Visualizing the structural and chemical heterogeneity of fruit and vegetables using advanced imaging techniques: fundamentals, instrumental aspects, applications and future perspectives

Authors: LAN, WEIJIE - Nanjing Agricultural University; HUI, XIAO - Ku Leuven; NICOLAÏ, BART - Ku Leuven; VERBOVEN, PIETER - Ku Leuven; Qin, Jianwei - Tony Qin; RENARD, CATHERINE - Université D’Avignon Et Des Pays De Vaucluse; JAILLAISG, BENOIT - Institut National De La Recherche Agronomique (INRA); TU, KANG - Nanjing Agricultural University; BUREAU, SYLVIE - Université D’Avignon Et Des Pays De Vaucluse; PAN, LEIQING - Nanjing Agricultural University

Submitted to: Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/21/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2024.2384650

Interpretive Summary: Fruit and vegetables are complicated products with highly diverse chemical and structural characteristics. Evaluation of heterogeneity requires qualitative or quantitative analysis of chemical compositions or structural properties at different regions. Advanced imaging techniques are powerful tools to assess the biochemical and structural heterogeneity of the fruit and vegetables. This paper reviews the research progress on the use of the advanced imaging techniques for evaluating chemical and structural information of the fruit and vegetables at macro- (entire products), meso- (tissues), and micro- (individual cells) scales. Basic concepts, operational procedures, sample preparations, and instrumental parameter adjustments are addressed. Also, future challenges and perspectives of these techniques are put forward. This paper provides fundamental and practical information for the state-of-the-art advanced imaging technologies, which will benefit researchers who have interest in developing and using the imaging techniques for quality and safety inspection of fruit and vegetables.

Technical Abstract: Fruit and vegetables (F&V) are vastly complicated products with highly diverse chemical and structural characteristics. Advanced imaging techniques either combine imaging with spectral information or can provide excellent tissue penetration, and enable the possibility to target, visualize and even qualify the chemical and physical (structural) heterogeneity within F&V. In this review, visible and/or near infrared hyperspectral imaging, Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopic imaging, Raman imaging, X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging to reveal chemical and structural information in a spatial context of F&V at the macro- (entire products), meso- (tissues), and micro- (individual cells) scales are comprehensively summarized. In addition, their basic concepts and operational procedures, particularly sample preparation and instrumental parameter adjustments, are addressed. Finally, future challenges and perspectives of these techniques are put forward. These imaging techniques are powerful tools to assess the biochemical and structural heterogeneity of F&V. Cost reduction, sensor fusion and data sharing platforms are future trends. More emphasis on aspects of knowledge and extension at the level of academia and research, especially on how to select techniques, choose operational parameters and prepare samples, are important to overcome barriers for the wider adoption of these techniques to improve the evaluation of F&V quality.