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A validated fast difference spectrophotometric method for 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF) determination in corn
Jucimara Kulek de Andrade1, Camila Kulek de Andrade1, Emy Komatsu2
1Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste - UNICENTRO, 85040-080 Guarapuava, PR, Brazil.
Food Chemistry
|March 21, 2017
Summary
A new spectrophotometric method accurately measures 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF) in corn syrups. This validated, eco-friendly technique offers reliable quality control for food and beverage industries.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Food Chemistry
Background:
- Corn syrups are widely used in food and beverages.
- High levels of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF), a toxic contaminant, can be present in corn syrups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an in-house difference spectrophotometric method for HMF analysis in corn syrups.
- To assess the method's analytical performance, precision, and environmental impact.
Main Methods:
- Difference spectrophotometry was employed for HMF quantification.
- Sophisticated statistical tools were used for method validation, including linearity, accuracy, limits of detection/quantification, and precision studies (repeatability, intermediate precision).
- A nested design was utilized to study sources of variation affecting method precision.
Main Results:
- The method demonstrated excellent analytical performance, including high linearity (R²=99.9%), good accuracy, and low detection/quantification limits (LOD=0.10mgL⁻¹, LOQ=0.34mgL⁻¹).
- Exceptional precision was confirmed with low relative standard deviations for repeatability (0.30%) and intermediate precision (0.36%), and a low Horrat value (0.07).
- Variations in instruments, operators, and time did not significantly impact results within the laboratory.
Conclusions:
- The developed difference spectrophotometric method is a reliable, selective, and accurate tool for HMF determination in corn syrups.
- The method is environmentally friendly, fast, cost-effective, and easy to implement, making it suitable for industrial and official laboratory quality control.
