montevecchi, G.; Chinnici, F.
abstract

In 2015, Italian Grape Ale (IGA) beers have been included as a new provisional sub-category of special-type fruit beers by the Beer Judge Certification Program, including those products whose brewing process is carried out in presence of determined quantities of grape must. However, information on the effects of these additions on the composition of final beers are still scarce. This work is hence focused on the chromatic, volatile, phenolic and sensory characterization of IGA beers obtained with the addition of grape musts during brewing process. To this aim, different amounts of must (5, 10 and 20%) from cv. Lambrusco red grapes were added to a lager wort before primary fermentation. Beers were then characterized by HPLC-MS, GC-MS and sensory analysis in order to determine phenolic and aroma compounds along with their sensory attributes. Results confirmed the addition of must from cv. Lambrusco grapes capable to enrich beers in color, acids, phenolic (up to 7-folded increased) and volatile compounds, while giving complexity to beers. These results, which were confirmed by a trained sensory panel, are among the very first insights on the impact of red grape must in brewing, both from a compositional and sensory point of view.

2021 - Protein films from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, Diptera: Stratiomyidae) prepupae: effect of protein solubility and mild cross‐linking [Articolo su rivista]
Nuvoli, Daniele; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Lovato, Francesca; Masino, Francesca; Van Der Borght, Mik; Messori, Massimo; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

BACKGROUND The present work evaluated the performances of protein‐based bioplastics obtained from black soldier fly prepupae (Hermetia illucens). Protein films were synthesized by film casting, both using the whole proteins and their soluble fraction at pH = 10. The effects of glycerol as a plasticizer and of citric acid as a mild cross‐linker onto film properties were also evaluated. RESULTS Films obtained using the soluble protein fraction resulted the strongest, as well as the most homogeneous, and transparent ones. Protein mild cross‐linking improved their tensile properties, especially in films obtained with the whole protein fraction. Non‐cross‐linked samples had a high affinity with water while cross‐linking almost eliminated the ability of films to absorb water. All protein‐based films proved to be an effective barrier to red‐light (T% < 2). CONCLUSION Bioplastics derived from black soldier fly prepupae may find applications in the agricultural sector (biodegradable pots, mulching films, utensils) and deserve to be tested for food and non‐food packaging.

2021 - Short-time irrigation on young olive tree (Olea europaea L. cv. Chemlali) with untreated industrial poultry wastewater: investigation of growth parameters and leaves chemical composition [Articolo su rivista]
Oueslati, A.; Montevecchi, G.; Antonelli, A.; Mansour, H. B.
abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term irrigation effect with industrial poultry wastewater on young olive trees (Olea europaea L. cv. Chemlali). Industrial poultry wastewater can be considered as a bio-fertilizer due to its richness in nutritive elements (SO42−, HCO3−, total nitrogen, and K+). The physicochemical analysis of wastewater showed a high concentration of TSS, COD, BOD, COT, NO3−, and conductivity. Measurements indicated that poultry wastewater enhanced plant growth, leaves dry matter, and ashes in comparison with tap water, as well as poultry wastewater diluted with tap water; however, a decrease in total soluble sugars (glucose and fructose) was detected in leaves. The determination of fatty acid profile of young olive trees leaves irrigated with poultry wastewater showed richness on saturated fatty acids in comparison with mono- and poly-unsaturated ones. In addition, oleic acid (C18:1) presented the lowest content in leaves of trees irrigated with poultry wastewater irrigation. According to those results, poultry wastewater lends itself to being a hydric alternative and at the same time a source of nutrients that can help fill the water deficit in semi-arid countries and avoid costly waste disposal for slaughterhouses.

2021 - Spent coffee ground tested as filler for biodegradable composites [Poster]
Masino, Francesca; Nanni, Alessandro; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Mezzadri, Giada; Messori, Massimo; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

2021 - Variation of amino acids in Prunus persica cultivars leaves with regard to leaf age [Articolo su rivista]
Dabbou, S.; Maatallah, S.; Antonelli, A.; Montevecchi, G.
abstract

The central role of amino acids in cellular and plant physiology is of current interest. Information related to the implication of amino acids during leaf age is still scarce. This study examined changes in the profile of amino acids extracted from leaves of five peach cultivars (‘Early Maycrest’, ‘Sweet Cap’, ‘O'Henry’, ‘Flordastar’, and ‘Rubirich’) grown in the region of Sidi Bouzid, central-western Tunisia with respect to leaf age. Seventeen amino acids, aspartic acid (Asp), serine (Ser), glycine (Gly), proline (Pro), tyrosine (Tyr), valine (Val), methionine (Met), cysteine (Cys), tryptophan (Trp), leucine (Leu), phenylalanine (Phe), isoleucine (Ile), lysine (Lys), glutamic acid (Glu), arginine (Arg), alanine (Ala), and histidine (His) were quantified. Significant variations were observed for Asp, Glu, Ser, Gly, Ala + Arg, Pro, Val, Ile + Trp, and Lys in relation to the leaf age. On average, young leaves (106.48–142.18 mg g−1 DW) contained higher amounts of most amino acids than mature leaves (97.33–110.27 mg g−1 DW). Approximately identical contents of amino acids were found in the different cultivars. In conclusion, P. persica leaves are a very rich source of amino acids (about 10% DW), and therefore deserves further investigation for their potential application in the nutraceutical, food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries.

2020 - Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.): effect on the fat integrity using different approaches to the killing of the prepupae [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Zanasi, Luca; Masino, Francesca; Maistrello, Lara; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

The increase of waste, due to the rise of the world population, renders the use of the black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) as agri-food leftover biotransformer very attractive. Indeed, feeding on these substrates, BSF is capable of transforming them into valuable fat, proteins, and chitin. The present study is aimed at evaluating different approaches to the killing of the prepupae in order to assess which is associated with the lowest production of artefacts, notably free fatty acids. Folch extraction method, via an Ultra-Turrax homogeniser, was selected to isolate and analyse prepupal fat. The same method was also applied for a direct grinding method to kill black soldier fly prepupae. The integrity of fat originated from this direct grinding approach to the killing was compared in terms of fatty acid profile with the samples obtained with two other killing procedures, i.e. freezing and blanching. Direct grinding proved to be a better preservative of fat integrity in terms of lowest amount of free fatty acids (about 2.5%) in comparison with freezing (about 15%), but also with blanching (about 10%). Furthermore, the direct grinding is a killing strategy that reduces energetic demand and process time and helps lower analytical costs.

2020 - Chemical Composition Analysis, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities of Eggplant Leaves [Articolo su rivista]
Bouhajeb, R.; Selmi, S.; Nakbi, A.; Jlassi, I.; Montevecchi, G.; Flamini, G.; Zarrad, I.; Dabbou, S.
abstract

Agricultural by-products represent one of the biggest pollutants for the environment, therefore, investigating new sources for the extraction of bioactive compounds is a topic of great interest for the entire scientific community. This work is aimed at studying the chemical composition (pigments, phenolics, volatile compounds) and biological activities (antioxidant and antimicrobial properties) of young and mature leaves of five eggplant cultivars (Solanum melongena L.) grown in Tunisia (Tizona, A1014, Nawel, A336, and Mirval). Pigment analysis showed no statistical variations between the two types of leaves, whereas higher levels of anthocyanins were recorded in young leaves of three out of five cultivars (24.7–52.8 mg 100 g−1). Total phenolic compounds (966.5–2072.6 mg 100 g−1) and o-diphenols (343.9–741.2 mg 100 g−1) contents varied significantly according to leaf age and cultivar. However, no statistically significant variation between young and mature leaves was found in flavonols and tannins content. As for volatile profiles, 62 constituents were characterized with non-terpene derivatives (52.0–61.6 %) and apocarotenes (19.9–35.6 %) as major chemical classes. Regarding the antioxidant activity, methanol extracts of Tizona cultivar mature leaves displayed important antiradical properties using DPPH, ABTS, and phosphomolybdenum assays (IC50 0.1, 0.2 and 0.01 mg mL−1, respectively). With regards to reducing power determination, the most active extract was obtained from mature A1014 leaves. Further, young Mirval leaves proved to be significantly active from a bactericidal point of view against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus of 3.1 mg mL−1 and 0.2 mg mL−1 MBC, respectively. In conclusion, eggplant leaves are a noteworthy source of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds with potential use in the pharmaceutical, the cosmetics and the food industries.

2020 - Effects of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) peel flour as an innovative ingredient in biscuits formulation [Articolo su rivista]
Bouazizi, S.; Montevecchi, G.; Antonelli, A.; Hamdi, M.
abstract

The peels of prickly pears represent around half of the fruit and are generally discarded, thus becoming an environmental problem. Due to the high content of bioactive compounds, prickly pear peels could be conveniently used as a nutraceutical and functional ingredient in some food preparations, such as bakery products. This study was aimed at assessing the aptitude of prickly pear peel flour to be mixed (10 g, 20 g, and 30 g/100 g) with wheat flour for biscuits preparation through the analysis of the physical and chemical properties of doughs and biscuits and through sensory evaluation. The composition of prickly pear flour showed a significantly higher concentration of fibre (20.70 g/100 g d.w.), ash (14.57 g/100 g d.w.), and phenolic compounds (2776 mg/100 g d.w.) compared to the control wheat flour, thus improving technological properties such as the aptitude to kneading, the flavour retention, and the antioxidant capacity. The acceptance sensory test showed that biscuits prepared with 20 g/100 g and 30 g/100 g of prickly pear flour were more appreciated for smell, taste, colour, and overall acceptability.

2020 - Grape stalk: a first attempt to disentangle its fibres via electrostatic separation [Articolo su rivista]
Cancelli, Umberto; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Mayer-Laigle, Claire; Rouau, Xavier; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the electrostatic separation on fractionation and deconstruction of the grape stalks lignocellulosic biomass. After the measurements of their physical properties, the eight fractions obtained were extracted with hot water and then with hot 2% sulphuric acid. In aqueous extracts, the concentrations of glucose and fructose of samples collected in the jars under the positive electrode were as high as 13.5 and 11.6 g/100 g d.w., respectively. As for acid hydrolysis, the concentration of furfural and HMF were 1996–2600 and 144–291 mg/kg d.w., respectively. The results showed the opportunity of using grape stalks as a source of fermentable sugars, as well as a potential source of furanic compounds. This technique can represent a new and affordable method of lignocellulosic biomass pre-treatment which can easily be integrated into a biorefinery to favour partial fractionation and better exposure of the fractions to a subsequent enzymatic or chemical attack.

2020 - Improvement of unpleasant odours released by HO.RE.CA. leftovers used as a feeding substrate for black soldier fly (Hermetiaillucens, Stratiomyidae) rearing [Poster]
Montevecchi, G.; Macavei, L. I.; Gammaitoni, M.; D’Arco, S.; Masino, F.; Maistrello, L.; Antonelli, A
abstract

2020 - Lipid profile and growth of black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens, Stratiomyidae) reared on by‐products from different food chains [Articolo su rivista]
HADJ SAADOUN, Jasmine; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Zanasi, Luca; Bortolini, Sara; Macavei, LAURA IOANA; Masino, Francesca; Maistrello, Lara; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

BACKGROUND The total amount of bio‐waste produced annually in the EU by the food and beverage chains is estimated at 37 Mtons. The possibility to use insects for the valorization of by‐products from these value chains may represent a sustainable solution. This study aims at investigating the by‐products obtained from different food chains for the rearing of black soldier fly prepupae to evaluate lipid content and profile and outline its possible applications. The substrates used in this experiment were: (i) industrial by‐products (brewery spent grains, cow's milk whey, grape stalks, and tomato peels and seeds) and (ii) by‐products from retailers (bread dough, fish scraps, and spent coffee ground). Fat extracted from prepupae using an adjusted Folch method was utilized for total lipid content and fatty acids profile. RESULTS Best larval performances were obtained from beer (0.22 gweight per prepupa), tomato (0.19 gweight per prepupa), and cheese (0.14 gweight per prepupa) food‐chain by‐products. The extremely different composition of the substrate was reflected in the differentiated lipid profile of black soldier fly prepupae and in a range of ratios between unsaturated and saturated fatty acids comprised from 0.37 for cow's milk way to 1.34 for tomato peels and seeds. CONCLUSION The high content and type of lipids, together with the proteins, and chitin extracted from prepupae are high‐value bio‐based products that could be used in the feed/food industry or for the development of innovative biomaterials, such as biodiesel. These results suggest that food chain by‐products are the best candidate for insect‐bioconversion purposes.

2020 - Metabolomics fingerprint of Philippine coffee by SPME-GC-MS for geographical and varietal classification [Articolo su rivista]
Ongo, Emelda A.; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Antonelli, Andrea; Sberveglieri, Veronica; Sevilla III, Fortunato
abstract

Volatile metabolites of Philippine Arabica and Robusta coffee beans in the both forms standard (not-eaten by the Asian palm civet) and civet coffee grown in different Philippine regions were identified using the hyphenated technique headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A great number of volatile metabolites with a wide variety of functional groups were extracted and forty-seven prominent compounds were identified. The volatile metabolomics (volatilomics) fingerprint of Arabica coffees considerably differed with Robusta coffee and geographical origin slightly altered the fingerprint profile of coffee samples. Chemometric analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA) displayed a good classification between Arabica and Robusta coffee samples. Although, Arabica coffee samples from different geographical origins were clustered separately from each other, the proximity of clusters between Arabica coffee samples which can be classified into one large group, indicated their close similarity of headspace metabolites. PCA also identified several key volatile metabolites for the distinction of this group from Robusta coffees which is attributed to the higher amount of acetic acid, furfural, 5-methylfurfural, 2-formylpyrrole, and maltol, and lower concentration of 4-ethylguaiacol and phenol in all Arabica samples. These discriminating metabolites could be useful quality markers to differentiate Arabica with Robusta coffee. Results revealed that the headspace metabolites in coffee provide significant information on its inherent aroma quality. Also, the findings suggested that the overall quality of Philippine coffee is variety and region specific.

