Comprehensive characterization and comparison of aroma profiles of rambutan seed oils using GC-MS and GC-IMS combined with chemometrics

Abstract

Background: Aroma significantly influences the quality of rambutan seed oil. Nonetheless, few studies have examined the volatile composition of rambutan seed oil. Thus, there is a need for a comprehensive characterization of the aroma profile of rambutan seed oil. Methods: This study systematically investigated and compared the aroma characteristics of three types (BR-4, BR-5 and BR-7) of rambutan seed oils using HS-SPME-GC-MS and HS-GC-IMS techniques, augmented by chemometric modeling. Results: GC-MS identified 135 volatile compounds, primarily hydrocarbons and esters, while GC-IMS characterized 35 compounds, mainly aldehydes and alcohols. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed significant differences in the aroma profiles among the oil samples. BR-5 exhibited the highest levels of aldehydes and hydrocarbons, whereas BR-7 demonstrated the highest content of esters and ketones. 21 and 15 differentially volatile compounds were extracted from the datasets obtained via GC-MS and GC-IMS. These compounds primarily comprised esters (floral and fruity) and aldehydes (green and fatty), interacting to create the distinctive aroma profiles of the three rambutan seed oils. Conclusion: This study provides theoretical support for evaluating the flavor characteristics and utilization potential of rambutan seed oil.