Dynamic Instrumental and Sensory Methods Used to Link Aroma Release and Aroma Perception: A Review

Perception of flavor is a dynamic process during which the concentration of aroma molecules at the olfactory epithelium varies with time as they are released progressively from the food in the mouth during consumption. The release kinetics depends on the food matrix itself but also on food oral processing, such as mastication behavior and food bolus formation with saliva, for which huge inter-individual variations exist due to physiological differences. Sensory methods such as time intensity (TI) or the more-recent methods temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) and temporal check-all-that-apply (TCATA) are used to account for the dynamic and time-related aspects of flavor perception. Direct injection mass spectrometry (DIMS) techniques that measure in real time aroma compounds directly in the nose (nosespace), aimed at obtaining data that reflect the pattern of aroma release in real time during food consumption and supposed to be representative of perception, have been developed over the last 25 years. Examples obtained with MS operated in chemical ionization mode at atmospheric or sub-atmospheric pressure (atmospheric pressure chemical ionization APCI or proton-transfer reaction PTR) are given, with emphases on studies conducted with simultaneous dynamic sensory evaluation. Inter-individual variations in terms of aroma release and their relevance for understanding flavor perception are discussed as well as the evidenced cross-modal interactions.

Nasal Odorant Competitive Metabolism Is Involved in the Human Olfactory Process

Within the peripheral olfactory process, odorant metabolizing enzymes are involved in the active biotransformation of odorants, thus influencing the intensity and quality of the signal, but little evidence exists in humans. Here, we characterized the fast nasal metabolism of the food aroma pentane-2,3-dione in vivo and identified two resulting metabolites in the nasal-exhaled air, supporting the metabolizing role of the dicarbonyl/l-xylulose reductase. We showed in vitro, using the recombinant enzyme, that pentane-2,3-dione metabolism was inhibited by a second odorant (e.g., butanoic acid) according to an odorant-odorant competitive metabolic mechanism. Hypothesizing that such mechanism exists in vivo, pentane-2,3-dione, presented with a competitive odorant, both at subthreshold concentrations, was actually significantly perceived, suggesting an increase in its nasal availability. Our results, suggesting that odorant metabolizing enzymes can balance the relative detection of odorants in a mixture, in turn influencing the intensity of the signal, should be considered to better manage flavor perception in food.

Effects of oenological tannins on aroma release and perception of oxidized and non-oxidized red wine: A dynamic real-time in-vivo study coupling sensory evaluation and analytical chemistry

Addition of oenological tannins claims to have a positive impact on wine stability, protection from oxidation and likely sensory persistence. However, their role on red wine aroma during oxidation is controversial. The present study aims at investigating the effect of addition of oenological tannins on wine flavour (mainly aroma) before and after air exposure. Temporal Dominance of Sensations, a dynamic sensory evaluation, was coupled with a dynamic chemical measurement (nosespace analysis) using a Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass-Spectrometer connected to the nasal cavity of 17 assessors. Results showed that the oxidation of a non-oaked Pinot Noir red wine decreases the fruity aroma dominance and increases the maderised and prune one. A contextual decrease of the fruity ethyl decanoate and increase of oxidative Strecker aldehydes are observed. Ellagitannins but not proanthocyanidins preserved perception of fruitiness and prevented increase of maderised notes. Moreover, ellagitannins increase the aroma persistence mainly in the non-oxidized wine.

Discrimination of French wine brandy origin by PTR-MS headspace analysis using ethanol ionization and sensory assessment

The headspace volatile organic compound (VOC) fingerprints (volatilome) of French wine brandies were investigated by proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS). Protonated ethanol chemical ionization was used with dedicated experimental conditions that were previously validated for model wines. These included a reference vial containing a hydro-alcoholic solution with the same ethanol content (20% v/v) as the diluted sample spirits, which was used to establish steady-state ionization conditions. A low electric field strength to number density ratio E/N (85 Td) was used in the drift tube in order to limit the fragmentation of the protonated analytes. The obtained headspace fingerprints were used to investigate the origin of French brandies produced within a limited geographic production area. Brandies of two different vintages (one freshly distilled and one aged for 14 years in French oak barrels) were successfully classified according to their growth areas using unsupervised (principal component analysis, PCA) and supervised (partial least squares regression discriminant analysis, PLS-DA) multivariate analyses. The models obtained by PLS-DA allowed the identification of discriminant volatile compounds that were mainly characterised as key aroma compounds of wine brandies. The discrimination was supported by sensory evaluation conducted with free sorting tasks. The results showed that this ethanol ionization method was suitable for direct headspace analysis of brandies. They also demonstrated its ability to distinguish French brandies according to their growth areas, and this effect on brandy VOC composition was confirmed at a perceptive level.

