Abstract
The current strategy reports a simple, rapid and precise paper spray ionization mass spectrometry method for trace determination of lutein in matrices of different complexities. The established method was based upon optimization of the applied, cone and RF voltages and mobile phase. Under the optimized parameters, a linear concentration range (1.0–50 μg/g) of lutein was successfully achieved with low limits of detection (3σ/b) and quantification (10σ/b) of 0.5 and 1.665 μg/mL, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied for trace determination of lutein residues in fresh and commercial foods (green and black tea, and tomato paste) purchased from local markets in Canada. The measured concentration of lutein in green bean was 2.76 ± 0.11 μg/g while the highest level (51.5 ± 0.05 μg/g) of lutein was found in the mint stems.
•A rapid and low cost paper spray ionization mass spectrometry protocol for lutein analysis was developed.Ii.An acceptable accuracy and recovery for lutein assay have been achieved.Ii.Excellent lower limits of detection (0.50 μg/mL) and quantification (1.67 μg/mL) were achieved.Iv.The proposed PSI/MS protocol was successfully applied for analysis of lutein in food stuffs.