Identification and Quantification of Isomeric Disaccharides From Honey and Beer Using Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry

The specific discrimination of carbohydrate structures is crucial for understanding their critical roles in biological functions and effects. Distinguishing multiple isomers in monosaccharide composition, types of isomeric configurations, and glycosidic linkages remains a challenge. This study presents a method for the identification and quantification of disaccharide isomers based on the distinct structural or shape differences of complexes formed between disaccharides and metal ions (Na, K, Rb, Cs, and Mg), or between disaccharides and cyclodextrins (α, β, and γ), as analyzed by trapped ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (TIMS-MS). Additionally, the method was utilized for the analysis of real samples including honey and beer, enabling the targeted extraction, identification, and quantification of disaccharide isomers. Quantitative curves were conducted to validate the quantitative ability of the method to distinguish maltose, lactose, and sucrose isomers. This simple, cost-effective strategy has broad potential applications for the analysis of disaccharide isomers in the food industry, as well as for the geographical origin traceability of foods containing disaccharides.