Assessment of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural in Food Matrix by an Innovative Spectrophotometric Assay.
Nadia GeirolaSimona GrecoRosario MareDomenico RicuperoMariagiovanna SettinoLuca TirinatoSamantha MaurottiTiziana MontalciniArturo PujiaPublished in: International journal of molecular sciences (2024)
Foods contaminants pose a challenge for food producers and consumers. Due to its spontaneous formation during heating and storage, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a prevalent contaminant in foods rich in carbohydrates and proteins. Colorimetric assays, such as the Seliwanoff test, offer a rapid and cost-effective method for HMF quantification but require careful optimization to ensure accuracy. We addressed potential interference in the Seliwanoff assay by systematically evaluating parameters like incubation time, temperature, and resorcinol or hydrochloric acid concentration, as well as the presence of interfering carbohydrates. Samples were analyzed using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer in scan mode, and data obtained were validated using HPLC, which also enabled quantification of unreacted HMF for assessing the protocol's accuracy. Incubation time and hydrochloric acid percentage positively influenced the colorimetric assay, while the opposite effect was observed with the increase in resorcinol concentration. Interference from carbohydrates was eliminated by reducing the acid content in the working reagent. HPLC analyses corroborated the spectrophotometer data and confirmed the efficacy of the proposed method. The average HMF content in balsamic vinegar samples was 1.97 ± 0.94 mg/mL. Spectrophotometric approaches demonstrated to efficiently determine HMF in complex food matrices. The HMF levels detected in balsamic vinegars significantly exceeded the maximum limits established for honey. This finding underscores the urgent need for regulations that restrict contaminant levels in various food products.
Keyphrases
- simultaneous determination
- high throughput
- human health
- ms ms
- gold nanoparticles
- hydrogen peroxide
- electronic health record
- mass spectrometry
- high performance liquid chromatography
- sensitive detection
- drinking water
- solid phase extraction
- tandem mass spectrometry
- magnetic resonance imaging
- living cells
- nitric oxide
- aqueous solution
- quantum dots
- dual energy