Rapid identification of organogelator types in oleogel using a near-infrared spectroscopy-based SIMCA model

Abstract This research explores the potential of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy together with Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA), a chemometric approach, to promptly identify gelators in oleogels. Formulations of oleogels involved using diverse gelators such as beeswax, carnauba wax, shellac wax, sunflower wax, monoglycerides, and laurel oil as the oil component. Texture analysis, polarized light microscopy (PLM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to assess the structural characteristics of the oleogels. These methods unveiled notable differences in the firmness, stickiness, crystalline structure, and crystallinity index based on the type of gelator utilized. Thermal characteristics were evaluated via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), revealing weight loss ratios and thermal stability changes among the various formulations. The chemometric analysis of NIR spectra led to apparent discriminations among oleogels, demonstrating each gelator’s unique structural and thermal characteristics. The SIMCA analysis revealed high classification accuracy, indicating that the technique could be used for quality control and product authentication in the food and cosmetic industries. This study highlights the significance of NIR spectroscopy for analyzing and monitoring oleogel formulations, highlighting its non-destructive, fast, and environmentally friendly nature.