Key Aroma Compounds of Dark Chocolates Differing in Organoleptic Properties: A GC-O Comparative Study

Dark chocolate samples were previously classified into four sensory categories. The classification was modelled based on volatile compounds analyzed by direct introduction mass spectrometry of the chocolates' headspace. The purpose of the study was to identify the most discriminant odor-active compounds that should characterize the four sensory categories. To address the problem, a gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) study was conducted by 12 assessors using a comparative detection frequency analysis (cDFA) approach on 12 exemplary samples. A nasal impact frequency (NIF) difference threshold combined with a statistical approach (Khi² test on k proportions) revealed 38 discriminative key odorants able to differentiate the samples and to characterize the sensory categories. A heatmap emphasized the 19 most discriminant key odorants, among which heterocyclic molecules (furanones, pyranones, lactones, one pyrrole, and one pyrazine) played a prominent role with secondary alcohols, acids, and esters. The initial sensory classes were retrieved using the discriminant key volatiles in a correspondence analysis (CA) and a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Among the 38 discriminant key odorants, although previously identified in cocoa products, 21 were formally described for the first time as key aroma compounds of dark chocolate. Moreover, 13 key odorants were described for the first time in a cocoa product.

Ex vivo real-time monitoring of volatile metabolites resulting from nasal odorant metabolism

Odorant-metabolizing enzymes are critically involved in the clearance of odorant molecules from the environment of the nasal neuro-olfactory tissue to maintain the sensitivity of olfactory detection. Odorant metabolism may also generate metabolites in situ, the characterization and function of which in olfaction remain largely unknown. Here, we engineered and validated an ex vivo method to measure odorant metabolism in real-time. Glassware containing an explant of rat olfactory mucosa was continuously flushed with an odorant flow and was coupled to a proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometer for volatile compound analysis. Focusing on carboxylic esters and diketone odorants, we recorded the metabolic uptake of odorants by the mucosa, concomitantly with the release of volatile odorant metabolites in the headspace. These results significantly change the picture of real-time in situ odorant metabolism and represent a new step forward in the investigation of the function of odorant metabolites in the peripheral olfactory process. Our method allows the systematic identification of odorant metabolites using a validated animal model and permits the screening of olfactory endogenously produced chemosensory molecules.

Volatile compounds profiling by using proton transfer reaction-time of flight-mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS). The case study of dark chocolates organoleptic differences

Direct-injection mass spectrometry (DIMS) techniques have evolved into powerful methods to analyse volatile organic compounds (VOCs) without the need of chromatographic separation. Combined to chemometrics, they have been used in many domains to solve sample categorization issues based on volatilome determination. In this paper, different DIMS methods that have largely outperformed conventional electronic noses (e-noses) in classification tasks are briefly reviewed, with an emphasis on food-related applications. A particular attention is paid to proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS), and many results obtained using the powerful PTR-time of flight-MS (PTR-ToF-MS) instrument are reviewed. Data analysis and feature selection issues are also summarized and discussed. As a case study, a challenging problem of classification of dark chocolates that has been previously assessed by sensory evaluation in four distinct categories is presented. The VOC profiles of a set of 206 chocolate samples classified in the four sensory categories were analysed by PTR-ToF-MS. A supervised multivariate data analysis based on partial least squares regression-discriminant analysis allowed the construction of a classification model that showed excellent prediction capability: 97% of a test set of 62 samples were correctly predicted in the sensory categories. Tentative identification of ions aided characterisation of chocolate classes. Variable selection using dedicated methods pinpointed some volatile compounds important for the discrimination of the chocolates. Among them, the CovSel method was used for the first time on PTR-MS data resulting in a selection of 10 features that allowed a good prediction to be achieved. Finally, challenges and future needs in the field are discussed.

