Phenolics profiling by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn aided by principal component analysis to classify Rabbiteye and Highbush blueberries

Although blueberries are widely studied, little information exists on their composition and content of flavonol glycosides. Most studies identify only a few flavonols in blueberries due to separation and identification issues. In the present study, we identified 44 flavonols and chlorogenic acid in 30 samples of Highbush and Rabbiteye blueberry, using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn. Highbush group fruits presented mainly quercetin-3-galactoside in their composition, while Rabbiteye group fruits exhibited higher levels of quercetin-3-rhamnoside and quercetin-3glucuronide. Among the identified flavonols, 8 acylates (acetyl and hydroxymethylglutaroyl) were found, of which quercetin-3-O-[4 ''-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaroyl)]-alpha-rhamnoside was found for the first time in blueberries. This compound is exclusive to the cultivars Florida and Powderblue, where it is present in high quantities. Glucuronides of syringetin and laricitrin, and rhamnosyl-galactosides of myricetin, quercetin and isorhamnetin were also found for the first time in blueberries. The Principal Component Analysis showed that blueberry groups can be distinguished based on their phenolic compound profile.

Automated summary

Although blueberries have been extensively studied, little information exists on their flavonol glycosides composition and content. In this study, 44 flavonols and chlorogenic acid were identified in 30 samples of Highbush and Rabbiteye blueberry, with some compounds being found in blueberries for the first time. Different phenolic compound profiles allow the distinction of blueberry groups according to Principal Component Analysis.