Evaluation of matrix effect in determination of some bioflavonoids in food samples by LC–MS/MS method

In the present work the LC–MS/MS method with solid phase extraction for simultaneous determination of bioflavonoids rutin, quercetin, hesperidin, hesperetin and kaempferol in some food samples (red onion, orange peel and honey) was developed and the matrix effect accompanying this determination was quantified. The matrix effect evaluated using a postextraction addition method was found to be negative in the range −44 to −0.5%, indicating ionization suppression and strongly depended on bioflavonoid concentration. The observed matrix effect was explained taking into account the co-elution of phenolic acids, in terms of their acid–base and hydrophilic properties. The efficacy of extraction expressed as the absolute recoveries of flavonoids were 88–96%, indicating very good efficiency of extraction. The extracts of food samples obtained either by Soxhlet or ultrasonic extraction were analyzed for bioflavonoid content by the LC–MS/MS method in selected reaction monitoring mode using a triple quadrupole detector and standard addition method, which was found to be the most suitable calibration approach for these samples. The optimized separation was achieved on a Phenomenex Gemini C18 column with gradient elution and mobile phase composition A: 2% acetic acid in water and B: acetonitrile. Rₛ values were in the range from 1.3 to 3.1, indicating good selectivity of the method. The obtained results (mg/100g fresh weight) for different bioflavonids were for rutin 0.16, for quercetin in the range 0.65–56, for hesperidin 0.016–24, for hesperetin 0.0068–36.4 and for kaempferol 0.14–1.63 and generally show good agreement with published data. Low detection limits (0.014–0.063μg/mL) were obtained with acceptable recoveries (86–114%). Total time of analysis was less than 40min, therefore the proposed method represents significant improvement over existing methods.