Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis for Authenticity Control

Abstract

This chapter summarizes terms, definitions, and reference materials used for stable isotope ratio analysis (SIRAstable isotoperatio analysis (SIRA)) of the bioelements hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. The principles of biotic and abiotic fractionation in biomolecules like flavor compounds are explained. A short review of the common methods for the determination of isotope ratios 2H / 1H, 13C / 12C, and 18O / 16O, using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMSisotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS)) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMRnuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)) of hydrogen and carbon (2H - and 13C -NMR) are introduced. Further the focus is set on selected applications of authentication control of flavor compound and flavorings using isotope ratio analysis. Examples of benzaldehyde, vanillin, vanilla flavorings and vanilla extracts, butanoic acid, isoprenoids, and essential oils as well as fruity flavor compounds like γ- and δ-lactones are presented. Potentials and limitations of SIRA are discussed taking the analytical requirements into consideration, as well as representative databases and suitable guidelines for authenticity assessment.