Potential of FTIR- ATR diamond in discriminating geographical and botanical origins of honeys from France and Romania

Authors: François GUYONA, Enora LOGODINA, Dana Alina MAGDAS, Laetitia GAILLARD

Abstract:

Soft independent modeling class analogy (SIMCA) was applied to infrared spectra, obtained by attenuated total reflection – Fourier transform infrared (ATR – FTIR) spectroscopy, to develop discrimination models for the floral and geographical origin of honeys. Mono-floral honey samples, originated from France and Romania, were analyzed for this purpose. The meaningful spectral areas which were selected for the development of discriminating models were: 500 – 1610 and 1700 – 3000 cm−1. A second derivative and an “autoscale” processing was performed to experimental spectra before the statistical classifications. The honeys varieties were accurately classified, independently of the geographical origin of honeys, suggesting the high potential of this technique
for botanical recognition. The obtained interclass distances among honey varieties were significant and the main identified discrimination markers, from FTIR spectra, are especially related to the floral origin through the pollen gathered by bees. A global geographical classification of honeys provided a correct classification with a weak interclass distance showing the model limitations for the authenticity control purposes. Nonetheless, geographical classifications inside a single class of honey variety lead to a correct classification with a significant interclass distance.

Published: Talanta Open 3 (2021) 100022