Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) consumption has globally increased due to its superior nutritional and sensory properties . In combination with its importance for European Union’s economy [1], it has been established as a product of high economic priority and the need for its quality and authenticity control is of outmost importance. Its chemical complexity and variability enhances the hassle in investigating the most suitable methodology and consequently numerous analytical methods have been suggested [2]. However, a reliable methodology to ensure authenticity and quality of EVOO is still unavailable. In this study Fourier Transform High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (FTHRMS) techniques were integrated for metabolomics analysis of Greek EVOO and their corresponding biophenols (polar constituents). In particular, Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with orbitrap analyser (UPLC-Orbitrap-MS) and Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer (FT-ICR-MS) using Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) method were incorporated providing novel data for EVOO chemical discrepancy and classification. More than 300 EVOO samples were collected from the main Greek olive oil producing regions, for two harvesting years. After pre-treatment, data were subjected to multivariate data analysis (MDA). Clear trends and clusters were observed correlating certain biomarkers with selected discriminants factor. To our knowledge this is the first time that two FT MS platforms combining LC and FIA methods were integrated to give solutions to quality control aspects of EVOO. Moreover, this is the first time that both lipophylic components and polyphenols are analysed together providing a holistic quality control workflow for EVOO.
The author would like to thank IKY institute for the financial support and the Greek olive oil producers for their kind offer of EVOO samples.
References:
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