A rapid MALDI MS/MS based method for assessing saffron (Crocus sativus L.) adulteration

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Science
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Saffron authenticity is crucial for consumers and the food industry.
• Traditional methods for saffron analysis can be time-consuming and lack sensitivity.
• Identifying adulterants is essential to prevent economic fraud and ensure product quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a sensitive and rapid quantitative method for assessing saffron authenticity.
• To identify specific adulterants used in commercial saffron samples.
• To establish picrocrocin as a reliable marker for saffron authenticity.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS/MS).
• Direct analysis of saffron samples using picrocrocin as the authenticity marker.
• Curcumin employed as a non-isotopic isobaric internal standard for accurate quantification.
• Determination of limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for the method.

Main Results:

• The developed MALDI-MS/MS method demonstrated high sensitivity with an LOD of 47.63 ppm and LOQ of 56.53 ppm.
• Excellent linearity (R² = 0.994) was achieved using curcumin as the internal standard.
• The method accurately quantified adulteration levels, with a detectable maximum adulteration of 99.0%.
• Detection of gardecin and its derivatives confirmed Gardenia jasminoides Ellis as a common adulterant in commercial saffron.

Conclusions:

• MALDI-MS/MS provides a fast, sensitive, and specific approach for saffron authenticity testing.
• Picrocrocin is a reliable marker for saffron authenticity, and curcumin serves as an effective internal standard.
• The method successfully identified adulteration and the specific plant source (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis), safeguarding consumers against fraudulent products.