Characterization of odorants from baby bottles by headspace solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry

Abstract

A SPME protocol was optimised for the characterization of odorous migrants coming from baby bottles. Considering this, a Plackett–Burman design to select variables and a central composite rotatable design to define the optimal conditions were used. The method proposed by Derringer and Suich was used to simultaneously optimise the responses. After validation, the analytical method was used to characterise volatile migrants from baby bottles made of polypropylene, Tritan and silicone using 50% ethanol as a simulant. 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol was identified in all samples. Forty-five compounds were identified, of which thirty-eight were odorants in silicone baby bottles. Aldehydes were mainly responsible for the unpleasant odour of silicone. Moreover, silicone showed slightly higher volatile organic compounds (%) than recommended. Odours from ketones, benzophenone derivatives and alcohols were also detected by GC-O-MS, however below the LOQ obtained in the MS detector. All migration data were below the specific migration limits.