Location: Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory
Project Number: 8040-52000-066-092-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Nov 30, 2023
End Date: Nov 29, 2028
Objective:
1. Develop a website for a mass spectral botanical database and expert software programs to facilitate analysis of complex mass spectral data.
2. Develop Methods for selected botanical materials (turmeric, reishi mushrooms, cranberry, proanthocyanidins).
3. Develop methods for dietary fiber in raw materials and supplements.
4. Develop authentication methods.
5. Train post-doctoral research associates in the science of botanical analysis secondary metabolites.
Approach:
This agreement 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 broader objective goals of this agreement 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 will be completed in the first year, but programs for other components will be tackled in future years. Development of methods for dietary fiber is a complex undertaking and will require several years. Development of a chemometrics overview course will be initiated in the first year and the course will evolve in following years and become a staple at meetings addressing food and supplement composition. Method development assignments for candidate botanical supplements will be determined annually. Just as methods for flavonoids and glucosinolates are now in place, methods for curcuminoids, 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.
