A Versatile Targeted Metabolomics Method for the Rapid Quantification of Multiple Classes of Phenolics in Fruits and Beverages

TLDR

Phenolic compounds are linked to health benefits and influence food quality, prompting the development of analytical methods to identify and quantify them in various matrices. The authors developed a rapid, targeted metabolomics approach using UPLC/QqQ‑MS/MS to quantify 135 phenolics—including benzoates, phenylpropanoids, coumarins, stilbenes, dihydrochalcones, and flavonoids—in fruit, tea, and wine extracts, with 15‑minute chromatography, optimized MRM transitions, and validation of limits, linearity, and repeatability. When applied to apples, berries, green tea, and red wine, the method proved useful for evaluating food quality and supporting breeding studies.

Abstract

Compelling evidence of the health benefits of phenolic compounds and their impact on food quality have stimulated the development of analytical methods for the identification and quantification of these compounds in different matrices in recent years. A targeted metabolomics method has been developed for the quantification of 135 phenolics, such as benzoates, phenylpropanoids, coumarins, stilbenes, dihydrochalcones, and flavonoids, in fruit and tea extracts and wine using UPLC/QqQ-MS/MS. Chromatography was optimized to achieve separation of the compounds over a period of 15 min, and MRM transitions were selected for accurate quantification. The method was validated by studying the detection and quantification limits, the linearity ranges, and the intraday and interday repeatability of the analysis. The validated method was applied to the analysis of apples, berries, green tea, and red wine, providing a valuable tool for food quality evaluation and breeding studies.