Research Symposium

BIO

I’m a second-year student from Swedesboro, New Jersey, just a thirty-minute drive from Philadelphia, with a passion for addressing societal challenges through chemistry. This project, exploring the link between molecular structure and functionality with public health implications, broadened my perspective. It deepened my understanding of fundamental chemistry and sparked my interest in applying these principles to material science and green chemistry for sustainable initiatives. I am grateful to Akhtar Ali and Dr. Leqi Cui for providing the opportunity to refine my analytical techniques and experimental design skills.

Impact of Digestion on Bioacessibility of Baby Spinach

Abstract

Although the bioaccessibility of raw spinach has been explored, little is known about how its bioactive compounds interact with the digestive system. This study investigates these interactions to refine our understanding of spinach’s bioavailability and antioxidant properties, with implications for nutritional strategies in chronic disease management. Spinach samples stored under varying durations and temperatures underwent in-vitro digestion to simulate the human digestive process. We quantified key bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and carotenoids, under different conditions. Our results indicate that spinach’s nutraceutical value decreases as storage duration increases and temperature rises.

Keywords: Baby Spinach, Digestion, Bioacessibility, Bioactive Compounds, Nutraceuticals, Food Science, Nutritional Science, Health Benefits