2020 - Sottoprodotti agroalimentari valorizzati con le mosche soldato [Articolo su rivista]
Maistrello, L.; Macavei, L. I.; Antonelli, A.; Montevecchi, G.; Masino, F.; Barbi, S.; Montorsi, M.; Pini, M.; Ferrari, A. M.; Caligiani, A.; Sforza, S.; Pasotti, P.; Amadori, D.; Altamura, V.; Tommasini M., G
abstract

Le strategie di gestione degli scarti alimentari si sono finora concentrate principalmente sulla riduzione dei rifiuti, tuttavia la ricerca di nuove forme di valorizzazione rappresenta un’alternativa concreta che apre nuovi scenari di mercato. La capacità di alcune specie di insetti di utilizzare un’ampia gamma di substrati organici comunemente considerati come sottoprodotti e rifiuti, rappresenta una delle soluzioni più promettenti per attuare il principio fondante dell’economia circolare. Tra questi vi è la “mosca soldato nera” (Hermetia illucens, Diptera: Stratiomyidae), una mosca non infestante (gli adulti vivono pochi giorni, non si nutrono e non trasmettono patogeni), le cui larve sono in grado di svilupparsi su un’ampia varietà di substrati organici ad elevato contenuto di umidità. Per sfruttare le potenzialità delle mosche soldato nel ricavare nutrienti ad alto valore energetico utilizzabili sia in ambito alimentare/mangimistico, sia come combustibili, sia come ammendanti per l’agricoltura è stato creato, nel solco dei Gruppi Operativi per l’Innovazione (GOI) del partenariato PEI AGRI, il progetto BIOECO-FLIES, un gruppo di ricerca coordinato da CRPV (Centro Ricerche Produzioni Vegetali) e finanziato dalla Regione Emilia Romagna (PSR 2014-2020 Mis. 16.01 Focus Area 5C), che vede coinvolti diversi enti di ricerca pubblici e privati: Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE), Università di Parma (UNIPR) e la società Astra Innovazione e Sviluppo. Partendo dai sottoprodotti della lavorazione di prodotti ortofrutticoli e olivicoli forniti dalle imprese agricole del GOI quali Consorzio Agribologna, C.A.B. Cooperativa agricola Brisighellese, Conserve Italia, ed altre aziende agricole del territorio Emiliano-Romagnolo, il progetto ha ottimizzato le caratteristiche quali-quantitative delle mosche soldato allevate in relazione alla stagionalità dei sottoprodotti; inoltre, sono stati valutati i processi estrattivi applicabili per ottenere una separazione efficiente delle frazioni, le possibilità di impiego di tali frazioni, e la sostenibilità ambientale ed economica dell’intero processo

2020 - Sustainable innovation: sensory study of coffee-flavoured liqueur from spent coffee grounds [Poster]
Masino, F.; Montevecchi, G.; Calvini, R.; Foca, G.; Antonelli, A.
abstract

2019 - A study on acetification process to produce olive vinegar from oil mill wastewaters [Articolo su rivista]
De Leonardis, A.; Masino, F.; Macciola, V.; Montevecchi, G.; Antonelli, A.; Marconi, E.
abstract

Abstract In this study, two different acetification procedures to produce olive vinegar (OV) from oil mill wastewaters (OMW) were assayed. Specifically, (i) alcoholic-acetous double fermentation, with addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae starter was compared with (ii) spontaneous acetification, without addition of any starter. Within few days from their production, the OMWs were diluted with distilled water (40:60, v/v) and supplemented with sucrose (100 g L-1) and yeast nutrients (0.5 g L-1). Both the procedures gave a satisfactory acidification, leaving a final acetic acid concentration of around 4% on average. Significant amount of residual sugars, especially fructose, was found in the OVs by spontaneous acetification. Therefore, in relation to the consumed sugars, spontaneous acetification has been more performant in terms of acetic acid formation; in addition, the acetogenesis appeared to occur bypassing the alcoholic fermentation. Finally, both spontaneous and starter-driven OVs were permanently clear, with a vinous red colour and without any abnormal smell.

2019 - Advanced characterization technique for wine [Poster]
Setti, Leonardo; Minguillón, Cristina; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Bertelli, Davide; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

2019 - Apparato e metodo per depurare un prodotto gassoso derivante dalla gassificazione di biomassa, brevetto n. 102017000082284 [Brevetto]
Allesina, Giulio; Pedrazzi, Simone; ALTUNOZ HATIPOGLU, Meltem; Arru, Laura; Antonelli, Andrea; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Tartarini, Paolo
abstract

L’invenzione riguarda un apparato e un metodo per depurare, in particolare filtrare, un prodotto gassoso derivante dalla gassificazione di una biomassa, ad esempio una biomassa legnosa.

2019 - Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens): state of the art on lipid integrity and fatty acids profile of prepupae reared on leftovers from different food chains [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; HADJ SAADOUN, Jasmine; Macavei, LAURA IOANA; Zanasi, Luca; Lovato, Francesca; Bortolini, Sara; Maistrello, Lara; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

2019 - By-product Valorisation and Innovation Sustainable in the Agri-Food supply chain: Laboratory Researches. [Altro]
Masino, F.; Montevecchi, G.; Antonelli, A.; De Leonardis, A.
abstract

There is great political and social pressure to reduce the pollution arising from food industrial activities who is heading the entire food area in a perspective of circular economy where food waste are recovered, recycled, requalificated and so converted from waste to resource. Among our laboratory research, two cases study of waste recycle were considerated, oil mill wastewater (OMW), and of spent coffee ground. Olive oil processing generates a large content of OMW, rich in inorganic compound, acids, sugars, phenols, raising several environmental issues. An olive vinegar was obtained in laboratory from the OMW and showed a high potential as functional food with good content of hydroxytyrosol and mineral compounds. Also a study of OMW acetification process in order to establish the best method to its preparation (alcoholic-acetous fermentation with yeast inoculum and the spontaneous acetification) was carried out. Both the methods have produced an acetic acid content around 4% (w/v) but spontaneous acetification has been more performant in relation to consumed sugars. In addition, this procedure given an irrelevant alcohol content and this suggests the acetogenesis was occurred bypassing the alcoholic fermentation. The spent coffee ground, usually discarded as organic waste, has still water, lipids (high concentrations of C16:0, C18:0 and C18:2), some aminoacids and volatile compounds (coffee aroma’s main compounds). This made it possible to development of a recovery system that allowed extracting simultaneously the fat fraction and volatile compounds using organic solvents and separating them from the solid residue. For each phase, new uses and formulations have been devised, including a coffee alcoholic drink from the hydro alcoholic extract, ingredients in the food sector or production of biogas from lipid fraction. Finally the solid residue defatted and dried was used for biopolymers formulation obtaining a biodegradable plastic.

2019 - Changes in quality parameters, Proline, BetalainsandColor during different thermal processes of Cactus pear (Opuntia ficusindica) juices. [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Bouazizi, S.; Montevecchi, G.; Masino, F.; Hamdi, M.
abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate some quality parameters like glucose, fructose, HMF and proline contents, betalains and colour retentions of Orange cactus pear juice during different processes of concentration. Juice concentrates were produced by conventional juice cooking at 90°C, 80°C and by rotary evaporation at laboratory scale at 45°C and compared to products obtained at a traditional factory of prickly pear jam (“ROB”), respectively. The resulting products were characterized in terms of colour, browning index and selected quality parameters. In addition to betalains and proline quantifications, proline-betaxanthin ratio was determined. Results shows that fresh prickly pear juice was initially rich in glucose, fructose and proline fulfilling the prerequisites for non-enzymatic browning during processing. However, browning of concentrated juice samples was negligible even after which was attributed to the predominance of proline exhibiting. Interestingly, absorbance indices at 420 nm only increased for cooked samples at 90°C, whereas a slight increment were observed for 80°C cooked and concentrated samples, respectively. Unexpectedly no HMF formation were found after concentration by rotary evaporation.

2019 - Changes in yield components, morphological, physiological and fruit quality traits in processing tomato cultivated in Italy since the 1930’s [Articolo su rivista]
Ronga, Domenico; Francia, Enrico; Rizza, Fulvia; Badeck, Franz-W.; Caradonia, Federica; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Pecchioni, Nicola
abstract

Yield of processing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) increased (∼50%) in Italy since the 1930’s. The aim of this work was to assess the changes in yield components associated with morphological, physiological and fruit quality traits in processing tomato cultivars cropped in Italy from the mid-1930s until nowadays, introduced by breeding in six representative cultivars. Marketable yield showed an increase of 0.6% per year of release since the 1930’s. The highest marketable yield was obtained in modern cultivars due to a higher harvest index, fruit number and the ratio between ripe fruit and total fruit in comparison with the old ones. However, no single trait drove the highest marketable yield in modern cultivars. In fact, both morphological (smaller plant height and leaf area index) and physiological (accelerated plant senescence, higher leaf nitrogen status, and lower potential plant water and chlorophyll contents) traits contributed to increase marketable yield in modern cultivars. Moreover, total plant dry weight (shoot+fruit) of a single plant decreased, whereas its total fruit fresh weight and fruit dry matter content were stable and not correlated with the year of release, thus suggesting that a higher sink strength and homogeneity of fruit ripening were also involved in the highest marketable yield showed by modern cultivars. A great effort of breeders was done in the improvement of important fruit quality traits required by Italian canning industries. Fruit colour and Brix yield were positively correlated with the year of release, while viscosity and total carotenoids were negatively correlated with the year of release. However, no improvement was achieved for important traits such as soluble solids content, fruit dry weight and total fruit yield, which instead should be considered in the future breeding programmes, to improve both yield and quality of processing tomato.

2019 - Determination of Free Soluble Phenolic Compounds in Grains of Ancient Wheat Varieties (Triticum sp. pl.) by Liquid Chromatography−Tandem Mass Spectrometry [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Setti, Leonardo; Olmi, Linda; Buti, Matteo; Laviano, Luca; Antonelli, Andrea; Sgarbi, Elisabetta
abstract

A method of liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the determination of free soluble phenolic compounds in eight ancient varieties of wheat (Triticum sp. pl.): Autonomia, Gentil rosso, Inallettabile, Leone aristato, Mentana, Poulard di Ciano, Risciola, and Terminillo. Trace compounds such as two conjugated flavones, vitexin (17.13−34.32 μg/kg) and isovitexin (9.76−30.01 μg/kg), were also determined. Poulard di Ciano, presumably an autochthonous wheat of the Reggio Emilia province (northern Italy), showed a peculiar quali/quantitative phenolic profile (7097.03 μg/kg sum of total phenolic compounds and 1.97 sum of hydroxycinnamic acids to sum of hydroxybenzoic acids ratio) along with a tetraploid genome. Terminillo, Risciola, Gentil rosso, Mentana, and Leone aristato showed hexaploid genomes and high concentrations of phenolic compounds (ranging from 6796.12 to 7605.78 μg/kg), also in comparison with two modern varieties of bread wheat, Bolero and Blasco. The targeted metabolomic approach proved to be effective to determine some secondary metabolites of wheat. The richness in phenolic compounds combined with high rusticity and adaptability to marginal soils showed by ancient wheat varieties make them suitable for sustainable agricultural and organic cultivation.

2019 - Metabolomics Fingerprint of Philippine Coffee by SPME-GCMS for Geographical and Varietal Classification [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Ongo, Emelda; Sberveglieri, Veronica; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Sevilla III, Fortunato
abstract

Headspace metabolites of Philippine Arabica and Robusta coffees grown from different geographical origins were identified using solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME-GCMS). A great number of metabolites with a wide variety of functional groups were extracted from two different coffee varieties. About forty prominent metabolites were identified in reference to the NIST spectral database (MS library) and twenty seven of which were confirmed using reference standards. The metabolomics fingerprint of Arabica coffee considerably differs with Robusta coffee and geographical origin slightly alters the fingerprint profile of coffee samples. Chemometric analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA) displays a good classification between Arabica and Robusta coffee samples. Although, Arabica coffee samples from different geographical origins were clustered separately from each other, the proximity of clusters between Arabica coffee samples which can be classified into one large group, indicated their close similarity of headspace metabolites. PCA also identified several key metabolites for the distinction of this group from Robusta coffees which is attributed to the higher amount of maltol, acetic acid, 2-furancarboxaldehyde, 1-H-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde and lower concentration of phenol and 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol in all Arabica samples. These discriminating compounds could be useful quality markers to differentiate Arabica with Robusta coffee. Results revealed that the headspace metabolites in coffee provides significant information on its inherent aroma quality. Also, the findings suggested that the overall quality of Philippine coffee is variety and region specific.

2019 - Physiological responses and fruit quality of four peach cultivars under sustained and cyclic deficit irrigation in center-west of Tunisia [Articolo su rivista]
Guizani, M.; Dabbou, S.; Maatallah, S.; Montevecchi, G.; Hajlaoui, H.; Rezig, M.; Helal, A. N.; Kilani-Jaziri, S.
abstract

In arid and semi-arid regions, the research and application of new irrigation techniques that economize water without altering tree performance and fruit quality is a challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two different deficit irrigation strategies on tree physiology and fruit quality of four Prunus persica cultivars: two early-ripening cultivars (Flordastar and Early Maycrest), a mid-season cultivar (Rubirich), and a late-ripening cultivar (O'Henry). During two consecutive seasons (2016 and 2017), three different irrigation treatments were established: i) Full Irrigation (FI; 100% ET c ), ii) Sustained Deficit Irrigation (SDI; 50% ET c ) and iii) Cyclic Deficit Irrigation (CDI; trees irrigated at 100% field capacity whenever the soil moisture dropped to 50% field capacity). Tree water status, gas exchange, yield, fruit pomology and the concentrations of the main sugars and organic acids were determined. Deficit irrigation decreased net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate while it improved instantaneous water use efficiency (WUEins). In O'Henry cultivar, WUEins increased from 3.21 μ mol mmol –1 in FI to 7.04 μmol mmol –1 in CDI during harvest. Deficit irrigation significantly reduced shoot growth in the four cultivars. Furthermore, SDI decreased the yield significantly (from 41 to 26.3 kg in O'Henry cultivar during 2016), fruit size and weight while CDI increased soluble solids and sugar contents and decreased titratable acidity. The total sugar content increased significantly under deficit irrigation in all cultivars studied. In conclusion, CDI seems to be the best strategy in semi-arid regions, since it can save water and improve fruit quality parameters.

