Internal reflectance cell fluorescence measurement combined with multi-way analysis to detect fluorescence signatures of undiluted honeys and a fusion of fluorescence and NIR to enhance predictability

Honey is a complex food matrix that contains diverse polyphenolic compounds. Some phenolics exhibit fluorescence signatures which can be used to evaluate honey quality, and authenticity and to determine botanical origin. Mānuka honey contains two unique fluorescence markers: Leptosperin (MM1) and Lepteridine^TM (MM2) that are derived from Leptospermum scoparium nectar. Fluorescence measurement of supersaturated solutions such as undiluted honeys can be challenged by complex inner filter effects. The current study shows the ability of internal reflectance cell fluorescence measurement and multi-way analysis to detect fluorophores in undiluted honeys. This study scanned honeys from different geographic districts generating excitation emission matrices (250–400/300–600 nm), and by near infrared (NIR) hyperspectral camera (547–1701 nm). PARAFAC and tri-PLS could track two fluorescence markers: MM1 (R² = 0.82 & RMSEP = 138.65) and MM2 (R² = 0.82 & RMSEP = 2.75) from undiluted honey fluorescence data with > 80 % accuracy. Classification of mono-floral, multi-floral and non-mānuka honeys achieved 90 % overall accuracy. Fusion of fluorescence data at ƛ_ex 270 & 330 nm and NIR hyperspectral data combined with multi-block PLS analysis enhances predictability of fluorescence markers further. The study revealed the potential of internal reflectance cell fluorescence measurement combined with chemometrics and data fusion for rapid evaluation of honey quality and botanical origin.