NMR-based metabolomics is a powerful tool for food analysis. It provides a comprehensive view of food composition, allowing for accurate quality assessment, safety monitoring, and nutritional analysis. Its non-destructive nature and high-throughput potential make it efficient for large-scale applications, while its quantitative accuracy ensures reliable results. Furthermore, NMR helps detect food fraud and adulteration, safeguarding consumer trust.
We, as partners, will focus on metabolomic analysis of liquid food matrices using NMR spectroscopy, complemented by multivariate statistical analysis, machine learning, and AI tools. This approach will allow us to study and characterize food matrices in unprecedented detail, uncovering complex patterns in their metabolomic profiles and enhancing understanding of their quality and authenticity.

NMR-based metabolomics offers significant benefits for the food industry:
Quality Assurance: Detects alterations, ensures authenticity, and maintains high safety standards;
Supply Chain Optimization: Enables predictive modeling and traceability through Big Data and AI integration;
Sustainable Food Systems: Promotes local and organic products, fosters sustainable dietary shifts, and characterizes novel food sources;
Holistic Analysis: Provides comprehensive insights into food composition, supporting every stage of the food lifecycle;

By leveraging these advanced analytical and computational techniques, the project will contribute to innovation in food analysis, ensuring improved product quality and safety while supporting the transition to more sustainable and transparent food systems.

The CERM (Center of Magnetic Resonance) at the University of Florence is one of the world’s leading infrastructures for NMR research. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the center houses 13 instruments with magnetic fields ranging from 400 to 1200 MHz, enabling the analysis of samples of varying sizes and complexity. In addition to routine instruments, CERM has established a specialized metabolomics laboratory featuring two 600 MHz NMR spectrometers and one 400 MHz spectrometer, dedicated specifically to the analysis of agri-food matrices.
CERM is deeply committed to the training of young researchers, offering courses, seminars, and workshops, and participating in PhD and postdoctoral projects. The center is internationally recognized for the excellence of its research and the high quality of its services.
Furthermore, CERM collaborates with numerous research institutions worldwide, fostering the exchange of knowledge and the development of innovative synergies.

Visit us at https://www.cerm.unifi.it/
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