A solid-phase microextraction GC/MS/MS method for rapid quantitative analysis of food and beverages for the presence of legally restricted biologically active flavorings

A method was developed using automated headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with GC/MS/MS to simultaneously determine the presence of seven biologically active flavoring substances whose levels of use in processed foods is controlled by statutory limits. The method can be applied to identify and quantify the presence of 1,2-benzopyrone (coumarin), beta-asarone, 1-allyl-4-methoxybenzene (estragole), menthofuran, 4-allyl-1 ,2-dimethoxybenzene (methyl eugenol), pulegone, and thujone at levels ranging from 0.5 to 3000 mg/kg. The method has been optimized and validated for three different generic food types categorized on the basis of composition and anticipated use levels of flavorings and food ingredients. The food categories are alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages; semisolid processed foods (e.g., soups, sauces, confectionary, etc.); and solid foods (muesli, bakery products, etc.). The method is simple, inexpensive, and rapid, and eliminates the use of flammable and toxic solvents. There is no sample preparation, and using MSIMS, unequivocal confirmation of identification is achieved even in highly complex matrixes containing many potential interfering volatiles. The method precision for spiked samples ranged from 2 to 21%, with the greatest variability associated with solid matrixes. The LOD and LOQ values were well below 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively, in all cases for individual substances, fulfilling requirements for enforcement purposes. The robustness of the method was demonstrated in a small survey of retail samples of four spirits, five flavored milks, three energy drinks, five liqueurs, five soups, 10 sauces, five herbal teas, and three breakfast cereals.     

Thin-layer chromatography in spices analysis

Spices are the dried parts of aromatic plants, excepting the leaves, usually used for flavoring, seasoning and imparting aroma in foods. They contain many classes of valuable compounds, which can also exert different biological activities, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Since spices contain important bioconstituents, they are often adulterated in economical purposes, not only by the botanical and geographical origin, but also by adding or subtracting of different substances which affect in a negative manner their quality. The aim of this paper is to overview the TLC methods used in the analysis of spices, in order to evaluate their composition and biological activities, and also to detect the adulteration.     

Need for accurate and standardized determination of amino acids and bioactive peptides for evaluating protein quality and potential health effects of foods and dietary supplements

Accurate standardized methods for the determination of amino acid in foods are required to assess the nutritional safety and compositional adequacy of sole source foods such as infant formulas and enteral nutritionals, and protein and amino acid supplements and their hydrolysates, and to assess protein claims of foods. Protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS), which requires information on amino acid composition, is the official method for assessing protein claims of foods and supplements sold in the United States. PDCAAS has also been adopted internationally as the most suitable method for routine evaluation of protein quality of foods by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization. Standardized methods for analysis of amino acids by ion-exchange chromatography have been developed. However, there is a need to develop validated methods of amino acid analysis in foods using liquid chromatographic techniques, which have replaced ion-exchange methods for quantifying amino acids in most laboratories. Bioactive peptides from animal and plant proteins have been found to potentially impact human health. A wide range of physiological effects, including blood pressure-lowering effects, cholesterol-lowering ability, antithrombotic effects, enhancement of mineral absorption, and immunomodulatory effects have been described for bioactive peptides. There is considerable commercial interest in developing functional foods containing bioactive peptides. There is also a need to develop accurate standardized methods for the characterization (amino acid sequencing) and quantification of bioactive peptides and to carry out dose-response studies in animal models and clinical trials to assess safety, potential allergenicity, potential intolerance, and efficacy of bioactive peptides. Information from these studies is needed for determining the upper safe levels of bioactive peptides and as the basis for developing potential health claims for bioactive peptides. This information is, in turn, needed by regulatory agencies for developing appropriate policy and regulations on adding these substances to foods and for determining if health claims are scientifically substantiated.     

Analysis of natural antioxidants by capillary electromigration methods

In this work, an exhaustive survey of capillary electromigration methods used to analyze natural antioxidants is presented together with some discussion of the use of these substances use as functional foods. This review provides an updated and exhaustive overview of the separation and identification by capillary electrophoresis of natural compounds with antioxidant activity found in natural matrices and/or foods. The compounds concerned are catechins, isoflavones, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, vitamins, as well as other less common natural substances that have shown antioxidant activity.     

