DART-Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry Method for Multi-Target and Fast Detection of Adulterants in Saffron

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Saffron is a high-value spice frequently targeted by fraudsters substituting it with cheaper ingredients.
• Current detection methods for saffron adulteration are often time-consuming, complex, and lack sensitivity for low-level adulterants.
• The official method cannot detect adulterants below 20% (w/w), necessitating rapid, high-throughput analytical approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid, robust, and chromatography-free method for detecting adulteration in saffron.
• To identify specific markers for safflower and turmeric adulteration using mass spectrometry.
• To provide a high-throughput screening tool for food fraud detection in saffron.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel method combining Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) with triple quadrupole MS (EVOQ).
• Utilized specific MS/MS transitions for targeted detection of adulterants.
• Assessed the method's greenness using the AGREE calculator.

Main Results:

• The DART-MS/MS method achieved low limits of detection (LODs) for turmeric (3%) and safflower (5%) in saffron.
• The analytical workflow was significantly accelerated, allowing for 20 analyses in just 10 minutes.
• The method demonstrated high robustness and simplicity, suitable for routine laboratory use.

Conclusions:

• The developed DART-MS/MS method is a rapid and effective tool for detecting saffron adulteration.
• Its speed, simplicity, and sensitivity make it ideal for routine screening in testing laboratories.
• This approach offers a significant advancement in combating food fraud in the saffron market.