Concentration analysis of Mikan juice Using Handy TD Portable Thermal Desorber and MonoTrap Simplified Enrichment Tools

Significance of the topic

The volatile profile of citrus fruits directly influences flavor quality, consumer acceptance, and product authenticity. Rapid, portable analytical solutions support timely decision-making in food quality control, product development, and supply chain monitoring.

Objectives and overview of the study

This study demonstrates the application of a compact, portable thermal desorber (HandyTD TD265) coupled with MonoTrap RGC18TD adsorbent probes to screen and identify key flavor compounds in Mikan (Citrus unshiu) juice via GC/MS analysis.

Methodology

Fresh Mikan fruits were peeled and squeezed to obtain juice. A salting-out step was performed by mixing 30 mL of juice with 9 g of NaCl in a 40 mL vial. Two MonoTrap RGC18TD probes were inserted and stirred at 40 °C for one adsorption cycle. After sampling, probes were rinsed with water, dried, and loaded into the glass liner of the HandyTD. Thermal desorption released the trapped volatiles directly into the GC inlet. Compounds were identified by library search without external calibration standards.

Used instrumentation

• HandyTD TD265 portable thermal desorber
• MonoTrap RGC18TD adsorption probes
• Gas chromatograph coupled to mass spectrometer (GC/MS)

Main results and discussion

Thirty volatile constituents were detected, dominated by terpenes such as D-limonene, terpinene, and terpineol. Additional classes included esters (e.g., ethyl acetate), alcohols (e.g., linalool), aldehydes (e.g., hexanal, nonanal), and organic acids (e.g., acetic acid). The terpene-rich profile aligns with typical citrus aroma characteristics. Library-based identification enabled rapid qualitative screening, though quantitative precision would require calibration with standards.

Benefits and practical applications

The portable desorption-sampling system offers a fast, user-friendly approach for on-site volatile profiling. Minimal sample preparation and field deployability make it ideal for quality assurance, flavor research, and authenticity checks in both industrial and research laboratory settings.

Future trends and applications

Advances may include integration with portable GC/MS instruments for fully field-deployable systems, development of sorbents with enhanced selectivity and sensitivity, and adoption of real-time monitoring platforms. These innovations could extend applications to diverse food matrices, environmental VOC surveillance, and process control scenarios.

Conclusion

The combination of the HandyTD TD265 device with MonoTrap RGC18TD probes provides an effective, portable workflow for rapid screening of Mikan juice volatiles. This approach holds promise for broader adoption in food quality monitoring and on-site aroma analysis.