The Formation of Methyl Ketones during Lipid Oxidation at Elevated Temperatures

Lipid oxidation and the resulting volatile organic compounds are the main reasons for a loss of food quality. In addition to typical compounds, such as alkanes, aldehydes and alcohols, methyl ketones like heptan-2-one, are repeatedly described as aroma-active substances in various foods. However, it is not yet clear from which precursors methyl ketones are formed and what influence amino compounds have on the formation mechanism. In this study, the formation of methyl ketones in selected food-relevant fats and oils, as well as in model systems with linoleic acid or pure secondary degradation products (alka-2,4-dienals, alken-2-als, hexanal, and 2-butyloct-2-enal), has been investigated. Elevated temperatures were chosen for simulating processing conditions such as baking, frying, or deep-frying. Up to seven methyl ketones in milk fat, vegetable oils, and selected model systems have been determined using static headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This study showed that methyl ketones are tertiary lipid oxidation products, as they are derived from secondary degradation products such as deca-2,4-dienal and oct-2-enal. The study further showed that the position of the double bond in the precursor compound determines the chain length of the methyl ketone and that amino compounds promote the formation of methyl ketones to a different degree. These compounds influence the profile of the products formed. As food naturally contains lipids as well as amino compounds, the proposed pathways are relevant for the formation of aroma-active methyl ketones in food.     

干果类食品的样品前处理与分析检测方法研究进展

坚果、果脯等干果类食品含有丰富的营养成分,深受国内外广大消费者的喜爱。但这些食品在果实生产、加工、储运时会使用农药或产生霉变等,造成干果中农药、重金属、霉菌毒素或添加剂等有害成分残留,甚至超过国家限量要求,带来严重的食品安全问题。因此,加强干果类食品的质量监督具有重要的经济和社会意义。但干果类食品基质复杂,有害物质种类多,结构和性质差异大,含量低,其分析检测需要快速高效的样品前处理技术和准确灵敏的分析检测方法。该文主要综述了近十年来干果类食品中有害物质的样品前处理及分析检测方法研究进展。其中样品前处理方法主要包括各种场辅助萃取法、相分离法和衍生化萃取方法等。场辅助萃取法主要是借助超声波和微波场等外场(协同)作用加快干果中有害物质的溶出速度,提高其萃取效率。相分离法,包括固相(微)萃取、分散固相萃取和液相(微)萃取法等,具有溶剂消耗少、分离富集效率高的优势,是干果样品分析中较常使用的前处理方法。该文还重点介绍了干果中各类有害成分分析检测技术,主要包括色谱、原子光谱、无机质谱、电化学分析等常规实验室方法,以及一些适用于现场分析的快速检测技术,并以此为基础,展望了干果类食品中有害物质分析检测技术的发展趋势。     

Some kinetic features of the hydrolysis of protopectin

Some features of the kinetics of the hydrolysis of apple protopectin have been studied on the basis of an analysis of monosaccharide residues of the pectin substances and determinations of characteristic viscosity. It has been shown that the fine regulation of the physicochemical parameters of the hydrolysis of protopectin leads to the formation of pectin substances with different properties.     

Combination of Chromatographic Separation Methods with Mass Spectrometry—a Modern Technique for Studying Metabolism

Powerful separation methods developed during the past few decades, in particular glass capillary gas chromatography (GC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), can be combined with sensitive methods of detection such as mass spectrometry (MS) to provide new insights into metabolic processes. Research in a field that was long thought to be exhausted has thus been revitalized. New perspective have been opened up for studying the metabolism of foods, spices and flavorings, drugs, and compounds produced in the body as well as for establishing the way in which the organism rids itself of harmful substances or how and when these compounds can interfere with the metabolic processes occurring in the body.     

Identification of vitamins A, D and E by particle beam liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Particle beam (PB) high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-mass spectrometry (MS) has been studied to investigate its suitability for the analysis of fat-soluble vitamins, as an example of thermally labile substances. The PB LC-MS system has been used to detect and identify vitamins A, D and E in foods and multi-vitamin preparations. The qualitative performance of the PB interface has been evaluated by an examination of the working parameters. A rapid elution of the vitamins was obtained on a C8 reversed-phase column using an aqueous methanol mobile phase. Analyses have been carried out using both, electron (EI) and chemical (CI) ionization. Positive and negative-ion CI spectra of the compounds are discussed. When PB-MS conditions are optimized, the detection limits for the fat-soluble vitamins tested have been typically in the 0.6–25 ng range when using the selected-ion monitoring technique.     

Spektrophotometrische Untersuchung Der Wechselwirkung Zwischen Rh(III) und 4-(2-Pyridylazo)-Resorzin

Abstract

A detailed investigation has been made of Che pH versus light absorption curves of solutions of PAR and Rh(III) in various concentrations. It has been shown, that depending on tile acidity of the solution, two different substances will be formed; the optimal conditions of the formation of each substance has been found. The molar absorptivities have been determined and the equilibrium and stability constants of the formed substances have been computed from the absorbance versus pH curves.     