2018 - A method of coffee quality analysis by extracting volatile compounds in coffee [Brevetto]
Ongo, Emelda; Sevilla III, Fortunato; Antonelli, Andrea; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Sberveglieri, Veronica
abstract

2018 - Aromatic Characterisation of Malvasia Odorosissima Grapevines and Comparison with Malvasia di Candia Aromatica [Articolo su rivista]
VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Imazio, Serena Anna; Bignami, Cristina; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Malvasia odorosissima is an aromatic grapevine (Vitis vinifera L., 1753) variety that is often confused with Malvasia di Candia aromatica (Vitis vinifera L., 1753), despite the genetic information now available on the pedigree and genetic relationships linking the two varieties. In an effort to offer a contribution to fill this gap, also from an aromatic point of view, free and glycosylated aroma compounds were determined using the SPE extraction method, followed by GC-MS analysis in two consecutive vintages. The results have for the first time provided the aromatic characterisation of Malvasia odorosissima. Geraniol and its derivatives were the most abundant set of volatiles. In contrast to Malvasia di Candia aromatica and the other aromatic varieties, Malvasia odorosissima showed a very small amount of glycosylated volatiles, thus expressing its aromatic potential almost completely. The abundance of free terpenoids in the aromatic profile of Malvasia odorosissima, even higher than in Malvasia di Candia aromatica, is a main feature for the oenological exploitation of this variety, which is on the brink of extinction. In addition, the presence of rose oxides, found solely in Malvasia odorosissima, renders its aromatic profile more similar to that of White Muscat. This result is consistent with the parent-offspring relationship linking the two varieties that was recently ascertained.

2018 - Aromatic profile of Malvasia odorosissima and Malvasia di Candia aromatica grapevines used for white sparkling wines [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; Bignami, Cristina; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Aromatic and anthocyanin characterisation of local grape cultivars was carried out under a project funded by AGER (2010-2104), called “An Italian Vitis database with multidisciplinary approach for exploitation and valorisation of the regional genotypes”, as implementation of the Italian Vitis Database platform (www.vitisdb.it). Malvasia odorosissima (MO) and Malvasia di Candia aromatica (MC) are both aromatic white grapes [Vitis vinifera L., 1753]. Genetic information is now available on the pedigree and genetic relationships linking the two varieties. MC is widely cultivated in the provinces of Piacenza, Parma and Reggio Emilia, as well as in Oltrepò Pavese (Northern Italy) and broadly used for manufacturing sweet and dry, sparkling, semi-sparkling, and still white wines. Conversely, MO is almost unknown, even though historical records and local tradition attest its oenological potential. Known at least since the XIX century in Emilia Romagna, MO is currently on the brink of extinction and it has often been replaced in the vineyards by the higher yielding MC. The increasing interest in Malvasia wines on the international market opens good perspective for the re-proposal of underexploited Malvasia cultivars for the oenological products diversification. The supposed richness of the aromatic profile of MO is an important feature for its oenological exploitation. The aim of this study is to define the peculiarities of the aromatic profile of MO in comparison with MC. Results provided the aromatic characterization of MO for the first time. Free and glycosylated aroma compounds of samples of the two varieties harvested during two consecutive vintages were determined by solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by GC-MS analysis. Geraniol and its derivatives were the most abundant set of volatiles. Conversely to MC and other aromatic varieties, MO showed a small amount of glycosylated volatiles, thus almost completely expressing its aromatic potential. The abundance of free terpenoids in the aromatic profile of MO, in even higher levels than in MC, is a major feature for the oenological exploitation of its grapes. Moreover, MO solely presented some peculiar volatiles, the rose oxides. These compounds bring the MO near to the White Muscat, consistently with the parent-offspring relationship recently ascertained between these two varieties.

2018 - CIMICE ASIATICA, IN VIGNETO. vero o falso problema? [Articolo su rivista]
Tommasini, M. G.; Nannini, R.; Bortolotti, P. P.; Casoli, L.; Montevecchi, G.; Masino, F.; Antonelli, A.; Simoni, M.; Preti, M.
abstract

Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855 Heteroptera Pentatomidae), nota anche come cimice asiatica per la sua origine, è caratterizzata da una notevole polifagia e dalla frequentazione di numerose piante, sia coltivate che spontanee. Sin dal suo ritrovamento in Italia e precisamente nel Modenese nel 2012, sono stati svolti monitoraggi su diverse colture fra cui la vite per studiarne la distribuzione sul territorio, individuando nel settore frutticolo la realtà più colpita e sensibile, su cui si sono concentrate rapidamente le maggiori attenzioni. Un contesto altrettanto importante è però quello viticolo, dove, fin da subito, si sono temuti danni diretti alla produzione e riflessi negativi in fase di vinificazione. A seguito dell’importanza socio-economica e fitosanitaria che questo nuovo fitomizo ha da subito evidenziato nel settore agricolo Emiliano Romagnolo, al fine di individuare soluzioni applicative per il contenimento delle infestazioni di cimice asiatica e valutarne le possibili ripercussioni sulla qualità dei vini prodotti da uve in vigneti infestati dall’insetto, è stato attivato nel 2016 un Gruppo Operativo con un progetto dal titolo “HALYS”, finanziato dalla regione Emilia Romagna nell’ambito del PSR 2014-2020 (Op. 16.1.01 - GO PEI-Agri - FA 4B) di durata triennale. Il programma di controlli nei vigneti, partiti già nel 2014 in provincia di Modena, è stato esteso alla limitrofa Reggio Emilia con l’avvio del progetto HALYS, con lo scopo di rilevare il decorso delle infestazioni nell’arco di più stagioni. Le osservazioni sono cominciate a partire dal germogliamento della vite, con un approfondimento dei rilievi in pre-vendemmia, per quantificare eventuali danni. Grazie al progetto HALYS, ai monitoraggi di campo sono state affiancate indagini in cantina ed in laboratorio. Sono state svolte in particolare prove di micro-vinificazione ponendo a confronto in fase di piagiatura di uve di Lambrusco grasparossa e Lambrusco salamino integrazioni di dosi crescenti di individui di H. halys, al fine di verificare la presenza di alterazione del profilo chimico, fisico e sensoriale nel vino prodotto riconducibili all’insetto.

2018 - Determination of four Alternaria alternata mycotoxins by QuEChERS approach coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in tomato-based and fruit-based products [Articolo su rivista]
De Berardis, Sara; De Paola, Eleonora Laura; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Garbini, Davide; Masino, Francesca; Antonelli, Andrea; Melucci, Dora
abstract

A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of four Alternaria toxins, i.e. alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, tentoxin, and tenuazonic acid in tomato-based and fruit-based products was developed using a QuEChERs approach for the extraction of the mycotoxins. To optimise the QuEChERs extraction, several parameters were tested: types of QuEChERs pouches, sample weights, quantities of added water, use of dispersive SPE as a purification step, types of solvent and conditions of shaking. The method showed good linearity (R2> 0.997) and precision (RSD% < 10) for all analytes. Tenuazonic acid showed very good recovery (98.8%-108.9%) for tomato-based products, as well as for fruit-based products. The method was successfully applied to 57 samples collected from the Italian market. Tenuazonic acid was found in appreciable concentrations in some products. The highest value was found in a tomato sauce sample (814 μg/kg).

2018 - Evaluation of biological parameters and the lipid profile of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, Stratiomyidae) reared on byproducts from different food chains [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Maistrello, L.; Hadj Saadoun, J.; Montevecchi, G.; Bortolini, S.; Macavei, L. I.
abstract

The total amount of bio-waste produced annually in the EU by the food and beverage value chains is estimated at 37 Mtons. The possibility to use insects for the valorization of byproducts from these chains may represent a sustainable and valuable solution. This study aimed to analize the development parameters and the lipid content of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, Stratiomyidae) prepupae reared on byproducts obtained from different food chains. The substrates used for this experiment were: beer brewery byproducts, tomato skins and seeds, spent ground coffee, grape stalks and marcs, bread dough, cow milk whey and fish-waste material. H. illucens larvae were reared on each substrate within glass containers at 28 ± 0.5 °C and 98% relative humidity. Biological parameters such as larval weight, prepupae weight and development time were recorded. Obtained prepupae were frozen before fractionation and chemical characterization. Lipid extraction was carried out using the Folch method, adjusted for the specific samples. The total lipid content was calculated and the quantitative characterization of the fatty acid profile was performed through GC-FID analysis. The best larval performance was obtained when specimens were reared on byproducts from beer, tomato and cheese food chains. The different substrate composition was reflected in the lipid profile of H. illucens larvae. In particular, the saturated to unsaturated fatty acid ratio showed marked changes according to the substrate. The high content and type of lipids, together with the proteins and chitin extracted from the prepupae represent high-value biobased products that might be used in the feed/food industry as well as for the development of innovative biomaterials for different technological purposes. These results suggest that mass rearing of H. illucens larvae, especially on some of the tested byproducts, may be exploited for an alternative employment of the food/beverage bio-waste.

2018 - Fruit composition and firmness of local apple and pear cultivars for traditional Italian preserves [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Bignami, Cristina; Famularo, Samantha; Masino, Francesca; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Vasile Simone, Giuseppe
abstract

The production of different traditional fruit-based preserves has been maintained in many areas of Italy until today. In Reggio Emilia province (North East of Italy) “savurett”, “savor” and mustards are obtained processing the fruits of old local varieties that combine a good adaptation to the environment and suitable qualitative characteristics. In the mountain areas the main cultivars used to make “savurett”, a preserve without added sugar, are pear Spalèr whose juice is cooked for a long time, and pear Nobile (Barabàn) of which slices are added at the end of thermal process to give consistency. Sometimes, apples of Rosa Romana, Ruggine and other varieties are also used. The apple cultivars Campanino and Ferro and the pear Nobile are used to produce mustard. The characterization of this raw material gives information on technological and sensory properties that contribute to the product quality. A survey and sampling was therefore carried out to study these different pear and apple varieties in comparison with current commercial cultivars for fresh consumption: Abate Fetel and Decana d’inverno pears and Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and Stayman apples. Pomological traits, fruit firmness, refractometric index, titratable acidity were analyzed. Low juiciness characterizes the apples Campanino and Ferro and the pear Nobile. Among apples, the highest soluble solids content was measured in apples Ruggine and Rosa Romana, which differed in acidity, with the highest values in Rosa Romana and the lowest in Ruggine. All the old apple varieties had a higher firmness than the commercial cultivars, with the highest values in Campanino and Ferro. The soluble solids content was similar in Spalér and Nobile but the acidity was the highest in Spalér and the lowest in Nobile. The low acidity and the high ratio between soluble solids content and acidity is likely the reason of the strong sweetness perceived in the consumption of Nobile fruits and derived products. This cultivar is characterized by the highest fruit firmness, which is outside the range of values generally found in commercial varieties for fresh consumption. The current exploitation of these products and varieties actively contributes to their safeguard and to the enhancement of the local economy.

2018 - Phenolic compounds profile of ancient grains (Triticum spp.) [Poster]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Setti, Leonardo; Olmi, Linda; Antonelli, Andrea; Sgarbi, Elisabetta
abstract

The intense breeding programs carried out after the Second World War resulted in the selection of new varieties, less subjected to crop lodging, with high yield and able to provide high strength flour, suitable to withstand mechanical processing. This resulted, in turn, in the replacement of many local varieties and consequently in the loss of genetic variability. Recently, there has been a renewal of interest by consumers, manufacturers, farmers, and researchers to the so-called “ancient grains”, the varieties used in the last century or even earlier. “Green-minded” consumers consider the sensory and nutritional properties of the derived products the main features that drive this tendency. In this scenario, seed banks and field collections take on a paramount importance. Since 2011, at the Inter-Departmental Centre BIOGEST-SITEIA - University of Modena and Reggio Emilia - a project that has allowed the installation of a germplasm bank for the conservation and enhancement of cereals, with attention to wheat varieties (Triticum spp.), has been running. Seven ancient cultivars of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), Autonomia, Gentil rosso, Inallettabile, Leone aristato, Mentana, Risciola, Terminillo, and one cultivar of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), i.e. Poulard di Ciano, have been characterised for their phenolic profile. Hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavones, and vanillin contained in the extracts of whole meal flour were subjected to separation and determination by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Ferulic acid, vanillic acid, sinapic acid, and syringic acid were the most abundant components. For the first time some flavones were also determined. Poulard di Ciano showed a peculiar phenolic profile. Also known as Turgido Reggiano, this variety is nowadays considered a real autochthonous wheat of Reggio Emilia province. The nutritional characteristics of the caryopsis, rich in micronutrients and compounds with nutraceutical activity, and the opportunity of increasing a more sustainable model of agriculture, urge biodiversity conservation practices and actions of valorisation of the wheat ancient varieties.

2018 - Physiological responses to chilling in cultivars of processing tomato released and cultivated over the past decades in Southern Europe [Articolo su rivista]
Ronga, Domenico; Rizza, Fulvia; Badeck, Franz-W; Milc, Justyna; Laviano, Luca; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Pecchioni, Nicola; Francia, Enrico
abstract

Six processing tomato seedlings, representative of cultivars widely cultivated over the last 80 years in Southern Europe, were compared to assess the physiological responses to chilling. Low temperature stress was applied for 24 h (1 °C, day and night). PEARSON, the oldest cultivar, reported the highest values of chlorophyll content both using DUALEX (ChlDX= 23.11) and SPAD (ChlSPAD= 35.27) and nitrogen balance index (NBIDX= 29.62) measured with DUALEX, before chilling stress. The cultivar E6203 was the least sensitive to chilling with the highest value of maximal photosystem II (PSII) efficiency (Fv/Fm2 = 0.64) at recovery and visual regrowth score (VS3 = 4.0) at regrowth period. As regards chilling tolerance in terms of maximal PSII efficiency, few differences were observed among the cultivars, apart from C33, that was the most sensitive. On the other hand, a better regrowth was recorded in the modern ones. Strong correlations were found between the different parameters investigated both before (SPAD and DUALEX) and after the chilling stress (maximal PSII efficiency, SPAD and electrolyte leakage). SPAD values at regrowth were shown to be a good indicator of tomato chilling status at regrowth period. Analysis of genetic similarity based on microsatellite markers clearly discriminated modern and old varieties according to the year of release. This information could be useful in breeding programs for new cultivars suitable for early transplant, when chilling injury can happen.

