Solid-phase microextraction Arrow combined with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the elucidation of the volatile composition of honey samples

In this work, a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) Arrow method combined with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC x GC-MS) was developed for the elucidation of the volatile composition of honey samples. The sample preparation protocol was optimized to ensure high extraction efficiency of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are directly associated with the organoleptic properties of honey and its acceptance by the consumers. Following its optimization, SPME Arrow was compared to conventional SPME in terms of sensitivity, precision, and number of extracted VOCs. The utilization of SPME Arrow fibers enabled the determination of 203, 147, and 149 compounds in honeydew honey, flower honey, and pine honey, respectively, while a significantly lower number of compounds (124, 94, and 111 for honeydew honey, flower honey, and pine honey, respectively) was determined using conventional SPME. At the same time, the utilization of SPME Arrow resulted in enhanced sensitivity and precision. All things considered, SPME Arrow and GC x GC-MS can be considered as highly suitable for the elucidation of the volatile composition of complex food samples resulting in high sensitivity and separation efficiency.

Automated summary

In this study, a combination of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) Arrow method and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC x GC-MS) was developed to analyze the volatile composition of honey samples. The optimized sample preparation protocol ensured high extraction efficiency of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with the sensory properties and acceptance of honey. SPME Arrow showed higher sensitivity, precision, and capability to extract a larger number of compounds compared to conventional SPME. Overall, SPME Arrow and GC x GC-MS are highly suitable for elucidating the volatile composition of complex food samples, offering enhanced sensitivity and separation efficiency.