Application of Direct Analysis in Real Time (Part 1) Rapid Analysis of Fatty Acids and Amino Acids in Food Using LCMS-2020

Introduction

DART (Direct Analysis in Real Time) is a method which permits direct ionization of the sample, and when used in combination with a mass spectrometer, analysis of the target compound can be conducted quickly without the need for pretreatment. Furthermore, analysis is possible regardless of the sample form, be it gas, liquid or solid, providing that the sample can be ionized via exposure to the gas emitted from the DART ion source. Typically, a cumbersome pretreatment process, such as extraction, is required for analysis of a specific component in a solid food. However, due to the considerable time and effort associated with this process, there is demand for a method which permits convenient screening analysis. We believe that DART is suitable for such a purpose. Here, we introduce an example of direct analysis of free fatty acids and amino acids in solid dried bonito samples without conducting sample pretreatment. Normally, such an analysis requires considerable time and effort for sample pretreatment. Katsuobushi (dried bonito), which was included on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013 as an essential Japanese food item, is manufactured using processes including thorough boiling, roasting, drying and preservation using mold. The mold, in this case, is intentionally used to impart a mellow flavor. Bonito is referred to as "arabushi" when in the state prior to molding, and "hongarebushi" after molding. Here, we conducted characterization analysis of the product in these two states.

August 27, 2015 GMT