Quantitative analysis of biogenic polyamines in distilled drinks by direct electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry using a nanocontainer

RATIONALE: Biogenic polyamines in drinks have been implicated in undesirable physiological effects. Methods for their detection and quantification usually involve derivatization, pre-concentration and clean-up. To assist the evaluation of the potential risk of distillates, it was important to develop a simple and fast analytical method, which is described in this study.METHODS: Biogenic polyamines were selectively encapsulated after addition of a nanocontainer, cucurbit[7] uril (50 mu M), to the distilled drink samples, which were acidified with HCl (pH 3) prior addition of the nanocontainer. The quantification of polyamines was achieved by direct infusion electrospray ionization quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring mode, using encapsulated amantadine as internal standard, and by monitoring signals originating from their host-guest complexes.RESULTS: Six point calibration curves, ranging from 0.5 mu M to 20 mu M of polyamines in water and ethanol/water (50: 50), were used to establish instrument response. The method was validated by analysis of fortified Arbutus spirits. Samples of Arbutus and grape pomace spirits were also analyzed. Linear responses were observed for all polyamines and were similar in water, hydro-alcoholic solutions and fortified Arbutus spirits. Putrescine the simple polyamine was detected only in grape pomace distillate samples.CONCLUSIONS: A quantitative method was developed for rapid and simple analysis of biogenic polyamines in distilled drinks. The detection limits depend on the ionization properties of the samples. Encapsulated amantadine can be used to probe these properties and method application. Copyright (C) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd