Simultaneous Analysis of 16 Sweeteners Using Triple Quadrupole LC/MS/MS [LCMS-8050]

Significance of the Topic

Monitoring artificial sweeteners is essential for regulatory compliance and consumer safety. Simultaneous analysis of multiple sweeteners streamlines quality control in food and beverage industries.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study expands previous work by developing a method for the simultaneous quantitation of 16 designated and undesignated artificial sweeteners using a triple quadrupole LC/MS/MS system. It aims to achieve high sensitivity, accuracy, and throughput in various food matrices.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The method employs liquid chromatography with a Unison UK-C18 column (150 mm × 3.0 mm I.D., 3.0 μm) and a gradient of 5 mmol/L ammonium formate in water and methanol at 0.4 mL/min and 40 °C. Mass spectrometric detection uses electrospray ionization in both positive and negative modes on a Shimadzu LCMS-8050 triple quadrupole system with multiple reaction monitoring. Calibration curves were constructed using points with accuracy within ±20% and RSD below 20%.

Instrumental Setup

• Chromatograph: Shimadzu Nexera series
• Mass spectrometer: LCMS-8050 triple quadrupole
• Column: Unison UK-C18, 150 mm × 3.0 mm, 3.0 μm
• Ionization: ESI positive at 4.0 kV; negative at 3.0 kV
• Gas flows and temperatures: nebulizing 3 L/min, drying 10 L/min, interface 300 °C, DL 150 °C, block heater 250 °C

Key Results and Discussion

All 16 compounds exhibited excellent linearity with correlation coefficients of 0.997 or higher across calibration ranges from sub-ng/mL to μg/mL levels. Chromatograms at lower limits of quantitation showed clear, well-resolved peaks. Recovery experiments in soy sauce, powdered soft drink, café au lait, and ketchup demonstrated recoveries between 81% and 108% after simple dilution and centrifugation, confirming method robustness across matrices.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This approach enables rapid, high-throughput screening of a broad panel of sweeteners without complex pretreatment such as solid phase extraction or dialysis. It supports regulatory testing, quality assurance in food production, and import inspection for undesignated additives.

Future Trends and Opportunities

• Automation of sample preparation workflows
• Extension to additional additives and contaminants
• Integration with high-resolution mass spectrometry for non-target screening
• Miniaturized and portable LC/MS platforms for field testing

Conclusion

The proposed LC/MS/MS method provides sensitive, accurate, and efficient analysis of 16 artificial sweeteners in diverse food samples. Its simplicity and performance make it a valuable tool for routine safety monitoring and regulatory compliance.

References

Shimadzu Application News C133 First Edition August 2016 in cooperation with Japan Food Research Laboratories