Polycyclic fragrant hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic compounds fashioned throughout cooking processes similar to smoking, grilling, and frying. In a current examine printed in Food Science and Biotechnology, researchers from Seoul National University of Science and Technology (Seoul Tech) leveraged a streamlined analytical methodology to detect PAHs in generally consumed meals gadgets. The highest concentrations have been discovered in soybean oil, adopted by duck meat and canola oil.
Certain cooking strategies—together with heating, roasting, and frying—can introduce dangerous PAHs and their derivatives into meals. These hydrophobic natural compounds, composed of a number of fused fragrant rings, embrace identified carcinogens and pose vital well being dangers.
To tackle PAHs, correct and environment friendly detection is crucial. Conventional extraction methods—similar to solid-phase, liquid-liquid, and accelerated solvent extraction—are labor-intensive, environmentally unfriendly, and time-consuming. The QuEChERS methodology (which stands for “Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe”) gives a promising various, because it reduces extraction time, improves restoration charges, and simplifies pattern preparation.
In the examine, a analysis staff led by Joon-Goo Lee, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Food Science and Biotechnology at Seoul Tech, employed the QuEChERS methodology to analyze eight PAHs: Benzo[a]anthracene, Chrysene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene, Benzo[k]fluoranthene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, Dibenz[a,h]anthracene, and Benzo[g,h,i]perylene.
Using acetonitrile for extraction and varied sorbent combos for purification, the researchers validated the tactic throughout a number of meals matrices. Calibration curves for all eight PAHs confirmed robust linearity, with R² values exceeding 0.99.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) evaluation revealed detection limits starting from 0.006 to 0.035 micrograms per kilogram (µg/kg) and quantification limits between 0.019 and 0.133 µg/kg. Recovery charges have been sturdy, starting from 86.3–109.6 % at 5 µg/kg, 87.7–100.1 % at 10 µg/kg, and 89.6–102.9 % at 20 µg/kg. Precision values throughout all matrices ranged from 0.4–6.9 %.
The QuEChERS-GC-MS method, which will be utilized to a variety of meals matrices, exhibits promise for industrial meals security purposes. It may contribute to price financial savings and improved occupational security by lowering publicity to hazardous chemicals in laboratory settings.
Overall, the examine demonstrates the worth of QuEChERS-based PAH evaluation as a fast, correct, and environmentally accountable device for meals security monitoring.