Work

Comprehensive Analytical Profiling for Sustainable Jewelry: A Multi-Technique Characterization of Essential Oil-Modified Rosin

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Rosin, a renewable natural resin derived from pine trees, is a promising biomass material for sustainable product development, though its distinct intrinsic odor limits broader use. This study implemented a comprehensive analytical strategy to mitigate the odor by incorporating essential oils (EOs)-eucalyptus (EUC) and peppermint (MINT)-and to conduct a multi-analytical characterization of the modified rosin jewelry. By integrating complementary analytical techniques, including LC-Q/TOF-MS for non-volatile components and GC-Q/TOF-MS for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), we achieved a systematic chemical profiling of the materials. The core composition of rosin, dominated by abietic acid (>48%), remained stable across all samples. The incorporation of EOs significantly altered the VOC profiles: The total VOC signal (summed peak area) in MINT-modified rosin was 2.57-fold that of the EUC-modified sample, with monoterpenoids comprising 87.62% of its VOC signature. Eucalyptol and limonene were tentatively identified as the major components in the EUC sample, whereas menthone, menthol, and limonene predominated in the MINT sample. Multivariate statistical analysis highlighted that variations in specific VOCs-particularly menthone, menthol, eucalyptol, and allo-ocimene-were closely associated with differences in the scent profiles of each modification. This work illustrates how a multi-technique analytical strategy can both guide and assess the functional modification of sustainable biomass materials. The findings offer a practical approach to improving rosin's functional properties while providing a methodological framework for the integrated characterization of complex biomaterials, supporting the development of eco-friendly products aligned with green chemistry and sustainable design principles.

Source: Methods and Protocols

DOI: 10.3390/mps9010020

Authors: Dantong Huang, Kaewbucha Manus, Apiwathnasorn Chalisa, Tianyi Liu, Chuyun Yan, Yumeng Gu

Institutions: Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Guangdong Eco-Engineering Polytechnic, Rajamangala University of Technology, South China Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Essential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172