Location: Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory
Project Number: 8040-10700-003-015-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: May 1, 2026
End Date: Dec 31, 2028
Objective:
1. Develop on-line MS botanical database, search engine, and authentication program.
2. Develop an expert program for determining total monomers and the ratio of A- and B-type linkages in cranberry proanthocyanins.
3. Develop methods for dietary fiber in raw materials and supplements.
4. Authentication of dietary supplements and ingredients: Comparison of raw ingredients and processed supplements.
5. Deriving information from high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) using Chemometrics and Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) mass spectrometry.
6. Train post-doctoral research associates in the science of botanical analysis.
Approach:
This research is aimed at meeting the demand for new and/or improved methods and the need for more comprehensive data for botanical materials and dietary supplements. The broad objective goals of this research will be accomplished through on-going efforts through the full 5-year project duration. Analysis of botanicals and supplements for Botanical Database Central will be a continuous process with the aim to generate the most complete database possible to support botanical research. Implementation of expert programs on the website for flavonoids, glucosinolates, and multifactorial multivariate analysis of variance. Development of methods for dietary fiber is a complex undertaking and will require several years. Method development assignments for candidate botanical supplements will be determined annually. Just as methods for flavonoids and glucosinolates are now in place, methods for fiber and proanthocyanidins will be finalized in the first years of the agreement. Other botanicals will be selected in following years based upon research and commercial needs. The agreement will continue to support the training of post-doctoral research associates in the fields of analytical chemistry, nutrition, and dietary supplements.