2
The analysis of complex mixtures is often facilitated by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The importance of multiple-stage mass spectrometry is well established for characterization of particular compounds using product ion scans [6], for
recognizing members of families of compounds using neutral loss [7] and precursor
ion scans [8], for the determination of chemical-physical properties [9] and certainly for quantification purposes [10].
The current logic of market safety and quality control is often based on the application of old, and frequently useless, analytical approaches that do not provide complete and well-meaning responses. The identification and dosage of micro and semi
micro active principles present even in routine foods, requires methods that allow
the correct determination of molecules in often very complex mixtures.
Unfortunately, methods such those based on mass spectrometry are often still not
applied since they are considered too expensive; one pretext for this not-scientific
attitude is, apparently, related to the costs of recent developed new instrumentation.
Nowadays, methodologies such as mass spectrometry have reached a degree of performance which allows a real and full characterization of the samples. It can be
demonstrated that the cost of a full and complete analysis can be carried out on milligrams of samples and the results extended to large amounts, thus putting the cost
at the very low level when spread on the entire batch. The aims of this contribution
is therefore to favour the creation worldwide of proper analytical laboratory that
could provide scientific methods to guarantee environmental control and suitable
and safety protocols to those industries active in this field.
This chapter deals with modern applications of mass spectrometry which
describe the correct evaluation of quality and safety parameters of foodstuff. Each
single contribution was presented at the NATO ASI 9845535, held in Cetraro (Italy)
at the beginning of October 2019. Specific applications in food chemistry are presented which allow the identification of origin, quality and safety of foodstuffs.
1.2 Results and Discussion
1.2.1 Determination of Oleuropein in Olive Oil
The first example of food quality assessment is given by the determination of
Oleuropein (OLP) in extra virgin olive oil by APCI-MS/MS performed on a triple
quadrupole system [11]. Oleuropein is a secoiridoid belonging to the family of phenols present in olive oil. It is believed to have some health and pharmacological
activities [12, 13]. The method is based on a classical approach used in mass spectrometry, and relies on the use of flow injection analysis aided by selected reaction
monitoring (SRM) analysis and labelled internal standard. The main advantage of
this approach is the lack of on-line chromatographic steps, which speeds up the time
of analysis. In particular, the analyte oleuropein is extracted, together with a known
amount of trideuterated synthetic oleuropein, from the olive oil matrix by a solid
G. Sindona and L. Di Donna
The analysis of complex mixtures is often facilitated by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The importance of multiple-stage mass spectrometry is well established for characterization of particular compounds using product ion scans [6], for
recognizing members of families of compounds using neutral loss [7] and precursor
ion scans [8], for the determination of chemical-physical properties [9] and certainly for quantification purposes [10].
The current logic of market safety and quality control is often based on the application of old, and frequently useless, analytical approaches that do not provide complete and well-meaning responses. The identification and dosage of micro and semi
micro active principles present even in routine foods, requires methods that allow
the correct determination of molecules in often very complex mixtures.
Unfortunately, methods such those based on mass spectrometry are often still not
applied since they are considered too expensive; one pretext for this not-scientific
attitude is, apparently, related to the costs of recent developed new instrumentation.
Nowadays, methodologies such as mass spectrometry have reached a degree of performance which allows a real and full characterization of the samples. It can be
demonstrated that the cost of a full and complete analysis can be carried out on milligrams of samples and the results extended to large amounts, thus putting the cost
at the very low level when spread on the entire batch. The aims of this contribution
is therefore to favour the creation worldwide of proper analytical laboratory that
could provide scientific methods to guarantee environmental control and suitable
and safety protocols to those industries active in this field.
This chapter deals with modern applications of mass spectrometry which
describe the correct evaluation of quality and safety parameters of foodstuff. Each
single contribution was presented at the NATO ASI 9845535, held in Cetraro (Italy)
at the beginning of October 2019. Specific applications in food chemistry are presented which allow the identification of origin, quality and safety of foodstuffs.
1.2 Results and Discussion
1.2.1 Determination of Oleuropein in Olive Oil
The first example of food quality assessment is given by the determination of
Oleuropein (OLP) in extra virgin olive oil by APCI-MS/MS performed on a triple
quadrupole system [11]. Oleuropein is a secoiridoid belonging to the family of phenols present in olive oil. It is believed to have some health and pharmacological
activities [12, 13]. The method is based on a classical approach used in mass spectrometry, and relies on the use of flow injection analysis aided by selected reaction
monitoring (SRM) analysis and labelled internal standard. The main advantage of
this approach is the lack of on-line chromatographic steps, which speeds up the time
of analysis. In particular, the analyte oleuropein is extracted, together with a known
amount of trideuterated synthetic oleuropein, from the olive oil matrix by a solid
G. Sindona and L. Di Donna