Application of fluorescence spectroscopy and chemometrics in the evaluation of processed cheese during storage

Front face fluorescence spectroscopy is applied for an evaluation of the stability of processed cheese during storage. Fluorescence landscapes with excitation from 240 to 360 nm and emission in the range of 275 to 475 nm were obtained from cheese samples stored in darkness and light in up to 259 d, at 5, 20 and 37 degrees C, respectively. Parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis of the fluorescence landscapes exhibits four fluorophores present in the cheese, all related to the storage conditions. The chemometric analysis resolves the fluorescence signal into excitation and emission profiles of the pure fluorescent compounds, which are suggested to be tryptophan, vitamin A and a compound derived from oxidation. Thus, it is concluded that fluorescence spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics has a potential as a fast method for monitoring the stability of processed cheese.