Analysis of flavonoids in beer by LC-MS

Presented diploma thesis is focused on analysis of phenolic compounds in various types of beers. The aim of this work was to find possible differences among several types of beers and also between Czech beers and beers of foreign production. Theoretical part contains detailed description of beer technology, review of important analytical methods for determination of phenolic compounds and total antioxidant activity. The main attention is focused on instrumental technique LC/MS. In the experimental part values of total phenolics and total flavonoids and results of antioxidant status in analyzed beers were determined spectrophotometrically. Basic brewing characteristics were determined by pycnometry. On-line liquid chromatography with photo diode array detection and mass spectrometry detection was used for identification and quantification of individual phenolic compounds. Spectrophotometric analysis of phenolic and flavonoid levels seems to be less specific, that is consistent with findings in accessible literature. It was proved, that iso- bitter compounds exhibit about 65.44 – 90.93 % of the total bitter substances. These components are responsible for the main part of beer bitterness. The HPLC/PDA/ESI-MS was necessary to use for determination of characteristic phenolic compounds in individual types of beer. Within our measurement three columns were tested, the most favourable results were obtained using the column Restek C18. When compared with foreing beers, in Czech beers higher level of majority of phenolic compounds was detected and specific distribution of individual derivatives was found as well