Rapid Determination of Caffeine in Beverages using Mass Spectrometry and an Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe

UNCP Author/Contributor (non-UNCP co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Kathryn Ryan (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP )
Web Site: http://www.uncp.edu/academics/library
Advisor
Paul A. Flowers

Abstract: Caffeine is a common ingredient in multiple beverages and is either naturally present or intentionally added as a stimulant. The concentration of caffeine must be known and then regulated for consumer safety. The preferred method for quantifying caffeine in beverages uses high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to both separate and quantify the beverage ingredients. Atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry (ASAP -MS) is an analysis tool used primarily for identifying the components of liquid and solid mixtures. It requires little or no sample preparation and can make multiple rapid measurements. Our research goal is to develop an ASAP-MS procedure that is a simple and fast alternative method to both identify and quantify caffeine in beverages. ASAP -MS in positive ion mode (ASAP (+)- MS) was optimized for detection of caffeine (CAF) in different beverage samples with acetaminophen (ACE) added as an internal standard to permit precise quantification. Optimization experiments determined that use of an ion source gas at 300 °C and selected ion monitoring at 195 amu (CAF) and 110 amu (ACE) resulted in the highest quality signals. Standards and spiked beverage samples were directly analyzed with minimal sample extraction techniques. In this work, we present the results of experimental studies that suggest ASAP (+)- MS may be a suitable method for rapid quantification of caffeine in beverages. This work was performed in partial fulfillment of requirements for graduation from the Esther G. Maynor Honors College.

Additional Information

Publication
Honors Project
Esther G. Maynor Honors College
Language: English
Date: 2020
Keywords
Caffeine, Consumer Safety, High Performance Liquid Chromatography, HPLC, ASAP -MS, Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe Mass Spectrometry, Acetaminophen,

Email this document to