UHPLC–MS/MS-Based Nontargeted Metabolomics Analysis Reveals Biomarkers Related to the Freshness of Chilled Chicken

Abstract

To identify metabolic biomarkers related to the freshness of chilled chicken, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) was used to obtain profiles of the metabolites present in chilled chicken stored for different lengths of time. Random forest regression analysis and stepwise multiple linear regression were used to identify key metabolic biomarkers related to the freshness of chilled chicken. A total of 265 differential metabolites were identified during storage of chilled chicken. Of these various metabolites, 37 were selected as potential biomarkers by random forest regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that the biomarkers identified using random forest regression analysis showed a strong correlation with the freshness of chilled chicken. Subsequently, stepwise multiple linear regression analysis based on the biomarkers identified by using random forest regression analysis identified indole-3-carboxaldehyde, uridine monophosphate, s-phenylmercapturic acid, gluconic acid, tyramine, and Serylphenylalanine as key metabolic biomarkers. In conclusion, our study characterized the metabolic profiles of chilled chicken stored for different lengths of time and identified six key metabolic biomarkers related to the freshness of chilled chicken. These findings can contribute to a better understanding of the changes in the metabolic profiles of chilled chicken during storage and provide a basis for the further development of novel detection methods for the freshness of chilled chicken.

Metabolic Responses of a Model Green Microalga Euglena gracilis to Different Environmental Stresses

“…For the LC–MS/MS analysis, samples took after 6 days of incubation were first centrifuged at 5,000 × g for 5 min at 4°C to harvest ~10 6 -10 7 cells. Metabolite extraction was followed as per previously reported protocol (Zhang et al, 2020 ). Cell pellets were then transported to a 1.5-ml Eppendorf microcentrifuge tube (Hamburg, Germany).…”

Current State of Metabolomics Research in Meat Quality Analysis and Authentication

“…The organic solvent extraction method is the most general procedure for all biospecimens for its versatility and simplicity. In this approach, methanol, acetonitrile, isopropanol, or their mixtures are commonly used organic solvents [56,57]. Acetonitrile or methanol, plus water solutions, is suitable for extracting polar metabolites [58,59], while isopropanol or LLE is suitable for lipids [60,61].…”

“…OPLS regression (OPLS-R) is another model used frequently in metabolomics research. Both MLR and OPLS-R models have shown their potentiality and ability in identifying meatquality-related biomarkers [56,95].…”

“…The spoilage process caused by microbial activity produces a large number of low-molecular-weight metabolites. The analysis and characterisation of these metabolites can provide crucial information for meat control, classification, and quality assessment [56]. Metabolomics has been applied in characterising these metabolites and measuring the freshness of meat.…”

“…Metabolomics has been applied in characterising these metabolites and measuring the freshness of meat. For example, Zhang et al and Wen et al developed UHPLC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics to measure the freshness of chicken, and multiple freshness-related metabolic biomarkers were identified, such as L-anserine, tyramine, and indole-3-carboxaldehyde [56,57]. Beef is one of the meat products with increased demand and commercial value [90].…”