Modern Fluorescence Strategies for Honey Characterization: Analytical Advances, Emerging Technologies, Methodological...

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Honey authenticity control is challenging due to complex matrices and sophisticated adulteration.
• Traditional methods (chromatography, spectrometry, isotopic analysis) offer accuracy but are costly and time-consuming.
• Fluorescence spectroscopy presents a rapid, non-destructive, and cost-efficient screening alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the application of fluorescence spectroscopy for honey quality and authenticity assessment.
• To position fluorescence as a screening tool within tiered analytical frameworks.
• To discuss recent advancements and limitations of fluorescence-based honey authentication.

Main Methods:

• Review of steady-state and excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence techniques.
• Analysis of intrinsic fluorophore domains and measurement strategies.
• Application of chemometric interpretation, including multiway analysis and supervised classification.

Main Results:

• Fluorescence spectroscopy effectively captures subtle compositional variations indicative of adulteration.
• It serves as a valuable first-line or intermediate screening tool.
• Recent developments enhance its potential, but challenges like matrix effects and reproducibility persist.

Conclusions:

• Fluorescence spectroscopy is a strategic tool for contemporary honey authentication workflows.
• Its integration can streamline quality control and authenticity testing.
• Further research is needed to overcome limitations and improve model transferability.