Modified proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) operating conditions for in vitro and in vivo analysis of wine aroma

With proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry standard operating conditions, analysis of alcoholic beverages is an analytical challenge. Ethanol reacts with the primary ion H₃ O⁺ leading to its depletion and to formation of ethanol-related ions and clusters, resulting in unstable ionization and in significant fragmentation of analytes. Different methods were proposed but generally resulted in lowering the sensitivity and/or complicating the mass spectra. The aim of the present study was to propose a simple, sensitive, and reliable method with fragmentation as low as possible, linearity within a realistic range of volatile organic compounds concentrations, and applicability to in vivo dynamic aroma release (nosespace) studies of wines. For in vitro analyses, a reference flask containing a hydro-alcoholic solution (10% ethanol) was permanently connected to the PTR-MS inlet in order to establish ethanol chemical ionization conditions. A low electric field strength to number density ratio E/N (80 Td) was used in the drift-tube. A stable reagent ion distribution was obtained with the primary protonated ethanol ion C₂ H₅ OH₂⁺ accounting for more than 80% of the ionized species. The ethanol dimer (C₂ H₅ OH)₂ H⁺ accounted for only 10%. Fragmentation of some aroma molecules important for white wine flavor (various esters, linalool, cis-rose oxide, 2-methylpropan-1-ol, 3-methylbutan-1-ol, and 2-phenylethanol) was studied from same ethanol content solutions connected alternatively with the reference solution to the instrument inlet. Linear dynamic range and limit of detection (LOD) were determined for ethyl hexanoate. Fragmentation of the protonated analytes was limited to a few ions of low intensity, or to specific fragment ions with no further fragmentation. Association and/or ligand switching reactions from ethanol clusters were only significant for the primary alcohols. Interpretation of the mass spectra was straightforward with easy detection of diagnostic ions. These results made this ethanol ionization method suitable for direct headspace analyses of model wines and to their nosespace analyses.

An atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-ion-trap mass spectrometer for the on-line analysis of volatile compounds in foods: a tool for linking aroma release to aroma perception

An atmospheric pressure chemical ionization ion-trap mass spectrometer was set up for the on-line analysis of aroma compounds. This instrument, which has been successfully employed for some years in several in vitro and in vivo flavour release studies, is described for the first time in detail. The ion source was fashioned from polyether ether ketone and operated at ambient pressure and temperature making use of a discharge corona pin facing coaxially the capillary ion entrance of the ion-trap mass spectrometer. Linear dynamic ranges (LDR), limits of detection (LOD) and other analytical characteristics have been re-evaluated. LDRs and LODs have been found fully compatible with the concentrations of aroma compounds commonly found in foods. Thus, detection limits have been found in the low ppt range for common flavouring aroma compounds (for example 5.3 ppt (0.82 ppbV) for ethyl hexanoate and 4.8 ppt (1.0 ppbV) for 2,5-dimethylpyrazine). This makes the instrument applicable for in vitro and in vivo aroma release investigations. The use of dynamic sensory techniques such as the temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) method conducted simultaneously with in vivo aroma release measurements allowed to get some new insights in the link between flavour release and flavour perception.

Comparison of direct mass spectrometry methods for the on-line analysis of volatile compounds in foods

For the on-line monitoring of flavour compound release, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and proton transfer reaction (PTR) combined to mass spectrometry (MS) are the most often used ionization technologies. APCI-MS was questioned for the quantification of volatiles in complex mixtures, but direct comparisons of APCI and PTR techniques applied on the same samples remain scarce. The aim of this work was to compare the potentialities of both techniques for the study of in vitro and in vivo flavour release. Aroma release from flavoured aqueous solutions (in vitro measurements in Teflon bags and glass vials) or flavoured candies (in vivo measurements on six panellists) was studied using APCI- and PTR-MS. Very similar results were obtained with both techniques. Their sensitivities, expressed as limit of detection of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, were found equivalent at 12 ng/l air. Analyses of Teflon bag headspace revealed a poor repeatability and important ionization competitions with both APCI- and PTR-MS, particularly between an ester and a secondary alcohol. These phenomena were attributed to dependency on moisture content, gas/liquid volume ratio, proton affinities and product ion distribution, together with inherent drawbacks of Teflon bags (adsorption, condensation of water and polar molecules). Concerning the analyses of vial headspace and in vivo analyses, similar results were obtained with both techniques, revealing no competition phenomena. This study highlighted the equivalent performances of APCI-MS and PTR-MS for in vitro and in vivo flavour release investigations and provided useful data on the problematic use of sample bags for headspace analyses.

