Botanical Authentication via Marker Compound Chromatographic and Mass Spectral Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for authenticating botanicals are complex and time-consuming, requiring sophisticated data processing techniques and specialized software, making them unsuitable for routine analytical labs, and there is a need for a simpler and faster method that can handle the authentication of complex samples.
Innovation Solution
A marker-fingerprint-oriented approach that uses the correlated two-dimensional fingerprints of one or more marker compounds, combining chromatographic profiles and mass spectral profiles for authentication, simplifying data processing and making it feasible for routine labs by focusing on specific markers like cimiracemoside C for black cohosh authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fingerprint-oriented approach is used for botanical authentication, then authentication accuracy is improved, but data processing complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and focuses on specific marker compounds (such as cimiracemoside C) from the complex botanical matrix, rather than analyzing the entire fingerprint profile. By isolating and analyzing only the relevant marker compounds, the method reduces data processing complexity while maintaining authentication accuracy through the use of characteristic chromatographic and mass spectral profiles of these markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the authentication process into distinct components: chromatographic profile analysis and mass spectral profile analysis of specific marker compounds. This segmentation allows for simplified, targeted analysis rather than comprehensive fingerprint analysis, reducing the computational and temporal resources required while maintaining sufficient authentication capability.
2Measurement precision
If LC-MS is used for botanical authentication, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a marker compound-focused approach that can be implemented using more accessible analytical equipment rather than requiring expensive, specialized LC-MS systems. By concentrating analysis on specific markers, the method reduces the need for high-cost instrumentation and advanced operational expertise, making botanical authentication more feasible in routine analytical laboratories.
3Reliability
If sophisticated chemometric analysis techniques are used, then authentication reliability is improved, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and analyzes only the characteristic profiles of specific marker compounds, eliminating the need for time-consuming comprehensive fingerprint analysis and complex chemometric processing. By focusing on the essential marker information, the method achieves reliable authentication through straightforward comparison of chromatographic and mass spectral profiles without requiring sophisticated data processing algorithms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies data processing, reduces analysis time, and allows for efficient authentication of botanicals in routine labs by using the chromatographic and mass spectral profiles of marker compounds, differentiating authentic from adulterated samples and providing a cost-effective solution for quality control in dietary supplements and personal care products.
Implementation Method 1
The sample comprising the botanical is injected into a chromatography system that includes a mobile phase delivery module, an autosampler, a chromatography column, a chromatography column manager, and at least one detector
Implementation Method 2
Liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the most effective analytical techniques for the authenticity evaluation
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for authenticating a botanical. The method includes identifying at least one marker compound of the botanical. A sample comprising the botanical is injected into a chromatography system that includes a mobile phase delivery module, an autosampler, a chromatography column, a chromatography column manager, and at least one detector. The method also includes extracting a chromatogram of the at least one marker compound and extracting a spectrum at a chromatographic peak retention time of the at least one marker compound. The method also includes quantifying at least one peak of the extracted chromatogram and quantifying at least one band of the extracted spectrum. The quantified at least one peak of the extracted chromatogram and the quantified at least one band of the extracted spectrum are compared to a set of authentication criteria to determine authenticity of the botanical.