Common analytical methods used for the analysis of target components in foods were based on chromatographic methods due to the complexity of food samples. However, chromatographic methods are tedious, expensive and solvent-consuming especially in the separation and purification procedures. Synchronous fluorescence spectrometry, involving the simultaneous scanning of both excitation and emission wavelengths, is capable of reducing spectral overlapping, narrowing spectral ranges and eliminating the interference of scattered light. Derivative technique, with excellent band narrowing and enhancement of minor spectral features, is also a simple method to improve the performance of measurements. The combination of synchronous ?uorescence spectroscopy with flexible scanning modes and derivative technique provides a synergistic effect for better selectivity and sensitivity, making it appealling to food safety monitoring. We demonstrated several new simple fluorescence approaches using selected synchronous scanning routes coupled with derivative technique for the analysis of toxic substances such as benzo(a)pyrene, thiabendazole, rhodamine B in different food samples. After sample extraction, the food samples were directly used for fluorescence measurements. The limit of detection (LOD) for benzo(a)pyrene in seafood and edible oil samples was 0.10 �g/kg. The LOD for rhodamine B was 0.52 �g/kg in chilli oil. A linear range of 0.05-1.0 �g/mL with LOD of 7.2 ng/mL for thiabendazole was obtained in red wine samples. Complicated pre-separation and purification procedures were avoided and the total analytical time including sample preparation was typically half to one hour. Results showed that fluorescence methods are rapid, simple, highly sensitive, and cost-effective for determining the target analytes in food samples, particularly for rapid, routine screening of large amounts of samples.

Rapid analysis of toxic substances in complex food matrixes by simple synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy

248th National Meeting (2014)

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