2018 - Profilo aromatico di Malvasia odorosissima (Malvasia Casalini) [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; Bignami, Cristina; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Malvasia odorosissima (MO) is an aromatic white grape [Vitis vinifera L., 1753]. Currently on the brink of extinction, MO has historical records that attest its oenological potential. MO has often been replaced in the vineyards by the higher yielding Malvasia di Candia aromatica (MC) that is used for manufacturing sweet and dry, sparkling, and still white wines in Emilia region (Piacenza, Parma, and Reggio Emilia) and Oltrepò Pavese. The aim of this study is to define the peculiarities of the aromatic profile of MO. Free and glycosylated aroma compounds of samples harvested during two consecutive vintages were determined by SPE followed by GC-MS analysis. The abundance of free terpenoids (including rose oxides) in the aromatic profile of MO, in even higher levels than in MC, is on the major feature for the oenological exploitation of its grapes. Conversely to other aromatic varieties, MO showed a small amount of glycosylated volatiles, thus almost completely expressing its aromatic potential. The increasing interest in Malvasia wines on the international market opens good perspective for the re-proposal of underexploited Malvasia cultivars for the oenological products diversification.

2018 - QuEChERS approach for identification and quantification of food contaminants. Case studies: acrylamide, Alternaria alternata mycotoxins, cholesterol oxidation products [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; DE PAOLA, ELEONORA LAURA; De Berardis, Sara; Masino, Francesca; Garbini, Davide; Melucci, Dora; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Food safety deals with handling, preparation (processing), and storage of food in ways that prevent food-borne illness. During all these phases, food may be subject to contamination. Acrylamide is a process contaminant that is generated from food components during heat treatment, while it is absent in raw foodstuffs. Alternaria alternata is a microfungus, capable of growing even at low temperatures. It was found in vegetables, cereals, fruits, and oilseeds, and can release mycotoxins. Cholesterol oxidation products are steroid molecules that can accumulate under oxidative conditions in foods rich in animal lipids. The levels of all these contaminants in food arouse great concern. The QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) approach is an adaptable and multi-purpose liquid-liquid extraction that was proven to effectively isolate a wide range of contaminants from food, including veterinary drugs, dyes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The extracts can be analysed by LC-MS-Triple Quadrupole. This technique was successfully applied to (i) dried fruits (dried prunes and raisins) and edible seeds (almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts) for acrylamide determination; to (ii) tomato-based products and fruit-based products for four Alternaria mycotoxins determination; to (iii) three types of packaged cheese subjected to photo-oxidative stress for cholesterol oxidation products determination. QuEChERS approach showed to be an easy, fast, and cheap “one-pot” procedure. In fact, this method requires a reduced amount of solvent compared to liquid-liquid extraction and does not include the use of disposable cartridges as the solid phase extraction does.

2018 - Sugar content and profile of Zucchella and Ramassin, local Italian plums used for no-added sugar traditional jam manufacturing [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Antonelli, Andrea; D'Antuono, Luigi Filippo; Bignami, Cristina
abstract

Plums are produced from a wide range of Prunus species, cultivars and landraces, characterised by highly variable pomological, sensory and compositional traits. Sweetness is an important attribute of plums and derived products. A high sugar content characterises Prunus domestica fruits, which are processed into jams, dried prunes, juices, beyond being eaten fresh. The functional properties related to fibre content are preserved in processed jams, whose potential dietary and health benefits can however be decreased because of the generally high level of added sugars. The fruits of some local plum varieties are often traditionally processed by no- or low-sugar addition, because of their natural sweetness. Among them, Zucchella (Prunus domestica L.), grown on small areas of Emilia region (North East of Italy) and Ramassin (Prunus domestica subsp. insititia (L.) Bonnier & Layens), traditionally cultivated in Piedmont region (North West of Italy) are ancient genotypes locally exploited for their interesting characteristics. Pomological traits, soluble solids, sugar and organic acid content and profile of Zucchella and Ramassin plums collected at full ripening were analysed. The two cultivars showed a different sugar and organic acid profile. Zucchella plums were characterised by a high sorbitol content, amounting at 16% of total sugars, compared to 4% in Ramassin plums. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol with properties of natural laxative and not subject to non-enzymatic browning that causes sugars and amino acids degradation. Glucose was, on average, the most abundant sugar, (38% of total sugars), whereas sucrose accounted for 40% and 20% of total sugars in Ramassin and Zucchella, respectively. The most abundant organic acids were malic and quinic in Zucchella plums, whereas succinic and quinic acid characterised Ramassin plums.

2017 - Characterisation of local varieties of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batch] and grapevine [Vitis vinifera L., 1753] [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Montevecchi, G; Masino, F; Vasile Simone, G; Bignami, C; Antonelli, A.
abstract

The profile of chemical components involved in the sensory and technological values of local minor cultivars of peach and grapevine were investigated. Pescabivona (Bivona, Sicily, Italy) is an autochthonous cultivar of white flesh peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batch] that includes four landraces: Murtiddara, Bianca, Agostina, and Settembrina. They are characterised by different ripening times that cover entirely the summer season from the end of June (Murtiddara) until the end of September (Settembrina). The samples of each landrace were harvested at a “ready-to-eat” ripening stage at three different altitudes. The main results showed high figures of flesh firmness along with a balanced sugar/acidity ratio, in particular for the late ripening landraces. The chance of tasting firm fruits at physiology ripeness and with a pleasant sensory profile as showed by Pescabivona is very infrequent. Malvasia odorosissima is a little known aromatic grapevine (Vitis vinifera L., 1753) variety that is often confused with Malvasia di Candia aromatica. Both give aromatic white grapes growing in the Emilia Romagna region. Free and glycosylated volatiles of the two varieties harvested during two consecutive vintages were determined by solid phase extraction followed by GC-MS analysis. Results provided the aromatic profile of Malvasia odorosissima for the first time. Conversely to Malvasia di Candia aromatica and other aromatic varieties, Malvasia odorosissima showed a very small amount of glycosylated volatiles, thus almost completely expressing its aromatic potential. The abundance of free terpenoids in the aromatic profile of Malvasia odorosissima is a major feature for the oenological exploitation of its grapes.

2017 - Determination of acrylamide in dried fruits and edible seeds using QuEChERS extraction and LC separation with MS detection [Articolo su rivista]
DE PAOLA, ELEONORA LAURA; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Garbini, Davide; Barbanera, Martino; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Acrylamide is a carcinogenic and neurotoxic process contaminant that is generated from food components during heat treatment, while it is absent in raw foodstuffs. Its level in food arouses great concern. A method for acrylamide extraction and determination in dried fruits (dried prunes and raisins) and edible seeds (almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts) using a QuEChERS-LC-ESI-MS-Triple Quadrupole approach was set up. Linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision of the method were satisfactory. Dried prunes and peanuts were the only samples appreciably contaminated, 14.7–124.3 and 10.0–42.9 μg/kg, respectively, as a consequence of the drying process. In fact, prunes are dried at 70–80 °C for a quite long time (24–36 h), while peanuts undergo a roasting process at 160–180 °C for 25–30 min. The relative standard deviations, accuracy, LOD, and LOQ show that the method provides a reliable approach to acrylamide determination in different matrices.

2017 - Determination of phthalte esters by ultrasound-vortex-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction (USVADLLME) coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Zanasi, Luca; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

ABSTRACT. A method for the extraction of phthalate esters (PAEs) by Ultrasound-Vortex-Assisted Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Micro-Extraction (USVADLLME) approach was optimised and applied for the first time to a historical series of brandies. These contaminants are widely spread in the environment as a consequence of about half century of use in different fields of applications. The concern about these substances and the recent legal restrictions of China in distillates import need a quick and sensitive method for their quantification. The proposed method, moreover, is environmentally oriented due to the disposal of micro-quantities of solvent required. In fact, sub-ppm-limits of detection were achieved with a solvent volume as low as 160 lL. The analysed samples were within the legal limits, except for some very ancient brandies whose contamination was probably due to a PAEs concentration effect as a consequence of long ageing and for the use of plastic pipelines no more operative.

2017 - Kinetic modeling of colour, non-enzymatic browning and polyphenols content in prickly pear juice during different thermal processing. [Poster]
Bouazizi, Souhir; Haddad, M; Montevecchi, G; Antonelli, A; Hamdi, M
abstract

Kinetic modeling of colour, non-enzymatic browning and polyphenols content in prickly pear juice during different thermal processing.

2017 - Primi risultati chimici e sensoriali dello studio di vini da mosti contaminati da H. halys [Altro]
Antonelli, A.; Masino, F.; Montevecchi, G.; Bortolotti, P.; Nannini, R.; Casoli, L.
abstract

2017 - Single step extraction and derivatization of intramuscular lipids for fatty acid Ultra Fast GC analysis: application on pig thigh [Articolo su rivista]
De Paola, Eleonora Laura; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Antonelli, Andrea; Lo Fiego, Domenico Pietro
abstract

Abstract Two different methods for single step transesterification from pig meat without fat extraction have been tested. Freeze-drying of the meat with and without anhydrous salt, followed by a base-catalyzed transmethylation (KOH/MeOH) was carried out. Both methods were compared with the standard Folch procedure of fat extraction followed by transmethylation. The methods were tested on a complete sample set of biceps femoris of pig thigh, used for the production of dry-cured ham. The set was divided in three subgroups according to total fat content. Both derivatization protocols on freeze-dried pork muscle were proven to be a valid alternative to the Folch procedure for FAME analysis. Freeze-drying method offered several advantages in comparison with the Folch procedure, including a lower solvent requirement, and process temperature, as well as considerable saving of time. In freeze-drying, the addition of an anhydrous salt (Na2SO4) gave more friable samples which resulted in higher yields for some fatty acids, particularly evident in the case of tissues with high lipid content. © 2017, Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India).

2017 - Study of the repartition of phthalate esters during distillation of wine for spirit production [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Di Pascale, Nicolas; Vasile Simone, Giuseppe; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Due to health concerns and legal matters, an investigation to limit phthalates esters (PEAs) in spirits is necessary. A lab still was used to perform pilot distillations according to the official method for brandy production in order to explore the repartition into the distilled fractions of each PAE. The process was divided in two steps: a première chauffe and a bonne chauffe. The former step included the cut into heads, heart and tails, while the latter into heads, brandy, secondes, and tails. The behaviour of each PAE during distillation was affected by its own chemical nature. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) was entirely carried over into the distillate, while bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) only partially, and diisononyl phthalate (DINP) accumulated in the stillage. During the bonne chauffe, DBP and DEHP accumulated in the secondes more than in the brandy. A rectification step of the secondes was demonstrated to considerably reduce PAEs concentration.

2016 - H. halys su vite nel 2015: effetti sulla vite e sul vino e andamento della presenza della cimice nel territorio modenese e reggiano nel 2016 [Altro]
Antonelli, A.; Masino, F.; Montevecchi, G.; Bortolotti, P.; Nannini, R.; Casoli, L.
abstract

2016 - Modern and ancient wheat (Triticum spp.) cultivars: comparison reveals interesting differences in phenolic compounds profiles [Poster]
Sgarbi, Elisabetta; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Olmi, Linda; Setti, Leonardo; Lekoua Ntsama, Bonaventure
abstract

A project of a Germplasm Bank has been carried out at the Interdepartmental Research Centre for Agri- Food Biological Resources Improvement and Valorization (Biogest-Siteia, UNIMORE), aimed to wheat longterm conservation, valorization and exploitation. Nowadays, the Germplasm Bank keeps more than 150 accessions, including ten ancient cultivars, which have been all morphologically characterized, according to “Descriptor List for Wheat” (1). Identification of the secondary metabolites responsible for end-use quality of wheat may be considered a key-factor for all stake-holders, i.e. breeders, producers, grain handlers, millers, bakers and final consumers (2, 3, 4). Recent studies have focused on phenolic content of whole wheat, due to their antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anti-carcinogenic properties (3, 5, 6), highlighting furthermore that important differences in metabolic profile occur among cultivated varieties. The intense breeding programs developed since the 50s years of the last century, resulted in the selection of new wheat cultivars with high yield, less subjected to crop lodging and able to provide high strength flour, with a high aptitude to withstand mechanical processing. This resulted, in turn, in the replacement of local varieties and mostly in the decrease of the genetic variability. Notwithstanding, there has been recently a renewal of interest in the so-called “ancient grains”, cultivars with a distinct regional connotation, used in the last century or even earlier. In the present study, nine ancient varieties of wheat: Autonomia, Gentil rosso, Grano del miracolo, Inallettabile, Leone aristato, Mentana, Poulard di Ciano, Risciola, and Terminillo were compared with some modern cultivars. Extracts of whole meal flour were subjected to separation by LC-ESI-MS-TQ and phenolic compounds, i.e. hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavones, and vanillin, were determined. Total phenolic content, expressed as gallic acid equivalents, of each sample was determined using the Folin–Ciocâlteu procedure. The ancient cultivars of wheat showed a phenolic content significantly higher in comparison with the modern cultivars. The ancient variety Poulard di Ciano (also known as Turgido Reggiano) was widely cultivated in the northern Italy and in Emilia Romagna region in the first years of XX century and can be considered the real autochthonous wheat of Reggio Emilia province. It showed the highest total phenolic content, followed by Risciola, Grano del Miracolo, Terminillo, and Leone Aristato (ranging between 0.95 and 0.70 mg/g, expressed as gallic acid equivalents). The lowest value was recorded for the modern cultivar Zanzibar (0.33 mg/g, as gallic acid equivalents). Many differences among cultivars emerged when quali-quantitative analysis were carried out. Terminillo showed statistically highest concentration of ferulic acid, followed by Risciola, Grano del Miracolo, Gentil Rosso, Poulard di Ciano, and Leone Aristato, while Blasco (taken as reference for modern cultivars) had the lowest concentration. Syringic acid presented the highest value for Risciola, Leone Aristato, and Mentana. Poulard di Ciano showed very high concentrations of sinapinic acid, while Blasco had the lowest content. Vanillin and vanillic acid, two biochemically correlated 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl- derivates, are very liked flavoring agents. They were found in Grano del Miracolo at the highest concentrations. Risciola, as well, showed high content of vanillin, followed by Inallettabile, while vanillic acid was present in high concentration in Gentil rosso, Terminillo, and Leone aristato. Blasco, also in this case, did not show high concentration of these metabolites. A complete comparison with all the cultivars stored in the Germplasm Bank is currently in progress. In the light of these first results the nutritional characteristics of the caryopsis, rich in mi

2016 - Physico-chemical and sensory characterization of Pescabivona P.G.I., a sicilian white flesh peach cultivar [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch]: a case study [Capitolo/Saggio]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Mellano, Maria Gabriella; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Bignami, Cristina; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Pescabivona [Prunus persica (L.) Batch] is the name of an autochthonous peach population of the Middle-West of Sicily. Samples of the four Pescabivona landraces (Murtiddara, Bianca, Agostina, and Settembrina) were harvested at three different altitudes and analysed for chemical, physico-chemical, and sensory descriptors. The data obtained have supported the application for registration of Pescabivona as Protected Geographical Indication (P.G.I.). Statistic data processing outlined a substantial match in the composition of the four landraces at the different altitudes, highlighting high values of flesh firmness corresponding to balanced sugar/acidity ratios, in particular for the late ripening landraces (Agostina and Settembrina). In addition, a large content of lactones (the key odorant molecules) was found. A good agreement between sensory evaluation and composition was observed. In particular, the sensory liking was correlated with the main ripeness parameters, as well as with the pulp firmness. Therefore, in periods of the year when the quality of the peaches is generally decreasing, the chance of tasting firm fruits at physiological ripeness and with a pleasant sensory profile as showed by Pescabivona is not very common.

