Simultaneous Analysis of Nine Sweeteners Using Triple Quadrupole LC/MS/MS (LCMS-8040)

Importance of Topic

Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) plays a critical role in monitoring artificial sweeteners in foods. Regulatory frameworks such as Japan’s Food Sanitation Act define permitted additives but require inspection of unspecified compounds in imported goods. Rapid, reliable multi‐analyte methods are essential for quality control, regulatory compliance and consumer safety.

Objectives and Overview

This study demonstrates a simultaneous quantification approach for nine sweeteners—including both specified additives (saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, dulcin) and unspecified compounds (cyclamate, neotame, rebaudioside A, stevioside)—using the Shimadzu LCMS‐8040 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. It addresses analytical performance parameters such as sensitivity, linearity and recovery in real food matrices.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Chromatographic separation on Unison UK‐C18 column (150 × 3.0 mm, 3 µm).
• Mobile phases: 5 mmol/L ammonium formate in water (A), methanol (B) with gradient from 0 % to 90 % B over 12 min, flow rate 0.2 mL/min, column temperature 40 °C.
• Injection volume: 5 µL. Electrospray ionization in positive and negative modes (probe ±4.5 kV), DL 300 °C, block heater 500 °C, nebulizing gas 3 L/min, drying gas 15 L/min.
• Pretreatment of food samples (curry paste, mugwort‐flavored rice cake, sponge cake) by dialysis and appropriate dilution (100‐ or 1000‐fold) prior to LC–MS/MS analysis.

Main Results and Discussion

Standard mixtures (10 ng/mL) yielded baseline separation of all nine analytes within 9 min. Lower limits of quantitation ranged from 0.05 to 5 ng/mL. Calibration curves exhibited excellent linearity (r ≥ 0.997) over broad concentration ranges. Recovery studies in real foods showed acceptable matrix tolerance, with recoveries between 85 % and 125 %.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High throughput: nine compounds in a single run under 15 min.
• Regulatory compliance: sensitive detection of both permitted and non‐permitted sweeteners.
• Quality assurance: robust method with strong linearity and recovery across diverse food matrices.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements may include high‐resolution mass spectrometry for non‐targeted screening, streamlined sample preparation using automated systems, and expansion to other food additives or contaminants. Integration of data analytics and AI could further enhance method sensitivity and throughput.

Conclusion

The LCMS‐8040‐based method provides a fast, sensitive and reliable platform for simultaneous determination of nine artificial sweeteners. Its performance meets regulatory requirements and offers practical benefits for food safety laboratories and manufacturers.

Reference

• Shimadzu Application News No. C121, First Edition, Jan. 2016.