Distribution and mobility of phosphates and sodium ions in cheese by solid-state 31P and double-quantum filtered 23Na NMR spectroscopy

The feasibility of solid-state magic angle spinning (MAS) (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and (23)Na NMR spectroscopy to investigate both phosphates and Na(+) ions distribution in semi-hard cheeses in a non-destructive way was studied. Two semi-hard cheeses of known composition were made with two different salt contents. (31)P Single-pulse excitation and cross-polarization MAS experiments allowed, for the first time, the identification and quantification of soluble and insoluble phosphates in the cheeses. The presence of a relatively 'mobile' fraction of colloidal phosphates was evidenced. The detection by (23)Na single-quantum NMR experiments of all the sodium ions in the cheeses was validated. The presence of a fraction of 'bound' sodium ions was evidenced by (23)Na double-quantum filtered NMR experiments. We demonstrated that NMR is a suitable tool to investigate both phosphates and Na(+) ions distributions in cheeses. The impact of the sodium content on the various phosphorus forms distribution was discussed and results demonstrated that NMR would be an important tool for the cheese industry for the processes controls.

The effect of salt content on the structure of iota-carrageenan systems: (23)Na DQF NMR and rheological studies

(23)Na NMR spectroscopy has been used to study the effects of Na(+) ion concentrations on the structure of 1% (w/w) iota-carrageenan systems, a natural gelling polysaccharide used as a thickener in the food industry. Rheological and (23)Na T(1) relaxation time measurements revealed that gel formation correlates with decreases in ion mobility over the range of 0-3% (w/w) sodium content. (23)Na single-quantum (SQ) and double-quantum-filtered (DQF) NMR experiments performed on these systems provided evidence for a 'bound' sodium ion fraction in a specifically ordered environment. These results have allowed us to propose a model for the carrageenan gelation mechanism in the presence of Na(+) ions.

The Male Abdominal Glands of Leucophaea maderae: Chemical Identification of the Volatile Secretion and Sex Pheromone Function

In Leucophaea maderae, male calling behavior involves the release of a sex pheromone from the abdominal sternal glands. An extract of sternal glands attracted conspecific females over a distance. The compounds present were identified as hydroxy-3-butan-2-one, (2R, 3R)-butanediol, senecioic acid, and (E)-2-octenoic acid. The same components are also present in male tergal glands. The identified compounds were tested on their own and in mixtures. Their biological function is discussed.

2. In vivo nonvolatile release during eating of a model cheese: relationships with oral parameters

This study deals with the release kinetics of nonvolatile compounds (NVC) (leucine, phenylalanine, glutamic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, propanoic acid, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and phosphates) during the eating of a model cheese and the relationships to some oral (salivary and masticatory) parameters. The aroma release has previously been characterized in similar conditions [Pionnier, E.; Chabanet, C.; Mioche, L.; Le Quéré, J.-L.; Salles, C. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2004, 52, xxx-xxx (1)]. Saliva samples were collected from the tongues of eight assessors at different times during and after the chewing sequence. Atmospheric pressure ionization-mass spectrometry and/or high-performance liquid chromatography analyses have been performed on these samples in order to quantify the 12 NVC released in saliva. The maximum concentration (C(max)) in saliva varied significantly according to the compound. However, there was no significant effect of the compound on the time to reach maximum concentration (T(max)). Interindividual differences were observed for most of the parameters and for all of the NVC studied. The parameters extracted from the release profiles of the NVC were closely correlated. High T(max) and AUC (area under the curve) values could be related to high chewing time and low saliva flow rates, low chewing rates, low masticatory performances, and low swallowing rates.

1. In vivo aroma release during eating of a model cheese: relationships with oral parameters

This study aims to follow the kinetics of aroma compound release during model cheese consumption in order to clarify the relationships between flavor release and some oral parameters. Eight subjects participated in the study. Breathing, salivation, chewing, and swallowing were monitored during the eating process. Temporal nosespace analyses were performed using on-line atmospheric pressure ionization-mass spectrometry (API-MS) and off-line solid-phase Micro extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS). Flavor release profiles were obtained only for ethyl hexanoate, heptan-2-one, and heptan-2-ol. Among them, only the concentrations of ethyl hexanoate and heptan-2-one could be determined by API-MS. Absence of competition between the aroma compounds was checked for both techniques. In-nose maximum concentration (C(max)) varied with aroma compounds. However, C(max) was reached at the same time (T(max)) for the three compounds. Interindividual differences were observed for most of the parameters studied and for all of the aroma compounds. They were related to the interindividual differences among the oral parameters. The aroma release parameters C(max) and AUC (area under the curve) could be related to respiratory and masticatory parameters. In most cases, the same relationships were observed whatever the nature of the aroma compound.