2015 - Aroma compounds in wines from Malvasia aromatica di Candia [Poster]
VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; DURAN GUERRERO, Enrique; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Malvasia aromatica di Candia (Vitis vinifera L.) is an Italian aromatic grapevine cultivated between Emilia Romagna and Lombardy regions. This grape has an aromatic intensity comparable to Muscat1, and it gives different type of wine: semi-sparkling, semi-dry or sweet wines and, more recently, dry or passito wines. In this study the evolution of aromatic compounds during the fermentation of semi-sparkling sweet and dry wine samples was studied. The extraction of free and glycosylated compounds was carried out by solid phase extraction onto C18-endcapped cartridges, while the detection was performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Fermentative and varietal compounds were detected, observing similar profiles for both wines. The former compounds showed an increasing trend during the fermentation process, while the latter showed an opposite trend. In particular, the decrease of glycosylated terpenoids during the fermentation does not entail a corresponding increase of free fraction2. These compounds can be converted into other different, or absorbed onto yeast cell wall, or else stripped away due to gas development. Free and glycosylated varietal component was characterized by a prevalence of diol 1, diol 2, geraniol and its derivatives. These compounds make different the aroma profiles of Malvasia aromatica wines from Muscat white ones. In fact, the latter are characterized by a prevalence of linalool and its derivatives. Considerable free and bound contents of citronellol were also detected as well as linalool and its derivatives. In addition, the presence of other free compounds such as C13-norisoprenoids and benzenoids was observed. The main identified fermentative compounds were higher alcohols and their acetates as well as medium-chain fatty acids and their corresponding ethyl esters. Knowledge acquired through this study are useful in order to characterize the wines obtained from Malvasia aromatica di Candia and set up variety-oriented wine making protocols.

2015 - Aromatic profile of white sweet semi-sparkling wine from Malvasia di Candia aromatica grapes [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Vasile Simone, Giuseppe; Cerretti, Elisa; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Malvasia di Candia aromatica is an aromatic white grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivar that grows in the Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy regions and is used for manufacturing sweet and dry white wines. A study of the gas chromatography analysis of the aromatic profile was carried out during the winemaking process for the production of a sweet semi-sparkling wine. At the end of the monitoring period, free monoterpenic and fermentative compounds characterised the aromatic profile of the wine. Linalool and nerol had a similar concentration, while the main fermentative compounds were the isoamyl alcohols, 2-phenylethanol, medium-chain fatty acids and their corresponding ethyl esters, and isoamyl acetate. All these compounds showed increasing trends during the fermentation process. The amount of linalool at the end of the monitoring period exceeded the threshold of perception, hence contributing to the floral scent of the wine. The higher alcohols (concentration up to 200 mg/L) and their esters also made a pleasant contribution to the aroma definition. Finally, the low temperature of fermentation helped to preserve the varietal aroma and enhanced the production of fermentative compounds, with a corresponding restraint of higher alcohols. This work is a first approach to a study of the sweet semi-sparkling wine (vino frizzante) obtained from Malvasia di Candia aromatica grapes. A more detailed investigation is required to understand how to improve the varietal and fermentative aromas of the wine.

2015 - Characterization of a Combined Treatment with Alpha-Lipoic Acid for the Control of Enzymatic Browning in Fresh-Cut Golden Delicious Apples [Articolo su rivista]
Musetti, Alessandro; Tagliazucchi, Davide; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Verzelloni, Elena; Antonelli, Andrea; Fava, Patrizia
abstract

Enzymatic browning is the main cause of quality loss in minimally processed fresh-cut apples and this study was aimed to control it by evaluating the use of a treatment with α-lipoic acid and ascorbic acid on Golden Delicious apples. Also hexanal, an effective natural enhancer of apple odor, was added to the treatment.At the end of the preservation period, colorimetric analysis demonstrated that α-lipoic acid exerts an anti-browning effect comparable with that of ascorbic acid about 60 times more concentrated and, moreover, chemical assays demonstrated its synergistic interaction with this substance. The application of the “anti-browning mix” does not substantially change the volatile profile of the apple slices while the addition of hexanal (0.076 mmol per liter of air) improves it primarily with an increased production of hexyl acetate (about 86% of the average aromatic component), without modifying the fruit respiration.Practical ApplicationsThe combined treatment has proved to be useful to preserve and improve Golden Delicious apples quality over the span of 8 days (1 day more than the average shelf life recommended by many producers for this kind of product).The presence of hexanal makes the treatment very interesting in the context of minimally processed fruit, where apples are used in an early stage of ripening that best tolerates the processing chain but that is characterized by a low volatile biosynthesis.Moreover, the presence of α-lipoic acid gives to the fruit the connotation of “nutraceutical food.”

2015 - Development of a method for acrylamide determination in dried fruits and edible seeds available on the Italian market [Poster]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; DE PAOLA, ELEONORA LAURA; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Garbini, Davide; Barbanera, Martino; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Acrylamide is a process contaminant due to thermal processing and absent in raw food (1). It is carcinogenic and neurotoxic and its level in food arouses great concern (2), although it still does not exist a legal limit for its concentration in foodstuffs. However, European Union recently fixed a recommended level of 1000 μg kg-1 for potato chips. This work focuses on the development of extraction and analytical method for acrylamide determination in dried fruits and based edible seeds using a QuEChERS approach. Sixty-eight samples of packed dried fruits (dried prunes and raisins) and edible seeds (almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts) were purchased on the Italian market. After grinding, an aliquot of each sample was suspended in water and acetonitrile and then added of the content of a QuEChERS pouch (MgSO4 4.0 g + NaCl 0.5 g) in order to achieve the separation of water from acetontrile and to induce the migration of acrylamide into the acetonitrile phase. The suspension was vigorously shacked and centrifuged. The upper organic phase was transferred and dried by a gentle nitrogen stream and redissolved in water before analysis. The acrylamide determination was carried out by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry using a RP-HPLC-ESI-MS-Triple Quadrupole (TQ) equipment. Linearity, sensitivity, matrix effect, accuracy, and precision of the method were studied, also using food matrix reference materials. Then, the method was applied to samples. Results showed that only dried prunes (from 14.7 to 124.3 μg/kg) and peanuts (from 10.0 to 42.9 μg/kg) were appreciably contaminated with acrylamide, as a result of the processing techniques. Prunes are not subjected to high temperature during drying (70-80 °C) but the exposure time is quite long (24-36 h), while peanuts undergo the roasting process (160-180 °C; 25-30 min). These conditions are both critical and they promote the formation of acrylamide. All the other samples showed values below the limit of detection or the limit of quantification. The relative standard deviations, accuracy and good LOD and LOQ show that QuEChERS associated to LC-MS-TQ could be considered a good approach for acrylamide determination in dried fruits and based edible seeds, and it is promising also for other food matrices.

2015 - Geographic origin differentiation of Philippine civet coffee using an Electronic nose [Articolo su rivista]
Ongo, Emelda; Falasconi, Matteo; Sevilla III, Fortunato; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Sberveglieri, Veronica; Concina, Isabella; Sberveglieri, Giorgio
abstract

An increasing interest in geographical indication of origin has emerged to achieve legal protection of specialty coffee in international market. Civet coffee which is considered as the most expensive and best specialty coffee in the world, is one of the important indigenous export products of the Philippines. Thus, geographical origin differentiation of Philippine civet coffee and their control coffee beans (not eaten by civet) using electronic nose (E-nose) was performed. The E-nose instrument was based on six semiconductor metal oxide (SMO) sensor array. Results showed that the sensors exhibited different responses towards civet coffees and non-civet (control) coffees of different provenance. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Heirarchical cluster analysis (HCA) demonstrated a clearly separated civet coffees from their control beans. The cluster separation among civet coffee samples indicated that geographic origins dictate the aroma and flavor variations in coffee. This remarkable performance of E-nose provides proof that it is an excellent tool for authentication of the provenance of civet coffee and non-civet coffee samples.

2015 - Saba, A Traditional Grape Molasse From Italy: Preliminary Analytical Characterization in Comparison With Fruit Pekmez [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
D'Antuono, Filippo; Bignami, Cristina; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe
abstract

Fruit juice molasses, from grapes, mulberries and many other fruits, still represent important traditional food products from the Balkans to the Caucasus, where they are indicated as “pekmez” and its linguistic variants. In Italy, grapes have always been primarily used for wine production. However, locally available resources were fully exploited in the past: saba or sapa is a grape molasse obtained from unfermented juice slowly boiled for 24-48 hours, to obtain a brownish, dense, very sweet syrup, storable for long time. Saba was used as a food, to accompany cereal gruels or bread and, in less restricted situations, to season meat, cheese, and to prepare particular pastries (“tortelli”) and jams (“savor”). After being almost forgotten, in recent years saba has been resumed and is nowadays produced by local firms throughout central Italy, where it is also the subject of local festivals. In this work basic physical and chemical traits of several commercial saba samples from different areas of Italy were analyzed and compared to samples of pekmez from Turkey and Armenia and sladko from Bulgaria. Saba dry matter and soluble solid content were respectively 68% and 63%, with high variability among samples. Average titratable acidity was 14.8 g TAEs/L. Pekmez and sladko showed lower variability and higher average dry matter and Brix with respect to Italian saba, probably because of the tendency to reduce cooking time and temperature by some processors in Italy, in order to increase yield and avoid the production of unwanted molecules. Acidity was more stable and less affected by cooking, allowing to relate the differences among samples to raw materials (species or cultivars). Titratable acidity and pH were more variable in pekmez than in saba as a consequence of the very different raw materials used (mulberry, carob, pomegranate, grapes). Pomegranate pekmez had very high acidity.

2015 - Study of aroma profile in Malvasia di Candia Aromatica [Poster]
Masino, Francesca; Antonelli, Andrea; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; DURAN GUERRERO, Enrique; García Barroso, Carmelo; Bignami, Cristina
abstract

Malvasia di Candia aromatica is a grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivar (cv.) that produces aromatic white grape, cultivated in the Emilia Romagna provinces of Reggio Emilia, Parma, and Piacenza, while in Lombardy it is cultivated in the area of Oltrepò Pavese. This cv. is an aromatic cultivar used to produce semi-sparkling, semi-dry or sweet wines and, more recently, still, dry or passito wines. For this reason, Malvasia di Candia aromatica was studied under different aspects. In particular, some studies were carried out on the aromatic compounds that influence the sensory quality of products obtained from this grape. In different studies, aromatic profile of this cv. was widely studied in relation to cultivation techniques, terroir, as well as to winemaking techniques. This study aimed at evaluating different accessions of Malvasia di Candia aromatica in relationship to different altitudes where the grapevines are grown. The method included the extraction of the volatile aromatic fractions, both free and glycosylated, by solid phase extraction (SPE) onto C18-endcapped cartridges and by stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE). Separation and quantification of volatiles were carried out by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Seven different Malvasia di Candia aromatica accessions, and one Malvasia aromatica di Parma coming from different local vineyards were collected inside the area around Reggio Emilia at three different altitudes. The samples show a high concentration of free aroma compounds as well as glycosylated ones that represent a reserve of grape flavor, therefore the latter are generally more abundant than the former. Terpenoids, C13-norisoprenoids, and benzenoids, are the main classes of aroma compounds identified in Malvasia grapes. Terpenoid profile is particularly rich and varied, being the geraniol the compound with the highest concentration. The difference found among samples collected at different altitudes show how this factor can influence the aroma profile.

2015 - Valutazione di composti aromatici in vini ottenuti utilizzando differenti ceppi di lieviti Saccharomyces [Poster]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Antonelli, Andrea; Amaretti, Alberto; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca
abstract

The aromatic quality of wines depends on several factors. Some are intrinsic factors of the grape variety, others are linked to conditions such as climate and terroir, as well as the technological process of production. In this context, the yeasts have considerable importance. In oenology, there is a growing interest for the study of new yeast strains characterized by a good fermentative capacity and a favorable contribute to the sensory quality of wine. In this study, we compared six different Saccharomyces strains (3 S. cerevisiae e 3 S. bayanus), focusing on the fermentation performance and production of volatiles in white neutral wine from Trebbiano grapes. It is included in the study a new strain (ECA5TM) to deepen its fermentation ability and metabolite production in order to evaluate its possible employment in winemaking. A total of 39 compounds were quantified by gas chromatography (alcohols, higher alcohols, C6-alcohols, higher alcohol acetates, esters, fatty acids and terpenic compounds) in the wines obtained by fermentation with different yeats strains. The obtained results show that the tested strains are very similar regarding production of ethanol, glycerol, and aromatic compounds. However, ECA5TM strain showed a lower fermenting power, even though the ethanol content (% v/v) in the wine was similar to the others strains. Moreover, ECA5TM, as well as Lavlin 71B, positively influenced the aromatic profile, showing a higher content of some volatiles.

