Targeted Analysis of the Concentration Changes of Phenolic Compounds in Persian Lime (Citrus latifolia) during Fruit Growth

Abstract

Citrus fruits possess a high content of phenolic compounds; however, few studies have focused on the changes occurring during fruit growth. In this study, the changes in the concentration of 20 flavonoids, 4 phenolic acids, and their biosynthetic precursors phenylalanine and tyrosine have been evaluated during fruit maturation (14 weeks). Extracts from all samples, obtained by ultrasound assistance, were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with a triple quad system (LC-QqQ MS/MS). In general, the concentration of flavanones, which represented over 70% of the studied phenols, and flavones increased during fruit growth, reaching their maximum concentration around week 12. In general, flavanols and phenolic acids exhibited their maximum concentration at week 5 and then decreasing significantly during the rest of maturation. Phenylalanine and tyrosine showed a sinuous behavior during fruit growth. Partial least-squares showed a clear differentiation among fruits belonging to different maturation stages, coumaric acid derivatives being the most influential variables on the projection.

GC‐MS study of changes in polar/mid‐polar and volatile compounds in Persian lime (Citrus latifolia) during fruit growth

“…Similar results on the changes of phenolic acids and flavonoids in Persian limes ( Citrus latifolia ) during maturation were reported by the authors in a study involving samples from week 1 (after the onset of fruit) to week 14 (commercial maturity). We found a significant decrease in the abundance of phenolic acids (benzoic, coumaric and ferulic acid derivatives) from midway in the growth process (week 7) to maturity, whereas flavanones and flavones showed their maximum abundance between weeks 9 and 12, and that of flavanols close to week 5 …”

“…Changes in polar compounds during Persian lime growth have recently been studied by the authors in both targeted and untargeted analyses, using liquid chromatography–triple‐quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐QqQ MS/MS) and liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF MS/MS), respectively. The present research was aimed at complementing our previous study and expanding the knowledge on changes in metabolite abundance during Persian lime growth and maturation from week 1 after fruit onset to week 14 . With this aim, the profiles of volatile and polar compounds were obtained by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) combining headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) and direct GC‐MS analysis of derivatized extracts, respectively.…”

“…We found a significant decrease in the abundance of phenolic acids (benzoic, coumaric and ferulic acid derivatives) from midway in the growth process (week 7) to maturity, whereas flavanones and flavones showed their maximum abundance between weeks 9 and 12, and that of flavanols close to week 5. 10 Concerning volatile compounds, recent studies have reported the suitability of metabolomics to differentiate citrus fruits either among varieties or at different ripening stages based on the changes in their free or glycosidic-bound volatile compounds. 11 Also, differences among citrus varieties in volatile profiles and the maturity stage that produces their maximum abundance have been reported.…”

“…Changes in polar compounds during Persian lime growth have recently been studied by the authors in both targeted 10 and untargeted 15 analyses, using liquid chromatographytriple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QqQ MS/MS) and liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF MS/MS), respectively. The present research was aimed at complementing our previous study and expanding the knowledge on changes in metabolite abundance during Persian lime growth and maturation from week 1 after fruit onset to week 14.…”

“…The present research was aimed at complementing our previous study and expanding the knowledge on changes in metabolite abundance during Persian lime growth and maturation from week 1 after fruit onset to week 14. 10,15 With this aim, the profiles of volatile and polar compounds were obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) combining headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and direct GC-MS analysis of derivatized extracts, respectively. The results of this study could also provide a comprehensive exploitation of citrus by finding alternatives to fresh fruit commercialization, mainly in seasons with overproduction or when the quality of the fruit is not sufficient for the fresh fruit market.…”