A new study highlights a breakthrough in seafood quality assessment by introducing fast protein and metabolite liquid chromatography (FPMLC), leveraging advanced optical chemical sensors, as a rapid, cost-effective method for evaluating canned fish freshness.
Study: Rapid Assessment of Canned Fish Quality via Fast Protein and Metabolite Liquid Chromatography. Image Credit: Ilia Nesolenyi/Shutterstock.com
A recent study published in Engineering Proceedings examines the rising consumption of canned fish, driven by its affordability and nutritional benefits. As demand grows, so does the need for efficient methods to assess product quality.
A key factor influencing quality is the freshness of raw fish used in production. Traditionally, freshness is evaluated by analyzing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) degradation products, which indicate post-mortem changes in fish. This study explores the potential of fast protein and metabolite liquid chromatography (FPMLC) as a rapid, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to established techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
Background
In the seafood industry, ensuring the freshness of raw materials is crucial, as it directly affects the taste, texture, and nutritional value of the final product. Various studies highlight ATP degradation indices, such as the K and K_I indices, as reliable markers of fish quality. Since fish may be stored under varying conditions before processing, these indices help quantify freshness loss over time.
While FPMLC has demonstrated its effectiveness in assessing raw fish freshness, its application in processed products like canned fish remains relatively unexplored. The sensors used in this study employ compact optoelectronic technology to detect metabolite changes linked to freshness. A deep UV LED detector identifies protein and ATP metabolites, which serve as key indicators of fish quality.
The Current Study
This research introduces a custom-designed optical chemical sensor as the foundation of the FPMLC technique. The sensor incorporates PD-10 gel columns to separate proteins and ATP metabolites from fish muscle tissue. A photometric detector, operating within a wavelength range of 255–265 nm, captures ATP metabolite absorption peaks. This setup enables the rapid analysis of chromatograms from eighteen canned fish samples sourced from local supermarkets, covering a variety of species and manufacturers.
For sample preparation, muscle tissue from the canned fish underwent homogenization with a TRIS buffer, followed by centrifugation to extract liquid components and filtration to remove interfering particles. The purified solution was then analyzed using FPMLC. To validate its effectiveness, the study also conducted comparative analyses using HPLC and NMR spectroscopy on selected samples.
To ensure the FPMLC technique’s reliability, key performance parameters were measured. The relative standard deviation (RSD) values confirmed the stability of the separation method, supporting the accuracy of the Time index—an essential indicator of fish freshness.
Results and Discussion
The FPMLC analysis, represented by the Time index, revealed values ranging from 138 to 193 seconds across different samples. This metric showed a strong correlation with established freshness indices obtained from HPLC and NMR, reinforcing FPMLC’s potential as a reliable tool for evaluating canned fish freshness. Higher Time index values suggest the use of less fresh raw materials in canned fish production.
Comparative analysis between FPMLC, HPLC, and NMR highlighted consistent relationships among the freshness indicators, demonstrating FPMLC’s capability to function alongside traditional methods. Notably, the Mediterranean sardine sample exhibited the lowest K and K_I indices, indicative of superior freshness, aligning with a lower Time index from FPMLC analysis.
The study underscores the importance of ATP metabolite monitoring in assessing canned fish quality. These metabolites serve as sensitive markers of degradation. However, the discussion also acknowledges that thermal degradation of nucleotides and nucleosides during the canning process can influence results, making it essential to interpret freshness indices within this context.
Conclusion
The findings confirm that FPMLC is an effective method for evaluating the freshness of raw materials used in canned fish production. Its strong correlation with HPLC and NMR results suggests that FPMLC offers a viable, time-efficient alternative for industry professionals focused on seafood quality control. With a compact optoelectronic sensor, FPMLC enhances accessibility while maintaining accuracy.
Future research could further expand FPMLC’s applications, providing deeper insights into preserving fish quality throughout processing and storage. Additionally, advancements in sensor technology for food quality assessment signal a promising direction for innovation in food safety and authenticity, particularly in the growing seafood market.
Journal Reference
Stepanova O.V., Lyalin D. et al. (2024). Rapid Assessment of Canned Fish Quality via Fast Protein and Metabolite Liquid Chromatography. Engineering Proceedings, 67, 85. DOI: 10.3390/engproc2024067085, https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4591/67/1/85