2014 - A SURVEY ABOUT ACRYLAMIDE IN DRIED FRUITS COLLECTED ON ITALIAN MARKET [Poster]
DE PAOLA, ELEONORA LAURA; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Garbini, Davide; Barbanera, Martino; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

As acrylamide is considered a carcinogen and neurotoxic, its level in food raises great concern although it still does not exist a legal limit for its concentration in foodstuffs. Acrylamide is a process contaminant, absent in raw foods and only formed during thermal processing due to Maillard reaction among reducing sugars (glucose, fructose) and L-asparagine (Mottram et al., 2002; Stadler et al., 2002). This work focuses on the development of a method for acrylamide determination in dried fruits based on a QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) approach for sample preparation (Schenck et al., 2004) and HPLC-ESI-MS-Triple Quadrupole for sample analysis. MATERIALS

2014 - Caratterizzazione e valutazione di vitigni tradizionali emiliani: analisi dei profili antocianico ed aromatico [Poster]
Antonelli, Andrea; Bignami, Cristina; Imazio, Serena Anna; Masino, Francesca; Matrella, Valentina; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe
abstract

Caratterizzazione e valutazione di vitigni tradizionali emiliani: analisi dei profili antocianico ed aromatico

2014 - Messa a punto di un protocollo per l'estrazione e l'analisi di composti fenolici in varietà di Triticum aestivum L. [Poster]
Olmi, Linda; Setti, Leonardo; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Sgarbi, Elisabetta
abstract

Linda Olmi(1), Leonardo Setti(2), Giuseppe Montevecchi(1), Elisabetta Sgarbi*(3) MESSA A PUNTO DI UN PROTOCOLLO PER L’ESTRAZIONE E L’ANALISI DI COMPOSTI FENOLICI IN VARIETÀ DI TRITICUM AESTIVUM L Presso il Centro Interdipartimentale “Biogest-Siteia” dell‟Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia è attivo dal 2011 un progetto che prevede la realizzazione di una Banca del Germoplasma per la conservazione e la valorizzazione di cereali, in particolare di varietà di frumento tenero (Triticum aestivum L.). Oltre alla raccolta, alla conservazione e all‟analisi morfologica delle varietà, tra gli scopi della Banca vi è quello di caratterizzare le varietà conservate anche da un punto di vista metabolico. Attualmente la Banca dispone di oltre 150 accessioni, tutte caratterizzate dal punto di vista morfometrico sulla base degli standard internazionali di descrizione del grano (IBPGR 1985). Di recente è stato elaborato un protocollo di estrazione e di analisi della componente fenolica delle cariossidi al fine di rilevare eventuali differenze quali-quantitative tra le accessioni. Dopo la macinazione di cariossidi sane ed integre, l‟estrazione è stata effettuata con una soluzione di etanolo 80%. L‟estratto, portato a secco con evaporatore rotante, è stato in seguito riportato a volume con una soluzione di acqua, etanolo assoluto, acetonitrile, trietilammina 91.9:5.0:3.0:0.1. Gli estratti così ottenuti sono stati separati e quantificati mediante cromatografia liquida con analizzatore di massa a triplo quadrupolo (LC-MS/MS Triplo quadrupolo 6410B - Agilent Technologies) presso il Centro Interdipartimentale Grandi Strumenti (CIGS) dell‟Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia. La colonna utilizzata per le analisi è una RP C18 Poroshell 120 (Phenyl Hexyl, Agilent Technologies). La quantificazione è stata eseguita mediante il metodo della standardizzazione esterna e sono stati determinati la ripetibilità ed i limiti di rilevabilità (LOD) e di quantificazione (LOQ). I campioni, analizzati in triplo, sono stati fatti correre in ordine casuale e per l‟elaborazione dei cromatogrammi è stato utilizzato il Software Quantitative Analysis B.05.00 (Agilent Technologies). Per alcuni fenoli, come acido vanillico, acido trans-ferulico, acido siringico, acido sinapico, acido caffeico,vanillina, acido p-cumarico, acido t-cinnamico e apigenina sono disponibili i dati quantitavi relativi a 33 varietà. Bibliografia citata: IBPGR (1985). Descriptors for Wheat (Revised), Roma, pp. 44. Gli Autori ringraziano la “Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Modena” per il finanziamento destinato all‟acquisto del LC-MS/MS Triplo quadrupolo 6410B - Agilent Technologies, Laboratorio Spettrometria di Massa, presso il Centro Interdipartimentale Grandi Strumenti (CIGS) dell‟Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia. Indirizzo Autori: (1) Centro Interdipartimentale BIOGEST-SITEIA, v. Amendola 2, Padiglione BESTA, Reggio Emilia, Italy; (2) Dipartimento di Scienze della vita, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, v. Amendola 2, Padiglione BESTA, Reggio Emilia, Italy; (3) Dipartimento di Scienze della vita, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, v. Amendola 2 Padiglione BESTA / Centro Interdipartimentale BIOGEST-SITEIA, v. Amendola 2, Padiglione BESTA, Reggio Emilia, Italy Corresponding Author: Elisabetta Sgarbi (elisabetta.sgarbi@unimore.it)

2014 - Pescabivona: caratterizzazione e specificità dei frutti nell’ambito del regime di qualità IGP [Articolo su rivista]
VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Mallano, M. G.; Bignami, Cristina; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Pescabivona [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] è una denominazione che raggruppa quattro ecotipi di pesche a polpa bianca autoctoni della zona centro-occidentale della Sicilia. Campioni dei quattro ecotipi di Pescabivona (Murtiddara, Bianca, Agostina e Settembrina) sono stati campionati a tre diverse altitudini durante tutta la stagione di raccolta da metà giugno a fine settembre. I quattro ecotipi sono stati caratterizzati mediante analisi chimiche e chimico-fisiche per determinare colore, peso, contenuto di solidi solubili, pH, acidità titolabile, acidi organici, zuccheri, sostanze aromatiche e fenoliche, capacità antiossidante e consistenza della polpa. Un panel di giudici addestrato ha, inoltre, tracciato il profilo sensoriale dei quattro ecotipi. I risultati sono stati impiegati nell’istanza di riconoscimento dell’Indicazione geografica protetta (IGP) che, ad oggi, ha ottenuto il parere favorevole dal Ministero delle Politiche Agricole Alimentari e Forestali e della Commissione Europea. Le elaborazioni statistiche dei dati hanno fatto emergere un quadro di sostanziale omogeneità di composizione dei quattro ecotipi alle diverse altitudini mettendo in luce un’elevata concentrazione di lattoni, molecole chiave per le definizione dell’aroma. Il confronto dei quattro ecotipi di Pescabivona e le principali pesche a polpa bianca diffuse sul mercato ha mostrato un altro carattere peculiare: l’elevata consistenza della polpa specie per gli ecotipi tardivi (Agostina e Settembrina) anche a livelli di maturazione di consumo caratterizzati da un equilibrato valore del rapporto zuccheri/ acidi. In periodi dell’anno dove per le pesche, generalmente, si abbassa il livello qualitativo, diventa non comune la possibilità di gustare frutti consistenti a maturazione fisiologica e con profilo sensoriale apprezzabile

2014 - Studio dei profili delle sostanze aromatiche glicosilate di vitigni (Vitis vinifera L) autoctoni dell’Emilia Romagna [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; Imazio, Serena Anna; Masino, Francesca; Matrella, Valentina; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Antonelli, Andrea; Bignami, Cristina
abstract

Research on the glycosylated fraction of volatiles aims to investigate the mostly unexpressed aromatic potential of a grapevine. This reservoir of aromatic molecules is partially released during the production and aging of the wine and targeted technological interventions would allow the enhancement of the non aromatic grapevines. The analysis of eleven cultivars and accessions grown in Reggio Emilia highlighted that, apart from Malvasia di Candia aromatica, already studied for its rich component of monoterpenic compounds, Trebbiano di Spagna showed, as well, a very interesting profile with the presence of high concentrations of some monoterpenic alcohols. The other cvs showed a higher homogeneity of composition and a general lack of flavor with a few exceptions.

2014 - Studio dei profili delle sostanze aromatiche glicosilate di vitigni (Vitis vinifera L) autoctoni dell’Emilia-Romagna [Poster]
Vasile Simone, G.; Imazio, S. A.; Masino, F.; Matrella, V.; Montevecchi, G.; Antonelli, A.; Bignami, C.
abstract

2014 - Studio delle sostanze polifeniliche per la valorizzazione di vitigni autoctoni (Vitis vinifera L) dell’Emilia-Romagna. [Poster]
Matrella, V.; Masino, F.; Montevecchi, G.; Simone, Vasile; Antonelli, A.; Bignami, C.
abstract

2014 - Studio delle sostanze polifenoliche per la valorizzazione di vitigni autoctoni (Vitis vinifera L) dell’Emilia Romagna [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Matrella, Valentina; Masino, Francesca; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; Antonelli, Andrea; Bignami, Cristina
abstract

The study of polyphenolic substances plays a primary role in winemaking, particularly in defining the sensory properties of the wine and the chemical and physical processes that occur during wine aging. The anthocyanin composition of red grapes is also a phenotypic trait distinctive of the individual cultivar and its determination can be used as a marker for the evaluation of grapes authenticity and of wine adulteration. This study was a first approach to the characterization of the anthocyanin composition of 27 accessions of Emilia Romagna (Northern Italy), highlighting a variability that could contribute to enhance wines and identify potential food fraud.

2014 - Study of anthocyanin profile for valorization of autochthonous grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars of the Emilia Romagna region [Capitolo/Saggio]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Simone Vasile, G; Matrella, Valentina; Masino, Francesca; Imazio, Serena Anna; Antonelli, Andrea; Bignami, Cristina
abstract

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is a crop of major economical interest in Italy and it is largely grown in the plains and hills of Reggio Emilia and Modena (Emilia Romagna Region, northern Italy). Grapes are mainly used for wine production and table consumption, as well as for other minor processed products. Among these latters, ‘saba’ and ‘agresto’ are traditional Italian products both based on unfermented grape juices that are concentrated by heating. The concentration by heating is a process also used for manufacturing fermented products, such as traditional balsamic vinegars and ‘vino cotto’ of the Marche region. The study of polyphenolic substances plays a primary role in oenology, in particular to define the sensory properties of the wine and to deepen the chemical and physical processes that occur during wine aging. In addition, the anthocyanin composition of red grapes is also a phenotypic trait distinctive of the individual grapevine cultivar and its determination can be used as a marker for the evaluation of grape authenticity and wine adulteration. The purpose of this study is the characterization of anthocyanin composition of some grape varieties and accessions of Emilia Romagna (Northern Italy) in order to outline the individual profiles by qualitative and quantitative approach. These data will contribute to the implementation of “Italian Vitis Database” (http://www.vitisdb.it), in a project called “An Italian Vitis database with multidisciplinary approach for exploitation and valorization of the regional genotypes” funded by AGER Agroalimentare e Ricerca.

2014 - Study of furanic compounds during grape must concentration and in the TBV [Poster]
Masino, F.; Montevecchi, G.; Simone, Vasile; Antonelli, G.
abstract

2013 - Ampelographic and chemical characterization of Reggio Emilia and Modena (Northern Italy) grapes for two traditional seasonings:'saba'and'agresto' [Articolo su rivista]
G., Vasile Simone; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Matrella, Valentina; Imazio, Serena Anna; Antonelli, Andrea; Bignami, Cristina
abstract

BACKGROUND: ‘Saba’ and ‘agresto’ are traditional Italian products both based on unfermented grape juices that are concentrated by heating. The former is obtained from ripe grapes and the latter from unripe grapes. In this work, we have characterized the main red-skinned (Ancellotta, Fortana, Lambrusco di Sorbara, Lambrusco grasparossa, Lambrusco salamino andUva Tosca) andwhite-skinned (Lugliatica, Spergola, Trebbianodi Spagna and Trebbiano modenese) cultivars used for ‘saba’ and ‘agresto’ production, focusing on the variability expressed by ampelographic traits, physical and chemical parameters and anthocyanin profile. RESULTS: The cultivars examined were effectively discriminated on the basis of their different composition profile by analysis of variance and principal component analysis. In particular, a peculiar anthocyanin profile was traced by absolute and relative values for each cultivar. The identification of the main anthocyanins of some local cultivars, their chemical characterization and their ampelographic description were one of themain achievements of this work. CONCLUSION: The use of red grapes to obtain ‘saba’ seems more rational for the presence of higher amounts of antioxidant substances. Ancellotta showed several factors interesting for ‘saba’ production, such as the very high anthocyanin content, including anthocyanin antioxidants. A more detailed investigation on ‘agresto’ technology is required. c 2013 Society of Chemical Industry

2013 - Caratterizzazione sensoriale di Pescabivona e correlazione con i parametri compositivi [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; M. G., Mellano; Masino, Francesca; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Pescabivona è il nome di una popolazione autoctona di pesche [Prunus persica (L.) Batch] della zona centro-occidentale della Sicilia, che riunisce quattro ecotipi. Questo studio rappresenta un approccio ad una complessiva valutazione sensoriale e compositiva dei frutti. I dati dei profili sensoriali degli ecotipi sono stati messi in relazione a quelli ottenuti mediante determinazioni fisiche e chimiche, quali: colore, peso, consistenza della polpa, pH, °Brix, acidità titolabile (AT), rapporto °Brix/AT, acidi organici, zuccheri, componente aromatica (lattoni), flavan-3-oli, acidi idrossicinnamici e capacità antiossidante. L’analisi sensoriale è stata eseguita dal panel dell’Organizzazione Nazionale Assaggiatori di Frutta (O.N.A.Frut.) che ha eseguito i test mediante schede di tipo quantitativo descrittivo con scale lineari, continue, parzialmente strutturate, ad intervalli da 0 a 10. I risultati hanno evidenziato un elevato standard qualitativo per tutti gli ecotipi, mostrando alcune differenze nell’intensità dell’aroma. Quest’ultimo descrittore insieme alla dolcezza risultavano altamente correlati con la gradevolezza generale. L’analisi delle componenti principali (PCA) non discriminava in maniera netta i differenti profili sensoriali, supportando le argomentazioni sull’origine comune, già messe in luce con la caratterizzazione chimica. Interessanti sono state, infine, le correlazioni tra i dati sensoriali e i dati strumentali. La gradevolezza generale era altamente correlata con i principali indici colorimetrici e chimici della maturazione e con la consistenza della polpa. L’elevata consistenza della polpa associata ad una “maturazione di consumo” del frutto, oltre a permettere una buona gestione del prodotto in fase post-raccolta, garantisce un elevato standard qualitativo sensoriale. I dati ottenuti concorrono a definire un profilo completo dei frutti dimostrando un’omogeneità nell’identità sensoriale degli ecotipi ed evidenziando caratteri di distinzione rispetto alle più diffuse cultivar di pesco a polpa bianca. Il buon accordo tra la valutazione sensoriale e compositiva ha reso l’analisi sensoriale uno strumento fondamentale per la valutazione della qualità degli ecotipi di Pescabivona.

