THE MATRIX EFFECT OF TUNA AND MAHI-MAHI ON BIOGENIC AMINE DETECTION

Abstract

Method of standard addition (MSA) is used to account for and quantify matrix effect. In this study, MSA was used to analyze the matrix effect of mahi-mahi and tuna in respect to biogenic amine detection. Two different detection methods were used in conjunction with the MSA procedure: a colorimetric strip that detects volatile biogenic amines and a histamine-specific ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay), which detects histamine in the liquid phase. Trained sensory experts were utilized to grade mahi-mahi and tuna. The grading system acted as a measure of fish quality. A biogenic amine cocktail was created to act as the standard spike for the MSA procedure. It contained histamine and other biogenic amine compounds of varying volatility that are present in nature. The ELISA-MSA showed a clear correlation between increase in histamine and a lower quality sample (higher numerical grade). The colorimetric strips did not have a clear correlation between biogenic amine content and grade. Comparing the two methods demonstrates that the matrix effect of the tuna and mahi-mahi is likely more prominent with gas phase compounds than liquid phase compounds