Determination of free amino acids in stingless bee (Meliponinae) honey

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the presence of free amino acids in stingless bee (Meliponinae) honey samples from nine species, using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to fluorescence (HPLC/FLD) and HPLC coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS-single quadrupole) detectors. Seventeen free amino acids were investigated, and 16 were determined. Phenylalanine (5.20–1231 mg kg−1) and proline (12.1–762 mg kg−1) were the majority free amino acids, which were found in all the samples; on the other hand, histidine was not identified in either of the samples. The results summarized in this study confirm not only the presence, but also the diversity of free amino acids in the analyzed stingless bee honey samples.