Fuji apple storage time rapid determination method using Vis/NIR spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Accurate determination of fruit storage time is crucial for food quality and safety.
• Traditional methods for assessing fruit quality can be time-consuming and destructive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid method for determining Fuji apple storage time using visible/near-infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) processing combined with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for improved discrimination.

Main Methods:

• Vis/NIR diffuse reflection spectroscopy was used to measure Fuji apple samples over 6 days.
• Spectroscopy data were processed using stochastic resonance (SR).
• Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to both original and SNR-processed spectra.

Main Results:

• Original Vis/NIR spectroscopy data with PCA showed limited ability to discriminate Fuji apples.
• Processing spectra with SNR significantly improved the signal-to-noise ratio.
• PCA applied to SNR-processed spectra successfully classified all apple samples based on storage time.

Conclusions:

• Vis/NIR spectroscopy, particularly when combined with SNR processing and PCA, is an effective and rapid method for determining Fuji apple storage time.
• This technique shows promise for real-time food safety control and management in laboratory settings.