Determination of antioxidant profiles of haskap berries using Raman spectroscopy

In Canada, haskap berries are gaining increasing popularity due to their health benefits. The health-promoting effects of haskap berries are primarily attributed to the antioxidants in the fruits, especially anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and vitamin C. Since the quality of haskap berries largely depends on their antioxidant levels, it is of great importance for the berry industry to develop rapid detection methods to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of fresh haskap berry products. The aim of this project is to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of different varieties of haskap berries grown in Canada by using chemical-based antioxidant assays, and to develop a Raman spectroscopic method for rapid detection of antioxidant capacity of fresh haskap berries. This project will eventually provide a practical approach for the food industry to rapidly determine the antioxidant-rich haskap berries.

Faculty Supervisor:

Xiaonan Lu

Student:

Partner:

Pi'ara Functional Foods, Ltd.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

McGill University

Program: