Iron Bioavailability Studies of the First Generation of Iron-Biofortified Beans Released in Rwanda

Raymond Glahn, Elad Tako, Jonathan Hart, Jere Haas, Mercy Lung’aho, Steve Beebe

This paper represents a series of in vitro iron (Fe) bioavailability experiments, Fe content analysis and polyphenolic profile of the first generation of Fe biofortified beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) selected for human trials in Rwanda and released to farmers of that region. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate how the Caco-2 cell bioassay for Fe bioavailability can be utilized to assess the nutritional quality of Fe in such varieties and how they may interact with diets and meal plans of experimental studies. Furthermore, experiments were also conducted to directly compare this in vitro approach with specific human absorption studies of these Fe biofortified beans. The results show that other foods consumed with beans, such as rice, can negatively affect Fe bioavailability whereas potato may enhance the Fe absorption when consumed with beans. The results also suggest that the extrinsic labelling approach to measuring human Fe absorption can be flawed and thus provide misleading information. Overall, the results provide evidence that the Caco-2 cell bioassay represents an effective approach to evaluate the nutritional quality of Fe-biofortified beans, both separate from and within a targeted diet or meal plan.

The LC/MS analysis was carried out using Advion Expression® CMS ESI.

Direct analysis of volatile organic compounds in foods by headspace extraction atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry

P. Perez-Hurtado, E. Palmer, T. Owen, C. Aldcroft, M.H. Allen, J. Jones,,C.S. Creaser, M.R. Lindley, M.A. Turner, J.C. Reynolds

The rapid screening of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by direct analysis has potential applications in the areas of food and flavour science. Currently, the technique of choice for VOC analysis is gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). However, the long chromatographic run times and elaborate sample preparation associated with this technique have led a movement towards direct analysis techniques, such as selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS), proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) and electronic noses. The work presented here describes the design and construction of a Venturi jet-pump-based modification for a compact mass spectrometer which enables the direct introduction of volatiles for qualitative and quantitative analysis.

The MS analysis was carried out using Advion Expression® CMS with vAPCI.

Fast Identification of Artificial Vanilla Flavor in Vanilla Extract by ASAP® Compact Mass Spectrometry

Vanilla extract is a baking staple for cookies, cupcakes and more – but not all vanilla extract is created equal. Pure vanilla extract is made from the vanilla bean pod of the Vanilla planifolia plant. Imitation vanilla is derived from ethyl vanillin, which can be synthesized without the use of any vanilla beans at all. While pure vanilla extract may seem like the obvious choice, it does come at a price, making the imitation product a viable option in supermarkets across the world. But it begs the question: what is the chemical difference, and are products marketed as “pure” truly authentic?

In this screening assay, the expression® CMS coupled with the Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP®) is used to quickly identify the presence of artificial vanilla, as well as confirm the purity of products marketed as such. This technique provides a fast and easy method for purity analysis.

Advion Interchim Scientific’s AVANT® HPLC & UHPLC systems, providing simple, high-performance LC/CMS with the expression® CMS

Advion Interchim Scientific’s range of AVANT®, high performance, liquid chromatography systems can be used standalone with UV and UV/Vis detector options, or with the expression® compact mass spectrometer to provide seamlessly integrated LC/CMS under the full control of Advion Interchim Scientific’s simple, intuitive Mass Express software suite.

Modular, stackable design, with many options, provides custom solutions for both HPLC and UHPLC needs. From the simplest manual injection HPLC to a fully automated, streamlined UHPLC system and everything in-between, the AVANT® series can be configured to fit your analytical requirements and your budget.

vAPCI: How it Works

Direct sample analysis of liquids, solids and powders without chromatography is as easy as it sounds, and provides mass spectral information within seconds. The video demonstrates analysis of a reaction mixture.

Analyses of Different Grades of Olive Oil by Volatile Mass Spectrometry

In this application note, we demonstrate the use of the Advion Interchim Scientific expression® CMS with a volatile APCI (vAPCI) ion source to analyze extra-virgin, virgin, and lampante olive oil samples. We show statistical analysis allowing us to categorize and identify olive oil samples by their grade. This technique allows us to test individual olive oil samples and determine if they are truly extra-virgin, virgin, or lampante grade.

Classifying Cheeses by Volatile APCI (vAPCI) Compact Mass Spectrometry

Cheese is one of the world’s most popular food types, with a wide variety available for consumers. The characteristic scents and flavors of cheeses stem from a complex mixture of chemicals, including free fatty acids. Use mass spectrometry to characterize the different volatile profiles of cheese.

In this application note, we demonstrate the capability of the Advion expression® Compact Mass Spectrometer (CMS) to analyze volatile fatty acids of various types of cheeses using volatile APCI (vAPCI). By heating the cheese samples, we released various volatile compounds and analyzed the headspace without any sample preparation or derivatization. We then performed statistical analysis to group the cheese samples by their volatile profiles.

 

Sudan Dyes Analysis Using Compact Mass Spectrometry with TLC Interface

Sudan Dyes are synthesized azo-dyes which are widely used to generate color in plastics, leather, fabrics, oil, waxes, etc. They are classified as Group 3 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and are banned as food additives worldwide. However, in some countries these dyes are still occasionally used in order to intensify the color in products. In this note, a TLC/CMS method using expression® compact mass spectrometer (CMS) coupled with the Plate Express Interface is introduced for the detection of 7 Sudan dyes in a chili matrix.