Distinguishing Infested Flour from Uninfested Flour through Chemometric Processing of DART-HRMS Data─Revealing the Presence of Tribolium castaneum, the Red Flour Beetle

• NCJ Number: 307899
• Author(s): Amy M. Osborne; Samira Beyramysoltan; Rabi Ann Musah
• Date Published: 2023
• Length: 9 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2020-MU-MU-0016
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Article appears in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2023).

Annotation

This study used Direct Analysis in Real Time-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry to examine infested and uninfested flour samples for Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle).

Abstract

 In a new approach to addressing the threat of the Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle), Direct Analysis in Real Time-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (DART-HRMS) was used to examine infested and uninfested flour samples. The results of this study have the potential to lead to a rapid technique by which flour and other grains can be tested for insect infestation. These samples were then distinguished through statistical analysis techniques, including EDR-MCR, in order to highlight the important m/z values contributing to the differences in the flour profiles. A subset of these values responsible for the identification of infested flour (nominal m/z 135, 136, 137, 163, 211, 279, 280, 283, 295, 297, and 338) were further investigated, and compounds responsible for these masses included 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethanol, 2-ethyl-1,4-benzoquinone, palmitic acid, linolenic acid and oleic acid. (Published Abstract Provided)