2013 - Fruit sensory characterization of four Pescabivona, white-fleshed peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch], landraces and correlation with physical and chemical parameters. [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; M. G., Mellano; Masino, Francesca; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Pescabivona is the name of an autochthonous peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batch] population of the central west of Sicily. In a previous work, this fruit was submitted to chemical analysis, while in this paper, sensory evaluation is considered. Materials and methods. Samples of four Pescabivona landraces were harvested throughout the harvest season. A trained panel outlined the sensory profiles and the data were processed by ANOVA and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). A correlation between sensory analysis and instrumental data was finally carried out. Results and discussion. The results demonstrated a high standard of quality for the four landraces studied, with some differences in aroma intensity and in some other parameters, with sweetness and aroma being highly correlated with overall liking. PCA did not clearly separate the different landraces as they have the same origin. Some correlations between sensory analysis and instrumental data were verified. The sensory liking was correlated with the main ripeness parameters, as well as with the pulp firmness. Conclusion. The data obtained contribute to outlining a complete fruit profile for product comparison and shelf-life monitoring. As previously verified for chemical parameters, the sensory evaluation indicates a substantialsimilarity among the landraces. The good agreement between sensory evaluation and composition makes sensory analysis a precious tool to assess quality of Pescabivona landraces.

2013 - Valutazione sensoriale di birre ottenute con ceppi di lievito diversi: un caso studio [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Masino, Francesca; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

La birra è una delle più diffuse e antiche bevande alcoliche al mondo. La Repubblica Ceca detiene il record mondiale di consumo annuo seguita da Germania, Austria e Irlanda. L’Italia registra un consumo di birra in rapida crescita, prevalentemente tra i giovani. Va sottolineato che il consumatore italiano tipico predilige ancora la qualità della bevanda piuttosto che la quantità e, sebbene il prezzo, in linea generale, sia un fattore molto importante, i consumatori attenti sono molto sensibili al processo di produzione, al marchio e, non ultime, alle proprietà sensoriali. L’obiettivo del lavoro è stato valutare il profilo sensoriale di un prodotto ottenuto secondo un processo di produzione standard e utilizzando tre ceppi di lievito diversi, un ceppo Saccharomyces comunemente usato nel processo di birrificazione, e due ibridi ottenuti dall’incrocio tra ceppi Saccharomyces cerevisiae × Saccharomyces bayanus. A tale scopo, nel corso della fase di addestramento, otto giudici su dodici sono stati scelti e 16 attributi sensoriali sono stati selezionati (4, 2 e 10 attributi sensoriali visivi, olfattivi e gustativi, rispettivamente). L’analisi della varianza (ANOVA a due vie) con interazione ha permesso di evidenziare che i prodotti studiati si differenziano statisticamente per le caratteristiche sensoriali legate alla schiuma, oltre che per alcune caratteristiche gustative e olfattive (dolcezza, amarezza, aroma di cotto, corpo e frizzantezza, nota aromatica). I risultati ottenuti sono stati anche confermati dalla PCA (Principal Component Analysis), la quale ha permesso di separare i campioni in differenti cluster nello spazio definito dalle prime due componenti principali. Sulla base dei risultati conseguiti, l’approccio sensoriale ha consentito di tracciare un adeguato profilo per ciascun campione di birra, evidenziando le differenze esistenti tra i campioni e dimostrando l’importanza di alcune scelte tecnologiche sulla qualità sensoriale dei prodotti.

2012 - Aglio al posto degli antibitici. Animali più pesanti e più sani. [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Volpelli, Luisa Antonella; P., Balzarini; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

L’utilizzo di derivati dell’aglio (Allium sativum L.) come additivo dei mangimi ha fornito riscontri positivi su animali da allevamento e prodotti derivati, rappresentando una valida alternativa all’utilizzo di farmaci quali gli antibiotici. La somministrazione di prodotti ad attività farmacologica viene spesso illecitamente praticata nell’alimentazione degli animali da reddito, per stimolarne le prestazione produttive. L’uso frequente e incontrollato di antibiotici causa – com’è noto – lo sviluppo di resistenza da parte di numerosi microrganismi. L’aglio, invece, non è stato messo in relazione a fenomeni di resistenza e di perdita di efficacia; al contrario numerosi studi pubblicati su riviste scientifiche internazionali ne hanno sottolineato gli effetti positivi sulle prestazioni dell’animale, ivi compresa la crescita.

2012 - Ampelographic and chemical characterization of local grapes for ‘saba’ and ‘agresto’ in Reggio Emilia and Modena (Northern Italy) [Poster]
Bignami, Cristina; Antonelli, Andrea; Imazio, Serena Anna; Masino, Francesca; Matrella, Valentina; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe
abstract

BACKGROUND ‘Saba’ and ‘agresto’ are traditional Italian products both based on unfermented grape juices that are concentrated by heating. The former is obtained from ripe grapes and the latter from unripe grapes. In this work, we have characterized the main red-skinned (Ancellotta, Fortana, Lambrusco di Sorbara, Lambrusco grasparossa, Lambrusco salamino and Uva Tosca) and white-skinned (Lugliatica, Spergola, Trebbiano di Spagna and Trebbiano modenese) cultivars used for ‘saba’ and ‘agresto’ production, focusing on the variability expressed by ampelographic traits, physical and chemical parameters and anthocyanin profile. RESULTS The cultivars examined were effectively discriminated on the basis of their different composition profile by analysis of variance and principal component analysis. In particular, a peculiar anthocyanin profile was traced by absolute and relative values for each cultivar. The identification of the main anthocyanins of some local cultivars, their chemical characterization and their ampelographic description were one of the main achievements of this work. CONCLUSION The use of red grapes to obtain ‘saba’ seems more rational for the presence of higher amounts of antioxidant substances. Ancellotta showed several factors interesting for ‘saba’ production, such as the very high anthocyanin content, including anthocyanin antioxidants. A more detailed investigation on ‘agresto’ technology is required.

2012 - Ancient Maloideae and traditional products in the Reggio Emilia Apennines (Northern Italy) [Poster]
Bignami, Cristina; Baroni, Alberto; Barbieri, Cristina; Imazio, Serena Anna; Montevecchi, Giuseppe
abstract

Ancient Maloideae and traditional products in the Reggio Emilia Apennines (Northern Italy)

2012 - Chemometric discrimination of Philippine Civet Coffee using Electronic Nose and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry [Poster]
Ongo, Emelda; Falasconi, Matteo; Sberveglieri, Giorgio; Antonelli, Andrea; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Sberveglieri, Veronica; Concina, Isabella; Sevilla III, Fortunato
abstract

This study presents a practical and promising approach to profile the headspace aroma attributes of Philippine civet coffee using electronic nose (E-nose) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). Chemometric pattern method was applied to enhance the discrimination of civet coffee against its control coffee beans (not eaten by civet animal). E-nose analysis revealed that aroma characteristic is one of the most important quality indicators of civet coffee. The result was supported by GCMS analysis. The chromatographic fingerprints indicated that civet coffee differed with their control beans in terms of composition and concentration of individual volatile constituents. Chemometric discrimination of E-nose and GCMS data demonstrated a clearly separated civet from their control coffees indicating that cultivar and geographic origins dictate the aroma and volatiles variations in coffee.

2012 - Glutamic Acid in Food and its Thermal Degradation in Acidic Medium [Capitolo/Saggio]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Glutamic acid is an amino acid naturally occurring in many foods and it is responsible for umami taste. For this reason, it has been widely used as a food additive and flavor enhancer as monosodium glutamate. Glutamic acid is stable under standard conditions. However, high temperature or extreme pH conditions may induce racemization. In addition, it is a good substrate for non-enzymic browning reactions (Maillard reaction).A case study of the glutamic acid thermal degradation at acidic pH was carried out. Different grape musts were subjected to heating at 90 °C for 30 h by means of a lab-scale equipment emulating a real process. Model solutions were utilized to gain a deeper comprehension of this phenomenon and to explain the glutamic acid degradation pattern. Results showed that glutamic acid underwent degradation during grape must cooking, following the same trend observed in the model solutions. The amino acid was almost linearly reduced throughout all the cooking procedure yielding pyroglutamic acid as the main product of degradation.

2012 - I vitigni tradizionali della viticoltura emiliana e l'evoluzione dei Lambruschi [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Imazio, Serena Anna; B., B. i. a. g. i. n. i.; Matrella, Valentina; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Bignami, Cristina
abstract

La viticoltura emiliana si caratterizza per la presenza di vitigni con una lunga e importante storia che va dalle colline alla pianura del Po. Tra i vitigni più interessanti, il gruppo dei lambruschi occupa un posto rilevante. Il termine lambrusco raggruppa vitigni differenti e l’etimologia avvicina queste varietà alla vite selvatica. Quest’ultima considerazione ha destato l’interesse di alcuni ricercatori che negli ultimi anni hanno cercato di verificare l’ipotesi che vuole i lambruschi come trait d’union tra le viti selvatiche e i vitigni coltivati. Fino ad ora la ricerca ha verificato l’esistenza di una distanza genetica significativa tra questo gruppo, peraltro eterogeneo, viti selvatiche (Vitis vinifera silvestris) e vitigni coltivati; ma non è stata in grado di verificare se vi fosse una continuità, tra i 3 gruppi mediata appunto dai lambruschi. Questo lavoro propone uno studio mutidisciplinare di 10 vitigni lambruschi provenienti dal territorio reggiano conservati presso la collezione varietale dell’Istituto Zanelli di Reggio Emilia. Le accessioni selezionate per approfondire le analisi molecolari tramite marcatori SSR (20 loci indagati) sono state caratterizzate anche dal punto di vista ampelografico e del profilo antocianico nell’ambito di un progetto AGER-Viticoltura. I risultati molecolari ottenuti sono stati confrontati con analoghi di vitigni tipici reggiani-modenesi e lombardi e con l’intero campione popolazionale di viti selvatiche presenti in Italia. I dati ottenuti sono stati utilizzati per valutare la presenza di alleli comuni, per presenza e frequenza, nei 3 gruppi ed individuare eventuali alleli guida caratteristici per ogni gruppo. Il software STRUCTURE è stato inoltre utilizzato per valutare l’esistenza di una strutturazione all’interno del campione selezionato. I risultati hanno confermato l’eterogeneità del gruppo dei lambruschi associata alla presenza di alleli caratteristici o con frequenze significativamente diverse rispetto agli altri gruppi. L’analisi della struttura genetica dell’intero campione ha, inoltre, permesso di formulare interessanti ipotesi di raggruppamento.

2012 - INDAGINE CHIMICO FISICA DELL’UVA PER LA VALORIZZAZIONE E CONSERVAZIONE DEI VITIGNI AUTOCTONI DELL'EMILIA ROMAGNA [Poster]
Masino, Francesca; Antonelli, Andrea; Imazio, Serena Anna; Matrella, Valentina; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Sgarbi, Elisabetta; G., Vasile; Bignami, Cristina
abstract

L’Italia può vantare una delle realtà più importanti nel panorama viticolo mondiale sia in termini di superfici che di vino prodotto, con un patrimonio vitivinicolo notevolmente complesso. Delle varietà identificate, oltre un centinaio sono autoctone di consolidata tradizione, già iscritte al registro nazionale delle varietà, e ad esse sono legate le più importanti denominazioni di origine. Ogni anno l’elenco di queste cultivar è destinato ad aumentare anche grazie al contributo della ricerca scientifica che ne svela di nuove. Ad arricchire, il già vasto patrimonio viticolo italiano, contribuiscono anche vitigni identificati, raccolti e presenti in collezioni, ma non adeguatamente descritti a cui se ne aggiungono altri presenti in vigneti in stato di abbandono e, pertanto, a rischio di scomparsa. In questo scenario, l’Emilia Romagna occupa un posto di rilievo contando molte varietà autoctone ed alloctone. A considerazione di quanto appena detto e a tutela del vasto patrimonio viticolo in Italia e, in particolar modo, in Emilia Romagna si rende utile, e alla stessa maniera necessario, lo sviluppo di un percorso di ricerca finalizzato ad approfondire le conoscenze dei vitigni mediante una approfondita caratterizzazione morfologica, fenologica, metabolica, bio-molecolare e tecnologica dei vitigni delle regioni Emilia Romagna. In questo contesto, il progetto di ricerca avviato è finalizzato alla realizzazione di uno screening della biodiversità viticola emiliana e alla sua valorizzazione tramite la caratterizzazione dei parametri chimici delle uve al fine di produrre vini di qualità elevata. La conoscenza delle caratteristiche sensoriali e delle possibilità di un loro miglioramento e la valorizzazione delle proprietà nutraceutiche, oltre ad esser valori positivi di per loro, possono contribuire alla valorizzazione dei vitigni in oggetto, fornendo un contributo sostanziale alla tutela della biodiversità viticola locale. Il lavoro di ricerca, tuttora in corso, prende in esame oltre cinquanta varietà locali delle province di Reggio Emilia e Modena, la cui autoctonia viene saggiata tramite caratterizzazioni ampelografiche e ampelometriche e tramite fingerprint molecolare (analisi di 9 loci microssatellite) e completata tramite lo studio del profilo polifenolico ed aromatico e la descrizione delle prestazioni viticolturali e di composizione dell’acino. La prima parte della ricerca si è focalizzata sull’osservazione dei principali descrittori di acino e grappolo e sull’analisi chimico-fisica dell’uva per fornire le informazioni essenziali alla determinazione delle potenzialità di vinificazione delle varietà e dei fattori che possono influenzare e condizionare il processo di vinificazione. I risultati evidenziano differenze tra i vitigni studiati per caratteri morfologici e profilo chimico – fisico, consentendo di implementare le conoscenze dei vitigni autoctoni emiliani. La ricerca sottolinea inoltre la necessità di tutelare le risorse genetiche analizzate non solo come patrimonio culturale caratterizzante il territorio di provenienza e origine, ma anche per il valore salutistico dei prodotti ottenibili (non solo vino, ma anche succhi) ed estraibili e delle qualità enologiche tali da incentivarne la coltivazione allontanando il rischio di erosione e scomparsa.

