Quantification of hetero-cyclic amines from different categories of braised beef by optimized UPLC-TQ-XS/ESI method.

This research work has developed and optimized a sensitive analytical method for separation and quantification of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) mainly including PhIP, Harman, Norharman, IQ, MeIQ, AαC, MeAαC and Trp-P-2 by optimizing UPLC-TQ-XS using electrospray ionization source (ESI+) on ACQUITY UPLC® BEH C18 column in <7 min, from braised beef sample matrix. Meanwhile, modified HCAs extraction by modifying QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, efficient, rugged and safe) technique and revisited with solid phase extraction (SPE) for HCAs purification, instead using traditional QuEChERS salts. Moreover, optimized pH conditions of HCA extracts before purification, for better extraction recoveries. Furthermore, this method was validated in terms of method validation parameters. Lastly, simulation of real braised beef model provided the minimum formation of HCAs by optimizing cooking parameters and precursors in a cooking system. Therefore, this method could be applied simultaneously on braised beef matrix either marketed or home cooked for HCAs analysis.