Saffron authentication based on liquid chromatography high resolution tandem mass spectrometry and multivariate data...

Area of Science:

• Food science
• Analytical chemistry
• Metabolomics

Background:

• Saffron, a valuable spice, is susceptible to fraud.
• Authenticating saffron origin is crucial for quality control and consumer trust.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel strategy for saffron authentication using metabolic fingerprinting.
• To differentiate between genuine saffron with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Spanish saffron of unknown origin.

Main Methods:

• Optimized solid-liquid extraction to maximize small molecule isolation from saffron.
• Developed a detection method using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS).
• Applied chemometric methods, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA), for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Chemometric analysis revealed distinct metabolic profiles between PDO saffron and Spanish saffron of unknown origin.
• Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) effectively discriminated between Spanish saffron samples.
• Tentative identification of glycerophospholipids and their oxidized lipids as significant origin-specific markers.

Conclusions:

• Metabolic fingerprinting coupled with LC-HRMS is a powerful tool for saffron authentication.
• Specific lipid compounds can serve as reliable markers to determine saffron origin.
• This method can help combat fraudulent activities in the saffron market.