Interaction between starch and aroma compounds as measured by proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS)

The interaction between starch and the complexing aroma compounds hexanal and menthone was investigated by headspace analysis using proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS). Starch systems with non-modified and modified tapioca starch were prepared containing single aroma compounds (hexanal, menthone) or a blend of the two aroma compounds at low aroma concentrations (6 × 10⁻³ mg/100 g). The headspace intensity of starch–aroma systems was slightly reduced due to starch–aroma interactions compared to aroma water-systems. The combination of hexanal and menthone did not lead to competitive aroma release effects, but hexanal retention increased by increasing the equilibration time from 48 to 96 h. Non-modified and chemically modified starch showed similar aroma release behaviour. It is concluded that the formation of starch–aroma complexes influences aroma release, but that at low aroma concentration the dissociation of the complex is not hindered by the aggregation of amylose–aroma complexes.     

The mozzarella cheese flavour profile: a comparison between judge panel analysis and proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry

Described in this paper is a comparison of results obtained in flavour profiling with two different approaches: classical sensory analysis and a novel instrumental technique. The mozzarella cheese flavour profile of seven different brands has been described by a sensory panel of eight judges. The same brands have been studied by means of proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS), a novel technique well suited for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) down to the pptv level in air, without any need for sample concentration or trapping. The PTR mass spectra of the headspace of mozzarella samples held at 36 °C have been compared with the judge panel flavour profile. Multivariate statistical data analysis shows that the two methods perform comparable sample discrimination. Even though several questions are still open (definition of better instrumental parameters, improvements in sampling set‐up, spectral interpretation), the PTR‐MS technique appears to be a very promising method for the instrumental evaluation of the flavour sensory profile of food. This opens up new opportunities both in the control of quality and technological processes as well in the fundamental comprehension of the physiological processes of aroma perception. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry