Rapid and sensitive analysis of benzyl isothiocyanate in peel, pulp, and seeds of Carica papaya Linn. by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A rapid and sensitive headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC–MS) method was established for the determination of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) in the peel, pulp, and seeds of Carica papaya Linn. Tween 80 solution with a concentration of 0.002% ( w/v ) was chosen as a headspace medium for solving the poor solubility of BITC in water without using organic solvents and ensuring high headspace efficiencies. Extraction parameters had been evaluated and optimized by using an orthogonal design with an OA 9 (3 4 ) table. Optimal headspace conditions were obtained when vials were equilibrated at 80 °C for 20 min at a stirring speed of 375 rpm. The calibration curve obtained by using GC–MS was linear in a concentration range of 10–320 ng/mL. The recoveries of peel, pulp, and seeds ranged from 97.3 to 100.6% with RSDs less than 3.0%. The method is simple, rapid, sensitive, and environmentally friendly. It is suitable for analyzing BITC in papaya fruit and is expected to have important application potential in the extraction of water-insoluble volatile components in foods, plants, medicines, and other samples.