2012 - Indagine chimico fisica dell’uva per la valorizzazione dei vitigni autoctoni dell’Emilia Romagna [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Masino, Francesca; Antonelli, Andrea; Imazio, Serena Anna; Matrella, Valentina; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Sgarbi, Elisabetta; VASILE SIMONE, Giuseppe; Bignami, Cristina
abstract

Nell’ambito di un ampio progetto per la salvaguardia e la valorizzazione della biodiversità della vite (AGER n. 2010-2014), è in corso uno studio per approfondire le conoscenze chimiche e chimico-fisiche di vitigni autoctoni dell’Emilia Romagna. Il progetto si propone di attuare un’approfondita caratterizzazione genetica e fenotipica dei vitigni in questione. In particolare, in questo lavoro sono state valutate venti cultivar (cv) di uve a bacca rossa attraverso descrittori ampelografici, parametri chimico-fisici (°Brix, pH e acidità titolabile), contenuto totale di flavonoidi e antociani e contenuto percentuale delle principali antocianine. L’analisi della varianza ha permesso di evidenziare differenze significative tra le differenti cv per tutti i parametri valutati. L’analisi delle componenti principali si è rivelata un utile strumento per caratterizzare le cv sulla base del contenuto percentuale delle singole antocianine, evidenziando profili peculiari come nel caso di Lambrusco oliva, Lambrusco a foglia frastagliata e Lambrusco Barghi. Sono stati individuati, inoltre, alcuni cluster che racchiudono cv con profili antocianici similari.

2012 - Physical and chemical characterization of Pescabivona, a Sicilian white flesh peach cultivar [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; G., Vasile Simone; Masino, Francesca; Bignami, Cristina; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Pescabivona is an autochthonous white flesh peach cultivar population from Sicily. The composition of four Pescabivona peach landraces (Murtiddara, Bianca, Agostina, and Settembrina)at three different growing altitudes was studied. Color, color distance, weight, pulp firmness, pH, soluble solid content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), SSC/TA ratio, organic acids, sugars, phenolics, antioxidant capacity, and lactone compounds were determined.In general for the analyzed parameters, univariate statistical analysis highlighted only a few significant differences among the landraces and the altitudes, thus demonstrating a generalhomogeneity of this local cultivar population. Principal component analysis, as well, did not show a clear separation among the different landraces, in particular for Bianca, Agostina, and Settembrina.The physico-chemical analysis showed high pulp firmness, high lactone content, and a balanced SSC/TA ratio. Moreover, even if the pulp firmness values were quite high for Agostina andSettembrina, sugar and acid content were typical of fresh-market quality peaches.

2012 - Recupero e valorizzazione di varietà di fruttiferi e usi tradizionali nell’Appennino reggiano [Poster]
Bignami, Cristina; Baroni, Alberto; Barbieri, Cristina; Imazio, Serena Anna; Montevecchi, Giuseppe
abstract

Recupero e valorizzazione di varietà di fruttiferi e usi tradizionali nell’Appennino reggiano

2011 - Headspace Analysis of Philippine Civet Coffee Beans Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Electronic Nose. [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
E., Ongo; F., Sevilla III; Antonelli, Andrea; G., Sberveglieri; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Sberveglieri, Veronica; DE PAOLA, ELEONORA LAURA; I., Concina; M., Falasconi
abstract

Civet coffee is recognized as the most expensive and best coffee in the world due to its unique aroma and taste. It is made from coffee cherries, which have been passed through the digestive tract of the civet cat (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus). In the Philippines, civet coffee, also called as “coffee gold”, is an economically important indigenous export product. In order to safeguard its product integrity and uphold its strong market value, quality authentication is important. At present, there is no internationally accepted method of verifying whether a bean is an authentic civet coffee. This study intends to identify and establish the headspace qualitative profile of Philippine civet coffee using electronic nose (E-nose) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results revealed that E-nose successfully discriminated civet coffees from their control beans. Principal component analysis (PCA) exhibited a clearly separated civet coffees from their control beans. The findings were supported by GC-MS analysis.The chromatographic fingerprints indicated that civet coffees differed with their control beans in terms of composition and concentration of individual volatile constituents. The study showed that aroma characteristic is one of the most important quality indicators of civet coffee. Accordingly, E-nose presented a practical and promising approach for quality authentication of civet coffee.

2011 - Headspace Analysis of Philippine Civet Coffee Beans Using Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry and Electronic Nose [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
E., Ongo; F., Sevilla III; Antonelli, Andrea; G., Sberveglieri; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Sberveglieri, Veronica; DE PAOLA, ELEONORA LAURA; I., Concina; M., Falasconi
abstract

Civet coffee, the most expensive and best coffee in the world, is an economically important export product of the Philippines. With a growing threat of food adulteration and counterfeiting, a need for quality authentication is essential to protect the integrity and strong market value of Philippine civet coffee. At present, there is no internationally accepted method of verifying whether a bean is an authentic civet coffee. This study presented a practical and promising approach to identify and establish the headspace qualitative profile of Philippine civet coffee using electronic nose (E‐nose) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). E‐nose analysis revealed that aroma characteristic is one of the most important quality indicators of civet coffee. The findings were supported by GC‐MS analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) exhibited a clearly separated civet coffees from their control beans. The chromatographic fingerprints indicated that civet coffees differed with their control beans in terms of composition and concentration of individual volatile constituents.

2011 - Pyroglutamic acid development during grape must cooking. [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

A study of the pyroglutamic acid developmentduring must cooking as glutamine and glutamic acid degradationproduct was carried out. Pyroglutamic acid wasdetected in two white musts (Trebbiano toscano andSpergola) and in a red one (Lambrusco) previously cookedby means of a laboratory-scale equipment emulating thereal process. Results showed that pyroglutamic acid sharplyincreased and glutamine quickly disappeared during thefirst stages of the cooking process, while glutamic acid wasalmost linearly reduced throughout all the process. A studycarried out by heating the model solutions of the singleamino acids showed that both of them underwent degradationfollowing the same trend observed in the musts.

2011 - Salvaguardia della diversità frutticola e delle tradizioni alimentari: casi-studio nel territorio di Reggio Emilia [Poster]
Bignami, Cristina; Baroni, Alberto; Barbieri, Cristina; Imazio, Serena Anna; Montevecchi, Giuseppe
abstract

Salvaguardia della diversità frutticola e delle tradizioni alimentari: casi-studio nel territorio di Reggio Emilia

2011 - Strategie di studio e conservazione della biodiversità viticola dell’Emilia Romagna e del Lazio [Poster]
Imazio, Serena Anna; Antonelli, Andrea; Barbieri, Cristina; Filippetti, I.; Masino, Francesca; Matrella, Valentina; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Muganu, M.; Paolocci, M.; Sgarbi, Elisabetta; Bignami, Cristina
abstract

-L’Italia, per la sua particolare collocazione tra Oriente e Occidente e per le radici della sua cultura è il Paese più ricco di variabilità viticola (circa 1/3 di quella presente al mondo) e per questa ragione è quello più minacciato. Attualmente oltre 400 vitigni tradizionali italiani, la cui coltivazione è autorizzata o raccomandata sul territorio nazionale, sono iscritti al catalogo delle varietà. Accanto a questo, già di per se cospicuo, patrimonio si stimano altri 1000 vitigni, raccolti e presenti in collezioni, ma non adeguatamente descritti e 400-500 vitigni ‘relittuali’, la cui rappresentatività è limitata a pochi individui, presenti in vigneti in stato di abbandono e pertanto a rischio di scomparsa. Ciò premesso appare manifesta la necessità di definire protocolli di ricerca-recupero, catalogazione ed infine protezione dell’immenso patrimonio, presente in Italia come in tutte le Regioni Mediterranee che sin dalla preistoria hanno ospitato la nascita e lo sviluppo della viticoltura. L’attività di ricerca, attualmente in corso, si propone di realizzare un’approfondita caratterizzazione morfologica, fenologica, metabolica, bio-molecolare, tecnologica e fisiologica dei vitigni delle regioni Emilia Romagna e Lazio. La completezza di informazioni ottenuta combinando le metodologie ampelografiche ed ampelometriche e estremamente dettagliate e sempre più scevre dalla possibilità di errore umano alle tecnologie basate su marcatori molecolari microsatellite (SSR) e alla caratterizzazione chimica (polifenoli e aromi), permette di catalogare i vitigni realmente autoctoni, e come tali testimoni della cultura locale e della tradizione del nostro ambiente. Consentendo di mantenerne viva la memoria e di permettere, tramite la divulgazione, una conoscenza più capillare di questi tesori, mettendo chiunque sia interessato (addetti ai lavori e non) nella condizione di poter approfondire le sue conoscenze in questo settore; conferendo, così, maggiore dignità ai nostri prodotti e all’ambiente che da sempre li ospita e dalla tutela del quale dipende la loro stessa sopravvivenza.

2010 - Occurrence and evolution of amino acids during grape must cooking [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; F., Chinnici; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

A study of the involvement of amino acids and other amino compounds in sugar degradation during mustcooking was pursued. Two white musts (Trebbiano toscano and Spergola) and a red one (Lambrusco)were cooked by means of a lab-scale equipment emulating the real process.Must composition and amino compound concentration were studied in order to understand the modificationsinduced by the heating process.Results showed that amino acids and related compounds tend to decrease at different rates during the30 h of the cooking process. The behaviour of nitrogen compounds was studied by the ratio between initialand final concentrations, and by plotting amino compound concentrations vs. time. In both cases theeffect of concentration was considered to eliminate its influence on discussion.Principal Component Analysis (PCA) clearly showed how time and heating produced similar trendsduring the cooking process of the different musts. The initial differences in composition characterisedthe whole process, and samples of each must were clearly apart from the other ones.

2010 - Studio della composizione antocianica in vitigni reggiani a bacca rossa [Articolo su rivista]
Masino, Francesca; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; E., Majola; Bignami, Cristina; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

In questo studio è stato valutato il ruolo di alcuni parametri nella caratterizzazione compositiva di uve. I parametri °Brix, acidità titolabile, pH, contenuto totale di antociani, indici colorimetrici (L*, a*, b*, C, H), contenuto dei singoli antociani sono stati determinati in campioni appartenenti a quattro cultivar (cv.) di vitigni autoctoni reggiani a bacca rossa (Lambrusco salamino,Lambrusco Marani, Lambrusco grasparossa, Malbo gentile).L’elaborazione statistica dei dati ha rivelato che alcuni parametri,quali gli indici colorimetrici ed il contenuto di alcuni antociani,consentono la discriminazione dei diversi campioni e l’individuazione di costanti compositive importanti per definire le caratteristiche qualitative del vitigno e del prodotto che ne scaturisce.

2009 - Composition of some commercial grappas (grape marc spirit):the anomalous presence of 1,1-diethoxy-3-methylbutane:a case study [Articolo su rivista]
Masino, Francesca; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; C., Riponi; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

A GC-MS study of the composition of nine different grappas (Italian grape marc spirit) was carried out.High-weight alcohols showed the greatest variations, while the lower congener concentrations generally were more uniform. Particularly interesting is the presence of 1,1-diethoxy-3-methylbutane (DMB), never detected before in grappa. DMB was present in all samples, ranging from 0.8 up to 30.6 mg L-1. This latter concentration was the highest detected in an alcoholic beverage so far. A discussion on the other volatile congeners was also reported. Principal component analysis was applied to the data and explained[80% of the whole variability. Most grappas are grouped in a single cluster, while the other samples are completely separated. DMB, ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate, and n-butanol are some examples of constituent able to differentiate the tested products.

2008 - A study on relationships among chemical, physical, and qualitative assessment in traditional balsamic vinegar [Articolo su rivista]
Masino, Francesca; F., Chinnici; A., Bendini; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Nineteen commercially available samples of aceto balsamico tradizionale (TBV, traditional balsamic vinegar) have been investigated, in order to study the relationships between their physical and chemical profiles and their sensory quality. Density, acidity, total phenols, furanic compounds, sugars, carboxylic acids and ABTS+ radical scavenging assay were measured. Sugars, density and dry matter positively influence vinegar quality, while other parameters, such as acetic acid, have a negative influence. In addition, radical scavenging activity was not only correlated with phenolic content, as expected, but also with some quality parameters.Also unexpected correlations between hydroxymethylfurfural and lactic acid and between vinegar quality, ash content and radicalscavenging activity were found.

2008 - Evaluation of the combined effects of enzymatic treatment and aging on lees on the aroma of wine from Bombino bianco grapes [Articolo su rivista]
Masino, Francesca; Antonelli, Andrea; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Arfelli, G.
abstract

In this study, two different doses of commercial β-glucanase enzyme preparation were tested to verify their effect on wines aged on lees. These wines were compared with two samples with no enzymatic treatment. The former was aged on lees (control), and the latter was readily filtered off from the yeast cell biomass (standard). Analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA), the Tukey test, and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to all of the samples, which were analyzed for aroma composition, along with galacturonic acid, total acidity, pH, and color. Results showed a large number of statistically significant differences among samples. In general, wines treated with β-glucanase werecharacterized by higher concentration of many volatile Compounds. The presence of lees and even more the exogenous enzymatic action enhanced almost all volatile compounds. Besides the high presence of ethyl esters, it is worth mentioning the behavior of hexanol and trans-3-hexenol, which are strongly enhanced by the presence of lees and by enzymatic treatments

2008 - Influenza della composizione sulla qualità dell’Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale [Articolo su rivista]
Masino, Francesca; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Antonelli, Andrea; F., Chinnici; A., Bendini
abstract

In questo studio è stato considerato il ruolo di alcuni parametri sul profilo qualitativo dell’Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale (ABT). Sono stati determinati: acidità totale, pH, densità, °Brix, ceneri, acidi organici, zuccheri, composti furanici su diciannove ABT, precedentemente valutati mediante analisi sensoriale, e distinti per classe merceologica. Infine, è stata determinata l’attività antiradicalica del prodotto.L’elaborazione statistica dei dati ha rivelato che molti parametri (zuccheri, densità, residuo secco, ecc.) influenzano positivamente la qualità dell’aceto, mentre altri come l’acido acetico ha un’influenza negativa. Oltre a ciò, interessanti correlazioni hanno evidenziato che alcuni parametri (ceneri, polifenoli totali, attività antiradicalica, ecc.) sono possibili indici di qualità degli aceti.Tra contenuto di 5-(idrossimetil)-2-furaldeide (HMF) e acido lattico è stata, infine, evidenziata un’inattesa correlazione per la quale è stata proposta una spiegazione plausibile.

2005 - Radicali liberi e capacità antiossidante. ORAC, metodologia e livelli in natura. [Articolo su rivista]
G., Campus; Montevecchi, Giuseppe
abstract

ORAC

2005 - Teanina: un aminoacido emergente dal tè verde [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe
abstract

Teanina