Nanoencapsulation of Promising Bioactive Compounds to Improve Their Absorption,Stability, Functionality and the Appearance of the Final Food Products

The design of functional foods has grown recently as an answer to rising consumers’ concerns and demands for natural, nutritional and healthy food products. Nanoencapsulation is a technique based on enclosing a bioactive compound (BAC) in liquid, solid or gaseous states within a matrix or inert material for preserving the coated substance (food or flavor molecules/ingredients). Nanoencapsulation can improve stability of BACs, improving the regulation of their release at physiologically active sites. Regarding materials for food and nutraceutical applications, the most used are carbohydrate-, protein- or lipid-based alternatives such as chitosan, peptide–chitosan and β-lactoglobulin nanoparticles (NPs) or emulsion biopolymer complexes. On the other hand, the main BACs used in foods for health promoting, including antioxidants, antimicrobials, vitamins, probiotics and prebiotics and others (minerals, enzymes and flavoring compounds). Nanotechnology can also play notable role in the development of programmable food, an original futuristic concept promising the consumers to obtain high quality food of desired nutritive and sensory characteristics.     

A review of sample preparation methods for the pesticide residue analysis in foods

The pesticide residues in foods have received increasing attention as one of the most important food safety issues. Therefore, more strict regulations on the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in foods have been established in many countries and health organizations, based on the sensitive and reliable analysis methods of pesticide residues. However, the analysis of pesticide residues is a continuing challenge mainly because of the small quantities of analytes as well as the large amounts of interfering substances which can be co-extracted with them, often leading to experimental errors and damage to the analytical instruments. Thus, extensive sample preparation is often required for the pesticide residue analysis for the effective extraction of the analytes and removal of the interferences. This paper focuses on reviewing the recent development in the sample preparation methods for the pesticide residue analysis in foods since 2006. The methods include: liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), supercritical-fluid extraction (SFE), pressurized-liquid extraction (PLE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), solid-phase extraction (SPE), molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME), QuEChERS, cloud point extraction (CPE) and liquid phase micro-extraction (LPME), etc. Particularly their advantages, disadvantages and future perspectives will be discussed.     

Essential oils in combination and their antimicrobial properties

Essential oils (EOs) have been long recognized for their antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, insecticidal and antioxidant properties. They are widely used in medicine and the food industry for these purposes. The increased interest in alternative natural substances is driving the research community to find new uses and applications of these substances. EOs and their components show promising activities against many food-borne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms when tested in vitro. In food systems, higher concentrations of EOs are needed to exert similar antibacterial effects as those obtained in in vitro assays. The use of combinations of EOs and their isolated components are thus new approaches to increase the efficacy of EOs in foods, taking advantage of their synergistic and additive effects. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview on the antimicrobial efficacy of these combinations. A survey of the methods used for the determination of the interactions and mechanisms involved in the antimicrobial activities of these combinations are also reported.     

Acrylamide concentrations in grilled foodstuffs of Turkish kitchen by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

For over ten years, there has been a considerable interest in determination of acrylamide in foodstuffs. It was known that both protein-rich and carbohydrates-rich foods cooked at high-temperatures can cause acrylamide formation. However, carbohydrates-rich foods such as potato chips and biscuit samples have been the common studied foods compared with protein-rich foods such as meat samples.In this study, determination of acrylamide in these two group foods was examined using HPLC-MS. For this purpose, firstly, the parameters that are thought to affect the response in the HPLC-MS analysis were optimized. The optimized conditions were found to be 0.3 ml min^{− 1} for flow rate of mobile phase, 40 µl for injection volume, 5 °C for column temperature and 70 V for fragmentor potential. The optimized method was applied for the determination of acrylamide levels in Turkish foodstuffs including grilled meat and chicken samples, potato chips, coffee and biscuit. The obtained concentrations for all studied foods were in the range of 20–250 µg kg^{− 1}. The results showed that acrylamide concentrations highly varied depending on the kind of food samples.     

Spektrophotometrische Untersuchung Der Wechselwirkung Zwischen Rh(III) und 1-(2-Thiazolylazo)-Resorzin

Abstract

It has been shown, that depending on the ratio of the concentration of Rh(III) and 1-(2-thiazolylazo)-resorcin and the pH there will be formed in solution at least two substances with different chemical and light absorption properties. The optimum conditions for the existence of each substance have been determined in addition to molar absorbtivities of the colored substances, the equilibrium constants for their formation, and their stability constants.     

