Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026

Quantitative 31P NMR Analysis of Lignins and Tannins
Published on: August 2, 2021
Mass Spectrometry-Based Applications in Tannin Analytics: From Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses to Biological
Marica T Engström1, Maarit Karonen2
1Bioanalytical Laboratory, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
Tannins, plant compounds with health benefits, require precise analysis for understanding their bioactivities. Mass spectrometry, particularly coupled with ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography, offers advanced methods for comprehensive tannin profiling in complex samples.
Area of Science:
- Plant biochemistry
- Analytical chemistry
- Food science
Background:
- Tannins are key plant polyphenols impacting diet and health.
- Tannin structure dictates diverse bioactivities like antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
- Accurate tannin quantification and profiling are crucial for predicting health impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mass spectrometry techniques for tannin analysis.
- To highlight methods for profiling proanthocyanidins and hydrolysable tannins.
- To demonstrate the utility of mass spectrometry in complex sample matrices.
Main Methods:
- Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS).
- Electrospray ionization (ESI) for ionization.
- High-resolution and triple quadrupole mass analyzers for detailed analysis.
- Analysis of ionization techniques, fragmentation patterns, and reaction monitoring.
Main Results:
- Mass spectrometry provides both qualitative and quantitative tannin analysis.
- Optimized UHPLC-MS methods enable comprehensive tannin profiling.
- Detailed fragmentation analysis aids in structural elucidation and bioactivity prediction.
- Mass spectrometry is effective for tannin analysis in complex plant matrices.
Conclusions:
- Mass spectrometry is indispensable for detailed tannin characterization.
- Advanced analytical techniques are essential for understanding tannin bioactivities.
- This review provides insights into mass spectrometric approaches for tannin research.
Related Concept Videos
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Peptide Identification Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry
This technique helps gather information regarding the protein from which the peptide was obtained and to study the peptides’ amino acid sequence. Identifying peptides from a complex mixture is an important component of the growing field of...
Applications of IR Spectroscopy: Overview
Mass Spectrometry: Complex Analysis
GC–MS is a powerful hyphenated method commonly used in forensics and environmental...
Qualitative Analysis
There are two main approaches to qualitative analysis:...

