SPME-GC/MS Testing for Monitoring Off-Flavors in Processed Milk: Application of Odor Wheel Plots

摘要

SPME-GC/MS is a powerful analytical system for deciphering causes of off-flavors in processed milk. Previous work has demonstrated how SPME-GC/MS can be used as an electronic-nose (e-nose) instrument to classify milk samples according to type of off-flavor and to predict the shelf life of processed milk. This paper describes how a new data presentation technique can be used in conjunction with e-nose results to better understand the actual causes of off-flavor development in milk samples. Radar plots of concentrations and odor units of "indicator" volatiles reveal which specific chemicals are the most likely contributors to off-flavors in samples and likely mechanisms involved in their formation.