Multidimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, coupled with chemometric analysis, was developed as a tool for assessing wild fruit quality as it relates to several groups of nutrients important to migrating birds. This novel technique takes advantage of the sensitivity and specificity of fluorescence and the spectral resolving power of Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) to fingerprint fruits and characterize its fluorophoric nutrients. The fluorescence fingerprints of thirteen wild fruit species common to Rochester, NY showed unique spectral profiles for each species that are representative of their comparative biochemical make-up. The new method was also correlated with several assays, including total phenol content, total antioxidant capacity, and total protein content- and proved successful in distinguishing different structural forms of these assay analytes. A five component PARAFAC model was found to be robust in handling both aqueous and organic extracts of the fruits. This model yielded two components which correlated well with total phenol content and antioxidant capacity, yet the observed photophysical properties indicated contributions from different forms of polyphenols. Spectral loadings indicate both protein-like and a catechin-like contributions. Given the sensitivity and selectivity of the novel fluorescence-based method, improvements were required and made to the corresponding protocols of the standard microplate assays. The fluorescence-based technique shows promise for a more specified characterization of fruit quality over traditional assay methods. It could be broadly applicable in assessing food quality across habitats and seasons for birds and other wildlife.

Fingerprinting the antioxidant components of wild fruits using multidimensional fluorescence and chemometric analysis

248th National Meeting (2014)

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