Molecular size and molecular size distribution affecting traditional balsamic vinegar aging

J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Aug 27;56(16):7057-66. doi: 10.1021/jf800706g. Epub 2008 Jul 26.

Abstract

A first attempt at a semiquantitative study of molecular weight (MW) and molecular weight distribution (MWD) in cooked grape must and traditional balsamic vinegar (TBV) with increasing well-defined age was performed by high-performance liquid size exclusion chromatography (SEC) using dual detection, that is, differential refractive index (DRI) and absorbance (UV-vis) based detectors. With this aim, MW and MWD, including number- and weight-average MW and polydispersity, were determined with respect to a secondary standard and then analyzed. All investigated vinegar samples were recognized as compositionally and structurally heterogeneous blends of copolymers (melanoidins) spreading over a wide range of molecular sizes: the relative MW ranged from 2 to >2000 kDa. The extent of the polymerization reactions was in agreement with the TBV browning kinetics. MWD parameters varied asymptotically toward either upper or lower limits during aging, reflecting a nonequilibrium status of the balance between polymerization and depolymerization reactions in TBV. MWD parameters were proposed as potential aging markers of TBV.

MeSH terms

  • Acetic Acid / chemistry*
  • Chromatography, Gel
  • Food Handling / methods*
  • Fruit / chemistry
  • Hot Temperature
  • Maillard Reaction
  • Molecular Weight
  • Polymers / analysis
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Time Factors
  • Vitis / chemistry

Substances

  • Polymers
  • melanoidin polymers
  • Acetic Acid