Authentication of Edible Insects’ Powders by the Combination of DART-HRMS Signatures: The First Application of Ambient Mass Spectrometry to Screening of Novel Food

Abstract

This feasibility study reports the use of direct analysis in real-time high-resolution mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS) in profiling the powders from edible insects, as well as the potential for the identification of different insect species by classification modeling. The basis of this study is the revolution that has occurred in the field of analytical chemistry, with the improved capability of ambient mass spectrometry to authenticate food matrices. In this study, we applied DART-HRMS, coupled with mid-level data fusion and a learning method, to discriminate between Acheta domesticus (house cricket), Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm), Locusta migratoria (migratory locust), and Bombyx mori (silk moth). A distinct metabolic fingerprint was observed for each edible insect species, while the Bombyx mori fingerprint was characterized by highly abundant linolenic acid and quinic acid; palmitic and oleic acids are the statistically predominant fatty acids in black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Our chemometrics also revealed that the amino acid proline is a discriminant molecule in Tenebrio molitor, whereas palmitic and linoleic acids are the most informative molecular features of the house cricket (Acheta domesticus). Good separation between the four different insect species was achieved, and cross-validation gave 100% correct identification for all training samples. The performance of the random forest classifier was examined on a test set and produced excellent results, in terms of overall accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. These results demonstrate the reliability of the DART-HRMS as a screening method in a future quality control scenario to detect complete substitution of insect powders.

Nutritional and Feeding Adaptability of Clanis bilineata tsingtauica Larvae to Different Cultivars of Soybean, (Glycine max)

“…Moreover, studies have shown that PA and OA are the predominant fatty acids in some edible insects (e.g., Hermetia illucens , Polistes sp., Dactylopius sp., Euschistus taxcoensis , Euschistus strenuus , etc.) [ 35 , 36 , 37 ]. OA has a beneficial effect on blood vessels reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and is a precursor of α-linolenic acid and γ-linolenic acid, both of which are essential fatty acids (EFAs) [ 38 ].…”

Edible Insects an Alternative Nutritional Source of Bioactive Compounds: A Review

“…Since regulation (EU) No. 2017/2470 allows the trade of insect-based products (either whole or in the form of a powder) (EU 217/2470) [ 97 ], the FAO recommended the development of analytical methods to verify the authenticity, quality, and safety of products of insect powders [ 10 , 98 ]. No specific indications are officially reported regarding the detection and assay of polyphenols; however, research of phenolic compounds derived from insect diets gained interest, especially combined with the exploration of insects’ feeding habits [ 17 ].…”

“…Analytical instrumental techniques are currently adopted to identify and characterize peptides, proteins, or lipids differently extracted from insects [ 98 ], insect organs [ 84 ]), or hemolymph [ 107 ]. Indeed, it is well-known that standard analytical techniques are generally used for the identification and quantitative determination of phenolic compounds in several food matrices and also in insect meal powder.…”

Applications of ambient ionization mass spectrometry in 2022: An annual review

“…79 With similar efforts to improve the authenticity and quality of animal products, REIMS has similarly been used for the authentication of shrimp 80 and beef, 81 for the characterization of aged tuna products 82 and fish speciation, 83 and for milk authentication. 84 Numerous other AIMS techniques have been demonstrated as potential tools in the authentication of food products, including ASAP for the authentication of Manuka honey 85 and Chinese teas, 86 DART for the discrimination of milk products 87 and edible insects, 88 DESI for the characterization of plant and animal-derived milk, 89 and desorption APCI for vanilla characterization. 90 Bertella et al performed a comparison of multiple AIMS techniques for wine authentication, evaluating PS, DBD, and LTP-MS whilst comparing the results to a standard ESI-MS method.…”