MALDI-SpiralTOF technology for assessment of triacylglycerols in Croatian olive oils

Traceability and authenticity of olive oils in Croatia were probed by a versatile analytical approach using spiral MALDI-TOF MS system for the triacylglycerol (TAG) analysis. Molecular ion patterns were shown to represent specific data for statistical analysis, in which differences of cultivar regions of Croatian coast were recognized. This pilot project allows indications to be followed in high throughput procedures with high number of samples to get statistically relevant data for discrimination of olive oils from different geographic sites. Additionally, the fragmentation in the TOF/TOF MS provided distinct highly valuable data for assignment of acyl residues. In this way molecular species with different fatty acid substituents can be clearly assigned and possible isomeric mixtures identified. Practical applications: Olive oil TAG analysis is important to determine authenticity of olive oil and detect adulteration. This work shows that spiral MALDI-TOF MS analysis of TAG composition is a promising method for tracing geographical differences in olive oils. Triacylglycerol composition of Croatian extra virgin olive oils was determined by spiral MALDI-TOF MS technology. Obtained data were analyzed by Principal Components Analysis to establish relations between TAG composition and geographical origin and proved useful for assessment of Croatian olive oil origin.