Raman spectroscopy coupled with the PLSR model: A rapid method for analyzing gamma-oryzanol content in rice bran oil

Rice bran oil (RBO) is widely used in food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries, due to its γ-oryzanol content, a key quality indicator. This study developed a rapid, non-destructive method for quantifying γ-oryzanol in RBO using Raman spectroscopy combined with partial least squares regression (PLSR). The optimal PLSR model, based on orthogonal signal correction (OSC)-pretreated data of Raman spectra from 800 to 1800 cm^-1, demonstrated high accuracy with a strong R²-Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.9827 and low root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.5314. Principal component analysis (PCA) of OSC-pretreated data showed improved sample grouping by concentration of γ-oryzanol compared to untreated data. Additionally, Bland-Altman plots comparing results from Raman and HPLC methods showed random scatter within ±2 SD of the mean difference, confirming the method's reliability. This study indicates that Raman spectroscopy can serve as a reliable method for determining γ-oryzanol content in RBO products within the related industries.