Acrylamide: update on selected research activities conducted by the European food and drink industry

This paper reviews the progress made by the European food and drink industry (CIAA) on acrylamide with regard to analytical methods, mechanisms of formation, and mitigation research in the major food categories. It is an update on the first CIAA review paper, "A Review of Acrylamide: An Industry Perspective on Research, Analysis, Formation and Control." Initial difficulties with the establishment of reliable analytical methods, in most cases, have now been overcome, but challenges remain in terms of the need to develop simple and rapid test methods and certified reference materials. Many trials have been conducted under laboratory and experimental conditions in a variety of foods, and a number of possible measures have been identified to relatively lower the amounts of acrylamide in food. Promising applications were studied in reconstituted potato models by addition of amino acids or use of asparaginase. In bakery wares, predictive models have been established to determine the role of ammonium carbonate and invert sugar in acrylamide formation. Studies in several commercial foods showed that acrylamide is not stable over time in roasted and ground coffee. Some progress in relatively lowering acrylamide in certain food categories has been achieved, but at this stage can only be considered marginal. Any options that are chosen to reduce acrylamide in commercial products must be technologically feasible and must not adversely affect the quality and safety of the final product.     

Vibrational spectroscopy study of essential oils from Plectranthus amboinicus Lour. Spreng and Vanillosmopsis arborea Baker

Essential oils are aroma compounds extracted from plants with pharmacology and mecial uses, being also utilized as perfumes, cosmetics and for flavoring foods. In this work, Fourier Transform-Raman and Attenuated Total Reflection-infrared spectra of essential oils from Plectranthus amboinicus Lour. Spreng (Labiateae) and Vanillosmopsis arborea Baker (Asteraceae) were investigated at room temperature. The analysis of the vibrational spectra of the major constituents performed on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations allowed us to assign the normal modes of these essential oils. Our analyses show that vibrational spectra of these essential oils in the spectral region of lower wavenumber (<1500 cm⁻¹) present bands with characteristic profile of their main chemical constituents. Additionally, this study also shows that compounds which participated in an essential oil composition in relatively low percentage can have a significant influence on the Raman and infrared spectra of these essential oils, in particular in the high wavenumber spectral region.     

Chromatographic Techniques in the Quality Control of Cognacs and Cognac Spirits

To improve the reliability and information content of the quality control of cognacs and cognac spirits and to detect the signs of adulterated products, quality tests and methods for the instrumental analysis of cognacs and brandies by gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and UV-VIS spectrophotometry are considered. A set of marker substances, the concentrations of and ratios between which allow one to detect various types of adulterations and violations in manufacturing processes, was determined and methodologically substantiated. The marker substances were tentatively subdivided into several groups: volatile components, which are characteristic of cognac and affect its organoleptic properties; oak-wood substances, which are accumulated in cognac spirit in the course of aging; flavoring components; denaturing agents; and other substances that are uncharacteristic of cognac. Particular kinds of cognac products were experimentally examined, and the most characteristic types of adulterations and technological violations in the manufacture of both domestically produced and imported cognac products were exemplified. Recommendations on the effective quality control of cognac products are given, and a high level of identification methods in use is noted.__________Translated from Zhurnal Analiticheskoi Khimii, Vol. 60, No. 8, 2005, pp. 848–868.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Savchuk, Kolesov.     

调节三高类中成药和保健食品中非法添加化学药物及其检测研究进展

高血糖、高血压、高血脂统称为“三高症”,现在已经成为威胁人们身体健康的常见疾病.具有调节“三高症”作用的保健食品和中成药越来越频繁地应用于此类疾病的日常预防及治疗.然而有不法分子为谋取利益,向其中违规添加化学药物,对患者造成安全隐患.针对调节“三高症”的中成药和保健食品中非法添加化学药物的种类进行了总结,并对此类非法添加药物的国家标准补充检验方法及其他学者的检测分析方法研究情况进行了综述,最后根据目前非法添加现状分析了进一步的研究方向,以期为非法添加检测工作提供参考.     

液相色谱-质谱/质谱法对多种食品基体中三聚氰胺的检测

采用超声、振荡、液液萃取、离心等方法提取14种复杂食品基体中的三聚氰胺,提取液经阳离子交换固相萃取柱净化后,采用液相色谱-质谱/质谱法测定多种食品基体中的三聚氰胺.涉及的食品基体包括豆类制品、饮料、糕点、含乳饼干、鲜蛋、蛋制品和调味品6类基体14种食品.方法的检出限为0.005 ～0.012 5 mg/kg,回收率为75% ～115%,RSD小于18%;定量下限为0.025 ～0.062 5 mg/kg,回收率为84% ～106%,RSD小于10%.中、高浓度添加回收率为82% ～110%,RSD小于12%.方法灵敏、准确、有效.